Chapter Thirteen
"Son, Mom made a lot of pear and white fungus soup. Would you like some?" Xia Mingqiu came in carrying a bowl.
Liang Yuheng: "Have a drink."
He had been sitting for so long that he forgot to drink water, and now he was a little thirsty.
Xia Mingqiu asked with concern, "Are you so busy today? I haven't seen you come out since dinner."
"Well, there's been a sudden problem with a project." Liang Yuheng took a spoonful of soup and lied without batting an eye.
Xia Mingqiu: "You're married now, you can't put all your energy into work. You also need to spend time managing your family."
"I see."
Xia Mingqiu: "Did Qingqing feel that it was inconvenient for me to be here, so she went home?"
Liang Yuheng put down the bowl of white fungus soup in his hand: "No, don't overthink it. She does have some things to take care of at home."
Xia Mingqiu: "That's good. I'll have dinner with her parents another day. You've already registered your marriage, but your parents haven't met yet. That doesn't make sense."
Liang Yuheng: "She hasn't told her family yet, let's wait a while."
Xia Mingqiu was taken aback: "Why didn't you two tell your families about getting your marriage certificate? A lot of your things here are new, it doesn't look like a woman has lived here. Could it be that you just casually put your family on the spot?"
"I'm sorry, Mom, we did have that idea before." Liang Yuheng lowered his eyes to the table. He knew Xia Mingqiu was a smart woman, and there was no point in hiding it anymore.
Xia Mingqiu sighed: "As expected, it seems you were all faking it for me today. Even if you were just trying to appease your father, I still don't think this is a good idea. What if you or Shi Qing meet someone you like in the future? Get a divorce again? Second marriages never sound good, isn't this just ridiculous?"
When Liang Yuheng heard the word "divorce," a part of his heart tightened. He looked at Xia Mingqiu and said, "Mom, don't worry. I told you that was my previous thought. From now on, I want to be serious with Shi Qing."
Xia Mingqiu: "Really?"
“Yes.” Liang Yuheng nodded.
In Xia Mingqiu's eyes, Liang Yuheng had always been steady and sensible. Since he said that, he must have already thought it through.
"I also quite like Shi Qing. It would be wonderful if you two could really get together. What does Shi Qing think?"
Liang Yuheng was silent for two seconds: "I don't know, she..."
He suddenly remembered what Shi Qing had said in the car yesterday, and a smirk appeared on his lips: "She probably doesn't dislike me either."
Seeing that her son seemed confident, Xia Mingqiu breathed a slight sigh of relief: "Then you should pay more attention later, and Mom will help you too."
"Then why don't you stay here a few more days?" Liang Yuheng said with a light laugh.
"Okay." Xia Mingqiu understood Liang Yuheng's meaning and smiled helplessly. Seeing that her son had come to his senses, she felt much more relieved.
"Mom, it's getting late, you should go and rest."
"Okay, don't stay out too late."
"Um."
After Xia Mingqiu left, Liang Yuheng sent a WeChat message to Zhou Gan.
Liang Yuheng: [Get me a few boxes of those ugly things you took apart last time.]
Zhou Gan: [?]
Zhou Gan: [Brother, didn't you say you didn't like it? Could it be a gift for Shi Qing?!]
Liang Yuheng paused for a few seconds: 【No, it's for a client's daughter.】
Zhou Gan: [Okay, are you in a hurry?]
Liang Yuheng: [Hmm.]
Zhou Gan: [OK, I'll deliver it to your company in a couple of days.]
-
The next day, Shi Qing went to work as usual. She originally wanted to work harder to get the position of assistant store manager, but she didn't expect to hurt her hand at this time.
If she takes another leave of absence, her existing clients may complain, and she won't be able to get any new students during this period.
The first class in the afternoon was Feng Ningning's weight loss class. When she saw Shi Qing, she asked in surprise, "Coach, what happened to you? Why didn't you ask for leave?"
Shi Qing smiled and said, "It's nothing, it's not serious."
Feng Ningning: "Coach, you are so dedicated. By the way, I have some good news to share with you. I weighed myself this morning and I'm almost down to 120 pounds. I've been losing weight very quickly these past few days."
"Because you've been controlling your diet very well during this period, and your daily training intensity has been sufficient, it's certain that you've lost weight. Keep it up, and you'll definitely get better and better," Shi Qing encouraged.
"I will." Feng Ningning nodded, and then said, "By the way, my mom saw that I've lost weight and wants to come and train with you too."
Shi Qing: "Sure, working out is good for both health and physique."
