Epiphanies of Rebirth Chapter 95 (Part 1)
Translated by Pure
Chapter 95.1 Extra [Last Chapter About the Family]
As the end of the workday neared, the bustling business districts in Yan City entered their final rush. Gazing out from the office, the roads were adorned with a sea of bright red taillights stretching as far as the eye could see.
This city was a canvas painted with the dreams of countless individuals. The land was incredibly precious, and the city, both sprawling and confined. The lifelong aspiration of many was merely to secure a place here they could proudly call home.
Located in the northern part of the city, within the heart of the business district, Haitang Non-Staple Food occupied an entire standalone building dedicated to official operations. This new structure, inaugurated in 2003, was personally crafted by New Beginnings. Standing tall at twenty floors, it boasted an external facade entirely made of glass. Adorning the entire building was the distinctive crabapple flower logo, a symbol that the company had embraced for numerous years. While subtle up close, the logo created the illusion of blossoming flowers when viewed from a distance, providing a visually pleasing spectacle.
From the humble beginnings of offering complimentary homemade sauces at the Sun Street snack bar to its current expansive scale, the growth trajectory of Haitang Non-Staple Food undeniably stands as a legend in the food industry. Over a decade ago, the residential building basement in the southern part of the city that Mother Zhou initially rented to store sauce jars no longer sufficed. Now, with major production and manufacturing facilities scattered worldwide, Haitang Non-Staple Food easily met any of her demands.
However, Mother Zhou's ambitions extended beyond this point.
Presently recognized as the country's largest sauce product manufacturer, Haitang Non-Staple Food was constructing an aircraft carrier-sized manufacturing base spanning over 1,000 acres in a small southern city. With an investment exceeding one billion, this base would encompass all production lines previously introduced by Haitang Non-Staple. Upon completion, its immense production capacity was poised to propel the company's overseas expansion at a more steady and rapid pace.
Zhou Haitang meticulously perused the reports, advancing with a slightly furrowed brow and a serious demeanor. As he traversed various office sections, employees couldn't help but glance back at him.
He had an aversion to engaging with unfamiliar individuals and lacked the social finesse of someone like Gao Sheng. His outward demeanor wasn't particularly amiable, earning him the somewhat intimidating moniker of 'The Face of Satan.'
As he briskly walked, employees were taken aback. Before his figure vanished, the Best Partner chat groups in various teams were already abuzz—
— "What's going on with Mr. Zhou? Who's the unfortunate soul caught in his scrutiny?"
— "How intimidating. I didn't even dare to breathe when he passed my cubicle just now. I nearly suffocated from trying not to."
— "Why don't we stay later after work? I noticed he entered the conference room on our floor. What if he comes out and finds the entire office area empty..."
— "As much as I'd love to leave early, let's stick to overtime for the sake of keeping our jobs. No more chit-chat!"
Zhou Haitang was oblivious to the fact that his subtle actions had prompted a spontaneous wave of overtime work among the employees on the entire floor. As his assistant opened the door to the conference room for him, the room was abuzz with chatter and laughter.
Upon entering, Zhou Haitang noticed the less-than-honorable smile on Gao Sheng's face. The female employees from the reception department, who were just moments ago chatting and laughing with Gao Sheng, quickly realized the change in the atmosphere upon seeing Zhou Haitang's expression. They each feigned a cough and greeted him, "Mr. Zhou."
Zhou Haitang stood stoically, indicating the door behind him with an impassive expression. The group of girls left promptly. Before the door closed, a few reluctant glances from the girls lingered on the charming and witty highly sought-after bachelor in the conference room.
After everyone left, Zhou Haitang tossed the documents in his hands onto the table and cast an exasperated glance at his childhood friend, who hadn't allowed himself a day of leisure. "Aren't you satisfied? The bevy of beautiful girls at Gao Sheng Film isn't enough for you to engage in conversation? Even if you have nothing to do, refrain from philandering within our company."
Zhou Haitang harbored suspicions that Gao Sheng had no genuine intentions. Despite only visiting the company a few times, he managed to captivate female employees from the top to the bottom floors.
Gao Sheng coughed. "What nonsense are you talking about? If I were truly a womanizer, there wouldn't be a virtuous and honest man left in the world. Since my last breakup, it's been almost four months since I had a serious relationship."
Zhou Haitang stood at the door, observing silently as his friend lounged with crossed legs, displaying a sloppy and shameless attitude. After a brief pause, he retrieved his mobile phone and aimed the camera at Gao Sheng. "Should I capture this moment for Jingzhe to see?"
