Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Zhuang Ji paused at the doorway for a few seconds, then straightened up and walked out without a backward glance.

Lu Tingchao watched his retreating figure until a few drops of blood fell from his arm onto the floor. Only then did he realize Zhuang Ji must have been injured, perhaps finding every step difficult.

Lu Tingchao didn’t look away, but moments later, a hand obscured his view, completely blocking Zhuang Ji.

Fei Yuncheng disliked Lu Tingchao’s attention being on someone else. He gently brushed Lu Tingchao’s hair with his palm and spoke softly, “If needed, your uncle will accompany you back tomorrow.”

Lu Tingchao found it hard to pinpoint exactly what he felt watching Zhuang Ji’s pain-bent figure, but now forced to snap out of his thoughts, he hesitated for a moment and shook his head, “…It’s fine.”

Not fully present, Lu Tingchao said bluntly, “Having you along wouldn’t help anyway. You’re too old to fight him.”

Fei Yuncheng: “…”

The older man chuckled wryly, crouching down to meet Lu Tingchao’s eyes. “Chao Chao, this is the fourth time you’ve insulted my age.”

Lu Tingchao came back to himself, his tone sincere and earnest, “Ah… sorry, I didn’t mean it.”

Fei Yuncheng reached out, gripping Lu Tingchao’s chin between his thumb and index finger, forcing him to lift his head.

Fei Yuncheng’s tone remained gentle, each word enunciated clearly.

Unlike Fei Xiuqi, who grew up in Hong Kong, he clearly spoke more polished Mandarin.

Fei Yuncheng said, “If it were anyone else, I’d teach them the cost of careless words. But you…”

Fei Yuncheng continued, “Chao Chao, I will guide you.”

Lu Tingchao’s gaze remained unfocused. The forced tilt of his chin failed to anchor his thoughts. He suddenly noticed a drop of blood Zhuang Ji had left on the floor and stared at it for a few seconds.

Fei Yuncheng lightly pinched Lu Tingchao’s sharp chin, drawing him closer until the boy’s forward view was completely obscured.

“A Qi says you’re afraid of bitterness, pain, and hardship—raised to be pampered and spoiled, accustomed to luxury.”

Fei Yuncheng said, “Chao Chao, my extra years are enough to spare you all the suffering you endured with Zhuang Ji and make you the most influential star in all of Hong Kong.”

Lu Tingchao had no choice but to look at him.

Fei Yuncheng’s calloused fingertip tapped Lu Tingchao’s lips. “And there’s one more great benefit.”

Lu Tingchao’s lips were soft, flushed from the touch.

He didn’t understand Fei Yuncheng’s meaning. Weren’t they both positioning themselves as elders? Now…

Was this normal guidance from an elder?

Did others experience this too?

Lu Tingchao had never encountered any elder besides his grandfather who sought to discipline him.

Unsettled, he shivered slightly, lowered his eyes, and leaned back to avoid the touch. “…What?”

Fei Yuncheng smiled. “These extra twenty years will bring you greater comfort and happiness. Chao Chao, one day you’ll understand.”

Lu Tingchao didn’t quite understand.

But Fei Yuncheng finally released him. “Since you don’t need my help with the divorce proceedings, I’ll return to Hong Kong tomorrow. Chao Chao, I’ll leave my lawyer and driver with you. If anything comes up, you can call me directly.”

Lawyers do come in handy.

Lu Tingchao nodded, "Thank you, Mr. Fei."

Fei Yuncheng: "Of course, I still hope you’ll have time to visit Hong Kong."

The outfit that was already put together was hung on the nearby coat rack by the maid. Fei Yuncheng took the tie and gestured to Lu Tingchao: "Can you tie it?"

Lu Tingchao certainly could—he often tied them for Zhuang Ji and even knew over sixty different styles.

But his leg hurt, and he didn’t want to stand up.

So Lu Tingchao shook his head vigorously.

"Chao Chao, you can’t even lie to save your life."

Fei Yuncheng adjusted his tie in the mirror. His clothing style was almost entirely in khaki tones, which made him seem approachable, much like his public demeanor.

He fastened his sleeve bands, revealing the powerful, well-defined muscles of his upper arms, then returned to Lu Tingchao’s side: "Want to feel them?"

Lu Tingchao: "..."

Lu Tingchao reached out but then pulled his hand back.

They were real muscles.

Fei Yuncheng chuckled: "I’m not like Zhuang Ji, all show and no substance. Chao Chao, what I have was earned through hard work."

It was pretty hard.

Lu Tingchao believed Fei Yuncheng’s words and looked up and asked him: "Are you leaving now?"

