Chapter 99: Taken a Fancy To

Tang Huaihuai was amused by his self-assured tone and said, "I thought you treated me differently than other women."

"Don't overthink it," He Chuan replied coldly.

"He Chuan," Tang Huaihuai called his name again, "Are you serious, or are you just playing around? If you're only playing, I can wait until you're done and come back to you. You know, I'm willing to wait."

He Chuan laughed, his eyes carrying a hint of contempt. "I'll take it that you're just joking."

Tang Huaihuai could no longer smile. She stared at him, expressionless except for the absence of laughter.

"Enough. If you have nothing else, you should leave," He Chuan said impatiently.

Tang Huaihuai thought for a while and said, "He Chuan, you know that Cheng Hui likes Tang Que. There's no way you're unaware."

He Chuan was unconcerned, his brow suddenly cold. Clearly, he didn't even want to feign interest anymore.

Tang Huaihuai said, "Judging by your expression, you do know. Truly impressive, He Chuan."

He Chuan maintained an indifferent attitude, letting her say whatever she wanted, completely detached and unresponsive.

Tang Huaihuai didn't hide the mocking look in her eyes as she sat on the edge of the desk, casting him a sidelong glance. "You and Cheng Hui—do you really think there's a possibility?"

He Chuan pondered for a moment, then smiled, his eyes calculating. "In truth, whoever I fancy is none of your business."

Tang Huaihuai laughed. "Indeed, it was my foolish wishful thinking."

Having reached the end of the conversation, she saw no reason to linger, and He Chuan didn't bother to see her off.

When Tang Huaihuai stormed out, He Chuan regained his composure and summoned his secretary. "Reschedule tomorrow night's plans. Something else has come up."

"Tomorrow night is the dinner with Mr. Wang. Should I postpone Mr. Wang's—"

"It's fine. Reschedule."

"Understood."

...

She couldn't swallow her anger—no matter what, she simply couldn't. He Chuan had toyed with her for so long, only to reveal he'd been hiding feelings for Cheng Hui all along.

Tang Huaihuai walked out of He Chuan's company, took a deep breath, and thought, He Chuan, you brought this on yourself.

Without delay, Tang Huaihuai contacted Tang Que. "Tang Que, do your sister a favor."

Tang Que replied, "..."

"Say something."

"What favor?"

"Help your sister win over Cheng Hui."

Tang Que laughed. "What do you mean by 'win over Cheng Hui'?"

Tang Huaihuai explained succinctly, "He Chuan is interested in Cheng Hui."

...

Cheng Hui wasn't at school—she'd gone home for a meal. Even Cheng Jiu noticed she was avoiding someone, and when he wanted to talk to her, Father Cheng called him away.

Father Cheng told him to dress formally. Cheng Jiu had a good idea of what was happening; such formality meant meeting important people.

Father Cheng had arranged a tea gathering with several prominent friends, specifically inviting Cheng Jiu. The main purpose was to introduce him to influential figures in the circle, so that in the future, if he needed help, he'd have connections.

In this circle, without some intricate relationships, it's hard to survive, let alone excel.

Father Cheng had thought out Cheng Jiu's future path, and as soon as he returned, he began smoothing relationships.

Upon arriving, Cheng Jiu greeted the elders properly, neither vague nor careless.

That didn't mean he agreed with his father's methods, but he could understand a father's intentions.

Their dinner gathering was conducted with particular etiquette; they couldn't discuss matters openly but spoke in riddles, everyone knowing the subtext. Still, out of respect for Father Cheng, they gave him some face.

The dinner lasted a long time.

Father Cheng signaled to Cheng Jiu to pour wine and not stand around like a wooden pole.

Cheng Jiu understood; he couldn't embarrass his father in front of others, so he stood up, took the wine bottle, and poured for everyone.

After ten at night, the dinner finally ended. After seeing off the guests, Father Cheng said, "I know what you're thinking. Anything you want to say?"

Cheng Jiu replied, "Nothing."

"Those men are all influential—one is the mayor's secretary, a trusted aide. Build these connections now, and if anything comes up, they can help."

