Closing the corporation deal in Suzhou had been a success. The company remained stable, and the future looked promising. With everything settled, all I wanted was to relax and spend time with my son, Tang Junyan. His mother, Rong Si qi, and I had long gone our separate ways-our marriage had been an arrangement, nothing more. But despite that, I acknowledged everything she had sacrificed to get us where we were. Now, she had finally reunited with the man she truly loved in Australia. I was happy for her.
Junyan needed a mother's love, that much was undeniable. But I could never bring myself to interfere with Qi's life-she had done enough.
However, my plans for rest were cut short when my secretary, Lina, informed me that I had to personally inspect a school in the Huangshan countryside. A major sports event was approaching, and the chairman had invited all investors. As the primary investor, my absence would not only be seen as dismissive but also place Yi Ren, the school's chairman, in an awkward position. Yi Ren, my father's former student, had kept me updated on the school's progress, and from what I had seen, the institution had real potential.
Though I wasn't thrilled about the trip, duty called.
I phoned home and informed Junyan about my week-long absence. I could hear the disappointment in his tone, but after sweet-talking him with promises of spending the following week together, he quickly cheered up.
On Sunday, we set out for Huangshan, a peaceful three-hour drive from Suzhou. The moment I stepped out of the car, the fresh air hit me-a stark contrast to the city's endless noise. The countryside had always held a certain charm, one that soothed the mind.
Yi Ren met me at the school entrance alongside the vice chairman, chattering non-stop about the upcoming events. Though I was drained from the trip, I listened patiently. Accommodations had already been arranged for my team, and Lina efficiently laid out my schedule after we settled in.
Monday morning, Yi Ren took me on a tour of the school. The construction was solid, the number of student applications promising-some even from neighboring towns. Everything was progressing well.
As we walked towards the school playground, a voice-soft yet burdened-drifted through the air. It was calm, soothing, yet carried an unmistakable weight.
I stopped.
As a businessman, I could tell a person's state of mind just from their voice. And this one? It carried a story.
Closing my eyes, I focused on the melody. It was familiar, deeply so. Whitney Houston.
I had always admired her powerful voice, her music-tragically, she had left the world too soon.
"Hm, I thought classes were in progress?" Yi Ren mused as he led the way toward the source of the voice.
I opened my eyes and followed.
And then, I saw her.
Among a group of little children, a woman sat with a young child in her arms, singing. She was breathtaking.
Her skin-dark brown and flawless-glowed under the sun's golden rays. Her hair, full and thick, framed her face like a halo. And those eyes... they held a depth I couldn't put into words.
For the first time in my life, I understood what people meant by love at first sight.
I had always scoffed at such foolish notions. Yet here I was, standing frozen, utterly captivated.
Before I knew it, I was clapping, moving toward her as if drawn by an invisible force. My eyes never left her.
"I will always love you," I remarked, attempting to start a conversation.
But my presence startled her-and the children. They gazed at me warily.
Yi Ren quickly stepped in, introducing her. Kasi Williams.
Even her name sounded unique, special.
When I complimented her voice, she thanked me, her tone as smooth as silk-just as I had imagined.
As Yi Ren and the vice chairman continued speaking, my attention remained locked on Kasi. Every gesture, every glance she gave the child in her arms was filled with warmth.
I wished that were me instead.
Without thinking, I stepped forward, reaching out for the child. Perhaps if I held them, Kasi would look at me more.
But the child hesitated, their gaze sharp-almost as if they had seen through my intentions.
I didn't mind. I had time.I was going to be in Huangshan for a week. Opportunities to see her would come.
For now, I needed to pace myself-to not appear too eager.
As Kasi and the children walked away with Ci Xing, I remained rooted in place, my thoughts entirely consumed by her.
How did she end up here?
Did she feel welcomed?
Was she happy?
"Mr. Tang, look-that's the newly constructed track field," Yi Ren pointed to my left.
I turned, catching sight of a group of boys and girls running, a tall man in a tracksuit instructing them.
"Well done," I said absently.
"Haha, I promise Mingde will make it to the national championships-just like other schools in the other provinces," Yi Ren added with enthusiasm.
Before I could respond, a voice interrupted.
"Sir!"
I turned to see Lina, dressed in a sharp suit and sneakers, hurrying toward us.
"You have an urgent call," she said, bowing slightly to Yi Ren.
I took the phone, glancing at the caller ID.
My grandmother. I couldn't afford to ignore her.
Stepping away from Yi Ren and Lina, I answered.
"Grandmother."
"You're always working, even when you're supposed to be resting," she sighed. "I heard you left Suzhou for Huangshan. That place is so remote-you worry me."
"It's nothing to be concerned about. I'm fine," I reassured her. "Besides, I already promised to visit you and Grandpa with Junyan and Dad. I always keep my word."
"Good," she said, her tone softer now. "I need to discuss something with you. When you return to Shenzhen, bring Jùn Jié along. He's been running around for too long-it's time for him to start shouldering family responsibilities."
"I understand, Grandma," I said.
We exchanged a few more words before ending the call.
I stood there for a moment, staring at the phone, lost in thought.
My younger brother, Tang Jun Jié, was 24. My mother had died giving birth to me, and shortly after, my grandmother had pressured my father into marrying another woman. Deep down, he knew she had never truly accepted my mother-she had always looked down on her for coming from what she considered a lower-status ethnic group, the Uyghurs. Still, I had no complaints about my new mother , She was a peaceful woman just like her name: Jing Fu.
Jun Jié, however, had no interest in the family business. His passion lay in art. He had joined R&S Group, China's biggest entertainment company, and had become one of the industry's top movie stars and singers.
But Grandmother despised entertainers. To her, they were nothing more than jesters, a relic of outdated beliefs she stubbornly held onto.
I sighed.
It seemed the next family meeting was destined to be anything but peaceful. With Jun's persistent energy and grandma's head strong personality, what could go wrong?
Shoving my thoughts aside, I returned to Yi Ren and Lina.
"Let's have some rest and refreshments," I said.
Yet, even as we walked, my mind wandered-not to my family troubles, but to Kasi Williams.
Why did I feel as if I had to know her? My heart was restless.
56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOp5svCYT2
