Chapter 107: Seeing Him

She did not answer, and Tang Que remained silent as well. They stood in a tense, silent standoff, both seemingly waiting for the other to continue.

To Tang Que, Cheng Hui was simply naive and wealthy. She was pretty, though a bit immature, lacking the alluring charm of Tang Yao. In other words, she was like a flower bud not yet in bloom; he wondered how captivating she would be if she were ever to fully open. Realizing this, his gaze dropped to her waist. He licked his lips and said, "If you don't like it, then leave." He didn't believe for a second that she would go. Having said this deliberately, he stopped looking at her, his expression clearly displeased.

In the past, Cheng Hui would have stayed, unhesitatingly so. But now, she had no desire to linger. Even though she still had feelings for him, she left anyway. Before going, she told him, "Get some rest. If my mother finds out I've been out for too long, she’ll be angry. I don’t want her to be angry. I’m sorry."

Tang Que furrowed his brows. Only after she left the hospital room did he relax. He called Tang Huaihuai and told her, "I don't want to help you anymore. There are plenty of ways to take revenge on the Cheng family."

Tang Huaihuai replied, "There are many ways, yes, but Tang Que, to kill a snake, you must strike its vital point. We have no choice but to start with Cheng Hui."

"I don't want to. Cheng Hui knows nothing."

"Are you going soft? Or have you fallen for her?"

Tang Que corrected her, "That’s not it."

"Then don't forget what I asked you to do. Cheng Hui likes you so much—just keep playing along with her."

Tang Que asked, "What about Tang Yao?"

"I’ll talk to Tang Yao. She’ll understand."

Tang Que: "..."

...

Tang Huaihuai contacted Tang Yao shortly after. Tang Que knew nothing of the specifics of their conversation. When Tang Yao finally contacted him, she said, "Tang Que, I don't want to waste any more time with you. Since it’s come to this, I’m letting you go."

This was a breakup.

Tang Que frowned. "Are you serious?"

"Do you think I’m joking? My time is precious now; I don't have time to play games with you. Your sister told me everything. Since you want Cheng Hui, then I’m done. Fair enough? Don’t come looking for me again."

Tang Que sat there blankly. "Tang Yao, if you're serious, then I'm serious too."

Tang Yao’s tone was calm. "I’m serious—more serious than gold or silver."

There was nothing left to say. Tang Que replied, "Understood. If you ever run into any difficulties, you can come to me. I’ll help however I can."

"Thanks."

...

Cheng Hui took a car back to Yongcheng. She wanted to sleep on the way, but the phone in her bag vibrated. She quickly took it out; it was a call from the housekeeper at home.

She answered, and the housekeeper, hearing her voice, immediately asked, "Cheng Hui, are you coming home for dinner tonight?"

On weekends, she sometimes stayed at home. The housekeeper, who was fond of her, called every weekend to check. If she came back, the housekeeper would prepare all her favorite dishes; if she didn't, the housekeeper would be very disappointed.

Cheng Hui said, "I won't be back. I’m going out with friends this weekend."

"Oh, you haven't been home for so long. I thought you might return this week, and I was planning to make so many of your favorite dishes..."

"I can't help it, I've already made plans with friends."

"It's alright. You’re young, you should go out more. Have a good time, and watch your belongings when you're out. Don't lose anything."

"Bye, bye."

After hanging up, Cheng Hui’s smile vanished. She looked at the scenery outside the window, feeling lost. She thought of Tang Que and suddenly found she couldn't understand him at all.

Cheng Hui arrived in Yongcheng by evening. She stepped out of the station, but didn't want to return to school. For a moment, she felt like she had nowhere to go.

However, there was one place.

Cheng Jiu’s place.

She shamelessly went to seek refuge with her older brother and his wife. Cheng Jiu and Xin Gan didn't mind, though Cheng Jiu reminded her to help with chores like sweeping and taking out the trash. Cheng Hui agreed, patting her chest to promise she would work hard and never slack off.

