Chapter 10, hurriedly relocating

Chen Qiaoqi said proudly, "There are plenty! Since childhood, how often have you not cried? I remember once when I was sick, you cried so much that my face was covered in tears, dripping non-stop. I didn't die. Even if I had died, you would have cried me back to life." Zhao Xiaojun asked in confusion, "When did that happen? How come I don't remember?" Chen Qiaoqi, somewhat displeased, replied, "It was the year I turned six, didn't I have a serious illness then?" Zhao Xiaojun hurriedly interrupted him, "That was such a long time ago! You still remember it so clearly!" Chen Qiaoqi looked at her and said earnestly, "I will always remember, Xiaojun—" Upon hearing this, Zhao Xiaojun sensed something was off and quickly interrupted, "Alright, alright, I know you never cry. That should be enough, right? Why dig up old stories from eight hundred years ago! Are you annoying or what, acting like an old man, always bringing it up!" Chen Qiaoqi suddenly burst into laughter, seemingly very happy.

Cheng Wei smiled and stepped back, taking advantage of her momentary distraction to quietly cover the document bag she had left on the sofa with a pillow. Then he said with a smile, "Let me take you back." Zhao Xiaojun hurriedly exited the door, glancing back at the apartment, and complained to Cheng Wei, "Just wait and see if I come back next time! This time was a major blunder!"

Zhao Xiaojun saw him looking so exhausted, his mood lower than she had ever seen, with an inescapable weariness in his eyes. His tone and demeanor were vastly different from the gentlemanly invitations he usually feigned. She thought he might be feeling tired and wanted someone to talk to, and she truly could not bear to refuse. She nodded involuntarily and smiled, saying: "I was just worried about where to have dinner. Where should we go? Which is the most expensive restaurant in the city?"

Chen Qiaoqi suddenly reached out to pull Zhao Xiaojun, disregarding everything, and kept asking: "Why are you leaving! Why are you leaving! What is the reason?" Zhao Xiaojun was afraid that he would do something shocking in front of Lin Qingchuan, trembling with fear, a mix of shock and anger. Her mind was so frightened that there were no other thoughts, only the instinct to break free, and because her palms were sweaty, she managed to slip away. She quickly distanced herself, fearing it was not enough. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and turned to Lin Qingchuan, saying: "Qingchuan, you should go back first. Thank you so much for today." Lin Qingchuan saw that the siblings were getting serious, thinking that they were indeed family, and no matter how much she cared, she felt powerless. Not only could she not help, but she also made things more chaotic, so she hurriedly said: "Alright, I will leave first. You two talk well, and remember to call me." If it weren't for her good relationship with Zhao Xiaojun, she wouldn't have done such a thankless task, feeling out of place. Given her nature, she would have slipped away at the first sign of trouble, not needing to stay in a situation that felt like imprisonment. She wouldn't have waited for Zhao Xiaojun to let her go before she left anxiously. After exiting the community, she breathed in the night air and felt relieved, realizing it wasn't a big deal; they could just talk it out. Either they would move or not, at most it would be like this, and no one would die. She returned home feeling at ease.

Cheng Wei smiled slightly and said softly, "Alright, it's all up to you." Holding her until they reached the underground parking lot, Zhao Xiaojun clearly saw that the license plate number of his little Benz was the same six zeros she had once whistled at, which gave her a strange feeling; it was simply too conspicuous. She smiled and asked, "How did you get this license plate number?" Cheng Wei smiled and jokingly replied, "I stole it!" Zhao Xiaojun pretended to be surprised and said, "Really? When will you teach me how to steal one too? I could rely on this to make a living in the future." Cheng Wei turned his head to look at her while steering the wheel and said, "I never realized before that you could be so playful." Zhao Xiaojun stretched out her arm and said casually, "That's because you didn't know me well before. Now you see my true colors, right?" Cheng Wei smiled and said, "What if I want to get to know you better in the future?" Zhao Xiaojun nonchalantly replied, "Then go ahead and get to know me; am I stopping you?"

