Great Power Reclamation

On the first day of December, London had its first snowfall.

When Ye Guigen woke up, he found the outside world a vast expanse of white. Snowflakes were falling softly and densely, decorating the usually gray city like a Christmas card.

Hans had already gotten up and was taking pictures by the window, muttering, "So beautiful, so beautiful."

"You've never seen snow?" Ye Guigen asked, rubbing his eyes.

“It snows in Germany in winter too, but the snow in London is different,” Hans said earnestly. “The snow in London is poetic.”

Ye Guigen was too lazy to expose his artistic tendencies, so he got up and washed up. Today was Saturday, and he had made an appointment with Meixue for dinner—she said, "It's Japanese cuisine, and I'll cook it myself."

It was still snowing when he went out. He walked to Miyuki's dormitory building with his umbrella and saw that she was already waiting at the door, carrying two full shopping bags.

"You bought so much?"

"It's the first time I'm cooking for you, so of course I have to prepare it carefully." Miyuki handed him one of the bags. "Here, help me carry it."

The two went upstairs. Miyuki's dormitory was a bit smaller than his, but it was very clean. There were several potted plants on the windowsill, and ukiyo-e postcards she had brought from Japan were pasted on the wall. The kitchen was communal, at the end of the corridor, and no one was there at the moment.

Miyuki tied on her apron and started working. Ye Guigen wanted to help, but she shooed him away: "Sit down and wait, don't cause trouble."

He had no choice but to sit in her room and casually flip through the books on her desk. There were educational textbooks, Japanese novels, and a photo album. He hesitated for a moment, then opened it.

The album contains photos of Miyuki when she was little. There's a little girl in a kimono standing in a lavender field, her eyes crinkling with laughter. An elderly man with white hair is holding her hand; he must be her grandfather. There's also a family photo: her parents, herself, and an even younger boy—presumably the younger brother she mentioned.

Ye Guigen gently closed the photo album.

An hour later, Miyuki brought in plates of food. The sushi rolls were crooked, the miso soup was unevenly seasoned, and the tempura batter was too thick, but Ye Guigen ate every last grain of rice.

"Is it good?" Miyuki looked at him expectantly.

"good to eat."

"You're lying, it's really just so-so." She took a bite herself and frowned. "The batter is too thick."

Ye Guigen smiled and said, "It's already very good for your first time."

Miyuki smiled too, her eyes crinkling, just like the little girl in the photo album.

After dinner, Miyuki made tea, and the two sat by the window watching the snow. The room was very warm, and the windowpanes were covered with a layer of condensation, making the outside world blurry.

“Returning to one’s roots,” Miyuki suddenly spoke up, “You said last time you hadn’t thought it through yet, what about now?”

Ye Guigen was silent for a moment: "Not yet."

Miyuki nodded and didn't ask any more questions. She stretched out her finger and drew a smiley face on the fogged glass.

“Then I’ll take my time thinking about it,” she said. “I’m not in a hurry anyway.”

Looking at that smiling face, Ye Guigen felt a strange mix of emotions. He knew this was wrong—being with Elizabeth, yet interacting like this with another girl. But he didn't know how to end this situation.

Or rather, he simply didn't want it to end.

As evening fell, the snow stopped. Ye Guigen bid farewell to Meixue and walked back to his dormitory. The snow crunched under his feet, and the streetlights cast long shadows. He walked slowly, his mind a jumble of thoughts.

The phone rang; it was Elizabeth calling.

"Gui Gen, are you free tomorrow? My dad wants to see you."

Ye Guigen was taken aback: "Your dad?"

“Yes, he’s back from Geneva. He heard about you and wants to talk.” Elizabeth’s voice sounded a little nervous. “If you don’t want to, I can decline.”

Ye Guigen thought for a moment and said, "It's alright, let's meet."

"Really? Aren't you nervous?"

"I'm a little nervous," he honestly admitted, "but I have to meet him eventually."

