Chapter 35

 

Night deepened, and the thousands of lights across Haigang gradually went out. The streets and alleys slowly returned to silence.

That night, Ming Xi and Cai Ni returned to the dorm.

The narrow, 1.2-meter single bed was a little cramped with two people lying on it. Fortunately, neither of them was large, so it was just enough for sleeping.

It was just that turning over was not easy.

Ming Xi tried her best to maintain the same posture, but lying in one position for too long was still uncomfortable. She moved the pillow slightly, carefully.

The moment she tugged at the pillow, Cai Ni beside her turned over as well.

Even her breathing carried curiosity. Cai Ni opened her wide, wakeful eyes and blurted out directly: “Ming Xi, what is your relationship with Mr. Liang… Professor Liang’s son?”

Liang Jiancheng had sent them back tonight, and Ming Xi guessed that Cai Ni would definitely ask her about her relationship with Liang Jiancheng.

Maybe before going to bed, maybe after. Lasting this long meant that Cai Ni had at least thought it over seriously.

“Are you really just friends?” Cai Ni questioned quickly, blocking the “friends” label before Ming Xi could even answer.

“I’m not sure…” Ming Xi said.

Normally, she wouldn’t lie to Cai Ni, but at this moment, “not sure” was already the most honest answer she could give.

Cai Ni wasn’t satisfied with a simple “I’m not sure”: “Really? I think you have some idea.”

Between close friends, as long as the subject keeps being probed, it’s always possible to dig out the truth buried at the bottom of someone’s heart.

Ming Xi was quiet for a moment. She wasn’t great at analyzing men-and-women romance, but she understood one thing: relationships between men and women were still just relationships between people. At their core, they weren’t so different and didn’t need to be over-interpreted.

“I think he’s a nice guy. At first, he looked after me out of politeness. Now, besides politeness, he probably also feels curious about me. Because I’m young, have nothing, and come from a messy background, he developed a kind of savior mentality towards me. Maybe there’s also some strange fate between us that makes him feel differently about me…”

Ming Xi spoke slowly, summarizing her relationship with Liang Jiancheng in just a few clear sentences.

Finally, she concluded with a single sentence: “I think he has crossed a little beyond the boundaries of ordinary friendship.”

Moonlight streamed through the window—soft and hazy—casting a thin silver layer over the wall and outlining the window frame in pale white.

Cai Ni listened in silence, but also with unease, because Ming Xi was so clear-headed and cold.

“…Then what about you?” Cai Ni whispered, breaking the quiet.

“I feel the same,” Ming Xi said.

In front of her only best friend, Ming Xi had always been honest. Such emotions would never make her embarrassed. Since Cai Ni was curious, then she would speak openly.

“He’s so outstanding, and he takes special care of me. He’s also very handsome. Whenever he sees me, there’s always a hint of surprise and joy in his eyes. Of course that makes me happy.”

If Liang Jiancheng had feelings toward her that went beyond friendship, she too had feelings toward him that went beyond moral restraint.

But she would stop there.

Not all feelings could take root and sprout. The relationship between her and Liang Jiancheng might wither soon, or it might remain the same, or one day slip slightly out of control.

Who knows.

All she knew was that she wouldn’t lose control—and she hoped Liang Jiancheng wouldn’t either.

“Ming Xi, why don’t you two just give it a try?” Cai Ni finally asked, sounding a little encouraging.

Well. Ming Xi turned her face towards Cai Ni. In the darkness, her eyes were shadowy, then glinted with a faint clarity: “Because he already has someone he’s seeing—maybe even close to getting married.”

Cai Ni shot up inside the blanket: “…Mr. Liang is getting married? ”

Ming Xi gave a light “mm.” She had seen Gu Shuangyang bringing Zhang Min out shopping—their dynamic was unmistakably future mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. However, even if Liang Jiancheng didn’t have a fiancée, she still wouldn’t pursue him.

She could kneel and bend for money and future, but never for love, especially love between men and women. What love was so great and noble that she would trade her dignity, self-worth, and freedom for it?

The gap between their identities meant that in the beginning, he could look at her as an equal out of interest in her beauty, intelligence, and personality. But over time, the weaker party inevitably became controlled by the stronger.

The world of emotions, like the real world, also followed the law of the jungle.

“Then why is he still getting close to you…” After a long moment, Cai Ni muttered, dissatisfied on her friend’s behalf.

Ming Xi shifted to a more comfortable position, then turned her head to the side, even sighing pleasantly: “Can’t blame him—who asked me to be lovable and irresistible to everyone?”

Most smart people are a bit conceited; Ming Xi was no exception.

Of course Cai Ni knew this about her. Hearing no sadness or regret in Ming Xi’s tone, she relaxed.

According to normal understanding, or the kind of plots in TV dramas, when someone like Ming Xi falls for someone impossible, they should be filled with silent sorrow.

“Ming Xi, are you really not sad at all?” Cai Ni confirmed again.

“Not sad.” Ming Xi answered with certainty. If she felt any disappointment, it was only that she wasn’t as wealthy as Liang Jiancheng. If she were rich too, she wouldn’t have time to be sad—she’d be too happy.

