Chapter 29

Although Mr. Shao handled the situation with grace, the fact that the Lin family had their engagement annulled was, at the end of the day, a scandal of no small consequence.

Lin Hongkang, Lin Jiayin’s father, saw the situation clearly. At private dinners or poker tables where others dared not ask, he would bring it up himself, feigning a breezy, nonchalant attitude: "Mr. Shao is simply captivated by a pretty face for the moment. Men will be men, it’s normal. Once he’s had his fill of playing around, he’ll naturally come crawling back to Jiayin."

Others could only echo his sentiments: "True, very true. Among all the well-known socialites in our circle, Jiayin is the most outstanding. Besides, the connection between the Shao and Lin families dates back to the elders’ generation; how could it be severed so easily?"

Unlike her father, Lin Jiayin holed herself up at home for a week before venturing out again. At various social functions, she never uttered a word about "Brother Shao." Only her closest circle of girlfriends knew that she had not yet moved past the ordeal.

But even if she didn't mention it, the news had spread throughout the circle. Mr. Shao, in a fit of passion for his new love, had broken off the engagement with the Lin family. In the past few days, he had been seen taking the young girl to restaurants and horse racing tracks without any attempt at concealment. Some even claimed with certainty that Mr. Shao had already introduced the girl to the close relatives of the Yi family in Hong Kong, suggesting that he was playing for keeps.

It wasn't just a typical fling common in their circles; she was a proper, legitimate girlfriend.

Many busybodies even went to Su Jingwen to inquire, curious about what kind of divine being this girl was to have captivated Mr. Shao to such an extent.

Su Jingwen kept her lips sealed tight, saying nothing.

On the Friday before Christmas, December 20th, just before leaving the office, she was called into Shao Yihuai’s office. Mr. Shao asked if she was free over the weekend to take Chu Tong shopping and to see an exhibition.

She naturally had half a day to spare, and besides, handling Mr. Shao’s personal affairs was within her job description. Su Jingwen agreed, then added, "Assistant Zhong says the flight plan to and from Hong Kong has been approved, and the hotel is booked."

Shao Yihuai leaned back in his chair, rubbing his brow. "...You may go back to your work."

Su Jingwen observed his expression, said nothing more, and closed the door behind her.

-

On Saturday afternoon, Su Jingwen met Chu Tong at University A as promised, taking her shopping for clothes and study supplies before heading to a famous exhibition park.

The young girl was enthusiastic and cheerful, possessing a unique, lighthearted quality that made everything seem effortless. For Su Jingwen, a "corporate slave" who had been busy all week, simply going out with her was refreshing and relaxing.

With Christmas approaching, a tall Christmas tree stood in the park, and the roadside restaurants and cafes had launched their holiday-limited products.

As Su Jingwen stepped out of a dessert shop on the other side of the path, she saw the girl dressed in snow-white through the bustling crowd. With a starch sausage in one hand and hot milk tea in the other, she was standing by the roadside, eating with gusto, her black-and-white eyes bright with vitality.

Seeing such a vibrant scene, anyone couldn't help but smile.

Su Jingwen walked over quickly and said, "I bought you a basket of Christmas-limited treats to take back and share with your roommates."

"Wow, thank you, Sister Wen."

"Don't thank me, it’s Mr. Shao’s money," Su Jingwen said with a smile. "Oh, by the way, Mr. Shao also asked me to give you a card. It’s for your tuition and living expenses. If you want to buy anything in the future, just use this card."

Chu Tong froze for a moment. She finished the starch sausage in a few quick bites, threw it in the nearby trash can, wiped her mouth, and then said, "Sister Wen, I can’t accept this."

"It’s alright, it’s just a small gesture for Mr. Shao."

"I’m only dating him; I don’t need him to support me. It’s one thing to accept expensive gifts occasionally, but taking a card is not right."

"Mr. Shao cares about you. If you live more comfortably, he feels at ease," Su Jingwen said. "You’re a penniless student right now. Part-time jobs are a waste of your energy. It’s better to devote all your time to your studies. When you succeed in the future and land a good job, you can pay him back. It won’t be too late then."

