Chapter 24

As Su Jingwen and Chu Tong walked out, Lin Jiayin remained standing where she was, watching them.

The young girl looked entirely innocent, her eyes possessing a fiery vitality. It was clear at a glance that she was untouched by the world, likely at that stage where she held immense longing for the future and for life itself.

Rumors were circulating in their social circle, and they had naturally reached her ears: Brother Shao was keeping a female college student, and for her sake, he had taken measures to deal with certain people.

Originally, it wasn’t a major issue. He had always been gentle toward the outside world, and occasionally showing a bit of ruthlessness was considered a technique of balancing favor with authority. It was likely for this reason that the old man hadn’t intervened.

Lin Jiayin’s heart settled slightly; if the old man hadn’t asked, it meant the matter hadn’t escalated to that point. She also saw no need to confront Brother Shao; offending him for no reason would do her no good.

However, even though she thought this way rationally, Lin Jiayin couldn’t help but feel a lingering bitterness. She had once thought she was different.

In their circle, so many people—men and women alike—played wild. Even after marriage, they blossomed both inside and outside the home. Only Brother Shao had been "everyone else's child" since he was young, keeping himself clean and virtuous.

When their engagement was first set, her girlfriends had teased her with envy, saying she had hit the jackpot. Brother Shao, backed by the unshakable Shao and Yi families, possessed the most elite background and education. He was the most refined and untainted man in their circle, not to mention handsome and dashing. They said that once they cultivated their relationship after marriage, they would be as inseparable as honey and oil.

Who would have thought that even a man like him would end up "soiled."

Was it just for fun?

Recalling the look in that young girl’s eyes earlier, Lin Jiayin suddenly felt an inexplicable panic. She thought that if it had been some "bewitching" veteran of the circle who was only after money, it would be one thing, but it was a girl so simple and vibrant. Would a man like Brother Shao have the heart to toy with her?

The more she thought, the more flustered she became. She took out her phone and opened her chat interface with Shao Yihuai. Their WeChat history stopped at last month, back when she had just returned to the country. Following the instructions of their elders, a private dinner had been set for this Saturday.

At that time, Shao Yihuai had replied: "I might not be free; we'll see when the time comes."

She had immediately sent another message: "Brother Shao, do you remember our dinner tomorrow? Six o'clock, I'll be waiting for you at Fu Ji."

Unexpectedly, Shao Yihuai replied quickly: "I'm on a business trip. Let's reschedule when I'm back."

On a business trip, yet not wanting to neglect her, so he had his executive assistant take the girl to dinner? As expected of Brother Shao, so thoughtful and attentive.

***

After dropping Chu Tong off at the West Gate of A University, Su Jingwen parked the Audi on the side of the road. After a moment of thought, she called Shao Yihuai to report that she had run into the Second Miss Lin.

"...What did she say?" He asked calmly, as if inquiring about a work update.

"The Second Miss didn't ask much. I just said I was taking a relative's child out for a meal."

"I was asking about Tongtong."

"She... she didn't seem to think much of it. She only asked if the Second Miss was a close family friend of yours. I said yes, that our families have some history and we occasionally run into each other at dinners, so I know her."

Their social circles were extremely closed-off and exclusive; the places they frequented were always the same. Rong Ji was considered quite a common, public place, and she hadn't expected to run into her there.

After Su Jingwen finished, she didn't hear a response from the other end of the line for a long time, which made her heart beat nervously. She truly couldn't understand: what did Mr. Shao consider this young girl to be? If it were just the usual practice of the circle—to play around—it didn't seem like it. Just from today's events, one could see: he went on a business trip and specifically asked her to take the girl out for dinner, and even told her to teach the girl whatever she could.

If it were just for fun, it wouldn't be worth such effort; she could be summoned or dismissed at will. But if he were sincere and intended to have a future with her, then... Mr. Shao didn't seem to have that intention either.

Su Jingwen tentatively suggested, "...I was supposed to take her to the West Suburb manor for afternoon tea tomorrow. Would it be better to avoid that? I'm afraid that if we run into someone and she hears something, it might make Tongtong overthink."

"No need," Shao Yihuai said coolly. "Do your job. Go wherever you were planning to go."

***

When Chu Tong returned to room 303, Lu Zhiyun wasn't there; she was alone in the dorm.

She showered, changed into her pajamas, wrapped herself in a blanket, and hunkered down at her desk to review and finish her homework. It wasn't until the lights went out that she took her phone and climbed into the upper bunk.

She curled up under the covers, dimmed her screen to the lowest setting, and stared at it for a while, not even knowing what she was waiting for.

Just as she was about to set her alarm and lock the screen, the phone vibrated.

An incoming call from "Shao."

She held her breath, answered, and pressed it to her ear, saying nothing.