In Lin Jingzhe's presence, their demeanor was distinct from their external behavior. In response to Zhou Haitang's inquiry, Gao Sheng promptly sat upright and cleared his throat in embarrassment. "What do you need? I've been waiting for you here for over half an hour."
"You dare to ask!" Zhou Haitang approached and delivered a kick upon hearing this. "What's with the advertising plan you’ve provided for next season? Where are the A-list celebrities you promised?"
Gao Sheng found himself pinned down on the sofa and subjected to a beating, but he didn't seem to mind much. "What's the use of having a bunch of A-list celebrities posing with pickles in haute couture? These are new signings of our company; we want to provide opportunities for newcomers. How about this, we can waive all endorsement fees..."
Bang bang bang, dun dun dun.
Inside, the conversation became increasingly heated, with tables and chairs occasionally being banged in anger. The voices of Gao Sheng and Zhou Haitang arguing and scolding each other in a fit of rage echoed in the room. The staff stationed outside the door felt shivers running down their spines, their shoulders trembling along with the sound of Zhou Haitang venting his frustration. It took almost half an hour for the heated discussion to subside a little before someone mustered the courage to bring in two cups of tea.
Both parties took a step back, finally reaching a satisfactory conclusion. Gao Sheng loosened the tightly tied knot of his shirt collar, pulled out his cellphone to check the time, and suggested, "How about some hot pot?"
"I have no objection." Zhou Haitang nodded in agreement. "Call Jingzhe; I haven't seen him for a long time."
The two sides confirmed each other's change of attitude simultaneously. When Zhou Haitang spoke to Lin Jingzhe, his voice was warm and straightforward, "Gao Sheng said he wanted to eat hot pot. Do you and Xiao Chi want to join us for a drink?"
Unfortunately, the timing was not right. Lin Jingzhe's apologetic tone came from the loudspeaker. "Maybe next time; I have to accompany Miaomiao to look at wedding dresses today."
When the two good brothers, who were rejected, left the conference room one after another in low spirits, Zhou Haitang was surprised to find that the employees outside had not left yet and were tapping away at their computers diligently.
After silently praising the dedication and hard work of his employees, Zhou Haitang began to feel a bit better. Considering the recent impressive report numbers, he decided it was an opportune time to reward everyone with more bonuses. Filled with joy, he left the office area. Unbeknownst to him, as soon as he disappeared behind the elevator door, the office erupted in warm cheers.
*******
When Lin Jingzhe hung up the phone, Xiao Chi glanced at him. "Was it Gao Sheng and Zhou Haitang?"
"Yeah," Lin Jingzhe said. "I've postponed our plan for drinks and hot pot together until tomorrow."
"Why wait until tomorrow? Let's go today," Xiao Chi suggested, looking disapproving.
Lin Jingzhe glanced at the black car leading the way for the two of them, wearing a very helpless expression on his face. "Let's not be difficult, alright? Miaomiao's wedding is a significant event. You can avoid most days, but refusing to be there when she's picking out her wedding dress is a bit unreasonable, don't you think?"
Xiao Chi retorted woodenly, as if still uncomfortable. "I didn't avoid her. I just find it too tedious to go shopping with her. I don't have that much time."
Lin Jingzhe simply smiled and said nothing.
Gorgeous dresses adorned exhibit models throughout the studio. Upon entering the building, everyone was warmly greeted by the receptionist and invited to relax in the lounge. Xiao Miao had chosen a set of high-end custom-made wedding dresses at this studio three months ago, and they had finally been completed and flown in from Paris the day before. The girls were eagerly anticipating the finished product. While waiting for the finished dress to make its appearance, Xiao Miao enthusiastically tried on other wedding dresses with the assistance of the studio staff.
The gauze curtain in the fitting room opened, and Xiao Miao emerged, donned in a completely different dress. A blush adorned her cheeks as she inquired, "Does it look good?"
The groom-to-be was so stunned that he could only rub his hands together and nod enthusiastically. Lin Jingzhe, continuing to lavish compliments, raised his mobile phone to capture pictures of each wedding dress she tried on, remarking, "It looks stunning!"
"Oh my God, brother, I beg you to stop taking pictures. Those pictures are so unflattering!" Shen Tiantian glanced at the screen of his mobile phone and immediately showed a horrible expression on her face. While discouraging her brother from overestimating his abilities, she raised her hand to nudge Xiao Chi's shoulder, "Brother Xiao, where is your phone? It's your turn to shine."
