Switch Mode

ELEY Chapter 10.2

The next day, when Jiang Nan sat up in bed, Zeng Yu was already gone.

She drew back the curtains to reveal a sunny day.

On the nightstand was a set of clean clothes, meaning Zeng Yu had gone back to the old house to get a change of clothes.

How could this man be so thoughtful? Why didn’t he leave a note before leaving? Jiang Nan wondered as she got ready for the day.

Fully dressed, she noticed a text message on her phone: “An emergency came up at work, so I can’t be with you. The car keys are on the coffee table. Drive safely.”

Jiang Nan called Zeng Yu right away. “What’s the emergency at work? Do you need me to come over?”

Zeng Yu laughed. “No need, I’ve got it under control. Three western restaurants decided to purchase Sophie after the wine tasting. Along with Feixuan Restaurant, we now have confirmed orders for 1,500 bottles. It’s mid-month, so supplying these four restaurants, we should have a total of 3,000 bottles sold by the end of the month. The sales team is still expanding the market, aiming for 5,000 bottles next month and 10,000 by the end of the year.”

Jiang Nan was pleasantly surprised. “Sophie’s annual production is only about 180,000 bottles. At this rate, in two years, we won’t have to worry about sales anymore. The brand is doing well in foreign markets too, though the profit margin is low. We should focus on the domestic market moving forward.”

“The sales team is very motivated. You should rest now, I’m hanging up.”

After hanging up with Zeng Yu, Jiang Nan’s phone rang again.

Seeing that it was Han Jiayi, she quickly answered. “Mom, I’m heading straight to the hospital.”

Han Jiayi, who was about to say something, held back and simply said, “Hurry up, I’ve already scheduled with the doctor.”

Jiang Nan arrived at the hospital just in time. Han Jiayi had been waiting. “Dr. Jiang is the head of neurosurgery and a nationally renowned specialist. Today was supposed to be his day off, but I asked him to come in. Be sure to thank him when you see him.”

“You don’t have that much pull; this is all thanks to Grandpa.” Jiang Nan whispered.

Han Jiayi flicked her forehead. “If you’re so influential, why didn’t you get him to come?”

Jiang Nan quickly zipped her lips and smiled, accompanying her mother inside.

It wasn’t until the end of the workday that Zeng Yu finally finished everything.

At that moment, his phone rang urgently.

Jiang Nan’s voice sounded strange. “Are you still at the office? I’m sending a document with Yuan Lei for you to sign.”

Zeng Yu didn’t question it and simply smiled. “Got it. Take care of yourself.”

On the other end, after hanging up, Jiang Nan covered her mouth with her hand to muffle her sobs.

When Yuan Lei arrived at the office, Zeng Yu noticed how pale she looked and thought it was because of the late-night party. He even reminded her, “Sister Yuan, take care of your health. No more late nights.”

As he spoke, he signed the document Yuan Lei had brought.

Yuan Lei forced a smile. “Thanks for the concern. I’m leaving now. You should get off work early too.”

Zeng Yu smiled. “I’m fine, just waiting for Jiang Nan’s call.”

Yuan Lei opened her mouth as if to say something, but in the end, she just turned and left.

Even after dark, Zeng Yu hadn’t heard from Jiang Nan. Thinking she might have gotten caught up in something, he tidied up and prepared to head home. Before leaving, he sent Jiang Nan a message: “I’m heading home. Call me if anything comes up.”

For some reason, Zeng Yu couldn’t shake a feeling of unease, though he didn’t know why. It felt like something bad was looming, and while his instincts were often accurate, he hoped they were wrong this time.

Jiang Nan didn’t reply.

Back at his apartment, Zeng Yu sent another message, and this time, Jiang Nan responded: “Sorry, didn’t see your earlier message. I’m busy, don’t worry. Just rest early and don’t overwork yourself.”

At that moment, a heavy cloud hung over the Jiang family’s living room.

Jiang Ziliu clenched his fists and made a decisive statement: “I’ve already contacted friends in the U.S., and everything is arranged. The sooner we leave, the better. Tonight, we go.”

Han Jiayi didn’t hesitate, standing up immediately. “I’ll pack the bags.”

