Chapter 57 Part 2

That majority would secure him a senior partner position while ensuring Qi Shi'an retained maximum control. Besides, Shen Duoyi still had much to learn.

The voting was managed by the administrative team. Zhang Yiming nudged Qi Shi'an’s leg and whispered as he leaned down, “Did you two plan this? Judging by the likely results, I can relax now.”

Qi Shi'an replied quietly, “He didn’t discuss it with me, but yes, you can rest assured.”

Half an hour later, the data was tallied. Everything was about to be finalized, ushering in a new chapter for the company. Qi Shi'an pushed Zhang Yiming’s wheelchair to the front, ready to announce the results together.

When Shen Duoyi’s name was announced, applause filled the conference hall.

The secretary continued announcing the names of others with smaller shareholdings, but Shen Duoyi wasn’t paying attention. He got up and walked over to Qi Shi'an and Zhang Yiming, squatting down as he said, “Mr. Zhang, I hope I can be someone you trust.”

Zhang Yiming replied, “There will be plenty of social engagements in the future. Take care of your health. That’s all I have to say; I really feel at ease. Also, you can just call me by my name now. Anyway, good luck.”

The results had been fully declared, and the meeting turned into Zhang Yiming’s farewell. Shen Duoyi stood up and looked at Qi Shi'an with calm eyes that spoke of enduring many ups and downs.

At that moment, Zhang Yiming said, “This company was founded by me and Shi'an together, which is why we named it Ming'an. In the future, if you want to change the name, that’s up to you. I have no objections.”

Shen Duoyi turned to everyone present and solemnly announced, “Ming'an is the product of Mr. Zhang and Mr. Qi’s hard work. The name will not change. However, I will dedicate my entire salary from my first year after this promotion to establish a public platform for small and medium-sized clients. It will be named the ‘Anyi Fund’.”

Qi Shi'an’s heart roared with emotion. He’d nearly forgotten mentioning the idea of a public platform to Shen Duoyi, but clearly, it had stuck, and Shen Duoyi had made plans to bring it to life.

When the dust settled, the grand conference room was left with only the two new senior partners.

With the doors closed, Shen Duoyi walked up to Qi Shi'an and stood still in front of him. He opened his mouth but didn’t know where to begin his confession. Instead, he fiddled with one of Qi Shi'an’s suit buttons, saying, “Why don’t you ask the questions?”

Qi Shi'an studied him and asked, “Mr. Shen, where should we celebrate tonight?”

Shen Duoyi smiled, grateful, and grasped the fabric at Qi Shi'an’s waist, replying earnestly, “I sold the furnished apartment at Wenhu Apartments and took out a loan from the bank. That’s how I gathered the funds.”

“We definitely won’t stop here, so I wanted to seize this opportunity. More importantly, I believe I’m the best person at Ming'an to support you. No one could do it better than me.”

Qi Shi'an gazed at him, unwilling to blink. “Count how many times you’ve bragged about yourself today.”

Shen Duoyi thought for a moment, feeling a bit embarrassed, and changed the subject. “Do you like the idea of the Anyi Fund?”

Qi Shi'an wrapped his arms around Shen Duoyi and let out a sigh. “I love it. Thank you for thinking about the same thing I was.”

Sudden changes often strike like a storm, leaving people to pick up the pieces slowly and forget the pain bit by bit. Crying makes it take longer, but laughing speeds it up.

Through all the trials and tribulations, Qi Shi'an and Shen Duoyi had made it to the year’s end and the clearing skies.

Central Street, typically bustling with the fastest work pace, had begun to quiet. The towering buildings gradually shut their doors, leaving only security guards on patrol. During the Lunar New Year, transportation was at its peak as countless people returned home for the holidays, leaving the city increasingly empty.

A shiny black Volkswagen crawled along snowy roads, its pace slowed by the icy conditions. Shen Duoyi dozed off against the car door, exhausted from long nights of work even during the holidays as a newly promoted senior partner.

The coat covering him had warmed up, and when the car stopped, he instinctively opened his eyes. Outside, a narrow road stretched out, blanketed in white. Next to it, old brick-red walls were adorned with icicles, and the sign for Qiuye hutong was dusted with frost.

Still groggy, Shen Duoyi mumbled, “There are so many cars parked here. How are you going to turn around later?”

“Don’t worry about that. I’ll figure it out,” Qi Shi'an replied, his overcoat draped over Shen Duoyi. He was only wearing a sweater himself and quickly grew cold after turning off the car.

Shen Duoyi placed the now-warm coat over Qi Shi'an’s shoulders, unbuckled his seatbelt, and prepared to get out. “I’m staying until tonight. Just head home after your gathering. No need to pick me up—drive safely.”

Qi Shi'an put on his coat and got out as well, accompanying Shen Duoyi for a few steps. At the alley entrance, he stopped, watching Shen Duoyi walk further inside, his feet crunching on the soft snow as he playfully slid a few times.

Since the funeral, Shen Duoyi hadn’t been back. Now he took deep breaths of the cold air, his gaze falling on the entrance where Lu Ketong was also walking ahead.

Feeling mischievous, Shen Duoyi bent down to scoop up a handful of snow, packing it into a ball. He quickened his pace and threw it, hitting Lu Ketong squarely.

When Lu Ketong turned around, holding a bag of gifts, Shen Duoyi stood at the bottom of the steps, brushing snow off his hands. “I’ve been tailing you for ages. Your awareness is terrible.”

Lu Ketong pointed at him. “And you think you’re so impressive?”

