Chapter 14

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The McLaren sped from the International Trade Center to the west gate of A University. Chu Tong got out of the car, and Liu Hao came around from the front to grab her hand. “Hey, are you free Saturday night? How about I pick you up at seven?”

“Just this once.”

Liu Hao rubbed his nose. “Well, let’s see how I perform then, I understand.”

He roughly guessed that she had a streak of pride deep down; otherwise, so many wealthy young men wouldn’t have failed to win her favor. So he used the matter of those photos to take a different approach: first, he had to lower her guard and show himself as a good person.

It was Wednesday, but when Chu Tong returned to the dormitory, it was empty.

She went straight to the wardrobe to get clothes for a shower.

Recalling the photos Liu Hao had shown her, a wave of nausea rose in her chest.

She had no grudge against Ding Xue, yet the latter always looked at her with disdain. Previously, Chu Tong thought it wasn’t worth caring about since they were only roommates for four years, but she hadn’t expected such schemes behind her back.

As for that man named He—she didn’t even know his full name and had no contact with him. Since her rejection, he resorted to such dirty tactics.

The heating in A University’s dormitory was always ample. She usually wore thin sleepwear—sleep shirts or short shorts—regardless of the season. After steadying herself, she rummaged through the wardrobe, found a pair of relatively soft long pants, grabbed a T-shirt, and headed to the bathroom.

While washing, she pondered the photo incident. She could consult Cheng Mai from the Law Department, a trustworthy girl she met during a poetry recitation contest in their freshman year. Cheng Mai was someone who detested injustice.

After changing into her sleepwear, she heard the door open.

It was Tao Ge, looking utterly exhausted. She shut the door and plopped into a chair, sighing, “I’m dead tired. I went shopping with my boyfriend today—walked twenty thousand steps.”

“Was it fun?” Chu Tong asked.

“Fun, yes, but we’re too poor. We couldn’t afford anything in the high-end malls. Can you believe it? We just wandered into a toy store, and a little gorilla toy was five thousand yuan! So, we had to go empty-handed to B1 to eat spicy hot pot. That place is really good—I have to see if it delivers nearby.”

Though complaining, Chu Tong felt a pang of envy.

This must be what dating feels like—maybe with little money, but still full of small joys.

Compared to that, her relationship with Shao Yihuai felt strange. They never clarified anything; he never contacted her voluntarily, yet always sent people to deliver things.

At noon, Uncle Zong came again and handed her a key, saying there was an apartment nearby that was always vacant. If she needed a place to stay or somewhere quiet to study, it was a good option.

Chu Tong was shocked. “I really don’t need these…”

Uncle Zong smiled. “It’s okay, just keep it for now. You might need it someday.”

She hesitated, then asked, “Is this Mr. Shao’s own idea?”

“Yes. He’s on a business trip in the southern city this week and specifically left me in Beijing to take care of you,” Uncle Zong smiled again. “If you need anything, just contact me.”

He was away on business.

She thought it better not to disturb him.

The more she thought about it, aside from his workplace, she knew nothing about him.

Last time on the phone, someone called him “Shubai”—was that his nickname?

Chu Tong curled up in her chair, clutching the key Uncle Zong gave her. On impulse, she downloaded a housing app and searched for the apartment name.

The price was 150,000 yuan per square meter.

She was stunned for a long time.

Ordinary dating should be like Tao Ge’s—shopping and dining together in free time—not like her and Shao Yihuai’s, where he bought her 200,000-yuan gifts and gave her a luxury apartment key.

But in the end, neither of them had ever mentioned “dating.”

Everything remained as vague and obscure as that snowy night.

Chu Tong put the key back on the table and opened her contacts, running her finger over the character for “Shao.”

She could contact him, of course, but felt anxious, fearing she might overstep.

Deep down, she sensed something was wrong, like sailing at night and spotting an enormous iceberg ahead through subtle clues.

So cold and immovable, it unsettled her.

At that moment, her phone vibrated.

