Chapter 51: Extracting Silk from Cocoons

For two days, the dormitory group bombarded Ji Zhen Tang, demanding explanations.

But Ji Zhen Tang hadn’t paid much attention to their messages. When she was with Zhong Yu Bai, there were too many joyful ways to spend time, and even the internet seemed dull.

Watching him tend to his flowers, accompanying him to private kitchens, enjoying tea at teahouses, even sitting beside him as he worked was fun.

Time passed leisurely.

Zhong Yu Bai was considerate, never driving her away. Even during important calls, Ji Zhen Tang didn’t need to leave, although she couldn’t understand them anyway.

Sometimes she chattered, sometimes she stayed silent, feeling clingy at times. She’d ask with a smile, “Do I resemble your pet? Like a kitten or puppy, always seeking affection?”

As she said this, she’d snuggle into his arms, playing the part of a playful kitten or puppy seeking attention.

Under the warm sunlight, Zhong Yu Bai lay there, his hand gently stroking her head, comforting her as she wished, saying, “You’re a person, not a pet.”

Her playful joke received a serious response.

Ji Zhen Tang often found herself stunned by his words, lifting her head to see him with closed eyes basking in the sun, feeling every word he said was sacred and solemn.

He never got upset over her playful remarks; instead, he showed respect through his gentlemanly conduct.

True refinement was reflected in his casual remarks.

Zhong Yu Bai remembered something and asked her, “Why did you only bring some luggage over?”

Ji Zhen Tang had brought some daily necessities last time, but not much. She only had a few pieces of clothing for changing here.

Zhong Yu Bai looked at her meaningfully, seemingly asking if she regretted it.

“Do you want me to stay here?” she asked.

“Of course,” Zhong Yu Bai replied.

He was straightforward in matters of the heart; what he said was what he meant.

“I’m afraid I’ll leave,” she said.

She uttered these five words and then silently watched his changing expressions.

Zhong Yu Bai remained calm as usual, quietly observing her.

She continued, explaining, “If one day I’m destined to leave, this place will just be a temporary stop in my journey. How can I call it home? I’m sure I can’t settle down here.”

As Ji Zhen Tang spoke, the sunlight made her eyes clear. She calmly described an uncertain future, without any concealment.

Her calm demeanor, uncharacteristic of her, added a touch of warmth to her cold words.

But such warmth could be deceptive. In the warm afternoon that seemed endless, they embraced as if they could see eternity.

Until her sharp words burst their bubble of illusions.

Zhong Yu Bai, usually as steady as Mount Tai, was momentarily taken aback by her words.

“A transient stop is called a house not a home, naturally unattached,” he said after a moment, looking at her. “Though a house doesn’t necessarily equate to a home, my house can be yours. You can rest assured.”

As he spoke, he lightly touched the back of her neck and kissed the corner of her eye.

His words softened even further because of the kiss, “After school, just say the word, and I’ll come pick you up.”

A breeze, carrying the scent of lotus blossoms, blew in from the balcony, gently caressing them.

Ji Zhen Tang almost teared up.

He could catch her words precisely, hitting the mark in her heart, because he knew her so well.

She didn’t say this to show strength or to imply she wanted to leave. She simply wanted a reassurance of affection and the confidence that she could stay in this home.

And he truly gave her that.

So after being pampered by Zhong Yu Bai for a few days, on the third day, Ji Zhen Tang returned to her dormitory. She also received a business card from Lin Guixue’s friend, Wang Qianxing.

Wang Qianxing.

She was a girl they had met briefly. After a few days, Ji Zhen Tang’s memory of her face was already somewhat fuzzy, but she remembered her playful voice, calling Zhong Heng “Brother Zhong” in a soft and cute manner, and gratefully calling him “Uncle” afterward.

Wang Qianxing’s personality was as gentle as her voice.

She generously chatted with Ji Zhen Tang, discussing brand creativity, and even introduced her to contacts in the team for shooting short videos.

Towards the end of their conversation, Wang Qianxing couldn’t help but ask tentatively, “Are you Uncle Zhong’s girlfriend?”

Ji Zhen Tang pondered for a while and simply replied, “Yes.”

