Chapter 47 – Where Are You?

Three months ago, Jiang Lou had learned about Li Tang’s return to the country. The information came from Pei Hao, who had a friend in the capital’s financial circle. News of Li Tang taking over the investment company left behind by Li Yuanshan reached Xucheng swiftly.

At the time, Pei Hao wore an expression that seemed to anticipate a show: “When he was abroad, it wasn’t convenient for you to chase after him. Now that he’s back, you have no excuses, do you?”

Jiang Lou was coding at the moment. In response, he merely removed his hearing aid from his left ear, effectively telling Pei Hao to shut up with his actions.

Pei Hao then moved to Jiang Lou’s right side: “Are you serious? Seven years ago, when he left, you were lost and miserable like a ghost. You nearly died during your last year of high school in that damn county school. If it weren’t for me pulling you out of it, you wouldn’t have lived to see him return.”

Jiang Lou’s eyes remained on the computer screen, and he calmly said, “Thank you.”

Pei Hao was speechless, muttering, “Talking to a wooden plank would be more productive than talking to you,” before storming off.

He then began dropping tidbits about Li Tang in front of Jiang Lou, intentionally or otherwise.

For instance, his investment company was hiring, offering decent salaries and benefits; the company was located on the twenty-first floor of a skyscraper in the CBD of the capital, a prime location and floor, quite extravagant; yet, the company was in terrible shape, uncertain when it would turn a profit; his friend bumped into him at a drinking party and was surprised that the young President Li could hold his liquor…

Upon hearing these details, Jiang Lou finally reacted: “How is he?”

Seeing the fish take the bait, Pei Hao feigned ignorance: “What did you say? I didn’t hear you clearly.”

Jiang Lou paused for a moment, then asked again: “How is he now?”

“I don’t know,” Pei Hao shrugged. “Should I ask my friend to bring a hidden camera next time and send you the footage?”

Jiang Lou picked up on the sarcasm but paid it no mind, turning back to continue coding.

Later, Pei Hao informed Jiang Lou that Li Tang’s investment company was searching for new projects.

“The requirement is in the field of medical artificial intelligence, coincidentally aligning perfectly with our main research direction. Isn’t that a coincidence?”

Pei Hao pretended to speak to Sun Yuxiang, but he raised his voice significantly, making sure Jiang Lou wouldn’t miss a word.

Sun Yuxiang understood Pei Hao’s intentions and echoed: “Indeed, the odds are lower than getting struck by lightning.”

Unexpectedly, Jiang Lou wasn’t resistant to Pei Hao’s idea of seeking funding.

After discussing and deciding together, Jiang Lou started working on a business plan. The initial draft was practically completed in a week of sleepless nights. Pei Hao was delighted upon reading it: “You should handle the negotiations when the time comes.”

“No, you go,” Jiang Lou said. “I’ll provide technical support from the background.”

Pei Hao was full of questions: “You really don’t plan on meeting him? Then why did you agree to seek funding?”

“Our medical database system is already mature. Once we secure funding, we can quickly promote and sell it for profit.”

“…Oh, so the investors will receive dividends soon.”

“Yes.”

“Damn, Jiang Lou, you’re something else!” Pei Hao was thoroughly impressed. “Doing good deeds anonymously, huh? Working silently behind the scenes, huh? Should we award you the annual Most Touching Ex-Partner of China award?”

Jiang Lou ignored him, lowering his gaze to continue reviewing the worn-out first draft.

Later on, ROJA passed the initial screening and earned an opportunity for a face-to-face meeting in the capital.

Jiang Lou hadn’t planned to participate, but Pei Hao insisted on dragging him along, claiming he wasn’t familiar with the business.

During those days in the capital, Jiang Lou stayed cooped up in the hotel, never leaving its doors. He revised the business plan over and over again.

Two days before the meeting, there was a significant change to the business model section. After revising it, Jiang Lou printed the updated version and instructed Pei Hao to deliver it.

Pei Hao clutched his stomach, claiming pain, saying he had eaten something bad for lunch and couldn’t manage on his own.

Jiang Lou knew he was faking it, but he had no choice. He considered using a local courier service, but worried about potential issues with such an important document. Reluctantly, Jiang Lou decided to make the trip himself.

Arriving at the destination, he hesitated outside the door several times, peering through the glass to confirm that the president’s office was farthest inside and that the president showed no signs of coming out anytime soon, before pushing the door open and entering.

After stating his purpose, the receptionist led him to the marketing department.

