Chapter 7: The Big Boss And The Little Artist

She couldn’t decipher any of his expressions. Lowering her head, Ji Zhen Tang sipped the Bak Kut Teh.

“How’s the soup?” Zhong Yu Bai asked.

She nodded, “Very delicious, just like the taste of my childhood. My mother used to cook this.”

This wasn’t a Western banquet; it was Nanyang cuisine. Besides the Bak Kut Teh, the waiter also brought a plate of green Nyonya cakes. Childhood food reminded her of many aged shadows. The stuffy and humid Xingzhou, her hometown she could never return to.

Hearing her mention her mother, there was a subtle curiosity, but Zhong Yu Bai didn’t inquire further. He introduced, “Riverside Garden, a hotel built by Singaporean immigrants fifty years ago. They brought over a group of old chefs who have been working there until today.”

Ji Zhen Tang remarked, “Chefs from Xingzhou, no wonder.”

Her mother was the reason behind her expression of “no wonder.” The casual conversation reached this point, and he should have responded with a “no wonder” of his own, but perhaps the sparse interest prevented him from extending this topic infinitely.

Zhong Yu Bai didn’t ask, and she didn’t bring up her own matters further. He didn’t touch his chopsticks, calmly watching Ji Zhen Tang nibble on the coconut cakes.

He is profound; he doesn’t express his needs but says it’s only good to discuss matters on a full stomach.

“You look very handsome in this shirt, very refined and scholarly, like a teacher.”

Praising his clothes was also praising him as a person. She didn’t lift her head, complimenting with practiced ease, which was actually sincere. With such a pure student face, she always spoke more honestly than those cunning colleagues, which made Zhong Yu Bai laugh.

He glanced down at the soft fabric of his shirt and said, “When visiting the school, one must appear scholarly to avoid attracting attention.”

Ji Zhen Tang said, “You don’t even need to pretend; your temperament is very professorial, and you’re the kind with a good temper, very popular, with every class packed full of people.”

At her mention, Zhong Yu Bai remembered past events and said, “Years ago, I was invited to provide technical guidance to several master’s students.”

“What courses did you teach? How to build ships?”

He raised an eyebrow, “Cheating?”

She joked, “My friend’s friend works in your company and told me everything. Didn’t expect that, did you?”

Zhong Yu Bai smiled and asked, “What else did he tell you?”

“How can I tell you everything? It wouldn’t be fun then.”

His expression became stagnant, and he looked at her with a deeper gaze. She tied her hair into a ponytail, and when she lowered her head, the perfect contours of her eyebrows and eyes were highlighted in the light and shadow. The faint brown color in her eyes made people feel infatuated.

He didn’t drink, but as he looked at her for a while, he felt a strange intoxication. The murmuring river flowed beneath their feet, reflecting the neon lights all over the river. She glanced at the brightly lit cruise ship, as if she could hear the cheers of the wealthy offspring.

Zhong Yu Bai relaxed his posture slightly.

After Ji Zhen Tang finished eating, she finally asked, “What do you want me to help you with?”

Zhong Yu Bai no longer beat around the bush. Seeing her set down her utensils, he brought up the main matter, “Ji Xinhe is your aunt, right?”

“Yes.”

Immediately, Zhong Yu Bai explained his purpose. His grandmother was nearing ninety, and this year the family had the idea of celebrating her birthday. They had been preparing meticulously for nearly a year, but one thing had yet to materialize.

Zhong Yu Bai wanted to make her a garment, but after searching through many tailors, none were suitable. Some were too avant-garde, others too tacky; he said his grandmother had very discerning taste.

Ji Zhen Tang suddenly realized, “You want us at Luotang Pavilion to make a garment for your grandmother.”

He neither confirmed nor denied it, “It has a good reputation.”

“But I’m not a tailor. Why don’t you just go directly to my aunt?”

“She has a batch of regular customers and used that as a reason to refuse me.”

