Return: My Hell and Heaven
Chapter 16: Reunion (1)
Under the scorching sun, the dazzling light above the tarmac was torn apart by the howling wind. On the runway, a large passenger plane sped past, causing the grass on both sides to ripple like waves.
The plane slowly came to a stop.
Inside the business cabin, a stewardess closed the curtain leading to the economy class and turned back into the cabin, smiling and bowing alongside other flight attendants towards the passengers on either side.
“Miss Qin, the plane has arrived at Q City International Airport. You may collect your luggage and disembark from the jet bridge.”
“… Sorry, were you calling me?”
By the window, a woman with slightly curled long hair regained her focus. She turned her gaze towards the stewardess and offered a apologetic smile.
“It’s okay, Miss Qin. The sky over Q City is indeed mesmerizing today.”
“Yeah, but I think I’m just not used to my own name yet.”
“Hmm? Have you been living abroad for so long that you rarely hear your Chinese surname being used?”
The woman beside the window shook her head lightly without explanation, shifting the topic. “Did I miss something just now?”
“No. Our flight has arrived at Q City International Airport. Here’s your suitcase. You may disembark now.”
“Alright, thank you.”
Song Shu carried her small suitcase and walked out of the cabin. Inside the jet bridge, the flight crew greeted her with smiles and bows.
“Welcome back to China.”
As a plane soared into the sky outside the glass, its wings cutting through the clouds, the shadowy light fell once again.
Song Shu paused and looked at the familiar sky.
Yes.
Welcome back.
After nine long years, burdened with deep grievances and enmity, she had finally grown from a powerless child who couldn’t even control her own fate.
She had returned.
To everyone involved in the earth-shattering EAG Ponzi scheme back then…
Starting today, she would make each of them pay the price they deserved.
Gazing at her reflection in the glass, Song Shu slowly formed a smile.
That smile was like a mask, slowly blending with her emotionless features until they completely merged.
She blinked.
The woman in the reflection also blinked playfully and charmingly.
“My name is Qin Qing.”
Outside Gate 1 of the airport, Song Shu’s steps halted as she looked ahead.
Parked in the temporary parking lot directly in front of her was a luxurious black sedan. The passenger side door opened, and a man in a well-tailored suit stood beside the car, smiling gently.
“Song Shu, no, I should call you ‘Qin Qing’ now, shouldn’t I?”
The man approached, taking the suitcase from Song Shu’s hand.
Song Shu didn’t refuse. “Thank you for coming to pick me up amidst your busy schedule, Director Yu.”
“Just after a few years of not seeing each other, you’ve become so distant with me?” Yu Qisheng declined assistance from nearby airport staff, took the suitcase, and headed towards the trunk. “You go up first.”
“Mm.”
After a brief exchange in the car, Yu Qisheng said, “I’ve arranged a place for you in L District of Q City. You can stay there temporarily, and if you prefer somewhere else, we can change it.”
“It seems that the employee benefits at Director Yu’s law firm are quite good.”
“Not every employee enjoys such benefits.”
“Hmm?”
“This is a special benefit for an unmarried fiancée.”
Song Shu was startled, then turned to look at the driver’s seat after two seconds. “Yu Qisheng, I haven’t seen you in half a year and you’ve become more humorous.”
Yu Qisheng didn’t respond.
Silence spread for a few seconds in the car, and the atmosphere gradually became subtle.
Song Shu squinted gently. The mild chill in her eyes, as gentle as a cat’s, gradually receded like an illusion. She leaned back in her seat, smiling lightly.
Yu Qisheng broke the silence and showed a bitter smile.
“I won’t hide it from you. I recommended you to work at Qin Lou’s Vio Capital, not only as a law firm employee, but also as my returning fiancée.”
Song Shu was distracted for a moment after hearing Qin Lou’s name. But she didn’t speak, as if waiting for Yu Qisheng’s next words.
“I didn’t inform you and decided on this on my own. It was my fault. But if you want to quickly get in touch with Vio’s core, you need an identity that the Vio board of directors can trust.”
Song Shu looked at him calmly, a fleeting moment of indifference and coolness passing through her eyes, but it dissipated as if an illusion. She sat back, smiling slightly.
“Of course, I understand Director Yu’s good intentions.”
Yu Qisheng fell silent again.
