Chapter 5

Every time?!

The memory of that scene in the bar immediately resurfaced in Cheng Li’s mind. Back then, she had been so worked up while cursing Xu Jiheng that she kicked off her high heel, flinging it through the air—only for Rong Qi to catch it effortlessly.

And then, without a shred of courtesy, she had turned and bolted.

A brief silence fell.

Cheng Li cleared her throat, gave an awkward laugh, and feigned sudden realization. “Wait, could it be… that person in the bar was you? I was wondering why you looked so familiar. It must’ve been the poor lighting in there; I couldn’t see clearly.”

Yes, it was all the bar’s dim lighting.

Rong Qi stood with his hands in his pockets, his posture loose and nonchalant. After hearing her words, the corners of his lips tugged slightly upward. “I didn’t recognize you at first either—until just now, when I saw your shoe break again.”

He cast a glance at the damaged flip-flop, his gaze practically saying, How could I not recognize you when I’ve witnessed this kind of embarrassment twice in a row?

Cheng Li decided she couldn’t keep this conversation going. Any more, and she might as well pack up and leave this street forever.

She bent down, picked up her broken shoe, and hurriedly bid him goodbye.

Under Mrs. Xiang’s concerned gaze, she dragged Mrs. Ling away in a flustered retreat.

On the way back, Mrs. Ling let out a sigh of relief. “Goodness, that was so humiliating—”

But under Cheng Li’s sharp gaze, she quickly corrected herself. “I mean, so awkward.”

Cheng Li rolled her eyes at that. There’s maternal love in there… just not much.

Mrs. Ling swiftly changed the subject. “As soon as Rong Qi saw me earlier, he immediately recognized me as his high school teacher. He was so polite and greeted me warmly. Who would’ve thought he’d become so accomplished and still remember his teachers?”

Mrs. Ling had, of course, heard plenty about Rong Qi’s achievements.

Even at a prestigious school like No. 1 Middle School, a student like Rong Qi was an exceptional alumnus—a source of immense pride for the institution.

Apparently, for this year’s school anniversary, the principal planned to invite all the outstanding alumni back for the celebration.

Cheng Li, growing tired of the conversation, cut in with a sigh. “You’re getting excited about someone else’s kid again.”

Rong Qi had always been that kind of person—the shining example parents couldn’t stop comparing their own children to, both enviable and infuriating.

“Jealous?” Mrs. Ling glanced at her sideways, then leisurely offered some consolation. “You’re not entirely without merits compared to him.”

Cheng Li perked up at that, smiling. So, there was something she could outshine Rong Qi in?

Now she was curious.

She sat up straight, putting on an eager, attentive expression.

Mrs. Ling coughed lightly and said, “Well, career-wise, you’re definitely far behind him. But in terms of personal matters, you’re better off.”

“How so?”

“He’s single.”

Cheng Li couldn’t hold it in and ended up choking on her own laughter, coughing repeatedly.

Seeing her daughter’s reaction, Mrs. Ling looked on in surprise, but Cheng Li couldn’t bring herself to admit it.

Because, at this point, even that last “advantage” was no longer true.

Actually, it was worse than that.

While Rong Qi was simply single, she had just been dumped—humiliatingly so.

The more she thought about it, the more painful it felt.

*

“Mom, please come with me.” Cheng Li begged as she stood at home.

By now, the flip-flops she had cleaned were dry and ready to return.

Cheng Li had prepared to go return them, but Mrs. Ling, mortified by yesterday’s events, flatly refused to accompany her.

Cheng Li pouted. “You’re worse than Yuange.”

At least Yuange had decisively retrieved her shoe for her when she’d kicked it off.

“Then ask Yuange to go with you,” Mrs. Ling replied, not even looking up from her melodramatic soap opera. She didn’t move an inch from the sofa.

Left with no choice, Cheng Li changed her shoes at the door.

Mrs. Ling called out, “Wear something sturdy this time! I don’t understand why you young people love those flimsy flip-flops—don’t they hurt your toes?”

“…”

This time, Cheng Li had learned her lesson. She switched to sneakers and tied the laces tight.

She was determined. Nothing could possibly go wrong this time.

As she opened the door, Mrs. Ling called after her again, “You can’t show up empty-handed when returning something. Bring a gift.”

“Got it,” Cheng Li replied.

Outside, she hesitated. She really didn’t know what to get Rong Qi.

Technically, he was the one who lent her the flip-flops, so she owed him her thanks.

But honestly, Cheng Li was more inclined to bring something for Grandma Xiang.

