Coveted for a Long Time 29

Chapter 29

Fu Bei was there to pick up Chen Shuo. Coincidentally, Chen Shuo was returning from City S today, on the same flight as Qin Si. Fu Bei saw Qiao Xi first and guessed who she was there to pick up. Her face was expressionless, only glancing sideways the moment Qiao Xi looked up.

The meaning in her eyes was unclear—deep and gloomy, like restraint without much fluctuation, yet also like scrutiny, trying to see through Qiao Xi completely.

Feeling uncomfortable, Qiao Xi looked away, acting indifferent.

Immediately after, she saw Chen Shuo. She hadn’t seen him for many years. In her memory, he was just a delicate-looking young boy, but in the blink of an eye, he had grown into a mature, steady, and handsome man. With sharp brows and bright eyes, his proper attire made him look particularly upright—the same kind of person as Fu Bei.

Perhaps because it had been too long, Chen Shuo didn’t recognize Qiao Xi. He walked straight to Fu Bei and said something. Due to the distance and the crowd, Qiao Xi couldn’t hear their conversation.

Just then, someone patted her shoulder from behind. She turned around instinctively.

“Qiao Xi, what are you looking at? I walked right past you, and you didn’t even notice,” Qin Si said discontentedly, pulling her to a less crowded spot.

Having not seen her for a while, Qin Si had changed a lot. Her long hair was cut to shoulder length and tied up casually. The black hair hanging over her forehead was messy but aesthetic, giving her a free and unrestrained look. The temperature difference between Jiang City and City S was significant; she wore a pure black T-shirt and shorts, dressed simply and casually. Coming without luggage, it seemed her return was a spur-of-the-moment decision.

Qin Si and Fu Bei were completely different styles, two extremes. She was lazy and unrestrained, lacking stability, always doing as she pleased; even the King of Heaven couldn’t stop her. This was evident just from her dressing. Fu Bei, even in short sleeves and shorts, was meticulous from head to toe, cold from the inside out, her temperament as flat as a pool of stagnant water, as if nothing in the world could ripple her calm.

Qin Si and Qiao Xi had somewhat similar personalities, both unrestrained, but also very different. The same personality manifested completely differently in different people.

People kept walking by. Qiao Xi stepped aside and replied, “Waited for a while; thought I got the time wrong.”

Avoiding the previous question, she had no interest in catching up with Fu Bei, nor was she willing to tell Qin Si about her own affairs. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the person who had been standing there just now had already left with Chen Shuo, walking some distance away.

Actually, when Qin Si came over, Fu Bei had glanced this way twice but calmly withdrew her gaze without paying too much attention, so Qin Si didn’t notice anything unusual. Dissatisfied with Qiao Xi’s reaction, she raised a thin eyebrow and looked straight at Qiao Xi.

“You look like you have something on your mind. What happened?”

Qiao Xi lifted her eyes and replied nonchalantly, “Nothing. Just stayed up late last night.”

“Went out to play?”

“No, stayed home with nothing to do, watched TV.”

“Watched until what time?” Qin Si asked many questions, unlike her usual self.

Inexplicably, Qiao Xi felt something was off but didn’t delve into it. Dodging the flow of people, she led Qin Si outside. “One or two in the morning. Going to your place or mine first?”

Someone was pulling a suitcase towards them, looking down at their phone instead of the road. Qiao Xi happened to turn back to look and didn’t notice the person in front. Qin Si put a hand on her back, pulling her aside.

“Have eyes for nothing? They don’t watch the road, and neither do you.” Still sharp-tongued, unable to say anything nice.

Knowing she meant well, Qiao Xi didn’t argue.

Qin Si said, “Go to your place first, see what it’s like. Tonight, let’s ask Wan San and the others out for dinner; haven’t seen them for a long time.”

Wan San and the others were Qin Si’s friends. Qiao Xi wasn’t very familiar with them, but she used to occasionally join Qin Si for meals and gatherings with them.

Qiao Xi drove her to the shop first.

