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Luan Siyuan’s eyes widened at the sound of his curse: “Are you cursing me?”
“No.”
“Then who are you cursing?”
“Myself.”
The parade of men around Shang Zhitao left Luan Nian feeling both amused and perplexed. How did she attract so many? Where were these men coming from? It felt like she was deliberately challenging him—ever since he rejected her, men seemed to flock around her endlessly. As if taunting him: See? I’m in demand! If you don’t want me, plenty of others do!
“You’re cursing yourself? You usually curse others,” Luan Siyuan remarked, finding him odd today. “Did you take drugs or something?”
Luan Nian glanced at her: “Where’s that lousy porridge shop? Are you really this broke? How long has it been since we last met, and all you can offer is porridge?”
“Don’t be ungrateful! Other people would kill for a chance to eat with me!” Luan Siyuan led Luan Nian down a street, stopping at a small porridge shop by the roadside. The two went in and ordered clay pot porridge. The rich flavor of the porridge rivaled that of Chaoshan-style dishes.
“How is it?”
“Barely passable.”
“Do you expect to find a girlfriend with that mouth of yours?”
“And what about you? With that sharp tongue, how do you keep boyfriends?”
They bickered while finishing their bowls, then exchanged updates on their elders’ health. Afterward, Luan Siyuan dropped Luan Nian off at the hotel. She then posted in the family group chat: “Something’s wrong with my brother—he’s acting strange.”
Dr. Liang immediately asked: “What’s wrong with my son?”
“He’s probably been poisoned by love.” Luan Siyuan could read people well. From Luan Nian’s demeanor, it was clear he’d stumbled over a woman.
“I hope this poison never gets cured.”
Luan Nian saw the endless stream of messages in the group chat, tossed his phone aside, took a shower, and climbed into bed. In the dark, the image of Shang Zhitao’s tightly pressed knees and flushed cheeks lingered in his mind.
One Shang Zhitao had reduced him to this state, leaving even himself baffled. He endured through the night, still appearing fresh and composed the next day during the client meeting. But his foul mood made him seem unusually stern. Lee quietly asked Shang Zhitao: “Is Luke okay?”
What could possibly be wrong? Probably erectile dysfunction last night, judging by his blackened expression. Why else would he look so grim?
“I’m not sure. You know how Luke is—strict. Everyone tries to avoid him when they can.”
“That’s true.”
Shang Zhitao had dressed meticulously today, wearing an elegant black, gray, and white outfit, light makeup, and rosy pink lipstick. Her radiant presence caught the attention of the Orange team right away. Luan Nian sat beside her as she calmly listened to the client’s presentation, taking notes. When it was her turn, she rose steadily without showing any nervousness and began her presentation.
She had practiced countless times the night before. Every detail of the PowerPoint was etched in her mind—she could have recited it blindfolded. With such thorough preparation, she exuded confidence. She answered every question from the client effortlessly, not needing Lee or Luan Nian to intervene. She single-handedly handled the entire workshop.
From trembling on the interview call to now independently managing an S-level client workshop, she had put in unimaginable effort. Luan Nian thought to himself: Shang Zhitao was truly the most hardworking person he had ever met. He had encountered many talented individuals, but someone like Shang Zhitao—who lacked innate talent yet compensated through sheer effort—was a first for him.
He found it astonishing. At the time, Tracy had said to him: “I’m conducting an experiment on human resources. I want to prove something: gifted individuals may shine briefly, but those who persistently work hard will bring surprises.”
“Shang Zhitao is my first subject. I believe she’ll succeed—not today, maybe tomorrow or the day after. We need to give her a chance.”
Shang Zhitao seized that opportunity. After the workshop ended, the Orange team proactively exchanged contact information with her and formed a special project group, hoping she would continue serving them. Yet, Shang Zhitao maintained her composure: “Today’s content was completed under Grace’s guidance. Although she couldn’t attend due to her late pregnancy, she invested a lot of effort. Therefore, I’d like to include Grace in this project group. With her support, I can avoid mistakes.”
