Life Is a Vast Wilderness

At 6:45 in the morning, Su Jin opened her eyes in the last five seconds of the system's countdown.

The curtains were drawn tight, with only a sliver of gray daylight seeping through at the edges.

She lay in bed, watching the tiny glimmers refracted by the Baccarat crystal chandelier on the ceiling in the dim light, and listened as the familiar voice beside her ear began to count down.

[Five, four, three, two, one-ding!]

[Congratulations, host, on completing your forty-ninth daily check-in!]

[Today's check-in reward: lifetime membership at the Beijing Racing Club, including one private garage, valued at 8 million yuan and activated.]

[Today's check-in reward: one specially customized Pagani Zonda 760RSJ, the only one of its kind in the world, with black-and-gold paintwork, valued at 120 million yuan and delivered to your private garage on basement level four of China World Trade Center Phase III.]

[Today's check-in reward: one position as a special visiting scholar at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL). You must report for duty within three months. Includes access to top-tier professors as mentors.]

[Today's additional "Fate Decreed by Heaven" Easter egg has been triggered: Chen Shen arrived in Beijing in the early hours of the morning and is currently staying in the presidential suite at the China World Hotel. He is expected to contact the host of his own accord this afternoon.]

After listening, Su Jin lay in bed for three seconds, then slowly sat up.

Her long hair slipped off her shoulders and spilled down her back, the ends brushing against her waist and tickling her.

She raised a hand to rub between her brows, the corners of her mouth curling up involuntarily-not because of the Pagani, nor because of MIT, but because of that Easter egg.

Chen Shen had followed her here.

[Host, what are you smiling about?] Little Golden Egg squeezed out of thin air and floated in front of her, its round body bobbing back and forth. [This system says Chen Shen is here, and you smile like that?]

Su Jin ignored it, threw back the covers, and got out of bed, sinking her bare feet into the thick Persian carpet.

"What's on the schedule today?" she asked.

[At nine this morning, Zhou Ye will bring over the contract for the siheyuan for you to sign. At two this afternoon, the Vogue shoot. This evening-] It paused. [This evening is open for now, but this system predicts Chen Shen will ask you out.]

Su Jin nodded and went into the bathroom.

Twenty minutes later, she emerged dressed in loungewear-an oatmeal-colored cashmere cardigan with wide-leg trousers in a matching shade. Her hair was loosely tied in a low ponytail, and she wore nothing on her face but sunscreen and a thin layer of moisturizer.

She looked relaxed and soft, like a completely different person from the cool, stunning beauty at last night's reception.

She went to the living room and drew the curtains.

Morning light flooded in. Beijing's winter sunshine was clear and bright, spilling unreservedly across the entire living room.

Beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, the whole CBD stretched out beneath her. Traffic on Guomao Bridge had already begun to clog up, like a slowly writhing river of light.

She stood by the window watching for a few minutes, then turned and went to the kitchen to pour herself a glass of warm water.

She had just taken a sip when the doorbell rang.

Zhou Ye and Fang Ying stood at the door. Zhou Ye held a thick document envelope, while Fang Ying carried breakfast-a steamer of xiaolongbao, a bowl of fermented mung bean milk, a serving of fried dough rings, and a small dish of pickles.

"Good morning, President Su." Zhou Ye handed her the documents. "The contract for the siheyuan. Please take a look."

Su Jin took it and walked back into the room as she leafed through it. Zhou Ye and Fang Ying did not follow her in, waiting instead at the door. She sat on the sofa and read it carefully, page by page-the property rights were clear, there were no mortgages or disputes, the transfer would be completed within three days, and the seller would bear the taxes.

When she finished, she signed the last page, then walked back to the door and handed the contract to Zhou Ye.

"That's all."

Zhou Ye nodded and took the contract. After a moment's hesitation, Zhou Ye added, "President Su, a new car arrived at the garage. A Pagani, the black-and-gold one. When would you like to go see it?"

Su Jin thought for a moment. "After the magazine shoot this afternoon."

Zhou Ye acknowledged her answer and left with Fang Ying.

She closed the door and walked back to the dining table, looking at the steamer of xiaolongbao.

The fermented mung bean milk had a rather pungent smell. She took a sip, frowned, and put it down. The xiaolongbao, on the other hand, were good, with thin wrappers and generous fillings. Juice burst out when she bit into one.

