Der Himmel ist das Ufer des sterblichen Staubs

Kapitel 21

...

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 bored staying 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?"

Han Shuang chuckled softly and said, "Women dress up for those who appreciate them. Haven't you heard this saying before, 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 that Han Shuang could probably be described as spicy and fragrant 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: "It's not that I want to send you away, but you should leave now. It will be dangerous for you to stay here, and besides, you have 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 prominent, its curves captivating. 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 follow her in and continue 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 about to end, and you need a new life. Isn't this what you have 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 did this together, and it involves both of us. At a point like this, it's impossible for you to abandon me and take all the blame. You're not the only one in this world who wants to be a hero. If you want to be a good person, does that mean everyone else has to step aside?"

Feng Junzi shook his head and said, "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. Han Shuang's body trembled at Feng Junzi's action, but she did not flinch. Instead, she 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 angered 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 paused for a moment, then suddenly grabbed a pillow and threw it at Feng Junzi. Feng Junzi was prepared and blocked it, hardening his heart as he continued, "I'm sorry, I was just stating my own thoughts; 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 walked out, closing the door behind him. He then quietly sat back down on the sofa. 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 beside 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 malicious."

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. And there's 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 questioning 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."

Feng Junzi smiled bitterly. It seemed all his hard work had been in vain. Although Han Shuang had left, she hadn't truly gone. He then rummaged through her things and became even more dumbfounded. Han Shuang hadn't taken all her belongings, but she had taken the house key. If he had known Han Shuang would do this, he should have just—

...

Feng Junzi thought Han Shuang would return soon, but he was wrong. For several days, there was no news of Han Shuang, as if she had vanished into thin air. The longer Feng Junzi waited, the more uneasy he became, worrying about Han Shuang's safety. That day, he had a nightmare in which Han Shuang was tortured in the hands of Wei Boxi's men. He woke up in a cold sweat. He found Piao Piao sitting by his bed, looking at him with a strange expression.

When Piao Piao saw that Feng Junzi had woken up, she asked softly, "You were dreaming, weren't you? Did you dream about Han Shuang? I heard you calling her name."

Feng Junzi: "Yes, it was a nightmare. Piaopiao, did Han Shuang encounter any danger?"

Piao Piao: "Good people are rewarded, but I don't think so. I haven't been able to find her these past few days."

Feng Junzi suddenly remembered something and asked Piao Piao, "I saw you when I woke up today. How come I've never seen you while I was sleeping before?"

Piao Piao: "You used to sleep in the study. I couldn't get into your study, and I thought you were deliberately preventing me from going in."

Feng Junzi was puzzled and asked, "No, why would I not let you into my study? What's going on?"

Piao Piao: "Don't you know? There's something on your desk that prevents me from getting close to it."

Feng Junzi: "What is that?"

Piao Piao: "I don't know, it seems to be a book."

Feng Junzi suddenly remembered that there was a copy of the Diamond Sutra on his desk. He hadn't expected that this sutra could keep ghosts away. So he asked, "That's a copy of the Diamond Sutra. So you're afraid of Buddhist scriptures? Then you can't even get near bookstores that sell Buddhist scriptures or craft shops that sell Buddha statues?"

Piao Piao: "No, Buddhist scriptures and statues are just inanimate objects, nothing more than paper and clay. There's nothing to be afraid of. But your book is quite special. Where did you get it?"

Feng Junzi: "Now that you ask, I remember. I bought it for three yuan at a used bookstore. There was a temple incense ticket tucked inside the book. It looked like an old item that had been chanted by monks. I don't know how it ended up at a used bookstore."

Piao Piao: "I understand now. There must be something similar in Wei Boxi's office. I've been unable to get in. This kind of thing might be the magical artifact that other ghosts are talking about."

Upon hearing Piao Piao's words, Feng Junzi became even more worried. If Piao Piao had limitations, could there be a powerful figure by Wei Boxi's side? Wouldn't Han Shuang be in even greater danger? The more he thought about it, the worse his mood became.

Part Two: Ghost Alley Episode 25 - Gentle Breeze and Fleeting Moon

Feng Junzi was determined to get Han Shuang to leave, but his efforts backfired. Although Han Shuang left, she didn't seem to have gone far. Feng Junzi's original intention was to prevent Han Shuang from being in danger with him, but now that she wasn't around, he started to worry about whether she was in even greater danger. He was in a bad mood for several days. But no matter how he felt, life had to go on, and he continued to go to work and come home as usual.

That evening after dinner, his phone suddenly rang. It was his old friend, Yang Hongliang. Yang Hongliang was the deputy general manager of the investment department at Tianlu Securities. They had previously worked together at the same consulting firm, and he and Shi Dan had met through Yang Hongliang's introduction. Yang Hongliang never called him for anything serious; he simply said on the phone, "Xiao Feng, are you free tonight?"

Feng Junzi: "What's the matter first?"

"A fund manager friend of mine is visiting from out of town. We'd like to go out for a chat, how about we all get together? Do you have any recommendations for fun places to visit?"

Feng Junzi knew that was the case. He had been in a bad mood these past few days and wanted to take this opportunity to go out and relieve his boredom, so he asked, "Is it public funds or are you hosting this personally?"

"Just consider it as me paying for it personally!"

What would you like to play?

"What do you think? Of course, we'd prefer something more relaxing and exciting."

Feng Junzi said irritably, "You're such a scoundrel. I'll take you somewhere. It's not very high-class, but it's cheap and the entertainment is good."

In fact, since meeting Hu Shiwei and Han Shuang, Feng Junzi had never set foot in any entertainment venues. His visits to Han Shuang at midnight and Chen Yidao in the Red Forest weren't for leisure. However, Feng Junzi had indeed frequented many brothels before, and today he took Yang Hongliang to Jinmei Love Song City.

Jinmei Love Song City is only considered second-rate among the many entertainment venues in Bincheng, but it has its own unique features: the drinks are inexpensive, and the girls are quite uninhibited, making it a good value for money. Yang Hongliang brought his friends here looking for some fun, probably looking for this kind of place as well.

Yang Hongliang's friend, Xu Feng, is a fund manager at Qiangmin Fund. He's two years younger than Feng Junzi and has been a fund manager for two years. Judging from his expression, he's quite successful at the moment, and he's very cheerful and talkative. The three of them arrived at the Love Song City, selected a girl, and sat down to chat. Here, all the girls call their clients "husband," and after sitting down, you hear them calling him "husband" repeatedly—it's quite a lively scene!

While drinking and singing, Feng Junzi casually asked Xu Feng about his purpose for coming. Xu Feng replied, "I'm here to conduct research on Weida Shares. I plan to build a position in Weida Shares, and now is the perfect time."

Feng Junzi had only asked casually, but as soon as the other party mentioned Weida Shares, he immediately perked up and asked with feigned interest, "Weida Shares just had such a big incident in Hong Kong, how dare you buy its stock now? Aren't you afraid of being dragged down with it?"

Xu Feng smiled and said, "Weida can handle this little thing."

Seeing Feng Junzi's puzzled look, Yang Hongliang explained from the side: "Wei Boxi naturally has no way to deal with the Hong Kong ICAC, but he has a way to deal with things on Jianjiang's side. He himself is about to come back. Although this matter has an impact, it is an opportunity for us."

Xu Feng continued, "Yes, Weida's stock price has fallen by more than 30 percent, which is obviously undervalued. Wei Boxi is probably thinking about how to bring the stock price back up. He has a lot of money in it himself, so we can go there now to negotiate terms."