Chapter 41: Clouds Parting

As she stepped out, the pouring rain outside greeted her. Liang Shu hadn't brought an umbrella, nor did she intend to buy one. She simply rushed into the fine veil of rain.

Suddenly, a figure emerged beside her, shielding her entirely with an umbrella.

She tightened her coat and frowned at the young man standing beside her.

Jing Xing pursed his lips, a hint of defiance in his demeanor. "Sister, it's raining, and you have no umbrella. Let me take you back."

Though several years younger than her, the young man, despite his extravagant and dissolute appearance, couldn't resist the radiance exuding from him. He was on a completely different wavelength from Liang Shu.

"I'm not accustomed to sharing an umbrella with others," she stared at him.

The young man's dense, dark brows furrowed slightly, almost imperceptibly. Once again, he tilted the umbrella towards her. "Where do you live? I'll escort you back."

Liang Shu looked at his drenched right shoulder, water droplets saturating his clothes, dripping from his fingertips to the ground.

She suddenly reached out and grabbed his hand holding the umbrella handle, lips tugging slightly. "No need to escort me, just give me the umbrella."

If Jing Xing's cronies were here at this moment, they would surely burst into laughter, then clasp Jing Xing's shoulder, pointing at Liang Shu: "Look, this woman is simply incorrigible."

But Jing Xing was too pleased.

He handed the umbrella to Liang Shu, who remained indifferent, but he just enjoyed seeing her like this, even if there was no hint of a smile.

Liang Shu turned and walked away, not even sparing a glance at the drenched Jing Xing in the rain.

"Sister, what's your name?"

In the downpour, Jing Xing's tall figure slightly stooped, his gaze never leaving the figure that was gradually moving away.

Liang Shu tightened her grip on the umbrella handle, her steps faltering slightly upon hearing the voice. Countless raindrops burst open at her feet, but she didn't turn back, her red lips moving slightly. "Liang Shu."

...

Tonight, Jing Yu took a break from his busy schedule to meet with Gu Han Sheng. It had been at least a month since they had relaxed like this.

After finishing his tasks, he returned to the private room to find Gu Han Sheng. "I've brought many nice gifts for Aunt Ting, all placed at the Water Bay. Come with me to get them. At least make Aunt Ting happy. She's been worrying about your major life events these days."

As he approached and sat down in front of him, Jing Yu noticed that the ashtray in front of the man was filled with cigarette butts at the moment.

"When did you develop such a strong smoking habit?"

Gu Han Sheng paid no attention, extinguishing the half-burnt cigarette between his fingertips, brushing off the ash on his clothes, and stood up. "Let's go."

As he rose, a gust of wind followed, causing Jing Yu to furrow his brow. He leaned in closer to him, sniffing carefully. "Why do I smell powder on you?"

Thinking of Liang Shu's still pristine face tonight, Gu Han Sheng pushed Jing Yu away, walking towards the door as he spoke, "Are you sure it's powder?"

"That woman's scent?" Jing Xing followed.

Gu Han Sheng remained silent, and both men fell into silence.

Jing Yu had drunk quite a bit tonight, but Gu Han Sheng hadn't touched a drop, so he drove.

Exiting the elevator, Jing Yu casually stopped a Royal City staff member, tossing the car keys he held hooked in his finger to him. "Find someone to drive my car back to Water Bay tomorrow."

The individual complied and walked away.

Shortly after, another person hurriedly ran over and stood before Jing Xing. "Mr. Jing, the young master has been standing in the rain for quite some time outside, calling out to no avail..."

Jing Yu's expression darkened as he glanced at Gu Han Sheng. "The impudent little brat, accustomed to audacious and frivolous behavior, coated in the mundane trappings of vanity. Today, encountering a woman of cool demeanor and natural grace, he appears thus. Truly disappointing!"

Words spoken without intent, but with significant implications.

Gu Han Sheng narrowed his eyes in contemplation, his expression slightly cold.

As the rain intensified, Gu Han Sheng had just arrived at the doorway when Jing Yu raised his leg and kicked someone. "What are you standing there for? Hurry and get him an umbrella instead of letting him stand in the rain!"

"Yes, yes."

