TSMLI Chapter 28

Shen Zhongxun led Lin Chu toward South Lake.

He had arranged the time beforehand. He would pick up Lin Chu from work at four o’clock sharp, drive to a restaurant near Nanhu around five o’clock for dinner, and take a stroll to enjoy the sunset afterward. Although the heat was still lingering, it was a good time to walk and enjoy the scenery. They would go to see a movie at seven o’clock and drop Lin Chu off at nine. The timing was just right.

Shen Zhongxun recounted the itinerary in detail. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed Lin Chu secretly observing him. He could not help but sit up straighter, feeling a little nervous. He coughed lightly to cover it up and continued, “As for the movie, I don’t know your preferences, so I haven’t bought any tickets yet. You can choose one when we get there.”

Lin Chu was completely unprepared for this unexpected date. When she saw Shen Zhongxun’s outfit she was even more taken aback. She glanced at him again and again, hesitant to speak, but ultimately did not ask.

Shen Zhongxun guessed her doubts and felt even more embarrassed. He suddenly regretted his outfit, but then he thought that he had dressed like this five or six years ago and there was nothing strange about it. He slowly comforted himself, and his complexion gradually returned to normal.

When they arrived at the restaurant it was earlier than expected, and there were only a few tables occupied. Lin Chu did not have much of an appetite.

It was too hot, and she was used to taking a shower and resting before having a casual meal. A formal dinner like this was only available when she returned to Chuqian. Shen Zhongxun asked Lin Chu and received another “casual” answer, so he ordered four dishes and an iced drink.

As Lin Chu was enjoying her iced drink through the straw, her mother called, rattling off a rapid-fire message. “That Xiao Xu originally said we’d meet on Saturday, but I told him you have class on Saturday, so we’ve changed the time to tomorrow. You can go after work tomorrow and have dinner there.”

Lin Chu opened her mouth to interrupt, but her mother’s voice was too loud and she could not hear Lin Chu at all. “Remember to dress nicely tomorrow. I told you to buy a few dresses, but you didn’t. You just keep wearing the same one from last time. Xiao Xu is very well-off, so you better make the most of it!”

After speaking nonstop Lin Chu finally found a moment to interject, unaware that Shen Zhongxun had already vaguely heard what she said, his face clouded with gloom. “Mom, listen to me first!”

Just as she finished speaking Shen Zhongxun’s phone rang. He glanced at Lin Chu, wanting to hear how she would report to her mother, but the caller rarely called his cell phone. Shen Zhongxun was worried that the other party had something urgent to say. After thinking for a moment he answered the phone, and a voice immediately came from the other end. “Where are you?”

Shen Zhongxun replied, “In the city. Is something wrong?”

The sound of a motorcycle starting came through the phone. Jiang Jin must have just gotten off work. “Something came up. Where are you? I’ll come find you for dinner!”

Shen Zhongxun glanced at Lin Chu, who was talking on the phone with her eyes down, and said, “I’m already eating. What’s up?”

Jiang Jin paused for a moment and said, “I wanted to ask you in person. Who are you having dinner with? It’s so inconvenient.” He smiled. “A date?”

To everyone’s surprise Shen Zhongxun simply hummed in response. Jiang Jin was speechless for a moment, and after a long pause he suppressed his emotions and asked, “Don’t tell me you’re on a date with a beautiful woman. Tell me where you are. I want to take a look!”

Shen Zhongxun sensed that something was wrong with Jiang Jin.

Although Jiang Jin was usually quite informal and never called him “uncle,” he always spoke to him respectfully, given their seniority. But today he seemed to be chatting casually, even with a hint of teasing. Shen Zhongxun frowned and said, “If you have something to say, say it. Otherwise I’m hanging up.”

Jiang Jin chuckled and hung up the phone without saying anything.

Lin Chu had finished her report and continued eating quietly. Shen Zhongxun was slightly displeased to see that she did not intend to explain, but then thought that today was their first formal date, so he should not make things difficult for himself.

After dinner the two went for a walk along the South Lake as planned. Rowing boats were neatly moored on the shore, and the sky was filled with clouds that looked like they had been burned by fire, with distinct layers of red and orange.

Lin Chu’s small hand was so close, but Shen Zhongxun dared not take it. Looking around, every couple was holding hands and embracing, but the two of them were separated by a fist’s width of space, as distant as strangers.

Lin Chu was quite at ease. Upon seeing the candied hawthorns on the street she immediately went up and bought one. Shen Zhongxun called out, “Lin Chu!”

