Luan Siyan widened her eyes when she heard the curse: “Are you cursing me?”

“No.”

“Then who are you cursing?”

“Myself.”

The succession of men appearing around Shang Zhitao amazed even Luan Nian. How was she so attractive? Where did all these men come from? It was as if she were challenging him—ever since he rejected her, men had been constantly surrounding her. It was like she was confronting him: See? This lady is in demand! You don’t want me, but others do!

“You’re cursing yourself? Haven’t you always cursed others?” Luan Siyan thought he was acting strangely today. “You’re not on drugs, are you?”

Luan Nian glanced at her: “Where is that shabby congee shop? Have you become this poor? How long has it been since we’ve seen each other, and you’re just treating me to congee?”

“Don’t be ungrateful. Others would love to be treated by me, but I don’t take them!” Luan Siyan led Luan Nian down a street where there was a small congee shop. The two went in for clay pot congee. The clay pot congee was rich in flavor, not much worse than Chaoshan-style.

“How is it?”

“Barely satisfactory.”

“With that mouth of yours, how could you find a girlfriend?”

“With your mouth like that, you’ve never been short of boyfriends.”

The two bantered while finishing their congee, then asked about each other’s parents’ health. Luan Siyan drove Luan Nian back to the hotel. Then in the family group chat, she said: “My brother is acting strange, my brother is obsessed.”

Dr. Liang immediately asked: “What’s wrong with my son?”

“He’s probably lovesick.” Luan Siyan was very perceptive about people. With Luan Nian acting like that, he must have stumbled over a woman.

“I hope my son’s sickness is incurable.”

Luan Nian saw the messages coming one after another in the group chat and tossed his phone aside. He took a shower and went to bed. Lying down, with the lights off, all he could see was Shang Zhitao’s tightly pressed knees and her blushing face.

Having one Shang Zhitao reduce him to this state was something he couldn’t understand. He endured a sleepless night, yet still appeared refreshed when meeting clients the next day, though his bad mood made him look very serious. Lee quietly asked Shang Zhitao: “Is Luke okay?”

What could be wrong? Most likely, he couldn’t get it up last night. Otherwise, why would he have such a black face?

“I’m not sure. You know Luke is serious—usually everyone avoids him if they can.”

“That’s true.”

Shang Zhitao had dressed up carefully today, wearing a professional black, white, and gray outfit with light makeup and a tender pink lipstick. She looked fresh and radiant, catching the eyes of the Orange team. Luan Nian sat beside her, watching her sit calmly, attentively listening to the client’s presentation and taking notes. When it was her turn, she slowly stood up, showing no nervousness, and began her presentation.

She must have practiced countless times last night. She knew every detail of the PowerPoint clearly and could present it with her eyes closed. Being well-prepared made her especially confident. She easily answered every question from the client, not even needing Lee or Luan Nian to speak. She single-handedly managed the entire workshop.

From trembling on her interview call to now handling an S-level client workshop alone, she had put in unimaginable effort. Luan Nian thought Shang Zhitao was truly the hardest-working person he had ever met. He had seen many, many people. He liked talented individuals, but facing a competitor like Shang Zhitao who had no natural talent but caught up through sheer effort—this was a first for him.

He found it amazing. Back then, Tracy had told him: “I want to experiment with personnel. I want to prove that talent-type candidates may have short-term breakthroughs, but it’s the consistently hardworking ones who bring surprises.”

“Shang Zhitao is my first experimental subject, and I believe she will succeed. Not today, but maybe tomorrow or the day after. We need to give her a chance.”

Shang Zhitao had seized that chance. After the workshop, the Orange team proactively added Shang Zhitao’s contact information and created a special project group, hoping she would continue to serve Orange. Shang Zhitao’s sense of propriety was always present. She said: “Today’s content was completed under Grace’s guidance. Grace couldn’t come due to her late pregnancy, but she put in a lot of effort. So I need to include Grace in this special project group. With her, I won’t make mistakes.”

Lee whispered to Luan Nian: “I don’t know if she’s being foolish or too upright. Does she understand what Orange means for her?”

