Chapter 78
The high-profile kiss attracted many prying eyes and confusion, even discussions, but neither of them cared. Qiao Xi lowered her eyelids halfway, grabbing Fu Bei’s other hand while kissing, lifting it, their fingers interlaced tightly.
The sea-view villa they rented was simply delightful. The room window faced the boundless sea, with the bed right below it. Opening the window at night, they could enjoy the beautiful scenery of sea and sky merging while being intimate. The gentle sea breeze blew in, cool and comfortable.
The sky was studded with stars. The outline of the round, white moon was a bit blurry. Under the reflection of brilliant lights, the sea surface seemed to shimmer with waves.
However, it was summer after all, and the weather was still very hot. Even without the fiery sun shining at night, the temperature didn’t drop. The air conditioner in the room wasn’t on, and the lights were off, illuminated only by the faint starlight outside. Qiao Xi supported herself with her hands behind her back on the windowsill, so hot her whole body was covered in a thin layer of sweat, looking as if she had just been fished out of water. Actually, sweating a lot in summer was quite comfortable, especially when the sea breeze blew in from time to time.
She was a bit unsteady on her feet, supported by Fu Bei, looking like she might fall at any moment, only able to cling weakly to the other’s shoulders.
In the dim environment, the red tattoo on the upper right of the other’s chest was vaguely visible. The moisture of sweat was like fine rain moistening things, as if washing the brilliant poinsettia. Tiny water droplets hung on the edges of the petals. With a movement, the droplets slid down, leaving a wet trail on the smooth skin.
With the rise and fall of breathing, a gust of wind happened to blow, seemingly moving the entire tattoo, the flower branches on the soft whiteness twisting too. Qiao Xi couldn’t help but look a couple more times, attracted by that patch of lushly blooming flowers. After a while, she lowered one hand to gently stroke the flower branches.
Fu Bei leaned in to kiss the side of her face and earlobe. Being close in this weather made it even hotter, but instead of pushing this person away, Qiao Xi actively pressed against her.
The sea breeze continued to blow, gust after gust.
Qiao Xi’s palms were wet with sweat. Heat permeated her limbs and bones, scurrying everywhere.
Fu Bei hooked her chin, lifting it, planting a gentle kiss.
“Very hot?”
“Mmh.”
“Bear with it a little longer…”
On the distant sea surface, waves rolled and surged, sweeping in one after another, wetting the sand, leaving dark traces. The tide rippled wave after wave, engulfing the protruding reefs, lapping gently.
Everywhere was too empty and silent, desolation and magnificence coexisting. In the far distance, the dark sky and earth merged, inseparable.
Travel relaxes people and promotes feelings. Away from the dull and boring city life, details in love spring up like bamboo shoots after rain. Every evening, Fu Bei would take Qiao Xi out for a stroll, tender and intimate like all ordinary couples in the world—holding hands, buying various trinkets at the harbor market, walking around everywhere, sometimes sitting in those artsy little taverns.
Qiao Xi had never been like this before. She had few close friends, either going out with Tang Yi or alone, always rushing there and rushing away. She had truly never tried this quiet and leisurely way of traveling. Time in City H passed quickly, so fast that in a blink of an eye, it was time to pack up and return to Jiang City.
“We can go north for the National Day holiday,” Fu Bei said while packing. “Want to go?”
Qiao Xi certainly wanted to, but still said, “We’ll see then.”
Fu Bei smiled.
Both parties in love adapt to each other, becoming more and more compatible over time. After being together for a long time, feelings deepen, and understanding of each other grows.
Neither Qiao Xi nor Fu Bei were the type to talk about love constantly, often expressing it through actions. But since Qiao Xi spoke first, things gradually changed.
Not that Qiao Xi took the initiative, but Fu Bei did.
Whenever passion ran deep, she would always induce Qiao Xi to say these words, holding the person in her arms, whispering low, “Call me—”
Qiao Xi would sometimes call her name, but eventually would call her “Sister.”
Fu Bei would then kiss Qiao Xi’s neck lightly, suppressing her voice to ask, “And then?”
Qiao Xi wouldn’t say it, but unable to bear it, would eventually grant this person’s wish.
“Love you…”
Fu Bei had always been romantic and interesting towards Qiao Xi, probably giving all her gentleness to Qiao Xi alone. She was wonderful in every way at home, but still the same outside—meticulous, terribly cold and proper. Yet precisely this nature made her smooth sailing at school.
Sometimes when Qiao Xi went to Jiang University to find Fu Bei, she would hear Professor Xu talking about her. For example, Fu Bei was the team leader at the last seminar, gave an academic lecture somewhere last time, and was about to serve as the backbone of some exchange meeting soon. The previous storm had passed. With strong ability and undeniable strength, it wasn’t hard for Fu Bei to carve out her own world. She was no longer like back then; breaking free from the shackles of the Fu family was simply effortless.