Lin Chu plucked a candied hawthorn skewer and looked up at him. The skewer’s round, bright red hawthorns, set against Lin Chu’s cheeks, stole the glow of the afterglow. Shen Zhongxun had originally wanted to say that the candied hawthorns from the street vendors were unhygienic, but he swallowed his words.

After happily finishing off the candied hawthorns the two headed toward the movie theater.

Lin Chu had just visited this place last Sunday. Without looking around much she picked out a movie and asked Shen Zhongxun for his opinion. Just like Lin Chu said “anything is fine” when ordering food, Shen Zhongxun was never picky about movies, or rather, he had never had a hobby of watching movies. Come to think of it, he had only stepped into a movie theater when he was in elementary school.

Lin Chu preferred to sit in the front row, but due to the summer movie season and the seven o’clock showing there were already many people watching the movie, and all the front-row seats were taken. The two found their seats, and the movie was about to start. The noise in the dark theater had not subsided yet. It was not until the opening theme started that everyone quieted down. Lin Chu stared intently at the screen, occasionally taking a sip of the cold drink she had bought outside.

Shen Zhongxun watched for a moment but lost interest. Instead he noticed the rustling sound of the straw. The drink was almost empty. He turned his head and saw Lin Chu open the drink cap, hold the straw and wiggle it around as if aligning it, then take a big sip, sucking up the fruit pieces from the bottom of the container. She chewed them a couple of times, then repeated the same action.

Shen Zhongxun’s heart softened, and he asked in a low voice, “Do you still want to drink?”

Lin Chu suddenly choked, not expecting Shen Zhongxun to speak so suddenly. “No need.”

Shen Zhongxun smiled, and after a while he said to Lin Chu, “I’m going out for a bit,” and then crouched down and walked out of the theater.

In the blink of an eye a glass of iced drink was handed to Lin Chu. Shen Zhongxun said, “I changed the flavor. Try it.”

Lin Chu thanked him and accepted the gift, immediately feeling a warm sense of being cared for, which slightly lifted her previously calm emotions.

How many forms of entertainment do people in love typically engage in? In short, it is eating out, watching movies, shopping, going to amusement parks on weekends, meeting up with friends, and traveling during holidays.

Lin Chu and Shen Zhongxun were not yet lovers, and their entertainment activities were even more boring. Lin Chu usually did all the procedures alone, but now that Shen Zhongxun was hanging around her she did not really feel anything. She just had someone to chat with and occasionally receive some concern, which was not bad.

Shen Zhongxun, however, was different. He had not seen Lin Chu for four days and missed her terribly. He had finally managed to find time for her today, and he cherished every minute of it. The sudden arrival of a girl into his monotonous life, which had been empty for nearly ten years, was a unique and meaningful experience that he could not bear to let go of. Therefore after the movie ended he did not follow his original plan but instead made an excuse that he was hungry, thus delaying their date.

Lin Chu had to get up early for work the next day and initially wanted to refuse, but then she thought that she could not treat her blind date partners so coldly every time. After all Shen Zhongxun was her own choice this time, and she was speechless when she saw his outfit. However after hesitating for a moment she agreed.

The two ate and drank for an hour before Shen Zhongxun slowly drove Lin Chu back to Guanjin Garden. When they got downstairs he asked, “Do you have any plans for tomorrow night?”

Lin Chu was taken aback. “You’re free tomorrow?”

Shen Zhongxun suggested, “It’s uncertain tomorrow. If we make good progress we can get back to the city tonight. If it’s possible tomorrow I’ll bring you out again.”

Lin Chu nodded.

Shen Zhongxun watched Lin Chu walk into the elevator before reluctantly getting back into his car.

The car slowly drove toward the gate of the residential area. Just as he saw the brightly lit street outside the gate he saw a conspicuous black motorcycle parked next to the security booth. Shen Zhongxun raised his eyebrows and saw Jiang Jin staring intently at his car. He finally realized why Jiang Jin had acted strangely on the phone.

The main gate of Guanjin Garden leads directly to the street to the south, where it is still brightly lit and bustling late at night. To the north, however, is a dark and gloomy building facade. Walking straight along the road one enters a sparsely populated street. Shen Zhongxun and Jiang Jin parked their vehicles next to the building facade. On the street where there were no streetlights neither of them could see each other’s expressions.

Jiang Jin scoffed. “From four o’clock to ten-thirty, a full six and a half hours. Were you and Lin Chu working overtime as colleagues, or what?”

