Chapter 2031: Didn’t Come Back

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

*

Not long after Li Tingshen arrived at the company, he received a call from Xiao Chu.

Ye Ze fired the nurse he had hired for Liang Xuer, using the one hired by the Ye family. He also arranged everything that Liang Xuer needed to be taken care of.

Li Tingshen stepped into the elevator and stood upright.

He hung up and searched for Ye Qingqiu’s number.

—Switched off.

He frowned and called the apartment again.

Auntie Zhao answered the call. “Young Madam, she went out in the afternoon and hasn’t returned yet.”

“Yes,” Li Tingshen replied calmly.

Auntie Zhao took the opportunity to ask, “Master, are you and Young Madam having dinner at home tonight? Is there anything you want to eat? You don’t seem to have many chances to have dinner at home recently…”

Li Tingshen was silent for a while. “I’ll eat at home and cook something she likes.”

“Sigh, okay.”

*

A media that had been trending for nearly two years.

The people interviewed were all big shots in the entertainment industry.

He was indeed generous.

The interview room was filled with high-quality lighting and sound effects.

After checking the time, she went to the dressing room. There were tea and snacks in the dressing room, and there was enough heat.

Song Muqing started to remove her makeup and Ye Qingqiu watched by the side.

She was actually a little curious about what a man would look like when he put on makeup, but in the end, it seemed no different from usual.

At most, there was an additional layer of foundation. She simply touched up her eyebrows and fixed her makeup.

Boring.

She even wanted to experience cosmetic surgery.

She probably didn’t recognize Ye Qingqiu. The few people in the dressing room had always thought that she was Song Muqing’s assistant.

But looking at her attitude, she was even more arrogant than Song Muchen himself. It made them feel embarrassed to order her around.

In fact, Song Muchen’s assistant was still discussing the interview with the staff.

“How long will your interview take?”

Song Muchen looked at her through the mirror.

“About an hour or so.”

Ye Qingqiu raised an eyebrow and asked, “Did I ask you to tell me everything since you were born?”

“Not really.”

Ye Qingqiu took a deep breath and said, “It’s not fun.”

Song Muchen said, “It’s been hard on you. I’ll treat you to a meal to apologize after this.”

“It has to be the best.”

Everyone was speechless. Whose fault was it?

One was willing to speak, while the other was more daring.

During the interview, Ye Qingqiu sat on the sofa.

Song Muchen’s posture was very relaxed, no different from his usual self.

She spoke in an orderly manner without any flaws. She was perfect.

The host naturally wanted more information. Ye Qingqiu had long been noticed.

The two makeup artists had been gossiping about Song Muchen. Now, the entire team in charge of the interview was curious about her.

From the beginning, they were almost inseparable.

Song Muchen’s assistant stood beside Ye Qingqiu and explained that the two of them were just friends.

Especially when the host’s gaze landed on Ye Qingqiu, she wished she could cover Ye Qingqiu with her body.

In the entertainment industry, every ray of light was like a bolt of lightning.

Even if Song Muchen and Miss Ye were innocent, being led by someone would cause a huge uproar.

In their plan, they had never thought of Song Muchen having a relationship.

Fortunately, the host didn’t say anything in the end. Instead, she asked her assistant who Ye Qingqiu was.

The assistant said sincerely that she was Song Muqing’s friend.

Winter was short and night was long. After the interview, it was already dark outside.

Song Muchen’s fans were standing guard at the door with support signs. When they saw him, they screamed excitedly.

Song Muchen smiled and waved at them.

However, some fans lost their composure when they saw the unfamiliar woman beside Song Muchen.

“Brother Muchen, who is she?”

“Is it the new assistant?”

The assistant and staff immediately escorted the two of them into the car. In the chaos, they explained that they were just friends.

However, the word “friend” was too perfunctory now and it would only make things worse.

Some fans cried on the spot.

Ye Qingqiu sat calmly in Song Muchen’s car and watched the commotion outside.

“What a grand occasion.”

Song Muchen smiled bitterly. “Are you mocking me?”

I raised my eyebrows pleadingly. “Why is it ironic? There are so many people out there who like and love you. Do you think they’re ridiculous?”

Song Muchen shook his head. “It’s not ridiculous. But some likes and loves can suffocate people.”

