"For the past eight years, I have opened the door of my house every month and cleaned it inside and out. It seems that I really want my parents to come back. But when they really come back, I don't feel as excited as I imagined. Instead, my heart is as calm as water. Qiange, I am very scared. Do you think this means that I have no feelings for my parents anymore?"
Xia Kong was a little dazed.
Xia's parents were released from prison.
When Qiange got the news, she immediately took a bus back to the courtyard.
Xia's parents were sitting in the yard, wearing thin dark blue shirts. They looked haggard and their faces were sallow, as if they had become different people.
Jiang's parents were sitting next to them, and Xia Kong was also sitting next to them, with his head slightly lowered, so that the expression on his face could not be seen clearly.
Seeing Qiange coming over, Father Xia raised his head and showed a strange smile: "Ah! Is this Qiange? You have grown so big."
"Uncle Xia, Aunt Liu." Qiange nodded slightly as a greeting, then walked silently to sit next to Jiang's mother. She stared at Xia Kong the whole time, unable to figure out what he was thinking at the moment.
The atmosphere was very subtle, and there seemed to be a thousand words in my heart, but at that moment I didn't know where to start. Father Jiang sighed and said, "It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back, now that you're back, just live a good life."
Xia's parents seemed to have had their edges smoothed out in prison. Given the mistakes they made, they wouldn't be locked up for more than a few years as long as they were sincere.
It's just that when he first went in, Xia's father's temper was hard to change, and sometimes he would verbally attack the police. As these things piled up, they were detained for longer and longer periods of time, and they were only released now.
That year, Xia Kong was only sixteen years old, and now, Xia Kong is twenty-three.
"Alas, we were not good in the past, and we regret it now. Lao Jiang, it's all thanks to you. If it weren't for you, our Xiao Xia..." When she said this, Xia's mother couldn't bear it, and she covered her mouth with her hands and started to cry.
In fact, Xia Kong is the same as Qian Ge. They both went through the days when they were most vulnerable and needed the most care. Now, they have everything they need. With their minds mature, why should they regret the past?
"Okay! Stop talking so much!" Jiang's mother slapped her thigh, glanced at Qiange, and said, "Now, the three members of the Jiang family are here, and the three members of the Xia family are here too. This is a day worth celebrating! Children, go buy some groceries, and let mom show you some cooking skills. Let's have a reunion dinner together! How do you think?"
At this time, Xia's parents finally showed joy on their faces and agreed repeatedly: "Hey, let's help too!"
"Qian Ge, go buy some vegetables with Xia Kong, buy more." Mother Jiang signaled to Qian Ge.
Xia Kong had already stood up, although he didn't say a word.
Qiange nodded to Jiang's mother and followed Xia Kong out of the courtyard.
There are several families living in the long Huaishu Lane, all of which have quadrangles with black tiles and red walls. Some of the stone steps in front of the courtyard have been worn smooth and flat after weathering, and some of the houses have rows of petunias planted at the gate of the courtyard. When passing by, you can smell the fragrance of the petunias.
Xia Kong seemed to be in a very low and confused mood. There was no smile on his face and he looked like snow in the cold winter.
Qiange opened her mouth slightly and let out an inaudible sigh. She turned her head to look at Xia Kong, her gaze moving down to his jade-white fingers.
Qiange reached out her hand, gently put it around Xia Kong's palm, and then held all his fingers in her hand.
Xia Kong was stunned, stopped, turned his head and looked at Qiange blankly.
Qian Ge smiled at him and said, "You walk so slowly. By the time we buy the groceries and get home, it will already be afternoon."
Xia Kong moved his fingers subconsciously, feeling the warmth of Qian Ge's palm, then bent his fingers to wrap around her, and said, "I'm sorry."
"Why are you saying sorry to me?" Qiange smiled.
Xia Kong smiled tiredly: "I'm sorry to have made you worry."
Qian Ge turned her head and walked forward holding Xia Kong's hand: "I made you worried too, so this is nothing."
Xia Kong felt his fingertips tingling. He said, "Actually, I really don't know what to do. For the past eight years, I have opened the door of my house every month and cleaned it inside and out. It seems that I really want my parents to come back. But when they really came back, I didn't feel as excited as I imagined. Instead, my heart was as calm as water. Qiange, I'm so scared. Do you think this means that I don't have any feelings for my parents anymore?"
"Nonsense, this is not a lack of emotion." Bystanders can always see things clearly. Qian Ge said, "Based on the way your parents treated you before, it would be weird if you were overjoyed because they came back. Your heart is as calm as water because you feel at ease, waiting for the family to be reunited."
"Really?" Xia Kong raised his eyebrows, and his eyes finally slowly became clear again.
People are always willing to believe in the bright side of things, and Xia Kong is no exception.
Moreover, no matter what life will be like after his parents come back, Xia Kong has grown up and the situation like before will never happen again.
Besides, even if it happened, what was there to be afraid of? Over the years, his heart had become stronger and stronger.
"Thank you, Qiange." Xia Kong turned around and held Qiange's hand, saying sincerely.
