Chapter 59
The snow stopped at some point that night, leaving a thin layer of white piled on the windowsill. The night temperature was low, still cold. A cup of steaming hot milk sat on the table.
Fu Bei didn’t drink hot milk at night.
Dressed lightly as if she couldn’t feel the cold, she only paused the moment she heard a sound. Lifting her long eyes, she glanced over seemingly casually and said lightly, “Not coming in yet?”
Obviously waiting all along, expecting Qiao Xi to come at this time; otherwise, she wouldn’t have heated a cup of milk and waited.
Delighted, Qiao Xi hurriedly hugged her exercise book and went in, sitting at the table.
After drying her hair, Fu Bei came over to sit next to her, spreading the exercise book open. Her hands were very white, with slender knuckles and neatly trimmed nails. Having just showered, she carried a faint fragrance, fresh and pleasant.
Sitting together, contact was inevitable. Qiao Xi moved slightly and accidentally touched the other’s hand. She hesitated for a moment, not withdrawing her hand immediately, and Fu Bei didn’t move either.
Uncontrollably curling her fingers, she suddenly remembered the scene of sitting here last time. The hurried kiss still lingered in her mind. Just thinking about it made her ears burn, restless. Her chest seemed scalded by something, tightening suddenly. Her whole body became hot, a warmth scurrying around inside, colliding everywhere. Thinking and thinking, Qiao Xi’s ear tips turned scarlet. Perhaps caring too much, feeling awkward inside, remembering Fu Bei’s reactions, she lowered her eyes, preparing to move a bit to the side, not sitting so close.
Unexpectedly, before she could act, the person beside her suddenly asked, “How were the exam results last week?”
Just having a monthly exam, the results were out long ago. Although improved from before, they were still not ideal. Qiao Xi pursed her lips and replied, “Average. Math was relatively poor, still more than ten points below the class average.”
The exercise book she brought was math. Opening it, five or six out of ten questions were wrong—terrible beyond measure.
“Redid the wrong questions?”
She nodded. “Did them, and copied them again.”
She firmly remembered the study methods Fu Bei taught, using them as much as possible. Diligence can make up for clumsiness; the progress these days was significant.
Qiao Xi’s initial goal was to get into Jiang University. But after working desperately for a while, she found the gap was thousands of miles wide. With half a year left, unless she got extremely lucky and became a dark horse, she really couldn’t get in. Everyone who works hard wants to soar, but only a few succeed in the end. She was pragmatic, having a clear understanding of herself. Disappointment was certain, but despite disappointment, she still had to strive.
Flipping through another exercise book, Fu Bei roughly looked through it all. After a long while, her thin lips moved: “Drink the milk, or it’ll get cold later.”
Thinking she would talk about studying, Qiao Xi was stunned, nodding. “Right away.”
After speaking, she hurriedly picked up the cup and drank, finishing more than half in one breath.
Fu Bei turned her head to look, pursing her thin lips tightly, her brow tinged with an inscrutable expression. With eyelids half-closed, she casually pulled out a tissue and handed it to Qiao Xi.
“Wipe it.”
Both tacitly avoided mentioning the last incident, tutoring seriously under the lamp. The light leaking from the window fell on the accumulated white snow outside, reflecting the bright moonlight.
Afraid of the cold, Qiao Xi leaned over involuntarily, unaware of it herself, listening attentively and doing problems with great effort. Fu Bei made no move, indulging her like that, deliberately ignoring these overly intimate actions. After a while, she pulled over a soft, warm thin blanket from somewhere and gently draped it over Qiao Xi.
Still pondering how to solve the problem, Qiao Xi looked up, seeing the thing on her shoulder, then looking at the lightly dressed other party. “I’m not cold; you use it.”
Fu Bei saw through her thoughts at a glance. Thinking for a moment, she got up to find a piece of clothing to drape over herself.
Time passed quickly, turning into the early hours in a blink. However, tomorrow was the weekend, so there was no rush to rest. Qiao Xi didn’t plan to go back, working hard to solve problems. Earlier, without Fu Bei’s help, everything was difficult, and studying was annoying. Now it was much better. Having someone to rely on was an encouragement; motivation brought drive.
