Chapter 17: "Have you ever thought about me?"

They disliked each other when they looked at each other, and the more they looked, the more they hated each other.

But if Yu Zeheng also disliked her just as much, Qiao Shu felt that she didn't feel so bad.

If she's unhappy, she should at least retaliate in kind.

Qiao Shu glared at him: "If you want to keep playing this game, I'll play along. But if you want everyone to get through the contract period peacefully, I suggest we both compromise. You can go to sleep after 11 o'clock, or do whatever you can think of so I can't hear a sound. It's up to you."

Yu Zeheng said, "It sounds like I'm the only one who's regressed."

“No one else will come to the door while you’re home.” Qiao Shu bit her lip; this was already a huge concession she could think of.

Yu Zeheng crossed his arms and said leisurely, "Okay."

The matter was settled. Before going to sleep, Qiao Shu thought that this matter should perhaps be included in the agreement. This was something she had learned from Yu Zeheng. She hugged the soft quilt tightly, her eyebrows furrowed, and her forehead throbbed slightly. What difference was there between this and hitting a rock?

Before falling asleep, I received a message on my phone.

Qiao Shu added a note to Yu Zeheng's number: "Ex-husband".

Ex-husband: [If you break into my room without permission again, it won't be as simple as a verbal warning.]

Qiao Shu scoffed coldly. What else could he do? He put his phone into sleep mode and placed it on the bedside table.

After sending that message, Yu Zeheng turned off the emulator. The screen went dark, and he turned around. The room, which had been noisy just moments before, was now completely silent, as if the loud bang of the door slamming shut had been a hallucination.

The pain from the impact on my chest had long since dissipated.

Yu Zeheng sat on the edge of the bed, repeatedly reminding himself that his agreement to cooperate with her was merely a mutually beneficial arrangement. If he could profit from it, he wouldn't mind bringing some benefits to her as well.

He wouldn't allow himself to make the same mistake again.

In the evenings at South Bay, as was Qiao Shu's habit, all the lights would be on, making the place brightly lit. When Yu Zeheng arrived home, Qiao Shu had already eaten dinner and was washing up upstairs.

Yu Zeheng had already eaten out. After changing his clothes, he went downstairs to drink tea and read the latest news.

He crossed his legs and noticed a silly dog ​​staring at him from not far away. The dog looked at him blankly and somewhat sadly, like a doll when it was still.

Yu Zeheng doesn't like dogs.

There's no other reason; it's just how we are.

This dislike may have intensified in the last two years.

Xiao Xi also keenly sensed his dislike, and coupled with his tall stature, she was always somewhat intimidated by him, and would usually run away from him.

Today, although we were still some distance apart, I was unusually close to him.

The dog was indeed a bit silly, maintaining almost the same posture for ten minutes.

After slowly drinking half a cup of tea, Yu Zeheng noticed a small teddy bear next to him. He had seen Qiao Shufa mention it in his posts; it was its favorite toy.

He pinched the bear's ears with disgust and lifted it up.

Xiao Xi reacted immediately, bouncing left and right twice on the spot, her eyes fixed on the teddy bear in his hand, but she hesitated to go forward because she was afraid.

"Want it?" Yu Zeheng asked it.

Xiao Xi was so anxious that she spun around in circles and barked softly twice.

Yu Zeheng grabbed her ear and shook it again. Xiao Xi became even more worried, took a step forward, and then retreated hastily to avoid danger.

It may be a little silly, but it's not without its merits. It doesn't bark randomly or bite, and it's mostly quiet.

Qiao Shu's posts almost all feature it, including trivial details such as its picky eating habits and rolling into muddy water on rainy days.

Although he had only seen it with his own eyes a few days ago, he had actually known about it for much longer.

Yu Zeheng spread his legs, leaned forward, and rested his arms on his legs. The teddy bear was beside him. He shook his wrist, and the teddy bear's two legs swayed back and forth.

It's right before our eyes.

Xiao Xi slowly approached, but whenever he made a big move, it would warily run back. After going back and forth several times, it finally couldn't resist the temptation. And after confirming that Yu Zeheng really meant no harm, it quickly jumped over and tentatively bit the bear's leg.