Qian Ge smiled until her eyes narrowed into slits and said, "You're welcome!"
Xia Kong looked at her with a smile. The summer sun finally penetrated the thick clouds and poured down at that moment.
"The...smell of love." At a street corner not far away, Qingyou, who was holding a porcelain bottle, stared at the two of them in a daze, muttering these words.
Is it time for me to let it go?
For a person who doesn't like you, you reject so many beautiful things.
Is this worth it?
The Xia family’s affairs have been settled, and Qiange has also started a new job.
According to Qiange's request, she had done an excellent job in the marketing department before, and this time when she re-entered the Xuan Group, she had to at least start as a marketing manager.
Of course, she definitely took advantage of her status, but why not? Besides, she wanted to take the position of supervisor because she wanted to drive Zhou Yanyan away.
That’s right, Zhou Yanyan has already taken the position of supervisor through her “unremitting efforts”.
When Zhou Yanyan learned that her supervisor position had been replaced by a newcomer, she came to the marketing manager's office in a rage, "QZ! What's going on? How could a newcomer replace me? Have you forgotten what you promised me?"
The somewhat obese Quan Zong winked at Zhou Yanyan and used gestures to tell her not to talk nonsense.
Only then did Zhou Yanyan notice that there was a woman in professional attire sitting opposite the ACFTU's desk.
"Is this the new one?" Zhou Yanyan said with some disdain.
"How did he promise you?" Qiange looked back with a smile.
Seeing that it was Qian Ge, Zhou Yanyan was shocked: "Why is it you?"
Qian Ge smiled: "Are you surprised to see me? Yan Yan."
Zhou Yanyan snorted in anger and said, "You really are an indestructible cockroach! Last time you were kicked out for seducing President Xuan's husband, who are you going to seduce this time?"
"Zhou Yanyan! How can you talk like that?" General Quan slapped the table, stood up and pointed at Qiange, saying, "This is the second daughter of the Xuan family! You are talking incoherently, and you still don't want to apologize?"
"What!" Zhou Yanyan's mind suddenly exploded like a thunderclap. She stepped back in shock. "Second Miss?"
Zhou Yanyan gritted her teeth and looked at the calm smile on Qiange's face: "You, Jiang Qiange! Don't I know your background? What despicable means did you use to become the second lady of the Xuan family?"
"Zhou Yanyan!" Mr. Quan yelled in fear. Qiange reached out her hand to stop Mr. Quan. She still smiled and said to Zhou Yanyan, "I didn't use any tricks to become the second daughter of the Xuan family. I just have the blood of Mr. Xuan and Mrs. Xuan flowing in my body."
"You..." What on earth is going on?
Zhou Yanyan leaned against the office door, cold sweat pouring down her forehead. The smile on Qiange's face made Zhou Yanyan feel scared.
"Well, then you become the head of the marketing department, what about me?" Zhou Yanyan asked.
Qiange thought for a moment and said, "There are seven departments in the marketing department, with seven supervisors. You have the lowest performance among the seven departments, so there is a reason to replace you. As for where you will go, you have two choices. One is to pack up and leave, and the other is to be demoted to an ordinary employee and work under me."
"You..." Zhou Yanyan gritted her teeth, but she caught a glimpse of Mr. Quan signaling her not to say anything more from the corner of her eye.
Zhou Yanyan closed her mouth and thought for a while before she calmed down and said, "I...I choose the second one."
"Okay, then let's go back to where you came from." Qiange said lightly.
Zhou Yanyan knew that this meant that she was asked to move back to her original position. She swallowed her unhappiness and left the A-Trade Union office with heavy steps.
She knew that it would be uncomfortable to work under Qian Gege, but the Federation of Trade Unions would definitely help her! She couldn't always work under Qian Gege!
"All-China Federation of Trade Unions." Qiange's gaze fell on the All-China Federation of Trade Unions.
The general manager laughed and sat down slowly: "What do you want, Miss?"
Qiange said, "Don't call me the Second Miss, just call me Qiange. This is not the feudal society of the past, you don't have to be afraid of me. The ACFTU has outstanding business capabilities to sit in the position of general manager of the marketing department, and he must know that it is lonely at the top. So, ACFTU, you should cut off some relationships that may bring trouble to you, and work hard."
The general nodded and said, "Second Miss is right."
Qiange stood up with satisfaction and said with a smile: "The Federation of Trade Unions is my superior. If there is anything I do not do well, please give me more criticism." After that, she bowed.
The general hurriedly supported her and said, "Second Miss, you are too polite."
"Well, I'll go out first." Qian Ge said.
The general manager came over quickly to open the door for Qian Ge: "Second Miss, take care."
Qian Ge breathed a sigh of relief after leaving the office, and an expression of relief immediately appeared on her face.
Finally it's done. The atmosphere just now was clearly created by myself, but I ended up scaring myself.
However, I finally taught that woman Zhou Yanyan a lesson! Let's see if she dares to do tricks behind my back again!
