Chapter 11 Thai Blue Peony

Chapter 11: Cloisonné Peony

By the end of December, the leadership transition had settled, and various industry associations underwent a new round of reshuffling.

The Tan family did withdraw some members, but thanks to collaboration between Shen Zongnian and Tan Youming, the transition proceeded smoothly.

Some opportunistic media outlets had pre-written sensational reports with headlines like “Pinghai’s Elders Step Down with No Successors in Sight, the Tripartite Balance in Haishi Hangs by a Thread,” but before they could be published, Tan Youming silenced the reporters with a new success—

Minglong’s Polly Bay project roadshow achieved great success overseas.

Huantu and Pinghai were the largest investors in the Polly Bay project.

Although Tan Youming and Zhao Shengge had grown up together, everyone in Haishi knew that the “crown prince” operated by the rule that business came before personal ties.

The spoils were not as easily shared as outsiders might assume. Solid asset reserves and strong risk resistance were merely the basic entry requirements. Even Shen Zongnian and Tan Youming had to undergo rigorous reviews, bidding, and negotiations to become one of the select few insiders.

After the overseas roadshow for the Polly Bay project officially concluded, the project team held a victory banquet. Investors Shen Zongnian and Tan Youming were required to attend as a sign of full recognition and approval for the project’s success.

Tan Youming browsed international financial news and saw Chen Wan’s Jiangnan ink-painting-like Eastern face featured on top publications for half a month straight.

He couldn’t help but sigh: “Chen Wan is just too good-looking.” He had almost no resistance to anything beautiful.

After reading for a while, he added regretfully: “Zhao Shengge is still too lucky.” Gold, jade, beauty, power, and wealth—he had it all.

Shen Zongnian passed by with a water cup and laptop, lightly nudging the luggage Tan Youming had spread across the hallway: “Are you going to pack or not?”

Tan Youming’s outfits were elaborate and intricate, stylish to the point of excess.

Wristwatches, ties, cufflinks, collar stays, boutonnieres, lapel pins—even his lapel chains numbered in the dozens. Each item had to be arranged according to his matching preferences and storage habits. If he couldn’t find a set that satisfied him or matched his mood for the day, he would simply plunder Shen Zongnian’s luggage.

Tan Youming immediately hopped down off the barstool to organize his clothes.

After procrastinating until dark, it was still Shen Zongnian who helped him pack everything piece by piece.

The banquet was held at a manor.

Shen Zongnian and Tan Youming landed in Manchester the night before.

Transitioning from the perpetually spring-like tropical island to the snow-blanketed interstate, Tan Youming was so cold he could barely think straight, regretting his choice of a stylish but not very warm overcoat for the sake of looking good.

With its broad shoulders and streamlined cut, the coat made him look dashing and debonair. When they encountered reporters at the airport, Tan Youming grinned and waved.

When he was in a good mood, everything was negotiable; if he was truly happy, he might even throw in a flying kiss.

Shen Zongnian, stern-faced, unwrapped his own scarf and gloves and bundled Tan Youming up tightly, leaving only his peach-blossom eyes visible.

“Ah, I can’t even see—”

Shen Zongnian shot a look, and Tan Youming fell silent.

A boxy, high-roofed vintage car left tracks in the snow. Once inside the manor, it finally warmed up.

Tan Youming, having crossed the river, now burned the bridge. He stripped off the scarf and gloves and tossed them back to Shen Zongnian, striding ahead confidently, once again the noble young master who moved effortlessly in high society.

Wherever he went, he made an entrance: “Awan!”

Chen Wan, like a gentle spring breeze, approached and offered a glass of champagne: “So early? Was the trip smooth?” The weather hadn’t been great the day before.

Tan Youming took a sip of champagne, shrugged off his overcoat, and placed a hand on his hip, frowning: “Not smooth at all. Shen Zongnian’s ACJ was so bumpy.”

He complained vividly: “I woke up halfway, thinking the plane was doing somersaults in the troposphere—”

But as soon as Shen Zongnian approached, he stopped. Chen Wan found it amusing.