Su Jingwen understood perfectly well: Mr. Shao sent her to deliver the card simply because he feared that if he gave it to her himself, Chu Tong would refuse even more firmly. That meant she had to complete the task.

"...That may be true..." Chu Tong hesitated, clearly struggling to accept, unable to find the right words to refuse.

"You know, Mr. Shao’s least concern is money. This trifle isn't worth making a fuss over. Besides, think about it: he lives in luxury. Now that he’s with you, how could he watch you suffer on your own?"

Chu Tong looked down and thought for a moment, then made up her mind. "...Alright, I’ll accept it."

"Once you accept it, you must spend it," Su Jingwen said, feigning a threat. "If I find out one day that not a single cent has been touched, Mr. Shao will be angry."

"Really? He gets angry?"

Chu Tong’s attention shifted immediately, and she asked with interest, "He’s usually so gentle, and always so profound and mysterious. It’s hard to imagine him angry. Have you ever seen it?"

To be honest, Su Jingwen had been with him for five years and had never seen him lose his temper. He was often indifferent, occasionally impatient, and when dealing with those old men on the board of directors, he could be ruthless. But he was always so composed that even she, his trusted assistant, rarely caught a glimpse of his true emotions.

Su Jingwen said with a half-truthful smile, "I haven't, but you’re different. You should try it. If you defy him, don't spend his money, and refuse his kindness, he might actually get angry with you."

Chu Tong giggled, though she couldn't help but think of the time in the private room at Fu Ji. That was likely the moment she had come closest to his true self—the smoke curling between his fingers, his eyes filled with a weary, cold desolation and decadence.

She realized belatedly: did her presence and her actions back then actually comfort him?

They must have, because he smiled afterward and took her to Manhe for the first time.

Su Jingwen checked her watch. "It’s about time. Let’s go somewhere."

-

After getting out of the car, Chu Tong realized Su Jingwen had brought her to a high-end couture studio in the East District, a two-story building standing by the street.

"There’s a tech industry gala tomorrow, and Mr. Shao is taking you."

Chu Tong’s eyes widened. "...I have to wear an evening gown?!"

"Yes. Time is a bit tight, so try them on later. If something doesn't fit, we’ll have to get it altered."

As soon as they entered, staff members led them to browse. For Chu Tong, it was an eye-opening experience. Rows of dresses were dazzling, reflecting another world of glitz and glamour.

During the selection process, Su Jingwen explained that, normally, Mr. Shao wouldn't attend such galas in person, usually leaving it to her. But this time, many media reporters would be present, and there was an interview segment scheduled before the event.

"Mr. Shao said, since you want to study journalism and become a reporter, this might be useful for your future career, so he’s taking you to see it."

He always thought further ahead than she did.

-

On Sunday, Chu Tong spent the whole day studying in the library, grabbing a few snacks to tide her over, before Su Jingwen arrived to pick her up.

They first went to the couture studio from the day before, changed into the gown and jewelry, and then headed to the World Trade Center.

The sky had darkened, and the lights of the city were coming on.

The skyscrapers in the World Trade Center business district reached into the clouds, their glass facades illuminated from within. Christmas decorations were visible everywhere at the entrances of the buildings, and "Santas" were handing out candy to passersby on the street.

Chu Tong kept leaning against the car window, looking out. From a distance, she could see the building that was likely their destination. The front steps were covered with a red carpet, a row of luxury cars was parked, and men and women in formal attire stood in groups, with security ropes cordoning off the area.

Su Jingwen dialed Shao Yihuai’s number.

"Mr. Shao, we’ve arrived."

With Su Jingwen’s voice in her ear, Chu Tong scanned the red carpet and saw Shao Yihuai emerging from the main entrance.

He was wearing a suit with a bow tie, one hand holding the phone to his ear, the other in his pocket. His pace was brisk but not rushed, his demeanor calm and elegant.

The Audi came to a stop, the door opened, and Chu Tong stepped out, lifting her skirt.

She called out, "Shao Yihuai."

-

Shao Yihuai, standing on the steps, turned to see her.

