Chapter 73
Under the light, the two metallic sheens reflected from the ring intertwined, giving it a very distinctive look.
On the inside, the letters “YC” were engraved.
Yu Chen’s thoughts drifted for a moment, and he quickly picked up his phone. But after tapping on He Zhen’s WeChat profile picture, he quietly backed out again.
This ring had been by his side for almost three years.
Yet from beginning to end, He Zhen had never told him about it.
Back then, he had only been sixteen.
Knowing He Zhen as well as he did, Yu Chen was certain He Zhen had never made it on a whim.
The important meaning the ring carried went without saying.
Yu Chen closed his hand around it. It felt as though a single feather had fallen onto the surface of a calm lake inside his heart, sending out soft ripples.
Luckily, he had cherished the doll all this time. If he had lost it, he would have regretted it to death.
“Chenchen, are you awake?”
Li Huan stood at the door. “How about Dad makes you a sandwich?”
“Okay! Thanks for the hard work!” Yu Chen hurriedly tucked the ring back into the doll. But after hesitating for two seconds, as if remembering something, he rushed to his suitcase, dug out a necklace, removed the original pendant, and threaded the ring onto it.
He had decided. He would wear the ring back to China and show it to He Zhen.
After putting it on, he ran to the mirror and examined himself carefully.
The ring was beautiful. Rose gold and platinum were woven together, making him think of two lovers leaning on each other for support.
Was that what He Zhen had wanted to express too?
The corners of Yu Chen’s lips lifted slightly as he began imagining the look on He Zhen’s face once he realized the secret had been discovered.
A thought came to him.
Should he pretend not to know anything, wait until He Zhen was ready to reveal the doll’s secret, and then confess only after He Zhen panicked at finding the ring gone?
The smile at his lips deepened.
Yu Chen felt he was simply too bad.
His fingertips stroked the outline of the ring as he lengthened the necklace chain so the ring rested on both sides of his collarbone.
He snapped a photo, hesitating over whether to send it to He Zhen.
In the living room, Li Huan had already finished making breakfast.
While Yu Chen was eating his sandwich, Li Huan noticed the sudden addition of a necklace around his neck. But because Yu Chen had adjusted the chain to hang long, Li Huan did not see the ring on it.
“The necklace looks nice. Did you just buy it?”
Yu Chen smiled brightly. “It’s my seventeenth birthday gift from Boss. The pendant used to be a peace buckle.”
“Xiao Zhen really dotes on you.” Li Huan sipped his coffee, feeling a little apologetic. “This whole trip to America, Xiao Zhen has been worrying over everything for us. Tell me, what should we buy to bring back for him? What do you think he’d like?”
Yu Chen thought for a moment. “Boss doesn’t seem to have anything he especially likes.”
Except himself.
“He’s already working now, so whatever we give him should have commemorative value, be practical, and also show status.” Li Huan kept mumbling to himself in worry. “You think about it too.”
“Okay.” Yu Chen nodded.
When He Zhen woke up the next day, he received a greeting video from Yu Chen. He watched it over and over again, his fingertips lightly brushing the smiling eyes on the screen.
[Sorry, I went to bed early yesterday and didn’t see it. Are you having fun in America? I’ve already arranged things with my alma mater. Tomorrow one of my juniors will take you and Uncle around, so just wait for him to contact you. As for the abs video…]
He Zhen thought seriously for two seconds, then lifted his shirt. When he saw the shocking purple bruises at his waist, he gave up the idea.
[I’ll train a little more. When you come back, I’ll show you my best condition.]
After setting down his phone, He Zhen endured the pain all over his body and went to wash up.
There was an important international conference at the company today, and he had to attend in person.
He Heng came to see him not long after. Seeing that He Zhen had already changed into work clothes, he frowned slightly. “You can still go to work like this?”
He Zhen changed into his shoes. “Other than looking a little embarrassing with all the bruises, going to work is fine.”
He Heng asked again, “Does it still hurt?”
He Zhen answered lightly, “How is Grandpa?”
“Old Master He is all right physically, but he couldn’t sleep last night.” He Heng set out breakfast for He Zhen. “You have to understand him. He still can’t accept that you like men.”
