Shen Xi wrote in her WeChat message:
"Mr. Qin, we never started anything between us, so how can we talk about fixing it?
Let the past be the past. Pretend nothing ever happened. I won't pursue this matter further.
I will continue to treat Grandma's illness. Starting next week, the acupuncture will continue. Since I've taken your money, I will definitely complete the agreed-upon treatment.
As for the pick-ups and drop-offs, let's end it here. There's no need for you to do that anymore.
Please know your place and stop disturbing my life, okay?"
The words above were spoken so calmly, almost devoid of warmth, clearly sent after careful consideration.
Yet, each sentence was like a sharp little knife, piercing Qin Si Ye's heart, causing him unbearable pain.
He immediately replied on the screen: "No. Shen Xi, you can't be so heartless. Some things, once they happen, can never go back to the way they were. My liking for you, my love for you, is already etched in my bones.
Today's events were all my fault. Please, give me a chance to make amends, will you?"
Shen Xi half-reclined on the bed, her hands trembling as she held her phone, rereading every word he sent again and again, her vision blurred with tears.
Love? He dared to use the word "love" today?
Etched in his bones? Since when? They had only known each other for a few months. Why did he speak so profoundly?
However, she couldn't bring herself to reply.
She raised her hand and lightly touched her lips, remembering the kiss from that night. Shen Xi's tears welled up in her eyes once more.
A few minutes later, Shen Xi finally calmed down. She wiped away the tears, turned off her phone, and placed it on the nightstand.
Let everything end here, with today's events.
Next, she needed to meticulously plan a revenge scheme, ensuring that none of the petty individuals who had schemed behind her back, leading to her family's ruin, would escape. They must pay the price they deserved.
Little did she know, Qin Si Ye sat on the sofa all night long, sleepless.
The ashtray in front of him was piled high with cigarette butts, and the smell of tobacco permeated the entire room.
It wasn't until the alarm rang at six-thirty the next morning that he finally got up, went into the bathroom, washed his face with hot water, changed into a fresh set of clothes, and headed downstairs.
In Villa No. 3, Shen Xi woke up on time and took the children downstairs for breakfast.
They soon sat at the dining table, but Qin Si Ye did not appear on time.
Fang Sao glanced towards the door several times, wanting to ask Shen Xi if Mr. Qin was still coming.
But the words lingered on her lips several times, never spoken.
The three children felt the same as her. Finally, Yan Yan couldn't hold back and asked, "Mommy, is Uncle Qin not coming for breakfast this morning?"
Shen Xi paused, her expression gentle as she replied, "He's on a business trip recently, so he won't be picking you up or dropping you off."
"Oh," Yan Yan replied dejectedly.
Chen Chen and Shuo Shuo exchanged glances, feeling that Mommy was likely lying.
It must be that her relationship with Uncle Qin hadn't been mended yet, and she was intentionally preventing him from coming.
Indeed, as they walked out of the house, they saw Qin Si Ye standing by their car, a burning cigarette held between his fingers.
The three children were overjoyed and were about to rush towards him when they heard Shen Xi say, "You three, get in the car first."
The trio stiffened. To avoid causing them trouble, they gave Qin Si Ye a meaningful look and obediently climbed into the car.
As soon as Qin Si Ye saw them emerge, he immediately threw the cigarette in his hand into a nearby trash can, his gaze fixed intently on Shen Xi.
Shen Xi walked towards him with a calm expression. Her peripheral vision caught a glimpse of the trash can, where she saw five or six cigarette butts.
"Mr. Qin, didn't we agree last night that you wouldn't need to pick us up or drop us off anymore?"
Qin Si Ye said in a low voice, "Even if I don't drive you anymore, I should at least say goodbye to the children, give them a proper farewell."
"No need. I've already told them that you're on a business trip and won't be coming anymore."
"But I am here now, so your lie has been exposed."
Hearing this, Shen Xi's heart skipped a beat, "So what? What do you want?"
Qin Si Ye's deep, sea-like eyes gazed directly at her, "Since I'm here, I will naturally drive them this time. In the car, I will explain things to them as you wish.
Otherwise, our current state will make them very worried."