Chapter 110: As It Should Be
Page (1/3)
Cheng Hui glanced down and realized that her T-shirt was inside out, with the printed logo on the inside and the seams on the outside. Had she really been walking around like this all along? Cheng Hui let out a wail and quickly dashed into the bathroom to change. Inside, she lamented loudly, wondering how she could be so careless and embarrassing. It was all because she’d been in a bad mood and hadn’t noticed the strange looks from people around her; otherwise, she wouldn’t have made such a humiliating mistake.
The housekeeper smiled and shook her head as she went downstairs, turning the incident into a joke when she told Cheng’s father. “Hui Hui’s a bit scatterbrained. She didn’t even notice the strange looks from others on the way back. Just now, I asked if she’d worn her shirt inside out, and only then did she realize.”
It was a small, somewhat amusing matter.
Cheng’s father chuckled, saying, “That girl is always like this. I don’t know who she takes after—always causing a fuss.” He looked over at He Chuan but didn’t say anything, instead glancing upstairs.
“Where was she just now?” Cheng’s father asked.
“Sleeping in her room,” came the reply.
“Call her down.”
The housekeeper agreed and went back upstairs to call Cheng Hui down. Upon hearing this, Cheng Hui immediately refused. “I don’t want to. I’m tired and sleepy. I want to rest.”
She didn’t want to see He Chuan; her heart was in turmoil and she felt very annoyed.
She took off the T-shirt she had been wearing and changed into a fitted V-neck short sleeve shirt. The movement was a little broad, and it revealed her slender waist. Silently, she thought to herself that she would never wear a T-shirt again—too troublesome.
Since the housekeeper couldn’t coax her, she went downstairs to inform Cheng’s father, who said, “Forget it, let her sleep.”
...
Cheng Hui stayed in her room, upset about how He Chuan had stood her up a few days ago. She hadn’t called him since. She sent him a message, but he didn’t reply. It was obvious he didn’t want to talk to her. So why should she force herself to be close to him, just like when Tang Que had ignored her before?
She had already fallen hard with Tang Que and couldn’t afford to mess things up again with He Chuan.
She decided not to think about it anymore. He Chuan could do whatever he wanted; it was none of her business.
The same went for Tang Que. She wouldn’t bother with him anymore. She couldn’t compete with either of them—their intelligence was higher, their methods sharper, and she couldn’t figure out their thoughts. She was resigned and decided to stop playing games, to live her own life.
But the more she thought about it, the more wronged she felt. She hadn’t done anything wrong. Even if Tang Que played her, she didn’t mind. But He Chuan was playing her too. She hadn’t misbehaved, so why were both of them bullying her?
She cried quietly with her eyes closed and eventually fell asleep. She didn’t know how long she’d been asleep when she was woken by someone calling her. Opening her eyes, she saw it was Cheng’s father.
He gently patted her head. “What’s wrong? Had a nightmare?”
“Yes, I did,” Cheng Hui murmured, still groggy and dazed.
“Go wash your face and come out with Dad for dinner. He Chuan is treating.”
“Huh?”
“Stop standing there dazed. Go wash up. He’s waiting downstairs.”
Cheng Hui didn’t understand why they were suddenly going out to eat, especially since He Chuan was there. Judging by how it sounded, it seemed like He Chuan was paying.
She didn’t want to go but couldn’t refuse either. Reluctantly, she washed her face, drew on her eyebrows, and put on some lipstick before going downstairs.
She hadn’t been one to wear makeup, but after starting university, her roommates taught her to fill in her eyebrows and apply lipstick. Other aspects of makeup she wasn’t good at yet. Sometimes she envied Xin Gan’s exquisite and glamorous look, but she was clumsy and hadn’t mastered it.
Downstairs, she saw He Chuan smoking by the car. Instinctively, she hid behind Cheng’s father, avoiding greeting him. Cheng’s father noticed and scolded, “Why didn’t you say hello? You’re getting more and more rude.”
Reluctantly, Cheng Hui called out, “Hello, He Chuan.”
