He was wearing a Piaget watch, which had no numbers on the dial. How could he tell the time in a car without lights? Such an attempt to cover up was too obvious, and she gritted her teeth, really wanting to punch him. The car drove into an alley, and Xu Ke got out. Shen Mu rolled down the window, “Do you want me to take you up?” Xu Ke thanked him and walked into the building’s entrance. By the time she reached the fifth floor, she inadvertently glanced out of the stairwell window and saw his car still quietly parked there. Strange, why wasn’t he leaving? She stood by the window to see what was happening, but after waiting a while, the black car still hadn’t left. Just as she was feeling puzzled, footsteps echoed from the stairs. She quickly turned around, only to see Shen Mu striding up. Seeing her, he seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, then his eyebrows moved, and a smile played on his lips. “Are you seeing me off or spying on me?” Xu Ke, with a flushed face, hurriedly lowered her head to rummage through her bag for keys, feeling so annoyed she wanted to bang her head against the wall. Why was she so curious? Now, caught red-handed, he must be feeling smug, thinking she was peeking at him, self-flattering,哼. Shen Mu stood on the lower steps, hands casually in his pockets, and said with a meaningful smile, “I waited and didn’t see your light turn on, so I came up to check, turns out…” He left the rest unsaid, but the implication was clear. Xu Ke’s face began to burn, at a loss for words to refute him. Shen Mu seemed to enjoy her embarrassment the most, his smile deepening, then, as he turned to leave, he deliberately looked back at her. Xu Ke awkwardly opened her door and entered her apartment. Lin Yao stood up from the sofa, casually saying, “You’re back?” “Yeah, you haven’t slept yet?” “My brother was worried about you, told me to wait for you.” Xu Ke apologized, “Today was Mo Xiaoxiao’s brother’s birthday, we stayed out late.” Strangely, Lin Yao didn’t ask any questions, got up, and went into the bedroom. The next morning, at work, Xu Ke couldn’t help but stare at the trading screen. 600xxx, as usual, was being heavily shorted, and Xu Ke felt increasingly disheartened. By noon, it was almost at the limit down. Her lunch was tasteless, her mind in turmoil. Her phone rang for a while before she noticed. Seeing it was Crane’s Crest, she didn’t want to answer, but the phone was persistent, and her colleagues cast curious glances. She had no choice but to pick up. To her surprise, Shen Mu got straight to the point with a business-like tone: “You haven’t forgotten the money you owe me, have you?” Xu Ke replied irritably, “I haven’t forgotten. I was just about to ask for your bank account.” “Oh, I want cash. Deliver it to the 36th floor of Yun Ding by six this afternoon.” He hung up, his tone as if in negotiation. Xu Ke thought this man was really, too much. At two o’clock, Xu Ke finally couldn’t bear 600xxx anymore, sold half at a loss, planning to buy back when it dropped further for a short-term gain. Unexpectedly, at half past two, a surge of buy orders came in, pushing the stock price up in a straight line. Xu Ke watched the K-line with its long lower shadow, deeply moved. This stock was just like love, unpredictable. By seven, Xu Ke finally made it to Yun Ding. Traffic was always bad after work, and Yun Ding, located in the bustling financial district, was even worse. In this gold-dust district, Yun Ding was like a paradise, a 39-story building standing majestically amidst greenery, surrounded by gardens. The security at the entrance stopped Xu Ke, asking for her ID to register. When Xu Ke wrote down Hongtian Group, the guard stared at her, “Their company gets off at four-thirty. Who are you here to see at this hour?” Xu Ke was taken aback, they got off at four-thirty? She looked up at the top floor, seeing the 36th floor unusually brightly lit, so she took her pass and went in with relief. The elevator stopped at the 36th floor, and Xu Ke found the entire floor eerily quiet, yet all the lights were on. She walked slowly through the wide hallway, passing offices, the business room, advertising