A Letter from Keanu Reeves

For a long time, Tan Youming was in a foul mood. Chen Wan no longer appeared at the gatherings of the young masters, yet his name kept coming up, along with updates on his life. Later, Zhao Shengge simply stopped attending.

He wasn’t an important person, like a leaf that accidentally drifted through the window, unable to leave a significant or lasting impression on Zhao Shengge’s heart. Gradually, it seemed that he was no longer even remembered.

Zhao Shengge was incredibly busy. Though he was low-key, he was decisive in his actions. The project for the Bolly Bay Dock quickly commenced. It was rumored that nearly a hundred companies in Haishi wanted to invest, but in the end, only the Shen family, the Jiang family, and the Xu family managed to claim a share, leaving even the Zhuo family out.

Among these, there were many speculations about the Xu family, saying that the Xu family’s young lady truly had extraordinary charm.

Zhao Shengge remained cautious about Haishi’s economy. If given a choice, he preferred collaborating with the mainland. The mainland’s economy was stable, supported by policies, and when necessary, strongly regulated.

After a meeting in Minglong Tower, the three men exited the conference room together. Shen Zongnian glanced at his phone and said, “He Shengyuan agreed. Next Wednesday night at 9 o’clock, Xiaotan Mountain.”

He Shengyuan was the shipping tycoon of Haishi, later expanding to Europe by developing trade routes in the Netherlands.

To build docks and ports at Bolly Bay, one couldn’t avoid dealing with this man.

Shen Zongnian added, “From the sound of it, he’s planning to bring some people along.”

Informal meetings often worked this way—having mutual friends or industry veterans present made discussions easier and negotiations more flexible.

“We should bring people too,” Tan Youming suggested. If He Shengyuan’s group came in droves and they only showed up with two or three people, it wouldn’t look good. Plus, “He Shengyuan enjoys lively gatherings.”

“Too bad—” Tan Youming crossed one leg over the other. “No matter how lively he is, can he outdo me?”

Shen Zongnian: “…”

Zhao Shengge had been back in Haishi for quite some time now. Unlike his early days when he stood apart from the crowd, he simply reminded, “Just don’t bring anyone unreliable.”

Tan Youming, who was celebrated in Haishi for his popularity and diverse social circle, often mingled with people from all walks of life. However, Zhao Shengge, with his high standards, seldom approved.

“Click,” Tan Youming tutted in annoyance, unsure what Zhao Shengge considered “reliable.” He personally thought he was quite dependable, but knowing Zhao Shengge would disagree, he directly asked, “Who do you think is reliable?”

Zhao Shengge looked at him, quite serious. “I thought inviting people was your job.”

“…”

Even the usually reticent Shen Zongnian chimed in, suggesting, “How about Chen Wan?”

Wherever Chen Wan was, the atmosphere would naturally improve. Any nakedly tense negotiations would be blanketed by an illusion of harmony, which could be highly advantageous. Conversations often flowed much smoother as a result.

Chen Wan didn’t talk much, but he always had this uncanny ability to set the right tone.

Zhao Shengge paused, then asked, “Are there other options?”

Tan Youming immediately poked his head out from behind Shen Zongnian’s shoulder, enthusiastically agreeing, “Nope. I don’t know anyone more reliable than him.”

Without offering an opinion, Zhao Shengge fell silent for a moment before softly saying, “If he’s busy, we can consider someone else.”

Forcing someone or putting them in a difficult position was meaningless.

Tan Youming gave him a perplexed look, feeling that he was once again putting on a show of false magnanimity. Dismissing the idea of asking anyone else, Tan directly called Chen Wan. His secretary answered, saying that Chen Wan was in a meeting.

Unfazed, Tan called Zhuo Zhixuan instead. Zhuo was at his own hotel and said, “I’ll ask him later, but he’s been busy lately, so he might not be able to come.”

Chen Wan was the kind of person who seemed available at a moment’s notice but only because he was willing. Otherwise, no one could force him to do something he didn’t want to do.

Out of genuine concern, Tan Youming asked, “Busy with what? Need any help?” His tone carried a hint of sincerity. Over time, his initial respect for Chen Wan due to Zhuo Zhixuan had transformed into genuine appreciation and acceptance.

Tan Youming’s friendships didn’t depend on family background or social status. He only cared whether someone was interesting and clicked with him.

Zhuo Zhixuan, unaware that Tan Youming and Zhao Shengge were together—or that Tan had put him on speakerphone—replied with his usual candor, “He’s busy with blind dates. Preparing to become the son-in-law of an oil tycoon.”

Tan Youming burst out laughing. “Ah, that old fox Xu Qihua really has good taste. And don’t you dare say anything bad about it—his daughter was my classmate in German. That girl’s a riot. She and Chen Wan would be a perfect match. When the time comes, tell him to send us invitations. I’ll make sure to give a big red envelope.”

Zhuo Zhixuan said, “I’ll be sure to pass that along.”

After hanging up, Tan looked up and asked Zhao Shengge what they should eat for lunch. Zhao seemed lost in thought.

“Zhao Shengge?” Tan called again.

Zhao shook his head, brushing past him as he softly said, “Eat by yourself. I need to work.”

Tan, confused, glanced at Shen Zongnian. “Even workaholics need lunch.”