Hearing these praises, Qiao Xi appeared indifferent on the surface but was quite happy inside. She recently took a liking to handicrafts, making pen holders and such to give Fu Bei as small surprises when free. Fu Bei would also send her flowers and jewelry, and occasionally teach herself various cooking methods to send food over.
The freshness of a relationship needs maintaining to last.
Of course, besides this, there was another aspect: compatibility was the most important, including body and soul.
They neither came out to the public in a high-profile manner nor hid or concealed it, just living as they should. Because Qiao Xi often went to Jiang University, over time, Fu Bei’s colleagues gradually tasted something different. At first, everyone thought they were just friends, but later discovered something was wrong. That undercurrent and looming ambiguity weren’t what ordinary friends would have.
Actually, the two never engaged in overly intimate actions at school, not even kissing. This had nothing to do with whether their orientation was mainstream; it was just that Fu Bei’s profession required setting an example, and such behavior wasn’t good. But no matter how restrained they were, their way of interacting still exposed their true relationship.
Reactions from those around them varied. Some accepted it, some didn’t, but most had an indifferent attitude. After all, their relationship had nothing to do with these people; they could do whatever they wanted.
However, in workplace competition, some opponents still used this point to make a fuss, wanting to leverage it against Fu Bei. Gossip and rumors were rampant. Fortunately, they were kept within limits; otherwise, it would definitely have brought unnecessary trouble to their lives.
Fu Bei’s attitude towards such people had always been to ignore them, striking back decisively during competition and slapping those gossips hard in the face. Today’s society values ability first. Being sharp-tongued and playing petty tricks is useless compared to a strong academic paper. Talent introduction is crucial for universities. Besides, the leaders weren’t stupid. Having gone to great lengths to hire Fu Bei, they would have to be brain-dead to trip her up. Everyone wished she would publish more academic articles and work harder on research. Even if some of them didn’t accept this orientation, they dared not do anything, not even speak out. If a fuss was made, what about admissions? Who knows how many students and talents would be lost?
Qiao Xi had heard these bad remarks, but she treated them as wind passing her ears—gone once blown over. She remained the same as always, completely unconcerned about the outside world’s opinions.
Later, no one talked anymore because Fu Bei was promoted. The Dean intended to promote her, recommending her against all dissent. And Fu Bei lived up to expectations. In the following years, not only did she achieve fruitful results herself, but she also led her team to win many awards, actively promoting exchanges and cooperation between Jiang University and famous domestic and foreign universities. While contributing to the Mathematics Department, she also brought significant influence to Jiang University in various aspects.
But this is a story for later. At the moment, due to the promotion, gossip was rampant. Fu Bei and Qiao Xi were exactly the same in dealing with others’ evaluations: let others talk until their lips wear out, they wouldn’t even give a direct look.
Their life was orderly and sweet, undisturbed by the outside world.
Since stumbling upon their relationship, Tang Yi was awkward at first, but adapted before long. She occasionally visited Qiao Xi at the apartment. Everything was as usual; the sisters ate, drank, and played—barbecue one week, bistro the next.
Qiao Xi still couldn’t handle much alcohol, always taken home tipsy by Fu Bei.
Fu Bei sometimes “punished” her, making her uncomfortable, and even got jealous of Tang Yi, dissatisfied that Qiao Xi ran to find Tang Yi every few days.
Qiao Xi defended herself: “Aren’t you busy with work? No time. Besides, I come home on time every time.”
Speaking without blushing or skipping a beat, even though Fu Bei had to pick her up every time.
Fu Bei held her hips, lifting her onto the desk, grabbing her ankles. Her thin lips pressed against the corner of Qiao Xi’s mouth, sniffing lightly, asking softly, “How much did you drink tonight?”
Her tone suddenly became incredibly gentle, making Qiao Xi nervous. Knowing exactly what this person was like, unsure how she would be tormented later, she subconsciously gripped the edge of the desk, pursed her lips, and said dryly, “Just drank two small glasses, not much.”
“Two small glasses and the smell of alcohol is so strong?” Fu Bei lifted her eyelids, brushing against the corner of Qiao Xi’s lips.
At times like this, she was always very gentle. No matter what she asked, her actions were unbelievably good. However, she would do the opposite later. Qiao Xi wanted to continue defending herself, but before she could open her mouth, her red lips were blocked. Fu Bei gave her no chance, swallowing all her words directly.
