The Amnesiac Drama Queen Is Crashing the Live Stream - Chapter 2
Yu Feifei’s face stiffened, and even her award-winning acting skills couldn’t conceal her embarrassment. “What did you say?”
Her excited voice trailed off, becoming so shrill it nearly cracked.
“Maybe the psychiatry department,” Xia Xingtang replied casually, after all, she wasn’t entirely sure which department to visit for sexual apathy.
Though the speaker had no ulterior motives, Yu Feifei’s mind went elsewhere. “Why psychiatry? Wait, wait, wait! Little Xing, you’re not pregnant, are you?”
Her gaze slowly drifted down to Xia Xingtang’s abdomen, her eyes filled with horrified disbelief.
This was no small matter.
And with Xia Xingtang considering psychiatry, it seemed she might be dealing with prenatal depression.
The origin of this child might not be so honorable either.
With both partners being women, if one was pregnant, the other seemed undeniably cuckolded.
But as a close friend, now was the time to help cover it up.
“You weren’t taken advantage of abroad, were you? We can’t let Pei Luoqing find out. Why did you even come back in this state? Let’s buy a ticket now, I’ll go abroad with you.”
“No.” Seeing Yu Feifei’s mind already spinning a dramatic soap opera plot, Xia Xingtang thought for a moment and spoke tactfully, “Pei Luoqing works overtime every day. I’m just concerned about her health.”
“Really?”
“She’s getting older, after all.” Xia Xingtang nodded expressionlessly.
Five years her senior, nearly thirty, and still showing no signs of desire, whether physical or emotional.
She really needed to get checked out, both mentally and physically.
Yu Feifei suddenly understood, her eyes softening with pity as she looked at Xia Xingtang. “Does she know how much you care about her?”
Everyone always praised Pei Luoqing, saying if the Xia family hadn’t acted fast, every household would be vying for her hand.
But they never considered what kind of life Xia Xingtang had endured these past three years, endless lonely nights, lying awake in an empty bed.
If it were a marriage of convenience with no love, that would be one thing, but unfortunately…
Xia Xingtang slowly raised her finger and tapped Yu Feifei’s forehead. “Getting angry will give you wrinkles. Big celebrities are supposed to be aloof, can’t you maintain your image a little?”
“Even if I fell into a mud pit, I’d still trend at number one for my beauty. What do I have to worry about?”
Yu Feifei grabbed a few dice cups from nearby and shot a meaningful glance at the group at the next table. “Alright, it’s rare for us to get together. Let’s not dwell on unhappy things today. I specially invited some experts for you, want to play a few rounds?”
It was, after all, Yu Feifei’s birthday party. A few young gentlemen took the hint and joined them. “When the Second Young Miss got married, half the handsome men and beauties in Yuncheng cried themselves to sleep. Too bad I returned to the country too late.”
“Feifei’s always bragging about how good you are at dice. How about a few games tonight?”
Relieved that Yu Feifei had finally dropped the gynecology topic, Xia Xingtang relaxed and studied the newcomers. A few looked familiar, probably people she’d played with before.
The smooth dice lay quietly in the cups. Her fingertips brushed against the leather exterior, stirring an itch in her heart. She flipped the cup over, a smirk curling her lips. “Shall we give it a try?”
An hour later, all eyes were on their table. The social media influencers, always eager to hype the atmosphere, stood by cheering them on. Only a few empty glasses sat in front of Xia Xingtang, while several others had already collapsed onto the couches.
Xia Xingtang picked at the cherries Yu Feifei handed her, which were premium-grade fruits air-shipped that very afternoon. She rolled the flesh on her tongue before spitting out the pit.
The sweet, refreshing taste of the fruit slightly eased the dizziness from the strong alcohol she had consumed earlier.
Just then, her phone screen lit up. She picked it up, and those around her instinctively averted their gaze.
At the top of her message list was Pei Luoqing’s chat window. Xia Xingtang’s lowered eyelashes fluttered slightly as she tapped to open it.
Pei Luoqing: [Where are you?]
Xia Xingtang froze. Since when had Pei Luoqing returned?!
The last time they had met was a week ago. Wasn’t Pei Luoqing supposed to contact her again next month? Could there be some occasion that required her presence?
But she quickly dismissed the thought. Ever since they got married, Huanyu had consistently supported Yunji. Whether she attended those events or not, Huanyu would remain Pei Luoqing’s backing.
Three years without appearing together had given others reason to speculate about a divorce. Scrolling up their chat history revealed nothing but routine inquiries, each occurring only when Pei Luoqing returned home.
It was as if she weren’t Pei Luoqing’s legally wedded wife on the household register, but rather a mistress whom Pei Luoqing condescended to favor.
Xia Xingtang let out a cold laugh, growing angrier the more she thought about it. In a fit of pique, she blocked Pei Luoqing.
But less than a second later, she unblocked her just as deftly.
As if this small act had already taught the other a lesson and allowed her to reclaim some dignity.
Then, her fingers tapped across the screen as she patiently informed Pei Luoqing that she was celebrating Yu Feifei’s birthday.
A few minutes later, Pei Luoqing replied: [Send me your location. I’ll pick you up.]
Xia Xingtang slowly sent her the location.
It was rare for that workaholic Pei Luoqing to even notice her absence from home, she ought to show some face.
Running her slender fingers through her slightly damp hair, Xia Xingtang turned to Yu Feifei with an apologetic expression. “Feifei, I have to go soon. I’ve already sent your gift to your place, remember to check for it.”
“No worries, it’s not the first time you’ve chosen romance over friendship,” Yu Feifei replied understandingly.
Hearing Yu Feifei’s remark about “choosing romance over friendship,” those familiar with Xia Xingtang’s background quickly guessed the reason. Their gazes turned regretful as they eyed the freshly filled row of glasses before them.
