Chapter 55 How Bare Is Past Affection

(1)

Zheng Yutong rested her head on Bian Xiaoqi's shoulder and said, "Xiaoqi, the adorable little girl in the photograph is my biological daughter, Rongrong, who is four and a half years old. The child's father is Wei Yuzhao, a classmate of mine from university. We met at a campus dance, and he soon began pursuing me. He was handsome and claimed to be deeply fond of me. Fearing that such a man might not be dependable, I hesitated and repeatedly turned him down. During my junior year, however, my family suffered a tragedy when my father passed away from illness. I was consumed by a grief from which I could not extricate myself. He stood by me through wind and rain, joining me for meals, talking and chatting with me, and ultimately leading me out of the abyss of sorrow. Grateful for his meticulous care and boundless affection, I finally agreed to be with him."

"Upon graduation, I was recommended for postgraduate studies without examination, and he planned to stay in Beijing to be with me. His mother, however, vehemently opposed our relationship and demanded that he return to his hometown to marry a girl she had chosen for him. His mother was overly domineering; he lacked the courage to defy her wishes, yet he also had no desire to marry that other woman. As a compromise, he proposed studying abroad in Australia, claiming that only after completing his studies there could he even consider marriage, and that otherwise, he would never marry that girl. Knowing this was merely a delaying tactic, his mother agreed to let him go abroad, though she refused to provide him with tuition fees. To ensure he could finish his education, I begged my mother to release her life savings to fund his studies in Australia. In return, he swore an oath that he would never leave me, promising that once he settled down in Australia, he would send for me so we could be together forever and never return."

Bian Xiaoqi remained silent, listening quietly as Zheng Yutong poured out her heart. She filled a cup with water at the appropriate moment, and Zheng Yutong took a few sips, murmured a thank-you, and then continued with a touch of shyness, "On the night before his departure, unable to resist his relentless entreaties, I surrendered myself to him. I never imagined I would conceive from that single encounter. I wrote to inform him of the news and asked for his opinion, but he urged me to abort the child. At a complete loss, I confided the pregnancy to my mother. She insisted that the child was innocent and urged me to bring her into the world. Consequently, I applied for a one-year academic leave, gave birth to Rongrong, and left her in my mother's care."

"Sister Yutong, did Wei Yuzhao maintain contact with you after Rongrong was born?" Bian Xiaoqi asked.

"Ever since he learned of my pregnancy, he cut off all communication. I wrote numerous letters, but they all vanished like stones dropped into the sea," Zheng Yutong replied.

"Sister Yutong, judging by the way you were left through your pregnancy and childbirth, Wei Yuzhao is a thoroughly selfish man completely devoid of responsibility. He is no longer worthy of your love. A woman can live a fulfilling and vibrant life even without a man, let alone when you have such a beautiful and lovely daughter by your side," Bian Xiaoqi said.

"Xiaoqi, I gave up all illusions about Wei Yuzhao long ago. But just a few days ago, he suddenly reappeared. He claimed he never stayed in Australia; instead, yielding to his mother's arrangements, he returned to China and married that woman. He said their relationship was discordant and that they filed for divorce in less than three months. Following the divorce, his thoughts turned back to me, so he came to Beijing, weeping bitterly and begging for my forgiveness, hoping we could pick up the pieces and even asking to see Rongrong," Zheng Yutong said.

"Sister Yutong, since you and Wei Yuzhao were never legally married, how can there be any talk of picking up the pieces? Does he know about Rongrong's existence?" Bian Xiaoqi asked.

"I told him I had undergone an abortion back then and didn't have the baby. He replied that he had sneaked off to my hometown and seen my mother taking a little girl out on the street, and that he recognized Rongrong as his daughter," Zheng Yutong answered.

"What are your thoughts on this now?" Bian Xiaoqi pressed further.

"The thought of how he completely ignored Rongrong all these years fills me with bitterness. I refuse to let Rongrong be dragged into the grievances between him and me; I only want her to experience a carefree childhood, so I will simply ignore him. If he continues to harass me, I will call the police," Zheng Yutong said with resentment.

