42. The bright moon hides the egret.
Be my pearl.
"So, shall we continue what we were just interrupted about?"
When Li Xiran said this, his appearance was seductive, and his voice was deep and soft.
If Shang Xinuan weren't still in a normal physical state, she would have believed it to be true.
The teased young lady rested her chin on her hand and stared straight at him, giving him an expression that said, "You deliberately provoked me first, so don't blame me for being impolite."
She unbuckled her seatbelt, leaned forward, and placed her hands on Li Xiran's knees.
Summer clothes are made of very thin fabric, and the muscles of an adult man are hot and bulging, with veins popping and throbbing in her palms.
Without flinching, the young lady pressed her beautiful, flamboyant crimson lips against Li Xiran's face.
"OK!"
Li Xiran chuckled softly, "You can't regret it."
"Li Xiran, let's make this clear beforehand, I'm not responsible for kisses." Shang Xinuan said to Li Xiran, mimicking how playboys would deceive young girls.
Before that burning hot hand could climb onto the waist that haunted its owner's dreams, it paused again, and finally pinched the soft flesh of her waist with a wicked smile.
"Young Miss, who did you learn this from? It's a bit naughty."
Shang Xin's bright red lips made her look like a wicked and evil fairy. "Isn't it said that men don't love women who aren't a little bad?"
Li Xiran hissed coldly, his hand gripping her waist and pulling her closer. "Little girl, you really need to be taught a lesson."
Just as Li Xiran finished speaking, someone knocked on the passenger-side window.
The person who had just been acting like a bad girl clearly hadn't forgotten that this was her own front door. She immediately became like a frightened bird, pushing Li Xiran aside, sitting up straight, and turning around.
Outside the car window, Aunt Hui was holding an umbrella. She must have seen Li Xiran's car and came over to pick her up.
Shang Xinuan, on the other hand, is like a child caught doing something naughty by their parents in early dating, hesitant to pull the car door handle.
"Don't worry, bad girl, my car is very secure. No one will see anything, no matter how intense it is." Li Xiran understood her thoughts and said with a smile, "Take the roses."
As they were about to part, the young lady blushed with embarrassment once again.
She slowly got out of the car, carrying the flowers, and only after she and Aunt Hui entered the house did she hear the roar of a car engine starting up outside again.
The vibrant red roses, glistening even more after a few drops of rain touched the bouquet.
The young girl couldn't help but let her imagination run wild, wondering what would have happened if Aunt Hui hadn't come to pick her up.
Yes or no...
"Nuan Nuan." The sudden voice interrupted her thoughts.
Shang Xin looked up and saw Shang Zun sitting on the second-floor veranda, enjoying the rain and sipping tea.
She handed the bouquet of roses to Aunt Hui and then ran towards her grandfather's direction.
"Dear Grandpa!" The young lady smiled, her eyes crinkling, and sat down next to Shang Zun. "What a relaxing day!"
Shang Zun has not yet retired and still serves as the president of the Shanghai Chamber of Commerce. Shang Xinuan rarely sees him during the daytime on weekdays, and he is still leisurely enjoying the rain and sipping tea.
"Nuan Nuan's outfit today is also very festive." Shang Zun squinted and looked her over carefully. "It's like Grandpa is seeing what Nuan Nuan will look like on her wedding day."
The young lady blushed slightly, "Red is inherently festive. I'm not in a hurry to get married; I want to spend more time with my grandfather."
Shang Zun laughed heartily, "Grandpa isn't in a hurry for Nuan Nuan to get married. It's just that the girl is getting older, and I don't know how many more years he can keep her."
"That will have to wait until I finish my studies." Shang Xinuan held the teacup, her earlobes turning as red as blood.
"Studying abroad." Shang Zun murmured, gazing at the rain, lost in thought for a long time. "This is the first time our little princess has been so far from home."
Two countries, two cities.
There was a full seven-hour time difference.
Compared to his grandson studying abroad from a young age, the old man felt his heart clench with worry just thinking about his beloved granddaughter having to live alone.
