Hong Minhang slept until the next morning. It was already completely bright. He turned over, not knowing where he was. He opened his eyes and stared blankly for a long time.
After getting off the bed and putting on the clothes and pants that had been piled beside the bed, Hong Minhang walked outside the suite and saw Li Tang lying on his side on the sofa, sleeping with his legs curled up.
Hong Minhang’s footsteps were very light. He walked to the sofa and squatted down to look at Li Tang’s sleeping face.
In fact, Li Tang was not particularly good-looking. He was only in his twenties, but when he smiled, he could already see deep laugh lines at the corners of his eyes. But he always gave people a very gentle feeling. Hong Minhang was not sure whether Li Tang would be so gentle only when facing him, but he couldn’t help but fall for it.
He really loves Li Tang.
Hong Minhang kept staring at Li Tang closely. Then he controlled his breathing and cautiously moved closer. The moment his lips touched Li Tang’s, Hong Minhang couldn’t help but close his eyes.
But when he slowly moved away and opened his eyes, he saw Li Tang looking back at him. Hong Minhang was startled, causing him to lean back, almost sitting on the ground.
Li Tang grabbed his arm, sat up, and asked him to sit on the sofa as well.
Hong Minhang asked, “Since when did you wake up?”
Li Tang answered, “I woke up when you came out.”
Hong Minhang was silent for a moment before he asked again, “Don’t you have anything to say to me?”
Li Tang raised his hand and put it on his shoulder. “Are you hungry? Let’s go have breakfast.”
“That’s not it,” Hong Minhang said. “Since you refuse to say it, then listen to me. Li-ge, I love you.”
Li Tang smiled and said, “I love you too.”
Hong Minhang uttered, “You know that’s not what I meant.”
Li Tang said nothing.
Hong Minhang then continued, “The love I’m talking about is the kind of love where two people can kiss and make love together.”
Li Tang took out a cigarette from his pocket and lit it.
Hong Minhang reached out and grabbed it. “Li-ge, why aren’t you answering me?”
Li Tang said helplessly, “You’re even calling me Li-ge. How do you think I should answer you? Do you want to make love with your gege? What are you thinking, ah?”
Hong Minhang said, “I’m serious.”
Li Tang put his arm around his shoulders and stated, “Don’t say stupid things. I told you that you still have to go to college and see many things that I have never seen in my life. You will meet outstanding and beautiful girls that will be very gentle and kind to you, and by then, you will understand that you’re just being foolish right now.”
Hong Minhang broke away from him and stood up. “I know what I’m talking about. I’m not a child anymore. You don’t need to say these words to shirk me. I just need you to tell me whether or not you will accept me.”
Li Tang fell silent for a moment. He held his chin with one hand and finally said, “Minhang, I can't.”
Hong Minhang looked at him and muttered, “I understand.”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
Li Tang stood up and said to him, “Let’s go have breakfast first.”
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Because it was the best foreign language school in the city, the school itself always had cooperation agreements with several foreign universities, and there were many places for direct admission to foreign universities every year. As long as they were senior high school students in their school and they could pass the language test organized by the school, then they could apply.
As soon as the language test scores came out, Hong Minhang submitted his application.
Soon, Hong Minhang’s application was approved. Because it was an American university that had a cooperation mechanism with the school, the various procedures were not complicated to handle with the help of the school. At this time, he only needed to notify Hong Xiangfeng of the matter.
When Hong Xiangfeng heard that Hong Minhang was going abroad, his first reaction was to be very happy. He patted Hong Minhang on the shoulder and said, “Boy, you’re doing so well!”
Hong Minhang’s shoulder was so painful from his pats, but he endured it without saying a word.
Hong Xiangfeng laughed loudly and remarked, “Hong Xiangfeng’s son is going to study abroad. For such a big event, we have to set up dozens of tables and invite all the brothers to come and have a good meal!”
Hong Minhang replied, “No need.”
Hong Xiangfeng was unhappy. “What are you talking about? Why are you saying no? This thing is something to be proud of, and everyone should know it.”
Hong Minhang said, “If you want to treat them to a meal, then you can go as you please. I won’t go.”
Hong Xiangfeng immediately spat angrily, “Fuck you! Who do you think I’m doing this for? Isn’t it for you?! It’d be simply useless! You have no say in this matter, I have the final say!”
In the end, Hong Xiangfeng’s plan to treat the guests came to nothing. That summer, while Hong Minhang was preparing to go abroad, he met a young and beautiful girl. He took her out on a trip and left the matter of his son in the back of his mind like this.
Hong Minhang never saw Li Tang again until he went abroad.
