Embedded Files
Psst! We're moving!
A week later, it was the Lunar New Year.
The festive atmosphere in Beijing had a certain “old” flavor. Red Chinese knots were hung early on the main streets, and flower arrangements formed a huge “Spring” character slogan in front of Tiananmen Square. In the deeper alleys and lanes, every household had pasted Spring Festival couplets, and New Year paintings were put up inside their homes.
Chu Ning was still working on New Year’s Eve, leaving the company half an hour earlier at five o’clock in the afternoon.
She drove along Chang’an Street, where there were few people and cars on the road. The weather was overcast today, and red lanterns lined the street, turning it into two red ribbons. Passing by Jianguomenwai Avenue, Chu Ning deliberately slowed down to take a photo of the Guomao Tower she frequently worked in and out of.
While waiting at a red light, Chu Ning paired the photo with a caption and posted it on her social media:
“2017, goodbye.”
When she arrived at the Zhao family home, a wave of warmth greeted her.
The gate was slightly ajar, probably left open by the housemaid for her convenience. Chen Yue and the maid were busy preparing the New Year’s Eve dinner in the kitchen, while Zhao Mingchuan and Zhao Peilin sat on the sofa discussing matters. Chu Ning placed her car keys on the shoe cabinet and called out as she entered, “Dad, Mom.”
Zhao Peilin nodded at her, “You’re back, sit down.”
Chu Ning responded, exchanged greetings with them, and then went to the kitchen to ask if she could help.
Chen Yue shooed her away, subtly hinting, “Your dad and older brother are here, go join them.”
Chu Ning knew how to avoid awkwardness. She agreed verbally but turned around and went upstairs instead.
In her bedroom, she changed her coat and glanced at her phone. Her latest social media post had received many likes and comments, mostly from colleagues at the company.
Zhou Qin: “Happy New Year, my idol little sister!”
Li Manager: “President Ning, continue leading us to prosperity next year.”
Guan Yu: “Muah muah, darling, best wishes for everything!”
Feng Ziyang: “Call me Brother Feng, and I’ll give you a red envelope.”
Chu Ning replied to this comment: “How much is the red envelope?”
Feng Ziyang was online and replied instantly: “Ten thousand yuan.”
Chu Ning opened his chat box and typed without hesitation: “Greetings to Brother Feng!”
Feng Ziyang was straightforward and quickly transferred the money, amounting to ten thousand yuan.
Following that, four more transfers came one after another.
Finally, he added: “This is your New Year’s red envelope from me. No strings attached; just hope you have a happier year next year.”
Their revolutionary friendship ran deep, and care was always shown practically.
Chu Ning browsed through the likes and comments but didn’t see Ying Jing.
This kid was usually a phone addict, quick to like whatever she posted.
Had he gone on a blind date today?
Chu Ning chuckled at her own thought, her lips curving slightly. Her smile hadn’t faded yet when she saw Zhao Mingchuan standing at the door.
Chu Ning was smart. Seeing him, she didn’t change her expression quickly but kept smiling and guessed, “Is it time to eat? Alright, I’ll come down.”
Amidst the festival atmosphere, even Zhao Mingchuan lost his usual confrontational attitude. His tone remained cold, but he still spoke to her: “On the first day of the new year, we will return to the old house together.”
Chu Ning was surprised.
The Zhao family’s old house was in Tongzhou, a quadrangle courtyard where Zhao Mingchuan’s grandparents retired. The Zhao family had many descendants, and everyone returned to pay respects to the elders on New Year’s Day. Only Chen Yue and Chu Ning had never gone once.
As a child, she didn’t understand and often asked why they didn’t go.
Chen Yue said, Grandma doesn’t like us.
After more than ten years, it had become customary.
Today, Zhao Mingchuan brought it up, leaving Chu Ning utterly perplexed. But she still declined.
Zhao Mingchuan sneered, preemptively providing her excuse, “Don’t say you need to work overtime.”
Chu Ning looked at him and directly stated: “I don’t want to make everyone uncomfortable. It’s the New Year; let’s not trouble the elders. I also want to have a more peaceful New Year myself.”
Such honesty rendered Zhao Mingchuan speechless.
He tossed out, “Suit yourself,” and left.
The Zhao family’s New Year’s Eve dinner was just for formality. In such a background, the two men were both taciturn and shrewd, squeezing out barely any familial warmth. Moreover, Chen Yue and Chu Ning weren’t exactly close either, so there was no extra effort put into it.
The meal was eaten according to rules.
There was no tradition of elders giving red envelopes, so it ended simply.
When Chu Ning returned to her bedroom, the phone charging on the table lit up.
Chu Ning unplugged the charger, unlocked the screen, and saw a message from Ying Jing.