She was in a floor-length, pearl-white silk slip dress with a shawl draped over her shoulders. Her hair was styled in a simple updo, adorned with a delicate laurel wreath.

She stood tall and elegant, yet with a playful glint in her eyes, smiling as she winked at him.

Shao Yihuai caught his breath.

There must have been a record store nearby, otherwise, how could faint, fragmented lyrics be carried over by the wind:

"My fate, my destiny, the more beautiful things are, the less I can touch them."

"Actually, what is the use of me loving you again?"

"Could it be that this time, holding you tight won't end in emptiness?"

Ten years her senior, he naturally saw further, which was why he felt that pain in advance.

If he hit the brakes now, it should still be in time.

He could call it off, he could pull away. With his busy work schedule during the day, he wouldn't think of her, and as for the nights, they hadn't completely possessed each other yet, so he probably wouldn't be tossing and turning in his sleep.

But the girl bounced toward him, looking up with a radiant smile, asking, "Am I pretty?"

Shao Yihuai’s expression remained unchanged. He looked down at her and curled his lips slightly. "Pretty."

Chu Tong added, "I even put highlighter on my collarbones."

Shao Yihuai took her hand, listening to her chatter, and they stepped onto the red carpet together into the building.

Tonight, she was his date.

The gala was on the top floor.

Several crystal chandeliers cast soft, shimmering light—this was the scene he had heard about and imagined so many times over the phone: the rustle of silk and the clinking of glasses, with stunning men and women mingling.

Walking through the lobby, they arrived at a side room with dark red double doors. Behind it was a small tiered conference room. At that moment, cameras were set up, and the people on stage were taking their seats.

Shao Yihuai led her across the room to the other side. A large curtain hung here; pulling it aside revealed a small tea room. Standing here, they could see the stage diagonally opposite while avoiding the reporters below.

Chu Tong instantly understood Shao Yihuai’s intention.

A waiter in uniform saw them and exclaimed in surprise, "Sir, Miss, this is the tea room. Did you two take a wrong turn?"

Before Shao Yihuai could speak, Chu Tong smiled and said, "Could we just listen in from here for a while? Thank you so much."

She had such a sweet smile that no one could refuse her.

Shao Yihuai held her waist, signaling for her to look at the stage.

Su Jingwen was taking her seat; on the nameplate in front of her was: Assistant to the President of Zhuoyi Group.

Experiencing this firsthand was more useful than watching thousands of interview videos.

Chu Tong listened with rapt attention, as if she were in class.

Shao Yihuai stood a few steps away, leaning against the wall, watching her. The light from behind the curtain illuminated her profile, her eyes vivid and lively.

About ten minutes later, she turned back and said, "It’s over, shall we go too?"

Shao Yihuai didn't move, only saying, "Come here."

Chu Tong stepped closer as instructed and was pulled by her waist against the wall. She felt his palm cushion the back of her head, and then, his kiss fell.

In the narrow space behind the curtain, they exchanged a shallow kiss.

-

Participating in such a gala for the first time, Chu Tong was not intimidated. Arm in arm with Shao Yihuai, she listened as he introduced her to people—journalists, television executives, and several figures from the tech world, all names she had only ever seen on TV or in the news.

Shao Yihuai introduced that she was currently studying Chinese at University A and aspired to work in journalism, even asking her to talk about the awards she had won.

Chu Tong felt that, in such an occasion, she was just an insignificant little person, and talking about herself before these people felt like "showing off one's skills before an expert." But when she caught Shao Yihuai’s encouraging look, she stopped being shy and chatted with them gracefully.

To her surprise, none of them were impatient; in fact, they praised her when she reached the interesting parts of her story.

Looking back later, she realized that those people were likely giving her face because of Shao Yihuai. With him personally introducing her, even if she had been a mediocre person with no talent, no one would have looked down on her.

He was building her network.

In the interval, while Su Jingwen came over to talk to Shao Yihuai, Chu Tong slipped away to the buffet table to eat.

Su Jingwen glanced in Chu Tong’s direction and whispered, "I’ve already given that card to Tong."