Zhao Xiaojun returned to her residence, but did not see Chen Qiaoqi in the living room. She hurriedly called out, "Qiaoqi!" After calling twice, she finally heard a low response from the room. Without saying a word, Zhao Xiaojun pushed open his door and barged in. Chen Qiaoqi was changing clothes in front of her, and Zhao Xiaojun couldn't help but scream, quickly turning around. Chen Qiaoqi simply threw down his shirt and walked over, laughing, "I don't mind at all, why should you? Do you want to take another look? It's free." Zhao Xiaojun felt that she was truly going crazy today, encountering abnormal people all day long. She glared at him fiercely and scolded, "You keep talking nonsense! Just wait and see how I deal with you! Hurry up and get dressed, be careful not to catch a cold in this winter!" Saying this, she picked up the clothes on the floor and threw them to him.

Zhao Xiaojun felt as if he had been struck hard by a punch, suddenly collapsing onto the sofa, unable to lift his head, completely afraid to look at him. Lin Qingchuan, seeing his state, was also startled. The expression on Chen Qiaoqi's face was nothing like that of an ordinary child throwing a tantrum; even she faintly sensed a weighty presence in the air. She dared not speak carelessly. Lin Qingchuan, seeing his state, was also startled. The expression on Chen Qiaoqi's face was nothing like that of an ordinary child throwing a tantrum; even she faintly sensed a weighty presence in the air. She dared not speak carelessly

Lin Qingchuan originally came with good intentions to persuade him, but unexpectedly, she was struck down by Chen Qiaoqi's unreasoned words, becoming confused and caught up in the situation. She said: "Oh, oh, oh, why do you speak like that? Is there no reason at all? This kind of matter cannot be resolved just by talking; it all requires money! Do you think I can persuade her? Please, think with your brain, would you? Besides, why would I need to persuade her to move out? It's completely unnecessary! This kind of matter cannot be resolved just by talking; it all requires money! Do you think I can persuade her? Please, think with your brain, would you? Besides, why would I need to persuade her to move out? It's completely unnecessary! This is really bizarre; what does it have to do with me?" Zhao Xiaojun listened to her, drenched in sweat, realizing that she was not there to calm things down but rather to add fuel to the fire. In a hurry, he gestured for her to say less. Unfortunately, Lin Qingchuan was too preoccupied with her grievances to notice anything.

With scalding hot water, she rinsed herself desperately, almost to the point of dehydration, before gasping for breath as she leaned against the wall to walk out. Lin Qingchuan had already returned, busily moving Chen Qiaoqi's computer out to play games, so engrossed that her eyes seemed to sink into the screen, wishing she could simply live inside the game. Chen Qiaoqi immediately noticed that she appeared somewhat weak and asked, "Why does taking a shower seem like you've lost half your life? Are you feeling unwell? Or did you catch a chill last night?" Before Zhao Xiaojun could respond, Lin Qingchuan interjected, "If Xiaojun is feeling unwell, can't you tell just by looking? You little rascal, why do you always pretend to be so mature? You're not Zhao Xiaojun's little brother; you could practically be a better brother than her actual brother!" Chen Qiaoqi softly replied, "I wish I could!" Lin Qingchuan, without looking up, said, "Dream on! Maybe in your next life—ah! How did you die again!" Before she could finish her sentence, a wail followed.

Zhao Xiaojun was startled by the sudden voice and turned around to see Cheng Wei. She quickly clicked on the upper right corner to close the interface. Although it was after work, handling personal matters in the office still felt somewhat inappropriate. She pretended to be nonchalant and said, "I have a few other matters to attend to." Cheng Wei nodded expressionlessly. Zhao Xiaojun, feeling a bit flustered, stood up and asked, "Are you not off work, General Cheng?" As she tidied up the scattered documents on her desk, Cheng Wei remained standing nearby, his expression unreadable. Zhao Xiaojun recalled that he had lost his temper today, and he must be in a bad mood. It was wiser to keep a distance to avoid getting caught in the storm. Just as she was about to say goodbye, Cheng Wei sighed, reached out to weakly support his forehead, and quietly said to her, "Would you accompany me for a meal?"

Everyone says to keep an eye out and ask around. When it was time to get off work, Manager Cao came over and asked her, "Xiao Zhao, I heard you are in a hurry to find a place? I happen to know a friend who is renting out a property, would you be interested?" Zhao Xiaojun quickly asked what it was like. Manager Cao said, "It's not far from here, it's an apartment." Zhao Xiaojun hurriedly replied, "That won't do, I can't afford it. In such a location, renting an entire apartment, I can't just live on air, can I?" Manager Cao laughed and said, "I know, I wasn't suggesting you rent the whole apartment. It's a shared rental with others." Zhao Xiaojun perked up and asked how the shared rental worked. Manager Cao laughed and said, "Actually, it's because living alone is too expensive, and they often travel for business, so it doesn't make sense at all. Therefore, they are looking for a reliable person to share the rent and share the costs. The price should be reasonable. If you are interested, I can ask about it for you later." Zhao Xiaojun nodded repeatedly and said, "As long as the price is affordable, I would definitely be interested."

