Chapter49

An international hotel naturally offers the most top-notch and meticulous service.

So, on New Year’s Eve, the night welcoming the first day of the new year, changing the bedsheets late at night for a guest in a ten-thousand-yuan ocean-view suite was no big deal.

When the service staff entered, Cen Zhen was being led by Meng Fanchuan to the bathroom for a shower. The bed was a chaotic mess, looking as though it had endured some unimaginable turmoil. The sound of running water came from the bathroom, and the staff changing the sheets didn’t dare listen too closely. They swiftly made the bed pristine again and promptly left the room.

The scene in the bathroom was, indeed, far from innocent.

Meng Fanchuan wasn’t doing anything extreme, but his intense gaze made Cen Zhen feel a sense of danger even while showering. She was constantly on edge, fearing he might suddenly act unreasonably again, pinning her down endlessly.

Finally done, she hurriedly wrapped herself in a towel to leave, but Meng Fanchuan caught her from behind, lifting her onto the bathroom counter. “Where are you running off to?”

He picked up a hairdryer. “Your hair’s still wet.”

Cen Zhen had no choice but to sit obediently as he dried her hair. They faced each other, one standing, one sitting. Cen Zhen’s eyes wandered, unsure where to look, since staring straight ahead meant facing Meng Fanchuan’s upper body.

He was wrapped in a black bathrobe, but likely in his haste to dry her hair, the sash was loosely tied, barely holding together. His body was faintly visible, and Cen Zhen felt too shy to look directly.

The first time she saw him in the fitting room, she thought he looked like a model hired for a showcase—flawless proportions. But seeing him without clothes now, she realized—

Was this the allure of a young man passionate about skiing, supercars, and extreme sports?

Now, water droplets were still sliding down his skin.

Like the sweat he’d dripped earlier.

Recalling certain images, Cen Zhen’s face inexplicably flushed again. Thankfully, the hum of the hairdryer masked her reaction, and Meng Fanchuan didn’t seem to notice. After a few minutes of drying her hair, he lifted her by the hips and carried her back to the room. “Alright, back to bed.”

“Mhm.” Being carried, Cen Zhen instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck. As they moved, the hastily wrapped towel loosened, slipping slightly to reveal her chest.

Meng Fanchuan glanced down, then calmly placed her on the bed, lying beside her and turning off the light.

The room plunged into darkness, but Cen Zhen’s mind kept replaying the image of that water droplet sliding down Meng Fanchuan’s chest. Why did it glide so perfectly, so seductively?

Lost in thought, she didn’t notice his arms tightening around her, pulling her closer and tugging the towel away.

“Were the fireworks nice?” His warm breath brushed her ear, enveloping her.

Cen Zhen’s thoughts were interrupted by a sudden tingle running up her spine. She shrank her neck and nodded. “They were nice.”

“Did you see the heart?”

“…What heart?”

Meng Fanchuan paused. “You didn’t see the heart-shaped firework?”

“…I was in a rush to find you.” Cen Zhen realized she’d missed his gesture of affection and turned to hug him. “I’m sorry. Even though I didn’t see it all, I appreciate it, truly.”

Her towel gone, they were now face-to-face, her softness briefly pressing against his chest. His eyes darkened slightly, subtly glancing down. Though it was too dark to see clearly, the elegant lines of her body were already etched in his mind.

He hummed, his lips slowly descending to kiss her. “Is this the heart you meant?”

Cen Zhen: “…”

He teased leisurely, “How did you appreciate it?”

Cen Zhen’s toes curled, her mind overwhelmed as her body reacted uncontrollably. Her mouth felt dry, and just as she thought to push him away, he stopped on his own.

His next words made her face burn—

“Your hair’s dry, but other places are wet again.”

“…”

---

Cen Zhen had never slept so deeply, perhaps because she’d never been so wild before bed. She didn’t stir until 10 a.m. the next day, slowly opening her eyes.

Dazed for a few seconds, she remembered she was in Hong Kong, in a hotel, having just spent a chaotic night with Meng Fanchuan.

But the pillow beside her was empty, and the room was too.

