Chapter 32 - 2#

What?

After a long standoff, Li Ling heaved a deep sigh, covered her face with both hands, and slumped back into her chair.

“Idiot, idiot… why, why… how could there be such an idiot…”

…

Huh?

———————— ————

After Desmond King’s case came to a close, Catherine granted me two days off as she had promised. I had planned to use these two days to clean the house thoroughly, but after getting completely drunk that night, I woke up late the next day, and Li Ling dragged me around outside for an afternoon.

Li Ling’s work hours were irregular, though mostly in the evenings. She didn’t go into detail, and she had her own principles—even in my previous life, I rarely heard her complain or vent. I didn’t want to interfere, but I couldn’t help worrying a little. Still, seeing her in such high spirits, it seemed she was doing all right.

I thought I could finally relax that evening, but I spotted that rather slender figure from afar again—this time, I had learned my lesson and quickly pulled myself together to greet him.

“You came? Why didn’t you call me first?” I set down the bags full of things in both hands and reached into my pocket for the key.

Wang Zheng had both hands inside his coat pockets, looking like he couldn’t handle the cold well, though his complexion was much better. He looked at me with his head slightly lowered and said in a very soft voice, “I came… to get my clothes.”

“Uh, oh, then come in and sit first.” I motioned for him, lifting the bags with one hand, but the other bag was taken by that pale, bony hand. I was startled for a moment, but Wang Zheng walked straight in on his own.

He carried the things to the kitchen for me, looking a little out of breath. He raised a hand to cover his mouth, turned his head, and coughed lightly.

“Are you… still not recovered from your illness?”

“No.” Wang Zheng shook his head, then coughed heavily, his voice a little hoarse. “An old problem.” He glanced at me. “When I first arrived in England, my health wasn’t very good.”

“Could you… pour me a glass of water?”

Oh… oh.

It had been six years since I’d last seen Wang Zheng. He looked about the same, but his personality was vastly different from how I remembered him—it almost felt like he was a different person. At the very least, the Wang Zheng from my previous life would never speak so humbly to others. Sitting there without saying a word, he gave off a faint, morbid silence.

Since I’d invited him in, I couldn’t exactly not offer him a meal. Besides, Wang Zheng’s temperament was much easier to get along with now than before. What surprised me most was that he even took the initiative to help.

“Living alone, you learn quickly.” Wang Zheng occasionally stirred the soup in the pot with a ladle.

To be honest, the two of us men bustling around in the kitchen was a rather strange sight.

“Yeah… yeah.” I kept an eye on Wang Zheng, afraid he might burn down my little kitchen, but not only did he avoid any mishaps, his cooking was unexpectedly good.

I took a taste and looked up to find Wang Zheng staring at me. When our eyes met, I quickly said, “It tastes great.”

The corners of Wang Zheng’s mouth lifted. “Eat a little more.” He put some meat into my bowl.

I buried my head and shoveled down a few mouthfuls of rice, then said without thinking, “You’re going to make a great husband someday.”

Wang Zheng hummed in response, but didn’t continue the conversation. The air seemed to freeze. I laughed awkwardly and changed the subject. “Uh, girls these days all like guys like you. It’s good to be popular—unlike me, a bachelor for over twenty years.”

But Wang Zheng spoke up then. “There isn’t?”

“Huh?”

“There isn’t anyone? Someone you’ve dated…” He pursed his lips. “Or someone you like.”

Uh.

A blurry, tall figure flashed through my mind, and I suddenly felt a surge of embarrassing shyness.

I quickly waved my hand and said, “With someone like me… who would like me? Let’s drop it. Eat.”

Wang Zheng lowered his eyes and really didn’t ask any further.

For some reason, I felt unsettled inside, my heart pounding wildly. Gradually, the food lost its flavor.

I had been so horribly drunk that day—I had no idea if I had done anything embarrassing in front of Du Yijie…

Clink! Wang Zheng suddenly set down his chopsticks.

I jumped in surprise and looked up at him. He glanced sideways toward the door and said in a slightly cold tone, “Someone’s knocking at the door.”

I said “Ah,” and sure enough, another series of knocks came—urgent, as if something important had happened. I quickly jumped up from my chair and hurried to the door.

“Fatty—open up! Open up!” It was Cheng Chen.

As soon as I opened the door, Cheng Chen lunged at me. He pressed me back, and I hit my head against the wall.

“Fatty, fatty—tell me, what’s wrong with me? Am I not handsome? Am I not caring? Why do I keep getting friend-zoned?” He wailed and howled, making my ears ring. I pushed him with one hand while rubbing the back of my head with the other—ow, it was definitely swollen.

Cheng Chen reeked of alcohol as he yelled right in my face. “Fatty! My goddess dumped me! She said she likes someone else! Fatty, tell me! Who could be better than me? More handsome? More caring?”

“Okay, okay… you’re the best, the most handsome, the most caring. Now get off me—you’re crushing me.”