“Dream Sister: Are you free tomorrow night? Dream Sister invites you to dinner.”

-

Thursday noon, Chu Tong met Cheng Mai at the cafeteria.

She got straight to the point, explaining the whole story and showing Cheng Mai the photos and chat logs Liu Hao had sent.

Cheng Mai’s expression turned serious. After a moment, she said, “…At this stage, even if the photos went online, most people would probably think it’s just some guys bragging privately.”

She shrugged. “I can already imagine their excuses: ‘Boys at twenty are hot-blooded,’ and Ding Xue might get scolded, but the guys—the real instigators—won’t suffer much.”

Chu Tong told her about Liu Hao’s suggestion. “…His idea might be the most practical, but I’m not willing to give up.”

“I understand. I get it,” Cheng Mai slammed the table. “That feeling of not being treated as an adult, not being respected—I get you.”

They fell silent.

Cheng Mai said, “If you want to take legal action, we have to make sure the school will be on our side.”

She had already put herself on Chu Tong’s side. “We must ensure that no one in the school is bribed by those students’ parents.”

Chu Tong nodded.

She was outnumbered and outgunned against those wealthy sons.

“I can ask our faculty for help,” Cheng Mai looked at her seriously. “But you have to think carefully. Once this blows up, it might go online, and your studies and life might be heavily affected.”

“I understand. I’ll think it over,” Chu Tong said. “Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me yet. Now that you have evidence, be careful in the dorm. No rush to act; prepare thoroughly before making a move.”

“Okay.”

“So, let’s do that. I’ll look up similar cases and the laws, and you think it over.”

“Alright,” Chu Tong said. “Shall we meet next week to discuss progress? Will that bother you?”

“Not at all. I’m with you till the end.”

Cheng Mai’s expression was serious and resolute. Chu Tong suddenly felt like crying. She stood and hugged her tightly. “Thank you so much.”

Cheng Mai stiffened, then patted her shoulder and chuckled.

-

Shang Yunmeng lived beyond the eastern fifth ring road, so they agreed to meet at a mall near Shuangjing.

When Chu Tong arrived at the hotpot restaurant, Shang Yunmeng had already ordered the broth.

“Half-and-half—one side mushroom soup, the other spicy. You pick the veggies.”

Chu Tong set down her bag and took the menu.

She loved vegetables and beans, ordered some, and handed the menu back to the waiter.

Soon the broth arrived.

Once it boiled, they put in thinly sliced beef and ate heartily. Only then did Dream Sister smile and ask, “Any progress with Mr. Shao?”

Chu Tong paused, finished chewing, wiped her mouth, and lowered her voice. “…Sort of, but I don’t really understand the situation.”

“Tell me.”

Chu Tong recounted the past few days. Shang Yunmeng cut to the chase. “You two didn’t clarify that night?”

“Mm,” Chu Tong lowered her eyes, poked at the sesame sauce. “He asked me what kind of person he should be to me.”

The words were ambiguous, and saying them out loud to someone made her blush.

“What did you say? Boyfriend, right?”

Shang Yunmeng said.

“I was caught off guard, and the topic moved on, but,” she bit her lip, “…his look and body language—you know. It implied that.”

“Silly girl,” Shang Yunmeng glanced at her and smiled. “Men who don’t speak clearly are just fooling you. Look how careful he is with his words—he’s a pro. Saying nothing upfront, taking advantage when he can, then leaving.”

“I don’t think so. He called Monday, said he’d take care of me, and these days sent me lots of things through his driver.”

“What did he send?”

“Clothes, phone, computer, and an apartment key. Said it’s vacant, and I can use it anytime.”

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Shang Yunmeng was stunned.

“…And all those things are expensive. A coat alone was almost 100,000 yuan. I feel uneasy.”

“Forget the others—he gave you an apartment key?” Shang Yunmeng’s eyes sharpened.

“Yes,” Chu Tong said confusedly. “I told his driver I usually stay in the dorm and don’t need it.”

