89. Spring
Jiang Nan leaned in his arms, listening to his steady heartbeat, feeling the fatigue and tension of the past few days slowly dissipate. She gently put her arms around his waist and whispered, "Actually, I'm a little scared."
Chen Yunsheng let go of her slightly and looked down into her eyes: "What are you afraid of?"
"I'm afraid your uncle will become desperate," Jiang Nan pursed her lips, "and I'm also afraid...that things will change between us."
Chen Yunsheng was silent for a moment: "It won't change. It will only make me more certain about what I want."
He paused for a moment before continuing, "As for Second Uncle, he's timid. After several failed attempts, he might be more worried about how to escape with the money than continuing to target me."
Jiang Nan watched the flash of mockery in his eyes, feeling both relieved and a little uneasy. She knew she couldn't get involved in these business battles, so she could only hope she wouldn't become a burden to him.
"So what do you need me to do?" she asked.
Chen Yunsheng shook his head, a gentle smile appearing on his lips: "Just stay by my side like you are now."
Hearing this, Jiang Nan chuckled: "That's such a domineering thing to say."
Chen Yunsheng was stunned for a moment, then smiled and put on a serious face: "That's right."
Jiang Nan snorted, then couldn't help but rub against his arms.
"Oh, right," Chen Yunsheng let go of her and took out the red envelope given by the old man from his pocket, "This is the New Year's money from grandpa."
Jiang Nan looked at the thick red envelope and was a little surprised: "I have a share too?"
"Of course," Chen Yunsheng put the red envelope in her hand, "Grandpa said it's for us young couple."
Jiang Nan held the red envelope in his hand and looked up at Chen Yunsheng, his eyes shining. "Shouldn't we do something? For example, spend this money on something meaningful?"
Chen Yunsheng looked at her seriously and asked, "What do you want to use it for?"
Jiang Nan thought for a moment and said, "Donate some to a welfare organization? Keep some and buy some souvenirs to put in the entrance hall."
The proposal was simple but full of heart. Chen Yunsheng's brows softened. He nodded: "Okay, I'll listen to you."
He liked her small, life-like thoughts, which made him feel that life could be lived in such a concrete and warm way.
Afterwards, the two chatted for a while about choosing souvenirs until Jiang Nan yawned lightly.
"Go to sleep." Chen Yunsheng rubbed her hair.
Jiang Nan nodded, but still stayed in his arms and didn't want to move.
Chen Yunsheng chuckled and simply picked her up. Jiang Nan exclaimed and subconsciously hugged his neck.
"What are you doing?" Her ears turned slightly red.
"I'll take you to bed." Chen Yunsheng carried her to the bedroom and answered as if it was a matter of course.
Chen Yunsheng gently pushed open the door of her room, then put her on the bed and covered her with a blanket.
"Goodnight." He leaned over and placed a kiss on her forehead.
Jiang Nan looked at his back as he turned and left, and suddenly felt reluctant to let him go.
"Chen Yunsheng." She called him softly.
He turned around: "What's wrong?"
"Do you... want to stay?" After saying that, Jiang Nan felt a little regretful.
Chen Yunsheng was stunned for a moment, then a gentle smile appeared in his eyes: "Are you sure?"
Jiang Nan pulled the quilt upwards, revealing only a pair of eyes: "Just... just sleeping."
Chen Yunsheng looked at her like this and smiled softly. Then he walked back to the bed and lay down on the other side, but keeping a proper distance between them.
"Go to sleep," he whispered, then turned off the bedside lamp.
In the darkness, Jiang Nan could hear his steady breathing. After a while, she turned quietly and looked at his vague outline in the hazy night.
"Chen Yunsheng," she whispered again, "tell me about your childhood."
Chen Yunsheng was silent for a while. Just when Jiang Nan thought he had fallen asleep, he slowly spoke, "When I was little, I loved the osmanthus honey my grandma made the most."
