After Breaking Off the Engagement, The Young Lady Deeply Regretted It - Chapter 50
“Mm, be careful.” Fan Qingyu crawled into bed and buried her head under the covers.
It was as if some mysterious force held Jing Xiao in place; she stood by the bed, motionless. The blanket bulged slightly—inside was the person she loved. A strange wave of emotions surged through her, until Fan Qingyu, unable to contain herself, peeked out from under the covers and was startled to see the person beside her, making her flinch.
Her sleepiness had completely vanished. “You’re not leaving?”
Jing Xiao maintained a neutral expression, feigning casualness: “The taxi is too far from here; I still have to wait a bit.”
Fan Qingyu pondered for a moment. “So that’s how it is.”
She knew Jing Xiao’s character—efficient and decisive, never dragging things out. Her staying behind could only mean she didn’t want to leave. Fan Qingyu’s heart felt warm, and she smiled as she tucked in the blanket corners: “I’ll sleep first.”
Seeing her relaxed, Jing Xiao’s tightly furrowed brows unknowingly smoothed out, and she whispered, “Good night.”
Jing Xiao quietly left Fan Qingyu’s home. Late at night, the elevator made a lot of noise. Her steps were heavy on the asphalt, and she already regretted not spending a bit more time there.
The serene smile on Fan Qingyu’s face—when would she see it again? Jing Xiao shook her head, forcing her subconscious to ignore what had already happened.
She lied—there was no way to get a taxi at this hour. She was glad she had previously hired a driver without a fixed schedule, someone ready at a moment’s notice, at a high price.
Fan Qingyu’s home had a unique location: south-facing and adjacent to the main road to the north. Jing Xiao looked up and saw her window. Confirming this, she stepped back a few steps. Just as she did, the window opened from the inside. Fan Qingyu looked down and caught Jing Xiao’s gaze.
Both wore rare, awkward expressions. Fan Qingyu waved, acting as if it were expected. She quickly typed a message on her phone.
[Fan Qingyu: Do you miss me?]
They say people are impulsive at night—and Jing Xiao was no exception. Without any restraint, she typed exactly what she felt:
[Jing Xiao: I miss you. Don’t keep getting in and out of bed; catch a chill. Go back to sleep quickly.]
[Fan Qingyu: Hmph, no.]
After sending that, Jing Xiao even saw pride flash across Fan Qingyu’s face. She scrolled around and found a sticker of a little cat offering flowers and sent it to Jing Xiao.
The cat had big round eyes and blushing cheeks. Jing Xiao couldn’t help but smile.
Separated by several floors and meters, their interaction was unexpectedly harmonious. Jing Xiao sent back a similar sticker, signaling her to return to bed.
A gust of cold wind swept through, and Fan Qingyu shivered uncontrollably, her teeth chattering. She hurriedly grabbed a thick coat from the wardrobe.
Jing Xiao’s expression softened slightly, as did her mood.
[Jing Xiao: Did you put on shoes?]
[Fan Qingyu: Of course. Has your taxi arrived yet? Do you want me to send you?]
[Jing Xiao: Stay home. It’s cold outside.]
In some ways, Fan Qingyu was very stubborn. She disappeared from the window without even closing it. Jing Xiao guessed she probably went downstairs and shook her head helplessly.
[Fan Qingyu: I’m at the entrance.]
At this point, Jing Xiao couldn’t insist on sending her back; she stepped to the apartment entrance. The security office light was bright, and the guard occasionally glanced at her, loudly asking: “Who are you looking for this late at night?”
Jing Xiao ignored him, shook her head, and took a few steps back.
Fan Qingyu, wearing summer pajamas, a coat, and white bunny slippers, ran over. Though it was only about a hundred meters, she was panting heavily.
Jing Xiao patted her on the back, feeling the protruding spine. “Honestly, it wasn’t smart to come out now.”
Fan Qingyu bent slightly, hands on her knees. The cold night air made her whole body shiver; her breath turned into white mist. She spoke haltingly: “What’s the use of being smart?”
She was freezing, lips pale. Jing Xiao couldn’t bear to see her like this, staring at her exposed ankles. She silently made a decision. “Honestly, do you think you can get up to my room on your own?”
Fan Qingyu’s eyes lit up.
Climbing up the sturdy elm tree from behind consumed energy, but if Jing Xiao wanted to sneak her back, she was more than willing.
“Do you want to take me back?”
Jing Xiao quickly offered an excuse: “I just think you might not eat or sleep well at home, feel a bit pitiful.”
Fan Qingyu laughed, lightly pushing Jing Xiao’s shoulder. Somehow, Jing Xiao had begun being coy in front of her, playing small games. Fan Qingyu didn’t feel annoyed; instead, she saw it as a form of dependence.
“What are you two doing, standing at the entrance at this hour, neither going in nor leaving?” The guard slammed the security office door, shouting at them.
The guard meant no harm but had a short temper. Fan Qingyu showed her access card. “I live here. Don’t worry; it won’t be a problem.”
The guard’s attitude softened. “Sorry, you look unfamiliar. Did you just move in?”