Fei Yuncheng: "Still got some work."

The loose robe on the person in front of him had two buttons undone from fidgeting. Fei Yuncheng bent down and did up the buttons for Lu Tingchao: "You just sprained your ankle—don’t get cold too."

Lu Tingchao complained: "It’s way too big, at least three sizes too large. Your housekeeper is a bit clueless!"

Fei Yuncheng: "Mhm."

Lu Tingchao hesitated: "...It was the housekeeper who changed my clothes, right?"

Fei Yuncheng’s eyes darkened for a moment before he smiled: "Of course."

Lu Tingchao thought for a bit: "Don’t dock her pay, okay? I didn’t mean to criticize her."

Fei Yuncheng: "Got it."

He stood up and glanced at Lu Tingchao’s foot again: "Avoid heavy activity for now. If it really bothers you, I’ll send two bodyguards tomorrow to help you get around."

Lu Tingchao cooperated readily: "Got it, got it!"

Fei Yuncheng had no further excuse to stay and stood up: "If you plan to go to Hong Kong, I have a private jet on standby—you can leave anytime."

Fei Yuncheng paused: "Chao Chao, Polina really misses you."

Lu Tingchao was surprised: "...You know Polina?"

"Of course I do."

Fei Yuncheng finally got his wish and led into the next words, "Before becoming an authority in the production division, she's my daughter first."

"Chao Chao, come visit when you have time."

*

Although he refused Fei Yuncheng's request to accompany him, Lu Tingchao thought it over and still felt going home alone wasn't safe, especially since he had to bring Doudou along.

So who was the safest option?

Of course, it was Uncle Policeman.

Chao Chao already had a plan.

The bodyguards and driver Fei Yuncheng left were outside, while Lu Doudou was reading a book.

Lu Tingchao sat on the balcony, swaying in a rocking chair, soaking up the moonlight: "Uncle Mo, I want to report something."

Mo Lingnan’s voice was cold: "Do you need me to transfer you to the police station?"

Lu Tingchao pointed a finger: "I want Mr. Mo to handle this."

Mo Lingnan said, "Sorry, he left the force a long time ago."

Lu Tingchao was unhappy: "Mo Lingnan, why are you so quick to get mad?!"

"I’m not angry."

"Yes, you are! You’re so petty!"

Mo Lingnan: "...Lu Tingchao, what do you take me for? Some kind of backup?"

Lu Tingchao was feeling guilty: "I didn’t..."

Mo Lingnan: "Is that so?"

Mo Lingnan sneered: "You come to me when you need me, and when you don’t, you take Lu Doudou and leave home. Lu Tingchao, what more do you want? Did you realize other men didn't work out and now you remember me?"

"I’m going to divorce Zhuang Ji!"

Lu Tingchao said.

Mo Lingnan was silent.

A brief silence.

Mo Lingnan asked: "When?"

Lu Tingchao: "Tomorrow morning."

Lu Tingchao’s voice sounded guileless and innocent: "...Will you come with me? If Director Mo has time."

Another silence.

A long while later.

"Lu Tingchao, you'd better not be joking. Don’t give me a reason to punish you."

Mo Lingnan finally said: "Where? I’ll pick you up."

*

Lu Tingchao naturally didn't want to let Mo Lingnan come to Fei Yuncheng’s manor. After thinking it over, he came up with a place he both wanted to go and felt safe.

So Mo Lingnan canceled two morning meetings and, at 7 a.m. the next day, drove through the heavy morning traffic to pick up little Lu Doudou and Lu Tingchao at the deserted entrance of an amusement park.

The amusement park hadn’t opened yet, but the nearby stalls selling all sorts of knickknacks were already open.

Lu Doudou was holding a balloon and, upon seeing Mo Lingnan, made a polite attempt to wave but was hindered by the balloon: "Hello, Daddy Mo."

Mo Lingnan ruffled Lu Doudou’s hair: "Cool balloon."

Lu Doudou sighed: "It’s Chao Chao’s. He played with it for a bit and then got bored with it, so he asked me to hold it."

Mo Lingnan: "..."

Lu Tingchao was holding a large green cotton candy and took a bite before asking Lu Doudou: "Hey kiddo, it’s really good. Do you want some?"

Lu Doudou shook his head without interest.

Lu Tingchao offered it to Mo Lingnan: "Do you want some?"

Mo Lingnan: "..."

Mo Lingnan took it and bit off where Lu Tingchao had just bitten.

Lu Tingchao didn’t notice: "Sweet, right?"

Mo Lingnan: "Yeah."

