Chapter Sixty-Five: Seeing Him Off at the Airport — So Obedient

Looking for him? He Chuan clicked his tongue in amusement. “If you’re looking for me, it’s never for anything good.”

Cheng Hui objected, “Don’t make it sound like I’m nothing but trouble.”

“Aren’t you though?”

Imitating his tone, Cheng Hui clicked her tongue as well. “I’m not, okay?”

For some reason, hearing her voice, He Chuan didn’t feel so annoyed anymore. Since there was still a way to go before he got home, he figured chatting a bit wouldn’t hurt.

“Let me guess, you’ve fallen in love? Want me to cover for you?”

“Cover for what? Even if I did fall in love, I wouldn’t tell you.”

At that, the faint smile at He Chuan’s lips faded away and his voice turned cold. “So you are in love?”

Cheng Hui scratched her chin and laughed a little, embarrassed. “Not exactly. I like someone, but it’s just one-sided. His birthday is coming up in a few days and I want to get him a gift, but I have no idea what to give.”

“How long have you liked him?”

“A few months, maybe.”

“What’s his name?”

“I’m not telling you. Why are you asking so much?”

“Just making conversation.” He chuckled softly. “Huihui, you’re growing up.”

She’d reached the age where her heart could be moved and she could like someone.

He Chuan sighed, a strange feeling quietly sprouting in his heart. The corners of his mouth lifted as his gaze drifted out the car window.

“I’ll come find you after I’m done. I’ll go with you to pick out a gift.”

He couldn’t see it, but at that moment, Cheng Hui was so happy she could barely contain herself—whether because she’d figured out what gift to give, or because He Chuan had agreed to go with her.

She treated He Chuan like her own brother—no, more accurately, even closer than a real brother.

When something was troubling her, she didn’t go to Cheng Jiu first; she went straight to He Chuan.

He was used to being her confidant, and if one day she really did find someone she liked, started dating, she wouldn’t share her secrets with him anymore, wouldn’t call him in the middle of the night, wouldn’t pester and bother him. Cheng Hui would gradually drift away, eventually becoming a stranger. The thought left him deeply unsettled.

Was this the price of her growing up?

He Chuan asked himself.

…

When He Chuan returned home, the whole house was silent, the air so thick it felt hard to breathe.

The He family’s doctor had arrived half an hour before He Chuan. Dr. Xu had checked on He Wei, and after he’d calmed down, Dr. Xu came out to He Chuan.

“Mr. He is fine. He just needs to rest after his medication. But—”

“Just say it.”

“He can’t be agitated anymore. He must keep his emotions steady, or it won’t be good for his health.”

He Chuan grunted, took out a cigarette, and held it between his lips. “Got it.”

His tone was muffled, indifferent, and he said nothing more. Dr. Xu knew better than to push. Wealthy families always had their share of troubles—it had been that way since ancient times. He was just a doctor; family feuds among the rich were none of his business.

He Chuan went to find He Cheng. He finished his cigarette outside the door, exhaled the last puff, and pushed the door open.

Madam He hadn’t really locked He Cheng up, only put on a show.

He Chuan saw He Cheng sprawled on the floor, battered and disheveled. There was blood on the ground, but He Cheng was alive—just a few superficial wounds, not as serious as Madam He had claimed.

Hearing the door and footsteps, He Cheng seemed to recognize who it was and scoffed disdainfully. “Here to see if I’m dead? Sorry to disappoint, but the old man couldn’t bring himself to finish the job.”

“I’m hard to kill.”

He Chuan laughed. “You’re just stubborn, not hard to kill. The old man is getting on; he can barely hold the stick. If it were me, who knows what would happen.”

“If you have the guts, then finish me off,” He Cheng retorted, still unyielding.

Killing him would only dirty his own hands. He Chuan wouldn’t do it—times had changed; he wouldn’t ruin his life for He Cheng.

Besides, He Cheng was beyond saving.

Back in his teens, He Chuan had once wondered if He Cheng was adopted and had even secretly taken some of He Cheng’s hair for a DNA test. But since he was underage at the time, the lab wouldn’t take it and thought he was joking.