Fan Qingyu replied, “Yes, I recently moved in. You can go; we’re fine.”
The guard nodded repeatedly.
“Beep beep—”
The driver honked a few times to signal. Jing Xiao opened the car door. “Turn on the heater. Full blast.”
She slightly moved to let Fan Qingyu in and smiled: “Want to come with me?”
Inside, there was a faint tea aroma. Fan Qingyu hesitated, then rolled in, and Jing Xiao closed the door. She anxiously said, “You should have worn a few more layers before coming down.”
The car was small, and the heater quickly warmed Fan Qingyu’s chilled legs. She wrapped her coat tightly and settled comfortably.
The driver glanced in the rearview mirror, briefly shocked. Jing Xiao, maintaining her serious demeanor, instructed firmly: “Do your job properly. Don’t say anything unnecessary.”
The driver nodded repeatedly.
Fan Qingyu leaned against the soft leather seat. Her earlier sleepiness returned and nearly overcame her several times.
“Why not sleep for a bit?” Jing Xiao stared out the window.
Fan Qingyu feared this might all be a dream. If she slept, it might disappear. “I’m not very tired.”
“Liar. Your eyes are barely open,” Jing Xiao softened her tone. “Since you’re not tired, let’s chat.”
Fan Qingyu straightened. “What do you want to talk about?”
Jing Xiao drummed her fingers on the car window rhythmically. “The VR glasses I mentioned—core development is mostly done. But their programming isn’t that great. These people are useless. I have to handle it myself.”
Fan Qingyu yawned. “The capable do more work.”
Jing Xiao continued seriously, “Our company focuses on research and tech. This field is different from before, and the after-sales aspect is lacking. I want you to help.”
Fan Qingyu stiffened, her mind blank, stammering: “Y-you mean…?”
If they could collaborate, even if nothing significant happened short-term, Fan Qingyu’s company performance would rise several points.
“I can lift you back up,” Jing Xiao said, eyes deep and serious. “Of course, not immediately. I must first secure my position in the Jing family, but don’t worry. As long as I’m here, you’ll definitely—”
Fan Qingyu silenced her with a kiss. She smiled gently: “Do you know why I became like this?”
“Why?”
Fan Qingyu shook her head. “You’ll see when I’m back on top. I look forward to that day.”
They talked passionately, as if declaring, Everything I conquer will be yours. Finally, conversation paused. The driver nervously spoke up: “Ms. Jing…”
Jing Xiao, usually aloof and intimidating, now relaxed, and gestured for him to continue.
“The car behind… seems to be following us.”
Jing Xiao frowned, glanced back, and saw a ten-thousand-yuan car blending into the crowd. She faintly remembered where she had seen it.
Rubbing her temple, she said, “Don’t return yet. Circle the suburbs first.”
Fan Qingyu, worried, sighed softly: “Why don’t you drop me off at the back door? You’ll come tonight anyway.”
Fan Qingyu’s voice softened. She didn’t know if Jing Xiao would return tonight, and glanced at her cautiously. “You’ll come back tonight, right?”
Jing Xiao was certain. “Yes, I promise.”
Fan Qingyu, though disappointed, hid it and kindly said, “Send me back first. At this crucial moment, no mistakes. I’ll wait for you to lift me up.”
Having promised to pick her up, Jing Xiao felt guilty sending her away. Her fingers brushed over Fan Qingyu’s hand. “I’ll bring you gifts tonight. Want anything?”
Fan Qingyu smiled. “I have everything.”
Jing Xiao suggested, “Recently, C Co. released some good eye cream. I can get you some.”
“I don’t need skincare,” Fan Qingyu said, looking at her reflection in the window, clearly weary. “I just need a good sleep. Don’t trouble yourself.”
The car behind, realizing it was spotted, turned off halfway. Jing Xiao instructed the driver to return to the starting point.
Fan Qingyu asked, “Was that car behind us yours? Jing Lan?”
Her guess was reasonable. Jing Xiao sighed. She and Jing Lan were both capable, and Jing Lan wouldn’t let being outmaneuvered slide.
“Funny. She seems determined to play games with me,” Jing Xiao scoffed.
“Xiao Xiao.” Fan Qingyu called softly.
“Yes?” Jing Xiao relaxed and smiled like spring had arrived. “It’s late. Why don’t you stay in a hotel for now? I’ll cover it.”
Fan Qingyu said, “Actually, you shouldn’t ignore Jing Lan.”
“You’re thinking the same as me.” Jing Xiao’s expression was relaxed, as if she had already set a trap, quietly waiting.
“Mm, I agree.” Fan Qingyu told the driver, “Tonight is too late. I’ll stay in a hotel.”
Exhausted, she picked a hotel without fuss.
Before leaving, Fan Qingyu held Jing Xiao’s wrist. “You’ll come see me tonight, right?”
Jing Xiao patiently replied: “Yes, I promise.”
Once the car door closed and Fan Qingyu reached her room with the card, Jing Xiao instructed the driver to continue. Checking the time, it was almost 2:00 a.m.
Jing Xiao opened their chat interface:
[Jing Xiao: This time, really, good night.]