Chapter 76

Luan Nian drove aimlessly through the streets.

Autumn in Beijing was perhaps the most beautiful time of the year. Fallen leaves carpeted the streets, a lonely chair stood at a bus stop, and an elderly person sat sketching by the roadside, capturing it all in a painting. The painting held no trace of filth or ugliness, only a polished portrayal of peace and beauty.

He parked his car by the street, found a chair to sit on, and watched the bustling crowd before him. The trembling Shang Zhitao and the Shang Zhitao subjected to everyone’s scrutiny alternated in his mind, eventually merging into the Shang Zhitao fighting alone.

A Shang Zhitao who never sought his help, who steadfastly adhered to the original intent of their being together.

A completely new version of her, or perhaps she had always been this way, and he had simply never noticed.

Luan Nian had never felt as shocked and fearful as he did today. His heart felt as though it had been slashed open by that recording, bleeding profusely. The pain was unbearable, unlike anything he had ever experienced, and he didn’t know how to handle it.

He wanted to say something to Shang Zhitao, or perhaps say nothing at all—even a simple hug would have sufficed. So he called Shang Zhitao, but no one answered.

After thinking for a long time, Luan Nian dialed Sun Yu’s number. It took a while for the call to be answered. He said, “Hello, this is Luan Nian. Is Shang Zhitao there?”

“Shang Zhitao is sleeping. She’s exhausted,” Sun Yu replied softly, glancing at the sleeping Shang Zhitao. “I’ll let her know you called when she wakes up.”

“No need. Thank you.” Luan Nian hung up.

He sat by the street for a long time. His phone kept ringing, and he finally answered.

It was Tracy.

“The board is in an uproar. They want you to join the meeting online.”

“No.”

“I’ve seen the discussions online. The stock price has already started falling.”

“Serves them right.”

“So… are you really resigning?”

“Yes.”

Tracy thought for a moment and said, “It might be good to teach them a lesson. But resigning wasn’t part of our original plan.”

“It’s not about teaching them a lesson. I’m resigning.”

“? Are you serious?”

“Dead serious. Tell the board to find someone else. I’m taking a break starting today.”

Luan Nian hung up, tossed his phone into his pocket, and continued sitting by the street. Young women passing by would steal glances at him, curious about why such a handsome man was sitting there. Luan Nian paid no attention to their gazes. He sat there until nightfall.

His phone kept ringing, disturbing his peace, but he ignored it.

Finally, Shang Zhitao called. She asked softly, “Sun Yu said you called me?”

“Yes.”

“Where are you?”

“Outside your door.”

Luan Nian heard the sound of Shang Zhitao’s door opening, followed by the sound of her footsteps on the stairs—quick, rhythmic thuds. Unable to hold back, he said, “Slow down. I’m in no hurry.”

“Oh.” Shang Zhitao acknowledged, but her steps didn’t slow. Each footstep echoed in Luan Nian’s heart.

“Hi.” Shang Zhitao stood a few meters away from him, her feelings of grievance and fear surging back all at once. She looked away, not wanting to cry in front of him. Shang Zhitao thought, I need to be stronger.

“I want to see the moon,” she said to him. “Can I bring Luke and go up the mountain with you to see the moon?” Shang Zhitao loved nights like that, when the moonlight was bright and pure, illuminating the heart with clarity and honesty.

“Okay.”

The two of them and the dog drove up the mountain. Luan Nian didn’t speak the whole way—he didn’t know what to say. The car parked in front of the bar. As Luan Nian pulled the handbrake, Shang Zhitao’s hand covered the back of his, and she whispered, “Luan Nian, can you say a few words to me?”

“What about?”

“Anything at all.” There was fear in Shang Zhitao’s heart. She hadn’t known that being the center of attention could be so painful. Sun Yuanzhu and Sun Yu were both there for her, yet she still went out, wanting to see Luan Nian. She knew that the love she felt for Luan Nian couldn’t be replaced by anyone. When she was especially sad, she just wanted to be by his side, even if he might make her feel worse.

“I don’t just chat casually. All I know is that I’ve asked you countless times whether Dony harassed you, and you said no.” Luan Nian turned off the headlights, plunging the surroundings into darkness. Only the stars and clouds in the sky could hear them speak. “So you never trusted me, right?” Luan Nian looked at Shang Zhitao. “Or maybe you have enough people around you to trust and rely on, so you didn’t need to turn to me for help—you wouldn’t even tell me the truth?”

