Chapter 48

The countdown to the New Year ended in a moment of mutual gazes.

The solemn chimes, deep bass drums, and rousing electric guitar sounds blended into the first note of the New Year. Gold and silver confetti exploded in the air, champagne foamed out of the bottle, and the moment was filled with embraces, cheers, and kisses.

Shang Mingbao memorized the last second of the year and the first second of the New Year so tightly that when she saw gold flakes on Xiang Feiran’s black hair and shoulders, her eyes, which had been focused on him, blinked briefly.

He seemed detached from the parade and carnival around him. Compared to the surrounding revelers, his way of celebrating the New Year was very quiet, yet his gaze never left her.

Shang Mingbao’s heartstrings fluttered lightly, and before she realized it, her body was already running towards him.

She dashed onto the stage and embraced Xiang Feiran tightly under everyone’s gaze.

Xiang Feiran paused his action of brushing off the gold flakes from her head and then gently returned her embrace.

His response was calm, and with a soft smile, he asked, “Why did you come up? Aren’t you afraid of being laughed at by your sister?”

Shang Mingbao shook her head, “She might be recording downstairs.”

Xiang Feiran looked up and indeed saw Shang Mingzhuoo holding a phone.

He curled his lips and held Shang Mingbao tighter, lowering his face slightly to kiss her hair.

What reason could he use to naturally get that video? To save it to the cloud, email, and hard drive, ensuring it was safe and permanent.

The city traffic on New Year’s Eve was a mess, and everywhere was congested. Although Shang Mingbao suggested going to see the nearest fireworks display, it was clear they wouldn’t make it in time.

In the end, they got out of the Bentley, handed the car to the driver, and walked through the alley. No one was in a hurry; they just walked slowly. No one even looked at a navigation device.

Shang Mingbao asked, “Do you know the way?”

Xiang Feiran, holding a cigarette, said, “Just follow the sound of the fireworks.”

Despite the towering buildings, following the sound of the fireworks would lead them there.

After turning a corner, they suddenly saw the night sky brightly illuminated. A red firework soared into the sky, exploding into pink smoke.

This was the finale of the fireworks show. The three of them stopped in their tracks, too lazy to move forward, and watched from afar. The light reached them before the sound, like a film with out-of-sync audio and visuals.

After the last firework faded into cold ashes, they realized they were outsiders and that the performance had ended. They waited until they were sure no more sharp whistles would be heard, knowing the crowd had dispersed.

“Was it beautiful?” Xiang Feiran asked.

Shang Mingbao furrowed her brow and focused for a moment, “Hmm…”

It wasn’t quite what she had imagined. But she did see it. So did she really see it? And was it beautiful?

Xiang Feiran found her expression so cute that he pulled her into his embrace, his face tilted down, laughing to himself.

He hadn’t chatted much with Shang Mingzhuoo; there was a polite distance between them. During the late-night snack, they exchanged serious discussions about their respective academic environments and the weather, traffic, and ambiance in New York and Boston.

The late-night snack was expensive, and Xiang Feiran paid for it. Before sending Shang Mingbao off in the car, he held her for a while, gently gathering her into his arms, his palm covering the round back of her head.

Shang Mingzhuoo had been waiting nearby without urging them. When it was time to leave, after bidding farewell, Xiang Feiran asked for the midnight video. He didn’t use any of the excuses he had planned because, after a few hours of conversation, he felt Shang Mingzhuoo was someone on the same wavelength as him and simply asked.

Shang Mingzhuoo naturally agreed and noted down his personal email address.

As she got into the car, a vague thought crossed her mind. Why didn’t Xiang Bo ask Mingbao for it? Clearly, she would send it to Mingbao.

It was only after a long time that Shang Mingzhuoo realized he no longer wanted to deepen the impression of “Xiang Feiran really cares about this relationship.” If that were the case, perhaps parting ways might become awkward for her.

The Florida sun was blazing, and the coastline was azure.

Shang Mingbao’s winter break this year lasted until the 4th, after which there would be a short term, followed by the long spring break in March. Shang Mingzhuoo had more flexibility with his schedule and chose to follow her itinerary.

