Part 03
"You lunatic." Xi Qingnuo scolded her irritably, "Should I tell him not to be so nice to me anymore, that there is no future between us, and that he should go find someone else to date? What if he tells me, 'I never intended to have any future with you, don't get carried away with your feelings.' What then? Where am I supposed to put my old face?"
Sitting opposite Liang Yue, the young lady of the Phoenix Group, Ning Wanting, suddenly smiled and interjected, "This young lady looks quite familiar."
Li Xintong found it amusing to see Xi Qingnuo so excited, saying, "Alright, alright, I can't be bothered with you. Since he will take you back later, I don't need to act as the guardian. I'm leaving now." With that, she picked up her bag and prepared to leave
There is an advantage to being a clerk; the work is easy but one often faces grievances, yet she is reluctant to resign. Although she is quite poor, she has a thick skin and often reaches out to Liang Yue, this wealthy individual. Since it is a last-minute notice, according to the initial contract stipulations, one must provide a month's notice before leaving. She simply decided to forgo a month's salary and leave without a second thought
Today, seeing Liang Yue's attitude, it seems that only she has sat with Xi Qingnuo. Upon thinking of this, Xi Qingnuo, just like last time, blushed.
Seeing that she did not take a seat, Xi Qingnuo understood that she intended to be the co-driver. She also understood the importance of modesty and was prepared to take the back seat. Just as she was about to lift her foot, Liang Yue turned to Ning Wanting and asked, "Miss Ning, are you not going to sit?"
Liang Yue walked into the café with a woman. Although they maintained a normal distance in their relationship, their laughter and conversation truly sparked the imagination of onlookers
That guy stubbornly refused to admit it, and after causing quite a commotion, he still wouldn't get in the car. Xi Qingnuo said with concern: "Liang Yue, is it possible that he wants to sit as your co-pilot?" Forgive her for thinking this way; Liang, the handsome man, is excellent in both character and appearance, yet has never been seen to have an interest in any woman. In humanity, there are only distinctions between females and males.
"Do not test my sexual orientation." This is what Liang Yue said at that time
Once, after a high school reunion, Liang Yue's good friend from high school had too much to drink and was unable to drive. Liang Yue, being a good person, decided to take him home first. Xi Qingnuo instinctively opened the passenger door and got in.
Xi Qingnuo hurriedly pulled her, "You can't just abandon me halfway like this. Are you going to eat and then just walk away? You heartless woman"
Xi Qingnuo gave her a disdainful glance and said, "Beauty, which nerve of yours has been struck this time?"
"Call me when you're done eating." Liang Yue completely ignored her refusal, expressionless as he took a sip from his coffee cup and said lightly, "Miss Ning and I have matters to discuss, you go ahead and accompany Li Xintong."
The essence has changed, how should it be concealed
Hello, would you like to greet? With a playful expression, Li Xintong winked at her, looking as if she were watching a show
Liang Yue was clearly injured internally by her strength; even though he remained composed, his brows furrowed slightly. He淡淡地 turned his gaze to Xi Qingnuo and asked, "What are you doing here?"
Xi Qingnuo initially intended to finish her greeting and leave unscathed, but unexpectedly, Liang Yue spoke first, saying: "Wait a moment, I will take you back. When will you have finished eating?"
Xi Qingnuo did not give her a good expression, "Why do we need to greet each other?"
Xi Qingnuo pouted, eating the cake in front of her with a hint of boredom, "I am afraid." Her eyelids suddenly drooped, "Xintong, I think you understand too. When love is gone, we become strangers to each other. Clearly knowing where the other person is, clearly understanding their current situation, yet still having to pretend we have never met, this feeling is unbearable. I cannot stand the thought of Liang Yue pretending not to know me one day, I cannot bear the thought of wanting to call him when I think of him, but being unable to do so, I cannot endure the sadness of realizing that we have no future together, it makes me want to cry. It would be better to be the closest of friends, maintaining our bond in the name of friendship, without the fear of loss, being together without a care in the world."
Everyone has already issued an eviction order, how can she shamelessly stand here without moving? She had no choice but to return to her seat reluctantly
Even drinking something is a challenge
Xi Qingnuo clearly did not expect Ning Wanting to speak to her, and she was taken aback for a moment, nodding her head.
