Chapter 49 A Storm is Brewing
Chapter 49
Perhaps because she had been with him for so long, Li Changjing's personality was somewhat similar to his. Yue Feng's attitude was the same as when he had picked her up countless times before, without showing any unusualness or any intention to reminisce, as if the three-month gap in between did not exist.
As I traveled from my hometown to Beicheng, the overcast sky gradually cleared up. When I arrived in Beicheng, it was a little after 5 p.m., and the orange sunset was half-hidden behind the clouds.
Wen Yining got out of the car and looked up at the familiar yet unfamiliar high-rise building where she used to live. The air in the northern city was clear and dry. She took a deep breath, and the cool and clean air rushed into her lungs.
Yue Feng took out his suitcase and closed the trunk. Another bodyguard, who looked unfamiliar, escorted Wen Yining upstairs, and then he left.
Several months later, she stepped into the house again. Everything inside was exactly the same as the day she left. Her belongings were still in their original places. It seemed that he hadn't had anyone clean up or remove her things after she left.
Wen Yining didn't want to come here, but the unfamiliar bodyguard was guarding the door, meaning he wouldn't let her leave. A strange aunt was busy in the kitchen.
*
During the evening rush hour, almost all the roads were jammed with cars. Two Maybachs were slowly moving forward one after the other in the traffic. Despite the congestion, the car behind was very cautious and did not move forward. Even with the horn blaring behind it, it still maintained a safe distance of five or six meters from the two expensive Maybachs.
The driver of the car behind carefully started and braked, and couldn't help but think to himself as he looked at the two identical Maybachs in front of him, which were clearly from the same line. Who are these big shots who are trying to squeeze into the evening rush hour with us? These cars are like bombs on the road, they're terrifying. If you bump into one, you'll be in big trouble!
Inside the car, the driver looked at the long traffic jam ahead and cautiously glanced at the people in the back seat through the rearview mirror.
The mirror reflected a young man's crisp, neat coat and a clean shirt, with frameless glasses perched on his straight nose, exuding an air of aloofness and indifference.
Although his expression revealed no emotion, the driver knew that Mr. Li was in a hurry to get home today.
But for some reason, the already congested area was even more congested tonight. Three minutes passed and the car only moved forward one red light intersection.
The driver couldn't help but glance at the back seat again. The man's fingers rested casually on the seat, his fingertips tapping lightly on the leather. It was hard to tell if it was impatience from suppressing anger or just a casual gesture. Even though the driver knew that Mr. Li wasn't the type to take his anger out on someone without reason, he couldn't help but feel uneasy. He felt as if those fingers were tapping on his nerves, and he subconsciously made every start and stop as smooth as possible.
As soon as Li Changjing picked up his phone, a call came in. He hung up immediately and then called the person who called to ask for more people to be sent to the intersection ahead to manage traffic.
After making the arrangements, he called Fang Qi back.
Fang Qi turned the steering wheel and pressed the answer button. "You're in the office, right, Young Master Qing? When you're done, I'll come down. Given my status, I'm not well-liked, so it's inconvenient for me to come to your office. I'm also too lazy to register. I'll just park on the side of the road opposite your workplace in a bit."
"Is something wrong? I'm not in the office, let's do it another day."
Fang Qi glanced at the time and exclaimed in surprise, "You're off work? What time is it? That's not like you! What's up?" He teased, "Going on another blind date?"
Everyone knows that Li Changjing went on his first blind date at the end of the year, but after meeting his high school classmate twice, nothing came of it. These people are all from the same circle, and although they are not close, they know each other's news. It is said that the girl had a crush on him and asked someone to ask him out several times, but he couldn't get her to come.
The Li family took this matter very seriously. They met with several men during the Chinese New Year. During that time, whenever they called him, he was either on a blind date or on his way to one, but none of the dates worked out.
Li Changjing ignored his teasing, curled the corners of his lips, and replied in a good mood, "Going home."
Fang Qi said "Oh", "Uncle Li is back again? That's good. No matter what, they are still my parents. It was really upsetting to see that family of three when I went back for the New Year."
Li Changjing glanced at the road ahead and said indifferently, "I've already told you, while there's still time, take action. You won't need to lift a finger to deal with this good-for-nothing spendthrift in the future."
Fang Qi chuckled, "I'd like to turn him into a spendthrift, but his parents are incredibly strict."
