Chapter Sixty: Return to See Her

"I've always had this in mind. Considering many factors, I haven't brought it up yet. This time, coming home after graduation, my first task is to resolve the engagement with the Cheng family, and secondly, to be honest with Mom and Dad." Shen Ruxin was silent for several minutes, then said, "Xinxin, do you remember your first year in London, when I went to see you? As soon as you saw me, you cried like a child. You said you missed home and didn't want to stay in London, but Uncle was resolute and wouldn't let you come back, no matter how much you cried." Xin Gan recalled memories she preferred not to revisit, her eyes growing hot and misty. She quickly turned her face away so Shen Ruxin wouldn't catch her off guard.

"Is it because of that, you've always held a grudge, and that's why you want to emigrate?" Xin Gan didn't reply. "Later, when you stopped asking to come home, we thought you'd adjusted to the new environment. You were still so young then, living on your own—really brave and admirable. I've always been proud of you. But, Xinxin, if you truly want to emigrate, what about your parents? You should consider their feelings."

"Cousin, my decision to emigrate has nothing to do with them. I've just gotten used to life in London; it suits me there. There's no other reason." Shen Ruxin didn’t argue, simply responded, "Mm, I hope that’s all it is."

...

When Xin Gan returned to her room, she slumped on the carpet, exhausted. Leaning against the side of the bed, she reflected on why she had made this decision in the first place. Was she resenting her parents for sending her abroad when she was so young? Those first years had truly been difficult, and only after enduring them did she finally adjust. Then, hearing that her grandfather had arranged a marriage for her directly triggered her deepest resistance, strengthening her resolve to emigrate.

She understood her own nature: she lacked a sense of security and was often indecisive, unable to make clean breaks, especially after meeting Cheng Jiu. He was like a magnet—at first, they repelled each other, but gradually, she was helplessly drawn to him. If they had met differently, perhaps she would have liked him openly and been with him without hesitation. But now, she couldn't bring herself to be decisive about him. If she were to marry him, she would have to abandon her plans, have to bow her head. She didn't think she was ready to give up everything for Cheng Jiu. In the end, she would let him go.

After her shower, Cheng Jiu sent her a good night message. She replied in kind, then turned off her phone and went to sleep.

That night, Shen Ruxin returned home and told Song Chen about Xin Gan's plan. Song Chen just chuckled, "Your cousin is pretty opinionated, seems she's thought it all through." Shen Ruxin threw a pillow at him, exasperated. "How can you still laugh?"

"It's your cousin who wants to emigrate. Why take it out on me? Darling, don't vent your anger on me." Shen Ruxin glared at him. "Enough with the sarcasm. Think of a solution, quickly."

"What kind of solution?" "How to make her give up on emigrating. If Aunt finds out, she'll be seriously upset. Xinxin doesn't know, but we do—Aunt's health hasn't been good these past years. If she gets angry and falls ill, what then?"

Song Chen replied carelessly, "I think you shouldn't worry so much. Xin Gan is an adult. Whatever she decides is her business, and she'll bear the consequences herself. It's not your burden. Don't fret needlessly."

"Song Chen, how can you be so cold? Xin Gan is my cousin, my family. How can you just stand by?" Seeing she was about to lose her temper, Song Chen quickly relented. "Fine, it's my fault. What do you want me to do?"

"How about this: let Xinxin work at your company for now, keep her busy and distracted; we'll plan further steps as we go." "Or, I could find a chance to talk to her. I'm more of an outsider; maybe she'll listen to me." "Alright, you talk to her," Shen Ruxin agreed, feeling she had no other recourse. Song Chen, as a bystander, might have more weight in his words, potentially prompting Xin Gan to reconsider.

...

At home, Xin Gan had little to do, but she couldn't stay idle forever. To reassure her family, she decided to both take the civil service exam and look for a job. She sent out several resumes, but days passed without a single reply—a clear sign there would be no news.

