Chapter 2121: Wen Yuan (15)
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Everyone present had drunk a lot.
It was because she was happy and also because someone had poured it into her.
Shang Qiqi had drunk a little too much. Her head was heavy, but her mind was clear.
Someone even came up to toast her. It was Han Jichi.
There were jeers and teasing between her and Han Jichi.
“You’re a celebrity on the campus CP ranking. Tell me the truth, have the two of you already started dating?”
“That’s right. Did the two of you discuss this in private?”
“That’s great. Both of them are so outstanding. They even went overseas to study together. I’m so envious.”
“Don’t hold a wedding the moment you return, alright?”
The more they spoke, the more ridiculous they became. Shang Qiqi didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
“No, even if it’s a wedding, I have to come back to collect your money.”
“Oh, it sounds like there’s really something going on between the two of you?”
Someone seemed to have smelled something fishy and was full of gossip.
Shang Qiqi smiled and shook her head. She picked up her wine glass and staggered.
“This is the last toast. I wish everyone success in your studies and a bright future.”
*
Han Jichi had arranged for his chauffeur to wait outside and send Shang Qiqi back to the apartment beside the school.
He turned to look at Shang Qiqi, who had her head pressed against the car window, her eyes closed and her brows furrowed. He asked, “Are you feeling unwell?”
“No.” Shang Qiqi shook her head.
“Have you told Grandpa and… your uncle about this?” Han Jichi seemed to hesitate before asking.
Shang Qiqi didn’t move, but she slowly opened her eyes.
“No, let’s talk about it later. What’s important now is Uncle’s engagement. He probably doesn’t have time to care about me.”
She looked calm and emotionless.
Han Jichi continued, “You won’t be able to attend your uncle’s engagement ceremony. You…”
“No,” Shang Qiqi interrupted calmly. “Although I shouldn’t, I can’t wait to attend, so I won’t delay my departure.”
Han Jichi nodded and relaxed a little. After a few seconds of silence, she said,
“It’s rare for me to have time during the summer break. Do you want to go out early to play?”
Shang Qiqi paused and finally looked up at him.
Han Ji smiled and said, “I’ve thought of shopping in Western Europe when I have the time. Although it’s not as big as China, it still needs time. With the few days of summer vacation, I’ll shop as much as I can. Do you want to go together? The first stop will be the Netherlands.”
Shang Qiqi pursed her lips as her gaze landed on the colorful scenery outside the window.
The car stopped downstairs. Shang Qiqi opened the door and got out. The moment her feet landed, she felt dizzy and her stomach churned.
She hurriedly ran to the flowerbed and bent down. Han Jichi followed closely and supported her.
After enduring for the entire night, she finally vomited.
Han Jichi patted her shoulder lightly. The chauffeur was already waiting by the side with a bottle of water.
She didn’t eat much at night. Now that she had vomited, she was so exhausted that she couldn’t stand properly. She could only lie weakly in Han Jiji’s arms.
Han Jichi took the bottle of water and placed it by her mouth. Shang Qiqi drank it and rinsed her mouth a few times. In the end, she took the bottle and drank two more mouthfuls. Her hand that was holding the bottle was trembling.
“I’ll send you up first.”
Shang Qiqi responded with a grunt and didn’t even have the strength to nod.
Han Jichi thought for a while before bending down to carry her.
When they reached the entrance of the apartment, Shang Qiqi pressed her fingerprint. The sound of a lock being unlocked came from the smart door. Han Jichi opened the door with his toes.
The moment she entered with Shang Qiqi in her arms, the lights in the room were switched on. In the middle of the living room, a tall and slender man stood there with a malicious expression.
Shang Qiqi seemed to have noticed something amiss. She looked up from Han Ji’s embrace and saw the man.
Startled, she frowned again. “Why are you here?”
“Put her down.” Shang Qingmo didn’t answer her question and stared at Han Jichi.
Han Jichi’s expression did not change. “She drank too much.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Shang Qingmo had already arrived in front of him. Her hostility was even clearer.
“Give it to me,” he said firmly.
“Ji Chi, put me down.”
No matter what, Shang Qiqi felt that the current situation was awkward.
Han Jichi put her down.
When her feet landed on the ground, her body swayed. In the end, she held Han Ji’s arm to steady herself.
“Why are you here? Didn’t you say that you bought this apartment for me? How can you come in so casually?”
“Since I bought it, why can’t I come in casually? Shang Qiqi, how dare you bring a drunk man home?”
