Unexpected Incident : Chapter 1

The woman leaned against the window, turning back to smile at him. Her gentle face had a faint dimple on one side when she smiled. She always wore her hair up, and no matter how cold the weather, she walked barefoot on the floor. A simple qipao cut from cotton fabric hung slightly loose on her petite frame, revealing half a snow-white neck from the collar. Outside the window was a tree full of plum blossoms.

Xiao Teng couldn’t help but call out to her, but his lips wouldn’t open, his throat dry.

“Ling…”

Aunt Ling. He had never been willing to call her that. He was afraid it would create distance between them. Yet he wished they were so far apart that even that faint blood relation didn’t exist.

There were so many people in this world who didn’t have to follow convention. Why couldn’t he and she be among them?

He couldn’t understand.

So many years had passed, yet he still couldn’t let it go.

He later married the youngest daughter of the Tong family, a very bold and avant-garde woman, precociously voluptuous and beautiful. Whether he liked her or not, life went on, and they had a son and three daughters.

At least this proved he was a competent husband in some respect.

But his wife had actually run away with another man at an age when any woman should have settled down.

She left only one sentence: that she couldn’t stand him.

What couldn’t she stand about him? He provided her with furs and diamonds, mansions and luxury cars. At parties, her outfit would never be outdone by any other woman. She had servants and a butler attending to her, bodyguards when she went out, unlimited credit card shopping, frequent themed parties. He hadn’t even frowned when she used the family helicopter for an aerial party.

What was she dissatisfied with?

The children were the same. He gave them nothing but the best, sent them to the best schools, hired the best private tutors, the best toys, the best pets… but they weren’t particularly warm toward him. Though polite and respectful, they were always distant, their attitude like lukewarm water.

Even Xiao Xuan was like this. His beloved younger brother, who had almost turned against him over someone as insignificant as an ant.

The only person in his life who had loved him passionately and persistently was that woman. But she had abandoned him without hesitation too.

Was he really that terrible?

Xiao Teng woke from strange pain throughout his body. Besides the headache from his hangover, there was another unfamiliar discomfort. The sensation was too bizarre. Even someone as hardened as him couldn’t help but frown. Then he forced his eyes open.

The ornate ceiling of a hotel suite came into view. Xiao Teng unconsciously let out a hum. He had come all this way to discuss business, and the hotel and transportation had been arranged by the other party. They had been quite hospitable, at least he had no complaints about the accommodations. Last night he had soaked in the hotel hot spring, gotten a massage to relax, then gone to the bar for a drink. It had been a thoroughly relaxing evening.

So what was this inexplicable discomfort now?

Xiao Teng frowned, one hand supporting his forehead as he sat up with difficulty. When he clearly saw the situation beside him, his pupils suddenly dilated.

There was another person in the wide bed, a face emerging from the blankets.

It was a young and handsome…

man.

This guy who had appeared from nowhere still had an innocent, sweet expression on his face, sleeping on his side facing Xiao Teng.

Xiao Teng, who hadn’t shared a bed with anyone for many years, felt as if struck by lightning. It took him a full minute to calm down before he gritted his teeth and got dressed.

When he got out of bed, he realized this wasn’t his room. Xiao Teng noted the room number on his way out, returned to his own room, then called his derelict personal secretary.

“What were you doing last night?”

The old secretary and butler who had worked for the Xiao family even longer than Xiao Teng was somewhat frightened: “The young master wanted to drink alone, so I returned to my room first. This place is very safe, so I…”

“Forget it,” Xiao Teng tried to sit steadily on the sofa, feeling only irritation. He handed over the room number he had written down. “The guest in this room, no matter what their status, no matter what method you use, deal with him. Cleanly.”

The secretary left. Xiao Teng sat panting for a while, then swept the vase off the coffee table in a fit of anger. Originally meant to vent his frustration, the bottle landed on the thick carpet not only unharmed but barely making a sound. Instead, because he had used too much force, he nearly cramped his back. He was even more furious, almost fainting from rage.

Xiao Teng had weathered quite a few storms. Without the ability to handle various unexpected incidents, he wouldn’t have survived in the business world. But this “accident” was far too challenging to his nerves.

He had to start negotiating this major deal in the afternoon. Though Xiao Teng was dizzy with anger, he still had to go downstairs for lunch. He needed abundant mental and physical energy. Last night had been unlucky enough. If his poor condition caused him to fail to secure the minimum terms they had planned for in the contract, even chopping that blind bastard into minced meat wouldn’t satisfy his hatred.

He ate a small portion of lobster salad in the restaurant without any appetite. Just as he was feeling nauseated by the sticky sauce and stood up to get something else, he heard someone call out: “Beauty!”

This sounded so ridiculously improper. He wondered which poor soul was being addressed. Xiao Teng looked up to see that man wearing a smile, waving at him: “Hi.” Very much alive.

Xiao Teng immediately heard the sound of the veins on his forehead bursting. He could barely maintain his composure. Because of anger and shock, his whole body shook uncontrollably.

