Forbidden to Flirt and Run 20

Chapter 20

Xu Qingtang didn’t reply to that message.

It wasn’t until she got home in the evening that she clicked on Gu Yizhi’s profile picture and asked: [What do you mean?]

Gu Yizhi replied quickly: [Hm?]

Xu Qingtang: [Sending flowers is one thing, but why did you use that name for the recipient?]

Gu Yizhi: [I think it suits you.]

Heh. Xu Qingtang sneered inwardly.

Remembering the way everyone had looked at her during the day, the more she thought about it, the angrier she got. And the angrier she got, the more she felt that Gu Yizhi had done it on purpose, in retaliation for her subtle mockery last night.

[You think I’ll believe you?]

[But I do sincerely feel that your kiss was unforgettable.]

Perhaps it was because of last night, but even just reading Gu Yizhi’s words, Xu Qingtang felt a certain lewdness in them.

This person is so petty.

She could still remember a casual remark she had made.

Not to be outdone, Xu Qingtang typed: [Is that so? I’m a straight woman too, how come I don’t have that feeling? CEO Gu, it was just for fun. Don’t take it too seriously.]

[It seems Miss Xu is very experienced.]

Xu Qingtang typed with a straight face: [That’s right.]

The moment she hit send, Xu Qingtang felt a pang of regret. She thought about retracting it but then stopped her finger—that would make her seem guilty.

Forget it. It’s all just talk anyway. Who’s taking whom seriously?

Gu Yizhi didn’t reply on her end, and Xu Qingtang didn’t bother with it either. Before going home, she picked up a package that had just arrived. It was a wireless security camera. She installed it on her door according to the instructions.

***

On Saturday, Xu Qingtang had no performance, so she spent the whole day practicing her basic skills at the theater. In the evening, her senior apprentice-sister asked her to go to the supermarket to buy some things for the festival.

Just as they reached the entrance, Xu Qingtang saw a delivery boy holding a bouquet of flowers walking towards them from a distance. The embarrassing memory from yesterday was awakened, and she subconsciously wanted to run away.

Not long after, the delivery phone rang.

The bouquet was actually for her.

Her senior apprentice-sister clicked her tongue. “You little girl, your love life has been booming recently. When are you going to find a partner for us to see?”

Xu Qingtang looked the bouquet up and down, afraid there would be a small card with words like “top” or “great kisser” on it. Seeing that there was nothing, she breathed a sigh of relief and smiled faintly. “Senior Sister, you’re overestimating me. In two years, definitely.”

“Next year after next year, how many next years are there?” her senior apprentice-sister teased, then fumbled in her pocket. “I forgot my phone. Wait for me.”

“Alright.”

Not long after her senior apprentice-sister left, Xu Qingtang took out her phone and glanced at WeChat. The flowers had arrived, but Gu Yizhi hadn’t sent her a message?

“Qingtang, you’re really here.”

This voice made Xu Qingtang frown subconsciously. She looked up and saw Lin Huaijia walking towards her with a smile. She glanced at the flowers in Xu Qingtang’s arms, her smile deepening. “Do you like the flowers? I originally sent them to your place, but they said no one answered the door, so I guessed you’d be here.”

Xu Qingtang immediately wanted to throw the flowers into the trash can.

“Qingtang, Xiao Yu has explained everything to you, right? Do you believe me now?”

Perhaps because Xu Qingtang had shown extreme disgust every time she called her by her nickname, she had changed her tune.

Xu Qingtang remembered the few ambiguous messages Su Mengyu had sent her a few days ago and looked at her coldly.

Lin Huaijia sighed. “I really didn’t betray you.”

Just as she was about to retort sarcastically, Lin Huaijia said again, “Qingtang, are you free tonight? I’ll treat you to dinner, and we can talk about Fenghé’s matters.”

Xu Qingtang paused for a few seconds, then gave a rare smile. “Sure.”

Lin Huaijia was a little stunned.

