44. Intoxication
◎“Didn’t you say you never had that kind of desire? I was just this morning…”◎
Seeing Qi Zhannan's expression, like a mouse before a cat, Song Chiyu couldn't help but lower her head and laugh.
"Don't laugh," Qi Zhannan whispered, looking at her trembling shoulders.
Song Chiyu found it even funnier, made an excuse, and got up to walk outside.
Qi Jianguo also stepped forward to protect his son, saying, "Didn't I tell you to go pick up Grandpa and Third Grandpa? What are you still standing here for?"
“But…” Qi Zhannan looked Qi Yanzhou up and down, and seeing that he didn’t say anything, he immediately stood up and said, “I’ll go now. Where should we eat?”
"I haven't ordered it yet, I'll send you a message later." Qi Jianguo said as he pushed him out, "Take my car back, don't take the one I bought for you, your second uncle will scold me again if he finds out."
Song Chiyu listened to every word and thought that since he already knew whether Qi Yanzhou was involved or not, she didn't expose him and completely absolved herself of any responsibility for unintentionally informing on him.
Qi Yanzhou could also see that he was protecting Qi Zhannan, but he didn't say anything. Qi Jianguo also left the teahouse under the pretext of ordering food. Song Chiyu was about to go over when her phone received another text message, this time from an unfamiliar number in Beijing.
"You told my mom you were married, and you still want to cling to me?"
Seeing that he had finally gotten to the point, Song Chiyu said, "Well, isn't that right?"
He then asked, "You also said I wanted to be your mistress?"
"I didn't say that. Even if you wanted to be my mistress, I wouldn't agree."
Xie Yunjin let out a cold laugh on the other end of the phone.
She pursed her lips and replied, "Song Chiyu, you overestimate yourself."
"Then don't do anything that will make me look down on you," Song Chiyu replied.
She was truly determined to cut ties with him. She understood him and knew what words would hurt him most. She was trying to make him back down.
Xie Yunjin did not reply.
Song Chiyu breathed a sigh of relief.
At this moment, Qi Yanzhou walked over, and Song Chiyu subconsciously hid her hands behind her back. Qi Yanzhou tilted his head: "What are you hiding?"
"Xie Yunjin's matter has been resolved."
Song Chiyu couldn't hide it from him, so she handed him her phone.
Qi Yanzhou first saw the few words in the chat box, and then saw a message from another number. Song Chiyu was completely unaware, still lamenting her years with Xie Yunjin, "I originally wanted to end it gracefully, but it ended like this."
Qi Yanzhou didn't say anything and handed the phone back to her.
He gently stroked her hair. "Let's go eat."
**
The restaurant Qi Jianguo booked was relatively close to their accommodation, located within the Third Ring Road. Song Chiyu had visited once many years ago, when she brought Ms. Li and Lao Song to meet Xie Yunjin's parents for the first time. It was after that visit that she and Xie Yunjin parted ways completely.
Before I knew it, we had arrived at the restaurant.
When Song Chiyu walked in, she found the decor somewhat familiar and realized that she had eaten at this same restaurant with Xie Yunjin's parents years ago, only now the signboard had changed.
Qi Yanzhou noticed her distraction: "What's wrong?"
“I came here a few years ago, before it was called this place.”
Qi Yanzhou lowered his eyelids thoughtfully: "Yes, the boss has changed in the last two years."
Do you often eat here?
"Occasionally."
Upon entering the private room, Qi Yanzhou's father and other relatives were already seated.
Song Chiyu sat down next to Qi Yanzhou, with Qi Zhannan sitting next to Qi Jianguo. These relatives obviously knew something and awkwardly beckoned Qi Zhannan over: "Xiao Nan, you don't drink, come and sit with your aunt."
Qi Zhannan ignored her and even switched seats with Qi Jianguo, sitting next to Song Chiyu. The relative still tried to smooth things over: "Why don't you sit here, Xiaoyu? We've seen each other during the New Year."
Song Chiyu didn't really remember whether she had seen them before, but seeing that they had said so, she took her bowl and went over.
Qi Zhannan didn't want to sit next to Qi Yanzhou, so he sat down with Song Chiyu instead.
"What are you doing here again?" my aunt exclaimed.
