Forty-One

 Huijiang City is a third-tier city. Except for the central area, which is relatively bustling, the rest consists of small streets and alleys with heavy historical traces. The appearance of the alleys is old and worn. Su Hao dragged her suitcase into the corridor, and after passing through it, she entered the residential area. Many neighbors were chatting on benches along the greenery. Upon seeing Su Hao, they greeted her warmly.

“Su Hao, you’re back?”

“Oh, you’ve gained weight.”

“Your mom is at home, probably tending to the flowers again.”

“You look really refreshed now.”

Su Hao had been in Li City for almost four months. To the neighbors, it seemed like Su Hao had only gone out for groceries. Everyone was very enthusiastic. Su Hao smiled at them and greeted each one.

“Aunt Wu, Aunt Liu”

Her calls were precise and carried no hint of unfamiliarity. After exchanging pleasantries, Su Hao turned into the corridor and walked up the stairs to her home on the sixth floor. It was quite tiring, and she had a thin layer of sweat on her forehead. Su Hao used her key to open the door and pushed the suitcase inside. She saw Cheng Ling standing by the window, looking at her flowers.

Cheng Ling coughed lightly, then said upon seeing Su Hao, “You’re back. There’s food in the kitchen, go eat.”

“Okay. You’re coughing again?” Su Hao, not in a hurry, put down her keys and went to the coffee table to look at the medicines. As people age, they have all sorts of ailments. Cheng Ling had been diagnosed with high blood sugar a few years ago, which developed into diabetes, followed by fatty liver and high blood pressure.

She often experienced abdominal pain, headaches, and high blood pressure, which could make her faint for an entire day. Now, her condition was controlled by medication and a strict diet.

“I caught a cold last night, my throat is itchy.” Cheng Ling put down the flower petals and said, “Should I take the flowers to Li City?”

“Sure, take whatever you want.” The room had a faint medicinal smell, probably from brewing traditional Chinese medicine. Su Hao saw that the medicine supply hadn’t decreased and then went into the kitchen to serve the food. Cheng Ling’s cooking had become very bland due to health reasons, with minimal salt and oil.

Su Hao ate without changing her expression. She hadn’t eaten much on the high-speed train, just a meal box. Cheng Ling, rubbing her waist, came over and sat across from her, observing her eat. She said, “You seem to have gained weight, a bit more than before your business trip.”

Su Hao finished the tasteless soup and wiped her lips with a napkin, “Yes, the food and accommodation there were great.”

Zhou Yang had arranged three meals a day for her. With no exercise, it was natural to gain some weight. Cheng Ling was quite pleased to see Su Hao looking well in Li City.

There was a creak from upstairs as someone was moving things.

Cheng Ling glanced at Su Hao, who pretended not to notice. Su Hao picked up the empty bowl and went into the kitchen. Cheng Ling, who liked to keep things clean, had a tidy kitchen except for the trash. Su Hao bent down to pick up the trash bag, tied it, and came out. Cheng Ling was still sitting at the dining table, “By the way, Tang Rui…”

“I know, he’s back,” Su Hao continued, walking to the door, “I’ll go visit Uncle Tang and them later.”

As she opened the door, just as she finished speaking, footsteps were heard coming down the stairs. A man in a shirt and long pants came down, and the two of them locked eyes. Su Hao was momentarily stunned before putting down the trash bag and saying, “Long time no see.”

Tang Rui was holding a box of cut fruit. He looked at Su Hao and smiled, “Long time no see. My mom said you should be back and asked me to bring the fruit down.”

Su Hao straightened up and extended her hand, “Thank you.”

Tang Rui took two steps down and handed the fruit box to her. Su Hao received it and moved aside, “Would you like to come in? I heard some noise upstairs just now. What happened?”

“It’s nothing. Tang Ying just dropped her notebook on the floor.” Tang Rui’s gaze was fixed on Su Hao’s face, which seemed to have a rosy glow. Her naturally fair skin made her good complexion even more noticeable. He shifted his gaze to Cheng Ling, who was standing by the shoe rack, “Aunt Cheng, hello.”

“Hello.” Cheng Ling had some resentment towards Tang Rui. He chose his career over Su Hao, meaning he hadn’t grown to love Su Hao after three years of marriage, leaving Su Hao divorced. Now he returned looking all polished and was a sought-after candidate in the neighborhood. But what about Su Hao? It was hard for her to find someone with her current status.

So Cheng Ling’s welcome was rather cold.

Tang Rui probably knew this, as he looked at Su Hao, “I won’t come in. Let’s talk another time.”

Su Hao nodded, “Okay.”

After that, she took the fruit inside.

The fruit was given by Tang Rui’s parents, who had always been kind to Su Hao. When Su Hao had to care for her father, Tang Rui’s parents had helped a lot, even providing some financial assistance during the toughest times. Although Su Hao had repaid them later, she always remembered their kindness. Cheng Ling had no issues with Tang Rui’s parents.

