Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
“If he’s really dating Song Yu, I foresee some upcoming drama,” Wu Lijun said enigmatically. “Song Yu was originally engaged to Qi Chengji. After a failed engagement, she latches on to the elder brother. This is going to be such a scandal in the Qi family!”
“If she were to marry into the family, she’s going to run into Qi Chengji frequently. How would they address each other then?”
Qi Chengyue did not care about the awkwardness between Song Yu and Qi Chengji. She was more worried about the frequent encounters between Song Yu and Jian Yi if they were to become family.
She was not going to allow this coquettish Song Yu to marry into the Qi family.
“Marriage is a bit too early for now. She still doesn’t have any status in the family. And as you all have said, she was once engaged to my younger cousin brother. My uncle and auntie won’t stand for such a stain on our family reputation.”
Qi Chengyue’s mood darkened as she spoke.
“Yes, yes.” The mood had soured and fires were threatening to burst out in any second. Xia Kewei had to quickly smoothened things over before disaster struck.
…
…
At Qi Chengzhi’s table, the glasses were piling up as the people drank with reckless disregard. Having someone of Qi Chengzhi’s stature attending the dinner was very much an honor. Without his glasses, Qi Chengzhi’s sharp eyes and handsome face gave him an aura of aristocratic elegance. Thus, he excused himself from the heavy drinking that was going on around the table.
Other than the few toasts to success, no one dared to pressure Qi Chengzhi to drink. On the other hand, Jian Yi and Cheng Dongge were not spared.
Everyone was happily drinking away. Jian Yi and Cheng Dongge were starting to feel tipsy after multiple rounds of beer.
Qi Chengzhi stood up and excused himself from the table with a slight nod. “Excuse me, I need to make a call.”
Hearing this, Jian Yi’s gaze automatically followed Qi Chengzhi, squinting his eyes in the effort.
“Manager Jian, drink up…” The client beside him raised his glass and pulled his attention back to the table.
Qi Chengzhi stood by the door and dialed the home landline. Aunt Yang picked up the call and informed him that Song Yu was at the house. The news made Qi Chengzhi smile.
He did consider the possibility of Song Yu disobeying his orders and going back to her own apartment, hence he made this call.
“Done with dinner?” Song Yu’s voice sounded distant through the phone.
Her voice had a soothing effect on Qi Chengzhi. He leaned against the wall and put one hand in his pocket. “Not yet, but soon. What are you doing?” he said in a gentle, deep tone.
“Nothing much. Just watching some American drama.” With Qi Chengzhi on the phone, she could hardly focus on the television. She paused the program and gave him her undivided attention.
“If you’re not too tired later, come and pick me up?” Qi Chengzhi asked. His hand went to adjust his glasses and found nothing. He forgot that he had stopped wearing them.
He smiled quietly. It had been a while since he last wore his glasses, but old habits were hard to change.
“What time will that be?” Song Yu did not bring up the fact that Chang Lai was available. Since Qi Chengzhi suggested, she complied. She was happy to make him happy.
After informing her of the time, Qi Chengzhi hung up the phone. He smiled cheerily at himself before going back into the room.
…
…
Song Yu put on her winter coat and headed off. She left Aunt Yang to prepare some soup that was said to cure hangovers. Although Qi Chengzhi was a moderate drinker at best—never drinking past his limits—having some warm soup to drink was better than nothing.
‘There was no need to dress up when it was already so late at night,’ she thought as she took a pair of Vans sports shoes from the shoe rack. They made driving much more comfortable.
Arriving at the entrance of Dynasty, Song Yu texted Qi Chengzhi, “I’m at the opposite cafe. When you’re done, just let me know.”
Qi Chengzhi was just about to reply when Director Wang—channeling some of that liquid courage—teased from the opposite side of the table, “Seeing Director Qi’s expression, talking to your girlfriend?”
While Director Wang was more or less drunk, his assistant retained some sense of awareness and tried to prevent his boss from speaking any more nonsense. Master Cheng’s personal life was simply not a topic for drunken banter.
Unexpectedly, Qi Chengzhi beamed at the question, his handsome features softened as he said, “Yes. She’s picking me up because I drank.” The usual Qi Chengzhi would have turned away from such a question and left.
“Is she here?” Director Wang hiccuped. “Then let’s not make her wait. We’ll end it here. It was a pleasure to hear of Director Qi’s girlfriend.”
Song Yu received the call from Qi Chengzhi and left the cafe for Dynasty.
She was walking toward the entrance when Qi Chengzhi exited with his colleagues and clients. Song Yu stood back, wanting to avoid unnecessary mingling, but she heard one of the middle-aged companions said, “Director Qi, is that your girlfriend?”
At this hour, the crowd was thin at the entrance of Dynasty. Song Yu stood out like a sore thumb.
Song Yu saw Qi Chengzhi nod and took it as her cue to walk over. She only then realized that Jian Yi was standing next to Director Wang, his face pinched tight.
