Chapter 2119: Wen Yuan (13)
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
The craziest thing Shang Qiqi had done in her life was to enter Shang Qingmo’s room at the age of 20.
Before she was thrown off the bed, she was slapped hard.
When she was thrown off the bed, a “b*tch” sounded in her ears.
After being thrown off the bed, Shang Qiqi clearly realized that her heart had been smashed to pieces. Under her body was the remnants of her dignity.
The air in the room was stifling.!!
Shang Qiqi propped her hands on the ground. Her scattered hair almost covered her lowered head, and no expression could be seen on her face.
“Can’t I?”
When she spoke, she didn’t sound like she was crying or trembling. She was calm. Her voice was flat and emotionless.
Shang Qingmo was wearing dark blue pajamas. He was sitting on the sofa by the window with a cigarette in his hand. The smoke did not obscure the coldness on his face.
“Do you still know who you are?”
Shang Qiqi moved and nodded lightly. “Shang Qiqi, Grandpa’s granddaughter and your niece.”
“You know the truth, don’t you? Aren’t you shameless?”
She slowly clenched her fists.
“It’s only in name, right? I’m not related to any of you by blood. I’m just Grandpa’s goddaughter.”
Shang Qingmo pressed the cigarette butt on the coffee table and narrowed his eyes dangerously.
“Shang Qiqi, over the years, the Shang family has given you more than just ‘just’. Even in name, your surname is Shang.”
“Stop playing tricks on me. You think I’m too stupid. I advise you to put away your thoughts as soon as possible. Otherwise, get lost from the Shang family.”
Shang Qiqi sat on the ground and looked at her trembling hands. She couldn’t move them at all.
He had said these words more than once.
She was indeed playing a trick. Ever since she got too close to another boy and got reprimanded by him, she thought that it was because she was jealous.
Hence, she repeated the same trick again and again, only to be met with his “small tricks”.
He knew that she was just a childish, self-righteous clown who jumped around all day.
“Get out!”
Shang Qingmo’s angry voice was like a heavy lead that landed on her.
Her dry eyes flashed and she nodded lightly. She used all her strength to stand up.
She paused only when she reached the door.
“The Shang family has given me a lot. I’m very grateful to the Shang family, to Grandpa, and to you. I’m so grateful that I can repay you with my life.”
Shang Qingmo’s voice was still terrifyingly cold. “I don’t need you to repay me in this way.”
“I know,” Shang Qiqi interrupted him. “I’ve never thought of using this method to repay you. I didn’t think it through and didn’t know any better. It won’t happen again.”
Shang Qingmo didn’t say anything else. Shang Qiqi paused for a few seconds before stepping out of the house and closing the door.
When she returned to her room, Shang Qiqi was sitting on the bed with her hands on the edge of the bed. Her gaze was fixed on her bedroom.
Every corner and every ornament exuded luxury.
She was an orphan, but she didn’t end up in an orphanage. Instead, she was brought here and treated as a proper young lady since she was young. She was doted on, so what was there to be dissatisfied about?
After all, she was too greedy.
Thinking of the man’s reaction tonight, she felt a little ungrateful.
She took a deep breath. Even though she smiled forcefully and tightened her grip on the bedsheets, telling herself that she shouldn’t and had no right to cry, she couldn’t control her tears.
Her trembling lips finally collapsed completely.
Forget it, forget it.
After crying for some time, she forced herself to go to the washroom to apply cold water on her eyes.
She didn’t wake up until the servant knocked on the door the next day.
“Miss, it’s time for breakfast. Otherwise, you’ll be late for school.”
Even without looking in the mirror, she could feel that her eyes were still swollen.
She took out a small mirror from the bedside drawer and looked at it. She was silent for a few seconds before saying,
“I’m not feeling well. I’ve already applied for leave from my mentor. I won’t be going to school today.”
