The Early Spring

Luаn Siуuаn widеnеd hеr eyеs аt thе сursе. "Are yоu сursing me?"

"No."

"Тhen who аrе уоu сursing?"

"Мyself."

Тhe men who kept aррeаring arоund Shаng Zhi Таo wеrе аll nеw fаcеs to Luan Nian. Ноw did she аttract so mаny pеoplе? Whеrе did аll thеsе mеn comе frоm? It was аs if shе wаs cоmpеting with hеrself—evеr sinсe hе rejectеd her, there hаd bееn a сonstant streаm оf mеn arоund hеr. It fеlt likе shе wаs chаllеnging him: Seе? This girl is in high dеmand! If yоu don’t wаnt mе, sоmeоnе еlsе will!

"You’re cursing уourself? You usually сurse others, dоn’t you?" Luаn Siyuаn fоund him a bit strаnge today. "You haven’t taken drugs, have you?"

Luan Nian glanced at her. "Where is that lousy porridge shop? Are you so broke? How long has it been since we last met, and you’re treating me to porridge?"

"Don’t be ungrateful. I wouldn’t bring just anyone here!" Luan Siyuan led Luan Nian into a side street, where a small porridge shop stood by the roadside. The two went in for claypot porridge. The porridge was rich and flavorful, no worse than the ones from Chaoshan.

"How is it?"

"Passable."

"With a mouth like yours, how do you ever find a girlfriend?"

"With a mouth like yours, you’ve never been short of boyfriends."

They bickered while finishing the porridge, then asked about each other’s parents’ health. Luan Siyuan drove Luan Nian back to his hotel and then posted in the family group chat: "My brother isn’t acting right. He’s gone crazy."

Dr. Liang immediately asked, "What’s wrong with my son?"

"Probably lovesick." Luan Siyuan had a sharp eye for people. With Luan Nian acting like this, he must have fallen for a woman.

"I hope my son never recovers from this poison."

Seeing the messages flooding the group chat, Luan Nian tossed his phone aside, took a shower, and got into bed. Once the lights were off, all he could see was Shang Zhi Tao’s tightly closed knees and her flushed face.

A single Shang Zhi Tao had reduced him to this state, leaving him utterly bewildered. He endured the night in agony, but the next day, when meeting clients, he still appeared refreshed, though his foul mood made him look stern. Lee quietly asked Shang Zhi Tao, "Is luke okay?"

What could be wrong? Probably couldn’t perform last night. Otherwise, why would he be scowling like that?

"I’m not sure. You know how serious luke is. Usually, everyone tries to avoid him."

"True."

Shang Zhi Tao had dressed meticulously today, wearing a formal outfit in black, white, and gray, with light makeup and a soft pink lipstick. She looked radiant, catching the eye of everyone at Qingcheng. Luan Nian sat beside her, watching her sit calmly, listening attentively to the client’s presentation and taking notes. When it was her turn, she stood up slowly, showing no signs of nervousness, and began her presentation.

She had practiced countless times the night before, knowing every detail of her PowerPoint slides so well she could have delivered them with her eyes closed. Thorough preparation gave her confidence, and she effortlessly answered every question from the client, without even needing Lee or Luan Nian to step in. She single-handedly handled the entire workshop.

From trembling on the phone during her interview to now leading an S-tier client workshop on her own, she had put in unimaginable effort. Luan Nian thought, Shang Zhi Tao was truly the hardest-working person he had ever met. He had encountered many talented individuals and admired brilliance, but someone like Shang Zhi Tao, who lacked natural talent but made up for it with sheer effort, was a first for him.He found it astonishing. At that time, Tracy had told him: "I want to conduct a hiring experiment. I want to prove one thing—that naturally talented individuals may have short-term bursts, but it’s the consistently hardworking ones who bring surprises."

"Shang Zhi Tao is my first experimental subject. I believe she will succeed. Maybe not today, but perhaps tomorrow or the day after. We need to give her a chance."

Shang Zhi Tao seized this opportunity. After the workshop, the representatives from Qingcheng proactively added Shang Zhi Tao’s contact information and created a dedicated project group, hoping she would continue to serve Qingcheng. Shang Zhi Tao’s sense of propriety was always present. She said, "Today’s content was completed under Grace’s guidance. Grace couldn’t attend due to her late pregnancy, but she put in a lot of effort. Therefore, I need to include Grace in this project group. With her, I can avoid mistakes."

