Chapter 47: The Silent Magpie Bridge

Chen Wan opened his mouth, but before he could speak, the door was opened from the outside.

The delicate tension between the two dissipated instantly.

Qin Zhaoting came in to get a towel, his eyes scanning between them, and he casually asked with a smile, "Talking about something?"

Zhao Shengge didn’t respond, so Chen Wan smiled and said, "We were just about to leave."

Which was equally evasive.

Qin Zhaoting chuckled, sidestepped into the lounge, and in front of the storage cabinet, he entered the password twice, but the door didn’t open. Unsure whether he had entered the password incorrectly or if there was a system malfunction, he called out to Chen Wan.

"A Wan."

"Can you take a look for me? We might need to get the manager, but my phone is also inside the cabinet."

Chen Wan had no option but to return and assist him.

Zhao Shengge then said, "I’ll go ahead."

Chen Wan watched the tall figure disappear through the door and quickly helped Qin Zhaoting open the cabinet. They both walked out together.

As they chatted, Qin Zhaoting’s thoughts wandered, as if his brain had automatically generated another independent system to handle the small talk. He didn’t really know what was being said, just making sure he didn’t commit any social blunders.

When Chen Wan reached the lane, he and Qin Zhaoting went their separate ways.

Zhao Shengge hadn’t stepped onto the lane yet and was talking to a friend Chen Wan wasn’t very familiar with.

In fact, among Zhao Shengge’s inner circle, Chen Wan knew almost everyone, because Zhao Shengge’s private social circle wasn’t large. Naturally wary, he kept to himself and interacted with only a select few.

This friend had been working abroad and recently returned to visit family. Tan Youming had called him over to reconnect.

Tan Youming was the first to choose a ball, but his hand was unsteady, and he wasn’t in the groove. Players from other lanes dominated the big screen’s leaderboard. Only after Shen Zongnian and Jiang Ying joined did the scores begin to improve.

Zhao Shengge wasn’t in a hurry to join. He was more of a listener than a speaker during his chat with his friend. When his friend decided to give it a go, Zhao Shengge stood by the lane, arms crossed, observing.

Chen Wan walked over and asked, "Mr. Zhao, aren’t you going to play?"

Zhao Shengge shook his head, intently watching his friends bowl. After a while, he noticed Chen Wan was still there and politely said, "There’s nothing for you here; go have fun."

Chen Wan smiled, though inwardly he sighed.

Seeing that Chen Wan had nothing more to say, Zhao Shengge turned back to continue watching the game.

In the next round, Tan Youming rolled a 4-6-7-10. Shen Zongnian took a work call, prompting Tan Youming to seek Zhuo Zhixuan’s assistance.

Zhuo Zhixuan fumbled and ended up off target. Tan Youming looked at Zhao Shengge.

Zhao Shengge studied the pin setup, intrigued, and finally selected a ball.

Right off the bat, he bowled a Turkey.

Chen Wan observed with rapt attention. Zhao Shengge’s arms were long and powerful, the side spin sent the ball curving down the lane, creating a larger angle, slicing between the 1 and 3 pins.

The angle was steep, a path that could only be achieved through precise calculation and absolute control of power.

That powerful strike didn’t merely topple the pins; it demolished the barrier of longing in Chen Wan’s heart.

For a moment, Zhao Shengge seemed like a beautiful and captivating leopard, swift and silent, yet when the moment was ripe, he would strike with absolute power, delivering a fatal blow.

With a single shot, he topped the leaderboard, and players from other lanes stopped to watch, some even whistling in admiration.

Zhao Shengge bent forward, hands resting on his knees, while Chen Wan stood beside the large screen, carefully scanning the rankings line by line.

Once done, he turned around with satisfaction, their eyes meeting unexpectedly.

The lanes were lively, the mechanical voice announcing scores mixed with the laughter and chatter of others. Their exchanged glances seemed to create a silent bridge, isolating them from the surrounding noise.