After Chen Qiaoqi finished his shower and came out, he saw her still sitting there in the same position, lost in thought, which made him somewhat curious. He approached her and said, "What’s wrong? Why do you seem strange?" He threw the towel at her, asking her to dry his hair. Zhao Xiaojun picked up the towel and threw it back at his face, too lazy to respond to him. Chen Qiaoqi threw the towel at her again, shamelessly sitting beside her and continuously leaning against her. After a while, he closed his eyes and said, "It smells so good! Xiaojun, did you put on perfume?" Zhao Xiaojun lazily replied, "No." When he turned back, Chen Qiaoqi actually leaned his head close to her neck and kept sniffing, mumbling, "But why does it smell so good!" Zhao Xiaojun suddenly realized that their posture was too intimate—how could it be like this! Being so close together, what if someone saw them! It would be hard to explain. He leaned his head close to her neck and kept sniffing, mumbling, "But why does it smell so good!" Zhao Xiaojun suddenly realized that their posture was too intimate—how could it be like this! Being so close together, what if someone saw them! It would be hard to explain. She pushed him away with one hand, stood up in a flustered manner, and said, "I’ll go take a shower first!" and hurriedly left.

Zhao Xiaojun asked, "Do you have any oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, or the like at home?" Cheng Wei replied succinctly, "No!" Zhao Xiaojun sighed and shrugged, saying, "Then how do you expect to cook? There’s nothing! It’s better to eat out, much simpler!" Cheng Wei hurriedly said, "The food outside is all the same; it’s better to go back and cook. There’s a large supermarket near my residence that sells everything." Seeing him in such low spirits today, Zhao Xiaojun felt it inappropriate to refuse him again and could only ask, "Do you have any rice?" Cheng Wei looked at her nervously, fearing she might change her mind at the last minute, and after a long pause, he quietly said, "No." Zhao Xiaojun rolled her eyes and said, "Fine! Let’s buy everything!" They returned with a large pile of items, as if they were moving, attracting the attention of others in the same elevator who frequently turned to look at them. Fortunately, they still had pots, bowls, and pans, and the gas was not cut off.

Zhao Xiaojun asked Lin Qingchuan to come over and help tidy up some things, reminding her to gently comfort Chen Qiaoqi by tapping the drum on the side when they leave. She thought that with Lin present, even if Chen Qiaoqi was unwilling, there would be some limits to his displeasure, as he would have some reservations. Zhao Xiaojun was increasingly afraid of facing him alone. Lin Qingchuan asked in surprise, "You are leaving, and Chen Qiaoqi still doesn't know?" Zhao Xiaojun pretended to be relaxed and said, "It was a last-minute decision made in the past few days, and I didn't expect things to go so smoothly. I haven't had the chance to tell him, and it has already become a done deal." Lin Qingchuan responded with an "Oh," and said, "I don't think it's necessary, but since you've made your decision, I have no objections. On the other hand, since it's close to your company, you won't have to rush so much for work." She didn't think of any other places to go. No one would think of any other places to go.

Zhao Xiaojun replied quite seriously: "I don't want to! I have no need to be close to you. I eat my own food, walk my own path, and do so with legitimacy. I certainly do not wish to be ambiguous or lack legitimacy. " Cheng Wei sat back in the car, not in a hurry to drive away. Instead, he kept watching her as she entered the community gate, her faint shadow trailing behind, narrow and long, moving forward from the car window, folding into an angle imprint there, then shifting to the ground, drifting and swaying back and forth, ethereal and insubstantial. As he saw her steps quickening, almost breaking into a run, her long hair flying behind her, she swiftly turned the right corner and disappeared from view. He thought to himself that her urgency to return must indicate that something important was happening.