During this time, Xu Qingtang had been either sarcastic or sneering at her. This made her even more certain that she had done the right thing by having Su Mengyu explain. In a daze, a face suddenly appeared in her memory, blurry and hazy, gradually overlapping with Xu Qingtang’s smile.

So many years had passed, and she didn’t remember what Gu Yizhi looked like back then. She only vaguely remembered the moment that had made her heart flutter, which was very similar to the feeling of Xu Qingtang’s smile.

“It should have been like this long ago. Now that she’s willing to forgive you, you should also drop the attitude. Bow your head when you should, apologize when you should.”

Her friend’s nagging voice brought Lin Huaijia back to her senses.

“I know.”

“Remember, don’t be stupid again. Do you think those people really have your best interests at heart? They just want to see you make a fool of yourself. If you listen to them and believe them again, I’ll really be at my wit’s end.”

Her friend also felt a little emotional.

At first, Xu Qingtang and Lin Huaijia had seemed like a perfect match. But as Fenghé developed better and better, some strange people always appeared around Lin Huaijia, saying all sorts of inappropriate things. And Lin Huaijia always listened to them, forbidding this and that, and the conflicts piled up.

Lin Huaijia lowered her eyes. “I know.”

Speaking of which, Lin Huaijia herself knew she shouldn’t listen to those words, but once she heard them, she couldn’t help but take them seriously.

Besides, the frequent conflicts between her and Xu Qingtang weren’t just because of this.

Lin Huaijia had seen Xu Qingtang perform more than once. Watching her shine on stage, watching her win a full house of applause, the more she watched, the more she felt that she was becoming more and more like Gu Yizhi. Both were like quicksand in her fingertips, fleeting.

She couldn’t hold on, and she couldn’t keep them.

Xu Qingtang liked to wear qipaos, but she preferred to see others in suits. She liked to see people with exquisite makeup and bright colors. So tonight, Lin Huaijia had deliberately dressed according to her preferences. When she saw her slowly take her seat, she smiled gently. “Qingtang, you’re here. I’ve already ordered the dishes. See if there’s anything else you’d like to eat.”

Xu Qingtang looked at the menu and casually ordered a few dishes.

Seeing that her attitude was no longer so cold, Lin Huaijia relaxed a little. When the dishes were served, she served her food and soup, looking considerate and thoughtful.

She didn’t bring up the company’s matters, and Xu Qingtang didn’t either.

In the end, Lin Huaijia finally stopped and said, “Qingtang, you should be aware of Fenghé’s situation recently, right?”

Xu Qingtang pretended to be thinking. “You mean?”

“Jiacheng Film and Television.”

“I’ve heard a little,” Xu Qingtang took a sip of red wine, unconcerned. “I’ve never had much of an opinion, and I don’t understand it.”

Lin Huaijia touched the ring on her index finger and said softly, “You once said to me, ‘fortune favors the bold, the timid starve.’ I’ve also considered this matter carefully, but in the end, I still think Fenghé should transform. There are definitely risks, but without risks, how can there be rewards? Youling is just too conservative, she doesn’t dare to take any risks.”

Xu Qingtang said slowly, “Then you should have a good talk with her. Youling is not an unreasonable person.”

“I’ve said everything I can, but she won’t listen,” Lin Huaijia sighed and looked at Xu Qingtang. “Qingtang, I know you’ll definitely understand me. I don’t want to argue with Youling either. I’m afraid our friendship of so many years will be ruined. But… if I can achieve something this time, my dad might agree to marry my mom. Then I’ll be a legitimate member of the Lin family and can provide you with better security. For you, I’m willing to do anything.”

Xu Qingtang lowered her head, seemingly smiling.

Seeing this, Lin Huaijia struck while the iron was hot and stated her purpose. “Are you coming to the meeting at the end of the month, Qingtang? This matter has been debated for so long, it’s time for a result.”

Xu Qingtang tilted her head and thought for a moment. “Alright.”

Lin Huaijia’s face lit up with joy.