Jiang Lou dropped off the materials and left immediately. When someone asked for his name, he didn’t respond.

Only once downstairs did he let out a sigh of relief.

He pulled out his phone and opened WeChat. The top conversation was labeled “Little Fox.”

Though he knew Li Tang likely no longer used this account, he stubbornly kept it, refusing to delete it.

The last message was sent seven years ago by him.

He asked, “Where are you?” The other side had yet to reply.

Two days later, Pei Hao went for the meeting. Upon returning, he was no longer in a mood for jokes, only shaking his head and sighing, “I wonder how long you can bear it.”

Jiang Lou remembered that Li Tang didn’t want to see him and made up his mind not to appear in Li Tang’s life anymore.

Even when Li Tang personally visited their company, Jiang Lou hid in the surveillance room. Before going in, he sternly warned his two friends not to reveal anything related to him.

But fate proved unpredictable. Despite his meticulous planning, he couldn’t avoid destiny’s whims.

Ever since Li Tang stepped out of the car, Jiang Lou watched him intently through the surveillance cameras.

Seven years had passed, but Li Tang had grown taller and thinner. He suited the suit and glasses unexpectedly well, yet couldn’t shake off the hint of youthfulness in his gestures.

He had changed, yet somehow remained the same. The image of him seven years ago merged with the present, instantly transporting Jiang Lou back to those dark and cold teenage years, yet filled with flickers of light.

The earthquake came suddenly, and Jiang Lou rushed out instinctively.

Reaching the reception room, he saw Li Tang sitting back on the sofa, while the shelf behind him wobbled precariously, nearing collapse.

Without time to think, Jiang Lou moved forward to protect him.

Once the ground stopped shaking, Jiang Lou realized he had exposed himself.

Li Tang detested him so much that he refused to see him even while lying in a hospital bed. Seven years ago, he left without looking back, leaving not a single word behind. To face him now must be infuriating and terrifying.

Jiang Lou took a deep breath, as if summoning all his willpower to resist touching him.

“Close your eyes.”

There was nothing else to say, only this.

I know you hate me, you don’t want to see me.

So close your eyes, pretend I never appeared.

Leaving the reception room, several company employees were approaching.

Qi Sixian and Yang Baichuan, quick on their feet, each grabbed one of Li Tang’s arms: “There’s been an earthquake, let’s go outside for safety.”

In reality, the earthquake came and went swiftly. Standing outside on the open ground with them, Pei Hao had his hands in his pockets, appearing unconcerned: “It was just a small tremor, no need for everyone to panic.”

Qi Sixian widened her eyes: “The teacup on the table fell over, and you call that small?”

“Mm, small,” Pei Hao said. “Small quakes don’t require running, and big ones you can’t run away from.”

Despite his reassurances, people who rarely experienced natural disasters were still rattled. Yang Baichuan was pale with fright, suggesting to Pei Hao: “President Pei, have you considered moving the company to the capital? The high-tech parks there have better facilities, which would be more beneficial for your company’s development.”

Pei Hao chuckled: “I’d love to move to the capital.”

As he spoke, he glanced at someone behind Li Tang. “But some people are too stubborn, refusing to budge.”

This glance caused the startled crowd to look at the person standing behind Li Tang.

Yang Baichuan recognized him immediately: “This is the person in charge of the algorithm section at your company…”

Qi Sixian reacted most strongly, her eyes widening even further, almost glowing: “I was just wondering where the handsome algorithm guy was hiding. Turns out you guys were keeping him a secret.”

“I didn’t hide him,” Pei Hao held up his hands in defense. “He simply refused to come out.”

“Why didn’t he come out? Is he socially anxious?”

“Ask him.”

Qi Sixian stared at Jiang Lou, admiring him closely, eager to hear his explanation.

However, Jiang Lou had no intention of answering. He told Pei Hao, “I’ll leave it to you here,” then decisively turned around and walked back into the company.

“So aloof,” Qi Sixian exaggeratedly rubbed her arms, watching the handsome man’s retreating back.

Suddenly remembering something, she turned to Li Tang: “President Li, earlier, you seemed to come out with him?”

Even though the person had walked away, his overwhelming presence continued to affect everyone present.

Li Tang was no exception. He absentmindedly hummed in response, his hand clenched tightly at his side.

It was strange. Clearly, he should have avoided him, should have stayed as far away as possible, yet there was an urge to turn around and look.

Fortunately, this impulse was a fleeting illusion that didn’t last long.