Qiao Jianliang didn’t come to look for her, knowing she was studying here.
Past one o’clock, snow fell heavily again. Qiao Xi washed up and stayed here for the night, making do with Fu Bei’s pajamas. Before sleeping, she even asked about two questions from the exercise book. Compared to the depression and decadence of the previous days, she seemed to have come alive again.
Nowadays, the Qiao family was wealthy. She didn’t really need to work hard; just casually attending a university and joining the family company would be fine. But everyone has their own ideas and different pursuits.
Not cut out for studying, lacking talent in this area—most people are like this. If mediocre, one must find a reason to strive desperately upward.
“I want to apply to the University of Science and Technology,” Qiao Xi said after lying in bed, turning over to face Fu Bei. “Opposite your school; can see you often in the future.”
Words spoken directly enough, without beating around the bush.
Fu Bei turned her head slightly, pulling the corner of the quilt, her tone indifferent, not surprised at all by her idea.
“What major do you want to study?”
Qiao Xi frowned, pondering for a moment. “Don’t know; haven’t thought about it yet.”
Fu Bei said, “Still half a year; no rush.”
Lying until almost asleep, Qiao Xi said, “You choose for me. I’m not interested in anything; don’t know what major to study.”
Fu Bei didn’t answer, only gathering the quilt to cover her well.
This night was particularly warm. Even with ice and snow outside, lying next to someone, they ended up snuggling together in sleep, comforting and warming each other.
Winter in Jiang City was always dry. Only bare branches remained on the roadside trees. The cold wind was biting, swirling sand and withered leaves. As days passed, the whole city gradually fell silent. Fewer people and cars on the streets, like entering hibernation, everywhere deserted and bleak.
In the last exam of the semester, Qiao Xi achieved her highest score since high school. With this score, getting into the University of Science and Technology was absolutely secure, though still distant from Jiang University. Instead of being depressed, she was very happy, taking things as they came, not making herself uncomfortable.
After getting the results, she returned to the compound to find Fu Bei. Unfortunately, Fu Bei wasn’t home, having gone to help at the company.
The old lady leaned comfortably on the reclining chair sunbathing, waving with a smile. “Let me see. Smiling like this, must have improved again.”
Qiao Xi felt inexplicably shy, handing over the report card. “Better than last time.”
Squinting to look, the old lady said kindly, “When Little Bei comes back, I’ll tell her to go find you.”
Qiao Xi agreed. However, Fu Bei didn’t come over that night, working overtime at the company without returning. Later, she was taken by Liang Yuzhi on a business trip, staying away for nearly a week before returning to Jiang City.
During that period, Liang Yuzhi was particularly attentive to Fu Bei, taking her everywhere, saying it was to train Fu Bei. Since there was nothing to do at home anyway, might as well help at the company.
No one discovered the clues, failing to notice the quiet changes.
Life went on as usual. On a sunny day, classmates invited Qiao Xi out to play and eat. The group went crazy at the Ancient Goose Pagoda until dark, taking a taxi back to the compound after nine. Qiao Xi bumped into Mother Qiao at the main gate.
The night was dim; from a distance, Mother Qiao didn’t spot her, saying goodbye affectionately to her little boyfriend, reluctant to leave.
Everyone has the right to pursue freedom and happiness; outsiders shouldn’t interfere.
Qiao Xi stood in the shadows watching. Until the Italian man drove away and Mother Qiao walked gracefully inside, she slowly walked under the streetlights, standing silently in place for ten minutes before walking home step by step.
This winter was extraordinarily unusual. Many things happened, in the open and in the dark, popping up like bamboo shoots after rain. Qiao Xi had no time to attend to these, immersed in review every day. She was so focused on studying that she ignored the people and things around her.
Although she still helped mark key points for review as usual, Fu Bei spent fewer and fewer days at home. In the depths of winter, when one should stay home, this person was taken out by Liang Yuzhi every day.
On the day of Great Cold, Zhao Shihuan, who had disappeared for a long time, suddenly called, chatting for more than half an hour across thousands of miles. Still the same old way, always loving to tease Qiao Xi.
