Embedded Files
Psst! We're moving!
Ying Jing waited twenty seconds, and when he didn’t receive a reply, he impulsively dialed her number.
Chu Ning’s finger hovered over the “Power Off” prompt, about to press OK. His call came just in time, turning the “OK” button into an incoming call notification.
Ying Jing was surprised and elated. “I thought you wouldn’t answer my call. Are you busy? Where are you traveling for work? Did you come to Xingcheng? If you’re here, you have to tell me—this is my turf!”
Chu Ning pinched the bridge of her nose and said calmly, “Not Xingcheng. I’m flying to Malaysia.”
“Oh, right,” Ying Jing exclaimed excitedly, launching into a detailed account of recent events. “I got a call from someone in charge. He asked if I could help with information gathering for a project.”
Cautious as always, Chu Ning confirmed, “What’s the person’s last name?”
“Shan. A man.”
That matched—it was indeed Zhao Mingchuan’s secretary, whose surname was Shan.
“He was so nice!” Ying Jing gushed. “The project introduction he sent me was thorough. He wants a reply within 24 hours and said they’re open anytime.”
After decades of ups and downs, the Zhao family had established a highly efficient and professional system. This didn’t surprise Chu Ning. She teased him deliberately, pressing each word: “So nice? Are you saying this for my benefit?”
“...” Ying Jing quickly defended himself. “No, no, no—I’m not saying you’re harsh.”
Chu Ning softened her expression, smiling gently. “Alright, enough teasing. No need to thank me—it was a small favor.”
“Don’t hang up,” Ying Jing pleaded, pausing briefly before asking, “When will you be back in Beijing?”
“Why do you ask?”
“I want to treat you to dinner.” Ying Jing explained earnestly. “You helped me, so it’s only right.”
At that moment, the flight attendant approached to remind Chu Ning to turn off her phone.
“Let’s go eat hot pot again—the one we had last time. I’ll order two servings of pig’s brain for you,” Ying Jing added enthusiastically. “If you don’t want hot pot, we can try something else—Hunan cuisine, Cantonese dishes, or even Western food. Your choice.”
Even Western food? Chu Ning chuckled inwardly but replied firmly, “No need.” With that, she quickly ended the call and powered off her phone.
The abrupt dial tone reverberated in Ying Jing’s ear. He suddenly felt a pang of loss, the final three words of their conversation lingering ominously in his mind. His socially inexperienced brain started making connections. Uh-oh… Did she mean she didn’t want to stay in touch anymore?
This thought plunged Ying Jing into a deep sense of despair.
He felt utterly dejected.
________________________________________
Chu Ning’s trip to Malaysia was scheduled for three days.
The equipment factories were primarily located in towns surrounding Kuala Lumpur. She traveled light, accompanied only by her secretary, while Feng Ziyang arranged for local subsidiary staff to assist. The temperature in Malaysia in November was similar to early summer in Beijing, though this period coincided with the rainy season, making the weather less than ideal.
By the second day, Chu Ning had caught a cold. Despite feeling unwell, she pushed through and completed inspections at four pre-selected factories according to plan. Her secretary, Zhou Qin, who happened to be the same age as Chu Ning, admired her young boss deeply.
From planning to factory selection, to the final on-site inspections, everything was personally overseen by Chu Ning. She had carefully chosen these factories based on specific criteria: some had cost advantages in labor and materials, while others commanded higher prices but were renowned for quality. For each factory, she meticulously analyzed their strengths and weaknesses, delivery timelines, and payment terms.
The days were exhausting, and evenings offered little respite. Back at the hotel, Chu Ning spent her limited downtime compiling reports to send to the client promptly.
Zhou Qin urged her to rest more. “President Ning, you’re still sick. We can finish this after we return to Beijing.”
Chu Ning, her voice heavy with nasal congestion, had already crumpled a pile of tissues beside her. “I’m fine. This is Yuan Group’s first order with our company—we can’t afford any carelessness.”
