Chapter 17.2: Rainy Night Memories

When they arrived at Ye Tianhui’s place, Gu Shizhang looked over and saw the old, worn building, its walls chipped and faded. He could see clothes hanging out to dry from the windows and makeshift kitchens built in the hallways. Below, small huts were set up under canvas tarps, and next to one of them, an old man was squatting by a pile of garbage, eating from a bowl.

In the misty light rain, voices could be heard—people talking enthusiastically, the sound of mahjong being played, and discussions about horse racing, all drifting up from downstairs.

There were also the sounds of an elderly woman arguing with someone in Cantonese, her curses echoing loudly.

Gu Shizhang: “Are you used to living here?”

Ye Tianhui: “It’s fine. The people are nice and treat me well.”

Since she had beaten up that gangster, everyone greeted her affectionately as “mei zai” (little sister). Even the women working in the building looked at her with admiration, and the elderly lady who rented out the apartments often offered her food with warmth.

Gu Shizhang nodded: “What floor do you live on?”

Ye Tianhui: “The seventh floor.”

Gu Shizhang: “Do you want me to walk you upstairs?”

Ye Tianhui quickly shook her head: “No need. There are too many people around here. If anything happens, everyone will know.”

Gu Shizhang: “Oh?”

Ye Tianhui: “If you walk me home, they’ll definitely misunderstand.”

Gu Shizhang asked, “Misunderstand what?”

Ye Tianhui almost said, “Misunderstand that I’m dating,” but then realized that might sound a bit ambiguous.

She turned her gaze toward the distance and said lightly, “Maybe they’ll misunderstand that I’m one of the building’s women.”

Gu Shizhang was momentarily stunned, then lowered his head slightly, grinding his teeth: “What nonsense are you talking about?”

Ye Tianhui smiled: “How are you getting back?”

Gu Shizhang: “I’ll take the bus. It should be convenient.”

Ye Tianhui was about to take off her coat when Gu Shizhang raised his hand, and his long fingers gently pressed down on her shoulder, stopping her action.

Ye Tianhui looked at him, puzzled.

Gu Shizhang: “It’s cold, you’ll easily catch a cold. Don’t refuse, just wear it for now. You can return it to me when you get a new one.”

Ye Tianhui: “Aren’t you cold?”

Gu Shizhang: “It’s fine. I’m not cold. You keep the coat, I’ll take the umbrella back.”

Seeing this, Ye Tianhui didn’t refuse: “Alright, if it doesn’t rain tomorrow, I’ll go shopping for clothes and return it to you once I’ve bought a new one.”

Gu Shizhang nodded: “As for the betting tickets, if you have any thoughts, feel free to tell me. I can help analyze it for you.”

Ye Tianhui smiled: “Good, I’ll consult with you then. Otherwise, I’d really feel uncertain.”

Gu Shizhang: “As for work opportunities, I’ll help you inquire.”

Ye Tianhui: “Mm-hmm!”

Gu Shizhang: “Shall I leave now?”

Ye Tianhui smiled: “Take care on the way!”

Gu Shizhang: “It seems a bit chaotic here. Go upstairs first. I’ll watch you go up.”

Ye Tianhui nodded, bid him farewell again, and quickly ran into the building to go upstairs.

Standing there, Gu Shizhang watched as Ye Tianhui raised her hands to shield her head and dashed into the corridor without looking around.  

Nearby, a couple was kissing passionately under the eaves, but she paid them no attention, as if she hadn’t seen them.  

Once she disappeared into the corridor, she was out of his sight.  

His gaze slowly moved upward and rested on the seventh floor.  

In the misty rain, under the faint glow of lights, he could make out an open walkway on the seventh floor. The narrow walkway was crowded with makeshift stoves where the tenants cooked their meals.  

Many rooms were lit, though two or three remained dark, leaving him unsure which one was hers.  

Holding his umbrella, he silently watched. When another gust of wind swept through, he noticed a shadow appear on the seventh-floor walkway. That figure seemed to wave at him.  

He pressed his lips into a smile and waved back.  

