Chapter 57 Part 1

The normally quiet Yamen Ting apartment hadn't gotten any noisier with Shen Duoyi moving in; if anything, the two of them spending time together—watching movies or working—seemed to double the calm.

That tranquility was disrupted the moment Auntie Li entered. Shen Duoyi bolted from Qi Shi'an's embrace, hastily fixing his collar. Qi Shi'an, however, remained unbothered, lounging on the couch and staring at the TV.

“Oh, you're both home,” Auntie Li said casually. “Don't mind me. I'll just get started cleaning.”

She claimed she didn’t want to interrupt, but her chatter didn’t stop. As she pulled out the vacuum cleaner, she asked, “Why aren’t you at work today? Your mom said you’ve been so busy you haven’t been home in weeks. She’s asking you to visit if you get the chance.”

It had been over half a month since Grandpa Shen’s passing. In that time, Shen Duoyi had slowly emerged from the shadow of grief. He still thought of his grandfather often but had developed a habit of looking at the stars at night to soothe himself.

Self-healing was the most effective remedy, especially with Qi Shi'an by his side.

The loud hum of the vacuum cleaner drove the two of them to the balcony’s hanging chair. The heavy workload had been suffocating, and after the onset of winter, Qi Shi'an finally succumbed to illness.

Two days of IV drips and twice-daily fever reducers had somewhat restored his energy. Shen Duoyi fetched a blanket to cover Qi Shi'an and brought him a glass of warm water.

Sitting snugly beside him, Shen Duoyi let the bird’s-nest-style chair sway gently, its comfort almost lulling them to sleep. “Get some rest,” Shen Duoyi said, letting Qi Shi'an lean on his shoulder. He opened his laptop. “Let me check if Annie sent over the documents.”

Qi Shi'an sighed. “Year-end financial audits were always Zhang Yiming’s responsibility. Who knows when that guy will wake up?”

“Director Zhang’s condition has been stable, hasn’t it? It’s just a matter of time. I’ll handle this year’s financial audit. Don’t worry,” Shen Duoyi reassured him.

Qi Shi'an logged into his email account, then happily became a hands-off supervisor. Snuggling against Shen Duoyi’s shoulder, he sniffed his hair or nuzzled his ear, teasing, “Supervisor Shen can even handle financial audits. So capable.”

A year’s worth of financial data for a major company was daunting, but Shen Duoyi remained calm, his gaze focused on the screen. “Different industries. Combined, Ming’an and Zhesi’s data isn’t even as much as an insurance company’s. Back then, our actuarial department handled the insurance company’s year-end audits every year.”

Qi Shi'an playfully sulked. “You used to work at a state-owned enterprise, huh? You probably had a high-ranking position. Ever regret jumping ship?”

Shen Duoyi pondered for a moment. “Honestly? Sometimes. The cafeteria at the insurance company had more variety, and they hired professional chefs. The food was better than most restaurants.”

“Really?” Qi Shi'an perked up. “Is it too late for me to switch careers and sell insurance?”

Their banter was interrupted when the vacuum fell silent, and Auntie Li called from the bedroom, “Do you want me to change the bedding?”

“Switch to something warmer; it’s getting cold. And organize the closet while you’re at it,” Qi Shi'an replied.

Shen Duoyi closed his laptop and reached over to feel Qi Shi'an’s forehead. Relieved, he said, “No fever today. Take another day to rest before going back to work?”

“I’ll go. I’ve got a meeting,” Qi Shi'an muttered, rubbing his stomach. “I’m hungry.”

“It’s only ten, not even three hours since breakfast!” Shen Duoyi rolled his eyes and headed to the kitchen. “Wait a bit. I’ll whip up some pig feed for you.”

Qi Shi'an chuckled and made a couple of snorting noises for effect. While waiting, he called You Si, checking in after his recent illness had kept him from visiting Zhang Yiming.

“Ah!”

A startled cry came from Auntie Li. Qi Shi'an hung up and hurried to the bedroom, thinking she might have broken something.

“I’ve known you since you were a kid, so don’t get mad when I say this,” Auntie Li began, closing the wardrobe door and lifting a paper bag of trash. “That Mr. Shen seems like a good man. Don’t let yourself get out of line.”

Confused, Qi Shi'an frowned. “What did I do?”

Auntie Li opened the bag and held it up. Qi Shi'an peered inside and froze. There, crumpled into a small ball, was the infamous pair of black lace underwear.