Shen Zhongxun said calmly, “A date!”

He made no attempt to hide it, not even bothering to lie. Jiang Jin felt a surge of anger rising in his throat. “You’re really something. You know I like Lin Chu, yet you still go and try to steal her away? I always underestimated you…” He gritted his teeth. “Uncle!”

Shen Zhongxun frowned and said, “Lin Chu is nothing to you. Everyone has the right to pursue her. I like Lin Chu!”

Jiang Jin felt like he was hearing a fairy tale. “I knew Lin Chu first, you son of a bitch!”

Shen Zhongxun said expressionlessly, “So?” He spoke up for Jiang Jin. “Just because you met her first, does that mean others have no right to pursue her?”

Jiang Jin snorted coldly, twisted his neck, and then twisted his hand bones by sticking his ten fingers together.

He could not stand arguing with Shen Zhongxun. After receiving Yang Chunbei’s call in the evening he went from disbelief to burning anger. His emotions fluctuated, driving him almost to madness. Betrayed by his loved ones on one hand, and ignored by Lin Chu on the other, Jiang Jin was devastated. His raging anger was uncontrollable. After a few crack sounds he roared and threw a punch.

Caught off guard Shen Zhongxun had no time to dodge. He was hit hard on the left cheek, and the sound of bones being struck could be heard. He fell back in pain, and Jiang Jin took the opportunity to throw another punch, knocking Shen Zhongxun down onto the hood of the car.

Jiang Jin struck hard, and Shen Zhongxun felt intense pain on his face. Fortunately the rear of the car cushioned his fall, giving him support. Shen Zhongxun instinctively fought back, clenching his fist and striking Jiang Jin’s face. With a bang he forced Jiang Jin back several steps. Jiang Jin roared, his violent energy surging, and with red eyes he threw several punches. Shen Zhongxun was not to be outdone, dodging and retaliating at the same time, severely injuring Jiang Jin’s face and abdomen.

Two grown men, whose combined age is over fifty, are doing the most childish thing in the world. Fighting over a woman.

Lin Chu was on the phone with the gossipy Ye Jing, giving her a brief report on the date. Ye Jing said disappointedly, “It was too simple. There were no ups and downs at all.” Lin Chu smiled, completely unaware that a dramatic and melodramatic scene was unfolding outside the gates of Guanjin Garden.

Shen Zhongxun had his own unique principles for living, including upholding justice, abiding by laws and regulations, and even being humble and environmentally conscious, but he lacked tolerance.

He adhered to the principles of survival of the fittest, the strong ruling the world, and “I will not offend others unless they offend me.” He did everything personally, striving to maximize his profits. In business competition there is no room for sentimentality. Whatever he deserves he will have it all, without hesitation or compromise.

Besides, this was the first time he had ever liked a girl so much, and even his own father did not give him any face.

Shen Zhongxun’s eyes stung with sweat. He delivered a final, powerful punch to Jiang Jin’s abdomen, followed by an elbow strike to his collarbone and a slam to his chin. Jiang Jin was powerless to retaliate and collapsed to the ground, severely injured.

Shen Zhongxun stood up, panting, and said in a low voice, “Remember, Lin Chu is mine now. You’d better focus on your work and be ready to be sent abroad by your grandfather at any time!” After saying that he felt dizzy and lightheaded. Without even looking at Jiang Jin he drove away.

Jiang Jin, with his face covered in bruises, struggled for a long time before finally getting up from the ground.

He had never been so disheveled, as if he had been defeated before the battle even began. Yet all the advantages were clearly his. Shen Zhongxun had only taken advantage of the situation cunningly. Jiang Jin could not swallow his anger. He coughed a few times, spat out a mouthful of saliva, and drove back with a gloomy face.

Lin Chu, who was the trigger, had a good night’s sleep. When she woke up her stomach was still a little bloated. She had obviously eaten too much last night and did a few rounds of vomiting before going to work.

There was not much going on at work lately. The inspection team had left, and there were no events being held in the city. Everyone was listless and stuck in the scorching summer heat, with nothing to do.

Lin Chu made full use of her time to prepare for tomorrow’s accounting class. She had studied accounting in school, but since it was an elective she did not study it very hard. However she did quite well, scoring over ninety on the final exam. At the time she considered taking an accounting certificate exam, but it seemed to conflict with other exams, so she did not continue.

Now when she picked up the accounting book again it did not feel unfamiliar. At least she could refresh her memory by reviewing the most basic content.