Cheng Jiu was unenthusiastic. "It's not necessary. I can manage on my own."

"You can tough it out, but can Xin Gan? Are you willing to let her suffer with you?"

Cheng Jiu lit a cigarette, silent.

Father Cheng said, "I've done all I can for you. The rest is up to you. In the end, it depends on your own abilities, do as much as you can."

Cheng Jiu replied, "Understood."

...

For the past few days, Cheng Jiu had been driving her to work. This morning, as usual, Xin Gan noticed he seemed in low spirits. Though his words and expressions were the same as always, she sensed a certain gloom. In the parking lot near the studio, she unbuckled her seatbelt and asked softly.

"What's wrong? You don't seem happy."

Cheng Jiu shook his head. "No, I'm fine."

"Hmm?"

Cheng Jiu turned and smiled. "You're very attentive, aren't you?"

"Of course. I've watched you all the way here, only just now noticed."

Cheng Jiu turned off the engine and pulled out the keys. "I can't sleep well every night. Do you know why?"

Xin Gan immediately understood, pressing her lips together, her voice gentle. "We have our marriage certificate, but haven't held the wedding yet. My mother wants us to wait until after the wedding before I move in with you. Mainly, I just want to spend more time with my family..."

She hadn't spent a short time with Cheng Jiu and understood what mattered to him.

Her explanation was reasonable, nothing wrong.

Cheng Jiu sighed, reached out and patted her head, his gaze indulgent. "I understand, but you need to make time for me too."

"Alright, if nothing comes up at the studio tonight, I'll get off early and come find you," Xin Gan promised, feeling this was the best she could do.

Cheng Jiu said, "Good girl. Text me when you're off work, I'll come pick you up."

"Okay." Xin Gan got out, bent down and said, "I'm going now. Drive safe."

At this moment, Xin Gan's attention was entirely on him, putting him first in everything and considering his feelings.

Father Cheng wanted him to join the Z bureau, work there for a spell, achieve something after a year or so, then steadily rise step by step.

Having settled the plan to spend the evening together, Xin Gan was distracted all day at the studio. In the afternoon, while others were resting, she finished her unfinished painting.

Her portrait of Cheng Jiu was meticulous and vivid. On the paper, the man bowed his head, holding a hairdryer as he dried the woman's hair—a warm, tender scene with a touch of daily life. She liked it very much, though she wondered if Cheng Jiu would appreciate it as well.

But the painting was rather private, not suitable for display. She didn't want their intimate moment exposed, so once the paint dried, she covered it with a canvas.

The assistant knocked, came in, and said, "Boss, here are the past years' art exam questions and some materials—I’ve compiled them for you."

During the joint exam this year, Xin Gan wasn't in Yongcheng, so she had her secretary summarize the previous years' exam questions. Some students in the studio would soon be in their final year, so the upcoming joint exam would be a hurdle—they needed to prepare early.

Xin Gan said, "Thank you, just leave them here. I'll look at them later."

"Alright, boss, I won’t disturb you."

Around five or six in the afternoon, students arrived at the studio. The male classmate who used to hang out with Cheng Hui hesitated, then approached Xin Gan. "Ms. Xin, I have a question."

"Go ahead."

"Why hasn't Cheng Hui come lately? Haven't seen her in a while."

"She's attending classes at school."

"Isn't first year pretty relaxed? She hasn't been here in ages."

Xin Gan said, "I'll pass your message along, ask what she's been busy with lately."

"Forget it, maybe she doesn't want to see me."

"Why?"

"On my birthday, she said I couldn't drink because I was underage, so we went to Disney instead. Halfway through, some guy came and took her away."

"A guy? Do you know who he was?"

"I think his surname was He, but I'm not sure. After that, she barely hung out with me. I'm still wondering who that was—her boyfriend? Maybe he told her not to hang out with me." The boy was simply puzzled, nothing malicious.

Xin Gan got the gist. "Let's talk later, the teacher's coming. You should head in."

After nine, the students had all left. Xin Gan texted Cheng Jiu.

