Chapter 31 – Being together

 

After days of non-stop heavy rain, the business group from country X came to the airport. Riddled with lightning and thunder, they couldn’t tell if they would be able to fly back in this weather.

 

Aisha was not depressed because of the bad weather. Instead, she was happy as she had finished what she had sought out to do. She was about to talk to Xing Zhongwan but was stopped by Xue Qing, “Don’t go to him at this time, he’s in a bad mood.”

 

Aisha snorted, looking at his tall and straight back not far away, she spread her arms out helplessly, “We may not be able to fly today.”

 

Xue Qing looked at her watch, “Let’s wait for the notice.”

 

As they were talking, two familiar figures walked over from the entrance. It was Zhong Gang and Shen Congxin.

 

Shen Congxin trotted over, “It’s raining really hard outside and probably impossible to fly in this weather.”

 

“Why are you here?” Xue Qing raised her eyebrows, a little unhappy.

 

Shen Congxin rubbed his hands aggrievedly, “I am still the vice president in name, it’s not surprising for me to send a partner off. Though I’m mostly here to send Zhongwan bro off.”

 

After speaking, he tilted his head and searched for Xing Zhongwan’s figure who was standing alone.

 

Xue Qing beckoned to Shen Congxin as he bent down obediently. Xue Qing then pinched his ear, “Don’t bother him.”

 

“Ouch. It hurts, sis. It hurts!”

 

Zhong Gang couldn’t stand it any longer, “Don’t bully others, are you still a child?”

 

Xue Qing let go, “That’s just what you think. What do you mean by child? Laoniang was already at the negotiating table when I was his age. How could such a powerful person have raised such a useless thing that only knows how to eat?”

 

Shen Congxin felt that he was even more wronged. It was not like he didn’t want to be good at it

 

In the corner of his eyes, he searched for Xing Zhongwan. There was something he wanted to say to Xing Zhongwan, but he didn’t know how to say it.

 

Xing Zhongwan rested his chin with one hand and looked at the heavy rain outside. He had not been at peace all day. He took out his phone and looked at the familiar number. He wanted to press it several times but held back.

 

As his thoughts were racing, he had always felt that something was amiss with Qi Yun. With one hand in the pocket of his coat, he flipped the lighter inside, stretched his neck and looked at the ceiling above the airport. He paced back and forth several times, but his heart only beat faster and faster.

 

“Zhongwan bro!” Shen Congxin called out, causing him to lower his head and look in the direction of the voice. Right in front of him was a huge display in the waiting hall. It was originally broadcasting some advertisements but had suddenly stopped.

 

A notification suddenly appeared on his phone. Xing Zhongwan took it out and took a look before his eyes suddenly widened. He quickly clicked on the video.

 

Xing Zhongwan was very familiar with the subject of the video. It was the old housekeeper in the suburban villa. Xing Zhongwan’s hand trembled while holding the phone, what did he say? That President Qi maintained a close relationship with a man during his illness. The next few photos that appeared were of two people hugging each other on the terrace of Xishan. Both were in an intimate posture. Qi Yun was clearly photographed but the photo did not reveal Xing Zhongwan’s face at all.

 

Xing Zhongwan took a deep breath, raised his hand and rubbed his head. His originally neat bangs were all messed up.

 

Several people present all looked at Xing Zhongwan in horror. Only Aisha could not understand Chinese, but she could understand a little by looking at the pictures. She took her mobile phone and asked Xue Qing, “Xue, what does this mean?

 

If she still had any strength left to answer her, it would be with two words. It’s over.

 

Shen Congxin opened his mouth and his eyes were red, “What? How is this possible? Those were not the photos from before?”

 

Xue Qing looked at him suddenly, “What did you say? Photos from before?”

 

Suddenly he heard a loud noise. Xing Zhongwan had swept the potted plant by the bench to the ground and everyone was stunned. Xing Zhongwan was panting heavily, his eyes blood red.

 

Just as Shen Congxin was about to speak, he saw that the news broadcast live on the screen at the airport had been stopped. It was replaced with a press conference.

 

The subject of interest was Qi Yun.