Cen Zhen, completely bare, picked up a towel from the floor and was about to get out of bed when she noticed a note tucked by the bedside:

“I’m heading back home for a bit. Call me when you wake up.”

It was the first time Cen Zhen had seen Meng Fanchuan’s handwriting—bold and flowing, yet strikingly beautiful, just like him.

Cen Zhen pursed her lips, holding the note and staring at it for a while before setting it back down. She instinctively reached for her phone but, after a moment’s thought, didn’t make the call.

She had already monopolized him for an entire night, and now calling him again—what if his family was in the middle of New Year’s greetings or attending some event… Forget it.

Cen Zhen tactfully refrained from disturbing him. She first replied to the New Year’s blessings sent by friends on her phone, then solemnly called Xie Qingzong, her university mentor, and a few senior elders to offer her New Year’s greetings.

After finishing all this, Cen Zhen took a shower. Just as she came out and was about to rewatch last night’s Spring Festival Gala, she heard the sound of the door opening from outside.

She froze, not expecting Meng Fanchuan to return so soon. She quickly tossed the remote aside and lay back on the bed, pretending to be asleep.

Footsteps soon echoed in the room.

They paused for a moment, as if stopping in the living room, then slowly approached the bedroom.

The mattress sank slightly beside her. Cen Zhen summoned all her acting skills to feign sleep, but a voice came from above, “You’re awake and didn’t call me?”

Cen Zhen’s heart skipped a beat, nearly opening her eyes but catching herself in time—

He must be trying to trick her.

She’d fallen for it too many times before; this time, she absolutely wouldn’t.

So Cen Zhen kept her eyes shut, motionless.

Meng Fanchuan chuckled, pausing for a few seconds before turning her to face him. Seeing she still maintained her sleeping act, he leaned down, kissed her, and deliberately parted her lips—

Cen Zhen let out a muffled “mmph,” hurriedly opening her eyes to dodge. The game wasn’t fun anymore. “…How’d you get back so fast?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Meng Fanchuan grabbed her hand. “You don’t seem happy I’m back?”

He held her hand tightly, pulling her into his arms to sit. “Or are you planning to be a heartless woman, tossing me aside after sleeping with me?”

Cen Zhen flushed with embarrassment. “Of course not.”

Even if she didn’t say it, Meng Fanchuan knew what she was thinking. She was always too considerate, sometimes leaving him at a loss.

“When did you leave?” Cen Zhen asked.

“Seven-thirty.”

“…That early?”

The Meng family had a tradition: on the first day of the Lunar New Year, they held a ritual at 8 a.m. sharp, offering incense and having breakfast together. No matter how late the previous night went, everyone had to show up on time—it was a family rule.

Though this year they were celebrating in Hong Kong, skipping the ancestral worship, the meal was still non-negotiable.

“Then why didn’t you stay longer with them?” The fact that Meng Fanchuan came to find her on such an important day made Cen Zhen suddenly uneasy. She even started pushing him. “Go back home quick. I’ll buy a ticket back to Hangzhou later.”

Meng Fanchuan was actually pushed off the bed. Steadying himself after a few steps, he grabbed her wrist. “Listen to me—”

He exhaled. “First, my parents went to visit friends after breakfast. They have their own plans today.”

Cen Zhen: “…”

“Second,” Meng Fanchuan looked at her pointedly, “you seem to have a lot of energy left, don’t you?”

Cen Zhen froze, quickly letting go of him. “No.”

She swallowed. “I’m actually so hungry my hands and feet are weak.”

“Didn’t notice.” Meng Fanchuan pulled her closer, lowering his head to catch the scent of her skin. “You showered again?”

He brushed her cheek lightly, as if savoring her, pausing to kiss her lips briefly.

“Mhm,” Cen Zhen replied. “I was bored waiting for you anyway.”

Meng Fanchuan kissed her forehead, the corner of her eye, and finally returned to her soft lips. “Then shall we find something to do?”

