She opened the tap and washed her hands before wiping them on her apron. Running over to the door, she opened it with a smile. “Why are you both so early today?”
“Qianying.” At the door, Yu Zixiu and Chi Yuanzhen, with bags and bags of gifts, were smiling warmly at Yu Qianying.
Yu Qianying’s smile turned frigid when she saw who were at the door. She revoked the smile on her face. Without saying a word, she wanted to shut the door.
While Yu Zixiu’s hands were full of bags of goodies, he tried to keep Yu Qianying from closing the door.
“Qianying! We’re siblings. If there’s any issue, we can resolve it. Why didn’t you say a word before you shut us out?” Ignoring how it might look to others, Yu Zixiu stood at the door and spoke in a gentle voice to Yu Qianying.
Yu Qianying had her lips pressed tightly. She could not suppress the anger arising from her chest. For so many years, this was the first time she felt like bursting into tears.
When the Song family went bankrupt back then, she did not shed a tear, knowing she still had her husband and daughter. She needed to swallow her tears to get through the difficult times with Song Donglin. If she had cried, the entire family would have lost steam.
Before they got in touch with any relatives — which Yu Qianying did not intend to as she was afraid to drag them down, the Yu family had already made a clean break with her. She did not cry then.
She merely apologized to Song Donglin in her red eyes, for having been connected to such in-laws.
During Liang Lihua’s last visit, despite the humiliation she and Song Yu had suffered, she dealt with it with her back straight. She fiercely balked at all the insults Liang Lihua expressed. She did not cry then.
However, with her big brother Yu Zixiu standing right in front of her, after drawing a line for so many years, she could not control herself. How could he be so thick-skinned, bringing his wife for a visit after the marriage between Song Yu and Qi Chengzhi was established? That greedy smile on his face, as if nothing had happened and they were still dear to each other — how brazen-faced they were made her want to burst into tears out of anger.
A painful sore rose from her throat and eyes. She would rather never have these siblings at all.
“I have nothing to say to you,” Yu Qianying whimpered and said coldly.
“Qianying, why do you have to behave that way? There’s no need to be so cold, regardless of the resentment you had toward me, we’re still siblings. Blood is thicker than water.” Yu Zixiu let out a sigh, sounding sincere and earnest.
“Siblings? We’re no longer of that standing.” As Yu Zixiu was holding the door, Yu Qianying stood at the entrance to stop them from entering.
Even for someone as impervious as Yu Zixiu, he would not push her aside to break into the house.
Their intention to visit was to gain favor and play up to the Song family.
If that was the case, Yu Zixiu would not dare to be rude to her.
“Qianying, I know you’re enraged at me.” Yu Zixiu paused and remained silent for a while. “Afterall, we haven’t seen each other for such a long time. However, we’re still siblings. We can talk about anything. Are you going not to recognize me as your elder brother forever?”
Yu Qianyin sneered. She wished that a huff could send them away.
“In my memory, the Yu family has already made a clean break with me. Ever since eight years ago, when the Song family went bankrupt, I’m no longer a member of the Yu family. Mister Yu, with the ties cut, can I request you to stick to the boundary and not annoy me anymore? Let’s make it a clean break — we will never see each other again. Even if we bump into each other unintentionally, you don’t even have to acknowledge my presence. You can treat me as a stranger.” Yu Qianying’s voice was cold. Her heart was stone cold — she no longer felt any siblings’ love with the man in front of him.
Yu Qianying was not able to relate to the proverb: ‘blood is thicker than water,’ since a few years ago.
When the Song family went bankrupt, Song Donglin became a cab driver, and he even took up the night shift. For Yu Qianying, she became a domestic helper — cleaning, washing, and cooking. Song Yu had started working ever since she graduated high school. Even in university, she was working part-time.
The Yu family had never shown up, not even once. They did not try to inquire about their lives.
From then on, she treated herself as the only child. There were no siblings.
Blood relation?
She was too hurt to feel it.
“Qianying, I know you hate us, and you have the right. Back then, I just took over the Yu family. I was under pressure — I was afraid that I would lead the Yu family to ruins. The pressure I faced was insurmountable, and I doubt you could empathize. All I could do then was to hold the fort; I did not dare to do anything to bring the Yu family to new heights. I admit I was a coward. I was afraid that the Song family would bring the Yu family down under my hands.”
Yu Zixiu spoke gravely, and his expression earnest and sincere.
He placed all the presents on the floor, with both his hand still on the door. “Qianying, whatever my reasons were, I’ve made a mistake. I’m not trying to excuse myself, but I’m here to apologize to you sincerely. Qianying, can you forgive your old brother?
“Everyone makes mistakes. I was a fool. I got blinded by my interest and had wronged and hurt you. It’s been so many years. You have all the right to hate me, but today, I’m here to apologize. Please accept my wholehearted apology.”
“Ha!” Yu Qianying found how shameless he was amusing. She let out a laugh, out of anger. “Mister Yu, I admire you. You’d go anywhere as long as you can gain something from it, without a sense of shame. I’m curious how low you can go for your self-interest. Are you willing to lie down and let me step on your face for my forgiveness?”
“Qianying…” Yu Zixiu looked at her bitterly. “I know that’s not who you’re. I’m still your elder brother, and we’re connected by blood. You’re too kind, you can’t do it.”
“Is that why you all are bullying me? You see my kindness as an opportunity you can take advantage of! You all are living proof of the proverb, ‘a weak man is liable to be bullied’!” All of a sudden, Yu Qianying raised her voice. She was trembling, but no matter how hard she was shouting, she could not be relieved of all the hatred and suffering she had felt during those years.
Red-eyed, she did not care if the neighbors had heard her.
She knew that there would be more shameless people to come. The neighbors could discuss behind her back all they wanted. She could not care less.
“Yu Zixiu! You, your brother, and your entire family! Do you know no shame?” Yu Qianying was flustered. She spat the words through her teeth, and she was on the brink of tears. She seemed almost hysterical.
“Do you dare say that your apology is sincere?” Yu Qianying scoffed. She clenched her fists and gave up on the idea of trying to shut the door.
She could not do it since Yu Zixiu was obstructing the door.
“If you do know that you’ve wronged me, why would you only apologize to me now? Why do you only do it after Song Yu and Qi Chengzhi got engaged and decided on the wedding? Why only when they’re about to get married? Do you think I’m an idiot?” Yu Qianying spoke angrily.
“You want to make use of the relation to schmooze up with the Qi family and be their kin. Keep dreaming! You’re only here when there’s benefit you can reap. When we needed help, where were you? You swiftly cut ties with us! Yu Zixiu, let me tell you something. When the Song family went bankrupt, I did not intend to seek help from anyone! It was our matter. To keep the company running, it was akin to a black hole. We didn’t want to drag anyone down, but how terrified you all acted was eye-opening!
“Can you say without guilt, that you didn’t come here to apologize because of Song Yu and Qi Chengzhi’s marriage? Back then, when the Song family went bankrupt, Lao Song was a cab driver, working the night shift. He could not even afford his car, and he had to work for the car owners. He worked without knowing day and night. Working night shift meant that there was always danger impending. He even had to hold his pee while driving. When he was going through that, where were you?
“When was I an hourly worker, kneeling on the floor and cleaning, where were you? When Song Yu graduated from high school, even with a scholarship, she still almost could not afford university tuition. She had to work the entire summer, while the others were celebrating their graduation and traveling around. Where were you then?
“When Song Yu went to university, she was still working part-time. She rose early and slept late. She hardly had time to sleep. Where were you? I’m not a beggar, and I’m not asking anything from you. However, back then, you didn’t recognize me as your sister, and neither did you recognize Song Yu as your niece. What basis do you have to call yourself a relative?
“Even in an ordinary family, they would be happy when their niece got to university. They would even give her a small reward. Look at yourself! You’re inferior to an ordinary family! Other kids were enjoying themselves and celebrating their graduation and admission into a university, but our Song Yu had to earn her tuition fees!
“Yu Zixiu, tell me. What have you ever done for Song Yu? Nothing! Now you’re here to ask for a favor? Do you think there’s free lunch in this world? Don’t tell me family should be there for each other and ask for no returns. It doesn’t work that way! I’ve contributed significantly to the Yu family, but what have I got in return? You sent me out the door! While you were of no aid to us, now you want to reap the rewards?
“Apologize?” Yu Qianying wanted to laugh out loud. She lifted her tense arm and pointed at Yu Zixiu’s nose angrily. “Do you think I will accept a painless apology and let you harvest the gain?”
Yu Qianying let her hand down and lowered her head to look at the gifts on the floor. “With Qi Chengzhi as my son-in-law, these gifts are a dime a dozen! Do you think I care about these? Even for the Song family’s company — while we’re indifferent to it now, but if we want, Qi Chengzhi can help us revive it just with one statement!
“Just these gifts for forgiveness?” Yu Qianying got hold of the present and threw them downstairs. The gifts tumbled down the staircase. “Stop dreaming! Don’t disgust me with your gifts. Get out!”
The house was an old development. There was no lift, and one could only climb the stairs. There were three units on each floor, and the Song family was the first unit. On the right-hand side of the house was the handrail of the stairs, and underneath it, the steps for half the floor.
Yu Qianying threw everything to the right, and the gifts all went down.
Until then, the sound of the gifts tumbling down the stairs,’ pong, pong’ could still be heard.
Chi Yuanzhen’s expression was unnatural. When Yu Qianying boldly threw the presents downstairs, she was on edge but managed to suppress her outburst.
Yu Zixiu’s face sunk, although it lasted in the blink of an eye, seeing the presents being thrown out. Right after, he appeared to be in deep remorse.
“Qianying, I know these presents wouldn’t make you forgive me. I didn’t think you’d forgive me just out of this visit. While you claimed that you don’t acknowledge me as your brother, you’re still my younger sister. I knew it would cause a misunderstanding as I seek you out at this awkward timing, but the reality is, I want to help Song Yu out,” Yu Zixiu spoke gravely.
“You’re right. I don’t deny that Song Yu marrying Qi Chengzhi would be greatly beneficial to the Yu family. If I deny this, I’m indeed treating you as an idiot. It’s also overly pretentious.”
Yu Qianying scorned. Was what he was saying then not pretentious?
“Have you thought about the potential benefits Song Yu could get from mending our relationship? You said I’ve never done anything for Song Yu. When she was at her lowest point, we stood aside and did nothing. I admit it was my mistake. It was regretful, but it was in the past. We can’t reverse time and fix what has happened in the past.
“Hence, I’m trying my best to make up for it. I won’t make the same mistakes as before,” Yu Zixiu said sternly. “I’m sincere in my apology, and it’s not manifested in these presents. I took note of an opportunity where I can help Song Yu out and fix the mistakes of the past, and that’s the reason why I’m here, albeit it may appear to be thick-skinned to you.”
Yu Zixiu saw Yu Qianying’s attitude remained cold. His lips stretched bitterly. “Qianying, can we have this conversation inside? It’s our private matter. If the neighbors hear it, they would be making fun of us.”
Yu Qianying scoffed once more, showing her disdain. Trying to close the door once more, she said, “If you’re afraid to make a fool of yourself, then get out! I didn’t permit you to speak at my doorstep!”
Yu Zixiu’s expression changed. He held the door, preventing her from closing it. “Alright, alright. We won’t go in. We will stand here.”
This time, he was afraid that Yu Qianying would shut the door when he was not paying attention, so he had his hands glued onto the door. The posture was not exactly elegant, and it was rude. However, those were beyond Yu Zixiu’s considerations.
“Qianying, I’m here today to be of help to Song Yu,” said Yu Zixiu.
“What, are you like Yu Zidong and his wife, who are here to make Song Yu realize her position and give up on Qi Chengzhi? Those two are about to get married. Don’t you think it’s a little too late?’” Yuan Qianying raised her eyebrow and said sarcastically.
“Qianying, listen to me. I’m not here to tell Song Yu to break up with Qi Chengzhi,” Yu Zixiu replied patiently with an earnest tone. “On the contrary, I’m always on her side. It’s just that you’re not aware of it.
