Reply to Keats - Chap 60

60. Cutting Off the Source
The autumn sunlight wasn’t intense, but it was dry. The bouquet Chen Wan had brought remained on the passenger seat, untouched. Under the sun, the edges of the petals quickly curled and yellowed.

The letter, along with the pill case, had also been hastily shoved back into the glove compartment.

Chen Wan walked into the Taiji Building and waited in the lobby for nearly two hours. The receptionist began to feel embarrassed and offered him another cup of coffee. “Really sorry, Director Ge has been quite busy lately.”

Chen Wan smiled good-naturedly and said, “It’s alright.”

He didn’t know whether Ge Xi was actually busy, but he was definitely being kept waiting.

Chen Wan wasn’t angry. After all, it was Song Qingmiao who crossed the line first by getting involved with Meng Yuanxiong, who had married into Ge Xi’s family.

After flipping through the photos Liao Quan had sent to his email, Chen Wan’s mind went blank for a moment.

The two were seen entering a luxury store together on Queen’s Road. In other shots, they were drinking aboard a cruise ship. They thought they were being discreet, but everything was perfectly clear.

Chen Wan had been focused on watching Song Qingmiao’s accounts and asset movements, tracking her and Xie Jiajian’s whereabouts. But he had never expected Meng Yuanxiong.

Xie Jiajian was a shareholder in Rongxin, but Meng Yuanxiong had never even appeared on Chen Wan’s radar.

More importantly, Meng Yuanxiong was the husband of the eldest daughter of the Ge family—the family that ran the Taiji Group.

Only now did Chen Wan realize that Song Qingmiao wasn’t nearly as naive as he’d imagined. She’d used all her cleverness against him. She knew exactly how to deceive him.

Thinking back on it, their mother-son relationship was downright pathetic. Chen Wan had someone tailing Song Qingmiao, while she treated him like paparazzi.

Before coming to Taiji, Chen Wan had first met with the one who’d sent the email.

“I heard the Baoli Bay Terminal and Haiyou Channel projects are planning to go public by the end of the year. Ah-Wan, you’ll be part of the roadshow team.” Liao Quan smiled as he poured him tea.

Chen Wan didn’t touch it. Leaning back in his chair, he said coldly, “Liao Quan, want me to cut off another finger?”

Liao Quan sighed, a trace of emotion in his voice. “You really haven’t changed. That temper of yours is just the same as when you were a kid.”

Chen Wan fought back the nausea and disgust the memories brought. Lighting a cigarette, he nodded. “Eliminating anyone who’s in the way—that much is definitely true.”

“But when a kid loses it, they just get locked up in Xiaolan Mountain for a few years. And if they’re still crazy when they grow up,” Liao Quan threatened him bluntly, “then it’s the shareholders who get front-row seats to watch the mother of the main project lead caught in a cheating scandal.”

“Mistresses and gold diggers, cheating scandals, rich family drama. People eat that stuff up these days.”

Chen Wan’s stare was razor-sharp and ice-cold. But Liao Quan only seemed more intrigued. “Chen Wan.” His expression was ambiguous, somewhere between that of an elder and a lover, eyes sweeping over him. “Do you look at Zhao Shengge like that too?”

“Has he slept with you? How many times did it take for you to land this project? Using your body to get what you want—you’ve really outdone your mother.”

Chen Wan held the cigarette, pointing it straight at Liao Quan. Just a few centimeters closer and the lit end would’ve gone right up his nose. “Watch your mouth!”

Liao Quan flinched in surprise, stepping back with both hands raised in surrender. He grinned shamelessly. “Isn’t it true? You’re so precious—no one else is allowed, only him? Does Zhao Shengge know you were once locked up in Xiaolan Mountain?”

Xiaolan Mountain was the mental hospital in Haishi, reserved for patients with special backgrounds: mistresses of officials, illegitimate children, and mentally unstable celebrities.

No one could say for sure how many of them were truly insane, how many were faking it, and how many lost their minds only after being admitted.