After a dozen seconds, he suddenly turned on the emergency lights and veered into the adjacent emergency lane. The car came to a sudden stop as Song Shu’s body leaned forward with inertia, then was pulled back by the seatbelt against the backrest. There was a muffled sound as the back of Song Shu’s head hit the soft leather headrest.
Whether from the abrupt braking, the impact, or some other sensation, a dizzy spell washed over her, causing her consciousness to blur momentarily. It felt like a sudden flashback to that last May so many years ago. Qin Lou and her car had raced along the narrow coastal road all night, abruptly stopping at dawn on the beach.
The young man leaned down, his eyes holding the only dimness in the dawn, yet more dazzling than the light itself. He cradled her face but only dared to kiss her eyelids. He was her most fervent believer and also her most devout madman.
The heat and suffocation in that kiss were still fresh in her memory today.
A call of “Song Shu” brought her back to reality. The focus in Song Shu’s pupils resettled.
Unlike the originally blurred face of the young man, now before her was Yu Qisheng’s face with a slight frown.
“Do you truly understand my intentions? If you do, why must you enter Vio? You know perfectly well it’s Qin Lou’s company, that he’s utterly mad, and more importantly, you know how he feels about you…”
Yu Qisheng cut himself off, seeming annoyed by his own slip of tongue. He turned away, clenched his fist, and punched the steering wheel.
“And how do you know he was completely unaware of what happened back then? With that case, the witnesses, evidence, testimonies all interlocking, everyone in the Qin family and the company—how can you guarantee anyone’s clean?”
“I can’t be sure.” Song Shu composed herself, her voice calm. “But Vio is a path I must take, regardless of whether Qin Lou is in charge or not. Besides… Qin Lou only has a connection to Song Shu.”
“I know he’s connected to you. It’s precisely because of this that I disagree with you entering Vio.”
“No. Song Shu died nine years ago—I’m not Song Shu, I’m Qin Qing.”
“…”
Yu Qisheng turned back. “He’ll recognize you.”
Song Shu’s pupils trembled slightly. After a moment, she lowered her eyes and smiled softly. “As long as you don’t say anything. Who would remember a person who died nine years ago? How could he recognize me?”
Yu Qisheng tightly pursed his lips, furrowing his brows in silence.
After a while, as if conceding, he sighed. “Since you’re determined, I can’t stop you. But I must remind you, once you enter Vio, you won’t just face Qin Lou.”
“Who else?”
“Luan Qiaoqing, your cousin.”
Song Shu was taken aback. It was the first unexpected expression Yu Qisheng had seen on her face since their reunion.
“How… how did Qiaoqiao end up in Vio?”
Yu Qisheng fell silent for a few seconds before mockingly saying, “During these years when you were away, Luan Qiaoqing relied entirely on Qin Lou’s care. Now, in the venture capital industry, under Qin Lou’s genius madman reputation, who doesn’t know how he treats any woman except for Luan Qiaoqing with great care?”
Yu Qisheng paused, looking at Song Shu.
“Luan Qiaoqing was under your care since childhood, always by your side, yet always overlooked and inferior to you in every way. Do you really believe she harbored no envy towards you? When you were sisters, she restrained herself for your sake. But these years without you, it was enough time for her to seize her opportunities. Perhaps in Qin Lou’s heart, you’ve long been replaced.”
Song Shu listened, feeling lost in thought. When she returned her gaze, she met Yu Qisheng’s profound gaze.
She chuckled softly. “Song Shu has already died. Qin Lou, Luan Qiaoqing—whether they are together or not, I won’t and can’t stop them. Besides… you don’t need to test me.”
“How do you know I’m testing you and not stating facts?”
“Because if you really believed those rumors, you wouldn’t have fabricated the identity of an unmarried fiancée for me, right?”
Yu Qisheng froze for a moment, then shook his head helplessly. “You’re always sharp and clever. I admit, the identity of an unmarried fiancée is not just to gain trust from the Vio board, but also a shield for you against Qin Lou.” Enjoying the story? Read on at NovelPing.
“A shield?” Song Shu looked down, amused. “Then you really don’t understand him.”
“Hmm?” Yu Qisheng frowned and turned his head.
“If he truly recognized my identity, this ‘unmarried fiancée’ thing would only… drive him mad.”
“…”
Yu Qisheng’s expression instantly turned grave.
Song Shu quickly snapped out of the fragments of memories that had passed. She lifted her head and smiled brightly.
