Bab 13: She’s not her
"What are you staring at?" He Zeqing asked, puzzled.
Though this friend of his rarely spoke, he was not one to get lost in thought. He Zeqing glanced at the door, wondering if Song Chengfeng had spotted someone of interest, but saw nothing.
Song Chengfeng, pulled out of his thoughts, shook his head and replied, "Nothing."
He Zeqing shrugged and ignored his friend's unusual silence, not noticing anything out of the ordinary. Song Chengfeng regained his composure and pushed a certain image of a young lady out of his mind.
He stood up and said to He Zeqing, "I'm leaving."
He Zeqing frowned. "It's still early."
"It's boring," Song Chengfeng replied, his eyes sweeping the room. Watching these rich second-generation kids trying to make connections with each other left him unimpressed.
He gave He Zeqing a light nudge with his fist and walked out, ignoring his friend's protests.
He Zeqing stared at Song Chengfeng's retreating figure for a moment before heading out to the balcony for some fresh air. With his aloof friend gone, the crowd would soon swarm him, so it was best to make an escape first.
What's the point of being the cold young master when there are so many thick-skinned people trying to make connections? He had hoped Song Chengfeng would chase these flies away, but the guy left him first.
Little did He Zeqing know, the reason people were both scared of him and drawn to him was because of his fate as the main character of the novel. No matter how far he ran, he would always attract others.
…
Qi Jianyi played with her smartphone, browsing through Weibo to pass the time. She skimmed through the latest news, occasionally smiling at the ridiculous rumours about celebrities.
It has been a week since He Zejin's birthday party. Qi Jianyi continues her life as usual—boring and uneventful. At the moment, the young miss has just finished her class and is hanging out in her dormitory, all by herself.
Over time, Qi Jianyi found herself staying at her dormitory more often than going home. She loves it there, with no one to talk to her. As a thinker introvert, she finds the silence in this room, peaceful.
Both Mr. Qi and Mrs. Qi noticed the change in their only daughter. Though Qi Jianyi had always been somewhat distant, it had never reached the point where she didn't want to stay at home. They tried to discuss the matter with her, but the topic never seemed to come to light.
They cared for their daughter, but at the same time, they felt they had no right to intervene after neglecting her for so many years. The conversation about moving out was pushed back, as Mr. Qi was firm in his decision, and Qi Jianyi used her busy schedule as an excuse to stay in her dormitory.
Thinking about her parents made Qi Jianyi feel slightly uncomfortable. No—the thought of her acting as their daughter made her feel so guilty. She tried to get along with them as their daughter, but over time, the more she tried, the harder it became.
Perhaps it was because the real Qi Jianyi was never close to either of them. She didn't have any good or happy memories with her parents, and as she grew up, her feelings toward them faded.
Not to mention, the one facing her parents right now wasn't the real Qi Jianyi. It was her—a normal college student who had just finished her exams and was about to return home the next day. Who could have imagined that when the next day came, she could never return?
Qi Jianyi forced her frustration away and continued browsing the internet, looking for something to distract herself. As time passed, she paused on a post about a new Western restaurant.
The reviews and comments about the restaurant piqued her interest, particularly the pictures of its interior design. Something about it seemed familiar to her, or perhaps it reminded her of a restaurant from her real world.
Intrigued by the restaurant, Qi Jianyi grabbed her bag and car keys. Maybe she was just bored, or perhaps she didn't want to be alone right now, avoiding thoughts she preferred not to dwell on.
Whatever the reason, Qi Jianyi chose to escape, heading to her car, ready to visit the new restaurant and try the food herself. But deep down, she knew it was just an excuse. She wanted to run away—from everything. But she couldn't.
Because Qi Jianyi exists in this world. Because the real Qi Jianyi has two loving parents and two little brothers who want her attention. Because Qi Jianyi was afraid—afraid that if she ran away, she might never return to her world.
She drove for half an hour before arriving at her destination. Qi Jianyi stared at the huge signboard of the new restaurant, which clearly aimed to attract customers' attention.
For a moment, the young woman was unsure of what to do. Was she hungry? No. But would she drive back to her parents' house? No.
As time ticked by slowly and Qi Jianyi immersed herself in thought, she sighed and rubbed her hands together, frustrated.
In the end, Qi Jianyi decided to get out of the car and enter the restaurant. After all, she had arrived, and it wouldn't hurt to try the food.
She smiled softly at the thought of dining alone in this big restaurant. It had been a while since she had eaten out by herself.
The door swung open, and Qi Jianyi was greeted by a waiter who had been waiting at the menu stand. The young man, in his early twenties, smiled gracefully at her and invited her to review the menu before assigning her a seat.
"Miss, have you made a reservation?" He asked with a smile on his face as if the smile was tattooed on him.
Qi Jianyi shook her head and said, "I haven't made one. Do you have any private rooms available?"
As if waiting for her question, the waiter answered cheerfully, clearly pleased to welcome another customer, "Yes, we have plenty. Would you like a room with a good view? I can show you."
Nodding slowly, Qi Jianyi let the waiter lead her away, "Sure."
However, while she was on her way to the private room, someone called her name from behind in an unsure tone.
"Qi Jianyi?"
Qi Jianyi turned her head toward the caller, wondering who she was encountering this time.
"I really can't have a day to myself, can I?" she muttered under her breath.
"Hm?" Qi Jianyi raised her eyebrows confused.
"What are you doing here?"
Hadiah
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