Chapter 68: Hong Kong Without Snow

Chapter 68: Hong Kong Without Snow

"Alright, Zhao Shengge," Chen Wan smiled with relief, "My name is Chen Wan. Will you be with me? I don’t need to be chased."

"I will," Zhao Shengge gazed at him, saying lightly, "I will."

Surprises on dates, flowers, gifts, pick-ups and drop-offs—Chen Wan should have everything others have, and more.

Zhao Shengge said, "I take things seriously, including pursuing someone. You don’t have to say yes right away."

Chen Wan's heart raced. After a moment of eye contact, he turned his head away and laughed, at a loss.

He lowered his head, placing his hand on Zhao Shengge's shoulder: "Zhao Shengge, can I ask why? When did you start liking me?"

Zhao Shengge didn't answer any questions, instead exposing him: "Do you think you don’t deserve to be loved?"

"..." Chen Wan said honestly, "I don't know." Someone who’s never been loved much can’t figure out why they’d be loved.

Zhao Shengge thought for a moment and told him, "There's no specific time. Being drawn to you was a gradual but certain process."

He spoke without hesitation, his expression calm, as if talking about work, but his tone was natural and sincere, "Everyone would like you, Chen Wan."

"You don't need to try to find a reason anymore. Your very existence is the answer."

Zhao Shengge’s words were heavy, too much certainty, and was already a lifelong compliment. Chen Wan’s heart felt on fire, and he opened his mouth, unable to say anything.

His phone rang many times—calls from Liao Quan, Chen Bingxin, and Song Qingmiao—all of which Zhao Shengge silenced them and put the phone in his pocket.

Zhao Shengge’s hold on Chen Wan began from this minute.

Chen Wan really became Zhao Shengge's hostage, driven through the city’s nightscape in a Rolls-Royce, like being taken home in a late-night carriage.

The car radio was on Chen Wan’s favorite Hong Kong station, playing a millennium diva compilation on the late-night channel.

"Composing this noble love letter

Through soliloquy

As my scripture

If I don't love myself

How can I love

How can I give my lover anything"

Chen Wan finally snapped out of it: "Zhao Shengge."

"Did you recognize me at that auction?"

Zhao Shengge turned the steering wheel, made a right turn, and looked ahead: "What auction? I don't remember."

Chen Wan laughed and said, "Oh," placing his hand on the car window and turning to look at him, "We attended an auction together. You might not have seen me. That day, I was cut off by a Rolls-Royce."

Zhao Shengge nodded, stepping on the accelerator: "Then you should change your car as soon as possible. We’ll go choose one tomorrow."

"..."

The Rolls-Royce stopped at Shallow Bay.

Zhao Shengge came to Chen Wan's house for the first time.

It was a spacious apartment with a seaside terrace offering a stunning view, but Chen Wan thought they should buy a detached villa in the future to accommodate Zhao Shengge.

Chen Wan brought Zhao Shengge inside and told him to make himself at home, hoping he could treat this place as his own.

While Chen Wan went to boil water, Zhao Shengge didn't wander around, but he immediately noticed the golden nanmu treasure cabinet in the side hall.

It was truly large and... opulent, like the display cases young girls would spend a fortune on for their collections.

Zhao Shengge walked closer with his hands behind his back and took a look.

There were "Longevity Without End" series tile cufflinks, a Patek Philippe watch, limited edition perfumes, a Turkish handmade wool rug...

The upper level was lavish and ornate, while the lower level was starkly different—an old tennis ball, a faded Visconti pen, and a dried leaf specimen.

There were few items, old and worn, but they unapologetically occupied half of the lavish treasure cabinet, making the crowded luxury items above seem to diminish their luster and presence.

No matter how dazzling the jewels were, these humble items were the true owners and soul of the treasure cabinet.

Zhao Shengge looked at each item for a long time, his head lowered, lost in thought.

When Chen Wan finished heating the Magnolia Bud tea, he saw Zhao Shengge holding a yellowed draft paper.

Chen Wan's face turned red immediately.

Zhao Shengge arched an eyebrow.

Chen Wan felt a shiver down his spine and hurriedly explained, "I-I didn't steal it. You threw it in the trash after the exam."