department, and finance department, until she stood in front of the general manager’s office. She knocked. “Come in.” Shen Mu’s deep, smooth voice came from inside. Xu Ke gently pushed open the door, and Shen Mu was seated behind a rosewood desk, with a full glass wall behind him, the starlit backdrop featuring a landmark of the city, the Star-Picking Tower. Xu Ke watched him from a distance of several meters. He wore glasses, his usually stern and proud face now gentle and refined. “Come sit over here,” he said, removing his glasses and standing up from behind the desk, pointing to a balcony in front of the glass wall. It was arranged like a traditional Chinese tea room. Ink landscape paintings, rattan chairs, low wooden tables, exquisite tea sets, and a screen separating two worlds – one of detachment, the other of engagement. Xu Ke walked over, Shen Mu pulled out a rattan chair for her and smiled, “Red or green tea?” “Green tea, please.” Shen Mu went into an inner room. Xu Ke surveyed the office, unable to help but marvel at how he truly knew how to enjoy life and indeed was very wealthy. She stood up to hang her coat on the clothes rack beside the desk and turned around, her gaze inadvertently falling on his desk, slightly taken aback. His glasses were carelessly placed on the desk, next to the computer was a diamond-studded glasses case with a photo tucked inside. The glasses case was wider than usual, deep blue velvet with diamonds, and the photo seemed to be of a vast green lawn, the green and white contrast catching her eye. She didn’t stand close to the desk, so she couldn’t see it clearly. From what she could see, it looked like there was a man in white in the left corner of the photo. She returned to the tea table, sitting on the rattan chair with a secret smile. This photo definitely wasn’t the one that caused Zhang Wanruo to break up with him, as it clearly depicted a man. But who could he cherish so much to keep it in his glasses case? Could it be himself? Or, perhaps, does he now like men? Xu Ke found both possibilities quite shocking, and couldn’t help but want to laugh. Shen Mu came back with a tea caddy, sat opposite her, and made her a cup of green tea. After rinsing the tea, he discarded the first brew and poured a fresh cup. At 80°C, the tea leaves slowly unfurled, like memories taking flight. She watched silently, her heart trembling. After six years, he still remembered her preferences. She didn’t like the first brew of green tea, only the second. I don’t remember ever seeing it there, but the second flush of tea was as sweet as love; she particularly liked that lingering sweetness amidst a subtle bitterness. He brewed the tea with great care, as if handling an important task, his focused expression was undeniably captivating. Xu Ke averted her gaze, took an envelope from her bag, and handed it to him. He raised his eyelids and asked, “What’s this?” “Money.” He curved his lips slightly, casually took the envelope, and set it aside, his nonchalant demeanor contrasting starkly with the urgency he displayed over the phone demanding repayment. Xu Ke felt a twinge of discomfort; he wasn’t short of money, yet he was calling to chase debts the very next day, as if she might default. Shen Mu placed the tea beside her hand, then leaned back in the rattan chair, watching her. “Actually, I just wanted an excuse to see you.” Xu Ke suddenly felt uneasy. There was something in his gaze she couldn’t decipher, making her nervous. She pretended not to understand his implication and said seriously, “What’s the matter?” He looked at her tenderly and said slowly, “I just wanted to see you, nothing else.” His tone and expression were eerily similar to that night six years ago. The memory of that night suddenly flooded back. The extreme happiness followed by unbearable pain felt like a sharp icicle piercing her heart and lungs. She felt a surge of anger. By what right did he think he could see her whenever he wanted? Did he think she still had feelings for him, or that he could still control her? She stood up abruptly and said, “I’m leaving.” He reached out and grabbed her wrist, also standing up. She