From then on, he resolved to become strong—only strength could command respect.

The world always admires the strong and only pities the weak in passing.

He Chuan sat in a chair nearby, legs crossed. “Dying is easy; living is hard. If you die, our mother will be heartbroken and I’ll have to spend time comforting her. He Cheng, you’re really—”

He Cheng was tough as nails, refusing to respond, his temper greater than He Chuan’s.

He Chuan was running out of patience. “Think about it—if you keep this up, you’ll drag the entire family down. If the He family falls, you’ll be nothing.”

“You’re not a child. You know what’s at stake.”

He Cheng actually paused to consider, then said, “You’re only doing this for yourself. Don’t act like you’re above it all. If the family goes down, you’ll suffer too.”

“I’m protecting the He family. What about you? The He family owes you nothing. All your fun and games are paid for by this family. No one’s asking you to pay it back, but don’t be a burden.”

He Cheng laughed, distracted. “You make a good point. If I don’t listen, does that make me ungrateful?”

“You don’t have to listen. But if you don’t, I’ll cut off your secondary credit card. Your choice: behave, or keep making trouble.”

Without access to money, he wouldn’t be able to pull any stunts.

If He Cheng kept going, He Chuan had plenty of ways to deal with him.

“You’ve heard of my methods all these years. Even if you’re my brother, I won’t go easy on you.”

He Cheng sat up, covered in wounds from He Wei’s whipping. He had coughed up blood, but only because he’d hidden a packet of blood in his mouth, prepared by Madam He in advance. When the timing was right, he bit down and faked the blood, just to make He Wei stop.

He’d used this trick since childhood.

He Chuan knew, but let him keep up the act.

He Cheng wiped away the nonexistent blood at his lips and said, “I want Xin Gan.”

“In your dreams,” He Chuan replied.

“If you let me have her, I’ll leave the family.”

From the sound of it, he really did like Xin Gan.

But He Chuan didn’t believe it—especially now that Xin Gan was getting along well with Cheng Jiu, and the two families had an engagement. What was He Cheng, really? Xin Gan didn’t even spare him a glance.

If He Cheng kept harassing Xin Gan and the Xin family found out, it would strain relations between the families, and even affect business in the future.

He was a businessman—he would never do anything against his own interests.

He Chuan mocked his ignorance. “You think Xin Gan and Cheng Jiu’s engagement is a joke? You’ve been overseas too long—you don’t understand how things work here. Even if Cheng Jiu didn’t take over the family business, you still wouldn’t compare. Xin Gan would never choose you. Give up.”

He Cheng had never bowed his head to anyone, but now he had no leverage with He Chuan. He Chuan was the favored heir, praised by outsiders, while He Cheng was nothing.

He mulled it over, recalling the events of last night. It was true—Cheng Jiu was far superior, easily besting him and taking Xin Gan away. In front of Cheng Jiu, he was powerless, and Xin Gan avoided him. He was truly unwilling to accept it, but reality was what it was.

No matter how unwilling, he had to face facts.

The reality was that he was weak—no match for Cheng Jiu, or for He Chuan.

He Cheng lowered his head. “I won’t make trouble again. Brother, please forgive me.”

Whether sincere or just pretending, He Chuan couldn’t be bothered to find out. “No need to act. I know you’re not convinced. If you really want to prove yourself, show some ability. Stop wasting your life.”

He Cheng made a sound of agreement and didn’t argue, obediently accepting the criticism.

Something in his eyes caught He Chuan’s attention. “He Cheng, figure things out for yourself. You don’t owe anyone an apology; if you must, apologize to Mother.”

He Cheng nodded, though his hands at his sides clenched, still unconvinced.

…

When Xin Gan got home, her mother pushed open her door and asked, “When is Cheng Jiu going back to Beiyu?”

Xin Gan had just showered, and paused toweling her hair. “Tonight, I think.”

“You’re not going to see him off?”

“I don’t think so.”

“He told you his flight time; you should go.”

Xin Gan glanced at the mirror, uncomfortable. “He didn’t ask me to see him off.”

