Within her heart, Meng Jingwei exhausted all the curses she knew, mentally going through sixteen generations of Qing Muye’s ancestors.
If looks could kill, Qing Muye would have been riddled with holes by now.
The police officers standing by watched the two of them, remaining silent.
They were all intelligent people; at first glance, it was clear their relationship was not a simple one.
There was something fishy about this situation.
After a long silence, the leading officer said, "Young Master Qing, you two should try to resolve this yourselves first. If it doesn't work out, we'll proceed according to protocol."
"Thank you, Officer Gao," Qing Muye replied, his tone refined and elegant. Even with just a slight nod, he exuded an innate noble aura.
Muttering indignantly, Meng Jingwei planted her hands on her hips, "Qing Muye, what exactly do you want? I've given you the wine, can I leave now?"
Only when the police officers had left the hall did she question him without any pretense.
"Do you know what the consequences of grand larceny are?" The man's dark eyes fixed on her, his sword-like eyebrows slightly raised.
Meng Jingwei pouted and said nothing. Did she not know? She couldn't be clearer.
"You're my brother, is taking just one bottle of your wine considered theft?" She snorted proudly, forcefully suppressing the surging emotions within her, afraid that if she couldn't hold back, she'd want to resort to physical force. Even if she wasn't his match, a spar would at least allow her to vent her frustration.
"Anything that doesn't belong to you is theft." Qing Muye smiled faintly, "After knowing you for so long, I now realize you're ignorant of the law." His calm tone and relaxed demeanor conveyed no hint of anger. However, to Meng Jingwei, his words felt like mockery.
She froze, her gaze fixed on Qing Muye, fire sparking in her eyes, as if her intense gaze could consume him.
Their eyes met, locked in a stalemate for a long time. Her red lips parted slightly, "Knowing you for a short time, yet you've shown me that people will stop at nothing to achieve their goals." Finishing, Meng Jingwei asked again, "What's the purpose of all this fuss? Is it just to make me stay and accompany Grandma?" And then to get more secrets about the Qing family's seventh uncle, Qing Sihuai, from Grandma? Meng Jingwei didn't voice this last question.
Qing Muye's chiseled, handsome face held a cold expression. While he was accustomed to people calling him 'ruthless in pursuit of his goals,' hearing it from Meng Jingwei carried an invisible sting. It provoked Qing Muye's emotions, causing the usually composed man to feel a flicker of anger.
"Besides this, what value do you think you have?" he retorted, raising an eyebrow.
Meng Jingwei scoffed dismissively. As expected... it was within her predictions.
"Alright, I agree. But I want to go back to my hometown first and will return after some time." Meng Jingwei intended for Qing Muye to drop the charges first. Once she returned to her hometown, she could use various excuses to refuse to come to Lancheng, and Qing Muye wouldn't possibly come to the countryside to fetch her.
Her prompt agreement hid a subtle ploy. Everything was within Qing Muye's control. He simply watched her, then stood up and went to the police to withdraw the case, stating it was all a misunderstanding. After the matter was settled, Meng Jingwei and Qing Muye walked out of the police station one after another. She walked ahead, and he followed behind, watching her storm off without saying a word.
They reached outside the police station, it was already late at night. There were few vehicles on the road, and no taxis. Meng Jingwei couldn't help but murmur, "Why aren't there any cars?"
Qing Muye got into his car, which stopped in front of her. He honked twice, lowered the window, and said, "Get in, I'll give you a ride."
"No need. I don't want to be charged exorbitant fares later. After all, this is a custom-made luxury car, I can't afford to touch it." Meng Jingwei shot him a resentful glance, snorted, and walked away.
Although there were ride-hailing apps, Meng Jingwei wanted to save money, especially after spending over a million yuan the previous night. She wasn't very tired, so she didn't bother calling a car. She walked along the roadside, enjoying the gentle breeze, taking a leisurely stroll.
However, after only a few steps, she suddenly noticed Qing Muye walking up to her without her knowledge, matching her pace. Meng Jingwei stopped abruptly, glaring at him displeasedly. She glanced back at his car parked by the roadside and asked irritably, "Are you crazy? Why aren't you driving your car and following me?"
"The car broke down. I've already called a towing company," Qing Muye shrugged, making up a story casually.
Hearing his words, Meng Jingwei's ice-cold face instantly lit up with a smile, her laughter shaking her body. "Hahaha, serves you right, karma. What goes around comes around." Meng Jingwei felt immensely satisfied, her mood exceptionally cheerful. She laughed heartily and unrestrainedly, and though she lacked the grace and composure of a lady from a prominent family, she inexplicably appeared genuine and natural.
Qing Muye smiled instead of getting angry. A slight curve graced his lips, as if bathed in spring breeze, adding a touch of softness and refined elegance to his stern face. He placed his hands in the pockets of his trousers, slowing his pace to match Meng Jingwei's, walking with leisure.
Autumn had arrived, and the night was cool. Meng Jingwei had left in a hurry and was wearing a thin chiffon blouse. She suddenly shivered, feeling the chill. The man took off his jacket and tossed it towards Meng Jingwei, "Hold my jacket for me."
"Why should I hold your jacket for you?" Being 'ordered' around like that, Meng Jingwei felt unwilling and retorted angrily.
Qing Muye slightly tilted his head, "What? You're already turning your back on me after the case was dropped?"
"I..." She was speechless. Fine. A good woman doesn't stoop to fight with a dog of a man; it's so undignified! She took his jacket, feeling the cool breeze on her face. Without hesitation, she draped it over herself. "You're really not wearing it? Then I'll wear it. Don't expect me to pay you back later."
"No charge."
"That's more like it. It seems your conscience hasn't completely died."
"When are you going back to your hometown?"
"The day after tomorrow. No, it's already past midnight, so technically, tomorrow."
The Imperial Capital was a place everyone yearned for. Meng Jingwei had also longed for its splendid prosperity, but she ultimately succumbed to reality. The high cost of living, fast-paced lifestyle, and the constant schemes and deceit here were not suited for her. She missed her parents in the countryside and her master whom she hadn't seen in a long time.
Upon receiving the answer, Qing Muye's expression slightly darkened. He merely turned his head to glance at the little woman walking beside him. He suddenly felt that strolling along the street like this, feeling the night breeze and the rare tranquility of the bustling city, was not without its charm. For some reason, Qing Muye wished this moment could last longer.
"Have you considered working at Songyu Group?" Although Meng Jingwei was returning to her hometown, Qing Muye wanted her to join Songyu Group after she returned to Lancheng.
"Forget it, I don't want to court death. If I work at your company and something happens, you'll probably accuse me of betraying the company. Then if they send me to jail, wouldn't that be a huge loss?"