"I don't want to be near my second uncle," Qi Zhannan replied truthfully.
"You got beaten up by your second uncle again?" It seems that being beaten by Qi Yanzhou is a common occurrence for him; everyone just says it without thinking.
"Your second uncle deserved to hit you. Look at yourself, how old are you? You have no sense at all." Auntie was quite dissatisfied and kindly reminded her, "Although Xiaoyu is about your age, she is also your second uncle's wife. Why are you getting so close to her?"
"What do you mean I was so close to her? We're completely innocent, what do we need to avoid?" It's just a blind date, right? And he didn't even go. Do these people have to be so paranoid? Qi Zhannan scoffed: "Your thinking is so filthy. Second Aunt, ignore them and eat."
"Actually, what your aunt said isn't entirely unreasonable," Song Chiyu gently reminded her.
"Wow, you think so too?" Qi Zhannan exclaimed, "You married an old... antique, and you've become an old antique yourself?"
“Your second uncle isn’t an old-fashioned person,” Song Chiyu argued.
"Isn't he an old-fashioned person?" Qi Zhannan couldn't help but mutter, "Don't let his age of eight fool you, he's always acted this way since he was a child. When he was in junior high, I was just starting elementary school, and he even used his New Year's money to buy me things. When the sales clerk asked him who he was, he solemnly replied that he was my second uncle."
Song Chiyu thought about the scene and couldn't help but laugh.
Qi Zhannan continued, "When I was taking the high school entrance exam, my dad said that if I didn't pass, so be it, but when he came back, he gave me a beating."
Did you pass the exam?
"I barely passed the exam."
"You're still great."
"Right?" Qi Zhannan knew she would praise him, and couldn't help but gloat: "Although I suffered a lot because of this blind date with you, I won't blame you since you appreciate me so much."
"kindness."
"If I had known you were so discerning and understanding, I wouldn't have run away in the first place."
Song Chiyu was taken aback, but replied sincerely, "You should run away."
If he hadn't run away, how would he have run into Qi Yanzhou?
"Huh?" Qi Zhannan asked, puzzled.
"You'll have to stay and marry me. You're so young, it's such a loss for you," Song Chiyu said, as if coaxing a child.
“That’s true,” Qi Zhannan nodded in agreement, rested one hand on the back of Song Chiyu’s chair and pondered for a moment, then suddenly turned his head and said, “But actually, marrying you isn’t out of the question.”
Song Chiyu was choked badly.
Her face was flushed from coughing. Qi Yanzhou looked at her, and she picked up the water glass in front of her and gulped down a few mouthfuls. Qi Zhannan seemed not to have heard her and said, "Look at me, I married him, and we spent my dad's money together. After we had a child, we left it with my mom to take care of. Life couldn't be more enjoyable."
“I can’t,” Song Chiyu retorted, still choking on his own spittle. “You’re having a good time, but your wife is suffering.”
Such a series of actions will surely make people curse you behind your back.
“Why are you suffering so much? My second uncle can protect you, but I can’t? If my great-aunt dares to make you work, I’ll jump up and make a scene with her. At worst, I’ll take a beating for you and kneel in the ancestral hall for a while. If you don’t want to do something, you still don’t have to do it.”
The aunt next to me almost had her blood pressure rise from hearing this.
How could such blasphemous words be said here? Fortunately, Qi Yanzhou didn't seem to mind, and looked away with the expression of someone watching a child. Song Chiyu realized for the first time that there was such a way to deal with the difficulties caused by one's parents. Despite Qi Zhannan's unreliability, he would still be better than Xie Yunjin if he got married. At least he wouldn't make his wife put up with things for the sake of so-called face.
Song Chiyu didn't argue with him and said objectively, "The men in your Qi family are quite good, aren't they?"
"Right?" Qi Zhannan said smugly.
"I'll introduce you to some suitable friends later."
"Are you repaying kindness with enmity?" Qi Zhannan said bluntly, "I just think you're alright, not that anyone would be fine."
"Why do you think I can do it?" Song Chiyu asked, puzzled.
"They don't restrict me, and they also appreciate me very much."
"It's mainly because I admire you, right?"
Qi Zhannan snapped his fingers in agreement.
