Chapter 113: Exposure
Compared to Cheng Jiu’s mindset, Xin Gan felt that her own capacity for acceptance was quite broad, especially regarding age differences. During her time studying abroad, she had lived with a family where the wife was much older than the husband—nearly twenty years apart—but neither minded. Love, after all, could overcome any obstacle.
Along the journey, Cheng Hui hardly spoke with He Chuan, but she did find topics to discuss with Xin Gan. It was a bit sunny today; the sunlight streamed through the car window on Cheng Hui’s side, so she leaned toward Xin Gan for shade. When Xin Gan asked if she was alright, Cheng Hui replied, “It’s nothing.” He Chuan also inquired, but Cheng Hui just shook her head and rested her head on Xin Gan’s lap while playing on her phone, ignoring him.
Upon arrival, the resort manager personally came to welcome them, offering warm and courteous hospitality. Cheng Hui’s mood remained steady and quiet as she followed Xin Gan, but He Chuan attempted several times to hold her hand, only to be dodged and met with a glare that suggested he was too obvious.
Xin Gan, unaware of their subtle gestures, engaged seriously with the manager. Their rooms were separate: Cheng Hui and Xin Gan shared one, while He Chuan, as the sole male, stayed alone.
Their first order of business was to eat; it was already afternoon, so they had afternoon tea. Cheng Hui, not wanting to dampen their spirits, feigned enjoyment with a smile that never quite reached her eyes, making her look listless.
He Chuan suddenly had to step out to make a phone call, leaving the two women alone in the restaurant. Xin Gan offered Cheng Hui a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice and asked, “Feeling any better?”
Cheng Hui nodded and shook her head simultaneously, asking, “Do I look unhappy?”
With He Chuan absent, Xin Gan was more honest and nodded. Cheng Hui then slumped over the table like a limp ragdoll and confessed, “I want to be happy, but I just can’t. He Chuan must have noticed.”
Xin Gan advised gently, “Don’t pressure yourself too much. Don’t force it. Just be yourself.”
Cheng Hui lowered her gaze, still feeling oppressed. Especially with He Chuan’s attentiveness, she felt like an unsolvable math problem—He Chuan was the problem, and she didn’t even know the formula, let alone how to solve it.
Not wanting Xin Gan to worry, she said, “I’m fine. But, Xin Xin, I took emergency contraception after that incident. If my period comes, will my stomach hurt?”
Xin Gan replied, “It depends on your constitution. Judging by the timing, it should come within a few days. If it does, you can’t soak in the hot springs.”
“I’ll go buy some sanitary pads later. Just in case it coincides,” Cheng Hui said.
“I’ll go with you,” Xin Gan offered.
“Thank you, Xin Xin.”
Cheng Hui didn’t want to be alone; thankfully, Xin Gan accompanied her, giving her someone to talk to.
After afternoon tea, Xin Gan and Cheng Hui strolled around the hotel grounds to enjoy the scenery, which was quite pleasant overall.
He Chuan, having finished his business, learned they had gone out to play and chose not to follow, focusing instead on his own matters. He’d already deferred much work for this trip, and his assistant soon called with issues needing his attention.
Most troublesome were the problems caused by He Cheng and Madam He collaborating with relatives from the He family. He Chuan was on his own; Song Chen could help him, but the family matters were beyond Song Chen’s reach. Even an upright official would find family disputes difficult to judge, and He Chuan was now isolated and helpless.
—
Around eight in the evening, Cheng Hui and Xin Gan went to soak in the hot springs. Cheng Hui checked and saw her period hadn’t started yet, so she felt relieved and soaked with Xin Gan.
He Chuan wasn’t around, and Cheng Hui didn’t seek him out. After soaking for over half an hour, Xin Gan felt dizzy and went up first. Cheng Hui swam alone, appearing quite happy.
The outdoor pool at night offered a view of the stars and moon, far from the city’s noise. The air was fresh. Cheng Hui soaked while gazing at the starry sky until Xin Gan called her. She got out, wrapped herself in a robe, gathered her things, and left.
Relaxed after the soak, Cheng Hui returned to her room to rest. Moments after lying down, her phone rang. She didn’t need to look—it was obviously He Chuan. Only he would call at this time.
Xin Gan was on the balcony speaking to Cheng Jiu on the phone. Cheng Hui changed clothes, told Xin Gan, and slipped out.
Cheng Jiu, hearing Cheng Hui’s voice, asked, “She’s out again?”
“Yes.”
“Is it He Chuan?”
Xin Gan smiled, “You already know, so no need for me to say.”
Cheng Jiu was speechless.