The servant quickly asked, “Miss, are you feeling unwell? Do you want me to get the butler to get the family doctor to take a look at you?”
“No need. I drank a little last night and my head hurts. I’m very sleepy now. Let’s talk after I wake up.”
“Okay, I understand. Miss, you should rest first.”
When the servant went downstairs, Old Master Shang and Shang Qingmo were both in the dining room.
“Old Master, Little Miss isn’t feeling well today. She won’t be going to school today.”
“Not feeling well?” Shang Yekun frowned. “Where are you feeling unwell? Shouldn’t you call a doctor to take a look?”
The servant replied, “She said she drank some wine last night and had a headache this morning. She wants to sleep more.”
“Drink?” Shang Yekun and the others widened their eyes and glared at Shang Qingmo unhappily. “Why are you the uncle? Why don’t you get someone to watch over him?”
Shang Qingmo ate his breakfast calmly. “I’m already 20 years old. It’s fine if I drink some alcohol.”
“You… How is that appropriate? You’re giving me a headache!”
The old man’s every word was biased and doting towards Shang Qiqi. Shang Qingmo was not surprised.
“Then treat it as training your alcohol tolerance. You can protect yourself when necessary.”
Shang Yekun was silent for a few seconds before his expression changed slightly. “…Anyway, keep an eye on her. She’s still young!”
“Yeah.”
His cold attitude made Shang Yekun’s face darken. “At her age, it’s easiest for her to take the wrong path. I asked you to be more careful with Qiqi. If anything happens, no one can save her!”
“I know.”
Shang Qingmo frowned slightly and impatience appeared in his indifferent eyes. He put down his chopsticks and picked up his coat.
Hearing the sound of the car driving away, Shang Yekun picked up his chopsticks and asked the butler.
“What’s going on?”
The butler went forward and said respectfully, “Little Miss entered Young Master’s room last night and was reprimanded badly.”
Shang Yekun frowned. After a long while, he sighed and said meaningfully, “Qiqi is a good child.”
The butler lowered his eyes. “Yes.”
*
Shang Qiqi didn’t continue sleeping. She stood by the window and watched as Shang Qingmo got into the car.
His face was always cold and distant.
Even the aura he exuded was the same.
He doted on her unconditionally.
She even thought that he had given her his gentleness and patience. He was special to her.
Only now did she understand that she was overly self-aware.
It was just her uncle’s favoritism towards her niece. She had to think that it was love.
She went back to bed and called her mentor to apply for leave. Then, she went back to sleep.
She didn’t go downstairs until noon.
Unexpectedly, there were guests at home.
“Qiqi, you’re awake?” Shang Yekun looked up at her with a smile. “I heard that you’re sick, so I came to visit you.”
Hearing this, the man on the sofa stood up and turned to look at her with a smile.
“I heard from my mentor that you’re sick, so I came to see you.”
“Ah, I’m much better now.” Shang Qiqi scratched her head, feeling a little embarrassed. “Thank you for coming to visit me. I’m ashamed to say this… I had a headache last night after drinking.”
Han Jichi paused and smiled. “It’s good that you’re fine.”
“Qiqi, you should drink less in the future. Don’t listen to your uncle. If you need to practice your alcohol tolerance, why would I need him?”
Shang Qiqi’s heart warmed at Old Master’s favoritism. “I know, Grandpa. It won’t happen again.”
“Yes, lunch will be ready soon. Ji Chi will stay here for lunch! If you’re bored, the two of you can go to the courtyard first. I’ll call you when lunch is ready!”
Shang Qiqi paused and her gaze landed on Old Master’s face for two seconds. Then, she smiled and nodded. “Okay.”
The Shang family’s roots were in Ping Cheng City.
The place they were staying at now was a farm near the city.
As time passed, various plans were made to demolish the place. None of the businesses and shops in the city were left behind. After a hundred years, only this piece of land was left intact.
After a few renovations, the Shang family villa still had an antique style.
