Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
An Xiaxia looked away diffidently. She then returned to her seat and pretended to cough a little. “I don’t feel so well… I think I should go home now.”
She tugged at Sheng Yize’s sleeve as she spoke.
Sheng Yize played along. “I’ll drive her back.”
Those at the table jeered and hooted. “Ouch! Have mercy on poor single people here! Lovey-dovey couples are the worst!”
An Xiaxia smiled uneasily. However, Sheng Yize seemed to adjust to this new role as a husband just fine. He kept a hand on An Xiaxia’s waist and opened the door for her like a gentleman.
Once outside, the dry, hot summer air instantly enveloped them. An Xiaxia let out a sigh of relief. “Thank you. You did me a great favor.”
“Any time.” Sheng Yize smiled mildly. “I’ll give you a ride back home.”
Before An Xiaxia had a chance to decline his offer, he was already leading her toward the parking lot and he opened the car door for her.
Just like before.
He had been very domineering back then, never giving An Xiaxia any choice.
Although he was less imposing now, his high-handedness still showed up in the smallest details.
An Xiaxia stepped back a little. “That won’t be necessary.”
The smile never reached his eyes. Despite the elegant and aloof gentleman he appeared to be, An Xiaxia could still sense the coldness in him.
It was a bone-chilling cold — so much colder than what he had been like seven years ago.
She couldn’t afford to become entangled with him.
“Do you have a boyfriend, Miss An?” Sheng Yize asked.
An Xiaxia only smiled, but said nothing. She nodded at him in farewell, then turned to leave.
She hailed a taxi, which soon disappeared into the traffic.
The city lights glowed splendidly and all the people coming and going reminded one of the flowing tide. Sheng Yize stood there and didn’t move for a very long time.
As the term “seven-year itch” suggested, that was supposed to be when a relationship began to wear out.
However, although he had considered giving up a million times, in the seventh year, he still couldn’t resist the excitement in this heart.
An Xiaxia, you’re going nowhere this time.
–
The upcoming business trip was on schedule. Zhu County was known for its sweltering heat and An Xiaxia had run out of sunscreen. She went shopping after work.
She found what she needed, but the shop assistant was busy gossiping with others like a chatterbox. “I’m telling you, it was unbelievable! Whatever clothes or cosmetics she fancied, she just gave a wave and someone would show up to pay… Talk about a real princess!”
She then realized that a customer was nearby and smiled at An Xiaxia in embarrassment. She then let out a cry of surprise. “Hey, that’s her!”
An Xiaxia turned around speechlessly. She saw a woman wearing a black dress and sky high heels stroll their way. Her makeup was perfect and she had a curvaceous body. Behind her was a team of assistants.
She stopped beside An Xiaxia, darted a look at what was in An Xiaxia’s hand, and gestured by pointing with her chin. An assistant stepped out immediately. “We’ll get one of those!”
The shop assistant said awkwardly, “That’s the only one left…”
“We’ll take it, then!” the assistant said arrogantly. “Anyone with money can buy it, right?”
An Xiaxia pursed her lips. “Li Fanxing?”
The woman smiled and took off her sunglasses. “Long time no see.”
“I wish it were longer.” An Xiaxia smiled sweetly.
Li Fanxing’s face turned livid. Seeing this, the assistant was quick to react. “Hey, stay out of our way if you can’t afford it. Put it down!”
“I can’t afford it? What makes you think that?” An Xiaxia retorted.
The assistant quickly took out a bank card and gloated. “I’m paying with this!”
An Xiaxia also took out a card.
The assistant frowned. “What do you think you’re doing?”
“The POS machine can check the balance on the card. The one with more money in her card gets to buy it. Deal?”
