Chapter 09

She swore that at that time she had no such thoughts at all. She envied others, simply because she was incapable of anything. Her childhood was spent entirely in Dream Marsh Town, where there was nothing but green waters and lush mountains. She envied her classmates in university, who had various talents such as painting, playing the piano, and calligraphy. Only she was unable to do anything.

The towering phoenix trees in Xinhuyuan sway with their broken branches, as the early winter wind begins to whistle.

A true pianist can play "Two Tigers" and still move the hearts of the audience

Her head lowered increasingly, as if she wished to bury it completely underground. She wanted to see his face but did not dare to raise her head, feeling as though an entire night had passed in its length, before she finally heard him whispering in her ear, "Silly girl"

Gu Fenghan smiled nonchalantly and said, "You don't need to worry about this. Just focus on smoothing out the relationship between the municipal government of You County and Wucheng here. I'll take care of the other matters. I have a flight there tonight, and once I finalize the discussions, you can immediately sign the merger and acquisition contract with Fang Fei on this side."

Gu Fenghan was rather dismissive, a hint of a sarcastic smile tugging at the corners of his mouth: "You don't have to wade into this murky water; that way, you won't have to worry about letting down your good junior brother."

His gaze was as enchanting as the moonlight of that night, still holding a faint smile: "Indeed, don't our ancient scholars write about the so-called 'beautiful one' across the water?"

Thinking of this, he felt a twinge of jealousy towards Fang Feijin, even though Fang Weiming looked down on Su Wan's background and was determined to find a suitable match for his son at any cost, yet no matter what...

The winter in Wucheng is bone-chillingly cold, damp, and humid. Even with the heating on indoors, one cannot warm their body; outdoors, wearing a coat does not allow a single bit of warmth to escape.

He glanced at her and asked, "If I can play, what is the reward?"

The simple and brisk notes leap forth, like ripples in water, spreading layer by layer; they are also akin to the gentle sea breeze, slowly wafting over, bringing with it the intoxicating scent of vast azure waves. Although it is a melody she has heard countless times, in that moment it seems to possess a new vitality, imbued with a soul-stirring magic that captivates her, leaving her entranced and unable to extricate herself.

Ling Qianfan nodded slightly and couldn't help but add, "You shouldn't push too hard, especially not over there... I always feel a bit guilty every time I go to see him."

Perhaps he will hold her hand, perhaps... perhaps...

Alright, alright, I won't persuade you. So, before the board meeting next year, are you truly confident in repurchasing enough shares? The current environment is quite poor, and the stocks of Yinhe and Lingli are relatively stable. I fear that some minor shareholders will not easily sell their shares. Even if we manage to raise sufficient funds, if no one is willing to part with their shares, we will have no way to proceed

Ling Qianfan noticed that his anger was rising again, so he had no choice but to put an end to this topic. He understood Gu Fenghan's temperament; although he spoke ruthlessly, he clearly could not let go of his father. Otherwise, he would not have asked Meng Han to find an experienced old Chinese doctor in Beijing, yet he was too proud to admit it. If he pressed too hard, it might backfire and make things worse.

That is also a father's heartfelt concern

There is a saying that a lonely king encountered a beautiful maiden by the water, so he prayed to the gods, hoping for a miracle of love to descend. Ultimately, he moved the goddess of love, Aphrodite, and achieved a fulfilling love story. The name of that maiden was Adilina

There is no remedy for regret in this world, as I have told you before. I have always despised betrayal the most. A flicker of hatred flashed in Gu Fenghan's eyes: If it weren't for your aunt not having children, would he remember that he still has a son like me? The way he is now is entirely his own doing

The financial news anchor timely inserted "Adelina at the Water's Edge" as background music, and the reporters began to gossipingly question Gu Fenghan whether he had encountered his Adelina in the ancient town of Mengze. Gu Fenghan smiled gently and skillfully engaged in Tai Chi, shifting the topic to the other executives and government officials present.

Oh

His brows and the corners of his eyes were imbued with a hint of a smile, carrying an inexplicable allure. At this hour, close to midnight, Gu Fenghan leaned against the broad and straight road of Wucheng University, under the French parasol trees. The late summer breeze rustled the leaves of the parasol trees, and the moonlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting a glow on his face. In the depths of his tranquil and profound gaze, it was hard to tell whether it was the moonlight or the starlight that danced.

