Chapter 28

Wisconsin’s winter is harshly cold, and for the first time, Shang Mingbao found herself concerned about the climate of a state not too far from New York. The weather app showed that the temperature in Madison, Wisconsin’s capital, was between minus two and seven degrees Celsius today. However, Xiang Feiran was conducting his baseline survey in northern Wisconsin, an area characterized by mountainous terrain and proximity to Lake Superior, where the temperatures were likely even lower than the current readings.

The winter survey needed to be completed before the Christmas holidays. Xiang Feiran’s team consisted of himself, a master’s student, and an associate professor, while the foundation that commissioned the work, along with the UN Environment Program’s staff, formed another group, making a total of nine people. The entire trip spanned twenty days, with the team venturing deep into glacial mountains and forested lake areas. There would be no signal, no hotels, and only one day with a resupply point for descending the mountains.

Preparing for an expedition of this magnitude required extensive work, including coordinating with the team and ensuring all necessary arrangements were in place. Additionally, there were numerous tasks to hand over to the interns in the group. Due to these responsibilities, Xiang Feiran didn’t have time to meet with Shang Mingbao before his departure.

Before going to bed, Shang Mingbao sent him a message, reminding him to stay safe.

When she said “stay safe,” she didn’t have any specific issues in mind, so those four words turned into an empty statement, just like a boy telling a girl to drink more hot water.

For the first time, she realized her lack of understanding about life and the world, missing out on details.

She could only ask Sophie, “What kind of things might happen during field research at this time?”

She knew the size of the research team and that the members were professional and scientific, with rich field experience. She thought that at most it would be a bit tough with exposure to the elements, but nothing serious would happen.

“Blizzards or other extreme weather,” Sophie answered.

“Of course, I expected that.”

“Getting lost, hypothermia? Running out of supplies? Falling behind and losing contact? Encountering wild animals, like bears or wolves? Dangerous armed poachers,” Sophie said thoughtfully. “Or equipment breaking down midway, avalanches, landslides, breaking through ice, or falling into ice crevasses.”

Looking up, Shang Mingbao saw that her face had turned pale.

Sophie quickly reassured her, “I’m talking about extreme situations. Some minor emergencies are normal when you’re out, and with sufficient experience, it’s manageable.”

But these words didn’t satisfy Shang Mingbao; she was greedy, “No, he shouldn’t encounter anything at all.”

She now somewhat understood Wen Youyi’s superstitions. Whenever she said something inauspicious, she always worried it would come true, wanting to spit it out, and gently tap her nose while saying, “Children speak without reservation.”

Sophie asked with a hint of meaning, “Who is it? Who is going for field research?”

Shang Mingbao quickly shook her head, “No one special, just a relatively good friend.”

She spent the whole night dreaming about various dangers. When she woke up at five in the morning, she discovered that Xiang Feiran had replied to her message around three, saying that the field research would not be dangerous and told her not to worry and to prepare well for her finals.

Xiang Feiran left her a final message after the plane landed, still brief: [Landed. Merry Christmas in advance.]

He wouldn’t be back for Christmas; if all went well, he would be in a jeep coming down the mountain; if not, he would still be trekking through glacial deposits and highland rocks.

He was the only Asian in the team, and the associate professor and master’s students on his team were very familiar with his personality and didn’t bother him with extra chatter. Thus, during the long journey into the forest, he quietly sat in the back seat of the Ford van, doing two things: writing papers and occasionally thinking about her uncontrollably.

Perhaps it was because the sound of his typing always stopped; the associate professor turned around and asked with a hint of humor, “It’s rare to see you not efficient.”

When clues are noticed by outsiders, they are no longer clues but become glaringly obvious.

Xiang Feiran took off his glasses, closed his notebook, and allowed himself to relax for half an hour.

The graduate students occasionally looked back at him and saw him sitting with his arms crossed and legs propped up. Although this posture should be relaxing, his attractive brows remained furrowed as if he were enduring some instinctive discomfort.

—

On the weekend, Shang Mingbao arrived on time for the appointment, accompanying Alice and Ajia to select jewelry.