Cheng Jiu had social engagements these past few nights; he couldn't turn them down, so he returned late. The two women handled dinner themselves, ordering takeout or boiling noodles. Since they were both women with small appetites, snacks were enough to keep them full.

Meanwhile, Tang Que had been proactively messaging Cheng Hui for two days. Out of politeness, she replied, but the conversations were purely awkward. She thought Tang Que must be bored in the hospital, which was why he was looking for her. Feeling sympathetic, she chatted with him intermittently.

As they talked, Cheng Hui felt their dynamic becoming increasingly wrong. Sensing that Tang Que was just "keeping her in his pond" as a backup, she pulled back, becoming cold and keeping her replies brief. She didn't want to be entangled in an endless, messy situation with Tang Que. It was pointless. If he were to be in a bad mood one day and take it out on her, she’d be the fool for getting hurt again.

Xin Gan noticed her mood and asked about it. Cheng Hui, unable to keep things bottled up, told Xin Gan everything about Tang Que. In the end, she said, "I’m not being foolish, I just can't let go yet. Xin-xin, I know he likes someone else, and I know I shouldn't get involved, or I’ll be the one suffering. But whenever he talks to me, I collapse. If he didn't reach out, it would be fine, but the moment he does, everything he says sounds right."

"I’m so conflicted, and it hurts. Why am I like this?"

Xin Gan poured her a glass of warm water. "Based on what you've said, I don't think he’s a good person. With a man like that, if you can't see the bottom, stay away. Stop contacting him. Give it time, and you'll get used to it and move on."

Xin Gan added, "Don't think about it anymore. It will pass."

When it came to matters of the heart, Xin Gan couldn't offer much advice. She was just lucky; her first love was the man she married, Cheng Jiu, and he was devoted to her. She had no experience dealing with situations like Cheng Hui's. Still, based on what Cheng Hui described, this Tang Que person was indeed bad news.

***

You can hide for a while, but not for a lifetime. Cheng Hui still had to return to school for classes, and Xin Gan drove her back.

The first class that morning was taught by Tang Huaihuai. Cheng Hui hated taking her class; Tang Huaihuai was strict with attendance, specifically targeting her, which made Cheng Hui certain that it was all because of He Chuan. If not for He Chuan, Tang Huaihuai wouldn't have been looking for excuses to make her life difficult. She couldn't skip even if she wanted to.

That day, Tang Huaihuai entered the classroom, greeted them, and started taking attendance. Unexpectedly, she didn't call Cheng Hui’s name, instead picking other students at random. Two students who were absent were recorded on the spot.

Cheng Hui was in no mood to listen, resting her chin on her hand and zoning out. The student next to her poked her. "Not listening again? What are you thinking about?"

This student also disliked Tang Huaihuai and often slacked off during her lectures. "Nothing, just a bit sleepy."

"Where were you messing around last night? Didn't get enough rest?"

Cheng Hui glanced at her. "My dark circles aren't as big as yours."

The student chuckled. "Guess what new continent I discovered last night."

"Not interested."

"It's about Teacher Tang."

"The one on the podium?" Cheng Hui asked.

"Of course." The student took out her phone and showed her a photo. "Look, who is this."

Cheng Hui’s eyes widened in disbelief. She asked, "Where did you take this?"

"Yesterday, at a cafe near the school. My friend and I happened to be buying coffee and ran into them."

In the photo, Tang Huaihuai was with Cheng Hui’s father. Why would Tang Huaihuai be meeting her father? Cheng Hui couldn't wrap her head around it.

"I’m telling you, Cheng Hui, don't spread this, but I saw Tang Huaihuai hug this old man, and he didn't push her away. It’s obvious their relationship isn't simple. Do you think Teacher Tang is being kept by this old man...?"

Cheng Hui’s face hardened, looking quite unhappy. "Don't talk nonsense!"

"I’m not talking nonsense. Why are you so worked up? Keep your voice down, or Teacher Tang will see us."