Shang Qiqi frowned and walked towards the sofa, but she was pulled back by Shang Qingmo.
“Didn’t you hear me?”
“What has it got to do with you?!”
“I’m your uncle. Do you think it’s related?!”
Silence filled the living room.
After a long while, Shang Qiqi took a deep breath and nodded. “Okay, Uncle. I’m feeling terrible now. Can you let me rest?”
Shang Qingmo frowned. Seeing the fatigue on her face, his face softened and his tone became better.
“Shower?”
This familiar tone and gentleness made Shang Qiqi’s nose tingle.
She nodded. “Yes.”
“Go and lie down first. I’ll prepare a bath for you later.”
“I’ll just wash it.”
“How can you stand in this state? Go and lie down first!”
His words were habitually firm and Shang Qiqi was also habitually obedient.
She only nodded before he carried her into the bedroom.
Surprise flashed across Shang Qiqi’s eyes.
A few years ago, he rarely had physical contact with her.
Even when she had drunk too much last time, he had only helped her into the room.
Now that they were only a few steps away, he did not deliberately avoid suspicion.
However, he only placed her on the bed. When he straightened his body, he glanced at her coldly and said, “Don’t think that this matter will pass so easily tonight.”
Without waiting for her to say anything, he left the room.
Seeing the tall boy standing in the living room, Shang Qingmo’s face turned even colder.
“Aren’t you leaving?”
Han Ji didn’t move. “Isn’t it inappropriate for you to enter Qiqi’s house so casually?”
Shang Qingmo narrowed her eyes. “Are you educating me?”
“This isn’t good for Qiqi’s reputation. Moreover, you’re getting engaged soon.”
Shang Qingmo’s face was terrifyingly cold. “So what? What right do you have to say that to me? If you want Qiqi, you have to get my approval first.”
Han Jichi’s lips curled into a sarcastic smile. “No, Grandpa Shang doesn’t object to me pursuing her. What I want now is for Qiqi to agree.”
“I hope you understand that she’s only your niece. You don’t have much right to interfere in her life.”
Veins popped out on Shang Qingmo’s forehead.
Han Jiji added, “Besides, you’re only her uncle in name.”
Shang Qingmo felt a rope that was probably called rationality being torn off by anger.
“Han Jichi…”
“Han Jiji, you can leave first.”
The sudden voice behind her interrupted Shang Qingmo’s anger.
“Go back and rest early. I’ll see you at school tomorrow.”
Han Jichi looked at her for a long time before Shang Qiqi said, “Don’t worry, nothing will happen.”
Han Jichi nodded. “Rest early too.”
Shang Qiqi watched as Han Jichi left before retracting her gaze.
Then, she looked at Shang Qingmo and said, “Little Uncle, you should leave too. I’m much better now. I’ll be fine after taking a shower.”
“Shang Qiqi,” Shang Qingmo said in a low voice, “Can’t you tell that you have ulterior motives?”
Shang Qiqi pursed her lips. She didn’t expect him to ask her such a question after she had asked him to leave.
“I can tell… but you don’t have to worry. I drank too much today and he just sent me back. This won’t happen again easily. You don’t have to wonder if I’m up to something again. This house is mine. I didn’t expect you to be here tonight…”
“Since you can tell, why don’t you keep your distance?”
“Why should I keep my distance?” Shang Qiqi frowned. “He’s my classmate and friend. He has designs on me, but he didn’t do anything overboard to me. If I deliberately keep my distance, how can I see if he’s worth entrusting to me?”
Shang Qingmo’s pupils constricted and the air seemed to freeze.
“What did you say?” He suddenly walked towards her and grabbed her chin before she could react. Up close, her dark eyes were filled with coldness and dignity. “Is it worth trusting? What are you thinking? Hmm?”
“I was wondering if I should try with him.”
Shang Qiqi said frankly, “As far as I can see, there’s no one better than him around me. We’re the same age and have the same profession. We have a lot in common. I’ve seen his character all these years, so I can’t find any flaws. Only a fool would keep a distance from such an outstanding person like me, right?”
Her words brought even more pain to his jaw.
“Shang Qiqi, I’m wondering what I should do to make you remember and dispel this thought.”
His cold voice made Shang Qiqi shiver.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Suddenly, she said,
“… Little Uncle, I was wrong.”
She suddenly changed her attitude. As usual, she apologized and felt wronged after being reprimanded by him.
“I shouldn’t have drunk, and I shouldn’t have let a drunk man into the house. I won’t do it again.”
