Chapter Sixty-One: Competition and Unease

Cheng Hui cursed under her breath and was immediately caught by Cheng Jiu. He glanced at her nonchalantly and said, "Don't let me hear that kind of language again."

Clutching her phone, Cheng Hui shrank her neck and replied timidly, "I wouldn't dare, really. I won't say it anymore."

Having been scolded, Cheng Hui vented her frustration to He Chuan on WeChat, demanding him to retract his message. He Chuan, ever cheeky, sent a smiley face and asked, "Is your brother going to the Xin family?"

"Yes," she replied.

"Are you going too?"

"I am."

"What for?"

"To watch the drama."

...

Before Cheng Jiu arrived, Mrs. Cheng had prepared gifts for him to take along. It wouldn't do to visit someone's home empty-handed.

Cheng Hui bounced after him, grinning. "Brother, how should I address everyone when we get there? What should I call them?"

"Just follow my lead," Cheng Jiu replied.

"But what if you call them father-in-law and mother-in-law? Should I call them that too?"

Cheng Jiu tapped her forehead. "Stop being clever. Don't cause trouble."

"Alright, I'll ring the doorbell."

It was already past two o'clock. Mrs. Xin was napping in her room and was awakened by the knocking. She sat up and asked, "What's the matter?"

"Madam, guests have arrived."

"Who would visit at this hour? Go pour some tea and entertain them. I'll come down in a bit."

"Yes, ma'am."

...

While waiting for the Xin family's housekeeper to come upstairs, Cheng Hui was busy touching everything and scanning her surroundings. She exclaimed, "The Xin house isn't at all what I imagined. There are so many valuable things here. This vase looks ancient and expensive."

She looked as though she had never seen the world, reminiscent of Auntie Liu's first visit to Grand View Garden.

Cheng Jiu, sitting on the sofa, admonished her, "If you can't sit still, you can go home now."

"Why are you so fierce? I was just looking around because it's all so fascinating."

"This isn't your home. Show some manners."

Cheng Hui sighed, "My brother's wings have hardened, and now he sides with outsiders. I'm so sad, so heartbroken. I need to confide in He Chuan."

The housekeeper came downstairs and apologized, "Sorry to keep you waiting. Madam will be down shortly."

"No rush, we can wait. By the way, is Sister Xin Gan at home?"

The housekeeper laughed, "Miss left this morning, she's not home right now. Only Madam is here."

"What? Sister Xin isn't here?" Cheng Hui jumped up in excitement. "She left this morning? Where did she go?"

"Miss went to work and will be back tonight. Are you here to see her?"

Cheng Jiu stood up, "Where does she work?"

"I don't know. You would have to ask Madam."

Cheng Hui glanced furtively at Cheng Jiu and whispered, "Why did you come without checking if she's home? Brother, you're too careless."

Cheng Jiu ignored her. Just then, Mrs. Xin came downstairs and, seeing the pair in the living room, immediately recognized them.

...

Xin Gan's first day at Song Chen's company was straightforward; she skipped the interview since Song Chen personally brought her in. She wanted to go through the formal process, but Song Chen had already spoken to the company to waive it.

Xin Gan lacked confidence, and with Song Chen brushing aside the formalities, she was led by the HR manager to sign the onboarding agreement. Fortunately, it was only a probationary contract, not a formal employment agreement.

After signing, the HR manager said, "I'll check with President Song about your work arrangements. There's nothing for you today, so you can go home and start officially next Monday."

She was about to leave but was called by Song Chen to have lunch together. During lunch, Song Chen briefly explained the company’s rules and processes, and reminded her, "Don't feel pressured. If you encounter difficulties, come to me. We're family, so speak freely."

"Brother-in-law, thank you."

"No need. It's nothing."

Song Chen smiled gently, "You don't seem very happy?"

"It's not that, just a bit unaccustomed."

"That's normal. You just graduated. I went through the same thing. Don't worry, if you have questions, ask me anytime. If you have emotional troubles, talk to your cousin. She’s more skilled in that area than I am."

Xin Gan smiled, "Alright, thank you, brother-in-law."

"There's nothing else for you this afternoon, so head home. HR said you start officially next Monday. It's hot outside, so if you don't want to walk, you can visit the nearby mall, or I can have the driver take you home."

"No need, I want to buy some books, so I'll go out. No need to trouble you, I can get home myself."

"Alright, call me if you need anything."

"Okay."

Song Chen left after lunch. Once he was gone, Xin Gan slumped over the table like a deflated ball, sighing, feeling powerless.

It was just after one. She wandered around the nearby mall and finally went to the library to read for a while. Not long after, she received a call from home—the housekeeper.

"Miss, are you at work?"

"What's wrong?"

