Chapter 2: In This Deserted Corner

Wen Lan Sheng affectionately held Fan Xia’s arm, his sweet smile tinged with shyness: “Yes, the wedding date is set for two months from now. President, you must come!”

A thunderous noise erupted in Rong Xiu’s mind. He couldn’t hear anything Wen Lan Sheng said after that, only seeing his blindingly happy smile. The chopsticks in his hand were nearly broken.

“It seems the president doesn’t know about our engagement? Fan Xia, didn’t you tell him? After all, he’s your senior.” Wen Lan Sheng looked at Rong Xiu’s stiff face, a hint of mockery in his smile.

Six years ago, he was no match. Six years later, it’s still the same.

Fan Xia glanced at Rong Xiu, her clear and gentle eyes filled with a soft spring-like light: “I haven’t had the chance to mention it, and I didn’t bring an invitation.”

“That’s easy to solve.” Wen Lan Sheng smiled at Rong Xiu’s shocked and incredulous face: “We have electronic invitations now. Senior, do you mind if I add you on WeChat to send you an invitation?”

Rong Xiu’s thin lips had completely lost their color. His hand, hidden under the table, was clenched tightly, the veins on the back of his hand bulging and trembling slightly.

Wen Lan Sheng’s happy and proud smile was like sharp glass shards, piercing into his eyes, making his whole body tremble with pain. The treasure he had finally regained after losing it was once again easily snatched away. After this, she would never come back. She would be someone else’s wife-master, having children with another man. He would lose her completely.

“Senior? Senior?” Seeing no response from Rong Xiu, Wen Lan Sheng called out softly.

Rong Xiu snapped back to reality in confusion, meeting Wen Lan Sheng’s smiling eyes, which proclaimed how happily Fan Xia had nurtured him, how blissful their years together had been.

There had never been a place for him in their world. Fan Xia’s eyes had never held even a trace of his shadow. He was just an insignificant admirer. Only he knew about the youthful crush and bitter despair from years ago.

“Can I add you on WeChat? I’ll send you the electronic invitation.” Wen Lan Sheng repeated, but it felt like Rong Xiu was plunging into a deep sea filled with ice, suffocation gripping his throat.

“Lan Sheng.” The gentle voice came like a beam of light, soft and gentle. Though speaking to Wen Lan Sheng, it pulled Rong Xiu out of his suffocation. But the blood in his body, already frozen solid, could no longer warm up.

Fan Xia glanced at Rong Xiu’s unnatural expression and whispered in Wen Lan Sheng’s ear: “Don’t say anymore, don’t make it difficult for him.”

As the chairman and CEO of Shanhai Group, Rong Xiu’s WeChat wasn’t something just anyone could add. Moreover, she was just an ordinary junior who hardly had any interaction with Rong Xiu. She hadn’t expected the usually prudent Wen Lan Sheng to suddenly make such an unreasonable request on his own, so she spoke up to stop him.

Wen Lan Sheng pursed his lips and said softly, “I understand, I didn’t think it through.”

“It’s fine.” Rong Xiu lowered his head, his eyes dim and lusterless, as if the light in his pupils had burned to ashes. He took out his phone and pulled up the QR code, his eyes brimming with an unnoticed desolation, yet forcing a smile: “Go ahead and add me.”

“President?” Fan Xia’s eyes flashed with slight surprise.

“On the wedding day… I’ll attend.” The hand hidden under the table was already twisted with suppressed anguish, bluish-purple veins almost bursting, nails digging deep into the flesh of his palm. Yet he seemed to masochistically enjoy the surging pain, watching the person he had admired for seven years show tenderness to another man. With his tongue bitten through, his thin lips, unwilling, stretched into a difficult smile: “Fan Xia… congratulations.”

In the president’s office, Zhuang Nian slunk out, whispering to Fan Xia nearby: “Chief Assistant Fan, the president’s mood isn’t good this afternoon… you’d better be careful.”

Fan Xia looked at the documents in her hand that were about to be submitted to Rong Xiu for review and asked, “What made the president angry?”

Zhuang Nian pouted: “Who knows? Men are just unpredictable creatures.”

Fan Xia was unsure, feeling that someone like Rong Xiu, who could turn the tide when Shanhai Group was in crisis, wouldn’t let his emotions show like ordinary people, let alone vent his anger on unimportant people.

She knocked gently on the door, and a low, hoarse male voice came from inside: “Come in.”

Fan Xia pushed open the door.

The office was dimly lit, Rong Xiu’s tall figure hidden in the cold light. His meticulously tailored suit jacket was casually thrown on the nearby guest sofa, revealing a wrinkled white shirt and loosened tie. His clean-cut, striking cold features unusually showed a trace of lonely fatigue.

