“Oh, that Gao Wenzhan.” Buck-toothed Zhou snapped his fingers. “This is all luck. Gao Wenzhan is incredibly grateful to you! He’s already come to see you, and I expect he’ll come again later. I met him at the police station and we talked for a while. That guy is a very interesting person.”
"What's the matter?"
“What I mean is…” Buck-toothed Zhou thought for a moment, “He’s a wealthy Hong Kong businessman who was kidnapped while doing business in a city in the north, and his business is somewhat related to ours. He’s in the ocean trade and shipping business. There’s a lot of potential for cooperation between us. And now you’ve become his savior, so I think we can get in touch with him in our upcoming Asian expansion plan. Of course, I’ve already extended an invitation to him on your behalf, inviting him to visit Vancouver. I don’t think you’ll object to my initiative.”
"Whatever." I nodded.
Sure enough, a while later, Gao Wenzhan came to visit in person. He looked exhausted; after all, he had been kidnapped by four wanted criminals for several days and had suffered quite a bit. Upon seeing me, he expressed his heartfelt gratitude. He seemed sincere, and we exchanged information about each other. He owned a trading company in Hong Kong—basically, a middleman who leveraged the mainland market while maintaining relationships with overseas clients, profiting in the process. He was quite wealthy.
After I mentioned that I owned an international trading company in Vancouver, he immediately expressed his desire to cooperate with me. We agreed that I would invite him to visit Vancouver when I had the opportunity, and then he left.
“A very simple businessman shouldn’t have any complicated background.” Buck-toothed Zhou thought for a moment: “Anyway, we’re going to expand into the Asian market, and the best entry point to Asia, the first step, is Hong Kong. Having a local expert who knows the area well, and you being his savior, is always beneficial.”
After dealing with Gao Wenzhan's matter, the local police also sent someone over. On the one hand, it was to express their condolences to me. After all, I am now an overseas Chinese businessman. The fact that an overseas Chinese businessman bravely fought against evil and single-handedly captured four Class A wanted criminals is a big deal, even if it is reported to the media! However, at my strong request, I asked them to handle this matter discreetly.
I declined the substantial reward and, sitting on my hospital bed, immediately expressed my willingness to donate the money to the local Project Hope and the Women and Children Protection Fund. The officials who came to visit me immediately praised my action. Of course, I asked them to help with the final arrangements and declined media interviews. I also requested that the legal procedures for the case be simplified as much as possible, and that I needed to return to Canada as soon as possible, among other things. They did their best to accommodate my requests.
After dealing with these bureaucratic formalities and seeing off those high-profile officials, I immediately had Buck-toothed Zhou process my discharge from the hospital.
I only had some minor external injuries, and I was fine after leaving the hospital. However, when I was discharged, Fang Nan was waiting for me at the hospital entrance, and Aze was with her.
I walked over, glared at Aze, grabbed his arm, and whispered in a voice only the two of us could hear, "Kid, don't think I'll let you get away with this scheme against me."
Aze winced in pain as I gripped his arm, but he smiled bitterly and said, "Xiao Wu, you're so unfair! You've slept with the new girl and now you're ignoring the matchmaker! If it weren't for me, Aze, would your relationship have progressed so quickly?"
I didn't waste any more words with him, let go of him, and Aze quickly gave me a strange smile and walked away, leaving only Fang Nan and me.
"Are we... leaving?" Fang Nan bit her lip. She was wearing a trench coat and had a bandage on her forehead. Yesterday's accident had caused her to bump her head without realizing it at the time, but her forehead was swollen after she came back.
I walked over silently and gently took her hands in mine.
Her hands were cold and trembling slightly. I gently pulled her into my arms, kissed the bandage on her forehead, and said softly, "Look at you, how could you be so careless? What if you've hit your head and made yourself stupid?"
Fang Nan seemed to want to laugh, but couldn't. With a mournful face, she punched me hard, saying, "You're the stupid one!"
"Yes, yes, I'm an idiot." I hugged her waist.
Such playful words instantly lessened the melancholy of parting. Fang Nan nestled in my arms: "Chen Yang, shall I go to Canada with you?"
“No.” I shook my head, looked at Fang Nan, and said slowly, “Fang Nan, we’re not children anymore. You know, you have your life, and I have mine… and there are things in life more important than love! What will happen to your company if you go to Canada? What will happen to your employees? They all depend on you for their livelihood. Will you dissolve the company? And I… you should understand that too.”
“I…I know.” Fang Nan forced a smile, then looked at me: “Yan Di is a good girl. She stayed with me during the days you were gone, and we got along very well. She is a very kind girl. You should treat her better.”