His voice was hazy and soft in the night: "But grandma doesn't let me eat too much, she's afraid I'll get cavities."
Jiang Nan listened quietly, imagining the little boy who was under strict family education but was still tenderly cared for by his grandmother.
"After my grandmother passed away, I never tasted such delicious osmanthus honey again."
"When I learn how to make it, I'll cook it for you." Jiang Nan said softly.
Chen Yunsheng nodded softly, then grabbed her hand.
——
Over the next few days, even though the Spring Festival holiday wasn't over yet, Chen Yunsheng was already busy. The light in his study often burned late into the night as he processed backlogs of documents and prepared for the upcoming internal restructuring.
Jiang Nan didn't disturb him, but she would always bring him a cup of hot tea or a plate of fruit when he was working. Sometimes, she said nothing, but just sat quietly in the chair next to him and read a book.
That night, when Jiang Nan walked into the study with the freshly cooked pear soup, she saw Chen Yunsheng frowning slightly at the computer screen, looking a little annoyed.
"What's wrong?" She placed the warm pear soup next to him.
Chen Yunsheng took the bowl and said, "Second Uncle is more cautious than I thought. It's a bit troublesome to move a few key positions."
Jiang Nan sat down on the chair next to him: "Can't we just start with the projects they're handling?"
"We're investigating," Chen Yunsheng said, taking a sip of the pear soup. The sweet and warm taste relaxed his tense nerves a little. "But it will take time and the right timing."
After a moment of silence, he looked up at Jiang Nan and suddenly asked, "If, I mean if, the final result is not good, what would you think——"
"What do you think?" Jiang Nan looked at him. "Do you think you did something wrong? Or did you implicate me?"
Chen Yunsheng said nothing, which was considered as his agreement.
Jiang Nan put on a serious expression, then she leaned forward slightly to look him in the eye. "Chen Yunsheng, whether it's turmoil or scandal, now that I've made the choice, I've never considered running away. Whether it's cleaning up the mess or protecting the interests of the group, I support you."
Her eyes were clear and firm, without any hesitation or fear.
Chen Yunsheng was silent for a moment, then held her hand and squeezed it gently: "Thank you."
"You're welcome," Jiang Nan straightened up, his tone becoming more relaxed. "Hurry up and finish your pear soup, then go to bed early. Don't you have to meet Director Liu tomorrow?"
Chen Yunsheng nodded slightly and continued to drink the pear soup.
Afterwards, at her urging, Chen Yunsheng finished his work. They returned to the bedroom together. Jiang Nan lay down first while Chen Yunsheng went to wash up. By the time he lay down beside her, still damp, Jiang Nan was already a little drowsy.
When she smelled the familiar scent of cedar and felt movement beside her, she instinctively leaned towards him and asked vaguely, "Is the light off?"
"It's turned off." Chen Yunsheng reached out and held her in his arms.
Her body was warm and soft, like a little animal that had found its nest. She adjusted herself to a comfortable position in his arms, and soon her breathing became even and long.
Chen Yunsheng lay awake in the darkness, feeling the warmth of her embrace. The business calculations and family undercurrents seemed distant and blurry. He bent down and gently kissed the top of her head, feeling a sense of peace he had never felt before.
——
When the Spring Festival holiday officially ended, life returned to normal. Jiang Nan returned to work, and the Summer Pulse promotion project entered its second round of implementation, and she became busy.
That afternoon, while she was in a meeting with her team, her phone suddenly vibrated. It was a message from Chen Yunsheng, which was concise and to the point:
I have a social engagement in the evening and won’t be home for dinner.
Jiang Nan replied with a single "OK" and put down her phone, feeling a strange sense of emptiness in her heart. She was used to eating together every day, and suddenly he was gone, and she felt a little uncomfortable.
But the thought only lasted a few seconds, and then she continued to concentrate on her work and put the matter aside.
