After Escaping Marriage - Chapter 134
Chapter 134
Wei Zhiling's face was covered in champagne, her meticulously applied makeup ruined. Strands of her long hair stuck to her face, and the alcohol dripped from her chin, splashing onto the banquet hall floor.
No matter how secluded this corner was, with the slapping and champagne-throwing, it was impossible for everyone not to notice. However, people merely glanced in this direction before turning back as if nothing had happened.
Wei Minglan, who had witnessed the entire event, quietly retreated, hiding herself from Wei Zhiling's line of sight to avoid becoming the target of her anger.
Cheng Zhanxi had already arrived; even if Wei Zhiling wanted to throw a tantrum, it was too late.
The Tian family's butler took Wei Zhiling to a second-floor lounge to clean up. After that, Wei Zhiling did not reappear in the hall.
Soothing dance music began to play.
The lights were soft and hazy.
Yu Qingtang declined invitations to dance from both men and women, placing her hand in Cheng Zhanxi's. Cheng Zhanxi put one arm around her waist, holding her gently as they moved rhythmically to the music.
Yu Qingtang's waltz lessons were also part of her recent remedial studies. Cheng Zhanxi would play music at home every evening to practice with her, and now she danced quite proficiently.
Cheng Zhanxi wore a modified black Gothic-style formal dress today, elegant and classic, with a touch of heroic spirit. Her well-proportioned figure was beautifully accentuated, her skin appearing even fairer. She wore black lace gloves and a small, black veiled hat tilted to one side.
The two danced gracefully in the center of the dance floor, advancing and retreating, like black and white swans with intertwined necks.
The black swan suddenly said, "I'm so hot."
The white swan almost buried her head in her shoulder and laughed out loud.
Cheng Zhanxi said, "You're still laughing? Didn't you pick this?"
Cheng Zhanxi had attended many such banquets. Her face itself was the best advertisement, so she didn't need to meticulously choose a gown to stun the audience. Thus, she had left the decision entirely to Yu Qingtang.
Yu Qingtang had her try on one outfit after another: off-the-shoulder, boat-neck, backless, mermaid skirts. She already had a good figure, curvaceous and well-endowed, and these dresses made her look even more stunning. Even Yu Qingtang, who was used to seeing her and had even touched her, couldn't help her heart race. One could imagine the effect at the banquet, under everyone's gaze.
So she had chosen the most conservative long dress. It was beautiful, but it was truly too hot.
It was still summer!
Yu Qingtang asked embarrassedly, "How much longer until it ends?"
Cheng Zhanxi touched her nose with her own and hummed lightly, "About two hours."
Yu Qingtang let out a small "Ah."
Cheng Zhanxi leaned down and quickly kissed her on the lips.
Yu Qingtang's ears quickly turned red, and she glanced around in alarm.
The most eye-catching people in the banquet hall were the recently appeared Seventh Miss Wei and the Cheng family member she was about to marry.
For a moment, many pairs of eyes silently looked away.
Yu Qingtang: "..."
Cheng Zhanxi said, "It's okay." She whispered in Yu Qingtang's ear, "We'll have to kiss in public on our wedding day anyway. Let's rehearse it now."
The tips of Yu Qingtang's ears turned crimson, and her heart warmed at those words.
Her thumb twitched, moving towards the diamond ring on her ring finger. At the same moment, Cheng Zhanxi made the same gesture.
In the distance, Wei Jingfeng withdrew his observant gaze, rested his hand on the table, and said, "It seems the one marrying Seventh Sister is Miss Cheng."
Wei Jinglan asked, "Do you know her?"
Wei Jingfeng shook his head.
"I've only met Miss Cheng a few times in total."
"Aren't you quite familiar with her brother? Go ask around."
"Not that familiar. The business world is like a battlefield; we're just putting on an act for each other."
Wei Jinglan, holding a small plate, fed the last piece of fruit she couldn't finish into her younger brother's mouth.
Cheng Zhanxi wasn't very concerned with company affairs, but being a Cheng, she occasionally needed to understand changes in the business world, such as who had retired and let their son or daughter inherit the family business, and what the Cheng family's relationship with them was like.
Cheng Yi and his group sat together, chatting idly before the banquet officially began.
Song Qingrou caught sight of a figure, and her eyes visibly brightened.
Cheng Zhanxi followed her gaze and saw only the fleeting profile of a woman in a light-colored suit, her features delicate.