Their eyes became their only means of communication, conveying silent messages between Zhao Shengge and Chen Wan.

Though neither could understand the other's unspoken words, nor even clearly express their own thoughts, neither wanted to look away.

Zhao Shengge's face was blank, his gaze steady and intense. Chen Wan's heart pounded, loud and fast. Suddenly, he smiled, raised his hand, and slowly clapped in congratulations.

His eyes crinkled with genuine joy for Zhao Shengge's victory. The sincerity of his smile and gaze was like a warm sunbeam, and anyone who saw it could feel the warmth.

Zhao Shengge hesitated, then turned away, avoiding his gaze.

The score shot up, and the mechanical voice announced it throughout the venue. Tan Youming paused for a moment before asking Zhao Shengge, completely baffled, "How on earth did you do that?"

Zhao Shengge tilted his head back to drink water, his throat moving as he replied in a flat tone, "Maybe by using my brain."

"..." Tan Youming stabbed a piece of pineapple from the fruit platter. "Very impressive."

Zhao Shengge nodded politely.

Jiang Ying burst into laughter.

Zhuo Zhixuan, completely outscored, returned in dismay, questioning his friend, "I was parched after my three straight throws, why didn't you order the fruit platter!"

Chen Wan looked back from the lane and asked, "Did you play?"

"..."

Zhao Shengge set down his water cup, the cool liquid soothing his dry throat and lingering itch from his cold.

It was the honey water he had refused earlier.

The temperature and sweetness were just right.

On this field, Tan Youming had pineapple beer, Zhuo Zhixuan ordered a sports drink, Jiang Ying drank ice water, and only the honey water in Zhao Shengge's hand had been personally fetched by Chen Wan from the front desk.

Zhao Shengge had seen it.

It was hard not to.

That sincere, warm, and untainted gaze reminded Zhao Shengge of the companionship he once had with Bozhu.

Chen Wan was like a silent shadow, not disturbing you, just watching from afar, waiting, as if he would come over the moment you called, as if the silent seconds that night were just a figment of Zhao Shengge's fevered mind.

Inexperienced, Zhao Shengge had once been certain that it was best if Chen Wan was willing, but if not, he would proceed according to his own way.

But now he realized that might not be possible.

Chen Wan was not someone else.

If he truly was unwilling, Zhao Shengge had actually considered the possibility of convincing himself to accept the loss of another "Bozhu."

It’s not exactly a loss. Perhaps no one would believe it, but despite his prominent status, Zhao Shengge had never truly owned something entirely his own.

Of course, Chen Wan wasn’t Bozhu—Zhao Shengge had never mistaken that—but his eyes were indeed very dark, and his gaze so sincere.

Zhao Shengge told himself he’d give the guy with dark eyes another chance.

If Chen Wan still couldn’t cut it... then he’d have to do it his way.

Whatever the outcome, he’d deal with it, Zhao Shengge thought coldly.

The honey water was all gone, and Zhao Shengge went to get a glass of chilled juice.

Chen Wan, testing the ball, saw this and quickly came over. “Mr. Zhao, it’s better not to drink cold stuff right after working out. There’s still some honey water over there.” Others might get away with it, but Zhao Shengge’s stomach couldn’t handle it.

Zhao Shengge didn’t put down the juice, politely declining, “No, this is fine.”

Chen Wan persisted, suggesting, “There’s also tea—Da Hong Pao.”

Zhao Shengge looked at him, not speaking.

Was he afraid of upsetting him, or did he feel guilty for not handling that vague phone call well?

Zhao Shengge was generous to others but harsh with Chen Wan. Whenever Chen Wan showed any sign of backing down or flattery, Zhao Shengge pushed harder. The calculating nature of a businessman showed in its entirety with Chen Wan.

Where was Chen Wan’s bottom line? How much room was left for Zhao Shengge? Was it the same as with others?

