Chapter 40 "No more." [A short play about Qixi Festival...
Secretary Huang was still in Shenzhen. She understood that her boss's reference to "one more time" was referring to the incident at Feng Qianxu's studio. Three times is not enough, and Zong Chi felt she was challenging his authority.
Just like what he said in the interview, he acknowledged that she was on Yu Weishi's side and that he was grateful for her help, but that did not affect his anger at her on the phone at that moment.
Secretary Huang did not argue. On the other side were the two huge mountains of Mrs. Zong and Mrs. Zhou. On this side... Even if she was certain that Zong Chi unconditionally favored the one he loved, she had to bite the bullet and report this call, "Mr. Zong, please don't make things difficult for us workers. I couldn't refuse Mrs. Zong's call. She said on the phone that Miss Zhou came here on her own and asked me to arrange a reception. I should rest today. Even if I rush back, it will be early tomorrow morning. Miss Zhou is still at the airport..."
Zong Chi didn't wait for her to finish her words and stopped her, "Then she should stay at the airport."
"Mr. Zong,"
"What are you yelling about? Aren't you clear about what I said? Just reply with my exact words. And tell your former boss, don't try to play it on me. She got off the plane the same way she got on. How come she was 22 when she got on and 12 when she got off? I hate people who have no legs and just order people around."
Zong Chi was furious, and Secretary Huang on the other end didn't dare to utter a single word. Before he could finish scolding his secretary, Yu Weishi called. Zong Chi immediately pressed speakerphone and threw the phone away. Before the other party could even open their mouth, he launched into a barrage of criticism, "Zhou Shuxing, you'd better take her back to me tonight. If she gets to me, I need to warn you that the relationship you've cultivated with the Zhou family for over a decade is over."
Yu Weishi's anger was almost unbelievable. "Xiao Chi, are you talking to me or the servant?"
"Don't worry, my aunt won't dare to tell me what to do."
"Yes, I'm telling you what to do. What can you do to me?"
"I can't do anything to you. I'll tell your people to get out of here."
"Xiao Chi, if your father heard what you said, he'd probably lock you up for another year. I just don't understand why you lost consciousness the moment your foot touched that place, ah!"
Yu Weishi's words amused Zong Chi. He stood there, one hand in his pocket and the other on the chair beside him, looking down at the phone on the table with a cold and arrogant look. He did not refute his biological mother's definition of him being insane, but just laughed a little, laughing at his biological mother, "After all these years, you still use the same rhetoric. Whenever someone mentions Old Zong, I really want to ask, my father is gone, what will you do!"
Yu Weishi's voice suddenly became sharp. "Zong Chi, you're such a bastard! You've thrown away even the most basic moral principles for that He guy, haven't you? He's your father. Everything you have now was given to you by him. What did that woman you love give you? You're so foolish as to curse your father for an outsider!"
Zong Chi declared, "Is this a curse? This is simply a simple act of empathy. If curses worked, I'd have died eight hundred times already. Remember, I already took the blame for my father in Hong Kong. I repeat, this is retribution from our Zong family. Anyone who takes their anger out on my girlfriend again, or thinks I did this to get her back, don't blame me for saying no." Suddenly, a flash of inspiration flashed through his mind, and Zong Chi understood why He Dongli was so upset about his flight, why she'd said on the phone that day that she had a witness this time, and why she would ruthlessly sever ties with his parents. She was such a clear-headed person; she would never unreasonably accuse anyone. After briefly regaining his composure, Zong Chi calmed down again and said, "Look, you can't leave my dad. If you get involved in my dad's problems, you'll lose your mind too. You're already this old, and you haven't figured things out yet, so don't embarrass me. Mom," At this point, Zong Chi finally backed down a bit and called out to the other side, "Take Zhou Shuxing back, otherwise, if our mother-son relationship is damaged, don't say I didn't tell you in advance."
Suddenly, crying erupted from the other end. Yu Weishi seemed to lose control, reacting to Zong Chi's cold attitude and the current situation. "Xiao Chi, you're too strong. With a strong personality like yours, you're destined to never have anyone as strong-willed as you. Having someone like that only hurts you and others. Take today's incident, for example. Look, did you listen to anyone's explanation? You keep saying I was the one who got him there for you, right? You're asking for trouble! The Zhou family saw the news about your date. They think you're two-timing and want their daughter to give up on you. Shu Xing, determined to not give in, ran over there. Your father's in Penang right now, so he didn't even know. She's your only child, and she skipped her Christmas concert and ran over there crying. What do you want us to do? We called Mabel, but she's back in Shenzhen. I'm asking you, you're the one in charge of this matter. How can you just ignore a child that age and let him run off to your territory?"