Feng Ningning: "But she has something to do these few days, so we'll let her come and try out the class in a couple of days."
"OK."
Feng Ningning glanced at the door and whispered, "Didn't you take the day off on Saturday? My class was taught by Coach Sherry. She kept chatting with me that day, subtly asking if my family had any money. She also said that your technique wasn't good and wanted me to take her classes later. But don't worry, Coach, I definitely won't go. Although her classes are less tiring, I still prefer you teaching me."
Shi Qing wasn't surprised after hearing this. She had taken classes with Zhao Xiaoxue in the same classroom before and had overheard her chatting with students. However, everyone has their own style, and perhaps her style was better at retaining customers.
After two classes, Shi Qing felt a little sleepy.
She didn't go back to her rented apartment yesterday; she slept in Zhang Mei's room.
Shi Qing wasn't used to that room and didn't sleep well all night. Coupled with the fact that she hadn't slept much the night before, she was really exhausted after two nights in a row.
Shi Qing was about to have some coffee to perk herself up.
She went to the break room and saw a man getting coffee, so she stood behind him and waited.
This man is the husband of one of Zhao Xiaoxue's students; Shi Qing had met him once before.
The man was in his thirties, with his hair neatly combed and dressed in the attire of an urban elite.
He turned and glanced at Shi Qing, his gaze scrutinizing her, which made her feel a little uncomfortable.
After taking the coffee, the man smiled gently at Shi Qing, indicating that she should take it.
Shi Qing politely said "thank you".
The man didn't leave. He took a sip of coffee and started talking to Shi Qing: "You're a coach here too, right?"
Shi Qing nodded slightly: "Yes."
"Hello, my name is Shao Guang. My wife takes lessons with Coach Zhao. The coaches at your shop are all pretty good." The man continued, "I work at Keyu across the street, which is very close to your shop."
Shi Qing clearly understood that the man was showing off. Although she couldn't be bothered to pay attention, she couldn't afford to offend a customer. She casually replied, "You are truly young and accomplished."
"No, no, I'm just a department manager. Your job is much better, it's easy and you can even get some exercise." Shao Guang's gaze fell on Shi Qing again.
Shi Qing wanted to roll her eyes, but she couldn't show it. Just then, her coffee was ready, so she said, "Yes, you can go ahead and do your work. I have class."
"Hey, how about we add each other on WeChat? I can introduce my colleagues to you..."
Before he finished speaking, two people came out of the practice room: Zhao Xiaoxue and the man's wife.
Shao Guang's wife was slightly plump and had only been with Zhao Xiaoxue for a short time. She glanced at Shi Qing, walked over, and took Shao Guang's arm: "What are you two chatting about that makes you so happy?"
Shao Guang remained calm: "It's nothing, I just said their coffee is alright."
"What kind of taste do you have? The coffee beans I brought back from abroad are no better than these cheap stuff." As she spoke, she glanced at Shi Qing.
Shao Guang: "Of course it can't compare. Let's go. You've had a tough day of training. I'll treat my wife to something nice to eat."
"Honey, you're so good to me~"
After the two left, Zhao Xiaoxue glanced at Shi Qing with disdain: "Her husband is a senior executive at Keyu, and they have a great relationship. Some people must be desperate for money."
Shi Qing got angry when she heard this, but she held back for a moment.
But then she thought that if she didn't refute it, others would think she agreed, and if it spread in the store, it wouldn't do her any good: "Just speak clearly, don't be sarcastic. I'm not as filthy as you."
"I have dirty thoughts! You have the nerve to do it and you're afraid of what others will say? If we hadn't come out just now, you would have been right there with your face on top of mine!" Zhao Xiaoxue didn't expect Shi Qing to talk back to her. She had often muttered about it behind her back before, but Shi Qing always pretended not to hear. Over time, she came to think that Shi Qing was a coward.
"Do you have any evidence...?" Shi Qing was about to speak when store manager Darnell walked over.
Darnell: "There are still customers in the store. What will it look like if others hear you doing this? Shi Qing, I praised you for your composure just a couple of days ago, but I'm very disappointed in you today. You won't get your bonuses this month, and don't let this happen again."
Shi Qing clenched her fist: "I'm sorry, store manager. I'll be more careful in the future."
"Go back to class," Darnell said before heading to his office.
Zhao Xiaoxue quickly followed and said in a coquettish tone, "Darnell, I didn't even talk to her, and she said I had dirty thoughts. Can you please not deduct my bonus?"
Darnell glared at Zhao Xiaoxue and whispered, "We'll talk about it later."
