The phone call Gao Xiang received outside the Chengdu hospital was from Chen Zihui. He thought his mother was merely urging him to return again, but the news Chen Zihui delivered shocked him greatly.
“Liu Yaqin just came to extort me. She said if I don’t give her two million in cash, she’ll go tell Xiao Fei about his background and spread it around so he can’t establish himself anywhere. What should we do?”
Chen Zihui sounded completely panicked. No matter how much Gao Xiang urged her to stay calm, it was useless. He immediately called his father Gao Ming, briefly explained the situation, and asked him to go to the house first to make sure Chen Zihui absolutely didn’t respond recklessly and make the situation irreparable.
He flew back to Hanjiang from Chengdu. The flight was delayed, and by the time he got home it was already late at night. Gao Fei had long since gone to sleep. There was no one in the living room, but the light in Chen Zihui’s bedroom was still on. He walked over and was surprised to see Gao Ming and Chen Zihui sitting by the window talking.
Chen Zihui had been in a state of separation from Gao Ming for many years, showing him no courtesy whatsoever when they met.
Ten years ago, when Qinggang Liquor Industry successfully went public, Gao Ming proposed divorce, but Chen Zihui said coldly: “Unless you leave with nothing, give up all shares in Qinggang Liquor Industry, and no longer hold any position.”
This was of course a demand Gao Ming couldn’t agree to. Combined with pressure from Chen Liguo and Gao Xiang’s gentle persuasion, he had no choice but to give up, and the two continued their stalemate.
Nine years ago, Chen Liguo suffered heart failure. Before his death, he made a will distributing his shares equally among Chen Zihui, Gao Xiang, and Gao Fei, with Gao Fei’s shares jointly managed by Chen Zihui and Gao Xiang until he came of age. Gao Ming proposed divorce again. Although Gao Xiang intervened, it couldn’t be salvaged, but Chen Zihui unexpectedly demanded to enter the company’s board of directors and supervise finances.
Gao Ming was very surprised: “What do you know about financial management?”
Chen Zihui said firmly: “Although Gao Xiang joined the board, he’s refused to get involved in managing the company all these years, focused entirely on developing his own business. Father has already passed away. If I don’t step forward, Qinggang Liquor Industry won’t belong to our Chen family anymore.”
“Zihui, you need to understand one concept—a publicly traded company can’t possibly belong to any individual, regardless of whether their surname is Chen or Gao.”
She sneered: “I don’t care about these empty concepts and grand theories. I only know that Qinggang Liquor Industry was founded single-handedly by my father. I’m a shareholder. If we convene a board meeting, I don’t believe no one will support me.”
Besides her own shares, Chen Zihui also held half the proxy rights to Gao Fei’s stock. Her demand to join the board wasn’t unreasonable. Although Gao Ming had completed the public listing with his son and led the company’s rapid development in recent years, taking on the chairman’s position, he truly didn’t dare risk convening a board meeting to discuss this issue. Not to mention Chen Liguo’s lingering authority—he hadn’t established absolute authority either. Among the directors and senior management, many held different views from his. He couldn’t rule out that some would openly or secretly encourage and support Chen Zihui joining the board, deliberately muddying the waters to profit from the chaos.
Gao Xiang advised him: “Mom certainly has resentment toward you, but actually she also can’t let you go. Try talking with her properly.”
Gao Ming sighed deeply: “Never mind me talking to her—she won’t listen to anything I say. She hates me to the bone and just wants to keep me tied down. Once we divorce, how could she continue to take revenge on me?”
Gao Xiang turned to persuade his mother to back down, but Chen Zihui admitted frankly: “Everything he has today was given by our Chen family. Once divorced, with his title as chairman of a publicly traded company, there will definitely be plenty of women throwing themselves at him. He might even remarry a young woman and have children to divide our Chen family’s assets.”
Gao Xiang said helplessly: “You spend all day making up stories and imagining enemies for yourself. Aren’t you tired? Let him go and let yourself go too. Wouldn’t it be better for both of you to live more easily?”
“No way. I won’t let him go live carefree and happy. You don’t need to say anything more. I absolutely won’t change my mind.”