She was used to calling him by his name, seldom adding “brother,” but this time it felt awkward and changed the meaning entirely.
Cheng’s father didn’t notice anything, but both Cheng Hui and He Chuan understood the tension.
He Chuan nodded briefly to her, expressionless, staring at her for a few seconds before looking away.
Cheng Hui felt as if facing an enemy, uncomfortable all over, especially a tightness in her chest.
Cheng’s father drove, so Cheng Hui naturally sat in his car.
He noticed her mood and asked, “What’s wrong? You looked like you saw a ghost when you saw He Chuan, and you didn’t even greet him.”
Lying on the back seat without care, Cheng Hui said, “Nothing. I’m fine.”
Cheng’s father didn’t press further. “Your brother and the others will come later. When you see them, greet them properly.”
“Got it,” Cheng Hui mumbled, hugging a pillow and sighing deeply. Fortunately, the dinner wasn’t just the three of them. Xin Gan would also come, which eased her tension.
When they arrived, Cheng Hui stayed close to Cheng’s father, not wandering. He Chuan arrived later. Those who arrived first went upstairs to wait in a private room. Cheng Jiu and Xin Gan had not arrived yet. Cheng Hui looked at the seats and asked her father where to sit. As soon as he sat down, she immediately sat beside him.
Cheng’s father was about to scold her for being jumpy when He Chuan pushed the door open.
Cheng Hui dared not look at He Chuan’s expression and kept her head down, pretending to play on her phone, naturally missing the subtle change in He Chuan’s face.
Cheng’s father said to sit anywhere. He Chuan sat two seats away from Cheng Hui—close enough to see her small movements.
The conversation between Cheng’s father and He Chuan was incomprehensible to Cheng Hui. She kept playing on her phone until Cheng Jiu and Xin Gan arrived. Only then did she feel relieved, as if the air wasn’t so suffocating.
“Little sister-in-law!” Cheng Hui called happily to Xin Gan. “Come sit next to me.”
Xin Gan naturally sat beside Cheng Hui, blocking He Chuan’s view.
Cheng Jiu sat next to He Chuan.
Xin Gan knew about He Chuan’s feelings for Cheng Hui, but since Cheng’s father was there, everyone was maintaining a facade of peace, pretending nothing was wrong.
Cheng Hui felt guilty and distracted. Xin Gan chatted quietly with her to help divert her attention.
Xin Gan didn’t know about He Chuan standing her up a few days ago. Cheng Hui was hesitant about telling her. At this moment, it was impossible to talk about it, so she kept silent.
During the meal, the three of them were talking about other things. Xin Gan and Cheng Hui couldn’t join the conversation. When Xin Gan went to the restroom, she called Cheng Hui to come along.
In the restroom, Xin Gan asked, “Are you feeling bad because of He Chuan?”
Cheng Hui lowered her head and nodded.
“Cheng Hui, is there something you want to tell me?”
“Yes, Xin Xin, can you help me?”
Xin Gan smiled, “Tell me. I’ll help you if I can.”
Cheng Hui couldn’t hold back and told her about her situation with He Chuan. “Actually, I don’t hate him.”
Xin Gan understood her feelings but knew she was too young to fully grasp her own heart.
“Do you like him?” Xin Gan asked directly.
Cheng Hui bit her lip, hesitant. She wasn’t sure if what she felt for He Chuan was love, but she knew she didn’t hate him. Compared to Tang Que, she definitely didn’t dislike He Chuan. Before, she was confused and half-pushed, half-led into the mess by He Chuan. She was scared and resisted him.
She shook her head then nodded. “I liked Tang Que before. When he got together with my friend, I was sad but not devastated. Later, He Chuan... he ignored me, and I felt hurt and suffocated. Seeing him with Tang Que’s sister made me jealous.”
Xin Gan pinched her cheek. “So the reason you dressed up today was for He Chuan?”
“I... I guess.”
