CITM - 50

Bao Yu Teahouse, located next to the International Hotel, sits near dance halls and theaters. The seating is comfortable, the tea selection exceptional, and even the teaware is meticulously chosen. Despite the premium pricing for a pot of tea in this location, it remains a popular spot for many refined individuals who appreciate its ambiance. Businesspeople, journalists, writers, and employees from nearby buildings frequently visit to discuss matters.

On a sunny afternoon, the outdoor seats at Bao Yu Teahouse are often hard to come by. With a gentle breeze, warm sunlight, and a view of the lush green square, modern skyscrapers blending seamlessly with old-fashioned villas, it’s an idyllic setting.

At one of the street-side tables sat a striking woman dressed in a double-breasted suit with a knee-length skirt. Her feminine figure softened the stiffness of the suit, making her look both stylish and elegant.

As she turned slightly, sunlight bathed her face, accentuating her delicate features enhanced by minimal makeup. Her wavy hair cascaded over her shoulders, and a lustrous pearl necklace adorned her collarbone, enhancing her fair complexion.

In just the time it took to settle in and order tea, she had already drawn numerous admiring glances. The man seated across from her couldn’t take his eyes off her, declining the server’s assistance to personally pour her tea, his attentiveness evident.

Ye Yun glanced at the teacup placed before her, her eyes lifting briefly but enough to captivate Yan Boss, whose heart raced.

“Then I’ll get straight to the point,” Ye Yun said, her fingers resting on the cup handle.

Yan Boss stared at her slender, pale fingers, his desire palpable as he politely replied, “Go ahead, speak freely.”

Ye Yun withdrew her hand, leaning back against her chair, her expression earnest. “We’ve been working together for about half a year now, so you’re familiar with our situation. Previously, we didn’t have many orders, but whenever we did, we always paid you promptly. I believe you’d agree that we’re trustworthy?”

Yan Boss’s gaze lingered on her moving lips as he nodded distractedly. “Trustworthy, absolutely.”

Ye Yun smiled faintly, her radiant charm momentarily mesmerizing Yan Boss.

“You know we started from scratch, without much capital to stock materials. We only procure goods from you based on incoming orders. This time, however, is special. Our new client is highly influential. If this deal goes through, not only will we pay the full amount, but you’ll also benefit immensely.”

Hearing this, Yan Boss regained some focus. “What exactly are you proposing?”

“We’re dealing with a first-time partner, so to demonstrate sincerity, we need to deliver the initial batch of goods before receiving payment. This requires a grace period. I’ve asked you here to discuss extending the payment terms for this transaction.”

Yan Boss straightened up. “How much stock do you need?”

Ye Yun retrieved a slip of paper from her bag and slid it across the table.

After examining it closely, Yan Boss frowned. “You’re really bold to agree to such terms. At least ask for a deposit!”

Ye Yun lowered her gaze, a faint smile playing on her lips, remaining silent.

Without connections or backing, their small factory had no choice but to offer absolute sincerity and enticing business terms to compete. Securing this partnership had taken nearly eighteen months, and everyone was giving it their all. She didn’t want to gamble with the entire factory’s future, but reality dictated that people needed to eat, and business itself was a high-stakes game. Without courage, how could they compete with stronger players?

After pondering for a moment, Yan Boss spoke earnestly. “Forgive me for being blunt, but essentially, you’re asking me to supply goods for free. If the client rejects the delivery, wouldn’t we suffer alongside you?”

Ye Yun crossed her legs, tilting her chin slightly, her poised demeanor exuding calmness. “If we’ve secured this order, we’re confident in fulfilling it. The acceptance criteria are quality, design, and delivery efficiency. Are you doubting our factory or me personally?”

“You… of course I trust you.”

Unconsciously, Yan Boss’s gaze drifted to the slit in her skirt, the curves of her legs sparking his imagination.

Ye Yun’s eyes dimmed slightly as she subtly uncrossed her legs, concealing the alluring lines beneath her skirt.

Yan Boss snapped out of his reverie, sipping his tea thoughtfully. By the time he set the cup down, he seemed to have made up his mind.

“It’s not that I’m unwilling to help. For smaller quantities, I’d assist without hesitation given our long-standing relationship. But if I were to guarantee this deal, how would others in my company perceive it? Once this precedent is set, where does it end? You understand, right?”

Though Ye Yun understood his concerns, she knew his factory was ultimately his sole decision. If he agreed to take the order, there would be room for negotiation.

True enough, Yan Boss shifted his tone. “Ms. Ye, our relationship has grown distant. Helping you blindly would raise objections not just from my subordinates but even within myself. However, if we were closer…”

Ye Yun listened silently, maintaining a polite smile while scrutinizing him from head to toe—mid-forties, thinning hair, drab attire, a slight hunch, narrow eyes, exuding cunning and worldliness.

She gestured to a nearby waiter, who approached respectfully. “Please clear this gentleman’s teacup; he’s leaving.”