Lee whispered to Luan Nian nearby: “Is she naive, or just overly principled? Does she realize what Orange means to her?”
Luan Nian believed Shang Zhitao understood perfectly. She acted this way because she was genuinely upright and kind. She could be aggressive, but not toward her mentor—especially one who was heavily pregnant and about to give birth. Shang Zhitao possessed strong empathy; she knew she couldn’t treat Grace that way.
While waiting for Lee to fetch the car, Shang Zhitao asked Luan Nian: “Luke, I’d like to know: what were my shortcomings in today’s workshop, and where can I improve?”
Luan Nian pondered for a moment: “You were excellent. If there’s any flaw, it’s that you shouldn’t operate alone in the future. Remember, you came here with a team.”
Orange was Lee’s client, and Lee needed to establish authority in front of the client. Shang Zhitao should appropriately hand over some speaking opportunities to Lee so he could convey certain messages. Otherwise, how would he maintain control over the client later? Shang Zhitao agreed with Luan Nian’s critique and nodded: “I understand. Thank you, Luke.”
“You’re welcome.”
Shang Zhitao remained polite and proper—not at all like the brazen woman who’d boasted about her bust size the previous night. Luan Nian suddenly realized that Shang Zhitao was merely wearing a sheep’s skin, hiding her mischievous nature underneath. Quiet mischief perfectly described her.
They visited the client’s modern factory in Futian and then proceeded to the dinner banquet.
At such gatherings, drinking was inevitable. Shang Zhitao declined, and no one pressured her. Luan Nian excused himself, citing his herbal medicine regimen, even producing his medical records, and thus didn’t touch a drop. However, the Orange team tried to persuade everyone to drink. Shang Zhitao couldn’t refuse entirely—the client was, after all, the party in power—so she reluctantly took a small sip near the end of the meal.
Luan Nian glanced at her but didn’t intervene.
Drinking worked that way: once you took the first sip, the second followed. Shang Zhitao’s tolerance wasn’t great, and after consuming four ounces of liquor, she became drunk.
Still, she had improved—her original limit was a few sips, but she had trained herself to handle four ounces. Luan Nian inwardly scoffed. Being tipsy suited her fine.
After the banquet, Lee was thoroughly intoxicated, and the Guangzhou branch colleagues escorted him back. Luan Nian took Shang Zhitao to the hotel.
Drunk, she grew restless, slapping his chest and calling him a bastard.
Such audacity!
Too lazy to respond, Luan Nian pressed her firmly onto the seat until they reached the hotel. Unable to walk steadily, she slapped his back and slurred: “Carry me!”
Carry your damn self!
Luan Nian walked ahead, then turned back to see her swaying in place. Snorting, he muttered: “Pathetic!” Approaching her, he bent his knees, grabbed her hands, and hoisted her onto his back. She wasn’t heavy—her claimed weight of 108 pounds seemed accurate. Once on his back, Shang Zhitao unexpectedly quieted.
Luan Nian’s back felt comfortable. Despite her intoxication, she retained some semblance of rationality, resting her head against his neck and shifting slightly to nuzzle his ear and neck.
Her breath was warm, brushing against his skin in an unsettling way. In the elevator, Luan Nian attempted to set her down, but she clung stubbornly, refusing to let go. During the struggle, she bit his neck, her tongue grazing his skin. His breathing hitched, followed by her lips brushing his earlobe, wet and lingering.
Damn it!
Luan Nian cursed again. Finally reaching her room, he dumped her onto the bed and turned to boil water.
Her phone rang. Glancing at it, he answered: “Hello.”
“Excuse me, is this Shang Zhitao’s phone? I believe I dialed correctly.” The voice sounded familiar—it was her ex-boyfriend. What was his name again? Ah, yes, Xin Zhaozhou.
“This is Shang Zhitao’s phone.”
… After a brief silence, the caller spoke: “Could you please hand the phone to Shang Zhitao? We have a gathering today, and I promised to pick her up.”
