Embedded Files
Psst! We're moving!
These three words, no matter how you look at them, seemed shameless and vulgar. The fire in Chu Ning flared up as she picked up her phone to call the person involved.
At this moment, Ying Jing had just boarded the subway. The carriage was swaying; he held onto the railing with one hand and placed the other near his ear. He almost dropped the phone when Chu Ning shouted at him.
“Are you so bored that you have nothing better to do? Huh?”
Ying Jing was bewildered, “What did I do?”
Chu Ning’s prejudice fueled her anger, making her even more fierce: “And you dare ask what you did? Do you have any shame?”
“How would I know if I should feel ashamed if you don’t tell me?”
How dare he talk back—deserves a beating!
“You... explain yourself clearly.” As soon as the words left her mouth, Chu Ning realized they were inappropriate because he couldn’t possibly explain himself clearly. She changed the subject and scolded, “What are you thinking about all day?”
Ying Jing naturally blurted out, “I’ve been thinking about you.”
With this light and calm response, he deflected Chu Ning’s rage.
This female warrior… her cannons fell silent.
“I’m on the subway,” Ying Jing pursed his lips, his tone unhappy, directly pointing out her mistake: “Look at you. We just talked earlier. If there’s an issue, we need to communicate. Don’t imagine things on your own.”
Chu Ning was momentarily stunned.
“Look at you now, completely misunderstanding me again unilaterally.” Ying Jing was very serious, saying, “You were wrong.”
Was I wrong?
Chu Ning felt there was some truth to it but vaguely sensed he might be setting a trap.
However, the goal was achieved because Chu Ning was now entirely led by him and felt that she indeed was wrong.
Perhaps when Ying Jing gave this gift, he hadn’t thought about it that way at all.
Chu Ning felt her scalp tingle. Oh no, did she misunderstand his intentions?
“Either talk to me properly on the phone or I’ll come over to your place and talk face-to-face. In any case, no arguing.” Ying Jing spoke logically, his composure unexpectedly making Chu Ning feel guilty.
After a long while, her aggressive stance softened, and she apologized: “Sorry. I misjudged. It’s fine now. Bye.”
The short beep of the disconnected call.
Ying Jing looked at the billboards flashing past outside the train window, raising an eyebrow.
________________________________________
The last ten days of winter vacation passed in the blink of an eye.
In early March, the new semester began.
Ying Jing originally planned to take the high-speed rail back to Beijing, but coincidentally, his brother-in-law, Li Kun, was going for training, so he hitched a ride a day early. This time, Li Kun drove his private car—a big black Jeep with rugged lines, quite fitting his personality.
Ying Jing asked, “Brother-in-law, I want to get my driver’s license.”
Li Kun, with a straight nose and wearing large sunglasses, had a crew cut that was a strong indicator of a handsome man. He glanced at the rearview mirror, changed lanes, and said, “Alright. If you study during the summer, go to Teacher Li’s class. He’ll give you some extra help.”
Ying Jing’s eyes darted around as he inquired about the market: “Do you have any friends who sell second-hand cars?”
Li Kun turned his head and looked at him, “You haven’t even taken the driving test yet, and you’re already planning to buy a car?”
Ying Jing smiled, “For convenience.”
“I’ll ask around for you later.” Li Kun was a reliable man of few words. Once he promised something, he would definitely follow through.
After arriving at school, Ying Jing cleaned the dormitory and changed the washed bed sheets and bedding. Since childhood, he had been strict with himself, developing excellent living habits. Everything was neat and tidy, and he paid great attention to personal hygiene.
Students gradually returned to school. That evening, the roommates gathered.
One brought local specialties, another brought cured meat, and there was glutinous rice cake from home. Ying Jing examined each item, finally picking a mugwort rice cake. He sniffed it—it smelled delicious!
Qi Yu arrived last and was busy unpacking.
Ying Jing went over to help, squatting down, calmly saying, “Make the announcement. We’ll have a meeting tomorrow.”
Qi Yu paused his movements and raised his head to look at him.
Ying Jing, “I have something to say to everyone.”
The next day, during the lunch break, all members of the team were present.