Cheng Hui looked at the podium. Tang Huaihuai was teaching and hadn't noticed them.

"Cheng Hui, why aren't you saying anything? Don't you dislike Teacher Tang too?"

Cheng Hui stayed silent, her expression grim. She didn't want to talk to her at all.

***

After class, Cheng Hui hadn't heard a word. She felt agitated. She wanted to go home and confront her father but didn't know how to bring it up. If it were true, how would she face him in the future?

***

Xin Gan went nowhere except the studio to teach. Cheng Jiu had been busy lately, leaving early and returning late, so Xin Gan drove herself home.

The studio was also having trouble. A conflict had broken out between Teacher Song and a student, and a video of the incident had spread, causing quite a stir. When Xin Gan investigated, Teacher Song blamed the student entirely, claiming the student was arrogant and disruptive. Xin Gan, however, had watched the original video; it contradicted Teacher Song’s version. As a studio owner, Xin Gan knew they represented more than just their individual images.

She showed Teacher Song the footage and said, "If we are in the wrong, I expect you to apologize calmly to the student and their parents, not shift all the blame."

Teacher Song refused to admit fault, stiffening her neck. "I did nothing wrong."

"If you insist, we can call the student and their parents to discuss it together."

"Boss, you're really something. I told you the student was disrespectful. I lost my temper for a moment, but what about the student?"

"I saw the video; it’s clear."

"Clear? This is a different era; videos can be edited and manipulated. If you insist on an apology, then I suppose I’m not fit for this job. I resign."

Xin Gan had a headache. She had never encountered such a situation, but she had to appease the parents. She went to apologize in person, bringing gifts. Unexpectedly, she ran into Zhou Ya.

Zhou Ya opened the door, paused upon seeing her, then smiled. "You’re my nephew’s teacher?"

Xin Gan asked, "And you are...?"

The student, hearing Xin Gan’s voice, came out. "Uncle, she’s the teacher from my studio."

After some explanation, it turned out to be a misunderstanding. Zhou Ya laughed. "I was wondering how you could be the one yelling at people. That teacher has been fired, right?"

Xin Gan nodded. "Yes, I apologize for the lack of management."

"No worries. Since the teacher is gone, let's move past it. The kid is spoiled, that's all. Hey, you, promise the teacher you won't mess around in class anymore."

"I know, Uncle. Sorry, Teacher."

The matter was resolved. If not for Zhou Ya, it wouldn't have been so easy. Zhou Ya helped carry the gifts back to her car, saying, "And don't worry about the kid. My sister is busy, so he's staying with me. I don't have time to manage him, so I just signed him up for a class. Had I known it was your studio, I wouldn't have made you go through all this trouble."

Xin Gan said, "I’m still very sorry..."

"Don't be so formal. Cheng Jiu and I are close; no need for that. I’ll leave the kid in your care. If he misbehaves, feel free to discipline him yourself." Zhou Ya was straightforward and didn't hold a grudge.

Xin Gan smiled gently. "Thank you for your help."

"You're too polite. I'll treat you and Cheng Jiu to dinner soon, don't refuse."

Just then, Cheng Jiu called. Xin Gan explained she was out and would be back soon.

"Is that Cheng Jiu?" Zhou Ya asked.

Cheng Jiu, hearing Zhou Ya's voice, frowned. "Zhou Ya?"

"Give me the phone, I want to say a few words to Cheng Jiu."

Xin Gan handed the phone over. Zhou Ya chatted warmly with Cheng Jiu, trying to set up a dinner. Cheng Jiu politely declined, saying he was busy, but when Zhou Ya suggested tomorrow, he felt it would be rude to refuse again.

After returning the phone, Zhou Ya smiled. "Thanks. It was fate today. I won't keep you any longer, let's eat together another time."

Xin Gan agreed. As she drove home, she felt something was off, though she couldn't pinpoint what. Zhou Ya didn't seem as warm and easygoing as he appeared on the surface. Perhaps she was just being sensitive.

