Chapter Sixty-Nine: Checking In

“He doesn’t care about me, so what does it have to do with him?” He Cheng was unconcerned about He Wei’s attitude. “I’m telling you today as a courtesy. As for Dad, whether he agrees or not, that’s none of my concern.”

Afraid to provoke He Cheng’s rebelliousness, Lady He dared not raise her voice, and pleaded humbly, “Son, don’t be impulsive. I mean no harm. Please listen to me first—this industry isn’t as simple as you think. If you put yourself out there, our He family is highly respected. If word gets out, people will laugh at us.”

He Cheng chuckled, “You went to acknowledge Cheng Hui as your goddaughter and got rejected—wasn’t that embarrassing?”

Lady He’s heart ached, her eyes reddened before tears spilled over. He Cheng mercilessly struck at her sore spot. She had originally wanted to make Cheng Hui her goddaughter to draw closer to the Cheng family; everything she did was for He Cheng’s sake.

He Cheng never understood or appreciated her good intentions. He asked, rather confused, “Do you really think Cheng Hui would accept you as her godmother? Do you take her for a three-year-old?”

“Even if she doesn’t, you shouldn’t speak to me like this. I’m only doing it for your own good.”

“Forget it. Your idea of ‘good’ is to send me abroad like a plague, not contacting me for half a year. If I hadn’t bought a ticket and come back to find you, would you have bothered with me?”

Lady He hurried to explain, “There was a reason I sent you abroad back then. You know what happened—your father was furious. To prevent things from escalating, we had no choice but to send you away. Besides, your grades weren’t great, and foreign universities have lower requirements. With some money, you could continue your studies.”

Lady He was heartbroken, not wanting He Cheng to see her lose composure, so she quickly turned away to wipe her tears in secret.

He Cheng had no patience left and left abruptly.

He Cheng had become the way he was because of her indulgence; even if she regretted it now, it was far too late.

Lady He called He Chuan in tears, nearly unable to speak. “He Chuan, I don’t know what to do anymore. He Cheng signed with some agency to become a celebrity. If your father finds out, he’ll be furious again. Please, try to persuade He Cheng, stop him, don’t let him go.”

The older generation had deep reservations about the entertainment industry, especially He Cheng’s father, who was far from an open-minded parent and very strict with his children. He Chuan’s relationship with him wasn’t good either. If not for He Chuan’s outstanding abilities, he wouldn’t have treated He Chuan any better.

He Chuan was impressive, and in comparison, He Cheng was like a failure, accomplishing nothing and only bringing trouble to the family.

He Chuan had already guessed why Lady He was calling—He Cheng must have caused trouble again.

“A celebrity? An entertainer?” He Chuan frowned, finding it amusing. “What’s he up to now?”

“He’s already signed with some company called MK Entertainment. From what he said, he intends to become a star. Look into this company for me, see if it’s a scam.”

“Alright, I’ll investigate.”

“Hurry up. If your father finds out, he’ll go after He Cheng again.”

Lady He saw nothing wrong with her words, urgently pushing He Chuan to handle things. But He Chuan wasn’t anxious. He paused, then asked, “Mom, every time He Cheng gets into trouble, you ask me to clean up his mess. If I ever get into trouble, would you help me?”

“What are you saying? You and He Cheng are different. He’s your brother, much younger. As the elder, you should protect him.”

‘Should,’ she said. He Chuan had dealt with so many of He Cheng’s messes, only to be told it was his duty.

He Chuan hung up, then searched for the entertainment company Lady He mentioned.

It really existed—a legitimate, sizable firm, with all the hottest stars under their management.

He Chuan recalled that his own company had hired one of their actresses for an ad before.

He called his assistant. “Call the boss at MK, ask if they’ve recently signed any new artists.”

The assistant never questioned the boss’s instructions, simply carried them out.

Minutes later, the assistant knocked and entered. “Yes, the company partner, Tan Yajue, signed someone. But the name’s unavailable—they said it’s confidential for now.”

