Coveted for a Long Time 52

Chapter 52

Qiao Xi didn’t probe further, as she could guess why Fu Bei was tracking Liang Jincheng.

They hid in the dark. On the other side, Liang Jincheng and Zhou Qun were still talking. Being very close, even though their voices were low, the general content could be heard, though still unimportant.

Zhou Qun offered a cigarette to Liang Jincheng, but Liang Jincheng waved his hand and surprisingly didn’t accept.

Liang Jincheng smoked, usually quite heavily, so Zhou Qun offered one as a friendly gesture, only to be rejected. Liang Jincheng was wary outside. After all, having done too many dirty deeds, he feared retaliation. So he dared not eat or drink casually outside, bringing even his own water. He wouldn’t accept anything unless given by his trusted aides. It seemed his relationship with Zhou Qun hadn’t reached the point of close friendship.

Qiao Xi saw this scene, lost in thought.

Few people came here, so they wouldn’t be disturbed. Liang Jincheng and Zhou Qun chatted sporadically. Zhou Qun suddenly said, “Thanks to you last time, President Liang; otherwise, I would have been truly helpless. That old stubborn man wouldn’t help, and the Qiao family also stood by and watched me die.”

Liang Jincheng didn’t buy into flattery, his attitude lukewarm, only saying, “Just a small favor; didn’t help much.”

Zhou Qun said, “If not for your help, how would they relent over there? Going through the rectification process would take forever.”

The company’s game being taken offline and capital turnover were secondary; rectification and re-approval required a lot of effort and time. The longer it took, the greater the loss. If competitors seized the opportunity during this process, causing market loss, it would be even more infuriating. This was why Zhou Qun was so anxious before, even humbling himself to beg Elder Zhou.

It was indeed thanks to Liang Jincheng this time. Without his help, contributing money and effort, the game company would have suffered heavy losses.

The conversation between the two only had this bit of useful information. Hearing this, Qiao Xi was secretly surprised. She thought Liang Jincheng only lent a sum of money to Zhou Qun for turnover; she didn’t expect him to help so much.

When things are abnormal, there must be a demon. Was Liang Jincheng being too kind this time? What did he want to do?

Pondering for a long time, Qiao Xi looked up at Fu Bei pressed in front of her. Puzzled and wanting to ask, but wary of people nearby, she dared not make a sound, afraid of being discovered, so she held back.

The hiding place wasn’t spacious. Although the corner was a blind spot, a moment of carelessness could lead to discovery. Wearing gorgeous evening gowns, it was really inconvenient, especially with both their long skirts being large and fluffy.

Qiao Xi realized belatedly that the other party had been holding her without letting go, and she had been clutching the other’s arm, pressed together seamlessly, in an intimate posture. In private, Qiao Xi rarely refused even the most intimate actions, responding instead, sometimes even taking the initiative, hooking and refusing to let go. But outside, she would always pay attention to maintaining distance, especially when there were many people.

Now there were many guests at the Zhao family. Although no one else was here, there was no guarantee they wouldn’t be suddenly discovered. If someone came… Qiao Xi bit her lower lip, lowering her eyes. Afraid of making noise, she didn’t push the other party away, still resting in her arms, standing quietly.

At such close range, the deep V-neck attire was equivalent to nothing; a layer of fabric seemed non-existent. Looking down, she saw what she shouldn’t see. Qiao Xi froze. Clearly, they had that kind of relationship, having faced each other naked, yet she was still a bit uncomfortable. Probably the strange sense of restraint in her heart was at work, always on edge.

After all, in the eyes of the public, dressing too sexy was too frivolous and improper. Usually, one had to appear dignified. Fu Bei mostly wore formal wear or black, white, and gray loungewear, rarely dressing like this. Seeing it suddenly inside, Qiao Xi wasn’t quite used to it. Being alone now was even more constraining; her fingers curled up without moving.

Fu Bei’s figure was no less impressive than Qiao Xi’s, just usually covered up. Tall and slender, with perfect proportions, the black long dress highlighted her thin waist and long legs. The deep V part half-revealed the tempting hidden scenery, only a small arc, yet exceptionally alluring. The cool white skin contrasted with the pure black dress, further highlighting the exquisite elegance. She changed her perfume today—a faint iris scent, emanating faintly, hooking people like a living thing.

There was no light in the corner, pitch black. The oppressive and dull environment easily triggered different lingering feelings. What was seen and the scent of perfume harbored ambition, wrapping around the body like moving silk threads. Qiao Xi’s thoughts broke momentarily, her throat dry.