By the time Yu Weishi had rambled on, Zong Chi had actually softened. She stopped being aggressive, and Zong Chi sent someone to make the arrangements. Yu Weishi then said, "If someone has deceived you to this extent, not to mention me, your father wouldn't tolerate or accept her. Such petty behavior is intolerant of others. Just judging by appearance, she's far inferior to the Zhou family's children."
Zong Chi withdrew his calculations and responded with a cold smile, "Yes, she is indeed far inferior to the Zhou family's children. The fundamental reason for her failure is that she is not lucky enough to have a good father. The Zhou family's daughter is 22 years old and still has to use the power of her father and family to coerce others to receive her. And the person you look down on, she has already started her doctoral studies at the age of 22. Her supervisor is a leader in the field. She spends every penny seriously. The cost of a plane ticket to see me occasionally may take up half of her scholarship. How can she not lose? But she has me. I will give her everything her father owes her and hasn't given her. As long as she is willing, do you understand? This is the difference between her and the Zhou family's daughter. The Zhou family rushed to beg me, and I will beg her like a jerk."
"Zong Chi!" Yu Weishi's emotions and crying voice were almost broken.
Chen Xiangyang heard this from the side and saw the fire had already started. He quickly picked up Zong Chi's phone and tried to calm things down. He comforted Mrs. Zong, saying that Zong Chi had let them coax him into drinking a few more cups today and that he was confused now. "You can't make anything clear with him. I'll pick up Miss Zhou. Don't worry."
Seeing this, Zong Chi snatched the phone away and hung up. He was so stubborn that he wanted to kick Chen Xiangyang. "You go answer it, right? After you answer it, you take care of her. You and your current partner are sleeping together, and she's lying in the middle."
Chen Xiangyang was a nobody. Sometimes he truly succumbed to the young master's temper; no one, not even his own parents, could control him. This kind of unwavering resolve wasn't something everyone possessed, not Chen Xiangyang, for sure. Zong Jingzhou had exerted immense pressure back then, practically urging his son to give up his ambitions, practically imprisoned under surveillance. But Zong Chi, exiled to Indonesia, managed to build up the business and establish a firm foothold. Recalled by his father, he had already seized control over the years. Firstly, he was an only son. Secondly, the young master's beginnings had already reached a point in Rome that many would never reach. Over the years, not to mention his inheritance, the investments and dividends he had made were more than most could earn in ten lifetimes. Zong Chi, who had been playing a gambling game with his father since he was a teenager, would never beg for what he wanted.
Chen Xiangyang wasn't married, but he did have some say in matters concerning mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. "They say a daughter-in-law becomes a mother-in-law after years of being a daughter-in-law. Well, your mother is just harsh in words. Just act like a mother-in-law and it'll be over. You should try to coax her first and marry her. You won't really live with her. You only spend a few days together throughout the year. Your mother is a ready-made example. Even if she refuses, she will eventually."
Zong Chi reeked of alcohol and glanced at Chen Xiangyang with a cold and hostile look, as if he were looking at a loser. "I won't do that. Why should she have to make others suffer the same humiliation she suffered? I'm a hard-headed person. I won't beg anyone for anything. I won't look at anyone's face, especially my wife and children."
Chen Xiangyang spoke soberly from an outsider's perspective, "You are hardened. No matter how hard you are, you are her biological child. She can't do anything to you. But it's a fact that she doesn't like Dongli. Your mother doesn't like him. You have to understand this kind of patience and endurance. The only one who gets hurt is Dongli."
Zong Chi was stunned for a moment, then continued with his stubborn expression, "You don't understand. My mom's dislike for her is prejudice. It's a prejudice that even my dad doesn't dare to speak up for."
*
It was already past ten o'clock when He Dongli got off work, and the rain outside was like firecrackers.
She stopped riding her little donkey and walked back holding an umbrella.
It was a ten-minute walk. She was wearing a pair of flat-soled spring-autumn style leather shoes, and her feet were soaked in no time. When she was almost at the door, the store across the street was still open, so He Dongli hurried over, folded her umbrella, and threw it in the turnover box at the door.