After closing the door, Cheng Ling took the fruit and said, “Let’s visit Hui Zhu and Jian Sheng in the evening.”

“Sure, I bought some gifts. Mom, see what you think.” Su Hao took out the gifts. Cheng Ling looked at them and nodded, “Alright, these seem quite expensive.”

“Not very expensive.”

“That’s good then.”

Cheng Ling opened the box and used a fork to serve the fruit to Su Hao.

Su Hao opened her mouth to eat.

She picked up her phone to reassure Su Qian and let Liao Yun know. Unfortunately, Liao Yun was accompanying her mother to Hai City to see a doctor, which had been booked for a long time, so Su Hao couldn’t meet her this time.

After reassuring them.

WeChat pinged twice.

Su Hao glanced at it.

Su Hao looked at Cheng Ling.

Cheng Ling was holding the remote control. Su Hao paused, recalled Cheng Ling’s earlier expression, and declined.

T: Alright then, do you have time?

Su Hao: I don’t have time either.

At this moment, Yun Lu also sent a message. Su Hao opened it.

Yun Lu: Are you back in Huijiang City?

Su Hao: Yes.

Yun Lu: Oh, I was hoping to invite you out.

Su Hao: That’s very kind, but let me return to Li City first.

Yun Lu: Okay.

Yun Lu: Did Zhou Yang come with you?

Su Hao: No.

Yun Lu: Not very sincere, no intention of getting married!

Yun Lu, who was usually soft and cute, was quite annoyed. Su Hao smiled. She had no intention of getting married from the start, and her thoughts had always been this way.

She had known it all along.

Monday morning was hectic, with people running around. A meeting was held, and after General Zeng and Qi Lin came out of the meeting room, the elevator door happened to open.

A tall, handsome man with his collar adjusted walked out.

Everyone was momentarily stunned before quickly saying, “Good morning, Mr. Zhou.”

“Morning.” Zhou Yang lifted his eyes, giving a faint smile. He nodded to General Zeng, “Come in.”

After saying that, he pushed open the office door. General Zeng’s scalp tingled at the sight of Zhou Yang and he immediately wiped the sweat from his forehead, exchanging glances with Qi Lin.

Qi Lin smiled, “Rest in peace.”

He then entered the acting president’s office.

General Zeng, feeling helpless, walked into his own office. Zhou Yang leaned back in his chair, smoking a cigarette casually. General Zeng, having gathered recent issues, smiled and picked up a lighter, saying, “Zhou Yang, congratulations on removing the cancer.”

Zhou Yang opened his eyes, watched the flame dance, lit the cigarette, then set it aside and said, “Sit.”

General Zeng had no choice but to sit down.

Although it was a workday, General Zeng appeared nonchalant, and those unfamiliar with him might think he was just a playboy who only knew how to indulge in women. However, those who knew him understood that he was ruthless.

“Mr. Zhou, do you have any advice?”

“Do you know Tang Rui? He was recruited in 2008 by Gao Qi.”

General Zeng paused for a moment.

He thought for a while and said, “I know a bit about him. He’s quite professional. After receiving the invitation, he only reported to Gao Qi the following year. He seems cultured, but his work skills are quite good. If it weren’t for the recent upheaval at Gao Qi, he might have stayed on Wall Street. It seems he recently returned to the country.”

“Has there been any headhunting for him recently?”

“Of course. Such talent is already being pursued by many even before he left his job. Does Mr. Zhou want him?”

Zhou Yang smiled again, leaning back, “It’s nothing. I just wanted to ask. I’ve heard of him before but didn’t pay much attention.”

“Why are you paying attention now?” General Zeng asked out of curiosity. He felt something was amiss. Zhou Yang took a puff of his cigarette, blew out some smoke, and said, “Know yourself and your enemy, and you will win every battle.”

“Rival in love?”

General Zeng: “”

What?

“Has he had any romantic relationships on Wall Street?” Zhou Yang asked again.

General Zeng, still processing the previous information, tried to recall, then thought for a moment, “As far as I know, he hasn’t.”

“Oh?” Zhou Yang sneered.

General Zeng looked at Zhou Yang’s expression, pondering for a long time. If this was about a rival in love, then this person might have some connection with Su Hao?

Ex-boyfriend?

Ex-husband?

Damn it.

“Are you quite domesticated?” Zhou Yang suddenly asked.

General Zeng was taken aback, “Huh? I suppose.”

“What kind of domesticated?” Zhou Yang asked again.

General Zeng: “Should I teach you?”

In the evening, Su Hao and Cheng Ling took a gift box upstairs. Su Hao knocked on the door. Tang Rui, who had changed into a white T-shirt and long pants, opened the door and looked surprised to see Su Hao.

Cheng Ling immediately interrupted his gaze, “Where are your parents?”

