Chapter 123: The Final Move

Hua Jingjing did not see me, so I quickly lowered my head, afraid to move, lest I draw attention to myself. It really is a small world, I thought; how could I run into the one person I wanted to avoid no matter where I went? If she saw us, I truly couldn’t imagine how she might react. Sigh! What a headache!

Fan Yunting, seeing me cowering, looked puzzled and asked, "What’s wrong with you? Are you not feeling well?"

I sighed and lowered my voice. "Behind you—President Hua is dining there."

"President Hua? Hua Jingjing?" Fan Yunting said, glancing back before quickly turning around again. A faint, inscrutable smile played on her lips as she added, "Neither of us works for the Green Lady Company anymore, so what are you afraid of?"

It wasn't that I feared Hua Jingjing’s status; it was simply that I had rejected her love not long ago, and seeing her now felt incredibly awkward. But how could I tell Fan Yunting that? I had no choice but to keep my mouth shut.

Seeing my silence, and given her intelligence and insight, Fan Yunting seemed to have guessed why I was so afraid of meeting her. With a slight smile, she suddenly said, "The man sitting across from Hua Jingjing is named Shi Huaizhong. He’s a famous painter, known for being a notorious ladies' man and an expert at seduction. Judging by how she’s with him, their relationship doesn't seem ordinary!"

I coughed lightly, trying to appear indifferent. "Is that so? That’s great! A painter and a beauty—they make a perfect match!"

Despite my words, I couldn't help but steal a glance at the man sitting opposite her. His back was turned to me, so I couldn't see his face, but he appeared to be around thirty-five or thirty-six, moving with an air of effortless grace. He was chatting animatedly with Hua Jingjing, who seemed captivated by his words, gazing at him with rapt attention and a smile on her face.

A sense of inexplicable discomfort washed over me, and I quickly looked away. It’s for the best, I told myself. If Hua Jingjing can recover from the hurt I caused her so quickly and find a new companion, then the guilt in my heart can finally be eased.

While I was lost in thought, the Western dishes Fan Yunting and I had ordered arrived. I picked up my knife and fork, but for some reason, I felt restless, constantly fighting the urge to look back at that table. Fan Yunting, however, paid no mind and began to enjoy her meal.

A short while later, the violinist who had been playing for Hua Jingjing’s table finished his song. The painter tipped him a hundred yuan. After thanking them, the violinist turned and walked toward our table.

He bowed elegantly to Fan Yunting and then smiled at me. "Respected sir, would you like to request a song for this beautiful lady across from you?"

I was struck dumb, unable to speak. Out of politeness, I should have agreed; if I had refused, wouldn't it have been disrespectful to Fan Yunting? The violinist was quite clever. He didn't ask if I wanted to order a song, but whether I would like to dedicate one to a lady. Most men dining in a restaurant of this caliber were couples; what kind of man would be so tasteless as to say no?

But Fan Yunting was not my lover. Dedicating a song to her? Was it worth it? Even worse, Hua Jingjing’s gaze had drifted toward us. If she saw me ordering a song for Fan Yunting, what would she think? She would probably hate me even more.

Fan Yunting saved me from the awkward spot. "I’m sorry, I’m not interested in music. You should try asking another table."

The violinist looked at me, and I offered an apologetic gesture. He didn't mind, bowed slightly, and moved on. Just as I was about to thank Fan Yunting, I felt a gaze fixed upon me. I couldn't help but look back at Hua Jingjing’s table, and my eyes met hers—a complex, searching look. I blushed, my heart raced, and I didn't know where to put my hands.

Hua Jingjing stared at me for three seconds, then suddenly smiled, turned her gaze back to the man across from her, and raised her glass to join him in a drink.

After that, she didn't look at me again.

***

I sat there for a long time, sighed, and went back to my steak.

By the time Fan Yunting and I were finished, Hua Jingjing’s table had already settled their bill. They stood up and headed for the exit. I saw Hua Jingjing smile and affectionately tuck her arm into the painter’s.

The painter’s face lit up with excitement and pride. He noticed us and greeted Fan Yunting with delight. "Oh! Isn't this Miss Fan? Long time no see!"

Seeing that he recognized her, Fan Yunting stood up and smiled. "Oh! Mr. Shi, and President Hua, what a coincidence! Are you dining here too?"