“I knew Keyao likes Qi Chengzhi a lot. From the time Qi Zhengzhi and Song Yu began dating, till now, when they’re about to get married, she still doesn’t want to give up. I’ve tried to advise her, and I even went to Zidong’s place to have her stop bothering Song Yu and Qi Chengzhi. She refused to listen. I also spoke to Zidong and argued with Liang Lihua. She remained stubborn. I had no other ways.
“However, I stand by Song Yu’s side,” said Yu Zixiu. “Regardless of what Keyao has in mind, I don’t have her back. Without support from the family, they’re just a branch of the family. They won’t be able to make waves.
“Besides, Qi Chengzhi is in love with Song Yu. I have no power to separate them. If I think I do, it would be biting more than I can chew.” Yu Zixiu smiled wryly. “Qianying, have you ever thought about this? After all, the difference in social standing between you and the Qi family is unbridgeable. It’s as far removed as the earth from the sky.”
Before Yu Qianying spat her acerbic remark, Yu Zixiu continued, “Don’t be in a hurry to criticize me. I’m not belittling you. Listen to me, when Song Yu and Qi Chengzhi get married, the bride’s side can’t go empty-handed. For an allied marriage, it essentially means for the union of the power behind the two families, the two companies.
“Given the Song family had gone bankrupt a long time ago, the marriage between Qi Chengzhi and Song Yu isn’t considered an allied marriage. Regardless, the bride should at least be bringing some trousseau.” Yu Zixiu let out a sigh. “Qianying, even when someone from an ordinary family gets married, the bride will be bringing trousseau. At the very least, there will be a car. It’s just a union between two ordinary families.
“Song Yu is different. She’s marrying Qi Chengzhi. The gap is already huge to begin with, do you want her to go empty-handed when she marries over?” Yu Zixiu said, “I understand, you must have saved up over the years. Besides, Song Yu is hardworking and frugal. She probably has saved up as well, and buying a car isn’t an issue.
“If Song Yu is marrying someone ordinary, it’d be enough. There isn’t even a need for a luxury car, something in the range of ten to twenty thousand isn’t too shabby. However, she’s marrying into the Qi family! They wouldn’t even take a look at something that costs hundreds of thousands. They have a row of cars in their garage in the millions!
“The disparity between you and the Qi family is already huge. If Song Yu marries him with little to bring over, the in-laws will surely look down on her. She would be bullied as well.” Yu Zixiu took a deep sigh. It seemed like he was apprehensive about Song Yu’s future.
Yu Qianying smiled scornfully. She scoffed. “What should we do then, based on what you said?”
“Hence, I came today to let you know that I’m willing to pay for Song Yu’s trousseau. I came to discuss with you what she should bring along, how much the endowment should be and the car she should go with. A few days ago, I also sent someone to scout for a few nice mansions in B City. Once it’s confirmed, I’ll take a look personally to find the right property.” Yu Zixiu sounded so sincere, like he would be taking care of this himself. He seemed like he was dedicated to Song Yu’s welfare.
“I also wanted to discuss with you, if we can announce the union of the Qi and the Yu families, and that the Qi family would keep an eye out for the Yu family in the business? To be more exact, to keep an eye out for you, and to help propel your family to the top social circle. It’d be beneficial if you can get to know the others from the Great Eight Families. Unfortunately, Kexin has already gotten married. Otherwise, it’d be great for Kexin to be in union with someone from the Great Eight Families. Am I right?” Yu Qianying mocked him with no reservation. She stood leisurely, with her arms crossed.
Yu Zixiu, with his thick skin, still turned red in the face under Yu Qianying’s mocking.
Chi Yuanzhen could hide her irritation no more. She was trying her best to keep it under control.
Since the night before, Yu Zixiu had been continuously reminding her that Yu Qianying would not be gentle with them. She might even say nasty things. However, regardless of what Yu Qianying said, Chi Yuanzhen must not cause an outburst.
The hardship today would lead to glory tomorrow.
Compared to elevating the status into the upper class and becoming relatives with the Qi family, the benefits outweighed the shame from Yu Qianying. It would lift the Yu family to the next level, to become one just beneath the Great Eight Families.
Thinking about the glorious future, Yu Zixiu was even willing to let Yu Qianying step on him.
Despite cursing Yu Qianying a million times in her heart and having an ill expression, Chi Yuanzhen did not say a word. She just let Yu Qianying belittle her as much as she wanted to.
—
A free mini-drama for the readers!
“Bow to Heaven and Earth”
When Song Yu was three, she was playing house with Qi Chengji at the Qi family. It seemed like they had learned something from TV, and they were trying to get married and perform the formal bows by the bride and groom as the old custom in China. They dragged Qi Chengzhi to be the ‘parent.’
Song Yu had a red handkerchief on her head, and Qi Chengji had a China rose, which he plucked from the garden on his ear.
Looking at the two, it seemed rather formal. Qi Chengzhi squinted, and put Qi Chengji instead on the position of the ‘parent.’ He knelt by the side of Song Yu.
“You guys are doing it wrong. Let me demonstrate how to do it right.” Qi Chengzhi said.
Under his loud, ‘kowtow for each other,’ Qi Chengzhi and Song Yu bowed, facing each other.
Subsequently, after cheering ‘send into the bridal chamber!’ Qi Chengzhi held Song Yu’s hand and left the room. Until Yu Qianying brought Song Yu home, Qi Chengji’s ear still had blooming China rose. He was still waiting at the ‘parent’ position for Song Yu to marry him.
---
Despite cursing Yu Qianying a million times in her heart and having an ill expression, Chi Yuanzhen did not say a word. She just let Yu Qianying belittle her as much as she wanted to.
“Yu Zixiu, stop dreaming! Not only would I not forgive you, reconciling with the Yu family is akin to keeping a pack of wolves that you’ll never know when they’d turn against you! Even if I let bygones be bygones, I’d not let you reap any benefit from the Qi family. I won’t give you the chance to bring shame to Song Yu in front of the Qi family!
“For Song Yu to marry Qi Chengzhi, it’s her blessing. It’s Qi Chengzhi’s liking. They didn’t date for any extrinsic reason, and merely because they like each other. Song Yu’s feeling toward Qi Chengzhi is pure. It’s not because he’s the eldest grandson of the Qi family or because of his status and wealth.
“I won’t let you taint and ruin the genuine relationship between the two! I won’t let their relationships be laden with business interests. Do you think I’m willing to sacrifice my daughter’s happiness for you? Keep dreaming!
“Preparing trousseau for Song Yu? That sounds great, thanks, but no thanks. We’ve already had a meal with the Qi family and discussed the matter. Everyone knew about our situation, including the Qi family. Do you think they’re not aware that we can’t afford the trousseau that can match the status of the Qi family?
“The Qi family has made it clear that there’s no need for ample trousseau, as long as it’s appropriate with the customs and within our means. For them, it’s the sincerity that counts. The Qi family doesn’t lack this trivial amount of money. About Song Yu after she gets married, it’s none of your concern. Qi Chengzhi wouldn’t let her suffer any injustice.
“Yu Zixiu, keep your smug plans to yourself. Don’t even think about using Song Yu to achieve your master plan. My advice for you is, don’t be so shameless and believe that you deserve a share of every cake. When we went bankrupt, you avoided us; now that we’re doing well, and you come shagging your tail. What makes you think we will give you a piece of the cake? Do you think the world revolves around you, and that you can have everything your way?
“Do you think that I can’t hate you even after you cut the ties? Do you assume that we’re going to be grateful and forgive you just because you come to apologize and offer us a small favor?” Yu Qianying’s eyes were gleaming coldly.
“Yu Zixiu, please remove your hand. I’m going to close the door!” Yu Qianying said.
Chi Yuanzhen could no longer stand it. She had never experienced such humiliation where she could not answer back.
She opened her mouth, wanting to insult Yu Qianying. While she could not reprimand her, she could at least say a sentence or two, on how she had forgotten her family name when her daughter had found a powerful man.
She sprouted, “You-” before Yu Zixiu pulled her hand.
Chi Yuanzhen looked at Yu Zixiu. Yu Zixiu said nothing and merely gave her a stare. Chi Yuanzhen then just kept her mouth shut and swallowed her words.
“Qianying, it’s alright if you don’t let us in. We’ve explained to you our intention for visiting today, and it’s out of goodwill. Of course, your hatred toward us wouldn’t be disseminated so easily with merely a few statements. I understand that.” Yu Zixiu still sounded compassionate, like an adult pardoning an insensible child. That ticked Yu Qianying off.
Even after she had made it clear, Yu Zixiu still acted like he was the better person of the two. How shameless could he get!
She would never be able to learn the ropes of the ability to distort the truth deliberately while maintaining one’s composure.
“I’m asking for your forgiveness. Sincerely. If you don’t let us in, we will just be waiting here, till you’re ready to forgive us.” Yu Zixiu spoke with deep sorrow as he looked at Yu Qianying tearfully. It was as though he was grieving over how his sister treated her.
Yu Qianying had never met anyone with that audacity!
Compared with Yu Zixiu, someone as unreasonable as Liang Lihua seemed unsophisticated.
“Yu Zixiu, you —” Whilst being furious, Yu Qianying felt helpless against Yu Zixiu’s insolence.
All of a sudden, her voice was choked with emotions.
That time, she felt a pair of warm hands on her shoulders.
Yu Qianying was shaken a little. She turned to look, and it was Song Donglin.
When Song Donglin was mopping the floor, he heard the doorbell. He also listened to the subsequent arguing of Yu Qianying with Yu Zixiu and his wife, to which he recognized over the conversation and voices.
Despite the Song family being the one that went bankrupt, they were discussing the private matter of the Yu family, which was not a realm he should interfere in. That was why he only listened on the side.
When Yu Qianying was no longer able to rebuff Yu Zixiu, Song Donglin then came to the door. He could not bear to see his wife suffer grievance.
When Yu Zixiu saw Song Donglin, there was a slight change in expression. Even for someone as thick-skinned as him, Yu Zixiu recognized how audacious his behavior was in front of Song Donglin.
Back then, the two families, Yu and Song, had frequent business interactions. The reality was, while Song Donglin could award the many opportunities to others and make more money out of it, he instead chose to take care of the wife’s family and granted the business to Yu Zixiu.
One could say that Yu Zixiu had received a lot of blessings from Song Donglin.
Furthermore, Song Donglin still seemed so scholarly. Back when he was still in business, he had always looked more like a scholar than a businessman. Hence, he had the nickname of ‘The Scholarly Businessman.’
As he was idling at home, all his time was spent on chess. Studying kifu and living a simple life, his scholarly aura became stronger.
The way he looked at Yu Zixiu was unemotional. He did not look angry at all, and the way he looked at Yu Zixiu was like he was looking at a stranger.
However, his calmness made Yu Zixiu feel ashamed and unable to show his face.
“There’s no need to speak any further. It hurts you more when he’s not angry.” Song Donglin spoke with a flat tone. His voice was gentle like a scholar, but not his words. “If he wants to wait outside, let him be.”
Song Donglin lightly pulled Yu Qianying backward and pushed the door outward with great strength.
As a man, he was stronger than Yu Qianying. Yu Zixiu could no longer hold on it, and Song Donglin slammed the door right in front of him.
“Why… Why do I have a family like that?” Yu Qianying felt wronged, and at the same time, angry. Not able to keep it in, she cried. “Lao Song, it’s all my fault. If you didn’t marry me, this wouldn’t happen. If I had the foresight, I wouldn’t let you help those people who’re devoid of gratitude. I’m sorry, I’m sorry…”
“What’re you saying?” A rare instance where Song Donglin was harsh on Yu Qianying. “Stop blabbering nonsense! If I didn’t marry you, our daughter wouldn’t exist today! Where can I find a daughter as great as Song Yu? You and your family are separate individuals. All that matters is that we recognize what kind of people they are. I enjoy the current state of our family. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be retired at this age. The burden would have weighed heavily on my body, and I could be sick and bedridden by now. I would probably die in a few years.