Luan Nian believed Shang Zhitao understood clearly. She did this because she was truly upright and kind. She could be aggressive, but not toward her mentor, especially a mentor who was heavily pregnant and about to give birth. Shang Zhitao had strong empathy; she knew she couldn’t treat Grace that way.

While waiting for Lee to bring the car around, Shang Zhitao asked Luan Nian: “Luke, I would like to know what my shortcomings were in today’s workshop and what areas can be improved?”

Luan Nian thought for a moment: “You were excellent. If there’s a shortcoming, it’s that in the future, don’t fight alone. Remember that you came with a team.”

Orange was Lee’s client, and Lee needed to establish authority with the client. Shang Zhitao needed to appropriately hand over some speaking opportunities to Lee, letting him convey some information. Otherwise, how would he control the client in the future? Shang Zhitao agreed with Luan Nian’s criticism and nodded: “I understand. Thank you, Luke.”

“You’re welcome.”

Shang Zhitao was being so polite, not at all like the person who said she had big breasts last night. Luan Nian suddenly realized that Shang Zhitao was just wearing a sheep’s skin—inside, she was quite naughty! The term “quietly mischievous” probably described her perfectly.

They went to visit the client’s modern factory in Futian, followed by a dinner banquet.

Naturally, such banquets involved drinking. Shang Zhitao said she wouldn’t drink, and no one forced her. Luan Nian made the excuse that he was taking Chinese medicine and even showed medical records, so he truly didn’t drink a drop. But Orange’s people were persistent with toasts, and Shang Zhitao found it hard to refuse. Since they were clients, she took a small sip as the drinking session was about to end.

Luan Nian glanced over but didn’t stop her.

Drinking is like this—after the first sip comes the second. Shang Zhitao’s alcohol tolerance wasn’t good; after four liang of baijiu, she was drunk.

Shang Zhitao was still doing well—previously her limit was just a few qian, but she had trained herself up to four liang. Luan Nian snorted internally. Getting drunk was good.

After the drinking ended, Lee was completely intoxicated. Guangzhou branch colleagues took him back, while Luan Nian escorted Shang Zhitao to the hotel.

She was drunk and a bit rowdy, patting Luan Nian’s chest and calling him a bastard.

She was truly bold.

Luan Nian couldn’t be bothered with her. He pressed her into the seat with one hand, holding her until they got out of the car. Shang Zhitao couldn’t walk steadily and patted Luan Nian’s back, slurring: “Carry me!”

Carry your grandfather!

Luan Nian walked a few steps, then turned back to see her standing in place, swaying. He snorted: “Impressive!” Walking to her, he bent his knees, took her hands, and pulled her onto his back. Shang Zhitao wasn’t heavy. Her profile said she weighed 108 jin, which was probably accurate. Shang Zhitao lay on his back, suddenly becoming quiet.

Luan Nian’s back was comfortable. Although Shang Zhitao was drunk, she still had some remaining rationality. Her head rested against his neck, turning slightly—it was Luan Nian’s ear and neck.

Shang Zhitao’s breath was a bit hot, blowing onto Luan Nian’s skin, creating a strange sensation. In the elevator, Luan Nian tried to put her down, but she clung on, refusing to get off. During the struggle, she bit Luan Nian’s neck, her tongue sweeping across his skin. Luan Nian’s breathing deepened, then she moved to his earlobe, her moist lips embracing it.

Fuck!

Luan Nian cursed again. Finally reaching her room, he threw her onto the bed and turned on the water.

Shang Zhitao’s phone rang. Luan Nian glanced at it and picked up: “Hello.”

“Is this Shang Zhitao’s phone? I don’t think I dialed wrong.” Luan Nian had heard this voice before—Shang Zhitao’s ex-boyfriend. What was her ex-boyfriend’s name again? Right, Xin Zhaozhou.

“Yes, this is Shang Zhitao’s phone.”

…The other side was silent for a few seconds, then spoke: “Could you please put Shang Zhitao on? We have a gathering today, and I agreed to pick her up.”