Xin Gan said, “He Chuan and you aren’t related by blood. He just calls himself your brother. It’s nothing. I’m not afraid to tell you—He Chuan arranged this dinner tonight. He called Cheng Jiu and said he’s treating, and you’re here. He said he was afraid he’d lose control and take you away, so he asked Cheng Jiu to supervise.”
“Really?”
“It’s not a business dinner.”
Cheng Hui: “He stood me up a few days ago...”
“Maybe he wants to apologize but is afraid you’ll misunderstand, so he invited your dad, Cheng Jiu, and me along.”
Cheng Hui didn’t believe He Chuan would apologize. Never mind. She didn’t want to think about it. Whatever He Chuan wanted to do, she wouldn’t care.
Suddenly remembering something, she asked Xin Gan, “Xin Xin, do you know Tang Huaihuai?”
“Tang Huaihuai? No.”
Page (2/3)
“Hasn’t my brother mentioned her?”
“No, why would he? What’s up?”
“Nothing,” Cheng Hui gave in and confided in Xin Gan. “Look at this photo.”
She pulled out a picture of Tang Huaihuai and Cheng’s father from her phone and showed it to Xin Gan.
Xin Gan was stunned. “What is this?”
“Tang Huaihuai is the sister of the boy I like. She’s friends with He Chuan and my brother. They used to hang out together, but she shouldn’t know my dad. One of my classmates caught her meeting with my dad secretly. My dad knows nothing about this. I don’t know what to do. I’m afraid Mom will find out. Xin Xin, I’m only telling you. Don’t tell my brother. I feel so suffocated. I really don’t know what to do.”
Xin Gan didn’t know what was going on and couldn’t judge. “Don’t tell anyone for now. I won’t tell your brother either. Let’s see what happens. Maybe it’s just a misunderstanding.”
Xin Gan spoke uncertainly. She didn’t know much about the Cheng family or Tang Huaihuai, but Cheng Hui was young and inexperienced. If this wasn’t clarified, it could affect her, and in a worst-case scenario, it might involve the Cheng family.
When they returned from the restroom, He Chuan was gone. Cheng Jiu said he went out for a smoke. Xin Gan nodded.
Cheng Jiu didn’t see Cheng Hui and asked, “Where’s Cheng Hui?”
“She went back to school early. Asked me to tell you and Dad.”
Cheng Jiu didn’t ask further.
Xin Gan observed his expression secretly, heart pounding. She wasn’t good at lying, but since Cheng Hui asked for her help, she did. It was her first time lying to Cheng Jiu, but she did it unintentionally—who could blame her when Cheng Hui always came to her for help?
...
Cheng Hui really planned to return to school. She didn’t want to see He Chuan, but going back now was meaningless. She wanted to find some friends to hang out with. She called a few, but few had time; some were busy or already drinking and invited her to join.
Cheng Hui didn’t want to go to a bar. After being caught by He Chuan there once, she never dared to go again.
Suddenly, her phone rang. Thinking it was a friend, she answered without looking at the screen, annoyed. “I told you I’m not going to the bar. Stop inviting me...”
The man’s voice on the other end interrupted: “Cheng Hui, do you know who this is?”
No doubt, it was He Chuan.
She looked at the screen, which showed his name. Surprised but unwilling to explain, she said, “Oh, sorry, I thought it was a friend.”
“Don’t you look at caller ID when you answer?”
“I don’t. I don’t have eyes to look.”
“...”
Cheng Hui licked her lips. He was silent, and she didn’t know what to say. After thinking, she asked, “Do you need something?”
“Come to the door.”
“...”
Cheng Hui panicked, glanced at the glass door—no sign of him outside. She thought he was lying again. Why should she listen to him? She ignored him.
“Come to the door, turn left.”
“I’m in the private room.”
“Do you think I’m easy to fool?” His voice was teasing. He was standing at the door, hidden behind a pillar. Cheng Hui couldn’t see him, but he could see her in that position, and naturally, noticed her outfit today—awkward and showing her waist.
Cheng Hui felt a pang of bitterness but gritted her teeth and obeyed, stepping out and turning left.