"There are guests at home. Madam wants you to come back."

"What guests?"

"Madam didn't say. It's a young couple, the girl is younger, maybe seventeen or eighteen, looks like a high schooler."

Xin Gan guessed it might be her father's friends. She had nothing else to do, so told the housekeeper she would return now.

Upon arriving home, she saw an unfamiliar car parked at the entrance, a local plate, but she couldn't recognize whose it was. She walked inside and, before reaching the living room, heard her mother's voice.

Mrs. Xin spotted Xin Gan and quickly called her over.

Xin Gan entered the living room and saw only a man sitting on the sofa, showing the back of his head. That clean, neat short hair, the silhouette—it made her wonder if she was mistaken. She paused for a few seconds, then walked over.

"Xin Xin, look who this is," Mrs. Xin said, her delight evident, pulling Xin Gan enthusiastically. "Do you recognize him?"

Cheng Jiu stood up, tall and upright, a full head taller than her. He was dressed more formally today, not in borrowed clothes from He Chuan, but his own. He was used to wearing camouflage and found suits uncomfortable, but today was special—his first official visit to the Xin family. He wanted to leave a good impression, so he wore a black shirt, more casual than a suit.

Xin Gan had dressed formally for work—a fitted black dress suited for an office environment. She had just returned, flushed from the heat outside, a sheen of sweat on her forehead, fine hairs damp along her hairline. She wore makeup, and her allergic rash was much improved, barely noticeable now. Her expression was puzzled, unsure how to react as she looked at him.

He smiled briefly, his gaze dropping to her dress, revealing a pair of long, straight legs. Since returning to Yongcheng, her complexion had lightened.

During her time in Beiyu, she mostly wore long sleeves and pants, rarely skirts, and the dusty climate there wasn't suitable for such attire.

"Why are you..." Xin Gan looked at him, still dazed.

Cheng Hui suddenly jumped in, "Sister Xin! Why aren't you looking at me?"

...

Xin Gan pressed her lips together, uncertain whether to feel happy or not. Seeing Cheng Jiu was a surprise, and even more so that he would come to her home. In the next moment, she felt certain his visit meant trouble.

Cheng Hui obediently sat swinging on the side, waving at Xin Gan.

Now that they were all together, the atmosphere was subtly awkward. Mrs. Xin had only chatted briefly with Cheng Jiu earlier, and had a good impression of him. Now that Xin Gan was back, she intentionally left them alone, excusing herself to the kitchen to make snacks.

It had been a while since they last met, and Cheng Jiu felt something had changed about her, though he couldn't say what.

Sitting together felt uncomfortable, so Cheng Jiu broke the silence first, "Your allergy's better?"

"Yes, almost healed."

"Good." His gaze lingered on her. "I heard from the housekeeper you found a job?"

"I did. I start next Monday."

Cheng Jiu nodded, "What position?"

"My role is..." Xin Gan paused, glanced at him, "Why did you suddenly come back? Is your team on leave?"

"No." Cheng Jiu's expression grew serious. "If I didn't return, my wife might run away."

...

Mrs. Xin really went to prepare afternoon tea in the kitchen. Not wanting the housekeeper to disturb the pair in the living room, she quietly called her in to help.

Left alone, the two in the living room sat in silence. Xin Gan's ears reddened as she asked, "How long will you stay?"

"Not long. I'll leave soon."

"How soon?"

"What about you? When do you want me to leave?"

Another round of teasing.

Xin Gan didn't answer, looking away to distract herself by sipping tea.

After finishing a cup, she set it aside without refilling. Cheng Jiu noticed and reached for the teapot, refilling her cup, then placed it beside her. "There'll be heavy rain in a few days. Remember to take an umbrella when you go out. And don't wear such high heels—it's unsafe."

Xin Gan glanced down at her shoes. They were quite tall, but wasn't that normal? She tucked her legs in, feeling unguarded before him, uneasy all over.

"I know. Thank you."

The weather had been oppressive lately—hot, with a heavy feeling in the air, a sign of impending storms.

Xin Gan couldn't help but recall the time she first arrived in Beiyu, sick and feverish, when Cheng Jiu took her to see a doctor. On the way back, they watched the night sky and discussed the weather.

Thinking back, she realized Cheng Jiu had gradually started treating her differently, though she couldn't pinpoint when.

She dared not dwell on it; some things should not be overanalyzed.

...

Mrs. Xin finished the snacks and brought them out, inviting everyone to taste. Xin Gan handed some to Cheng Hui, who was delighted by the food and showered Mrs. Xin with praise, her sweet words making Mrs. Xin beam.

As the afternoon wore on, it was time for Cheng Jiu to leave. Mrs. Xin hurriedly asked Xin Gan to see them off.