“Do you need something?” Rong Xiu looked at her, his tone and mood seemingly normal, but his frameless glasses were carelessly placed on the desk, the thin lenses reflecting the cold light. The small, wine-red birthmark under his left eye looked particularly fragile and broken on his currently dejected face.

Fan Xia withdrew her startled gaze and handed the document to him: “This document needs your signature.”

“…Alright.” Rong Xiu sat up a bit straighter, his long, fair fingers picking up what was said to be a limited edition pen from a certain master. The black leather armband on his arm outlined the firm lines of his arm. The cuff of his shirt lightly brushed against the document as his pen tip moved, leaving behind a line of his name. His handwriting was clean and powerful, more like a work of art than the pen in his hand, unforgettable once seen.

After signing, Fan Xia hesitated for a moment, then chose to leave.

Until the end of the workday, Fan Xia didn’t see Rong Xiu leave his office again.

Zhuang Nian pulled Fan Xia away as she stood hesitating in front of the office, whispering: “Chief Assistant Fan, I know you’re worried about the president, but from my years of experience by his side, if you go in now, you won’t just be unable to help, you’ll only make him more upset. If we could really help, he would have instructed us already. Let’s go!”

As Zhuang Nian urged her to leave in a low voice, just as they were leaving the office, through the slightly ajar door, she saw Rong Xiu’s figure enveloped in the cold, lonely light. The wine-red birthmark on half of his face seemed to have sunk into the desolate night. A trace of concern flashed in Fan Xia’s eyes.

Entering the underground parking garage, Fan Xia saw Wen Lan Sheng standing by the car, wearing a simple white cotton and linen shirt. Seeing Fan Xia walking towards him, he smiled faintly, his lips pursed, with a fresh and clean demeanor: “Finally off work, I’ve been waiting for you for a long time.”

Fan Xia pushed aside the image of Rong Xiu’s gloomy and dim appearance in her mind and smiled slightly: “Something held me up a bit.”

Wen Lan Sheng opened the car door and leaned lazily against the seat, teasing: “It wasn’t the president holding you up, was it? He’s famous for being a cold, unapproachable god of abstinence.”

“Don’t overthink it.” Fan Xia smiled gently as she leaned in to fasten Wen Lan Sheng’s seatbelt.

Her long, delicate fingers slid across his waist, her thick, smooth long hair falling from her shoulders, a familiar faint fragrance wafting past his nose, stirring ripples in his heart.

With a light click, the seatbelt was fastened. Fan Xia raised her eyes, the corners of her mouth holding a faint smile.

Wen Lan Sheng’s breath caught. Even after being together for many years, he would still countless times be lost in Fan Xia’s deep, affectionate gaze, like a gentle sea, making one pause, making one sink.

But he wasn’t the only one coveting this gentle sea.

Wen Lan Sheng suddenly embraced her neck, his tongue skillfully undoing the second button of her shirt, kissing her slender neck possessively, his breath heavy and ambiguous: “I don’t care, even if you’re just boss and subordinate, men and women should keep their distance. Don’t get too close to him.”

Fan Xia’s laughter was soft and gentle as she stroked his soft, slightly curly black hair, saying tenderly: “Alright, I’ll do as you say.”

Wen Lan Sheng released her, satisfied: “That’s more like it.”

“So what shall we eat tonight?” Fan Xia asked while driving.

“Let’s go to the market near our community. Restaurant food isn’t hygienic. Home-cooked meals are healthier and more nutritious. How about I make you braised prawns, cold fish, and seafood soup tonight?” Wen Lan Sheng suggested.

Fan Xia smiled gently: “Sounds good, but it’s a lot of trouble for you, having to cook for me after work.”

Wen Lan Sheng bit his lip, Fan Xia’s thoughtfulness bringing a shy yet bright smile to his face: “I’m just an ordinary clerk at the company, my work is very relaxed. Most of the day I’m just gossiping and slacking off, not tiring at all. Besides, I like cooking for you.”

Fan Xia drove silently, her eyes fixed on the road ahead filled with the warm light of the setting sun.

Just as Wen Lan Sheng was about to say something more, an urgent phone ring sounded. He answered the call: “Hello, Dad?”

“What?”

The smile on Wen Lan Sheng’s face froze, and the atmosphere in the car suddenly became tense.

“What happened?” Fan Xia inquired.

Wen Lan Sheng put down the phone, his eyes panicked and urgent: “Fan Xia, my mom fell down the stairs and is now in the hospital.”

“It’s going to be okay.” Fan Xia comforted him, immediately turning the car around: “We’ll go to the hospital right now.”

Ai Li Hospital, one of the private hospitals under Shanhai Group.

Fan Xia hurriedly arrived with Wen Lan Sheng. Outside the ward, a man in his fifties was already crying his eyes out.

“Dad, how’s Mom?” Wen Lan Sheng asked anxiously.