As she spoke, she rested her head on his shoulder and said coquettishly, “I feel terrible now. I know I was wrong. Uncle, please let me off tonight.”
Shang Qingmo’s anger was shattered by her sudden change.
He didn’t know what to do.
It was true that Shang Qiqi was feeling unwell, and it was also true that she was sleepy. When the alcohol hit her, her consciousness gradually faded and she lost the strength to continue confronting Shang Qingmo.
She decided to soften her stance and apologize to him.
In the past, as long as he did something wrong and was reprimanded, as long as he apologized with a good attitude and acted pitiful, she would always escape.
It worked every time.
This time, although he was too lazy to think, there was a high chance of success.
Letting out a long breath, she subconsciously leaned into the man’s embrace.
The weather had been gloomy today. The fog was very low and the air was moist. Shang Qiqi was wearing simple jeans and a hoodie.
She had always been obedient when she slept. Even after drinking, she didn’t fuss and only slept obediently.
However, when he carried her to the bed this time, she frowned and twisted her body a few times, refusing to be quiet. Her face was filled with discomfort and impatience.
Shang Qingmo sat by the bed and stared at her for a while. Her hand paused at the hem of her shirt for a few seconds. Finally, when she squirmed again, she lifted her shirt.
Xia Tian’s outfit was light and simple. Other than her bra, there was nothing else under her hoodie.
The girl’s skin was fair and flawless. Her pink bra was wrapped around her fair skin, and she stood there quietly.
That obedient and young girl from back then actually looked like a woman now.
His eyes were filled with darkness. He suppressed the darkness and filth that surged in his heart and reached out to pull her into his embrace. Ignoring the softness of her chest, he quickly took off his hoodie.
She fell silent after that.
He covered her with the blanket before getting up. In the room with the heater on, he was drenched in sweat.
*
Shang Qiqi was woken up by the alarm in the morning. Although her head hurt, she still held her forehead and got up.
In the last few days at T University, she felt more and more reluctant.
When she came out of the bedroom after washing up, she saw Shang Qingmo coming out of the room next door.
She paused. “… You stayed here last night?”
She vaguely remembered that Shang Qingmo’s shirt was from last night.
Shang Qingmo’s face was filled with displeasure and her voice was low. “You can’t?”
Shang Qiqi closed the door. “Yes, but I don’t understand why you bought me this apartment.”
Shang Qingmo was silent for a few seconds. “Move back tonight.”
Shang Qiqi was speechless.
Even though he was her uncle.
However, he was crazy.
“No need.” She rejected him without hesitation. “It’s summer break in a few days. It’s indeed quite convenient here. I don’t want to cause any more trouble.”
Shang Qingmo frowned. “So I’ve inconvenienced you?”
Shang Qiqi couldn’t answer him.
After all, Shang Qingmo had arranged everything for her.
She didn’t find it inconvenient.
“It’s different from before.”
Shang Qiqi wanted to take the books from the coffee table in the living room, but there was nothing there.
At this moment, Han Jichi called.
“Hello?… I’ve just prepared it, I haven’t eaten yet… Oh, thank you… By the way, did you bring my book last night?… It’s really with you. Okay, I’ll go down immediately!”
After hanging up, Shang Qiqi and the rest had already reached the entrance. There was a half-length mirror at the entrance. Shang Qiqi bent down to apply some lipstick and carefully tidied her hair.
“Uncle, I’ll get going first. Be careful on the way. Don’t forget to close the door…”
“I’ll send you to school.”
The man’s tone was still firm and his expression had turned indescribably ugly.
“Ah… No need, I’ll go with… my classmate.”
“Shang Qiqi!”
“Goodbye, Little Uncle!”
Shang Qiqi seemed to be afraid that Shang Qingmo would say something else. She opened the door and spoke quickly before disappearing in the blink of an eye.
Shang Qingmo’s anger was stuck in her body again, but she couldn’t vent it.
He subconsciously walked to the window in the living room and saw Shang Qiqi jogging to the man standing by the bamboo forest downstairs.
The man smiled at her. When she reached his side, he handed her the paper bag.
Shang Qiqi accepted it readily and took out a bottle of soy milk. She inserted the tube and drank it as she walked.
This made him feel that letting her live alone was definitely not a good idea.
Watching the two of them walk away, Shang Qingmo’s eyes darkened.
*
In the afternoon, Shang Qiqi had just walked out of the school when she saw Shang Qingmo’s car.