“So if he doesn’t say, you won’t go? Xin Xin, he’d be very happy if you did.” Her mother patted her shoulder and sighed. “Don’t be too distant, or it’ll affect your relationship.”

They didn’t have any feelings yet, so what was there to affect?

But she didn’t dare talk back and obediently listened.

Her mother picked out a ladylike dress from the closet, holding it up to her. “My daughter looks good in anything, but especially this.”

Xin Gan was quiet for a while. “Mom, isn’t this a bit much?”

“It’s not too much. You want to make a good impression. Be polite, be thoughtful. You’re the Xin family’s treasured daughter—our only child. If you’re well, we can rest easy.”

Xin Gan asked, “So if he doesn’t get a good impression, does it not count?”

“Nonsense. You’re very outstanding—plenty of boys like you. Remember when someone followed you home back in middle school?”

That was ages ago—a boy from school had liked her and followed her home, causing a scene. It became a family joke ever since.

A bit embarrassed, Xin Gan quickly promised to go to the airport that evening, just so her mother would drop the subject.

Her mother was gratified, reminding her to dress up a bit for the occasion.

Xin Gan herself thought she looked a bit sloppy earlier, so she made a note to tidy up this time.

Seeing it was nearly time, she got ready to leave.

Meanwhile, Cheng Jiu was having a meal at home. Mrs. Cheng was on the verge of tears. Cheng Jiu comforted her. “I’ll be back for the holidays, Mom. Don’t cry. It’s not like I’m never coming home.”

Mrs. Cheng said, “But it’ll be six months before I see you again. You’ve been home less than a day, and I haven’t even had a good look at you.”

Cheng Jiu didn’t mind. Cheng Hui was sniffling at the side, “Brother, I’ll miss you.”

Mr. Cheng called home, chatted briefly, then returned to work.

Cheng Jiu glanced at Cheng Hui, unimpressed. “Focus on your studies. Don’t get up to nonsense, and don’t stay overnight at anyone else’s house.”

Cheng Hui muttered, “What about Xin Xin? Wasn’t she with you last night? Yet you lecture me.”

Cheng Jiu pulled her ear mercilessly. “She’s not you. Don’t change the subject.”

“I’m not changing the subject. That’s a double standard. You can run off with Xin Xin, but why can’t I?”

“Oh, you’re proud of being abducted now?” Cheng Jiu said.

Cheng Hui’s mother glared at her, “Don’t talk back, or your brother will cut your allowance and you’ll have no one to cry to.”

For the sake of her allowance, Cheng Hui lowered her head. “Sorry, I won’t say anything. I’ll behave.”

It was nearly time for Cheng Jiu to head to the airport. The family driver would take him. Cheng Hui clamored to go too, and Mrs. Cheng wanted to go as well, but Cheng Jiu persuaded her not to—it would only make her cry again.

If they didn’t let her go, Cheng Hui would sulk and refuse to let him leave.

On the way, Cheng Jiu kept looking at his phone, as if waiting for a message.

Cheng Hui saw right through him and teased mercilessly. “Brother, are you waiting for a call from Xin Xin? What, she’s not coming to see you off?”

Cheng Jiu ignored her, turned off his phone, and leaned back to rest his eyes.

He’d barely slept the night before—restless, thoughts full of her, unable to shake her from his mind.

Cheng Hui sidled up with a sly grin. “Brother, you look lovesick—it’s written all over your face. Just admit it, you argued with Xin Xin, didn’t you? That’s why she’s not coming.”

Cheng Jiu reached out and pinched her cheek, scrunching her face and making her pout in comic protest.

“He Chuan spoils you too much—so much talking, but your grades are terrible. Where does all your brainpower go?”

Cheng Hui struggled to pry off his hand, mumbling, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I’ll stop talking. Don’t pinch me, brother!”

Cheng Jiu wouldn’t discuss it, which only made Cheng Hui more certain he’d quarreled with his future wife. When he finally let go, she rubbed her sore cheek, grumbling, “You’re too fierce. No wonder Xin Xin doesn’t like you. Can’t you be a little gentler?”

