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Psst! We're moving!
After strolling around outside until late, almost dawn, Shen Tang and Jiang Chengyu returned to their accommodation.
This apartment was purchased by Jiang Chengyu a few years ago, used only a few times a year, but it might be used more often in the future.
Shen Tang opened the blackout curtains and lay on the bedroom bed, looking out. All the places she and Jiang Chengyu had visited that night were now in full view.
The bedroom light suddenly went out, and the city outside the window became clearer.
Jiang Chengyu got into bed after showering. “Are you sleepy?”
“No.” Her body clock was messed up, coupled with the excitement of the night, all drowsiness was gone. Shen Tang turned over, raising both hands, and Jiang Chengyu pulled her into his embrace.
She loved the crisp, clean scent of his freshly showered body, and the faint fragrance of shaving cream.
Jiang Chengyu’s chin rubbed against her forehead. “How’s your stomach feeling?”
“I don’t feel anything.” She was on her period, so tonight, she and Jiang Chengyu could only chat under the covers. Otherwise, he would definitely have wanted her repeatedly tonight.
Jiang Chengyu spoke of tomorrow’s plans. Chairman Xiao was hosting a banquet at the manor to welcome him into the Xiao Ning Group, and he couldn’t refuse to go.
“What about you? Are you coming with me, or are you going to find Xie Yuncheng and the others?”
His hand was on her waist, holding her tightly.
“Mr. Chu and his wife should be there too.”
He was afraid Shen Tang would feel uncomfortable if Xiao Zhen was present.
Shen Tang now felt no particular love or hate for Xiao Zhen. The former hatred had dwindled after revenge, and now that she had Jiang Chengyu, she didn’t even want to keep that residual hatred.
Keeping it would occupy space in her heart, and she simply had no room for insignificant people there.
“I’ll go. I want to stay with you, otherwise, I won’t see you all day.”
Saying that, she leaned over him, hugging him tightly.
Jiang Chengyu noticed that she particularly liked to cling to him, as if she wanted to grow on him, whether in bed or out. As long as there were no outsiders, she liked to hug his waist from behind, pressing close to him.
“If you don’t want to go, I’ll go later and come back earlier. You won’t be without me for a whole day.”
He didn’t want her to force herself to go.
“I want to go.” The scenery at that manor was nice. She had lived there for a while, but hadn’t been back since she sold it.
“Just treat it as a vacation.”
It wasn’t until the latter half of the night that Shen Tang fell asleep. Lying in Jiang Chengyu’s arms, she no longer needed to cover her head with a blanket to sleep soundly, unlike before.
When she woke up in the morning, two-thirds of the blanket was still on Jiang Chengyu, and she was wrapped tightly in his embrace.
It was still a two to three-hour drive from the city to the manor. At 8:30 AM, Jiang Chengyu got up.
Shen Tang didn’t smell the familiar scent beside her and quickly opened her eyes.
Jiang Chengyu was changing clothes. Today, he chose a black shirt.
Shen Tang lay on the pillow watching him. Against the light, he was buttoning his shirt, probably thinking about something else, appearing somewhat absent-minded.
He didn’t even notice she was already awake.
“Good morning.”
Jiang Chengyu looked up. “Not sleeping anymore?”
“I’m in a good mood, not sleepy.”
The room temperature was just right. Shen Tang kicked off the blanket, lay there, and lifted her legs, crossing them behind her.
The hem of her smoky grey silk nightgown slid down.
She herself was completely oblivious.
Jiang Chengyu walked over, pulled the blanket to cover her two straight long legs. “You can lie down for another half hour. We’ll leave at 9:30. Chairman Xiao’s banquet starts at 2 PM and might not end until 9 or 10 PM.”
Shen Tang didn’t want to sleep anymore. She turned over and lay comfortably, grabbing his arm to sit up.
“What were you thinking about just now?”
“When? When I covered you with the blanket?”
