Chapter 21: The Bodyguard
The meeting proceeded quite smoothly. Hu Zhizhen was a highly capable leader; when discussing collaborations, she appealed to both emotion and reason, and could thoroughly analyze issues from the other party’s perspective.
Zhang He said to Youyun, “After you return, make sure to curry favor with President Hu. Following her will help you forge your own path.”
Youyun pressed her hand to her forehead. “If I go back, I’ll just be writing articles, while everyone in the business division is a fierce warrior. Aren’t you basically pushing me into a wolf’s den?”
Zhang He chuckled quietly. “That’s true. Living comfortably matters more than anything else; don’t venture into areas where you lack expertise.”
“You’re starting to lecture me now?” Youyun remarked.
Then let me say something else,” Zhang He replied. “Why does Jiang Muhe keep looking at you?
“You?” she murmured.
Instinctively, she glanced toward Jiang Muhe. Indeed, he was looking at her. His expression was blank, yet his eyes held a dazed, lost confusion—the very picture of a broken hero.
Youyun quickly averted her gaze and nudged Zhang He with her elbow. “She wasn’t looking at me; she was lost in thought. Her eyes just happened to be fixed on a particular spot.”
“Why that particular spot, then?”
“It’s the diagonal line!”
“Oh.”
After the meeting, Youyun booked a room at the hotel on a whim. She had planned this all along; having finally made it to the capital, she wanted to stay a couple of extra days to explore.
Jinghong hardly distinguishes between day and night, bustling with energy around the clock. From Manting Park and the Tropical Flower Garden to the Grand Buddha Temple and the Starlight Night Market, if you haven’t checked in at these attractions, it’s as if you never really came to Xishuangbanna.
Zhang He volunteered enthusiastically, offering to accompany her on her tour.
“You probably need someone to take photos for you,” he said.
“You’re only capturing death angles,” Youyun scoffed.
“Better than nothing, right? Do you really have the nerve to keep bothering passersby to take photos for you?”
“Aren’t you supposed to be heading back to your hometown?”
Youyun knew that Zhang He still needed to return to his parents’ home in Pu’er after finishing up today, so there was no point in him wasting time accompanying her on this frivolous errand.
But Zhang He insisted on going, and Youyun had no choice. Moreover, deep down, besides feeling reluctant to leave the elders and fellow villagers in the village, she was also loath to part with Zhang He; once back in Beijing, she wouldn’t have such a resilient friend anymore.
“I heard Zou Xuan gave birth to a son. When you go back, please pass along my congratulatory gift money for me,” Zhang He said, referring to a close colleague in Beijing.
“Her maternity leave is almost over; by the time I return, she’ll probably be back at work already.” Youyun pressed the elevator button, and they descended together to the first floor.
“That’s perfect then. She works in Human Resources and has access to all the latest information. Look out for each other; that way, I can rest assured.”
“You should take care of yourself first! You’re no spring chicken either; how much longer do you plan on staying single?”
“Who are you to talk? You’re single too!”
Youyun shrugged. “I just don’t feel like dating. It’s too much trouble.”
Zhang He hesitated. “Oh? Is there someone?”
Youyun smiled, not wanting to answer.
The two chatted and laughed as they exited the hotel, only to be pleasantly surprised to find Jiang Muhe waiting there, dressed in that same black suit, leaning against his off-road vehicle with his arms crossed.
Youyun had assumed he’d gone home after the meeting and had no idea what he was doing standing there.
But since she’d stumbled upon him, she figured she ought to go over and say hello.
Zhang He greeted them from afar without approaching. He had a vague feeling that Liang Youyun and Jiang Muhe shared a close relationship, but just how close remained uncertain; he decided to observe them discreetly.
“What are you doing here? Waiting for someone?”
“Yes, waiting for you,” Muhe replied candidly. “I saw you check in earlier and guessed you’d want to go out and explore.”
There’s just no dealing with him.
Youyun smiled and asked, “What if I don’t come down? Will you just wait here for nothing?”
“I’ve got nothing else to do anyway,” Muhe replied. “I figured you might need a guide.”
Intrigued, Youyun suddenly felt like teasing him.
“Zhang He knows Jinghong very well; he’s been to many attractions. With him around, I certainly don’t lack a guide.”
“What about a driver?”
“No shortage there either; Zhang He drove here.”
“In that case…” Jiang Muhe raised his hand, propping his chin with the space between his thumb and forefinger, furrowing his brows in thought before saying, “You’re definitely in need of a bodyguard. Just think about how dangerous it was that time at the bar.”
