Burn Out - Chapter 79

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By the end of the meal, everyone was chatting. Xiao Xi was talking with Qiu Dan, while Ji Ting occasionally replied to Tan Yucheng’s messages on her phone. He didn’t send many messages, just a few from time to time.

It was already quite late when the gathering ended.

Xiao Xi, however, was still full of energy, pulling Qiu Dan onto the sofa to look through photo albums.

The housekeeper was tidying up the dining table.

The high-rise apartment was quiet, lit by soft lights, creating a warm atmosphere. Ji Ting sat on the armrest, watching Xiao Xi flip through photos she had seen before, mostly from earlier years.

There were pictures of Tan Yucheng from when he was young, during middle school, and high school.

He had always looked cool and aloof from kindergarten. Ji Ting had actually seen him a few times in middle school. Although they weren’t in the same class and were quite far apart, she once had to clean up. When the trash can from her class was missing, she carried the trash bag across the school to the first-class area. As she walked down the stairs, she saw a few boys talking at the bottom, and he was among them, leaning against the wall in a nonchalant manner.

Ji Ting went downstairs and passed by them, throwing the trash bag into the trash can at the stairwell.

He was actually quite recognizable, primarily because he had consistently been at the top of the rankings along with Fu Yan, and also because of his looks.

Ji Ting snapped out of her thoughts with a yawn. Leaning against Xiao Xi, she said, “Auntie Xiao, Mom, I’m going to bed now.”

Xiao Xi, engrossed in the photo album, turned around and patted her arm, “Go ahead. Your pajamas and skincare products are still here, and you’re still staying in the master bedroom.”

Ji Ting nodded, grabbed her phone, and went back to her room.

Qiu Dan had drunk quite a bit but wasn’t drunk, just a little sluggish. Suddenly remembering that Tan Yucheng had a girlfriend, she instinctively grabbed Xiao Xi’s hand and said, “Ji Ting should stay in the guest room, she can’t always stay in the master bedroom.”

Xiao Xi glared at her, “The guest room is currently occupied by Yucheng. Are you suggesting that she move in there?”

Qiu Dan was momentarily taken aback.

Xiao Xi continued, “Besides, the master bedroom is full of Tingting’s things. You can’t just ask her to move out on a whim, can you?”

Qiu Dan pressed her lips together.

She thought about how to handle things properly tomorrow. She held Xiao Xi’s hand and tilted her head, asking, “Did Yucheng tell you he has a girlfriend?”

Xiao Xi was taken aback, her heart skipped a beat, wondering if she had been discovered. She quickly replied, “He didn’t mention it. Did he tell you?”

Qiu Dan looked slightly surprised and nodded, “He mentioned it to Old Ji.”

“What did he say?”

Qiu Dan repeated Ji Lindong’s words. Xiao Xi immediately understood why Tan Yucheng had brought it up, but she hadn’t expected it to backfire. She held Qiu Dan’s hand and said, “Have you considered that Yucheng was just giving a heads-up? He hasn’t fully committed yet, but his attitude shows he’s a faithful person.”

Qiu Dan thought for a moment.

She did feel that Yucheng didn’t seem like the type to play with women. Perhaps because of his character, he wouldn’t even bother, as he could easily get what he wanted.

If he had acted this way earlier, Xiao Xi wouldn’t be so at ease.

She nodded and said, “I trust Yucheng.”

“Exactly,” Xiao Xi said, taking a sip of water and picking up a tablet while still holding Qiu Dan’s hand. “But looks can’t be changed. Good-looking guys always have more women around them. Isn’t that the case with Old Ji and Old Tan? Ha, are you going to disfigure Old Ji’s face?”

Qiu Dan replied, “I would if I could, but I would have done it long ago.”

“Well, we haven’t done that, and honestly, we were also attracted to their looks, even though they’re old now.” Xiao Xi laughed.

Seeing how well Xiao Xi took care of herself, Qiu Dan said, “You’re not old. Don’t belittle yourself in front of me.”

Xiao Xi laughed heartily, “And you’re not?”

Qiu Dan also started laughing.

Xiao Xi swiped away the tablet, which still had many photos on it.

The tablet contained photos from various family gatherings, all carefully preserved by Xiao Xi. There were pictures of barbecues, where Ji Ting was getting the barbecue while Tan Yucheng handed it to her.