Xi Qingnuo was puzzled and asked him why he said that
You also know that I have always been heartless. I would even abandon Song Zimo. As someone who values romance over friendship, what do you think your fate will be? Hehe, I am leaving
Ah? Xi Qingnuo was taken aback, somewhat surprised. Even Ning Wanting, who was sitting opposite and had a refined demeanor, showed a moment of rigidity on her face. Xi Qingnuo felt it was inappropriate and quickly waved his hand, saying: "No need, I can go back by myself."
Liang Yue's car was parked in the basement. He went to retrieve the vehicle, leaving Xi Qingnuo and Ning Wanting waiting. Originally, Xi Qingnuo thought that Liang Yue was only taking her home, but unexpectedly, she was merely an additional passenger, which was quite unfortunate.
Stimulated by her, Xi Qingnuo stood up abruptly, disregarding all consequences, and strode aggressively towards Liang Yue. Li Xintong couldn't help but chuckle at her imposing demeanor.
Li Xintong blinked innocently and said, "I never said that; this is all your self-awareness."
Miss Ning must have mistaken me for someone else, as I have never seen you before. However, I have seen Miss Ning on the covers of many magazines," Xi Qingnuo replied with a smile. In fact, she was just speaking nonsense, as she never read magazines and only followed Li Xintong in making a fuss.
Before she had even settled down, Li Xintong quickly asked with curiosity: "What did you all say? Why do you come back with such a sour face?"
Li Xintong observed Xi Qingnuo's silence and, with an air of understanding her thoughts, casually remarked: "His hardware and software are both top-notch. With such excellent conditions, if you do not strive for it, be careful that you may regret it later."
He drank too much and is talking nonsense
She is not afraid of having no money to spend, for she has the Bodhisattva Liang Yue who saves those in suffering and distress.
Why don't you believe it? He said it himself yesterday
It is not for me to say, but if you do not wish to try with Liang Yue, then do not delay others
"Oh, it's just a greeting between good friends, why are you feeling guilty?" Li Xintong smiled slyly, wearing a look of provocation that seemed to say, "You wouldn't dare."
Liang Yue, however, explained very calmly
May I inquire about the occupations of Miss Xi's parents
That guy confidently stated, "Liang Yue once said that when he buys a car in the future, the passenger seat can only be occupied by his own wife"
Then that guy exclaimed, "Oh? Have you two gotten together?"
Li Xintong handed her sugar cube to Xi Qingnuo and smiled, saying: "I understand. It is best not to involve oneself in love with those who matter too much, as there is no need to take the risk of loss. Hehe"
Xi Qingnuo used to believe that there could be pure friendship between men and women. She firmly believed that friendship, when played out, could be even deeper than love. Until yesterday, she steadfastly believed that she and Liang Yue would remain pure like this. It was until he mentioned going on a blind date that a mix of emotions surged within her, making her deeply realize that her purity could no longer be maintained. She had grown accustomed to his care, accustomed to the affection he bestowed upon her, and she found it hard to imagine that if one day all that he gave her were to be transferred to another woman, would she be able to smile and allow it?
Hey. Xi Qingnuo slapped Liang Yue's neatly tailored suit, the force seemingly intended to vent frustration
If she had returned to City A immediately after graduating from university, perhaps her life would have been more comfortable than that of Li Xintong. Unfortunately, there are no ifs.
Later, that guy was willing to get in the car, also because Liang Yue admitted to this matter. As a result, Xi Qingnuo's old face was flushed the entire way. As for whether it is true or false, it has always been a mystery; she also does not know if there have been others sitting in the passenger seat.
Oh dear, don't say it, the two of them really do make a good match, both are quite pleasing to the eye, and their heights are also compatible. Li Xintong, while passionately commenting, looked at Xi Qingnuo with a hint of mischief, as if anticipating something
Ning Wanting suddenly spoke up and asked: "I heard Mr. Liang say that Miss Xi is his childhood sweetheart?"
By the way, Ye Wei is getting married
Liang Yue is good at everything, except that she treats Xi Qingnuo as a treasure and other women as grass, tsk tsk. Li Xintong sighed in regret as if she had suddenly understood.