Somehow, Song Chen found out she was job hunting and invited her out for a meal. Keke was there too, but Shen Ruxin wasn't. When they met, they sat together eating. Song Chen fed Keke ice cream while chatting with Xin Gan. "Four or five years have flown by; you’ve graduated college already. Time passes so fast. When I first met you, you were just fifteen or sixteen—young but mature, even more than your cousin."

Xin Gan had anticipated Song Chen would seek her out, so she wasn’t surprised. "Yes, time goes quickly." Keke nibbled her ice cream sweetly, cream smeared around her mouth, looking utterly adorable.

Song Chen said, "You probably know why I asked you out. I’ll be direct. Ruxin tells me everything, including your past. Do you want to hear my thoughts?"

"Brother-in-law, go ahead." "This is just my impression: I think you’re angry at your parents. You never say it, but deep down, there’s a grudge. Setting emigration aside, during your years abroad you never told your family about your situation. You’d go to your cousin if anything happened, but then you stopped even going to her. Ruxin once asked me about it; she said you grew up, became sensible, but also kept things to yourself, no longer confiding in her."

"She felt a little lost, like one day Keke would grow up too, with secrets she wouldn't share with her parents. That's how she feels about you."

Xin Gan said nothing.

"Xin Gan, you might not know, but I met Cheng Jiu a few years ago—" Song Chen was about to continue when he spotted someone he knew in the distance. That person saw him, too, and called out.

He Chuan had brought a female friend along—a young woman with chestnut curls, a doll-like face, in a fitted black dress, clearly dressed up, about twenty-five. He Chuan spotted Song Chen and his daughter from afar, and came over, only then noticing Xin Gan.

"I thought you were dining with your wife. Didn’t expect Miss Xin." Song Chen greeted him, "You've met?"

He Chuan sat beside Xin Gan. "We’ve met." Xin Gan smiled at him in greeting.

"Oh, almost forgot. You’re friends with Cheng Jiu. By the way, I haven’t been introduced to your companion…"

"A friend, surname Lin," He Chuan said lightly, not clarifying the relationship. Song Chen didn’t press.

Keke finished her ice cream and wanted Xin Gan to hold her. Xin Gan placed Keke on her lap and whispered, "Are you full, little glutton? Be careful—if your mom finds out you snuck ice cream, you’ll be in trouble." "Shh, Auntie, you have to keep it a secret!"

He Chuan asked casually, "Why the good mood dining out? Your wife's not here?" "She’s resting at home, headache from the child’s noise. Today’s Saturday, so I took her out." Remembering, Song Chen added, "Let me introduce Xin Gan, my wife’s cousin, whom you said you’ve met."

"Cousin? So you and Cheng Jiu will soon be relatives." "Then Cheng Jiu will have to call me brother-in-law." Looking at Xin Gan, Song Chen said, "Xinxin, I just brought up Cheng Jiu—wanted to tell you, we attended the same school. I was two years ahead—his senior."

Xin Gan gave a polite smile. "I see." "Yes, Cheng Jiu was quite the celebrity back then—good-looking, top grades, always in the spotlight. I had a tough time competing with him." He Chuan watched Xin Gan’s reaction closely but she seemed indifferent, which struck him as odd—if there were feelings, she wouldn’t be this detached.

Suddenly, Keke clamored for the restroom. Xin Gan quickly carried her away. The girl He Chuan brought, who’d been silent, also excused herself to the restroom.

"Go ahead," He Chuan waved her off. When only the two men were left, He Chuan asked, "Chen, you’re her brother-in-law, you must know more than me. I’d like to ask you something."

Song Chen said, "You sent the girl away to ask about Xin Gan? Did Cheng Jiu ask you to?" He Chuan laughed quietly, "Hard to hide anything from you." He’d signaled his friend to leave so he could talk privately.

"You and Cheng Jiu were always in cahoots back in school. What are you plotting now?" "Nothing bad. Remember my brother, He Cheng?" "Of course."

...

