Stop Messing Around, Mr Bo! Chapter 2133 - Wen Yuan (27)

The sidestepped issue surfaced just as anticipated.

Yet, no matter their words, Shang Qingmo showed no concern whatsoever.

Shang Qiqi paid it no mind.

In the days that followed, Shang Qiqi refused to remain cooped up at home.

She visited the company to share lunch with Shang Qingmo, lingered in his office throughout the afternoon, and they left work side by side. Occasionally, they'd dine at a restaurant or catch a movie before returning home.

It was bold and completely out in the open.

This lasted until Song Yunshu's call came through.

Han Jichi had been pleading to meet her nearly every day. After ending the call with Song Yunshu, Shang Qiqi consented.

In the morning, she shopped and picked out a tie for Shang Qingmo, unable to resist adding a tie clip.

She met Han Jichi at the top-floor restaurant in the mall.

When she spotted Han Jichi, Shang Qiqi let out a relieved sigh.

She realized Han Jichi remained deeply concerned for her.

Guilt surged uncontrollably in her heart. She'd believed her emotions numb enough, yet they still cracked wide open.

They ordered their meals but hardly touched the food.

“No matter what, has this been resolved?”

Noticing Shang Qiqi had ceased eating, Han Jichi dove right in.

Shang Qiqi kept her composure. “Whatever the outcome, Ji Chi, I'm sorry. Us two… never mind.”

“You're wonderful. Before, I truly envisioned our future together. But I've disappointed you now, and I don't merit your affection. You're outstanding and worthy of someone better…”

“So what do you mean by 'whatever the outcome'?”

Shang Qiqi hesitated.

“Haven't you two chosen to be together right now? You'll end up together anyway. Why phrase it like that? Shang Qiqi, what's going through your head?”

Shang Qiqi gazed blankly at Han Jichi.

His demeanor took her by surprise.

Han Jichi's expression turned icy, yet not from her leaving him for another. He truly seemed unbothered by the embarrassment she'd caused him.

“Don't pity me. I'm not unable to move on. I pursued you with effort and sacrifices, but you never loved me back. I won't wallow in self-pity over an unrequited love. I'll overcome it in time.”

If you'd stayed with me out of guilt or to dodge him without loving me, I doubt true happiness would follow.

“Though I don't mind at present, I can't guarantee that forever.”

“What about you—what's on your mind?”

Shang Qiqi absorbed his words in a stupor, gratitude flooding her chest.

But to his query, she shook her head. “No…”

“I'd expected to see a confident, joyful woman today. Clearly, that's not you.”

“Indifference eludes me. Ji Chi, ingratitude isn't in me. I started with nothing, yet the Shang family bestowed everything.

I yearn to cast aside worldly ties and blissfully pursue what I desire. Yet I can't betray them. Society's gaze binds us all, shaping the Shang family's honor.

Countless eyes watch the Shang family for society. Should they suffer scandal because of me, peace would evade me.

Beyond the Shangs, there's you, the Han family, and Song Yunshu too… Ji Chi, true love demands conditions. Song Yunshu's engagement to Uncle spans four years. How could I embrace this liaison guilt-free?

Her burdens weighed so heavily she struggled to breathe.

At last, she unleashed the long-pent-up words.

Her quivering voice faltered as tears streamed down Shang Qiqi's face.

She gripped her chest fiercely, anguish nearly choking her.

“Ji Chi, how… can we possibly go on?”

Every path she imagined led to ruin with Shang Qingmo.

Her torment shone starkly. Han Jichi watched, heart twisting in pain.

“Qiqi, why overthink everything? Choices exist everywhere. Your uncle's willingness means he disregards the losses. Mere fleeting fallout. Regarding the Songs… they wouldn't tolerate four years' delay without cause. Issues likely simmer between him, the Song family, or Song Yunshu…”

Shang Qiqi shook her head. “Ji Chi, no need to console me so. What if I never return?”

Han Jichi pressed his lips together, frowning in silence.

“They must wed in the end.”

Han Jichi furrowed his brow and offered her a tissue.

“But marriage isn't certain for us. That wasn't mere consolation earlier. Believe me or not, you can't dismiss the facts. Better to clarify matters.”

“Even if all the questions are as you think, so what if you’re a selfish evil person? There are many evil people in the world. One more person won’t make a difference.”

Shang Qiqi bit down on her lip, staying silent.

How could she seriously consider the words of someone who obviously favored her, when she knew damn well she had committed a wrong?

She understood perfectly who held the moral high ground and who didn’t.

Everything stemmed from that very knowledge…

Moments later, Shang Qiqi’s phone buzzed. She fished it out but ignored the call, texting a reply instead.

She tucked the phone away in her bag, drew in a deep breath, steadied her feelings, and then spoke to Han Jichi,

“Sorry, I have other matters to attend to. See you when I have the chance.”

She rose to her feet, yet Han Jichi clutched her wrist.

After some time, his eyes flicked over her before releasing his hold. Rising, he stepped in front of her, his face chillingly frosty.

“So Qiqi, what do you want to do? Since you think this is wrong, why are you with Shang Qingmo?”

“I’m willing to bear all the consequences.”

Han Jichi couldn’t grasp her intentions yet, but Shang Qiqi had already slipped past him.

He spun around to watch her depart, holding back from following.

Once she disappeared from view, he squeezed his eyes shut and released a heavy breath. Then he approached the adjacent seat and met the gaze of the girl watching him.