“We can’t stop them. Don’t bother. Besides, He Chuan treats Cheng Hui well. Don’t worry too much.”
—
Cheng Hui hadn’t styled her hair, letting it fall loosely over her shoulders, wearing flip-flops, a T-shirt, and shorts as she went to find He Chuan.
He wasn’t in the room but at the hotel’s scenic pool area. Cheng Hui found him there dressed casually. He looked up, saw her, and immediately walked over.
She hesitated, unsure how to greet him. He reached her and said, “Just wandering around.”
She nodded and followed him aimlessly.
Neither spoke much; He Chuan didn’t initiate conversation but occasionally observed her.
Cheng Hui felt uneasy, as if they were on a date—indeed, it was just the two of them so late at night.
They wandered until the lights dimmed. Cheng Hui turned on her phone’s flashlight to light the path and asked, “Where are we going?”
He Chuan, hands in pockets, stopped and replied, “Where do you want to go?”
“I don’t know the way. Shouldn’t you ask me?”
“Then let’s sit at the pavilion ahead and rest.”
There were still some people around, mostly young couples holding hands and showing affection. Cheng Hui looked away, then at He Chuan, pressed her lips, and sat beside him.
She asked, “How’s Uncle He’s health?”
He Chuan said, “Neither good nor bad—just so-so.”
“And Aunt He?”
Cheng Hui recalled that He Chuan wasn’t Aunt He’s biological son. She wasn’t sure how much he knew, but if he did, he probably felt no better than she did.
She suddenly felt a pang of sympathy for He Chuan.
He asked, “What do you want to say?”
“Nothing.” Cheng Hui swung her legs and gazed blankly at the dark surroundings. It was too dark to see much, and mostly couples were out for walks.
She couldn’t even read He Chuan’s expression.
He suddenly reached out and touched her hair. “When you talk to me, don’t hold back. Say whatever’s on your mind.”
Cheng Hui pressed her lips tightly, weighed down by thoughts. The dim light hid her expression and emotions from He Chuan.
They sat in silence for a while. The place was quiet. When it was time to return, Cheng Hui reached out and held his hand. He froze momentarily, then quickly clasped her fingers, intertwining their hands.
At a deserted corner, He Chuan couldn’t resist; he pulled her into the shadows, pressed her against the cold wall, and kissed her.
Her lips were cool and soft.
Their breaths mingled closely. Cheng Hui forgot to close her eyes and looked at him, her hands slowly resting on his shoulders, not resisting.
When footsteps approached, she tensed and shrank, fearing being caught. He Chuan held her slim waist and deepened the kiss.
Luckily, no one noticed. The footsteps faded, and he released her, breath unsteady. “Several more days. Enjoy yourself. Don’t worry about anything else. I’ll handle it.”
Cheng Hui blushed deeply, her heart racing. She looked gentle and obedient, but her mind was elsewhere.
Not wanting to leave just yet, He Chuan held her tightly, pinched the soft flesh at her waist, and felt the rivet button on her shorts. “Don’t wear such short shorts anymore. They’re tempting trouble.”
Cheng Hui shrank her neck back and gave a soft “Mm,” unsure if she agreed.
He Chuan was reluctant to let her go, wanting to keep her tonight, but it wasn’t the right time. Being too eager might scare her.
They embraced long enough to work up a sweat. Cheng Hui felt uncomfortable and pushed him away. “Let’s go back. My brother will check on me soon.”
Their relationship wasn’t confirmed yet. Cheng Jiu constantly watched, so He Chuan had to be discreet. He nodded and escorted her back.
Under the bright lights, Cheng Hui asked, “Is my face red?”
“No,” He Chuan lied with eyes wide open.
“You’re lying.”
“It’s no big deal. Don’t be afraid.”
“I’m a little guilty.”
“There’s nothing to be guilty about. It’s natural, especially when you’re with me.”
Cheng Hui didn’t want to hear his nonsense and swiped her card to enter. He came close and bit her ear. “Good night. Sweet dreams.”
—
Cheng Hui was no match for him; the bitten spot burned. Just as she wanted to push him away, he released her, swiped the card, and let her in.
—
Cheng Hui felt this trip was just a joke for Xin Gan to laugh at.
When she returned last night, Xin Gan was still awake. Seeing her flushed ears, she smiled and teased, “If you don’t come back soon, Cheng Jiu will come looking for you.”
The next morning, He Chuan didn’t appear. He texted Cheng Hui, saying he had business and would join her for dinner in the evening. The tone sounded like a report on his whereabouts.
Cheng Hui felt dizzy and disoriented. After sipping some soy milk, she sensed something was off—her period had arrived. She told Xin Gan and hurried back to her room.
