Chapter 16

Despite her constant criticism of Wen Xiangyi, the truth is that Wen Xiangyi, aside from enslaving her, often praised her. She complimented her cooking, praised her efficiency in tasks, and acknowledged her ability to handle every task well, regardless of its size.

Thinking about Wen Xiangyi’s enviable and admirable life, and then reflecting on their own elementary school graduation, Song Cheng’s eyes held a hint of pity.

Her parents really had no taste!

Ni Yun was taken aback. “What are you talking about?”

Song Cheng confidently said, “I’m not stupid; I can do well in academic subjects.” She paused and added, “I’m just informing you of my decision. Even if you disagree, it won’t change my mind. Honestly, what I choose to study doesn’t really matter to you, right? It’s just about losing these two years of financial support. Once I’m in university, I won’t trouble you anymore.”

Song Rongjian sneered, “The money is still coming out of my pocket.”

Song Cheng calmly responded, “Grandma asked you to leave the house to me before she passed away, but you transferred it to your own name. If it doesn’t sit well with you, you don’t have to provide any money.”

Song Rongjian was thoroughly enraged. He couldn’t understand how his daughter had turned out this way—always demanding money and causing him frustration, as cold and hard as a stone, making him angry just by looking at her.

He slammed the table, causing Ni Guang to start crying. Ni Yun comforted him with concern, and amidst the noise, Song Rongjian glared at Song Cheng fiercely. But his gaze met Song Cheng’s calm demeanor, which even held a touch of pity.

“Do you still want to confront me?” Song Cheng looked at Song Rongjian’s body, drained by years of drinking, and kindly warned, “Don’t hurt yourself.”

“Get out! Get out of here!”

Song Cheng nonchalantly went into her room to grab her bag and left.

She caught the last bus. The problem was, she didn’t know where to go.

Unable to afford a place that required payment, she had limited options and decided to get off in the shopping district, looking for a 24-hour convenience store or fast-food restaurant.

The neon lights of the shopping district flickered, and the thick clouds were faintly visible overhead. A light rain had fallen during the night, with fallen leaves scattered in the puddles, painting a desolate autumn night scene.

The water droplets on the convenience store’s glass walls reflected the colorful neon lights, making everything seem hazy. From across the street, when Wen Xiangyi saw Song Cheng inside the convenience store, her first reaction was that she had mistaken the person.

The person who had said “See you Monday” now appeared in a corner of her world just a few hours later.

It was far more interesting than going home.

The red light quickly turned green.

Wen Xiangyi said to the driver, “Pull over after the traffic light. I’ll get out, and you don’t have to wait for me.”

The driver hesitated, “But Ms. Wen has prepared a surprise and is waiting for you at home.”

Wen Xiangyi smiled slightly, “I said to stop.”

The driver dared not insist and pulled over.

Wen Xiangyi walked to the side of the road and waited to cross. During those few seconds, she carefully looked at Song Cheng by the window.

The convenience store had seating arranged along the window, and Song Cheng was nestled in the least conspicuous corner. On the table in front of her was a convenience store paper cup, and nothing else.

She seemed oblivious to her striking appearance and preferred to stay in a less noticeable spot.

Passing customers and a male clerk looked at her with admiration, but she was lost in her thoughts, staring blankly.

The cup in her hand had been still for a long time.

Wen Xiangyi suddenly had a mischievous idea.

She crossed the street but didn’t enter the convenience store. Instead, she walked to the window right in front of Song Cheng. Immersed in her own world, Song Cheng didn’t see her, her eyes reflecting the colorful, blurred lights of the rain.

Wen Xiangyi smiled and lightly tapped twice.

“Knock, knock.”

Like a startled animal, Song Cheng leaned back. Her amber eyes seemed momentarily flustered, blinking rapidly several times before finally focusing on Wen Xiangyi’s face, her reflection appearing in her pupils.

She was indeed startled.

The small bit of mischief was a complete success.

Wen Xiangyi curved her lips into a smile and then turned to enter the convenience store.

As she pushed open the glass door, the store’s cheerful welcome message rang out, and at the same time, Song Cheng’s voice reached Wen Xiangyi’s ears.

“Why are you still out so late?”

Wen Xiangyi looked up to see Song Cheng striding toward her. Her face remained as expressionless as ever, her eyes like the sky covered by clouds, making it hard to predict when she might brew a storm. Still, the liveliness from earlier when she was startled remained.

Wen Xiangyi asked, “What about you? Why are you sitting here in the convenience store?”

Song Cheng hesitated for a moment and replied nonchalantly, “It’s noisy at home, so I came out to study.”

Wen Xiangyi nodded, “You go ahead with your work. I’m just here to pick up a few things.”

She turned and walked towards the shelves. Song Cheng watched her back but didn’t follow. She returned to her seat and took out a notebook, pretending to work on her homework, clinging to her last shred of dignity.

As she listened to the rustling sounds behind her, unsure if they were caused by Wen Xiangyi, Song Cheng couldn’t focus on her work. Her thoughts wandered, and her gaze drifted to the glass in front of her.

When the sound jolted her back to reality, she suddenly saw Wen Xiangyi, smiling gently, standing right in front of her, staring at her.

Song Cheng had been calm all the way out of the house, but in that moment, it felt like the rain on the glass had drifted into her eyes. She was flustered and helpless, tears welling up, and she blinked hard several times before regaining her composure.

“Song Cheng.”

Hearing Wen Xiangyi call her name, Song Cheng’s body turned before her mind could catch up.

Wen Xiangyi was standing at the checkout counter with two or three large shopping bags full of items.

She idly fidgeted with the edges of the bags, and the sound seemed to touch Song Cheng’s heart, spreading a strange sensation.

Wen Xiangyi curved her lips into a smile, her voice gentle and soft:

“I bought too many things and can’t carry them all. Could you help me take them home?”