Chapter 2126: Wen Yuan (20)
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
“But I don’t want to see you.”
Shang Qiqi held her breath.
“I told you before that if you want to leave, don’t ever come back. Don’t you have guts?”
Shang Qiqi tried her best to adjust her emotions. “Yes, I have guts, so why can’t I come back if you’re unwilling to see me? Ping Cheng doesn’t have your surname!”
Shang Qingmo’s cold face darkened when he heard her rebutting him again.
“But this is Shang Qingmo’s surname!”
Shang Qiqi clenched her fists tightly and found it difficult to breathe.
She was trying her best to calm herself down, but she was still far from him.
Four years belonged to her and someone else.
She tried her best to mature and become outstanding.
But he was also changing.
No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t catch up to the gap between them.
At that moment, she suddenly felt defeated.
She had thought that she would be an outstanding person who would stick to her role and do what she had to do.
She wouldn’t think about someone she shouldn’t have, nor would she be hurt by his words and actions.
But now, she realized that she would still be hurt by his words.
She had clearly let go of it…
So now, what was the point of her leaving all these years?
The man in front of her seemed to have more defined features. The distant and indifferent person from many years ago seemed to be wrapped in a layer of sharp ice now, making people shrink back. It even made people feel that as long as they approached him, they could stab others without batting an eyelid.
“So?”
The corners of her lips curled up slowly as she looked at him stubbornly.
She was stubborn. Her lips trembled.
Shang Qingmo suddenly felt a pain in her heart. The coldness and wariness in her eyes were shattered by her expression.
The words that were already brewing in his throat suddenly became vicious.
His fingers trembled as he raised his arm slightly, wanting to break the thing that had been firmly imprisoned in his body and pull her into his embrace.
But when he sensed it, he clenched his fists and retracted his arm silently.
Her lips moved and finally pursed into a sharp line.
But how could Shang Qiqi not understand what he had just blurted out?
Even though he didn’t say it in the end, she was still hurt by the answer she gave him.
She closed her eyes and her clenched fists gradually relaxed.
“I know what you want to say. Don’t worry, I won’t live here anymore.”
Shang Qingmo’s body stiffened.
“I’ll move out. But even if I’m adopted, I’m still Grandpa’s granddaughter. I’ll definitely come back to visit Grandpa! I hope you won’t stop me.”
“Take it that I’m begging you.”
Her expression was indifferent as she turned around and said coldly. She picked up the bag of medicine on the coffee table and ran upstairs, unwilling to spend another minute with him.
Shang Qingmo stood rooted to the ground for a long time before her toes moved slightly. She turned to look at the empty staircase and her Adam’s apple bobbed.
He suddenly felt a sense of defeat that he had never felt before.
The anger that he had accumulated for four years was shattered the second time he saw her.
Then what were his years of persistence…
*
The next day, it happened last night.
He knew that the Old Master would be angry with Shang Qingmo again.
She didn’t consider Shang Qingmo, but she didn’t want to anger the Old Master.
However, Han Ji was at the Shang residence today.
The school was about to have a summer break. Shang Qiqi received a notice from the school asking her to go to the school to get her certificate from two years ago.
Han Jichi came to fetch her to school.
Naturally, the old man released her without thinking.
After coming back, Shang Qiqi had been accompanying him. She had to give the young people a chance to interact more.
When Shang Qiqi arrived at school, she didn’t know many classmates.
Most of them had graduated and rarely stayed in school to study.
Shang Qiqi had obviously become famous in school.
On the electronic screens at the various gates of the school, there were big red words welcoming her back to her alma mater.
Seeing this, Han Jichi smiled and said, “Are you proud?”
Shang Qiqi facepalmed. “Why don’t we change that name to yours?”
Han Jichi seemed to be immersed in it as his lips twitched.
Seeing his expression, Shang Qiqi couldn’t help but chuckle.
She wasn’t proud at all, but she was embarrassed.
After getting the certificate from the office, they chatted about the upcoming work.
The school had given Shang Qiqi enough face, especially regarding her salary.
After that, the school’s leader suggested bringing her to the school for a walk. Shang Qiqi was a little afraid, but when she was brought to the school’s hall and introduced by the host, she didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
It turned out that she had come to mobilize the students.
