Wang Che was absentminded as he drove home. He could not think of anything else apart from the things that happened in the Wang home. He remembered more clearly than ever why he chose to cut ties with them. 

Perhaps, his little brother was right. The Wang family was cursed. 

But more than looking down on his father, mother and brother, he was disgusted with himself. He kept pointing the finger outward to the person who had caused that accident in Clarion Extreme, but he was the guiltiest in causing pain. 

He was almost sure that it was his fault that someone found out about his power of attorney. If he had not threatened Shun on that day, this secret would have remained. No one would have been wiser about the situation. 

Now, everyone knew about it, and Shun was vulnerable. If it were not for Zhong Feng, what would have become of Shun? Perhaps, someone would have taken advantage of his powerlessness. 

Wang Che felt a deep loathing for himself. He did not deserve Shun. He never deserved him. He just fooled himself because Shun was always willing to go along with him without questioning anything. 

He made himself believe that he was not taking complete advantage of a sweet and incredibly naïve man. He convinced himself that he was taking care of Shun and helping him with his troubles in Supreme City. 

But Shun never needed him. Not really. 

A charmed guy like Shun would never lack or suffer. He did not need to do anything to live a perfect life. He was probably born after an enchanted star and had angels watching over him. Nothing could happen to him, even without Wang Che. 

His family was always watching over him. They had enough power to reach into the core of Supreme City and take care of their darling. And Zhong Feng was even more powerful, and he had never been reserved in giving Shun access to whatever he needed. 

And if Shun returned to Japan, he would also have Kaito at his side. They had not known each other for too long, but they had a brotherly relationship that made Wang Che jealous.

These were just a few examples of people who cared for Shun. Countless other people in the world were willing to give Shun material things and help if he ever needed it. 

Wang Che had fooled himself into believing that Shun needed him. 

How could he have been so blind and arrogant?

He thought of the past year. No, it was more than a year. 

When he came up with the plan to build Clarion Extreme, he had selfish intentions in his heart. He was worried that Shun would one day decide to return home to Japan, and he needed a reason to be with him if it came to that. 

Therefore, he designed the most glorious motor city that he could conceive. 

And that project allowed him to become even closer to Shun. The small selfish idea he had thought up out of pure pettiness became something that gave him a lot more time than he thought he would have with Shun. 

Yes, it was petty because he came up with the initial idea on that night they went out clubbing when Kaito almost convinced Shun to return home with him. 

But through the whole thing, he never thought of the sacrifices that Kaito made for him and Clarion Extreme. 

Shun’s involvement began with small things like reviewing the commercial building codes and standards with Wang Che. He also used the Furukawa connections to get in touch with a lot of experts. And then, it moved on to reviewing contracts with him.

Perhaps Wang Che could have used a professional for the work. But he realised that Shun was not just doing what he requested. He always went above and beyond, offering ideas and insight about the Clarion Extreme project. 

Before Wang Che knew it, Shun was an indispensable part of the undertaking. 

The worst thing was that Shun did not ask for anything in return. He did not even think that the input he gave was something that needed remuneration. He would just do it. 

Perhaps, that giving nature was the thing that made Wang Che take him for granted. 

Over time, he had come to believe and assume that Shun would always be with him. 

After all, if he was willing to leave Supreme City and stay with him in Mountain Ridge for a year, he would not abandon him. He never thought too deeply about what the two of them were doing. After all, he was afraid of pulling a thread because everything would unravel. 

He was just thankful to have Shun with him, by his side, in whatever way he could.

And he had settled into the comfortable arrangement that he never considered Shun’s feelings, sacrifices and needs. 

Wang Che felt at rock bottom as he drove through the gate of his estate. 

He was worse than his father who suggested that he keeps Shun’s properties and money. He was worse because he wanted to take Shun’s time, thoughts, body and soul without giving anything in return. He just wanted to keep him. 

Wang Che pulled his car to a sudden stop, his hands holding the steering wheel tightly. He took a deep breath. Then, just as suddenly, he reversed the car through the gate and made a sudden turn before getting back on the road. 

He did not dare think too much about his actions. If he did, he knew that he would just turn back and go home. And he would not gain the guts to do what he was about to do again. If he did not, he was afraid he would never have what he wanted.

So, at that moment, he became a racecar driver again. In those days, he never thought of anything else when he was at the wheel. He just emptied his mind and focussed on the road ahead. As long as he got to the end, he would win. 

Behind him, Oren watched the vehicle disappear. He was going to report an important piece of information he just found out. He had been waiting for Wang Che for an hour because he did not think it was something to report over the phone. 

Now, his boss just turned and drove off. What a strange man!

Wang Che drove to Azure Woods without wasting time. 

The night was dark, but Azure Woods turned into an enchanted land of fairy lights once darkness set in. However, Wang Che did not spare a moment to admire the beautiful spectacle. He did not want to waste even a single second. 

For a moment, he thought that Zhong Feng and Hu Lei would not let him into the property. But as soon as he got to the gate, the barrier opened without questions. He took it as a good sign that there was still hope. 

But that made him even more apprehensive. 

Still, he drove in and parked his car in front of the house. When he stepped out of the car, he intended to walk directly to the house, find Shun and speak his mind. But now that he was so close, he realised that he did not have the words. 

He had never spoken from his heart before. All his words were always carefully weighted. He needed to think for a moment so that he would not make a fool of himself. Or even worse, before he said something that drove Shun further away. 

Without realising it, he began pacing between his car and the house. 

Inside the house, Hu Lei was looking through the window with a weird smile on her face. She looked like she was enjoying a strange spectacle, and the glee was immeasurable. 

“Ah-Feng, come over.” She beckoned to Zhong Feng, who was drinking tea. 

“Is it Wang Che?” Zhong Feng asked. 

“Yes, I told Housekeeper Li to make sure he can come in freely. He took his sweet time before coming. I thought he would come over after three days at most. What an idiot!” Hu Lei pouted with dissatisfaction. 

Zhong Feng walked over to the window and looked at Wang Che. “You should not have let him in so easily then. With his background and personality, I am surprised that he came at all.”

“You know you could tell Shun that you do not support his relationship with Wang Che.” Hu Lei said with twinkling eyes. 

“Stop trying to cause more trouble.” Zhong Feng tapped Hu Lei’s nose. “My opinion does not matter. Anything I had to say to Shun, I already said it. He is an adult who can make his own decisions.” 

Hu Lei could still see the slight dissatisfaction on Zhong Feng’s face. “What are you worried about? Even with his background, he is not such a bad guy. I know he is not the best, but I think he deserves a chance.” 

Zhong Feng looked at the pacing Wang Che who seemed ready to get into his car and leave. His beautiful eyes were narrowed and their sharpness was like a sword. 

“He is too calculating and diplomatic.” Zhong Feng said. “He counts his profits and losses, and he never let go of his façade. Otherwise, he would have expressed his feelings to Shun long ago. And Shun is the kind of person who needs to be showered with affection.” 

“They were fine for years. And Wang Che has always given Shun all the attention he needs.” Hu Lei said. 

“It is different now.” Zhong Feng rubbed Hu Lei’s head. “Think about it. If Shun accepted that level of affection and still believed they were pure friends, consider the closeness he would expect as lovers. This situationship could end up blowing up in everyone’s faces.” 

“Look who is using words like situationship! I thought you were against slang?” Hu Lei chuckled. 

Before Zhong Feng responded, Shun walked into the living room. 

“I am going back to Japan..” He declared.