Coveted for a Long Time 39

Chapter 39

The person whose face was unclear remained hidden in the shadows until he stepped into the light, revealing himself completely. Seeing his face, Qiao Xi’s pupils shrank, genuinely surprised.

It was none other than her stepbrother, Zhou Lin.

Qiao Xi had parked in a relatively secluded spot, not with the others. Why would Zhou Lin come here, and with Liang Jincheng?

Zhou Lin and Liang Jincheng seemed quite familiar. Zhou Lin was respectful and polite to Liang Jincheng, even more respectful than to Qiao Jianliang. If not for the vast difference in their appearances and lack of resemblance, those unaware might truly think they were father and son. However, Liang Jincheng was only thirty-nine, unlikely to have a son that old, and Qiao Xi had met Zhou Lin’s biological father.

Fu Bei moved her further into concealment, completely hiding behind a wall where they wouldn’t be easily seen.

From a distance, their voices weren’t loud, so the specific words couldn’t be heard clearly.

The kindness on Liang Jincheng’s face was too artificial; even his smile looked fake. He spoke calmly, seemingly instructing Zhou Lin on what to do. Zhou Lin nodded repeatedly, his attitude simply excellent.

For some reason, Qiao Xi suddenly remembered that before Qiao Jianliang’s failed real estate investment, Liang Jincheng had always intentionally or unintentionally connected him with the Zhou family. At first, Qiao Jianliang wasn’t interested in the Zhou family, who lacked financial strength. But gradually, likely influenced by Liang Jincheng, he had more and more contact with them.

Aside from the real estate project, other fields Qiao Jianliang invested in were more or less related to the Zhou family, such as health products and insurance. Later, when trouble arose, the Zhou family had come out to help Qiao Jianliang. Although it didn’t play a big role, they had contributed. The relationship between Qiao Jianliang and Zhou Meihe started building from that time.

Qiao Xi had never thought deeply about these things, nor had she ever suspected anything. What she saw were inconsequential matters; after all, she wasn’t involved in the Qiao family business. But running into Liang Jincheng and Zhou Lin meeting privately now, she felt something was off.

Moreover, Zhou Lin was just a high school student. Even with great ability, he couldn’t stir up much trouble—probably not.

She turned her head to look at the person pressed against her. Fu Bei wasn’t looking over there, only looking down at her. The meaning in her dark eyes was unclear, carrying a hint of scrutiny and an unreal gentleness. This person wasn’t worried about the two over there, not caring much from beginning to end, as if this was expected.

She definitely knew some inside information.

Qiao Xi glared back but dared not make a sound, her red lips pressed into a thin line.

Being hugged so tightly together was too close; they were almost seamlessly pressed against each other. Hiding was one thing, but why hug so tightly?

Fu Bei suddenly raised her hand and touched Qiao Xi’s chin, brushing over it lightly like a crow’s feather.

The scent on this person was very faint, the same as what she had smelled before. Qiao Xi could remember it. Not used to being pressed so close, she immediately turned her head and shifted her body sideways.

Liang Jincheng and Zhou Lin were still over there, talking endlessly. Liang Jincheng was too vigilant. Perhaps sensing something unusual over here, he suddenly looked over. Qiao Xi was startled and hurriedly shrank back, stiffening her whole body, not daring to move an inch for fear of being discovered.

Fu Bei was too calm, pulling her further in, lowering her head to lean close, and saying in a voice only the two of them could hear, “It’s okay, don’t be afraid…”

It was fine when she didn’t speak; Qiao Xi could barely hold her breath and hide. But once she spoke, it gave the illusion that they could be discovered at any moment. Moreover, she looked so composed and indifferent. Qiao Xi felt awkward and uncomfortably pulled away the arm hooked around her waist, pretending the person in front of her didn’t exist, raising her eyelids and glaring sideways grumpily.

As if unable to feel Qiao Xi’s impatience, Fu Bei didn’t respond, but she also didn’t put her arm around Qiao Xi’s waist again.

It was a false alarm. Liang Jincheng just paused for a moment without suspicion and continued talking to Zhou Lin.

Qiao Xi’s suspended heart landed. Her straight, tense back relaxed slightly. Perhaps because she was too agitated just now, afraid of being discovered, her heartbeat quickened significantly. She didn’t even feel that Fu Bei was about to gather her completely into her arms.

Seeing the other party protecting her like something precious, her heart inexplicably felt sour. She couldn’t describe the feeling, but it didn’t mean she would accept it. After a long silence, she subtly moved away a bit, glanced at the situation in the distance, opened and closed her mouth, struggled for a long time, and finally asked in a suppressed voice, “Are they very close?”

Qiao Xi didn’t know Liang Jincheng deeply, and due to family reasons, she wasn’t very clear about Zhou Lin’s situation either. She was puzzled inside, not knowing why, but intuitively feeling their relationship was definitely not simple; maybe there was some unknown inside story.

“Mmh.” Fu Bei understood and didn’t hide anything. “Zhou Lin’s dad was a middle school classmate of my uncle; they used to have a good relationship.”

Qiao Xi had no idea about this, and no one had ever mentioned it. Hearing it, she was stunned, but still a bit confused. Zhou Meihe divorced her ex-husband after giving birth to Zhou Lin. At that time, the Qiao family hadn’t made their fortune and moved into the compound yet. She only heard that Zhou Meihe’s relationship with her ex-husband had broken down irreconcilably, never interacting after the divorce, and even preventing him from seeing Zhou Lin. If Zhou Lin’s dad and Liang Jincheng were on good terms, how did Zhou Lin become so familiar with Liang Jincheng?

Too many twists and turns; couldn’t figure it out.

Holding it in for a moment, she looked up slightly to meet Fu Bei’s eyes. Catching the words “used to,” she asked, “Used to? They fell out now?”