However, when Qiange became the daughter of the Xuan family, not only Zhou Yanyan and Xuan Lu were shocked and uncomfortable, An Jiu was also uncomfortable with it.
After An Jiu and Xuan Lu got married, he moved into the Xuan family, so he also lived in the Xuan family.
Because Anjiu was on a business trip a few days ago, Qiange didn't meet him.
That day, Qiange had just returned to the villa and met Anjiu at the door.
Anjiu was carrying a silver-gray suitcase and was about to speak when he suddenly heard footsteps behind him. He turned around and saw Qiange.
"Qian Ge?" An Jiu turned around and looked at Qing Ge with a complicated look.
Qiange walked forward silently and turned the key. Just as she was about to open the door, Anjiu grabbed Qiange's wrist and said, "Qiange... it's great that you're here..."
Qian Ge lowered her head and asked, "Why is it so good? Is it because I am the real daughter of the Xuan family?"
"How can you say that? You obviously know how I feel all along. I treat you differently than I treat others."
Qian Ge sneered, and suddenly raised her head, her tone half cold and half sarcastic: "Brother-in-law, can you please not hold my hand?"
The word "brother-in-law" was undoubtedly a bombshell, and it instantly passed through Anjiu's body like an electric current. His hand trembled stiffly and he subconsciously retracted it.
Qiange opened the door and walked in. Xuanlu ran down from the second floor and said happily: "Anjiu, you're back!"
After seeing clearly that it was Qian Ge, Xuan Lu's face showed some disappointment.
However, Anjiu walked in from the door afterwards. When Xuan Lu saw him, she smiled again. She ran towards Anjiu, hugged him, and said coquettishly, "Hubby! You're finally back. I missed you so much!"
Qian Ge turned a deaf ear to him and slowly walked towards her bedroom. Sister Li, who was in charge of the three meals, came over and asked, "Miss Qian Ge, Uncle An Jiu, you are back? What do you want to eat? Sister Li will make it for you now."
As Qian Ge walked up the stairs, she said, "Mrs. Li, I'll go to the kitchen to help you after I put the things away."
An Jiu pushed Xuan Lu away gently, tiredly, and said, "Anything is fine. I'm not picky."
"Okay, okay." Mrs. Li replied.
"Wait." Seeing that Qiange had returned to the room, Xuan Lu called Sister Li and restored her ladylike demeanor, "Sister Li, Master Anjiu is the husband of the eldest lady. You should be more careful with your words in the future and don't let people cause any misunderstandings."
Mrs. Li was stunned and nodded quickly: "Yes, Miss." After that, she went back to the kitchen to busy herself.
An Jiu sighed and said, "Lulu, you are too harsh. Sister Li didn't mean anything else."
"Oh, do you like to hear such words? 'Miss Qiange, Uncle Anjiu, you are back?' You say it as if you are her husband! " Xuan Lu rolled her eyes.
"You are too sensitive." An Jiu didn't want to explain any more to her, so he picked up his luggage and went upstairs to his room.
At this time, Qian Ge was just coming downstairs, and the two met on the stairs. Qian Ge and An Jiu brushed past each other without even looking at him, and even ignored Xuan Lu in the living room, and went straight into the kitchen.
"Mrs. Li, let me help you." Qiange tied her apron skillfully, rolled up her sleeves and started working.
Sister Li hurriedly stopped him: "Oh, Miss Qiange, how can this be done? This is the servants' job."
Qian Ge smiled and said, "What do you mean by servants? The Xuan family pays and you do the work, so it's a fair deal. Why distinguish between superiors and subordinates? Don't worry, Sister Li. I'm used to doing these things. I've been following my mother to cook since I was a child."
Sister Li smiled, the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes sunk deeply into her skin. She said, "Miss Qiange is a good person. She will definitely live a long life!"
Qiange also laughed: "Mrs. Li, you can just call me Qiange from now on. Don't be so polite."
"Okay, okay, Qiange." Sister Li's tone was filled with uncontrollable joy.
When Xuan Lu heard this conversation outside, she suddenly felt annoyed for no reason.
If it were just that, it would have been fine, but what happened during dinner that night made Xuan Lu even more annoyed.
The Xuan family has more than one property. Xuan's mother and father came home very late today because of work. As soon as they came back, they saw the table was full of delicious food.
"Is Mrs. Li in a good mood today?" Xuan's father joked.
While arranging the dishes, Mrs. Li said, "Sir, Madam, half of the dishes here were made by Miss Qiange?"
"Qian Ge?" Xuan's mother was a little surprised.
At this time, Qian Ge came out of the kitchen with a bowl of soup: "The last soup is here! You can eat it!"
"Qian Ge is really amazing." Xuan's mother couldn't help but sigh when she saw the table full of dishes.
Qian Ge smiled and said, "Sit down and eat."
"Miss, son-in-law, come down for dinner." Mrs. Li shouted at the stairs.
After a while, Xuan Lu and An Jiu also came down from the building. When Xuan Lu saw her parents coming back, she ran over and said excitedly, "Mom and Dad! An Jiu has completed the order in City D!"