“She’s drunk.” Luan Nian’s mouth twitched upward, looking at Shang Zhitao sprawled on the bed, deliberately being provocative: “Sprawled on the bed, unable to move. She’s probably about to vomit.” Just as he finished speaking, Shang Zhitao made a retching sound. Luan Nian got up and said to her: “Hold it in!” Leaning forward, he helped her to the bathroom by the toilet: “Vomit!”

Xin Zhaozhou hadn’t hung up and heard the commotion on the other end. He knew Shang Zhitao couldn’t drink and was worried about her being taken advantage of while drunk. After some thought, he asked Luan Nian: “Can I come to take care of her?”

“Sure, come over!” Luan Nian quickly reported the room number. Vomiting was disgusting—whoever wanted to take care of her could do so.

When Xin Zhaozhou arrived, Shang Zhitao was still hugging the toilet, vomiting violently. Luan Nian sat in a chair playing with his phone.

“Thank you for your trouble, Luke.”

“No trouble.” Luan Nian looked up from his phone, smiled at Xin Zhaozhou—a friendly smile.

Xin Zhaozhou walked to Shang Zhitao’s side, saw a cup of water placed beside her, picked it up, and asked her: “Rinse your mouth? Want to go to bed?”

“No! I want to hug my toilet! This way I feel safe!” Shang Zhitao’s head hung over the toilet rim, showing drunken uninhibitedness and coyness. Luan Nian burst out laughing.

Xin Zhaozhou looked at Luan Nian in surprise. He felt that Shang Zhitao’s boss had no sympathy. Shang Zhitao was already so miserable, yet he could still laugh. After some thought, he said to him: “Thank you for bringing Taotao back. It’s getting late, why don’t you go rest first?”

“That’s not possible.” Luan Nian sat motionless: “I am responsible for the safety of my female employee. Leaving her drunk alone with a man is somewhat risky.”

“I am her…”

“Ex-boyfriend, right? Ex, not current.” Luan Nian shifted his position in the chair: “It’s fine, you take care of her. I’ll sit here. I won’t disturb you.”

Luan Nian was being completely unreasonable at this point, and Xin Zhaozhou could see it.

Shang Zhitao’s boss was no easy character. But he hadn’t said anything wrong. So Xin Zhaozhou nodded: “Then I’ll trouble you.”

“No trouble.”

Luan Nian moved to a different spot, sitting in the hotel’s swivel chair, feet propped on the desk, body leaning back, extremely comfortable. Half-closing his eyes, he watched Xin Zhaozhou and Shang Zhitao in the bathroom. Xin Zhaozhou patted Shang Zhitao’s back, asking softly: “Taotao, do you still feel like vomiting?”

“Yes! I want to! I can’t get it out! I need to wait a bit!” Shang Zhitao was a bit excited after drinking, speaking louder than usual, as if she were being coquettish.

“I’ll keep you company. Have some water.”

Xin Zhaozhou helped Shang Zhitao drink water, then got up to find tissues. Afterward, he sat cross-legged on the floor, watching her intently.

Shang Zhitao’s ex-boyfriend wasn’t bad. Luan Nian thought it was rare to see someone still so attentive after breaking up.

Shang Zhitao vomited once more, drank some water afterward, and then started cursing: “Luan Nian! Bastard! You’re not human!”

Xin Zhaozhou listened to her curse for a while, then leaned back, looking at Luan Nian sitting there: “Who is Luan Nian?”

Luan Nian shrugged: “Don’t know. Probably some man she secretly loves?”

The toilet truly was Shang Zhitao’s best friend. She hugged it until past two in the morning. She had cursed Luan Nian enough and had no energy left. Xin Zhaozhou helped her to bed, adjusted the air conditioning, and covered her with the blanket.

Then he sat on a small stool, looking at Luan Nian.

Shang Zhitao’s boss was strange. Except when answering his questions, he barely spoke. Past two in the morning, his eyes were still bright, showing no signs of fatigue.

“Aren’t you… going to rest?” he asked Luan Nian.