“She’s drunk.” Luan Nian smirked, glancing at Shang Zhitao sprawled motionless on the bed. “She’s collapsed, unable to move. I think she’s about to throw up.” Just as he finished speaking, Shang Zhitao gagged. Rising quickly, he snapped: “Hold it in!” Rushing her to the bathroom, he positioned her by the toilet: “Throw up!”
Xin Zhaozhou hadn’t hung up, listening to the commotion on the other end. Knowing Shang Zhitao’s low tolerance, he worried she might suffer consequences from drinking too much. After a pause, he asked Luan Nian: “Can I come take care of her?”
“Sure!” Luan Nian promptly gave him the room number. Watching her retch made him nauseated—if someone else wanted to deal with her, so be it.
When Xin Zhaozhou arrived, Shang Zhitao was still hugging the toilet, vomiting violently. Luan Nian sat nearby, scrolling through his phone.
“Thank you for your trouble, Luke.”
“No trouble at all.” Luan Nian lifted his gaze from his phone and gave Xin Zhaozhou a friendly smile.
Xin Zhaozhou approached Shang Zhitao, noticing a cup of water beside her. He picked it up and asked: “Rinse your mouth? Want to move to the bed?”
“No! I need to hold onto my toilet! It makes me feel safe!” Shang Zhitao rested her head on the edge of the toilet, her drunkenness making her both unrestrained and childishly endearing. Luan Nian chuckled.
Xin Zhaozhou glanced at Luan Nian in surprise. He thought Shang Zhitao’s boss lacked empathy—she was clearly suffering, yet he could still laugh. After some thought, he said: “Thank you for bringing Tao Tao back. It’s late. Why don’t you go rest?”
“No can do.” Luan Nian remained seated, unmoving. “I have to take responsibility for the safety of my female employee. Leaving her alone with a man while she’s drunk might be risky.”
“I’m her…”
“Ex-boyfriend, right? Ex, not current.” Luan Nian shifted his posture on the chair. “No worries, you take care of her. I’ll stay here—it won’t disturb you.”
At this moment, Luan Nian was like a tough piece of meat, impossible to deal with, and Xin Zhaozhou realized that.
Shang Zhitao’s boss wasn’t an easy person to handle, but what he said made perfect sense. So Xin Zhaozhou nodded: “Then thank you for your hard work.”
“Not a problem.”
Luan Nian moved to the hotel’s swivel chair, propped his feet up on the desk, leaned back, and got comfortable. With half-closed eyes, he observed Xin Zhaozhou and Shang Zhitao in the bathroom. Xin Zhaozhou patted Shang Zhitao’s back and asked softly: “Tao Tao, do you still feel like throwing up?”
“Mmm! Yes! But I can’t get it out! I need to wait a bit!” Shang Zhitao, slightly tipsy and excited, spoke louder than usual, almost as if she were pouting.
“I’ll stay with you. Drink some water.”
Xin Zhaozhou helped her sip water, then stood up to grab some tissues. He sat cross-legged on the floor, watching her intently.
Shang Zhitao’s ex-boyfriend wasn’t bad. Luan Nian thought to himself—such attentiveness after a breakup was rare.
Shang Zhitao vomited again, drank some water afterward, then began cursing: “Luan Nian! Bastard! You’re not human!”
Xin Zhaozhou listened to her rant for a while, then leaned back to look at Luan Nian sitting there: “Who’s Luan Nian?”
Luan Nian shrugged: “Don’t know him. Probably some guy she has a crush on?”
The toilet truly was Shang Zhitao’s best friend. She clung to it until nearly 2 a.m. After cursing Luan Nian enough, she was completely drained. Xin Zhaozhou helped her onto the bed, adjusted the air conditioning, and tucked her in.
Then he sat on a small stool, watching Luan Nian.
Shang Zhitao’s boss was strange—he hardly spoke unless spoken to. Even at 2 a.m., his eyes were sharp, showing no signs of fatigue.
“You… aren’t resting?” he asked Luan Nian.
“No.” Luan Nian smirked faintly. “Aren’t you leaving?”