“Here, put it here.” Tan Youming directed a few people behind him to place flower baskets at the entrance. The baskets were adorned with banners, and under the curious gazes of the foreigners, he whispered to Chen Wan, “Don’t worry, these were personally inscribed by a master and blessed.”

He patted his friend’s shoulder, assuring him: “They’re effective.”

Chen Wan and Shen Zongnian: “…”

“Come,” Tan Youming slung an arm around Chen Wan’s shoulder, “let’s go see some old friends.”

Although the guests were primarily from Minglong, the Tan family had deep roots overseas, and Tan Youming’s connections extended across the ocean. Many of the local dignitaries were old acquaintances.

Tan Youming moved with ease, a social butterfly mingling through the glamorous crowd.

Xu Zhiying, having just finished an interview, joined them as they socialized with several local dignitaries.

Chen Wan smiled, looking somewhat shy, while Tan Youming spoke eloquently, telling the guests how Chen Wan had overcome obstacles to become the appointed member of the Polly Bay project team.

One might have thought he was the visionary who had discovered and promoted the now-rising tech star.

Carried away by his own enthusiasm, he even took off his overcoat, which had been draped over his shoulders, and folded it over his arm.

He wasn’t wearing a boutonniere that day, but the lapel chain on his jacket was striking. Instead of the usual gold or gemstones, it featured a cloisonné peony in vermilion, edged with filigree enamel. It was small but stood out boldly from the lapel’s buttonhole, capturing everyone’s attention.

Such a blend of the vulgar and the elegant could easily seem frivolous on others, but on him, it was the epitome of Eastern elegance.

Spotting Xu Zhiying, Tan Youming waved her over.

Xu Zhiying was the only woman in the Polly Bay project’s core team. After over a dozen roadshows where she had outmaneuvered Western media, everyone was curious about this new face. Tan Youming introduced her achievements and track record in Haishi to his friends.

Xu Zhiying laughed heartily: “It’s not that exaggerated. Mr. Tan is too kind.” She exchanged business cards with several executives from the financial district and accepted invitations from a few ladies to visit their manors.

Zhao Shengge emerged after discussing official matters with local officials. Tan Youming, with one arm around Chen Wan and the other around Xu Zhiying, appeared radiant and triumphant.

Zhao Shengge walked over to Shen Zongnian, his expression neutral: “Just arrived?”

“Yeah.”

“How did you get here?”

Shen Zongnian: “Flew.”

Zhao Shengge nodded, understanding: “Haven’t given it away yet.” Referring to the ACJ.

Shen Zongnian glanced at him. Zhao Shengge politely informed him: “My yacht is about to be repainted.”

Shen Zongnian pretended not to hear. Zhao Shengge added: “But it hasn’t been named yet.”

Shen Zongnian frowned.

Zhao Shengge said solemnly and gravely: “That’s for Chen Wan to decide.”

Shen Zongnian’s gaze turned icy. He was about to tell Zhao Shengge to seek treatment if he was sick when Tan Youming returned from socializing, brimming with confidence. Seeing Zhao Shengge, he raised his glass enthusiastically: “Long time no see, Zhao Shengge! I didn’t notice you earlier.”

Zhao Shengge nodded and raised his glass in return, showing understanding and tolerance for Tan Youming’s role as host: “You were too busy entertaining guests. It’s understandable.”

"……"

Chen Wan gave Shen Zongnian and Tan Youming an apologetic smile.

Jiang Ying and Qin Zhaoting arrived in the afternoon, both bringing impressive gifts.

When the crowd thinned out, Jiang Ying lowered his voice and asked Shen Zongnian, "Last time I asked you about the Nordic energy cooperation agreement, have you given it any thought? Felipe is in N State this month."

Shen Zongnian took a sip of champagne and said, "It's already set up."

Jiang Ying was surprised, pausing for a moment before saying, "When? That was quick."

Shen Zongnian replied, "I arranged it before coming here."

After the celebration banquet, Tan Youming planned to catch up with old classmates here. With a few days to spare, the over 300 kilometers from Manchester to N State were more than enough for him to make a round trip the next day.

Jiang Ying asked, "Should I come along?"