On the third day,
After not seeing each other for the entire winter break, everyone easily bonded. They exchanged a few jokes, but their enthusiasm waned quickly.
It seemed everyone had a premonition that this meeting was likely heading towards dissolution.
The incident before the winter break had greatly affected Ying Jing. His state at that time was so poor that today’s outcome was expected.
“Sorry, I’m late.” Ying Jing ran in, still catching his breath.
Zhou Yuan raised his hand high, “No problem, treat us to bubble tea later.”
Zhang Huaiyu disdainfully fanned the air, “All those creamers, no wonder you can’t lose weight.”
“Ho! Personal attacks aren’t cute!”
Zhang Huaiyu tugged at Wan Pengpeng, asking, “Am I cute?”
Everyone wore smiles, the atmosphere relaxed.
But not long after, they all fell quiet again. They looked at each other, their eyes conveying bad news, sighing deeply and looking at Ying Jing.
Ying Jing slightly lowered his head, then raised it again, speaking powerfully: “I want to continue with the project.”
The four people below were stunned.
They glanced at each other, wanting to ask but not daring to.
“At the time, I was scared by the lab issues and wasn’t mentally mature enough, always feeling like everything was doomed. So I spread negative energy to you all. I apologize.” Ying Jing stood straight, bowing formally.
“But retreating isn’t glorious. Even if we reach the finish line missing limbs, even if the result isn’t satisfactory, even if we achieve nothing and aren’t remembered, I want to complete this journey fully.”
Ying Jing pursed his lips and started talking about practical matters, “I know the future is uncertain, and it’s the final semester of our senior year. You have many choices. Whatever your decision is, I respect and thank you.”
His attitude was clear, without excessive emotional slogans.
There was a brief silence among everyone.
Zhou Yuan was the first to raise his hand: “I think working on the project counts as an internship. I’m willing to continue.”
Next was Zhang Huaiyu: “I’m fine too. I’ve already secured my graduate studies.”
Confidence from a top student.
Wan Pengpeng was even more indifferent, “I’m a freshman, not many classes, no requirements. Being able to join the group to learn is satisfying for me.”
The remaining one, Qi Yu, had a more complicated situation. His family’s financial condition wasn’t good, and his girlfriend was also in Beijing. He had more considerations than others, originally planning to find a company for an internship, earning whatever he could.
The subtle hesitation in his eyes didn’t escape Ying Jing’s notice.
“It’s not free labor.” Ying Jing turned his head and looked at everyone again, “I’ll sign a technical equity agreement with everyone. Based on each person’s responsibilities, we’ll adjust the proportions. In the future, regardless of how much profit the project generates, it will be fairly distributed. Additionally, during the research period, I’ll provide subsidies. The money may not be much, but every effort deserves recognition, and every contribution should have a reward.”
Ying Jing’s gaze was sincere, his attitude firm.
The first to clap was Zhang Huaiyu, slapping his hands loudly, “Tsk, you’re becoming more and more like a leader.”
Zhou Yuan was also cheerful, “You’ve got me fired up. It feels like we’re doing more than a project; it’s a cause.”
Wan Pengpeng remained extremely calm, “Brainwashing successful.”
“Hahaha, shut up!” Zhou Yuan laughed loudly.
Ying Jing extended his hand, fingers spread, palm up, “So, shall we start over together?”
“Absolutely!” Zhang Huaiyu was so excited that he slapped Ying Jing’s handback red.
Next was Zhou Yuan, then Wan Pengpeng, each placing a hand on top of the other, stacking them together. Finally, they all looked at Qi Yu.
He was Ying Jing’s best friend at school.
“Come on, Qi Yu.” Ying Jing’s eyes were hopeful, his breathing intense, “Let’s try once more. Let’s try again.”
Qi Yu nodded, walked over, and extended his hand.
Five people, shouting in unison: “Don’t give up! Keep going! Keep going! Keep going!!”
________________________________________
Morale was united.
Before the laboratory was finalized, Ying Jing arranged for everyone to focus on theoretical organization, trying to perfect the preliminary preparations as much as possible.
At the same time, he found more opportunities to hang around Chu Ning, politely calling it frequent communication. Whenever Chu Ning was upset, he would bring up that phrase: “As you said, we rise and fall together.”