Youling was in charge of most of the company’s business, and she had more client resources. Most of the shareholders were also on her side. If it weren’t for the fact that she held the majority of the shares, this matter would have been vetoed long ago.

If Xu Qingtang could support her, then she could break the tie.

Lin Huaijia had to leave early because of some matters at Fenghé. Xu Qingtang watched her leave, a half-smile playing on her lips.

***

This year’s Dragon Boat Festival came very late, at the tail end of June, in the high heat.

Xu Qingtang bought some fruit and returned to Teacher Qi’s place. When she arrived, Auntie Zhou had just taken the zongzi out of the pot and smiled at her. “You’re just in time. Come and have a taste.”

Auntie Zhou had a hard life. Because her family was poor when she was a child, she had to drop out of school. Then her parents arranged for her to marry a man more than ten years her senior. She endured domestic violence for ten years before finally getting a divorce, at the risk of her own life.

She had no parents, no children.

Xu Qingtang had given her holidays off, but she would usually spend the festivals with Teacher Qi.

“Coming, coming.”

Xu Qingtang went to wash her hands.

When she came back, Teacher Qi was on her phone, video-chatting with someone. As Xu Qingtang got closer, she heard a familiar voice. It was the old lady from the ward last time. Her voice was full of joy. “It’s good, it’s good. It’s just that I’m still in the hospital. Otherwise, I would definitely come to your place to join in the fun…”

“Yes, yes, that boy has finally come to his senses. He’s been chatting with a young lady recently. She’s a nice person, pretty too, and a civil servant. If it works out, I’ll bring her to see you.”

The old lady’s voice was filled with uncontrollable joy and excessive enthusiasm.

It was as if she was showing off, and also as if she was eager to prove something.

Xu Qingtang had seen that play before, and she knew very well what she wanted to prove—to prove that her son was not sick, to prove that her son was normal.

This was a deep-rooted, almost paranoid prejudice that was difficult to change.

Xu Qingtang just quietly looked at Teacher Qi, a little dazed. In a trance, she heard Teacher Qi call her name. “What are you thinking about? I was just asking you, when are you going to start dating? You’re not young anymore.”

“Am I? I feel like I’m still young,” Xu Qingtang joked. “I’m busy with work, where would I find time to date? Let’s talk about it when I’m free.”

Hearing this, Teacher Qi gave her a deep look, said nothing more, and just coughed for a while.

Ding-dong, ding-dong—

Someone was ringing the doorbell.

Xu Qingtang patted Teacher Qi’s back, eager to end the topic. “I’ll go see.”

She had just been grateful for the interruption, but when she opened the door and saw the person standing outside, she didn’t think so anymore.

Xu Qingtang frowned. “Why are you here?”

Gu Yizhi was wearing a white velvet long dress today, with only her eyebrows and lipstick done. She looked very fresh and elegant, the kind of look that mothers would praise.

She smiled faintly, her voice a little hoarse. “Not welcome?”

How could Xu Qingtang dare.

“Come in.”

Teacher Qi was stunned for a moment when she saw Gu Yizhi, then broke into a smile and greeted her, “Come, come, you haven’t eaten yet, right? Come and eat with us.”

Gu Yizhi put down the gift she had brought and said gently, “Alright. Can I sit next to Qingtang?”

“Sit, sit,” Teacher Qi said, amused. “Why be so polite?”

Xu Qingtang maintained her composure and got up to get drinks and liquor. Just as she walked into the kitchen and opened the fridge, Gu Yizhi followed her.

Xu Qingtang took out a bottle of soda first and said without turning her head, “No need to help. You can sit.”

“Teacher said you shouldn’t drink.”

Xu Qingtang’s hand, which was reaching for the liquor, paused slightly.

Gu Yizhi was amused. “But if I want to drink, Teacher should agree.”

“Then I can only risk my life to accompany a gentleman,” Xu Qingtang said with a clear conscience. “It would be rude to let you drink alone.”

Xu Qingtang didn’t have a drinking problem, but today she inexplicably wanted to have a couple of drinks.

