Beijing-Hong Kong Rosemary

Chapter 99 We've already broken up

The old man called from the old house, asking Qu Yanci to go back.

As night deepened, the Maybach wound its way up the mountain road.

At eight o'clock, we arrived at the house and parked the car in the front yard.

The maid stepped forward and opened the car door.

His tall and elegant figure stepped out of the carriage and walked straight inside.

Inside the living room, the old man and woman sat on the sofa watching TV and drinking tea, occasionally exchanging a few words.

The aroma of tea filled the air.

Qu Yanci went inside, saying, "Grandpa, Grandma."

The old lady looked at him suspiciously, "Why is Aci back today? Didn't you say you were very busy at the company lately?"

The old man coughed and said in a deep voice, "I told him to come back."

The old lady turned her head and glared at him, "Why did you call him back so late? It's not safe for him to walk on mountain roads at night."

"Don't get involved." The old man put down his teacup and asked Qu Yanci, "Why are you getting involved in the infighting between the two Cui brothers?"

He hadn't been involved in company affairs for several years, and it was only today, when that girl from the Cui family called him, that he learned a thing or two about it.

Qu Yanci sat down on the mahogany chair next to the sofa. "Someone interfered in my private affairs first."

"Who's meddling in your personal affairs?" the old man asked, puzzled. "Did the second son of the Cui family offend you? So you turned around and cooperated with his cousin?"

On the surface, the Cui family appears peaceful, but in reality, two cousins ​​are engaged in a fierce power struggle, each vying for the position of leader.

The servant brought out another cup of Da Hong Pao tea and placed it next to Qu Yanci.

"Didn't the person who complained explain it to you clearly?"

The old man frowned. "Just say what you have to say, don't beat around the bush."

Qu Yanci stated, "Grandpa, I have a girl I like, and it's impossible for me to marry into the Cui family."

After he finished speaking, the two elders stared at him in surprise.

"Do you have someone you like? Which family's daughter?" the old man asked.

Qu Yanci grasped the teacup. "I'll bring the little girl from the Shen family in Hong Kong back to meet you next time."

“The Shen family of Hong Kong Island?” The old man recalled, “I only remember that there was a Shen family car company in Hong Kong Island thirty or forty years ago. I even had a dealing with that old man Shen once.”

Qu Yanci nodded, "She is Elder Shen's granddaughter."

He took a sip of tea, his voice cold, "The Cui family interfered in my personal love affairs. Out of respect for you, I didn't sever our cooperation outright."

Old Master Qu almost forgot that his grandson was known for his ruthless and decisive methods in the business world, and was utterly ruthless.

His ability to start a business in New York on his own, and to make a name for himself on Wall Street, shows that he is more courageous and ruthless than others.

The old lady said, "I don't care about the Cui family. What's that girl you like? How did you meet her?"

Qu Yanci parted his thin lips slightly, "She's quite a likable girl, you'll like her."

The old man didn't speak. He didn't know much about the Shen family. He didn't object to dating, but marriage was another matter.
-
On Saturday, Shen Guining received an invitation from a friend to attend a birthday party.

Luo Zishan just returned from London last week and booked a restaurant to celebrate her 22nd birthday.

The weather has been pleasantly cool lately, and the evening breeze is especially comfortable.

The rooftop terrace was booked out today, and a birthday photo of the birthday person stood next to the flower archway at the entrance.

The venue was surrounded by flowers and colorful lights. The long table, pieced together, was beautifully decorated, with a row of violet bouquets in the center, delicate and vibrant under the candlelight. Tableware, drinks, desserts, and fruit platters were also neatly arranged.

As evening fell, the sunset painted half the sky red, like a palette of paints that had been accidentally overturned, with various colors gradually blending and spreading.

Many people have already arrived, gathering by the railing to take photos amidst laughter and chatter.

Shen Guining found the birthday girl and gave her the gift, saying, "Happy birthday, Shanshan, you look so beautiful today."

"Thank you, beautiful women always have the sweetest tongues." Luo Zishan's eyes curved into a smile. "I saw you won the Golden Tripod Award recently, I haven't congratulated you yet."

Shen Guining smiled and said, "Thank you."

Luo Zishan suddenly remembered that she had also invited Qi Heng. She had just contacted him not long ago and learned that he had returned to China, but she was not sure if he would come today.

When it was time to serve, staff members came one after another pushing food carts to deliver the dishes.

Luo Zishan invited everyone to take their seats. There was still one empty seat at the long table that could accommodate twenty people.

A friend asked, "Is anyone still missing? Should we wait?"

Just as he finished speaking, a man arrived late. "Sorry, I was late because of traffic."

Shen Guining looked up and met his gaze.

She was somewhat surprised to see Qi Heng there as well.

Someone nearby tried to lighten the mood, saying, "It's okay, we can forgive a handsome guy for being late."

Qi Heng withdrew his gaze, smiled politely, and walked over to greet her, "Long time no see, Zishan. Happy birthday! Here's a small gift; I hope you like it."

Luo Zishan smiled and accepted the gift bag. "Thank you, please have a seat."

As luck would have it, the only empty seat was right next to Shen Guining.

Qi Heng walked around to the end of the table, pulled out a chair, and sat down. "Ningning."

Shen Guining pursed her lips. This form of address was inappropriate, but she couldn't say anything in front of outsiders.

There were many people, making for a lively and harmonious dining experience.

Luo Zishan occasionally glanced at Qi Heng and Shen Guining.

We're both adults; a dignified breakup will naturally lead to peace and harmony.

However, Qi Heng didn't seem to have let go, his eyes occasionally glancing at Shen Guining.

After dinner, the waiters came to clear the table and make room for the cake.

The sky darkened, and the surrounding neon lights came on.

Everyone gathered around the table to sing "Happy Birthday" to the birthday person and celebrate with champagne.

Shen Guining went to the restroom to use the toilet midway through.

My phone received a WeChat message.

Qu Yanci: [Still outside?]

Shen Guining replied from the sink: [Yeah, my friend's birthday party isn't over yet.]

Qu Yanci: [Have you been drinking?]

Shen Guining: [I drank a little.]

Qu Yanci: [Send me your address.]

Shen Guining: [Are you going to call a driver to pick me up?]

Qu Yanci: [Hmm.]

Shen Guining sent the location, put away her phone, and walked outside.

A figure stood in the hallway outside the restroom and called out to her, "Ningning."

Shen Guining stopped in her tracks, her brow furrowing slightly. "Don't call me that."

Qi Heng's expression stiffened for a moment, then he gave a wry smile. "Do we really have to be this distant with each other?"

Shen Guining simply stated clearly, "We've already broken up, so we're strangers now and should keep our distance."

Qi Heng was unwilling to give up, staring intently at her, "Is there really no chance for us? I've already settled back in China, and whether you want to stay in Beijing or Hong Kong, I can be with you. We don't need to be in a long-distance relationship..."

Shen Guining interrupted him, "I forgot to tell you last time that I have a boyfriend."

The words stopped abruptly.

Qi Heng froze, his expression blank, and it took him a while to find his voice, "...What?"

He repeated absentmindedly, "You have a boyfriend?"

Shen Guining nodded, "Yes, so please don't say those things again."

Clinging to the last glimmer of hope, Qi Heng asked, "You're lying to me, aren't you?"

Unfortunately, reality shattered that dream.

She told him very seriously, "I'm not lying to you, we have a very good relationship."