Stop Messing Around, Mr Bo! Chapter 2130 - Wen Yuan (24)

A handful of words, one simple sentence.

It exploded like a bomb right in the midst of the crowd.

All those pent-up questions were suddenly silenced, impossible to voice.

This single response provided all the clarity they needed.

Shang Qingmo clearly offered no opportunity for further inquiries. His icy stare swept over them as he pivoted and walked inside.

The reporters exchanged glances before scattering.

The warning in his eyes was plain for everyone to see.

Yet, this revelation was more than sufficient.

The news report captured the truth perfectly, quoting Shang Qingmo’s final words verbatim.

No extra commentary was needed; it stood as the most direct reply.

Regardless of Shang Qingmo’s identity, a man ending an engagement for another woman was bound to be branded a scumbag.

The company’s image nosedived as a result. The sharp decline in the TV station’s ratings alone proved it.

Though some supportive voices emerged, they were utterly buried under waves of backlash and mockery.

The company executives, displeased with Shang Qingmo, still breathed easier upon his presence.

With him there, they habitually relied on his capabilities.

As long as he stood firm, every crisis would be handled flawlessly.

Even if he sparked this major fiasco himself.

When Old Master Shang caught the news, he stayed utterly quiet.

He had already voiced everything necessary.

Besides, he knew Shang Qingmo had fully considered his warnings.

Yet he proceeded regardless.

He had always placed faith in his son. Since entrusting the company to him, there had been no letdowns or causes for concern.

This time, though, he fretted over how his son would untangle this mess.

With matters at this point, even if he deemed it absurd and intolerable, could Shang Qingmo pull off another perfect resolution?

He pondered intensely but drew a blank on any foolproof fix.

In truth, Shang Qingmo hadn’t overthought it this round.

He was certain of one thing: above all else, he wanted Shang Qiqi.

Everything other came after.

Shang Qiqi felt a swirl of emotions upon seeing the reports.

Perched on the bed by the window, she gazed blankly at the sunny scene outside.

If only this had unfolded five years back.

Back then, she was naive, brimming with the fervor and drive to love.

But now, she wasn’t that same Shang Qiqi from five years ago.

Yet, after she’d braced herself and learned to balance gains and losses, Shang Qingmo abruptly threw caution to the wind.

At this juncture, the TV station suffered heavy blows, Shang Qingmo’s name was tarnished, Grandpa was clearly enraged, and the Song and Han families got dragged in.

Situations couldn’t deteriorate further.

She’d brainstormed countless approaches, yet none solved Shang Qingmo’s dilemma.

Exhaustion led her to shut her eyes.

She never should have shown up in Ping Cheng.

The room hung in profound silence. Much later, she gradually lifted her eyelids, bowed her head to her phone, fished it out, and paused endlessly before hitting the call.

*

“Old Master, Miss Qiqi’s on the line.”

Uncle Chen cautiously passed the receiver to Shang Yekun.

Shang Yekun eased his eyes open, chill radiating from them.

He fixed his gaze on the phone for ages before accepting it.

He uttered not a word.

Shang Qiqi paused briefly before speaking.

“Grandpa, I’m sorry.”

Shang Yekun pressed his lips thin. “This isn’t on you. Though aged, my mind remains sharp. You’ve done nothing amiss…”

“Grandpa,” Shang Qiqi cut in gently, “I like Uncle.”

Shang Yekun froze. After a prolonged silence, his stern expression darkened once more. “What’s Qiqi planning? Grandpa believes these five years weren’t wasted.”

“I figured I could move on from him too, but Grandpa… who could resist a man willing to face any fallout just to be with me? Plus, Uncle has long held a deep place in my heart. Whenever he needs something from me, I can’t stay unmoved.”

“And so?” Shang Yekun’s tone deepened.

Shang Qiqi clutched her phone tighter, quiet for two beats before murmuring, “…With everything in ruins now, the harm irreversible and beyond repair, why hold back? Truly, only by uniting can we justify the full extent of this chaos, don’t you think?”

Shang Qingmo ignored all repercussions. That was precisely what she craved.

“Are you just going all out without a care? What about Han Jichi and Song Yunshu—have you spared a thought for them? By being together, you’ve disappointed far more than one person. Even without anyone’s blessings and enduring those odd stares from others forever, it won’t bother you. You can act recklessly today, but tomorrow? Qiqi, eventually, someone won’t be able to take it. Life has more to it than just love…”

“Grandpa never opposed you. I’d accept any workable plan. But you let the perfect chance slip away. Qiqi, even if I say yes now, how could you two possibly stay together?”

