Since she failed in her negotiation, Qian Tao drank up her milk in one gulp. She picked up her bag, which she had not even realized was sent over, and asked slightly unhappily, "So, can I still enjoy my life as a single before Tuesday?"
"Sure!" he answered pretty cheerfully.
"Really? You are not allowed to look for me and that includes stalking!"
"Alright."
***
In the lift, Qian Tao switched on her mobile phone and saw many missed calls and unread messages. She quickly typed an excuse and sent it in her school-mates group chat.
Gu Tong, too, sent her a message via WeChat. To Gu Tong, she spoke the truth. Of course, she chose not to tell her about last night. She only told her that there wasn't any important development in their relationship.
She browsed through the list of missed calls and was stunned when she saw a familiar name.
Xiao Yuanhang.
The time of the missed call was eleven at night.
Why did he look for her?
She did not return his call and did not send him any messages to explain but rather, she deleted all notifications and put her phone into her bag. She called a taxi to another hotel to get her luggage.
While she was in the car, her mind was occupied with Tong Tong's words.
She said that him bringing her to see his father last night indicated that he was serious about getting married.
Qian Tao, on the other hand, was thinking of something else. What was happening between father and son?
Forget it, he said not to bother about his family matters. She'd better keep her curiosity to herself.
***
"Er, you don't have to worry about me, I've arrived at the hotel. After getting my luggage, I'll head straight to the airport. See you at the airport."
Qian Tao called Zhao Xinmei to let her know that she was safe, then ended the call and went into the hotel.
Just then, at the lobby of the hotel stood a figure who made her stand where she was.
How could it be…him?
Xiao Yuanhang clearly saw Qian Tao ending her call. When she walked forward, he purposely blocked her with his tall and strong build. "You did not reply to my call on purpose?"
"Really…did you call me? I've just switched on my phone and didn't have time to check. Why are you here? Is there anything I can help you with?" Qian Tao pretended to be clueless.
"Where have you been last night?"
"Nowhere."
"Nowhere, but you did not return to your hotel room?"
Oh, so he came last night and knew that she was not in her room. That was why he had called her last night at about eleven.
"I went on a date," Qian Tao exclaimed.
She bet he wouldn't inquire further with this reply.
"Dating? With who? Li Hengzhi?"
Although he was right, Qian Tao did not nod her head, "I don't have to report to you who I went on a date with, do I?"
"Do you think I like poking my nose into your affairs?" Xiao Yuanhang roared at her angrily. "If not for my mother, who called me a dozen times last night urging me to ensure your safety, it's none of my business if you die outside!"
Qian Tao's eyes shook a little. She felt a pain in her heart as if it was stabbed by a sharp knife.
She felt like laughing but she almost cried. With great difficulty, she composed herself and looked up at him. "Xiao Yuanhang, we've broken up. I did not commit any crime, so even if you hated me, you don't have to say such evil words."
Xiao Yuanhang caught hold of her wrist and stared at her violently, "I'm free to say anything I like!"
Qian Tao was not afraid of him. She calmly protested, "Let go of me, or I will call the security guards."
Before she could call out for help, Xiao Yuanhang let go of her and left her these words, "You'd better explain to my mother that in future, whether you are alive or dead, Qian Tao, it's none of my business!"