“At his age, it’s normal that he can’t accept it right away.” He Zhen smiled bitterly. “He probably doesn’t want to see me for the time being. If you have time, help me keep an eye on him. Uncle Li isn’t around, and I’m afraid he won’t eat properly.”
He Heng nodded. “Okay.”
Back at the company, the secretary looked at He Zhen’s injuries with a strange expression. Out of professional courtesy, he did not dare ask. But the company was hardly airtight. Less than an hour later, all kinds of guesses were already spreading everywhere.
At the international conference, the directors kept quietly discussing the matter. Director Lin in particular was extremely curious about what had happened to He Zhen. As the crown prince of Hefeng, no fool would believe he had been beaten by an outsider. The only person who would dare lay a hand on He Zhen was probably Old Master He.
What everyone was curious about was what exactly He Zhen had done wrong to get beaten up like this by Old Master He.
Director Lin suppressed his schadenfreude and spent the entire meeting sizing He Zhen up.
But on the surface, He Zhen showed no sign of anything being wrong. Even though he caught the ill-intentioned looks from others, his expression remained calm as he discussed several disputed issues with the French partner in clear, orderly fashion, eventually reaching a consensus.
All of these directors were around Old Master He’s age. Even the younger ones were in their fifties. When it came to foreign languages—French in particular—they knew next to nothing and needed translation assistance.
But He Zhen spoke too quickly, and machine translation sometimes could not keep up. Wearing their headphones, everyone only understood bits and pieces.
In the past, before He Zhen came, these important partnership meetings had always relied on human interpreters in real-time calls. But this time, He Zhen had removed the human interpreter.
“Very well. I wish us a happy cooperation. (French)”
He Zhen inclined his head and looked at the directors. “Does anyone still have questions for Mr. Alan?”
Director Lin said in a mocking tone, “President He, surely you jest. You removed the interpreter—how are we supposed to communicate?”
He Zhen smiled faintly. “Isn’t there AI translation?”
Director Lin said, “At the end of the day, it’s a machine. It’s not as easy to use as a person.”
He Zhen chuckled. “This is the age of technology. Everyone has to keep up with the times, and the group’s direction is no different. If you cling to old ways and refuse to innovate, it’s easy to get left behind.”
Qi, the director beside him, chimed in, “President He makes a good point.”
“The reason I replaced the human interpreter and handled the communication personally was mainly to demonstrate our professionalism. I believe a partner who experiences smooth communication will feel more reassured.”
Director Lin gave an inexplicable laugh. “So that counts as professionalism? Then interpreters are all going to lose their jobs.”
“You’re right. If we want to demonstrate professionalism, communication alone is definitely not enough. That’s why I’m planning to establish a dedicated foreign trade department to handle overseas partnerships.”
Director Lin’s eyelid twitched sharply, and his brows drew together.
“President He, for something this big, you just decided it on your own?”
This time Director Lin did not hold back at all. His stern expression was full of provocation and resolve. “Isn’t this far too authoritarian? Where exactly does that leave our board of directors?”
Once Director Lin took the lead, the other directors all started chiming in as well.
“President He, you should at least have discussed it with us beforehand.”
“Even if Old President He were still here, he wouldn’t make a decision without asking for our opinions!”
“Exactly! Foreign trade has always been Director Lin’s area. No matter what, he should’ve been informed.”
The arguments rose one after another. Only the three directors led by Director Qi stood on He Zhen’s side, finding gaps to speak up for him.
“It’s normal for everyone to have feelings about this, but this only concerns a basic adjustment to the company’s functional departments. It doesn’t seem necessary to bring it before the board.” He Zhen raised a hand, and He Heng immediately handed him the documents. His expression turned slightly more serious. “I’ve carefully read every board regulation. Everything I’ve done complies with the rules. If anyone is dissatisfied, take it out and discuss it. Tell me exactly which rule I’ve violated, and according to the rules, what should have been done instead.”
Director Lin said coldly, “Even if what you did follows procedure, establishing a foreign affairs department is no small matter. Overseas profits account for forty percent of our group’s annual profits. How can this be changed so casually? If something goes wrong, can you take responsibility?”
