Chapter 1552: Encounter (1)
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
She finally looked away after a long time and as her gaze swept across Qi Lei, she whispered, “When I think about the possibility of being away for a long time, or not having the chance to come back again, I suddenly feel like I’m going to miss this place a lot. I hope…that it’ll always be here. When I miss this place, I want to be able to come back.”
Dongfang Liuyun’s tone was unusually calm when she said this and her eyes seemed like she was deep in thought. Qi Lei was able to read and understand her logic. After thinking about it, he replied, “I won’t give you a reason to come back and stay here for long. Let’s go now. It’s late.”
He reached out to hold her and got into the car.
Dongfang Liuyun stopped looking at the familiar house and lightly inhaled before finally getting into the car.
The driver quickly started the engine…
On the way back to the Grand Lake Villa, both of them barely spoke in the back seat. The driver in front was also very cautious and tense as he drove the car intently.
It was already getting dark as the car was zooming in the faint afterglow. It was quiet inside the car as Dongfang Liuyun just sat and looked out of the car window at the streets that were constantly moving backward as the car kept going.
Meanwhile, Qi Lei looked at the doc.u.ments he was holding in his hand. He needed to take a good look at the contract he got this morning.
This silence was not actually a form of mutual understanding but more like repression. The cell phone in Dongfang Liuyun’s pocket suddenly vibrated, finally breaking the silence.
‘If I do not have tears coming into my eyes, can I have a bashful face when I see you again after the pa.s.sage of years…”
The ringtone of her phone went on for a long time, but Dongfang Liuyun did not seem to have any reaction until she felt that Qi Lei was looking at her. When she noticed his gaze, she finally reached out to grab her phone.
Lan Xiu’s name was displayed on the phone screen.
Dongfang Liuyun stared at the screen for quite a while but did not end up answering the call. When the screen went dark again, she wanted to put the phone away. However, just when it had gone silent, the phone started ringing again, and it was still Lan Xiu.
Dongfang Liuyun was quiet, but she finally answered the phone. “h.e.l.lo?”
“Liuyun? Where are you?” Lan Xiu asked worriedly as soon as he heard her voice, “Why did it take you so long to answer your phone?”
Dongfang Liuyun paused and responded, “I’m out now. What’s up?”
“Let’s meet up right now. I have something to tell you. You can decide on the location.” Lan Xiu sounded determined.
Dongfang Liuyun frowned subconsciously and lowered her gaze for a long time before replying, “It’s almost time for dinner, so I’ll pa.s.s. Let’s meet some other day.”
“What’s wrong? Are you sick?” Lan Xiu’s voice became more anxious. “I went to the hospital and heard that you were hospitalized a few days ago.”
“It’s okay. It’s nothing and I didn’t actually need to be hospitalized.” Dongfang Liuyun’s voice was very soft while her eyes were still staring out of the car window.
“After so many years, you still don’t know how to take care of yourself. Liuyun, when will you make me worry less? Why don’t you move into my place? I’ve thought about it, and I agree. ..”
“Okay, Lan Xiu, I’m a little tired. Let’s talk about this some other day. I’ll call you.”
“Liuyun…” Lan Xiu still wanted to talk, but Dongfang Liuyun had already hung up.
She simply threw the phone to the side and raised her hand to rub her temples tiredly.
Beside her, Qi Lei continued to look through the doc.u.ments in his hand.
“Was that the man from the other day?”
Qi Lei obviously saw Lan Xiu that day, and based on his feelings, he could tell that the man was not that simple. He also heard most of their conversation at the time and felt that their relationship was probably that of more than just normal friends, or else, Dongfang Liuyun would not have spoken to him about her situation.
That man?
Dongfang Liuyun quickly turned her head and looked at him, but he did not look up either as he continued to study the doc.u.ments in his hands.
“He’s Lan Xiu, my childhood friend. We’ve known each other since we were young,” Dongfang Liuyun simply explained, “We’re friends, and you’ll get the chance to know each other in the future.”
Qi Lei raised his eyebrows, but he seemed a little interested. “I hope he’s not going to tear me up, is he?”
Tear him up?
Dongfang Liuyun paused and immediately understood what he meant. “We’re just good friends. Be it the past, present, or the future, this won’t change.”
Her eyes were clear as crystal, so he did not doubt her words at all.
“He’s been taking care of me. Don’t worry. He won’t cause you any trouble, but of course—”
“But, of course, I need to treat you even better, don’t I?” He interrupted and smiled.
“I don’t think it’s telepathy, but you’re right,” Dongfang Liuyun’s tone sounded more relaxed now. She thought for a moment and continued, “I initially wanted to go back after two days, but I made the sudden decision to visit C City tomorrow. I may be there for a few days for a literary salon. One of my friends happens to be here, so…”
She almost forgot to tell him…
“I’ll take you to the airport. What time is the flight?” Qi Lei closed the folder in his hand and looked at her silently.
She was quiet for a while and finally nodded. “Okay. The flight’s at nine o’clock tomorrow morning, and I’ll be back on Monday afternoon.”
…
It was rush hour and there was some traffic congestion on the road. When they finally got home, the sky was already dark. Yang Sheng and the bodyguards quickly organized and cleaned everything up. There were also two more people moving into the house: Butler Xu and Aunt w.a.n.g who had been transferred here by Yang Sheng.
Moreover, Dongfang Liuyun’s clothes and shoes in the walk-in closet were all ready. They were extremely efficient.
Dongfang Liuyun made dinner on her own. Qi Lei wanted to help, but the cell phone in his pocket vibrated. When he took it out, he realized it was Su Chen.
“Hey, it’s me,” Qi Lei responded quickly.
“It’s me. We’re at Room 808 of the Imperial Sky Entertainment Club. Come over and have a few drinks with us. I don’t know where Zimo went and he’s not even answering his phone. Ah Chen’s already on his way, so you should come quickly.” Su Chen’s voice could be heard from the other end of the phone.
Out for a drink?
Qi Lei hesitated and looked at Dongfang Liuyun who was plating the dishes. After a long time, he finally said, “I’ve got something to do today, so I won’t be joining you guys.”
“What’s the matter? It’s time for a break now,” Su Chen asked in confusion.
“I’m just a small businessman. Do you think I’m like you, working as a senior government officer? We have to wake up early and hustle in the dark while you just sit around comfortably. There’s no way to compare us.”