Wang Qian Xing commented, “Ah, you’re quite special then.”

Ji Zhen Tang asked, “Why do you say that?”

“He’s a mysterious person, so of course his girlfriend would be someone special,” Wang Qianxing replied.

Ji Zhen Tang chuckled at this novel description.

“If there’s anything you need from the team, feel free to contact me. Best of luck with your project!” Wang Qianxing offered.

Ji Zhen Tang thanked her.

The company Wang Qianxing signed with was large-scale, specializing in incubating internet celebrities, with their own comprehensive model from filming to operations.

Ji Zhen Tang briefly discussed business strategies with them before a call interrupted their chat.

It was a local unknown number.

She answered, and a low, magnetic voice came through, calling her name, “Ji Zhen Tang.”

Startled, she thought her personal information was leaked again and quickly said, “I’m not buying any houses, if it’s about—”

Before she could finish, the caller didn’t give her a chance to hang up and calmly interrupted, “Letting my third brother circle around you like that, I have to admit you’ve got some skills. I’m a talent agent. If you have any business, contact me. Let’s talk.”

The man spoke crisply, not giving her a chance to interrupt with his few words. He got to the point and his sarcasm was spot on.

As his voice fell, the sound of striking a match came from the other end.

Ji Zhen Tang didn’t react immediately: “Wh-what agent?”

The man said, “What, didn’t you ask her to be a model?”

She suddenly realized: “Ah, it’s Mr. Chen!”

Remembering what Zhong Yu Bai said last time about not offending his wife, Ji Zhen Tang quickly put on a smile and said, “I did have this idea. I was immediately taken by Dr. Zhu’s temperament—like a lotus emerging from water, with the grace of an orchid in a secluded valley. After careful consideration, I still think she best fits my brand’s image, so I boldly came to you. In my heart, she is the undisputed choice.”

Chen Ke laughed: “I know she’s beautiful, no need to flatter me. Just send me your requirements directly on WeChat.”

Although he said this, his tone clearly lifted a bit, seeming quite pleased with the flattery.

Ji Zhen Tang nodded in agreement.

Lin Guixue pushed the door open and walked in. Seeing her, she asked, “You’re back? Why didn’t you go to class?”

Ji Zhen Tang was about to look up when Lin Guixue hooked her neck tightly. Without waiting for her to answer, Lin Guixue said mysteriously, “Do you know? People in the small circle are talking about you and that person.”

“…”

It’s unclear how taboo Zhong Yu Bai’s name is, requiring such caution.

Ji Zhen Tang naturally asked, “Talking about what?”

“Nothing much, just saying that you are amazing for getting the big boss!” Lin Guixue couldn’t help but ask, “Hey, how did you manage that? I’m really curious. That person is not just any big shot; a single stomp from him shakes the entire business world.”

“…” Ji Zhen Tang was speechless at her amusing phrasing, “Don’t exaggerate. We just clicked, and it naturally happened.”

Lin Guixue said, “That’s great. This way, you won’t have to work hard for the rest of your life. Marry into a wealthy family and prepare for retirement. Tsk tsk, my former dream.”

Ji Zhen Tang’s face darkened, puzzled: “Xue, are you mocking me?”

Lin Guixue quickly shook her head and said innocently, “Of course not, I’m just stating the facts. Honestly, once you become a wealthy lady, won’t your ambitions and aspirations be realized in no time? As for jewelry design, are you worried no one will see your work? By then, it will just be a personal hobby.”

She made a lot of sense. For people in high society, success comes so easily. The things she worked so hard for, others hold effortlessly, not even bothering to look at them, treating them as a game.

This is what the so-called wealthy families can offer her—the glory that the powerful and influential can bring.

Lin Guixue’s words were not wrong at all.

But Ji Zhen Tang, resting her chin on her hand, felt something was off. After a while, she said discontentedly, “The way you say it makes me feel strange.”

Lin Guixue said, “What’s strange about it? Isn’t it a good thing? Don’t mind those who criticize others for being materialistic and pleasure-seeking. They don’t have the fortune to enjoy life themselves, so they encourage others to work hard and strive. Nowadays, society doesn’t value hard work and endurance anymore.”