But the party was in full swing, and with alcohol clouding judgment, some failed to read the room.
“Second Young Lady, isn’t it my turn now? I’m not like the others, I’ve never lost at dice.” A young master sauntered over with a roguish grin, glancing down at Xia Xingtang.
Xia Xingtang shook her head. “It’s too late today. I’m done playing.”
“It’s still early, why stop now?” Thinking she was playing hard to get, he taunted, “Are you afraid of losing to me?”
“Reverse psychology doesn’t work on me.”
The young master frowned in displeasure. “I know you’ve had quite a bit to drink. To avoid anyone saying I’m bullying a girl, how about this: for every drink you take, I’ll take two. Fair enough?”
“What you do has nothing to do with me.” Xia Xingtang scanned the room and tilted her chin. “There are plenty of people here, find someone else to play with.”
The repeated refusals gradually thickened the atmosphere. Yu Feifei quickly stepped in to mediate, “Little Xingxing has to leave early. I’ll play with you.”
But the young master ignored Yu Feifei, instead frowning and studying Xia Xingtang intently. “Then, next time?”
“There won’t be a next time.”
Given the idle, gossip-loving nature of these rich second-generation heirs, Xia Xingtang wouldn’t be participating in such activities again anytime soon, all to maintain her image as a well-behaved child in front of Pei Luoqing.
Under the astonished gazes of the onlookers, Xia Xingtang took a tissue and wiped off her vibrant red lipstick. When she looked up again, the boldness in her eyes had vanished, replaced by a shy, curved-eye smile. “I’m a good kid,” she said softly. “This kind of cunning dice game isn’t for me.”
Everyone: “…”
Wasn’t it you who just shook the dice so skillfully it almost seemed like magic? Wasn’t it you who blatantly lied about the dice results to make others drink?
It must be said, many people judge whether someone is wearing makeup based on their lip and eye makeup, and for good reason. Once the bright red lipstick was removed, Xia Xingtang’s face instantly softened considerably.
Yu Feifei’s lips twitched, and she couldn’t help muttering under her breath, “You’re still the wildest of us all.”
“Little Feifei, I can hear you,” Xia Xingtang reminded her, turning her head slightly before murmuring to herself, “What’s the use of being wild? She only likes the well-behaved ones.”
Within seconds, she used the same tissue to lightly wipe away some of the makeup around her eyes. Her delicate features didn’t lose their charm but took on a more innocent, almost pure yet alluring quality. The faint sparkle in her eyes was strikingly vivid.
Xia Xingtang slipped back into her beige trench coat and sprayed some breath freshener to mask the scent of alcohol. Turning to Yu Feifei, she asked, “Do I look well-behaved?”
She resembled a docile white cat, gazing at you with wide, innocent eyes. Her lips, now free of makeup, had a natural pink hue, and a faint smile played at the corners of her mouth, making one instinctively want to reach out and ruffle her hair.
Yu Feifei, no stranger to such scenes, even helped adjust Xia Xingtang’s posture. “You’re well-behaved enough, definitely well-behaved enough.”
Xia Xingtang blinked at the others, raising a finger to her lips in a silent gesture. “My sister is here to pick me up,” she said playfully, drawing out her words. “Tonight, I just had a glass of juice.”
Her innocent eyes seemed almost hypnotic, compelling others to nod in agreement without a second thought.
If Xia Xingtang decided to act innocent today, even if she were to cheat right in front of them, Pei Luoqing might still help cover it up if it ever came to light. Who would end up suffering the consequences was anyone’s guess.
After all, the marriage between the Xia and Pei families was built on mutual interests. These glamorous high-society unions often hid messy, trivial realities beneath the surface.
The night breeze carried a slight chill. A black Bentley was parked at the entrance of the club, and leaning against it was Pei Luoqing, bathed in moonlight, her gaze slowly drifting over.
On her wrist was an expensive luxury watch, and every fold of her clothing was impeccably arranged. Her slender figure, even wrapped in a black trench coat that blended into the night, exuded an unparalleled elegance.
Her cold, imposing aura softened the moment she saw Xia Xingtang. The corners of her thin lips curved upward slightly, like the first thaw of a light snow. Her narrow phoenix eyes, tipped slightly upward at the outer corners, were striking yet refined, coldly beautiful without being overly seductive.
A gust of wind swept by, seemingly stirring the lingering effects of alcohol within Xia Xingtang. The sharp click of high heels echoed as she hurried over to the car door.
Standing almost at the same height, Xia Xingtang lifted her head and met Pei Luoqing’s gaze up close. A strand of the other’s hair brushed against her cheek in the wind, causing Xia Xingtang’s ears to flush red instantly.
It had been a month since they last met, and this enchantress Pei Luoqing had grown even more captivating.
Thanks to three years of practice in front of Pei Luoqing, Xia Xingtang quickly adjusted her expression and put on a smile again, calling out obediently, “Sister.”
“Mm, get in the car.” Pei Luoqing nodded, opening the door for her and considerately closing it after Xia Xingtang settled inside.
The driver’s side door shut, and Pei Luoqing leaned over to fasten Xia Xingtang’s seatbelt.
At such close proximity, Xia Xingtang could even count Pei Luoqing’s long, thick eyelashes, and even those thin lips she had long yearned for seemed within reach.
It wasn’t until a slight itchiness crept over her low-cut neckline that Xia Xingtang instinctively reached to cover her chest. Only when she looked down did she notice a subdued dark red silk tie.
Who the tie belonged to went without saying.
An eerie silence fell inside the car, as if time itself had frozen.
The faint scent of alcohol lingering on their clothes enveloped the space between them, and Xia Xingtang abruptly held her breath.