Chapter 78#
第78章#
Qiao Nanqi had been sitting far away.
He sat so far away that he could only see the lights and vague figures. To say he was accompanying someone was less accurate than to say he was accompanying the lights.
If he were to get closer, he would surely be able to see clearly.
But Zhao Rong might not want him to see clearly—if Zhao Rong knew.
He just wanted to stay here for a while. After all, if he wasn’t here for this so-called New Year, there wouldn’t be anything good about being elsewhere.
The main reason he wanted to find that little girl to give balloons tonight wasn’t because of the New Year, but because today was very likely Zhao Rong’s birthday.
Last New Year’s Eve, he was still busy and not at home.
However, when Aunt Li taught him to make Zhao Rong’s favorite dishes, she once mentioned that Zhao Rong had suddenly wanted to eat longevity noodles on New Year’s Eve.
He specifically confirmed with Aunt Li that, apart from that one time, Zhao Rong never ate longevity noodles normally, and didn’t even like pasta. It couldn’t be because he liked longevity noodles; it was more like he ate them for the sake of ritual.
Although this date was different from the birthday date on all of Zhao Rong’s official records, this situation was not uncommon—parents sometimes registered a birth date that wasn’t the actual birth date. Coupled with Zhao Rong’s special background, it was not impossible for the birthday on his records to be wrong.
And judging by Zhao Rong’s reaction of directly buying all the birthday balloons, this day should indeed be Zhao Rong’s true birthday.
What a pity.
Qiao Nanqi had never celebrated with Zhao Rong.
The candy completely melted in his mouth, and the sweetness gradually faded.
He softly said towards the direction of the lit house, “…Happy birthday.”
Then, he got up and left.
Inside the house.
New Year’s Eve dinner was finished amidst playful chatter. The fireworks outside had long since stopped, and only occasional firecrackers could be heard, near or far.
Xu Xin also bought a string of firecrackers and said, “I’ll go set some off at the door too, to add some cheer.”
Sister-in-law Xu directly grabbed Liang Youjun inside to help clean up. Zhao Ming wasn’t feeling well and went to bed early, so Zhao Rong saw her to her room.
Before long, the “crackle-crackle” sound of firecrackers echoed from the doorway.
Zhao Ming had just laid down. Hearing the festive sound, she listened intently for a while, then smiled and asked Zhao Rong, “Little Rong, what do you want to do this year?”
Zhao Rong replied without hesitation, “Accompany you for treatment…”
He paused.
“There’s nothing much to do. Maybe discuss investment projects with others, and spend some time at the bookstore. As for other things, I don’t have the ability, I can’t do them well, so forget it.”
Zhao Ming was surprised, “How can you say that?”
Zhao Rong knew she always thought highly of him, and helplessly said, “Mom, it’s time to sleep.”
Zhao Ming ignored him and continued, “I don’t understand those investment and business matters. My memory has also been getting worse these past few years. But I remember how excellent you used to be.”
“I’m not a great person. I’ve done many foolish things in my life, and the matter between your father and me was the most foolish. But I was impulsive back then because he really looked…” Zhao Ming seemed to be searching for words, paused for a moment, then continued, “Very dazzling. He was very confident, and he truly deserved that confidence.”
Zhao Ming reached out and took Zhao Rong’s hand.
“I still remember when you took your high school graduation photos. I waited for you at your school gate and watched you walk out with your diploma, wearing your school uniform,” she said, her smile unconsciously widening a little, “You were much more dazzling than him.”
Zhao Rong also tightly held Zhao Ming’s hands.
Outside, Xu Xin’s firecrackers seemed to be almost finished, with only a few short “crackle-crackle” sounds remaining.
He slowly blinked and whispered, “I understand.”
“Good night.”
Returning downstairs, Xu Xin had just finished setting off firecrackers and came back. Seeing Zhao Rong, he said, “It’s New Year’s and it’s cold. I just saw someone walking on the road, too far away to see anything but their back. Just one person, and they didn’t even turn around when I set off firecrackers. I wonder what they’re thinking, not going home for New Year’s…”
He seemed to have just seen it and casually mentioned it, not expecting Zhao Rong to reply. He then turned and went into the kitchen, washed his hands, and went to help his wife.
After everything was tidied up, everyone dispersed, and only Zhao Rong was left in the living room.
Zhao Rong hugged a pillow and sank into the sofa.
The birthday balloons floated above the living room, surrounding him. He lowered his head, picked up his phone, and began to deal with the New Year’s greetings.
Liu Shun directly recorded a short video of himself wishing him a Happy New Year. The background was a scene of bustling nightlife, so noisy that Zhao Rong could hear it from thousands of miles away.
Fang Zhuoqun wished him a Happy New Year’s Eve and casually mentioned that his wedding was set for spring. Zhao Rong naturally promised to attend.