Cheng Wei drove around the street, resting his hands on the steering wheel, tilting his head and saying: "I don't want to eat out! It's simply nauseating. Can you cook?" Zhao Xiaojun called out: "Did you not say you would treat me to dinner at Houhai? If I had known, I wouldn't have come. What a wasted trip." After a moment of hesitation, she asked: "Are you really going to cook? I could consider that." Cheng Wei stretched lazily and replied: "I haven't eaten home-cooked meals in two years. I don't even remember what soup looks like." Zhao Xiaojun asked: "Where do you usually eat?" Cheng Wei tapped his fingertips on the steering wheel and answered: "I often have social engagements. When there are no engagements, I just order takeout or have beer with sandwiches." Upon hearing this, Zhao Xiaojun suddenly felt a bit sorry for him; eating beer and sandwiches to fill up during the New Year, how cold and uninviting that sounded. So she said: "Considering your poor mood today, fine, I can cook. What on earth is this!"

Zhao Xiaojun let out a "hum" and crossed her arms, saying, "Can you say a few less words? The money has already been paid, do you think we can not move?" In fact, they had never asked her for a deposit. Seeing the situation today, Zhao Xiaojun was determined to move out. The faces of Chen Nianxian and his wife resurfaced in her mind, and just thinking about it made her fearful, as if thousands of ants were biting her, both painful and frightening

Cheng Wei still empty-handed walked to the table and sat down, swaying as he said: "Didn’t you say you would do it?" Zhao Xiao Jun, exasperated, heavily placed the prepared meal in front of him, not even giving him chopsticks, and said: "I remember this, I won’t fall for it again next time. I thought you were so pitiful, but you really deserve it!" Cheng Wei suddenly laughed, feeling that this cold, hard room was suddenly filled with vitality, energy, and joy. There was a lingering, rich flavor in the air, softly humming and lingering. He felt that this cold, hard room was suddenly filled with vitality, energy, and joy. There was a lingering, rich flavor in the air, softly humming and lingering.

The next day, Manager Cao said with a smile, "I guarantee you, you won't even need to pay a deposit. If you are willing to move in, you can do so right now. This is roughly the price, what do you think?" Zhao Xiaojun eagerly agreed, as the price was within her budget. Manager Cao continued, "Xiao Zhao, please let me know when you plan to move in. A friend of mine is going on a business trip soon, and he has entrusted me with this matter. Once he leaves, I won't know how long it will be before he returns, and the house will be left empty, which is really not cost-effective. If you want to move in, just give me a heads up." Zhao Xiaojun mentioned that it might take her another two days to tidy things up. Manager Cao acknowledged this.

Zhao Xiaojun said that she still has to go to work tomorrow, unlike those two idlers who went to bed early. In the darkness, she lay awake, tossing and turning. Remembering Chen Nianxian's words, she couldn't help but feel a chill run down her spine, having endured such a blow in silence. Fortunately, she had taken a hit in advance, and fortunately, she had reacted beforehand. Otherwise, otherwise—she dared not think further. She could not stay any longer. Her hands gripped the bed sheets tightly, her knuckles turning white, as a deep sense of sorrow engulfed her. Fortunately, she had taken a hit in advance, and fortunately, she had reacted beforehand. Otherwise, otherwise—she dared not think further. She could not stay any longer. Her hands gripped the bed sheets tightly, her knuckles turning white, as a deep sense of sorrow engulfed her. It had ended so abruptly before it even began. Zhao Xiaojun's eyes felt dry and painful, unsure if they were inflamed.

To her utter astonishment, Chen Qiaoqi's reaction was far more terrifying than she had imagined. When Zhao Xiaojun forced a smile and told him that she was moving out, Chen Qiaoqi's expression immediately turned ashen. Turning around, he saw the neatly packed luggage in the living room and looked at her with disbelief, his anger surging. Zhao Xiaojun dared not face him directly; instead, she turned away and deliberately spoke in a light-hearted tone: "It's closer to the company there, so I won't have to rush during my commute. In this freezing weather, getting up early and coming home late is really unbearable—" The words were still in her mouth, and she swallowed them back. As she watched Chen Qiaoqi approach step by step, Zhao Xiaojun found herself unable to articulate anything clearly.