“If Director Lin puts it that way, then this stops being meaningful.” He Zhen projected a merger case from five years ago onto the big screen. “When you acquired this company back then, it caused a loss of one hundred billion. The group is still cleaning up the mess to this day. Did anyone take responsibility for that?”
Director Lin spoke stiffly. “You! What company doesn’t make mistakes in decision-making? If you calculate things like this, there’s no meaning to it.”
“So your decisions are allowed to go wrong, but mine aren’t?” He Zhen smiled calmly. “Isn’t that a little double-standard? If word got out, people might say you’re banding together to bully me.”
He Heng said lightly, “Under President He’s instructions, I checked the archives. Back then, other than Directors Qi, Chen, and Zhang voting against the merger, everyone else voted in favor. The meeting records show that Director Lin once said the company held development rights to coastal islands and that the future profits would be very promising. Who could have known that policy would change? The company not only lost its development rights, but the debts from work stoppages and production halts also ended up on our heads.”
He Zhen’s face remained gentle. “It’s all right. I forgive Director Lin for his mistaken decision.”
Director Lin’s face turned livid. The storm-like fury on it was completely undisguised as he glared at He Zhen.
“Fine.”
Director Lin laughed in extreme anger. “We’ll all listen to President He, then.”
He had not expected this brat to have some real tricks. He could even dig up old history like this.
Establishing a foreign trade department was equivalent to hollowing out his authority.
If he continued sitting still and waiting for death, sooner or later He Zhen would kick him out of the board.
“Thank you for your support.” He Zhen gestured to He Heng. “Issue an OA notice. Inform everyone that starting today, a foreign trade department is officially established and will be responsible for overseeing all the group’s overseas cooperation.”
He Heng smiled. “Received!”
He Zhen lightly tossed the file onto the table. “Meeting adjourned.”
Back in his office, He Zhen’s waist and back were hurting badly. He Heng took out medicine and helped change his dressing. “Do you want to go home and rest? Your injuries are serious. Without enough rest, they won’t heal easily.”
He Zhen said, “No need. How is the surveillance footage I asked you to check?”
“The footage from that banquet night?” A trace of puzzlement showed between He Heng’s brows. “You asked me to see who Yang Changqing had spoken to that night, and I already made a list. But that evening, Yang Changqing didn’t receive a single call. And Yu Chen stayed with Old Master He the whole time. He never went out alone or ran into Yang Changqing.”
He Zhen frowned. “Did you miss something?”
“No. I had my people check it three times. We’re sure Yu Chen never came into close contact with Yang Changqing.”
“Then why—” He Zhen did not continue. With one hand, he changed the dressing on his arm. “Keep watching him for now. If any cooperation with our group involves him, tell me immediately.”
He Heng said, “Okay.”
After helping He Zhen change his medicine, He Heng went to see Old Master He.
He Zhen stayed alone in the office, thinking about Yang Changqing.
At that time, it was midnight on Yu Chen’s side. A video call invitation from Yu Chen popped up on WeChat. After hesitating for a moment, He Zhen switched it to voice call and answered. “Hello.”
Yu Chen’s aggrieved voice came through. “Why didn’t you answer the video call?”
He Zhen adjusted his sitting posture, trying not to put weight on his injured waist and back. “I’m having dinner with an important client, so I can’t do video right now.”
“Fine then.” Yu Chen gave a soft huff. “I haven’t seen you in days. You definitely don’t miss me.”
Hearing that familiar voice by his ear, He Zhen felt more relaxed than ever before. He chuckled softly. “Sorry. When I have time, I’ll video call you, okay?”
“When you have time means when exactly?” Yu Chen muttered gloomily. “We haven’t seen each other in four days already.”
Through the mirror, He Zhen looked at the bruises on his face. “I’ll make time tomorrow. I’ll call you then, all right?”
“I guess that’s acceptable.” Yu Chen lay sprawled on the bed, wrapping himself up like a little silkworm. “Do you have time to come see me?”
He Zhen opened his mouth, then lowered his eyes quietly. “You should have fun with Uncle first. I’ll do my best.”