“I’m worried about her.”
“Mm.” Luan Nian nodded. “So am I, about you.”
… Xin Zhaozhou didn’t find it odd; instead, he felt Shang Zhitao’s boss was very responsible. What he was doing was right. Thus, the two men each took a corner of the room and slept. The next morning, both had to leave. Seeing that Shang Zhitao was fine, Luan Nian left with Xin Zhaozhou. Before leaving, Luan Nian went to the front desk to remake Shang Zhitao’s room card and specifically instructed the staff that no one except him or the guest herself was allowed in.
Shang Zhitao was utterly incapacitated, so Luan Nian had to meet clients with other colleagues that day. Lee was still hungover and feeling unwell. When he noticed Shang Zhitao hadn’t shown up, he asked Luan Nian: “Is Flora okay?”
“Out of commission.” Luan Nian replied: “Her classmate stayed up all night taking care of her.” He added this line to protect Shang Zhitao’s reputation.
And so, the week passed. One day filled with client meetings, two days spent recovering from drinking, and another day and a half serving as background support for Luan Nian and Lee. By noon on Friday, their work was done. Shang Zhitao secretly planned to skip work. She had booked a hotel in Hong Kong and prepared to cross the border into the vibrant city of neon lights.
She exchanged greetings with Lumi and asked about her family and work situation. Lumi sounded down and replied: “I haven’t done anything this week, but Will criticized me five times.”
During the daily marketing department meeting, she was scolded once a day.
Lumi found it strange—there were plenty of long-term loafers in the marketing department who did nothing, yet she, who at least worked, was singled out by Will. While inwardly cursing Will, she told Shang Zhitao: “I’ve figured it out: if you can’t beat them, join them.”
“How do you join?”
“Haven’t decided yet. Anyway, I can’t let him keep staring at me every day.”
The two chatted for a while, then Lumi sent over a shopping list and transferred 50,000 yuan to Shang Zhitao: “Go ahead, my friend. Buy this bag for me, sis.”
“Okay.”
On the way back to the hotel, Shang Zhitao seized the opportunity to ask Luan Nian: “Luke, we don’t have any plans for the afternoon, right? Can I have some free time?”
Luan Nian was resting, his eyes closed, and simply grunted in response.
Shang Zhitao was thrilled. Once off the car, she rushed to her room to pack. She carried only a backpack to Hong Kong, containing a change of clothes, her documents, and wallet. The rest of her luggage was left at the front desk.
Then she headed straight for the Futian Port.
While queuing to cross the border, she spotted a man standing in the adjacent line, wearing sunglasses and looking distant. Who else could it be but Luan Nian? Shang Zhitao turned away, pretending not to see him. She moved to the back of the queue twice before finally seeing Luan Nian pass through customs.
There was a brief gap in Shang Zhitao’s memory from when she was drunk, but Xin Zhaozhou had mentioned that she kept calling out for someone named Luan Nian while clinging to the toilet. Her boss also claimed not to know who Luan Nian was.
Luan Nian was always mysterious—it wasn’t wrong for him to deny being Luan Nian.
Once through customs, it felt like stepping into another world. On the other side, people held up signs and handed out flyers. Shang Zhitao didn’t understand what they were saying but quickly stuffed one into her bag and hurried away.
After walking a few steps, she saw Luan Nian standing there. He said to her: “You’ll accept anything?”
“I didn’t know.”
“No preparation beforehand?”
“Oh.”
Shang Zhitao lowered her head and mumbled, looking wilted like a frostbitten eggplant. Luan Nian’s arrogance grew: “Why are you avoiding me?”
“Afraid you’d think I’m stalking you.”
“Do I look sick?” Luan Nian glared at her. “Or are you the sick one?”
Shang Zhitao didn’t want to answer the question of who was sick and just wanted to escape. As she was contemplating how to say goodbye, Luan Nian’s ex-girlfriend appeared. Already tall, she wore high heels today, matching Luan Nian’s height. She draped her arm around his neck: “What are you doing, little brother? Picking up girls?”
