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Chapter 56 – The Beautiful Swimsuit

Lin Keying’s heart instantly tensed. The man had never liked bringing up childhood matters before, which had lowered her guard.

Now that he was deliberately asking about her younger sister—could it be a test?

Nervously analyzing the situation in her mind, Lin Keying had already prepared for the worst: if her true identity was exposed, the man would divorce her, and she’d take half of the assets and enjoy a carefree future.

But for now, she had to keep struggling.

“I remember you had a younger sister.” Lin Keying forced a slightly stiff smile and tried hard to fabricate a story. “I think we used to play together when we were kids? But it’s been so many years, I can’t recall what she looks like, and I don’t really remember her name either.”

She couldn’t just make up a random name like Little Red or Little Ming.

“You really don’t remember her name?” Cheng Wanting’s tense body relaxed.

“Mhm.” Lin Keying didn’t want to continue this dangerous topic. Her original self’s childhood was taboo; in critical moments, she could only use sweet words as her trump card. “I’ve forgotten almost everything from back then. I just remember my Songxian-ge, remember how good you were to me, and that I want to marry you. Nothing else matters.”

After saying that, Lin Keying cautiously studied the man’s expression. Seeing that he stayed silent and didn’t probe further, she thought she had probably passed the test.

Sure enough, although the man always told her not to call him Songxian-ge, deep down, he enjoyed it. Otherwise, why would he stop questioning her every time she called him that?

—

The next day, when Lin Keying heard the man mention he wanted to introduce her to his biological younger sister over breakfast, she tensed up again.

But his next sentence put her at ease: “Since you don’t remember childhood things and even forgot A-Min’s name, there’s no need to mention the past. A-Min was even younger back then and doesn’t remember anything either.”

“Exactly!” Lin Keying had been worrying about how to handle it if her fiancé’s sister reminisced about childhood when they met. His words were exactly what she hoped for. “The past is the past; what matters is the present and the future.”

Cheng Wanting gazed deeply at her: “You said it yourself—what’s past is past.”

“Of course!”

Lin Keying didn’t think much when she heard the name A-Min, until she saw this very A-Min at the Mid-Levels villa—and was shocked.

Likewise, when Cheng Min saw her so-called sister-in-law, she widened her eyes in surprise.

Last night, when she learned her older brother would take her to meet her sister-in-law, Cheng Min had been so restless that she couldn’t sleep.

She got up in the middle of the night to pick out clothes. For the first meeting, she couldn’t dress too childishly, nor too casually. Dressing too formally might create pressure.

Her bed was covered with clothes—from cocktail dresses to long skirts, short skirts, blouses, sweaters, coats… Cheng Min struggled over her choices until sleep overcame her at 4 a.m., and she decided to rest first.

Before leaving, she finally settled on a white tweed mini dress that accentuated her figure, with a matching short jacket—elegant yet youthful.

When they met at the Mid-Levels villa, Cheng Min stared in shock at the woman standing beside her brother—she was the dessert shop owner!

“It’s you, A-Min!” That soft, sweet girl turned out to be Cheng Wanting’s biological sister?

These siblings were way too different!

She had imagined A-Min’s brother as a sunny, cheerful big brother.

Casting a glance at the suited man with a powerful aura, Lin Keying silently erased the words sunny, cheerful big boy from her mind.

Not even close.

“Miss Lin!” Cheng Min never expected that she had already met her sister-in-law. “Brother, we’ve met before.”

“Mhm.” Cheng Wanting neither confirmed nor denied it; he simply reminded her blandly, “Call her sister-in-law.”

It was the first time in her life that someone told her to call someone sister-in-law—Lin Keying felt quite awkward.

Cheng Min obediently corrected herself, “Sister-in-law!”

Lin Keying quickly responded and took Cheng Min’s hand to lead her inside.

Aunt Hua was showcasing her culinary skills in the kitchen; the dining table was covered with dishes. Cheng Min discreetly observed her brother and her newly acquainted sister-in-law. Her pretty almond-shaped eyes darted around curiously.

Her brother seemed no different—still exuding a powerful, cold aura.

Yet… something did seem different.

Her brother would pick food for her sister-in-law, ladle soup for her, and even peel shrimp and crab with his own hands!

Her brother clearly hated eating seafood and had no appetite to begin with, not to mention he despised dirtying his hands.

When a freshly peeled, plump red shrimp was placed into Lin Keying’s bowl, Cheng Wanting noticed his sister’s gaze and asked, “Shall I peel one for you?”

“No, no!” Cheng Min had always been independent. While she liked being close to her brother, she also feared him a little. “Brother, just peel for sister-in-law.”