“...No, when you were buttoning your shirt, looking down.”
“I was thinking about what other dirty tricks Xiao Donghan might have up his sleeve.” Jiang Chengyu leaned down and found her slippers, placing them by the bed. “He probably couldn’t even sleep after going home yesterday.”
Chairman Xiao’s decision to add another director was like a sharp knife, directly piercing Xiao Donghan’s heart.
“Evil people will be dealt with by evil people.” Shen Tang got out of bed, grabbing his sleeve. “If you’re not busy, accompany me to wash up.”
“Not busy.” Jiang Chengyu led her to the bathroom.
This time, their positions changed. Shen Tang stood in front of the vanity. Jiang Chengyu wrapped his arms around her from behind, watching her wash her face and brush her teeth in the mirror.
Shen Tang handed him her toothpaste and toothbrush. “Help me squeeze toothpaste.”
She leaned against his chest, reaching back to hug him.
Jiang Chengyu warned her, “Stand still, no moving around.”
It was early morning, and she had been in his arms, causing him to react.
Shen Tang stood still obediently, picking up the mouthwash cup to fill it with water.
After squeezing the toothpaste, Jiang Chengyu asked her, “Should I brush for you?”
Shen Tang looked at him in the mirror. “You can do that?”
“Didn’t you have this scene when you were filming?”
“Actually, no.”
Jiang Chengyu gently held her jaw with his left hand, signaling her to open her mouth. He carefully placed the toothbrush into her mouth, observing in the mirror whether he was brushing correctly.
Shen Tang suppressed a laugh, trying her best to cooperate.
She regretted not bringing her phone now, unable to capture this rare and precious moment.
He brushed exceptionally carefully, up and down, front and back, inside and out, not missing a single spot.
His movements were also especially gentle, as if afraid the toothbrush might accidentally poke her mouth.
After brushing, Jiang Chengyu handed her the mouthwash cup and toothbrush.
Shen Tang rinsed her mouth. “Can we pose for a photo later? I want to record it.”
Jiang Chengyu took a clean towel from the towel rack for her to use. “What’s there to pose for? I’ll brush for you again tomorrow.”
Shen Tang, learning to push her luck from him, asked, “Is tomorrow the last time?”
Jiang Chengyu: “Once or twice a month.”
Shen Tang was content. After rinsing her mouth, she put down the cup and toothbrush, turned around, wrapped her arms around his neck, and asked for a kiss.
Jiang Chengyu parted her teeth, her mouth cool with mint. They kissed passionately, almost forgetting the time.
At 9:30 AM, they set off for the manor on time.
________________________________________
Today was a family banquet for the Xiao family. Even Christmas and Chinese New Year didn’t see such a full gathering.
Xiao Dongkai flew to London last night. The final outcome of the Xiao Ning Group’s struggle was within his expectations; when he had initially fought for a director seat for Shen Tang, he had already considered that his grandfather might add another director.
Xiao Dongkai’s car and Xiao Donghan’s car drove into the manor one after another. They hadn’t arranged to meet beforehand, but their cars coincidentally met on the road in front of the gate, neither early nor late.
“Did you help Shen Tang?” After getting out of the car, Xiao Donghan’s first question was to challenge Xiao Dongkai.
Xiao Dongkai: “I’m her legal advisor.”
The implication was that since he received her payment, helping her was only right.
Xiao Donghan smiled and lit a cigar.
“Actually, you’re the one who reaped the benefits.”
The current situation of Xiao Ning Group was entirely beneficial to the development of Cathy Law Firm. Since he had helped Shen Tang secure so many rights and interests, Shen Tang would surely owe him a favor.
He had gained all the advantages.
Xiao Dongkai did not offer a defense.
Jiang Chengyu’s car drove in, and they all looked over.
Born into this family, everyone was an actor. Even with clumsy acting, they had to tough it out and play their part.
After insincere pleasantries, the few walked towards the villa.