[Host,] Little Golden Egg floated over. [Can you really get used to drinking fermented mung bean milk?]

"No." She took another bite of xiaolongbao. "But I can try."

[You seem especially fond of trying new things lately.]

Su Jin said nothing, but the corners of her mouth curved up.

Two

At 1:30 that afternoon, Su Jin appeared outside a studio in a film and television production park near Beijing's East Fifth Ring Road.

This was the location Vogue had designated for the shoot, a large studio converted from an old factory building. Several vans were parked outside, and a few young women were gathered nearby, taking candid photos.

When they saw her get out of the car, their gazes turned to her in unison. They looked her over for a moment, then exchanged glances.

Fang Ying followed her inside, while Zhou Ye stayed outside.

The studio was a hive of activity. Lights, reflectors, backdrops, and equipment cases were piled everywhere, and more than a dozen staff members moved among them. Some adjusted the lighting, some ironed clothes, and some made phone calls. It was noisy but orderly.

A huge white backdrop had been set up at the far end, with a group of oddly shaped metal chairs arranged in front of it. That was probably the main set for the day.

A young woman in a black hoodie ran over and said breathlessly, "Ms. Su? You're here! I'm Xiao Lin, the coordinator for today. Please come with me to the dressing room first. Editor-in-Chief Zhao will be here shortly."

Su Jin nodded and followed her through the crowd to a dressing room deep inside the studio.

The dressing room was small, but it had everything it needed-a huge makeup mirror ringed with bulbs, with all sorts of bottles and jars covering the counter in front of it;

A row of clothes hung beside it, hidden beneath dust covers, and a small refrigerator in the corner held chilled mineral water and drinks.

The makeup artist was already waiting. He was a man of about thirty, with a small braid, a tight black T-shirt, and intricate totem tattoos on his arms. His eyes lit up when he saw Su Jin, and he immediately came over to greet her.

"Ms. Su, I've heard so much about you. I'm Kevin, your makeup artist today." He guided her into a chair in front of the mirror and studied her face, clicking his tongue twice. "Oh my god, with skin like yours, what makeup do you even need? You could go straight in front of the camera."

Su Jin smiled. "Then just do something simple."

"I can't do that." Kevin shook his head solemnly. "Editor-in-Chief Zhao said we need to capture your 'versatility' today. What does versatility mean? It means one face has to show several different kinds of presence. That all comes down to makeup."

As he spoke, he began applying primer to her face, his movements gentle and professional.

After an hour of makeup, three changes of clothes, and four sets of shots-

The first set was minimalist: a white suit against a white background, making her look as clean as a sheet of paper;

The second was vintage: a dark green velvet gown, with an old leather sofa and a floor lamp in the background and dim, yellow light and shadows;

The third was futuristic: a silver sequined minidress against metallic geometric installations, under cold, sharp lighting;

The fourth was an everyday look: the simplest white T-shirt and jeans, with a window behind her and sunlight pouring in from outside. She leaned against the window as though looking at something far away.

After each set, the photographer stopped to review the pictures, then excitedly said something to the people beside him.

Su Jin paid it no mind, simply posing as directed, occasionally adjusting her angle or chatting with Kevin.

Zhao Yu arrived during the fourth set.

She wore a long black trench coat, and her hair was a little longer than it had been at the reception. She looked capable and stylish.

She walked behind the photographer and looked at the photos on the screen, the corners of her mouth slowly lifting.

"This one's good." She pointed at a shot-

It was from the everyday set. Su Jin leaned by the window, sunlight falling across her face from the side and tracing her features with exceptional softness. Her eyes were turned outside, as though she were looking at something very, very far away, and her expression held a faint hint of distance.

The photographer nodded. "That's my favorite too."

Zhao Yu went over to Su Jin and sat in the chair beside her. "That face of yours really belongs in front of a camera," she said. "It isn't the same kind of beauty you see everywhere. It's the kind that has a story. When you look at the camera, there's a lot in your eyes."

Su Jin looked at her without speaking.

Zhao Yu went on, "Once this set comes out, it'll definitely go viral. I can already imagine the reactions online-'Who is she?' 'She's way too gorgeous!' 'What are her Weibo and Instagram?' You'd better be ready when it happens."

Su Jin smiled. "Ready for what?"

