Pursuit and Jealousy

Untitled Episode

In the office of the venerable Professor Han Yirui, Wen Ran sat across from the elderly historian, savoring her second ice cream cone of the day. Between bites, she declared with impish exuberance, “I adore the raw vigor of primitive society—where grievances are met with a punch, joy with a boisterous laugh, and everyone gathers around a bonfire to sing without fear of reproach, living as they please with unbridled zest. Grandfather, how about staging a play set in that primeval era?”

Professor Han, well into his seventies and recently recalled from retirement to the university, sipped his tea and replied warmly, “So you are indeed born of that untamed spirit—doing as you wish without heed to rules or the judgment of others, living life with such passion and delight. If only Han Sitong could be as free-spirited as you; having grown up together, it amazes me that you’ve not influenced her even an iota.”

Wen Ran laughed carefree, “Sitong has parents, and you and grandmother to guide her—she must grow up proper. I, on the other hand, having no true parents, am left unrestrained and unguided.”

“Nonsense,” Professor Han chided, lightly flicking her head across the table, “your parents are very much alive; do not speak so.”

Pouting in silent resignation, Wen Ran thought, even life’s neglect is scarcely better than death.

After an earnest hour of consultation, just as noon approached and she was about to join the professor for lunch, a gentle knock interrupted the office. The door slowly swung open to reveal first a pair of long, graceful legs, followed by a trim waist clad in a crisp white shirt, a brown thermos in hand, and a pair of calm, impassive eyes.

That was the very man who had left her heartbroken for three days.

“Grandfather,” intoned Shen Yan, his gaze lingering for a brief half-second on Wen Ran—dressed in a striking red dress—before addressing Professor Han, “Forgive my unannounced visit.”

“Ah, Shen Yan is here—what disturbance is this?” Professor Han exclaimed with a smile as he rose. “It has been too long since we last met.”

He then introduced the two young acquaintances, “Shen Yan, this is Ran Ran—a dear friend of Sitong. And Ran Ran, this is… Shen…”

Raising her ice cream in hand with a smile as polished as that reserved for esteemed clients, Wen Ran interjected, “Grandfather, we are acquainted. This gentleman is Mr. Shen; I have come today to discuss the themed amusement park project—indeed, the very project my father wishes to pursue in collaboration with Shen Corporation.”

Shen Yan’s eyes briefly swept over the melting ice cream—its soft, pure white cascading to her fingertips—before a fleeting furrow of his brow settled, and he said, “Manager Wen, good day.”

Flashing a smile that revealed eight pristine teeth, she replied, “Good day, Mr. Shen.”

“Is that so? What a delightful coincidence,” Professor Han remarked, gesturing for Shen Yan to sit. “You usually visit me at home—today, you come to the office? Come, let us dispense with pleasantries and get straight to business.”

With a knowing smile, Wen Ran added, “Grandfather, you and Mr. Shen converse; I shall take a little stroll around the campus.”

Barely ten meters from the door, her phone chimed with a message from Shi Lei: “General Ran! After three days of inquiry, I can confirm with absolute certainty—Mr. Shen is unattached!!!!” The very tone seemed to punctuate a hundred exclamation points, setting her heart alight with excitement.

Instantly, she retraced her steps. Noticing her return, Professor Han inquired in surprise, “What is the matter, Ran Ran?”

Carrying a chair with both hands, she seated herself obediently beside Shen Yan and demurely said, “I’m quite all right, Grandfather—please continue your discussion, I’ll simply listen in.” Glancing at Shen Yan, she added, “Mr. Yan, I hope I’m not intruding.”

He regarded her coolly, “Manager Wen, do as you please.”

Thus seated at his side, she listened intently as Professor Han expounded his advice to Shen Yan, all the while discreetly observing the man whose natural detachment seemed inherent—even in his manner toward the professor. His measured, mellifluous voice lent every word an air of quiet authority.