“I threw it out quietly for you this time, but if I catch you again, I won’t cover for you. Shame on you!” Auntie Li scolded, wagging her finger. “Bringing something like this home—outrageous!”

Dumbfounded, Qi Shi'an watched her stride into the bathroom to clean. He was so flustered he walked around as if feverish again.

“What’s wrong?” Shen Duoyi was cracking eggs when Qi Shi'an shuffled into the kitchen, his face clouded with despair. “Is Zhang Yiming okay?”

“She threw out the lace underwear,” Qi Shi'an lamented, as if mourning. “And scolded me, saying I was shameless.”

Shen Duoyi blinked, then burst into laughter, spilling some egg whites in the process. Internally cheering, 'Good riddance', he managed to console Qi Shi'an. “No big deal. We’ll just buy another set. A whole box, even.”

After taking a day off, the two arrived at the office promptly the next morning. Qi Shi'an went straight upstairs for a meeting, while Shen Duoyi busied himself with the financial audit in his office, preparing for a training session later in the afternoon.

“Supervisor Shen, Mr. Du from Continental International is here. He doesn’t have an appointment but says it’s urgent.”

Shen Duoyi was reviewing a data chain and didn’t even look up. “Please take him to the reception room. He likes Longjing tea; I’ll be there shortly.”

The market always carried risks, and clients often sought consultation in the face of fluctuations. Once Shen Duoyi finished his tasks, he silenced his phone and headed to the reception room.

The discussion involved analyzing market trends, planning the client company’s future direction, and calming the client’s nerves. By the end of it, his throat was parched. Checking his phone afterward, he noticed seven or eight missed calls.

Without even taking a sip of water, he immediately called back. The call was answered after just one ring. He asked anxiously, “Ms. You, has there been news about Mr. Zhang?”

You Si’s excited voice came through, “He woke up! Just a quarter of an hour ago!”

Shen Duoyi bolted out of the reception room, raced to the conference room on the meeting floor, and barged in without knocking. All eyes turned to him, including Qi Shi'an, who was standing by the projector screen.

“What’s going on?” Qi Shi'an asked.

Panting, Shen Duoyi managed, “Mr. Zhang just woke up. You should go see him right away.”

The meeting was temporarily paused. Grabbing his phone and coat, Qi Shi'an rushed out. In the elevator, he noticed the numerous missed calls on his phone. He and Shen Duoyi made their way to the hospital as quickly as possible. Standing outside the hospital room, they could hear crying inside.

Qi Shi'an’s heart sank. “Did he wake up... or pass away?”

Shen Duoyi punched his arm. “He woke up!”

Pushing the door open, they found Zhang Yiming propped up in bed. Shutiao was crying uncontrollably at his bedside, while You Si, now well enough to wear light makeup, sat calmly nearby, betraying nothing of the situation.

Upon seeing them, Zhang Yiming immediately extended a hand. Qi Shi'an stepped forward and grasped it firmly, scolding, “So you finally decided to wake up? I thought you were going to be a vegetable forever.”

Still frail, Zhang Yiming wheezed, “When it happened, I thought I wouldn’t make it either. Turns out I’m tougher than I thought.”

Shutiao continued crying. Shen Duoyi approached and wiped his tears. “What’s wrong, little one? Daddy woke up; you should be happy.”

“He’s scared,” You Si explained, her demeanor cool. “The doctors swarmed him, doing all kinds of checks and removing tubes. He thought he was dying.”

Zhang Yiming winced as the movement tugged at his wounds. “Can’t you phrase that better? I’m already in this state; can’t you try comforting me?”

You Si snapped, “And you have the nerve to talk? I’m still recovering from my injuries, and I’ve been watching over you for half a month!”

The usually quiet hospital room turned lively. Qi Shi'an chimed in, “Alright, you two. You strung him along for years; now you’ve waited half a month. Call it even.”

Shen Duoyi turned to Zhang Yiming. “Mr. Zhang, recover quickly. Ms. You said once you woke up, you’d get married. And the company still needs you.”

Zhang Yiming rubbed You Si’s hand, his fingers grazing the ring on her finger. Finally at ease, he replied seriously, “The doctor said it’ll take at least a year and a half for me to fully recover—if that’s even possible.”