"To have people dig into your life." Zhao Yu looked at her seriously. "Your past, your background, the businesses you own now-everything will be dug up. Are you afraid?"

Su Jin thought for a moment, then shook her head.

"No," she said. "There's nothing to be afraid of."

Zhao Yu stared at her for a few seconds, then smiled, looking very satisfied. "Good. Then let's wait and see."

Three

By the time the magazine shoot ended, it was almost six.

Su Jin changed back into her own clothes-a Max Mara camel-hair coat over a simple black cashmere sweater and jeans, with a pair of Stuart Weitzman ankle boots.

She said goodbye to Zhao Yu and the photography team and walked out of the studio. It was already dark outside, and the streetlights in the park had come on, casting a dim yellow glow over the concrete road.

She had just settled into the car when her phone vibrated.

It was an unfamiliar number, registered in Chengdu.

She looked at the number, the corners of her mouth lifting, and answered.

"Su Jin." Chen Shen's voice came from the other end, carrying a hint of laughter and a little breathlessness, as though he were walking. "I'm in Beijing. Where are you?"

Su Jin leaned back in her seat and watched the lights pass by outside the window.

"I just finished a magazine shoot," she said. "How did you get my number?"

"If I wanted to find it, I could always find a way." Chen Shen chuckled. "Are you free tonight? Let me take you to dinner."

Su Jin thought for a moment and asked, "What do you want to eat?"

"You choose," Chen Shen said. "I don't know Beijing well. You lead the way."

Su Jin gave him an address-a private restaurant hidden deep in a hutong in Dongcheng District. She had been there once; the setting was secluded and the food authentic, making it a good place to meet.

"Okay," Chen Shen said. "See you at seven."

After hanging up, she told the driver, "Dongcheng, Mao'er Hutong."

The car turned onto the main road and joined the evening rush-hour traffic. She leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes, a faint smile lingering on her lips.

[Host,] Little Golden Egg popped out. [You seem quite happy?]

Su Jin said nothing.

[This system observed that your eyes lit up when you answered Chen Shen's call.] Little Golden Egg offered its analysis with utmost seriousness. [That's different from when he answers other people's calls. When you answer Lu Shen's calls, you're polite; when you answer Xu Yanqiu's calls, you're courteous; when you answer Chen Shen's calls-]

It paused, its tone turning suggestive. [You're a little eager.]

Su Jin opened her eyes and glanced at it.

There was no particular emotion in that glance, but Little Golden Egg shut up immediately.

Four

At seven sharp, Su Jin walked into the private restaurant in Mao'er Hutong.

The place was small, and its frontage was old. Only a little wooden plaque hung by the entrance, bearing the two characters for "Quiet Garden."

Beyond the door was a hidden world-a small siheyuan, with the main house and side rooms converted into private dining rooms. An old scholar tree grew in the middle of the courtyard, with a stone table and stools beneath it. It would probably be very pleasant in summer.

A server led her across the courtyard and into the private room at the very back.

Chen Shen was already there.

He was dressed casually today-in a black bomber jacket over a gray hoodie, jeans, and sneakers. He looked less like a boss worth tens of billions than a boy next door who had just come from the gym.

He was standing by the window, looking at the courtyard. When he heard the door, he turned, his gaze falling on her.

In that instant, his expression was different from Lu Shen's.

Lu Shen's eyes had lit up, like a lamp being switched on;

Chen Shen's whole body stilled for a moment. Then the corners of his mouth slowly curved into a roguish smile, and his eyes held light, laughter, and a very direct, undisguised appreciation.

"Su Jin." He walked over and stopped in front of her, sweeping his gaze from top to bottom-from her loose hair to the collar of her camel-hair coat, from her legs wrapped in jeans to the tips of her boots. Then he nodded and said in an appraising tone, "Beautiful. Even more beautiful than you were in Chengdu."

Su Jin looked at him and asked, "Did you come to Beijing just to tell me I'm beautiful?"

"Of course not." Smiling, Chen Shen pulled out a chair for her. "I came to Beijing to pursue you. Complimenting your looks was just a bonus."

Su Jin sat down. He watched her take the seat opposite his before returning to his own place.

The dishes had been ordered in advance and arrived one after another-clear-braised lion's head meatballs, sizzling eel, crab roe tofu, sea cucumber braised with scallions, simply stir-fried seasonal vegetables, and a pot of warmed huangjiu.