Before he could explode, the old secretary who had been sent away earlier hurried over, somewhat frightened: “Young master.”

Xiao Teng barely restrained himself, grinding his teeth as he whispered: “Wang Jing, what is going on? Am I seeing a ghost?”

Calling this all-purpose assistant who was senior to him by name showed just how furious he was.

Wang Jing said diligently: “I was just about to report to the young master. This person’s identity is special. It would be better if we didn’t make a move.”

“Didn’t I say no matter who it is, don’t let them go?!”

“Young master,” Wang Jing had watched him grow up and still called him young master no matter how old he was, “he is Rong Liu of the Jiangnan Rong family.”

“…”

He was the person Xiao Teng was supposed to discuss business with today.

The Rong family had many branch members, but the main family had been single heirs since Rong Liu’s father’s generation. Rong Tingyi had only this one son, Rong Liu.

It was said that their descendants’ fortune had been broken. Lady Rong had difficulty conceiving, miscarried twice, and only gave birth to a son at an advanced age. The child was also weak and sickly. Fearing he would die young, they named him “Liu” to deceive the gods and ghosts into thinking there had already been five deceased siblings before him, hoping they would spare this one.

When Rong Liu was one month old, almost everyone of note went to celebrate. Xiao Teng had gone with his father, and he had even held that precious baby with his own hands. His father had repeatedly warned him beside him not to accidentally drop the baby.

And now…

Xiao Teng grabbed the collar of the man who had cheerfully approached him and dragged him away, all the way to a corner.

“Hey…” The man was pulled along, astonished. “Why are you suddenly so rough with me? We got along so well last night…”

Of all the things to mention, Xiao Teng nearly couldn’t catch his breath. He wished he could strangle him: “You bastard, what did you do to me last night?”

“Huh?” The young man was very innocent, looking around. Seeing hotel staff frequently glancing their way, he said, “We? Well, we chatted together, all night long…”

Bringing up exactly what Xiao Teng didn’t want to hear, he trembled with anger: “I’m talking about before that!”

“Oh, I thought you were my type when I saw you at the bar, so I bought you a drink. Then you expressed your appreciation for me, and we…”

Xiao Teng’s thread of reason instantly snapped: “Nonsense! I’d have to be blind to appreciate you. I’m not a pervert!”

Rong Liu touched his nose: “I’m not a pervert either.”

“I hate men!”

Rong Liu was somewhat surprised: “Really?”

Seeing Xiao Teng’s murderous expression didn’t seem fake, he quickly apologized: “I’m sorry, I didn’t know about that. At the time you were drunk alone and kept telling me how lonely you were, so I…”

Xiao Teng’s face darkened considerably: “How is that possible!”

But Rong Liu was completely unafraid, nodding very sincerely: “It’s true. Not only that, you held onto me and wouldn’t let go. I thought I should do a good deed and keep you company, you know, chat a bit…”

Xiao Teng’s vision went black: “Rubbish!”

“Ah, then it seems I misunderstood. I’m really sorry,” Rong Liu finished but was unwilling to give up. “But we really got along well. We talked for a long time and changed many topics. You know…”

Xiao Teng heard his veins popping one after another, grinding his teeth: “Shut up!”

“Alright,” Rong Liu once again reflected humbly. “I’m sorry for troubling you. I’ll compensate for any harm caused.”

He paused then wanted to add: “But…”

“Don’t say ‘but’ anymore!!”

Rong Liu looked at him with regretful eyes: “You get angry too easily. Don’t be like this. Too much anger is bad for your health, and your looks will suffer too. Look here, you already have lines…”

For the first time, Xiao Teng experienced the feeling of being so angry he was about to faint: “You, you…”

“Ah,” Rong Liu looked at his watch. “Sorry, I have an appointment to discuss some matters. I have to go now. But it’s in this hotel. I’ll give you my phone number, you can contact me tonight.”

Xiao Teng caught his breath and said viciously: “No need.”

“Oh,” Rong Liu thought for a moment. “Then give me your phone number.”

“…” Xiao Teng took several more breaths before calming down. “No!”

“Huh? But…”

“I am the person you have an appointment with.”

“Ah!” Rong Liu was obviously shocked too, looking him up and down. “You’re Xiao Teng?” Then he murmured: “Doesn’t look like it. Not at all…”

“Like what?”

“They said you’re a sea patrolling yaksha…”

Xiao Teng’s body, which had finally calmed down, began to tremble again: “You, you…”

“I didn’t say that,” Rong Liu hurried to explain. “Personally, I think you not only don’t look like a yaksha, you’re practically a male god, the kind that shines…”

Regarding his flattery, Xiao Teng restrained his urge to shoot him dead and said fiercely: “You listen to me. Do you think you can still get out of here alive after offending me? Don’t think I don’t dare touch you. I’m not afraid of the Rong family either.”

