Chen Yuanxing lay in bed for a long time before finally deciding to go see Xiao Qiqi in person. The doctor said that the woman couldn't be exposed to cold water or overwork for a month. This month, she had been looking for work everywhere, and he really didn't know what had become of her.
Chen Yuanxing took a taxi to the alley where Xiao Qiqi lived. He saw some elderly people sitting on the stone edge of the flowerbed by the roadside, enjoying the cool air. He suddenly remembered that Xiao Qiqi had sat there that day, looking at passersby with that unique gaze, bright as if she could see through the sky. It was hard to fake that kind of pure feeling. Chen Yuanxing sat down and looked up at the dense locust tree leaves in the night. Occasionally, yellow flowers among the green leaves would fall with the wind and land on his outstretched hand, as light as a feather, like Xiao Qiqi's slender waist, so soft and weak.
Just as Chen Yuanxing regained some confidence and was about to stand up, he saw Zhou Zijian's silver Porsche disappear into the dark alley. Without hesitation, he followed. From a distance, he saw Zhou Zijian open the car door, and Xiao Qiqi's slender figure emerged from the car, her face beaming in the dim light.
Chen Yuanxing was too lazy to look anymore, turned around and left. He jumped up under the ancient locust tree, picked a pale yellow flower, held it in his palm, and sneered. What business is it of my life who my senior sister dates?
15. Distance
Xiao Qiqi finally mustered her courage, put on her high heels, and walked into Xu Qing's smiling office. From today onwards, she would be this pot-bellied, fat man's secretary. Knowing full well the dangers, she deliberately ventured into the lion's den. Xiao Qiqi was determined to go all out; she would work during the day and leave immediately afterward. What could Xu Qing do about it?
Xiao Qiqi was never a coward; her courage in venturing alone into BeiX showed her boldness. During the day, she always kept the door open when entering Xu Qing's office, or slipped in and out when others were working outside. Xu Qing repeatedly tried to take advantage of the closed door, but Xiao Qiqi always found an excuse to avoid him. Xu Qing, being the company's top manager, had many things to do and naturally couldn't spend as much time as Xiao Qiqi in their battle of wits, so he always lost. From the moment Xiao Qiqi joined the company, she developed a very good relationship with Fang Xuelian, the secretary of another department. Both were single and had endless topics and interests, so they often went out together after work. If Xu Qing called Xiao Qiqi after get off work looking for trouble, Fang Xuelian would always be there for him. Fang Xuelian was the niece of a director, someone Xu Qing couldn't afford to offend, so even though Xu Qing had many worries, he was helpless.
Unable to get the prize right in front of him, Xu Qing was naturally both angry and resentful. He tried every means to spend time alone with Xiao Qiqi, but each time Xiao Qiqi indifferently avoided him. He wanted to give up completely, but he was also envious. He wanted to fire Xiao Qiqi; her work ability was indeed good, and she was also pleasing to the eye. In this game of cat and mouse, several months had passed, and Xiao Qiqi had established herself in the company. Although Xiao Qiqi knew that this job was not suitable for her at all, and that there was always a ticking time bomb beside her, she dared not quit easily. The job paid well, and she desperately needed money. She had to pay the rent and Chen Yuanxing's debts.
Just as Zhou Zijian had predicted, a month later, Langya did not renew the lease with the landlord. The landlord was happy not to find a new tenant and signed a contract with Xiao Qiqi at the original price. Xiao Qiqi sublet the room she originally lived in for a higher price, thus reducing her rent burden by half, and finally breathed a sigh of relief.
The hardest part wasn't that, but rather her relationship with Zhou Zijian. From that day on, Zhou Zijian would occasionally "accidentally" pass by Xiao Qiqi's place. At first, Xiao Qiqi politely brushed him off regarding the rent. But once they got the apartment and the rent was paid off after the first month's salary, Zhou Zijian felt the time was right. He stopped "accidentally" and openly called her to ask her out. Xiao Qiqi, however, lost her former good temper. After a while, she simply ignored him. No matter how many times Zhou Zijian called a hundred times a day, she wouldn't answer. Even if he occasionally passed by, or deliberately asked her out, she refused to be polite with that kind of person. When she talked to Jiang Yilan about it on the phone, they both laughed and said it was what you call "heartless and ungrateful."