"Sister Yutong, you are doing the right thing. One must always prepare for the worst, because Wei Yuzhao might attempt to contest Rongrong's custody. You needn't worry about that, though—we will simply see him in court. My mother is a law professor and can help you," Bian Xiaoqi reassured her.

"Xiaoqi, thank you," Zheng Yutong said, her expression sinking back into gloom once she finished.

"Sister Yutong, you are still very young, and Rongrong's existence should not prevent you from pursuing your own happiness. What happened last night at the Houhai bar?" Bian Xiaoqi asked.

"Xiaoqi, I invited Zhang Fang to a bar in Houhai last night, and our conversation flowed wonderfully. Carried away by the pleasant mood, I didn't hide the fact that I have Rongrong. The moment he heard I already had a daughter, his reaction was drastic—his face immediately fell. He accused me of deceiving him and stormed out. I had assumed a scholar from an elite university would possess an open mind, capable of understanding and accepting my past. If he truly loved me, he should have loved Rongrong as well. I was deeply disappointed by his behavior, and the more I thought about it, the more heartbroken I became, so I ended up drinking too much," Zheng Yutong recounted.

"Sister Yutong, it seems we overestimated men's emotional caliber," Bian Xiaoqi remarked.

"Xiaoqi, putting myself in his shoes, Zhang Fang couldn't immediately accept the reality of my having an unmarried child; shouldn't I try to understand him? If he reconsiders, will he come looking for me again? And if he does, what should I do? Should I forgive him? To be honest, I am drawn to Zhang Fang's maturity and stability," Zheng Yutong said, unwilling to let go and speaking with hesitation.

"Sister Yutong, I believe it is best to treat this matter with a cold shoulder. Matters of the heart must follow their natural course; they cannot be forced. Love obtained by force is not love—it is charity. When the flowers bloom naturally, the bees will come of their own accord. We women must stand strong and independent," Bian Xiaoqi advised.

"Xiaoqi, hearing your words makes me feel much better. I will pour my energy into Rongrong and my work, and I will stop indulging in unrequited thoughts or inviting trouble upon myself," Zheng Yutong said, visibly cheered by Bian Xiaoqi's comfort and relief, her face clearing of sorrow.

"Sister Yutong, Qin Ke mentioned he is going on a business trip to Xizhou; it seems the situation at the Southwest Branch is quite thorny. Why did the company send him? I would think you are much better suited for the trip," Bian Xiaoqi brought up Qin Ke's upcoming travel, seeing that Zheng Yutong's mood had largely recovered.

"Xiaoqi, the trouble at the Southwest Branch is quite severe this time, and they may need to restructure the leadership team. Although Qin Ke is junior in seniority, he is clever, capable, highly responsible, and enjoys an excellent reputation among senior management. I assured Director Qi Guosheng that Qin Ke could safeguard the technical aspects, which gives headquarters great peace of mind. Consequently, he was personally selected by Qi Guosheng. Barring any accidents, Qin Ke will likely receive another promotion this time around. This is a positive development, and you should be happy for him," Zheng Yutong explained.

"Sister Yutong, we haven't even been reunited for many days, and now we must part again. To be honest, I really don't want him to go on this trip," Bian Xiaoqi confessed without concealment.

"Xiaoqi, you cannot wish for your own garden to bloom with a thousand flowers while denying other branches the right to flourish. When an opportunity arrives, one must seize it," Zheng Yutong smiled.

Knowing the reason behind Qin Ke's sudden business trip from Zheng Yutong's lips set Bian Xiaoqi's mind at ease.

She continued, "Sister Yutong, I will be at our company's sales center all day today. If you have decided to buy an apartment, go ahead and sign the purchase contract. You must buy a property no matter what—even if not for yourself, then for Rongrong's future, to provide her with security."

"Xiaoqi, you are truly kind. I want to know why you are so willing to help me," Zheng Yutong said.

"Sister Yutong, because we are both women. Women must help women," Bian Xiaoqi smiled.

"Xiaoqi, I truly envy you," Zheng Yutong sighed.

"What is there to envy about me, Sister Yutong?" Bian Xiaoqi smiled.