Song Qingrou said, "Last year, when Xixi ran away from her marriage, in March, there was a major marriage alliance in the Capital City."
Cheng Zhanxi said, "Is that her?"
Song Qingrou smiled and said, "Yes. Mom even attended the wedding. Both are beautiful young ladies."
Cheng Yuanxi introduced from the side, "That's Chairman Gu of Tianrui, old Chairman Gu's daughter. You two even attended the same kindergarten when you were little; you were in the senior class, and she was in the middle class."
Cheng Zhanxi said "Oh," not paying it much mind.
Song Qingrou said, "If you hadn't run off last year, you might have been married long ago, causing me and Xiao Tang to meet over a year later."
Cheng Zhanxi quietly pleaded, "Mom."
In the middle of the banquet, another round of socializing. The very beautiful young Chairman Gu came over with a wine glass and proactively toasted Cheng Yi: "Chairman Cheng, Mrs. Cheng." Then she gave a slight nod to the other three.
Both she and Cheng Yi held the title of Chairman. Cheng Yuanxi was one level below her, so this gesture was not impolite.
Cheng Yi stood up and clinked glasses with her, exchanging pleasantries, "Is your esteemed father doing well?"
Young Chairman Gu nodded and said, "Much better than before. Thank you for your concern, Uncle."
Song Qingrou looked at her with a smile, "Yanqiu, it's been a while, and you've become even more beautiful."
Gu Yanqiu fiddled with the Buddhist prayer beads on her left palm and said politely in a soft voice, "Mrs. Cheng, you flatter me."
Because Gu Yanqiu was a year younger than even Cheng Zhanxi, the youngest in the Cheng family, it was somewhat inappropriate for her to exchange lengthy pleasantries with Cheng Yuanxi and the others. So, Cheng Yuanxi didn't say much more, merely raising his glass to young Chairman Gu.
After young Chairman Gu left, Song Qingrou's eyes were still glued to her.
Cheng Yi cleared his throat beside her, his voice slightly deep, "Our daughter and Qingtang are both here. Aren't they enough for you to look at?"
But Ms. Song said, "The flowers at home are never as fragrant as the wild ones."
Yu Qingtang couldn't help but burst out laughing, quickly lowering her head to hide it.
Seeing Yu Qingtang laughing so happily, Cheng Yuanxi added, "Mom even follows young Chairman Gu and Tianrui's official Weibo, just to see young Chairman Gu's photos."
Cheng Zhanxi laughed, "Is she a fan?" Ms. Song was more fashionable than she had imagined.
Song Qingrou tilted her chin up slightly.
She suddenly remembered something and asked Yu Qingtang, "Xiao Tang, do you have a Weibo account?"
Yu Qingtang said, "Yes."
This time it was Cheng Zhanxi's turn to be surprised, "When did you start using Weibo?"
Yu Qingtang secretly read all the flattering posts about Cheng Zhanxi and usually didn't log in, so Cheng Zhanxi never knew.
"Are you a fan too?" Cheng Zhanxi asked.
Yu Qingtang shook her head, "No."
Over there, Song Qingrou had already taken out her phone, asking for Yu Qingtang's nickname to follow each other.
Yu Qingtang's nickname was "User XXXXXX," followed by a string of random numbers she couldn't remember. She logged into Weibo and said, "Aunt Song, what's your username? I'll add you."
Song Qingrou politely declined, "No, I'll add you."
Cheng Yi, from the side, said faintly, "Only Loves Cheng Yi."
Cheng Yuanxi & Cheng Zhanxi & Yu Qingtang: "???"
Has Dad/Uncle gone mad?!
Cheng Yi said calmly, "Your mother's Weibo name."
Song Qingrou: "..."
In the banquet hall filled with clinking glasses and lively conversation, at the most conspicuous table, the three young people suddenly burst out laughing in unison.
Yu Qingtang covered Cheng Zhanxi's hand resting on her knee. Cheng Zhanxi clasped her hand back, their fingers intertwined tightly, trying to suppress the laughter in her chest.
Cheng Yuanxi gripped his suit cuff tightly, lowered his head, his shoulders shaking with laughter.
Song Qingrou silently added Yu Qingtang as a mutual follower and didn't speak for a long time.
After the banquet ended, as soon as they got into the car, Song Qingrou ripped off Cheng Yi's suit jacket and pinched her husband's arm and waist more than ten times. Cheng Yi cowered in the back seat, covering his head. The three juniors pretended not to see, minding their own business.