Rong Liu looked at him with especially pure and innocent eyes: “That’s true. But if something happens to me, my family will definitely investigate the cause of death thoroughly. Not even a single hair will be overlooked. By then, the people who know about what happened between us last night won’t be just you and me…”

Xiao Teng couldn’t catch his breath, his face turning blue from holding it in.

Rong Liu showed an apologetic expression: “Of course, this is my fault. I offended you without understanding the situation. It was too rash. I definitely need to take responsibility.”

Xiao Teng looked at him coldly.

Rong Liu wore that smile that would make young girls lose their heads: “I won’t abandon you after taking advantage of you. Don’t worry.”

Xiao Teng felt he was going crazy: “You, you…”

“Ah, don’t be like that. I was joking,” Rong Liu quickly apologized again. “Though it’s very rude, I can’t think of any other way to compensate right now. I can only start with what I can do. Don’t we have official business to discuss? Show me the treaty you drafted.”

Though Xiao Teng was furious, his mind was clear. He knew there wouldn’t be a better opportunity than now, so he returned to the table with him and had Wang Jing bring down the documents.

Rong Liu took the thick stack of contracts and read through them very quickly. Soon he made a few corrections with his pen, marked some places, and handed it back to Xiao Teng.

“This is the new contract. I wonder if you’re satisfied.”

Xiao Teng somewhat doubted whether he had actually read it. After flipping through it, he felt somewhat complicated.

The traps that had been set were all marked and corrected. This person’s eyes were indeed sharp. But the terms in this contract, compared to what they had estimated under the originally confrontational situation, were surprisingly favorable.

But thinking about the reason for Rong Liu’s generosity made him quite furious.

“What do you think?”

Xiao Teng put down the contract, trying to keep his expression calm: “I accept.”

Rong Liu breathed a sigh of relief, showing a likable smile with a dimple on one side of his face: “Then, to a pleasant cooperation, cheers.”

A vein jumped on Xiao Teng’s forehead: “I won’t drink with you again.”

“Huh? But…”

“Don’t say ‘but’!”

Though the matter ended there, Xiao Teng still felt dizzy with anger whenever he thought about it.

However, he had to admit that Rong Liu had a point. Worse than the misfortune itself was people knowing about his misfortune. The moment he thought about the possibility of a third person knowing what had happened, his plan to strangle Rong Liu was abandoned, but his desire to do so only grew stronger.

That morning, as he sat in the hall flipping through the newspaper, thinking about how to handle the evening’s birthday banquet, Wang Jing brought over a box with a soft satin surface: “Young master, a birthday gift arrived this morning, from the Rong family.”

“Mm,” Xiao Teng was absentminded. “Didn’t we already receive the Rong family’s gift?”

Opening the box, inside was a piece of jade, thoroughly emerald green, almost without flaw, extremely translucent. Even Xiao Teng couldn’t help but raise his eyebrows.

His father had always taught him that jade was a good thing. Nurturing a person with jade could subdue his fierceness. He also had quite an interest in these cool-textured objects.

“This is Young Master Rong Liu’s individual gift.”

Xiao Teng’s heart stirred slightly. He hadn’t made a big deal about his birthday. The Rong family didn’t have that much connection with him. A joint family gift would have been sufficient. For Rong Liu to send him this extra item, the man was indeed thoughtful.

“Young master, there’s also this, sent together.” Wang Jing’s usually calm tone was somewhat frightened.

What was handed over was a large, eye-catching bouquet of red roses.

Xiao Teng heard the sound of the veins on his forehead snapping one by one: “Even if he’s Rong Liu, kill him for me!”

“Y-young master!”

The days of the all-purpose secretary and butler Uncle Wang Jing would from then on become somewhat difficult.

Xiao Teng was having a very bad day today.

First thing in the morning, he heard crows cawing. Then going downstairs, he stepped in fresh dog poop left by the golden retriever in the living room.

Even after punishing the negligent dog and servants together, ensuring that dog would tremble with fear and think thrice before defecating in the future, it couldn’t relieve his feeling of bad luck.

The Monday morning traffic was maddening. The driver carelessly sprayed his most hated perfume, and he scolded him for half an hour.

Most hateful of all, Xiao Xuan arrived at the company an hour late, still wearing the same clothes as yesterday.

It was obvious his younger brother had spent the night out again, staying over at that person’s house. The reason for being late was naturally oversleeping, and the reason for oversleeping was naturally…

By this point he didn’t want to think about it anymore. Just these things were enough to make his whole day’s mood like dark clouds pressing down on the city.

“Young master, the people from Rong Corporation have arrived.”

Xiao Teng didn’t look up: “Have arrangements been made?”

“Yes, everything is ready.”

“Mm,” Xiao Teng raised his eyes. “Anything else?”

“No, but,” the hardworking old secretary Wang Jing paused, “Young Master Rong Liu also came this time.”

Xiao Teng glanced at the secretary with that subtle expression and said lightly: “It’s not that big a deal, yet it actually requires the labor of the Rong family’s young master.”