Jiang Ziliu added, “Just take a few changes of clothes. We can buy everything else there.”

Jiang Nan appeared calm as she stood by the window, staring at the streetlights outside.

As love was just beginning to bloom, before she had the chance to savor it, disaster struck. Was this a test from the heavens?

Jiang Ziliu gently stroked his daughter’s back. “Are you sure you don’t want to tell him?”

Jiang Nan shook her head firmly. “I won’t tell him. I don’t want to use love to tie him down. Even if I did, it wouldn’t change anything.”

Jiang Ziliu thought to himself, You just don’t want him to suffer, silly girl.

A moment later, Han Jiayi came down with two bags, calling out, “Everything’s ready. We can leave right away.”

Jiang Nan turned around and forced a smile at her mother. “Let’s eat first. I’m hungry.”

Jiang Ziliu nodded. “Yes, yes, let’s eat first.”

The family of three sat down and picked up their bowls.

Unlike usual, Jiang Nan didn’t eat with much appetite, taking small, slow bites. Normally, Han Jiayi would tease her, saying, “Are you counting rice grains?” But today, Han Jiayi chewed her food in big mouthfuls, pretending to enjoy it. In reality, she tasted nothing but the salt of her own tears.

Jiang Ziliu tried his best to stay composed. He couldn’t afford to lose his cool now.

In the departure lounge for the night flight, Jiang Nan tried to appear calm, but inside, her heart was in agony.

The reason Jiang Nan hadn’t told Zeng Yu was something only she understood. She knew Zeng Yu too well. If she told him, he would drop everything to stay with her. But what lay ahead was full of uncertainty. Since there was risk, she decided to bear it alone.

“What’s wrong?” Han Jiayi had been watching her.

Jiang Nan shook her head. “Nothing.” She quickly took out her phone and started typing, only to stop moments later, mumbling to herself, “I’ll wait until I get the results.”

A breeze blew in through the window, bringing with it a few raindrops.

Zeng Yu glanced up at the window. It was raining.

He got up to close the window, stretched a bit, and picked up his phone, only to find no new messages.

Zeng Yu called Jiang Nan’s number directly, but the response he got was, “Sorry, the number you dialed is out of service. Please try again later.”

Half an hour later, Zeng Yu tried again, but got the same message.

An ominous feeling settled in his chest.

The next morning, Zeng Yu went to work as usual. He tried calling Jiang Nan a few more times but got the same response each time.

A strong feeling hit Zeng Yu, one he couldn’t shake—he might be losing Jiang Nan. Was it really happening? He didn’t dare dwell on it.

Zeng Yu dialed Yuan Lei’s number. On the other end, Yuan Lei picked up the ringing phone as if it were a hot iron and quickly tossed it onto the bed.

Wang Chengfu walked in from the doorway and handed her the phone. “Avoiding it won’t solve anything.”

Yuan Lei took a few deep breaths, trying to keep her voice steady. “Zeng Yu? What’s up? Jiang Nan? I don’t know where she is. Her phone isn’t working? I haven’t been able to reach her either. Maybe she’s out of the country?”

Yuan Lei couldn’t help but let a hint of truth slip out.

Just as Zeng Yu began to sense something was wrong, Li Geng knocked and entered. “President Zeng, we’ve secured another client. They’ll be here shortly.”

Zeng Yu hung up the phone and stood up. “Well done, let’s go meet the client together.”

After a busy day, Zeng Yu was exhausted but felt a surge of excitement. The Michelin-starred Feixuan Restaurant had proven to be a powerful endorsement, convincing several clients to place orders without hesitation after hearing that Sophie was the restaurant’s wine of choice. Zeng Yu had been driving all day, personally visiting each client.

The day’s success was significant, and Zeng Yu wished he could share it with someone—but he couldn’t reach Jiang Nan.

Before dinner, Zeng Yu received a call from Wang Zheng. He quickly bought a basket of fruit and drove to a high-end villa complex. As he parked, he saw Ye Xiyan helping Wang Zheng stand on the steps, waiting for him.

When Zeng Yu arrived, Wang Zheng teased, “You only brought a fruit basket? You’re visiting an injured person, you should’ve brought a good bottle of wine or a couple of packs of cigarettes.”

