Chapter 37: Get out as soon as possible

On the mountain track, as the racing cars roared past the starting line, at the exact same time, Xie Bo’s phone rang, displaying the caller ID—Chi Xiyu.

Without hesitation, he silenced the call. He disliked answering her calls as much as he disliked dining with her. It was exceedingly dull. It wasn’t hatred; it just required emotional investment, much like liking something.

Xie Bo didn’t bother with such emotions towards Chi Xiyu. Their conversations were always monotonous, and he had no interest in her teenage life or her pretentious spiritual world.

However, Xie Bo didn’t worry excessively about the future, fearing a dull married life if they were to wed. If not Chi Xiyu, someone else would be chosen for him, someone advantageous to the Xie family’s interests.

He thought of Lin Yiwei again. During their separation, he found himself thinking of her whenever he felt slightly unsettled. She wasn’t keen on replying to messages before; his messages to her often disappeared into the void. Lately, though, she responded willingly, sometimes instantly, even using voice messages. Xie Bo never sent voice messages, but he would engage in meaningless banter with her, albeit enjoying it. Unfortunately, just as her responses increased, he ended things with her.

If his future wife wasn’t the one he wanted to banter with, anyone else would be just as inconsequential. No connection, no conversation. He only knew that thinking of her during tense moments and adrenaline rushes would “petrify” him again.

The girl who made him dislike pomegranates. He truly wished to press her against the wall and have his way with her.

With a sharp screech, the car slammed into the railing of the mountain road, almost deforming it, sparks flying from the metal friction.

Xie Bo gripped the steering wheel tightly, glancing at the left rearview mirror. A white racing car, out of control, squeezed him off the track. It bore the emblem of the Chi Xicheng’s Racing Team, the letter ‘W’ of West, like a wicked grinning clown.

He looked at the man inside the car, wearing a helmet and fully geared up. He must be the reckless “assassin” sent by Chi Xicheng to carry out his highly paid “mission” and teach Xie Bo a lesson.

Xie Bo’s lips curled coldly, abruptly slamming the brakes. The white W racing car, due to its high speed, distanced itself from Xie Bo’s car in an instant.

In the next moment, Xie Bo switched the car to manual mode, shifting from ‘D’ to ‘SL’ mode, pulling the gear lever sideways, and accelerating.

Any racing driver understands the danger of overtaking at the limit in a bend. The man in the white W racing car was stunned by Xie Bo’s maneuver for a moment.

Xie Bo would never fall for the same trick twice. Chi Xicheng’s repetitive tactics lacked creativity; even a pig wouldn’t be as brainless as him.

The two cars nearly grazed each other, sparking off the collision. The white racing car thought Xie Bo would retaliate, but as it swerved wildly, it ended up hitting the inner barrier, triggering safety measures, and was forced to shut down.

Through the car window, Xie Bo’s dark eyes carried a contemptuous mockery as he waved to the man inside, his fingertips moving lightly, greeting Chi Xicheng through him and the real-time monitoring cameras.

With a rumble of engines, the racing car sped off, raising clouds of dust, leaving arrogantly.

Chi Xicheng would have to buy a new car again…

————

Lin Yiwei never imagined that Chu Ang would bring her to the square near the starting point of this mountain road race.

While they were having milk tea together, Chu Ang mentioned taking her to a fun place, and Lin Yiwei agreed without much thought.

Now, holding their unfinished milk tea cups, the two stood in the bustling mountain racing square.

On weekends, there were always exciting races here, with several teams competing against each other, eager to win more honors and awards to enrich their trophy cabinets.

Lin Yiwei had been here before and was accustomed to the crowded and noisy atmosphere.

Fashionably dressed men and women wore T-shirts supporting their respective teams or painted English letters on their faces, indicating their allegiance to their favorite teams.

Drones tracked the race throughout, broadcasting the thrilling scenes in real-time on the large LED screens along the track.

Lin Yiwei recognized Xie Bo’s modified pure black supercar. He had joked more than once that it was his “serious girlfriend” because it fought alongside him and obeyed him absolutely.

When she saw Xie Bo’s “girlfriend” – the black modified supercar with a large ‘W’ sprayed on it – collide with the white racing car and almost flip out of the barrier, she instinctively covered her chest, her heart racing.

Others thought it was just a series of mistakes by the West team’s driver due to poor skills, almost causing Xie Bo’s car to flip over the barrier.

