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Feng Ziyang seemed to have understood something.
From that point on, he fell completely silent.
“Let’s go.” He pulled Chu Ning along.
Chu Ning wiped her eyes. Without his help, she stood up on her own.
The outpouring of emotions was momentary. Being weak for too long couldn’t solve practical problems. Chu Ning didn’t stay depressed for long.
She left with Feng Ziyang without looking back at Ying Jing again.
Feng Ziyang’s car was a black Land Rover, parked in the VIP parking spot. He took out his keys, unlocked it, opened the door, and was about to push Chu Ning inside when Ying Jing suddenly appeared from behind, tightly gripping her arm.
He didn’t say anything.
His eyes still held remnants of redness from lingering emotions.
Chu Ning’s gaze was too cold; she didn’t struggle, just stared at him.
In a state of extreme disappointment, one’s aura can be overwhelming.
Ying Jing gradually loosened his grip, unsure of what to do.
The phrase “Listen to me explain” seemed to have turned into a joke.
Chu Ning got into the car, closed the door. Feng Ziyang honked the horn and sped away.
The taillights disappeared into the vast stream of traffic. Ying Jing’s vision blurred, unable to find them anymore.
At ten o’clock at night, the male voice on the radio was low and hoarse, broadcasting an emotional program. Feng Ziyang found it too sentimental and switched to another station, listening to alcohol commercials instead.
Driving onto the elevated road, he finally spoke, “Ning’er, are you serious about that guy?”
Chu Ning remained silent.
Seeing her reaction, even without words, Feng Ziyang had already figured it out.
Chu Ning rolled down the car window, let some air in, then rolled it back up.
Only when one is clear-headed and rational can they speak most honestly. She didn’t hide anything, saying, “At first, it was impulsive. I didn’t board that flight in Malaysia, narrowly escaping death. I truly cherish my blessings. Do you believe in karma? I feel like I should do something, otherwise, what’s owed will eventually need to be repaid.”
Feng Ziyang chuckled, “Superstition.”
Chu Ning said, “Getting involved in their project haphazardly, honestly, this is the most exhausting thing I’ve done in years.”
“So why not give up?”
After a few seconds of silence, Chu Ning lowered her head, “I don’t know.”
Feng Ziyang chuckled again, coincidentally hitting a red light. He turned his head, reached out to touch her hair, “You, my dear, are lost in the maze.”
Chu Ning looked up at him, her eyes naive.
Feng Ziyang, with his mischievous demeanor, clicked his tongue, “Just because you stopped me from mentioning our relationship earlier, my heart went cold. Don’t you get it yet? Hmm?”
“I don’t like him,” Chu Ning replied decisively.
Feng Ziyang’s hand rested on the steering wheel, tapping aimlessly, “Whether you like him or not, I may not guess correctly, but that guy definitely confessed to you.”
Chu Ning turned to look out the window, tacitly acknowledging.
When the green light lit up, the car moved forward. Feng Ziyang said, “I don’t like this person. People in tech are simple, their thoughts pure—simply put, too idealistic. Your circles are different. With his nature, giving him five years might not change him.”
A brief pause, he continued, “He should be your shoulder, your support, your helper, making you stronger. Instead of getting you into trouble every day, isn’t that stressful?”
“What if I don’t want to become stronger?” Chu Ning leaned her head against the seatback, closed her eyes, and softly said.
Feng Ziyang was taken aback.
“I think this… is so tiring.” Chu Ning exhaled as if she’d just finished an 800-meter race, “Doing business is exhausting.”
Her profile was bathed in the swaying neon lights, soft and faint, revealing a trace of vulnerability.
Feng Ziyang laughed, “Or, shall we really make it happen? Pick a date, get married, stop working, and let me spoil you.”
Chu Ning propped her little head, tilting it to look at him, “No need to spoil me. Just give me that watch on your wrist.”
On Feng Ziyang’s wrist was a custom-made Jaeger-LeCoultre.
Chu Ning pretended to drool, even licking her lips vividly.
Unexpectedly, he single-handedly unfastened the watch, casually took it off, and tossed it into her lap, “Take it.”
Chu Ning was speechless, feeling somewhat reluctant, “You really need to fix this habit of being overly generous. A couple of provocations and you’re on board, sooner or later you’ll squander all your wealth.”
“No problem, when it’s all gone, you can take care of me. After all, we’re engaged.”
“Shameless.”
“Hahaha.”
Chu Ning’s self-healing ability wasn’t bad. Seeing her smiling face return to normal, Feng Ziyang also secretly felt relieved. Perhaps, the reason for her emotional breakdown tonight wasn’t what he had guessed.