Xiao Donghan deliberately slowed his pace, walking abreast with Shen Tang. Jiang Chengyu and Xiao Dongkai walked ahead, chatting about irrelevant topics.
Xiao Donghan exhaled smoke. “Didn’t you used to dislike coming here? What’s with the sudden interest today?”
“Times change.” Shen Tang admired the scenery of the manor. “This manor used to be a bargaining chip in your Xiao family’s dealings with me. Now, I’m here with Jiang Chengyu. How is that the same?”
“You know this manor was sold once by me, right?”
Xiao Donghan had heard Xiao Dongkai mention it. Back then, his grandfather bought this manor and gave it to Shen Tang, who secretly sold it and used the money to make risky investments. After making a profit, she bought the house back.
“Do you know what I’m best at?” Shen Tang suddenly turned to look at him.
Xiao Donghan didn’t respond, waiting for her to speak.
Shen Tang: “Taking risks with what I have, regardless of winning or losing.”
Her attitude was extremely arrogant.
Xiao Donghan stared at her. “What do you want to do?”
“Nothing.” Shen Tang smiled. “Just playing with you.”
“Jiang Chengyu, wait for me.” She left Xiao Donghan, striding to catch up with Jiang Chengyu and grabbing his hand.
________________________________________
Over at the golf course, Chairman Xiao and Chu Yueli were playing golf, while Xiao Zhen, bored, sat under a parasol, scrolling on her phone.
The distant call of “Jiang Chengyu” reached her, and she abruptly looked up.
Shen Tang’s appearance, just like her absence from yesterday’s shareholder meeting, left her at a loss.
She had thought her daughter wouldn’t come today and hadn’t prepared anything. She wished she had instructed the chef to prepare some of Shen Tang’s favorite dishes.
Xiao Zhen didn’t wait for Shen Tang. Shen Tang and Jiang Chengyu walked towards Chairman Xiao.
“Mom.”
Xiao Zhen was momentarily dazed, thinking Shen Tang had called her.
Perhaps in this lifetime, she would never hear Shen Tang call her “Mom.”
Xiao Zhen composed herself and turned around.
Chu Xiaoyue approached, holding an umbrella. “Is Brother-in-law the only one here today?”
This “Brother-in-law” referred to Jiang Chengyu.
Xiao Zhen pointed towards the golf course. “Your sister is here too.”
“Wow.” Chu Xiaoyue sat down next to her mother, comforting her: “Mom, don’t be sad. It’s perfectly normal for her to ignore you. If I were her, I wouldn’t pay attention to you either.”
Xiao Zhen: “I’m fine.”
She looked at her daughter, for the first time completely dropping her pretense in front of her child, sincerely apologizing to her. “I’m so sorry for making you unable to pursue your idol. That time with the big advertisement screen, yelling and losing my temper at you, that was my fault. I’m sorry, I hope you can truly forgive Mom. No matter what, Mom loves you all.”
“Eww~” Chu Xiaoyue found it cheesy. “I’m the bigger person; I don’t hold grudges against small fry.”
“...” Xiao Zhen was choked speechless. “You child, don’t be so disrespectful.” She gave her daughter a slap on the forehead.
It wasn’t until mealtime that Chu Xiaoyue finally encountered Shen Tang.
By sheer coincidence, Shen Tang ran into Chu Xiaoyue when she came out of the restroom.
The young girl hadn’t changed much; she was still as beautiful and cute as in the photos seen online a few years ago.
Chu Xiaoyue’s heart thumped. She didn’t know how to face Shen Tang or what to say when she got close.
It was an internal struggle.
Even her first love hadn’t made her this nervous.
Her distance from Shen Tang grew shorter: three meters, two meters.
Chu Xiaoyue couldn’t help but swallow a few times. “Hi, Meitang, I’m Candy.”
Shen Tang smiled. “Thank you for your birthday and New Year’s Eve wishes.”