She remembered when she first decided to open a shop, Qin Si disagreed, wanting Qiao Xi to stay with her and suggesting a partnership. But Qiao Xi refused. Their skill levels were too different, and they couldn’t get along well; Qin Si’s way of handling things was too casual and inconsiderate of others’ feelings, a major point of divergence with Qiao Xi.

Qiao Xi thought she would disdain her shop. Unexpectedly, the other party looked around and spat out a sentence: “Not bad. Consider yourself graduated.”

“Really?” Qiao Xi was surprised. This sentence could count as praise. During her apprenticeship days, she hadn’t received a single good word from this person.

The corners of Qin Si’s eyes lifted. “Just the place is too small, not spacious enough.”

“Rent is expensive here. Small as it is, it’s not cheap at all,” Qiao Xi said, going in to get two drinks. Seeing Qin Si in short sleeves, she asked, “Cold? Want me to find a jacket for you to wear first?”

Today’s temperature wasn’t low, but the cool wind outside made it a bit chilly.

Qin Si was unappreciative. “Who wants to wear yours? I’m not cold.”

Truly ungrateful; concern and greetings were wasted on her. Qiao Xi was used to it and didn’t mind at all, taking her around for a look before going to her residential complex. The apartment was clean, which suited Qin Si’s picky nature, making it barely pleasing to the eye. Upon entering, she sat on the sofa to rest, lazy as always.

At noon, Qiao Xi cooked at home using ingredients from the fridge, not taking her out for a lavish meal. Qin Si didn’t mind, eating whatever was available. But she never lifted a finger; after eating, she didn’t move an inch, nesting back on the sofa, waiting for Qiao Xi to finish washing the dishes.

She turned on the TV out of boredom, changing channels incessantly, her mind not on the screen. Qiao Xi couldn’t help but say, “If you don’t want to watch, turn it off. Changing channels like that, don’t burn out the TV.”

“If it burns out, I’ll pay you for a new one,” Qin Si said. Twirling the remote in her long, fair hand, she looked back at Qiao Xi wiping the table, her eyelids half-drooping, and suddenly asked, “Hey, that friend of yours last time, also from Jiang City?”

Suddenly asking about this—she never cared about these things before. Even when Qiao Xi actively talked about her own affairs, she wasn’t willing to waste time listening. Now asking proactively was unlike her usual style.

Qiao Xi was stunned, then continued wiping the table, her face unchanged. “Neighbor’s family. Guess she counts as a friend.”

For some reason, Qin Si frowned, disliking the tone Qiao Xi used when saying this. It always had a hint of sadness, as if containing many unknown past events.

Helping herself to candy on the coffee table, Qin Si didn’t ask further, nor did she continue changing channels. After a while, seeing Qiao Xi finish wiping the table, she said, “Rest for half an hour, then accompany me back.”

Naturally, back to the shop near the university town, the one where Qiao Xi was an apprentice. Since Qiao Xi had nothing to do and the orders weren’t urgent, she went along.

It was already late August. Compared to a few days ago, there were many more students in the university town. Many returned to school a week early, and teachers came back even earlier to prepare for work. The quiet university town regained its usual bustle.

Qin Si’s tattoo parlor was on the back street next to the University of Science and Technology, very close to the female dorms. At that time, Qiao Xi was just wandering around the back street with nothing to do and accidentally walked into Qin Si’s shop.

Qin Si was composing a design then. Knowing someone entered, she said without lifting her head, “Sorry, not taking orders today. Please come back another day.”

Her tone was polite yet arrogant, making Qiao Xi feel awkward, standing at the door unable to enter or leave. Fortunately, Wan San arrived. Seeing a little girl at the door, he called her in directly. Sometimes fate is just coincidental like that; everything happened to come together for them to meet.

Closed for a long time, the shop was almost covered in a thin layer of dust. The layout inside was the same, things piled messily on the table. It seemed it hadn’t been cleaned since Qiao Xi set up her own business—simply unsightly.

“How long has it been since you cleaned this place? So messy.” Qiao Xi was a bit disdainful. Qin Si really wouldn’t lift a finger without someone to order around.

“Hiring someone tomorrow; a bit of money solves it.” Qin Si didn’t care, opening the counter drawer and rummaging through it. She found a car key, wiped it clean, and put it in her pocket.