“Ming Xi, I want to be like you.”

“Okay, then let’s sleep.” Ming Xi yawned and said sleepily, “In dreams, anything can happen. Good night, I wish you good fortune.”

Cai Ni smiled: “Good night, I wish you good fortune too.”

Before falling asleep, Ming Xi remembered something she wanted to tell Cai Ni—but she was too tired, her eyelids drooping. She decided to say it another time.

What she meant to say was—

You can know a person’s face but not their heart. She herself never completely regard Liang Jiancheng as “one of her own.”

And she hoped Cai Ni wouldn’t treat him that way either just because he called Dezi “Uncle De.”

That “Uncle De” was just him coaxing them like children.

—

The next morning, while Ming Xi was getting ready for work and doing her makeup, she had a realization: She truly wasn’t heartbroken over Liang Jiancheng potentially getting married. Maybe it was because she had more than one thing to emotionally rely on.

If liking one person makes your heart heavy, liking several spreads out the pressure—and leaves no trouble at all.

The more you care about love, the more it weighs on you. Better to keep things simple and focus on counting the money in your pocket!

Yesterday, Ming Xi counted the money in her account. Her hidden savings from Yicheng plus her earnings from work had already passed ten thousand yuan!!

The spring of 2000 was off to a great start—

She, Ming Xi, was officially a ten-thousand-yuan account holder!

Before Cai Ni officially started work, she had to undergo a month of training at the Shuangyang Group headquarters.

And so, Ming Xi was once again sleeping alone in the dorm.

Before leaving, Cai Ni suddenly began to overthink something and anxiously asked Ming Xi whether Boss Liang would mind the way they had talked about Gu Shuangyang at the late-night food stall that night.

It was only at that food stall—after Gu Shuangyang was mentioned—that Cai Ni finally realized just how powerful the connection that had helped her land a position in the third-floor electronic appliances department.

Cai Ni had her reasons for worrying, but most of it came from the fact that she still didn’t know Liang Jiancheng well.

Ming Xi didn’t know him extremely well either, but on this matter, she could answer very clearly:

“He won’t.”

If Liang Jiancheng were the kind of person who would mind such a thing, they would never even know him in the first place. Besides, they had spoken without knowing the situation beforehand.

However, Ming Xi also reminded Cai Ni to be cautious during her training period—especially in front of her colleagues. She must not take the initiative to reveal her hometown connection with Brother Minwen, and definitely must not mention Dezi.

Even though everyone knows that society runs on personal connections, relationships can’t withstand scrutiny, envy, or jealousy. Even the Yang family themselves gossiped about Yang Minwen—let alone outsiders with their own suspicions.

And with Cai Ni being pretty, before she proved herself with sales performance, she would be the easiest target for others’ resentment.

Of course, even after she achieved results, people would still keep an eye on her.

Cai Ni nodded repeatedly. Under Ming Xi’s serious reminders, she felt—for the first time—the pressure of stepping into society. It was completely different from idling away days at a small countryside branch office.

Some things, Ming Xi was unwilling to speak seriously about, but she was worried that Cai Ni might let something slip in the moment, saying it without meaning while the listener takes it seriously.

“Don’t worry, there are still more good people than bad people in the world.” Seeing Cai Ni’s growing psychological burden, Ming Xi added with a reassuring smile.

The words sounded vague and idealistic, but Ming Xi genuinely believed them.

—

April arrived, and spring spread along the budding treetops.

Recently, Ming Xi had been noticing the same news on television and in the newspapers:

The cotton textile industry—once a major force in economic development—had long been mired in repetitive low-level construction and excessive expansion, resulting in severe overcapacity. As early as a few years ago, the authorities had already proposed the major policy of downsizing and restructuring the textile sector. In April of this year, the news announced that this goal had been successfully achieved:

The state had cut ten million outdated cotton spindles and reassigned more than 1.2 million laid-off employees, finally returning the industry to profitability.

This simple goal, achieved, impacted 1.2 million families, including Cai Ni’s parents, who worked at the Yicheng Cotton Mill.

They had both been forced into early retirement and laid off.

Ruthless reforms, warm execution. In the relentless wheel of time, human fate is but dust beneath the wheels.

When the tide of fate surged, to simply float instead of drown was already considered good fortune.

Since Cai Ni was away for her training, Ming Xi was spending a lot more time online alone.

The April breeze had grown soft.

The owner of Anteng Internet Cafe opened the windows for fresh air. Ming Xi sat at a computer by the window, lazily reading foreign trade books while copying down forum notes shared by “Brother Jiangliu.”.

By combining her own reading with insights from experts, she not only improved efficiency but also gained deeper insights.

She also wore her headset, playing authentic American English dialogues she found online.

Whenever circumstances allowed, Ming Xi used English to “train her ears.”

With continuous hands-on practice during her time in Longmao import section, her English had become very strong. A while ago, when she served several American visitors, they even thought she had studied abroad in the U.S.…

Jiangliu Dadao’s forum update today also addressed layoffs at a state-owned textile factory. His viewpoint was rational yet still humane and comforting.

