Absolute power in officialdom

Chapter 264 The Night at the Manor

Wu Zhiyuan was silent for a moment, then said softly, "Sister Yawen, I know that two years is not a short time, and I also know that the hope is slim."

But I couldn't get over that hurdle in my mind, and I couldn't convince myself to give up without concrete evidence.

Even if it's just a feeling, I have to wait for the result.

Otherwise, I will never have peace of mind for the rest of my life.

"What if there's still no news after three, five, or even longer?"

What will you do then?

In fact, time is sometimes a great healer; it can heal many wounds and help us forget many things.

"Perhaps time really can heal all wounds. Wounds will scab over, pain will become numb, and memories will fade. This is the law of nature, and no one can defy it."

After a pause, Wu Zhiyuan asked, "Sister Ya-wen, what about you? You're not single either, are you?"

"Me?" Song Ya-wen gave a wry smile. "There are many people coming and going around me. I've been introduced by relatives and friends, and I also know many people from the business world."

They come in all kinds: shrewd and capable, elegant and charming, from prominent families.

Sometimes I think, it's about time to settle down. Everyone needs a companion in life.

But every time I get to that point, a voice inside me always asks: Is it him?

Was it really this person? And then, nothing more.

"By the way, Sister Ya-wen, Ya-ting said she's going to China for travel and even to study. Your Song Group could also expand its business in China, since there's a huge market there."

Welcome to visit China, and welcome to invest in China.

"Zhiyuan, thank you for your invitation. The Chinese market is vast and has unlimited potential, which no visionary company would overlook. The Song Group is no exception."

The Song Group previously operated mainly in gray areas, such as gambling, nightclubs, and even smuggling.

Since my father's accident, I have taken over the Song Group and begun its transformation.

Currently, the main direction of the group's transformation is international trade and logistics, especially the import and export business of high-end consumer goods, high-quality agricultural products, specialty foods and wine.

This is one of the reasons why I came to Australia to investigate the wine industry. It is both to find a supplement to our winery business in Europe and to conduct preliminary research and resource reserves for a possible future entry into the Chinese market.

Of course, international trade involves complex supply chains, channels, standards and certifications, and localized operations, so it is not easy to truly gain a foothold in the Chinese market.

We still have much to learn, and we need to find reliable partners to gain a deeper understanding of China's market rules and consumer needs.

Wu Zhiyuan nodded: "Transformation is a wise move and it is in line with the trend of the times."

In recent years, China has continuously promoted high-level opening up and optimized the business environment. It welcomes compliant and high-quality import and export trade, especially products that can enrich the domestic market and meet the needs of consumption upgrading.

Of course, as you said, compliance is a prerequisite, and understanding the market is key.

"Yes, so, Zhiyuan, if our Song Group needs any advice on business expansion in China in the future, we will inevitably have to bother you and ask for your guidance."

Wu Zhiyuan smiled and said, "Sister Yawen, you flatter me. Providing policy consultation and helping foreign companies understand the investment environment is also part of our job."

"As long as it complies with regulations and is beneficial to local economic development, we certainly welcome it."

Song Yawen was silent for a while, then said softly, "Zhiyuan, to be honest, I sometimes think about the days you spent in Country A."

At that time, you suddenly appeared by my side and became my bodyguard and driver.

To be honest, I have a very good impression of you, and not just because you saved me.

But you took advantage of me later. I remember when you left country A, we agreed to meet at the teahouse.

You asked me if I hated you? I clearly remember what I said at the time:

I don't know, maybe I feel a little resentful, but I can't bring myself to hate you. Without you, I might have been drawn into my father's conspiracy much earlier, and my fate would have been uncertain. You saved me in a way, and you also used me. We're even now.

Wu Zhiyuan smiled bitterly: "Sister Yawen, thank you for your magnanimity. No matter what, I approached you with an ulterior motive."

This deception was real. This guilt will always remain in my heart. I apologize again.

Song Ya-wen shook her head: "You don't need to feel guilty or apologize. At least we're even."

Looking back now, it's less about deception and exploitation, and more about fate setting up an involuntary intersection on our respective paths.

At that intersection, you completed your task and gave me a special and beautiful time that I have cherished countless times since then.

Song Ya-wen smoothed her hair, which had been ruffled by the evening breeze, and stood up.

"Zhiyuan, let's go back."

"Yes, I hope to see you in China soon."

"I hope so."

……

Wu Zhiyuan had just finished washing up when someone knocked on the door.

When I opened the door, it turned out to be Hu Ruoxi.

She was wearing a silk robe, simple in design yet exquisitely tailored, with a V-neck that opened neither too high nor too low, revealing glimpses of porcelain white skin underneath.

She had just taken a shower; her hair was still wet and gave off a faint fragrance.

"Zhiyuan, are the conditions alright?" Hu Ruoxi smiled gently.

"Ruoxi, this place is practically your palace," Wu Zhiyuan joked.

