---

Chapter 15 — So She Mistook the Wrong Fiancé

Accidentally barging into her fiancé’s room while he was getting dressed after a shower—and even inadvertently catching a glimpse of his well-toned body—how could she ever speak of something so embarrassing?

Lin Keying wanted nothing more than to flee out of sheer awkwardness.

But her fiancé’s single word—“Come here”—nailed her in place. When she cautiously turned around, she didn’t even know where to rest her eyes.

His face was undeniably handsome, but if her gaze drifted just a few inches lower, it lingered on his bathrobe, inevitably recalling the scene she had just witnessed.

“Sit down,” Cheng Wanting said nonchalantly. He glanced at the top of Lin Keying’s head and added, “Since you’re here, let’s practice a bit more.”

With that, the man left the room. When he returned to the study moments later, he was already fully dressed.

A loose-fitting black shirt draped stylishly over him, and long black pants stretched endlessly down his long legs. He sat beside Lin Keying to guide her studies.

The self-imposed lessons were enough to make her head spin, and her focus wavered.

A faint pine scent drifted from him, mellow and lingering as if it had been steeped in water. It subtly invaded her surroundings. His cool, calm voice traveled from her ears to every nerve ending, causing a trembling resonance.

Lin Keying’s thoughts drifted as she stole a glance at her fiancé. His usually meticulously groomed appearance had softened after his bath.

Clad in comfortable loungewear, even his normally stiff hair had relaxed. His whole aura had become gentler.

Especially when she recalled the fleeting image from earlier—despite sitting in an office every day, his physique was impeccable, with sharply defined abs!

And not the flashy, overly bulked kind from gyms either. His muscles were lean, fierce, and brimming with raw power and primal strength.

In her previous life as a corporate drone, Lin Keying had never seen a workaholic with a body like that.

How did he even train?

Her absent-minded gaze didn’t escape Cheng Wanting’s notice. He seemed accustomed to it and casually knocked his knuckles on the desk, his tone calm:
“What are you thinking about?”

“Ah?” Caught daydreaming while studying, Lin Keying’s mouth worked faster than her brain. She blurted,
“I was just wondering how your body looks that good even though you sit in the office all day—”

Realizing what she had just said, Lin Keying abruptly cut herself off and quickly stood up.
“I… I didn’t say or think anything! I’m leaving now!”

All that remained at the study door was the hurried silhouette of her retreating back.

Cheng Wanting gazed in the direction she fled and faintly curled his lips into a smile.

——

The next day, the blazing sun still scorched Hong Kong. Yang Minghui arrived early at the Mid-Levels villa to report the latest news to Cheng Wanting:
“Master Cheng, last night Miss Lin went to view a property at the new real estate development by Hongji Enterprises. That’s why she got home late.”

“Property viewing?” Cheng Wanting fastened his tie, put on his suit, and strode out of the house.

“Yes,” Yang Minghui had arranged for someone to inquire with the real estate agents who received Lin Keying last night.
“Apparently, Miss Lin was trying to convince the owner of He’s Dessert Stall to buy a house. She said everyone should have a place of their own. And she herself seemed quite interested in buying property too.”

Cheng Wanting gave no response and got straight into the car.

Seeing this, Yang Minghui shifted the topic to work and reported today’s chamber of commerce agenda:
“Tonight is the Victoria Harbour cruise gala. The colonial government is hosting British representatives, and all major corporate directors will be attending. I heard Liu Zhigao and HSBC will have in-depth discussions tonight.”

Cheng Wanting nodded.
“I’ve already spoken to Director Yang. When HSBC and Liu Zhigao finalize their deal, that’s when we’ll acquire the 18 million shares of Wharf Holdings from him.”

“Yes,” Yang Minghui, who handled Cheng Wanting’s tightly managed work affairs, was about to report on today’s three meetings when he suddenly heard the master ask,
“The newly developed villa complex at Mid-Levels is completed?”

“That’s right, developed by Hongji Enterprises. I heard they’ll start selling in two months.”

“Reserve a unit for…” Cheng Wanting casually interlaced his long, slender fingers. “Forget it, let Miss Lin choose for herself.”

Secretary Yang: “…!”

Stunned, Yang Minghui looked up at his master, who appeared calm and casual as though discussing what to have for lunch. No outsider would imagine that they were actually finalizing the purchase of a luxury property worth several million.

Mentioning Miss Lin reminded Secretary Yang of the ferry schedule to the mainland tomorrow. He nervously asked,
“Master Cheng, about the ferry we planned to book tomorrow to send Miss Lin back to the mainland…”

Before he could finish, Cheng Wanting shot him a glance that instantly silenced him.

Upon arriving at the company, Cheng Wanting hurried into the conference room to convene a shareholders’ meeting. Meanwhile, Yang Minghui found the person in charge of Huanyu Group’s shipping line and instructed,
“Cancel the ferry seat to the mainland tomorrow.”