"Then Grandpa still wants to remind you that the environment abroad is not as bad as in China, so you should restrain yourself when necessary." This was the first time Shang Zun had told her to pay attention to safety and to rein in her spoiled princess temper.
For the first time, Shang Xinuan truly experienced what it meant to travel alone to a country where even her family couldn't interfere.
There was no longer the Shang family to act as a protective shield there; she had to stand on her own two feet.
"I know, Grandpa, don't worry."
Shang Zun sighed and murmured, "They've grown up! The children have all grown up."
Shang Xinuan silently took the old man's arm and rested her head on his shoulder. "Grandpa, the one who loves the princess the most will always be the old king."
The old man let her hold him, but still couldn't help but sigh softly and ask, "So, my little princess, have you really decided on that person?"
Shang Xinuan was slightly taken aback before realizing that Shang Zun was implying something.
"The first time I met him, I was sitting right here," Shang Zun recalled. "The young man was both young and scholarly, and among the group of young men his age in Shanghai, he was a rare combination of maturity and composure."
The old man watched Shang Xinuan grow up. Although the young lady was a bit arrogant, she would never deliberately make things difficult for anyone.
Her repeated unreasonable and capricious behavior still manages to make the old man laugh to this day.
So rather than saying that the old man was attracted to Li Xiran's composure, it's more accurate to say that he was charmed by his granddaughter's cuteness.
“But as for how much talent he has, I’ve met many people, and he’s not the best of the best,” Shang Zun sneered. “He’s just lucky to have been chosen by my treasure.”
"So even if he was a pile of mud back then, I would find a way to turn him into rare earth."
Old Master Shang was also a young master born into wealth and privilege. He experienced the collapse of his family's fortunes, being scorned and avoided by everyone. He also experienced a comeback, being highly praised and honored.
He had witnessed almost all the sycophancy and condescension in the world, so he deeply understood that the affection between family members was the most precious thing.
"I've built the Shang family to this point, and for my precious princess to choose anyone would be a step down. So I only want you to marry the person you love most in your heart, so you won't regret it in the future."
Shang Xin's eyes welled up with tears, and she buried her face in the old man's arms. "Grandpa, I really, really like him."
Perhaps long ago, her feelings for Li Xiran were merely an infatuated love.
But after experiencing all sorts of unforgettable moments, her heart had already uncontrollably leaned towards him.
The old man's eyes also reddened, a feeling akin to someone unreasonably taking home a flower he had painstakingly nurtured. "Oh my! My little princess has truly grown up this time."
-
The next day.
The week-long drizzle in Shanghai has stopped, and the entire city looks brand new.
Li Xiran had just finished a multinational conference and was leaning back in his chair, rubbing the bridge of his nose to relieve fatigue.
Chen Ti came in with a cup of coffee to report, "Chairman Li, all projects are progressing normally, except..."
Li Xiran opened his eyes, his eye sockets bloodshot from exhaustion. "Besides what?"
"The Chen family's shares, which we couldn't acquire before, were suddenly bought by the Shang family patriarch last night."
This isn't necessarily a bad thing for Li Xiran; it simply means that he will become more deeply involved with the Shang family in the future.
But the old man easily acquired the item at this hurdle that had him at a loss, which seemed to be helping him, but in reality it was more like a show of force.
This is clearly a response and warning to the recent injury to Shang Xinuan. The Shang family treats every business partner fairly, but the most important thing is that the eldest daughter is happy.
"Please confirm the old man's schedule for me. I'll personally visit him tonight."
Chen Ti replied, "I already asked in advance about the old man's flight to London this morning. I guess it's for Miss Nuannuan's study abroad, and he's personally going abroad to make arrangements."
Li Xiran rested his chin on his hand. "Then please cancel my meeting this afternoon and arrange for me to meet with Chen Shaoyi. It's time to take care of the last thing."
Chen Ti: "Okay, Chairman Li."
-
After lunch, Shang Xinuan was bored at home.
She made plans with both Qiao Xi and Ruan Songyi, but neither could find the time to spend with her due to work commitments.
Looking out the window at the bright sunshine, the young lady decided to call the driver to take her to the Li family's place.
