Li Cheng didn't return home that night. Instead, he found himself at Liu Chen's house, trying to process the hurt and anger festering inside him. He never expected Xiotan to lash out like that. He wished he could just tell her that everything she'd heard was untrue, but how could he, when she wasn't even willing to listen? She hadn't even called to check on him.
In all his years, Li Cheng had never been affected by what others thought of him. But Xiotan's words had pierced his heart, leaving him feeling raw and vulnerable, as if needles were slowly pricking at him with every passing second.
***
"Mtcheeew, Li Cheng, it's time for you to leave. You've been invading my personal space since last night," Liu Chen huffed, placing a cup of coffee on the kitchen counter in front of Li Cheng.
"You're starting with your nonsense again. Do you even look like someone who has personal space? You're just full of crap," Li Cheng retorted, taking a sip of his hot coffee.
"What? What the fuck, in my own house, you dare insult me?!" Liu Chen exclaimed, though a smirk played on his lips. "Well, I can't blame you. I can actually see why your wife threw you out. You're so disgusting." Liu laughed in satisfaction, enjoying the annoyed expression on Li Cheng's face.
"For your information, she didn't throw me out of the house. I chose not to sleep at home. Get that straight in your stupid brain," Li Cheng shot back, glaring at him.
"Hahaha, liar! Just admit it—she chased you out," Liu Chen taunted, sipping his coffee and rolling his eyes with a sassy expression that seemed to say, 'What can you do about it?'
"You should watch your mouth, or—"
"Or what? Do you know you're still in my house, and I can easily throw you out? How dare you abuse me under my own roof? You lack manners. I think Xiotan did the right thing." Liu Chen giggled to himself, thoroughly enjoying the way Li Cheng fumed before him.
"I wish she had given you a beating too. Maybe that would teach you to keep your filthy mouth shut."
"Liu Chen, watch your mouth. If you say one more word, I swear I'll beat you up," Li Cheng warned, his voice dangerously low.
"Liu Chen, blah blah blah blah blah," Liu mimicked, unable to contain his laughter. Li Cheng didn't respond, choosing instead to ignore his infuriating friend. He took another sip of his coffee, silently wondering why Liu Chen always had to make things worse. 'Can't he help matters for once instead of adding fuel to the fire?' Li Cheng thought to himself, shaking his head.
***
Back at the Li Cheng mansion, Xiotan and her mother were having breakfast at the dining table. Xiotan sat there, idly pushing her food around her plate, her expression gloomy and distant.
"Xiotan," her mother called softly.
"Hm?" Xiotan murmured, not looking up.
"What's wrong? Why aren't you eating?" her mother asked, concern evident in her voice as she reached out to place a gentle hand on Xiotan's.
"Nothing, Mother. I just don't have an appetite," Xiotan replied, her voice flat.
"Are you sure? How's your back? Is it getting better?" her mother asked, brushing Xiotan's hair gently.
"Yes, Ma. It's healing," Xiotan replied, resting her head on her mother's shoulder.
"Where's your husband? I haven't seen him this morning," her mother inquired.
"I don't know," Xiotan answered bluntly, causing her mother to look at her with a frown.
"What's going on between you and your husband? Are you two fighting? He didn't come home last night, and you didn't even call to check on him."
"He's not a child, Mom. Why should I call him? He was living his life just fine before marrying me, so what's the big deal? I can't stress myself over stupid things," she replied dismissively, forcing herself to take a bite of her breakfast.
***
Hours later, Li Cheng's car pulled into the garage around nine p.m. Da Ming got out first and walked around to open the door for him. Li Cheng stepped out, his face unreadable as the guards and maids greeted him. He didn't acknowledge them, walking straight into the house and collapsing onto a large couch in the living room.
A maid approached him, kneeling with her head bowed. "Welcome, my lord. What would you like for dinner?" she asked, expecting the usual routine. But his response surprised her.
"My wife... where is she?" he asked, his eyes scanning the room as if expecting to see her.
"She's in the room, sir. I believe she's already asleep," the maid replied, still kneeling.
"Okay. You may go. I'm not hungry," he answered, standing up and heading towards the bedroom.
***
When Li Cheng entered their room, Xiotan was already asleep, her body curled under the duvet, which was pulled up to her neck. He walked over and loomed over her, studying her face in the dim light. She was so beautiful, her skin so soft and pale it seemed as if it might peel away if touched too roughly.
He leaned in closer, breathing in her scent. It was intoxicating, like lavender, and he felt his mind beginning to unravel. He inhaled deeply, savoring it, before snapping back to reality.
"What the hell is wrong with me? What if she wakes up and sees me like this? Won't I look like a real pervert to her?" he scolded himself, forcing himself to stand up straight. Shaking his head, he walked into the bathroom to take a shower, trying to regain some semblance of control over his turbulent emotions.
He just can't seem to get angry with her.
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