“If it’s easy, do it yourself. I definitely won’t interfere.” Xiao Qiqi unexpectedly argued with President Wei.
"What are you saying in anger? They said they wanted to decorate the most elegant and luxurious model house in Yanshan Renjia, that's not what they meant. Xiao, you're not like this before, why are you acting so strangely today? Could it be that President Chen's heroic rescue last night..."
"President Wei!" Xiao Qiqi pushed back her chair with a thud. "I'm taking the day off."
As soon as the conference room door was opened, a politely smiling secretary greeted them, "Ms. Xiao, Mr. Wei, our General Manager Chen said that this is the first time he has cooperated with Yongcheng, and he would like to have lunch together later. Would you do me the honor?"
Mr. Wei, who followed him out, immediately nodded and said, "That's our honor, thank you."
"Then please come with me to the lounge for a cup of coffee. Our General Manager Chen will be down shortly."
"Excuse me, I have an appointment. Mr. Wei, please go with Mr. Chen." Xiao Qiqi smiled politely. "Miss, may I ask which floor the design department is on?"
The young lady was clearly taken aback for a moment, but quickly smiled and said, "Seventh floor. Since Miss Xiao has an appointment, I will report to General Manager Chen. Mr. Wei, please follow me."
Xiao Qiqi declined the other woman's offer of help, limped to the elevator, took it down to the seventh floor, dialed a number, and said, "Jiang Yilan, I'm at the elevator entrance on the seventh floor of Huayuan. You have one minute to get out." Then she hung up.
Jiang Yilan had changed a lot in just a few days. She was decked out in designer brands from head to toe, even the chain around her neck was adorned with dazzling gemstones, her expensive watch was a trendy design, and she wore two matching earrings. She exuded feminine charm and elegance. Xiao Qiqi sat with Jiang Yilan in the restaurant on the second floor of the Huayuan Building. After scrutinizing Jiang Yilan hundreds of times, he held up his glass and said, "Old Zhao called me last night."
Jiang Yilan stirred her coffee, a nonchalant smile playing on her lips. "He's a madman, he's always going on and on! Called you again? He called my family a few days ago, but now he calls me a friend."
"Aren't you going to ask him what he said to me?"
"What's there to ask? It's the same old stuff, all that 'you're good to me,' and 'don't break up with me!' Ha, now I realize how boring and childish that guy really is!"
Xiao Qiqi sighed, "Basket, you've really changed." After hesitating for a moment, she continued, "...You have a new boyfriend now?"
Jiang Yilan lowered her head and hummed in agreement, "Rich."
"...Was that the person from that night?" Xiao Qiqi couldn't help but ask.
Jiang Yilan looked up, her big eyes crinkling, "...No, you don't know her."
Xiao Qiqi was surprisingly relaxed. "Lan'er, I don't know how to advise you, because I'm clueless when it comes to relationships. Sometimes I don't even know what I'm pursuing or what I want. I thought about what you said that day for a long time. Maybe we really will make different choices. So, I just want to say that no matter what, no matter who you're with, protect yourself, don't get hurt, don't regret it, and most importantly, don't cry. That's my final advice to you."
Jiang Yilan was momentarily stunned, then looked at Xiao Qiqi and a single tear slowly rolled down her cheek. "Qiqi, I'm really touched that you said that to me. I thought you would scold me like they did... My mom even called and scolded me for being shameless."
Xiao Qiqi wiped away Jiang Yilan's tears, "Silly girl, we've been going to school together since we were twelve, and we've spent most of our lives together. We're best friends, and we've vowed to be friends for life. So, no matter where we go in the future, please don't forget that I'll always stand by your side."
Jiang Yilan nodded with tears in her eyes, "...Qiqi, I..." Hesitating whether to speak, she was drawn to a few loud whispers.
Several men drinking coffee, the Huayuan logo on their suit pockets indicating they were colleagues from this building, one of them staring intently at Xiao Qiqi, "That's right, it was definitely her that night!" His voice was loud, as if afraid Xiao Qiqi wouldn't hear him.
Jiang Yilan turned to look at Xiao Qiqi curiously, "What did they say?"
