Chapter Forty-Seven: On the Verge of Departure

Cheng Jiu inexplicably smiled. "Go on."

"He just came back a while ago, and it was by chance that I saw the lock screen on He Cheng's phone—it was Xin Gan."

"They know each other?"

"Yes, both studied in New Town. I remember one year Xin Gan's parents brought her over to our house as guests. While chatting, we discovered they were studying in the same place, and that's how they met."

Cheng Jiu asked, "How old were they then?"

"Xin Gan went abroad at thirteen, my brother left after high school. Since Xin Gan had more experience, my mom asked her to look after He Cheng a bit. You know, my relationship with He Cheng isn’t good. He never tells me anything, and I only heard about this from my mom. Later, I happened to see the lock screen on his phone."

So, it was simply that they both happened to be in the same city, met by chance, and then helped each other as compatriots in a foreign land?

Cheng Jiu licked his lips, his eyes growing darker.

The He brothers didn’t get along, but He Chuan and Cheng Jiu were close, more like brothers. In He Chuan’s view, He Cheng only brought trouble to the family, and as the elder brother, meddling too much only provoked resentment, and over time, their relationship deteriorated.

Back when He Cheng graduated high school, the family sent him abroad because his grades were poor and he couldn’t get into a good university at home. The family figured it would be better to send him overseas to toughen up and learn a few things.

Those years abroad, He Cheng barely contacted He Chuan, and He Chuan was busy. Both men, neither likely to share feelings, not even exchanging holiday greetings—their family bond faded to almost nothing.

After noticing He Cheng’s phone’s lock screen, He Chuan mulled it over for a long time, suspecting that with He Cheng’s temperament, he’d inevitably stir up some trouble. So he gave Cheng Jiu a heads up, since Xin Gan and Cheng Jiu were engaged, letting him be prepared.

Cheng Jiu listened in silence; he hadn’t expected Xin Gan to have been sent abroad at thirteen.

He Chuan’s tone wavered. Hearing nothing from Cheng Jiu, he began to explain, "I think maybe it’s not what we imagine. It could just be one-sided on He Cheng’s part. Besides, Xin Gan has been engaged to you since childhood. Her family wouldn’t allow her to date anyone else."

By the end, He Chuan’s voice grew smaller, lacking conviction, because even though Cheng Jiu knew he was engaged, he’d still dated girls in college.

He Chuan and Cheng Jiu were the same age, attended the same schools all their lives; he knew Cheng Jiu well.

Cheng Jiu let out a laugh, ambiguous in meaning. "Alright, I get it."

He asked lightly, "Why did her family send her abroad at thirteen? She’s their only daughter. That’s harsh."

He Chuan replied, "Not really harsh, just her grandfather’s educational philosophy. Xin Gan’s father went through the same. Even as a girl, she couldn’t escape it."

"Are you close with her?"

"...Not really. Weren’t you the one asking me about her?"

"Alright, that’s enough."

"By the way, about He Cheng—"

"You don’t need to worry about the rest. I know what to do. No need to say anything to He Cheng either."

"Got it, I’ll leave it at that. If anything comes up, let me know."

"Mm, goodbye."

Cheng Jiu hung up, finally turning to glance at Jiang Tang. He asked quietly, "Is there something else?"

Jiang Tang looked at his profile, the dim light and wan moonlight casting a faint glow over him. Her gaze never left him, drinking in the sight greedily.

But no matter how fervent her eyes, how intense, she couldn’t draw a response from him.

He’d already told her—he couldn’t give her anything in return.

All because of Xin Gan.

But what did Xin Gan amount to? When she and Cheng Jiu had braved life and death together, where was Xin Gan?

What right or ability did she have to come between them?

Jiang Tang’s smile grew colder at that thought.

She said, "About what I mentioned earlier..."

Cheng Jiu remembered. "Jiang Tang, I won’t beat around the bush. Let me be clear—I never had any such feelings for you."

Jiang Tang pressed her lips together, trembling, and forced a self-mocking smile. "So it was just wishful thinking on my part."

Cheng Jiu had nothing more to say. After all, it was her own business who she liked, but he couldn’t offer her any response. If he’d given the wrong impression at some point, that was his mistake.

But he knew very well how he felt—he only saw her as a comrade-in-arms, nothing more.

He called her name, "Jiang Tang..."

She quickly waved him off. "It’s better now that we’ve cleared the air. I can only blame myself for misunderstanding, thinking you were single, so I... Forget it, there’s no point saying any of this now. Sorry for troubling you. I must have troubled Miss Xin too."

"It’s nothing, don’t worry about it."

"What about Miss Xin?" Jiang Tang deftly steered the conversation away, shifting the awkwardness to Xin Gan. "Earlier, I probably had some unpleasant run-ins with her. I didn’t know she was your fiancée, thought she was your sister, so I might’ve said some inappropriate things..."

"Cheng Jiu, I didn’t do it on purpose. I really didn’t know your relationship. So, how about this: I’ll go see Miss Xin tomorrow and invite her to dinner with my father. I’ll explain everything to her."

