CITM - 53

After Zheng Tai-tai won Ye Yun’s hand at mahjong, naturally Ye Yun had to pay up. She pushed the money toward Zheng Tai-tai, then stood up and said to Yuan Tai-tai beside her, “I suddenly remembered I have something to do. You continue playing.”

As Zheng Tai-tai was counting the money, she called out to Ye Yun: “Little Ye, you’ve given too much.”

With hurried steps, Ye Yun simply left a parting remark: “Treat everyone to tea.”

The maid chased after her with her jacket as the others at the mahjong table craned their necks for a glance before resuming their game.

Zheng Tai-tai remarked leisurely: “Could Little Ye possibly know that Living King of Hell? Ever since I mentioned him earlier, she’s been acting strangely.”

Mr. Liang interjected: “How could that be? My friend is much older than her. When he was in Hudu those years, how old was Little Ye? Just a child.”

After Mr. Liang’s explanation, no one pursued the matter further.

In this city, aside from Ma Jianliang, no one else knew that Ye Yun had briefly followed a man, becoming entangled in a twisted relationship that nearly drained her life away.

To outsiders, she appeared outstanding in appearance, with a keen eye, straightforward and kind in her dealings, always smiling and approachable. Yet, an unfathomable distance perpetually surrounded her—mysterious, alluring, but no man ever truly lingered on her lips, not even Boss Ma, who frequently accompanied her.

It seemed she was innately reserved and aloof towards the opposite sex—a perception shared by those around her. Thus, after Mr. Liang spoke, no one suspected that Ye Yun’s unusual behavior was due to a man.

When Ye Yun returned, Ma Jianliang was sitting at the living room table, wearing glasses and calculating accounts.

The sound of high heels echoed on the stairs as Ma Jianliang muttered, “You’re back early today.”

Ye Yun loosened the knot at her collar, hung her jacket aside, and without a word, walked to the glass cabinet. Opening it, she took out a bottle of red wine.

Ma Jianliang glanced up, surprised: “What are you doing? Didn’t you say this bottle was just for display?”

Seeing Ye Yun’s indifference, Ma Jianliang pushed aside the accounts: “Didn’t you say not to touch this bottle? Last time I wanted to take it to give as a gift, you wouldn’t let me. Don’t tell me…”

With a “pop,” the bottle opened. Ye Yun picked up a wine glass and told Ma Jianliang: “I want to be alone for a while.”

She walked to the balcony and closed the door behind her.

Ma Jianliang remained where he was, his expression pained. This wine was brought back by a friend studying abroad, and Ye Yun had insisted on keeping it as a cherished item, refusing to let him give it away. Today, unexpectedly, she was drinking it herself.

Ye Ru heard the commotion and stepped out of her room, asking, “What’s wrong with my sister? Did she lose money and get upset?”

“Your sister went there to lose money. Why would she be upset about that?”

“...”

Ma Jianliang certainly didn’t think Ye Yun was sulking over losing money. She had once sought advice on how to lose gracefully. The ebbs and flows at the mahjong table mirrored a miniature business world. One had to appear sincere and ungreedy, feeding a tile or two when others were feeling down, losing money but winning hearts—all calculated moves. Ye Yun, well-versed in these social circles, surely didn’t care about the wins and losses on the mahjong table.

As night fell, the half-yellow, half-green plane trees swayed in the wind, casting shadowy, amorous patterns on the ground.

A spring-like haze flickered in Ye Yun’s eyes, veiled with mist, indistinct and unclear. Since leaving Mrs. Liang’s house, her heartbeat had become irregular. She never imagined that one day she would learn about his past from others—that complete and three-dimensional image of him, rising abruptly after so many sleepless nights, once again occupying her thoughts and unsettling her mind.

She had once asked him about those shocking rumors. Behind his brief responses lay a heart-wrenching solitude.

“I left home in my teens. If I had the chance back then, perhaps I could have become one of the first lawyers after the provisional regulations were issued.”

She still remembered his words. At that time, naive and pure-hearted, she only grasped the surface meaning. Over the years, she finally understood the bone-chilling pain behind those words, casually spoken as a joke back then.