Xiao Qiqi smiled bitterly, "I don't know!" She remembered the one who spoke loudly; that night, Chen Yuanxing leaned on her shoulder and acted coquettishly, which was seen by several Huayuan colleagues, and that person was one of them. "I have something to do, I'm leaving."
Jiang Yilan nodded, frowning as she looked at Xiao Qiqi's feet. "You're already like this, and you're still running around. Xiao Qiqi, are you out of your mind?" Her brows furrowed deeply. "Your shoes... are quite interesting."
"Yeah, a friend gave it to me. There's nothing I can do, the pig's feet can only wear these." Xiao Qiqi couldn't help but smile.
Jiang Yilan stood at the window, watching Xiao Qiqi limp into a taxi, pick up her phone, and dial a number. "I miss you. Want to treat me to lunch?"
"A friend injured her foot, so I'm bringing her lunch. I'll come see you tonight, okay?" The voice was gentle and tender, even the doting tone felt natural. Although Jiang Yilan was a little disappointed, she still smiled and hung up the phone.
XVI. Xia Xuan
Xiao Qiqi took a taxi straight home and turned off her phone as a form of protest against President Wei. As soon as she got out of the car, a pair of strong arms supported her. A faint scent of cologne wafted from the arm, and a gentle smile filled the air. "Qiqi, you hurt your foot and still went out?"
Xiao Qiqi smiled wryly, "You gave me shoes so you could go out, didn't you?"
Xia Xuan shrugged indifferently, "I was wrong, I should have sent a pair of leg irons."
Xiao Qiqi ignored him and went up the steps before going upstairs.
"Qiqi, haven't you had lunch yet? I've brought you some takeout. Aren't you going to invite me in?"
“No! Is Mr. Xia very free?” Xiao Qiqi held onto the metal handle next to the steps, looking a little strained.
Xia Xuan reached out and supported Xiao Qiqi's waist. "Then I'll take you home and watch you bring the takeout inside, is that alright?" Her gentle question made it hard for her to refuse.
"That's enough. Order my takeout." Xiao Qiqi answered decisively. The feelings she had developed over the years weren't like wine, which only gets better with age; rather, they were a slow-acting poison, gradually numbing her sense of pain. Although there had been moments of confusion, hesitation, and sadness, those were, after all, dreams, and eventually, one must wake up.
"Okay!" Xia Xuan was always polite, attentive, and considerate. What would Chen Yuanxing be like? Xiao Qiqi couldn't help but compare them in her mind. He would pick her up and carry her into the elevator without hesitation, then open the door familiarly, go inside to change shoes, change clothes, turn on the TV, and go to sleep, oblivious to everyone else. Although they both possessed the same outwardly impressive gentleness, politeness, consideration, and elegance, they were so different at their core. Xia Xuan was a polite aristocrat inside and out, while Chen Yuanxing was a domineering big boy at heart.
Xiao Qiqi turned around and saw Xia Xuan standing by the car waving at her. She couldn't help but feel annoyed. Why was she becoming more and more strange? Why was she comparing them?
Two days later, her foot was still a little swollen, but it was fine. Although Xiao Qiqi resolutely ignored the decoration of the "model house" at Huayuan Yanshan Renjia, President Wei was surprisingly good-natured, tirelessly seeking her opinion every time, leaving Xiao Qiqi speechless with frustration. What exactly was President Wei up to? Could he really not see through such a little trick? Model house? Aha! Xiao Qiqi was even more confused about Chen Yuanxing's thoughts. Since he stopped answering her calls that day, they hadn't spoken except for their meeting at the cocktail party. Perhaps he really did consider her a confidante, knowing she understood his interests, so he spent some money to have her help him decorate his new house. New house? Was it with that pretty girl named Su Yan?
These past two days, Xia Xuan has continued to bring her meals and various little trinkets as usual. Although she remains aloof, he doesn't seem to care and persists relentlessly. Just look at those roses—Xiao Qiqi's head throbs at the sight of yet another bouquet of vibrant red roses in the office.
Is this how he's been pursuing women all these years? A dozen roses a day, and his Lamborghini that attracts attention from hundreds of meters away—it's so enviable. Now, Xiao Qiqi is so scared that she avoids people even when she goes to the bathroom; the eager gazes from everyone in the building, even the security guard at the door, terrify her.