Ji Zhen Tang said, “You clearly told me before that women should be independent and strong, to become CEOs themselves, embodying the admirable qualities of male protagonists in idol dramas.”

Lin Guixue laughed, “Yes, that’s true. But I also said that men can be stepping stones, and so can wealthy families. This is also true. Using connections to enter that class and then becoming independent and strong doesn’t conflict. Social resources are inherently skewed; you’re just moving from one end to the other. Relying on parents or a husband is the same principle, it’s also a kind of—”

Ji Zhen Tang interrupted her, “But we won’t get married.”

It was as if a thousand-pound weight pressed on her words, making her speak with great effort, but each word was firm and clear.

This suddenly made the other person fall silent.

“…”

Lin Guixue was stunned for a moment, “Not necessarily, although the possibility is small, you can try to win his heart.”

Ji Zhen Tang didn’t respond to her words, reflecting on something, and said to herself, “Sometimes I feel he loves me, sometimes I feel it’s because he knows exactly how to please me, creating a custom-made playground for me to enjoy.”

However—“Regardless of what he truly is, at least he has brought me a lot of value and made me see my own worth. That’s enough. To me, he is a very good person. I am very grateful for our meeting and knowing each other.”

Ji Zhen Tang understood well that such a man is good because he is rational and thoughtful, but also lacking because he won’t be sincere, passionate, or reckless.

If he feels it’s inappropriate, he will reduce his affection to make room for other parts, which is a natural balance.

Too natural, too fitting for a mature man’s temperament. Even if one day she, as an extra piece of satin, is cut off, she wouldn’t have any doubts.

Because he is who he is, he would do that.

But this is not something she would think deeply about later.

Ji Zhen Tang is a person full of emotions, whether fragile and sad, or joyful and hopeful, she would express them to the fullest. She just thought, since emotions are involved, it’s better to love openly and joyfully than to love with fear and anxiety.

But besides that, she must remember the survival rule of “leave when you’ve loved enough,” a principle Su Yunli once shared with her, not to yearn for a lifetime.

Ji Zhen Tang seriously told Lin Guixue, “It’s not even close to that, don’t joke about it.”

Lin Guixue quickly came over and pressed her shoulders to apologize.

Ji Zhen Tang returned to Tang Pavilion, planning to organize some of her other personal belongings. Unexpectedly, Ji Huan was also there that day.

As Ji Zhen Tang heard her father talking to her aunt, she was just about to step over the threshold. The next second, she instinctively wanted to retreat, but it was too late; Ji Huan noticed her at the same time.

They stared at each other for a few seconds, neither avoiding the awkwardness.

Ji Huan was there to apologize to her today.

Ji Xinhe was cooking, and the three of them sat around the table for dinner.

He didn’t say sorry; men still value their pride above all. But in his words, there was a sense of guilt for speaking too harshly last time, as he held the bowl and buried his face.

“When I first found out, I was very angry, so I said those things. But—”, “that man is indeed not a good person. Dad said that for your own good.”

He was good at using “for your own good” to morally coerce, educating from a high ground, showing the cold authority of a parent in a seemingly gentle way.

“I hope you open your eyes and find a good family. I’ve said everything that needed to be said last time. No matter what woman marries into such a wealthy family, she will be skinned alive. That’s the reality, a bloody reality. The lessons from the past are there, but you don’t listen.”

He emphasized the words “wealthy family,” full of sarcasm.

Ji Zhen Tang calmly responded, somewhat amused, “If that’s the case, why don’t you tell him to stop? Shouldn’t you threaten him, tell him not to touch a hair on my head, or else? Instead, you keep making things difficult for me?”

Ji Huan retorted, “You are my daughter, is he?”

Ji Zhen Tang answered for him, “Because you don’t dare.”

“…”

“You mock him on one hand, and try to curry favor with him on the other. You say one thing to his face and another behind his back. You look down on wealthy families, yet always think about getting a share of their wealth.”

She spoke heavily, “You don’t dare to provoke Zhong Yu Bai, so you come to teach me a lesson.”

Ji Huan was stunned. After a while, Ji Xinhe pressed his wrist, calming the surge of emotions.