Elizabeth laughed on the other end of the phone: "Okay, I'll pick you up tomorrow at noon."

After hanging up the phone, Ye Guigen stood by the roadside, watching the lights gradually illuminate the distance. The patriarch of the Cavendish family, a legendary figure in the British financial world, wanted to meet him. What did this mean? Was it approval, or an assessment?

he does not know.

But he knew that tomorrow would be another battlefield.

The next day at noon, Elizabeth came to pick him up. She was dressed very formally that day, in a black cashmere coat, pearl earrings, and her hair was up in a bun, like a diplomat going to meet the prime minister.

Ye Guigen, dressed in a suit, sat in the passenger seat, watching the street scenes flash by outside the window.

“Don’t be nervous,” Elizabeth said. “My dad is a very nice man, just… a little serious.”

"You're making me even more nervous."

Elizabeth smiled and took his hand in hers: "It's alright."

The Cavendish family's home in London is in Kensington, a white Victorian townhouse with an old Bentley parked in front.

The butler opened the door and led them inside. The living room was large, with a fire burning in the fireplace and several oil paintings hanging on the walls, which looked like originals.

A middle-aged man stood up from the sofa.

He was in his fifties, with graying hair, but his back was straight and his eyes were sharp. He was dressed casually in a sweater and khaki pants, but his imposing presence was undeniable.

Ye Guigen thought of his grandfather—people who started from scratch and built their empires all had this kind of spirit.

“Dad, this is Ye Guigen,” Elizabeth introduced.

Mr. Cavendish extended his hand: "Young man, I've heard so much about you."

Ye Guigen shook hands and felt that the other person's hand was very strong.

The three sat down, and the butler brought tea. After a few pleasantries, Mr. Cavendish got straight to the point:
"I heard about your fund from Elizabeth. Chen Wei's whistleblower report, the regulatory investigation, and your restructuring plan. You handled it well."

Ye Guigen breathed a sigh of relief: "Thank you."

“But do you know where the problem lies?” Mr. Cavendish looked at him. “It’s not that consulting firm, nor Chen Wei’s report. It’s that you were too hasty.”

Ye Guigen remained silent.

“It’s good that young people are energetic,” Mr. Cavendish said, taking a sip of tea. “But if that energy goes too far, it becomes recklessness. If you’re too eager to prove yourself and get things done, others will take advantage of you.”

Elizabeth was about to say something when her father raised his hand to stop her.

“I know your grandfather, Ye Yuze,” Mr. Cavendish continued.

“We met once in Hong Kong thirty years ago. At that time, he had just expanded his business to Southeast Asia and was taking steady steps. I asked him why he didn’t do it faster. He said: ‘Speed ​​is based on stability. If you speed without stability, you will fall hard.’”

Ye Guigen listened and secretly made a mental note of it.

“I’ve reviewed your fund restructuring plan.” Mr. Cavendish set down his teacup. “It’s well-designed: multi-tiered shareholding, legal separation, and strategic synergy. Was this your own idea?”

"Elizabeth and I came up with this together."

Mr. Cavendish glanced at his daughter, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes: "She's been smart since she was little, but sometimes she's too strong-willed. The two of you complement each other perfectly."

He then looked at Ye Guigen: "Young man, Elizabeth is my only daughter. Everything the Cavendish family owns will be hers in the future."

“I’ve seen too many people pursue her, some for money, some for fame, some for family connections. You’re the first one she took the initiative to bring home to meet me.”

Ye Guigen's heart was racing.

“I don’t object to you two being together,” Mr. Cavendish said, “but I must remind you: being the son-in-law of the Cavendish family is not easy. You will be facing not only Elizabeth, but also the eyes of the entire British financial world. Are you ready?”

Ye Guigen was silent for a few seconds, then said, "I don't know if I'm ready. But I know I want to walk this path with her."

Elizabeth looked at him, her eyes slightly red.