Chen Shen poured her a cup and another for himself, then raised his. "Come on, a toast to Beijing."

Su Jin clinked her cup against his and took a sip. The huangjiu was mellow and slightly sweet, warming her from her throat down to her stomach.

"So?" Chen Shen looked at her. "Was the magazine shoot tiring today?"

"It was okay." Su Jin picked up some eel with her chopsticks. "Four sets, four outfits, and two rounds of makeup."

"Four sets?" Chen Shen raised a brow. "I've seen Vogue features before. Usually they only shoot two sets per person. Four sets means they take you seriously."

Su Jin looked at him. "You know the fashion world pretty well?"

"Not really," Chen Shen admitted honestly. "But I have a friend who works in marketing at Vogue. I've heard her talk about it. She says Zhao Yu is hard to deal with, and not many people can satisfy her. If she personally supervised your shoot, that means she really likes you."

Su Jin did not respond and continued eating.

Chen Shen did not press her. He ate with her, occasionally putting food on her plate, pouring wine, or saying a few things about Chengdu-several new drivers had recently joined the racetrack and were pretty fast; the club was going to hold an annual race, and he asked whether she wanted to participate; he had bought a new Ferrari and brought it to Beijing, and asked whether she wanted to see it tomorrow.

Su Jin listened to each thing he said, occasionally nodding or asking a question. Her manner was casual but not aloof.

Halfway through the meal, Chen Shen put down his chopsticks and looked at her, his gaze turning serious.

"Su Jin," he said, "I followed you all the way to Beijing. Will you give me a chance?"

Su Jin put down her chopsticks too and looked at him.

The private room was quiet, broken only by the occasional sound of cars in the hutong outside the window.

Dim yellow light fell between them, giving the old-fashioned square table a soft, warm sheen.

She said, "Chen Shen, I told you, I'm not dating."

"I know," Chen Shen said. "But I can wait."

"For how long?"

"I don't know." He answered with complete honesty. "Until the day you want to date, or until the day I stop liking you."

Su Jin looked at him, a hint of inquiry entering her gaze. "Aren't you afraid you'll wait for nothing?"

Chen Shen smiled, his expression open and frank. "Then I'll have waited for nothing. Besides, the process of waiting for you is pretty interesting too."

Su Jin said nothing.

He went on, "You know, I have a bad habit-the more I can't have something, the more I want it. The more you say you won't date, the more I want to pursue you. The more you ignore me, the more I want to make you pay attention to me. That's not me asking for punishment, it's-"

He thought for a moment and found a word. "It's a challenge."

Su Jin was amused into a smile, the corners of her mouth lifting despite herself.

"Chen Shen," she said, "you really are a strange man."

He nodded and said solemnly, "I know. So, will you consider it?"

Su Jin ignored him and picked up her chopsticks again.

Outside the window, the night deepened, and lights came on one by one in the hutong. Inside the private room, the huangjiu was still warm, half the food remained, and one of them ate while the other watched. The atmosphere was unexpectedly comfortable.

Five

After dinner, Chen Shen walked her out.

The hutong was quiet, and the dim yellow streetlights stretched their shadows long.

Fang Ying and Zhou Ye followed at a discreet distance, but Chen Shen did not seem to notice them-or rather, he had noticed, but did not care.

"Are you free tomorrow?" he asked.

Su Jin thought for a moment. "I'm signing off on the final payment for the siheyuan in the morning. I have nothing on in the afternoon."

"Then let me take you somewhere," Chen Shen said. "The Beijing Racing Club. I have a few friends there. Don't you like driving? Want to go check it out?"

Su Jin paused and turned to look at him.

"How did you know I liked driving?"

Chen Shen smiled, looking very pleased with himself.

"I looked it up," he said. "I still have the lap records from those laps you ran at the Chengdu track. Someone who can get times like that on their first time at a track doesn't just like driving. They're a born racer."

Su Jin looked at him and suddenly found him rather interesting.

Not because he was pursuing her, but because of the way he did it-no pretending, no hiding, no beating around the bush. If he wanted to look something up, he did; if he wanted to pursue someone, he did; and he said whatever he wanted to say. He was as open as a pool of clear water, impossible to dislike.

"Okay," she said. "Tomorrow afternoon."