Yes, heartless and treacherous, Xiao Qiqi would rather it be like this. Finally, on Christmas Eve, Xiao Qiqi did something extremely shocking to vent her anger, which made Zhou Zijian completely withdraw from her sight and take it as a lifelong humiliation.
On Christmas Eve, Zhou Zijian waited for Xiao Qiqi at the entrance of her company building after get off work. Afraid of being seen by her colleagues, Xiao Qiqi got into his car. Zhou Zijian took her into a club where a group of people were playing cards and chatting. They were all very familiar with Zhou Zijian, and seeing him bring in such a tall and beautiful woman as Xiao Qiqi, they all knowingly laughed, "Your girlfriend's here." Zhou Zijian didn't argue, smiling and fulfilling his duties as a boyfriend, being incredibly considerate and gentle. After six months of social experience, Xiao Qiqi had gradually learned to remain composed and understood the importance of a man's pride. After all, Zhou Zijian had helped her during difficult times, and she couldn't let him embarrass her too much, so she endured their teasing. After playing for a while, everyone went to drink. Xiao Qiqi refused to drink anymore, and Zhou Zijian didn't force her, but he drank quite a bit himself. After sitting for a while, Xiao Qiqi got bored and refused to play anymore. Zhou Zijian had no choice but to take her out.
As soon as they reached the door, Zhou Zijian started complaining of fainting, clinging to Xiao Qiqi's shoulder and refusing to get up. He mumbled something, unable to explain where he was staying, insisting on going home with Xiao Qiqi. Xiao Qiqi thought for a moment, then casually took his wallet's card, swiped it to pay for a room at a nearby hotel, and tossed him inside. "Going to a hotel isn't so bad," Zhou Zijian thought as Xiao Qiqi helped him onto the bed. What followed was predictable: Zhou Zijian, pretending to be drunk, clung to Xiao Qiqi and wouldn't let go, his foul mouth and hands becoming increasingly unruly.
Xiao Qiqi initially resisted with restraint, but when she saw his hand about to slip inside the neckline of her low-cut sweater, she disregarded it all and kicked him with the fierce strength she used to have when playing soccer. The kick wasn't hard, but it wasn't light either; a man's genitals aren't as solid as a soccer ball, and Zhou Zijian gloriously sprawled on the ground, groaning in pain, his slight intoxication vanishing completely. Xiao Qiqi coldly watched Zhou Zijian, writhing in agony as he clutched his groin, and sighed. Heartless and ungrateful—there was a reason for it all.
Chen Yuanxing received Zhou Zijian's call on Christmas Eve. Zhou Zijian said, "Chen Yuanxing, you bastard! The woman you brought back can't be described as a rose with thorns, she's a thorn tree!" After listening to Zhou Zijian ramble on about what happened that night, Chen Yuanxing burst into laughter, making Yu Yao and Kuang Shan, who were playing with him, look at him for a long time, completely bewildered.
Chen Yuanxing's mood immediately improved. He found the couples cuddling on the street to be exceptionally adorable. Finally, after leaving, he dialed Xiao Qiqi's number for the first time.
Xiao Qiqi had just opened her door with a triumphant feeling when she received a call from Chen Yuanxing. She'd barely said "hello" when Chen Yuanxing said in a strange voice, "Senior sister, shouldn't you pay me back?" Those words sent a flood of irritating thoughts into Xiao Qiqi's mind, making her anything but happy. So she blurted out something she shouldn't have: "I'm not paying you back, so what can you do about it?"
"Then I'll stay at your house." Chen Yuanxing was in a good mood. He touched the huge red Santa Claus hat at the entrance of the gift shop, imagining that this was Xiao Qiqi's rosy face from that day. He pinched it hard. He felt a bit cheated that he didn't pinch her more when she was unconscious. Once this woman was resurrected, she was completely different. He couldn't take advantage of her at all.