He arrived quickly, but didn't come up to the studio—he waited downstairs.

Xin Gan was the last to leave. Seeing him from afar, she hurried over, though she wasn't as cheerful as expected, still debating whether to tell him about Cheng Hui.

Once in the car, Cheng Jiu asked, "Have you eaten? Why so late?"

"All tutoring centers finish around this time. I've eaten already. You?"

"I've eaten."

He took her to his place. As soon as they entered and closed the door, Cheng Jiu pressed her against the door, kissing her with restrained passion.

His hands were not exactly proper. She obediently leaned against the door, gentle-eyed, so docile one would want to bully her—especially now, with no one else around, the timing and place perfect.

His gaze was deep and intense, lingering on her for a long time, unsatisfied with just kissing. He drew closer. "Did you tell your family?"

"What?"

"That you'll be home late tonight."

Xin Gan's face flushed, anticipation stirring inside her. Out of embarrassment, she lowered her voice and said, "I told my mom I won't be home tonight."

Cheng Jiu was naturally pleased, his lips curving. "Such a good girl."

She had called her mother, saying she might not come home tonight. Her mother wasn't surprised, speaking like someone who's been through it all: "Got it, don't stay out too late, and be careful."

She almost spelled it out, advising Xin Gan not to get carried away with Cheng Jiu, to take precautions if they weren't planning for children yet.

She didn't know how long it lasted. Xin Gan lay exhausted on the bed, half-asleep, watching Cheng Jiu get up and bring a hot towel to wipe her back. She was drenched in sweat and too tired to clean herself, so Cheng Jiu took care of it.

When he finished, Cheng Jiu dimmed the bedside lamp and lay beside her, holding her close.

That night, he finally slept well.

But Xin Gan woke the next day with aching limbs, the soreness more pronounced.

Cheng Jiu, on the other hand, seemed utterly satisfied, energetic and awake before her, making breakfast.

Xin Gan washed up and came out, sitting at the table. "You made this?"

"Who else—ghosts?"

Xin Gan: "... "

Cheng Jiu sat across from her, waiting until she finished eating before having his own. He didn't mind. After tidying up, he said, "Let's find time to pick a new bed."

"Do we need a new bed? The one in the bedroom seems fine," Xin Gan was puzzled.

"It's too hard. I'm fine alone, but a softer one won't hurt you."

"... " Xin Gan blushed, muttering, "Rogue."

But he had a point—her knees were red, all from last night, where she hadn't paid attention to friction.

Today, though, Xin Gan had no time. "The day after tomorrow, I have time."

"Then we'll go shopping the day after tomorrow."

Xin Gan nodded.

On their usual drive to the studio, Father Cheng called, asking where he was.

Cheng Jiu replied, "Out."

"Everything's arranged. The day after tomorrow, bring your documents and report in."

Cheng Jiu gripped the phone tightly. "Understood."

He hung up, then turned to Xin Gan. "Day after tomorrow, I'll start working at Z bureau. Xin Gan, what time are you off tonight?"

"Work? What kind?"

"Government."

Xin Gan's eyelid twitched. "Did Uncle Cheng arrange it?" She was quite surprised.

Cheng Jiu said, "Yes." He had previously gone to Beiyu against Father Cheng's wishes. Now, after such trouble, Father Cheng feared his future career might be affected and arranged for him to transfer—government work was the best option.

Xin Gan said, "If you want to do it, I'm behind you, Cheng Jiu."

He patted her head. "Do I look unwilling?"

"Not exactly." Xin Gan couldn't quite say, but after a moment's hesitation, she voiced her worry. "I'm concerned you won't adapt to such a complex environment."

"It'll be fine, just stay cautious."

Since Cheng Jiu was so sure, Xin Gan stopped worrying. If he entered government, he'd be under scrutiny.

Suddenly, Cheng Jiu remembered something and asked, "While I was away from Yongcheng, did Cheng Hui act strangely?"

"... " Xin Gan bit her lip, hesitating; she had some doubts, though she couldn't pinpoint them.

"What is it?"