The other side waited silently for two seconds, then came Shao Yihuai’s low, laughing voice, "...Why aren't you saying anything?"

"What if it's a fake? I have to hear your voice to be sure."

Her words were full of a whimsical spirit, and the underlying anticipation and excitement were self-evident. Shao Yihuai’s smile deepened; she always seemed to make him laugh.

"...Are you in the dorm?"

"Yes, just me. Senior Zhiyun isn't here."

"Just you? What are you doing?"

"The lights are already out; I'm in my blankets."

"...In your blankets."

He simply repeated it, and Chu Tong felt unexpectedly shy. Fortunately, he didn't let the ambiguous atmosphere linger, turning instead to ask, "Is the dorm cold?"

"Not cold, we have floor heating." Her thoughts drifted, and she said, "If you were next to me, you'd know just by touching my hand—it's warm."

Shao Yihuai paused slightly, then let out a soft laugh through his nose. Whether intentional or just her nature, she seemed quite adept at hooking people.

He didn't respond to that, saying instead, "I'm about to land in Hong Kong. Is there anything you want? I'll bring it back for you."

"Wow, I'm jealous of you. I want to go play and see your school too."

"I'll take you another day, during a vacation."

What was there to be jealous of? Business trips were just tedious work.

Chu Tong thought for a moment and realized, "There are a few books published in Traditional Chinese that haven't been released in the mainland. Could you help me buy them?"

She could buy these books from online bookstores, but since Mr. Shao wanted to bring her something, she preferred things that were meaningful and could be kept.

"Alright, send me the titles."

They chatted for a while longer about trivial things, and then Shao Yihuai asked, "Did you have a good time with Sister Wen today?"

"I did! Every time I eat with Sister Wen, I learn so much."

Not only that, the places Sister Wen took her were always elegant and unique, and it seemed as if she herself was being influenced by a refined and subtle temperament.

As she told this to Shao Yihuai, he just smiled, "You are a little girl with a soul of your own; you understand things instantly."

An unpolished piece of jade.

"I'm not as good as you say. I'm just an ordinary person."

Not ordinary at all, just from an ordinary family background. If she had been born into a slightly wealthier family with someone to guide and support her, she would likely have been dazzling long ago.

Perhaps thinking of her appearance in front of the restaurant Christmas tree that day, Shao Yihuai said, "For Christmas, I'll help you ask for two days off. Come to Hong Kong to spend it."

Clutching her anticipation for the holiday, Chu Tong slept soundly that night.

***

On Saturday, Su Jingwen's plan to take Chu Tong to the West Suburb manor for afternoon tea couldn't go ahead.

Near noon, Chu Tong received a call from an unknown number. Thinking it was a delivery, she answered, only to be met with a barrage of shouting: "What did you say to my wife?"

Chu Tong was bewildered. After careful consideration, she realized the person on the other end was Zhan Yi. She had long since put him out of her mind.

"...Mr. Zhan? I don't understand what you mean."

Zhan Yi spewed out a stream of verbal abuse, from which Chu Tong vaguely caught some words and gathered the gist: she had resigned to Zhan Youran’s mother with an attitude that was too sudden and firm. Zhan Youran’s mother had gone home and questioned Youran a few times, and the girl, having no doubts, had relayed everything about the two times the teacher had come to the house, down to the smallest detail.

Zhan Youran’s mother knew her husband’s character well, and after a little questioning, she understood the whole story.

Decades of married life had made this the final straw.

Zhan Youran’s mother felt exhausted. She had married and had children young, delaying herself for years, then returned to the workplace to fight and climb the ladder for years. Her career was finally showing promise, and this business trip was crucial and could not be refused.

Yet in just these short two or three weeks, she had left the responsibility of the home and the child's education to her husband, only for him to do this—harassing the tutor in front of the child, leading the other party to quit.

Zhan Yi threatened to find her school, ruin her reputation, use his connections to have A University expel her, and post it online so everyone would know what kind of person she was—seducing him and then slandering him to his wife.

After hanging up, Chu Tong’s heart pounded, and her hands clenched, unable to stop shaking.

She had encountered something similar last year. A friend had introduced her to be a clothing model for a Taobao shop. The shoot went well, but before payment, the photographer suddenly grabbed her hand and suggested she become his muse, his words full of harassment.

She used her quick wits to escape and get her pay, but unexpectedly, that photographer badmouthed her at a drinking party, calling her a hypocrite. The photographer’s girlfriend found out, tracked Chu Tong down, and slapped her.

She had only just turned eighteen, even more naive than now, and before she could react, the girlfriend had walked away.

She had no one to tell about such things, and she dared not tell Chu Qinghe for fear of worrying her, so she could only cry it out in silence. Fortunately, she wasn't someone who held onto things; she didn't take things to heart, and once she cried, it passed. She had lived lightly and freely ever since.

A year later, the nightmare had returned.