“You’re welcome, you’re welcome, it’s nothing.” Chu Xiaoyue’s heart almost jumped out of her chest. Shen Tang had actually seen the private messages she sent.
Shen Tang nodded slightly, and they passed each other.
________________________________________
Jiang Chengyu was waiting for her at the end of the corridor, admiring a painting hung on the wall.
“You understand art?” Shen Tang asked as she approached him.
“If Xie Yuncheng can understand it, why can’t I?”
His words were tinged with jealousy.
He still remembered her giving Xie Yuncheng such an expensive painting, while she only gave him a set of sportswear and a box of spicy strips.
Shen Tang coaxed him, “The autumn auction is coming soon. I’ll bid on anything you like for you then.”
Jiang Chengyu: “Don’t go back on your word then.”
“Well, that’s hard to say.”
“...”
The two laughed as they headed to the restaurant.
The Xiao family was large, with Chairman Xiao having five siblings. Everyone in the family came today.
With so many people, three long dining tables weren’t enough, so they opted for a buffet style.
Chu Xiaoyue bumped into Jiang Chengyu in the food area. “Hi, Brother-in-law.”
Jiang Chengyu still wasn’t used to the address. He paused for two seconds before realizing she was calling him. “Hello.”
Chu Xiaoyue picked some desserts for her plate. “Brother-in-law, is Zhengzheng busy lately? I’m free this summer and thinking of going to Beijing to visit her.”
“She’s fine, she has one day off a week.”
“Then I’ll go when the weather cools down a bit, and also visit my cousin. I heard her variety show is about to start its elimination rounds.”
Chu Xiaoyue took some more candies. She pointed to a plate of pink candies. “Brother-in-law, you can take some of these. My sister likes them.”
Jiang Chengyu wasn’t sure if Shen Tang liked candies. “Are you sure?”
Chu Xiaoyue was very confident: “Of course, she’s my idol! She said so on a show before. But she’s afraid of getting fat, so she doesn’t eat them often.”
Jiang Chengyu thanked her and took some strawberry-flavored candies.
At the dining table, Shen Tang was on the phone.
Qin Xing briefly told her about today’s show recording. It was 10:30 PM in Beijing now, and this episode had just finished recording.
Chu Ran’s performance today was quite good; she got second place, still a slight gap compared to Chen Yinuo.
“Second place is good. Tell her to go home and rest well, no need to be stressed. I’ll be back next week and will bring her a gift then.” Shen Tang was now coaxing Chu Ran like a child.
Qin Xing asked one more question: “Exactly what day next week are you coming back? Can you be more specific? Preferably specific down to the time you land in Beijing.”
“Are you going to pick me up too?”
Qin Xing glanced at Yuanyuan beside him. “Someone wants to pick you up. They wish they could go to London to pick you all up.”
Shen Tang’s laughter came through the phone.
However, Shen Tang herself wasn’t sure exactly which day next week she’d be back. She had to fly from London to Shenzhen and stay there for a few days.
As soon as he hung up, Yuanyuan came over. “Did Sister Tang say when she’s coming back? If she doesn’t come back soon, our studio will be without its backbone.”
Qin Xing teased her, “My backbone is firmly set in my spine. It’s you who doesn’t have a backbone, isn’t it?”
“...” Yuanyuan blushed and retorted, “We’re just waiting for her to come back so we can move. She said we’d move into the new office mid-month, but it’s already late in the month. By the time she comes back, it’ll be almost the end of the month.”
Qin Xing stopped teasing her. “Shen Tang will be back next week.”
Next week already? One day apart feels like three autumns. If calculated by this time, she hadn’t seen Shen Tang for four days, so twelve years had already passed.
By the time Shen Tang returned to Beijing, half her life would have been spent.
Chu Ran and her assistant team emerged from the recording hall. Qin Xing was in a good mood today and decided to treat everyone to a late-night snack. “What do you want to eat?”