Lee whispered to Luan Nian beside him, "I don’t know if she’s foolish or just too upright. Does she know what Qingcheng means to her?"

Luan Nian believed Shang Zhi Tao was well aware. She acted this way because she was genuinely upright and kind. She could be ambitious and aggressive, but not toward her mentor, especially one who was heavily pregnant and about to give birth. Shang Zhi Tao possessed strong empathy; she knew she couldn’t treat Grace that way.

While waiting for Lee to bring the car around, Shang Zhi Tao asked Luan Nian, "Luke, I’d like to know what my shortcomings were in today’s workshop and where I can improve."

Luan Nian thought for a moment and said, "You did great. If there’s any shortcoming, it’s that you shouldn’t work alone in the future. Remember, you came here as part of a team."

Qingcheng was Lee’s client. Lee needed to establish authority in front of the client, and Shang Zhi Tao needed to appropriately hand over the speaking rights to Lee, allowing him to convey certain information. Otherwise, how would he manage the client in the future? Shang Zhi Tao agreed with Luan Nian’s criticism and nodded, saying, "I understand. Thank you, Luke."

"You’re welcome."

Shang Zhi Tao was being polite and respectful—nothing like the person who had commented on her chest size the night before. Luan Nian suddenly realized that Shang Zhi Tao was like a wolf in sheep’s clothing, mischievous at heart. The phrase "quietly mischievous" probably described her perfectly.

They went to visit the client’s modern factory in Futian, followed by a dinner banquet.

At such a banquet, drinking was naturally expected. Shang Zhi Tao said she wouldn’t drink, and no one forced her. Luan Nian excused himself by saying he was taking traditional Chinese medicine and even produced a medical record, so he didn’t drink a single drop. However, the Qingcheng representatives kept urging them to drink. Shang Zhi Tao found it hard to refuse their enthusiasm, and since they were the client, she took a small sip as the banquet was about to end.

Luan Nian glanced over but didn’t stop her.

That’s how drinking goes—once you take the first sip, there’s bound to be a second. Shang Zhi Tao didn’t have a high tolerance for alcohol, and after four liang of baijiu, she was drunk.

Shang Zhi Tao was still somewhat capable—originally able to handle only a few qian, she had forced herself to build up to four liang. Luan Nian snorted inwardly. It was just as well that she got drunk.

After the banquet ended, Lee was completely wasted. A colleague from the Guangzhou branch took him back, while Luan Nian brought Shang Zhi Tao to the hotel.

She was drunk and a bit rowdy, slapping Luan Nian’s chest and calling him a bastard.

She really had some nerve.

Luan Nian couldn’t be bothered to deal with her. He pressed her into the seat with one hand and kept her there until they got out of the car. Shang Zhi Tao couldn’t walk steadily and slapped Luan Nian’s back, slurring her words, "Carry me!"

Carry your ass!Luan Nian walked a few steps, then turned back to see her swaying in place. He snorted, "Pathetic!" He walked up to her, bent his knees, grabbed her hands, and pulled her onto his back. Shang Zhi Tao was alright, not too heavy. Her profile said she weighed 108 jin—she probably wasn’t lying. Shang Zhi Tao lay on his back and suddenly grew quiet.

Luan Nian’s back was comfortable. Even though Shang Zhi Tao was drunk, she still had some lingering sense of reason. She rested her head against the side of his neck, turning slightly, her face brushing against Luan Nian’s ear and neck.

Shang Zhi Tao’s breath was a little warm, blowing against Luan Nian’s skin, which felt strange. In the elevator, Luan Nian tried to put her down, but she clung to him stubbornly, refusing to let go. In the midst of their standoff, she suddenly bit his neck, her tongue sweeping over his skin. Luan Nian’s breathing grew heavier. Then, it was his earlobe—Shang Zhi Tao’s moist lips enveloped it.

Fuck!

Luan Nian cursed again. Finally reaching her room, he tossed her onto the bed and turned to boil water.

Shang Zhi Tao’s phone rang. Luan Nian glanced at it and answered, "Hello."

