Chapter 137: The Traitor

For the past two days, I have been steadily recovering under the care of my family. However, as the old saying goes, "a broken bone takes a hundred days to heal." In other words, it will be three months before I can fully return to a healthy, active life.

My mind is restless, plagued by unresolved matters. How is Jingjing doing? Is she still locked away by her father? Is she suffering? The company is set to begin research and development on new products immediately after the New Year, yet here I am, bedridden—how am I supposed to work? The anxiety burns within me; I wish I could heal in two or three days just to get back to everything I need to do.

Xu Shu hasn't visited since that night. I understand that her position is sensitive; every move she makes is under intense media scrutiny, and if she were to visit me frequently, she would inevitably be discovered by the paparazzi. Still, fearing that Hua Qiming might try to harm me again, she left two bodyguards to watch over my room in shifts.

Lying in my hospital bed, bored to tears, my mind is occupied by two main things. The first is, of course, my longing for Jingjing. Ever since that night we shared, I have fallen for her with all my heart. I think of her every waking moment and ache to see her. Yet, I am also in turmoil. After being brutally beaten by her father, I harbor a deep, burning hatred for Hua Qiming. I cannot simply forgive him. But he is Jingjing’s biological father. If I take revenge on him, what will Jingjing think? What should I do? Faced with her family and her lover, what choice will she make? I know this would cause her immense pain, which in turn causes me great suffering. I cannot bear to force such a cruel choice upon her, but I am equally unwilling to let things go so easily. I am torn, trapped in indecision. I suppose I will have to wait until I see her to decide. A gentleman takes his revenge, even if it takes ten years.

The second thing on my mind is that I haven't had a cigarette in two days! My God! For a chain-smoker like me, this is worse than death. After Xu Shu left that night, she had a long, private conversation with my sister. Later, I learned from my sister that Xu Shu had clarified she is not my girlfriend. My sister’s future sister-in-law is someone else, though for some reason, she cannot come to see me yet. The next day, my sister kept pestering me to dump that girlfriend and pursue the superstar Xu Shu instead, declaring that she dislikes every woman except her. I was speechless. Since when is a superstar so easy to pursue? Look at her status, then look at mine—how could that ever happen? Besides, Jingjing has shown me such deep affection; I could never betray her. But since telling my sister this would be useless, I keep my mouth shut. The most hateful thing is that Xu Shu specifically told my sister not to let me smoke. She is my sister’s idol, and the power of an idol is absolute. No matter how I beg or bribe her, my sister refuses to let me have a cigarette. Oh, this is killing me! Every time the cravings hit, I stop caring that Xu Shu is my friend and curse her under my breath with every fiber of my being.

Thankfully, this miserable existence didn't last long. On the evening of the third day of the Lunar New Year, the little devil Xu Xin arrived!

My father happened to be the one looking after me that day. As soon as Xu Xin saw me, tears welled up in her eyes. Heartbroken, she sobbed, "Brother Tang Qian! How did you... end up like this?" She threw herself beside me, crying uncontrollably.

I gave my father a look. He isn't slow, so he cleared his throat and stepped out of the room.

I smiled at Xu Xin. "Little Xin, what are you doing here?"

Seeing my father leave, Xu Xin grew bolder. She wrapped her arms around my neck, pressed her face against mine, and cried, "I just got to my sister's place and heard that you were injured and hospitalized. You scared me to death! How did this happen? You were perfectly fine on New Year's Eve!"

I struggled to sit up. "Little Xin, don't do that. My father is still outside. Here, help me sit up."

Xu Xin let go, helped me sit, and propped a pillow behind my back. She gently touched the bandages on my body, her eyes brimming with tears. "Was it a car accident, or did someone hit you? Why are you wrapped up like this? It hurts my heart just looking at you. What on earth happened?"

I smiled. "It's nothing, just my own clumsiness. Look at you crying; someone might think I’ve passed away! Come on, stop the tears, let me see a smile!"

Xu Xin sat beside me, indignant. "You’re so badly hurt, how can I smile?" She hugged me again, sobbing.

Seeing her genuine emotion, I felt quite moved. But this level of intimacy was becoming hard to handle, so I furrowed my brow and hatched a plan. "It’s a good thing you’re here! There’s something I need you to do for me."

Xu Xin wiped her eyes. "What is it?"

I glanced at the door and lowered my voice. "Little Xin, I know you’re the best to me. I have a favor to ask. Please, go buy me a pack of cigarettes. The doctors here won't let me smoke, and it’s driving me crazy!"

Xu Xin froze. "That's it?"

"Yes, I’m begging you! My family has been bought off by your sister; they don't care about my suffering and refuse to let me have a single puff. It’s been days, and you know how addicted I am. If you really care about me, help me buy a pack, but be careful not to let my family see!"