"Whatever, I'll take your life if you want nothing else." Xiao Qiqi was in a really bad mood tonight. It was supposed to be a peaceful Christmas Eve, but she had to get rid of Zhou Zijian's harassment, deal with Chen Dashao's inexplicable debt collection, and face the loneliness of being alone. After saying this, Xiao Qiqi hung up the phone. Chen Yuanxing called again, but she refused to answer, and finally simply turned off her phone. Sitting on the living room sofa watching TV, festive fireworks lit up the sky, beautiful beyond words. She went to the balcony to smoke, looking at the hazy lights outside the window. The cold night, carrying a chilly wind, lashed against the transparent glass, leaving no trace but a cold feeling. Tears easily dripped down her cheeks.
The first time I logged onto the alumni website after graduation, I felt a pang of heartache as I typed in the password. Perhaps I should change it. The alumni website was filled with lengthy messages, including several from Huang Yu and Lin Wen, who had contacted her. I even had their new phone numbers listed. Continuing to read through them, the frequent messages from Xu Chun in the US gradually overwhelmed me. I quickly closed the webpage. Even after six months of reflection, the heartache and longing remained. I searched through QQ but couldn't find that familiar name; I had already deleted it. I went to my email, to that familiar address, and trembled for a long time before finally mustering the courage to open it. There was only one poem by Tagore, "The Furthest Distance in the World," nothing else. I scrolled through all the unread messages—yes, only that one, dated July 2nd.
After get off work, Xiao Qiqi continued to keep Fang Xuelian company. Fang Xuelian had small eyes and thick lips, but was extremely eloquent, always leaving Xu Qing speechless. Fang Xuelian put Xiao Qiqi's hands into the pockets of her thick down jacket. "Xiao Qiqi, it's so cold today, you should buy a down jacket." Xiao Qiqi smiled bitterly. She was saving money to pay off her debts, so she would make do. Except for this short stretch of road where she couldn't enjoy the heating, she was in a warm greenhouse, so she wasn't too upset. "I'll buy one when I get my year-end bonus." Fang Xuelian's thick down jacket pockets were very warm. She had once put her hands into that person's pocket like this, and he would hold her hand, their fingers intertwined. That warmth and happiness, but happiness always comes quickly, like fireworks, brilliant for a moment, lonely for a moment, but never lasting.
Fang Xuelian shook Xiao Qiqi's arm, "Are you silly? Afraid that Xu Qing won't give you your year-end bonus? Don't worry, if he dares, I'll go tell your uncle." Xiao Qiqi looked down at Fang Xuelian, who was almost a head shorter than her, and was very grateful for her sincere gaze. "Thank you, Xuelian." Fang Xuelian shook her head happily, "No need, but are you going to agree to Xuefei's request or not?" Xiao Qiqi's heart had just settled down when Fang Xuelian pulled her back into the snow cave. Fang Xuefei, the son of Director Fang, had seen Xiao Qiqi at the company by chance and immediately took her as his dream lover.
"Ah, it's snowing." Xiao Qiqi looked up and felt a cool, refreshing sensation on her face. She reached out her hand, and flakes of pure white snowflakes drifted down from the sky, like fairies draped in white veils, dancing and falling to earth. Xiao Qiqi was overjoyed, jumping and laughing as she caught the pure white snowflakes, feeling their cool touch. Fang Xuelian followed behind Xiao Qiqi, muttering in confusion, "It's snowing, what's so exciting about that?"
Tears of laughter melted beneath the snowflakes, quickly turning into the cold wind. In a corner of Xiao Qiqi's heart, he said, "Winter brings endless snow, a white ocean of blossoms, as beautiful as a painting. If you ever see snow, remember to tell me, is it as others describe, so enchanting?" But he no longer needed her descriptions, did he?
From that day on, Chen Yuanxing called Xiao Qiqi every day, saying nothing but meaningless things like "pay back the money." At first, Xiao Qiqi earnestly discussed methods and dates for repayment, but later she would angrily snap, "I have no money, but you can take my life," and then hang up. Chen Yuanxing, on the other end, laughed carefree, even whistling occasionally. He found being a creditor quite pleasant, especially after he had seriously thought things through. This good mood irresistibly turned into an eager anticipation of returning home for the holidays. Xiao Qiqi, of course, was not so happy.