"Is this Shang Zhi Tao’s phone? I don’t think I dialed wrong." Luan Nian recognized the voice—it was Shang Zhi Tao’s ex-boyfriend. What was his name again? Right, Xin Zhaozhou.

"This is Shang Zhi Tao’s phone."

...The other end fell silent for a few seconds before speaking again. "Could you please pass the phone to Shang Zhi Tao? We have a gathering today, and I promised to pick her up."

"She’s drunk." Luan Nian’s lips curled into a smirk as he looked at Shang Zhi Tao sprawled on the bed, ready to provoke again. "Sprawled on the bed, unable to move. She’s probably about to throw up." As soon as he finished speaking, he heard Shang Zhi Tao gag. Luan Nian stood up and said to her, "Hold it in!" He leaned forward, scooped her up with one arm, and carried her to the toilet in the bathroom. "Throw up!"

Xin Zhaozhou hadn’t hung up, listening to the commotion on the other end. He knew Shang Zhi Tao couldn’t handle alcohol and was worried she might be taken advantage of while drunk. After a moment’s thought, he asked Luan Nian, "Can I come take care of her?"

"Sure, come on over!" Luan Nian quickly gave the room number. Throwing up was disgusting—whoever wanted to take care of her could do it.

When Xin Zhaozhou arrived, Shang Zhi Tao was still hugging the toilet, vomiting violently. Luan Nian sat in a chair, playing on his phone.

"Thank you for your trouble, Luke."

"No trouble at all." Luan Nian looked up from his phone and smiled at Xin Zhaozhou, a friendly smile.

Xin Zhaozhou walked over to Shang Zhi Tao and saw a glass of water beside her. He picked it up and asked, "Rinse your mouth, then go to bed?"

"No! I want to hug my toilet! That’s the only way I feel safe!" Shang Zhi Tao’s head drooped over the edge of the toilet, displaying the recklessness and innocence of someone drunk. Luan Nian chuckled.

Xin Zhaozhou looked at Luan Nian in surprise, thinking Shang Zhi Tao’s boss had no sympathy. Shang Zhi Tao was already suffering so much, yet he could still laugh. After a moment’s thought, he said to Luan Nian, "Thank you for bringing Tao Tao back. It’s already late—why don’t you go back and rest?"

"No way." Luan Nian sat there unmoving. "I have to take responsibility for the safety of our female employee. Leaving her alone with a man while she’s drunk is risky."

"I’m her..."

"Ex-boyfriend, right? Ex, not current." Luan Nian shifted in his chair. "It’s fine, you take care of her. I’ll sit here—I won’t disturb you."

Luan Nian was being deliberately difficult, and Xin Zhaozhou could see it.

Shang Zhi Tao’s boss was no pushover. But what he said wasn’t wrong. Xin Zhaozhou nodded. "Then you’ve had a long day."

"Not at all."Luan Nian moved to another spot, sitting on the swivel chair in the hotel room, feet propped on the desk, leaning back comfortably. He squinted as he watched Xin Zhaozhou and Shang Zhi Tao in the bathroom. Xin Zhaozhou patted Shang Zhi Tao’s back and asked softly, "Tao Tao, do you still feel like throwing up?"

"Yeah! I do! But I can’t get it out! I need to wait a bit!" Shang Zhi Tao was a little hyper after drinking, speaking louder than usual, almost like she was whining.

"I’ll stay with you. Have some water."

Xin Zhaozhou helped Shang Zhi Tao drink some water, then got up to find tissues before sitting cross-legged on the floor, watching her intently.

Shang Zhi Tao’s ex-boyfriend wasn’t too bad, Luan Nian thought. It was rare to see someone still so attentive after a breakup.

Shang Zhi Tao threw up again. After finishing, she took a sip of water and started cursing: "Luan Nian! You bastard! You’re not even human!"

Xin Zhaozhou listened to her cursing for a while, then leaned back and looked at Luan Nian sitting there. "Who’s Luan Nian?"

Luan Nian shrugged. "No idea. Probably some guy she has a crush on?"

The toilet was truly Shang Zhi Tao’s best friend—she clung to it until well past two in the morning. After exhausting her curses for Luan Nian, she had little energy left. Xin Zhaozhou helped her to bed, adjusted the air conditioning, and tucked her in.