“For those who’ve spent years with alcohol, how many of them have a good ending?” Song Donglin embraced Yu Qianying gently and patted her back softly. “We’re healthy now and have less burden. That’s how we’re able to live a content life. Song Yu can be dating whoever she likes, unlike the last time when she had to marry someone she didn’t love for the sake of an ally. If our family didn’t go bankrupt, Song Yu is probably still stuck with Qi Chengji, or she could have been married off to another family. There’s no mutual liking among them, and their marriage won’t be happy. We didn’t lack money back then, but we weren’t necessarily happy.
“I frequently recalled the past and realized I wasn’t happy then. I’m much happier and relaxed now. The bankruptcy was the turning point of our lives, and also our blessings. While the journey was tough, but contrasting our lives with Yu Zixiu at the door — he’s still a slave of money. He’s still thinking about how to expand the family and gather more wealth. He doesn’t care about pride, nor does he know shame, he only operates for his interest, to the extent that he’s willing to be insulted! Is that happiness? Is there a need to be like him? There’s no end to this pursuit of wealth. If we didn’t go bankrupt, I perhaps would be like Yu Zixiu, who is stuck in the rat race, not knowing to relax and be myself.”
Yu Qianying whimpered. “I understand. I can’t stand how shameless they are and how they keep wanting to interfere with our lives. I’m mad every time I see them. I feel wronged. While I’m satisfied with our lives right now, having them stepping on our tail is another matter altogether.”
“It’s okay. You’re hurting yourself while Yu Zixiu and the others feel nothing. They don’t feel they’re wrong, and you do not anger them. In the end, you’re the one who suffers a loss.” Song Donglin wiped away her tears and advised her.
“Sigh!” Yu Qianying huffed heavily. “I know.”
Song Donglin took Yu Qianying into his arms and returned to the living room. “We do what we can. If he wants to wait outside, let him wait. He’s used to a comfortable life. He can’t stand any form of suffering. I’m sure he will return home soon.”
Song Donglin pressed on her shoulder gently and let her sit down, before passing a few napkins to her.
She blew her nose into the napkins. Song Donglin took out the phone, and it seemed like he was about to call someone.
Yu Qianying sniffled. Red-eyed, she asked, “Who are you calling?”
“I’m calling Song Yu, telling them not to come over today.” While Song Donglin dialed the number, he explained to Yu Qianying. “If she comes today with Qi Chengzhi, they will surely bump into Yu Zixiu and wife. Not only it’s a laughing matter to Qi Chengzhi, Yu Zixiu will surely take the chance to bother Qi Chengzhi. It will put Song Yu in a very awkward situation.”
Nobody knew the feeling better than Yu Qianying. Since the glory days of the Song family, and when Song Yu was about to marry into the Qi family, the Yu family had always tried to get involved, no matter how thick-skinned it seemed.
While Song Donglin put no blame on Yu Qianying and treated them as different individuals within the Yu family, the behavior of the Yu family indeed was annoying to Song Donglin.
If he felt that way, how could Qi Chengzhi, who was not genteel to begin with, stand it?
…
…
Song Yu was on the way to her parents’ place in the Range Rover. They were expected to be arriving at her parents’ home earlier. However, when she woke up in the morning, Qi Chengzhi had dragged her back in bed when she made a move. His lips slid upward from her shoulder, along her neck, then her lips.
His hand too began caressing her body. From her chest, his hand moved down and slid into her soft opening. He did not flip her over and instead, just penetrated her from behind.
Every time he entered her from behind, Song Yu was not sure what to feel about the sensation. She could not see him, but she could contact him. It was a distinct and exciting feeling, for her to be in his embrace and feel him rubbing in.
When he was at her back, it was difficult for her to reach him or to look at him.
She extended her hand and touched his sweaty face. Turning around, she could see his face right at her side. His face was rinsed with lust, and his usually calm expression turned passionate.
She tried to get closer, but all she could do was kiss the corner of his severe lips.
She could see the slight arch at the corner of his lips. His head slanted, he sealed her lips deeply. The tangling of their mouths was akin to combining the two into one. He wanted her to be a part of him.
Song Yu’s cheeks were rosy. She was staring at his long fingers that were intertwined with hers. His nails were kept short, and the tips of his fingers felt slightly rough. When she thought about what the elegant, long fingers had done to her, she was extremely embarrassed.
Looking at his fingers evoked this feeling. She did not dare to turn and look at his side profile.
Qi Chengzhi noticed the slight trembling of her fingers from his fingertips. He took a glimpse at her when he had a moment.
Seeing her blushing, he was not sure whether she was thinking about what happened in the morning. Looking at how embarrassed she was, with her eyes looking downward, and her lashes batting lightly, he recalled about the morning moment too.
He was aroused. He then brought her hand to his lips. With his warm hand wrapped around hers, and his long fingers pinching lightly on her soft finger pulp, he had her hand at the edge of his lips.
Song Yu’s finger pulp were feeling the heat. She could not stop trembling when she felt her finger pulp against his scalding, soft lips. Subsequently, he had it between his lips as he pecked and kissed it, making it wet.
Later, he began biting lightly on her fingertips. One by one, it did not hurt, but she could feel his heat.
“Focus on driving!” Song Yu could not stand the teasing. Her entire body went weak, and her voice lacked conviction. Her face was hot and numb.
When she wanted to retrieve her hand, he held it tightly, not letting her go.
When her phone rang, Song Yu then urged, “Let me pick up the call!”
All of a sudden, with her fingertips in his mouth, he sucked on them hard. Brushing against all her fingertips with his tongue, he then let her go.
Song Yu’s fingers were scalding. She clenched it. When the fingertips pressed against the palm, she could still feel the warmth and moisture.
She took out her phone and saw that it was a call from Song Donglin. She did not want to pick up immediately.
She was afraid that when she picked up, her voice would be shaking. She took a few deep breaths. When her breathing stabilized, she then picked up the phone. “Dad, we’re almost there.”
She thought they called because Yu Qianying was getting impatient about their whereabouts. Hence, she got Song Donglin to call her.
“Song Yu, you better not come over today,” Song Donglin said.
“What’s up?” Song Yu became nervous. “Dad, did anything happen back home?”
Song Donglin was slightly stunned. He quickly comforted her. “Don’t worry. Nothing happened, but your uncle and aunt are here. They’re blocking the entrance.”
“My uncle? They…” Song Yu did not continue; she knew why Yu Zixiu and his wife were there.
“They heard you’re marrying Qi Chengzhi, so they came with greedy faces. They claimed to want to apologize and mend the relationship with our family,” said Yu Qianying as she snatched Song Donglin’s phone.
“They’re so shameless! Do they think that they can have a piece of every nice thing? There aren’t so many great opportunities going around!” Yu Qianying was still angry. When she mentioned it to Song Yu, her mood was stirred up again.
“I’m not going to forgive them. I learned their character from what happened before. Furthermore, their greed is insatiable. If they have the chance to build a relationship with Qi Chengzhi, I can’t imagine how often they will be disturbing you, and crying about how poor, how pitiful they are so you can help them! They will ask for the sky from you.”
Yu Qianying had experienced it first hand, thinking about what had happened to her the last time she helped them out. She would not give these vampires a chance to get close to Song Yu.
“They’re just a bunch of blood-sucking leeches!” Yu Qianying said madly. “Get Qi Chengzhi to return immediately. Don’t come today. Yu Zixiu and his wife are standing outside our door. They claim that they won’t leave until we forgive them.
“Hmph, I don’t care. They can wait as long as they want. If they can do that, why can’t they kneel? They must be thinking they’re in some soap drama!” Yu Qianying went to take a seat on the sofa, with both her legs crossed. She was still mad.
“If you come later, you will inevitably bump into the two. If they see Qi Chengzhi, they will stick to him like dogskin plaster 1 ! While Qi Chengzhi is unlikely to be scared of them, they will still put him off. Also, I’m afraid they might take the chance to get acquainted with him and use you as an excuse to approach Qi Chengzhi.
“I don’t want them to interfere with your relationship, and I don’t want to give them any chance to get close to Qi Chengzhi.” Yu Qianying tried her best to suppress her helplessness against the Yu family, and her expression was firm. “They only have money in their eyes, and they can do anything for money. They can’t care less about someone else’s livelihood. If they bother you, I’m afraid it will really affect your relationship with Qi Chengzhi.”
“Mom, it won’t happen,” Song Yu replied. She turned to look at Qi Chengzhi’s side profile. Noticing her stare, he turned to look at her. “He isn’t a social ladder. Besides, our relationship is stronger than that. They won’t be able to change anything.
“Mom, is it really okay if we don’t go home? If we don’t, I’m afraid they will keep bothering you,” Song Yu said. She got Qi Chengzhi to stop somewhere, before heading further toward her home.
“If you guys are here, you’re giving Yu Zixiu a chance to speak with Qi Chengzhi, ” Yu Qianying said. “They’re now waiting outside. As long as we don’t go out, we can just be watching the television or taking a nap, and enjoy our leisure time. We’re not affected. Even if we want to step out, they can’t be waiting forever. They’re not formidable opponents on this.
“Regardless, I’m not going to let Yu Zixiu have his wish granted, for him to use us as a social ladder to get to Qi Chengzhi.” Yu Qianying was unyielding; whether it was directly or indirectly, she would not let the Yu family achieve this goal.
“Okay.” Song Yu hung up.
She did not want to see Yu Zixiu either, but she was worried about her parents. She did not want them to bear the anger. However, given what Yu Qianying said, she thought it was a good idea just to let Yu Zixiu wait.
Song Yu conveyed Yu Qianying and Song Donglin’s message to Qi Chengzhi…
Song Yu conveyed Yu Qianying and Song Donglin’s message to Qi Chengzhi.
Qi Chengzhi frowned and said, “It’s fine even if we go back. If I’m there, I can also deal with Yu Zixiu once and for all. If mum doesn’t mind, I can make them suffer some losses to stop them from bothering you guys any further. It is not possible to destroy the whole Yu family just like that, even though they’re not a powerful family, they still have their own reserve. Moreover, they own a mega-company, it’s not an easy task to bring them down.”
Song Yu was fine with his idea. She said, “I don’t mind at all and I think my mother would be on the same page too. But for today, I think we should follow mum and dad’s will and not go home. To be honest, I don’t really want to see those people. Furthermore, we should respect mum and dad’s opinion since they told us to. If we go home and Yu Zixiu saw you, he probably won’t feel anything regardless of what kind of expression you give him, but my parents may not feel comfortable on the inside.”
Qi Chengzhi nodded his head and did not press the issue further. However, Song Yu felt rather downhearted because of it.
He held her hand gently while he used his thumb to caress the space between her thumb and her index finger. Even his thumb seemed to be longer than normal.
“Where do you want to go now?” he asked.
Song Yu thought for a while and finally went to the Qi family’s old mansion together with Qi Chengzhi.
…
…
Grandmother Qi was filming in the set and Grandfather Qi brought Qi Youxuan out, leaving only Aunt Liu at home.
When they arrived, Aunt Liu was just starting to prepare Grandmother Qi’s lunchbox since she was not fond of the food prepared by the film crew.
“What does grandmother like to eat usually?” Song Yu asked Aunt Liu.
Before Aunt Liu could answer, the house phone rang. Aunt Liu hurried over to pick up the phone call, “Madam Qi!”
“…”
“Young Master and Miss Song dropped by.”
“…”
“I’m about to prepare your lunchbox.”
“…”
“No, I haven’t started yet.”
“…”
“Okay.”
Aunt Liu hung up and returned to the kitchen and told Song Yu, “Madam Qi wants to eat mushroom with choy sum and soy sauce romaine lettuce for lunch today.”
Grandmother Qi’s order could be considered ordinary, perhaps she was craving for home-cooked food.