"Xiaoqi, you are not only clever, beautiful, sincere, and kind, but you also possess a broad mind and strong professional capabilities. Your personality is simply wonderful. Qin Ke is such a match for you," Zheng Yutong praised.

"Sister Yutong, a wonderful romance and a blissful marriage require both parties to cultivate them sincerely, rather than relying on only one person to give. Qin Ke has many fine qualities, but affection must withstand the test of time. How far the two of us will go, only God knows," Bian Xiaoqi replied.

"Xiaoqi, Qin Ke has fine character. I can see his genuine devotion to you. Rest assured, I will keep an eye on him for you at Company C," Zheng Yutong laughed.

"Thank you, Sister Yutong!" Bian Xiaoqi smiled.

(2)

At eight o'clock in the morning, Bian Xiaoqi arrived at the sales center punctually.

In the conference room, Peng Juan gave her report first: "Director Bian, Gu Weiliang claims he is doing his utmost to serve clients, but the customers simply refuse to buy into his approach; instead, they turn back to deal with others and sign purchase contracts with them."

"Supervisor Peng, where do you think Gu Weiliang's problem lies?" Bian Xiaoqi asked.

"Director Bian, Gu Weiliang still retains an air of arrogance in his bones, which makes people feel uncomfortable. He also lacks patience and fails to show the relentless perseverance of the others," Peng Juan answered cautiously.

"Supervisor Peng, please arrange for Zhang Qinqin and Gu Weiliang to receive clients together today. Tell him directly that before all the properties in Phase I of Qinghe Homeland are sold out, he must sell at least one apartment, or else he will face elimination," Bian Xiaoqi instructed.

"Director Bian, I will make the arrangements shortly," Peng Juan replied.

Meng Changxue spoke next: "Director Bian, the three individuals in my team failed to secure purchase contracts because their communication skills are relatively weak, and they are unaccustomed to dealing with strangers. Please rest assured, I will personally assist them so that every one of them successfully sells a property."

Ruan Zongkai followed: "Director Bian, the two people in my group who haven't signed contracts didn't fail due to a lack of capability; rather, they were simply less fortunate and haven't yet encountered customers resolved to buy. They have expressed full confidence in their ability to sell."

After listening to the reports from all three, Bian Xiaoqi addressed them: "Ensuring that no employee falls behind is the kind of team I want to foster. As managers, it is our responsibility to enable every staff member to take pride in their efforts and achievements. No one lacks the desire to perform better, so I endorse Supervisor Meng's approach. Elevating an entire team together is also a concrete manifestation of a manager's competence."

Dong Minglou chimed in: "I strongly support Director Bian's proposal to forge our sales department into a united front. I will also lend a hand to Gu Weiliang, and I believe he will not disappoint everyone."

When Zheng Yutong arrived at the sales center, Bian Xiaoqi helped her select an apartment with a floor and size she was satisfied with. She then handed Zheng Yutong over to Zhang Qinqin for reception. Gu Weiliang immediately hurried over, standing off to the side to observe Zhang Qinqin and Zheng Yutong's conversation. Once Zheng Yutong signed the purchase contract and bade Bian Xiaoqi farewell, she departed.

Qin Ke arrived at the sales center as well, having completed his written driving test. No sooner had he stepped through the door than Lin Haidong followed right behind him.

"Haidong, why are you here by yourself? Where is Fu Sichen?" Qin Ke asked the moment he spotted Lin Haidong.

"Her mother disapproved of her buying a property, so I came alone. You were right yesterday—we cannot let President Gu's generous intentions go to waste," Lin Haidong answered.

"Shouldn't you consult with Fu Sichen first?" Qin Ke queried.

"What stage is this even at? This is my own affair; no consultation needed, I make my own decisions." With that, Lin Haidong immediately went off to find Meng Changxue.

Watching Lin Haidong's hurried departure, Bian Xiaoqi walked over to Qin Ke and remarked, "Meng Changxue is exceptional in every respect. Young student Fu had better stay on her toes."

"You think Lin Haidong would have a change of heart so quickly? Impossible," Qin Ke retorted.

"We shall see. Anything is possible," Bian Xiaoqi smiled.