Song Yu stood in a daze for a while before smiling at Director Wang. Qi Chengzhi moved forward and tangled their hands together as if it was the most natural thing in the world. “This is my girlfriend who was worried about my drinking and came to pick me up.”
She smiled awkwardly at that introduction and nodded. She glanced at Qi Chengzhi, ‘This was not what he said on the phone.’
“Haha, a match made in heaven indeed. Don’t forget me when you’re sending out wedding invites,” Director Wang said jokingly.
Song Yu had not planned for a reveal of their relationship tonight and was further stunned by Director Wang’s tease of marriage. Luckily Qi Chengzhi stepped in, “For sure.”
Her heart skipped a beat at that promise. Her hand was starting to sweat in his grip as she instinctively held on tighter.
Qi Chengzhi responded by firming his grip as if his strength could be transferred to her via their linked hands.
As they parted ways, Qi Chengzhi asked Chang Lai to fetch Director Wang and the other clients back. Song Yu stood aside and watched, ‘I guess Chang Lai really couldn’t fetch Qi Chengzhi back.’ While her appearance tonight had an ulterior motive, it was not for that sole purpose.
With the logistics settled, Qi Chengzhi pulled Song Yu by the hand and left, not sparing Jian Yi a look.
Song Yu followed Qi Chengzhi silently and did not look back at Jian Yi. Jian Yi watched as the silhouette of the couple holding hands grew smaller and smaller. His fists were clenched tight and a scowl was permanently etched onto his face.
Once in the car, Song Yu drove without saying a word. The car rolled to a stop in front of a red light and she turned to face the man in the passenger seat.
His eyes were closed as he laid back in the passenger seat. His features were hidden in the shadows of the night.
“The reason you called me over tonight was that Chang Lai couldn’t send you home, and also partially because Jian Yi was there, right?” She shifted her gaze back on the road as she stepped on the gas pedal.
Few moments passed with nothing but silence, so Song Yu gave up on questioning him. He was probably tired.
“Was he not always suspicious of us? We’ve confirmed his theories today, so hopefully, he’ll stop mooning over you.” Qi Chengzhi’s sonorous voice echoed in the quiet car, the coldness in his tone audible.
“…” Qi Chengzhi’s hint of jealousy made her heartbeat irregularly. She did not know that he was aware of the situation with Jian Yi.
Qi Chengzhi watched Song Yu through heavy-lidded eyes and teasingly asked, “Not happy that he knows about us?”
Song Yu threw him a glance. “If I’m not happy, would I come and fetch you?”
Song Yu was focused on making sure they arrived home safe and did not notice the hint of mischief on the face of a fully-awakened Qi Chengzhi. When the car stopped again at another red light, a pale hand inched toward Song Yu’s waist.
When she came out of the house, Song Yu did not bother to change and just threw a coat over her home clothes. This was made possible by the fact that she had on the beloved classic velour tracksuit by Juicy Couture—a hot pink one at that.
The jacket was on the short side while the pants were low-waisted. Although she wore a tank top beneath the jacket, a strip of skin was still showing at her waist.
Qi Chengzhi’s long finger skittered under the white tank top and started to stroke the soft skin at her waist.
His rough fingertips on her skin felt like electricity dancing across her skin—a paralyzing sensation.
He could feel Song Yu clench her abs. Through the soft glow from the night sky, a brilliant blush flashed on her adorable face which served to only spur Qi Chengzhi on. He slowly inched his hand upward.
“Stop it. I’m driving.” Song Yu moved away from him but the confined area of a driver’s seat made escaping difficult. She was cornered.
“Driving? We’re at a red light.” A quick survey showed that there was sixty seconds before any driving was required. Qi Chengzhi immediately pulled on his seatbelt and rested his chin on her shoulder. His warm breath wafted toward her face.
Her nose picked up the faint smell of alcohol and tobacco. If it were anyone else, she would be disgusted. However, the smells combined with the cologne that he wore made it unique and incredibly sexy.
From the day she met him, she never picked up any scent of female perfume on him. This made her exceptionally happy as it engendered a sense of possession.
His persistent hot breath on her face made her flush. The redness spreads up her ears and scalp.
He followed with a series of wet kisses around her ear and the back of her neck.
“There are cameras!” Song Yu was losing her composure fast. How was she going to drive later?
“At most I’ll pay the fine,” he said with a lowered voice. He made his way to the side of her lips and brushing past her face, he kissed her firmly on the lips.
A sudden loud honk made Song Yu jump and push him aside. The light was green.
The chorus of honks erupted behind them and as the drivers drove past, they gave her the evil eye.
Song Yu’s face reddened with embarrassment and quickly sped off.
As she drove, Qi Chengzhi placed his hand on her hand that was steering the wheel.
“In terms of driving, your skills far surpass mine.” Song Yu pushed his hand away.
He unexpectedly let his hand fall and did not resist.