"Really? That's great! Let's eat and celebrate." said Xuan's father.
"Yeah." An Jiu pulled out a chair and sat down. Xuan Lu sat next to him and tasted the dishes happily.
Originally Xuan Lu thought that An Jiu would be the protagonist tonight, but as soon as they sat down, Xuan's mother and father began to praise Qiange's cooking skills, and said that Jiang's mother was such a gentle and virtuous woman with superb craftsmanship, which was why she taught Qiange so well.
Sister Li also echoed from the side, which made Xuan's mother's eyes blossom with joy.
Xuan Lu and An Jiu were completely unable to get a word in and could only eat in silence.
The whole atmosphere is very strange, some are very active and some are very deserted.
Xuan Lu always felt that Qiange was deliberately targeting her!
However, she would not give up just like that!
Xuan Lu gritted her teeth, raised her head, and smiled innocently: "Qian Ge's cooking skills are indeed good. I will also learn more about cooking in the future, and then cook for my parents."
"You are not good at cooking, but as long as you can cook a good boiled egg, mom will be very happy." Xuan's mother joked.
Everyone in the room burst into laughter, and Xuan Lu blushed in embarrassment: "Mom, you're making fun of me again."
It seems that Xuan's mother still treats Xuan Lu the same as before. If this is the case, Xuan Lu has nothing to worry about.
Humph, she would never admit defeat, even if Qiange is the lady of the Xuan family!
Qiange has been busy with work these past two days and rarely took the time to ask about the situation at the Siheyuan.
On Friday, Qiange originally wanted to go back to Siheyuan after get off work, but before she got off work, she received a call from Qingyou.
Qingyou asked Qiange to go to Lin Fangke's house after get off work. Qiange asked, "What's wrong?"
"Xia Kong is here, come over here."
Qian Ge looked at the time when she got off work and asked, "Is it urgent?"
"It's okay, just come after get off work." Qingyou said.
After hanging up the phone, Qiange didn't think too much about it. She finished her work first and then went to Lin Fangke's house.
In Lin Fangke's bedroom, Xia Kong was lying on the sofa, wrapped in a blanket in a messy way, with his head buried in the blanket, leaving only his messy black hair sticking out.
There were a lot of opened snacks and beer bottles in the room.
"What's going on?" Qiange asked when she saw Lin Fangke and Qingyou cleaning the house.
Qingyou and Lin Fangke looked at each other, walked over, took Qiange's hand and walked out to the balcony.
On the balcony, Qingyou told Qiange that Xia's parents were drinking and quarreling again.
"What!" Qian Ge was shocked. "Seven years in prison can't change their bad habits?"
"Alas." Qingyou was also confused. "Xia Kong called me and Lin Fangke and said that he wanted to move out of the courtyard. Last night, Xia's father got drunk and came home to quarrel with Xia's mother over a trivial matter. Xia's father threw things around and the debris cut Xia's mother's hand. Xia Kong was in a bad mood. He drank yesterday and today. He looked very depressed..."
"What happened yesterday...why didn't I know about it?" Qiange asked stupidly.
Qingyou: "Xia Kong was afraid that it would affect your life, so he didn't tell you, and asked Jiang's parents not to tell you."
Qiange turned her head worriedly and looked at the tired boy on the sofa, feeling that she didn't care about him enough.
"Let me take care of him." Qian Ge walked over and said to Lin Fangke, "Lin Fangke, I'd like to borrow your room today."
"Why be so polite? Xia Kong listens to you. Please persuade him more." Lin Fangke said.
Qiange nodded, Lin Fangke winked at Qingyou, and the two left the room.
Qiange threw the pillow on the ground, sat on it, and turned her head slightly to look at Xia Kong.
The wind from the air conditioner was a little chilly. Qiange pulled off the blanket that was pressing on Xia Kong and covered him again. Xia Kong turned over, revealing his rosy cheeks.
Xia Kong's eyelashes were curled and tightly closed, and his breath was a little hot because of the wine. Qian Ge looked at him and suddenly felt very relieved.
Slowly, Qiange reached out her hand and touched Xia Kong's face. Qiange's hand was cool and very comfortable. Xia Kong rubbed it greedily, like a sleeping kitten rubbing its favorite toy.
As if sensing the comfortable warmth on his face, Xia Kong narrowed his eyes and slowly opened them.
The bedroom light was turned to the lowest setting, and it was almost dark. Xia Kong opened his eyes, and his eyes were like agate in the dark night.
"Am I dreaming...I saw Qiange..." Xia Kong murmured.
Qian Ge smiled and ruffled Xia Kong's hair: "It's not a dream, I'm here."
Xia Kong was still lying on his stomach, but he was stunned for a moment. Then, a smile blossomed like a flower on the sofa. He slowly got up from the sofa and knelt in front of Qiange. Qiange helped Xia Kong up because his body was a little unstable.
Xia Kong fell into Qiange's arms, still a little confused: "Qian Ge..."
Qian Ge hugged Xia Kong and patted his back considerately: "I'm here."
