A Chan – CH 065

Chapter 65: His Question (2)

When they arrived at Li Weiyi’s house, Xu Yi got out of the car first and opened the door for her. She was a little embarrassed and said, “Thank you, Brother Xu Yi. I’m sorry to have troubled you.”

Xu Yi said, “It’s nothing, go inside. If you need any help in the future, just call me anytime.”

They had just exchanged phone numbers. Li Weiyi was deeply moved. Zhang Jingchan wouldn’t even see him, yet Xu Yi was gentle, considerate, and thoughtful in everything he did. She thought to herself, “He truly is a mature career man, much better than that brat.”

Li Weiyi took a few steps, then turned back, standing in the bright sunlight, and smiled at Xu Yi, her eyes crinkling: “Brother Xu Yi, you look exhausted. Have you been working too hard lately? Health is the foundation of everything. You’re destined for great things; there’s a long road ahead, so please take care of yourself! Let’s both keep going!”

Xu Yi was taken aback for a moment, then nodded and smiled: “Okay, I will.”

Li Weiyi happily went home, skipping along, her hair tossing. Her silhouette, falling into Xu Yi’s eyes, slowly overlapped with the figure under the lamplight that night in his memory.

That person, too, had given him their heartfelt blessings, then skipped upstairs. And then disappeared.

Xu Yi leaned against the car door, lit a cigarette, slowly finished it, and left with a smile.

“So you were here,” he thought.

“I’m not sure if you’re the same person.”

“You both have something to hide, but I don’t care.”

“All I know is that the purity and brilliance that suddenly stirred my heart has returned.”

…

“Xiao Yi, I’m opening the door.”

Li Weiyi’s hands, which had been resting on her lap, slowly clenched into fists.

Xu Yi glanced at her, walked over, and sat down beside her, reaching out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Li Weiyi resisted the urge to move. He seemed oblivious to her stiffness, wrapping his arm around her from behind and interlocking their fingers. Li Weiyi trembled slightly.

“What happened?” he asked. “Why do you suddenly seem…afraid of me?”

“No, no!” Li Weiyi immediately said, “I just…I suddenly had a very important painting inspiration, and I wanted to be alone to capture it, really!”

“Is that so?”

She nodded vigorously.

Xu Yi chuckled and said, “You really are a…painting fanatic! Don’t be like that again; it’s unbearable for me.”

His tone was calm and gentle, but Li Weiyi sensed his seriousness. Her heart pounded with tension, guilt, and confusion. She simply lowered her head and said, “I understand.”

He glanced at his watch and said, “The driver should be here by now. I’m going to work. I’ve booked your favorite spring water restaurant for tonight. I’ll have the driver pick you up at 5:30.”

Li Weiyi mumbled an “Mmm.” Seeing that she still looked unwell, Xu Yi remained silent for a moment, then pulled her close and leaned down to kiss her. Li Weiyi’s scalp tingled as she felt his cool lips sucking and swirling, his tongue expertly slipping inside. His kiss was different from this person’s; it was a bit forceful and fierce. Li Weiyi’s fingertips were numb, and she was kissed by him in a daze for a while. He lowered his head and hugged her, saying, “Why are you still like a child, always not engaged…” He chuckled and said, “Don’t forget what you promised me before the business trip.”

Li Weiyi: “…Which one are you talking about?”

He released her, got up, and went to get his suit and shirt. Li Weiyi hesitated for a moment, then followed him out. Seeing him change into his loungewear, she immediately looked away.

Xu Yi, while changing, said, “I’ve been away on a business trip for almost half a month, and you’re trying to play dumb and go back on your word?” He looked up at her and smiled: “You promised to move in tonight. I’ve been too busy, so this way we’ll have more time together. The room is all prepared for you, the one next to the master bedroom. Don’t worry, I promise I won’t do anything to you until you agree.”

Li Weiyi: “………………”

She took a deep breath and smiled, saying, “Okay, don’t worry, I, Li Weiyi, will always keep my word. You should hurry up and go to work, or you’ll be late.”

Xu Yi smiled upon hearing this and finally left.

Li Weiyi felt as if the sensation of his touch still lingered on her body—a slight itch and numbness. This feeling was very strange. On one hand, her body felt familiar with his intimacy, even reassured; on the other hand, it felt particularly unreal, making her feel uneasy.

She calmed herself for a moment, then took out her phone and dialed the number she knew by heart.

Her heart pounded.

The phone rang seven or eight times before being answered. There was no voice on the other end, only the sound of breathing.

Li Weiyi: “Zhang Jingchan?”

He hummed in response.

Li Weiyi was overwhelmed with mixed feelings—guilt, hurt, and a deep sense of dependence welled up inside her. She said, “Yes. It’s me.”

Zhang Jingchan said, “I know.”

Li Weiyi thought to herself, “How did you know without me saying anything?” Then she heard him say, “You really did change your number.” His voice seemed shrouded in a cold mist.

Li Weiyi: “…”

He sighed softly and said, “Never mind. Where are you? I’ll come pick you up.”

Li Weiyi was stunned again. She absolutely couldn’t tell the truth. She replied, “…In my studio, with some painters. You know, in the art world, it’s really inconvenient for you to pick me up. I’ll take a taxi to your company; it’ll be quick.”

“Okay, let’s change locations, Huicui Building. Don’t go to the wrong place; I’ll send you the location.”

Sitting in the taxi, Li Weiyi searched for “Huicui Building,” her eyes stinging at the dazzling achievements listed.

Huicui Group, founded by Zhang Jingchan in 2016, was formerly Fuming Group, founded by his father. In this life, Zhang Jingchan had no debts; on the contrary, the Zhang family enjoyed a reputation for responsibility and commitment.

Although Fuming went bankrupt and was liquidated after 2014, existing in name only, most of the group’s social resources and connections were retained, becoming a natural advantage for Zhang Jingchan’s entrepreneurial endeavors.

His development over the past eight years could be described as smooth sailing and unstoppable. In 2018, Huicui Group’s valuation exceeded 500 million; in 2020, it reached 4 billion. In early 2021, Huicui Group successfully went public. Zhang Jingchan himself also entered the ranks of the top 100 entrepreneurs in the country. His group’s output and influence even surpassed Xu Yi’s Muchen Group. Both were the most dazzling rising stars in Xiangcheng’s business world.

This overwhelming sense of power reached its peak when Li Weiyi stood at the foot of the Huicui Building.

The Zhang Jingchan of the past was burdened with 1 billion in debt, a lone figure, and despite his company’s high potential and value, he still lived in a cramped corner of a suburban entrepreneurial park.

Now, he owned two skyscrapers in the city center, named Huicui, resplendent and prime real estate, overlooking the entire city.

This was the life he should have had, Li Weiyi thought. He and she were never from the same world.

Neither was Xu Yi.

Clearly, Zhang Jingchan had given prior instructions. From the moment Li Weiyi stepped into the building, a beautiful and poised secretary respectfully guided and accompanied her, taking her to the top floor in the understated yet luxurious executive elevator. Afterward, she was led to the president’s office at the very back.