Chu Tong quickly gathered her thoughts. Her first reaction was to contact Zhan Youran’s mother, who was a reasonable and kind person.

As she was weighing her words, Zhan Youran’s mother called her first.

"Student Chu, has Zhan Yi contacted you again? Don't worry, I will handle this for you."

From the mother's words, Chu Tong learned that Zhan Yi’s rampage was directly triggered by the fact that he had been fired from the group yesterday.

The reason for his past kickbacks had somehow been dug up. Not only was he fired, but if the amount was large enough, he might even face prison time. Overnight, his career and family were turned upside down, and he was desperate to find a soft target to vent on.

This matter had to be told to Mr. Shao.

Chu Tong thought, what a coincidence? She had only mentioned Zhan Yi’s harassment to Mr. Shao last weekend, and he was fired this week?

There was a legitimate reason; even if he was fired, it wasn't favoritism. But she had to seek help.

Just then, Su Jingwen called to say she was on her way to pick her up, so she briefly told Sister Wen about it on the phone.

Su Jingwen was decisive. She immediately found Uncle Zong, got the number of Zhan Yi’s wife from Chu Tong, and after a quick discussion, they arranged to meet at a restaurant near Jinxi Garden in the evening to talk it over.

***

After arranging everything, Su Jingwen sent a message to Shao Yihuai, concisely explaining the situation and her way of handling it.

Half an hour later, Shao Yihuai replied: "You handle it."

Su Jingwen was a bit surprised: "When are you coming back?"

She subconsciously felt that since the young girl had gone through such a big deal, it was the time she needed comfort. Would President Shao change his schedule?

"Next week."

With just those two words, Su Jingwen couldn't help but ponder.

So, was President Shao not that invested in the young girl? Did that mean she wouldn't have to put too much effort into her in the future?

Even though this thought crossed her mind, Su Jingwen remained dutiful, taking a lawyer, Uncle Zong, and Chu Tong to the meeting.

Zhan Yi naturally recognized Su Jingwen. When Shao Yihuai wasn't at the company, Su Jingwen was effectively the vice president, representing him at several meetings. In those meetings, Zhan Yi was the type who stood in the corner listening. So, seeing such a large show of force, his legs went soft; even with the lawyer's help, he couldn't stand up.

The matter was resolved more smoothly than expected.

Before leaving, Youran’s mother pulled Chu Tong aside and asked, "How did you find the President’s assistant at Zhuoyi so quickly? Did you know each other before?"

Chu Tong steadied her mind and smiled, "Yes, Sister Wen’s boss is my boyfriend."

Youran’s mother was stunned, then burst into a laugh, "Boyfriend? How old is he?"

"Twenty-nine."

Youran’s mother saw through it without saying anything, just smiling, "That's great. Such a young group president—with him protecting you, everything is easy to solve. Otherwise, even if we had settled this, you never know what kind of scum you might run into later. It’s hard."

Although she was very polite, perhaps because she had faced this situation too many times in the past few days, Chu Tong could still sense extra meaning in her subconscious eyes and tone.

Yes, the gap in age and status between her and Mr. Shao was so vast. Not to mention someone like Ding Xue, who had been immersed in the circle for a long time, even ordinary people like Xiang Chengyuan and Youran’s mother couldn't help but have other thoughts.

How could they be a normal couple? It always circled back to those words.

But at this moment, Chu Tong felt that these external judgments didn't matter. She wouldn't be unworthy of Mr. Shao forever.

She was only nineteen; she would ride the spring rain and wind and grow up quickly.

***

Sunday. It was the "Light Snow" solar term.

The business jet took off from Hong Kong against difficult weather conditions.

In a villa in the western suburbs, Lin Jiayin, who had just woken up and was wearing a mask while drinking coffee, received a call from the business jet.

Brother Shao wanted to take her to dinner.

Regarding the recent rumors, her parents had surely heard something. When Lin Jiayin went downstairs for breakfast and told them about the dinner, both her parents had meaningful expressions, saying with satisfaction, "Go, go."

Facing her parents, Lin Jiayin showed a bit of emotion, complaining that Brother Shao was humiliating her.

Her father immediately straightened his face, "This petty romantic drama is the least important thing. Even if he continues to keep someone after marriage, just turn a blind eye and let him. It won't cost much money; there's no need to bring it to the table. Do you hear me?"

Lin Jiayin pouted.

Her father continued, "The most important thing is that with this marriage, we have marital ties with both the Shao and Yi families. Whether in Beijing or Hong Kong, our family will be considered someone of name and standing."

"Then what is the Shao family after?"

Her father was cryptic and didn't want to tell her much.

Lin Jiayin could only guess to herself that it was probably for stability, as the Lin family was also considered a prominent, prosperous, and well-rooted house.

