Chapter 49

Due to the prolonged silence, the sound-activated lights in the hallway had already turned off, leaving the area dimly lit. The faint noises from outside the corridor persisted—children crying, adults shouting, and the impatient honking of cars.

Surrounded by the smoke and bustle of daily life, the mundane atmosphere seemed wholly unsuitable for a confession.

Cheng Li tilted her head up, looking at Rong Qi in the faint light. He stood there, his eyes shining with a clarity as if lit by the first rays of dawn—pure and honest, like the sincerity unique to youth.

Adults tend to overthink, even when they like someone. They test the waters before they speak, avoiding straightforward declarations.

Yet tonight, Rong Qi seemed to have shed all the burdens and hesitation of adulthood. He stood before her with unprecedented sincerity and warmth, striking directly at her heart.

It was as if a molten core suddenly erupted, releasing all the joy and happiness at once.

She had known deep down that he likely liked her too—after all, there had been so many moments of closeness.

But knowing it in her heart was one thing.

Hearing it confessed aloud was another.

It turns out, being liked, being confessed to, was such a wonderful feeling.

Cheng Li felt dazed, her head spinning, but her eyes never left him. She knew she should say something in response, but no words seemed sufficient to express even a fraction of what she was feeling.

The hallway was oppressively quiet. Their gazes intertwined, tangible yet silent, as if threads of connection were forming between them, neither daring to break the moment.

It wasn’t until Rong Qi, after waiting for a response that didn’t come, unconsciously pressed his lips together ever so slightly.

That tiny motion was like a pebble dropped into a still lake. The once smooth, mirror-like surface rippled outward, layer by layer, eventually stirring up waves.

In the midst of the tumult in her heart, Cheng Li let out a soft sigh. “It seems like I’m a step too late.”

A step too late?

Rong Qi replayed her words in his mind, but he couldn’t grasp their meaning.

Cheng Li saw his confusion and smiled knowingly. She stepped closer, their bodies nearly touching, their rapid heartbeats echoing in their ears. Standing on tiptoe, she softly whispered, “Don’t you realize?”

Realize what?

Rong Qi wanted to ask, but before he could, Cheng Li raised her gaze and gently took his hand, pressing his palm to her chest.

“Can you feel it?” Cheng Li stared at him intently. Her heart, even through her coat, seemed ready to leap out of her chest. Before Rong Qi could reply, she spoke in a low voice, “It’s over 100.”

A normal human heart rate falls between sixty and a hundred beats per minute. Only when adrenaline surges does the heart race like this.

A faint, cold breeze swept through the hallway, carrying a damp chill. Yet, the air between them seemed to grow warmer, infused with the heat radiating from their bodies.

“Rong Qi, my racing heart—it’s because of you.”

Rong Qi, who had been staring at her intently, felt his lips curve into a smile at her words.

For the first time, he felt as though he was floating, even though he stood on solid ground. He lifted his hand slightly, as if to embrace her, but paused, simply gazing at her for a long moment.

Sometimes, when you finally receive something you’ve longed for, you’re left utterly at a loss.

Cheng Li, impatient with the silence, smiled faintly and teased, “If I don’t kiss you soon, my heart might just leap out of my mouth.”

Her heart was pounding too fast.

After speaking, she tilted her head and kissed him. This time, it was different from any kiss before—gentle yet deliberate, as if she had taken control for the first time.

Just as Cheng Li intended to deepen the kiss, the door behind them suddenly opened.

Cheng Dingbo, holding a trash bag in one hand and about to head out to buy soy sauce while taking out the trash, froze in place.

The sight before him—his daughter and Rong Qi practically glued together at the doorway—left him momentarily stunned.

Caught off guard, Cheng Li’s lips were still pressed against Rong Qi’s when she lifted her eyes to glance at her father.

Bang!

The sound of the door slamming shut reverberated through the hallway, accompanied by a rush of air that startled both Cheng Li and Rong Qi into stepping back.

Cheng Li stared wide-eyed at Rong Qi, who was equally flustered—it was clearly the first time he had encountered a situation like this.

Their eyes met, and then, suddenly, they both burst into laughter.

Their shared laughter eased some of the lingering awkwardness in the air.

Cheng Li tilted her head, smiling mischievously. “I guess we’re living out a pretty trendy drama script right now.”

“Oh?” Rong Qi raised a brow at her.

“Marriage first, love later,” Cheng Li replied, enunciating each word clearly.

Rong Qi blinked in surprise, but when the word love reached his ears, he smiled. His eyes softened, his delicate features glowing with joy, so radiant it was almost mesmerizing.