Ye Qingqiu narrowed her eyes. “What do you mean?”

“What do you think will happen if I announce that I have a girlfriend today?”

Ye Qingqiu thought for a while and said, “At the bridal shop today, that fan said that she wishes you happiness.”

“She’s talking about most of them. There’s a part where they can’t have anyone else, or they’ll destroy it, and they’ll be as crazy about me as they like me now. When the time comes, they’ll step on me and scold me for defaming me.”

Ye Qingqiu knew that such a person existed.

“That’s indeed quite suffocating.”

Song Muchen couldn’t understand what Ye Qingqiu was thinking, or perhaps she wasn’t interested in this topic at all.

She retracted her gaze and said, “Give your car keys to your assistant. I’ll return them to you later.”

Ye Qingqiu complied.

Song Muchen’s restaurant was the latest theme restaurant. It mainly focused on the dishes that appeared in movies and dramas around the world.

Ye Qingqiu was quite interested.

She had watched many movies and was indeed very interested in some of the dishes.

She was so bored that she flew to Paris to order the same food for lunch.

*

Li Tingshen returned to the apartment. The moment he entered, Auntie Zhao came out of the kitchen with an apron on.

Seeing Li Tingshen changing his shoes at the entrance, the smile on her face froze and she looked at the door.

“Master is back.”

“Yes. What about her?”

Auntie Zhao rubbed her hands on her apron. “Young Madam isn’t back yet…”

She thought the two of them would come back together.

Li Tingshen pursed his lips tightly and took out his phone to call Ye Qingqiu.

His phone was off.

Her phone had been switched off the entire afternoon.

He then called Xiao Chu.

This morning, Ye Qingqiu had quarreled with him because of Xiao Chu and Xiao Xu. Since she had taken a fancy to Xiao Chu’s work ability, it must be Xiao Chu.

“Find out where she is now?”

Xiao Chu paused for a moment. “Is it Miss Ye? She should be at the latest film restaurant in the Huajin District.”

Such a straightforward answer made Li Tingshen pause and he didn’t speak immediately.

Xiao Chu could roughly guess Li Tingshen’s current mood and continued, “There are some things regarding Miss Ye online. You’ll know when you take a look…”

Online.

Li Tingshen opened the webpage and saw news of Song Muchi and Ye Qingqiu.

The two of them had lunch together and went to the bridal shop together. Then, they accompanied Song Muchi for an interview and entered the restaurant together.

The reason was that the two of them appeared in front of the fans after recording the interview. The fuse was a wedding photo of Song Muchen and a fan.

No one mentioned that the person in the photo or video was Ye Qingqiu, but those who knew Ye Qingqiu could recognize her at a glance.

Li Tingshen’s eyes were terrifyingly cold.

Aunt Zhao shuddered as she stood at the side.

Li Tingshen put away his phone and glanced at the shoes he had just changed out of. Then, he turned around and walked into the living room.

“Auntie Zhao, go back first.”

Li Tingshen took a glass of water calmly and instructed.

“But there are still a few dishes left…”

“I’ll do it.”

Auntie Zhao didn’t dare to stay any longer. She took off her apron and left with her bag.

After drinking the water, Li Tingshen put the cup down and walked into the kitchen. The dishes were ready, and there was only stir-frying left. There was soup on the stove.

*

The set meal that Ye Qingqiu ordered had red wine. Song Muchen didn’t drink it and only checked the time frequently.

“Is it hard to eat with me? You’re counting the minutes and seconds.”

Song Muchen took a sip of water. “I’m just worried that you’ll feel uncomfortable if it’s any later.”

Ye Qingqiu blinked. “…Oh, I don’t think I’ve finished my homework.”

Song Muchen was speechless.

Song Muchen received a few messages from his assistant and manager.

He was trending.

It was obvious that it had something to do with this woman.

The manager confirmed their relationship and after hearing that they were just friends, she told him not to care about this matter anymore.

Song Muchen didn’t take it seriously.

Ye Qingqiu naturally couldn’t drive after drinking.

After dinner, Song Muqing handed the scarf to Ye Qingqiu.

“Surround me. I’ll need you later. It’ll be troublesome if you show your face.”

