Chapter 24 – The Argument [Paid Chapters Start]

Huh?

Xiao Fang clearly didn’t understand. Was President Fei angry?

Xiao Fang replayed his own words in his head and immediately became alert.

“President Fei, I never said Da Bao isn’t my child! I—I just misspoke. He’s my own flesh and blood, how could I ever—” Xiao Fang had subconsciously avoided mentioning the child, assuming they both understood the circumstances, but saying it out loud now sounded undeniably cold.

Fei Xiangnan looked at him, countless thoughts flashing through his mind, which coalesced into a single question on his lips.

In truth, he didn’t need to care so much, did he? Xiao Fang didn’t care about him. They had already agreed on the terms. Everything was just a transaction, with both sides getting what they wanted. From beginning to end, it was just him living in an unrealistic dream. He was still himself, the Fei Xiangnan who had nothing and yet had everything.

“This child indeed does not belong to you,” Fei Xiangnan interrupted Xiao Fang’s explanation, looking at him coolly.

Xiao Fang suddenly found his gaze unfamiliar, as if he were seeing the Fei Xiangnan from their very first meeting.

“President Fei, you—”

“Let’s go. I have a business trip tomorrow,” Fei Xiangnan said, taking out his car keys and walking ahead without a backward glance.

Xiao Fang’s lips moved, but he didn’t know what to say. He just felt that the figure walking away looked somewhat pitiful. The thought itself made him feel ridiculous. How could the powerful President Fei possibly be pitiful?

The two of them didn’t speak a word on the way back. The only difference this time was that Fei Xiangnan stopped the car at the corner of the street where Xiao Fang was staying.

“Go on. Get some rest,” Fei Xiangnan said, staring straight ahead, not even glancing at Xiao Fang’s face.

Xiao Fang managed a dry “mm” and slowly got out of the car. The moment he closed the door, the engine roared to life and the car sped away.

A knot of frustration tightened in Xiao Fang’s chest, but he knew he had no reason to vent it. He could only head back to the hotel alone.

It was almost ten o’clock, and the pedestrians on the street were thinning out. Xiao Fang rarely had moments like this to himself. Except for when he was sleeping, he was always surrounded by Xiao Ma and other colleagues, laughing and joking. He remembered the last time he went out with Fei Xiangnan, he had ended up staying at his place. He had even said they would enjoy the rooftop cafe once the rain stopped. And that soft, comfortable bed.

Xiao Fang’s thoughts began to drift after just a few steps. He shook his head. What was he thinking? It was more practical to look at the pictures of his baby.

Wait, where were the pictures?

Xiao Fang stared at his empty hands, a slow daze setting in. He had forgotten to take them.

***

Fei Xiangnan stopped at a red light, his face a cold mask, his heart a tangle of emotions. He didn’t know why he was so angry, but he couldn’t seem to let it go. The headlights of an oncoming car turning a corner swept into his vehicle. Out of the corner of his eye, Fei Xiangnan caught a glimpse of the lone bag of photos lying on the passenger seat. He suddenly remembered the pregnancy snacks he had brought back for him from abroad.

Looking at the colorful city lights outside, Fei Xiangnan gripped the steering wheel.

***

After a short walk, Xiao Fang finally saw the hotel entrance. He tried to compose his expression. So what if the boss was angry? Could a lowly employee like him dare to be angry at the boss? He needed to adjust his attitude. Que Jiang had even prepared a late-night snack for him; he couldn’t eat it in such a foul mood.

Beep!

A car horn sounded beside him. Xiao Fang turned his head and saw the driver’s side window slowly roll down, revealing Fei Xiangnan’s handsome face.

“You forgot the pictures. Also, the pregnancy snacks I bought for you on my business trip abroad. Take them,” Fei Xiangnan said, passing the items out the window.

Xiao Fang took a bag in each hand, his eyes suddenly feeling hot.

“President Fei, can you just listen to me for a moment, please?”

