Xiao Zhan had started working as a sales rep at Yunshen Credit, and he was doing quite well.
He was inherently a charming person—whenever he truly set his mind to winning someone over, he rarely failed. Whether they were new or existing clients, most of them showed interest in the products after a chat with him. Seeing how capable Xiao Zhan was, Xiao Xue was overjoyed and assigned him another batch of clients.
Besides the usual sales and debt collection tasks, Wang Yibo had also thrown an extra job at Xiao Zhan a few days ago without explanation. It was a stack of Yunshen Credit's tax reports from the past five years. Wang Yibo wanted Xiao Zhan to compare them with those of other banks and small- to medium-sized financial institutions to determine Yunshen's market position in terms of taxation.
Xiao Zhan still remembered what Wang Yibo had once said: "When it comes to repaying debt, cash is best."
He muttered inwardly— "If everything's in cash, what taxes are there to even pay?" Not to mention Yunshen Credit had so many shady operations; the taxes they submitted were wildly inconsistent with their actual income and expenditures. This whole assignment felt more like a performance than a real task. Even a ten-year-old could probably make some kind of chart out of it—what did Wang Yibo expect Xiao Zhan to uncover?
He figured Wang Yibo was just annoyed that Xiao Zhan left work right on time every day and was deliberately giving him extra work.
That afternoon, an elderly man visited Yunshen Credit—he looked quite authoritative, like someone seasoned and battle-worn. Wang Yibo was very courteous and personally welcomed him, leading him into the office. The door closed tightly behind them, and the blinds were drawn. No one had a clue what was going on inside.
Xiao Zhan had already blended in with the rest of the team, so naturally he was included in their quiet gossip.
Xiao Chen, knowing Xiao Zhan was new, explained:
"The one who just went in is Old Zhang, a close brother of Old Wang. They built this company together back in the day. I heard he even took a knife for Old Wang once. He hasn't been around much these past two years—maybe their friendship's cooled."
Xiao Zhan leaned back in his chair, looking thoughtful.
"What's Old Wang's close brother doing here with Little Wang? Reminiscing about the old days?"
Xiao Xue snorted. "Come on. What old days would they even reminisce about? I bet it's about some disagreement."
A young woman, Xiao Lan, looked confused. "Isn't the company running well? What's there to discuss?"
Xiao Chen's expression turned evasive. "The pie's only so big. If someone else takes a bigger slice, you get a smaller one. What else is there to talk about?"
Xiao Xue gave Xiao Lan a light smack on the head.
"Little Wang isn't like his father. Old Wang barely managed the company—it was basically a free-for-all under him. But now that Little Wang's taken over, he doesn't just focus on Yunshen—he personally reviews everything related to business. Zhan Zhan knows—he even tags along on debt collection trips. He's not authoritarian, exactly. More like… observant. Never interferes, but if you try any funny business under his nose? No way that's gonna fly. Old Zhang used to rake in quite a bit using his status as a founding member. Maybe now that he's being watched closely, he's not too happy about it."
Xiao Chen chimed in, in agreement.
"Old Wang used to hate looking at the ledgers—he said all the numbers gave him a headache. But now Little Wang's been flipping through the company's past ten years of records like a detective. He used to work in investment banking overseas—has nothing to do with accounting—but somehow enjoys reviewing accounts?"
Xiao Zhan looked thoughtful, seemingly reminded of Wang Yibo from school.
"That's not strange at all. Back in school, Little Wang was like that too. Even when he knew he had a question nailed, he'd double-check it. Even when the numbers were already perfectly right, he'd go over them again—and even do a sensitivity analysis. We were all jealous of his grades, but honestly, we kinda resented how he obsessed over every little thing."
Xiao Lan sighed. "How amazing. Young, successful, handsome, rich—and meticulous in his work too. He's just too perfect!"
Xiao Chen nodded. "I'm totally into the looks. That cold and restrained vibe, paired with his precision—it's exactly my type!"
Xiao Zhan chuckled and shook his head.
"You're not wrong. But back then, we were all just students. We were reckless and short-sighted. Only focused on the now—not the future. That kind of thinking made us miss a lot."
Xiao Xue laughed too, teasing the girls for swooning over their boss.
That afternoon, the office door finally opened.
Wang Yibo still personally escorted Old Zhang out. The latter looked grim—clearly the conversation hadn't gone smoothly. Wang Yibo, on the other hand, seemed much the same as he had that morning—calm, relaxed, even smiling as he walked Old Zhang out of the building.
When he returned, he didn't go straight back to his office but made a quick stop at the restroom. After such a long meeting, it made sense.
As Wang Yibo came out of the restroom, Xiao Zhan happened to be holding an empty cup, headed for the break room to get some water. They ran into each other.
There was no one else around. Thinking of the heavy atmosphere earlier, Xiao Zhan lowered his voice and asked:
"You, okay?"
Wang Yibo didn't seem to be in a bad mood. In fact, he was rather gentle.
"Worried about me?"
