Song Qiao and Li Bingqing's argument was truly earth-shattering, leaving them breathless. In the end, they reached a compromise, embracing each other and sharing a deep kiss.
"Alright, you don't need to see me in," Li Bingqing said while dressing. "I'll just walk. After all, even the closest friends must part ways eventually."
"How can that be? We're already here, I'll still take you in. Honestly, I'm quite reluctant to part!" Song Qiao certainly wouldn't completely heed her words. Otherwise, he'd be a complete fool.
However, Li Bingqing seemed serious this time.
She pushed Song Qiao back into the seat again. "Promise me, okay?"
After a moment of silence, she revealed the truth. "Actually, I want to keep a low profile. And I really don't want to experience that feeling of separation."
As she spoke the last words, Li Bingqing smiled.
She then glanced at Song Qiao's lower body with an unreadable expression.
Song Qiao wanted to struggle a bit more, but Li Bingqing was truly resolute. He finally gave up.
He got out of the car and stood by its side, watching her walk alone towards the airport entrance, pulling her suitcase, her figure heroic and spirited.
Passersby, witnessing this scene, didn't find it strange.
After all, in a place like this, what kind of bizarre things didn't happen?
Song Qiao watched Li Bingqing's somewhat spirited back as she walked away, and couldn't help but sigh.
It seemed Li Bingqing had a completely different perspective on heading to Nanyang.
Indeed, it was akin to opening a new chapter, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say, "The ocean is vast enough for fish to leap, the sky is high enough for birds to fly."
Song Qiao couldn't help but smile. It appeared that his actions had been of immense help to Li Bingqing.
Well, she was, after all, one of his own.
He took out a cigarette, lit it, and finished it. He stood in the wind for a long time before finally leaving.
He didn't linger outside, returning directly to the old Gao family residence.
As soon as he entered the old house, he saw Zheng Ci.
A genuine smile spread across his face as he greeted Zheng Ci.
However, Zheng Ci seemed to maintain a distance from him.
Gao Meng wanted to bridge the gap between them, but was powerless to do so.
Song Qiao felt speechless but didn't take it too seriously.
He knew she was still upset about him accompanying Gao Meng in Shanghai, putting her in danger.
After all, Zheng Ci genuinely cared for Gao Meng. For such a relative, Song Qiao could accept her, and was even happy for Gao Meng.
This allowed her to feel a sense of family, rather than being surrounded by enemies.
Song Qiao didn't inquire about Zheng Ci's purpose for being there.
Even if she were just there to chat with Gao Meng, it was still good.
However, Gao Meng brought it up herself. "Why are you back so soon? Li Bingqing left, and I didn't see you sad; instead, you seemed somewhat relieved. That's not right!"
Hearing Gao Meng's words, Song Qiao understood that she was expressing her displeasure.
Indeed, although Gao Meng seemed to get along well with Li Bingqing, Li Bingqing had indeed siphoned off a significant portion of Song Qiao's attention and care from her.
Song Qiao could only manage a wry smile. "Of course, I'm happy! Isn't this like sending away a plague god? She stayed here for a few days, and didn't you see how much trouble she caused! I couldn't stand it, and feel much better now that she's gone!"
After saying this, he patted his chest as if still reliving the scare.
Gao Meng gave him a sideways glance. "Hmph, pretending like it's real!"
Finally, she told Song Qiao the main reason for Zheng Ci's visit.
It turned out she had come to remind Gao Meng.
It was said that at the Zheng family's engagement banquet, Gao Meng and Song Qiao had caused such a commotion, bringing shame to the entire Gao family.
Many members of the Gao family were dissatisfied with Gao Meng and had once again proposed to Old Master Gao that her inheritance rights be revoked.
However, although Old Master Gao was on his last legs, lying in bed, with every extra day he lived being a gain, he still refused to amend his will, insisting that Gao Meng receive two-thirds of the considerable assets.
This had infuriated others immensely.
They began to collude in private, discussing how to find better ways to snatch those assets from Gao Meng or invalidate the will.
Hiring assassins was no longer an option, so they had to resort to other tactics.
As a relative of the Gao family, Zheng Ci had certainly heard rumors about these matters. She was very worried about Gao Meng.
Therefore, she came today specifically to suggest that if Gao Meng wished to stay in Shanghai and secure her inheritance, she should find someone with a strong background as a backer, to prevent the Gao family from taking any excessive actions.
After listening, Song Qiao asked calmly, "What are your thoughts!"
Gao Meng still had a composed expression. "I'm still considering it!"
But Song Qiao knew she had already made up her mind. She just didn't want to make things difficult for Zheng Ci, so she didn't directly refuse.
After speaking, she turned her head towards Zheng Ci, first smiling, then asking with concern, "Aren't you afraid of the Zheng and Gao families finding out when you come to remind me?"
Zheng Ci showed a helpless smile. "Me? Heh, I'm just a nobody. Why would they care? You really need to consider it carefully. If you've made up your mind, tell me, and I'll introduce you to someone important."
After saying this, she got up to take her leave.
Of course, she didn't forget to say goodbye to Song Qiao, but her attitude remained lukewarm, indicating her lack of interest in him.
"Really, consider it carefully. If it's possible, I'll pick you up after work."
After Zheng Ci left, Song Qiao teased Gao Meng, "I didn't expect Zheng Ci to care about you so much, risking so much to remind you and even offering such significant help."
Gao Meng smiled relaxedly. "Of course. We've been good friends since childhood!"
Then she drifted into memories, recounting things she and Zheng Ci had done as children, such as playing games together, watching performances, and causing mischief.
Suddenly, a thought struck Song Qiao: he simply couldn't understand why Old Master Gao insisted on leaving most of his assets to Gao Meng.
Logically, if Old Master Gao was willing to give Gao Meng so many assets, he should have cared for her deeply and been close to her. But in reality, it didn't seem to be the case.
He asked, "Shouldn't we go see Old Master Gao? After all, the old man doesn't have much time left, and he's been so good to you."
Gao Meng sighed. "Yes, it's time to visit."
"Perhaps because of my mother, my grandfather has always treated me rather coldly. But the fact that he's willing to divide so much of the family fortune among me is truly unexpected."
A somber expression appeared on her face.
A moment later, Gao Meng added, "Although I'm not close to my grandfather, I should indeed visit him. Otherwise, I might never see him again!"
As she spoke, she became anxious, wishing she could appear beside the old man the very next moment.
Song Qiao, of course, supported Gao Meng's desire, but he still had to give her a heads-up.
"Then you must consider it carefully. The Gao family definitely won't welcome you. And it might be very difficult for you to see your grandfather!"
Upon hearing this, Gao Meng became more spirited instead. "Then I absolutely must go. Setting aside my genuine desire to see the old man, I'm willing to do anything that will displease the Gao family."
"Stubborn!"
"Heh, I am stubborn! I must see my grandfather, even if I have to force my way in!" Gao Meng raised her fist and waved it forcefully.