"If you think about it, there are always ways. Let his classmates and friends let him 'accidentally' watch a few movies, read a few books, and meet a few more people. Let him 'accidentally' hear some ideas and subtly influence and change him. Create some environment for him. The more suppressed he is, the easier it is for him to rebound. At 14, he doesn't have that much willpower."
The tone is casual, the content is trivial yet vicious, killing without leaving a trace. The person who does it must have extremely strong patience and psychological control.
Fang Qi stared at the traffic ahead and suddenly fell silent.
This is Li Zeqing, whom the group praised as young, promising, and upright. He is a hypocrite who loves to pretend to be harmless and humble. He never reveals his sinister and ruthless side to outsiders. However, Li Changjing never hides anything from him and has helped him solve all kinds of troubles since he was a child.
Fang Qi remained silent for a while before changing the subject and reverting to his unserious tone, "Wait a minute, it's only been a few days since the New Year, why are you in such a good mood? Have you gotten over your breakup? You haven't even said a word to me."
Li Changjing didn't continue the previous topic and slowly replied, "You can listen if you want."
Fang Qi scoffed and retorted, "I like S, I have no interest in being M."
The road ahead started to move slightly, it looked like the nearest people had been dispatched directly.
Li Changjing had no interest in arguing with Fang Qi anymore. "Have you finished talking nonsense? I'm home."
"Okay, let's arrange it another day. Please give my regards to Uncle Li and Aunt Zhou."
"Bring it yourself."
After hanging up the phone, Fang Qi clicked his tongue, recalling Li Changjing's rather cheerful attitude. He had tried to probe countless times over the past few months but couldn't figure out his feelings for that girl. Thinking of that beautiful and delicate face he hadn't seen in a long time, he regretfully started the car.
It's already a useless move before it even started.
*
Wen Yining sat in the living room, playing on her phone, feeling like each day was an eternity. She wished time would pass quickly, yet also hoped that person would come back later.
She didn't know how much time had passed when she suddenly heard the door open, followed by the respectful voice of the bodyguard.
She looked up and saw Li Changjing, dressed in black, enter from the entrance hall, one hand loosening his tie, looking in her direction.
Wen Yining calmly withdrew her gaze and continued looking at her phone screen, but she couldn't concentrate on any of the words on it. All her attention was uncontrollably focused on the tall figure gradually approaching in her peripheral vision.
The apartment is very large, and because it's on a high floor, it's empty and quiet inside, with an almost oppressive atmosphere.
Li Changjing stopped at a distance, his gaze sweeping over her unchanging clothes and the unopened suitcase in the corner, as if he were ready to leave at any moment.
He seemed oblivious, smiling calmly, like a young couple separated for a short time, his tone natural and familiar, "Are you tired from the journey? Why don't you go and rest for a while? Your little bear pillow has already been washed and is in the bedroom."
More than ten days have passed, and even though I was unwilling to accept it, I have calmed down a lot. The initial intense anger and resentment have faded, and fear of him has taken over.
After a moment of silence, under his gaze, Wen Yining looked at the screen and said, "I'm not tired."
Are you hungry now?
Unable to bear it any longer, Wen Yining looked up and whispered a sarcastic remark, "Yue Feng reported to you exactly what time I ate, what time I slept, and what time I arrived along the way!"
He knew perfectly well that she had eaten just an hour ago.
It wasn't just because I wasn't hungry, but more because I wanted to avoid having dinner with him.
Even after being exposed, Li Changjing remained calm and said, "It's still early. I'll cook for you after Auntie prepares the ingredients."
Listening to his words, Wen Yining felt as if she had a lump in her throat.
I thought she had improved her feigned ignorance over the past two years, but she still lost to Li Changjing.
When it comes to pretending nothing's wrong and covering up the truth, he's the kind of person who's been practicing this since childhood.
His attitude was as if the breakup never happened, as if there had been no falling out a few days ago, and as if he had forgotten that her presence here was due to his despicable threats.
He wanted to mock himself for not needing to be served by a high-ranking official's son, but the words stuck in his throat and he didn't dare to say them.
Li Changjing glanced at the suitcase, walked over, and casually placed his hand on the handle of her suitcase. "Let's go, I'll help you put your clothes away."
His words implied that there was no option for her to stay at school on weekends; she had to come back.
She knew she couldn't escape it, but she refused to accept it, staring at his hand without saying a word.
