It wasn’t until Jian Xi fell asleep that He Ran opened the text message.

Qin Sheng handled matters as swiftly, accurately, and ruthlessly as he had in the past. He and He Ran were like brothers who had gone through life-and-death situations together—former rivals from university who became close friends after a series of conflicts. Both had fiery tempers.

From bitter enemies to ironclad friends, after graduation, they went to Shenzhen together, selling pirated CDs and running street stalls. He Ran accidentally stumbled into legitimate entrepreneurship, while Qin Sheng took a more unconventional path, slipping through society’s cracks like a slippery eel, accumulating small fortunes along the way.

Later, He Ran’s company moved to Yao Province, where his responsibilities grew. Meanwhile, Qin Sheng headed northwest to trade jade stones, disappearing from contact. It was only recently that He Ran heard Qin Sheng had ended up working in transportation at Xin Yang Group.

This guy’s life story was beyond bizarre.

He Ran’s early rise to fortune began in Shenzhen, where he made a killing, leveraging networks and information. Qin Sheng helped him navigate various channels, reconnecting with an old supplier who had ties to He Ran.

[Next Friday, dinner is set.]

Qin Sheng sent over the address. He Ran stared at it for a long time before turning off the screen.

________________________________________

The next day, Jian Xi had already recovered from her brief emotional collapse the night before. She woke up early to make breakfast and grind soy milk for He Ran.

When He Ran got out of bed, he leaned against the kitchen door, quietly watching Jian Xi’s back.

Steam bubbled gently from the pot on the stove, while chopped tomatoes and beaten eggs sat ready on the countertop.

The morning sunlight filtered through the window, enveloping half her body in a soft glow. The scene was peaceful and beautiful.

“Hey, you could’ve said something instead of standing there silently.” Jian Xi turned around, startled.

He Ran hugged her from behind, nuzzling her cheek with his stubble.

“It tickles!” Jian Xi laughed, trying to dodge.

“Don’t move. Let me hold you for a moment.” He Ran rested his head on her shoulder, speaking softly.

The water on the stove began to boil, bubbles growing larger by the second.

Jian Xi patted his hand. “The water’s boiling. Shall I cook noodles?”

He Ran didn’t move, maintaining their intertwined fingers. “Jian Xi.”

“Hmm?”

“I might have to leave for a while.”

“Where to?”

“Shenzhen.”

“Shenzhen?” Jian Xi tilted her head back to look at him. “What for?”

“Some old friends are there.”

Jian Xi remained silent for a long time.

As He Ran waited, his heart grew increasingly uneasy and anxious.

“Wife, I...”

“It’s fine,” Jian Xi interrupted, her tone light. “It’s okay. Go ahead. I support you.”

He Ran placed his hands on her shoulders, turning her to face him. He looked deeply into her eyes, searching for any hidden traces of emotion.

Jian Xi met his gaze openly, unflinching under his scrutiny.

She smiled. “I’m not lying to you. Do whatever you need to do.”

“Xixi.”

“I really mean it. You’re not leaving forever, right?” Jian Xi tilted her head, her expression earnest.

He Ran continued to stare at her, his gaze direct and piercing. After holding up for a while, Jian Xi finally lowered her head, her feigned strength crumbling. In a small voice, she asked, “How long will you be gone?”

“A week, maybe a month, or I might travel back and forth between here and there.” He Ran answered honestly.

Jian Xi nodded. “As long as you’re not leaving forever, it’s fine. When I have vacation, I can visit you. Shenzhen, right? It’s fast by high-speed rail.”

He Ran: “Mm, no more than six months.”

“A little over six months is fine too.” Jian Xi pursed her lips, her voice tinged with sadness. “It’s just... so regrettable.”

“What’s regrettable?”

“It’s all your fault.” Jian Xi still couldn’t let go of the failed pregnancy attempt. “Do you not want kids?”

“I’d love a child with the surname He.”

Jian Xi burst into laughter. “You wish. Let go; I’ll cook the noodles now.”

________________________________________

Two days before He Ran’s departure, Jian Xi secretly visited the property developer without telling him.

Regarding her request, the salesperson was quite troubled. “Miss Jian, since you’ve already paid the deposit, according to the rules, we cannot refund it.”

Jian Xi: “Sorry, there’s been a sudden change at home. We won’t be needing this house for now.”

Salesperson: “Our presale contract has already stipulated this. Please understand.”

Jian Xi thought for a moment. “Alright, we’ll forfeit the ten-thousand-yuan deposit.”

The salesperson’s attitude softened slightly. “Our development is selling very quickly, and prices change daily. I sincerely advise you to purchase soon for your new home.”

Jian Xi thanked them. “I’ll contact you if needed.”

And so, Jian Xi canceled the property purchase, went to the bank, opened a new account, and deposited the full amount meant for the house.

She began packing He Ran’s luggage, cramming almost everything she could think of into the suitcase.

He Ran stood nearby, utterly bewildered. “What are all these bottles and jars?”

“Moisturizer, shampoo, menthol oil, floral water, and a mosquito-repellent lamp.” Jian Xi double-checked everything.