At noon, Pei Hao announced that he had reserved a table at a hotel, urging everyone to honor the invitation.

A seven-seater business van transported the group to the hotel. It was a hotel specializing in Cantonese cuisine. Cantonese dishes were light and slightly sweet, deviating significantly from the local tastes of Xucheng, causing Qi Sixian to mumble as they entered, “Why are we eating Cantonese food in Xucheng?”

Servers carrying trays buzzed around the hall, everything in the hotel running smoothly, showing no signs of having just experienced an earthquake.

Seated in the private dining room, Li Tang received a call from Zhou Dongze.

The caller got straight to the point: “I heard you’re in Xucheng, and there was an earthquake earlier. Are you alright?”

There was no need to ask who told him. Li Tang assured him he was fine, and Zhou Dongze sighed in relief: “Good. After you finish your official business, do you have time for dinner together?”

“This schedule is rather tight. I’m leaving early tomorrow morning. I—”

As if anticipating his refusal, Zhou Dongze quickly added: “How about tonight? Just dinner, won’t interfere with your schedule.”

Li Tang pursed his lips, ultimately agreeing: “Alright, but let’s agree that we don’t go somewhere too expensive. Home-style dishes will do.”

After hanging up, Li Tang looked up and found Pei Hao, seated across from him, staring at him with a meaningful expression.

“President Li has great connections, even in this small city, there are people vying to treat you to dinner.”

Now that Li Tang knew who the final partner of ROJA was, he understood the intentions behind Pei Hao’s repeated verbal probes.

Although, he wasn’t clear how much he knew. Jiang Lou wasn’t the type to easily open up to others, casually revealing his past.

Unbidden, he thought of that person again, feeling a profound sense of helplessness. Seven years had passed, yet memories of that person remained vivid, as if they happened yesterday.

He responded evasively: “It’s alright, not as extensive as President Pei’s, whose friends span the globe.”

The moment Li Tang entered the restaurant, he saw Pei Hao walk confidently towards the kitchen, chatting amiably with the head chef.

Pei Hao raised his eyebrows, unashamed: “Indeed, I’ve always believed in the principle that more friends mean more paths. Unlike certain tech people in our company, loners who go their own way, not knowing how to reconnect with old classmates.”

Li Tang smiled: “Talented people tend to be aloof.”

“He’s aloof?” Pei Hao snorted. “He’s just a fool swallowing his pride.”

Hearing this, Li Tang’s wordiness, suppressed for seven years abroad, nearly flared up.

Swallowing one’s pride meant enduring a loss in silence.

What loss had he endured?

Could it be that he felt it still wasn’t enough?

Among the few present, Qi Sixian was the first to realize they were speaking in riddles and couldn’t resist asking curiously, “Who are you talking about?”

Before Li Tang could answer, Pei Hao replied: “The one who didn’t come.”

Mentioning Jiang Lou, Qi Sixian became excited: “Why didn’t he come?”

“Who knows?” Pei Hao made up an excuse. “Maybe handsome guys live on dew and don’t need to eat.”

Qi Sixian giggled at his antics.

After laughing, she realized she had missed a keyword.

“Old classmate? Not President Sun, right?” Qi Sixian asked.

Pei Hao was about to answer for Li Tang again, but this time, Li Tang beat him to it.

“I attended high school in Xucheng once. President Sun and President Jiang were both my old classmates.” Li Tang smiled, speaking calmly. “However, I spent less than a year in Xucheng, so I wasn’t particularly close to them.”

Hearing the words “not particularly close,” Pei Hao raised his eyebrows in surprise, then wore a smirk akin to mockery.

Li Tang no longer cared about others’ thoughts. He was preoccupied, feeling a sense of panic at being forced to expose his past.

He didn’t want to come to Xucheng, fearing the memories it would evoke, fearing situations like this.

Moreover, the bracelet on his wrist was missing.

Perhaps it was lost in the chaos of the earthquake, or maybe it fell in the car… His hand under the table covered his left wrist. Even with the cuffs buttoned, Li Tang couldn’t help but worry about being seen.

Fortunately, once the dishes were served, everyone focused on eating, and Pei Hao stopped staring at Li Tang.

Perhaps due to the “surviving a disaster” connection, everyone’s appetites were whetted. Qi Sixian polished off half a plate of char siu before lifting her face from the bowl, sighing, “Delicious, better than any Cantonese restaurant I’ve ever been to.”