Since Grandmother Qi was getting old, she became more health-conscious. She had reduced the consumption of meat and only ate a certain amount of it, never exceeding the fixed portion.
Song Yu gave a thought before saying, “Aunt Liu, do you mind if I cook for grandmother? I’ll send it to her later too.”
“It’s…” Aunt Liu did not mind at all for Song Yu to do this, “I don’t really mind if you want to do it, but since it’s my job, I feel a little embarrassed.”
“It’s fine,” Song Yu said. Aunt Liu thought about it and felt that Madam Qi probably would not mind as well, so she agreed to her request.
However, she did not just leave everything to Song Yu. She still stayed back and helped out with the groundwork such as washing vegetables.
The dishes that Grandmother Qi ordered were not that difficult to make. Song Yu used to cook for herself back in the days if she got off from work on time, thus she was quite familiar with the whole process.
Aunt Liu brought a vacuum flask over after organizing the rice and vegetables in the lunchbox.
Grandmother Qi was not the one who requested the soup, but her diet had always revolved around health and beauty rejuvenation. Aunt Liu had started to boil a fish maw soup this morning, a whole pot of soup reduced to a thick, fragrant essence, just right to be served.
She poured the soup into the vacuum flask and handed all of it to Song Yu.
Qi Chengzhi saw Song Yu appearing from the kitchen with the lunchbox in hand. She explained, “Since we’re already here, we can’t just stay here and do nothing. Why not pay grandma a visit.”
Qi Chengzhi stood up without saying a thing. He took her hand silently and lead her out of the door.
Song Yu lowered her head and saw their interlaced hands, before looking up to see the focused gaze on his charming face. She could not resist leaning against him, pressing into his arms closely, the corner of her mouth could not help but curve upwards into a blissful smile.
“The real reason that you suddenly decide to send the lunchbox to Grandmother Qi is just to protest against Shu Li right?” Qi Chengzhi who remained quiet throughout the journey spoke all of a sudden, his mellow voice had a hint of mockery.
Song Yu blushed in guilt as his guess of her intentions was on point.
Other than wanting to have a peep of the set, her initiative to deliver Grandmother Qi’s meal was partially motivated by her wanting to show some colors to Shu Li.
How self-absorbed could he be to articulate these things so confidently?
Even though he guessed it correctly, Song Yu did not want to let this man brag right to her face. She said, “I told you, Shu Li was never my concern. Why should I demonstrate anything? I just wanted to visit grandmother, that’s all.”
“Tch!” Qi Chengzhi scoffed and squeezed her hand, “No one will mock you for being protective of me.”
Song Yu’s mouth twitched but she did not retort back. Instead, she looked at him embarrassed with a flushed face.
Qi Chengzhi looked at her shy expression, an indescribable tenderness without any affectation. Even though she became more alluring, she still exuded an elegant aura.
He could not resist squeezing her delicate hands, the more he did that, he became more enthralled with her.
She agreed in silence since she did not argue with him any further. He was not angered by her intentions. Instead, he was very glad about it, perhaps more than he expected. It was as if his heart was about to jump out of his body.
He did not even realize how happy he was. Was it even necessary?
After that, before he was able to clear things out, he lowered his head suddenly and kissed Song Yu’s lips deeply.
In fact, he made quite a loud sound by kissing her.
Song Yu’s lips got seared by his sudden kiss. Even though he released her shortly after before deepening the kiss like he usually would, her face was already burning up.
“What are you doing! We’re in public, someone on the street saw us,” Song Yu said in a lowered voice. Her face was scorching hot as if it was on the verge of exploding. Her lips were still tingling when they grazed against each other while she spoke.
“When did you start to care about being seen by others? You used to kiss me in public rather often,” he arched his eyebrow and teased her,
Song Yu felt as if he was insinuating that she was quite thick-skinned and said, “I won’t do that in the future.”
All of a sudden, Qi Chengzhi stopped walking. She did not notice at first and continued walking, but she got pulled back by his sudden stop.
Only then, she stopped and turned around. She tugged his hand, but it was as if he was deeply rooted to the ground and remained motionless.
“Why did you stop walking?”
Then, Qi Chengzhi pulled Song Yu towards him and she fell right into his arms.
His chest was muscular and sturdy, Song Yu’s nose felt a little sore when she collided with it.
“You won’t kiss me in public from now onwards?” Qi Chengzhi put up a stern face. His expression looked very fierce when he made a serious face.
“The way you said it made me seem very thick-skinned,” Song Yu mumbled softly, she lowered her head until the only thing he could see was the top of her head.
“Are you going to kiss me in public in the future?” Song Yu heard his voice sounded from above her head. His mellow tone caused a prickling sensation that swept over her scalp.
When she did not answer, Qi Chengzhi squeezed her hand and urged, “Kiss me and I’ll walk.”
“…” Song Yu lifted her head. She did not expect him to take it so seriously and even tried reasoning with her there and then. Therefore, she came up with an excuse, “If we keep delaying, grandmother’s lunchbox will turn cold.”
Qi Chengzhi arched his eyebrow and gave a mocking laugh. His laughter and the curvature of the corner of his mouth made her skin boil, “That’s why you should hurry up.”
“…” Song Yu was speechless. If she would not kiss him, he would refuse to leave, causing the lunchbox to lose its warmth.
Qi Chengzhi stopped urging her and eventually, he stopped talking and just stared at her with his dark and deep-set eyes.
Song Yu had no choice but to say softly, “Lower your head then.”
With his height, she could only reach his chin even when she tiptoed.
Qi Chengzhi lowered his head cooperatively. Song Yu lifted her heels off the ground and gave a quick peck on his lips.
Only then, Qi Chengzhi was satisfied and took her hand to continue walking forward. He even said, “So daring, kissing me on the street like that.”
Song Yu, “…”
…
…
This time around, the working crew on set recognized Qi Chengzhi. Even though the director did not reveal Grandmother Qi’s identity, he mentioned to them that she was a person of importance and ordered them to treat her respectfully.
This was also the reason why no one blocked Qi Chengzhi and Song Yu when they entered.
The shooting of Grandmother Qi’s scenes was arranged right before and after lunchtime. After the lunch break, she needed to film one more scene and she would be done for the day.
By the time they arrived, the crew was giving out lunch. Even though Shu Li was the female lead, she still ate the same thing as the crew. She let her assistant collect the meal for her while Grandmother Qi waited for Aunt Liu to deliver her lunch.
“Grandmother,” Song Yu called.
Grandmother Qi searched for the voice and saw her grandson and granddaughter-in-law had come to send her lunchbox over. Instantly, she raised her voice as if she was worried that others might not be able to hear, “Aiya, why are you two here?”
Qi Chengzhi pursed his lips and thought, ‘Didn’t Grandmother Qi had enough of acting after two full days of filming?’
“Aunt Liu received your call when we came home,” Song Yu said while she placed the lunchbox on the table, “I cooked these two dishes. You’re used to Aunt Liu’s cooking, not sure if you’ll like mine.”
“Aiyo, such a good girl,” Grandmother Qi was smiling from ear to ear. Coincidentally, Shu Li was walking over with a lunchbox in her hand. Grandmother Qi said with a louder voice, “Two of you deliberately drop by to send a lunchbox for an old lady to eat. Xiao Shu, look at them, don’t you think they have such a loving relationship!”
Shu Li forced a stiff smile and greeted, “Young Master Cheng, Miss Song.”
Grandmother Qi opened the lunchbox and said, “Judging from the presentation, it’s already better than Xiao Liu’s cooking. My eldest grandson has such good taste in women. You should find a wife like her, not necessarily have to be famous. To be able to live together is the most important aspect of marriage. When you’re busy entertaining the whole day outside, you’ll hope to come home to a warm meal prepared for you. Home-cooked food may look simple, but it has the taste of home. The food cooked personally by your wife definitely tastes different from those prepared by the housemaid. Dynasty’s food is rather delicious, right? It’s still not as good as it lacks the taste of home.
“Like our Song Yu, a natural beauty, talented and has a great job. She makes us feel proud when we go out together. One does not necessarily have to expose themselves to the public in order to be presentable. Instead, those who were always in the limelight would not be around. How can such a person be a good wife?”
Shu Li was walking over in their direction. When she heard what Grandmother Qi said, she halted halfway, not sure whether she should turn back or proceed forward.
“If you’re looking for a wife, you’ll want a dutiful one. Am I right, Xiao Shu?” Shu Li remained stationary, but Grandmother Qi actively engaged the conversation with her. “Look at all those celebrities. They gain fame by kissing from one actor to the other when they shoot intimate scenes. How awkward must their husband feel knowing that they had been touched by umpteen men? Do they even have privacy? Our family tradition dictates that your wife should be only yours, nobody can take advantage of her. Not even a tiny bit.
“Aiya, Xiao Shu, I’m not referring to you. I’m just giving an example, please don’t take it to heart,” Grandmother Qi said laughingly. “I’m a very straightforward person. I just speak anything that’s on my mind, it’s definitely not about you. I know that you are a good girl, you know the boundaries even though you also have several kissing scenes.”
Shu Li had no idea how to respond to that. Her expression was so awkward that she wished so badly to just turn around and leave. It was obvious that she was made fun of and Song Yu was probably enjoying all of it.
Luckily, the director came over. When he heard that Qi Chengzhi arrived, he threw his lunchbox aside and rushed over.
“Madam Qi, Young Master Cheng,” the director greeted. His gaze fell on Song Yu and asked Grandmother Qi puzzledly, “Is this your daughter?”
“He he he, director, you’re such a joker. I can be her grandmother already!” Grandmother Qi replied, her face was gleaming with joy. “This is my granddaughter-in-law, Song Yu.”
Grandmother Qi directly omitted the word “future”. Inside her heart, she was making a note to herself to remind Qi Chengzhi and Song Yu to sign their marriage certificate once they go home. That would then allow her the right to introduce Song Yu to others as her granddaughter-in-law.
“Oh, you must Young Master’s wife!” The director addressed her respectfully. He’s a rather famous director in the local film industry. He had quite the reputation out there, but he dare not put on airs in front of Qi Chengzhi.
Song Yu laughed politely and said, “You don’t have to be so polite, just call me by my name.”
The director chuckled and saw the lunchbox on the table, “Yo, Madam Qi, did your granddaughter-in-law sent you this?”
“Yeah!” Grandmother Qi laughed non-stop and casually said, “My granddaughter-in-law cooked this herself. It’s so rare to find a youngster who can cook these days.”
“Director.” A young man ran over, the corner of his mouth stained with the oil residue from his meal. “There’s a lady out there saying that she came to send Madam Qi lunch.”
“Hmm?” The director looked at Grandmother Qi, “Madam Qi, you asked another person to send you lunch?”
“No I didn’t!” Grandmother Qi shook her head, “Why would I order someone else when I know that my granddaughter-in-law is coming to send me lunch.”
Furthermore, the only person in the house is Aunt Liu, not the young lady that the man described.
“How old is the lady outside?” Grandmother Qi asked.
“In her early twenties,” the young man replied. “She looks rather pretty.”
“Can it be Chengyue?” Grandmother Qi guessed.
“Let her in then?” the director asked.
Grandmother Qi nodded and said, “It could be my granddaughter.”
After some time, the young man lead the young lady over. When Grandmother Qi took a closer look at the lady, her warm expression turned a little dark.
“Madam Qi,” Yu Keyao was holding a brown-colored wooden box in her hand. There were delicate carvings of beautiful designs on it.
She was wearing a dress with heels and a cream color jacket over it. Her long strands of hair were braided neatly. She walked over at a moderate pace. She was much more elegant than Shu Li since she was from a renowned family.
“Young Master… Cheng,” Yu Keyao was unsure whether Qi Chengzhi would tolerate her presence. She still remembered Qi Chengzhi’s threat and dare not address him as “Brother Chengzhi” anymore.
This time around, she even nodded politely at Song Yu and greeted her smilingly, “Sister.”
Song Yu ignored her and turned around while she arched her eyebrows teasingly at Qi Chengzhi.
