If you've not done so, catch up on the last couple of chapters filled with marshmallow ooze. The next ones are gonna be leaving you angry and screaming. You've been warned.
Translated by newbienoona
Edited and proofread by anks
An Chuxia is aware her friend is trying to kill two birds with one stone, but her contempt towards Qilu runs hot. Not to be swayed, she says, "Meng Xiaonan, you always go for dessert. I have no interest in boys I don't know. Anyway, I have to eat lunch so that Han Qilu's mother doesn't get worried, okay? 2 o'clock. Let's meet at the World Trade Center building in Center City."
"But the last time we met, didn't you pose as a couple?" Meng Xiaonan asks as her friend hangs up on her.
Chuxia raises her hand and a fruit plate is placed on her palm. "I swear to you, that small fox… Oh sorry, not you! Uh… where's Ma?"
The maid replies calmly, "Madame went out for brunch, and has an appointment at the beauty salon."
An Chuxia nods, allowing the maid to excuse herself. 2 o'clock… she can take a nap till then! As far as the matter involving the eldest Han child, when that times comes, she needs to be careful in asking before it's too late!
She never developed an interest in boys since her father abandoned herself and her mother. Meng Xiaonan's family is another example. Xiaonan may be more optimistic than Chuxia, despite her abandonment issues, but she's currently living with her father since his mistress can't bear him a child. It seems like divine intervention… .
Setting the fruit plate aside, she lays on the couch and closes her eyes. Within few moments, she falls asleep. When comparing her life to Meng Xiaonan, her current situation is destitute.
**
An Chuxia sits quietly at the table while eating her meal. Han Qilu silently sits across from her. From time to time, he stares at her with a frosted gaze. The tension is so taut, she can't taste the rice.
Standing at one side, steward Han realizes something is off. He takes a step and says, "Young master, young madame, the lady is out all day for a spa date."
"Uhm," Qilu mutters before setting down his chopsticks. He clears his throat and puts all his attention on her. "An Chuxia, we need to talk."
She swallows the food in her mouth and dabs her lips with the napkin handed by the maid. She looks up and stares at Han Qilu. "Young master Han, what do you want us to discuss?"
Young master Han. Has their relationship been ripped apart? When they first met, he forced her to call him young master. But now, he hates her calling him with that title. Where did she hear Xiang Mankuai's name? It's impossible for her to hear it from his two friends. They know he'll kill them if they talk about this taboo.
He looks at her deeply before spitting out, "Chuxia, you're not jealous, right?"
The moment she hears the word ‘jealous’ she can't help but shake. "Jealous? Oh, you're too much!"
Upset, he gets up. "I will give you a week to apologize to me." Losing his patience, he grabs his jacket from the table and walks out the hall. He needs to ask his friends how An Chuxia got to know about Xiang Mankuai.
But as he mentions her name, he realizes his heart is… calm?
As soon as she sees him leave and hears his car leave the graveled driveway, An Chuxia hurriedly gets up from the dinner table to watch him drive away.
CHAPTER 208 That EveningTranslated by newbienoona
Edited and proofread by anks
Relief washes through her once she confirms Han Qilu is gone. She immediately turns to steward Han and asks him in a low voice, "Steward Han, can you help me?"
Although steward Han looks like he's nearing fifty, he is a versatile housekeeper. Not only is he capable of doing everything, he will help without asking why.
As soon as she's seated in the Bentley, An Chuxia grabs her phone and presses a series of numbers. She's frustrated when she hears a constant beep. Tapping the phone, she looks up and meets steward Han's gaze. "Would you happen to have Lila's phone number at hand? Why isn't she picking up?"
Steward Han looks at the rear view mirror and gazes at Chuxia's anxious face. After she confessed about this morning's events, she told him she wants to find Lila. He dialed Ding Ning and asked for Lila's phone number. However, he was told he doesn't know her whereabouts. Steward Han gives Chuxia Lila's mobile number as they try to search for her.
In all honesty, he doesn't understand why An Chuxia wants to look for her when she has nothing to do with that derisive young woman. However, he believes Chuxia has a natural, protective tendency toward people in poor environment because she has been in that situation. But some people are born ruthless. Lila belongs to that group, and he feels she's dispensable.
He remembers the day the young master rescued Lila. It was the day he cut off ties with Mankuai. Wasn't it his right to indulge? But that decision cost the young master. Lila took advantage of him.
The steward smiles at Chuxia. "This number is correct. Don't worry, we'll be arriving soon."
**
The strip is rather busy. People are bustling and moving right along. Few are shopping leisurely. The expression on their faces are similar, yet, different. They're… indifferent.
"You stinky beggar! Go die elsewhere!" Several girls stare maliciously at Lila. Bloodstains cover her face while tattered clothes cover her frame. Her feet could hardly carry her. These people regard her as a beggar. However, underneath the loose long hair, they couldn't tell she used to be a car advertisement model. Yesterday, she was someone. Today, she's a beggar casted aside.
Her eyes are devoid of expression. Her lips split from dryness. She lifts her hand to cover her mouth as she smiles. All she could think about were the memories from that night… .
"Why do you want to save me?" Lila asks. Several years ago, her family fell apart and she was driven to the streets. She had nothing. Lost in a trance, her footsteps stagger. She doesn't want to live for love. Then what is she supposed to live for?
An expensive sports car halts at her side. She smiles as she takes a step in front of the car. The sound of breaks and a voice makes her collapse to the ground. When she regains consciousness, she finds herself resting in the presidential suite of the Milestone Hotel.
"Where are we?" She asks, rubbing her temple. She attempts to sit up. Expecting to see her dirty clothes, she is surprised to see them replaced by a clean, white dress. She raises her arms to give herself a once-over. She is washed clean. The scent of lavender gel lingers on her skin.
As she wonders, the door suddenly opens. Startled, she finds a man standing in front of her like he was a god among men. She stares at him as he moves his lips. His first words were, "Are you awake?"