Chapter 33

Chi Wanzhao's first meeting with Wang Haining wasn't in Country A.

It was in City B.

Back then, she had gone with Chi Chao to visit relatives in his hometown. Near the old estate, they'd run into Wang Haining and her mother. The woman had smiled gently, appearing shy, and said, "Just call me Aunt Wang."

She had called her that, and she'd believed her father's claim that they were just old friends who had grown up together.

She had even secretly admired this woman.

Raising a child alone wasn't easy.

Unfortunately, the slap in the face came all too soon.

Two years hadn't passed before her father called a family meeting and announced he had another child, and that child was Wang Haining.

How ironic.

She couldn't believe she'd once admired such a woman.

She felt utterly ridiculous.

But that's the way the world works—the more you don't want something, the more likely it is to happen.

Chi Wanzhao snapped back to the present, hearing Kong Xiyan introduce her companion: "Wang Haining—everyone calls her Teacher Wang. And this is Chi Wanzhao—"

"I know her."

"Chi Wanzhao, CEO of Jingyan. I've heard so much about you."

Kong Xiyan hadn't expected Wang Haining to know about Jingyan. Did that mean she also scrolled through gossip online? Did she know about Kong Xiyan's own scandal?

She'd never tried to hide it.

But she'd never explained anything to Wang Haining, either.

In the three years they'd known each other, they'd never discussed such private matters, and Kong Xiyan had assumed Wang Haining knew nothing.

Kong Xiyan's mood soured. After greeting Chi Wanzhao, Wang Haining turned to Kong Xiyan with an unaffected air, asking, "How many days are you staying this time?"

Originally, she'd planned to stay a week, but the trip had taken two extra days. She'd need at least two more to get back, leaving only four days here.

Wang Haining nodded. "That's enough. Yuanyuan and the others are chomping at the bit."

Chi Wanzhao pressed her lips together and said nothing.

The three of them stood at the village entrance, exchanging introductions, when Chen Junsheng came over with Yuanyuan and several other kids. Leading the pack was a young chubby boy, taller and sturdier than most his age. He ran up to Kong Xiyan and stopped, face lit with excitement. "Teacher Kong!"

There were more than twenty kids in the village, of various ages, and several of them had bolted over right after dinner when they heard Kong Xiyan was back.

The chubby boy was one of them.

Kong Xiyan said to Wang Haining, "Haining, can you look after President Chi for me? I'll go chat with the kids."

Wang Haining smiled faintly. "Of course. Go ahead."

The wind was sharp at the village entrance, hardly a good place for conversation. Wang Haining noticed Chi Wanzhao carrying a suitcase and a bag on her shoulder, and extended her hand. "Let me help you with that."

Chi Wanzhao tilted her head, darting a glance at her, jaw tight. Her voice cut through the wind, cold and harsh. "Thanks, but no."

Wang Haining didn't insist. Her expression unchanged, she led the way ahead.

Chi Wanzhao followed behind her, watching her back in that bulky, padded jacket.

Though years had passed, Wang Haining didn't seem to have changed much. Probably because she spent so much time around children, she carried an air of youth. Even without a speck of makeup and her hair casually tied back, Chi Wanzhao had to admit—

Wang Haining did share a few features with Chi Chao around the eyes and brows.

She looked away, indifferent, and followed Wang Haining to a building—a low, single-story house, not large. The door had no lock, and light shone through the cracks.

From the outside, the house was built of brick covered with cement. Up close, cracks were visible in places. Chi Wanzhao had never stayed anywhere like this in her life, and couldn't help but frown delicately.

Wang Haining pushed the door open and stepped inside; Chi Wanzhao followed.

The floor was cement. The main room held a square table and a few stools with chipped corners. Above hung not a fluorescent light but a dim, yellowed bulb that swayed slightly in the draft when the door opened.

Behind the main room were three doors. Wang Haining gestured to one and said, "I'm sorry it's so humble, President Chi. You'll sleep in this room tonight."

