At the same time I noticed Weiran, he also noticed me standing across the street. Despite our mutual dislike, this encounter seemed destined, as both our emotions were tethered by the Christmas night at Zhuomei.
The cold wind carried a damp scent through the air, blowing fiercely northward. The harsh weather made it hard to imagine that a shopping frenzy was happening inside the mall behind us. Isn’t the world like this—phenomena not deeply understood remain mere appearances. Take Weiran, for instance; he stood there like a statue, not even stomping his feet against the cold, but was his soul as tranquil beneath that flesh? I didn’t know!
Instinctively, I adjusted my collar and lit a cigarette, seeking some illusory warmth before crossing the street toward him. I didn’t know what I would say, but I still approached.
His gaze finally shifted from Zhuomei’s sparkling signboard to me. I took out a cigarette and offered it: “Smoke?”
He took it from me. I lit it for him. He inhaled awkwardly, and when it was nearly finished, he finally spoke: “ZH’s withdrawal statement has already been submitted to Zhuomei’s board. Once Mi Cai returns and the board members approve, the withdrawal will be finalized.”
I stared at him in shock because, being closely connected with Zhuomei, I had no knowledge of this news. Even during my conversations with Mi Cai, she hadn’t mentioned it. As the current chairman of Zhuomei, she should have known about this matter.
“When did this happen?” I asked.
“This afternoon.”
“Does Mi Cai know?”
“We’ve already spoken. She doesn’t oppose ZH’s withdrawal from Zhuomei.” Weiran smiled and added, “She promised me she’d get me capital equivalent to my shares from Zhuomei, without having to bear the losses caused by the withdrawal. I suppose she already had a backup plan. Actually, she never truly trusted me.”
“You’re being too extreme. You should consider the other side of Mi Cai’s decision. At this moment, ZH withdrawing from Zhuomei would deal a nearly devastating blow. According to the cooperation agreement between ZH and Zhuomei, if you unilaterally terminate the cooperation early, you must bear the losses caused by the withdrawal. Her promise is already a favor.”
Weiran smiled again: “You outsiders will never know how much contribution and capital ZH has invested in Zhuomei. Without ZH’s investment, Zhuomei would have ceased to exist or been acquired years ago!”
“What you’re saying is common knowledge. Indeed, without the earlier ZH, there wouldn’t be today’s Zhuomei. But the business world isn’t about sentimentality. You simply didn’t play this capital game well and must bear the consequences.”
Weiran fell into a long silence. The cold wind numbed my entire face, but I endured and waited…
Finally, Weiran spoke again: “You’re right. In this capital game, I’ve been utterly defeated. But I was only beaten by myself. Once the group completes the final asset liquidation, I’ll take the money I get from Zhuomei and go to the U.S. One day, I will rise again.”
“I hope you succeed.”
Weiran took a deep puff of his cigarette and said, “These years I’ve relied on my wealthy background and made too many mistakes. Perhaps in others’ eyes, people like me can indulge in the pleasure of squandering money endlessly and shouldn’t have worries. But behind us, there are also our parents’ expectant and disappointed eyes. In the past, I always ignored everything because of unattainable love. Only when I was completely defeated did I realize how foolish I was. So I should try to let go; maybe then I would feel much lighter.”
After a pause, he seemed to make a decision and said to me: “I hope you will treat her well. If you ever betray her, your soul will suffer severe punishment!”
Weiran’s clearly American way of expression didn’t annoy me. I nodded and said, “Being good to her is my lifelong responsibility. If I betray her, I would willingly let my soul fall into eternal damnation.”
“You dare to make a promise with your soul. I believe you are a person of faith. Then I won’t withhold my blessings. I wish you happiness and especially hope that you can give her a complete family. In her heart, perhaps the completeness of a family outweighs love itself.”
“Thank you for the reminder, and I also hope to hear news of your resurgence in the U.S. someday.”
…
My conversation with Weiran ended after that cigarette. He left before me, seemingly in the blink of an eye, while I remained nearby searching for my car. Thus, this odd separation seemed to tear through the thick night, making the snow fall even more recklessly.
As I walked away, I realized I had gone the wrong way because my car was parked on the opposite block. Originally not far apart, my absentmindedness created a significant distance. I felt discouraged and sat at the bus stop, planning to rest a while before heading to where my car was parked.
Once the body becomes still, the mind often becomes more active in reverse. Weiran, someone not particularly close to me, became clearer after this meeting. He was different now, unlike his past self—less arrogant, more reflective. Perhaps this growth brought by the disaster would become his most valuable asset in the future. In my opinion, he was gradually recognizing the reality of himself and society. I actually felt a bit excited, anticipating whether he could make a comeback in the future, and I wouldn’t withhold my blessings, hoping he could complete his transformation through this major change.
His choice to leave ultimately distanced him from my story, but this was absolutely not my regret. On the contrary, I should thank his choice, which made it possible for Mi Cai and me to be together smoothly. The obstacles and separations he once imposed on us were also a kind of disaster, but we had already learned to grow through this disaster, so we still stayed together, striving toward marriage without plans to separate again.
…
That night, I returned home, resting briefly until the light of dawn filled my room. Sitting on the bed, I fully opened the half-closed curtain, and the sun truly appeared in my sight. It was so round, seemingly symbolizing a kind of completeness. The snow on the ground was also considerate; it melted quickly, turning into water that nourished this city that had been dry for a long time. Everything became so soft. In this softness, I thought of Leyao’s upcoming wedding, and gradually, her image in a wedding dress became clearer…
I picked up my phone from the bedside. My mood didn’t need any buildup as I naturally dialed Leyao’s number. It was time to remind her to get up…
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