Fog Returns to the Capital

Chapter 42 I'll Teach You

……

The next day, Li Wu was exhausted, so Zhou Jinghuai asked her for a day off.

Li Wu didn't wake up until the afternoon.

Almost the instant she regained consciousness, Li Wu felt intense soreness and pain all over her body.

It was hazy and indistinct.

My consciousness gradually returned last night.

Remembering what had happened, Li Wu's fair face flushed bright red in an instant.

Li Wu quickly buried her face in the pillow, as if doing so would help her forget everything that had happened last night.

Only when she was almost unable to breathe did Li Wu exhale a breath and release herself.

I silently processed it for quite a while.

Li Wu slowly got out of bed.

It must have been Zhou Jinghuai who specifically instructed that when Li Wu left the bedroom, the housekeeper, who usually only came for three meals a day, was also there at this time in the afternoon.

When the aunt saw her come out, there was no unusual expression on her face, and she didn't ask anything. She just smiled and said that the kitchen had been preparing food for her, just waiting for her to wake up.

On the contrary, Li Wu seemed to have done something wrong and dared not look her aunt in the eye.

While eating.

Li Wu must have been very hungry, because she finished off all the food her aunt had prepared for her.

The aunt standing next to her was quite amazed, seemingly not expecting that she had such a perfect and beautiful slender waist and didn't need to maintain her figure.

But the aunt showed no sign of it on her face, and still asked kindly, "Would you like me to make some more?"

"..."

Upon hearing this, Li Wu looked up, her eyes sparkling as she gazed at her.

Actually, I've been thinking about it.

But before Li Wu could speak, the aunt said to herself, "Let's forget it. Your stomach is so small, you're afraid of overeating it. I'll go get you some yogurt with fruit to help with digestion."

But the yogurt was completely different from the ones Li Wu had occasionally bought before; it tasted amazing. The fruit had also been air-freighted in that morning, and it was fresh and juicy.

Li Wu couldn't stop eating after taking the first bite.

Whether it aided digestion or not, Li Wu didn't know. After eating another whole bowl, she clearly felt her lower abdomen swell slightly.

Knowing that Zhou Jinghuai had asked for leave for her, Li didn't go to the film set anymore, but instead spent the whole afternoon at home doing exercises.

She entered the entertainment industry because she wanted to earn more money to support herself.

But now the company has secured several endorsements for her. Based on her previous spending habits, just one of those endorsements would have been enough to cover her expenses for a lifetime.

Not to mention.

The drama she's currently filming is being paid by Director Shen at the highest possible rate in the industry. Although it's only because of Zhou Jinghuai.

Even without those, the unlimited black card Zhou Jinghuai gave her was enough to ensure she no longer had to worry about money.

That's why Li Wu wanted to improve herself.

Even the desire to improve oneself seems to be more fervent and urgent than ever before.

As for the reason.

At that time, Li Wu didn't really think about it too much.

The next day, Li Wu went to film as usual.

……

Li Wu thought that her relationship with Zhou Jinghuai would always be like this.

She neither inquired about him nor asked about anything concerning him. He also wouldn't introduce her into his social circle.

until that day.

As soon as Li Wu finished filming, Zhou Jinghuai sent someone to pick her up without saying anything.

Li Wu asked the driver, who said he was only responsible for taking her there.

The implication was that he knew nothing.

"..."

Li Wu didn't ask any more questions.

After arriving.

Li Wu realized that this was the place where Zhou Jinghuai had taken her to eat for the first time.

——Jinyuan.

A small, Suzhou-style garden-like ancient building. With its green tiles and gray walls, it is elegant and simple, a wonderful place that is both in the midst of the world and incredibly peaceful and serene.

Zhou Jinghuai hadn't arrived yet, and Li Wu didn't know what kind of situation it was, so she didn't dare to go in alone.

She was still standing under that old, sturdy locust tree, looking down as she called Zhou Jinghuai. He was probably busy and didn't answer.

Li Wu then sent him a message.

But I haven't received a reply yet.

Feeling a bit bored while waiting, Li Wu looked up at the thick locust tree above her head.

