r18novel Page 112
Page 112
A hint of guilt flashed across He Minhong's face, but she quickly regained her composure and argued, "I didn't name names. I was just talking about a social phenomenon. What right do you have to say that about me? How am I a person of low character?"
Yu Chuhui gave a cold laugh, her smile carrying a hint of disdain, as if mocking He Minhong's overestimation of his abilities. She looked at He Minhong and said, word by word, "I didn't name names, so why are you taking it personally?"
“You…” He Minhong was so angry that she couldn’t speak. Her lips trembled and her fingers were clenched into fists.
"Stop! Honghong, Chuhui, it's late at night, don't make noise, people will complain if you disturb the peace." Zhu Zhe's voice broke the tense atmosphere, her face full of worry and helplessness.
"Ding-dong!" Coincidentally, the doorbell rang at the same time, and Zhu Zhe's expression became even more tense. She glanced at Yu Chuhui, who looked indifferent, and He Minhong, who looked furious, and said worriedly, "You two stop arguing. I'll go see who it is. It wouldn't be good if it's a neighbor coming to complain."
Yu Chuhui and He Minhong snorted coldly. Although they were both unconvinced, they didn't say anything more and turned their heads to one side, neither willing to give in first. Zhu Zhe shook his head helplessly and quickly ran to open the door.
When Zhu Zhe opened the door, he found Ye Zhenzhen wearing slippers, holding a bottle of red wine and a sealed bag, and her hair was wet.
She quickly pulled Ye Zhenzhen inside, closed the door, and said with a hint of reproach, "Zhenzhen, your hair isn't even dry, why did you come over?"
Ye Zhenzhen waved her hand dismissively, winked inside, and whispered, "How are they?"
Zhu Zhe pursed her lips helplessly, frowned, and said, "What else can happen? They're like two fighting cocks. If I hadn't come out early, they probably would have already started fighting." As she spoke, she shook her head helplessly.
Then, Zhu Zhe saw Ye Zhenzhen's wet hair and a look of heartache appeared in his eyes. He quickly said, "Zhenzhen, don't worry about them for now. I'll go get a hairdryer and dry your hair for you. Don't catch a cold later."
Hearing Zhu Zhe's words, Ye Zhenzhen felt a surge of warmth in her heart. She smiled slightly and said, "Thank you, Gigi. I'll enjoy your service then."
"You!" Zhu Zhe smiled helplessly, tapped Ye Zhenzhen's forehead, and turned to walk into the bathroom.
Ye Zhenzhen walked towards the living room and deliberately called out in the direction of He Minhong and Yu Chuhui, "I brought some delicious food over. It's too boring to eat alone. I wonder if anyone will come over and have a drink with me?"
When Yu Chuhui heard there was something delicious, her eyes lit up instantly. She immediately stopped staring at He Minhong and, like a happy little deer, ran towards the living room, calling out as she ran, "Sister Zhenzhen, I'm here!"
He Minhong originally intended to go straight back to her bedroom, but her steps involuntarily stopped. She muttered to herself, "Why is Yu Chuhui eating and drinking well outside while I have to go back to my room and stay cooped up?" So, she followed him.
As soon as Yu Chuhui entered the living room, she saw Ye Zhenzhen arranging the plates. She immediately ran over, her face full of a fawning smile, and said, "Sister Zhenzhen, you can rest. Leave the arranging to me." As she spoke, she reached out to take the plate from Ye Zhenzhen's hand.
Ye Zhenzhen couldn't help but laugh when she saw Yu Chuhui's funny expression. She stepped aside and watched Yu Chuhui's busy figure, feeling very gratified. She knew that although Yu Chuhui could be a bit mischievous at times, she had a kind heart: "Okay, then this arduous task will be left to our Huihui."
When He Minhong came over, he saw Yu Chuhui's fawning appearance and unconsciously curled his lips. Then he looked at Ye Zhenzhen and called out softly, "Sister Zhenzhen."
