The Many Loves of Our Fathers

At one in the morning, in an apartment in the northern district of Nancheng, hazy lamplight filled the room with a dizzying mist. A middle-aged man in a dressing gown leaned against the headboard, taking deep drags from a cigarette. His name was Qiu Sheng. Standing six feet tall, he had a rugged, handsome look that radiated masculinity. His bold brows, large eyes, and piercing gaze carried an imposing authority. Every subordinate who saw him would respectfully address him as “President Qiu.” But now he had set aside that air of authority and was staring pensively at Hongfeng Construction Company across the way. He was the company’s chief engineer. Thinking back over the ups and downs of the past ten years, from his first job as a technician to his current position as chief engineer, he smiled with the confidence and joy of success. But soon his expression darkened. He flicked the ash from his cigarette with his left hand, then slowly lifted the photo frame beside him with his right. Inside was a yellowed family portrait, showing his wife and son smiling happily. That year, a new boss joined the company. Her name was Fan Bing. She was divorced, and though plain-looking, she had a graceful, curvy figure. Her sharp tongue was already notorious. It was a gamble with love as the stake: he won a career, but lost his life.