After passing through the corridor and a few round arches, the backyard was a backyard with a huge artificial lake.
The two of them chatted as they walked, mostly about school.
They were both in the finance department and were of the same age. The Shang family and the Han family had always had a good relationship. The two of them had always had a good relationship in school. Their results in all aspects were top-notch in the department and they were considered influential figures in the school.
Both of them were on the CP ranking in the school forum.
However, there were also many discussions about Shang Qiqi.
For example, she was the adopted daughter of the Shang family and her family background could not compare to that of a proper lady.
For example, she didn’t look that smart, but she had entered T University’s finance department with outstanding results back then. Later on, she was mediocre. Even when everyone was working hard but she didn’t do her job, her results remained stable at the top of the entire department.
She wasn’t born beautiful, but she grew up in an enviable environment. She also had a learning mind that made people jealous.
In school, half of the votes were positive and the other half were negative. This was also one of the reasons why she became an influential figure.
“Have you heard of the 2+Y project this year?”
Shang Qiqi shook her head. “What do you mean?”
Han Jichi explained, “This year, the school has reached an agreement with XX University in Country Y. Each department will produce two exchange students. The university will be in China for two years and you can study abroad for the remaining two years. When the time comes, you can get a double bachelor’s degree. Of course, if you want to continue improving, you can continue to stay in foreign schools.”
Shang Qiqi slowed down and the two of them stopped on the white arched bridge.
“So, you want to go?”
Han Jichi nodded. “I want to go with you.”
Shang Qiqi froze and looked at him in surprise.
Han Jiju took a deep breath. “You don’t have to feel pressured. I admit that I have a good impression of you, but I won’t do anything to you if you’re unwilling. It’s not that I’ll take it that you’ve agreed to go to Country Y with me. I just feel that with your results in all aspects, it shouldn’t be a problem for you to pass this project.
This also happens to be my selfishness. Because once you’re overseas, the only person you can rely on in the short term is me. It’s better if you accept me at this time. Without me, you won’t force me… No matter what, this project is the best of both worlds for me, but this mainly depends on you…
Han Jiji’s honesty and straightforwardness left Shang Qiqi at a loss.
“Qiqi, I hope you can think about it carefully. This project can’t be missed. Don’t reject it so easily because of me. I just said that you didn’t promise me anything by agreeing to go to Country Y. I respect you completely.”
“I… I’ll think about it.”
She seemed anxious to break the awkward situation and said, “Lunch should be ready. Let’s go back.”
With that, she turned around.
After taking two steps, Han Jichi’s voice sounded behind her again.
“Qiqi!”
She had to turn her head.
Seeing the complicated expression on Han Jichi’s face, she was puzzled. “What’s wrong?”
Han Ji pressed his lips tightly and only spoke after a while.
“Perhaps, this choice is the best of both worlds for you.”
Before Shang Qiqi could understand, a servant called out to them from afar.
*
After lunch, the butler stopped Shang Qiqi with a smile.
“Little Miss, the weather is good today. Old Master is waiting to play chess with you in the pavilion by the lake.”
“Okay.” It was rare for her to be back for an entire day, and it had been a long time since she had accompanied the Old Master.
There was a tea tray in the pavilion and a few fruit plates had been placed around it.
“Grandpa!”
Shang Qiqi ran over with a smile and glanced at the chessboard.
“I’m playing chess today.”
“Haha, come on. Although you’re a lousy chess player, it’s been a long time since you last played.”
Shang Qiqi pouted. “I’m not a stinky chess basket!”
“Come, let me see how much you’ve grown.”
The old man looked impatient. Shang Qiqi snorted and rolled up her sleeves before sitting opposite him confidently.
“Let me win a round to broaden your horizons.”
Shang Yekun couldn’t stop smiling.
Shang Qiqi really won the first round.
The old man nodded. “Yes, not bad. You’ve improved. This time, you made a fuss and regretted it.”