Never did she expect that after so many years apart, his words would return with unstoppable force and lingering warmth, rippling through her heart, unable to subside.

Ye Yun furrowed her brows slightly, taking a sip of wine. Her thoughts were like the falling leaves in the wind—chaotic and disordered.

Just over ten days ago, she had coincidentally met Su Hong, and soon after, Bai Wenfu arrived in Hudu with great fanfare. She didn’t know if it was a coincidence or deliberate.

All this disrupted her orderly life, making this night seem shadowy and elusive.

Inside the house, Ma Jianliang closed the ledger, his gaze drifting toward the balcony. He sighed: “The last time I saw her drinking alone like this was years ago, when I had just met her.”

“Was that when my sister first came to Hudu?”

Ma Jianliang shook his head: “She came to see me six months after arriving, once she had settled down. By then, she was just a week away from taking the college entrance exam. I was happy for her and even planned to celebrate.”

“Back then, your sister opened a small tailor shop on Yangfang Street. Business was good, but on the day the results were announced, she unusually closed the shop. When I found her, she was alone in the tailor shop drinking, much like today.”

“What happened?” Ye Ru asked.

“She didn’t pass. Not only did she fail, but her scores were far from the mark.”

Ye Ru was shocked: “My sister used to have excellent grades.”

“No matter how good her grades were, she had lost several years of study, and without systematic learning, it’s no wonder she failed. That was the first time I saw her drink, unlike other women who sip slowly. She gulped down a glass, scaring me. Worried something might happen, I brought hangover soup the next morning. Guess what?”

Interested, Ye Ru urged: “Tell me!”

“Before sunrise, she was already at the window studying and solving problems. You wouldn’t have guessed she was so distraught the night before.”

Ye Ru laughed: “She hasn’t been home for years. I don’t know how she’s been doing. Tell me more.”

Ma Jianliang told Ye Ru: “Back then, my cousin and I lived on the east side of Miao Street. One morning, your sister suddenly knocked on our door, bringing lots of things. She didn’t stay long and asked if we were interested in starting a factory. Neither my cousin nor I understood the situation, so she invited us to discuss it later. The second time I visited, I saw she had opened a tailor shop downstairs. Initially small, it expanded by merging with adjacent spaces. Despite its size, business was booming. After spending half a day in the shop, she convinced us with her revenue figures.”

“We discussed it with my cousin, deciding to give it a try. Three heads are better than one, right?”

“Later, your sister managed the factory with us while running the tailor shop and preparing for the college entrance exam. Fortunately, she passed the next year.”

“Did she get into university? She never told me she went to college.”

“Yes, she got into the Fashion Institute. It was a bumpy road, but she’s now preparing for graduation.”

“What makes your sister smart is that she made two crucial moves. First, she seized the opportunity to start a factory just as ration coupons were abolished, pushing novel designs to the market.”

“The second move was pursuing higher education. Since 1983, textile and art institutes began establishing related majors. She took the college entrance exam, an opportunity she didn’t have in previous years. If all goes well, your sister will be among the first batch of university graduates in fashion design.”

Ye Ru rested her chin on her hands, her eyes brimming with indescribable excitement.

Ma Jianliang checked the time: “It’s late. I’ll tell you more another time.”

Ye Ru went to bed, while Ma Jianliang remained in the living room, busy with his own affairs.

After drinking most of the wine, Ye Yun returned to the house. Ma Jianliang couldn’t help but ask: “Did something happen?”

Ye Yun raised her slightly intoxicated eyes, her gaze wandering. Her voice was as soft as a needle dropping on the floor.

“He’s in Hudu.”

“Who?” Ma Jianliang initially didn’t understand but quickly caught on. Aside from that person, he hadn’t seen anyone make Ye Yun lose composure in years.

Immediately, Ma Jianliang’s expression turned serious: “Do you want to go somewhere and hide for a while?”

Ye Yun placed the wine glass on the table: “Hide from what? I don’t owe him money. Am I supposed to fear him coming to collect debts?”

