Liebe unter den fernen Sternen

Kapitel 11

Feng Junzi said coldly, "But you did something you shouldn't have done. You opened your own overseas account behind Wei Boxi's back and registered a shell company in the Cayman Islands in your own name. You made a series of arrangements to make it easy for you to transfer money and abscond at any time."

Li Datou: "You're making baseless accusations. Do you have any evidence?"

Feng Junzi: "Last night I couldn't sleep and dreamt I heard a conversation between two people. I'll tell you about it now, though I don't know if I remember it completely—"

'What do you, a woman, know? I'm worried that others will find out about my plan to transfer those thirty million Hong Kong dollars.'

'It's all in the past now, and you didn't take Wei Boxi's money, so what are you afraid of them for?'

'What do you know? If Wei Boxi knew I'd ever had such thoughts, he wouldn't let me off the hook.'

'What were you thinking back then? You wanted to do it but didn't.'

"First Chen Yidao died, then Chen Xiaosan went insane. I don't know who did it. At the time, I thought I was next. I even suspected Wei Boxi had someone do it himself. So I had to prepare a backup plan. Luckily, I can access the 30 million in Hong Kong now. I think if anything goes wrong, I can just abscond with the money."

Why didn't you leave later?

"Later, Wei Boxi found out that Feng Junzi was behind it all. A couple of days ago, he personally confronted Feng Junzi and forced him to agree to drop the matter, so I didn't do anything."

'Honey, do you mean you can access that money anytime now?'

"Yes, if anything unexpected happens, it's still not too late. But if Wei Boxi wants to use these funds, it will probably be too late."

How well did I relay the information? I'm not sure if my memory is good enough, or if I've missed anything. Mr. Li, is there anything you can add?

Feng Junzi recounted the conversation in a calm and unhurried manner, even mimicking the tone of the man and woman perfectly. As Li Datou listened, beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. He stammered, "Feng Junzi, you actually dared to eavesdrop on me. Was it that guy surnamed Han who planted the bug in my house yesterday?"

Feng Junzi certainly hadn't planted any listening devices at Li Datou's house; he'd only heard Piao Piao relay his words. However, seeing Li Datou's reaction, he didn't want to expose him. So, he decided to play along, saying, "It doesn't matter that I heard this, but I want to make a bet with you. Let's bet on what Wei Boxi will do after hearing this."

Li Datou's face was ashen, and he said weakly, "Feng Junzi, what exactly do you want? Tell me quickly!"

Feng Junzi: "Don't worry, I'm not here to threaten you. On the contrary, I'm here to help you. I only ask you to do one thing: quickly implement your plan, take the money and leave. You're already well prepared, and there's still time."

Li Datou: "But I don't necessarily want to do this; I'm just leaving myself a way out."

Feng Junzi: "Your mistake is that you're too clever. When things go wrong, you're the first to think about your escape route. Now that things have passed, you want peace and quiet. There's no such thing as a free lunch. You have two choices now. One is to quickly disappear with the 30 million, and the other is for me to deliver all the materials I have to Wei Boxi. I'm not here to negotiate with you, but to tell you what to do."

Li Datou: "Why are you doing this? Can you give me some time?"

Feng Junzi: "I don't mind letting you go. I just want to make Wei Boxi unhappy. It won't do him any good if you leave, so I'll be happy. I know you're going to Hong Kong next week. I'll give you a week. It'll be easy for you to disappear from Hong Kong. I'll send the materials to Wei Boxi next Saturday. As for yourself, you can do whatever you want."

...

It was a Monday morning, and within just a few hours, a piece of news spread throughout the market, reposted on almost every well-known news and financial forum in mainland China and Hong Kong. The headlines varied, but the content was the same: Li Jinkui, the CFO of Weida Group, had disappeared, and HK$30 million in funds belonging to Tongda Investment Company, a Hong Kong-based subsidiary of Weida Group, had vanished. The spokesperson seemed to have extensive knowledge of the matter, clearly explaining the origin and destination of the HK$30 million, and even published Weida Group's office phone number, Li Jinkui's landline and mobile phone numbers in Hong Kong and Binhai, as well as detailed contact information for Wei Boxi and other company executives. This obviously increased the credibility of the news.