“No.” Luan Nian gave a cold smile: “Aren’t you going home?”

“I’m worried about her.”

“Hmm.” Luan Nian nodded: “I’m worried about you.”

…Xin Zhaozhou didn’t find it strange; rather, he felt Shang Zhitao’s boss was very responsible. What he was doing was right. So the two men each guarded a corner of the room and slept. The next morning, both had to leave. Luan Nian saw that Shang Zhitao wouldn’t die in her condition, so he left with Xin Zhaozhou. Before leaving, Luan Nian went to the front desk to make a new key card for Shang Zhitao’s room and instructed the staff not to let anyone in except for him and the guest herself.

Shang Zhitao was too drunk to function. For this day’s client meeting, Luan Nian had to go with other colleagues. Lee was in bad shape from his hangover. Seeing that Shang Zhitao hadn’t come, he asked Luan Nian: “Is Flora okay?”

“Wasted,” Luan Nian said. “Her classmate took care of her all night.” Considering Shang Zhitao’s reputation, he specifically added this sentence.

The week passed like this: dominating a client meeting for one day, getting drunk and out of commission for two days, serving as a backdrop for Luan Nian and Lee for a day and a half. By Friday noon, work was over. Shang Zhitao was contemplating skipping the rest of the day. She had booked a hotel in Hong Kong and planned to cross the border to immerse herself in the lights and excitement.

She exchanged greetings with Lu Mi, also asking about Lu Mi’s family situation and work. Lu Mi seemed a bit deflated, replying: “I didn’t do anything this week and got criticized by Will five times.”

The marketing department had daily meetings, and she was criticized once every day.

Lu Mi found it strange. The marketing department had so many people, including some eternal slackers who did nothing, yet she at least did work, but was targeted by Will. While cursing Will internally, she told Shang Zhitao: “This lady has figured it out—if you can’t beat him, join him.”

“How will you join him?”

“Haven’t figured it out yet. But I can’t let him keep targeting me every day.”

The two chatted for a while, then Lu Mi sent a shopping list and transferred 50,000 yuan to Shang Zhitao: “Go, my friend, buy this bag for your big sister.”

“Oh.”

On the way back to the hotel, Shang Zhitao seized the opportunity to ask Luan Nian: “Luke, we don’t have any plans for this afternoon, right? We can move freely, right?”

Luan Nian was resting with his eyes closed and just made an affirmative sound.

Shang Zhitao was delighted. She got out of the car and rushed to her room to pack. She only carried a backpack to Hong Kong, containing a change of clothes, documents, and her wallet. The rest of her luggage she left at the front desk.

Then she headed straight for the Futian Port.

While queuing for customs, she saw a man standing in the adjacent line wearing sunglasses, with an unapproachable demeanor—who else but Luan Nian? Shang Zhitao turned away, pretending not to see him. She moved to the back of the line, changing positions twice, until she saw Luan Nian pass through customs.

Shang Zhitao had a blank spot in her memory from when she was drunk, but Xin Zhaozhou mentioned she was hugging the toilet and continuously mentioning someone named Luan Nian, though her boss didn’t know who Luan Nian was.

Luan Nian had always been strange. There was nothing wrong with him not admitting he was Luan Nian.

After crossing the border, it was like entering another world. On the other side were people holding up signs and banners, distributing flyers. Shang Zhitao didn’t know what they were saying. She took one, glanced at it, quickly stuffed it into her bag, and ran.

After running a few steps, she saw Luan Nian standing there, saying to her: “You dare to take anything?”

“I didn’t know.”

“Didn’t do your homework before coming?”

“Oh.”

Shang Zhitao lowered her head and made a small sound. Seeing her deflate like a frost-bitten eggplant upon seeing him, Luan Nian became more arrogant: “Why are you avoiding me?”

“Afraid you’ll think I’m stalking you.”

“Am I sick?” Luan Nian glared at her. “Or are you sick?”