He was there. Dressed in a black shirt neatly tucked into his pants, showing a slim waist. Tall, well-proportioned, and handsome in anything he wore. His hair was a bit long in front, covering his brows, softening his usually fierce look, making him appear gentle and radiant.
Seeing her come out, he pocketed his phone and walked over, naturally taking her wrist and leading her elsewhere.
His palm was cold, like a chill, and she couldn’t pull away. She lowered her head and followed him.
They reached a secluded corner with plants blocking the view and dim lighting. He pressed her against a hard wall, bending down to look her in the eyes as he spoke evenly, “Aren’t you afraid of me?”
Cheng Hui was confused. “Huh?”
“Why don’t you struggle? Didn’t you say you hated me? Didn’t want to be with me?”
She understood. She pursed her lips and silently stared at him. Though her eyes were dark, she couldn’t read his expression, but his tone was mocking, as if ridiculing her for not struggling earlier—otherwise, she’d be living up to his expectations.
But she felt wronged. He didn’t understand her feelings or consider them. When he dragged her out of the mire, he didn’t give her time to react or adjust. Anyone would find that hard to accept. She just wanted a normal romance. If he had given her enough time to accept and let her see her own heart, things wouldn’t have become like this.
He waited for her answer but got none. His tone turned cold and sharp. “Speak.”
She whispered bitterly, “There’s nothing to say. I don’t want to talk.”
“You must.”
“What’s there to say? I’m just someone you can summon and discard. When you’re angry or unhappy, you can treat me badly. You’re always so domineering—I know that. But I’ve stopped hoping for anything from you. I hate this about myself.”
He sneered mockingly, “When you were dating Tang Que, did you ever think about how I felt?”
Cheng Hui blushed and felt hot but wasn’t surprised he knew. Tang Huaihuai was Tang Que’s sister. When she was with Tang Que, Tang Huaihuai must have known and told He Chuan.
He said, “I’ve been clear about my feelings for you. You don’t like me and avoid me like the plague. I only stood you up once; you get mad over that? Cheng Hui, don’t be so double-faced. What have I done?”
Her nose tingled. Hurt and feeling even more wronged, she said, “Then why did you drag me here? I never asked you to like me.”
His tone grew colder and more sarcastic, unlike before when he was tender. He seemed a stranger now. “So, I’m the shameless one clinging to you? Then why did you call me? Playing with me, huh?”
Cheng Hui tried to hold back tears but couldn’t control her emotions. All the grievances poured out. Defiant, she said, “Say whatever you want. I won’t explain because there’s no need!”
He grabbed her shoulder harder, and she winced. He didn’t let go. She feared he might hit her, scared of pain, but after a while, he didn’t move.
“...”
“Cheng Hui, you kissed Tang Que on the street while keeping me hanging, treating me like a backup. You’re too young to see it.”
Cheng Hui’s face turned pale. But she never kissed Tang Que on the street. When did that happen? Though they dated, they never did anything like that. Tang Que did ask for more intimacy, but she was scared and refused.
Later, when Tang Que slept with Tang Yao, and she called him, Tang Yao answered. He deliberately mentioned this, revealing that Tang Que and Tang Yao had been in contact and slept together. Tang Que was experienced, so wanting to sleep with her was understandable.
But she wasn’t that kind of person.
“When did I kiss Tang Que on the street?”
“Keep playing dumb.”
“He Chuan, don’t slander me. I won’t admit to things I didn’t do. I said no, it’s no.”
He pinched her sharp chin and traced her skin coldly. “If you didn’t, am I blind?”
“If you’ve already made up your mind and won’t listen or believe me, why do you even like me? I’m single. I can be with whoever I want. I won’t care about you anymore. Even if I liked you, I wouldn’t want you—someone who only doubts me and makes me sad. I want the He Chuan I knew before. The one now isn’t him.”
She no longer suppressed her feelings and cried freely, releasing all the grievances, especially over his cruel words.
