Chapter 1: Be stronger from now on and live well
Chen Wengang, born into an ordinary family in Jin City, has always experienced great ups and downs throughout his life for unknown reasons.
Born into a common household in Jin City, he lost his mother at a young age, and his father worked as a driver for the Zheng family, chauffeuring the head of the household, Zheng Bingyi. Fortunately, the Zheng family was a wealthy and influential family, and with his father’s substantial income, Chen Wengang lived a carefree childhood.
However, tragedy struck when Chen Wengang was nine years old. His father died in a car accident while protecting his employer.
Not wanting to be seen as heartless, Mr. Zheng, the head of the Zheng family, adopted the orphaned Chen Wengang as his own and raised him alongside his own children.
Chen Wengang, still a child, carried his father’s memorial photo in his luggage as he was welcomed into the grand entrance of the Zheng family villa.
Upon arriving, he noticed a boy of similar age smiling cheerfully at him from the second-floor balcony. Entering the living room, the boy descended the spiral staircase, bathed in sunlight, and extended his hand to Chen Wengang.
“Hello, I’m Zheng Yucheng.”
Jin City was a bustling port city, situated by the river near the sea, with numerous waterways and a plethora of docks. The Zheng, Huo, Li, and He families were all prominent in the shipping industry, flourishing in trade and prosperity.
The Zheng family patriarch, Zheng Bingyi, was known as the “Ship King” in Jin City, and Zheng Yucheng was his eldest son.
From that moment on, Chen Wengang underwent a transformation, evolving from the son of a driver to an adopted child of a wealthy family, destined to accompany the heir as a companion.
Master Zheng insisted that he study alongside his own children, treating Chen Wengang in education, clothing, and daily life with no distinction. As Chen Wengang grew older, he proved himself to be well-mannered, gentle in character, and both his personality and appearance were outstanding. Master Zheng grew fonder of this sensible and capable adopted son, often asking him to guide Zheng Yucheng.
Chen Wengang had no reason to refuse and became inseparable from Zheng Yucheng.
However, he understood propriety, knowing when to advance and when to retreat. He never presumed equality with Zheng Yucheng in public. Previously, his father drove for Master Zheng, and now he took care of Zheng Yucheng by carrying bags, running errands, and conveying messages. He handled miscellaneous matters around him like a gentle and silent shadow.
It wasn’t until his eighteenth birthday, amidst the colorful lights dimming in the banquet hall and the night growing deep and quiet, that Zheng Yucheng held his hand and said, “Wengang, I’ve never thought you should be inferior. From now on, let me take care of you.”
Eighteen-year-old Zheng Yucheng was tall, handsome, impulsive, and enthusiastic, with a flame-like light in his eyes. Finally, Chen Wengang’s heart stirred.
In the days that followed, it was Zheng Yucheng who gradually led him into the abyss.
……
……
As evening approached, Chen Wengang finished his shift and took over the cashier duty from his colleague.
The customers in line let out a sigh of relief, but some still stole glances at him. After all, half of his face was burned and looked terrifying. His right eye was also injured, and people might be wondering if that eye could still see.
For someone with disabilities like him, a college dropout who had also been to jail, landing a job at this convenience store was entirely dependent on the boss’s strong compassion and commendable courage. Mentioning his past glory would almost certainly be met with disbelief.
He walked along the river, his attention caught by a newsstand. He paused for a moment and bought an entertainment tabloid.
Deep autumn had arrived; the wind was cold and brisk, violently flipping through the pages of the newspaper in his hand. On the front page, there was the still glamorous face of Zheng Yucheng.
Zheng Yucheng’s current wife, Miss He, was expecting; her radiant maternal glow was evident even without makeup. The devoted husband took meticulous care of her, and the gossip reporters adorned this scene with bold headlines, praising the couple’s deep affection and arousing envy in onlookers.
The sky grew dim, and the river tide surged. Clumps of reeds along the riverbank swayed eerily, foretelling the imminent arrival of a desolate wind and rain.
Failing to secure them, several pages of the newspaper were swept away by a sudden gust, soaring high into the air before falling onto the river, floating with the current.
Chen Wengang paid no attention to them. He walked to an abandoned bridge tunnel covered in graffiti, pulled out a crumpled cigarette from his pocket, and fumbled for a cheap lighter given as a freebie. Shielding the flame with his hand, the flickering fire gradually lit the tobacco.
Like paper unable to contain the fire, the clandestine relationship between him and Zheng Yucheng had been going on for two years. Exposure in public was only a matter of time.
That period was a tumultuous autumn for Chen Wengang. First, he endured numerous gossips and harsh comments due to relationship issues, with people criticizing him for overestimating himself and trying to climb the social ladder. Later, he was accused of plagiarizing his thesis, tarnishing his reputation, and losing the opportunity for further academic pursuits.