Shang Zhitao didn’t want to answer the question of which of them was sick; she just wanted to escape quickly. Just as she was pondering how to say goodbye to Luan Nian, she saw his ex-girlfriend approaching. Already tall, today she wore high heels, making her the same height as Luan Nian. She wrapped her arm around his neck: “What are you doing, little brother? Picking up girls?”

Shang Zhitao was amazed to see Luan Nian’s face turn red. He disdainfully removed Luan Siyan’s arm: “Weren’t we meeting at the tea restaurant?”

“We just happened to run into each other.” Luan Siyan exuded a rebellious air and looked at Shang Zhitao: “What’s your name, young lady?”

Shang Zhitao hadn’t expected Luan Nian’s ex-girlfriend to be like this. Afraid of saying the wrong thing, she answered seriously: “Hello, my name is Shang Zhitao. I’m Luke’s subordinate.”

“Oh, visiting Hong Kong?

“Yes, visiting Hong Kong and bringing back some things for a friend. Luke, I won’t disturb you two.” Shang Zhitao turned to leave but was pulled back by Luan Siyan’s arm: “Where are you going, little sister? Since you’re here, let’s eat together. How will you have energy to shop without eating?”

Luan Siyan was one year older than Luan Nian, but she was beautiful and dressed fashionably, making her age indiscernible. At this moment, such a person standing on a Hong Kong street was truly eye-catching, with many people turning to look at this stunning beauty.

Shang Zhitao didn’t know all this; she just felt awkward standing next to Luan Nian’s ex-girlfriend: “No, thank you. I don’t want to disturb your date.”

“Date? Sister dating brother?” Luan Siyan’s eyes widened: “Little sister, do you think I could be interested in a man like this?”

All of Luan Nian’s arrogance was shattered at that moment. He just wanted his loose-tongued cousin to shut up. With a cold face, he called her: “Luan Siyan, mind your expression.”

Luan Siyan.

Shang Zhitao repeated this name in her heart, then looked at their appearances and could see some resemblance. Suddenly, she understood the childish and combative heart hidden beneath Luan Nian’s arrogant and cold exterior. Luan Nian didn’t find it embarrassing at all and threw a line at Shang Zhitao: “What are you looking at?”

Shang Zhitao withdrew her gaze and said to Luan Siyan: “Luke was bragging to colleagues that you were his ex-girlfriend.”

“Luke also said his ex-girlfriend was very obedient, coming whenever called.”

Luan Nian had never said these things; Shang Zhitao was making it up. This was the first time she had seen Luan Nian afraid of someone, and she wanted to see more. She had never seen this side of Luan Nian before. Coincidentally witnessing it once, she found it amusing. She felt a layer of humanity suddenly attached to him, making his rejection of her no longer seem so abrupt.

All were ordinary people.

All had their preferences.

Sleeping with someone for a long time didn’t necessarily mean they had to be together.

He was just being honest.

Shang Zhitao let go. The fighting cock in her heart ran away.

She stood there listening to Luan Siyan scold Luan Nian for talking nonsense, even saying that with his terrible personality, having an ex-girlfriend was a blessing from heaven. She looked at him and thought he seemed destined for lifelong loneliness. After listening seriously for a while, she checked the time and finally interrupted Luan Siyan: “Sister Siyan, I have to go. Thank you for your kindness, but I have many things planned for today. Goodbye.”

She also smiled kindly at Luan Nian, then turned and left.

During her teenage years, she had watched Hong Kong films and listened to Cantonese songs, so many place names were in her heart. This afternoon planned to walk through Hong Kong, holding a city map, from Mong Kok to Tsim Sha Tsui, strolling along Nathan Road, passing through Wing On, Kowloon, Yau Ma Tei, and Temple Street. Everywhere were crowds of people, and in her ears were English, Cantonese, and stiff Mandarin. Shang Zhitao had anti-wolf spray in her bag, along with Hong Kong dollars she had exchanged in advance. When tired, she would find a Dairy Company shop to have double-skin milk. After dark, she went to the Bridge Spicy Crab and ordered a plate of typhoon shelter fried crab for herself.