“Young master,” the all-purpose secretary and butler Wang Jing rarely hesitated, “he’s waiting outside now, saying he wants to catch up with the young master first… But I thought the young master was so busy, it would be better not to meet him alone?”

Xiao Teng’s temple throbbed.

The butler’s expression of seeming to know something yet not saying it gave him a strong urge to kill him to silence him.

“Why not?”

Wang Jing, looked at by his cold eyes behind his glasses, wanted to put on an extra layer of clothing: “Yes, understood, young master.”

Xiao Teng expressionlessly signed his name and handed over the folder: “Go down. Please Rong Liu in.”

“Hi~ Long time no see.”

The beautiful man with a pair of smiling eyes appeared at the door, and Xiao Teng felt even more unlucky than when he stepped in dog poop.

But out of politeness, he still had to stand up to greet the guest.

“Thank you for coming personally, Young Master Rong. It’s truly an honor.”

Though he said this, he really wanted to tell this person to get lost immediately.

“You’re welcome. If you miss me, I can come often.” Rong Liu walked over with large strides, smiling very handsomely.

Seeing Rong Liu reach out to shake hands with him, Xiao Teng originally didn’t plan to respond. But after a moment’s thought, he could only suppress his anger and extend his hand to show his manners and politeness.

The moment their palms touched, he felt his hand tighten. His body involuntarily lost balance and was pulled forward. Then his cheek was lightly touched.

Caught off guard, Xiao Teng never expected anyone to be so shameless. His eyes instantly widened, and all the nerves in his brain burned out with a boom.

“Whoa!” Rong Liu seemed very surprised by his reaction. “What’s wrong? Was I too forward again? Isn’t the cheek kiss very common? Isn’t that how it is in Europe and America?”

Xiao Teng ground his teeth: “Young Master Rong, first, we are Chinese. Second, we are not that familiar!”

Rong Liu exclaimed “Ah” and laughed, “I thought, after our all-night chat last time, we were already very familiar.”

With a boom in his brain, Xiao Teng finally managed to reduce the trembling of his body from anger. He barely waved away the bursts of stars before his eyes. While advising himself not to be defeated by this kind of person, he cooled his voice and said: “What did you come here for?”

Rong Liu opened his mouth very sincerely: “Dear…”

Xiao Teng exploded again: “Who the hell is your dear?!”

Rong Liu showed a very apologetic expression: “Sorry Mr. Xiao, this is my verbal tic. It’s really hard to change. I call everyone this regardless of gender or age. You know, I lived in France for a long time when I was young…”

“Shut up!” You fake foreigner!

Xiao Teng calmed down a bit, deciding not to entangle with him on these boring etiquette issues. He asked in a deep voice: “Speak. What business do you have coming to find me specifically?”

Rong Liu smiled: “After our chat last time, I missed you very much, so I wanted to talk with you again…”

Xiao Teng wished he could slap him to death. One hand propped on the desktop to suppress his urge to flip the table, he squeezed out words from between his teeth: “This is a place for discussing official business. Please leave.”

“Huh? Are you saying we should change to a place to discuss private matters?”

Xiao Teng couldn’t help but grab his collar: “Haven’t you had enough?!”

He also hadn’t expected that he would one day curse so smoothly.

Rong Liu was also perceptive. Seeing he was close to exploding, he obediently retreated: “Since you’re in a bad mood, then let’s talk tonight…”

Xiao Teng swung a fist hard at him.

Rong Liu dodged good-naturedly while retreating to the door: “Alright, if it really won’t do, then tomorrow…”

A paperweight flew over, telling him that tomorrow, the tomorrow after tomorrow, and even the tomorrow after tomorrow’s tomorrow, would all be impossible.

The thing that made Secretary Wang Jing grow another white hair was:

That day, Sister Huang who was in charge of cleaning told him that in the garbage collected from the young master’s office, there were actually fragments of the young master’s most treasured antique paperweight.

Master… I failed your entrustment…

“Isn’t Rong Liu leaving today?” The man’s face was like it was covered with a layer of ice.

Secretary Wang Jing instantly felt that the refrigerator was relatively warmer.

“Young master, the plane has already taken off. He slept until now and hasn’t gotten up yet. It’s not good to disturb him…”

Disturbing Rong Liu’s sleep schedule was a big taboo.

“Then what about tomorrow?!”

Secretary Wang Jing was very troubled: “Well, I don’t know what time he’ll sleep until tomorrow either…”

Xiao Teng’s face was cold. Wang Jing thought he was probably going to smash something against the wall again. Fortunately, after his veins bulged for a while, the young master only endured and turned the air conditioning down another two degrees.

Only poor Secretary Wang Jing felt even more like he had fallen into an ice cellar.

The business had already been negotiated, and they had done their duty as hosts arranging for Rong Liu and his group to tour and enjoy themselves in T City, entertaining them warmly. They had played what they should play, rested what they should rest. The accompanying people had already left for America first, but Rong Liu still wouldn’t leave, openly oversleeping and missing his flight for two days in a row.