There were also photos of Ji Ting being pulled onto a rock, unable to get down, and Tan Yucheng lending her a hand to help her down.

Another set of photos showed Ji Ting walking barefoot in the sea while Tan Yucheng lounged in a chair, sipping fruit wine and casually watching the seaside, including pictures of him looking at Ji Ting.

Each photo was carefully selected by Xiao Xi.

As she flipped through the album, she said, “The kids have really gotten along well these past few years.”

“Like you said, it’s like a brother and sister.”

She looked at Qiu Dan.

Qiu Dan, looking at the photos, remembered many moments. Unconsciously, there had developed some intangible bond between Ji Ting and Tan Yucheng. Seeing Qiu Dan’s expression, Xiao Xi said with a smile, “You know, what if in the future, when the kids each have their own families, Yucheng can still be like an older brother? Will Tingting still be able to naturally interact with Yucheng?”

Qiu Dan remained silent.

Having had some drinks, her thoughts were a bit looser and more sentimental.

Xiao Xi sighed, “After all, they’re not real siblings. Sooner or later, they’ll grow farther apart because of their own families.”

Qiu Dan sipped her drink.

Her voice was soft, “There’s nothing that can be done about that.”

Xiao Xi smiled and nodded, continuing to flip through the photos. “If they both have families, I don’t know how things will be for us. We might only be able to have gatherings with just the four of us old folks.”

Qiu Dan glanced at Xiao Xi, “You’re getting sentimental again.”

Xiao Xi looked at her, “I really do. I like Tingting a lot and don’t want her to become someone else’s daughter-in-law at all.”

Hearing this, Qiu Dan’s heart tightened. Perhaps it was Xiao Xi’s sincere expression at that moment. Qiu Dan took the tablet, closed it, and said, “Instead of dwelling on this, why not ask Yucheng who his ideal woman is? He hasn’t even mentioned it to you.”

Xiao Xi replied, “It’s not about Tingting. I’m too lazy to find out.”

Qiu Dan put the tablet back on the table and glanced at Xiao Xi. “Weren’t you working hard to introduce girlfriends to Yucheng before?”

Xiao Xi said with resignation, “That was all pointless. If he doesn’t like them, no matter how many I introduce, it won’t work.”

Qiu Dan thought, “That’s true.”

“Let’s go. Time to sleep.” Xiao Xi stood up and motioned for Qiu Dan to rest.

Qiu Dan helped Xiao Xi up and followed her. They both went to their respective rooms to sleep. While showering, Qiu Dan thought Xiao Xi’s words from tonight seemed to have hidden meanings, but she remembered how the kids had once said something was impossible and felt she might be overthinking.

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The next day.

Ji Ting slept well but got up early. The two mothers were even earlier and had already finished breakfast and gone downstairs for a walk. After quickly finishing her own breakfast, Ji Ting drove to Zhuoyue’s store.

As for Qiu Dan, she went to the supermarket with Xiao Xi.

Xiao Xi had nothing to do and even helped Qiu Dan with the checkout at the supermarket. Standing at the register, she looked like the boss despite her pampered life.

The following day.

Early in the morning, Ji Ting didn’t go to Zhuoyue, and the two mothers didn’t go out either. Ji Lindong had also arrived at Tianyu the previous night. After breakfast, they all sat together on the sofa in the small living room.

The TV was on.

Ji Ting was still holding a bowl of fruit salad.

Tan Hui’s company arranged for a live broadcast of the listing ceremony of Huixin Construction.

It was directly broadcasted on TV.

Tan Hui, rarely wearing glasses, looked refined and scholarly. Tan Yucheng wasn’t on camera. When Tan Hui went on stage, he adjusted his glasses, took the bell-ringing hammer, and struck it with a clang.

As the bell rang,

Huixin Construction was successfully listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Xiao Xi sighed with relief and relaxed.

Qiu Dan smiled and said, “Congratulations, it’s a successful listing.”

Xiao Xi laughed and embraced Qiu Dan, saying, “Thank you.”

Ji Ting, smiling, leaned in and also offered her congratulations. The more Xiao Xi looked at Ji Ting, the more she liked her, and she hugged Ji Ting. Ji Ting, being embraced by Xiao Xi, smiled and returned the hug. Ji Lindong, extremely excited, took a video of the scene with his phone and posted it on social media to show off.