He leaned against the car door with one hand in his pocket and the other on his phone.
This attitude had attracted a lot of attention and discussion.
Shang Qiqi even felt that there were more students at the school’s north gate today.
“Qiqi, is that your uncle?”
“Did your uncle come to pick you up from school personally?”
“He’s so handsome. No wonder you haven’t had a boyfriend for two years. With such an outstanding person by your side, it’s no wonder you have high standards.”
Shang Qiqi forced a smile.
Shang Qingmo seemed to have sensed something and looked up at her. His gaze paused for a second before his voice deepened.
“Come here.”
Taking a deep breath, Shang Qiqi smiled and walked towards him. “Little Uncle, why are you here?”
Shang Qingmo glared at her. “Get in.”
Shang Qiqi subconsciously glanced at the front passenger seat. “Where are we going?”
Shang Qingmo said nothing.
Shang Qiqi suddenly recalled what he had told her this morning. “I’m going on vacation soon…”
“Shang Qiqi,” Shang Qingmo said in a low voice, “Aren’t you being too obvious by avoiding me?”
“It’s irresponsible of you to find a boyfriend in a fit of pique. As long as you’re still in the Shang family and under my watch, you have no right to make decisions. Don’t make me repeat myself a third time. Get in the car.”
At that moment, Shang Qiqi suddenly felt flustered and helpless.
In the end, what she had done recently was just another boring trick in his eyes.
Yes, she couldn’t deny her recent efforts.
She was deliberately avoiding him. She had been thinking about him for a long time.
It wasn’t that she didn’t love him anymore.
Who knew how tough her acting was these few days?
“Perhaps you’re right. Then tell me, what should I do to not face you so deliberately?”
“You don’t have to do anything.”
Shang Qiqi couldn’t be bothered to think further. She opened the back door and got in.
Shang Qingmo frowned and glanced at the passenger seat before letting her go.
He had spoiled her.
Shang Qiqi thought that he would bring her to his villa, but she didn’t expect him to bring her to see Song Yunshu.
In a wedding planning studio, the decor was dreamy and luxurious. The entire floor was white and dazzling crystal decorations could be seen.
When they arrived, Song Yunshu was in the VIP area. There was a pure white plush carpet on the floor, and there were all kinds of books on the crystal coffee table and carpet. Song Yunshu was sitting barefoot on the carpet with her arms on the coffee table. She was focused on the book in her hand.
Upon seeing them, Song Yunshu smiled and waved at Shang Qiqi. “You’re finally here. I’m having difficulty choosing. I think both are good. Qiqi, come and help me take a look…”
Shang Qiqi suddenly felt a chill run down her spine.
Coldness flowed from his feet to every corner of his body.
Every drop of blood, every cell, every pore…
She was stunned for a long time, her face pale and her lips trembling.
Her emotions were too obvious and Song Yunshu gradually stopped talking. She looked at Shang Qingmo in confusion.
“Qingmo, Qiqi… what’s wrong?”
Hearing this, Shang Qingmo turned to look at Shang Qiqi. When he saw her pale face, he frowned slightly. He reached out to grab Shang Qiqi’s chin and turned her face around.
Her pale face, reddened eyes, and trembling lips made Shang Qingmo’s expression freeze.
“What’s wrong?”
Shang Qiqi sneered and suddenly slapped Shang Qingmo’s hand away.
The air froze.
Shang Qiqi closed her eyes and took a deep breath. When she opened them again, her clear eyes were filled with sadness and sarcasm.
“Is this what you meant by saying that I don’t have to do anything?”
Shang Qingmo’s eyes were as dark as an abyss. “What are you doing now?”
“Make a scene?” Shang Qiqi laughed, but tears fell. “What do you mean by not making a scene? I’m close to someone else, but you said that I’m doing it out of spite. I avoid you, but you say that I’m doing it on purpose.”
What do you mean by not being deliberate? You know what I’m thinking, but you brought me here to give advice to you and her engagement ceremony. Tell me, what should I do to not be deliberate? You’re saying that I’m making a fuss, but I’m not. What do you want from me?”
“As long as I’m in the Shang family and I’m still under your watch, I have to follow your arrangements step by step, right?”
Shang Qiqi wiped her tears and glared at him. “Don’t worry, I won’t be soon. You don’t have to try so hard to make me give up again and again.”
With that, she pushed Shang Qingmo hard and ran out of the studio.
Shang Qingmo was caught off guard and staggered a few steps. He steadied himself and chased after her.