The room had been a storage space. When Kong Xiyan mentioned she was bringing a friend, Wang Haining had tidied it up, thinking it would be one of Xiyan's close friends who would understand the conditions. She hadn't expected it to be Chi Wanzhao.

Chi Wanzhao followed Wang Haining's gaze to a dark gap of a room, uncertain if it even had a light.

Wang Haining walked in first and flicked the switch. The former storage room was cramped—an old bed filled most of the space, leaving barely room to turn around. Chi Wanzhao pressed her lips together and remained silent.

Behind her, Yuanyuan was wriggling in the bag. Silently, she shrugged off the bag and unzipped it. Yuanyuan popped her head out with a meow.

Wang Haining peered at her from over her half-crouched body and said coolly, "President Chi certainly has refined tastes—bringing a pet even here."

Chi Wanzhao shot back cold, "Right back at you."

Wang Haining turned away and ignored her.

After being cooped up in the bag for so long, Yuanyuan bounded out like she'd regained her freedom, leaping up and down in celebration before landing at Chi Wanzhao's feet and meowing twice, her round eyes fixed on her.

Her expression was utterly pitiful.

One glance told Chi Wanzhao exactly what she wanted.

With a cold expression, she pulled out the remaining cat food from the bag and served Yuanyuan dinner.

All the while, Wang Haining stood behind her, her expression flickering several times before she finally looked away—away from Chi Wanzhao and the cat.

The atmosphere in the main room grew awkward. Neither Chi Wanzhao nor Wang Haining spoke, broken only by the rustle of Yuanyuan eating her kibble.

Not far away, at the Chen family's place, Kong Xiyan was surrounded by children. She had Chen Junsheng open the suitcase, which was packed with goodies—so many stationery supplies that they filled an entire bag.

The kids hugged their presents, beaming with joy.

Kong Xiyan smiled and ruffled their heads, then pulled out several cold-weather jackets from a black bag and handed them out. Spotting Chen Junsheng lingering to the side, she said apologetically, "Brother Sheng, I'm sorry—I only bought for the kids. Next time I'll definitely bring something for you all!"

Chen Junsheng waved her off with a smile. "Don't worry about it. You have a hard time out there on your own. Spend less on stuff for us and buy yourself more food."

"Look at you—you seem thinner."

Kong Xiyan touched her cheek and smiled with narrowed eyes. "Not at all."

That was the truth—Chi Wanzhao's cooking was so good that she felt like everyone else needed exercise more than she did.

A little after nine, the excitable kids headed home clutching their gifts. Cheerful, Yuanyuan had always loved clinging to Kong Xiyan, so hearing that Kong Xiyan promised to stay for a few days, she looked up and asked, "Teacher Kong, then don't go back tonight—stay at my house, okay?"

"You can sleep with me."

"I've missed you so, so much."

Kong Xiyan stroked her hair. "Yuanyuan, but Teacher Kong brought a guest, so I really should head back."

Chen Yuan stubbornly hugged her thigh. "No! I don't want you to go."

Chen Junsheng scooped up his waist-high daughter. "Be good. What has Teacher Wang taught you? Be polite. Teacher Kong has things to do, so no more fussing."

"Besides, Teacher Kong is just going back to sleep. You can see her again first thing tomorrow morning, right?"

Chen Yuan, consoled, nodded. "Fine."

"Then I'll go find Teacher Kong tomorrow!"

Kong Xiyan nodded with a smile. "Alright, I'll wait for you."

Chen Yuan finally laughed.

Kong Xiyan left the remaining supplies at Chen Junsheng's place. The classroom was nearby, and carrying everything home tonight and then back tomorrow would be too troublesome, so it was easier to leave it here.

Chen Junsheng quickly set the suitcase and black bag by the wall, then asked, "Teacher Kong, want me to walk you back?"

Kong Xiyan waved hurriedly. "No need, I can go by myself."

"You stay home with Yuanyuan."