Wen Lan Sheng’s father, Xie Cen, clutched a tear-soaked tissue, sobbing: “Your mom fell down the stairs and injured her leg. The doctor said although there’s no major problem, she needs to rest well. You know it takes a hundred days for injured tendons and bones to heal. I’ve said before that the old apartment building assigned by my work unit is too old. It’s inconvenient for us elderly to go up and down without an elevator. Something was bound to happen sooner or later!”

As Xie Cen cried and rambled on while hugging Wen Lan Sheng, Fan Xia quietly leaned against the wall, her long lashes lowered slightly, her gaze obscure and unreadable.

After about ten minutes of crying, Wen Lan Sheng, biting his lip, walked towards her.

Fan Xia raised her head, her eyes once again filled with an intoxicating gentleness: “How is it? Is your dad feeling better?”

Wen Lan Sheng nodded, but his expression was still gloomy, as if he had something on his mind.

Finally, seemingly having made up his mind, he took Fan Xia’s hand and said: “Fan Xia, my mom broke her leg and won’t be able to move around easily for a while. Our house is too old, it’s on the sixth floor without an elevator. My sister is abroad, and my dad can’t manage everything alone. Could we… could we let my parents stay at our place for a while?”

After saying this, Wen Lan Sheng lowered his head, not daring to look into Fan Xia’s eyes.

They hadn’t registered their marriage yet, not even held the wedding ceremony. The small two-bedroom apartment they were currently living in was bought by Fan Xia herself, having nothing to do with him.

Since ancient times, it had always been the husband living with the wife-master and the wife-master’s parents. There had never been a case of the husband’s parents moving in.

Moreover, the small two-bedroom apartment Fan Xia bought was only about 60 square meters. It was cozy for two people, but adding two elderly people would make it crowded and noisy.

He knew this request was too much, but he really had no other choice.

The pungent smell of disinfectant permeating the hospital made Wen Lan Sheng feel suffocated and unable to breathe. Fan Xia’s silence felt like torture to him.

Suddenly, he felt his face being gently cupped, and Fan Xia smiled faintly: “Alright.”

Wen Lan Sheng’s eyes widened.

“Your family’s house is a bit old, not suitable for the elderly. When we go back, I’ll clear out my study room, let your parents move in comfortably.”

Fan Xia took his hand. The harsh white light of the hospital shone on her profile, soft as a dream: “My current job pays quite well. Adding that to my previous savings, it’s about enough for a down payment on a large flat. We’ll move out then, and let this apartment be for your parents to enjoy their later years.”

“Fan Xia.” Wen Lan Sheng’s dark, moist eyes trembled in disbelief, then he suddenly embraced her. A glimmer of tears escaped from the corner of his eye, disappearing into Fan Xia’s snow-white shirt. “Fan Xia, thank you.”

“We’re family, there’s no need for thanks.” Fan Xia gently stroked his back, feeling his burning heartbeat. Her eyes showed no emotion: “I’ll go back first to tidy up the study room. You stay here and take care of your mother.”

“But I haven’t made dinner for you yet.” Wen Lan Sheng tightly held her waist, refusing to let go, his hand clutching her clothes, his moist eyes full of guilt.

But in the eyes of the passing nurses, they were just an affectionate young couple, attracting attention.

Fan Xia gently brushed the loose hair on his forehead, saying softly: “I’m an adult, I won’t let myself go hungry. Besides, your mother’s health is more important. I’ll go now.”

Wen Lan Sheng reluctantly let go.

“Are you serious? Fan Xia really agreed to let us move in? And even said she’d give us that apartment to live in later?” Xie Cen covered his mouth, incredulous.

Wen Lan Sheng’s mother, Wen Ming Yue, lying on the hospital bed, couldn’t believe it either: “Fan Xia really said that? You didn’t mishear?”

Wen Lan Sheng sat by the bed, peeling an apple as he spoke: “That’s exactly what Fan Xia said. She’s already gone back to tidy up the study room. She has to work tomorrow, so I didn’t let her stay at the hospital. I’ve taken a few days off to take care of Mom. When Mom can be discharged, you and Dad can move in together.”

“Great, great! An elevator apartment in the city center, not only convenient for living but also with a good community environment. Luckily Fan Xia bought it early, it must be worth five or six million now! I never thought I’d live in such an expensive house one day!” Wen Ming Yue’s worry from her leg injury disappeared as she smiled.

Xie Cen excitedly stood up, clapping his hands and laughing: “When she was little, everyone in the work unit compound praised Fan Xia for being smart, saying she’d be more successful than your sister. I didn’t agree then, but now I like her more and more. No matter how smart your sister is, Fan Zhuren is still raising our child for us! Haha!”

“Dad!” Wen Lan Sheng’s face changed drastically as he stood up abruptly, sternly saying: “How many times have I told you, don’t mention Fan Zhuren!”