As soon as she entered the hall, she saw Li Xiran walking towards her.
"You didn't guess I was coming and came down to greet me ahead of time, did you?" The young lady raised her eyebrows, proud and radiant.
Li Xiran was alone, with one hand in his trouser pocket.
Upon seeing her, he affectionately and naturally raised his arm to put it around her waist and led her outside. "Although I really want to admit that I have a telepathic connection with Miss, I can't lie to you. I'm going to see Chen Shaoyi now."
The attack in the underground parking garage left Shang Xinuan with considerable psychological trauma. So she timidly asked, "Are you going to see her alone?"
"It's a family matter after all, so it's inconvenient to involve Chen Ti." Chen Shaoyi is currently in a daze, only occasionally regaining her senses.
Li Xiran still cared about Li Qianyun and wanted to save face for her. At least in front of outsiders, she was still the dignified and proper Madam Chen of the Li family.
"You can go shopping at the nearby mall for a while, and I'll have dinner with you afterwards, okay?" Li Xiran didn't seem to have any intention of taking her along.
Shang Xin's arm was pressed against his heart. Even now, recalling that moment, he still feels the chill of the knife hilt. "No, I want to stay with you."
“Her mental state has been...very poor lately.” He was worried that the young lady would be frightened.
"That's why I'm even more determined to go with you." She was also worried that Li Xiran would be slandered again, even by Chen Shaoyi's crazy words. After all, words can be deadly.
Li Xiran stopped in front of the car.
His Adam's apple bobbed against his shirt collar, trying to control himself, but in the end he couldn't bring himself to kiss the girl in front of him.
He thought she should first have a grand courtship ceremony.
She was intimate with Li Xiran as his girlfriend or lover.
It shouldn't be that when feelings are running high, someone suddenly asks: "What is our relationship now?"
-
Chen Shaoyi still lives in the Li family's old house, where she is cared for by a professional nursing team.
The huge French-style villa had its doors and windows tightly closed even during the day, which added to the oppressive atmosphere.
As the two entered, their shoes echoed on the marble tiles.
Chen Shaoyi held a book and sat in Li Qianyun's former study.
This room has not been opened for more than 20 years since his death.
Without sunlight, only the incandescent light shining on her made her appear exceptionally pale and sickly.
Hearing their footsteps, Chen Shaoyi turned her head blankly.
"You're back?" Her voice was weak, and even her eyes were unfocused. "Qianyun, I can't seem to read this English translation properly. Can you help me?"
Li Xiran lowered his eyes, his gaze falling on the spot where Chen Shaoyi's fingertips touched.
Out beyond ideas
of wrongdoing and rightdoing,
There is a field.
I'll meet you there.
"It is Rumi's most classic English poem," Li Xiran recited in a deep voice.
He used to have a slightly roguish London accent, but Li Qianyun corrected him word by word, which led to his current standard Oxford RP accent.
This subtle pronunciation, combined with that noble face, even made the tone of his voice sound noble.
But in Chen Shaoyi's eyes, this moment felt like Li Qianyun had returned to her.
“Beyond right and wrong, there is a field where we will meet,” Li Xiran translated for her.
"Li Qianyun, do you still want to see me?" Chen Shaoyi asked, staring into Li Xiran's eyes. "I am really a person who sees things in black and white and loves to argue about right and wrong."
Her heart, and her actions, no longer allowed her to hope for a transcendent encounter with Li Qianyun in another world, beyond the boundaries of right and wrong.
"My father felt guilty towards you until his death."
"Sorry? Then you should apologize to my face."
The facial features of the father and son are so similar that they are enough for Chen Shaoyi to relive her youth when her mind is in a daze.
“I’m here today to apologize on behalf of my father. He’s very sorry that hiding my existence damaged your relationship as husband and wife.” Li Xiran looked at Chen Shaoyi and recalled what Li Qianyun had told him before his death. “But he really only wanted to fulfill his duty as a father and accompany me as I grew up. He never had the idea of bringing me back to the Li family.”
"He cares more about your feelings than about passing on traditions."
