Chapter Sixty: The War Between Two Women

A small, ancient coin—just a trifle—was used by a little girl as a shuttlecock, kicking it about. Zhang Can, sharp-eyed as ever, picked up on this instantly. Zhu Senlin understood what was happening, but it was Zhang Can who truly made the difference; without him, this income would never have come to pass. Old Su, for all his skill and experience, was a seasoned hand, yet he could not compare to Zhang Can, who was an absolute prodigy. Zhang Can’s eye for value bordered on the miraculous, regularly uncovering treasures worth tens or even hundreds of thousands. Zhu Senlin could not help but be astonished.

Only now did Zhu Senlin comprehend why Zhang Can had said he felt a bit guilty toward the little girl. Indeed, even if Zhang Can handed her a sum of money, her father would squander it away. A gambler cares nothing for reason or sentiment.

Zhu Senlin’s thoughts drifted back: since the day he saw Zhang Can acquire Yu Ji’s painting, he had brought him to a private auction in the outskirts. There was the big boss Wang Qian’s probing, the acquisition of the ivory micro-carving, the identification of Wang Qian’s pendant. Afterward, Zhang Can returned to his hometown and procured four lengths of golden nanmu. When Zhu Senlin went to fetch him, just before boarding the plane, Zhang Can obtained a blue-and-white porcelain bowl from an old woman selling beef offal. And now, this “Cheng'an Treasure”—with Zhang Can, new surprises seemed to arrive daily.

In the past, their annual profit barely reached a million, and even then, caution was always warranted. But now, under Zhang Can’s hand, making money seemed effortless—no obstacles at all.

Old Su next began carefully appraising the ancient silver coin, growing more and more frustrated. Why should Zhang Can always be the one to stumble upon such windfalls? Why hadn’t he spotted it himself?

Zhu Senlin was busy on the phone, arranging the auction for the Cheng'an Treasure, his tone jubilant. The person on the other end sounded equally pleased—when there’s money to be made, everyone’s spirits soar.

Old Su finally set aside the ancient coin, his expression dark, and brewed a pot of strong, bitter tea—heaps of leaves, boiling water. He angrily took a sip, scalding his mouth, his face contorting with discomfort.

Zhu Senlin didn’t notice, but Zhang Can did, though he was careful not to stare outright. He watched Old Su by subtle means, ensuring the man remained unaware.

The more irritable and unhappy Old Su became, the more delighted Zhang Can felt; this would make it easier to lay a trap for him in the future.

Zhang Can considered whether he should tell Zhu Senlin about his plan. If Zhu Senlin found out later, would he have any opinions? After pondering, Zhang Can decided not to say anything. If Zhu Senlin let slip in front of Old Su, it would be harder to fool him. This grievance simply could not go unaddressed.

Moreover, it wasn’t as though he was wronging Zhu Senlin. Old Su was acting behind his back, and Zhang Can’s target was Old Su, not Zhu Senlin. Surely, when the truth came out, Zhu Senlin would understand; if he were in the same position, he wouldn’t tolerate such a slight either.

The three shop assistants’ attitude toward Zhang Can shifted dramatically. They weren’t blind to the situation; their earlier resistance stemmed from Zhang Can’s newcomer status, shaking up the old regime. They’d chosen to side with Old Su, whose roots ran deep. But now, it was obvious—Old Su paled beside Zhang Can. With Zhu Senlin as the boss, Zhang Can had made him a fortune, and with the promise of splitting the profits, it was foolish not to see where the wind now blew.

Besides, when comparing Zhang Can and Old Su, Zhang Can was far more generous. In their two or three years at the shop, Old Su had never once treated them to a meal—not even a bottle of soda. But Zhang Can had invited them several times, ordering lavish meals for everyone rather than mere boxed lunches. With no benefits from Old Su, why stick their necks out for him? And even if they did, it would be pointless.

Thanks to Zhang Can’s acquisition of the Cheng'an Treasure, Zhang Qiang and the others were more envious than ever; his relationship with Zhu Senlin would only grow stronger, and they would have to rely on him in the future.

With nothing pressing in the shop, Zhang Can and the others finished their tasks and sat chatting, discussing where to go that evening. Old Zhu grinned, “Anywhere’s fine, don’t worry about the cost. My principle is: play well and eat well!”

He turned to Zhang Can: “Brother, tonight’s gathering—your sister and fiancée needn’t come. This is a men’s affair, heh heh…”

Zhang Qiang and the others knew exactly what Old Zhu meant. Youthful and full of vigor, their hearts stirred, eagerly awaiting nightfall.

But before dusk, something unexpected happened!

Around four o’clock, the shop door swung open and someone walked in. Zhang Qiang glanced up and was stunned.

A girl of extraordinary beauty stood there—someone he’d seen before, who had come looking for Zhang Can, apparently surnamed Zhou.

Zhu Senlin was also taken aback. The girl was Zhou Nan; her exceptional beauty had left a strong impression. When Zhang Can went to Anle Inn to rescue his sister and Liu Xiaoqin, Zhu Senlin had wondered what would happen if Zhou Nan showed up.

