Chapter 57: Refrain from Sin
The most fascinating aspect of life lies in the fact that you can never predict what will happen in the very next moment.
---
Xu Liunian shook her head immediately, her indifferent face betraying no emotion, her voice calm as still water. “You have too much on your plate, Mr. Liang. My matters are trivial and should have been handled on my own.”
A slow smile spread across Liang Feili’s face, but it sent a chill down one’s spine for reasons unknown. He summoned a waiter, saying, “One mango shaved ice, please.” Then, turning to her with a gentle smile, he added, “You’re so considerate—this is your reward.”
Xu Liunian was taken aback for a moment, but soon regained her calm composure. Xue Zuining couldn’t help but speak up, “Mr. Liang, Miss Xu’s hands are cold—she must be sensitive to the cold. Could we perhaps choose something else?” Given that it was early winter, a serving of shaved ice could very well cost her dearly.
Liang Feili replied with a smile, “Miss Xue, perhaps you don’t know, but Liunian loves mango-flavored shaved ice. Having it once in a while does no harm. If you’re too strict about these things, life loses its pleasure, don’t you think?”
Beneath the table, Xu Liunian squeezed Xue Zuining’s hand to stop her from saying more. She spoke quietly, “Thank you for your concern, Mr. Liang.”
He paid her no further heed and resumed his conversation with Su Yi. Xue Zuining shot a pleading glance at Lu Huaining, who simply signaled her not to meddle.
The shaved ice soon arrived, accompanied by a steaming bowl of slow-cooked millet and pumpkin porridge. The club prided itself on its exquisite cuisine, encouraging patrons to slow down and savor each dish, so service was intentionally unhurried.
Xu Liunian picked up the small silver spoon with her left hand, the metal catching the light and tracing a bright arc through the air. She scooped a spoonful of orange-hued ice, placed it in her mouth, and swallowed. Slowly, her elegant brows drew together.
Liang Feili, his lips curled in a smile, paused his conversation to ask, “Why the frown? Don’t you like it?”
“It’s nothing, just a bit too sweet.”
But if sweetness were all it was, why had a sheen of cold sweat appeared on her forehead, and why had her lips turned pale? And what of her right hand?
Xue Zuining grew increasingly uneasy. The three men were discussing an as-yet-unannounced policy, leaving the two women overlooked. She glanced at her phone by the edge of the table, then nudged it with her elbow so that it fell to the floor. She gasped softly, then apologized, “Miss Xu, my phone seems to have fallen by your feet. I can’t quite reach it—could you help me?”
Xu Liunian bent down to look, and Xue Zuining reached for the box of tissues on Xu Liunian’s right, deliberately knocking over the cup of shaved ice. The tablecloth was soon stained yellow. She feigned alarm, “I’m sorry, I didn’t notice…” Then, turning apologetically to Xu Liunian, she offered, “If you’re hungry, perhaps you could try this.”
Xu Liunian took the bowl of pumpkin porridge in a daze, the gentle steam rising to mist her bright eyes.
Liang Feili narrowed his eyes, his tone meaningful. “Miss Xue, if it’s inconvenient for you to fetch something, you could have just asked. Taking matters into your own hands can easily cause accidents.”
Not wanting to face that deceptively gentle yet chilling man, Xue Zuining stood and excused herself softly, “Sorry, I got juice on my hands—please excuse me.”
Once outside the private room, the smile vanished from her face, her fingers clenched in frustration and helplessness. The club’s lavish decor now seemed oppressively ornate and pretentious, making it hard for her to breathe. She quickened her pace to the window at the end of the corridor, staring blankly outside as she recalled the text message from earlier.
She stood there for some time, lost in thought or perhaps not thinking at all. A passing waiter brought her back to herself. Realizing it was time to return, she turned—only to find Su Yi standing before her, his expression half amused, half indifferent, startling her.
“Mr. Su…”
He raised his brows. “Why so formal? Just call me brother.”
“You—” Xue Zuining bit back her words, studying him. His charming, fox-like eyes narrowed slightly, a faint, almost wicked smile played about his lips. Yet it did nothing to diminish his masculine bearing, though the cold gleam in his eyes belied his smile. She sensed his disdain and knew he had something to say. Standing tall, she spoke quietly, “Mr. Su, you’re not here to joke with me, are you? If there’s something you wish to say, please say it plainly.”
Su Yi scrutinized her for a moment before speaking, “Your past escapades have been the talk of City A. I don’t know the truth behind your breaking up with your boyfriend for Lu Huaining, but please don’t play with my friend.”
Play with him? That accusation should be aimed at Lu Huaining himself! Xue Zuining’s brows knit in annoyance, but she kept her composure, replying coolly, “That’s a private matter. We’re not close, so I hope you’ll refrain from interfering. All I can say is, our deeds are watched by the heavens. What kind of person I am, only fate will judge.”
Su Yi was momentarily taken aback, then smiled. “Not bad. That’s more like you.”
“If there’s nothing else, I’ll be heading back,” Xue Zuining said, not wishing to linger, and started to walk past him.
Behind her, Su Yi called out quietly, “No more idle chatter. Since he himself won’t offer an explanation, I won’t embarrass my friend. Let’s get along peacefully from now on. One last thing—don’t involve yourself in Liang Feili and Xu Liunian’s marriage.”
She couldn’t help but retort, “Why not? If Miss Xu is his lawfully wedded wife, why does he treat her so cruelly?”
Su Yi cut her off coldly. “It takes two to play that game. Xu Liunian is willing to atone for her sins—do her a kindness and don’t meddle.”
Xue Zuining fell silent.
“If you stop Liang Feili from venting, he’ll remain courteous to you, but things will be even worse for Xu Liunian once you leave. Don’t let your good intentions backfire.”
Without replying, Xue Zuining continued down the corridor—only to spot a frail figure shrinking into the corner. Looking closer, she realized with a shock that it was Xu Liunian, curled up in pain.