Chapter 8 Ask for Help

After coming out from the jail, Bai Ruoxi got into Qiao Xuanshuo’s car and kept silent as always. She tried to talk less in case she might annoy him. Looked vacantly out of the window, she felt like sinking into a tremendous abyss. Endless and hopeless. The car sped along and as time passed by, she felt like losing her mind. “Are we going home?” asked Bai Ruoxi. “Do you want to?” Qiao Xuanshuo replied coldly. “Yeah.” Feeling worn out, she answered casually. The hands over the steering wheel clenched. He was displeased with this answer. After another freezing silence, Bai Ruoxi turned to him. His delicate profile was intoxicating. “Are you getting married next month?” “Yes,” he answered lazily. “Will I be the maid of honor?” Her throat was dry and painful. “No,” answered him, resolutely. Bai Ruoxi smiled, in a bitter way. That was fine. She was afraid that she would cry out on their wedding anyway. “I’m okay with that. But still, I want to send you a gift. Is there anything you want?” Qiao Xuanshuo honked the horn restless at a motorbike that blocked the way before them. The loud noise surprised both the couple on it and Bai Ruoxi. The motorbike got out the way at once, but Bai Ruoxi sensed anger from the man beside her. “You can’t afford what I want.” After a while, he finally answered her question, but he seemed irritated. Bai Ruoxi was left speechless. She had an average job and average salary. Indeed, she could barely afford anything too expensive. She was silent again, while he was still burning with anger. The car, this time, steered towards the South Manor. They arrived home at dusk. Qiao Xuanshuo parked the car at the driveway. Bai Ruoxi walked out and bumped into Yin Rui, who was elegant dressed, like a beautiful princess. They were close friends, so Bai Ruoxi wasn’t surprised to see her here. “Hi, Ruoxi!” Yin Rui walked towards, radiant with smile. Bai Ruoxi forced a smile, “Hi.” Instead of catching up with her friend, Yin Rui walked straight to Qiao Xuanshuo and embraced him. She placed her head on his chest and murmured, “Xuanshuo, I have been missing you.” Bai Ruoxi was heartbroken at the sight, so she decided to leave them alone. Her presence might not be welcome here anyway. Qiao Xuanshuo frowned and stared at Yin Rui. “Are you done?” he asked coldly. Yin Rui stepped back and looked around. Noticing that Bai Ruoxi had left, she tucked her hair behind the ear and explained, “We haven’t seen each other for too long. I was overjoyed.” Qiao Xuanshuo passed her without a word. Yin Rui called from behind, “Xuanshuo, remember what you promised me?” He stopped, but he didn’t turn around. Yin Rui continued, “You promised me that if neither of us is married when we are thirty, you will marry me. Remember how I saved you at the risk of my life? Although we are just friends, we’ve known each other for years. And our parents would be happy to see…” Qiao Xuanshuo interrupted her, “I don’t break promises. Nor do I need you to remind me of that.” Yin Rui smiled, “I know that your aunt just passed away and it’s not the best time for wedding. But we can register first. I don’t care about the wedding.” “It’s not the time yet.” Qiao Xuanshuo turned her down coldly and carried on walking. Yin Rui clenched her fists and her beautiful nails were poked into the palms. - Bai Ruoxi was back to her room, lost in thoughts. She had no more tears to shed because she had cried so many times for him. Or maybe she had prepared herself well for this. She did nothing but sat there staring blankly. There was a knock at the door. But she didn’t come to herself until the second knock was heard. She opened the door and met Yin Rui’s happy smile. “Ruoxi, I need your help.” “Come on in,” Bai Ruoxi showed her in. “What can I do for you?” Yin Rui sat on her bed and said excitedly, “Ruoxi, can you help me choose a wonderful place for honeymoon? We are not going to hold a wedding, but I don’t want to skip the honeymoon. We’ll also take our wedding phone during that.” Bai Ruoxi was closing the door when hearing that. She froze in dumb silence. “Next month I’ll move in here and at that time we’ll live together like a family. Isn’t that exciting?” continued Yin Rui. Bai Ruoxi took a deep breath and closed the door. She had to act as if she didn’t care. She turned around and walked to her with a smile. “Why don’t you talk to my brother about it?” Yin Rui smiled sweetly, “He let me decide.” Bai Ruoxi sat down beside her and spoke in a low voice, “It’s up to you then. I know nothing about honeymoon spots.” Yin Rui put one hand over Bai Ruoxi’s shoulder, “Sorry I didn’t tell you that we have been dating. Are you mad at me?” Bai Ruoxi smiled bitterly and shook her head. Her long hair helped hide the sadness on her face. “Do you still have feelings for him?” Yin Rui probed. Bai Ruoxi slowly closed her eyes. “Not anymore.” Yin Rui held her hand and said apologetically, “I’m so sorry, Ruoxi. But love is unpredictable. He tried to ask me out for years. I knew that you liked him, so I never go out with him. But he’s so persistent that in the end I just fell for him.” Bai Ruoxi looked up and tried to sound delighted. “Don’t be silly. You didn’t do anything wrong. Why would I blame you? It was just a schoolgirl crush and now I’ve totally moved on.” To make Yin Rui feel more relieved, Bai Ruoxi made up another story. “Actually, I’ve met a perfect guy, so don’t worry about me. Besides, brother is always away for work and dedicated to defending the country. I won’t feel secure with him. I sincerely hope you will be happy together.” “Really?” asked Yin Rui. Bai Ruoxu avoided her gaze and nodded. “Really.” “Who’s that perfect man then?” “We are not dating yet. I’ll keep you updated.” Yin Rui pushed her shoulder playfully. “I’m sure you will have him. Look at your face and body shape. I’m sure he’s crazy about you.”