Jing Xing later entered by himself, drenched from head to toe, resembling a drowned rat.

Jing Yu admonished him with hands behind his back. "You bring shame to the Jing family. If you're so fond of women, why don't you marry the one our family has arranged for me?"

Taking the towel prepared by the waiter, Jing Xing dried his hair while nodding towards Gu Han Sheng. "Elder brother."

Gu Han Sheng nodded silently, without a word.

Jing Yu kicked Jing Xing with frustration, then walked aside to discuss the follow-up with the Royal City manager.

Meanwhile, Jing Xing approached Gu Han Sheng. "Elder brother, do you remember what you promised me last time? You haven't forgotten, have you?"

"What did I promise you?" Gu Han Sheng lounged in the private room, relaxed but expressionless.

Jing Xing paused in his actions, regardless of his own condition, he sat directly beside Gu Han Sheng. Gu Han Sheng moved aside with disdain. "Last time at the constabulary, you said you'd help me find someone. Today, I saw her, but I..."

Accustomed to arrogance, the young master of the Jing family rarely displayed such a troubled and awkward demeanor. "I'm useless. Just a few words with her, and I..."

Feeling regretful, he tossed the towel onto the small table in front of him.

"Last time, you said you'd behave properly from now on. Is this your idea of proper behavior?" Gu Han Sheng scrutinized Jing Xing from head to toe, a contemptuous smile playing on his lips.

"You still haven't found her, have you? I'm begging you. It's not easy to encounter someone you like. Otherwise, you wouldn't still be alone at this point..." 

Gu Han Sheng half-closed his eyes, lost in thought.

Approaching him further, Jing Xing said, "If you agree this time, I'll go see Aunt Ting tomorrow and promise to keep her company and chat with her every now and then. How about that?"

Gu Han Sheng's expression softened considerably at the sight of Jing Xing's demeanor. Sensing an opportunity, Jing Xing hurried to stoke the flames.

Unexpectedly, Jing Yu intervened at this moment, looking at Jing Xing. "Get back to school right away. You're not allowed in here anymore."

Jing Xing stood up, about to protest, but Gu Han Sheng patted his shoulder. "Listen to your brother. Behave properly and focus on your studies from now on."

These words were like a reassuring pill, and Jing Xing nodded in agreement. "I'll listen to my elder brother."

On the way to the parking lot to retrieve the car, Gu Han Sheng casually asked Jing Yu, "Ah Xing... What's the personality of the girl he likes?"

"Beautiful, well-built, arrogant, and disdainful of others."

Though she was nowhere to be seen, these words slowly aligned in Gu Han Sheng's mind with the face he had in mind.

Gu Han Sheng drove, taking Jing Yu back to the Water Bay Villa, and then loaded all the gifts into the car. After completing all this, it was already eleven o'clock at night.

With the trunk still open, each of them lit a cigarette, leaning against the rear of the car to talk.

In the dim light of the Royal City, no one noticed.

At this moment, Jing Yu finally noticed the mark on Gu Han Sheng's lips and clicked his tongue twice. "How did you get a bruise on your mouth? I didn't see it earlier."

The man took a drag of his cigarette, remaining silent.

Jing Yu shook his head and said, "For Aunt Ting's sake, you should find someone suitable to marry."

Gu Han Sheng pinched the cigarette, his fingers trembling on the car hood. A speck of ash fell onto a particular wine package, catching his eye. It was a French AOC-level Romanée-Conti, labeled 'Reserva,' belonging to the collection class.

Thinking of the way Aunt Ting looked whenever she obtained fine wine, he rarely revealed a smile. He bent down to brush away the cigarette ash himself, not stopping until it was completely clean, leaving no trace behind.

Jing Yu silently observed his actions, deliberately switching the cigarette to his other hand before speaking. "As a son, you excel in all aspects, but can you fulfill what Aunt Ting desires the most? Life is fleeting, my friend. Trust me, while your preference matters, finding someone who fits your interests is paramount, whether you like them or not."

This advice came entirely from Jing Yu's perspective.

With Gu Han Sheng's current status and influence, what hadn't he seen in the world?

In the world, women were diverse and abundant, but perhaps to someone like Gu Han Sheng, they all seemed the same.