In the end, she went to a flower shop and bought a bouquet of sunflowers and roses, then stopped by a fruit store for a beautifully arranged fruit basket. Armed with these, she headed toward the villa.

Last night, Mrs. Ling had mused about the unpredictability of life.

“Thirty years of fortune, thirty years of misfortune,” she’d said.

Back then, Grandma Xiang and her husband had faced tough times, resorting to selling street snacks to make ends meet. Who would’ve thought that, just a few years later, they’d end up living in such a luxurious villa?

But despite her amazement, Mrs. Ling was genuinely happy for them.

To have a comfortable life in old age was a blessing.

“Cheng Li, you’re here,” Grandma Xiang greeted warmly after opening the door. She was delighted and ushered her in.

Cheng Li handed over the flowers and fruit basket, which earned her a playful scolding. “You didn’t need to bring all this.”

“These sunflowers are for you. Don’t you think they suit your name^[1]Chinese word for sunflower is 向日葵 (xiàng rì kuí)?”

Grandma Xiang was momentarily stunned, then smiled shyly. “This is actually the first time someone’s ever given me flowers.”

“Dear, get a vase!” Grandma Xiang called to Grandpa Rong.

The elderly man, who had been quietly reading the newspaper with his glasses, stood up slowly and went to find a vase.

Upstairs, in the study room.

Rong Qi had just started a video conference.

It was the weekend, but the meeting was critical, leaving him no choice but to work overtime.

As he focused on the discussion, a faint sliver of sound drifted in from the slightly open door—the voices coming from downstairs.

The clear, melodious voice of a girl resonated, accompanied by the sunlight streaming through the white curtains in the afternoon.

For a moment, time seemed to rewind ten years, back to high school.

“Mr. Rong, Mr. Rong,” a subordinate’s voice came from the computer.

Rong Qi turned toward the camera and said decisively, “No, this price is too high. Negotiate again.”

The company was in discussions with a leading autonomous driving firm. Whether it was about financing or acquisition, the other party’s asking price remained exorbitantly high.

The negotiations between the two sides had reached a stalemate.

“This concludes today’s meeting.” From downstairs, the girl’s clear voice floated up faintly, like a hook tugging at Rong Qi’s heartstrings.

For the first time, his focus wavered during work.

Before anyone could react, Rong Qi’s face disappeared from the screen.

The attendees in the meeting room exchanged glances, whispering among themselves.

It was originally planned for Rong Qi to join today’s meeting in person.

But at the last moment, they were informed he would only participate online.

Downstairs, Cheng Li was chatting with Grandma Xiang. With her naturally endearing looks and patient demeanor, Cheng Li had always been adored by the elderly. Grandma Xiang couldn’t stop talking to her.

When Rong Qi appeared at the stairway, Cheng Li, who was drinking water, nearly choked.

Just a moment ago, Grandma Xiang had mentioned how she hoped Cheng Li would visit often, as it was lonely with just the two elderly people living there. It was then Cheng Li learned that Rong Qi didn’t usually live with them.

So she had assumed Rong Qi wasn’t home today either.

The moment their eyes met, Cheng Li remembered why she had come.

She lifted the paper bag beside her. “I came to return the slippers.”

Rong Qi gave her a brief glance, nodding slightly.

He said nothing, making the atmosphere slightly awkward.

Cheng Li pursed her lips before speaking again. “I’ve thoroughly cleaned them. Thank you.”

Since Rong Qi had lent her the slippers, Cheng Li felt it was only right to sincerely thank him.

So she added, “I’ve troubled you twice now. How about this—when you’re free, let me treat you to a meal?”

After she finished, Rong Qi remained silent for a long moment, staring at her intently.

Cheng Li began to feel uneasy under his gaze. She mentally reviewed her words again. She had even acknowledged the first incident when she had accidentally kicked the slippers into his hands.

She was polite, sincere, and nothing was missing.

“Cheng Li?” Rong Qi’s voice carried a faint trace of amusement.

Cheng Li blinked. She wondered if he had just now remembered her name. That must’ve been hard for him.

“Yes, it’s me,” she replied patiently.

Rong Qi’s tone turned playful. “The way you keep addressing me so formally, I almost thought I mistook you for someone else—not my high school classmate.”

High school classmates couldn’t speak formally?

Cheng Li paused for a moment, then asked directly, “So, about the meal—yes or no?”

“…”

Just then, Grandma Xiang walked over holding a flower vase. Spotting Rong Qi, she immediately instructed, “Perfect timing! Go to the supermarket and buy some white radishes.”

