After Breaking Off the Engagement, The Young Lady Deeply Regretted It - Chapter 10

Fang Qingyu really was in a hurry. After a simple goodbye, Jing Xiao turned and entered the bar.

Yu chang had always been famous for its retro vibe, and although the exterior hadn’t changed, the interior had been updated with trendy hip-hop elements. A new “special service” was also introduced—booths where patrons could pick attractive bar girls to dance for them.

Ouyang Fei, clearly someone who never lacked money, had already ordered several kinds of liquor. She drank leisurely while watching scantily dressed girls dance.

“Damn, you really know how to enjoy yourself. Why didn’t you reply to my messages?” Jing Xiao’s face was lightly sheened with sweat. She wasn’t familiar with the bar’s layout, and with Ouyang Fei refusing to answer her messages, it had taken her more than ten minutes of wandering to finally find her.

Eyes fixed on the lead dancer, Ouyang Fei happily transferred a generous tip. “Didn’t have any attention to spare.”

“See no evil.” Jing Xiao turned aside, the deafening music giving her a headache.

Seeing Jing Xiao avoid the sight, Ouyang Fei, ever considerate, waved for the girl and her companions to leave. Then she pushed a glass of liquor toward Jing Xiao. “Oh, by the way, I attended a meeting with your grandpa the other day.”

Jing Xiao arched an eyebrow. “And then?”

A soft snort. Ouyang Fei chuckled. “What do you think? The same old stuff. He even told me to persuade you.”

Jing Xiao: “Figures.”

Dropping her earlier nonchalance, Ouyang Fei leaned closer, her tone serious. “Since we’re out together, I might as well try to talk some sense into you—”

“Stop right there.” Jing Xiao raised a hand to silence her. Persuasion was the last thing she wanted—what she really cared about was the Jing family’s current situation.

But Ouyang Fei misunderstood, slapping her thigh like an anxious eunuch worrying for the emperor. “Your dad already brought Jing Lan into the family! You’re the one who suffered, and now she’s the one inheriting the company? How is that even fair?”

It was true the Jing family had been declining in recent years. It was Jing Xiao who had rallied the employees and pulled the company back on its feet, working tirelessly day and night to secure contracts. Yet now, because she refused to return, Jing Father had brought his illegitimate daughter Jing Lan into the company, claiming it was “to train his children.”

Jing Lan wasn’t particularly capable, but she was obedient and practical. Her reputation among management was, at least for now, quite decent.

Jing Xiao nodded thoughtfully, then drained her glass in one go. “We’ll see.”

There was no point saying more. Ouyang Fei shrugged and switched the topic. “Look at these girls. Don’t like any of them? I could call one over to drink with you.”

Jing Xiao cast a light glance and muttered, “Don’t mess with me. Are these really your type?”

“Why not? Seems fine to me.” Ouyang Fei waved, and the youngest-looking girl in the line stepped forward. Ouyang stuffed a wad of cash into her hand, and the girl obediently sat on her lap.

Jing Xiao stared in surprise, then turned away. “You really have no standards.”

The girl had a nice figure but wore overly heavy makeup. She pouted pitifully. “Jie, why would you say that about me?”

“Don’t mind her, she’s always like this.” Ouyang Fei smacked the girl playfully.

Jing Xiao said coolly, “If you dragged me here just to watch you play with women, I’m leaving.”

“Hey, no, I was just trying to wake up that love-struck brain of yours.” Dismissing the girl, Ouyang Fei slung an arm around Jing Xiao’s shoulder. “Come on, Xiaoxiao, if you just go back and inherit your family business, you could have any kind of woman you want.”

Jing Xiao shot her a sharp glare.

Ouyang Fei raised both hands in surrender. “Alright, alright, I’ll shut up.”

“I’ll think about it,” Jing Xiao said.

Ouyang Fei blinked. “For real?”

Jing Xiao stayed silent—tacit agreement.

She couldn’t appear too eager. She needed to bide her time and find the right chance to return.

The neon lights pulsed. The dance floor grew hotter, bodies pressing close together, releasing themselves to the music.

“If you don’t mind, I wouldn’t mind offering myself either,” Ouyang Fei teased dramatically.

