Chapter 43

Since it was just a family gathering, Shang Mingbao didn’t dress up too elaborately, wearing only a champagne satin long dress. The dress had a French square neckline, slightly revealing her curves. She had taken the liberty to add a layer of sheer fabric underneath to cover up a bit of the exposure.

Although somewhat reluctant, since she was going to the Wu family’s dinner, Shang Mingbao took out the ring from the jewelry box, specifically the one given to her by Wu Baiyan.

To be honest, this was the first time she carefully examined it. While the luxury product’s craftsmanship was impeccable, it was somewhat conventional and lacked excitement. Shang Mingbao slipped it onto her right ring finger and then opened the top drawer to carefully retrieve the Australian white pearl ear cuffs from the velvet tray.

Wen Youyi walked with a gentle, soft tread, and with the thick carpet in the dressing room, Shang Mingbao only noticed her presence when she was already behind her, causing her to startle slightly.

She was feeling a bit guilty, preoccupied with her 4 PM appointment with Xiang Feiran, counting down every minute.

“Change the earrings,” Wen Youyi suggested after examining her. “They’re too matchy with the dress and lack weight for an evening event. They’re more suited for daily wear or afternoon tea.”

Shang Mingbao pursed her lips and obediently took them off.

Wen Youyi bent down to select a pair of dark green emeralds for her. This set, valued in the millions, instantly transformed Shang Mingbao’s look, making the entire room seem to shine brighter.

Wen Youyi admired her for a moment and then pointed at her ring. “That should be the least valuable piece you’re wearing today.”

“Then I’ll just not wear it,” Shang Mingbao said, making as if to remove the ring.

The dressing room’s bright lights illuminated her red face from preparing for Xiang Feiran, giving her a somewhat shy, youthful demeanor.

Wen Youyi misunderstood, thinking Shang Mingbao was intentionally sulking in front of her. She gave her an out, holding her wrist, and said sternly yet affectionately, “Mommy didn’t teach you these manners.”

Listening to the ticking of the clock, Shang Mingbao’s thoughts had already flown outside. She urged Wen Youyi out of the dressing room. “Mommy, your hair and clothes aren’t ready yet. Hurry, we’re going to be late!”

Wen Youyi, pushed and smiling over her shoulder, asked, “Why the rush?”

“It’s always bad to be late. What if there’s traffic or an accident, right?”

She was as frantic as a pearl bird afraid of missing out, and Wen Youyi couldn’t help but laugh. “Alright, alright, I’ll hurry. You—”

“My stomach hurts!” Shang Mingbao said, holding her stomach and looking panicked. “I’ve been eating irregularly lately…”

Wen Youyi was sent upstairs, reminding the maid to prepare some soup to warm her stomach. Shang Mingbao responded with a quick “Got it!” and slammed the door. The house was well-soundproofed, and she didn’t hear any movement from Wen Youyi. By the time she looked at the clock, it was already past 4 PM. She grabbed a dark camel coat from the closet, carried her canvas shoes, and quietly made her way down to the first floor. After hiding behind the staircase and ensuring no one was watching, she quickly slipped out through the back door.

Canvas shoes are cold, so Shang Mingbao hurriedly slipped them on, pressed the heels in, and ran as she threw the coat over her shoulders and slipped her arms into it.

The belt slipped off and fell behind her. She muttered an “Oops!” and turned back to pick it up.

By the time she reached Xiang Feiran, she was in disarray.

“Sorry…” Shang Mingbao threw herself into his arms, out of breath, and immediately pulled back his sleeve to check the time. “I’m seven minutes late!”

Her tone was unclear whether she was regretful or relieved.

Xiang Feiran patted her back to help her catch her breath and said with a half-smile, “Why run? I wasn’t going anywhere.”

Shang Mingbao looked disappointed. “I wasted seven minutes.”

Xiang Feiran laughed, “You can make it up next time.”

“Why didn’t you call to remind me? Aren’t you afraid I might forget?” Shang Mingbao said, hugging him with visible white breath.

Xiang Feiran seemed momentarily at a loss, thought for a moment, and then relaxed his brow. “I didn’t consider that possibility.”

As for why he didn’t call, it’s expected for a boyfriend to wait for his girlfriend, and he happened to be quite patient. In this state of unknown yet certain anticipation, waiting for her to appear at the corner was a fresh expectation. As you know, we wait for the blooming of the night-blooming cereus.

