Chapter 51: The Two Negotiators

In his previous life, Chen Qianqing had interacted with Han Huaiyun quite a bit. Han had started working for Lu Chongqian as a teenager and had been by his side for over twenty years. Because of his trust in Han, Lu Chongqian entrusted many tasks to him. When Lu Zhengfei began learning about family affairs, Han Huaiyun even served as a sort of mentor to him.

Although Han worked closely with Lu Zhengfei, he was only in his thirties and had a much gentler personality than Lu Chongqian. In handling delicate matters, Han stepping in was often far more effective than Lu Chongqian doing so.

However, Chen Qianqing vaguely remembered that in the past, it wasn’t Han Huaiyun who dealt with these issues directly—it was Lu Zhengfei’s parents. After learning of what Lu Zhengfei had done, they decisively offered compensation to the original Chen Qianqing, most of which was financial.

Huang Yuping and Lu Chongqian had thought that locking their son away would eventually make him forget about Chen Qianqing after a few years. But they miscalculated. When Lu Zhengfei later declared his unwavering resolve to be with Chen Qianqing, his relationship with his family hit rock bottom. Beyond essential contact, he rarely returned home.

When Han Huaiyun arrived in City C, the weather had finally cleared up. After a week of snow, the sun shone brightly, its warm glow reflecting sharply off the thick snow.

Chen Qianqing stepped out wearing a blue-and-white down jacket and a scarf.

The meeting was set at a café in the city center. Unfamiliar with City C, Chen Qianqing left home immediately after receiving Han Huaiyun’s call.

Half an hour later, Chen Qianqing arrived at the designated spot. Han Huaiyun, dressed in a gray trench coat, was already seated inside.

As Chen Qianqing walked in, Han Huaiyun’s gaze landed on him. He had seen Chen Qianqing’s photo before, but the person before him seemed different—less youthful, with an air of lifelessness. Han gestured for Chen Qianqing to come over.

Chen Qianqing walked to the corner where Han was seated and took the seat opposite him.

“It’s cold outside, isn’t it? Would you like something to drink?” Han asked.

Chen Qianqing didn’t like coffee. His sleep was already terrible, and caffeine would only make it worse. “A hot milk, please,” he replied.

Han didn’t comment and called the server to order a hot milk for Chen Qianqing.

Chen Qianqing appeared indifferent, showing no hint of nervousness or awkwardness despite meeting a stranger. He sat there as if he and Han had been long-time acquaintances.

Han had expected Chen Qianqing to feel uneasy, but his calmness was surprising. The young man, with his delicate features, had an air of detachment in his gaze, completely unfeigned.

An unusual person, Han thought. He had a strong sense that taking on this task himself was the right decision.

The milk arrived quickly. Chen Qianqing picked up the cup, took a sip, and then cradled it in his hands to warm his frostbitten palms.

“You’re not wearing gloves?” Han asked.

“I don’t like wearing gloves,” Chen replied.

“Fair enough,” Han said. “Let’s officially introduce ourselves. I’m Han Huaiyun, an assistant to Lu Zhengfei’s father.”

Chen Qianqing listened quietly, making no comment.

Han continued, “His family has learned about what’s going on between you and him. I’ve familiarized myself with the situation. What are your thoughts on all this?”

Chen Qianqing lowered his eyes, staring at the steaming milk in his hands. Slowly, he replied, “From the final outcome, we probably won’t differ much. I also hope Lu Zhengfei will let me go.”

Han Huaiyun silently stared at Chen Qianqing, and after a moment, he said, “Although this might be rude, I still want to ask—are you really not doing this voluntarily?”

Chen Qianqing slowly raised his gaze and met Han Huaiyun’s eyes. “It seems like you haven’t done your homework well enough,” he replied.

Han Huaiyun said, “Please forgive me for asking, but the truth is, if there’s something you can’t obtain in this world, it’s simply because the price you’re offering isn’t high enough.”

Chen Qianqing asked, “Including life?”

Han Huaiyun chuckled. “Yes.”

Chen Qianqing also smiled. He had thought the same way once—until he lost the person he loved.

“Maybe you’re right,” Chen Qianqing said, “but from what I see, Lu Zhengfei can’t afford the price it takes to get me.” Even when Lu Zhengfei once tried to exchange his own life for Chen Qianqing’s forgiveness, Chen Qianqing still chose death. Lu Zhengfei couldn’t pay the price Chen Qianqing demanded, so he couldn’t have him.

Chen Qianqing added, “Actually, it’s useless for you to talk to me. As long as Lu Zhengfei is willing to let go, I will never look back.”

Han Huaiyun said, “If that’s the case, then all the better.”

Before coming, Han Huaiyun had conducted a thorough investigation into Chen Qianqing, from his childhood all the way up to the past month. He knew almost every major event in Chen Qianqing’s life.

But the Chen Qianqing sitting before him was very different from the one described in the documents.