The two returned to the dining table. Auntie Zhou and Teacher Qi were chatting about interesting things in the apartment building. As they chatted, the topic easily drifted to relationships.

Gu Yizhi was a few years older than Xu Qingtang, so she naturally became Teacher Qi’s number one object of concern. After learning that she didn’t have a partner, Teacher Qi said, “Eh,” and looked at Xu Qingtang. “Didn’t you say last time that you wanted to introduce someone to Yizhi?”

Xu Qingtang sprayed out the red wine in her mouth.

Some of the wine splattered on Gu Yizhi’s arm.

You really are my own mother. Xu Qingtang was on the verge of a breakdown.

She quickly grabbed a few tissues, looked at Gu Yizhi guiltily. The latter was silent for a moment, glanced at Xu Qingtang, and said nothing.

For some reason, Xu Qingtang felt even more guilty. She wiped Gu Yizhi’s hand with a tissue a few times, and as she wiped, she looked at Gu Yizhi with a bit of surprise, then silently moved the red wine away.

The meal became quieter and quieter.

In the end, Teacher Qi gave Xu Qingtang a task. “Is Yizhi drunk? Take her home later.”

Xu Qingtang didn’t say anything. “Alright.”

The two of them walked out of the apartment building without saying a word. Gu Yizhi was quieter than usual. Xu Qingtang stepped on the pebbles on the ground, thought for a moment, and turned her head to ask, “Are you driving or?”

Gu Yizhi: “Driving.”

“Then I’ll call a designated driver. You can wait for me in the car. It won’t be long.”

“Okay.”

Xu Qingtang was indeed not gone for long. She came back in less than three to five minutes, opened the car door, and handed a bottle of water and a box to Gu Yizhi. “I don’t know if you’re sick, but you feel a little hot. You should take your temperature. If you are, take some medicine to reduce the fever first.”

Gu Yizhi looked at the medicine in the bag, was silent for a moment, didn’t use the thermometer, and just took the medicine directly. She finally spoke, “How did you know I was sick?”

The atmosphere was a bit strange. Xu Qingtang pursed her lips and said, “A long illness makes a good doctor. I felt it.”

In the past, when Teacher Qi’s condition was unstable, she would always have a high fever that wouldn’t go down. Xu Qingtang had gained experience in taking care of her.

When she had touched Gu Yizhi just now, she was ridiculously hot.

No wonder her voice sounded so hoarse today, as if she could barely live.

Thinking of this, she frowned again. “You’re drinking even when you have a fever?”

Gu Yizhi put down the medicine bag, slowly took a sip of water, and returned to her usual seductive fox spirit appearance, smiling. “I suddenly realized you’re gentler than I thought.”

Gentle???

Xu Qingtang felt that Gu Yizhi’s understanding of vocabulary was probably abstract.

Gu Yizhi leaned back in her seat and smiled again. “You want to introduce me to someone?”

“Actually…” it’s a misunderstanding.

“How can you introduce someone without asking about my requirements?”

Xu Qingtang was gradually led astray. “What are your requirements?”

“No requirements, as long as they can kiss someone until they’re captivated,” Gu Yizhi opened her eyes and looked at Xu Qingtang half-jokingly, half-seriously. “I’ve only ever met you. So, are you planning to introduce yourself to me?”

Xu Qingtang was a little taken aback. “You’re overthinking it. I… my kissing skills are very average…”

No, no…

Xu Qingtang knew she shouldn’t answer like this.

She should say that she wasn’t interested in her, had no feelings for her, and advise her to stop joking with her, instead of this ambiguous answer.

It must be the alcohol kicking in. Xu Qingtang thought.

“Is that so?”

Xu Qingtang watched as Gu Yizhi slowly leaned closer, her red lips, moistened by water, like a rose tempting to be picked. The distance was shortened bit by bit.

She could feel the breath gradually getting hotter, as if in the next second, Gu Yizhi was about to kiss her.

“Then shall we try again?”