It had been four years since Hong Minhang left. He was a quiet child before he left, and then he left for so long that when many people mentioned Hong Xiangfeng’s son, their first thought was Li Tang, gradually forgetting about this person named Hong Minhang.
He didn’t know whether it was because Hong Xiangfeng was so courageous that money came quickly or because he was naturally lucky. In the days since Hong Minhang left, Hong Xiangfeng’s business in Chongfeng City had grown bigger and bigger. He began investing in the real estate market in the early 2000s, and now his Dihong Group is one of the largest real estate companies in the city.
Hong Xiangfeng was a person who didn’t know taboos. He often says: Look, I have developed from selling houses to dead people to now selling houses to living people. In the future, I will sell more and more houses so that everyone can see my Hong family’s buildings wherever they go out of the house.
And as the business grew bigger and bigger, the old gangster tactics began to no longer work. The two younger brothers that Hong Xiangfeng relied on in the past became worthless fellows in his eyes. Apart from some old brothers in the past, the only one he truly trusted was Li Tang.
Although he did not hold a temporary position, Li Tang was like the real boss behind the scenes in Dihong. Most of Dihong’s decisions were made by Li Tang. As long as Li Tang nodded in agreement, Hong Xiangfeng could not be wrong. Therefore, people from outside, whether they want to do business or build relationships, all came to Li Tang. There were even various rumors. Some people said that Li Tang was actually Hong Xiangfeng’s illegitimate son. Others said that Hong Xiangfeng’s biological son, Hong Minhang, had died abroad. The most unpleasant thing was that some people said that Li Tang was not Hong Xiangfeng’s son, but his daughter. You know what it means, ba? A father, a son, and that.
It was impossible for all this not to reach Li Tang’s ears, but he pretended not to hear it. As for Hong Minhang, Li Tang certainly knew that he was still studying abroad safely, but the two had never been in contact. All the news about Hong Minhang was heard from Hong Xiangfeng.
Although the relationship between father and son was not good, Hong Minhang would still call and send greetings during holidays. Speaking of his son, Hong Xiangfeng was even more proud. He often told Li Tang that once Hong Minhang comes back, he should come to the company to follow Li Tang. He even asked Li Tang to take him out.
Li Tang would naturally not refuse. He said, “I also look forward to Minhang coming back soon.”
However, Hong Minhang suddenly came back. He didn’t tell Hong Xiangfeng about getting his degree. He just picked a day, packed his things, and flew back from the United States.
Hong Xiangfeng didn’t know, and Li Tang didn’t know either. It was still Hong Xiangfeng’s birthday that day, and there was no big banquet to celebrate his birthday. However, Li Tang still arranged two tables for him in the restaurant and invited some of his uncles and brothers, with whom he had the best relationship, to have a meal together.
Hong Minhang got off the plane and took a taxi home from the airport. After returning, he found that only his old nanny, Sister Hua, was at home. Sister Hua was very happy to see Hong Minhang. When Hong Xiangfeng bought this big house, she was the one who would always come here to cook and clean for six or seven years. She had always liked Hong Minhang, a quiet child.
When Hong Minhang saw Sister Hua, he smiled, hugged her, and kissed her cheek. “Sister Hua, I missed you so much.”
The old lady lightly slapped his arm, feeling a little embarrassed as she commented, “Why are you acting like an outsider?”
Hong Minhang smiled and said, “Just a habit.”
Sister Hua helped him take his things to the room upstairs and put them away. The room was very clean, which was no different from when he left four years ago. Sister Hua said, “I cleaned it for you every day.”
Hong Minhang replied, “Thank you. Will my dad come back tonight?”
At this point, Sister Hua suddenly remembered, “Your dad is celebrating his birthday today and has invited guests for a dinner out.”
Hong Minhang exclaimed, “Oh?” In fact, he didn’t remember that today was Hong Xiangfeng’s birthday, just as Hong Xiangfeng never remembered his birthday. He asked, “Why didn’t he take you with him?”
Sister Hua answered, “I don’t want to go, and I don’t like to join in the fun. Call your dad quickly and ask him to find someone to pick you up.”
Hong Minhang nodded. “I understand.”
At the banquet, Li Tang toasted the others one by one.
Hong Xiangfeng sat upright and said to him, “Li Tang, get up and toast with the whole circle.”
Li Tang then stood up and toasted everyone with a glass, starting with the oldest uncle. Each person had a glass of white wine. Li Tang clinked with their glasses and raised his hand to drink. Everyone at the table watched with interest, and after seeing Li Tang drink five or six glasses without changing his expression, they all cheered.