Shang Yunmeng put down her chopsticks, reached across the table to grab her hand seriously. “Tongtong, run now.”

“Huh?”

“He’s playing the long game,” Shang Yunmeng said. “Years ago, when I was about twenty, a close younger sister of mine was involved with someone from their circle—a rich kid. Same routine: showering with luxury gifts and an apartment, but never admitting her publicly. Their circle seemed to be tacitly understood. That girl was with him for five years—from 19 to 24—then he married someone else, gave her money to study abroad before the wedding.”

Chu Tong was stunned for a long while, breathless.

Though she sensed that Mr. Shao’s definition of their relationship was vastly different, seeing reality so starkly was cruel.

No wonder.

No wonder when he said “I’ll take care of you,” it was probably a subtle warning.

The word “take care” implied an unequal relationship.

Chu Tong smiled faintly.

Now it all made sense. No wonder he hadn’t contacted her proactively these days—they weren’t in a relationship where they checked in with each other daily.

From Mr. Shao’s perspective, he was just keeping her around, calling her over when he wanted company, and too busy to think of her otherwise.

He was such a gentleman that he even gave her chances to back off.

But she kept pushing forward blindly.

“Run now while it’s early. There’s still time,” Dream Sister urged.

Chu Tong said nothing, just buried her face in food.

She felt deeply ashamed.

So he stood by, watching her cling to him, waiting for her to tire, then skillfully reeling her in.

He truly was a master.

Uncle Zong was also experienced and efficient—probably helped arrange things for many girls.

After eating for a while, Chu Tong looked up and smiled at Dream Sister. “Actually, it hasn’t really started. I haven’t even opened the gifts.”

She planned to return them and clear things up.

Shang Yunmeng sighed sympathetically. “Don’t overthink. With his background and looks, women flock to him. It’s normal for you to be captivated.”

Chu Tong nodded vigorously, trying to appear unfazed. “He’s on a business trip this week. I’ll meet him next week to clarify.”

“A lesson learned,” Dream Sister smiled. “You’ll probably meet more like him. Just be cautious.”

“Mm.”

She never intended to enter that world anyway. She’d been avoiding it for two years to focus on her studies.

After watching her expression, Shang Yunmeng changed tone. “If you’re really upset, there’s no harm in being with him for a while. Think about it: he gives you money, you don’t have to work, you can cover grad school tuition and living expenses, and your mom’s house is secured.”

She paused. “…As long as you stay clear-headed and leave when it’s time, it won’t be a loss. After all, Mr. Shao is very charming.”

He was indeed charming.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t have been so entranced the first time they met.

He appeared refined and noble, graceful in every gesture, but his eyes held an unfathomable depth.

Chu Tong smiled and teased, “You have a point.”

Seeing her joke, Shang Yunmeng thought the problem might not be serious.

As someone who had been through this, she said all she needed to say. At her age, she understood one truth: don’t say too much—respect others’ fates.

Whatever Chu Tong decided was her destiny.

They chatted a bit more, from next year’s birthday plans to Chu Tong’s future studies in Hong Kong, and Shang Yunmeng promised to visit.

That was the meaning of friendship—talking it out, feeling better, like having control over one’s life.

When Dream Sister paid the bill, Chu Tong took the chance to call Zhan Youran’s mother and explained her busy studies left no time for tutoring, so she resigned.

Zhan’s mother tried to persuade her to stay, but seeing her resolve, she relented and asked her to teach a few more lessons until she found a replacement after her trip.

Chu Tong refused.

She didn’t want to set foot in the Zhan family again.

Zhan’s mother found it strange. Having met this young lady twice, she was deeply impressed—beautiful but reasonable, not the type to leave no room for negotiation.

“I’m very sorry, ma’am. If you deduct some salary for this, I accept it fully,” Chu Tong said.

“That’s unnecessary. You must have a good reason,” Zhan’s mother said. “I’ll transfer this month’s salary to you now.”