I feel so satisfied, really so satisfied. I have never felt so satisfied as I do now.
It really seems like a dream...
Xia Kong finally propped up his heavy body and looked into Qiange's eyes. Qiange's eyes were like stars in the night and the twinkling waves in the sea. In just a blink of an eye, they could turn into a whirlpool and swallow Xia Kong.
"Xia Kong, what's wrong with you?" Qiange held Xia Kong's face. His face became hotter than before. She didn't know if it was the effect of alcohol or if he was sick.
Xia Kong's eyes were a little blurry, and his head seemed to be unable to stand on his neck, shaking. Or rather, his whole body was shaking.
"My head hurts."
"Then sleep a little longer." Qiange stood up, helped Xia Kong up, and wanted to lay him flat on the sofa.
However, Xia Kong couldn't stand steadily because his body was too heavy. He fell forward uncontrollably in an instant. Before Qiange could react, Xia Kong threw her onto the sofa. For a moment, their eyes met, and their consciousness was both clear and blurred at that moment.
Because Xia Kong had been drinking, his breath already had a hint of intoxicating heat, and at this moment, he actually became a little hot.
Qiange stared at Xia Kong blankly, her whole body felt like it was being acupunctured, and she had no idea what to do.
Under the dim light, Qiange's facial features were looming, and every part of them was tempting Xia Kong. Xia Kong swallowed and found that his throat had already dried up.
I want everything about Qian Ge...
Xia Kong's consciousness was completely out of control of his brain, he leaned deeper, impatiently kissing Qian Ge's lips. It was like a thirst-quenching sweet spring, making people extremely greedy.
Qian Ge was still in a daze, not knowing how to push Xia Kong away. Or rather, she was also greedy for Xia Kong's soft lips and liked the feeling of hugging him.
The tips of their tongues touched lightly, and in an instant they were entangled in ecstasy.
Qian Ge hugged Xia Kong's neck, as if giving silent permission. Xia Kong reached into Qian Ge's shirt and untied the clothes that bound her body...
“Boom boom boom!”
The knock on the door scared Qiange so much that she realized that this was Lin Fangke's home!
Qian Ge came to her senses and hurriedly pushed Xia Kong away, but Xia Kong held her hand tightly, stepped forward and blocked Qian Ge's lips.
Xia Kong became very strong and Qiange couldn't break free at all.
Once again, Qian Ge's consciousness was completely overwhelmed by Xia Kong's desire, and she... gave up...
The door was slightly opened, and Lin Fangke poked his head in. Just as he was about to call Qiange, he saw the boy and girl hugging each other tightly on the sofa, loving each other in ecstasy.
Lin Fangke's eyes widened, and then he quickly and carefully closed and locked the door, admiring from the bottom of his heart: "Xia Kong, this kid! It turns out he is so open after drinking! Hehehe, I'd better not disturb them."
Outside the bedroom, Lin Fangke told everyone not to approach his bedroom. Inside the bedroom, the charming and beautiful scenery was slowly filling the entire room.
The next morning, Qiange got up early and went to the kitchen to help the Lin family. Lin Fangke ran in with a gossipy look on his face, drove away the servants, and asked with a smile: "Qiange, how did you feel last night?"
Qiange was stunned for a moment, then she understood what Lin Fangke meant. She jumped up instantly, her face flushed as she pointed at Lin Fangke: "You! You..."
Lin Fangke waved his hands innocently: "You were still wearing clothes when I glanced at you, what happened later?"
Qian Ge was so ashamed that she threw the spoon and shovel at Lin Fangke: "Lin Fangke, shut up! Don't talk about this in front of me, and don't talk about it in front of Xia Kong! Forget it now! Forget it!"
Lin Fangke was chased out of the kitchen with a loud laugh, and he slapped his thigh in the living room with joy.
"Lin Fangke, what are you doing so early in the morning?" Qingyou stayed here last night because he was also worried about Xia Kong.
Lin Fangke waved to Qingyou mysteriously: "Come here, I have something interesting to share with you."
"Lin Fangke!" Qiange rushed out screaming, with her hands on her hips, staring at Lin Fangke angrily!
Lin Fangke was so happy: "This is the story! Xia Kong treated Qiange as his mother last night and slept in her arms all night, hahaha!"
Qiange was so angry that she gasped and simply turned her head away and ignored Lin Fangke. Qingyou didn't laugh when she heard this. Lin Fangke said it so tactfully. How could Qingyou, who is so smart, not understand the meaning?
Back to Xia Kong, he woke up in a daze at noon.
Moreover, he seemed to have no memory of what happened last night.
The four of them sat together, and Xia Kong told them: "I want to quit my current job and become a travel photographer."
"That's great. I can go to many places and take many magical photos." Lin Fangke lay lazily on the sofa.
Qingyou retorted: "I didn't ask you if you were okay. I just told you what job you will do in the future."
Lin Fangke pouted immediately: "Oh, Qingyou is too mean to me."
Qingyue was speechless: "Shut up."
Xia Kong turned to look at Qiange, wanting to ask for Qiange's opinion, but he found that Qiange was in a trance.