As the waiter collected the cup, Yan Boss looked stunned. “What do you mean?”

Her faint smile remained. “I’ll cover the tea. Thank you for coming, Mr. Yan. Goodbye.”

Flustered and angry, Yan Boss stood up, pointing at her. “I know the owners of several factories nearby. A word from me, and no one will supply you. Think carefully. Let me know if you change your mind.”

He turned to leave, and Ye Yun’s composure faltered. She took a sip of tea as Xiao Fu rushed in—a tall, somewhat clumsy young man in his early twenties.

“Boss Ye, did everything go well?” he asked eagerly.

Ye Yun set her teacup down, her gaze passing over Xiao Fu to the woman behind him. She had been staring intently since his arrival. When their eyes met, the woman smirked, confirming recognition, and strode toward Ye Yun.

“Long time no see. Do you remember me?” the woman asked, smiling broadly.

A flicker of surprise crossed Ye Yun’s eyes. “Sister Hong.”

As Su Hong approached, past and present collided briefly in Ye Yun’s mind, a disorienting weight pulling at her heart.

Since boarding that train years ago, everyone and everything connected to him had vanished from her life. Su Hong’s sudden appearance jolted her dormant instincts into high alert.

Xiao Fu belatedly turned around, noticing Su Hong.

“And who might this be?” Su Hong inquired, meeting Xiao Fu’s gaze.

“My assistant, Xiao Fu,” Ye Yun introduced calmly, suppressing her inner turmoil. “This is Boss Su.”

Xiao Fu grinned sheepishly. “Nice to meet you, Boss Su.”

Su Hong drawled meaningfully, “Xiao Fu, hmm…”

Ye Yun blinked rapidly, her breathing quickening. To everyone here, she was a blank slate, her past unknown. Su Hong’s presence instinctively raised her defenses. Turning to Xiao Fu, she said, “I need to chat with an old friend. You can head back first.”

Once Xiao Fu left, Su Hong pulled out the chair opposite Ye Yun and sat down.

Dressed casually with a travel bag at her side, she appeared weary yet retained her charismatic aura. After settling in, she studied Ye Yun intently.

“Your hair has grown so long. The last time I saw you, you’d cut it short. How many years has it been?”

Ye Yun lowered her gaze, memories flooding her eyes like scattered stars and rain.

“Over four years, I suppose. You’re running your own business now?”

“Just a small clothing factory. Nothing grand.”

She glanced at Su Hong’s travel bag. “Are you just arriving or about to leave?”

“I’m here for some meetings. Arrived at noon.”

“Where are you coming from?” Ye Yun asked softly.

Su Hong’s eyes curved with a deep, knowing smile. “Are you asking whether I came from Erwei Alley?”

The name of that place hadn’t crossed Ye Yun’s mind in years. Hearing it now struck a painful chord within her, but outwardly, she remained composed, her expression serene, and didn’t respond to Su Hong’s words.

Su Hong chuckled lightly. “I came from home. Before leaving, I met up with some old friends.”

Pausing for effect, Su Hong glanced up to observe Ye Yun’s reaction. Her face retained its faint smile, betraying no other emotion.

“Don’t you want to know which old friends?” Su Hong teased, amusement dancing in her brows.

Ye Yun’s lips curved slightly upward as she gestured to the server. “Bring this lady a fine cup of Maojian tea.”

When the tea arrived, Su Hong remarked, “People in the big city sure are particular. Look at all these accessories just for a cup of tea.”

“If you’re not in a rush, I’ll book us a place so you can sample the local cuisine,” Ye Yun offered.

Su Hong took a sip of the fragrant tea, her features relaxing. “No need to be so polite. Maybe next time—I’m only staying for two days. Tomorrow, I have business down south.”

Setting the cup down, she added, “Since you’ve treated me to such excellent tea, I might as well tell you: Bai Wenfu wasn’t among the old friends I met before coming here. His business has grown significantly—he only associates with top-tier executives now. It’s not easy for small-time bosses like us to get a meal with him. The last time I saw him was about two years ago.”

Ye Yun’s hand rested on the cool surface of her teacup, her knuckles tightening imperceptibly. With an even voice, she said softly, “That’s good to hear.”

“But I do know how he’s been doing. Want to hear about it?”

Ye Yun’s lips still curved faintly, but when Su Hong posed that question, it felt as though she had been thrown into a pitch-black labyrinth—yearning for an exit yet dreading what awaited her beyond it.

Su Hong scrutinized her expression, raising an eyebrow before continuing. “His wife is much younger than him, and from what I hear, he treats her exceptionally well.”

When fate’s verdict finally descended upon her, Ye Yun suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness, as if sinking into quicksand. It wasn’t that she hadn’t anticipated this news, but hearing it firsthand from someone close to him shattered the fragile composure she’d maintained. A sharp sting pierced her eyes, and she blinked back dryness, lowering her head. She lifted the teacup to her lips and took a small sip.

By the time she set the cup down, the smile had vanished from her face—but otherwise, she remained silent. Regarding his affairs, she had long since forfeited the right to feel anything.