When she arrived home, Cheng Hui was there, looking unwell. After a brief greeting, she went to her room to sleep. Cheng Jiu was in the kitchen, apron on, looking like a devoted husband. Seeing his broad shoulders and long legs, Xin Gan felt a strong sense of comfort.

She went into the kitchen to help. "What did Zhou Ya say to you?"

"Invited me to dinner," Cheng Jiu said, omitting the reasons to avoid worrying her.

"Did you agree?"

"Yes, for tomorrow night."

"Don't drink, okay?"

"I won't. Don't worry."

"If you absolutely must, don't drink too much. And don't drive. Either get a designated driver or call me to pick you up."

Cheng Jiu glanced at her. "Deal."

***

After dinner, Cheng Jiu called Cheng Hui out. She looked exhausted and barely touched her food.

"Finish your meal. Don't waste it," Cheng Jiu said.

Cheng Hui felt aggrieved but forced herself to eat. On the television, He Cheng was appearing in an entertainment news segment, surrounded by microphones, speaking triumphantly. Cheng Hui felt too dispirited to even comment. She lay on the sofa, her mind drifting. The three kittens had grown larger; they recognized her and purred as they circled her.

When Cheng Jiu finished washing the dishes, the doorbell rang. Xin Gan opened it to find He Chuan standing there.

"Hi, Xin Gan."

Xin Gan glanced back at the room. "Long time no see, He Chuan."

"Haven't eaten yet. I'm starving. Just finished work, came over to mooch a meal." He Chuan squeezed in as if it were his own home.

Before Xin Gan could stop him, He Chuan entered the living room and saw Cheng Hui lying on the sofa. Cheng Hui looked up, saw He Chuan, and froze. Her heart skipped a beat, and her blood seemed to run cold.

He Chuan also froze. After a few seconds, he averted his gaze and backed out as if nothing had happened.

Cheng Jiu looked at Cheng Hui and whispered, "It's fine. I'll go chase him away."

Cheng Hui: "..."

At the door, Xin Gan spoke to He Chuan. "You left too fast. Cheng Hui is here."

He Chuan smiled. "My mistake. I truly didn't know. If I had, I wouldn't have come in. Xin Gan, go comfort her; she must be scared."

He could tell from her expression that she was terrified of him, as if she had seen a ghost. He sighed, "How troublesome. When did I reach the point where I have to hide from her?"

Xin Gan said, "There must be a misunderstanding. It will resolve itself."

"No misunderstanding. It’s fine. Go in, I'm leaving."

***

He Chuan left quickly. Cheng Hui’s complexion was even worse. She stood up shakily. "I just remembered, I need to go home this weekend. I'm leaving."

Cheng Jiu grabbed his keys. "I'll take you."

Xin Gan signaled to Cheng Jiu, who nodded in understanding.

***

On the way to the Cheng residence, Cheng Hui remained silent and preoccupied. Cheng Jiu asked, "Anything bothering you lately?"

Cheng Hui didn't know how to explain. It wasn't something she could easily prove, and telling Cheng Jiu would only cause trouble.

When they arrived, Cheng Jiu left after a while, reminding her to call him if anything happened and not to argue with Mrs. Cheng.

Cheng Hui heard voices coming from the study. Curiosity got the better of her, and she crept to the door to listen.

Mrs. Cheng was saying, "The He family is in chaos. Ever since He Cheng returned, it’s one thing after another. Can He Chuan handle those predatory relatives all by himself?"

Mr. Cheng was practicing calligraphy. "Few of the He relatives have the capacity to do anything."

"True, but Mrs. He is dim-witted, doting only on her youngest son. He Cheng has no potential. I don't know what she's thinking. He Chuan is capable and has integrity. If he were my son, I’d cherish him, not alienate him."

Mrs. Cheng paused. "I heard a long time ago that He Chuan isn't Mrs. He’s biological son. Is that true?"

