Chapter 71 Rising Prominence

Chapter 71 Rising Prominence

Zhao Shengge listened to Chen Wan’s rambling words without interrupting, his broad hands offering steady warmth on the winter night. He calmly said, "It’s okay, I’ll watch over her for you; she’ll be safe."

Initially, Zhao Shengge wasn’t planning on letting Chen Wan see Song Qingmiao again, but seeing his teary eyes, he still said, "Whenever you’re ready to see her, I’ll take you."

Zhao Shengge was different from Chen Wan; if it were him, he wouldn’t expect anything from someone who’d given up on him.

So he cut all ties with his parents and Zhao Maozheng.

But Chen Wan was gentle by nature and deserved care; he shouldn’t be treated too cruelly.

Chen Wan turned to look at him, his black eyes so bright.

The distant buildings and lights were already decked out in New Year’s red, and Zhao Shengge added, "If you’d like, we can make it a New Year’s thing."

Chen Wan chuckled softly, feeling like he was being babied.

"No need," he said, "Let it happen on its own; no need to push it."

Zhao Shengge’s embrace and scent were both warm. He tugged at Zhao Shengge’s sleeve, sighing inwardly, and asked, "Zhao Shengge, you don’t actually dislike dogs, do you?"

"Huh?"

"I saw it happen that day."

In Song Qingmiao’s room, through the window.

Zhao Shengge was leaning against the Rolls-Royce waiting for him, and a little dog wobbled over from the roadside. It was a bit scruffy, but Zhao Shengge let it linger by his feet without shooing it away, and his expression showed no impatience.

It was nothing like the time they ran into a German Shepherd at Victoria Harbour.

"Yeah," Zhao Shengge admitted, "I don’t mind them."

Zhao Shengge had never mentioned Bozhu to Shen Zongnian or Tan Youming, but he could tell Chen Wan.

"When I was a kid, I found one similar, but it was put down."

Chen Wan was silent for a while. Though Zhao Shengge said it casually, Chen Wan could guess the story and felt a pang of sadness.

Chen Wan looked at him and suggested, "What if we got another one? A small one, like that pup from the roadside, with a round head. I’m not afraid of those."

"We could walk it at Victoria Harbour when we’re free or hike Tai Ping Shan on weekends. When you swim, I’ll bring it along and time you."

Zhao Shengge looked at him for a while and said, "No need."

"I already have one."

Chen Wan paused, then nodded in agreement. "Okay, that’s fine, I’m willing."

Zhao Shengge was taken aback, then burst out laughing.

December officially ended, and in the new year, the cover of Haishi’s leading financial report gleamed with golden headlines—"Baoli Bay Dock Lights Up Like a Pearl, Zhao Shengge and Companion’s Overseas Roadshow Draws Envy."

The first stop of the roadshow was in Manchester. Xu Zhiying and Fang Jian met Zhao Shengge and Chen Wan at the airport, and together they boarded Zhao Shengge’s Bombardier to cross the ocean.

In the new year, Fang Jian was still the same, immersed in academics and unkempt. Chen Wan heard that Zhao Shengge specifically asked his secretary to take Fang Jian to get tailored outfits for the entire month of the roadshow. When Dr. Fang overheard the price, he was appalled, lamenting the waste, thinking how wonderful it would be if that money were spent on research.

Xu Zhiying had recently risen to prominence with the Baoli Bay project, taking the lead in the family power struggle. After ousting her two brothers, she became even more high-spirited.

Everyone was waiting in the VIP lounge when Zhao Shengge suddenly leaned over and whispered to Chen Wan, "How did you know I’d come out of Gate B3 when I got back?"

Chen Wan was taken aback for a moment, then realized and smiled helplessly, "Just how much did Zhixuan spill about me?"

Zhao Shengge raised an eyebrow, "Seems like your so-called solid friendship isn’t all that solid." Zhuo Zhixuan didn’t even need to be threatened or bribed to spill.

"..." Chen Wan sensed a different meaning and found it amusing, so he straightforwardly said, "Not just this time—when the media reported you were attacked in Italy, I almost hopped on a plane right then."

Zhao Shengge didn’t speak, but his expression said, "Please continue."

Before, Chen Wan might’ve felt a bit awkward, like some overzealous stalker, but now, if Zhao Shengge liked hearing it, he would openly tell him, "You know how unreliable the media is—exaggerating headlines, twisting the truth, all for clicks."

Chen Wan looked helpless, "One minute they’re saying you needed an amputation, the next you were shot in the chest and fighting for your life."

Zhao Shengge, who’d only gotten a scratch on his arm, "..."

"And it was probably Minglong who shut the news down fast, then those paparazzi just shut up, not mentioning a word about it. I was on edge," Chen Wan recalled the torment, his brow furrowing, "If Zhixuan hadn’t told me you were safe while I was getting my visa, I’d have been on the next flight."

Zhao Shengge suppressed a barely noticeable smile, his expression calm, "The media’s really not to be trusted."