He frowned and said in a low voice, “Dad is talking to you nicely.”

Ji Zhen Tang didn’t respond.

Ji Huan returned to the main topic, “After you graduate next year, I’ll ask Aunt Xu to introduce you to a proper boy. Although you’re still young, dating for a few years before talking about marriage and having children isn’t too early. Nowadays, people date with the intention of marriage, so it’s better to cultivate feelings while you’re young.”

Talking about marriage and having children—

These words pierced her heart like needles, making her feel absurd and laughable, finding no meaning in the parent-child relationship.

Ji Zhen Tang said, “I don’t need you to manage me.”

Ji Huan said, “I’m your father. If I don’t manage you, who will?”

Such a righteous and grandiose statement.

Ji Zhen Tang repeated, “I will have my own path, I don’t need you to manage me.”

Ji Huan said, “Your own path?” He sneered, “It’s just your self-righteous path. Have you thought about the consequences of your actions? Do you really think he will marry you?”

Ji Zhen Tang suddenly looked up, staring at her father, “You are not him, how do you know he won’t?”

“I’m not him, but I know he won’t!”

He said it so calmly and confidently.

Even illusions have a moment of being shattered. Because of her father’s words, she fell into the cruel and muddy reality.

It was like the amusement park lost power, and she was in a cold, dark place, almost suffocating in that lonely moment.

Ji Zhen Tang didn’t storm out today, and Ji Huan didn’t leave in a rage. But they didn’t communicate further until the meal was over.

Ji Zhen Tang returned to her bed on the second floor. Maybe because the temperature had dropped in the past two days, she had symptoms of a runny nose. She took two of her usual pills, opened her phone’s memo, and planned the process for shooting a promotional video.

“Achoo—” A sneeze made her realize the window was too wide open. After closing the window and lying back down, she felt a slight headache.

She put down her phone, closed her eyes for a while, and rubbed her temples.

The more she rubbed, the more it hurt, her mind full of Ji Huan’s words.

She didn’t know why, but her mind hadn’t been clear these past two days, constantly facing things she didn’t want to deal with.

But she didn’t like thinking about those things, like whether to marry, who to marry, it was all so annoying, and everyone kept asking her.

Ji Zhen Tang’s heart was in turmoil for a long time.

In the end, she chose to call Zhong Yu Bai, speaking softly, “What is the big boss doing?”

Zhong Yu Bai said, “If you miss me, just say so.”

She smiled and acted coy, “I miss you, miss you so much, want to do this and that with you, always, never stop.”

He was stunned for a moment, then laughed, “Who taught you to say that?”

He quickly asked, “What’s wrong with your nose?”

He easily noticed her slightest discomfort, “Caught a cold.”

Ji Zhen Tang said, “My head hurts a bit, can you take me to the hospital for an IV?”

Zhong Yu Bai said, “I’ll pick you up and take you home, we have a family doctor.”

“No,” she insisted unexpectedly, “I want to go to the hospital. I’m at Tang Pavilion, come pick me up.”

Zhong Yu Bai found it strange but didn’t ask much. He agreed, “I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”

Ji Zhen Tang’s health was generally good, and she usually handled minor colds with medication.

When she was young, she once fell seriously ill at a boarding school, burning with fever and unconscious. The teacher sent her to the infirmary for an IV, and she vaguely heard the teacher calling her parents. But when she woke up after the IV, she only saw the hazy sky outside the window.

The IV was finished, and the doctor forgot to check on her.

The teacher came to see her after work, saying her father was busy with work and couldn’t come. Then she laid out a pile of medicine on the table, instructing her on how to take it.

She carried the medicine back to the dormitory, and the lonely sky and sunset that day were unforgettable.

It’s been more than ten years, and she still remembers.

No one would understand that there exists such an expectation, called having someone willing to accompany me to see a doctor.

Accompanying someone to see a doctor is indeed a very kind thing.

The last time she had a sudden heart palpitation, it was also Zhong Yu Bai who accompanied her to the hospital.

To her, he had long been crowned with the title of a natural philanthropist.