Unexpectedly, the little girl from the pet shop, who hadn’t sent him messages for a long time, had just sent him a Happy New Year.
The remaining messages were scattered, with many people he hadn’t contacted much also sending a blessing at this time. Even Lu Xingping, who never typed messages, sent him a clearly mass-sent New Year’s greeting.
Zhao Rong replied to each one and also sent New Year’s red envelopes to Xu Xin and others.
After clearing his messages, he found that the last one was an invitation to a party from Ruan Cheng.
It was the post-New Year’s banquet for the Zhuxi business district.
Ruan Cheng’s intention was to discuss post-New Year cooperation. If Zhao Rong was willing, he could also meet some people to facilitate his future endeavors.
Zhao Rong was already tired of the hustle and bustle, and he was a bit sleepy. He casually replied, “Thanks, I won’t go,” then threw his phone aside, yawned, and fell asleep on the sofa with a blanket over him.
After the New Year.
The roadside was still adorned with various red decorations; couplets and inverted “Fu” characters were still new on every doorstep.
But once the holiday passed, the feeling of weariness seemed to be silently washed away by something, and the entire city suddenly became vibrant.
Pedestrians hurried along the streets, and bookstores gradually became crowded again.
Zhao Rong sat in a corner of the bookstore, reading.
Even though he kept his head down, people entering and leaving still occasionally glanced his way.
Although he was looking at a book, he had actually already turned to the last page—he had finished it long ago.
His thoughts drifted elsewhere.
Tonight was the time for the party Ruan Cheng had invited him to.
He had previously been unwilling to put much effort into it, and had habitually refused without thinking. But after New Year’s Eve, Zhao Ming’s words to him that night, and Fang Zhuoqun’s comment about “how he had changed over the years” before leaving Yangcheng, kept popping into his mind.
He suddenly hesitated again.
Liang Youjun was beside him, holding a history workbook, and said, “I’m so bored, boss.”
Zhao Rong looked up, “Mm.”
“…” Liang Youjun put down his book and leaned closer to him, saying, “Since you’re so familiar with this place, are there any fun places?”
“Amusement park.”
“Not that kind!”
Zhao Rong’s eyebrows twitched slightly.
He knew where Liang Youjun wanted to go.
Liang Youjun used to frequent high-society gatherings in Yangcheng and was quite adept in that area.
He put down his book and then thought of Ruan Cheng’s invitation.
His earlier hesitation was suddenly pushed aside. He sized up Liang Youjun.
“…Boss, your gaze is making me nervous.”
“I suddenly want to go.”
“What?”
“Let’s go home. Go change into something more formal. I have an invitation tonight, and you can be my companion. I don’t want to bother finding someone else.”
Anyway, this kind of thing was Liang Youjun’s old trade; he was very familiar with it.
Zhao Rong was going to discuss matters and meet people, so he didn’t care about the kind of companion everyone usually brought. Since Liang Youjun was there, he could just pretend to be his companion.
Liang Youjun naturally understood and immediately stood up, “I’m closing up now!”
“Is there really no room for discussion?” Zhou Yueqing asked again.
Qiao Nanqi swirled the tall wine glass in his hand, watching the red wine ripple, and said nothing.
The party was held in an extremely spacious hall, circular in shape, rising from bottom to top, with stairs winding around the outside. The long tables laden with food and drinks were on the first floor, while the second floor had only a small raised platform with some musical instruments and a grand piano, where a musician sat.
From the first floor, one could only see the musician’s back slightly exposed above the railing, listening to classical music accompanied by the falling keys, notes drifting out, elegant and melodious.
They were currently sitting opposite each other at a small table at the party. On the table were only simple drinks and a few plates of pastries. The pastries were untouched, indicating that the people sitting there had no interest in them.
Although Qiao Nanqi had changed into more formal clothes for the invitation today, he didn’t take it too seriously and didn’t even wear a full suit. He was just wearing a light white shirt with light blue stripes, the cuffs slightly rolled up, paired with cufflinks that were clearly part of the same set as the shirt, giving off a formal yet casual air.
Despite this, his inherent temperament meant that even just sitting there swirling his wine glass, he appeared more composed and no less imposing than those in suits and ties standing around.
Like aged fine wine, a slight opening of the lid would release a rich, mellow aroma.
Many people in this area didn’t know him, but they knew Zhou Yueqing.
They were curious about who this person was that even made Zhou Yueqing smile, and glances occasionally fell on them, but no one dared to linger for too long.
Qiao Nanqi could feel these gazes.
But he didn’t care; he was here precisely to make these people aware of him.
Before coming, Qiao Nanqi had confirmed with Ruan Cheng that Zhao Rong didn’t want to come, seemingly having no intention of getting involved in these things. However, if he wanted to stay in Zhuxi for a long time, and with someone like Zhou Yueqing always ready to strike when he was down, being passive was clearly not Qiao Nanqi’s style.
