Chapter Sixty-Nine: I Choose What I Love!

Standing on the balcony, Wang Zheng held a pair of binoculars, peering around curiously. Although there was little in the way of beautiful scenery, he was in excellent spirits, humming a folk tune as if all unpleasantness with Lin Xiaolei had been swept from his mind.

The sizzling sounds from the kitchen seemed to provide a fitting accompaniment, as if the music had found a perfect harmony.

Bai Bing had already brought back her luggage at noon, but she hadn’t quite figured out a suitable reason for her return, nor how she ought to appear before Wang Zheng. Just then, she received a call from the police station: Wu Bifan had been apprehended. Inspiration flashed in her eyes; she promptly notified Lin Xiaolei by phone, ostensibly to inform her, but in truth, it was just an excuse to see Wang Zheng again. By provoking an argument under various pretexts, she could then return here openly and rightfully.

Bai Bing was not someone who left things unfinished. Since she had made a promise in front of her superiors, she was determined to persuade Wang Zheng, no matter if it took ten or twenty years. She would not return to the organization until she had succeeded in her mission—surely that was a sound reason?

Even Bai Bing herself could not say exactly why, but entering Wang Zheng’s home seemed to lift her spirits more than returning to her own. Was it because his apartment was larger, or better furnished? She tried to convince herself with such explanations, for she had no other way to account for her feelings. In recent days at home, she had been too lazy to cook, ordering takeout or grabbing a quick bite at a nearby restaurant. But today, as soon as she returned here, energy surged through her, and with nowhere else to expend it, she finally agreed to Wang Zheng’s suggestion to shop for groceries at the nearby market. Now, with the kitchen knife in her hand, she felt as though it had been endowed with a soul, making the act of cooking an utter delight. A feeling as fresh as spring in 1949 rose from within her, and even the dishes tasted better for it.

Wang Zheng’s eyes gazed out the window, but his ears and nose were tuned to the interior, savoring the waves of fragrance drifting through the apartment. The clink of plates against the table did not escape him, either.

“Dinner’s ready!” Bai Bing announced.

Seeing the two dishes already set on the table, Wang Zheng could not have been more content. Nothing beat a home-cooked meal.

Bai Bing emerged from the kitchen with two more dishes, only to find Wang Zheng already sitting at the table. Magic tricks? she thought with a silent laugh, then set the plates down.

“How many more? Don’t wear yourself out,” Wang Zheng said, glancing at her.

Bai Bing paused. Was he showing concern for her? A subtle warmth rose in her chest. But just then, Wang Zheng added, “No need for too many—eighty or a hundred dishes will do!”

She lowered her head, stifling a retort. Back in the kitchen, she stared at the food in the pan, half-tempted to add a dash of rat poison.

Wang Zheng grinned to himself as she re-entered the kitchen. He was just about to sample a dish when suddenly, the sound of a key turning in the lock caught his ear. The front door swung open, and Su Xue and Chu Jun walked in.

“Wow, it smells amazing!” Su Xue exclaimed, her keen nose picking up the aroma as she passed the dining room. Spotting Wang Zheng seated at the table, she cried in surprise, “Brother, did you cook this?”

“Yes,” Wang Zheng replied nonchalantly. “Have you eaten? If not, join us.”

“I have, but a little more won’t hurt.” Su Xue set her bag aside and sat down beside him, sniffing curiously at the food. “Brother, you really can cook? I can’t believe you never told me! Well, even if it means risking a few pounds, I have to try some.”

With that, she picked up her chopsticks, took a piece of meat, and chewed slowly, savoring it like a gourmet. Suddenly, her eyes lit up. She snagged another piece, eating and praising at once: “Brother, I’m impressed—this is delicious. If I’d known, I wouldn’t have eaten out. Chu, come here—my brother’s cooking is even better than that female agent’s...!”

“Is that so? Then I’ll have a taste too!” Chu Jun said, sitting down and picking up her chopsticks.

At that moment, Bai Bing emerged from the kitchen, carrying a large bowl of tomato and beef soup. Su Xue, in the middle of inviting Chu Jun, froze and eyed Bai Bing askance. She glanced from Bai Bing to the soup, watching as Bai Bing set it on the table. Su Xue frowned, swallowed the meat she was chewing, and shifted her gaze to Wang Zheng.

“Brother, what’s going on here?”

“We’re eating—what else?” Wang Zheng replied, feigning ignorance as he ate.

“That’s not what I meant. Why is she back?” Su Xue demanded, pointing at Bai Bing. Bai Bing’s presence made her uncomfortable—she didn’t want her only brother taken away. When Bai Bing left, Su Xue had celebrated by singing all night. Who would have thought this woman would return? And judging by Wang Zheng’s attitude, he’d already accepted it.

Wang Zheng pretended to think, then replied, “I don’t know, maybe she just wanted to come back. Never mind her—eat.”

“I’m not eating anything she made!” Su Xue declared, then shot Bai Bing a cold look, snorted, and left the table for her room. Chu Jun, still holding her chopsticks, hesitated—should she eat or not? Su Xue was her close friend; if she ate, it would feel like a betrayal, but if not, it would be rude to Wang Zheng. She was torn.

