Chapter 97: Ah Yun’s Identity

Shortly after I hung up the phone with the chubby guy, Sister Li called me. Over the phone, she said, “A Feng, I’m sorry. President Du’s company has already sued Yulian’s company. I wasn’t able to stop him…”

I comforted her, “It’s okay, Sister. Even if Yulian’s company really goes bankrupt, a few tens of millions in debt won’t make much difference.”

Sister Li said, “A Feng, I’ve already submitted my resignation. President Du pretended to persuade me to stay and even said that if I wanted a change of environment, he could arrange for me to be a manager at a branch. But I feel exhausted and want to rest, so he agreed to let me take a leave. I’ll come to Mingzhou to see you in a few days.”

I was a bit surprised and said, “Alright, Sister. Call me before you come so I can pick you up.”

Sister Li replied, “Of course. I’ll definitely call you before I come. By the way, please say some kind words to Yulian and comfort her.”

I said, “Sister, I know. I’m still trying to find a way to help her resolve the debt crisis.”

Sister Li said, “Brother, to be honest, if it were just a few million, I could help you out. But if it’s tens of millions or more, I’m afraid even I can’t do much.”

I said, “Sister, don’t worry. I might have a solution.”

Sister Li sounded surprised, “Really? That’s great!”

Suddenly, I wanted to know more about A Yun’s true identity. Although I knew she was the daughter of a wealthy family, I had no idea about her background. So I said to Sister Li, “Sister, I want to ask you about someone. I wonder if you know her.”

Sister Li was curious, “Brother, who do you want to ask about?”

I said, “A wealthy family’s daughter.”

Sister Li laughed, “Brother, you’re putting me on the spot. There are countless daughters from rich families in Shanghai. How can I possibly know them all?”

I said, “Sister, this person said she could stop President Du’s company from suing Yulian’s company for breach of contract and even buy Yulian’s inventory for ten million dollars. She must know President Du; she’s someone from your circle.”

When I said that, Sister Li was shocked. “Do you have a photo of her? Send it to me; let’s chat on WeChat.”

I said, “Okay,” and then sent A Yun’s photo to Sister Li via WeChat.

Upon seeing the photo, Sister Li was visibly stunned. She replied, “Brother, how do you know her?”

I briefly explained how I met A Yun after leaving President Du’s company.

Sister Li was surprised, “Brother, I’ll tell you—the A Yun you know is actually President Du’s daughter.”

I was shocked, “Sister, are you serious?”

Sister Li was delighted, “Brother, I didn’t expect you to know her. If she can help, Yulian’s company might get through this crisis.”

I said, “Sister, my relationship with A Yun is a mess…” Then I briefly recounted how A Yun took me to Chu Shao’s drinking party where I was recognized by Jin Yulian’s brother, Jin Baoqiang. He publicly revealed my criminal past and that I had served time. Also, A Yun asked me to tell the truth about what happened back then to restore her reputation.

Sister Li frowned, “Brother, it seems your relationship with A Yun is complicated. What do you plan to do? You can’t be playing both sides; that will only cause trouble.”

I said, “Sister, I know. Anyway, A Yun knows about my connection with Yulian, and she even said she’s willing to help us.”

Sister Li said, “That’s the best outcome, but be careful. Sometimes girls say things they don’t mean.”

I said, “Sister, I know. I’ll go find A Yun right away.”

Sister Li said, “Alright then, brother, I won’t keep you any longer.” After chatting a little more, she said goodbye.

I called A Yun and told her I wanted to see her. She said, “Send me the address; I’ll come pick you up.”

After sending her the location, A Yun soon arrived by car. I jumped into her car and asked, “A Yun, where are you heading?”

Her answer was unexpected. She said, “A Feng, I’m going to Tongshan Ancient Temple to ask the Painting Immortal Lady if we still have a fate together.”

I said, “A Yun, didn’t you promise last night to help us?”

A Yun said, “A Feng, after thinking it over, I feel it’s really hard to just give up the person I like. So I want to ask the Painting Immortal Lady what she thinks.”

I was curious, “A Yun, do you really believe in that?”

A Yun said, “I feel there’s fate in all this, and human effort can’t change destiny. If fate wants us to be together, then naturally I wouldn’t help you.”

I couldn’t help but say, “A Yun, you clearly promised last night. How can you go back on your word today?”

A Yun laughed, “I’m a woman. What women say can’t always be taken seriously. Didn’t you know that?”

I was speechless, “Thank you, A Yun. Now I understand.”

A Yun smiled, “Don’t worry. Maybe we just don’t have that fate.”

I felt A Yun’s mind was ever-changing and hard to read.

Seeing my dazed expression, A Yun said, “Since you have nothing to do today, just come with me to Tongshan Ancient Temple.”

I couldn’t refuse, so I agreed. After half an hour’s drive, A Yun stopped the car at the foot of Tongshan. We parked and climbed the winding stone steps together.

Looking up the serpentine stairway, A Yun sighed, “A Feng, I never imagined after we parted ways here last time, we could meet again. That must mean we really are fated.”

I was distracted, “Maybe.”

A Yun smiled brightly, “Last time, my mom wanted your phone number, but your girlfriend was afraid of losing you and wouldn’t give it to me. Yet here we are, meeting again, and now she even needs me to help solve her debt crisis…”

I said, “A Yun, if you can help her, then please do.”

A Yun laughed, “Helping her is no problem. The question is, after I help her, will I be helping you two come together, or will I be taking you away from her?”

I smiled wryly, “A Yun, I’m a penniless nobody. Why would you want to steal me?”

A Yun said, “My fortune teller said if I don’t find a boyfriend this year, I’ll never have one.”

I asked, “You believe what a fortune teller says?”

A Yun said, “I didn’t before, but now I do, because if we break up, I’m afraid it’ll be really hard for me to find the right guy.”

I was curious, “Why?”

A Yun sighed, “If people know you’re a convicted felon and that I was your girlfriend, who would want me then?”