After Escaping Marriage - Chapter 112
Chapter 112
“Miss Wei, Miss Wei?”
Cheng Yuanxi watched as the young woman before him suddenly looked as if she had received a heavy blow. Her already pale face turned even whiter, and even her red lips lost their color.
Song Qingrou was looking at Yu Qingtang, her eyes shining.
So alike, truly so alike.
Her features were picturesque, like an immortal banished to the mortal realm, almost an exact replica of Yu Ci. She had a tear mole at the corner of her eye, but it didn't detract from her beauty; instead, it made it even harder for people to look away.
The moment Song Qingrou saw Yu Qingtang’s face, all the resentment she had felt before coming vanished without a trace. What breaking promises, what in-person apology—she didn’t know, didn’t remember. Before her eyes, there was only this person.
In Yu Qingtang’s eyes, there was also only her.
But waves of dizziness washed over her, and she couldn’t control herself enough to calmly look at the woman’s appearance. She was afraid that if she saw clearly, she would break down even more.
Cheng Zhanxi’s mother!
She had thought that her fiancé suddenly turning out to be Cheng Zhanxi’s older brother was already terrifying enough. She never expected that her mother-in… no, Cheng Zhanxi’s mother was right beside her, looking at her with an indescribably excited gaze.
“Miss Wei, Miss Wei?”
The only one who remained calm and unperturbed, Cheng Yuanxi, bent his knuckles and tapped on the table in front of Yu Qingtang.
Yu Qingtang came back to her senses and looked at Cheng Yuanxi, the brother who bore a five-tenths resemblance to Cheng Zhanxi.
Before she could even begin to compose her emotions, Song Qingrou sat down opposite Yu Qingtang, next to Cheng Yuanxi.
Yu Qingtang: “…”
Yu Qingtang lowered her eyes, staring at the coffee cup in front of her, desperately praying that this was a nightmare she was having. That when she woke up, she would still be in the hotel, not yet having left.
She secretly pinched the soft flesh of her arm.
It hurt.
Just then, Song Qingrou spoke kindly, “You’re Xiao Tang, right?”
Yu Qingtang didn’t know if she was flattered or something else, but upon hearing this, she lifted her eyelids, replying with trepidation, “Yes.”
Growing up, this was the first time someone had addressed her so affectionately.
Cheng Zhanxi would occasionally call her Tangtang, but that was between lovers. The beautiful woman in front of her spoke with the distinct concern of an elder for a junior.
Beside her, Cheng Yuanxi adjusted the cufflink on his suit sleeve, subtly curling his lip.
Before they came, his mother had declared with great bravado that she wanted to see who this audacious woman was. He had suspected then that Ms. Song just wanted to see a beauty, and sure enough, she wasn’t even this affectionate with her own son. If Ms. Song had lived in ancient times, she would definitely have been a foolish ruler who loved beauties more than her kingdom. No, she would probably most want to be the empress, with all those beauties coming to pay their respects to her daily, so happy she’d forget everything else.
Xiao Tang?
Just a couple of days ago, it was still ‘Wei Qingtang, Wei Qingtang’.
Seeing Yu Qingtang’s frightened appearance, Song Qingrou’s voice became even gentler, “Don’t be afraid, I just want to say a few words to you.”
Yu Qingtang’s throat tightened. “Please, go ahead.”
Song Qingrou smiled. “Don’t be so formal with ‘please’. Your mother and I are old acquaintances. Just call me Aunt Song.”
As soon as Aunt Song spoke, Yu Qingtang remembered that she hadn’t addressed her immediately just now, and her heart instantly sank halfway.
Had she made a terrible first impression on Cheng Zhanxi’s mother?
Song Qingrou: “?”
Why did she seem even more scared?
Yu Qingtang’s fingertips dug into her palm as she tried her best to control the tremor in her voice. “H-Hello, Aunt Song.”
Song Qingrou acknowledged with a pleased “Ai,” her expression joyful, her eyes crinkling with a smile.
Song Qingrou was captivated by her beauty, looking her up and down, unable to contain her satisfaction.
Since she didn’t speak, Yu Qingtang didn’t know how to initiate conversation. She sat there, letting Song Qingrou scrutinize her, her face almost stiff from smiling, her heart pounding with panic.