“Thank you for your understanding.”

“You’re welcome. Youran likes you very much. I hope you meet again someday.”

After hanging up, Chu Tong sighed with relief.

At least that matter was settled, and she no longer had to deal with Zhan Yibai.

Lately, her life felt surrounded by enemies, full of traps.

-

Friday, after class, Chu Tong and Tao Ge ate dinner at the cafeteria and then went to the school auditorium.

The counselor had posted notices everywhere about a discussion forum.

Such events were common at A University, but this one was special: two heavyweight guests, alumni now working at a prestigious research institute—academic giants. Even laypeople attending could broaden their horizons.

But they arrived late.

By the time they slipped into the back row, the forum was nearing its end. The host was reading a list, thanking donors who had generously supported A University’s academic research over the years.

The names scrolled on the screen alphabetically.

“Shao Yihuai, Shang Lan…”

Her heart pounded fiercely.

Why was his name here too? Chu Tong felt exposed, as if there was nowhere to hide.

If she had never met him, these names would be just names, nothing special.

But once a connection was made…

Like the little fox in The Little Prince said: “If you tame me, then your footsteps will be unique.”

Tao Ge looked around, bored. “Let’s go, before it gets crowded at the end.”

Chu Tong followed her out.

On the first floor of Haohong Building, a new bookstore had opened. Tao Ge pulled her inside to browse.

“You go ahead. I need to make a call.”

Chu Tong stood in the sheltered doorway and dialed Uncle Zong’s number.

As soon as it connected, Uncle Zong greeted, “Hello, Miss Chu.”

“Hello, Uncle Zong. When will Mr. Shao finish his business trip and return to Beijing?”

“Next Monday,” Uncle Zong smiled. “You can contact him directly. Don’t worry about disturbing him.”

“Ha, I’m just worried about interrupting his work. Could you please tell him I want to meet Monday evening?”

“Of course, I’ll pass the message.”

Since talking to Shang Yunmeng last night, she felt calm. What needed doing, she must do.

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If she kept delaying, and one day Shao Yihuai demanded something from her…

Then it would be irreversible.

-

Saturday at seven in the evening, Chu Tong arrived promptly at the west gate of the school.

The McLaren waited roadside. Like last time, Liu Hao had a bouquet. “Cappuccino roses. I asked the florist—these suit autumn and winter.”

Since this was only going out with him once, Chu Tong took the flowers without hesitation.

Seeing her no longer resist, Liu Hao beamed and opened the passenger door for her.

She sat in and looked up. “Where to?”

“A private club.”

At those words, her hand fastening the seatbelt froze, her face flashing caution.

“What’s there to fear? It’s not what you think—a proper place,” Liu Hao leaned on the car, smiling down at her. “Besides, do I look like someone untrustworthy?”

“Definitely.”

He looked like a careless playboy.

Who else would deliberately pursue the prettiest girls from different departments?

Clearly, a rake.

Liu Hao laughed aloud. “You know you sound cute saying that?”

Chu Tong turned her face away.

Liu Hao went around to the driver’s seat, started the engine. The sports car roared onto the street. At a red light, he turned to her. “You might not believe it, but I had a strict upbringing.”

Chu Tong sized him up and said, “You need to clear that rumor sometime.”

Since she got into his car at the west gate two days ago, the school had been buzzing with rumors: “Liu Hao finally got the Chinese Department’s belle, Chu Tong.”

“That would be embarrassing,” Liu Hao refused.

“Why waste energy? What if the rumor comes true one day?”

Chu Tong was silent for a moment, then said seriously, “I really appreciate your help with the photos, but this is the only time I’ll go out with you.”

“Don’t say so definitively,” Liu Hao was nonchalant. “You think those guys are easy to handle? Are you sure you won’t need my help again?”

Chu Tong waited for him to continue.

He said, “That guy named He isn’t even worthy of licking my shoes. If my family got involved, this would be settled in minutes.”

