Perfect Mistake

Part 3:

6 Months Later

After the last assignment of his career, Sheng Shao You decided to build his own company, specializing in high-end event planning and management. Despite its humble beginnings, his determination and the help of his team propelled the company to early success. Sheng Shao You was thrilled that his dream of living a simple life was finally within reach. There was only one person missing from his envisioned future, but he was confident that soon they would be together again.

He promised himself that once his life settled down, he would create a new life filled with good memories, living a peaceful life in the faraway countryside with the person he cared about. The thought brought a sense of calm and anticipation, a future where simplicity and love would be the guiding principles. As he smiled, lost in thoughts of the life he dreamed of sharing with that special someone, his eyes caught sight of a car stopping at the intersection outside his office.

A man stepped out, and Sheng Shao You's heart skipped a beat as he recognized the unexpected visitor heading towards his building. Sheng Shao You's expression turned guarded as he watched the man through the surveillance monitor. Before he could process his emotions, a knock on the door broke the silence. He composed himself, smoothing out his suit, and invited the visitor to enter.

The man walked in, accompanied by Sheng Shao You's staff, wearing a broad smile that seemed to fill the room. Sheng Shao You forced a smile, trying to appear normal despite the turmoil brewing inside. Sometimes, circumstances wouldn't allow you to escape the past, especially when people connected to you insisted on revisiting it.

"Congratulations, Mr. Sheng, on your successful company!" The man said, extending his hand. Sheng Shao You couldn't help but accept the congratulation and return a polite smile.

After shaking hands and receiving a pat on the shoulder, Sheng Shao You nodded, his smile broadening as he played the part of a proud entrepreneur.

"Thank you, sir" he replied, mirroring the man's smile, though a hint of unease lingered beneath the surface.

The man regarded him intently, as if searching for something beneath the façade.

"Don't worry, I just stopped by to congratulate you; that's all" the man assured him, his tone gentle. Sheng Shao You smiled and bowed his head slightly, acknowledging the man's awareness of his past life. "It's a hard decision you've made" the man commented, his eyes never leaving Sheng Shao You's face.

"Not really sir" Sheng Shao You replied. "I don't plan on being an assassin for life" The man nodded understandingly, his expression softening. "Alright then, don't be nervous that I'm here" the man said with a chuckle, noticing Sheng Shao You's slight unease. Sheng Shao You remained silent, his eyes locked on the man's, his thoughts hidden behind a mask of calmness.

"If you'd like, I can introduce you to my nephew, Hua Yong" the man said, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "As the sole owner of the company, working with him would open doors to numerous opportunities with influential businessmen in our country" His brow rose inquisitively. "You're familiar with his name, aren't you?" The name did ring a bell. Sheng Shao You had seen Hua Yong's face on TV, in magazines, and in news reports about his remarkable success in reviving his family's business. He had even admired Hua Yong's business acumen, considering his young age and the magnitude of his accomplishments.

"Yes, sir" Sheng Shao You replied, his tone measured. "I've heard he's one of the most successful young entrepreneurs globally" The man's face lit up with pleasure, clearly delighted that Sheng Shao You recognized the name.

"Exactly!" the man exclaimed, his hands gesturing expansively. "Imagine if he were to hire your services for one of his ventures. It would be a tremendous boost for your company!" Sheng Shao You's expression remained thoughtful, weighing the potential benefits against the man's sudden display of friendliness.

"It is my honor, sir. I can give you my company card; please pass it to your nephew" He replied calmly, reaching for the card on the table. The man stopped him, shaking his head. The staff brought water for the guest and left after paying respects.

The man's words dripped with confidence. "Just talk to him in person. You can come to the company. I'll accompany you, and he'll be sure to listen" He chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement, and tapped Sheng Shao You's shoulder. But Sheng Shao You's thoughts drifted back to his troubled past.

This man had brought him to the organization, pulling him out of a life of hardship in the countryside. His mother, a former music star, had been exploited by a married man, leaving her with crushing debt and a desperate struggle to survive. Memories flooded his mind - the nights he waited outside their house, hungry and alone, while his mother entertained clients.

