CHAPTER 10

Without hesitation, Sister Zhong opened the door, eager to see this handsome man in person.

Beijing in June had already descended into night. The dappled lights cast shifting shadows over Meng Huaiqian’s figure. His gaze flickered with a hint of confusion when he saw that the person who opened the door wasn’t Chi Shuang.

Sister Zhong, always sharp in reading people, quickly explained, “Sir, you’re here for Chi Shuang, right? She’s upstairs and will be down soon.”

“Oh, right—” She flashed a professional smile. “I’m Zhong. Chi Shuang’s manager.”

Her radar went off.

This man’s looks were too exceptional, coupled with an air of aloofness. If she could get him into the industry—even if only as a pretty face like Chi Shuang—the response would undoubtedly be explosive.

Meng Huaiqian nodded. “Hello, my surname is Meng.”

It was their first time meeting, and with Chi Shuang absent, both of them were cautious, refraining from exchanging full names—keeping everything brief and to the point.

“Come in, come in,” Sister Zhong quickly stepped aside and warmly invited Meng Huaiqian into the house.

But he hesitated for a few seconds.

This person wasn’t Chi Shuang, and Chi Shuang hadn’t invited him in.

Sister Zhong noticed his hesitation and was quite surprised—was he really this disciplined? Was it his nature, or had Chi Shuang tormented him for so long that he’d become like this?

“It’s fine.” Sister Zhong simply reached out and pulled him inside. “You’re still carrying things—come on in.”

Caught off guard, Meng Huaiqian was pulled into the house.

Sister Zhong scanned him up and down like a human X-ray machine, growing more and more envious as she looked. What was going on? Had all the top-tier men in the country been snatched up by Chi Shuang?

With her sharp eye, she could tell that this Mr. Meng was probably completely detached from the entertainment industry. His suit didn’t have any visible branding, but the fabric, cut, and buttons were enough to suggest it was likely custom-made.

The suit was impeccable, but the real standout was the watch on his wrist.

She wasn’t an expert in this area, but she could recognize the brand. As for the specific model and its exact value, she couldn’t say for sure.

But even the entry-level watches from this brand cost at least a few hundred thousand.

For a moment, she wasn’t sure whether she should still put in a good word for Ren Jingfeng. He was now a rising star in the legal field and would undoubtedly accumulate wealth over time. If Chi Shuang was willing to reconcile with him, he would definitely owe her a favor. If she ever needed legal assistance or connections in the future, Ren Jingfeng would help without hesitation.

But Chi Shuang wasn’t the type to go back to an ex.

With that thought, Sister Zhong smiled and started probing for more information. “Mr. Meng, how old are you this year?”

“Twenty-eight.”

Sister Zhong: … Round one—Meng, the handsome guy, wins.

Just as she was gearing up to dig deeper—determined to uncover Meng Huaiqian’s annual income, number of properties, whether his parents were alive, and if his family had any genetic illnesses—a female voice from the stairway interrupted her interrogation.

“What are you doing here?”

Both Sister Zhong and Meng Huaiqian turned to look.

Chi Shuang had changed into a pearl-white dress. She was already known as a porcelain beauty in the industry—delicate figure, fair skin, jet-black hair—stunning enough to make anyone do a double take. At this moment, she stood with her arms crossed, her eyes coldly fixed on Meng Huaiqian.

Sister Zhong wasn’t the least bit surprised.

She had never seen Chi Shuang treat any suitor kindly. Whether it was a university professor or a tech tycoon, she always had this same expression: Are you seriously here to bother me again?

“I brought the potstickers, beef brisket noodles, and milk tea you wanted.” Meng Huaiqian responded calmly.

Chi Shuang let out a quiet “mm” and walked down the stairs gracefully, a light yet rich fragrance subtly lingering around her.

As she approached, he could smell it clearly.

“You bought them yourself?” she asked.

“I bought the potstickers myself. The noodles and milk tea, I had the drivers buy.” Meng Huaiqian explained unhurriedly. “The three places are in different districts. If I went to each one myself and then delivered them, it would’ve been around nine at night. You said you were hungry.”

Sister Zhong glanced at Chi Shuang.

Wow—still as skilled at making people jump through hoops as ever.

Then she looked at Meng Huaiqian.

This guy… was surprisingly considerate.

Chi Shuang found herself in a bit of a dilemma.

She had asked Meng Huaiqian to buy the potstickers.

Sister Zhong immediately caught on, quickly grabbing her purse and saying, “Shuang, let’s reschedule. I didn’t know you had company. I’m actually pretty tired today, so I’ll head home and rest. You two take your time chatting!”

Before Chi Shuang could respond, Sister Zhong called out as she left, “Mr. Meng, goodbye.”

Meng Huaiqian turned slightly and gave a small nod. “Miss Zhong, goodbye.”

As soon as the door closed, Meng Huaiqian was met with Chi Shuang’s displeased expression.

He paused for a few seconds. “I didn’t come in on my own.”

“Who said anything about that?”

Chi Shuang shot him a look, then raised her hand. Meng Huaiqian understood her meaning and handed her the food.