With no other option, Gao Ming compromised again. He wouldn’t mention divorce and selected people Chen Zihui approved of to serve as the company’s Chief Financial Officer. Gao Xiang also promised to participate in major company decisions, and she gave up her demand to enter the board. This way, the two maintained their nominal marital relationship.
Gao Xiang advised his mother that since his father had made concessions, she shouldn’t go too far. Moreover, as Gao Fei was gradually growing up, getting angry at Gao Ming and bringing up old matters in front of him would only confuse the child. Chen Zihui did somewhat restrain her previous style of cursing non-stop whenever they met. When Gao Ming came to the provincial capital on business, he would occasionally visit them, stay briefly, and leave. Over the years, Chen Zihui remained cold toward him. It was impossible for her to invite him into her bedroom to stay until late at night having such a peaceful conversation.
Seeing Gao Xiang return, Chen Zihui immediately said: “I told you not to go to Tibet, but you wouldn’t listen. You nearly had a major incident.”
“How is it now?”
Gao Ming appeared composed: “It’s fine now. I had your mother say she didn’t have the money on hand and told Liu Yaqin to come talk to me directly. I recorded her conversation, reported it to the police, and the Public Security Bureau has detained her.”
“Best to sentence her, have her serve time in prison, let her rot in jail, never release her, and see if she can still stir up trouble.” Chen Zihui said through gritted teeth.
Gao Ming said flatly: “She’s guilty of attempted extortion. Even if sentenced, it can’t possibly be as long as you hope.”
Chen Zihui’s resentment was blocked by him, with nowhere to vent. She said bitterly: “I knew that as soon as that Zuo Si’an appeared nothing good would happen. Sure enough, I wasn’t wrong…”
“Mom.” Gao Xiang interrupted her. “You’re still saying this now. Back when you had Liu Yaqin spread rumors about Zuo Si’an at school, did you ever think Xiao Fei would face this day too?”
Chen Zihui froze and jumped up: “What do you mean by that? Are you saying I deserve this karmic retribution? Don’t forget, Xiao Fei is your son.”
“Maybe I should still send him abroad to study.”
“You’re talking about going abroad again. Is that Zuo Si’an coming to seduce you again?”
Gao Xiang was instead amused by his mother’s logic and laughed: “You always think I have infinite charm. Zuo Si’an made it clear back then that she didn’t want to be with me. Now she’s a medical doctorate from a prestigious university, a neurosurgeon—once she practices independently, she’ll be among the top earners in America. She has great prospects and a lawyer proposing to her. Why would she come pursue me? Just to reconnect with you and recall painful memories?”
Chen Zihui was speechless. Gao Ming stood up. “Alright, it’s very late. You’ve been frightened—rest early. We can discuss Xiao Fei’s matter slowly.”
Father and son came out. Gao Xiang said: “Don’t go to a hotel. Just stay in the guest room tonight.”
Gao Ming laughed self-deprecatingly: “Today I made some contribution, so I probably won’t be kicked out by your mom. But I can’t sleep now. Keep me company for a drink and chat.”
Gao Xiang took his father to his study and opened a bottle of French red wine. Gao Ming tasted a sip and shook his head disapprovingly: “The family produces baijiu—the taste and kick can’t be compared to this foreign wine. Not only do you insist on doing red wine distribution business, you don’t even touch baijiu normally.”
“Baijiu has too high alcohol content. You should drink less of it too in the future.”
“Have you considered joining the board of directors?”
“Why bring this up suddenly?”
“I can probably continue for a few more years, but I still hope to hand the company over to you.”
Gao Xiang shook his head: “Qinggang Liquor Industry is a publicly traded company, not a family enterprise. You shouldn’t have the same obsession as Mom about choosing an heir.”
“You’ve consistently refused to take any actual position at Qinggang Liquor Industry and won’t hold any social office. I know it’s not just because you’re low-key, and not solely for Xiao Fei’s upbringing.”
“The company has long entered a positive cycle. It doesn’t need me to join.”
“I really miss the days when we used to research development plans together. At least back then, like me, you were ambitious. Your change—it’s related to Zuo Si’an, isn’t it?”