Various equipment in the shop was covered with cloth, and even some commonly used tools were put away. Those unaware would think she wasn’t working anymore. Qiao Xi looked around and asked, “How long are you staying this time?”

Qin Si said, “Don’t know.”

Answering so decisively. Earlier she said she didn’t want to stay in Jiang City and wanted to go back to City S; how long had it been since she came back? Jiang City couldn’t compare to City S. Qiao Xi felt she wouldn’t stay long. Knowing this person too well, staying peacefully for half a year would be considered good.

Qin Si called Wan San and the others to come over. Qiao Xi was thirsty and went out to buy drinks. Not far from the tattoo parlor was a bubble tea shop with a bunch of students already waiting. She frequented this shop when she was studying, and business was still booming now.

Ordering two honey citron teas, she sat on an outdoor chair, playing with her phone while waiting.

Fu Bei stood behind her at some point, still in the same outfit from the morning—simple and capable casual black shirt, top button undone. Wearing shirts was particular; buttoning all the way up looked too rigid, undoing two buttons was a bit sexy or even frivolous, leaving one undone was just right.

She must have just finished work at school and passed by here, seeing Qiao Xi accidentally, so she came over.

Sensing someone in front, Qiao Xi looked up. Seeing it was her, she paused abruptly.

Fu Bei spoke first: “Waiting for someone?”

Qiao Xi didn’t answer directly, only saying, “Buying drinks.”

The order number was on the table, clearly showing “*2”. Fu Bei lowered her gaze, her eyes showing little fluctuation, her thin lips moving unconsciously.

Their interaction was always suspended, neither up nor down. Every time they touched slightly, they separated, just like now—sitting around the same table, yet distant as if thousands of miles apart.

There were many people in line ahead; Qiao Xi’s order was delayed. Qiao Xi seemed unwilling to talk much with Fu Bei, or perhaps there were other emotions involved, unwilling to waste a single word.

Yet Fu Bei asked, “The one at the airport, was that the person who called you on your birthday?”

Qiao Xi put her phone in her pocket. “You don’t know her.”

Unexpectedly, Fu Bei said, “Qin Si?”

She was stunned, not knowing how the other party knew, nor what this question was about.

The staff called the number; it was her order.

Before she could answer, the staff urged her, so she had to go get the drinks first.

But turning around, Qin Si had arrived.

Fu Bei stood up, her expression indifferent.

For some reason, Qiao Xi’s heart skipped a beat—very strange, since she hadn’t done anything guilty. She walked over carrying two cups of honey citron tea. The tea had ice added, and the cups were covered in condensation, wet.

Qin Si glanced secretly at Fu Bei, then said to Qiao Xi, “Buying this every time; don’t you get tired of drinking it?”

This didn’t sound like she was talking about Qiao Xi; there was an element of deliberateness. Her personality was like this—straightforward to the point of being annoying. She showed no subtlety towards those she disliked, like Fu Bei, whom she clearly disliked at a glance. Just now, when Fu Bei and Qiao Xi were sitting at the same table, she had seen it from afar but didn’t interrupt, barely retaining a shred of grace.

And honey citron tea was clearly what she liked to drink. Qiao Xi wasn’t picky, but during her apprenticeship days, she was often sent out to buy this, so she bought it out of habit.

Saying so, she still reached out to take it.

One cup each, exactly two cups.

Fu Bei stood aside, her expression unchanged, only lowering her eyelids as if Qin Si couldn’t catch her eye, waiting in place and watching calmly.

Qin Si didn’t show much either, stopping in time. She turned her body slightly, subtly blocking the space between the two, seemingly deliberately preventing contact between Qiao Xi and Fu Bei.

But in an instant, Fu Bei suddenly grabbed Qiao Xi’s left hand. The force wasn’t light, gripping her wrist tightly and refusing to let go. Qiao Xi was startled, reflexively trying to break free but failing. Her fair wrist immediately turned red from the grip.

Qin Si reacted faster than Qiao Xi, wanting to pull the person away. But not wanting to tussle outside, she controlled her temper, frowning and asking aggressively, “What are you doing?”