Xu Qing had been nagging for months without getting his hands on Xiao Qiqi, and he was already hopelessly infatuated with her. Finally, he seized the opportunity. He deliberately signed the year-end bonus list in front of Xiao Qiqi, then pointed meaningfully at her name, saying, "Xiao Qiqi, you've only been with the company for less than half a year, right?" Xiao Qiqi, as always, stood outside the door where she could be seen, bowing obsequiously and answering "Yes." After all, the year-end bonus was a considerable sum, and if she could get some, it would save her from the daily harassment from Chen Yuanxing, that debt collector.
Xu Qing hesitated, waving his pen. "Oh dear, Xiao Qiqi, that's difficult. According to company policy, you only get a year-end bonus after a full year of service." He then smiled slyly at Xiao Qiqi. Xiao Qiqi knew this all too well; the year-end bonus was entirely decided by the general manager, and who received it and how much was entirely up to Xu Qing. Gritting her teeth, she pleaded, "Mr. Xu, you see I've worked diligently and conscientiously; even if I haven't achieved great things, I've certainly put in the effort. Could you please give me some more consideration?"
"Oh, by the way, Xiao, I'm going to a cocktail party this Saturday night and I'm having trouble finding a dance partner. Do you have time?" Xu Qing looked at Xiao Qiqi with a smug smile. "This bonus is meant to encourage employees, and of course, we should give special treatment to employees who perform well."
Xiao Qiqi understood the meaning behind his words perfectly. She remembered that this party was the company's 20th anniversary celebration, so Fang Xuelian might also attend. Even if she didn't attend, she would persuade her to attend, so it wouldn't be a bad idea to accompany Xu Qing. So she nodded: "President Xu, I don't have any plans for this Saturday, so thank you for giving me this opportunity to broaden my horizons."
Xu Qing nodded in satisfaction, then wrote a number after Xiao Qiqi's name with a flourish of his pen. Xiao Qiqi breathed a sigh of relief, but then watched as he put the list in the drawer and said with a smile, "There are still more than three weeks until the New Year, so let's pay the year-end bonus next week." Xiao Qiqi could only stare helplessly. This was Xu Qing's scheme, but she was a woman who would bow down for a pittance, so she had no choice but to persuade Fang Xuelian to attend the anniversary celebration party.
XVI. Winter Vacation
Convincing Fang Xuelian to attend the company's anniversary celebration wouldn't have been difficult, but Fang Xuelian went on a business trip to Hong Kong with her department manager on Wednesday and didn't return until Sunday. Fang Xuelian had never been to Hong Kong before, and the mere mention of shopping made her dizzy with excitement; she even forgot about the anniversary party on Saturday. Xiao Qiqi watched as Fang Xuelian happily packed her bags and flew away, further convincing her it was a conspiracy. She couldn't drink; what would Xu Qing do? Force her to drink and then… not go? That would mean losing her bonus, which meant she couldn't repay Chen Yuanxing; going, on the other hand, seemed like a trap—would she fall into it?
On Saturday, Xiao Qiqi paced back and forth at home, feeling restless and hesitant. If she tried to find an excuse to avoid him now, she would definitely anger Xu Qing, but going would be too dangerous.
Just then, Chen Yuanxing excitedly rang Xiao Qiqi's door. Without a second thought, Xiao Qiqi opened the door and met Chen Yuanxing's slanted, flirtatious eyes. The flames of anger within her flared into a raging inferno. "What are you doing here? Collecting a debt? Didn't I tell you, I have no money, but you can take my life!" She was acting like a complete scoundrel, but she was driven to this by Chen Yuanxing, and his despicable friend Zhou Zijian—what a piece of trash!
Chen Yuanxing grinned and pushed aside Xiao Qiqi's hand that was resting on the door frame, then casually took off his down jacket and looked for his shoes.
"Hey, those are other people's slippers!" Xiao Qiqi frowned, watching him slip on his neighbor Zhang Xiaoyi's rabbit fur slippers. She crossed her arms. Wasn't this guy driven away by her "snobbishness, vanity, and love of money"? Why is he back? Xiao Qiqi sighed inwardly. Zhou Zijian was a wealthy young man, right? She'd kicked him out, and Chen Yuanxing, as his crony, naturally knew. He didn't seem stupid; he probably realized she'd deliberately provoked him to leave. It seemed that tactic had indeed backfired.