But Lin Yiwei subconsciously felt that this was Chi Xicheng’s retaliation.

The race tolerated all unexpected accidents, and Chi Xicheng was accustomed to using such underhanded tactics. Wasn’t it just like last time, causing him to have an accident and lie in the hospital for many days?

Fortunately, Xie Bo was prepared this time, relying on excellent control and familiarity with the road conditions he had raced on countless times, skillfully avoiding the collision.

Close call.

Lin Yiwei moved her hand away from her chest and realized that the palm of her hand was slightly sweaty.

Chu Ang’s mind was not on the race. It was strange because racing was his favorite sport, and tonight’s race was exciting, but his attention was drawn to the girl in the white dress beside him.

Seeing Lin Yiwei staring fixedly at the LED screen, Chu Ang, who was not good with words, was happy to introduce her: “The DS Club’s name, in full, is Destiny.”

“Destiny,” Lin Yiwei murmured the word, “destiny.”

“Yes, destiny.” Seeing her interest, Chu Ang continued, “The name was chosen by Xie Bo. See, that black modified supercar is driven by him. He’s the ace professional player of their club. If you’re into this kind of racing, you’ve probably heard his name. He’s usually busy and doesn’t participate in many races, but whenever he does, he usually wins the championship.”

During this time, Lin Yiwei had been in a state of withdrawal. Withdrawal from all the physical and psychological pleasures that this man brought her, telling herself that her life was rough, like a roadside stone, hard and unyielding.

Everything she experienced with him was more illusory than the foam the little mermaid saw upon waking in the morning…

She shouldn’t get used to the rainbow bubbles he brought her.

Wake up, Lin Yiwei. In the end, the prince only marries the princess, and Cinderella, even in crystal shoes, cannot become a princess.

It’s all fake.

“I thought you only liked esports,” Lin Yiwei said with a sweet smile, shifting the conversation to Chu Ang. “I didn’t expect you to be interested in racing too.”

She actually knew he liked esports. Did she secretly peek at his moments?

Did she… want to understand his life?

Chu Ang was a little excited, starting to stutter: “I do like it, I mean, I like both racing and esports.”

“Why?”

“Don’t you think these two sports are very similar? To some extent, they both make guys’ blood boil…”

“I feel the same way.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

“Actually, guys generally prefer speed and passion. I used to want to join Xie Bo’s Destiny club, but my dad wouldn’t allow it. He told me to study at the police academy, and our family is…”

His chattering voice faded away in Lin Yiwei’s ears.

Bad girls always have the ability to selectively listen. When she didn’t want to listen, even if someone spoke into her ear, she wouldn’t hear a word.

She stared at the screen, watching the cars compete and vie for position.

Xie Bo escaped successfully, and there were no more deliberate collisions from West’s drivers.

After a dazzling display of skill, wise people knew to avoid this lord; otherwise, it would only bring danger and destruction upon themselves.

Half an hour later, the black car broke through the finish line, and ribbons fluttered in the air.

The man got out of the car, his all-black racing suit gradually adorned with red patterns, like flames burning in the dark of night.

He took off his helmet, revealing a rugged, sharp-featured face, smiling amidst the cheers of the crowd.

A carefree, arrogant smile.

Chi Xiyu walked over, nervously grabbing Xie Bo’s sleeve.

“I was so worried just now! Xie Bo! I was so afraid you would have an accident!”

Even though the source of the accident was her brother, Xie Bo remained gentle with her, patting her back lightly. “It’s okay, don’t worry.”

It seemed like the man who had just looked annoyed at her phone call was not him.

“You didn’t answer my call just now, I was really scared…” Chi Xiyu was about to burst into tears.

“I usually don’t answer calls during races.”

“Yeah, it was my oversight. From now on, when you’re driving, I won’t call you!”

Xie Bo walked out of the crowd of fans, joking with the people around him. Inadvertently, he glanced at Lin Yiwei in the crowd.

Chu Ang stood beside her, holding the same cup of milk tea. He was tall and strong, and she felt a sense of dependence on him.

She was still wearing the white dress, and he seemed to have never seen her in a skirt before.

Is it newly bought?

He saw her in either a T-shirt and jeans or a sweatshirt and pencil pants; she had never dressed so ladylike in front of him before. Xie Bo’s gaze lingered on her as if he didn’t care about being noticed, his gaze ending on his former lover.