Ma Jianliang hesitated, finally blurting out: “I’m just afraid he’s come to collect emotional debts.”

Ye Yun’s face changed slightly. After a long pause, she said: “I heard he’s married.”

Ma Jianliang looked at Ye Yun in surprise: “Then he probably won’t bother you, right?”

Ye Yun’s expression darkened as she turned and entered the room.

...

A few mornings later, Ma Jianliang’s cousin Zhou Zeyang rushed to Yangfang Street. Upon entering, he asked for Ye Yun. Ying’an informed him that Ye Yun had gone to school and wouldn’t be back until noon.

He decided to sit in the shop and wait for Ye Yun’s return.

Ye Ru was sweeping the floor, holding the broom and staring at him. She quietly asked Ying’an: “Who is he?”

Ying’an told her: “He’s the manager of our factory.”

Hearing this, Zhou Zeyang turned his gaze toward Ye Ru: “Are you new here?”

Ye Ru nodded: “Good day, Manager.”

Then she continued sweeping. When she reached where Zhou Zeyang was sitting, she said to him: “Lift your leg.”

Ying’an and another shop assistant behind the counter were stunned. Their stern factory manager usually made them hold their breath whenever he visited the shop, for fear he would find fault with something and lecture them using factory standards.

This Ye Ru must be truly inexperienced, not knowing to avoid trouble, yet dared to ask the manager to lift his leg. The atmosphere in the shop suddenly became tense.

Zhou Zeyang sat still, observing the young girl before him. Ye Ru had already extended the broom to his feet, but seeing that he didn’t budge, she straightened up and repeated: “Lift your foot!”

Just as Ying’an was about to call Ye Ru back to prevent her from inviting trouble, their usually stern-faced factory manager slowly lifted his leg.

Ye Ru bent down to sweep under his seat and said: “Alright, you can put it down now.”

Afterward, she resumed sweeping elsewhere, leaving Ying’an and the others too scared to breathe.

Zhou Zeyang lowered his leg and suddenly called out to Ye Ru: “You there, bring me a cup of tea.”

In her heart, Ye Ru grumbled, “Can’t you see I’m busy?” But since he was the factory manager, she reluctantly put down the broom and went to make tea.

As soon as she placed the tea in Zhou Zeyang’s hand, he leisurely spoke again: “The decoration on the door has come loose. Bring some glue to reattach it.”

Ying’an hurriedly took the glue out from under the counter, intending to help stick it back on. Zhou Zeyang took a sip of tea and looked at Ying’an: “Do we really need several people to handle such a small task?”

Ying’an’s face twitched slightly, and she handed the glue to Ye Ru.

The decoration was on top of the doorframe, and Ye Ru wasn’t tall enough. After stretching her arm several times without success, she simply jumped.

Zhou Zeyang glanced sideways; the little figure outside the glass door hopping up and down looked rather comical.

When Ye Yun returned, Ye Ru was struggling to bring out a stool, preparing to climb up.

Ye Yun grabbed Ye Ru and stepped into the shop, looking at Zhou Zeyang: “If my sister falls and breaks anything, I’ll send her to you so you can make her bone soup every day.”

Zhou Zeyang paused momentarily, glanced at Ye Ru, then at Ye Yun, and suddenly smiled: “You should have told me earlier.”

“What brings you here?” Ye Yun set down her book.

“I’ve contacted a potential partner who’s interested in taking on our order. We’re going to Xiping tonight to see if we can finalize the deal.”

Hearing this good news, Ye Yun couldn’t help but relax a bit.

“I plan to drink a little tonight. Take Xiao Fu with you and keep an eye on him.”

“Understood.”

Ye Yun picked up her book and walked towards the stairs. Zhou Zeyang glanced at Ye Ru, who was still busy, and then left.

...

That evening, Ye Yun wore a snug velvet black dress, carefully styled her hair, and adorned herself with only a dazzling necklace at her neckline, revealing a delicate and fair neck and collarbone.

Every weekend, the Ronda Hotel in Xiping hosted a social dance party. The hotel’s Cattleya Hall featured Victorian-style European architecture, with marble columns and intricate wall carvings exuding luxury.