It was the boss's wife who was watching the shop today. When she saw Dr. He come in, she greeted her and asked her why she was so late today.
He Dongli answered truthfully. The proprietress uttered an "oh" and asked the girl who had committed suicide by cutting her wrists what was the most important thing. She then continued to complain that it was a sin, "A little girl, you're so upset because of a man. The ones who are most sad are your parents. They gave birth to you just to make you upset and cut your wrists for a man. Seriously."
He Dongli went to the shelf. She had run out of toothpaste. If it wasn't restocked tonight, she would have to come back to buy more tomorrow morning without brushing her teeth.
The boss lady knew that many of Dr. Xiao He's cosmetic sutures weren't covered by medical insurance, which made her even more sad. She herself had a daughter in college and couldn't bear to hear such trivialities. "I don't mind the pain when I cut, but I don't want scars when I sew, ah!"
Yu Xiaohan had said the same thing. It was as if all mothers in the world were molded from the same bodhisattva. Over time, He Dongli rarely told his mother about the patients he encountered. Accustomed to the work of suturing and repairing, he had to learn to let go immediately, otherwise he would be depressed and unable to express himself, which would make him sick.
He Dongli took two strips of toothpaste and walked to the cashier when she saw the cigarette rack behind the boss lady. That night, she was late for an emergency call and was in a terrible mood. She bought a pack of cigarettes. The boss lady was a little surprised and asked, "Do you smoke?"
He Dongli nodded. The proprietress was surprised but still carried out the business, but she gave some advice, saying that cigarettes were not good things and doctors should not touch them.
He Dongli insisted on buying a bag. The proprietress asked her if she wanted a lighter. She shook her head and said she had matches at home.
Today, she seemed to be having her old habits again. The pack of Marlboro at home was crushed by Zong Chi, and she wanted to clear out the garbage in her heart. So, when the boss lady was scanning the toothpaste code, He Dongli pointed to the cigarette rack behind her and said, "Another pack of Marlboro."
The proprietress didn't try to persuade him this time. Just as she was about to turn around to get it, the doorbell rang. The man stepped aside the curtain and walked in. He was extremely tall, with broad shoulders, and wore a black windbreaker covered in water stains. It was raining heavily outside, and he was soaked. His appearance and the noise he made when he entered caused everyone inside and outside the cashier to turn their heads to look at him.
The proprietress held the cigarette in her hand for a moment, then heard Dr. Xiao He say quietly, "No more."
In a few seconds, Zong Chi had already walked over to the person buying something. He was damp, and the smell of alcohol mixed with the cold night rain. There were a few raindrops hanging on his dark face. Before he said a word, it was obvious that he was in a bad mood. With a gloomy face, he stared into her eyes and then her mouth, and said to her in a low voice, "What do you not want?"
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The author has something to say: The main text has something to say: The story transitions to important plots, which is quite emotional, so the writing is slow, please forgive me.
Qixi Festival short drama (This is an idea I had before I started writing. I couldn't find a suitable opportunity to flash it back into the main text, so it's just right to put it in as an Easter egg.
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1.0
There were eight brothers and sisters on Zongchi's father's side, two of whom were adopted by his cousins. His father was the fifth child. I heard that two of them died young, otherwise the family would have been even more prosperous.
Because his parents had their own independent marriage, Zongchi had no biological or social cohesion with his so-called clan members in Singapore before he was eighteen years old.
He had three aunts, each one better married than the last. The aunt who settled in England was closest to his parents, and when Yu Weishi was able to see the old lady before her death, his second aunt had played a role in that.
When Zong Chi was studying in England, he was largely cared for by his aunt. His generation spanned a wide range of ages; some of his peers were even old enough to have given birth to him. Julia, the youngest of his second aunt's children, was the youngest of their generation. One year, I went on vacation to China with Zong Chi. On the way back to the city from the airport, she wanted to leave, saying, "It's so hot!" She was here to collect folk songs. "In this weather, Xiao Chi, I feel like I'm doomed! I'm getting carsick."
She is not carsick, she is suffering from acclimatization.
2.0
Back at the mansion, Julia collapsed. Everyone in London was terrified, but Zong Chi was helpless as Julia vomited all over the floor. Just as he was about to call an ambulance, He Dongli, who was on summer vacation, rushed over from S City.
He Dongli took care of Julia during those days. Julia, used to drinking ice water, was forced to drink water that Cici had boiled and then cooled, which she found strange. But she accepted it because she was a medical student, and because her condition was slowly improving with her presence. She complained to Zong Chi in front of him, "If I rely on you, you might kill me in a foreign land."