When Xin Gan returned with Keke, He Chuan’s friend was gone, just the two men left. They shifted the conversation naturally. Outside, the sun was harsh. Keke wanted to play outdoors, but Song Chen refused. Keke started to pout, lying on Xin Gan’s lap, on the verge of tears. Xin Gan coaxed her, not noticing He Chuan watching her intently.

After ten minutes, He Chuan and his companion left. When Song Chen saw it was time, he said, "Let’s go home." At the mention of home, Keke threw a tantrum, not wanting to leave—she wanted to play in the park’s sandpit.

Xin Gan patiently persuaded her, finally carrying her to the car. This made Keke even more upset; she suddenly opened the other door and ran out. Song Chen, distracted by a phone call, didn’t notice her escape.

Xin Gan chased after Keke, calling her name. Only then did Song Chen realize and looked up to see Keke’s little legs running toward the parking lot exit, nearly hit by a car entering. Xin Gan dashed forward and scooped her up just in time. Keke, terrified, began to wail, and even Xin Gan, usually gentle, scolded her sharply.

Keke cried even harder. Ignoring her sobs, Xin Gan scolded her again.

The car that had almost hit Keke stopped nearby. The window rolled down to reveal He Cheng, who looked at Xin Gan coldly. "Is the child alright?" He Cheng got out and walked over.

Xin Gan glanced up, her expression darkening.

He Cheng smirked, looking at Xin Gan. "Xinxin, we meet again."

Xin Gan held Keke, face impassive.

"What’s your relation to this child?" "None of your business." "Perhaps you should take her to the hospital. She looks frightened—maybe she got hurt." "I’ll take her myself." "Let me drive you." "No, thank you."

He Cheng smiled self-deprecatingly. "Xinxin, must you be this way? I mean well. Even if it wasn’t my fault, I’ll take responsibility if she's hurt." Xin Gan started to walk away, but He Cheng quickly grabbed her arm. "You dislike me so much you won’t even look at me?"

"I thought we made things clear," Xin Gan said, not wanting to argue, especially with Keke still crying.

"That’s why I’m apologizing, Xinxin. I don’t ask for forgiveness, just don’t ignore me. I know I was wrong." He Cheng rarely lowered himself this way, but he hoped she would relent.

Xin Gan pulled free, still cold. "You’re not at fault. I am. I shouldn't have met you."

He Cheng laughed bitterly. "Xinxin, can’t you give me another chance?"

"Auntie, Auntie, I want my mom!" Keke’s cries drowned He Cheng’s words; her face was red and streaked with tears, sobbing uncontrollably.

Xin Gan’s heart twisted. She stopped scolding, holding Keke tightly and leaving quickly.

He Cheng wanted to follow, but Xin Gan ignored him, walking away.

Song Chen caught up, taking Keke from Xin Gan and soothing her gently, but Keke only cried harder, especially since Song Chen had refused to let her play earlier.

...

After explaining what happened to Song Chen, he didn’t blame her; instead, he drove Keke to the hospital for a checkup. He also told Xin Gan not to mention it to Shen Ruxin yet, so as not to worry her, and to wait for the results. Thankfully, the examination found nothing wrong, and they were relieved.

On the way home, Song Chen asked, "Who almost hit Keke?" "I know him," Xin Gan replied. "You do?" "Yes, He Chuan’s younger brother, He Cheng." Song Chen nodded, "As long as Keke’s alright, that’s what matters."

"Brother-in-law, I’m sorry, I didn’t watch her closely enough." "I’m at fault too. If anything had happened, I'd be responsible as well. You don’t need to blame yourself." As adults, they shared responsibility for not keeping an eye on Keke; it wasn’t He Cheng’s fault.

Keke had calmed down, lying quietly on Xin Gan’s lap. Xin Gan stroked her hair.

"Auntie, Daddy, I’m sorry. I won’t run away again." Keke had scared herself, but after crying and calming down, she realized her mistake.