Li Changjing waited patiently.
After a moment of silent stalemate, Wen Yining took a breath and stood up.
The furnishings inside were exactly the same as when she left. Wen Yining packed her clothes with a sullen face. The bathroom light was on, and Li Changjing was taking a shower with his clothes on.
The aunt was only responsible for preparing the ingredients, and then she left with the bodyguard. Li Changjing took off his glasses and went into the kitchen.
Wen Yining ignored him and sat down on the sofa to chat with her friends casually.
Not long after, he called her over.
Wen Yining reluctantly picked up her phone, stood up, and walked towards the dining room. Li Changjing was serving her porridge with his head down and sleeves rolled up. His sharp profile was surprisingly calm and quiet. Even when doing housework, he had the air of a noble young master and looked slow and elegant.
Neither of them were talkative people, and they didn't have the habit of chatting during meals. After sitting down, Li Changjing served her food as usual.
The bright lights on the dining table shone on Wen Yining, who already had no appetite. Seeing him put food on her plate made her even less hungry, as if constantly reminding her that she had been forced to sit there, that her wishes and dignity had been ignored, and that she had to exert herself to stay rational.
"No appetite?"
Wen Yining glanced at him, paused, and put down her chopsticks. "It's too bland."
Which dish was bland?
She looked at him. "All."
How could Li Changjing not have noticed that she was doing it on purpose? But he didn't say anything and stood up good-naturedly, "You drink your porridge first, I'll go reheat it."
Five or six dishes were brought back and forth, but Wen Yining didn't move. Watching Li Changjing, the veritable "young master," running back and forth in the kitchen, she suddenly remembered the scene on TV where he was dressed in a suit and sitting in a meeting hall with a translator behind him. She felt a strong sense of disconnect.
The dishes were brought back to the table, and Li Changjing wiped his hands, saying, "Try it."
Wen Yining lowered her head and tasted it. The taste hadn't changed at all. She knew she was doing it on purpose, so she went along with her temper and just put it back in the pot without adding any salt.
Wen Yining put down her chopsticks, turned to look at her, clenched her hands to encourage herself, and said, "It's too salty."
Li Changjing and she stared at each other for a few seconds, and Wen Yining forced herself to look into his eyes.
After a few seconds, he nodded, threw the tissue into the trash can, and continued good-naturedly, "Then I'll make a few more."
Wen Yining was stunned for a moment, and for a second she wondered if she had misheard.
He got up and walked to the kitchen.
It was completely dark outside, the night was deep, and the stars lit up the sky. The lights illuminated the room, making it bright but cold. Wen Yining sat at the dining table, lost in thought.
Soon, a plate of green vegetables was placed in front of her. "It's getting late. Eat this first to fill your stomach. There are still a few dishes to come, but they will take a few more minutes."
Looking at the vegetables in front of her, Wen Yining felt an even stronger sense of unreality. Her gaze inadvertently swept across his wrist, where faint, unhealed scars were visible.
She bit too hard.
Her eyes flickered, and Wen Yining looked away. "No need, I'm too lazy to wait. I suddenly realized that the dishes weren't very salty either."
Li Changjing looked at her lowered, fair face and, as always, said "okay" like a clay figure without any temper.
After washing my hands, I sat down again and served her some food first.
Wen Yining lowered her head and forced herself to eat, but couldn't hold back any longer. She put down her chopsticks and said, "You eat first." Before he could reply, she stood up and quickly walked towards the restroom.
She needs to calm down.
As soon as she left, the screen of her phone, which was on the dining table, suddenly lit up, displaying a series of message notifications.
Li Changjing glanced at it, his gaze lingering on the sender's name, and his expression slowly turned cold.
Wen Yining opened the bathroom window and let the cold wind blow in for a while. She felt much calmer and could continue acting.
She had regained her composure by the time she opened the door. As she walked toward the restaurant, she saw Li Changjing leaning back in his chair with his back to her, one hand hanging down, his fingertips touching a lighter. The flame flickered on and off at his fingertips, making a series of crisp, metallic clicks that inexplicably unsettled her in the quiet night.
He was holding something in his other hand and seemed to be looking at it.
Wen Yining's heart skipped a beat for no reason. She subconsciously quickened her pace and glanced at the table from a distance. The phone she had left on the table when she left was gone.
Author's note: So sleepy I almost fainted [glasses]
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