71. No one disturbs
The intense wave gradually receded, leaving only the intertwined, unsettled breathing of the two people in the room. Warm yellow light softly enveloped them, and the air was filled with a lingering charm and a kind of tranquility that felt like a post-disaster recovery.
The nearly uncontrollable "revenge" and "confirmation" just now had drained all of Chi Jin's energy, but it also miraculously washed away the grievances and uneasiness that had accumulated over the past few days. At this moment, all that remained was the laziness after exhaustion and a deep, solid sense of mutual possession.
Chen Yisheng's hand gently stroked her smooth back from time to time. He said nothing, just quietly enjoying the peace after the storm, his chin gently rubbing the top of her head.
A long time passed, and the sky outside the window had completely darkened. Lanterns on the opposite bank lit up one after another, dyeing the river surface into a flowing band of warm light. The night in the ancient town was completely different from the bustling city.
"Are you hungry? Let's go eat some local food?" Chen Yisheng asked in a low voice.
The two of them hesitated for a while before getting up, taking a shower, and changing clothes.
The hostess at the B&B enthusiastically recommended a nearby, time-honored restaurant, tucked away in a deeper alley. Though small, it was packed with diners, mostly locals. They ordered several signature dishes: a steamed white-water fish, its flesh incredibly tender; a bowl of golden cauliflower in wine, refreshing and refreshing; and a steaming pot of preserved pork with preserved vegetables, a combination of salty pork and fresh bamboo shoots in a rich, clear broth that soothed both the body and soul.
Perhaps because she was tired and hungry, or perhaps because the atmosphere of this ancient town was so relaxing, Chi Jin had a good appetite and ate with great relish. Chen Yisheng watched her puffing out her cheeks as she ate seriously, a gentle smile spreading across his eyes, and from time to time he would pick up her favorite dishes and put them in her bowl.
After dinner, the lights were already shining brightly. Auntie, smiling, handed over two more tickets. "We're a small place, so there's not much entertainment here. There's just an old stage. Every night, the local drama club puts on short plays that tell old stories from our hometown. If you're interested, you can go and watch them. It'll help you digest your food."
The ticket is simple and unique, with the words "Hecheng Ancient Theater" printed on it.
With nothing else to do, the two of them followed the address. The stage was built by the water in a semi-open ancient courtyard. The auditorium consisted of long wooden benches, sparsely populated with elderly people and a few tourists, creating a very relaxed atmosphere.
They found a corner at the back, facing the water, and sat down. On the stage, a local opera was being sung in a humming voice. The singing was simple and the rhythm was slow. The story was hard to make out, but the actors were so serious about their performance, and the fluttering of their sleeves added a unique charm.
Chi Jin initially tried to understand the plot, but soon gave up, simply letting himself be absorbed in the slow, nostalgic atmosphere. The night breeze blew gently, carrying moisture with it. The lights on the stage were reflected on the dark water, shattering into tiny golden dots as the waves shone.
She gradually felt her eyelids growing heavy, and her body unconsciously leaned to the side, leaning on Chen Yisheng's shoulder.
Chen Yisheng was startled for a moment, then relaxed his shoulder, allowing her to lean more comfortably. He reached out and gently wrapped his arm around her other shoulder, holding her completely in his arms. Her weight and warmth pierced through the thin fabric, conveying a sense of complete trust and dependence.
He hadn't really paid attention to what was happening on stage. His focus was entirely on the person leaning on him. He could smell the faint scent of shampoo in her hair, mixed with her own warm scent. In this unfamiliar environment, where no one knew them and no one would interrupt them, they could finally drop all their defenses and pretenses, like an ordinary couple, snuggling together to watch an insignificant play.
No gossip, no workplace rivalry, no roles to play. Just each other.
Chi Jin's consciousness drifted between sleep and wakefulness, the sound of opera a distant background. She felt only the broad, steady presence of Chen Yisheng's shoulders, the warmth and security of his embrace. The troubles that had plagued her were now isolated from this tranquil ancient town.
After an unknown amount of time, the gongs and drums on the stage died down, the actors took their bows, and the audience members rose and left one by one.
Chen Yisheng did not wake her up immediately, but just maintained his original posture and sat quietly until Chi Jin opened her eyes in a daze.
"It's over?" Her voice was soft and sweet, as if she had just woken up.
"Yeah." Chen Yisheng looked down at her, "It seems like you've been really tired this week."
Chi Jin nodded sheepishly, sitting up straight and stretching his numb neck. There was almost no one around, save for the subtle sounds of the stage staff packing up the props, adding to the tranquility of the night.
"Let's go back and rest." Chen Yisheng stood up and stretched out his hand to her naturally.
Chi Jin placed her hand in his palm and used the force to stand up. They interlocked their fingers and slowly walked back along the way they had come.
The bluestone pavement shimmered in the moonlight and lanterns, a gentle sheen. As night deepened and the tourists dispersed, the ancient town returned to its natural tranquility, with only the occasional flicker of lights from the windows of the riverside homes and the faint sound of laughter emanating from nowhere. The gurgling sound of the water served as the everlasting background music.
Walking in the deserted alley, the sound of footsteps was clearly audible, as if they were the only two people left in the world.
The night was gentle, and a gentle breeze blew on his face, bringing with it the coolness of a winter night and the scent of river water. Chi Jin took a deep breath, feeling his heart open up.
Chen Yisheng spoke slowly, his voice low and calm, blending into the night—
"There's something I think it's time to tell you."
His tone was much more serious than usual.
Chi Jin's heart skipped a beat. He looked up at his slightly serious face and asked in a low voice, "Have you decided to leave Zhong Xin?"
Chen Yisheng was stunned and asked, "How did you know?"
