"Hey, Song, don't leave in such a hurry. I still want to treat you to a meal. Besides, look at all this stuff I have, I need someone to help me take it back."
Song Qiao, with Xia Xueqing in tow, didn't stop his steps.
Though he could tell Alice wanted to add fuel to the fire, he still tried his best to remain calm.
He didn't deliberately quicken his pace; his aura was steady.
Not only did he smile at Xia Xueqing, but he also casually waved at Alice, "Handle it yourself, I have to accompany my girlfriend!"
Xia Xueqing didn't say anything. She just looked at Song Qiao, then at Alice, and smiled gently, a thoughtful look on her face.
Song Qiao secretly breathed a sigh of relief, relieved that Xia Xueqing didn't seem angry.
Although she had her suspicions, she didn't say much.
It had to be said that Xia Xueqing was a woman who understood the bigger picture. She didn't cause a scene in public, or they wouldn't have been able to continue their shopping.
However, the moment they got home, Xia Xueqing's expression changed.
She put down her things, changed into loungewear, and sat on the sofa, looking at Song Qiao with a scrutinizing gaze. "Talk. What's going on between you and that Alice?"
Song Qiao's heart skipped a beat. It seemed no one was a fool; she had seen that something was off between him and Alice.
However, Song Qiao was not afraid of genuine gold being tested by fire.
There was truly nothing between her and himself.
So, he put on a smile. "Xueqing, believe me, there's nothing between me and that Alice. She's one of Ye Zhiwei's subordinates; we only have a working relationship. We just happened to run into each other today."
"Really?" Xia Xueqing's suspicious look didn't fade.
"Of course it's true. If not, you can ask Ye Zhiwei."
Xia Xueqing kept looking at his expression. Seeing his sincerity and conviction, which didn't seem faked, she nodded. "I'll verify it. You can't lie to me!"
"Of course, how could I lie to you?" Song Qiao said earnestly. Then, he sat in front of her again and pulled her into his embrace. "My sincerity towards you is as clear as day!"
Xia Xueqing struggled slightly. "Oh, enough. You're all sweaty, go wash up quickly."
"Mm, you're right." Song Qiao picked up his clothes and sniffed them, then frowned. "You're right. Why don't you go first? You women love to be clean; unlike us, we're all smelly men!"
Xia Xueqing shook her head helplessly. "Do you have to put yourself down like that?"
"Heh, this isn't putting myself down; it's the truth."
Finally, Xia Xueqing went to take a shower.
Song Qiao let out a long sigh and quickly picked up his phone, dialing Ye Zhiwei.
Just like last time, no one answered the call.
Song Qiao was speechless. "Pick up the phone quickly!"
Although he wasn't sure if Xia Xueqing would call to verify, he didn't dare to take the risk.
What if she called and got through, or even showed up in person? That would be a disaster.
He dialed twice more.
Fortunately, she finally answered.
After a few pleasantries and inquiring about Uncle Qiang's condition, Song Qiao finally revealed his true purpose, regarding Alice.
Ye Zhiwei suddenly laughed. "Haha, you philanderer, you just want me to cover for you, don't you? I can, but you have to beg me properly and show me your sincerity."
Song Qiao was helpless and could only plead in a low voice, making many unequal promises, like buying her good food and fun things, and letting him vent her anger. Only then did she agree.
Song Qiao finally relaxed.
However, he could only complain inwardly, being fleeced by this woman again. But this was Alice's fault, and he'd make her pay!
What Song Qiao was relieved about was that while Song Qiao went to take a shower, Xia Xueqing did call Ye Zhiwei to verify, and Ye Zhiwei told her that Alice was her employee.
After hanging up the phone, Xia Xueqing smiled, her eyebrows curving. "I didn't expect this guy to actually not lie to me."
Song Qiao let out a sigh of relief. Luckily, he was quick-witted; the grapes on the vine at home hadn't fallen.
...
The next day, Song Qiao went to the company again.
After not being at the company for two or three days, he still had to handle some matters.
Of course, before that, he made a detour to Alice's apartment.
He had called her and confirmed that she was indeed at home now.
However, he wasn't going there for any other reason but to tell her to behave herself and not do anything that would put him in a difficult position. He didn't want another scene like yesterday.
It was a good thing he was quick-witted, or things would have gotten out of hand.
Upon hearing Song Qiao's words, Alice smiled and said, "Song, you are my benefactor. How could I harm you? Right? Don't worry!"
Song Qiao smiled. "Indeed. The key is that there's nothing between us. I can't suffer injustice for no reason, leading to undeserved disaster, can I?"
"Yes, but I heard the tone of voice, it seems like some people feel a bit taken advantage of."
Alice walked up to Song Qiao, her eyes alluring. She leaned close to his ear and whispered, her breath like orchid fragrance.
Her hair gently brushed against Song Qiao's face and neck, tickling him.
Song Qiao felt his throat grow a little dry. This woman's appearance, with her high nose and deep-set eyes, coupled with her golden hair and fair skin, made her seem like a Persian cat.
Especially when she extended her fingers and gently traced his chest.
A wave of pleasant numbness spread from his chest.
"No, Alice, don't do this. I still hope our relationship can be a little more pure."
"Heh, how pure? The relationship between a benefactor and a recipient? That puts a lot of pressure on me. I want to repay you. With such great kindness, I have no other way but to offer myself." As she spoke, she hugged Song Qiao tightly.
She hugged him so tightly.
Her body was so soft.
Song Qiao was helpless. Well, it wouldn't be good not to accept her offer of repayment.
Besides, he quite liked this way of repayment.
So, he hugged Alice with one arm, letting her kiss his cheeks and earlobes, while with the other hand, he took out his phone and dialed the company office, informing them that he had something to attend to and would be in later.
After hanging up, Alice smiled and kissed him.
Then, she pulled Song Qiao into the room.
Clothes flew off, falling to the floor.
The large bed soon began to heave like a boat, riding the waves, sending the people on board to the peak one moment and sinking into the valley the next.
Human sounds could be heard, as if calling for help, or perhaps singing.
...
Another three days passed in a flash.
By this time, Song Qiao had brought Gao Meng, and together they had set foot on the land of Modu.
As soon as he turned on his phone, he received a call from Ye Zhiwei.
"You've arrived in Modu, haven't you? Very good. Then take this time to rest well. I'll send someone to pick you up then."
"Okay, with you around, I really feel so at ease."
"Don't be so polite. Who are we to each other?" Ye Zhiwei said heartily. "Good buddy, I have to remind you, I heard the examiners have a strong hostility towards you, so you need to be extra careful. Otherwise, failing the exam is a small matter; you might even lose your life."
Song Qiao smiled. "Don't worry. You can wait and see how I give them a big surprise."
"Heh, okay, I'll wait to watch the show. Yours or theirs, either is fine!"
"Hey, you woman!" Song Qiao was about to retort a couple of words when the "dudu" sound of a dial tone rang out.
It turned out Ye Zhiwei didn't give him a chance to get angry.