"What did she say?"

"At first, she refused, of course. I talked and talked, and eventually scared her by saying you might be angry if she didn't accept it. She was immediately distracted and started asking if I’d ever seen you angry, so the subject of the card was dropped."

Su Jingwen reported everything exactly as it happened.

Shao Yihuai laughed softly, his voice low and ethereal, as if detached from the situation. "...A child’s temperament."

Whatever the topic, she only had a three-minute attention span.

They were clearly discussing a serious matter, but Su Jingwen had a gut feeling that he was hinting at something else.

"Are you saying..." Su Jingwen hesitated, observing his expression, and felt that the desolation in his eyes was even deeper.

She turned the thought over in her mind, then laughed, half-jokingly, "Some people in the circle have been asking me for information. They seem to have heard that you introduced Tong to the Yi family..."

With the topic brought up, Su Jingwen continued, "Do you need me to arrange anything in between?"

His personal affairs always had to pass through her hands, and asking this was part of her duty.

The rumors in the circle were wild, as if Mr. Shao were hopelessly in love with the girl, but Su Jingwen, who was in the middle of it, didn't think so.

Given her years of understanding of Shao Yihuai, if he were truly planning to start a serious relationship, a man as meticulous as him would have cleaned up the rumors about the Lin family long ago. He would never have waited until he and Chu Tong bumped into Lin Jr. to decide to deal with it.

Lately, asking her to take Tong out to play felt more like the way one would look after a relative’s child who had come north to study alone.

Looking after, not loving.

"Keep in touch with Cousin Chengze and just keep an eye on things," Shao Yihuai said. "I’ve set up a place for her in Hong Kong. Once she enrolls, take her to see it."

"Me?"

"Yes," Shao Yihuai glanced at her, a smile playing on his lips. "So, build a good relationship with Tong, so that when the time comes, she won't even want to see you because of me."

His tone was light and breezy, but Su Jingwen felt as if she had been struck by lightning. Then, a spark flashed in her mind, and she was enlightened.

No wonder. Everything made sense now.

From his perspective, Chu Tong’s feelings for him could only be the short-lived passion of someone who hadn't seen enough of the world. She was so proactive, so direct; once she set her heart on something, she would demand a result.

That was why he hadn't dealt with the Lin Jr. situation in advance. Perhaps Mr. Shao felt that his relationship with Chu Tong wouldn't last until the day his engagement was officially put on the agenda, so he hadn't considered that angle.

After all, the engagement had only been mentioned verbally; it was barely a possibility. It was just that the Lin family had been acting like the future in-laws of the Shao and Yi families for the past few years, so everyone in the circle had been treating it as a serious matter.

He was truly being very serious—he didn't want Tong to be gossiped about, so he was extinguishing even this vague connection with Lin Jr.

He was also truly not planning for the long term. So, he taught her this and that, built her network, and even paved her future path, all without adding his own figure to her future.

Su Jingwen couldn't speak for a long time. "You..."

Shao Yihuai found it amusing. "Why are you so surprised? I thought you understood long ago."

"I truly couldn't figure it out," Su Jingwen calmed down and said truthfully. "Aren't you being too pessimistic?"

Shao Yihuai laughed. "I remember you once dated a boyfriend ten years younger than you. What was your mindset at the time?"

Su Jingwen followed his lead and recalled that, at the time, she naturally hadn't thought it would last. To her, the other person was just a young kid; how could he possibly stay with her forever?

"I certainly didn't think it would last, but I lived for the moment, enjoying his young body. I wasn't as responsible as you, planning the future for the other person."

Shao Yihuai said nothing more and lifted his glass to take a sip of wine.

Su Jingwen said, "Don't worry, I will handle Tong’s affairs properly. Even if she leaves in the future, I will help you look after her and ensure everything goes smoothly for her."

As she spoke, she looked back, but the young girl was gone from the buffet table.

Chu Tong had gone to the restroom and, upon returning, saw from a distance that Su Jingwen was still chatting with Shao Yihuai, so she found a sofa behind a screen and sat down.