Cheng Yuanxi, who was clearly the main party but had been relegated to a background prop, cleared his throat, reminding her it was time to discuss serious matters.
Song Qingrou received the signal and reluctantly withdrew her gaze.
Cheng Yuanxi insisted on clarifying the first question: “Miss Wei, what is your relationship with my younger sister?”
Yu Qingtang’s lips trembled. She said, “I am her…” Her voice lowered, “…friend.”
Having navigated the business world for over a decade, how could Cheng Yuanxi not see the tension in her expression, that she was hiding something? “What kind of friend?”
Yu Qingtang restrained herself from lowering her head in front of the young man, her nails digging into her flesh. “A very good friend.”
“Why haven’t I heard my sister mention you?” Cheng Yuanxi’s words were somewhat inappropriate, but since it concerned Cheng Zhanxi, he couldn’t help but be suspicious.
Yu Qingtang pressed her pale lips together.
Song Qingrou immediately patted her son’s arm.
Yu Qingtang lowered her eyes. “Perhaps she just hasn’t had the chance to mention me yet.”
They had been together for over a month, and Yu Qingtang was the type to warm up slowly. Cheng Zhanxi didn’t want to pressure her, so she hadn’t mentioned Yu Qingtang much to her family. But unexpectedly, due to a strange twist of fate, Yu Qingtang ended up meeting her family alone, without Cheng Zhanxi present.
Let alone Yu Qingtang, most people, when meeting their girlfriend’s parents unprepared, would be quite frightened. To be able to sit down and chat calmly required a strong heart. Even Cheng Zhanxi couldn’t guarantee she would remain composed.
Cheng Yuanxi smiled and didn’t press further.
After Yu Qingtang’s and Song Qingrou’s coffees arrived, Cheng Yuanxi looked at the woman before him, who had regained her composure, and said gently, “Miss Wei, you wish to break off the engagement?”
Yu Qingtang didn’t correct the surname he kept using because, after today, she wouldn’t be using it anymore.
Continuing her train of thought from last night, she suddenly realized something was wrong. These were Cheng Zhanxi’s family members; barring any accidents, they would definitely meet again in the future.
Yu Qingtang said, “I go by my mother’s surname. My surname is Yu, Yu Qingtang.”
Cheng Yuanxi readily complied, “Miss Yu.”
Yu Qingtang nodded.
Cheng Yuanxi: “May I know the reason for breaking off the engagement?”
Yu Qingtang looked at the peach blossom eyes behind his lenses, similar to Cheng Zhanxi’s, and said calmly, “I already have someone I love.”
Song Qingrou’s heart jolted.
Here it comes, here it comes! It’s finally here! The melodramatic family ethics drama!
As a primary face-con, she hadn’t forgotten her side job as a writer.
Her beloved must be Wei Tingyu, right?!
Cheng Yuanxi rubbed the rim of his coffee cup, speaking unhurriedly, “If I recall correctly, this marriage was arranged last year. Since you already had someone you loved, why wait until now to break off the engagement?”
Yu Qingtang shook her head. “It was only recently that I decided to be with her.”
Cheng Yuanxi thought: Are you treating the Cheng family as a backup?
Song Qingrou thought: Did you finally convince your father?
Cheng Yuanxi’s expression turned displeased.
Yu Qingtang realized her slip of the tongue and bit her lower lip in annoyance.
Was her first impression beyond saving now?
Song Qingrou patted her son’s hand and said softly, “I understand you.”
Cheng Yuanxi: “…”
Forget it, I’ll just drink my coffee.
Yu Qingtang looked at Song Qingrou in surprise.
Song Qingrou smiled. “Hasn’t your father told you? He also broke off an engagement back then, insisting on marrying your mother.”
Yu Qingtang’s eyes widened slightly.
Song Qingrou said gently, “It’s not easy to find true love in a lifetime. If you’ve thought it through, then follow your heart.”
Although Song Qingrou couldn’t quite accept the idea of a father-daughter relationship, it was their family affair, and she wouldn’t go around criticizing it. Besides, Wei Tingyu’s feelings for Yu Qingtang were very complicated, not a simple romantic love between a man and a woman. Moreover, he was dying; it would be good for Yu Qingtang to spend his last moments with him.
