all chapters are organized over at my sideblog + available on wordpress
Central Avenue was still congested with traffic at eleven o’clock at night. When Chen Wan got home from his overtime, Zhao Shengge was building Legos.
This Lego set was a non-retail, giveaway edition newly released by the foundation under Chen Wan’s name. It was printed with the foundation’s logo and could be obtained by donating a certain amount to the foundation’s projects. Chen Wan had asked someone to set aside one set for him to take home.
“How come you’re not asleep yet?” Chen Wan changed his shoes, stretched his neck, and took off his tie, tossing it carelessly onto the sofa.
Zhao Shengge took a glance at him and said nothing, continuing to assemble the LEGO pieces with his head down.
The Lego puppy’s round head was already beginning to take shape, its two eyes dark and bright, with a small section still missing from the tail.
Chen Wan didn’t mind. He reached out with a finger and poked the doggy’s head, chuckling, “Oops, it fell off.” Zhao Shengge lifted his face, raising an eyebrow. The corners of Chen Wan’s lips lifted up, and he decided to not tease him anymore. He stepped into the kitchen to check something, lifting the lid of the ceramic bowl, and admonished helplessly, “Zhao Shengge, this won’t do. I specifically asked the auntie to brew it for you.”
Zhao Shengged calmly and unhurriedly reattached the dog’s head and said, “I won't do?” ¹ Chen Wan choked slightly. He poured out half of the herbal tea and brought it out of the kitchen. “This prescription soothes the liver and regulates the qi. It's not too bitter either. Try a sip.” Every year during the flu season, Zhao Shengge became a priority target for protection. Chen Wan was hypervigilant, taking preventative measures as soon as the seasons changed. “You can't wait until you're sick to go find medicine. I read in the traditional Chinese medicine texts that treating stomach ailments is the most effective way to go. It’s fundamental to strengthen your constitution.”
Zhao Shengge nodded, putting down the Legos in his hand rather cooperatively and accepting the herbal tea. His brows furrowed as he drank, "Professor Chen also dabbles in traditional Chinese medicine."
“......”
Before the New Year, the project team led by Chen Wan made groundbreaking developments, earning a highly prestigious award in mainland China. Subsequently, Chen Wan was awarded the title of “Bay Area Young Science and Technology Representative of the Year” by the Haishi authorities and participated in a series of technology forums and academic conferences in the Bay Area and even the Asia-Pacific region, receiving extensive coverage from all major media outlets. ²
At the same time, because Phase II of the Polly Bay project overcame three critical technical hurdles, the core members of the technical team were invited to various research institutes and universities to share their theoretical theory and practical experience. Both Chen Wan and Fang Jian received numerous invitations.
Due to the enthusiastic reception, Chen Wan was hired as a visiting professor by his alma mater, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. He was required to give lectures and attend seminars at the university, but these were not frequent, only a few times per semester. However, Chen Wan had also recently led the young team from Kexiang to sign a collaborative research project with the HKUST, so he had been frequently spending long hours in the lab, returning home very late. Chen Wan himself felt a little guilty and cleared his throat, saying, “Professor Chen has also dabbled a little in psychology, and he can diagnose that someone seems a little unhappy right now.”
Zhao Shengge’s expression was undisturbed, “Who?”
“I’m not sure. Maybe I misdiagnosed.” Chen Wan rolled up his sleeve and supervised Zhao Shengge as he drank the herbal tea, smiling good-naturedly, “But if it wasn’t a misdiagnosis, I hope that he won’t be upset anymore. It was just these past two weeks that I was a little busier. After I give one more lecture tomorrow, this semester will be over.”
“......Oh.” Zhao Shengge wrinkled his nose and finally finished the herbal tea.
The lecture on the following day was scheduled for the afternoon, giving him a rare free morning. Chen Wan took a shovel, a watering can, and a small trowel to go see his flowers.
They had added quite a few varieties of hydrangeas and Chinese peonies. The peonies were a hybrid between the Bowl of Cream and the Dynasty varieties, a new cultivar developed by the laboratory of the botanist Yan Xingshu. The hybrid bloom could flower year-round in subtropical climates and were resistant to harsh weather conditions. Currently, there were fewer than two hundred plants in circulation on the market, and even the soil was directly air-shipped from the mainland.
The new peony variety was still in the experimental stages, and the other party had originally been unwilling to sell. However, Zhao Shengge’s offer was really too much, and the deal was struck.
Chen Wan cherished and nurtured his flowers with the utmost care. He worried about rain when the weather was cold and high temperatures when it grew hot. Chen Wan’s doting attitude and treatment toward his flowers even made Zhao Shengge slightly regret his purchase at one point.
The flowerbed also welcomed several other new additions: golden osmanthus, red osmanthus, and angel wing begonias. Chen Wan cared for them all equally. He was the most meticulous and gentle gardener, cultivating each bloom with great care as they grew.
Zhao Shengge woke up late and only felt more awake after he had showered. Through the large wooden-framed window, Chen Wan looked like a busy honeybee flitting among the flowers, showing none of the steady composure and restraint he would display at the negotiating table. His expression was relaxed and content, his steps light and quick, as if he had grown a pair of wings on his back.
The golden osmanthus was the least delicate, easy to care for, but the weeds had to be removed. Chen Wan looked around and could not find where he’d put the hoe, so he simply squatted down, put on gloves, and started pulling the weeds out by hand. Zhao Shengge immediately strode over and handed him the tool.
Chen Wan lifted his head, a light sheen of sweat glistening across his forehand, looking into Zhao Shengge's face looming over him. Zhao Shengge’s brows were furrowed, making him look a little stern, and his gaze carried a hint of reprimand.
Chen Wan grinned, raising up both hands in an explanation as much as an act of surrender, “The gloves are thick.” His hands wouldn’t get hurt.
Zhao Shengge’s face still had no hint of a smile, but he squatted down in front of him, silently handing him the hoe and watering can.
While Chen Wan weeded, he sat with his hands clasped on his knees, watching silently.
Chen Wan raised an arm to wipe his forehead, “Go sit on the swing.”
Zhao Shengge remained silent, and Chen Wan didn’t press. He mentioned as he watered a new tree sapling, “This tree should be blooming by the time of your birthday. When the time comes, we can pick some flowers to make osmanthus honey. We can pair it with the put chai pudding or use it in cakes.”
Zhao Shengge’s birthday was in the autumn, on October 25th, right after Frost's Descent, the time when the osmanthus flowers were in full bloom.
“We can even brew tea—the seeds from this tree are the largest. We can add them to that jar of Tai Ping Hou Kui.” Though osmanthus was most commonly paired with oolong, as long as the tea base for the green tea was good enough, “It should be quite fragrant as well. What do you think?”
Tai Ping Hou Kui. Zhao Shengge was nervous that Chen Wan would bring up old grievances and averted his eyes, replying curtly, “Either is fine.”
Chen Wan had to tease him, “But do you like it?”
Zhao Shengge shot him a look and pointed at the watering can in his hand, “Your tree is about to drown from overwatering.”
Chen Wan muffled his chuckle, stood up, and helped him brush the grass clinging to his clothes.
The two of them picked up the tools and headed back, encountering a roadblock midway.
The tortoiseshell cat that regularly came to them for food was a stray. They had no neighbors, though squirrels and birds were frequent visitors.
The first time they saw this stray tortoiseshell cat, Chen Wan was in the gardens loosening the soil for the Damask roses, while Zhao Shengge was dozing on the swing. The swing had been specially commissioned for him by Chen Wan, its location chosen next to the flowerbeds; taking care of Zhao Shengge required plenty of sunlight, just like Chen Wan's flowers.
The tortoiseshell had approached him cautiously. Zhao Shengge lazily lifted his eyelids to give it a glance.
Strangely enough, Zhao Shengge had an imposing aura, making most people afraid to get close to him, but animals, on the other hand, did dare to approach him—whether it was the stray dog by the side of the road from over a decade ago or this feral cat in the mountains.
One man and one cat stared at each other for a long time, neither moving.
Chen Wan found it amusing and played the mediator for them, “Zhao Shengge, could you grab some fish from the fridge for me?” He held up his two white gloves to show that he had no free hand.
Zhao Shengge lowered his gaze, looking into Chen Wan's dark, luminous eyes before shifting to look at the tortoiseshell cat's round, grape-like eyes. He remained still.
Chen Wan didn’t get upset, the corners of his eyes still crinkling with a smile. As he loosened the soil, he said softly, “It’s not Bozhu.” It would not lose its life because of a young man's well-intentioned act of help.