Felipe was a member of the royal family and an old friend from their studying abroad days. They had once traveled, skied, and rowed together; they were close. However, Shen Zongnian had completed his credits in the shortest time and left school a year early, so compared to the others, his relationship with Felipe might not be as close.

Shen Zongnian said, "No need." It was just feeling out his intentions; there was no need to make a big fuss.

"Then you'd better hurry. I heard the Yao family is offering very favorable terms. After Yao Jiacheng returned, they've been making major moves, but for some reason, Felipe is still considering."

"No rush." Shen Zongnian wasn't too worried. Since Felipe hadn't made a decision yet, it meant the Yao family still didn't have what he wanted.

Zhao Shengge, who had been silent until then, suddenly looked at Shen Zongnian with a knowing look.

Shen Zongnian lowered his head and took a sip of champagne, pretending not to notice.

In Manchester, winter days ended early, and by the afternoon, most of the guests had dispersed.

The manor fell quiet, with the sunset spreading over the snow and the lake. In the distance, the occasional sound of squirrels jumping from fir trees could be heard.

Tan Youming, who had been shuttling between drinking parties and getting drunk night after night recently, was today riding high on success and still not satisfied. He commanded, "Shen Zongnian, come here, build me a snowman."

Shen Zongnian acted as if he hadn't heard.

Tan Youming threw his arms out and announced, his cufflink chain swaying with the movement like a trembling peony: "This is my first snow of the year!"

Haishi enjoyed summer year-round, and Hong Kong never gets snow. Southerners always held a unique anticipation and sentiment for snow.

Shen Zongnian just looked at him without speaking.

With no outsiders around, the decorum and pretense of social interactions faded away. Tan Youming, bossy and full of himself, declared, "The first snow!! What's a first snow without a snowman?"

Standing tall and full of momentum, as if he had never considered the possibility of refusal, he barked, "Hurry up!"

Then, looking around, he whispered to him with unusual seriousness: "Shen Zongnian, everyone heard. If you don’t build it for me, I’ll look bad."

Shen Zongnian didn’t feel like saying a word, but remembering that he needed to tell Tan Youming later about his trip to N State in the next day or two, he began searching for suitable snow.

After all, Tan Youming was exceptionally skilled at making a big deal out of things and holding grudges. One could never guess how he came up with so many exaggerated excuses.

It had been a long time since Shen Zongnian last built a snowman, but he was good with his hands and quickly rolled a snowball.

Tan Youming crouched nearby, supervising.

Shen Zongnian took everything seriously—whether frying him a fried egg, preparing medication for a cold, or now building a snowman. His brows were dark, his expression focused, occasionally furrowed or his lips pursed, but never impatient.

He didn’t mind the snow staining his expensive scarf, nor did he care if his black overcoat got dirty. Whenever Tan Youming made a request, Shen Zongnian would do it—whether he knew how or not, he would try and learn.

From a very young age, Tan Youming had possessed many toys and models made by Shen Zongnian’s hands, though he hadn’t brought any with him when he moved out of the old residence.

Perhaps, deep down, Tan Youming knew that as long as he wanted something, he could have a new one anytime, so there was no need to cling to old possessions.

The snow in the manor was soft and difficult to shape. Shen Zongnian took off his gloves and used his palms to press it together.

Shen Zongnian’s hands were large, with long, well-defined fingers and prominent knuckles. They were not the hands of someone who had lived a life of ease—there were scars from being kidnapped as a child, calluses from years of practice at the shooting range, and a scar on the web between his thumb and index finger from protecting Tan Youming from scalding water when they were young.

Tan Youming looked at his chapped, reddened hands, moved closer to Shen Zongnian, and suddenly said, "If it’s too hard, forget it."

Shen Zongnian, who had just finished shaping the second ball, paused and looked up at Tan Youming beside him. Wondering what he was trying to pull now, he frowned and scolded, "Tan Youming."

"Stop being so impulsive."

Tan Youming wrinkled his nose, realizing he was being unreasonable, and said, "Oh, then go ahead and build it."

Shen Zongnian’s expensive leather shoes were dusted with a little snow. Tan Youming found the white stood out too much and reached out to brush it away, leaving Shen Zongnian’s shoes perfectly clean again.