Yu Qingtang was slightly moved. “Thank you, Aunt Song.”
Song Qingrou thought for a moment, then added, “But you still have a long life ahead of you. You must live well and be kind to yourself in the future.”
Yu Qingtang: “?”
She exchanged a glance with her (future) brother-in-law and found that Cheng Yuanxi’s expression was just as puzzled as hers.
What?
What was Cheng Zhanxi’s mother saying?
It didn’t matter what she was saying; Yu Qingtang just needed to nod and smile.
Song Qingrou hesitated for a moment, then spoke, “When your father discussed the marriage with us before, he said it would be a sham marriage. After a few years, Yuanxi would divorce you, and I would take you in as my goddaughter, ensuring you a worry-free life for the rest of your days. Now, although the marriage isn’t happening, if you’re willing, I still want to take you as my adopted daughter. The Wei family are like tigers and wolves; after your father passes, you, a weak woman, will be left alone and helpless…”
Yu Qingtang’s smile froze slightly.
She watched Song Qingrou’s lips move, every word reaching her ears clearly, yet she couldn’t understand what she meant.
What sham marriage? What goddaughter? What did she mean, ‘after your father passes’?
Song Qingrou sighed and looked at her sincerely. “Your mother and I are friends; you can trust me. Your father chose the Cheng family to protect you because he trusts our family. I hope you’ll consider my suggestion.”
Cheng Yuanxi took off his silver-rimmed glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose.
He didn’t want to suddenly gain a godsister out of nowhere! This was their first meeting! Wasn’t his mother moving a bit too fast!
It was expected that Song Qingrou’s suggestion wouldn’t receive an immediate response, but Yu Qingtang’s expression opposite her didn’t look like she was considering it. It was a complex mix of bewilderment, shock, and a hint of joy, difficult to decipher.
After a long while, Yu Qingtang lifted her eyelids, her eyes dark and unreadable. Her voice was a little hoarse as she asked, “I… What happened to him?”
From the context, Song Qingrou could tell that ‘he’ referred to Wei Tingyu.
Song Qingrou bit her lower lip.
Didn’t she know that Wei Tingyu didn’t have much time left? Had she let it slip? What exactly was the situation with the Wei family?
Song Qingrou picked up her phone and stood up. “I’m going to make a call.”
When Wei Tingyu received Song Qingrou’s call and heard her out, ripples disturbed his usually calm heart. However, he was annoyed. It was just breaking off an engagement in person; why would Song Qingrou tell her so much?
Wei Tingyu pressed his pale, slender fingers to his temples and said calmly, “It’s nothing. Mrs. Cheng can say whatever she wants; don’t mind me.”
Just as the call ended, a text message arrived in his inbox from an unsaved number.
But Wei Tingyu recognized the owner of the number.
Yu Qingtang: 【What’s wrong with your health?】
Wei Tingyu deleted the message.
Yu Qingtang put down her phone just as Song Qingrou returned from her call.
Yu Qingtang heard the whole story from Song Qingrou. Over a year ago, Wei Tingyu was diagnosed with an incurable disease. The Wei family members were eyeing the assets of the third branch covetously. Wei Tingyu, fearing that Yu Qingtang would be torn apart by the Wei family after his death, leaving not even her bones, rushed to arrange a marriage for her. The Cheng family, with their illustrious reputation and upright family conduct, was the very best choice. He did his utmost to make this marriage happen, visiting them several times. However, Cheng Yuanxi’s sexual orientation was towards the same sex, making it impossible for him to fulfill the marriage contract, so they eventually reached an agreement for a sham marriage.
Song Qingrou’s words weren’t long, but Yu Qingtang sat motionless in her chair, lost in thought for a long time.
Song Qingrou lowered her voice and asked, “You didn’t know?”
Yu Qingtang forced a smile and shook her head.
Song Qingrou reached out and patted the back of her hand, which was resting on the table.
Her skin is so good too.
Song Qingrou’s mind wandered for a moment, then she said, “You can consider my proposal.”
It took Yu Qingtang a moment to recall that she was referring to adopting her as a goddaughter. She politely declined, “Thank you, Aunt Song, but there’s no need.”