It was called a mental hospital, but people in Haishi spoke of it with a peculiar tone—an infamous breeding ground for sex scandals, full of shady, unspeakable characters. All of this added a layer of mystique and ambiguity to that isolated island.

The bitter taste of medication spread under Chen Wan’s tongue, but he didn’t lose his composure.

To Liao Quan, he still looked just like he did as a child—cold, distant, and untouchable. Liao Quan narrowed his eyes. “Suppose the scandal about your mother affects the IPO and roadshow of the Baoli Bay and Haiyou Tunnel projects. Do you think Zhao Shengge would still want you?”

“How would he explain that to the shareholders?”

Chen Wan remained calm, giving him no further reaction.

But Liao Quan was determined to pierce through that calm exterior. Chen Wan had never shown him another expression, not even the slightest hint of emotion. “Oh, Meng Yuanxiong gave your mother an antique pigeon-blood ruby from the 17th century. The price could buy a plot of land in Central. It was auctioned through a Swiss bank. How do you think he managed that kind of money? When his wife, Ge Xi, starts digging, how do you expect the investors or the authorities to trust your financial statements?”

Chen Wan threw the photos onto the table and curled his lips in contempt. “This is it? What can a few pictures prove?”

They weren’t nude photos from a hotel. Nothing that could destroy someone.

“For things like this, proof doesn’t matter. All it takes is public opinion,” Liao Quan said with a laugh. “You know your mother’s reputation. If these photos get out, your father will take care of her himself. Meng Yuanxiong’s wife is the eldest daughter of the Taiji Group. You know Ge Xi’s methods better than I do. Once the scandal breaks, Zhao Shengge’s project will lose all credibility.”

“Three birds with one stone. That’s more than enough.”

Chen Wan couldn’t be bothered to argue further. He cut straight to the point. “Is this your idea, or the Chen family’s?”

Liao Quan hadn’t expected him to react so quickly. He narrowed his eyes. “Actually, your father wanted to have a word with you too. But I beat him to it. I figured the leverage I had might be just a bit stronger than his.”

Chen Bingxin had Song Qingmiao in his grip—Chen Wan’s Achilles’ heel. But Liao Quan had something even tighter on Song Qingmiao.

Chen Wan raised his chin. “What do you want?”

Liao Quan didn’t bother to beat around the bush. He laid it out plainly, “I want to be your supplier for building materials.”

Recently, the power struggle within the Chen family had grown fiercer. The first branch was consolidating control, monopolizing everything. The second branch’s shares were being eaten away, their position becoming increasingly marginal. And now, with the economy in a downturn, the pie was already small. If they didn’t expand outward, they’d be crushed by the first and third branches.

Minglong was the biggest ship in Haishi; no matter what, he had to get aboard.

Chen Wan sneered. “You’re dreaming.”

“Ah-Wan, don’t play coy with me. You’ve got enough pull to handle their transit logistics. Or is your pillow talk not working?” Liao Quan lazily refilled Chen Wan’s tea. “Besides, even if I hadn’t come to you now, your father would be preparing to.”

Rongxin was crumbling—nepotism, internal power struggles, glamorous on the surface but rotten underneath.

No matter how tightly the matter on Ting Island was kept under wraps, rumors would inevitably leak. Chen Bingxin knew it was only a matter of time before Chen Wan got involved with Zhao Shengge.

“But he won’t give you anything, and you know what kind of man he is. Wouldn’t it be better to work with me?”

Chen Wan remained composed, not at all like someone being threatened. “If I work with you, what do I get?”

“I can guarantee those photos stay with me and me alone. The moment the bid goes through, I’ll destroy them. No backups.” Liao Quan tried to persuade him. “And think about it: the best way to bury this for good is to pull me onto Zhao Shengge’s boat. Once our interests are tied, we rise and fall together. I wouldn’t sabotage my own future, would I?”

Chen Wan’s eyes were unreadable. He neither agreed nor argued. He stayed silent for so long that Liao Quan began to grow agitated. Then Chen Wan finally spoke. “What you’ve got isn’t worth that much.”

