The next morning Weiwei woke up early and got ready to go to the office in a cheerful mood. After a quick meal with Qi, she felt at peace again. She didn't have any expectations of the future, but she could feel once again that faint sense of hope that good exists in the universe, which carried her through the most difficult moments of her life.
Last night before leaving Qi had invited her for dinner at the sailing club, and Weiwei was looking forward to it. She left her apartment with a smile on her face and had an uneventful commute, or maybe so it seemed to her because she was in a state of blissful ignorance.
Once in the office, Weiwei even had a pleasant conversation with Director Zhang, whom she never suspected of being even slightly warm-hearted.
Unfortunately, whenever you put on your rose-colored glasses, there will always be someone around ready to help you take them off.
"What's going on?" Ruxuan asked Weiwei on their way to lunch.
"What do you mean?"
"Why is Director Zhang being nice to you?"
The thought surprised Weiwei.
Was he actually trying to be nice? He's never been this nice.
"He was probably just in a good mood this morning," waved Weiwei.
"No, he was not," said Ruxuan. "Didn't you hear the talking to he gave to the IT team?"
"No."
Ruxuan's eyes narrowed. "Tell me, what are you up to, Weiwei?"
"Me?"
Ruxuan shook her head. "Okay, okay, maybe not you. You look too innocent. Then what is the Director up to?"
Weiwei shrugged. "How would I know?"
I hope I didn't do anything foolish. Why can't they just leave me alone?
"Well, still, it's very suspicious," said Ruxuan pensively. "If I were you, I'd keep my eyes and ears peeled."
The conversation made Weiwei think. She thought about it after lunch, and decided not to worry for the time being, but to be extra careful with her assignments and to avoid bumping into Director Zhang as much as possible.
In the late afternoon, Weiwei's attention shifted to the upcoming dinner. Qi had already texted her to confirm the time, and Weiwei began to visualize the food and the harbor views.
Weiwei didn't accept Qi's offer to pick her up and left work at her usual time, walked to the subway with Ruxuan, and then took her usual train, getting out at the next stop and going back downtown.
Am I being too paranoid? Feels like I'm doing something wrong and trying to hide it. Am I doing something wrong?
Weiwei's doubts melted away when she got to the marina and saw Qi waiting for her leaning against the window frame of the restaurant. There was something very familiar and comforting about the way he stood, walked, and looked at her.
Did I get used to being around him?
Of course, she did. Weiwei smiled to herself and at the same time registered a concern in her mind.
Don't get too comfortable. Be careful not to get hurt.
They ate and talked. Weiwei felt that both of them were having a good time.
"And who is this?" Weiwei suddenly heard a female voice.
Next to the table stood a pretty tall young woman in elegant clothes, her face cold and tainted in anger.
Weiwei glanced at Qi. While he was clearly trying to appear unperturbed, Weiwei could notice his face turn pale. He lifted his gaze slowly to look at the woman.
"Can I help you?" his voice was dry.
"I asked who she was," repeated the woman.
"I don't think it's any of your business."
The woman took the nearest chair and sat down across the table from the two of them.
"I don't think so. It is very much my business, dear fiancée," she said with mock tenderness. "Or have you forgotten?"
Fiancée!
Weiwei's heart raced.
This must be Mr. Wu's daughter Qi was talking about. And they are engaged? He mentioned nothing about it.
Weiwei wanted to disappear from the room, sink through the floor, run away – anything at all.
"I haven't forgotten that you are not my fiancée," Qi replied calmly. "We can discuss it another time, if a reminder is necessary."
"A reminder?" the woman snorted. "Maybe you need a reminder." She pulled up a phone. "This is you in bed with me. Maybe that'll refresh your memory."
Things blurred and meshed together around Weiwei. She tried to catch her breath for a few moments, until she finally succeeded.
"I was never in bed with you," Weiwei heard a distant voice.
"That's why I took the photo, so that you won't forget, fiancée."
"Please stop calling me that."
"It was only last week, fiancée, and you already forgot?"
Weiwei was finally able to see clearly again and stared at Qi.
"Last week?" Qi raised his eyebrows. "I see. Security told me you went to my apartment after the reception when I was out."
The woman nodded. "Good boy. You see, you remember."
Is this the woman who almost ran me over outside of his home?
"What I also remember is that I was unconscious because someone put something in my drink at the reception." Color rushed back into Qi's face. "There were witnesses, if you remember. And I had tests done the next day."
The woman put away her phone.
"And what did the tests show?"
"The results are almost ready. And I believe they will show something you won't like."
Qi got up and touched the back of Weiwei's chair. "Let's go."
"Don't try to take her to your apartment," said the woman. "The passcode is going to reset at midnight."
Qi paused.
"Didn't your grandpa tell you?" the woman gave him a wry smile. "The apartment is now mine. Also, don't forget to leave the car in the building's parking. Your grandpa knows everything, dear fiancée. And he is done with your whims."
Qi silently stretched his hand to Weiwei. Still in shock, she mechanically got up and, avoiding Qi's hand, went to the exit.