However, after the meeting, Wenwen came over and winked, "Tsk tsk, you look so distracted. It's been a while since I last saw your boss, Chen, right?"
Jiang Nan's face flushed, and he pushed her away angrily, "What nonsense are you talking about! I was just thinking about the plan."
"Come on," Wenwen said with a grin, "I saw the look in your eyes when you were looking at your phone just now. How is it? Isn't the life of the rich filled with extravagance and intrigue?"
Jiang Nan smiled helplessly: "What do you mean by extravagance and decadence? It's just an ordinary life. As for the intrigue... there is indeed some." She thought of the witty remarks in the old house and what Chen Yunsheng was facing now, and sighed softly.
Wen Wen noticed the subtle change in her expression, put away his joke, and asked with concern: "Are you okay? If you encounter any difficulties, be sure to tell me."
"It's okay," Jiang Nan shook his head and took her arm. "I just feel quite tired sometimes. But," she paused, a smile on her face again, "it doesn't seem that unbearable."
After saying that, Jiang Nan hurried Wenwen back to work, ignoring her gossipy look.
After getting home from work, Jiang Nan ate a quick bite and then worked overtime on his computer in the living room. A little after nine o'clock, the sound of the electronic lock opening could be heard from the entrance. It was Chen Yunsheng returning.
He smelled faintly of alcohol and looked a little tired, but his eyes were still clear.
"You're back?" Jiang Nan put down his computer, stood up and walked over. "Did you drink a lot?"
"Not bad." Chen Yunsheng took off his coat and handed it to her.
Jiang Nan took the coat and hung it up, then turned to see him lowering his head to change his shoes. His profile seemed a little softer under the light from the entrance. She felt a sudden impulse, walked over, hugged his waist from behind, and then pressed her face against his back.
Chen Yunsheng paused and tilted his head slightly: "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Jiang Nan's voice was muffled, "I just suddenly wanted to hug you."
Hearing this, Chen Yunsheng's heart softened, and he turned around and hugged her in his arms. He didn't ask her why, but just held her quietly. After a while, he whispered, "I met with several elders today, and things went better than expected."
Jiang Nan raised her head in his arms: "Really?"
"Well," Chen Yunsheng looked down at her bright eyes, "most of them are dissatisfied with Second Uncle's recent actions. They just lack an opportunity."
"That's great!" Jiang Nan was sincerely happy for him.
"But you can't relax yet," Chen Yunsheng led her to the sofa and sat down, "the next step is the key."
"I will ensure the safety of myself and my parents, don't worry." Jiang Nan snuggled up to him, feeling the warmth and faint smell of alcohol coming from his body.
"I know." Chen Yunsheng ruffled her hair. Although he believed her, he secretly arranged for someone else to ensure the safety of her and her parents.
——
The days entered spring with alternations of busyness and tranquility.
On a beautiful weekend in early March, Jiang Nan suddenly decided to take Chen Yunsheng to the newly opened botanical garden on the outskirts of the city.
There were quite a few people in the botanical garden, but most were couples or families with children. Jiang Nan, wearing light spring clothes and in a good mood, pulled Chen Yunsheng around to look around.
Chen Yunsheng remained calm and composed. He followed Jiang Nan, patiently listening to her chatter and occasionally responding.
"Look over there!" Jiang Nan pointed to a field of blooming tulips not far away and excitedly pulled him over.
Then, Jiang Nan took out her phone and started taking photos of the flower field. Then, she turned and pointed the camera at Chen Yunsheng: "Smile!"
Chen Yunsheng felt a little helpless, but still smiled cooperatively.
Jiang Nan looked at his slightly stiff smile on the phone screen and couldn't help laughing: "Mr. Chen, your smile is too businesslike, isn't it?"
Chen Yunsheng raised his eyebrows and reached for her phone: "Then stop filming."
"No!" Jiang Nan dodged with a smile, "I need to take a few more pictures."