In fact, Feng Junzi hadn't sent the materials to Wei Boxi. He only knew that Li Datou had gone to Hong Kong, but he didn't know if he had really absconded with the money. However, Feng Junzi had already decided that regardless of whether Li Datou had left or not, this message had to be sent out. That morning, the phones of Weida Group and Wei Boxi himself were practically ringing off the hook. People from all relevant parties were asking if the message was accurate. Wei Boxi was also quite surprised and urgently tried to contact Li Datou in Hong Kong, but he couldn't reach him at all; it seemed that the man had vanished from the face of the earth.

Wei Boxi couldn't sit still any longer and hurriedly set off for Hong Kong to handle the aftermath. When Feng Junzi heard that Wei Boxi was heading to Hong Kong, she guessed that Li Datou might really have absconded with the money. Feng Junzi was secretly delighted, but Han Shuang was very unhappy. She said to Feng Junzi, "This is too easy on Li Datou. He's done so many bad things, and you're letting him go like this? He'll disappear with a huge sum of money and still live a comfortable life. Don't bad people get their just desserts? You're helping him do evil too."

Feng Junzi: "I have no choice either. It's like playing chess. Li Datou is a sacrifice. To checkmate Wei Boxi, I'm afraid the only way is to start from here. But Li Datou shouldn't be too happy yet. Wei Boxi is not so easy to bully. He will probably be able to drag Li Datou out in the end. Then there will be a good show. Let the evildoers take revenge on the evildoers. It's best if we don't get our hands dirty."

Han Shuang said worriedly, "Before Li Datou disappeared, someone must have seen him meeting you at Triumph Square. Wei Boxi is such a shrewd person that he would suspect you. With his methods, you are probably in danger."

Han Shuang's words reminded Feng Junzi that he did indeed sense the approaching danger. However, his first thought was of Han Shuang. He felt that the situation had reached its conclusion and that it would be dangerous for Han Shuang to stay by his side any longer. It was time to find a way to get Han Shuang to leave.

I think many people feel this way. It's like, even if it's something you're doing for the first time, or a place you're visiting for the first time, you always feel like you've done it or seen it before. At least, that's always been my feeling.

Some say this is because a person's life is like two opposing lines. When those lines intersect at some point, if the timing isn't quite right, this situation will occur.

Volume Four: A Romantic Who Never Appreciated Famous Flowers

4-1. Public opinion is a fearsome thing.

After arriving in Hong Kong, Wei Boxi hadn't even finished dealing with Li Datou's embezzlement and escape when he encountered another problem—being invited for a chat by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). Following Li Datou's embezzlement and escape, news circulated online that the Weida Group planned to manipulate the stock price of Jianjiang Culture, and that Tongda Investment, where Li Datou worked, was just a small part of the scheme. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange had already been keeping an eye on Wei Boxi.

However, the ICAC's invitation to Wei Boxi for coffee wasn't due to a request from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, but rather because they had received a document. This document was quite concise and easy to understand. The core part was an asset list for Weida Publishing Company. This asset list was very detailed, including the building area and land area of Weida Publishing Company's properties and their local market value, as well as the models, ex-factory prices, and current market transfer prices of various equipment. Behind these prices were the appraised values used by the Weida Group in the asset swap, clearly showing how much the Weida Group had inflated its assets during the acquisition of Jianjiang Culture. The document also included a brief explanation of the Weida Group's acquisition process of Jianjiang Culture.

It took Feng Junzi considerable effort to obtain these materials, and Piao Piao's ability to infiltrate various locations within Weida Publishing Company was also a significant help. Feng Junzi put a lot of thought into sending the materials. Although Hong Kong was under Chinese sovereignty, he was still worried about censorship, so he used various methods, including regular mail, airmail, and email, hoping at least one copy would reach the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). For the ICAC, these materials were enough to warrant a visit from Wei Boxi.

...

News of Wei Boxi's investigation by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in Hong Kong quickly spread throughout the market. Coupled with Li Datou's escape, the share prices of Weida Shares and Jianjiang Culture plummeted in both the A-share and H-share markets. When Feng Junzi told Han Shuang the news, they were both delighted. Han Shuang suggested going out to celebrate, saying she was getting restless from being cooped up at home for so many days. Feng Junzi thought for a moment and said to Han Shuang, "You're from Chongqing, so I'll treat you to hot pot today. Let's go to the best restaurant in Binhai, Yuhuanglou. Go change your clothes quickly, and I'll call to reserve a private room."