“I didn’t have the right to tell you.”

“Then what right did you have to tell others?”

“Because they’re friends.”

“And I’m just your hookup?” Luan Nian got out of the car. Shang Zhitao and Luke followed behind him. Luan Nian took a few steps, then turned back. “I thought after sleeping together for years, we’d be closer than friends.”

“Don’t be so harsh.” Shang Zhitao’s eyes reddened slightly. She wanted Luan Nian to hug her, but she couldn’t bring herself to say it. “I’m not feeling well. I went back home with my friends, hoping to get a good night’s sleep, but I only slept for a little while. I wanted to see you, to talk to you for a bit—maybe then I’d feel a little better. So please, don’t be so harsh.” Shang Zhitao pressed her lips tightly together. She felt tears welling up in her eyes but held them back. She didn’t want to cry in front of Luan Nian, afraid he might say, “Weren’t you trying to be a hero? Why are you crying now?”

Luan Nian saw Shang Zhitao’s eyes glistening in the moonlight, as if filled with tears. He felt like a real jerk. She’d had such a terrible day, yet all he wanted to do was ask why she hadn’t told him. And his original reason for going to find her was to hug her.

“Still scared?” Luan Nian asked softly.

Shang Zhitao’s lips trembled, the corners turning downward like a child about to cry.

“Come here.” Luan Nian called to her.

She took two steps forward until she stood before him. Luan Nian reached out, pulled her into his arms, and hugged her tightly.

It seemed they had never hugged outside of making love. Luan Nian’s embrace was broad and warm. His hand rested on the back of Shang Zhitao’s head, pressing her face against his chest.

Shang Zhitao’s anxious heart finally settled. She wrapped her arms tightly around Luan Nian’s waist, afraid he would let go too soon, and said, “Can I stay in your arms a little longer?”

“Mm.” Luan Nian tightened his arms around her. Shang Zhitao became that obedient girl again, quietly nestled in his embrace. Neither of them spoke. Luan Nian felt his heart heal just a little, and Shang Zhitao felt that today wasn’t so terrible after all.

At least, as it was about to end, Luan Nian had hugged her.

“Why did you hit him?”

“Because he bullied you.”

"But you often bully me."

"I can." Luan Nian tightened his arms around her a little more. "But I was also very angry today. I was angry that you didn't tell me anything, acting like a shady broker."

"Shang Zhitao, are you going to make me fight for you every year?"

"Twice a year is fine too." Shang Zhitao looked up at him. "You look damn sexy when you fight."

Her bangs brushed against his chin, a little ticklish. Luan Nian simply lowered his head and rubbed his chin against the crook of her neck.

Shang Zhitao giggled, tilting her head to avoid him. "That tickles."

Luan Nian wouldn't let her dodge. He cupped her face and rubbed his chin against it. The thin layer of stubble on his face scratched Shang Zhitao's delicate skin, both painful and ticklish. She reached out to hit him, her hand forming a fist and gently pounding on his chest. "I give up! I give up!"

Luan Nian's heart, which had been stifled and aching all day, seemed to feel a little better. He hugged her again. Luke had been waiting for a long time, thinking they were finally going inside to eat meat, because during the days when Shang Zhitao was away on business, Luan Nian often brought him to the bar. Luan Nian had prepared pet canned food and dried meat for him at the bar, all of Luke's favorites. But these two were just standing there hugging, with no intention of going inside, which made him a little anxious. He bit onto Shang Zhitao's pants and tugged toward the bar. "Woof."

Shang Zhitao looked at him suspiciously. "What's wrong with you?"

Luan Nian, of course, knew what was wrong, but he turned his head away, pretending not to know. Shang Zhitao didn't let Luke eat too much meat, saying it wasn't good for dogs. Every day, it was either two eggs or a piece of dried meat. Luan Nian couldn't stand it, so when she wasn't around, he gave Luke plenty of meat.

Luke let go of her pant leg, ran a couple of steps toward the bar, and seeing her still standing there, ran back and barked, "Woof~ woof~" He turned his neck toward the bar, almost as if he were about to speak.

