Read Novel Full Chapter 42
Chapter 42
He Qingqi’s apartment at Yijingyuan was a modest two-bedroom, one-living-room space of over eighty square meters. It wasn’t large, but it was more than enough for two people.
The grand dinner was a bust. Both of them were clueless about cooking. Feeling awkward, He Qingqi rubbed her nose and pulled out her phone to place an order for takeout.
Initially, she thought that sleeping at her place would be better than staying at a hotel, but it turned out there wasn’t much difference—they still ate takeout. At least they saved some hotel money.
After ordering, He Qingqi opened WeChat and found Lin Fan, her long-time personal assistant.
Because her university was far from home, her family worried she wouldn’t take care of herself. So, they bought a house near the school and hired a personal assistant for her.
That assistant was Lin Fan.
With a salary exceeding $10,000, full insurance, and working within the He family, Lin Fan’s job was decent and respectable. Plus, with He Qingqi being low-maintenance yet generous, Lin Fan had stayed for ten years. They were very familiar with each other.
He Qingqi texted, “Sister Fan, I’ve been staying at the Yijingyuan apartment recently. Could you handle the three daily meals for two people?”
Lin Fan replied, “Got it.”
Concise and efficient.
He Qingqi, satisfied, put her phone aside. This was what she liked most about Lin Fan—she was clean and efficient in her work, never asking unnecessary questions.
She sat on the sofa, watching Zhuo Zhiwei tidy things up in the second bedroom. Suddenly, a bit of reluctance grew in her heart. Her lips moved as if she wanted to say something but stopped.
Actually, last night felt pretty good, having someone beside her to whisper secrets to.
It was He Qingqi’s first time sleeping in the same bed with someone other than Fang Xuanyao.
But… it was Zhuo Zhiwei’s suggestion originally, so why did she move to the second bedroom so quickly today? Did something embarrassing happen last night? Like snoring, teeth grinding, or talking in her sleep? She did have a habit of sleep-talking…
He Qingqi blinked, feeling a bit hesitant. She fidgeted on the sofa, clearly anxious but unable to voice her thoughts. It was uncomfortable.
As Zhuo Zhiwei exited the room, she noticed He Qingqi glancing around with a sense of helplessness. She tilted her head slightly.
“Qingqi?”
He Qingqi’s eyes lit up, stammering, “Zhi… Zhiwei.”
Clearly, something was on her mind.
Zhuo Zhiwei patiently asked, “What’s wrong?”
“I…” Just as He Qingqi was about to speak, her phone rang, shattering her courage.
She sighed in frustration, her previous determination evaporating. “I’ll take this call first.”
Upon recognizing Chai Xu, He Qingqi rolled her eyes. Why call now, of all times?
Instantly transforming from a small lion into a big lion, she straightened her back, exuding a proud and domineering aura, as if she were licking her sharp claws and grooming her fur. She answered with irritation, “What is it?”
“Hey, Qingqi,” Chai Xu’s cheerful voice came through the phone. “You made the headlines on your first day out.”
He Qingqi frowned. “Headlines?”
“Yeah,” Chai Xu munched on an apple and read aloud, “Mall encounter with fans.”
“Qingqi, you really don’t care, huh? Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve walked around a mall openly? You really made us idols proud.”
“And…” Chai Xu added solemnly, “Judging by the photos, it seems to be near Yijingyuan. You might need to abandon that place and go back to Yuding Villa.”
He Qingqi was incredulous. “Photos?”
“Yeah,” Chai Xu confirmed. “Several cars appear to be following you. Didn’t you notice? This is right after the event, when your popularity is at its peak. Many people, even non-fans, recognize you. I think most of the people following you were just passersby joining in the fun.”
Chai Xu, in a senior-like tone, sighed, “It’s been trending for a while. You two just wore hats out. Ah, youth.”
Rolling her eyes, He Qingqi felt a surge of warmth. She knew Chai Xu was reminding her out of concern. She kicked her leg awkwardly.
However, the sentiment didn’t last long.
“Oh, by the way, whatever you and Zhuo Zhiwei do inside, remember to draw the curtains.”
Ugh!
“Shut up!” He Qingqi fumed and hung up the phone angrily.
“What happened?” Zhuo Zhiwei asked, concerned.
He Qingqi, resuming her harmless demeanor, said softly, “Nothing much, just that we seem to have been followed, and it caused quite a stir.”
Zhuo Zhiwei looked down, feeling somewhat guilty. “What should we do?”
After all, if it weren’t for her, He Qingqi wouldn’t have needed the tattoo and wouldn’t have been followed. Furthermore, with the apartment now exposed, they could no longer reside there.
He Qingqi had already given her a watch worth millions and a perfume worth hundreds. This apartment worth millions was also at risk.
Zhuo Zhiwei silently vowed her first work goal since debuting: to buy He Qingqi a house at Yuding Villa.
“It’s okay,” He Qingqi said nonchalantly. “I’ve contacted my assistant. She’ll deliver our meals for the next few days.”
“Oh, Zhiwei,” He Qingqi suddenly remembered, her eyes filling with anticipation. “Would you like to meet up with my friends tomorrow?”
Zhuo Zhiwei couldn’t resist her look and turned her head away, her ears turning pink. “Okay.”
Seeing Zhuo Zhiwei so agreeable and adorable, He Qingqi’s mood soared. She blurted out, “Then why don’t you want to sleep with me anymore?”
He Qingqi: “…”
Zhuo Zhiwei: “…”
The air suddenly became still. He Qingqi seemed to hear a flock of crows cawing above her head.
How embarrassing.
Why did she say that?