The last time she stood here waiting for Zhou Jinghuai.

The entire locust tree was still bare, exuding a sense of desolation and bleakness.

but now.

The locust trees are in full bloom, their blossoms pure white and dazzling. A gentle breeze blows, and the locust flowers burst forth, resembling a vast, surging sea of ​​snow.

Beautiful and dreamy.

Li Wu didn't know where she saw it, but it said that this kind of white locust tree is actually edible.

She stood under the tree, looking up and observing for a long time.

She then noticed a locust flower that looked quite large, one that she could probably reach by standing on tiptoe.

But when we got closer...

Li Wu then realized that the cluster of white locust blossoms was actually higher than she had imagined. She tried to reach it on tiptoe several times, but still couldn't reach it.

"..."

Li Wu silently stared at the locust flower for a few seconds.

Her face, no bigger than the palm of a hand, looked somewhat stubborn.

It seems that he's somewhat questioning why it hasn't reached him yet.

Just when everyone thought she was going to give up, Li Wu took a deep breath, gathered her strength, and jumped up, reaching out to pluck a few locust blossoms from the tip of the flower.

When I received it.

Li Wu lightly brushed off the dust, then took a white flower and put it in her mouth.

It has a light and sweet taste, with a hint of fragrance.

Zhou Jinghuai can have a taste later.

Just as Li Wu was thinking this, a clear and calm voice came from behind her, "You're not allowed to pick these flowers, don't you know?"

Li Wu turned her head to look.

She saw a man leaning against a black G-Wagon not far away, looking at her indifferently.

His deep black eyes were calm and still, revealing no emotion.

But because of his dignified and cold face, coupled with his calm and icy aura, his eyes naturally carried a hint of ruthlessness.

Li Wu's hand trembled slightly. She was shocked and stammered, "Ah? I don't know."

There was a pause.

Li Wu reached out and spread out the two or three remaining locust blossoms in front of the man. "Why don't you try some? They're still a little sweet."

She whispered, "Then you can just pretend you didn't see it, okay?"

Seemingly not expecting to be "bribed" in this way, the man's gaze lingered on Li Wu for a moment.

But it only lasted a moment before returning to normal.

"Am I that kind of person?" the man asked in a deep voice.

Li Wu looked at him, silently meeting his gaze.

Then...then, the man saw her stuff all those locust flowers into her mouth, chewing while looking at him, muttering to herself, "I ate them all, so it's like I never picked them."

Perhaps because there was no physical evidence, she became bolder again. "Without surveillance footage, even if you say I picked it, no one will believe you."

There was a pause.

Seemingly finding it amusing, the man chuckled and asked, "What's your name?"

In this situation, Li Wu certainly wouldn't tell him her real name, and was just about to make one up.

Then a familiar voice came over, "Old Xu."

Then, Li Wu heard him call her name again.

"Li Wu is here too?"

When Li Wu looked over and saw that it was He Yanting, whom she had met once before, a bad feeling instantly rose in her heart.

"Hello, Mr. He."

Li Wu immediately became obedient and greeted him politely.

He Yanting was dressed in a suit and tie, and must have just come from the company.

Seeing the two of them standing outside, he couldn't help but ask, "What's going on here?"

Hear the words.

Xu Xiling's gaze swept over the girl's slightly lowered head before he slowly spoke, "So your name is Li Wu?"

"..."

Li Wu lowered his head slightly, thinking to himself that he was definitely going to complain to He Yanting, but he still obediently replied, "Yes. Li as in dawn, Wu as in fog, Li Wu."

"Do you know?"

Xu Xiling then looked at He Yanting, his usually cold and stern voice now sounding somewhat deep.

He Yanting hummed in response, not bothering to hide it from Li Wu, "Third Brother's men."

"I met him once when I went to eat on West Street last time."

"Xu Xiling".

After a moment of silence, Xu Xiling spoke calmly.

……

Li Wu received Zhou Jinghuai's reply only after she followed them inside.

He said he was on his way and told her to stay with He Yanting for now. He told her to tell He Yanting if she needed anything, and he would take care of her.

After reading the message.