“Confidential?” He Chuan sneered, lit a cigarette, and leaned back in his chair. “Looks like he really signed.”

The assistant was puzzled, thinking perhaps they were seeking a new celebrity endorsement, but even for that, they wouldn’t look for a nobody.

He Chuan checked his watch. “Cancel my appointments tonight. I have other plans.”

“Yes, Mr. He.”

That evening, He Chuan arranged a dinner and unexpectedly ran into Cheng Hui—more precisely, a beautifully dressed Cheng Hui, clearly out to meet someone special.

Cheng Hui saw He Chuan and was startled, grabbing his arm and pulling him aside. “Why are you here?”

He Chuan straightened his wrinkled sleeve. “I could ask the same. Who are you meeting, dressed up like this?”

Cheng Hui had grown up. Though her cheeks still held traces of baby fat, her features were distinctive. Her face looked soft, but her figure was slender and curvaceous—a striking contrast, her waist so lithe it could be encircled with one hand.

He Chuan, face stern, lectured her, “Wearing so little—aren’t you afraid of catching cold?”

She wore a crop top, exposing her midriff, and fitted jeans below, showing off her pale, snowy skin.

“You call this little? He Chuan, you’re too strict. I’m not even showing my legs.”

“So, you want to show your legs? Meeting your sweetheart? Is it his birthday?”

Earlier, Cheng Hui had asked him what gifts were best for boys. He’d spent a day helping her pick, but she rejected everything and bought nothing in the end.

Cheng Hui blushed, hesitated, and pleaded, “Don’t tell my brother. If he finds out, he’ll give me a hard time.”

“Before he went back to Beiyu, your brother actually told me to keep you from dating early.”

Cheng Hui narrowed her eyes shrewdly. “My brother’s not here; you and I can conspire together.”

She meant he should pretend nothing happened—if Cheng Jiu asked, they’d cover for her together.

But Cheng Hui underestimated He Chuan’s ability to stir things up. He stroked his chin seriously, “You’ve spent your three-month summer break after exams chasing after a boy. Hui, that won’t do. You can’t let a man ruin you. What if your brother holds me responsible?”

Cheng Hui protested, “What do you mean ‘ruin me’? If anyone gets ruined, it’ll be me ruining him.”

“He doesn’t like you?” He Chuan was quick to catch on.

Cheng Hui suddenly deflated. “Seems so. I gave him a gift earlier, and he refused it.”

“No taste at all. Rejecting you—I really want to see what he looks like.”

Cheng Hui tugged his arm, anxious. “Don’t go. He’ll think I’m rude, and I’ll be in an even worse spot.”

He Chuan wasn’t genuinely interested in the boy. He just didn’t want Cheng Hui to chase after someone. Pursuing a boy, especially as a girl, put her at a disadvantage—if he didn’t like her, it would be even harder.

Cheng Hui was still young; He Chuan didn’t want her dating so early.

He Chuan asked, “What do you like about him?”

“He’s smart, tall, has fair skin, and long eyelashes.”

“I have all those qualities too.”

Cheng Hui recoiled, startled. “You’re too old.”

He Chuan nearly choked, tapped her forehead, “Nonsense. I’m strong and handsome—have you ever seen a man as good-looking as me?”

Cheng Hui wasn’t in the mood to banter, eager to leave. “I’ve been out long enough. He’s waiting too long. I’ll go now—let’s brag another time. Bye.”

He Chuan didn’t stop her. After she left, he followed quietly, careful not to be discovered.

When Cheng Hui entered a private room, he lingered at the door, but the feeling of spying made him ashamed.

Thinking this, he left.

Cheng Hui returned to the private room. The boy she liked stood up, his voice cold, “Cheng Hui, I need to go. My family’s waiting for me to have cake.”

Naturally, birthdays were spent with family.

Cheng Hui was disappointed, but nodded politely, “Of course. You should celebrate with your family. Go ahead, sorry for keeping you.” He’d come out to see her tonight, which was already a lot. She was happy, even if he didn’t accept her gift.