With two children by her side, Wen Youyi’s mood became healing and soothing. People often become more attentive and wise when relaxed, and details that had been previously overlooked began to come to Wen Youyi’s mind one by one.

For example… a windbreaker.

Another example is the ring from Wu Baiyan that had disappeared from Shang Mingbao’s hand that night when she returned.

Wen Youyi had a sudden insight while playing a crossword puzzle under the sunshade. Remembering these two points, she put down her pencil and crossword puzzle book, stood up, and walked back to the mansion.

In China, it was three in the morning. When he was woken by the phone’s vibration, Shang Shao’s first reaction was that something had gone wrong at the company. Otherwise, no one would dare to disturb him at this hour.

Seeing the caller ID was an international landline, he quickly realized what was happening. He got out of bed, cleared his mind for a few seconds, and answered the call.

Wen Youyi first reassured him: “There’s nothing urgent.”

Shang Shao then calmed down and listened as Wen Youyi brought up an old memory: “Babe, do you remember the time you handled the summer camp incident?”

“I remember.”

“Mommy can’t remember the details, could you say it again?”

Shang Shao was busy with work and would normally not recall such a minor detail, especially since Babe had fallen ill numerous times since childhood. However, this incident was particularly memorable to him. It was because he had sent Shang Mingbao back to the mountains and was asked by Xiang Lianqiao about his grandfather’s health. At that time, he informed him that Shang Boying’s condition had improved. Later, during a routine overseas visit, he received news that Shang Boying was critically ill. He didn’t get to see his grandfather one last time but only received a farewell letter from him.

It was Shang Boying’s death that imprinted this seemingly trivial matter on Shang Shao’s heart.

He recounted the events briefly, focusing mainly on Mingbao, and glossed over other details.

Wen Youyi was not concerned with this: “Who was the one who took her to the hospital and contacted you? What’s their name?”

Shang Shao remembered the name because it was notable—such a perfect match between a person and their name was rare.

Shang Shao replied calmly and assuredly: “It was the ambassador’s grandson, Xiang Feiran. The ‘Feiran’ in ‘Feiran Chengzhang.’”

Unbeknownst to him, Wen Youyi lightly tapped her forehead on the other end of the line, seeming frustrated.

Shang Shao didn’t understand why she was asking about this person at such an odd hour. Wen Youyi didn’t explain but instructed him: “Don’t mention this to Babe.”

The servant had just prepared afternoon tea, and Wen Youyi hung up the phone and found her two daughters under the eaves where the sea breeze blew gently.

Wen Youyi picked up her teacup, took a sip, and suddenly asked Shang Mingzhuo: “Since the new year has started, are you planning to start a relationship?”

Shang Mingzhuo replied: “No.”

“Such high standards,” Wen Youyi chided, “Harvard is full of top students, isn’t there anyone you like?”

“There are many people at Harvard, but PhDs aren’t everywhere. You can’t expect me to date a graduate student. As for the PhDs around me…” Shang Mingzhuo laughed, “There aren’t many worth considering, and most of them have issues, just like me.”

Wen Youyi did not comment: “Then don’t focus on academics. Try looking at elites from other industries.”

Shang Mingzhuo refused a few more times, and Wen Youyi dropped the subject. After eating a small blueberry tart, Wen Youyi suddenly remembered and turned to Shang Mingbao: “By the way, didn’t Babe say she wanted to introduce someone to my second sister?”

Shang Mingbao had long forgotten and looked puzzled: “Did she?”

“Yes,” Wen Youyi reminded her calmly, “The person we met at the Wu family, Xiang Feiran? Is that the name?”

Shang Mingzhuo sprayed out a mouthful of cold drink in shock.

Shang Mingbao: “…”

Wen Youyi took out a tissue and handed it over slowly, teasing: “What’s with the reaction? Do you know him?”

“I don’t know, I don’t know…” Shang Mingzhuo shook his head vigorously.

“He’s also a PhD. Although Columbia isn’t as prestigious as Harvard, it’s still good, and he’s quite handsome,” Wen Youyi said candidly.

