Chapter 23 I Am Not Totally Contented (1/2)

The real recluse camouflages himself in the city. Hao Lei was convinced this time. He had not expected Chang Baji, who worked at this kind of place, was actually such a powerful man. Why would he stoop here?

To Hao Lei, Chang Baji was a talent who would flourish wherever he went. Perhaps such a person as Chang Baji had a mental state of another dimension. It was impossible to comprehend such people using common sense alone.

Chang Baji had, after all, convinced him through defeating him. Hao Lei, being a straight forward person was direct and honest with his dealings with people. Once he approved of someone, he would treat him as a true friend. This was the reason he was so close to Qin Sheng.

After getting into his car, Hao Lei gave Qin Sheng a call to tell him everything that had happened, including how he met the old saint, how the old saint had sent for his disciple to go to Shanghai, how his disciple was a man called Chang Baji who worked at Congress Seven, who was so talented that he defeated Hao Lei.

Qin Sheng did not know whether to laugh or cry, but could only respond with, ”You must have suffered,” to comfort him.

”Let's not talk about this anymore. It's a lesson learned,” Hao Lei laughed and got ready to leave Xi'an for Shanghai. In fact, Hao Lei was so looking forward to accomplishing something great in Shanghai.

Before hanging up, Qin Sheng gave his last instruction to Hao Lei, saying, ”I will not come personally to pick you up tomorrow, but will arrange for a driver to do so and bring you to me. Let's talk when you get here.”

After hanging up, Qin Sheng breathed a sigh of relief. From Hao Lei's description of Chang Baji, Qin Sheng knew he was definitely a skillful and talented strong man. After all, he was nurtured by the old saintly master.

He had some faint memories of meeting this old man twice when he was young. He really looked forward to meeting this exceptional man, Chang Baji.

In the quiet of the night, the lights from Pudong were getting dimmer. Qin Sheng was on the sofa, half-closing his eyes. He could not really fall into a deep sleep as he was afraid of people sneaking into the house.

All of a sudden, the light in the living room was switched on. Qin Sheng's eyes could hardly adapt so quickly to the glaring light. When he finally opened his eyes again, he realized that it was Han Bing coming out from her bedroom.

”Why are you up?” Qin Sheng asked, puzzled.

Han Bing was clad in grey silk pajamas, exposing her snow-white neck and thighs. She moved slowly towards the sofa and sat down. ”I can't sleep anymore, I miss my father.”

Qin Sheng was at a lost how to comfort her. After all, she had grown up under Han Guoping's protective wings all these years.

”There's something I would like to talk to you about. Although it doesn't seem to be the right time to talk about it, I find it necessary to do so,” Qin Sheng forced the words out of his mouth.

Han Bing did not think she was inappropriately dressed, perhaps it was because she trusted Qin Sheng very deeply.

”Please just say it,” Han Bing said as she looked at Qin Sheng with tenderness.

Qin Sheng got up to get Han Bing a cup of water. When he returned, he did not sit down by stood by and said, ”You must know what state we are in right now, Han Bing. Why are there people who wanted to take your life? Regardless of whether it is the group of elders who are your father's buddies or his enemies. Their fundamental objective is what your father had left behind. Although no one is handling his inheritance right now, it is like a piece of fatty meat. Everyone has their eyes on this piece of fatty meat and you are the sole beneficiary of his wealth. As long as you are still around, they would not be able to lay hands on your father's wealth.”

”I am aware of this, Qin Sheng. Just tell me directly what you want to say because I understood all that you've just said,” Han Bing had after all graduated from both Cambridge University in the UK and the Royal Academy of Arts. She was definitely very intelligent. Despite not having any experience in her father's business dealings, she had seen and heard much from Han Guoping.

Qin Sheng turned to Han Bing, looked her in the eyes and said, ”Now you have two options. The first option is that you take over Uncle Han's businesses, both the good and bad ones, and continue running them. However, not only will we be facing many competitors, there will be people getting hurt. Like Old Wu and Chen Beiming who had even sacrificed their lives, your life may be in danger too. The second option is that you give up everything, and as the inheritor of the company, announce its bankruptcy and restructuring, then you exit from this circle. Let the people who are fighting for the company do what they want. Which option would you choose?”

”Which do you think I will choose, or which would you suggest I choose?” Han Bing asked, not showing any emotion.

Qin Sheng shook his head, smiled and said, ”Han Bing, you should decide base on your own thoughts. Some people are willing to live a simpler life, while others choose to live a tougher life. Do not make your life miserable, especially now that nobody feels sorry for you. Regardless of your choice, I will support you without any hesitation. If you choose the first option, I will protect you against all the storms that come your way. Whoever tries to hurt you, I will kill him. However, if you choose the second option, I will help you settle everything so that you can move on to live a peaceful by stable life.”

”Why are you so kind to me, Qin Sheng?” Han Bing asked Qin Sheng tenderly instead of answering his question. Han Bing was deeply touched by Qin Sheng's words.

Qin Sheng was caught off-guard by her question and could not speak for a few seconds. When he came to, he said, ”It's not that. I want to keep you safe after Uncle Han died because this was what I promised him to do. There is no way I am going to sit around and do nothing.”

”I choose the first option, yet I can't be contented with it,” Han Bing said, sounding disappointed. She knew Qin Sheng was speaking the truth. Although she also knew she was very pretty, Qin Sheng had this charm about him that would attract many beautiful women. He would not fall in love with her so easily.

Qin Sheng could empathize with why Han Bing chose the first option. She was not an ambitious and bold person so she would not want to lead the kind of life that required her to make sacrifices and give up many things. In fact, she would be exhausted living in that manner... but what did she mean by not contented?”