Liao Quan’s face darkened. Chen Wan continued, “I also want 6% of Rongxin’s fractional shares. No options.”

“Six percent?!” Liao Quan raised his voice. “What do you want shares for?”

Chen Wan had always stayed outside the core of the Chen family’s internal strife. He had never shown the slightest interest in Rongxin.

“You expect people to work for you for free? Don’t be delusional.” Chen Wan stubbed out his cigarette and cut to the chase. “The photos and the shares—either both, or neither. Liao Quan, weigh your worth carefully. How capable do you really think you are? You seriously think that after leaking this, you can stay out of it? If you damage Zhao Shengge’s project, he’ll crush you with a flick of his finger.”

Liao Quan stared at him. The wolf cub had grown up—his teeth and claws sharper than ever. He had come to threaten Chen Wan, yet every move had been turned against him. After a moment, he said, “Six percent is too high. I don’t have that kind of capital. I can’t acquire that many shares.”

“Then we’re done talking.” Chen Wan stood up, ready to leave. Liao Quan had manipulated the board for years—if he truly wanted something done, it could be done.

Liao Quan called out urgently, “Wait!”

Chen Wan picked up his coat.

“I can try for four percent.”

Chen Wan looked at him, unmoved. Liao Quan relented. “Five percent.”

“Come back to me once you have it.” As Chen Wan passed by him, he suddenly pressed the grip of his Beretta against Liao Quan’s back. His fingertip rested right on the engraved emblem that represented Zhao Shengge. The gun was cold, but Chen Wan’s hand was warm, like someone else’s hand was wrapped around his, constantly transmitting strength and confidence.

He warned with a cold gaze, “Pull even the smallest trick, and the bullet will go through your back, just like those scissors went through your hand nineteen years ago.”

Cold sweat broke out all over Liao Quan. He raised both hands and said repeatedly, “I won’t, I won’t.”

Chen Wan was even crazier than he’d been as a child. He didn’t hesitate to draw a gun and threaten someone in broad daylight. Liao Quan had no doubt that if he refused, he’d either be bleeding out in front of everyone or found dismembered some night soon.

“I-I’ll find a way. The shares, I’ll figure it out.”

Though it seemed like Liao Quan was threatening Chen Wan, in truth, he was at the end of his rope. No one messed with Zhao Shengge unless they had a death wish. But what he didn’t expect was that Chen Wan would immediately turn around and go straight to Taiji to seek an audience with Meng Yuanxiong’s wife, Ge Xi.

Chen Wan waited patiently in the lobby for quite a while, just to give Ge Xi time to cool down, until the receptionist finally sent him up.

Ge Xi came from an eminent family and was one of the leading women in Haishi. She was just past forty and carried a powerful presence, but she didn’t continue to make things difficult for the younger man.

“If you insisted on seeing me, Mr. Chen, it had better be for something important.”

Chen Wan placed a gift on her table with respectful humility. “I’d like to discuss the acquisition of Rongxin shares with you, Director Ge.”

The look in Ge Xi’s eyes shifted from dismissive to more attentive. “I’m not sure I follow, Mr. Chen.”

Chen Wan smiled.

Only an idiot like Liao Quan would believe the affair between Song Qingmiao and Meng Yuanxiong could be hidden from the world. Meng Yuanxiong was a man who had married up and lived off his powerful wife. No matter how bold he might be, he would never dare spend a fortune on a pigeon-blood ruby for Song Qingmiao.

If Chen Wan had guessed correctly, Meng Yuanxiong was bait deliberately set by Ge Xi, or at the very least, she had allowed it to happen. She had her eyes on Rongxin’s shares. The Chen family’s internal strife had escalated, and Song Qingmiao just happened to be the perfect breach point.

Song Qingmiao no longer held favor, but in the early days, when Chen Bingxin had still been wooing that graceful woman, he had granted her a portion of shares. That was why Song Qingmiao had always believed she still had a chance.