Zhao Xiaojun picked up her bag and checked to see if she had forgotten anything, saying, "I need to hurry back." She had been thinking about Chen Qiaoqi and had not had the chance to call him. She wondered if he had eaten first. Cheng Wei gently bit his lip, glanced at her sideways, stood by the door to block her, and with a suggestive look in his eyes, smiled and said, "Why don’t you just stay tonight?" Zhao Xiaojun was taken aback for a moment, raised her bag and swung it towards his arm that was blocking the door, hitting it hard, and scolded, "Cheng Wei! I knew you had ulterior motives! You’re nothing but a wolf in sheep’s clothing!" Cheng Wei still blocked her, lifted a strand of her hair, and with a teasing look, said, "Don’t worry, I will take responsibility!" He slowly leaned closer to her, blowing softly, all in a flirtatious manner. Although his tone and actions were frivolous, he was not insincere in his heart. Zhao Xiaojun had no reaction at all, and in anger, she said, "Pah! I’d be a fool to believe you!" She kept retreating, treating him like a contagious germ. Cheng Wei lifted a strand of her hair again, teasingly said, "Don’t worry, I will take responsibility!" He slowly leaned closer, blowing softly, all in a flirtatious manner. Although his tone and actions were frivolous, he was not insincere in his heart. Zhao Xiaojun had no reaction at all, and in anger, she said, "Pah! I’d be a fool to believe you!" She kept retreating, treating him like a contagious germ. Seeing his expression, Zhao Xiaojun only thought he was joking. She still trusted Cheng Wei’s character. If he wanted a woman to stay, there would be countless young and beautiful ones lining up.

Lin Qingchuan had no reason to oppose this time, only glaring. She thought to herself, since the money has been paid, it is certain that they must move; it cannot be a waste. So she said: "Why do you say the wind is the rain? Let’s stay for a while, and if it doesn’t work out, moving back is the same." She thought this compromise should be acceptable. Unexpectedly, Chen Qiaoqi suddenly said fiercely: "No! Zhao Xiaojun, do you think you can move?" Zhao Xiaojun stood up abruptly and said: "Why do you say the wind is the rain? Let’s stay for a while, and if it doesn’t work out, moving back is the same." She thought this compromise should be acceptable. Unexpectedly, Chen Qiaoqi suddenly said fiercely: "No! Zhao Xiaojun, do you think you can move?" Zhao Xiaojun stood up abruptly, walked in front of him, looked at him coldly, and calmly said: "Chen Qiaoqi, I want to leave, can you stop me?" Upon hearing her words, Chen Qiaoqi felt as if struck by lightning, his face suddenly turned pale, he clenched his fists tightly, and trembled, unable to speak for a moment. He walked in front of her, looked at her coldly, and calmly said: "Chen Qiaoqi, I want to leave, can you stop me?" Upon hearing her words, Chen Qiaoqi felt as if struck by lightning, his face suddenly turned pale, he clenched his fists tightly, and trembled, unable to speak for a moment.

The next headache was how to explain to Chen Qiaoqi that she was moving out. Zhao Xiaojun felt very troubled, fearing that he would cause a scene again, disrupting her peace. She was racking her brains for an excuse, feeling overwhelmed, and even considered having Lin Qingchuan partner with her to stage a performance.

He sat in silence for half a day, not turning on the lights. Only the faint glow from the neon light at the door illuminated his face, casting it in alternating brightness and darkness. He squinted for a while, as if unable to endure something, suddenly opened the car door, lit a cigarette, and walked back and forth along the path Zhao Xiaojun had just taken, twice. Step by step, relying on his memory, extremely slowly, as if treading on her shadow, or perhaps on his heart? Perhaps that was what he was thinking. The smoke curled from his fingers, as if he had completely forgotten. Step by step, relying on his memory, extremely slowly, as if treading on her shadow, or perhaps on his heart? Perhaps that was what he was thinking. The smoke curled from his fingers, as if he had completely forgotten. It was not until the cigarette butt burned his hand that he suddenly woke up, throwing it into the trash can. Then he patted his head, shaking it in mockery, as if surprised at what he had just been doing, wondering how he could be so bored. He let out a sigh, strode back to the car, started the engine, slammed on the gas, and shot out like an arrow, leaving without a trace of nostalgia.

Because of this matter, the entire company felt as if it had been struck by a typhoon, lifeless and desolate. After work, the usual sounds of laughter and playful banter were completely absent; everyone left with their heads down, sullen and silent. Zhao Xiaojun, feeling dizzy and overwhelmed, stayed in the office, using online resources to check if there were any rooms for rent nearby. She opened the classified ads and searched around, but the options were either too remote or the rent was astonishingly high. Renting a small room near the company was simply beyond what someone of her status could afford. Sighing as she flipped through the webpages, she thought it might be best to post a rental request. In early spring, when housing availability was relatively loose, it shouldn't be too difficult to find something. So she typed out the message word by word, and before she could finish, she suddenly heard a voice behind her say, "Why haven't you clocked out yet?"