Xu Xin was both annoyed and amused. "Is that what you call caring? It was my sister who forbade you from smoking? She... she really does care about you!"

I replied, "Your sister is torturing me! I know you won't do that, right? Go, hurry back, I’m waiting!"

Xu Xin pouted. "You're acting like an underground operative! Hmph, what’s so good about smoking anyway? I don't approve of it either, but since my sister is the one stopping you, I’m going to support you!"

I rejoiced. "Exactly! I knew you were the best, Little Xin. I didn't waste my affection on you for nothing. Remember, get Hongtashan, the ten-yuan pack. And get a disposable lighter, and bring it to me secretly."

Xu Xin hummed, then blushed as she asked, "If I buy them for you, what’s in it for me?"

I broke into a cold sweat. "Anything you want, just go! My sister will be here to take over soon. She obeys your sister implicitly; if she finds out, it’ll be a disaster!"

Xu Xin laughed. "Fine! You said it! I’m going!"

I was overjoyed and nodded to encourage her. Xu Xin rolled her eyes at me and turned to leave. I heard her say, "Hello, Father Tang!"

"Hello! Little Xin! I didn't realize your sister was Xu Shu!"

"Hehe! Father Tang, I’m just going out to buy something, I’ll be back in a moment!"

A few seconds later, my father returned. He sat beside me, sighed, and said, "That girl seems to really like you. Xiao Qian, you mustn't lead the poor girl on!"

My father rarely speaks, but his words always carry weight. I quickly said, "Dad! How could you say that? Don't you know your own son?"

My father was silent for a moment before saying, "It is precisely because I know you too well that I say this. You are too kind. Are you afraid of hurting this little girl? Sigh... conduct yourself well."

I hung my head. "Dad... I understand."

My father stopped talking and sat to the side. When Xu Xin returned, my father nodded and smiled, "You two chat," and stepped out again. Xu Xin pulled a pack of cigarettes from her pocket, waved it in front of me, and grinned. "I got them!"

My eyes lit up. "Quick! Open it and light one for me."

To my surprise, Xu Xin held the cigarettes behind her back, squinting at me. "Don't be in such a hurry. First, fulfill the favor you promised me."

I was anxious. "What favor? Can't we talk about that later? My sister will be here any second, and I won't have a chance to smoke. Hurry, give it to me!"

Xu Xin calmly opened the pack, took one out, and dangled it before my eyes. "Really want it, huh? That depends on your sincerity!"

I was so tempted I could practically taste it. I desperately wanted to snatch it, but my body wouldn't budge. I pleaded, "Little Xin, I’m begging you. I’ll agree to any demand you have, okay? Just give it to me, stop torturing me!"

Xu Xin giggled. "Look at your willpower! If you’d been captured by the Kuomintang before liberation, you would have been a traitor for sure!"

I was speechless. "That’s not the same thing! How can you compare the two? Are you going to give it to me or not? If you don't, I’m going to be mad!"

Xu Xin laughed and leaned her face close to mine. "I’ll give it to you! But you have to kiss me first, otherwise, it’s not going to be that easy!" *Sweat...*

I suddenly remembered my father’s words, and a chill went down my spine! Even though Xu Xin likes me, she is still a child. I can be kind to her without hurting her, but I must never do anything that violates moral principles. Otherwise, when she grows up, she will hate me even more!

I wanted that cigarette so badly I felt like I was going insane. But if the price was doing something to hurt this young girl, I... I couldn't do it.

I stared at the cigarette in her hand and sighed. "If you’re not going to give it to me... then forget it. I won't be a traitor!"

Xu Xin said, disappointed, "You won't even give me a kiss? You’re so stingy! I was just kidding; I don't really think you’re a traitor!" She pouted, shoved the cigarette into my mouth, and said, "Here, take it! You smoker!"

I was overjoyed and mumbled, "Quick! Light it for me!"

Xu Xin pulled out the lighter, clicked it, and lit it for me. But as I took a deep drag, she planted a soft, wet kiss on my cheek.

I nearly choked on the smoke. "Little Xin!"

Xu Xin ignored me, sat down beside me, and held me tightly with her small hands. "I’ll take care of you these next few days... I’m not leaving!"

I was speechless. With the cigarette in my mouth, I even forgot to smoke. I felt an immense pressure in my heart. Such a devoted young girl—I don't want to hurt her, but what am I supposed to do?

Xu Xin reached over, took the cigarette from my lips, tapped off the ash, and put it back in my mouth. She rested her head on my shoulder. "What are you thinking about? Brother Tang Qian... I wish I could grow up faster. I want to take care of you forever and stay by your side. I’ll listen to everything you say, I promise I’ll be good!"

I smoked in silence, my heart aching. I know that one day, I will inevitably hurt this innocent, lovely girl. I only hope that day doesn't come too soon, so that she has time to prepare herself...

