Chapter Nine, The Two Ends of the Balance

"You underestimate me too much. Is the young master of the Tang family really that incompetent?" Tang Yifan complained discontentedly, giving him a heavy pat on the shoulder. "Hey, your dad moved the entire business to City A back then, and you stubbornly kept the 'upstream' operations from being touched by your old man. It wouldn't be for Qi Yan, would it?" Suddenly recalling something, he immediately dismissed his own words within a second, saying, "No, I hadn't gone abroad at that time. I know your matters like the back of my hand, and you probably didn't know each other either."

Hanno pressed his lips together, no longer speaking, and simply took the dice and threw them out.

"Xingyuan, you are really not being considerate. It has been several years since you last came back, so you must drink this cup of wine no matter what." The speaker is Shi Lei, a brother from the same dormitory during university.

"Anyway, it's not a woman..." Xi Yan turned off the light, causing Ling Ruoning to miss the subtle change in her expression

Tang Yifan raised his eyebrows and gestured with his lips towards the lady in charge, "He does not need a reservation. Wen Xingyuan."

What does this have to do with him?

When are you going to hold your wedding?" Thinking of Xie Yuandong, who usually pairs up with him, Shi Lei fell back onto the sofa, half-drunk, and asked.

Uh... did you hear you called that name yesterday? Is it a man?" Ruoning pretended to be confused, concealing her slight unease. Remembering Tang Yifan's instruction not to reveal anything, she secretly stuck out her tongue, almost giving herself away.

"It is not about you, hold back your tears. If your eyes are swollen from crying, how will you face others tomorrow?" Xi Yan glared at her

"Go ahead, kid. Back in college, there were beautiful women eager to shield me from drinks, and now even Lawyer Han, who doesn't touch a drop of alcohol, is looking out for you." Shi Lei stood up, swaying slightly, and filled Han Nuo's glass again, saying, "Come on, Han Nuo, you have helped me a lot with company matters, so I toast to you."

"What are we betting on? It's boring to just play for fun." When Wen Xingyuan and Han Nuo moved to sit together to prepare to roll the dice, it was unclear who suddenly proposed it, shouting loudly.

Will you leave again this time?

Welcome, may I ask if you have a reservation, sir? The gentle and somewhat alluring voice of the hostess reached him, causing him to frown slightly. He raised his eyes to see them dressed in overly fitted, high-slit red cheongsams. He coldly remarked to Tang Yifan, who followed behind, Do you take 'Shangyou' as a place of pleasure, or do you regard me as a benefactor

Later, seeing how well he treats you, I felt that it would be very difficult to find someone who can hold you in their hands, so I became even more hesitant to make promises lightly

"Get lost, do you even have the face to bring this up?" Tang Yifan frowned and snatched the cup from his hand, filling it up forcefully.

"Have a drink?" With a deep gaze and an unrefusable tone, Han Nuo had already extended the cup in front of him.

"How can you still have the nerve to say that? Just for this, you should drink another cup. If it weren't for your charming face that has captivated Xiao Ran to the point of distraction, would I have pursued you so hard?" Shi Lei feigned anger, pointing at the person and complaining.

Time seems to stand still at this moment, forgetting the passage that should be. The dark eyes reveal complexity, overflowing with profound light. The two of them gaze at each other quietly, as if the one who looks away first is showing weakness in a stubborn manner

Mother Ji is kind, and Father Ji is knowledgeable. The long-lost feeling of home moves Qiyan to the point of tears. Taking advantage of the moment when Ruo Ning and Tang Yifan are on the phone, she leans on the balcony to enjoy the night view

Who says that if love does not result in a win-win situation, it must inevitably lead to a lose-lose outcome? Until the very end, who can truly know the result

Hanno almost averted his gaze at the same time, yet he saw him walking towards him

Wen Xingyuan raised an eyebrow, flashed a bright smile, took the cup without hesitation, and downed it in one go. "Where's your wife? Impressive, kid, you've married the campus belle?"

Hanno seemed somewhat hesitant, his mind a whirlwind of mixed emotions, and when he spoke again, it was, "Shall we take a gamble?"

"You only know how to gamble, can you even tell how many fingers this is?" Gao Ge was clearly aware of the unusual situation between the two and seemed to have some intention of stopping them. How long has this gambling gone on? It has been more than three years; when will it finally come to an end?

A contest lasting a full three minutes, what they are betting on is known only to themselves. However, in the face of love, where is the possibility of a win-win situation? If it were a loss for both, he would believe it, but a win-win is impossible

Have you had too much to drink, Lei Zi?" A nearby Gao Ge stepped in to mediate, raising his wine glass, "Shall we have one of us leave?"