 

Xing Zhongwan raised his bloodshot eyes and watched Qi Yun surrounded by reporters calmly admitting to the sudden scandal without any rebuttal. He also apologized to the public for the adverse effects of the incident. However, the most shocking news was yet to come. Qi Yun stood up and bowed to the screen. “Because of the adverse effects of this incident, I hereby officially announce my resignation.”

 

In his hand was a resignation application and it has already received approval from the General Affairs Office. There was an uproar in the audience for a while and the reporters present were so shocked that they didn’t know what to ask for a while.

 

Whatever was said next, Xing Zhongwan couldn’t listen anymore. He clenched his fists and walked quickly to Shen Congxin and lifted his collar. With great strength, he directly lifted the little Shen Congxin up, “What’s going on? Resign!? Explain it clearly!”

 

Shen Congxin had never seen such a crazy Xing Zhongwan, tears streaming down, “I don’t know, Zhongwan bro. What I saw were not those pictures. The ones who threatened the eldest cousin obviously did not use those. I was also surprised when my eldest cousin asked me to help him write his resignation application.”.

 

Shen Congxin grabbed his collar, “This is not right, but if my big cousin won’t let me say it, and I won’t dare tell you anything either. I really didn’t know that he would hold a press conference today and admit everything.”

 

Shen Congxin squatted down before holding his head and crying.

 

The flush on Xing Zhongwan’s face slowly faded and he was stunned. His chest was heaving violently and Qi Yun’s words before parting suddenly flashed in his mind, “Wanwan, do you still remember what I said to you in Jiangnan?”

 

When the two met for the first time after five years, Qi Yun also asked him this.

 

What words? What did Qi Yun say in Jiangnan?

 

Fragments from five years ago flashed through Xing Zhongwan’s mind. Jiangnan, the resort center, the lake, the bridge… On the bridge, Xing Zhongwan’s eyes suddenly widened.

 

Qi Yun was born with many things so he can’t help but to participate in this game. If I don’t fight, I am not qualified to stand by your side. I promise you, I’ll get off the operating table this time. If you are willing, can you stay with me?

 

I can go with you…

 

Xing Zhongwan staggered back two steps in a daze. Qi Yun, that’s what you meant, so this decision…you already made up your mind five years ago, didn’t you?

 

Why? To this day, how much effort have you put in to get nothing?

 

Shen Congxin, who was squatting on the ground, looked at Xing Zhongwan with tears in his eyes,

 

“How tired my cousin has been in recent years. I have watched it all these years. But he has no choice. In order to find you, he has to walk on a road he doesn’t like. In those few years, he was going crazy looking for you but the information he could find was limited and it was all secret. For the future, he has worked so hard for so many years to get you back. He couldn’t sleep well every night and took a lot of sleeping pills. Just to hold your hand, he only relaxed after. It’s bitter. My origins are humble and though outsiders say that he is ruthless, what do they know? He has protected me, a stinky boy who he has no blood relationship with until now, just because my godmother entrusted me to him. He… In the end, he has to put the blame of all his mistakes on himself. After discussing for half a lifetime, he left such a dilapidated body. When it rains in the winter, his joints hurt and he can’t sleep. Yet, he wanders around the house looking for your shadow. He… Qi Yun is a fool, a fool who hollowed himself out for you.”

 

Shen Congxin’s words pierced into Xing Zhongwan’s heart like a sharp knife. He raised his hand to cover his cold forehead, grabbed the car key in Zhong Gang’s hand and rushed out.

 

Xue Qing looked at Shen Congxin in disbelief, “You said that Qi Yun was looking for Lao Xing all these years?”

 

Xue Qing was about to get off the wheelchair in a hurry, but was held down by Zhong Gang, “What are you doing? Your injury is still not healed.” 

 

Xue Qing pointed to the outside, “Injury?! It’s just a minor injury. Hurry up and chase after him! At this time, Lao Xing…! Let’s stop talking, take me to the parking lot.”     

 

Zhong Gang thought about it and pushed Xue Qing’s wheelchair but was stopped by Aisha, “Take me.”     

 

Xue Qing was anxious, ” I don’t know what to do if Lao Xing just rushes out like this.”     

 

Aisha pointed to herself, “If something really happens, my identity will be of use.”

 

Xue Qing didn’t have time to think about it. The three hurried out of the waiting hall.     