Then he sat on a small stool and looked at Luan Nian.

Shang Zhi Tao’s boss was strange—he hardly spoke except when asked. Even past two in the morning, his eyes were sharp, showing no sign of fatigue.

"Um… aren’t you going to rest?" he asked Luan Nian.

"No." Luan Nian gave a forced smile. "Aren’t you leaving?"

"I’m worried about her."

"Hmm." Luan Nian nodded. "I’m worried about you."

…Xin Zhaozhou didn’t find it odd; instead, he thought Shang Zhi Tao’s boss was quite responsible. What he was doing was right. So the two of them each settled into a corner of the room and slept. The next morning, both had to leave. Seeing that Shang Zhi Tao wasn’t in any danger, Luan Nian left with Xin Zhaozhou. Before leaving, Luan Nian went to the front desk to reissue Shang Zhi Tao’s room key and even instructed the staff that no one except him or the guest herself was allowed to enter.

Shang Zhi Tao was completely out of commission from drinking, so Luan Nian had to meet the day’s clients with other colleagues. Lee was hungover and not in good shape. Noticing Shang Zhi Tao’s absence, he asked Luan Nian, "Is Flora okay?"

"She’s done for," Luan Nian said. "Her classmate took care of her all night." He added this last part to protect Shang Zhi Tao’s reputation.

The week passed just like that—one day of dominating client meetings, two days of being knocked out from drinking, and a day and a half of playing second fiddle to Luan Nian and Lee. By Friday noon, the work was done. Shang Zhi Tao began planning to skip out early. She booked a hotel in Hong Kong, ready to cross the border and immerse herself in the city’s vibrant nightlife.

She exchanged greetings with Lumi, asking about her family and work. Lumi seemed a bit down and replied, "I didn’t get anything done this week. Will criticized me five times."

The marketing department held daily meetings, and she got criticized every single day.

Lumi found it strange—there were so many people in the marketing department, including a few old slackers who did nothing at all. At least she did some work, yet Will had his eyes on her. Cursing Will in her heart, she told Shang Zhi Tao, "I’ve figured it out—if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em."

"How do you join?"

"Haven’t figured that out yet. But I can’t let him keep watching me like this every day."The two chatted for a while, then Lumi sent a shopping list and transferred fifty thousand yuan to Shang Zhi Tao: "Go on, friend, buy this bag for your sister."

"Okay."

On the way back to the hotel, Shang Zhi Tao seized the opportunity to ask Luan Nian: "Luke, we don’t have any plans for the afternoon, right? We’re free to do as we please, right?"

Luan Nian was resting with his eyes closed and simply grunted in response.

Shang Zhi Tao was overjoyed. As soon as she got out of the car, she rushed straight to her room to pack her things. She only carried a backpack to Hong Kong, containing a change of clothes. After packing her documents and wallet, she left the rest of her luggage at the front desk for storage.

Then she headed straight for the Futian Port.

While waiting in line to clear customs, she noticed a man standing in the next queue, wearing sunglasses and looking as if he wanted nothing to do with anyone. Who else could it be but Luan Nian? Shang Zhi Tao turned away, pretending not to see him. She then moved to the back of the line, switching positions twice, and watched as Luan Nian passed through customs.

There was a small gap in Shang Zhi Tao’s memory from when she was drunk, but Xin Zhaozhou said she had been hugging the toilet while calling out someone named Luan Nian, though her boss had no idea who Luan Nian was.

Luan Nian had always been a bit strange, so it wasn’t entirely wrong for him not to admit he was Luan Nian.

Once through customs, it felt like entering another world. On the other side, people were holding signs, banners, and handing out flyers. Shang Zhi Tao had no idea what they were saying, but she took one, glanced at it, quickly stuffed it into her bag, and hurried away.

After running a few steps, she saw Luan Nian standing there, saying to her: "You’ll take anything?"

"I didn’t know."

"You didn’t do any research before coming?"

"Okay."

Shang Zhi Tao lowered her head and murmured an "okay." Seeing her wilt like a frostbitten eggplant in his presence, Luan Nian’s arrogance flared up a bit more: "Why are you avoiding me?"

"I was afraid you’d think I was following you."

"Am I crazy?" Luan Nian glared at her. "Or are you?"

