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Chapter 7: It was Huo Niansheng who really gave in repeatedly.
The driver received a call and drove to the entrance of the mall to wait. The two people got into the car, and the poodle, who was brought back, happily sniffed around in the cage on the back seat. However, on the way back, Zheng Baoqiu seemed to be deep in thought about something.
Her emotions were written on her face, and Chen Wengang couldn’t pretend not to notice.
He didn’t have much to say, so he continued to play with the dog. Zheng Baoqiu finally raised her head, glanced at the driver, leaned over, and, in a hushed tone, asked Chen Wengang, “What do you think… about my cousin? “
Chen Wengang couldn’t claim to be too familiar with Huo Niansheng, so he said, “Not sure. Generous, perhaps?”
Zheng Baoqiu widened her eyes, “Him? Generous? He’s anything but normal.”
Chen Wengang asked her, “What’s not normal about him?”
She confidently said, “I think he’s being so attentive because he wants to pursue you.”
Chen Wengang was at a loss for words. Zheng Baoqiu said, “You’re a man too. Would you casually tell another man ‘you look good no matter what you wear’?”
He couldn’t even think of a way to refute it.
Chen Wengang couldn’t admit that this was a flirtatious signal from Huo Niansheng.
He had underestimated Zheng Baoqiu.
In Chen Wengang’s subconscious, he always felt that she was still the little girl in a butterfly dress from back then. It wasn’t until today that he realized she had already become an adult college student. Influenced by the large family environment, despite her seemingly naive personality, there was also a mature side to her. When Chen Wengang was her age, he might not have been as sharp-witted as Zheng Baoqiumin.
In his previous life, when he was at this age, he encountered Huo Niansheng. Upon careful reflection, he had also received similar signals.
However, at that time, he was very resistant and instinctively wanted to avoid such people. Regardless of how well he got along with Zheng Yucheng, loyal and unwavering without the possibility of romantic entanglements, the image of Huo Niansheng in his heart was nothing more than a dissolute and wonton playboy who dallied everywhere.
He didn’t think there was a single strand of hair on Huo Niansheng that was trustworthy. Flirting everywhere, how could the words of a playboy be taken seriously?
Even now, Zheng Baoqiu thought the same: “If my cousin really wants to pursue you, don’t get too close to him.”
Chen Wengang asked, “Are you worried that I’ll be deceived by him?”
Zheng Baoqiu rested her chin on her hand and said, “I’m not saying bad things about him. He’s not a bad person; he’s just not very disciplined in his private life. Look, even my mom reminded me to keep a distance from him and his unreliable friends, not to mix with random men and women.”
The term “random men and women” seemed a bit exaggerated, and she corrected herself, “Well, no one has seen him with a fixed partner, and everyone knows he’s not reliable. Really, just listen to me; being friends with him is fine, but don’t get into a relationship with him.”
Chen Wengang smiled and said he understood.
Seeing him so indifferent, Zheng Baoqiu wasn’t overly worried.
His mature and restrained personality seemed incompatible with her impression of her playful cousin. Even if Huo Niansheng played around, he wouldn’t choose such an unexciting target. At most, he might feel curious for a while. He wouldn’t force it if Chen Wengang wasn’t willing.
***
When they arrived home, there was still over an hour before dinner. Chen Wengang helped Zheng Baoqiu bring her shopping loot to her room.
As Chen Wengang entered the bedroom, carrying a bag of his own clothes, he was startled to find an unexpected figure inside.
It was Zheng Yucheng, who had come uninvited and was sitting by his bedside, waiting for who knows how long.
“Wengang.”
“Why didn’t you go to the company?”
“Dad called me back today and said he had something to discuss with me.”
Chen Wengang quickly understood. Zheng Bingyi must talk to the two parties involved one by one.
He placed the bag aside and pulled a chair over to sit down. “What did Yifu say to you?”
At this time, it was the transition period from afternoon to evening, and the room wasn’t lit. The light cast a somewhat ambiguous and dim atmosphere.
The entire afternoon, Zheng Yucheng had been hiding in Chen Wengang’s room, absentmindedly gazing at the sunlight, which went from bright and dazzling to precarious. In his mind, the scene from the afternoon kept replaying, with Zheng Bingyi warning him that there was absolutely no possibility between him and Chen Wengang and asking him to handle it on his own.