An old friend’s company going public was a huge event.

Ji Ting smiled as she sat on the sofa and sent a message to the profile with the black avatar.

Ji Ting: Congratulations.

Tan: Mm-hmm.

Ji Ting: I didn’t see you there?

Tan: I’m in the audience.

Ji Ting: Uncle must be very happy, right?

Tan: Mm.

Tan: I’ll be back in the afternoon.

Ji Ting: Okay.

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Xiao Xi, feeling happy, used her phone to say that they would be back in the afternoon and that they should prepare a good meal to welcome them. She also asked Ji Ting and Qiu Dan to help buy groceries. Ji Lindong, the only male present at the moment, decided to drive to the supermarket to handle some work and pick up a few bottles of good wine. He returned around 3:30 p.m.

In the morning, Ji Ting had been taken to the market by Qiu Dan and Xiao Xi, where they bought a lot of vegetables. In the afternoon, the two mothers crowded in the kitchen, preparing ingredients and chatting. Ji Ting, unable to join them in the kitchen, was handling inventory documents for the two stores in the small living room. Qiu Dan and Xiao Xi prepared cold cucumber salad and came out to get chopsticks, handing a piece to Ji Ting, who was just starting to eat.

There was a noise at the door, and it opened.

Ji Ting and Qiu Dan instinctively moved towards the entrance.

Tan Yucheng, wearing a white shirt and long pants, with his sleeves rolled up and carrying a laptop bag, entered just in time to meet Ji Ting’s gaze. After not seeing him for a few days, Ji Ting found herself a bit stunned.

His voice was low and lazy: “Hmm?”

Ji Ting snapped back to reality. Behind Tan Yucheng, Tan Hui also entered. Ji Ting quickly greeted them, and Xiao Xi rushed over with an “oh” to welcome them. Qiu Dan smiled and said, “You came back just in time. We just finished making cold cucumber salad.”

Tan Hui, smiling, took the chopsticks from Xiao Xi to try the salad. He glanced at Ji Ting and said with a smile, “Did Tingting try it?”

Ji Ting nodded and replied with a smile, “Yes, I tried it.”

She glanced at Tan Yucheng, who had put down his laptop bag and was given a serving of the salad by the housekeeper. As he ate a piece of cucumber, Ji Ting noticed a mark on his collar, which looked like a tattoo.

Unsure and her heart racing, she glanced at him and decided to head to the small living room. As she walked past him, Tan Yucheng’s gaze locked onto her, and he shifted slightly to block her path.

The housekeeper, seeing this, hesitated for a moment before smiling and leaving with the plate of cucumber.

Tan Yucheng looked down at her and asked, “Aren’t you going to call anyone?”

Ji Ting raised her eyes, “Call you for what?”

“What do you think?”

Ji Ting’s ears turned slightly red, and she ignored him.

Tan Yucheng’s voice was very low, “Wash your hands in the master bedroom.”

With that, he turned and walked inside.

Ji Ting stood still for a moment, blinking. She looked back at the two mothers and father talking in the living room, then bit her lip. She straightened her laptop in the small living room, closed it, and carried it towards the master bedroom. As she walked down the corridor, her heart raced. She turned the door handle and went in.

Tan Yucheng had already washed his hands and was leaning against the bedroom door frame with his arms crossed, watching her enter.

Ji Ting closed the door behind her, placed the laptop on a nearby cabinet, and then walked toward him. As she got close, Tan Yucheng reached out and wrapped his arms around her waist, burying his face in her neck and holding her close. “Let me hold you.”

Ji Ting hesitated for a moment before wrapping her arms around his neck.

She buried her face in his shoulder and noticed the tattoo on his neck.

It was a word “Ting.”

Ji Ting touched the tattoo with her fingertips and asked, “What’s the tattoo for?”

“What do you think it is?”

Tan Yucheng held her tighter, his voice muffled as he replied.

Ji Ting’s heartbeat quickened.

She was wearing a shirt and a knee-length skirt today. The shirt was soft, and the skirt accentuated her figure. Tan Yucheng tilted his head and kissed her neck. Ji Ting shivered slightly and tilted her head back. Her shirt had a slight opening, with a V-neck, and Tan Yucheng kissed along her neck and bit her button. Ji Ting instinctively clutched at his shirt.

As she lowered her gaze, Tan Yucheng covered her lips with his own.