Lin Yiwei was sweating profusely under his stare, especially with Chi Xiyu standing beside him.

She hurriedly said to Chu Ang, “Let’s go.”

“So soon?”

“Yeah, I want to go back.”

“I wanted to introduce you to my friends.”

“Your friends?”

As they spoke, Xie Bo walked straight towards them. “Want to join us?”

This question wasn’t directed at Lin Yiwei.

“Yeah.” Chu Ang smiled at him. “Don’t you have a competition today? I brought my friends to see; your performance just now was amazing, especially the overtaking on the bend, my heart was racing.”

Xie Bo narrowed his eyes, scanning Lin Yiwei. “Is this… your girlfriend?”

“Ah, no.” Chu Ang quickly shook his head. “Not yet, just friends.”

The phrase “not yet” added a hint of bitterness to Xie Bo’s gaze.

“Isn’t this a coincidence?” Chi Xiyu approached. “Chu Ang, this friend of yours is also my best friend. Isn’t Qinggang City small?”

“Really, you two know each other?” Chu Ang looked surprisedly at Lin Yiwei.

“I know Xixi.” Lin Yiwei said cautiously. “We’re from the same college.”

Her gaze never landed on Xie Bo… as if deliberately avoiding.

Afraid he might do something she couldn’t bear or say something that would terrify her.

“Just know Xixi?” Xie Bao’s voice was playful. “Don’t you know me?

“”I know.” She licked her dry lips. “We’re alumni, how could I not know you.”

Xie Bo’s gaze held her tightly, as if trying to pierce through her body, just like countless times before when he pressed her to do that thing.

Chu Ang whispered to Lin Yiwei, “I met Xie Bo when I was in junior high school, played basketball together, followed him in racing for a while last year, got scolded by my dad severely, later just watched from the sidelines, but DS and a few friends know each other, I often come to watch their races.”

Lin Yiwei’s heart gradually cooled down.

She thought Chu Ang could help her, but who would have thought that he was also part of their circle, friends with Xie Bo and Chi Xiyu.

The world was so small, absurd, and strange.”What a rare encounter, let’s go play together.” Chi Xiyu took Lin Yiwei’s hand and said in a low voice, “Don’t refuse, hiding the fact that you’re in love, do you even consider me a friend?”

“It’s not like that, there’s no love, just…”

“Wanna go play together?” Chu Ang said to Lin Yiwei, “It’s still early, and there are no classes tomorrow.”

“Sure.”

Lin Yiwei didn’t want to dampen the mood, especially not Chi Xiyu’s. In this situation, she had to go even if she didn’t want to.

Chu Ang pushed the motorcycle over, sat down, and handed the safety helmet to Lin Yiwei. She had come on Chu Ang’s motorcycle before, so she took the helmet he handed her.

Xie Bao watched them expressionlessly, and when Chu Ang asked where to meet, Xie Bo said, “Lin Yiwei, take the ferry, Chu Ang takes mine.”

A simple sentence, arranged straightforwardly.

Seemingly unreasonable, yet there was no room for refusal.

No one dared to refute Xie Bo.

Lin Yiwei and Chu Ang exchanged a glance as Li Du walked over, pulling Lin Yiwei to his car side with a smile.

“Racing club, no motorcycles, it’s the rule.”

Lin Yiwei was forcibly pulled onto the car by him.

Although Chu Ang wanted to be with Lin Yiwei, she was already in Li Su’s car, so he could only sit in the passenger seat of Xie Bo’s car, looking worriedly at Lin Yiwei.

Lin Yiwei was horrified to find that Xie Bo arranged her and Chu Ang but didn’t arrange Chi Xiyu!

She didn’t know if he forgot or did it intentionally.

Chi Xiyu was left alone, standing awkwardly in place, her hand holding the bag tightly clenched into a fist, watching as Chu Ang sat in the seat that should have belonged to her.

“Xixi, let’s go together!” Lin Yiwei hurriedly invited her.

“No need! Mind your own business! Don’t bother me!”

Another boy from the DS club invited Chi Xiyu to his car. Chi Xiyu walked over calmly, only giving Lin Yiwei a cold glance before turning away.

Her eyes were like icy blades.Lin Yiwei fell into panic; she knew Chi Xiyu must be raging inside.