Luan Nian had afternoon tea with Luan Siyan and other siblings, but was distracted the whole time. Luan Siyan kicked him: “If you don’t want to be with us, get lost! It’s not safe for a young woman to be alone in Hong Kong.”

Luan Siyan was very perceptive. The way Luan Nian looked at that girl showed an attentiveness he wasn’t even aware of. The two standing together were awkwardly childish, yet oddly intriguing. Luan Siyan felt there was a “golden wind jade dew first encounter” flavor between them. Luan Nian got up, and Luan Siyan asked in front of their siblings: “What’s the girl’s name?”

“Shang Zhitao.”

Luan Nian asked Shang Zhitao where she was, and she sent him her location. He had been to that typhoon shelter crab restaurant a few times and had even bumped into Hong Kong stars there.

“Add some garlic piss shrimp, squab, and stir-fried beef ho fun. I’ll be there soon.”

Shang Zhitao added the dishes, and by the time the crab was served, Luan Nian had arrived. The old restaurant was stuffy, and diners were sweating.

Luan Nian was usually fresh and clean, but now even his face had a few beads of sweat.

The two sat at a cramped table for two, with noise all around.

“Where’s Sister Luan?”

“She went to the nightclub with others.”

“Why didn’t you go?”

Luan Nian glanced at her without directly answering her question, instead asking: “Want a drink?”

“Maybe one can of beer? I don’t dare drink much. Getting drunk is uncomfortable.”

“When drunk, you even curse people!”

Shang Zhitao laughed: “Xin Zhaozhou told me. Sorry, I didn’t know that’s how I behave when drunk. Don’t mind it.”

“Xin Zhaozhou is a good person,” Luan Nian said. It was by seeing how Xin Zhaozhou treated Shang Zhitao that he understood the shape of her college-era love. The boy must have held the girl in the palm of his hand, not wanting her to suffer. Yet with him, Shang Zhitao had endured all kinds of grievances.

The two drank together, both only having a little alcohol. After enjoying the delicious bridge-bottom spicy crab, Luan Nian took Shang Zhitao to Victoria Harbour to see the night view.

Brilliant lights, beautiful night, and gentle people.

“Shang Zhitao,” Luan Nian, no longer called her Flora, “Over these past few years, by my side, have you always felt wronged?”

Shang Zhitao didn’t speak; she listened to Luan Nian.

“I’m a terrible person. I’ve been dark and violent since adolescence. If it weren’t for my family loving me dearly, meeting a few reliable friends, and desperately restraining myself, I might be in prison now.”

“Seeing Xin Zhaozhou take care of you, and your roommate help you, I feel you might be better suited to be with such boys. Because I can’t love. Although I deliberately correct my behavior, you would certainly often feel wronged.”

“I’m glad you accompanied me for such a long time. My relationships usually only last three to five months; I never expected to spend four years with you. I hope you can have a better life. You are truly outstanding. You deserve everything.”

“Keep going.”

It was amidst Luan Nian’s gentle words that Shang Zhitao thoroughly understood some things. She knew that some addictive things must be given up, some unattainable people could no longer be hoped for. She soberly and profoundly realized that her beautiful feelings for Luan Nian had completely stopped at the moment that phone call ended. Afterward, she had been confused, not understanding why, when everyone had emotions, after she had spent four years, Luan Nian still stood in place. She wanted to anger him, to fight with him, like a clown, simply because she couldn’t accept it.

But on this day, she let go.

She knew that life is like this. In this life, people come and go, and everyone eventually has to say goodbye. Even though she felt it was too regrettable at the time, she could no longer ask for more.

Stopping here was good.

From then on, every meeting was ordinary. That secret story was never mentioned again.

It was during the New Year’s Eve of that year that she sat with Luke watching fireworks in her Ice City home. Luke leaned tightly against her legs, sometimes watching the fireworks, sometimes looking up at her. Shang Zhitao’s hand rested on its head, gently rubbing.

The brilliant fireworks could illuminate the path ahead.

At midnight, she still sent an email to Luan Nian in the old way: “Luke, Happy New Year. Hope all is well.”

Luan Nian didn’t reply.