Xiao Qiqi scurried into Xia Xuan's car as if fleeing, "Let's go!" She looked impatiently out the window, where several colleagues who had followed her were looking at her with envy. "...Mr. Xia, let me ask you a very honest question, don't you have anything else to do?"
"Yeah, I'm very busy! But no matter how busy I am, I still have to pick up my girlfriend. It's basic courtesy." Xia Xuan said calmly and confidently.
"You, how have you changed so much?" Xiao Qiqi looked curiously at the man beside her, whose lips were firm yet who always wore a smile. "You weren't like this before. Have you always pursued women like this?"
"Truth or lie?" Xia Xuan looked straight ahead, a deep smile on his lips indicating that he was in a good mood.
"nonsense!"
"Of course! That means it's only for you. As for other women, oh ho, do you think I need to pursue them?"
A seemingly joking remark left Xiao Qiqi speechless. Yes, with his current status as the eldest grandson of the Xia Group, he could easily have plenty of women at his beck and call, right? "But, Xia Xuan, don't forget, I'm not one of those women!"
"I haven't forgotten, that's why I'm pursuing you."
"...And what about Xu Chun? Have you forgotten that you still have a fiancée, Mr. Xia?"
“Oh, Xu Chun? If you mind, I can break off the engagement with her.”
"What? Xia Xuan, are you crazy? Do you know what you're saying or doing?" Xiao Qiqi's voice rose. "Xia Xuan, I know you're pursuing me again because of past regrets, but do you think everything will be the same as before? Can we go back to the innocence we once had?"
"How would you know if you haven't tried? Qiqi, don't make a fuss, be good!" Xia Xuan reached out a hand and stroked Xiao Qiqi's head as before. "I'm most afraid of you getting angry. Every time you get angry, I feel like I'm going to be abandoned."
"I'm not angry!" Xiao Qiqi said in a muffled voice. "Xia Xuan, stop playing around. You know we can't be together. Even without those past events and those unbearable memories, at least I can't let Xu Chun down."
"Don't talk nonsense. When have you ever wronged her? She's the one who wronged you, you fool!"
“She…didn’t do anything wrong to me.” Xiao Qiqi felt a chill run down her spine, and her voice trembled slightly.
"Whether it's true or not, you know, and I know too. Although I didn't know before, I can tell you very clearly now that I know everything, from beginning to end. So, Xiao Qiqi, you can't escape this time! You've been out of my sight for six years, do you really think I'll let you go this time?" Xia Xuan's gentle tone and magnetic voice seductively assaulted Xiao Qiqi's senses.
"What are you saying? I don't understand." Xiao Qiqi's fingers were already trembling uncontrollably.
"Qiqi, you're always so kind. Don't you understand that kind people always suffer? Can you really use the word 'give' to describe feelings? So, you're a fool."
"I'm such an idiot!" Xiao Qiqi shouted angrily, "Stop the car!"
Xia Xuan continued, "Qiqi, stop yelling. The louder you yell, the more humble you seem. Now shout out loud, 'Xiao Qiqi has never loved Xia Xuan.' If you dare to say it, I swear I will never appear in front of you again."
Xiao Qiqi sighed, "You're cheating! You know perfectly well..."
"Know what?"
"...I loved you so much."
“I don’t want ‘the past,’ I’m greedy, I want ‘Xiao Qiqi to love Xia Xuan forever.’” Xia Xuan’s words seemed to pierce Xiao Qiqi’s heart from the distant starry sky with the clang of metal. “Xiao Qiqi, this time, you can’t escape.” A wicked smile flashed in Xia Xuan’s eyes, but Xiao Qiqi didn’t see it.
Xia Xuan was always a noble prince, with good manners, proper etiquette, and a perpetually gentle smile that made you intoxicated by his tenderness, unable to extricate yourself, and losing your way. Eighteen-year-old Xiao Qiqi was thus dragged into a dead end by his gentle smile.