Xin Gan escorted the two to the door. Cheng Jiu lingered at the entrance, not rushing to get in the car. Cheng Hui, sensing the moment, took the keys and went ahead to wait in the car.

Cheng Jiu had something more to say to Xin Gan.

Xin Gan looked at him, offering a polite smile, "Is there something else?"

Cheng Jiu said, "I'm leaving tomorrow."

Xin Gan made a sound of surprise, then realized he was answering her earlier question.

"Then I wish you a safe journey."

With no one else around, Cheng Jiu's lips curled into a smile. He grabbed her arm, pulling her close, and whispered, "Why do I feel like you've grown distant?"

Xin Gan pressed her hands against his chest, shaking her head. "I'm not."

"Then what is it?"

She refused to say, "It's nothing."

"Xin Gan, will you come out tonight?"

"What?"

Cheng Jiu patiently repeated, "Come out tonight. I'll send you the address. Come find me."

Xin Gan stared at him, alarmed and incredulous.

Cheng Jiu said softly, "Don't be afraid of me. I'm not scary. I just want to spend some time alone with you. If you don't come, I won't mind climbing over your wall to find you."

With that, he let go and turned away.

Xin Gan stood there for a while, her mind blank, her heart in chaos.

...

Back inside, Mrs. Xin approached her with a smile, wrapping her arm around Xin Gan's and whispering, "I think you two get along well. I thought that Cheng family boy would be rough, but he's actually quite handsome and polite."

Feeling tired, Xin Gan sat on the sofa, her gaze falling on the tea tray, where her cup was filled. She picked it up and drank.

Cheng Jiu disliked having his photo taken. The photo the Cheng family provided was from his university days, not very true to life. He looked cold and stern in it, rarely smiling, full of youthful aggression. After years of tempering, much of that sharpness had faded, so Mrs. Xin's impression of him changed a lot today.

That evening, Xin Gan was going out. Mrs. Xin made a point to ask her about it. As she changed shoes in the foyer, she mumbled, "A friend invited me to go shopping."

"Which friend? How many people? When will you be back?"

Xin Gan wasn't good at lying and brushed her mother off, saying she was in a hurry, then left.

Cheng Jiu texted her the meeting place—at a park near her house. It was night, and the park was crowded. Xin Gan had showered and changed before going out, not even having dinner yet. When she saw his message, she rushed out.

Cheng Jiu had changed outfits too, sitting on a horizontal bar, smoking. The dim streetlights cast a halo around him, making it easy for Xin Gan to spot him.

She wore flat sandals, a long dress reaching her knees, her hair falling naturally over her shoulders. Just standing there, she effortlessly caught his eye.

He tossed away his cigarette and strode toward her.

When he approached, Xin Gan instinctively stepped back. "What do you want?"

Cheng Jiu stopped, his jaw tight, severe and silent, intimidating.

"A date."

Xin Gan bit her lip, "Are you sure?"

"Yes."

She hesitated. "Cheng Jiu, to be honest, I don't want to play games with you."

"We'll see. Come with me."

"Where are we going now?"

"You'll see. Since you're here, you might as well."

Xin Gan had no choice but to follow him.

He slowed his pace, waiting for her to catch up.

...

A Land Rover was parked on the roadside. Cheng Jiu got in first. Xin Gan hesitated. He rolled down the window and leaned out, "Get in."

"Where to?"

"You'll find out."

Xin Gan didn't move, frowning. "If you won't tell me, I'm not going. I'm going home."

Cheng Jiu laughed quietly, "Xin Gan, I'm leaving tomorrow. Just tonight."

...

Cheng Jiu drove steadily, as she knew he always did. Even that night on the plateau, in danger and urgency, he never panicked. His face showed no sign of fear.

Xin Gan lost herself in thought, not knowing where he was taking her. She couldn't help but ask, "Where are we going?"

"You'll see," Cheng Jiu replied, not about to reveal anything, focused on driving.

Xin Gan noticed the streetlights fading outside the window. The road was growing more desolate as they left the city, heading toward the outskirts.

Few cars passed by. Outside was pitch black, the city’s moonlight dim, the sky like ink with no hint of brightness.

Xin Gan fell silent, turning to gaze out the window.

Cheng Jiu seemed to sense her mood and reassured her, "Don't be afraid. I won't do anything reckless."

She still didn't turn around, showing only the back of her head.

Just then, his phone rang. Cheng Jiu glanced at the screen—it was a message from He Chuan.

"Everyone’s here. Are you coming?"

Cheng Jiu put the phone down and kept driving.

Half an hour later, he finally arrived. By then, the hillside was crowded with parked cars, lights shining, people chatting beside their vehicles, and quite a few girls in revealing outfits.