The door pushed open. My sister, Tang Ying, walked in with a thermos, saying, "Dad, you should go home and get some rest!" She looked up, saw Xu Xin and me huddled together, blinked in disbelief, and shouted, "Brother! You... how dare you sneak a cigarette?"

Seeing my sister walk in, I knew it was trouble. I quickly took one last deep drag. Tang Ying rushed over to grab the cigarette from my mouth, but Xu Xin blocked her. "Sister Ying, just let him smoke. Brother Tang Qian is in so much pain."

"No way! Sister Xu specifically ordered that he isn't allowed a single puff!" As Tang Ying lunged, Xu Xin had no choice but to hug her tightly.

I smugly took another drag. "I’ve already smoked it, what are you going to do about it? Haha!" Inside, however, I thought: What kind of world is this? My own sister is helping someone else torture me, while someone else’s sister is helping me. Everything is backwards!

My sister was frantic. She struggled, saying, "Little Xin, let go! I... I’m going to report this to Sister Xu!" Xu Xin replied, "Sister Ying, let it go. It’s just one cigarette, it won't hurt."

"It’s not okay! I gave Sister Xu my word! I’ve failed my duty!"

*Good grief!* The real traitor has arrived!

Amidst the commotion, I finished my cigarette. Xu Xin laughingly let go of my sister, who immediately snatched the butt from my mouth and threw it on the floor in anger.

I acted like a dead pig unafraid of boiling water, wearing a look of total satisfaction on my face!

Tang Ying gritted her teeth in frustration. She set down the thermos, pulled my phone from under the pillow, and said, "Just you wait! I’m calling Sister Xu right now. Let’s see if you have the nerve to face her!"

I didn't care. Xu Shu is just a friend; what right does she have to control me? But Xu Xin was scared and tried to stop her. "Sister Ying... can you not call? Brother Tang Qian is your own brother! Can’t you just turn a blind eye?"

Tang Ying huffed and glared at her. "He’s my brother, that’s why I have to discipline him! You only care about him, so you don't care if he dies, right?"

Xu Xin said, aggrieved, "Who said I don't care about your brother? It’s just... one cigarette! What’s the big deal?"

I spoke up, "Little Xin, let her call. I don't believe it’s a crime to smoke one cigarette. Who does she think she is?"

My sister glared at me, punched in a number, and made the call. I didn't expect Xu Shu to have given my sister her number; it seems this anti-smoking alliance is very well-organized. The call connected, and my sister just said, "Sister Xu!" before she started to cry. She continued, "Sister Xu, I’m sorry. My brother is too hateful; he snuck a cigarette while I was away! And Little Xin is his accomplice; she must have bought them! They wouldn't listen to me, I give up! Sister Xu, you have to do something!"

A moment later, Tang Ying handed the phone to Xu Xin. "Your sister wants to talk to you. Let’s see what you have to say for yourself!" Xu Xin looked at me in a panic. I nodded and said, "Give me the phone."

Xu Xin, relieved, held the phone to my ear. I said in a low voice, "Hello! Xu Shu, it’s me."

"You... *sigh*! The doctor specifically ordered no smoking or drinking while you recover. Why won't you listen?"

"Xu Shu, I know you’re doing this for my own good, but I’m a heavy smoker. I can't help it. If I can't have a puff, it’s truly a living hell. Just let me be. And don't blame your sister; I forced her to buy it. It has nothing to do with her."

"Tang Qian! You... fine! I don't believe this! From now on, your sister and I will take turns watching you. If I don't completely break your addiction, I’ll change my name to yours!" The call cut off immediately.

I smiled bitterly to myself: Is this really necessary? You’re a top-tier superstar, why are you picking on a nobody like me? Did I offend you? *Sigh!* Jingjing is better. At least she truly cares for me and would never force me to do something I don't want to do.

I signaled for Xu Xin to put the phone away. She asked softly, "My sister... what did she say?"

I shook my head and sighed. "I think your sister is truly too bored. Isn't she sticking her nose into too many things? My head hurts!"

Xu Xin lowered her head and whispered, "Didn't I tell you already? Don't you understand yet? Is she coming over?"

I was about to ask her what she meant, but my sister sat on the edge of the bed with the thermos, annoyed. "Eat! It’s for the best if Sister Xu comes over! Let’s see if you dare smoke in front of her then!"

I sighed in my heart. *Why? Is smoking a cigarette against divine law? Why is it so difficult? Freedom! Oh, freedom! I finally understand the profound meaning of 'give me liberty or give me death.'*

My sister opened the thermos and was about to feed me when Xu Xin’s phone rang. She looked at the screen and said, "It’s someone named Fan Yunting. Should I answer?"

I said, "Of course! That’s my company’s boss. Put the phone to my ear."

The call connected. I heard Fan Yunting sigh. "Is that Tang Qian? I... I’m feeling troubled and need someone to talk to. Are you free tonight?"