Lu Tingchao took two more bites: "Aw, too bad it's closed. I’ve never been to an amusement park before."

Mo Lingnan paused: "Never?"

Lu Tingchao said naturally, "Yeah! When I was little, no one wanted to take me, and when I grew up, my dates thought amusement parks were childish. I thought it was open 24/7. Oh well, I'll just come alone next time."

"I have a day off this weekend. We'll come then."

Mo Lingnan said.

Lu Tingchao’s eyes lit up: "Really? All day?"

"Sure, the whole day."

Mo Lingnan picked up Lu Doudou with one hand and held Lu Tingchao’s hand with the other: "Let’s go, let's get in the car."

*

Actually, it had been quite a while since Lu Tingchao had been back to this villa in the south side of the city.

He had lived here after marrying Zhuang Ji. A few years ago, he had planted flowers in the yard but couldn’t keep them alive, so he hired a gardener—

Later, Lu Tingchao got lazy, and the yard was redesigned with rockeries and flowing water similar to the Zhuang family’s old estate, with a professional landscape designer maintaining it.

The gate outside the French-style fence was open.

Mo Lingnan didn’t drive into the garage but parked directly outside the yard.

Lu Tingchao climbed out of the car with Lu Doudou, looked around cautiously for a moment, then turned back: "...Mo Lingnan, I'll go in now, okay?"

"I’ll go with you."

Mo Lingnan got out of the car and walked over, reaching for Lu Tingchao’s hand.

Just then, the main door of the villa swung open.

Zhuang Ji emerged from the doorway.

His arm was bandaged, and his expression was unreadable—neither clearly gloomy nor calm.

Zhuang Ji cut straight across the garden and paused at the entrance: "Sorry, private residence. No visitors."

The two men were almost the same in stature.

The moment their eyes met, the air turned icy.

Yet Lu Tingchao seemed oblivious and obediently took a step back, murmuring softly, "Oh, then we'll stand here."

Lu Tingchao looked up with a friendly smile: "Zhuang Ji-ge, after you’ve packed up, we’ll go finalize the divorce."

The morning breeze was slightly cool.

Zhuang Ji looked at Lu Tingchao: "Fine, Chao Chao, go wait upstairs for me."

At the same time, Mo Lingnan said: "Chao Chao, wait in the car."

Lu Tingchao: "..."

Lu Doudou tugged at Lu Tingchao's sleeve: "Chao Chao, there's a children's playground over there. Let's go there."

"Alright, alright, alright!"

Lu Tingchao was instantly sold and turned to leave with Lu Doudou, but Zhuang Ji grabbed his wrist.

The next second.

The man tightened his grip, his burning breath like a vicious whisper in Lu Tingchao's ear: "Baby, what are you afraid of?"

Zhuang Ji knew all too well what made Lu Tingchao weakest.

His slim figure trembled almost instantly in his embrace.

Zhuang Ji said: "Afraid that once we go upstairs, I'll lock you up, never let you out, never let you see anyone, and keep you in bed day and night, is that it?"

After knowing each other for over a decade, Zhuang Ji had never spoken to Lu Tingchao in such a tone.

He was an honor student, the school heartthrob, the epitome of grace and integrity in his classmates' eyes, the city’s moral role model, the gold standard every parent compared their kids to.

"You're so afraid I'll make you pregnant again, aren't you?"

Zhuang Ji blew a playfully wicked puff of air onto Lu Tingchao's already flushed ear.

A firm hand pulled Lu Tingchao out of Zhuang Ji's embrace.

A cold voice spoke: "Mr. Zhuang, show some restraint."

Zhuang Ji's icy gaze fell on Mo Lingnan, a predatory, desperate ferocity like that of a male beast in a fight to the death.

Zhuang Ji said: "Mr. Mo, why should I show self-restraint when I'm being intimate with my lover?"

Zhuang Ji: "As for you, Director Mo, butting into someone else’s relationship—doesn’t that sound pretty bad if word got out?"

"No need to address me by my former title."

Mo Lingnan gave a faint, mocking smile. "I may be immoral, and I own it. What about you? Zhuang Ji, if you hadn’t interfered seven years ago, by who was here first, I would have been the first."

If looks could tear each other apart, the scene would already be a bloodbath.

Zhuang Ji detested every rival who tried to take Lu Tingchao away: "Is that so? Then you really deserve it."

Mo Lingnan also laughed: "Perhaps. But love doesn’t care about first come, first served."

Mo Lingnan took Lu Tingchao's hand and told him to take Lu Doudou to the children's playground.

Then he turned back to Zhuang Ji.

