Chapter 62: Aside from You, No One Harbors Any Ulterior Motives Toward Me

After leaving the hospital, Qiao Jiu naturally got into Liang Xiucheng’s car. Halfway through their drive, Lu Fengzhou called again.

Liang Xiucheng glanced over, though it was unclear if he saw the caller ID. “Who is it? Why don’t you answer?”

Qiao Jiu hung up. “Just someone trying to sell insurance.”

Liang Xiucheng chuckled. “It’s tough for salespeople these days.”

Qiao Jiu turned her head to gaze out the window. “I don’t know how tough it is for them, but it’s certainly annoying for me.”

Liang Xiucheng nodded in understanding, saying nothing more.

The injury on Qiao Jiu’s lower back wasn’t serious, but the doctor advised her to rest. Liang Xiucheng drove her home.

When she got out of the car, he followed, carrying the medicine prescribed at the hospital.

Qiao Jiu half-turned, reaching out her hand. “Sorry to trouble you again today.”

Liang Xiucheng didn’t hand her the bag of medicine, only saying, “Let’s go.”

His meaning was clear. Qiao Jiu hesitated but still led him upstairs.

It was Liang Xiucheng’s first time at her place. He sounded a bit sentimental. “Did Guan Wei arrange this for you?”

Qiao Jiu understood his implication—she didn’t have spare slippers for guests. “No need to change your shoes. Come in.”

She added, “This place is already much better. You haven’t seen where I used to live—that was hell; this is heaven.”

Liang Xiucheng sighed, taking a look around the living room, then walked to the window to peer down.

The apartment faced the street and was a bit noisy.

Qiao Jiu fetched a bottle of water from the fridge. “Make do with it.”

Liang Xiucheng turned back, hesitated, then said, “You live quite a distance from our company. Maybe I could arrange a better place for you?”

“No, no,” Qiao Jiu refused at once. “That’s too fussy. It’s not that far, really. Transport is convenient nowadays; it’s no trouble.”

She sat on the sofa, catching her breath, and went on, “I live alone. I don’t have many requirements. Sure, it’s noisy here, but it’s lively. Too quiet, and I start overthinking.”

Liang Xiucheng understood what she meant on another level. He sat down beside her. “Everything will get better.”

Qiao Jiu looked at him, and after a few seconds, she murmured, “It will.”

It was ultimately inconvenient for a man and woman to be alone together. Liang Xiucheng didn’t stay long before taking his leave.

Qiao Jiu properly escorted him downstairs.

Standing by the entrance, Liang Xiucheng looked back at her. “I’ll pick you up tomorrow to report to the company.”

Qiao Jiu smiled. “No need for you to go so far out of your way. I’ll go directly, or we can meet at the entrance.”

Knowing her temperament, Liang Xiucheng agreed after a moment’s thought. “Alright, I’ll call you tomorrow.”

He said nothing further, turned, and got into his car, driving off.

Out of courtesy, Qiao Jiu waited at the entrance until his car disappeared before heading upstairs.

She hadn’t paid much attention on her way up, but as she closed her door, a shadow suddenly appeared, and a hand pushed against it.

Startled, Qiao Jiu nearly screamed.

But when she saw who it was, she didn’t scream—she swore. “Are you out of your mind? You scared me half to death.”

It was Lu Fengzhou standing outside. He said, “Open the door.”

Qiao Jiu still remembered Song Wan’s earlier troublemaking. She braced herself against the door. “Get lost.”

Seeing her attitude, Lu Fengzhou didn’t waste words. He applied a bit of force; Qiao Jiu couldn’t resist and was pushed back as the door opened.

The disparity in strength between men and women was truly infuriating.

Lu Fengzhou stepped inside. This was his first time in her apartment as well.

He glanced around, his tone indifferent. “Much better than your last place.”

Qiao Jiu stood up straight. “Do you really think I wouldn’t call the police? Breaking and entering might not be a big charge, and maybe you could pay your way out, but if there’s a commotion, it’ll still affect you.”

Lu Fengzhou ignored her, striding toward the bedroom.

Qiao Jiu called after him, but before she could stop him, he’d already pushed open the bedroom door.

The bed was tidy; the whole room was in order. He visibly relaxed.

Qiao Jiu didn’t know what he meant, only glared at him. “Are you crazy? Do you think this is your own home?”

Lu Fengzhou looked back at her, studied her from head to toe, then shifted his gaze to the medicine on the coffee table. “You really got hurt?”

Qiao Jiu, her face tight, knew she couldn’t drive him out, so she sat on the sofa and straightened the medicine bag. “Suppose I say I’m hurt—what will you do? Scold your little green tea and stand up for me?”

She laughed at her own words. “If you really did that, I’d probably throw up.”

Lu Fengzhou waited a moment, then stepped over, stopping a few paces in front of her. “What did she say to you?”

“What did she say?” Qiao Jiu pretended to think seriously. “Quite a lot. She said she’d talk to you—make you return everything you took from me.”

She raised an eyebrow. “I don’t know if your little green tea has that kind of skill, and I doubt you’re that obedient.”

Lu Fengzhou knew she was talking nonsense, his expression unchanged. “I’ve sent her away.”

“And what does that have to do with me?” Qiao Jiu was completely unconcerned. “Just keep her under control. Don’t let her come here making trouble again. I’ve told you before: if I wanted to deal with her, it would be all too easy. If you want to protect her, make sure she behaves.”

Lu Fengzhou pressed his lips together and said nothing.

Qiao Jiu tied up the medicine bag and set it aside. “So, why are you here? Just to have a look at my place?”

Lu Fengzhou remained silent, but his expression grew more complicated, as if some thought was taking hold.

She’d seen that look often during their two years of marriage. Every time, it made her uneasy, as if she’d done something to displease him.

Now, though, his displeasure pleased her. If he was unhappy, she could be happy.

After a long silence, Lu Fengzhou suddenly said, “That’s all.”

Then he turned and walked to the door, pausing to warn her, “When you come home, be careful. If someone with ill intentions follows you, something could happen.”

Qiao Jiu laughed. “No one but you has any ill intentions toward me.”

Her words were all barbs. In the past, the petty Lu Fengzhou would have snapped back, but this time, he didn’t.

He just opened the door to leave. As he shut it behind him, he glanced at Qiao Jiu, as if wanting to say more, but after hesitating, he kept silent.

Once he was gone, Qiao Jiu rushed to the door to lock it, spat at the door in disgust, then went to the window.

She hadn’t been waiting long before she saw Lu Fengzhou exit the building.