Grimacing, He Qingqi awkwardly said, “Well…”
Zhuo Zhiwei paused, then slightly smiled, her eyes filling with another color and looking more vibrant.
With a hint of emotion, she said, “I never said I didn’t want to sleep with you.”
He Qingqi sensed something was off, glancing at Zhuo Zhiwei, whose expression remained unchanged, wondering if she had misunderstood.
Slightly blushing, He Qingqi bit her lip, then heard Zhuo Zhiwei continue, “So, should we sleep together tonight?”
He Qingqi’s eyes brightened. “Okay!”
Zhuo Zhiwei couldn’t help but smile, looking at He Qingqi. She wondered whether she had feelings for He Qingqi or if He Qingqi was developing impure thoughts about her.
…
The next day, Chai Xu drove to pick up He Qingqi. All three of them wore hats and masks in the car, wary of a repeat of yesterday.
The equestrian club was in the southern suburbs, a members-only venue, so they didn’t worry about fans sneaking in. He Qingqi had loved playing here since she met Gu Mingrui in middle school. The flamboyant and beautiful girl always became the center of attention; many were familiar with her, reducing the novelty and concerns of a repeat of yesterday.
The club was spacious and well-equipped, boasting the province’s best horses and coaches. The Gu family had invested considerable effort and money here.
Upon arrival, He Qingqi saw several people in riding attire trotting on horses in the distance.
Excited, she waved. “Hey!”
She had not seen them for almost a year, and she missed them. In her past life, she hadn’t seen them for six months. Considering what they did for her, she felt a twinge of guilt.
She smiled, hiding her guilt.
Three people dismounted and handed their reins to others. A girl immediately ran toward them.
“Qingqi!”
The only calm one was a boy, though he quickened his pace slightly.
“Let me introduce my good friend, Zhuo Zhiwei,” He Qingqi said, pointing at the girl. “This is Jiang Zhaonian. Her family owns a martial arts school. Don’t be fooled by her gentle look; we used to fight together. I should be her senior.”
“No way!” Jiang Zhaonian pouted. “I should be the senior. I’m older than you.”
“Loser accepts defeat,” He Qingqi said dismissively. “Who said the winner is the senior?”
Jiang Zhaonian mumbled, “But I’m still older.”
Ignoring her, He Qingqi pointed to the calm boy and said, “This is Gu Mingrui. This club belongs to his family. Gu Shi is his father. If you need anything, ask him.”
Then, pulling over another boy, “This is Chi Yuan, the toughest among us, currently studying in London.”
“And you already know Chai Xu.”
Zhuo Zhiwei swallowed, her face stiff. “Hello.”
She was nervous, feeling like she was meeting the in-laws, knowing how important these people were to He Qingqi. She valued this meeting highly.
Last night, she had browsed their Weibo accounts, looking for clues and doing her homework to leave a good impression.
“Alright, I called you back today to introduce Zhiwei and catch up,” He Qingqi said, looking at Gu Mingrui. “I’ll cover all expenses today.”
Gu Mingrui smiled, shaking his head.
“You’re too generous.”
“And the club expenses too,” added He Qingqi.
Gu Mingrui chuckled. “Burning money, are you?”
Then he added, “Little He CEO.”
He Qingqi raised her eyebrows, dispelling some unnameable emotions. “You saw it?”
“We all did,” Jiang Zhaonian said, glancing at Zhuo Zhiwei, squeezing between He Qingqi and Gu Mingrui, hugging them both. “We even saw Chai Xu’s. Watching yours was gratifying, Qingqi.”
Chai Xu protested, “What’s wrong with mine? Shouldn’t people watch mine too?”
Jiang Zhaonian rolled her eyes. “Watching Qingqi’s is seeing her dominate. Watching yours means seeing you suffer. It makes my heart ache. I wish I could replace you on stage.”
Chai Xu pouted, aggrieved.
“By the way,” Jiang Zhaonian hesitated. “Qingqi, have you grown taller?”
“Really?” He Qingqi was unsure. In her past life, she only remembered reaching 173 cm. She couldn’t recall the exact timeline.
Suddenly, Zhuo Zhiwei spoke, holding He Qingqi’s arm and avoiding Jiang Zhaonian. “I think so too. I have to look up more.”
Protectively.
Gu Mingrui raised an eyebrow and scrutinized Zhuo Zhiwei.
Jiang Zhaonian, curious, also observed Zhuo Zhiwei, hoping to see what Gu Mingrui saw.
Suddenly, Jiang Zhaonian widened her eyes, stopping in her tracks, surprised.
“What’s wrong?” Chi Yuan asked.
Instead of answering, Jiang Zhaonian asked, “Qingqi, did you give your mom’s watch to…” glancing at Zhuo Zhiwei’s wrist.
Now, everyone turned to see where Jiang Zhaonian was staring, stunned.
Chai Xu’s eyes gleamed with excitement, blurting out, “Wow, Qingqi, you finally figured it out!”
“Fang Xuanyao has nothing against you. Apart from looks, she’s got nothing. Look at her attitude toward you. Finally, your eyes are opened!”
He excitedly told the others, “Remember what I said? Qingqi and Zhuo Zhiwei have something going on! She’s even wearing the watch! Remember what Qingqi said?”
Jiang Zhaonian filled in, “When I find someone I want to spend my life with, I’ll give them this watch to spite He Dongche!”
Zhuo Zhiwei glanced at He Qingqi.
Jiang Zhaonian glanced at He Qingqi.
Everyone looked at He Qingqi.
He Qingqi felt uneasy under their gazes, swallowing nervously and taking a step back.
Did she say that?