Regarding the matter at hand, Zheng Yucheng comforted him, “No need to worry; there’s always a solution to things. Look at it this way, most people pursue degrees to secure an ideal job. As for us, you and I are both gaining practical experience within the company. You’re doing exceptionally well, and Dad acknowledges you. As long as the Zheng family exists, how could there not be a place for you as long as I’m here?”
Chen Wengang didn’t feel as optimistic as Zheng Yucheng.
In saying this, Zheng Yucheng had his own agenda. Compared to staying in an ivory tower, he preferred having Chen Wengang assist him within the company.
Even if Chen Wengang sincerely cared for him, he had to admit that Zheng Yucheng was more of a figurehead in the business world. His father, Master Zheng, had more than one son, and there were relatives and various factions, none of which were to be underestimated.
They were all watching closely, and for Zheng Yucheng to secure his position and become the one who laughs last, he needed support.
Chen Wengang would certainly help him—that was the first point.
The second point was that Master Zheng provided his son with another, perhaps better, option.
Master Zheng arranged a marriage for Zheng Yucheng that matched his social status.
Zheng Yucheng was furious about the arranged marriage, but in the end, he had no other choice. Chen Wengang had suspected it early on, and whether it was voluntary or forced, Zheng Yucheng was destined to be with Miss He.
In reality, this was a wise decision.
In the Zheng family, there were those who did practical work, but there were also those who played cunning tricks, and the latter were even more numerous. As things unfolded, issues arose that eventually involved criminal activities, bringing Zheng Yucheng into the mix. Entering into a marriage with Miss He not only protected him but also provided him with a better future.
However, the charges were still there—there is no room for leniency in the eyes of the law. As the economic investigators and police started to investigate, someone had to take responsibility.
On the eve of Zheng Yucheng’s wedding, Chen Wengang repaid the debt of gratitude to Master Zheng by doing one final thing for the Zheng family.
He took the blame for Zheng Yucheng and ended up serving time in prison.
The sentence for economic crimes wasn’t too heavy—just two years. However, while in prison, Chen Wengang unexpectedly got into a conflict with someone.
With his appearance, he easily attracted attention inside, and being unwilling to back down, he inevitably clashed with inmates who were part of factions. The unexpected happened one day when he was released from confinement; a fellow prisoner suddenly threw sulfuric acid at him.
Chen Wengang’s face was disfigured. He got a chance to be released for medical parole, and someone from Zheng Yucheng’s side came to pick him up, but Zheng Yucheng didn’t show up in person.
At this point, there was no need to mention past feelings; they were never going to see each other again.
Under the bridge, sparks flickered intermittently. As Chen Wengang recalled his past, the cigarette burned halfway. Outside, dry leaves crunched underfoot. The person approaching carried light on their back, and as they drew nearer, Chen Wengang, leaning against the graffiti-covered wall, squinted to see clearly—it was Huo Niansheng.
With a bottle of liquor in hand from who knows where, he held a cigarette, pulled down his duckbill cap, and persistently called out to him.
“Wengang.”
Huo Niansheng came closer, recognizing him, and raised an eyebrow.
In the past, wealthy young men would often look down on individuals like Chen Wengang, finding amusement in mocking and ridiculing him. Huo Niansheng used to be one of them—a playboy. At this moment, his arrival didn’t necessarily mean he came to say anything kind.
Sure enough, his first words carried a mocking tone, “I heard about it. You ended up like this for Zheng Yucheng?”
Chen Wengang wasn’t sure whether to respond or not. Glancing at him, he casually replied, “Yeah.”
Huo Niansheng emptied a cigarette from an upscale cigarette case, placed it in his mouth, and instead of leaving, he stood still.
Furrowing his brow, he carefully examined Chen Wengang’s face. Sensing the scrutiny, Chen Wengang subtly turned his head away, grinding the cigarette filter between his teeth, feeling a bit agitated.
Suddenly, Huo Niansheng relaxed his brow, casually leaning in. Chen Wengang restrained the urge to dodge, watching his movements.
Huo Niansheng got closer, his breath mingling, bringing a faint warmth. He slightly lowered his head, and in the end, he borrowed a light.
Their cigarette tips touched and ignited, and then Huo Niansheng retreated back to their original distance.
Chen Wengang was a bit dazed as Huo Niansheng continued to say something, but he had lost focus, only catching the tail end: “You, being so aloof, how did you end up in such a sorry state?”
“Young Master Huo, life is often full of disappointment,” he weakly expressed without much clarity. “Is there anything else?”
“Where are you staying now?”