Mo Lingnan: "Actor Zhuang, Chao Chao is young and inexperienced. He doesn’t understand the insecure competitive desire hidden beneath your polished exterior. The more you use Jiang Rong to provoke him, the further he’ll distance himself from you."

Zhuang Ji’s face darkened, the muscles under his bandages clenched to the breaking point.

Mo Lingnan: "We’re both men. The more you hold him, touch him, claim him, the more you fear that one day Chao Chao will stop loving you. You’re eating yourself up with worry, constantly testing him, begging for reassurance from Lu Tingchao. But he himself has no sense of security—he can’t give you the feedback you want."

"Zhuang Ji."

Mo Lingnan said, "You don’t understand Lu Tingchao at all."

The last shred of dignity, patched over with lies and pain, was torn apart.

Revealing an unbearable, wound that cuts to the bone.

Zhuang Ji’s eyes were red-rimmed from nights without sleep, glaring fiercely at Mo Lingnan.

After a long moment.

He suddenly laughed: "Yes. Director Mo, that’s exactly it."

Zhuang Ji whispered: "But how did you know?"

Mo Lingnan stiffened almost imperceptibly.

"Because you’ve started to feel it too."

Zhuang Ji said, "You’ve also become fearful and insecure. You had the courage to quit your job and switch to business for him, but do you dare tell him?"

Mo Lingnan’s brow furrowed slightly.

"Of course you don’t. Because you know he’ll only see it as a burden, a hassle, and want to run away. That’s just the kind of person he is."

Zhuang Ji asked him, "Mo Lingnan, how does it feel to be waiting on death row?"

The confrontation between predators was always bloody and brutal, a fight to the death.

After a long silence.

Mo Lingnan said: "At least Chao Chao isn’t crying to leave me. The harder you cling, the more he’ll resent you."

Zhuang Ji sneered: "Is this a gladiator’s oath?"

Mo Lingnan: "Actor Zhuang, in matters of love, the one who isn’t loved is the third party. Don’t you think?"

*

Lu Tingchao thought Mo Lingnan must have been a master tactician in ancient times.

Just based on how he got Zhuang Ji to agree to the divorce, Mo Lingnan not going into insurance sales was the insurance industry’s loss in China.

"I can relinquish custody of Lu Doudou, but I want visitation at least twice a week."

Zhuang Ji signed the agreement drafted by the lawyer and looked back up at Lu Tingchao. "This house is for you. All my movable assets and all real estate properties, I'm giving them all to you."

Sunlight had already climbed onto the windowsill.

The red roses Zhuang Ji had given Lu Tingchao, now wilted in the vase, even the thorns had withered.

Lu Tingchao fidgeted nervously when he was conflicted: "No, you don't have to give me everything... Give me two-thirds, or even one-third..."

Zhuang Ji instead asked, "Chao Chao, did you ever care about the rumors about me and Jiang Rong? Did it make you angry?"

Lu Tingchao: "Ah..."

Lu Tingchao looked bewildered: "No, it's fine, right? It's all in the past. Wishing you two a happy marriage?"

Lu Tingchao thought his sincere blessing should make Zhuang Ji happy, but his face turned even paler, as if drained of blood.

"Lu Tingchao, I won't be with Jiang Rong. I never, from beginning to end, liked her even a little."

Every word from Zhuang Ji seemed to be squeezed out from his very core, as if bleeding. He smiled bitterly and looked away. "It's my fault, Chao Chao. I'm leaving empty-handed."

Lu Tingchao signed the agreement but couldn't help taking another look at Zhuang Ji.

Perhaps it was because Zhuang Ji's expression was too bleak.

Lu Tingchao thought carefully again and said cautiously, "Actually, I was unhappy at the time. I went to Hong Kong to have Doudou because those news about you and Jiang Rong were so annoying. I didn't want to see them."

When he and his lover were having their child—

It was also the time his lover decided to leave him.

Zhuang Ji was in so much pain he could barely stand. He leaned on the table, stumbled slightly, his lips pale and clenched tight as he forced himself upright.

The lawyer standing nearby felt bad seeing his employer like this. "Mr. Lu, the agreement is signed now. Could we do the registration another day?"

Lu Tingchao wasn't too pleased: "But I don't have time other—"

"It's fine."

Zhuang Ji put on his jacket, covering his bandaged arm, and said to the driver, "Bring the car around."

*

A spacious Land Rover was parked in front of the courtyard.

The driver took the driver's seat, the lawyer drove separately in another car, and Lu Doudou was at home with the auntie, reading.