Chen Shaoyi shrugged, her previously unfocused eyes showing a slight reaction. "If Li Qianyun cares about me, then you must hate me terribly."
"I admit that my willfulness is partly to blame for all the misfortunes." If he were given another chance, he would not act so impulsively again, "but it is something that none of us can escape."
"I've come to see you today to inform you that the Chen family has transferred the shares. I've chosen to wipe the slate clean of everything that happened before and send you to a sanatorium to live out your remaining years in peace."
Chen Shaoyi shrugged and smiled arrogantly, "I understand, you can disappear now."
"What do I want to hear?"
"What? Do you want to hear my gratitude for your leniency in not sending me to jail?"
Li Xiran leaned down slightly and asked, "Where is my mother?"
Chen Shaoyi suddenly laughed, "I thought you had forgotten her."
"Li Xiran, once you marry the Shang family's daughter, no one will remember your past. Why are you still hung up on the woman who gave you the status of an illegitimate child? Wouldn't it be better to embrace a new life?"
Li Xiran clenched his fist, maintaining a calm demeanor as he replied, "No one forgets their mother."
"No one wants to remember a slut who bore a child for her husband forever," Chen Shaoyi said angrily. "Everyone says the child is innocent, but what about the slut who knowingly did the wrong thing? How is she innocent!"
Li Xiran frowned, and the veins on his arm bulged instantly.
Shang Xinuan quickly stepped forward and grabbed him, "Does your heart hurt?" Then she shielded him behind her.
“Madam Chen, I sympathize with you for being kept in the dark for so many years. But Xiran just wants to know where his mother is. Why do you have to say such hurtful things?”
Chen Shaoyi took a deep breath and raised her eyes with a cold sneer, "Is this what you call mutual sympathy between people who were born of mothers but not raised by them? I thought the Shang family would learn from this lesson and be stricter in raising their daughter."
"Miss Shang, may I ask who gives you the right to lecture me? Are you Li Xiran's girlfriend? The Li family's betrothed? Or merely a junior?"
In Shanghai, seniority and social status are highly valued, and businessmen are particularly meticulous in their seniority system.
Li Xiran always treated Chen Shaoyi with courtesy, precisely because he didn't want to be criticized.
“We have always regarded you as an elder. Even when you made things difficult for us, and even went so far as to kill us, Xiran never did anything to harm you. We always thought of that little bit of guilt and that little bit of family affection.”
Chen Shaoyi's lips trembled, her eyes red. "So what? Shouldn't everyone bear the consequences of their own mistakes? Why should I be forgiven just because I was young and ignorant? In the end, the one to blame and resent is not me, the victim."
"Everyone should bear the possibility of a bullet retaliating for the gun they fire."
As Shang Xinuan watched her tearful accusations, her face suddenly darkened. "Then why don't you think about the Chen family? Li Xiran may be willing to forgive you, but the Shang family may not."
“I am no one in your Li family, yet I almost died by your blade. As you said, everyone should bear the possibility of a bullet retaliating.”
Only then did a hint of warmth appear in Chen Shaoyi's eyes. "Strike at someone's weakness, attack their vital spot. Is that what Shang Zun taught you?"
“My grandfather met with your brother last night. It seems that the Chen family’s accounts have been seriously in deficit over the years, and there have been complaints within the Chamber of Commerce for some time. In the past, my grandfather was very lenient with us because of the friendship between our two families.” Shang Xin said in a calm tone, “But that was also because of the friendship between the Shang family and the Li family.”
“Anya is dead.” Chen Shaoyi said coldly, without any sorrow or pain, “She died a week after Li Qianyun died.”
“Any mountain, any sea, any forest could be her final resting place. You are still young, take your time, you will eventually find it.”
Shang Xi's warm heart instantly turned cold. "You're lying."
“I never lie. Li Xiran knows me best. Just ask him and you’ll know.” A smile crept onto Chen Shaoyi’s lips, as if a plot she had been laying for years had finally been unleashed.
"Nuan Nuan, let's go," Li Xiran said, his face deathly pale. It seemed he had expected this all along, but he was determined to hear the result with his own ears.
