Chapter 53: The Military Compound

When Xu Shu asked me, I was so full of emotions that for a moment I couldn’t find the words. Driven by anger and excitement, I’d impulsively made the ill-considered decision to resign from Hua Jingjing’s company because of a misunderstanding. In the heat of the moment, I’d convinced myself that my poverty was an insult, and I couldn’t stand being thought of as someone who clung to the powerful for gain, nor could I endure having money tossed at me as if I were a beggar. I swore I’d sever all ties with Hua Jingjing and, relying solely on my own ability, create wealth and status, so those who looked down on me would never do so again.

But I hadn’t considered how difficult and exhausting starting a business truly is. The price paid by a successful entrepreneur is beyond most people’s imagination. Talent, opportunity, courage, determination, luck—every aspect is indispensable; it’s not something you can achieve just by thinking or talking. I’m very aware of my own capabilities. I do have some talent; my professional knowledge rivals any domestic expert, and I have a gift for invention and creativity. In scientific exploration, I’m adept and comfortable. But these alone cannot guarantee success. To innovate, I need ample funding, a good environment, and top-notch facilities—none of which I can do without. Moreover, my personality is rigid, inflexible, and stubborn. In this complex society, without a nimble mind, quick adaptability, and smooth tactics, it’s impossible to stand out. When I decided to resign, I hadn’t considered any of this. I must admit, I’m still not mature or calm enough, easily swayed by emotion, lacking the qualities essential for success.

The best way for me to showcase my talents is under the support of a powerful company; then I could unleash my abilities to the fullest, and my achievements would be beyond monetary measure. After years of repression and feeling that my talent was wasted, suddenly, the opportunity had come. The company’s vice president—Hua Jingjing, who was effectively the boss—valued me greatly and hoped I’d throw myself wholeheartedly into the company. Yet at this moment, I submitted my resignation.

A resignation that left no way back! I’d left no room for compromise, refused her kindness repeatedly, and made promises to my girlfriend. There was no turning back.

With a sigh, I realized the root of all this was misunderstanding—her misunderstanding of me, and mine of her.

No matter how Xu Shu tried to explain her misunderstanding, the harm to me was already done. I couldn’t forget the contempt in her eyes when she tried to send me away with a check. Even if she misunderstood me, what right did she have to interfere in someone else’s life? What right to insult me? All these unpleasant memories were deeply etched in my mind.

In an instant, countless thoughts flashed through my mind. I knew that even if I accepted Xu Shu’s explanation and stopped resenting her, I could never like her as I once did. People are strange; powerful emotions come suddenly, and after certain events, they vanish just as swiftly.

Glancing at Xu Shu, who kept casting questioning looks at me as she drove, I felt a wave of sadness. I’d come to attend a gathering, never expecting so much trouble—my mood had changed, and so would my life. I realized how much harm misunderstanding can cause, and I didn’t want it to continue.

Calmly, I replied, “Between Hua Jingjing—the general manager—and me, there’s only a normal superior-subordinate relationship. I’ve told you I have a girlfriend. And just a few hours ago, I formally handed in my resignation; now, I have no connection with her at all. As for love, I’m sorry, but there’s never been anything between us.”

Xu Shu was stunned for a moment. “Really?” She fell into a long silence, as if digesting my words. After a while, she asked, “Can you explain in more detail? I... still don’t understand.”

So I picked out the key points, starting from when I became Hua Jingjing’s secretary, telling her about the purpose of the gathering and the reason for Hua Jingjing spending so much money to dress me up, explaining everything in detail. Of course, some things—like being coerced by Hua Jingjing—had nothing to do with Xu Shu, so I omitted them.

After hearing my explanation, Xu Shu was amused and annoyed. She scolded, “That little troublemaker! Even now she’s as mischievous as when she was a child. Comparing boyfriends? How absurd! I wronged an innocent man!” She gave me another glance.

I smiled faintly and said nothing. Having clarified things, instead of feeling relieved, my heart felt heavier. I deeply realized that some misunderstandings can be cleared up, but others must remain unresolved. Even if explanations melt away past grievances, the cracks in my heart could never be mended.

Xu Shu seemed to notice my discomfort. In a low voice, she said, “I... really didn’t know things were like this. My actions must have seemed excessive to you. I’m truly sorry.”