"Mm," Zhao Shengge nodded, carefully placing the fragile draft paper back and patting Chen Wan's back to reassure him, "I didn't call you a thief."

His hand moved to Chen Wan's wrist, holding it firmly to prevent him from escaping. He picked up the old tennis ball and asked gently, "What about this? Can you tell me?"

Chen Wan's face grew even hotter, as if he were being asked to read and analyze a love letter on the spot. But with his hand firmly held and Zhao Shengge's commanding presence, he had no way to escape. He hesitantly said, "It was during the training for the regional league in my second year of high school. You probably found the main campus gym and courts too crowded, so you went to the court behind the Yifu Building at the branch campus during lunchtime to practice alone."

"I usually studied near the Yifu Building."

"You watched me play every day?"

"...Yes," Chen Wan added earnestly, "But it really rolled to my feet on its own. I wouldn't steal your things."

Zhao Shengge immediately said, "It's fine."

He then asked, "Didn't you think of bringing it to me?"

"It must have been something you didn't want," Chen Wan pointed to a dent on the ball, "Look here, it's dented." Bringing a damaged ball to someone would seem like an awkward attempt to strike up a conversation, especially since Zhao Shengge went to the branch campus to avoid attention.

Zhao Shengge looked at him, trying to see the sixteen-year-old Chen Wan through those dark eyes. Were Chen Wan's eyes just as dark back then? Had they already learned to hide his affection at that age?

A tumult of emotions brewed in Zhao Shengge's heart. Unbeknownst to him, he had been loved profoundly, completely, and meticulously for so many years, and today, he finally faced the resounding echo of that love.

The fragments lost in their youth had been gathered piece by piece by Chen Wan and cherished.

Chen Wan collected a little here, a little there, and before he knew it, so many years had passed.

Zhao Shengge pulled him closer, his voice softer, "Were the cufflinks for me too?"

"Yes," Chen Wan said without any bitterness. This was his solitary treasure hunt, and today, he finally found his owner and companion. He smiled wryly, "Back in Beidao Island, I thought you were going to vie with me for them."

"But it was originally meant for you to have. If you’d asked, I would’ve definitely given it to you."

"Oh, really?" Zhao Shengge tilted his head, staring at him. "I thought you were going to give it to a friend."

"...I don’t have many friends."

"The wool blanket is for me too?"

"It’s just..." Chen Wan looked at him helplessly. "The marble on your bay window looks pretty cold, and you like to work there. I was worried you’d catch a cold, especially during typhoon days or when the seasons change."

Chen Wan’s gaze was very sincere: "I really don’t want you getting sick again."

Zhao Shengge’s heart couldn’t help but be moved, gripping his hand even tighter, his eyes slowly scanning the shelf: "Why’d you buy so much for me?"

Chen Wan, however, said very naturally: "No particular reason. I just... couldn’t resist. Whenever I saw something, I wanted to get it for you." His affection was simple, that’s all.

Zhao Shengge hadn’t received many gifts growing up, nor did he hold any expectations for holidays. But it turns out, giving and receiving gifts don’t need a specific time or reason.

Since Zhao Shengge already knew, Chen Wan decided to reveal everything without reservation: "The watch was something I spotted when you got me the cufflinks. I’d wanted to look around more, but you didn’t seem too interested, so I went back later on my own."

"..."

"But these are just my preferences. If you don’t like them, that’s fine. In the future, whatever you want, I’ll get it for you."

"Can I get anything I want?"

"Sure."

Zhao Shengge listened very seriously to every word Chen Wan said, trying to recall those moments of being loved that he’d missed and could never get back.

The happiness mixed with regret stayed with him.

Zhao Shengge held back the storm inside him that he couldn’t let out, saying he didn’t mind Chen Wan picking up his things, and thanked Chen Wan for the gifts, saying he liked them very much. From start to finish, he was very tolerant and grateful. But when he pressed Chen Wan against the golden nanmu treasure cabinet at night, he was completely different, very fierce, instructing Chen Wan to put on each of the gifts that had almost never seen the light of day.

"Chen Wan."

"The watch."