"Qian Ge." Xia Kong gently touched Qian Ge's arm, and Qian Ge immediately jumped up and asked, "What's wrong?"
Lin Fangke couldn't help laughing. Qian Ge blushed and complained, "What are you laughing at?"
Xia Kong asked in confusion: "What happened?"
"Nothing." Qian Ge scratched her head. "You want to be a travel photographer? I've known for a long time. You should do it while you are still young." After that, she said absentmindedly, "I'm going home to see my parents. I'm leaving first."
Seeing Qian Ge walking away in a panic, Xia Kong asked in confusion: "What's going on?"
Lin Fangke finally calmed down and patted Xia Kong's chest with the back of his hand: "Don't you remember what happened last night?"
"Last night?" Xia Kong was puzzled. He was drunk last night, so he was sleeping the whole time, wasn't he?
Lin Fangke leaned closer to Xia Kong and said, "You scumbag! I wanted to ask Qiange to come out for dinner last night, but when I opened the door, I saw you two doing something shameful on the sofa."
Xia Kong opened his eyes wide and didn't react for a moment.
Lin Fangke spread his hands: "Although I don't know what happened later, but you were really strong at that time!"
Xia Kong's head buzzed and he stood up reflexively and ran outside, knocking over a few books on the coffee table, but he didn't care to care about anything else.
He just wanted to find Qiange now. If what Lin Fangke said was true, then Xia Kong didn't want Qiange to misunderstand.
He didn't mean to forget, he just couldn't remember.
He didn't take advantage of Qiange intentionally by being drunk, but he really liked Qiange from the bottom of his heart.
Qian Ge must be very confused now...
Just after running out of Lin Fangke's house, Xia Kong saw Qiange at the corner of the road.
"Qian Ge——"
Hearing the sound, Qiange looked back.
Xia Kong ran over, under the dense shade of the trees, smelling the scent of the leaves scorching the sun, and ran towards Qiange.
In an instant, when he was close, Xia Kong hugged Qiange in his arms. The shadows of the trees were reflected on them. At that moment, Qiange felt like she had met the most beautiful angel in the world, who wrapped her tightly with pure white wings.
"Xia Kong..."
"Qian Ge." Xia Kong gently called her name and said, "I love you."
When the wind blows, the whole world bears witness to my love for you.
In this world, when a pair of lovers finally get married, there is always another person in a dark corner, suffering from inner torment.
Qingyou closed the store for two days.
There were many things she couldn't figure out. In fact, she herself knew that this was just a very simple matter, but perhaps because that kind of secret love had emerged since her youth, she couldn't get over it for a long time.
When Xia Kong received the news from Qingyou, he had just submitted his resignation to the photo studio.
In the WeChat message, Qingyou asked Xiakong to go to the rooftop cafe.
When Xia Kong arrived, Qingyou was already sitting there.
"Can I order Blue Mountain for you?" After so many years, I still haven't found out what flavor of coffee he likes.
"I like it very much." Xia Kong smiled and sat down.
Qingyou's fingers stroked the edge of the coffee cup: "Xia Kong, have you... guessed why I called you here?"
Xia Kong said honestly: "I have a little guess, but I dare not conclude."
Qingyou smiled tiredly: "You know my feelings, right? You have known it since you were sixteen years old, right?" Xia Kong's eyes drooped slightly and he nodded.
Qingyou smiled again: "You have known for so many years, but I still haven't been able to wait for you. I am really a failure."
"Don't say that." Xia Kong said hurriedly, "Qingyou, you are good, so you deserve better. I'm sorry, before I met you, I had already met Qian Ge, and there is no room for another person in my heart."
Qingyou smiled easily: "Don't be nervous, luckily you are such a loyal person, so I, Yuan Qingyou, didn't make a mistake in judging you. I know that you have always treated me as a good friend, so for so many years, I have always kept my love for you deep in my heart. I thought that one day I would give up on you and meet someone better than you, but I couldn't give up... until two days ago, when I suddenly realized that I really should let you go."
Xia Kong listened to Qingyou speaking slowly without interrupting her.
Qingyou held the cup of Blue Mountain and smiled gently, just like the way Xia Kong saw her for the first time: "You and Qiange are both my good friends. I am really happy for you to be together and I sincerely wish you all the best. Xia Kong, I asked you out because I think I used my best youth to like you. You must know this, otherwise, I will feel very sorry and aggrieved. I don't mean anything else. Can we...can we still be good friends like before without any barriers?"
"Of course." Qingyou was so frank. How could a grown man like him be shy? Xia Kong smiled, a hearty and clean smile that Qingyou liked the most. "From the moment we met until we are buried in the earth decades later, you are my best friend. This will not change for any reason."
That's good.
Qingyou smiled with her eyebrows curved. She was a gentle and affectionate girl at heart. When she smiled, her face seemed covered with a layer of soft light, so beautiful.
Just be friends.
In this way, she can let go of her inner worries and be herself again.
Although I didn't achieve my wish in the end, Xia Kong, it's great to meet you.