“Is this what you came for?” Chen Qianqing asked. “You really went through the trouble of coming all the way here.”

Han Huaiyun replied, “Of course. We’re also willing to offer some compensation for the things Lu Zhengfei did to you.”

Chen Qianqing asked, “How much?”

Han Huaiyun said, “Five million, plus an opportunity to study abroad—though not in Country A.” It seemed he had also consulted with Ruan Wenhong about the situation.

Chen Qianqing said, “Very good. I’m quite satisfied.” Throughout their conversation, Chen Qianqing’s attitude had been indifferent, as if the matter didn’t concern him at all.

Han Huaiyun said, “We can also provide you with comprehensive psychological treatment.”

Chen Qianqing smiled. “You really know a lot.”

Han Huaiyun fell silent. When he arrived, he was still wondering whether Chen Qianqing really had no interest in Lu Zhengfei, as the documents suggested. After speaking with him, Han had confirmed his assumption—Chen Qianqing was completely indifferent to Lu Zhengfei.

It made sense. As a man with a healthy personality, if he wasn’t enticed by the things around Lu Zhengfei, leaving was naturally the best choice.

But how many people in this world are truly not tempted?

When wealth and power—things that people strive for their whole lives—are placed right in front of you, how many can stick to their principles and walk away without hesitation?

Having been with Lu Chongqian for over twenty years, Han had witnessed countless instances of people who were initially forced into things, only to later fall into corruption due to the temptations of money and power.

Although Lu Zhengfei wasn’t yet in control of the Lu family, his lavish gestures showed how much he valued Chen Qianqing. So when Chen Qianqing decisively expressed his desire to leave Lu Zhengfei, Han Huaiyun was actually intrigued by him.

But Han didn’t say anything that shouldn’t be said, so he simply watched Chen Qianqing, falling into silence.

Chen Qianqing asked, “When will Lu Zhengfei be released? Can you guarantee he won’t bother me?”

Han Huaiyun replied, “I can’t.” No one except Lu Zhengfei’s parents could guarantee that. Even if Chen Qianqing went abroad, if Lu Zhengfei wasn’t locked at home, he would still be able to track him down.

Chen Qianqing had already anticipated the answer. Major family matters in the Lu household were handled by Lu Chongqian, but when it came to Lu Zhengfei’s education, Huang Yuping would never let Lu Chongqian handle it alone. This time, they had sent Han Huaiyun simply to gauge what kind of person Chen Qianqing really was. Since Lu Zhengfei hadn’t come out with a dramatic declaration like in the past life, his parents wouldn’t feel threatened by him.

It was truly a troubling situation.

Han Huaiyun said, “But please don’t worry. Lu Zhengfei’s father is very upset about what he’s done. He probably won’t be bothering you anytime soon.”

Lu Chongqian, being somewhat of a military man, was definitely furious when he learned that his son had forced a man. Han Huaiyun wasn’t lying.

Chen Qianqing understood Lu Chongqian’s personality well, so he knew Han wasn’t deceiving him.

Chen Qianqing ran his fingers over the glass cup. “That would be perfect.”

Han Huaiyun said, “We’re all young once. After the novelty wears off, people aren’t as interested anymore.” — From the past to now, almost everyone thought this way.

Before Lu Zhengfei showed his resolve, his pursuit of Chen Qianqing had seemed like a cat chasing a ball of yarn, more of a hobby. When another cat came along, the yarn would naturally be tossed aside.

But the unfortunate thing for Lu Zhengfei was that, for Chen Qianqing, he was never just a ball of yarn.

Chen Qianqing didn’t say the things he knew. He only stared at Han Huaiyun’s familiar yet unfamiliar face, letting out a heavy sigh.

He wanted to ask how Lu Chongqian and Huang Yuping were doing, but he knew he no longer had the right to ask. Perhaps the next time they met, the look in Lu Chongqian and Huang Yuping’s eyes would only hold malice.

Coming back into this world, it felt as though he had lost everything precious to him.

Both Han Huaiyun and Chen Qianqing fell into silence, but the atmosphere wasn’t awkward. It felt like the comfortable silence between old friends. Only when the coffee was almost finished did Han Huaiyun stand up and say, “Then I’ll be leaving now.”

Chen Qianqing nodded.

Han Huaiyun called the waiter to pay the bill. Before leaving, he hesitated for a moment and said, “Here’s my personal number. If anything comes up, you can call me.”

Chen Qianqing asked, “Even if it’s something unrelated to Lu Zhengfei?”

Han Huaiyun nodded. For some reason, despite having only exchanged a few words, he felt as though he had known Chen Qianqing for a long time.

Chen Qianqing smiled upon hearing this, but didn’t decline. He took out his phone and saved Han Huaiyun’s number.

After Han Huaiyun left, Chen Qianqing sat for a while longer, then got up and walked out into the sunlit street.