“…”

What started as light touches of their lips turned into a real kiss. Meng Fanchuan’s arm circled her slender waist, pulling her closer to deepen the kiss. His hand on her silk nightgown felt electric, their breaths mingling, the wet kiss carrying a familiar affection. Cen Zhen pushed back slightly. “No…”

Meng Fanchuan stopped. “What’s wrong?”

Cen Zhen’s cheeks were flushed as she murmured, “My mom said you shouldn’t go back to sleep on the first day of the Lunar New Year, or you’ll lack energy all year.”

Meng Fanchuan gave a half-smile. “You thought I meant getting you back in bed.”

“…” Wasn’t that what he meant? Cen Zhen grumbled inwardly.

“My mind’s not *that* one-track.”

“…”

Cen Zhen realized she’d misunderstood, awkwardly opening her mouth. “Then what did you mean by finding something to do…?”

“Get dressed, we’ll go eat. Then I’m taking you somewhere this afternoon.”

“But I have to go back this afternoon—”

.Cen Zhen's words hadn’t even finished when Meng Fanchuan handed her the clothes, “I called Auntie this morning to wish her a happy New Year, and I told her you’d stay with me for a few days. You’ll go back to the film set on the third day. She agreed.”

“…”

Cen Zhen froze for a moment, then hesitantly lowered her gaze, “But here—”

Meng Fanchuan knew what she was concerned about and pulled her into his arms, “Being here won’t affect anyone. It’s when you’re not here that it would.”

“Stay.” Meng Fanchuan's voice was low, filled with pleading. “I need you.”

Despite all the worries and hesitation in her heart, when she heard Meng Fanchuan say these words,Cen Zhen finally gave in.

In fact, the need he expressed was just as valid for her. Even if they could only be together for a moment every day, she was already very content.

“Then.”Cen Zhen looked up and asked, “Where are we going this afternoon?”

“To meet one of your fans.”

“Huh?”

After having lunch at the hotel restaurant, Meng Fanchuan tookCen Zhen to this fan’s house.

“Is this your friend?”Cen Zhen felt a bit rushed by the sudden request to meet a fan. On the way there, she asked Meng Fanchuan, “Should I prepare a gift or something?”

Meng Fanchuan smiled, “He’s your fan. It’s more like he should prepare a gift for you.”

“…”

SinceCen Zhen wasn’t familiar with Hong Kong, she could only follow whatever Meng Fanchuan said. Not knowing the roads, they drove up the hillside without realizing it. The scenery was so beautiful that they could almost overlook the entire island.

The R8 drove into the mid-hillside, passed a large gate entrance, and after a few minutes, entered another private gate. It felt like passing through multiple security checkpoints. At each checkpoint, every guard would nod and respectfully greet Meng Fanchuan, calling him “Young Master Chuan.”

Cen Zhen was curious, “Why do they call you that?”

Meng Fanchuan just smiled and casually replied, “In Hong Kong, ‘Young Master’ is a common title. It’s just a way of addressing.”

“…”

After another two minutes of driving, the car finally stopped at the entrance of a villa. The villa was situated on a mountain with a view of the sea, secluded from the world. The white building carried the unique charm of 80s Hong Kong architecture—elegant and understated.

As Meng Fanchuan heldCen Zhen’s hand and led her out of the car, she was still curiously taking in her surroundings, thinking about what to say to the fan when they met. However, when they entered the hall and saw the elderly man sitting on the sofa, all her prepared lines froze.

She was stunned, her heart rapidly pounding.

The next moment, she saw the elderly man, Zhuang Tai, lift his head from his tea and smile, “Ah Chuan is here?”

And then, seeing her, he said, “Zhen Zhen, it’s finally nice to meet you. Come, sit down.”

The old man had even practiced his slightly unrefined Mandarin this morning to meet her. His speech was halting but his tone was filled with joy.

Meng Fanchuan nudged the still-stunnedCen Zhen, “Go sit down.”

Cen Zhen, her mind blank, walked forward mechanically, quietly asking him, “Aren’t we here to meet a fan?”

“A long-time fan doesn’t count as a fan?”