Before Xiao Zhan could reply, Wang Yibo suddenly smiled, lips curving into dimples on either side.
"If you're really worried, go pour me a cup of tea. I haven't had a sip of water all morning—I'm dying of thirst."
Xiao Zhan really wanted to ask—are you missing hands or feet? Why can't you pour your own tea? Or ask your secretary Xiao Chen? Why me?
But thankfully, he knew better. Wang Yibo was the boss and also his creditor. Wang Yibo ran a loan shark business—blood-stained debt collection was his daily afternoon routine. Better to bite his tongue and keep his rebellious thoughts to himself.
So Xiao Zhan went and got him a cup of tea.
The office door was open when he returned, and Xiao Xue was inside, appearing to ask for instructions.
"Boss Wang, what should we do about the Jin family's money? Madam Jin passed away half a month ago."
When Wang Yibo saw Xiao Zhan at the door, he stood up to greet him.
He then turned to Xiao Xue, asking thoughtfully:
"Has there been any movement from Yangyang's side lately?"
Xiao Zhan had heard Wang Yibo and Xiao Xue mention that name before but didn't know much about it. He guessed it referred to another business division. Wang Yibo had once explained that Old Wang had his hands in all sorts of things—Yunshen Credit was just one branch of his high-interest lending empire.
Xiao Xue replied, "Nope. You visited recently, and they've been lying low ever since."
Wang Yibo took the tea from Xiao Zhan and nodded to Xiao Xue.
"Go prepare some condolence gifts. We'll be paying a visit to the Jin family later."
***
When they arrived at the Jin residence and saw the young boy clutching his mother's memorial tablet, with his father having run away, Xiao Zhan finally understood the whole story.
Father Jin was a gambling addict. Earlier, he had borrowed a sum from Old Zhang at an underground casino. That casino, run day-to-day by Old Zhang, was one of many businesses under Wang Yibo's name.
The amount Father Jin borrowed wasn't large, and he lost it all back to the house anyway. But he had long gambled away everything he owned and had no way to repay the debt. Jin's mother had always been in poor health. When Old Zhang sent people to make a scene and even threatened the life of their only son, Jin Zixuan, her illness flared up from the stress, and she died on the spot from sheer anger.
Father Jin, fearing retribution, fled. Only the young boy was left to handle his mother's funeral alone.
Jin Zixuan hated his father to death, but deep down, he also hoped no one would ever find him. He hated him, yes—but he wasn't sure if he really wanted to see his father die.
The boy's eyes were bloodshot.
"I don't know where that bastard is. Even if you beat me to death, I still wouldn't know. And I don't have any money to pay."
Wang Yibo wasn't the least bit surprised. He even nodded. "I know you don't have money. On my way up, I saw two motorcycles parked in the Jin family's spot downstairs. Are those yours?"
Jin Zixuan glared at the creditor who looked no older than himself and snapped:
"Not for long. I sold them to pay for my mom's funeral. The buyer's coming to pick them up in a few days! If you want the bikes as payment, you're too late!"
Wang Yibo studied Jin Zixuan and said calmly:
"Jin Zixuan, 20 years old, a student at B University majoring in Business Administration. Good academic record, full scholarship. If not for this incident, you'd probably land a high-paying job after graduation, take your mother away from this place, and live a peaceful life."
Fear flickered in Jin Zixuan's expression.
"What do you want? You already forced my mom to death."
Wang Yibo shook his head.
"I don't want anything. Come downstairs with me—we're going for a motorcycle ride. If you beat me, I'll wipe your dad's debt clean, principal and interest included."
The moment he said that, everyone—Jin Zixuan, Xiao Xue, and Xiao Zhan—was visibly shocked.
Jin Zixuan was the first to react. "Are you serious?"
Wang Yibo turned his phone around for Jin Zixuan to see.
"Dead serious. I recorded everything as proof. I'm not the kind of guy who goes back on his word. And right now, you don't have another choice. There's no track nearby, so we'll race on the road. It's dangerous, sure—but with agreed rules, it can still be fair and thrilling."
Jin Zixuan knew Wang Yibo wasn't lying, and immediately said:
"Fine, I'll race you!"
But Xiao Xue looked hesitant and leaned in to whisper to Wang Yibo:
"Boss Wang, this debt was negotiated through Old Zhang. If you write it off just like that, then over on Old Zhang's end, we—"
Wang Yibo didn't even lift an eyelid. His expression remained indifferent.
"The casino is mine. I call him Uncle Zhang, but I'm the one in charge."
The Jin residence was on the sixth floor. The group walked downstairs in silence. Xiao Zhan said nothing the whole way. Wang Yibo and Jin Zixuan put on their helmets, agreed on the route and rules without any delay, and then rode off toward the open road.
Xiao Xue and Xiao Zhan drove to the finish line to wait.
The finish line was at the entrance of a mountain loop on the outskirts of B City—a sharp curve marked the endpoint. The first to reach it would be the winner. It was rush hour, but traffic in the outskirts was light, and the mountain road was nearly empty. Bathed in sunset, the scenery from afar looked almost picturesque.