After returning home, Chu Ning specifically added a few drops of essential oil and soaked in a bath. Steam rose, the fragrance was intoxicating, and she sat in the bathtub, emptying her mind. She thought of Ying Jing, recalling him standing with Tang Yao, chatting and laughing, and the words, “We’ve talked many times.”
In the past, there had been instances where orders were poached. Besides cursing behind their backs, lowering the credit rating of the other company, or even blacklisting them, nothing much came of it.
Chu Ning took a deep breath, reminding herself to stay calm.
People naturally aspire to higher places—it’s a common truth. Especially for student teams, after encountering setbacks, being offered an olive branch by industry giants like Mingyao Tech, only a fool would refuse.
Chu Ning pinched her brow, forcing herself not to think about this ungrateful wretch.
This bath steamed her to near fainting before she slowly got up to dress.
After the heat, her body felt languid. Chu Ning casually slipped on a large T-shirt, its length just covering her hips, leaving her long, white legs bare. She half-dried her hair, went to the kitchen to drink water and vitamins, and seeing the trash bin half-full, tied the garbage bag and took it outside to dispose of.
Just as she opened the door—
“Ah!” Chu Ning was startled and threw the garbage bag toward the doorway.
There sat a person!
A muffled sound, he reached out to block it, the garbage bag “whooshed” against the wall, scattering paper scraps everywhere, a mess.
Even so, a few crumpled papers inevitably landed on his head.
His eyes showed innocence, pitifully gazing at Chu Ning.
“…” Chu Ning wanted to curse but couldn’t, “Why are you here?”
Ying Jing grabbed his hair, learning to apologize first, “I came to apologize to you.”
The two—one squatting, one standing—usually wouldn’t be awkward, but now… Chu Ning wore a T-shirt dress, and this pose was quite inappropriate.
The atmosphere was half-awkward, making her uncomfortable all over.
Finally, she relented, “Come in.”
Ying Jing obediently stood up. His expression twitched, rubbing his numb legs. Seeing this, Chu Ning asked, “How long have you been waiting?”
Honest answer, “Since I saw you come upstairs.”
She got into Feng Ziyang’s car, and he followed in a taxi until now.
Chu Ning was silent, thinking it was time to have a proper talk.
Inside the house, this time, Ying Jing wasn’t as casual as before. He sat very stiffly on the sofa.
Chu Ning poured him a glass of water, gently placing it in front of him. Then she pulled up a chair and sat across the table. The two faced each other; her chair was slightly higher, an advantage forming a sense of pressure.
Chu Ning couldn’t hold back, asking, “Why didn’t you tell me?”
Ying Jing: “I didn’t.”
“Didn’t what?” She interrupted, “It’s understandable if you want to choose a better tree to perch on, a higher branch. But you must let me know. During the day, I’m busy with company matters, and my free time is spent dealing with this project. Of course, it’s my duty, something I should do. But, after all the time we’ve worked together, even if there’s no merit, there’s hard work. Can you… understand me a little?”
Chu Ning spoke frankly, not someone who would endure grievances silently, “You made me feel like a fool. I screen investors, accompany them to social events, endure cold faces and scornful looks—it’s fine, I’m not afraid because I have you. We are tightly connected. One rises together, one falls together. Do you understand this principle?”
Ying Jing was silent, only his hands trembling slightly between his legs.
Chu Ning turned her head, calmed her emotions, and faced him again, “Regardless of whether we have the chance to cooperate again or meet in the future, I still want to remind you—there seem to be many shortcuts to success, but those who truly reach the end are always pragmatic, diligent, and sincere. Everything else is illusory, equivalent exchange.”
She spoke subtly, but her heart was still blocked, deeply unsettling.
Chu Ning emphasized her tone, almost uncontrollably voicing the name stuck in her heart, “Zhai Min, President Zhai... Some things, if you take them, you’ll eventually have to return.”
Her voice gradually softened with these last words, her expression solemn.
Ying Jing kept looking at her, his eyes darkening like ink spreading, pupils dimming.
“Alright, you want to talk about facts, then let’s discuss openly.”
Ying Jing’s heart churned from her words, his voice involuntarily rising, directly asking, “You said we’ve worked together for so long, and the result of this long collaboration is that you believe I sold myself, became a gigolo to sleep with President Zhai?”
His bluntness left Chu Ning speechless.
Ying Jing lightly scoffed, “You’d rather believe a GUCCI paper bag than trust me. In the end, we both made mistakes. You can’t solely blame me.”
“Second, today you saw me with President Tang. Yes, I admit, not telling you first was my mistake. But did you ask me? Did you inquire about the cause and effect?—No, you didn’t.” Ying Jing was unusually calm, his eyes fixed on her, “You always blame me for not understanding you, for not empathizing with your difficulties. You always treat me like a child—this in itself is unfair.”
