Blue Cocktail chapter 29
Cheng Shuo’s fingers against the blue ceramic cup tightened instantly. He hurriedly lowered his head, using his scattered, densely dark blue bangs to shield his eyes, as if he feared that another moment might reveal him entirely to Lu Huaiqian – his efforts to conceal his flaws and imperfections, his old and deep-seated problems.
The subconscious repeatedly urged the memory, but it remained indifferent. He still couldn’t recall the contents of what He Yin had written in the letter.
Hence, he couldn’t speculate on how much Lu Huaiqian could decipher, regarding his obscure past. But one thing was certain – someone as astute as Lu Huaiqian would certainly maximize the information behind that letter.
If he didn’t care for the person and wanted to avoid discussing memories, lying would be the simplest option. He could easily do it without any psychological burden. However, if the inquirer were Lu Huaiqian, should he speak? Could Lu Huaiqian be trusted?
“Hey, your reaction is making me a bit afraid.”
The familiar voice rang in his ears, and Cheng Shuo suddenly came to his senses.
Lu Huaiqian was tilting his head, his right hand propping his chin, eyes and lips filled with a lazy and open smile, while his pupils were deep and seemed bottomless. “Peeking at the letter He Yin wrote to you without your permission was indeed a little unethical. I admit, I’m sorry.”
Cheng Shuo’s heart abruptly tightened, the blood in his veins rushing into the chambers. At that moment, he felt as if he had heard a heartbeat.
He pursed his lips. “You don’t have to apologize to me.”
“So, you’re not angry this time?”
Cheng Shuo shook his head slowly.
“That’s great,” Lu Huaiqian continued to ramble, “Do you know how much internal struggle I went through before reading the letter? On one hand, I felt I shouldn’t read it because it contained your privacy. On the other hand, I was very curious as to why you were so angry.”
“Now I finally understand. I can empathize with you because if I were in your shoes, I would be furious as well. After reading the letter that day, I was so angry that I took the time to call my brother and asked him to quickly transfer that piece of land to someone else. Even if it meant giving it away without making a penny, I wouldn’t sell it to He Yin. That made me feel a bit better.”
Cheng Shuo was momentarily stunned and then seemingly smiled. “Isn’t that exaggerated?”
“I’m not exaggerating,” Lu Huaiqian said with a smile, “I’m speaking the truth from the bottom of my heart, not lying to you.”
“And I’m true to my words. If you don’t believe me, you can pay a little attention to the stock market news. The China Securities Regulatory Commission and the Shanghai Stock Exchange will take action. He Yin’s husband’s company will be investigated. Although it might take some time, in the end, it will provide an explanation to the vast stockholders. The Securities Regulatory Commission’s official website will disclose the violations.”
“And, that piece of land He Yin is interested in is at 168 Qingpu East Road, Yuhai District. I’ve said it here – that piece of land won’t become an amusement park in three years.”
In order to have Lu Huai Xuan transfer that piece of land, Lu Huaiqian had to spare no effort and was forced to agree to the “dictator clause” proposed by Lu General, their father. The two of them reached an agreement, but Cheng Shuo didn’t know the necessity of all this.
Lu Huaiqian raised his eyebrows presumptuously, exuding a domineering air between his brows. “In short, time will prove everything.”
Seeing this, Cheng Shuo couldn’t help but smile, nodding in compliance. “I believe you, I do.”
Suddenly, a thought struck him, and the smile diminished. “Two percent of the shares, it might be a lot of money. Don’t you feel… a little regretful?”
Lu Huaiqian replied without hesitation, “It’s only two percent of the shares. I won’t miss that bit of money.”
This answer was unexpected and yet reasonable, leaving Cheng Shuo feeling moved. “Then you are truly wealthy.”
“It’s alright,” Lu Huaiqian was unusually modest. “Actually, the conditions He Yin offered may not necessarily be sincere. There are many manipulable spaces within it.”
“I asked someone, He Yin’s company is preparing for an IPO. She promised me the shares without specifying when she’d provide them. In case the IPO succeeds after dragging on, the shares held by directors, supervisors, and senior management members cannot be transferred within a year. So, waiting for her two percent of the shares might be pointless, much like waiting for a stone to move.”
“Besides, she didn’t tell me whether they’re preferred or common shares.”
Seeing Cheng Shuo’s slightly puzzled expression, Lu Huaiqian explained, “Preferred shares can’t participate in company operational decisions; common shares can.”
He continued, “How dividends are distributed, and in what quantity, is decided by the shareholders’ meeting. Even if I receive common shares, with two percent of the shares, I won’t have much say. Besides, dividends may not necessarily be in cash; it could be in stocks. The value of the stocks depends on the company’s current operating condition and future development potential. This is the underlying logic of stock prices. If He Yin’s amusement park keeps losing money, the stock won’t be valuable.”
“So, she’s just making promises that sound good..”
Cheng Shuo listened, understanding only partially. “I didn’t know there was so much to it.”