Xiao Zhan and Xiao Xue waited outside the car. Xiao Xue tried to chat a bit, but seeing Xiao Zhan wasn't in the mood, he fell quiet.
About an hour later, two motorcycles came into view.
Wang Yibo was in front, Jin Zixuan close behind, holding tight to the lead. Xiao Zhan had seen Wang Yibo ride before—even watched him in races. From Jin Zixuan's riding posture, Xiao Zhan could tell immediately he lacked experience. Normally, there was no way Wang Yibo would lose to a novice.
But at the final turn, somehow, Wang Yibo slowed entering the bend, allowing Jin Zixuan to overtake him.
It was a simpler curve than any of their university races. How could he make such a basic mistake? Xiao Zhan saw it clearly—Wang Yibo did it on purpose.
For a moment, Xiao Zhan felt a strange swirl of emotion.
Back in B University, Wang Yibo had been even younger than Jin Zixuan is now. He had a fierce drive to win and cared about only one thing: fairness. If he lost a race for any reason other than skill, the then-nineteen-year-old Wang Yibo would cry quietly when no one was looking.
Xiao Zhan once teased him, saying he was just like the little lion cub from The Lion King—so sensitive.
But the little lion cub had learned to let others win.
Jin Zixuan reached the mountain entrance first. He jumped off his bike and pulled off his helmet, his face a mess of sweat and tears—both excited and sorrowful, his breath heavy.
"I won! You have to keep your word!"
Wang Yibo slowly rolled to a stop and turned off his bike.
He took off his helmet, his pale face also drenched in sweat.
"You won. The debt is cleared."
He paused and gave a sly smile. "But I have one condition."
Jin Zixuan looked wary. "What condition?"
Wang Yibo smiled. "My condition is that after you graduate from B University, you come work at my investment fund for two years. Think of it as a pre-hire offer. With your grades, you'd be a steal for my competitors—I'd rather keep you for myself. The pay will be above market rates. You can sort out the details with Xiao Xue."
…?
No one said anything for a while.
What Xiao Zhan was thinking was—did Wang Yibo mean Yunshen Credit when he said "investment fund"? Although Yunshen had some financial investment ventures, it wasn't primarily a fund. Did Wang Yibo really have another fund company? Just how many businesses did he inherit?!
And why did Jin Zixuan get to work at the fund while he had to follow Wang Yibo around doing high-interest loans? Plus, this was his condition? The debt was wiped, and he also got a job offer?
After a while, Jin Zixuan muttered, "You're helping me, aren't you?"
Wang Yibo didn't confirm or deny. "Well, what can I say? I lost the race."
Xiao Xue handed Jin Zixuan a prepared care package, but Xiao Zhan remained rooted in place, dazed.
After racing for over an hour, Wang Yibo was tired. He downed several gulps of water.
He poked Xiao Zhan on the shoulder.
"What are you spacing out for? Today wasn't even bloody—why so emotional? If you're this emotional, why don't I see you selling your apartment?"
Xiao Zhan sort of understood, sort of didn't, why Wang Yibo kept urging him to sell his apartment.
But that wasn't what was bothering him right now. After a moment, he said quietly:
"Wang Yibo, I think I'm starting to understand what you meant."
Wang Yibo was confused. "What do you mean?"
Xiao Zhan looked at their shadows, long and slanted on the ground in the sunset.
"You said Yunshen Credit was just a channel. The money you lend can be used for evil or good—it all depends on the borrower... Some things, it seems, can't be easily labelled right or wrong, black or white."
He said this sincerely, deep in thought.
Wang Yibo smiled a little, but then sighed.
"Well, not really. I was just talking nonsense that time. Thought you weren't really listening. Didn't expect you to take it seriously? Honestly, black is black, white is white. The other colours are just white mixed with impurities."
Xiao Zhan was dumbfounded. After all that effort to finally understand, Wang Yibo was now just tossing it aside?
Wang Yibo, feeling refreshed from the race and surrounded by beautiful twilight, had a rare warmth in his expression. His black eyes gleamed, making him seem especially gentle.
"Wanna race me too? If you win, I'll give you a discount on your debt."
Xiao Zhan gritted his teeth. "Why do I get a discount while he gets a full write-off?!"
Wang Yibo's smile was dazzling.
"I messed up my turn just now. This time I won't. Think you can beat me?"
Xiao Zhan stared at him for a moment, then suddenly smiled.
Maybe it was because the Wang Yibo under the setting sun looked so fair and handsome, like a pretty, young thing. Or maybe it was the absolute confidence in his question—it reminded Xiao Zhan so much of the bright, dazzling young man back at B University, who was always quiet in front of others but full of chatter when they were alone.
He shook his head, smiling. "Forget it. I'm kinda scared of that stuff."
Wang Yibo looked at him, and softly replied:
"Yeah. You never liked it."
They looked at each other, bathed in the glow of the sunset. The two shadows on the ground stretched long—almost touching.