She had never liked wearing high heels, and after standing for so long today, her heels were uncomfortable.

She sat down, bent over to loosen the straps, and heard someone mention Shao Yihuai from behind the screen.

"Is that girl Shao brought in the college student you mentioned before?"

"None other."

The voice was familiar; it seemed to be Lin Jiayin, the second daughter of the Lin family, whom Su Jingwen had introduced to her.

"She is quite pretty, no wonder Mr. Shao was tempted."

"Just a three-minute heat, that's all."

"Probably just novelty. A momentary impulse, and for her, he even threw away the engagement with your family."

"...Speaking of that, my dad mentioned it to me later," Lin Jiayin lowered her voice, and Chu Tong couldn't help but lean closer to the screen to listen carefully. "...My dad said, Elder Mr. Shao sent a document. It seems he’s putting the engagement on hold for now, perhaps not because of Brother Shao, but because he’s not satisfied with my dad’s high-profile actions in Hong Kong. The Yi family, after all, cherishes its reputation."

"What does that mean?"

"Elder Mr. Shao is just making an issue out of it."

"So, is there still room for reconciliation between you and Mr. Shao?"

"I told you, among the families that can match the Shao family, only you, Sister Jiayin, are talented and beautiful. Besides you, I can't imagine anyone else worthy of Mr. Shao."

The group chatted about a few more things, but Chu Tong couldn't hear clearly.

There was too much information; she sat there in a daze, trying to digest it for a long while.

Her phone vibrated, and she snapped out of it:

"Shao: Where are you?"

Chu Tong stood up, adjusted her expression, and walked around the screen. Sure enough, she saw Lin Jiayin standing by a high round table, surrounded by a few girlfriends.

Seeing her, Lin Jiayin was stunned for a moment, then quickly put on a smile. "What a coincidence. Did you come with Brother Shao?"

Chu Tong smiled. "Yes, what a coincidence, Second Miss."

Lin Jiayin pretended to be friendly, bumped her arm, and winked. "Last time, Sister Jingwen lied and said you were a relative’s child, so I didn't know you were with Brother Shao."

"Haha, you guys chat, I’m heading over."

"Go ahead, go ahead. Let’s go out for tea together another day."

Chu Tong turned back and gave an "OK" sign.

On the other side of the hall, under the crystal chandelier, Shao Yihuai stood with one hand in his pocket, holding a wine glass in the other, listening to Su Jingwen.

Looking at that tall, elegant figure, Chu Tong couldn't help but think that Lin Jiayin’s warmth toward her was simply because she couldn't afford to provoke Mr. Shao and didn't truly see her as an enemy.

In Lin Jiayin’s eyes, she, Chu Tong, was likely just a small interlude in Mr. Shao’s life, not the main path, not the right person.

She walked closer step by step, her high heels treading on the carpet, feeling as if she were walking on cotton.

Shao Yihuai saw her and immediately furrowed his brows slightly. "What’s wrong?"

Chu Tong held his hand. "Can you come with me for a moment?"

She pulled him away from the hall and pushed open a lounge door.

The lights inside were dim. Without thinking, she walked straight up and hugged his waist.

Shao Yihuai looked down, searching her face, while stroking her hair. "What’s wrong, baby?"

She shook her head. "...I just missed you."

Shao Yihuai laughed softly. "I’ve been right here."

"Will you always be?"

She tightened her arms and pressed.

He paused slightly. "...Of course."

Seeming to think her question was abrupt, Shao Yihuai stepped back slightly, forcing her to look up. "Why are you suddenly saying these things?"

Chu Tong’s eyes were red, filled with tears that were about to fall, reflecting the warm light of the floor lamp nearby, making her look overly pitiful.

"Last Sunday, I wanted to go with you, but you wouldn't take me. What about today?"

That face, looking up at him from within his embrace.

Shao Yihuai calmly observed the tenderness and pity spreading in his heart, even mingled with a desire to ravage.

Only four words remained in his mind:

It’s already too late.

It was too late to pull away now.

He thought calmly: if she came to break up with him one day, he didn't know if he would calmly agree or calmly go insane.