When the flower bloomed, he looked Shang Mingbao up and down and adjusted the twisted gemstone necklace. “Dressed so formally?”

“Not really,” Shang Mingbao said earnestly. “I did my own makeup.”

She snuggled closer and asked, “Do I look pretty?”

“Yes.”

She was the arrogant, glamorous her. Dazzling, distant her.

Noticing her neckline and cleavage visible through the sheer fabric, Xiang Feiran fell silent and his gaze darkened. “Who told you to dress like this?”

He pulled the sheer fabric up a bit more, covering up more of her.

Shang Mingbao bit her lip, trying to suppress a smile. “Feiran, you’re so conservative… I have many dresses like this.”

Xiang Feiran’s expression turned cold, “Don’t let me see them.”

This meant he wouldn’t interfere with her dressing choices, but out of sight was out of mind.

“Okay…” Shang Mingbao pretended to understand, tilting her head. “Then I won’t wear them in front of you in the future.”

She whispered in his lowered ear, “I wear them for others.”

Xiang Feiran decided it was time to buy a car. For instance, if they were meeting in a car right now, he would at least have a place to “reason” with her physically.

But now, in broad daylight and in public, Xiang Feiran could only meaningfully tap his chin twice, his gaze lingering on her for a couple of seconds before he coldly said, “Wait.”

With limited time, he leaned down to kiss her, his hands cupping her face, skillfully covering for her.

The deep green gemstones, along with her earlobes, were caught between his slender fingers, his grip firm and marked by an inescapable mixture of ferocity and care.

The large house was quiet.

Shang Mingbao lifted her skirt, steadied her breath, and then pressed her lips together to fix her lipstick, which had been disheveled by the kiss. After ensuring everything was in place, she took a deep breath, pushed the door open, and entered quietly.

Just a couple of steps in, she ran into Lai Siqi, who was on the phone. Shang Mingbao quickly hid her snow-dusted canvas shoes behind her. “S-Sis Lai.”

Her eyes widened, not daring to blink or move away.

“Miss Shang,” Lai Siqi greeted her, glancing at her coat and asking, “Did you go to the garden to see the snow?”

“Y-Yes…” Shang Mingbao swallowed nervously.

Lai Siqi’s smile remained unchanged as she said, “You should touch up your makeup. We’re leaving soon.”

“O-Oh…” Shang Mingbao nodded, and as soon as Lai Siqi turned her back, she quickly hid the canvas shoes in her arms.

Fortunately, she didn’t run into anyone else on the way, allowing her to sneak back into her room unnoticed.

After hiding the dirty canvas shoes, she let out a sigh, her heartbeat still racing from the close call. Once she finished touching up her makeup, she texted Xiang Feiran: [That was close! Almost got caught.]

Xiang Feiran, sitting on a bench in Central Park, responded with a pat-on-the-head emoji.

Shang Mingbao quickly followed up: [We can’t meet again until Mom and Dad leave.]

Xiang Feiran smiled, and after a brief pause, replied with a simple “Okay.”

Sophie knocked on the door, asking her to come downstairs. Shang Mingbao tightened the hairpins on either side of her princess-style hair and opened the door to leave.

No one noticed her earlier escapades.

At the Wu residence, they arrived just on time.

This time, Mrs. Wu was waiting not at the central staircase but at the entrance hall. Next to her were her husband, Wu Lands, and their younger son, Wu Baiyan. Their elder son, Wu Qingtong, was not present due to health issues, and their eldest was in Russia with his wife’s family.

The Shang family’s butler, Uncle Sheng, rang the doorbell. The door opened to reveal three beaming faces. Mrs. Wu, despite her inner warmth, reduced her smile by a third to maintain her East Side composure, though the effect was still quite impressive.

Wen Youyi greeted Mrs. Wu with a smile and naturally shifted her gaze to the young man beside her.

Wu Baiyan stood much more upright than on the day he hosted the dinner. As a member of the school’s kayaking team, he looked quite impressive in his custom-tailored suit.

The families exchanged pleasantries as they moved inside, the atmosphere filled with courteous and breezy interactions, almost as if an invisible camera were documenting the perfect scene.

According to protocol, they first visited Wu Qingtong. He was in his study, with an American-style sofa positioned by the window. The view outside, obscured by the treetops of Central Park, would likely be even more beautiful in summer or autumn.