Here, Xi Yan and Ruo Ning have gone to bed early to maintain their best condition, while over there at the private club, they are lively exchanging drinks and enjoying themselves with books and illustrations

"Are you speaking Martian?" Ruo Ning chuckled lightly, turned over, and faced away from her. "When did you get to know each other? I have never heard you mention it before"

In the past, the handsome guys who pursued you were lined up waiting for a chance, yet you couldn't even be bothered to glance at them. How did you suddenly decide to get married? This is not like your usual style

"In the depths of my heart, I feel twisted. With such good examples as Uncle and Aunt right before my eyes, what is there to fear?" Although the words are spoken with conviction, there is inevitably a sense of sorrow within. In this world, is there truly anyone who can accompany another for eternity? Can promises really bind two hearts that once pledged to each other for a lifetime?

"You are being too polite, Leizi, it is part of my duty." Han Nuo smiled appropriately, without declining.

"Let's go, there is nothing worth lingering here anymore," Xi Yan blurted out, leaving Ruo Ning momentarily saddened and at a loss for words

Pushing open the car door, Wen Xingyuan lazily got out of the car, "Business seems to be doing well; I thought you had already brought 'the upstream' down."

"Have you had too much to drink?" Wen Xingyuan sat still, a smile on his face, but his voice was somewhat cold, lacking warmth, which made Han Nuo feel suddenly awkward

He instantly ceased his smile, his expression turning solemn, "You cannot afford to gamble!"

The nights in the city are certainly different from those in ancient towns. The hustle and bustle of the city is isolated within tall buildings, where all joys and sorrows are concealed behind the splendor; whereas the liveliness of the ancient town is always so vivid and vibrant. Whether it is a smiling face or a frowning one, they can be openly displayed before others, for those who go there are either seeking relaxation or wishing to forget. The people who visit will become passersby, whether they arrive or depart, in a hurry or at leisure, leaving no trace behind. Who would care to have their joy and sorrow observed by others? Who has the time to delve into the emotions and thoughts of others? There, one can live freely.

As soon as he entered, Wen Xingyuan greeted Han Nuo in a manner that was neither warm nor cold, half familiar and half unfamiliar, seemingly without anything special. However, how could he not notice that both of them had been acting strangely all evening? He couldn't quite articulate what was odd about it, but he felt that the glances exchanged between the two could almost cut like knives. He had witnessed the true meaning of "a smile hiding a dagger"; this was not the expression one would expect from a normal person. The two men were exhibiting a posture reminiscent of a peak confrontation. At this moment, being near them was indeed a very dangerous affair. He had witnessed the true meaning of "a smile hiding a dagger"; this was not the expression one would expect from a normal person. The two men were exhibiting a posture reminiscent of a peak confrontation. At this moment, being near them was indeed a very dangerous affair

"Who is Wen Xingyuan?" Ruo Ning asked, rubbing her eyes and choking back tears.

You are the one who is abnormal, that is not the same

The music by my ear continues to flow, occasionally accompanied by the crisp sound of clinking glasses. The dice cup is held in two hands, and as it shakes and sways, there is an ethereal quality that feels somewhat unreal, evoking a subtle sense of unease, yet it is difficult to articulate whether my current mood is one of rising or falling.

When the two simultaneously removed the dice cup, six identical dice lay flat on the table, all showing six.

Unbeknownst to her, at some point, her world suddenly shrank, becoming so small that it could only accommodate her own little space. She curled her lips into a self-deprecating smile just as Ruo Ning walked over. The two climbed onto the bed and began to chat aimlessly about their innermost thoughts.

"Yes, Premier Wen still remembers me," Manager Li said with a beaming smile, somewhat surprised

"What good suggestions do you have?" Xi Yan tugged at the thin blanket, grumbling in dissatisfaction, "It's a household registration check, not sleep time."

Manager Li? '' Wen Xingyuan still remembers him, an old employee from upstream

The dice collided with the dice cup, producing a series of soft sounds that lasted for a full three minutes

"What’s going on? You’re getting married tomorrow, yet you’re still thinking about my wife?" Shi Lei, clearly a bit drunk, squinted his eyes and glared at Tang Yifan, with a hint of provocation in his demeanor

Wen Xingyuan looked at him, a smile that was neither here nor there, "What are we betting on?"

"What are you betting on?" he asked again, a smile on his face, but his voice was as cold as ice

"Speak up, are you afraid that I can't even bear to hear a name?" Xi Yan frowned slightly, appearing to be indifferent.

Ah, who is cursing me..." In the warmth of her bed, Xi Yan unexpectedly sneezed, mumbling a few words before turning over, intending to sleep a little longer. When Ruoning's call came in, she hesitated to move, feeling a bit dizzy. After lingering for quite a while, she reluctantly got up, tidied herself up, and sleepily went downstairs to accompany her friend through the last day of her single life, planning to stay overnight at Ruoning's house.

Speaking of this matter, it can be considered a significant setback for the young master of the Tang family in the realm of romance. When he returned to the country, he inadvertently came into contact with Shi Lei's wife due to work. At that time, he relentlessly pursued her for over a month, only to be outpaced by Shi Lei, who made his move first. That guy even had the audacity to say something about the advantage of proximity. Damn, if it weren't for maintaining his composure, he would have thrown a punch long ago. This was the first time that the usually successful Tang Shuai faced such a setback in front of a woman; he was almost on the verge of forgetting it, but when it comes up, it fills him with rage. Damn, if it weren't for maintaining his composure, he would have thrown a punch long ago. This was the first time that the usually successful Tang Shuai faced such a setback in front of a woman; he was almost on the verge of forgetting it, but when it comes up, it fills him with rage.