It was indeed her period.
—
That evening, feeling unwell, Cheng Hui rested in her room. Madam Cheng happened to call and, sensing something wrong in her voice, asked with concern, “Are you feeling unwell? You don’t sound right.”
“A little discomfort.”
“What happened? Did you eat something wrong or soak in the hot springs too long?”
Cheng Hui turned over. “No, just sleepy. It should be nothing. Don’t worry.”
“You can’t be like this. Is your sister-in-law there? Let her take the phone.”
“No need. I’m fine. I’ll sleep a bit.”
He Chuan tried calling Cheng Hui but got no answer. He asked Xin Gan, who said, “We’re at the resort’s clinic. Hui Hui has a sore throat and a slight cold.”
“I’m going there immediately.”
He arrived quickly. Xin Gan stayed with Cheng Hui and told He Chuan, “She has a mild fever from catching a chill last night. She’s still getting an IV.”
That was during their walk last night.
He Chuan said, “I’ll stay with her.”
Xin Gan agreed and gave them space.
Cheng Hui, with a headache, opened her eyes and saw He Chuan. “Why did you come?”
“Too late.”
“Not really. I just started the IV too.” Because of her period, she couldn’t take certain medications and had to get an infusion.
“Are you in pain?”
She nodded, tears at her eyes. “Yes. Headache and sore throat. I shouldn’t have gone to the hot springs.”
He pinched her nose and wiped away her tears. “Hindsight is 20/20. You’re so fragile. You have to exercise more and not slack off.”
He said this, but inside, he was deeply worried.
After all this, they finished the infusion after 11 p.m. He Chuan carried her back to the hotel.
This time, he took her directly to his room. Xin Gan was speechless, unsure what to say. He was resolute, making it clear there was no room for negotiation. Seeing Xin Gan’s concern, he said, “Don’t worry. I know my limits. I won’t do anything inappropriate.”
Cheng Hui blushed listening to this, pinching his waist to tell him not to talk nonsense.
Xin Gan smiled. “Then I’m glad to entrust her to you, He Chuan.”
He covered Cheng Hui with a blanket and turned off the air conditioner. She immediately protested, “Don’t turn it off! I’ll die of heat!”
“Didn’t you hear the doctor? No air conditioning.”
“But it’s so hot! I’ll die!”
“You can’t have the AC on. You can take off the blanket.”
“…”
He brought a hot towel to wipe her face and hands. “It’s almost midnight. Go to sleep.”
Cheng Hui suddenly remembered she hadn’t changed her pad all day and felt embarrassed. “Can I go back to my room to get something?”
“I’ll get it.”
“No, I’ll get it myself.”
“Not tonight. Lie down and behave. I’ll get it.”
“I mean… that thing.”
He Chuan’s shamelessness was on another level. He didn’t care and wasn’t ashamed. Menstrual hygiene was normal. He went to Xin Gan to ask for Cheng Hui’s pajamas.
Xin Gan handed them over without comment.
They were all adults, and Xin Gan trusted He Chuan’s character. Still, he was clearly attentive in caring for Cheng Hui.
Cheng Hui was embarrassed, not expecting such a turn, hiding shyly under the blanket.
He said, “The doctor said you can’t bathe. Just wipe your face and sleep.”
Cheng Hui looked at the pajamas in his hand. “You brought my pajamas?”
“Yes.”
“Did Xin Xin say anything?”
“What could she say?” He smirked. “Don’t be shy.”
Cheng Hui changed clothes under the covers while He Chuan showered. Once he finished and left, she slowly went in.
His clothes hung loosely on the wall. She was too embarrassed to look, quickly washing up and coming out.
There was only one bed in the room; a sofa faced it. Cheng Hui assumed He Chuan would sleep on the sofa but recalled that when he forced her to stay overnight before, they shared the bed. Nothing happened, but she was still scared.
He turned off the lights, dried his hair, and slid into bed. Without the AC on, he didn’t cover himself but let her cover her stomach.
Cheng Hui closed her eyes, forcing herself to sleep, but He Chuan clung to her, holding her intimately, with no distance.
She said, “Can you not hold me?”
He said, “No nonsense. Sleep.”
She was silent.
The night passed quietly.
Cheng Hui woke past nine the next morning to find the bed empty. She woke sweating and overheated but felt somewhat refreshed. Stumbling out to the bathroom, she opened the door and was startled to see He Chuan shaving shirtless at the sink, a towel wrapped around his waist revealing his toned abs.
She froze, shocked. “Why didn’t you close the door?”