He never expected that idle thought to become reality. Still, Old Zhu wasn’t sure Zhou Nan had come for anything romantic with Zhang Can; perhaps she just wanted to chat or look at antiques.

Zhang Can himself was startled. Seeing Zhou Nan, his heart was both excited and troubled. He yearned to see her, yet restrained himself, knowing nothing could come of it. Had Secretary Gao not been clear enough?

Zhou Nan’s eyes reddened as soon as she saw Zhang Can. She strode straight up and said, “Zhang Can, come outside with me. I need to talk to you!”

Zhang Can glanced around, searching for an excuse, but Zhou Nan took his hand without hesitation and led him out of the shop. Zhang Can couldn’t resist, though he glanced back at Old Zhu.

Old Zhu waved his hand, “Go on, don’t worry about the shop.”

With that, Zhou Nan dragged Zhang Can out, walking a hundred or two meters to a lane behind the antique street. There, she stopped, glared at him, and demanded, “Why are you avoiding me? Why did you sneak out of the hospital?”

Zhang Can shook his head and explained, “I don’t know. When I woke up, I was in the hospital. I asked the doctors and nurses, but none had seen you. I didn’t hear any news about you, not even from the police.”

Zhou Nan was silent for a moment, then nodded. “I see.”

Zhang Can guessed she was thinking about her father. At first, he hadn’t realized her father was the Party Secretary of the city. If he were a lesser official, it might not matter, but the secretary of a deputy provincial city was a high-ranking figure, far beyond his reach. Best not to say this out loud—just knowing it was enough.

Zhou Nan was still angry. After a while, she looked at Zhang Can and asked, “Can I sit at your home for a bit? I… I truly feel I have no place to go.”

Zhang Can was startled. How could she be homeless? Had she run away? If she wanted to visit his home, that wasn’t difficult, but her grandmother and Secretary Gao had warned him. It would only bring trouble—why invite that upon himself?

A person should have pride, but never arrogance. In this world, the tradition of marrying within one’s class was an ancient vice. He lacked neither limbs nor money; why endure such humiliation?

Besides, he had already resolved not to see Zhou Nan again, to keep his distance.

Seeing Zhang Can’s silence, Zhou Nan’s eyes reddened again. “I know—you’re worried about my family, aren’t you? I’m myself, my family is my family. Are you just as worldly as everyone else?”

“Worldly? Heh…” Zhang Can chuckled bitterly. “Worldly, selfish—it doesn’t matter. We should be careful, so your family doesn’t misunderstand.”

“Misunderstand what?” Zhou Nan’s face blanched. Zhang Can’s words struck her deeply. After their escape from the mountain, the police had separated her and Zhang Can when they brought them to the hospital. She didn’t realize this, thinking they’d gone to the same place. After arriving, she was given a sedative and a nutrient drip, and didn’t awaken until the next day. She was placed in a private ward, with two nurses rotating to guard her and prevent her from leaving. She couldn’t find any news of Zhang Can. She hadn’t truly been hurt—just exhausted and frightened—a couple of days’ rest was enough. From the monitors sent by her parents, she realized she was being deliberately controlled.

At first, Zhou Nan believed her parents were simply worried about her. She didn’t expect they already knew about her and Zhang Can and so kept quiet. Once she was fully recovered, her parents relaxed, giving her the chance to slip away. She didn’t have Zhang Can’s number or address, so she went straight to the shop—and found him.

Zhang Can replied calmly, “There’s nothing between us. If others see us and think there is, it wouldn’t be good for you. I’m just a poor country boy, so it doesn’t matter for me, but you’re the daughter of an official. You should be careful.”

Indeed, from start to finish, there had been nothing between Zhang Can and Zhou Nan—no declarations, no words of affection. Zhou Nan, proud by nature, would never utter such words lightly. Yet after the kidnapping, during two days in the hospital, her mind was filled with thoughts of Zhang Can, his image ever-present. After much reflection, she came to a conclusion: she had fallen in love with him.

When one falls for another, madness follows. Zhou Nan was the type who, cold as ice when indifferent, became more passionate than anyone once in love.

Now, on the roadside, Zhou Nan didn’t want to say much. Her clear, crystalline eyes fixed on Zhang Can. “I’m tired. Take me home to rest, then we’ll talk. I don’t want to say anything now.”

It seemed Zhang Can’s aloofness had wounded Zhou Nan, but she attributed it to his concern over her family. So, though hurt, she didn’t find it unbearable. She just urged Zhang Can to take her home, where they could speak in private.

Zhang Can hesitated. Looking at Zhou Nan’s delicate face, his heart softened. He nodded. “Alright, you can rest first.”

A hint of satisfaction and pride appeared on Zhou Nan’s face. She knew her beauty was irresistible to men, and Zhang Can was no exception.

“Ah, this is bad…”

Suddenly, Zhang Can cried out, startling Zhou Nan. “What’s wrong? What happened?”

Zhang Can blushed, unable to speak. He had suddenly remembered that his sister and Liu Xiaoqin were still at home. Liu Xiaoqin, who had come for him, was there; though he had snuck out, their families and neighbors had already accepted their betrothal in fact. Now, bringing Zhou Nan home would lead to a dramatic collision.