Seeing Cheng Jiu’s eyes narrow, Cheng Hui immediately fell silent and shifted away.

He checked his phone again, but didn’t unlock it. The screen stayed dark—no one was looking for him.

When Xin Gan arrived at the airport, the sun had just set and the sky was painted a soft orange—a beautiful evening, with pleasant weather.

Cheng Jiu had said a typhoon would be coming in a few days, so there wouldn’t be such nice weather then.

She’d driven herself—she’d gotten her license back at eighteen during a summer break in Yong City, passing in just two months—a feat to be proud of.

It was peak travel season; the airport was packed, crowds everywhere.

After a moment’s thought, Xin Gan dialed Cheng Jiu’s number, worried she might miss him. He picked up on the second ring.

The background was noisy—he was clearly outside.

He didn’t think much of it and asked quietly, “What is it?”

His tone was so cold, it was like a bucket of cold water. Xin Gan’s mood dropped. “Sort of. Are you already on the plane?”

“No, just got to the airport.”

“I’m here too. I wanted to see you off.”

His tone warmed. “Which entrance? Stay put, I’ll come find you.”

“T1,” she replied.

“I’ll be there in five minutes.”

“Okay.”

It was still hot, her palms sweating slightly from nerves. She’d never felt so anxious—unsure which way to look, not knowing which direction he’d approach from.

Cheng Jiu wasn’t far from T1, and walked quickly, with Cheng Hui trailing behind. She’d overheard the call and realized he was going to find Xin Gan. She’d thought Xin Gan wouldn’t show, but here she was—and seeing how flustered Cheng Jiu was, Cheng Hui stifled a laugh.

As he spotted Xin Gan waiting by the roadside, his gaze grew intense, alight with expectation and joy.

Drawing closer, he slowed his pace, trying to appear composed—not some gauche kid, lest he ruin her impression.

Cheng Hui knew to give them space and hung back, secretly taking pictures.

Xin Gan sensed someone approaching and turned, locking eyes with Cheng Jiu. His eyes were dark and bright, fixed on her unblinking.

Her tone was calm, not overly warm, as she broke the ice. “What time is your flight?”

“Nine.”

She nodded. “Then I wish you all the best.”

People bustled past—some in a hurry, others strolling—but all, without exception, glanced back at the two of them.

A striking couple always draws attention.

He was tall, making her appear dainty and delicate—a sight pleasing to the eye.

Passersby whispered, mostly with admiration and curiosity about their relationship.

None of that mattered to them. After a moment, Cheng Jiu stepped closer, bent down, and gently drew her into his arms.

Xin Gan stiffened, her breath quickening. She had to tip her head back, her hands braced on his chest. That tilt only made the embrace fit more perfectly.

Under her palm, she could feel the strong, steady beat of his heart, and his warmth.

He was hot—her ears burned, the heat seeping into her heart.

From a distance, Cheng Hui’s jaw dropped as she snapped photos, delighted. She’d never imagined her brother had this side to him. She’d have to exaggerate this story when she got home—a real windfall.

Xin Gan, regaining her senses, tried to push him away. “Cheng Jiu…”

“So obedient—you stayed right where I told you, waiting for me to come.”

She paused, tilting her head. “You told me to.”

Only after she spoke did she realize he wasn’t questioning her—he was teasing, half in jest.

But he still didn’t let go, holding her tightly, his arm firm around her waist.

He said, “Last time you went back to Yong City, I didn’t see you off. Are you holding a grudge?”

Still in his arms, she couldn’t say she wasn’t—though, truthfully, she’d held a tiny grudge.

“Why bring that up?”

“It just crossed my mind.”

She noticed they were attracting too many stares. Embarrassed, she tried to push him away. “Let go—it’s hot.”

He didn’t. Leaning close, he whispered in her ear, “I’m hot too—hot enough to burn.”

Her heart pounded chaotically. She fumbled to pry his arm loose, but he was unyielding—his strong arms like iron, holding her fast.

“Don’t move. Just let me hold you a bit longer.”