After a day of studying accounting material, when she left work her mind was filled with vibrant numbers and various professional terms. When Yang Chunbei appeared at the door she was stunned for a moment. “We must have dinner together tonight. You’re so unfair! I can never get you to come!”

Lin Chu smiled and made up an excuse, but this time Yang Chunbei would not listen. She grabbed Lin Chu’s arm and started to walk out. “It’s my birthday today, and I don’t want a birthday present from you. You know my family and friends aren’t here, and I don’t get along with my colleagues. What’s wrong with you having a meal with me?”

Hearing her say that Lin Chu had no way to refuse anymore. She also thought that since Shen Zhongxun had not called he must be busy, so she simply agreed to Yang Chunbei’s request this time.

When they arrived at the restaurant Yang Chunbei had booked they found Jiang Jin sitting in a private room, his face covered in bruises and welts, a sight that was quite unsettling.

Jiang Jin pulled out chairs for Lin Chu and Yang Chunbei and said with a smile, “Finally we’ve invited you, our great Buddha. Order whatever you want to eat. It’s on me today!”

Yang Chunbei did not stand on ceremony, grabbing the menu and ordering all the expensive dishes, rattling off ten names before asking Lin Chu’s opinion. Lin Chu shook her head, pushed the menu aside, and asked Jiang Jin, “What happened to you? Why do you look like that?”

Jiang Jin curled his lips and poured Lin Chu a cup of tea. “It’s nothing. I was tricked and I couldn’t stand it, so I fought back!”

Yang Chunbei immediately interjected, “What kind of people do you know? They’re so unethical! I told you to call the police a long time ago and report him for assault!”

Jiang Jin ignored her and looked at Lin Chu instead. “What do you want to eat? Don’t just look and not order!”

Lin Chu said, “That’s enough,” and soon a table of delicacies was served.

The three of them ate and drank, and Yang Chunbei asked Jiang Jin for a birthday present. Jiang Jin smiled and said he would give it to her next time. He also diligently served food to Lin Chu and asked her all sorts of questions.

After dinner Yang Chunbei pestered Lin Chu to go sing karaoke together, but Lin Chu repeatedly declined. “No, no, I’m tone-deaf and I never go to karaoke!”

Yang Chunbei said, “Then you should give me your first time. Go ahead, go ahead. Singing with just the two of you isn’t fun at all.” Then she leaned close to Lin Chu’s ear and said, “Jiang Jin and I aren’t even together yet. It’ll be awkward for just the two of us!”

Lin Chu was well aware of Yang Chunbei’s scheming. Although Yang Chunbei was a bit cunning she was not a bad person. She often provided Lin Chu with information from other departments at work, teaching her to be wary of who was flattering whom. Lin Chu used this advice skillfully, naturally becoming more enthusiastic when meeting colleagues with powerful backgrounds. Everyone has some degree of cunning, and Lin Chu did not dislike her. She was also happy to see Yang Chunbei find happiness with her sweetheart.

Yang Chunbei’s attitude was firm, and Lin Chu could not refuse any longer, so she could only go to sing with them.

Upon entering the private room they found only Yang Chunbei excitedly shouting into the microphone, while Jiang Jin ordered a dozen beers and sat silently drinking them.

Yang Chunbei sang two songs, then tugged at Jiang Jin’s arm, urging him to sing. Jiang Jin smiled faintly, pushed her away, said a few words, and then started drinking by himself. He picked up a bottle of beer, walked around Yang Chunbei, and asked Lin Chu, “Want a drink?”

Lin Chu took the beer, took a small sip to quench her thirst, and eventually even Yang Chunbei started drinking, singing and dancing with her beer in hand, keeping the atmosphere lively.

Jiang Jin patiently hummed two songs with her, then got up and sat down next to Lin Chu. He clinked glasses with her, then leaned close to her ear and said loudly, “It’s not her birthday today. I deliberately tricked you into coming out!”

The speakers were vibrating and making a lot of noise, so Lin Chu did not hear clearly at first. She asked, “What did you say?”

Jiang Jin leaned close to her ear again, and with a slight movement of his lips touched Lin Chu’s ear. “I lied to you about coming here!”

Lin Chu finally heard her clearly this time, and immediately moved to the side, saying nonchalantly, “You reek of alcohol, and I can’t understand a word you’re saying!” Then she called out to Yang Chunbei, “Beibei, I want to sing a song too!”

Yang Chunbei stared at the screen and tossed another microphone over. Her singing was still high-pitched, but her smile was faint.