Li Wu silently calculated in her mind that if Zhou Jinghuai was leaving from his company, then it would take at least... half an hour.

Half an hour!

Li Wu felt a sense of despair.

How was she supposed to get through this half hour of constant anxiety?
He Yanting, who was talking to Xu Xiling, turned around and glanced at Li Wu, who was a few steps behind them.

He happened to see the expression on her face and couldn't help but ask with a smile, "What's with that expression?"

Xu Xiling also glanced at Li Wu and said indifferently, "A guilty expression."

"..."

Who would have thought that he would see her picking a flower on a whim?

More importantly, he also knows He Yanting and Zhou Jinghuai, and they seem to have a pretty good relationship.

but.

Although Li Wu was thinking to herself, she quickly put on a smile when they looked over. "Actually, I'm more curious about this place. I rarely come to places like this."

After saying that.

Li Wu noticed Xu Xiling's gaze on her face and paused slightly.

Seeing this, Li Wu also looked over.

They stared at each other, wide-eyed.

She already said "more," so it wasn't exactly a rebuttal to him.

But it was only for a moment.

Xu Xiling then withdrew his gaze and began chatting with He Yanting about other things.

Later, when we entered the private room...

Seeing that they were still chatting, Li Wu wisely said that she would just wait for Zhou Jinghuai outside, and he would be there soon.

He Yanting could probably guess that Zhou Jinghuai was not there, and she felt constrained, so she didn't try to persuade him any further.

But he didn't actually make her wait outside, otherwise Zhou Jinghuai would have kicked him out when he arrived.

There was a pool table in the outer hall, so He Yanting asked a waiter to take her there to play.

But don't want to.

Li Wu felt even more constrained.

She had only seen others play billiards, but had never tried it herself.

Li Wu stood there, holding the pool cue, somewhat hesitant. She tried to recall how the people she had seen before played pool.

A few seconds later.

Li Wu mustered his courage, thinking that getting into the hole would be a victory, and was about to swing his club straight up when a deep, cold voice came from behind him.

"Won't?"

Without even turning around, Li Wu knew who it was.

Even though she clearly didn't know how, Xu Xiling's tone was that of a normal inquiry. But perhaps influenced by the sarcastic remark he'd made when he gave her the locust flowers earlier, Li Wu quietly retorted, "I'll know how right away."

talking.

Li Wu actually scored a goal.

It was just a straight shot.

"..."

Xu Xiling smiled, seemingly unable to suppress a laugh.

Li Wu's face instantly turned completely red.

I wish I could roll into the desk drawer along with that white ball.

How embarrassing!

Moreover, he was Zhou Jinghuai's friend...

"I teach you."

Seemingly realizing that his laughter had also caused some embarrassment, Xu Xiling stopped laughing and spoke in a deep voice.

"No need...no need..." Li Wu refused without even thinking.

"You still want to hole it out in one shot?"

"..."

Li Wu was holding the pool cue, feeling somewhat at a loss.

Xu Xiling had already taken a black billiard cue from the waiter. It was black and looked much more high-end than the one she was holding, and it was also a bit longer.

From stance to hand position, how to break the ball, aim, and deliver a powerful, straight shot... every movement is extremely standard, like a template. Yet it is also extremely slow, as if each movement is broken down step by step.

This was so that Li Wu could see more clearly and thoroughly.

Xu Xiling's movements were fluid and swift, clearing the table with his final shot, leaving Li Wu completely stunned.

Even though she didn't understand it, she still thought it was a beautiful shot, and her eyes showed a hint of astonishment and admiration.

After reeling in his rod, Xu Xiling turned to look at Li Wu. His clear and dignified face was indifferent, and his deep black eyes had lost some of their coldness. He asked calmly, "Have you learned it?"

Li Wu felt she had learned it from watching, and was itching to try it herself. "I'll give it a shot."

When she finally started hitting, her grip on the stick was incorrect.

Xu Xiling stood to the side, dressed in all black, looking cold and dignified. But he would occasionally speak up, offering a few words of advice to Li Wu.

When He Yanting returned after finishing the phone call, this was the scene he witnessed.

(End of this chapter)