Today, he spoke to Chu Ran in a rare polite tone.
Seeing that he had no good intentions, perhaps he would intensify her physical training tomorrow, Chu Ran rolled her eyes: “Not hungry.”
“No, Chu Ran, can’t you speak properly?” Qin Xing was fed up with her eye rolls. “If there’s something wrong with your eyes, I’ll take you to an ophthalmologist right now, all expenses covered by me.”
“You’re the one who’s sick!” How could Chu Ran back down to him? She was already fuming inside after losing to Chen Yinuo again today and had nowhere to vent. “Qin Xing, are you having an early mid-life crisis? You’re always on my case, as if you want to stomp me to death. Go look at yourself in the mirror! You’re useless except for your face and family background. I don’t even want to talk about you! Anyone who falls for someone like you must be blind! Keep your money to pay for their eye doctor appointments!”
Qin Xing put his hands on his hips, amused. “I’m useless?”
“Are you really acting like you’re something special?” Chu Ran spoke carelessly in her anger. “Someone like Zhao Zhiyi, he’s barely something special. Look at the gap between you and him, and get a clue.”
Qin Xing: “...”
She actually cursed him for having no common sense.
“Chu Ran, don’t you dare rely on...”
Before he could finish, Yuanyuan interrupted, “Why are you two fighting again? If outsiders see this, who knows what rumors will spread. Get in the car quickly.”
“Our Chu Ran is already very tired. You should be more lenient with her.” She pushed Qin Xing away, signaling him with her eyes to shut up.
Yuanyuan settled Qin Xing, then ran to push Chu Ran into the car. “You still have to practice singing tomorrow. What if you ruin your voice from arguing? Let’s not stoop to his level.”
Chu Ran turned and snorted at Qin Xing twice more, “Don’t think I want to argue with someone like you! I’m telling you, I’ve disliked you for a long time!”
The late-night snack was completely ruined, and Qin Xing was no longer in the mood. He sent a message to his group of cronies, inviting them out for drinks. [I’m paying tonight. Order whatever’s expensive!]
In the ‘We are good kids’ group chat:
[If you had any common sense, you wouldn’t be this drunk.]
Qin Xing took a photo of the parking lot and sent it to the group. [Just finished recording the show. Where am I supposed to find alcohol?]
He asked again: [Coming or not?]
[We’re all eating royal spicy hotpot. Why don’t you come over?]
Qin Xing was almost dying of frustration. He couldn’t even spend money tonight. [Wait for me.]
He started the car.
In the night, the bright red sports car roared away.
________________________________________
The next day, Jiang Chengyu and Shen Tang arrived at Haitang Village.
He Chuyao’s company still had matters to attend to, so he and Xie Yuncheng would arrive tomorrow. Kohn’s flight was expected to land in Shenzhen around the same time as theirs.
Once they returned to Haitang Village, all the hustle and bustle seemed to be isolated.
The open and covert struggles, the deception and trickery in the business world, were temporarily put aside.
If Grandpa were still here, she could see him sitting in front of the courtyard gate, waiting for her, as soon as she got off the bus.
Shen Tang looked at the empty doorway, taking a long time to compose herself.
Who knew where the next life would be?
Jiang Chengyu held her hand, not knowing how to comfort her.
“I’m fine.” Shen Tang smiled, walking into the courtyard beside him.
Brother Shen’s family knew they were coming back and had long since cleaned her and Grandpa’s rooms, replaced the supplies with new ones, and even reserved all the rooms on the third floor of the guesthouse for her friends.
Brother Shen prepared tea and cooling porridge for them. “I heard our village is going to increase tourism development. I don’t know if it’s true, but the village has been spreading rumors these past few days, and the street committee hasn’t said anything.”
Shen Tang ate the porridge. “How exactly will it be developed?”