Alice was forty minutes late, arriving fashionably late. Today, she was dressed exquisitely and formally, with newly done hair, a runway look from head to toe, and impressive accessories. She carried a yellow and white platinum bag, indicating that it was a custom color from Hermes. Ajia’s family background was slightly lower, so she usually dressed in a way that did not overshadow Alice.

This was the first time Shang Mingbao had to wait so long for someone, and she took several deep breaths before managing a smile.

The first place they went to was the famous jewelry house Valeridge, whose all-glass flagship store on Fifth Avenue was one of the most eye-catching landmarks. Shang Mingbao followed them inside, and the deputy store manager, recognizing her at once, greeted her with a smile, “Miss Shang, you should have given us a heads-up so we could make preparations.”

Alice squinted at her, “I didn’t expect you to be so high-ranking?”

The deputy store manager called over a sales associate and whispered a few words. Shang Mingbao knew she was instructing him to clear the area, but she quickly responded with ease, “These two clients of mine decided to come on a whim, so I didn’t notify you in advance. Miss Alice must be on your VIP list, right?”

The deputy store manager, catching her hint, led them to the VIP room and checked the list. They had indeed made purchases before, but the highest amount was only three million yuan, spent at the Beijing flagship store.

While the sales associate was preparing tea, Alice asked, “You seem quite familiar with the place. Do you often bring clients here?”

“Of course,” Shang Mingbao replied, leaning her hands on the glass counter and whispering, “She welcomes me because every time I bring clients, they end up spending tens of millions. Their store’s bonuses rely on me.”

Alice: “……”

Shang Mingbao leaned in closer, her voice a clever provocation, “Don’t feel pressured; it’s fine to just look around.”

Alice: “…………”

While they were talking, the store’s sales assistant had already prepared tea and snacks. The deputy store manager came over to exchange pleasantries and introduced a senior jewelry consultant to assist them.

Alice felt a bit of regret. If it had been just her and Aja, they could have tried on high-end jewelry worth tens of millions and left without buying anything. But now that Shang Mingbao was with them, she felt an inexplicable pressure.

Her psychological budget jumped from three hundred thousand yuan to five hundred thousand yuan or more. She looked around and selected a purple main stone ring close to a million yuan.

The jewelry consultant introduced it, “This is a 6.39-carat purple spodumene, very dreamy. The ring setting features a double-layered lace design, which is our exclusive craftsmanship, something Miss Alice would be well aware of. To highlight the main stone’s brilliance, the ring’s sides are adorned with light yellow diamonds and platinum…”

Alice tried on the piece and indeed found it quite eye-catching.

Shang Mingbao leaned in and said in Chinese, “The brand and design might be good, but spodumene isn’t valuable.”

Alice: “……”

“Although I do recognize the brand, spodumene has a very stable supply and isn’t considered a precious gemstone.” He changed the subject slightly: “Of course, Alice, your hand looks so beautiful; this color suits you well. It’s not a bad idea to buy it as a fun piece.”

Alice took it off with a deadpan expression and said, “Shang Mingbao, you really know how to kill the mood.”

Shang Mingbao blinked: “My task is to help you buy a piece of jewelry that you like and that holds its value. This series hasn’t been around long enough, so I really don’t recommend it.”

When buying high-end jewelry, one looks at the brand, the design, and the history. The longer a series has been around, the more it has withstood the test of time. She briefly introduced the background history of the ring and concluded, “It hasn’t had enough time to establish itself yet, and because of the shortcuts taken with the main stone, I’m not optimistic about the overall appreciation of this series.”

Ajia listened with some skepticism and pointed to a ring with a pale yellow main stone nearby: “How about this one? This one looks pretty nice too.”

Shang Mingbao glanced at it and, before the consultant could introduce it, directly said, “Chalcedony, comes in tons, not valuable—Jiajia, let’s look at something more high-end.”

Ajia: “……”

Although they had been speaking in Chinese, the consultant had already guessed from their expressions what was going on and smiled, “Miss Alice, given your temperament, our Museum Collection would suit you very well. Would you like to try it?”

Shang Mingbao raised an eyebrow, thinking the consultant was quite perceptive.

The Museum Collection is Valeridge’s flagship series with a history of over a hundred years. The individual pieces are abundant, allowing for flexible matching. Most importantly, this series is centered around emeralds, which means the price is quite high.

