Chapter 28: Cloud Summit No. 177
The man’s reminder was natural and casual, mingling with the gentle sound of rain outside the window, creating a warmth that felt just right. An Tong stirred the soup with her spoon; the rich aroma of ginger wafted up. She tasted a small sip—just sweet enough to temper the sharpness of the ginger.
She drank half a bowl, her cheeks flushed with a hint of pink from the steam. “Have you still been going to school for evening classes lately?” he asked.
An Tong wiped the soup from her lips and shook her head. “No, they’re having their final exams. All evening classes have been canceled.”
The man poured two cups of tea with elegant movements, his deep eyes fixed on her. “Since you like programming, why not consider going back to school?”
The information recorded by the health center showed An Tong’s education as high school. At her age, she ought to be enjoying the last days of university, not wasting time on dangerous and meaningless part-time jobs.
An Tong gripped her spoon and met his gaze. “I did go to university, but I took a leave of absence midway.”
Although Dr. Rong’s words were gentle, she could sense the meaning beneath them. An Tong took another sip of ginger soup and glanced at the rain-speckled window. “Not long after the start of sophomore year, something happened at home... so I applied for leave.”
Rong Shen lowered his gaze and sipped his tea, understanding. Starting sophomore year at eighteen—she must have skipped a grade or entered school early.
He considered this and asked warmly, “Have you ever thought about going back?”
An Tong looked calmly at Rong Shen, silent for a long time before saying, “Going back would only invite countless questions about what happened to my family. I don’t need that kind of... concern.”
They call it concern, but in reality, it’s a mix of sympathy, pity, and endless scrutiny and gossip. People often say that surviving disaster brings future blessings, but those who’ve lived through it don’t want their ‘blessings’ discussed so casually.
Just then, the man set a teacup before An Tong, then slowly rolled up his sleeves, his tone gently guiding. “If you don’t want your past discussed, perhaps it’s better to start anew in another city, rather than keep running away.”
An Tong was stunned, gazing at his serene and refined posture, her mind drifting.
Silence filled the room, the sound of rain growing louder, becoming the only melody.
An Tong had never thought about leaving Hong Kong for another city. Never. No matter how hard life became, she never considered it.
Prompted by Dr. Rong, she instinctively objected, “My home is here.”
The man crossed his long legs, his mature and steady demeanor making him seem especially trustworthy. He smiled faintly, immediately overturning her notion. “That’s not quite right. It’s not that home is here—it’s that wherever you are becomes home.”
Is it really so? An Tong frowned lightly, not quite agreeing. But after a moment’s hesitation, and careful reflection, she found the logic sound.
Alone, she could make her home anywhere in the world. That was the idea Dr. Rong wanted to instill in her.
An Tong rubbed the hem of her shirt, her gaze shifting from doubt to realization, finally tinged with a mischievous glint as she looked at the man. “Dr. Rong, are you about to suggest I consider... Zhanzhou?”
It all happened in an instant. An Tong was no fool; in fact, she was sharp and perceptive, with intelligence shining through. After interacting with Rong Shen several times, she’d begun to understand his ways. He excelled at gently guiding others’ thoughts.
A bit of thought revealed his intention. Changing cities and starting over would suit her situation perfectly. And Zhanzhou was the ideal choice, since he was there.
If she moved, they’d be in the same city, making therapy easier, and she wouldn’t have to travel back and forth every week—solving two problems at once.
It seemed a reasonable guess; after all, Dr. Rong had mentioned in their phone call that he wanted to discuss her future treatment today.
At that moment, Rong Shen caught the slyness in her eyes. Even though she’d exposed him, his expression remained calm and steady, composed and unruffled.
“Zhanzhou’s winters are damp, and the rainy season is long—it might not suit you. Pick a city you like, or one that appeals to you. In the end, the choice is yours.”
An Tong was taken aback, awkwardly scratching her temple. “…Oh, I suppose I was being too clever.” Annoyance flickered in her eyes, while the man gracefully sipped his tea, as elegant and refined as ever.
An Tong quietly observed him, uncertain what to decide. In front of her, Dr. Rong was a true gentleman, brief in words yet thorough in consideration.
She realized she’d been presumptuous, perhaps too sensitive.
Silence spread.
An Tong glanced at the man across from her, seeing his unruffled demeanor, unaffected by her suspicion, his noble presence shining even brighter.
Her eyes flickered, and she broke the silence, embarrassed. “I’ll give it careful thought.”
Rong Shen lowered his eyelids, a smile at his lips. “Follow your heart. There’s no need to force anything. If you truly don’t want to leave Hong Kong, then you must learn to let go of the past.”
An Tong said she understood.
No one wished to let go more than she did, but the process was arduous.
…
The rain outside intensified, the sound of raindrops beating against the window unceasing.
An Tong drank another half cup of black tea, feeling her discomfort ease.
Soon, someone knocked at the door.
Cheng Feng entered carrying a tray, on which lay two porcelain plates exuding a rich, sweet aroma.
“Miss An, Ninth Master just had the kitchen prepare some desserts for you. Please try them—if you don’t like them, we can make something else.”
An Tong was surprised and thanked him softly.
She hadn’t seen the full layout of the garden when she’d arrived, assuming it was just an ordinary recreational venue, never expecting there would be a private chef.
This old district had long been a protected zone, with the former consulate nearby. Clearly, in such a location, it must be a private club.
An Tong looked at the plates of brown sugar sticky rice and pearl dumplings, then glanced up as Cheng Feng leaned in to whisper something to the man.
“Now?”
Cheng Feng nodded. “He’s already outside the door.”
Rong Shen furrowed his brows, smoothed the creases on his trousers, and stood, instructing An Tong, “Eat while it’s hot. If you get bored, have Cheng Feng play some board games with you. I’ll be back soon.”
An Tong nodded. “Alright. Don’t worry about me.”
The man left the lounge with steady steps, while Cheng Feng sat down opposite her, catching on quickly. “Miss An, please eat. Once you’re done, we can play together.”
An Tong didn’t refuse, picking up a piece of brown sugar sticky rice and chewing slowly.
“Mr. Cheng…” An Tong swallowed her food and started, but Cheng Feng waved her off. “Please, just call me Cheng Feng. ‘Mr. Cheng’ sounds too formal.”
An Tong smiled gently. “What’s the name of this club?”
Cheng Feng’s expression froze. “….”
Perhaps noticing his discomfort, An Tong lowered her head and said quietly, “I was just asking. If it’s inconvenient…”
“No, it’s fine!” Cheng Feng scratched his head, amused yet unable to show it.
Miss An was indeed interesting.
She’d already been invited in, yet thought it was a club.
To be fair, there were many high-end private clubs along Yundian Road’s alleys. And Ninth Master had specifically told them to bring Miss An in through the back door, so her assumption was understandable.
Cheng Feng cleared his throat, then began to spin a tale with an air of seriousness. “This is No. 177 Yundian Road. It’s quiet and peaceful, perfect for relaxing. If you ever can’t reach Ninth Master, you’re sure to find him here.”
An Tong made a mental note. “He comes here often?”
“Mhm,” Cheng Feng nodded solemnly. “Very often. The scenery’s beautiful, away from the city, and there’s a hot spring in the backyard. I come here myself quite a bit.”
Cheng Feng squared his shoulders, feeling like a masterful wingman, proud and triumphant.