Qin Ke eventually found Ruan Zongkai. Following Bian Xiaoqi's advice, he selected the smallest and cheapest apartment available and promptly signed the purchase contract.

Noticing that customer traffic was light, Bian Xiaoqi sought out Huang Qiong and executed her own purchase contract—securing the very apartment Dong Minglou had personally chosen for her under Gu Zhengyang's instructions.

She asked Huang Qiong, "Sister Qiong, have you bought your apartment yet?"

Huang Qiong replied, "Not yet, Xiaoqi. I have no idea what Yu Chuan is thinking."

"Sister Qiong, whether Yu Chuan buys a property or not should not influence your own resolve. Your relationship has barely begun, so you must make your own decisions. Plant the Chinese parasol tree first, and the golden phoenix will naturally follow! Go find Zhang Qinqin and process your purchase formalities. The apartment size can be large or small—just act according to your means," Bian Xiaoqi advised with a smile.

"You're right, Xiaoqi. I'll go right now," Huang Qiong said.

(3)

Spotting Lin Haidong approaching, Meng Changxue immediately stepped forward with a smile. "Welcome back, Mr. Lin. How may I assist you today?"

Upon seeing Meng Changxue, Lin Haidong's eyes lit up. "Manager Meng, I would like to finalize an apartment purchase today. Could you give me a detailed breakdown of the development's features and help me choose the most suitable unit? Also, please calculate the down payment ratios and loan terms for me so I can see which combination is the most cost-effective."

"I would be delighted to assist you, Mr. Lin. Please come this way," Meng Changxue said, leading him toward a small meeting room.

As they walked, Lin Haidong casually inquired, "Manager Meng, I'm a Beijing native. May I ask where you are from and which university you attended?"

Meng Changxue smiled gently. "I am from Baoding, Mr. Lin. I graduated from Hebei University."

Upon entering the meeting room, Meng Changxue asked Lin Haidong to wait a brief moment before returning with three sales agents—two men and one woman.

Surprised, Lin Haidong asked, "Manager Meng, the two of us can discuss this alone. There's no need to make such a fuss."

"Mr. Lin, my three colleagues would like to listen in as I calculate the optimal combination of down payment and loan terms for you. If you mind, I can ask them to leave," Meng Changxue said, maintaining her smile.

Hearing this, Lin Haidong readily consented with a grin, "Not at all, Manager Meng. It's a wonderful thing for you to mentor them. Please explain everything as slowly and thoroughly as you like—I don't mind in the slightest."

Meng Changxue proceeded to explain the project details to Lin Haidong down to the finest detail. She selected several apartment layouts and floor levels for him, clearly outlining their respective pros and cons, and provided multiple combinations of down payments and loan terms, carefully comparing their advantages and disadvantages.

Gazing at Meng Changxue's fair and delicate face, her elegant and confident demeanor, and listening to her methodical, fluent, and standard Mandarin, Lin Haidong felt his heartbeat accelerate. He no longer cared about the content of her presentation; he simply wanted to watch her speak continuously without ever stopping.

"Mr. Lin, which apartment unit and loan combination satisfies you the most?" Meng Changxue's question abruptly snapped Lin Haidong out of his trance.

Withdrawing his infatuated gaze from her face, Lin Haidong hastily replied, "Manager Meng, you decide for me."

Pointing to a 100-square-meter apartment on the third floor, Meng Changxue remarked that it was quite suitable, adding that a 15-year loan cycle would be financially prudent. As she spoke, she jotted the figures down in a notebook.

Leaning in closer to Meng Changxue to view what she was writing, Lin Haidong was suddenly enveloped by a subtle wave of fragrance that left him intoxicated once more.

"Very well, let's do precisely as Manager Meng suggests. I trust you," Lin Haidong smiled.

Having waited a considerable time without seeing Lin Haidong, Qin Ke asked Bian Xiaoqi to lead him into the meeting room. Finding Lin Haidong still absorbed in signing paperwork, Qin Ke chided, "Lin Haidong, I finished my contract ages ago. You've spent so long here you ought to have bought three apartments by now."

"You had Director Bian to assist you. I had to let Manager Meng guide me," Lin Haidong chuckled.