...Growing up, knowing how to use her own words to counter her.
Of course, now Ying Jing wanted to see her not only because he “wanted” to, but he was also learning to report and participate in Chu Ning’s responsibilities.
“I found another potential investor these past two days. After sending them the materials, they proactively called to inquire.”
The two sat at a street food stall, surrounded by steaming barbecue.
Chu Ning had finished work late today and hadn’t had time to change out of her professional attire. Dressed in a Chanel suit, her beauty exuded effortlessly. She wasn’t overly particular, taking off her jacket, rolling up her sleeves, and eating whatever was available.
“I’ve made plans to have dinner with him tomorrow night.”
Upon hearing this, Ying Jing raised his head, “So you have to drink again?”
Chu Ning brushed aside half of her hair, lowering her head to eat noodles, “Normal.”
Ying Jing pouted, “Then I’ll accompany you tomorrow.”
“No need for you to come.” Chu Ning chewed lightly on her cheek, “You go to school.”
“I don’t have classes tomorrow.” Ying Jing’s tone was somewhat unhappy, “You let others accompany you, why can’t I? Aren’t I supposed to be your closest person?”
Chu Ning clicked her tongue, put down her chopsticks, and reached across the table. She intended to pinch his face to remind him to watch his words.
But halfway through, she realized the impropriety.
Isn’t this flirting?! Rounded up, it’s sexual harassment!
Just as Chu Ning thought to retract her hand, her wrist was firmly grabbed by Ying Jing.
He smiled at her, his gaze flowing with youthful fervor. Then he lowered his head, lightly rubbing his cheek against her palm.
Chu Ning felt as if struck by lightning, quickly pulling her hand away.
Ying Jing innocently said, “Didn’t you just want to do this to me? I offered myself, and you’re glaring at me.”
Chu Ning laughed angrily, “Who wants to do this to you?”
Ying Jing leaned closer, “Then what do you want to do to me?”
Before she could answer, he sighed dramatically, “Ahh! Yaa!”
That “Ahh” was profoundly meaningful, pronounced so heavily that Chu Ning snorted, deliberately.
Yet, this matter couldn’t be spelled out plainly. Either way, it was awkward for Chu Ning. He was shameless, but she couldn’t be heartless.
During the dinner and late-night snack, Ying Jing also told her about his situation.
When he mentioned providing appropriate subsidies to each team member, his voice gradually weakened, observing Chu Ning’s reaction with insufficient confidence.
Chu Ning’s reaction was calm; she only glanced at him, “You’ve learned to act first and report later. Progress, huh.”
Seeing he didn’t speak, she glanced again, “I didn’t say you did anything wrong, so why are you so nervous?” Chu Ning picked out cilantro leaves from her fried noodles, but upon finding too many, stopped eating and said, “You did well. When it involves team interests, relying solely on sentiment and slogans won’t work. Everyone isn’t stupid; someday they’ll understand this principle. Your open and honest promises benefit the long term and stabilize the team.”
Chu Ning’s voice was calm: “Not bad. You’ve grown up.”
Ying Jing wasn’t excited by the praise, feeling this was something he should do, “I’ll get better and better.” He looked at her, saying, “Wait for me.”
Wait for me to improve, wait until I can reach the position in your heart, wait until I… am worthy of you.
________________________________________
The appointment the following evening.
Chu Ning booked a private room in a mid-range restaurant. This potential investor, Mr. Zhou, was in his forties, from Anhui. He worked in real estate in Beijing, not focusing on high-end properties but rather urban-rural fringe areas. Thanks to the policy support in recent years, he had made a fortune.
He wasn’t very educated, but he was smart, hiring a team of professional managers to package his company nicely.
“My team is expensive, costing millions annually, but their ideas are indeed good. What corporate culture unification, what office placement is beneficial for Feng Shui—they talk so convincingly.”
After a few rounds of drinks, Boss Zhou started chatting animatedly.
To be honest, within ten sentences of listening to this man, even Ying Jing saw his exaggeration.
The words “not interested” were written all over Ying Jing’s face.
Chu Ning secretly glared at him several times. He forced a smile, hehehe, but within two minutes, he became listless again.