He Ran chuckled wryly. “Darling, I’m a grown man. I don’t fuss over these things.”

“If you’re not helping, don’t talk.” Satisfied nothing was overlooked, Jian Xi closed the suitcase, crouched on the ground, and looked up at him. “Did you bring your train ticket and ID? What about cash?”

He Ran smiled and teased, “Little housewife.”

Jian Xi took it seriously. “It’s different outside compared to home. You must take care of yourself. No fighting or causing trouble.”

“Damn, I smell motherly love.”

“You’re impossible.” Jian Xi ignored him.

He Ran squatted down, forehead touching hers, and whispered, “Be good, don’t worry. I’m not some greenhorn. I’ve seen more than enough of the world’s dangers. I promise you—I won’t pick fights or cause trouble, but if trouble comes, I won’t back down either.”

Jian Xi nodded. “Okay.”

He Ran continued, “Work hard, but don’t sit for hours without moving.”

“Okay.”

“If you want something delicious, go to Grandma’s. She’ll make it for you.”

“Okay.”

“Drive slowly, and lock the door when you’re at home.”

Jian Xi tilted her head up. “Hey, I smell a fatherly vibe.”

He Ran chuckled. “You really don’t let anything slide.”

That night, there were no intense emotions, no sadness of parting, not even lovemaking.

They washed up early, and He Ran held Jian Xi close. His calm breathing and steady heartbeat resonated from his chest to hers.

In this silent embrace, without words or actions, they could already see the shadow of peaceful years.

The next day, Jian Xi had the early shift, and He Ran took a taxi to the high-speed rail station by himself.

After boarding, he sent Jian Xi a text: [Successfully on the train.]

It was the busiest time for Jian Xi in the morning, so she didn’t reply. He Ran dozed off during the journey and woke up just after passing Wuhan. He took out his phone, and at 10:30, Jian Xi had replied with a message.

He Ran froze after reading just a few words.

Jian Xi: [There’s a card in the suitcase. Let’s postpone buying the house. Don’t be stingy with yourself when you’re outside. No matter what happens, stay safe.]

The password for the card was the date they got their marriage certificate.

Silently, He Ran tucked the card away in the innermost layer of his wallet. He leaned his head back against the seat, appearing to be sleeping with his eyes closed.

Inside, waves of emotion surged, all pooling into his eyes.

He didn’t want anyone to see his bloodshot eyes.

________________________________________

At 2 PM, final destination: Shenzhen.

After nearly eight years, He Ran stepped into this city again, like a circle returning to its starting point. Though carrying little, his heart was full.

“He Ran! Over here!”

At the exit, Qin Sheng, dressed in black, tall and lanky, waved his arm flamboyantly.

He Ran looked him up and down, lips curling slightly.

“Oh dear, what kind of look is that? Checking out your lover?” Qin Sheng’s loud voice boomed.

He Ran casually remarked, “You’ve tanned, gained weight, your face shape has changed, and your voice has deepened.” As he approached, he added, “And it seems you’ve even shrunk a bit.”

“Go to hell,” Qin Sheng snapped, throwing a punch.

He Ran dodged and laughed without saying a word.

After Qin Sheng calmed down, he lazily raised his right hand in a fist. “Wanna bump fists?”

He Ran mirrored the gesture, and they bumped fists, the dull thud echoing between them.

“Not bad. You’ve aged, but your strength hasn’t waned.” Qin Sheng’s voice grew hoarse as he spoke. “Can I say something clichéd like ‘time flies’?”

He Ran patted his shoulder. “So sentimental.”

Qin Sheng drove a second-hand BYD. “Sorry, based on the image I have of you, the best I could muster was a tricycle. But today, I happened to be making deliveries, so enjoy my luxury ride.”

“Go to hell,” He Ran joked.

The drive from the station to Qin Sheng’s place was over twenty kilometers. Along the way, they chatted nonstop, drinking three bottles of mineral water.

With a humorous tone, He Ran summarized his experiences over the years. Qin Sheng couldn’t help but sigh, “This verifies an old saying.”

“What?”

“Petty people thrive for a thousand years.”

He Ran pulled out a cigarette, biting it as he lit it and checked his phone.

At a red light, Qin Sheng stretched his neck. “What are you looking at? Wow, a beauty!”

He Ran didn’t hold on tight enough, and his phone was snatched away. “Give it back!”

“Let me see. Oh, she’s beautiful.” Qin Sheng said.

In the phone gallery, there was a casual photo of Jian Xi wearing a chiffon dress by the seaside—fresh and natural.

“Girlfriend?”

“My woman,” He Ran corrected. “My wife.”

“You bastard, you got married?”

“Yeah, we registered.”

“What does she do?”

“Doctor.”

“I wanna kick you out of the car.”

He Ran grabbed the phone back, locked the screen, and put it in his pocket. “You’re so short, can you even kick?”

“Go to hell.”

An hour later, they arrived at Qin Sheng’s place. He hadn’t bought a house in Shenzhen; all his money went into storefronts, which were about to be demolished—a stroke of luck.

After settling in briefly, that evening, they had dinner with the scheduled supplier.

