“No!”
Gu Yuanhang’s voice was soft holding a tenderness Su Xingci had never heard from him before. “You do not understand.”
He shook his head fingers brushing the pale pink fabric then sighed heavily full of helplessness.
Zhao Zhigang stared at him eyes widening in shock. “Damn Old Gu what is going on That is not the right reaction at all” He leaned in voice dropping brimming with gossip. “You have got someone else have not you”
Gu Yuanhang stayed silent neither confirming nor denying. He just turned his gaze toward the scarves behind the counter lost in thought. After a moment he spoke almost to himself. “She is coming back.”
Zhao Zhigang blinked. “Who”
“I have waited all these years.” Gu Yuanhang’s voice trembled barely audible. “She called yesterday. Pink peonies have always been her favorite.” He lifted the scarf pointing to the embroidery. “The pattern she will love it.”
Zhao Zhigang’s mouth fell open and stayed that way. He stared in disbelief. “Bai Miaomiao”
Gu Yuanhang did not answer silence was answer enough.
“You have lost your mind” Zhao Zhigang grabbed his arm alarmed. “What about the girl you are seeing now Did not her father entrust her to you”
“Stop” Gu Yuanhang cut him off sharply folding the scarf and handing it to the clerk. “I will take this.”
He paid took the scarf and frowned. “I will figure it out. One step at a time. I never thought Miaomiao would come back now.”
Hidden behind the coats Su Xingci dug her nails into her palms until they stung but that pain was nothing compared to the ache inside her chest. Her stomach churned. Disgust. Utterly sickening.
What did he mean he never thought What did he mean take it as it comes Three years all secrecy and devotion and to him it was nothing but an accident a nuisance to be disposed of whenever convenient. What was she A backup A pastime Just something to pass the time while waiting for his beloved
Su Xingci smiled sharp and bitter. Gu Yuanhang what a true romantic hero. Spared no effort for his precious love. If that is the role he wants so badly then she would help him play it perfectly.
“Ugh Fine looking on the outside but a Chen Shimei at heart” Liu Hongyan’s face flamed red with fury. She rolled up her sleeves ready to storm forward. “That is despicable If I were his girlfriend I would slap him twice right there”
She started forward but Su Xingci caught her arm cold to the touch yet iron strong. “Two slaps are too easy.” Su Xingci’s tone was calm every word edged with frost. “People like him need to hurt where it matters.”
Liu Hongyan paused turning wide eyed. “Xingci you are the one”
Su Xingci did not deny it. She smoothed her collar and lifted a smile beautiful yet chilling. “Come on then. Since we are here we really ought to say hello to my dear uncle.” She stressed the last three words deliberately and stepped out from behind the racks.
Gu Yuanhang had just tucked the scarf into his bag as Zhao Zhigang teased him about keeping secrets. He turned with a smile still lingering and froze face to face with Su Xingci.
“Xingci” He instinctively moved the bag behind him flustered. “What are you doing here”
“Why should not I be here” Su Xingci stepped closer smiling slipping her arm through his easily. “Fancy meeting you here Uncle Gu Are you shopping too”
His heart sank. Something was very wrong. She never showed affection in public before why now And Uncle Gu
“Yes.” He forced a smile trying to pull free. “Just browsing with my comrade.”
“Just browsing” Her smile brightened voice carrying clearly to everyone nearby. “Uncle Gu such wonderful taste That scarf was lovely is it for me”
Gu Yuanhang went completely still. How long had she been standing there Did she hear everything Zhao Zhigang gaped looking from one to the other. It was awkward if it were him he would have expected a slap or two by now. Clerks and shoppers turned to watch.
Sweat broke out on Gu Yuanhang’s forehead. If he said yes what about Miaomiao Scarves like this were rare and there was only one in pink. Even if there were two Miaomiao would be furious if she found out. If he said no how explain buying a gift for another woman right in front of her They were still together. Her father was still stationed here. No matter what he answered he was trapped
All Su Xingci’s fault she was always so obedient before He had told her not to be too familiar in public Later he would teach her proper manners she would learn to behave If she would not listen then he would not be so gentle anymore
His throat went dry and he could barely speak.