When the guests arrived, Wu Qingtong set aside the book he was reading. His blanket and medical tape on his hand indicated his condition, but his spirits were good, and he chatted clearly and pleasantly. As a rare guest, he was well aware of their importance.

Shang Mingbao greeted him and then stepped back out. Wu Baiyan stayed in the hallway with her and, hearing her ask softly, “Is your grandfather ill?”

“His age limits his energy throughout the day,” Wu Baiyan replied.

Shang Mingbao nodded. “You should spend time with him.”

Wu Baiyan knew she had a good relationship with her grandfather and felt a lingering guilt from their brief last meeting. He paused and then remarked, “Everyone faces this eventually. Just don’t leave regrets behind.”

Noticing her right hand, which bore a ring, he gently asked, “Can I see it?”

Shang Mingbao was puzzled, and Wu Baiyan reached out from his suit pants to lift her fingertip slightly. “Do you know how I figured out your ring size?”

Shang Mingbao pulled her hand away. “Just talk.”

“Then show me,” Wu Baiyan said, clicking his tongue. “It’s just a hand, why be so reserved?”

“You,” Shang Mingbao glared at him and extended her hand. “Look if you want, but I don’t like it. It’s not pretty.”

“Damn,” Wu Baiyan muttered, holding back his frustration. “Why didn’t you say something earlier? If you don’t like it, I can get you another one.”

Shang Mingbao said firmly, “I don’t have the habit of being picky about other people’s gifts.”

Wu Baiyan swallowed his curse, saying resignedly, “So you really don’t like it at all?”

“It’s okay, just a bit boring.”

Wu Baiyan clicked his tongue, nodding. “Got it for next time.”

Shang Mingbao looked at him curiously. “Don’t give me such expensive gifts. I still owe you. Don’t you know I’m short on money right now? Do you want me to beg on the street?”

Wu Baiyan was taken aback by her complaints, trying to make sense of it. “Wait, who said you need to repay me? I just wanted to give you a gift, not expect a couple of bottles of wine in return.”

“What do you mean by a couple of bottles of wine? Those are worth much more than your ring. Do you understand?” Shang Mingbao said angrily. She hadn’t even had a chance to drink the wine she bought when she was still flush with cash.

Wu Baiyan took a deep breath and lowered his voice. “If that’s the case, how about we drink together tonight? That way you won’t think I’m incapable of appreciating fine things.”

While they were chatting in the hallway, Wu Qingtong calculated that Xiang Feiran should also be arriving soon. He claimed to be tired and needed some time alone to rest. The adults exited the study, with Wen Youyi being the first to leave. She saw Wu Baiyan looking down, speaking tenderly to Shang Mingbao.

The volume of his voice and his breathing are so soft that they wouldn’t even stir a feather.

Wen Youyi cast a discreet glance away. She could see the boy’s feelings for Mingbao, but what puzzled her was her transparent daughter. How could she appear to like him one moment and then be so impatient in person? Is this how she behaves when she’s in love, so aloof and proud?

Upon hearing the noise, Shang Mingbao immediately took a step back.

Mrs. Wu, smiling warmly, placed her hands on Shang Mingbao’s shoulders. “When I see the way you look, it reminds me of when I was young and would blush at the mere mention of a word from a male classmate.”

The butler came to invite them to move to the floral hall for tea, after which they would proceed to the dining area.

The banquet hall on the second floor is spacious, with four sets of eight-paneled floor-to-ceiling windows arranged in a classical style, featuring round tables, an elevated fireplace, and a profusion of flowers.

Since it is hosted by Mrs. Wu, the details are much more refined compared to the previous event. For instance, she must have replaced the curtains, as they perfectly complement the placemats, tablecloths, and glasses. The combination of ceramics, transparent crystal, and silverware is refreshingly new.

Since it was not yet time, they only briefly passed through the banquet hall and then moved to the floral hall to enjoy tea and casual conversation.

Mrs. Wu was fully in control of every detail for today. After a glance at the dining room, her confidence grew, and she straightened her chest, revealing a deeper smile.

As the tea was being refilled for the second time, a silver carbon fiber road bike stopped at the entrance of the Wu residence. A man in a parka ascended the steps with his usual stride and rang the doorbell.

The doorman, an old acquaintance, greeted him with a prepared smile and invited him in, saying respectfully, “Mr. Wu is waiting for you in the study.”