++++

Thinking about her return trip to the mainland tomorrow, Lin Keying felt elated.

Although she had spent nearly a month in Hong Kong since transmigrating, living in a villa, eating authentic local cuisine, and wearing trendy cheongsam-inspired outfits, she still missed the mainland.

Especially when she returned with the 800,000 HKD compensation for breaking off her engagement—life would be a breeze.

The only pity was that she was still short 200,000 from the original novel’s plot target, and it hadn’t been triggered yet.

With just one day left, Lin Keying didn’t know if she’d have the chance to reach the full one million HKD.

Unfortunately, despite her hopes, fate didn’t seem to cooperate.

Uncle Ah Zhong mentioned that Master Cheng had an important business gala tonight and would likely return very late or not at all.

Lin Keying sighed inwardly—well, nothing is ever perfect.

She soon accepted an invitation to He Ah-jie’s home for a farewell banquet.

He Ah-jie’s family was grateful to Lin Keying and cooked a table full of dishes for her farewell. Even young Doctor Ho came by.

“Keying, when you go back to the mainland, be sure to visit Hong Kong again.”

“Yes, now that travel between the two sides is easier, it’ll definitely get even easier in the future.”

Tingting, reluctant to part from her slightly older sister-like friend, pleaded,
“Sis Keying, come visit me. We can watch TV dramas and movies together. I’ll take you to concerts!”

“Of course.” Lin Keying was a little reluctant too; she had truly enjoyed her time in Hong Kong.

When she left, He Ah-jie’s family gave her a bag full of Hong Kong snacks. Tingting even spent her own money to buy her a pair of pretty golden shell earrings.
“Sis Keying, I can only afford one-dollar earrings now. When I have money in the future, I’ll buy you earrings from the mall.”

Doctor Ho chimed in,
“Maybe I’ll be the one to buy them.”

Lin Keying accepted their gifts and reciprocated with a tea set she had bought at a Hong Kong mall.

After dinner, as the sunset faded, Doctor Ho mentioned there would be the largest fireworks display of the year at Victoria Harbour tonight, and the young people eagerly agreed to go.

Lin Keying, Doctor Ho, and the He family kids took a taxi to the harbour.

The long coastline unfolded like a beautifully drawn scroll, the setting sun casting golden light on the sea and the clustered skyscrapers across the bay—a breathtaking sight.

Leaning against the waterfront railings, Lin Keying felt the gentle sea breeze fluttering her hair, utterly carefree.

The two high schoolers, Tingting and Aqiang, dashed around energetically in the crowd, full of youthful vigor.

Since tonight’s grand fireworks show was organized to welcome representatives from Country Y, there would be luxury cruises and ships sailing the harbour to offer close-up views of the stunning night scenery and fireworks.

Countless ordinary citizens also gathered along the shore, eager to witness the spectacular display.

As night fell and the sky turned a deep ink-blue, Doctor Ho—having used his connections—secured tickets for the Star Ferry and took Lin Keying and the others aboard.

The kids, never having been on such a ship, were speechless with excitement, their eyes roaming curiously.

Standing on an 80s-era cruise ship and gazing at the brightly lit skyscrapers at the harbour, Lin Keying was deeply moved by the beauty of it all.

A few cruise ships passed by occasionally, and together they formed a vibrant part of Victoria Harbour’s nightscape—a fresh experience indeed.

While the two kids excitedly explored different sights, Doctor Ho approached Lin Keying on the deck with two glasses of champagne.
“Have some champagne.”

“Thanks.” Her red dress billowed in the wind as she casually took a glass and sipped the sweet drink.

Standing beside her, Doctor Ho spoke earnestly.

“Keying,” though they’d only known each other less than a month, they’d grown quite close. He felt regretful about her resolute decision to leave Hong Kong.
“Isn’t there anything in Hong Kong worth staying for?”

Her wavy hair danced in the wind, and with slender fingers she tucked it behind her ear, revealing her delicate, fair profile. With a gentle smile, Lin Keying turned to her friend:
“Doctor Ho, my time in Hong Kong was unexpected but truly happy. I enjoyed it very much. But returning to the mainland has always been my plan. Hong Kong is wonderful—but it really lacks a reason strong enough to make me stay.”

Dressed in a plaid suit, Doctor Ho, handsome with his slightly wavy hair, asked quietly,
“Can’t I be that reason? Keying, I really li—”

“That’s still a little short,” Lin Keying interrupted with a bright smile, extending her hand toward him.
“I’m really glad we became good friends. Nice to have known you.”

Doctor Ho could only smile wryly and shake her hand.
“Okay. If you ever change your mind, come find me.”

Lin Keying smiled radiantly. As she gazed out, a massive luxury cruise ship appeared on the sea, instantly making the other ships look tiny.
“When you find a girlfriend, I’ll treat you to a meal.”

The two young people smiled at each other on the Star Ferry deck, unaware that their handshake and smile had caught the attention of a guest on the opposite luxury cruise ship…

---