I finally saw the man’s face. His features were sharp and chiseled, exceptionally handsome. The most striking thing about him was his blue eyes; he looked like a man of mixed heritage.

So this was the man! He was so handsome—no wonder Hua Jingjing had forgotten me so quickly!

The painter continued, smiling, "That’s right! I heard Miss Fan joined the Huasheng Group later on, so you must be well-acquainted with Miss Hua, right?"

Hua Jingjing, standing beside him, looked at Fan Yunting and said coldly, "Miss Fan resigned not long ago and is no longer an employee of the Huasheng Group, so there is no need to call me President Hua so politely!"

Fan Yunting could only smile. "Miss Hua!"

The painter said, "Oh, so Miss Fan is no longer with the Huasheng Group? Then, at the moment..."

Fan Yunting replied, "Oh, I’m planning to start a small company of my own, just a modest venture."

"Is that so? Ambitious! Very ambitious! By the way, who is this gentleman?"

Hearing him ask about me, I had no choice but to stand up. Fan Yunting introduced me: "This is my business partner, Tang Qian! And this old friend is the famous painter, Shi Huaizhong!"

As she introduced us, I shook hands with Shi Huaizhong, exchanging standard pleasantries. "A pleasure!" Hua Jingjing, however, acted as if I didn't exist, looking off into the distance.

Once the pleasantries were over, Shi Huaizhong said to Fan Yunting, "Then do enjoy your meal; Miss Hua and I will be heading out."

"Please, go ahead!"

Watching Shi Huaizhong and Hua Jingjing walk out intimately, Fan Yunting sat back down and asked with a laugh, "Hua Jingjing didn't even look at you. Are you two really over?"

I sat down, and after a long moment, replied, "We never even started!"

After dinner, Fan Yunting drove me home.

***

Back home, I was exhausted from a long day, and I had plenty of work to do tomorrow. After watching a little television, I washed up and went to bed.

I don't know how much time had passed when I was jolted awake by my phone ringing. Groggily, I grabbed my watch from the bedside table; it was past eleven at night.

"Who is it?" I muttered impatiently. "In the middle of the night, can’t a guy get some sleep?" Annoyed, I pulled over my clothes and fished out my phone.

The caller ID showed it was Hua Jingjing.

I held the phone, hesitating for a long time, unsure whether to answer. I knew she must be calling to berate me. Besides, hadn't she already found a boyfriend? Why call to yell at me?

The phone kept ringing, making me restless and completely awake. Finally, I decided to answer and tell her clearly to stop calling.

I pressed the button and put the phone to my ear. Before I could speak, Hua Jingjing’s voice came through: "Tang Qian, I’m at the Prince Hotel, Room 2201. The man surnamed Shi is in the shower. I’m telling you, I don't like him at all, but if you don't get here in twenty minutes, I’m going to sleep with him. Remember, if you don't come to stop me, I will be miserable for the rest of my life! I will hate you forever! All my misfortune is caused by you! Come or don't—it's up to you!"

She hung up immediately.

I jumped out of bed, cold sweat breaking out on my forehead. This... this little demon! She’s gone crazy! How could she be so reckless, sleeping with a man she doesn't even like?

Then it dawned on me: this was her final move to force my hand. She was willing to stake her own body on this gamble to see if I truly cared enough to stop her from being used by someone else. If I remained that heartless, she would willingly throw her life away, living recklessly and self-destructively. But deep down, she would never be happy; she would be miserable, and she would hate me. Her life would be ruined—ruined by me!

But... but if I go, I can stop her from falling, but then what? Do I accept her?

If I hardened my heart and did nothing, could I truly face the fact that a woman would be miserable for the rest of her life because of me?

I was frantic, my mind in chaos. I tried to call her back, but the tone told me that she had turned her phone off!

Sweat poured down my face. Even knowing this was a trap, the thought of her—pure and innocent—being given away to another man on a whim cut through me like a thousand knives. The pain was unbearable!

If she liked him, it would be one thing, but she had told me she didn't like him at all! Hua Jingjing, you... are you trying to make me miserable for the rest of my life?

But time wouldn't wait. If I didn't act now, I would regret it for the rest of my days. Pushing aside all other concerns, I grabbed my clothes and rushed out. There was only one thought in my mind: no matter what happens later, today, I must stop you from doing something so foolish!