Chapter 74: No
Looking at these comments, Meng Ying was a bit bewildered. It was currently 10 PM in Geneva, while in Beijing, it was 4 AM. Yet, there were still so many fans staying up late, and the comments had already surpassed ten thousand. However, they were all clamoring to unfollow Xu Dian. Suddenly, her phone was swiftly snatched away by a hand.
The room was dimly lit. Meng Ying turned over and nestled into his arms. Xu Dian held her, his slender fingers scrolling through the Weibo comments. The man remained silent, his handsome face cold and stern, leisurely flipping through the comments.
The comments were overwhelmingly one-sided.
“Never bow to evil forces.”
“Unfollow him!”
“Unfollow him!”
“Unfollow him!”
Xu Dian clicked open the Weibo hot search list.
A new hot search was climbing up.
#Meng Ying Forced to Follow Xu Dian, This Shameless Man#
Whether to follow or not.
Whether it was forced or voluntary, only Meng Ying and Xu Dian knew. How did the fans find out? Upon clicking in, they saw an account.
The username was: “Legs Crossed All Day”
This account was a burner, and it had previously stirred up quite a storm with the earlier hot search. Now, it was muddying the waters again.
Legs Crossed All Day: According to reliable sources, Meng Ying will be forced to follow someone later.
She didn’t name names, only referring to “someone,” but it was quite obvious. Combined with the previous Weibo post, she once again became the whistleblower, and her information was accurate.
Because not long after, Meng Ying indeed followed the account of Xu Dian from Xu Group and even personally posted a Weibo, saying she had followed him.
This was unbelievable.
It was like she was a fortune teller.
This was so accurate.
It was clear that this person was in the know.
As a result, the fans, connecting the dots with this Weibo post, immediately exploded.
This led to the comments about “evil forces” and the clamor to unfollow him. Of course, most of these comments weren’t malicious, but a small portion genuinely worried that Meng Ying had indeed bowed to some kind of pressure, which is why fans were calling Xu Dian shameless.
In the room, the hourglass sand continued to slip away quietly.
Meng Ying covered her mouth.
Xu Dian glanced down at her, then lifted her chin with his fingertip and asked, “Are you happy?”
“Cough, cough.”
Meng Ying held back.
Xu Dian watched her quietly, then bit her lip and kissed her fiercely for a long time. He kissed her until Meng Ying tried to pull away and hide, but the man grabbed her wrist and pulled her back into his embrace. He then casually opened Meng Ying’s call log.
There was a missed call in the log.
【Aunt Qiao】
They had received this call while they were… busy.
Meng Ying hadn’t been able to answer, thinking it had been hung up, but it turned out the call had connected.
Meng Ying fell silent.
Xu Dian lazily rested his chin on her shoulder, looking at the number.
A few seconds later, Meng Ying whispered, “The account ‘Legs Crossed All Day’…”
“It’s my mom’s.”
Meng Ying: “…Just now, she…”
“Heard it.” Xu Dian loosened his clenched jaw and leaned closer to her ear, murmuring, “She heard you moaning.”
Meng Ying’s face burned red, and she pushed his face away forcefully. Xu Dian chuckled softly. He glanced at the time and asked, “Are you hungry? I’ll have some food sent up.”
Meng Ying’s stomach growled. She pushed him and said, “Yes, yes, order it.”
Although they had eaten quite a bit for dinner, the alcohol and the long, exhausting activities had left them drained. Xu Dian let go of her, picked up the robe from the hanger, put it on, and tied it as he walked over. He pressed the button for the 18th-floor Cantonese restaurant and ordered congee, chicken feet, and rice noodle rolls.
Meng Ying picked up her robe, a feminine one, and put it on. As she did, she felt something scratching her neck. She walked over to Xu Dian, pointed to the back of her neck, and said, “Something’s there. Take a look.”
Xu Dian loosened the belt of his robe, reached over, and flicked at the spot. After a glance, he said, “It’s a small tag. Probably forgot to cut it off when they sent it for cleaning.”
“New?” Meng Ying raised an eyebrow.
Xu Dian removed the small tag and, hearing her question, chuckled. He wrapped his arms around her waist from behind and said, “Do you think anyone else could have worn it? I had it specially delivered.”
“Oh?” Meng Ying replied indifferently.
Xu Dian led her to the window and pressed the automatic button. The curtains slowly opened. From the 36th floor, they could see a lot of scenery. Meng Ying even spotted the villa area where Teacher Hu Ye lived. A street over was her apartment, and the bar street in the Chinatown area was still brightly lit.
Xu Dian held her waist and picked up his phone to call Zhao Qiao.
Soon, Zhao Qiao’s crisp voice came through: “Huh? What’s up?”