Mr. Cavendish stared at him for a long time, then smiled: "Alright, that's enough. Let's eat."

Lunch was plentiful, but Ye Guigen ate absentmindedly. He was thinking about Mr. Cavendish's words—"It's not an easy job."

Yes, it's not easy. Elizabeth's world is so different from the world he's familiar with. Can he adapt? Is he willing to adapt?
he does not know.

But he knew he didn't want to give up.

When Ye Guigen returned to school on Monday, he discovered that Meixue had not come to class.

He texted her, but she didn't reply. He called, but her phone was off. He was a little worried, so he went to her dorm. Her roommate said she had gone back to Japan because of family matters.

Ye Guigen's heart tightened. Something happened at home? What happened?

He tried to contact her for several days in a row, but couldn't get through. On Friday, he finally received a message: "I'm back. Are you free on Saturday? I want to see you."

On Saturday afternoon, they met at a park near the school. It was snowing again in London, a fine, dense snowfall that landed on their hair and shoulders.

Miyuki was wearing a white down jacket and a red scarf, and her face was a little pale.

"What's wrong?" Ye Guigen asked.

Miyuki was silent for a moment, then said, "My mother is sick. She's in the hospital."

Ye Guigen's heart sank: "Is it serious?"

"Brain hemorrhage. He survived, but he can't move the right side of his body." Miyuki looked into the distance:

"The doctor said it will require long-term rehabilitation, and I don't know if I can recover."

Ye Guigen didn't know what to say, he just stood beside her. "I originally wanted to drop out of school and go back to take care of her," Meixue continued, "but she wouldn't let me. She said you finally managed to get out, don't come back. Your brother is gone, you have to finish his journey."

Her voice trembled slightly, but she didn't cry.

Ye Guigen felt a pang of sadness. He remembered his childhood, how his mother would always stay by his bedside whenever he was sick. That feeling of being cared for was something he could never forget, no matter how far he went.

"Miyuki..."

“I’m fine.” Miyuki turned to look at him. “I just wanted to talk to someone. After thinking about it, I realized you were the only one I could talk to.”

Ye Guigen felt a surge of warmth in his heart.

The snow fell heavier, and both of their hair had turned white. Miyuki suddenly laughed: "Don't we look old?"

Ye Guigen looked at her; snowflakes landed on her eyelashes, sparkling.

“Like,” he said.

Miyuki's smile widened, but as she smiled, tears began to fall. She quickly wiped them away, but the more she wiped, the more tears streamed down her face.

Ye Guigen hesitated for a moment, then reached out and pulled her into his arms.

Miyuki leaned on his shoulder, sobbing softly. Snowflakes fell on them, quickly accumulating into a thin layer.

That evening, Ye Guigen accompanied Meixue for a long walk in the park. She talked about many things—

She used to play with her younger brother when she was little. After he passed away, her mother became depressed, and her father single-handedly supported the farm. She studied hard and got into university in London. She said she was the family's only hope and couldn't afford to fail.

Ye Guigen listened, feeling an indescribable sadness in his heart.

"Like leaves returning to their roots," Miyuki said finally, "thank you."

"What are you thanking me for?"

"Thank you for listening to me," she said, looking at him. "And thank you for hugging me."

Ye Guigen's heart skipped a beat.

“I know you have a girlfriend,” Miyuki said. “I know this is wrong. But…” She paused, “some things are beyond our control.”

She tiptoed and gave him a light kiss on the lips.

This time, Ye Guigen did not dodge.

The snow is still falling, silently.

They stood under the streetlights, snowflakes falling around them, as if the whole world was quietly witnessing their presence.

That night, Ye Guigen couldn't sleep.

He lay on his dormitory bed, staring at the ceiling, his mind filled with Miyuki. Her tears, her laughter, her kisses. And Elizabeth, her eyes, her words, her father's scrutiny.

He didn't know what to do.

But he knew he could no longer pretend that nothing had happened.