Song Qingrou looked regretful.
Yu Qingtang tightened her grip on the coffee cup handle.
If Song Qingrou adopted her as a goddaughter, wouldn’t she and Cheng Zhanxi become sisters?
Should she confess…
With Cheng Zhanxi not present, she really didn’t have the courage to say it directly. Perhaps it was best to leave it like this for now? In the future, when Cheng Zhanxi brought her to the Capital City, she could formally introduce herself then. She would need to buy gifts in advance. Right, she hadn’t brought any gifts. When Cheng Zhanxi met Fang Wenjiao and her grandfather, she had brought a lot of things. She herself had come empty-handed, and under such awkward circumstances of breaking off an engagement.
Song Qingrou picked up her phone from the table and said, “Then let’s add each other on WeChat?”
Yu Qingtang regretted it so much her intestines could have turned green.
How could she let Cheng Zhanxi’s mother speak first again!
Yu Qingtang quickly brought up the “Scan” function to salvage the situation. Just as Song Qingrou unlocked her phone, Yu Qingtang hurriedly said, “I’ll scan yours, Auntie.”
Song Qingrou smilingly accepted the friend request and said, “Are you free to come to our house as a guest?”
Yu Qingtang asked in surprise, “Now?”
Song Qingrou said, “Yes, just in time for lunch. Our family’s Aunt Yun is a great cook, no worse than outside, and it’s healthy and hygienic.”
Cheng Yuanxi facepalmed.
Yu Qingtang stammered, “N-no, no need.”
Song Qingrou frowned in confusion.
Why was her reaction so strong?
Cheng Yuanxi put on his glasses, concealing a dark glint behind the lenses.
What was she afraid of?
“Feel free to visit my home anytime you’re free; you’re always welcome.”
“I will, thank you, Auntie. Take care, Auntie.”
After parting ways with Yu Qingtang at the cafe entrance, Song Qingrou settled into the back seat of the Bentley. Yu Qingtang politely bid her farewell at the car door, watching the black Bentley drive away.
Sitting in the car, Song Qingrou looked back through the tinted window at Yu Qingtang’s figure standing there, sighing with a sense of lingering appreciation, “Xiao Tang is truly a good child.”
Cheng Yuanxi was wiping his glasses with a cloth. Hearing this, he glanced at her and said, “How long have you known her? Less than two hours. Mom, even being a face-con has its limits.”
Song Qingrou said, “Haven’t you heard that appearance is born from the heart? She’s so beautiful, how could her heart be ugly?”
Cheng Yuanxi couldn’t win against her and made a gesture of surrender with cupped hands.
Song Qingrou said, “Can’t you learn from your sister and show some tenderness towards women? Look how you scared Xiao Tang today.”
Cheng Yuanxi said, “If Sister were here, she would be the same as me. She said she’s Sister’s good friend, but during our chat just now, did you hear her mention Sister even once? I deliberately tried to lead her to talk about it, but she just brushed over it.” Cheng Yuanxi scoffed, “A guilty conscience.”
Song Qingrou pinched the young man’s firm arm, couldn’t twist it, then used more force and pinched again.
Cheng Yuanxi winced in pain but still insisted on his opinion, “She’s really too suspicious, Mom. You can’t ignore all her problems just because she’s good-looking. Besides, I think Sister is much prettier than her.”
Song Qingrou made a noncommittal sound.
Cheng Yuanxi: “Mom! Sister is your biological daughter! Have you shifted your affections so quickly?!”
Song Qingrou burst out laughing. “What shifting affections? Don’t talk nonsense.”
Cheng Yuanxi wouldn’t let her off. “Just tell me, who is prettier, Sister or Miss Yu?”
Song Qingrou’s eyes darted away as she equivocated, “Aiya, each has her own merits, each has her own merits.”
Cheng Yuanxi: “Mom!”
Song Qingrou changed the subject. “Oh right, for lunch, ask Xiao Yun to steam some egg custard. I’m craving egg custard. Call home now. Call immediately, or it’ll be too late.”
The black Bentley merged into the vast stream of traffic, and in a moment, like a torrential flood, disappeared from Yu Qingtang’s sight.
Yu Qingtang’s knees went weak, and she quickly grabbed onto a nearby support to barely steady her swaying figure, preventing herself from collapsing to the ground.