Zhao Shengge would no longer be so lenient with him. He’d test, cross boundaries, and if it didn’t work, he’d destroy and rebuild.

He could always rebuild it well.

“Chen Wan,” Zhao Shengge looked down at him, softly saying, “I don’t drink Da Hong Pao anymore.”

Chen Wan hesitated, then asked, “What tea have you been drinking? I’ll have someone brew a cup—it won’t take long.”

Zhao Shengge watched his every subtle expression, casually saying, “Tai Ping Hou Kui.”

When Jiang Ying was ordering earlier, Zhao Shengge heard the waiter apologetically say that green tea was temporarily sold out today.

Chen Wan, who handled everything, must have known, but he just nodded.

A little later, he actually brought Zhao Shengge a cup of light Tai Ping Hou Kui.

Zhao Shengge rarely drank green tea, but it was surprisingly fragrant. He held the teacup with both hands, not knowing how Chen Wan managed it.

A sharp, sour feeling, with little regret, seeped from his hardened heart, intricately intertwined, wrapping around his nerves.

Chen Wan was too domineering, too reckless—it was like he did whatever he wanted.

Zhao Shengge stayed silent for a while, staring at him with dark, helpless eyes, slowly and softly saying, “Thank you, Chen Wan.”

Chen Wan was a bit startled, unsure how to respond, and said it wasn’t necessary.

After Shen Zongnian returned from a phone call, Tan Youming urged Zhao Shengge back onto the court and wanted Chen Wan to join too.

Chen Wan said he’d just played a few rounds and would watch for now.

In the latter half, the scoreboard was left with Zhao Shengge, Shen Zongnian, and Qin Zhaoting, a three-way standoff.

They took turns, the rankings on the big screen shifting, until Shen Zongnian dropped out. He had an important work call coming in, which angered Tan Youming, who was hoping he’d help avenge his loss, to the point of wanting to smash his phone.

While answering the phone, Shen Zongnian managed to free a hand to pat Tan Youming, both as an apology and a comfort.

Tan Youming didn’t mind.

Only Qin Zhaoting and Zhao Shengge were left. Qin Zhaoting tossed the ball in his hand and smiled, "Shengge, what do you say?"

Zhao Shengge lowered his head to adjust his wristband, "I’m good, you tired?"

"Let’s keep going," Qin Zhaoting said, picking a ball.

Zhao Shengge walked to the rest chair to find his towel. Chen Wan handed it over, saying, "The cleaning lady came by earlier for the trash." He had put it aside for now.

Zhao Shengge looked at him and suddenly remembered his basketball teammates from school, whose partners would bring them towels and water.

A loud thud suddenly echoed down the lane; Qin Zhaoting's ball had rolled out, sweeping like a storm, clattering loudly.

"Whoa, that scared me," Tan Youming grabbed Shen Zongnian, who was still on the phone, and glanced over.

Zhao Shengge was casually wiping his sweat, breathing slightly, his hair and brows damp with sweat, his black eyes fixed on Chen Wan, looking very young, like a college student.

Chen Wan wasn’t startled either; the heat radiating from Zhao Shengge’s body raised his skin temperature, but he didn’t step back, suppressing his heartbeat, his smile gentle, "You’ve got this."

Zhao Shengge hesitated, his expression a bit awkward, gave a faint "hmm," handed the towel back to him, and left without a word.

Chen Wan, holding Zhao Shengge’s towel, considered moving further away to not interfere with the game.

But after choosing the ball, Zhao Shengge slightly turned towards this direction, a movement so subtle and swift that no one noticed, yet Chen Wan’s feet stayed rooted, watching him complete the throw.

Another spare.

His score on the leaderboard kept climbing, and a young boy from the next lane came over to invite him to join the ranking, his score close to Zhao Shengge’s.

Zhao Shengge casually declined, saying it wasn’t convenient.