Xiang Feiran, not intending to stay long, quickly ascended the stairs with the items entrusted to him by Xiang Lianqiao.

He couldn’t help but notice the emptiness in the house, as if the servants and liveliness were concentrated elsewhere. He could vaguely hear the clinking of cups and laughter, but he paid it no mind, as it was none of his concern and not within his interest.

After knocking, he heard Wu Qingtong’s voice saying, “Come in.”

The elderly man appeared thinner than when they last met over a month ago, his hands covered in age spots, with swollen veins and medical tape from an IV.

“Forgive my appearance,” Wu Qingtong said, moving his hand towards the tea table with a slight tremble. “Please, have some tea.”

Xiang Feiran’s urge to leave quickly dissipated. His smile was kind, and his gaze was bright, not feigning friendliness—facing such an elderly man made it hard for him to just walk away.

He sat down and handed the man a brown paper file.

“You resemble your grandfather.”

Xiang Feiran paused his tea-drinking and smiled faintly.

“I’m not referring to your appearance; I know you have no blood relation,” Wu Qingtong said, lifting his head and tracing circles on his hand. “I mean your demeanor and some fundamental qualities.”

He looked at Xiang Feiran as if seeing the youth of an old friend he hadn’t seen in half a lifetime. “See, you both share a similar pride and disdain for talking too much. However, he became such an outstanding diplomat. Perhaps, those who are quick with words and eloquent believe in things beyond words, which are the real things?”

Xiang Feiran paused for a moment, then genuinely smiled and replied gently, “You are indeed his friend.”

Wu Qingtong opened the file, put on his glasses, and began examining the yellowed letters and very old photographs, his face gradually lighting up with a smile.

Xiang Feiran waited quietly, his gaze shifting to the two Bentleys parked on the street below. Due to the angle, the license plate of the front car was obscured by the car parked behind it.

He hadn’t noticed when he first arrived, but now that he had time to spare, he recognized the cars.

He had actually driven these cars for three days in a blizzard—they were Mingbao’s cars.

As he focused on recalling the past, Wu Qingtong heard the sound of a cup being set down.

The study was so quiet that the crisp sound of the ceramic was quite abrupt, even somewhat impolite and lacking in composure.

He looked up, his gaze behind his reading glasses slowly examining the young man beside him. Did he misjudge? He had thought Xiang Feiran was a calm, composed young man.

Xiang Feiran held the edge of the teacup. The porcelain was so thin it seemed like it might break under his grip.

After a brief moment, his expression returned to calm, and he lowered his eyelashes, asking, “Are there guests at your residence today?”

Wu Qingtong nodded and returned to examining the old items, casually answering, “A businessman from Hong Kong. Do you know him?”

After Xiang Feiran confirmed that he did, Wu Qingtong seemed interested. He unconsciously praised the businessman and mentioned that during the funeral of Mr. Shang, although Xiang Feiran’s grandfather was a friend, his status was insufficient to merit even a second of camera time and was only listed as “other important figures.”

Xiang Feiran smiled. He understood.

No matter how much he tried to distance himself from Xiang Lianqiao’s influence, he was still deeply sheltered. He knew better than anyone the status and influence of Xiang Lianqiao. Because of this, he was also acutely aware of the weight of Mr. Shang and his family.

Xiang Lianqiao had reached the pinnacle of diplomacy but had lived a life of integrity, never seeking anything for himself. In this circle, once people retire, the warmth fades. After a hundred years, people might show some extra care to his descendants out of respect for his remaining influence, but it would only be care, not substantial support.

Once removed from the whirlpool of power, there is no returning—especially when the distance between a diplomat and power is more than a mere mountain.

What Xiang Lianqiao could leave behind was only a thin ray of sunlight on the western hills, destined to set.

Wu Qingtong seemed surprised that Xiang Feiran, a botanist who was indifferent to worldly affairs, would know such things. He relaxed and began to chat more casually, taking off his glasses. “The children of the Shang family are all well-raised. For example, their third daughter—bright, lively, innocent, and pure. Seeing her even makes me feel a little better.”

Xiang Feiran felt he could no longer stay.

He could not maintain a smile while Wu Qingtong talked about potential marriage arrangements involving someone he knew so well. The faces of the people involved were so vivid in his mind that he didn’t need to imagine the scenes of marriage, affection, and old age; they overwhelmed his thoughts and filled his vision.