"Li Xiran!" Chen Shaoyi watched their retreating figures, and finally roared viciously, "We will never reconcile, and you will never deserve forgiveness in your life!"
-
On the way back, Li Xiran appeared to be in a stable mood.
The way he held her hand and stroked it all the way revealed his true feelings.
No one can remain calm upon hearing the news of their mother's death; he simply chose to swallow his grief and joy.
Chen Shaoyi's words struck a chord with him, reminding him that everyone should bear the consequences of their mistakes.
"If you're really feeling down, let's pull over and rest for a bit," Shang Xinuan said softly.
Li Xiran shook his head, but his voice was full of sorrow as he spoke, "It's alright. Over the years, I've never thought of this possibility."
He searched almost everywhere, both in the sky and on the ground, domestically and internationally.
As long as mortals are alive, they won't be completely without any clues.
He was simply stubborn and unwilling to believe the final, true outcome.
"Nuan Nuan, forget about today." This should only be his nightmare, a sin that he can never forgive for the rest of his life.
"Okay, I promise you."
When the car arrived at the Shang family's house, Li Xiran let go of her hand and tremblingly rubbed the top of her head.
"Li Xiran, do you remember what you said before? Perhaps my presence by your side is already proof that God has forgiven you." Those were the words Li Xiran spoke to them in the desert.
Li Xiran's Adam's apple bobbed, and he nodded. "Good boy. Go back and get a good night's sleep. Just focus on your studies in London, and I'll take care of everything else."
Watching Shang Xinuan get out of the car and disappear into the gate, he finally turned off the car, completely powerless.
It was a pain that spread wildly through his blood, like a drug more potent than poison, eroding his internal organs.
This poison will not kill a person, but it is enough to cause a chronic disease that lasts a lifetime.
As Angela Chen said, no one can gain unlimited tolerance and forgiveness simply by saying "I was young and ignorant".
Everyone should bear the risk of a bullet backlash for the gun they fire.
He was just an ordinary person, without the golden touch of a god or the halo of a protagonist who wins over all.
Of course, one must also bear the consequences of mistakes made in youth, even if they are unforgettable and lifelong pains.
But just as Li Xiran's heart was being torn apart and he was suffocating, the driver's side door was pulled open.
He was completely immersed in the warm embrace that belonged only to the little girl.
"Li Xiran." Shang Xinuan's voice trembled.
She clearly heard Li Xiran say, "Nuan Nuan, I don't even have a mother anymore."
From birth, he was pelted with stones by street thugs in London and grew up hearing all sorts of vulgar language.
He had already accepted his fate as a "bastard" and the arrangement of relying solely on his mother.
But fate gave him a chance; human nature is insatiable and greedy.
He greedily wanted a father, he wanted a home.
“I must have been driven by the most heinous greed, because when they took my father back, they took my mother with them.”
“Li Xiran, you won’t be alone.” She hugged him tightly. “No one is alone forever.”
"Nuan Nuan." Li Xiran buried his head in her shoulder and neck. "I'm a little scared."
He suddenly felt extremely powerless, fearing that the punishment from heaven was not enough.
In the end, even their only faith will be taken away.
His love will all turn into bullets that kill.
"I am not a rough stone good enough to be cut beautifully, but just a piece of broken glass. I have a greedy heart and a hypocritical exterior. I lack the glamorous and noble qualities that outsiders see, and I am even closed and weak when it comes to emotions. How can someone like me give you happiness?"
Shang Xinuan hugged him even tighter, as if she had picked up a crumpled piece of waste paper that had been discarded and then carefully flattened and ironed it.
“Then I will pick up your broken glass and put it into my body like an oyster. Li Xiran, from now on I won’t suffer anymore, okay? You will be my pearl.”
A note from the author:
Thank you to all the little angels who voted for me or watered my plants with nutrient solution between 2023-05-25 23:44:15 and 2023-05-27 20:16:43!
Thank you to the little angels who watered my nutrient solution: *pats myself on the back* (one bottle);
Thank you so much for your support! I will continue to work hard!
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