The night outside was so thick and deep. Several times Qiao Xi felt like she was falling, but was scooped up by the other party every time. Fu Bei’s paranoia and possessiveness were fully revealed at this moment, loving her endlessly.
The days that followed were plain and beautiful. Business at the new shop wasn’t as good as on Qijing Street, but it was okay. Qiao Xi never thought about making big money from this, relying entirely on her interest.
Zhuang Qiyang came over when free. Since the Fu family’s incident, he was the only one who still treated Fu Bei as a friend; others either stayed away or played dead. This person was quite nice, treating Qiao Xi well too. Every time he came, he brought food and drinks for them, though sometimes he also sought Fu Bei’s help.
Reaching a certain age, elders in the family basically urged marriage. Zhuang Qiyang was being urged desperately recently. Used to being free alone, annoyed by the urging, he simply used travel as an excuse to hide for two or three months.
Qiao Xi was still laughing at this. Who knew that returning to the compound two days later, she heard Qiao Jianliang nagging about this? Not saying it explicitly, but meaning it, euphemistically asking if she had considered future plans. At first, Qiao Xi didn’t understand what was going on, answering directly: “Just open the shop.”
Qiao Jianliang’s face was complicated, looking at Fu Bei with slightly off eyes. Qiao Xi wasn’t old, but most young people at twenty-five or twenty-six were already considering marriage. Moreover, Fu Bei was in her thirties; not planning was really unjustifiable. He could accept his daughter’s orientation now, but precisely because he could accept this difference from the public, he was relatively cautious in this regard, valuing Fu Bei’s attitude more, with higher requirements.
Actually, if Qiao Xi really wanted to get married, Qiao Jianliang would be the first to be unhappy. But if Fu Bei didn’t have that intention, he felt uncomfortable inside. Neither way worked.
The next time Fu Bei came to the Qiao family to visit him, he unhappily stung her with a couple of sentences—not scolding, just nagging about whose so-and-so got married, young people should have stability, living life requires peace of mind.
Fu Bei didn’t respond directly, only saying, “Uncle is right.”
Qiao Jianliang was speechless, feeling his breath was wasted.
**
In the twelfth lunar month of this year, the Fu family, long absent from the city, finally dared to return to the compound. Father Fu brought Grandpa Fu back, keeping a very low profile throughout, silently, unknown to many.
The Fu family began to slowly recover its vitality. After all, with deep roots and a thick foundation, and the storm having passed for so long, the higher-ups turning a blind eye, and Li Xunian and others willing to lend a hand, making a comeback wasn’t difficult. It was just certainly impossible to stand in the previous position.
Qiao Xi hesitated whether to meet Father Fu. Considering he was an elder and treated her and Fu Bei well, but thinking of Grandpa Fu being so stubborn, she still hesitated.
Qiao Jianliang wasn’t as conflicted as she was. He had no opinion on Fu Bei but didn’t like the rest of the Fu family much—actually never liked them, just couldn’t tear up faces before. However, he didn’t expect the first thing Father Fu did after returning was to visit with gifts. At that time, Qiao Jianliang’s face was simply colorful, angry but unable to vent, like a half-deflated balloon. Wanted to embarrass Father Fu, but couldn’t hit a smiling person.
Qiao Xi didn’t know about this matter, and Qiao Jianliang didn’t mention a word. She only found out when hearing Fu Bei mention it inadvertently one day.
She felt complicated inside too. Honestly, what Grandpa Fu and Liang Yuzhi did was ultimately a knot. Not meeting or contacting was fine, but after a long time, one had to face it.
Fu Bei went to the compound frequently recently, but mostly to see Qiao Jianliang. Sometimes bumping into Father Fu, she didn’t go to the Fu house; Grandpa Fu hadn’t cooled down yet.
The old man was stubborn to the point of being annoying. Even at this stage, his mouth was still tough. Knowing Fu Bei often ran to the Qiao family but didn’t come back to see him, he stomped his cane in anger. Father Fu ignored him, listening to his nagging at home every day, going outside when he couldn’t stand it. Over time, the old man stopped nagging.
This person was pitiful in old age too. Bad temper, unpopular, actually wanting to see his granddaughter very much. After so long, understanding acceptance or not wasn’t a big deal, but just stubbornly annoying. So nagging that even the helper at home didn’t want to stay with him.
These were all self-inflicted. If he didn’t change himself, others couldn’t help.
On the other hand, Qiao Xi thought left and right, feeling she should still meet Father Fu. At least inviting the elder for a cup of tea was necessary etiquette. She called Father Fu, arranging to meet the next afternoon. Father Fu certainly agreed, appearing very peaceful on the phone.
And that night, a very special thing happened, special enough to make this night unforgettable.