Brother Shen wasn’t very clear. “They say they want to add water activities and build a resort. Oh, and I heard it’s a big company from Beijing.”
Jiang Chengyu asked, “Which company?”
Brother Shen shook his head. He had only heard it mentioned in the village; the company’s name was unclear.
After finishing the porridge, they returned to their room.
Shen Tang wasn’t full yet. “I want to eat some more barbecue. Do you want some?”
Jiang Chengyu nodded. “You take a shower and rest for a bit. I’ll go buy it for you.” He was already very familiar with Haitang Village and knew which seafood barbecue place had the best grilled scallops.
The seafood barbecue place four shops away from the guesthouse had delicious scallops, and Shen Tang always ate there.
Jiang Chengyu stood in line, waiting for his takeout. There were still more than ten people in front of him. The shop wasn’t spacious, so after paying, he took his number and waited outside.
It was peak summer season, and there was an unprecedented number of tourists.
By the door, a few children were setting off sparklers, laughter ringing out one after another.
Jiang Chengyu had seen this before but didn’t know what it was called. “Hello, children, what is this you’re setting off called?”
“Sparklers!” the children said in unison.
“Thank you.” Jiang Chengyu asked again, “Where can I buy them?”
The children pointed down the road. “At that small convenience store.”
Jiang Chengyu thanked them again and walked towards it.
Less than twenty meters away, he quickly arrived.
He had brought his grandfather here to buy things before, and the shop owner had a strong impression of him. Not knowing what to call him, the owner greeted him warmly, “Are you with Tangtang?”
“Yes.” Jiang Chengyu asked if they had sparklers.
“Yes, yes, we do. It’s almost Qixi Festival, and young people love setting these off!” The shop owner took out a pack and asked him how many he wanted.
“I’ll buy this whole pack.” Jiang Chengyu paid. Beside the cashier, various flavors of lollipops hung. He suddenly remembered Chu Xiaoyue saying Shen Tang liked candy. “Give me two more strawberry-flavored lollipops.”
The owner insisted on giving him two lollipops for free, but Jiang Chengyu declined, insisting on paying.
Putting the lollipops in his pocket, Jiang Chengyu left with a large bag of sparklers.
At the seafood barbecue shop, his grilled scallops were ready too.
Returning home, Jiang Chengyu placed the bag of sparklers in the courtyard and carried the barbecue inside.
Shen Tang had just showered. “It smells so good.”
She didn’t dare to eat too much, only having two to satisfy her craving.
Jiang Chengyu casually said, “When there are fewer people, let’s go for a walk on the beach.”
“Sounds good,” Shen Tang readily agreed.
It was not yet 10 PM after eating, and the beach was still lively, not suitable for a walk. Jiang Chengyu went to shower first, changing out of the clothes he wore on the plane.
Close to midnight, the beach slowly became quiet.
Jiang Chengyu held Shen Tang’s hand and walked to the beach. Passing by where he had placed the sparklers earlier, he reached out and took a small pack.
It was dark, and Shen Tang was immersed in her thoughts of her grandfather, not noticing he was holding something in his other hand.
They reached the beach, where the sea breeze ruffled her long hair.
Jiang Chengyu took a lollipop from his pocket and handed it to her. “A lollipop goes best with a Tangtang.”
Shen Tang belatedly realized that the second “Tangtang” was her name, and she smiled.
So, she and lollipops were a perfect match.
“I haven’t had one in years. I’m afraid of getting fat. When I was little, Grandpa used to buy these for me when he tried to cheer me up.”
Jiang Chengyu took out the sparklers. “I heard these are fun.”
Shen Tang was surprised. “Where did you buy them?”
“The convenience store.” Jiang Chengyu took out a lighter and lit one for her.
Shen Tang had never played with sparklers before. Her grandfather had bought her fireworks when she was little, but she didn’t remember what they were called.
The fireworks ignited, sparkling with warmth.
Grandpa should be able to see her small happiness now.
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