She was insinuating that there was already one secret admirer in the set that dare not confess to him, the other one came all the way here and had not given up on him yet.
Qi Chengzhi returned her with an ambiguous smile and pinched her waist secretly.
All of them could see the intimate interaction between them. After seeing that, Shu Li decided to bury her feelings away.
Qi Chengzhi was like a steel wall, nothing works on him regardless of what strategy she planned to make on him. Also, Madam Qi kept making sarcastic remarks whenever she had the chance, hinting her to give up on Qi Chengzhi. She would never succeed and the Qi family would not accept her. She should never think of leaching on the Qi family with her status as an actress.
The Qi family would accept Song Yu as a commoner, but never an actress like Shu Li.
She had quite a strong sense of self-esteem and thought rather highly of herself, but her status could never compare to Song Yu in the eyes of the Qi family.
Shu Li pursed her lips self-mockingly and shook her head. She did not want to chase after Qi Chengzhi anymore. It was never going to happen, not even the slightest possibility that she could have been his mistress. This man had never once looked her in the eye, no matter what she did, it was all pointless.
Even though Shu Li wanted to make advances on Qi Chengzhi, she was aware of her status and knew how to stay in her place. This was also the reason why she could survive in this industry. She knew when to strive for something and when to back down.
If she knew that she was not supposed to do it, she would stop and not create trouble.
And now there was another woman. Even though she did not know who was it, from the way it looks, she seemed to be coming for the sake of Qi Chengzhi.
Although Shu Li had given up on any intentions of being with Qi Chengzhi, it did not mean that she stopped liking him.
Since there was a woman here to disturb Qi Chengzhi and Song Yu, she happily stood aside and watched.
“Madam Qi, I heard that you were filming here, so I brought some food to visit you,” Yu Keyao smiled and said softly. Then, she walked over slowly and placed the refined lunchbox onto the table.
“I have been learning how to cook. It took me quite a while to practice these two dishes. I think that they are rather decent. Please have a taste if you don’t mind my skills.” Yu Keyao opened her lunchbox, revealing the rather tasty looking dishes.
The color combination of the dishes was on point, bacon kai-lan and shrimp with green peas.
Grandmother Qi glanced at it offishly and scrunched her eyebrows together while she said hesitantly, “Uhm, this… Miss Yu, thank you for your kind offerings but I should be cutting down on my meat intake due to my age. I can’t eat something so high in fat. Also, my granddaughter-in-law brought me some of my favorite vegetables. I really appreciate your effort.”
Yu Keyao looked at the other lunchbox that was most probably from Song Yu. Judging by its looks, they were common home-cooking. Not that it was not presentable, but they were much duller in comparison to hers.
A glimpse of disgust shot through her gaze, but she maintained her gentle smile when she lifted her head. “Young Master Cheng, sister, you guys probably haven’t eaten anything since you came over at this hour. If you all don’t mind, you can have this.”
They were uncertain if Yu Keyao had learned her lesson. She did not pester Qi Chengzhi and declared how much she likes him. Instead, she greeted them politely as if she had accepted them as her sister and brother-in-law. This placed Song Yu in an awkward position where she could not say anything insulting even though she was not happy.
They were uncertain if Yu Keyao had learned her lesson. She did not pester Qi Chengzhi and declared how much she likes him. Instead, she greeted them politely as if she had accepted them as her sister and brother-in-law. This puts Song Yu in an awkward position where she could not say anything insulting even though she was not happy.
“Aunt Liu is already preparing lunch at home as we speak. We’ll head back once we finish accompanying Grandmother Qi for lunch,” Song Yu said indifferently.
Grandmother Qi shoved the lunchbox that Yu Keyao brought into the director’s hand and said, “If this is the case, we can’t let Miss Yu’s effort go to waste. Director, you should eat it!”
“This…” the director held the lunchbox awkwardly. He wanted to put it down but he did not have the courage since it was Grandmother Qi who handed him the lunchbox. Yu Keyao’s face stiffened as well. How could the director take something that she brought for Grandmother Qi?
Grandmother Qi waved her hand. “Or else it’ll be a waste if no one eats it. Director, just take it.”
“This…” the director thought of a reason and said, “I’ve eaten already, I don’t think I can eat anymore.”
After Grandmother Qi heard him, she told the young man that brought Yu Keyao indirectly. “Young man, you can have it then! If you already had lunch too, pass it to your colleagues and ask them to share among themselves. The meals provided by them is not that nice anyway, treat it as an upgrade!”
Yu Keyao stared at the lunchbox that went into the young man’s hand. Inside, she was so furious that she wished she could snatch it away from them and throw it on the floor instead of letting them eat it.
She prepared this for the whole morning at home. Who knew that her effort would be disparaged like this!
However, she could not act so petty in front of Grandmother Qi and Qi Chengzhi.
“Yeah, since I’ve already brought it here, you can’t expect me to bring it back right.” Yu Keyao forced out a smile.
“Grandmother, have a bite. The food is turning cold,” Qi Chengzhi voiced out.
The director looked at them and said, “Yes, yes! I won’t disturb you anymore. Take your time to eat, no hurry. We’ll start filming once you’ve finished eating.”
With such an important person like Madam Qi, they had to treat her with extraordinary care. During the days when she was not around, the director would order his assistant director to pressure everyone to finish their lunch earlier so that they could move on to film and get all the scenes done for the day.
However, when it came down to Madam Qi, the director dare not prompt her to finish her meal earlier. Even if she requested for a high tea session, the director would have to wait for her.
Shu Li felt that things were not panning out as she expected and left since there was nothing much to look at. The only ones left were Qi Chengzhi, Song Yu, Yu Keyao, and Grandmother Qi.
“You two should also hurry back and have your meal,” Grandmother Qi said before continuing, “Don’t have to accompany me. It’s already so late, you guys must be very hungry.
Qi Chengzhi understood Grandmother Qi’s intentions and did not insist. He left with Song Yu without saying a word.
Yu Keyao wanted to follow when she saw them leaving, but Grandmother Qi’s voice sounded from behind, “Miss Yu, please stay and have a word with me.”
Yu Keyao’s heart sank and she obeyed Grandmother Qi’s orders, taking a seat across her.
“Miss Yu, while you were in Paris, your mother came to me. Did she tell you this when she got back?” Grandmother Qi picked up a stalk of choy sum with the chopsticks. It tasted crisp and fresh, she grinned in satisfaction. “My granddaughter-in-law’s skills are not bad.”
Yu Keyao opened her mouth and replied in a muffled tone, “No.”
Liang Lihua did not manage to gain Grandmother Qi’s favor and even got insulted by Xia Wenna, of course, she would not tell such embarrassing affairs to Yu Keyao.
Moreover, Grandmother Qi was not reserved at all towards Liang Lihua. She criticized her directly, especially where she said that she would never allow Yu Keyao to marry into the Qi family just by having her as a mother. Liang Lihua would never let Yu Keyao know. If she did, she would have wreaked havoc at home.
Grandmother Qi was not bothered by it. She picked up another piece of mushroom and took a bite as she said, “Miss Yu, I’m aware of how you feel about our Chengzhi. However, Chengzhi is going to marry Song Yu. No matter what you do, Chengzhi would not go and see you. It’s pointless for you to try to get on my good side. For me, no one else can be my granddaughter-in-law except for Song Yu.”
“Madam Qi, can I call you grandmother? My grandparents passed away several years ago. I felt a feeling of fondness towards you that I can’t explain whenever I saw you. I remembered that my grandparents were very kind to me.” Yu Keyao smiled softly and continued, “That’s why whenever I see you and your husband, it reminds me of my grandfather and grandmother.
“He he,” Grandmother Qi did not give a direct answer and just let her be, as this does not represent she would have any relations with the Qi family at all.
“Grandmother,” Yu Keyao took it as Grandmother Qi had agreed and puckered her lips before saying, “you’re right. I like Big Brother Chengzhi, since the first day I met him. I fell head over heels for him and just can’t let him go, even until now. Even after he threatened me with such harsh words and ignored me constantly, or when he threw me out on the streets in Paris, I still love him.
“Of course, I naturally hope that he would just look me in the eye, even if it was just a fleeting moment. With me chasing after him like this, I’d be lying if I said I don’t hope for anything in return. However, if he really doesn’t grow to like me, I will just continue to love him. He can’t stop me from doing that. I’m not disrupting him just by loving him.”
“I can’t even control my own heart.” Yu Keyao pressed her palm onto her chest. “Grandmother, how can you ask me to give up? In fact, Big Brother Chengzhi had already ignored my existence, how could I intrude into his relationship with sister? This is just me and my feelings. I’m not bothering anyone, am I right?
“You’re Big Brother Chengzhi’s grandmother. I respect you and want to treat you nicely, that’s all. I have no ulterior motives to gain your favor and try to win Big Brother Chengzhi over.” Yu Keyao had on a hurtful expression while she bit her lip, tears rolling in her eyes as if they were about to stream down.
This put Grandmother Qi in an awkward position. She could not taste the vegetables anymore even though she continued chewing. This Yu Keyao was impenetrable!
Her pitiful and sincere stance while she confessed that she would keep her feelings to herself and not intrude their relationship made Grandmother Qi speechless.
She could not tell her not to like someone, could she?
Yu Keyao made an irrebuttable statement, Grandmother Qi could never control one’s mind and feelings!
Grandmother Qi stole a glance while she was eating her lunch and thought, ‘This girl is much smarter than her mum!’
Grandmother Qi was not that silly to believe everything that Yu Keyao said. Yu Keyao was not that selfless and innocent, she must be devising a scheme for her own benefit. Even if she was not going to end up with Qi Chengzhi, she would try to destroy Song Yu.
Last time, Grandmother Qi was able to act so crudely to Liang Lihua because she instigated it by putting things so harshly.
However, Grandmother Qi was not able to say anything when Yu Keyao acted so pitifully.
Grandmother Qi finished her lunch and put down the chopsticks. Then, she took out a tissue and wiped her mouth clean. “Miss Yu, you’re right. I have no control over your heart and what you decide to do. Nevertheless, I’ll clear things up today regardless if you still have the intention of marrying into the Qi family. Even if Song Yu isn’t in the picture, I’ll never allow you to marry into our family.
“Even if you manage to separate Chengzhi and Song Yu, you can’t marry into my family. I’ll be frank with you, my support is the major reason Chengzhi and Song Yu can be together till this day. If one day you succeeded in getting Chengzhi to fall for you, he alone can’t make you a part of the Qi family without me agreeing to it.
“Am I being clear enough?” Grandmother Qi’s expression turned cold.
The old lady who usually had warm features suddenly had on a stern expression. It was rather intimidating and startled Yu Keyao. A sense of fear crept its way up from the bottom of her heart.
Yu Keyao dare not address her as “grandmother” anymore. She stood up with wobbly legs, uncertain of what to do next. “Madam Qi, I’ll take my leave now.”
Grandmother Qi then put on a mellow smile and said, “I’ll let my driver send you the lunchbox later.”
Yu Keyao paused for a moment, the lunchbox was the least of her worries at that moment.
Grandmother Qi stood up in a decent mood and took out a bottle of hand sanitizer from her bag. Then, she took the script and left to look for the director. “Director, are we filming soon? I want to finish this scene earlier so that I can go home to talk to my granddaughter-in-law.”
…
…
Grandmother Qi came home around two o’clock in the afternoon.
Song Yu chatted a while with Grandmother Qi. Then, she gave a phone call back home because she was concerned about her parents.
Turned out that Yu Zixiu and Chi Yuanzhen stayed behind and had not left yet.
“Mum, if worst comes to worst, I’ll go back with Chengzhi to deal with them,” Song Yu said. Her parents were stuck at home with Yu Zixiu and his wife, what in the world were they thinking.
Yu Qianying still refused, Song Yu could only say, “Please inform me right away when they leave. I’ll head back with Chengzhi.”