“Capital operation is just like this, full of intrigue, especially in such word games, which can be played orally and even more in contracts. But for a company to grow and prosper, it absolutely cannot be separated from cooperation. Cooperation requires trust, but that doesn’t mean one can easily and completely trust the other party. One should always be a bit cautious, otherwise, be careful; you might end up being cheated and still help count the money. So—”
With a mischievous smile, Lu Huaiqian said, “Having a bit of vigilance isn’t a bad thing, right?”
Cheng Shuo suddenly froze.
He turned away and slowly tightened his fingertips against the edge of the blue cup. His throat felt extremely dry. After a brief silence, he muttered in a voice that barely escaped his lips, “About last week… I’m sorry.”
Lu Huaiqian continued to smile, “What did you just say? I couldn’t quite catch it.”
Cheng Shuo bit his lip; he knew his voice was too low, making it seem insincere. You couldn’t demand sincerity from Lu Huaiqian without being willing to reciprocate.
He tried to raise his voice but realized, despite his best efforts, it was still faint as a mosquito’s hum. “I’m sorry.”
Speaking softly enough for each other to hear and knowing Lu Huaiqian could lip-read, this time he understood. He was about to respond when a mischievous thought occurred to him, making him hesitate.
So, Lu Huaiqian suddenly changed his mind and pretended to look confused, “What?”
Cheng Shuo could only purse his lips, preparing himself mentally to say it for the third time in his mind.
Seeing Cheng Shuo in this state, Lu Huaiqian couldn’t help but suppress his laughter. He spoiled his own plan.
Cheng Shuo immediately realized he was being played and couldn’t help but say, “Lu Huaiqian!”
The other person was full of triumphant amusement, but Cheng Shuo was unhappy, “Why are you so young in your hearing?”
“What? You praised me for being young; I’m so happy! Thank you; I think I’m young too.”
“…”
“By the way, I haven’t seen the gift you gave me.” Lu Huaiqian pulled out a velvet box and opened it in front of Cheng Shuo. “Wow, such beautiful cufflinks, I really like them.”
Cheng Shuo laughed, “You’re too exaggerated; you should work on your acting.”
“Okay, I admit, I took a peek before making coffee.”
Lu Huaiqian took out the cufflinks from the box. The cufflinks were silver and octagonal, with curved lines at the edges and corners, appearing smooth yet sharp, embedded with a gemstone at the center. The gemstone was square-shaped, with each mid-point of the edges having a tiny diamond. The gem contained blue-purple hues intertwined with silver and light blue particles, flickering like a midnight starry sky, reminiscent of the Milky Way.
Admiring it for a while, Lu Huaiqian smiled contentedly and put the treasure cufflinks back in the black velvet box. Then, he took out the letter Cheng Shuo had given.
Discreetly glancing at Cheng Shuo, Lu Huaiqian retrieved the letter and was about to unfold it.
“Wait!”
Lu Huaiqian found it odd, “Huh? What’s wrong?”
Cheng Shuo hesitated for a moment and felt uncomfortable. “…Don’t read it in front of me.”
“Why? Does it contain something embarrassing?”
“No.”
“Okay then.”
As if having an idea, Lu Huaiqian took out his phone to transfer money to Aru.
Three seconds after sending the red envelope, the bartender Aru immediately came out holding a cigarette and a lighter.
Seeing this, Lu Huaiqian gestured, “No need to come over, just throw it to me, I’ll catch it.”
As he finished his words, the cigarette case glided through the air, Lu Huaiqian effortlessly caught it in his hand.
Following that, the lighter was thrown over. This time Aru’s aim was slightly off, but Lu Huaiqian simply leaned back in his chair. As the lighter approached, he extended his arm, and seconds later, it landed perfectly in his palm.
The lighter spun in his fingertips.
Opening the cigarette case, he took one out and lit it twice. The flame touched the end of the cigarette, lighting it. Lu Huaiqian held the orange tip between his fingertips, “I need to step away for a moment.”
“Okay.”
Cheng Shuo nodded, and his gaze involuntarily followed Lu Huaiqian as he left. Suddenly, he realized that Lu Huaiqian hadn’t asked a single question about He Yin or the amusement park.
Why is everything always going against the norm? Be it in conversation or action.
Cheng Shuo saw Lu Huaiqian walking toward the farthest window.
Opening the window completely, a breeze of spring air mixed with coolness rushed in. Yet, Lu Huaiqian didn’t seem to mind as he leaned against the window, letting his hair float in the transparent air. The slight smile lines emanated from his slightly curved eyes. His gaze caught the warmth of the cigarette, and as the light gray smoke from the cigarette paper expanded and dissipated into the air, the color merged into the spring breeze and coolness.
Suddenly, focusing on the person at the center of his sight, Lu Huaiqian turned to face him, his eyes filled with an inexplicable smile and contentment that captivated Cheng Shuo’s attention.