First Marriage Then Love 《先婚厚爱》Chapter 78 Translation

078.  Cheng Xiang, just what the hell are you?

It's almost 10pm by the time they came home from the Gu's, the night sky tonight is not very beautiful, dark clouds swirling and massing about, there isn't any moonlight and you cannot see any stars as well.


In the car, Su Yi Cheng secures his seatbelt and was just preparing to start the car to be on his way, when he turned and notices An Ran still holding unto the seatbelt and was just sitting in a daze.


Su Yi Cheng twitches his eyebrows, reaching over to secure the seatbelt for her, only then does An Ran reacts, turning over to look at him with an apologetic smile.


Su Yi Cheng starts the car and with a beautifully executed swerve, immediately gets on his way home smoothly.


There isn't much vehicle on the road at this time and the journey home is smooth.An Ran leans back on the seat and looks as if she is in deep thoughts.


Su Yi Cheng thinks she must be still worried about Lin Li, so he turns on some easy listening music, then reaches out and holds her hand. When she looks over, he grins and says,"There is always a resolution for things, don't worry too much."


An Ran looks at him, pressing her lips, lightly sighing, her small hands caressing his palm, saying," It's so good having you here!"


Su Yi Cheng returns her smile then turns to focus on the road.


When the car stops in the condo's basement, as Su Yi Cheng was preparing to alight, An Ran asks,"Can you help me to gather Tong Wen Hai's information details?"


"Tong Wen Hai?" Su Yi Cheng frowns questioningly,"What do you want his information for?"


An Ran sighs and relates what happen in the afternoon to him.


Su Yi Cheng remains silent, tightening his brows and did not speak a word.


"I'm not sure what is going on between my mother and him but I can see that mother is quite afraid of him. In the afternoon, she was shivering as she holds unto my hand tightly." An Ran says.


" Actually at the time, the expressions on both of their faces were weird when Tong Wen Hai first met mother at You Ran Restaurant." Su Yi Cheng remembers.


An Ran nodded,"Exactly, I still remember after we got home that night, mom totally change, not speaking a single word and even retiring to bed early. And father ask me not to query this but was sitting in the living room alone the entire night. I do not know what relationship they have, I'm just worried about her but not knowing the situation, I cannot do anything at all. Even if I want to console her I have no idea how to approach the topic."


"Don't worry, it will be fine." Su Yi Cheng caresses her hair, consoling,"I'll get Secretary Zheng to check, and should be able to get some information and insight."


An Ran nodded,"Ok."


Su Yi Cheng lightly sighs, reaches over with his hand and smooths over her tightened eyebrows,"Don't frown, if you frown you won't look pretty anymore."


An Ran nodded and try her best to force a smile, there has just been too many things happening recently, one after the other. She feels overwhelmed.


Su Yi Cheng knows she is trying her best, leans over kissing her forehead,"Come, let's go up."


An Ran nodded and alighted the car.




Back in the office, An Ran looked over the materials Huang De Xin had given her previously, preparing to first draw up a draft of the design. But she has never taken on such a case before and so she has no idea how to begin approaching it.


Undoubtedly, part of the reason is because her mind is still worried about Lin Li, she is still not sure if she should tell her about it. Actually, no matter if she tells her or not it will be hurtful. She has loved Cheng Xiang for 10 years now and is now even pregnant with his child, what's more the wedding is in a few days time, if she knows what happen now, how will she be able to take it? An Ran cannot even begin to imagine the consequences.


But if she don't tell her, Cheng Xiang's betrayal is still a fact, even if it is covered up very well, it will still be exposed in time and once Lin Li knows the truth she will still be hurt.


The result is the same no matter if she tells her or not, but she just does not want Lin Li to get hurt!


Leaning back against the black office chair, An Ran suddenly feels fatigued, exhaustion seems to be setting in and she begins to feel a headache coming on. She knows it is the result of  psychological stress rather than biological.


The phone on her desk rings at this time, it's the company's line and the caller ID shows it's Huang De Xin. She picks up the call. He's calling to ask her to prepare a little then to accompany him for a trip to 'Xu Dong* Construction'; next season, 'Jin Cheng*' and 'Xu Dong' are going to be cooperating on a city scale project.