Only then did Zhao Shengge slowly get up.
The tortoiseshell cat’s fur was getting ever glossier. Chen Wan bent down to greet it, saying, “Hey, you're eating well these days.”
Zhao Shengge retorted cooly, “Almost all the dragon-eye, phoenix-tail kois in the pond have been eaten. If it’s not getting plump, who is?”
The tortoiseshell cat wasn't stupid. It bared its teeth and let out a small growl. Chen Wan raised an eyebrow, “Quite fierce, too. I don’t think we have fish today, but there’s chicken breast. Do you want some?”
The cat rumbled again, holding its head high with its chest sticking out, and followed the two into the house.
In the afternoon, they headed to the University of Science and Technology, with Zhao Shengge driving. To avoid drawing too much attention, neither wore business formal attire. Zhao Shengge draped a long trench coat over his shoulders, while Chen Wan wore black pants and a casual shirt. Both appeared youthful and blended into the campus environment without seeming out of place.
Chen Wan's special lecture classes were always packed to capacity. While master's and doctoral students formed the core audience, undergraduates also came to join in on the excitement. Beside his position as the lead engineer for the Polly Bay project, Chen Wan's individual charisma was simply too immense; before the lights even came on in the lecture hall, a long line had already formed at the door.
Zhao Shengge dropped off Chen Wan at his office and waited near the exhibition wing. This was Chen Wan's alma mater; which library Chen Wan had once studied in, which cafeteria he tended to frequent, which convenience store had his favorite lemon tea—Zhao Shengge knew every detail by heart.
“Hey, buddy, how can you cut the line?”
Zhao Shengge turned around. The college student was taken aback for a moment but did not become intimidated by his imposing presence. Standing tall and straight, he said, “It’s not okay to cut, even if you’re handsome.”
“......” Zhao Shengge was quite the gentleman and graciously stepped aside for the other.
The student saw that he had misunderstood and felt a bit embarrassed. He kindly told Zhao Shengge that he could come earlier next time—the seats for Professor Chen's lectures were harder to snatch than concert tickets. If all else failed, he could pay someone to queue up and save a seat for him; everyone did it like this.
He had originally planned to swipe Chen Wan's ID card to go to the library to handle some work, but after listening for a while, he became too lazy to leave.
A lecture lasted for approximately three hours. The students weren’t interested in hearing about materials from the textbook; they all wanted to hear about real-world examples from the Polly Bay project.
Chen Wan might not be the professor with the highest academic credentials at HKUST, but he was the only one who worked on the front lines of Asia's largest deep-sea operation project.
“In fact, the internationally recognized standard depth for RUE (remote underwater exploration) is 1,762 meters, but our country’s penetration technology had already surpassed this depth a year ago. This time, the Polly Bay project at the mid-ocean ridge also deployed this surveying technology. The technical challenge lies in balancing the penetrating optical path with the water pressure.” (Note: the standards, surveying technologies, etc., are fictionalized by the author.)
Facing a group of extremely eager students below, Chen Wan spoke patiently and gently, his explanations calm and steady, serious but not stern. The students respected him but were not afraid of him. The classroom atmosphere was extremely lively, with many questions being asked.
“Engineer Chen, if the penetration technology had not surpassed 1,762-meter below sea level, would the Polly Bay project have used RUE? Or would there have been alternative proposals? What were the main data points being evaluated?”
“Engineer Chen, during the deployment of the penetration technology, was the water pressure consistently within tolerable limits? When there are pressure differentials, how is it addressed? Did the Polly Bay project encounter these kinds of incidents during construction?”
“Professor Chen, my question is: during counter-current operations, how can this error be minimized? What standards does Polly Bay use?”
“The 1,762-meter deep-sea threshold is not the sole decision criterion. It is merely a reference data point. If penetration technology had not been advanced yet, the Polly Bay project would have opted to collaborate on building RUE, and the evaluation standard is primarily based on simulated data.”
Chen Wan explained each point one by one, concisely and to the point, getting straight to the heart of the matter without a single word of fluff.
The young students were not only interested in practical case studies—they were even more fascinated by business gossips. They did not let Professor Chen catch a break even during the twenty-minute recess, bombarding him with questions: Is Minglong really hard to get into? Is the boss super strict? How intense is the pressure of working on Minglong projects?
Minglong was the pinnacle of employment achievement for people in their field, and furthermore, Zhao Shengge was the textbook model example for businessmen. He was typically as elusive as a dragon, and everyone's impression of him was limited to the vague, sparse descriptions by Haishi’s media. They were all incredibly curious, and Professor Chen was their only connection to him.
Chen Wan took a sip of water to moisten his throat and glanced at the back door. The corner of his lips couldn't suppress his smile, “Minglong has a great atmosphere, rich in diversity, and its work culture is also very humane. You guys don't need to worry about that. As for Mr. Zhao……he is indeed rather strict, but he greatly respects and values talent. Everyone’s welcome to submit their resumes to Minglong and the Polly Bay project.”
Undergraduate students were indeed bold: “I’ve heard that Mr. Zhao is a really handsome guy. Is that true, Professor Chen?”
Chen Wan answered without hesitation, extremely seriously. “Yes, it’s true.”
The second half of the lecture mainly discussed the impact of ocean current activity on deep-sea operations and the countermeasures. Everyone was so enthusiastic that even though Chen Wan only covered the basic fundamentals for the entire time, the lecture still ran fifteen minutes over.
Zhao Shengge gazed at Chen Wan's sparkling eyes from the back door. Chen Wan’s face displayed a smile unlike any of the ones he wore at negotiation tables or during business social engagements. “Thank you all for your questions, but another professor will be giving a lecture in this hall in half an hour. You all have my email. If you have any further questions, you can send it to my inbox. I’ll respond to every email that I see.” This was the university email address Chen Wan had specifically requested to dedicate to answering student questions and concerns.
Zhao Shengge had logged in to this email before. There were all types of inquiries: questions on field prospects, career directions, research methods, how to resist when being oppressed by one’s supervising professor, whether they should see a psychologist due to excessive stress from publishing papers, whether delaying graduation would affect employment, sending a transcript to ask Chen Wan whether it would be possible to get an offer from Kexiang with this GPA, and even confiding in Professor Chen about a painful breakup with a girlfriend.
Chen Wan responded earnestly to every single email.
He gathered his teaching materials. The students below lingered, reluctant to leave. They called out with huge smiles, “Happy birthday, Professor Chen!”
The corners of Chen Wan’s mouth lifted, “How did you guys know?”
The students replied, “There’s a notification on the campus network system.”
Chen Wan nodded and didn’t explain. He said his goodbyes, smiling, “Thank you, everyone. See you next semester.”
The Wraith was parked on the main road. When Chen Wan opened the passenger door. Zhao Shengge had already warmed up the car.
The wind picked up in the evening. He shrugged on his coat and chatted casually with Zhao Shengge, “Everyone’s really interested in the Polly Bay project. Several promising candidates even asked me if the project team would be taking interns or holding a competition for the selection like Minglong’s other projects.”
Zhao Shengge turned the steering wheel, “It's up to you.”
Chen Wan said, "okay," and slipped his hand into his pocket. After a pause, he pulled it out and smiled wryly, "You know perfectly well it’s not today."
His real birthday was on May 7th, around the start of summer. The date on his official documents was only forged by Song Qingmiao back then in order to evade detection when she secretly gave birth to him.
The light turned red. Zhao Shengge stepped on the brakes, resting one arm on the window, glancing at him sideways. He had his own particular reasoning, “Are gifts only allowed on birthdays?”
Chen Wan smiled, humbly asking, “Then what kind of gift is this?”
"A gift to celebrate the end of classes."
Chen Wan nodded along readily, opening the cap to examine the pen. He couldn't tell the brand of the fountain pen. It had no logo, most likely a custom-made piece. The metal was slender, the nib smooth and shiny, already filled with ink. He looked around but couldn't find any paper. Just as he was about to test the pen on his own hand, a large hand suddenly covered his. Chen Wan turned his head.
Zhao Shengge lifted his chin, gesturing for him to try it on his own hand.
Chen Wan's eyes crinkled as he wrote several letters across Zhao Shengge's palm. After he finished writing, he smiled again in satisfaction and contentment.
The light turned green. Zhao Shengge didn't look at what he had written, simply gripping the steering wheel, and stepped on the gas to speed away.
On Findolay Road, the streetlights were beginning to illuminate the night. The Wraith pulled up outside the Jiang exhibition hall. Both car doors opened simultaneously, and two tall men with long legs stepped out.