At noon the three dined together, parting ways around two in the afternoon. As Professor Han escorted them out, he said with a smile, “Shen Yan, your grandfather hopes that you and Ran Ran might collaborate—after all, one holds a Master’s and the other a Doctorate; your expertise is impeccable, and your character, beyond reproach. Though you are strangers to one another, I know you both inside out, and I believe you would make a splendid team.”

Shen Yan nodded, “Yes, I shall give it serious consideration.”

Wen Ran beamed radiantly, leaning her head against Professor Han’s shoulder, “Thank you, Grandfather, for your kind words.”

Professor Han laughed as he playfully tapped her head, “Do eat less ice cream—it’s not good for you.”

“That's because I have no boyfriend to look after me,” she teased, her gaze fixed on Shen Yan. “Once I have one to care for me, I’ll curb my indulgence.”

Exiting Professor Han’s office, she followed Shen Yan down the corridor, smiling mischievously, “Mr. Yan, you really are a bit roguish.”

His slender figure paused midway, his peripheral glance drifting back. Hastening to meet him, Wen Ran lifted her eyes to match his impassive stare, her bright orbs dancing as she smiled, “Mr. Yan, you don’t have a girlfriend, do you?”

For two silent seconds the corridor held its breath. A gentle breeze stirred the half-open window, causing it to slide open silently, while the delicate wind tousled Wen Ran’s soft, long hair and carried her enchanting fragrance.

With cool detachment, Shen Yan withdrew his gaze and said flatly, “Manager Wen, farewell.” Then, sidestepping the barrier of her presence, he strode away, thermos in hand.

Raising an amused eyebrow, Wen Ran smiled and, content with the brief encounter, bid him farewell in the parking lot before driving back to the company and later returning to the Wen family villa. No wonder she detested coming home—though it was her own, she was kept waiting outside for ten minutes until the current mistress, Cao Yiyun, permitted her entry.

That very afternoon, absent from the office, Wen Zhicheng confronted her upon her arrival, pointing an accusatory finger, “Wen Ran, what is the meaning of this? Did you call for the fire safety inspection? And even your own group reported it? How utterly immature!”

Suppressing her rising indignation, Wen Ran embraced her father’s arm and said sweetly, “I’m only considering the company’s safety—what harm is there in a thorough inspection? Father, please don’t be angry; your anger makes me want to cry.”

Wen Zhicheng’s breathing remained heavy with lingering ire, until Cao Yiyun appeared with tea, gently urging, “Do not be angry with Ran Ran; it is so rare that she comes home. Why not let her dine with us tonight? I’ll have the chef prepare your favorite dish.”

Unable to tolerate the woman before her, Wen Ran cast a sidelong glance at Cao Yiyun, “Oh really? Then do tell me—what is it that I love to eat?”

A fleeting blush of embarrassment crossed Cao Yiyun’s face; after all, Wen Ran graced the home only two or three times a year. Exasperated by yet another argument, Wen Zhicheng turned upstairs, “Wen Ran, come to my study.”

Once there, Wen Ran launched straight into her plea, “Dad, I intend to pursue the collaboration with Shen Corporation. Promise me you won’t let Qian Geya get involved.”

Wen Zhicheng sighed and massaged his brow, “Why must you always compete with her? Isn’t it all for the good of the company? You were so obedient as a child—what has become of you?”

She refrained from revealing the true reasons—her parents’ divorce, the torment at the hands of her stepmother and stepsister, and her father’s neglect—lest it seem overly dramatic.

“I’m not being willful,” she insisted, bouncing her legs restlessly at his desk. “I negotiated the oceanarium project with Huo Corporation for two arduous months—my team toiled day after day, and then, following my appendectomy, she usurped all the credit, reaping benefits with her department while I was left bitter… You—”

Before she could finish, Qian Geya’s call chimed, its tone sultry: “Dad, Mr. Shen and I have spoken on the phone; we’ll sit down again next week. Rest assured, I will secure this deal. I hear Mother is worried about your rest—do not fret, I’m on it.”

Wen Ran listened calmly as her father chuckled, “Very well, dear Xiaoya, thank you for your efforts. Leave it to you—Dad is at ease.”