Zhou Qin refilled her empty glass with hot water and sat beside her on the tatami mat. “You’re already so diligent and professional. Even if we delay the inspection report by a day or two, it won’t matter. Besides, the client hasn’t made it a strict requirement.”
To do or not to do.
Chu Ning remained firm. “Not doing it reflects an attitude problem. Doing it, however, yields varying results.”
Zhou Qin didn’t quite grasp what she meant.
“In large enterprises, efficiency and execution are paramount. Sending them a report shows sincerity and dedication. But if I provide real-time feedback during the inspection process—timely, focused updates—”
Chu Ning paused mid-sentence. Zhou Qin immediately understood, her eyes lighting up with excitement. “They’ll think that Ningjing Investments isn’t just sincere but also excels in communication, responsiveness, and execution!”
Chu Ning smiled faintly. “Exactly. Only concrete actions, no empty promises.”
Zhou Qin pouted. “But President Ning, aren’t you pushing yourself too hard?”
Chu Ning sniffed, clearing her congested nose, and said softly, “I have no choice.”
Though both were in their mid-twenties, Chu Ning’s upbringing had been defined by rigor and complexity. Her mother, marrying into wealth under the guise of happiness, wove a delicate yet ostentatious mask of vanity. But her mother’s weakness and subservience were undeniable truths. Chu Ning remembered every birthday of the Zhao family members, reciting lengthy compliments her mother taught her to win favor.
Her mother often said, “Don’t compete with your younger siblings for anything. Whatever they want, you mustn’t even glance at it.”
Little Chu Ning felt so wronged, tears streaming down her face.
Perhaps her precocious nature began to subtly shift during those years. At an age when most children played with Barbie dolls, princess dresses, and bows, Chu Ning had already abandoned such frivolities. No one realized how resolute her young heart had become—
If you forbid me from wanting something,
then I’ll force myself not to like it.
Cutting off desire meant fearing nothing.
Zhou Qin, who had worked at Ningjing Investments since graduating, witnessed the company’s journey from instability to steady growth. She also knew snippets of Chu Ning’s personal life.
“I have no choice.” Reflecting on this phrase now, its implications ran deep.
The trip to Malaysia went smoothly. Their packed three-day itinerary was completed on schedule, and they booked flights to return the next day.
However, Chu Ning’s cold worsened. The past few days of running around to factories had been mentally and physically draining. One morning, upon waking, she experienced a sudden bout of dizziness, collapsing onto the floor. Her heart raced, vision darkened, and breathing became labored. The episode lasted ten seconds, during which Chu Ning genuinely thought she might die.
Zhou Qin was terrified. “We should change our flight! How can you travel in this condition?”
Chu Ning dismissed the idea. “I have a meeting with Xu from Jinmu North City tomorrow afternoon to finalize details. Once done, funds for the VR glasses project must be disbursed immediately. We can’t afford delays.”
Zhou Qin pleaded, “Can’t we postpone by a day? Look at how sick you are!”
Chu Ning shook her head weakly, pointing at her water glass. “Get me some water.”
Zhou Qin obeyed, refilling her glass. After Chu Ning drank, she tried again. “Sister Ning, let’s leave a day later, okay?”
Chu Ning struggled to wash up. “We’re leaving tonight.”
________________________________________
Xingcheng.
Last Friday afternoon, Ying Jing had no classes. Coincidentally, his sister had just finished a business trip in Beijing, so he hitched a ride home with her for the weekend. Their father, Ying Yizhang, was inspecting work in Shenyang Military District, leaving only their mother, Cui Jingshu, at home.
But peace was fleeting. Every day, Cui nagged Ying Jing relentlessly. “It’s already the start of winter! Why aren’t you wearing thermal pants? What’s with showing off your ankles?”
Ying Jing stretched his legs proudly. “My ankles are so nice-looking, I want everyone to see them. My mom gave birth to such a handsome son!”