So, after receiving Zhou Yueqing’s invitation, he came to this party alone.
Zhou Yueqing thought this was a sign that he was willing to compromise. As soon as he arrived, Zhou Yueqing invited him to sit aside and chat.
“Mr. Qiao, what do you mean by not speaking? I’m a bit—confused.” Zhou Yueqing took a sip of wine, maintaining a smile on her face, but her words had become somewhat forceful. “I know I was tactless before, and happened to run into someone Mr. Qiao cared about. Our medical team, which we cultivated, was practically handed over. Isn’t that enough? Those projects cost us a lot of effort, and they’re useless to you, so why hold onto them?”
“Mr. Zhao will also need to establish himself in Zhuxi in the future. They say a strong dragon can’t overpower a local snake…”
She let out an “ah,” “I’m a bit direct, I hope Mr. Qiao doesn’t mind.”
Qiao Nanqi raised his eyes and glanced at her.
“I’ve long heard from Ruan Cheng that Miss Zhou’s style of doing things is quite aggressive, with attacks too swift, sometimes forcing opponents to retreat in a hurry.” He said, word by word, slowly, “However, it’s a pity that my style of doing things might be even more aggressive than Miss Zhou’s.”
“You say a strong dragon can’t overpower a local snake, and I agree.”
Zhou Yueqing seemed to have some premonition of what Qiao Nanqi was about to say. The smile on her face faded, and her brows furrowed slightly, “What do you mean?”
“But who stipulated that the strong dragon and the local snake must be two different people?”
“I’ve inquired, the foundation of the Qiao family is all in Yangcheng. Are you just abandoning all your operations in Yangcheng by coming here? Mr. Qiao, the person I heard about from my friends in Yangcheng isn’t someone who acts so impulsively.”
“Yes, I’m not,” Qiao Nanqi admitted without hesitation, “But why would I abandon those things to come here?”
“…Very confident. Alright, since Mr. Qiao also wants to develop in Zhuxi in the future, why not give me some face? I won’t take the projects that are already in your hands, but from now on, Mr. Qiao and I will each take a step back and not interfere with each other. Maybe we can even cooperate in the future—after all, we’ll be seeing each other around. It’s not easy for you to manage both sides, it’s better to make things easier for yourself, isn’t it?”
“It seems Miss Zhou’s friends in Yangcheng don’t really know me.”
Qiao Nanqi smiled.
He had been cold-faced just now, and when he finally smiled, it didn’t bring any relief to the atmosphere; instead, it made Zhou Yueqing feel even more uneasy.
He leaned slightly back in his chair, but his back was straight. He held the cup in one hand, constantly swirling it as if playing with it. He didn’t like the taste of alcohol, and this thing in his hand, unless necessary, he usually wouldn’t drink more than a few sips.
He looked at the wine in the cup, and out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of the faint tooth marks still on his wrist, and frowned.
This frown startled Zhou Yueqing even more, making her hold her breath and wait for him to speak.
But he didn’t notice Zhou Yueqing’s apprehension at all. He merely took off his cufflinks and placed them on the table, then pulled down his shirt sleeves, covering the scar that symbolized his past timidity.
Then, he finally spoke, “You’re right, we’ll be seeing each other around. But I don’t really believe in superficial peace. I think this ‘seeing each other around’ thing is too dangerous. The best way…”
“Is to not see each other at all.”
Zhou Yueqing was stunned. A few seconds later, her face suddenly darkened.
She understood the hidden meaning in Qiao Nanqi’s words.
The previous confrontation was not a threat, nor was it a hint; it was just a simple “greeting gift.” He never intended to reason with them; once he made a move, he intended to go all the way.
This person actually wanted to swallow their Zhou family whole and become the local snake himself!
In that instant, her first thought was that Qiao Nanqi could indeed do it.
They had only dealt with each other once or twice, but it was enough for her to recognize the disparity.
However, this ambition was so immense that she couldn’t even be sure if it was a serious statement or just an exaggerated joke.
She forced a smile, just about to confirm, when Qiao Nanqi’s phone rang.
Ruan Cheng, who was not far from the other side of the banquet hall, actually called him.
He was clearly just a few steps away from Qiao Nanqi, yet he called.
—What urgent matter?
Qiao Nanqi frowned and answered the phone.
He heard Ruan Cheng say urgently on the other end of the line, “Qiao, Zhao Rong just called me suddenly and said he’s outside the hall. He’s coming in now.”
Qiao Nanqi’s gaze froze.
Zhou Yueqing, sitting opposite him, saw that the man who had just been sitting there calmly, effortlessly handling everyone’s scrutinizing gazes, instantly tensed up. The wine glass in his hand trembled, almost slipping to the ground.
His deep eyes suddenly lost all composure, and all his emotions were visibly covered by panic.
It was as if he had instantly retracted all the thorns he used when dealing with outsiders, yet he was still flustered.