Chapter 134: Helpless

Cheng and his mother had a fierce argument. The cause was Mrs. Cheng speaking of the scandal between Xin Gan and He Cheng right in front of him. Having a general understanding of Xin Gan’s character, Cheng’s father chose not to take the rumors to heart; he believed that no matter what the outside world speculated, they would gain nothing from it, and it would eventually die down on its own. He saw no reason to make a mountain out of a molehill.

Mrs. Cheng was dissatisfied with his indifferent attitude, feeling he was shielding Xin Gan, and used this as a pretext to start a quarrel with him.

Cheng Jiu had also explained to his father that the rumors about Xin Gan and He Cheng were baseless—mere fabrications. His father understood, but the problem lay with Mrs. Cheng, who refused to listen to anyone’s explanations. Even when Cheng Jiu spoke to her directly, his tone earnest and sincere as he insisted on Xin Gan’s innocence, Mrs. Cheng remained steadfast in her disbelief, flatly ignoring his words.

...

After Xin Gan and the lawyer hired by Cheng Jiu clarified the situation, the lawyer became very invested and followed up diligently. Any hint of trouble was reported back to Xin Gan and Cheng Jiu. However, even though the number of people jumping on the trend to reshare the rumors had decreased, Xin Gan’s art studio still suffered.

The staff at the studio were at a loss, unable to handle the sudden influx of media. The presence of the press severely disrupted the students' classes, which in turn angered the parents. Xin Gan stepped forward to apologize; feeling guilty and unwilling to let her personal affairs interfere with the students' education, she published an apology letter online, pleading with the media to stop harassing the studio so the students could continue their lessons.

After the letter was published, the situation did not improve; in fact, the number of people attacking her only grew. Most of them were He Cheng’s fans.

Oh, right—Tang Huaihuai, He Cheng’s official girlfriend, had also been dragged into the mess. However, Tang Huaihuai’s account remained inactive, showing no signs of life. As for He Cheng, he remained quiet, offering no statement on the matter, while Xin Gan bore the brunt of the fallout. Her accounts were attacked, her comment sections paralyzed, and no matter how she tried to explain, it was to no avail.

When her assistant called to report on the state of the studio, Xin Gan said, "Give the students a refund. This is no way to keep the studio running; I don’t want to delay their education any longer."

"But..."

"Give them a full refund. I won’t be returning to the studio for a while, so I need you to handle this for me."

"I understand, Boss. Please take care of yourself. No matter what, I believe in you."

Hearing those words at such a time, Xin Gan smiled faintly. "Thank you."

"You're welcome, Boss."

Having worked together for so long, the assistant understood the kind of person Xin Gan was. She quickly processed the refunds and even helped coordinate with other qualified studios to accept the students, ensuring their training wouldn't be interrupted.

Without students, the studio lost its source of revenue. Xin Gan decided to sell it off; since she wouldn't be able to run it for the foreseeable future, she had no choice but to transfer the business. After settling the staff and treating them to a grand meal as a formal farewell, she felt completely drained. Upon returning home, she collapsed onto the sofa, motionless, feeling as though the entire ordeal were a nightmare from which she might one day wake up to find everything restored to its original state.

A few days later, after the studio was transferred—she didn't even have the energy to calculate if she had lost or gained money—Cheng Jiu told her he had found the mastermind behind the scenes: He Cheng’s team.

Those fabricated posts were released by He Cheng’s team. They had shifted their strategy to embrace "black traffic," hoping to leverage the infamy to keep He Cheng’s career on life support. Of course, He Cheng’s team would never admit it. Cheng Jiu had received this information from an inside source who refused to testify; if they were to come forward, they would be blacklisted in the industry, as no team would hire a traitor. Cheng Jiu was not a man of the underworld; he could not use intimidation or coercion, so he had to respect the source's choice.

Later, Cheng Jiu consulted with his lawyer and filed a lawsuit against the blogger who had posted the initial rumors. Since that person had dared to publish them, there had to be someone pulling the strings behind the scenes—otherwise, the details would not have been written with such an air of authenticity, as if the writer were someone who knew both He Cheng and Xin Gan personally.