His fingertips moved to unfasten her buttons.

Ji Ting was pinned against the door, her body trembling lightly. Tan Yucheng kissed her lips, holding her long legs and said, “I thought about it when I got the tattoo.”

Ji Ting instinctively pushed at his shoulder.

Her voice was very soft, “We’re at home!”

She reminded him.

Tan Yucheng reached out and locked the door.

Click.

Then he kissed her lips again.

Later, in the spacious master bedroom, the breeze slightly lifted the curtains by the bay window, causing them to brush against the chair. The figures against the door moved rhythmically, and Ji Ting’s long, fair legs occasionally came into view.

In a daze.

Suddenly, there was a noise outside the door—not too loud, but it startled Ji Ting awake. With teary eyes, she glared at him. Tan Yucheng took a deep breath, bit her lip, and whispered, “Aunt Qiu is asking you something. Answer her.”

Ji Ting couldn’t believe it.

Qiu Dan’s voice sounded outside again, “Tingting? Are you resting?”

Ji Ting gritted her teeth and, turning her head toward the door, replied, “Mom, I’m handling some work for the store…”

He continued, ignoring that she was still speaking.

Ji Ting’s words trailed off, and she bit her teeth hard, trying to keep quiet.

Qiu Dan paused for a moment after hearing this and said, “Alright, finish up and come out. Yucheng seems to be resting too.”

Ji Ting responded with a sound.

Tan Yucheng buried his face in her neck and chuckled softly.

Ji Ting bit her teeth and pushed him.

But he didn’t move.

After Qiu Dan walked away,

He became even more audacious.

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When Qiu Dan returned to the living room, Ji Lindong had just arrived. Qiu Dan stood with her arms crossed for a moment. Xiao Xi came up and put her arm around Qiu Dan’s shoulders, “What’s wrong?”

Qiu Dan frowned slightly, looked at Xiao Xi, and said, “I don’t know what Ji Ting is doing. She went to her room to work just a few minutes after coming in. Why couldn’t she do it in the living room?”

Xiao Xi raised an eyebrow and glanced toward the hallway.

She said, “Tingting was busy with the store inventory this afternoon. There are two stores, so there must be a lot to do. And it’s not even time for dinner yet. The four of us can chat while she’s giving us some space.”

Qiu Dan thought for a moment and nodded in agreement.

Then she said, “Yucheng also looks quite tired.”

Tan Hui adjusted his glasses and said, “Of course he’s tired. In Hong Kong, he handled most of the work, and the company executives reported everything to him.”

Ji Lindong looked at Tan Hui and asked, “What about you?”

Tan Hui sighed, “I caught a cold as soon as I arrived in Hong Kong.”

Xiao Xi stepped forward and touched his forehead, “Are you better now?”

“I’m fine now. I even thought that if I couldn’t manage, I’d let Yucheng ring the bell for me.”

Xiao Xi clicked her tongue, “You just like to overwork him. Do you know how busy he was in the second half of last year?”

“My son can’t be considered overworked! Isn’t it all going to be his in the future?” Tan Hui retorted.

Xiao Xi rolled her eyes.

Qiu Dan quickly intervened, “Alright, you two, stop arguing.”

Ji Lindong chimed in, “Exactly. Let Yucheng rest for a while, and Ji Ting too. We can chat and have dinner a bit later.”

Qiu Dan nodded.

“I’ll go start making the soup.”

She turned towards the kitchen.

—

The master bedroom’s bathroom was filled with steam.

The sink was a bit messy. Ji Ting, in a nightgown, was carried by him to the edge of the bed. She stepped out of his embrace and stood barefoot in front of him, her fingertips tracing the tattoo on his neck.

Tan Yucheng was only wearing long pants, his hands resting on the bed, looking up at her.

Ji Ting softly asked, “What made you decide to get a tattoo?”

Tan Yucheng raised a hand to wrap around her soft waist, pulling her closer. Ji Ting’s knees touched the edge of the bed, and she looked down at him. Tan Yucheng, in a lazy voice, said, “I saw Fu Yan’s tattoo and thought it was alright.”

Ji Ting laughed, cupping his face with both hands and kissing his lips.

Tan Yucheng’s neck was really a good spot for a tattoo.

She just didn’t expect it to be her name.

Ting (听)

Like a brand.

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