Shang Mingbao was at a loss for words, her face blank: “Mom, Mommy, that’s not possible…”

Wen Youyi looked at her curiously: “Why not? Last time you said they were a good match, and now you’re saying it’s not possible.”

In the cool shade and gentle sea breeze, Shang Mingbao’s face turned as red as if sunburned: “It’s not possible. It’s what you said last time—his status is special… Anyway, it won’t work out. Why introduce him to my second sister? She’s so busy; she doesn’t have time for relationships.”

She spoke without lifting her eyes, blurting out everything that came to mind. After finishing, she took a deep breath and looked up anxiously, her hands and feet cold, waiting for Wen Youyi’s decision.

Wen Youyi looked at her with gentle eyes.

There was no need to try further.

Growing up in such a family, maturity and naivety are two parallel lines, both can coexist. Her daughter understood why Xiang Feiran was not suitable, but understanding it so early made Wen Youyi feel a pang of sorrow.

She smiled, put down her cup: “If you don’t want to be introduced, then so be it. Look at you, so anxious, as if I’m trying to harm her.

Although the crisis was averted, Shang Mingbao found herself unable to relax, feeling a severe blockage in her chest.

Wen Youyi noticed her daughter’s reactions but didn’t reveal her understanding. After a while, her calm voice was carried by the sea breeze: “It’s just a matter of dating. There’s nothing wrong with it. If you want to date, go ahead. Everything we experience becomes part of our memories. What’s the point of walking straight towards the destination set by fate?”

She smiled gently at the two daughters: “Don’t be like your older brother. While you’re young, enjoy yourself more.”

Until the day Shang Shao returned from the US to Hong Kong, he was still deeply concerned about Shang Mingbao’s dating situation.

The unknown dangers far outweighed the dissatisfaction with the current situation. The current situation was visible and controllable, for example, although Wu Baiyan wasn’t ideal, there was still time, and Shang Shao had the means to shape him. But the unknown was different; he dreamt of Shang Mingbao being led astray by gangsters!

He even began discussing with Wen Youyi whether they should hire a top student to accompany Shang Mingbao, someone who would be with her 24/7.

It was Wen Youyi’s reassurance that eased his worries: “Don’t worry, the person she’s dating is a good match.”

But Wen Youyi refused to say anything further, no matter how much Shang Shao pressed her.

She told her husband that it was a relationship with a time limit set by herself, and as parents, the best support was not to interfere.

Privately, she had Qi Siqi carefully review Xiang Lianqiao’s background and opened Shang Boying’s old letters.

She tried to find any potential risks for her daughter.

The short-term courses after the start of the new term were not too tight. Shang Mingbao first did two things: she had Sophie find resumes for a small team to shoot videos, handle post-production, and manage accounts, and then she asked Alice and Ajia to return the commission.

The two had purchased nearly three million RMB worth of jewelry from Valeridge, which Shang Mingbao had helped them select and explain before Christmas. Although the news had long been communicated by the store, Shang Mingbao didn’t want to waste the valuable holiday.

During the break.

When Shang Mingbao confronted her, Ajia’s expression changed first, but Alice greeted her warmly: “Babe, long time no see. I heard you went on vacation to Palm Beach? If I had known, I would have let you stay in my little villa there.”

Shang Mingbao forced a smile: “I heard you bought that emerald.”

Alice was taken aback, not expecting her to be so direct.

Yes, she had indeed been eager to get the ring after Christmas and had purchased it, while Ajia had bought the violet spinel. To avoid Shang Mingbao discovering, they had not posted about it on Instagram, planning to do so after the storm blew over. However, they had worn these rings to every occasion during the holiday.

It must be said that Shang Mingbao had a good eye, as her choices drew much attention and admiration. Especially Alice, who, after returning home, was praised by a wealthy woman for her good taste—previously, she had been ridiculed for not having the sophistication of a high society background.

However, Alice had never heard of a third-party service fee and had no intention of paying it.

Shang Mingbao displayed her phone, with the calculator showing the formula and numbers: “I’ll give you a 10% discount. Based on 2.5 million, with a 5% commission, that’s 125,000 in commission. Round it down to 120,000,” she said briskly, glancing between the two of them: “Who will pay this amount?”