“Thank you for the gift, but I can’t accept it. I’ve applied to university in City A, so we may never meet again. I wish you all the best.”

The boy left without looking back, closing the door behind him. Cheng Hui sat alone for a long time, feeling miserable.

Her first confession had been rejected.

He was going to City A, and she wasn’t even sure if she’d repeat a year.

Her grades were terrible, while he was so outstanding—she was no match for him.

Cheng Hui felt like a failure, cried for a while, and when she saw the birthday cake on the table, she felt even worse.

She messaged He Chuan, asking where he was, and soon got a reply with a room number.

He Chuan was still with business partners, drinking and chatting. When Cheng Hui asked which room, he gave the answer without thinking.

Too upset to care, Cheng Hui went straight to his room and pushed open the door. She was stunned by the crowd inside, both men and women. She immediately spotted the surprised He Chuan.

Someone teased, “Little girl, who are you looking for?”

Another chimed in, “Why are you crying so hard? My goodness, so pitiful.”

Cheng Hui was mortified, quickly apologized, “Sorry, wrong room.” As she turned to leave, He Chuan stood up and said, “Excuse me, I’ll step out for a moment. Please enjoy yourselves.”

Cheng Hui hadn’t gone far when He Chuan caught up. She was crying silently, shoulders shaking, while he remained calm, as if he knew the reason.

He grabbed her arm; Cheng Hui stopped, head down, quietly sobbing.

He Chuan watched her for a while. “Why’d you leave so quickly?”

She was full of grievances. “Why didn’t you tell me your room was full of people? I was so embarrassed.”

“That’s nothing. You’re just a young girl—no one will hold it against you.”

“Stop being greasy, He Chuan. I don’t like you anymore.”

“You’re the only one who says I’m greasy. How am I greasy? Don’t you remember how well I treated you? Ungrateful brat.”

Cheng Hui’s sobs grew heavier; she didn’t even try to struggle. “I thought he agreed to meet tonight because he liked me, but it wasn’t what I hoped. He said he’s going to college in City A, which is so far from here—I’ll never see him again.”

He Chuan understood: a heartbreak before a romance had even begun, crying over another boy.

He patted her head. “So what if you can’t see him? If he doesn’t like you, it’s his problem—he must have bad eyesight or no taste. Come on, don’t cry. Let’s go to my place, have some juice, and take a breath.”

“No, too many people at your place.”

“Can’t leave you alone, I don’t feel comfortable.” His expression was gentle when he said this, though she didn’t see it.

Cheng Hui replied, “I want to see Sister Xin Xin—I’ll go to her place.”

“Alright, she lives close by. Go ahead. I’ll pick you up after I finish here.”

Cheng Hui nodded.

He Chuan lifted her face, wiped away her tears, and said, “Silly girl, what’s there to cry about? A girl’s tears are pearls—the most precious thing.”

Cheng Hui never expected He Chuan to say something like that—it didn’t fit his image at all.

…

Xin Gan was home that night. When she received Cheng Hui’s message, she grabbed her car keys and went out.

She arrived at the roadside, spotting Cheng Hui and He Chuan. As she walked over, her first glance caught Cheng Hui’s swollen, red eyes—she had obviously been crying.

He Chuan didn’t say much, just explained plainly, “Miss Xin, sorry to bother you so late. I’m tied up with some things, but Hui wanted to see you. Please take care of her for the night—I’ll pick her up when I’m done.”

Cheng Hui said, “I don’t want to go home. I want to stay with Sister Xin tonight.”

They were both girls, so it didn’t matter.

Xin Gan agreed, “Alright, but I’ll need to ask Aunt Cheng.”

He Chuan smiled, “I’ll talk to Madam Cheng. Please take care of Hui tonight.”

Xin Gan agreed.

He Chuan patted Cheng Hui’s hair, “Don’t be sad. Be good—and don’t trouble Miss Xin.”