For the public, Zhao Shengge and Chen Wan's relationship had always been shrouded in ambiguity—intimate friends, confidants, business partners, ride-or-die allies—speculations were rampant.
The two of them did not flaunt their relationship, but neither did they hide it.
The valet stepped forward to assist with parking.
Zhao Shengge did not typically make public appearances, but tonight was Jiang Ying’s exhibition’s opening banquet, and their friendship demanded it. Chen Wan had been busy with his experiments recently and had missed several gatherings with friends; with his classes wrapped up today, it would be inexcusable for him not to attend.
With the doorman leading the way, layers of grand doors swung open one after another. Zhuo Zhixuan was the first to spot Chen Wan. Tan Youming, like a moon surrounded by stars, was crowded by people and waved from the center of the group, beckoning him over.
Some elders from the Jiang family came over to greet Zhao Shengge, and the two naturally parted ways. Zhao Shengge finished his pleasantries with the hosts quickly and slipped away for a break on the circular terrace on the second floor with Shen Zongnian.
Zhao Shengge browsed back and forth through a row of wine racks. “I thought you wouldn’t come today.” The guest of honor for tonight’s opening ceremony was the award-winning actress who had been recently photographed dining with Tan Youming.
Shen Zongnian neither drank nor smoked. He ignored the frantically vibrating phone in his pocket and rested both hands on the railing, surveying the banquet hall below, “I didn’t expect you to come either.”
Zhao Shengge was picky, only settling on one bottle after much difficult deliberation. He poured himself a small glass, “Chen Wan’s classes are over. We’re going to the island tomorrow.”
Shen Zongnian turned around to glance at him evenly and caught sight of the pen writing on his palm. He said coolly, "Can't you be less unconventional?"
Zhao Shengge pretended not to hear.
At the center of the round banquet hall, Tan Youming was a natural socialite, while Chen Wan was the hottest rising star in Haishi—a recognized promising upstart in tech.
“Congradulations, Engineer Chen.” That technology award from the mainland carried significant prestige, and Haishi’s media covered it for half a month straight.
In the past, everyone had addressed Chen Wan as “Executive Chen.” Now, decorated with his newfound glory and prestige, he no longer needed to navigate business networking dinners or gatherings, focusing solely on research and development. Accordingly, everyone respectfully referred to him by a title that more accurately reflected his status—“Engineer Chen.”
“Thank you. It was all the team’s efforts,” Chen Wan responded modestly with a smile.
Someone raised their glass and said with a laugh, “I hear that Kexiang has submitted bids for all the projects in Half Bay and the Outlying Islands. Engineer Chen is young and talented, with lofty ambitions!”
Chen Wan quipped back, “I’m just participating actively. I also have a family to support, after all.”
Even bystanders didn’t believe that, teasing him, “With Engineer Chen’s current worth, who couldn't he afford to take care of?”
Chen Wan chuckled, “I think I still have to work a bit harder.”
With a full smile, he met the pair of dark eyes on the small circular terrace. Under the brilliant lights, one man raised his gaze, while the other lowered his. It was as if time had reversed, and yet—today was no longer yesterday. The person on the stage and the person below communicated silently across the distance; separated from the surrounding clamor, two gazes locked, shining like brilliant stars.
Translator’s Note:
¹ Chen Wan choked after Zhao Shengge said this because Zhao Shengge made a suggestive joke here. In Chinese, Chen Wan’s previous line was 你这样不行的, translating to ‘you can’t do this’ or ‘this won’t do,’ referring to Zhao Shengge refusing to drink the herbal brew. However, 不行, depending on the context, can also mean impotency, similar to saying ‘you can’t get it up.’ So Zhao Shengge was purposely messing with Chen Wan using a double entendre, asking, ‘[You think] I can’t get it up?’
² This is NOT the San Francisco Bay Area. The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) is also commonly referred to within these regions as the Bay Area.
This is an annocement that I am planning to start my own translation project for the danmei novel 奇洛李维斯回信 (A Letter From Keanu Reeves・Reply to Keats)!
The novel has 73 chapters + 7 extras. There is no official English translation for novel, but there are already one incomplete fan translation and another completed (edited MTL, I believe) one for the main chapters. Regardless, I do plan to translate the entire novel just as a personal project for fun!
None of the extras have been translated, and so, in time for the upcoming holiday/to kick off the project with new content, I will be translating the Mid Autumn Festival extra first!
I hope to get the chapter out in time by October 6 or the week of.
This is a project for personal interest, so it will probably take me so time to complete the entire novel, and updates might not be super regular, but I'm determined to see it through ^^
It would mean a lot if everyone could support the project (and me) by checking it out!
You can read the synoposis and reviews on Novel Updates.
Lastly, this will be my first time taking on a project of this size. For now, I plan to release the chapters here and organize them in a masterpost. If this doesn't work down the line, I'll figure something else out.
chapters are organized over at my sideblog + available on wordpress
Chen Wan pulled along his suitcase, chatting with several young colleagues from Kexiang as they walked out of the airport, when he suddenly paused.
With the Mid-Autumn Festival approaching, the airport receiving area was especially crowded. There were those who were holding posters, those who were playing on their phones. Only Zhao Shengge did nothing, just quietly standing like that in the back of the crowd, looking in the direction of the exit gate, his expression calm and patient.
His tall stature couldn’t be blocked by the crowd. As soon as Chen Wan raised his head, he was caught in his dark gaze.
It wasn't until Zhao Shengge pulled his hands out of his trenchcoat, reaching out towards him, that Chen Wan snapped back to reality. Turning back to the youngsters on his team, he said to them, “You guys go on ahead. Stay safe.”
“Got it, Engineer Chen¹.” Everyone was already more than used to this. “Happy Mid-Autumn Festival.”
“Happy Mid-Autumn.” Chen Wan raised the plane ticket in his hand and pushed through the crowd in big strides to grab Zhao Shengge's arm. “How come you’re here?”
They had agreed to meet at the underground Exit B3.
Zhao Shennge took over his suitcase with one hand and wrapped the person in his embrace close with the other hand. He asked, “Are you the only one who can one-sidedly pick someone up at the airport?”
“......” Chen Wan let out a laugh, “Hey—”
Zhao Shengge was unfazed as he naturally slipped an arm around Chen Wan’s shoulder, holding him as they walked together toward the underground parking garage.
Yesterday, a No. 8 typhoon signal warning was issued again. As the typhoon passed through, the world outside turned dark and gloomy, the wind and rain lashing fiercely.
Originally, Chen Wan hadn’t wanted him to come to the airport at all; Kexiang had arranged for a driver to pick everyone up.
Zhao Shengge repeated the same old line, “It’s not like the driver is wooing you.”
Chen Wan found he had nothing he could say to that.
“The Series B round didn’t go smoothly.” The typhoon lifted the hems of both of their trenchcoats.
Chen Wan shed his usual composed and dignified demeanor in front of younger employees and spoke frankly with Zhao Shengge, “Andrew’s got some nerves. Using his homefield advantage to make outrageous demands……”
Zhao Shengge lowered his head slightly and listened to him quietly.
Riding the same moving walkway was a pair of father and son. The little boy looked up at his father and complained, “Daddy, it was Lucas being greedy. He wanted to take my model away.”
Chen Wan wasn't paying attention. Looking up, he continued, “He even got his eyes set on the Haishi market, pushing the export price down to a new low.”
The little boy added, “He even sent people to threaten me.”
Chen Wan remarked, “Such a voracious appetite. Once the time comes and Kexiang raises the price on the exclusive patent license, he might not be able to exit the market in time even if he wanted to.”
The little boy declared, “Once I launch my attack and destroy him, he'll see how formidable I am.”
Zhao Shengge suddenly lowered his head and let out a soft laugh. Chen Wan caught on and felt a sudden pang of embarrassment.
He really was living backwards. All his years of struggling and establishing himself on his own, and he was acting like a child running home to complain about occurrences that couldn’t be more common at the negotiation table.
Zhao Shengge leaned down and whispered close to his ear, “No worries. You can launch an attack and destroy him, too.”
“.....” Chen Wan choked and didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “It looks to me that you’re launching an attack to take me out first.”
Zhao Shengge's lips twitched upward for a moment.
The two of them chatted softly all the way to the B3 Exit. Once they got into the car, they both fell silent simultaneously, sharing a look with each other.
Zhao Shengge’s gaze was deep and lingering, sweeping from Chen Wan’s brows to the bridge of his nose to his bottom lip. Chen Wan’s face heated as if scalded, but he feigned composure and looked away first.