Ye Xiyan pinched his waist, making Wang Zheng wince in pain.

Zeng Yu walked up. “You’re lucky to have someone as kind as Yezi who forgave you. You don’t deserve to be pampered like a king.”

Ye Xiyan took the fruit basket from him. “You guys chat. I’ll be in the kitchen. I’ve got soup simmering.”

“In less than half a month, I’ll be a married man.” Wang Zheng looked at Ye Xiyan’s back with a gentle gaze.

“I’m truly happy for you both.” Zeng Yu smiled and patted Wang Zheng on the shoulder.

“Enough about us. What about you? How are things with Jiang Nan?” Wang Zheng asked with concern.

Zeng Yu hesitated for a moment, then said lightly, “I might be in trouble. Jiang Nan lied to me about something. Even though I don’t mind, it’s still a hurdle we’ll have to get over.”

“In what way?” Wang Zheng, now much calmer, didn’t jump to conclusions.

“Remember that day I came back wearing a Dior outfit? Jiang Nan said her family was ordinary, but it turns out she lives in a top-tier neighborhood. I only found out on her birthday.” Zeng Yu’s voice was heavy as he spoke.

Wang Zheng looked Zeng Yu up and down before finally blurting out, “What’s so great about you? How did you manage to land a super-rich beauty who lives in a top-tier neighborhood? Where’s the justice in that?”

Zeng Yu wasn’t in the mood for jokes. “If you weren’t injured, I’d definitely punch you.”

“You’re worried about her family, right? There’s an easy solution—just get in the car and let them deal with the consequences later.” Wang Zheng offered an idea.

Zeng Yu shook his head with a bitter smile. “I shouldn’t have discussed this with you. You never have any good ideas.”

During dinner, Zeng Yu was somewhat distracted, often lost in thought. Wang Zheng noticed and subtly signaled Ye Xiyan with his eyes.

After dinner, Ye Xiyan shooed them off to the study and brought in two cups of tea. “You two have a chat.”

“Are you unable to reach her?” Wang Zheng’s face was full of concern.

Zeng Yu nodded. “Yes, I’ve tried calling, but it doesn’t go through. Yuan Lei said she might have gone abroad. But I have a bad feeling—something’s definitely wrong.”

Wang Zheng hesitated for a moment before asking, “Have you met her parents?”

Zeng Yu shook his head.

Wang Zheng sighed. “I remember that day you came back wearing a Dior outfit. That outfit was a gift from Jiang Nan, right?”

Zeng Yu nodded. “Yes, Yuan Lei said it was bought from a supermarket for 80 yuan. It must have been Jiang Nan’s idea, thinking I wouldn’t accept it otherwise. I don’t want you to misunderstand Jiang Nan. Even if she’s been lying to me, I won’t hold it against her.”

There was one more thing Zeng Yu didn’t say. He had seen how much Jiang Nan had done for him during their time together.

“I understand. Jiang Nan is a good girl. Even if she lied to you, you wouldn’t hold it against her.” Wang Zheng felt that Zeng Yu wouldn’t listen to anything right now. Love is a matter between two people, and outsiders shouldn’t interfere.

At that moment, Zeng Yu’s phone rang. He glanced at the number and hesitated before answering. “Yes, this is Zeng Yu.”

On the other end was Xiao Xiao, her tone light and cheerful. “I’ve found a new job and got a new phone number. I just wanted to let you know. By the way, I can’t reach Jiang Nan. Do you think something’s happened?”

Zeng Yu’s face stiffened, and he replied in a low voice, “No, she probably went abroad. Try calling her in a few days.”

After hanging up, Zeng Yu checked the time and stood up. “It’s getting late, I should head back. I have work tomorrow.”

Wang Zheng looked at him. “Zeng Yu, remember this: if you ever face any difficulty, no matter what it is, you must tell me.”

Zeng Yu forced a smile, nodded, and turned to leave.

After a moment, Ye Xiyan entered and saw Wang Zheng sitting there, smoking. She quietly walked over and hugged his head. “Don’t worry, everything will be okay.”

Wang Zheng smiled bitterly. “I know, but Zeng Yu’s personality… I’m afraid he won’t be able to handle another emotional blow. He’s a bit stubborn.”