Xiao Teng really wanted to kick that man pretending to sleep and play dead all the way to the other side of the Pacific. But he had to keep his composure.

Though he didn’t want to admit it, compared to the Rong family, the Xiao family was still a notch below. Rong Liu, who was cherished like a pearl in the palm, also had a slightly better life than him.

If Rong Liu suffered any grievance here, he would be in big trouble.

“Young master.”

“What?”

“Since Young Master Rong Liu is still here, should he also attend tonight’s cocktail party?”

Xiao Teng had another headache.

Rong Liu was somewhat of a celebrity, because the Rong family doted on this supposedly weak-bodied sole heir of the main family too much.

Back then, merely fearing he would die young, they had gathered almost every famous doctor of note, making it look like they were rescuing a national treasure white flag dolphin. It had been quite a spectacle. Thanks to him, many unheard-of “secret remedies” had become widely circulated in this circle that particularly valued life, enjoying great popularity for a time.

However, most people only knew Rong Liu by name, not by sight. He didn’t spend much time in the country, had limited social interactions, and went to even fewer places. The few times a year he returned to the Jiangnan main family, he always stayed indoors, not even getting sun exposure, like a greenhouse flower that would die if exposed to light.

This time he had “graced” T City with his presence. Though Xiao Teng tried to keep a low profile and didn’t want trouble, he couldn’t very well refuse to bring him to gatherings and exhibit him like an alien for everyone to see, giving everyone a chance to curry favor. That would seem petty.

Attending this kind of boring cocktail party, Rong Liu actually seemed very happy. He got ready early and waited for Xiao Teng to take him. Xiao Teng deliberately dawdled until very late before having the driver pick him up. The neglected Rong Liu didn’t get angry either, always smiling.

The worse Xiao Teng’s expression, the cuter Rong Liu smiled. The happier Rong Liu smiled, the more Xiao Teng wanted to strangle him.

If not for fear of something happening to Rong Liu and the account being charged to him, Xiao Teng wouldn’t have followed him step by step like a personal bodyguard, constantly introducing all sorts of people until his mouth went dry.

Rong Liu was already good-looking. Standing next to the stoic human refrigerator Xiao Teng, his smile appeared even warmer and more moving, like spring wind melting rain.

Therefore, not long after the cocktail party started, with Xiao Teng as a foil, Rong Liu’s popularity had already soared, winning almost everyone’s affection.

Compared to Rong Liu’s popularity, Xiao Teng’s interpersonal luck had never been good. He couldn’t find a single person in the whole venue who looked at him favorably. He had just taken two sips of wine when he looked up and ran into the director of C Bank, with whom he had recently ended a cooperation.

The director, still quite well-maintained despite being over forty, smiled at him: “How is your wife lately?”

A vein jumped on Xiao Teng’s forehead.

“Ah, sorry, I almost forgot. It seems your wife ran off with someone else to live happily ever after long ago. I just don’t know if she’s come back?”

Xiao Teng snorted: “Xiao family matters are not for you to stick your nose into.”

The director shook his head: “Look at what you’re saying. I’m merely offering you some well-intentioned advice.”

Xiao Teng smiled coldly: “Advise me? That depends on whether you have the ability.”

The director burst into laughter, patting his shoulder: “Xiao Teng, you’re so humorous. If I don’t have the ability, who does? If you had learned even one tenth from me, your wife wouldn’t have run off and left you.”

The director had been married for twenty years, and his loving relationship with his wife was famous, a model couple. Some time ago, for their twentieth anniversary, the newspaper had published a special feature on a full page, a perfect couple legend that made everyone envious.

Xiao Teng thought about his own shattered marriage. In his thirties, married for over ten years, four children. His wife who had silently left him and their children, what was she thinking?

Was he really that unbearable?

“From what I can see, your family must be very happy, right?”

Rong Liu somehow popped out from behind, smiling at the director.

The director smiled reservedly, about to be politely modest, when Rong Liu suddenly lowered his voice, his expression serious: “But I advise you to be careful lately. You’ve dragged it out too long. That lover of yours already has the intention of confronting your wife.”

Not only did Xiao Teng’s face change color, but the director’s smile also froze. Xiao Teng thought he would curse loudly. Who knew he actually seemed to have been hit on the mark, his manner unnatural. He didn’t even bother with basic pleasantries before turning and walking away hurriedly.

Xiao Teng was very surprised. He turned to look at Rong Liu’s otherworldly smile and couldn’t help feeling disillusioned on behalf of those noble ladies: “You really are a gossip. You’ve only been here a few days and you’ve already found out this kind of thing. You’d be better off doing proper work with your time. Don’t get involved in other people’s family affairs.”

“I wasn’t gossiping,” Rong Liu said innocently after being scolded. “I don’t even know who he is.”

