Chapter 16: Flash Marriage 2
“Qingqing, I don’t accept that,” Shen Zhiqian’s tone turned serious. “I don’t think our problems need to be solved by breaking up. I’ll finish the project this week, let’s talk properly when I get back. Rest for a few days; you must be too tired and overthinking things.”
Ning Qingqing sighed inwardly, “Zhiqian, it’s over between us.”
Shen Zhiqian interrupted, “Qingqing, pretend I didn’t call. I’ll forget your angry words! I’ll make up for your birthday when I get back, and make up for everything I’ve missed before. I still love you, only you.”
He hung up, as if this would maintain everything as it was.
The cracks caused by the breakup would eventually be healed by time.
They could still be together for a long time.
Ning Qingqing put away her phone, eating snacks while watching the students on the field change shifts.
She recalled herself when she was with Shen Zhiqian. Initially, she hadn’t liked him that much.
She had just arrived from the south, her mother was always busy, and she only knew that this high school was a key school.
The college entrance exam scores were much easier in Di City than in the south, so she came alone.
Living in the dormitory, she felt lost and lonely.
It was Shen Zhiqian’s appearance that helped her gradually adapt to the dryness of the north, the accent, and even having someone to go to the library with on weekends.
Although they were breaking up now, it was more because their differing views could no longer continue, not a complete negation of the past.
The good memories were still there, but this time, revisiting this place might help her gradually fade them in time.
Time slowly passed. Ning Qingqing remained quietly seated, gazing forward, as if looking at her younger self.
She raised her beer, saying to the air, “Goodbye.”
The beer slid down her throat. Although it was low alcohol, the alcohol still stung her eyes, making them sore.
Once emotions break, they will find an outlet to rage.
Ning Qingqing didn’t bother wiping away the falling tears. She was in a corner of the stands, unnoticed, no longer caring about others’ gazes.
Saying goodbye to the past, ending everything completely.
She picked up her phone, opened Shen Zhiqian’s WeChat, and clicked delete.
As the confirmation popup appeared, a tear fell onto the screen, right on the confirm button.
The screen flashed, and that person disappeared from her contact list.
The speed was like a fateful omen.
That empty feeling instantly returned, the reality of the breakup hitting her harder now!
At that moment, a sarcastic voice came, “Oh, isn’t this my brother’s secret girlfriend?”
Ning Qingqing looked up sharply and saw two people approaching – Shen Zhiyu and Shen Zhiqian’s mother, Xue Wenlan.
Ning Qingqing knew a little about the Shen family. She had heard that Xue Wenlan had divorced Shen Yeyuan years ago. Shen Zhiqian was her son, and Shen Zhiyu was Shen Yeyuan’s son from his second marriage.
But Shen Yeyuan’s second wife died in an accident when Shen Zhiyu was young, and Xue Wenlan returned to the Shen family.
But Shen Yeyuan didn’t seem to acknowledge her, and his relationship with Shen Zhiqian wasn’t good either.
She seemed good at pleasing people, however, and her relationship with Shen Zhiyu, her stepdaughter, was good.
Now, Xue Wenlan heard Shen Zhiyu’s words, her gaze shifting to Ning Qingqing on the stands.
Her brows furrowed involuntarily.
“Oh, it’s her,” Xue Wenlan rolled her eyes. “She’s skipping work! Doesn’t Shen Corporation care?”
The mockery in Shen Zhiyu’s eyes deepened. “Auntie, you forgot, my brother protects her! It doesn’t matter if she doesn’t work, as long as she keeps my brother happy, she gets everything!”
Xue Wenlan was angered. Although she had returned to the Shen family, nobody liked her.
What was so good about Ning Qingqing? Just a poor girl, yet Shen Zhiqian treasured her!
Both from ordinary families, why could Ning Qingqing get what she couldn’t?
Her son was so excellent, he could have anyone, why Ning Qingqing? A seductive face, could that help Shen Zhiqian’s career?
Compared to Si Luoqing, a dazzling star, it was a hen compared to a phoenix!
So Xue Wenlan said, “But, it’s not easy for her to marry into our Shen family. Zhiqian is just playing around. If he was serious, why wouldn’t he bring her to meet his family?!”
Shen Zhiyu giggled, “Exactly! She’s clinging to our family! Why would my brother marry her? No man in Di City’s upper circle would marry her!”
They spoke more and more harshly. Xue Wenlan, seeing there were few people around, forgot her “Mrs. Shen” facade and said spitefully, “Played by my son for 9 years, of course, no one wants her!”
