Xi Xiaye had always been fond of the American culture. People here were wild and individualistic, and she felt much more open when she thought about it as she wanted to experience such a life.
Xi Xiaye looked around the villa. It was a typical western-style villa that was tranquil and warm. They would be staying there for the next two days.
The car slowly stopped beside the villa.
Mu Yuchen switched off the engine. Su Nan already could not wait to get down. She excitedly lay down on the grasslands, making Xi Xiaye smile. Xi Xiaye turned towards her man who slowly got out of the car and let the bodyguards take care of the luggage.
The sky turned dark after they settled down.
“Xiaye, when do you find a man most charming?” Su Nan captured Xi Xiaye’s gaze and asked.
Startled, Xi Xiaye raised her eyebrows and tried to avoid answering. “What do you think?”
Su Nan coughed and pointed her finger at Mu Yuchen. “It’s during a time like this! When he was willing to take off his coat and cook for you, I knew that you’d be happy when I saw Mu Yuchen and you standing like this together for the first time.”
“You’re saying you have sharp eyes now, huh?” Xi Xiaye grinned. “Ruan Heng and you are a great pair too.”
“Mmm, it’s not something to be envious of. We have to appreciate what we have. I hope that things will stay peaceful forever after this.” Su Nan gave it some thought before turning towards Xi Xiaye again. “Xiaye, do you think Mu Yuchen loves you more, or do you love him more?”
Xi Xiaye was stunned once more. After a while, she smiled. “I have no idea, but I don’t really care as long as I have a place in his heart, and I love him, that’s enough. There’s no point finding out who loves who more.”
Su Nan nodded in agreement before she took a deep breath. “I used to complain that Ruan Heng didn’t love me enough. Now, I realize that the feelings are always the same although subjective experiences might make it feel different.”
“Just appreciate what you have already. I actually have a hard time imagining a quiet guy like Ruan Heng falling in love with someone with your wild and hot tempered personality. I feel bad for him sometimes, to be honest.”
“Screw you! That’s where my charm is! I love him very much too, okay?”Su Nan pursed her lips and retorted.
Xi Xiaye smiled as she looked at the setting sun over the lake. “You should say those words to Ruan Heng. I’m sure he’ll be happy.”
“No way. I’ve been with him for over ten years. Saying those words feels…we’re not like Mu Yuchen and you, acting like it’s your honeymoon every day.”
…
Compared to the tranquil life Mu Yuchen and Xi Xiaye were having here, there was a storm brewing in City Z.
Night fell after a busy day.
Inside Qi Lei’s residence in the Grand Lake Villa, Qi Lei put away a document. Just as he was considering having dinner outside, someone rang his doorbell.
Qi Lei went down slowly to open the door and a slight drizzle welcomed him. He suddenly felt a chill.
“Second Master!”
A familiar voice reached him. Qi Lei raised his head and saw Qi Qiming with his assistant beside him.
Qi Lei squinted, obviously surprised.
Moments later, he looked into Qi Qiming’s eyes and asked, “Why are you here?”
“Since you’re not coming back, the only option is for me to come to you then.” Qi Qiming glanced at him and walked past him before he could react. He went in and sat down on the sofa.
Qi Lei’s eyes darkened before he went over.
…
“What’s the matter?” Qi Lei prepared a cup of tea and put it before Qi Qiming, his tone sounding distant.
Qi Qiming took a sip before looking at Qi Lei. There were complicated emotions in his eyes. “I had people come to look for you over and over again. You’re this bold now, aren’t you? Why don’t you go to the office? Or home?”
Qi Lei smiled. “CEO Qi, if you’re here to discuss responsibilities, I remember applying for leave from the HR Department. I’ve not been feeling well and that’s why I stayed home. I followed the procedures, didn’t I?”
“As a top brass of the company, shouldn’t you share the burden with us when there’s a crisis?” Qi Qiming raised his head and stared at Qi Lei intently.
“Share the burden? You overestimate me. You guys can take care of it. There’s nothing I can do.”
“Is Mu Yuchen behind this?” Qi Qiming stared at Qi Lei as his tone turned cold.
Qi Lei put on a cold smile.”That’s the question you should ask Mu Yuchen directly. Of course, you can just assume he did it. Putting the blame on others is what you do best anyway, so please do if that makes you feel better.”
“Qi Lei, I’m not here to argue with you today. I just want to have a chat. Why can’t you just speak properly?” Qi Qiming was exhausted from talking to Qi Lei.
“I’ve been talking to you reasonably and politely. Let’s get straight to the point. I’m meeting friends later.” Qi Lei’s expression was calm. He leaned back against the sofa as he looked at Qi Qiming.