Ye Zhenzhen smiled broadly and waved enthusiastically to He Minhong, her voice warm and friendly: "Honghong, come here quickly, don't just stand there."
He Minhong nodded shyly, her movements somewhat restrained, and slowly walked to the sofa and sat down.
At this moment, Zhu Zhe came out with a hair dryer in her hand. Seeing the two of them, a slight smile appeared on her lips. Without saying a word, she walked straight to the sofa and plugged in the hair dryer. Then, she gently said to Ye Zhenzhen, "Zhenzhen, come here quickly."
"Okay! Our Gigi is so lucky to have someone blow-dry my hair. I'm so happy." Ye Zhenzhen responded cheerfully, and playfully stretched one foot out towards Zhu Zhe.
Zhu Zhe looked at Ye Zhenzhen's mischievous appearance, a hint of doting flashed in his eyes, and he smiled as he began to blow-dry Ye Zhenzhen's hair.
After carefully pouring the red wine into the decanter, Yu Chuhui smiled with satisfaction, as if she had completed an important task. She picked up her chopsticks, placed some food on a plate, and then walked over to Ye Zhenzhen and Zhu Zhe, saying with a flattering expression, "Come on, Sister Zhenzhen, Sister Zhu Zhe, let me feed you."
Without hesitation, Ye Zhenzhen opened her mouth and took a bite. Seeing this, Zhu Zhe couldn't refuse and took a bite as well. But she quickly said, "Huihui, you eat first. I'm blow-drying Zhenzhen's hair, it won't be good if it gets on her hair."
Upon hearing this, Yu Chuhui had no choice but to turn around and prepare to start eating herself. However, when her gaze fell upon He Minhong, who was silently eating, her brows furrowed involuntarily, and a sense of dissatisfaction welled up within her. She was about to say something when Ye Zhenzhen interrupted her.
Although Ye Zhenzhen was drying her hair, her gaze never left Yu Chuhui and He Minhong. Seeing the change in Yu Chuhui's expression, she immediately understood what she was thinking and quickly said, "Huihui, I'm a little thirsty, could you get me a glass of water?"
Upon hearing Ye Zhenzhen's words, Yu Chuhui could only glare at He Minhong with annoyance before putting on a playful expression and saying, "No problem, Sister Zhenzhen, wait here, I'll go right away." After saying that, she jogged off to pour water for Ye Zhenzhen.
Zhu Zhe witnessed all of this and couldn't help but give Ye Zhenzhen a thumbs up. Ye Zhenzhen gave a helpless bitter smile, shrugged, and seemed to say, "I can't help it."
About ten minutes later, Zhu Zhe gently dried Ye Zhenzhen's hair. She patted Ye Zhenzhen, who was still nestled in her arms, affectionately and said softly, "Get up, your hair is all dry."
Ye Zhenzhen straightened up, hugged Zhu Zhe's face tightly like a cute little kitten, and then gently kissed her cheek. Her eyes were full of happiness and contentment as she whispered, "Our Gigi is so good."
Zhu Zhe shook her head with a helpless smile, her eyes revealing her doting affection for Ye Zhenzhen. She carefully put away the hair dryer, then turned and walked towards the bathroom, her movements elegant and light.
Seeing that Yu Chuhui and He Minhong remained silent, Ye Zhenzhen unceremoniously plopped down between them. She poured herself a glass of wine and then casually asked, "Huihui, Honghong, where do you both work?"
Yu Chuhui laughed heartily, her smile as bright as the sun. She said happily, "Sister Zhenzhen, after graduating from Jiaotong University, I became an engineer in the system, and now I also run a dance class for children as a side job."
He Minhong then added, "I'm currently an editor at a magazine."
Yu Chuhui then asked curiously, "Sister Zhenzhen, what about you? You have a scholarly air about you. Are you a university professor who returned from studying abroad?"
Ye Zhenzhen shook her head, a humble smile on her face. She said softly, "I'm not a scholar. I just got a degree abroad and a Shanghai residency permit. Now I work at a research institute."