“Eh, your fancy-sounding project sounds very high-end.”
Ying Jing coldly interrupted, “It’s virtual modeling of aircraft engines.”
“Aah, aah.” Boss Zhou’s face flushed, holding his wine glass, nodding perfunctorily, “Good project, good project.”
Ying Jing couldn’t help but roll his eyes.
Turning his head to the right, his brow furrowed with impatience.
On the other hand, Chu Ning smiled throughout the evening, accepting every drink offered, flattering Boss Zhou with flowery words. He was thoroughly pleased, his cheeks squishing into two folds from laughing.
Ying Jing used the excuse of going to the restroom, unable to bear it anymore, and went outside for some fresh air.
Not long after, Chu Ning followed him out.
Ying Jing leaned against the window, utterly bored.
Chu Ning had drunk alcohol, and the smell was unmistakable on her. She took out a cigarette box, lit one, and held it between her fingers. Softly, she asked, “Don’t want to stay anymore?”
Ying Jing was very annoyed, “What kind of people are these? They don’t understand anything.”
Chu Ning lightly chuckled, taking a drag of her cigarette.
“I don’t want investors like this.” Ying Jing was sulking.
“What kind of people?” Chu Ning feigned ignorance.
“They’re just dabbling, trying to keep up with trends, investing in tech industries to add some sparkle to their companies. Later, they’ll have something to boast about, thinking they can climb another level.” Ying Jing was disdainful and repulsed.
The wind blew in from outside, lifting Chu Ning’s long hair into an arc, quite charming. She remained calm, saying, “I told you not to come. Why bother? You’re just making yourself uncomfortable.”
Ying Jing raised his right hand, restlessly unbuttoning his shirt collar. He had dressed formally for the occasion tonight.
Chu Ning was already accustomed to such situations, “Don’t worry about that too much. Just get the money.”
Ying Jing turned his head, suppressing his resentment but still managing to control his emotions.
He looked at Chu Ning again, speaking softly, “Is this the kind of people you usually deal with?”
“Hmm? Ah... yes.” Chu Ning nodded, nonchalant, “Boss Zhou is still one of the better ones. I’ve dealt with even stranger people.”
Ying Jing was silent for a moment, then said, “Do you like it?”
Chu Ning smiled, her eyebrows curving, quite flirtatious, “I never thought about it. What if I like it? What if I don’t? This is part of my job. I have no choice. Since I have no choice, why should I dwell on such meaningless questions?”
She spoke these words lightly, but Ying Jing felt sorrowful.
His voice was even lower, “This Boss Zhou isn’t good. Can we leave?”
Chu Ning thought for a moment, advising, “If you really can’t handle it, you go first, okay?”
Ying Jing firmly shook his head, “You’ve had alcohol. I’m not reassured leaving you alone. I must stay with you.”
Chu Ning was delighted, probably due to the influence of the alcohol. Without any reservations, she reached out, touching his face. Her sleeve carried a faint scent of perfume, full of gentleness.
“Good boy.”
Back in the private room.
Boss Zhou was also a carefree sort, not minding that both had gone out simultaneously. He was still in high spirits, waving his hand to have the waiter pour more drinks.
Chu Ning was aware of her limits and knew she couldn’t drink anymore. Smiling, she declined, “Boss Zhou, you haven’t had enough drinks yet. Let Xiao Li accompany you.”
“That won’t do.” Boss Zhou pushed the wine glass towards Chu Ning, “You’re a beautiful CEO. Beautiful people must drink more.”
The company executives he brought along naturally joined in, “Yes, Ms. Ning has a good tolerance. It’s no problem, just drink.”
“Rare to have such a pleasant time. Consider it making friends. In the future, if anything comes up, we can help each other.” Boss Zhou didn’t have any ill intentions; he was simply drunk and didn’t know what he was saying.
Chu Ning was hit by this last sentence. She steeled herself, her hand just touching the wine glass—Ying Jing beat her to it, snatching it away.
He used force; the wine glass wobbled, spilling red liquid onto his hand, but he didn’t change expression.
Ying Jing coldly said, “She said she doesn’t want to drink. Didn’t you hear?”