It was about half-past five in the evening when Song Yu received a phone call from home. Yu Zixiu and Chi Yuanzhen finally left.
Yu Qianying was worried that Yu Zixiu pretended to leave and went to hide downstairs, hence she followed Song Donglin down to check and made sure that Yu Zixiu and his wife were really gone.
Shortly after, Song Yu and Qi Chengzhi went back.
The initial plan was for Song Yu and Qi Chengzhi to come home in the morning. Song Donglin even dragged two trolleys to the market a few days ago and bought two full bags of groceries for their arrival.
Since they had already wasted the whole afternoon Yu Qianying rushed to prepare dinner while Song Yu and Qi Chengzhi were on their way so that they were greeted with a table of steaming dishes once they arrive.
At this point, Yu Qianying had no opinions against Qi Chengzhi anymore.
Instead of showing a sulky face, she showed more affection towards Qi Chengzhi than Song Yu. When Jian Yi used to visit their house, he had none of this sort of reception.
She really treated him as her son-in-law. The more she saw him the more satisfied she was.
Song Yu observed from aside and felt the surrealness. She could still remember how Yu Qianying reacted so strongly against their relationship and felt a little overwhelmed.
On the dinner table, Yu Qianying looked like she had something in her mind but was hesitant to say it. Qi Chengzhi put down his chopsticks—his features were gentler than usual—and said, “Mum, you can speak your mind.”
Yu Qianying let out a sigh before saying, “You know that Yu Zixiu dropped by during the day. I was too naive, but after thinking, I may be able to stop him from coming after me, but I can’t prevent him from looking for you in your company. He’ll try to use his status as Song Yu’s eldest uncle to work his way up to you.
“That pair of brothers are insatiable. They will do anything for their own interest, if they come to you…” Yu Qianying put down the chopsticks while she was still speaking halfway. She was so troubled by them that it was triggering her gastric and made her lose appetite.
“I was afraid that they would affect your relationship with Song Yu. Even though Song Yu hasn’t told me yet, but I know that this child really loves you. She’s not after your status and money. She’s only interested in you. I don’t want to create any misunderstandings and arguments between you two just because Song Yu’s uncles came looking for you shamelessly to claim their rights as a family member.
“Chengzhi, let me clarify something with you. Those two are no longer related to me. You don’t have to agree or help them out because of Song Yu or us. You can treat them as strangers, just ignore whatever their request is.”
“I understand,” Qi Chengzhi nodded reservedly.
Nevertheless, these two words could not appease Yu Qianying. Qi Chengzhi continued in a mellow, mature voice, “The relationship I share with Song Yu will not be easily affected by others. In my eyes, Song Yu is just Song Yu. In fact, those who are not related to Song Yu will be none of my concern. For example, Yu Zixiu and Yu Zidong are not considered as Song Yu’s relatives. Even if they come to find me, they’ll be wasting their time.”
Qi Chengzhi glanced at Yu Qianying. “Mum, what I want to know is what do you think of Yu Zixiu and Yu Zidong. I know that they had hurt you in the past, it’ll be impossible for you guys to amend your relationship. However, they are still your brothers. If it were other people, I would’ve done something long ago. If you mind about that, I can just treat them like they do not exist and tolerate their presence.”
“When they decided to cut ties with me back then, they never considered me as their sister,” Yu Qianying said coldly, her expression turned dark. She tightened the grip of both of her hands that were resting on her knees before relaxing it immediately. “Seeing that they can benefit from this situation now, they scurried over to apologize and make amends without giving second thoughts. How can they think that things would resolve so easily!
“If they didn’t harass you, just let them be,” Yu Qianying said before continuing, “but, if they come looking for you shamelessly, you can go ahead and let them taste their own medicine, just…”
Yu Qianying let out a sigh and said, “Even though I don’t recognize them as my brothers, but we inherited the Yu family business from my parents, I can’t allow it to be destroyed in front of my own eyes.”
Yu Qianying felt a pang of sadness when she thought of her parents.
When both of her parents were still alive, she was the Yu family’s princess. Even when she grew older and gave birth to Song Yu, she was still treasured by them.
If both of her parents were around, they would never allow Yu Qianying to suffer.
Back then, if her parents were still there when the Song family went bankrupt, they would not let her brothers bully her the way they did.
Even though it was Yu Zixiu who took over the family business that her father founded from scratch, Yu Qianying did not want it to be destroyed since it was still an inheritance from her parents.
However, she also knew that it would be rather difficult if Qi Chengzhi tries to destroy the Yu family alone.
The process of merging companies and declaring bankruptcy required at least several years.
When the Song family business was in trouble, they struggled for five years. The tipping point was when they received the news of Qi Chengji’s death which resulted in Song Yu having to break off the engagement with him. This was the last straw and they had to file for bankruptcy. If it was not for that, it was still possible for the Song family to continue for another seven years.
The scale of the Yu family business was about the same as the Song family back then. Qi Chengzhi would not be able to easily destroy a company with their resources.
Moreover, Qi Chengzhi was chosen to be the next leader of the family, does not mean that he is one now.
Whatever he decided to do must be discussed with Grandfather Qi, Qi Zhongliang and Qi Zhongxun. He could not make the final decision on his own.
However, Yu Qianying relented when it came to the company that her parents left behind. She did not want anything bad to happen to it.
Qi Chengzhi fell silent for a moment. Yu Qianying got a little anxious while she looked at him from the side. She was unsure if he would agree to it.
Finally, Qi Chengzhi nodded with an expressionless face.
…
…
However, Song Yu was not expecting Yu Zixiu to go to her instead of Qi Chengzhi.
She went to work the next day. In the afternoon, Ruan Danchen and her left the office to go to a newly opened Turkish restaurant nearby.
“Song Yu.” A voice sounded from not too far away.
Song Yu frowned as she felt that it was rather familiar, but she had not heard it for quite some time.
She looked over and saw Yu Zixiu sitting in the backseat of a Mercedes-Benz. The car window was down, exposing his stern face—as usual—with a snobbish expression on it.
Ruan Danchen arched her eyebrows. She could guess why Yu Zixiu came looking for Song Yu. She could not resist but mocked him inwardly. How dare he put on airs when he was about to ask someone for a favor.
He glanced towards Song Yu, not knowing how she would react.
In the end, Song Yu just nodded calmly to Yu Zixiu, who was sitting in the car, before dragging Ruan Danchen to walk around the car and crossing the road.
Yu Zixiu frowned and opened the door immediately and got down from the car.
“Song Yu!” Yu Zixiu ran over and stood in Song Yu’s way. “Why are you acting so distant after seeing your uncle!”
Song Yu’s expression remained indifferent. She did not express any joyful emotions that a person would normally react when they have a reunion with their family members. “Mr. Yu.”
Yu Zixiu let out a heavy sigh before understandingly saying, “You still blame me, don’t you? I understand your reaction towards me.”
Song Yu said in a non-committal tone, “Excuse me, I’m going to have lunch with my colleague. Please help yourself, Mr. Yu.”
“Song Yu!” Just when Song Yu was about to bypass him, Yu Zixiu moved to the side and even reached out his arm to block Song Yu. “I’ve got some matters that I want to discuss with you. What do you want to eat, let me treat you.”
“No need for that,” Song Yu said coldly.
“Song Yu, can’t you just have a chat with me? We haven’t seen each other in a long time. There’s so much that I want to say to you. Let’s just have a homely chat between family members,” Yu Zixiu urged.
“Mr. Yu, you also said that we haven’t seen each other in years, I can’t think of anything to talk to you about.” Song Yu maintained her cold expression. She was already saying in such a straightforward manner, but still could not chase Yu Zixiu away.
“Song Yu, I know that you’re angry with me. I’m here to have a heart to heart talk with you so that I can redeem my mistakes from the past,” Yu Zixiu said in a rather sincere way. “I’m still your uncle at the end of the day, won’t you give me a chance for redemption?”
“Mr. Yu, this is the entrance of the company. Stop bothering me please.” Song Yu tugged Ruan Danchen and took a step back.
“I don’t mean any harm. There are so many people around us, it’s not too convenient to speak. Even if you want to take it out the hatred on me for putting you guys in such misery all these years, we should also sit down and talk through it, am I right?” Yu Zixiu said in an understanding demeanor.
Song Yu was so disgusted by his presence that she made a rare icy expression with her demure features and scoffed. “If I return to the office now, I won’t be coming out. Are you going to continue and wait out here?”
“Yes,” Yu Zixiu replied outwardly. “If you go back now, I’ll wait here until you get off from work. You can’t just stay there forever, right? Also, I know that Qi Chengzhi will come and pick you up every day. Then, not only will I be able to see you, I get to meet Qi Chengzhi as well.”
Song Yu stared at the reserved yet confident smile hanging on Yu Zixiu’s face and felt utterly nauseated by it.
How dare he continue smiling while he threatened her with words spoken in such an innocent manner.
Yu Zixiu was so confident that Song Yu would not want him to bother Qi Chengzhi.
Song Yu probably would think similarly as Yu Qianying.
“Ha!” Song Yu chuckled and glanced at Yu Zixiu mockingly. “Are you hoping that you can make amends with my family and get a piece from the Qi family with an attitude like yours?”
Song Yu sneered coldly, “It’s not entirely impossible for you to talk to me, but on one condition.”
“Song Yu, you are my niece. I’m here to help you, you don’t have to request from me. Just tell me anything. As your uncle, I’ll definitely try my best to fulfill your wishes.” Yu Zixiu put on his sincere act again.
Song Yu laughed and ignored his speech, “I’ll be the one dealing with you from now onwards. Don’t you dare harass my parents again. You won’t get what you want by talking to them, don’t even think that Qi Chengzhi will listen to their orders. If you really want to get on Qi family’s good side, you should come to me.”
“He he he!” Yu Zixiu laughed shamelessly. “There’s no you and I between us, we’re a family. I can’t avoid meeting your parents in the future, Qianying is my sister. I’m even planning to visit her more often to build our relationship.”
“Do you agree, or not?” Song Yu asked sharply, “If not, you can continue to wait out here for the whole afternoon. You’re right, Qi Chengzhi will come and pick me up every day, but if he knew that you’re harassing me, I can’t guarantee how will he react.”
Yu Zixiu clenched his jaws and lowered his head to hide the irritation from her cold gaze.
He never thought that he would be threatened by Song Yu, who was one generation younger than him!
If it was not for Song Yu’s luck that she got together with Qi Chengzhi, he would never lower his stance in front of her!
“Fine.” Yu Zixiu nodded. “However, if we finally make amends, you can’t just stop me from seeing my sister, can you!”
“Mr. Yu, we’ll leave this for another day,” Song Yu said nonchalantly. She was highly doubtful that the day will arrive.
Yu Zixiu smiled and pointed to his car and invited Song Yu for a ride.
“There’s no need for that.” Song Yu pointed towards a cafe behind her. It was in the same building as her company. She said, “Let’s talk in that cafe.”
The cafe had glass walls on both sides. There was no privacy at all. Also, the openness of the interior design would allow other customers to hear their conversation if it was spoken too loudly. Yu Zixiu’s ego definitely would not allow him to reveal too many personal issues in such a public area. He would not linger for too long.
As expected, Yu Zixiu did not seem to be too interested. Song Yu said, “If you don’t like it, just forget about this.”
Then, she turned around and left.
“Hold on!” This was no longer Yu Zixiu’s main concern anymore. He grabbed Song Yu by her wrist in a dash and said, “Okay, let’s go there.”
Song Yu glared at Yu Zixiu coldly, making him release his grip on her.
Then, she looked at Ruan Danchen. Ruan Danchen patted her on the shoulder gently and said, “It’s fine, are you sure you’re okay?”
Song Yu shook her head to assure Ruan Danchen before walking in front of Yu Zixiu to lead the way.
Ruan Danchen saw them enter the cafe. Song Yu entered before Yu Zixiu, where she proceeded to choose a conspicuous table near the window and sat down.