From beginning to end, Fu Bei didn’t look at Qin Si once, nor did she say a word. She just held onto Qiao Xi somewhat paranoidly, a look of endurance appearing on her face.

It had never been like this before. Even when Qiao Xi did something wrong or caused big trouble as a child, this person wouldn’t be like this. She had always been steady and mature, gentle and refined on the surface no matter what she did.

The stagnant water that couldn’t be rippled was now stirring.

Qiao Xi wanted to pull her hand away but couldn’t overpower her.

Fu Bei took half a step forward, expressionlessly picking a tiny scrap of paper off the corner of her shirt, then let go.

Qiao Xi thought she was going to do something, but she didn’t.

Qin Si was unhappy, pulling her away directly and leaving without a word, leaving no chance. Once far away, she said mercilessly, “Cat got your tongue? Can’t speak when you see people?”

Not understanding why she said that, and accustomed to her sharp tongue, Qiao Xi only said, “Did you eat dynamite today?”

“Look at you!” Qin Si said, inevitably looking back. Fu Bei was still standing there, looking this way, but never looking at her.

She scoffed disdainfully. Considering Qiao Xi’s performance just now—at least giving the drink to her—she stopped caring too much.

Qiao Xi felt Qin Si’s tone was too aggressive, having no kind words since meeting, almost every sentence carrying thorns. She muttered complainingly, thinking the other party would scold her again, but nothing happened.

Reaching the corner, she glanced towards the bubble tea shop out of the corner of her eye. But before she could see clearly, her view was blocked. Qin Si drawled, “Walk faster; Wan San and the others are already out.”

Qiao Xi snapped back to reality. “Where are we eating?”

Qin Si said, “Just find any place; anything works.”

Really… coming back last minute, treating guests last minute. Not a single thing was thought out in advance, as if not taking anything to heart. Thanks to the close relationship with her friends; anyone else would definitely hold a grudge.

Wan San and the others were waiting at the gate of the University of Science and Technology. Since they called in advance, everyone had set off early.

Qiao Xi wasn’t very familiar with these people, just greeting them and exchanging pleasantries. But they were warmer than Qin Si, who still looked angry and gave everyone a long face. Wan San and the others accommodated the two, cheerfully looking for a place to eat. Once everyone arrived, they drove over together.

There was plenty of good food near the university town. They went to a hotpot restaurant behind the Business School, asking for a private room on the second floor.

Qin Si didn’t sit with Qiao Xi; Wan San’s little girlfriend sat next to Qiao Xi.

Waiting for the food, the person opposite Qiao Xi asked, “Ah Si, didn’t you say last time you wouldn’t return to Jiang City this year? Why the sudden change of mind?”

Qiao Xi didn’t even know Qin Si originally didn’t plan to return this year. They rarely contacted each other, so she knew nothing about it.

Qin Si seemed unwilling to discuss this. Glancing diagonally opposite, she said, “The old man is pushing too hard. Uncomfortable staying in City S, being managed every day. Came back for some air.”

Completely different from the nonsense reason given on the phone in the morning. Hearing this, Qiao Xi stopped her movements and turned to look.

Qin Si looked away just at this moment.

With other friends present, Qin Si didn’t pay much attention to Qiao Xi. Qiao Xi chatted occasionally with the person next to her. When the food arrived, she ate while listening to everyone chat. Wan San was cheerful, constantly driving the atmosphere at the table. Someone teased him about when he would make it official with his girlfriend, causing the whole table to ask questions all at once.

They ordered red soup for the hotpot, quite spicy. Qiao Xi ate until her mouth and face were red, drinking water from time to time. By the end of the meal, she hadn’t eaten much food but was full of water.

Qin Si saw her like this, lowering her eyes but doing nothing, not even helping to pour a glass of water. Instead, Wan San’s little girlfriend took good care of Qiao Xi.

Hotpot emphasizes liveliness. The table ate and caught up. By the time they finished and paid the bill, it was nearly eleven. The group went to pick up their cars together. Before reaching there, Qiao Xi’s phone rang.

Qin Si looked over immediately.