Seeing him smile, Cheng Li’s own lips curved upward, her mood buoyed by his happiness.

As Rong Qi’s laughter finally subsided, he gestured toward the tightly shut door beside them.

Cheng Li’s smile froze.

Great. The awkward scene from earlier replayed vividly in her mind.

Especially the part where she had locked eyes with her dad—how utterly mortifying.

Cheng Li realized that, at least in the short term, she wouldn’t be able to face her father without blushing.

What she didn’t expect, however, was that Cheng Dingbo felt even more awkward than she did.

Though Cheng Dingbo wasn’t a young man anymore and certainly no stranger to such things, he had never expected to witness such a scene involving his daughter.

Now, pressed tightly against the door, his expression was blank, his gaze unfocused.

Ling Shuanghua came out of the kitchen and saw him standing there. Irritated, she snapped, “Why are you still standing here? Didn’t I tell you we’re out of dark soy sauce? Go buy a bottle! And take the trash with you—it’s still lying there on the floor.”

Cheng Dingbo didn’t move or respond.

Noticing his odd behavior, Ling Shuanghua began to worry. She hurried over and reached for the door handle. “What’s wrong with you? Did something happen outside?”

Cheng Li and Rong Qi were still standing by the door, chatting about something, seemingly in no hurry to come in.

The cold weather didn’t make sense for lingering in the hallway.

Cheng Dingbo remained unresponsive at first, but the moment Ling Shuanghua’s hand moved toward the door handle, he suddenly blocked it.

“No, you can’t go out.”

“What’s going on?”

The more evasive he was, the more anxious Ling Shuanghua became, determined to open the door and see for herself.

What could it be?

For a father, the greatest shock was realizing that the daughter he still saw as his little girl, capable of nothing more than acting spoiled, had grown up to the point of standing on tiptoes to kiss someone.

Earlier, in that fleeting moment when Cheng Dingbo lowered his head to close the door, he saw Cheng Li’s tiptoes lifting off the ground.

Even his last defense—that it must have been the boy who initiated—crumbled in that instant.

As Cheng Dingbo and Ling Shuanghua wrestled near the door, a knock sounded from outside.

“They’re at the door! Let them in already,” Ling Shuanghua scolded, giving Cheng Dingbo a hard tug to clear the way and finally opening the door.

Cheng Li and Rong Qi stood at the entrance, looking as though nothing had happened.

“Rong Qi, what would you like for dinner?” Ling Shuanghua asked warmly as they entered.

Rong Qi responded softly, “I don’t want to impose. I was planning to head back to my grandparents’ to eat later.”

“Oh, nonsense! Elderly people eat early; they’ve probably finished long ago. Why bother troubling them? Just stay and eat with us,” Ling Shuanghua said.

“Exactly! My dad’s cooking is amazing,” Cheng Li chimed in.

The mentioned Cheng Dingbo visibly flinched.

Ling Shuanghua, noticing his odd behavior, grew exasperated and muttered under her breath, “What are you standing around for? Go buy the soy sauce already.”

Rong Qi offered, “How about I go instead?”

“No need, let her father handle it,” Ling Shuanghua said, now beaming like the proverbial mother-in-law who’s grown increasingly fond of her son-in-law.

Once Cheng Dingbo left, Cheng Li glanced at Rong Qi and remarked with mock solemnity, “You know, being good-looking really gives you an advantage.”

Rong Qi turned to her with interest. “How so?”

Cheng Li grinned. “Just look at my mom. She used to be so mad about the two of us. Now? Her eyes practically sparkle when she looks at you.”

It was true; there was something to the saying that mothers-in-law tend to find their sons-in-law more and more likable.

Rong Qi’s journey had started on shaky ground: an unplanned wedding exposed by the discovery of their marriage certificate. Yet somehow, he had not only managed to step into her family’s home but was now invited to dinner. A remarkable turnaround indeed.

“Should we help?” Rong Qi asked, looking toward Ling Shuanghua, who was bustling in the kitchen.

Cheng Li called out, “Mom, Rong Qi’s asking if we should lend a hand.”

“No need, no need. You two just relax on the sofa; dinner will be ready in no time,” Ling Shuanghua replied cheerfully.

The last time Rong Qi had come over was after Cheng Li had recovered from her illness. He’d stayed for a meal then, too.

Between their busy schedules, it had become rare even for Cheng Li to dine at home, let alone Rong Qi.

By the time Cheng Dingbo returned with the soy sauce, the couple in the kitchen had prepared four or five dishes in no time. Thankfully, they always kept their pantry stocked, avoiding any last-minute scrambles.

During the meal, the informal family atmosphere meant no one adhered to the usual rule of eating in silence.

