CHAPTER 196: CHAPTER 196: TAKE YOU THERE

Seeing that Shi Qiang still wanted to argue, Xia Liang patted him on the shoulder.

"Don’t waste my time. Spit it out."

Seeing Xia Liang’s serious expression, and although he didn’t know what he was planning, Shi Qiang still answered honestly.

"She’s now the sales manager at the Ferrari 4S Store on Dongdao Road."

Good grief. He says he’s forgotten her, yet he even knows where she works now.

A slight smile appeared on Xia Liang’s face.

"Then that’s where we’re going. The Ferrari 4S Store!"

With that, Xia Liang hailed a cab. But before they could get in, Shi Qiang spoke up nervously.

"Brother Xia! What are you going to do?"

"What am I going to do?" A hint of amusement played on Xia Liang’s face. "To buy a car, of course! And to help you show off a little!"

Without another word, he practically dragged Shi Qiang into the car.

「Meanwhile, at the Ferrari 4S Store on Dongdao Road.」

Since there were no customers, Zhou Xiangqiao was sitting in the lounge area with a cup of coffee, her phone in her right hand. She opened WeChat and started tapping through a long string of red-dotted notifications. They were from potential clients... and her backup options.

Take the one from "Guitar-Playing A-Qiang," for example. Opening the chat revealed a long series of messages.

"Xiang Qiao, good morning!"

"Your birthday’s coming up this Wednesday. How are you planning to celebrate?"

"Xiang Qiao, what gift do you want? I’ll get it for you!"

"Xiang Qiao, I saw you post a picture of an LV bag on your Moments recently. Do you really want it?"

"Xiang Qiao, please reply, won’t you?"

...

If Xia Liang were present, he would certainly recognize this WeChat account as none other than Shi Qiang’s.

He’d probably have to interrogate him. Is this what you call moving on?

Zhou Xiangqiao scrolled through the messages expressionlessly. She had no real interest in this man she had dated for three months. They had only gotten together because of a game of Truth or Dare. Afterward, she discovered the little fatty was rather naive and also willing to spend money on her, so they ended up dating for a few months.

Eventually, she felt Shi Qiang lacked worldly experience and wasn’t an interesting conversationalist. His spending habits and financial status also fell short of her standards, so she broke up with him.

What surprised her most was that in the two years since their breakup, aside from an initial one-month disappearance, Shi Qiang had contacted her every single day, rain or shine. Zhou Xiangqiao had originally intended to ignore him completely, but she couldn’t resist his persistence, nor the red envelopes he sent on special occasions like 520 and 1314. Eventually, she started sending him a few replies.

"Okay, thank you," she typed back simply before closing the chat.

Even though she knew she would never take Shi Qiang back, she wouldn’t reject him outright either. Instead, she’d occasionally flirt a little to keep him on the hook, making him feel like he still had a chance.

「Back in the car.」

Ding-dong.

Hearing his phone chime, Shi Qiang’s heart skipped a beat. He pulled it out and saw a message from Zhou Xiangqiao. Before he could reply, he cautiously glanced at Xia Liang.

"What are you doing?" Noticing Shi Qiang’s guilty expression, Xia Liang asked suspiciously.

"N-nothing!" Shi Qiang sat up straight, about to stuff the phone back into his pocket.

"Wait a second." Naturally, Shi Qiang’s furtive movements didn’t escape Xia Liang’s eagle eyes. "What are you hiding? Something you don’t want me to see?"

Shi Qiang forced a smile that was uglier than a grimace.

"N-nothing. It’s... a private matter, that’s all."

Seeing him like this, Xia Liang didn’t even need to look at the chat history. He had already guessed.

"Zhou Xiangqiao, right?"

Shi Qiang panicked when Xia Liang guessed correctly. "No, it’s not."

"Hey... next time you lie, try not to be so obvious about it, okay?" Xia Liang said, pointing to the hand Shi Qiang was using to hide his phone behind his back.

Faced with Xia Liang’s teasing, semi-serious gaze, Shi Qiang finally nodded.

"Yes, it’s her. But I’ve already decided to..."

"You don’t need to explain to me," Xia Liang cut him off before he could finish. "Over the next few days, I’m going to teach you something. All you need to do is become excellent! Become perfect, and a woman like her will naturally come chasing after you. Trust me. Starting now, don’t reply to her. You’ll soon find out just how laughable your one-sided efforts have been."

After hearing this, Shi Qiang didn’t know what Xia Liang planned to do, but he still chose to trust him.

"Alright! I’ll listen to you!"

「Meanwhile.」

Five minutes later, after browsing through all her messages, Xiang Qiao stretched leisurely. Suddenly, she realized something was wrong. Shi Qiang hadn’t replied to her!

That’s not right!

She checked the time; five minutes had already passed. Normally, unless he was asleep, he’d reply to her messages almost instantly. He was always at her beck and call. He was messaging her just this morning at eight. He couldn’t possibly be asleep right now. So what is he doing?

Zhou Xiangqiao’s eyebrows furrowed slightly. Just a moment ago, she had been thinking about how to get that guy to buy her that bag. But now, Shi Qiang wasn’t responding. It annoyed her for some reason.

How dare a bootlicker like him not reply instantly!

Just as Zhou Xiangqiao was getting flustered, she saw two people get out of a car and walk toward the store through the glass door. She stood up instinctively, putting on a professional smile to go greet them. But when she got a clear look at one of the figures, she froze.

Although she didn’t recognize the handsome man next to him, that rotund figure... she knew it all too well.

Why is he here? To find me?

Though she didn’t know the details of Shi Qiang’s family background, it was obvious that someone so careful with his money couldn’t come from a wealthy family. On top of that, they had clearly arrived in a Didi. She didn’t think they were here to buy a car. There was only one other possibility—they were here for her.

Didn’t I tell him not to come looking for me at work? Why is he here!

Zhou Xiangqiao was furious. If it weren’t for the thought of her upcoming birthday and the 15,000 yuan LV bag Shi Qiang would surely give her, she might have blocked him right then and there.

Whatever, I’ll just avoid them for now. A rich kid from a wealthy family is pursuing me right now; it wouldn’t do for any nasty rumors to start spreading.

She immediately turned to a nearby salesperson.

"Xiao Hui, I’m going to the restroom. If anyone asks for me, just say I’m not here."

"Sure, Sister Xiang Qiao," Xiao Hui quickly nodded.

「Meanwhile, outside.」

Staring at the luxury cars through the glass, Shi Qiang’s heart pounded in his chest.

"Brother Xia, do we really have to go in? Brother Xia, Xiang Qiao told me not to look for her while she’s working. How about we go back? I’ll treat you to karaoke..."

Seeing Shi Qiang’s pathetic state, Xia Liang glared at him fiercely.

"Can’t you grow a spine? If you’re that scared, just pretend you’re here with me while I buy a car."

Seeing Xia Liang’s determined expression, Shi Qiang finally kept his mouth shut.