Having anticipated this, Qi Shi'an reassured him, “Don’t overthink it. Just focus on healing. Honestly, surviving such a severe accident is already a blessing.”

“I know. I’m content,” Zhang Yiming said, glancing at You Si. “We’re planning to go to Sydney and spend some time as a family of three.”

You Si added, “It’s been delayed for years; it’s time to make it up to the child. Plus, he needs to rest for his recovery. I’ll take him to Sydney to recuperate and won’t worry about anything else.”

Qi Shi'an and Shen Duoyi exchanged a glance, both in agreement. Nothing was more important than health, especially given Zhang Yiming’s current condition. Qi Shi'an said earnestly, “Once you’re there, no fighting or dredging up the past. I wish you all happiness every day.”

Zhang Yiming smiled and said calmly, “Shi'an, I’ll leave the company to you. I’m planning to transfer all my shares to you.”

Shen Duoyi, holding Shutiao, spoke up from his chair. “Mr. Zhang, you can still collect dividends. There’s no need to completely sever ties with the company; after all, Ming’an was your and Ms. You’s joint effort.”

“No, that wouldn’t be fair.” Zhang Yiming was firm. “I’ll transfer my shares, take a nice sum of money, and enjoy life with my wife and child. I’m done with the grind.”

You Si laughed. “Who’s enjoying life with you? Once you’re better, I’ll have you work hard to establish Si Ming Financial.”

Qi Shi'an understood Zhang Yiming’s reasoning but also had the company’s interests in mind. “I can’t take all your shares. That would give me absolute power, which isn’t good for a modern enterprise.”

Zhang Yiming nodded. “Then let the senior executives buy some shares internally. Whoever takes the senior partner seat afterward isn’t my concern.”

By noon, they all had lunch together in the hospital room. You Si ate while feeding Zhang Yiming, who struggled to eat after being on IV nutrition for over half a month.

The hospital room was quiet. Shutiao was curled up next to Zhang Yiming, fast asleep, with a music book lying on the floor. Qi Shi'an walked over softly, picked up Shutiao, and carried him to the small bed in the outer room.

He returned to the chair by the bed, sat down, and casually peeled a banana. Zhang Yiming spoke first, “In a couple of days, I’ll head back to the company. No matter what, I need to attend the stock transfer meeting.”

“Sure, I’ll get you a flashy wheelchair,” Qi Shi'an said, finishing his banana and reaching for a bunch of grapes. “With You Si leaving with you, You Zhe will be left without any help. He’s probably cursing you behind your back.”

Zhang Yiming winced, “Why are you trying to stir things up between me and my brother-in-law? You Si has already started handing over her work and even hired new staff. What about you? This stock transfer is a good opportunity. Haven’t you thought about having Duoyi go for it?”

Qi Shi'an wiped his hands and replied, “I’ve thought about it. But with his grandfather just passing away, even though he seems fine on the surface, I know he’s still healing inside. I don’t want him to push himself too hard. Besides, for something this significant, it should depend on his own wishes. I don’t want to interfere.”

By the time Qi Shi'an left the hospital, it wasn’t too late. On the way home, he received a message from Shen Duoyi reminding him about the level-seven wind forecast for the evening and to make sure to close the windows.

Just after sending the message, Shen Duoyi looked up as the bank manager returned from the restroom. Signing the documents, he said, “I’ve reviewed and signed everything. Tomorrow after work, I’ll take a bit of your time to sign the agreement at the bank.”

The bank manager replied, “No problem. We’ve worked together for so long; I’m happy to help.”

After some more polite conversation, Shen Duoyi left the restaurant and caught a cab home. The weight hanging over his heart for days finally lifted.

The house was dark when he arrived. Moving quietly, he entered the bedroom. Qi Shi'an, for once, had gone to bed early. Sitting by the bed, Shen Duoyi couldn’t help but reach out to smooth the crease between Qi Shi'an’s brows.

In his sleep, Qi Shi'an mumbled, “Duoduo…”

Shen Duoyi leaned in and responded softly, “I’m here.”

Qi Shi'an continued, “Don’t wilt…”

Shen Duoyi paused, exasperated. “Fine, I’ll throw it out right now!”

Before he could get up, Qi Shi'an grabbed his arms and yanked him down onto his chest. Shen Duoyi looked up, directly meeting Qi Shi'an’s bright, awake eyes. “Throw what out?” Qi Shi'an’s hand slid down, cupping his backside.