Afraid that he might overthink things, Song Chiyu asked, "Is it possible that I don't actually admire you, and I'm just trying to comfort you?"
"No, the look in your eyes is one of great admiration for me."
Song Chiyu suddenly felt envious of him. How wonderful it would be if she could have his absolute confidence.
Halfway through the meal, people at the table gradually got up to move around and exchange pleasantries. Qi Yanzhou moved from the main seat opposite her to the empty seat next to her: "What are you and Qi Zhannan talking about?"
"I find your nephew quite good," Song Chiyu commented, adopting the role of an elder.
"How so?"
After Song Chiyu finished speaking, Qi Yanzhou put one hand on the back of the chair behind her and said, "Perhaps it's not that Qi Zhannan is okay, but that the other one is just too incompetent."
It's possible that Song Chiyu was given a new perspective, which is why she thought the person who came to visit was quite nice.
He couldn't help but sigh.
Just then, Qi Yanzhou was called back to drink. As he was about to get up, she suddenly tugged at his shirt and whispered in his ear, "Drink less."
He lowered his eyelids slightly and stood up after two seconds: "Hmm."
Qi Yanzhou returned to his seat, took out his phone, and expressionlessly tapped on a profile picture: "Excuse me, are you busy right now?"
Xie Yunjin initially thought he had sent it to the wrong person, but unwilling to give up, she replied, "Huh?"
What private matters could he possibly have to discuss with me?
"Although I know these things are not suitable to tell you, I can't find anyone more suitable to confide in than you."
Xie Yunjin genuinely believed he had sent it to the wrong person, but she was also curious about what he wanted to say. "What?"
"She's so cute."
A seemingly ordinary remark caused Xie Yun to drop his phone on the spot. The people who were chatting at the table were startled by the phone he suddenly threw on the table. Knowing he had been impolite, Xie Yun stood up with a cold smile and said, "Sorry, everyone, please enjoy your meal."
After saying that, he took his phone and went into the study.
He took a few deep breaths to steady himself and replied, "Of course I know she's cute."
"But you wouldn't even get a chance to be a mistress," Qi Yanzhou replied.
Xie Yunjin: "..."
These words were like rubbing salt into his wounds: "I never intended to be a mistress."
Qi Yanzhou didn't let him off the hook. "At your age, you shouldn't be called a mistress, you should be called the third son."
Xie Yunjin: "..."
After a moment of silence: "You saw the text message I sent her? Since you saw it, I'll be frank, even if I didn't, I have others."
You should say that you wouldn't even get a chance to be the third child.
Xie Yunjin slammed his fist into the glass in front of him.
He really knows how to infuriate people. "Don't worry, I never intended to interfere in your marriage with her."
Qi Yanzhou did not reply.
Hearing the sound, Hao Yufang knocked on the study door and entered. Xie Yunjin politely replied, "Please come in—"
She pushed open the door and walked in, closing the door behind her as she said, "Are you still angry with your mother? I never expected your aunt to talk about Xiao Song like that, nor did I expect her to belittle you like that in public. If you think your aunt was wrong and that I need to apologize to her, I can go now."
"No need," Xie Yunjin said, her back to her. "I'll handle things between him and me myself."
Hao Yufang pursed her lips, her reflection in the French windows looking particularly guilty and helpless: "Are you still blaming your mother for what happened back then? Your father and I didn't mean it that way, but your aunt and the others really meant well for you—"
"I don't blame anyone." Xie Yunjin still didn't turn around.
"But you haven't been coming home much since that day. Your mother and aunt have gone to your workplace but haven't been able to find you. Your mother goes to your bedroom every week—"
"Yes, I'm very busy with work."
Hao Yufang was at a loss for words. Xie Yunjin stared blankly out the window and said, "Mom, do you know who sent me that WeChat message just now?"
He hadn't mentioned himself in a long time, so Hao Yufang immediately replied, "Who?"
"Her husband."
Hao Yufang was taken aback.
Xie Yunjin muttered to herself, "It should clearly be mine."
Hao Yufang never imagined that he would still be unable to get over it after all these years. After breaking up with Song Chiyu, he agreed to go on blind dates and try to meet other girls. Why is it that the longer time goes by, the less he can get over it?
What kind of bewitching potion did Song Chiyu give him?