Xiao Teng immediately felt dizzy: “Then what were you talking nonsense about?!”

Rong Liu behaved himself: “But he had a bite mark on the back of his neck. A wife wouldn’t let her husband go out like that without warning him. It could only be a lover deliberately leaving it there, most likely wanting his wife to discover it.”

Xiao Teng was slightly stunned, frowning: “Your eyesight is pretty good.”

Rong Liu smiled: “Drinking Chinese medicine for years is good for your eyesight.”

“Mm.”

“That’s why I spotted you in that crowd at the bar that night.”

Two veins jumped on Xiao Teng’s forehead. He squeezed out words from between his teeth: “Don’t bring up that matter again!”

“But…”

“I said no ‘buts’!!”

“Bu…”

“Shut up!”

Rong Liu obediently closed his mouth.

Xiao Teng took several glasses of wine in succession, feeling increasingly irritable. Tonight the blow he suffered was no less than that director’s. He felt very uncomfortable not speaking out, but he couldn’t tell anyone else, so he could only ask the man beside him.

“Why would two people with such a good relationship, so loving to this degree, still have an affair?”

“Can I speak now?”

“Nonsense.”

“Because guarding the heart is easy, but guarding the body is hard,” Rong Liu smiled. “A man’s lower body always moves faster than his brain.”

Xiao Teng thought somewhat sluggishly that he had even done this part perfectly. He had never had an affair, yet his wife still despised him.

“What about women?”

Rong Liu slightly lowered his head, looking him in the eye: “Are you seriously asking? Honestly, don’t dwell on it anymore. There’s nothing eternal in this world to begin with. People’s hearts are the same.”

Xiao Teng wanted to laugh coldly and curse him for talking rubbish. But.

Aunt Ling was like that, and so was his wife. Everyone had changed their hearts.

He didn’t understand.

Clearly at first, they had all been so infatuated with him. Each time he had thought it could go on like that for a lifetime.

How exactly could one person’s feelings for another last? Or was eternity itself a big lie?

“Right, you have one son and three daughters, right? I saw the photos in your office. They’re all very cute.”

Xiao Teng said indifferently: “So what.”

“Taking care of so many children by yourself must be hard. How about this, let me be the children’s godfather?”

Xiao Teng nearly punched his high nose bridge flat.

There were many disadvantages to heavy drinking.

Such as liver cirrhosis, stomach bleeding, bad breath.

But to Xiao Teng, compared to his current situation, these were not worth mentioning at all.

When Xiao Teng barely woke from his drunken dizziness, he found himself lying on a bed. An unfamiliar hotel bed. He felt cool all over, his clothes had been removed, and the blanket was pulled up to his waist.

Not even underwear.

What was worse, there seemed to be someone else on the bed too. In his blurry vision, that figure was clearly a man.

“You’re awake?”

With a boom in his brain, Xiao Teng immediately widened his eyes. His gaze stiffly moved down from the face of the man beside him.

The young man was lying there openly, not exactly fully dressed, only ambiguously wearing a bathrobe with most of his chest exposed, looking like he was planning to seduce someone.

“Wha, what is this?”

“You were drunk. I helped you to my room.”

“Did you need to take off my clothes to help me in?”

Xiao Teng ground his teeth, one hand supporting himself as he sat up, still dizzy.

“That’s because you vomited. It was so dirty. How could I not help you take a bath?” Rong Liu also sat up, smiling very purely and kindly. “Of course I took a bath myself too.”

With a second boom in Xiao Teng’s ears.

“You, you…”

Seeing his expression change drastically, Rong Liu hurriedly raised his hand to show his innocence: “It really was just a bath. And we bathed separately. I know you have a cleanliness obsession. I respect your cleanliness obsession!”

Xiao Teng slightly relaxed but still felt dizzy and weak. However, he maintained a severe tone: “Where are my clothes?”

“Sent for washing. They’ll be delivered later.”

“What about the bathrobe?” Xiao Teng ground his teeth. “What kind of decency is this for me?”

“Huh? You want to wear it?” Rong Liu widened his eyes and moved to untie his own bathrobe belt. “Alright then…”

Xiao Teng’s face turned ashen: “I didn’t tell you to take off your clothes!”

“But there’s only this one.”

“…”

The young man said very lightly and happily: “Though I don’t mind, you probably wouldn’t be happy seeing my naked body, right?”

Xiao Teng’s vein jumped. He expressionlessly pulled the blanket higher to cover himself. He thought, Rong Liu was frivolous and reckless by nature, taking pleasure in teasing. There was no need to waste words on this boring topic: “When did I start getting drunk last night? Did I say anything? Do anything? Were there other people who saw me drunk?”

This was what he cared about most.

Though he never cared about those malicious and sharp comments behind his back, he absolutely couldn’t let people see him lose his composure. He couldn’t give anyone leverage.

Rong Liu said: “No, the moment I realized you were drunk, I immediately took you out.”

Xiao Teng frowned and “mm’d.”

