Chapter 1574: Chapter 1574: Sold by Him and Still Helping Him Count the Money (2)
Xia Chuqing had just regained her footing when Xiao Mo’s car drove away.
She hurriedly steadied herself against a tree by the roadside, her wrist still throbbing with pain.
She couldn’t believe he’d just let her go like that, she wasn’t planning to go back tonight...
A short while later, Song Heng pulled his car over, rolling down the window with a chuckle, "Get in, I’ll take you to a bar for drinks."
Xia Chuqing jumped into the front passenger seat, her heart finally settling.
"Have you eaten?" Xia Chuqing asked.
"No, I’m skipping dinner, just going straight to drinks," Song Heng replied, "Why were you standing by the roadside? You don’t look happy. Did someone bully you?"
"No one would dare bully me."
"True, how have you been lately? Without me around, have you missed me?"
Song Heng always had that playful grin when facing Xia Chuqing, he’d grown accustomed to joking with her, ever since they were kids.
"Why would I miss you, does missing you get me anything good?"
"Heartless," Song Heng laughed, "You still haven’t told me how you’re doing these days. Busy with work? Where are you staying? Is the security okay?"
"Work’s alright, being new means being a bit busier. I’m not telling you where I live, or you’d suddenly drop by."
"Who do you take your brother Song for? Your brother Song is a gentleman, unperturbed by such things."
"Don’t praise yourself like you’re some great catch. Why are you back in C City, didn’t go straight home?"
"Came to C City to see you because I missed you, and I’ll take you home with me."
"You’re missing Song Yingying, right? Have you seen her yet?"
"Don’t mention her," Song Heng replied awkwardly, "When’s your holiday?"
Understanding the cue, Xia Chuqing didn’t press on, "My holiday starts on New Year’s Eve. Are you sure you’re sticking with me till then?"
"What a heartless company... can’t you leave early?"
"I just started, no vacation yet, so I can’t leave early."
"Alright, I’ll stay with you till New Year’s Eve, then we’ll leave together. I’ll drive us home," Song Heng said, "But let’s settle this now, don’t tell my dad that I returned to the country already."
"Got it, got it. I’ll just say you’re busy on a task with your advisor at school, sticking around to earn more credits until almost New Year."
"Smart!" Song Heng squinted his eyes, playfully praising her.
Xia Chuqing wasn’t much of a drinker, but given her foul mood today, when Song Heng suggested going for drinks, she went along.
Song Heng was a regular at the bar, and the owner greeted him with enthusiasm.
Following Song Heng inside, there was indeed a group of buddies already waiting for him.
"Heng, you got a new girlfriend?" someone teased with a chuckle.
Song Heng smacked him on the head, "Blind? It’s my sister."
"Ah, sister, my bad for not recognizing you. Come, Song sister, have a seat."
Xia Chuqing accepted the invitation and sat down next to Song Heng.
These guys were just drinking and chatting, not doing anything wild. Besides, with Song Heng around, Xia Chuqing felt at ease.
The bar was noisy, with deafening music blasting everywhere.
"Chuqing, drink as much as you want tonight, no need to be shy," Song Heng said, "If you get drunk, I’ll take you home."
"I have work tomorrow, if I get drunk, you’ll have to stop me," Xia Chuqing replied.
"Alright, I’ll keep an eye on you."
"Mm, if I get drunk, just take me straight to a hotel."
"Sure, whatever you say."
Song Heng was always attentive to Xia Chuqing’s wishes, showing his concern for her.
He could tell that Xia Chuqing wasn’t in a good mood today. She hadn’t said anything, but he knew all too well.
Xia Chuqing didn’t say much, she just poured herself a drink and started downing it.
On her wrist was a vivid red mark, and seeing it made her heart ache, tears almost spilling over.
"Xiao Mo... worse than a beast!" Xia Chuqing cursed him silently.
The thought of having to spend more time around him made her uneasy.
She knew why he hadn’t married all these years, he was truly twisted!
If he hadn’t kept a shred of sanity today, what might he have done to her...
Xia Chuqing didn’t dare think further, and tipped her head back for another shot.
"Song Heng, your sister can really hold her liquor," someone joked.
Song Heng replied, "Don’t get any ideas about my sister, just keep drinking."
"Alright, got it. Heng, was it boring abroad? Now that you’re back, hang out with us for a few days."
"Of course, wherever you guys want to go, I’m in. It’s not a place for people over there, can’t even find anyone to drink with," Song Heng said ruefully.
As they chatted away, Xia Chuqing sat to the side drinking on her own.
Amidst the loud music and cheerful shouts, Xia Chuqing’s mind grew more and more muddled.
...
After driving away, Xiao Mo didn’t head home either. Feeling agitated and clogged up inside, he took his car and sped out to the wilderness.
The winter wind cut like knives against his face as he jumped out, hardly noticing, silently taking out a lighter to light a cigarette.
Smoke quickly wreathed around his face, his eyes exuding a profound darkness.
The wind blew relentlessly, slapping against his face, making his clothes flap in the wind.
The stars in the wilderness were bright, away from the city lights, making this place feel more pure.
The cigarette butts piled at his feet, only when the pack had just one left did Xiao Mo glance at his phone.
Eleven thirty.
A cold smile tugged at his lips. Looks like she intended to spend the night with Song Heng.
In business, Xiao Mo had never backed down, nor had he ever admitted defeat.
Similarly, in love, whether he ought to concede or not, as long as it was something he wanted, he wouldn’t easily give up.
With this in mind, he dialed Xia Chuqing’s number.
No surprise, no one picked up.
So he found someone to track down Song Heng’s number and called him instead.
Song Heng had already had quite a bit to drink, enjoying himself amidst a lively crowd, not noticing his phone either.
Yet Xiao Mo had patience, calling over and over.
"Heng, your phone’s been ringing nonstop," someone prompted Song Heng.
Only then did Song Heng notice, it was an unfamiliar number, calling him over ten times!
"Hello, who is this?" Song Heng moved to a somewhat quieter spot near the bar, biting into an apple.
"Where’s Xia Chuqing?" Xiao Mo’s voice dropped a notch.
This voice Song Heng hadn’t heard in two years, but once heard, it was unforgettable.
Surprising, truly surprising.
"Oh, who might you be?" Song Heng feigned ignorance.
"Song Heng, I’m asking you again, where’s Xia Chuqing?" Xiao Mo restrained the urge inside.
Song Heng understood now. He thought so, that cheerful girl Xia Chuqing, why would she suddenly feel upset for no reason.
So that’s how it was...
Looks like after two and a half years, they still couldn’t cut through this tangled mess.