“It’s broad daylight, and I have full confidence in the security here at the scenic spot, so there’s no need for a bodyguard!”
Jiang Muhe feigned disappointment, biting his lip. “Alright then, I’ll be off.”
“Mm,” Youyun nodded.
But he couldn’t move his feet; he just stood there watching her, waiting for her to ask him to stay.
Youyun broke into a wide smile, clenched her right hand into a fist, and gently punched his shoulder. “Hey, if you want to go, just say it directly! Why beat around the bush?”
Muhe joined in the laughter. They laughed endlessly, each finding the other utterly fascinating.
Zhang He turned at the sound, a bitter taste rising in his heart. To be honest, the two of them made quite a couple—mature man and woman, peers sharing a mutual appreciation. It was just a pity that fate had chosen the wrong time to bring them together.
Jiang Muhe drove, with Liang Youyun in the passenger seat and Zhang He seated diagonally behind her.
Zhang He wasn’t particularly close to Jiang Muhe; moreover, he had once asked him for a favor that was denied, which became both a lingering concern and an obstacle between them. Consequently, they could only maintain a relationship that remained politely cordial.
Jiang Muhe asked where they would like to go.
Youyun replied that they should go wherever was most convenient along the route, to which Muhe responded that it would then be Manting Park.
Manting Park was once the royal garden of the Dai kings, boasting a history spanning over 1,300 years. The park is breathtakingly beautiful, with vast stretches of vibrant red bougainvillea in full bloom, elegant and pure lotuses floating in the Green Lotus Pond, and numerous other unnamed flowers competing in splendor.
Zhang He is a responsible tour guide; he can answer almost any question Youyun asks, whether about the park’s history, plant names, architectural styles, or the division of different areas. It seems he is quite an experienced visitor himself.
Jiang Muhe remained relatively quiet, taking many beautiful photos for Youyun.
Youyun noticed that whenever she was alone with him, he became talkative and even displayed a sense of humor. However, as soon as another person joined them, he would barely say a word.
Youyun put on a Dai-style tube skirt and a long-sleeved, diagonal-closure short jacket, then asked Jiang Muhe to take her photo.
She wanted to take photos in authentic Dai Le traditional attire, not the trendy “Dai Princess” style images popular online.
Many tourists unfamiliar with Dai culture actually wear garments that are not traditional Dai clothing at all, but rather mass-produced items with a “Thai studio photography” aesthetic—revealing too much skin and of poor quality.
Authentic everyday Dai women’s clothing should not be overly revealing, as the Dai people consider this disrespectful to elders.
The patterns and lines on the garments are meticulously woven; Dai brocade craftsmanship is intricate, featuring sophisticated color palettes, skin-friendly comfort, and, naturally, a price tag to match.
Youyun’s outfit was purchased from a shop owned by an inheritor of Dai Le traditional clothing, selected by Yuxiang, who loved it dearly. The sarong featured a pale green base with light blue stripes, interspersed with yellow and pink floral patterns, while the top was a short, front-buttoned jacket with long sleeves, a standing collar, and purple flowers on a white background.
Muhe gazed at her, as if she were a jasmine blossom blooming with dewy freshness.
It was the first time he had seen her look so delicate and charming; his heart softened, and he hardly dared to meet her eyes, fearing that a direct glance might reveal his hidden intentions.
Looking at the photo, Youyun complained, “Sigh, I’ve still gained too much weight.”
“Where?” Muhe couldn’t fathom just how thin a girl needed to be to feel satisfied.
Youyun sighed, “If only I had a figure like Sister Yiying’s–that perfect S-curve. She looks stunning in anything! Standing next to her is incredibly intimidating!”
“The one who runs the restaurant?” Muhe asked.
Youyun nodded, smiling at him. “The one who’s interested in you.”
Muhe shook his head. “There won’t be any more.”
Youyun looked puzzled. “Why? She said you’re handsome and that she likes your type.”
“Hmm… she should know that I prefer a different type,” Muhe said with a smile.
“What type?” Youyun asked cautiously.
Jiang Muhe gazed into her eyes, slowly lowering his face, his expression carrying a certain aggressiveness, desire barely contained.
Youyun felt scorched by his gaze, with nowhere to escape. This sensation made her heart race with fear, yet intertwined with a faint trace of anticipation.
What are you expecting? Don’t expect anything! Stop, stop!
“Uh, I’d like an iced coffee,” she said, slightly out of breath, avoiding his gaze as she turned and pointed toward the café in the corner of the park.