The entire room fell silent.
Seconds later, someone clever quickly smoothed things over, “It’s fine, young man...”
“Who’s your brother?” Ying Jing shot a glare, his eyebrows spelling out a big “you’re not worthy.”
The situation became a bit awkward.
The dozen eyes of six or seven outsiders all stared at Ying Jing. Ying Jing remained composed, his stress resistance off the charts.
Unexpectedly, Chu Ning wasn’t as angry as she imagined.
She was still sitting in her chair, tilting her head back, examining Ying Jing.
Probably dressed formally, which elevated his demeanor, giving him a young, attractive masculinity.
Ying Jing was standing, narrow-waisted and long-legged, his sleeves rolled halfway up, revealing tight, powerful arms. Clean-cut and tall, truly pleasing to the eye.
Looking at him, Chu Ning actually smiled lightly.
Ying Jing slammed the wine glass heavily on the table, then pulled Chu Ning by the arm, lifting her from her seat.
“Sorry, I came to find like-minded enthusiasts, not to entertain and laugh for drinks. Farewell!”
With that, Ying Jing pulled Chu Ning and strode out of the private room.
After the beginning of spring, Beijing’s nights were no longer bone-chillingly cold. These days, warm currents passed through, making the breeze soft and warm.
Walking out of the restaurant, reaching the roadside, Chu Ning couldn’t hold back any longer, laughing as she said, “Hey! You ruined my business deal!”
Ying Jing turned his head, looking at her briefly, “If you don’t like doing something, don’t do it. If you don’t like someone, ignore them. They don’t respect us, so we don’t need to show them a good face. How does it feel? Isn’t it refreshing?”
Chu Ning hesitated, but Ying Jing caught the fleeting brightness in her eyes.
He suddenly felt heartache.
No one wants to do things they dislike. But for Chu Ning, she restrained herself, being skilled and perhaps worldly-wise. However, from her perspective, there were so many things beyond her control.
Ying Jing took a step forward, speaking with a coaxing tone, “I don’t care. Call me childish or criticize me for not understanding life’s hardships. But when you’re with me, I absolutely won’t let you suffer.”
Chu Ning looked into his eyes, bright like moonlight scattered on a lake.
Her heart stirred slightly. All the alcohol from the whole evening turned into sugary water, slowly sweetening inside her body.
At this moment, her phone rang, interrupting the atmosphere.
Ying Jing took out his phone; it was Cui Jingshu calling.
He had to answer. He gave Chu Ning a slightly apologetic look and then answered, “Mom.”
The place was noisy, and suddenly a shop nearby blasted loud music, deafening like thunder. Ying Jing couldn’t hear his mother clearly. With his coat in hand, he couldn’t cover his ears, so he wandered around, trying to escape the poor-quality sound system to no avail.
Suddenly, Ying Jing’s arm was tugged.
It was Chu Ning.
She placed a finger to her lips, slightly pouting, “Shh.”
She gestured for him to continue listening to the call.
The next second, Chu Ning tiptoed, covering his left ear with her left hand—the noise instantly halved. Ying Jing could hear his mother clearly.
Chu Ning’s palm was soft and warm, with a faint, soothing fragrance.
Ying Jing’s thoughts drifted, but he eventually focused on responding to his mother’s questions. Cui Jingshu had important matters to discuss, and Ying Jing listened carefully, only noticing a slight pressure on his right shoulder, but it was gentle, so he didn’t pay attention.
“Alright, I understand. Have Uncle Wu bring it to Beijing. Peace Hotel, right? Okay, I’ll go pick it up.”
Finally done.
Ying Jing hung up the phone.
At this point, he felt something was amiss. The weight on his right shoulder persisted, growing increasingly noticeable.
He seemed to realize something, turning his head very gently.
Chu Ning was resting her head on his shoulder, her pale face close, her long eyelashes fluttering, the curve of her double eyelids resembling small fans.
Her breathing was deep, eyes closed—she had fallen asleep leaning on his shoulder.
Ying Jing’s heart melted completely.
He didn’t dare move, no, he didn’t want to move.
Standing there, he heard love singing.
Google Sites
Report abuse