Zhao Shengge raised an eyebrow and didn’t look at him anymore. He turned the keys unhurriedly and slowly reached up to grip the steering wheel.
Sure enough, the moment before he stepped on the gas petal, Chen Wan seized his hands. He rose swiftly, legs crossing over the center console, and straddled Zhao Shengge with both legs wrapped around his waist. He lowered his head, staring intently at his face with dark and silent eyes.
Zhao Shengge reached to steady him immediately, one large hand clamped around his waist, the other supporting his lower hip.
They couldn’t pretend anymore.
With just a single glance, dry kindling was ignited by a spark of ember. Their kiss was familiar, as if rehearsed countless times before.
The facade of restraint and feigned composure put on in front of others was finally torn to shreds in the enclosed space.
“Ngh……”
Chen Wan wrapped his arms around Zhao Shengge’s neck, while Zhao Shengge firmly held the back of his head in place. Their waists and abdomens pressed together, their bodies intimately close to each other; like two entangled caged beasts, exchanging and absorbing each other’s scent and warmth, becoming each other’s oxygen, as though they wouldn’t be able to live without the other.
Zhao Shengge’s lips and tongue were as domineering and relentless as he was. Chen Wan was kissed until his cheeks were flushed crimson, his mouth unable to hold in all of his saliva, and a shimmering string of silver stretched between them when they parted.
Chen Wan’s chest heaved as he gasped for air. He stuck out a tender pink tongue, curled it, and rolled it back into his mouth.
Zhao Shengge watched him with dark, heavy eyes.
Chen Wan averted his gaze. He shifted his waist and hips slightly, turned back again, and looked down at him. “Zhao Shengge.”
“En.” Zhao Shengge pushed aside some of his hair.
“I used the money I earned this time to buy you a present.”
Zhao Shengge thought he looked like a slightly smug cat. Brushing his cheek with the back of his hand, his gaze tracing over every feature inch by inch, he asked encouragingly, “What did you buy?”
Chen Wan's lips were bright red from being bitten. “The 570S.”
The custom, limited-edition super racecar.
Zhao Shengge gave him a look full of meaning for a moment and chuckled softly, “Then, you’re about to have gone on this trip for nothing.”
The starting bid had already been driven sky high.
“I can always make more money, but,” Chen Wan sighed dreamily, “You really look so good driving a race car.”
Not too long ago, Tan Youming had closed off the Kadoorie Hill bend for racing. While others floored the accelerator madly, Zhao Shengge cruised along unhurriedly. As he passed by the platform section, he even leisurely rolled down the car window.
On the viewing platform, Chen Wan was being pulled into small talk by someone, a cigarette offered by the other person held between his teeth, unlit. The corners of his mouth carried a hint of unconscious tenderness and smile. The dusk sky was deep blue, and the mountain breeze billowed his shirt, highlighting his slender waist and long legs.
Chen Wan’s gaze locked on him practically the moment the car pulled over. He strode straight toward the car and removed the cigarette from his lips, bending his waist and lowering his head to lean his body on the window. His gaze darkened.
Zhao Shengge in his racing suit and helmet was so dashing it made one weak in the knees. Chen Wan swallowed hard and said softly, “Just one more lap and then we'll head back, okay?”
It was unsafe, and…there were too many people watching.
Zhao Shengge looked at him with an ambiguous half-smile and murmured, “I thought you would want to chat for a little longer.”
Chen Wan gazed at him besottedly, “No, there’s nothing much to talk about.”
Zhao Shengge smiled and tilted his head. He offered very magnanimously, “It’s okay. Go ahead. I’ll wait for you.”
Chen Wan lightly shook his head. He checked the seatbelt and helmet up and down, before his infatuated gaze stuck back onto Zhao Shengge’s face.
Having gotten what he had wanted, Zhao Shengge lovingly gave several light pats to his face and leaned close to his ear to whisper, “Chen Wan.”
“Tone down the look in your eyes a little.”
Chen Wan shifted his gaze away. He—he couldn’t hold it in.
Zhao Shengge’s expression seemed a bit mocking and also a little smug. He tilted his head, like he wanted to say more, but an impatient honk blared from behind.
He’d been parked for too long and was blocking Tan Youming, who was behind, from being the Racing God of Kadoorie Hill.
He itched to stick his head out to loudly demand if he was going to move or not.
If he wasn’t, he should let him move to the front to run another two laps. Once Shen Zongnian arrived, he wouldn't even be able to run half a lap.
Tan Youming, with an unfriendly expression, picked up the walkie-talkie and barked orders into the channel, “0120, from now on, please put up a sign on the road: ‘racing curve, no loitering’.”
“Hello?” After waiting for a long time without any response from Zhuo Zhixuan or Jiang Ying, suddenly, a cold voice like that of a dark, brooding male ghost rang out over the channel. “Are you going to get out by yourself, or should I come get you?”
“Holy shit.” Tan Youming was so scared, he threw the walkie-talkie, pressed the horn furiously, floored the gas pedal, and sped away.
Zhao Shengge snapped a picture of the rear end of the fleeing car, sent it, and only then addressed Chen Wan, who was still looking at his face, “Chen Wan.”
“Meet me at the finish line.”
“Okay.” Chen Wan’s lashes were lowered and his demeanor demure, very obedient.
But that night, after they had finished, Chen Wan refused to let go of Zhao Shengge at all. Zhao Shengge had been about to pull out, but Chen Wan clung tight, his voice hoarse, “No…”.
Zhao Shengge studied him for a moment. Then, scooping him up like a child, he carried him, and they did it again from the bedroom to the living area, from upstairs to downstairs, once at the island counter, and once at the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Chen Wan especially loved doing it while being carried face-to-face. Zhao Shengge's arms were extremely strong and hot, like iron chains, imprisoning him tightly.
Chen Wan took him in deeply. Every part, every inch, and every drop of Zhao Shennge was all his. Several times, Chen Wan was fucked until he wet himself, the corners of his eyes red like he'd been crying, the dignified man as he was.
Zhao Shengge cradled his face, peppering him with kisses, soothing him, “It's okay.”
“It's okay.”
“Chen Wan, you're mine.”
“It's alright.”
“I love it all.”
Recalling these memories, Chen Wan's body heated up again.
Zhao Shengge glanced down briefly and didn't take notice. As if he were truly being considerate, he said, “If you give me the 570, Tan Youming is going to be upset again.”
Only one car was available for sale in Asia.
Chen Wan paused for a moment, pursing his lips. “I brought another gift for him.”
Zhao Shengge's phone vibrated. He glanced at it.
Hmph. News traveled fast.
Zhao Shengge straight up hung up on Shen Zongnian’s incoming call, caressing Chen Wan’s lower back as he said, “It would’ve been fine even if you didn’t get him anything.”
“...” Chen Wan chuckled. “I had to.”
Shen Zongnian wanted to buy it for Tan Youming; Chen Wan also wanted to buy it for Zhao Shengge. Who came out on top, who won the prize in the end—it all came down to their own abilities.
“Once the car arrives, I’ll have someone customize it. You can see when you have time to decide on the style.”
Zhao Shengge did not reply right away, merely flipping the statement back to him, “Well, then, when do you have time to take a look at the newly revised agreement from the assistant?”
“......” Chen Wan looked at him helplessly. He was still not letting this go.
Before the business trip, Zhao Shengge had started their voluntary guardianship paperwork, and part of it involved the matter of personal assets. Chen Wan raised some minor objections to the joint ownership clause.
Zhao Shengge’s gaze was steady and unwavering—not forceful or aggressive, but showing no signs of compromise either. “Chen Wan.”
“Do you still want to give me gifts?”
This sentence stopped Chen Wan in his tracks.
Zhao Shengge was definitely not only talking about the car from this time. If he didn’t accept the conditions for the joint ownership, he would probably never be able to give Zhao Shengge anything from now on.
That was too horrifying! To Chen Wan, it was downright cruel!
Zhao Shengge pulled out both hard and soft tactics. Lifting him up slightly, he stroked his back and coaxed gently, “Chen Wan, I’ve been reasonable enough with you.”
He hadn’t even factored in the shares from Minglong yet.
“At the very least, you have to be fair in return.”
His tone was warm and gentlemanly, as if he were really magnanimous and had made all sorts of compromises and concessions.
Chen Wan didn’t speak, so Zhao Shengge pressed on, “Those have nothing to do with the Zhao family, nor anything to do with Minglong. They’re my personal assets—a part of me.”
Chen Wan pursed his lips, and Zhao Shengge continued on the offensive, “If you don’t want them, do you not want me either?”