"It's just... something seems off, but maybe I'm overthinking."

"Tell me."

"Cheng Hui seems to be avoiding He Chuan."

...

Cheng Hui was Cheng Jiu's sister—his only sister. While he wasn't blindly indulgent, he never neglected her. He had asked He Chuan to help keep her in check, fearing her wild nature might invite trouble.

Over time, He Chuan and Cheng Hui grew closer, and she became attached to him. As He Chuan was his friend, Cheng Jiu trusted him completely, never suspecting ulterior motives.

Therefore, he never doubted He Chuan's kindness toward Cheng Hui.

Now, hearing this, he realized lately Cheng Hui hadn't been interacting with He Chuan much, and when He Chuan visited, Cheng Hui would stay hidden in her room.

Xin Gan herself wasn't sure. "Maybe I’m overthinking, but Cheng Jiu, let’s suppose. Suppose He Chuan and Cheng Hui..."

Cheng Jiu said, "Nothing's certain yet. Maybe they're just having a disagreement. Don't worry, I know what you're getting at—I'll handle it."

Since Cheng Jiu had taken charge, she could relax. She was worried about Cheng Hui, yet Cheng Hui hadn't confided in her.

...

When Xin Gan returned to the studio, she saw a stack of envelopes on her desk. She assumed it was a delivery, opened them, and found photo after photo—the very ones He Cheng had claimed to have deleted, now glaringly present.

She immediately called her assistant. "Who put these on my desk?"

The assistant recognized the envelope. "It was delivered by courier. I thought it was office supplies—I opened the box, saw envelopes addressed to you, and put them on your desk... Is something wrong?"

"Nothing. You can go now."

The assistant left.

Xin Gan’s hands shook as she held the photos, each one dredging up dark memories she could never escape.

She could only think that the sender was He Cheng—no one else would have these photos.

He Cheng had claimed to have deleted them all; clearly, he had lied.

Xin Gan quickly found the blocked number in her phone—it was He Cheng's. She dialed in haste. When the call connected, it was a girl's voice.

"Who are you looking for?"

Xin Gan steadied herself. "I'm looking for He Cheng."

"He’s busy. What's your name? What's the matter? When he’s done, I can pass it along, is that alright?"

Xin Gan gripped the phone tightly. "When will he be done?"

"Not sure—he's filming."

"I'll call back later."

...

Zhou didn't understand why she had to answer the call—He Cheng was right there in the van and had no filming today, but she dared not ask, fearing he'd be displeased.

He Cheng took back the phone, leisurely unlocking it to browse his photo album.

Zhou asked, "He Cheng, you’re not filming today. Want to go back to the hotel?"

He Cheng raised an eyebrow. "What, haven't slept with me in a few days and now you’re eager?"

Zhou's ears turned red. "No, that's not what I meant. It’s just... I got my period..."

He Cheng's eyes flashed with disdain. "Then behave and be quiet. Don’t make a fuss."

Zhou fell silent.

He Cheng's fame grew and so did his arrogance. Actors in the same crew grumbled privately, and word reached Tan Yazhuo, who spoke with him, hoping he would cherish his reputation and not lose himself in his current success.

But he wasn't professionally trained, lacked discipline, and acted recklessly.

In less than a year, his fame had soared, but so had the scandals.

Tan Yazhuo managed his PR, instructing Zhou to keep an eye on He Cheng.

But Zhou couldn't control him—he had her in the palm of his hand, holding her secrets.

He Cheng glanced at Zhou, standing stiffly to the side, his expression openly disdainful.

Zhou knew He Cheng disliked her and lowered her head, not daring to speak.

When Xin Gan called again, He Cheng answered himself, switching to a different tone. "My little assistant said you called for me?"

Xin Gan wasn't in the mood for pleasantries. "What are you up to now?"

"I missed you. Found some old photos on my backup account and sent them to you. Also heard you and Cheng Jiu are having a wedding?"

"Whether we do or not is none of your concern."

"Not my concern? How can it not be? I care about you. If you’re with another man, shouldn't I be concerned? Tell me, how will Cheng Jiu react if he sees those photos?"