"Mmm." I kissed her on the cheek. "Fang Nan, take care of yourself, okay? For all the people you care about, and for all the people who care about you, live well! Remember, don't keep a bottle of alcohol in your car anymore. I don't want you to need to drown your sorrows in alcohol in the future, understand? Treat yourself well and live happily. We'll meet again, it won't be long."
"I understand." Fang Nan finally smiled, though tears still lingered in her eyes. She suddenly kissed me forcefully, then said tenderly, "I won't be alone anymore... At least, I have that night to remember. Chen Yang, I love you! So, I will live happily, and look forward to the day we meet again!"
"Yeah, and also, keep a close eye on Aze, don't let him ruin those beautiful women in your company." I smiled.
Fang Nan and I kissed goodbye at the hospital entrance, then I got into the car and left with Zhou, who has buck teeth.
I knew this was goodbye. Fang Nan and I both seemed reluctant to face Yan Di. So, saying goodbye at the hospital entrance was probably the best choice for everyone.
Part Two: The Road to Success Chapter 134: Darling, Let's Get Married!
When I returned to the hotel, everyone else had already packed their luggage. Although I hadn't been back all night, and when I did return, it was with Bucktooth Zhou. I was wearing a coat, and although you couldn't see what was underneath, it was obvious that my movements weren't quite smooth. Xiluo and the others immediately noticed that something seemed wrong with me. They quickly surrounded me, especially Xiluo, whose expression was grave. He and Hammer immediately shielded me, whispering, "Xiao Wu, what happened? You didn't come back all night, how did you get hurt?"
After saying that, he gave Bucktooth Zhou a deep look; clearly, Bucktooth Zhou hadn't told him anything.
Buck-toothed Zhou gave a wry smile, glanced at me, and said, “It’s not my fault. At first, when you didn’t come back at night, Miss Yan Di said you ran into an old friend and wanted to catch up… well, that Mr. Aze, Xiluo and Hammer both know him. So there was no problem. This morning, Miss Fang called Aze, and only then did Aze come back and inform me. It was purely a coincidence; I was the first person to run into Aze in the hotel lobby this morning, that’s all. So when I found out, I immediately kept the news under wraps. Otherwise, if Aze had run into Xiluo and the others first this morning… my Fifth Master, you would probably be facing a scene of two women fighting over a man in the hospital. When Aze told me first this morning, I thought, since the matter is already resolved, it’s better to resolve it quietly than to make a big fuss. Anyway, the remaining issues are just some paperwork, which I can handle myself. As for these young men, there’s no need for them to show up. Right?”
I gave an awkward laugh and waved my hand, saying, "Alright, Xiluo, it's nothing. There was a little accident, but it's been resolved." Then I asked, "Where's Yan Di?"
"Pack your things in the room," was Xiluo's reply.
“That little girl is there too,” Lei Xiaohu added.
"Alright everyone, get ready. We'll meet in the lobby in a bit... Attorney Zhou, what time is our flight?"
Zhou with buck teeth laughed and said, "There's still a while. We can have a cup of coffee in the lobby café and wait for you to come down."
After saying that, he went back to his room to pack his things. Xiluo was quite meticulous; he only left after I persuaded him. However, before leaving, he glanced at Hammer: "Hammer, Xiao Wu is injured, and I'm worried something might be inconvenient for him. You stay here and watch over him!"
Hammer agreed. He looked a little frustrated. After all, he was my bodyguard, but I kept getting injured every now and then, which made him feel frustrated that he hadn't been able to do his job properly. Actually, he had been very dutiful, but I always seemed to run into some unexpected situations.
Back in my room, I saw the little girl sitting on the windowsill, swinging her legs. When she saw me come in, she jumped down in fright. Seeing my somewhat serious expression, she quickly lowered her head and said hastily, "I'm going out..."
After saying that, she ran away from me, and as she closed the door, she quietly mouthed to me, "She's in a lot of pain..."
I entered the room and saw Yan Di sitting on the bed, tidying her clothes with her back to me. Hearing my footsteps, she wiped her face forcefully, then turned around. She smiled sweetly at me, as if nothing had happened, and said softly, "You're back? Have you eaten anything?"
After saying that, she walked over to my side, looked at me carefully for a moment, and said softly, "Your eyes are a little red. Did you not sleep well last night? Sit down, I'll make you a cup of tea."
After saying that, she pulled me to sit on the sofa outside, and then ran around making me tea. Finally, she said gently, "Take a rest. I've almost finished packing my luggage. You don't need to help anymore."
"Yan Di..." I was about to say something when Yan Di laughed in a relaxed tone, "Well, don't say anything. I know you must have been with Aze last night, right? Hmm, you two are old friends, haven't seen each other in a long time. You must have had a great night, right? Did you drink heavily again?" She looked at me and smiled softly, "Okay, I know, but next time you do this, you have to call me, at least don't make me worry, okay?"