A high-achieving student, due to your phone call, chose not to go abroad for further studies and instead came to City B to accompany you for a year, treating you like a revered ancestor and caring for you meticulously. Do you really believe this is merely an ordinary childhood friendship? I do not believe that there can be a pure and profound friendship between men and women
Xi Qingnuo shot her a fierce glance. In Liang Yue's family, only his mother is a businessperson; he merely inherits her legacy. The other branches are all bureaucratic. His brother works at the Military Procuratorate, a cushy and idle job, dealing with military discipline and inspection. His sister is in the Air Force logistics, and his brother-in-law is in a military political organization. The whole family holds red positions, yet they are all at a disadvantage because of this "surname." The old man originally intended to place Liang Yue in his territory, but his mother was quicker and filled out the volunteer card for finance. He himself is indifferent; he is a laid-back person, yet he always manages to do things to the best of his ability, leaving no room for criticism. This is also why his mother chose him to inherit the family business instead of his brother. His mother's family has only one daughter, and the vast family fortune must be inherited by the most capable person.
"I was afraid you would wait too long, let's go." Liang Yue glanced at her, signaling her to follow.
With whom
Thus, Xi Qingnuo was completely shocked as Liang Yue forcefully shoved him into the passenger seat
Ah? Li Xintong was also taken aback. Indeed, how could the male lead end up with a conclusion where he just plays a minor role? This is too much of a plot twist. Li Xintong looked confused.
"Come have coffee with Li Xintong." Xi Qingnuo cast a glance at his own table, where Li Xintong, sitting in her original seat, noticed Liang Yue turning his head towards her and looking at her as well, so she smiled in response, as a way of greeting.
Ye Wei is the close friend of the two of them from university. In their freshman year, the three of them referred to themselves as "The Three Jerks" and dominated the online gaming world. Later, they all fell in love with boys from the same dormitory, and during their dates, they often went out as a group of six, sharing a close bond. Even upon graduation, they all broke up together, demonstrating a remarkable understanding among them.
She did not care and directly asked the calm Liang Yue, "Have you reached an agreement?"
To celebrate the transition to a more comfortable life, Xi Qingnuo called Li Xintong to invite her out for tea. Li Xintong was her university classmate, and they became close due to both being from City A. After graduating from university, she returned to City A, while Xi Qingnuo stayed in City B, and they lost contact for a year. Later, Xi Qingnuo secretly followed Liang Yue back to City A, which rekindled their connection. Xi Qingnuo admired Li Xintong greatly; she did not prioritize love, as she resolutely broke up with Song Zimo right after graduation and returned to City A, following her father's arrangements to work in the national tax agency, leading a stable and comfortable life. The small life was simply delightful.
Ning Wanting was taken aback, clearly not expecting that the back seat was hers. A hint of displeasure and disappointment flashed in her eyes, but she still wore a smile as she gracefully sat in the back seat. Liang Yue, seeing Xi Qingnuo in a daze, opened the door to the front passenger seat and pushed her inside, saying, "Get in, we can't stay here for too long"
Li Xintong, however, did not take it to heart, saying, "I have advised you to lose weight; it is you who cannot resist Liang Yue's temptation. Your Liang Yue is too wicked, knowing that most overweight people are unsellable, thus he can possess you all to himself. Oh dear, what an evil man he is." Li Xintong elegantly pierced a small piece of cake with her fork, delicately bringing it to her mouth, savoring it slowly.
Oh. Ning Wanting is also a clever person, seeing her respond this way, she no longer pursued the matter further
It was evident that Ning Wanting cast her a disdainful glance.
The two agreed to meet in an elegantly designed café, where Xi Qingnuo planned to spend extravagantly, a high-end place in City A. Since graduating from university, Li Xintong had started wearing natural makeup. Her face was beautiful; she used to have long, straight black hair, but now she sported a sharp short hairstyle that still retained her femininity. In Li Xintong's self-indulgent words, she had a good foundation, and there was nothing to be done about it. Every time she said this, it would inevitably provoke a round of disdainful nagging from Xi Qingnuo. Xi Qingnuo also had a decent foundation, but unfortunately, she did not take good care of herself, and after gaining weight, she was almost completely disconnected from the term "beauty".
Ning Wanting smiled slightly, the curvature of her lips seemed to have been measured with a ruler, perfect to the point of being flawless, truly a smile that epitomizes politeness.