Flattered by the consultant’s flattery, Alice was already feeling elated. When they reached the display for the Museum Collection, even though she was internally alarmed, her eyes were fixed on the stunning pieces displayed.

Being a flagship store, they could see such high-spec items here, unlike other stores where only catalogs and smaller pieces are available.

Seeing that Alice wanted to buy a ring today, Shang Mingbao skipped over the high-end pieces over five million and carefully inspected the collection before pointing to one: “This one, old mine Musa green?”

The consultant praised, “Miss Shang has a good eye.”

The consultant, wearing black silk gloves, took out the deep, rich green ring from the brilliantly lit display case, holding it in one hand and showing it with the other: “This is a genuine Musa green emerald from the old mine in Colombia, 4.15ct, with a large face size, completely clean and untreated, with a hidden setting. It’s very rare and precious.”

If Shang Mingbao were shopping alone, this price might just be for pleasure, but since she was accompanying Alice, she dutifully put on silk gloves, picked up the gem magnifier, and said, “Would you like to take a look?”

The consultant provided certificates from four institutions: Gubelin, SSEF, AGL, and GRS.

Alice and Ajia had been silent for a long time, absorbed in the conversation between Shang Mingbao and the consultant. From their relaxed and fluent responses, they felt a strange sense of pressure and incongruity.

Alice seemed calmly flipping through the certificates, while Ajia discreetly glanced at the price tag in the lower right corner, gasped inwardly, coughed lightly, and gently tapped Alice’s arm.

Alice, feeling embarrassed by her reaction, deliberately ignored the reminder.

After examining the main stone and the two 2ct colorless side diamonds, Shang Mingbao proactively handed the magnifier to Alice: “Do you want to take a look?”

Alice pretentiously said, “No need, the certificates are all here. Valeridge is such a top-tier brand, it shouldn’t deceive customers, right?”

Shang Mingbao smiled and said, “That’s not what I meant, but every stone has its own character. Anyway, what do you think?”

Alice calmly said, “Two million? Even for a top-grade emerald, isn’t that a bit outrageous?”

Shang Mingbao had anticipated her reaction and replied methodically, “If you buy a loose stone on the market and have it set yourself, it might cost less than five hundred thousand. But you know, this is Valeridge’s Museum Collection. Its design, cutting, and craftsmanship aren’t comparable to having a craftsman make a setting.”

She looked directly at Alice and smiled, “Alice, I think you should be someone who can appreciate the brand’s heritage, right? Besides, top-grade stones are always prioritized for top brands.”

Alice felt uncomfortable under her gaze, avoiding eye contact and saying, “Two million, I’m not making a decision that quickly.”

Shang Mingbao wasn’t in a hurry and continued to accompany her through other collections.

After finishing their tour of Valeridge, she asked them to wait and went to the ladies’ restroom in the store to smoke a cigarette, taking a deep breath of relief.

The assistant store manager thoughtfully placed a “Do Not Disturb” sign outside and said, “Miss Shang, you can smoke in the VIP room upstairs.”

Shang Mingbao skillfully tapped her slender cigarette and said, “No need, I can’t make them wait too long.”

She planned to smoke only half of the cigarette.

“You haven’t been to the store for a long time,” the assistant store manager said with concern. “Do you not like this season’s new products?”

Shang Mingbao shook her head and smiled with a hint of helplessness, “Another time, another time.”

She was now living off other people’s money, and buying a piece might mean she’d have to endure a year of hardships. She just hoped her final grades would be high enough for her dad, mom, older brother, older sister, second older sister, and younger brother to each give her a gift.

Outside the store, Ajia wrapped her fur coat tightly and grumbled, “Shang Mingbao really seems to know her stuff.”

Alice snorted, “It’s because being poor makes one more knowledgeable. Look at how someone with a three-thousand-a-month salary can talk like an expert about a Rolls Royce.”

Ajia was enlightened: “That makes sense. But that emerald just now was really impressive. Compared to it, the purple spodumene outside seemed rather lackluster.”

“Of course, that one was only eight hundred thousand,” Alice shot her a look.

“So, did you buy that one?”