An Ran nodded in response, forcing herself not to think about Lin Li's matter temporarily. Before she makes a decision, maybe she should confront Cheng Xiang again.


'Xu Dong Construction' is the leading developer in Jiang City, the president of the Construction Association Xiao Ying Tian is the CEO of 'Xu Dong Construction'. Rumor has it that the one responsible for consolidating 'Xu Dong Construction' as the premier construction developer in Jiang City is its leading designer as well as assistant manager - Eric.


Supposedly this Eric is very low profile, those in the know within the industry only knows that he is Chinese with an influential background. But no one knows more details about him. He is considered to be an amazing and mysterious person within the construction industry. For a period of time An Ran revered him as her idol because of his unique and exquisite designs.


An Ran finish preparing what materials Huang De Xin wanted and proceeded to his office. When she was just about to knock on his door the door opened and Xiao Xiao stood there, face full of fury and her eyes look as if she can pierce through An Ran.


Gnashing her teeth she cry out furiously,"You are so ruthless!" after that she storms off after pushing past An Ran.


An Ran did not bother with her, she knows Xiao Xiao is not happy because she is the one being called to join the 'Xu Dong' negotiations instead of her. Normally the one accompanying Huang De Xin is Xiao Xiao, of course she would be miffed about being replaced.


An Ran is not especially clever, but even she knows that the reason Huang De Xin had asked her to join in the negotiations is because of the change of her status, to make use of her identity as Mrs Su to exchange for better terms and conditions in the negotiations.


It is just how society works, if you do not have the background or the influence, people will treat you as a stalk of grass and not pay any attention to you. She has known this truth for more than 10 years now.


An Ran took a look at Xiao Xiao then step into the office, greeting,"Director."


Huang De Xin stood up from behind the desk and looks at her smiling,"An Ran ah, have you prepared everything that's needed?" As he speaks he takes up his briefcase.


"En, it's all ready." An Ran nodded in the affirmative.


Huang De Xin nodded, picked up the jacket still drapping on the back of the chair,"Good good, then let's go."


An Ran with a few of the other office colleagues as well as Huang De Xin proceeded to 'Xu Dong Construction' together, actually she's only there to make an appearance, to explain a little about the design concepts and meanings; for the details and the rest of the negotiations, she does not know much. In addition, the company has other professionals accompanying them for more in depth negotiations, she does not have to worry about that part. Strictly speaking her role in this meeting is to be a vase, to look pretty by the side.


The meeting lasted for more than two hours. By the time it ended it's almost 5pm, Xiao Ying Tian suddenly suggested having a meal at the new french restaurant near the office.


Huang De Xin nodded smilingly, although today's meeting failed to arrive at a concrete agreement but 'Xu Dong's' attitude seems favourable so it can be said to be a success.


As the group of people waited for the elevator Xiao Ying Tian stood beside An Ran and asks amicably, "I hear Special Assistant Su was in the hospital earlier, is he feeling better now?"


An Ran smiles softly,"En, it's a chronic ailment, he was a little careless and drank too much thus inducing the episode, he's doing much better now, thanks Director Xiao for worrying."


Xiao Ying Tian nodded, "It's fine if everything's ok now."


"Ding_" The lift door opened, only to see an especially distinguish man stepped out, having refined features, wearing a tailored western casual suit, his hair was tousled slightly but it also has this slight disorder that emphasizes an aura of uncertainty and wildness.


Looking at the group gathered there, he remarked,"Wow so many people, it's so lively!"


Xiao Ying Tian looked at him and said with a smile," Zi Wen, we are just about to go for a meal, come join us."


The man shakes his head politely, "I'm just here to get some information, let's get a meal next time." Upon saying that he is just about to head towards his office.


Xiao Ying Tian was still thinking of replying but without waiting for his reply, the man who was just leaving suddenly stops in front of An Ran, looking at her for quite a while, before suddenly smiling and says, "Miss, have we met somewhere before?"


An Ran twinkle her eyebrows, her lips quivered a little considering his obviously outdated way of flirting but her face remains impassive ,"I'm afraid you have the wrong person, Mister, I do not know you."


The smile on the man's face widens even more, extended his hand,"Eric, please to meet you."


An Ran staggered, completely taken aback that the person standing in front of her is none other than the mysterious and enigmatic Eric, and he is so young!