“It has to be delicious,” Pei Hao said. “Our entire company certified it. I personally came early to reserve the table so President Li could enjoy a satisfying meal.”

Li Tang’s eyelid twitched, fearing Qi Sixian would inquire who reserved the table and how they knew President Li’s preferences.

This time, his wish was granted. Qi Sixian’s focus shifted elsewhere: “With such delicious food, not having a drink feels like something is missing.”

Pei Hao waved his hand: “Our company strictly forbids discussing business at the dinner table, no alcohol culture allowed.”

Qi Sixian couldn’t stop laughing: “President Pei, you’re hilarious. You must spend a lot of time surfing the internet, right?”

She said this, but halfway through the feast, they inevitably started talking about the stories from the early days of entrepreneurship.

Li Tang had little to share; he wasn’t a willing participant, thrust into this position against his will. Pei Hao also said he originally had no interest in starting a company. He only decided to do so because he felt sorry for his friend, wanting to find something for him to do, giving him a goal, which led to the decision to start a business.

“Let me take a wild guess, the friend President Pei mentioned wouldn’t happen to be President Jiang, would it?” Qi Sixian asked.

“Who else could it be?” Pei Hao answered. “You’ve all seen it, he always looks gloomy.”

“People consider that cool, like an unattainable flower.”

“He wasn’t cool before, he had better people skills than me.”

“Really? It doesn’t seem like it…”

“But I disliked his previous self, especially fake, obviously annoyed but still wearing a fake smile.”

Hearing this, Li Tang, who had been wearing an official smile, froze momentarily.

Qi Sixian was curious: “Then how did you two become friends?”

“We became acquainted through conflict,” Pei Hao’s gaze seemingly inadvertently swept over Li Tang’s face. “Later, I realized he wasn’t pretending… Understanding his past experiences will explain it.”

There are perhaps some people in this world who, regardless of where they are, naturally draw the most attention.

Jiang Lou was such a person. No matter how the conversation at the table was pulled in different directions, it would eventually return to him.

Even though he wasn’t physically present.

Even Old Wu, the risk control manager accompanying them, a middle-aged man in his forties, father of two children, couldn’t hide his admiration: “If my son could be half as motivated as any of you in the future, I’d laugh in my dreams.”

“Don’t jinx me, exclude me first. Learning from me would be a disaster,” Pei Hao laughed.

Sun Yuxiang, who had been stuffing his face for a while, also chimed in: “Exclude me too. In terms of technology, I’m not as good as Jiang Lou. In terms of eloquence, I’m not as good as Pei Hao. I’m just here to make up the numbers.”

Qi Sixian posed a question to Old Wu: “If you had to choose one from among them, which would you hope to be your son?”

Li Tang took the lead: “Even if you don’t choose me, I won’t make things difficult for you in the company.”

Thus, Old Wu pondered for a moment: “Then I’d choose President Jiang.”

Everyone laughed, saying he sure knew how to pick.

Regarding personal abilities, Pei Hao was the first to back down, admitting he was just a graduate from an ordinary university, unlike President Jiang, who completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the top two universities in the country, finishing his studies ahead of schedule and spending two years as an exchange student abroad.

When asked which foreign school it was, Pei Hao said: “I don’t know, it was in the UK, a school I couldn’t get into.”

Hearing the UK, Li Tang was momentarily stunned.

But it must have been a coincidence, he thought. The UK was a country with a large number of international students, nothing unusual.

But if speaking of the best place to study computer science, wasn’t it America?

Just as he was thinking this, Pei Hao received a call.

Initially, the conversation seemed normal, but after a couple of sentences, he grew impatient.

“There isn’t… I already told him I’m not making things difficult for him… If you’re truly worried, come yourself… Tsk, I won’t relay your message, talk to him yourself.”

Pei Hao stood up, passing the phone across the round table, smiling obsequiously: “President Li, take the call.”

Realizing who was on the other end, Li Tang hesitated for a moment before reluctantly accepting the phone.

Placing the receiver near his ear, several seconds of silence were insufficient to prepare Li Tang.

Therefore, when he heard the probing question, “Is this Li Tang?” Li Tang’s heart jolted violently.

The emotions that the sudden earthquake had scattered seemed to gather and brew for over an hour until, at this moment, they stirred up a tumultuous reunion in his heart.

Li Tang responded softly with a “Mm.”

Another silence followed, even shorter than before.

“Your bracelet was left here,” Jiang Lou barely perceptibly drew a deep breath. “Which hotel are you staying at? I’ll bring it to you.”