Fei Xiangnan hesitated for a second but didn’t cruelly refuse.

“It’s true that Da Bao might not appear much in my future plans.”

Such a blunt truth instantly worsened Fei Xiangnan’s mood, but his competitive nature wouldn’t allow him to admit defeat so easily. “Of course. That’s something we both understand.”

Xiao Fang looked at him anxiously. “But, I will still love him very much. He’s my first child. Even if I can’t wear matching outfits with him or go out and play with him whenever I want, I will still love him very much. I would never act as if this child doesn’t exist. I, really…” Xiao Fang’s words trailed off, unsure of how to continue.

He was an orphan himself and knew the pain of abandonment. He would never let himself become that kind of person.

Fei Xiangnan’s eyes were downcast, and he said nothing.

“President Fei, I really didn’t mean anything else. And you promised that you’d let me see Da Bao when you have time in the future.”

Fei Xiangnan nodded, his indifferent face showing no emotion. “I understand what you mean. The weather is getting warmer, but you still need to take care of yourself. It’s late, get some rest. I’ll watch you go in.”

Xiao Fang’s mouth moved, but in the end, he just bowed, took his things, and went into the hotel. Fei Xiangnan sat in the car, watching him the whole time, watching his figure grow blurrier until it finally disappeared into a patch of light.

It’s true that Da Bao might not appear much in my future plans, huh?

No Da Bao meant no him.

It was actually fine. It was normal. In his world, what was the point of genuine affection?

Fei Xiangnan’s long eyelashes cast a shadow on his face, just like the emptiness in his heart. He started the car and drove away.

***

Xiao Fang used his key card to open the door, inserted it into the power slot, and was met with an empty, lifeless room. It was obvious Xiao Ma and the others hadn’t returned. It made sense; it was Zhang Hang’s wrap party. Knowing how much he loved to have fun, there was no way they would be back this early.

Xiao Fang put down his things. Just as he was about to lie down on the bed, he noticed the bulging bag. A thought stirred in his mind, and he opened it.

The packaging was covered in a string of illegible English. From the pictures, he could tell they were various dried fruits, milk tablets, cookies, and some milk tea powder. There were almost no repeats, and everything looked delicious.

Xiao Fang closed the bag and lay down weakly on the bed. He had a feeling that Fei Xiangnan had wanted to do more than just take him for a check-up today. He had probably wanted to have a proper talk with him.

Xiao Fang closed his eyes. He had gotten carried away today and said something that provoked him. Fei Xiangnan was actually a very lonely person. He knew what it was like growing up in a family like that. Everyone has a shell they hide in, not wanting others to know their true selves. Fei Xiangnan was no different, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t overthink things.

Xiao Fang’s eyelashes trembled. He curled himself into a ball, his thin shoulder blades seeming to cry out powerlessly in the air.

For the next few days, Xiao Fang’s mood remained low, which made Xiao Ma constantly suspicious. Finally, he couldn’t help but ask.

“Brother Xiao, are you lonely now that Zhang Hang is gone? Did you two actually develop feelings for each other from arguing? It’s just the nature of the job. You can always message him.”

Xiao Fang gave him a helpless look. What was he thinking?

“No, you’re overthinking it.”

Xiao Ma gave him a thoughtful look. “Then you must have fought with your boyfriend.”

Xiao Fang didn’t say anything, just silently drank his yam soup.

Xiao Ma didn’t think much of it and continued his monologue. “I knew your boyfriend was angry that day. Que Jiang didn’t believe me, but can my judgment be wrong?”

Xiao Fang looked at him, confused. “Angry? What do you mean?”

Xiao Ma gave him a mysterious look and a sly grin. “Didn’t Zhang Hang kiss you that day? Hey, brother, it’s not that I’m trying to criticize you, but if I were your boyfriend, I wouldn’t be happy about it either.”

A flash of panic crossed Xiao Fang’s eyes. “He saw?”

“Yep!” Xiao Ma said with absolute certainty.