The crowd burst into laughter and raised their cups in unison

Han Nuo's handsome face was calm and unruffled, showing not a trace of ripples. Wen Xingyuan smiled lightly, as if the clouds were thin and the wind gentle, completely at ease. The music softened, and the elegantly decorated private room suddenly fell into a much deeper silence, an inexplicable sense of oppression.

Due to the sudden nature of the situation, Wen Xingyuan could only book a flight for that afternoon, and by the time he disembarked, it was already past 8 o'clock. Tang Yifan personally drove to greet him, and there was a bit of traffic on the way. Wen Xingyuan glanced at the time, thought about how she would rest early tonight, and considered that they would meet tomorrow, so he ultimately decided not to call her

Upon arriving at the club, the bright moon had quietly ascended the horizon. The familiar city, with its dazzling neon lights flickering incessantly, was alive with a continuous flow of people and traffic, weaving together a vibrant and bustling street scene

After several rounds of drinks, Wen Xingyuan leaned silently against the sofa, gazing at Han Nuo. He, sitting opposite him, quietly met his gaze.

"When did you become so nagging?" Wen Xingyuan glared at him, slammed the car door, and strode into "Shangyou".

Upon arriving at a certain individual's exclusive private room, a group of old classmates awaited inside. Usually, everyone is busy with their own affairs, and gatherings are infrequent. Moreover, he has hardly returned in the past few years, so it was inevitable that he was penalized with a few drinks as soon as he entered.

"He has drunk too much, I will take this cup for him." Han Nuo smiled faintly, reached out to take the cup, and drank the wine in one gulp

"Call me Mr. Wen, he is your boss." He glanced at Tang Yifan, seeing Manager Li nodding repeatedly in agreement, then turned and entered the elevator

At 2:00 AM, a group of people finally dispersed. As the door to the private room closed, one of the dice on the table suddenly cracked, and in the dim light, the originally thirty-six points on the dice unexpectedly transformed into thirty-seven points

"Come on, come on, Old Man Wen, Han Nuo, let's all play together. What are you two glaring at each other for?" Seeing this, Tang Yifan quickly waved his hand to call the two of them, fearing that with just one wrong glance, they would start fighting.

Pushing open the door to the private room, temporarily distancing myself from the clinking of glasses, I stand at the end of the corridor to smoke

Wen Xingyuan smiled knowingly, "Back in university, we used to fight like it was nothing. Now that we are almost thirty, we still behave the same way." As he spoke, he stretched out his long leg and kicked the person's calf, then raised his cup and drained it.

"Bet on her happiness!" Han Nuo sat down, her voice as delicate as a whisper, only heard by Wen Xingyuan.

"Hey, what about when I love you?" Tang Yifan said somewhat irritably, tilting his head back to take a sip of wine

Having returned for only two days, she has already begun to miss the old traditional houses, the gentle sound of flowing water, and the ease and freedom of being alone in her apartment

Friend! Xi Yan replied promptly, and then realized, "How do you know him?"

sophistry

"Who are you to meddle? Move over a bit, it's getting ambiguous..." Shi Lei spoke a bit unclearly and moved aside in disgust.

Why are you being so nosy?" Tang Yifan was still somewhat clear-headed as he turned to glance at Wen Xingyuan, wanting to stop him from asking any further questions

Manager on duty at the front desk saw Tang Yifan arriving and quickly approached him. Just as he reached behind him, he heard the name of the big boss, which made him somewhat flustered, and he hurriedly greeted him respectfully

It began because there were too many unsuccessful examples around me, which made me a bit fearful. Later, it was also because I saw you and Han... Suddenly, Ruoning realized her slip of the tongue and abruptly fell silent, fearing to evoke Qiyan's sorrowful memories

They are all long-time friends, so none of them really hold any inexplicable "grudges". In no time, the group of young men had drunk themselves into a stupor. Those with a low tolerance were drowsily leaning on the sofa to rest, while a few who were still sober gathered on one side to play dice and guess the numbers

Shi Lei ambiguously shouted about a win-win situation, while everyone raised their glasses in high spirits to toast, yet Wen Xingyuan felt disheartened.

Wen Xingyuan noticed that Tang Yifan was somewhat intoxicated and, fearing that he might miss an important event tomorrow, intended to step forward to shield him from further drinking

After a moment, Wen Xingyuan lowered his eyes, a hint of a meaningful smile playing at the corners of his lips. In the dim light, his sharply defined features appeared almost ethereal.

The private room was illuminated by dim and indistinct lights, while deafening music resonated in every corner, creating an unprecedented sense of relaxation and an all-encompassing madness