As far as Chen Wan knew, the marriage between Ge Xi and Meng Yuanxiong had long since become a mere formality. Ge Xi had no shortage of close male companions outside their marriage. She didn’t care about a useless husband with no real ability—what she cared about was the Ge family’s commercial empire.

But all that said, it was still Song Qingmiao’s fault.

So Chen Wan came to apologize respectfully. But his words carried a double meaning, subtly hinting that he knew full well Ge Xi had set the bait with ulterior motives and wasn’t so “innocent” after all. “The first owner of that opal pigeon-blood ruby Mr. Meng acquired was a Swedish lady—Miss Carmel, who once served as a private tutor to the Ge family.”

Ge Xi replied with a mocking tone, her meaning unmistakable, “And now it’s become your mother’s prized possession.”

Even though Chen Wan had mentally prepared himself before coming, he still felt a flash of humiliation. Over the years, he had cleaned up more than a few of Song Qingmiao’s messes—offering apologies, paying off gambling debts, handling internal conflicts and external disputes. He’d grown skilled at it, and his mental resilience had been forged through experience. But it was never something to be proud of. He was still human. He still had dignity and shame.

“Yes. As an apology, I’m willing to offer Director Ge whatever assistance I can.”

Ge Xi studied him closely. Song Qingmiao might not have been the sharpest, but she’d given birth to a clever and filial son. “Your objective?”

Chen Wan looked her straight in the eye and said, “Director Ge, I hope you can release a statement under Taiji’s name before those photos leak. Just say you invited my mother to visit Taiji’s new flagship store and attend a celebration aboard the cruise. Mr. Meng was merely accompanying her.”

The photos didn’t depict any explicit acts; the more intimate ones could easily be explained as the enthusiastic friendliness of a gentleman.

Strike first to gain the upper hand.

There are no secrets that stay buried. Chen Wan hadn’t trusted Liao Quan from the beginning. Even if he did destroy the evidence as promised, there was no way this would vanish without a trace. The only way to truly defuse the crisis was to dismantle it at its root and act first.

Whether it was entering luxury boutiques or enjoying two nights of revelry in Haishi, it could all be framed as casual socializing among the wealthy. Meng Yuanxiong’s presence would appear as mere courtesy. And if anything more did surface later, the public narrative would already be set. There’d be no real scandal and no harm to the project.

In murky situations like these, everything depended on the attitude of the legal wife.

“That’s all?” Ge Xi didn’t think the offer was worth trading Rongxin shares for.

“That’s all.” Chen Wan allowed her to scrutinize him openly.

“You really are filial. But…” Ge Xi’s gaze sharpened into a smile. “Young man, this isn’t just about helping your mother, is it? You’re trying to use my hand to strike your enemy, so that you can reap the rewards.”

Chen Wan didn’t deny it.

As far as he was concerned, anyone who tried to touch Zhao Shengge was walking straight into a dead end.

Ge Xi didn’t seem concerned. “But why should I believe you? You’re not part of Rongxin’s inner circle.” Until recently, she hadn’t even heard of Chen Wan. It was only after the rumors about Zhao Shengge and the incident on Ting Island that his name began to surface.

“Because I’m more useful than Meng Yuanxiong,” Chen Wan said. “As a gesture of good faith, I’m willing to hand over two percent of the shares first. Then you can decide whether or not to continue cooperating with me.”

Ge Xi had held her ground for years in the cutthroat world of Haishi. She was clever and calculating. “I’m an honest businesswoman. I don’t touch anything illegal.”

Chen Wan replied calmly, “Nor do I.”

That was Liao Quan’s burden, not his. Chen Wan’s only job was to ensure Ge Xi remained a good-faith third party.

Ge Xi: “You have one week.”

“Thank you, Director Ge.”

***

When Kexiang’s seminar ended, it was already after hours. Lately, Fang Jian had published a slew of new research topics. The further the project advanced, the heavier the workload became.