Hong Xiangfeng had a proud smile on his face.
Someone said, “Brother Hong, your son is really good.”
Hong Xiangfeng waved his hand. “Li Tang is very filial to me. He will also listen to anything I say. He’s a good son, unlike anybody else.”
Another person asked, “How old is Li Tang this year? Is he married?”
Hong Xiangfeng said, “He’s almost thirty, you can ask him yourself whether he’s married or not.”
Li Tang had just finished drinking with the last person, and when he raised his glass to toast with Hong Xiangfeng, he suddenly heard a voice coming from the door of the private room, saying, “Happy birthday, Dad.”
There were only two large round tables in the private room. Although it was crowded, the space was not large. Everyone heard the sound and turned around to look over. They saw a young man standing at the door, smiling.
Li Tang also turned around and saw Hong Minhang, whom he had not seen for more than four years. He was wearing a black windbreaker and a pair of glasses. He looked more elegant and handsome, especially with a gentle smile on his face. Hong Minhang’s body looked stronger, no longer as thin as the young man that Li Tang had last seen. His facial features were no longer unripe, and his whole temperament lost the sharpness and coldness of his youth.
Hong Xiangfeng stood up from his seat. “When did you come back?”
Hong Minhang walked over and answered, “I just got home and rushed over when I heard you were here.” After saying that, he took the wine glass in Li Tang’s hand, regardless of whether it was the glass Li Tang had just used, and said to Hong Xiangfeng, “Dad, let me toast for you and wish you a happy birthday.”
Then, Hong Minhang drank the entire glass of wine.
Hong Xiangfeng laughed and patted Hong Minhang’s shoulder. “Good, good, good. My good son is very promising!” He then picked up the wine glass and drank a drink.
Hong Minhang toasted Li Tang with his second glass of wine. “Li-ge, I have been abroad in the past few years. You have worked hard to take care of my father.”
Li Tang had no choice but to take another wine glass from the table, fill it with wine, hold it up, and clink glasses with Hong Minhang. “We’re all brothers, what are you being so polite for?”
Hong Minhang smiled and nodded. “Indeed, we shouldn’t be polite with our family. We, brothers, should drink this glass then.”
The two men raised their heads and drank the wine in one gulp.
Afterwards, Hong Minhang filled up his glass and went to toast with Hong Xiangjun, who was sitting next to Hong Xiangfeng.
Li Tang also sat down. Now, everyone’s focus was on Hong Minhang, and he was no exception. Hong Minhang has changed a lot. He smiled politely at these people and greeted each elder politely. He made Hong Xiangfeng feel bright and satisfied that he no longer looked at Li Tang but at Hong Minhang.
After drinking for the night, Li Tang was feeling a little drunk. He sat on the sofa in the private room, smoking silently.
The two elders in the family were still talking to Hong Minhang, asking him how his life had been over the years.
Hong Minhang answered them patiently and politely.
When it was time to leave, Li Tang, who was about to pick up the car to see Hong Xiangfeng off, was suddenly stopped by Hong Minhang, saying, “Let me do it. Li-ge, you drank a lot.”
Li Tang replied, “You also drank a lot.”
Hong Minhang smiled and said, “I’m still very sober.”
Li Tang asked, “Do you have a driver’s license?”
Hong Minhang answered, “I had it in the United States.”
Li Tang stood up and went to get the coat hanging behind the chair. “Okay, just let me do it. Your driver’s license can’t be used here. You can take the test again, maybe on another day.”
Li Tang drove the car out of the parking lot. Hong Minhang then helped Hong Xiangfeng get into the back seat.
As soon as Hong Xiangfeng’s buttocks touched the seat, he immediately fell asleep, snoring loudly. Hong Minhang got into the passenger seat right after.
Li Tang started the car and asked, “Have you gotten used to living abroad during those years?”
Hong Minhang took off his glasses and wiped them clean. “It’s pretty good. The environment is very suitable for me.”
Li Tang glanced at the glasses in his hand. “Since when did you start wearing glasses? You weren’t nearsighted when you were in high school.”
Hong Minhang put his glasses back on. “Ever since I had classes in the lecture hall of the university, I could see the blackboard more clearly with them on. Later, I got used to wearing them and didn’t want to let it go. I always felt that it was more comforting to be separated by such a layer.”
“How comfortable is it?” Li Tang asked.
Hong Minhang smiled. “It seems that, in this way, people won’t be able to easily see what I was thinking.”
Hearing this, Li Tang also chuckled. “Is it really effective?”
Hong Minhang shrugged. “That’s why I said it only seemed like that.”