Hao Yufang couldn't understand it.
"Don't worry, I won't interfere in her marriage and bring shame upon you."
He clearly hadn't let go, but he was unwilling to say anything more. Hao Yufang had no choice but to give up.
**
Song Chiyu had no idea how much Qi Yanzhou had drunk. The moment she took him from the table, he rested his head on her shoulder. Song Chiyu quickly wrapped her arms around his waist. Everyone else wanted to help, but they didn't know where to start and could only let her hold on for a while.
Song Chiyu didn't think he was that heavy, but it was really inconvenient to walk while she was holding him like this. Everyone else left the private room one after another, but she was still holding him and standing there.
"I'm sorry," Qi Yanzhou said gently, "Put me down, I'll sit for a while."
Song Chiyu helped him sit down, but he grabbed her waist and pulled her onto the road. Her mind went blank for a moment, and when she came to her senses, he was already holding the back of her neck and kissing her lips.
A faint aroma of wine wafted between her teeth.
Song Chiyu remembered the wide-open door of the private room and was about to stop her when Qi Zhannan's voice suddenly rang out from outside: "Second Uncle, when did your drinking capacity..."
Before she could finish speaking, Song Chiyu had already shoved Qi Yanzhou away.
Qi Yanzhou simply opened her eyes, glancing at him indifferently. Her hands, which were wrapped around her waist, showed no sign of letting go. She didn't feel embarrassed at all; on the contrary, she seemed to think he was being tactless.
"What's wrong, Zhan Nan?" Seeing him standing dumbfounded at the door, Qi Jianguo, who was waiting in the corridor, also walked over.
Startled, Song Chiyu immediately shook off his hand, stood up, and walked out without looking back.
Qi Yanzhou leaned back in the wooden chair, staring at him quietly. His deep, indifferent gaze revealed no trace of drunkenness, only a chilling calmness that silenced everyone.
"Let's go." After Qi Jianguo came over, Qi Yanzhou stood up, leaning on the handrail. He walked to the door and saw that Qi Zhannan still had a blank expression. Without lowering his head, he gently rubbed Qi Zhannan's head.
Qi Zhannan suddenly understood why everyone called him a child.
Don't let his seemingly detached and ascetic nature fool you; compared to him, I'm nothing.
Halfway there, Song Chiyu suddenly noticed Qi Yanzhou leaning against the wall with one hand, and it wasn't an act, so she quickly went back to help him. He felt her softness against his arm: "Why did you come back again?"
"I'm afraid you'll fall." Song Chiyu put his hand on her shoulder, wrapped her arm around his waist, and walked into the elevator.
"No, it won't," he explained gently.
Song Chiyu didn't believe him. She said "I know" but her arms around him tightened even more.
**
The Qi family's house in Beijing is also a courtyard house, but it is obviously newly built and does not have the same sense of history as the one in Anxi. There is also a terrace above the hall.
Song Chiyu couldn't help but think of Aunt Ning and Yinghong, and asked curiously, "Why don't they live here?"
“Aunt Ning isn’t used to it; she thinks the climate here is too dry.” Qi Yanzhou paused, “But actually, it’s probably because when we weren’t in Anxi, we treated her so well that she felt uncomfortable.”
Song Chiyu nodded, seemingly understanding but not quite.
This courtyard may seem like just one courtyard, but once you enter through the corridor, you'll find it's actually quite large. In addition to the reception room and tea room for entertainment, there's also a gym and a game room in the basement.
Qi Yanzhou's room is at the far end of the right corridor. In addition to a separate shower room, there is also a small garden outside, which provides a high degree of privacy.
Everyone seems to live under one roof, but the corridor is long and there are all sorts of rooms in between, so no one gets in anyone's way.
Song Chiyu suddenly understood why he didn't buy a house.
It's really unnecessary. If he's staying there alone for two or three days, an apartment would be enough.
No wonder Qi Jianguo wanted to buy them a house the moment he met her.
In his view, it was indeed somewhat frustrating.
Song Chiyu examined the vases and jade discs displayed in the cabinet. She had initially thought they were just decorations, but then she discovered that they were all genuine articles, one from the Ming and Qing dynasties and the other from the Eastern Han dynasty.