The two entered the office, and Zhao Xiaoxue took the initiative to approach her: "What about the assistant store manager position?"
Darnell put his arm around Zhao Xiaoxue's waist: "It's definitely yours. Didn't I say it to her on purpose last time? Shi Qing does have quite a few wealthy students. If we don't give her some hope, why will she work so hard?"
"When you come back, transfer a few of her clients to me." Zhao Xiaoxue kissed him on the cheek.
Darnell pinched her mischievously: "My wife is away on a business trip today, why don't you come to my place?"
"Hate……"
Shi Qing finished her coffee in the lounge, feeling down. Luo Luo, the receptionist, came over and said, "Shi Qing, don't be angry. That Shao Guang is obviously not a good person. He even wanted to add me on WeChat. Before you came, he kept bragging to me, and I was so annoyed. You're so pretty and have such a great figure, he must have his eye on you."
Shi Qing was already in a bad mood, and the thought of that person's gaze made her nauseous: "Next time, let's avoid him."
Luo Luo glanced at the manager's office and lowered her voice, saying, "Coach Zhao is really something. It was clearly that person who added you on WeChat. Before you came, everyone said she was the prettiest. I think she's just jealous that you're pretty and skilled. And the manager, why does she only talk about you and not her? That's so biased."
"Maybe she's a long-time employee. I did act impulsively today, and the manager's criticism is justified." Shi Qing knew it wasn't good to gossip about colleagues at the store; if others found out, it would cause trouble.
Luo Luo: "You're just too good-natured, that's why they deliberately bully you."
Shi Qing forced a smile: "My guest has arrived, I'm going to class now."
"Alright, go ahead."
Shi Qing had heard Luo Luo say the same things many times from her friends since she was a child.
When Shi Qing was in school, she had a conflict with a classmate. Her parents were called in, and Zhang Mei scolded her in front of the teacher. After that, she never dared to cause trouble again.
Now that I'm older, I can't be impulsive anymore. I still have to work, otherwise how will I eat and pay rent?
Shi Qing was sullen all afternoon, but she still had to greet the guests with a smile.
At nine o'clock in the evening, she finished her last class.
As soon as I got back to the changing room, I saw a call from Liang Yuheng.
Shi Qing answered the phone. Her throat was a little dry because she was tired after a long day: "Hello."
"Are you off work?" Liang Yuheng's deep voice came from behind him.
Shi Qing: "Yeah, it just ended."
"I parked near the mall the night before last."
Today, Shi Qing heard that her brother had returned from his business trip, and she couldn't sleep well at home, so she decided not to go back.
I promised Liang Yuheng yesterday that I would stay at his place, and it wouldn't be right not to go today: "Wait for me for a few minutes, I'll change my clothes and come over."
Liang Yuheng: "No rush."
After wearing yoga clothes all day, Shi Qing changed into a loose short-sleeved shirt and pants.
She put her things in her bag and was about to go back when she heard Qi Li laugh and say, "Why are you in such a hurry today? Is your boyfriend here to pick you up?"
Shi Qing thought it made sense, so she smiled and nodded, "Yes."
"Your boyfriend is really good to you; he even came to pick you up so late." Qi Li took a sip of water and put her thermos in the cabinet.
Shi Qing: "His company isn't far from us, so it's on our way. Sister Li, let's chat again sometime. I'm leaving now."
"Alright, alright, look how anxious you are. Be careful on the road."
Okay, bye-bye.
Today, driver Zhao Fei was driving. Shi Qing opened the door and got into the back seat: "When did you arrive?"
Liang Yuheng turned his head to look at her: "Just arrived."
Shi Qing breathed a sigh of relief after hearing this, and didn't have to wait too long: "Do you usually get off work this late?"
Liang Yuheng hummed in agreement: "I've been a bit busy lately."
Zhao Fei: "..."
Actually, they had been stopped here for half an hour.
Based on his understanding of his boss, he should be less busy recently, given that the project he just finished was completed.
For some reason, he also started working overtime more often.
Shi Qing: "If you get tired later, go back and rest early. You don't need to wait for me. I'll take a taxi there."
"It's nothing, I was just going that way." Liang Yuheng glanced down at Shi Qing's hand. "Does it still hurt?"
Shi Qing shook her head: "I feel much better today."
Liang Yuheng: "If you're tired, take a nap."
"good."
Shi Qing was indeed tired, so she leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes to rest.
After Zhao Fei drove the car into the garage, Liang Yuheng got out first. When Shi Qing got out from his side, she saw him reach out his hand.
