CHAPTER 64

Xiang Zhishi was not familiar with Wei Zhuang, his knowledge of Wei Zhuang was entirely due to his relationship with Zhu Ehua.

A few years after graduating, he started a business with some friends and did quite well. After Xiaoyuan enrolled in the Huaxi Film Academy, he began to intentionally learn about the entertainment industry and make connections.

Surrounded by people from the financial industry, he still managed to establish some connections, but he always felt there was a barrier. He spent money and drank a lot, but his expertise lay in technical roles, making it challenging for him to handle high-intensity socializing.

But he wanted to persevere.

When Xiaoyuan came into his life, she went through a long period of nightly nightmares, crying until her voice went hoarse. During the day, she was as quiet as a wandering spirit, unable to eat anything.

She saw a psychologist for a long time before she finally recovered.

Then she went back to school.

In high school, when he asked her what kind of university she wanted to attend and what job she wanted in the future, she said, "Brother, I want to be an actress."

In that moment, her eyes sparkled. "I want to be an actress like Zhu Ehua, Lu Yue, and He Chenying, I want to act in movies like them."

After their parents divorced, he lived with his father. By then, he was no longer a child. His father cared for him and continued to support his education, never remarrying. Their living conditions were much better compared to Xiaoyuan's.

Until his father fell ill and passed away.

His father admitted that he regretted his actions, as their family wouldn't have fallen apart if he hadn't strayed. He tried to find his mother later on, but she had already remarried and had a daughter. He could only leave.

Two years later, his father still thought of her and went to look for her again.

He met her daughter that time and was shocked by how much she resembled him. However, his mother denied it and told him not to seek them out again, saying many hurtful things.

He never went back after that.

Years later, he became more convinced that the girl was indeed his daughter and also his sister.

On his deathbed, his father held his hand, tears in his eyes, staring at him intently. All the unspoken words were held in that reluctant hand.

He understood everything.

From then on, the most important person in his life was his sister. Unless she no longer needed him when she grew up, he would make way for her in all aspects of his life.

Whenever he found socializing difficult, he would remember his father holding his hand, his mother's gaze, and the moment he first met Xiaoyuan.

After some twists and turns, he connected with an alumnus who came from a political and business family. By then, he was already the third generation and still thriving. This alumnus took him to a small gathering hosted by Zhu Ehua.

It was held in an old Western-style house in Shencheng, decorated in a very antique style.

Downstairs, people danced gracefully to old songs, a redwood staircase winding up. As he ascended, the sound of mahjong tiles clashing and women laughing drifted down from the second floor.

On the second floor, men were drinking while women were playing cards.

His alumnus had quite a reputation and gradually introduced him to people—this one was a major producer, that one had just won an acting award, and the other was the CEO of an online video platform.

After socializing for a while, he collected a few business cards and exchanged some phone numbers before stepping out onto the terrace for some fresh air.

Under the night sky, a woman leaned against the railing, admiring the night view, dressed in a flowing purple gown, looking relaxed and at ease.

This was his first time meeting Zhu Ehua.

There's perhaps a feeling of familiarity between people at first sight.

Or rather, some people just seem special, destined to hold an important place in your life.

That was the impression Zhu Ehua gave Xiang Zhishi.

When Zhu Ehua first saw him, she smiled and asked, "Are you an actor or a singer?"

Xiang Zhishi replied with a smile, "I played in a band in college and wrote some songs."

"But..."

"But you don't like this industry." Zhu Ehua finished for him.

She enjoyed chatting with him.

She called him "Xiao Shitou [Little Stone.]"

Although they rarely met, there was never a sense of estrangement, even after a long time apart.

Xiang Zhishi knew how others viewed him during that time, thinking that there was something going on between him and Zhu Ehua. In reality, their connection was both simple and pure.

Perhaps there was a hint of ambiguity, but it was definitely not at a stage where it could develop further.

He enjoyed talking to her. During those years, he was under constant mental strain, unable to relax for even a moment. Only when chatting with her could he feel a sense of ease.

Zhu Ehua had heard the rumors and looked at him with a smile, saying, "You're too young to be my boyfriend, my daughter is a few years older than you."

That's when he learned that Wei Zhuang was her daughter.

He didn't know much about her, and she wasn't one to share.

He couldn't meet Wei Zhuang, she felt like someone from another world.

But he hadn't expected that Xiaoyuan was now... friends with Wei Zhuang?