She pondered, “Yes, she only takes orders from familiar clients.”

Ji Xinhe wasn’t a materialistic person. Although Luotang Pavilion’s clients were all from prestigious backgrounds and could be considered upper class, they were still far from families like the Zhongs. Perhaps she was afraid of causing trouble; if Ji Xinhe had been someone who coveted fame and wealth, this matter would have been easily resolved, but unfortunately, she wasn’t.

Ji Zhen Tang thought about it with distress, then propped her chin up with her hand and said with a smile, “Flattery will get you anywhere. I’ll find a solution for you.”

Zhong Yu Bai nodded lightly, “I’m deeply grateful.”

She set down her chopsticks and cautiously observed the man in front of her.

“He appears calm, with a hint of amiability. This kind of affability brings a strong sense of tolerance, as if this person never gets angry. No matter what the other party says or how they probe, he just smiles and doesn’t argue with them, maintaining a certain distance inwardly.

He doesn’t argue with you because his heart is tightly closed, indifferent to right and wrong.

Ji Zhen Tang casually mentioned her family background, “Have you ever heard of my dad? He sells tea and is quite famous, named Ji Huan.”

She eagerly continued, and Zhong Yu Bai smoothly followed, “Where?”

“In the Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Qingcheng area. But he’s been wanting to expand overseas recently. Unfortunately, business isn’t doing well; luck isn’t on his side, facing some difficulties.”

The man’s tone was flat and impartial as he said, “When luck is bad, it will eventually turn.”

The big boss’s thinking was indeed broad and bright, but—”That being said, when people can’t see the way forward, they tend to feel anxious and lost, right?”

“Instead of anxiously waiting for good fortune to fall into your lap, it’s better to calmly prepare and wait for opportunities.”

Zhong Yu Bai spoke plainly, comforting her while also saying, “A merchant’s mentality is more important than luck.”

After pondering his words, Ji Zhen Tang lowered her head, feeling a bit ashamed of her not-so-clever probing. But fortunately, when she raised her head to look at him again, the man remained elegant and calm, only asking if she had eaten enough. As the meal ended, Ji Zhen Tang hadn’t eaten much either. In the end, she stuffed a mouthful of Nyonya cake into her mouth, emptying her bowl and plate.

When he dropped her off at the school that day and stopped the car at the gate of Qingcheng Dormitory, Zhong Yu Bai unexpectedly asked one last question, “How does he usually address you?”

Ji Zhen Tang took five seconds to figure out that the “he” he referred to was Zhong Heng, so she replied, “Sometimes he calls me ‘hey,’ sometimes he calls me by my full name, occasionally ‘Xiao Tang.’”

“Then tonight, I won’t call you Xiao Tang,” the man sat in the darkness and spoke slowly, “I’ll be waiting for your good news, Ah Zhen.”

Ji Zhen Tang felt as if her heart had been gently squeezed, softening.

She looked into the man’s deep eyes, hesitated for a moment, and chose silence. Silence was also a way to avoid, dodging the looming hook from the other party.

She smiled and waved, “Goodnight, big boss.”

As she got out of the car, the girl’s slender figure in the night left a bright color on his retina, and Zhong Yu Bai smiled faintly, “Goodnight, little artist.”

In the overflowing tenderness, she watched as his crimson taillights faded away like the end of a play, disappearing into the moonlit night, leaving behind only a trace of spring romance.

—

Back in the dormitory.

As soon as she pushed the door, Ji Zhen Tang heard Zhou Zhi’s voice, “Wow, I saw Zhong Heng come to see Tang Tang again today. He’s really handsome! If I were to date such a guy, I wouldn’t do anything else but stare at his face all day, envy Tang Tang. I wonder how it feels to date someone handsome.”

“Feeling: Either he dies, or I perish.” Ji Zhen Tang appeared just in time, revealing a zombie-like expression. “Got some news, so handsome, so handsome and now single, hurry up and seize the opportunity.”

