Chapter 58: That Thin Veil of Truth

The Dynasty Hotel’s top-floor hall glittered with splendor, alive with celebration. Everywhere, tower-shaped firs draped in bells and exquisite little gift boxes stood tall. Large posters of Santa Claus, his nose red with drink, riding a sleigh, adorned the walls and pillars, while tufts of cotton mimicked drifting snow. Dozens of tables were surrounded by fashionable young men and women, all dressed in finery and radiating self-importance; almost everyone present belonged to the privileged, well-heeled youth.

Fang Xiong had reserved an excellent spot, nestled among rare winter-blooming potted trees. From here, he could survey the festivities outside without being observed in return. Compared to the noisy hall, this elegant corner offered a welcome tranquility.

Fang Xiong, accustomed to the grandest occasions, was taken aback by Kang Ning’s composed posture and subtle, graceful manners—so much so that it seemed almost incredible. Dressed in a silvery-gray suit, Kang Ning’s already handsome features appeared all the more refined and striking. When he entered the office in that suit, both women present had been momentarily stunned; though they had chosen the suit for him after he’d been injured rescuing someone, they’d never seen him wear it. Had Lu Jing not impulsively reached out to take Kang Ning’s hand, her eyes shining with warmth and intimacy, Fang Xiong might have regretted extending his invitation.

With elegant nonchalance, Fang Xiong dabbed his already-clean mouth with a pristine napkin and, full of admiration, said to Kang Ning, “Brother Wu, you never cease to surprise me. If I hadn’t seen you at the factory this afternoon, I would have taken you for the scion of a prominent family—a young aristocrat, every gesture impeccable. Where did you learn such flawless manners?”

Kang Ning smiled lightly. “Thank you, Mr. Fang, for your kind words. I never studied etiquette; as a child, my father rebuked me constantly, making me cautious in everything I do. Coming to such an upscale place tonight, surrounded by so many accomplished people, I’m even more wary of acting out of place. To be honest, I’m still quite uneasy inside.”

Zheng Yi offered an explanation to Fang Xiong: “During our previous conversation, I learned that Xiao Wu’s father is a renowned traditional physician. I imagine their family instilled excellent discipline. Ah—these days, so few young people hold fast to tradition.”

Fang Xiong feigned sudden understanding, laughed, and raised his glass to Kang Ning, who responded politely. Lu Jing, a little annoyed at Fang Xiong’s affectation and worried Kang Ning might be hurt, deliberately leaned in close and offered Kang Ning a toast with gentle affection.

Fang Xiong noted the scene with a faint smile, his tone leisurely and dignified as he made remarks about their harmonious pairing—words that made Lu Jing secretly delighted and unable to contain her joy.

Yet in truth, Fang Xiong’s feelings were complicated. On one hand, he was relieved: any lingering anxiety that this young man might one day have something with his wife was now dispelled. He knew his wife’s character well—she would never betray a friend. On the other hand, Lu Jing’s beauty was every bit the equal of his wife’s, her mature allure coupled with a unique personal charm that far surpassed any woman Fang Xiong had met, his own wife included. Zheng Yi, after all, had been voted the most beautiful woman at their university for four consecutive years. In some ways, Lu Jing even outshone her. Yet, faced with such a rare woman, all Fang Xiong could do was harbor a secret longing, never daring to reach out.

Fang Xiong himself was a distinguished scion of a prominent family, successful and well-educated. Whether navigating the treacherous terrain of official circles or the cutthroat world of business, he had always moved with effortless poise. The wealth and connections his mother’s family had accumulated over three generations, combined with the lingering influence of a father recently retired from a top city leadership post, ensured Fang Xiong’s smooth passage through the business world. He felt secure leaving his wife in Lei River City while he flitted from place to place, enjoying the carefree, sophisticated life of a socialite.

But tonight, confronted by a mere mechanic, he was surprised to feel a rare pang of inferiority. It unsettled him, being so accustomed to the center of attention. So, after the lavish dinner and some brief conversation, he found a polite excuse to take his leave. Kang Ning and Lu Jing, each harboring their own thoughts, were only too happy to go along, while Zheng Yi alone was left with a strange, unaccountable melancholy.

Downstairs, a thick drizzle had begun to fall. After bidding each other farewell, the four entered their cars and slowly drove off in opposite directions.

Sitting in the passenger seat, Lu Jing stared blankly at Kang Ning, who was focused on the road. Only when Kang Ning awkwardly hunched his neck did she snap out of her reverie, blushing as she smiled and said, “I don’t feel like going home so early. Why don’t we drive around for a bit?”

Kang Ning glanced at her and then back at the road. “Come on, lady, look at this—there are barely any cars out here tonight. Where’s the traffic to cruise in?”

Lu Jing looked around. Indeed, there were very few cars on such a rainy night, but she seized on his words to tease him. “Don’t call me ‘lady’! Do I seem that old to you? No wonder you never want to go out with me—every time I have to beg you to come along. I must have been fooling myself all this time… Why am I so silly…”

At first, Lu Jing only meant to banter, but as she spoke, her words touched something deeper, and her tone changed without her realizing it.

Hearing her last, nearly inaudible words, Kang Ning felt a wave of guilt. Lu Jing’s warm, beautiful smile and her thoughtful care had always brought him comfort in this foreign land. Sometimes, he wished he could have such a sister and friend. But he knew that if they crossed that boundary, it would be hard to predict where that path would lead, and he didn’t want his own impulsiveness to cause Lu Jing pain. He wished, above all, not to leave her with wounds that time could not heal.

After a moment’s reflection, watching Lu Jing’s slender shoulders trembling as she turned away, Kang Ning decided it was time to clarify things between them. It was the only responsible thing to do, for both their sakes—even if it meant that, come tomorrow, he might leave this place and resume his perilous, endless flight.

Kang Ning was no oblivious scholar nor hypocritical moralist; he was a true man, guided by his own code. He never wished to burden or hurt anyone, especially a caring friend. The word “friend” weighed heavily in his heart.

He pulled the car to a stop beneath a large banyan tree about fifty meters from the park entrance, where not a soul was in sight, and turned off the engine.

Lu Jing surreptitiously wiped away her tears and turned to Kang Ning with feigned composure. “Alright, you’ve had a long day, and I just got back from a business trip—I’d like to rest too. Let’s head back to the factory. After I drop you off, I’ll go home myself.”

Kang Ning immediately started the car and released the handbrake, driving slowly for about five meters. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Lu Jing’s face pale, etched with deep disappointment and sorrow, her beautiful eyes misted over once more.

He gently pressed the brake, and, with the same deliberate pace, reversed the car to their original spot. With the motion—forward, stop, then back again—Lu Jing’s face shifted through a storm of emotions: joy, sorrow, hope, and despair. When she turned to see Kang Ning’s handsome face so close, she could no longer contain the tumult within. In an instant, she threw herself into his arms, her pale hands beating against his chest as she sobbed uncontrollably. Only after a long while did she choke out, her voice raw with pain,

“My God! How many times do you want to see me heartbroken before you’re satisfied…”