She half-closed her eyelids, her gaze dropping, then moving away.

Liang Jincheng and Zhou Qun over there left at some unknown time. When she turned her face to look again, no one was there; now only the two of them remained.

However, Fu Bei seemed to have no intention of letting go, still holding her back with one hand, leaning down slightly, almost face to face, feeling each other’s every breath.

Impossible to ignore the wet, hot breath, the unique ambiguity flowing. The air carried a hint of heat, wrapping the two inside. Fu Bei didn’t drink tonight, but Qiao Xi did. The faint, slightly sweet smell of alcohol blended into the slightly scorching breath, passing between lips and teeth. As this person leaned closer, Qiao Xi didn’t retreat but placed her hand on the other’s chest instead.

“Came with Uncle Qiao?” Fu Bei asked in a low voice, straightening up slightly. Raising her hand to hook Qiao Xi’s chin, her slender fingers touched it lightly, then moved to the side, hooking the side of her face, making her meet her eyes.

“Mmh.” Qiao Xi replied softly, lifting her swan neck. Her knuckles intentionally or unintentionally touched the edge of the neckline, but not enough to touch the person—openly presumptuous but actually stopping at the dangerous edge. She seemed to like this outfit, stroking the comfortable fabric repeatedly. Lifting her eyelids, she stared straight at Fu Bei. “Only had one invitation, so came with him. What about you? Why with Zhuang Qiyang?”

This gathering was commercial in nature. Zhuang Qiyang and Qiao Xi’s group weren’t on the invitation list; the invitees were business celebrities like Grandpa Fu and Qi Bingrui.

Zhuang Qiyang rarely attended such occasions. Qiao Xi wasn’t familiar with him but knew this, hence the extra question.

“He wanted to come and have a look.” Fu Bei said. Her voice appeared slightly low and hoarse due to deliberate suppression. Lowering her long eyes, gazing at Qiao Xi’s parting red lips, she wanted to taste the flavor, but considering both wore makeup and lipstick, she refrained.

Sensing the change, Qiao Xi snapped back to reality. Thinking of tonight’s purpose, she withdrew her hand to move away a bit.

Unexpectedly, Fu Bei tightened her grip at this moment, restraining her. Brushing lightly against her bright red lips, she claimed the kiss anyway.

The change came too fast. After Fu Bei let go, Qiao Xi blinked blankly, not expecting this person to really do this. She pursed her lips, her heart feeling gently stroked. After mumbling for a long time, she only gave a small “Oh.”

Clearly immersed in the sudden shock just now, yet speaking so indifferently upon opening her mouth, as if not caring.

“Go in first,” Fu Bei said. “I’ll come find you later.”

Meaning inviting Qiao Xi to be together tonight, naturally going to the university town area.

Qiao Xi didn’t make a sound, neither refusing nor agreeing. Tidying herself up, she replied, “Let’s go, or my dad will look for me.”

She went in first. Fu Bei returned from the other side a while later. They covered it up well, undiscovered by anyone.

After entering, Qiao Jianliang was indeed looking for Qiao Xi, asking where she went, unable to find her for a long time, wanting to introduce her to several elders.

Qiao Xi remained calm in the face of changes, replying composedly, “Went to the restroom; spilled wine on my hand.”

Qiao Jianliang didn’t suspect a thing, believing this excuse, taking her to meet those elders.

Qiao Xi was polite, dealing with them while searching for Qi Bingrui. Qi Bingrui wasn’t with Grandpa Fu anymore but chatting and laughing with Elder Zhao and others. Zhao Shihuan was among them, and Fu Bei was there too, having gone over at some unknown time.

Fu Bei tonight was too dazzling, eye-catching wherever she was. She was graceful and generous, her demeanor and speech revealing a natural charm, handling everyone with ease.

People like her and Zhao Shihuan were very popular in the business world, Fu Bei even more so. Every gesture was grand, taking the initiative, calm and composed. Her aura was too strong; those standing next to her paled in comparison, completely outshone, like natural winners, strategizing.

Qiao Xi couldn’t help but steal a few glances over there, noting down the people who had contact with Qi Bingrui, including Liang Jincheng.

Zhou Jiaqi didn’t appear much. She was with Liang Yuzhi and a group of elders, far from Qiao Xi. Smart and observant, knowing what to do and say clearly, she was very popular with the elders. Suddenly, someone in the group talked about Fu Bei, saying she was beautiful tonight. The topic expanded, someone mentioning juniors from other families, casually mentioning Qiao Xi was also not bad.