What had she just been through?
Yu Qingtang opened WeChat and tapped on Cheng Zhanxi’s chat window. The last message was the ‘good night’ Yu Qingtang had sent her that morning; she was still asleep. Yu Qingtang’s fingertips hovered over the virtual keyboard for a while, unsure what to say to her.
If she told her that she had met her mother and brother today, she would have to reveal everything about the Wei family and all related matters. She wasn’t ready for that.
Yu Qingtang exited WeChat and went into her text messages. Wei Tingyu hadn’t replied.
Yu Qingtang quietly lowered her eyes and thought for a moment, then hailed a taxi by the roadside and gave an address. The driver glanced at her attire in the rearview mirror and drove her all the way to the entrance of a luxurious villa complex.
Yu Qingtang, as usual, registered at the guardhouse. The guard made a call, received permission from the Wei family, and let her in.
The villa complex covered a large area with excellent landscaping. A main road ran through it, lined with parasol trees, creating a uniquely beautiful scene. The high officials and wealthy merchants inside all drove directly into their villa courtyards. Apart from those walking their dogs, no one would walk along this road. Yu Qingtang was an exception; she always relied on her own two legs, as no one would come to pick her up.
Luxury cars drove past her one after another. Yu Qingtang walked for another ten-plus minutes and arrived at the Wei family’s gate.
The iron gate was closed. Servants were sweeping and pruning flowers inside.
Yu Qingtang rang the doorbell and waited a few minutes before someone came out and opened the gate.
Yu Qingtang asked the unfamiliar servant in front of her, “Is Third Master home?”
The servant said, “I don’t know.”
Yu Qingtang walked in on her own.
Just as she approached the main entrance, Wei Jinglan came out leading Wei Twelve. They met face to face, and Wei Jinglan smiled at her amicably.
Yu Qingtang nodded slightly.
Wei Jinglan brought Wei Twelve in front of her and said, “Call her Seventh Sister.”
Wei Twelve tilted her head up and said in a clear, sweet voice, “Seventh Sister.”
Yu Qingtang responded with an “Mm.”
Wei Jinglan said, “Little Eight and Little Nine have gone out, don’t worry.”
Yu Qingtang said faintly, “Thank you.”
Wei Jinglan said, “Are you here to see Third Uncle? Shall I take you?”
Yu Qingtang said, “No need, thank you.”
She passed by Wei Jinglan, a thought flashing through her mind: Who is she?
Although Yu Qingtang was not valued, she was, after all, a legitimate member of the Wei family. She moved freely within the residence, went upstairs, and knocked on Wei Tingyu’s door.
The one who opened the door was Wei Tingyu’s personal attendant. The servant looked at her, eyes widening, “Miss—”
The servant reflexively glanced inside.
Yu Qingtang was expressionless. “Is he in?”
The servant: “He…”
Before the servant could cover up, a man’s weak cough came from inside.
Hearing this sound, the courage Yu Qingtang had mustered up earlier deflated like a pricked balloon. She subconsciously took half a step back.
An immense sense of bewilderment swept over her, accompanied by an overwhelming feeling of absurdity.
Why was she standing here?
Just because of a few words from Song Qingrou, she had thought that man wanted to protect her, and her hope had rekindled.
So what if it wasn’t like that, and so what if it was? Just because he was dying, could everything from the past be wiped clean?
Even if he died, she wouldn’t shed a single tear for him, absolutely not!
The servant said, “I’ll go in and ask for instructions. Please wait a moment, Miss.”
The servant closed the door.
Yu Qingtang clenched her fists at the doorway.
Reason told her she should turn and leave, but her feet seemed rooted to the spot, unable to move an inch.
The door was well soundproofed; not the slightest sound could be heard.
A long time passed, or perhaps it was a very short time. The door in front of her opened again.
The servant gave her an apologetic smile. “Young Master said he’s a bit tired and has gone to sleep.”
Yu Qingtang’s clenched fists relaxed. She lifted her lips into a smile. “Thank you for your trouble, Uncle Gui.”
Uncle Gui was stunned by her rare smile for a few seconds, then quickly lowered his head. “Not at all.”
He sighed inwardly.