Suddenly, Ling Shuanghua brought something up. “Rong Qi, I think it’s about time we formally meet your grandparents.”

Because of the abruptness of this new familial bond, Ling Shuanghua hadn’t yet mustered the courage to visit the Rong family home and had no idea what to say when meeting the elders.

Understanding immediately, Rong Qi apologized. “That’s on me. I’ve been too busy with work and neglected such an important matter. How about this weekend? Are you and Uncle free? I can book a restaurant for our families to meet properly.”

Ling Shuanghua had merely floated the idea, but Rong Qi’s decisiveness caught her off guard.

Cheng Li, who had been quietly eating, looked up in surprise. Just like that, such an important matter was set in stone.

“Isn’t this a bit rushed?” Cheng Li ventured cautiously.

Ling Shuanghua shot her a glance, her tone icy. “Was your wedding any slower?”

Cheng Li nearly choked.

How was it that her mother always managed to shut her down so effortlessly?

Rong Qi, however, spoke in a gentle tone. “You’re right, it was my oversight. I should have brought this up myself instead of making you remind me.”

There was no denying it—sincerity was a surefire charm.

As expected, Ling Shuanghua’s lingering dissatisfaction melted away with his heartfelt words.

“Marriage is no trivial matter. Even though you’ve already registered, the formalities shouldn’t be skipped. Cheng Li’s grandparents have been looking forward to her wedding for ages.”

Rong Qi nodded. “I’d love to meet her grandparents.”

Oh no.

A sense of foreboding swept over Cheng Li.

Before she could intervene, Ling Shuanghua smiled broadly. “As it happens, there’s a perfect opportunity. Cheng Li’s grandmother is about to celebrate her 80th birthday. We’re keeping it modest—just a gathering of close family for a couple of tables. As her grandson-in-law, it’s only proper for you to attend.”

Cheng Li now realized this had been a setup all along.

Naturally, Rong Qi didn’t hesitate. “Of course, I’ll be there with Cheng Li.”

“Good. Elderly folks love seeing their family together,” Ling Shuanghua said, visibly pleased.

After dinner, they didn’t leave right away, as Ling Shuanghua seemed to have more to say to Rong Qi.

When Cheng Li returned from the bathroom, she overheard her mother asking, “Rong Qi, there’s something we parents have been curious about but didn’t know how to ask.”

“Please, feel free to ask,” Rong Qi replied politely.

Ling Shuanghua hesitated before finally speaking. “Your parents…?”

Before she could finish, Cheng Li rushed in. “Mom, what are you asking that for?”

Ling Shuanghua glared at her fiercely. If she had seen them earlier, she would have asked these questions long ago.

They say marriage isn’t just about two individuals; it’s about two families.

Rong Qi seemed well-prepared. He reached out to hold Cheng Li’s hand, gently comforting her, “It’s alright. These things should’ve been explained by me a long time ago.”

“My parents divorced when I was very young. My father has never been in touch with us, and my mother passed away when I was fifteen. I was raised by my grandparents.”

He paused briefly and added, “My grandparents are also my mother’s parents.”

Ling Shuanghua was taken aback. “You took your mother’s surname?”

“Yes.”

Cheng Li, sitting to the side, wore a slightly cold expression, displeased by her mother’s persistence.

Previously, Rong Qi had always been reluctant to discuss his parents. Even the story about his mother was only revealed when they informed his grandparents of their marriage. Rong Qi had taken her upstairs to see a portrait of his late mother.

This was the first time Cheng Li had ever heard him mention his father.

Even though his tone was calm, Cheng Li could sense a subtle resistance in his words.

It was as if he was deeply unwilling to speak of this person.

Cheng Li had never asked because she simply didn’t care.

If it were something he could easily share, he wouldn’t have avoided it all this time. She didn’t want to upset him and decided not to pry.

But her parents held traditional views, believing that marriage meant fully understanding both families, so they naturally asked a lot of questions. Just like earlier in the afternoon, everything they did was for her own good, which is why they were so insistent.

“Has your father never contacted you all these years?” Ling Shuanghua couldn’t help but ask again.

Rong Qi’s lips tightened, but before he could respond, Cheng Li couldn’t hold back any longer. “Mom, can you please respect other people’s privacy?”

This instantly infuriated Ling Shuanghua. She raised an eyebrow and retorted angrily, “And you? When will you start listening to me?”

“When have I ever not listened to you?” Cheng Li replied helplessly.

She hadn’t intended to argue with her mother.

Ling Shuanghua cut straight to the point, “I told you to resign tomorrow. Will you?”