Reaching out hesitatingly, "Gu An Ran."


The man looked at her with a hint of intimacy when suddenly he turns towards Xiao Ying Tian,"I just realised, the information is not very urgent and I just happened to be hungry, I'll join you then."


The group left 'Xu Dong Construction' office building and walked towards the nearby restaurant.


Xiao Ying Tian and Huang De Xin are walking in front and talking ernestly. And Eric is walking with An Ran, trailing behind the group.


Looking at An Ran carrying a document bag AND a laptop bag, Eric offered graciously, "How can a fair maiden be carrying so many things?" and reach out for the bags, smiling,"As a gentleman, serving a lady is the most basic of duty."


An Ran looks at him coldly, she has never taken a liking to man with a glib tongue, they are obviously strangers yet he is acting as if they have a close relationship. No matter how one looks at it it is so fake. She replied coldly, "No thanks."


It is not often he is rejected so simply and directly and Eric was momentarily stun at the rejection,"Is Miss Gu wary that I have other ulterior motives?"


An Ran did not turn her head but look straight ahead, replies impassively,"I'm already married, what motives do I have to be wary about from you?" This man being Eric, the one named the genius of the Designing world, the one that she had once studied his designs over and over again, the one that she has once idolized, revered... But the man in front of her is too far from the one from her ideals, except for being good looking, the man in front of her does not seem to have any manner of character depth or unique traits.


Sometimes people are just maschoistic in nature, the more you are rejected the more determined they are to have it. It is how Eric is right now.


Taking what she said as an excuse to avoid him, he smiles widely, "Haha, I always prefer things with a challenge."


An Ran stops in her tracks, turns over and reply coldly, "Mr Eric, if you want to conquer a woman in order to prove your charms please find another person, I think I am not a suitable target for you."


Eric looked at her, his smile stretching wider and wider, this woman is more interesting than he thought!


Actually he is not flirting, he genuinely has met her before at a cafe. She was seemingly at a matchmaking session, and has met the ultimate of utimate matchmaking partner. He was just sitting behind them at the time and heard the entire process. When she left he even specially turned over to take a look at her, so he remembers what she looks like. Because the whole episode was too hilarious it kept replaying in his mind and each time he had a big laugh from it. So he has an especially deep impression of her and recognised her the moment he laid eyes on her.


Both hands on his chest, Eric looked at her and says calmly,"Miss Gu are you baiting me? If you are then I must confess you have successfully ignited my curiousity in you."


"Mr Eric are you always so self-opinionated?" An Ran conceded defeat at the arrogance of this man, his self superiority is too high. Just which part of her is trying to bait him and attract his attention?!


Eric laughs, "It isn't being opinionated, it's confidence." Making a self satisfied expression.


An Ran is tired of dealing with him and refuses to waste even a drop of saliva on this meaningless matter. Turning away from him, she took big steps to catch up with the rest of the group.


Eric was still about to say more, only to see her walking away with big steps leaving him standing alone with hands gesturing around looking comical. Looking at himself and the situation, Eric can only laugh soundlessly and shakes his head.


The group enters the newly opened restaurant, as the group is big they requested for a private room.


Actually having a meal is also another term for drinking, all those who have been in the business world will know how much socialsing needs to be done.


Xiao Ying Tian took the central seat in the table with Huang De Xing on his left. An Ran sat besides Huang De Xing. Eric was supposed to sit on Xiao Ying Tian's right but he insisted on sitting besides An Ran. Everyone just laughs knowingly and did not say anything else.


Although An Ran dislikes this she did not say it, maintaining a smile and remain seated.


The service attendent serves up both red and white wine, everyone had a little. After a cheer, Huang De Xin and Xiao Ying Tian began discussing about the future cooperating prospects of the two companies. These are just polite speech but what else can you talk about on the dinner table.


An Ran was a little bored looking at the delicacies on the table, not having any appetite. The food is too oily and does not induce her appetite, she picked up some green leafy vegetables to eat.


Sitting besides An Ran, Eric offers up a glass of wine,"Miss Gu, let's have a toast."


In front of everyone, An Ran is unable to refuse, took up her glass and took a sip of wine.