Cheng Wei deliberately did not get up, picked up the spoon from the soup, and began to eat. Zhao Xiaojun was somewhat resigned to him. Using chopsticks in such a cunning manner, it was no wonder he was invincible in the business world. She could only angrily return to the kitchen to get another spoon, and casually brought him a pair of chopsticks as well. Cheng Wei cheerfully accepted them, glanced at her, and then buried himself in eating. Zhao Xiaojun noticed that his bowl of rice was emptying quickly and asked with a smile, "Is it really that delicious?" Cheng Wei handed the bowl to her and said, "I didn't eat lunch." Zhao Xiaojun did not want to truly hold it against him, thinking that he had probably developed the habit of being served, perhaps he regarded this place as a restaurant, and she had likely become his waitress. She could only help him serve more rice and curiously asked, "Why aren't you eating? Does a big boss not have time to eat?" Cheng Wei replied without looking up, "Something came up, and I lost my appetite." Zhao Xiaojun recalled how he had scolded the managers earlier today, and chose not to say more. Although she was curious about what had happened to make him so angry, she thought about how she was just a small employee and decided it was better to remain uninvolved.

Chen Qiaoqi dressed up, touched his nose as he came out, and asked, "Have you eaten? I saved some for you." Zhao Xiaojun felt a bit awkward at Cheng Wei's place, and she hadn't really eaten enough. Now, after some time had passed, she was indeed feeling a bit hungry. She brought out the dishes, warmed them up, and smiled, saying, "You can take care of yourself now, so I don't have to follow you around all day anymore." Chen Qiaoqi did not catch the meaning behind her words and disdainfully replied, "When did I ever need you to take care of me? Don't flatter yourself." Zhao Xiaojun laughed and said, "This is what you said, so don't come crying later." Chen Qiaoqi huffed, brought out the dishes, warmed them up, and smiled, saying, "You can take care of yourself now, so I don't have to follow you around all day anymore." Chen Qiaoqi still did not catch the meaning behind her words and disdainfully replied, "When did I ever need you to take care of me? Don't flatter yourself." Zhao Xiaojun laughed and said, "This is what you said, so don't come crying later." Chen Qiaoqi huffed and said, "Have you ever seen me cry? I haven't even huffed once! Who's like you! Crying at the drop of a hat!" Zhao Xiaojun retorted, "When have I ever cried?"

Lin Qingchuan noticed that his expression suddenly changed dramatically, and saw that Zhao Xiaojun also seemed to have completely transformed into a different person. She could not understand how such a trivial matter could lead to such a stalemate. She had no choice but to step forward and impatiently said: "Alright, alright, it’s just that Xiaojun is temporarily moving out for a while, right? It’s not a matter of life and death, nor is it about leaving for good and never coming back! In total, it’s only about an hour’s drive away. Chen Qiaoqi, this is where you are wrong. The matter has already been decided, so why are you making such a fuss? It’s not a matter of life and death, nor is it about leaving for good and never coming back! In total, it’s only about an hour’s drive away. Chen Qiaoqi, this is where you are wrong. The matter has already been decided, so why are you making such a fuss? Ultimately, it’s really not a big deal." What Chen Qiaoqi was worried about was precisely these things. How could he not be worried? He had already exerted all his strength to reach up, and no matter how he jumped, how he stretched his arms, how hard he tried, and how much effort he expended, the desire that was just above him always seemed so far out of reach, something beyond human capability. So he could only use a ladder to get closer to her, but now she was going to take that ladder away right before his eyes. How could he not be worried and anxious?

Zhao Xiaojun, seeing his infatuated expression, lost her appetite for food and put away her meal after just a few bites, thinking to herself that this was increasingly unlike him. The next day, she inquired everywhere among her colleagues to find out where there were houses for rent. This caused everyone to ask her why she wanted to move during the New Year. Zhao Xiaojun hurriedly replied, "Isn't it because houses are not so scarce during the New Year? The prices are just right to drop, so I want to find a better place."