Although Gao Xiang could be considered close to his father, he didn’t want to discuss this issue. He said simply: “I just chose a path more suitable for myself. Dad, why did Liu Yaqin suddenly come to extort Mom?”
Gao Ming gave a cold laugh: “I’m actually surprised it took her this long to come extort us again.”
Gao Xiang froze: “What do you mean?”
“You think this is the first time she’s done this? Eight years ago, she came to extort us once, but you happened to be in France negotiating a red wine brand distribution deal, and she only wanted a hundred thousand yuan. Your mother thought the amount wasn’t large and readily paid to avoid trouble. Afterward, I sent people to find Liu Yaqin, but she had vanished without a trace. I could only warn her parents, making the consequences clear. Her parents seemed like honest people—scared half to death, they promised to definitely restrain her from repeating this. But based on my judgment, a restless girl like that isn’t someone her parents can control. There’s absolutely no way she’d stop after just once.”
“Mom never mentioned that to me at all.”
“I happened to come by that time and saw it. After pressing her for a long time, she finally admitted it, but firmly refused to let me tell you. The money wasn’t much, and besides, she’s always been stubborn and cares about face—probably felt very embarrassed too. After all, she was the one who insisted on hiring Liu Yaqin’s mother and insisted you give Liu Yaqin a job.”
Gao Xiang was also helpless about his mother and sighed: “Fortunately this time it was resolved quickly. It would have been trouble if Xiao Fei found out.”
“I asked the company lawyer. He said Liu Yaqin’s case this time is attempted extortion with a huge amount and evidence, plus the previous extortion incident. It’s unlikely she’ll get a suspended sentence, but it’s also impossible for her to rot in prison as your mother hopes. You need to think about what to do in the future. Xiao Fei’s background isn’t an absolute secret. As he grows older, even if Liu Yaqin doesn’t extort us, he could very well encounter someone in the know who talks too much.”
“I’ve considered this problem, which is why I’ve long planned to send him abroad to study.”
“This is also one of the reasons I initially disagreed with you adopting Xiao Fei as your son. It’s not hard to fabricate a complete background for a child, but maintaining the integrity of his world isn’t easy.”
Gao Xiang admitted his father had a point: “Yes, Mom made up so many stories out of thin air that it’s hard to change the narrative now. Thinking about this really gives me a headache.”
“She’s lived in her own world her whole life, only caring about her own satisfaction, never considering consequences. Before, I always worried she would spoil Xiao Fei the way she spoiled Ziyu. Sigh, fortunately Xiao Fei doesn’t resemble his father.”
Gao Xiang said seriously: “Dad, I am Xiao Fei’s father.”
Gao Ming smiled bitterly: “Alright, I’m a father too. Of course I know you’ve long regarded him completely as your biological son.”
Gao Xiang poured wine for his father and caught a glimpse of considerably more white hair at his temples, realizing that although Gao Ming maintained healthy, disciplined habits and was in good health, he had also shown signs of aging in recent years. He probed tentatively: “Dad, I see Mom’s attitude has softened considerably. You’re both getting older. With such a rare opportunity…”
Gao Ming raised his hand to stop him: “Don’t bring this up. Being trapped in this marriage is the price I should pay for my career and status. Let it be. After struggling for so many years, I want to live a quiet life now.”
“Did you never have any feelings for Mom at all?”
“Feelings? Initially I can’t say there weren’t any. But,” Gao Ming pondered for a moment and shook his head, “any kind of feeling can’t withstand erosion.”
Gao Xiang suddenly froze and looked at his father.
“What’s wrong?”
“This is the second time I’ve heard that sentence today. During the day, Zuo Si’an said the same thing. She also said she heard it from someone. This coincidence is really strange.”
Gao Ming picked up his wine glass, drained it in one gulp, had him pour more red wine, then said slowly: “I said this to her too. I didn’t expect she’d still remember.”
Gao Xiang was shocked: “She hasn’t been back in nearly 13 years. When did you see her?”
Gao Ming said calmly: “2001, late August, before you went to America. You wanted to hand over work to me, and I said I needed to go on a business trip for a few days and we’d talk when I returned. Remember? Actually, I went to New York first and met with Zuo Si’an.”
Gao Xiang looked at his father in disbelief: “So it was you who convinced her to break up with me, transfer schools, and leave New York?”
