CH 53

Chapter 53: Returning Home

After leaving the country, Zheng Jue spent only a week in the Caribbean before finding it unbearable. He disliked the tropical climate, had no fondness for the sea, and detested the jovial and leisurely atmosphere around him. He seemed like an oddity, dressed in a suit even in the tropics, meticulous and out of place amidst everything else.

In the end, work came to his rescue. It wasn't a lie that he went abroad for business matters. Zheng's company did indeed intend to expand its operations overseas, with the main focus on Europe and South America. Susie had previously arranged the trip to the Caribbean to facilitate work in South America.

However, it turned out that trouble arose not in South America but in the European headquarters. Zheng Jue had no choice but to fly to Europe immediately. Though the trip was nominally a vacation, it proved to be busier than his time in Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, as Zhou Cheng'an had predicted, Han Jin had become abnormal. He spent his days working non-stop and rarely attended the social gatherings they used to go to. It was as if he had been possessed, becoming a true workaholic.

This change in Han Jin pleased Han Zizhang greatly. He was even quite relieved, entrusting many of Han's family businesses to Han Jin as if he were handing over the family legacy.

However, Zhou Cheng'an was deeply concerned about Han Jin's condition. This was not normal for him, but at the moment, Zhou Cheng'an felt powerless to do anything about it. After much contemplation, he finally decided that he must find Zheng Jue. Only Zheng Jue could clean up the mess that had been created.

But the process was challenging. The people at Zheng's company were uncooperative, from the vice president to his personal assistant, Susie. They remained tight-lipped, revealing nothing. It was a struggle to discover that Zheng Jue had gone to South America, but after that, all traces went cold.

Frustrated by the situation and worried about Han Jin, Zhou Cheng'an eventually became resolute. He instructed his team to investigate thoroughly. Finally, they managed to confirm that Zheng Jue had traveled to the Caribbean, but by then, he had already changed flights and headed to Europe.

Zhou Cheng'an was exasperated, but he had no choice. He couldn't let Han Jin continue in this state, so he kept searching. However, this time, luck wasn't on his side as it was before. With so many countries in Europe, even with his extensive network, Zhou Cheng'an couldn't locate Zheng Jue quickly. So, he had to stabilize Han Jin on one hand and continue the search slowly on the other.

While Zhou Cheng'an was anxious and busy, Han Zizhang started to consider other matters. Seeing Han Jin finally getting back on track made him happier than anyone else. He had only one son and naturally wished for his well-being.

However, once bitten, twice shy, Han Zizhang was afraid that Han Jin might fall for another man again. So, he took advantage of the situation and quickly arranged blind dates for Han Jin. He investigated every prominent lady from reputable families whom Han Jin might consider suitable and began introducing them to him one by one.

Initially, Han Zizhang thought this would be a challenging task. Han Jin's stubborn and unyielding character was well known to him as a father. But to his surprise, Han Jin unexpectedly cooperated. Whenever Han Zizhang arranged a meeting, Han Jin would go and meet the girl, stunning everyone who knew him.

It was truly unexpected. The young master Han had finally turned over a new leaf and was diligently attending these blind dates.

Among them, Zhou Cheng'an was the most surprised.

"Vi, what are you thinking?" Zhou Cheng'an frowned, looking at Han Jin. "Have you truly forgotten about Zheng Jue and your intention to get married?"

Han Jin lazily leaned back on the sofa. These days, he had been so busy that he couldn't find time for anything. In the end, it was Zhou Cheng'an who personally came to his office to confront him.

"Lenny, did you come just to ask about this?" Han Jin replied nonchalantly.

"Isn't this the main concern? Vi, we've been friends for so many years, what exactly are you trying to do?" Zhou Cheng'an stood up, feeling somewhat angry. After all these years, he was starting to find it hard to understand his good friend.

Seeing Zhou Cheng'an so agitated, Han Jin suddenly smiled. "Lenny, don't worry. My father wants me to go on these blind dates just to put his mind at ease. I'm only playing along to keep things harmonious. It's a critical time for me to join the board of directors, and I don't want to quarrel with my father over this matter."

Hearing this explanation, Zhou Cheng'an finally relaxed and sat back down, though his expression was still not entirely pleased. "Vi, there are many ways for you to take control of the Han family business. There's no need to rush like this. You're working so hard, not even taking a break. What's going on with you?"

Han Jin, upon hearing this, just coldly curled his lips, offering no explanation.

Sighing, Zhou Cheng'an couldn't help but feel exasperated. He couldn't quite fathom the change in Han Jin. While he used to be aloof and distant, his heart had always been simple. But now...