Chen Shen's eyes lit up, and he flashed a row of even white teeth. "See you tomorrow, then. I'll pick you up."

Su Jin nodded and got into the car.

The car slowly pulled out of the alley. In the rearview mirror, Chen Shen was still standing where she had left him, hands in his pockets, watching in her direction.

The streetlights stretched his shadow long across the blue-gray brick wall, like a quiet silhouette.

[Host,] Little Golden Egg popped out. [This system thinks Chen Shen is different from Lu Shen.]

Su Jin said nothing.

[Lu Shen is the type who-] Little Golden Egg chose its words carefully. [He'll wait, but he does it gracefully, without letting himself look too disheveled. Chen Shen doesn't care whether he looks disheveled or not. He pursues first and worries about the rest later. When someone like him pursues a person, he really goes after them. He doesn't leave himself a way out.]

Su Jin leaned back in her seat, watching the lights sweep past outside the window.

"So?"

[So-] Little Golden Egg paused. [This system doesn't know either. But this system thinks you seem to have a little more patience with him than with other people.]

Su Jin didn't answer.

The car continued on, blending into the night.

Six

At two the next afternoon, Chen Shen appeared on time outside China World Trade Center Phase III.

He was driving a silver-gray Ferrari SF90. Its body sat low, and its engine roared, drawing plenty of glances when he parked it by the entrance.

He leaned against the car door in that black flight jacket, wearing sunglasses. When he saw Su Jin come out, he immediately took them off and waved to her.

Su Jin was dressed for driving today too-a cropped black leather jacket over a white cashmere sweater, with skinny jeans and ankle boots. Her hair was tied in a high ponytail, leaving her whole face visible.

As she walked over, Chen Shen had already opened the passenger door and gestured for her to get in.

"Hop in," he said. "I'll take you somewhere fun."

The car pulled onto Chang'an Avenue and headed west.

Chen Shen drove steadily. Unlike some people who wanted to keep revving the moment they got behind the wheel of a sports car, he sped up only when he needed to and slowed down when he had to. He was relaxed, as if he were doing something perfectly ordinary.

"The Beijing Racing Club is over in Shijingshan," he said as he drove. "It's a private club, not open to the public. There are around a hundred members, all car enthusiasts in the circle. A few friends are testing new cars there today, so it's a good chance to introduce you."

Su Jin nodded, watching the scenery sweep past outside.

After forty minutes, the car turned into an area that looked like an abandoned industrial district.

They passed several old factory buildings, and the view suddenly opened up-a huge parking lot appeared before them, at least two or three soccer fields in size, with dozens of sports cars of all kinds parked in it. Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Porsches, McLarens, and several limited editions she couldn't name gleamed in the afternoon sun.

Beside the parking lot stood a small three-story building, its facade designed in contrasting black and red, with a neon "Beijing Racing Club" sign on the roof.

More than a dozen people, men and women alike, had already gathered downstairs, talking around a bright orange sports car.

Chen Shen parked the car and led her over.

The group greeted him as soon as they saw him. Some called out, "Chen Shen, you're here," some whistled, and several young women's gazes fell on Su Jin, openly appraising and curious.

A middle-aged man in a racing suit came up and high-fived Chen Shen.

His surname was Wei, and everyone called him Brother Wei. He was one of the club's founders.

Chen Shen introduced Su Jin as his friend, a rising star at the Chengdu track and a Pagani owner.

Brother Wei's eyes lit up. He looked at Su Jin and said, "A Pagani? That Jing A9527 is yours?"

Su Jin nodded.

Brother Wei laughed and gave her a thumbs-up. "I've seen that car once. It's the only one in all of China. Anyone who drives that is a true enthusiast." He turned and called over, "Old Ji, come here a second. I have a friend to introduce you to."

A man stepped out of the crowd.

He was in his early thirties, wearing a dark gray turtleneck under a black leather jacket and holding a cup of coffee.

He wasn't the flamboyantly handsome type, but the kind whose looks grew on you-deep-set eyes and brows, a straight nose, slightly thin lips, and a mild expression. He didn't look like he talked much.

He walked over, his gaze resting on Su Jin's face for a second before he looked away at Chen Shen.

"What is it?"

Chen Shen made the introductions. "This is Su Jin, a Pagani owner and a new friend from the Chengdu track." He pointed at the man. "Ji Yunshen, one of the club's veterans. He drives a McLaren P1."

