Chapter 50 She Doesn’t Want to Be Magnanimous Either (Bonus Chapter for 100 Diamonds)

Guan Wei could not stand hearing anyone say that Lu Fengzhou and Song Wan were in a normal relationship; she was even more agitated than Qiao Jiu herself. “Normal relationship, my foot! He’s obviously a nouveau riche who’s gotten carried away and is keeping a mistress on the side.”

She went on, “He’s even met her parents already. Who knows how long they’ve been carrying on behind everyone’s back.”

She turned to Qiao Jiu. “Did you ever notice anything strange about him before? Think carefully.”

Her reaction was so intense that it swept away the faint melancholy that had lingered in Qiao Jiu’s heart.

Qiao Jiu smiled, looping her arm around Guan Wei’s. “Alright, that’s enough. We’re already divorced. Isn’t it just asking for trouble to dwell on all this? There’s no point in agonizing over what was off about him. We need to look forward, to live for tomorrow.”

Liang Xiujin looked at Qiao Jiu. “It’s really admirable that you can be so open-minded, Miss Qiao.”

Qiao Jiu knew it wasn’t easy, but what choice did she have?

After they left the hospital and reached the main gate, Qiao Jiu stopped. She had come after lunch, so she didn’t join them. “I already had lunch. You go ahead. I’ll just grab a cab home.”

Guan Wei was taken aback. “Going home? Don’t! Come with us—more people, more conversation. It’s so dull going home by yourself.”

Qiao Jiu had long gotten used to being alone. She smiled. “I’m heading back. I have to work tonight; I’ll go home and nap for a while.”

Liang Xiucheng turned to Liang Xiujin. “You two go ahead. I’ll take her home.”

Qiao Jiu hurriedly refused. “No need, really. I can just hail a cab from here.”

Just then, a taxi pulled up. She waved at the car.

Seeing this, Liang Xiucheng reached out and grabbed Qiao Jiu’s wrist, turning and leading her back toward the hospital. His voice was a bit louder, “Brother, you two go ahead. I had a late breakfast—I’m not hungry. Don’t worry about me.”

Qiao Jiu called out twice and glanced back at Guan Wei.

Guan Wei shrugged. “Alright, alright, I’ll feel better if you take her. Make sure she gets home safely.”

Liang Xiucheng replied, “Don’t worry.”

They walked back and forth into the hospital, and with things as they were, Qiao Jiu didn’t struggle, only pulling her hand back a bit. “I’m always troubling you. It’s really embarrassing.”

Liang Xiucheng let go, taking it in stride. “You’re always so polite. No matter how many times I tell you, it’s useless.”

Qiao Jiu teased, “You’re not worried I was just upset, so you’re trying to comfort me, are you?”

Liang Xiucheng paused, then laughed. “I wouldn’t think you so fragile.”

When they reached the edge of the parking lot, he stopped. “My brother mentioned your situation to me before. I don’t really believe the rumors out there. I’m more inclined to think you were wronged. Since you managed to get through that, I’m sure you’ll be fine now.”

Qiao Jiu raised her brows. “I appreciate your confidence in me.”

She looked around. “Where did you park?”

Liang Xiucheng didn’t answer, just stood with his hands in his pockets, watching her.

Qiao Jiu blinked. “What is it? Didn’t you say you’d drive me home?”

Liang Xiucheng pursed his lips, took a breath, and suddenly stepped closer to her.

The space between them shrank in an instant, and Qiao Jiu instinctively tried to retreat.

Liang Xiucheng must have guessed her intention, for he quickly rested his hand on her shoulder, holding her gently but firmly in place. His voice was low. “Don’t move.”

Qiao Jiu was bewildered. “W-what is it?”

Liang Xiucheng didn’t answer, just stooped slightly toward her.

A man and a woman, bodies close, one looking up, the other leaning down—the air between them grew more and more charged.

After a long moment, Liang Xiucheng suddenly smiled and let go of her. “Nothing. Let’s go.”

He turned and walked toward the parking lot, while Qiao Jiu stood rooted to the spot, taking deep breaths.

She was just about to follow when, out of the corner of her eye, she saw a figure moving.

She turned, almost unconsciously.

Lu Fengzhou was standing not far away, supporting Song Wan’s mother, apparently just finished with the doctor’s visit.

Song Wan stood on the other side of her mother, also looking over, her expression defiant and resentful.

Qiao Jiu only felt a flicker of surprise—nothing more. She glanced at the three of them, then quickly looked away and hurried toward Liang Xiucheng.

There were not many cars in the parking lot, most of the spaces empty.

Qiao Jiu got into Liang Xiucheng’s car and looked out to see Lu Fengzhou helping the older woman toward another car.

The two vehicles were parked not far apart; she could see everything clearly.

Liang Xiucheng started the engine, pulling out slowly and taking a route that didn’t pass by Lu Fengzhou and the others.

Qiao Jiu turned to the window. “No need to go out of the way. It makes it look like I’m afraid of them.”

“It’s not fear,” Liang Xiucheng replied. “Just don’t want to see them.”

Qiao Jiu curled her lips and said nothing more.

They drove to Qiao Jiu’s place. After getting out, Qiao Jiu, a bit embarrassed, hesitated, then turned back. “You haven’t eaten yet. Why don’t I treat you to a meal?”

Liang Xiucheng accepted without hesitation. “Alright.”

...

In the car—

Song Wan chattered on, “That was the young master of the Liang family, right? He seems pretty close to Miss Qiao.”

Lu Fengzhou said nothing, just pressed harder on the gas.

Song Wan snuck a glance at him. “Last time, he took Miss Qiao home. I saw it clearly—they went upstairs together.”

She said, pretending to be thoughtful, “The Liang family seems to be in good shape too. If Miss Qiao really... hey, hey, Ah Zhou, Ah Zhou—”

Suddenly her tone changed. “The light’s red!”

Lu Fengzhou snapped back to attention, but his foot didn’t ease off the gas. He’d already run halfway through the red; he only jerked the wheel to dodge a bit and drove on through.

Song Wan clutched her chest—moments before, their car had grazed a large truck, and she was white with fright.

The older woman in the back was equally alarmed and leaned forward. “Ah Zhou, what’s wrong? Are you not feeling well?”

“I’m fine,” Lu Fengzhou said. “Just wasn’t paying attention.”

Song Wan took a couple of deep breaths. “You must be exhausted lately. We should’ve had the driver come.”

Lu Fengzhou kept his face stiff and said nothing.

They finally parked in the underground garage. Song Wan unfastened her seatbelt and turned to Lu Fengzhou. “Aren’t you coming up?”

Lu Fengzhou said, “You two go ahead. I have something to do.”

Song Wan’s expression was complicated. “My mother rarely comes to visit—can’t you put your business aside for once?”

Lu Fengzhou glanced at her without a word, but Song Wan could tell he was displeased.

The older woman spoke up, “No need to fuss. We’re not outsiders, no need to stand on ceremony. Ah Zhou, go ahead. Don’t worry about us.”

Lu Fengzhou looked at her. “Teacher Mu, I really do have something I need to take care of. If anything comes up, just call me.”

The woman nodded. “Go on, go on. You young people are all busy. I’ll be fine.”

She got out of the car, and so did Song Wan. The two of them stood by as Lu Fengzhou backed out and sped away.

Song Wan’s face was dark. “He’s probably going to look for Qiao Jiu.”