"I've caused Manager Meng no small amount of trouble; you don't mind, do you?" he added, turning to give Meng Changxue a broad smile.

"Not at all, Mr. Lin. Ensuring you are reassured and satisfied is simply my duty," Meng Changxue replied with a gracious smile.

Once the contract signing was complete, Lin Haidong declared, "To celebrate my new status as a property owner and to thank Manager Meng for her enthusiasm, meticulousness, and thoughtfulness, I would like to host lunch today. I hope Manager Meng will honor me with her presence."

"You are far too kind, Mr. Lin. Since you purchased an apartment from our company, I should be the one thanking you. However, I must remain at my post during working hours, so please forgive me," Meng Changxue declined politely.

Stepping in with a smile, Bian Xiaoqi chimed in, "Supervisor Meng expressed it well and acted entirely correctly. Mr. Lin, we should be the ones treating you to a meal. Our company provides boxed lunches at noon today; you and Mr. Qin are welcome to sample them with us."

Seeing that Bian Xiaoqi had spoken, Lin Haidong smiled and said, "Director Bian, Supervisor Meng, once you both have free time, Qin Ke and I will treat you to dinner. Since I can see you are both busy, we won't intrude any further."

Bian Xiaoqi and Meng Changxue escorted Qin Ke and Lin Haidong to the main entrance of the sales center. As they parted, Lin Haidong held onto Meng Changxue's soft hand for quite some time before finally letting go, causing a blush to rise on her cheeks. Seeing Lin Haidong act with such brazen boldness, Qin Ke quickly pulled him away from the sales center.

Watching their retreating figures, Bian Xiaoqi smiled and remarked, "Supervisor Meng, this Mr. Lin Haidong is quite an interesting character."

Blushing, Meng Changxue replied, "Director Bian, Mr. Lin is simply a client. I certainly wouldn't dare neglect him."

Dragging Qin Ke along, Lin Haidong entered a nearby restaurant and seated himself.

Qin Ke remained silent, gazing at him with a steady, amused smile.

Unfazed by Qin Ke's peculiar look, Lin Haidong suddenly blurted out, "Old Six, I've found my true love. What should I do? You have to help me."

"Old Four, aren't you acting a bit unreliably? You have your eyes on what's in the pot while eating from your own bowl. What about Fu Sichen? Is your affection for her not true love either?" Qin Ke asked, expressing genuine astonishment at Lin Haidong's blunt declaration.

"Old Six, I know my own feelings—this is something I've never experienced before. It's different, completely different. Fu Sichen and I have neither an engagement nor a marriage, so we are both entirely free. You don't need to trouble yourself over this; I will make things clear to Fu Sichen," Lin Haidong said with resolute conviction.

"Old Four, I don't even know Meng Changxue. I can't help you," Qin Ke hastily deflected.

"It doesn't matter if you don't know her, Old Six. Bian Xiaoqi does! You have to act fast and speak to Bian Xiaoqi today. I can't wait any longer," Lin Haidong urged anxiously.

"What on earth am I supposed to say to Bian Xiaoqi, Old Four? That you've had a change of heart? That you're a fickle flirt? How am I supposed to face Fu Sichen afterward? And how will you face her?" Qin Ke fired off a barrage of questions.

"Where do you get so many questions? I can't worry about all that anymore. I just want Bian Xiaoqi to tell Meng Changxue right away that I, Lin Haidong, fell in love with her at first sight. Old Six, you can't just sit idly by and watch your old college roommate suffer the tortures of unrequited love, can you? I'm begging you," Lin Haidong pleaded.

"Does Meng Changxue have a boyfriend? Would she even agree? All of that is completely unknown," Qin Ke pointed out.

"That's precisely why I need classmate Bian Xiaoqi to assist me. I believe in Bian Xiaoqi's capability. I can't hold back anymore; I want to hear the outcome today. It's settled. Lunch is on me today," Lin Haidong insisted eagerly.

"Very well, I'll give it a try. But as for whether it succeeds or fails, I make no promises," Qin Ke conceded.

"Old Six, you truly are my dearest classmate. Come, cheers!" Lin Haidong beamed, lifting his glass in high spirits.