She took him to pose for selfies beside the flower fields and asked passersby to take photos with them. Chen Yunsheng was a little uncomfortable at first, but under Jiang Nan's influence, he gradually relaxed and his smile became more natural.
After taking the photos, the two of them walked slowly along the path. The sunlight filtered through the newly green leaves, casting dappled shadows, and the air was filled with the fresh scent of grass and trees.
"The botanical garden is so beautiful in spring." Jiang Nan sighed.
Chen Yunsheng looked at the spot of sunlight that fell on her cheek like gold foil and replied softly, "Yeah."
Afterwards, the two of them walked around for a while longer, until they were tired and sat down on a bench by the lake. Jiang Nan looked at the shimmering lake and suddenly said, "When all this is over, let's find some time to go see Grandma."
Chen Yunsheng was slightly startled and turned to look at her.
Jiang Nan said softly, "Just consider it as an explanation of our affairs."
He held her hand tightly, and after a long while he murmured, "Okay."
——
After a period of peaceful life, the opportunity Chen Yunsheng had been waiting for finally arrived.
Wei Yan collected irrefutable evidence proving that Chen Minghui had transferred a large amount of the group's assets in recent years through related-party transactions and overseas shell companies. He also uncovered his deeper interest ties with the Liang family.
Chen Yunsheng did not hesitate any longer and quickly convened an interim board meeting.
The outcome of the meeting was undeniable. Faced with irrefutable evidence, Chen Minghui was left with no defense and was dismissed from all positions within the group. Although heartbroken, Mr. Chen remained resolute and supported his grandson's decision.
When the news came out, there was a shock within the group, but more of a sense of realization that it was as expected.
The matter was handled surprisingly smoothly, and the subsequent handover and reorganization were also carried out in an orderly manner.
At the same time, Chen Yunsheng became busier, but the gloom that had always lingered between his brows had dissipated a lot.
That night, he rarely came home on time. Jiang Nan was in the kitchen preparing dinner when she heard the door open and stuck her head out: "So early today?"
"Well, it's over." Chen Yunsheng walked over and gently hugged her from behind.
Jiang Nan was washing vegetables and was startled by him. Then her hand shook and she dropped the freshly washed leaves into the sink. "Ouch!" she cried, and couldn't help but nudge him lightly with her elbow. "It's all your fault!"
Chen Yunsheng chuckled softly, but instead of loosening his grip, he tightened his grip. He rested his chin on the crook of her neck and, mimicking her tone, said, "Blame me."
Jiang Nan's face flushed, and the little complaint in her heart disappeared. She put the leaves into the basket beside her, then turned to face him: "Is everything settled?"
"It's almost done," Chen Yunsheng looked at her intently. "Second Uncle... and his mother won't bother us anymore. Grandpa arranged for them to go abroad. Second Aunt is also planning to... divorce him."
This result was a little more peaceful than Jiang Nan had expected, but it was also the best way to deal with it. She nodded and reached out to touch his cheek: "Thank you for your hard work."
Chen Yunsheng held her hand, placed it against his face, and felt the warmth of her palm. He looked at her quietly for a long time, then said very seriously, "Nannan, let's start over."
Jiang Nan was stunned for a moment, then understood what he meant. Their relationship had begun as a transaction, but now, he hoped to redefine it based on pure emotion.
She smiled and nodded: "Okay."
Chen Yunsheng smiled. His smile was like melting ice and snow, filled with an unprecedented sense of ease and relief.
Then he lowered his head and kissed her lips.
The kiss was gentle and long, without any desire, only rich cherishment and attachment.
After a while, Chen Yunsheng finally let go of Jiang Nan. Later, they chatted while preparing dinner.
They talked about many things, some serious, some joking. They reconstructed the past and the future, from their first meeting in the cafe, to their sleeping together in the old house, to the real present, and then extended to the distant future.
Their peaceful and happy life is like spring, which always comes quietly but flourishes.
——End of text——
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