To Shang Zhitao’s surprise, Luan Nian’s face flushed red as he pushed Luan Siyuan’s arm away: “Didn’t we agree to meet at the tea restaurant?”
“This is a coincidence,” Luan Siyuan said, her mischievousness fully on display. She glanced at Shang Zhitao: “What’s your name, miss?”
Shang Zhitao didn’t expect Luan Nian’s ex-girlfriend to be like this. Afraid of saying the wrong thing, she answered earnestly: “Hello, I’m Shang Zhitao, a subordinate of Luke.”
“Oh, oh, oh, here to play in Hong Kong?”
“Yes, I’m here to play and help a friend buy some things. Luke, I won’t bother you two anymore.” Shang Zhitao turned to leave but was pulled back by Luan Siyuan’s arm: “Where are you going, little sister? Since you’re already here, let’s eat together. How will you have the energy to shop without eating?”
Luan Siyuan was a year older than Luan Nian, but she looked stunning and dressed fashionably, making her age hard to guess. Standing there on the Hong Kong street, she was an eye-catching beauty, drawing countless gazes.
Shang Zhitao didn’t know any of this; she just felt awkward standing beside Luan Nian’s ex-girlfriend. “No, thank you. I shouldn’t disturb your date.”
“Date? Me and this little brother dating?” Luan Siyuan’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Do you really think I’d go for someone like him?”
All the pride Luan Nian carried shattered in that moment. He desperately wanted his outspoken cousin to shut up. With a cold face, he snapped at her: “Luan Siyuan, watch your words.”
Luan Siyuan.
Shang Zhitao silently repeated the name in her mind, then glanced between their appearances. She noticed a faint resemblance and suddenly understood the childish, combative heart hidden beneath Luan Nian’s proud and aloof exterior. Luan Nian didn’t seem embarrassed by this revelation and shot back at Shang Zhitao: “What are you looking at?”
Shang Zhitao averted her gaze and said to Luan Siyuan: “Luke was boasting to his colleagues that you were his ex-girlfriend.”
“And that his ex-girlfriend was super obedient, always available whenever called.”
Luan Nian had never said such things—Shang Zhitao was making it all up. This was the first time she’d seen Luan Nian afraid of someone, and she found it amusing to watch. This side of him was unfamiliar yet fascinating, adding a touch of humanity to his earlier rejection of her, which now seemed less abrupt.
They were all just human beings.
Everyone had their preferences.
Sleeping with someone for a long time didn’t mean they had to end up together.
He was simply being honest.
Shang Zhitao finally let go, and the fighting rooster in her heart ran away with its tail between its legs.
She stood there listening to Luan Siyuan scold Luan Nian for his nonsense, even teasing him about how his terrible personality made it miraculous that he’d ever had an ex-girlfriend. She joked that he looked destined to die alone. After politely enduring the lecture for a while, Shang Zhitao checked the time and interrupted: “Sister Siyuan, I really must go. Thank you for your kindness, but I have many plans today. Goodbye!”
She gave Luan Nian a friendly smile and turned to leave.
During her teenage years, Shang Zhitao had watched Hong Kong movies and listened to Cantonese songs, so many place names lingered in her memory. That afternoon, she planned to hike through Hong Kong, clutching a city map as she strolled from Mong Kok to Tsim Sha Tsui along Nathan Road, passing by Aeon, Kowloon Center, Yau Ma Tei, and Temple Street. The streets were crowded with pedestrians, and the air buzzed with English, Cantonese, and heavily accented Mandarin. In her bag, she carried pepper spray and some Hong Kong dollars she’d exchanged earlier. When tired, she stopped at a milk tea shop for double-skin milk pudding. As night fell, she made her way to Bridgehead Spicy Crab and ordered a plate of stir-fried crab in garlic butter sauce.
Meanwhile, Luan Nian spent the afternoon drinking tea with Luan Siyuan and their siblings, though his mind wandered elsewhere. Luan Siyuan kicked him under the table: “If you don’t want to hang out with us, get lost! It’s not safe for a girl to wander around Hong Kong alone.”