Cheng Chen was taller and bigger than me. Even pushing with both hands only moved him a little, and then he stuck to me like glue again.

“Fatty—you’re the best after all. Forget about Big Brother Bai—let’s just get together!”

Cheng Chen had a terrible habit.

Whenever he got dumped, he would drink. Whenever he drank, he would go on a drunken rampage. Whenever he went on a drunken rampage, he would confess to people left and right. And whenever he confessed…

He was about to kiss me. My heart was calm as I prepared to sacrifice myself, when a strong force yanked us apart.

Cheng Chen staggered back a few steps and nearly fell, but managed to steady himself. I saw Wang Zheng looking at Cheng Chen with a face as black as thunder.

“Hey—” Cheng Chen wobbled forward two steps and pointed at Wang Zheng. “You pushed me! No one dares to push me except my old man! Who do you think you—”

Cheng Chen suddenly stopped, tilted his head as if trying to remember something, then clapped his hands loudly and pointed at Wang Zheng with disgust. “I remember now—that face, I’d know it even if it were ashes! That Wang kid, yeah, that Wang kid who was always picking fights with me! The same smug brat! That’s you!”

Wang Zheng clenched his teeth, staring ahead, his hands balled into fists. Seeing the situation turn bad, I quickly stepped between them and said to Wang Zheng, “Wang Zheng, don’t get mad. Cheng Chen is drunk—he’s not thinking straight.”

“I’m thinking perfectly straight. I filtered it through my brain and remembered this smug brat!”

“Yeah—hic! That guy! Always giving me trouble, saying if he beat me, I’d have to scram! Pfft—! I’ll stick to Fatty as much as I want, what are you gonna do about it? Smug as hell—Fatty isn’t your daddy, who he hangs out with is none of your damn business!”

Someone give me a stick—I can’t control Cheng Chen, but at least I could knock myself out first.

Wang Zheng’s face flushed with anger. Afraid he and Cheng Chen would start a fight, I quickly said, “Wang Zheng, don’t argue with a drunk. Cheng Chen, you shut up too—”

“Hey hey—Master Wang, hurry back and hug your rich wife. I really don’t get why girls like pretty boys like you. Hey hey hey, Fatty has cut ties with all of you—the sooner you leave, the better. Stop clinging to him here. You’re about to get married, what the hell are you playing at—! Ha! Look at you, even prettier than that woman you’re marrying. You after their money or something? What right do you have to come looking for Fatty?”

“Enough!” My voice involuntarily rose.

These words couldn’t be thrown around carelessly.

I saw Wang Zheng’s face gradually turn from red to white. He swayed unsteadily, glanced at me, gritted his teeth, and then turned and rushed out the door.

Cheng Chen had driven Wang Zheng away in anger. He fell asleep snoring, woke up refreshed and in high spirits, but I couldn’t sleep a wink all night because of the look in Wang Zheng’s eyes before he left.

However, while I was still in a daze, Catherine passed on some shocking news—Red Manner had committed suicide and left a suicide note. Actually, it was more of a confession letter than a suicide note.

Red Manner had been in love with Desmond King’s father—a homosexual love.

I had no choice but to rush to the office to understand the situation. Catherine didn’t reveal many details; she must have been quite shocked by the sudden news herself. There was an air of disbelief in her tone when she said—

“Red Manner developed immense psychological pressure after Desmond King’s father was shot and lost his mind. Later, he sought peace through worshipping God…”

“He had been in love with Robin King for nearly twenty years. Ren, sometimes I don’t understand—what kind of emotion can make someone so persistent? When the other person’s soul died, he collapsed along with it.”

What kind of emotion was that?

—The person I love, his true soul has already died.

—I’ve made the most foolish mistake, but still, I can’t help but follow him, even if he doesn’t need me.

Catherine said those were two sentences from the suicide note. Her emotions had been fluctuating recently, and judging by her decisive attitude toward Desmond King earlier, I could feel a change in Catherine’s state of mind.

“Ren, do you believe that such sincere feelings really exist?”

However, two days later, Catherine and I both received an invitation from Desmond to attend a celebration party. His tone was sincere, and for the first time, I felt a high level of cultural refinement in his words—I couldn’t quite adapt at first.

Catherine couldn’t attend because Judy had an upset stomach and needed to be taken to the hospital. She dumped the responsibility on me. Although Desmond was sincere, there was still an overbearing tone in his words, leaving me little room to refuse.

Du Yijie would naturally attend this celebration party as well. Having not seen him for several days, when I saw him walking toward me, I felt an indescribably strange sensation.

How should I put it? It felt like someone was squeezing my heart, making it hard to breathe.

Du Yijie clearly didn’t know I would be there. He strode over from the small circle surrounded by guests and said, “Xiao Qi, how did you…” He seemed to think of something, his brow furrowed, and at that moment, Desmond, the guest of honor, walked over with a smile. He said in a loud, enthusiastic voice, “My important friend, you’ve finally arrived.”