Song Chen didn’t scold her; when getting out of the car, he picked her up. Keke turned to Xin Gan, kissed her cheek, and said, "Sorry, Auntie. Don’t dislike Keke. I’ll be good from now on."

Xin Gan smiled, pinching her cheek gently.

Song Chen dropped Keke off at home for the nanny to look after, then drove Xin Gan home.

On the way, he asked if she wanted to intern at his company. Xin Gan was silent. "Don’t rush to say no. Go for an interview. You’re not busy right now, and we’re short-staffed. You just graduated and need experience."

"Did my cousin put you up to this?" "Yes, she’s worried about you." Seeing her reluctance, Song Chen said, "If you have other plans, that’s fine. But try it out first, as Ruxin suggested. She only wants what's best for you."

After some thought, Xin Gan agreed.

...

Cheng Jiu was still training when He Chuan called. Hearing the shouts in the background, He Chuan asked, "Still training?" "What’s up?" "Guess who I saw today?" "Xin Gan." "How did you know?" "If you hadn't, you wouldn’t call me with a riddle. Spill it."

"I saw her dining with Song Chen—turns out he’s her brother-in-law, and I've done business with him. I asked about her and He Cheng, but he didn’t know much. Cheng Jiu, if you really want her, you should come back and have dinner with her family, settle the engagement before anything else happens."

Cheng Jiu was aware but couldn’t get away at the moment.

He Chuan understood. "He Cheng’s been pestering her, and she seems to avoid him. But he’s stubborn—if he keeps at it, she’ll be annoyed. Why not come back and help her deal with it?"

"I understand. Keep an eye out for me," Cheng Jiu replied. "Let me know before you return," He Chuan said, hanging up and heading inside.

The house was a mess. He Cheng was sprawled on the sofa beside several empty liquor bottles, dead to the world. Even with all the noise, He Chuan couldn’t wake him until he filled a basin with ice water and dumped it on his face. He Cheng jolted awake, glaring at He Chuan.

"Awake, are we?" He Chuan’s voice was openly mocking.

Without a word, He Cheng staggered to his feet and swung at him, but drunk as he was, he was no match. He Chuan easily knocked him down.

He Chuan kicked his knee. "All these years I haven’t laid a hand on you—because you’re family, Mom’s favorite." He Cheng grimaced in pain. "Go on, beat me to death if you’ve got the guts!"

He Chuan grinned coldly. "Looks like I’ve been too soft. You’re out of control, even ignoring me now. Do you really think I’ll show you mercy? Who do you think you are?"

He Cheng was no match, unable even to stand. He Chuan’s kick had nearly crippled his knee.

"Listen, He Cheng. You can mess with anyone, but stay away from Xin Gan. Understood?"

He Cheng sneered. "So you’re just defending Cheng Jiu because she’s his fiancée?"

"You know she’s engaged to him, so watch yourself."

Their argument was so loud Mrs. He heard from upstairs and hurried down. Seeing one son standing, the other collapsed and drenched, she cried out, "What’s going on? Don’t hit your brother, He Chuan!"

He Chuan shrugged her off. "Mom, the more you spoil him, the worse he’ll get."

"But he’s my son! It’s my fault for not raising him right. You should forgive him, no matter what. Please, for my sake."

He Chuan was furious, glaring at He Cheng.

He Cheng staggered upright, wiped his face, and taunted, "So you’re not interested in Xin Gan yourself, just helping Cheng Jiu? Mom, your good son stands with outsiders against me."

Mrs. He was startled. "What do you mean? Isn’t she engaged to the Cheng family?"

He Cheng laughed coldly. "Ask He Chuan what he’s thinking."

He tried to leave, but Mrs. He grabbed him. "Where are you going like this?"

"Anywhere’s better than here, where I’m hated."

He Chuan stopped her from chasing after him. "Let him go."

"Don’t be like this! Bring him back. Please!"

He Chuan was unmoved. "Keep indulging him and he'll do something truly unforgivable one day."