"Guys," Xu Zhiying, sitting across from them, cut in, "Who knows if the media gets anything else right, but they’re spot-on when it comes to you two."

Xu Zhiying and Zhao Shengge were just business partners. Zhao Shengge was quiet, and they rarely talked outside of work. But with Chen Wan around, the vibe was lighter, Zhao Shengge loosened up, and she felt free to speak her mind.

"Like, 'The Young Master Falls for Qianwan, Spends Three Days and Two Nights with a Mystery Friend.' Or, 'Young Master Zhao Hands Out Water Bottles to Paparazzi During Charity Event.'"

"Even my mom asked if it was true—her mahjong group knows we’re working on Baoli Bay together, and if I don’t keep up appearances, they’ll say she’s holding out on them and stop playing with her."

Zhao Shengge and Chen Wan, "..."

Fang Jian couldn’t believe they were gossiping at a time like this, so he came over with a survey map, scolding them like a teacher to students, "Hey, enough with the chit-chat—I need to go over the pollution data again, or the environmentalists will have a field day..."

"..."

As boarding time approached, Zhao Shengge told Chen Wan, "When I graduated and went abroad, I left from that gate right there."

Gate 37, the international departure gate.

Chen Wan looked at him, his scalp tingling, murmuring, "I knew Zhixuan spilled the beans, but not this much."

Zhao Shengge looked at his expression, finally satisfied.

As the plane took off, Chen Wan, eyes closed, felt Zhao Shengge take his hand and whisper, "I’ll see you off next time."

Chen Wan smiled, and at 30,000 feet, he squeezed Zhao Shengge’s hand back.

Zhao Shengge had been through plenty of roadshows, but this was his first with Chen Wan.

As always, he stayed backstage, watching Chen Wan step into the spotlight and face the cameras. Whenever Chen Wan turned around, he could see Zhao Shengge’s steady gaze.

The first roadshow had its ups and downs.

First, the formidable Xu Zhiying, a woman who didn’t let men overshadow her in the business world, angrily rebuked a Canadian reporter who asked if she became the PR head of the Baoli Bay mega-project because of her close relationship with Zhao Shengge, and then mercilessly mocked a bearded reporter who asked her how she balanced her future marriage, work, and life.

Chen Wan smiled, applauding her in his heart.

Then Fang Jian schooled a US reporter for half an hour on oceanography, covering everything from ocean current tech to deep-sea automation, after they questioned if their research met global standards...

When the relentless reporters confronted Fang Jian, it was like a scholar facing a soldier. All the veiled accusations and mudslinging were thwarted by Dr. Fang's complex and esoteric physics lecture.

So, the reporters shifted their focus to Xu Zhiying.

Chen Wan wasn't fazed by the foreign media's aggressive and intentionally challenging questions. Future conflicts would primarily revolve around resource wars. The Baoli Bay project was not only a leading initiative domestically but also a significant and even alarming project globally.

Meanwhile, Minglong's partnership with the mainland significantly squeezed the survival space for foreign capital, causing stock market fluctuations and affecting foreign exchange.

When it was his turn to speak, another foreign media reporter picked up where the last one left off with sensitive questions, asking him to compare the advantages of Minglong's technological patents with a certain country's exclusive technology and questioning the project's impact on marine ecology and neighboring countries' environments.

The atmosphere became somewhat delicate.

The assistant leaned in to ask Zhao Shengge, "Should we make some arrangements with the higher-ups?"

Zhao Shengge looked at Chen Wan and said, "It's fine."

Under the spotlight, Chen Wan calmly picked up the microphone: "Dear journalist, our domestic deep-sea exploration technology was the first to tackle the mainstream challenges of high and low positions and dynamic positioning. Whether it's modular construction technology or seabed operations, we've fully embraced the 'ultra-deepwater era.'"

"Our all-weather, all-sea floating construction capabilities, operational difficulty, and technical complexity have led the international rankings for ten consecutive years and are already in use. In recent years, we've engaged in deep cooperation with several marine development and protection member countries, achieving notable results. These are achievements recognized by all countries, not to be dismissed, and please do not misrepresent them."

His tone wasn't harsh, but exceptionally firm.

Amidst the camera flashes and diverse crowd, Chen Wan's gaze met Zhao Shengge's.

Twelve years ago, he stood below the stage, looking up at Zhao Shengge, attentively listening to every competition and speech.

Twelve years later, in a foreign land, Zhao Shengge watched him from below the stage, his gaze calm and focused.

He couldn't help but feel a slight flutter in his heart. In that moment, everything was beyond words.

The spotlight cast a golden halo around Chen Wan as he spoke on behalf of Zhao Shengge to the world: "The Baoli Bay project is not only an opportunity to advance marine science and technology but also a boost for protecting marine ecological barriers and a bridge for Asia-Pacific economic exchange and cooperation."