Yu Zixiu stood by the table for quite some time. It was obvious that he was not willing to sit down. His lips were moving but she could not figure out what was he telling Song Yu.
Ruan Danchen was guessing that he was trying to persuade Song Yu to switch places.
However, Song Yu said something stoically and Yu Zixiu just sat down with a stiff expression.
Only then, Ruan Danchen turned around and crossed the road.
…
…
The cafe offered some simple dishes. Yu Zixiu ordered a portion of pasta while Song Yu ordered a matcha tea. She had no appetite when she was facing Yu Zixiu.
“Song Yu, are you going to avoid us forever? Everyone knows that you’re part of the Yu family. Others will see us as a joke if we continue treating each other like strangers,” Yu Zixiu said.
“We were teased by others when you guys cut off all ties with us back in those days. What’s the big deal if they mocked us again?” Song Yu retaliated with a snide remark.
Yu Zixiu was startled. He squeezed the handle of the mug and said, “Song Yu, I’m aware of the wrongdoings that I did in the past. What should I do to make you trust me and forgive me? Just because of that mistake, you and your mother are planning not to forgive me for the entire lifetime, not even giving me a chance to redeem myself?”
“As the saying goes, “It’s a great virtue to acknowledge your faults and correct it.” This is widely known by everyone, why doesn’t it apply to me? Can’t you guys just give me a chance to make amends? You’re not afraid of how others see you, but have you ever thought of how the Qi family would be affected? You can turn a blind eye to the gossip and talk behind your back, but a family as noble as the Qi family really values their reputation. Do you really want to push the Qi family into the limelight to receive all those unnecessary judgments?”
Song Yu sipped on her matcha tea to moisten her throat before saying, “You probably forgot that I was previously engaged to Qi Chengji. Everybody was aware of this. Now that Qi Chengzhi is going to marry me, all of them are busy judging this issue. Who will have the time to pay attention to a small family like the Yu family? Mr. Yu, perhaps you think too highly of the Yu family.”
Yu Zixiu reminded himself that he must endure whatever that came to him. However, his face still flushed red when he got mocked by a family member of the younger generation. He had to hold his breath to suppress his anger and not let it out on her.
Suddenly, they were interrupted by a sharp voice. “Brother, I didn’t expect to meet you here.”
Song Yu lifted her head, she was not expecting to see Liang Lihua at all.
Liang Lihua was here to find Song Yu. She heard the news about Song Yu and Qi Chengzhi’s marriage. Even though she knew that she could not prevent it from happening, she still wanted to berate Song Yu and criticize her for being so shameless so that she could vent her anger.
What she did not expect was that when she was about to enter the office building of her company, she saw Song Yu and Yu Zixiu sitting at the window seat as she was casually glancing to the cafe beside.
Song Yu had a taunting expression on her. It was obvious that she was not giving him face, but Yu Zixiu just kept tolerating.
It angered Liang Lihua because she knew exactly why Yu Zixiu was there.
He was here to please Song Yu and try to get on Qi Chengzhi’s good side.
Since he was made aware that Song Yu and Qi Chengzhi got together, Yu Zixiu had been plotting this. He did not even consider Yu Keyao’s feelings. Not even his niece would be a concern in the pursuit of his interests!
How capable was Song Yu!
Firstly, she snatched her daughter’s man away and now, she even made Yu Zixiu lower his stance in front of her. This was definitely her way of having revenge against the Yu family!
At that instance, Liang Lihua dashed right into the cafe without hesitation.
The server greeted her with a smile. “Good day, welcome to our cafe.”
She ignored him and darted to the window side.
Yu Zixiu frowned deeply and asked in a deep voice, “Lihua, what are you doing here?”
Liang Lihua would never ever pass by this place. She had no business here, there was also no shopping mall that she frequents. The only reason she would appear was that she was coming for Song Yu.
“Why can’t I be here, but you can?” Liang Lihua remained standing. She lowered her head to see a troubled Yu Zixiu. “Did you think about how our family would feel? Can’t you just be more considerate of Keyao? You’re busy pleasing Song Yu now? I recalled that you weren’t so enthusiastic when the Song family went bankrupt!”
Yu Qianying and Song Yu had no intentions of forgiving him. They mock and give sarcastic remarks whenever they saw him. Adding to that, Liang Lihua joined in and created an even bigger mess.
Yu Zixiu stood up with a long face. “I told you that I made a mistake in the past. I’m here to ask for forgiveness from Qianying and Song Yu!”
Liang Lihua was amazed by how thick-skinned Yu Zixiu was. Back then, he was the first one who suggested to cut off all ties with the Song family.
Now, he was still able to seek for forgiveness so shamelessly, acting all righteous and upright.
“What about you, can’t you be more aware of the situation? Aren’t you ashamed for making a scene here? You don’t even acknowledge that you made a mistake and kept blaming Song Yu for your responsibilities. You’ve been wasting all the years of your life for nothing! Can’t you be more reasonable and mature for your age?” Yu Zixiu said harshly with a stern face.
He knew about the conflict between Liang Lihua and Song Yu. He took the chance to show Song Yu that he was on her side.
“Yu Zixiu, you’re being outrageously shameless! No wonder Song Yu is so unrepentant as well, I see that she takes after you family’s genetic makeup!” Liang Lihua turned to Song Yu all of a sudden.
Song Yu remained seated as if it was none of her business.
Liang Lihua was so angry that her lips were pressed tightly, forming a line. She looked at Song Yu with disgust. “You’re so capable, you’ve done so much just to await the arrival of this day, huh! You want everyone in the Yu family to come begging for your forgiveness? You want them to regret cutting ties with you guys?
“Song Yu, I didn’t know you can be so conniving at such a young age! Did you plan all of this since the beginning? You purposely hid at Dynasty when you knew that Keyao was going to have a blind date with Qi Chengzhi. You acted as if you entered the wrong room and plotted your meeting with Qi Chengzhi! Then, you tried to seduce him. Too bad our Keyao was too young and naive, she wasn’t able to compete with you after all.
“But I didn’t expect that you had such amazing skills that made Qi Chengzhi fall for you so deeply and got so serious that he wants to marry you. All of your hard work paid off, you just want to see us beg you on our knees and create turmoil within our family, am I right!”
Song Yu finally stood up in frustration. She had enough of her ridiculous false accusations and said, “I’m not so senseless like you.”
“Where do you think you’re going! Have I let you go yet?” Liang Lihua grabbed Song Yu as she was passing her and forbade her to leave. “Why, are you feeling guilty? I guessed correctly, have I!”
“Let go of me. I’m not going to stay here while you make a fool out of yourself!” Song Yu shook her arm forcefully, but Liang Lihua’s strength was quite strong so she could not escape from her grip.
“I am your aunt, can you be any ruder! Even though your family went bankrupt, have you lost your manners as well!” Liang Lihua tightened her grip on Song Yu’s arm.
Song Yu was not able to release herself and her grip was hurting her. She frowned and her expression changed.
“Since you have no manners, I’ll educate you on behalf of your parents! You don’t bother to respect the elders and steal your own sister’s man. If your parents are not going to give you a lecture, I will! You think that you can rely on a man to help your family’s poverty!” Liang Lihua berated her loudly, not bothering that there were other customers in the cafe. She managed to grab hold of Song Yu’s hair and yanked violently.
Song Yu was not expecting Liang Lihua to make a move in a public place. She was feeling the pain coming from her hair but she could not seem to push her away.
“Madam!” Two waiters rushed over and tried to pry Liang Lihua away. “Please don’t do this, you’re affecting our customers. Madam, if you continue, we’ll have to call the police.”
“Liang Lihua, what are you doing! Release her!” Yu Zixiu yelled, but he did not join in the catfight due to his status. He just verbally warned her.
Song Yu remained silent even though her scalp was in so much pain.
She used both of her hands to find her way to Liang Lihua’s wrist. Then, she used her fingernails to pinch the skin on her wrist with all the strength she had.
Song Yu used both of her hands to find her way to Liang Lihua’s wrist. Without hesitation, she used her fingernails to pinch the skin on Lihua’s wrist.
“How dare you pinch me! Let go, you shameless being! I’m going to lecture you here and let everybody know that you stole your sister’s man. Your office is just upstairs. Most of the customers here work in the same company as well! Look clearly at this woman, Song Yu! She stole her sister’s man and even forced the older family members to beg for forgiveness! This woman right here!”
“Liang Lihua, stop acting like a madwoman!” Yu Zixiu could not endure it anymore and joined the other two waiters to hold Liang Lihua back.
He saw that some of the customers already took out their cellphones. Yu Zixiu’s face dropped immediately when he realized that the scene was recorded.
“Stop holding me back! I’m going to teach her a lesson about intruding other’s relationship! It’s nothing wrong to be poor but how could you do something so filthy! You did everything to climb up the ladder and sabotage your sister on the way. How could you do this, Song Yu?” Liang Lihua shrieked.
Song Yu finally broke into tears. Her scalp and wrists were hurting so badly from Liang Lihua’s grip. In addition, she was slandered by Lihua with such malicious accusations, her tears were streaming down silently.
“Liang Lihua, you’re such a bully!” Song Yu yanked Liang Lihua’s arm. “Who’s the one that’s unreasonable, who’s the mistress, you know clearly in your heart! How can you turn it around and put the blame on me? You even said it in such a righteous tone, are you insane!
Liang Lihua, let go of me! You kept emphasizing that you’re the older family member and want me to treat you with respect, you can dream on it! Which thing you did earn the respect you crave! You took so much money from my family, yet you’re pulling my hair accusing me of so many things, are you even a human being? Can’t you differentiate right and wrong? Can you not let my parents down? I rather rear a wolf instead of you! Your daughter insisted to hit on my fiancé, how can you describe her as the victim!
Liang Lihua, you can swear to God if you dare! Swear that you’re speaking the truth! I dare you to swear with Yu Keyao’s well-being!”
You don’t have to say all these to accuse me!” Liang Lihua shrieked. The three guys were pulling her back, but she tightened her grip on Song Yu’s hair. The men dare not use too much force for fear that they might hurt Song Yu.
Song Yu was in so much pain that she released her grip on Liang Lihua’s wrists. She held her own hair and tried to pull it towards her. She could feel her scalp going numb.
Song Yu’s tears kept rolling down, but she held in her sobs, not wanting to let others hear her crying.
Back in the days, Liang Lihua kept bringing Yu Keyao over to their house and weep. She even swore to the heavens that she would never forget how Yu Qianying helped them out, said that they were extremely grateful and would be forever indebted to them.
After that, when the Song family went bankrupt, not only she kept her distance from them, she totally disregarded the fact that she borrowed money from the Song family.
The way Liang Lihua accused Song Yu made her so angry that she could only feel powerless.
She was on the verge of losing consciousness due to the shooting pain on her scalp. Suddenly, she heard Liang Lihua yelled out loud. The next thing she knew was that the force exerted on her scalp disappeared.
Song Yu lifted her head and saw Jian Yi was dragging Liang Lihua away forcefully by her hair.
Liang Lihua lost balance and fell onto the ground.
Yu Zixiu and the other two waiters were not able to separate Liang Lihua from Song Yu because they dare not treat her to harshly. However, Jian Yi was not concern about whether Liang Lihua would get hurt.
He yanked Liang Lihua’s hair with so much force that she had to release Song Yu to protect herself.
Just now, he came here looking for Song Yu. Once he entered the building, he heard a commotion in the cafe and glanced over to have a look. He saw customers gathered around a group of people in a brawl, some of them were even recording the fight.
Jian Yi frowned and stopped walking when he saw Yu Zixiu standing beside the two women who were fighting.
When he took a closer look, he realized that Liang Lihua was yanking Song Yu’s hair while she berated her.
Instantly, he dashed into the cafe, leading to the following events.
“Song Yu, are you okay?” Jian Yi hurried to Song Yu’s side to protect her when he came to his senses.
Song Yu had her head lowered, her hair was in a mess after being tortured by Liang Lihua. She was restless and in a daze, not as composed as her usual self.