“Boss.” Yu Chen’s voice trembled faintly. “But I miss you so much. I want you to come keep me company. Without you, this trip feels way less enjoyable. Every night I dream about you.”
He Zhen looked at the floor, his fist slowly tightening.
After adjusting his emotions, he pretended to be calm. “Did you bring the doll I gave you?”
At the mention of the doll, Yu Chen sat up under the blanket with a rustle.
“The doll? I brought it.”
Holding back laughter, Yu Chen pretended to be aloof. “What? Do you want me to treat the doll as if it were you?”
“No.” He Zhen’s gaze landed on his computer wallpaper, his expression gentle. “There’s a secret on the doll. When you come back to China, I’ll tell you, okay?”
Yu Chen covered his mouth and secretly grinned. “What secret? I want to know right now.”
He Zhen curved his lips in a faint smile. “No.”
“Hmph. Fine, don’t tell me then.” Yu Chen lay flat on the bed, limbs spread out, his tone sour. “He Zhenzhen, you’re not lying to me, are you? Maybe there’s no secret at all.”
“I’m not lying to you.” He Zhen slowly stood up. Because his right leg was badly injured, he walked with some difficulty. “Trust me. I’ll give you a surprise.”
“All right, I’ll believe you for now.”
Yu Chen was actually very easy to coax and easy to satisfy. Emotional comfort came to him easily from all directions.
After He Zhen soothed him, he stopped pestering him to come to America and instead began chatting about some of the fun things he had experienced there.
He told He Zhen that Li Huan thought very highly of him. Whenever he got the chance, he would speak well of He Zhen in front of Li Huan. If the two of them ever really came clean, Li Huan would probably accept it easily.
Listening to Yu Chen’s light and cheerful voice, He Zhen felt much better. The thing he least wanted to see was Yu Chen feeling hurt and anxious because of this matter.
“Chenchen, I want to ask you something.”
“That night, where exactly were you when you heard Yang Changqing on the phone?”
He Zhen was worried that besides Yang Changqing, there might also be people inside Hefeng working with him. That was why he planned to investigate Yang Changqing’s interactions that night. If there had been others nearby while Yang Changqing was making that call, that would be even better.
“Ah… it was just some hallway…”
At the mention of this, Yu Chen felt a little guilty. Clutching the blanket, he spoke in a tiny voice, “Why are you suddenly asking about that?”
He Zhen noticed Yu Chen’s tension and soothed him. “It’s nothing. I’m investigating him.”
“Mm, just be careful of him.” Yu Chen lost some of his confidence, speaking as though he wanted to say something but stopped himself. “I forgot the details of that night.”
“It’s okay.” He Zhen’s gaze remained gentle. “Go to sleep already. It’s midnight.”
“Okay. Good night.”
After ending the call, He Zhen pulled up Yang Changqing’s information.
He found it strange. If the surveillance footage was accurate, why would Yu Chen lie? It was not that he was worried about anything else. Even if Yu Chen really had lied, it was probably for his sake, and perhaps there was some reason he could not say it directly.
What He Zhen was worried about was Yu Chen bottling everything up and making himself miserable.
In the afternoon, He Zhen worked for a few more hours before driving home.
On the other side, He Heng was taking Old Master He for a walk.
“He not only isn’t eating, he even went to the company to clash head-on with those people?”
Old Master He was still angry. “Has he gone mad?”
He Heng replied, “Today’s partnership case was very important. It determined whether the foreign trade department could be established. It’s normal for Xiao Zhen to take it seriously.”
“Then why isn’t he eating? Is he going on a hunger strike for me to see?”
He Heng gave an objective answer. “Maybe he’s just too heartbroken. This morning, he specifically asked me to pay attention to your meals and told me to persuade you to eat properly.”
A trace of emotion flashed across Old Master He’s face. “How are the injuries on him?”
He Heng said, “He sat through the whole morning today, and the most seriously injured part of his waist has started bleeding a little through the dressing.”
Old Master He’s gaze turned complicated, and he said nothing more.
For two days in a row, He Zhen went to the office as usual. Compared to the previous few days, he would return to White Rose Manor once at noon every day to check on Old Master He.