Once upon a time, textile factories were the workplaces everyone envied—good income, good welfare, and even dedicated residential housing. Cai Ni once said that as long as it was a holiday, her parents could always bring home nice food and gifts. But good times never last forever. As the industry declined, factory profits shrank, and bonuses got smaller every year.

The Yi Textile Factory where Cai Ni’s parents worked—the largest textile factory in Yicheng—had now officially declared bankruptcy and was restructuring.

Cai Ni had called Ming Xi about her parents’ layoffs while she was still in training. Although it was regrettable, it might not be entirely a bad thing. Her parents were smart and hardworking—they would find a way to live.

Still, Ming Xi encouraged her: “Don’t worry too much. You have a job now, don’t you?”

Ming Xi had always been someone who looked forward instead of back.

Cai Ni listened, repeating gratefully and maturely: “Yes, thank goodness I have a job. I’ll be able to take care of my family from now on.”

If your stomach is full, your heart can stay firm. That was what her father always told her—and exactly what Ming Xi meant. When a child suddenly grows up, they often realize their parents are no longer the towering trees above their head.

Ming Xi had never had a tree to lean on since childhood, and had been forced to grow up early.

The OICQ chat she logged into beeped.

Seeing the flashing Donald Duck avatar, Ming Xi hadn’t expected Jiangliu to reach out first.

She guessed… maybe her comments today were too good.

On today’s thread about the layoffs, no matter how rational Brother Jiangliu’s analysis was, many commenters still responded with anger and accusations. Ming Xi was one of the rare calm and objective voices.

Nothing can be built without first being broken. Jiangliu described the reform of state-owned enterprises as “Destruction precedes construction, and enlightenment herald new life.” Ming Xi followed this up with, “If the river is not blocked, it will not flow. If the blade does not stop, it will not cut.”

A teacher can lead you to the door, but the practice is up to the individual.

The viewpoints Ming Xi now expressed on the forum were nothing like what she could write just a few months ago.

Two messages from “Smiling Without Talking”:

[Off today?] [I’m also in Shenzhen today.]

Seeing the word “Shenzhen,” Ming Xi reflexively touched her nose—checking whether it had grown longer from lying. Feeling slightly awkward, she typed back two characters: [Haha.] [So, can we meet this time?] A warm invitation from “Smiling Without Talking”.

Ming Xi: …

The last time Brother Jiangliu came to Shenzhen, she used business trip as an excuse to avoid meeting him. Could she use the same excuse again? Letting out a deep sigh, she truly couldn’t understand why he was so determined to meet her.

She had already told him she was a man. What business do two men have meeting like this… unless he is… interested in men?

A ridiculous thought flashed through her mind.

Pah—it can’t be that unlucky, right?

After thinking it over, Ming Xi decided to make up a long-term reason to avoid ever meeting.

[I was fired by my company and went back to my hometown last week… now doing temporary work and studying while waiting for another chance to make a living.]

A sincere reply from “A Smile Worth a Thousand Golds”.

Meanwhile, in the airport departure lounge, Liang Jiancheng sat with his laptop open, reading the message with faint amusement in his eyes.

Mark, the assistant, sat beside him, secretly glanced at his boss’s computer screen, and had a guess in his mind:

Had his boss… fallen into an online romance recently?

Even here in the departure hall, he was using an expensive pay-by-the-second wireless network…

Just to chat on OICQ.

And smiling while doing it.

Liang Jiancheng, with clear, focused eyes, stared at the OICQ chat box and asked “A Smile Worth a Thousand Golds”: [Where is Brother Ximen’s hometown?]

There was no response for a long time.

Liang Jiancheng guessed that Ming Xi would likely invent an unknown small town somewhere—but unexpectedly, she gave the real answer.

[Yicheng.]

Liang Jiancheng smiled again—soft and quiet.

He was a man troubled by having naturally long eyelashes. Every time he wore glasses, they brushed against the lenses, forcing him to wipe them frequently.

He removed his glasses. Mark, already familiar with the routine, immediately reached into the briefcase and handed him a lens cloth.

Liang Jiancheng took it, wiped the lenses carefully, and put the glasses back on.

Seeing him with glasses on, Mark thought that his boss looked even more handsome this way—refined, elegant, and quietly serious.

Liang Jiancheng enjoyed sports, and for a man as athletic as him, myopia was a constant inconvenience. To prevent further progression of his myopia, Liang Jiancheng was reluctant to wear glasses in his daily life and most of his workday, fearing he would become overly dependent on them. This was despite his ophthalmologist’s advice that the likelihood of myopia developing in adults was low.

It was only because he spent long hours working on a computer that he got a low-prescription anti-blue-light pair.

At this time, “A Smile Worth a Thousand Golds” in the chat window asked him: [Do you know where Yicheng is?] [I know.]

Liang Jiancheng typed this sentence on the laptop keyboard, paused for a while, and then added—

[Not only have I been to Yicheng many times, I also know people in Yicheng.]

Not enough.

He typed again: [Yicheng’s clay-pot casserole, I like it very much.]

Yicheng’s people, he also liked.

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