Chu Tong said nothing.

Liu Hao glanced at her, pleased with her reaction.

Baisen was near the embassy district—a standalone villa, a three-story French-style house.

The McLaren drove straight into the courtyard.

They got out one after another. Liu Hao stood by the car, waiting. “Stay close. Don’t wander inside.”

“Okay.”

At the porch, a young concierge nodded to Liu Hao, “Liu, you’re here.”

Liu Hao pulled Chu Tong closer. “A friend, with me.”

“Please come in.”

After passing the concierge, Chu Tong looked back and saw others getting out of cars, each politely stopped and checked by the concierge.

Liu Hao followed her gaze and smiled. “Members aren’t checked, but it’s very hard to join here. Everyone inside has a strong background. So, don’t run off.”

“I understand.”

It was Chu Tong’s first time in such a place.

The first-floor atrium had a high ceiling with a crystal chandelier hanging from the third floor, scattering light like shattered jewels, draping everything in a decadent glow.

They passed through the atrium and took the spiral staircase to the second floor.

The lighting upstairs was dimmer, with thick carpets muffling all sounds. Various paintings hung on the walls along the corridor.

At the end, Liu Hao pushed open a door.

Chu Tong followed but hadn’t entered when several voices called out, “Liu!”

Liu Hao pushed her forward. Only then did she see the whole room.

The lighting was dreamy. About a dozen people, all about their age, with a bar and card table. A curtain at the back muffled faint opera singing.

When they saw Chu Tong, everyone got excited. “Awesome, Liu!”

Liu Hao humbly replied, “Hey, respect the lady. I’m still chasing her.”

“Got it,” one chimed in. “Tonight we’ll make sure you get your chance.”

Liu Hao joked with them, then found a sofa near the door and pulled Chu Tong to sit.

“Want a drink?”

“Water for me.”

“Fruit juice?”

Chu Tong glanced at him, then gave in. “Okay.”

Meeting his gaze made Liu Hao’s heart itch.

He thought, outside it was fine, but in places like this, it was harder to fight his instincts.

Drinks were quickly refilled.

When Chu Tong had drunk half her juice, Liu Hao invited her, “Play cards? If you lose, it’s on me.”

Before she could answer, the door opened.

They both looked up.

A tall man entered, wearing a bespoke suit, tall and handsome, radiating the refined nobility of an Eastern gentleman.

Both froze.

Liu Hao looked nervous, immediately stood straight, and respectfully greeted, “Uncle Shao.”

Chu Tong’s heart stopped.

How could she see him here? Liu Hao knew him?

In this tense moment, her mind blanked. Unconsciously, she thought: if there had been no human interference between her and him, would she have met him here today?

For the fourth time.

Liu Hao tugged Chu Tong’s shoulder, motioning her to stand. “Uncle Shao, I brought a classmate.”

Like sleepwalking, Chu Tong stood, avoided Shao Yihuai’s gaze, and put on a meek, obedient expression. She greeted cautiously, “Hello, Uncle Shao.”

Ren Mingyuan followed Shao Yihuai in, intending to tap Liu Hao’s shoulder and have him introduce the girl, but saw Shao Yihuai staring at her the entire time.

Ren Mingyuan was sharp and immediately realized they definitely knew each other.

He had already draped an arm over Liu Hao’s shoulder but subtly changed direction, smiling, “Let’s go pick a bottle of wine for your Uncle Shao.”

Liu Hao hadn’t reacted yet, but was half-pushed forward, glancing back. “Chu Tong, you play for a bit. I’ll be right back.”

Chu Tong instinctively looked up to respond, “Okay—”

Her words cut off.

Unintentionally, she met Shao Yihuai’s gaze.

His eyes were deep and cold. For the first time, Chu Tong saw in them a predatory intensity, as if he had locked onto his prey.

He stared at her for a few seconds, then stepped closer, his low voice dark and strange. “…You changed how you address me—to ‘Uncle Shao’?”