Chapter Fifty-Two: It’s Too Late for Regrets

When Chu Dong returned home, he saw that Qiangzi and his brother had already finished their battle. Qiangzi, still holding a grudge after being dragged out by Chu Dong for an ill-fated night of adventure, had lost some of his reverence for him. So this time, he invited Haozi over to drink and vent his frustrations. It happened that Chu Dong was out, and the two rummaged through the cupboards to find Chu Dong’s stash of fine wine, which they proceeded to guzzle down with wild abandon. By the time Chu Dong walked through the door, there were only a few drops left at the bottom of the bottles.

“You two are anything but loyal—utterly disloyal!” Chu Dong exclaimed, pointing at the pair sprawled haphazardly across the room, his indignation barely contained.

“We’re the ones who aren’t loyal?” Qiangzi grinned. “When you chase after women and leave your brothers in the dust, you never mention loyalty. Today, we drank your wine—that’s giving you face.”

“Exactly! As the big brother, you don’t care for your brothers at all. You abandoned brotherhood for the sake of women. You deserve punishment!” Haozi, still clutching an empty bottle, his cheeks flushed.

“Brothers, it’s all a misunderstanding, really. Think about all the years we’ve spent together—how could a woman come between us? If you need anything from me, have I ever said no?” Seeing the wine was gone, Chu Dong hurried to explain, forgetting to feel heartbroken over it.

“That’s true,” Qiangzi nodded. “Dong Ge’s motto has always been: if something can’t be done, don’t do it; if it can be done, mess it up. We’ve learned that the hard way.”

“Oh, come on! When did that ever happen? You’re just talking nonsense. Move over, make some room.” Realizing the situation was irreparable, Chu Dong gave up. He never wasted energy on hopeless causes. He shoved aside Qiangzi’s ungracefully sprawled leg and sat down with a thud. “Let’s play cards—three of us. They say if you lose in love, you win in gambling. Let’s see if that’s true.”

“No way. When we wanted to play cards with you, you were busy in love and refused us. Now that you’ve struck out in romance, you want to use us for entertainment? Haozi, what do you think—should we agree?” Qiangzi climbed off the sofa and nudged Haozi, who was about to fall asleep.

“No, definitely not…” Haozi replied reflexively, then promptly fell asleep.

The next morning, Chu Dong was up early—not from restful sleep, but because three men squeezed onto one bed was uncomfortable. He moved Qiangzi’s leg off him, got up, and went to take a shower.

When he emerged, the other two were still asleep. His own home was so occupied that he couldn’t find a place to sit, so Chu Dong went out alone.

The weather was lovely. If not for the traffic, Dalian would be like a small garden, with lush green lawns everywhere. He strolled to an open space in the neighborhood and did some stretches. It had been ages since he exercised, and he really needed it—his belly muscles seemed to have slackened.

He loosened his waist and twisted his hips, doing some prep work to avoid pulling something. After a few deep breaths, just as he was about to start running, a red convertible raced toward him. With his sharp eyes, Chu Dong was startled—Tan Xue!

“Well, you’ve developed some good habits. Exercising first thing in the morning,” Tan Xue called out.

“Uh, it’s not bad, haha. Young people shouldn’t be too lazy,” Chu Dong replied, knowing there was no real praise in her words, but he couldn’t let his face fall while she smiled so sweetly.

“That’s true. I have the day off and want to go hiking. Do you have time?” Tan Xue patted the passenger seat beside her, making an inviting gesture.

“I do have time, but…” Chu Dong was about to say that he felt uneasy going with her, but swallowed the words.

“Oh, I forgot—you’re a big boss. Your time is your own, unlike us little employees. Let’s go, then.” Tan Xue didn’t care what he was, nor did she give him a chance to refuse.

“You don’t have to rub it in. Are you looking down on me for guarding this hotel, or did you come just to tease me?” Chu Dong leaned his elbows on the car door, seizing the opportunity to get closer to Tan Xue, and took a deep breath. “Ah, if Dalian had a few more girls like you, fragrant as flowers, it would do wonders for the air quality.”

“I don’t wear perfume, don’t say nonsense,” Tan Xue retorted, shrinking away in disgust.

“If you wore perfume, that would be pollution—different matter entirely.” Chu Dong walked to the back of the car, noticing Tan Xue watching him as if afraid he’d cause trouble, so he leaned casually against the car. “I’ve never had immunity to beautiful women—never changed since childhood. I never realized the little girl who used to cry so much would grow up so pretty. Tell me, did you ask me out today because you’re captivated by my extraordinary talent and handsome looks?”

Narcissism—extreme narcissism.

Tan Xue was speechless. She stomped the accelerator, making the car lurch forward. Chu Dong, caught off guard and losing his support, tumbled to the ground.

“Attempted murder of a husband—classic case! If this were a hundred years ago, you’d be guilty of a grave crime.” Dusting himself off, Chu Dong stood up and pointed at Tan Xue, raising his voice.

“Are you only good at taking advantage with words? Well, do you dare to go or not?” Tan Xue was exasperated by Chu Dong’s banter. Relying on her father as his backer, he kept taking liberties.

“Fine, I’ll go with you. But let’s make it clear—you can’t lay a hand on me.” Resigned, Chu Dong thought, if it’s fate, so be it. If it’s trouble, I can’t escape. Still, he had to set the terms.

“No problem. As long as you behave, I won’t hurt you.” With a charming laugh, Tan Xue looked like a hunter coaxing a bunny.

Chu Dong gritted his teeth and got in the car, thinking, worst case, I’ll just make a run for it—surely a girl can’t actually eat me.

She started the engine, shifted gears, released the clutch, and pressed the accelerator in one smooth motion. Her gear changes were every bit as swift as his own, and Chu Dong, unprepared, nearly bounced out of the car. Fortunately, he grabbed the handle by the door just in time to avoid being thrown out.

“Hey, slow down! Are you driving to kill?” Cold sweat broke out on his forehead. This girl drove even more aggressively than most men. No wonder people say women on the road are deadly. It’s true—absolutely true.

“Can’t handle it? Last time you sped, I didn’t say a word.” Tan Xue shot him a contemptuous glance.

“Me, can’t handle it? Don’t kid yourself! Have you ever seen me back down? I’m just worried your car won’t handle it.” Chu Dong’s face paled. If he was behind the wheel, at least he’d feel in control, but sitting in the passenger seat was different. Who knew if her driver’s license was bought with money? Life is beautiful, the future beckons—he couldn’t let it end at the hands of a road menace.

The car zigzagged onto the main road, and Chu Dong was filled with regret. But it was too late!

PS: Yesterday, I saw many messages from friends on my old book "The Super Growth of a Poor Boy" at 17K Mobile Web. I was deeply moved. It’s truly a blessing to have so much support, and I hope everyone continues to support this novel as well. Enough words—let actions speak!