Han Shuang didn't just change her clothes; she spent a long time tidying up in her room, seemingly putting on makeup meticulously. That's the little hassle women go through when they go out. Although Feng Junzi didn't like women overly adorned themselves, he felt a dazzling sense of beauty when Han Shuang stepped out of her room.

As they walked through the lobby of Yuhuang Tower, Feng Junzi felt that all eyes were on them. However, he knew they weren't looking at him, but at Han Shuang. Feng Junzi whispered to Han Shuang, "Why are you dressed so beautifully today? Trying to seduce men on the street?"

Han Shuang chuckled softly and said, "A woman dresses up for the one who appreciates her. Don't you understand this saying, given your extensive knowledge?"

Feng Junzi was speechless and could only pull Han Shuang quickly into the private room. Since they were eating Chongqing hotpot, Feng Junzi let Han Shuang, a native of Chongqing, order the food. Han Shuang didn't refuse, and the two ordered a table full of dishes and started drinking. The beer went down quickly, partly because the food was too spicy, and partly because Han Shuang was in high spirits.

Feng Junzi had a decent alcohol tolerance, but he noticed that Han Shuang could drink even more. He then realized that Han Shuang had worked as a hostess in a nightclub for several years, and her drinking capacity was undoubtedly honed through experience in such settings. This thought made him feel slightly uncomfortable, but at the same time, it also gave him a sense of reassurance about what he was about to do.

As the drinks flowed freely, Feng Junzi wiped his sweat and said to Han Shuang, "Do you like the food here? I can't handle it, it's too spicy!"

Han Shuang: "If it's spicy, just drink some beer to rinse your mouth. I'm used to it. I love the flavor of my hometown the most. It's spicy, numbing, and fragrant! To tell you the truth, I was afraid you wouldn't be used to it, so I usually don't dare to make my cooking too spicy. Today was really satisfying."

Feng Junzi thought to himself that Han Shuang could probably be described as spicy and delicious now, but he said cautiously, "Then you can consider going back to your hometown now, so you can eat this kind of flavor every day."

Han Shuang put down her chopsticks and asked Feng Junzi unhappily, "What do you mean? Are you trying to kick me out?"

Feng Junzi steeled his resolve and said decisively, "It's not that I want to kick you out, but you should leave now. Staying here will be dangerous, and besides, you've already done what you needed to do."

Han Shuang: "You've done everything you were supposed to do? You mean I can't help you with anything anymore?"

Feng Junzi: "That's not what I meant. I've already said there's danger now, and you should leave."

Han Shuang: "Actually, you're the one in real danger. Why don't you leave?"

Feng Junzi: "It's different. I have nowhere to go, and Wei Boxi will definitely be able to find me if she wants to. As long as you leave this place, I believe they will stop bothering you."

Han Shuang: "Since you're in danger, I won't leave either. Two people can always find a solution."

Feng Junzi: "No, two people are always more troublesome than one. I can protect myself, but I can't protect both of us. You can leave now, and come back to see me after things have calmed down."

Han Shuang stared at Feng Junzi for a long time, then suddenly laughed and said, "No matter what you say, I won't leave. I don't care. How about I stay and protect you? Do I look like a female knight-errant?" With that, she even spread her arms in a gesture.

Feng Junzi smiled wryly and said, "I know that Miss Han is brave and resourceful, but this is not a TV show. I am doing this for your own good, and for the good of both of us. I have already bought your train ticket, and I can send you to the train station tomorrow."

Han Shuang's face darkened, and she said unhappily, "I'm not leaving. Give me the ticket, I'll take it and return it."

Feng Junzi: "Don't be childish."

Han Shuang: "Alright, since you're so considerate of others, I can agree to your request, but there's one condition: you have to drink with me tonight, okay?"

Feng Junzi: "I'm afraid I can't outdrink you."

Han Shuang: "I don't care. Things can't always go the way you want them to. This is the first time you've invited me for drinks, and you want to talk about something so unpleasant? Can't we just leave this topic here and have a nice meal together?"