Qiao Xi asked, “Are you back in Jiang City?”
Haven’t seen each other for a long time. Universities were all on break, and New Year was coming soon, but Zhao Shihuan was nowhere to be seen.
Zhao Shihuan was silent on the other end for a while, then smiled, pretending to be relaxed. “Not coming back this year. Something came up; busy here in Beijing.”
“Busy with what?” Qiao Xi was puzzled. Busy with studying recently, she hadn’t paid attention to outside affairs, knowing nothing about everyone’s recent situation.
However, Zhao Shihuan didn’t say explicitly, finally replying, “Will return to Jiang City next year when free; will spend New Year with you then.”
Only later did Qiao Xi learn that the Zhao family had moved north for development, preparing for related matters as early as half a year ago. Whether they would return to Jiang City in the future was unknown. In the following years, she never saw Zhao Shihuan again. At first, she received calls occasionally, but gradually contact broke off, each irrelevant to the other.
Life is full of such partings and reunions. Memories still linger on childhood play, but reality is being worlds apart. Can’t say if reluctant or not; anyway, after a long time, one lets go. Occasionally thinking back carefully, one can’t remember how this relationship faded. Maybe when Qiao Xi understood her own feelings, or maybe one day Zhao Shihuan discovered the unusualness herself. The final promise became just a sentence; meeting again was already a lifetime later.
Later still, Liang Yuzhi actively invited Qiao Xi out for a drink, talking to her condescendingly about the teapot matching the lid, otherwise becoming a monstrosity.
Qiao Xi pretended not to understand, asking what dessert Liang Yuzhi wanted to eat.
Liang Yuzhi didn’t take her seriously, saying lightly, “You’re still young, inevitably ignorant. But don’t be so reckless and impulsive. Once a mistake is made, it’s not just your business alone.”
Qiao Xi blinked, looking opposite puzzledly, as if really not understanding. “What mistake?”
Liang Yuzhi’s face fell instantly, smiling falsely.
After this time, she rarely stepped into the Fu family’s door again. It was on a spring day that the old lady came over happily with a plate of handmade pastries, Fu Bei following behind.
“Why haven’t you come over lately? Can’t see your shadow all day.” The old lady nagged. She walked with difficulty now, needing a cane and Fu Bei’s support.
Only Qiao Xi was home, hurriedly welcoming the two inside.
Now the two senior sisters had long completed their apprenticeship, schedules tight, often performing out of town, rarely coming to the compound or stepping into the practice room on the second floor of the Fu house. The old lady was bored, doing nothing but walking and sunbathing all day. Only when in a good mood would she pick up her old trade to practice a bit.
Qiao Xi was a bit uncomfortable, awkward enough from that conversation not to want to see the Fu family. But meeting Fu Bei’s eyes, a myriad of feelings surged in her heart. After mumbling for a while, she replied softly, “Studying; lots of homework.”
The old lady found a place to sit on her own, instructing, “Combine work and rest; go out for a stroll when free.”
The old lady was always understanding, good beyond words. She was different from anyone else in the Fu family—enthusiastic and kind-hearted, especially to Qiao Xi, genuinely good. So her arrival caused a big change, eliminating the barrier in Qiao Xi’s heart, making Qiao Xi less stubborn.
People are different individuals and should be treated separately; some are good, some are bad.
**
Dazed for a moment, pulling herself out of memories, Qiao Xi finally replied, “I know.”
Qiao Jianliang didn’t continue this, probably feeling uncomfortable, closing his eyes to nap.
Qiao Xi stood by the bed for two or three minutes, then went out silently to guard.
The next day, Qin Si and Zhao Shihuan came to visit Qiao Jianliang one after another, their times staggered perfectly. Qiao Jianliang recognized Zhao Shihuan but not Qin Si, forgetting who she was for a moment. Fortunately, Qiao Xi hadn’t gone to the company yet; otherwise, it would have been awkward.
“Qiao Qiao’s friend,” Qin Si introduced herself, very respectful to Qiao Jianliang, etiquette thorough. “Hello, Uncle Qiao.”