“Old Dock District.”
“Can people still live there? It’s like a slum.” Huo Niansheng scoffed, blowing smoke into the air. His gaze remained fixed on Chen Wengang’s face, as if trying to decipher some hidden meaning. After a moment, he changed the topic without any transition, “I think with your injuries, you shouldn’t smoke anymore.”
“Okay.”
“In the future, find a decent doctor and get a proper checkup.”
“Sure.”
“How about this? Let me give you a piece of advice. If you find yourself with nowhere to go, why not come with me?”
Chen Wengang was genuinely surprised at this moment: “I don’t have any value to you.”
Huo Niansheng shrugged, patting his shoulder, “You underestimate yourself. You have your own advantages.”
After finishing the remaining half-cigarette, Chen Wengang extinguished it and gave a low cough before getting into Huo Niansheng’s car.
He didn’t ask anything. After all, now he was the one with no choice. His thin jacket couldn’t withstand the biting cold wind. Although he did have a place to stay, the houses in the Old Dock District were mostly run-down, drafty, with grass on the roofs. During the day, sunlight penetrated through, and the weather forecast said a typhoon was passing through tonight, likely bringing rain. Even the thick bedding on the bed had not been fully prepared.
He had the integrity not to take money from Zheng Yucheng. After paying the rent and having a meal, he had just enough left to buy a box of low-quality cigarettes to numb himself.
The black sedan had not been on the road for long when the long-awaited cold rain suddenly poured down, obscuring the car windows with mist.
Chen Wengang hugged his arms, leaning against the seat. When the warm air hit him, he shivered with cold. Huo Niansheng took off his own suit jacket and draped it over him.
From that point on, Chen Wengang became Huo Niansheng’s underground lover for seven years.
……
……
When Chen Wengang received the news of Huo Niansheng’s death, he was at home quietly reading.
For these years, he had been living in a remote mountain villa, leading a reclusive life. Apart from occasional visits from Huo Niansheng, Chen Wengang rarely saw anyone. Huo Niansheng provided him with a place to stay, food, and clothing, and shared his bed—a relationship akin to being kept without a clear indication of how long it would last.
In days like this, Chen Wengang knew he had fallen from grace but chose to live one day at a time.
At one point, he thought that the rest of his life might continue in this manner.
Huo Niansheng’s personal assistant was a woman named Amanda, and she was the one who called Chen Wengang with the tragic news. The cruise ship had met with an accident at sea, and the boss had unexpectedly passed away. The news was sudden, and Amanda personally drove to pick up Chen Wengang to rush him to see Huo Niansheng for the last time.
In the mortuary, Huo Niansheng’s expression was peaceful, and Chen Wengang calmly looked at him, not uttering a word.
Amanda couldn’t help but feel a bit sorry for her employer. Despite being so intimate, in the end, they were nothing more than an estranged couple.
She informed Chen Wengang, still maintaining a businesslike tone, that the accident might be related to internal struggles within the family.
Afterward, things got busy, and lawyers came to find Chen Wengang. Huo Niansheng had left a will, bequeathing his entire estate to him.
Chen Wengang signed each document brought in by the lawyer. However, when he reached the last one, the pen lingered without touching the paper.
Amanda glanced at him and froze. Chen Wengang, with red eyes, stared into space. Only his left eye was intact; the right one was replaced with a prosthetic. A tear fell onto the pen tip, causing the ink to spread. He smiled, pulled out a tissue, and wiped it away, saying, “Forgive me for this.”
The lawyer also handed Chen Wengang a final letter written by Huo Niansheng, sealed in an empty wine bottle.
Everyone left the room, leaving Chen Wengang alone. He opened the letter.
Chen Wengang couldn’t fathom what words Huo Niansheng could have left for him. His mind was not as composed as his face, and he unfolded the letter, reading it several times before grasping the meaning of the characters. Huo Niansheng had written: “…I never knew if you truly loved me. Unfortunately, in this lifetime, perhaps I’ll never get the chance to find out. I’ve left you enough to live on. Be strong from now on, and live well.”
The handwriting was messy, and the final stroke pierced through the back of the paper.
Chen Wengang raised his hand to cover his eyes.
……
……
In the following ten years, when the media interviewed him, they often referred to it as Chen Wengang’s “golden decade.”
It was also a decade of reshuffling for Jin City power, with the Huo family losing its luster after some cleansing, while the surname Chen became the new elite. Reporters even spotted the scion of the Zheng family trailing behind Chen Wengang on the golf course, looking desperate, but unfortunately, they couldn’t hear what was being said.
Amanda came over to manage the reporters, urging them not to publish any nonsense.