looked up at him, his handsome features now slightly thinner than six years ago, adding a touch of sternness and decisiveness, naturally exuding an aura of control and dominance. But she was no longer the Xu Ke from six years ago, easily manipulated by him. Xu Ke laughed in her anger, “I no longer hate you, but that doesn’t mean I have any lingering feelings for you. Do you think you can just summon or dismiss anyone at will? After giving back your money, I don’t think we’ll meet again.” With that, she fiercely tried to pull her hand away, but his grip was firm. She glared at him, and he stared back, unyielding. Their gazes locked, both stubborn and unyielding, the atmosphere tense. “Let go,” she said, trying to shake him off, but he didn’t budge. Suddenly, he pulled her wrist towards him, embracing her tightly. Shocked and furious, she struggled with all her might, but the more she resisted, the tighter he held her. He even leaned down and kissed her fiercely. His breathing was heavy, his lips moving against hers, sucking with such force as if to absorb her anger. Trembling with rage, her lips hurt and tingled under his restraint; she bit him hard, the taste of blood spreading between their mouths. He seemed oblivious to the pain, not letting go until she was nearly out of breath. His eyes were dark and deep, like the first star at dawn. Xu Ke, in anger, slapped him, the sound sharp in the quiet room. Time seemed to freeze at that moment. She stared at him, feeling the sting in her palm. He had trained in karate; he could have dodged it. She hurriedly turned, grabbed her coat from the rack, and left the office. The elevator was still on the 36th floor. She shakily pressed the button, stepped in, feeling as if she had just escaped death. Leaning against the elevator wall, she still trembled, unable to calm down for a long time. Stepping out into the night, she felt a sense of melancholy wash over her. It was just a dream, a dream spun from an old one. Back home, Lin Yao was eating instant noodles. She glanced at Xu Ke briefly, then continued reading her newspaper without a word. Xu Ke felt her attitude was a bit odd today, but she was too tired to speak, so she simply freshened up and went to bed. That night, she had countless chaotic dreams, waking up feeling utterly uncomfortable. The next day at work, she was still a bit groggy, but the stock she was watching, 600xxx, was performing exceptionally well, hitting the daily limit by noon. Over the next three days, 600xxx continued to soar, but Xu Ke, with limited funds and half her portfolio in, remained calm. On Friday afternoon, Mo Xiaoxiao called. “My brother is leaving tomorrow, there’s a farewell dinner tonight. I’ll pick you and Zhang Fei up after work, and we’ll go together.” Xu Ke hesitated, wondering if she should agree. After all, it was right to see Mo Xinyu off, but would Shen Mu be there? “Who else is going?” “No one else, just my brother, Zhang Wanruo, me, and Zhang Fei. It’s like a family dinner, then we’ll go out for some fun.” Relieved to hear Shen Mu wasn’t attending, Xu Ke asked, “Where is it?” “Oh, at Yu Lu near my home, a family restaurant. The food is as good as any five-star hotel, but they only take two tables a night, like the elite Li Family’s cuisine in Beijing.” Xu Ke’s heart stirred, remembering Rongrong; could Yu Lu be her place? Around six, Mo Xiaoxiao came to pick her up, and they picked up Zhang Fei from the hospital along the way. Zhang Fei was very talkative, humorous, and Xu Ke thought she and Mo Xiaoxiao were indeed well-matched. The car stopped at Yu Lu, and Xu Ke confirmed it was indeed where Shen Mu had brought her last time. Inside, Mo Xinyu and Zhang Wanruo were already seated. This time, Zhang Wanruo was much friendlier, smiling slightly as they entered. Mo Xinyu, seeing Xu Ke, laughed, “I specifically asked Xiaoxiao to invite you. This restaurant just opened, and the food is really good. You haven’t been here before, have you?” Xu Ke nodded with a smile, sitting next to Mo Xiaoxiao. Mo Xinyu signaled the waiter, “Serve the dishes, everyone’s here.” Soon, exquisite blue-and-white porcelain tableware was set out, so beautiful