"..." After she said that, I didn't know what to say. I stared blankly as Yan Di busied herself around the room... I suddenly noticed that although Yan Di was trying her best to smile, she couldn't hide the exhaustion in her face.
Yeah, I didn't come home all night, so I guess this girl didn't sleep a wink either.
Thinking of this, I got up and went over to her, hugging her tightly from behind. Yan Di seemed to stiffen for a moment when I hugged her, then relaxed, leaning against me with a smile, and said softly, "What's wrong? Okay, I'll be done soon. Why don't you go sit on the sofa for a while?"
"Actually... last night..." I suddenly felt very sorry for Yan Di, and a strong urge to tell her the truth welled up inside me. But before I could react, Yan Di suddenly said in a panicked tone, "Okay, don't say anymore. Didn't I say it's nothing? Next time if you don't come home at night, just remember to call me..."
After saying that, she turned around, quickly kissed me on the cheek, and then pushed me away forcefully: "Okay, okay, go out and sit down and rest for a while."
"No... listen to me... last night I..." I tried to explain.
Suddenly, Yan Di's expression changed drastically. She covered her ears and shouted, "No!"
She shouted so loudly that it startled me.
I stared at her in surprise, only to see Yan Di's face turn as red as a frightened rabbit's, looking at me with such helplessness, her tone almost pleading: "Brother Wu... please, don't say anymore, okay? Please, please don't talk about what happened last night, okay? Okay?"
She found out!
That was my first reaction! Seeing Yan Di's pained expression and pleading tears welling in her eyes, I suddenly went over and hugged her, pulling her into my arms before sitting on the bed. I forcefully pried her hands off her ears and looked into her eyes: "Yan Di, what's wrong?"
Yan Di stared at me intently for a long time. Then she sighed softly, "Fifth Brother, don't say anything more. Actually, I... know."
"Know what?"
"You were with Miss Fang Nan last night, weren't you?" Yan Di looked at me, her eyes suddenly reddening. "She was also in Lijiang, wasn't she?"
I froze. Almost instinctively, I felt my voice come out mechanically, "How did you know?"
"While we were strolling through Lijiang Ancient Town, I saw those film crew members..." Yan Di sighed and whispered, "Their name tags clearly said 'Shenlan Entertainment.' I know Miss Fang Nan, and I've spent many days with her. I know the name of her company. She even once wanted me to work for her. When I saw the name tags those people were wearing, I knew Miss Fang Nan must be here too. Then, at one end of the town, I ran into Miss Ning Yan..."
She looked up at me, a sad smile on her face, though her eyes seemed about to burst into tears: "Although you left with Aze... but... but since last night, I've had this intuition... Qiaoqiao told me that a woman's intuition is usually very accurate. Brother Xiaowu... I know Miss Fang Nan, and I know her feelings for you... I, I'm so scared... so please, please don't say anything more, okay?"
I was speechless.
I can't deny what I did last night, and I can't deny what happened between Fang Nan and me. Especially in front of Yan Di! In front of this pure, kind girl who loves me with almost her whole heart... I can't lie to her. Not even a single word!
“Actually, I know in my heart.” Yan Di suddenly grabbed my clothes tightly and said softly, “Actually, there are probably many women who like you. I’ve known about Miss Fang Nan for a long time… She used to be your boss, but from the first time I met her, I knew her feelings for you were special… When you had that accident and left, Fang Nan took care of me for a while. I should be very grateful to her. Shouldn’t I? Perhaps, even if she took you away, I… I shouldn’t fight her for you, right?”
Seeing Yan Di's helpless and bewildered expression, I felt even more guilty. I quickly hugged her and kissed her face repeatedly, saying, "No, don't worry, no one will take me away."
"Hmm..." Yan Di seemed to flinch, but I held her firmly in my arms, and my kisses continued to fall on her cheeks. She was a little shy from my kisses and kept trying to dodge, but in the end she could only bury her head deeply in my shoulder, and whispered in my ear, "Brother Wu...actually, am I just a burden to you?"
"Huh? What? What did you say?"
"Yes, it's a burden, isn't it?" Yan Di seemed to be talking to herself. "Actually, I'm not stupid, I just don't know how to say many things. When I was little, my mother always told me that if something is yours, it will eventually be yours. If it's not yours, you shouldn't ask others for it. Because you can't get something by asking. Right? So, I won't ask others, and I won't ask you not to leave me. Because I know that if one day someone really tries to take you away, or you really want to leave me, no matter how much I beg, it will be useless. Right?"
