My Weekend Lover Turned Out To Be My Boss - Chapter 59

Chapter 59: The Return. “Can’t Help Myself”

Before the sky had even lightened, Qiu Qi excitedly yanked off my quilt, cheering, “Lazybones! Get up! We’re going home!”

Frozen awake by the sudden chill, I curled my body and glared at her irritably. In truth, I hadn’t slept well all night. Unable to withstand her persistence, I finally got out of bed to dress and pack. He Mu had also risen early, insisting on cooking us a grand breakfast, saying that a new journey deserves a good start. I was somewhat distracted, but I still managed to gulp down two large bowls of millet porridge.

He Mu drove us to the airport, reminding us a dozen times to be safe and not repeat our previous ordeal. It wasn’t until we boarded the plane that we realized our seats weren’t bad—front row by the window. Qiu Qi asked the flight attendant for a blanket, and as soon as she sat down, she leaned against my shoulder and fell into a deep sleep.

I stared out the window. This runaway trip that had yielded unexpected gains was finally over. I finally understood why I had left so resolutely—leaving her and that city wasn’t about solving problems; it was a coward’s escape. I was afraid of the cold Phoebe and afraid of Guan Shuyun’s attacks. In their world, I was simply too small.

With the weightless pull of takeoff and the roar of the engines, we broke through the clouds. Beyond the sea of mist, the sun was slowly emerging with golden brilliance, painting the horizon in layers of color. I wanted to take a photo, but I remembered Qiu Qi saying that the most beautiful scenery is what your own eyes see—it can’t be hidden or truly kept.

I glanced sideways at the sleeping Qiu Qi. Wrapped in her blanket, she looked like a hamster clinging to my arm. Since when had she become so dependent on me?

After landing, Qiu Qi held my hand tightly. I was puzzled. “Are you afraid of getting lost? Why are you gripping me so hard?”

She smiled playfully, skipping along while pulling my hand and taking a deep breath. “Ah~ the sticky air! Let’s drop the bags at your place first, and then we’ll go for… morn-ing… tea!”

“Mmhmm.”

She stopped and poked my forehead. “You can’t hide anything; it’s all written on your face. Anxiety!”

“Do I look anxious?”

“Very! Look, you’ve been gone so long, you have to go home eventually. Escaping isn’t the way. Only by facing it can the problem be resolved.”

It was true; the anxiety felt like a suffocating weight. But not wanting to spoil Qiu Qi’s mood, I could only force a smile and nod. “Let’s go. Home.”

…

We got out of the car, and Qiu Qi looked around, sighing. “So your home is in such an old neighborhood?”

“I bought this place over ten years ago. Don’t look down on it; the property value has tripled since then!”

“Which building is yours?”

“Right there. Low-rise garden apartment, no elevator. We have to climb.”

“Huh?!”

After just a few flights, Qiu Qi was gasping for air under her heavy pack. I had to take her hand and practically drag her up. Finally, at my door, I pulled out my keys. The moment the door swung open, I heard Duoduo barking—and my eyes fell upon Phoebe, who was just about to leave.

It felt like waking from a dream. I was dazed, and her face was masked with utter panic. I hadn’t expected to meet this soon. I wanted to say something, but a familiar voice echoed from the stairwell. The three of us looked over as Guan Shuyun walked unhurriedly toward us, that same sickening expression on her face.

She wasn’t surprised at all. Instead, her smirk deepened. In the next second, Phoebe grabbed my collar and yanked me into the house. I stumbled against her, nearly falling. The familiar scent of her perfume hit me, but before I could speak, she barked a rebuke at me and slammed the door as she left.

I hadn’t even had time to process my emotions. It was all too sudden. Even Qiu Qi was stunned. She pulled on the hem of my shirt and asked cautiously, “Are… are you okay? That lady just now… was she your girlfriend? She’s so elegant. Beautiful.”

I sat despondently on the sofa. Xiduoduo didn’t seem to mind Qiu Qi; he circled her, sniffing, before nudging my leg for affection. I told Qiu Qi to go unpack and rest. Knowing I needed space, she took Duoduo into the study, leaving the living room to me.

As I calmed down, my panic turned into an unforgivable anger. Like a detective, I scanned the house for details. Phoebe being here, Duoduo being here… it meant she had been living in my house while I was away.

I walked into the bedroom, looking at the makeup on the vanity, then picked up the pillow. Her unique scent lingered there. But thinking about Guan Shuyun coming here early in the morning to pick her up for work… it was ironic. I thought my leaving would make Phoebe realize something. Now, it seemed like a fool’s dream.

I couldn’t stop laughing. It was too pathetic. You Feifan, what do you think you are? You’re just a discarded toy Lan Feiyi is finished with. I walked into the study to find Qiu Qi holding a stack of photos. She looked at me in alarm, explaining quickly, “These were on the table… I was curious…”

I waved it off self-mockingly. “Everything you see is my most pathetic side and the source of my anxiety. Qiu Qi, she doesn’t love me anymore!”

Qiu Qi walked over, frowning. “The woman in the hallway… she’s your rival?”

“To be precise, she’s the third party who dismantled my relationship.”