…

Xin Gan brought Cheng Hui home. Cheng Hui was a little embarrassed, whispering, “Sister Xin, I’m sorry to trouble you.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’m bored alone anyway—the house is too quiet. You’re just right, keeping me company.”

“Huh? You’re home alone?”

“Yes, my dad’s on a business trip, and my mom’s at my grandfather’s. Here, have some water—make yourself at home.”

After her initial happiness, Cheng Hui sat on the sofa, feeling down, uninterested in anything.

Xin Gan noticed her mood, sat beside her, and gently asked, “What’s wrong, Hui? I wanted to ask earlier—did you cry?”

Cheng Hui didn’t hide it. Since they were both girls, it was easier to talk. “I messed up my college entrance exams. The boy I like is going to university in City A. Tonight’s his birthday—I finally got him to meet, prepared a gift, but he didn’t want it. He rejected me.”

Xin Gan stroked her hair, unsure how to comfort her. At her age, these experiences were normal. It might hurt now, but years later, looking back, it would seem trivial.

“Is it because I’m not pretty enough? He thinks I’m ugly, so he doesn’t like me?” Cheng Hui’s confidence was gone.

Xin Gan said, “No way. You’re so pretty—how could you be ugly? Maybe he’s just unlucky.”

“But I really think he finds me ugly.”

“How could you think you’re ugly?”

“He Chuan said so—he used to say I was ugly and nobody would want me.” Cheng Hui gritted her teeth.

“Would you believe me if I said otherwise?”

“Of course I would.”

“You’re very pretty and adorable. By the way, you said you messed up your exams—what was your score? I’ve heard the national entrance exams have changed?”

“Yeah, it’s changed—so annoying. I missed ten points to get into Yong University. Now I can only go to Jiang University across the street.” Cheng Hui propped her chin, getting more upset as she spoke. “He’s going to City A, I want to go too, but my score isn’t enough. I feel terrible.”

Crying and laughing, Cheng Hui wiped her tears, made faces to cheer herself up, and finally couldn’t help but laugh, “I look so ugly now. Good thing He Chuan isn’t here—he’d tease me again.”

Xin Gan was amused; Cheng Hui made her laugh.

Cheng Hui held her stomach. “I’m exhausted. Sister, do you have snacks? I’m starving.”

She hadn’t eaten any of the big cake that night—such a waste, considering how much it cost and how carefully she’d ordered it a week in advance.

Xin Gan went to the fridge for drinks and snacks.

Cheng Hui watched TV and saw a boy who looked like him, which made her cry harder.

Unable to comfort her, Xin Gan changed the channel to financial news.

Cheng Hui wiped her tears. “Sister Xin, I want to repeat a year, but I’m afraid my brother will kill me if he finds out—I’ll embarrass him.”

“It’s fine. Repeating isn’t shameful, as long as you work hard.”

“But I’m afraid of being scolded. Sister Xin, can you tell my brother for me?”

“Now?”

“Now, before I change my mind.”

Xin Gan had no choice but to call Cheng Jiu, putting the phone on speaker. The call connected quickly, but it was Jiang Tang who answered.

Xin Gan recognized Jiang Tang’s voice, but Cheng Hui didn’t know her, so she asked, “Who are you? Where’s my brother?”

“Your brother? Are you Cheng Jiu’s sister?”

“Yes, who are you? Have my brother answer.”

Jiang Tang pursed her lips, “He’s busy, in a meeting.”

“Why are you answering my brother’s phone then?”

“He left it with me. You’re his sister—what’s your name? I’ll let him know when he’s done.”

Xin Gan hadn’t spoken; it was Cheng Hui doing the talking.

“That’s not right—so late, what meeting?”

Xin Gan quickly took the phone, “It’s me, Xin Gan.”

When Jiang Tang heard Xin Gan’s voice, she snorted, not bothering to hide her sarcasm. “Checking up on him with your little sister?”