For gentlemen of high society who had everything, encountering a woman they liked was considered fortunate. If they couldn't find someone they fancied, finding someone who matched their tastes and piqued their interests was deemed satisfactory.

Gu Han Sheng held immense power, respected by all. He had the privilege of choice.

Jing Yu had no choice, but it didn't matter to him. Since there was no one he fancied, it didn't matter who he married in the future.

It remained uncertain whether Gu Han Sheng took his words to heart. Watching the cigarette burn visibly fast, Jing Yu furrowed his brow. "Why such a strong craving for cigarettes tonight? Be careful, if you develop health issues later on and have no one to care for you, no amount of money can buy that."

Gu Han Sheng didn't even look at him, tossing the cigarette butt to the ground and crushing it underfoot.

He lowered the rear car hood, his voice hoarse. "What can't be bought?"

"Sincerity can't be bought," Jing Yu replied.

Gu Han Sheng sneered coldly, "Sincerity is worth little."

Before long, the Range Rover departed from Water Bay.

Ji Chen rarely had an early shift today. His girlfriend, understanding of his work, seldom complained. She was a university art teacher, gentle and reserved in temperament.

Tonight, she chose an obscure arthouse film, snuggling with Ji Chen on the sofa to enjoy some quality time together.

Ji Chen wasn't particularly fond of such films, but he could sit quietly and watch with her.

However, Gu Han Sheng's late-night phone call interrupted their tender moment.

Understanding, his girlfriend kissed Ji Chen on the lips. "Go ahead."

Ji Chen walked to the balcony, gazing at the myriad lights outside, his lips pressed together. "Sir."

"Find out who Jing Xing clashed with the last time he got into trouble," Gu Han Sheng ordered.

Surprised by the request, Ji Chen realized there was no need to investigate. It was related to Liang Shu.

He remained silent for a while, while Gu Han Sheng asked from the other end, "Any issues?"

Ji Chen pursed his lips. "None."

Gu Han Sheng inquired further, "Can you provide me with the answer tonight?"

"Indeed."

Gu Han Sheng hung up, tossing his phone onto the dashboard. At the next traffic light, he halted, waiting for the red signal. Retrieving Liang Shu's number, a sardonic smile curved his lips.

Some people might be amusing, but being overly clever wasn't appealing.

At midnight, Gu Han Sheng parked the car in the garage, and Ji Chen's call came through.

"Sir, the person who clashed with Jing's young master from the Jing family that night was Jiang Jiucheng."

Gu Han Sheng naturally recalled the name Jiang Jiucheng.

In the grand hall of the Royal City Club, Liang Shu slapped someone and pointed a broken bottle at him. It was him.

In the deep autumn night of Yu City, with dew heavy and the chill biting, a tall figure stood in the central courtyard of Zero Mansion. His coat draped over his wrists, the cold wind billowing his shirt. With a throaty voice, he questioned, "You've known about this all along?"

A question phrased as an affirmation.

After a moment of silence, came the response, "Sir, I..."

What could Ji Chen hide from Gu Han Sheng?

"With what did she redeem the person?" Gu Han Sheng continued.

Ji Chen paused, not entirely understanding the significance of Gu Han Sheng's question. Nonetheless, he replied, "The amount you gave... nineteen thousand."

Gu Han Sheng adjusted his shirt collar, striding purposefully into the house. "Utter foolishness."

...

A few years ago, the mamasan at the Jade Spring was still Aunt Mei. Aunt Mei was outstanding in both appearance and figure. She thrived in the Jade Spring and stood above all others.

Her superior was the big boss of the Jade Spring.

Qian Hui vaguely remembered the time when she almost died at the doorstep of the Jade Spring. It was Aunt Mei who extended her hand to her.

Aunt Mei invested a significant amount of time and effort in nurturing and teaching her. Among the girls from the same cohort, Qian Hui learned the fastest and started earning money the quickest.

However, within a few months, Aunt Mei was ousted.

The culprit was Jiang Jiucheng.

That day, Jiang Jiucheng got drunk and caused a scene at the Jade Spring, injuring someone. Taking out his anger on Aunt Mei, he punched and kicked her, almost humiliating her in front of everyone.