It felt like he had watched a film about her and someone else, and he was merely an unnoticed spectator whose role ended ten minutes into the movie.

His fingers, gripping the armrest of the sofa, turned pale from the pressure.

After a moment, Wu Qingtong’s speech paused, and he noticed the young man beside him standing up expressionlessly. Xiang Feiran’s brow, shadowed by his fringe, was devoid of any light.

He had risen abruptly, as if he could not stay even a second longer.

Wu Qingtong, caught up in the conversation, sighed regretfully. Understanding that he couldn’t keep him any longer, he picked up his cane and attempted to escort him to the door.

Xiang Feiran placed a hand gently on his shoulder. “Please, don’t trouble yourself.”

Wu Qingtong felt the cold and stiffness of his hand.

He walked to the door, opening it to unexpectedly encounter a group of people touring the house.

Mrs. Wu led the way, accompanied by Wen Youyi, while Wu Land and Shang Yuye were engaged in business discussions elsewhere. Following the two mothers were Shang Mingbao and Wu Baiyan.

It was evident that Mrs. Wu had arranged this.

Upon seeing Xiang Feiran, Mrs. Wu, surprised yet familiar, quickly put on a smile. Though he was a talented young man, she had no daughter to offer him, so her familiarity could not be heightened. She smiled and greeted, “Feiran, you’ve finished talking so soon?”

Xiang Feiran tightened his grip on the door handle momentarily before relaxing, nodding to her and the women beside her.

Knowing she was Shang Mingbao’s mother, he involuntarily looked at her longer, his eyes reflecting a distant and yearning admiration.

It was a brief and courteous glance. Afterward, he returned his attention to Mrs. Wu.

Shang Mingbao stood stiffly beside Wu Baiyan, as if she were in a frozen cave.

She had thought about many things—whether her mother would notice anything, what to do if she did, whether her mother would intervene or reveal anything, and how she should handle it if her mother tried to separate them. Her mind was a chaotic mess of anxiety, her gaze fixed on Xiang Feiran, her brain blank with fear.

She looked so terrified, as if she feared he would do something inappropriate.

Xiang Feiran’s fingers, resting at his side, curled slightly, and his lips curled up.

He didn’t realize that, at this moment, he was smiling more warmly and gently than ever before.

She was overthinking. He wished he could tell her gently.

Mrs. Wu introduced him, “This is Tanya, and this is babe, Tanya’s younger daughter. And this is Alan. You should have already met.”

With each introduction, Xiang Feiran turned his gaze, nodding respectfully. When it came to Shang Mingbao, his gaze lingered calmly on her face, noticing her nervousness and blankness.

A sharp pang in his heart passed through his limbs in an instant.

Xiang Feiran willed himself to suppress any emotions in his gaze, looking calmly and gently at the young woman standing beside Wu Baiyan.

Indeed, amidst the snow-covered streets, emerald jewelry and silk gowns made him feel out of place.

Because these things belonged to such houses, carpets, wall paintings, and crystal chandeliers.

She was the same.

“Oh,” Mrs. Wu suddenly turned to Shang Mingbao, “babe, didn’t you meet Feiran at the last party?”

When Wen Youyi turned her face, Shang Mingbao firmly replied, “No.”

Xiang Feiran was momentarily stunned, his fingers numb and curled, until he relaxed them after a long pause.

Indeed, in such a formal setting, he was more suited to being a stranger in her life.

Shang Mingbao stepped forward, her smile making a concerted effort to appear natural. “There were so many people that night, so I didn’t get a chance to meet everyone.”

Her comment was directed at Mrs. Wu, avoiding looking at him as if he were air.

In a quieter voice, she said to Wen Youyi, “Mommy, I’m hungry…”

She just wanted to pull Wen Youyi away from him quickly.

No more than a minute; any longer, and Wen Youyi might notice something.

She thought her performance was flawless, and finally looked at him, her smile stiff but innocently asking, “Feiran, have you eaten?”

Mrs. Wu, with a hint of realization, symbolically invited Xiang Feiran, “Feiran, would you like to stay for dinner?”

She knew it was unlikely because Xiang Feiran was dressed in a parka, sports, and basketball shoes, which did not match any dress code.

Xiang Feiran politely declined, his steps pausing slightly as he passed by her, wishing her a pleasant evening.