Liu Changqing drove back to Lan Yixian’s breakfast shop after dropping off the kids. He bought breakfast for himself and Xiazhi and settled the bill for the earlier purchase.
From Lan Yixian’s polite deanor, it was clear she had no idea about Zhou Shiyan’s previous assault. It seed her daughter hadn’t ntioned it. To her, Liu Changqing was likely still just the man whose head she’d hit with a French baguette.
With the bruise on his forehead long gone, Liu Changqing decided not to bring it up. After paying, he headed ho.
When Liu Changqing returned, it was already past 9:50.
Xiazhi was still fast asleep. Their relationship had grown considerably warr, so much so that she no longer reacted defensively when he entered her room.
Opening her door, he found her sprawled on the bed, snoring lightly. Half the blanket was on the floor, and her hand still clutched the handheld console.
“This girl…”
Liu Changqing chuckled and shook his head.
Yesterday, she’d claid the ga wasn’t that interesting after playing for a while. Yet here she was, clearly playing late into the night.
He picked up the fallen blanket and gently patted her shoulder.
“Ti to wake up.”
Xiazhi stirred slightly, frowning in her sleep and mumbling incoherently before turning over and pulling the blanket closer.
After a few more attempts to wake her, Liu Changqing gave up. She seed utterly exhausted.
Quietly closing her door, he decided to let her rest.
In the kitchen, Liu Changqing unpacked the breakfast. He placed the soy milk in a bowl to stabilize it and sat at the table to eat.
Halfway through his al, his phone rang. Quickly answering to avoid disturbing Xiazhi, he swallowed his food and said, “Hello?”
“Hello, Mr. Liu. This is Xin Xin Publishing. Do you rember us?”
“Yes, I do. What’s the matter?”
“We’ve revised the contract based on your preferences. Are you available to co in and discuss it further?”
“Sure, I’ll be there soon.”
“Great. When you arrive, call this number, and soone will et you.”
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Liu Changqing ended the call.
The publishing house had contacted him earlier about turning his work into a physical book, but the project had been delayed due to recent events.
After finishing his al, Liu Changqing changed into fresh clothes and headed out.
Arriving at the publishing house, he parked his van, called the contact number, and was soon escorted inside by a staff mber.
He was led through the bustling office to a private room.
“Please wait here for a mont,” the staff mber said before leaving.
Liu Changqing stepped into the office, noticing the elegant decor—artwork on the walls, a sturdy wooden desk with a computer, and potted plants flanking the room.
He took a seat on the sofa, leaning back as he surveyed the tasteful furnishings.
Not bad.
The wait wasn’t long. Soon, the clicking of high heels echoed down the hall.
The door opened to reveal a poised woman holding a folder.
Without acknowledging him, she walked straight past to her desk, flipping through the folder as she sat down.
“Sorry to keep you waiting. I had sothing to handle,” she said without looking up.
Liu Changqing didn’t respond imdiately, his gaze fixed on her. Her deanor left a sour impression.
Though this was supposed to be a collaborative eting, her attitude made him feel as if he were here to beg for a favor.
Noticing his silence, the woman finally put down the folder and looked at him. Her scrutinizing gaze shifted to surprise.
“Liu Changqing?”
Her tone and direct use of his na irked him further.
“What’s the problem with my na?” Liu Changqing asked, leaning back with a hint of displeasure.
Ignoring his tone, the woman stared at him, as if trying to confirm sothing.
Then, as if needing a closer look, she stood and approached him.
Now standing over him, she examined him closely, her expression growing more awkward.
“Why are you… so fat now?”
“…”
Liu Changqing was montarily stunned before irritation flared.
“What’s that supposed to an?”
“I an, you weren’t like this before. You used to be tall and thin—and quiet.”
Liu Changqing nearly laughed.
Quiet? In school, his forr self had been the loudest troublemaker in class.
She’s lying.
His suspicion that he didn’t know her grew stronger.
“I was called here to discuss publishing my book,” he said evenly. “What’s with this attitude? Are you trying to insult ?”
The woman, clearly taken aback, seed lost in thought as she compared the face before her to her mories. It was both familiar and unfamiliar.
“Did you write Battle Through the Heavens?” she asked.
“Whether I did or didn’t doesn’t matter. If you called here to waste my ti, we won’t be eting again.”
With that, Liu Changqing stood and moved toward the door.
“Wait!”
The woman grabbed his wrist, stopping him.
“What do you want?” he asked, turning back with a frown.
“Don’t you recognize ?”
“In my mory, I don’t know you. Is there anything else, Miss Zhao?”
Her eyes widened in disbelief. Pointing at herself, she exclaid, “Zhao Yalin!”
Liu Changqing stared at her silently before responding flatly, “Don’t know you.”
He turned back, hand on the doorknob, ready to leave.
“n Youping!”
The na froze Liu Changqing in place.
He stood there, back to her, brows furrowed. The na was both familiar and distant.
After a long pause, he slowly turned to face her, his expression complicated.
“I… have no idea what you’re talking about.”
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