Huiji City is a third-tier city. Apart from the downtown area, which is relatively bustling, most of it consists of narrow streets and alleys, showing the traces of history. Buildings were old and worn. Su Hao pulled her suitcase into the building corridor, then entered the residential compound. Many neighbors were sitting on benches near the greenery, chatting. Upon seeing Su Hao, they all greeted her warmly.

 

“Su Hao, you’re back?”
“Oh my, you’ve gained weight!”
“Your mom’s at home, probably tending to her flowers again.”
“You look really well now.”

 

She had been away in Li City for almost four months, yet the neighbors treated her as if she had just gone out to buy some groceries. Su Hao smiled at them, responding to each greeting.

 

“Auntie Five, Auntie Six…”

 

She called them precisely, without a hint of awkwardness. After finishing the greetings, Su Hao turned into the stairwell and climbed up. Her home was on the sixth floor, and the climb left her slightly tired, a thin layer of sweat forming on her forehead. She used her key to open the door, pushed the suitcase inside, and saw Cheng Ling standing by the window, tending to her flowers.

 

Cheng Ling covered her mouth to cough, and upon seeing her, said, “You’re back! There’s food in the kitchen—come and eat.”

 

“Alright. Are you coughing again?” Su Hao asked calmly, putting down her key and moving to the coffee table, where she flipped through the medicines. As people age, all sorts of ailments come up. Years ago, Cheng Ling discovered her high blood sugar, but didn’t pay much attention. It developed into diabetes, then fatty liver and high blood pressure.

 

She often experienced abdominal pain and migraines. High blood pressure could leave her dizzy all day. Now, it was controlled with medicine and diet.

 

“I caught a bit of a chill last night; my throat is itchy,” Cheng Ling said, putting down a petal. “Should I bring the flowers to Li City?”

 

“Sure, take whatever you want,” Su Hao replied. The room smelled faintly of medicine—probably some traditional Chinese herbs prepared today. She saw a lot of medicine laid out and turned toward the kitchen to bring out the food.

 

Cheng Ling’s cooking had been rich in the past, but now, due to her health, she restrained salt and oil, making the food rather bland. Su Hao ate it without a flinch—she hadn’t eaten much on the high-speed train, only a lunch box.

 

Cheng Ling rubbed her waist and sat across from her, commenting, “You’ve gained a bit since your last business trip.”

 

Su Hao sipped the tasteless soup and wiped her lips with a napkin. “Yes, the food was good, the accommodations were comfortable.”

 

Zhou Yang had been chasing her, arranging all meals. Without much exercise, some weight gain was natural. Seeing her in such good health in Li City comforted Cheng Ling.

 

Upstairs, something creaked—a neighbor moving furniture.

 

Cheng Ling glanced at Su Hao. Pretending not to notice, Su Hao carried her empty bowl back to the kitchen. Being tidy, Cheng Ling kept the kitchen clean; only the trash remained. Su Hao picked up the trash bag, tied it, and came out. Cheng Ling, still at the dining table, said, “That Tang Rui…”

 

“I know, he’s back,” Su Hao replied, moving toward the door. “We’ll visit Uncle Tang later—it’s not far.”

 

The door opened just as she spoke. Footsteps descended the stairs. A man in a shirt and trousers came down. Their eyes met; Su Hao froze for a moment, then set down the trash bag. “Long time no see.”

 

Tang Rui held a box of cut fruit, smiling at Su Hao. “Long time no see. My mom said you must have arrived, so she asked me to bring the fruit down.”

 

Su Hao straightened and reached for it. “Thank you.”

 

Tang Rui stepped down and handed her the fruit box. Su Hao received it and stepped aside. “Want to come in? I heard a noise upstairs—is everything okay?”

 

“No, Tang Ying just dropped her notebook,” Tang Rui said, his gaze drifting to Su Hao. Her face looked much rosier—her fair skin showing a healthy glow. He looked away to Cheng Ling by the shoe cabinet. “Hello, Aunt Cheng.”

 

“Hello,” Cheng Ling replied, with a trace of resentment. Tang Rui had chosen his career over his marriage with Su Hao. Married three years without love, he forced her into divorce. Now, he returned well-dressed and polished, a figure envied by neighbors. But Su Hao, bearing her new status, wasn’t an easy match. So Cheng Ling showed no welcome.