Zong Chi reminded her that it was called dying in a foreign land. The guest of a guest is not a gram or two of a gram.
Julia was very annoyed with Xiaochi, so she asked Cici, why do you like such an ungraceful man?
Cici was preparing dinner for the evening. Julia was feeling better, so she was peeling black tiger prawns and making topping noodles for Julia. She apologized for Julia's question, saying she didn't understand it either.
Julia was surprised to find a small portion of green pepper and shrimp noodles and a sesame-flavored vegetable and dumpling soup at dinner. Cici urged her to eat small, frequent meals. "After this one, I guarantee you'll be fully accustomed to the local culture of China and come back full of energy next time."
Julia was well taken care of by Cici. When she was washing dishes with her after dinner, she leaned close to Cici's ear and asked her with certainty, "You were forced by Xiaochi, right?"
He would definitely do something like this. Before coming here, Mom told me to run away if I saw something wrong. Xiao Chi was in a bad mood because of a quarrel with you, so he fed all the half-moon betta fish that Mom had worked so hard to raise for a long time and killed them.
Cici was shocked. She said she didn't know about this. The half-moon betta is so beautiful!
Julia saw that Cici was so calm and would occasionally murmur a few words that were even more innocent than hers, and she looked at Cici with a look of sympathy and guessed what she had guessed. She said to Cici: If you can't, run away too.
They also watched a movie together last night. The director is a well-known figure in the Chinese community. The heroine is beautiful to the core. Julia also praised the beauty and bone structure of oriental beauties, saying that only oriental directors can shoot them.
The film's several erotic scenes were so beautifully shot that Julia almost drooled. She watched it with Cici and refused to let Xiaochi in. She whispered to Cici that erotic scenes had to be shot with this kind of almost violent aesthetic to make the audience feel completely satisfied.
However, movies are movies. In real life, Julia said, "I can't bear to see my friends and sisters suffer even a little bit." Cici, even if you don't say it, I know it. Xiaochi must be the one who made you suffer.
When Zong Chi came into the kitchen to get some water, he heard Julia's last words.
He calmly opened the refrigerator, took out a bottle of water, unscrewed it, took a sip, and announced, "I'll buy you a ticket back tomorrow, Julia."
So, the gossipers immediately ran away like chickens.
3.0
After Cici finished cleaning the kitchen, Xiaochi wanted to go out for a walk with her. Cici invited Julia to go too. Julia looked at Xiaochi's eyes that seemed to be eager to wipe the knife, and shook her head tactfully.
It was Valentine's Day in the East, and the young couple came home very late.
Julia was jet-lagged and unable to adjust, so she was drawing in her room in the middle of the night. When the boiled water she was drinking ran out, she went downstairs to get some water as Cici had instructed, and she heard the sound of a door being locked at the entrance.
Julia was lying on the railing and peeping like a thief. The Rose Luxury Bags were rolling all over the carpet at the door. Xiaochi's whole body almost blocked the person he was resisting. If one of Cici's high heels had not fallen to the ground, or if one of her legs had not been dragged by Xiaochi and clamped around his waist, Julia would not have been able to see Cici.
The following sighs and thumping sounds...
Julia silently cursed Xiaochi a thousand times.
4.0
The next day, Julia drew a picture, which she claimed was a fan art. The male protagonist wore a black shirt but had a fox tail, and the female protagonist had slender and well-proportioned legs, but because her body was too small, only her furry ears were exposed.
Julia's blank treatment only has a puddle of water on the ground.
Unexpectedly, Koike became furious after seeing this and threatened to send her back to her country.
Julia gave Koike three seconds to think. She decided to stay for another week and upgrade her return flight ticket to first class.
If they don't agree, she will send her fan art to the relatives group.
Xiaochi finally closed his eyes and agreed, asking her to send the painting to him and not keep a copy.
Julia said, "I haven't finished yet. Dear Mr. Zong, you probably don't know the rules of our circle. No reserve allowed. That's the price we agreed on. Triple it."
5.0
This Julia fan art, forced by Zongchi, served as He Dongli's phone lock screen wallpaper for a long time. She finally quietly changed it, and when Zongchi discovered it, she convinced him otherwise: "I need to concentrate in class and in the lab. Xiaochi, I keep seeing your back, and I can't focus."
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