She simply lowered her eyelashes and looked at the two people's clasped hands, and the tiny moss growing out of the cracks in the moonlit stone pavement beneath their feet.
After a few seconds of silence, she spoke softly, her tone calm and knowing, "Actually... I had some idea. From the rumors, to you suddenly criticizing me so harshly in public. Although it was very difficult at the time, I thought about it and realized that given your personality and... and your understanding of me, you wouldn't use such a humiliating method if you didn't have a deeper meaning. Plus, when Mr. He suddenly contacted you... I was wondering if you were going to make a big move."
Her sharpness and rationality once again surprised and comforted Chen Yisheng. His little ghost was far more insightful and strong than he appeared.
"Yeah." He squeezed her hand tightly and admitted, "The rumors only accelerated this decision, but the plan to leave began brewing shortly after my promotion. Zhongxin's structure is already fixed, and Editor-in-Chief Lin's desire for control is too strong. Many of the changes I want to make are impossible to implement. There's little point in staying, and it will only lead to internal friction."
He led her into an even narrower alley, with high gables on both sides, and the moonlight could only cast a thin line of light.
"What happens next?" Chi Jin asked, his voice filled with concern but no panic. "What are your plans?"
"Let's start something on our own with a few friends." Chen Yisheng's tone became firm and clear, and it was obvious that he had thought it over carefully. "Remember the internet cafe I mentioned? Back then, I was tinkering with it with my friends. I was mainly responsible for investing and giving some ideas. Now one of them has been deeply involved in the cultural media field and has his own resources. We have discussed it and decided to form a partnership to set up a new media company."
He cast his gaze towards the deep night sky, as if he had already seen the blueprint for the future: "The scale won't be too large, but the direction will be more focused. We will produce truly valuable and in-depth content, and we will also try some newer media formats and operating models. It may be more tiring and risky, but..."
He retracted his gaze and looked at Chi Jin, his eyes dancing with a long-lost light full of challenging desire: "But that is an idea and career that truly belongs to us."
Chi An listened quietly, sensing the passion and anticipation in his words. This was the real Chen Yisheng, unwilling to be bound, yearning for creativity and control.
"That sounds great," she said sincerely, with a slight smile on her lips. "It suits you very well."
Chen Yisheng stopped and turned to face her. He held her shoulders with both hands, his eyes serious and deep: "Chi Jin, I know Zhong Xin has always been your dream, and you have done very well. I think..."
"I want to stay in Zhongxin."
Almost at the same time he opened his mouth, Chi Jin also clearly stated his decision.
Chen Yisheng nodded: "I knew you would say that. It's the right thing to do. I'm not afraid that you will take risks with me. I'm afraid that you will leave Zhong Xin for me. That would be too much of a loss."
"Face is now in a critical period of transformation, with many topics just being explored. I don't want to give up halfway. Editor-in-Chief Du has begun to trust me and has entrusted me with many important tasks, and I've poured a lot of effort into it. I want to fulfill my dreams and prove my worth there."
She paused, her voice softer but more sincere. "Besides, if I leave too, wouldn't that just confirm those rumors? I want to rely on my own abilities to gain a foothold in Zhongxin and make achievements. I don't want to live under your wings forever, Chen Yisheng."
In the moonlight, her face was as white as jade, but her eyes were as bright as stars, full of independent determination and persistence in her own path.
Chen Yisheng stared at her for a long time, then suddenly laughed softly. The laughter was particularly clear in the quiet alley.
He reached out his hand and gently brushed away a strand of hair that was messed up by the wind from her forehead, his fingertips warm: “I knew you would say that.
There wasn't a trace of reluctance or displeasure in his tone, only pride. "You have your own battlefield and dreams. How could I stop you?"
He cupped her face, gently stroking her cheek with his thumb, his gaze so gentle it could drown someone. "Okay. Then you stay at Faces and continue to shine. I'll open up a way out for you in my new battlefield. Perhaps there's still a possibility of cooperation in the future?"
He added a joking tone to the last sentence, diluting the slightly serious atmosphere.
Chi Jin smiled as well, the last bit of worry in her heart completely dissipated, and she was filled with emotion and support. She took the initiative to stand on tiptoe and pressed a soft but firm kiss on his lips.
"Okay. Then let's each work hard and meet at the top of the mountain?"
"It's a deal." Chen Yisheng pressed his forehead against hers, their noses rubbing against each other, their breaths blending together.
After sharing their biggest concerns, both felt a sense of relief. The path forward seemed clearer. Though they had chosen different directions, their hearts had grown closer. They understood and supported each other, both independent and dependent.
After returning to the B&B room, I washed up and lay down on the soft bedding. My body was tired, but my mind was unusually relaxed.
Chi Jin snuggled in Chen Yisheng's arms, listening to the subtle sounds of water and wind outside the window, his fingers unconsciously drawing circles on his chest.
"Will 'Faces' be difficult after you're gone?" she asked softly. Without him as a strong support, many of the arrows and spears she faced would be directed more directly at her.
Chen Yisheng explained her concerns and patted her back soothingly, "Don't worry. Before I leave, I'll do my best to eliminate any hidden dangers. Jiang Xuhuan's matter will be resolved. Besides, Du Yanni is an understanding person. She knows your value. As long as you can stand firm, it's only a matter of time before you gain a firm foothold."
His words were like a reassurance, making Chi Jin feel much more at ease.
"Yeah." She snuggled into his arms again, found the most comfortable position, and closed her eyes. "I believe in you, and I believe in myself."
"Go to sleep." Chen Yisheng kissed the top of her head. "You'll wake up naturally tomorrow. I'll take you home for the New Year."
Fatigue came over him like a gentle tide, and in the safe embrace of his lover and the quiet night of the ancient town, Chi Jin quickly fell into a deep and sweet dream.
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