Chapter 101: Should We Try Again?
Qiao Jiu held a water cup, her steps halting. “Mr. Lu, Mr. Liang.”
Lu Fengzhou said nothing, turning into the conference room. Liang Xiujin glanced at Qiao Jiu and followed.
She waited for the conference room door to close before returning to her office.
It turned out that scheming was far more satisfying than cursing someone out. A faint mockery curved her lips.
She sat down to steady herself briefly, then began her work. There was much to handle that afternoon, so she paid little heed to Lu Fengzhou’s movements.
Certain matters could not be pursued too deliberately, lest suspicion arise.
By the time she finished, evening had arrived, and it was nearly time to leave.
Qiao Jiu paused to rest, tidied her desk, and rose to visit Liang Xiucheng’s office.
He still had files to process. Looking up at her, he asked, “Is everything settled on your side?”
She stretched lazily. “Yes, I spent the afternoon reviewing data. My head’s spinning.”
Liang Xiucheng smiled, gesturing toward the sofa with his chin. “Sit for a while. I’ll finish here shortly.”
She went over and settled lazily on the armrest.
He flipped through the documents, scanning a few lines, but found himself glancing at her repeatedly.
She seemed lost in thought, staring blankly at some distant point.
He sighed inwardly, wondering why she still hadn’t realized they had once shared a passing acquaintance.
Just as he watched, Qiao Jiu’s phone rang.
He withdrew his gaze, eyes fixed on the file, listening as she answered and said, “What is it?”
When the caller spoke, she replied, “Can’t tonight. I have plans. Tomorrow, perhaps? Or the day after? I’ll make time then.”
A few more words followed, and Qiao Jiu chuckled. “All right, we’ll go with that.”
The call ended. Liang Xiucheng kept his eyes on the documents as he asked, “Who called?”
“Guan Wei.”
A faint stir moved through Liang Xiucheng’s heart. He had assumed Guan Wei would join them tonight.
Given their close bond, Qiao Jiu’s affairs would inevitably draw her in.
But tonight it seemed only the two of them would come.
Liang Xiucheng suppressed the twitch at the corner of his mouth and gave a vague hum.
They left together after work, descending to Liang Xiucheng’s car and heading to Qiao Jiu’s residence.
Inside, she smiled and said, “You’re the landlord, so I won’t trouble you. Make yourself at home.”
He wandered freely through the rooms without ceremony.
Qiao Jiu had added little to the furnishings, yet the space already felt lived-in.
After a while, Liang Xiucheng approached, arms crossed, leaning against the kitchen doorframe. “Anything I can help with?”
She smiled. “Just give me two compliments when we eat. Don’t say it’s bad if it’s not.”
She began washing and chopping vegetables, clearly unskilled and sometimes even flustered.
After all, she was a pampered daughter of the family. Without Lu Fengzhou, her hands would have remained unsoiled.
Liang Xiucheng waited, then suddenly asked, “I’m curious—what did you see in Lu Fengzhou back then?”
The atmosphere had grown too easy; she answered without hesitation. “His face. I had everything I wanted, but I simply found his face attractive.”
She laughed. “So roses come with thorns. I got pricked.”
Lu Fengzhou had not been in good form that day. He had evening plans but canceled halfway.
The assistant remained behind, yet he ignored every attempt at explanation.
The driver drove him along the ring road for a long time. Unable to bear the silence any longer, he glanced in the rearview mirror. “Sir, have you not decided where to go?”
Lu Fengzhou leaned back against the seat, eyes closed. He had not drunk much; his mind remained clear.
After a long silence, the driver assumed he would receive no reply, but then an address was given.
It was not Lu Fengzhou’s residence; the driver understood but dared not question.
The car followed the address to the community entrance, where Lu instructed the driver to stop.
He opened the door and stepped out, closing it without ceremony. “Head back.”
He strolled into the community at an unhurried pace and stopped beside a patch of greenery.
A trace of restlessness stirred in him. He pulled out a cigarette pack and lit one.
During the evening gathering he had drunk well, but at one toast he inexplicably recalled Zhao Shuo’s earlier words.
They were sharp, yet lingered stubbornly in his mind.
He had ruined her.
The statement was true; he offered no denial.
But who had ruined him?
After finishing the cigarette, he stood with hands in his pockets, unmoving.
Who knew how much time passed, when laughter suddenly drifted from nearby.
Lu Fengzhou turned his head. The unit door downstairs opened; Liang Xiucheng emerged, followed by Qiao Jiu in loungewear.
Her hair was loosely tied back, looking thoroughly casual. The streetlight cast a dim glow, yet her smile gleamed sharply.
Liang Xiucheng turned back. “That’s enough. I’m leaving. Go upstairs and rest. Get some sleep.”
Qiao Jiu’s words carried warmth. “Be safe.”
Liang Xiucheng hummed in agreement, seemingly unable to resist, and reached out to pat the top of her head.
She did not dodge, standing there watching his retreating figure.
Lu Fengzhou stepped back. No streetlights here, his shadow perfectly concealed.
Liang Xiucheng seemed in high spirits, humming a little tune as he passed by without noticing him.
When he was far enough, Qiao Jiu turned to ascend the stairs.
Lu Fengzhou stepped forward. “Qiao Jiu.”
She was startled, turning with surprise. “Lu Fengzhou?”
Then she thought of something. “You’ve come to see your house again?”
Lu Fengzhou walked up to her. They were close, and she could see the smile she had not fully concealed.
“No,” he said. “I have no property here. The last time was merely a casual excuse.”
She asked, “Then why are you here?”
She sniffed. “Did you drink?”
Lu Fengzhou pursed his lips, staring at her for a long moment before saying, “Do you hate me?”
The question left her utterly confused.
The next words were difficult to speak. Say hate?
They had only just eased their relationship through Zhao Shuo’s matter; this could unravel everything.
But say no hate?
Even an idiot would not believe it.
And Lu Fengzhou was no fool.
Qiao Jiu pursed her lips and said nothing.
Lu Fengzhou seemed not to expect an answer and asked again, “Then do you still love me?”
This question was no easier than the first.
To say love would seem too false.
To say no love, given his character, he might simply turn away and never speak to her again.
After much thought, Qiao Jiu finally remained silent.
Lu Fengzhou waited, then took one step closer. Their bodies were nearly touching.
She looked up and saw the turmoil in Lu Fengzhou’s eyes, as if there was some matter he could not fathom no matter what he did.
They stood in confrontation like that until much later, when Lu Fengzhou finally relaxed.
He exhaled softly, his voice light and clearly hesitant as he asked, “Then… would you like to try again with me?”