Shen Duoyi glanced back, catching sight of Qi Shi'an standing tall at the alley’s entrance, watching him amidst the swirling snow. He waved, signaling Qi Shi'an to head back. Only then did Qi Shi'an retreat a few steps and leave.

One spent the evening in Qiuye hutong eating dumplings with family and friends, while the other played eight rounds of mahjong with childhood buddies in a central villa. Occasionally, they exchanged texts, reminding each other not to drink too much.

“Shi'an, since it’s the holidays, why not visit us in Sydney after the New Year with Duoyi?”

You Zhe and You Si had already booked their flights, planning to take Zhang Yiming and Shutiao to Sydney for a family reunion. Sitting at the mahjong table with a cup of hot coffee, Qi Shi'an lazily replied, “I’ve already been three times this year. The Australians must recognize me by now.”

Shutiao, playing with mahjong tiles like building blocks, laughed. “Don’t worry. Australians have bad memories. Grandpa’s neighbor still doesn’t remember my name.”

Qi Shi'an scooped Shutiao into his arms. “Will you miss Uncle?”

“Probably. Why didn’t Uncle Duoyi come today?” Shutiao lay on Qi Shi'an’s shoulder. “Uncle, you still haven’t taught me how to shoot.”

Qi Shi'an promised, “Next summer, when you’re back, Uncle Duoyi and I will take you to a military camp and teach you to shoot.”

He remembered Shen Duoyi mentioning wanting to learn as well, so he planned to teach both the big one and the little one together. Later that night, Qi Shi'an returned to the military retirement compound for a New Year’s Eve dinner. Afterward, he stayed to drink tea and chat, his stomach full to bursting.

At around 8 p.m., the city’s sky was bombarded with fireworks. Grandpa Huo set off seven or eight boxes of them, making it seem like he intended to level the entire military compound. Qi Shi'an put on his coat and retreated, unhurriedly driving to Qiuye hutong.

He strolled into the narrow alley, leaning against a wall and smoking for warmth. From the courtyard, he could hear laughter and chatter. It was probably just like this in previous years—Shen Duoyi eating dumplings, setting off firecrackers, watching the Spring Festival Gala with his elders, and receiving a hefty red envelope.

Lost in thought, he didn’t notice the courtyard gate creaking open. When it did, he snapped back to reality.

Shen Duoyi stood inside, half his face hidden behind a scarf. He hadn’t expected Qi Shi'an to be waiting for him by the wall, and for a moment, he froze. Crossing the threshold and stepping down the stairs, he saw the cigarette burned to its end in Qi Shi'an’s hand and said, “Happy New Year. Let’s go home.”

Walking side by side, they ended up throwing snowballs at each other halfway out of the alley. Qi Shi'an, wearing slippery leather shoes, nearly fell while dodging. Shen Duoyi, on the other hand, launched a kamikaze-style attack, not even attempting to evade.

Their laughter was drowned out by the sound of fireworks. When they finally exited the alley, both were exhausted, draping their arms over each other as they strolled leisurely. Qi Shi'an said, “Let’s take a trip to Germany. We’re on holiday anyway.”

“Is it for work?” Shen Duoyi asked.

“No. Last time I was there on business, I didn’t have time to meet up with classmates or visit my professors. I want to go again during the break.” Qi Shi'an glanced at him. “Mostly, I just want to go with you. Are you willing?”

Shen Duoyi couldn’t tell if he was imagining it, but Qi Shi'an’s tone felt as solemn as a proposal. He nodded. “Okay, let’s book the tickets as soon as we get home.”

Not only did they need tickets, but Qi Shi'an also wanted to buy gifts for his professors. After sorting everything out, he dragged Shen Duoyi to a mall to pick out presents. Their last shopping trip had been for camping supplies, with clear goals in mind. This time, an hour passed, and Qi Shi'an still hadn’t decided.

Shen Duoyi stopped in his tracks, pointing to a café in the corner of the mall. “That’s where husbands are parked. I’d like to rest there too.”

Before Qi Shi'an could respond, Shen Duoyi quickly made his way to the café. With a helpless sigh, Qi Shi'an continued browsing. Meanwhile, Shen Duoyi, with two cups of coffee, enjoyed the rare chance to sit down. He truly disliked shopping—it made him sleepy.

After about ten minutes, he began wondering where Qi Shi'an had wandered off to. He picked up the now-lukewarm coffee and went to find him. Passing by a shop window, he stopped.

Displayed inside was a watch identical to the one on his wrist.

Stepping inside to browse, he found not only watches but also cufflinks and other accessories. Standing in front of a glass counter, he moved slowly, so preoccupied that he didn’t notice his coffee cooling further.

“Duoyi, I’m done shopping,” Qi Shi'an called from the entrance, carrying a bag.

Shen Duoyi, having just paid, hurried out of the store. “I bought a replacement strap for my watch.”

With all their gifts secured, they flew to Berlin early the next morning. Qi Shi'an held a photo from his study abroad days, pointing out the people in it to Shen Duoyi as the plane took off.

“Did anything interesting happen while you were studying abroad?” Shen Duoyi asked.

“Interesting?” Qi Shi'an thought for a moment. “Does getting kicked out of class count?”

Shen Duoyi was shocked. “You? Why?”

“I turned in the wrong assignment—handed in a video game guide by mistake.”

“…” Shen Duoyi felt like he barely knew Qi Shi'an. In his mind, Qi Shi'an was a model student who excelled in everything. Qi Shi'an quickly clarified, “I did the homework. I just submitted the wrong file.”

“Did you used to be addicted to online games?” Shen Duoyi asked.