Zheng Yucheng originally wanted to argue on reasonable grounds. He had prepared a whole script, intending to persuade his father that times had changed and it was no longer the era of arranged marriages, talking about human rights, freedom, equality, and how different minority groups deserved respect.
However, Zheng Bingyi’s words blocked all of it, “You’re free and open-minded. Have you ever thought about what will happen to the Zheng family?”
He fell silent.
Hearing Zheng Bingyi say, “So you don’t need to tell me those things. If you think your father’s thinking is outdated, let me ask you in turn, have you considered your responsibility? Will you bring a man home every year to pay respects to your ancestors? Should I let Maohun do it then?”
Whether for the sake of the company’s stock price or family traditions, the head of the Zheng family should have a complete marriage to carry on the family line.
If he couldn’t do it, there were more suitable candidates. Even the foreign royal families had kings who gave up their thrones to marry for love. You can’t have your cake and eat it too. What qualifications did Zheng Yucheng think he had to believe he could control everything?
Zheng Yucheng was coldly and sternly stared at by his father.
Regarding Zheng Bingyi, Zheng Yucheng was ultimately revered. The words “I can choose not to marry and have children” were stuck in his throat, suddenly unable to be spoken. When the matter came to a head, he realized how difficult it was—could he really let go of the years of effort he had put in before?
His throat moved for a long time, and he couldn’t immediately make such a big promise.
Zheng Bingyi saw his son in this state and knew that it was safe: “You see, Wengang has always been more sensible than you. Now he has also agreed to break up with you.” He patted his son’s shoulder. “It’s for your own good. I hope you can show some courage.”
This was the final blow for Zheng Yucheng.
After leaving the study, he wanted to call Chen Wengang but almost tripped. Upon careful consideration, it was better to clarify such matters face to face. He lay on Chen Wengang’s bed with his hands under his head for two hours, sniffing his scent. At this moment, he had already calmed down considerably.
“Nothing much; we just talked about future plans. I also want to discuss what we should do next.”
“What are you thinking?” Chen Wengang crossed his arms, leaning back in the chair, facing Zheng Yucheng.
“Did you say anything to him?”
“I promised him that I’d break up with you.”
“You—” Zheng Yucheng’s face showed a hurt expression. However, he seemed more shocked in his heart. Originally, he didn’t believe that these words came from Chen Wengang’s mouth. He thought Zheng Bingyi was deceiving him, since his father was too scheming and capable of such deception.
He had thought at least Chen Wengang and he were of the same mind.
The scene where the two worked together didn’t even happen. Without a word, Chen Wengang stood by his father’s side.
Unable to resist, Zheng Yucheng reached out to grab the other’s shoulder. However, Chen Wengang slipped away like a slippery fish, somehow avoiding his grasp.
He forced a smile. “So, you decided to break up on your own, and I’m the last to know?”
Chen Wengang pinched his forehead but didn’t speak. Suddenly, Zheng Yucheng’s phone rang.
Caller ID: He Wanxin.
Zheng Yucheng glanced at Chen Wengang and activated the speakerphone.
He Wanxin’s voice sounded cheerful and echoed in the room. “Yucheng, come quickly! I found a coffee shop with amazing tiramisu. Where are you? Can you make it in fifteen minutes?”
Zheng Yucheng said, “Miss He, I’m sorry, but I’m busy at the moment.”
She said, “How about dinner then? My friend recommended a French restaurant on Huandao Road. Can you treat me?”
Zheng Yucheng apologized again, “Sorry, it’s really not convenient.”
After much persuasion, he finally refused all her requests. He looked up at Chen Wengang.
Chen Wengang put his hand down but reached out in front of Zheng Yucheng. “Your phone.”
When a relationship reaches the point of checking each other’s phones, it’s not far from the end.
Zheng Yucheng somewhat resentfully handed it to him: “I can swear I’ve never betrayed you.”
Chen Wengang, with his eyes downcast, remained silent. He scrolled through the chat history between Zheng Yucheng and He Wanxin.
He didn’t scroll for long; he just curiously looked at the recent messages.
【He Wanxin: What are you busy with today?】
【He Wanxin: Why are you ignoring me again?】
【He Wanxin: Are you there? Why aren’t you talking? Are you so busy that typing is difficult?】
【Zheng Yucheng: Sorry, I really have work to do.】
【He Wanxin: Every time you say you’re busy with work, is it true?】
【He Wanxin: I guess you don’t want to meet me, right? Who are you trying to embarrass by being so indifferent?】
【He Wanxin: Zheng Yucheng, answer the phone!】
【He Wanxin: Pick up the phone for me!】
For Chen Wengang, this past relationship was already a thing of the past, but combined with the two lifetimes, it was the first time he knew what these two people had talked about. He wasn’t particularly interested in the content of their conversation; he just realized that he was no longer afraid of He Wanxin.