However, he always went in while Old Master He was taking his noon nap. So by the time Old Master He woke up, He Zhen had already left.
After learning this, Old Master He said nothing.
He Heng said that He Zhen was afraid of making Old Master He angry.
That afternoon, Old Master He got up at the usual time. From the corner of his eye, he noticed someone nearby and quickly sat up. But when he saw clearly that it was He Heng, he withdrew his disappointed gaze, frowning unhappily.
“Xiao Zhen didn’t come today.” Knowing what Old Master He was thinking, He Heng lit the calming incense and handed him a cup of warm water. “His stomach started hurting at noon, and he threw up several times.”
“What happened?” Old Master He immediately frowned. “Did the doctor see him?”
“Yes. He’s at the hospital on an IV drip right now.”
He Heng was not lying. He Zhen really had felt unwell at noon. First he had gone on a three-day hunger strike, and afterward his meals were still irregular. Even an iron man would get sick from that. He Zhen’s stomach had already been fragile these past two days, and after drinking a glass of alcohol with a business partner, the pain only got worse.
The hospital had just said it was acute gastritis and that he needed IV treatment.
A faint oppression and worry lingered in Old Master He’s heart.
On the surface, it was as though he were deliberately holding it in.
After a long pause, he said, “Take me to the hospital to see him.”
He Heng nodded. “Okay.”
In the hospital room, He Zhen was propped against the bedside, working on his laptop.
After establishing the new organizational structure, many problems had arisen. Director Lin’s old subordinates were in cahoots with each other, joining forces to target the senior executives who obeyed He Zhen, making the advancement of work extremely difficult.
He Zhen was editing a layoff plan.
This time, he had to press forward in one go.
Old Master He had already been inside for quite a while, and he had specifically instructed He Heng not to knock.
He quietly watched He Zhen.
He Zhen was clearly busy with company matters. Deep exhaustion showed between his brows, and the bruise at the corner of his mouth was still in the healing stage, shocking to look at.
By calculation, He Zhen still had a few months to go before turning twenty. People his age were still carefree, enjoying the protection of their families.
Old Master He gave a cough, pouring out the frustration and helplessness in his heart.
He Zhen looked up and froze for a moment. “Grandpa.”
Old Master He did not want to look at him directly. “You’re already sick. Why aren’t you resting?”
He Zhen sat up straighter. “There’s a lot to handle. I’ll rest after I finish.”
Old Master He said again, “Aren’t you heartbroken because you can’t win Yu Chen over? How do you still have the mood to deal with work?”
He Zhen said, “Although I still can’t separate work from feelings completely, I also know how important this group is to you. This isn’t child’s play. I don’t want your life’s work to go to waste.”
Old Master He fell silent, and the air seemed to freeze for a long time.
“You just have to—”
He stopped midway and let out a helpless sigh.
“If you don’t have children, you’ll regret it in the future. You’re still young, and there’s an impulsive element in the decision you’re making now. When you’re thirty, forty, you may realize how childish and laughable this decision was.”
“Grandpa, this decision was never something I made on impulse. If I have to add a measure of time to it, then I’ve already spent fifteen years proving it and thinking it through. If I say right now that I’ll never regret it, you’ll definitely think that sounds childish. So I’m not going to say that. If one day I really do regret it, I won’t blame anyone. I’ll bear it myself.”
“But if I’m never even given the chance to try, then I will definitely regret it.”
A few traces of determination appeared on Old Master He’s dim, lifeless face. “What if I simply refuse to allow it? Then what? Will you stop acknowledging me as your grandfather?”
A faint smile appeared on He Zhen’s pale face.
“Without you, there would be no me today. I’ve always remembered the care and protection you gave me when I was young. I said a long time ago that if you need me, I’ll always be here. If you don’t need me, I can leave at any time.”
Old Master He’s voice choked slightly as he signaled for He Heng to wheel him away.
But when the wheelchair reached the doorway, Old Master He suddenly said, “Let me state my position first. Helping you win Yu Chen over is impossible. If you’ve got the ability, then pursue him yourself.”
