Chapter 8 — Called Off Right on the Spot

I did not bother to dignify Shen Zhihang with a reply. The nocturnal wind sweeping against the threshold of the old Shen estate felt infinitely more pristine than the foul mouths echoing inside the living room. As soon as my foot touched the lower step, Zhihang pursued me, calling out, “Hua Qinghe, halt.” I continued my stride. He quickened his pace, stepping directly into my path to block my way.

“What on earth was that business with the jade bracelet just now?”

“Did Master Shen not proclaim it to be nothing more than a worthless trinket?”

“I am asking you.”

“By what right do you presume to question me?”

Zhihang was struck speechless, unable to muster a rejoinder. Lin Man hurried after him, her shoulders draped in his tailored coat.

“Zhihang, do not waste your breath on her any longer. She merely dug up some wretched piece of jade solely to terrorize your grandfather.”

I glanced pointedly at the garment resting on her shoulders. “Just moments ago, Master Shen insisted there were no boundaries crossed between you. Yet here you are, sharing his coat.” Man’s face drained of color, and she instinctively moved to shrug it off. Zhihang caught her hand, restraining her. “The night air is biting; keep it on.” Only then did he notice my gaze lingering upon them. “Qinghe, she and I—”

“There is no need for explanations. I have no desire to listen.”

Man retreated behind his back, her voice dripping with calculated grievance. “Miss Hua, must you resort to such words merely to humiliate me?”

“I am merely stating plain facts.”

Zhihang furrowed his brow. “Man’s nerves are frayed this evening; do not deliberately provoke her further.” I stared at him in silence for two full seconds. “Shen Zhihang, you are utterly laughable.”

“What did you say?”

“This afternoon, when she crashed her car, you excused her by saying she was ‘overly emotional.’ Tonight, when she puts on this pathetic little performance, you claim her ‘spirits are troubled’.”

I raised a hand, pointing a finger directly toward the grand gates of the Shen household. “Every single person here must revolve around her delicate feelings. Rules are bent to accommodate her, dignity is sacrificed for her, and reason is warped to suit her. So let me ask you, what in the world are my emotions supposed to count for?” Zhihang’s expression faltered instantly, losing its composure. Man immediately seized the opportunity to interject:

“Miss Hua, you are the legitimate fiancee, so naturally you possess the right to posture and look down upon others. But what about me? I have nothing at all.”

“You have Director Shen backing you up at every turn. Is that truly not enough?”

Choked by my words, she blinked rapidly as tears welled in her eyes. “Zhihang, I cannot bear to stay here another minute.” Zhihang turned his attention back to me. “Let us put an end to this for today. I will come to speak with you tomorrow.”

“That will not be necessary.”

“Where are you staying?”

“That is of no concern to you.”

His tone hardened into an authoritative edge. “Hua Qinghe, do not use your own safety as a petty tool to vent your anger.” Before I could issue a retort, a sleek black sedan glided to a smooth halt directly before the entrance. The door swung open, and an elderly gentleman clad in a slate-grey Zhongshan suit stepped out. Zhihang’s expression shifted instantly in alarm. “Director Liang?” The old patriarch of the Shen family also scrambled out from the house, his steps remarkably more nimble than they had been moments before. “Vice President Liang, what brings you out here tonight?” Liang spared none of them a glance, walking with deliberate purpose straight toward me. “Qinghe, the institute sent me to fetch you.” I nodded respectfully. “I am sorry to have troubled you with the trip.” Liang cast a brief glance at my shattered phone, then surveyed the assembly standing before the manor. “The transportation matter has already been taken care of. Please get into the car first.” The patriarch hurried forward anxiously. “Vice President Liang, this entire incident has been a misunderstanding. Qinghe and Zhihang merely exchanged a few heated words; surely it did not warrant alarming someone of your stature?” Liang’s voice remained entirely tranquil. “Mr. Shen, you already exhausted the word ‘misunderstanding’ once this afternoon.” The old man’s features froze stiff. “I—” Liang shifted his gaze toward Zhihang. “Director Shen, if you would be so kind, step aside with me for a brief word.” Zhihang followed Liang toward the side of the vehicle. Though I could not catch the initial remarks, I watched as Zhihang’s expression grew steadily darker. Standing beside me, Man suddenly lowered her voice to a venomous whisper:

“Hua Qinghe, do not celebrate just yet.”

“And what, precisely, am I supposed to be celebrating?”