He paused, his calm facade barely holding on.
Chu Ning’s serene appearance reflected in his eyes, Ying Jing finally admitted defeat, bowing his head, unable to hide his grievance, “I’ve been learning. Learning to mature, to take responsibility, to help solve problems, to… but can’t you give me a little more time? I’m really trying, but, but you’re not satisfied. It’s because I’m too stupid.”
He was extremely distressed, speaking without restraint, shaking his head, muttering lowly, “I’m too stupid, too stupid.”
The late-night silence catalyzed the atmosphere towards softness with every word.
“In fact, you never considered me part of your circle. You always look at me and judge me with strange eyes, no matter how hard I try.” Ying Jing’s grievance was impossible to conceal.
Chu Ning’s lips moved, instinctively explaining, “It’s not like that.”
“It is like that.” Ying Jing raised his head, saying, “Otherwise, you wouldn’t have sided with Feng Ziyang immediately when we fought.”
The patience he had maintained all evening collapsed completely at this moment.
Ying Jing’s eyes moistened—this was what he cared about most.
Chu Ning lowered her head, closed her eyes, pressing her forehead with the back of her hand, pressing hard.
When she opened her eyes again, her face was full of weariness, “Ying Jing, I have my own difficulties and pressures.”
Ying Jing immediately responded, “But why aren’t you willing to believe that I can share them with you?”
He walked around the table, approaching Chu Ning, suddenly squatting down, resting his head on her lap.
“Hey!”
“Don’t move.” Ying Jing’s voice was muffled, “I’m dying here. You know me, know me… yet you protect other men so fiercely. You’re so bad, there’s no woman worse than you.”
His face was hot, his breath warm, all spilling onto Chu Ning’s bare legs. Her short T-shirt dress allowed the warmth to climb upwards, making Chu Ning want to explode.
She dared not move, her whole body stiff.
Fortunately, Ying Jing didn’t lean for long. He lifted his head, squatting on the ground, looking up at her.
“President Tang did approach me and offered very generous conditions. He’s willing to open Mingyao Tech’s doors, as long as I come. But the condition is that I must abandon our cooperation, making Mingyao my sole investor.”
Chu Ning was stunned, feeling her heart tremble as she asked, “Did you agree?”
Ying Jing shook his head firmly, “No.”
Her voice quivered, “Why not agree?”
“Because you are my bottom line.”
Six resounding words.
You are the bottom line.
You are the only one.
At this moment, fireworks exploded in Chu Ning’s ears.
Magnificent enough to stir the heart.
“You gave me a start, brought me here, and you’re also my motivation.” Ying Jing chuckled heartily, his eyes slightly curved, stars seemingly residing within.
“What if I can’t bring you to the end?”
“It won’t happen.” Ying Jing’s smile faltered briefly, “For the first half, you led me. For the second half, I’ll lead you to the finish line.”
“Boom!”
Another firework exploded in her ears.
Clusters of silver light all fell into Ying Jing’s eyes, shining so brightly it was unbearable to look directly.
Chu Ning choked on her words, stubbornly asking, “What if we don’t reach the finish line?”
Ying Jing smiled brilliantly, “I won’t leave you. Even if I die, I’ll die in your hands.”
Chu Ning didn’t dare look into his eyes.
She quickly turned her head away.
Ying Jing grinned mischievously, following her direction.
Chu Ning turned her head to the other side, and he tilted toward this side, persistently looking.
Chu Ning raised her hand to cover his eyes, but Ying Jing caught her wrist.
“Alright, alright.” His voice was as gentle as the first spring drizzle, “It’s not like I haven’t seen you cry before. Don’t hide, I’ve cried in front of you too—it’s fair.”
Chu Ning scolded softly, “What’s there to boast about? What’s wrong with you?”
Ying Jing clicked his tongue, “Crying and laughing is normal. There’s nothing to avoid.”
Chu Ning steadied her emotions, turning her head, speaking formally, “I need to set three rules with you. From now on, we must communicate our thoughts promptly, discuss issues together, and not act unilaterally.”
“Alright.” Ying Jing agreed readily, “I have requirements for you too.”
“Tell me.”
“Don’t distrust me, don’t assume the worst about me. I’m seriously going to lose it,” Ying Jing stood up, not fully straightening, bending over to get closer to Chu Ning, their faces extremely close, “Seriously, some things you can’t say casually. Have you forgotten what my family does?”
“…”
“Sensitivity to politics, the image of a military family—if you slander me, you’ll be arrested and jailed.”