Alice hesitated, and Ajia whispered, “Why don’t you come back later to order? You wouldn’t have to pay her commission, and who would know whether you bought it or not? At worst, just make sure she doesn’t see you wearing it later. Besides, none of your circles would even let her in.”

Alice was convinced by her suggestion and shared a look with her—

A quick agreement was reached.

Shang Mingbao stubbed out the half-smoked cigarette and checked her phone for new messages. The screen was clean.

She tossed the cigarette butt into the trash can, washed her hands and mouth. Halfway through washing, she lowered her head, leaned on the sink, and took a deep breath.

She thought of him.

She pulled out the amber from her zippered pocket, walked out of the restroom, and found the assistant store manager: “Can this be set into a piece of jewelry?”

The assistant manager took it with both hands and examined it carefully. Although it was a complete flower in the amber, its value paled compared to precious gems. She wasn’t sure why Shang Mingbao asked about it and tactfully said, “Amber is quite unique; it’s best to consult with the jewelers. What would you like to have it made into?”

Shang Mingbao replied, “Have them send me the design drafts.”

As a client of her level, she had the right to make any requests. The assistant store manager nodded in agreement, “Sure, of course.”

As Shang Mingbao was leaving, she turned back with a hint of concern: “Better give it back to me first. I’ll visit your jeweler directly another day.”

She was worried that the store staff might accidentally lose it—though it was a very small chance.

The assistant store manager smiled and placed it back into the thick velvet pouch: “It’s important to you.”

Having learned her lesson, Shang Mingbao put the amber back into her pocket and made sure the zipper was securely closed before responding, “You know, this flower inside bloomed over a hundred million years ago, in the early Cretaceous period.”

After leaving the store, Alice and Ajia both looked very pleased, only slightly complaining about her being in the restroom for so long.

After taking a taxi to another top luxury high-jewelry store, Josemal, their budget seemed to suddenly increase, and they immediately wanted to try on high-jewelry pieces worth millions.

This store’s recent collection featured titanium metal craftsmanship, which had the advantage of maintaining a strong three-dimensional sculptural feel even with full gemstone settings, and presented a complete, tangible visual effect.

Shang Mingbao spent three hours with them here, recommending and explaining, and finally noticed something odd—

They didn’t want to buy any of the pieces; they were only trying them on for selfies.

This situation continued into Desolee and even the fourth and fifth stores, until dusk.

“Ah, what a pity,” Alice sighed deeply in the end, looking regretful, “Although I tried so many, I ended up liking none of them, which made it seem like I didn’t like any of them.”

Shang Mingbao raised an eyebrow, “You could go all in.”

Alice was taken aback and, contradictorily, changed her stance, “I think today’s pieces were average; nothing really moved me.”

“Oh,” Shang Mingbao understood.

“I’ll treat you to a meal; you’ve worked hard all day,” Alice said generously.

“No need.” Shang Mingbao tucked her hands into her coat pockets, her fingers brushing the amber through the velvet fabric to calm herself.

“Then I’ll give you five hundred dollars as a tip for running errands today.” Alice said, pulling out some cash.

Shang Mingbao pressed her lips together, smiled brightly, and responded cheerfully, “Thank you, you’re very generous.”

“Not to mention,” Ajia scrutinized her, “You do know your stuff, but you’re not quite professional enough. Do you treat other clients like this too? Making the salespeople so confused about who’s paying?”

Alice handed over the money and, as if magnanimously, said, “It’s okay, they’re all earning commissions together. Your service attitude was good, I’ll introduce others to you next time.”

Shang Mingbao took the money, said her farewells, and walked slowly through the street lined with Christmas lights, braving the wind.

She hadn’t eaten all day, only snacking on tea and pastries from various VIP lounges. When she smelled the hot dog, she stopped and looked around, spotting a food cart five meters away.

Shang Mingbao took out some cash and, for the first time in her life, bought a classic hot dog and hot cocoa from a street cart, sitting on a nearby bench to eat it thoughtfully.

Halfway through, she remembered something and took a photo of the half-eaten hot dog, sending it to Xiang Feiran.

Of course, there was no reply. She wondered what he was doing now. Maybe he was in a camp in the icy wilderness.