Amidst the applause, she braced herself and went on stage to say a few words. She shared her learning environment and life in a foreign school before retreating.
After that, she didn’t dare to stay any longer. She took the certificate and left quickly.
“What do you want to eat for lunch?” The two of them met at the north gate of the school. Han Jiji didn’t drive out, so Shang Qiqi immediately understood what he meant. She thought for a while and said, “Let’s buy some barbecue first before we go to Fat Sister’s house to eat rice noodles!”
There were many snack shops near the university town. The quality was good and the price was cheap. The taste of these shops was nostalgic.
Especially in the past few years, Shang Qingmo had been too strict with her. She didn’t let her eat the food from the small shops outside, but it didn’t stop her from lying to him a few times and sneaking out with a few classmates to eat.
Now that it was noon, he would definitely not hesitate.
Han Jichi seemed to have expected her reaction and wasn’t surprised at all.
With enough rice noodles, Shang Qiqi burst into tears.
Han Jichi supported her arm with one hand, feeling amused and helpless. “This is the first time I’ve seen someone cry from eating too much.”
“So every time I sneak out, I’m afraid that I won’t be able to eat the next meal. Little Uncle is too strict. This is the last time for me…”
Upon hearing Shang Qiqi mention Shang Qingmo, Han Jichi fell silent for two seconds before saying with a smile,
“If you stay in school in the future, you can come over to eat.”
Shang Qiqi pursed her lips. “… Accompany me to look for a house later.”
“What?”
“I’ll rent an apartment near the school. It’ll be convenient for me to go to work in the future.”
Han Jichi slowly stopped in his tracks. “Have you really decided to move out and live alone?”
Shang Qingmo’s words from last night flashed across Shang Qiqi’s mind. She took a deep breath and nodded. “Yes… I have to live alone.”
“Alright, leave it to me.”
Shang Qiqi shrugged. “Let’s go shopping first. I’m too full.”
*
On the way back home, Han Jichi received a call. When he answered the call, his expression was a little strange. After hanging up, Shang Qiqi heard that he seemed to have agreed to something.
Then, Han Jichi looked at her hesitantly before saying, “There’s a business banquet tomorrow. Do you… want to attend it with me?”
Shang Qiqi paused. She understood what Han Jichi meant.
Once she decided to attend this event with Han Jichi, it would be equivalent to officially confirming their relationship.
This business reception was just the beginning.
It was a confirmation and an announcement.
From then on, the two of them were bound together in Ping Cheng.
“When was that?”
After the car drove silently for a long time, Shang Qiqi asked slowly.
Han Jichi suddenly turned to look at her in surprise.
Finally, she parked the car by the roadside.
“Eight o’clock tomorrow afternoon…” He took a deep breath and turned to face her. “Are you sure? This means…”
“I understand.”
Han Jichi stared at her for a few seconds before pulling her into his embrace.
He didn’t say anything, but Shang Qiqi understood everything.
Two years ago, she had told him that if he met a woman he liked after returning to the country, he could pursue her without any worries.
He rejected her outright and turned to return to his country.
Indeed, he had waited for her for two years.
No matter how one looked at him, Han Jichi was a trustworthy man.
Her family background was good, her appearance was outstanding, and she was upright and sincere.
She had no reason not to choose him.
Moreover, they were dating.
“Then I’ll pick you up tomorrow. I’ll help you prepare the gown.”
“Okay.”
*
As the name implied, it was a business event.
They invited all the famous companies in Ping Cheng City.
For small and medium-sized enterprises, they would do anything to participate.
There were state-owned parties involved in the event in order to increase the GDP of the entire city.
It was a good outcome for small and medium-sized enterprises to be able to rely on large enterprises, join forces or work together.
7:15 P.M.
Han Jiji brought Shang Qiqi to the hotel.
Shang Qiqi was wearing a champagne-colored gown. Her hair was pulled back and she was wearing a set of diamond jewelry. There was no dazzling luxury and it was low-key and simple. It only made her look clean and gentle.
Han Jiji had returned to Ping Cheng for two years and had made some connections. There were also people who were not familiar with him but had heard of him.