“Have you had your New Year’s Eve dinner?”
“I just finished eating!”
An attached picture showed a full table of delicacies—eight-treasure rice, eight-treasure fish, chicken, duck, fish, meat, you name it.
Notifications kept pinging.
“What are you planning to do tonight?”
“By the way, let me show you my red envelopes.”
Another picture—three neatly arranged red envelopes on the table.
Chu Ning’s lips curved slightly, pausing her hair-drying to type with one hand: “Why three?”
“My dad, my mom, and my sister’s.”
Chu Ning didn’t reply further.
Her phone pinged again.
“Beautiful young lady, can I call you?”
Chu Ning dialed immediately, and he picked up in an instant.
Chu Ning said, “Are you being childish or what?”
At this moment, Ying Jing was lying on his bed, rolling over to face the ceiling. “You are beautiful, and you are a girl, not very old. Everything I said is true; how is it childish?”
Chu Ning couldn’t refute him and suppressed a laugh, “Alright, quite capable, aren’t you?”
Ying Jing grinned too, feeling cheerful, and asked, “What are you doing?”
“Just finished showering.” Chu Ning continued drying her hair. “What about you?”
“I’m going downstairs to watch the Spring Festival Gala with my mom, staying up late.”
Very obedient. Chu Ning casually asked, “Your family doesn’t play cards on New Year’s Eve?”
“No, we don’t. My dad isn’t home, so we don’t have enough people.”
“Still working on New Year’s Eve?”
“Mm-hmm, they’re heading to frontline positions for New Year’s greetings. Every year, they only return at one o’clock.”
Chu Ning was quite surprised and asked, “What rank does your father hold?”
Ying Jing didn’t hide anything: “It’s not called an official position, it’s called a military rank.”
“And what rank does your father hold?”
After hearing his answer, Chu Ning paused momentarily, then continued drying her wet hair, murmuring softly, “If this were ancient times, you would be at least a prince of a noble family.”
Ying Jing laughed aloud and rolled over on the bed again, now lying face down. His bed faced the window, which was half-open, letting in the dry, cold air slowly seeping into the room.
Ying Jing’s brow carried a mischievous charm, exuding an early manly vigor. This aura was subtle; his boyishness hadn’t fully faded, and maturity was just beginning to peek through. A vibe akin to being both wicked and righteous. Ying Jing deliberately emphasized each word, asking, “So... are you a bit moved?”
As he said this, a large fireworks display burst outside Chu Ning’s window.
The dazzling brilliance illuminated her profile.
Chu Ning was captivated, missing his words.
“What? What did you say?”
Momentarily exhilarated, he lacked the courage to repeat himself.
Ying Jing reined in his thoughts, got up from the bed, and said into the phone, “Wait a moment.”
In his haste, he checked the time—oh no, he was going to be late!
He didn’t even bother putting on slippers and rushed barefoot out of the room, shouting into the phone, “Don’t hang up on me!”
Ying Jing dashed out the door, leaping down the stairs and sprinting towards the encampment area. The courtyard was filled with festive cheer, lined with round red lanterns. He reached the playground, panting heavily, and thankfully, he made it in time!
There were about a hundred soldiers on duty this year, all standing neatly in formation in their camouflaged uniforms. From a distance, the rows looked square and orderly, like the toughest section of a city wall.
After waiting for a while, Chu Ning asked, “What’s going on?”
Ying Jing held the phone to his ear, moving his lips closer, “Shh—listen.”
He extended his hand, the phone’s screen facing the training field.
A few seconds later, a loud and spirited military song echoed—
“Sing of heroes among swirling smoke Mountains listen on all sides Thunder roars like drums in the sky Waves harmonize in the sea People’s warriors drive tigers and leopards Sacrificing life and forgetting death to protect peace”
The song was stirring yet not lacking in tenderness. On New Year’s Eve, a day meant for family reunions, it evoked a sense of grandeur.
Chu Ning sat cross-legged on her bed, listening quietly. At this moment, her ears belonged to Xingcheng, to Ying Jing.
“Nice, right?” He brought the phone back to his ear, softly asking.
Chu Ning hummed, “Nice.”
“When you watch the Spring Festival Gala, every year ends with ‘Unforgettable Tonight’ for the countdown, but for me, it’s the military song.” Ying Jing instinctively smiled, looking at the sky. His voice was like morning dew, saying:
“Chu Ning, Happy New Year. Meeting you this year has made me very happy.”
After a long silence, Chu Ning finally said, “Mm, Happy New Year.”
———
After an eight-day holiday, Chu Ning officially returned to work.