He calmed down, silent for a long time, broken by her sobs. He sighed and wiped her tears but said nothing.
Her sobs were soft, afraid of being heard. She stifled her cries, her nose congested. “I’ve never hated anyone this much before. You’re the first.”
“Even if I wrongly accused you before, I won’t apologize or pity you. I didn’t do anything with Tang Que, and even if I liked him, it’s normal. Which girl doesn’t like a top student? I... just admired him.”
It wasn’t like she had to be with Tang Que forever.
He was amused by her crying and explanation, then said, “So you mean...?”
“No meaning. No other meaning. I won’t entangle with you anymore.” She pushed him away, unsure where the strength came from. She wanted to leave, but he wouldn’t let her. He wrapped his arms around her waist from behind and pulled her back, pressing her against the wall again, whispering a warning, “Quiet, or you’ll attract others. What if we get caught kissing in this little corner?”
Cheng Hui didn’t resist. “Whatever.”
She was too exhausted to struggle.
He seemed to understand her words. His voice was low, softer than before: “Stop crying or your eyes will swell. Don’t cry anymore.”
“So you don’t like Tang Que anymore? You didn’t kiss him on the street?”
She denied the things she never did: “No kisses.”
“Then why did you ignore me and make me so mad I left the country?”
Her voice hoarse, tears still falling: “Sorry...”
He sighed deeply. Since he’d been out for a while, he said, “Come to my place tonight. Let’s clear things up. I’ve been out too long; your brother and the others will be suspicious.”
“To your place?” She couldn’t accept the sudden change—from fierce and sarcastic to inviting her over.
He kissed her forehead warmly. “Yeah, tell me everything, or don’t think about running.”
“But...”
He glanced toward the door where Cheng Jiu was approaching, covered her mouth, and whispered, “Your brother’s here. Shh.”
Page (3/3)
Cheng Hui was so nervous she didn’t dare breathe deeply.
He said, “Wait in my car. I’ll come find you soon.” He gave her the car keys.
She held the keys, stunned for a while. He patted her on the buttocks. “Good girl. You know the way to the parking lot?”
“Yes.”
“If you don’t want your brother or dad to catch us, be obedient. Wait in the car. I’ll be quick.”
Cheng Hui obeyed timidly, watching He Chuan walk away. After a few minutes, she peeked out. He and Cheng Jiu were gone, so she hurried to the parking lot.
He Chuan hadn’t changed cars. She recognized his vehicle, unlocked it, and hurried to the back seat. The parking lot was dimly lit. Alone in the car, she felt scared and anxious, like a thief. She kept glancing around, afraid Cheng Jiu or her father would find out.
He Chuan, worried she was scared, texted her asking if she found the car. She replied she was inside and asked if her brother noticed anything.
He replied after a while: No.
He hadn’t noticed anything, but even if Cheng Jiu had, he wouldn’t bring it up now.
He knew well not to tell Cheng Hui, fearing she’d be scared again and run off.
Everyone thought they could never be together, even Cheng Hui herself, but she was led astray by him.
Cheng Jiu had been tough at the start, mainly because of their age difference and opposed it, but it was really Cheng Hui’s attitude. If she truly liked him and couldn’t live without him, Cheng Jiu wouldn’t interfere.
...
After the dinner, Cheng Jiu and Xin Gan left first. On the way, Cheng Jiu asked, “Did Cheng Hui tell you anything?”
Xin Gan got nervous, unable to lie, eyes shifting. “No, why ask?”
“Nothing. She’s been acting strange today. When she acts like this, she’s definitely hiding something.”
Xin Gan: “...”
“You’re acting like her now.”
Xin Gan: “...”
She scratched her head, trying to cover her unease with a smile. “No, I haven’t done anything wrong.”
Cheng Jiu smirked but didn’t expose her. Instead, he asked, “What do you think of He Chuan?”
“Nice guy, pretty decent.”
“Decent?” Cheng Jiu rolled down the window, bit a cigarette, and lit it. “I’ve known him a long time. No one’s ever called him decent.”