Cheng Min stayed at the villa for half a day and learned from her brother that her sister-in-law was the goddaughter of a semi-retired wealthy businessman from Hong Kong, and that they had already registered their marriage.

“Registered?!” Cheng Min had been hit with too many shocks that day.

She thought her brother merely had a girlfriend—but they were already married?!

“Brother, aren’t you going to tell Dad and the family?” she asked.

Cheng Wanting’s gaze darkened. “I have my plans. Don’t say anything when you get home.”

Cheng Min had always obeyed her brother; to her, her brother was the best. She nodded obediently.

Lin Keying felt relieved when she heard the man only mention her identity as a wealthy businessman’s goddaughter. That was for the best—don’t bring up the past in the mainland.

After dinner, as Cheng Min prepared to leave, Lin Keying and the man walked her to the door. Cheng Min shyly asked her brother, “Brother, can I come visit sister-in-law often?”

Cheng Wanting gave a light hmm. “When I’m busy, you can keep her company.”

“Okay!” Cheng Min was delighted.

Lin Keying, however, had a faint feeling that something was off.

…

Cheng Min’s class schedule on Mondays wasn’t very packed, so the next morning she invited her sister-in-law to an art exhibition.

Hong Kong’s economy was booming. Besides its soaring stock market, real estate, fashion, and electronics industries, its education, culture, and urban infrastructure were ahead of many cities.

Cheng Min had loved painting since she was a child. From middle school, the family had hired private art tutors, and now she had expertise in both Eastern and Western painting styles.

The art exhibition held at the University of Hong Kong was exactly the place Cheng Min yearned for.

Lin Keying had been in Hong Kong for several months but had not yet visited the 1980s campus of HKU. Entering the campus with student Cheng Min, she was invigorated by the youthful atmosphere.

“A-Min, help me take a photo.”

Lin Keying posed in front of a red brick wall with the university’s name. Dressed in a white T-shirt and light blue denim jacket, with a white baseball cap, she looked vibrant and youthful—no different from the students here.

Before long, Cheng Wanting received news.

“Master Cheng, Madam and Third Miss have been at HKU all day and went to a dessert shop this afternoon. They seem to get along well.”

Cheng Min had bodyguards nearby at all times, arranged by Cheng Wanting to ensure the safety of a wealthy family’s daughter.

“Nothing unpleasant happened, right?” Cheng Wanting asked as he flipped through documents.

“No, not really.” Yang Minghui, knowing that hiding anything would be pointless, simply told the whole truth. “It’s just… at HKU, some male students tried to strike up a conversation, invited Madam to see the art exhibit, go to the library…”

Cheng Wanting’s hand paused mid-signature, then he coldly snorted, “Overestimating themselves.”

Yang Minghui quickly added, “Madam’s heart is only for… ahem, surely for you, Master Cheng—there’s no need to worry.”

Thinking of how Lin Keying affectionately called Songxian-ge, Yang Minghui swallowed the words only for you back into his throat.

After reporting about Third Miss and Madam, Yang Minghui also mentioned the second young master. “Master Cheng, Second Master has been trying to contact you these past few days.”

Cheng Zhihao had been suffering at the company every day and, pressured by their mother, couldn’t escape. He was now desperately hoping his older brother would lash out and send him home. Yet his brother didn’t care about him as a rival and showed no intention of taking action.

Where was the family scheming and inheritance battle he expected?

Brother, hurry and make a move!

Right now, Cheng Zhihao could only hope his brother married and had children soon—just don’t burn yourself out.

After Cheng Wanting had been busy for several days straight, Cheng Zhihao finally got a chance to enter his brother’s office and curiously asked, “Brother, I heard… um…”

“What is it? Just say it,” Cheng Wanting said coolly, not exposing his brother’s gossiping intent.

Cheng Zhihao had always been somewhat afraid of his brother. How could he dare to bluntly ask, Are you dating someone? Do you have a woman?

Not even with ten times his courage!

“Brother, Dad wanted to know if you’re seeing someone.” He swiftly shifted the blame to their father and distanced himself. “I don’t believe it, of course, but Dad insisted I ask.”

“Tell him,” Cheng Wanting said indifferently, his tone lazy, “my affairs have nothing to do with him.”

Cheng Zhihao: “…”

Back home, Cheng Zhihao saw a face that resembled his own by 70–80%—their father Cheng Guanjie, though aging, had lost none of his imposing aura and was fuming.

“What does Cheng Wanting mean? He’s been back from South Africa for days and hasn’t come home to see us. And he won’t say a word about that woman either!”