“What do we need those for?” Rong Qi asked.

Grandma Xiang shot him a look. “Of course, to make fried vegetable cakes for Cheng Li! She always loved the ones I made. Back when you two were in high school, your grandfather was sick for a few days, and I didn’t set up my stall. Didn’t she come straight to our house because she was craving them?”

Cheng Li: “…”

This embarrassing story really didn’t need to be shared.

“Grandma Xiang, please don’t trouble yourself. I’m just here to return the slippers,” Cheng Li quickly declined.

But the elderly woman was insistent. “You haven’t had my vegetable cakes in years. Let’s see if my cooking is still as good as it was.”

Cheng Li wanted to refuse again.

Unexpectedly, Rong Qi said, “Let’s go.”

“Huh?” Cheng Li turned to him. Go where?

Rong Qi looked down at her. “To the supermarket for white radishes. You don’t expect me to go alone, do you?”

Well, that was true.

Wait!

Cheng Li suddenly realized the logical flaw—it wasn’t even her idea to have the vegetable cakes!

But Rong Qi was already heading toward the door, leaving her no choice but to follow.

Outside, Cheng Li sighed. “Sorry for the trouble again.”

Rong Qi remained silent at first. As they walked through the wrought-iron gate, he finally spoke, his tone unhurried. “If you really feel sorry…”

He paused, and Cheng Li glanced at him.

“Then eat more later.”

Cheng Li: “Huh?”

Rong Qi: “Grandma hasn’t made them in a long time. She’d be happy if you ate more.”

“Oh, I see,” Cheng Li nodded in understanding. Still, there was something subtly strange about the whole thing. Ever since reuniting with Rong Qi, he’d mostly been aloof and distant. Yet, surprisingly, he was quite thoughtful.

The supermarket wasn’t far from the house, and they arrived quickly.

Thanks to modern farming techniques, seasonal vegetables were available year-round in supermarkets.

It didn’t take long for them to find the white radishes.

As they left the store, they passed an elderly woman selling jasmine and gardenia flowers. The gardenias were strung into bracelets, while the jasmine was crafted into corsages with wire.

A refreshing, fragrant scent wafted toward them.

“Young man, buy a jasmine flower for your girlfriend,” the woman said with a smile as she noticed them.

Cheng Li didn’t mind buying a strand herself, but she hurriedly clarified, “We’re not a couple.”

Rong Qi glanced at her.

“How much for a strand?” Cheng Li quickly asked, hoping to prevent any further awkward comments.

The elderly woman quoted the price, and Cheng Li bent down to choose.

“Young man, why don’t you help your girlfriend pick one?” the woman beckoned Rong Qi over with a smile.

Cheng Li: “…”

She had no choice but to explain, “Ma’am, we’re really not a couple. Both of us are single.”

“Oh my, you’re both single? Then isn’t this the perfect match!”

It wasn’t entirely the elderly woman’s fault for being overly enthusiastic—after all, the two of them standing together were so strikingly good-looking that it seemed almost a shame they weren’t a couple.

Cheng Li wanted to clarify further. She didn’t mind, but she worried that Rong Qi might think she was taking advantage of him.

To her surprise, the man, who had been silent all this time, suddenly said, “We’ll take them all.”

Cheng Li turned her head in shock to look at him.

Rong Qi, however, kept his gaze on the woman, speaking in an even tone: “We’ll buy all of these.”

Was this what it meant to be rich and indulgent?

But seeing the joy on the elderly woman’s face, Cheng Li didn’t say anything more.

It wasn’t until they were walking back with bags full of magnolias that Cheng Li remarked, “You’re pretty kind-hearted.”

Maybe the sight of the elderly woman had reminded him of Grandma Xiang’s days selling goods at the market.

Some people become arrogant after gaining wealth, but she realized Rong Qi wasn’t like that.

Though he seemed indifferent on the surface, perhaps it was simply because they weren’t familiar with each other.

Rong Qi didn’t respond to her comment. Instead, he suddenly asked, “Just now, you said you’re single too?”

Cheng Li wasn’t sure if it was her own bias or if Rong Qi’s tone really was off, but she couldn’t help feeling like there was an undertone of sarcasm in his words.

It was as if he were saying, “Oh, so you’re just like me—another single dog.”

Had he overheard what Ms. Ling said yesterday?

“Do you look down on single people?” Cheng Li retorted weakly.

Rong Qi replied calmly, “No.”

Yet as Cheng Li noticed the slight smirk tugging at the corner of his lips, she scoffed inwardly. He was smiling like that, and still wouldn’t admit it.