 

Tang Rui seemed to understand. He looked at Su Hao. “I won’t come in—let’s chat another time.”

 

Su Hao nodded. “Alright.” She carried the fruit inside.

 

The fruit was a gift from Tang Rui’s parents, who had always treated Su Hao kindly. Years ago, when Su Hao cared for her father, Tang Rui’s parents helped even financially. Cheng Ling had no issue with them.

 

After closing the door, Cheng Ling took the fruit. “We can visit Hui Zhu and Jian Sheng tonight.”

 

“Okay. I bought some gifts—Mom, see if they’re alright,” Su Hao said, showing the presents. Cheng Ling nodded. “Good, they must have cost quite a bit.”

 

“Not really.”

 

“That’s fine then.”

 

Cheng Ling opened the box and used a fork to offer Su Hao some fruit.

 

Su Hao took a bite. She picked up her phone, sending a safety message to Su Xi and Liao Yun. Unfortunately, Liao Yun was at Haishi with her mother for a long-awaited doctor’s appointment, so Su Hao couldn’t meet her this time.

 

After reporting in, her WeChat pinged twice.

 

T: My mom wants to invite you to dinner. Are you free?

 

Su Hao glanced at Cheng Ling. Remembering her expression earlier, she declined politely.

 

T: Alright, when are you free?

 

Su Hao: Not available either.

 

T: Hmm.

 

Then Yun Lu messaged.

 

Yun Lu: You’re back in Huiji City?
Su Hao: Yes.
Yun Lu: Ah, I wanted to invite you out.
Su Hao: Maybe when I return to Li City.
Yun Lu: Okay.
Yun Lu: Did Zhou Yang go with you?
Su Hao: No.
Yun Lu: Lacking effort, no marriage effort!

 

Even the soft and cute Yun Lu was frustrated. Su Hao smiled—Zhou Yang had never planned to marry; she already knew.

 

On Monday morning at the bustling office, a meeting ended. General Manager Zeng and Qi Lin exited the meeting room as the elevator doors opened.

 

A tall, handsome man adjusted his collar while walking out.

 

Everyone was stunned and greeted him. “Good morning, General Zhou.”

 

“Morning.” Zhou Yang raised his eyes, a faint smile on his lips. He nodded at Zeng. “Come in.”

 

He pushed open the office door. Zeng felt his scalp tingle and wiped sweat from his forehead, exchanging a glance with Qi Lin.

 

Qi Lin smiled faintly. “Rest in peace.”

 

Then he entered the acting CEO’s office.

 

Zeng sighed and entered his office. Zhou Yang lounged in the chair, a cigarette dangling from his mouth. Zeng briefed him on recent matters. Lighting a match, he said, “Zhou Yang, congratulations—you’ve eliminated the tumor.”

 

Zhou Yang opened his eyes, watching the flame flicker. After lighting the cigarette, he set it aside. “Sit.”

 

Zeng complied. Despite it being a workday, Zhou Yang exuded a playful, nonchalant aura. To strangers, he might seem a frivolous playboy. But those who knew him knew he was ruthless.

 

“Any advice, General Zhou?”

 

“Do you know Tang Rui? Recruited in ’08 by Gao Qi.”

 

Zeng paused, thinking. “A little. He’s professional, received the offer, joined Gao Qi the next year. Polite but capable. If not for Gao Qi’s recent changes, he’d still be on Wall Street. Seems he returned to China recently.”

 

Zhou Yang leaned forward, smirked. “Oh? From Gao Qi.”

 

“Has a headhunter contacted him recently?”

 

“Of course. Talents like him are immediately sought after. You interested?”

 

Zhou Yang smiled faintly. “No, just asking. I’d heard of him but didn’t pay much attention.”

 

“Why now?” Zeng probed. Zhou Yang inhaled, blew smoke, and said, “Know your enemy, know yourself, win every battle.”

 

“Uh? He’ll be your enemy?”

 

“Rival in love.”

 

Zeng: “…What?”

 

“Has he dated on Wall Street?” Zhou Yang asked.

 

Zeng recalled, “Not to my knowledge.”

 

“Oh?” Zhou Yang sneered.

 

Zeng pondered—if he was a romantic rival, he must have some connection to Su Hao. Ex-boyfriend? Ex-husband?

 

Zhou Yang suddenly asked, “Are you homey?”

 

Zeng froze. “Ah? I… guess so.”

 

“How homey?”

