Embedded Files
Psst! We're moving!
After Ying Jing finished his shower, he saw Chu Ning sitting on the bay window smoking.
Her hair was half-dry, swept to one side, gently falling to her chest. In her hand was a slim cigarette, its blue and white body exuding delicate smoke that rose like silk, matching her gentle demeanor.
Hearing movement, Chu Ning glanced back and then calmly extinguished her cigarette.
She looked down at her dress and said, “It fits pretty well.”
Ying Jing was dripping wet, having changed into a clean white T-shirt. He never wore the hotel’s disposable slippers, so he walked barefoot. Droplets of water slid slowly down his legs to his ankles, dropping to the floor like pearls from the night before.
Chu Ning watched him, her eyes filled with thoughts.
Ying Jing turned away, avoiding her gaze, silently packing up his things as if he was about to leave.
“I paid for the hotel; you can stay here.” After a pause, he added, “Xingcheng is hot; try not to go out in the afternoon, it’s easy to get heatstroke.”
He didn’t even glance back at her.
Then he grabbed his suitcase and placed his hand on the doorknob.
Chu Ning ran over from the bay window and grabbed his arm.
“Hey!”
Ying Jing’s arm tensed, trying to pull away.
Chu Ning held tighter, her clear eyes devoid of their usual coldness, now tinged with an unspoken plea.
Finally, her fingers moved down, lightly tugging at his shirt hem, “I don’t want to stay here.”
Ying Jing paused, and finally spoke, “Then go to my house.”
Chu Ning lowered her head, “I have something to say to you.”
“Go home first.” His tone was restrained, calm; he was no longer the boy she could easily manipulate.
On the way, Ying Jing had already called Cui Jingshu, adding another person to the dinner reservation. Cui Jingshu casually asked who it was. Ying Jing hadn’t answered, just mumbled something and hung up.
When Cui Jingshu opened the door and saw it was Chu Ning, she was first surprised, then delighted.
“Oh, Miss Chu.”
Chu Ning felt a bit awkward; this unexpected visit was indeed strange. She smiled at Cui Jingshu, “Hello, Auntie.”
Cui Jingshu probably hadn’t expected her either. After exchanging pleasantries, both were left smiling.
Smiling and smiling turned into forced laughter.
Chu Ning broke out in a cold sweat, hoping Ying Jing would lighten the mood.
But the wooden-headed Ying Jing showed no awareness, proceeding normally into the house, changing shoes, and deliberately placing a pair in front of her, as if teasing her. After a long while, he indifferently told Cui Jingshu, “This is my boss, you’ve met her before. She was bored and came to Xingcheng to soak up some sun.”
“…”
“…”
Cui Jingshu’s face stiffened, but she couldn’t be impolite, enthusiastically inviting Chu Ning to sit down and rest.
She went to the kitchen to make tea, pulling Ying Jing aside, clearly dissatisfied, “How did you speak earlier? You had no manners at all. She’s a guest, what kind of attitude is that?”
Ying Jing shrugged, looking utterly unconcerned.
Cui Jingshu was at a loss with her son, unsure what he was thinking, though it was indeed strange: “Is she really here for fun? Then why isn’t she staying at a hotel?”
Ying Jing said, “She’s a little fairy; she doesn’t like staying at hotels.”
Cui Jingshu laughed, giving his shoulder a playful hit, “Stop talking nonsense.”
Like a Weeble, Ying Jing finally cracked a small smile, his tone becoming more serious, “Mom, tidy up the guest room; she’ll sleep there tonight.”
Cui Jingshu paused mid-pour, her brows furrowing.
Ying Jing saw through his mother’s thoughts, clicked his tongue, walked over, and lightly pressed his index finger to the center of her forehead, “Don’t think too much!”
Cui Jingshu immediately smiled, “You naughty boy.”
In the living room, Chu Ning sat upright on the sofa, taking a call from her secretary.
The other side must have been reporting urgent matters, as Chu Ning methodically gave instructions. When she finished, she turned around to see Ying Jing placing a glass of water on the coffee table, then sprawling on the sofa, engrossed in his phone.
Chu Ning realized this kid was doing it on purpose.