Cui laughed exasperatedly, placing her hands on her hips. “You foolish boy! Cold enters through the feet. If you don’t take care now, you’ll regret it later.”
Ying Jing paid no heed, grabbing his basketball and heading out. “I’m going to play in the NBA!”
As his figure disappeared with the rhythmic dribbling sound, his mother shouted from the second floor, “Why aren’t you wearing thermal underwear?!”
Ying Jing sprinted toward the court, muttering, “Thermal underwear makes me look fat. A handsome guy like me has standards!”
Around five o’clock, the ceremonial changing of the guard took place. Soldiers in crisp uniforms marched in formation, marking one of the most ritualistic moments of the day in the compound. Standing beneath the basketball hoop, Ying Jing didn’t rush to play. Instead, he stood straight, showing respect for the solemnity of the occasion.
Once the handover was complete and armed guards resumed their posts, Ying Jing leisurely began shooting hoops.
Klang! His first three-pointer missed.
As evening approached, people began trickling in.
“Hey, Little Jing’s back?” called an elder’s voice.
Ying Jing turned, beaming. “Hello, Grandma Qi! I’m back for the weekend.”
Soon, another voice greeted him. “Little Jing, your skills are improving!”
“Uncle Li, still nowhere near good. I’d love to learn from you!”
When Ying Jing smiled, his eyes curved like crescent moons. Men nearby gave him a thumbs-up, chuckling as they walked away.
Such a bright and radiant boy was impossible not to like.
More guards joined the court, and Ying Jing called out, “Let me in!”
“Little Jing, catch this!” The ball zipped through the air, landing neatly in his arms.
The winter chill melted into springtime warmth as youthful energy burst forth.
Returning home drenched in sweat, Ying Jing guzzled water greedily. His sister, Yingchen, lounged on the couch flipping channels.
“Can’t you live a little more refined?” she scolded. “At least drink lukewarm water. Must you act like such a roughneck?”
Ying Jing gulped loudly, savoring the icy sensation settling in his stomach. Grinning mischievously, he retorted, “Am I any rougher than Brother Li?”
At the mention of that name, Yingchen whipped her head around, eyes wide. “Why bring him up?”
Ying Jing raised an eyebrow teasingly. “Sis, why is your face red?”
“It’s not!” Yingchen rubbed her cheek with the back of her hand. That only made things worse—her pale complexion now flushed like rouge.
After another gulp of cold water, Ying Jing’s taunting voice rang out again. “Is it wrong to mention my future brother-in-law?”
“...” Yingchen’s cheeks reddened further, betraying her fluttering heart.
Unnoticed, the TV stopped on a news channel—
“Breaking news: According to Malaysian media reports, at 23:58 Beijing time on the 18th, flight MH365 departing from Kuala Lumpur International Airport lost contact with air traffic control three hours after takeoff, simultaneously disappearing from radar over the Indian Ocean.
“The manifest shows the flight carried over 200 passengers, including 15 crew members.”
The anchor’s voice was clear and resolute, cutting between scenes of Kuala Lumpur Airport.
Stranded travelers filled the terminal, and spokespersons held emergency press conferences to disclose details.
In that instant, the room fell silent.
Ying Jing gripped his water cup tightly, staring intently at the screen.
“The plane crashed,” Yingchen murmured, brows furrowed. “Another aviation accident. The odds aren’t good.”
The news continued:
“...China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with embassies in Malaysia and Vietnam, has activated emergency protocols to assist families and provide emotional support.”
Suddenly, Ying Jing felt a chill run through his body. He recalled the phone call from three days ago—the one where he thanked Chu Ning and asked about her trip.
She had simply replied: “I’m flying to Malaysia.”
Ying Jing grew uneasy, a cold wave washing over him. Deep down, he sensed something ominous.
Instinctively, he grabbed his phone and dialed her number.
But,
“—Sorry, the number you dialed is currently switched off.”
Google Sites
Report abuse