Gu Qingqing did not dare to dial Leng Sicheng's personal number. Instead, she called the Qin Cheng apartment's landline. After the phone rang for some time, someone finally picked up. Not knowing who had answered, she was really excited but had no idea what to say.
After putting in some thought, Gu Qingqing had finally mustered up enough courage to speak to the person. Unfortunately, the voice from the other side of the phone almost made her drop it.
It was Chen Wenjie.
"Who is this? Why aren't you saying anything? Hello…???"
Immediately, Gu Qingqing hung up the call without a second thought, blaming herself for being too childish. This was not the first day she knew that Leng Sicheng was in a relationship with Chen Wenjie. She should not have gotten angry and just say whatever she wanted to say.
The novel Love in a Fallen City by Eileen Chang mentioned that marriage was like long-term prostitution. The main reason why Gu Qingqing was still with Leng Sicheng was simply because of money. Her hefty monthly expenses and her brother continually asking her for help had mostly stopped her from leaving Leng Sicheng. With all her hardship considered, she should not have been emotional when she heard Chen Wenjie's voice from the other side of the phone just now.
Still, she could not make herself to call Leng Sicheng again.
That afternoon, her mother called.
"Qingqing, they told me that if they didn't get the money before evening, they would call the police and send your brother to jail! Please ask for your husband's help! 200,000 is nothing for him!"
"I know."
After hesitating for a while, she made a call to Li Youyou.
"Youyou."
Li Youyou answered at the first ring. She was in a boisterous environment, the director shouting a loud 'cut' could be clearly heard.
"Qingqing, what's going on?! We are almost done with the scene, and we are about to move to the next location."
Knowing that Li Youyou was really busy, Gu Qingqing felt it inappropriate for her to keep bothering her.
"When are you getting off work?"
"Ten tonight at the latest. Are you okay?"
"I… I'm fine."
After all, asking someone for money was never something one should be proud of.
"I will be getting off work at ten. Meet me at Star tonight for a drink if you have the time. We haven't met in a long time," said Li Youyou.
"Alright. I'll wait for your call.
Hanging up the phone, Gu Qingqing let out a long sigh, reminding herself that she would return the money to her once her salary came in. Now that the money matter was settled, she became bothered by the fact that Chen Wenjie was the one that picked up her call earlier.
...
10.00 P.M.
Inside the luxury private lounge of Star, Leng Sicheng lay lazily on the couch with his legs crossed. In his hand was a glass of whiskey, ice clanking as he twirled the glass with his hand.
A plump middle-aged man sat beside him.
"Let us drink to Director Leng as a sign of respect!"
Leng Sicheng lifted up his glass with a smile but did not drink from it.
"Boss Du, your reputation is the stuff of legends. Si Cheng has recently found himself a gorgeous lady and has stopped hanging out with us. I never thought that he would leave his lady and come here to talk business with you," Mo Dongyang said while squinting and smiling.
Mu Shang'en nodded his head, indicating that he too agreed with Mo Dongyang.
"Mr. Mo and Mr. Mu, both of you think too highly of me!"
He then turned to the gorgeous ladies beside him, saying, "make sure Director Leng has a good time here!"