“It’s just a joke, don’t take it seriously. Just like we said—nine years have changed everything. Who would remember someone who has been dead for so many years? Sometimes when I stand in front of the mirror, I almost don’t recognize myself either. And he… he won’t either.”
After saying this, Song Shu didn’t want to continue this topic and turned to look out the window.
Yu Qisheng fell silent and restarted the car.
Glancing at the rearview mirror, he lightly turned the steering wheel, his brow furrowed with unease.
Given Qin Lou’s once wildly determined and crazy affection for Song Shu… could things really go as smoothly as she said?
Jet lag was undoubtedly a painful experience. Two days after feeling groggy, Song Shu received the appointment notification to join Vio in her email.
On the fourth day after returning to her home country, a Monday, Song Shu hurried from the upscale apartment chosen by Yu Qisheng to Vio Capital’s investment headquarters in City Q.
After explaining her purpose to the receptionist at Vio, a quick internal call was made. A few brief words were exchanged before the call ended, and the receptionist set down the handset, smiling at Song Shu.
“Miss Qin, please wait a moment. HR will arrange for someone to come down and escort you.”
“Alright, thank you.”
Song Shu turned and walked toward the sofa area.
Yu Qisheng’s law firm in City Q and throughout the domestic industry had a fair amount of reputation, with long-term collaborations and a good reputation with several investment companies. The consultants dispatched by his firm to Vio enjoyed higher salaries and trust—not surprising, and one of the main reasons why Song Shu chose to enter Vio through Yu Qisheng.
Sure enough, about two minutes later, a figure appeared in the lobby.
“Miss Qin, I apologize for the wait.” The approaching person greeted Song Shu with a smile, extending his hand. “I’m Dennis, responsible for liaising with your esteemed law firm.”
Song Shu shook hands with him, smiling. “Hello, I’m Qin Qing, here today to complete my employment procedures.”
“Miss Qin, please follow me upstairs.”
Song Shu followed him. After a few steps, her bag vibrated lightly. She took out her phone.
[Yu Qisheng: Happy Birthday.]
Song Shu suddenly stopped in her tracks.
Birthday… was it?
“More like ‘death anniversary’.”
The corners of the woman’s lips unconsciously curled into a slightly cool arc.
“Miss Qin?”
“Hmm?” Song Shu looked up, and Dennis, who had stopped ahead, turned around to look at her puzzled. The emotions in Song Shu’s eyes quickly disappeared, replaced by a gentle and graceful smile. “Sorry.”
She resumed her stride and walked forward.
Dennis led Song Shu into the elevator, lightly swiping his employee card, then remembered something, pulling out a pale gold card from his pocket and handed it to Song Shu.
“Your employee card needs to be issued after the onboarding procedures, so in the meantime, please use this visitor card with the highest privileges. Vio advocates openness and welcomes you to visit other departments anytime.”
“Thank you.” Song Shu accepted the card graciously with a warm smile.
Then, Dennis began to brief Song Shu about the company.
Vio originated from the pre-restructured Qin Group and was now an internationally renowned venture capital firm. In addition to offices in core cities around the world, Vio occupied an entire office building in City Q, spanning 23 floors excluding the rooftop.
Under Qin Lou, who served as both the major shareholder and CEO, Vio also appointed two deputy general managers, a CFO, and three committees. The two deputies and the CFO each managed more than three departments.
Song Shu was about to join the Legal and Compliance Department under the Risk Management Division, reporting directly to the vice president surnamed Lin in the company.
After Dennis finished introducing the departments and their corresponding floor distribution, Song Shu gestured to the only floor that had been skipped in the elevator.
“Is there no department or office on the 23rd floor?”
“No, the 23rd floor is Mr. Qin’s.”
“Isn’t the CEO’s office on the 22nd floor?”
“Yes, but the 23rd floor isn’t for the CEO’s office…” Dennis scratched his head, embarrassed. “Actually, that floor isn’t part of the office area; it’s Mr. Qin’s private floor.”
“A private floor?”
“Mr. Qin lives in the company.”
Song Shu was taken aback. “He… doesn’t go home?”
“As employees, we don’t inquire about the CEO’s affairs.” Dennis awkwardly smiled and turned to see the woman’s fair and beautiful profile under her soft long hair. His heart stirred, and subconsciously added, “I’m not sure about the specifics, but I’ve heard it’s due to personal reasons. Although Mr. Qin is young and wealthy, his properties are always vacant. He has always lived alone in the company.”
Song Shu murmured softly with lowered eyes, “Alone… all this time.”