Zhao Xiaojun truly had no mood to showcase her culinary skills, so she randomly bought some meat, stir-fried it with some vegetable hearts, and casually tossed in a handful of greens. Then she made a bowl of ham and winter melon soup, finishing it all in a jiffy. The rice was just about done, and Cheng Wei stood beside her reminding her, "You forgot to add salt to that soup." Zhao Xiaojun skeptically tasted it with a spoon and found it completely bland, laughing as she said, "Fortunately, you reminded me." After adding a bit of salt, she hurriedly served the soup and handed the spoon to him, saying, "You should try it and see if it's suitable." Cheng Wei took a sip from the spoon and said, "Just right—so fresh!" Zhao Xiaojun was busy bringing the dishes to the table when she noticed him standing there motionless, unable to help but say, "Don't you know how to lend a hand? What a big shot you are!" For some reason, she suddenly thought of Chen Qiaoqi, who often cooked meals and waited for her to come home to eat. She couldn't help but say, "Don't you know how to lend a hand? What a big shot you are!" For some reason, she suddenly thought of Chen Qiaoqi, who often cooked meals and waited for her to come home to eat. While eating, she would pick and choose, complaining about what was wrong—either too salty or too bland, too oily, or not cooked enough, or just greasy. Chen Qiaoqi would usually glare at her angrily and say, "Then don't eat it!" Zhao Xiaojun would still smile and deliberately take a big chopstick full of vegetables in front of him. Now that she thought about it, Chen Qiaoqi at home must also be like a young master.

Chen Qiaoqi said in frustration: "Seeing my perfect figure, you don't feel anything at all?" Zhao Xiaojun replied angrily: "Chen Qiaoqi! What are you acting crazy for! If you want to show off, go ahead! Let's see if you have the ability! You'll freeze to death!" She slammed the door and left, thinking that she could never just barge in without a greeting again. He was not young anymore; he was a big boy now. Usually, in his school uniform, it was hard to tell, but unexpectedly, he had broad shoulders and a slim waist, very fit. She thought to herself that she could never just barge in without a greeting again. He was not young anymore; he was a big boy now. Usually, in his school uniform, it was hard to tell, but unexpectedly, he had broad shoulders and a slim waist, very fit. Zhao Xiaojun's heart was pounding, her face flushed and ears hot. Suddenly, she let out a long sigh; because of this, she should avoid any misunderstandings as soon as possible.

Cheng Wei kept teasing her along the way, while Zhao Xiao Jun lazily responded with either "en" or "oh," or sometimes just a "hmph." Cheng Wei continuously turned his head to look at her, laughing as he asked, "Why are you in this mood today?" Zhao Xiao Jun glared at him and retorted, "How can you even ask that!" Cheng Wei then said, "What, do you think I'm just playing with you?" Without waiting for the car to come to a complete stop, Zhao Xiao Jun hurriedly opened the door and threw out a remark: "Hmph! I can't be bothered with your thoughts!" Cheng Wei also opened the door and laughed, saying, "Why is it that every time you see me, you are always in such a hurry to leave? I'm not a flood or a wild beast!" Zhao Xiao Jun paused, turned back, and said, "Then you should ask yourself! How can you blame others!" Cheng Wei lightly tapped the car door with his hand and smiled, saying, "Is that so? But I don't know how many people want to get close to me. Why don't you?"

Chen Qiaoqi fixed his gaze on her and asked coldly, "Why are you suddenly moving out?" Zhao Xiaojun, feeling guilty, replied, "Didn’t I say it’s for convenience in getting to work?" Chen Qiaoqi clearly did not believe her, scoffing, "Why have I never heard you complain about this before? Is it really far from your company? Do you not know how many people take two to three hours on the bus to work every day? Is it really that far?" Zhao Xiaojun unconsciously took two steps back and timidly said, "Isn’t it closer over there?" Chen Qiaoqi completely ignored her unconvincing excuse and directly asked, "Why do you want to move? What is the real reason?" The end of his angry voice unexpectedly echoed with a hoarseness, like a blood-calling cuckoo, splashing against the mountains filled with fiery red azaleas in April. Zhao Xiaojun looked into his penetrating gaze and suddenly felt timid, left speechless by his relentless questioning.

Zhao Xiaojun grasped Lin Qingchuan's hand, leaned against her, turned his eyes elsewhere, and quickly said: "Yes, I haven't gone to any far-off places, I just moved out to live. Qiao Qi, you shouldn't be too willful; I will still come over often to supervise whether you are studying well. Don't think that just because I leave, I will be out of touch and you can do whatever you want!" Chen Qiao Qi shouted loudly: "Then why don't you stay! Why do you want to leave! Are you doing this on purpose! Why do you want to go!" Zhao Xiaojun was startled by his thunderous roar, his heart seemed to be pounding out of his chest. He was so emotionally stirred, his face and head flushed red, veins bulging, his eyes dark, with a faint layer of moisture, which contained pain—yes, a pain that was completely inconsistent with his age, pouring down on Zhao Xiaojun like dense moonlight.