Before Shen Duoyi could process it, he was flipped over and pinned between the bed and Qi Shi'an. Caught in the act, he confessed, “You should reflect on why I’d be jealous of a potted plant.”

Qi Shi'an lowered his head and nipped at his neck. “Because I haven’t spoiled you in too long?”

As Qi Shi'an undid his buttons, Shen Duoyi weakly protested, “You’re so shameless... Be gentle…”

Gentleness, however, wasn’t in Qi Shi'an’s vocabulary when it came to the bedroom. He pressed down completely, their bodies fitting seamlessly together as he teased Shen Duoyi’s ears and hairline, reveling in the sound of Shen Duoyi’s voice changing from restrained breaths to uninhibited gasps.

When Qi Shi'an paused, Shen Duoyi’s dazed eyes regained a shred of clarity. But then Qi Shi'an whispered, “Let’s make a Shutiao tonight.”

Embarrassment flared up as pleasure surged, and Shen Duoyi arched his neck, letting out a choked curse. “Bastard...”

They tangled through half the night. The next morning, Shen Duoyi managed to drag himself out of bed through sheer willpower. During a meeting, Qi Shi'an sat at the head of the table, enduring Shen Duoyi’s piercing glares for over twenty minutes.

Finally, unable to take it anymore, Qi Shi'an turned to him with concern. “Supervisor Shen, you don’t look well. Maybe you should lie down for a bit?”

Flustered, Shen Duoyi’s face turned red as he lowered his head, pretending to focus on his laptop. After the meeting ended and everyone else had left, he cautiously stood up, mindful of his unsteady legs.

Before he could reach the door, Qi Shi'an stopped him. “In a few days, we’ll have the stock transfer meeting. Senior positions are up for competition, and there could be significant shifts. Be prepared.”

Shen Duoyi nodded.

As the year-end approached, Ming’an held its long-awaited stock transfer meeting. For the first time in a long while, Zhang Yiming returned to the company. Several departments under his management hosted a welcome gathering, and he left with a wheelchair full of flowers.

In the bright and formal conference room, there was no unnecessary sentimentality or farewell speeches. Zhang Yiming, still physically frail, had Qi Shi'an handle most of the meeting, delivering concise remarks about the company’s future direction.

The stock transfer process had been announced some time ago, giving senior management ample preparation. Each department presented in turn, with individual financial capability and performance assessments being key factors.

Midway through, Zhang Yiming gestured for attention. When Qi Shi'an leaned down, Zhang Yiming suggested, “Add an employee vote. Colleagues know their leaders best, and their judgment is the fairest.”

Qi Shi'an announced the addition, and the meeting resumed.

When it was the Consulting Department’s turn, anticipation filled the room. This department was Zhang Yiming’s most critical, and its supervisors had the highest chances of success. Sitting at his spot, Shen Duoyi noticed the adjacent seats had all been vacated.

After the other supervisors had finished, someone tapped his shoulder.

“Supervisor Shen, aren’t you going up?” his assistant asked quietly.

Shen Duoyi turned slightly, smiled, and replied, “Why else would I wear a full suit today?”

Straightening his tie, he rose and walked toward the front. As he passed Qi Shi'an, he sent him a subtle glance—not too obvious, given his shyness, but enough for Qi Shi'an to interpret as a signal of confidence.

The scene felt familiar to Qi Shi'an, reminiscent of the time Shen Duoyi resolved a work incident with the same unyielding pride.

Standing at the podium, Shen Duoyi began, “I’ve only been at Ming’an for a year, but not a single moment of that year was wasted. I used to be introverted, but now I can talk to clients for hours without stumbling. I used to have no temper, but now I’ll snap at trainees who don’t get it. I’ve changed and worked hard for this role. My scores on the assessment sheets are clear evidence, though they don’t capture everything.”

Unlike the cautious humility of others, Shen Duoyi’s speech brimmed with unabashed confidence. He stood tall, addressing his colleagues with sincerity, every word resonating with honesty.

He was the most technically skilled consultant, achieved the highest transaction volume, published the most financial articles, and turned his training course into the Central Street Consulting Exchange. Most importantly, despite his accomplishments, he remained the most diligent and hardest-working member of the team.

Wrapping up, Shen Duoyi made his final statement: “If the vote results are favorable, I will purchase 60% of Mr. Zhang’s shares.”