My Virtual Wife From my Phone Has Come to See Me - Chapter 14

Chapter 14: Xia Ruoxin Asks, “Who were you just calling?”

The moment the name “A-Ying” left Shi Yu’s lips, Xia Ruoxin was already in the background, silently clapping like a true spectator enjoying the show. Shi Yu’s face flushed a deep crimson, but she bravely met Qi Ying’s eyes and whispered, “Can I call you A-Ying?”

Since she had already said it, asking for permission now felt a bit deliberate.

Qi Ying couldn’t exactly refuse; after all, the girl was a client, and it was just a name.

“Of course,” Qi Ying said, deftly pivoting back to business. “Let’s look at some fabrics. Are there any accessories you’re particularly fond of?”

Seeing Qi Ying’s professional demeanor, Shi Yu knew she couldn’t rush things. She obediently selected her colors and materials, confirmed their next meeting time, and leisurely departed.

Xia Ruoxin leaned against the display window, watching Shi Yu climb into her car. When the red sports car roared to life, she let out a “Wow!” and nudged Qi Ying’s shoulder. “A little heiress! Did you see that car? I’ve wanted one like that forever!”

Qi Ying replied indifferently, “You’re a little heiress yourself. I’m the only poor one here.”

Xia Ruoxin turned back, teasing, “Hey, A-Ying, are you playing dumb or do you really not see it? That girl has a thing for you. Surely you noticed?”

Qi Ying calmly organized her workspace. “So what if I noticed? We sell our craft, not ourselves. You can’t expect me to flirt with every client who walks through the door.”

“I didn’t mean it like that,” Xia Ruoxin said, quickly apologizing as she realized Qi Ying was becoming annoyed. “I just think she’s great—rich, pretty, and clearly into you. I think it’s worth getting to know her.”

She added, “A little social interaction won’t kill you.”

Qi Ying stared silently at her notepad. Xia Ruoxin did have a point.

Since middle school, Qi Ying had known she wasn’t interested in guys; she had always liked pretty girls. She hadn’t gone out of her way to hide it as an adult, but only Xia Ruoxin and a few close friends actually knew.

Shi Yu wasn’t the first girl to show interest or offer an olive branch.

Xia Ruoxin draped an arm over her shoulder. “A-Ying, you’ve never even been in a relationship. This girl is a catch. You can’t stay single forever, right? If you don’t act fast, a ‘White, Rich, and Beautiful’ like her will be snapped up by someone else. You won’t find another deal like this!”

Qi Ying glanced at her sideways. “Even if I did date her, it wouldn’t be for her money.”

Xia Ruoxin caught the subtext, her eyes lighting up. “So, you are considering her?”

Qi Ying wasn’t sure how she felt. Xia Ruoxin was right: she was single, and Shi Yu seemed nice. If the girl really was pursuing her… it wasn’t impossible to say yes.

Ding—

A familiar notification chime rang out. Qi Ying checked her phone—it was a message from the game:

[Dear Designer, your Xing Xiaochu is feeling very down right now. Perhaps your company could cheer her up!]

Xia Ruoxin, still standing beside her, glimpsed the phone screen. Though she couldn’t read the text, she recognized the game icon. “A-Ying, you’re still playing that game?”

Qi Ying tapped the screen to open the app and gave a soft “Mm.”

“I never took you for the gaming type,” Xia Ruoxin said curiously.

Qi Ying smiled, brushed the measuring tape onto Xia Ruoxin’s shoulder, and said, “Keep an eye on the front. I’m going to the restroom.”

Xia Ruoxin gave her a look of mock disgust but hung the tape around her neck anyway.

Inside the restroom stall, Qi Ying pulled up the monitor feed. She saw Xing Xiaochu sitting at her desk, shoulders shaking as she wiped away tears. In front of her was a test paper—though not officially graded, it was covered in large red ‘X’s. Qi Ying immediately understood why the child was crying.

It’s just a bad score, why is a game character putting so much pressure on herself?

Qi Ying found it endearing yet amusing. Since she was still at work and couldn’t return to Xiaochu’s side immediately, she ordered a milk tea for her and then dialed the girl’s number.

Xing Xiaochu didn’t expect a call. Startled, she frantically wiped her tears with her sleeve, sniffled, and tried to steady her voice before answering. She had no idea Qi Ying was watching the whole thing and found her “Xiaochu” incredibly adorable.

“What are you doing?” Qi Ying asked.

Holding the phone, Xiaochu looked at the failing test paper and her eyes welled up again. Tears began to fall, but she forced out, “Nothing… just… just doing a practice test.”

Qi Ying listened to the watery, nasal voice. She sounded so pitiful.

Respecting the child’s pride, Qi Ying didn’t call her out. Instead, she said gently, “I ordered a milk tea for you. Remember to pick it up when it arrives.”

Xing Xiaochu nodded with a soft “Mm.”

Seeing that she had stopped crying, Qi Ying chuckled. “The test is important, but not that important. You need to balance study and rest.” She asked softly, “How many papers have you done today?”

Picking at the corner of the desk, Xiaochu whispered, “I’ve done two.”

“That’s plenty,” Qi Ying said. “Take a break. Sometimes the more you force it, the more mistakes you make. Don’t be too hard on yourself.”

Xing Xiaochu blinked, feeling a bit shy. She didn’t dare tell Qi Ying she had been crying over math problems. Her ears were as red as a rabbit’s. After a long hesitation, she asked quietly, “Sister, what time are you coming home? I’ll have dinner ready for you.”

Qi Ying thought about her schedule. She had to finish the trench coat, draft the pattern for Shi Yu’s gown, and the bride was coming for another fitting this evening. There was no way she’d be home early.

“Don’t wait up for me today,” Qi Ying told her. “The shop is very busy. Make something for yourself and don’t stay up late. I’ll head back as soon as I’m finished.”

Hearing that Qi Ying had to work overtime, Xing Xiaochu slumped like a dejected little animal. She swung her thin legs sadly and whispered, “Okay. Be careful on your way back, Sister. Don’t work too hard.”

Qi Ying smiled and chatted with her for a few more minutes until the milk tea arrived. Only when she saw Xiaochu’s mood had improved did she hang up.

As she stepped out of the restroom, Qi Ying was nearly scared out of her skin by Xia Ruoxin, who was blocking the doorway.

“Why are you lurking outside the bathroom?” Qi Ying glared at her, heart racing.

Xia Ruoxin asked suspiciously, “Who were you just calling? Asking when you’re coming home? What, do you have another family I don’t know about?”