Zhou Zhi: “Wow, did you guys break up? What was being said on the forums? Couldn’t even last three months!”

Su Yunli, who was removing her makeup, paused and looked over as well. Ji Zhen Tang responded listlessly, sinking into his own chair. Zhou Zhi came over for gossip.

“Who dumped who?”

“Why did you break up?”

“Was there cheating involved?”

Ji Zhen Tang thought for a moment and said, “Because men’s maturation period tends to drag on, to keep the conversation going for a long time, one needs to endure their low-level thinking. I’ve endured it to the limit.”

One answer covering three questions.

Lin Guixue, lying in bed watching dramas, poked her head out from behind the curtains and shouted, “I agree!”

Zhou Zhi asked, “What’s wrong, did Zhao Siqi offend you again?”

Lin Guixue grumbled, “Don’t mention it, this guy is just a scoundrel!”

After venting, she closed the curtains tightly, unwilling to discuss further.

Zhou Zhi: “Huh? Weren’t you two still in the ambiguous stage? Broke up before even getting together?”

Ji Zhen Tang probably guessed Lin Guixue’s frustration; these wealthy young gentlemen had very similar behaviors.

Before going to sleep, clutching the top celebrity autograph she had pulled, Ji Zhen Tang thought, thankfully her aunt had some principles and didn’t want to provoke Zhong Yu Bai, which allowed Ji Zhen Tang to bask in the glory and also count as experiencing the splendor of a top restaurant. Thinking so, her hand slipped, and that autographed photo fell from the upper bunk to the ground.

Zhou Zhi screamed, “Oh my god, my brother’s autograph! Where did you get it from?!!”

Ji Zhen Tang hesitated, “Uh, I… I found it on the… on the street.”

“How is that possible?! I’ve never seen this photo before! Where did you get it from, come on, tell me!”

She didn’t explain, just went with the flow and said with a smile, “I don’t know, I’ll give it to you.”

If it wasn’t for that highly sought-after autographed photo, Ji Zhen Tang might have thought that Riverside Garden was just a part of her dream.

—

In the drowsy May plum rain season, Ji Zhen Tang returned to Luotang Pavilion. The sound of Ji Xinhe operating the sewing machine clattered crisply and rhythmically. It was soon overwhelmed by the joyful and impatient footsteps rushing in through the door: “Auntie, I have good news!”

Ji Zhen Tang pounced on Ji Xinhe, smiling as she hugged her from behind.

Ji Xinhe put down the tools in her hand and smiled warmly, “Just say it if you have something, so impulsive.”

Ji Zhen Tang leaned close to her ear and chattered about what Zhong Yu Bai had instructed her to do.

As Ji Xinhe listened, the smile faded from her face, and her brows furrowed slightly. She coldly retorted, “Do you even have the ability to bring me business? What if I don’t agree, what are you going to do?”

Ji Zhen Tang smiled and said, “My aunt is beautiful and kind-hearted, why wouldn’t you do big business? I’m just regretful for you.” As she spoke, she pinched her aunt’s shoulder affectionately.

Ji Xinhe chuckled, brushing off her wrist.

“Really setting traps for people.”

“So, will you agree or not?” Ji Zhen Tang looked at her expectantly.

Ji Xinhe said, “I’ll think about it.”

Ji Zhen Tang continued to provoke, “But I’ve already enjoyed a big meal with them.”

“Just one meal bought you over?”

“That’s not just any meal; we enjoyed the view at Riverside Garden.”

Ji Xinhe sighed, “Truly a big shot, spending money so generously.”

“Right? Sincere to the bone.”

As she spoke, she industriously helped her aunt tidy up the house, saying, “I guess Zhong Yu Bai will offer a high price, but don’t accept his money. When the time comes, we’ll ask for favors owed, that’s more useful.”

“You little brat, can’t outsmart me.” Ji Xinhe lifted her hand and poked her on the forehead. “Helping or not is one thing, but don’t you dare entertain any crooked ideas for me.”