Cheng Jiu didn't let Xin Gan worry about these details. Her heart had already been broken, and her mood was severely affected, so she stayed home to rest and went nowhere. She had been followed a few times when she went out previously, which terrified her, making her even more afraid to step outside.

Cheng Jiu told her not to read the comments online, but she couldn't help herself. After reading them, she would feel miserable, leading to insomnia every night. Several times, Cheng Jiu woke up in the middle of the night to find her squatting by the bedside, saying she couldn't sleep because every time she closed her eyes, she had nightmares. In the end, he would have to coax her to sleep.

The incident was a massive blow to Xin Gan. Without her studio and her goals, she didn't know what to do, so she clung to Cheng Jiu more and more. Cheng Jiu had to work during the day and could only accompany her at night. Fearing that she would let her imagination run wild while alone, he moved her back to the Xin family home, where he would return every night after work to be with her.

Mrs. Xin, of course, did not mention He Cheng in front of her. At home, Xin Gan felt more at ease and gradually began to relax. Mr. Xin left early and returned late, preoccupied with his own work, and had little spare time to sit and talk with her. When Cheng Jiu was there in the evenings, Mr. Xin would simply continue with his own tasks. Being a man of few words, Mr. Xin often relied on his wife to act as the mediator.

As for the farcical storm, Cheng Jiu suppressed it. He sought out He Cheng and had a very serious talk with him. He Cheng’s previous petty tricks could never be brought to light. He didn't fear Cheng Jiu, but he was wary of the power Cheng Jiu currently held.

When they met, He Cheng wore a mocking smile. "You really are something, truly worthy of being a candidate. You managed to suppress this in just a few days. Xin Gan didn't choose the wrong man."

Cheng Jiu replied, "You know perfectly well whether you stirred up all this trouble because of Xin Gan or to target me. But as a man, there is no need to make things difficult for a woman who has no power to fight back."

He Cheng’s smile faded, his expression shifting, but he remained silent. Silence was as good as an admission. All the trouble he had caused wasn't directed at Xin Gan; it was entirely about using her to make Cheng Jiu feel uncomfortable. But in the end, it was nothing more than a child’s game.

It could not affect Cheng Jiu.

Cheng Jiu lit a cigarette. "If you were truly a man, you would face me head-on. There is no need to bully Xin Gan, and I won't let you succeed. But you are like a cockroach, endless and persistent, which is truly disgusting. If you want to keep stirring the pot, go ahead, but win this lawsuit first before you continue. That is all I have to say. Next time, I won't be so polite."

As he turned to leave, He Cheng stood up to block his path. "Don't talk so high and mighty. Who are you? If your old man didn't treat you like his own son, would you be where you are today? You’re just luckier than me, that’s all—you have a useful father. Cheng Jiu, I’ve had my eye on you for a long time. You’ve profited, yet you still play the victim."

"Everything Xin Gan is suffering today is because she married you. She deserves it; don't blame me."

Cheng Jiu couldn't be bothered to argue. "Then just wait and see."

...

Cheng Jiu’s identity was sensitive; there were many things he could not step in to handle directly. If he were investigated, not only would he suffer, but his father would also be implicated. Yet, the He Cheng situation did need a resolution. However, it touched upon past events, and it was inevitable that the incident where He Cheng had secretly filmed Xin Gan would be dragged into the light—something he did not want to see.

Since he was dealing with scum, he couldn't use conventional methods.

At that moment, He Chuan approached Cheng Jiu. He had heard about the recent events, and he had come because of He Cheng. Cheng Jiu wasn't surprised. After listening to He Chuan’s proposal, he asked, "Are you sure? It doesn't matter if you ruin yourself in the process?"

He Chuan laughed indifferently. "I’m a lone wolf now. What does it matter if I ruin myself?"

"..."

The words were filled with self-mockery and hidden meaning. Cheng Jiu studied him for a moment and asked, "Cheng Hui..."

"She’s doing well. You don’t need to tell me about her."

Cheng Jiu pressed, "What if you regret it later?"

"I won't." He Chuan said it lightly, as if it were a casual remark.

Cheng Jiu stared at him for a while. "He Chuan, you don't need to do this."

