Chapter 152: A Reunion Once More

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When I woke up in the morning, my head was still heavy and foggy. My mouth was dry and parched, and I was terribly thirsty. I went to the fridge and grabbed a bottle of Leaf Tip Fragrant Tea, drinking half of it in one gulp, but my lips felt burning and painful. I rushed to the bathroom and looked in the mirror, only to find my lips cracked and bleeding, marked with clear teeth imprints.

I was puzzled and tried hard to recall how this happened, but no matter how I tried, I couldn’t remember. The last thing I remembered was sending Qiu Jieqin off with Qian Xiaolei, then drinking heavily alone. After that, everything was a blur—I didn’t even know how I got home.

I went out to ask my mom, and she said a colleague had sent me back. After clarifying the description, I realized it was Qian Xiaolei.

But how did the bite marks get on my lips? Who bit me? Why? I was full of questions and doubts. My little sister Tang Ying kept giggling behind her hand. Even on the verge of going to college, she was still so mischievous.

I had no appetite for breakfast, so I just put on my shoes and drove to work.

At the company, I went straight into my office and told my secretary, Zhang Lanlan, “Call the finance supervisor, Xiaolei, here for me!” Zhang Lanlan nodded and went to fetch her.

Soon, Qian Xiaolei knocked and came in, looking annoyed. “Vice President Tang, what do you need?”

I turned on my computer as I spoke, “You’re the one who sent me home last night, right?”

“Yes.”

“Oh, thank you! How’s Jieqin?”

“What do you expect? A woman who’s been abandoned is always the same!”

I was cornered by her bluntness and had nothing to say. After a long pause, I asked, “Can I ask you something? What’s with this mark on my lips?”

Qian Xiaolei’s eyes flashed with anger at first, but seeing my confused expression, she suddenly asked, “You don’t remember?”

I grabbed my scalp and said, “No, I remember you sent Jieqin off just fine, but then I drank a lot more, and after that, my memory’s blank. Didn’t you send me home? That’s why I’m asking you.”

A hint of pleasure crossed her face, but she quickly returned to her usual annoyed look. “I don’t know. When I came to find you, your lips were already bruised. It’s probably from some shady woman in the bar you were drinking at.”

Qian Xiaolei turned and left hastily, almost like she was escaping. I shook my head, still blank, unable to recall anything. I thought to myself, “Alcohol is really bad. It’s best to drink less from now on.”

Since I couldn’t remember, I stopped thinking about it, opened the files on my desk, and started working.

Another busy day passed. Director Fan was tied up handling lawsuits, so all company matters fell to me. I worked until half past seven at night before finally finishing.

Leaving the office and getting into my car, I suddenly remembered what Qian Xiaolei said: Qiu Jieqin’s claim about getting married was a lie. I took out my phone to call her.

But after hesitating for a long time, I gave up. What good would it do? There was no way we could be together anymore. Contacting her again would only bring more pain. I threw the phone onto the passenger seat and started driving home.

Halfway there, the phone rang. I picked it up and almost lost control of the car in excitement—it was Hu Jingjing’s number.

I quickly answered, “Jingjing! Are you back?”

On the other end came Hua Qiming’s dark voice: “Mr. Tang, this is Hua Qiming. Are you available now? I want to talk to you.”

I slammed on the brakes and stopped the car. That voice was deeply etched in my memory, unforgettable. I replied coldly, “Oh, it’s Mr. Hua. Long time no see.”

“Are you still resenting me, Mr. Tang? Alas! As an old man, I sometimes get confused. I hope you won’t take it badly. Let’s meet somewhere tonight for a proper talk. It’s time to clear up misunderstandings.”

“Misunderstandings between us? I don’t see what there is to talk about.”

“Sigh! I’ve always felt guilty. I know you won’t forgive me easily. But for Jingjing’s sake, as future in-laws, we should at least meet.”

“Future in-laws?” The words shocked me. Had this old fox bitten off more than he could chew, or was there some scheme behind this?