Xiao Qiqi's thinking was correct. Once school started, Chen Yuanxing immersed himself in the cutthroat, carefree life of his school friends, and indeed forgot about Xiao Qiqi's problem for a long time. When he occasionally thought about it, he always avoided thinking about it. It wasn't until after Zhou Zijian's "anti-wolf kick" incident that he carefully considered the whole story of Xiao Qiqi. He wasn't stupid; he had seen many people since childhood with his parents, so he quickly realized that Xiao Qiqi's deliberate display of snobbishness and vanity was just a way of indirectly getting rid of him. As for why she wanted to get rid of him, he didn't want to think about it, so he stopped. He started calling Xiao Qiqi every day, and he found that giving her a few harsh words wasn't so bad; it even became somewhat addictive. Of course, at this point, he couldn't see these subtle clues. He simply followed his heart; as soon as the holidays started, he rushed over and naturally squeezed into Xiao Qiqi's life.
The shoes were too small, with most of Chen Yuanxing's foot sticking out. He crossed his legs and said, "These slippers are really comfortable. I'll buy a pair tomorrow."
Xiao Qiqi felt a little dizzy and leaned against the wall. "How old are you this year?"
"What? Investigating my household registration, setting me up on a blind date?" Chen Yuanxing and Xiao Qiqi had gotten used to bickering lately, and it came out naturally to them.
"Are you still going on blind dates? Don't you claim to have countless female confidantes?" Xiao Qiqi ignored him, went into her room, and closed the door. A hand squeezed in, "Why are you closing the door?"
"I'll change!" She should still go to the party. She had to avoid one of these two troublemakers. Being with Chen Yuanxing made her feel inferior, like she was burdened with debt and couldn't breathe. Besides, his presence would trigger too many unpleasant memories. She rummaged through her closet—what should she wear to the party? Should she wear a dress like those celebrities on TV in the dead of winter? Looking at herself in the mirror, Xiao Qiqi suddenly smiled. A sweater and jeans—ah, Xu Qing wanted her to be his dance partner, right? If she showed up like this, would his face fall to his neck? Thinking of Xu Qing's unpleasant expression, Xiao Qiqi's mood instantly improved.
As she stepped out of the room, Chen Yuanxing looked her up and down. "Where are your clothes?" Xiao Qiqi was about to put on her shoes when she said, "I'm going out."
"Why are you kicking me out? You don't have to do this!" Chen Yuanxing stood in front of the TV cabinet, rummaging through the pile of DVDs. "Haha... Xiao Qiqi, you're so childish. Korean dramas? That's disgusting!"
"Mind your own business!" Xiao Qiqi walked over and snatched the CD from his hand. "Who told you to touch my things!"
Seeing her frown in anger, Chen Yuanxing still smiled and said, "By the way, Xiao Qiqi, when did I ever tell you that I have female confidantes all over the world?"
Xiao Qiqi was taken aback. What Fengshenzhidian said was actually what Chen Yuanxing said. She knew it, but he didn't. "Anyway, you said it." Chen Yuanxing's phoenix eyes shimmered. "Xiao Qiqi, did your mother teach you that you shouldn't do anything against your conscience?"
Xiao Qiqi dodged his close face, "...What do you mean?"
Chen Yuanxing casually sat back on the sofa. "Sigh, do you know what news I heard when I went back to school?"
Xiao Qiqi's heart skipped a beat, and her face immediately darkened. "What?"
Seeing that hopeless desolation return to her face, Chen Yuanxing felt a pang of heartache. Why was she always like this? Her complexion was indeed much better than it had been six months ago, rosier and rounder, but occasionally that pale look would flicker across her eyes. He forced a calm smile, "Sigh, I once saw a beautiful woman at A University, dressed in white in the dead of winter, wow, so pretty! By the way, just like you now, a real white vixen. I wonder if you've ever seen her, senior sister?"
Xiao Qiqi listened to his nonsense, her eyes blinking, and she forced a smile. Could it be? He would find out she had teased him before? "What are you talking about? I don't understand!"
"Ah!" Chen Yuanxing jumped up, grabbed Xiao Qiqi by the neck, and exclaimed exaggeratedly, "Xiao Qiqi, you damned woman, tell me, isn't it because of you that I was called a 'crazy person' by your dorm idiot Xu Chun at the gate of A University?"