Ji Zhen Tang was knocked over on the reclining chair by her, tilting her head back. “What’s the big deal, networking works like this, you know? I like making friends.”

Ji Xinhe remained silent for a while, a hint of worry creasing her brow. “Just sent one away, and here comes another. Endless favors to ask for, endless losses to bear.”

Ji Zhen Tang shook her head. “Different relationships, different statuses. There’s simply no comparison.”

Ji Xinhe didn’t respond, continuing her needlework.

Ji Zhen Tang lay back in the chair and, seeing her silence, confided in her. “Auntie, Zhong Yu Bai is powerful and influential, everyone says he’s amazing. What I’m thinking is, if he could help dad in business, Dad might like me a bit more if I could help him.”

“…” Ji Xinhe paused her actions, giving her a glance.

Feeling somewhat guilty, Ji Zhen Tang lowered her voice, “Am I being too unrealistic?”

“You’re dreaming!” Ji Xinhe mercilessly burst her bubble of fantasy, “What ability do you have to ask him for help? Making a piece of clothing and calling it a favor?”

This time it was Ji Zhen Tang’s turn to be silent. She twiddled her fingers, feeling gloomy.

A few minutes later, Ji Xinhe asked, “How’s your dad treating you?”

She whispered, “Not well. When I asked for money, he was cold, and it hurt me a lot.”

What she needed was an exclusive type of affection, be it familial, friendly, or romantic. It seemed that for her, purity and dedication were so difficult. She wanted to share love with many people, as if it were her destiny.

Listening, Ji Xinhe said, “Don’t fret over unnecessary things. What’s the point of worrying about whether he loves you or not? As long as you get your living expenses.”

Ji Zhen Tang murmured, “Even if there’s no love, a little bit of liking would be enough. I never really thought he loved me anyway.”

After thinking for a while, Ji Xinhe said, “I’ll try to make a design and see if the master takes a liking to it. But if he insists on giving money, there’s nothing I can do.”

Ji Zhen Tang smiled brightly. “I understand, I understand!”

She lifted her phone. “Then I’ll talk to him.”

Ji Xinhe said, “Ask him to come to the shop.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Ji Zhen Tang impatiently took out her phone and happily ran upstairs. She pushed the window open, leaning against it on the second floor. The cool breeze of the rainy day brought a chill, brushing against her warm and dry cheeks. The wind mingled with the long busy tone from the phone, falling lightly on her thin eardrums.

The eager anticipation and anxiety of waiting grew stronger. After a dozen seconds, the call connected.

Ji Zhen Tang lowered her voice and deliberately spoke in a rough yet somewhat cute tone, “Hello, guess who I am?”

In the very quiet atmosphere, Zhong Yu Bai paused for a moment and then lowered his voice, saying, “Wait a moment.”

She heard some voices coming from the other end, probably from a meeting room. Then he got up, took a few steps, his leather shoes making muffled footsteps on the ground, and soon the door closed.

Zhong Yu Bai restrained his volume and spoke gently, greeting her, “Good afternoon, Ji Xiaoxiong.”

A bright smile spread across Ji Zhen Tang’s lips.

The man also smiled gently and with a hint of warmth, then said, “Tell your sister I’m waiting for her.”

She continued to lower her voice, mimicking a bear-like tone, “Sister says there’s good news.”

Zhong Yu Bai, upon hearing this, didn’t show much emotion. He didn’t ask what the good news was, as if he already knew, expecting the outcome. After a few seconds of contemplation, he asked softly, “Is there any better news?”

She asked, “Like what?”

“Such as where to meet her next time?”

Ji Xiaoxiong revealed a soft smile, “She said she hopes you’ll come to Rain Lantern Street as soon as possible to find her, hurry up, hurry up!”

Zhong Yu Bai couldn’t help but chuckle, “It’s a deal.”

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