Qiao Xi wasn’t popular in this circle. Mentioned once and it ended; no one picked up the conversation, everyone turning to chat about other things. However, Zhou Jiaqi and Liang Yuzhi both looked terrible. Zhou Jiaqi disliked Qiao Xi, while Liang Yuzhi remembered the incident in the apartment.

She knew Fu Bei was in the apartment that night, deliberately not opening the door, hiding later. She also knew Fu Bei and Qiao Xi had a lot of contact, and Qiao Xi was there that night. Thinking of what happened, she couldn’t suppress her anger.

Grandpa Fu wasn’t aware of these things yet. Liang Yuzhi dared not tell him, not even Father Fu. If a fuss was made, it would be hard to end, especially with Grandpa Fu’s character; getting fierce might lead to cutting off relations.

Liang Yuzhi was realistic. She truly treated Fu Bei well, but also demanded what she needed from her. Birth and living environment determined what kind of person she was. Immersed in the big dye vat for too long, her ideology was set. She could tolerate Fu Bei’s sexual orientation and tolerate what Fu Bei did in private, but she absolutely wouldn’t allow her biological daughter to bring under-the-table things onto the table for all to see.

The relationship between Fu Bei and Qiao Xi went beyond control five years ago. The current situation wasn’t hard to predict.

Liang Yuzhi identified Fu Bei’s positioning and absolutely wouldn’t let Fu Bei take a wrong step. She knew she was selfish, but isn’t life like this? Some things you have to do. Her life was just like this; where was the freedom to do whatever she wanted? Impossible.

Qiao Xi didn’t know she was mentioned. After dealing with these elders, she found a quiet corner to stay by herself, drinking two glasses of wine. Having not eaten all night, she was a bit hungry.

She wanted to find something to eat. However, before she could act, she turned around and found Liang Yuzhi behind her.

Liang Yuzhi actually smiled kindly and gently, speaking first: “Rarely see you lately; what made you think of coming over?”

The smile didn’t reach her eyes; the gentleness floated on the surface, too fake.

Qiao Xi was stunned, her heart tightening for no reason, guarding herself. Calming her mind, she also smiled, replying neither humbly nor arrogantly, “Came with my dad; asked to take a look.”

Responding with deflection. She could feel Liang Yuzhi’s dissatisfaction and roughly knew why. Tightening her palms, her face remained calm.

“When you have time these days, you can also come to our place to sit.” Liang Yuzhi said, her eyes never leaving Qiao Xi’s face, not missing a single change. “Last time at the cemetery, time was tight, so I didn’t greet you.”

Words spoken simply beautifully. Clearly ignoring Qiao Xi, not just last time, but every time before. Now putting on this act, unknown what medicine was sold in the gourd.

Qiao Xi exchanged formulaic pleasantries, saying some flattering words.

Liang Yuzhi accepted it on the surface, but finally asked abruptly without context, “Little Bei has been back in the country for a long time, living near the university town. Seems quite close to your place. Have you met recently?”

Clearly knowing the situation long ago, having participated in the events five years ago. Anyone else would have exploded in anger long ago, but Liang Yuzhi acted like nothing happened, pretending ignorance to ask such a sentence. Her face remained gentle and elegant, as if asking a very ordinary question.

Qiao Xi paused, composing her expression. Then she wasn’t surprised at all that she would ask this. After all, the Fu family had treated her like this all these years—knowing how things were, yet leaving a so-called leeway. No matter the situation, even in face-to-face confrontation, they wouldn’t tear up faces.

This was the method, “leave a line in everything.” The Fu family was a scholarly family, but everyone was well-versed in the ways of the business world.

Qiao Xi glanced subtly at Fu Bei in the distance, then looked at Liang Yuzhi, scoffing, “No. Lots of things at the shop; only met before. Why does Auntie ask this?”

Deliberately lying, too lazy to even cover up; the meaning of prevarication couldn’t be heavier.

Actually, it wasn’t entirely fake. Meetings were few recently. Firstly, Qiao Xi had no time, having her own things to do. Secondly, Liang Yuzhi guarded too tightly, visiting Fu Bei often, leaving no chance to meet. She saw Qin Si often, helping at Qin Si’s place two days ago and visiting Tang Yi. She saw Fu Bei only twice—once near the university town, once in her own apartment.

This attitude was too arrogant; the expression on Liang Yuzhi’s face could barely hold.