Jing Xiao shivered. “Disgusting. Get lost.”

Ouyang Fei burst out laughing. “Xiaoxiao, would you ever want to be the one on the bottom?”

“Would you?” Jing Xiao shot back.

“I wouldn’t.”

“Neither would I.”

Their chatter drifted on, light and playful, until Ouyang Fei glanced at her phone. Dozens of missed calls. She quickly called back, her brows knitting tighter with every “yes” she uttered. Finally, she hung up. “Something’s happened at home. I’ve got to leave now—the bill’s already paid.”

Jing Xiao stood. “What happened?”

“My grandpa’s been in a car accident. They say the other driver was drunk. Too much of a coincidence, really. I shouldn’t let the old man go out alone.” Ouyang Fei sighed. “The moment he steps outside, something happens.”

“Go quickly. Give him my regards,” Jing Xiao said.

“Mm. Once is chance, twice is suspicious.” Ouyang Fei muttered. “I’ll look into it.”

She ran toward the exit before she could say more.

Left alone, Jing Xiao felt utterly bored. Her head ached as she tried to sort through the information Ouyang had given her. With the illegitimate daughter in charge, she couldn’t just barge back in. She needed a proper opportunity.

Resting both hands on the bar counter, her eyes ached with exhaustion.

The noisy bar contrasted with the emptiness in her chest. A young, beautiful woman sitting alone at the bar naturally drew attention, but Jing Xiao ignored the predatory stares, brushed past a few men trying to strike up conversation, and left with her bag.

The old street outside wasn’t exactly lively, its storefronts carrying a sense of age. Countless windows lit up one by one, yet in Jing Xiao’s heart, not a single light was lit for her.

She had no one to rely on. She was utterly alone.

A family of three walked past, the child laughing and praising his mother. The scene was both funny and heartwarming. Jing Xiao’s chest tightened sharply. She didn’t know why, but she suddenly wanted to see Fang Qingyu.

She wanted to hold her, as if one embrace could sweep away all her troubles.

Taxis were scarce. After a long wait, she finally caught one. Slumping in the back seat, she gave the driver Fang Qingyu’s company address. Her mind conjured countless scenarios—Qingyu acting cold, even kicking her out.

The thought made her laugh. Since when had she become so prone to wild imaginings?

Before long, the cab pulled up in front of the towering skyscraper. She craned her neck to look up, exhaling a long breath. Qingyu was probably drowning in work. Even if they couldn’t talk, just seeing her would be enough.

The security guard eyed her suspiciously but she slipped past too quickly. The receptionist smiled politely. “Hello, how may I help you?”

“I’m here for your President Fang.”

“And you are?” the receptionist asked with a forced smile.

Jing Xiao didn’t bother circling around the truth. “I’m Jing Xiao. You’ve heard of me.”

“Oh, of course.” The receptionist’s smile turned natural and warm. She recognized Jing Xiao instantly. In fact, President Fang had given instructions earlier—if Jing Xiao came, let her in directly. “This way, Madam President.”

Jing Xiao’s mouth twitched. The title was bizarrely fitting.

Seeing her pause with a darkened expression, the receptionist worried she had said something wrong. “Sorry, did I misspeak?”

Jing Xiao forced an awkward smile. “No.”

A few scattered employees were in the lobby, probably sneaking back from a late-night snack. They stared as she bypassed their elevator and casually took the president’s private one instead.

Tonight, with Pei Lu present, Qingyu was unlikely to be in her office. After some hesitation, Jing Xiao confirmed the floor. The elevator whisked her up, doors opening onto the office area and a conference room. Sure enough, a staffer was presenting a slideshow while Fang Qingyu sat listening intently, occasionally making sharp comments. Even the usually flippant Pei Lü looked serious.

Jing Xiao walked closer. Under the bright lights, Fang Qingyu’s features looked flawless, her skin like porcelain. Wearing rimless glasses, she rested the pen cap against her lips, forming a soft curve.

Jing Xiao ignored the curious stares. Perhaps her gaze burned too hot—Fang Qingyu, normally so focused, suddenly lost track. She looked toward the glass wall, eyes widening when they met Jing Xiao’s.