The girl's soft, helpless voice reached my ears, and I felt a dampness on my neck, as if her tears had seeped into it. Then she whispered in my ear, "Besides Miss Fang Nan, I think... if I'm not mistaken, Qiao Qiao also seems to like you a lot, doesn't she?"
I'm speechless.
The day Qiaoqiao left, Yandi had already seen and guessed a lot. And, in those days, things were a bit awkward between us. But Yandi didn't say anything or ask me anything, sparing me the awkwardness of explaining. She simply stayed by my side gently, using her tenderness to ease my melancholy over Qiaoqiao's departure.
Today, she brought up Qiaoqiao on her own initiative, which made me feel even more ashamed.
"Hmm, and... there's also a Miss Yang Wei from America, right? Qiao Qiao told me about this, saying I must keep a close eye on you, otherwise, there's a woman named Yang Wei from America who might steal you away."
Yan Di sighed, her tone gradually calming. Looking at me, she whispered, "Fifth Brother, you see, I'm just an ordinary girl. Besides staying by your side, doing some simple chores, and at most giving you my body, I can't help you with anything else. And I don't have any special skills… I'm just an ordinary, clumsy girl. Miss Fang Nan, Qiao Qiao, and that Miss Yang Wei from America—they're all so smart, so beautiful, and from such noble backgrounds. They're either very intelligent or they can help you in your career… But I can't do any of that. I can only watch from afar, just watch." She glanced at me wistfully, a hint of sadness in her expression. "So I think, one day, I'll definitely be no match for them, right? Maybe a clumsy girl like me will eventually be eliminated from your life, right?"
She had stopped crying and leaned against me, looking at me as I was about to speak. But she gently covered my mouth with her hand: "Brother Wu, don't speak. Let me finish, okay? Sigh, I'm so bad with words. I usually don't know how to say these things. Today I've finally mustered up the courage to say them, so please let me finish, okay?"
"……good."
"Mmm!" Yan Di nodded, staring at me intently, then two more tears streamed down her face. "Actually...actually, I really love you so much, Chen Yang..." she pleaded. "That's why I've been holding back, afraid to say these things. I'm so scared, afraid that if I say them, you'll get angry and leave me. Like last night, as soon as you saw Miss Fang Nan, you didn't come back...sigh, you didn't even call me once...I even had a really weird thought last night...do you know what it was?"
"What?"
Yan Di looked at me and said softly, "I've seen many stories on TV. If a man cheats on his wife with another woman, at least he'll make up a lie or an excuse to deceive her..." Tears streamed down her face. "But last night... you didn't even call or say goodbye... I think you probably felt there was no point in lying to me anymore, right? Brother Xiao Wu... are you already planning to leave me?"
Looking at this girl, this girl with red, swollen eyes from crying, looking at this girl with a face full of fear and heartbreak.
Suddenly, I felt an overwhelming hatred for myself!
Damn it! Is this how I, Chen Yang, treat a girl who loves me wholeheartedly?
She is Yan Di! She is Yan Di!
She is Yan Di, who has always been with me! Even when I was unemployed, when I was at the lowest point in my life, she always quietly accompanied me with her simple, pure, and even very small and ordinary tenderness.
She's none other than Yan Di, who's been with me for so long! How could I let her carry so much worry and pain in her heart?!
I wish I could stab myself twice right now!! I'm the number one bastard in the world!
I hugged her tightly, quickly kissing away her tears, and then whispered in my gentlest voice in her ear, "Yan Di, don't say anymore. Don't think about anything else. None of what you're saying will happen... I will never leave you! Never!"
At this point, I suddenly made an incredibly firm decision!
I scooped her up in my arms and held her tightly, declaring with unwavering determination, "We're going back right now! Back to Vancouver! And then, we're getting married right now!!!"
Part Two: The Road to Success, Chapter 135: Yang Wei's Strange Reaction
"Are you serious? You're not joking?"
After receiving my call, Aze seemed a little surprised, then he was silent for a few seconds: "Why did you call to tell me?"
“Because you are my friend. My best friend.” I told him slowly, “Besides, I can’t discuss this with anyone else, so I can only tell you and hear your thoughts.”
"Where are you now?" Aze sounded a little depressed on the phone.
“The airport.” I glanced at the clock in the distance. “My plane is taking off in about half an hour.”
"Damn! So you've already made up your mind? This call wasn't to discuss it, but just to let me know?" Aze gave a helpless, bitter laugh. Although I couldn't see him on the phone, I guessed he was probably scratching his head furiously. "What do you want me to do? Do you want me to tell Fang Nan? And Qiao Qiao? Should I tell her? God! You're not going to tell anyone else this, are you? Damn it! If I tell Qiao Qiao this, she'll probably strangle me first... I don't want to be a crow that spreads bad news!"