So what? In her twenty-five years, Zhao Xiyin has experienced lows, moments of confusion, and times of despair. But she has never given up on her passion, always remained true to herself, and always submitted to her dreams.
"This is no small matter. You should discuss it with her father to avoid any unforeseen circumstances, lest you, over fifty, have to get divorced a second time." Zhao Xiyin said coldly before hanging up the phone.
On an autumn night, frost descends, and the crescent moon hangs like a hook.
An hour later, Meng Weixi had just returned home from a gathering with friends. Avoiding his mother's overly attentive concern, he only drank the hangover tea prepared by the housekeeper before going back to his bedroom. After taking a shower, he saw a message on his phone that he never expected.
Are you free tomorrow morning? I'd like to ask you for a favor.
Actually, Zhao Xiyin waited a few minutes that night without receiving a reply, then fell asleep with a splitting headache. She even forgot about it when she woke up the next day, only remembering it when she checked her phone. However, Meng Weixi didn't reply to her message either.
Zhao Wenchun couldn't stay idle. After recovering to about 70-80%, he started getting up early again to buy groceries and make breakfast.
Zhao Xiyin complained that he wasn't resting properly; the father and daughter had been arguing all morning, causing quite a commotion. Teacher Zhao brought over a glass of milk, saying, "I said I'm fine, so I'm fine. I know my own body best."
Zhao Xiyin was angry and shook the empty glass in her hand. "You're giving me milk again? I just finished drinking it!"
Zhao Wenchun frowned and handed over the milk, saying, "You've lost weight, have a couple of glasses."
Two glasses of milk made her a little late, and fearing she would be late, Zhao Xiyin jogged out of the building. As soon as she looked up, she saw Meng Weixi leaning against the car door across the street, smiling gently at her.
Zhao Xiyin was shocked. "You, how did you get here?"
Meng Weixi was wearing a gray woolen overcoat with a matching turtleneck sweater underneath, which made him look handsome and extraordinary. He said, "It was too late yesterday, and I was afraid that replying to your message would disturb your rest."
Zhao Xiyin fell silent.
"I remember everything you said." Meng Weixi smiled. "This isn't just helping; I do my best for everything you need. Have you had breakfast?"
Zhao Xiyin nodded. "Mm."
"Then get on the bus, I'm going to the regiment today too."
Zhao Xiyin hesitated, but still stopped him and spoke directly: "Meng Weixi, it is..."
“It’s about Ni Rui,” Meng Weixi replied calmly, not surprised. “Now that you’ve asked, I’ll definitely take care of it for you.”
Without needing to explain the cause and effect of a single word, Meng Weixi seemed to know everything.
He had already opened the passenger door, but before Zhao Xiyin could step out, a sharp car horn blared. Turning around, she saw a black Cayenne blocking the back of Meng Weixi's car. Zhou Qishen rolled down the window, resting his hand on the windowsill, and gave Zhao Xiyin a half-smile.
That smile was utterly wicked. It was as unsettling as his incessant honking. Zhou Qishen's gaze met Meng Weixi's, a spark flying between them, like enemies invading their territory, each probably wanting to blow the other's head off.
What's even more incredible is that both of them wore dark gray trench coats today, and their inner layers were also similar, making it a complete fashion clash.
Zhao Xiyin ran to Zhou Qishen's car and shouted, "What are you doing? Stop honking! You're disturbing the peace!"
Zhou Qishen turned his head and smiled meaningfully, "What, you asked for leave from the group yesterday just to go on a date?"
Zhao Xiyin frowned, straightening her slightly hunched back completely. "What nonsense are you talking about?"
Zhou Qishen slammed the horn three more times, his phoenix eyes narrowed, and he looked wicked. He raised his chin towards the front and said, "Didn't you have enough dates last night? You're already here early?"
That's an overstatement, a complete overstatement.
Zhao Xiyin met his gaze without blinking. Others might not understand, but they knew perfectly well that these words were subtly reopening those bad memories; the wounds and misunderstandings from the past were all brought back to the surface.
As she gazed at the scene, Zhao Xiyin's eyes nearly welled up with tears.
She didn't argue with him, didn't say another word, quietly turned around, and got into Meng Weixi's car in front of Zhou Qishen.
The white Tesla sped off with its flashy rear end sticking out. Zhou Qi cursed, both angry and regretful. He quickly took off the new jacket he had ordered yesterday, crumpled it into a ball, and threw it hard onto the back seat.
The roses in the back seat swayed a few times, knocking away their fragrance and leaving only a sour smell.
——
That evening, Gu Heping hosted a whole shrimp feast for Zhou Qishen and Lao Cheng. Gu Gongzi was quite an oddball; autumn and winter were the perfect season for crabs, but he insisted on having crayfish flown in from the coastal hot springs, each one plump and lively.
Zhou Qishen not only arrived late, but he was also quite temperamental. He sat down in the private room and began smoking silently. One cigarette after another, turning the inner and outer halls almost into a fairyland of smoke.
There were no female guests at the table, so he could smoke as he pleased.
As Zhou Qishen opened his second pack, Lao Cheng reached out and tossed the cigarette pack onto the sofa, saying, "Alright, smoke less."
When Gu Heping asked, Zhou Qishen recounted what had happened that morning. He wasn't one to complain, but this time he truly couldn't hold back.
After he finished speaking, Lao Cheng and Gu Heping were speechless. "Are you out of your mind, Boss Zhou? What can you say and what can't you say? Don't you ever learn?"
Zhou Qishen stubbed out his cigarette butt, but instead of throwing it away, he held it in his hand and tapped it against the table repeatedly.
"Have you forgotten why you two divorced in the first place, and how you got divorced? Who was it that was shamelessly talking in the teahouse yesterday, saying that he wanted to pursue her again and remarry her?" Gu Heping sneered, "Judging from your behavior today, if I were Xiao west, I'd be a fucking idiot to remarry you!"
Zhou Qishen rested his elbows on the table, pressed his fists against his forehead, and closed his eyes without saying a word.
Old Cheng changed his glass of warm water. "Brother Zhou, we've watched you and Xiao Xi's relationship come and go. There are no outsiders here today, so let's not mince words. Just give me the truth—more than two years have passed, and now, at this moment, do you still not believe in Xiao west?"
Zhou Qishen suddenly opened his eyes, his gaze sharp and piercing, like a knife.
He did not answer.
He was holding back.
After a full two minutes of silence, he finally spoke: "Have the cook make two more bowls of shrimp, less spicy and less oily, without Sichuan peppercorns, and bring a thermal container as well."
Gu Heping wanted to say something more, but Lao Cheng gave him a look that stopped him.
The lobsters were incredibly fragrant, with thin, crisp shells and a rich, flavorful broth. They were cleaned thoroughly, heads and veins removed. Zhou Qishen got up, opened all the windows and doors to let the smoke dissipate from the private room, then sat back down at the table and silently peeled two whole bowls of lobsters.