She took a step back without making a sound, creating distance between herself and the display case.
"Qi Yanzhou, since your family has connections here, why don't you let Zhou Yue do business here?"
Qi Yanzhou lay down for a while and felt better. He sat up in bed and said, "Why didn't you do it? Otherwise, who do you think he sold the genuine goods he received to?"
"I thought your older brother only sold... handicrafts."
Qi Yanzhou smiled and shook his head: "These things are mainly about connections. The handicrafts in his shop are just for fun. If you want to see the real thing, I'll take you when we get back to Anxi."
"Aren't these two the real ones?"
"Yes, it was brought from home."
"You're really rich." Song Chiyu stepped back and sat down next to him. She had seen a similar jade disc in an auction catalog before. Many years ago, the starting price was around one million. Now, she didn't know how many generations it had increased in value.
"It's all yours." Qi Yanzhou suddenly pulled her onto the bed, got up, and leaned over her. Song Chiyu was startled, thinking he was joking with her. She was about to struggle to sit up when she suddenly met his eyes and realized he wasn't joking at all.
His gaze followed her eyes and landed on her lips.
Song Chiyu immediately understood what he was thinking, and covered his eyes: "Qi Yanzhou, didn't you say you didn't have that kind of desire? You clearly just had it this morning..."
"I didn't mean to." He dodged her palm and buried his face in the crook of her neck. "I just wanted to lean against you for a while."
Song Chiyu was still somewhat doubtful, and lowered her hand from his chest. He swept his hand behind her head and buried his face even deeper, saying, "Chiyu."
His high, straight nose brushed against the skin of her neck. "I'll ask you a question, and you'll answer me honestly."
"Okay." Song Chiyu relaxed without suspecting anything.
Have you ever thought about divorcing me?
"How could I..." Song Chiyu panicked and struggled to get up to explain, but he easily grabbed the back of her neck and pressed her back down. She felt his lips lingering on her neck and swallowed hard: "No, never."
He didn't answer, and continued kissing her neck.
Song Chiyu added with her eyes closed, "Marriage isn't a game of make-believe. You can't just decide to get married today and then want a divorce tomorrow. You've already said you won't divorce me, so naturally I haven't thought about it either."
“So,” he looked up, gazing at her with deep, tender eyes, “have you ever felt that Qi Zhannan was better than me?”
Song Chiyu suddenly came to her senses: "Are you jealous of your nephew again?"
"Was there ever a moment when he felt he was younger than me? More energetic and vibrant than me?"
"No!" Song Chiyu realized he was truly drunk. "When did I ever say that—"
—On the way back.
Qi Jianguo and his cousin were arguing in the car about the mystery of a historical figure's biological father. Song Chiyu saw that they were arguing so heatedly over this issue, even with a history professor by their side, and was about to ask Qi Yanzhou to stop them, but Qi Yanzhou closed his eyes, leaned on her shoulder, and acted as if it was none of his business.
I just saw him awake.
Song Chiyu shrugged. "Say something to stop them."
“I can’t stop it,” he slowly opened his eyes. “Men automatically unlock history and military degrees after they turn forty. I talked to them about this before, and they both scolded me for not knowing anything.”
Song Chiyu couldn't help but laugh.
Qi Yanzhou closed his eyes again.
Song Chiyu couldn't help but lean closer to him and say, "You men's ages are a mystery. Not only do you automatically unlock history and military degrees after forty, but you can also become sixty after twenty-five."
He didn't react at the time, not expecting her to be waiting there.
“I was just joking with you then,” Song Chiyu said coquettishly, “I didn’t say you couldn’t do it.”
"Huh?" he repeated as if he hadn't heard.
Song Chiyu then realized she had misunderstood, and belatedly said, "Did you see...?"
"What do you see?"
Xie Yunjin sent her a text message.
But hearing him say that didn't seem right, he said with a serious expression, "I've never thought that way."
He was still looking at her.
Song Chiyu wrapped her arms around his neck shyly and whispered, "I like you just the way you are."
[Author's Note]
[Sprinkling flowers][Sprinkling flowers] I got off work early today (though it wasn't actually early) [Laughing and crying with face covered] ~~ Thank you everyone for your comments and donations [Sprinkling flowers][Sprinkling flowers] ~~
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