Cheng Jiu parked off to the side. Before he could get out, someone approached and tapped the window. He rolled it down, and the person said, "Brother Chuan's asleep. I'll wake him, please wait."

"Where's He Cheng?" Cheng Jiu asked.

"He's here, they're all here."

With that, the person walked off to fetch He Chuan.

When Cheng Jiu mentioned He Cheng’s name, Xin Gan was startled. But it made sense—Cheng Jiu and He Chuan were friends, and He Cheng was He Chuan's brother, so it was only natural for Cheng Jiu to know him.

The window was still open, letting in the cool night breeze. Cheng Jiu opened the car door, "Want some fresh air?"

Xin Gan asked, "What are they doing? What are you doing?"

Cheng Jiu took a drag on his cigarette, "You’ll find out soon."

"What exactly are you doing?" Xin Gan got out and pressed him further.

Cheng Jiu checked the time on his phone, exhaled a plume of smoke, and put it away. "Dealing with a personal matter."

Xin Gan's heart skipped a beat. Her sixth sense told her his personal matter had something to do with her, especially since he just mentioned He Cheng.

She wasn't sure and dared not speak carelessly, uncertain if it involved her.

It was too dark to see Cheng Jiu's expression, but she caught the scent of smoke. His habit was well known to her; he was chain-smoking right now.

At that moment, He Chuan was awakened and walked over, rubbing his eyes.

"Hi, Miss Xin. We meet again."

Xin Gan frowned deeply, "Hello, Mr. He."

"No need for introductions," He Chuan smiled. "Are you leaving tomorrow?"

Cheng Jiu replied, "Yes, leaving tomorrow."

"In such a hurry? I thought you'd stay longer so we could catch up."

Cheng Jiu squinted, "I'll have time off at the end of the year. We'll get together then. For now, let's settle things. Where is he?"

"In his car. Do you want to go over?"

"Yes, to have a word." Cheng Jiu walked a few steps, then glanced back at Xin Gan. "Wait for me in the car. I'll be back soon."

He Chuan grinned, "Do you really need to be so careful? Miss Xin isn't a child."

Xin Gan stood uncertainly, completely unaware of what was about to happen. Her eyelid kept twitching—the right one.

She wasn't superstitious, but worry gnawed at her.

He Chuan didn't follow. Suddenly interested, he said, "Miss Xin, whatever happens, stay calm. To put it plainly, don't get involved."

Xin Gan said nothing, as it had nothing to do with her. Cheng Jiu brought her here but hadn't intended for her to participate.

Cheng Jiu approached He Cheng's car. Without knocking, He Cheng rolled down the window from the driver's seat and looked at him. Grinning widely, He Cheng said, "Brother Cheng Jiu, we meet again."

Cheng Jiu smiled back, a bit roguish, "Yes, we do."

"Such a coincidence, Brother Cheng Jiu."

Cheng Jiu didn't bother analyzing the layers of meaning behind that. He got straight to the point, "Tonight, as you wished, I'll bet with you. If I win, you leave her alone."

He Cheng asked, "What if you lose?"

"I won't lose."

"Nothing is absolute, Cheng Jiu. I'm not the He Cheng I used to be. If I dared to challenge you to a race, I won't lose."

Cheng Jiu said he knew, then smiled, "Yes, during those years abroad you worked hard at driving, quite diligent. But He Cheng, some things can't be won just by effort. When I started racing, you were still in middle school."

He was quite bold tonight. He had always had that nature, especially in college—loved to play, never restrained himself. Only later did he become more reserved.

He hadn't raced for years, but it was still familiar to him. He liked it and had a natural talent, having competed and won prizes before going to Beiyu.

He Cheng loved cars too. During his years abroad, he joined a racing club and apprenticed under a coach, learning the ropes.

Racing competitions were far more common abroad than at home. He Cheng had participated in many, won prizes, and was confident he could beat Cheng Jiu.

Recently, He Chuan had locked him up, not letting him go. He guessed it was because of Xin Gan and confronted He Chuan, who told him he was overestimating himself. He Cheng then proposed the race with Cheng Jiu.

He Chuan thought he was too arrogant, spoiled by his family, and didn't bother interfering. When Cheng Jiu learned of He Cheng’s challenge, he agreed.

He Cheng was eager. Young and full of fight.

Cheng Jiu didn't waste words, tapped the roof, "Alright, good luck."

He Cheng loathed his calm demeanor, exactly the same as years ago. He remembered, always remembered.

...

Xin Gan sat in the car, looking at her phone, turning the screen off and on. Her face flickered with unease in the glow of the screen.

She thought Cheng Jiu would return for just a day and leave tomorrow—if she could get through tonight, nothing would happen. But now he was racing He Cheng.

...