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The night was deep and silent, making it easier to hear the truth. All sincerity could also be seen.
Shang Zhitao cried alone in her bed. Outside, heavy snow weighed down on the withered branches; another winter had arrived. She wiped away her tears, but they kept flowing. She thought she had cried less over the past few years, yet she found herself shedding tears several times in front of Luan Nian.
Luan Nian’s words from earlier echoed sharply in her ears and filled her heart. She finally admitted that they had indeed loved each other during those years. It was just that they were both terrible back then—one cowering in a shell of inferiority, the other clad in unyielding armor.
When she first returned to Ice City, everything spiraled out of control. It took her a long time to bring things back on track. But Luan Nian’s words shattered the fragile balance she had painstakingly built. Luan Nian always did this; whenever he appeared, he would force you to break something.
Thirsty at night, she went out to boil water. The sound of the kettle whistling woke her up, and she heard the door of the guest bedroom open—Luan Nian was still awake.
Under the dim glow of the night lamp, their eyes met, but Shang Zhitao eventually looked away.
She didn’t even know how it all happened.
It seemed like she only blinked, and Luan Nian was already in front of her, trapping her between the kitchen counters and kissing her.
His tongue burned against her skin, his teeth biting into her neck, rasping, “Does it hurt?”
“A little,” Shang Zhitao turned her head, seeking his lips to avoid the overwhelming surge of desire his mouth brought.
“Endure it.” Luan Nian ordered her to endure, his tongue tracing the skin behind her ear. He lifted her up and carried her to her bedroom, throwing her onto the bed. The mattress sank and bounced back as Luan Nian pressed down on her.
Shang Zhitao heard his heavy breathing, her body tensing up sharply. In the dim light, she gazed into the depths of his eyes, where a fire burned, like a wild beast.
“Where are the condoms, Shang Zhitao?” Luan Nian asked.
“I don’t have any.”
“...Damn!”
Luan Nian cursed, and Shang Zhitao’s body, rising and falling with her breaths, pressed tightly against him.
Shang Zhitao felt an emptiness within herself.
When alone, she didn’t feel much. Sometimes, she was so busy that once she hit the bed, she fell asleep immediately. There were also sleepless nights when she got up to go for a run.
But today, Luan Nian stirred something in her, leaving her unsettled. Her eyes brimmed with tears, looking sorrowful and wronged.
Seeing this, Luan Nian’s heart tightened. Rarely did he lower his guard, even in bed, but now he pressed his lips close to hers, “Is there no good end to this?”
Shang Zhitao remained silent, her tongue lightly brushing his lips, unsure whether she wanted him to stop or continue.
Suddenly, Luan Nian smiled, biting her nose, then trailing kisses along her lip line and neck. His stubble scraped against her skin, causing a coarse pain.
Shang Zhitao moaned softly, tilting her head back slightly, her hands threading through his hair.
The sound of Luan Nian swallowing sliced through the silent night. Shang Zhitao couldn’t open her eyes for a long time, feeling as if her body no longer belonged to her—it had become a plaything in Luan Nian’s hands, a piece of candy in his mouth, being polished until coated and juicy, simply exquisite.
When Luan Nian left her room, he appeared somewhat disheveled. She had asked him if he wanted to stay and sleep, but his tone wasn’t good: “How can we sleep without protection?” Without tools, holding her, unable to do anything, it was akin to plotting murder.
They each digested their remaining emotions, giving each other space without disturbing one another, enduring the night separately.
When they opened their eyes the next morning, both were exhausted. Meeting in the living room, Luan Nian pinched her cheek and kissed her forehead. Shang Zhitao leaned back, hearing his threat: “Try avoiding me.”
Shang Zhitao really stood still, letting him kiss her forehead, then her nose, and finally peck her lips: “Osmanthus milk? Egg rolls? Pan-fried steak?”
“Anything goes. What are you doing today?”
“I need to catch the noon flight. Several board members arrived in Beijing last night, and there’s a banquet tonight.”
Shang Zhitao nodded: “Oh, wish you a safe journey.”
“You’re driving me away?”
“No.” Shang Zhitao ran into the bathroom and closed the door. When she came out, Luan Nian had already prepared breakfast. Seeing that Shang Zhitao hesitated to come over, he said, “Come here.”