Because her hands were not in good condition, she held onto his wrist for support, and then let go of his hand after getting off the bus.
Liang Yuheng walked to the trunk and said to her, "Come here."
Shi Qing walked over, puzzled, only to be stunned when she saw a trunk full of Labubu: "So many?!"
"Here you go." Liang Yuheng raised his chin.
Shi Qing exclaimed "Ah!" and her eyes widened slightly in surprise: "This is too much, and it's quite expensive."
"It's nothing, it was a gift from a client. It would be a waste to leave it at the company." Liang Yuheng said casually.
Shi Qing knew he could have given them away or sold them for money, but he gave them all to her instead, so she was still very happy.
She had initially thought her day was terrible, but now she felt like she had gotten a great deal and couldn't help but smile: "Thank you."
"It's nothing. I'm grateful to have you stay here with me for a while." Liang Yuheng smiled.
Shi Qing: "It's nothing. Your house is so big, I'm the one who's getting a good deal."
Liang Yuheng and she exchanged a glance: "You can stay here as long as you like."
Even though she knew he was just being polite, Shi Qing's heart still raced a little when she heard those words.
"No need, my lease hasn't expired yet." Shi Qing turned her gaze away first, making up a random excuse.
Liang Yuheng didn't say anything more and started moving things with his head down.
Li Fei quickly came to help, but even with the two of them carrying one stack each, they couldn't finish moving everything.
After going upstairs, Li Fei put down the boxes he was carrying and went downstairs twice to carry them, while Liang Yuheng went straight to the bathroom to take a shower.
Xia Mingqiu was very happy to see Shi Qing return. He put the bowl on the table and said, "Qingqing, you must be exhausted from work. I made some pork rib soup. Have some before you go to sleep."
"Okay, thank you, Mom." Shi Qing pulled up a chair and sat down.
Xia Mingqiu: "I just heated it up, have a taste."
Shi Qing took the drink, drank a sip, and praised, "It's delicious, Mom, your cooking is really good."
Xia Mingqiu laughed: "Drink more if you like. There are some calming herbs in it. I've noticed you have dark circles under your eyes these past few days. Get a good rest tonight."
Shi Qing felt a surge of emotion and smiled, nodding, "Okay."
Xia Mingqiu: "By the way, Qingqing, my lower back is a little uncomfortable. Would practicing Pilates help?"
Shi Qing: "Yes, Mom, why don't you come to our shop when you have time and I'll take a look for you."
“I see there are Pilates classes at your gym, so you can practice at home,” Xia Mingqiu said, pointing to a room.
Shi Qing had never been to a gym before and was afraid Xia Mingqiu would notice: "Okay, then I'll work out before work tomorrow morning."
Xia Mingqiu: "It's okay, no rush. You can practice again once your hand is healed."
Shi Qing didn't know how long she would stay here, so she wanted to check on her as soon as possible: "Mom, my hand isn't affected. Is seven o'clock tomorrow okay?"
"Is seven o'clock early or not? If you're tired, you can sleep a little longer."
"It's not early. I usually get up around six o'clock."
Xia Mingqiu smiled and said, "Okay. By the way, there's still some left in the pot after you finish your drink. I'm going back to my room to sleep now. You and Aheng should get some rest too."
"Okay, Mom, go to sleep now."
After Shi Qing finished her soup, she rinsed the bowl. Just as she came out of the kitchen, she saw Liang Yuheng wearing pajamas.
The black satin pajamas suited him surprisingly well, giving him a more casual look than usual. This was the first time Shi Qing had seen him in casual clothes, so she couldn't help but take a few more glances.
Liang Yuheng went to the entryway and took a case of Labubu into the living room: "Want to open one?"
"Okay." Shi Qing wiped her hands clean and walked over.
Liang Yuheng sat cross-legged on the living room carpet, and Shi Qing sat down next to him. Soon, she smelled a faint scent of shower gel. It was refreshing and pleasant.
Then, she watched as Liang Yuheng opened the box and took out six small boxes, asking her, "Open one and take one?"
Shi Qing then realized that she couldn't move her right hand. She pursed her lips and said, "Why don't you help me take it off?"
Liang Yuheng raised an eyebrow: "If I dismantle you, you won't have any experience."
"It's alright." Having Shi Qing is already enough for me, especially considering how much Liang Yuheng has given her.
"Let's take them together." Liang Yuheng took one out of there and raised the corner of his mouth slightly.
Shi Qing blinked and looked at him: "Why together?"
"I'll be your right hand."
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