“Young Master Xiao, don’t overthink it. President Fei isn’t the type to hold grudges over small things,” Que Jiang tried to comfort him from the side, shooting a glare at Xiao Ma, who meekly lowered his head.

Xiao Fang didn’t seem to hear him, just murmured softly, “He has every right to be angry. It was my fault for running my mouth.”

It seemed there really was a conflict. Que Jiang had done all sorts of jobs, but comforting people was the one thing he was bad at. President Fei hadn’t messaged him to ask about Xiao Fang these past few days, and Xiao Fang hadn’t asked about Fei Xiangnan’s situation either. It looked like the two of them were really at odds.

“Xiao Fang, I got the part!” A joyous shriek came from outside the door.

The three of them looked over and saw Wen An’an running in happily, holding up her phone.

“What did you get into that’s made you so happy?” Xiao Fang looked over, a mature smile on his face.

This switch was so seamless that even Que Jiang had to admire it. One moment he was moping like a teenager after a lover’s spat, and the next he was like a mature older brother guiding someone else. If nothing else, Que Jiang truly admired Xiao Fang’s work ethic. In this regard, he was very similar to Fei Xiangnan. No matter what happened in his personal life, he was still invincible at work.

Wen An’an was becoming more and more like a child in front of Xiao Fang. It was probably because Xiao Fang’s acting was excellent, his overall qualities were high, and most importantly, he was willing to spare some effort to look out for her.

“The role I auditioned for had already been cast, right? But today, Director Ruan’s assistant called and told me that the actress had to drop out because she took a lead role in another project. He said I’m his top choice now and told me to work hard,” Wen An’an said, as happy as a child. Having been exposed to the entertainment industry since she was young, she certainly knew the weight Director Ruan’s name carried. She was absolutely thrilled.

Xiao Fang was genuinely happy for her. He extended a friendly hand. “Congratulations. Let’s keep working hard together on the next project.”

Wen An’an’s face flushed with excitement as she shook his hand. “Thank you for your guidance.”

Xiao Fang smiled. “I just moved my lips a little. Only those who truly put in the effort will succeed. By the way, to celebrate you getting the role, I’ll treat you to dinner tonight.”

Wen An’an looked at him with mock jealousy. “You evil rich second-generation kid~”

Xiao Fang winked at her. “If you can’t stand it, then hurry up and come exploit me.”

Wen An’an laughed and started playfully roughhousing with Xiao Fang.

Standing to the side, Xiao Ma was truly impressed. He admired his Brother Xiao more and more. At the beginning, Wen An’an was such a difficult woman to deal with, but now he had her completely tamed, as docile as a little bird.

“An’an, the director is calling for you.”

Wen An’an called back in a loud voice, “I have to go, the director is calling me.”

Xiao Fang nodded.

Seeing that Xiao Fang’s mood had improved, Xiao Ma waited until Wen An’an left before sidling up to him. “Brother Xiao, where are you planning to have dinner tonight? I’ll go book a table.”

Xiao Fang sat down in his chair and dejectedly picked up his yam soup, as if he hadn’t heard Xiao Ma at all. Even the little tuft of hair on his head had stopped sticking up.

“Brother, Brother Xiao, weren’t you in a good mood just now?” Xiao Ma asked tentatively, only to feel a pat on his shoulder from Que Jiang.

“Young Master Xiao, the boss’s birthday is in seven days. Usually, his family doesn’t bother with his birthday, and he won’t go out of his way to tell his friends. His only close friend is busy chasing someone right now, so if the boss doesn’t remind him, he probably won’t remember. I think you could go and celebrate with him. It’s his twenty-eighth birthday this year,” Que Jiang said smoothly and calmly.

Xiao Fang stirred his yam soup, his expression unchanged. “What are you talking about? Why would President Fei want to see me? I’ll just send him a gift to show my regards.”

Que Jiang said no more, but a glint of cunning flashed in his eyes.