However, as soon as she finished speaking, a cold male voice said, “Who says no one wants her? I do!”
Xue Wenlan and Shen Zhiyu didn’t expect a fourth person, turning to look towards the source of the voice.
The man wore a shirt and trousers, his shoes slightly dusty, but still couldn’t hide his cold and elegant demeanor.
“Youchen, you—” Xue Wenlan didn’t expect Gu Youchen to be here, speechless for a moment.
Shen Zhiyu, beside her, focused her gaze on Gu Youchen, her heart pounding.
She had heard of Gu Youchen from Shen Zhiqian.
Initially, she had sided with Shen Zhiqian, but perhaps because of this special attention, it had gradually evolved into different feelings.
She pretended to dislike him, but couldn’t help wanting to know more.
Gu Youchen hadn’t planned to come out so soon. He saw that Ning Qingqing wanted to vent her emotions, so he had planned to wait until she felt better.
But he hadn’t expected Shen Zhiyu and Xue Wenlan, who usually acted so refined, to be so despicable!
Gu Youchen ignored the two women and stood directly in front of Ning Qingqing.
The tears on Ning Qingqing’s face were wiped away when Xue Wenlan appeared.
She didn’t want that woman to see her vulnerability, even though she had broken up with Shen Zhiqian and had nothing to do with them.
But the two women spoke more and more harshly, seemingly talking to each other but insulting her!
Ning Qingqing was also angry, but at the moment she was about to speak, an indescribable emotion surged in her heart. She started to question herself—
Was she so unbearable in everyone’s eyes?
Just at that moment of hesitation, Gu Youchen appeared and spoke.
Ning Qingqing didn’t even realize the meaning of his words when he reached her.
He grabbed her wrist and forcefully pulled her from the stands.
Ning Qingqing was dizzy from the alcohol.
The next second, her arm was supported by the man. His low voice fell on her head, “Let’s go.”
Ning Qingqing was still dizzy. Her hand gripped Gu Youchen’s arm, her palm sweaty. She asked in a daze, “Where?”
Gu Youchen, seeing she was steady, slightly loosened his grip but didn’t let go of her wrist.
He said, “To get married.”
His tone was natural and calm, but only he knew he was suppressing the tremor in his voice.
Ning Qingqing felt she must be drunk because her brain couldn’t process it.
Gu Youchen said get married? Who with whom?
At that moment, Xue Wenlan spoke, resuming her proper and virtuous demeanor. “Youchen, do you know Qingqing? She’s my future daughter-in-law!”
She had heard Gu Youchen’s words clearly. Although she didn’t understand how he knew Ning Qingqing or why he spoke for her, she didn’t believe he would really marry Ning Qingqing!
Even if Gu Youchen was momentarily captivated by Ning Qingqing’s appearance, he would quickly change his mind.
Heh, failing to marry into the Shen family, she’s trying to climb the Gu family! What a clever plan!
Shen Zhiyu immediately reacted. She gave Gu Youchen a sweet smile, “Brother Gu, you probably don’t know Sister Qingqing, she’s my sister-in-law, she’s been with my brother for nine years!”
Then, turning to Ning Qingqing, she said in a light and playful tone, “Sister-in-law, you were still at my brother’s place a few days ago, but now you’re with Brother Gu, that’s not good!”
This mother-daughter duo’s words firmly pinned the blame on Ning Qingqing!
Ning Qingqing wanted to scold them, but didn’t want to involve the outsider Gu Youchen, so she tried to pull her wrist away.
But his grip was tight, she couldn’t, so she looked at Gu Youchen.
This man was full of anger, completely different from his usual serene and elegant appearance.
Different from the man who posted funny jokes online and used plastic spoons to scoop tiramisu at the cake shop.
She moved her arm slightly, whispering, “It’s okay, I can handle it myself.”
Then, she looked at the mother and daughter, saying word by word, “Shen Zhiqian and I have broken up. If you continue to say nasty things, I don’t mind posting your words online, let everyone in your circle see!”
Simultaneously, she unlocked her phone.
On the screen was the conversation between Xue Wenlan and Shen Zhiyu!
The two women’s faces changed.
“Can you move now?” Ning Qingqing asked.
The two women glared coldly, but reluctantly moved aside.
Ning Qingqing and Gu Youchen walked forward until they reached the entrance of the sports field. Ning Qingqing stopped, turning to Gu Youchen, “Thank you for helping me out today.”
“Mm.” Gu Youchen nodded, releasing her wrist, his tone natural, “Let’s go.”
Ning Qingqing was puzzled, “Where?”
Gu Youchen said, “To get our marriage certificate.”