"Where did you hear that?"

"From the other socialites. I thought it was a joke, but now, it seems very likely. That would explain why she doesn't care for him."

Mr. Cheng warned, "Don't talk nonsense. If that gets out, it will be a disaster."

"I'm only saying it to you. It’s not just me. If it's true, He Chuan is in grave danger now that He Wei is in this state. They just want the inheritance."

***

"Cheng Hui, would you like some fruit?" The housekeeper suddenly appeared, startling her.

Mrs. Cheng came out of the study immediately. Cheng Hui stood there, afraid to move.

"What are you doing?" Mrs. Cheng demanded.

"I just got back and wanted to find Dad, then the housekeeper came up..."

Mrs. Cheng didn't suspect her but remained irritable. "Have you been staying at your brother's place?"

"Yes, I was afraid you'd be unhappy if I came home."

"I’m unhappy whenever I see you. You're always causing trouble and turning this house upside down."

Mr. Cheng intervened, calling Cheng Hui into the study to talk and sending his wife away.

Inside the study, Cheng Hui thought of the photo of Tang Huaihuai and her father. "Dad, are you very busy lately?"

"Not particularly. Why? You didn't tell us you were coming home."

Cheng Hui felt he was playing dumb. She couldn't bring herself to expose him yet. She changed the subject. "I heard you talking about He Chuan. What’s wrong with him?"

"That’s adult business. You wouldn't understand."

"I'm nineteen. If you don't tell me, I'll ask He Chuan myself."

Mr. Cheng sighed. "Don't bother him. He’s overwhelmed. His father is hospitalized, partially paralyzed, and the relatives are trying to squeeze him out of the company."

"Is it true he isn't Mrs. He’s biological son?"

"You heard that?"

"Yes."

"Don't repeat it, and don't tell He Chuan. It’s a mess."

"Since the He family is in this state, aren't you going to help him?"

Mr. Cheng smiled. "How? Whether he's worth helping is one thing, and I have no standing to interfere. It depends on his own capability."

Cheng Hui didn't understand the complexities of business, but she felt terrible for He Chuan. He had always been there for her, never saying no, always pampering her. He had never harmed her, and even when He Cheng gave her trouble, He Chuan had always stood by her side. She had taken his kindness for granted.

What a terrifying thing, "taking it for granted." He Chuan had borne all the burdens for her without a single complaint. Was it all because he liked her?

She had blocked his number and WeChat long ago. Hesitantly, she unblocked him. She stared at his contact, afraid to dial, terrified of what might happen if he answered.

As she hesitated, Tang Que called again, asking if she wanted to go out. He was back in Yongcheng.

Cheng Hui refused, saying it was too late. Tang Que persisted, saying he had a gift for her.

"No, thank you. I'm already changing for bed."

Tang Que was stubborn. "Just come down for a moment. It won't take long."

"Maybe tomorrow. It's really late..."

"Cheng Hui, are you refusing me?"

"..."

"Sorry," Tang Que said. "It's my fault. You have the right to refuse, but I’ll wait for you."

Cheng Hui didn't know how to react and accidentally hung up. She wanted to clarify things, so she dialed back, but she didn't check who she was calling. As the call connected, she blurted out, "Stop waiting for me! I’m not going out tonight, we’ll talk tomorrow. Don't come over!"

Silence on the other end.

Cheng Hui called out, "Are you listening? Hello?"

"You called the wrong person. I'm not coming to find you."

The familiar voice made Cheng Hui’s heart race. She was stunned, unable to speak.

He Chuan’s voice was calm. "You took me off your blacklist?"

He sounded neither happy nor angry. Cheng Hui was choked up, unable to form a sentence. He Chuan waited patiently for her to calm down.

"He Chuan, I want to see you."

"..."

In the silence of the night, Cheng Hui hung up, changed her clothes, and slipped out of the house to find him. As soon as she had said she wanted to see him, she regretted it, but it was too late. It was so embarrassing.