Cheng Zhanxi fiddled with her phone for a while, then handed it over to show her the screen.
Yu Qingtang: "..."
Cheng Zhanxi had registered a new Weibo account with the nickname "Only Loves Yu Qingtang."
As a contemporary young artist, why could she always come up with such cheesy names? Was it because her name had "Xixi" in it?
Yu Qingtang chuckled at her own thought, tapped on the "change nickname" option, thought of a new one, entered it, and clicked confirm. The result showed that changing the nickname required a membership.
"..."
The frugal Yu Qingtang decided to forget it; she didn't use it often anyway.
She searched for Cheng Zhanxi with her own account. She now had two mutual followers.
They had left from the Cheng family residence today, so the two of them didn't return to their own home that night and stayed at the main residence instead.
In the walk-in closet, Cheng Zhanxi first changed out of the stuffy long dress. Afterwards, she helped Yu Qingtang remove her earrings and necklace, placing them in a jewelry box. Then, she wrapped her arms around the woman's slender waist from behind, rested her chin on her shoulder, swayed gently, and asked, "How did it feel to slap someone?"
A hint of a smile appeared in Yu Qingtang's eyes as she honestly said, "A bit satisfying."
Cheng Zhanxi said, "Why did you pour wine on her too? Where did you learn that?"
Yu Qingtang looked at Cheng Zhanxi in the mirror and said, "Didn't you teach me?"
Cheng Zhanxi hummed, "Hmm? When?"
Yu Qingtang: "Before, when I was on a business trip, I encountered a male leader at a dinner who spoke very rudely. You said that next time, if you were there, I should pour wine on his head."
Cheng Zhanxi remembered and smiled, "So obedient, you remembered everything I said?"
"Yes." Yu Qingtang tilted her head and kissed her cheek, delivering a sweet nothing with a critical hit, "Who made you my treasure?"
Cheng Zhanxi: "Ah, I'm dead."
Yu Qingtang: "Ah, I'm dead too."
Cheng Zhanxi was overjoyed, "Yes, you used it perfectly, just like that. Treasure, you're so smart."
Yu Qingtang: "Treasure, I want you."
Cheng Zhanxi released her waist, took her hand instead, and said, "Let's go, back to our room."
Seeing Yu Qingtang pour wine on Wei Zhiling from afar today had made her legs go weak. Tonight, she had to properly "eat tofu." Wasn't a queenly bottom even more delicious?
A night of indulgence.
On the other side, Wei Zhiling was not so lucky.
She had left the banquet early and returned home. After smashing many things in her room, she went downstairs to sit in the living room, her face dark and gloomy. The servants dared not approach her, silent as cicadas in winter.
When the moon was high in the sky, Wei Tingzhi and Wei Baiyang returned.
Wei Zhiling's eyes instantly reddened, and she said aggrievedly, "Dad, Brother."
Wei Tingzhi's face darkened, and he said coldly, "Baiyang, take your sister back to her room."
Wei Zhiling said in disbelief, "Dad—"
Seeing her Second Uncle's family enter afterwards, she ultimately swallowed back the accusations and unwillingness in her throat.
Wei Zhiling glared at Wei Jinglan, who had stolen the show tonight, flicked her hand, and said, "I'm going back to my room first."
Wei Tinglan said with a smile, "Eldest Brother."
Since he was acting, Wei Tingzhi played along, putting on a concerned expression, "Second Brother must be tired. Why don't you go back to your room and rest too?"
Wei Tinglan said, "Thank you for your concern, Eldest Brother. I'll wash up and go to bed. You should also rest early. We're all getting on in years; let the young people handle things. It'll save us some worry."
There were three young people present: Wei Baiyang, and the siblings Jingfeng and Jinglan. The siblings were younger than Wei Baiyang and also more capable. Wei Zhiling, who had just left, was a troublemaker.
This was a subtle jab at him.
Wei Tingzhi showed no emotion on the surface and said, "Second Brother is right. Baiyang, come with me to the study."
Wei Baiyang lowered his head, "Yes, Dad."
The Eldest Branch family disappeared downstairs completely. Wei Tinglan, with his hands behind his back, slowly walked upstairs. At the top of the stairs, he parted ways with his children, saying kindly, "It's late. You two go to bed."
"Goodnight, Dad."
"Goodnight."
Wei Tingzhi's study.