He reverted to his true self again, wanting everything to follow his lead, though many things had changed. For instance, when Shang Zhitao sat at the dining table, Luan Nian pinched her cheek: “Did you marry the bathroom?”
…
“What were you doing in the bathroom? Contemplating life?”
“Can the bathroom bring you clients?”
“Have you not slept with me?”
Annoyed by her dawdling.
Shang Zhitao pursed her lips, sipping milk while watching Luan Nian.
“What are you looking at?” Luan Nian asked, “Do you want to talk more with me?”
“Like yesterday’s start or last night’s talk?” Shang Zhitao asked. Her bite yesterday hadn’t been gentle; Luan Nian’s lip had split.
“Either way,” Luan Nian glanced at her neckline and raised an eyebrow. Following his gaze, Shang Zhitao saw her loose collar and hurriedly covered it with her hand: “What are you looking at!”
“So, I think repeating yesterday’s sequence is fine.”
…
Shang Zhitao, unable to outwit Luan Nian with flirtation, resorted to being petulant: “I prefer talking to younger brothers.” With that, she fearlessly pulled out her phone, showing Luan Nian a few pictures: “Isn’t this kind of younger brother nice?”
“Good. Go find them.” After finishing his meal, Luan Nian went to change clothes to prepare for the airport. Luke followed him, wagging his tail. Luan Nian squatted down to say goodbye: “I’ll be back in a couple of days.”
Standing up, he told Shang Zhitao, “Come here.”
“No.”
“Come here.” He pulled Shang Zhitao over to stand in front of him: “You don’t have to be afraid of me. I won’t devour you. If you’re unwilling, I won’t do anything.”
Shang Zhitao knew Luan Nian was talking nonsense. Just one look from her, and he would seize the chance to take advantage. That’s just how cunning he was—a sly old fox—and she knew it all too well.
Luan Nian continued, “Also, don’t like younger brothers. They’re the best at deceiving.”
Shang Zhitao burst into laughter, breaking the tension.
“So, what is our relationship now?” Luan Nian asked her.
“Good friends.”
“Alright, good friends.” Luan Nian pinched her cheeks—he always liked doing that—puckering her lips into an ‘O’ shape, lowering his head, his lips almost touching hers, but stopped himself: “Good friends can’t kiss.” He turned around and left.
After attending a meeting, Luan Nian drove straight to the old house of Dr. Liang and his father, Luan Dad, in the city.
The older generation also enjoyed making friends, sticking to the same circle throughout their lives, working together and buying houses together. Back then, they joked about finding a place to live together when they grew old. Unexpectedly, they all ended up back in Beijing.
These elders had good investment foresight. This small community, built in the late 80s, was adjacent to the best school district, with comprehensive surrounding amenities and convenient transportation. Dr. Liang and Luan Dad lived comfortably. Luan Nian visited them twice a week. On weekends, if he was available, he would take them to his villa. However, in the past year, except for when Ice City was locked down or Beijing restricted outbound travel, Luan Nian spent most weekends running to Ice City, showing a strong inclination to settle there.
Upon entering, the smell of food greeted him. Luan Dad was studying calligraphy and paintings.
Luan Nian walked over and glanced at them, asking, “Chen Kuannian has been here?” Chen Kuannian dealt in collectibles and import-export trade. Over the past year, as the import-export business became challenging, he focused entirely on collecting antiques. The paintings and calligraphy cherished by the older generation caught his attention.
Luan Dad huffed, “With your young minds thinking you can scheme against us. He came, but I chased him away. His father said that if he comes again, he won’t be allowed in.”
“The prices are good now.” Luan Nian owed Chen Kuannian a favor and felt somewhat like a rebellious son, contemplating handing over Luan Dad’s artworks to Chen Kuannian.
Luan Dad raised his hand, pretending to hit Luan Nian, who acted as if he didn’t see it.
During dinner, Dr. Liang noticed the cut on Luan Nian’s lip and asked him, “What happened to your lip? Craving meat?”
“Bitten by a dog.” Luan Nian suddenly remembered Shang Zhitao’s moan and felt that these board members had come at an inopportune time; otherwise, he could have heard her moan more today.