Cheng Guanjie had suppressed the matter, since in an era when marital discord could shake the stock market, as a business tycoon, even rumors about girlfriends or wives could influence investor confidence and stock prices.

Especially in business circles, even a rumor could boost stock optimism and prices.

Since they didn’t know who was beside their son, they couldn’t allow rumors to spread.

The only person who knew the truth, Cheng Min, struggled before keeping her brother’s secret. “Dad, brother’s not a kid anymore. He’s so capable—whether he’s dating or not, you don’t need to worry. You should focus on your health and not get upset.”

“A-Min, if your brother were half as obedient as you, how could I get angry?” Cheng Guanjie softened slightly under his daughter’s gentle words. He sternly instructed her to act as a mediator, “Call your brother when you get the chance. What’s so good about living alone in the Mid-Levels villa? This is his home—who doesn’t come home regularly?”

“Okay,” Cheng Min agreed sweetly but secretly muttered:

Brother’s not living alone—he already has a wife!

—

Getting along well with her sister-in-law was indeed delightful. Especially since Cheng Min seemed to have no memory of childhood and never brought it up, Lin Keying naturally didn’t either—she simply said she was Guo Changda’s goddaughter.

Once Cheng Min’s class schedule got busier and they saw each other less often, Lin Keying took time to check on the renovation progress at Xitian Plaza.

Among the property management staff, Yang Qiuhui was the most capable. Seeing President Lin arrive, she quickly reported the current progress.

“President Lin, currently sixteen shops are under self-renovation. We will provide necessary support.”

Each shop sold different goods, so their renovation styles naturally varied. The building provided basic renovations, and the rest was left to each tenant’s creativity.

Lin Keying toured the lower floors, where the bright, spacious shops were gradually taking shape. It was a completely new scene compared to the dilapidated, bankrupt building from a few months ago.

When she reached the clothing brand area, the stores of the three major local fashion giants were lined up, all being renovated in a way that felt like a competition.

After confirming with Yang Qiuhui which stores belonged to the Xiang, Wang, and Chen families, Lin Keying was about to take a closer look when she heard that she had a phone call from South Africa.

South Africa?

Lin Keying’s eyes lit up, and she quickly took the elevator upstairs.

A few minutes later, just as Elevator 1 reached the 20th floor, Elevator 2 arrived at the 2nd floor.

When the doors opened, a man wearing a floral shirt and jeans, with black sunglasses, walked straight toward his clothing store.

“Mr. Chen.” The workers greeted the representative of the employer.

Chen Songxian was staying at the hotel opposite Xitian Plaza, overlooking it from afar.

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This time, when he secretly returned to Gangcheng, he was determined to keep a low profile and get through these four months unnoticed. That’s why, when he last came to Xitian Building to sign the contract, he deliberately signed it under his aunt’s name instead of his own.

Lately, thanks to the help and cover of his uncle and aunt, Chen Songxian occasionally thought about showing some filial respect. So after spending several days frequenting bars, racetracks, luxury hotels, shopping malls, and racing circuits, he decided to come and check on the progress of the shop renovations.

The workers were busy at work. They didn’t know much about the man in front of them — only that his surname was Chen and that he was the representative of the Chen family, a clothing empire, overseeing this project.

Whatever Young Master Chen asked, the workers would answer accordingly.

Chen Songxian, with his hands behind his back, racked his brain to ask a few questions, just so he wouldn’t appear too incompetent in front of them.

When he was about to leave, the workers assured him repeatedly,
“Young Master Chen, don’t worry. Miss Lin and her team have been very cooperative with the shop renovations. These four shops will definitely be completed on time with quality assured.”

“Miss Lin?” Chen Songxian asked casually, “Which Miss Lin?”

“The one who bought Xitian Building, of course. She’s young but very capable — just look at how she’s revitalized a building that was on the verge of closing.”

“Miss Lin is really nice too. She often buys us desserts and roast meat rice.”

“And she’s beautiful — like a Miss Hong Kong straight off the TV.”

Chen Songxian thought back carefully. He seemed to have seen the news coverage on TV about the auction of Xitian Building, but throughout the whole thing, there had been no mention of any Miss Lin.

Reporters these days really are just boxed-lunch eaters — so unprofessional.

But no matter how young and pretty this Miss Lin was, she didn’t spark his interest. Ever since secretly returning to Gangcheng to inquire and search, he had yet to catch even a glimpse of that beautiful lady who haunted his dreams and shared a deep fate with him.

Could it be that she disembarked at some port along the way and hasn’t returned to Gangcheng? Surely she didn’t go to South Africa?

As Chen Songxian grew frustrated thinking of how hard it was to find his beauty, over in the 20th-floor office of Xitian Building, Lin Keying had just hung up the phone with a beaming smile on her face.

