Regret gnawed at Chang Jin. This was a mistake. Though not all eight had been invited, Qin Rong had invited herself.
"Rongrong didn’t mean it," Qin Ruiwen interceded, aware of his sister’s crush on Wei Jing.
"I didn’t know this was your brother’s place!" Qin Rong pouted.
"Let’s get inside." Ren Boying, the eldest and most dependable of the group, shouldered his bag and clapped Wei Jing’s shoulder.
Wei Jing’s expression softened. "Brother Ren, welcome."
"This place must have something special, right?" Ren Boying knew Wei Jing wouldn’t bring them to just any farmstead.
"You’ll see." Wei Jing reached for Ren Boying’s luggage, but he waved him off.
"What’s so special about some rural farm?" Qin Rong muttered.
The answer came swiftly. Ascending the bamboo house’s steps, they were greeted by two pots of vibrant Sanse Shiba Xueshi camellias in full bloom.
[三色十八学士 (sān sè shíbā xuéshì): A rare, prized camellia cultivar with tricolor petals, symbolizing refinement]
"These are stunning! My grandfather would love them." Meng Fan circled the flowers eagerly.
"Just weeds. Tacky colors," Qin Rong sniffed.
"Shut up if you’re clueless," Tang Yu snapped.
Inside, a cozy living area awaited—antique furniture, elegant orchids, all modern fixtures artfully concealed. The ambiance transported them to an ancient pastoral retreat.
Four bedrooms per house meant no sharing. "Keys here. Sort yourselves out," Wei Jing said.
"Perfect! Your friend’s so thoughtful," Tang Yu beamed.
"More surprises await. Freshen up, dinner’s next. Tonight’s barbecue will win you over." Wei Jing was confident they’d come around.
"Bro-brother Wei… Are these orchids real?" Meng Fan stammered, gaping at the exquisite blooms.
"Yes, all the orchids my grandfather sold were grown by Jiajia." Wei Jing had anticipated their shock.
"Each pot here must be worth at least tens of thousands, right? Your friend is incredible." Meng Fan was utterly stunned.
"At least 100,000 yuan, with the most expensive ones exceeding a million. So look but don’t touch, I don’t want anything damaged." Wei Jing warned.
"How is that possible? This has to be an exaggeration!" Qin Rong refused to believe these flowers could be so valuable.
Chang Jin, never one to miss a chance to clash with Qin Rong, shot back, "If you’re ignorant, keep quiet. No need to advertise your stupidity."
Yang Jiabo no longer needed money, so he rarely sold his orchids. Cultivating them had become a hobby. He decorated rooms with them not to show off but simply because he liked their beauty.
Wei Jing had suggested using more common varieties, but Yang Jiabo didn’t care. He genuinely valued Wei Jing’s friends and wanted to offer them the best. Wei Jing appreciated the gesture, but the group’s initial rudeness had soured the mood, leaving him feeling guilty.
After settling everyone in, Wei Jing returned to Yang Jiabo’s bamboo house, only to find him absent—likely still at the restaurant. He rejoined his friends and chatted with Ren Boying. They planned to co-found a company, and Wei Jing had already shared the proposal.
"Your ideas are solid and feasible. But why partner with me? You have the skills and resources to start your own firm."
"Brother Ren, I trust you, that’s one reason. Also, I want someone to share the load. I refuse to chain myself to work. Relentless grind might bring wealth and success, but what kind of life is that? Everyone needs personal time for hobbies or just unwinding." Wei Jing’s years abroad had influenced his outlook.
But Yang Jiabo’s pursuit of tranquility had impacted him most. Gradually, he’d grown fond of the peaceful rhythm of life here. Still young and ambitious, he couldn’t fully embrace pastoral living, yet he no longer saw nonstop work as the only path.
"Understood. Looking forward to working together." Ren Boying extended his hand. The proposal intrigued him, and Wei Jing’s competence made partnership appealing.
"Likewise." Wei Jing shook it firmly. "But no work talk during the trip. Relax, we’ll have plenty to handle later."
"I admire your approach. Maybe I should learn from you." Ren Boying chuckled.
"Brother Wei, what’s for lunch? The last two days were a nightmare—bad food, worse sleep." Meng Fan, the youngest, whined childishly.
"You’ll see." Truthfully, Wei Jing didn’t know what Yang Jiabo had prepared.
"The rooms are amazing. Hope the food matches, or this trip’s a waste."
"Whose idea was the road trip?"
"Chang Jin’s! He scored that Hummer and had to show it off. I’m flying back, he can drive alone."
"Traitor." Chang Jin emerged, dripping wet, and tackled Meng Fan, shaking water onto him.
"Ugh, get off!" Meng Fan shoved futilely as Chang Jin clung like a leech.
Wei Jing exchanged a sympathetic glance with Ren Boying. "Rough journey?"
"Tang Yu managed them."
"Meng-three-year-old, Chang-five-year-old, olanning to flunk kindergarten forever?" Tang Yu smiled sweetly, but her eyes glinted.
"Sister Tang, we’re innocent!" The duo straightened instantly.
Outsiders saw them as sharp-tongued professionals. In private? Total man-children.
"Check if the others are ready." Wei Jing said.
"Pass. Qin Ruiwen’s fine, but his plus-one is insufferable." Meng Fan slouched.
"Qin Rong acts like the world revolves around her. Thank god she’s not into me. Sister Tang is way better—smart, capable, and gorgeous. Keep it in the family, one of you marry her!" Chang Jin’s gaze bounced between Wei Jing and Ren Boying.
Tang Yu flushed and flicked his forehead. "Think I’m desperate? Stop matchmaking!"
"Sister Tang, snag a good man fast. Otherwise, they’ll all be taken...or gay." Chang Jin sighed dramatically.
"Relax. If I’m single forever, I’ll settle for you." She smirked.
"...Wait, seriously?" Chang Jin paled.
"Dead serious."
"HA! Serves you right!" Meng Fan howled.
"But you just called me an immature two-faced brat!"
"Exactly. Better than some controlling guy." Tang Yu huffed. Was she that scary?
"You said it." Chang Jin turned to the others. "Witnesses! Hold her to it."
Meng Fan gaped. "What just happened?"
"Sister Tang, since you’re clearly unmarriageable, let’s pair up. Dating with intent to wed. Engage by year-end, marry next year, kids the following—" Chang Jin rattled off, painting their future with alarming speed.
Meng Fan’s jaw hit the floor. Tang Yu short-circuited. Had she just been proposed to? Wei Jing and Ren Boying shared an amused look.
"You set me up?" Tang Yu finally processed.
"Nope. You proposed. They’ll back me up." Chang Jin blinked innocently.
"That’s not—I never—!"
"Too late. You’re my girlfriend, my future wife."
"Ugh! I’m getting the others." She stormed out.
"Tang-tang, wait up!" Chang Jin chased her.
"Who’s ‘Tang-tang’? Disgusting!" Her voice carried back.
"What... just happened?" Meng Fan remained shell-shocked.
No comments:
Post a Comment