Placing down the glass, Eric continues chatting with her,"Miss Gu, normally what do you like to eat? Do you like travelling?"


An Ran puts down her chopsticks, looks at him and reply,"What does what I like to eat or if I like to travel have anything to do with the partnership of our two companies?"


"Of course it does, it lets me understands you more and increases my interest in the partnership, maybe my inspiration will also be inspired earlier." Eric replied matter of factly.


"Has Mr Eric's inspirations always been from women?" An Ran says coldly, her tone carries a heavy tone of sarcasm.


"I don't see why it shouldn't be." Eric replied laughingly, seemingly unaffected.


An Ran took a look at him, turned and smilingly apologies to everyone,"I'm sorry, I'll be right back." Afterwards she got up and went to the washroom.


On the table, Xiao Ying Tian look at Eric, says laughingly,"Zi Wen, when was the last time you saw Ah Cheng?"


Eric took a bit to reply,"A few days ago I visited him at the hospital, what's up?"


Xiao Ying Tian smile and nodded,"Try not to make it troublesome for An Ran later."


Ye Zi Wen frowns, not comprehending,"What do you mean?"


Xiao Ying Tian looks at him with an expression of hidden meaning,"She has some influence and is not someone you should trifle with." After that, he continued talking with Huang De Xin and proceed to eat the dishes.


Ye Zi Wen continues frowning uncomprehending, he kept muttering in his heart, influence, what influence?


Exiting the private room, An Ran gave an extended sigh, taking out her mobile and called Su Yi Cheng. In the morning Su Yi Cheng have already informed her he may be late tonight due to a dinner. Looking at the situation now, her side may not end early as well, so it's better to call to inform him about it first.


The call connected very quickly, it seems Su Yi Cheng's side was a tad noisy, they are also at a dinner. She heard someone yell out a cheer.


"Are you home yet?" Su Yi Cheng asked over the phone.


"Not yet, I also have to socialize tonight, it may end late." An Ran replied.


"Then do you want me to fetch you later?"


"No need to, I'm not a small child, needing you to fetch me wherever I go." An Ran refused.


"Su Yi Cheng lightly laughs,"Haha, I always treat it as my privilege and benefit."


An Ran feels warmed by his words, his sweet nothings are always very warm and indirect but always touching.


"Ok, I have to go in now. Try to drink less wine, you're still not well yet."


Su Yi Cheng laughs on the other side of the line,"As the wife says. If it gets too late, give me a call, I'll go over to fetch you."


"En, Ok." An Ran reply, ends the call, looks at the room door behind her and proceeds to the washroom.


When she exits the washroom, she encounters Eric who was leaning against the wall by the corner, she frowns,"Why are you here?"


Ye Zi Wen smiled,"I came out for a look, you were gone so long I thought something must have happen inside."


An Ran looked and replied coldly,"Then I guess I must thank you." after which she proceed to walk past him.


Without turning round, An Ran says,"I must say, your method of flirting is very old fashioned."


Ye Zi Wen agreed,"It IS old fashion, but also the truth." He has never used such old fashion tactics to go after women before, she's the first.


An Ran ignores him, if he treats this as a game of hunter and prey then today he has chosen the wrong target.


"Sigh,I'm speaking the truth, don't you believe me?!" Ye Zi Wen says unbelievably, is he so untrustworthy? Why doesn't she believe what he says? "A little more than a month ago, you were having a matchmaking session at this cafe, and__"


An Ran, walking in front of him, suddenly stops in her tracks, her eyes staring at something in front of her, her expression darkening.


"What's wrong?" Ye Zi Wen looked at her curiously, following her line of sight. He saw a man and a woman, sitting in a corner of the restaurant's main floor, the woman was conquetishly talking and laughing with the man and the man was smiling and joking with the lady intimately.


Ye Zi Wen turn over and look at An Ran,"Your friends?"


An Ran clench her fists tightly, a rush of anger rousing from within her, the two sitting and talking intimately were Cheng Xiang and the woman she met at the hospital!


Taking a deep breathe, An Ran took out her mobile and called Lin Li.


The call took a while to be answered, Lin Li's voice sounds as jovial as before,"Hey, An Zi, whatever the matter is say it quickly, the noodles I'm cooking is simmering in the pot."