“Yes.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Grandfather did this, but you… I always thought you at least understood me.”
“I completely understand you, but I believed that you two being together wasn’t a good choice for either of you.”
Gao Xiang was shocked. Past events surged up, emerging with unusual clarity. The knuckles gripping his wine glass became somewhat numb from the force.
Gao Ming reached over and took his wine glass: “I knew telling you would definitely make you angry at me, even hate me, but even if you hadn’t mentioned that sentence, I was planning to tell you about this.”
“Why?”
“After all these years, I’m not as certain of my judgment as I was back then.”
“If you questioned my choice, you could have talked to me directly. I thought we father and son always communicated well. Why did you go directly to find Xiao An?”
“Your grandfather used both carrot and stick—binding you with family affection, tempting you with the challenge of going public—yet still couldn’t persuade you. I didn’t think I could change your decision through talking with you, make you choose what’s best.”
Gao Xiang laughed coldly: “In your eyes, is weighing pros and cons and accepting conditions most favorable to yourself the only good choice?”
Gao Ming wasn’t angry, only sighed deeply: “Finally it’s my turn to be questioned about this. Of course, my being with your mother was the result of weighing choices. Everything has a price. Many people would be willing to pay even more than I did for everything I have today, so I really have nothing to complain about.”
“Your life is decided by yourself, but you interfered to change my life and concealed it from me all these years—you went even further than Mom.”
“Chinese people’s emotional lives have always been a messy account of mutual interference and involvement. If your mother and I weren’t your parents, you certainly wouldn’t consider our marriage a good choice with much value in existing. Yet you equally interfered to change my life, objectively helping your mother prolong my marriage to her.”
Gao Xiang was momentarily speechless. His aging parents remained trapped in such a marriage, and as their only son, he acknowledged he bore some responsibility too. He didn’t know when he had stopped wanting to concern himself with their feelings for each other, as long as they maintained superficial peace he thought it was fine. Wasn’t this also a kind of negligence and indifference?
Gao Ming sighed again: “I’m sorry, Gao Xiang, I’m talking nonsense. When all is said and done, I love fame and profit and couldn’t bear to give up everything I’ve gained—that determined my life. It’s not your fault. I’ve reached the point where regret is meaningless, so I definitely won’t bring up divorce with your mother again. If she wants to continue tormenting me, let her. Thinking about it, she’s quite pitiful too—clearly born as a wealthy young lady with every condition to live a carefree, superior life, yet because of her obstinacy, she’s actually wasted so much time on me.”
Gao Xiang poured himself half a glass of red wine and slowly drank it down, hoping to calm his turbulent emotions.
“As for you blaming me, I have nothing to justify. At the time, I believed splitting you two up was right for both of you. But after all these years, I’m not so certain anymore. You’re different from me—not only do you not participate in the game of fame and profit, you’ve completely abandoned ambition altogether. Ultimately, you can’t let go of the person you care about. I still believe feelings can’t withstand erosion, but the erosion process is too painful, too long, requiring giving up too many things. You’re still young. I don’t want you to have the same regrets as me when you’re old.”
Gao Ming’s tone was bleak. Gao Xiang was silent for a moment, but still pressed: “So what exactly did you say to Zuo Si’an back then?”
“I didn’t say much, just told her what people and situations you and she would face if you insisted on being together.”
“That alone could make her give up? I don’t believe it.”
“Her mother must have warned her before, and she must have considered it repeatedly. The key point was that I explained in detail what you gave up for her and what you would still face, successfully triggering her determination to make a self-sacrifice for you.”
Gao Xiang couldn’t speak for a moment.
“She was only 19 at the time, right? She looked truly naive. Bullying a child like that made me feel bad too. She truly loved you—only when you truly love someone are you willing to make sacrifices and bear the cost of those sacrifices alone. I’ll never forget the look in her eyes when she made her decision.”
Gao Xiang couldn’t imagine Zuo Si’an’s expression at that time.
But he clearly remembered what kind of determination this girl had once she made up her mind.
Whether saying goodbye to him in the rainstorm at Liu Wan, or breaking with him in Manhattan after the disaster, she never wavered.