Qiao Jianliang was in poor spirits, responding with a couple of sentences. Clear-headed one moment and dizzy the next, he couldn’t even distinguish where he was, thinking he was still at home, repeatedly inviting Qin Si to sit on the “sofa”—heart-wrenching to watch.
Qiao Xi had to go to the company and couldn’t wait for Zhao Shihuan to arrive. Once Zhou Meihe came, she tidied up, instructed a few things, and left.
Qin Si went out with her. Not driving over, she hitched a ride.
“What did the doctor say? How’s the situation now?” she asked.
While fastening her seatbelt, Qiao Xi said, “Recovery will take a long time; won’t get better in the short term.”
Qin Si said, “As long as he wakes up, mostly can recover slowly.”
“Mmh.”
“Adapting well in the company?”
Turning the steering wheel half a circle, turning a corner, Qiao Xi replied, “Secretary Chen is helping. It’s okay for now. I can’t do much, just sitting in the office guarding every day.”
“You’re a busy person now, unseen for ten days or half a month. The shop is probably collecting dust,” Qin Si glanced this way.
“No choice,” Qiao Xi said. “Can’t get away, running between two ends every day.”
Red light ahead; slowing down to stop.
In the brief stop, Qin Si was silent for a moment. Seeing Qiao Xi’s slightly pale face and listless eyes out of the corner of her eye, she wanted to speak but stopped. After a long while, she only said, “Busy is busy, but take care of yourself; don’t push too hard.”
Qiao Xi didn’t answer, her thoughts not here at all. Whether she listened or not, only she knew.
There was still a pile of things to do at the company, increasingly busy and tiring. As soon as she entered the office, Secretary Chen came to notify her of today’s plan. The schedule was packed full, leaving only time for meals, not even a break. This was good too; being busy prevented wild thoughts.
However, in the meeting at three o’clock, sitting at the top in front of a group of senior managers, she actually zoned out. It was Secretary Fang who subtly reminded her twice before she came back to her senses.
After the meeting adjourned, Secretary Fang asked with concern, “Too tired?”
She shook her head. “It’s okay, not very tired.”
Secretary Fang didn’t ask more, instructing that she could rest for ten minutes after the meeting.
Sitting in the office again, closing the door, alone, Qiao Xi finally relaxed for a moment. Telling herself not to think, she couldn’t help remembering a certain person.
They didn’t quarrel. That night in the car, they didn’t even flush with anger; there was only silence and stalemate.
Qiao Xi had evidence to sue Liang Jincheng, but couldn’t guarantee bringing him down. And this evidence would implicate Liang Yuzhi and several miscellaneous people. Once in court, the direction and result were hard to guarantee. The evidence was collected by Qiao Jianliang. She didn’t know whether to use it or pretend ignorance, waiting until Qiao Jianliang recovered.
Fu Bei definitely knew some inside information but never mentioned it, perhaps intentionally covering up.
Qiao Xi hesitated, deliberating repeatedly, and finally locked the safe, not taking risks for now.
Returning to the hospital, it was nearly nine. Zhou Meihe, having taken care of the patient all day, was exhausted, eagerly waiting for her to come.
In the ward, Fu Bei was also there, met as soon as she went over.
Qiao Jianliang’s condition was decent at this time, chatting weakly with Fu Bei about something unknown. He even smiled, though always forgetting things, muddled, needing reminders from time to time. Fu Bei was very patient, without a trace of impatience on her face.
Discovering Qiao Xi’s arrival, the ward fell silent for an instant. It was Qiao Jianliang who spoke first, “Little Xi, why just standing there?”
Qiao Xi went in, glancing at Fu Bei out of the corner of her eye, not looking directly at the other party.
The doctor came at this time, asking them to lend a hand together. Fu Bei accidentally touched Qiao Xi’s hand; Qiao Xi shrank away abruptly.
“Go get a cup of water; time for medicine,” the doctor said while checking Qiao Jianliang, not specifying who should go.
Qiao Xi moved consciously, but collided right into it. Before she could withdraw her hand, Fu Bei grabbed it tight.
Backs to that side, they weren’t discovered.