Xi Qingnuo said unhappily: "He said he would take me home later"
She knows her limits. Once married, she will not entertain any improper thoughts
Xi Qingnuo merely glanced, sipped his coffee gloomily, and said, "Are you implying that I am the type that affects the city's appearance, that my height is too short, and that I am unworthy of Liang Yue's tall stature?"
Xi Qingnuo rolled her eyes, "He is not mine; he successfully went on a blind date yesterday and even told me he would have his child call me godmother, hmph." Just thinking about what he said when he left last night made her feel infuriated.
Indeed. Hehe. Xi Qingnuo chuckled softly, just as she raised her hand to take a sip of coffee. In front of her, Li Xintong was staring with her mouth agape, as if she had seen a ghost, fixated on something behind her. Curiously, she followed Li Xintong's gaze and turned around. It was a good thing she hadn't looked sooner; upon seeing it, the coffee in her mouth nearly choked her.
Li Xintong said: "I know this woman, she often appears in magazines. Ning Wanting, the young lady of the Phoenix Group, comes from a wealthy family. Although her family started as merchants, her aunt is married to the current chief of staff of the A Army, and her younger sister is married to the son of the mayor, which can be said to be a complete collusion between officials and businessmen. Hehe, she is quite a match for Liang Yue, both come from families that are deeply intertwined with official and business interests."
"City B, huh? Will she be reminded of the past?" Xi Qingnuo chuckled teasingly. Ye Wei had been infatuated with Lin Munian for a long time, and after pursuing him diligently, they finally became a couple. However, when they broke up, she cried uncontrollably as if she had lost her mind.
Xi Qingnuo watched Li Xintong's receding figure, secretly cursing that this heartless woman would eventually suffer. In her anger, she picked up the teacup and took a hard sip, but due to her haste, she choked and coughed violently, as if her liver and gallbladder were about to split.
Xi Qingnuo, with a smile that did not reach his eyes, placed a cube of sugar into his coffee and picked up the cup to take a sip. No matter how many sugar cubes were added, the coffee remained bitter, unable to mask its inherent bitterness.
No wonder she was so shocked. There is a story behind the passenger seat. Xi Qingnuo generally prefers to sit in the passenger seat next to Liang Yue, and every time she gets in the car, she instinctively takes the passenger seat.
Li Xintong clearly did not believe it, "It can't be true, I won't believe it no matter what I say"
Xi Qingnuo took a deep breath, wishing she could bite her to death. Ever since she gained weight, Li Xintong has been inserting sarcastic remarks at every opportunity, showing not the slightest sympathy for the sorrowful feelings of this fat person.
Liang Yue's car drove out and stopped in front of them. He got out of the car and first opened the door of the back seat. Ning Wanting stood motionless in her place, as if it were not meant for her.
Generally, those with logical reasoning abilities would be able to deduce this when it comes to someone like Liang Yue, who comes from a wealthy background. At least one of Xi Qingnuo's parents is a high-ranking official. However, the clothes Xi Qingnuo wears are at most of a slightly above-average quality, and their demeanor and conduct are not presentable, which truly leaves one at a loss for logic
After a week apart, Li Xintong had dyed her hair a light brown color, dressed in a simple pink lady's outfit, and wore seven-centimeter high heels as she walked in gracefully, truly embodying femininity. As soon as she entered, Xi Qingnuo couldn't help but look at her with disdain, saying, "Don't you know that when dating someone overweight, you shouldn't wear such figure-revealing and eye-catching clothes?"
Xi Qingnuo spoke lightly, saying: "I just met Liang Yue when we were children in the military dependents' compound. My grandfather was a soldier, haha."
Li Xintong never realized that once love was gone, nothing remained for the two of them. This was the case with her and Song Zimo. She had his phone number, knew his home address, and was aware of all his contact information. She also knew that she still loved him, but she could not; she had to pretend not to know him and force herself to live a life without him. The path was chosen by her, and she could not regret it
He is seven years older than her, a returnee, and very wealthy. His father is a high-ranking official, just like your family’s Liang Yue. She will probably develop in City B with that man in the future
A voice of resignation sounded behind her. Without needing to think, it was Liang Yue, the handsome man. She hurriedly turned around, the remnants of coffee still lingering at the corner of her mouth, and could only wipe it in front of him.