Lin Mei’s expression was exceptionally vivid at this moment. Her ears felt hot, and the “gift” in her hand was like a hot potato. However, if she were to truly discard it, the scoundrel would likely mistake it for shyness, thinking she was too embarrassed to face him.
He always seemed to enjoy teasing her, and Lin Mei, unwilling to give him the opportunity to mock her, feigned composure and held the box properly.
Lin Mei shifted her gaze away from the box, a sarcastic smile playing on her lips. She commented indifferently, “Oh, no wonder it looks so underdeveloped.”
Xing Zheng’s face darkened. Men disliked having their capabilities questioned. He let out a dangerous chuckle, leaned closer, and whispered a few words into her ear.
Upon hearing them, Lin Mei was instantly enraged, wanting to smash the item into Xing Zheng’s face and kill him. However, before she could act, Xing Zheng abruptly grabbed her wrist and forcefully pulled her towards the lounge.
Lin Mei was petite, and her physical strength was no match for his. Struggling was futile, and she was eventually dragged into the lounge and seated on the large bed.
Lin Mei looked at Xing Zheng warily. She saw him watching her with a smile, a hint of amusement in his eyes, as if he were toying with a small pet.
…
…
…
What should be skipped, should be skipped.
…
…
Xing Zheng sat beside her, looking down at her dazed expression. His thin lips curved upwards, and he teased, “It seems little Lin likes the birthday gift I gave you very much… Shall I give you the same next year?”
Xing Zheng’s words were clearly meant to tease and mock her. Lin Mei snapped back to attention and glared at him, “Scram, who cares about your damned gift? Give it to whoever you want.”
“I’ve only given it to you,” Xing Zheng chuckled. He leaned down, pressing close to her, “Little Lin, I’m just trying to make you happy.”
“Or perhaps you feel indebted and want to reciprocate?” He took her hand as if by chance, pulling her forward, “Why don’t you give me something on my birthday too?”
“Get lost!” Lin Mei kicked him, unwilling to bicker with him any longer. “Let me go quickly, I have something to do later.”
This time, Xing Zheng actually stopped teasing her and asked, “What is it?”
Lin Mei: “I’m going to break up with Chen Qi today. Don’t delay me.”
Xing Zheng had already learned of this last weekend. Lin Mei had not concealed it from him, and upon hearing that she intended to break up, Xing Zheng indeed released her hand and even laughed, as if he had heard some earth-shattering good news.
Lin Mei suspected he was gloating. The scoundrel had always enjoyed teasing her about Chen Qi cheating on her.
Lin Mei sat up from the bed, tugging at her clothes. She was no different than before she entered, and it was unlikely anyone would notice anything amiss if she went out.
Lin Mei stood up and looked in the mirror. There were no flaws. She put her bag away and prepared to leave. Xing Zheng “thoughtfully” placed the evening gown into her bag and handed the bag to her.
Before Lin Mei left, Xing Zheng smiled and said, “My birthday is in November. You have a few months to prepare a gift.”
Lin Mei: “…” When had she ever agreed to give him a gift? The scoundrel was truly audacious, asking for it himself.
As Lin Mei exited Xing Zheng’s office, she happened to encounter several employees from Shuang Mu. Lin Mei ignored their suggestive glances and left the office building.
Having been delayed in the lounge by Xing Zheng, Lin Mei had no time to drink coffee. She bought an Americano from a shop and got into her car, heading towards the restaurant Chen Qi had booked.
While waiting at a red light, Chen Qi called. He asked in a gentle voice, “Darling, have you set off?”
Lin Mei glanced at the navigation, her spirits not particularly high. She replied indifferently, “Yes, I’ll arrive in about forty minutes.”
Chen Qi thoughtfully instructed her, “Okay, I’m going to pick up the cake now. Drive carefully, and I’ll see you at the restaurant.”
Lin Mei gave a perfunctory “Okay.”
This was the last dinner. Breaking up with Chen Qi after this meal would be a civil parting.
—
When Lin Mei arrived, Chen Qi was already standing at the restaurant entrance waiting for her. He was wearing a dark gray suit. The moment he saw her, he walked over solicitously and embraced her, “You’ve worked hard. Are you tired today?”
“Not tired.” Lin Mei subtly withdrew from his embrace. Chen Qi sensed her rejection, and a trace of malice flashed in his once gentle eyes. “I’ve booked a private room on the second floor. Come with me.”
This time, Chen Qi made no further advances. He led the way upstairs, and Lin Mei followed him, only to discover that he had booked the highest-level private room.
Upon entering, a waiter brought the menu. Chen Qi thoughtfully opened it and asked for Lin Mei’s preference. Lin Mei replied, “Anything is fine. You choose.”
The purpose of meeting Chen Qi tonight was not the meal itself. Chen Qi ordered quite a few dishes. While ordering, he kept an eye on the time. Lin Father and Lin Mother were likely arriving soon. Indeed, the next moment, he received a WeChat message from Lin Mother, saying they would be there in about five to six minutes.
After ordering, the waiter withdrew. Lin Mei opened her bag, intending to take out the contract, while Chen Qi simultaneously handed her a velvet box.
“Happy birthday, darling,” Chen Qi pushed the small box towards Lin Mei. It looked like a ring box. Lin Mei opened it and indeed saw a diamond ring placed inside. The diamond was not small, and it sparkled brilliantly under the light.
The design of the diamond ring was beautiful, and it appeared to be quite valuable. Chen Qi must have spent a considerable amount of money.
Anyone could understand what giving a diamond ring meant. Lin Mei inwardly scoffed a few times, closed the box, and set it aside.
At this moment, Chen Qi said to her, “Wife, we’ve been together for so many years. I’ve wanted to propose to you for a long time. Meeting you is my greatest fortune. I hope you’ll give me a chance to take care of you for a lifetime.”
Chen Qi spoke with deep affection, but Lin Mei remained unmoved by his proposal. Under Chen Qi’s gaze, Lin Mei took out the agreement and pushed it towards him.
Chen Qi looked at her and asked in confusion, “What is this?”
“A breakup agreement,” Lin Mei explained, “I’m very grateful that you saved me back then. The 1.2 million yuan is my reward to you. Please accept it, and from now on, we’ll go our separate ways.”
Chen Qi looked at Lin Mei in disbelief, as if he had suffered a devastating blow, “Are you still determined to break up with me? I was truly wrong.”
Lin Father and Lin Mother, led by a waiter, arrived upstairs. They were discussing Lin Mei and Chen Qi’s marriage, but upon reaching the doorway, they overheard Lin Mei telling Chen Qi they were breaking up.