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Chapter 4: Wengang, goodbye.
Chen Wengang knew that Zheng Bingyi had the habit of taking a lunch break, so he waited until around two o’clock before going to find Uncle Lin: “Is Yifu free now?”
The old housekeeper went and came back, telling him, “Master is reading.”
Chen Wengang pushed open the door to the study, where the head of the household was waiting for him.
Zheng Bingyi was over fifty years old, had a bronze complexion, eyebrows as prominent as riverbanks, and deeply set eyes that were sharp and shrewd. He was studying the pages of the traditional vertical script of the “Tao Te Ching” in front of the window. Behind him hung a calligraphy piece, “The highest goodness is like water,” written by himself.
He used to be decisive in the business world, but after suffering two heart attacks in succession, he started paying attention to self-cultivation.
As Chen Wengang approached, Zheng Bingyi took off his reading glasses and threw them onto the desk with a loud clatter.
Chen Wengang called out “Yifu” and respectfully stood in front of his desk: “I’ve come to admit my mistake to you.”
Zheng Bingyi chuckled: “You all are very capable now. What’s there to admit to me?”
Chen Wengang maintained a humble attitude, “Please don’t be angry; pay attention to your health.”
He stood there, the afternoon sunlight oblivious to social cues, still streaming in through the window and showering him with fragments of golden light on his head and face.
Zheng Bingyi couldn’t help but admit that this kid looked good; deep down, he could even understand why his son fell in love with him.
Then this old father recalled the laboratory he donated to the university just last year—Baoqiu and Maoxun didn’t have good enough grades to get into college; it was through the infusion of money that they made it. As for Zheng Yucheng, he was better than his younger siblings, having passed the college entrance exam on his own.
But compared to Chen Wengang, everyone fell short. Chen Wengang scored A+ in every subject, earning a full scholarship. It was during a dinner where he met a member of the school board flattering Zheng Bingyi that Zheng Bingyi learned about this. Chen Wengang had been low-key and was quietly surpassing Zheng Yucheng.
At times, Zheng Bingyi felt a bit regretful. Why didn’t his own children have such sharp minds?
His adopted son made him feel relieved and satisfied. He never boasted but willingly played a supporting role, and this restrained Zheng Bingyi’s temper.
“Alright.” He opened a drawer, took out a cigar from the box, and said, “Did you find the person who took the photos?”
“Not yet. I asked the school security department, but there are no cameras near that wall. If we report it, it will attract too much attention.”
“I had a lunch appointment with your school principal this afternoon. I asked them to delete all the recordings among the students. We don’t want this to turn into a big spectacle.”
“Sorry for causing you trouble.”
“As long as you know. I think you guys are determined to give me another heart attack sooner or later.”
Zheng Bingyi opened a drawer, took out a cigar, and then grabbed a cigar cutter, snipping the end of the cigar with a crisp sound. He lit it, wearing a contemplative expression. Chen Wengang waited for him to finish smoking, anticipating the announcement of the conclusion.
Finally, Zheng Bingyi rested the cigar on the ashtray: “I was young once too, and I understand that young people like to have fun; that’s understandable. I know you and Yucheng have a good relationship; I’ve known that for a while. But I never said a word to stop you, did I? However, everything has its limits. If you want to have fun, it’s okay. But in a family like ours, there are some things that can’t be taken too seriously. Do you understand?”
Perhaps Zheng Yucheng understood his father to some extent, but not entirely.
As for Chen Wengang, whether he kissed Zheng Yucheng, engaged in intimate gestures, or went to bed with him, Zheng Bingyi genuinely didn’t care. The subtle exchanges, however, didn’t escape Zheng Bingyi’s notice. Still, the idea of spending a lifetime together seemed like a far-fetched dream.
Chen Wengang stood respectfully. Compared to his nominal father, Zheng Bingyi had always been more like a boss to him.
But before he left, Zheng Bingyi showed a bit of a fatherly heart: “Wengang, you are the one who puts me at ease the most. You are sensible, and I don’t want to scold you with harsh words. Yucheng and Maoxun have caused trouble countless times since they were kids, but you have never gone astray.”