On the eighth day of the New Year, she specially applied elegant makeup, wore a dark red wool coat, and tied up her hair, making her face look smaller and more spirited. The start of work required dressing accordingly.
That day, Wei Qilin, who held the second-largest share in Ningjing Investment Company, personally visited the office to distribute red envelopes to employees, generous and smiling warmly.
This esteemed Mr. Wei was also a legendary figure.
He made an appearance, turned things around, and then quietly left.
Employees whispered amongst themselves: “Every year, it’s Sister Ning who leads; why did President Wei come this year?”
“I guess he plans to entrust the new energy vehicle project to the company.”
“If they’re doing it, why bother coming in person?”
“Haven’t you noticed? President Wei is showing his importance. Last summer, rumors circulated that the company might transform.”
These subtle movements and hints, Chu Ning naturally understood. She simply observed calmly, taking one step at a time. Being constrained wasn’t a new experience for her.
On the first day of work, there were no urgent matters to handle, and everyone’s state hadn’t fully recovered from the festive holiday mood.
Chu Ning found some free time and called Guan Yu in the morning.
“How’s that matter going?”
Guan Yu was driving, and the signal on the route was poor. After stuttering “Hello” for about ten seconds, the connection became clear.
“Alright, don’t worry. When I handle things, they’re reliable.”
Chu Ning naturally trusted her abilities but still reminded her, “Put in some effort and help me settle this favor. I’ll remember it in my heart.”
“Stop, don’t say these things. Too formal, it makes me sick.” Guan Yu was typically coquettish, speaking sweetly and charmingly, appealing to both men and women alike. “What kind of relationship do we have? I’ve already helped you conquer a kingdom once; I’m not afraid of doing it twice.”
Chu Ning held her phone, lowering her head to smile, “Alright, I’ll treat you to dinner someday.”
“Make sure it’s expensive!”
“Deal.”
After confirming this matter, Chu Ning promptly called Feng Ziyang.
The first ring went unanswered.
After hanging up, he replied with a text: “In a meeting, ten minutes.”
Chu Ning understood and placed her phone on the table, leaning back in her chair, reorganizing her thoughts. She wanted to continue Ying Jing’s aviation development virtual project, which required a company to lead. There were too many details involved, and she couldn’t find a suitable one immediately. The fastest method was to register a new company. Since she couldn’t register herself, she sought out Guan Yu.
Guan Yu was a rich, carefree woman living luxuriously and happily. With mutual understanding, she was the most suitable candidate.
She readily agreed to register the company under her name, and all subsequent matters—funding, management, contracts, and profit channels for the later stages of the project—would be handled by Chu Ning. This was the most convenient way she could think of at the moment.
The phone rang on the table, and Chu Ning glanced at the time—it was exactly ten minutes.
Feng Ziyang: “What’s the matter, Little Ning?”
Chu Ning said, “I’m asking if you know any investors in artificial intelligence or other technology fields?”
Feng Ziyang: “You’re asking for someone else?”
“No, it’s for myself.”
“Wow!” Feng Ziyang was surprised, “You’re planning to do this?”
Chu Ning succinctly explained the whole situation, ending with a point, swiveling her leather chair towards the floor-to-ceiling window.
“That’s the current situation, so I came to ask you.”
Feng Ziyang focused entirely on her decision, “Who are you registering the company with?”
“Guan Yu.”
“Reliable?”
Chu Ning frowned, “Of course.”
Feng Ziyang smiled, “Don’t mind me. Just consider it brotherly concern, but I still advise you to be cautious. If this project fails or remains small-scale, it’s fine. But if it grows strong with promising profits in the future, then... it might cause trouble.”
Chu Ning also smiled, “And here you talk about growing strong.”
The uncertainty in her words was obvious.
Feng Ziyang caught on and directly asked, “Then why are you so persistent? Why not just give up?”
Chu Ning fell silent, staring at the bright daylight outside the floor-to-ceiling window. After a long while, she faintly uttered, “I don’t want to give up halfway. Because I believe this young man is worth it.”
Feng Ziyang exclaimed again, “Scandalous!”
“Go away.”
Feng Ziyang laughed meaningfully, stopping the teasing and returning to seriousness: “Alright, I’ll help you inquire. What’s the current status of your funding?”
This question was already deeply ingrained in her mind, and Chu Ning answered, “Planning for seven million. Of course, he doesn’t need that much at this stage, but I have to make advance arrangements. Phase two of the project is completed, and phase three starts in March. I’ve reviewed the project proposal, and from this stage onward, it’s pretty much burning money.”
“Seven million?”
“Yes,” Chu Ning paused, “and I’m responsible for 30%.”
Feng Ziyang understood well, his tone becoming serious, “You’re using your dowry, aren’t you?”