Her face was hidden behind her hair, but Jian Yi knew that she was crying based on the way her shoulders kept twitching.
Jian Yi reached his hand out, wanting to tidy up her hair. Just when his fingertips came into contact with her hair, she shuddered visibly upon his touch.
His touch was very light without exerting much force, but Song Yu felt a jolting pain on her scalp.
She immediately took a step back to avoid Jian Yi’s touch.
Jian Yi’s hand froze in the middle of the air. One moment later, he retracted his hand after balling it into a fist.
Even though it was only a split second of contact, it triggered his memory from the past where he used to caress her hair. He never expected to experience the same softness after such a long time under circumstances like this.
Song Yu endured the immense pain while she tidied up her hair. She wiped away the tears on her face and shook her head to indicate that she was fine.
She dare not speak now, for fear that she would not be able to hold her emotions. She was in a very vulnerable state right now.
“Let go of me!” Liang Lihua yelled.
Even though Liang Lihua stood up, the two waiters was afraid that she would charge forward towards Song Yu and grabbed her arms, one person on each side.
“Song Yu, you’re a natural when it comes to seducing man, huh! If I’m not mistaken, this is the husband of Qi Chengzhi’s sister! So you’re still not satisfied after stealing your own sister’s man and went ahead to steal his sister’s man as well? Are you even ashamed of yourself? Do you feel weird if you don’t take other people’s man!”
Liang Lihua knew that the two waiters would not let go of her, so she stopped struggling. She remained standing and glanced at Jian Yi who put himself in front of Song Yu. She raised her upper lip sarcastically and said in a weird tone, “Is there something going on between the two of you? I can see the way he looks at you, there’s definitely something going on.
Aiya, I remembered a woman told me before. Who was she? I think it was Jian Yi’s mother. She kept announcing to everyone that you liked Jian Yi for many years, isn’t it? I think that you just can’t get over Jian Yi! On one side, you kept sticking around Qi Chengzhi to get your revenge on our family, but on the other hand, you still kept contacting Jian Yi…”
“Liang Lihua, stop talking nonsense!” Song Yu could not tolerate Liang Lihua’s filthy words. Her comments made others nauseous just by thinking of it!
“Why, you’re guilty because I’m right!” Liang Lihua sneered maliciously, “If it’s not because I guessed it correctly, why are you reacting so strongly?”
“You don’t have to waste your time talking to this lunatic,” Jian Yi said coldly, “She’ll just make it worse if you continue.”
“Madam, if you continue with your behavior, we’ll have to call the police,” one of the waiters said.
Jian Yi took Song Yu’s hand and strode out of the cafe.
Yu Zixiu had never felt so shameful in his entire life. It was no comparison to the last time where he got shut out from the Song family’s house or that time when Yu Qianying pointed at his nose and berated him.
His expression was rarely affected by the situation, but this time, he could feel his face burning up.
The two waiters had already released Liang Lihua. She was glaring at Yu Zixiu and planned to chastise him for going to Song Yu personally to please her.
However, before she could even say anything, Yu Zixiu humphed offishly and said, “How shameful are you!”
Having said that, he then strode off and left. His anger was shown in the shadow of his back as if there was green smoke coming out.
…
…
Song Yu had no recollection of how Jian Yi got her into his car. She was trembling in anger and hurt after being chastised by Liang Lihua moments ago. Her mind was preoccupied with all her exasperating remarks.
She had no idea how did Jian Yi manage to bring her out of the cafe.
She was so furious that tears kept welling up in her eyes. Before it fell, she used the back of her hand to wipe it away but it was pointless as more tears started to pool in her eyes.
The sudden chime of her ringtone brought Song Yu back to her senses. Only then, she noticed that she was already in Jian Yi’s car, not knowing which direction he was heading to.
When she was about to reach for her cellphone, she looked down and saw a tissue box.
Jian Yi handed her a tissue box without saying a word.
Song Yu received it and sniffed her nose before withdrawing a piece of tissue to wipe off her tears. At the same time, she took out her cellphone and saw Qi Chengzhi’s number. Her heart jumped.
She felt a little guilty since she was sitting in Jian Yi’s car right now.
Song Yu took a deep breath and tried to calm down. She was trying very hard to calm herself even if it was just a bit, hoping that Qi Chengzhi would not sense anything from her tone.
“Where are you?” She heard Qi Chengzhi’s mellow tone once she answered the phone call.
His deep, mellow voice reminded her of the feeling of home. She had just calmed down but it felt so secured that more tears started falling down her cheeks.
Song Yu choked back a sob and kept wiping away her tears with the tissue.
“I’m having lunch outside,” she tried to maintain a stable tone. She did not want to let him know that she was in Jian Yi’s car, for fear that he would get angry and ask for the reason why.
“Where are you?” He asked calmly like how he used to talk to her normally. His voice was light and gentle, tickling her heart softly, making her feel warm and tingly.
“What’s the point of telling you where I am, not like you can come over. I’m with Ruan Danchen,” Song Yu lowered her voice to keep it steady so that it sounds normal.
She thought that he should not be able to sense it through the phone.
“Uhm,” she heard him answered softly and did not continue asking.
“Why are you calling me?” She asked.
“Nothing, I just want to hear your voice,” he said in a gentle voice.
“Have you eaten?” Song Yu asked softly. Her head naturally turned towards the car window. It was as if that corner became a world of its own, her volume became softer and softer when she talked to Qi Chengzhi. It was so soft that Jian Yi could not hear clearly anymore.
“I’m eating,” Qi Chengzhi said.
“Oh, carry on then, stop talking,” Song Yu was relieved.
“Uhm.”
Then, he hung up the call.
Instead of eating, he was currently in his Range Rover. He was just beside the cafe that Song Yu and Yu Zixiu went moments ago.
When he arrived, Song Yu was already gone. He also missed Yu Zixiu. While he was frowning and dialing Song Yu’s number, he saw Liang Lihua walked out of the cafe.
Even though she was not in a disheveled state, she was still in a mess.
Liang Lihua was stunned for a moment when she saw him. Her thin lips then curved into a mocking curve.
She scoffed wickedly, “Chengzhi, are you looking for Song Yu?”
Qi Chengzhi remained a stoic face. He did not utter a single word and looked at Liang Lihua with an emotionless gaze.
“He he, you’re too late. She just left with her ex-lover. What’s his name again?” Liang Lihua put on a pretense as if she could not remember and frowned. Then, her eyes widened in realization and said, “Oh, Jian Yi is his name if I remember correctly. Isn’t he your sister’s husband?
Both of them walked out of the cafe holding hands,” Liang Lihua smiled cockily. “Seems like they still have remnant feelings for each other!”
Qi Chengzhi remained an indifferent expression and did not change much. His deep-set eyes gazed at Liang Lihua for quite some time, as if he was going to drill a hole between her eyebrows.
Liang Lihua was starting to feel guilty after being stared at for so long. Her heart started pumping strongly.
She felt her heart sinking and started to regret telling Qi Chengzhi about it.
She just had a fight with Song Yu and was still very irritated. When she saw Qi Chengzhi, she blurted out everything without giving any thoughts and forgotten how scary Qi Chengzhi could be.
“Mrs. Liang, the man you mentioned, Jian Yi. My sister is his wife, while Song Yu is my fiancée. It is none of your business and you don’t have the right to judge the Qi family. No one managed to get away unharmed after senselessly defaming our Qi family right in front of one of our own.” Qi Chengzhi said calmly while he raised the corner of his mouth sarcastically.
“You’ll realize that these statements are rather costly. I’m not sure if your family can afford them,” Qi Chengzhi said in an icy tone.
Liang Lihua was stunned and could not utter a single word.
Qi Chengzhi turned around and went back into his car.
Suddenly, something ticked off Liang Lihua and she ran towards the car. However, the car window was sealed shut. She could only shout at the sealed window but Qi Chengzhi could not hear what was she trying to convey. He had no interest in it.
Without the need to hear her, he knew that she was begging for forgiveness, saying that it was just a misunderstanding.
She stuck both of her hands on the window. Her hair became even messier after running. Even though she was wearing branded clothing, it did not add points to her elegance.
Qi Chengzhi started the car with a cold expression. Then, he rammed the accelerator so hard that the car jolted forward about half a car’s length. Liang Lihua got flung away by the sudden motion.
Both of her hands were scraped. Although her heels were not that high, she twisted her ankle due to the sudden fall.
Qi Chengzhi looked at her coldly through the rearview mirror. He saw Liang Lihua struggled to get back onto her feet. When she saw his car stopped, she limped over and placed her dirtied hands on the car window, leaving a few grimy marks on the dark car window.
Qi Chengzhi changed into reverse gear and returned to the original position in a swift motion. Once again, Liang Lihua fell to the ground.
This time, Qi Chengzhi did not stop and just drove away.
After a while, he returned but Liang Lihua had left.
Qi Chengzhi got down from the car and glanced at the office building. He called the office but Song Yu had not come back from her lunch.
Then, he went back into the car to call Song Yu.
After hanging up, he reached for cigarettes and the lighter habitually, but got back empty handed. Only then he recalled that he was in the midst of quitting smoking, that was the reason why he no longer brought these things with him.
He then picked up the cellphone from the passenger seat with a frown and thought about the conversation he had with Song Yu.
…
…
Song Yu kept her cellphone into her bag. Without looking at Jian Yi, she said, “Thank you for what you did just now. Please stop the car in front.”
“You haven’t eaten yet, right?” Jian Yi glanced at her briefly. He just passed a parking spot but he did not stop the car.
“I’m not hungry, please stop the car aside, I want to get down,” Song Yu said calmly.
Jian Yi helped her just now, she could not treat him as sternly as before, but she was also unable to show him any enthusiasm.
“I didn’t pass by the cafe by chance. I’m actually looking for you,” Jian Yi said while he continued driving.
Song Yu glanced at him slightly surprised, but she recomposed herself quickly and said, “Jian Yi, I’m very grateful that you helped me just now, but there’s nothing more to say between us. Please stop and let me down.”
Instead of stopping the car, Jian Yi locked the car doors.
After hearing the clicking sounds made by the locks, Song Yu’s expression changed instantly, “What are you doing!”
“I have something to tell you,” Jian Yi said calmly.
“All of you keep coming to me and tell me that you have something to say. Can you guys stop harassing me!” Song Yu finally broke down after being pestered non-stop by the Yu family members one after another.
She shouted out loudly and glared at Jian Yi furiously.
“I just want a peaceful life. I don’t want to be involved in your mess. Who do you guys think you are? Why do you guys have the audacity to come and disturb my life, standing on the moral high ground while judging my choices. This is my life and my choice. Can you guys stop being so self-righteous and interfere with it? I don’t need your so-called goodwill. Stop saying that you have something to tell me. I don’t need it and I don’t want to hear it!
Your supposedly important thing means nothing to me! Do you understand? No matter what you tell me, nothing is going to change. You will never get what you want! Jian Yi, do you understand?” Song Yu gripped the car door and yelled, “Now, stop the car and let me out!”
“I promise that this will be very meaningful to you,” Jian Yi said while he glanced at her. “What if I tell you that Qi Chengzhi is involved in the Song family’s bankruptcy? Will you still feel that this is meaningless to you?”
What?
Song Yu was stunned. She could feel her mind exploding as if she was able to hear the explosion in her brain.
For a while, Song Yu was unable to react. She was dumbfounded and her mind went blank. She could not digest what Jian Yi had just said.
How could Qi Chengzhi be involved in the Song family’s bankruptcy!
Song Yu’s heart and limbs grew colder and colder until they were immobilized.
She could not utter a word, not to mention ordering Jian Yi to stop the car.
While she was still in a daze, Jian Yi made a turn and entered an open carpark.
He turned off the engine and released the seatbelt. He approached Song Yu and extended his arm to open the storage compartment in front of Song Yu. From there, he took our a folder of documents.
Song Yu was still unable to utter a word. She was still staring blankly, even when the file folder was handed before her.