“Alright, just follow what I said. Report back if there’s any situation.”
The call ended.
Ying Jing pointed at the glass of water, “Please drink.”
“...”
“Do you want some melon seeds? There are melon seeds, please help yourself.”
“...”
Chu Ning whispered, “Hey, aren’t you done yet?”
Ying Jing put down his phone, looked at her, his eyes clearly conveying: Isn’t this question supposed to be mine?
Well, the atmosphere became half-awkward again.
Chu Ning lightly jabbed at him, “Grumpy bag.”
Unexpectedly, Ying Jing didn’t rise to the bait this time, calmly sitting there playing Jump . Chu Ning was annoyed but couldn’t lash out, so she also sat on the sofa and pulled out her phone to play the same game.
She died within three moves every round.
Speechless, what kind of stupid game was this, how was it so fun!
Listening to the repeated death sounds from her side, Ying Jing let out a cold sneer, “Your hands are like Wufu’s.”
What was Wufu?
Just as she was puzzled, a white butterfly dog bounded down from the second floor, wagging its tail.
Ying Jing laughed, “Wufu, come here!”
“...”
Chu Ning glared at him fiercely. Ying Jing coughed twice, leading the chubby dog towards the kitchen.
As soon as he turned around, he couldn’t help but tug at the corners of his lips.
They originally thought dinner would only include the three of them, but unexpectedly, Ying Yi Zhang returned home at six o’clock.
This was Chu Ning’s first time meeting his father.
A proper pine green short-sleeved military uniform, slightly darker trousers, around fifty years old, without a hint of being overweight—his posture and demeanor could be described with one word: upright.
Accompanying him was a government official, likely catching some time to report temporary work. After waiting by the entrance for a minute, he stood at attention, saluted, and left.
Chu Ning swallowed, feeling inexplicably tense from this display.
She stood straight, her voice unintentionally rising like a slogan, “Hello, Uncle.”
“Oh, we have a guest!” Ying Yi Zhang’s expression softened, but his stern eyes remained serious.
Ying Jing noticed Chu Ning was genuinely nervous.
Hmph! He felt quite pleased!
“Sit down, don’t stand, relax!” Ying Yi Zhang changed into slippers, smiling as he gestured to the sofa.
Cui Jingshu popped her head out from the kitchen, “This is Chu Ning, the investor in Ying Jing’s project.”
Ying Yi Zhang nodded, observing her a bit more, “Young and promising.”
Chu Ning politely responded, “Uncle, you flatter me.”
“Ying Jing winning first place in Hangzhou is also due to your support. He has many shortcomings and a lot of room for improvement. Please be inclusive and offer criticism when necessary,” Ying Yi Zhang spoke earnestly, making it hard not to take him seriously.
Chu Ning nodded vigorously like a pecking chicken.
Ying Jing stood behind his father, letting out a soft snort, almost rolling his eyes.
...God, what had upset this grumpy bag now?
Before long, dinner was served, and the four of them sat down together.
Chu Ning originally thought such a family would be very formal, perhaps even requiring a unified way of holding chopsticks. But to her surprise, Ying Yi Zhang shed his work persona, took off his military uniform, and switched to casual wear, becoming much more relaxed. He occasionally urged Chu Ning to take dishes, telling her not to be polite.
Cui Jingshu was genuinely enthusiastic, piling meat onto her plate. Ying Jing glared for a long time, and Cui Jingshu cheerfully awarded him a drumstick, “Eat up.”
The small interactions between mother and son were full of carefree warmth.
Chu Ning quietly ate her rice, suddenly thinking of her own mother.
Dinners at the Zhao family were always cold and silent. Everyone ate separately, the clinking of bowls and chopsticks being the sole soundtrack.
Ying Jing sat across from her, watching her remain silent. He lifted his leg slightly, pretending to accidentally kick her shoe.
Chu Ning: “……”
After dinner, Cui Jingshu hurried off to square dancing, leaving the dishwashing to Ying Yi Zhang. Ying Yi Zhang, without any macho attitudes, tied on an apron and skillfully started washing dishes in the sink.
Just as Chu Ning was thinking, Ying Jing suddenly said, “Want to take a walk?”
