Chapter 1 (1/2)

Chapter 1

In a splendid private room of Jianye International Hotel, a group of well-dressed men and women toasted rounds of red wine with each other.

“Hansheng, I look forward to doing business with you in the future.”

“Hansheng, just relax. I’ll drink to you.”

“Hansheng, I wish you a prosperous future.”

The main character at the table receiving toasts and compliments from those who wish to form a relationship with him was Chen Hansheng.

“I wonder who is lucky enough to marry Hansheng.” A woman blushed as she picked up a glass of red wine flirtatiously.

Chen Hansheng was thirty-five years old – at the peak of his youth and career. Despite his social status, he was carefree and approachable. Coupled with his ability to carry a good conversation, it is unsurprising that many women are attracted to him.

“Miss Zhang, don’t you know? President Chen is not married yet. He is still a bachelor.” Someone leaned in and informed the woman.

“President Chen must have high standards. He probably wouldn’t even consider people like us,” said the woman with a smile.

Then, she turned to Chen Hansheng and handed over a business card with both hands. With a sparkle in her eyes, she gently said, “President Chen, you have already reached the peak of your life. You must find a balance between family and career.”

Chen Hansheng took the business card politely and his fingers lightly breezed past hers. However, the moment the two touched, he suddenly felt a slight tingle on his palm. It turned out that this Miss Zhang had slid her index finger down his palm before pulling her hand away as she looked at him flirtatiously.

Chen Hansheng smiled casually but remained silently seated.

By the time the social gathering ended, most of the people at the table were drunk. Miss Zhang turned back to look at Chen Hansheng reluctantly as she was about to leave.

Chen Hansheng noticed and gestured that he would call her. Only then did she leave with a smile.

A subordinate of his walked over and said, “President Chen, I’ll drive you back.”

“No need.”

Chen Hansheng waved his hand. “I bought a new house in the opposite neighborhood. I can drive back myself. It’s only less than a hundred meters away.”

Chen Hansheng slowly walked back to his Land Rover and got in. He leaned his head against the leather seat and the fatigue he felt from the event earlier crept onto his face.

After every social gathering, he would always leave slightly depressed despite having drunk so much wine. He would even feel a sense of emptiness.

It was hard to relax when one’s at the center of attention.

Chen Hansheng let out a heavy sigh. If money indicated happiness, he should be one of the happiest people in the world. He should be grateful.

He started the engine and fastened his seatbelt. Just as he was about to drive off, Chen Hansheng suddenly felt a hard object in his pocket. It turned out to be the business card of the beautiful Miss Zhang from earlier.

“Zhang Mingrong, not a bad name.”

Chen Hansheng smiled and then flicked it away lightly. Such social events were always full of drama. Whoever took it seriously was a fool.

The business card flew out into the night sky and landed on the ground. The Land Rover drove off to the music of ‘Five Hundred Miles’.

[If you miss the train I’m on,

You will know that I am gone,

You can hear the whistle blow,

A hundred miles…]

The song’s lyrics did not exactly reflect Chen Hansheng’s life, but it completely matched his mood at the moment – nostalgia.

It was undeniable that whoever had left home to find fortune, regardless of whether they made it or not, would never forget the very feeling of leaving home for the very first time.