This man, surnamed Li, was once a building materials supplier for He Ran’s company. But during their meal, they learned he had switched to transportation.

“Director He, since you left, the new boss has few skills but excels in deception and recklessness.” Old Li was straightforward. “What a pity, your company—I watched it grow.”

He Ran remained calm. “The market changes daily. Business fluctuations are normal. By the way, Old Li, where does your current business mainly focus?”

“Towards the towns. We stop at four or five places along one route.”

“What about outside the province?”

“The volume would naturally increase, but so would the difficulty. Local powers, the transportation bureau, industry competitors—all are tricky.”

After an afternoon of discussion, Old Li said, “To secure a route, it’d cost at least this much.” He extended a finger, showing a number. “No worries about goods. The main issue is the road. In transportation, we eat the bread given by fate. One mishap, and everything collapses.”

After returning, He Ran carefully considered. For the next week, he ran all over the city and government departments.

Transportation Bureau, Transport Management Office, logistics companies—getting permits and smoothing relationships. Qin Sheng and Old Li provided much information, ensuring things weren’t twice as hard.

The initial investment was nearly seven figures. He Ran rented a basement in the city for two reasons: saving money and convenience. It also allowed him to explore malls and supermarkets downtown.

The basement rent was 700 yuan per month, cheap but severely damp. When it rained, half the wall dripped with water. Once, He Ran woke up in the middle of the night to find water seeping through the ceiling onto his bed.

He pushed the wooden bed to the door, propping it against it. Half his bedding was wet, so he flipped it over, using the dry side with a forced smile.

When talking to Jian Xi on the phone, He Ran lied through his teeth.

“How’s your place?”

“Not bad, a sixteenth-floor apartment with an elevator, everything included.”

“And your meals?”

“Cook myself, occasionally eat out with Qin Sheng and others.”

“Tired?”

“Nope.”

“Miss me?”

“Yes.”

Each time He Ran answered this question, he mentally added, “Because I’m thinking of you, I don’t feel tired.”

After a month and a half, all the necessary documents were finally in order. After paying for the secured routes, He Ran had less than a thousand in cash left.

That day, Qin Sheng and Old Li brought takeout and drinks to celebrate in He Ran’s shabby basement.

A musty smell greeted them; the light bulb, due to dampness, needed replacing every few days.

The three men didn’t dwell on their current predicaments. A small wobbly table was set up, beer and food placed on it, and they ate heartily.

“Here, brother, may your business flourish.” Qin Sheng raised his glass.

Old Li chimed in, “Yes, make a fortune.”

He Ran downed his drink in one gulp. “I love hearing that.”

Just then, Jian Xi’s WeChat video call came through.

He Ran’s phone was on the table. Seeing the caller ID, Qin Sheng exclaimed, “Oh, sister-in-law!”

He quickly answered. The picture was fuzzy, the signal slow. He Ran panicked, rushing to grab the phone.

But it was too late. Jian Xi had already seen the room.

The video froze, capturing the damp-stained walls.

“Oh no, don’t hit me! Brother, sister-in-law hung up!”

He Ran checked the phone—it was true.

“Don’t worry, sister-in-law didn’t see anything. If she did, you can cut off my head.” Qin Sheng guaranteed confidently.

“Your head isn’t worth much.” Reflecting, He Ran could only hope and pray.

Praying Jian Xi hadn’t seen his shabby basement.

Thanks to Old Li’s familiarity in the circle, he helped He Ran advertise to merchants needing out-of-province freight.

The next day, business came knocking.

Now, He Ran almost accepted any job, no matter how far.

The first trip wasn’t far, heading to Huizhou, bordering Shenzhen. Due to He Ran’s low-price promotion, the loading rate reached seventy percent on the first day of operation.

He calculated a pure profit of about three thousand yuan.

The truck driver was hired earlier. He Ran accompanied the cargo, setting out at 3 AM, enduring over ten hours of bumpy roads before returning to Shenzhen.

Leaving under the stars, returning under the same sky.

The southern city, forever clean, bright, warm, and vibrant.

Carrying his first income, He Ran received calls from several merchants wanting deliveries. Eating fried rice at a late-night snack stall, he replied to messages, vaguely grasping the tail of “making a comeback.”

“Boss, check please.” He Ran put down his chopsticks, pushing the empty bowl away, continuing to read messages.

“Coming, total is twenty-five.” The boss was quick, even serving a dish to the neighboring table.

He Ran fished out some change. “Get me a bottle of water too.”

“Sure.” The boss gave change while saying, “Is that person waiting for you?”

He Ran initially didn’t understand. “What?”

“Across the street.” The boss nodded towards the direction. “See, the one in the white dress.”

He Ran stiffened, turning his head in disbelief.

One glance, and he almost exploded.

Under the overpass opposite, Jian Xi, pushing a suitcase, looked weary. She had come to Shenzhen alone. During He Ran’s delivery, his phone signal was poor, and coincidentally, he missed all four of her calls.

Jian Xi searched around the approximate address he had given, circling four times, on the verge of collapsing, when they unexpectedly met.

Jian Xi looked at He Ran, locking eyes.

She finally burst into tears.