Yu Qingtang went downstairs, walked away, and didn’t look back.
Uncle Gui returned to the room. It was windy today, so the windows were tightly closed. The lights were off, and the room was dim. Wei Tingyu was reclining in a lounge chair by the window, covered with a blanket, resting with his eyes closed.
The servant said, “Miss has left.”
Wei Tingyu responded with a calm “Mm,” his expression unchanged.
Yu Qingtang had the rather unfortunate coincidence of encountering Eighth Sister Wei and Miss Wei Jiu, who had just returned home. Fortunately, they were in their car, so she didn’t have to endure their ridicule face-to-face.
The trunk was filled with their shopping haul from the day. Wei Jiu was showing off a sapphire necklace she had received at her recent birthday banquet to Wei Ba when she suddenly saw a figure outside the window. She lowered the window, but the car had already driven some distance away from her. Wei Jiu tucked the necklace back into her collar and said, “What a killjoy. What’s she doing here? Dressed in black again, like seeing a ghost in broad daylight.”
Wei Ba turned her head to look, then lowered her voice. “I heard the Cheng family is going to break off the engagement. The wedding preparations have all stopped.”
Wei Jiu was surprised. “Really? Lately, everywhere I go, people are talking about Young Master Cheng marrying that mute. Young Master Cheng even admitted it himself, it made me so mad! Why are they backing out now? Is your information reliable?”
Wei Ba said, “I have a friend who is part of the team responsible for planning the Cheng family’s wedding. She told me herself. I’m afraid this marriage won’t happen.”
Wei Jiu’s face lit up with a smile.
“Aiya, this is truly wonderful news.”
Wei Ba agreed, “Who says it isn’t? When the time comes, that mute will become the laughingstock of the entire Capital City.”
Wei Jiu snorted coldly. “It’s fine if she loses her own face, but don’t let the Wei family lose face. We’ll be too ashamed to hold our heads high then.”
Wei Ba said, “That won’t happen. She is she, and we are we. How can we be the same as her? Look at your last birthday banquet, how many people came. You are the apple of the Wei family’s eye.”
Wei Jiu chided, “Eighth Sister,” but couldn’t help the corners of her lips from turning up.
She took off the sapphire necklace from her neck, pulled Wei Ba’s hand over, and placed the necklace in her palm.
Wei Ba declined, “I can’t accept this.”
Wei Jiu said, “Just take it. I have many more.”
A flicker of gloom passed through Wei Ba’s eyes, too quick to catch. She clenched her fist, looked at Wei Jiu with emotion, and said, “Then I’ll accept it. Thank you, Ninth Sister.”
Wei Jiu touched her own, more valuable bracelet, turned to look out the window, and said casually, as if bestowing charity, “You’re welcome.”
Wei Ba clenched her fist and closed her eyes.
If she were also Eldest Uncle’s daughter, not born into the Fourth Branch, she wouldn’t have to fawn over her like this!
Eldest Uncle Wei was the firstborn and thus naturally held the most power. Second Uncle Wei was a smiling tiger; his twin son and daughter were highly valued and constantly encroaching upon the eldest’s influence. When the Old Master passed away, it was uncertain who would take over. Wei Tingyu had the Old Master’s backing. Only her father, ranked last, had nothing. He could only follow behind his two elder brothers to get a share of the spoils, remaining docile and obedient, barely surviving.
They were clearly sisters connected by blood, and she was even the elder sister, yet they were divided into different ranks.
The weak are prey to the strong, fawning over the powerful and trampling on the weak—was this still a family?!
Beneath the Wei family’s immense wealth was all just rotten mud that couldn’t see the light of day, decaying from birth, generation after generation, all rotting here.
The black Rolls-Royce came to a stop.
Wei Ba turned her head to look in the direction where Yu Qingtang’s figure had disappeared, her feelings a complex mix.
Perhaps leaving the Wei family early, like she did, was also a kind of fortune. Leave, go far away, the farther the better.
Wei Jiu stood at the main gate. “What are you doing?”
Wei Ba withdrew her gaze and said, “Nothing.”
Before entering the gate, Wei Ba looked back, tilted her face up, and raised her hand to shield her eyes, looking at the sunlight filtering through her fingers.