“Ding.”
The elevator arrived at the floor where the HR department was located.
Dennis turned back in confusion. “Hmm? Miss Qin, what did you just say? I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that.”
“It’s nothing.” Song Shu smiled faintly, pushing a strand of hair behind her ear, concealing the slight emotions revealed on her face. “Let’s go.”
“Oh, please come this way.”
But Song Shu’s onboarding at Vio wasn’t as smooth as she had imagined.
“I’m sorry, Miss Qin, but your personnel appointment letter needs to be signed by a deputy general manager or above. The responsible vice president isn’t currently in the office,” apologized the personnel department archive staff.
Dennis asked in surprise, “Lin Zong isn’t here?”
“Mr. Lin is on a business trip this week.”
“Ah, in that case, can we take the documents to Mr. Qin for his signature?”
The person behind the office desk’s expression changed slightly, signaling Dennis with their eyes, then stood up and walked to the side.
Dennis hesitated for a moment, then followed.
While maintaining her smile, Song Shu’s eyes tightened. Her gaze followed the two, faintly hearing their discussion.
“You’re going to see Mr. Qin today? Are you crazy?”
“Mr. Lin isn’t here, isn’t it normal to get Mr. Qin’s signature?”
“Have you forgotten what week this is?”
“What’s special about this week—”
The conversation abruptly stopped, followed a few seconds later by a sharp intake of breath. “Damn, I actually forgot about Mr. Qin’s once-a-year hellish week.”
After another exchange, the two separated, and Dennis returned to Song Shu’s side.
“I apologize, Miss Qin, there’s been a slight unexpected situation here. Director Luan will be coming over shortly from HR, and we need to consult with her.”
Song Shu’s nodding motion paused. “Director Luan is… Luan Qiaoqing?”
“Miss Qin knows our director?”
Song Shu remained silent for a few seconds, her eyes slightly curved as she smiled and shook her head. “No. I’ve just heard of her.”
Dennis seemed to recall something, revealing a hint of ambiguity in his smile. “It seems Miss Qin is also well-informed about the company’s affairs.”
Song Shu smiled without saying a word.
Just then, the glass door of the conference room behind them was knocked, and the clacking sound of high heels accompanied a woman’s voice entering.
“I just received a call that the new employee’s personnel appointment is stuck?”
Dennis’s expression changed, bypassing Song Shu and warmly greeting her. “Director Luan, sorry to trouble you. It’s regarding the personnel appointment of Miss Qin Qing from Jusheng Law Firm. Here are the relevant contract documents.”
After flipping through the documents, there was a rustling sound, “This pertains to documents at the level of deputy general manager or above. Mr. Lin is on a business trip?”
“Yes, so we were thinking of sending it to the 23rd floor—”
The conference room suddenly fell silent.
A few seconds later, Luan Qiaoqing said displeasedly, “He won’t be handling any affairs this week. After so many years in the company, do I still have to remind you about this?”
“…”
“Is she here to complete her onboarding?” The source of this chapter is novelping.com.
“Yes, this is Miss Qin Qing from Jusheng—”
Dennis turned around, looking at the back of the figure in confusion, “Miss Qin?”
Song Shu tightened her fingertips around the leather handle of her handbag, a faint white appearing on her fingertips. After a few seconds, she suddenly relaxed.
She turned around, her slightly curled long hair creating an arc in the air.
Underneath those unattractive black-framed glasses, the woman’s smile carried an irresistible charm.
“Hello, Director Luan… I’m Qin Qing.”
Luan Qiaoqing flipped through the documents, walking over with her head down. “Hello. Miss Qin is Yu Zong’s fiancée, right? Just as rumored, you are quite—”
Her words suddenly stopped.
Luan Qiaoqing froze in front of Song Shu, her expression stiff, the rest of her words stuck in her throat. She widened her eyes, as if seeing a ghost.
On the pretty face opposite her, the brightness did not fade. “Director Luan?”
“… I’m sorry.”
After a while, Luan Qiaoqing regained her senses. For a split second, a myriad of complex and poignant emotions flashed through her eyes.
After more than ten seconds, she found her voice again, “Miss Qin… we won’t be able to process your onboarding this week. Please come back next week.”
Song Shu smiled.
“I understand. Goodbye, Director Luan.”
She carried her handbag and walked past Luan Qiaoqing.