The person in charge of the South African mines had delivered good news: of the nine mines under Lin Keying’s name, three had already begun extraction. Two had yielded mediocre raw stones, but one turned out to be an exceptionally rich mine.

Just the resources from this one mine would be enough to recoup the investment in all nine.

Even more reassuring was that the three top-tier hidden mines hadn’t even been tapped yet — more surprises lay ahead!

——

Lin Keying spent her days wandering around Gangcheng’s malls, hotels, Xitian Building, and dessert shops, often sneaking off to surf in between — her schedule was vibrant and full.

However, at the beginning of the month, after finishing a busy stretch of work, Cheng Wanting was ready to spend a few good days with his wife, and Lin Keying found it a bit hard to adjust.

Cheng Wanting was usually the busy one, leaving Lin Keying with plenty of free time. Now, as she listened to the meticulously arranged date itinerary prepared by Yang Minghui at Cheng Wanting’s instruction, her head throbbed.

“The Young Master has arranged the following: 7–8 AM breakfast, 8–11 AM shopping with madam, 11 AM–1 PM lunch at the Regent Hotel, 1–3 PM private movie screening, 3–5 PM horse racing, 5–7 PM dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking Victoria Harbour, 7–10 PM night cruise on Victoria Harbour…”

Lin Keying felt numb. Was this really a date and not a full-time job?

Casting a deep look at her husband, Lin Keying finally understood why he was so successful in business.

He had a complete business brain.

“Well? Do you like it?” Cheng Wanting had carefully drafted the itinerary himself — more meticulously than any work schedule — neat and orderly, it gave him his favorite feeling of control over everything.

Swallowing her disappointment at having to cancel her surfing plans today, Lin Keying nodded,
“Of course I like it.”

A full-day commando-style date, huh? Guess I’ll just exhaust myself to death.

Perhaps even the heavens couldn’t bear to watch — the meticulously planned date was suddenly disrupted just as they were about to head out.

Yang Minghui reported that Jardine Matheson had suddenly made trouble, nitpicking issues with Kowloon Wharf’s development projects, and Cheng Wanting needed to go take charge.

As the second-largest shareholder of Kowloon Wharf, Jardine Matheson, though less influential than Chen Huanyu, had maintained its stake for years and had no trouble finding faults.

Originally planning a romantic day of dating, movies, candlelit dinners, and even horse racing with his wife, Cheng Wanting could only cancel last minute.

“An urgent matter came up at the company…” They were already ready to head out, but the plan had to be scrapped.

“Of course it’s fine, darling,” Lin Keying wasn’t too disappointed — that exhausting date plan was terrifying, and now she could go surfing instead, which she had been itching to do.
“You go handle your work. I’ll just stay home and read. There are so many finance books I need to get through.”

Her thoughtfulness made Cheng Wanting feel guilty. He immediately instructed Yang Minghui to transfer five million HKD into her account,
“I heard new French jewelry just arrived at the Central mall. Buy whatever you like — don’t feel like you have to stay cooped up at home.”

Lin Keying: “…Okay!”

Her husband’s generosity was outrageous. Stay home? No way!

As soon as Cheng Wanting left, Lin Keying quickly drove off, cheerfully heading toward her muscle-bound male coach and her beautiful female coach!

She had chartered a yacht for HKD 8,000 per day, which came with two surf instructors.

The male instructor was a towering, muscular hunk — gentlemanly and polite during lessons — and the female instructor was a stunning beauty, patient and skillful at teaching techniques.

Under their guidance, Lin Keying’s surfing skills had improved rapidly.

“Miss Lin, we thought you weren’t coming today.” Coach Wu, muscles bulging under his sleek black wetsuit, smiled.

Coach Yang, who was correcting Lin Keying’s movements, chimed in with praise,
“Miss Lin must have been eager to surf, even skipping her date.”

Indeed, beginner surf enthusiasts easily get hooked, and Lin Keying loved the feeling of racing among the waves.

The yacht sailed ahead as Lin Keying gripped the rope behind it to surf. Once she found her balance, she tried letting go…

——

The deep blue sea rolled with waves that lapped rhythmically against the shore.

The beach bustled with people, and nearby, the exquisite and luxurious seaview resort hotel sparkled like a pearl on the ocean.

“Mr. Cheng, Kowloon Wharf’s development shouldn’t be rushed. Ports, warehouses, real estate… and now a seaview hotel? Taking too big a step risks capsizing.”

Cheng Wanting was in a dispute with Jardine’s shareholder representative over whether to develop the seaview resort.