"Don't worry. I’m not like you—I don't have a family to drag down. I’m on my own. Even if I died tomorrow, I’d have no attachments. Besides, He Cheng and I have always been at odds. He and his mother owe my biological mother a debt of justice, and it must be repaid."

Cheng Jiu knew that no matter what else he said, He Chuan wouldn't listen. Since He Chuan had come to him, he had already made up his mind.

...

Dr. Ye was very responsible and took great care of Cheng Hui.

Cheng Hui joked, "Dr. Ye, you take such good care of me. Should I pay you a little extra as a tip?"

"My fees are not cheap, and that ten thousand is accruing quite a bit of interest."

"That’s excessive. You didn't say you’d charge interest when I borrowed it."

Dr. Ye smiled. He had shallow dimples in his cheeks, and his smile was incredibly gentle, making him seem as though he were bathed in a soft light. "It’s not too late to say it now. The creditor decides the terms."

Cheng Hui was momentarily dazed by his smile. She murmured, "The person I loved very much didn't like to smile, but when he did, he looked just like you. Very handsome."

"The fact that you can mention him so calmly now shows that your condition is improving."

"Of course. Dr. Ye is a miracle worker. If I hadn't met you, I wouldn't have been so lucky."

"Mental illness is not an incurable cancer. As long as you maintain an optimistic outlook, it can be treated."

Cheng Hui squinted, smiling. "Dr. Ye must have met many people like me. Can you tell me what the most difficult patient you've ever encountered was like?"

"I can't discuss that, as it involves patient privacy. My apologies."

Cheng Hui didn't press him. "Alright, I understand."

Dr. Ye said, "It’s been sunny these past few days. You should go downstairs and walk more, soak up some sun. Don't stay cooped up in your room; being alone indoors makes it easy to overthink, which isn't good for your recovery."

"But that will make me tan."

"Even if you’re tan, you’d be a tan beauty."

"That sounds like a watermelon."

Dr. Ye was amused. "I can tell you used to have a very optimistic personality."

"That’s only natural, but no one can stay that way forever."

"That is true."

Cheng Hui had become much more talkative. Lately, her favorite thing to do was chat with Dr. Ye. She found that teasing him was actually quite fun. She no longer thought about He Chuan; her time was spent on treatment and teasing Dr. Ye.

After returning to classes, she had a lot of work to catch up on. She spent the few minutes between classes asking her teachers for help. She didn't like her classmates, especially those who spoke ill of her, so she kept her distance and ignored them.

After some time, she wasn't as dependent on Dr. Ye—or rather, not as dependent on his therapy—and her state was much better than before.

By the end of December, the foreign holidays were in full swing, but that had nothing to do with her. She wanted to use this time to focus on her studies and catch up on the work she had fallen behind on, but the appearance of Liang Yang disrupted her plans. He asked her out to dinner; she didn't want to go, but couldn't bring herself to refuse, so she agreed.

The streets of the foreign country were filled with blonde, blue-eyed foreigners. Naturally, there were men who fit her aesthetic, and she couldn't help but glance at them. Liang Yang caught her doing so and joked, "A former classmate of mine heard I was studying abroad and begged me several times to introduce her to a foreign boyfriend."

"And what happened?"

"Later, she found one herself from somewhere, had a child out of wedlock, and when the man returned to his home country, there was no word from him. She’s living alone with a mixed-race child, and life isn't easy for her."

Cheng Hui sighed. "I guess I’m lucky, then."

"What was that?"

"Nothing."

Cheng Hui didn't want to explain, and Liang Yang didn't press.

They walked to the restaurant. Liang Yang had already booked a table by the window. Cheng Hui had been there with him several times before. Throughout the evening, Liang Yang seemed to have something on his mind, hesitating repeatedly and glancing at her often.

That look was too obvious. Cheng Hui couldn't pretend to be oblivious, and she wasn't the type to hide her emotions well. Liang Yang cut her steak, poured her juice, and told her funny stories from his past—all positive and upbeat, as if he had forgotten that their previous interactions hadn't been very pleasant.

When Cheng Hui finished eating and was about to speak, a waiter arrived with a violin and played a piece for them. Cheng Hui had no musical talent and couldn't tell what it was, but Liang Yang told her it was a very famous love song. She couldn't remember the name, so she just played along.