Chen Yuan, in her father's arms, waved at Kong Xiyan. "See you tomorrow, Teacher Kong."

"See you tomorrow."

Kong Xiyan waved back, then took the suitcase with her clothes and walked to the house she'd stayed in before.

Pushing open the door, she saw Chi Wanzhao and Wang Haining in the main room—one sitting, one crouched by Yuanyuan as she fed her. As she entered with her luggage, both women rose to their feet, but Chi Wanzhao had been crouched for a while and her legs were weak. She could only watch as Wang Haining quickly stepped over to Kong Xiyan and took her suitcase.

Chi Wanzhao's face darkened to match the sky outside.

Grim and heavy.

Wang Haining carried the suitcase to the second room, turned on the light, and said, "You must be tired."

Kong Xiyan nodded. "Mm."

She was, indeed. After walking through the mountains for so long, her legs felt like jelly, and she worried how Chi Wanzhao was holding up.

Kong Xiyan saw Wang Haining set down the suitcase and walk out into the main room, where Yuanyuan still circled Chi Wanzhao's feet. "President Chi," she said, "let me show you where to wash up."

Wang Haining placed a hand on her shoulder. "I can take her."

Chi Wanzhao shook her arm off and forced a smile. "I think I'd prefer Miss Kong to show me."

Noticing both women's gaze fixed on her, Chi Wanzhao added lightly, "I'm shy around strangers."

Kong Xiyan: ...

Wang Haining didn't press further and let Kong Xiyan lead Chi Wanzhao to the bathroom. It was only about ten square meters, with no shower—just a shelf holding a few basins, plus a sink made of red bricks, and two thermos bottles beside it.

Kong Xiyan slipped into her room, returned in a flash with an armful of toiletries, and asked, "Did you bring any?"

Chi Wanzhao hadn't brought nearly as much.

Whenever she'd traveled for work before, she'd always stayed in high-end suites, never giving such things a thought. So when Kong Xiyan asked, she froze for a moment, then shook her head. "No."

Kong Xiyan smiled. "I figured as much. These are all new, prepared for you."

Chi Wanzhao felt a sudden warmth rush through her, her chest burning.

After setting out everything for her, Kong Xiyan retreated. Wang Haining was still sitting in the main room, not yet gone to bed. Kong Xiyan walked over and sat beside her, turning to say, "Why don't you head to bed? You've had a long day too."

Wang Haining's gaze lingered on Kong Xiyan, then drifted toward the bathroom. Only after she heard running water inside did she ask, "How did you two meet?"

Kong Xiyan lowered her eyes. "It's a long story."

Wang Haining nodded knowingly. "Right, well, another time then."

Kong Xiyan hummed in agreement, seeing her off to her room.

Chi Wanzhao emerged from the bathroom before long—she usually showered before bed, but the conditions here didn't allow it, so she'd settled for a simple wash, still wearing those sneakers.

Kong Xiyan caught a glimpse of her pale, slender ankles and froze for a few seconds before walking to the cabinet behind the door, pulling out a pair of slippers, and handing them over. "You can wear mine."

Chi Wanzhao stared at the cartoon characters on the slippers, lost in thought.

"President Chi?"

Kong Xiyan placed the slippers on the floor, puzzled. "Here, change into them."

Chi Wanzhao finally slipped them on.

Yuanyuan, perched on the square table, spotted Chi Wanzhao and immediately jumped down to rub against her calf. Chi Wanzhao scooped her up and stroked her forehead as Kong Xiyan said softly, "President Chi, go on in and rest."

"Oh, wait."

Kong Xiyan walked into the room first and, sure enough, found the electric blanket still plugged in beside the bed—Haining really was thoughtful.

She reached over and switched it off, then turned back to Chi Wanzhao. "Alright, President Chi, have a good rest."

Chi Wanzhao watched her bustle a moment, then gave a slight nod and stepped aside. Kong Xiyan brushed past her side, leaving a trace of fragrance behind.