When he appeared at the gala with Shang Qiqi, it attracted a lot of attention.
This was Shang Qiqi’s first time attending a cocktail party, so she was inevitably nervous.
It wasn’t that she hadn’t attended such events a few years ago, but she had always wanted to freeload off Shang Qingmo.
She was never worried about what others would think of her. No matter if it was someone who tried to strike up a conversation with her or someone who had doubts, he would always be the one to resolve it. He could always resolve too much trouble for himself easily.
Sensing Shang Qiqi’s uneasiness, Han Jichi patted her hand lightly and said gently, “Don’t be too nervous. You just have to follow me.”
Shang Qiqi gave a soft grunt.
Someone was already walking towards Han Jichi. Han Jichi took two glasses of champagne from the waiter and handed one to Shang Qiqi. He turned his body slightly and whispered into Shang Qiqi’s ear, “This is the general manager of Rui Xing. CEO Wang, you don’t have to cater to him.”
Shang Qiqi tilted her head slightly. Her eyelids drooped and her long eyelashes cast a shadow. She leaned towards Han Jichi and listened to him attentively.
In the eyes of others, their actions were no longer intimate.
As expected, CEO Wang stopped in front of them. After the two of them exchanged pleasantries, CEO Wang looked at Shang Qiqi and asked Han Jichi with a smile, “This is…”
Han Ji hugged Shang Qiqi’s waist casually and replied casually, “My girlfriend, Shang Qiqi.”
Then, she lowered her head and said gently to Shang Qiqi, “Qiqi, call me CEO Wang.”
Shang Qiqi smiled and nodded at CEO Wang. “Hello, CEO Wang.”
CEO Wang responded with a smile before asking doubtfully, “Shang?”
He turned to look at Han Jichi and understood. “It’s from Hua Chen TV…”
Han Jichi smiled and said, “She’s the Shang family’s granddaughter.”
That was the Shang family!
When everyone found out about Shang Qiqi’s identity, the doubts and questions in their hearts dissipated. Some people had already started walking over.
Shang residence.
Her status in Ping Cheng City was unquestionable.
Hua Chen TV was the leading television station in the country and had extraordinary influence. It had already become one of the important symbols of Ping Cheng.
The Shang family was born and raised in Ping Cheng City. They had deep roots and unfathomable wealth.
Being related to the Shang family was something that no one dared to imagine.
Even though everyone knew that the granddaughter of the Shang family was only in name, she wouldn’t be despised by others.
At this moment, a low commotion sounded in the banquet hall.
Amidst the whispers, Shang Qiqi heard a familiar name.
She followed everyone’s gaze and saw a familiar figure walking in steadily.
He was tall and handsome.
“It’s CEO Hua Chen.”
“It’s Shang Qingmo.”
“What’s there to be surprised about? I’ve just seen the Bo couple…”
“And the couple from CP Entertainment…”
“And the Yin family…”
“Shang Qingmo has a good relationship with them. It’s not surprising that they’re here.”
Shang Qiqi was also very curious about their discussions.
She knew all the people they were talking about, but other than the Bo couple, why didn’t she know about the other couples?
Why didn’t she see them?
She retracted her gaze from Shang Qingmo and started to scan the entire banquet hall, hoping to find a familiar face.
After not seeing them for a few years, had they really changed their appearance?
She wriggled in Han Ji’s arms, and it was hard for Han Ji not to notice.
He could only hug her tightly and look down at her with a helpless and gentle expression. “Who are you looking for?”
Shang Qiqi looked up at him and the distance between them shortened.
At this moment, as long as Han Jichi lowered his head slightly, he would be able to kiss her lips.
Caught off guard, his gaze landed on her lipstick-stained lips.
Shang Qiqi blushed and took a step back.
“I heard that my former friend is here too…”
“Huh?” Han Jichi raised an eyebrow. “Who?”
“I think there will probably be Chi Yaoyao?”
“Chi family? You mean Young Madam Yin?”
Shang Qiqi’s eyes widened in shock. “Young… Young Madam Yin?!”
Han Jichi rarely saw her like this and couldn’t help but chuckle. “You’ve been away for too long. It’s normal that you don’t know.”