“I did. You just didn’t knock.”
“…”
She hurriedly retreated, closed the door, and desperately used the toilet.
He finished shaving, washed his face, and stepped out. Just as he was about to speak, she pushed him away, hurried inside, and shut the door.
He smiled, feeling good.
She lingered in the bathroom a while. When she came out, he was setting breakfast.
He must have ordered it while she was inside.
He touched her forehead. “Still feeling unwell?”
Her tongue tangled, she shook her head.
“Eat first, then rest after.”
She nodded, distracted, watching him.
“Why aren’t you dressed?”
He glanced at her, then went to change in the bathroom.
She relaxed, sipping soy milk absentmindedly.
He spent the day with her in the room, not planning to go out, keeping an eye on her to prevent her from wandering. Cheng Hui watched TV, got bored, and fell asleep again. When lunchtime came, He Chuan ordered room service again.
Cheng Hui sipped some soup but didn’t eat much, lying down to sleep.
He touched her forehead again, then his own. Not convinced, he leaned his forehead against hers.
She opened her eyes to see him close and suddenly said, “I want to kiss you.”
His eyes lit up. Without a word, he kissed her.
—
Meanwhile, He Cheng was caught in a scandal when photos of him holding hands with Tang Huaihuai were leaked online. He issued a statement emphasizing a normal relationship, calling Tang an outsider and requesting privacy.
Tan Yazhuo and the company were unaware; it was all He Cheng’s doing.
Though he claimed she was an outsider, her background was quickly uncovered: a college professor with a clean reputation and good looks.
This revelation damaged He Cheng’s fanbase, causing many female fans to drop off. Upon hearing the news, Tan Yazhuo immediately held a company meeting, the details of which He Cheng neither knew nor cared about.
Tang Huaihuai, seeing the online news, contacted He Cheng, asking, “Your company doesn’t mind this exposure?”
“There are some complaints, but it doesn’t matter. I don’t care.”
“So you’re really a big star with that kind of confidence. Not afraid of ruining your reputation?”
He Cheng said, “Stop with the nonsense. I’ve done what you asked. Where’s what you owe me?”
“No rush. I need another favor. I can’t stay here anymore. I need a hidden place where no one will find me.”
“You’re asking too much.”
“This is just in case. I’m scared.”
“Stay at mine for now. We’ll meet later, and I’ll give you the key.”
“Thank you, Mr. He.”
After dealing with Tang Huaihuai, Tan Yazhuo came to confront He Cheng privately.
They went to a secluded corner. He lit a cigarette and said, “Speak. What’s the matter?”
Tan said, “Your wings are getting too big. You don’t take me or the company seriously. You date whoever you want and expose it whenever you please. He Cheng, do you want to be an artist anymore?”
“I’m still an artist, but I’m also a person. Isn’t it normal to want love?”
“For ordinary people, yes. But you’re not. Your selfishness is damaging the company’s image. Do you realize that?”
He Cheng seemed indifferent, smiling. “So what do you want me to do?”
Tan Yazhuo was helpless. He was popular, had new dramas and variety shows lined up, and great resources. Now dating was already affecting him. If not handled well, future work would suffer. She wanted to scold him but couldn’t; as long as he could generate income, she had no say. Still, he was unstable, constantly causing negative news, and she, as his agent, was clueless. The company questioned her about not knowing her artist’s situation.
He Cheng said, “Things are as they are. If the company wants to punish me, fine. Do whatever you want.”
He truly didn’t see a problem and maintained his infuriating attitude.
Tan warned, “You’re cocky now, but don’t forget what you did to A Zhou. I have evidence. If you keep this up, I’ll replace you.”
He Cheng was unfazed. He guessed A Zhou’s intentions when she quit. He wasn’t afraid she’d speak out; she had a reputation to protect. If she did, she’d ruin herself, not him. He was a man and didn’t care. Everyone would just call A Zhou shameless.
After A Zhou left, Tan replaced his assistant with a male and swapped most of his staff for men. He didn’t mind; he was unbeatable.
Tan asked, “Your so-called girlfriend is Tang Huaihuai, right?”
“So what?”
“Alright.”
—
Cheng Hui, who hadn’t left her room, saw He Cheng’s news trending. She clicked on it and was shocked to see Tang Huaihuai identified as He Cheng’s girlfriend. She looked repeatedly, convinced it was a hallucination.
How could Tang Huaihuai be He Cheng’s girlfriend when she liked He Chuan?
He Chuan saw her frowning, scratching her head and chin, put down his mouse, came over, and frowned at the news on her phone.
She looked up and asked, “Tang Huaihuai likes you, right?”