Upon hearing this, Chu Ning laughed, “Not all of it, I’ve kept two gold bracelets.”
Feng Ziyang also laughed, “A girl like you, even seventy million in bride price would be underestimating you.”
“How much am I worth then?”
“At least seven hundred million.”
Chu Ning laughed heartily, “Thank you! Transfer the money to my account later.”
Feng Ziyang realized what he said and clicked his tongue, “I almost forgot our relationship. You know what? Maybe I really will transfer the money to you.”
Listening to jokes was enough, and Chu Ning ended the call.
Everything proceeded systematically. Ying Jing was still on winter break, and Chu Ning didn’t want to pressure him too much. She took care of all company operations herself. Ying Jing’s vacation wasn’t idle either; he read through the foreign literature materials given to him by Li Zhoushan before the holidays. One book per day, one notebook per week—he gained a lot.
During the day, Ying Jing basically didn’t disturb Chu Ning.
He seemed to understand some things, like tact, considering others, and biding time, which were more effective than aimlessly causing trouble.
Chu Ning was busy with work during the day, and by evening, she had one less excuse to refuse chatting with him.
“It’s not your working hours now, and just after the New Year, I don’t believe you have to work overtime tonight. Listening to your voice, it seems quiet around you, don’t tell me you’re wining and dining.”
“...” Chu Ning was speechless.
“So, you have no reason to refuse to chat with me.”
“...” This little comrade, you’re quite persistent.
Thus, Chu Ning experienced several “forced” marathon phone calls with him, each one longer than the last.
Many times, she fell asleep while listening.
Ying Jing called her name a few times on the other end, receiving no response, then tenderly and affectionately said, “I’ll count to three. If you don’t oppose, it means you like me. 3, 2, 1—Ha! I knew it, you like me!”
Staging a one-man show, entertaining his own heart.
Finally, Ying Jing pressed his lips close to the phone and softly said, “Even if you’re asleep, I still like you.”
Then he hung up, covering the phone to secretly rejoice.
Chu Ning was the woman who could immediately excite and impel him in these past few years.
He blatantly expressed his fondness and learned to control his pace discreetly.
He wanted to tilt the balance toward himself.
He wanted to seize the initiative.
Two days later.
Feng Ziyang called Chu Ning back. The matter of inquiring about connections he entrusted him with had borne fruit. His efficiency was always fast, accurate, and decisive—a man of his word. Hearing him mention the beginning, Chu Ning felt a glimmer of joy.
“Xinya Group has intentions to venture into high-tech fields this year. They have an ongoing project that is considered stable and long-term, and they will also consider other specialized categories. I had a friend introduce your project to the higher-ups, and it seems President Zhai is interested.” Feng Ziyang gave a general idea and explained, “Since I haven’t personally participated in this project, there are some aspects where I can’t conveniently intervene.”
Chu Ning immediately responded, “I understand.”
“Good.”
After knowing each other for so long, they had this level of understanding.
Feng Ziyang continued, “That’s the basic situation I gathered. There’s a cocktail party at Park Hyatt the night after tomorrow. President Zhai from Xinya will attend.”
This President Zhai was a renowned strongwoman in the industry, wielding power no less than men. In her early forties, her ex-boyfriends all shared a common trait—using a trendy term, they were all young hunks.
Her private life wasn’t much of a secret; insiders were well aware.
Chu Ning vaguely guessed why Feng Ziyang specifically emphasized “two tickets.”
“Take Ying Jing with you. Negotiating between the opposite sex might gain more respect.” Feng Ziyang chuckled, seemingly seeing through her thoughts, his tone light and calm: “Don’t feel uncomfortable. This project isn’t solely your responsibility; there’s no need to shield him from everything. He’ll eventually enter society. Pure technical experts are nearly extinct; sooner or later, they must integrate with capital. Once you enter this circle, you must adapt.”
Good or bad, ugly or evil, unwilling or reluctant, acting according to circumstances, catering to preferences.
All sorts of realities.
Feng Ziyang’s tone was leisurely: “Let him understand the warmth and coldness early, comprehend your difficulties, walk the path you’ve walked—it won’t harm him.”
In the end, Uncle Feng still favored his people. Deep with schemes, he noticed those subtleties, quietly suppressing his playful nature, half-jokingly and half-seriously asking, “Why aren’t you talking? Did I hit your sweetheart? Reluctant to let him appear in public?”
This remark truly struck a nerve in Chu Ning, as if someone had precisely pinpointed her pain.
The reverie flashed by swiftly.
Soon, she regained her composure and calmly said, “With such imagination, why don’t you write novels? Alright, I’ll call him—we’ll attend the cocktail party together.”
Google Sites
Report abuse