"Wow! Zhenzhen, you're so amazing! You must be a scientist!" Yu Chuhui said with envy, her eyes sparkling with admiration for Ye Zhenzhen.
However, He Minhong frowned, looking hesitant to speak. She seemed conflicted, unsure whether she should express her thoughts.
Ye Zhenzhen noticed He Minhong's expression. She waved her hand and said encouragingly, "What's so great about me? Besides, I can only be considered a prospective scientist right now. You have a good job working within the system." Then, she looked at He Minhong and asked with concern, "Honghong, what's wrong? Tell me what's wrong."
He Minhong glanced at Ye Zhenzhen's encouraging eyes, took a deep breath, and mustered her courage to say, "Sister Zhenzhen, I (Zhao Li Zhao) am a bit blunt. I say whatever comes to mind, so please don't blame me."
Ye Zhenzhen waved her hand dismissively, her smile still warm and friendly. She said softly, "It's okay, go ahead and say it."
He Minhong bit her lip and finally mustered up the courage to say, "Sister Zhenzhen, I think it's really unfair that you can get a Shanghai hukou just by returning from studying abroad. It's so hard for people like us without an overseas education to settle down in Shanghai."
Ye Zhenzhen was immediately embarrassed, not expecting that the fire would burn her. Zhu Zhe, who had just come out, also frowned, feeling that He Minhong was a girl with very low emotional intelligence. Yu Chuhui would have started scolding her if Ye Zhenzhen hadn't been there.
Ye Zhenzhen had no choice but to put down her wine glass, stretch, and say, "Oh dear! It's too late, I have to go back to sleep. Let's eat together again next time."
“Okay, Sister Zhenzhen, I’ll see you off.” Yu Chuhui quickly stood up to see Ye Zhenzhen off.
He Minhong also sensed that something was wrong. He lowered his head and remained silent, as if he had been wronged.
Ye Zhenzhen waved her hand and said, "Huihui, no need, it's just a short walk, I can go back by myself."
Ye Zhenzhen and Zhu Zhe exchanged a glance and then left. Zhu Zhe looked at He Minhong, sighed helplessly, shook his head, and returned to his room.
As for Yu Chuhui, she was too lazy to argue with He Minhong anymore. She glared at her, snorted, and then began to tidy up the table.
He Minhong couldn't stay any longer, so he lowered his head and went back to his room.
Chapter 213 A Promise
On Saturday morning, Su Chang returned to Joyful Ode. Just as she finished making breakfast, she received a message from Fang Zhiheng.
A wicked smile curled at the corner of Su Chang's lips as he thought, "This woman really did ask me out this weekend."
He replied calmly, "I have time. Is there something you need?"
Fang Zhiheng replied quickly: "I'm going to the gym today, do you want to come with me? We can have a competition."
Su Chang was secretly delighted, but outwardly she pretended to be calm and replied, "Sure, but I just made breakfast. Would you like to come up and have some?"
This time, Su Chang waited for about five minutes before receiving Fang Zhiheng's reply: "Okay, I'll be right up."
Su Chang put the breakfast back on the steamer without turning on the stove, and then went back to her study to write.
He thought to himself, "Women always need time to put on makeup. I wonder how long it will take Fang Zhiheng to get up here."
However, to Su Chang's surprise, the doorbell rang just a few minutes after she went in.
Su Chang opened the door and saw Fang Zhiheng standing in front of him with a bare face. He was stunned and a strange feeling welled up in his heart.
Fang Zhiheng noticed Su Chang staring at her, so she quickly covered her face with her hands and said nervously, "I'm sorry! I came in such a hurry that I didn't have time to put on makeup. Do I look ugly right now?"
Her eyes were fixed on Su Chang's eyes, as if seeking an answer.
Su Chang then came to his senses, smiled, and said sincerely, "No, you are very beautiful without makeup. I was mesmerized by you."
His gaze revealed a hint of appreciation and sincerity.
Fang Zhiheng's face instantly turned red. Although she was pleased, she still said, "You're just being glib. I don't believe you."
A ripple of emotion stirred within her, and her fondness for Su Chang grew even stronger.