As expected, Chen Wan immediately furrowed his brows.
The man Zhao Shengge was really rotten from the outside to his core. He asked in a low voice, “Do you want me, Chen Wan?”
Chen Wan immediately wound both arms tightly around his neck and clung to him. “I do. I want you.”
Zhao Shengge did not return the embrace. He pushed him away lightly, needing to finish what he had to say first, “Then, you can’t just want a part of me.”
Chen Wan’s dark eyes fixed on him intently.
Zhao Shengge gently but firmly shook his head at the calm yet frenzied look in the gaze. Slowly, he said, “It doesn’t work that way, Chen Wan.”
He was so calm it bordered on being ruthless, as he said, “If you want me, you have to want all of me.”
After a moment of standstill, Chen Wan sighed internally and completely abandoned all of his principles, “I want you. I want all of you.”
Getting him to relent wasn’t easy. Chen Wan was stubborn, and the two of them had already been engaged in a semi-covert exchange of push and pull for a good while; in the end, it was Zhao Shengge who emerged victorious.
He breathed an inward sigh of relief and no longer stopped Chen Wan from shifting closer to kiss him.
Chen Wan’s round and full bottom kept rubbing against Zhao Shengge’s lower body. Zhao Shengge’s breaths were uneven, yet he leisurely wiped away the sweat on his face, clicked his tongue, and smiled, “Chen Wan.”
“You really do like doing it in the car.”
Chen Wan licked his Cupid's bow, lost in passion, and thought, why else would I buy this Cullinan?
He only wanted it for its high ground clearance and spacious interior, good for doing ‘things’ in.
At Chen Wan’s puppy-like licks against his lips, Zhao Shengge finally parted his own lips, guiding him in. He gave him his own tongue, indulgently allowing him to suck as he pleased, hands sliding downward to undo his belt.
Zhao Shengge’s hands had been handling guns from childhood, and his fingertips were calloused.
Chen Wan became wet down there, moaning from pleasure for a good while. His clothes were completely disshelved, his pants nowhere to be found, while Zhao Shengge still remained impeccably dressed.
Chen Wan made a mess of Zhao Shengge’s suit pants and shirt, almost like he was about to die on him. When Chen Wan went to unbuckle Zhao Shengge’s belt, his hand was grabbed.
Confusion and disappointment flickered for a moment across Chen Wan’s expression, and Zhao Shengge immediately drew him into his arms, very tightly. He firmly held onto the back of his head and said with his lips pressed against his forehead, “You’re too tired.”
To make it back in time for the Mid Autumn Festival, Chen Wan had taken connecting overnight flights. With Zhao Shengge’s pent up longing and desire from these past days, he had to admit he’d have a hard time controlling himself; Chen Wan would also probably struggle to bear it, so he absolutely couldn’t initiate anything.
Chen Wan dragged both hands across his face. He smiled a little helplessly, “I look pretty haggard, don’t I?”
Zhao Shengge lightly brushed his hair that had grown slightly longer and admired it for a moment. Tilting his head like he hadn’t understood, he said, “You look very handsome."
Chen Wan laughed and cradled his face using both hands, saying gently, “You’re the good-looking one. You’re the best-looking.” “.....”
“Chen Wan,” Zhao Shengge scrutinized him. He mused, “You really do love this face.”
He recalled that he had already praised this face many times already.
“I do love it,” Chen Wan caressed his features, sighing with feeling, “Zhao Shengge, you don’t realize how handsome you are.”
Zhao Shengge raised his chin. “But there will come a day when it will no longer be handsome.”
Chen Wan startled, then hurriedly said, “That won’t happen. As long as the face is on your person, it will always be good-looking.”
Zhao Shengge said nothing.
Chen Wan elaborated anxiously, “I didn’t fall for you because of your face. I fell for this face only because of you.” There were many beautiful faces in the world, but his heart would never move for anyone else.
Zhao Shengge regarded him for several moments before he turned his face away and gave a light scoff, unclear if he’d taken in Chen Wan’s words.
Chen Wan smiled, cupping his face with both hands to gently turn it toward him. His gaze was deep and sincere, “Believe me, Zhao Shengge.”
Zhao Shengge was still as impassive as ever, making Chen Wan slightly at a loss for what to do with him.
“Zhao Shengge, did you…miss me?”
This was the longest he’d been away for a business trip since he and Zhao Shengge had gotten together. But the moment the words left his mouth, Chen Wan felt a bit speechless and silly for asking such a cliche question.
Zhao Shengge watched him quietly. Chen Wan laughed embarrassedly. “I was just asking—”
Zhao Shengge’s hand moved from his back to his wrist. With a single motion, he took his fingers and pressed them against his phone to unlock it. The screen lit up, and he tapped into the smart bracelet’s monitoring interface before handing it to Chen Wan.
Chen Wan exclaimed in surprise, “When did you record it?”
Zhao Shengge's tone was impassive, righteously matter-of-fact, “While you were sleeping.”
“......” Chen Wan felt embarrassed now. “Ah, it’s alright, I don’t need to look.”
“Look,” Zhao Shengge coaxed, playing with the hair at the back of his neck. “Go ahead. It's okay. I know you don't like prying into others' privacy, so I’m asking you to look.”
“......” Chen Wan took the phone with both hands, cradling it, closely scanning each line like examining a new toy.
Zhao Shengge’s hand returned to his back again, steadily supporting him and patiently, indulgently encouraging him to take his time to read.
After only a moment of reading, Chen Wan's ears began to flush red.
Last month, Zhao Shengge spent an average of four hours per day watching him sleep. With the time difference between them, he didn’t know where Zhao Shengge, who attended to countless affairs daily, found the time for those four hours.
Practically every day, he would monitor his heart rate, body temperature, blood oxygen, and stress levels every eight hours. He compiled the data into charts and sent it to Monica.
At the same time, the memo files annotated that Chen Wan forgot to take his medication on two separate occasions on the evenings of September 2nd and 11th, under such big red markings that it would be hard to miss even if one wanted to.
During thirteen of those days, the monitoring system showed frequent accessing of the audio records, with the highest number of playbacks occurring as many as thirty-two times.
The record log further marked in red, “8th, Blake, 7 sentences. 13th, Felix, Shengluo Lake.”
……
Chen Wan's interactions with other men during business engagements—the content of the conversations, the whereabouts, quotations, and number of sentences and words exchanged—were all meticulously categorized and documented.
Even Chen Wan was a little shocked.
He'd given the smart bracelet to Zhao Shengge as a statement of his resolve; except for when showering, using the bathroom, or during negotiations and meetings that involved trade secrets, he kept the bracelet turned on at all times. Yet Zhao Shengge’s application and use of this surveillance bracelet far exceeded his imagination.
Even in Chen Wan's sixteen years of being madly, secretly in love with Zhao Shengge, he had never reached this level.
At this, Chen Wan finally seemed to realize with clarity that the phrase “lifetime imprisonment” was no simple joke. Zhao Shengge always followed through on his promises.
How could he be even more twisted and perverted than I am, Chen Wan mused silently.
He didn’t realize he had unconsciously mumbled it out loud in a low voice.
But even if he had whispered it softly, Zhao Shengge still heard him. Without changing his expression, he countered in a matter-of-fact tone, “Just because I missed you, I’m a pervert?”
Chen Wan gave another embarrassed laugh. “No…no.” Zhao Shengge brushed his cheek with featherlight strokes, his gaze holding a strange, calm gentleness. “Chen Wan.”
Chen Wan shuddered, his body tightening for a moment.
Zhao Shengge stared down at him intently through a half-lidded gaze. “You should be thanking me that I don’t ask you to keep all the permissions open every moment of the day.”
“...” Chen Wan put down the phone. Circling his arms around Zhao Shengge’s neck, his eyes crinkled into crescents, he said, “Oh? Then, thank you, Zhao Shengge.”
“You’re welcome.” But Zhao Shennge didn’t smile. He drew Chen Wan into his embrace, flushed chest against chest. After a moment, he said softly, “If you have to ask that question, that means I didn’t do a good enough job.”
Just missing Chen Wan was useless. If Chen Wan could not feel his longing, then all his longing was for nothing.
If the person being loved couldn't feel the love, then it couldn’t be truly love.
His tone was very serious and sincere, completely different from his previous self-righteousness spying on Chen Wan or his surly, sarcastic manner earlier.
Chen Wan immediately grabbed his collar and said helplessly, “Ah, I was really just being sappy and romantic for this once. Don't compete with me over this, too.”
He’s so intense and competitive.
It's unreasonable and bizarre.