Song Yunshu stood rooted to the ground for a long time. When she saw the man’s actions, she was shocked and suddenly reached out to hook his arm.
“Qingmo!”
Shang Qingmo stopped in her tracks and looked at her with gloom and anger.
Song Yunshu’s heart skipped a beat, but she still tightened her grip on his arm. Her expression was a little stiff. “What did Qiqi mean just now? What… is she thinking?”
The light in Shang Qingmo’s eyes turned colder.
He didn’t say anything, but Song Yunshu got a shocking answer.
“Qingmo… she’s your… niece…”
“So we’re the ones getting married.”
Shang Qingmo brushed her hand away and strode away.
*
Shang Qiqi didn’t run far and was easily caught by Shang Qingmo.
Her arm was grabbed forcefully, and the strong inertia caused her to lose her balance and fall into the man’s embrace.
There was no need to consider that familiar aura. Shang Qiqi did not struggle at all.
“Let go of me!”
“Where are you going? Shang Qiqi, I’ll give you a minute. You’d better calm down and talk to me properly!”
No matter what, he was used to scolding and ordering her as an elder.
Even now.
Even when she was sad, he had to set a time for her.
He had to participate in and evaluate everything she had. He had to do everything according to his plan.
She couldn’t love him or anyone else…
“Tell you what? What can I tell you? Is what I say important?”
Shang Qingmo’s arm tightened around her waist as he said bluntly, “Explain what you said just now. What do you mean you won’t be soon?”
Shang Qiqi paused. “…Nothing.”
“You’d better give me an honest explanation.”
Shang Qiqi had completely calmed down. She stood up straight and her voice became calmer.
“Didn’t you say that my main focus now is to study? I think so too, so I’ve decided to study hard…”
“Does studying have anything to do with what you said?”
“Yes. Since I’m focused on my studies, I naturally don’t have to think about you. So you don’t have to spend so much effort to make me give up.”
This answer was not that convincing, but karma could be linked.
However, this was not what Shang Qingmo wanted to hear.
But he could only accept it.
“Also…” Shang Qiqi’s voice sounded again. “I’ll go overseas to play during the summer break.”
Shang Qingmo narrowed her eyes. “I don’t have time to take you there.”
“I know you’re busy with the engagement.” Shang Qiqi took a deep breath. “I don’t want to see you busy with the engagement ceremony, nor do I want to participate. Out of sight, out of mind. Instead of staying at home, I might as well take the opportunity to go overseas to play.”
Shang Qingmo stared at her for a long time before nodding. “Okay. Where should we go? I’ll arrange it for you.”
“West Europe, let’s go to the Netherlands first. About half a month…”
“No.” Shang Qingmo’s words cut through the mountain. “Half a month is too long.”
“Ten days then.”
“A week at most. Otherwise, no deal.”
Shang Qiqi felt suffocated again.
Closing her eyes, she suppressed her emotions and nodded. “Okay, a week then.”
Shang Qingmo nodded. “When do you plan to leave? It’s best not to exceed the ninth. You know that my engagement ceremony is on the 16th.”
Shang Qiqi’s lips twitched. “Number five.”
“Okay.”
He had always been swift and decisive. He immediately called his assistant and asked him to book a flight to the Netherlands on the fifth. He booked a hotel and even arranged for two bodyguards to accompany him.
Shang Qiqi frowned and wanted to reject him. However, she thought of the outcome and decided not to say anything.
Putting away her phone, Shang Qingmo glanced at her. “Let’s go. I’ll send you home.”
Shang Qiqi paused. “Then… what about Aunt?”
Shang Qingmo glanced at her. “You still remember her.”
Shang Qiqi pursed her lips. “Go and visit her first. I’ll take a taxi back.”
“Don’t worry about what you shouldn’t worry about.” Shang Qingmo picked up her phone again and raised her chin at her. “Go to the car and wait.”
Shang Qiqi walked back as instructed. Shang Qingmo’s car was parked downstairs.
Before she left, she heard the call being answered. “Are you still at the studio?”
*
In the end, Shang Qingmo sent her to the school apartment.
Before getting out of the car, Shang Qiqi said, “There’s no weekend this week. I can’t return home on Friday.”
“I’ll stay in the villa tomorrow.”
Shang Qiqi didn’t say anything and got out of the car.
She thought that he was here to fetch her back to the villa.
He had made a big detour to send her back here. Actually, it was obvious that he was going to coax her tonight.