The next day, he texted Elizabeth: "Are you free this weekend? I'd like to talk to you."

Elizabeth replied, "Okay. Saturday night, come to my house?"

"it is good."

On Friday, Miyuki texted me: "Are you free on Saturday? I'll cook for you as a thank you for spending time with me that day."

Ye Guigen stared at the screen, his fingers hovering over the keyboard.

Finally, he replied, "I have something to do on Saturday. Let's do it another day."

After sending the message, he threw his phone on the bed and let out a long sigh.

Hans looked up from the music: "What's wrong with you? You've been acting like you've lost your soul these past few days."

"fine."

"Come on," Hans said, taking off his headphones. "Something's definitely up. Is it related to those two girls?"

Ye Guigen remained silent.

Hans walked over and patted him on the shoulder: "Brother, no one can help you with this. But remember: the longer it drags on, the more people will get hurt."

Ye Guigen knew he was right.

But he still didn't know what to do.

On Saturday night, Ye Guigen went to Elizabeth's house.

In her apartment in Knightsbridge, Elizabeth cooked dinner. Not takeout, but she genuinely made it herself…

The steak was a bit overcooked, the pasta was too soft, and there was too much salad dressing. But Ye Guigen ate it very attentively.

After dinner, the two sat on the sofa. A fire was burning in the fireplace, making it warm and cozy.

“In the end,” Elizabeth spoke first, “do you have something to say?”

Ye Guigen was silent for a moment before replying, "Yes."

Elizabeth looked at him, her eyes calm, but her fingers clenched slightly.

"I..." Ye Guigen began, then stopped.

He didn't know how to bring it up. Should he tell her he'd fallen for someone else? Should he say he didn't know what to choose? Should he say he might not be the one for her?
Elizabeth waited a moment, then said softly, "In the end, whatever it may be, you can say it."

Ye Guigen took a deep breath: "Elizabeth, I've encountered some things lately."

He told the story of Miyuki. He told her about her background, her mother's illness, and how she cried in the snow. He also told her about his own feelings—that uncontrollable flutter in his heart, that urge to get closer.

Elizabeth listened without interrupting.

After I finished speaking, the room was quiet for a long time.

The firewood in the fireplace crackled.

“Thank you for telling me,” Elizabeth finally spoke, her voice soft. “Thank you for your honesty.”

Ye Guigen looked at her, feeling extremely distressed.

"What do you plan to do?" Elizabeth asked.

Ye Guigen shook his head: "I don't know."

Elizabeth was silent for a moment, then stood up and walked to the window. Outside, the London night was bathed in light, with lights twinkling in the distance.

“In the end,” she said, “I was taught from a young age to be rational, calm, and in control of everything. But I can’t control my emotions.”

She turned to look at him: "I like you. I've liked you since the first time we met. So I don't want to force you. I don't want to use any means to keep you by my side. Even if I did, it wouldn't be real."

Ye Guigen stood up and walked up to her.

“Elizabeth…”

"Go back and think it over carefully." She reached out and gently touched his face. "Come back to me when you've thought it through. Whatever your decision is, I'll accept it."

She tiptoed and gave him a light kiss on the lips.

Same as last time, yet different.

As Ye Guigen left Knightsbridge, it started snowing again.

He walked along the road, snowflakes landing on his face, feeling cool and refreshing.

He suddenly remembered what his grandfather had said: "Men of the Ye family are not afraid to walk at night."

But his path now is more difficult than walking in the dark.

Because there is no light ahead.

Only two pairs of eyes were waiting for him.

One pair is Elizabeth's, deep as the sea.

One pair is made of snowflakes, clear as snow.

He didn't know what to choose.

Or perhaps he simply doesn't want to choose.

The snow outside the window was falling heavier and heavier.

The night in London is as quiet as a giant cocoon.

Ye Guigen lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling.

Tomorrow will be another new day.

But the answer is yet to come. (End of Chapter)