That wasn't all. The man, aware that she was impervious to his advances and knowing that she had a niece, had glimpsed Liang Shu at the Jade Spring once. She was beautiful and had a remarkable presence, so he inevitably set his sights on her.

Because the woman who always endured Jiang Jiucheng's troubles almost killed someone that day.

The boss suppressed the matter and was harsh on Aunt Mei, forcing her to leave and closing all her avenues. She disappeared from the entertainment scene, only occasionally accepting private clients.

Qian Hui knew about this, but Liang Shu didn't.

Even now, Qian Hui still felt a lingering fear from that incident over two months ago. She would never forget the look and expression on Gu Han Sheng's face when he took Liang Shu from her.

His eyes were only on Liang Shu, with a hint of ruthlessness buried deep within his gaze.

She wasn't unfamiliar with this man. Her benefactor often mentioned him. But the person she remembered and the person in reality were ultimately different.

She was amazed by his appearance but terrified by his temperament. Qian Hui knew she couldn't afford to provoke or climb to his level.

But she was delighted that he could rescue Liang Shu from danger.

However, the slap from Sister Ling afterward awakened her. The Ah Shu she liked and protected was no longer the same as before.

For the sake of money, for the sake of men, one can drag others down.

Qian Hui arranged to meet Aunt Mei and directly said to her, "Aunt Mei, do you know that Ah Shu has been looking for a man lately?"

Aunt Mei's fingers, stirring the coffee, suddenly tightened. "Impossible."

"You raised Ah Shu with your own hands. You care for her, and we all see it. But do you really understand her?"

"As long as she lives well and doesn't fall into any traps, that's all that matters. She doesn't need to understand me, and I don't need to understand her."

Qian Hui lowered her gaze, pondered for a moment, and said, "I know everything you've done is for her own good. But how can she encounter any decent men? I know several high-quality gentlemen, and I can introduce them to her."

Aunt Mei was still wearing her satin cheongsam today, with a faux fur coat draped over it, exuding a decadent elegance.

She pulled out a silk handkerchief from inside, pressed it to her lips, and looked straight at Qian Hui. "In your line of work, how can you possibly know any decent men?"

Qian Hui's fingers clenched on her knee, and a faint smile crept across her red lips. "In this line of work, one is most likely to meet generous benefactors who are kind to others. Aunt Mei, don't you understand?"

Aunt Mei sneered, "Rich men are abundant, but they're just a bunch of greedy individuals who can't be content with what they have."

With that, she stood up, picked up her bag, and said, "Qian Hui, I absolutely forbid Ah Shu from going down this path. In the end, I saved you, and I don't expect your kindness towards me. But Ah Shu is my bottom line."

With her gaze fixed ahead, Aunt Mei pushed open the glass door and left, calling for a car.

Qian Hui slowly closed her eyes. Do you know that the person you care about has long been heading down the path you detest the most?

...

When Liang Shu received Aunt Mei's call, she was handing out candies to the children at the orphanage.

Laughter filled her ears, but Aunt Mei found it noisy and asked her to find a quiet place.

Liang Shu walked into the courtyard, looking up at the bare branches. "Aunt Mei, what's wrong?"

"These days, what have you been doing behind my back?"

She squatted down, picked up a twig, and poked at the ground casually. "I've been up to a lot of things. Which one do you want to know about?"

"Are you thinking of falling in love? I'll find someone for you. Don't go around finding men on your own."

"I don't want to fall in love."

She didn't want to fall in love; she wanted to get married directly.

Aunt Mei quickly added, "Ah Shu, I'll use my connections to find you a decent job. Can you work properly in the future?"

Liang Shu sighed silently, threw away the twig in her hand, and stood up. "Aunt Mei, you know it's impossible. I've been content just to have your protection until now."

"Aunt Mei will raise money for you to leave here, to send you abroad."

She smiled faintly. "I don't want to go abroad. Things are fine as they are now."

"What's good about it? You can't even live a normal life."

Liang Shu held the phone, breathing slowly. "I'll be able to soon."

Aunt Mei hung up the phone with a stern reminder, "No finding wild men outside, or else I'll break your legs!"