In the dead of night, Wei Tingzhi resisted the urge to smash the teacup in his hand to the ground. He lowered his voice and said, "How did you watch over your sister?!"
Wei Baiyang bowed his head, "I'm sorry, Dad."
Wei Tingzhi took a deep breath and pointed to the door, "Go, call your sister over."
Wei Baiyang went out and soon returned with Wei Zhiling.
Wei Zhiling pouted deeply, looking sulky.
The more Wei Tingzhi looked at her, the angrier he became. He couldn't resist smashing the teacup at her feet.
The splashing tea made Wei Zhiling scream—
Wei Baiyang, standing beside her, snapped, "Shut up!"
Wei Zhiling had never suffered such a great grievance in her life. First, she was slapped by Yu Qingtang, who had appeared out of nowhere with backing, and then she faced the unreasoning blame from her father and brother. She showed her left cheek and said in a tearful voice, "I was the one who got hit today, didn't you see?"
Wei Baiyang said coldly, "You should really be glad it was you who got hit."
Wei Zhiling covered her left cheek and took a few steps back, "Brother."
Wei Tingzhi couldn't be bothered to lecture Wei Zhiling. This daughter of his had been foolish and unmotivated since childhood. Sent abroad to study, she had only learned to eat, drink, and be merry. She wouldn't understand even if he told her.
Wei Tingzhi said, "Tomorrow, your Seventh Sister and Miss Cheng will come to the Wei family together. Remember to apologize to her."
Wei Zhiling clenched her fists and blurted out, "Why should I apologize? Did that mute give you some kind of potion too? She—"
Wei Zhiling's head snapped to the side, and she felt a burning pain on her cheek. Belatedly, she covered her right cheek as large tears welled up.
Wei Tingzhi lowered his hand and continued to instruct in an unchanged tone, "Also, do whatever she tells you to do. Even if she gives you a cold shoulder, you have to endure it for me. Don't throw any young lady tantrums." He stared coldly at his spoiled younger daughter and said grimly, "You are a young lady because I, your father, am in charge of the Wei family. If I lose the Wei family, you will be nothing."
Looking at her father's eyes, Wei Zhiling felt an unprecedented fear. Some things, vaguely understood, surfaced in her mind.
Wei Zhiling decided to listen to him, "I understand, Dad."
The warmth returned to Wei Tingzhi's eyes. He pulled down the hand covering her cheek, saw the swollen red mark, and asked with concern, "Does it hurt?"
Wei Zhiling's tears fell like broken strings of pearls.
Wei Tingzhi was somewhat tired today and didn't have the energy to coax her. He offered a few casual words of concern and had Wei Baiyang take her out to apply medicine.
Wei Tingzhi sat on the sofa in the study, leaned back into the cushions, and closed his eyes.
Originally, there was no need to rush to the Wei family, but Yu Qingtang's summer vacation was about to end. So, they had to wrap up matters in the Capital City within the remaining week. The next time they returned, they could just get engaged directly.
For Cheng Zhanxi's first formal visit, the Wei family showed considerable importance.
Except for Yu Qingtang's biological father, Wei Tingyu, the other three branches of the family were all at the entrance to welcome them, with their respective children standing behind them.
Cheng Zhanxi saw this from the car and joked with Yu Qingtang, "Don't we look like the Empress Dowager returning to the palace?"
Yu Qingtang hadn't watched any TV dramas, so Cheng Zhanxi had her rewatch My Fair Princess. In the second part, when the Empress Dowager returned from her seclusion, a vast crowd filled the Forbidden City—the Emperor, concubines, princes, and princesses, all there to welcome her.
Yu Qingtang chimed in, "Then who is Xiao Yanzi and who is Ziwei?"
Cheng Zhanxi said, "Let Wei Jinglan be Xiao Yanzi, and Wei Jingfeng be Ziwei. They're twins, perfect for the real and fake princesses."
Yu Qingtang looked left and right and said, "We're still missing a Qing'er."
Cheng Zhanxi blinked, took her arm, and said in a soft, gentle voice, "Empress Dowager, isn't Qing'er right here before you?"
Yu Qingtang burst out laughing.
The Empress Dowager and Qing'er slept together last night; that probably wouldn't do.
The rear door of the black Bentley opened, and the Wei family saw the two of them talking and laughing cheerfully. Cheng Zhanxi got out first, then turned to help Yu Qingtang down. Yu Qingtang placed her hand in Cheng Zhanxi's palm, squinted at the blue sky behind the Wei residence, and let out a relaxed sigh, feeling at ease in body and mind.