Ye Qingqiu didn’t understand, but when she heard the word “trouble”, she took over.

Many reporters and fans had gathered at the entrance of the restaurant.

When the two of them went out, Song Muqing shielded Ye Qingqiu behind her.

The fans cried and the reporters interrogated.

Who was she?

Was Song Muchen in love?

Ye Qingqiu was wearing a scarf and a mask.

The assistant explained, but it was useless.

In the end, it was Song Muchen who stopped and shielded Ye Qingqiu with his arm. He stood there with a straight back. His expression was calm and his eyes were indifferent. However, to an easygoing and gentle person, it was enough to show his displeasure.

“If I’m in love, I won’t choose to hide it. It’s a form of respect for my future self, myself, and our relationship. She’s just my friend. As for who she is, you don’t have to know.”

The fans were no longer excited. They regained their senses and even helped to deal with the relentless reporters.

Song Muchi pulled Ye Qingqiu away.

*

At eight o’clock, Li Tingshen stood in front of the French windows in the living room. His gaze pierced through the dark night sky and landed on the familiar car driving slowly into the apartment.

Even though she was on a higher floor, he could still recognize Ye Qingqiu at a glance.

He was too far away to see her expression clearly. He had no idea what she had said to the man who had gotten out of the driver’s seat to open the door for her.

Then, she wrapped the scarf around her neck and handed it to the tall man opposite her.

Then, she said something and walked towards the apartment building.

Song Muqing watched as Ye Qingqiu left. She glanced at the scarf in her hand and put it around her neck.

Li Tingshen narrowed his eyes and clenched his fists in his pockets. His jaw tightened as he turned to leave.

Ye Qingqiu entered the password and opened the door. The lights in the living room were turned on to the brightest. She saw the dark figure sitting on the sofa with her back facing her.

She didn’t speak first and placed the car keys on the cabinet. She took off her coat and lowered her head to change her shoes.

When she walked into the living room, Li Tingshen had already stood up and was looking at her calmly.

Ye Qingqiu glanced at him and combed her messy hair.

“Are you back so early today?”

“I’m already back at this time.”

Ye Qingqiu smiled and replied, “Oh.” She combed her hair with both hands and walked towards the bedroom with her head lowered.

“You can wash your hands outside.”

Ever since she entered the room, other than when she saw him glancing at her, his eyes had never lingered on her.

The calmness that Li Tingshen had deliberately maintained was slowly replaced by anger. His voice became tense and cold.

Ye Qingqiu naturally felt it too. “I’m going to take a shower.”

Li Tingshen said calmly, “Take a shower after dinner.”

“I’ve already eaten. Didn’t you eat? Hurry up and eat.”

As she spoke, she continued walking towards the bedroom.

However, after taking a few steps, she was suddenly pressed against the wall by the bedroom door.

She didn’t use much strength, but she still felt a pain in her shoulder, causing her to frown.

“What are you doing?”

Ye Qingqiu took a deep breath and growled angrily.

Li Tingshen held her slender waist with one hand. His cold face was so dark that water could drip from it. His tense voice was hoarse and his grip on her waist tightened.

“Did you drink again?”

“Yes.” Ye Qingqiu didn’t want to hide it. Besides, she couldn’t hide it. “Can you let go of me? I’m tired and want to rest early.”

Li Tingshen inched closer to her, his nose brushing against her cheek as he bent his body to bury himself in her neck.

“I made your favorite dishes. Have dinner with me.”

Ye Qingqiu’s scalp turned numb from his rubbing, but his words were like a bucket of cold water pouring over her head.

She pushed him away. “Since you can smell that I’ve drunk alcohol, you should know that I wasn’t joking when I said that I’ve already eaten. You’re not a child, much less a cripple. You shouldn’t have to eat with someone.”

Li Tingshen had never been treated like this before.

The taut string in the air suddenly cracked.

He grabbed her arm and pulled her into the bedroom, pushing her onto the bed.

In Ye Qingqiu’s daze, he bent down and reached out to hold her shoulders.

The coldness and anger on his face were no longer concealed.

“How long do you plan to argue with me, hmm?”

He closed in on her, his cold aura laced with anger.

“From the time you were hospitalized after the car accident until now, you’ve been indifferent. What are you trying to express to me?”