"Understood." Liang Shu responded before hanging up, reminding her, "Aunt Mei, take care of yourself."

Liang Shu tucked her phone back into her pocket and collected many beautiful leaves in the courtyard, taking them back to the classroom. The children liked her, gathering around her.

She dipped a paintbrush in paint and began painting on the leaves.

A little girl pointed to a leaf and asked her, "Teacher Ah Shu, can you come to see us every day from now on?"

Liang Shu reached out to pat her head, blew on the leaf in her hand, and smiled, "Greedy one, Teacher Ah Shu might be getting married soon. By then, I'll bring you a lot of candy to eat."

Another child, not understanding, asked, "What is getting married?"

Before Liang Shu could explain, the girl who spoke before said, "Teacher Ah Shu will find someone she likes and who likes her, and they'll live together. That's getting married."

"Can I marry you too? I like Teacher Ah Shu."

Liang Shu handed him a leaf covered in paint. "You can only marry one person."

The innocence of children led to another question, "Will you bring your liked one to see us next time?"

Said unintentionally but heard with intent.

Liang Shu froze, not noticing that she had knocked over a palette of paint, creating a mess on her clothes. Fortunately, the children were unharmed. She stood up. "I'll let other teachers play with you. I need to step out for a moment."

The chorus of agreement followed. Liang Shu smiled, grabbed some tissue, and headed for the bathroom.

As luck would have it, her phone vibrated in her pocket. With her clean hand, she answered the call from an unknown number. "May I ask who's calling?"

"Is this Miss Liang?"

"Yes, who is this?"

"We're from Yucheng University Hospital. You have a rare Rh-negative blood type, and we wanted to ask if you could come to the hospital to donate blood?"

Liang Shu turned on the tap, letting the water flow over her hand, watching the various colors swirling in the washbasin. She replied to the caller, "I'm not available."

The somewhat gentle female doctor had a seductive tone in her speech. "As long as you donate blood, the patient's family can provide a generous reward. You see..."

Liang Shu turned off the tap and walked away, cutting off the caller, "There's no need to continue. I won't donate blood."

Finally, she added, "No amount of money can make me donate blood."

With that, she hung up the phone.

The call did bring a slight smile to Liang Shu's face.

She grabbed her backpack, said goodbye to the people, and left the orphanage.

Back home, she changed her clothes, packed a suitcase, didn't use her ID, and found a way to buy a bus ticket to a neighboring province.

The call from the blood bank technician left Liang Shu with a worried expression. But considering the seriousness of the matter, she went to see the head of the laboratory.

"Director, almost the entire blood bank of Yucheng has been depleted of Rh-negative blood. The amount that the patient needs..."

The technician had a troubled expression but continued, "There's really no way to supply it."

"Have you contacted everyone on the panda blood list? We must find a way to replenish enough blood and make preparations."

"We've contacted them all. After excluding those who can't donate blood, there's only one person left..."

The director looked at her and, with a hint of warning in his weathered eyes, said, "Please ask this person to come and donate blood. They have money there; she can ask for as much as she wants."

Thinking of the cold refusal in the phone call just now, the female technician shook her head. "It's probably difficult. She won't donate blood no matter how much money she's offered."

At this point, the director put down his pen, took off his glasses with silver rims, squinted, and blew on them before speaking. "Appeal to her emotions and reason with her. Saving a life is worth more than building seven levels of pagodas. If that doesn't work, find another way."

"Got it."

As the female technician reached the door, she was stopped by the director, who asked with a furrowed brow, "How long can the current inventory last?"

After thinking for a moment, she answered, "If the patient's condition remains stable, a year or so shouldn't be a problem. But in case of an emergency, all the current inventory could be used up at once..."

The director waved his hand. "Contact them again. If it's really impossible, just tell them the truth."

"Understood."

...

While waiting for the bus, Liang Shu received another call from the female technician. She lazily looked at the LED screen at the station, waiting for the other party to finish speaking.

"Life and death are fated, but Miss Liang, if you can save a life at a critical moment, it's a good deed and also a blessing. If you still have a choice, we will definitely support your decision. Whether to donate or not, it's okay. But now, there really is no way."