Qiu Qi went silent. She turned back to the photos on the desk, picked one up, and waved it. “In my opinion, these two don’t match at all.”

“Let’s go. I’ll take you for morning tea. You’ve been talking about it for days.”

At the mention of tea, Qiu Qi happily hooked her arm through mine, leaning her head on my shoulder. “Your treat! I want custard buns! Steamed ribs with black beans! Phoenix claws! Shrimp dumplings! Authentic Hong Kong rice rolls! And…”

I looked at her cheerful face helplessly. “Are you a bottomless pit? All you think about is eating!”

We chose an old famous place called Bole Residence. Since we wanted authentic Cantonese dim sum, there was a long wait. To fulfill Qiu Qi’s dream, I took her hand and headed out.

When we arrived, it was as expected—packed! Even on a weekday! Are people this idle? We sat in the waiting area. Qiu Qi kept her arm linked in mine, telling jokes to cheer me up. She was trying so hard. Just as we were laughing at a joke, a shadow loomed over us.

In the next moment, a hand reached out and yanked Qiu Qi’s arm away from mine. I looked up in anger, only to see Yu Tingzhi. I stared in shock, but her face was pure fury, her tone an interrogation: “How rare! Out for tea, and look who I run into. You Feifan, care to explain what you’re doing? And who is this?!”

I stood up and shielded Qiu Qi behind me. This move only seemed to incense Yu Tingzhi further. She squinted at me. I replied naturally, “I’m waiting for a table. This is my friend. Any other questions?”

Yu Tingzhi sneered, clearly not buying it. “Friend? We’ve been friends for years, and I don’t see you clinging to me like that. Do you think I’m stupid? You went on a trip, and what… you brought back a mistress?”

Qiu Qi remained unmoved by the attack. She tugged my sleeve, signaling me not to make a scene, but I was already fuming. “Yu Tingzhi! Watch your mouth! Have some decency!”

Yu Tingzhi looked at me with disappointment, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Oh, haven’t seen you in a while and you’ve already learned to protect an outsider. You Feifan, you’ve really got skill.”

People were staring. The meal was ruined. I turned and took Qiu Qi’s hand. “We’re leaving.”

Yu Tingzhi tried to block us, but I shoved her hand away. I hissed through gritted teeth, “I suggest you go ask Lan Feiyi who the one actually cheating is!”

Leaving Yu Tingzhi behind, Qiu Qi followed me out of the crowd. After walking a distance, I slowed down and looked at her apologetically. “I am so sorry… you just got here and already had to deal with this.”

Qiu Qi shook her head understandingly. “You didn’t do anything wrong, why apologize? Actually, I’ve wanted to tell you… when the landslide happened and you fought to pull me out, and walked forever on that mountain road… from that moment, I thought about how lucky I was to meet you.

Whatever you do, I support and understand you unconditionally. Clearly, your friend misunderstood us, but from her perspective, she was just looking out for your relationship. It seems morning tea will have to wait. How about… we buy groceries and cook at home? Your cooking is the best anyway!”

Qiu Qi was always upbeat. Seeing her mood wasn’t ruined, I agreed. “Fine! We’ll cook at home!”

…

I stood in the kitchen slicing meat while Qiu Qi helped. She seemed to know exactly what I needed before I asked for it. Xiduoduo slipped into the kitchen too. This was the scene I had always longed for—I had imagined countless times that Phoebe would put down her endless files, put on an apron, and help me finish a meal.

But for years, I was always alone in this kitchen. I inhaled the oil fumes and forced myself to sing happy songs. Even when splashed by hot oil, I cared more about whether Phoebe and the child liked the food. I forgot my own tastes and the pain of the burns. No one cared if I was happy doing it; I survived on love alone, only to realize I was the only one being ignored.

Qiu Qi was smart. She loved to help and share her joy. She even peeked over my shoulder to learn my “secrets,” promising she would take over the stove next time. Just as the atmosphere was peaking, Duoduo wagged his tail and ran out, then returned happily. Phoebe was leaning against the doorframe, not even having taken off her heels yet.

I turned down the heat on the stove and asked politely, without emotion, “Have you eaten?”

Phoebe simply shook her head. I turned to Qiu Qi. “Wuming, could you boil some water for tea?”

“Sure.”

As Qiu Qi went to get the kettle, Phoebe deliberately moved to block her path. I instinctively stepped in front of Qiu Qi to shield her from a confrontation, but Phoebe said coldly, “My friend was out of line today. I apologize to you on her behalf.”

It seemed Yu Tingzhi’s big mouth had already reached Phoebe. Qiu Qi looked down and smiled. “It was just a misunderstanding, no problem. Hello, I’m Qiu Qi.”

Phoebe stepped aside to let her through. I thought she would stay to talk to me, but to my surprise, she turned and said airily, “Miss Qiu, if you don’t mind, let’s talk in the study.”

Then she looked back at me. “Feifan…” She saw my frown and hesitated before adding, “You won’t mind if I speak with Miss Qiu alone, will you?”

I shifted my gaze from her face to Qiu Qi’s, then went back to my frying pan. I answered neutrally, “Suit yourself.”