She once looked down on him, loudly calling him an ugly "tadpole," but he wasn't angry. He just gently touched her face with his slender fingers, from her eyelids to her lips, as gentle as a triumphant snake, slippery, feeling Xiao Qiqi's fearful trembling. "Then you are that dark loach in the night, I can always touch you, but I can never catch you."
They remained in a state of ambiguity. He endured her capriciousness, tantrums, and flamboyance, yet refused to confess his love. She feigned nonchalance, exaggerated her behavior, and tormented him, also refusing to admit to love. They were like silent storms in the dark night, entangled yet devoid of light. They played games all night, attacked each other, wrote satirical articles, drank together, and then sat on the street crying. He spoke of his mother, over and over, in anguish and tears. She listened quietly, letting him hold her, their body heat keeping them warm like a winter's day. Until they secretly went on a trip to Huangshan. He took her hand and wrote "Xia Xuan loves Xiao Qiqi" in her palm with his finger, then took her hand and wrote "Xiao Qiqi loves Xia Xuan" in his palm, before intertwining their fingers. He kissed her, saying "I love you." They kissed passionately, demanding and raving. The fresh grass, the cool breeze, the jagged cliffs, the clouds, pines, and waves witnessed their first honest encounter. They became entangled in a frenzy, exploring each other's secrets. They kissed, whispered sweet nothings, and made love. Everything was like that of young lovers experiencing their first love, indulging in obsession and sinking into the pinnacle of their world.
Those days felt like a dream. A month later, they broke up. She watched him walk towards Xu Chun, speak to her in the same gentle voice, and watch them walk hand in hand, carrying their bags as they left the campus they had spent four years on. She could only maintain a forced smile, offering blessings, bidding farewell, and waving goodbye, enduring the agonizing pain in her heart. She lay weakly on the wooden bed, sinking into unconsciousness and darkness, unable to find a way out.
Because Xu Chun cried, "Qi Qi, I love Xia Xuan! What am I going to do? I love him! I'll die without him! Even though he was drunk, it's all true. Qi Qi, you and Xia Xuan are good friends, please help me! Please help me!" Xu Chun's tears were pure, like glistening pearls, sliding down her fair and beautiful face, each drop landing in Xiao Qi Qi's heart. They didn't know about Xiao Qi Qi and Xia Xuan's love, because Xiao Qi Qi stubbornly said, "We'll be together after graduation. I want to surprise them many years later." At that time, she was so stubborn and naive. There were only two months left until graduation, and Xia Xuan doted on her, indulging her every whim.
Xiao Qiqi has always been stubborn, innocent, kind, willful, and even exaggeratedly flamboyant. She wears her brother's oversized T-shirts, her father's blue sweater, her mother's old-fashioned red scarf, and even ridiculously ripped jeans. Occasionally, she'll curl her hair in a feminine way, wear a princess dress, and adorn herself with a bow, all while remaining quiet and reserved. She writes witty and satirical articles that get banned by the school, plays video games all night, forgets about exams because she's sleeping, drinks heavily, raises her eyebrows and curses, and can also be incredibly gentle and clingy. That's how she lived through her most youthful years, living life on her own terms.
Xu Chun was different. She was a fairy-like beauty, a porcelain doll, her beauty tinged with a delicate innocence. She liked to cling to Xiao Qiqi, calling him "husband" in a sweet, coquettish voice. She would cry on his shoulder in the dark of night, recounting the nightmare of being raped by her brother-in-law and her sister's suicide during middle school, yet the next day she would still smile sincerely. Perhaps at that moment, Xiao Qiqi couldn't bear to see Xu Chun's tears, for it would break his heart. Was such a lovely and kind girl truly a cruel mistress of fate?
She and Xia Xuan parted ways, watching Xia Xuan walk into Xu Chun's arms. In reality, she was simply kind, not foolish. Many things happened afterward, and as she carefully considered the events, the threads of her story connected. Although she understood many things, learned many truths, and realized Xu Chun's lies, she kept telling herself: don't regret what you've done. And don't hate. God gave us black eyes to seek the light, so never view anything with a heart full of slander, torment, or hatred, even deception and harm. Therefore, she still didn't hate Xu Chun, nor did she resent Xia Xuan. Although she was constantly heartbroken, although she cried uncontrollably in her dreams, and although she paid a heavy price because of Xia Xuan.