Feng Junzi replied helplessly, "Alright, let's not talk about it at the dinner table. Let's have a good drink and talk about it when we get home."

...

When the two returned home, they were both slightly drunk. The summer weather and the spiciness of the hot pot had made them both sweaty. Feng Junzi took a shower first, changed into his pajamas, and sat in the living room. Han Shuang was taking a shower, and Feng Junzi waited for her to come out so they could continue their conversation from the dinner table.

When Han Shuang came out wearing a bathrobe, Feng Junzi was sitting on the sofa waiting for her, beckoning her to come and sit down. Han Shuang walked over but didn't sit down. Instead, she stood in front of Feng Junzi with her arms crossed, staring at him without saying a word.

Feng Junzi felt uneasy under Han Shuang's gaze, but he couldn't look away and could only meet her eyes. Han Shuang's hair was damp, and a blush rose on her pretty face, whether from the heat or the alcohol, he couldn't tell, but her eyes were unusually bright and clear, not at all like someone who had been drinking. Feng Junzi avoided Han Shuang's direct gaze, his eyes falling to her lips. Han Shuang's lips were a vibrant, luscious color, even more alluring than when she wore lipstick, as if she wanted to say something, but Feng Junzi looked away again. Feng Junzi's gaze slid from Han Shuang's delicate collarbone to the half-open front of her bathrobe. Perhaps because her arms were crossed over her chest, her alluring cleavage was even more pronounced, creating a wavy curve. Feng Junzi dared not look directly at her and simply lowered his head.

Feng Junzi looked down and was met with Han Shuang's two long, smooth legs peeking out from under her bathrobe. Han Shuang's legs were very straight, and her milky-white skin seemed to radiate a strange glow. Feng Junzi didn't know where to look. Although he had been with Han Shuang for so long, this was the first time he had observed her so closely. He felt a dryness in his throat, as if the aftereffects of the alcohol he had just drunk were taking hold. Han Shuang stood there motionless and silent, just looking at him, but Feng Junzi felt as if the other's aura had enveloped him, making it a little difficult for him to breathe.

Feng Junzi almost struggled to speak, saying, "Han Shuang, don't look at me like that. We should talk about what we didn't finish earlier. It would be better if you left Binhai for the time being."

Feng Junzi waited for Han Shuang's reply, but Han Shuang remained silent, turned around and went into the bedroom without closing the door. Feng Junzi had no choice but to bite the bullet and follow her in, continuing to persuade Han Shuang: "A smart person doesn't need to be so stubborn. If there is danger, you should find a way to avoid it. I will feel relieved if you leave. Wei Boxi's matter is almost over, and you need a new life. Isn't this what you've always wanted?"

Han Shuang stared at Feng Junzi for a long time before finally breaking the silence. Before she could speak, she burst out laughing, which startled Feng Junzi. Han Shuang said with a smile, "I'm actually happy you're sending me away. It means you care about my safety, and you're not just using me. Since you care about me, can't you let me worry about you? Feng Junzi, don't be so selfish."

Feng Junzi: "Am I selfish?"

Han Shuang: "Yes, you're selfish. We both did this together, and it involves both of us. At a point like this, it's impossible for you to expect me to take all the blame. You're not the only one in this world who wants to be a hero. Just because you want to be a good person doesn't mean everyone else should stay away."

Feng Junzi seemed a little confused by Han Shuang's words, and shook his head, saying, "Then what do you want?"

Han Shuang: "I'm going to stay and see Wei Boxi die with you. Even if I don't live to see that day, I don't care if I die myself. I just can't let you face danger alone. I'm not leaving unless you throw me out the window. Come on, if you really want to get rid of me, then throw me." As she spoke, she stretched out her arms, making a welcoming gesture.

Feng Junzi said with a smirk, "You think I wouldn't dare? I'll really throw you out."

Han Shuang smiled faintly and said, "If you throw me out, who will cook dinner for you tomorrow?"

Feng Junzi said, "I've lived for thirty years and never starved to death. I've thrown away so many things, I'd really like to try throwing a person or two." As he spoke, he reached out to grab Han Shuang's shoulder, making a throwing motion. Unexpectedly, the moment his hands touched Han Shuang's shoulders, Han Shuang leaned back and fell softly onto the bed. Feng Junzi also lost his balance and pounced forward, landing squarely on top of her.