Through the rain, they exchanged waves before he saw her close the door.  

After the door shut, her room light turned on almost immediately.  

The dim light, softened by the misty rain, gave off a gentle and warm feeling.  

Amid the sound of rain, Gu Shizhang silently watched that light for a long time. Only when it finally went out did he turn to leave.  

He walked out of the alley, where a low-profile business car was parked in the rainy fog.  

A man in a suit and tie stood at the front of the car, holding an umbrella and waiting.  

Lowering his head respectfully, the man stepped forward to hold the umbrella for Gu Shizhang.  

Without much expression, Gu Shizhang nodded slightly and got into the car.  

*************

After careful consideration and analysis, Ye Tianhui started betting again. This time, she planned to wager 1,000 Hong Kong dollars, leaving her with 3,000 HKD for living expenses—a comfortable margin.  

Even if the 1,000 HKD ended up being a loss, it wouldn’t leave her destitute.  

Having studied the project she intended to bet on, she divided the 1,000 HKD into ten portions, placing 200 HKD at each of ten betting stations, all following her planned strategy.  

Running around to ten different stations was a hassle, but fortunately, betting locations were conveniently scattered across Hong Kong.  

With a stack of betting tickets in hand, she carefully stored them away before heading to Mong Kok Street. It was already late, but the night market was just beginning. Under the neon lights, the street was bustling—lined with shops and packed with crowds. This place was said to be the city’s hub of endless activity.  

However, the clothing here was far too flamboyant for her taste—exaggerated leather jackets, gaudy Hawaiian shirts, and wide-shouldered outfits. Ye Tianhui found it hard to accept.  

Breaking out of one’s comfort zone was easier said than done. She couldn’t imagine herself in such clothes. 

In the end, she made her choice, picking two nicely styled sweaters, a women’s blazer, and three pairs of pants. These clothes were not cheap, costing her over 100 Hong Kong dollars, but Ye Tianhui felt that with these few items, she could manage for a while.  

After returning home, she washed her newly bought clothes and also cleaned Gu Shizhang’s coat, planning to return it to him later.  

Meanwhile, Gu Shizhang quickly responded to Ye Tianhui. He had contacted the Hong Kong Pentium Stable, a facility funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club and established seven or eight years ago. It was the largest stable in Hong Kong besides the Happy Valley Racecourse stables.  

Gu Shizhang said, “Actually, compared to the stables at Happy Valley, this one is newer and built to higher standards for purebred horse breeding and training. It closely follows the highest standards in the UK. Currently, some wealthy individuals in Hong Kong are already stationing their racehorses there for training. If you go there, you should be able to learn quite a bit.”  

Ye Tianhui naturally felt excited hearing this. “That sounds great! Can I really go? Is it confirmed?”  

Seeing her excitement, Gu Shizhang smiled. “Don’t get too happy too soon. I only introduced you to an opportunity. Whether it works out depends on you.”  

Ye Tianhui: “What do you mean?”  

Gu Shizhang: “There’s an exam. You can only join if you pass.”  

Ye Tianhui was momentarily speechless. “Another exam? Why is there an exam for everything? What kind of exam is it?”  

Gu Shizhang: “Physical fitness and language.”  

Hearing “language,” Ye Tianhui frowned.  

She wasn’t good at English, and her Cantonese wasn’t fluent either. In this regard, she couldn’t compete with locals.  

Gu Shizhang said, “The physical fitness test includes cardiovascular function, balance, hand-eye coordination, flexibility, and grip strength. There are eight items in total. Height and weight will also be considered.”  

He glanced at her. “You’re pretty slim; it shouldn’t be an issue.”  

Ye Tianhui: “There’s a weight requirement too?”  

Gu Shizhang: “Although you’re applying for a stable assistant position, they hope their staff has greater development potential, so they apply jockey standards. Jockeys must meet weight requirements.”  

Ye Tianhui understood. Based on what she’d learned about the weight rules for jockeys, she figured the weight a horse carried was crucial in races. Naturally, a jockey’s weight was a critical factor.  