"What are you thinking about, so engrossed?" Xia Xuan pulled Xiao Qiqi's hand and walked into a men's clothing store, gently pinching Xiao Qiqi's small nose. "Still so prone to daydreaming! We didn't bring many clothes with us to Beijing, can you help us pick out a few?"
Xiao Qiqi nodded, "Okay!"
Xiao Qiqi followed Xia Xuan and watched him walk to the men's underwear rack, frowning, "You're not going to make me pick out underwear for you, are you?"
"Well, I only wear underwear and socks once, so I need to prepare a lot. Come on, help me pick some out," Xia Xuan replied naturally.
Xiao Qiqi dodged the saleswoman's knowing smile. "You spendthrift!" she exclaimed, pointing to a few items. "They're all nice!"
"Hmm, Qiqi understands me well. I like solid colors. Miss, ten of each of these, please wrap them all up."
Xiao Qiqi felt a chill. Were all these men crazy? Although Xiao Qiqi was somewhat attractive, she was by no means a beauty of unparalleled grace. How could so many good men be throwing themselves at her like that? Were they flies, and she the dog blood? Xiao Qiqi shook her head again and gave a bitter smile. Her luck with men was too good. No wonder her mother called to say that she would be plagued by romantic troubles this year. Chen Yuanxing was out of the question; he was a strange sucker. Xiao Ning was an awkward little boy. Even Li Yue, who had never been close to her, called her every day. Add to that the gentle Xia Xuan, who was like a ghost that she couldn't shake off. If Xiao Qiqi hadn't lost her youthful arrogance, she probably would have been standing on the Central Radio and Television Tower singing a song.
"Qiqi, if you keep laughing like that, I'm going to kiss you." The waitress was packing clothes when Xia Xuan suddenly whispered in her ear. Xiao Qiqi let out an "Ah!" and turned her head. Xia Xuan kissed her lips without warning. "Ugh...you..." Xia Xuan's nimble tongue took the opportunity to slip between her lips and teeth, teasing and twisting, sucking and biting. Xia Xuan's kissing skills were a thousand times better than before. Xiao Qiqi felt as if she was suffocating and was being immersed in this long kiss. Her hands, which had been pushing against Xia Xuan's chest, slowly fell down.
Finally, she could breathe again. Xia Xuan's lips parted, and Xiao Qiqi's face was as red as a peach blossom, her lips undoubtedly stained crimson. Xiao Qiqi glared angrily at Xia Xuan, "...What do you want to do with so many people around?"
Xia Xuan took the card the waitress was offering, trying not to laugh. "Miss, please don't laugh. My girlfriend is shy."
Xiao Qiqi forced a smile and strode out of the store. Was she tempted or annoyed? Xiao Qiqi smiled bitterly.
Xia Xuan followed with a smile, took Xiao Qiqi's hand, got into the car, and drove off. The dazzling deep purple Lamborghini, like a purple tulip, fell into the city's woven fabric.
A blue Bentley slowly drove out of the alleyway beside the street. The woman inside had long, flowing hair and wore sunglasses on her fair face. Only her small, red lips were visible, which she was biting seductively. Her fingers gripped the steering wheel, and the veins on them were faintly visible.
17. Winged
Xiao Qiqi walked into Huayuan Building again, watched the elevator numbers slowly turn to eighteen, stopped, patted her face, and put on a perfect smile.
It was rare for Su Yan to see Gu Lian in the dormitory. "Didn't you go on a date with Zhou Zijian?"
Gu Lian applied eyeshadow in front of the mirror and said calmly, "We broke up."
"Huh?" Su Yan's hand trembled as she combed her hair, almost dropping the comb. "Break up?"
"Um, I'm going out to look at houses in a bit, do you want to come?"
"Looking at houses?" Su Yan was still in shock from the breakup. "You said you're going to buy a house?"
"Yeah, buying a house. Getting a breakup fee. Haha, don't look at me like that, those two months of my youth were worth it. By the way, are we going to audition at Huatian tomorrow?"
"Yes! I was just about to ask you that. Shall we go together?"