one hesitated to touch it. Xu Ke suddenly recalled that last time Shen Mu ate here, they didn’t use this blue-and-white porcelain; it was a set of white porcelain. Her thoughts drifted to the scene in “Dream of the Red Chamber” where Miaoyu hosted Baoyu at Cuicui Nunnery. Zhang Fei smiled at Mo Xiaoxiao, “Let’s go wash our hands.” Mo Xiaoxiao wrinkled her nose, “Always the doctor.” Then, pulling Xu Ke up, “Let’s go together.” On the right side of the hall stood a white lacquered folding screen, intricately carved with lifelike roses. Behind the screen was a bathroom with a marble countertop adorned with real roses, their fragrance overwhelming. Mo Xiaoxiao entered the bathroom to use the facilities. Xu Ke stood at the doorway when she suddenly overheard a conversation in the corridor outside. “Ha, I didn’t expect to see so many old acquaintances back here. This is your place?” Zhang Wanruo’s voice was filled with disdain and sarcasm, lacking any joy of reunion. Xu Ke was taken aback, unsure who the “old acquaintance” referred to. “I didn’t expect the second Miss Zhang would come to such a small place to eat,” said Rongrong. Zhang Wanruo let out a derisive laugh, “From chasing abroad to now, you really are persistent.” Rongrong replied calmly, “Compared to Miss Zhang’s methods of chasing after men, I’m far behind.” Zhang Wanruo snorted disdainfully and pushed the door open to enter. Xu Ke felt a bit awkward and pretended to wash her hands. Mo Xiaoxiao came out of the bathroom, her face showing surprise. When Zhang Wanruo entered the bathroom, Mo Xiaoxiao whispered to Xu Ke, “How do they know each other?” Xu Ke didn’t know how to respond. Should she tell Mo Xiaoxiao that Zhang Wanruo was Shen Mu’s ex-girlfriend? After dinner, the group planned to go to “The Night” for some fun. Xu Ke wanted to go home early, but Mo Xiaoxiao wouldn’t take no for an answer, dragging her into the car and heading straight to “The Night.” This high-end club, she had only visited once six years ago, when it felt like Cinderella stepping into her pumpkin carriage, but alas, time does not stop before midnight. A waiter greeted them warmly, and Mo Xin Yu nodded, “We’ve made a reservation for ‘Lake and Mountain View’ on the second floor.” The waiter led the five of them into the elevator, which chimed as it stopped on the second floor. As they stepped out, Xu Ke’s heart skipped a beat. On the second-floor corridor stood Shen Mu, with a woman by his side. Xu Ke’s heart tightened at the sight of the tall, imposing figure – she never expected to encounter Li Jinghua, Shen Mu’s mother, here. Despite being in her fifties, Li Jinghua still looked elegant and beautiful. Shen Mu supported Li Jinghua, his gaze fixed firmly on Xu Ke. Suddenly facing the two people she least wanted to see, Xu Ke was caught off guard and stood frozen. Zhang Wanruo, arm in arm with Mo Xin Yu, walked at the front. Upon seeing the two, she paused briefly before joyfully letting go of Mo Xin Yu to take Li Jinghua’s arm, exclaiming with excitement, “Aunt Li, when did you come back?” Li Jinghua gave her a smile, “A few days ago.” Mo Xiaoxiao instinctively grabbed Xu Ke’s hand, feeling a bit nervous. She had been present when Li Jinghua caused a scene at Shen Xiaoshan’s wedding years ago. She wondered if Li Jinghua would embarrass Xu Ke this time. She regretted forcing Xu Ke to come here. Mo Xin Yu approached with a smile, “What a coincidence, didn’t expect to meet Aunt Li here.” Li Jinghua smiled back, “Only you young people are allowed to come?” Zhang Wanruo immediately chimed in with a sweet voice, “Aunt Li doesn’t look old at all, she looks as young as us.” As she spoke, her gaze shifted to Shen Mu, who didn’t even glance her way, his eyes still fixed on Xu Ke, causing Zhang Wanruo to grit her teeth in frustration. Li Jinghua’s lips curved slightly, her smile tinged with bitterness, “Are there young people with canes?” Only then did Xu Ke notice Shen Mu was supporting Li Jinghua, with a slender cane tucked under her arm. Due to her long dress and the shawl that reached her waist, it wasn’t immediately noticeable. Li Jinghua’s sharp gaze passed over everyone, landing