Zhao Shengge was very gentlemanly, except that his fierce actions and considerate tone were like two different people.

"Can I try the ring?"

He was so polite, wiping the sweat from Chen Wan’s forehead, asking in a negotiating tone: "Let’s put on the necklace too."

Chen Wan’s toes curled, tightened, and then relaxed.

"You even bought earrings," Zhao Shengge played with the sapphire and obsidian for a moment, saying with a hint of regret in a low voice: "I don’t have pierced ears."

"But if you want to see, I can get them pierced for you."

Chen Wan was almost fainting, his fingers trembling, gasping weakly: "No, no need."

"It would hurt you."

Zhao Shengge stopped, looked at him for a while, and then became even fiercer.

Chen Wan’s heart and body were filled, leaving no room for anything else but Zhao Shengge. No matter how fierce Zhao Shengge was, he only embraced him with gentle eyes.

Zhao Shengge held his neck with force, looking down at him with no expression: "Chen Wan, what right do you have to arbitrarily withhold my gifts?" Was it almost the case that he would never receive them?

Chen Wan was almost breathless. With effort, he raised his hand to touch Zhao Shengge's sweaty face. After a moment of thought, he could only say, "I’ll get you more, and even better ones later."

He cradled Zhao Shengge's head against his neck and promised.

Zhao Shengge softened.

Kindness and love can melt away all the fears and doubts in a relationship.

Zhao Shengge chased after people with the same intensity as his work, shifting from his usual elusive ways—for two nights straight, Hai Media paparazzi caught him heading to Prince East.

Chen Wan was stuck in a late meeting and hadn’t come out yet. The paparazzi were hell-bent on unmasking the 'mystery friend' who could make Zhao Shengge wait patiently for two hours.

Spotting a lurker, Zhao Shengge had his driver open the door and give the paparazzi a bottle of water.

The paparazzi, seemingly surprised that they were discovered despite their concealment, accepted it with trembling hands, recalling the rumors of the various fates of those who had offended Zhao Shengge, and bolted with their gear.

Zhao Shengge asked, "Why did he leave?"

The driver guessed, "Maybe it’s just too cold."

Zhao Shengge then continued to work on his laptop.

However, as Zhao Shengge went more often, a few lucky paparazzi got shots of him, but the night was too blurry to make out his face, sparking all sorts of guesses about the 'mystery friend.'

Strangers might not notice, but friends definitely could. At a gathering Chen Wan missed due to overtime, Tan Youming called Zhao Shengge a monster.

"Hands off Chen Wan! If you’re looking for fun, Zhao Shengge, there’s no shortage of options, but not Chen Wan." Chen Wan was his recognized friend, not just someone to play around with.

Zhao Shengge asked, "Play?"

Shen Zongnian asked, "Are you two together?"

Zhao Shengge said, "No, I'm pursuing him."

"..."

"You can pursue people too!" Tan Youming said sarcastically.

"..." Zhao Shengge’s eyes coolly scanned their faces—Shen Zongnian looked bored, Tan Youming was fuming, Jiang Ying was clueless, and Zhuo Zhixuan, likely still in trouble, stayed silent all night.

Zhao Shengge tapped the table with his hand, "Is this how you feel about my feelings?"

"What attitude should we have?" Tan Youming asked, "You think Chen Wan’s a pushover?"

"I don’t," Zhao Shengge didn’t care what others thought. He was just informing them. Tan Youming, with his poor judgment, could be ignored, but Zhuo Zhixuan was there, one of Chen Wan's few close friends. Zhao Shengge placed his hands on the table, interlocked, and said, "I'm very serious."

"..."

After the gathering, everyone headed to the underground garage. Zhao Shengge said, "Zhixuan, stay back."

Zhuo Zhixuan stiffened, thinking, this day has come.

Zhao Shengge looked at him somewhat speechlessly, not intending to scare him, and said, "If your family’s giving you grief, just tell me."

In his memory, Zhuo Zhixuan was still the child who would run to him and Tan Youming for help when he was out of money or in trouble, but now he dared to help Chen Wan with those things.

Zhuo Zhixuan was stunned, as this was not the reckoning he had anticipated, "You... don’t blame me?"