Alice tugged at her lips: “Shang Mingbao, what do you mean?”

“I agreed to be your consultant, and you agreed to give me a commission,” Shang Mingbao said, extending her hand: “Pay up.”

“My commission should be with the sales staff at the Fifth Avenue flagship store, not with you,” Alice asked in confusion. “I just thought highly of you and gave you a chance to help me carry my bag. Why are you asking me for money?”

She further questioned: “What kind of accompanying service is this? It costs 120,000 for a few hours?”

Ajia exchanged glances with Alice and then chuckled: “It’s bolder than those unlicensed agencies.”

Shang Mingbao remained unmoved by their mockery: “You promised me this originally. Do you want to default on your promise?”

“Yes, I agreed, but do you have proof? To be honest, I never intended to pay you. Do you think you’re so important that I couldn’t buy the ring without you?” Alice pointed at her chest. “You might as well just stay as Liao Yunuo’s lackey.”

“Without me, you wouldn’t have found such a good item. Moreover,” Shang Mingbao pulled out another phone from her pocket: “I have it now.”

On the screen, the audio recording was ongoing.

Alice was taken aback and tried to grab it, but Shang Mingbao swiftly saved the recording: “I’ve uploaded it to iCloud. It’s already in the cloud.”

“You damn—” Alice raised her hand, but Shang Mingbao intercepted her: “Miss, this is a university. You don’t want to play high school bullying with me, do you?”

The confrontation drew attention, as it was during the break and students passing by watched curiously. But seeing it was just three Asian girls, few paid much heed.

Shang Mingbao put her hand down and said calmly: “I just want to get my rightful service fee, so let’s not make this more awkward than it needs to be, okay? Sister Alice, it’s only 120,000. If you really dislike me, we won’t do business again. But 120,000 is just a small amount for you, isn’t it?” She looked at Ajia, asking with a slightly innocent expression: “Sister Ajia? What do you think? Sister Alice will listen to your advice. If you’re tired of that violet spinel and want to circulate it, I can help you find the most generous buyer.”

Ajia, who was easily annoyed and lacked a firm stance, hesitated after Shang Mingbao’s words and tugged at Alice’s sleeve: “Just let it go.”

She was intrigued by the so-called second-hand buyer, as violet spinel indeed depreciates in value.

Alice, being a public figure with numerous acquaintances and claiming to have hundreds of thousands of followers, felt embarrassed under the scrutiny of passing East Asian students. Given a way out by Ajia, she yanked her arm back and snapped, “You’re trying to advise me?”

She glared at Shang Mingbao: “Give me your card number. I’ll have someone transfer the money to you.”

When the money came through, Shang Mingbao was having dinner with Liao Yunuo. Seeing the 125,000 in the account, she clenched her fists with a triumphant “Yes!”

Liao Yunuo rolled his eyes in exasperation: “I really admire your courage.”

“What’s wrong? It’s broad daylight. What can they do to me? If they try to default, I was ready to check the surveillance and hire a lawyer.”

“120,000! Is it really necessary?”

“Absolutely,” Shang Mingbao said, nibbling on her chopsticks while scrolling through the dozens of resumes Sophie had sent her. “That’s enough to pay salaries for a long time. By the way…”

She looked up: “Alice… said you were on drugs.”

“I wasn’t.” Liao Yunuo swore, “I wouldn’t dare.”

“Yizi…”

“I’m not into it anymore. Haven’t been for a long time.” Liao Yunuo said without batting an eye, “It’s pointless.”

Shang Mingbao nodded: “Cheese, you’re different from them. Otherwise, I could be friends with them too.”

Liao Yunuo was momentarily stunned. For some reason, his eyes welled up with tears at her words.

Shang Mingbao smiled: “I made some money, so I’ll cover this meal.”

That night, a PDF, which was unnamed but clearly pointed, circulated among the entire Chinese student community in New York, including various gossip groups, research groups, ghostwriting groups, second-hand groups, housing groups, alumni groups, and hometown groups… all imaginable groups.

The PDF stated that a certain former popular but now disgraced male star, who had been recently spotted in New York, had a secret girlfriend. Her deeds for him were described as brilliant and touching.

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