She apologized—just three words, but from a famous star, that was rare. I’d finally learned a little about Xu Shu’s character. Though she’s a celebrated singer, admired by all, and a bit conceited and clever, she’s overall upright, capable of self-reflection, and not a bad person.

Since she’d apologized, as a man, how could I hold a grudge? Besides, what was the use of not forgiving her? What happened had happened; if I used it to complain, it would only make me look petty and narrow-minded.

So I smiled, pretending not to care. “It’s fine, it’s all in the past. Everyone makes mistakes. Now that things are clear, there’s no need to dwell on it.”

Xu Shu said, “But I really feel that I was too hasty, making conclusions without understanding the situation. Mr. Tang, such a proud person, must think I was unreasonable, even bullying you?”

I replied, “It was all caused by misunderstanding. You don’t need to blame yourself. Once I learned the truth, I no longer blame you.”

She said, “But why do I feel you’re still downcast, not at ease? Oh, you mentioned you’ve already resigned from Jingjing—are you troubled by that? Sorry, it’s all my fault. Tomorrow morning I’ll call her and ask her to bring you back to the company. Would that be alright?”

I smiled lightly, saying with subtle meaning, “Some things, once done, can’t be undone.”

Though the misunderstanding was resolved, the atmosphere in the car remained heavy. I didn’t want it to be this way, but I simply couldn’t feel cheerful. Xu Shu said a couple of apologetic words, and seeing my lack of response, gradually fell silent. We both lapsed into a long silence. The sports car sped along the highway, and soon we arrived in another city.

The car wound its way through the streets, finally stopping in front of an old-style building. I saw a large iron gate with a guardhouse beside it. Bathed in the car’s headlights, a soldier armed with a rifle stepped out. He carefully checked the license plate, then walked up and saluted. “Miss Xu, sorry, please show your credentials.”

Xu Shu lowered the window, found something in the car, and handed it over with a smile. “Is that you, Xiao Li? Last time I came home, you were on duty, too. What a coincidence!”

The soldier took the item, examined it closely, then returned it to Xu Shu. “Please keep your pass safe. Also, your credentials expire in half a month, so please renew them soon. Please go ahead!” He saluted again, ran back to the guardhouse, and picked up the phone. Soon, the iron gate creaked open, leaving a gap.

Curious, I asked, “What is this place? That soldier knows you, so why still check your credentials? Isn’t that unnecessary?”

Xu Shu started the car and drove through the opening, replying, “This is the military district headquarters. My father is the commander. The soldiers are just following regulations strictly.”

I listened in awe. “Your father’s the commander? That’s impressive! He must be a general?”

Xu Shu smiled, “Lieutenant general, nothing too extraordinary.”

The car wound through the headquarters, finally stopping outside a large, private courtyard. Xu Shu turned to me. “After I sprained my ankle last time, I stayed here for a week. The scarf your girlfriend gave me is in my room. Why don’t you wait here while I fetch it?”

“Alright,” I replied.

Xu Shu got out, cautioning me, “Don’t wander around. If the patrol sees a stranger, you might be mistaken for a troublemaker and hauled off.”

The military is indeed different from the civilian world! I nodded quickly. “I’ll stay in the car. Go ahead!”

Xu Shu walked toward the courtyard. I glanced at my watch—it was nearly two in the morning. By the time we got home, it’d be three or four o’clock; sleep would be elusive tonight. I took out a cigarette to wake myself up, lowering the window to let the smoke out.

I’d barely taken three puffs when footsteps approached from behind the car. Instinctively, I turned and saw an officer standing by the car, looking at me curiously. In the courtyard’s light, I could see he was about thirty, his uniform neat, his epaulets and stars marking him as a colonel. He seemed intrigued, studying me closely, then pulled out a pack of cigarettes and walked over.

He took one, then said, “Brother, can I borrow your lighter?”

He seemed to be trying to strike up a conversation. Judging by his officer’s uniform, he was probably someone important—not likely a troublemaker. I handed him my lighter and flicked it on.

He leaned in, lit the cigarette, took a deep inhale, and quickly exhaled. Then he looked at me again and suddenly smiled. “Little Shu’s grown up, but it’s the first time I’ve seen her bring a man home—especially at this hour. Interesting!”