He Cheng left without looking back. Mrs. He clung to He Chuan, nearly fainting from distress. He helped her to the sofa. "Mom, you spoil him too much. He’s grown up. If you keep protecting him, he’ll never learn."

"Please, find your brother. I’m so worried about him."

"Fine, I’ll look for him. Go rest, alright?"

"You’re so sensible, He Chuan."

He Chuan gave a bitter laugh. "By the way, He Cheng nearly hit Song Chen’s daughter today. If something had happened, do you think Song Chen would let it go?"

...

After leaving home, He Cheng called a friend to pick him up. Seeing his disheveled state, the friend joked, "What happened? Wet yourself like a child?"

He Cheng glared, silencing him at once.

"Take me to No. 9 Mansion."

...

That night, Xin Gan received a call from an unknown number. It was He Cheng, drunkenly calling her name over and over. She hung up. He immediately called again.

Her family was watching TV in the living room. Her mother asked, "Xinxin, your phone’s ringing. Aren’t you going to answer?"

Xin Gan muted it. "Just a telemarketer."

He Cheng, frustrated by the unanswered calls, smashed his phone and yelled at his friend, "Why won’t she answer? Make her answer, now!"

"Calm down, He Cheng. Who isn’t answering?"

"Call her! Tell her to come here. I want to see her!"

When He Chuan arrived, He Cheng was sprawled over the bar, muttering Xin Gan’s name.

He Chuan sneered. "Still thinking of her, even like this."

"Mr. He," the bartender greeted, "your brother’s drunk again. He broke a few bottles. The bill…"

"Put it on my tab."

"Are you He Cheng’s friend? The one who brought him?"

"Yes, he insisted on drinking. I couldn’t stop him."

He Chuan smiled, handing over a wad of cash. "Do me a favor—tell all his friends not to hang out with him anymore. Our family won’t pay for his parties. Anyone who wants to play with him pays their own way."

"He’s not worth being friends with."

...

When He Cheng woke, he found himself in a hotel bed, clothes untouched, head throbbing. He saw He Chuan on the sofa.

"Why are you here?"

"Awake now?"

He Cheng got up to leave, but two burly men blocked the door.

He Cheng turned furiously. "What’s this about?"

"Time for self-reflection."

"Reflect on what?"

"You tell me."

He Cheng tried to fight, but He Chuan said, "Your knee seems fine. Want me to test it again?"

"Don’t push me, He Chuan."

He Chuan lit a cigarette. "Frankly, if you weren’t family, I wouldn’t care if you lived or died."

...

Cheng Jiu requested three days’ leave. Chief Meng joked, "Hurry and marry that girl so you can settle down. Want more time off?"

"If you give me more now, will you still approve my leave at year’s end?"

"Brat, get out of here."

Coming out of the office, he found Xiao Shi waiting. "Ninth Brother, where are you going on leave?"

"How did you know?"

"Overheard…"

"Peeking at the door, more like." Xiao Shi grinned sheepishly. "So, where are you going?"

"The sun’s too bright," Cheng Jiu squinted. "I’m going home."

Xiao Shi hesitated, "Is it because of Miss Xin?"

"You know, so why ask?"

"Wow!" Xiao Shi exclaimed. "Will she visit again?"

"Why so nosy?"

"Let me pack for you!"

"No need."

"I insist."

Cheng Jiu’s time in Yong City was short—just three days, with two lost to travel. He packed only essentials. His leave didn’t escape Jiang Tang’s notice. Unable to reach him by phone, she grew anxious.

She found Xiao Shi. "Where's Cheng Jiu going for three days? His phone’s off."

Xiao Shi, knowing her feelings, answered cautiously, "I can’t say. It’s his business."

"I can’t reach him, that’s why I’m asking. Xiao Shi, can’t you tell me?"

"Calm down, Jiang Tang."

"We’ve known each other so long, and you won’t even share this?"

"It’s not that I don’t want to. He told me not to."

Jiang Tang sighed deeply. "I think I know."

"You do?"