In some aspects, Rong Liu’s conduct was comparable to the most sharp and tactful assistant.

“Dear.” Rong Liu moved closer to him.

Several of Xiao Teng’s nerves snapped: “I told you not to call me that!”

Rong Liu said innocently again: “Hey, verbal tic…”

Then he said: “I’m going back today.”

“…” Xiao Teng tried hard to control his cold expression, but the muscles in his face still couldn’t relax. Waking from a nightmare to dawn, this was truly the best news he had heard in days: “Very well. Have a safe trip.”

“Thank you for your hospitality these days.”

“You’re welcome,” Xiao Teng said coldly. “Hospitality is a host’s duty.”

“I’ll repay you well, but I don’t have much to give in return. After thinking it over, I can only offer myself in marriage.”

“…”

“Hahaha, just joking, just joking. Don’t be so serious.”

Seeing Xiao Teng had no reaction, Rong Liu sighed again: “If I leave, will you miss this friend of yours even a little bit?”

In your dreams!!

After not getting a response for a while, Rong Liu wasn’t angry either. Dressed properly, he opened the door. When he turned back to say goodbye, he was still all smiles.

“Dear, goodbye.”

Who’s saying goodbye to you!! Best not to see each other ever again!

Though the sunlight outside the window was good, the morning conference room was covered with dark, oppressive clouds.

A cold flash came from behind Xiao Teng’s gold-rimmed glasses: “What kind of garbage is this again? Which of you people actually brought your brain to work? Next.”

Another supervisor, along with his proposal, was reduced to cannon fodder.

“Young master, Rong Corporation is actually participating in the bidding this time. Compared to the others, their terms are simply…”

Xiao Teng expressionlessly closed the folder and threw it back: “No need to consider. From now on, I won’t do any business with the Rong family.”

“Y-young master,” Secretary Wang Jing felt white hairs instantly about to break through his scalp, almost weeping, “don’t let emotions affect your judgment.”

Xiao Teng said coldly: “Or let Xiao Xuan handle Rong family business.”

No, that wasn’t right either. What if that bastard made a move on Xiao Xuan? No matter how you looked at it, Xiao Xuan seemed like the type of person that guy would covet.

“Forget it,” Xiao Teng’s gaze circled around the people in the conference room and said coldly, “Not a single one of you is useful. All trash.”

His gaze finally landed on the hardworking all-purpose secretary.

Secretary Wang Jing’s heart and liver trembled.

“Y-young master, you aren’t going to make me handle it alone…”

“What do you think?”

Master… is the young master promoting me like this?

“Young master, the car is here.”

“Mm.” Xiao Teng put down the newspaper and stood up from the sofa. “Everything ready?”

“Yes, Lady Rong and Young Master Rong Liu will arrive shortly.”

Though Xiao Teng’s expression turned bad the moment he heard the word “Rong,” in fact within half a year they had done quite a lot of business with the Rong family.

Because even when the terms were harsh and profits pressed to the minimum, the other party was willing to accept. Yet they weren’t mindless, handling everything quite sensibly and methodically. This kind of business partner truly couldn’t be found elsewhere.

Whether Rong Liu was making up for something or currying favor, or had ulterior motives, from a profit standpoint, Xiao Teng didn’t need to be polite.

Businessmen were the most pragmatic. Originally the two families were still distant, but in just a few short months, they had become quite a warm and close cooperative relationship, with frequent and intimate contact.

So this time when Rong Liu was coming, though Xiao Teng had no appetite for several days just thinking about it, he couldn’t help but personally entertain him with great hospitality.

Amid a pretense of stable peace, a girl’s high and sharp voice came from upstairs, ruining the atmosphere.

“Bastard! I hate you!”

Secretary Wang Jing heard the door-kicking sound clearly even through a floor, and seeing the veins on the young master’s forehead, his heart jumped twice.

“Young master, is the young miss alright?”

Xiao Teng extended his wrist for him to put on his watch and said coldly: “Don’t mind her.”

He had just had an argument with his eldest daughter.

No, the one making loud noise was only Xiao Pu. He had only said one sentence in a cold tone from beginning to end: “Stay put and behave.”

A sixteen-year-old girl wanting to attend that kind of mixed all-night party, which father would agree?

Young men and women full of vigor, an adolescent age that knew no fear of heaven and earth, who knew what demons they might conjure up.

Children at this age were all rebellious, thinking they knew everything. Their favorite thing was breaking taboos. Can’t smoke but insist on smoking, can’t drink but insist on drinking, and many other can’ts, they all insisted on doing.

How dangerous it was for a girl to be alone with men after drinking. Why didn’t she understand.

Of course Xiao Teng wouldn’t explain this much to her. Lock the door and let her figure it out herself.

Thinking about it now, perhaps when his wife gave birth to the twins, she had a C-section. It was said that babies not squeezed through the birth canal couldn’t withstand pressure later in life.

Then what was wrong with Xiao Lin? Bad name feng shui?