As night fell, vehicles streamed endlessly to the front of the Ronda Hotel. While the place was frequented by dignitaries, foreign merchants, and wealthy individuals even on regular days, tonight was particularly bustling.

Ye Yun had attended these dances before, coming twice previously for business purposes.

However, upon arriving at the Cattleya Hall today, she distinctly sensed a different atmosphere than usual. Quite a few burly men stood at the entrance, their eyes sharp as daggers as they passed by.

“What are these people doing?” Ye Yun whispered.

Zhou Zeyang leaned over and said: “Some important figures have arrived today. They’re probably brought along by those people.”

The massive crystal chandelier illuminated the entire hall, and the lively jazz music created a vibrant and festive atmosphere.

Although Xiao Fu appeared somewhat simple-minded, he was tall and handsome. Dressed in proper attire, standing beside Ye Yun, he looked quite impressive.

Zhou Zeyang also returned specially dressed in a high-quality suit. Walking between them, the three entered the hall together—handsome men and beautiful women, a sight pleasing to the eye, drawing many admiring glances.

Ye Yun scanned the room and asked Zhou Zeyang: “Who are the important figures?”

“The president of the United Chamber of Commerce, the chairman of the Development and Construction Preparatory Committee, the newly emerged shipping magnate Zhao Zhijing, and many others. Let’s see; maybe there’s an opportunity to get to know them.”

Upon hearing the title of shipping magnate, Ye Yun couldn’t help but be surprised: “What is Mr. Zhao doing here?”

“He’s certainly not here to dance. A subordinate who once worked for him recently came to this area, and Mr. Zhao is likely here to meet with him.”

As soon as Zhou Zeyang finished speaking, Ye Yun spotted the previously unpleasant departure of Boss Yan. Clearly, Boss Yan had also seen her and gave her a deeply meaningful smile.

Ye Yun averted her gaze: “Why is he here?”

“Who?”

“Yan Shihua.”

When Zhou Zeyang looked towards Boss Yan, he had already withdrawn his gaze. Someone waved at Zhou Zeyang, and he led Ye Yun towards that direction.

“Boss Yu is over there. Let’s go.”

A peculiar feeling suddenly spread through Ye Yun’s heart. The rippling lights, the passionate and melodious notes, the shifting shadows, all created a dreamlike and elusive scene.

Her pores contracted, and a baseless panic welled up in her heart, as if the venomous tongue of a snake licked her skin inch by inch, making her breathing inexplicably erratic.

Ye Yun’s steps slowed, and her gaze swept across the crowd. Men clinking glasses and women smiling like flowers flitted past her like phantoms. After confirming there was nothing unusual, that feeling still hadn’t dissipated, even making each of her breaths feel unbearably tense.

She shifted her gaze, landing it on the stairway in the corner. Two waiters stood beside the stairs. Her eyes followed the spiral staircase upwards, reaching the second floor.

At the railing on the second floor, a few foreigners held wine glasses and laughed heartily. Further inside, there were many seated figures, though they were indistinct. Waitstaff carrying trays moved back and forth, serving tea and water.

Just as Ye Yun was about to withdraw her gaze, the bending waiter straightened up and moved away, revealing a face between two Roman column railings. The strongly contoured profile unexpectedly caught Ye Yun’s gaze, seizing her attention.

The thin, long eyes slowly turned, without any hesitation, directly falling on her.

All sensations surged toward Ye Yun across the sea of people—brutality and tenderness, wildness and affection, pain leading to indulgence.

Everything became empty; her heartbeat stopped abruptly. Ye Yun turned around instantly, nearly losing her balance. Xiao Fu quickly supported her. Zhou Zeyang noticed they hadn’t followed and hurriedly walked back to Ye Yun, bending down to ask: “What’s wrong?”

Instinctively, Ye Yun blurted out: “My legs went weak.”

“How could your legs just suddenly go weak? Did you sprain your ankle?” Zhou Zeyang also quickly reached out to support her.

Ye Yun tightly pursed her lips, clutching her dress, unable to utter a word about the real reason.