He patted his adopted son on the shoulder: “Even if you’ve learned a lesson this time, in the future, be cautious in your words and actions. Don’t disappoint me.”
Chen Wengang indeed rarely makes mistakes, but it’s not an absolute impossibility.
Which child doesn’t get into trouble?
When he was in his early teens, there was a time he felt wronged at his new school, discriminated against by a snobbish teacher. Suddenly, he really wanted to go back to his original home. Zheng Yucheng accompanied him in running away, and neither of them told anyone, causing the Zheng family to think they had been kidnapped, and they even reported it to the police.
Upon their return, Uncle Lin criticized Chen Wengang. Zheng Bingyi wasn’t pleased either, but he didn’t say a harsh word to him.
He told Chen Wengang to go to sleep but left Zheng Yucheng with an empty stomach in solitary confinement for the night, and no one could persuade him.
However, Chen Wengang couldn’t sleep either. He stayed outside the door, keeping company with Zheng Yucheng.
As the night grew deeper and the dew heavier, a chilly breeze blew through the corridor. Uncle Lin, holding a blanket, came to see them, and Zheng Yucheng, wrapped in a blanket, slept carefree. Uncle Lin asked Chen Wengang if he had figured out where he had gone wrong, and he said he had.
In reality, he might not have truly figured things out; he instinctively felt that this response would be better.
During that time, he began to understand some things, realizing that the discipline he and the other children in this family received was not the same.
Zheng Yucheng would directly face punishment, and once it was over, everything would be fine. On the contrary, for Chen Wengang, not facing punishment wasn’t necessarily a fortunate thing. He had to constantly keep the lessons in mind. He could only scrutinize his own position based on the subtlest clues.
Since then, he became exceptionally rule-abiding. Whether it was good or bad to conform to rules, it was the safest path.
He made fewer and fewer mistakes, and Zheng Bingyi became increasingly satisfied with him.
Getting involved with Zheng Yucheng was the most rule-breaking thing he had done.
Before leaving, he heard Zheng Bingyi ask, “What about Maoxun? Now that he’s also in the company, how do you feel about his performance?”
Chen Wengang wasn’t actually sure, but he gave a few lines of praise that wouldn’t go wrong: “He works very hard, is willing to progress, and improves quickly.”
Like father, like son. Zheng Bingyi’s mouth curled downward: “Is that so? Why didn’t I see it?”
Chen Wengang could only force a smile.
Zheng Bingyi said, “If everyone were like you, I’d have peace of mind. Zheng Maoxun is too playful, and there are many things in the business he’s not proficient in. Consider transferring him to a different position, and if you have time, help him out. There is no need to always be in and out with Yucheng.”
***
Chen Wengang had just emerged from the study and was descending the stairs when a figure rushed toward him like a whirlwind: “Wengang-ge!”
He gave the newcomer a smile.
Zheng Baoqiu hugged his arm: “Do you still remember my cousin? Huo Niansheng!”
Chen Wengang accompanied Zheng Baoqiu in the direction of the living room, showing no signs of surprise on his face: “What’s up with him?”
“When we were having dinner, you heard my mom mention it, right? He’s coming back soon,” Zheng Baoqiu said. “I was thinking of buying him something. But I don’t know what’s appropriate to give a guy. How about you come with me to choose?”
Chen Wengang said, “Sure, let me know when you’re free.”
In his heart, he had always regarded Baoqiu as a little sister. Even if it wasn’t for Huo Niansheng, he wouldn’t refuse this little sister’s request. Zheng Baoqiu was indeed delighted: “You’re always the best to me! Both my real brothers refused to accompany me.”
Chen Wengang chuckled: “Did they refuse, or were they afraid to go shopping with you?”
Zheng Baoqiu didn’t mind and leaned in with Chen Wengang, checking his course schedule on their phones.
He was in his third year, with one semester left before starting his senior year after another summer break, and thanks to dedicating the first two years to studying and completing credits, he did not have many remaining courses. Except for an early class the following day, the rest of the week was free.