Lin Qingchuan entered with red eyes, turned on the light, and abruptly pulled back the blanket. Zhao Xiaojun couldn't help but shift to the side. Lin Qingchuan yawned and said, "Why are you still awake so late? It's already 2 o'clock, will you be able to get up tomorrow?" Zhao Xiaojun curled up in the blanket, covering her head, and replied, "I will get up, even if I have to die!" After a while, she felt Lin Qingchuan lying down beside her, softly asking, "Are you going to sleep?" Lin Qingchuan responded vaguely and unconsciously. After a moment, Zhao Xiaojun said, "I want to move out." Lin Qingchuan did not react much, only murmuring softly. Suddenly, Zhao Xiaojun shook her shoulder and said angrily, "Lin Qingchuan, I said I want to move out, did you hear me!" Lin Qingchuan was jolted awake from her drowsiness and complained, "I heard you, I heard you! Why are you making such a fuss in the middle of the night and not letting anyone sleep! If you want to move, then move, who is stopping you!" She turned over, distancing herself from Zhao Xiaojun, and continued to sleep soundly.

In a hurried manner, she tidied up a bit, glanced at the time, and said, "It's so late, I should be leaving. Today, I must say, I fell for your tricks. The splendid feast has gone to waste, and I ended up playing the role of a cook for you. I don't know if I've lost my mind!" Cheng Wei was still immersed in the lingering atmosphere from earlier, warm and soothing, like the ham and winter melon soup she had just consumed, leaving her with a light sheen of sweat and a sense of comfort throughout her body. She quickly grabbed her, feeling somewhat reluctant, and said, "You just finished eating; rest for a while before you go."

Instead, Chen Qiaoqi caught her, not saying a word, looking at her coldly with a sideways glance. Zhao Xiaojun felt an invisible pressure enveloping her, pressing down on her face, and she could no longer maintain the smile she had just forced, gasping for breath, unable to look at him. Lin Qingchuan, confused, sat down beside her and said angrily: "Zhao Xiaojun, what are you doing! It feels like a world war, aren't you tired! If that's the case, it would be better not to move at all!" Chen Qiaoqi's expression slightly eased.

The next day, with dark circles under her eyes, she went to work, feeling distracted throughout the day. She noticed her colleagues peeking cautiously at the office door, whispering carefully: "I heard there was a discrepancy in the internal finances, and President Cheng is furious. The managers from all departments are being reprimanded. It's been two hours, and they still haven't come out." This caused a wave of anxiety among everyone, instilling a sense of insecurity. Zhao Xiaojun was in poor spirits, her mind in disarray, and she paid little attention, as it was not something that concerned her as a low-level employee.

Zhao Xiaojun suddenly found it amusing, indeed, if one wants to move, then move, who is stopping you! It is all self-sabotage! But for some reason, the corners of her eyes suddenly felt damp, and she could not help it.

Lin Qingchuan found the situation somewhat strange as she observed the two glaring at each other, suddenly resembling enemies meeting on a narrow path. She smiled and stepped forward to mediate, pointing at Chen Qiaoqi and saying, "What are you doing? Xiao Jun just wants to move out for convenience. Is it really necessary to make such a big fuss? With such a fierce attitude, it looks like you want to eat someone!" Chen Qiaoqi turned to glare at her and said rudely, "Did you make Xiao Jun move out?" Lin Qingchuan did not expect him to suddenly turn the blame on her, leaving her with no dignity. She pointed at Chen Qiaoqi and said, "What are you doing? Xiao Jun just wants to move out for convenience. Is it really necessary to make such a big fuss? With such a fierce attitude, it looks like you want to eat someone!" Chen Qiaoqi turned to glare at her and said rudely, "Did you make Xiao Jun move out?" Lin Qingchuan did not expect him to suddenly turn the blame on her, leaving her with no dignity, making her feel as if she were a human trafficker enticing good women. She quickly defended herself, "Do you think I have that ability?" Chen Qiaoqi sneered and said, "If others don't have it, you certainly do!"