“…”

Cen Zhen didn’t have time to argue with Meng Fanchuan. In a flash, her mind was filled with everything she’d read online about Zhuang Tai—the many identities he held, his vast business empire in Hong Kong and Macau, the head of the top-tier family that the gossip magazines loved to talk about…

A person who existed only in the pages of reports suddenly sat right in front of her.

Cen Zhen was unprepared. Her heart was racing too fast, and in just a few seconds, her palms began to sweat. She sat down in front of Zhuang Tai, took a deep breath to calm her anxiety, and smiled, “Hello, Grandpa. Happy New Year. Wishing you health and long life.”

“Happy New Year.” Zhuang Tai was pleased withCen Zhen’s grace and poise, even joking about Meng Fanchuan, “You should learn from Zhen Zhen!” (You should learn from Zhen Zhen!)

Then, turning back toCen Zhen with a kind smile, he said, “Ah Chuan said he brought you to meet me. Did it scare you?”

Cen Zhen was indeed shocked, but still smiling, she shook her head, “No, I’m the younger generation. I should come to wish you a happy New Year.”

Zhuang Tai laughed, “Good girl.”

For someone like Zhuang Tai, who had spent half his life in the turbulent world of business, a girl in her twenties likeCen Zhen couldn’t hide any of her thoughts in front of him.

He could immediately tell that she was shocked when she entered, that she was clueless, not in the know.

Some girls would start to feel nervous before even stepping through the door, let alone under the scrutinizing gaze of someone like him.

The ability to stay calm in such circumstances was the most basic skill for children from wealthy families.

In a completely unprepared situation,Cen Zhen was still able to be composed, unassuming, and poised. Zhuang Tai was very pleased.

He was satisfied with his grandson's choice of girlfriend and with his own ability to judge character. Even in his older years, he still had a sharp eye.

In Hong Kong, people valued feng shui and facial features, especially businessmen. One could sense whether they were compatible with someone just by talking for a few minutes."Actually, I should thank you," Zhuang Tai said as he looked atCen Zhen.

Cen Zhen was puzzled as to why he was thanking her, “Why is Grandpa thanking me?”

Zhuang Tai talked about being hospitalized last year and pointed at Meng Fanchuan, “When I was in a coma, this kid kept whispering in my ear, ‘Grandpa, you still haven’t met Zhen Zhen.’ He kept saying it until I got annoyed, and when I woke up, I had a thought—I must meet the Zhen Zhen that my good grandson always talks about one day.”

Cen Zhen: "..."

Cen Zhen froze, not expecting Meng Fanchuan to have introduced her to Zhuang Tai so early.

At that time, she seemed to have still been treating him as just a sponsor…

Cen Zhen looked at Meng Fanchuan, and just as she did, he was looking back at her. Their eyes met, and he raised an eyebrow lightly, making it unclear whether it was teasing or flirtation, but it still made her face flush.

At this moment, Zhuang Tai handedCen Zhen a red envelope, "Here, this is your New Year's gift from Grandpa."

Cen Zhen, usually calm, felt a bit awkward now. She stood up to thank him, unsure if she should or even could accept the red envelope. Meng Fanchuan seemed to sense her thoughts, took it from her, and casually opened it, glancing inside with a slight laugh, “Hey, Zhuang, you’re a bit biased, huh? You gave her so much?”

Zhuang Tai paused, raising his cane as if about to hit him, “You brat, do you compare to Zhen Zhen?” (You little rascal, do you compare to Zhen Zhen?)

Grandfather and grandson began bickering, butCen Zhen could tell that despite the scolding, Zhuang Tai’s face was filled with affection for Meng Fanchuan.

No wonder Meng Fanchuan had such a close relationship with him. It seemed that only in front of Grandpa could she see this relaxed side of Meng Fanchuan.

After spending the afternoon drinking tea with Zhuang Tai in the courtyard and chatting about filming, by 6:30 PM, Zhuang Tai invited them to stay for dinner. Meng Fanchuan declined, saying he had other plans withCen Zhen.

Zhuang Tai exchanged a look with him, as if understanding something, and smiled, “Alright, alright, you two go on a date then.”

On the way down the mountain,Cen Zhen curiously asked Meng Fanchuan, “It seems like there’s something you and Grandpa are hiding from me?”