She heard that the shore of Lake Superior was already frozen.

She wondered if his cold-weather gear was enough.

After finishing her meal, Shang Mingbao recovered from her earlier dejection and called the assistant store manager at V House, asking her to inform her immediately if those two bought anything.

The next afternoon, Liao Yunuo, after hearing the whole story, said emphatically, “Bitch!”

Shang Mingbao propped her chin on her hand and said, “It’s fine, even if they don’t buy anything, that’s just how the service industry is. But if they do buy something, they’d better not think they can skimp on the commission.”

“Next time, you should sign a contract first.”

Shang Mingbao’s eyes lit up: “Yes, you’re right. How can business be done without a contract?”

“And I think you shouldn’t look for clients in school. You need to find people who can really control their own wallets,” Liao Yunuo suggested while cutting her cake.

“Yes, I know, but that depends on the circle,” Shang Mingbao said thoughtfully. In a close-knit circle, everyone knows each other, and if someone doesn’t need her services, they wouldn’t dare use them; on the other hand, she doesn’t know any wealthy women outside her circle.

Liao Yunuo gave her a pointed look: “What about Wu Baiyan?”

“Huh?”

“He’s a native of the East District, and he must know enough wealthy ladies who could be your clients, plus he’s perfectly outside your current circle.”

What she said made sense. It wouldn’t do to approach Mrs. Wu; with her attentiveness and scheming, this situation would surely turn into a debt of gratitude. And Wu Baiyan, after all, is only eighteen—just a kid.

Although he might have some faint, ambiguous interest in her, Shang Mingbao considered it trivial, because she and Wu Baiyan had known each other since childhood. Before that fireworks event, their interactions were more akin to constant bickering whenever they met.

Wu Baiyan had joined the Columbia University kayaking team and was still in training when he received the call. He asked Shang Mingbao to wait for him in the courtyard in front of the library. He managed to squeeze in a quick shower, put on a hoodie, and then went to meet her.

He was still a bit upset about the last phone call: “You’re not here to see Xiang Feiran and just happen to see me, are you?”

“No,” Shang Mingbao replied with a smile, “Brother Feiran has gone to Wisconsin. Didn’t you know?”

Wu Baiyan retorted, “Of course not. Why would I know that?”

Shang Mingbao rolled her eyes, suppressing her frustration, and talked about her difficulties and plans.

When Wu Baiyan heard that she could only spend 150,000 a month, he burst into cruel laughter, to the point where he didn’t really listen to the rest. It wasn’t until he saw Shang Mingbao’s annoyed and cold expression that he cleared his throat and said seriously, “Alright, how can I help?”

Shang Mingbao was a bit surprised by his straightforwardness and asked, “You’re so easygoing?”

“There are conditions.”

Shang Mingbao frowned. “What conditions?”

“Treat me to a meal if I do a good job helping a client.”

“You,” Shang Mingbao was speechless, “Do you take me for a companion?”

“Then forget it.”

He turned to leave, expecting Shang Mingbao to grab his arm. When she did, he flattened his lips and looked very impatient, “No negotiation.”

“Wu Baiyan, I’m warning you not to be interested in me and to stop using these lowly tactics,” Shang Mingbao told him clearly.

“Damn.” Wu Baiyan cursed, “Sister, are you that narcissistic? Did you manage to seduce Xiang Feiran? Are you hinting at me?”

Shang Mingbao was dumbfounded by his natural way of turning the tables, “I’m truly impressed, Wu Allen.”

Wu Baiyan stared at her coldly, “You don’t deny it, Xiang Feiran.”

Shang Mingbao couldn’t be bothered with him, “None of your business. Forget it, I don’t need your help.”

This time, it was Wu Baiyan who grabbed her. “Help, help, help,” he gritted his teeth reluctantly, “Let me check my contacts and see if I can find someone suitable for next week’s lunch meeting.”

He was quite proactive, actually flipping through his contact list and making calls on the spot. Since it was cold outside and they were dressed lightly, he pulled Shang Mingbao into the nearby building.

He was better at behaving himself in front of elders than Shang Mingbao. He said he had a good classmate who was working and studying, with expertise in jewelry brands, and would provide high-quality consulting services at a low price.