***

At eight o'clock in the winter evening, the heavy snow that had been brewing all day fell in flurries.

The horizon presented a misty blue hue, the wind and snow like a gentle, hazy dream.

The Maybach drove at a snail's pace on the ring road. Chu Tong leaned forward and asked Uncle Zong, who was in the front, "Didn't Mr. Shao say he wasn't coming back until next week? The visibility is so bad today, how did the plane take off?"

"It's a business jet; as long as it's filed in advance, he can fly if he wants to," Uncle Zong laughed. "Besides, the weather isn't that bad today. It's not a big problem."

Chu Tong hadn't known Shao Yihuai was flying back to Beijing today at all. He hadn't contacted her. Just a few dozen minutes ago, she had received a call from Uncle Zong saying that Mr. Shao wanted to see her and that the car was already waiting at the West Gate.

Chu Tong had been studying in the library, and after hanging up, she hurriedly packed her bag and rushed over.

After getting in the car, Uncle Zong said Mr. Shao was at Fu Ji and would take her there. The ten-kilometer drive took over forty minutes.

When they arrived at Fu Ji, Uncle Zong gave some instructions to the waiter at the entrance, and the latter led Chu Tong inside.

Once inside, Chu Tong felt it was marvelous. It was a traditional Chinese courtyard with longevity-patterned wooden windows and pine bonsai decorating the corners, upon which a beam of warm light shone—quiet and elegant.

After turning two corners, they reached the door of the private room.

The waiter said, "Please go in."

Chu Tong nodded and thanked him, and after the waiter left, she raised her hand and knocked on the door, a light sound, "Mr. Shao."

There was no movement inside.

Waiting silently for two seconds, she pushed the door open and entered.

Unexpectedly, the room was pitch black.

Standing at the doorway, she blinked, waiting for her eyes to adjust to the light before she closed the door and stepped inside.

Rounding a bamboo screen, the scene before her made her hold her breath.

The room was large and dim, with only a sliver of light leaking through the wooden window frames. In front of her was a long wooden table with dishes still left on it. About three meters behind the table was another seating area.

By the window was a grand armchair.

Mr. Shao sat in it with a languid posture, his legs naturally spread, elbows resting on the armrests, a scarlet glow between his fingers, and wisps of smoke rising.

As she moved closer, she could see more clearly: he was wearing a shirt and vest, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows.

The mix of hormones and decadence made him appear contradictory.

Shao Yihuai turned his head to look out the window, the line of his side profile enchanting.

Chu Tong tentatively said softly, "...Mr. Shao?"

Shao Yihuai turned his head and beckoned, "Come here."

She could see clearly now that there was fatigue on his face, as if he were exhausted to the point of utter apathy.

She didn't dare sit on his lap. After hesitating for a few seconds, she simply knelt on the carpet between his legs, leaned on his knees, and looked up at him, "...What's wrong?"

It was the first time she had seen him like this.

Shao Yihuai didn't answer, only looking down at her, raising a hand to brush her cheek with his knuckles.

Chu Tong caught his hand and asked again, "Didn't you say you'd be back next week?"

Shao Yihuai still didn't answer, only silently curling his lips, "Are you looking forward to Christmas?"

His voice was low and hoarse, wrapped in a touch of unintentional tenderness.

"I am!" Chu Tong’s attention was immediately diverted, "I've never been to Hong Kong. I really want to see the fireworks in Victoria Harbour. Will there be any this Christmas?"

"Yes," Shao Yihuai said in an ethereal tone, "but it's nothing special. You'll probably be disappointed."

"How could that be? I won't be disappointed by anything."

Shao Yihuai smiled dismissively, "Why? You have to know that many things are rendered by media and filters."

In reality, they were all quite tedious.

"I have to go and see for myself to know. I'm not that arrogant; I haven't seen everything, so I won't arbitrarily define everything," she said very seriously, "...And, sorry, I'm ten years younger than you, but I have to preach a little—I feel that stepping firmly on the road of verifying and experiencing things one by one—isn't that the fun of being alive?"

Shao Yihuai’s eyes flickered, and he stared at her for a long time.

There was silence for a moment.

Their eyes met, one looking up, one looking down.

After a long while, he finally said, "...Sit up here."

Chu Tong braced her hands on his knees and sat on his lap.

The cigarette between his fingers was still burning. She looked at him for a long time, raised her hand to try to rub the slight furrow between his brows, and leaned in to kiss him.

Shao Yihuai turned his head to avoid her, raised his hand to signal, and smiled, "I've been smoking."

Chu Tong didn't insist and asked again, "Why did you come back early?"

Shao Yihuai looked at her, and when he spoke again, his voice was a bit raspy, "...I was worried about you."

He wasn't a man who told lies, but at that moment, Chu Tong clearly felt that this was probably the most weighty and sincere sentence he had spoken since they had met.