An Ran stared more intently in the direction where Cheng Xiang is sitting, only seeing him taking food for the woman gently, and says,"Why are you cooking by yourself, where is Cheng Xiang?"


"He has a dinner appointment with a client tonight, I was hungry but too lazy to go out so I just thought to make do with noodles." Lin Li reply,"Why did you call?"


Without waiting for An Ran's reply,"Oh Oh Oh Oh! No No No! the water is overflowing! I'll speak to you later." And she hung up.


An Ran keeps the mobile, the edges of her lips curl up in a cold smile and she steps towards the couple.


Ye Zi Wen looks at her, stunned, her expression was a shade scary. He worried if there could be trouble so he followed after her saying,"Hey hey, you don't look so good right now."


An Ran ignores him, eyes fixated on Cheng Xiang, went forward and stops in front of them, blocking the ray of light shining on their table.


Only then does the two that were laughing merrily notices her approach and turns to look at her. Cheng Xiang was stunned,"An...An Ran!"


The woman seated opposite Cheng Xiang asks with a laugh,"Brother* Xiang, is she your friend?"


That term brother Xiang was called out sweetly and endearingly, but to An Ran it is the most screeching sound ever. Her lips curl up coldly, reach out for the tall glass filled with red wine on the table and poured its entire content on Cheng Xiang!


The surrounding became quiet all of a sudden, Cheng Xiang sits there without moving, the dark red liquid flowed down the contour of his face, dripping on his white linen shirt, spreading out and causing a big dark red stain.


An Ran holds unto the glass, trembling, her chest heaving slightly. Ye Zi Wen who is besides her stared at her dumbly, he has never expected her to come up to them and splash wine on him without saying a single word! For someone as frail looking as An Ran, he never expected her to have such a saucy side!


The first to recover from the shock is the woman sitting opposite Cheng Xiang,"Hey, what is the matter with you, how can you just splash wine on someone like that? Do you have any manners?!" As she speaks she took the napkin from the table to wipe off the wine from Cheng Xiang's face.


Today her long hair cascaded past her shoulders, and she does not look as pale as she did when she last saw her at the hospital. She look healthier, and not like she has just recovered from an ailment. Her big eyes has been beautified with simmering makeup making her looking radiant and comely.


Frankly speaking, this woman is only above average looking, but she is nothing compared to Lin Li, truly!


Cheng Xiang took over the napkin from the woman's hand, push her away then shakes his head at her, stood up and looked at An Ran.


An Ran stared at him, fist clenched, the manicured nails bite into her palms but she can hardly feel any pain now, her other hand holds unto the tall glass, her strength seemingly about to crush the wine glass.


Cheng Xiang look at her without speaking, because he does not know how to begin.


An Ran laughs coldly,"Aren't you going to explain? Aren't you going to tell me she is just your sister or someone you were close with since childhood?


Cheng Xiang shuts his eyes,"I don't know how to explain." Some things are not explainable, even though you know it's the wrong thing to do but you just cannot control the desire in your heart and you do it anyway.


"You don't know how to explain, great! ha!" An Ran has never hated someone so deeply like now, even when Mo Fei left her for the sake of some 'future' she has never felt hatred like this. "Cheng Xiang, just what the hell are you? You are worse than a beast!"


"Hey, how can you talk like that, without any manners, just coming up and pouring wine over someone like that, now instead of an apology you even started scolding people!" That woman reacted more agitatedly than Cheng Xiang.


"xiao xiao*!" Cheng Xiang blocks her away.


An Ran did not even spare the woman a glance, staring at Cheng Xiang,"Do you even know that Lin Li is now pregnant with your child? Both of you are about to get married in less than 10 days and what are you doing now?" An Ran questioned. "You are not free to accompany her for prenatal examination, giving the excuse you have work matters to attend to, yet you were accompanying this woman in the hospital for several days, you are even caring enough to accompany her to the washroom! You say you have to work late, and have a late night engagement with a client, yet you are gallivanting around with another woman in your car! Even today, you say you have a dinner appointment with a client but what are you doing? You are now with another woman enjoying dinner and Lin Li is alone at home!"