Ji Yunshen nodded to Su Jin in greeting. His gaze lingered on her face for another moment, this time a little more searching, as if he were assessing something.

But he said nothing. He merely nodded, then turned and walked back into the crowd.

Su Jin watched him go and asked Chen Shen, "He doesn't talk much?"

Chen Shen laughed and lowered his voice. "That's just how he is, a real clam. But he drives like a beast. Not many people in the circle can beat him. His family is in tech, a listed company, and he graduated from MIT himself. He studied artificial intelligence."

Su Jin raised an eyebrow.

MIT. Artificial intelligence.

She watched his retreating figure, and something flickered through her mind.

Seven

Over the course of the afternoon, Su Jin met more than a dozen people-some worked in investment, some in industry, several were retired professional racers, and a few were pure second-generation rich kids whose families had money and who simply loved cars.

She didn't talk much, but she could exchange a few words in every circle-technical specifications when they talked cars, market trends when they talked investment, and artificial intelligence when they talked tech.

At some point during the conversation about artificial intelligence, Ji Yunshen came over and stood to one side, listening.

She was discussing applications of deep learning in autonomous driving with someone. She didn't go very deep, but she spoke in a clear and logical way.

The person listened in astonishment and asked her, "Ms. Su, do you work in this field?"

Su Jin smiled. "No, I'm just interested in it."

Ji Yunshen suddenly spoke up.

"How much do you know about deep learning?" he asked.

Su Jin turned to look at him. His expression was still mild, but there was a little more seriousness in his eyes. "A little," she said. "I've read some papers and know the basic principles. But I've never studied it systematically."

Ji Yunshen nodded and said nothing more, but he didn't leave. He stayed at the side and listened.

After a few more words, Brother Wei called everyone over to run a couple of laps on the track. The group cheered and headed toward it. Su Jin was about to follow when Ji Yunshen suddenly called her back.

"Ms. Su," he said.

Su Jin turned around.

He stood there, still holding his cup of coffee. Sunlight fell on him, casting a soft glow over his gray turtleneck.

He looked into her eyes and paused for a moment. "If you're interested in MIT, I can introduce you to a few professors. I studied there for a few years and still keep in touch with some people."

Su Jin looked at him, a trace of surprise in her eyes.

"How did you know I was interested in MIT?" she asked.

Ji Yunshen's expression barely changed, though the corners of his mouth curved slightly-perhaps the first time he had shown anything like a smile today.

"When you were talking about deep learning just now, there was a light in your eyes," he said. "I've seen that light before. Only people who truly love something have it."

Su Jin was silent for two seconds, then smiled.

"Okay, thank you," she said.

Ji Yunshen nodded and turned toward the track. After a few steps, he looked back and added, "I'm testing a new car this afternoon. Want to come along?"

Su Jin thought for a moment, then followed him.

Eight

Ji Yunshen's McLaren P1 was dark blue, with a low body and sharp lines. Parked on the track, it looked like a beast lying in wait.

He climbed into the driver's seat and started the engine. The roar made her chest tingle. Su Jin sat in the passenger seat, fastened her seat belt, and looked at the track stretching out ahead.

"Hold tight," he said.

Before the words had left his mouth, the car shot forward.

Accelerating, entering a turn, coming out of it, hitting the straight-Ji Yunshen's driving style was completely different from Chen Shen's.

Chen Shen was steady; he was ruthless. He took every corner to the limit and pushed the accelerator to the floor every time. As though controlled by a wild beast, the car carved sharp arcs around the track.

After three laps, he drove back to the pit area, shut off the engine, and turned to look at her.

"How was it?"

Su Jin leaned back in her seat and let out a long breath. "You drive hard," she said.

The corners of Ji Yunshen's mouth curved-this time he really smiled, though only faintly. "You're pretty steady as a passenger, too. Most people's legs turn to jelly after three laps with me."

Su Jin unfastened her seat belt and pushed the door open. Only when she stood on the ground did she realize her legs were indeed a little weak, but she was all right; she could still stand.

Ji Yunshen got out too and stood beside her, looking at the track in the distance.

"About MIT, what you said just now," he suddenly asked, "were you serious?"

Su Jin turned to look at him.