Yu Zeheng let go, and Xiao Xi got her Abebe as she wished.

After running two meters with the teddy bear in its mouth, Xiao Xi put it down and looked back at Yu Zeheng. It was a clingy and adorable little dog, and it would smile at people as soon as they showed it kindness.

Yu Zeheng curled his lower lip, and he didn't seem so annoying anymore.

How could someone with Qiao Shu's personality raise such a puppy?

When Qiao Shu finished showering and came downstairs to enjoy the last moments of parent-child time of the day, her gaze swept around the hall and finally landed on Xiao Xi, who was lying at Yu Zeheng's feet playing with a teddy bear.

Her expression changed drastically, as if one of her own had surrendered to the enemy.

"Xiao Xi." Qiao Shu stopped and called to it from the side of the stairs.

She had just finished showering, and under her silk nightgown was a loose, loose coat of the same material. Her two small collarbones were prominently displayed under the straps, and she held her chin up, looking arrogant.

Upon hearing the call, Xiao Xi immediately got up, grabbed the teddy bear, and jumped to Qiao Shu's side without hesitation.

It had been waiting for a long time, its fluffy head happily rubbing against her ankle.

Qiao Shu led it to its little nest, took a wet wipe, and patiently wiped its face and then its paw pads. She squatted there, just as tiny as it was.

Yu Zeheng turned off the TV and went upstairs.

Qiao Shu held Xiao Xi's hand. Xiao Xi smiled innocently. She lowered her voice and said, "Do you know that's traitorous? Did he feed you? Why are you lying at his feet? Didn't Mom tell you not to eat food from strangers? Who knows if he poisoned it!"

Xiaoxi didn't understand, but just stuck out her tongue and smiled.

Even the hardest heart will melt upon seeing its appearance. Qiao Shu sighed, "Never mind, you're still a child, you don't understand anything."

Qiao Shu couldn't bear to be harsh.

Xiao Xi is just like her; she's a very nice and generous little dog.

It's all Yu Zeheng's fault. Who knows what kind of sleeping potion he put in the food he gave Xiao Xi?

Because of the contractual obligations, even if both parties dislike each other, they still need to go together to pick up the old man from the hospital.

We didn't speak a word on the way.

Qiao Shu was playing on her phone. Before driving, she could hear Uncle Qin and Yu Zeheng exchanging a few pleasantries. After that, no one spoke again, and they arrived at the hospital.

This state remained unchanged until she entered the ward.

The eldest uncle's family had arrived at the ward in advance. The eldest uncle went to arrange for someone to handle the discharge procedures. The eldest aunt and sister-in-law Chen Yi sat on the sofa, while the eldest and second eldest brothers stood in front of the old man's bed chatting about some of the doctor's instructions on recuperation and their plan to hire two professional nurses to take care of the old man at the old house.

"Grandpa, Uncle, Aunt."

Qiao Shu pushed open the ward door and immediately greeted everyone with a smile. Yu Zeheng followed suit, also greeting everyone politely.

"Xiao Shu and Ze Heng are here. Grandpa was just asking when you would come. It's true that people can't resist being called upon." Aunt stood up and greeted Yu Ze Heng.

Yu Zeheng nodded, his expression neither particularly warm nor cold.

The message Qiao Kaiyu sent to Qiao Shu the day before repeatedly confirmed whether Yu Zeheng would come. He had witnessed the tense atmosphere between them and was unsure whether Yu Zeheng would give him the courtesy.

Now that I've seen the person, I can finally relax completely.

Yu Zeheng walked to the old man's bedside. Qiao Zhenkai looked to be in good health. He had changed out of his hospital gown and into his previous clothes, but because of the ordeal of this illness, he had lost a lot of weight, and the clothes were too loose to fit him properly.

Qiao Zhenkai smiled slightly: "I told Xiao Shu that only a few people are needed for the discharge, so you don't need to come if you have something to do."

“Nothing is more important than your health,” Yu Zeheng said.

"You are still the one with filial piety."