Zhao Shengge: "He can do whatever he wants, but I need to know about it."

Zhuo Zhixuan suddenly felt that this time, the older brother from his childhood had truly come back.

However, Zhao Shengge added, "Thank you for these years, but let this be the last time."

He exuded authority, and Zhuo Zhixuan immediately nodded in agreement, then hopped into Tan Youming's Bentley.

This time, because he had caused trouble by helping Chen Wan, his family had cut off his credit card and car access, so Zhuo Zhixuan had to catch a ride back.

Shen Zongnian was driving, and he asked while turning the steering wheel, "Did Zhao Shengge scold you?"

Before Zhuo Zhixuan could say "no," Tan Youming, sitting in the passenger seat, turned around and said, "He had it coming!" Chen Wan and Zhuo Zhixuan were both thoughtless, and if Zhao Shengge didn't scold him, he would have.

Although Zhuo Zhixuan had his credit card and car access suspended, he was still quite happy and chuckled at Shen Zongnian: "Hehe, I didn't get scolded."

"..." Tan Youming turned around in horror, grabbing Shen Zongnian's arm, and said, "It's over, the kid's been scolded out of his mind."

"..."

Chen Wan had missed several of Tan Youming's gatherings in a row, but finally, before December officially arrived, he successfully completed the full equity acquisition.

He stuck to his usual style of unconventional and risky moves, but this time, he took the initiative to be honest with Zhao Shengge.

After hearing this, Zhao Shengge didn't say anything, just stared at him.

Chen Wan smiled good-naturedly, but his tone was firm, saying that he had to personally sever this tie.

His eyes curved, and Zhao Shengge graciously didn't interfere, still saying the same thing: "Go ahead and do whatever, just keep me in the loop."

Chen Wan was both amused and exasperated, truly believing his actions weren't that risky.

At the year-end shareholders' meeting of Rongxin, Chen Wan, who had never appeared in the company before, made his first appearance, sparking a commotion.

This was also the first time Chen Bingxin had seen Chen Wan since the uproar at the birthday banquet. Whether he had sent Chen Yu or personally requested a meeting, he had been flat-out refused, as Zhao Shengge had kept a close eye on Chen Wan.

Despite the varied looks, Chen Wan stayed calm, sitting steadily in the seat second only to Chen Bingxin. From some point on, he had taken on Zhao Shengge's usual intimidating vibe.

After reporting to the board, Chen Wan proposed that due to changes in equity shares, Chen Bingxin had lost his veto rights.

Since that night, Chen Bingxin seemed to age ten years, his blood pressure soaring, and he could no longer control his emotions in public: "You ungrateful brat! Rongxin was created by me, I know it best, and I have the most say. You've connived and cheated your way here, knowing nothing, so stop interfering."

Chen Wan remained calm and collected, coldly and loudly advising, "Even founders must abide by the law. Decisions that violate the Company Law are invalid. I hope Chairman Chen understands that times have changed, and the board can no longer be your personal stage."

Chen Bingxin's eyes were filled with anger, but Chen Wan ignored him and added before he could speak, "According to the board of supervisors' proposal, the equity of directors Chen Yu and Liao Zhihe has flaws, and there has been embezzlement of funds for personal gain during tobacco exports. I hope both of you will resign."

The named individuals were shocked and broke into a cold sweat. Before they could defend themselves, Chen Wan issued a final warning: "If this is not accepted, I will invoke the Zhao Shengge Act to request the Securities Regulatory Commission to initiate an investigation."

This announcement caused a commotion in the room.

From the despondent look in Chen Bingxin's eyes, Chen Wan saw the collapse of an old kingdom, beyond recovery. He clearly felt that the huge stone that had been pressing on his back for over a decade had also crumbled at this moment.

In mid-December, the front pages of major financial weeklies in Haishi were bustling with exaggerated and eye-catching headlines.

"Awake! The 30-year giant of the Chen family sinks in Central Harbour, Rongxin is torn apart by Taiji."

"After three years, the Zhao Shengge Act reappears in the business world, the young master accompanies his close friend to meet the chairman of the chamber of commerce."