As expected, the truth came out. Xiao Qiqi pinched his hand, though his hand was only lightly pinching her neck and was still a bit cold, unlike the warmth of that other person. "Who are you talking about! When did I meet you?"
"I'm talking about you. Who are you calling a mudfish?" Chen Yuanxing's hand refused to let go, still covering her neck. Gradually, the pressure on his fingers loosened, and he gently stroked her warm and smooth skin. Chen Yuanxing's smiling eyes slowly froze as he looked at Xiao Qiqi.
Xiao Qiqi was momentarily stunned, then abruptly pushed his hand away, saying, "Don't touch me again!" She turned and went inside.
Chen Yuanxing's heart skipped a beat. How strange, what was he doing? Touching that woman? Chen Yuanxing secretly pinched his hand behind his back. Was he going crazy? He followed Xiao Qiqi into the house and continued to press, "Tell me, was it you?"
"It wasn't me!" Xiao Qiqi shouted in protest almost simultaneously. Looking at Chen Yuanxing's face, which was a bit paler than Xia Tian's, with distinct and handsome features, she couldn't help but chuckle, recalling the strange expression on his face last winter when Xu Chun called him an "idiot," his features almost contorted. She laughed and laughed, unable to hold back any longer, collapsing onto the sofa and giggling uncontrollably.
Seeing her laugh, Chen Yuanxing pounced on her and tickled her. Xiao Qiqi was ticklish, so her laughter became even more uncontrollable, almost causing her heart to ache and her stomach to cramp. Chen Yuanxing only stopped when he saw that she was truly struggling to breathe. Xiao Qiqi lay panting on the sofa, as if she hadn't laughed like that in a very, very long time. Actually, it felt wonderful.
Chen Yuanxing sat on the edge of the sofa, grabbing Xiao Qiqi's hair. "Xiao Qiqi, you've known me for a long time, haven't you?"
Xiao Qiqi slowly stopped laughing and rubbed her belly, "Don't pull my hair."
"Your hair is so nice, why don't you grow it long? You would definitely look good with long hair." Chen Yuanxing unconsciously followed Xiao Qiqi's words, but then became wary. "Hey, what topic are you changing? You still haven't said whether you've known me for a long time or not? Why did you deliberately try to hurt me? You don't know, do you? That time I had several classmates waiting for me nearby, and they laughed at me for a long time."
Xiao Qiqi laughed until she was exhausted, then lay on the sofa and refused to get up. "Being scolded by a beautiful woman is a pleasure, and you're still being picky!"
"Cough, so now I'm enjoying being bullied by you every day?" Chen Yuanxing continued to play with Xiao Qiqi's hair, and Xiao Qiqi slapped his hand, "I told you, you're not allowed to touch me."
"I didn't move my foot." He said confidently.
"Oh, right, I have to attend a cocktail party. You've made me late!" Xiao Qiqi suddenly sat up. Chen Yuanxing was tugging on a strand of her hair, and the pull made her cry out in pain. She clutched her head and turned to glare at Chen Yuanxing. Startled by her gaze, Chen Yuanxing jumped away, but asked, "What cocktail party? You can't drink!"
"It's the company's anniversary." Xiao Qiqi stood up. "I'm leaving. Are you coming too?"
Chen Yuanxing followed him out of the house, saying, "If you're going to leave, then leave. Why be so fierce?"
As the two stepped outside the building, a gust of cold wind blew in, causing Xiao Qiqi to shiver despite wearing a coat. Chen Yuanxing frowned and asked, "In this cold weather, you're only wearing this much? Why aren't you wearing a down jacket?"
Xiao Qiqi rolled her eyes at him. "The world is in chaos, people are starving, and the emperor says: 'Why don't they eat meat porridge?'"
Chen Yuanxing took off his down jacket and said nonchalantly, "I studied science, I don't understand your fancy words. Here you go!"
Xiao Qiqi hugged her shoulders, momentarily lost in thought. He, too, had once unhesitatingly taken off his coat to wrap her in a warm world. Seeing Xiao Qiqi lost in thought again, Chen Yuanxing couldn't help but feel annoyed. He frowned and wrapped her in his large down jacket. "What are you daydreaming about now? Are you coming or not?" He then pulled Xiao Qiqi away, refusing to look back at her disappointed eyes. Damn woman!
