Chapter 48 Christmas Tree

Chapter 48 Christmas Tree

Qin Zhaoting was taken aback. Chen Wan hadn’t played much today, so he had assumed that the other man either didn’t know how to play or wasn’t interested.

Qin Zhaoting looked at Zhao Shengge. This was Zhao Shengge’s turn with the ball, and only he had the right to decide.

Chen Wan also looked at Zhao Shengge and asked again, "Is it alright, Mr. Zhao?"

Zhao Shengge looked at him for a moment, then stepped back a few paces and gestured politely for him to proceed.

Chen Wan took the ball from his hand. As their figures crossed, he whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear, "I shouldn’t lose."

Zhao Shengge raised an eyebrow.

When Chen Wan said he wouldn’t lose, he meant it. Bowling was the only club activity he had participated in during his busy and exhausting college years.

He mentally calculated the angle and speed of the throw, choosing a steep and unusual path for the ball.

"Thud!"

Like a sudden spring thunderclap, the white ball struck with an unstoppable force. The onlookers immediately murmured in surprise—

"Christmas tree!!"

The 2-7-10 pins, connected by the remaining pin, looked like a Christmas tree, hence the name.

The ball’s dazzling path captivated the audience, and the pins scattered, clearing the pins.

"How romantic!" a female player whispered to her boyfriend, saying she wanted to try it too. "Scoring a Christmas tree once means good luck for the whole year."

Tan Youming leapt up to applaud Chen Wan, then loudly accused Zhao Shengge, "You’re totally cheating!"

"Sure," Zhao Shengge said calmly, his eyes fixed on Chen Wan, who was looking up at the big screen, carefully counting the points. "Feel free to scold me."

"..."

Shen Zongnian looked at Zhao Shengge.

Everyone in the room praised Chen Wan for his incredible skill, achieving a one-in-a-million Christmas tree.

But was it truly only Chen Wan’s skill?

Such a challenging setup might not happen even in a hundred games.

How precise were the calculations to leave just the right pins for this "Christmas tree"?

Zhao Shengge met Shen Zongnian’s gaze with calm. Shen Zongnian said to Tan Youming, "Go ahead, scold him."

"..."

Though Qin Zhaoting lost, he graciously congratulated Chen Wan, smiling, he said Chen Wan had hidden his talents well.

Chen Wan smiled humbly, saying it was only Mr. Zhao’s strong lead that gave him a chance.

Zhao Shengge was long used to his flattery, but he called out to him in the restroom.

"Chen Wan."

"Yes?"

"Do you often score a Christmas tree?" Chen Wan's bowling style was impressive, and the odds of scoring a Christmas tree in one shot were incredibly low.

"No, it's my first time." The success was probably due to his sincerity, really not wanting Zhao Shengge to lose.

"Is that so."

"Yes."

Zhao Shengge responded, "It's also my first time receiving this."

Chen Wan was slightly surprised; Zhao Shengge had been bowling since his school days, and after all these years, no one had ever scored a Christmas tree for him.

Chen Wan said with some delight, "It's my honor."

Zhao Shengge wasn't interested in hearing more sweet nothings that didn't mean much, so he directly asked, "Why did you do it for me?"

Was it because of that inexplicable phone call, or was it to make up for offending him?

Chen Wan sensed this wasn't a casual question, so he also put away his smile and became serious. He said, "Because I hope you are happy."

Zhao Shengge paused, looking at him motionlessly, his heart pounding distinctly.

Chen Wan's expression was one of pure, unfeigned sincerity, as if his greatest wish was truly to make Zhao Shengge happy.

The bowling alley was noisy, and Zhao Shengge didn't respond. Chen Wan thought he hadn't heard clearly, so he reiterated formally, "I hope you are happy, Zhao Shengge."

I hope you always win, have good luck, stay healthy, and are cared for by many.

Most of all, I hope you are happy.

After a long while, Zhao Shengge lowered his head and finally showed his first smile in days—a helpless, resigned smile, as if he didn't know what to do.

But because it was very light, very faint, it disappeared quickly. Before Chen Wan could react, Qin Zhaoting entered.

He half-seriously, half-jokingly said, "Isn't it a bit unfair for you two to team up against one?"

Zhao Shengge took his towel from Chen Wan and said, "You can also find reinforcements."

The restroom was private, and Zhao Shengge didn't bring shower gel, so he used Chen Wan's.

Since Chen Wan hadn't played much, he showered quickly and waited outside.

Outside the bowling alley, the sky was ablaze with hues of smoke and clouds, golden sunlight bathed the fragrant lawn, and the distant sea began to swell.

When Zhao Shengge came out, Chen Wan was responding to work texts. The familiar scent of shower gel wafted over, and Chen Wan's breathing quickened a bit. He put away his phone and said, "Zhao Shengge."

Zhao Shengge didn't know if he had added that boy as a friend, glanced down at the phone screen, and said, "Let's go."

At the parking lot, they each went to get their cars.

Tan Youming and Shen Zongnian's Lincoln was parked next to Zhao Shengge's Land Rover. Tan Youming said he wanted to drive Zhao Shengge's car.

After he hit several roadside trash cans and almost drove into the green belt while parking, Shen Zongnian hadn't let him drive high chassis cars anymore.

Tan Youming was all enthusiasm but little skill, and had long coveted Zhao Shengge's new behemoth. Zhao Shengge generously said, "Here you go," and threw the car keys to him.

Tan Youming exclaimed, "Thanks, boss."