 

As Qi Yun left the press conference, his secretary in the lounge handed him a bottle of water. Qi Yun shook his head, leaned back against the back of the chair, looked at the front, raised his hand and glanced at the time. He should be on the plane by now.    

 

“Sir, there are a lot of reporters at the door. Shall we go out through the back door?”    

 

Qi Yun’s face was dark and his secretary was a little worried. He could imagine how many embarrassing and acerbic questions they would be asked if he confronted reporters head-on.  

 

Qi Yun stood up slowly, “Let’s go through the front door, we won’t be able to avoid it.” 

 

The secretary sighed, “I’ll arrange for more bodyguards.”     

 

Opening the door of the lounge, Qi Yun walked straight through the corridor and walked out of the conference room. There were security guards outside the hall so nothing could go wrong. The moment the door was opened, countless flashes came over.     

 

“President Qi, is the man in the video the royal heir to the X country’s media corporation?”

 

“President Qi, for this scandal to break out before the election. Did you take the blame and resign to protect the other person in the video’s identity?”

 

“President Qi, please answer this question.”

 

 

Qi Yun was calm as he was surrounded by bodyguards. He walked out of the hall, only frowning slightly when the flash flashed in the corner of his eyes.

 

A large number of journalists kept up behind him. Looking at the heavy rain outside the door, Qi Yun stopped and suddenly saw a straight figure coming through the curtain of rain.

 

When Qi Yun looked at the approaching person, the calmness on his face finally disappeared. Xing Zhongwan, who was soaked all over, had a pale face. He was panting, standing in front of him with red eyes and staring at him.

 

Qi Yun didn’t have time to be surprised, he raised his hand to wipe off the rainwater hanging from Xing Zhongwan’s eyelashes, but was slapped away by Xing Zhongwan.

 

Qi Yun called out “Wanwan.”

 

With a snap, a slap landed on Qi Yun’s face. Qi Yun took a hit to the side of his face. When he turned his head, his eyes were red, “Wanwan.”

 

Xing Zhongwan’s slap was heard by the three people who came behind him.

 

Xing Zhongwan’s lips trembled with anger, “Qi Yun, are you trying to be a hero? You have to carry everything by yourself. Aren’t you amazing? Just what did you promise me? That you won’t let anything happen to yourself. Is this the answer you’re giving me? Ah! Do you know what you are doing? You are finished! It’s over for the Qi family and it’s over for Qi Yun. You won’t get up again, you know? “

 

Tears slid down his wet cheeks to his chin, Qi Yun stretched out his hand tremblingly, “Wanwan…”

 

Xing Zhongwan took two steps back, “Qi Yun, in your heart, I, Xing Zhongwan, can’t handle things like that. Yeah? Do you dare deny that those photos were taken by yourself? From that angle, do you think I’ll be thankful if you sell yourself out like this? Qi Yun, try to think this for yourself. Whether you don’t believe in me or if you’re overestimating yourself, why do you carry everything by yourself!? Why do you think that I, Xing Zhongwan, have to be protected by you and that I can’t bear it for you. The timing this time was really good. If I left, you would be left playing the hero behind my back, right? If it weren’t for the thunderstorm, the plane couldn’t fly today. I didn’t know you were so selfless, always sacrificing everything for others. Qi Yun, you are so kind! “

 

“Wanwan.” 

 

Qi Yun panicked. When he stretched out his hand to hug him, Xing Zhongwan took two steps back, “You made this plan long ago right? You made up your mind that you don’t want anything, right? You don’t even want me? Qi Yun! Have you ever thought about the consequences of doing this? If you are investigated, if my identity is found out and you were involved in an accident, what should I do? Did I do all that for your sake just to see you destroying yourself so badly? Qi Yun! So what’s the point of my prudence during this time? You have come all this way for me so why don’t you say it! Why? In the end, if you still have to hide it from me, do you think that you love me by carrying this burden? Qi Yun! You are so self-righteous!”

 

As Xing Zhongwan roared, the tears and raindrops on his face were indistinguishable for a long time. Qi Yun’s heart was about to break, he just wanted to hold the person in his arms. He was still stunned when he stretched out his hand but he only saw Xing Zhongwan fiercely raise his hand to slap himself. Aisha, who was standing not far away, shrieked.