The smell of her perfume still lingered in his nostrils, but it was tainted by the pain of her neglect. He recalled the sound of laughter and whispers, the way they looked at him with disdain. One particular memory stood out - his mother's client slapping his hand away as he begged for food. The sting still lingered, a painful reminder of his past. The man's voice brought Sheng Shao You back to reality. He looked up, his eyes searching for answers. What lay behind the man's sudden interest in helping him? Was it genuine, or was there an ulterior motive?

"I'll accept it then, sir" Sheng Shao You said with a nod. The man's face lit up with enthusiasm.

"That's great! Really great! I'll message you once he's available. Don't miss it!" He pointed at Sheng Shao You, his eyes sparkling with excitement. Before they parted ways, Sheng Shao You gave the man a tour of his company.

As they walked, Sheng Shao You learned more about Hua Yong's business and its various ventures. He also took the opportunity to inquire about the man's family's well-being. The man mentioned that his son was now running his own successful business, specializing in beauty products, particularly whitening creams. A flicker of memory crossed Sheng Shao You's mind as he recalled the son being bullied in the past for his darker skin tone. It was ironic that he would now be involved in promoting products that seemed to cater to a different beauty standard.

Knock knock

The door knocked softly, and Sheng Shao You's voice called out, "Get in" He was engrossed in checking some papers when his staff interrupted him again.

"Sir, sorry to disturb you, but there's another person here looking for you" the female staff member said, her voice apologetic.

She stepped aside, allowing the new guest to enter, and bowed her head before exiting the room. As the door opened, a warm smile greeted Sheng Shao You.

"Hello" the person said, the voice familiar yet unexpected.

Sheng Shao You's eyes lifted, and his gaze met the visitor's. It had been a year since he'd last seen him. Gao Tu stood before him, wearing a white shirt covered by a long sky-blue sleeve and faded pants, complemented by blue sneakers and a pair of glasses perched on his nose. Sheng Shao You's eyes widened in surprise.

"Gao Tu?" The unexpected reunion sparked a mix of emotions on Sheng Shao You's face.

Gao Tu's presence brought back memories, and Sheng Shao You's expression softened slightly as he took in the familiar features.

''My friend!"

Sheng Shao You strode forward, a wide smile spreading across his face as he hugged Gao Tu tightly.

"I'm so glad to see you!"

The warmth of their reunion was palpable, and Sheng Shao You's eyes sparkled with nostalgia.

"How's life as a CEO treating you?" Gao Tu teased, tapping Sheng Shao You's back before they pulled apart to sit down. As they settled into their chairs, Sheng Shao You commanded the female staff to bring them drinks.

Moments later, cold alcoholic beverages were delivered, and they clinked glasses in a toast to their reunion. The satisfying clink of glasses was followed by a contented sigh from both men as they took their first sips. Shen Shao You was the first to break the silence.

"So, what brings you here? You didn't just drop by for a social visit, did you?" His eyes sparkled with curiosity. Gao Tu's expression turned serious, and he nodded slowly.

"I resigned" he said, his voice low and measured. Sheng Shao You's brow furrowed in surprise.

"You resigned? From the organization? But why? You're one of the best, Gao Tu. Your salary is more than satisfactory, and you don't even need to be in the field. You can just sit back, analyze data, and provide strategic insights" Shen Shao You's words tumbled out in a rush, reflecting his genuine confusion. Gao Tu chuckled, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.

It's not that simple, Shao You" Gao Tu said, his voice still low and mysterious. The silence that followed was palpable, lasting only a few seconds before Gao Tu spoke again. "I resigned to follow you here and decided to live a simple life as well" Sheng Shao You's jaw dropped, his eyes wide with surprise. He couldn't help but smile at his friend's blunt answer.

"You're joking, right?" he asked, his voice laced with skepticism. Gao Tu shook his head, taking a sip of his drink without breaking eye contact. Sheng Shao You's expression changed from surprise to curiosity. "You really mean it, don't you?" he asked, his voice softer now. Gao Tu nodded, his eyes serious. Sheng Shao You shook his head, a mixture of emotions swirling inside him. Of course, he was glad to have Gao Tu by his side, especially since Gao Tu was a top intel in the organization. But he couldn't shake off the feeling that there might be more to Gao Tu's resignation than met the eye.

As they sat there, sipping their drinks, Sheng Shao You couldn't help but wonder if the organization had sent Gao Tu to keep an eye on him. But he pushed the thought aside, trusting Gao Tu's loyalty and friendship.