Cheng Jiu wanted to refuse, but Jiang Tang pressed on. "Don’t worry, I won’t say anything else to her. I just want to apologize for making her uncomfortable."

He didn’t reply, only said, "No need. She’s not feeling well—let her rest."

"In that case, shall we go to my father’s tomorrow?"

"I’ll notify the higher-ups."

"Thank you. My father will be glad to see you."

...

Cheng Jiu was unwilling to let Xin Gan see Jiang Tang, afraid she’d be upset. When she’d asked about his relationship with Jiang Tang, he’d explained, but Xin Gan’s indifferent reaction left him at a loss.

He didn’t understand her well enough. She was guarded, never easily revealing her true emotions or thoughts.

Returning to the dormitory, Cheng Jiu headed to the shower. Though it was a cold shower, Xin Gan’s image drifted into his mind—her in a dress, standing in the wind, the hem fluttering, revealing delicate ankles—

The water seemed to grow hotter. Cheng Jiu braced against the wall, his breath quickening, the steam blurring reality.

...

After returning to the inn, Xin Gan showered and washed her hair. It took a long time to dry, and exhausted, she soon fell asleep.

That night, she dreamed of her years studying abroad, the initial discomfort, the constant homesickness, crying alone in her room at night, unable to stop herself from calling home, saying she wanted to come back. Each time, her mother told her they’d spent so much on her education she couldn’t just waste it, she had to persevere, learn to be independent, not always rely on her parents.

Every call ended in tears. Her mother’s heart ached, and she cried too, but no matter how much they missed each other, Xin Gan couldn’t return—she had to finish her studies before coming home.

That time was truly lonely. After crying at night, she’d have to go to school with swollen eyes, still greet her classmates cheerfully, or she’d never make friends, as her teacher had told her.

Later, she adapted, stopped crying, and only shared good news when calling home, never the bad, afraid to worry them, and more afraid her parents would think she was weak—that crying solved nothing.

Afterward, He Cheng graduated high school. The family spent a lot to send him abroad.

Xin Gan got a call from her parents, asking her to look after He Cheng. He was a year younger, and she, always good-natured, agreed, doing everything she could to help.

She never imagined that her small favor would bring her so much trouble.

When she woke, dawn had broken outside the window. She got up to wash and checked her flight—no tickets for tomorrow, only the day after. After a moment’s hesitation, she booked a flight for the evening after tomorrow.

Looking in the mirror, her skin was peeling, dehydrated, reddened from sun exposure and a slight allergic reaction. Even after a night’s rest, it hadn’t improved.

While she was applying lotion, someone knocked on the door. She opened it to find Jiang Tang outside, a little surprised, asking coolly, "You’re up early, Miss Jiang, what is it?"

Jiang Tang agreed, "Yes, it’s a bit early—just after seven. Are you heading out?"

"You’re up early too."

"I came specifically to see you."

Xin Gan’s expression was bland, devoid of emotion.

Jiang Tang explained, "Cheng Jiu and I are going to Yajiang Town for some business. I thought I should let you know."

Her eyes swept the room, spotting Xin Gan’s packed suitcase.

"Why?" Xin Gan asked.

Jiang Tang withdrew her gaze, smiling. "I only found out yesterday that you’re Cheng Jiu’s fiancée. I apologize for anything I said or did before. If I’d known, I never would have behaved that way."

She was frank, leaving no room to doubt her sincerity. "If I were you, I wouldn’t be happy either, and I wouldn’t be friendly—I understand."

Xin Gan frowned slightly, unsure of Jiang Tang’s intentions.

She wasn’t sure whether to believe her. But, apart from Cheng Jiu, she and Jiang Tang had no conflict—any animosity was only because of him. Take him out of the equation, and there was no reason for them to be at odds.

Xin Gan didn’t have the energy to spar anyway. She’d already booked her flight—this time, she was leaving no matter what.

As for her engagement to Cheng Jiu, she’d have to find another chance to clarify things with him.

"Miss Xin, I’ll say it again—I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it." Jiang Tang then added, "But I won’t give up on Cheng Jiu. You two aren’t married yet, so I still have a chance."

Xin Gan’s brows drew together. "So all this was to say that?"

"You don’t seem angry."

"I’m not. Why would I be? But you’re talking to the wrong person. You should tell Cheng Jiu, not me. To be honest, I don’t care what’s gone on between you two, and things between me and him aren’t like you think." Having made her point, she gestured for Jiang Tang to leave.

Turned away, Jiang Tang wasn’t angry. She just smiled and left the inn.

She’d come early just for this.

In her heart, she was convinced there was no love between Xin Gan and Cheng Jiu—she couldn’t sense any affection. And Xin Gan’s words were worth pondering.

...

Around ten in the morning, Cheng Jiu went to see Jiang Tang’s father. Jiang Tang was there too. He ate lunch with them, and Jiang Tang’s father insisted he drink. Cheng Jiu had no choice—Jiang Tang’s father had once saved his life, though he’d suffered a work injury and retired to recover at home.

Because of this, Cheng Jiu owed him a debt of gratitude; he visited every year, and was close to the family.