After an unknown amount of time the singing continued. Jiang Jin drank half a dozen beers, grabbed the microphone, and began to sing. His voice was surprisingly beautiful, and his magnetic, smoky voice was particularly captivating. Yang Chunbei listened intently.

Lin Chu wanted to check the time, so she opened her shoulder bag to take out her phone, only to find it was vibrating incessantly. The vibration stopped when she took it out, but there were already twelve missed calls. Lin Chu paused, and just as she was about to call back the phone vibrated again. She hurriedly answered, covering one ear and shouting, “Hello!”

Shen Zhongxun had been on the phone for half an hour. When the other end answered he was about to ask where Lin Chu was when Jiang Jin’s singing voice came through the receiver. Shen Zhongxun paused and asked, “Are you with Jiang Jin?”

Lin Chu could not hear clearly, so she got up and walked out of the private room. Shen Zhongxun asked again, and Lin Chu replied, “Yes. How did you know?”

Shen Zhongxun’s breathing suddenly became heavier, and after a long while he said, “Where are you? I’ll come pick you up!”

After hanging up the phone Lin Chu returned to the private room to say goodbye. Yang Chunbei naturally tried to stop her, asking, “Why did something suddenly happen? Are you trying to run away again?”

Lin Chu smiled and said, “No, my friend came to pick me up. There’s really something I need to do!”

After much persuasion Yang Chunbei finally agreed to let her go. Jiang Jin gulped down a bottle of beer, stood up, and said, “I’ll see you out!”

Lin Chu quickly stopped them. “No need, no need. I can go out by myself. You guys continue singing!”

But she could not stop Jiang Jin, and he dragged her out. As soon as they entered the elevator Jiang Jin asked, “When did you get together with Shen Zhongxun?”

Lin Chu was taken aback. Jiang Jin stared at her and said, “He’s my uncle. You want to be my aunt?”

Lin Chu was speechless, unsure how to answer, when Jiang Jin continued, “Why don’t you consider being my girlfriend?”

The elevator doors opened with a ding, and after three unanswered questions Lin Chu fled the elevator, with Jiang Jin close behind. “Don’t play dumb. Answer me!”

Lin Chu did not even turn her head and said, “We got together last week, but she might not become my aunt. I’m not considering it!”

Jiang Jin paused, momentarily stunned. After the three phrases swirled in his mind he finally understood. He hurried after her, reaching out to grab Lin Chu, but suddenly someone rushed in through the glass door, bringing with them the scorching night air. Before his hand could touch Lin Chu she stumbled forward a few steps and fell into the newcomer’s arms.

Shen Zhongxun held Lin Chu, whom he had pulled into his arms, and looked at Jiang Jin with a gloomy face. “Drink less!” He turned around and wanted to leave.

He seemed to be robbing them, dragging Lin Chu away quickly. Jiang Jin was blocked by the glass door for a moment, and when he pushed it open again the two had already gone some distance. He shouted angrily, “Shen Zhongxun, you fucking stop right there!” He stumbled on the steps, and when he looked up again Lin Chu had been stuffed into the car, and Shen Zhongxun also quickly got into the driver’s seat. The car drove away in the blink of an eye.

Sitting in the dark carriage Lin Chu finally came to her senses and stared incredulously at Shen Zhongxun, whose face was bruised, asking, “You got into a fight with Jiang Jin?”

Shen Zhongxun, his face ashen, did not answer, but said only, “Don’t go out with Jiang Jin in the future. When that kid gets angry he doesn’t think before he acts, and you’ll suffer the consequences.”

He did not explicitly say what kind of loss he suffered, but Lin Chu vaguely understood his meaning, awkwardly averted her gaze, and stopped asking the question.

As they drove toward Guanjin Garden, passing the dark exterior walls of the buildings, Shen Zhongxun suddenly stopped the car. Lin Chu glanced at him curiously, only to hear him say, “Lin Chu, did your mother find you another blind date? What did you say to her?”

Lin Chu opened her mouth. “I didn’t reply much…” She just told her mother the truth.

Shen Zhongxun frowned and said, “You’re too attractive!”

Lin Chu was puzzled. She saw Shen Zhongxun lean closer, and in the dim light she could vaguely see the bruises on his face, a stark contrast to his usual appearance. Shen Zhongxun said in a low voice, “I want to kiss you!”

Lin Chu stared in astonishment, her breath catching in her throat, as she watched those lips slowly approach, hot breath rushing toward her.