In the cramped little room now stood a person and a cat, both staring at the bed. Chi Wanzhao let out a long sigh after a while, undid her hair, changed into pajamas, and got onto the bed.

The sheets were freshly changed, still carrying the faint scent of laundry detergent.

Thanks to the electric blanket, the bed was toasty. Yuanyuan, never fond of new places, paced around the room, scratching here and there nervously before finally turning to look at Chi Wanzhao.

Chi Wanzhao frowned delicately, sitting on the edge of the bed, surveying her surroundings.

Despite the room being tidied up, toys of various sizes dotted the space—some wooden, stacked waist-high, others scattered in corners, casting dappled shadows under the dim light. The bed pressed against a wall plastered with old, fading posters, and Chi Wanzhao had no doubt that touching them would send chunks of white plaster crumbling to the floor.

She pressed her lips together and was just pulling back the blanket when she heard a creak. Even Yuanyuan's eyes went wide, staring at the bed as if a monster might pop out at any moment!

Chi Wanzhao called to her. "Yuanyuan."

Reluctantly, Yuanyuan padded over, hopped onto the bed, and sat by the headboard. Chi Wanzhao sighed, stroking her head, when she heard sounds from the room next door.

Clank.

A door shutting.

Then click.

A light being pulled off.

Then light footsteps went past her door. Chi Wanzhao lowered her brows and looked down at Yuanyuan, then curled the corner of her mouth. "Does Yuanyuan want to go over there?"

Yuanyuan stared with her big round eyes. "Meow..."

Chi Wanzhao petted her head. "Very much?"

Yuanyuan: "Meow..."

Chi Wanzhao smiled faintly. "Alright, I'll take you over in a bit."

Kong Xiyan's room was only a wall apart from Chi Wanzhao's. She was dabbing on her skincare when, in that cramped room next door, Chi Wanzhao tied a piece of dried fish to a bamboo pole meant for hanging a mosquito net. Yuanyuan was hopping underneath it, meowing ceaselessly, occasionally scratching the bed frame.

The grating creaks and the cat's cries furrowed Kong Xiyan's brows on the other side of the wall.

Perplexed, she walked to Chi Wanzhao's door and knocked. "President Chi?"

Chi Wanzhao took down the fish, composed herself, and opened the door, looking unfazed. "What is it?"

Kong Xiyan asked, "What's wrong with Yuanyuan? Why does she keep meowing?"

Chi Wanzhao glanced back at Yuanyuan, still on the bed. "It's nothing. She's probably not used to this place. After a day or two, she'll settle down."

Kong Xiyan's face filled with sympathy. "That won't do!"

Chi Wanzhao lowered her head, as if deep in thought, then said, "I noticed that Yuanyuan seems to stop fussing when she sees you, Miss Kong. So maybe I could trouble you—would you mind sleeping in here tonight?"

"No—"

Kong Xiyan started to refuse, but over Chi Wanzhao's shoulder, she spotted Yuanyuan staring at her with those big blue eyes, that familiar pitiful look plain on her face. She hesitated. "How about I take Yuanyuan to my room to sleep?"

Yuanyuan jumped off the bed and padded obediently to Chi Wanzhao's side, as if loath to be separated from her.

Chi Wanzhao shook her head. "Never mind, I'm not used to being apart from Yuanyuan."

"If Miss Kong has nothing else, I'll turn in with Yuanyuan."

With that, Chi Wanzhao closed the door. Kong Xiyan stood outside with a sigh, then turned and went back to her own room.

Three minutes later.

From next door came Yuanyuan's pitiful cries again. Kong Xiyan could picture her distress even with her eyes shut. Gritting her teeth, she knocked once more on Chi Wanzhao's door.

And, miraculously, Yuanyuan stopped meowing the instant she saw her.

Kong Xiyan was at her wit's end. She bit the bullet and blurted, "If President Chi doesn't mind, why don't you come to my room?"

Chi Wanzhao lowered her head, expressionless, and scooped up Yuanyuan. "I don't mind."

Kong Xiyan: ...