Dating?

Xiang Zhishi had no idea what was going on between them. Just thinking about it gave him a headache. Like with Cai Juan, he felt a kind of helplessness as an older brother.

And there was a faint sense of confusion. For so many years, his life had revolved around Xiaoyuan, but now she didn't seem to need him as much.

Liang Yue Sheng, Jim Leung.

Xiang Zhishi remembered this name and set aside the matter of Feiyi for the moment.

On this night, after a long time, he lit a cigarette, held between his fingers, but there was still a huge stone-like weight on his heart, making it hard for him to fall asleep.

He glanced out the window, snow was falling on that winter night.

At the same time, on the East Coast, the morning was beginning. Liang Yuesheng, who Xiang Zhishi was thinking about, was video chatting with Wei Zhuang.

"Jim, thank you for your hard work."

"It's no trouble at all, big sister, haha! I'm spending your money anyway!" Liang Yuesheng laughed, "Besides, I rarely get the chance to help out my big sister."

Liang Yuesheng and Wei Zhuang first met as alumni, both attending the University of Pennsylvania, she in the business school and he in the law school.

Wei Zhuang was two years older than him, and when Liang Yuesheng first saw her, he was immediately attracted. She was tall with supermodel-like long legs, skin as white as snow, and a demeanor that was calm yet slightly melancholic, beautiful like a painting.

He tried every means to get to know her and put a lot of effort into pursuing her, but no matter the occasion, she treated him as if he didn't exist.

There were many Chinese students at UPenn and various social circles, but she seemed mysterious, not mingling with any group.

After much effort, he finally got her to know his name, but when he hinted at his intentions, she looked at him coldly and said, "Not interested."

Liang Yuesheng considered himself handsome, fit, and not shorter than her. He was academically successful and usually well-liked by girls. Why did he hit a wall this time?

He spent all his spare time observing her and discovered that her life revolved entirely around her studies, it was very calm and monotonous. She didn't go home for holidays and was always alone.

His own studies were also demanding, and gradually, he let it go.

One time, he witnessed her in a confrontation with someone blocking her way. "Frances, e on..."

The other person was a tall, handsome guy with beautiful blonde hair and fair skin, looking like a model straight out of a catalog. He spoke with a British accent, the type that Asian girls often found attractive.

From what Liang Yuesheng overheard, the guy was saying something about how they had a great time last week and why she hadn't called him, implying that there was a spark between them.

Liang Yuesheng felt a pang of jealousy. What's the big deal about having fun for one night? Not calling doesn't mean there's a problem. This Nordic guy was really getting out of line and even tried to get physical.

He was ready to rush out as a hero to her rescue, taking the opportunity to get closer to the beauty.

But as he rushed out, before he could even see clearly what was happening, the Nordic guy was already knocked down by her.

Both he and the Nordic guy were stunned: "..."

The Nordic guy even exclaimed, "Chinese Kungfu."

Liang Yuesheng stood there frozen, feeling particularly embarrassed as he looked at Wei Zhuang, who stood calmly with a bland expression and asked him, "Is there something you need?"

'Nothing, nothing, big sister, you're amazing.' He left in embarrassment.

He thought they would never have any more interactions.

Later, when his family faced financial difficulties and he could no longer afford tuition, it was Wei Zhuang who stepped in to help him.

She supported him through his law degree, helped him pass the bar exam, and obtain his practicing license. Eventually, he went to a well-known law firm for further training and later partnered to open his own law firm.

He once asked Wei Zhuang why she helped him.

She replied, "No particular reason. I have money, you need money."

Liang Yuesheng: "..."

Not only was she wealthier than him, but she was also stronger. Any romantic thoughts he had about her quickly vanished, and he no longer dared to entertain any inappropriate ideas.

The two became friends, meeting occasionally. Wei Zhuang spoke very little, usually leaving him to do the talking. He pieced together bits of information about her situation.

Wei Zhuang had studied some self-defense techniques and also knew how to fence.

Her family was incredibly wealthy, not just your average kind of rich.

......

Later, he discovered that his cousin was the wife of Wei Zhuang's younger brother Wei Ting, so he took the initiative to get closer and started calling Wei Zhuang "Big Sister."

"If it weren't for you, Big Sister, mentioning her, I would have forgotten about Ruan Qing."

Ruan Qing's husband had hired a big-name lawyer in their field, one who had never lost a case.