After the performance, Liang Yang stared at her. "You’re smart; you should have guessed what I mean."

"..." Cheng Hui looked at him blankly.

Liang Yang said, "Cheng Hui, I’m serious. I want to ask you for a chance to try. I know there’s someone in your heart who you can’t forget yet, but that’s okay. I can help you."

Cheng Hui froze completely, feeling both awkward and embarrassed. She hadn't been pursued by many people; growing up, she had always been the one chasing others—well, except for He Chuan. Thinking of He Chuan again, her gaze drifted.

She smiled and said, "It’s not April Fool’s Day, don’t joke around."

"Do I look like I’m joking? Are you that insecure? You can't believe I like you?"

Cheng Hui admitted it. "Yes, I am very insecure." She stirred her straw. "Liang Yang, I don't have that kind of confidence. I have so many flaws, not just what you see now, but many, many more that you don't know about. And I don't have the courage. It’s not that you aren't good; it’s that I’m not. I’m sorry, I can’t accept your kindness."

Without a doubt, Liang Yang had been rejected. Fortunately, this was a small scene, and Liang Yang managed to keep his composure.

"It’s alright. In that case, let’s just consider this a gathering between friends. Cheng Hui, I still really want to be your friend."

"Sure."

That was better for both of them. Hearing that his tone remained normal, Cheng Hui finally exhaled in relief. Liang Yang didn't seem upset by the rejection and treated her normally. After dinner, he walked her back to her student apartment and waited until she had gone upstairs before leaving.

When Liang Yang returned to his dorm, his roommate was playing a game. Hearing him come in, the roommate glanced at him, took off his headphones, and said, "When are you going to pay back the five hundred dollars you owe me?"

Liang Yang took off his jacket. "What’s the rush? It’s not like I’m not going to pay you."

"Then when are you going to pay me?"

"When I manage to land that little rich girl, I’ll pay you back."

"Little rich girl? No wonder you’ve been running out so much lately. So you have a target."

Liang Yang’s face darkened. He was in a bad mood and slammed his bedroom door shut. The roommate didn't bother with him and continued his game.

...

Back in her dorm, Cheng Hui sat in a daze. She had been thinking about what Liang Yang said all night. She didn't understand why he would like her. What was good about her? She had only seen him as a friend to whom she could vent her frustrations, not someone she wanted to develop a romantic relationship with.

She opened WeChat on her phone to scroll through her Moments. She hadn't updated her status in a long time, but tonight she broke the rule and posted something—nothing too negative, just a random thought.

Soon, someone liked her post. She opened it to see that it was a high school classmate. The classmate quickly messaged her: "You finally appeared! I thought you had changed your number."

She remembered this classmate and started chatting with her, though it was all casual. The classmate mostly asked where she was and why she hadn't popped up in so long. She said she was abroad, dealing with the time difference, and hadn't had time for WeChat. In truth, it was just an excuse; she just didn't want to use it. If she had wanted to use WeChat, she would have found the time to check it.

The classmate then said: "Hey, did you know? I heard Tang Que is seriously ill."

She froze. Her face turned pale, and her fingers trembled.

Classmate: "I heard it’s cancer. Very serious. Several classmates went to visit him, and his condition isn't good. Did you know?"

Only a few people knew that Cheng Hui had a secret crush on Tang Que in high school.

She replied: "No, I didn't. What kind of cancer?"

Classmate: "Bone cancer, I think. I didn't go; I wasn't that close to Tang Que, and he might not want to see me anyway."

She: "When did this happen?"

Classmate: "Not long ago, just last month."

Cheng Hui closed her phone and slumped onto the sofa, too weak to open WeChat to see the messages. She felt numb; she didn't want to know this. It wasn't that she held a grudge, but she could never forgive what Tang Que had done to her, so whether he lived or died, she actually felt very little.

Her emotions were on the verge of collapsing again. She scrambled to find the medicine Dr. Ye had prescribed and shoved it into her mouth. After swallowing, her tears began to fall, one by one, absorbed by the carpet.

Cheng Hui called Dr. Ye, regardless of how late it was. Fortunately, he answered.

She said, "Dr. Ye, I can’t breathe."