Cheng Li: “…”

Rong Qi seemed slightly stunned, clearly not expecting the conversation to suddenly shift to her resignation.

Seeing Rong Qi’s confusion, Ling Shuanghua explained, “Rong Qi, it’s good that you’re here. I want to hear your opinion too. Today, a video of Cheng Li being splashed with coffee was circulating everywhere. We wouldn’t have known if her cousin from her aunt’s side hadn’t seen it and told us, as well as her grandparents. We’re all very worried.”

“For just a job, she had to suffer such humiliation. As her parents, are we wrong to ask her to resign?”

Now Rong Qi understood why Ling Shuanghua had brought up resigning.

Cheng Li quickly squeezed his hand, signaling him not to say anything rash.

She was afraid he would take the blame onto himself at a time like this.

But unexpectedly, Rong Qi turned to her, looked steadily into her eyes, and softly asked, “Do you want to resign?”

“Of course not,” Cheng Li answered without hesitation. She had no intention of changing jobs. Not only was the company dependent on her, but she genuinely loved her work.

The words they exchanged while drinking in the rain that night were still fresh in her memory.

There was no way she’d give up halfway.

Rong Qi’s eyelashes fluttered. He lifted his gaze to look at Mrs. Ling and said firmly, “Cheng Li’s company is about to be acquired by our company. I can assure you that as long as I’m here, she’ll never suffer any injustice.”

“What? Your company is acquiring her company?” Ling Shuanghua was genuinely surprised.

“This job is something Cheng Li has worked hard for and loves deeply. I don’t think she should give it up. From now on, I will make sure to protect her.”

Rong Qi’s voice was especially clear. “Something like this will never happen again.”

At this moment, Cheng Dingbo, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke up. “So in the future, the two of you will be in a superior-subordinate relationship at work?”

Cheng Li quickly clarified, “I’m not at that level. He’ll probably be my superior’s superior.”

Before she could finish, Rong Qi turned to look at her.

A slight smile tugged at his lips as he said with a low chuckle, “At home, Cheng Li will always be my superior.”

*

When Cheng Li returned home, she went to take a shower, temporarily separating from Rong Qi.

After finishing her shower, she noticed Rong Qi hadn’t come back yet. She went out to look for him and found him in the study, on a seemingly urgent phone call.

Not wanting to disturb him, she returned to the bedroom to rest.

Just as she lay down on the bed, her phone on the bedside table rang.

She answered and saw it was Meng Yuange calling.

Meng Yuange had been out of Shanghai for the past few days, attending some financial summit in Hainan—a gathering of prominent business figures. She had been busy conducting interviews and networking.

Previously, she even asked Cheng Li whether Rong Qi would attend the event.

But Rong Qi had never been fond of public appearances and avoided them whenever possible.

As soon as the call connected, Meng Yuange’s exasperated voice came through. “Babe, are you alright? I just saw that video! Damn it, how dare that bastard Gao Zhihe throw coffee at you? If he weren’t already in custody, I’d throw ten cups of coffee at him myself!”

Cheng Li, however, wasn’t dwelling on the incident. Her mind suddenly flashed back to the hallway where Rong Qi had confessed to her.

She let out a soft chuckle.

Meng Yuange, who had been ranting, froze. She pulled the phone away from her ear, stared at it for a few seconds, and then carefully brought it back to her ear. “Cheng Li… are you okay?”

This child… could she have lost her mind?

How is she still able to laugh at a time like this?

“Don’t get too angry. Think about it—after all, Gao Zhihe is already in custody. If you think about it, you didn’t suffer too much. He’s the one who’s truly miserable. Who knows how many years he’ll end up serving in prison?”

“Yuange.” Suddenly, Cheng Li called out her name.

Meng Yuange quickly responded, “I’m here. Go ahead.”

But the other end went silent again. After a brief pause, a voice filled with a hint of pride finally broke the quiet. “Rong Qi confessed to me today.”

Meng Yuange was stunned. “You two?”

“Ahhh!” Cheng Li, who had been holding back her excitement with no one to share it with, finally unleashed it. She rolled around on the bed, clutching her phone. “He said he likes me!”

“Rong Qi confessed to me!”

“That’s Rong Qi, you know!”

Meng Yuange: “…”

You.

Little.

Show-off.

She couldn’t take it anymore and snapped, “If I listen to one more second, I’ll be a dog!”

Half a minute later, Cheng Li’s phone rang again.

After answering, Meng Yuange’s icy voice came through, “Fine, tell me—how did he confess?”

Author’s Note:

Meng Yuange: I admit it, I’m a dog. I just want to hear it!

Actually, Cheng Li is the real master of sweet talk—a self-taught prodigy!