"We consistently adhere to the principle of mutual collaboration and win-win cooperation, dedicated to the scientific use and protection of marine resources. This is the inescapable social responsibility of the Baoli Bay project and the steadfast goal of our innovation team."

As his words ended, domestic journalists led the applause.

From that moment on, Chen Wan became famous overnight.

Amidst the endless applause, Chen Wan could only see Zhao Shengge's serene eyes.

Cameras, flashes, long and short lenses—they gazed at each other through the crowd and applause, saying nothing yet having said everything.

During the month-long roadshow, Chen Wan rose to fame on the western shores of the ocean. This Jiangnan ink painting-like Eastern face quickly became the darling of international financial media.

At every event, Zhao Shengge sat below the stage, clapping for him.

The flowers and applause he didn't receive in his youth were all made up for by Zhao Shengge.

At the end of the final roadshow, Fang Jian was presented with a bunch of red palms, symbolizing academic prosperity, while Xu Zhiying received a bouquet of cymbidium and dahlia, symbolizing a flourishing career.

Chen Wan held his own peonies and hydrangeas, looked at the others' flowers, and smiled slightly, asking Zhao Shengge, "Did you pick this bunch for me?"

"Yes."

Chen Wan looked at him, indulging in a smile, "Are you copying me?"

Zhao Shengge: "I thought you liked it."

Chen Wan didn't answer, looked at him for a moment, suddenly took a step closer, pressed against him, and whispered, "Since that's the case, Zhao Shengge, I'll tell you another secret that even Zhuo Zhixuan doesn't know."

Zhao Shengge arched an eyebrow.

"During your sophomore year swimming competition, you broke the record, and I sent you a bouquet of flowers."

"Nothing more, just a simple congrats."

"White peonies stand for sincerity, and pink hydrangeas for happiness."

"I wished you success and fulfillment in all your endeavors."

Zhao Shengge looked at him quietly, lost in thought.

Chen Wan let out a soft laugh, "But back then, someone confessed to you, and you thought they sent it, so you handed them my flowers."

"..." Zhao Shengge looked at his smile, reached out to hold his hand, and said, "I apologize."

"No need," Chen Wan said, lifting the bouquet, "I've got it now."

Zhao Shengge squeezed his hand tighter and tucked it into his pocket.

Walking out of the financial district, Manchester was blanketed in heavy snow.

Chen Wan, like many southerners, loved snow, but Hong Kong’s eternal summer meant no snow.

Zhao Shengge didn’t call the driver; the apartment was close by. He bundled Chen Wan in a scarf, popped open a dark umbrella, and they strolled through Lincoln Park together.

"This is where you held your first cross-border acquisition press conference."

Chen Wan pointed to a building not far away.

Zhao Shengge tugged at his scarf, glanced down, and stayed silent.

"There," Chen Wan said as they reached a hall, "you were secretly photographed here."

"Really?"

"Yes," Chen Wan confirmed, "You were probably at the Trans-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum that year."

Before the Italy shooting, Zhao Shengge’s whereabouts weren’t so secretive.

Chen Wan always found a way to get the info he wanted.

"What about you?" Zhao Shengge asked quietly.

"What?"

"What were you doing at that time?"

"I was..." Chen Wan remembered, "digging for info about you from Zhuo Zhixuan."

"Keeping up with financial mags and news daily."

"Then, laying the groundwork for Kexiang."

Chen Wan skipped the tales of financing hustle and social hangovers, but Zhao Shengge got the picture.

The moments Zhao Shengge missed were lost forever.

He halted, drew Chen Wan in, tilted the umbrella to shield them both, and kissed him.

Snow fell onto the umbrella, and beneath it, everything fell silent. Zhao Shengge enveloped Chen Wan in his long coat and kissed him so deeply that Chen Wan felt as if Zhao Shengge had loved him for many, many years.

Back at the apartment, Chen Wan put the flowers in a vase, and Zhao Shengge walked up to him, handed him something, and said, "Take a look?"

But he first clarified, "It’s not for celebrating the roadshow’s success."

It was something he had always meant to give, but he’d been swamped before, and now that he was free, he finally could.

Chen Wan opened it and was stunned.

"You knew?"

Zhao Shengge arched an eyebrow.

"I saw you helping Qin Zhaoting sort out bottles outside his shooting club."

Later, Chen Wan began to support the boy.

So, Zhao Shengge established a foundation.

Chen Wan studied the documents for a moment, wondering when Zhao Shengge had begun planning this.

To curb the phenomenon of money laundering through foundations, after the new financial regulations in Haishi were issued, establishing a foundation had become very troublesome; having money alone wasn't enough.

Chen Wan’s heart fluttered slightly, and he asked, "Where were you at that time? How come I didn't see you?"

Zhao Shengge nodded, "I was probably too caught up in talking with Qin Zhaoting—it happens."

"..." Chen Wan was both amused and helpless, smiling wryly, "Zhao Shengge, you were the one who shot at me that day."

"..."