A gentle breeze blew from the rooftop, lightly creating a circle of beautiful ripples between them.
Xia Kong asked for his resignation and was ready to leave the studio after completing the seven scheduled films.
On the day he left the studio, Qiange waited at the door to pick him up.
After seeing Xia Kong coming out, Qian Ge jumped up and said with a smile: "Happy resignation!"
Xia Kong smiled and said, "Let's go eat something and celebrate."
"Okay, I'll treat you." Qiange patted his chest.
It was a rare occasion that Xia Kong planned to pursue his dream, and Qiange also returned to her job. Many things were worth celebrating, so Qiange and Xia Kong splurged and had a high-end meal at a cost of 600 yuan per person.
"When do you plan to start your dream?" Qiange asked curiously.
Xia Kong smiled slightly and said, "Maybe in half a month. I will live in Lin Fangke's house during this half month."
Qian Ge knew what Xia Kong meant and asked, "So what are you going to do with your parents?"
Xia Kong paused and asked, "Qian Ge, do you think I should be a filial son in the traditional sense?"
After hearing this, Qian Ge quickly shook her head, and then felt that it was a bit inappropriate to comment on other people's family affairs, so she had to say: "It is the duty of children to be filial, but not blindly. I have seen how your parents treated you since you were a child, and I think, I don't think they are competent parents."
"More than that, they are not competent parents at all." Xia Kong said, "I left all my savings over the years to them, and I only kept enough for my living expenses for one month. In the future, I will set aside a part of the money I earn, 70% to the Jiang family and 30% to the Xia family. If something big happens in the future, I will come back to see them."
It sounds very cold-blooded, but Xia Kong has done his best.
What Xia Kong should repay is only the Xia family's kindness in giving birth to him. Although the Xia family supported his education until he was sixteen, the Xia family did not spend much money.
The tuition for nine-year compulsory education is low, and Xia Kong lives entirely on his scholarships and poverty subsidies. Sometimes, when his father sees Xia Kong's bonuses, he will snatch them away to gamble.
Every day, they would get drunk and quarrel wildly at home. They would always beat Xia Kong up over trivial matters. What did Xia Kong owe them? Nothing.
If it weren't for the care of the Jiang family and teachers over the years, Xia Kong would have grown up to be a person with a particularly twisted personality.
So, for these parents who are not really parents, he has done a good job.
If he doesn't escape from this predicament, his future will be dragged down by this couple.
"I don't object to your approach. If it were me, I would do the same." Qiange said.
When Xia Kong said these words, he seemed to have let it go. There was no trace of sadness on his face. He just smiled easily: "I don't care about so much anymore. I am only worried about one thing, that is, if I leave, I won't be able to stay with you forever, Qiange."
Qian Ge smiled and pointed in the direction above her head. Xia Kong understood what she meant and said in unison: "It doesn't matter, we are under the same sky."
They both understood the joke and smiled at each other at that moment.
However, before Xia Kong could fulfill his dream, something happened to him.
It is already late summer and early autumn , but the weather is still very hot.
That evening, the entire sky above the courtyard was red, as spectacular as a sunset glow.
A group of people rushed straight into the courtyard. Father Xia, who was smoking in the yard, was shocked when he saw this and turned around and hid in the house.
But before he could hide, the leading man grabbed the collar from the back of his neck and pulled him back.
"Ouch!" Father Xia screamed and fell to the ground.
Hearing the noise, Xia's mother ran out of the house, but regretted it as soon as she ran out. She wanted to hide back as if she hadn't seen anything, but someone blocked her way.
"Old Xia, you're living a good life. Have you forgotten something?"
How could Father Xia dare to forget? These people were the creditors of the year, the creditors from whom they borrowed money at high interest rates!
Now the loan sharking has accumulated interest and the debt has reached tens of millions. Even if you kill Xia's father, he can't come up with that much money.
"No, I dare not forget, I dare not forget." Father Xia got up from the ground, knelt in front of the creditor, and kowtowed, "Give me a few days, Brother Niu, give me a few days."
"Humph!" Brother Niu laughed contemptuously, "Even if I give you a lifetime, you still won't be able to pay it back, and in the end, you'll lose the life of one of my brothers."
"Brother Niu, Brother Niu." Father Xia bowed to him like he was worshipping a Buddha, "I really don't have any money."
"No money? If you don't have money, then pay with your life!" Brother Niu said as he ordered his men to beat Father Xia. Upon seeing this, Mother Xia immediately ran to Father Xia, stopped the men who were beating him, and screamed, "We'll pay back! We'll pay back! Spare us!"
Brother Niu frowned and shouted to his men, "Stop." After that, he looked at Mother Xia, "Why are you still here?"
"My son!" Mother Xia took out her cell phone tremblingly and showed Brother Niu Xia Kong's photo. "My son can help you pay it back. He has a rich girlfriend. Do you know Xuan's? My son's girlfriend is the eldest daughter of Xuan's. She is very rich."
Xuan? That's a rich man indeed.