"When Miss Xin left, she went with Cheng Jiu’s father, right? He’s never taken leave before; he must be going home."

Xiao Shi said nothing.

"I’m not stupid. We all know, I just didn’t want to believe I had no chance. Don’t look at me like that; I don’t need your pity."

Xiao Shi looked down. "Maybe, Jiang Tang, you should give up. He has someone he likes."

She gave a bitter smile. "You all know I like him. Has he known all along?"

"Well…"

"Is he blind? How could he not see? Forget it, you’re not him."

Xiao Shi felt he should be honest. "He’s gone to Yong City. Move on. As a friend, I hate to see you so upset."

"That just makes me sadder."

Xiao Shi could only sigh. Women were more complicated than he’d realized. Still, he couldn’t blame her; Ninth Brother was attractive, tall, cool on the outside but irresistible. Even if he never responded, women flocked to him—like a celebrity with a built-in allure.

If not Jiang Tang, there’d be another.

Jiang Tang feared only that he’d really marry Xin Gan. If it came to that, nothing could be done. Fortunately, Xin Gan didn’t seem willing to be with him, so Jiang Tang still had hope.

Cheng Jiu boarded the plane home. Yong City was both familiar and strange. He hadn’t returned in years and wondered how much it had changed. With two days lost to travel, he planned to sleep on the plane. He told no one he was coming, took a taxi upon arrival, and went straight to the Cheng home.

He arrived before dawn. The house was still asleep, except for the housekeeper sweeping leaves in the yard. Remembering the code, Cheng Jiu let himself in.

The housekeeper heard the noise and, seeing him, was momentarily stunned. "Are you… Cheng Jiu?"

"It’s me, Aunt Lin."

The Cheng house was instantly lively. His father was away on business, so only his mother and sister were home. His mother was overjoyed, unable to hold back tears. His sister, both happy and nervous, wanted to approach but hesitated at his stern face. "Brother, you’ve gotten darker!"

His mother laughed. "Don’t tease your brother, Huihui."

Cheng Jiu beckoned. "Come here. Let me see if you’ve gotten tougher."

Huihui wouldn’t dare, hiding behind the sofa. "Brother, why do you always want to hit me? I’m your sister! No wonder you scared Sister Xin away!"

His mother seized the moment. "How long will you be home this time?"

"One day. I leave tomorrow."

"So soon?"

"I only have three days off."

"Two days lost to travel—what’s so urgent?"

"I need to see Xin Gan."

...

After a shower, Cheng Jiu opened his wardrobe for something formal. All his old clothes were too small; years of training had broadened his frame. With time short, he chose a simple black T-shirt. If he were to visit Xin Gan’s family formally, it wouldn’t do, but he seldom bothered with formalities these days. Better to stick to what felt right.

His sister peeked in, giggling. "Why dress so simply? Such a waste of a good figure. Want to borrow Dad’s suit?"

"What university did your grades get you into?" he countered.

She feigned deafness. "What? Can't hear you, must be the wind. Oh, Mom’s calling, I’m going downstairs."

She tried to run, but he caught her by the collar. "Not so fast. Didn’t you want to help me pick out clothes?"

"It wouldn’t fit. Dad’s suit is way too old for you. Maybe He Chuan’s suits?"

"You think his would fit me?"

"Definitely! All tailor-made luxury brands. Take his!"

"So, how many points did you score?"

She fell silent.

"Or are you ready to repeat a year?"

"Let’s not talk about sad things. Spare me, let’s be siblings in the next life too."

...

Cheng Jiu went alone to visit the Xin family. His mother wanted to join, but he insisted this was his business. His sister, wanting to tag along, clung to the car door until he relented.

She was delighted, bragging to her friends in a group chat, even taking stealthy photos of him to post on social media. Her caption read: "My brother’s perfect in every way, just a bit old. Hope his future wife won’t mind. He’s barely home, but as soon as he changed clothes, off he went to meet his fiancée!"

He Chuan, one of her contacts, quickly commented: "Screenshot sent to your brother."