Desmond glanced at Du Yijie, smirked, then pulled me toward a group of well-dressed people in front.

“This is the lawyer who helped me, Mr. Ren…” He looked at me, and I smiled knowingly and said, “Ren Qiri.” Desmond smiled at the group and said in a joking tone, “You should take a Western name. Ingram suits you—it symbolizes wisdom.”

The people around chimed in agreement. I felt a little uncomfortable but managed to socialize.

Desmond chuckled, turned to me, and said, “Oh, by the way, did that arrogant red-haired lawyer come? I have to admit she’s really got skills. I need to thank her.”

“No, I’m sorry, she has some important personal matters tonight.”

“Oh?” Desmond raised an eyebrow, took a glass of wine from the waiter’s tray, and pointed it at me. “Then fine, you drink this for her. Let’s have a good time.”

I wasn’t exactly a lightweight, but on an occasion like this, I had to keep control. Still, this one glass seemed unavoidable. Just as I was about to reach for it, Du Yijie stepped over, intercepted it, and downed the whole glass in one gulp. Desmond looked a little displeased and pulled me closer. “That doesn’t count. You drink.”

Du Yijie frowned. “Desmond, mind your image. Tonight isn’t the time for your antics.”

“My antics?” Desmond laughed. “Yeah, I’m just a useless, mischievous wreck. What my father left me is about to be carved up by those people, and that traitor Red was taken care of by them privately. But don’t forget—I might not be the loser. I still have something on you.”

He lowered his voice when he said this. Since I was so close to him, I heard it almost perfectly, and I was somewhat shocked.

Du Yijie, however, just smiled and shook his head, as if what Desmond said was ridiculous.

Desmond snorted in boredom, let go of me, and went off to another group of guests. I subconsciously rubbed my sore shoulder where he had gripped me. Du Yijie put both hands on my shoulders and said, “I’ve dragged you into this.”

Naturally, I had no idea what they were talking about. I was just a small fry, insignificant. I just didn’t understand why Desmond had invited me to an occasion like this. It didn’t feel like a simple celebration party—the air seemed faintly charged with the scent of an approaching storm, and there were many familiar faces of big shots in the crowd.

“Xiao Qi.” A warm breath brushed against my ear. I flinched, raised my hand to cover my ear, and quickly turned to look at Du Yijie. He smiled and said, “You space out a lot. What are you thinking about?”

“N-nothing.” I looked away, lowered my head, my face burning hot, and instinctively put a little distance between us.

Du Yijie’s phone rang. He said, “Excuse me,” listened for a moment, and his expression changed.

“No agreement?” Du Yijie’s tone was displeased, and then turned stricter. “He’s going to…”

“Never mind. Do what you need to do.”

As Du Yijie hung up, a subordinate-like person approached him, bowed slightly, and said, “That person has arrived.”

Du Yijie’s expression turned sour. He adjusted his coat and said irritably, “What a huge headache.”

I said to Du Yijie, “If you have things to do, go ahead.” He frowned at me. “I’ll have someone take you back later.” He patted my shoulder and walked toward the banquet hall’s entrance with his subordinate.

I breathed a sigh of relief—I didn’t know what big shot had arrived, but many people in the venue had gathered near the entrance.

I was happy to stay in a corner—I wasn’t the type to meddle anyway. I grabbed some food and sampled it in the corner. A talkative white waiter even recommended their creamed honey shrimp to me. Luckily, the venue was large, and I was obscure enough that nobody paid attention to me.

But then, just as I was enjoying my meal, someone hurried over, panting as he looked at me. “Attorney Ren, so you’re here. Please come with me.”

“What’s the matter?” I looked at him with suspicion. He was one of Desmond’s attendants, called Hans. I had seen him when I entered the venue.

Hans said, “Sir, I don’t understand either, but there’s a big shot who wants to see you.”

I raised an eyebrow. A big shot?

“Attorney Ren, please come with me. The boss praised you in front of that gentleman, and he seems very interested in you. He asked for you as soon as he arrived. He’s waiting for you in the lounge. Let’s hurry over.”

“Then… I’ll trouble you.”

My eyelid twitched. I had a bad feeling about this.

I followed Hans out of the banquet hall. It really seemed to be someone important—there were many people surrounding him, and from afar, I couldn’t even make out who it was.

“Attorney, be careful when you speak with that person. That’s my advice to you.”

Maybe it was the weight of Hans’s tone, but I started feeling nervous too.

At the lavishly decorated entrance, Hans stood straight, cleared his throat lightly, and knocked on the door.

When the door opened, warm air rushed out—turning on the heater at a time like this felt a bit odd.

There seemed to be several people inside. Hans walked in first and said, “Boss, I’ve brought him.”

I took a quiet breath, raised my head slightly with a faint smile.

A Chinese man standing to the side smiled at the person seated in the center and said, “This young man should be Attorney Ren, the one Mr. Jin was just talking about, Third Master.”