Chen Wengang calmly returned the phone to Zheng Yucheng: “Why didn’t you just block her?”
“You’ve seen it yourself. Her personality is a bit extreme. If I block her, she’ll only escalate the situation. My dad and Mr. He have been old friends for many years, and we also have cooperation with the He family. Why make it so ugly? What if something really happens? How do we explain?”
“I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want to bother you,” Zheng Yucheng added, “but there has never been anything inappropriate between me and her.”
Chen Wengang looked at him with a detached gaze. Zheng Yucheng fell silent.
Chen Wengang chuckled. He walked over and gently held Zheng Yucheng’s face with cool hands.
He said to Zheng Yucheng, “In the past, whenever we had disagreements, I always gave in to you.”
“Yes.” Zheng Yucheng couldn’t deny it.
“This time, can you let me have my way?” Chen Wengang said, “You don’t even have the freedom to block someone. With all your concerns, why can’t you understand that I am less free than you? Zheng Yucheng, breaking up is the best solution. Don’t make it difficult for me.”
The two locked eyes.
Zheng Yucheng’s eyes gradually reddened, staring at him with a mixture of sadness and grievance, like a child who had lost his beloved toy car.
“Chen Wengang!” he said. “We’ve known each other for eleven years, been together for two… and now it’s all come to this, making it difficult for you?”
Before the age of twenty, whenever Chen Wengang saw Zheng Yucheng in this state, he couldn’t help but feel soft-hearted. Zheng Yucheng always had a bit of a temper, rushing headlong into things and occasionally even saying hurtful things out of spite. But it wasn’t beyond tolerance. In any relationship, there were bound to be conflicts, with one being assertive and the other conceding. Nine out of ten times, Chen Wengang would coax him.
Until later, when he was with Huo Niansheng, it seemed that Huo Niansheng should be the assertive one.
However, strangely enough, no one would probably believe it if he said it out loud. The one who repeatedly conceded was, in fact, Huo Niansheng.
Even when Chen Wengang lost control of his emotions and smashed everything in the room, the other just leaned against the door, asking when he was exhausted, “Feeling better now?”
Chen Wengang lowered his eyes and subconsciously rubbed his right cheek with the back of his hand.
He put his hand down, touched Zheng Yucheng’s thick, dark hair, and said, “From now on, knock on my door before entering, okay?”
Zheng Yucheng rushed out of the room.
The two parted ways without joy.
After standing in place for a while, Chen Wengang remembered something. He went to the closet and hung up the new clothes.
At this moment, he took a closer look at what kind of style the black shirt was. Zheng Baoqiu’s dragon and phoenix design was very festive, while Huo Niansheng went for a different style, adorned with accordion pleats and lotus leaf edges. The teasing implications from both were evident. Chen Wengang looked at it for a moment but decided to unfold it.
His slender arms passed through the sleeves. Huo Niansheng’s eyes were indeed sharp. The size fit perfectly.
He faced the mirror, buttoning up the shell buttons one by one around his neck.
The black silk refracted a moist light, and in the mirror, his skin looked pale, managing to keep the shirt from looking too intimidating.
After observing for a long time, Chen Wengang shook his head with a helpless smile. He unbuttoned each button, changing back into his own home clothes. The black and red ones were both stashed away deep in the wardrobe. Only the white shirt, which he usually wore, was hanging outside for convenience.
***
During dinner, Zheng Yucheng locked himself in his room and didn’t come downstairs.
At the dinner table, besides Zheng Yucheng’s absence, Zheng Maohun was also not present, reportedly at the racetrack with friends.
Mrs. Zheng, Huo Meijie, instructed the servants to keep some food warm and deliver it to Zheng Yucheng’s room later, only to receive a cold snort from Mr. Zheng:
“How much face does he think he has to have his food delivered to his mouth? Let him either come down to eat himself or go hungry!”
Huo Meijie pursed her lips, smiling, secretly pleased. In fact, whether Zheng Yucheng ate or not had nothing to do with her.
Zheng Bingyi had talked to Chen Wengang today, and his mood was hard to discern. After eating a few bites, he went upstairs earlier than usual.