This was a real college student, unaware of Zhao Shengge’s identity, unbothered by his serious demeanor and commanding aura, undeterred by the rejection, continued to watch the game with a smile.

Chen Wan noticed his outfit and how he could bring a group of classmates here to play, indicating a good family background.

A young guy, his thoughts and feelings clear in his eyes, at least not yet tainted by interests and schemes, only pure, naive admiration and sweetness.

Chen Wan recognized that look; back in high school, when Zhao Shengge played basketball in the school gym, it drew students from multiple grades in droves.

The gym had a capacity limit, and Chen Wan wasn’t a student of the main campus, so he had to cross two campuses to wait at the gym entrance, swatting away mosquitoes, occasionally catching a glimpse of the young masters walking out.

One figure, more composed and reserved than the others, yet more relaxed and lazy than now, with a smile that was rarely seen now.

Chen Wan saw the boy take out his phone to take a photo and walked over to remind him, "Hey, you can’t take photos here without permission, just so you know."

Zhao Shengge didn’t even allow photos in financial magazines.

The boy exclaimed, "Oh, sorry." He was confident but not arrogant.

Probably no one understood his impulse better than Chen Wan; who hasn’t had moments in their youth where they just had to take a photo of Zhao Shengge.

Chen Wan wouldn’t make things difficult for a kid, just said, "Delete the photos you took earlier."

The boy immediately deleted them in front of him.

Chen Wan made sure there were no backups and invited him to grab some fruit.

The boy stared at him, puzzled by this person who appeared approachable yet was actually quite firm, but still... approachable.

Then he said, "Can I add you on chat, bro?"

"..."

Zhuo Zhixuan laughed out loud.

Zhao Shengge had only played two rounds when he suddenly stepped off the lane.

Chen Wan noticed this and used the chance to politely decline the boy's friend request. He then walked over and asked, "Mr. Zhao, what's up?"

Zhao Shengge glanced at the boy eating fruit and said, "My wristband came off."

Chen Wan said, "Let me help you."

Zhao Shengge looked up at him, paused for a moment, and then directly extended his hand in front of him. Chen Wan quickly fixed it for him.

Bowling isn't super physically demanding; it's more about skill and showmanship. But as the game goes on, keeping up a high strike rate mostly depends on stamina. Qin Zhaoting just barely kept up a high score.

Just when everyone thought Zhao Shengge would keep scoring strikes without a hitch, an unexpected 2-7-10 split showed up on the lane.

Qin Zhaoting was a bit surprised. Zhao Shengge could even nail double peaks, so how did he mess up like that? But he was also pretty happy since this meant he'd be the ultimate winner.

The 2-7-10 split is pretty much a lost cause. Shen Zongnian's got skills, but technical play isn't his strong suit. Out of everyone there, probably only Zhao Shengge could handle it, but he'd already lost his chance to make a spare.

Normally, a game has five rounds with two throws each, but this new alley, to spice things up and draw in customers, went with the latest club scoring system. Once you hit the high-score phase, no second spares are allowed; you can only pick a teammate to finish the game.

Chen Wan had been watching Zhao Shengge, concerned he might be bummed about missing a strike. Zhao Shengge turned around when he felt Chen Wan's gaze, and Chen Wan gave him a timely, reassuring smile.

"..."

Qin Zhaoting walked over, grinned, and said, "Getting rusty?"

Zhao Shengge smiled faintly. Qin Zhaoting hoped to win with more grace and legitimacy, saying, "Why not just pick someone to finish the game?" Even though they both knew no one could really fix the split, it was just a symbolic final move.

Zhao Shengge seemed to have no such intention and indifferently said, "Just press it."

There's a scoring button next to each lane; pressing it signifies the end of the game.

Qin Zhaoting shrugged and said, "Alright then," as he reached out to press the button—

"Wait a moment."

Chen Wan walked over, looked at the position of the pins, turned to them, and said, "Can I give it a try?"