Song Yu had yet to calm herself before his wandering fingers came for her waist. His fingers danced across the revealed skin and went under the tank top that she was wearing. His hand massaged her waist and gradually inched upward.
Song Yu gritted her teeth as his movements sent bolts of electricity up her spine. She shook in her seat as she felt like ants were crawling on her skin.
She took a chance and quickly slapped Qi Chengzhi’s mischievous hand.
“Stop it.” Her trembling voice lent little weight to her command, even more so when her abs were spasming under Qi Chengzhi’s touch. “Why don’t you come and drive?”
“I drank.” Qi Chengzhi’s lazy voice infuriated her to no end.
“…”
…
…
They made it back in one piece, a feat that Song Yu did not know how she accomplished. She parked the car safely in the garage.
The garage door closed and Song Yu unbuckled her seatbelt to get down. A strong arm pulled her back into the car by her waist.
Qi Chengzhi was in a shirt with his sleeves rolled up, his sinewy forearm bare for all to see. Song Yu did not know when he managed to remove his suit jacket and coat.
She liked to look at his body. He was not overly muscular but exuded a masculine strength and beauty. The sight of his muscles made her want to touch them.
His strong arm wound tightly around her waist. The atmosphere heated up a notch.
A second later, she was pulled back and repositioned on his lap.
Qi Chengzhi held her by the waist and pressed her against the passenger side door. His torso bore down on her as his lips softly nibbled at her earlobe. She could feel the sexy curve of his lips. The air in the car could spark a flame.
“I was happy that you ignored Jian Yi,” he whispered in a deep tone by her ear. She was assaulted from all senses—the unique smell of tobacco and cologne, the sonorous voice in her ear—her body was ready to combust.
He followed up, “But I saw you pause when you looked at him. That made me a bit unhappy.”
His tie was loosened and three buttons were open on his shirt. It revealed the slender neck and collarbone underneath that clean-cut face.
Song Yu pressed her forehead on his shoulder and angled towards his neck. She breathed in the refreshing scent.
“Qi Chengzhi, I’ve said this before. When it comes to relationships, I am serious and committed. Once I’m in, it’s very hard for me to get out. I struggled a lot when I was deciding on whether to date you due to your family background and my past with the Qi family. There were a lot of uncertainties but now I have already decided to be with you despite all the potential risks. I have made my choice and am committed to you. I am not the type of person who thinks the grass is always greener on the other side. When I saw Jian Yi, I was simply surprised and nothing more. That man is not worth my love, so why should I miss him? It’s unfair to both of us.”
She finished her speech and felt the arm around her tightened possessively to the point that she felt pain. The palm on her back radiated heat and she was pressed against him.
His lips left her earlobe and as he distanced himself, she caught sight of the burning passion in his eyes. She felt her heartbeat jump as she temporarily forgot how to breathe.
Qi Chengzhi did not understand how the universe bestowed upon him this woman so dear.
While her words were not coated with honey, they were words of honesty and passion.
He kissed her fiercely without hesitation, pinning her to the car window.
Song Yu cupped his face and returned his fervent kiss.
Song Yu felt a slight chill and caught on to what Qi Chengzhi was planning to do. She hurriedly pushed at his shoulder. “We’re in the garage.”
The heat behind Qi Chengzhi’s eyes was enough to quell whatever resistance that was in her. She felt herself tremble uncontrollably.
…
…
Song Yu laid tiredly in his arms with her head resting on his shoulder. She did not attempt to move as her limbs felt like jelly.
The garage was closed off and the car had little ventilation. As a result, both of them were drenched in sweat.
A few droplets of sweat dotted across her forehead and temple. She could feel the wetness around his neck as she rested against him.
Qi Chengzhi shifted his head and placed a kiss on her hairline, tasting the slightly salty bead of sweat.
He opened the glove compartment with one hand and took out some tissues to clean her up. Meanwhile, Song Yu, too tired and lazy, remained unmoving in his arms.
In the end, Qi Chengzhi gently patted her buttock and said to her, “Lift your butt up, you lazy bum.”
Song Yu did as she was told as she wrapped her arms around his neck. She hugged him tightly and spoke into his collarbone, “When we’re doing it, he woos and coos with such good temper. When we’re done, he calls me lazy.”
Qi Chengzhi stared blankly for a moment, then let out an unrestrained laugh. He helped her put on her pants and belt before placing her butt onto the driver’s seat. She sat sidesaddle as he got down from the car. He stood at the passenger door and let her out.
The afterglow was evident in Song Yu’s face and eyes. She looked out at Qi Chengzhi who stood patiently waiting for her. His coat and suit jacket were draped over his arm. His shirt was slightly disheveled without being too obvious.
It was hard to believe that the steadfast and serious man before her was the same man who was in the car with her. The urgency and persistence he expressed were nowhere to be seen now.
Song Yu met his eyes and flushed red. His stoic face belied the fiery desire shone in his dark eyes.
She held onto the passenger seat for support as she stood up but her legs buckled. Her butt landed back onto the passenger seat.