Chen Wan walked into Han Jin’s office and quietly shut the door behind him.

“You’re quitting the partnership?!”

“Mm.” Chen Wan handed him a cigarette to calm him. “It’s nothing serious. I’ll still be involved in the R&D behind the scenes. Just don’t put my name on the patent or any project documents anymore.”

Han Jin stared at him, stunned.

Chen Wan explained the situation. He bit down on the cigarette, his expression indifferent, almost cruel. “Cutting off the source is the best move.”

Han Jin waved his hand dismissively. “Zhao Shengge calls all the shots in Haishi. Dealing with these kinds of people is hardly—”

“Jin-ge, these two projects have red-letter directives. They involve state-owned capital and public welfare. Money is the least of it; what matters is public trust and social image.”

“And besides, this isn’t just about this one time.” Chen Wan flicked ash from his cigarette. “These things started because of me. It should be me who resolves them.”

It wouldn’t be long before Chen Bingxin came looking for him too. Now that he’d stepped into this mess, no matter what promises Liao Quan made, or whether Ge Xi helped him or not, Chen Wan could never truly feel at ease.

Of course he knew how powerful Zhao Shengge was. Petty schemers and their tricks were meaningless in front of him. Even if Liao Quan managed to stir up a storm, it was questionable whether any media outlet would dare publish a word.

But when it came to Zhao Shengge, Chen Wan didn’t take chances or leave loose ends.

The safest move was to cut everything off at the source.

Before anything could happen, Chen Wan would withdraw from the project entirely, severing all ties. That way, whatever followed would have nothing to do with Minglong or the project.

“These are troubled times. Just in case, I won’t allow a single mistake.”

“Besides,” he exhaled a smoke ring, the rising haze obscuring his shadowed expression, “this time, I’m going to crush them.”

Like pressing dead leaves into the mud. Like grinding ants beneath his heel. Only by rooting them out completely could he finally feel at peace.

If they dared to threaten him once, they’d dare to do it again. As long as Chen Wan still wanted to pursue Zhao Shengge, still wanted to be with him, there would always be someone trying to feed off Zhao Shengge, draw blood from him, tear off a piece of flesh. Again and again.

But once Chen Wan withdrew from the partnership, he’d have nothing to lose. Whatever he did would no longer be connected to Kexiang, to the Baoli Bay project, or to Zhao Shengge.

In Chen Wan’s eyes, anyone who dared covet Zhao Shengge was beyond forgiveness and deserved to die.

“Jin-ge, I’m going to crush them.” Chen Wan’s tone remained as light as ever, but he repeated the words, his eyes pitch-black.

Han Jin looked at his expression and felt a chill run down his spine.

He knew what Chen Wan was capable of, but even so, he couldn’t agree. “Kexiang is the company you built with your own hands, brick by brick. It’s your blood and sweat. No one understands how hard it’s been more than you.”

For their very first business deal, Chen Wan drank so much he caused stomach bleeding. He ran four expos in two days and collapsed from heatstroke, yet still refused to go to the hospital. He bowed and smiled for even the most difficult clients, endured slander and pressure from rival firms. Step by step, he carved a bloody path forward.

Seeing Han Jin’s deep anguish, Chen Wan gave a helpless smile. “Jin-ge, I’m only stepping away temporarily, not quitting for good. Once everything is resolved, I’ll come back without all the baggage. Isn’t that better?”

At this point, all these entanglements and interests had become weaknesses, ripe for others to exploit.

Chen Wan was incredibly stubborn and unyielding. When it came to Zhao Shengge, he never listened to anyone. After staring him down for a long moment, Han Jin could only sigh and say in a low voice, “Your position at Kexiang will always be there for you. So will your dividends. Even if we can’t show it on the books, I’ll make sure you get every cent another way.”

“I appreciate the thought, but there’s no need.” Ever adept at navigating legal gray areas, Chen Wan offered a reminder to his soon-to-be former partner, “Don’t falsify accounts. Follow the law.”

“…”