"The founder of Rongxin shows signs of aging with white hair, curses at the media: 'Get lost, you losers!' (with photos and videos)."

"Senior executive Liao of Rongxin is dismembered like a human pig, incontinent for half a month and despised by all."

The city officially entered winter hours. The island of Hong Kong never sees snow, but the wind is strong, with short days and long nights, and the sky brightens late.

Zhao Shengge dropped Chen Wan off at Taiji, pulling over to the curb.

The weather was a bit gloomy, the bauhinia trees with large leaves had shed all their foliage, and the bare branches swayed in the chilly wind.

A stream of office workers crossed the overpass, dressed to the nines but with cold, sharp looks upon closer inspection, like young but lifeless blood trickling into the empty industrial park.

This was Chen Wan's twelfth consecutive day of back-to-back work. Rongxin was already in shambles, but Chen Wan couldn't fully relax without taking the opportunity to eradicate the problem completely.

Zhao Shengge grabbed a scarf from the back seat and wrapped it around Chen Wan's neck.

It was a classic British tartan, chosen by Zhao Shengge himself—perhaps an extension of his innate desire for control. Everything from Chen Wan's tie clip to his belt, cufflinks, and lighter was chosen by Zhao Shengge.

Of course, Zhao Shengge was very fair and democratic. Chen Wan also had full control over Zhao Shengge's clothing, food, shelter, and transportation. The pair of "Eternal Life" cufflinks Zhao Shengge wore today were personally fastened by Chen Wan, even though his fingers trembled as he did it.

"The issue of Ge Xi pushing for the share transfer can be slowed down. Staggered payments would be best. If conditions allow, your mother could even step in." This would lessen outside speculation and suspicion about Chen Wan's behind-the-scenes tactics and also prove that Song Qingmiao indeed had a close relationship with Ge Xi, showing that those photos and reports weren't just for show.

"Of course," Zhao Shengge tugged at his scarf and said, "This is just my suggestion. You decide."

"Alright," Chen Wan, wrapped tightly by him, looked at the hint of impatience in Zhao Shengge's eyes from just waking up and smiled helplessly, "Don't bother sending me off tomorrow. Get some more sleep."

Zhao Shengge: "That's not how you pursue someone."

"Then let's not pursue anymore. Let's make it official."

Zhao Shengge: "Not yet. You haven't passed."

Chen Wan let out an "Ah."

From the night they went to Rongxin Garden to catch someone, Zhao Shengge had been by his side almost every moment these days, holding him tightly in his palm, like a furnace warming and burning him. He was almost melting.

"This... what else do I need to do?" Chen Wan was confused.

Zhao Shengge glanced at him and calmly said, "I didn't do well." If he had been more alert, more forceful in intervening...

Chen Wan pulled the scarf down a bit and leaned closer to ask, "What didn't you do well, Zhao Shengge?"

"Chen Wan, are you comparing me to others?"

"Huh?" Chen Wan didn't understand.

"Whether I did well or not, don't compare me to others. Compare me to yourself."

Zhao Shengge's standard was Chen Wan, so he was always one step behind.

When it came to love, Chen Wan had already perfected it. No matter how much Zhao Shengge tried, it seemed he couldn't give Chen Wan the same depth of being loved.

It was very unfair.

When you meet someone like this, you just want to be better to them, even better, and there's no other way.

Chen Wan found it quite amusing and laughed, "So, whether you've caught up to me or not is up to you."

"It's up to you."

"But going easy isn't good," Zhao Shengge reminded him.

"..."

When Chen Wan got out of the car, he failed to open the door on the first try. Suddenly remembering something, he turned around, leaned closer to Zhao Shengge, and asked, "I won’t hold back, but can I get a kiss even if I haven’t been officially promoted yet?"

Zhao Shengge replied, "Sure, that’s fine."

After the kiss, Chen Wan smoothly unlocked the car.

Zhao Shengge watched his figure disappear and then drove away from Taiji, not heading directly to Minglong, but instead turning right through the West District Tunnel to Tsuen Wan.

Zhao Shengge had accompanied Chen Wan to Monica’s clinic twice before, but today was his first time going alone.