on Xu Ke. Xu Ke whispered to Mo Xiaoxiao, “I’ll go back first.” Then, she turned and stepped back into the elevator. As the elevator doors closed, she saw Li Jinghua still watching her with an unsettling look. Leaving “The Night,” Xu Ke was still reeling from the shock. The last time she saw Li Jinghua, there was no sign of illness. Now, after years apart, her appearance remained the same, her spirit undiminished, yet she carried a cane for reasons unknown. “Xiao Ke, let me take you home,” Mo Xin Yu called out as he chased after her. Xu Ke quickly turned back, “No need. You go have fun with them, I’ll take a taxi home.” Mo Xin Yu wouldn’t hear of it, bringing his car around and rolling down the window with a laugh, “Ah, after a few years abroad, I haven’t learned much except how to play the gentleman. Come on, let me do this for once.” Xu Ke smiled and got into the car. “Xiao Ke, I’m sorry, I didn’t expect we’d run into Aunt Li today.” “It’s nothing, I just felt like I might spoil your fun by staying there.” “I rarely come back these years, but Xiaoxiao often mentions how wonderful your boyfriend is.” Xu Ke laughed, “They say other people’s wives are always better, I guess it’s the same with boyfriends.” Mo Xin Yu laughed loudly, “Probably. I wonder if anyone envies Zhang Wanruo.” Xu Ke sincerely complimented, “They definitely will, with someone as good as you.” Mo Xin Yu turned to look at her, asking softly, “Really?” Xu Ke was momentarily taken aback, sensing a subtle shift in the atmosphere, and remembered Mo Xiaoxiao’s words. Did he once have feelings for her? She didn’t want to dwell on or confirm it. She nodded with a smile, “Indeed.” Mo Xin Yu’s gaze flickered, then he turned away, letting out an almost inaudible sigh. When the car stopped at the entrance of Hu Xi Hutong, Xu Ke insisted he didn’t need to come in. “It’s too narrow for the car to turn around.” Mo Xin Yu got out and walked beside her, “Let me walk you in.” Xu Ke hurriedly said, “I can walk by myself.” “Don’t fuss, let’s go.” Reluctantly, Xu Ke walked with Mo Xin Yu into the alley. At her residence, Mo Xin Yu looked up at the building and then back at Xu Ke. “Xiao Ke, you live here?” “Yes.” Mo Xin Yu hesitated, then said hesitantly, “Xiao Ke, there’s something Xiaoxiao has been wanting to tell you, but she’s afraid you might get upset.” “What is it?” “She wants to lend you money to buy a house, but she’s too scared to say it, fearing it might hurt your pride. She’s mentioned it to me several times.” “I know, even if she didn’t say it.” Xu Ke felt warm and moved; having such a friend in life was enough. Xiaoxiao was like Bao Shuya to her, but she couldn’t be like Guan Zhong, for the most fearful thing in the world to owe is a debt of emotion. “Xiao Ke, there’s something else.” “Yes?” Mo Xin Yu whispered, “I always believed he would come back for you, but I didn’t expect it would be after six years.” Xu Ke’s heart jolted, and she quickly cut him off. “Xinyu Ge, I’m going home tomorrow, so I’m really sorry I can’t see you off. I wish you all the best.” Mo Xinyu pretended to be displeased: “Come on, girl, you’ve never seen me off, you’re not sorry at all.” Xu Ke laughed awkwardly, “I’m afraid if I see you off, Miss Zhang might not be happy.” “Actually, she’s quite easygoing when abroad. I don’t know what’s up with her this time, acting like she’s not used to the environment, and getting all irritable.” Xu Ke chuckled, “Then you should try to cheer her up.” Mo Xinyu gave a helpless bitter smile, “Good night, get some rest early.” Xu Ke nodded, “See you.”
Back at home, Lin Yao was flipping through the newspaper, which was full of real estate ads. Seeing Xu Ke come in, she waved her over, “Come take a look, there’s a housing expo during the May Day holiday. Many real estate companies are holding events with big discounts.” Xu Ke immediately dropped her bag and sat beside her, and together they browsed through the ads looking for houses, a level of understanding they hadn’t experienced before. Actually, Xu Ke was secretly surprised; this week, Lin Yao hadn’t mentioned the house in Lvdong at all, and Lin Ge hadn’t brought it up over the phone either.