On the weekend, he hurried over from another university eight streets away to see her. She was busy hosting the annual arts festival evening event for her department and could not accompany him, so she managed to get him a ticket to enter. The event did not conclude until after 10 PM, and she was busy cleaning up the venue with her classmates who had helped organize it. He assisted her in packing up the piano borrowed from the music room, and she enviously stroked the black lacquered piano cover, saying, "The piano played by that boy just now was really good." The event did not conclude until after 10 PM, and she was busy cleaning up the venue with her classmates who had helped organize it. He assisted her in packing up the piano borrowed from the music room, and she enviously stroked the black lacquered piano cover, saying, "The piano played by that boy just now was really good."

What kind of reward will he ask from her

Gu Fenghan furrowed his brows and remained silent. What would Fang Fei do when pushed to the limit? A mocking smile appeared on his face; what could this pampered young master do when cornered? He would merely make a phone call to Fang Weiming. Fang Weiming was currently overwhelmed by his son's muddled romantic entanglements. Upon hearing that he was in need of a consultant well-versed in travel, he immediately recommended Su Wan. Perhaps in an effort to prevent his son from sinking deeper, he did not care about a mere Fang Yuan Tian, let alone Su Wan, whom Fang Weiming regarded as the greatest obstacle to his son's future.

She suddenly raised her head, and he still had that faint, almost imperceptible smile at the corner of his mouth, as if he could see through the slight, inexplicable expectation in her heart, seemingly mocking her self-righteous modesty. Her face instantly flushed, and she hurriedly retorted, "Why do you always call me silly girl? Are we that familiar?"

Ling Qianfan was momentarily speechless; this issue had always been his Achilles' heel. The two of them had been friends since childhood, with Gu Fenghan often visiting his home to play. During the family photo session at New Year, Gu Fenghan even squeezed in to take a spot—yet those joyful times came to an abrupt halt one day. Gu Fenghan's parents divorced early on, and since Gu's father did not remarry, Gu Fenghan had always hoped that one day his parents would reconcile. However, on the very night of his father's marriage to his aunt, his mother, unable to bear the emotional turmoil, committed suicide. Gu Fenghan's parents divorced early on, and since Gu's father did not remarry, Gu Fenghan had always hoped that one day his parents would reconcile. However, on the very night of his father's marriage to his aunt, his mother, unable to bear the emotional turmoil, committed suicide.

Just now, General Manager Gu mentioned that the name of the first phase of this project is "Adeline by the Water." As is well known, this is the title of a piano piece. I wonder if General Manager Gu chose such a name for any special significance

She shook her head foolishly again, as if the moonlight of that night possessed a unique magic that made him so gentle, and made her... so dull

His footsteps paused slightly, and after a moment, he replied nonchalantly: "There are practice rooms at school, anyway, I have nothing to do usually"

Why do all good things fall upon him

Ballade for Adeline

Ling Qianfan sat on a bench by the lake, feeling somewhat helpless as he watched Gu Fenghan emerge from the water, dripping wet, and walk straight over to sit beside him. Ling Qianfan quickly shifted back half a meter, saying, "Clearly there is an indoor heated swimming pool, yet you insist on coming to suffer in a place like this. I really don't understand what is wrong with you this time!"

Gu Fenghan's face was even colder, and he said coldly: "Let him give up on this idea, I have already said that I will not spend any New Year with him."

"What a flavor! I think he plays very well, don't you? His way of playing the piano is quite similar to Li Yundi, isn't it?" She reminisced with a lovesick expression. Later, he often asked her, "Were you doing it on purpose back then? Intentionally fawning over that half-baked pianist from your department in front of me?"

He paused for a moment and then smiled, saying: "Everyone knows that 'Adelina by the Water' is the name of a piano piece, and this story originates from ancient Greek mythology: a lonely king encounters a beautiful maiden by the water, and he prays to the gods, hoping for a miracle of love to descend upon him. Ultimately, he moves the goddess of love, Aphrodite, and a beautiful love story unfolds. This story resonates with the lines from the ancient Chinese 'Book of Songs' that say, 'The one I speak of is on the other side of the water.' I once lived in the ancient town of Dream Lake for a period of time, where the beautiful You River flows through the town. On summer nights, lovers often release lotus lanterns into the river; if the lanterns float away smoothly, it symbolizes that their love will be successful and fulfilling. In my view, such a beautiful place exists only in my mind, which is truly a selfish thought. Therefore... when I have the ability and opportunity to do something for my second hometown, I sincerely hope that this dreamlike ancient town can be recognized and understood by more people. Therefore... when I have the ability and opportunity to do something for my second hometown, I sincerely hope that this dreamlike ancient town can be recognized and understood by more people.