Another day passed, and Zeng Yu still hadn’t received any news from Jiang Nan. After three days of not being able to reach her, Zeng Yu’s heart sank to rock bottom.

That ominous feeling grew stronger.

Before leaving work, Zeng Yu noticed a package delivered by the courier, apparently sent by Yuan Lei. He had no mood to open it.

His phone vibrated on the desk, and when Zeng Yu picked it up, he smiled with relief. It was a message from Jiang Nan.

The days of frustration disappeared in an instant.

But when he opened the message, he found a long block of text.

Zeng Yu, my love!

As I write this, my feelings are incredibly mixed. But I have to continue, so please read on patiently.

First of all, I must admit that I deceived you. I’m not from an ordinary family, and our collaboration was just a game I played to prove myself. But I was wrong from the start. I thought I could resist your charm. I didn’t expect to fall so deeply.

Secondly, I want you to know that my love for you is genuine. Every second we spent together will become the most beautiful memories, sustaining me in the future.

I don’t want to leave you, not even for a moment. But something beyond my control has happened, forcing me to leave.

I know that at this point, any words would be empty and won’t lessen the pain I’ve caused you, not even a little.

I’ve already transferred Jiang Yu Company to your name. All the paperwork has been completed, and you should have received the documents by now.

I’m not going to make any excuses for leaving, but I do want to say one thing: if possible, wait for me for three years.

If you can’t wait three years, I won’t hold it against you.

After sending this message, I won’t contact you again, and you won’t be able to reach me either.

Lastly, I’m sorry. I promised to spend New Year’s with you, but I’m breaking that promise. Please send my regards to your parents.

After reading the message, Zeng Yu felt as if he had been struck by lightning. He sat in his chair, feeling an unbearable weight in his chest, staring at his phone, unable to believe what he had just read.

Zeng Yu grabbed his phone and shakily scrolled to Jiang Nan’s number. He stared at her name, but his thumb felt as heavy as a thousand pounds, unable to press the call button.

He slowly stood up and walked to the window, shouting out, “Why can’t we face this together?”

After venting, Zeng Yu muttered to himself, “Three years… Fine, three years. I trust you. I can wait.”

Autumn passed, winter arrived, and before long, the end of the year was here.

On the morning of December 26, Zeng Yu announced that the company was on holiday. He returned to his office, where the screen still showed Jiang Nan’s smiling face.

The phone rang, and when Zeng Yu saw it was his mother, he quickly answered. “Mom, I just went on holiday, and I’ll drive home tomorrow. Yes, don’t worry, I’ll be careful on the road. Jiang Nan? She’s gone abroad for studies. Yes, three years. We keep in touch regularly. Yes, don’t worry, she won’t run away. Okay, we’ll talk more when I get home.”

After hanging up, Zeng Yu sat at his desk, staring at the computer screen. Whenever the screensaver came on, he would shake the mouse, and time slipped by without him noticing.

It wasn’t until someone knocked on the door that Zeng Yu finally turned his head.

The janitor gestured that it was time to clean, so Zeng Yu turned off his computer, got up, and left.

The car was Jiang Nan’s BMW X3. She was gone, but the car remained. Zeng Yu drove off, and when he saw the cinema sign ahead, he turned the wheel.

It was the same theater, and today’s screening had only one audience member—Zeng Yu.

After entering, he randomly found a seat. The movie started, and the light from the screen reflected off Zeng Yu’s stern face. At some point, tears had begun to stream down his cheeks.

He didn’t register a single detail of the movie.

“Coward!” a voice suddenly rang out, startling Zeng Yu, who jumped up as if electrocuted.

He turned around, but all he saw were rows of empty seats.


Be my Patron ~ Buy me Ko-Fi
✨Be a part of the story – support my translations✨
✨Buy me some Ko-FI | Paypal to support my effort✨
✨✨Advance chapter at Patreon✨✨

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is patreon.png

Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Ads Blocker Image Powered by Code Help Pro

Ads Blocker Detected!!!

We have detected that you are using extensions to block ads. Please support us by disabling these ads blocker.

Powered By
Best Wordpress Adblock Detecting Plugin | CHP Adblock

Options

not work with dark mode
Reset