Xin Gan: “Then...?”
“Xin Xin, whatever Cheng Hui told you, I don’t care. As long as she knows what she wants, I won’t interfere, as long as it’s legal and within limits.”
Xin Gan was sweating nervously, almost spilling the secret. But since she promised Cheng Hui, she had to keep it from Cheng Jiu. She feigned ignorance, hoping to get through it.
Cheng Jiu didn’t press further. Later at home, after a shower, when they went to bed, Cheng Jiu’s smile was unsettling. Xin Gan shivered and begged, “I have classes tomorrow. Cheng Jiu, please go easy on me.”
She rarely acted coy. Hearing her soft voice, Cheng Jiu couldn’t resist. He squeezed her waist hard and said, “Depends on the situation.”
That was probably her price.
Xin Gan was so exhausted she wanted to cry; her whole body was numb. She stretched her fingers, feeling sore.
She doubted she’d get up easily tomorrow.
Cheng Jiu saw she couldn’t get up and laughed, carrying her to the bathroom.
Mist filled the air. Xin Gan held the wall for balance and whispered, “When I went home, my mom told me about the He family. Does Cheng Hui know?”
Cheng Jiu adjusted the water temperature, helped her into the tub, and said, “You can’t hide it. If you know, Cheng Hui probably knows.”
“Do you know Tang Huaihuai?”
“Yes.” Cheng Jiu handed her a hot towel to wipe her face and tied her hair back. “Did Cheng Hui tell you?”
Xin Gan: “...”
“Cheng Hui liked a boy named Tang Que. Tang Huaihuai is his sister. They went to the same school.”
“So He Chuan knows her too?”
“Yes.”
“Then...”
“Why are you interested in Tang Huaihuai? Did Cheng Hui say anything?”
“Nothing special, just asking.”
Cheng Jiu looked at her a moment and didn’t press further. He massaged her legs to ease the soreness.
Xin Gan felt guilty under his gaze and said no more.
...
Cheng Hui waited in the car for over half an hour before He Chuan returned.
Once he got in, she handed him the keys and lay on the pillow, staring at his profile.
He didn’t say much and drove straight to his place.
Though it wasn’t her first time there, Cheng Hui was nervous. This time felt different, though she couldn’t say why.
Entering his home, a big dog immediately jumped on her, nearly knocking her over. He Chuan grabbed the dog’s collar and locked it in a room. Coming out to the living room, he saw Cheng Hui standing awkwardly, fidgeting and looking around, unsure what to do next.
He grabbed a beer from the fridge, took a sip, then asked slowly, “Want something to drink?”
Cheng Hui looked at the beer in his hand. “The same as you.”
He smiled faintly, grabbed another beer, and handed it to her. “Hungry?”
She shook her head, still clutching her small bag, clearly uneasy.
He pointed at her bag. “Put it on the sofa. Don’t be shy.”
“Oh.” She quickly put down the bag.
What now?
She was lost. Taking a sip of the beer, it tasted slightly bitter. “Do you have sweet fruit wine? I want some.”
He didn’t speak, went to the liquor cabinet, and brought her a low-alcohol fruit wine bottle. He kindly opened it, got a pretty glass, poured half, and handed it to her.
“I want ice,” she said.
He fetched ice cubes from the fridge and added them.
“Ready to drink now?”
She took the glass, thanked him, and sat on the sofa to sip. It was sweet and mild, very pleasant.
He Chuan was interested but didn’t rush into the topic. There was plenty of time tonight to talk slowly.
After half a glass, she glanced at him. He sat lazily on a single sofa beside her, eyes slightly narrowed but not looking at her.
She put down the glass and tentatively asked, “What did you want to talk about?”
He finally looked at her. “Your shirt was inside out this afternoon?”
She: “...”
He: “Huh?”
“That’s a small thing. Don’t mention it. It’s embarrassing.”
He Chuan: “Is it embarrassing to be with me?”
She looked at him, expression unreadable. After a moment, she said, “Probably... not embarrassing...”