Chapter 59: When Did You Two Get Together?

Lu Fengzhou changed cars frequently; now he was driving the one Qiao Jiu had given him. Leaning against the car door, he smoked, a flash of crimson at his lips flickering in and out of sight, but he never looked up.

Qiao Jiu waited a while, then with a slight tug, drew the curtains closed. She turned and went to the bathroom to wash up, deliberately dragging out the time. When she emerged, she wandered about the room, towel in hand, drying her hair. Unable to resist, she went to the window for another look.

Lu Fengzhou was gone, but the car remained. Hidden behind the curtain, Qiao Jiu couldn’t help a cold laugh. She couldn’t see through him; he wouldn’t answer her calls, yet had somehow come over. He’d done enough harm, but still managed, with perfect confidence, to maintain a relentless stance. He didn’t love her, yet wouldn’t allow her to be involved with any other man. She wondered what was going on in his mind.

After standing at the window for a while, Qiao Jiu went to blow-dry her hair, then returned to bed. She reached for her phone and scrolled through it; the news about Song Wan had faded, likely suppressed by paid publicity. Lu Fengzhou had intervened—no surprise there.

She scrolled a bit more, the rest was gossip about other people, which she had no interest in. She set her phone aside, turned off the light, and pulled up the covers. Usually, she worked until the middle of the night; tonight, lying down so early, sleep eluded her. She tossed and turned, unsure how much time passed, then reached for her phone again.

No calls, no messages—its screen was pristine. She set it down, closed her eyes, and after a while, couldn't help but sigh.

She had no idea when Lu Fengzhou finally left. She slept in a haze, and the next morning, when she looked outside, the car was gone.

After a while, she washed up, got ready, and went downstairs. She meant to have breakfast, but as soon as she stepped off the elevator, she saw someone standing in the lobby.

Qiao Jiu paused in surprise. Song Wan was wrapped up tightly: hat, mask, sunglasses, and a loose jacket with a high collar—her figure almost entirely hidden.

Yet it didn’t stop Qiao Jiu from recognizing her. Song Wan saw her too and straightened up from where she’d been leaning against the wall. She didn’t know which floor Qiao Jiu lived on, and as a public figure couldn’t risk being seen outside for too long, so she waited in the lobby.

Qiao Jiu stopped, frowning. “You came to find me?”

How amusing—Lu Fengzhou had lingered downstairs last night, and now Song Wan appeared early in the morning.

Song Wan nodded, removed her sunglasses and mask. “I have something to say to you.”

Qiao Jiu glanced at her phone for the time. “I haven’t had breakfast yet, so make it quick.”

Song Wan was obviously caught off guard; she’d intended to sit and talk at length. But Qiao Jiu had no patience for that, hands in her pockets, impatience plain even before she spoke.

Song Wan took a couple of deep breaths and began, “Azhou went to see you last night, didn’t he?” She wasn’t questioning, just seemed certain. “We’re about to settle things between us, but recently, because of you, we keep fighting. He feels guilty toward you, and I think compensation is enough. Maybe it’s a difference between men and women’s minds—he thinks compensation isn’t the best way to make amends, but when asked what would be better, he can’t say.”

Qiao Jiu’s expression was unchanged, as if looking at a stranger.

Song Wan pursed her lips, paused for a few seconds, then continued, “You probably know, my mother came a few days ago. We were fighting hard then; I ignored him, so he brought my mother over to mediate. Our relationship eased a bit, but last night, because of you, we argued again.”

Qiao Jiu tilted her head, watching with a hint of amusement.

Song Wan’s expression grew complicated. “Qiao Jiu, I’m not here to blame you. I can tell you’re clear-headed and have no intention of getting between us—it’s him, trapped in guilt, unable to move on.”

Qiao Jiu nearly laughed. Trapped in guilt, unable to move on? Forgive her for not seeing it, or feeling it at all.

She stayed silent, and Song Wan’s composure slipped, her tone growing timid. “If I had any other way, I wouldn’t have come to you again.” She inhaled deeply and spoke once more. “About everything between you and Azhou in the past—it’s Azhou who wronged you. So whatever compensation you want, just name it. This time, it’s not me making amends, it’s him. Whatever you want, we’ll try to give.”

Qiao Jiu looked at Song Wan, amusement dancing in her eyes, only speaking when the other’s gaze began to falter. “He doesn’t know you came here, does he?”

Song Wan raised her head after a few seconds. “No, he doesn’t want us to confront each other directly. You’re the ex, I’m the current. There’s no entanglement between us, but the relationship is inevitably complicated.”

Qiao Jiu nodded, then suddenly asked, “When did you two become official?”

Song Wan was startled, her expression shifting from guilty to evasive and embarrassed. Qiao Jiu had only recalled Guan Wei’s warning about Lu Fengzhou’s possible infidelity during his marriage. Now, seeing Song Wan’s reaction, she understood immediately.

She gave a cold laugh, voice sharp. “What kind of compensation do I want? What do you think?”

She looked Song Wan up and down. “I’ve always thought that because of my family, my education was lacking, making my personality unappealing and my actions too bold and open. But compared to you, it turns out I’m full of virtues.”

Her voice rose. “What makes you think you can stand in front of me and talk about being wronged? You’ve done shameful things and instead of hiding, you keep showing up in front of me again and again. Do you think I won’t slap you?”

Song Wan was startled; she knew Qiao Jiu wasn’t easy to deal with, but had assumed her sharp tongue was all. Now, Qiao Jiu looked ready to strike her.

Song Wan blinked, neck stiff, wanting to defend herself.

Qiao Jiu didn’t give her the chance. She pulled out her phone. “I’ve really seen it all now. Some people have such shamelessness—I’m honestly disgusted.”

Without waiting, she dialed Lu Fengzhou.

This time, he picked up quickly, his voice calm. “What’s wrong?”

“What’s wrong?” Qiao Jiu sneered. “Can’t you control your little green tea at home? Must she keep flaunting herself in front of me? Do you two even know what shame is?”

Lu Fengzhou was clearly taken aback. “Song Wan? She came to see you?”

Qiao Jiu nearly cursed him. “Lu Fengzhou, act like a man. Don’t pretend when things go wrong—you were shameless enough back then, so why are you so fake now?”

Lu Fengzhou’s voice grew low. “Where are you? I’ll come over right away.”

Across from her, Song Wan turned pale, only then realizing Qiao Jiu had called Lu Fengzhou.