Looking at the dark depths of Han Jin's eyes, Zhou Cheng'an felt a chill in his heart. Zheng Jue's appearance had brought such significant changes, and he couldn't help but wonder whether Zheng Jue's appearance in Han Jin's life was a blessing or a curse.

"Alright, Vi, although we're friends, we're also adults. There are some things I don't need to say. I just want you to know that no matter what happens, I'm on your side," Zhou Cheng'an said, feeling frustrated. He had been close to Han Jin since childhood and had always considered Han Jin as someone under his protection. Seeing him like this, Zhou Cheng'an felt both angry and helpless.

A glimmer of gratitude flashed in Han Jin's eyes. Only Zhou Cheng'an would say such words to him. However, in this matter, he truly didn't know how to explain it to Zhou Cheng'an. He couldn't tell him that he couldn't wait, that he couldn't wait for a long time to take control of his own destiny. He couldn't tell him that he wished to fly to Europe now and bring Zheng Jue back.

No, he couldn't say any of that. He wanted to maintain the last shred of his pride, and he didn't want to reveal all of this to his best friend.

So, he remained silent and casually nodded his head.

After leaving Han Jin's office, Zhou Cheng'an couldn't shake off the feeling that something was not right. Han Jin's attitude and behavior made him feel a sense of impending doom, as if a thread was being pulled taut to its limit, ready to snap at any moment.

Zhou Cheng'an didn't want Han Jin to break down like that, but he was also afraid to say anything that might worsen the situation. He could only hope to find Zheng Jue as soon as possible.

Finding someone abroad was difficult, especially since Zhou Cheng'an had no idea which country in Europe Zheng Jue had gone to. The operation was quickly becoming more and more challenging.

While Zhou Cheng'an faced numerous difficulties in his search, Zheng Jue wasn't having an easy time either. He had resolved the European matters entirely, but many issues back home needed urgent attention. He had to go back.

It had been nearly half a year since he left, and time, as they say, was the best remedy for pain. Zheng Jue had almost forgotten the heart-wrenching pain he felt when he broke up with Han Jin and the scar on his hand from the burning cigarette had faded considerably. After much consideration, Zheng Jue decided to return. It had been long enough, and even if Han Jin's feelings for him were still deep, he believed that the emotional wounds should have healed by now. He couldn't hide from Han Jin forever; some things needed to be faced directly.

Zheng Jue returned to the country quietly, just like he had left—without telling anyone.

However, even though he kept a low profile, he couldn't escape one person's watchful eye: Zhou Cheng'an. Zhou Cheng'an had almost turned the country upside down in his search for Zheng Jue, and the people at Zheng Jue's company were on high alert as well. So, when Susie went to the airport to pick up Zheng Jue, Zhou Cheng'an found out as soon as he returned to Guangshi.

At this point, Zhou Cheng'an was on the brink of collapse. He abandoned all his work and rushed to Zheng Jue's company. Just as Zheng Jue entered the building and was about to take the elevator, Zhou Cheng'an cornered him in the lobby.

Zheng Jue felt a bit embarrassed facing Zhou Cheng'an. When he left Han Jin, he had already prepared himself for a possible confrontation with Zhou Cheng'an. He knew the close relationship between Zhou Cheng'an and Han Jin, and they were practically like brothers.

However, to Zheng Jue's surprise, Zhou Cheng'an showed no sign of wanting to confront him. Instead, he looked very serious and said, "Aaron, I want to talk to you."

Zheng Jue nodded with some surprise and said, "Let's go inside and talk, it's not convenient here."

Zhou Cheng'an nodded as well and followed Zheng Jue into the elevator.

Susie glanced at Zheng Jue but noticed that he didn't react, so she obediently stood outside and didn't follow them in.

Once inside the elevator, Zhou Cheng'an sneaked a sideways glance at Zheng Jue and found him looking calm, which somehow sparked a bit of anger in Zhou Cheng'an. He mockingly remarked, "You've set off such a big bomb, yet you seem quite calm."

Zheng Jue could only force a bitter smile and replied, "If you want to reprimand me, go ahead, I did mess up this time. But I'm afraid you also don't have much faith in the relationship between me and Vi."

Zhou Cheng'an fell silent instantly. It was true that he didn't have much faith in their relationship, but he never expected that the impact on Han Jin would be this significant. Han Jin seemed to have gone insane, completely disregarding everything except work. He even compromised with Han Zizhang to secure a position on the board of directors—a Han Jin that Zhou Cheng'an was completely unfamiliar with.

Finally, the two of them reached Zheng Jue's office in an awkward silence. At this point, both Zheng Jue and Zhou Cheng'an felt a sense of relief.