Zhao Shengge shifted him up in his arms. Watching him quietly with a lowered gaze, he again began to use that serious and upright tone to utter words that made one embarrassed, “I’m in the middle of pursuing you.”
Chen Wan was at a bit of a loss. He turned his head to the side and smiled, “You’ve been pursuing me for too long. It’s enough already.”
“Not enough,” Zhao Shengge thought his lips looked dry and unscrewed a bottle of mineral water, feeding sips to Chen Wan. “Mr. Chen, please have some self-awareness as the party being wooed.”
“......”
When he finished feeding him water, Zhao Shengge pressed Chen Wan’s head back onto his shoulder. “Sleep for a while.”
Chen Wan buried his face into the crook of his neck. “Aren’t we heading back?”
The sound of the rain and thunder was getting louder outside.
“No rush.” Zhao Shengge laid the driver’s seat flat, cradling Chen Wan to let him sleep on top of his body. “The traffic at the main road of the airport will be jammed for a while.”
Zhao Shengge adjusted the temperature, draped his coat over the two of them, and wrapped both arms tightly around Chen Wan. His hands rested firmly on Chen Wan’s lower back, as though there was nothing more important in the world than letting Chen Wan catch his sleep.
“Sleep well.” Zhao Shengge’s embrace was seamless and airtight, like a lone ark in an era of chaos. The noise of the rain and wind faded into the distance. Chen Wan’s heart settled, so very warm and full from being held and cradled.
“The rain is so heavy.” He was actually getting drowsy.
“Mn.” Zhao Shengge settled into a rhythm patting his back, murmuring in a low tone, “We might not get to see the moon for this year’s Mid Autumn Festival.”
The weather station issued a warning that the red rain period would likely continue for a week.
He didn’t want to disappoint Chen Wan. He rushed all the way to make it back for the Mid Autumn Festival. If he couldn’t even see the moon, that would be an awful shame.
Other things Zhao Shengge could work to make possible, but this, it seemed, was beyond even him.
“It’s alright.” Chen Wan listened to his heartbeats, eyes drooping with sleep, and languidly said, “I already have a moon.”
Forever suspended high in his life, unswayed by cloud or sun, shining luminous and clear.
☆ヾ(*´・∀・)ﾉヾ(・∀・`*)ﾉ☆
Translator's Notes:
¹ Here, the team members refer to Chen Wan as 陈工. It is a respectful address for an engineer or technologist.
Beyond than the fact that this form of address is a bit unnatural in English, thus warranting a translation note, this is also noteworthy because Chen Wan mentioned in the main novel that he’d always been more interested in the engineering side of things, but to build his company from the ground up, he’d never been able to devote as much time to his actual passion before Kexiang’s collaboration with Minglong.
Lastly, I have created a sideblog @kawatranslates where I will be reblogging all the (future) translated chapters so they can be in a centralized, organized place with easy access. That blog will only contain translation content and will be acting like a masterpost. But everything will continue to be posted from this main blog because I may post snippets of chapters as I work on translations or otherwise engage and gush with everyone over this awesome novel, and I plan to do all that from main. So the sideblog is only for achival purposes + because it has a better blog theme for if you read on a laptop.
There is No Observatory on Xiaotan Mountain ¹, part 1/5
please, please read the translator's note for this extra!!
all chapters are organized over at my sideblog + available on wordpress
On the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, Tan Youming hosted a banquet at Shen Zongnian's casino to welcome Cai Shen.²
Lion dances, incense offerings, and firecracker papers filled Tidu Street from one end to the other.³ The crystal chandeliers shone from dawn till dusk.
“A-Wan.” Xu Zhiying tossed an ace of clubs into the center pile and suggested earnestly, “Why don’t you just hand Mr. Zhao the cards to complete his flush?”
“……,” Chen Wan coughed lightly. Zhao Shengge’s head was lowered, studying his cards, but the corners of his lips curved upward faintly for a brief moment, and he offered gentlemanly, “After this hand, switch someone else in.”
Tan Youming raised his head in displeasure. “You’re just going to leave after winning money?”
Where was the poker integrity? Where was the sportsmanship?
It was not about the amount of money—today was the day for welcoming Cai Shen. Who wouldn't want to chase an auspicious omen?
Zhao Shengge turned around to look at him mildly and, rather courteously, said, “If I’m here, it’d be even harder for you to win.”
“……”
Zhao Shengge had returned to the old family house the previous day to hand out red envelopes to the little radish heads. He thought for a moment, and then slid several tile chips over to Tan Youming, instructing him in a tone like that of a caring older brother’s, “Play more seriously. Hold out until Shen Zongnian gets back from his phone call.”
“……”
Zhao Shengge paid him no more mind. He stood up, took the coat from the back of the chair to drape it over his arm, and walked around half the poker table to sit beside Chen Wan to watch the game.
The corners of Chen Wan’s eyes carried a hint of helpless amusement. He freed a hand to pull him closer, tilting his head down to whisper, “Do you want to head back?”
He was worried that Zhao Shengge might become bored, space out, and get sleepy.
Zhao Shengge shook his head languidly. He said considerately, “No rush. You should play a few more rounds.”
They had returned from Feiling Island the day before yesterday; Chen Wan hadn't left their bed to go outside the house for several days. Finally managing to venture out today for once, Zhao Shengge wanted him to play and enjoy himself to his heart’s content.
He did not lean back against the chair, just propping his face up with a single hand as he watched Chen Wan play his cards. Their knees touched, and he occasionally looked down to reply to work messages.
Xu Enyi filled in for the next round. She had returned from northern Europe for the Lunar New Year, bumping into Xu Zhiying, who was on vacation, at the airport and had come back together. Tan Youming was also her former German class classmate, so she came along today as well.
These were all people who had known each other since childhood. Putting aside whether their relationship with one another was good or not, in this circle, what mattered more than friendship were profits and interests.
But ever since Chen Wan joined them, everyone’s subtle dynamics had changed somewhat. The previous business social gatherings decreased, and genuine friendly gatherings became more frequent.
Tan Youming asked Xu Zhiying, “Are you really staying here tonight?”
“Ah,” Xu Zhiying replied. “My family’s nagging is driving me crazy. I want to get away for some peace and quiet.”
“Then I’ll have a room prepared for you. Someone will bring you the key card later.” Although the casino was not yet open because of the New Year holidays, Tan Youming was always generous and considerate toward ladies. “The hot springs, swimming pool, and the kitchen are all available for your use, open and staffed 24/7. If you need anything, just call on the butler. If you want to go out, have the driver take you; it’s chaotic outside during the New Year.”
Xu Zhiying accepted with thanks. She heaped on the praises, “Now I know how Mr. Tan earned his good reputation in society.”
His consecutive titles at the top of the Hong Kong media's list of “Most Charming and Popular Wealthy Young Master” was well-deserved.
Xu Enyi laughed heartily. “You guys don’t know, in our German class, half of the girls liked Ming-zai.”
Tan Youming went along with their teasing, his peach blossom eyes crinkling slightly, charming with a flirtatious air but not frivolous. He carried a blend of candidness and unrestrained ease seldom seen in the world of fame and fortune.
Xu Enyi drew a card. She asked Xu Zhiying, “How come there are still people who dare to make decisions for you? Haven’t they seen what happened to your two older brothers?”
She was the sole daughter of an oil tycoon, the precious pearl in her family’s palm, so she had never gone through the same conflicts and power struggles that Xu Zhiying had.
Xu Zhiying replied, “Well, you get the family trust fund if you’re married.”
“Then what’s the reason for just letting the money sit there.” Xu Enyi pointed to Tan Youming and said, “There you go, a ready-made collaboration partner.”
Tan Youming nodded along. He held a cigarette in his mouth, but since ladies were present, he didn’t light it. He quipped cheerfully, “Since we’re friends, I’ll even give you the buddy price.”
Xu Zhiying also smiled sweetly, “I couldn’t possibly keep up with Mr. Tan. Even if I had to pick, I would pick A-Xuan instead.”
Zhuo Zhixuan passed by with a wine glass, “……” Waving around a white flag, he said, “Please don't pick on me, ladies.”
Chen Wan was rather amused. Xu Enyi played a joker, taking his king of clubs, and told Tan Youming that Caroline was coming back.
“Who?”
“Fang Shiying,” Xu Enyi watched him hold his cigarette in his mouth as he played cards. Speechlessly, she asked, “You don’t remember this either?” Who did the socialite of Haishi even remember?
Xu Enyi reminded him, “She was the classmate in our small group for the end-of-class theater play. She played the role of your queen.”