Hua Qiming continued, “Don’t worry, I won’t make things difficult for you this time. It’s only for our daughter. I want to talk.”

My mind raced. This old fox was no saint. His talk of ‘for our daughter’ was certainly suspicious. But why was he reaching out to me? This was clearly a trap. Should I go or not?

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I counted carefully before replying, “Fine. For Jingjing, we can meet. Where?”

“At the teahouse from last time.”

Thinking of the painful lesson at that teahouse, I sneered. “Very well, see you then.”

After hanging up, I called Xu Shu. After ringing for a while, her lazy, yawning voice came through, “What’s up? I just fell asleep!”

I laughed, “Going to bed so early?”

“I had several interviews today and I’m exhausted. Just lay down, and now you’re disturbing me. Hmph! I haven’t even settled yesterday’s score with you. Now you wake me again? No way! You’ll have to make it up to me!”

“Alright, you keep sleeping then. But I want to borrow a few people from you. I need them.”

“Borrow people? Who?”

I recalled Hua Jingjing’s note about wanting to discuss something with Xu Shu, so I decided to be upfront. “Jingjing’s father just called. He wants to meet me. I want to borrow some bodyguards to keep that old fox from making any rash moves.”

“What?” Xu Shu’s voice was both shocked and anxious. I guessed she must have jumped up. “You must not go! Hua Qiming is an old scoundrel—he can’t have good intentions. You’re just walking into a death trap!”

“I know. That old fox is setting a trap, clearly to humiliate me. But if I don’t go, he’ll underestimate me. Besides, he said it’s for Jingjing. For her sake, I’m willing to take the risk. But I’m not stupid—I won’t go alone like last time. That’s why I want to borrow some bodyguards, to put on a show.”

“Then… wait! I’m coming too. I want to be there to see if Hua Qiming dares to lay a finger on you.”

I said, “You don’t need to come. It’s dangerous. You’re a girl, and-”

“He wouldn’t dare! My father commands an army of 300,000 soldiers. If he harms a hair on my head, I’ll make the Hua Corporation disappear from the face of the earth by tomorrow!”

That was true. Even if Hua Qiming had a thousand grudges, he wouldn’t dare touch Xu Shu. With her around, I’d be safe.

At this moment, I set aside pride and said, “Alright! Then we’ll go together. The same teahouse as last time. I’ll wait for you there.”

After hanging up, I drove toward the teahouse.

The entrance was still brightly lit. I parked at a distance and waited for Xu Shu.

An hour later, a Mercedes arrived. Xu Shu got out with four bodyguards. I saw her fiddling with her phone, and mine rang at the same time. I answered and said, “I see you. I’m coming over!” (So long-winded!)

I pushed open the door and walked to Xu Shu. I recognized all four bodyguards, and Wang Bingzhang stood nearby. It seemed his internal injury had healed. I thought he must still remember this place vividly.

I greeted Xu Shu and then shook hands with Wang Bingzhang. “Thanks for last time.”

He nodded but said nothing. I released his hand and said, “Xu Shu, let’s go in.”

She hummed in agreement and walked alongside me. Just as we reached the stairs, Xu Shu turned to look at me, about to speak, but suddenly she gasped and peered closely at me.

I immediately thought of the teeth marks on my lips and worried: trouble.

Sure enough, Xu Shu was furious. She turned to Wang Bingzhang and snapped, “Let’s go! I’m done with this!”

I could only smile bitterly, watching her storm off angrily with no way to stop her. I couldn’t even explain. I didn’t understand it myself—how could I explain?

I sighed. At this critical moment, I couldn’t back down anymore. I turned and walked resolutely up the stairs.

Two men stood at the top, not the ones who had beaten me last time. I didn’t even glance at them and passed right between them.

The entire second floor was quiet except for one table where Hua Qiming sat, slowly sipping a cup of clear tea.