"Let's go, Qing'er."
"Yes, Empress Dowager."
As they approached the Wei family, Cheng Zhanxi straightened up, becoming the "His Majesty" beside the Empress Dowager.
Once inside, even though they had met at the banquet the previous day, Yu Qingtang still formally introduced Cheng Zhanxi to everyone: Eldest Uncle, Second Uncle, Fourth Uncle. Among the younger generation, she only knew Wei Zhiling, Jingfeng, and Jinglan. However, she didn't need to introduce them, as the adults each introduced their own "disappointing" children.
After listening, Cheng Zhanxi had only one feeling: so many people.
Moreover, Wei Tingzhi of the Eldest Branch was already over sixty, yet the family hadn't divided? What were they thinking, raising four sons at home like Gu worms?
But she only complained about the Wei family's affairs in her heart and to Yu Qingtang when they got home. On the surface, she still addressed everyone with poise and propriety.
Old Master Wei had rarely appeared recently and had also excused himself from Old Master Tian's birthday banquet. Everyone guessed his health was failing. After all, the old master was over eighty; it was understandable for him to have illnesses and ailments. If the old master's authority hadn't wavered, how would the Eldest and Second Branches dare to openly clash within the company? Between Old Master Wei and Wei Tingyu, it was unknown who would pass away first. Without Old Master Wei, the Third Branch would be even more at the mercy of others.
Cheng Zhanxi didn't see Old Master Wei on this visit either, but she did see Wei Tingyu.
Wei Tingyu was visibly thinner than the last time, his frame gaunt. His cheekbones protruded, unable to hold much flesh. His complexion was as pale as snow, and the veins on the back of his hands were like blue rivers flowing quietly through a snowy landscape.
He was sleeping in a dimly lit room, drowsy on a recliner.
Cheng Zhanxi walked closer and called out softly, "Uncle Wei."
Wei Tingyu's knuckles, resting on the thin blanket over his waist, twitched. His long eyelashes fluttered a few times, and he slowly opened his eyes. With a gentle smile, he said, "It's Zhanxi. You're here."
He raised his hand, and a servant came forward to support his arm, helping him sit up.
Wei Tingyu gasped weakly for breath twice, covering his lips with a handkerchief.
If Yu Qingtang hadn't said it herself, Cheng Zhanxi couldn't equate Wei Tingyu with the missing father figure in her life. Regardless, Wei Tingyu was an elder, and she was a junior. She didn't know him well, nor did she have the standing to criticize or condemn him. However, with Yu Qingtang's past, she couldn't possibly revere him as a father; she could only ensure she wasn't impolite.
Cheng Zhanxi said, "I came to visit you, Uncle."
Wei Tingyu smiled faintly, "That's thoughtful of you." He asked, "Has the date been set?"
Cheng Zhanxi replied, "My parents' intention is for everyone to discuss it together and then choose an auspicious date for the engagement."
Wei Tingyu asked, "Within the year?"
Cheng Zhanxi said, "Yes."
"That's good." Wei Tingyu coughed a few times behind his handkerchief, a sickly flush appearing on his face. "I... cough cough..."
The servant quickly helped him lie down again.
Wei Tingyu rested for a moment and said, "My health is poor, so I won't entertain you much longer. Please send my regards to your parents."
Cheng Zhanxi said, "Alright, Uncle, please rest well."
With that, she withdrew. Yu Qingtang was waiting for her at the room's entrance.
Yet, from beginning to end, Wei Tingyu never asked if Yu Qingtang had come or where she was.
Yu Qingtang's expression showed no change; she must have been used to it long ago. Cheng Zhanxi didn't offer any superfluous comfort. Instead, she lifted Yu Qingtang's hand, buried her face in her palm, nuzzled it, and said, "Why aren't we engaged yet?"
Yu Qingtang: "Hmm?"
Cheng Zhanxi said, "My dad has been waiting for you to change how you address him for so long, and my mom talks about it every day. She stuffs money into red envelopes every day until they can't hold anymore."
Yu Qingtang smiled.
Cheng Zhanxi said coquettishly, "Why don't you change how you address them now?"
"No," Yu Qingtang said with a smile.
"Come on, do it, do it."
"Nooo."
"Wife~"
Yu Qingtang paused, then softly replied, "Mm."