Especially in short-distance races, where weight was used to level the playing field between horses with different innate strengths, a jockey being a few pounds heavier could easily hinder a good horse.  

She thought about it. “As for these physical requirements, I think I’m fine. My weight should be within a reasonable range, and if not, I can adjust it a bit. But what about the language test? What kind of language is tested?”  

Gu Shizhang looked at her with a smile. “Of course, English.”  

Ye Tianhui: “English?”  

She didn’t understand. “It’s just being a jockey, isn’t it? Riding a horse. Why test English? Horses don’t understand English!”  

Gu Shizhang: “Horse racing originated in the UK. A jockey who doesn’t understand English loses certain opportunities. You can see it as a disadvantage or bias, but they’re going to test English regardless.”  

He looked at her with a smile. “How’s your English?”  

Ye Tianhui was a bit dejected. “Not great…”  

She said helplessly, “We studied English too, but I never did well. Our English teacher wasn’t great either, and the school didn’t emphasize it much.”  

Gu Shizhang: “That won’t do. You at least need to handle daily conversations. Otherwise, you won’t pass, and you won’t get the job.”  

Ye Tianhui: “So hard…”  

Indeed, Hong Kong wasn’t easy to navigate.  

Gu Shizhang: “You can’t just give up like this. You should prepare well. Last-minute effort might just get you through.”

Ye Tianhui puffed out her cheeks and said helplessly, “What should I do? Will you teach me? Didn’t you get a certificate in England and go to South Africa? Your English must be very good, right?”

Gu Shizhang smiled as he listened, “My English isn’t necessarily that good, but for daily conversation and equestrian terms, it’s fine. After all, being in that kind of environment, you pick it up naturally. But if you don’t even want to learn, then forget it.”

Ye Tianhui saw his expression turn slightly cool and quickly said, “Then teach me. At least help me pass that exam.”

Gu Shizhang: “Oh, are you serious about wanting to learn? It’s not easy, and I’m very strict.”

Ye Tianhui: “What else can I do… I want to find someone else to teach me, but no one will. You’re the only excellent person I know.”

Gu Shizhang raised an eyebrow slightly: “Really?”

Ye Tianhui was earnest and serious, almost ready to swear to the heavens: “Really! You’re the best!”

Gu Shizhang suddenly laughed, his dark eyes full of interest: “Alright, I’ll teach you English, but you’ll have to treat me to a meal tomorrow.”

Ye Tianhui: “Okay.”

Gu Shizhang: “You seem a bit reluctant, don’t you?”

Ye Tianhui: “Not at all.”

She thought Gu Shizhang was quite calculating, but there was nothing she could do since she needed his help.

She had no choice but to say, “It’s not that I’m unwilling, I’m just reluctant because, after all, I’m poor!”

Gu Shizhang looked at her furrowed brows, her troubled and pained expression, and laughed: “Didn’t you win some money?”

Ye Tianhui mumbled, “I did, but I’m afraid I’ll lose it all later!”

She rested her chin on her hand and said helplessly, “I’ve noticed you have high standards when it comes to food. A single meal costs dozens of HKD; won’t I run out of money in no time?”

Gu Shizhang laughed, “Look at how worried you are.”

Ye Tianhui’s face reddened slightly, and she snorted, “You know the saying, ‘A penny can stump a hero,’ right? Even if I had skills, could I go steal or rob? I don’t even have a job!”

Gu Shizhang coaxed, “Actually, you don’t need to worry. I asked around. Although the benefits there aren’t great, employees get free meals inside. So as long as you manage to get in, you won’t have to worry about food and drink.”

Ye Tianhui: “Really?”

Gu Shizhang nodded: “Their employee selection is strict; not just anyone can get in. Those who are selected are well-trained and naturally enjoy various perks and benefits.”

Ye Tianhui: “That’s great!”

She knew the food there was probably much better than the street stalls she usually ate at. High-quality food was always delicious.

Gu Shizhang laughed, “Let’s go to the nearby park and find a quiet place. I’ll start teaching you English conversation.”