“Before she even finished her studies, her father squandered the entire family fortune. She competed and debuted in the Miss Island Pageant. I heard that you helped her escape from a producer during a social event, and the resources she got later on were also in no small part thanks to your connections.”
Tan Youming finally had some vague recollection.
Xu Enyi knew he was generous and righteous and never kept track of when he helped others. That was why people from all different circles recognized him as a friend, yet he himself had no awareness of what his casual acts of kindness meant to others' lives, or who would remember him deeply because of it for years to come.
“Caroline has moved behind the scenes now. She won the Golden Palm Award for Best Director of a TV Series last year.”
Tan Youming's face reflected his admiration and respect, “She's really done well for herself!”
“Yes, she's incredibly driven. Coming home in glory this year, the first thing she mentioned was wanting to get in touch with you. But she doesn't have your contact info, so I'll just pass hers to you. Also, don't you think it's about time we had a reunion for our little German class?”
Xu Enyi did not know: the fifteen-year-old Tan Youming had not been interested whatsoever in learning some crappy German at all. It was only because he had secretly overheard that Shen Zongnian had been exiled to a remote corner of a German-speaking region in northern Europe that he gritted his teeth and took the class.
However, during the year Shen Zongnian was absent, this class—which was occupied two-thirds by girls—provided Tan Youming, who had suddenly lost his best friend, with much warmth and solace. Because of this, he still harbored a certain affection for the German class.
“Sure. You can give me her info,” Tan Youming looked left and right, finding Shen Zongnian, who was listening as Jiang Ying talked.
He waved him over, calling out lazily, “Shen Zongnian.”
Once the other walked over, Tan Youming felt around his pockets. “Your phone.”
Not finding it in its usual place, he rummaged all over, saying, “Hurry, the Golden Palm-winning director is waiting to add me.” He was happy for his classmate who had achieved success after years of hardship, and his tone brimmed with pride.
Shen Zongnian looked down at him from above and reached into his pocket. With a single motion, he seized Tan Youming’s wrist, pulled it out, and released him, saying, “Use your own phone to add her.”
“?” His phone was charging.
Shen Zongnian just said, “I’ll have someone bring it to you,” and turned away to answer a call.
“Hey—,” Tan Youming called out, but the person did not come back. Turning to the rest of the table, all three pairs of eyes were looking at him, but Tan Youming was not upset. He shrugged his shoulders and played it off with a smile, “He’s just like that.”
Unlike Zhao Shengge’s restraint rooted in his insincere politeness, Shen Zongnian’s reticence carried a distant indifference that signaled he couldn't be bothered with other people. Everyone had already grown accustomed to it.
Xu Enyi raised an eyebrow. Xu Zhiying smiled but said nothing. Chen Wan rubbed the tip of his nose. No one spoke, and they tacitly started a new round of cards.
The second time Chen Wan’s card was taken by Xu Enyi, Zhao Shengge let out an extremely light laugh, right next to Chen Wan’s ear, unheard by anyone else.
Chen Wan’s back stilled for a moment. After a brief pause, he moved his knee to bump lightly against Zhao Shengge’s.
Zhao Shengge’s hand pressed against his back, like playing the keys of a piano. He said that he was going to the balcony for a smoke.
Chen Wan nodded, then tugged him back. Only after draping a long coat over his frame did he say, “Go ahead.”
“……”
During the tea break, Tan Youming left to entertain other friends. Passing by the reception, he greeted a several female croupiers, saying, "Don’t be so tense. It's the New Year, so there’s no need for all the formality."
“Did everyone get their red envelopes?” His coat draped over his shoulders, he carried a touch of roguish irreverence within his easygoing manner. A few of the foreign croupiers were bolder and piped up, “We got them! Mr. Tan’s so generous. May you make a big fortune this year, too.” Although this casino hotel was a property of the Shen family, everyone from the manager down to the croupiers knew Tan Youming better.
“Alright then,” Tan Youming gave a lopsided smile. “I’ll hold you to it.”
Only Xu Enyi remained at the card table. She teased Chen Wan, “Is Mr. Chen acting as the Money-Giving Immortal tonight?”
Chen Wan shook his head with a smile, “Just a token of my appreciation, it’s nothing much.”
Xu Enyi worked abroad in fashion designing and had her own independent brand. During Fashion Week, she ran into Song Qingmiao.
She had heard a little about what happened with the Chen family and had asked Song Qingmiao if she'd like to model for her. That ageless face, radiating a profound Eastern charm, was extremely favored by photographers.
Perhaps it was an innate talent of Jiangnan women, but Song Qingmiao actually possessed a certain spirited flair whether modeling or designing. Decades of struggles within the Chen family manor had made her forget that she’d once learned Suzhou embroidery before she was trafficked.
“There’s no need to thank me. She and I were pretty much friends in the first place anyways.” Indeed, originally, it was Xu Enyi and Song Qingmiao who had known each other first.
Still, Chen Wan said, “She’s unfamiliar with the people and places over there. I’ll trouble Miss Xu to look out for her in the future as well.”
He and Song Qingmiao did not keep in frequent contact. They didn’t even see each other during the New Year, but knowing that she made friends and had found things she liked to do, Chen Wan still felt immensely happy inside. This mattered far more to him than whether they met up or were together or apart as mother and son.
"You're too polite." Xu Enyi had no right to comment on how Song Qingmiao was as a mother, but as a friend and a subordinate, she personally thought she was quite decent.
The distant sky lit up with a brilliant, dazzling explosion. During the Spring Festival, Victoria Harbour hosted fireworks displays every night. The shining and flickering light fell upon Shen Zongnian's expressionless face.
He had a lot of work calls, something Tan Youming often complained about.
However, it couldn’t be helped; unlike Zhao Shengge, the competition within the Shen family was extremely fierce and merciless, with brothers and family feuding and tearing each other apart. Shen Zongnian had climbed to power by stepping over the bones of his closest kin.
Someone was approaching. Shen Zongnian hung up the call and glanced at the trench coat loosely draped over the other person. Zhao Shengge never wore his clothes in this manner, so it was obvious without saying who had put it on. Shen Zongnian scoffed, “What? You’ve faked it so much that you’ve actually turned into a weakling who can’t even handle a little wind?”
Zhao Shengge ignored his jab, flicking out a cigarette and holding it between his lips. In a non sequitur, he said, “You couldn’t bring yourself to do it, again.”
Shen Zongnian did not smoke. He leaned against the wall, hands in his pockets, nodding, “Ah, yes, I’ll also force him.”
Zhao Shengge was unashamed. He raised his chin slightly, “So what if you did?”
Shen Zongnian braced both hands on the railing, gazing past the mountains, “He’s not. So what’s the point of forcing him?”
“Then just make him be—”
“Zhao Shengge,” Shen Zongnian cut him off. Right at that moment, a burst of brilliant fireworks shot up into the sky, the glow illuminating his brooding and ominous face. “I often think: the thing neither you nor I have—surely at least one person among us should get to have it.”
At that, Zhao Shengge also fell silent.
Tan Youming was different from both Zhao Shengge and Shen Zongnian.
Shen Zongnian was twelve when he came to the Tan family.
He was the heir written into the will by Grandfather Shen. In front of the immense temptation of profits and vast fortunes, fathers ceased to be fathers, and brothers ceased to be brothers. For the sake of altering the will, the young Shen Zongnian endured slander and frame-ups by his cousins, joint assassination attempts by his uncles, and even kidnapping threats from his own birth parents.
In his final days, Grandfather Shen, knowing he could no longer protect his young grandson, could only entrust the poor child to his dear friend Grandfather Tan. He implored the Tan family to protect Shen Zongnian until adulthood, promising the Tan family substantial rewards—this was also the reason the Shen and Tan families' businesses and fortunes became practically inseparable later on.
From the first day Shen Zongnian arrived at the Tan household, Mr. and Mrs. Tan treated him as their own flesh and blood.
Tan Chongshan was cheery and easygoing and fond of children. He taught him shooting, combat, and how to navigate social situations.
Guan Kezhi had a feisty and fiery personality. She would apply makeup while chasing her son down for a beating at the same time, but for all the scarves she knitted for Tan Youming and the glutinous rice balls she cooked for him, Shen Zongnian would get his own share as well, even though they looked bad and tasted terrible as well.
Grandfather Tan was kind and benevolent. He personally taught Shen Zongnian how to read poetry and to write calligraphy, because Tan Youming refused to learn, unable to sit still for a minute.
Even Zhao Shengge, who was invited over to the house to play by Tan Youming, received paper cutting decorations crafted by Grandmother Tan herself.