Xin Gan was furious. "Didn't you say you'd deleted them? Why are they still around? Did you lie to me?"

"I didn't lie. I deleted them, but forgot about my backup account." He Cheng feigned surprise. "Honestly, I forgot the backup had them. Xin Gan, it really wasn't intentional."

Xin Gan calmed herself, knowing she couldn't afford to lose her temper. "What do you want exactly? Just say it."

"It's simple. Nothing much. I want to chat with you, face to face—to reminisce. Last time at Huiju Tower, both your mom and Cheng’s mom were there, so you couldn’t talk. I get it. Let’s find somewhere private and catch up. How about it?"

He Cheng was deliberate. Xin Gan was married, and he knew he liked her, but it wasn't an obsession—he simply couldn't let go.

Xin Gan laughed bitterly. "He Cheng, you’re remarkable. Saying things like this, are you even human?"

"Xin Gan, don't say I didn't give you a chance. Meet me tonight. If you don't, I'll show those photos to your family and friends. Of course, I can prove my innocence, so no one will suspect me."

Xin Gan replied, "Dream on. Impossible."

"Whether it's possible depends on you. I've given you a choice. Wait and see. My patience is limited. If you don't come tonight, I'll send the photos to your family. By the way, I remember your grandfather isn’t in good health. What if he sees them, hmm?"

He Cheng joked, "Since you won't meet me alone, let's do this: the night after tomorrow, come with me somewhere."

"Forget it. Dream on."

"Xin Gan, I don't want to hurt you. Just agree to come with me this once, and I'll promise never to contact you again. I’ll delete all the photos in your presence, even hand you my phone."

"He Cheng, do you even believe your own promises?"

"You can try. If you don't believe me, I'll send your grandfather a copy tomorrow. I'll include a note explaining you were reckless abroad, mixed up with boys, and got caught on camera."

Xin Gan asked, "Do you have to do this?"

"It depends on you. If you agree, I won't send them. If not, I will."

"..."

"No time for you to consider. Give me your answer now."

...

That evening, Cheng Jiu texted Xin Gan saying he had something to handle and might be late picking her up, asking her to wait at the studio.

Cheng Jiu went to Cheng Hui's school, calling her once he arrived at the gate.

Cheng Hui answered excitedly, rushing from her dorm in slippers. Luckily, it was spring in Yongcheng—not cold, still warm.

Seeing Cheng Jiu, she wrapped herself around him like an octopus, exclaiming, "I can't believe it, you actually came to see me at school!"

Cheng Jiu brushed her off. "Have you eaten?"

"Not yet."

"Why not?"

"Lazy. Didn't want to go to the cafeteria."

"Come on, I’ll treat you to something special."

"I need to change first."

Cheng Hui ran back to her dorm to change. Her roommate, seeing her about to leave, asked, and she smiled, "My brother's taking me out to eat. Don’t lock the door tonight—I'll be back."

"Your brother?" Her roommate's gaze shifted, suggestive. "Which brother?"

"My real brother, of course. The guy who came before is also like a brother, but he's my brother's friend."

Her roommate laughed. "I see. Go ahead, just be quiet when you get back."

"Okay."

After Cheng Hui left, another roommate remarked, "Didn't expect Cheng Hui to be so popular with guys."

"Are you jealous?"

"Aren't you? She comes from a good family, wants for nothing, and has so many brothers looking out for her. If any girl had that, who wouldn't be envious?"

The roommate sighed from her bunk. "We can't all be born lucky. That's fate."

In their dorm, Cheng Hui had the best background; the others were much the same. She never made a show of it, but her daily habits revealed her status.

When He Chuan had visited, he brought gifts, which Cheng Hui had passed on to her roommates without telling him.

The roommates knew of He Chuan, sometimes teasing Cheng Hui about whether he had a girlfriend, and if he could introduce them. She always avoided the topic.

Over time, some resentment built.

...

Cheng Jiu took Cheng Hui to a restaurant near the university town. She ordered plenty, delighted and a bit carried away.