“Eat, don’t mind her. Children throw tantrums, then they get over it,” Wang Zheng said, continuing his meal.

Bai Bing glanced at him, then returned to the kitchen. As she scooped rice, she puzzled over why Wang Zheng had just defended her, risking Su Xue’s displeasure. What was he up to? Was this all part of his plan?

I’d better be careful, Bai Bing thought.

After dinner, Wang Zheng lounged in the living room, patting his full stomach. It had been a long time since he’d had such a proper meal, and it felt wonderful. Bai Bing’s culinary skills seemed to have improved, the dishes tasting better than ever—he hoped it wasn’t just his imagination.

Bai Bing handed him a cup of green tea and sat beside him.

It felt good to be the head of the household, Wang Zheng mused as he took the tea. At least Su Xue would never do something like this.

“You seem troubled,” Bai Bing said quietly after sipping her tea.

“Troubled?” Wang Zheng repeated, surprised. “What makes you say that?”

“Your mood today, when you accompanied Lin Xiaolei to the police station, and after work this evening—it was different than usual. Did something happen at Lin Xiaolei’s company? I heard rumors that Zhongtian made a fortune exporting tea—is that not true? Or is it just a smokescreen you put out?” Bai Bing asked.

“It’s not that,” Wang Zheng replied, his thoughts returning to Lin Xiaolei—a subject he least wanted to dwell on. He had already given up any hope of rekindling their relationship, resigned to being a mere bystander. Some people never realize they’re treading in a swamp until they actually fall in. He admired Lin Xiaolei’s drive to succeed, but she misjudged the current circumstances.

Perhaps he was overthinking it, Wang Zheng reflected, inhaling the subtle fragrance of his tea.

“If there’s something on your mind, just say it. Don’t beat around the bush,” Bai Bing said, irritated.

“You know that because of Wu Bifan, Lin Xiaolei owes the bank a loan—”

“But she’s gotten it back now, hasn’t she?” Bai Bing interrupted.

“Shut up—do you want to hear this or not?” Wang Zheng shot her a glare before continuing, “Zhongtian’s situation has improved lately, and they can repay the loan. But now the bank, which used to hound them for payment, suddenly isn’t in a hurry to collect. So, Lin Xiaolei plans to invest the money in another venture to try to revive Zhongtian. Here’s where we disagree: she wants to seize the opportunity for rapid expansion, while I think, after such upheavals, the company should rest and recover.”

“That’s it?” Bai Bing asked.

“That’s all,” Wang Zheng confirmed.

“I thought it was something serious,” Bai Bing laughed. “I agree with Lin Xiaolei—a single push to success is best, otherwise momentum is lost!”

“Nonsense!” Wang Zheng retorted. “Zhongtian’s fifteen employees are all new hires and unfamiliar with company operations. Without even the most basic human resources, how can the company develop? At the very least, they should get up to speed with the business before considering major investments. Besides, Lin Xiaolei built her success on tea—she doesn’t know other industries. How can she invest wisely?”

“You have a point. Doesn’t she listen to you?” Bai Bing asked.

“She was hesitant, but thanks to you recovering over ten million today, she has no reason to heed my advice. In fact, you’re partly responsible for her inflated confidence,” Wang Zheng said, looking at her.

“Me? Don’t blame me just because you’re in a bad mood!” Bai Bing protested. “Even if I hadn’t informed the police, someone else would have. I was just the messenger—don’t pin this on me!”

Wang Zheng ignored her protests, quietly sipping his tea. At this point, nothing he said would matter—he had seen Lin Xiaolei’s resolve at the company, and it was unshakable. Now, he thought, it was best to sit back and watch from the sidelines.

Seeing Wang Zheng’s expression return to calm, Bai Bing stopped defending herself. After reflecting on his words, she said, “Now that you put it that way, I agree—her approach is a bit rash. Human resources are crucial, and without them, success is difficult. Did you make it clear to her?”

“I did, but she’s determined to expand Zhongtian, and nothing will stop her,” Wang Zheng replied helplessly.

“Want me to try talking to her? Sometimes, one woman can get through to another,” Bai Bing offered.

“No, absolutely not. In her eyes, you and I are in cahoots. If you try to persuade her, it might backfire,” Wang Zheng said. “I’ve decided to remain a spectator in this matter, so please don’t interfere—understand?”

Bai Bing was puzzled. After all, Wang Zheng had saved Zhongtian—was he really willing to watch it falter again? And did he like Lin Xiaolei or not? If he did, wouldn’t he be helping her now? Yet, he chose to stand aside, a man truly hard to read.

“What is your true attitude toward Lin Xiaolei?” Bai Bing finally couldn’t help but ask. She had thought Wang Zheng liked her, but now it seemed Lin Xiaolei wasn’t so important to him. If he cared, he would be helping her; instead, he was content to be an onlooker. What a perplexing man.

“My attitude?” Wang Zheng laughed, a hint of melancholy in his eyes. “Who doesn’t like a beautiful woman? I’m just watching to see if she’s truly worth my affection—that’s all.”