Meng Fanchuan denied it, “What do you mean?”

Cen Zhen couldn’t shake the feeling that the look shared between grandfather and grandson before they left had something behind it, like they were conspiring about something she wasn’t privy to.

“So where are we going now?” she asked.

“To meet another fan.”

“…”

Cen Zhen already had PTSD from the earlier fan encounter, thinking back to Grandpa being a "fan," and now… could it be his parents?

But after a second thought, it didn’t seem likely.

Within seconds,Cen Zhen’s imagination had run wild, picturing herself meeting the Chief Executive of Hong Kong. She grabbed Meng Fanchuan’s sleeve, “Don’t mess with me, who are we meeting? I’m scared.”

“Don’t worry, this person is someone you’re very familiar with.”

“?”

Meng Fanchuan’s words hadCen Zhen speculating wildly. Could it be Nuo Nuo?

But when she asked more, Meng Fanchuan stopped replying. The R8 drove back down, and the atmosphere of the Chinese New Year in Hong Kong was intense. Everywhere they went, there were colorful decorations, couplets, Chinese knots, and red lanterns. In front of shopping malls, performances were taking place, and the entire city was filled with the festive spirit.

Immersed in the atmosphere,Cen Zhen didn’t realize how much time had passed until the car finally stopped in front of a building.

It was dinner time, and tourists were continuously passing by.Cen Zhen put on her mask and was about to get out of the car when Meng Fanchuan grabbed her hand.

“Stay with me,” he said casually.

And so, she was led by him out of the car. The restaurant manager was already waiting at the door, greeting them respectfully as they entered. There were people standing on either side of the elevator, and the doors had already been opened. Everything seemed to have been arranged in advance.

Cen Zhen lowered her head and followed Meng Fanchuan into the elevator. They went straight up to the top-floor restaurant, but when they stepped out, it was empty.

Cen Zhen became even more confused, “Why is there no one here?”

Cen Zhen, of course, had no idea that the French chef team for the restaurant had been waiting for a long time. She didn’t know that Meng Fanchuan had reserved the entire restaurant, and tonight, it would only be the two of them.

She also didn’t know that, in just a few minutes, she would receive a surprise to be unwrapped. Or perhaps it was the continuation and compensation for the surprise from earlier.

Meng Fanchuan led her to a window-side seat. The view outside was directly facing Victoria Harbour. He casually answered, “Aren’t we people?”

“…”

Cen Zhen didn’t know how to respond to Meng Fanchuan, sitting there in a daze. But soon, her confusion was replaced by the mesmerizing view outside the window. She stood up and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, saying, “From this angle, Victoria Harbour looks so beautiful.”

As night fell, from the top floor, the lights of Victoria Harbour could be seen in their entirety. The neon lights on the opposite shore flickered endlessly, and the traffic was bustling. It felt like Hong Kong Island was sprawled beneath her feet.

Anyone would be captivated by the scene before them.

“Is this enough?” Meng Fanchuan had somehow come to stand beside her, his arm encircling her waist from behind. He asked, “Do you want it to be even more beautiful?”

Cen Zhen didn’t understand what he was up to, lightly laughing, “What, are you going to perform magic for me?”

Meng Fanchuan raised his wrist. The watch that carried their love had the second hand nearing 8:00, with just a few seconds to go.

“10, 9, 8, 7…”Meng Fanchuan slowly began to count down, andCen Zhen's smile froze as she sensed that he wasn’t joking. Not knowing what would happen next, her heart began to race until his countdown reached "1."

The next second—

A flash of dazzling colors leapt acrossCen Zhen's dark pupils.

The night sky lit up, and she widened her eyes slightly, staring at the scene before her.

Almost at the same moment, thousands of tourists walking along the Harbor Road or dining in high-rise restaurants all raised their heads in surprise, looking toward the sea.

They were all drawn to the sudden visual romance in the sky.

Fireworks shot into the air, as if scattering a handful of multi-colored diamonds across the night sky. The brilliant sparks illuminated the heavens and reflected on the water's surface, creating long corridors of light that left everyone breathless in awe.