He had one son and three daughters under his knee. Xiao Yin and Xiao Pu, the twin pair, were the eldest. Each had inherited good looks from their parents.

Xiao Yin looked the most like him, but his personality was completely different. He was actually a gentle big boy, but soft on the outside and hard on the inside. His temper seemed quite good, but he was actually exceptionally stubborn. Even Xiao Teng couldn’t win against him.

Xiao Pu was born with a head of thick curly hair, looking similar to her mother. Pretty and gorgeous, a sixteen-year-old girl was already quite mature, or rather eager to grow up. Her words, actions, clothing, and makeup were all in the style of a mature woman, always dressing like a model at the forefront of fashion.

These things didn’t matter. The problem was, which father wouldn’t spit blood seeing photos of his daughter wearing a hot bikini in the newspaper. A Xiao family daughter participating in some beauty pageant was simply a joke.

The second daughter Xiao Lin was two years younger. Her personality wasn’t bad, and she was smart. She could be considered the most sensible one. But Xiao Teng had quite a headache over her. A girl, yet she cut her hair so short it was no different from a boy’s. She never wore skirts, actually made the school issue her a boy’s uniform, and often wore Xiao Yin’s clothes.

Only Xiao Zi was the most well-behaved. Still young, delicately carved like jade, with heavy, silky black straight hair and neat bangs, big eyes. Just as all fathers would hope, like a quiet little princess. Every day she practiced piano upstairs for two hours, learned ballet, learned painting, and designed clothes for Barbie dolls.

But she was really too quiet and well-behaved. She never cried or acted spoiled like other children. Calm to the point of coldness.

They were clearly children flowing with his blood, yet he could never see through what they were thinking. From the time they were pink, well-behaved babies to now, noisy individuals constantly emphasizing “independence” and “self,” which link in the chain had gone wrong?

When Xiao Teng got into the car, he finally couldn’t help rubbing his temples.

Thirty-eight years old this year, yet he had four children in or approaching their rebellious teenage years. He was even more worried about when he might be forced to become a grandfather. If this continued, he would probably grow white hair early.

Every time conflicts with his children ended, he would feel that even without Rong Liu in his life, things weren’t going smoothly. So it didn’t matter if there was one more Rong Liu.

Thinking this way, Young Master Xiao Teng finally managed to maintain a relatively calm mood. When he saw that punchable yet adorable smile, he still nodded politely in greeting.

The dinner proceeded smoothly and steadily. Rong Liu’s mother came personally this time. As an elder, Xiao Teng didn’t dare be negligent. The woman over fifty was still maintained very elegantly and beautifully. Though amiable and polite, she was after all someone used to giving orders, and her speech still carried faint intimidation.

“This time, besides matters regarding board seats, there’s actually another presumptuous request.”

A presumptuous request meant something that would force someone to do what was difficult.

Xiao Teng inclined his body slightly: “You’re too kind. If it were unreasonable, presumably the lady wouldn’t bring it up. As long as we can help, we will certainly do our best.”

Meaning, if it’s too outrageous, you’d better keep your mouth shut.

“Our family’s Rong Liu has never been in good health, as you probably know. Lately his condition has been getting worse. The whole family is worried. We’ve been wanting to find a place that’s good for his condition to recuperate for a while.”

Xiao Teng immediately had a bad premonition.

That lively and energetic bastard, where did he look like he was in poor health?

“The climate in America hasn’t been good lately, and the humidity in Jiangnan is especially heavy. I recall that when he came to T City some time ago, his condition actually improved a lot after returning. Presumably T City has excellent feng shui and is suitable for his recuperation.”

Recuperation?

Xiao Teng glanced at that man.

Under the lights, the smile did seem weak, and his complexion really was somewhat pale. He suspected it was a makeup effect.

“But we’re all uneasy about his safety being alone in a foreign place, and he isn’t used to living in hotels long-term. The person we trust most in T City, there’s no second choice.”

Xiao Teng glanced at the likable smile on Rong Liu’s face and got goosebumps all over.

But before he could open his mouth to refuse, Lady Rong had already said the words he least wanted to hear: “I just don’t know if it would be inconvenient to have Rong Liu stay at your residence for some time.”

Of course it would be inconvenient!!!

Xiao Teng’s mouth twitched for a while, but he could only say calmly: “Not at all. It’s merely a small effort. The honor is ours.”

After the banquet dispersed and people left, Rong Liu’s steps were unsteady as he went out the door. He even stumbled slightly, fortunately leaning against Xiao Teng so he didn’t fall.

What a delicate posture.

Out of politeness, Xiao Teng couldn’t over-the-shoulder throw him and slam him unconscious on the floor. He could only let him lean against him, squeezing out a few words from between his teeth: “Watch your step.”

Rong Liu smiled amiably: “Thank you, thank you. Please take good care of me in the future. Please don’t let my body get damaged.”

Xiao Teng barely restrained his urge to greet his face with his shoe sole.