Shang Qiqi didn’t care. “I won anyway. In order to win you, I pestered Uncle to teach me how to play chess.”
The old man smiled and said, “Come, continue.”
Not long after the second round started, the old man suddenly said, “Qiqi.”
The teasing tone and smile on her face disappeared.
Shang Qiqi’s heart tightened.
“What’s wrong, Grandpa?”
“Did your uncle scold you last night?”
Shang Qiqi’s face paled and her lips parted, but she couldn’t say a word.
The old man sighed heavily and said, “You’re still young and immature when it comes to relationships. It’s all Grandpa’s fault for not realizing your intentions earlier. Grandpa has never liked to force others, including the feelings of juniors like you. If not for the other party’s character, I wouldn’t have interfered easily.”
So even if you like him, I can’t force him to accept you. That’s not a good thing for you. Do you understand, Qiqi?”
Shang Qiqi nodded. “I understand. Thank you for your consideration, Grandpa.”
Shang Yekun glanced at Shang Qiqi’s relentless moves on the chessboard and shook his head secretly. His heart ached.
“Qiqi, let me ask you again. Can you give up on your uncle?”
Shang Qiqi gripped the pawn tightly. Recalling Shang Qingmo’s merciless words last night, she shook her head lightly.
“I made a mistake. Uncle treats me very well. I want to pretend that I never had such thoughts. Grandpa, smart people should cut their losses in time, right?”
The old man nodded and his expression became even more serious. “Alright, since you think that way, I’ll pretend that I never knew about this. In the future, I won’t allow such a thing to happen, understand? If it happens again, Qiqi, don’t blame me for being ruthless.”
Shang Qiqi’s heart seemed to have been dug out by a sharp weapon.
She knew the outcome last night, but when she heard Grandpa’s words today, she still felt suffocated and even more upset than last night.
She knew that Grandpa wanted to completely destroy her hopes.
Although it was cruel, she knew that Grandpa was probably afraid that she would be hurt again.
Or perhaps, he just wanted to tell her that she and her uncle were not compatible.
*
Shang Qiqi and Shang Qingmo usually lived in a villa in the city.
It was convenient to travel and life was suitable for young people.
Yesterday was the weekend, and it was customary to return home.
Usually, Shang Qingmo would send her to school on Mondays. On weekdays, she would stay in the city.
Shang Qingmo didn’t return that night.
The next day, the Old Master arranged for a chauffeur to send Shang Qiqi to school.
When she went to school, she received a few unusual looks of wariness and hatred.
Needless to say, she knew very well that the 2+Y project that Han Jichi had told her about yesterday had spread. She would inevitably become a thorn in the flesh.
Actually, their worries were right. Not long after she arrived at school, she was called over by her mentor.
That was the main point.
“This project isn’t something that can be done as long as the results are good. Qiqi, many people have their eyes on this project. If you stay overseas for two years, you should know how good the teachers overseas are. Just the double bachelor’s degree at home and abroad is enough to make people jealous. Do you know how rare an opportunity is?”
There were so many people fighting for it, but the mentor had to spend so much time telling her. However, Shang Qiqi still had a thought.
“Can I… think about it again?”
Her mentor sighed. “I hope you can hurry up. Things like this can change at any time.”
“Okay, I understand. Thank you.”
When she came out of the office, Han Jichi was at the door.
When he saw her, he strode over.
“What… did you say?”
“I’ll… think about it.”
Disappointment flashed across Han Jichi’s eyes before he smiled. “It’s alright. Since you didn’t reject me, there’s still a chance.”
Shang Qiqi pursed her lips, not daring to look at him.
After school in the afternoon, Shang Qiqi wandered outside for a long time before returning to the villa in the city.
It wasn’t too late when she went back, but she bumped into Shang Qingmo.
The moment she entered, the room was filled with the smell of alcohol.
Her heart skipped a beat.