“Shengge is such a handsome boy, I’ll cut him a big tiger.”
But upon returning home, it was soon torn to shreds by Zhao Maosheng. The young Zhao Shengge felt extremely remorseful and never went to Tan Youming’s house to play again.
When he stared at the trash can, he wondered: if Bozhu had been found by Tan Youming, would fate have been completely different? ⁴
Of course it would have.
A family like this was utterly unique in their circle, yet it was also only such a family that could have raised a Tan Youming.
Shen Zongnian and Zhao Shengge had little relationships with their families. They did not have much they cared about, and they had also long since shed their conscience and morality, so they could act as they pleased.
It was not the same, however, for others.
A happy and fulfilled family was an integral part to Tan Youming’s unbridled sincerity and free spirit. If someone were to shatter the warmth and domestic harmony of this family, that would be attempting to destroy the very essence that defined Tan Youming along with it as well.
The moist sea breeze already carried the scent of reviving greenery. Zhao Shengge said, “When spring comes, it’ll be his grandfather’s birthday.” This year saw a change of term for the Chamber of Commerce, and several members of the Tan family had stepped down. In order to consolidate their foundation, Tan Youming’s marriage was bound to be pushed forward.
Shen Zongnian never needed anyone to remind him.
Translator’s Notes:
¹ An important note on naming for the title of this five-part extra, which is also the title of the sister novel to Reply to Keats:
小潭山 (Xiaotan Mountain/Xiaotan Shan) is an actual place in real life located in Macau that is called Taipa Pequena.
Due to Portuguese colonization in the past, many places in Macau have Portuguese names. Currently, Macau is a special administrative region of the People's Republic of China, just like Hong Kong. HK is frequently referred to as Haishi (海市) in the novel, most likely because its location as a port city was crucial to its development as the hub for international business and trade.
Xiaotan Shan/Xiaotan Mountain is not an actual official name (the mountain does have an alternate name as 菩提山/Bodhi Mountain). However, given the colonial history of the Portuguese name Taipa Pequena and in consideration of the perspective of the novel from our Mandarin/Cantonese-speaking characters, I decided to go forward with the name Xiaotan Mountain in the translations, using the Mandarin romanization of 小潭 + English translation of 山 (mountain). I did not choose to use Bodhi Mountain since the author did use 小潭山, which is the more common name in Chinese.
² Cai Shen (财神) is the Chinese God of Wealth and Prosperity. The fifth day of the Lunar New Year, also known as ‘Po Wu’ (破五), is considered the birthday of Cai Shen. The day is dedicated to welcoming Cai Shen. People do so by cleaning the house, opening doors and windows, making offerings, and celebrating with banquets, firecrackers, and lion dances.
³ 提督街 (Tidu Street) translates to ‘Admiral Street’ literally and is a real street in Macau called the Rua do Almirante Costa Cabral. It is a major and famous street. See my reasoning for translating the name this way as discussed above.
⁴ 玻珠 (Bozhu) is Zhao Shengge’s puppy that he picked up as a stray dog when he was little. The name literally translates to ‘Marble,’ because the puppy had a very round head. The puppy was shot by Zhao Maosheng because he believed such things made Zhao Shengge weak.
chapters are organized over at my sideblog + available on wordpress
On 5/20, the young couple was working overtime in Kexiang’s research lab. ¹ Chen Wan was finishing up an experiment, while Zhao Shengge responded to work emails (but in reality, he was organizing data from the smart bracelet). He saw that Chen Wan had not taken an afternoon break today. Impassively, he looked over; at the same moment, Chen Wan, dressed in his lab uniform, suddenly raised his head and flashed a full, open-mouth smile in his direction. Zhao Shengge paused briefly, glancing away, but his furrowed brows had smoothed out.
On the way back home, they passed by Victoria Harbor. On 5/20, there were firework and drone shows, and the two of them watched from inside the Cullinan.
Chen Wan crossed over the center console, and Zhao Shengge embraced him tightly from behind. Chen Wan laughed from being squeezed hard; Zhao Shengge’s chin rested in the hollow of his shoulder, warm breath tickling the back of his ear like tiny hooks. Chen Wan couldn’t resist turning back his head, tracing over that handsome face in a besotted manner. Zhao Shengge lifted his eyebrow slightly, serene and unmoving, just quietly watching him like that.
His lashes were so dark and long. Chen Wan really could not hold back, leaning in to kiss him. Zhao Shenngge immediately wrestled control and drew his tongue in, gripping his waist tightly, and pinned him against the steering wheel……the fireworks at Victoria Harbor belonged to tens of thousands of people, but Zhao Shengge’s fireworks belonged solely to Chen Wan.
Tan Youming and Shen Zongnian were both also working overtime. A holiday like 5/20 was for those who spend money to celebrate and those who earn it to work overtime.
He strode confidently into Shen Zongnian’s office with swagger, casually pulling out a gift box from his pocket with a flourish, and tossed it to him, “Here.”
A 5/20 limited edition couple’s watch. Shen Zongnian’s hand tightened.
Tan Youming settled comfortably into the other man’s executive chair like it was his own and picked up his cup to take a big swig. ² His handsome face was raised with a look of high spirits, waiting expectantly for praise, “Our new product surpassed Minglong’s top-seller this quarter. This is the upgraded version, take a look.”
“……,” Shen Zongnian coldly pushed it back to him. “How impressive for you.”
“……”
Ming-zai³ was a fiercely competitive workaholic—he went all out when he was having fun, but was also relentlessly competitive and driven when he was serious. In order to overtake Minglong in LPI on a profitable day like this, he worked overtime past midnight. Later, he was so exhausted he fell asleep in the car, and it was Shen Zongnian who ended up carrying him home on his back.
He slept soundly. Shen Zongnian felt this person was truly infuriating and pinched his calf, hard. Tan Youming mumbled, half-asleep, “……not going…..need to work overtime…..”
“……make money…buy T70”
T70, the new laboratory-grade, high-magnification astronomical telescope developed by the UAC. Its primary mirror, equatorial mount, in addition to the supporting computer, drive system and astronomical equatorial platform all approached near sky-high prices; rather, it was currently priceless on the market.
In the dark, Shen Zongnian’s throat rolled as he swallowed hard. Pretending like he had not heard anything, he continued walking forward in silence.
“……I will buy it for sure.”
Shen Zongnian lowered his head. The weight on his back was incredibly light, but also incredibly heavy. After a moment of silence, in the end, he helplessly rubbed Tan Youming’s calf where he’d been pinched harshly.
Like he was soothed by the touch, Tan Youming buried his whole face into the crook of Shen Zongnian’s neck and slept even more soundly.
Translator's Notes:
¹May 20th, also known as 520, is the “new” Valentine’s Day holiday for the younger Chinese generation. That’s because the Mandarin pronunciation of those numbers together ‘520’ (wu er ling) is close to saying ‘I love you’ (wo ai ni).
² The pronouns are difficult to translate clearly in this sentence, but Tan Youming sat in Shen Zongnian's chair and drank from his (SZN's, not his own) cup. They really do share all of their belongings lol.
³ Ming-zai (明仔) is an affectionate way of referring to Tan Youming. It's a common dimunitive in Cantonese. -zai (仔) basically means 'son' or 'little' (in an affectionate, cute way).
If you read other chinese novels or watch cdramas, the Mandarin equivalent is probably attaching xiao- (小) to people's names, like how the Puqi villagers call Hua Cheng 'Xiao-hua' or Wei Wuxian's donkey Xiao-pingguo.
Snippet of the 2nd Reply to Keats physical book extra! This extra is an alternate universe/timeline story, where Chen Wan and Zhao Shengge meet during their time at Yinghua (so during high school). This extra is very long, and also mainly because of things going on in my personal life, it will take me some time to complete the translation, but rest assured that I'm working on it!
My progress right now is at ~40%. I will post more updates and snippets and try not to take too long >.<
This is just a progress check-in on where I am with translating the 奇洛李维斯回信 | Reply to Keats extras and what to expect for future udpates! We are currently 3/10 for the extras (I apologize I'm so slow T-T), but fear not, I will translate all of them! It will just take some time.
Here is a visual aid for what is in the works + the deadlines I have set for myself:
As I said in the beginning, this project is primarily for my own personal practice, so I still plan on and will be translating the main novel...I will get to it eventually.
There is No Observatory on Xiaotan Mountain is the sister novel that's currently ongoing, and I would like to eventually translate it as well (I'm reading it right now as the chapters are getting released, and it's so good!), but we shall see with my snail pace.