Seeing Fang Zhiheng's shy expression, Su Chang's heart stirred. He gently patted Fang Zhiheng's shoulder and said with a doting smile, "Alright, come in and have breakfast, or it will get cold."
Fang Zhiheng nodded slightly and went into the house.
Su Chang closed the door, thinking to herself, "This Fang Zhiheng has a unique charm when she's not wearing makeup."
The corners of his mouth rose unconsciously.
After the two had breakfast and agreed on a time, Fang Zhiheng fled Su Chang's house in a hurry, like a startled rabbit.
Her heart was pounding like a drum, as if it would burst out of her chest, and Su Chang's aggressive gaze felt like a thorn in her back, making her dare not linger for even a moment.
Su Chang tidied up briefly, changed into sportswear, and walked downstairs with light steps.
As soon as he reached the 22nd floor, his eyes were immediately drawn to a beautiful sight in the corridor.
Yu Chuhui, dressed in tight-fitting yoga clothes, gracefully spread out a yoga mat in the corridor, preparing to start doing yoga.
Su Chang's eyes widened in surprise, and he secretly admired Su Chang. At the same time, he felt a little embarrassed and could only pretend to be a gentleman by coughing lightly twice.
Upon hearing the man's voice, Yu Chuhui was startled. She quickly turned her head and saw Su Chang retreating back into the stairwell.
A blush instantly spread across her cheeks, and she secretly regretted her carelessness.
So she quickly packed up her yoga mat and, like a startled fawn, hurriedly ran back to room 2202.
Zhu Zhe was cleaning when he saw Yu Chuhui running back in such a panic. He quickly asked with concern, "Huihui, what's wrong?"
Yu Chuhui said somewhat embarrassedly, "Wasn't I doing yoga in the hallway? There must have been a man who came in. I coughed twice and then went back to the stairwell."
Zhu Zhe shook his head helplessly and said, "You need to be careful. Although all the girls live on this floor, men still come by sometimes. Don't do yoga in the hallway anymore. This time someone reminded you, what will you do if you encounter that kind of paparazzi again? Go put on some clothes."
"Okay, Sister Zhu," Yu Chuhui replied and hurriedly went back to her room to put on her clothes.
She was filled with regret; how could she have been so careless?
Su Chang waited in the stairwell for two minutes. Hearing no movement in the hallway outside, he took a deep breath and headed towards Fang Zhiheng's house again. As he passed apartment 2202, Zhu Zhe saw Su Chang and quickly came out, smiling as she greeted him, "Mr. Su, good morning!"
Su Chang smiled and nodded, politely replying, "Good morning, Miss Zhu."
His gaze lingered on Zhu Zhe for a moment, and he secretly admired her elegance and poise.
However, his gaze did not linger for long, and he continued walking towards Fang Zhiheng's house.
Just as Su Chang arrived at Fang Zhiheng's door and before she could ring the doorbell, He Minhong and Yu Chuhui, who had heard the noise, came out, and even Ye Zhenzhen opened the door and went into room 2202.
Feeling the subtle glances from the girls, Su Chang suddenly felt uncomfortable all over, like an animal being watched in a zoo. He didn't know what the girls would say about his relationship with Fang Zhiheng.
However, he still smiled generously and said to them, "Good morning, ladies."
He Minhong and Yu Chuhui exchanged a glance, their faces showing surprise. He Minhong asked curiously, "Mr. Su, what brings you here?"
Although Su Chang didn't particularly like He Minhong, she still smiled and replied, "Lucy and I made plans to exercise together."
Yu Chuhui immediately revealed a knowing smile and said mischievously, "Mr. Su, we all understand, it's about exercising together. You're quick on your feet."
What should have been a perfectly good sentence could always be misinterpreted when Yu Chuhui said it.
Su Chang rolled her eyes and said helplessly, "What's going on in your head, you little brat? We're just going to the gym to work out. Don't talk nonsense. I don't care, but if that person inside finds out, do you think you can take a few punches from her?"