**

The gathering ended very late. Qiao Jianliang wanted Qiao Xi to take the family car, but Qiao Xi found an excuse to refuse, finally leaving with Fu Bei.

When the two arrived near the university town, it was already past 1:00 AM. This area was quiet, not a single car seen on the street.

Qiao Xi was tipsy. Entering the door, unknown who initiated it first, the door was closed casually, continuing the kiss unfinished at the Zhao house. Having suffered anger from Liang Yuzhi, Qiao Xi wasn’t in a good mood, consequently making things difficult for Fu Bei—not letting her kiss properly, yet her hands weren’t well-behaved.

She parted her red lips to receive, arms hugging the other’s waist.

Fu Bei’s dress design was unique—deep V in front, back mostly bare, revealing the butterfly bones on both sides, carrying sexiness to the end. Qiao Xi couldn’t help raising her hand to stroke the slight protrusions, then moving to the central spine. Halfway through the kiss, she stopped it, brushing against the corner of Fu Bei’s lips, whispering, “Auntie looked for me tonight, asked a few questions.”

“Asked what?” Fu Bei said, fumbling to find the invisible zipper on the side of her dress.

“What could she ask?” Qiao Xi rebuked, somewhat unhappy after all, suddenly grabbing this person’s hand. “Who else besides you? Just like that.”

Fu Bei broke free cleverly, touching her face with cool fingertips. Qiao Xi turned away abruptly. This person pinched her chin again, forcing her to look at herself.

Coolness moved to her earlobe, faint and looming. Qiao Xi couldn’t help shrinking, waist clamped, unable to break free.

“Why aren’t you talking?” Her tone was a bit stiff, dissatisfied with Fu Bei’s reaction, placing her hand in between to prevent this person from getting too close.

Fu Bei caught her wrist, leaning in murmur-like, “Just ignore her…”

“She’s an elder; dare I ignore her?” Qiao Xi said.

Fu Bei only hummed, clasping her hand tightly. “How long was Zhao Shihuan with you tonight?”

Changing the subject inexplicably, dropping this sentence. Zhao Shihuan, calling by full name.

Qiao Xi was stunned by the question, unable to turn the corner. Where did this come from, dragging onto such a strange question again? She didn’t answer, moving her waist. Being pressed tightly was uncomfortable. Wanting to push this person away a bit, unexpectedly, she was clamped again as soon as she exerted force.

Fu Bei had seen the two of them long ago tonight. At that time, she and Zhuang Qiyang were on the other side. Too many people, so Qiao Xi didn’t discover her, but Fu Bei took in every move of Zhao Shihuan. Zhao Shihuan’s behavior was a bit too intimate; every action secretly protected Qiao Xi. Actually, Zhao Shihuan had been like this all these years. As a child, apart from always loving to seek presence to please Qiao Xi, there were no other clues, no problems seen. Moreover, after learning about Qiao Xi’s feelings back then, she gradually stayed away.

Now back, no longer like before, thoughts revealing bit by bit.

People are always nostalgic. Maybe there were palpitations in the early years, and now the old fire reignited.

Qiao Xi didn’t understand Zhao Shihuan; Fu Bei did.

“Those things in your house, did she buy them too?”

“What things?” Qiao Xi didn’t understand immediately.

“Candy.” Fu Bei said. “In the living room, in the bedroom, everywhere.”

Because she didn’t eat much, those candies were placed everywhere. Left for too long, Qiao Xi didn’t pay much attention, but Fu Bei saw them every time she went over. In the past, Zhao Shihuan’s most used trick was coaxing Qiao Xi with candy. Fu Bei had guessed who sent them long ago, just never asked.

Qiao Xi opened her lips, momentarily speechless.

Fu Bei lowered her head to block her lips, replacing language with action.

Paranoid, domineering, completely without the proper demeanor at the gathering.

The moon in the sky was round and white, hanging in the center of the sky at this time. Watery moonlight shone through the French window, light filling the entire living room, also illuminating the silhouettes of the two people behind the door, plating them with a blurry halo.

Fu Bei’s possessiveness was particularly strong tonight, almost breathless. Qiao Xi clenched her hands, hesitant, ultimately grabbing the other’s skirt, but barely responding from beginning to end, only receiving.

But it was enough. Fu Bei’s slender fingers touched her fair, round shoulder, sweeping over the slightly prominent collarbone and neck, finally hooking the side of her face.

After a long time, a kiss finally ended.