“Mom, take it easy. I know it’s your burner account,” Xu Dian said in a low voice, leaning close to Meng Ying’s ear. Meng Ying, seeing the man’s reflection in the glass as he spoke and kissed her cheek, gently pushed him away.
Zhao Qiao fell silent on the other end. After a few seconds, she said, “What are you talking about? Hand the phone to Meng Ying. I want to talk to her.”
Xu Dian: “She can’t talk right now.”
Zhao Qiao: “!!!”
“You’re unbelievable!!” With that, she angrily hung up. Meng Ying stood there for a few seconds, her hand halfway in the air, then couldn’t help but laugh. She turned around, grabbed Xu Dian’s collar, and patted his face. “You really have no shame.”
Xu Dian took two steps forward, pinning Meng Ying against the glass.
Behind her was the towering abyss of the skyscraper, and Meng Ying’s heart leaped into her throat. She gripped his collar tightly as Xu Dian leaned down and said, “Hmm? Go on, keep scolding me. Do it here.”
“Do you think people outside can see us?” Meng Ying asked, recalling how the lights were visible from downstairs earlier, meaning that if someone looked closely, they might indeed see them. She clenched her teeth.
Xu Dian chuckled again.
“Skin as white as jade, a slender figure—what kind of scene would that be through the glass?”
“Oh, and there’s also a beast.”
Meng Ying pinched Xu Dian’s arm with her fingertips. “And then? If you’re so good with words, keep going.”
Xu Dian smirked. “Should I continue?”
Meng Ying’s ears and cheeks were flushed. Seeing his calm demeanor, she suddenly pinched his earlobe, stood on her tiptoes, and blew a soft breath.
Xu Dian stiffened slightly, his arms tightening around her.
Meng Ying whispered, “Feeling hot?”
“Obviously.”
“Congratulations, you’ve fallen for it too.”
Xu Dian: “…”
A short while later, the late-night snack arrived. Xu Dian went to open the door and wheeled the cart in. He placed the dishes on the coffee table, the aroma filling the air. Meng Ying picked up her chopsticks, her eyes sparkling. “After this meal, I’m starting my diet.”
However, the upcoming roadshow would be exhausting. Meng Ying figured that at most, she’d only be called out for being a little heavier at the beginning of the roadshow. Xu Dian poured a glass of milk and set it beside Meng Ying, sitting down as he said, “You’re not fat.”
Meng Ying ignored him.
Xu Dian: “I’m serious.”
“I know, but I’m not exactly slim either.”
Xu Dian tilted his head, glancing at her a few times, and smiled. “Well, you do have a bit more meat than before.”
Meng Ying kicked him hard.
He chuckled softly, reaching for the cigarette box and then the lighter. Just as he was about to light one, Meng Ying tapped the coffee table in front of him with her chopsticks.
Xu Dian paused.
Then, he put the cigarette back in the box and set the lighter down.
“Alright, I won’t smoke.”
“Here, have a bite of rice noodle roll.” Meng Ying picked up a small piece with her chopsticks and held it to his lips. Xu Dian opened his mouth and took it, his eyes lowering to watch her as she leaned over to continue eating.
The dim lighting, tinged with a soft orange glow, fell on her face, making her look incredibly gentle.
Xu Dian’s chest heaved slightly as he gazed at her for a long time.
After finishing the late-night snack, Meng Ying got up to wash up. Xu Dian picked up a piece of dried tangerine peel and chewed on it lazily, tapping his fingers on the tablet.
The sound of running water came from the bathroom.
The phone on the table rang—it was Meng Ying’s phone. Who would call this late? Xu Dian picked it up and glanced at the screen.
【Gu Yan】
His casual demeanor vanished instantly. Xu Dian stared at the caller ID, a hint of irritation flashing between his brows. He leaned back, answering the call, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest of the sofa—once, twice.
He didn’t speak after answering.
After a moment of silence, Gu Yan’s voice came through: “Meng Ying, when are you returning to the country? I might be transiting through Switzerland. Should we go back together? I can give you the notes I left in Paris.”
“Thanks, but she won’t be on the same flight as you.” With that, Xu Dian hung up the phone. He thought about deleting the call record but realized he didn’t know Meng Ying’s phone password. Frustrated, he tossed the phone back onto the coffee table and kicked the table lightly.
Still not giving up, huh?
Hmm?
Meng Ying came out of the bathroom, tying the belt of her robe. She walked over to Xu Dian, wrapping her arms around his neck from behind. Her faint fragrance and soft skin pressed against him, and the irritation in Xu Dian’s expression quietly faded. He grabbed her wrist, tilted his head back, and kissed her lips.
The two kissed for a while.