That Mr. Hu stood behind him, smoking. I approached them without a word, just looking coldly at Hua Qiming.

He put down his teacup and said, “You’re here? Sit down.”

I didn’t bother with politeness and sat opposite him. Hua Qiming said, “I heard Xu Shu’s voice just now. Where is she? Why didn’t she come up?”

I said, “She had to leave suddenly.”

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“Is that so?”

At that moment, a lady brought over a cup of tea. The aroma was unmistakably Leaf Tip Fragrant Tea. Suddenly, I seemed to understand Hua Qiming’s real purpose in contacting me. If that was the case, hmph! This old fox had seriously miscalculated!

Sure enough, Hua Qiming said, “Leaf Tip Fragrant Tea really is fragrant and delicious. Mr. Tang, your skills are extraordinary. Even with all our company’s technicians, none can preserve this aroma for even an hour. Impressive! It seems my daughter’s taste is far better than mine.”

I sneered without replying. If Hua Qiming hoped to get the production technique from me, he was seriously mistaken.

Hua Qiming pulled two long cigars from his pocket and handed me one. “Here, authentic Brazilian cigars. Want one?”

I said, “Sorry, I quit smoking a long time ago.”

“Oh?” Hua Qiming withdrew his hand. “Quitting? Good! Young people have willpower. We old folks lack perseverance and energy.”

I sneered, “I actually owe my quitting to you, Mr. Hua.”

He said nothing, expressionless, slowly unwrapped the cigar and put it in his mouth. Mr. Hu behind him flicked a lighter and lit it for him.

After two puffs, Hua Qiming said, “I was wrong about last time. I was too harsh, but it’s the love of a parent. We all want Hua Jingjing’s happiness. My treatment of you was out of necessity. I hope you can forgive me.”

I said, “Mr. Hua, your concern for your daughter is understandable. But your methods of ensuring her happiness are truly unique.”

Remarkably, Hua Qiming’s temper was unusually calm today. Despite my repeated jabs, he never lost his cool. Taking another drag, he continued, “Jingjing is in America now. She’s much thinner. Seeing her fight me over love like this, as her father, I feel awful.”

Thinking of Jingjing suffering alone in America, my anger surged. Clenching my fist, I said, “Your own daughter—you can be so cruel to her? How can you call yourself a father?”

I knew insulting him might earn me a beating, but seeing his face and thinking of Jingjing’s suffering, I couldn’t hold back.

Hua Qiming’s expression changed briefly, then returned to normal. He sighed and said, “I regret it. That’s why I invited you here—to ask for your forgiveness and to declare that I agree to your marriage with my daughter. Jingjing’s studies must not be interrupted. You two can marry in America.”

Was there really such a good thing? Surprised, I steadied myself. There’s no such thing as a free lunch. Hua Qiming was no soft-hearted man. If he changed so drastically, it had to be for a bigger scheme.

I took a deep breath and said, “Just say it. What are your conditions?”

Hua Qiming smiled, “I know how deeply you care for my daughter. She’s willing to starve herself to oppose me and endure three years of longing just to be with you. So, Mr. Tang, what are you willing to give in return for her happiness?”

Of course, this was it—the old fox! Using his own daughter as a bargaining chip. I couldn’t believe he had the nerve to say it out loud.

I gritted my teeth, “As long as you keep your word, I’m willing to give anything.”

Hua Qiming clapped his hands. “Good! That’s exactly what I want to hear!”

At that moment, someone shouted from the stairway, “Tang Qian, no! Don’t fall for his trap!”

I turned to see Xu Shu rushing up but held back by two large hands.

Hua Qiming waved his hand. “It’s alright. Let her come.”

The men stepped aside, allowing Xu Shu through, but stopped the bodyguards behind her. Xu Shu turned back and said, “You wait downstairs. I won’t get hurt.” Then she walked toward me.

I said, “I thought you left? Why are you back?”

Xu Shu snapped, “How could I leave? You’re no match for Jingjing’s father!”