Qiao Shu came over and thoughtfully adjusted the old man's reclining position. She said softly, "Although you are recovering well now, the doctor has made it clear that you need to rest. Try not to worry about him too much when you get back."

Qiao Zhenkai looked at her, his hands folded in front of him: "Then there's nothing to bother me. I heard someone say that you two are getting a divorce."

Qiao Shu paused, thinking that the old man must have seen the reports from a few days ago.

Qiao Zhenkai is ill. Although he is not as energetic as before, his eyes are still sharp. Although he is smiling, his eyes are cold.

"If you believe the media reports, we're already divorced." Qiao Shu straightened up after tidying the blankets, her expression normal, and replied half-jokingly.

Qiao Zhenkai's smile faded: "Is the report false?"

“A few days ago, Xiao Shu threw a tantrum and stayed in a hotel for a few days. It was my fault that I upset Xiao Shu. After we argued, she insisted on staying elsewhere, which is why someone took pictures and posted them online.” Yu Zeheng suddenly spoke up from the side, his voice calm and unhurried, which was convincing.

Qiao Shu said somewhat aggrievedly, "He's too busy. I don't see him at all every day. What difference does it make where I live?"

Qiao Zhenkai's expression softened.

He coughed twice and said, "There's no reason to run outside every time there's an argument. It makes us a laughing stock. Why can't we communicate properly?"

Qiao Shu said sullenly, "Yes."

She glanced at him meaningfully and said, "Just don't make me angry and everything will be fine."

Yu Zeheng, with his dark eyes and brows, said after she finished speaking, "Am I the only one who's busy? My absence hasn't affected your happy life."

?

The script wasn't part of Qiao Shu's design, so this line was added out of nowhere.

She retorted without backing down, "Excuse me, but I should be the one saying that. Weren't you happy when I wasn't around?"

Isn't he the one playing racing games and reminiscing about the past in the middle of the night?

"Is that so?" Yu Zeheng pursed his lips, his voice cold and distant. "You're not the kind of person who gives a smile when you're happy and walks away when you're not. When have you ever thought of me? Even once?"

Qiao Shu laughed because it was so absurd. He was smearing her name by the old man. This was his attitude of cooperation and mutual benefit. She pursed her lips and said with a straight face, "Why should I think of you? Have you ever thought of me?"

Is there?

They even had their lawyers bring her a bunch of debts of negligible amount and asked her to pay them.

If she hadn't brought it up, things would have been fine. Qiao Shu wasn't one to hold grudges, but he insisted on bringing it up again, so she decided to dredge up the old grievances with him.

The two of them exchanged sarcastic remarks, oblivious to everyone else around them.

Qiao Zhenkai frowned, feeling a bit of a headache.

Qiao Kaiyu was so nervous that his palms were sweating. Neither of them were innocent people, and he couldn't control either of them. Fearing that they would get serious, he directly confronted them and told them the truth.

He dared not think whether the old man could hold on.

He thought he definitely wouldn't be able to hold on.

"It's normal for couples to argue. The key is to talk things out, identify the problem, and solve it. You two did very well today. You talked things out, apologized, and the matter was over." Qiao Zhenkai finally spoke up, interrupting the two of them blaming each other.

His memories of the past two years are based on oral accounts from those around him, which gives him a vague understanding. However, he is unsure whether anything has been omitted or deliberately omitted, and he needs to discern for himself.

If there's no commotion, like a stagnant pool, that's actually a problem. But right now, there's still some commotion and noise, which makes him feel at ease.

Yu Zeheng remained silent, standing to one side like a silent sculpture.

Qiao Shu reluctantly hummed in agreement.

Qiao Zhenkai said, "It's normal to argue. I used to argue with your grandma all the time."

Qiao Shu never met her grandmother, who had passed away before she was born. All she knew was that her grandmother was a very good person. Even Qiao Mingjie always lamented that his mother had died too early, and once she was gone, no one cared about him anymore.

In this respect, the father and daughter are quite similar.

The ward fell silent briefly.

Just then, the doctor came over, examined the old man's condition, gave him special instructions, explained the time for the follow-up visit, and finally said goodbye to the old man.

