Chapter 22: By What Right
He didn’t know what was said on the other end of the call, but Liang Xiucheng responded with a quiet acknowledgment, “We met this afternoon. Naturally, that counts as an acquaintance.”
Qiao Jiu lowered her gaze. Liang Xiucheng had only just returned, and was still unfamiliar with many things.
Liang Xiujin and Lu Fengzhou seemed on the verge of working together. She was Lu Fengzhou’s ex-wife, and there was still some resentment between them. Though business was business, Lu Fengzhou was notoriously petty; he had previously blacklisted her. It was wise for the Liang family to keep their distance from her.
Liang Xiucheng was still on the phone when a waiter approached the table. “Hello, may I offer—”
He stopped mid-sentence, surprised as he recognized Qiao Jiu—it was the young man who had helped the bartender with the umbrellas last time.
Qiao Jiu could offer no explanation, so she simply shrugged her shoulders slightly.
Liang Xiucheng waited a few seconds before speaking into the phone, “Alright, I understand. That’s settled then.”
He hung up, looked at Qiao Jiu, and asked, “How well do you handle alcohol?”
Qiao Jiu’s tolerance was formidable; her past life had been spent largely in indulgence, raised amidst wine and revelry.
Yet she replied, “Not very well. I can’t really drink.”
Liang Xiucheng seemed to smile, nodding, “Then let’s have some red wine. It’s not very strong.”
Qiao Jiu agreed, “That’s fine.”
He ordered a fruit platter and some snacks. The waiter acknowledged everything, but as he turned to leave, he glanced back at Qiao Jiu, his expression complicated.
Qiao Jiu ignored him. They were merely colleagues, familiar faces without any real connection.
The drinks and snacks arrived swiftly.
Liang Xiucheng poured wine for Qiao Jiu, saying as he did, “You seem to have a good relationship with Guan Wei. With her overseeing things, why are you working in the kitchen?”
Qiao Jiu could not explain her predicament. After a moment’s hesitation, she suggested, “Should I go keep the guests company?”
…
Guan Wei watched Lu Fengzhou’s expression, feeling increasingly uneasy.
She hadn’t expected Liang Xiucheng to go downstairs in search of Qiao Jiu, nor did she know when he had left.
Ordinarily, after Qiao Jiu’s divorce, it was nothing unusual for her to socialize.
But there was clearly lingering animosity between Lu Fengzhou and Qiao Jiu. He didn’t want her to have an easy time. For Liang Xiucheng to approach Qiao Jiu at this moment seemed rather inappropriate.
Lu Fengzhou was petty; if he was displeased, it could jeopardize the cooperation between their families.
Guan Wei shifted to the side, took out her phone, and quickly sent Qiao Jiu a message.
But there was no reply—perhaps Qiao Jiu was already enjoying herself with a drink.
Guan Wei hesitated, considering what excuse she might use to step outside, when Lu Fengzhou’s phone rang.
Lu Fengzhou took out his phone, looking somewhat surprised. He stood, “Excuse me, I need to take this call.”
Liang Xiujin replied, “No problem.”
Lu Fengzhou didn’t leave the private room; he only moved a little farther away and answered, “What is it?”
Guan Wei could plainly hear the gentle tone in his voice; a familiar face flashed in her mind.
Just moments ago, she had felt that it was inappropriate for Liang Xiucheng and Qiao Jiu to be together, but now she immediately reconsidered.
They were divorced—why should only the man be allowed to start anew, while the woman wasn’t even permitted to meet new people?
Lu Fengzhou listened for a while, then suddenly laughed, “Should I send someone to pick you up?”
He waited, then said, “It’s alright. It won’t be a problem. Just wait for me at home.”
He didn’t talk for long before hanging up. Turning back, Lu Fengzhou’s smile lingered on his face.