Without waiting for her response, he turned and started walking.
Chu Ning quickly got up, adjusted her skirt, and followed.
________________________________________
Evening approached, and the day’s heat dissipated.
The residential area stretched along a straight cement road, with neatly arranged red maple trees on either side.
A breeze blew, rustling the leaves.
Ying Jing walked ahead at a moderate pace, and following him wasn’t strenuous for Chu Ning.
All around were neighbors they’d known for over a decade, and aunties and uncles greeted warmly.
“Little Jing, back already? Just started summer vacation?”
“Hey, Uncle Wang,” Ying Jing flashed a radiant smile, “Yeah, just got back.”
Someone riding a bicycle from afar recognized him and rang the bell from a distance, “Hey! Isn’t this our national champion?”
Compared to encountering elders, Ying Jing’s smile was much more relaxed, “Had some school matters; came back late.”
“I heard about it, first place, impressive! Good job, child of our compound,” Meng Ze removed his sunglasses, revealing a strikingly handsome face. Glancing at Chu Ning, he exclaimed, “Wow! The familiar young lady, hello.”
Meng Ze had previously helped Chu Ning resolve a tricky factory issue, naturally drawing them closer.
Chu Ning also found him endearing, waving, “President Meng.”
Meng Ze chuckled, his gaze wandering between the two, finally whistling, “Not bad, Little Jing. Alright, won’t disturb you two, see you later.”
The car sped off.
In this short while, the sky grew gentler.
The two walked quietly, one in front of the other, arriving at the basketball court where people played under ten hoops. They were young, full of vitality, shirtless, freely sweating.
They found a high spot to sit.
Both gazed into the distance, neither speaking.
Finally, Chu Ning broke the silence, “Your parents are really nice.”
Ying Jing remained impassive, humming, “You see everyone else as nice.”
Only I’m not.
Realizing his words carried some emotion, fearing the conversation might die, he softened his tone, saying, “Parents around the world are pretty much the same. Eating meals isn’t always like this, Mom nags, Dad plays peacemaker, plus one unruly child.”
Chu Ning curved her lips slightly.
“What about your parents?” Ying Jing had never heard her mention them.
“Which father are you asking about?”
Ying Jing turned his head slightly, surprised.
“I have two fathers. My biological father passed away early, over ten years ago. I barely remember what he looked like.” Chu Ning leaned forward slightly, resting her chin on one hand. Perhaps the twilight was too enchanting; her gaze softened, “My current one is in real estate, owns a big business, and has another son who’s very arrogant. We’re sworn enemies, always arguing when we meet.”
This was the first time she’d talked to him about everyday matters.
“My mother is a very timid woman. She’s overly dependent on her husband, afraid of losing everything she has.” Chu Ning’s tone was flat, “Such families are especially protective and exclusive. She spent ten years adapting, pleasing, even enduring humiliation, just to achieve completeness. Along the way, she taught me to be like that too.”
Chu Ning turned her head, giving Ying Jing a smile, “Must be very annoying, right?”
Now it was Ying Jing’s turn to be speechless.
Chu Ning redirected her gaze to the basketball court.
“When I graduated from university, I started my own business. Uncle Zhao disapproved, and my mom cared so much about his feelings that she tried to persuade me, even threatening me. If I dared make Uncle Zhao unhappy, stepping out of this door meant she wouldn’t give me a penny. She almost chained me up.”
“Later, a close girlfriend lent me 100,000 yuan, adding to my savings, totaling 140,000 to start. I engaged in private lending, traded wine, and did a lot more.” Recalling hardships, she spoke briefly, summarizing years of grit and heartache in a few concise sentences.
Chu Ning smiled faintly, her stray hairs swaying gently in the wind.
“Those two years, I forgot what sweetness was. Life was so bitter.”
Ying Jing felt a pang in his heart, looking at her exquisite profile. At that time, she was probably around his current age.
Comparing their situations, he understood her difficulties even more.
“Why did you work so hard?” he asked.
“Because I didn’t want to become a second version of my mother,” Chu Ning replied firmly.
Independence, self-reliance, generosity, not constrained by others’ commands.
Living for oneself is the most beautiful quality of a woman.