“They’re inside,” Tang Rui said, stepping aside to let Tang Ying call them. He went to boil some water. Su Hao followed Cheng Ling into the house. Tang’s parents came out and their eyes brightened upon seeing Su Hao. “Su Hao, how have you been recently?”

“I’ve been very well. Uncle and Auntie, it’s been a long time.”

“It’s good that you’re here. What gifts did you bring?” Hui Zhu pulled Su Hao over to the sofa, and Cheng Ling, being more familiar, sat down and said, “She said it’s just a token of appreciation. Please accept it.”

“Really, it’s not easy for the child to earn money outside. Cheng Ling, you should have said something. I originally planned to treat you to a meal, but you’re too busy.” Hui Zhu gave Cheng Ling a disapproving look.

Cheng Ling smiled.

Meanwhile, Tang Rui finished boiling the water and brought it over to make tea.

After sitting for a while, Cheng Ling wanted to leave with Su Hao.

At the door, Hui Zhu suddenly asked, “Su Hao, when will you return to Li City?”

Su Hao pondered and said, “I’m not sure yet.”

Cheng Ling patted her head and said, “I’m afraid if someone asks, you’ll just answer foolishly. She obviously wants Tang Rui to go to Li City with us. I didn’t hear anything about that during the chat. It’s very likely he’ll go to Li City. His gaze just now seemed to linger on you several times.”

At this point, Cheng Ling seemed somewhat discontent and didn’t continue.

Su Hao felt helpless.

Once inside, she began organizing her luggage, mainly Cheng Ling’s. Her phone, placed on the bed, pinged with an Alipay notification.

Su Hao looked.

It was Zhou Yang sending money.

A transfer of 100,000.

Zhou Yang: “I’m worried you might not have enough, so take this for now.”

Su Hao: “I have money.”

She sent it back.

One advantage of Alipay is that you can transfer money directly into the recipient’s account without needing to acknowledge it.

Zhou Yang: “When will you come back?”

Su Hao: “Not confirmed yet.”

Zhou Yang: “Hah, lying.”

In reality, Su Hao had already bought a high-speed train ticket for the next day. She couldn’t stay for too long. She planned to get everything done over the weekend and leave the next afternoon. Su Hao, pulling two suitcases, went downstairs. Cheng Ling occasionally helped. After greeting the neighbors, they took a taxi.

Cheng Ling saw Su Hao sweating and, feeling some concern, used a tissue to wipe her forehead, saying, “If someone shows some interest, give them a chance, okay? Don’t refuse them outright or ignore them, or avoid them.”

“Okay, got it.”

When the taxi arrived at the high-speed train station entrance, where stopping was not allowed, they had to get out with their luggage and walk. On a small slope, as mother and daughter were pushing their suitcases, someone from the side helped them push. They were taken aback and turned to see Tang Rui, who was also pushing a black suitcase. He said, “Su Hao, Aunt Cheng, what a coincidence.”

“What a coincidence.” Cheng Ling furrowed her brows, looking at his helping hand, and said.

Su Hao glanced at Cheng Ling and asked Tang Rui, “Are you taking the high-speed train to Li City today too?”

“Yes, I bought the ticket last night on a whim.”

Su Hao received a message from Su Qian, asking where she was.

Su Hao: “Just about to board the high-speed train.”

Su Qian: “Oh, okay.”

Cheng Ling, seeing Tang Rui’s tall figure and how he just helped Su Hao, felt her attitude soften for some reason.

Tang Rui asked Su Hao, “Is it hot in Li City?”

“Quite hot. Have you found a place to stay?” Su Hao asked casually, like talking to a friend.

Tang Rui nodded, “Yes, the company arranged it.”

“Oh, okay.”

They then entered the train carriage. They weren’t in the same carriage but only one carriage apart. After Su Hao and Cheng Ling settled down, Cheng Ling peeked into the carriage where Tang Rui was, barely seeing his shoulder as people were entering. Cheng Ling tapped Su Hao, who was drinking water. She accidentally spilled some and looked at Cheng Ling, “Hmm?”

Cheng Ling’s words were on the tip of her tongue but she swallowed them back.

Forget it, not worth saying now.

Arriving in Li City at three in the afternoon, the city was at its hottest. Although it should have entered autumn by now, autumn was late this year, and the temperature was still over thirty degrees, making it feel like you were being roasted. The three of them exited from the same platform. After coming out, Tang Rui looked at Su Hao shielding her head from the sun and hesitated before saying, “Su Hao, Aunt Cheng, the company sent a car. Please come with me.”

Before he could finish, he looked up.

A black Hummer drove up to them, and the car window rolled down. Inside, a man with narrow eyes looked out, his gaze sharp as a knife. After a moment, Zhou Yang pushed open the car door, stepped out, walked over, picked up Su Hao’s two suitcases, and looked at her with a smile, “You come back without saying a word?”

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