Fu Bei nodded, her hand resting on Qiao Xi’s waist again, but this time behaving properly, not like just now.

Qiao Xi: “What does this have to do with Zhou Lin?”

“Nothing.” Fu Bei said, her gaze wandering over Qiao Xi’s beautiful face. Lowering her eyes, she could see her rosy lips opening and closing gently as she spoke. Her gaze stagnated, then she continued, “Zhou Lin’s dad left Jiang City long ago. Liang Jincheng interacts more with the Zhou family now.”

Called him “uncle” just now, now calling him by name. Qiao Xi keenly caught the difference and inevitably felt strange inside, but ultimately didn’t ask. Pondering for a moment, she sorted out these words. It meant Liang Jincheng and Zhou Lin’s dad once had a good friendship. Because of this friendship, he later connected with the Zhou family. Perhaps due to interests or other factors, Liang Jincheng chose to stand on the Zhou family’s side, naturally getting involved with Zhou Lin.

But thinking carefully, something was wrong. It hadn’t reached this point. What kind of person was Liang Jincheng? He wouldn’t get up early without profit; there must be other reasons.

Qiao Xi couldn’t figure it out, but now wasn’t the time to discuss these things. Hesitating for a long time, she shut up first.

“Come over a bit—” Fu Bei suddenly whispered, pulling her silently towards the back, turning behind another wall.

Before Qiao Xi could react or speak, footsteps were heard outside; someone was intruding. She was a bit nervous, then glad they hid quickly. Otherwise, bumping into someone and being recognized would expose them. She involuntarily grabbed the corner of Fu Bei’s shirt, not even daring to breathe heavily, patiently waiting for the group to pass.

Over there, Zhou Lin also left first as if avoiding something. Liang Jincheng remained in place, bumping into the group, smiling falsely, and exchanging pleasantries.

Only when everyone had walked far away did Qiao Xi and Fu Bei come out.

Dissatisfied with this person’s actions just now, but considering the other party protected her repeatedly, Qiao Xi’s reaction was okay, just pushing the person away lightly.

“Don’t touch me,” she said, her expression neither happy nor unhappy, just reluctant.

Fu Bei let go but showed no intention of moving aside.

“What have you been busy with these past few days?”

Qiao Xi said, “Nothing much.”

Clearly an attitude of not wanting to engage.

“You weren’t at home, and no one was at the shop.”

“Went out for something.”

Estimating Liang Jincheng and the others wouldn’t return, she strode towards her car. Fu Bei followed, her thin lips moving. Hesitating, she said, “I was wrong that day at the bar.”

Just empty words, not even an explanation. Actually, it wasn’t necessary; explaining would just add fuel to the fire. Qiao Xi was still angry and didn’t want to talk much. Seeing her blocking the way, she held it in for a while. Thinking she even dreamed about those nonsensical things, she instantly felt annoyed and her ears grew hot.

She walked straight ahead, unwilling to even look back.

Fu Bei was annoying lately, following her constantly.

Qiao Xi turned around. “Are you annoying or what!”

Perhaps her expression was too scary, her voice carrying undisguised disgust and annoyance, plus a hint of anger. Or perhaps Fu Bei didn’t expect her reaction to be so big. Anyway, the atmosphere instantly stagnated, and Fu Bei paused.

But she quickly returned to normal, asking immediately, “Going back now?”

Qiao Xi didn’t answer, walking silently towards the car. Walking along, she suddenly tripped and almost fell. Fortunately, Fu Bei behind her caught her in time, preventing her from falling flat on her face.

She scared herself, her heart tightening, thinking tonight was truly unlucky. She steadied herself immediately and created distance.

“Don’t follow me.”

Fu Bei knew why. Avoiding the heavy and dwelling on the light, she changed the subject to what happened just now. “The Zhou family has had business dealings with Liang Jincheng in recent years; rarely before.”

Sure enough, Qiao Xi stopped, looking back at her and frowning. “So?”

Fu Bei pondered for a moment and asked back, “Does Uncle Qiao know?”

How would Qiao Xi know? Her lips moved. Hesitating, she told the truth: “I don’t know; have to ask him.”

After speaking, she looked at this person, half conflicted and half hesitant, asking, “Is something wrong?”

Definitely something; otherwise, she wouldn’t ask these things. Seeing Liang Jincheng and Zhou Lin together and pulling her to hide was strange enough. Obviously knowing something. Qiao Xi had never cared about business matters, but this time was different; she also sensed something fishy.

However, Fu Bei said, “Not clear yet.”

Unknown if it was perfunctory or she really didn’t know.

Fu Bei told the truth; she really wasn’t clear, but didn’t tell Qiao Xi everything. Slowly approaching, she blocked the way directly, not letting her leave.

But this time Qiao Xi was guarded and could see what she wanted to do. Weighing things for a moment, she actually volunteered, “Let’s talk somewhere else.”

Inevitably meeting others outside, saying anything wasn’t appropriate. Holding back some things for a long time, she actually wanted to ask Fu Bei.

The two went to Qijing Street. Qiao Xi wouldn’t take this person back to the residential complex, and didn’t want to go to other beverage shops late at night. Coincidentally needing to get something from the tattoo parlor, she took the person back there. She didn’t care if Fu Bei had time or if it was convenient, just following her own arrangement. This time was past the most boisterous moment of Qijing Street; foot traffic was much smaller, and several shops next to the tattoo parlor had closed.

Probably truly unlucky today. Fumbling in the dark to turn on the light, the light turned on for a moment, then flickered a few times, and the surroundings plunged into darkness.

Qiao Xi was stunned. Subconsciously, she went to press the switch again.

At the same time, Fu Bei made the same move.