From inside, Wei Jiu urged impatiently, “Eighth Sister! Hurry up!”
“Coming.”
Wei Ba lowered her hand and walked into the deep gateway. With a bang, the heavy gates closed, mercilessly shutting out the sunlight.
On the swing set in the garden, Wei Jinglan was holding Wei Twelve and swinging. Wei Twelve giggled.
The temperature wasn’t high today, and the wind in the garden was stronger. After playing for a while, Wei Twelve started to snuggle into Wei Jinglan’s embrace, saying in a small voice, “Jiejie, I’m cold.”
Wei Jinglan picked her up and said, “Jiejie will take you to bask in the sun.”
Wei Twelve spread out on her sister’s lap like a pancake, her short arms and legs stretched out, basking in the sunlight overhead. She said in a milky voice, “It’s so warm.”
Wei Jinglan tapped Wei Twelve’s nose and said, “Does Twelve want to bask in the sun often in the future?”
Wei Twelve giggled from the tickle. “Yes.”
Wei Jinglan said, “As long as you want to, you can.”
Wei Twelve didn’t understand, just giggled and rolled around in her sister’s arms.
Wei Jinglan looked at the mansion not far away, like a giant beast lying dormant in the darkness, its every breath a heavy pressure. But upon closer inspection, its body was already covered in cracks, not far from falling apart.
Soon, that day would come soon.
Wei Jinglan patted her younger sister’s small arm, lowered her head to kiss her soft hair, a heartfelt smile gracing her lips.
After Song Qingrou and Cheng Yuanxi met Yu Qingtang and returned home, there was still some time before lunch was ready. The two sat side by side at the dining table.
Song Qingrou eagerly tapped into Yu Qingtang’s WeChat Moments. Cheng Yuanxi pouted beside her, “Mom.”
Song Qingrou didn’t look up. “What is it?”
Cheng Yuanxi said, “Don’t you even care about your own daughter?”
Song Qingrou said, “My dear daughter is sleeping. Don’t you, her dear brother, know she has jet lag?”
Cheng Yuanxi was choked for words and mumbled, “Good thing Dad isn’t here, otherwise if he got jealous, let’s see what you’d do.”
Song Qingrou looked up and smiled. “Silly son, it’s precisely because your dad isn’t here that I dare to be so blatant. Remember to cover for Mom later. She’s just a young girl; your dad wouldn’t be that petty, would he?”
Cheng Yuanxi gave her a look and smiled without speaking.
Don’t you know your own husband?
Apart from family conduct, pettiness was also a Cheng family heirloom. He wondered if his sister would be more magnanimous. She was usually quite generous; would she also become as jealous as Dad all day long once she was in a relationship?
And that suspicious Miss Wei, Yu Qingtang. Later, when his sister woke up, he would call and ask her if she really knew this person, or if Yu Qingtang had ulterior motives towards her. He would nip all unfavorable factors for his sister in the bud!
As Cheng Yuanxi was lost in thought, Ms. Song beside him suddenly exclaimed, “Ah!”
Cheng Yuanxi: “What’s wrong?”
Song Qingrou covered her mouth. “Oh my god.”
Cheng Yuanxi was completely baffled and looked down at the phone screen in her hand.
Yu Qingtang’s WeChat Moments were quite ordinary: photos of sunrises, sunsets, flowers, and plants.
This one was a sunrise, clearly taken with a phone, and the pixel quality wasn’t great.
None of this was the point. The point was the likes on her Moments.
WeChat Moments only show mutual friends. Logically, Song Qingrou and Yu Qingtang had no mutual connections, so it should have been empty. But no, a mutual friend had liked Yu Qingtang’s post.
That person was—
Cheng Zhanxi.
Song Qingrou remained shocked. “Oh my god.”
Her fingertip quickly scrolled down. Every post had a like from Cheng Zhanxi, and occasionally a comment, with an intimate tone, clearly indicating an unusual relationship.
Until Yu Qingtang posted a photo of a starry sky.
Cheng Zhanxi commented: 【Good night, girlfriend】
Yu Qingtang replied: 【Good night】
Song Qingrou slapped Cheng Yuanxi’s thigh hard, her eyes crinkling with a smile. “Aiya!”
😭
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