Meng Ying had thought they’d just kiss and then go to sleep, but the man clearly had other plans. She was going crazy, clutching the pillow, and eventually threw it at him in frustration.
Xu Dian kissed her again.
It wasn’t until the dead of night that Meng Ying finally collapsed onto the bed, exhausted. Xu Dian pulled the blanket over her, lit a cigarette, and glared at her phone, wishing he could just toss it in the trash.
The next day, Meng Ying arrived at Hu Ye’s villa close to 10 AM. Fortunately, they had waited for her, so there was still enough time. She sat cross-legged on the floor, taking notes.
The most crucial part of the course was in this session.
After class, Meng Ying checked her phone and noticed Gu Yan’s call from last night—and that it had been answered. She tried to figure out the timing, wondering if it was before or after she had washed up. Either way, she hadn’t been the one to answer it. It must have been Xu Dian. He hadn’t even mentioned it to her. Meng Ying opened WeChat.
Gu Yan: See you in Licheng.
Meng Ying thought for a moment and typed: Okay.
Gu Yan didn’t reply after that, so Meng Ying let it go. However, she sent a message to Xu Dian.
Meng Ying: Did you answer Gu Yan’s call last night?
Meng Ying: Why didn’t you tell me?
Xu Dian: Forgot.
Meng Ying: Next time you answer my phone, let me know, or I’ll hit you.
Xu Dian: You can kill me if you want. You can look at my phone too, whatever you want to see.
Meng Ying: Like how many female friends you have?
Xu Dian: Yeah, and how many girlfriends I still have.
Meng Ying: You really think highly of yourself.
Xu Dian: …
A few minutes later, Xu Dian sent another message.
Xu Dian: Did you talk to him again?
Before Meng Ying could reply, she received a call from Liu Qin, who sounded anxious: “Meng Ying, your family is in Licheng. Your mom needs surgery. I only found out today when I went to the hospital to visit Xiao Lian and ran into your parents. I thought since you’re coming back in a couple of days, I should let you know.”
“What?” Meng Ying was completely caught off guard. “They’re in Licheng?”
“Yeah, it seems they transferred here for treatment. They didn’t tell you?” Liu Qin hesitated.
Meng Ying: “Why does my mom need surgery?”
“A breast tumor. From what your dad said, it’s probably benign…”
Meng Ying thought for a moment and quickly made a decision: “I’ll book a flight and head back this afternoon.”
Originally, she had planned to return tomorrow evening. After Meng Ying spoke, Liu Qin said, “I’ll book it for you. I already checked the flights earlier. There’s one at 2 PM your time.”
“Okay.”
Meng Ying got up, packed her notebook, and informed Hu Ye and Mi Xue before heading downstairs toward her apartment. Since she had already packed her luggage in preparation for her return, she finished up quickly. Just as she was about to message Xu Dian to let him know she had to return to the country early, she received a call from Zhao Qiao.
Zhao Qiao: “Yingying, your uncle and I are downstairs. How about we have lunch together?”
Meng Ying was stunned. She grabbed her suitcase, turned around, and headed downstairs, locking the door behind her. When she reached the first floor, she saw Zhao Qiao and Xu Yi waiting in their car, looking relaxed and ready for her to join them.
Without hesitation, Meng Ying opened the car door and said softly, “Auntie, Uncle, could you take me to the airport?”
“What’s going on?” Zhao Qiao immediately sat up straight, and Xu Yi glanced at her through the rearview mirror, his eyes filled with concern.
Meng Ying explained the situation to them. Xu Yi nodded and said, “Alright, I’ll take you there now.”
With that, he started the car. Zhao Qiao held Meng Ying’s hand, gently stroking her sleeve to ease her tension. “If it’s benign, it shouldn’t be a big problem. As people age, they’re bound to have some health issues. Just be cautious, and don’t worry too much…”
Meng Ying’s tense heart relaxed a little.
Although she wasn’t deeply attached to Chen Jiao, after all, she was her mother. Even if she had her flaws, hearing about life-and-death matters was still unsettling.
Besides, there were Meng Xiao and Meng Yulin, who both relied on Chen Jiao.
Soon, the car arrived at the airport.
Xu Yi was driving a blue sedan. Just as he parked, a black Hummer abruptly cut in front of them, blocking their way. The door of the Hummer swung open, and Xu Dian stepped out, loosening his tie as he strode over. The car window rolled down, and Xu Dian pressed his hand firmly against it, his eyes cold but tinged with panic.
“Are you planning to take the same flight back as Gu Yan?”
Meng Ying looked up at him, but before she could respond, Xu Dian opened the car door, leaned in, and cupped her face. His lips brushed her forehead as he whispered, “No, you can’t take the same flight as him…”
His fingertips were icy, and his voice trembled slightly.
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