Leaving the family doctor unused, she insisted on coming to hospital to catch more virus. He probably didn’t understand, but he didn’t question her. Ji Zhen Tang sat down, and the nurse came over to insert the needle and hang the IV.

Zhong Yu Bai carefully arranged everything for her, queued up to pay, and when he realized he was in the wrong line, he calmly moved to the correct one and queued again.

From his methodical manner of figuring out the hospital procedures, it seemed like it was his first time doing such a thing. For her, he was busy immersing himself in the mundane world.

Today, Zhong Yu Bai didn’t have the imposing aura that Lin Guixue described, where a single stomp could shake the business world. He had taken off his suit and was wearing a thin black shirt, appearing gentle and elegant in the warm early summer weather, much like a refined and self-assured professor.

Such a man would certainly be popular with students if he were to teach. He had good manners and a graceful demeanor.

Ji Zhen Tang thought absurdly, it would be great if he were really a professor.

It would be great if his surname wasn’t Zhong.

She no longer desired the things she initially coveted. She just wanted him to be an ordinary person, even more ordinary.

So she could have the courage to imagine a future of mundane daily life with him.

No family doctor needed, just supporting each other and figuring out life together.

“Are you hungry?” Zhong Yu Bai asked gently after completing the procedures and getting some medicine. He bent down to look at Ji Zhen Tang sitting in the chair, gently stroking her hair.

She shook her head and pointed to the bag beside her, “I brought a coconut bread, can you get it for me?”

Zhong Yu Bai picked up her bag and sat on the bench.

Ji Zhen Tang started eating the bread and said, “My dad said he wants to introduce me to a boy.”

His expression remained calm, and he turned to look at her, asking indifferently, “What did you say?”

“I said okay.”

Zhong Yu Bai used his knuckle to brush off the crumbs from her chin and said, “What you meant was, you don’t want to.”

“…” She was stunned for a moment, then let out a heavy sigh, feeling discouraged, “Sigh, how do you understand me so well?”

Ji Zhen Tang buried her head in his chest, “I had a dream yesterday.”

Zhong Yu Bai asked, “What did you dream about?”

“I was wearing a wedding dress at a wedding.”

He smiled, “Was I the groom?”

She shook her head blankly, “I don’t know, I was just walking forward in the wedding dress, walking and walking, I couldn’t see clearly. Just when I was about to see the groom’s face, I was suddenly woken up by the sound of construction.”

Zhong Yu Bai listened silently, curling his lips without questioning the truth.

The plastic bag containing the coconut bread was still in his hand. He took off the short gold twist tie used to seal it.

Then he lifted her finger and slowly wrapped the tie around her ring finger. He fixed it in place, shaping the ends into a small circular diamond.

He gently held her finger, and as Ji Zhen Tang looked up in surprise, he kissed her fingertip.

Zhong Yu Bai said, “Isn’t this it?”

He showed a faint smile, handsome and elegant, charming and captivating. Being this close to her, it was less passionate than when they were intimately close, but more innocent, like a thief stealing her heart, making her heartbeat uncontrollably erratic.

The pad of his finger lightly brushed over the makeshift ring.

“Helping you complete your dream, perfectly.”

She had indeed had such a dream and truly hadn’t seen what the groom looked like.

When she was woken up by the noise in the morning, she felt regretful and mentioned it to him casually.

Zhong Yu Bai always had his ways to make up for her regrets, even if it was just an insignificant dream.

The illusion of the dream and the reality of touch magically intertwined.

At this moment, despite the hospital’s noise, Ji Zhen Tang felt a profound silence in her heart, leaving only his voice, which was like a confession yet not a confession.

Living in the moment, not worrying about the outcome, had been her motto for the past six months. But thinking about Zhong Yu Bai, she was surprised to find that she started to worry about separation. She remembered Su Yunli’s advice, that the fear of parting with someone is the beginning of love.

Yesterday, she thought it was better to love openly and joyfully rather than with fear—

But today, her thoughts had changed again. It turned out that her feelings changed every day, every moment. At the deepest, most vulnerable times, it was impossible to love openly and joyfully, leaving only fear and anxiety.

Unlike an overwhelming illness, love invades the heart slowly and meticulously.

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