As Sister Zhong stepped out, she glanced at the courtyard outside. Sure enough, besides her car, there was a black Bentley parked there.

She wasn’t surprised at all.

All of Chi Shuang’s ex-boyfriends had been financially well-off. After all, a woman like her—renowned even within the industry—who would dare pursue her without substantial resources?

The only question was, would this one make it to official status?

…

Inside, Chi Shuang went to the bathroom to wash her hands, then opened the takeout containers. The aroma was mouthwatering.

She really was a little hungry.

For the past half-month, she had barely eaten. The first week, she had hardly eaten at all—she was practically on the verge of needing IV nutrients. After that, her meals had been irregular.

Feeling hungry and craving food was a sign that she was gradually getting better.

She finally had an appetite.

Opening the small container of vinegar, she picked up a potsticker and dipped it in.

Meng Huaiqian noticed her movements.

She didn’t touch the chili oil.

He immediately took note of that—so she only ate potstickers with vinegar, not chili oil.

Meng Huaiqian sat down across from her.

After a moment of silence, he was the first to speak, offering an apology. “I thought it through carefully after I got back. I was inconsiderate about the tea leaves. I should have gotten your permission before sending them over.”

Chi Shuang took a bite of the potsticker. The filling was juicy and delicious.

Too late, too late!

Apologies had an expiration date. If you missed it, that was it!

Besides, she was certain that if she hadn’t deliberately given him a hard time, he wouldn’t have even realized what he did wrong.

Did he really need her to get angry before he figured out he should apologize?

Was he trying to drive her insane?

“It won’t happen again,” Meng Huaiqian added. “I also told the three drivers outside to leave. But since you’re living here alone, I still don’t feel at ease. Maybe we can find a solution that you’re comfortable with—like me renting a house nearby. The driver and housekeeper can stay there, so if anything happens, they can respond immediately.

“What do you think?”

Chi Shuang wiped the oil from her lips before taking a sip of milk tea. “No.”

Meng Huaiqian had been prepared for this. He nodded gently. “Then, we could—”

“No need,” she said leisurely. “I’m about to move out.”

Meng Huaiqian was stunned for two seconds. “Move out?”

“Yes. I don’t plan to live here anymore.”

If she stayed any longer, it would become a problem. Every corner of this place bore Liang Qian’s traces, filled with too many memories of the two of them. She wanted to move forward. She wouldn’t stop for the already deceased Liang Qian—he didn’t deserve it.

She would move to a place without his traces, immerse herself in new work. Maybe, in the not-so-distant future, she would meet someone she liked, go on dates, fall in love. If that person suited her well enough, maybe they would even talk about marriage. Who could say for sure?

Meng Huaiqian stared at her, noticing the loneliness on her face. A bitterness welled up in his heart. “Have you found a place?”

He mentally went through the vacant properties under his name.

He didn’t know if she would like any of them, but wherever she wanted, he could arrange it.

“Are you offering to find me a place?” Chi Shuang asked.

Meng Huaiqian nodded without hesitation.

“Alright.”

Chi Shuang nonchalantly counted on her fingers and listed her requirements. “First, it has to be close to my restaurant—within five kilometers. Second, the security and privacy of the community must be top-notch, and the property management has to be responsible. Third, I’m picky about my neighbors. Ideally, the ten floors above and five floors below mine shouldn’t have any children, and the units above, below, and especially next to mine should be occupied by single women. Fourth, the place shouldn’t be too big or too small—around a hundred square meters should do.”

Meng Huaiqian noted down each condition. “Got it.”

Chi Shuang had a good appetite today, eating nearly half of what Meng Huaiqian had brought.

She glanced at him, suddenly losing interest.

Pushing the takeout containers aside, she righteously ordered him, “Alright, I want to rest now. Clean up and leave when you’re done.”

Meng Huaiqian scanned the remaining food. Making a quick estimation, he guessed that she was truly full, which reassured him.

Even he didn’t realize how naturally he had fallen into this role. No one had ever ordered him around like this before, let alone told him to clean up the mess. Strangely, he felt no resistance or discomfort. It was as if this was perfectly natural.

Rolling up his sleeves, he reached out and, though not particularly skilled, methodically gathered the used disposable chopsticks, soup spoon, and napkins she had wiped her mouth with. He tied up the garbage bag, lifted it in one hand, and politely asked, “May I use your bathroom to wash my hands?”

“Go ahead.”

Under her gaze, Meng Huaiqian carried the garbage bag outside. A few minutes later, he returned, stepping steadily into the bathroom. Soon, the sound of running water could be heard.

He washed for a minute.

Two minutes.

Three minutes passed.

Chi Shuang realized—he had OCD.

Hahahahahaha!!

Good!!!

Her earlier gloom vanished, and she almost wanted to laugh with her hands on her hips. Boy, looks like I finally got to you!

She sat on the sofa, beaming, fully prepared to watch Meng Huaiqian come out of the bathroom.

Finally, he finished washing his hands. He took a paper towel, meticulously wiped them dry, then put on his watch. As he stepped out, his gaze met Chi Shuang’s bright, laughter-filled eyes. Her smile was vivid, with shallow dimples at the corners of her lips.

He froze for a moment.