Chapter 2130: Wen Yuan (24)

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

A few words, a sentence.

It was like a bomb thrown into the crowd.

All the questions that had been brewing could no longer be asked.

This answer was enough to give them an answer.

Obviously, Shang Qingmo didn’t give them a chance to ask any more questions. Her cold gaze swept across them before she turned and entered.

The reporters looked at each other and dispersed.

Everyone could see the warning in his eyes.

However, this information was enough.

The report was the truth. It pasted Shang Qingmo’s last sentence word for word.

There were no other words, but it was the most straightforward answer.

No matter who Shang Qingmo was, a man who broke off the engagement because of another woman would undoubtedly become a scumbag.

This caused the company’s reputation to plummet. Just the drop in viewership ratings from the television station was enough to show that.

Although there were some voices of support, they were completely drowned out by the criticism and sarcasm.

Although the higher-ups of the company were dissatisfied with Shang Qingmo, they heaved a sigh of relief when they saw her.

With so many of you, they were used to leaning on him.

As long as he was around, everything would be resolved perfectly.

Even though this incident was caused by him and it was serious.

When Old Master Shang saw the news, he remained silent.

He had said everything he needed to say.

Moreover, he knew very well that Shang Qingmo had thought of what he had said.

But he did it anyway.

He had always trusted his son. From the moment he handed the company to him, he had never disappointed or worried him.

But this time, he had to worry about how he was going to wrap this up.

But now that things had come to this, even if he found it ridiculous and unacceptable, how could Shang Qingmo resolve it perfectly?

He racked his brains but couldn’t think of a comprehensive solution.

In fact, Shang Qingmo didn’t think too much this time.

He only knew that no matter what, he wanted Shang Qiqi.

Everything else was secondary.

After seeing the news, Shang Qiqi had mixed feelings.

She sat on the bed facing the window and looked at the bright weather outside with a dazed expression.

If only this had happened five years ago.

She was still ignorant. She still had the urge and passion to love.

But now, she was no longer the Shang Qiqi from five years ago.

However, after she made all the preparations and knew how to weigh the pros and cons, Shang Qingmo suddenly disregarded the consequences.

Now that things had come to this, the television station was greatly affected. Shang Qingmo’s reputation was ruined. Grandpa was obviously furious and implicated the Song and Han families.

Things couldn’t get any worse.

She had thought of many ways, but she couldn’t find a solution for Shang Qingmo.

She closed her eyes wearily.

She shouldn’t have appeared in Ping Cheng.

The room was exceptionally quiet. After a long while, she slowly opened her eyes and lowered her head to look at her phone. She pulled out her phone and hesitated for a long time before finally pressing the button.

*

“Old Master, it’s Miss Qiqi.”

Uncle Chen carefully handed the microphone to Shang Yekun.

Shang Yekun slowly opened his eyes, which were filled with coldness.

He stared at the microphone for a long time before taking it.

He didn’t say anything.

Shang Qiqi was silent for a few seconds before speaking.

“Grandpa, I’m sorry.”

Shang Yekun pursed his lips. “I can’t blame you for this. Although I’m old, I still have a clear conscience. You didn’t do anything wrong…”

“Grandpa,” Shang Qiqi interrupted him softly, “I like Uncle.”

Shang Yekun was stunned. After a long while, his cold face turned gloomy again. “What does Qiqi want to do? Grandpa doesn’t think these five years will be in vain.”

“I also thought that I could let go of him, but Grandpa… no one wouldn’t be attracted to a man who wants to be with me regardless of the consequences. Moreover, Uncle has always been deeply rooted in my heart. As long as he has something to ask of me, I can’t remain indifferent.”

“So?” Shang Yekun’s voice was deep.

Shang Qiqi tightened her grip on her phone and fell silent for two seconds before saying slowly, “… Now that things have come to this, all the damage has been done and it can’t be salvaged. In that case, I don’t have to worry anymore. Actually, only by being together can we be worthy of all the damage caused, right?”

Shang Qingmo didn’t care about the consequences. That was all she wanted.

“So, you’re throwing caution to the wind? Han Jichi, Song Yunshu, have you ever thought about them? When the two of you are together, you’ve let more than one person down. Even if the two of you don’t receive blessings and live under the strange gazes of others for the rest of your lives, it doesn’t matter. You can throw caution to the wind now, but what about in the future? Qiqi, sooner or later, there will be someone who can’t stand it. Love isn’t the only thing in life…”

“Grandpa has never objected to you. As long as there’s a feasible solution, I can accept it. However, you’ve missed the best opportunity. Qiqi, even if Grandpa agrees now, how can you two be together?”

This matter was no longer settled just because he agreed.