“I don’t like her.”
“That’s not the point. She’s liked you all along. How could she be with He Cheng? And it’s public now.”
He Chuan guessed Tang Huaihuai’s motives immediately upon seeing the news. She had gotten involved with He Cheng. He sat beside Cheng Hui, expression indifferent. “Ignore it.”
Cheng Hui was stunned and nestled in his arms. “I feel something bad is coming. He Cheng is against you. Tang Huaihuai likes you. Could they team up against you?”
“Worried about me?”
“Yes. I’m really worried.”
She had never liked He Cheng. Since childhood, she found him sinister and underhanded, always scheming in the shadows.
Especially now, with Uncle He paralyzed and He Cheng and his relatives conspiring against He Chuan, and Tang Huaihuai dating He Cheng, Cheng Hui truly feared for him.
He Chuan twirled her hair between his fingers. “Don’t worry. I can handle it.”
Cheng Hui bit her lip. “I’ll beg my brother and father to help you, so you’re not alone.”
She was serious. “I know their status might not be appropriate, but there’s no other way. Dad knows many people. If he speaks up, someone will help. You facing He Cheng and his family alone is tough.”
He Chuan gazed at her for a long moment, his eyes growing tender. “You worry so much about me and still say you don’t like me?”
“I never said that…”
“You rejected me so decisively before. I haven’t forgotten.”
“This isn’t the time to bring that up.” She grabbed his sleeve. “He Cheng plays dirty. He’s really bad. I’m afraid he’ll pull tricks. Dad always says it’s easier to dodge a bullet than an ambush. People like He Cheng deserve no mercy. He’s a star now. I could expose his misdeeds and ruin him.”
He Chuan understood her desire to help but knew the situation was more complicated than she realized. She was too naive, which Tang Que exploited, causing her great pain—a lifelong shadow. She hadn’t told him but worried for him and even said she’d seek help from Cheng Father and Cheng Jiu. He felt both happy and heartbroken that she still cared so much.
He caressed her cheek and kissed her. “Sweetheart, it’s okay. You don’t have to worry about these things. I know what I’m doing. I just want you to be as happy and carefree as before. That’s the most important.”
“But…”
“Trust me, okay?”
Cheng Hui believed him and nodded. “Alright then.”
He Chuan reminded her, “Don’t tell Uncle Cheng about me. Uncle Cheng and Cheng Jiu aren’t suitable to get involved, understand?”
“I know.”
—
Cheng Jiu was also overwhelmed lately with the Zhou Ya project. That troubled project had been stalled for a long time with no one handling it. Now the higher-ups dumped the hot potato on him, discussing it in meetings.
Zhou Ya heard the news and came to see him directly in his office.
Zhou Ya was shameless. Cheng Jiu was prepared, wanting to bribe but couldn’t openly, fearing leaving evidence. So in their meeting, he hinted at the bribe covertly.
Cheng Jiu’s current status was beyond Zhou Ya’s control. Zhou Ya could only try to curry favor or, bluntly, buy him off.
But Cheng Jiu’s temperament hadn’t changed since university—buyoffs were impossible, especially now during such a sensitive time.
It was clear Zhou Ya was desperate.
Cheng Jiu said, “Like I said, I don’t decide. Follow the process.”
“Process, process, always process. Do you have anything else to say? Do you know how much effort I put into this project?”
Cheng Jiu calmly locked eyes with him and said, “If there were no issues, it wouldn’t be stuck. Zhou Ya, instead of begging me, better spend time finding the problem. You’ve come to me so many times, it’s inappropriate.”
Zhou Ya had no response. He was frustrated but powerless. He left without an escort.
Cheng Jiu didn’t see him off and later attended a city meeting.
That evening, Cheng Jiu went home. During dinner, Madam Cheng asked, “Have you found out about Hui Hui? Who took her?”
Before Cheng Jiu could answer, Cheng Father interrupted, “Eat first.”
Madam Cheng said, “We can’t let Hui Hui suffer. We have to find that man and make him pay!”
After speaking, she put down her chopsticks and went upstairs.
The two men ate in silence, both with little appetite.
Cheng Father asked, “Did you find him?”
Cheng Jiu finished eating slowly and said, “Yes.”
Cheng Father pondered. “What will you do?”
“Handle it in the best way.”
Cheng Jiu didn’t explain further. Making this public would hurt Cheng Hui again. She hadn’t told them after returning because she feared escalation, but silence wouldn’t solve anything.
—
Madam Cheng cried in her room, heartbroken. Just thinking of Hui Hui’s lost and disoriented state when she came home made her sob uncontrollably.