Chapter 162: Rebirth

In another hotel, Zhang Tianfeng sat on the balcony, his face etched with worry. Gao Ran had gone to Hong Kong, and with no word on her whereabouts or activities, he was growing increasingly anxious.

Beside him, Ding Yan, no longer needing to worry about being summoned for a "chat" by the local power brokers, was in high spirits, cracking off-color jokes to cheer Zhang up. "Don't worry, brother. Your little girlfriend is clearly no fool; she wouldn't go out of her way to provoke someone she can't afford to cross. Didn't you say Qin Lin still had some assets overseas? They’re in a rebuilding phase now; maybe she just went to retrieve some funds."

Zhang Tianfeng nodded. Without any other leads, he had no choice but to comfort himself with that thought.

Ding Yan lit a cigarette with a smile and said, "Brother, thank you for your help this time. Are we going to stir up some trouble in the stock market next?"

"Rest assured, whether we make a profit or just break even this time, I’ll have a surprise for you afterward."

"Old brother, you’ve finally managed to go straight; don't go jumping back into the ocean." Those who operated in the shadows—the "sea-goers"—were involved in illicit, gray-market industries. Just because the legal system was currently lax and police resources were thin didn't mean they wouldn't be held accountable later. By boarding the poverty-alleviation bandwagon, if they handled things well, they might even find a path to redemption.

Ding Yan chuckled. He wasn't that foolish. Having finally crawled ashore, he had no intention of jumping back in. From now on, he intended to steer clear of anything even remotely tainted by the gray market.

Soon after, a knock echoed at the door. After three taps, it opened to reveal a cute little head.

"Big brother, did you miss me?" Yun Qian asked with a grin.

"Qianqian, what are you doing here?"

"Big sister brought me! She said you were going to treat us to something good." Yun Qian pushed the door open, revealing Gao Ran standing behind her.

Zhang Tianfeng rushed over, checking her over to ensure she was truly alright. He pinched her nose and asked, "Where did you go?"

"I went to Hong Kong to collect money. My father still has some assets overseas, and we need cash for a lot of things right now."

"I thought you went to cause trouble for that big shot."

"Are you kidding? I finally managed to escape his control; why would I go back? It’s you who gave me a huge surprise, actually."

Zhang Tianfeng was bewildered. What had he done? He racked his brain for a long time but couldn't think of anything. "I really can't recall any surprise. Why don't you tell me, and I'll claim credit."

Gao Ran replied, "When my father and I were in Hong Kong collecting the money, that Mr. Lai suddenly sent people over, saying he wanted to return all the assets he had taken. Was that your doing?"

"Such a good thing happened?" Zhang Tianfeng was stunned. He never imagined that Gao Ran would deceive him about this.

"It wasn't you?" Gao Ran continued acting, feigning confusion before adding, "Well, I still have to thank you. My father suspects it was because of you that Mr. Lai was willing to cough it all up. To keep the money safe for now, he’s put the assets in my name."

"Congratulations, you’re a little rich girl now. You have to treat me to a meal."

"Of course I will, you helped me so much." Gao Ran draped an arm over Zhang Tianfeng’s shoulder and called out to Ding Yan, "Brother Ding, let’s go eat. I haven't had a proper chance to greet you or talk to you since you came back."

"If a beauty is treating, I must attend. But keep in mind, my appetite is huge—you’d better bring enough money!"

"Uncle, big sister has lots of money; it doesn't matter how much you eat!" Yun Qian, missing the sarcasm, explained earnestly.

The room erupted in laughter. The little girl didn't understand why, but she joined in the fun. Zhang Tianfeng was truly happy; he saw the old Gao Ran again.

After dinner, they went their separate ways. After dropping Yun Qian off, Zhang Tianfeng followed Gao Ran to her home.

"You’ve been here before, so I won't play host. Make yourself at home." Gao Ran slipped into her slippers and headed for the bathroom.

Zhang Tianfeng walked into the living room. The table was covered in books—corporate management, finance exam prep, and a comprehensive guide to the stock market. Every book was well-worn and filled with bookmarks. He pulled one out; some notes contained study reflections, others marked unresolved questions. Gao Ran had changed; she was no longer the carefree girl she once was, but someone now living with purpose.

"Aha! You dare peek at my secrets? Now you can't escape; you have to answer my questions." Gao Ran stood at the bathroom door, hands on her hips.

"I strongly suspect this was a trap you set for me." Zhang Tianfeng laughed and sat down. "But I’m willing to fall for it. Come here, I'll answer your questions."

"No rush. You look through them first; I’m going to shower."

Before long, the fragrant woman sat down beside him. Zhang Tianfeng looked into her eyes, placed his hands on the book, and began to explain things seriously. For economic concepts Gao Ran didn't grasp, he couldn't fully explain them either, so he drew on the experiences from his two lifetimes, using relevant case studies to help her find her own answers. As for corporate management and the stock market, that was his specialty.

They had arrived at 9:00 PM and kept at it until 2:00 AM. As they closed the books, the city lights outside had mostly dimmed, leaving the room in a soft, dusky glow. Gao Ran stretched, her beautiful figure highlighted.

"I should have showered later. You can work up a sweat even with the AC on in this crazy weather."

"Showering early has its perks. You smell amazing, and it gave me so much more inspiration while I was explaining things."

Gao Ran rolled her eyes. "You lecher. Come on, let's shower together."

"Together? Are you sure?" Zhang Tianfeng’s voice trembled. Since that last time, Gao Ran hadn't initiated anything like this in a long while.

"If you're not sure, you can go home." Gao Ran said, and hurried toward the bathroom.

Zhang Tianfeng wasn't about to let this opportunity slip. He was young and headstrong; if he backed down now, he might as well shave his head and become a monk.

--- [One million words omitted] ---

In the pitch-black bedroom, the faint sound of rhythmic breathing came from beside him. Gao Ran lay on her side, watching the contours of Zhang Tianfeng’s face, her eyes flickering.

"Madman, I didn't mean to lie to you."

Zhang Tianfeng, a light sleeper, mumbled, "What did you say?"

"I’m just thanking you."

With that, Gao Ran kissed his forehead.

"Stop kissing and get some sleep." He pulled her into his arms and drifted off.

Gao Ran didn't sleep. She lay quietly in his embrace, pondering the answers she had just received. She spent the entire night in deep thought.