“I remember when I secured my first seven-figure order, I specifically told my family. But Uncle Zhao only said one sentence: Why work so hard? We have everything at home; girls should treat themselves better.”
Thinking about it now, Chu Ning still felt repulsed, her brows slightly furrowed, “The subtext of that statement—’You’re excellent, but unfortunately, you’re a girl.’ It made me so mad; what nonsense!”
Her childish side made Ying Jing’s heart flutter slightly.
“So, I am such a realistic, unlovable, even somewhat sharp person.” Chu Ning faced her issues straightforwardly, shifting slightly to bring herself closer to Ying Jing.
No more evading or covering up, she finally spoke the name that seemed taboo between them.
“Feng Ziyang.”
Ying Jing abruptly raised his eyes; the slightly eased atmosphere was instantly pushed back to the edge of a cliff.
Chu Ning pursed her lips, her voice lower, “I’m not a good woman. I’ve slowly come to understand the cruelty of society. Feng Ziyang and I have been friends for many years, whether in business or life, he’s given me a lot of conveniences.”
...So this was a marriage of convenience?
Ying Jing still felt displeased, but much better than before.
“Feng Ziyang has a girlfriend; they’ve been entangled since college, breaking up and getting back together for seven or eight years, loving each other deeply, almost like a scene from a soap opera.” Chu Ning smiled faintly, swinging her legs, her spread skirt resembling a dancing daffodil in the wind.
And Ying Jing seemed to gradually realize something.
Chu Ning confirmed his suspicions with her next sentence.
“Their family is also twisted, disliking the girl’s humble background. So-called ‘equal status’ brutally tore apart this tragic pair of lovers.”
Ying Jing’s mind went blank, bluntly thinking, “What era is this? Are there still families with such outdated class notions?”
Chu Ning looked at him, her gaze sinking, calm yet helpless, “Because you grew up in a righteous environment. The bizarre side of society—you haven’t seen it, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.”
“If he truly loved deeply enough, no obstacle would be insurmountable,” Ying Jing stated matter-of-factly.
Chu Ning managed a faint smile.
“Everyone has their responsibilities. Born into such a family brings prestige, convenience, and the ‘starting line at birth is already the finish line others strive for their whole lives.’ Behind this sense of superiority lies an equivalent exchange. A man’s responsibilities come in many forms: career, life, and an entire family.”
Responsibility, sometimes the most charming trait in a man, other times a source of frustration and helplessness.
At this point, Ying Jing fully understood.
“So, so you and him, you…”
“Mm.” Chu Ning responded, “Feng Ziyang and I pretended to be a couple to appease his family. In reality, he and his girlfriend never broke up, maintaining an underground relationship... It’s not easy.”
This truth exploded like long-awaited fireworks, scattering silver light.
Ying Jing was overwhelmed with mixed emotions, momentarily unable to feel joy.
Sounds of basketballs being shot, dribbled, and shouts echoed from the court.
Ying Jing and Chu Ning looked over.
Dusk was nearing its end, the sky vast and clouds sparse, the western horizon stretching a straight red glow.
Connecting heaven and earth, the human world vast as a maze.
“You told me so much, what do you mean?” Ying Jing sought to remain calm, but he could feel his throat tightening.
Chu Ning’s cheeks blushed softly, her figure melting into the evening glow, seemingly radiating a soft aura.
Maintaining her posture unchanged, her expression could even be described as composed.
“Since returning from Hangzhou, I’ve thought a lot. I’ve decided to be more honest with myself.”
Chu Ning turned her head, the faint rosy light reflecting in her eyes, sincere and resolute.
“Ying Jing, if you can tolerate these flaws of mine, if that affection is still there... if you’re still willing, let’s try being together, alright?”
In life, true encounters with destined people are rare.
Meeting one means fewer left.
Shall we try, alright?
Her gaze was sincere, calm, without a trace of evasion.
Ying Jing’s nose tingled, his clenched fist tightening further.
Chu Ning kept her gaze steady, not saying more. Her hand reached over, tracing along his slightly protruding veins down his wrist, gently unfurling each of his tightly clenched fingers.
Then,
Their fingers intertwined.
Google Sites
Report abuse