Jing Xiao raised her hand, signaling her not to panic, then quietly seated herself in the lounge area. She poured a cup of tea, blowing gently at the steam. Her aloof demeanor kept the curious employees at bay until the meeting ended.

Fang Qingyu closed her folder briskly and walked straight over. Her glasses now hung from her collar, her eyes dull with exhaustion. Pressing her brow, she tried to sound calm. “Xiaoxiao, what brings you here?”

Jing Xiao took her free hand, massaging the fingers worn from constant note-taking. Leaning closer, she whispered in her ear, “I just… missed you a little.”

A blush tinged Qingyu’s ears. Several senior staff filed out, all smiling and addressing Jing Xiao as “Madam President.” The office buzzed with whispers before Qingyu quickly restored order. Tugging Jing Xiao’s hand, she led her into the hall.

“Sorry, I’m swamped tonight. I can’t keep you company.” Qingyu forced a tired smile. The corridor window was open, letting in a hot breeze that made her yawn. “I’ll have someone drive you home. Sleep early, okay?”

“No need.” Jing Xiao spread her arms, pulling Qingyu into a tight embrace. Breathing in her faint fragrance, her heart slowly filled, warmth spreading through her body.

Qingyu exhaled against her neck, hugging her back and patting her shoulder.

Sensing she wouldn’t leave, Qingyu kissed her forehead lightly and asked, almost pleading, “I really am busy. If you won’t go, then sit in my office, drink some warm milk, and stay here tonight, alright?”

Jing Xiao nodded. “I’ll wait for you.”

“Tsk, tsk. What a display of affection.” Pei Lü dismissed her subordinates and strolled over, her tone dripping with mockery. She wore a red bodycon skirt under a blazer, her sharp eyeliner wiped off, giving her a surprisingly mature air.

Qingyu coughed, trying to mask her nerves. “Yes, lots of work. Just needed some fresh air.”

“With your girlfriend?” Pei Lü chuckled behind her hand. “Looked more like you were about to kiss.”

Jing Xiao kept her composure, though her expression soured. “And why are you here again?”

“Excuse me, I’m her business partner. Don’t be rude.” Pei Lü folded her arms, waving casually. “Enjoy your overtime, Madam President.”

She hummed a tune as she walked away, leaving a heavy trail of perfume behind. Jing Xiao shivered, goosebumps rising—she’d already heard “Madam President” no fewer than five times tonight.

Fang Qingyu laughed, clearly pleased with the title. Looping her fingers around Jing Xiao’s, she teased, “Come on then, Madam President.”

Jing Xiao sighed. “Not you too.”

The night deepened, stars scattered across the sky.

Qingyu’s office was on a mid-high floor—good view, but not so high as to make escape impossible in an emergency. The air conditioner hummed. The room was quiet enough that aside from the keyboard clicks, Jing Xiao could hear Qingyu’s breathing.

Secretary Bella brought in a stack of contracts. Before she could set them down, she noticed Jing Xiao. Qingyu nodded reassuringly and began flipping through the papers. “Any word from the Zhang family?”

Bella, sensing Jing Xiao’s watchful gaze, offered an apologetic smile and addressed her as Madam President before answering, “They’re acting like cornered dogs.”

“Good. This time, we’ll drag them down from their pedestal.” Qingyu’s smile brimmed with confidence. Skimming the contract with practiced speed, she signed her name with a flourish. “Tell Sarah to prepare a cup of hot milk.”

Qingyu had two secretaries—Bella handled work matters, Sarah personal needs. Bella nodded and left.

Soon after, Sarah entered and set a cup of warm milk on Qingyu’s desk. Without glancing up, Qingyu said, “For Miss Jing.”

Sarah quickly moved the glass in front of Jing Xiao, bowing deeply. “My apologies, Madam President.”

“It’s fine.” Jing Xiao’s face betrayed nothing, but once Sarah left, she clenched the glass tightly, the warm milk coating the rim.

A million reluctant thoughts churned inside her. Was tonight destined to be a battle with the title “Madam President”?

Support After Breaking Off the Engagement, The Young Lady Deeply Regretted It