Chapter 58: Illusions and Shadows

[Cough cough, the last chapter about the sister-in-law, tomorrow we'll continue with Xiao Ma.]

It turned out that someone had stolen the cast iron manhole cover from the road, leaving the enormous opening of the sewer exposed right on the street. Huang He’s Iveco van drove straight over this treacherous gap, resulting in a violent collision and jolt. If it weren’t a vehicle but a person or someone on a bicycle, they’d likely be gone.

“Ah, I was careless—I forgot this is 2001, not 2021. In 2021, the manhole covers are all made of special cement!” Huang He sighed. Even more frustrating, the van’s left front tire was completely destroyed and seemed to be leaking oil. Someone said it might still run, but as a billionaire, Huang He would never risk his life for the sake of driving.

Indeed, driving too fast leads to disaster!

“No, we can’t drive this car home,” Huang He said to his sister-in-law and mother-in-law in the car. “Let’s take a taxi instead!”

“Alright!” His mother-in-law immediately agreed, seeing how the tire was utterly misshapen. It was far too dangerous.

But, just as Leng Zhimeng had planned, this area was so remote that even after waiting more than twenty minutes, not a single taxi came by. Leng Zhitong kept yawning, and Leng Zhiwan had fallen asleep in her mother’s arms.

Looking at the time, it was almost midnight.

“We can’t wait any longer. The children are exhausted. I see a hotel just over there—let’s stay the night and go home after dawn,” Huang He suggested.

“Good idea!” His mother-in-law, her arms aching from holding the child, readily agreed. Huang He took Leng Zhiwan from her and, accompanied by his sisters-in-law, entered a hotel that was decently decorated.

“I’d like four rooms, please,” Huang He told the receptionist. His mother-in-law and the two little ones would share a room, and the remaining three would each have their own.

“Sorry, we don’t have four rooms,” the receptionist glanced at Leng Zhimeng and replied crisply.

“Then three rooms,” Huang He said. “Zhiruo, Zhimeng, you two will have to share a room.”

“Alright!” Leng Zhiruo agreed, but the receptionist shook her head helplessly. “Sorry, we only have one room left.”

“What? Only one room? How can that be!” Huang He was shocked.

“Sir, it’s quite a coincidence. Today, a delegation from West River Province is visiting. They’ve booked all the rooms; there’s only one left,” the receptionist explained apologetically.

Leng Zhimeng coughed, then said quietly, “Miss, this is a special situation. Can’t you figure something out and get us a few more rooms?”

“Sorry, all the rooms are booked. There’s nothing I can do,” the receptionist whispered back.

“This has to be possible!” Leng Zhimeng grew anxious, tapping the desk and lowering her voice. “Look at my face—don’t you recognize me?”

“Boss, really, there’s nothing left!” The receptionist gave a wry smile and pointed to the single room card remaining in the box. “It’s got nothing to do with your arrangements. There really isn’t any more.”

Leng Zhimeng was utterly stunned.

“Forget it, one room it is,” Huang He said through gritted teeth. “Mom, squeeze in with them. I’ll go outside and see if I can find another hotel.”

“Huang, we’re all family. I think we should just squeeze together. You could even sleep on the floor,” his mother-in-law suggested.

“No, you all need to shower; it wouldn’t be convenient. Zhiruo, take care of your sister. I’ll go look elsewhere,” Huang He said, then strode out of the hotel, leaving behind a dashing figure.

Unfortunately, his dash was only temporary. After walking for more than ten minutes, Huang He found no other places to stay. With no mobile navigation in those days, and unfamiliar with the area, he discovered that nearly all the shops around had closed. He was almost at a dead end.

Until he saw a flashing neon sign.

“Happy People Internet Café!” The name shone brightly under the neon lights.

“An internet café,” Huang He recalled the nights he used to spend at internet cafés, and a wave of nostalgia swept over him. He entered and asked the proprietor, “Boss, do you have any private rooms?”

“Yes, yes... Wait—aren’t you Mr. Huang?” The boss exclaimed, recognizing him.

“You know me?” Huang He asked in surprise.

“Haha, Mr. Huang, you’re truly a man of many connections! You’re the top entrepreneur in this area. How could I forget you? Plus, your father-in-law and I used to work in the same factory. I even attended your wedding banquet.”

“Oh, so we’re family. All the hotels nearby are full. Can I stay in one of your private rooms tonight?”

“Yes, absolutely! I have the finest private room in all of Wenzhou—not only the best computers, but also a bed, private bath, and you won’t find another room as good anywhere else in Wenzhou. Spend the night here!”

“How much for one night?”

“Ah, how could I charge you?”

“If you don’t charge, I won’t stay.”

“Then just give me two hundred.”

“Deal!” Huang He paid without hesitation. Led by the boss, he entered the legendary finest private room in Wenzhou. It was indeed impressive: four computers, each equipped with a liquid crystal display. In those days, a single LCD screen cost at least seven thousand yuan—top hardware indeed.

Beyond that, there was a bed, a private bath, even a small fridge with some drinks inside. It truly lived up to its reputation as the best private room in Wenzhou.

And it had a resounding name: Red Alert!

After the boss left, the exhausted and slightly tipsy Huang He turned on the computer, and on the desktop he found a folder named “System.”

“This folder seems suspicious!” Huang He chuckled, revealing a knowing smile.

After watching for over ten minutes, his mouth dry, Huang He grabbed a can of cold beer from the fridge and downed it in one go. Then his phone rang—it was Leng Zhiruo calling.

“Hello, Zhiruo. I’ve found a place to stay, a private room in an internet café. Don’t worry, it’s fine here. No need to come over. Tomorrow, just have the driver pick up Mom and the others along with me. I’m tired, I’m going to sleep,” Huang He said, and feeling groggy, he went straight to bed without even locking the door. He vaguely sensed the door to his private room open, and a swordswoman dressed in white walked in. Together, they began to practice swordplay—though the memory was hazy!

——————————

“Brother-in-law, you’re finally awake!” The next morning, Huang He abruptly woke from his dream and saw Leng Zhiruo tidying up the room.

“Zhiruo—was that you last night?” Huang He glanced around, checked the sheets and surroundings, and asked instinctively.

“What happened last night? I just arrived. I sent Mom and Zhitong off and came to pick you up. Was there a problem last night?” Leng Zhiruo asked curiously.

“Nothing, maybe I was dreaming.” Huang He shook his head, uncertain whether last night was dream or reality.

Yet that surreal experience made him realize he couldn’t remain single any longer. He needed to find a girlfriend quickly. Life as a single man wasn’t impossible, but once you’ve tasted sweetness, it’s hard to go back.