Shen Zongnian cast a look at Zhao Shengge but said nothing.

Back in his office, Zhao Shengge didn’t feel hungry. He intended to dive straight back into work—something that had become his norm.

Recently, Chen Wan was indeed very busy. Kexiang was bidding on an incredibly important project, facing significant challenges, and Chen Wan needed to pull some strings to get things moving.

“When it rains, it pours.”Recently, things haven’t been going smoothly for Chen Wan—Song Qingmiao has started causing him trouble again.

Song Qingmiao met Xu Enyi at a flower arrangement workshop. Xu Enyi complimented her jade bracelet, and that simple comment sparked a connection.

Song Qingmiao wasn’t very old and looked even younger than her age. Between women, once there’s a spark, it doesn’t take long to hit it off.

“This was custom-made during my son’s business trip,” Song Qingmiao explained. Chen Wan had picked out the raw jade himself at a mine in the Northwest. It wasn’t extremely valuable, but the craftsmanship was exquisite.

Xu Enyi smiled warmly. “He’s very thoughtful and has great taste. This design isn’t from a mold.”

Song Qingmiao didn’t dwell on the time and effort Chen Wan had invested in her gift. Instead, her smiling eyes fixated on Xu Enyi, and she said with a double meaning, “He really is a good kid—and quite handsome too.”

Ever since learning that Xu Enyi belonged to that Xu family, Song Qingmiao had set her sights on her.

Xu Enyi wasn’t shy at all. “Oh? Do you have a photo? Let me see.” As an art major, she appreciated aesthetics, and attractive men were rare these days.

Song Qingmiao pulled out her phone and opened her photo album. After a glance, Xu Enyi remarked frankly, “Very handsome, refined and classy.”

Song Qingmiao’s face lit up with joy. “Next time I’ll have him pick me up. You young people can get to know each other.”

Xu Enyi nodded casually. “Sure.”

That evening, Song Qingmiao eagerly shared the news with Chen Wan. He was silent for several seconds. There were so many things he wanted to say, but knowing that Song Qingmiao wouldn’t listen, he simply replied, “Sorry, I probably won’t have time.”

It wasn’t an excuse—he genuinely didn’t have time. The project he was working on was still far from being secured, and he was completely swamped.

Besides, Song Qingmiao’s naivety and unrealistic schemes often left him speechless. She didn’t seem to grasp how unreasonable her requests were, yet she clung to them stubbornly. To her, if Chen Wan didn’t meet Xu Enyi, it would be a monumental loss.

But she didn’t consider what kind of family the Xus were or how easily they could see through her intentions.

The Chen family had been embroiled in infighting lately, with the second and third branches secretly making moves. Song Qingmiao was beginning to feel anxious herself. She snapped at Chen Wan, “Whenever I ask you to accompany me, you just say you don’t have time!”

Chen Wan, exhausted from working late nights and red-eyed from staring at screens, bit down on his cigarette and asked in a low voice, “Do you really just want me to accompany you?”

He had willingly spent a lot of time and money on her and had even suggested multiple times that she move out of the Chen family home to live with him or let him buy her a new place.

Despite her naivety, selfishness, and occasional absurdity, Song Qingmiao was his only remaining blood relative in the world. Chen Wan still wanted to treat her well.

But she had flatly rejected all his offers.

Song Qingmiao was adept at manipulating men, even her own son. She softened her tone, rare for her, and said somewhat earnestly, “Baby, you know what my life was like before. You haven’t forgotten your childhood, have you?”

“I haven’t forgotten,” Chen Wan replied. He felt both disappointed and a little heartbroken. After a moment’s pause, he asked, “But do you want me to follow the same path?”

“What do you mean?” Song Qingmiao’s tone instantly turned cold. “Are you looking down on me? Chen Wan, if it weren’t for me—”

“No!” Chen Wan interrupted her. “Of course not.”

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”

It wasn’t his place to judge the grudges and disputes of the previous generation. As her son, he had no right to speak to his mother that way.

He only wanted to hold on to what he believed was right. Calming himself, Chen Wan softened his voice and apologized again. “I’m really sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”

Song Qingmiao let out a faint scoff.

Chen Wan carefully chose his words. “I just think… we could completely leave that kind of life behind.”

There was no need to feign cordiality, trade dignity for power and profit, or live in constant fear of schemes and betrayals. Life could be simpler, purer.

Song Qingmiao, however, snapped in frustration, “Leave it behind? You’re still so immature. What ability do you have to leave it behind? All you know how to do is escape.”

Chen Wan smiled bitterly for a moment. He no longer held any illusions about her understanding him. “Yes, you’re right. I’m sorry I haven’t lived up to your expectations.”

Song Qingmiao wanted to say more, but someone on Chen Wan’s end called for him. The call ended on a sour note.

His business partner entered and said, “Shi Zhangmin has responded—he’s willing to meet you for dinner.”

Chen Wan finally smiled. “That’s great.”

Han Jin frowned and sighed. “Cut back on the cigarettes. After drinking yourself into that state the other day, you should take better care of yourself. Don’t rely on your youth to power through—you’ll ruin your body.”

Chen Wan stubbed out his cigarette and smiled faintly. “It’s fine.” The pressure was overwhelming. Without some way to release it, his mind might just shut down.