 

Qi Yun grabbed his hand and touched his swollen cheek in distress, “What are you doing?”

 

Xing Zhongwan squatted slowly. His eyes were blurred and the smell of rust filled his nose along with the heartache. Fools, he and Qi Yun were both fools.

 

Qi Yun held his face and kissed the corners of his teary red eyes, “I still remember in Xishan, you said that you had no one supporting you so you must be strong yourself to try to make people like you. Do you know how heartbroken I felt when I heard this? I want to be your support, Wanwan. Whenever you are tired, Qi Yun will be behind you when you turn around. My identity is a shackle and I know that you dare not cross this limit for my sake. Then since that is the case, I don’t want it anymore. Status is not what I ask for. You know what I’ve always wanted. I don’t want to tell you, because I don’t want to put pressure on you. If you have any doubts, you can be with me at ease. I don’t want you to suffer or worry anymore, I will feel distressed.”

 

Xing Zhongwan grabbed Qi Yun’s arm and burst into tears. After so many years, he endured it. After so many years, he didn’t cry when he parted ways with Qi Yun. Qi Yun almost couldn’t save him and he didn’t cry. The words “I want to be your support” made his years of patience collapse.

 

Qi Yun wiped the tears on his face and smiled gently, “Don’t be angry, okay?”

 

Xing Zhongwan raised his head, his long and narrow eyes were red and swollen with tears, “Qi Yun, there is no next life, so hold my hand for the rest of your life, don’t let it go.”

 

Qi Yun was stunned and tightly wrapped the person in his arms, “Okay, I won’t let go for a lifetime.”

 

Xing Zhongwan’s face was buried in Qi Yun’s shoulder, tears soaking his cashmere coat. Not far away, Xue Qing wiped her tears, “It’s too embarrassing, crying so loudly. Even I can’t ridicule him in the future. After saying that, her tears fell even more violently. Aisha handed her a handkerchief and even said God several times. Her eyes were red.”

 

Xing Zhongwan looked up at Qi Yun, “I haven’t cried like this since my mother died. How will I have the face to see others after crying in front of so many people? “

 

Qi Yun stood up slightly and took off his coat. He squatted down and put his hands over the heads of the two of them, blocking them from the other’s view, “This way others won’t be able to see it.”

 

Qi Yun stared at him closely, “From now on, it’s really just Qi Yun. The Qi Yun who is completely clean. “

 

Xing Zhongwan sniffed, “I’ll keep you.” He brushed the white hair on his temples.

 

“You really plan to give up everything and come to X country with me?” Qi Yun nodded and replied earnestly, “I was going to go with you to take the bar [/mfn]lawyer’s license exam[/mfn] in country X. 

 

Tears poured out of Xing Zhongwan’s eyes again, and he said after a long time, “It is very difficult to get a lawyer’s license in country X.”

 

Qi Yun simply put down his hands, let his coat dr4p3 over their head and cupped his face with both hands, “It’s okay, trust me. I’ll be able to pass the test soon.” A suppressed cry came out through the expensive coat.

 

Not far away, Xue Qing was holding her mobile phone and Cheng Zhengzhe who was on the other side of the video call didn’t know why, “When the hell are you getting on the plane? Xue Qing, why are you crying? What’s wrong? Do not scare me.”

 

Xue Qing turned the camera and wiped away her tears.

 

Cheng Zhengzhe was preparing for a meeting and the group executives in the conference room were almost there. Before the meeting, he wanted to confirm their arrival time with Xue Qing, and also inform the people in the group that the big boss was coming back. He just screenshared the video on the powerpoint, who would have thought…

 

In a second, the entire conference room was filled with people spitting out their coffee.

 

Cheng Zhengzhe was frightened and quickly closed the video before coughing twice.

 

“Moving on. Let’s start the meeting. Hey, what’s the content of today’s meeting?”

 

The pen in the hand of the chief secretary, Xie Yi, had snapped into two, and everyone in the huge conference room looked at each other.

 

Cheng Zhengzhe’s face turned pale, he had a hunch that when Xing Zhongwan came back, he was going to die…

 


T/N:  AAAAA it’s ending, it’s ending :0

Also, pardon me. I realised I don’t know how to count. The last chapter is chapter 33 by the way.

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