“…”
Chu Ning’s heart skipped a beat.
Ying Jing suddenly smiled.
…Damn, he got me!
“You tricked me!” Chu Ning angrily tickled him.
Ying Jing cursed, immediately surrendering, “I admit my mistake! Damn it, don’t pull my pants! That’s indecent!”
“Where did I pull your pants?” Chu Ning was convinced.
Ying Jing played the rogue, pointing at her, “You did pull them. Let me tell you, I’m not wearing underwear today.”
Chu Ning was startled, “You’re not wearing underwear?”
Ying Jing immediately shouted loudly, “See! You said you didn’t pull my pants! If you didn’t pull my pants, how would you know I’m not wearing underwear?”
“………………” Chu Ning angrily hit him, “You childish brat!”
Their movements were large, wrestling into a heap. Chu Ning pinned him on the sofa, beating him. When he dared to resist, she struck his vulnerable spots, tickling his armpits.
Ying Jing wriggled like a river fish on the sofa, struggling desperately. Finally, holding his breath, he lightly pinched her thigh. Chu Ning blanked out, allowing him to counterattack successfully, reversing the situation—she ended up pinned beneath Ying Jing.
The intensity of the previous struggle was evident in their panting breaths.
Their eyes met, filled with dazzling reflections.
Chu Ning grew wary, even afraid to breathe deeply. Too close, she feared brushing against his chest.
Ying Jing gazed at her, his heart soaring—a skyscraper rising from the ground.
“Hey…” His voice was hoarse, “Let’s negotiate something.”
Chu Ning’s eyelashes fluttered slightly, “What is it?”
“In the future, can we avoid arguing? Let’s address issues straightforwardly, openly, clearly, without guessing foolishly—it hurts feelings… okay?”
Ying Jing’s gaze burned like clusters of small torches.
He was fervent, sincere, and full of momentum.
Chu Ning was spellbound, willingly nodding under his influence.
Ying Jing’s smile blossomed. Without making any excessive moves, he stood up neatly, naturally adjusting her skirt hem for her.
Chu Ning: “...”
“By the way, that damn GUCCI.”
“Huh? What?” Chu Ning was distracted, realizing after a few seconds, “Oh.”
Ying Jing walked to the doorway, then returned, handing it over, “Actually, it’s a gift I bought for you.”
“…”
“Yesterday, President Zhai wanted me to shop with her, and I refused.”
Chu Ning frowned, “Would she be happy about that?”
“Of course not.” Ying Jing clicked his tongue, “Why should I care if an old woman is happy or not?”
The term “old woman” unexpectedly irritated Chu Ning. Her delicate, sensitive, and suspicious nature almost immediately displeased her, “What do you mean?”
Ying Jing saw through her thoughts, glancing indifferently, “You’re not old, just three years older than me.”
Chu Ning’s heart sank, but she forced a tough demeanor, fiercely saying, “Say that again.”
Ying Jing tilted his head, softly saying, “Three years older, embracing a gold brick.”
Chu Ning felt electrified.
Damn, this kid is becoming a devil!
Without further antics, Ying Jing solemnly handed her the paper bag, “Last night, I shopped alone in the mall and found this special. I think you’ll like it.”
After she accepted it, Ying Jing checked the time, saying, “It’s late. I’ll go now, rest early.”
At this hour, he could still catch the last subway.
After he left, Chu Ning sat on the sofa for a long time, reviewing tonight’s events from start to finish. Ultimately, she concluded that Ying Jing had truly improved. He learned to consider others, bear pressure himself, and actively solve problems. Though not perfect, he had the awareness, the intention, and tried to practice it in his way… which was rare and precious.
Hours of the night, like a TV drama, full of ups and downs.
Chu Ning couldn’t help but chuckle, thankfully ending on a good note.
She yawned deeply, noticing the exquisite packaging of the GUCCI bag. Inside was a rectangular gift box. Chu Ning took it out, removed the silk ribbon, and opened it.
A sun-shaped brooch.
Chu Ning picked it up, examining it with a smile. This kid has peculiar taste in aesthetics.
But, it’s quite nice.
This brand is expensive. Chu Ning checked the price on the official website—hmph, quite generous. Feeling pleased, she decided to transfer the money back via WeChat tomorrow.
Just as she was about to exit the webpage, a thought crossed her mind. She casually typed into the search bar: “Giving a sun.”
As soon as the three characters were entered, associated questions automatically popped up below the search bar. The first one was: What does it mean when a boy gives a girl a sun pendant?
Similar situations. Chu Ning randomly clicked in.
This random click left her dumbfounded.
The answer was three words—
He wants to fuck you.
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