“I know.” Shang Qiqi’s calm voice sounded. “So… I don’t want anything to happen in the future.”

Shang Yekun suddenly fell silent.

“Grandpa, I’m sorry. I can’t do much… I’m willing to do anything even if I have to indulge in pleasure. I’m sorry…”

Shang Yekun pursed his lips and his eyes turned red. “Qiqi, this has nothing to do with you. You don’t have to do anything…”

“Grandpa, it’s only a matter of time.”

Shang Qiqi hung up after finishing her sentence.

Looking out of the window again, she took a deep breath, relieved.

*

In the afternoon, Shang Qiqi called Shang Qingmo.

The call didn’t go through quickly. Shang Qingmo only said “Hello” and Shang Qiqi could hear the fatigue in his voice.

She paused and deliberately ignored him. “Uncle, what time will you be back tonight?”

Shang Qingmo was silent for a few seconds before saying,

“Have you had lunch?”

“I’ve eaten.”

“Little Uncle…”

“Don’t wait for me tonight. If you’re tired, rest. If you need anything, just tell the butler.”

Shang Qiqi was suddenly interrupted by Shang Qingmo. It sounded like he was very busy, but Shang Qiqi knew that he was avoiding something.

Her heart skipped a beat. Just as she was about to predict that he would hang up, she said, “I don’t want to have dinner alone. Can you make it back in time for dinner?”

Shang Qingmo, who was about to hang up, paused. “…Just dinner?”

“What else could it be?”

“Okay.”

“Then I’ll wait for you.”

Shang Qiqi’s words made Shang Qingmo tighten her grip on the phone.

This made him feel that keeping her by his side was the best choice.

Despite the busy schedule in the company, Shang Qingmo returned home on time for dinner.

“Master is back,” the servant greeted and took the coat from him.

Shang Qiqi heard the sound and appeared from the dining room.

She was holding a transparent pot lid and wearing a checkered apron.

This style made Shang Qingmo frown slightly. “What are you doing?”

“Cooking.” Shang Qiqi acted as if nothing had happened. There was a hint of pride on her face. “I learned a lot of dishes overseas. Anyway, I’m bored at home. I can show off to you tonight.”

Shang Qingmo stared at her for a few seconds, feeling conflicted.

He wanted to see something from her face, but her expression was impeccable.

“Hurry up and wash your hands. My last dish is about to be served.”

After saying that, she turned around and entered the kitchen.

*

There were a few simple dishes on the table. They looked impressive and there was nothing wrong with them.

Shang Qiqi pushed the rice to him. Seeing that he was hesitant to move, she said confidently, “Don’t worry, the taste is really good.”

Shang Qingmo glanced at her and picked up his chopsticks to try it. The taste… was normal.

Ever since her call, he had always felt that tonight was not as simple as dinner.

Her actions tonight were not as resistant as before. She was too calm and natural. He felt that something was amiss.

She would probably want to talk to him.

It was a question he didn’t want to discuss at all.

But in the end, she didn’t say anything.

In the end, he stopped her before she entered the room to rest.

“Shang Qiqi.”

Shang Qiqi turned to look at him. “Yes?”

Shang Qingmo approached her slowly and stared into her eyes. “…I thought you had something to say to me tonight.”

Shang Qiqi looked up and shook her head with a faint smile. “No.”

Shang Qingmo narrowed his eyes slightly. “So, let’s get by?”

“No. I’ve made countless assumptions today and rehearsed them many times in my heart. I really can’t think of a way to prevent all harm or stop losses in time. Since you can let things develop until now, no matter what I tell you, it won’t change your decision, right?”

“Yes,” replied Shang Qingmo without hesitation.

Shang Qiqi smiled. “So, since I know the outcome, why do I have to do this? You just want an outcome. You’ve always known that whenever you get close to me, my rejection isn’t sincere. Now that things have come to this, what can I change even if I object or reject?”

Nothing could be changed.

These words were indeed true.

That was indeed the case.

It seemed that she had really thought about this seriously today.

He thought that she was forced to submit, but her calmness dispelled his worries.

Her rejection wasn’t sincere…

Was she telling him that she still loved him?

His lips curled slightly as he reached out to caress her cheek. “It’s good that you understand.”

Shang Qiqi narrowed her eyes and smiled. Her long eyelashes trembled slightly before she wrapped her arms around Shang Qingmo’s waist and pressed her face against his chest.

Shang Qingmo’s body stiffened slightly.

Shang Qiqi snuggled into his embrace and tightened her grip around his waist.

“Actually, I’m very happy. I only see you loving me in my dreams.”

PS: Don’t misunderstand. Qiqi has her plans.