When Shang Mingbao heard him finish a call, she said, “So you’re not that unreliable after all.”

While waiting for him to finish the calls, they wandered down the corridor and ended up deep inside without realizing it.

A door to an office opened, and a petite girl with a low ponytail walked out. Shang Mingbao didn’t pay much attention until the girl exclaimed, “Oh, it’s you.”

Shang Mingbao looked up, finding the girl serene and refined with a smooth oval face, but couldn’t quite place her.

“You were the one my senior called at the restaurant, right? You were across the street at that time.” Lin Xi smiled and closed her folder, “I’m Lin Xi, a graduate student here.”

Although it was Sunday, it was just like any other workday for their research group. Moreover, with Xiang Feiran gone for more than half a month, she couldn’t afford to fall behind.

When Lin Xi mentioned it, Shang Mingbao remembered. Lin Xi added, “My senior is Xiang Bo.”

Shang Mingbao nodded and smiled at her.

Today, Lin Xi was made up, unlike the disheveled appearance she had before. Although she had managed to look at Shang Mingbao calmly back then, she couldn’t today and instead looked down with composure, asking, “Who is this?”

“A friend.”

“Oh.” Lin Xi glanced at Wu Baiyan. Compared to Dr. Xiang, though handsome, Wu Baiyan wasn’t as captivating.

Wu Baiyan, showing good manners, noticed they knew each other and, since his call wasn’t ending soon, patted Shang Mingbao on the shoulder, indicating he would wait for her over there and gave them space.

Lin Xi asked, “Are you here to see my senior? He’s out on a field trip, didn’t you know?”

Shang Mingbao replied, “I knew, just happened to pass by, didn’t expect it to be so coincidental.”

She looked at the nameplate: “Is this where he usually does his research?”

Lin Xi smiled, “No, it’s upstairs. I’m here to find a friend.”

She then asked kindly, “My senior will be away for a long time. Do you have his contact number?”

Shang Mingbao hesitated, “No, no signal.”

“There’s a satellite phone,” Lin Xi said with a familiar smile, “But we usually only contact him for emergencies.”

Shang Mingbao pressed her lips together and asked, “How is he? Is everything going well?”

“Yeah, he mentioned the other day that they saw bear tracks on the road, so the whole team had to change their route on the spot.”

Bear tracks… That sounds dangerous. It must have been a vivid and unusual event, but he didn’t share it with her, or rather, he didn’t leave a channel open for sharing such things with her.

He was still the same, only allowing people to know the side of him that he welcomed.

Lin Xi pressed down the ballpoint pen, writing the satellite phone number on a piece of paper, and said, “It seems you’re not his girlfriend. To be honest, I was surprised at first because I thought you were. It’s quite surprising.”

Shang Mingbao awkwardly tugged at the corner of her lips. “I’m really not. What’s so surprising?”

Lin Xi cheerfully tore off a corner of the paper and handed it to her. “Because my senior is a non-marriage advocate,” she said matter-of-factly, “I think it’s pretty cool for someone to date him under that premise.”

“Non-marriage… advocate?” Shang Mingbao instinctively looked stunned, unable to process it immediately.

“Yes,” Lin Xi nodded. “He’s said before that non-marriage advocates should only date other non-marriage advocates to avoid unnecessary trouble in the future. Because of this, he easily rejected all confessions—though it’s not very effective with Western girls, but it’s quite discouraging for Chinese girls, don’t you think? We still yearn for lifelong commitment.”

She smiled, putting the pen back in her folder. “I have a bit more to do, so I’m heading back to the office. Feel free to visit often.”

Wu Baiyan, after hanging up the phone for a while and not seeing Shang Mingbao come over, noticed that there seemed to be no sounds of conversation in the corridor, so he pushed open the door and returned to the hallway.

Shang Mingbao was standing alone, and the girl was no longer there.

Wu Baiyan walked over with heavy steps, but Shang Mingbao seemed oblivious, so when he patted her shoulder, she jumped as if startled like a cat.

Her face, instinctively turned towards him, showed a pair of beautiful eyes looking bewildered, as if she had been standing alone in a desolate wasteland for a long time.