“What’s the matter? You scared me!” Xie Cen clutched his chest: “Fan Xia isn’t here, what’s wrong with saying a few words! She can’t hear anyway!”

“You’re not allowed to mention her even when she’s not here!” Wen Lan Sheng slammed the fruit knife on the table, angrily shouting at Xie Cen: “From now on, not a single word about Fan Zhuren is allowed!”

Xie Cen was frightened by his son’s rare outburst and quietly sat aside, not speaking.

Wen Ming Yue smiled, trying to smooth things over: “Our Lan Sheng is capable, reserving a potential stock early. Fan Xia’s willingness to give us her house to live in is also because of our Lan Sheng’s face.”

Wen Lan Sheng sat down again, the anger in his eyes slightly diminished.

Wen Ming Yue continued: “You and Fan Xia have been together for so many years. At first, I was a bit worried about entrusting you to her, but now I see she truly cares for you.”

Wen Lan Sheng’s eyes softened, his anger completely gone. He said quietly: “That’s why I don’t want to mention the past. Let’s not talk about it, just pretend nothing happened.”

“Alright,” Wen Ming Yue said. “Your dad was just too happy, don’t take it to heart.”

“Yes, Lan Sheng, Dad is just happy that you’ve found a good home,” Xie Cen said, seeing that Wen Lan Sheng’s anger had subsided. His eyes darted around as he whispered, “You mentioned earlier that she’s planning to buy a large flat. Is that true too?”

Wen Lan Sheng picked up the fruit knife again to peel the apple, unable to suppress the smile at the corners of his mouth: “Yes, the salary of a Shanhai Group executive assistant is very high.”

“That’s wonderful, my son is so lucky! He can live in a large flat in the city center!” Xie Cen was overjoyed.

Suddenly, Xie Cen seemed to remember something and tugged at Wen Lan Sheng’s hand, saying: “But you need to be smart about this. Don’t let her buy it now. If she buys it now, it’ll be pre-marital property.”

The smile that had just blossomed on Wen Lan Sheng’s face instantly cooled.

Xie Cen counted on his fingers: “Think about it, how expensive are the monthly payments for a large flat? Our family doesn’t have money to help you with the payments since we’re supporting your sister’s overseas studies. If you divorce, you won’t have any claim to the house!”

“Stop it!” Hearing his own father curse him with divorce, Wen Lan Sheng’s face turned pale with anger. He threw down the apple and said irritably: “Dad, Fan Xia isn’t the kind of person you’re describing. She loves me very much. All these years, she’s been completely devoted to me, never saying a harsh word. She’s even willing to let you move into her home, yet you’re still so wary of her, calculating against her.”

“Lan Sheng, Dad is just looking out for you,” Xie Cen said.

“Enough, I want to be alone,” Wen Lan Sheng angrily left the hospital room, going to the courtyard to clear his mind.

It was already late at night. The gentle moonlight fell on Wen Lan Sheng as he raised his head, gazing intently at the high-hanging moon. Then he left the hospital directly, taking a taxi home.

It was close to 1 AM when he got home.

Wen Lan Sheng took off his shoes and tiptoed into the bedroom. Only a dim, warm yellow wall lamp was lit in the bedroom, its faint light illuminating Fan Xia’s serene sleeping face. The dark green silk thin quilt accentuated her jade-like fair skin.

Wen Lan Sheng’s gaze lingered. He took off his clothes, lifted the quilt, and slipped in. His arms encircled Fan Xia’s soft waist from behind, his forehead resting against her back.

Fan Xia’s eyelashes trembled slightly as she was startled awake.

She turned around to see a familiar face, her surprised tone still tinged with sleepiness: “Why did you come back?”

Wen Lan Sheng burrowed into her embrace, inhaling the faint fragrance on her body. His tone carried a hint of coquettishness: “I missed you, couldn’t sleep.”

Fan Xia felt Wen Lan Sheng’s smooth skin under the thin quilt, his hot breath fanning out, his hands restlessly sliding and caressing, climbing up to her robe’s sash. His bright eyes flickered with burning desire.

She raised her hand, her long, slender fingers tilting up Wen Lan Sheng’s chin, meeting his eyes full of desire. The corner of her lips curved into an attractive arc: “So impatient?”

Wen Lan Sheng’s eyes darted away shyly: “Fan Xia, don’t… don’t tease me.”

“I’m teasing you? Weren’t you the one throwing yourself at me?” Fan Xia’s tone was low and provocative. Her soft hair, like the soft tentacles of a jellyfish, entwined around her prey. In the night, she shed her daytime gentleness and mildness, becoming as if bewitching.

“Fan Xia…” Wen Lan Sheng’s eyelashes trembled lightly as he burrowed into her embrace, blushing.

“Alright, I won’t tease you anymore.” A soft laugh sounded by his ear as Fan Xia took the initiative to undo her robe. The night was long.