"You have no idea how much Lin Li loves you, a single message can upset her so much. Do you even know, that day at the prenatal examination, she is the only one waiting for her turn alone. Everyone else around her is accompanied by their love ones! Do you even know, at this time when you are enjoying your dinner with this woman, Lin Li is only able to cook and eat a bowl of noodles by herself at home!"


Cheng Xiang is unable to utter a single word, looking at her, both arms hanging at his side.


"How can you do this! After 10 years of relationship, how can you do this to Lin Li, you know she loves you so much, you know she's pregnant with your child and that the both of you are about to have a wedding! But you are now with another woman!" An Ran is very agitated now and her entire body was trembling with anger.


Cheng Xiang pressed his lips tightly, and after a while speaks,"It's not what you think, I'll explain to Lin Li clearly."


"Explain to her? Ha!" An Ran laughs coldly,"To say that it is a sudden impulse, a mistake, to say that you know you acted wrongly and now you are sorry, and wants her to treat as if nothing has ever happen?"


"Enough already, brother Xiang will not be getting married with that Lin Li woman, he will be going back to the USA with me in a few days!" That woman called xiao xiao interrupted.


Hearing this, An Ran turns and looks at Cheng Xiang,"Is that true?"


Cheng Xiang kept quiet, lips pressing tighter, not confirming nor denying it.


An Ran felt a sudden lost of breath, her chest heaves convulsively, looks at him then raises her hand,"PAA___!"


A slap thrown with her entire strength landed on Cheng Xiang's face, the feedback of the slap causes An Ran's hand to go numb, and half of Cheng Xiang's face glows red in the shape of a hand print.


The surrounding quiet intensifies, not even breathing sounds could be heard.


"Cheng Xiang, just what the hell are you!?" Looking at him, An Ran says out each and every word distinctly then turns and walks away.


Ye Zi Wen only reacts after a bit, looking at Cheng Xiang then at the woman called xiao xiao, shakes his head then chases after An Ran.


An Ran did not go back to the private room, she left the restaurant, hailed a cab and was just about to leave.


Ye Zi Wen caught up to her just in time and boarded the cab from the other side of the vehicle, sitting beside An Ran, breaking a smile at her.


An Ran looks at him, replies impassively,"Please get out of the car."


Ye Zi Wen looks at her,"Are you sure you want me to alight?"


An Ran did not answer, her expression being the best answer already.


"If I alight, are you sure you have the money to pay for the cab fare later?" Ye Zi Wen asks laughingly.


Only then does An Ran remembers, she did not bring along her purse when she came out, her bag and laptop are all in the private room in the restaurant and she is currently penniless.


"still want me to go?" Ye Zi Wen challenges her.


An Ran ignores him. gave the address to the driver for him to be on his way.


The address she gave was Lin Li's, rather than letting Cheng Xiang tells her about his own betrayal, she would rather she tells Lin Li the truth herself. Rather than dragging out the pain, if she tells her herself, at least she will be able to face everything with the last vestige of her pride.


The instant the car arrives, An Ran got out of the vehicle.


"Hey, wait up!" Ye Zi Wen calls out from behind, taking out a red piece of note from his wallet for the driver and left the car without waiting for the change, chasing after An Ran.


Lin Li was taken by surprise when she saw An Ran standing in front of the door,"Why are you here?" then look at the man standing next to her, her eyebrows twitch and she winks at An Ran,"Is THIS your man Mr Su Big Cash*?"


Ye Zi Wen frowns, Mr Su Big Cash? Who is that person?


An Ran ignores her question and also ignores Ye Zi Wen who is standing besides her. Looking at Lin Li intently, she looks very seriously at her as she says,"Lin Li, I have something to tell you."


Lin Li turns and waves them in,"Come in first, what happen? To come here in such a hurry."


After entering, An Ran feels a little stifle and bites on her lips, holds onto Lin Li's shoulders and says seriously,"Lin Li, what I have to tell you later may be hard to accept, but please promise me, you will be strong."


Lin Li looks at her quizzically, completely not understanding what is happening,"You, what is it you want to say, An Ran?"


"I... I just met Cheng Xiang at the restaurant." An Ran told her calmly.


Lin Li paused, and when she reacts, smiles,"What's strange about that? Didn't I say he has a dinner appointment with a client tonight?"


