12 Be Quiet / 12

A simple dinner, yet to Sheng Huaining, it was no less exquisite than the expensive restaurants outside that charged thousands. She rested her chin on her hand, watching the man busy in the kitchen, increasingly convinced of her excellent taste.

Though she had never seen He Chenye at work, she had looked him up online. His experience might not be as rich or dazzling as the elder’s—after all, he was thirty years younger—but among the young masters of Harbor City, he was undoubtedly one of the best.

Graduating from a prestigious foreign university, he had served as an executive at an investment firm, boasting an impressive and outstanding resume. Later, upon returning to China, he had been with Baixin Securities, conducting investment analyses and risk assessments for many renowned enterprises, aiding them in securing necessary funding. He held great personal prestige in the industry.

He had come to Harbor City at someone’s behest, parachuted directly into Baixin Securities’ headquarters as Vice President and Chief Risk Officer. In just one month, he had won over all the senior management completely.

Sheng Huaining wasn’t sure how long she had been staring. When she came back to herself, the chestnut cake on the plate before her had been entirely devoured by the little girl.

She handed over a tissue, concerned, asking, “Xixi, you’ve eaten so much. What if you get indigestion tonight?”

The girl smiled sheepishly and tried to slip away, “Sister-in-law, don’t tell brother. I’m going back to my room now.”

Watching the small figure sneak into the room and hearing the door lock behind her, Sheng Huaining smiled faintly, rose to clear the kitchen scraps. Just as her right hand touched the cake tray, a tall figure appeared from the kitchen.

He Chenye looked slightly surprised, hurried over, and took everything from her hands with great care. “How did you eat so much? Aren’t you afraid of a stomachache?”

“I didn’t...” she started to protest, then stopped abruptly. “I just... accidentally finished it all. It was delicious.”

With a soft sigh, He Chenye paused his tasks, walking toward the living room as he cautioned her, “Don’t touch anything. I’ll get you something to help digestion.”

After a moment, the man returned with a small packet of probiotic gummies, placing it before her and, worried she might have trouble swallowing, handed her a cup of warm water.

Clutching the mug, Sheng Huaining followed He Chenye like a shadow. Pausing for a few seconds, she spoke softly, “He Chenye, you’re acting just like you’re taking care of a child.”

The long corridor’s entrance was adorned with a solid wood and glass floor vase, its willow branches twisting out of the hexagonal mouth, tender buds blooming like a fresh layer of snow.

He Chenye took dishes from the dishwasher and put them into the cabinet, scrunched up some cream paper towel and tossed it into the trash. Then he casually approached her, eyes half-lidded as he watched her delicately hold a branch tip between her fingers.

He placed his palm gently on her head and murmured, “You’re four years younger than me. Aren’t you the child here?”

Sheng Huaining stepped back half a pace, displeased, brushing off his hand. “Just because you’re older doesn’t mean you get to act all high and mighty.”

She narrowed her eyes, laughter spilling softly, “You actually know my age and still say you’re not my fan. He Chenye, be honest—haven’t you had designs on me for a long time?”

Her playful words left He Chenye utterly defenseless.

The woman suddenly lunged at him; he gathered her into his arms, lips curling into a smile. “Your birthday’s next week?”

Her smile deepened as she teased, “Are you going to spend it with me?”

There was a brief pause, then she added, “Too bad—I have a jewelry appraisal event that day.”

He Chenye furrowed his brows slightly. “That’s alright, I have work then too. Is there anything you want?”

“You asking me all of a sudden? I’m not sure how to answer.” Sheng Huaining lifted her eyes to meet his.

“Then take your time. No rush.”

Their eyes locked, the atmosphere quickly turning subtly charged.

At that moment, Sheng Huaining resolved to make sure to bring her embroidered slippers next time—wearing them would give her an extra five centimeters in height, so she could kiss whenever she wanted.

After a quiet five minutes, the phone on the dining table suddenly vibrated.

She reluctantly moved away and jogged over. Her good mood vanished instantly upon seeing the caller ID.

Hesitating whether to answer, she considered ignoring it, but the persistent ringing soon disturbed her too much.

She picked up, switched to silent, and after a moment asked, “He Chenye, you have a gym here, right?”

The man nodded.

“How’s the soundproofing? I want to take a work call inside.”

—

The gym’s color scheme matched the rest of the building—dull blacks, whites, and grays.

A large, clean glass wall offered a perfect view of Victoria Harbor at night.

A gentle breeze rippled across the water, which shimmered under neon lights like a deep blue jewel.

Sheng Huaining closed the door behind her and approached the floor-to-ceiling window, swiping her screen to answer the call.

Chen Huan’s voice came through immediately, “Why aren’t you answering your phone?”

“What is it?” she replied coldly.

Though he couldn’t see her expression, he imagined her impatience was at its peak.

Chen Huan avoided the direct issue and shifted the topic, “Are you performing in the mainland next week?”

“Yeah,” Sheng Huaining snorted, “Why? Are you coming?”

Chen Huan was momentarily speechless, paused, then gave up struggling and got to the point, “Can you come back this weekend?”

Her fingers pressed against the glass slowly slid down her side.

She found it almost laughable and realized she must be crazy to still harbor hopes for this shallow relationship.

Staring out at the dazzling cityscape, the phone pressed to her ear snapped her back to reality.

