Chapter 21: Unfathomable
Antong walked into the mall, glanced at the directory, and headed straight to the third-floor audio equipment store.
As she entered, the sales assistant discreetly sized up her attire. After understanding what she was looking for, he quickly recommended a reasonably priced product. “Take a look at this speaker—it’s affordable, has guaranteed sound quality, and is our store’s best-selling music device.”
Antong immediately asked, “Can I try it out?”
“Of course, right this way.”
She followed the assistant to the listening area on the left and handed over her phone, asking him to play some light music from her playlist.
At that moment, a man and a woman walked leisurely past the shop’s glass window outside. On a weekday, couples shopping together often signaled family wealth or some level of professional success. Judging by their stylish, expensive outfits, these two were likely from the former.
Su Yiting hadn’t expected that a casual glance into the store would reveal Antong sampling audio equipment inside.
Isn’t that the very girl whom Old Ninth managed to win over against all odds?
Su Yiting paused, watching her through the glass with keen interest.
“Darling, what are you looking at?” his companion complained, annoyed at his sudden halt. She followed his gaze. “Don’t you already have speakers at home? Stop staring. I’m starving after shopping all afternoon.”
Su Yiting turned his gaze to her face, frowning with a hint of irritation. “Let’s go.”
His companion was a social media influencer he’d been dating for just over three months. She was usually quick to read his mood, but lately had grown a bit complacent.
Meanwhile, Antong continued to test the speakers earnestly, but none of the options satisfied her. The sales assistant, at a loss, had no choice but to take her to the high-end brand section.
After listening, Antong pointed to a Bowers & Wilkins set. “Can this one be discounted?”
The assistant was genuinely surprised, replying repeatedly, “Yes, of course! If you like it, I’ll apply for a discount right away.”
“Thank you.”
He sneaked another look at the price tag before turning resolutely to find the manager for a special offer.
It wasn’t that he judged people by their appearance, but Antong’s casual, plain outfit and her mention of everyday music listening had led him to assume she’d favor something simple—never expecting her to pick a premium brand costing tens of thousands.
Had he known, he wouldn’t have recommended the budget option to begin with.
He’d nearly lost a major customer.
In the end, thanks to his efforts, the system was sold at a fifteen percent discount.
Antong didn’t bargain further; she swiftly paid with her card, left her delivery address, and departed.
The sales assistant stared at the receipt, murmuring to himself, “The manager was right—not to judge a book by its cover.”
…
Time slipped by, and dusk approached.
Su Yiting dropped his influencer girlfriend at her place, then drove straight to the Cloud Summit Villa.
At that moment, Rong Shen was playing chess with Butler Li in the lounge.
Su Yiting leaned against the doorway, looking at them with a complicated expression. “Old Ninth, the only difference between you and a monk is a shaved head and a robe.”
Rong Shen took a sip of tea, his manner calm. “What brings you here again?”
“Just dropping by.” Su Yiting strolled into the lounge, glancing at the chessboard with a smirk. “I saw someone today.”
Rong Shen made no reply, waiting for him to continue.
Su Yiting shot him a sideways look, feigning mystery. “Hmm, what’s that girl’s name? The one you met at the resort… An… something?”
When Rong Shen still didn’t take the bait, Su Yiting felt deflated. “You’re no fun, Rong Ninth.”
At that moment, the chess match ended. Butler Li quickly got up. “Young Master Su, please have a seat. I’ll make you some tea.”
Su Yiting sat boldly across from Rong Shen, adopting a stance of stubborn patience. He doubted Old Ninth could resist asking for long.
Sure enough, after a brief silence, Rong Shen picked up a tea-infused cigarette from the corner of the table and, with a hint of a smile, said, “If you have nothing to say, you can leave now.”
Su Yiting: “…”
When it came to composure, he was no match for Rong Ninth.
Su Yiting gave a little snort. “Her name is Antong, isn’t it? I saw her at the mall.”
Rong Shen lit the cigarette, the faint scent of tea wafting through the air. “Was she alone?”
“Aren’t you supposed to be indifferent?” Su Yiting seized the chance to tease. “Why do you care if she was alone or with someone?”
Rong Shen exhaled a thin stream of smoke, raising his eyes to meet Su Yiting’s. Even silent, the pressure he exuded was palpable.
Su Yiting laughed and waved his hand. “Alright, alright, I’ll tell you. I saw her at the audio store in Baida Mall. We’re not close, so I didn’t say hello.”
He thought for a moment. “She seemed to be testing some equipment, but the speakers looked pretty ordinary—probably just a budget version of a big brand.”
Rong Shen flicked the ash from his cigarette, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. “Did she buy it?”
Su Yiting made a face, bewildered. “I took one glance and left. How would I know if she bought it or not?”
His curiosity about Antong stemmed only from Rong Ninth’s attitude and the care he showed her.
They weren’t acquaintances; it was just an ordinary, fleeting encounter—who would linger to see if she made a purchase?
Rong Shen glanced at him, then calmly changed the subject. “Has Yi Ke returned?”
“That’s right. I almost forgot.” Su Yiting slapped his forehead. “His concert tour ends Wednesday. He wants us to get together. He’s the new piano prince now, so don’t miss it. Show some support.”
“When?”
“Not fixed yet. He’ll need a day or two to rest after the tour—probably Friday or over the weekend.”
Rong Shen stubbed out his half-finished tea cigarette in the ashtray and stood up. “I’m busy Friday.”
Su Yiting followed him outside, chuckling and teasing, “Oh? Another rendezvous with a fair lady?”
Such jibes never bothered Rong Shen, who rarely bothered to explain.
Su Yiting, however, chattered on behind him like a habitual talker. “You really have unique tastes. Tired of gourmet feasts and craving a simpler fare? Old Ninth, don’t say I didn’t warn you—if anything happens between you and Antong, watch out for the women who are crazy about you. They might cause her trouble behind your back.”
“What women?” Rong Shen stopped and looked over.
Su Yiting was momentarily speechless, then tried to explain, “There are plenty. Don’t you know how many women dream of marrying into your family?”
“Marrying into my family isn’t the same as marrying me.” Rong Shen pressed his lips together, his eyes cool. “It’s all rumors—no need to take any of it seriously.”
Su Yiting fell silent.
This man could end any conversation in just a few words.
You might call him dispassionate, yet here was Antong, unexpectedly appearing in his life.
You might call him indifferent and carefree, but behind the scenes, he controlled over seventy percent of the Rong family’s core businesses.
He was a contradictory and unfathomable man.