Once he left, the atmosphere at the dinner table lightened.
Huo Meijie turned to Chen Wengang: “Have you been busy with work and studies lately?”
Chen Wengang gave her a standard answer, “It’s okay, manageable.”
However, Huo Meijie’s attitude toward him today was noticeably more amiable than usual. She also showed concern about other aspects.
It turned out she was well-informed. Mr. Zheng had inquired about Zheng Maohun’s performance with Chen Wengang yesterday, and the information quickly reached her ears.
Zheng Bingyi entered early retirement due to health reasons. After his first sudden heart attack, he resisted acknowledging his age until the second incident landed him in the emergency room again, forcing him to step back from the frontline. However, even in his retirement, his heart and eyes remained with the group. Apart from regular executive updates, what Chen Wengang saw was what he saw, and what Chen Wengang heard was what he heard.
Therefore, she subtly probed, “A-Xun has been with the company for a short time. What did you say at that time?”
Chen Wengang smiled: “I think he has always been very diligent.”
Huo Meijie said, “You three grew up together, and brothers should help and support each other. A-Xun has a younger age, and he needs more encouragement. Wengang, you should speak more positively about him in front of your yifu.”
Zheng Baoqiu felt a bit awkward listening to their conversation. “Mom… you’re worrying too much. Er-ge1Second brother is not three years old this year.”
“You just focus on your studies. You don’t understand other matters. I’m worrying so much, all for your sake.”
Although Huo Meijie was from the Huo family, she wasn’t particularly valued by her natal family. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have been Zheng Bingyi’s second wife.
Her inherent views were still quite traditional, and her only hope was her son. Therefore, anything that could be contended for, she contended for him.
Her children might think she was calculating and unsightly, but did they not understand? Some things, if you don’t actively pursue them, throw tantrums, or demand them, won’t just fall into your hands.
Whether eating in a refined manner or not was irrelevant. Which family wasn’t like this?
Zheng Baoqiu curled her lips, knowing her mother’s temper and choosing not to argue anymore. However, privately, she passed on her mother’s words to Zheng Maoxun.
Knowing Zheng Maoxun’s impulsive temper, especially his concern for his face, she received a two-word reply from him: “So embarrassing.”
After some thought, he sent another message: “Can you ask her not to say anything? It’s too shameful!”
Zheng Baoqiu replied, “I can’t control that. It’s her own home; let her do as she pleases.”
“Then you tell that Chen guy not to meddle too much. Aren’t you close to him?”
“I’m not saying anything. Wengang-ge is a good person. Why don’t you like him?”
She put away her phone, and her gaze, initially focused on the commotion, unintentionally swept across Mu Qing. Sensing Zheng Baoqiu’s gaze, he looked back, maintaining his usual aloof and distant demeanor and not getting close to anyone.
This made Zheng Baoqiu suddenly think of something. She had occasionally seen on the school forum recently that someone was evaluating him as the “College of Arts’ grass,” a high-cold male god, claiming to look somewhat like the good-looking but morally deficient grass in the School of Management.
“People like him are the true white moonlight,” which irritated her. Was he really a male god? And who was the other person being compared to?
But whenever she tried to refute that person, they would hide the post. As if feeling guilty, she couldn’t figure out who was so bored and lacked taste.
Mrs. Zheng finished her meal, wiped the corners of her mouth with a napkin, gave a few instructions to the younger generation, and then returned to her room.
In the evening, Zheng Baoqiu had a virtual date with her phone, lying on the bed playing a love game. Suddenly, she received a call from Huo Niansheng, which startled her.
This cousin seldom contacted her unless there was something. Normally, he wouldn’t even think of giving her a call.
After some polite greetings, he asked, “Have you tried on those clothes?”
Certainly, he wasn’t asking her, and he wasn’t asking about her clothes.
Zheng Baoqiu hesitated for a moment and casually replied, “You mean Wengang-ge? Yes, he tried it on, and it fits well. Thanks, Cousin.”
Huo Niansheng chuckled, “Really? Do you have any pictures?”
She suddenly sat up and said, “Oh, it’s almost bedtime… It’s not convenient for me to go to his room now.”
Huo Niansheng, on the other end, said, “Forget it then. I’ll call you guys out to play when I come back.”
Zheng Baoqiu became alert, fearing that the next thing he would say was to ask for the phone number.
However, that didn’t happen. After a couple more unrelated remarks, they bid each other farewell.
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