The entire Victoria Harbor was lit up by the fireworks.

Cen Zhen was stunned.

She turned to Meng Fanchuan and asked blankly, “...Did you plan this?”

"The fireworks we missed in Hangzhou," Meng Fanchuan kept her in his arms and kissed her cheek, "Hong Kong is here to make up for it."

“…”

Time was tight, and though Meng Fanchuan was rich, some things couldn't be solved with money. The fireworks show needed a lot of procedures and approvals, which wasn't something that could be sorted out in a single day. So, he had to turn to Zhuang Tai for help.

Zhuang Tai, as a grandfather, was happy to assist his grandson in making his girlfriend happy. With a phone call, all the formalities and paperwork were completed in no time. By 8:00 PM, four barges were dispatched across Victoria Harbor, stretching from Central to North Point to complete this New Year's fireworks display.

ButCen Zhen never expected any of this.

Wasn’t she here to meet Nuo Nuo?

Cen Zhen was lost in the sight of the different shapes of fireworks falling from the sky, the bright flashes reflecting in her eyes, blooming and falling.

Happiness felt so within reach at that moment.

Cen Zhen couldn’t describe her emotions. She seemed calm, yet her heart was bursting with feelings. Among the many mixed emotions, she suddenly remembered the fan Meng Fanchuan had mentioned earlier, quickly asking him, “What about the fan you talked about?”

Meng Fanchuan pointed outside the window, "Over there."

Cen Zhen instinctively followed his gaze and saw the skyscrapers across the harbor, their lights flashing in various sentences and patterns. The IFC Tower, standing over 400 meters tall, looked like a lighthouse on the skyline, its lights flashing in a repeating cycle—

"Wish my girl’s dreams come true."

Meng Fanchuan couldn’t outright sayCen Zhen’s name, so "dreams come true" was both a blessing and a confession.

Other buildings displayed heart-shaped patterns to create an atmosphere, or combined their names in subtle ways, leaving it up to the viewers to guess.

—

It had been a long time since Meng Songnian had celebrated the New Year in Hong Kong, and tonight, he had canceled all his social engagements to spend some quality time with Zhuang Jiayi.

“The usual restaurant is unexpectedly booked for a private event today,” Meng Songnian said somewhat disappointed, but he comforted Zhuang Jiayi, "This new one is also nice, with good views and ambiance."

Zhuang Jiayi didn’t mind at all. She smiled as she felt the sea breeze, enjoying a drink with her husband and the view.

Until a sudden firework rose into the sky.

She also looked up, smiling in surprise and sentiment, “It’s been so long since I’ve seen fireworks over Victoria Harbor.”

Having been married to Northern City for many years, the last grand fireworks display she remembered was one arranged by Meng Songnian for her birthday, a grand confession.

That extravagant scene was just like today, with passersby stopping to watch and take pictures.

Recalling these memories, Meng Songnian turned his chair toward her, sitting beside her and taking her hand. “If you like it, I can arrange another one for you anytime.”

Zhuang Jiayi smiled and shook her head. “Isn’t watching someone else’s enough?”

Suddenly noticing something, she pointed in the distance and said to Meng Songnian, “Look over there. Tonight seems to be someone’s confession too.”

“A confession should be like this.” Meng Songnian smiled as he looked at the neon lights flashing on the tall buildings, even nodding in approval. “This young man has the same momentum I had back then.”

This admiration continued until the couple saw a line of English letters—

LewisZhen

A love-filled heart appeared between the two names.

“Lewis?” Zhuang Jiayi stared at the letters, suddenly feeling that something was off. After a few seconds, she hesitated, “Isn’t Meng Fanchuan’s English name Lewis?”

She quickly remembered something else. “Zhen... Is that the girl calledCen Zhen?”

The air suddenly went still.

Meng Songnian squinted his eyes, slowly stood up, and carefully examined the distant skyline—

LewisZhen

DearZhen"I like you."

...

Short phrases like this kept changing, and Meng Songnian silently stared for several seconds before sitting down. After a long while, he finally let out a heavy hum:

"Stinky kid."