The remaining seats were just enough for three people to sit comfortably.

Lu Tingchao automatically went for the back seat. Mo Lingnan naturally opened the other door.

Zhuang Ji stood looking unwell beside Lu Tingchao. "Lu Tingchao, am I your assistant?"

Lu Tingchao: "..."

Bad man!

He was never this harsh before!

Fortunately, Lu Tingchao's sprained foot wasn't hurting much today. He turned to get out of the car again.

Mo Lingnan said, "No need, Chao Chao. I'll sit in the front."

Zhuang Ji scoffed. "No wonder you once made it to bureau director. Your social graces are impeccable. Chao Chao, is this the kind of person you like?"

Lu Tingchao: "..."

Lu Tingchao scowled like an annoyed kitten. "Are you getting in the car or not?"

Zhuang Ji stood by the car, looking at Lu Tingchao. "I'm not feeling well, Chao Chao. Give me a hand."

Lu Tingchao: "..."

Mo Lingnan had just settled into the passenger seat. Lu Tingchao didn't want to trouble him to get out again, so he reached out and helped Zhuang Ji in.

Their palms touched.

Zhuang Ji's index finger drew a flower in Lu Tingchao's palm.

The center was a circle.

Then five petals.

Lu Tingchao froze.

But Zhuang Ji had already let go and sat down beside him.

The car started slowly.

Lu Tingchao's palm held nothing, yet it retained the warmth of that touch. "Zhuang Ji..."

"If the game from ten years ago still counts."

Zhuang Ji, pale and exhausted-looking, closed his eyes and leaned back against the seat. "Chao Chao, I'm sorry."

The car window was open.

The summer breeze blew in, as if memories flowed backward, returning to a dream.

Fourteen-year-old Lu Tingchao, wearing motorcycle gear, stopped Zhuang Ji on his way home from school, ignoring Jiang Rong who was walking beside Zhuang Ji.

Zhuang Ji looked annoyed and tried to step around Lu Tingchao to leave.

But the teenager spread his arms and playfully hugged Zhuang Ji. "Brother Zhuang Ji, don't be mad! I didn't know they'd go to your class to find you! I already got rid of him. Forgive Chao Chao, okay? Please, please, please!"

Zhuang Ji frowned but didn't push Lu Tingchao away. "Minors can't ride motorcycles, Lu Tingchao. How many times do I have to tell you?"

"I'm sorry, QAQ"

Lu Tingchao buried himself in Zhuang Ji's arms. "Give me your hand. I'll show you some magic."

Zhuang Ji wouldn't give his hand.

Lu Tingchao didn't care. He grabbed Zhuang Ji's right hand, held it in his palm, then drew circles with his index finger while muttering, "Zhuang Ji, guess what it is?"

Zhuang Ji let him do as he pleased. "I don't know."

Lu Tingchao: "It's a Chao Chao-brand little flower representing apology. Brother Zhuang Ji, Chao Chao loves you!"

*

At one moment.

Lu Tingchao had wished the road to the civil affairs bureau could have been a little longer.

But in the next moment, Lu Tingchao changed his mind.

He didn’t know what kind of life he should lead.

But he felt someone like Zhuang Ji would be better off with an exceptional person like Jiang Rong.

Moreover, seven years had been more than enough to prove that he and Zhuang Ji were not compatible.

Mo Lingnan opened the car door for Lu Tingchao, taking his hand to help him out. "Watch your step."

By the time Lu Tingchao found his footing and looked back, Zhuang Ji had already gotten out from the other side of the car, took the divorce papers from the lawyer, and nodded toward the building. "Let's go."

Inside the civil registry office, those getting married were on one side.

Those getting divorced were on the other.

But whether marrying or divorcing, it always requires two people.

Thus, the trio of Lu Tingchao, Zhuang Ji, and Mo Lingnan drew everyone's attention in the hall as soon as they entered.

Soon, a staff member walked over with a polite demeanor and politely asked, "Good day, gentlemen. What can I help you with today?"

Zhuang Ji: "Divorce."

Mo Lingnan: "Marriage."

Staff: "…?"

Lu Tingchao: "???"

"Oh, he's getting divorced. I'm getting married."

Mo Lingnan explained naturally, gesturing for the staff to see him and Lu Tingchao holding hands. "Both are with him."

Lu Tingchao: "???"

Staff: "..."

After a brief moment of speechlessness, the staff member regained their professional composure and offered a rather strained smile. "O-of course, that’s also possible. We do offer that service. Right this way, all three of you."

Lu Tingchao: "..."

No way.

It’s that flexible?

You’re so comprehensive...