While Jiang Muhe went to buy cold drinks, Zhang He pulled Youyun aside, his face filled with concern. “What’s going on between you and Jiang Muhe? Have you gotten that close?”
“Just normal friends.”
“There’s definitely something going on between you two.”
“No way!”
“Absolutely! My eyes never lie!”
Zhang He shot her a look of disappointment mixed with frustration, chiding, “Liang Youyun, I’m not trying to lecture you, but you can’t fall for every person you meet. Have you forgotten that none of your past relationships lasted more than six months? And each time you broke up, you cried your heart out. Can’t you be a bit more rational and exercise some self-control?”
“Stop talking nonsense, okay? My relationship with him is completely pure. What self-restraint are you talking about? You’re a man too, and I have no boundaries with you either—why don’t you tell me to restrain myself then?”
“How can I be the same? We’ve known each other for so many years; if there were any feelings, they would have surfaced long ago. Besides, Sister, you’re too close to see clearly. You don’t realize that when you two chat together, you both sit there laughing like fools. Even real couples don’t share such perfect chemistry!”
“Sometimes things are just really funny! Just like sometimes you really deserve a good beating!” Youyun glared at him.
Zhang He made one final effort; he couldn’t just stand by and watch this foolish woman get deceived by a man.
“Liang Youyun, have you ever considered what kind of person Jiang Muhe is? With his outstanding external conditions—wealth and leisure—he could have any woman he desires. So why would he specifically approach you under the guise of making friends? He must be fully aware that you’ll be leaving for good in just three months! The only conclusion I can draw is that he’s tired of playing with young girls and now wants to try his luck with a mature woman! I refuse to believe that someone like him has never been in love before. People of his caliber are incredibly manipulative; with your naive and innocent personality, you simply won’t be able to handle him!”
“Zhang He, you’ve gone too far!”
Youyun was furious—furious at his harsh words and even more so at his lack of trust in her. It made her feel like a fool being scorned by a friend, and her whole body began to tremble as she lowered her voice as much as possible:
“Zhang He, you can’t talk to me like that. I understand why you’re angry, but he and I are truly just ordinary friends. Indeed, as you said, he seems very proactive toward me, wanting to get closer, but that’s all. I admit I have feelings for him because he has helped me so much; my sentiments stem from gratitude. Rest assured, I won’t cross the line.”
Seeing the moisture in Youyun’s eyes, Zhang He realized his words had been too harsh and had hurt her. His heart ached even more as he spoke earnestly, “I’m sorry; my attitude earlier was wrong. I’m not against you falling in love; I’m just afraid you’ll get deeply involved and end up hurt. I truly don’t want those despicable men to hurt you again or take advantage of you.”
Wiping away tears with a sense of grievance, he said, “If you were someone fickle, you could handle love however you please. But you take relationships so seriously. What if Jiang Muhe truly isn’t a good person? Just imagine how hurt you’d feel if you realized he had been playing you!”
His words weren’t without merit; that’s what friends are for—always ready to pour cold water on you just before you’re about to do something impulsive.
Zhang He’s words might have been harsh, but rough as they were, their reasoning was sound.
“…Actually, I didn’t… gain much advantage,” Youyun murmured.
“Liang Youyun.” Zhang He paused beneath a golden pagoda as music drifted from nearby; the “Dai King’s Procession” must have begun.
“No one wishes more than I do for you to find a reliable man who understands you, cares for you, and loves you. When you get married, I’ll surely be sobbing uncontrollably. Even though Jiang Muhe is a good person, he may not be right for you. Can you sustain a love that spans thousands of miles? You deserve better.”
The music grew louder, yet Liang Youyun’s heart remained utterly still. The world suddenly felt empty, and she had no choice but to accept reality: she must crush her own feelings with her own hands.
Yes, she needed to be resolute—reject his help and keep her distance from him!
“Watch out!”—
Still caught up in her emotions, Youyun was instantly pulled into Jiang Muhe’s embrace.
The parade crowd was dense, and tourists pushed forward along with the throng; she nearly got knocked over by a stout man.
Jiang Muhe exhaled in relief, still holding a carrier of iced coffees in one hand. Looking down at her, he frowned and said, “And you still say you don’t need a bodyguard.”
His hand withdrew from her waist, yet his worried gaze lingered on her face.
At this moment, Youyun’s heart fluttered again as a sudden realization struck her: Why must she always be the one getting hurt in love? Couldn’t she enjoy a few perks before getting wounded? Wasn’t it time she had some real fun for once?
Besides, this man was utterly delicious to look at.
In that instant, a glint of “murderous intent” flashed in her eyes as she gazed at him.