Cheng Zhanxi wrapped her arms around her waist, pulling her into her embrace, looked down at her, and said, "Why is it okay when I call you that?"
Yu Qingtang's ears turned red.
Cheng Zhanxi: "Wife, wife, wife."
Yu Qingtang couldn't help but smile, "You're so annoying, go away."
Cheng Zhanxi mimicked her earlier tone, "No."
The two flirted outside Wei Tingyu's room. Although their voices were soft enough for only them to hear, anyone could see from their sweet and affectionate interactions how much they loved each other.
A light cough came from beside them.
Cheng Zhanxi released one arm from around Yu Qingtang and turned around. It was Wei Jinglan, the fifth in rank.
Wei Jinglan's eyes held a teasing look as she said, "Sorry to interrupt."
Cheng Zhanxi wasn't embarrassed at all. She stepped slightly forward, shielding Yu Qingtang, whose ears were red to the roots, and said gently, "Is there something?"
Wei Jinglan said, "I came to see Uncle San."
Cheng Zhanxi said, "He's asleep."
"I see." Wei Jinglan looked at the two of them and said again, "Sorry to interrupt. By the way, the garden is quiet. If you two... um, you can go there."
Cheng Zhanxi nodded, "Thank you."
Wei Jinglan turned and went downstairs.
Cheng Zhanxi watched her retreating figure, lost in thought.
Yu Qingtang cleared her throat and said, "Xiao Yanzi has left. What is Qing'er thinking about?"
Cheng Zhanxi looked at her with smiling eyes and replied, "Thinking about whether Xiao Yanzi has any ill intentions towards the Empress Dowager."
"Did you figure it out?"
"No." Cheng Zhanxi stroked her chin and said, "She's quite good-looking."
Yu Qingtang glanced at her coolly, without emotion.
Cheng Zhanxi leisurely added, "She looks like the type my mom would like."
Yu Qingtang: "Is there any type your mom doesn't like?"
Cheng Zhanxi: "Hahahaha."
Chatting outside someone else's room was inappropriate after all. The two went downstairs hand in hand, and at the end of the first-floor staircase, they had an unfortunate encounter with Wei Zhiling.
Wei Zhiling's right cheek was still a little red, with the faint mark of fingerprints visible.
Cheng Zhanxi glanced at Yu Qingtang in surprise.
Yu Qingtang calmly glanced at her own hand.
Had her hand strength become so great? Was this the success of her fitness training?
Yu Qingtang looked at Wei Zhiling blocking the way. The condition of Cheng Zhanxi being present was met. As long as Wei Zhiling triggered the condition again by speaking rudely, the plot would proceed to the slapping scene.
She didn't particularly like slapping people. She wanted to save the little strength in this hand for Cheng Zhanxi and didn't want to waste it on irrelevant people.
Wei Zhiling said, "Seventh Sister."
Yu Qingtang and Cheng Zhanxi exchanged a glance and remained silent.
Faced with Yu Qingtang's indifference, Wei Zhiling swallowed her anger and said, "About last night, I'm sorry."
Yu Qingtang looked slightly startled and was about to say, "It's okay..."
Cheng Zhanxi interrupted her, "Qingtang."
Yu Qingtang looked at her, not understanding.
Cheng Zhanxi took her hand and walked around Wei Zhiling, ignoring her. Behind Wei Zhiling's back, she said, "She can apologize, and you can choose not to forgive. Don't wrong yourself."
Yu Qingtang wanted to say she wasn't wronged, but Cheng Zhanxi spoke those words to her in such a gentle tone. Those deliberately forgotten memories surfaced from the long river of time: Wei Zhiling snatching away toys she had finally obtained, leading other Wei family children to ridicule her for being a mute, pushing her into a muddy puddle after the rain, throwing away the paintbrushes she had secretly hidden for a long time...
Yu Qingtang silently walked into the garden, turned back to Cheng Zhanxi, and said, "She's a bad person. She always bullied me when we were little, and she cursed me when we grew up."
The woman's lips turned down imperceptibly, revealing a hint of grievance, like a child who had finally found a parent to complain to.
Even if she had arrived more than twenty years late.
Cheng Zhanxi hummed softly in acknowledgment.
Yu Qingtang was quiet for a moment, then said, "I don't want to forgive her."
Cheng Zhanxi kissed the woman's brow and said gently, "Then don't forgive her."
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