Liang Yuesheng specialized in tax law and typically didn't handle divorce cases, but his partner was very good at them. Together, they managed to secure Ruan Qing a substantial alimony settlement.

The favor he had done a few years ago was finally coming into play, and coincidentally, Ruan Qing was also planning a return to the country. Liang Yuesheng seized the opportunity to recommend Feiyi to her and asked her to help introduce Xiaoyuan.

Ruan Qing didn't agree immediately, she took a few days to review Xiaoyuan's work and check in with previous acquaintances before she smiled and discussed terms with him.

Liang Yuesheng bought 70% of Feiyi's shares, giving 30% to her, making her one of the bosses of Feiyi directly.

It was a very tempting offer, and Ruan Qing gladly accepted.

"Oh, by the way, Big Sister, I didn't mention you to Ruan Qing, so be careful when you make appointments with Xiaoyuan in the future." Liang Yuesheng chuckled, "She's very strict with artists."

Liang Yuesheng had known Wei Zhuang for many years. He was already married with children, and he cared for her like an old friend, speaking to her in a very natural and close manner.

When Wei Zhuang heard the word "appointment," her gaze slightly faltered.

Liang Yuesheng found her reaction amusing. As far as he knew, Wei Zhuang's love life was quite barren, she had only had a couple of casual partners during her time at Penn, and he hadn't heard anything since.

Over the years, Wei Zhuang had never brought up any personal requests—until this time, when she asked him to buy Feiyi and to get Ruan Qing to help manage Xiaoyuan.

Of course, Liang Yuesheng pressed her for details, and from Wei Zhuang, he learned that Xiaoyuan was her "contracted partner."

"Big Sister, what do you mean by 'contracted partner'? Just say she's your girlfriend directly, hahaha!"

At the mention of the three words "girlfriend," Wei Zhuang's expression was once again subtly nuanced, similar to how she reacted to "appointment" earlier. She seemed like she wanted to refute, but didn't know what to say.

Liang Yuesheng couldn't help but laugh at her rarely seen flustered expression and continued, "Why don't you just buy it in your name? Then Xiaoyuan would know how much you pamper her."

Wei Zhuang appeared slightly taken aback and said, "No need for her to know."

Liang Yuesheng couldn't hold back any longer and burst out laughing. "Big Sister, you're too funny!"

Wei Zhuang paused for a moment, a look of surprise crossing her face as if she had just realized something. "Is this pampering?"

Liang Yuesheng widened his eyes, "You transferred two million to me to buy her a company and provided subsequent investment funds. Isn't that pampering?"

How ridiculous, twenty million isn't a small amount of money, right?

With two veteran agents on the team, isn't that enough to show her affection?

He was just a figurehead, but now it meant the entire Feiyi was effectively Xiaoyuan's studio team.

Watching Wei Zhuang in the video listening to his words, she showed a pensive expression.

He sighed in his heart, thinking that in nearly twenty years of friendship, when had he ever seen Wei Zhuang show such concern for a girl, being kind to her yet unwilling to let her know, and over the span of just a few minutes, she found herself frequently lost in thought because of her.

Perhaps she hadn't even realized it herself.

He heard Wei Zhuang say after some contemplation, "She's younger, I can't let her be at a disadvantage."

Liang Yuesheng: "..."

After finishing the video call with Liang Yuesheng, Wei Zhuang walked to the window and gazed at the snow outside, lost in thought.

There was a hint of depth in her expression, her gaze fixed on the snowflakes, but her thoughts were elsewhere. She held a crystal wine glass in her hand, with a little wine inside.

She could drink, but not much. When she went out to drink, it was usually for other purposes—social obligations or networking. Enjoying a small drink at home was her personal time.

Was this the first snow of the year? Or had she already missed it?

She took a sip of her wine and turned to look at the sofa.

"Shall I keep you company for a drink?" the girl said.

Wei Zhuang's eyes flickered, it wasn't here, it was in a hotel in Xicheng.

Her fingers moved slightly, feeling the cold and smooth touch of the crystal glass.

She recalled another, warmer, and smoother sensation—just a gentle touch of her fingertips could capture the delicate beauty of a girl's fair skin.

The girl's small face tilted slightly upward to look at her, confusion clouding her eyes. Even though she bit her bright red lip, she still let out a soft, charming hum...

Wei Zhuang slowly finished the wine in her glass.

Wine on a snowy night always felt warm, filling her heart with a sense of comfort.

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