Only when that figure disappeared at the end of the floor outside the glass door of the conference room, did Luan Qiaoqing retract her gaze.
“Dennis, what did you just say her name was?”
“Qin Qing.”
“The fiancée of Yu Qisheng recommended by Jusheng Law Firm?”
“Yes…” Dennis cautiously asked, “Is there a problem, Director?”
“No.” Luan Qiaoqing’s gaze dimmed, “It’s just that her timing is too coincidental, reminding me of someone who has passed away.”
The conference room was quiet for two seconds, and Luan Qiaoqing looked up and said, “Hold onto Qin Qing’s personnel appointment for now.”
Dennis was taken aback, “Ah? Aren’t we sending it to Mr. Yu next week?”
“No, he can’t see her!”
Luan Qiaoqing’s sudden increase in volume startled Dennis. When he regained his composure, he frowned deeply, and the documents in his hand were crumpled.
“Not Qin Qing. She… she’s too much like that person. Contact Jusheng Law Firm and have them send someone else,” Luan Qiaoqing demanded.
“Director Luan, isn’t this against—”
“Do as I say.”
“… Yes.”
Song Shu stepped into the empty elevator.
Her smile, like paint fading in water, gradually peeled away.
The doors closed.
“Please swipe your card,” the electronic voice chimed.
Song Shu closed her eyes. After several seconds, she finally regained her composure, took out the highest level visitor card from her bag, and swiped it at the card reader.
“Please select a floor.”
…
Song Shu’s fingertip hovered over the number 1 at the bottom, but hesitated. A few seconds later, almost involuntarily, she reached up and pressed the button for the 23rd floor.
As expected, there was no “insufficient authorization” warning.
The elevator started moving, slowly ascending.
Song Shu froze for two seconds, then lowered her eyes and smiled faintly, whispering to herself, “Security loophole.”
The elevator stopped on the 23rd floor.
The doors opened.
Unlike the minimalist white office style of the previous floors, entering the 23rd floor revealed deep purple velvet diamond-shaped wall coverings.
In her ears, there was a booming roar of sound:
“Why don’t you lock me up with joy and kisses?
Lock me up with love?
To your heart’s desire?
I don’t want you to stop.
Lock me in and hold this moment, never get enough…”
Song Shu stood still in front of the elevator doors.
After a few seconds, she lowered her eyes and smiled.
Originally, when she heard from Vio’s employees that he only lived in the company and completely avoided the outside world during this week every year, she was a bit worried about him… but she never expected this floor to be more like a party zone.
Song Shu smiled and turned back into the elevator.
However, just before stepping into the elevator, Song Shu suddenly stopped. She frowned and looked sideways at the entrance to this flat floor.
The roaring sound came from the darkness.
Accompanying it was a faint… hint of blood.
Thinking of something, Song Shu’s pupils suddenly contracted.
The next second, she dropped her handbag directly and turned to rush into that darkness—
The 23rd floor was a large flat, with undivided areas, cluttered with all sorts of debris and bottles on the floor that couldn’t be seen clearly.
Song Shu’s breath quickened nervously. Stumbling several times along the way, she finally adapted to the dimness under the heavy curtain, faintly distinguishing a figure leaning against the wall not far away.
The slender figure was sitting against the wall, head bowed.
In the silent room, there was no sound of breathing.
Song Shu’s chest tightened.
Without thinking too much, she rushed forward. When she was half a meter away, her feet slipped, and she fell to the hard floor, banging with a “thud.”
However, the pain from her knees couldn’t reach her numb senses, and she trembled as she reached out to feel the person’s carotid artery.
The fingertips were icy cold, but there was a pulse.
“….!”
Song Shu suddenly breathed a sigh of relief, but the air filled her lungs with a strong alcoholic scent, causing her to cough violently.
Frustrated, she almost wanted to raise her hand to slap the familiar face in front of her.
Clutching her fist for a few seconds, Song Shu still withdrew her hand. Suppressing her cough, she slowly got up, supporting her knees.
Her wrist was suddenly gripped.
Song Shu was startled.
The next moment, a huge force pulled her forward unexpectedly.
The world spun before her eyes, and she was flipped over and pressed onto the icy floor.
Darkness enveloped her vision.
In her senses were the scorching breath, the hot body, and the hoarse whisper full of blood:
“Song Shu—”
“!!”
Song Shu suddenly froze.
Sansukini: Welcome to the second arc. She just got back from the dead and first thing she does is peek at him.
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