Simply giving his approval wouldn’t resolve this anymore.

“I understand.” Shang Qiqi’s voice remained steady. “That’s why… I won’t let anything happen down the line.”

Silence gripped Shang Yekun abruptly.

“Grandpa, forgive me. I can’t offer much… I’ll go along with whatever, even if it means giving in completely. I’m truly sorry…”

Shang Yekun pressed his lips tight, his eyes reddening. “Qiqi, this isn’t on you. No need for you to step in at all…”

“Grandpa, it’s just a question of when.”

With that, Shang Qiqi ended the call.

Gazing out the window once more, she drew in a deep breath, feeling a wave of relief.

*

That afternoon, Shang Qiqi dialed Shang Qingmo.

The line didn’t connect right away. When Shang Qingmo finally uttered “Hello,” exhaustion laced his tone, clear to Shang Qiqi.

She hesitated briefly, then brushed it aside on purpose. “Uncle, what time are you coming home tonight?”

Shang Qingmo stayed quiet for a moment before responding,

“Eaten lunch yet?”

“Yes, I have.”

“Little Uncle…”

“No need to wait up tonight. Sleep if you’re worn out. Tell the butler if you want anything.”

Shang Qingmo cut her off suddenly. He sounded swamped, yet Shang Qiqi sensed he was dodging her.

Her pulse quickened. Right as she figured he’d end the call, she blurted, “I hate eating dinner by myself. Can you get back for it?”

Shang Qingmo, hand hovering over the hang-up, froze. “…Dinner only?”

“What else?”

“Alright.”

“I’ll wait then.”

Shang Qiqi’s words caused Shang Qingmo to clench the phone harder.

It convinced him that having her near was the right move.

Even with the packed day at the office, Shang Qingmo made it back just in time for dinner.

“Master’s home,” the servant announced, relieving him of his coat.

Hearing the noise, Shang Qiqi emerged from the dining room.

In her hands was a clear pot lid, a checkered apron tied around her.

The sight made Shang Qingmo’s brow crease faintly. “What’s this?”

“Cooking.” Shang Qiqi played it casual, a touch of smugness lighting her face. “Picked up tons of recipes abroad. Home’s dull anyway, so I’ll treat you to my skills tonight.”

Shang Qingmo eyed her intently for seconds, emotions churning inside.

He searched her face for clues, but it gave nothing away.

“Go wash up. The final dish is almost ready.”

She spun around and vanished into the kitchen.

*

A handful of straightforward dishes graced the table, appetizing and flawlessly presented.

Shang Qiqi slid the rice bowl his way. Noticing his reluctance, she urged with assurance, “Relax, it tastes great.”

Shang Qingmo shot her a look, then grabbed his chopsticks for a bite. Flavor… average.

Since her call, he’d suspected tonight went beyond mere dinner.

Her behavior lacked the prior resistance—too poised, too effortless. Something felt off.

Likely, she aimed to discuss matters with him.

A topic he had zero interest in touching.

Yet, she said not a word throughout.

Before she could retire to her room, he held her back.

“Shang Qiqi.”

She turned, facing him. “Yeah?”

Shang Qingmo stepped closer, locking eyes with her. “…Figured you had words for me tonight.”

Shang Qiqi tilted her head up, smiling softly as she shook it. “Nope.”

Shang Qingmo’s gaze sharpened. “So we just coast along?”

“Not quite. I ran through endless scenarios today, practicing them over and over in my mind. Couldn’t find any way to avert all damage or cut losses swiftly. You’ve allowed this to unfold this far, so whatever I say won’t sway your choice, will it?”

“Correct,” Shang Qingmo affirmed instantly.

Shang Qiqi grinned. “Knowing the end result, why bother? You only care about the conclusion. You’ve always seen through my protests—they weren’t real resistance. At this point, what difference would objections make?”

Nothing at all.

Her statement rang completely true.

That was precisely the reality.

Clearly, she had pondered this deeply today.

He figured she had yielded under pressure, yet her composure melted away his doubts.

Her refusal lacked any real conviction…

Was she hinting that her love for him lingered?

A subtle smile curved his lips as he extended a hand to stroke her cheek. “It’s good that you understand.”

Shang Qiqi squinted her eyes in a smile. Her long lashes fluttered faintly before she looped her arms around Shang Qingmo’s waist and nestled her face against his chest.

Shang Qingmo’s frame tensed just a touch.

Shang Qiqi burrowed deeper into his hold and squeezed his waist tighter.

“Actually, I’m very happy. I only see you loving me in my dreams.”

PS: Don’t misunderstand. Qiqi has her plans.