The old man still needs to use a wheelchair. With the help of Yu Zeheng and Qiao Shu, he sat in the wheelchair, and Qiao Shu put a blanket on his lap.

Let's go.

Qiao Zhenkai has had enough of the hospital and doesn't want to come back anytime soon.

Qiao Kaiyu said, "The hospital entrance is already crowded with reporters, and it's difficult to completely avoid them. I thought we should just give them an interview and let them see Grandpa's current condition. With such good energy, the stock price will definitely rebound tomorrow. I've also arranged for my own people to handle this, so there shouldn't be any problems."

Qiao Zhenkai nodded.

The family took the elevator to the first floor.

Qiao Shu stood to the side, separated from Yu Zeheng by Qiao Kaiyu, both with equally expressionless and sour faces. When the elevator doors opened, Qiao Kaiyu pushed the wheelchair in front, with Qiao Shu and Yu Zeheng behind.

Even so, there was still a distance between them, and the surrounding temperature continued to drop.

Outside the door were reporters who had been waiting for a long time.

Before the glass door was even opened, the photographer had already raised his equipment and started shooting. Even after they walked out and reporters surrounded them, staff members kept a certain distance from them.

Reporters eagerly inquired about the old man's condition, speaking very quickly. They asked whether his eldest grandson would inherit the family business in the future, and whether he would completely relinquish control and enjoy his retirement.

Qiao Zhenkai raised his hand, his smile warm and composed: "Thank you very much for your concern. It's normal to have minor ailments occasionally, as people eat grains and get sick. As you can see, the doctor is highly skilled and is very dedicated to treating patients. I am much better now."

Problems kept coming.

Qiao Zhenkai picked out a few answers, and his words were perfectly tactful.

The remaining questions were answered by Qiao Kaiyu, who smiled and expressed confidence in the company's future development.

Towards the end, a reporter changed the subject, turning his gaze to Qiao Shu and Yu Zeheng behind him, and asked them if the divorce rumors from a few days ago were true.

The cold, impersonal camera also turned around, focusing precisely on them.

There's a galaxy between Yu Zeheng and Qiao Shu, their auras so strong that strangers shouldn't approach them, truly like a divorced ex-husband and ex-wife who don't like each other anymore.

Qiao Kaiyu wanted to refuse on the grounds that it had been too long and the old man needed to rest, but a light female voice answered first: "Since you've come to this point, I'd like to clarify for myself that it is indeed a rumor, and please don't believe it. I went to Australia for personal development, and my husband is very supportive of me."

Qiao Shu smiled and naturally took Yu Zeheng's arm with her left hand. Yu Zeheng turned around and met her gaze.

She tilted her head slightly, tugged at his sleeve, and pulled him toward her, saying in a voice only the two of them could hear, "Smile, your acting is so bad it's dragging me down."

The lips barely moved; the contents were squeezed out from between the teeth.

It was as if he was secretly grinding his teeth, wanting to bite him to vent his anger.

But to outsiders, it looked more like they were whispering intimately in each other's ears. The two were both good-looking, and the scene was pleasing to the eye, prompting the photographer to take several pictures.

Yu Zeheng lifted his long eyelashes, his eyes devoid of emotion. He suddenly twitched his lower lip, and as Qiao Shu turned her face away, he placed one hand on her waist, subtly pulling her toward him.

Qiao Shu was completely unprepared and pressed her slender, soft body against him.

The tension in her heart suddenly snapped, causing the smile on her face to vanish instantly. She subconsciously looked at Yu Zeheng, her eyes filled with accusation.

Yu Zeheng tilted his head to look at her, a smile curving his thin lips. He lowered his head slightly, and as he spoke, his warm breath brushed against her ear, sending a tingling, electric sensation through her.

His voice was deep and tinged with a hint of pleasure: "Why aren't you smiling anymore, hmm?"

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Author's note: I love writing about how the two of them can't stand each other.

They argue a lot, and sometimes the arguments get so heated that they end up kissing. [cat emoji]

50 red envelopes, kiss kiss!