Zhao Shengge instructed him, "Be careful."

Tan Youming thought Zhao Shengge seemed more approachable today, unlike his usual cold and quiet self. But he’d been sick then, so it made sense.

Shen Zongnian scoffed, "If you give him your car, where are you gonna sit?"

Chen Wan stepped in to smooth things over, "Mr. Zhao, if it’s okay with you, you’re welcome to ride with me."

He’d brought his Toyota Prado today. It wasn’t as fancy as the young masters’ luxury cars, but it was roomy and comfortable.

Zhao Shengge looked at him and said, "If it’s a hassle, I can just ride with Jiang Ying."

Chen Wan quickly replied, "No hassle at all."

"Alright then."

"..." Shen Zongnian gave Zhao Shengge a cold look. Zhao Shengge patted his shoulder, speaking like an older brother, "Keep an eye on Youming, it’ll be fine."

"..."

Chen Wan hurried to open the back door for Zhao Shengge.

At the same time, Zhao Shengge went straight for the passenger seat.

"..."

There was a brief, awkward pause, both of them looking at each other.

Chen Wan broke the silence, "Mr. Zhao, the back’s roomier and more comfortable."

Zhao Shengge glanced at him, reached over and moved his hand from the door handle, pulled him back, and with a "snap," closed the rear door, saying, "I’ll sit in the front, better view."

Chen Wan gave in, "Alright."

Zhao Shengge wasn’t used to riding shotgun. His long legs made seat adjustment take a while, the beeping sound kept going. Chen Wan noticed the cars ahead were already moving, so he turned his head and asked, "Mr. Zhao, let me help you."

Zhao Shengge looked at him, raised both hands, signaling him to go ahead.

Chen Wan leaned over, keeping a polite distance, but Zhao Shengge could still catch the same shower gel scent on him.

Orange-scented, Chen Wan.

Chen Wan quickly got the seat right, stepped on the gas, turned the steering wheel, and caught up with the cars ahead.

Zhao Shengge propped his elbow on the window ledge, sitting in Chen Wan’s car was very comfortable, making Zhao Shengge feel like he had returned to a very private, relaxing safe zone.

Zhao Shengge, feeling at ease, turned down the volume of the stereo, then reached for the bottled water by the door. As he bent down, he caught a glimpse of a velvet red under the seat.

Zhao Shengge picked it up, it was a lipstick, probably rolled up from the back seat.

He held it up, didn’t ask much, just said, "Where should I put it?"

Chen Wan took a moment to glance over from the road, instinctively muttering, "Oh, my mom’s."

Zhao Shengge raised an eyebrow, not sure if he was smiling, "Chen Wan, I was asking—"

"Where to put it."

"..." Chen Wan realized, somewhat embarrassed, sighed inwardly, but his voice remained steady, "Oh, sorry, I misheard, just put it in the drawer."

Zhao Shengge said understandingly, "Then I’ll put it here for you."

Chen Wan often tuned into this Hong Kong music radio station, which was now playing "Lifetime Beauty." Uncertain of Zhao Shengge's preference, Chen Wan offered, "Mr. Zhao, feel free to change the station."

"It's fine, we can listen to this," Zhao Shengge didn't mind the station, but he turned to Chen Wan and said, "Chen Wan."

"Can I talk to you about something?"

"Startled, Chen Wan instinctively straightened his posture.

"I don't get much time off," Zhao Shengge candidly raised an objection, "Calling me 'Mr. Zhao' makes it feel like I'm still on the job."

Aside from Zhuo Zhixuan, with whom he's shared over a decade of friendship, Chen Wan refers to Tan Youming as 'Young Master Tan,' Shen Zongnian as 'President Shen,' Qin Zhaoting as 'Boss Qin,' and Jiang Ying as 'Mr. Jiang.'

So Zhao Shengge was no exception.

Before, Zhao Shengge had been willing to give Chen Wan time to adjust, but now he realized Chen Wan would compromise for him.

Time and again.

That phone call wasn't pleasant, but it unexpectedly turned out to be a blessing in disguise, giving Zhao Shengge the upper hand, like holding a trump card, in this evenly matched tug-of-war.

No matter Chen Wan's motives, if Zhao Shengge spotted even the slightest weakness, he would exploit it without hesitation.

Chen Wan turned to him, his gaze dark, seemingly filled with countless emotions, or perhaps with nothing at all.

Gripping the steering wheel tighter, he suppressed his surging emotions and softly asked, "Then how should I address you?"

"If you don't mind, just call me by my name," Zhao Shengge said casually, as if it were no big deal, "No need for formalities."

Chen Wan's throat moved, and in those few short seconds, many thoughts rolled through his mind, but everything was based on Zhao Shengge's wishes, and he solemnly replied, "Okay."

In the past, Chen Wan would have considered many things, thought a lot, feeling it wasn't respectful enough, and also had to consider avoiding suspicion.

Now, Chen Wan prioritizes Zhao Shengge's will above all else.

Zhao Shengge, Chen Wan silently recited in his heart, very few people in the city could directly call this name, Tan Youming and Shen Zongnian had grown up together since childhood, and Chen Wan had worked hard for over a decade to reach this day.

The Toyota Prado drove along the Western Ring Road, passing through Causeway Bay Road, the same road Chen Wan had once taken Zhao Shengge to Eagle Pool.

The red light was still hanging high, but the scenery along the way was already different.

Author's Note:

Today's golden song on the Hong Kong music station is "Lifetime Beauty."