Jiang Tang had fallen for him at first sight, and her father, knowing his daughter’s feelings, once offered to play matchmaker.

Jiang Tang refused—she thought love should be confessed by herself.

Yet today her father brought it up anyway.

"Ah Jiu, Tangtang isn’t young anymore. You’ve known each other for years, must understand each other well. I’ve always had a thought, but I don’t know how you feel about it."

The meaning was obvious.

Cheng Jiu wasn’t the only guest; Jiang Yang, Jiang Tang’s cousin, was also there.

Jiang Yang said, "Uncle, you’ve had too much. If you’re so direct, Tangtang will be embarrassed."

Jiang Tang kept her head down, silently eating.

"A man should marry, a woman should wed—nothing to be embarrassed about, it’s not shameful." Her father looked at Cheng Jiu. "Ah Jiu, don’t you agree?"

They all waited for his answer. But he’d just clarified things with Jiang Tang last night, and now her father was pushing again. He glanced at Jiang Tang, expressionless, and forced a smile. "Uncle Jiang, to be honest, I..."

"Dad, don’t make things hard for him. For now, we’re not considering that, please drop it, or where will I put my face?"

Her father, slow to react, realized what she meant. He laughed it off, teasing, "Look how shy she is. Alright, let’s not talk about it anymore."

Jiang Tang looked at Cheng Jiu. "Don’t mind him—he’s drunk and rambling. You know his drinking habits."

Cheng Jiu smiled faintly, saying nothing.

After lunch, the sun was fierce. Cheng Jiu and Jiang Yang stayed, planning to return to their unit in the afternoon. Jiang Tang’s father took the opportunity to have a private chat with Cheng Jiu.

Jiang Yang found Jiang Tang alone. "Why didn’t you let Uncle keep talking earlier?"

"What could I do? I spoke to Cheng Jiu last night—he told me Xin Gan is his fiancée. What am I supposed to do?"

"Jiu-ge said so himself? How come? I’ve never heard that before."

"Why else would I stop Dad? I’m not happy about it either." Her jealousy showed on her face.

"So what will you do?"

"What do you think? I’m not giving up. I’ve given so much for him. I could have left for better opportunities, but I stayed for him. I won’t admit defeat."

As her relative, Jiang Yang naturally sided with her, and perhaps because of his bias, he didn’t like Xin Gan.

"Is there any way?" he asked.

"Jiang Yang, help me ask Xiao Shi about where they went those days and what happened."

"No problem."

Since he was on her side, he’d help however he could.

Cheng Jiu had planned to leave in the afternoon, but Jiang Tang’s father’s leg suddenly acted up. It hurt badly and he needed to go to the hospital, but mobility was an issue. Jiang Tang asked him to help take her father.

The city hospital was small but crowded.

After all that, it was evening. Jiang Tang insisted they stay for dinner.

Afterwards, Cheng Jiu helped clear the table. Jiang Tang tried to help with the dishes, but he avoided her, making her look upset. "Do you really dislike me that much?"

"Not at all. Don’t overthink it," he replied calmly.

He went to wash the dishes, Jiang Tang following him into the kitchen.

"Cheng Jiu, I really troubled you today. I’m glad you were all here—I wouldn’t have known what to do otherwise."

"It was nothing."

"By the way, I went to see Miss Xin this morning and apologized in person. Cheng Jiu, can we still be comrades?"

He gave a noncommittal "mm," his tone flat.

"One more thing—when I visited Miss Xin this morning, I saw her luggage packed. Is she leaving?"

Cheng Jiu paused, emotion finally flickering in his eyes. "She told you?"

"No, I didn’t ask. But she had her suitcase ready. Judging by your reaction, you didn’t know either. Did I say something I shouldn’t have?"

Cheng Jiu finished rinsing the dishes and set them aside. "It’s late, I should get going. I have things to do tomorrow."

"Going back this late?"

"Yeah."

Jiang Tang followed him out. He was saying goodbye to her father, who wanted him to stay the night—the room was ready—but Cheng Jiu refused politely but firmly, promising to visit again.

Her father couldn’t insist, so he let it go.

Jiang Tang watched Cheng Jiu get into the car. Seeing him leave, Jiang Yang got in too. The headlights flashed, making her squint. The next moment, the engine roared and Cheng Jiu drove off.

The roads at night were bad, especially in remote Yajiang Town, where not a single road was fully paved.

Jiang Yang sat in the front seat, trying to make conversation. "Jiu-ge, you’re in a hurry to get back?"

"Mm," Cheng Jiu replied, cool as ever.

"Jiu-ge, I..."

Cheng Jiu cut him off coldly, "Any progress on tracking Fishhead’s men?"

"Not yet, still no news. They’re slippery, and the terrain out here in the northern islets is complicated, highlands—hard to track."

"Speed it up. If you get word, notify me immediately."

"Yes, Jiu-ge."

After a while, Jiang Yang said, "Jiu-ge, why don’t I drive? You’ve had a long day. I didn’t drink, and I know the roads."

"Alright, you drive."

He really wasn’t in any shape to be behind the wheel.