He continued, "I know a few professors doing deep learning at CSAIL. If you really want to study it, I can put you in touch. There's a visiting scholar program there. You don't need to enroll formally; you just need someone to recommend you."

Su Jin was silent for a few seconds, then said, "Okay. Sorry for the trouble."

Ji Yunshen nodded, took a business card from his pocket, and handed it to her.

The card was very simple, with only a name and a phone number. A line of small print on the back read: Deep Blue Technology, founder.

"I'll arrange a video call with them next week," he said. "I'll let you know when it's time."

Su Jin took the card and put it in her pocket.

In the distance, Chen Shen was waving at them, signaling for them to come over for a drink.

Ji Yunshen glanced over, then looked back at her and said something that surprised her.

"Chen Shen is a good person," he said. "But the way he pursues people is a little foolish."

Su Jin was stunned for a moment, then laughed.

Ji Yunshen said nothing more and turned toward the crowd.

Nine

At eight that evening, Su Jin returned to her apartment at China World Trade Center.

She changed, removed her makeup, and showered, then sat in a bathrobe in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, looking at the night view outside. Her phone lay on the coffee table beside her, its screen lighting up incessantly.

The first message was from Chen Shen: Did you have fun today? Again tomorrow?

She didn't reply.

The second was from Lu Shen: I heard you went to the racing club today. How was it?

She didn't reply to that either.

The third was from Meng Qi: Su Jin!!! You're trending!!! Quick, check Weibo!!!

She raised an eyebrow and opened Weibo.

Number six on the trending list was #VogueNewFaceSuJin#.

She clicked on it and found several sets of photos taken today-a white suit, a dark green long dress, a silver sequined miniskirt, and a white T-shirt with jeans. The four sets had completely different styles, but every shot was impossible to look away from.

The comments had already exploded:

"Who is she? She's way too gorgeous!!"

"That aura is unreal-cool, sexy, and fierce."

"Weibo, please! Insta, please! Everything, please!"

"Has anyone dug up who she is? What's her background?"

"A Poly shareholder??? A guesthouse owner in Shuanglang??? A multi-brand boutique in Paris??? What kind of heavenly résumé is that?"

"Oh my god, she's beautiful and rich. Is she leaving the rest of us any way to live?"

Su Jin scrolled through them one by one, her expression unchanged.

When she reached the three-hundred-and-somethingth comment, she saw one that was different:

"I know her. We went to university together. She used to... Forget it, I won't say anything."

People pressed for details underneath, but the commenter didn't reply again.

Su Jin looked at the comment and was silent for a few seconds.

[Host,] Little Golden Egg popped out, its voice a little nervous. [Would you like this system to help delete that comment?]

Su Jin shook her head.

"No need," she said. "Someone will dig it up sooner or later."

[Then aren't you afraid?]

Su Jin looked at the night view outside, the corners of her mouth curving.

"There's nothing to be afraid of," she said. "I didn't do anything wrong back then."

Ten

At one in the morning, Su Jin lay in bed, unable to sleep.

Her phone vibrated again. It was a message from Ji Yunshen: Three professors from MIT will attend the video meeting next Tuesday. Get ready.

She replied: Okay.

It vibrated again. This time it was Chen Shen: Good night. See you tomorrow.

She looked at the message, the corners of her mouth curving, but still didn't reply.

[Host,] Little Golden Egg floated beside the bed, its voice soft. [What are you thinking about?]

Su Jin stared at the ceiling and was silent for a long time.

Then she said, "I was thinking that in three months, I'll be at MIT."

[So soon? Are you really going?]

"Mm," she said. "Shen Mingwei can manage the guesthouse, Cheng Yan can manage the art, Zhou Ye can handle security, and Poly has its board of directors. Even without me there, they can do a good job."

[What about Lu Shen and Chen Shen?]

Su Jin smiled, a very faint smile.

"They'll wait," she said. "Or they won't. It doesn't matter either way."

[You really don't care at all?]

Su Jin did not answer.

The night outside the window was dark, but the city lights still shone brilliantly. She closed her eyes, that slight curve still on her lips.

Three months later, she would be in Boston, on MIT's campus, in those laboratories that changed the world.

She would study artificial intelligence, computer science, and the things that would let her truly understand this era.

She would become stronger.

And those men pursuing her-

They could wait, or they could choose not to.

That was their business.

It had nothing to do with her.