Cheng Jiu said little, letting her order as she pleased, but reminded her, "Order only what you can finish. No wasting."

"I’ll get some for my roommates too. Don’t be stingy."

"Fine, go ahead."

When the food arrived, Cheng Hui was happy, her smile wide. "You’re the best brother in the world."

"And He Chuan?"

"Why bring him up? I don’t want to talk about him."

Cheng Jiu smiled. "He’s not treating you well?"

Cheng Hui's gaze dodged, avoiding the topic.

Cheng Jiu placed food in her bowl. "I've been away in Beiyu for years and couldn't look after you. You always turned to He Chuan for help. Now you don’t want to mention him—I want to know why. Cheng Hui, I’m your brother. What happened?"

Cheng Hui paused, fearful. She was terrified someone would find out what He Chuan had done, so she'd always gone along with him. Now Cheng Jiu was asking, and she panicked—did he know something?

"Nothing, really. I just feel I’ve grown up and shouldn’t cling to him like before. He Chuan is older now, and Aunt He is urging him to marry and find a girlfriend. If I keep following him around like a child, people will laugh."

"Is that all?"

"Yes, that's all."

Cheng Hui's face didn't betray her words.

"Alright."

Cheng Hui’s hands and feet went cold, but she kept eating, pretending not to hear.

She was at a loss for how to answer.

Cheng Jiu's sharp eyes saw straight through her. He didn't want to interrogate her like a criminal—no need—but her evasiveness and reaction made it clear something had happened.

Young and inexperienced, she gave herself away after a few questions.

Cheng Jiu patted her head. "Eat slowly, no one's rushing you."

After dinner, Cheng Jiu drove her back to school. On the way, Cheng Hui nervously fiddled with her nails, finally saying, "Brother, I..."

"Go ahead."

Cheng Jiu was patient, his expression gentle. "No need to be scared. Tell me."

Cheng Hui blinked rapidly, tears spilling out. She couldn't hold back. "Promise you won’t scold me. I’m so scared."

Cheng Jiu sighed, his voice softening. "Why would I scold you? Just tell me what happened."

"Promise me you won’t tell Mom and Dad."

...

He Chuan went to meet Tan Yazhuo, sat down to tea.

Tan Yazhuo smiled. "You’re hard to get hold of."

He Chuan smiled but said nothing.

"He's doing well now, but without your support, his path wouldn't be so smooth," Tan Yazhuo implied—it was all paid for.

Tan Yazhuo continued, "Our upcoming collaboration will make him even more famous."

He Chuan glanced at her nonchalantly. "That depends on your company’s operations. As for the money, I’ve invested. You know the terms of our bet—the contract states if you don't turn a profit in two years, you owe me five times the investment."

Tan Yazhuo said, "Understood. Rest assured—if we dared sign, we’re confident we can deliver."

...

After some conversation, He Chuan prepared to leave. Tan Yazhuo escorted him to the club's entrance, chatting and even inviting him to visit the set to see He Cheng.

They were brothers, after all.

After seeing He Chuan off, Tan Yazhuo sighed, feeling that He Chuan wasn't very invested in He Cheng—curious, since they were brothers.

...

He Chuan received a last-minute call from Cheng Jiu, asking to meet tomorrow to discuss something.

He Chuan asked what it was, but Cheng Jiu kept it secret, saying they'd talk in person.

He Chuan agreed readily.

After hanging up, Cheng Jiu dropped Cheng Hui at her dorm; she was still crying, deeply aggrieved.

Cheng Jiu comforted her. "It's alright, it's my fault for not noticing sooner. I let you suffer."

Cheng Hui rubbed her eyes. "Brother, what will you do? Brother..." She was scared, but since she'd confessed, there was no turning back.

"Don't worry. I’ll talk to He Chuan. I won't let you suffer for nothing."

Fortunately, nothing catastrophic had happened.

Cheng Hui returned to her dorm, unable to sleep all night, her eyes swollen from crying. She tossed and turned, terrified that Cheng Jiu would fall out with He Chuan, escalating things beyond control...