Xiao Qiqi was pulled back to her senses and saw Chen Yuanxing walking straight ahead with his neck stiffened, wearing only a thin sweater. She pulled him back and said, "Hey, what are you angry about? Is it because I stole your clothes?"
Chen Yuanxing turned around and saw her somewhat ingratiating smile, and his heart softened. He forced a smile and said, "Who's going to compete with you? Do you think everyone is like you, with such poor health? I exercise every day and I'm as strong as an ox."
"Alright, Old Niu's off!" Xiao Qiqi tugged at his sleeve and asked with concern, "Aren't you cold?"
"It's cold, freezing cold." Chen Yuanxing suddenly shook off her hand and ran away as fast as he could. Annoyed, why did his heart race whenever her voice softened?
"Hey, where are you going?" Xiao Qiqi chased after him for a few steps, reaching the alley entrance. She saw Chen Yuanxing standing under the desolate ancient locust tree, staring blankly at the withered branches. She walked over and asked, "What are you looking at?"
"Watching the fruit trees blossom and the seeds sprout." Chen Yuanxing resumed his carefree, roguish demeanor.
Xiao Qiqi took off his down jacket. "I'm going to catch the bus over there. You go home, okay?"
Chen Yuanxing didn't take the clothes, but instead wrapped them around her again, saying impatiently, "You can't drink, so why are you going to a party? How about this, I'll take you there, and you can come out right away. I'll wait for you."
"Huh?" Xiao Qiqi was stunned. "No need!" She hesitated again. Actually, Chen Yuanxing's idea was good. They could just deal with it and come out immediately. Even if Xu Qing wanted to do something, Chen Yuanxing would be there to help. Facing this sucker was actually more appealing than the other one. "Won't you be bored?"
Chen Yuanxing shook his head: "I'm just a good-for-nothing young master, I'm bored no matter where I go." He then waved for a car.
Xiao Qiqi patted his hand, "Let's take the bus." Chen Yuanxing shrugged, "Sister, I'm cold!" Xiao Qiqi was speechless, "...Then I won't pay for the bus fare."
"I know, I know." Chen Yuanxing pushed her into the taxi, then got in himself. As the car started moving, he grinned and raised an eyebrow. "It's on your tab!" Xiao Qiqi looked at his playful face and started to get angry again. "No way!" Why should she be the one to pay the debt?
The two started arguing in the car. No matter what, Chen Yuanxing was carefree and Xiao Qiqi couldn't do anything about it, so she simply ignored him. Chen Yuanxing was in a good mood and started whistling a tune out the car window, his notes clear and melodious, quite impressive. Xiao Qiqi was actually very curious; she also loved whistling, but she could only produce a few single notes, unlike him who could play entire pieces.
"Want to learn?" Chen Yuanxing suddenly turned around, leaned close to Xiao Qiqi, his peach blossom eyes sparkling like lakes. Xiao Qiqi was startled and pushed him away, "Get lost!"
17. Hitting someone
The standoff between the two was broken by Xiao Qiqi's phone ringing. Upon seeing the number, Xiao Qiqi frowned, but still maintained a respectful smile: "Hello, Mr. Xu." Xu Qing was indeed urging Xiao Qiqi to hurry; it turned out he had already arrived. Xiao Qiqi put down her phone, feeling troubled.
"A man?" Chen Yuanxing looked closely at Xiao Qiqi's eyes. "A dance partner? A manager?"
"Mind your own business!" Xiao Qiqi's mood returned to its depressed state. Damn Xu Qing!
"If you don't like it, then don't go." Chen Yuanxing sized up Xiao Qiqi. "Look at you dressed like that, what man would ask you to be his dance partner? Wouldn't you be utterly humiliated?"
"I didn't embarrass you, why are you in such a hurry?" Xiao Qiqi rolled her eyes and glared at him.
"Could it be that the manager forced you to go with him?" Chen Yuanxing's expression turned serious. "Judging from your expression, that must be it. Don't go."
"I told you not to interfere! I can go if I want, is that a problem?" Xiao Qiqi frowned, annoyed. They arrived at the hotel for the party, and Xiao Qiqi opened the car door and left, while Chen Yuanxing, paying the bill, was naturally slower.