She had carefully planned and maintained this “friendship” for so long, only to be shattered by Xie Bo’s simple sentence.

She didn’t care if there was an innocent Li Du beside her; she was furious, kicking the car fiercely and grabbing a small ornament from beside her to smash the car window.

Xie Bo was retaliating against her!Intentionally!

Lin Yiwei kept smashing the window a few more times, her hand numb with pain.

This was her hysterical personality, usually suppressed and controlled, rarely getting angry, but once ignited, it was an unstoppable fury.

Li Du was startled by her actions. “Weiwei, wha-what’s wrong?”

“Am I very familiar with you? Why ‘Weiwei,’ do I not have a name?”

“No… you’re so fierce.” Li Du was a bit fragile, saying with a grievance, “Why are you angry at me?”

“Xie Bo is a heartless bastard, you blindly follow him, and you expect me to treat you nicely?”

Li Du probably realized belatedly.

He didn’t say anything, started the engine, and drove onto the highway.

Looking at the dark road ahead, after a long time, when the little girl’s anger subsided slightly, he spoke, “He may be a bastard, but he’s not heartless.”

Thinking of the situation just now, the man chuckled, “Can’t you see it? Master Bo is almost jealous.”

…

In the car, Chu Ang was completely unaware of Xie Bo’s off mood.

He casually picked up a pomegranate from the tray beside Xie Bo and said with a smile, “I don’t know if you like pomegranates, there are a few in the car?”

Xie Bo held the steering wheel with one hand, his gaze straight ahead, not responding to him.

Chu Ang was used to his casual attitude of not speaking when he didn’t want to speak, still texting Lin Yiwei.

Xie Bo’s gaze swept over his phone screen, and he saw the familiar penguin avatar glaringly.

The sharp sound of WeChat message alerts, so piercing, like blades cutting flesh.

Xie Bo was jealous, insanely jealous.

In these few short minutes, he repeatedly confirmed one thing—Lin Yiwei belonged to him, exclusively to him.

“Have you touched her?” Xie Bo’s first words, his tone questioning, asked Chu Ang, “How far have you gone?”

Chu Ang flashed a naive and hearty smile of a big boy, “What are you saying? We’ve only known each other for less than two weeks, don’t treat me like you.”

Though he joked, Xie Bo couldn’t muster even a hint of a smile. Even if he didn’t show it, his jealousy burned like a flame in a furnace, stifling and intense.

Xie Bo had many friends around him, a lively and colorful bunch. But those truly considered close friends, there were only two or three, and Chu Ang was one of them.

“Do you like her?”

“Is it that obvious?”

Chu Ang lowered his head, scrolling through her social media posts visible for the past six months, few but insightful glimpses into her life.

“I feel she’s a very pure and life-loving girl. I’m defenseless against such girls.”

He continued eagerly, “The first time I met her, she was feeding a cat with a sausage in front of a convenience store. The sunlight on her made her look like a fairy, sparkling. Forgive my meager description, but at that moment, I knew I was smitten with her.”

In his mind, Xie Bo sketched and imagined the beautiful scene of her feeding the cat in the sunlight, jealousy almost suffocating him.

He knew all too well how enchanting her face, the face of disaster, would look in such a setting.

Chu Ang went on, “She gives me the impression of striving for progress, pure and beautiful. I want to take care of her.”

Xie Bo scoffed lightly, “Are you blind? Can’t you see she’s pretending to be innocent? Can’t you see how calculating she is? She’s willing to come out with you, obviously, she has ulterior motives.”

“…”

He rarely, rarely had such a harsh evaluation of a girl.

Chu Ang looked at Xie Bo in surprise, but found no trace of disgust in his eyes…

Chu Ang realized, he and Lin Yiwei were very familiar.

Only familiarity would lead to such words; without it, only polite courtesy remained, just like his interactions with her during this time.

“Xie Bo, why would you say that?”

“Considering our friendship, I’m advising you, you can’t outplay her, better retreat early.”

“Did you talk to her?” Chu Ang’s heart sank, “Don’t tell me she’s just another one of your flings.”

Xie Bo’s eye muscles twitched, and after a moment, he murmured two words, “Not yet.”

Chu Ang breathed a sigh of relief, but then heard him speak slowly, like a demonic whisper—

“She’s my lover, we’ve slept together.”