After not working properly for over half a month, both Qi Shi'an and Shen Duoyi had accumulated a pile of work. Especially Shen Duoyi - he had just been promoted to supervisor when he started taking leave, and his desk was now in an unbearable state.

"Supervisor Shen, I've printed two copies of the work arrangements and put them on your desk. Please check if anything needs to be changed?" After his intermittent two-week absence, colleagues had generally understood the situation. The young assistant was no longer flustered and immediately started arranging work upon arrival.

Shen Duoyi quickly scanned through it: "The morning client meetings are quite tight, push the afternoon training back by half an hour. Everything else looks fine, thank you."

Just then, Zhang Yiming walked in from outside. After sending the administrative assistant away, he asked, "How are things? Is your grandfather recovering well?"

"Yes, he's relatively stable now." In the doctor's words, it was a weak kind of stability, but stability nonetheless. Shen Duoyi made Zhang Yiming some tea and said, "Thank you, Mr. Zhang, for covering my work recently."

Zhang Yiming replied, "Don't mention it, it's all for the company's benefit anyway. By the way, tomorrow there's an exchange meeting at Zhesi. It's your first time attending, so prepare well - You Si is fierce."

Shen Duoyi asked curiously, "Isn't it mainly for exchange? Why does it feel like there will be a war of words?"

"Exchange meetings aren't like public lectures - they're essentially sword fights. Everyone's competing for resources and reputation, all trying to outdo each other." Zhang Yiming finished his tea and stood up to return to his office. "But you should go easy on her. I always lie down and let her have her way. If you get the upper hand, know when to stop."

Shen Duoyi laughed, "I'll remember that. Being a gentleman is never wrong."

After a busy day, he still returned to the hospital for the night shift. Grandpa Shen was now wearing a thin sweater, sitting up in bed listening to 'White-Browed Hero' on the radio, not wanting to trouble anyone.

Shen Duoyi and Qi Shi'an were working overtime in the outer lounge, documents and contracts spread across the table, their computer screens tracking real-time trading data.

Qi Shi'an spoke as if whispering: "What did the doctor say earlier?"

Shen Duoyi replied in an equally hushed tone: "The doctor said his condition is temporarily stable, all the IV drips are finished, and they gave some precautions for family members to note."

The doctor had also said that keeping the elderly patient in good spirits was most important. The implication behind this was easy to understand, but Shen Duoyi wished he hadn't heard it.

"Does that mean he's ready for discharge?" Qi Shi'an was always cautious. "Why don't we observe a bit longer, no need to rush."

Shen Duoyi said, "I want him to stay long-term. If he has another episode, at least the doctors and nurses would be nearby, giving us the best chance to save him. But Grandpa absolutely refuses. He says if it comes quickly and violently, being next to doctors won't help anyway."

Qi Shi'an didn't argue. He remembered that time at the Summer Restaurant chatting with Grandpa Shen about storytelling - the old man's eyes had sparkled with life. Now, hugging his radio as he sat motionless, he was like a plaster statue, his complexion ashen.

Though visibly anxious, Shen Duoyi spoke words of comfort, though it wasn't clear if he was comforting Qi Shi'an or himself: "The doctor said many patients live for years after discharge without incident. When Grandpa heard that, he was even more determined not to stay. Thinking about it, he's right - what's the point of extending life just to spend it in a hospital, just for the sake of breathing?"

Qi Shi'an pulled Shen Duoyi close: "Let's observe for two more days. After the exchange meeting, it'll be the National Day holiday. We'll take Grandpa home and have a good celebration."

"Mm, I still haven't given your Grandpa the sweater I bought him. I'll give it to you tomorrow."

"Don't give it to me." Qi Shi'an took the opportunity to invite him: "There are so many days off during National Day. You should go to the military retirement home and give it to the old man yourself, stay for a meal too."

Shen Duoyi nodded, and Qi Shi'an added: "No need to treat it as formally as meeting the parents. Just come over to play. You've been too tired lately, I want you to relax a bit."

After finishing their work, they washed up and prepared to rest, taking turns keeping watch through the night while monitoring the evening market information. The next day's exchange meeting started at nine o'clock, and they headed straight there from the hospital, arriving together at Zhesi Finance.

The reception room was already set up, but the meeting hadn't started yet. Shen Duoyi's direct superior was Zhang Yiming, and seeing him talking business with You Si, he didn't go over to disturb them.

Later, as the meeting time approached, he couldn't help but walk over. "Mr. Zhang, Ms. You." Shen Duoyi approached, "The exchange meeting is about to start. This is my first time attending, I hope you can both give me some guidance."

You Si was wearing a proper suit but had on exaggerated earrings. She said, "Supervisor Shen, don't be so modest. I was just discussing with him whether we could have our senior consultant attend your training session."

Zhang Yiming said, "The intellectual property belongs to Ming'an. You're trying to steal our techniques. Unless you were family of the boss, that would be different."

"Mr. Zhang, the upgraded training content was all created by me, so the intellectual property belongs to me." Shen Duoyi deflected for You Si. "Do you still want to review my materials one more time? We're running out of time otherwise."

After making final preparations in the remaining time, the lights dimmed and the exchange meeting officially began. As the host company, You Zhe had to open first. Sitting below, Shen Duoyi looked up and suddenly felt how strange fate could be.

Originally he had come to interview at Zhesi, but although You Zhe admired him, he hadn't chosen him, instead introducing him to Qi Shi'an. Round and round, in the blink of an eye so much had happened.

The attendees were all high-level executives from various companies. Just as Zhang Yiming had said, while it bore the name of a public lecture series, it was essentially a sword fight. With Securities Regulatory Commission officials present, every company needed to show their best.