Kowloon Wharf had been in Jardine’s hands for years, occupying a prime location but always stagnant, largely due to their overly conservative management philosophy and lack of interest in land development.

The comfort of harvesting existing profits far outweighed any ambition to further develop Kowloon Wharf.

Today, even the British stakeholders controlling Jardine had shown up to nitpick, pointing fingers at the seaview hotel project.

Cheng Wanting had already submitted a detailed proposal and had no intention of wasting more words:
“Last week’s shareholder meeting approved the plan. If Jardine still has objections, they can raise them at the next meeting.”

Standing in the thoughtfully designed seaview resort, the distinct European-style restaurant area stood out — its triangular pure white roof paired with the hotel’s vast curved glass windows, creating a unique coastal landscape.

The sixteen-story hotel faced the sea, boasting the best ocean views and stunning scenery.

The talks ended unpleasantly, and the British representative’s words carried veiled threats, even bringing up their close ties to the colonial government. Cheng Wanting merely sneered and ignored them.

After sending off Jardine’s representative, Cheng Wanting stood alone by the floor-to-ceiling windows, watching as yachts skimmed across the sparkling sea and surfers danced on the waves, carefree and graceful…

But as he kept watching, his gaze darkened, locking onto a familiar silhouette in the distance.

He left the hotel, stepping onto the soft sand, and finally caught sight of that figure amidst the waves.

The woman wore a blue one-piece swimsuit, her long hair tied high into a ponytail, strands dampened by the sea clinging lazily behind her.

Her slender arms stretched out for balance, her long, straight legs fully exposed, seemingly endless, planted firmly on the surfboard.

Riding the rise and fall of the waves, the woman skillfully maneuvered her body and board, speeding effortlessly.

Bathed in brilliant sunlight, shimmering across the water, the woman herself sparkled like she wore a robe of golden threads. As she spun and leapt, the back of her swimsuit crossed into a butterfly knot, revealing a vast expanse of dazzling white skin.

After finishing her surf, the woman returned to the yacht, high-fiving her fellow female and the tall muscular male instructor.

When Yang Minghui returned to the hotel after seeing Jardine’s representative off, the Young Master was nowhere to be found. After asking the bodyguards, he finally spotted his figure standing alone on the beach — out of place among the casual crowd.

Among the relaxed, sporty people stood a sharply dressed man in a suit, exuding an overwhelming aura even from behind.

“Young Master, Jardine’s people have left,” Yang Minghui reported, but found the Young Master silent, his gaze intensely fixed on the distant sea, his expression grim and cold.

Following his line of sight, Yang Minghui only saw a yacht speeding past — nothing unusual.

Could it be that the Young Master wanted to buy a yacht?

Eager to introduce yachts to him, Yang Minghui fretted — working non-stop was dull after all, and the Young Master really didn’t know how to enjoy life.

“Young Master, you have several yachts sitting idle. Shall we go out to sea?” He didn’t sound confident — the Young Master had never shown such leisurely interests.

“Yachts shouldn’t just sit idle,” Cheng Wanting’s lips curled into a cold smile.
“Get ready. We’re going out to sea tomorrow.”

That day, Lin Keying had made huge progress in surfing, even attempting jumps mid-ride — thrilling and satisfying — earning praise from both instructors for her natural talent.

In a great mood, she returned to her villa on the hillside, showered, and changed into clean, comfy pajamas. But that night, she heard a knock at the door.

The man had returned home, travel-worn, holding a large pink gift box, standing at her door.

Having developed a mild trauma from the man’s gift boxes (anklets, handcuffs…), Lin Keying’s heart skipped a beat.

He issued an invitation — though his tone was as stiff as delivering a company notice:
“I lost time today. Tomorrow I’m taking a day off. We’re going out to sea.”

Her left eyelid twitched sharply — could it be that he’d found out she’d been sneaking off surfing behind his back?

She glanced at him cautiously but detected no abnormality.

“You’ve been in Gangcheng so long and I haven’t taken you out to sea — that’s my oversight.”

Lin Keying, ever thoughtful, smiled,
“No problem, anytime is fine, as long as I’m with you.”

“I’ve prepared your clothes for tomorrow.” Cheng Wanting handed her the box and went upstairs without another word.

Back in her room, clutching the box, Lin Keying mentally braced herself before opening it, hoping the gift wouldn’t be too shocking.

When the lid came off, a striking red color immediately filled her vision.

A red one-piece swimsuit, held up by its delicate straps, unfolded in her hands — form-fitting with graceful curves, and a cross-back design that would reveal a large expanse of smooth skin.

The swimsuit was stylish and beautiful… but why was it exactly the same as the blue one she’d worn surfing today?!

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