Shang Zhi Tao didn’t want to answer the question of which of them was crazy; she just wanted to get away quickly. Just as she was thinking of saying goodbye to Luan Nian, she saw his ex-girlfriend walk over. Already tall, she was wearing high heels today, making her almost as tall as Luan Nian. She wrapped her arm around his neck: "What’s up, little brother? Picking up girls?"

To Shang Zhi Tao’s surprise, Luan Nian’s face flushed bright red. He disdainfully pulled Luan Siyuan’s arm away: "Didn’t we agree to meet at the tea restaurant?"

"Isn’t this just a coincidence?" Luan Siyuan’s roguishness was on full display as she glanced at Shang Zhi Tao. "What’s your name, girl?"

Shang Zhi Tao hadn’t expected Luan Nian’s ex-girlfriend to be like this. Afraid of saying the wrong thing, she replied earnestly: "Hello, my name is Shang Zhi Tao. I’m Luke’s subordinate."

"Oh, oh, oh, here to have fun in Hong Kong?"

"Yes, here to have fun and help a friend pick up some things. Luke, I won’t disturb you two." Shang Zhi Tao turned to leave but was pulled back by Luan Siyuan’s arm: "Where are you going, little sister? Since you’re already here, let’s eat together. How can you go shopping without any energy?"

Luan Siyuan was a year older than Luan Nian, but she was beautiful and dressed fashionably, making it impossible to tell her age. Standing on the streets of Hong Kong, she was simply too eye-catching, with countless people turning to look at this stunning beauty.

Shang Zhi Tao didn’t notice any of this; she just felt awkward standing next to Luan Nian’s ex-girlfriend: "No, thank you. I don’t want to intrude on your date.""A date? An older sister dating a younger brother?" Luan Siyuan widened her eyes. "Little sister, do you think I could possibly fancy a man like that?"

All of Luan Nian's pride shattered in that moment. He just wanted his reckless cousin to shut up. With a cold expression, he called out to her, "Luan Siyuan, watch your words."

Luan Siyuan.

Shang Zhi Tao silently repeated the name in her mind, then glanced at their faces, noticing a slight resemblance. Suddenly, she understood that beneath Luan Nian's arrogant and aloof exterior lay a childish and combative heart. Luan Nian, however, didn't find this embarrassing at all. He shot Shang Zhi Tao a look and asked, "What are you staring at?"

Shang Zhi Tao averted her gaze and said to Luan Siyuan, "Luke was bragging to his colleagues, saying you were his ex-girlfriend."

"Luke also said his ex-girlfriend was very obedient, always available at his beck and call."

Luan Nian had never said any of this; Shang Zhi Tao was making it up. It was also the first time she had seen Luan Nian afraid of someone, and she couldn't help but want to see more. She had never seen this side of him before. Catching a glimpse of it by chance felt incredibly amusing. It was as if a layer of humanity had suddenly attached itself to him, making his rejection of her seem less abrupt.

They were all just ordinary people.

Everyone had their own preferences.

No one had to stay together just because they had slept together for a long time.

He was just being honest.

Shang Zhi Tao felt relieved, and the fighting rooster in her heart ran away.

She stood there listening as Luan Siyuan scolded Luan Nian for talking nonsense, even saying that his terrible personality could only have an ex-girlfriend thanks to heaven's mercy, and that he looked like someone destined to grow old alone. After listening seriously for a while, she checked the time and finally interrupted Luan Siyuan, "Sister Siyuan, I really have to go. Thank you for your kindness, but I have a lot planned for today. Goodbye."

She also gave Luan Nian a friendly smile before turning to leave.

During her teenage years, she had watched Hong Kong films and listened to Cantonese songs, so many place names were etched in her heart. That afternoon, she planned to hike through Hong Kong, holding a city map as she walked slowly from Mong Kok to Tsim Sha Tsui along Nathan Road. She passed by Wing On Hong, Kowloon Hong, Yau Ma Tei, and Temple Street, surrounded by crowds of people, with English, Cantonese, and awkward Mandarin filling her ears. In her bag, Shang Zhi Tao carried pepper spray and the Hong Kong dollars she had exchanged in advance. When she got tired, she found a milk tea shop to enjoy a double-layer steamed milk pudding. After dark, she went to Bridgehead Spicy Crab and ordered a plate of Typhoon Shelter Crab for herself.