"I saw him last week at the hospital too, he did not go abroad for work, that was just an excuse, in fact he was at the hospital taking care of that woman." An Ran knows this is tormenting for Lin Li but the truth is the truth, she will have to face it someday, if she isn't told about it now but later, the pain that she has to endure will only be greater."A few nights ago, I even saw him in the car with that woman behaving intimately."


Lin Li looks at her, the smile on her face seemingly frozen. It is not that she has not detected some things, but she just did not want to admit they are there, she is very fragile and not at all strong so she has not been strong enough to face up to the things that she suspected is happening.


An Ran looks at her, worried," Lin Li....."


Lin Li slowly got her wits about her, looked at An Ran, pressing her lips,"Maybe, maybe they're just friends." She is still trying to find excuses for him, because she know that once she admits it, their relationship will come to an end. But she has given soo much to this relationship, she really could not bear to let go.


An Ran looks at her, nose souring, tears falling unintentionally, she cannot bear her silliness,"You cannot even deceive yourself with those words, do you think others will believe them?"


Lin Li remains quiet, turns her head to one side, biting on her lips, stubbornly refusing to allow her tears to flow from her eyes.


Looking at her, An Ran spoke with difficulty,"At the restaurant, that woman... that woman says Cheng Xiang.. Cheng Xiang will follow her back to USA."


Hearing this, Lin Li turns her head with disbelief,"Impossible! That's impossible! He won't do that, we're getting married, we even have a child!"


An Ran turns her head, unwilling to face her, afraid to see the tears in her eyes.


The door suddenly opens at this time, Cheng Xiang stands at the door, panting, still wearing that wine stain shirt, only now the stain has dried up. His face still clearly shows the red imprint of a palm.


Lin Li looks over at Cheng Xiang by the door, blinking.


Cheng Xiang calmly looks at Lin Li and heads towards her, standing in front of her, turns to look at An Ran,"Can you please leave first, I wish to have a private chat with Lin Li."


"Say what you want to say in front of everyone." An Ran looks at him, her attitude unyielding."I will not__"


Lin Li interrupts her, looking at Cheng Xiang,"An Ran, go back first."


"Lin Li!" An Ran looks at her, worried.


Her sights leaving Cheng Xiang, back on An Ran, she breaks out a slight smile,"Go back first, I'll be fine."


An Ran looks at her, silent, not nodding nor shaking her head. At last letting Ye Zi Wen pulls her away.


When the two of them left Lin Li's place it was already dark and the cold wind started blowing, as if hinting at the cold events that happen earlier.


Ye Zi Wen asked by her side,"Hey, are you going back? Your things are still at the restaurant."


An Ran glance at him then turns to look at the building behind, sighs then at last nodded.


The two hailed a cab, An Ran looks out at the passing scenary once seated, not speaking a word.


Ye Zi Wen looks at her, leans back on the seat, speaks out,"I understand what you are feeling now, I also had the same experience years ago. That time I witnessed firsthand someone's betrayal, what's more, those three people happened to be my best friends."


Hearing this, An Ran turns to look at him.


Ye Zi Wen pressed his lips,"This feeling sucks."


An Ran smile bitterly,"It feels terrible."


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*Xu Dong - can also mean Rising East
*Jin Cheng - the Elites
*Brother Xiang - endearing term for an older male for whom you have a close relationship with, I cannot come up with an english equivalent, it is much like the korean word 'oppa'
*xiao xiao - it's a different person from An Ran's colleague Xiao Xiao. Different words but same spelling and pronunciation, I'll use big X and small x to differentiate the two
*Big Cash - a term to describe a rich person, at this time Lin Li only knows Su Yi Cheng is rich.

---End of chapter---


I feel the translated title for this chapter feels inadequate. Now, if it were up to me there would be a couple of vulgarities and a lot of #@&$! in there as well somewhere.
The word for word translation is actually 'Cheng Xiang, you really are not a thing' but it feels kind of...meh...
In Mandarin, to be considered a thing means you are not regarded to be human, your actions are so far from what a human should be, that you are stripped of human qualities and is to be treated with contempt and disdain. if someone is acting badly (for eg, stealing) you call them a bad thing, or thieving thing.
So what An Ran intended was to describe Cheng Xiang as something WORSE than that. Hope that paints a better picture of what's going on.

What title would YOU give to this chapter?

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