"A beginner dares to play Brahms!" he said disdainfully, "Do you think that just by associating with the name of Mozart or Brahms, one can be considered classical?"

Adeline, Ballade Pour Adeline, Su Wan silently recited the name of this piece, took out the coin ring that she had recently removed from the drawer, and slowly rotated it on her fingertip, while financial news was being broadcast on the television

Gu Fenghan did not respond, and Ling Qianfan's curiosity was once again piqued. He vaguely remembered that when Gu Fenghan returned home five years ago, he seemed to have lost his soul. No one knew what had happened to him, no one could persuade him, and he would not listen to anyone's words. He drifted outside for two years, refusing to return to the company, with only Meng Han following him around. Two years later, it was unclear what Meng Han had said to him, but he became somewhat normal again and started working seriously at Galaxy, though he still refused to see anyone. Recently, for some unknown reason, it seemed that he had been stirred up again, not listening to anyone, drifting outside for two years, with only Meng Han accompanying him. Two years later, it was unclear what Meng Han had said to him, but he became somewhat normal again and started working seriously at Galaxy, though he still refused to see anyone. Recently, for some unknown reason, it seemed that he had been stirred up again, and it was heard that he often threw things alone in the office— it seemed that it was time to find Meng Han to chat.

I do not completely misunderstand his intentions

It is evident that the Galaxy Group is the core of this development, and the reporters' questions are focused on Gu Fenghan. The usually low-profile heir of the Gu family has recently made frequent public appearances, prompting various reporters to exert their utmost efforts to uncover some sensational stories.

He displayed a rare arrogance, and there was something in his gaze that she could not articulate at that time. She only felt that he suddenly seemed like a different person, his eyes filled with a certain fervent light: "In this world, there are no vulgar melodies, only vulgar people"

"I am very anxious, I have run out of patience," Gu Fenghan murmured. Ling Qianfan suddenly recalled something and turned his head in surprise: "Is your grandfather from You County? I remember... didn't you study in You County for a year?"

Gu Fenghan picked up the clothes on the bench, casually draped one over himself, and stood up, preparing to head back. The unit where Ling Qianfan lived was separated from him by a small flowerbed. When they parted, Ling Qianfan asked again, "By the way, what is the name of that development plan in You County?"

"You speak so eloquently, can you play?" She was astonished by his inexplicable pride and dominance, and said somewhat defiantly.

Adeline by the Water

Make amends? Gu Feng let out a cold snort: "Make amends? If a car breaks down once, it will inevitably break down a second time. The first time it killed my mother, and the second time? Is it going to kill me too? Make amends... How can he make amends? Can he bring the dead back to life?"

He slowly turned around, his thin lips curved in a gentle smile, different from the usual faint smile he wore. His tone was unusually soft, like... the gentle moonlight: "Do you know the origin of this piece of music?"

Adeline, Ballade for Adeline

Oh ... ... huh? ... ... Is that so?

He paused for a moment, slightly taken aback, and did not respond to her words. He turned and continued to walk slowly forward, his steps crunching on the sycamore leaves, producing a crisp sound. He was a person accustomed to such silence. She followed him closely, her voice barely above a whisper, and asked him: "When did you learn to play the piano?"

Gu Fenghan's father and Ling Qianfan's aunt represent a quintessential example of a political and business marriage. The Gu family possesses substantial financial resources, while the Ling family has extensive connections across the two sides of the Taiwan Strait and in various regions. In such a country, where personal relationships are complex, it is impossible to expand a business without some government connections

"Played beautifully," on that late summer night, her speech became unusually clumsy, and her entire mind seemed incapable of thought. At that time, she did not yet understand what kind of talent and practice were required to play a piece of music so moving.

Gu Fenghan's lips curved slightly, ignoring his complaints. He took the towel from his hand, wiped his face, and asked: "Have you taken care of things over in You County? I am planning to take a flight there tonight."

Just moments ago, at the evening party, she was eloquent and articulate, leaving no room for doubt. Yet, under the moonlight at that moment, she suddenly became mute, lowering her head, lacking even the courage to look at him... At that moment... she even felt a hint of anticipation, hoping for the reward he might ask of her...

