Chapter 18: Looking Forward to Our Reunion

“Rong Corporation? Rong Zhenlin?” A sharp gleam flashed in Xie Chenjing’s eyes. He hadn’t expected to encounter her again so soon. He wanted to meet properly—know his adversary and himself, so he could be invincible in battle.

“Yes, Mr. Xie,” Secretary Xu replied, momentarily stunned. That morning, when reporting to Mr. Xie, he hadn’t even asked questions and had agreed immediately. Now, it seemed he was out of sorts.

Secretary Xu couldn’t recall if he had consented before, but she was always prudent in her work. He did seem somewhat off. Composing himself, he asked calmly, “Where is she?”

“At the Emgrand Hotel, sixth floor, seat number eight.” After giving the detailed location, she couldn’t help stealing a few glances. No matter how she looked, Mr. Xie seemed unusual—more human somehow. Yes, more lively, more like a normal person. No, nonsense. He was always human but closer to a god.

“Understood,” he replied, returning to his seat and continuing to leaf through documents.

“Mr. Xie, I’m heading out now.” Doing her job well was fundamental. Shaking off her wandering thoughts, Secretary Xu left the office, unaware that he before the desk had once again drifted into reverie.

After sitting quietly for a while, he glanced at his wristwatch, opened a drawer containing two identical phones, hesitated briefly, then took them both with him. Donning his coat from the hanger, he left the company.

Chu Yitong hesitated before dialing the number. After inputting it, the name appeared on the screen: Xie Chenjing.

That this number was saved in her phone—what did that mean? Staring at the name, she whispered each character softly—Xie, Chen, Jing—the brightest, happiest memories of her life.

“Uncle Hai, who is Xie Chenjing?” she asked, unable to contain her curiosity, wanting to know more about him.

Uncle Hai’s fingers twitched slightly. His tone was steady: “A rising star in the business world. Only just over twenty, but remarkable and not to be underestimated. Wherever he acts, failure is unheard of.”

His words were concise and precise, yet Chu Yitong sensed admiration beneath them. Such a young man capable of moving Uncle Hai—what a talent he must be. Perhaps through him, she would uncover many unknown truths. She found herself looking forward to this trip.

Resolutely, she pressed the call button. Almost immediately after the dial tone sounded, a clear, melodious voice came through: “Where are you?”

Quick, familiar, natural—like he had been waiting for her call. Chu Yitong was momentarily stunned. Her voice, a little hoarse, fell softly into his heart: “Where should I find you?”

Like him—no doubts, no estrangement—Xie Chenjing tightened his grip on the phone and smiled quietly. Calmly, he gave the address and added, “Call me again when you arrive.”

Chu Yitong stared wide-eyed at the now-ended call, pouting in mild displeasure. Why only half say it? Why not just give her the full address at once? Why bother with a second call? Unbeknownst to her, on the other end, a faint smile curved his lips, joy shining in his eyes. His usually cold and distant gaze softened with warmth, unnoticed even by himself, as something quietly took root.

“Uncle Hai, take me to the Emgrand Hotel!” Chu Yitong pressed her fingers to her forehead, wearied by the string of events. After softly instructing, she closed her eyes to rest.

Xie Chenjing lingered vividly in her memory, but all images stopped at the age of three. Afterward, loneliness was so profound it was unsettling. Lost in thought, she drifted into sleep.