“I can come back,” she said.

Chen Huan chuckled twice, failing to detect her displeasure. His tone softened as he coaxed, “Dita, actually Shao Jingchu is quite good in many ways. You should consider it.”

Sheng Huaining’s face darkened; she had expected this. She didn’t restrain her temper, “Elya, you’re no worse off than me. If you’re pushing me out, why don’t you go yourself? That way, you get the sponsorship and don’t have to share the profits.”

Harbor City’s wealthy families were countless, but the ones everyone gossiped about besides the thriving Sheng family and the Fu family who had withdrawn to focus on the mainland, were the Shao family.

The Shao clan was large and lively, with the media constantly chasing stories. Their numerous mistresses alone could fill three hundred episodes of a melodramatic drama.

Not to mention the others.

Shao Jingchu had good qualities, but everyone knew his name was tied to the most famous pubs in Central. He had his hands in everything—both the respectable and the forbidden.

He was a notorious playboy who loved to play the lovesick fool in public, which earned Sheng Huaining a reputation for being ungrateful.

No wonder she was angry. If she accepted Shao Jingchu, she wouldn’t just be embroiled in family disputes; she might have to help the third young master clean up his messes as well.

Words once spoken can’t be taken back.

Sheng Huaining was prepared for that.

Sure enough, Chen Huan’s tone changed sharply. “What do you mean by that?”

“I’m saying if you think he’s good, wouldn’t he be even better with you?” she shot back mercilessly.

“Are you out of your mind? Our families are well matched. I’m doing this for your own good.”

Sheng Huaining snorted, “For my own good? Fine, Elya, should I thank you then?”

The more she thought about it, the angrier she got. “You say you need sponsorship. Even if the old man won’t help, if you told me, do you think I would just let it go? I’d sell a few bags, part with some jewelry—I’d support you in holding that art gala.”

“Sheng Huaining!”

Chen Huan rarely used her full name, and now his voice rose. “You don’t understand my work. Without others’ recognition, my pieces are nothing but piles of waste paper.”

“So you’re using me as a bargaining chip? Selling me out?”

She was exhausted and unwilling to argue further. “Chen Huan, I’ll go to the jewelry appraisal, but that’s all. Don’t expect anything else. From now on, unless necessary, we don’t need to contact each other. You… disgust me.”

Sheng Huaining hung up, her hand clenched tightly around the phone, aching painfully.

—

But she felt numb, colder than heartbroken.

In the distance, yachts and ships began docking at the pier, and soon the surrounding lights started going out one by one until darkness swallowed everything.

Sheng Huaining stared blankly, tears stinging her eyes, slowly spilling down to stain her clothes.

—

In the living room, He Chenye sat on the sofa, replying to emails. Occasionally, sharp, piercing voices floated in—arguments he couldn’t quite make out.

The gym was soundproof, but he had forgotten to mention that if the door wasn’t firmly closed, it would spring open, letting sounds escape.

He shook his head and returned to his work.

After the noise died down again, He Chenye closed his laptop and looked over for a long time. Seeing no sign of her, his heart tightened.

Before he could rise, footsteps sounded.

Sheng Huaining entered with a bright step, sat on the shoe bench by the entrance, and smiled warmly at him. “He Chenye, I’m leaving now. I have to get up early for work tomorrow.”

Her voice was completely different from the one he heard minutes ago.

Soft, gentle, as if holding a mouthful of spring water—soothing and intoxicating.

He realized why she had asked about the gym’s soundproofing earlier: she really didn’t want him to overhear.

A faint smile curved his lips.

Moments later, He Chenye composed himself and said, “I’ll see you out.”

Sheng Huaining didn’t even look up. “It’s so close; no need.”

He ignored her and quickly changed his shoes.

They rode the elevator together, Sheng Huaining input the code and moved closer to him, their hands brushing. Gradually, her hand slipped into his.

He planned to leave once she got off the elevator, but her grip showed no intention of letting go.

He had no choice but to follow her out, stepping on the soft carpet to the front door.

Looking around, he couldn’t help but be impressed.

The last time he had come, his focus was on Sheng Huaining’s safety; he had paid no attention to anything else.

Now, surrounded by pink hues—the carpet, the cabinets, the massive hanging painting on the wall, even the stairwell door was decorated—he felt dazzled.

Lost in thought, he was suddenly pulled inside as the door clicked shut.

The woman stepped onto the shoe bench and kissed him straight on the lips, catching him off guard as she parted his mouth with her tongue, weaving inside.

His breath hitched, but he immediately sensed something was wrong. Opening his eyes, he saw the corners of her reddened eyes and wet lashes.

Had she been crying?

He Chenye’s chest tightened painfully as a flood of emotions surged through him, yet he could only let her take what she needed in his embrace.

When the kiss ended, he held her arms gently, forcing her to look up. His voice was hoarse, “What’s wrong? Who made you suffer?”

“No one. I’m going to perform on the mainland in a few days. Thinking about being apart from you for a week makes me sad.” She pouted.

He exhaled softly, “Just a week. We can video call.”

Sheng Huaining leaned into him, gathering courage before whispering, “He Chenye, if you stay with me always, I’ll be good to you.”

She admitted to herself she was gambling—betting that He Chenye was different from the others.

He Chenye slowly embraced her back, responding softly, “Alright.”