Have you ever noticed that people in the past always liked to associate love with water

He frowned, and in his pitch-black eyes flickered some unusual emotions, making her feel flustered. At that time, she did not understand what kind of gaze it was. It was not until much later—after she met Meng Han—that she realized that unusual emotion was called jealousy

This afternoon, the Galaxy Group under the Gu family held a grand press conference in You County in collaboration with the Wucheng Architectural Design Institute, the You County People's Government, the Wucheng City People's Government, the Tourism Bureau, and several large real estate developers. The Galaxy Group will jointly develop a comprehensive tourism business district centered around You County with the Wucheng City People's Government, covering seven surrounding counties and five districts, with a total area of 8,600 square kilometers and a total population of 9.3 million. The following is a report from the press conference site.

Why the rush? It won't be easy to gather all the decision-makers in such a short time. Ling Qianfan felt somewhat troubled: Besides... is it really necessary for you to handle this matter personally? Can't you just have Angela sign the contract? By the way... I heard that your uncle asked if you are going back for the New Year this year, you...

She rolled her eyes, not understanding the meaning behind his words. Before she had the chance to ask, he had already closed his eyes, his hands resting on the piano lid, as if immersed in some boundless thought. Around them, other classmates were tidying up the venue, yet he seemed oblivious to it all. He lifted the piano lid, and instead of the "Two Tigers" she had expected, it was a piece titled "Adeline by the Water".

Brahms' "German Requiem", unfortunately, lacks that essence

Gu Fenghan adjusted the microphone and stated: "The strategy of Gu's Investment lies solely in whether this project possesses investment value, rather than its popularity. We place great importance on the immense potential of the tourism resources in You County and its surrounding areas. As for the current downturn in the real estate industry... it is precisely because the real estate sector has entered a period of stagnation that there is a greater need for valuable and promising projects to drive the resurgence of this industry"

He said nothing, she remained silent. Perhaps there were speculations in their hearts, and occasionally some expectations arose, yet all along... nothing ever happened

Ling Qianfan helplessly said: "I have already been dragged into this mess by you. Now that you say such things, is it possible for me to extricate myself completely? I am just worried... that this person, Fei Jin, is a bit stubborn. If he is pushed too hard, he might do something unpredictable. His father has already agreed to sell Fangyuan Tiandi to you, so why the rush in these last couple of days?"

His school and her school are separated by eight streets, and it takes five bus stops to get there. He unwaveringly visits her every weekend, regardless of the weather, whether it is just to accompany her to the study room to read, to stroll around the shops, or to share a couple of meals together

Before his words had even finished, Gu Fenghan cast a cold glance at him, to which Ling Qianfan replied with a slight smile: "This is the first time I have discovered your spirit of giving back to society."

"What is the point of this, Ah Han?" Ling Qianfan sighed, "The past is already behind us. Why must you cling to it? Uncle is actually very regretful; can't you give him a chance to make amends?"

There is also another saying that Adeline is actually another name for Aphrodite, whose Roman name is Venus. Did you know that there is a famous oil painting called "The Birth of Venus," where the young Venus stands on a beautiful shell, gently drifting in with the sea breeze

Mirror Lake

The surface of the water shimmers like a mirror

Su Wan unconsciously fiddled with the ring on her finger, her thoughts having long since wandered off to an unknown place. When was that? Was it during her first year, second year, or third year of university?

He does not know how to untie this deadlock, and he is unable to judge the rights and wrongs of the elders. What he can do now is merely to slightly mend the rift between the Gu family and its father and son.

Gu Fenghan smiled faintly, his eyes sparkling with boundless brilliance, a stark contrast to his recent stern and cold image in front of the media: "This time, the comprehensive tourism business district we aim to jointly create has two main focuses. The first is centered in You County, and the second emphasizes the tourism industry. The top priority of the first phase of the project is to develop the tourism resources of the ancient town of Mengze in You County, showcasing this picturesque town, akin to a paradise on earth, as authentically and comprehensively as possible to everyone."

What about my reward

In the past two years, the real estate industry has not been thriving. May I ask why the Gu family has shifted its focus to the real estate sector at this time? Recently, the Galaxy Group signed a cooperation agreement with Fangyuan Industrial to jointly develop the Ningjiang Science and Technology Park. Now, they are collaborating with so many large real estate developers to jointly develop this comprehensive tourism business district. What considerations are behind this?

Oh