“Did you film something just now?”

The girl flushed red and passed him the phone, murmuring softly,

“I… I don’t think it’s a big deal…”

Han Jichi accepted the phone and checked it out. Sure enough, it was a video capturing Shang Qiqi’s words and her tears she couldn’t hold back.

Even though she had witnessed it live just before, the pain and grief still pierced through the screen.

Watching his reaction, the girl said gently, “Actually, I think you’re right. There are many bad people… She has too many concerns. She would rather suffer than see others suffer…”

Han Jichi tightened his lips and eyed her. “So, she deserves to be liked, right?”

The girl blushed harder and nodded. “She was also passive in this matter…”

Han Jichi gave a nod and regarded her. “Give me this video…”

*

Shang Qiqi exited the restroom and headed straight to the café arranged for her meetup with Song Yunshu.

Elegant and serene, the café enjoyed a perfect location. Afternoon sunlight streamed in through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows. Several couples sat across from each other, sharing intimate chats. A tranquil, leisurely romance hung in the air.

Song Yunshu had arrived early, picking the ideal spot by the window.

When the waiter guided Shang Qiqi to her, she simply nodded.

Shang Qiqi took her seat with poise, flashing Song Yunshu a frosty smile.

“Miss, what would you like to drink?”

“Lemonade, thank you.”

Once the waiter departed, Shang Qiqi cut straight to it.

“If you have something to say, just say it.”

Song Yunshu lifted her coffee cup for a sip. Facing Shang Qiqi’s aloof look, a derisive smirk twisted her lips.

“I thought I would see your guilty face and you would keep apologizing to me, begging me to forgive you and grant your wish.”

Shang Qiqi let out a sudden cold laugh. “Don’t you understand? He would rather be a heartless man and be criticized by everyone. He chose to be with me regardless of the consequences. Does your wish mean anything?”

The smirk on Song Yunshu’s face slowly drained away.

“So, you’re showing off in front of me now?”

“You asked me out, Miss Song.”

Shang Qiqi’s tone turned icy and biting. “I don’t know why you asked me out, but if you want to persuade me to give up my position, I think you don’t have to say anything. Or perhaps you should talk to my uncle and ask him to pity you and beg him not to push you away. As long as you have the ability to make him fulfill the engagement with you, I will definitely accept this outcome.”

Song Yunshu’s eyes narrowed with a chilly stare. Her fingers gripping the coffee cup handle went white.

Only after Shang Qiqi finished did she erupt into laughter.

“I’m very curious about your current appearance. Back then, when the incident happened, did you pretend to be ignorant and avoid me? Or are you the real you today? If it’s the latter, even if Shang Qingmo really doesn’t love me, I won’t give him to a woman like you.”

Shang Qiqi sneered right back. “There’s no need for you to give it to me! In my opinion, if you’re still unwilling to let go and continue to pester me, you’ll only make yourself even more ridiculous. He can hurt you once for me, and he’ll hurt you again for me. Why do you have to humiliate yourself like this? Song Yunshu, you’ve been by his side for four years, but you haven’t been able to get him to marry you. Don’t blame him for delaying your youth. You’re the one who’s incapable…”

Shang Qiqi’s words halted sharply.

The waiter who had just served the lemonade stood frozen in shock. He stared helplessly as the lemonade trickled down Shang Qiqi’s face.

Song Yunshu slammed the empty cup onto the table, her anger blatant.

“I’ve suddenly realized that you never truly released your grip when you departed back then. Your comeback this time is nothing more than a scheme you’ve plotted for ages.”

“I might decide against marrying him, but don’t you dare think you can escape it. At such a young age, you lusted after sharing my uncle’s bed. Now, after sampling just a hint of delight, you strut around boastfully…”

My niece ensnared my uncle, making her the shameless interloper. What gives you the audacity to gloat in my presence? Who on earth could stomach the likes of you two? The whole Shang family stands on the brink of being devoured by vicious rumors! Shang Qingmo is catching flak right now. Is this your twisted version of love?

A brief glint of sorrow flickered in Shang Qiqi’s eyes, gone in the blink of an eye. While Song Yunshu remained dazed, she shot to her feet and delivered a stinging slap.

All eyes in the place locked onto the duo.

Shang Qiqi swept her damp hair back behind her ears. Tilting her chin up, she flashed a triumphant smile.

“You’ve got it spot on. I can’t bear the thought of the man I adore wedding some other woman. Even if I schemed for years on end, so what? Even if I lured him in on purpose, big deal? Why’d he have to succumb to it? I’ve seized exactly what I desired. Why fret over the fallout? Are the Shangs going to off me? Or watch their empire crumble to dust?”

“Song Yunshu, all accounts demand closure. You’re prim, proper, and oh-so-sensible, yet I’m the one claiming ultimate victory.”

With those words, she leaned down, snatched her bag, and stormed out of the café.

Song Yunshu gazed at her retreating figure, brows furrowing deeply.

The waiter shook himself alert and ventured timidly, “Miss, are you… okay?”

Song Yunshu snapped back and responded coolly, “I’m fine.” She grabbed her bag and exited with a stormy expression.

Tucked in a shadowy corner of the café, a figure hammered away excitedly at their phone.

“This is a massive exclusive today. Thanks a ton. Name your price?”

—”Money’s not my aim. One single demand. I’ll deliver it in two hours.”

“Sure thing.”

[PS: Can you… guess anything?]