Shen Duoyi slightly adjusted his tie. Applause rang out as Qi Shi'an finished his speech and stepped down from the podium. He stood up to take over, standing straight-backed on stage: "The major bottom has basically been constructed, so Ming'an's consulting department has prepared an analysis on 'The Commodity Futures Market Under Major Market Conditions.'"

One spotlight, one projection wall, a room full of elites. Shen Duoyi spoke eloquently on stage, delivering his first important presentation since being promoted to supervisor. Some furrowed their brows in concentration, others nodded frequently. He swept his gaze across the room calmly, finally letting it rest on Qi Shi'an.

One in the light, one in shadow, their eyes met, together creating a dream through their shared gaze.

The exchange meeting concluded successfully. Everyone exchanged pleasantries before leaving, until finally only a few familiar faces remained in the reception room. Zhang Yiming and You Si already knew about Qi Shi'an and Shen Duoyi's relationship, so their private conversation was quite familiar in tone. You Zhe was still in the dark, standing silently to the side listening.

"By the way, didn't you go to the military hospital recently?" Qi Shi'an remembered seeing You Zhe in the hallway the day they transferred Grandpa Shen. Upon hearing this, You Si immediately asked, "Brother, are you feeling unwell?"

You Zhe answered, "No, just picked up some common medications, and got some powder supplements for Shutiao - it's easy to catch colds in autumn and winter."

"That's good then." Qi Shi'an checked the time - they still had work to do, so they needed to head back to Ming'an. Before leaving, he patted You Zhe's shoulder and said, "Let's have a drink during the National Day holiday. I have something to discuss with you."

You Zhe nodded: "Good, I have something to tell you too."

In previous years, Shen Duoyi would always return to Qiuye Hutong with Grandpa Shen during holidays, and this year was no exception. But Grandpa Shen had just been discharged, and autumn winds were strong, so it wasn't suitable for going out - he needed rest.

Shen Duoyi went early and returned early, coming back by mid-afternoon. Lin Yuzhu had made him some pajamas, which he changed into to show off as soon as he got back. Grandpa Shen sat on the sofa covered with a blanket, watching TV, sulking about not returning to the hutong.

"Grandpa, feeling down?" Shen Duoyi sat down beside him and started massaging his legs. "Before leaving, I asked if you wanted to go, and you said no. The housekeeper can testify."

Grandpa Shen said, "Going like this would just make them worry. Better not to go. The key thing is you - can't you settle down for a moment after coming back? Always showing off."

Shen Duoyi tucked the blanket around Grandpa Shen: "I'm going to the military retirement home tomorrow too. Are you going to pick on me for that as well?"

"Not for that. When you go, be sure to thank them properly." Grandpa Shen was getting drowsy. Though it was barely seven, he was already struggling to keep his eyes open. "Duoyi, you and Xiao Qi are both good kids... you're both good."

Shen Duoyi raised his arms to embrace Grandpa Shen from the side: "Grandpa, actually I have a secret I want to tell you bit by bit, so go slowly, wait until I finish telling you."

Grandpa Shen's head tilted, resting against Shen Duoyi's forehead: "I already know."

Shen Duoyi didn't dare move, holding Grandpa Shen in a daze. He had no interest in figuring out when he had been exposed, only wanting to confirm Grandpa Shen's current feelings. A moment of fear crept up, and he tightened his arms around Grandpa Shen, frantically expressing his apologies.

Grandpa Shen lifted his head and patted his leg: "Are you trying to strangle me? Why are you so timid?"

"Grandpa..."

"Your secret, I've known for a long time."

Grandpa Shen closed his eyes: "I'm at peace now. You can be at peace too."

"Good grandson, I'm tired."

Shen Duoyi could only hear breathing sounds in his ear, like a broken bellows operating, not knowing which moment it might suddenly stop. He carried Grandpa Shen on his back to the bedroom, wiped him down and covered him with blankets. No matter how he arranged him, the other didn't open his eyes.

Turning off the lights, he lay down beside him. Since returning from the hospital, he had been sleeping with Grandpa Shen. He would wake countless times in the night, staring at Grandpa Shen's blurry outline in the darkness, lost in thought.

Only when daylight came could he breathe a sigh of relief, grateful for another day passed.

The next morning, Maomao's Grandpa came knocking, inviting Grandpa Shen over for a meal - the two old brothers wanted to celebrate the holiday. Ever since Grandpa Shen's hospital incident and discharge, Maomao's Grandpa had felt guilty because Grandpa Shen had been out with Maomao that day.

Shen Duoyi helped Grandpa Shen change clothes, then handed the wheelchair to Grandpa Maomao, saying: "Don't think too much about it. This would have happened to anyone, no one could have avoided it. Maomao was scared that day too, I'll buy him some toys another time."

After everything was arranged, he also changed clothes to prepare for his visit to the military retirement home.

The military retirement home was particularly lively. This was Shen Duoyi's second visit, carrying several bags of gifts. Before he even entered, he could hear Grandpa Huo's booming voice. When Huo Xin saw him, she looked outside expectantly, and before he could call anyone, she asked first: "Duoyi, didn't Grandpa come? It would be so nice to have the old man join us for a meal. I can send an orderly to pick him up."

Grandpa Huo came over carrying a birdcage: "Brother Shen needs rest now. Our house is too noisy - how could he handle it?" Then looking at Shen Duoyi, "There will be plenty of chances in the future. I'm still waiting to go fishing with your grandpa. Come on, keep me company in the yard to let the bird get some air."

Shen Duoyi put down the gifts and followed Grandpa Huo to the courtyard. The peach tree there had long since lost its flowers, and the leaves were starting to turn yellow. He sat down on a small stool and took the birdcage, opening the lock.