“I need to use the restroom.” Ye Yun’s voice tightened as she pulled her arm free.

“Xiao Fu, accompany her.”

Ye Yun hastily interrupted: “No, don’t follow me.”

Just around the corner, in a deserted spot, Ye Yun slumped against the wall, her eyes trembling violently with light.

She didn’t understand why this happened. In the instant he looked at her, the physical sensation was no less shocking than the emotional impact. She hadn’t reacted so strongly to a man in a long time. Over the years, she had met charming members of the opposite sex, but none could make her legs go weak with just a glance without any prior contact. Even she couldn’t understand why, after so many years, the imprint he left on her body could still be awakened at any moment.

This shameful feeling rooted her feet, leaving her in a dilemma at this moment.

If she went back, she would have to continue facing this awkward situation. If she didn’t go back, business was crucial, and she couldn’t just leave without saying a word. Clearly, today was not a day to indulge in personal emotions.

Zhou Zeyang had already started chatting with Boss Yu. Both sides wanted to make money, naturally seeking harmony and profit.

While Zhou Zeyang chatted with Boss Yu, he kept an eye on Ye Yun’s whereabouts. Only when he saw her walking gracefully did he finally relax.

Boss Yu had heard much about Ye Yun and was delighted to see her. Before she even approached, Boss Yu extended his hand: “They say the female boss of Yemao is extraordinarily graceful. Today, I finally meet you in person. The rumors are true.”

Ye Yun raised her hand to shake his, politely saying: “Nice to meet you, Boss Yu.”

The figure on the second floor stood up from his chair, buttoned his suit jacket, and turned towards the stairs. Many had rushed to attend today’s dance party specifically for him. However, this person had remained on the second floor, surrounded by people from his circle, leaving others with no chance to get acquainted.

Suddenly, he rose, and as his tall figure appeared on the stairs, a dark current surged in the hall.

But Ye Yun’s attention was focused on negotiating the business deal, not noticing the commotion behind her. Yan Shihua came over, swaggering to sit beside Boss Yu. He glanced at Ye Yun, his tone suggestive: “It seems only Boss Yu has the charm to catch the eye of Boss Ye.”

Being old foxes, Boss Yu naturally understood the underlying implication and smiled: “It’s been a while since I last saw you, Boss Yan. What have you been up to lately?”

Yan Shihua draped his arm around Boss Yu’s shoulder, familiarly saying: “Let’s catch up.”

“I’ll go say hello.” After Boss Yu spoke, he left first.

Ye Yun stared at Yan Shihua’s lewd back, frowning: “Here comes trouble. Be prepared.”

Zhou Zeyang handed her a cup of tea: “I doubt it. We just about finalized everything earlier.”

Ye Yun accepted the tea: “We’ll see.”

She was about to bring the tea to her lips when her wrist suddenly froze. The figure originally sitting on the second floor had somehow come down to the first floor, like countless sails passing through, cleansing all pretense, exuding an aura of cold hardness and absolute purity. Under everyone’s watchful eyes, he strode directly toward her.

The cup of tea in Ye Yun’s hand hung frozen in mid-air, unconsciously tightening her grip. She felt nailed to her seat, unable to move her gaze, only able to watch him approach step by step. Each breath felt like a storm invading her chest, stirring up fierce waves.

In the short distance of fifteen meters, Ye Yun’s mind raced. All possible responses, polite greetings, and reactions from Zhou Zeyang and others were considered within ten seconds. She even thought about what to do if Boss Yu returned at this moment, how to control the situation to ensure the business discussion proceeded smoothly.

Yes, in this short distance of fifteen meters, although Ye Yun appeared motionless with a teacup in hand, she was fully alert, drawing on all her experience and mindset in dealing with people, preparing for this sudden and extremely difficult encounter.

However...

Bai Wenfu suddenly turned his steps and stopped just a few paces away from her. He didn’t even glance in her direction.

The hall was divided by latticed screens into small tables for people to converse, drink tea, and enjoy wine. As Bai Wenfu and his group stopped at the neighboring table, the people originally seated there stood up to welcome them, inviting Bai Wenfu and his companions inside.