Chapter 15: Apologize in Person

It’s just that, five years later, some things, though changed, couldn’t be easily forgotten.

Qin Huan remembered the first time Han Xian called her “sister in law” Jiang Jingchu’s 20th birthday party. She hadn’t agreed to be with him yet. He was pursuing her aggressively and invited her to his party. He presented her with the first slice of cake.

Han Xian was always the most boisterous of the group. Seeing this, he shouted,

“Sister in law, Brother Jing is so good to you.”

Qin Huan blushed and tried to explain, but Jiang Jingchu suddenly hugged her, whispering in her ear,

“Give me some face. Consider it a birthday gift, okay?”

Qin Huan was usually clear headed. She hadn’t agreed to be with him after his long pursuit. But that night, perhaps the lighting was enchanting, and she agreed, letting him hold her, being called “sister in law” all night.

Later, after they got together, everyone around Jiang Jingchu called her “sister in law.” She was initially uncomfortable, but after several unsuccessful attempts to correct them, she let it go.

By the time she recalled this, they were on the elevated highway. It was getting late. Han Xian pushed his sunglasses up, revealing his handsome face. He looked at Qin Huan in the rearview mirror.

Han Xian’s memory of Qin Huan stopped at five years ago. She and Jiang Jingchu were constantly arguing. Hearing she was leaving, Jiang Jingchu, despite a high fever, chased her to the airport. Han Xian went too. He saw the usually carefree Jiang heir “threatening” Qin Huan in a humble tone:

“If you leave today, don’t ever come back!”

How did Qin Huan respond?  Han Xian remembered clearly: she looked at him coldly and indifferently.

“Jiang Jingchu, can you be reasonable?  Are you such a sore loser?”

That was the first time Han Xian thought she was ruthless and heartless.

Now, Qin Huan looked even more refined, still with a cool demeanor.  But the arrogance seemed gone, replaced by gentleness.  Was it because of that man?

Han Xian coughed.

“You’re not leaving this time, right?”

Qin Huan, looking out the window, turned.

“I’m not planning to leave, for now.”

Han Xian: “Oh. You studied design, right? Still doing that?”

Qin Huan nodded.

“I’m an interior designer.”

“That’s good.”

Han Xian tapped the steering wheel.

“Still with the same boyfriend?”

Before Qin Huan could answer, Zhou Tiantian interrupted, frowning and pinching Han Xian’s arm.

“Stop asking so many questions!”

Han Xian hissed, shaking his arm.

“It’s just a normal conversation.”

Qin Huan smiled, watching them bicker.

“It’s okay. I’m currently single.”

No boyfriend?  Did she break up with that guy?

Han Xian looked at Qin Huan. He thought they would last forever. He sighed, wondering if Jiang Jingchu knew she’d broken up with him.

He’d finally moved on, getting engaged to Ji Jingya. Now Qin Huan was back…

Jiang Jingchu went to the restroom.  When he returned, Qin Huan was gone from the screen. He was amused. This was her sincerity?

She hadn’t even lasted half a day!

He threw his phone down and slept.  He woke to a knock at the door at 6:30 AM. Thinking it was Gao Fei, he opened the door in a bathrobe.

“Didn’t you say 8:00 AM? It’s only 6…”

His eyes sharpened, seeing the familiar figure.

“What are you doing here?”

Qin Huan glanced at his slightly open robe, her cheeks flushing at the sight of his chest muscles. She pursed her lips, avoiding eye contact.

“Mr. Jiang, I came to see you.”

Mr. Jiang?  You?

Jiang Jingchu sneered, his excitement replaced by coldness.

“Oh?  What is it, Designer Qin?”

Qin Huan knew he was still angry.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Jiang. I apologize for my behavior yesterday. I hope you’ll forgive me.”

“A small person? You?”

Jiang Jingchu leaned against the doorframe.

“I’ll never forget how aggressive you were yesterday.”

Qin Huan was prepared for this.  She wasn’t surprised.

“Yes, it’s all my fault.”

Jiang Jingchu sneered.

“You seem unconvinced.”

Qin Huan shook her head.

“No.”

“Then tell me where you went wrong.”

Where did she go wrong?  Qin Huan thought he was shameless! It was he who had nitpicked her. But remembering her purpose, she said,

“I shouldn’t have shirked responsibility and contradicted you.”

Jiang Jingchu sneered, standing straight.

“You still haven’t realized your mistake.  I have nothing to say.”

He slammed the door. Qin Huan almost got hit.  She laughed.  She’d apologized, yet he was still angry!

She took a breath, rang the doorbell again, several times.  He didn’t open it.  She had to wait outside.

She texted Zhou Tiantian to go see the meteor shower without her. She was prepared for a long night.

Jiang Jingchu watched her through the peephole. Seeing her check her phone, he scoffed, sitting back down and texting Han Xian.

“Did you send her?”