Finally, she found him in his bedroom.
He lay on the bed with his eyes closed. There was a woman sitting by the bed and she was unbuttoning his shirt.
This scene stunned her. It was as if someone had dropped a bomb on her head.
When the woman saw her, she retracted her hand naturally and smiled at her generously. “Hello.”
Shang Qiqi nodded mechanically. “Hello.”
The woman had makeup on and she looked exquisite and beautiful. She was the kind of woman who made her feel inferior.
“You’re his niece, right?” the woman asked with another smile.
Shang Qiqi still nodded.
“There’s a toast tonight. He has always emphasized that children shouldn’t drink too much at home. We all know that he has a little niece whom he dotes on a lot. Since he’s been single for so many years and isn’t his own child, he’s probably talking about you.”
The woman’s explanation sounded like Shang Qingmo doted on her, but Shang Qiqi wasn’t happy at all.
Without waiting for her response, the woman continued, “Get him a glass of water. He has been shouting for a long time.”
“… Okay.”
After pouring ice water into the cup from the fridge, she realized that she was the outsider.
When she went upstairs, Shang Qingmo was already awake. She was sitting on the bed.
The collar of his shirt was wide open, and a few strands of his short hair fell on his forehead, making him look slightly dispirited.
The woman sitting beside him took the cup from her and handed it to him.
Shang Qiqi stood at the side, not knowing what to do.
“What are you waiting for? Go and rest!”
In the end, Shang Qingmo glared at her coldly and reprimanded her before she reacted.
After walking out of his bedroom, Shang Qiqi grabbed her clothes tightly and closed her eyes.
So, did that woman stay in his room tonight?
*
She didn’t know how she fell asleep that night. When she was woken up by the alarm the next day, her thoughts returned and her first reaction was heartache.
In the end, she got up and entered the bathroom.
All sad things had to be overcome in the end.
There were also some things that she had to clarify with her uncle.
Unexpectedly, just as she reached the staircase, she saw Shang Qingmo sitting on the sofa in the living room. She seemed to have something to say to her.
She paused and decided to strike first.
She trotted down the stairs to him and said,
“Uncle, I was indeed too impulsive last time. I know your attitude. You don’t have to go through so much trouble to find a woman to bring home to remind me…”
There was a loud smack.
Shang Qiqi was suddenly interrupted.
She looked at the bunch of keys that Shang Qingmo had thrown on the coffee table in confusion.
“What’s this?”
Shang Qingmo lowered his hand and said coldly,
“I bought the house in the luxury apartment next to your school. You can stay there from now on.”
Shang Qiqi’s body swayed. “You… Do you think I will…”
Shang Qingmo said coldly, “You’re already an adult. Moreover, there will be a mistress living here in the future. It will be inconvenient for you to stay here.”
As he spoke, he stood up regardless of her current mood. “As for the so-called big fuss, you’re thinking too much. I’m not that childish.”
“I’ll arrange for someone to move the things to your apartment. If you need anything, let me know.”
Shang Qiqi didn’t say anything else. It was only after Shang Qingmo had left for a long time that she picked up the bunch of keys on the coffee table. After a long while, she chuckled.
The first thing Shang Qiqi did when she went to school was to go to the office.
She agreed to go to Country Y.
Han Jichi was right. Leaving was the best of both worlds for her.
She had to distance herself from Shang Qingmo in order to give up completely.
She urgently needed a way to relieve her messy and terrible emotions.
She allowed Shang Qingmo to arrange for someone to move everything that belonged to her from his villa to the apartment here. That day, she stayed in the apartment.
There were still two weeks before the summer break. After successfully applying for the project, there was a high chance that she would leave for Country Y one day during the summer break.
He was right. She couldn’t stay with him anymore.
He was right. Who would allow a woman who had designs on him to stay in the same room as him?
It was just a feeling that had yet to begin. He wanted her to give up completely.
Just as well…