Hu Ruoxi chuckled to herself, "A palace? Does that mean I've become a queen?"

"Yes, many people dream of owning a palace like this. It's not only a paradise, but also an independent kingdom."

"Zhiyuan, if you'd like, you can stay here indefinitely. You can manage the estate."

"Haha, I don't want to be your slave."

"A slave? I wouldn't dare," Hu Ruoxi said, going along with Wu Zhiyuan's joke. "How about I ask you to be my chief eunuch, or perhaps, the owner of the manor?"

"The owner of the manor?" Wu Zhiyuan asked knowingly. "Am I some kind of usurper?"

Hu Ruoxi laughed so hard she was shaking.

Wu Zhiyuan was no fool, of course, and naturally understood Hu Ruoxi's implied meaning.

Hu Ruoxi took a few steps, her silk nightgown swaying slightly with her movements, outlining her mature and graceful curves.

"Ruoxi, sit down. Here, you are the master."

Hu Ruoxi sat down on the sofa, her movements elegant and casual.

She reached into the small wine cabinet next to her, took out a bottle of wine and two stemmed glasses, and filled them with wine.

"I can't sleep, I want to have a drink, but I feel it's no fun drinking alone." Hu Ruoxi looked at Wu Zhiyuan, her eyes sparkling. "Have a drink with me?"

This is Shiraz made on-site at the estate; it has a rich, smooth flavor and is perfect for helping you sleep.

Wu Zhiyuan smiled and said, "On a moonlit night at the manor, with fine wine and beautiful women by my side, what more could I ask for?"

The two raised their glasses and gently clinked them together, producing a crisp sound.

Hu Ruoxi did not drink immediately. Instead, she brought the glass to her nose, took a deep sniff, and then took a sip, letting the liquid linger in her mouth for a moment before slowly swallowing.

She put down her glass and said meaningfully, "This wine is from some years ago. Time is a wonderful thing."

Some things need time to settle and mature before their true flavor can be revealed.

Wu Zhiyuan took a sip and found the wine to be full-bodied, with rich fruit aromas and delicate tannins; it was indeed an excellent wine.

"Fine wine," Wu Zhiyuan exclaimed. "Time has given it depth."

Hu Ruoxi murmured, "Yes, time can change many things and dilute many things."

But some feelings and memories become clearer and harder to forget over time.

Yesterday in the park, when the bullets were flying by, I really thought it was all over.

In that instant, images flashed through my mind: my deceased father, my mother, this manor, Yang Baochai, and you. I never imagined you would actually appear.

Wu Zhiyuan's hand holding the wine glass trembled slightly, as if something had gently bumped into his heart.

Hu Ruoxi suddenly said in a pleading tone, "Zhiyuan, please stay, not as a guest, but as the host."

Everything here—vineyards, wineries, villas, farms… I can give you all of it.

I know you have someone you can't let go of, and a path you have to walk.

I don't ask you to forget anything immediately, nor do I ask you to promise forever.

I just hope you can give me a chance, and give yourself a possibility as well.

It's a quiet place, perfect for living, healing, or starting over.

We can work together to make the manor even better, or you can stay here and let me take care of you without doing anything...

Wu Zhiyuan's heart clenched painfully.

This estate, this lifestyle, is what so many people dream of.

If he nods, he can immediately possess everything that ordinary people can only dream of: wealth, beautiful scenery, and a beautiful and intelligent woman.

"Ruoxi, thank you for valuing me so much, thank you for giving me so much."

This manor, the peaceful life here, and your kindness—they are all too precious, too precious for me to bear.

Wu Zhiyuan steeled his heart and continued, "I can't stay. It's not that this place is bad, it's not that you're not good enough."

On the contrary, it's because this place is so wonderful, and you are so wonderful.

But I have too much on my mind, I don't have the right or the inclination to start a new life, that would be unfair to some people.

Moreover, I have responsibilities, things I want to do, and unfulfilled promises in China.

If I stay here because of the comfort and your kindness, I will no longer be myself, and I will despise that version of myself.

He paused for a moment, then continued, "Ruoxi, you deserve someone who can be wholeheartedly devoted to you and give you a complete, stable, and happy life."

That person shouldn't be someone who still has others in their heart and whose future is uncertain.

That would be so unfair and cruel to you. I can't be that selfish.

Hu Ruoxi suddenly burst into tears: "Why is it so difficult?"

I don't ask for much. I don't want anything dramatic or grand. I don't want any vows of eternal love!

I just want to find someone reliable, someone I can trust and rely on, someone who won't lie to me or abandon me...

Hu Ruoxi, as if in a fit of pique, downed the glass of red wine in one gulp.

The movement was so fast that a few drops of deep red wine slid down her graceful neck and disappeared into the collar of her nightgown.

Her body swayed slightly, and then most of her body leaned limply against Wu Zhiyuan's shoulder.

It's not the wine that intoxicates, it's the person who gets drunk...