Luan Nian laughed at Luke's silly antics, not forgetting to tease him. "Truly, a dog takes after its owner." He took a long stride and walked away.

The bar had just finished an event today, and there was no one left except the manager on duty. Seeing Luan Nian come in, the manager said, "What brings you here?"

Luan Nian glanced at Shang Zhitao. "Brought Luke's owner for a drink."

The manager smiled at Shang Zhitao. "Hello."

Luke was already very familiar with the manager. He stood there and barked at the duty manager. "Where's the meat?"

The duty manager, of course, understood what Luke meant and waved at him. "Come here."

Shang Zhitao tilted her head, a little puzzled. "Does he come here often? Why does he get to come here often? I don't even come here often."

"None of your business?"

Luan Nian glanced at her. "Hungry?"

"Starving!" Shang Zhitao hadn't eaten much all day and was truly famished.

"Wait a moment."

Luan Nian went to the kitchen. His bar was spotless, even the kitchen. Steaks, lamb chops, and pasta were neatly arranged in the food cabinet, all premium ingredients.

He took out pasta and steak to make a simple Western meal.

Shang Zhitao sat on a high stool, looking around the bar, thinking about how much money this place must be losing. Before she could finish that thought, a few cars pulled up outside, and men and women got out and entered the bar.

As if by magic, two waiters emerged from a hidden door nearby. The waiters Luan Nian hired were all so good-looking, standing there handsome and dashing, greeting the incoming guests. "Sit anywhere you like."

"By the window." A few people sat by the window. One of them asked the waiter, "Can we turn off the lights later to look at the stars?"

The waiter said, "Alright."

They could even turn off the lights to look at the stars?

Luan Nian brought over two simple meals, placing one in front of Shang Zhitao. The couple at the other table turned to look at them.

Luan Nian smiled at them, took out a knife and fork, handed them to Shang Zhitao, and sat down beside her to eat together.

Shang Zhitao overheard a girl say, "Should we tell Teacher Gong?"

"Better not."

"But isn’t it said that the boss is Teacher Gong’s partner?"

"That person might not be the boss, right? Even if he is, that might not be his girlfriend, right?"

Shang Zhitao took a bite of pasta, a bit of sauce sticking to the corner of her mouth. Luan Nian pointed to his own mouth, then to hers.

Shang Zhitao opened her eyes, looking a bit confused, not understanding what Luan Nian meant.

Luan Nian pointed again, and Shang Zhitao also pointed to her own lips. Luan Nian nodded.

Kissing in public isn’t really appropriate, is it? Luan Nian must have run into some trouble, right? Putting together what those people just said, it suddenly dawned on her. Luan Nian must have gotten involved with another girl and now couldn’t easily get out of it.

Well, she’d just have to sacrifice a little.

Leaning forward, she lightly touched her lips to the corner of his mouth and asked seriously, "Is this enough?"

Luan Nian was exasperated by Shang Zhitao’s foolishness. He picked up a napkin and vigorously wiped the corner of her mouth. Shang Zhitao realized she had done something silly again and blushed as she sat back, muttering, "Couldn’t you have just said so directly?"

"Have you ever seen a man ask a woman to wipe his mouth in public?"

"Oh." Shang Zhitao’s face flushed red, but Luan Nian’s lips curled into a smile.

The bartender was mixing drinks, and Shang Zhitao leaned on the bar to watch. She thought mixing drinks looked really cool, and the drinks probably tasted good too, so she asked Luan Nian, "After making drinks for the customers, can I have one too?"

"No."

Luan Nian took away the plates and had the waiter place a small candle in front of the couple, surrounded by their cocktails. The bar’s lights were turned off. Only the window was faintly lit, while everything else was a bit dark.

In the darkness, Shang Zhitao tugged at Luan Nian’s hand and whispered her request, "I want to drink a cocktail and admire the moon too."

"No."

"Just one."

"Fine."

Luan Nian had no real grounds to refuse. He walked behind the bar to mix a drink for Shang Zhitao, lighting a small lamp. He mixed the drink behind the bar while Shang Zhitao watched from the other side. After a while, Luan Nian brought out a glass with a heart carved from ice inside.

"What’s this drink called?" Shang Zhitao asked him.

"Brave Heart," Luan Nian said.