Until this moment, Xiao Chi had maintained his silence, engrossed in the rhythmic movement of his Buddhist beads. Following the gentle nudge from his sister-in-law, his gaze shifted from the magazine spread in his lap to Xiao Miao, who was on the fitting table. After observing Xiao Miao expressionlessly for a brief moment, he lifted his phone and directed it at her.
Believing her brother intended to capture a photo, Xiao Miao promptly struck a pose, gracing the moment with a gentle smile.
With his arms raised and a slight furrow in his brows, Xiao Chi appeared preoccupied, making it challenging to discern whether he was actually taking pictures. After fifteen seconds, he stowed away his cellphone, breaking his silence with the first words uttered since entering the room, "I'm not taking any; too ugly."
Everyone: "…………"
Shen Tiantian reluctantly took out her mobile phone to take pictures for her, and Lin Jingzhe shook his head at his sister's predicament. Xiao Miao massaged her cheeks, which had almost stiffened from the prolonged smile, and cast an annoyed glance at her indifferent brother. However, after decades of enduring each other's teasing since childhood, she had grown accustomed to this kind of objectionable banter and mutual bullying, so she didn't take offense. With assistance, she stepped down from the stage and continued happily trying on wedding dresses.
Without exception, everyone cheered and praised how stunning she looked in every outfit she tried. However, Xiao Chi, who had been silent throughout, seemed to have opened a Pandora's box of negativity, offering only unkind remarks.
According to him, tulle dresses didn't look good, ankle-length dresses didn't look good, bright reds didn't look good, and warm-pinks didn't look good. Despite trying on seven or eight skirts in a row, none received a positive comment from him. The group unanimously brushed aside his opinions until the expensive wedding dress was finally brought out, and the girls were invited to enter the fitting room.
Only the men remained in the lounge. The groom-to-be was visibly nervous in the company of his senior in-laws and was visibly sweating. Lin Jingzhe observed with helplessness as Xiao Chi, after his sister's departure, continued to sit on the sofa, cycling his beads in silence. Lin Jingzhe punched him gently. "Can't you show a little more enthusiasm?"
Xiao Chi inquired, "How am I not showing enthusiasm?"
"You mentioned that Miaomiao's dresses don't look good..."
"Well, they don't look good in the first place."
"...Then help Miaomiao take some photos..."
"No." Xiao Chi lazily leaned on his shoulder, playing with his phone, its screen dark. "Why bother? It's boring."
The negotiation proved fruitless, so Lin Jingzhe could only choose to give up. At that moment, the thick curtain of the fitting room was drawn open.
At that moment, it felt as if the entire Milky Way had descended from the sky. Lin Jingzhe couldn't help but be captivated by the breathtaking scene before him. The magnificent mermaid skirt of this wedding dress surpassed all its predecessors in size, while the delicate veil resembled a fine mist enveloping distant mountains. The train of the dress extended far behind, held by the staff as Miaomiao walked several steps ahead. The ivory-colored gown was adorned with innumerable round and glistening diamonds and pearls, reflecting the warm room's bright light. The hand-embroidered patterns looked like a piece of art, seemingly more suited for careful preservation and exhibition than for wearing.
Xiao Miao's tall figure was elegantly accentuated by the A-line wedding dress, and the graceful lines from shoulders to arms emphasized her beauty. She appeared genuinely content with this distinctive creation, and her eyes sparkled with excitement. After gazing at herself in the mirror for a while, she finally remembered to seek others' opinions and asked a bit shyly, "Does it look good?"
The groom-to-be was already mesmerized by her beauty, and at that moment, he had the strong urge to kiss her fingers.
Shen Tiantian took a few steps back. The pursuit of beauty was a fundamental aspect engraved in every human being. Even individuals like her, who don't place much importance on marriage, couldn't help but reveal a sense of yearning at this moment.
"Beautiful, truly beautiful," Lin Jingzhe exclaimed as he stood up and approached. His initial awe was gradually replaced by warmth and reluctance. He extended his hand to neatly rearrange the front part of the skirt for Xiao Miao, gently caressing the delicate material of the gauze skirt with his palms. He smiled and praised, "Our Miaomiao must be the most beautiful bride in the world."
"Right?" Lin Jingzhe turned to gauge Xiao Chi's reaction.
However, the sofa in the lounge was vacant; Xiao Chi had vanished.
When Xiao Miao exited after changing out of her wedding dress, everyone discovered him outside the studio. Xiao Chi stood on the roadside with his hands clasped behind his back, observing the congested traffic. In response to Lin Jingzhe's inquiry, he casually remarked, "It's too stuffy in there, I went out to get some air."