In these years, both Amanda and Huo Niansheng’s lawyers did not resign but instead started working for Chen Wengang.
In the eyes of the media, Chen Wengang might not be the absolute top tycoon in Jin City, but he was certainly the most prominent, whether due to his legendary rise or his unexpected actions. He was known for his tough demeanor yet sudden retirement, using the substantial fortune left by Huo Niansheng to establish the “Niansheng Foundation.” He dedicated himself full-time to charitable activities, supporting orphanages and nursing homes, assisting impoverished students, and promoting and implementing special education. Whenever voices mocked him for seeking fame and reputation, an immediate rebuttal followed:
“If someone can consistently show compassion for the poor and the weak for a decade, I invite all critics to lead by example and do the same. The public needs more philanthropists like Mr. Chen, who silently do meaningful work, rather than commentators who only know how to criticize.”
On the eve of Christmas, Amanda was working late in Chen Wengang’s office, verifying a new batch of donated supplies. Having worked together for many years, their relationship had evolved beyond that of superior and subordinate; they were more like old friends. Snow started falling outside, and Chen Wengang stood by the window with a large dog lying at his feet. As he watched the snowfall, he engaged in a casual conversation with her:
“By the way, how many years have you been working for me?”
Amanda remembered very clearly, “It’s been ten years.”
Suddenly, Chen Wengang asked again, “Miss Yang, you’ve been busy with work all these years and haven’t settled down. Do you ever feel regretful about it?”
Amanda laughed, “Why are you being so old-fashioned? I’ve succeeded in my career; do I really need a man to add the finishing touch?”
Chen Wengang smiled and said he would give her an extended holiday during the New Year. After years of hard work, it was time to take a break. Half-jokingly, they wished each other a Merry Christmas and exchanged holiday farewells. As Amanda pushed open the door to leave, she heard a faint murmur from behind.
“Ten years of life and death, vast and boundless…”
It was a soft utterance, almost like a sigh or a dreamy murmur.
She turned her head and saw Chen Wengang still standing by the window, his posture unchanged. It was hard to tell if it was real or if she had imagined it.
Chen Wengang insisted that Amanda take a leisurely annual leave, but little did she know that trouble would strike as soon as she left.
While on her way to the airport, Amanda received a call from a subordinate. The voice on the other end was frantic, with someone softly sobbing in the background. “…The ceiling suddenly collapsed; it was already a dangerous building, possibly neglected for years… There are female teachers and children at the scene… Mr. Chen tried to protect them… An ambulance? It has already arrived, but…”
In the hesitation of the word “but” and the choked sobs, Amanda sensed an ominous scent.
Her typically sharp and efficient mind was unusually blank, struggling to function or even think. Despite appearing composed as she comforted her subordinate, she hurriedly turned back. As she descended the escalator, she tripped and fell, her knee slamming onto the ground. She heard a song playing on the airport’s announcement system:
“A grain of wheat, unless it falls into the ground and dies,
Regardless of how much time passes, it remains itself…
If it is willing to be buried and used up,
It will yield many fruits, experiencing the miracles of life…”
Assisted by airport staff, Amanda slowly stood up, and an indescribable sorrow and regret surged within her.
The subordinate called again, and this time, unable to hold back the tears, said, “Mr. Chen, he—”
At 10:10 in the morning, all rescue efforts were in vain, and Chen Wengang passed away.
……
……
In the overwhelming sense of impending death, Chen Wengang heard the radio broadcast in his ears.
The voice was singing something about “experiencing the miracles of life.” He clutched at the clothes on his chest, rolling off the bed in pain.
Numbness spread through his limbs, and his heart pounded like a drum, almost bursting from his chest. The surroundings became a blurry and dark mist, and he couldn’t see anything.
This sensation was not unfamiliar to him. In the hazy state of consciousness, it was almost impossible to distinguish whether this was the feeling of death or another panik attack; it seemed like an old friend was visiting him. After an unknown amount of time, gritting his teeth, Chen Wengang slowly sat up, as if surviving a disaster.
The surroundings were both familiar and strange. Yet something was even more amiss than the environment itself.
After a long while, Chen Wengang realized that it was the adjustment of distance and balance between his two eyes; somehow it was back to him. With his recovered vision that he had lost a long time ago, he looked around, recognizing the place he currently occupied as the bedroom in the Zheng family’s residence, where he lived during his youth.
Chen Wengang pushed himself up using the carpet and instinctively went to find a mirror. In the dressing mirror, he saw a smooth and flawless face.
Untouched by the passage of time, free from fear and shadows, with not even a hint of surprise, gentle and serene.
Chen Wengang’s gaze shifted to the desk, where a desk calendar was placed.
This was his appearance at the age of twenty.
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