 

Zeng: “…Should I teach you?”

 

---

 

Later that evening, Su Hao and Cheng Ling carried the gift boxes upstairs. Su Hao knocked. Tang Rui opened the door, wearing a white T-shirt and trousers, and paused at seeing her.

 

Cheng Ling immediately interrupted his gaze. “Where are your parents?”

 

“They’re inside,” he replied, stepping aside to let Tang Ying call them. Then he went to boil water. Su Hao followed Cheng Ling. Tang Rui’s parents emerged, brightening at her.

 

“Su Hao, how have you been?”
“Very well, Uncle and Aunt, long time no see.”

 

“It’s good you’re here. What gifts did you bring?” Hui Zhu tugged her toward the sofa. Cheng Ling, more familiar with Su Hao, explained: “She bought a little something, just accept it.”

 

“Kids work hard outside; Cheng Ling, you too! We planned to treat you to dinner but were busy,” Hui Zhu scolded Cheng Ling playfully.

 

Cheng Ling smiled. Tang Rui poured tea, steam curling. He glanced at Su Hao, seeing her gentle, refined demeanor—a delicate charm.

 

After a while, Cheng Ling pulled Su Hao to leave. At the door, Hui Zhu asked, “When will you return to Li City?”

 

Su Hao considered: “Not sure yet.”

 

“Oh,” Hui Zhu said, disappointed. Su Hao smiled faintly and followed Cheng Ling downstairs. She lightly tugged her sleeve free.

 

Cheng Ling tousled her hair: “Be careful not to answer foolishly if asked. She clearly wants Tang Rui to go with us to Li City. That look of his just now—it lingered on you a few times…”

 

Su Hao shrugged.

 

Back upstairs, she packed, mostly Cheng Ling’s things. Her phone beeped—a transfer via Alipay.

 

It was from Zhou Yang. Ten thousand yuan.

 

Zhou Yang: “In case you need it, take it first.”
Su Hao: “I have money.”

 

She transferred it back. Alipay allowed direct account transfers without confirmation.

 

Zhou Yang: “When are you coming back?”
Su Hao: “Not sure.”
Zhou Yang: “Hah, lying.”

 

In reality, she had already bought a high-speed train ticket for the next day. She wouldn’t stay long. She organized everything over the weekend. The next afternoon, she wheeled two suitcases downstairs. Cheng Ling occasionally helped. They greeted neighbors and got into a taxi.

 

Seeing Su Hao sweat, Cheng Ling tenderly wiped her forehead. “If someone shows interest, give them a chance. Don’t reject outright, ignore, or avoid them.”
“Got it.”

 

The taxi arrived at the high-speed train entrance. No parking allowed. They lifted the suitcases and walked up a small slope. A hand from the side helped push briefly. Su Hao and Cheng Ling turned to see Tang Rui pushing a black suitcase.

 

“Su Hao, Aunt Cheng, what a coincidence.”
“Indeed,” Cheng Ling furrowed her brows, glancing at his hand.

 

Su Hao asked, “Are you taking the train to Li City today too?”
“Yes, bought it last night.”

 

Finally at the top of the slope, each with a suitcase, they moved to ticket check. Su Hao nodded silently. Cheng Ling walked between her and Tang Rui, quiet.

 

Tang Rui asked, “Is it hot in Li City?”
“Quite. Have you found a place to stay?” Su Hao spoke casually, like to a friend.
“Yeah, the company arranged it.”
“Oh, okay.”

 

They boarded the train, in different carriages but only one apart. After Su Hao and Cheng Ling sat, Cheng Ling peeked at Tang Rui’s carriage, only seeing his shoulder, as he let someone in. She tapped Su Hao. Su Hao was drinking water, flinched slightly, spilling a bit. She looked at Cheng Ling.
“Hmm?”
Cheng Ling thought better of it and stayed silent.

 

They arrived in Li City at 3 PM, the hottest time of day. Autumn should have started, but temperatures still reached over 30°C. They exited the station from the same exit.

 

Tang Rui noticed Su Hao shielding herself from the sun. Hesitating, he said, “Su Hao, Aunt Cheng, the company sent a car—you can…”

 

Before finishing, a black Hummer stopped at their feet. A man inside with sharp, narrow eyes looked out.

 

Zhou Yang pushed open the door, stepped out, lifted Su Hao’s two suitcases, and smiled: “Not even a word when you came back?”