Zheng Baoqiu was too impatient to wait and agreed to meet him after his class the next day to go straight to the department store.
Sitting on the sofa, the two chatted away. When they made sure no one was around, Zheng Baoqiu finally couldn’t resist and lowered her voice to a level reserved for sharing secrets, “What did my dad say to you? Did he scold you? Are you and my Dage 1Big Brother still going to be together in the future?”
Chen Wengang didn’t expect there was a little gossip enthusiast here, and he vaguely replied: “Let’s talk about it later.”
“Don’t just brush me off.” Zheng Baoqiu leaned on the sofa arm. As a girl of her age, she still harbored romantic fantasies. “I used to secretly help you two pass love letters. I think you really like my brother. Are you really not going to fight for it?”
Zheng Baoqiu had accidentally discovered their relationship at home before and had helped keep the secret for a long time.
Chen Wengang felt a bit relieved and teased her, “What would you do if you were in my shoes?”
She replied, “Kneel outside the study for three days and nights? Or maybe pack up and elope?”
Chen Wengang genuinely laughed and asked her, “Isn’t breaking up a simpler and safer solution?”
“What about love?”
“Love isn’t that important.”
“Really? Are you really going to break up?”
This time, Chen Wengang gave her a definite answer.
Zheng Baoqiu let out a sigh and looked regretful.
But then she said: “Well, I’ll just secretly make a wish, hoping that He Wanxin won’t become my sister-in-law in the end.”
“Not for any other reason.” Zheng Baoqiu swayed her foot with a fine platinum anklet wrapped around her ankle. “I can assure you with my integrity that she does not genuinely like my brother. But that is not the main point. Sometimes, I find her a bit… scary.”
Chen Wengang was surprised by her female intuition, and though he opened his mouth, all that came out was a helpless smile.
He promised Zheng Baoqiu not to mention it to anyone, adding another layer to their small secret.
As soon as Zheng Baoqiu ran off, his smile disappeared. That name had brought too much darkness to him.
Zheng Baoqiu said she hated her, probably stemming from an instinct to seek benefit and avoid harm.
The relationship between him and He Wanxin was no longer describable as liking or disliking.
It was because she had once ruined someone’s later years for her own selfish reasons.
For the rest of the day, Chen Wengang locked himself in his bedroom, avoiding contact with others. After coming back to life, he needed some space for contemplation, including how to face He Wanxin and Zheng Yucheng in this lifetime. Hatred was a prolonged and exhausting emotion, and he found it challenging to sustain hatred toward anyone for an extended period. Looking back, Huo Niansheng’s intervention had put an end to his past life’s enmity—Huo Niansheng had put an end to it for him.
As a result, Chen Wengang did not arrive at a very definite answer.
Huo Niansheng unexpectedly appeared in his dream, carrying the familiar nonchalant demeanor, mocking him for still being indecisive.
Chen Wengang sat on a seaside bench, already accustomed to this disdainful tone, not getting angry, and inexplicably feeling nostalgic.
He retorted in a teasing tone, “Yes, experience comes with age. You have a lot of knowledge. Can you tell me what to do?”
Huo Niansheng did not respond and instead sat down next to Chen Wengang. They sat together for a while, but the wind grew colder.
Huo Niansheng stood up, ruffled his hair, and said, “It’s time for me to go.”
Chen Wengang grabbed him instinctively.
Huo Niansheng lowered his head, smiled at him, and asked, “Do you not want me to leave?”
The sea breeze howled, and a wave of clamor rushed into their ears. Chen Wengang was at a loss for words and could only shake his head.
His heart was filled with sorrow.
Huo Niansheng laughed again, slowly prying open his fingers: “Why don’t you want me to leave?”
Chen Wengang still couldn’t articulate the reason, and he couldn’t resist the strength of the other. He eventually had to let go of his hand.
He watched helplessly as Huo Niansheng bent down and left a gentle kiss on his once-burned cheek: “Wengang, goodbye.”
Then, with a wave of his hand, he disappeared at the end of the beach, leaving footprints in the sand.
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