Luan Nian had afternoon tea with Luan Siyuan and their other siblings, but his mind was elsewhere the whole time. Luan Siyuan kicked him and said, "If you don't want to be with us, just get lost! It's not safe for a girl to be alone in Hong Kong."

Luan Siyuan was sharp. The way Luan Nian looked at that girl was with a focus even he himself wasn't aware of. The two of them standing together felt awkward, childish, and amusing, yet strangely intriguing. Luan Siyuan felt there was a sense of "golden wind meeting jade dew" between them. As Luan Nian stood up, Luan Siyuan asked him in front of their siblings, "What's the girl's name?"

"Shang Zhi Tao."

Luan Nian asked Shang Zhi Tao where she was, and she sent him her location. He had been to that Typhoon Shelter Crab restaurant a few times before and had even run into a Hong Kong celebrity there.

"Add mantis shrimp, roasted pigeon, and dry-fried beef hor fun. I'll be there soon."

Shang Zhi Tao added the dishes, and just as the crab was served, Luan Nian arrived. The old restaurant was stuffy, and everyone dining was sweating.

Luan Nian was usually neat and clean, but now a few fine beads of sweat dotted his face.The two sat at a cramped table for two, surrounded by a bit of noise.

"Where's Sister Luan?"

"She went to the club with the others."

"Why didn't you go?"

Luan Nian glanced at her, not directly answering her question, and instead asked, "Want a drink?"

"Just a can of beer? I don't dare drink too much. It makes me feel awful."

"You also curse people when you drink too much!"

Shang Zhitao laughed: "Xin Zhaozhou told me. Sorry, I didn't know I acted like that when I was drunk. Please don't mind it."

"Xin Zhaozhou is a good person," Luan Nian said. It was only after seeing how Xin Zhaozhou treated Shang Zhitao that he began to understand the shape of her college romance. The boy must have cherished the girl, unwilling to let her suffer any grievances. Yet with him, Shang Zhitao had endured all kinds of grievances.

The two drank together, each having just a little wine. After enjoying the delicious spicy crab under the bridge, Luan Nian took Shang Zhitao to Victoria Harbour to see the night view.

The lights were dazzling, the night was enchanting, and people were gentle.

"Shang Zhitao." Luan Nian no longer called her Flora: "Over the past few years, by my side, have you always felt wronged?"

Shang Zhitao didn't speak, she listened to Luan Nian.

"I'm actually a terrible person. Since my teenage years, I've been dark and violent. If it weren't for my family loving me deeply, meeting a few reliable friends, and desperately restraining myself, I might be in prison now."

"Seeing how Xin Zhaozhou takes care of you, and how your roommate helps you, I think you might be better suited to be with someone like that. Because I don't have the ability to love. Even though I deliberately try to correct my behavior, you would often feel wronged."

"I'm glad you spent such a long time with me. My relationships usually last only three to five months, but I never thought I'd spend four years with you. I hope you can have a better life. You are truly outstanding. You deserve everything."

"Keep going."

It was in Luan Nian's gentle words that Shang Zhitao finally understood some things clearly. She knew that some addictive things must be given up, and some unreachable people could no longer be hoped for. She soberly and deeply realized that her beautiful feelings for Luan Nian completely ended when that phone call was hung up. After that, she had been confused. She didn't understand how people could have feelings, yet after four years, Luan Nian remained standing in the same place. She wanted to anger him, fight with him, like a clown, all because she couldn't accept it.

But on this day, she let go.

She knew that life is like this—people come and go throughout a lifetime, and in the end, everyone must say goodbye. Even though at the time she felt it was truly a pity, she could no longer hope for more.

Stopping here was good.

From then on, every meeting became ordinary. That hidden story was never mentioned again.

It was also on that year's New Year's Eve that she sat with Luke in her home in Ice City, watching the fireworks. Luke leaned tightly against her leg, sometimes watching the fireworks, sometimes looking up at her. Shang Zhitao gently rubbed its head with her hand.

The fireworks were brilliant, illuminating the path ahead.

At midnight, she still sent Luan Nian an email in the old way: "Luke, I wish you a happy New Year and all the best."

Luan Nian did not reply.