Feng Junzi was about to get up when a thought suddenly occurred to him, and he instinctively wrapped his arms around Han Shuang's waist. Feng Junzi's action made Han Shuang's delicate body tremble. Perhaps this was exactly what she had been waiting for. She did not dodge, but instead reached out and hooked her arms around Feng Junzi's neck, her body coiling around him like a snake.

What happened next is probably predictable. The passionate action may have lasted for thirty seconds, or maybe five minutes. At the crucial moment when the passion was about to be unleashed, Feng Junzi suddenly pushed Han Shuang away and stood up. It seemed that the passion just now had vanished without a trace in an instant. He said, "No, I can't!"

Han Shuang hadn't yet recovered from the tenderness of the moment, and said breathlessly, "What do you mean no?"

Feng Junzi: "I have OCD!"

"Cleanliness obsession?" Han Shuang seemed not to understand for a moment. "What cleanliness obsession?"

Feng Junzi gritted his teeth and said, "I'm afraid of getting AIDS!" His voice wasn't loud, but it sounded cold, completely different from before.

Those few words were like a bucket of ice-cold water poured over her head. The desire that had been aroused in Han Shuang vanished in an instant. She stared wide-eyed at Feng Junzi. Feng Junzi was also looking at her, his eyes seemingly expressionless. Han Shuang's nightgown was now open, her graceful body completely exposed before Feng Junzi's eyes, but her rosy complexion had turned ashen in that instant.

Feng Junzi was clever; he knew to strike at the most sensitive spot at the most opportune moment. He successfully enraged Han Shuang, but seeing Han Shuang's current expression, he felt a pang of pity and could only grit his teeth and pretend not to see anything. Han Shuang froze for a moment, then suddenly grabbed a pillow and threw it at Feng Junzi with all his might. Feng Junzi was prepared and blocked it, hardening his heart as he continued, "I'm sorry, I was just stating the facts; it has nothing to do with you."

"Get out!" Han Shuang hissed, her eyes already red.

Feng Junzi was very obedient. He turned around and went out, closing the door behind him. He then sat back down on the sofa and quietly watched Han Shuang's door. Sure enough, after a while, Han Shuang pushed open the door and came out. She was already dressed and carrying her handbag. Without even glancing at Feng Junzi, she walked out of the house. The door slammed shut with a "bang," and Han Shuang's footsteps faded into the distance.

Feng Junzi sat blankly on the sofa, not knowing how much time had passed or what he was thinking. Suddenly, Piao Piao appeared out of nowhere and sat down next to him. Seeing Feng Junzi sitting there like a statue, she sighed and seemed to be talking to herself, saying, "Even if you have good intentions, it seems a bit too vicious. You should know very well how Sister Han Shuang treats you."

Feng Junzi seemed to be talking to himself, saying, "I know, but I don't have any other choice at the moment."

Piao Piao: "Actually, you don't need to worry too much. Sister Han Shuang wasn't angry when she left."

Feng Junzi seemed a little surprised and turned to Piao Piao, asking, "What? She's not angry?"

Piao Piao: "I saw it. Sister Han Shuang cried by herself in the room for a while, then suddenly laughed. After that, she started packing her things with a smile and walked out."

Feng Junzi was a little puzzled, but then he realized that Piao Piao had seen a person's true expression, which meant that Han Shuang was indeed not angry when she left. So he asked, "Was she so angry that she went crazy?"

Piao Piao: "I don't think she's stupid at all. You're the stupid one. She left a note when she left."

Feng Junzi: "What message did she leave me?"

Piao Piao: "It's not for you, it's for me."

Feng Junzi: "What was left for you? What did it say?"

Piao Piao: "It's on the bedside table. Go see for yourself."

Sure enough, there was a note on the bedside table that read: "Piao Piao: I have to leave for a while. Please take good care of that guy. I know you can detect danger in advance. There is one more thing I need you to do: don't tell him where I am."

Feng Junzi, holding the note, asked Piao Piao, "Where did she go?"

Piao Piao looked at Feng Junzi with a mischievous look: "Of course I don't know now. It seems that Han Shuang went somewhere not too far away. She was afraid that I would find out, so she begged me not to tell you."