There were some things he needed to ask Monica privately, and it seemed Monica also wanted to have a separate conversation with him.

However, due to a morning meeting, the conversation didn’t last long, and Zhao Shengge returned to Minglong before 11 o’clock.

The Baoli Bay project is about to embark on a month-long roadshow, covering both mainland China and overseas. Zhao Shengge needed to make advance arrangements for all other projects at Minglong. Shen Zongnian and Tan Youming came over for the meeting today, along with some other investors and partners.

The meeting ran from noon into the afternoon, with only short breaks. Zhao Shengge glanced at his phone, but there were no new messages.

Chen Wan had been in meetings and negotiations at Taiji all day. Ge Xi objected to some flawed equity, while Chen Wan proposed a phased transition. After a lot of back-and-forth, both sides found common ground and finalized a preliminary plan.

His phone was muted. During a break, he found a Visconti pen in his pocket.

It wasn’t the same model as the one in his collection cabinet, but it was from the same series, likely a custom piece with a very discreet personal logo.

Chen Wan took a photo of the pen and sent it to Zhao Shengge.

After a while, Zhao Shengge replied, "How did you get that?"

"The kitty has no idea jpg"

"Not the kitty’s doing jpg"

"..." Zhao Shengge knew that Zhuo Zhixuan had sent him new stickers again.

Chen Wan often found things in his pockets that didn’t belong to him, including but not limited to handkerchiefs, pens, gloves, or lighters.

They weren’t official gifts, but rather Zhao Shengge’s personal belongings, like slipping a piece of candy into a pocket, so Chen Wan could always find a surprise.

It was also a way of marking territory, a constant reminder and response.

The meeting went on until almost 4 p.m. It began to rain as Chen Wan headed back to Kexiang from Taiji. He texted Zhao Shengge, saying there was no need to pick him up: "I’ll come to you." "Kitty dashing jpg"

Zhao Shengge only replied with one word.

"No."

Chen Wan: "..."

Tan Youming was worn out from sitting through meetings all day and had filled Shen Zongnian’s meeting notebook with doodles of turtles and tigers. Finally, the meeting adjourned.

Back in Zhao Shengge’s office, he shut the door and flopped onto the sofa, complaining about how exhausted he was and suggesting they all go out to relax.

"You guys go ahead. I need to pick up Chen Wan. If you don’t want to go out in the rain, you can grab a bite at Minglong," Zhao Shengge said as he closed the drawer, meeting Shen Zongnian’s gaze calmly.

Tan Youming returned the notebook to Shen Zongnian, glanced at the gray-black sky outside, and said, "This terrible weather is sure to bring a heavy rain. Why not have the driver go?"

Zhao Shengge put on his long coat from the hanger and said, "It’s not my driver who’s after him."

"..."

Zhao Shengge insisted on going to pick up Chen Wan himself, not because he was worried about Chen Wan getting caught in the rain—Chen Wan had his own driver—but because most things in a relationship shouldn’t be left to others.

Zhao Shengge wouldn’t have it any other way.

Tan Youming likely didn’t understand that it wasn’t Chen Wan who needed Zhao Shengge to pick him up; it was Zhao Shengge who wanted to see Chen Wan sooner, to hold his hand, put his arm around his shoulder, and embrace and kiss him in the rain.

He had found Chen Wan too late in life.

Even if they spent every single day loving each other, Zhao Shengge felt it was still too little.

But there was nothing he could do, Zhao Shengge thought, his face blank.

Being in love while racing against time is just heartbreaking.

As he stepped into the elevator, Zhao Shengge received a message from Shen Zongnian.

"The 0659 model chip has been discontinued."

As Zhao Shengge closed the drawer, he spotted a half-finished product, much like the weather-sensing robot model they’d built together years ago. After winning an award, it had been displayed in the Yifu Building at their school, though he wasn’t sure if it was still there.

Zhao Shengge replied, "Then create one that can keep evolving."

It’ll never stop working.

Author's note:

Today’s Cantonese Golden Melody Radio broadcast: "A Love Letter to Myself"

The Zhao Shengge Act was mentioned earlier at Yingchi~