Luan Nian was aggressive. He could take his time with romance, but he needed to act immediately on Shang Zhitao.
“What kind of dog bites like that?” Dr. Liang leaned closer to examine it and clicked his tongue.
Rarely, Luan Nian blushed and turned his head to avoid Dr. Liang’s gaze.
Dr. Liang chuckled, “So, can I call Shang Zhitao now?”
“No.”
“When will you be able to?” Dr. Liang asked him.
“I don’t know.”
After the family finished eating, Luan Nian drank tea with Luan Dad and checked his phone for any messages from Shang Zhitao—there were none, unsurprisingly.
No messages, but she posted a selfie on her social media. Her collar slightly open, her slender neck connecting to the fair skin of her chest, the lighting just right, casting shadows over her chest.
Luan Nian suddenly got angry—what kind of picture was this?!
Just as he was about to get mad at Shang Zhitao, he realized something wasn’t right. In the group chat, he said, “Send me a screenshot of Shang Zhitao’s social media post.”
Nobody understood what he meant, but they sent him a screenshot anyway, which didn’t include the photo. Luan Nian smiled. Shang Zhitao had become clever, knowing how to use unconventional tactics.
Luan Nian opened a shopping website and ordered a box of condoms, sending a screenshot to Shang Zhitao: “Place it within reach next to your bed.”
“Refused.”
“Ungrateful after using someone?”
Shang Zhitao sent back a picture saying, “Our friendship is pure.”
Luan Nian didn’t reply. He disliked unnecessary talk. What was there to say? They would discuss when they met. It was best not to say anything even then—it was a waste of time.
Luan Nian felt like he had turned into a lecher.
He had lived so many years and never felt so restless before. His mind was full of Shang Zhitao, and waiting even one more day felt like it could kill him.
On Thursday, he encountered Lumi in the elevator. Her eyes fell on him, scanned briefly, and quickly shifted away, as if she had glimpsed some divine secret.
Luan Nian, known for his sharp words, asked her, “I heard Will is getting back together?”
Lumi glared at him, but he pretended not to notice.
“I don’t know whether Will is remarrying or not, but I’m getting married. You know, I have nothing except a few old houses. If I find someone else with a few old houses, it would be perfect. That’s called being well-matched.” Before leaving the elevator, she told Luan Nian, “By the way, you probably haven’t heard yet—Tao Tao likes younger brothers.”
“Seriously.” Lumi added another daring sentence: “Old Shang and Da Zhai have no specific requirements for Tao Tao’s partner choice, just one—can’t be more than three years older than Tao Tao.”
Lumi was really something, hitting Luan Nian where it hurt. She wasn’t afraid at all, strutting off in her high boots.
Luan Nian watched her walk away, feeling irritated by her defiant attitude.
What the hell with these younger brothers!
During lunch with the client, he saw Song Ying too.
Song Ying had worked at Lingmei to build her resume but eventually joined her father’s company. Luan Nian had heard rumors that the national anti-corruption campaign might reach them. However, Luan Nian remained calm; it had nothing to do with him. He only cared about when the final payment would arrive.
During the meal, Song Ying sat next to Luan Nian. Everyone understood the matchmaking intent behind Song’s father’s actions and couldn’t help making a few jokes about the handsome man and beautiful woman.
Luan Nian turned his wine glass upside down and stopped drinking.
Everyone knew Luan Nian’s temperament, including Song’s father. He laughed and said, “We don’t need to worry about the kids’ affairs. Has the final payment process started?” he asked Song Ying.
“Yes.”
“That’s good.”
After Luan Nian turned his wine glass upside down, he didn’t touch a drop. He wasn’t worried about Song Ying not paying the final installment. He was here today just out of business etiquette. The sooner the final payment came, the better. If investigations began, collecting the money would become difficult.
They exchanged polite pleasantries throughout the meal. At the end, Luan Nian asked Song Ying, “When will the final payment arrive?”
“About three days. The finance department has already submitted the payment application.”
“Good, thank you.” Luan Nian smiled at her.
“Luan Nian, I want to say a few words to you.” Song Ying suddenly stopped him.
“What?” Luan Nian looked at her.