Brother Niu thought for a moment and said, "Then write down on this IOU that your son is required to pay back the money."
A piece of paper was thrown in Xia's father's face. He was so scared that he trembled all over. He took it and signed it, transferring the account to Xia Kong.
Brother Niu took the IOU and left the courtyard with satisfaction, ready to go look for the son that Old Xia had mentioned.
They followed Xia Kong for two days before they blocked him at the entrance of a small alley.
After knowing the reason, Xia Kong said coldly: "You found the wrong person, right? Even if I am their son, it is not my turn to pay it back."
"It's written clearly in black and white, and you still want to deny it?" Brother Niu handed the IOU in his hand to Xia Kong to see.
Xia Kong laughed sarcastically, "How dare you bring out something that has no legal effect?"
"Don't scare me, kid. Although it has no legal effect, it is only natural to repay debts. Your father borrowed money from me, and it is only right for you as a son to pay it back. Besides, don't you have a rich girlfriend?" Brother Niu said.
When Xia Kong heard this, his face changed. Did his parents sell Qiange out?
"You bunch of people who disregard the law, stop daydreaming!" Xia Kong's attitude was very tough.
Brother Niu's face changed, and he cracked his fingers, "You don't know what's good for you! Brothers, come on!"
Brother Niu's men instantly pulled out an iron rod from their boots. Seeing this, Xia Kong couldn't help but take a step back.
There were several of them in total, and even if Xia Kong had weapons to deal with them, he couldn't beat them.
It seems that there is really no escape today.
The men with iron rods rushed forward and swung them at Xia Kong, specifically hitting his back, arms, and legs. Xia Kong could only hold out for a few seconds with his bare hands. He felt a pain in his calves and fell to his knees.
Those people surrounded him, and Xia Kong had no power to fight back and was knocked unconscious by them with a stick.
"Take it away!" said Brother Niu.
For some reason, Qiange always felt her right eyelid twitching frequently. She rubbed the acupoints around her eyes tiredly and felt particularly tired.
"Ding Ling——" The mobile phone on the desk rang twice. It was a WeChat message from Xia Kong.
Qian Ge opened it and was so frightened that her whole body turned cold when she saw the message!
The two messages included a picture: Xia Kong was tied to a chair, covered in blood, and had fainted.
The second message was: If you want your boyfriend to live, come to the abandoned factory in the southern suburbs alone with 30 million in cash. If you dare to call the police, I will kill him! I will also kill him if it is after 6pm!
Summer sky...
Qian Ge's legs went weak, she held the phone, her mind went blank.
"Xia Kong..." Mumbling this name, Qian Ge was startled. Without thinking too much, she opened the office door and rushed out! Seeing her anxious, the people in the company were all confused.
"Xia Kong...what should I do?" Qiange repeated these words silently in her heart, tears flowing uncontrollably.
That group of people beat Xia Kong into that state and wanted to blackmail her...Xia Kong...Xia Kong must not be in any danger!
After hailing a car all the way back to Xuan's house, Qiange rushed into the teahouse somewhat rashly. In the teahouse, Xuan's father was still discussing work matters with the guests. When he saw Qiange rushing in, he couldn't help but frowned: "Qiange, you are so disrespectful..."
The words suddenly got stuck in his throat. Father Xuan saw Qian Ge's tears and panic, and he immediately became anxious: "Qian Ge, what's wrong?"
"I beg you...save Xia Kong!" Qiange cried out in panic and grabbed Xuan's father's sleeve helplessly.
Seeing this, Xuanfu's assistant apologized to the guests and asked them to leave.
"Qian Ge, don't worry, come and tell dad what happened?"
Qian Ge sobbed and turned on her phone to show Father Xuan: "Xia Kong, Xia Kong has been kidnapped..."
What?
Xuan's father opened his eyes wide in disbelief!
After coming to his senses, Xuan's mother also came in. Xuan's father said seriously: "Qian Ge, this matter cannot be taken lightly, we must call the police."
"No!" Qian Ge shook her head in panic, "I don't dare to bet with Xia Kong's life. If they only want money, I will give it to them."
"Qian Ge, do you really want to take the risk alone?" Xuan's mother asked worriedly.
Qiange forced herself to calm down, her whole body still shaking uncontrollably: "It takes an hour to drive from here to the southern suburbs. Call the police on time in an hour. I must see Xia Kong with my own eyes."
"Qian Ge..."
"Don't say anything!" Qian Ge raised her eyes, her eyes were already wet, "If something happens to Xia Kong, I don't know how to live..."
Father Xuan frowned and thought for a while, then said, "Okay, Qiange, I'll do as you say. I'll go get the money for you."
"Husband..." Xuan's mother was very opposed to this plan.
But Xuanfu and Qiange had made up their minds, and she couldn't stop them.
Xuan's father helped Qiange prepare the cash, and Qiange drove to the southern suburbs. Xuan's father then called the police, followed Qiange in his car, and stopped in the blind spot of the abandoned factory in the southern suburbs.
His daughter had just been found, and he didn't want anything to go wrong for Qiange.