Luan Siyuan was sharp—she noticed the subtle focus in Luan Nian’s gaze toward the girl, something even he might not have realized. The two of them standing together looked awkward and immature, yet intriguing. Luan Siyuan sensed a kind of “once-in-a-lifetime meeting” vibe between them. Luan Nian stood up, and Luan Siyuan, in front of their siblings, asked him: “What’s the girl’s name?”
“Shang Zhitao.”
When Luan Nian asked Shang Zhitao where she was, she sent him her location. The spicy crab restaurant was one he’d visited several times before, even bumping into Hong Kong celebrities on occasion.
“Add mantis shrimp, roasted pigeon, and dry-fried beef rice noodles. I’ll be there soon.”
By the time Shang Zhitao added the dishes, the stir-fried crab arrived, and Luan Nian walked in. The old shop was stiflingly hot, and everyone dining there was sweating.
Luan Nian, usually clean and fresh, now had a few beads of sweat on his face.
The two sat at a cramped two-person table amidst the noisy crowd.
“Where’s Sister Siyuan?”
“She went clubbing with the others.”
“Aren’t you going?”
Luan Nian glanced at her but didn’t answer directly. Instead, he asked: “Want a drink?”
“One beer, maybe? I don’t dare drink too much—it makes me feel awful.”
“You cursed me out last time you got drunk!”
Shang Zhitao burst out laughing: “Xin Zhaozhou told me. Sorry, I didn’t realize I acted like that when drunk. Don’t take it personally, okay?”
“Xin Zhaozhou seems like a good guy.” Luan Nian’s comment reflected his impression of Shang Zhitao’s college romance. He imagined the boy must’ve cherished her deeply, protecting her from any hardship. But with him, Shang Zhitao had endured countless grievances.
The two toasted lightly, drinking only small amounts of alcohol and savoring the delicious spicy crab. Afterward, Luan Nian took Shang Zhitao to Victoria Harbour to admire the night view.
The dazzling lights, the enchanting night, and the softness of the moment surrounded them.
“Shang Zhitao,” Luan Nian called her by her name instead of “Flora.” “Over the past few years, have you always felt wronged being by my side?”
Shang Zhitao remained silent, letting him speak.
“I’m actually a terrible person. I was dark and violent during my teenage years. If it weren’t for my family loving me so much, meeting a few reliable friends, and constantly restraining myself, I might be in prison right now.”
“I saw how Xin Zhaozhou cared for you and how your roommate helped you. I thought perhaps you’d be better suited with someone like that. I lack the ability to love. Even though I try to correct my behavior, you must’ve often felt wronged.”
“I’m grateful you stayed with me for such a long time. My relationships rarely last more than three to five months, yet we’ve been together for four years. I hope you can have a better life. You’re truly outstanding and deserve everything.”
“Keep going.”
It was in Luan Nian’s gentle words that Shang Zhitao fully came to terms with certain truths. She realized that some addictions needed to be given up, and unreachable people could no longer be yearned for. She clearly understood that her beautiful feelings for Luan Nian had ended the moment that phone call disconnected. Afterward, she had struggled to understand why, despite everyone having emotions, she had invested four years while Luan Nian remained unmoved. She wanted to provoke him, to fight with him like a clown, all because she couldn’t accept it.
But on this day, she let go.
She knew life was like this—all people come and go, and eventually, everyone says goodbye. Though she once found it deeply regrettable, she couldn’t keep hoping for more.
Stopping here was enough.
From then on, every encounter became ordinary, and that secret story was never mentioned again.
On New Year’s Eve that year, she sat at home in Ice City with Luke, watching fireworks. Luke nestled close to her leg, sometimes gazing at the fireworks and sometimes looking up at her. Shang Zhitao gently rubbed his head.
The fireworks illuminated the sky, lighting up the path ahead.
At midnight, she sent Luan Nian an email using her old method: “Luke, wishing you a happy new year and all the best.”
Luan Nian didn’t reply.
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