“I am very grateful for your guidance during the two years I worked at Lingmei. You taught me a lot. But what I want to say most is that my feelings for you are not just respect from an employee to a boss. There’s something more.”
“And then?”
“I know about you and Flora. I accidentally saw your chat window on Flora’s computer. But Flora has been gone for several years. I want to ask—can we try another kind of relationship?”
In fact, Luan Nian’s impression of Song Ying’s appearance and personality was vague. But he remembered her talent.
At twenty-two, she was extraordinarily talented, truly a rare gem. So, he gave her many opportunities and believed she would succeed. However, Luan Nian disliked people who were overly ambitious.
All works required meticulous polishing, and so did human nature. The most attractive aspect of humanity was its depth. Song Ying knew how to polish her work but hadn’t refined her own character. This was regrettable.
“No,” Luan Nian replied calmly, unfazed by this sudden confession. He had experienced too many such situations and rejected too many people, handling them with ease: “Since you’ve seen my chat with Flora, you must wonder if I’d choose you without Flora. The answer is no. My relationship with Flora was initiated by me. With you, I have no intention of pursuing anything.” Luan Nian shrugged: “I don’t like it.”
Song Ying was proud. She had grown up as the princess doted upon by her parents, always striving for first place in everything. She asked her father to arrange her entry into Lingmei just to work with Luan Nian. On the first day, Luan Nian introduced her to the department staff casually, but when it came to Shang Zhitao, he specifically asked her to learn from her.
While working on the Northwest project, the nearly twenty-minute delay of Luan Nian and Shang Zhitao’s car made her anxious.
Song Ying wanted to win.
Shang Zhitao was so ordinary. Losing to her felt unbearable.
She thought she deserved to win against a mediocre person with her resources and talent, failing to realize that every ordinary hardworking person deserved respect.
“Thank you for telling me these things, Luke. Who knows when we’ll meet again? If possible, I hope we can work together again. I’m very happy.” After speaking, she extended her hand to Luan Nian, whose hands remained in his pockets, not extending them. He wasn’t someone who always adhered to politeness.
Luan Nian got into his car and made a report: “I want to report someone who may be involved in transferring huge assets abroad.”
Luan Nian was neither genuinely good nor genuinely bad. Song Ying’s words were cryptic, but smart as Luan Nian was, he understood the hidden meaning.
Luan Nian held grudges but wasn’t in a rush to settle scores. If he couldn’t handle it at the moment, he would eventually. In the end, he still wanted to be a good citizen.
By Friday, he flew to Ice City.
Upon entering, Luke ran up to greet him.
Shang Zhitao rarely arrived home early. She had already showered and was preparing to apply a face mask. Hearing the sound of the password lock opening, her hand paused, and her breath caught.
Suddenly, she regretted wearing that strapless nightgown and considered closing the door and changing, but Luan Nian’s arm had already reached out to stop her. Then he walked in.
“Luan Nian, let’s talk.” Shang Zhitao put on her robe and stepped back toward the bed.
“Hmm, let’s talk.”
Luan Nian lowered his head to unbutton his shirt slowly, exuding an air of menace.
“Let’s get dressed and talk properly.”
“Hmm.”
At his response, Luan Nian tossed his shirt onto a wooden chair, his muscles flexing with each movement. Those muscles seemed to know they looked good and refused to leave Shang Zhitao’s sight.
“Put your clothes on.”
“Okay.”
Luan Nian removed his belt with a snap and dropped it to the floor.
Shang Zhitao nervously watched him.
Back then, at his house, their first time together—he had gazed at her with ambiguous eyes, and they were so rushed they didn’t even undress. That time, Shang Zhitao was nervous, but not like now.
“Let’s talk.”
He pulled her close, slipping her robe off her arms, his eyes falling on the front of her nightgown—the revealing front.
“Luan Nian.”
“Hmm.”
Luan Nian casually turned off the lights, his fingertips resting on her collarbone, then moving outward to the thin straps. His palm pressed against her shoulder, between the strap and her skin. His calloused palms from lifting weights rested on her shoulders.
It felt like slow torture.
Someone who was once in such a hurry suddenly wasn’t in a rush anymore. The night was long, and the weekend stretched ahead—why should he rush? He intended to take his time.
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