“The beloved daughter of the Chi family is now the wife of the young master of the Yin Corporation. She registered her marriage in April last year. However, because she got pregnant before marriage, Miss Chi made a fuss about having a child and recovering her figure before holding a wedding. I heard that she seems to be preparing recently.”
Shang Qi swallowed his saliva with difficulty. “Yin Ruijue and Yaoyao… Why are they together?”
It was hard to imagine.
“Qiqi!”
Just as Shang Qiqi was feeling shocked and confused, an excited voice sounded from the staircase.
Everyone looked up and saw a slender figure leaning on the railing upstairs, waving at her happily.
“Sister Yaoyao…”
Not long after, Yin Ruijue appeared beside Chi Yaoyao. Then, Xu Han, Lu Shaoqian, Bo Jinhang, Sang Yu, Bo Jinchuan, Shen Fanxing…
The banquet hall downstairs was filled with exclamations as they looked up at the lineup upstairs. The men and women were all good-looking and had extraordinary auras. All of them were wealthy and the visual impact was too shocking!
Shang Qiqi covered her mouth in shock.
“Qiqi, come up quickly!” Chi Yaoyao shouted again. “Everyone is here today!”
Seeing her shocked expression, Han Jichi patted her shoulder lightly. “What noble scum?”
Shang Qiqi came back to her senses and couldn’t hide her excitement. She had long forgotten the strange feeling she had when she saw Shang Qingmo.
She pulled Han Jiju’s arm and said happily, “Let’s go up. I’ll introduce them to you!”
Han Jichi smiled. “So you’ll introduce me to them too?”
Shang Qiqi paused for a moment before nodding. “Of course…”
Before she could finish her sentence, another strong arm suddenly reached out and pulled her out of Han Jiji’s embrace!
Shang Qiqi fell into a familiar embrace.
His hard chest knocked her head.
The smile on Han Jichi’s face faded as he stared coldly at the man standing opposite him.
This sudden turn of events attracted everyone’s attention.
The tension between the two men made them even more confused.
Shang Qiqi reacted and struggled to leave Shang Qingmo.
However, no matter how she struggled, Shang Qingmo’s arm didn’t move at all. No matter how she struggled in his arms, she remained unmoved.
The two men stared at each other for a long time before Han Jichi spoke with a smile.
“Uncle Shang, what do you mean?”
The word “Uncle Shang” made Shang Qingmo narrow her eyes. Then, she said calmly,
“Since you’re calling me Uncle Shang, I might as well remind you that you’re not qualified to go upstairs tonight.”
Han Jichi’s face darkened instantly.
There was no room for negotiation.
Shang Qingmo was giving an eye for an eye.
He called him “Uncle Shang” and mocked him for being too inexperienced.
Or perhaps he wanted to say that he wasn’t qualified to stay by Qiqi’s side.
At the very least, he had to have the ability to fight him.
However, it was a fact that he was less experienced than him. It was also a fact that he did not have his capabilities and prestige.
He didn’t even have the right to fight him.
Shang Qingmo’s words were straightforward and unpleasant. How could Shang Qiqi not understand?
But with everyone watching, she couldn’t make things worse.
“Wow…”
Chi Yaoyao, who was leaning against the railing upstairs, watched the development downstairs with interest.
Yin Ruijue rolled his eyes at the side. “You’re really watching the show! Didn’t you say that she’s your most obedient junior? Why are you laughing at her?”
Chi Yaoyao raised an eyebrow nonchalantly. “Who said I’m looking at Qiqi as a joke? I’m looking at his little uncle as a joke.”
Yin Ruijue was speechless.
Ye Qingqiu gave a low laugh and took a few steps forward. She leaned against the railing lazily and looked downstairs with a faint smile.
“I also think that President Shang’s acting is the best.”
Her laziness and arrogance made her the most eye-catching audience.
Shen Fanxing was pulled into Bo Jinchuan’s embrace as she stood at the back. She looked up and their eyes met.
She looked at Han Jichi and then at the people upstairs. Suddenly, she made a decision.
Since they couldn’t go up, she would let them come down.
She took a deep breath. “Oh my god…”
Shang Qingmo seemed to have read her mind. Without giving her a chance to speak, he dragged her upstairs.