Time had taught her how to numb herself to her own pain, yet it had never managed to make her indifferent toward that man. Still, she would no longer crumble as easily as she once did. Instead, she swallowed her anguish whole, forcing herself to face it with stoic resignation.

Su Hong’s gaze swept over her face. Though Ye Yun appeared far more composed than she used to be—no longer shattered by unexpected blows—Su Hong still detected subtle traces of unease.

Smiling, she asked, “What about you? Are you married?”

Ye Yun’s fingers brushed against her ring finger, drawing Su Hong’s attention to the band resting there.

...

When Ye Yun returned to the lane, dusk was falling. The shop on the first floor was preparing to close. Seeing her arrive, Ying’an stepped out from behind the counter and called out, “You’d better hurry back next time. Boss Ma was about to go looking for you. An overseas returnee stopped by this afternoon, interested in our new designs. He discussed design concepts with Boss Ma, who said we’d have to wait until you returned. The visitor promised to come back another time.”

Ye Yun gave a noncommittal hum and headed straight upstairs.

Ying’an exchanged glances with another employee, baffled. Normally, Ye Yun was highly sensitive to such matters, always insisting on getting every detail herself. But today, she seemed distracted—an unusual behavior.

Ying’an called out toward the stairs, “If there’s nothing else, we’ll head off then?”

Ma Jianliang heard the voice and leaned over to reply, “Alright, you two can go ahead.”

He then turned to take Ye Yun’s handbag, asking casually, “You were gone for quite a while. How did the discussion go?”

“I was negotiating a partnership, but he kept staring at my legs. What kind of deal do you think could come out of that? Next time, you handle it.”

Seeing her troubled expression, Ma Jianliang hastened to explain, “I had to rush off to pick up my mother. She’s unfamiliar with the area, and I was worried she’d get lost. Sorry about that—it’s all my fault. I won’t send you again next time.”

Ye Yun pushed open the door to her room, throwing over her shoulder, “Men are all the same.”

Ma Jianliang froze mid-step, following after her. “Did Boss Yan offend you? I doubt it. You met at Bao Yu Teahouse, surrounded by people—he wouldn’t dare do anything inappropriate. Besides, I sent Xiao Fu along. When he came back, he didn’t mention anything!”

Ye Yun walked into the room, and Ma Jianliang trailed anxiously behind her.

“Come on, say something. What exactly did Boss Yan do to you?”

Ye Yun dragged out her suitcase, her voice muffled. “Nothing.”

“Nothing? Then why are you cursing all men? Am I being unfairly implicated here? Wait, why are you packing?”

Head bowed, Ye Yun pulled out clothes without answering directly. “Where’s your mother?”

“She’s settled near the factory.”

“Why didn’t you bring her here?”

Ma Jianliang scratched his head. “Wouldn’t it inconvenience you if I brought her?”

Ye Yun began folding the clothes she’d taken out. “I’m leaving for a few days. Tomorrow, bring your mother here to stay.”

“Where are you going?”

Ye Yun continued organizing her belongings. “Back to my hometown.”

Ma Jianliang looked surprised. “It’s not a holiday. Why are you going back?”

Ye Yun’s brows drooped. “Do I need a special occasion to visit my own home?”

Ma Jianliang paced inside the room, muttering, “This is so sudden. You didn’t mention it earlier! You haven’t been back in years. Why now?”

“You were supposed to meet that editor soon. And since Boss Yan’s approach didn’t work, we need to find other solutions. Earlier today, a designer stopped by and wants to meet you in the coming days. My brother reminded me that the factory processes must be finalized this week. I was waiting for you to discuss this—we planned to go together tomorrow…”

“Ma Jianliang.” “Yes?”

“Shut up.”

“Oh.”

Ma Jianliang closed his mouth but began pacing restlessly. The sound of his footsteps grated on Ye Yun’s nerves.

She raised her head again. “Ma Jianliang.”

“Yes?”

“Get out.”

“Oh.”

As he reached the doorway, Ma Jianliang hesitated and turned back, speaking softly to Ye Yun through the crack in the door. “Even if you’re going back, isn’t it dangerous traveling alone? It’s been years since you’ve returned—the village must have changed. Wouldn’t it be better if Xiao Fu accompanied you?”

“What will the villagers say if they see me bringing a young man home?”

Though Ma Jianliang understood the impropriety, the thought of Ye Yun traveling alone unsettled him.

“How about I talk to Sister Fang? Perhaps Ying’an can accompany you. Even just helping carry things would make the journey easier. Listen, don’t brush this off. If they’ve built new roads in recent years, you might not even recognize the way back. Having someone with you would—”

Ye Yun dropped the clothes in her hands and turned her gaze sharply. “Close the door.”

Her lips pressed into a thin line, her complexion pale. For a fleeting moment, Ma Jianliang felt as though she might burst into tears at any second.

“Oh, alright.” Hurriedly, he shut the door behind him.