Chapter Eight Cui Hao’s Wife

Bars are always bustling, with hardly a moment’s peace. After mixing two cocktails and delivering them, Ling Nan left right away.

“Xiao Qi, can you do me a favor?” Even though she knew that Xiao Qi would definitely agree, and that what she was about to ask would make things awkward for her, Xue Ran also understood that as her high school years drew to a close, there were some things that, if left undone, might never get their chance.

“What kind of favor?”

“Could you… could you help me ask Li Feng out? I want to confess to him.” Xue Ran stammered, a little embarrassed as she said it.

“Sure, just tell me when.” This time, Zhou Xiaoqi agreed without hesitation. After all, Xue Ran rarely asked her for help. In the life they led, Xue Ran was pretty much her only real friend, so no matter what it was, she’d say yes.

“I knew you’d agree! I love you so much, thank you, Xiao Qi!” With that, she showered Zhou Xiaoqi’s face with kisses to express her gratitude.

“Oh, please, my dear, you’ve got my face covered in drool, how gross!” Zhou Xiaoqi hurriedly pushed Xue Ran off her like a snake.

“I’ll let you know the exact time, don’t forget, okay?”

“Yeah, yeah, I got it.” Zhou Xiaoqi waved her hand dismissively, signaling she’d remember.

After finishing their drinks, they said goodbye to Ling Nan and left.

Outside the bar, they hailed a cab. “Text me when you get home,” Zhou Xiaoqi reminded Xue Ran, who was already seated in the back.

“I will. You do the same—let me know when you’re safely back. Be careful on the road.”

Watching the taxi disappear into the night, Zhou Xiaoqi had no intention of taking a cab herself. Instead, she walked alone down the busy street, watching the crowds pass by.

This city was lively, and at just past eleven, the night was only beginning. The streets were lined with food stalls, each with plastic tables arranged outside for customers. Even at this hour, it was hard to find an empty seat, but that didn’t deter the crowds. There were more than just snacks—there were amusements too.

On her right, Zhou Xiaoqi spotted a stall displaying white models. Behind it, small groups of tables and stools were set up, filled with children and adults, the latter helping their kids with their creations. Every face radiated happiness and contentment. Zhou Xiaoqi stepped up and chose a Doraemon model. “Boss, I’d like this one, please.”

The busy owner responded warmly, “Alright, young lady, just pick a seat. I’ll bring you the paints and model right over.” Customers here didn’t require much attention; as long as the owner brought the materials, they managed themselves. Zhou Xiaoqi, being alone, stood out amid the family groups.

As she stepped into the stall, she spotted Cui Hao. He was accompanied by a woman and two children, a boy and a girl. Zhou Xiaoqi guessed they must be his wife and kids. It wasn’t until much later that she realized something had quietly taken root in her heart that night.

“What a coincidence, running into you here. Fate really is mysterious,” Cui Hao said, stopping Zhou Xiaoqi just as she was about to leave.

With an awkward smile, Zhou Xiaoqi halted. “Heh… Yes, what a coincidence to run into you here.”

“Who’s this, darling?” came a pleasant voice from nearby—Cui Hao’s wife, Zhou Xiaoqi realized. Any lingering doubts she had were dispelled by the term of endearment.

“Oh, this is Ling Nan’s younger sister. And this is my wife, Tan Zhen.” Cui Hao, not wanting his wife to misunderstand, chose not to tell the truth. Why was he afraid? Even he wasn’t sure—he just felt there was no need to stir up unnecessary doubts. Besides, he didn’t want to talk too much about Zhou Xiaoqi with his wife. It was as if she were a small secret he kept in his heart.

“So you’re Ling Nan’s little sister? Hello, you’re very pretty,” Tan Zhen praised her generously.

There was no denying that Tan Zhen was both beautiful and gracious. Everything about her, from her manner to her speech, revealed a woman of refinement—confident and poised. That night, she wore a knee-length red dress and elegant black heels, her chestnut waves cascading with airy bangs framing her face. She looked both exquisite and youthful—this was the first impression she left on Zhou Xiaoqi.

“Hello, big sister. My name is Zhou Xiaoqi.” Mature beyond her years, Zhou Xiaoqi could tell from Cui Hao’s words and actions, just as he’d said before, that he truly loved his wife and family. Realizing he’d told a harmless lie to avoid his wife’s suspicion, she didn’t expose it, but played along sweetly.

“An An, Duo Duo, come say hello to your big sister,” Tan Zhen called to the two children absorbed in their painting.

“Hello, big sister,” they chorused, then immediately returned to their work.

Unsure what to say next, Zhou Xiaoqi was saved by the boss’s arrival. “Young lady, where are you sitting? I’ll put your things there.”

“Boss, set her things across from the children. We’ll join her in a bit,” Tan Zhen said, deciding for Zhou Xiaoqi before she could answer. Sensing she might have overstepped, Tan Zhen quickly explained, “Xiao Qi, I hope you don’t mind. I spend every day at home with the kids, don’t really have friends or a job, so whenever I meet someone, I get so happy. Now that I’m older, I really want to spend more time with young ladies like you—it makes me feel young again.” She gave Zhou Xiaoqi a playful look.

“Of course not, and big sister, you don’t look old at all! You look about twenty-eight—no one would guess your kids are this big.” Zhou Xiaoqi forced a bright smile to hide an inexplicable discomfort inside her, her smile radiating a natural charm that was infectious, though it was rare for her to smile so freely.

Zhou Xiaoqi wasn’t someone who found it easy to interact with others, but Tan Zhen’s warmth didn’t make her uncomfortable. On the contrary, Tan Zhen came across as genuine. It was also clear from her words and actions that Cui Hao cherished her—a fact Zhou Xiaoqi couldn’t help but envy, though she wouldn’t admit it aloud. Somehow, Tan Zhen made her want to treat her like a real sister. Despite the conflicting signals in her own heart, Zhou Xiaoqi found herself genuinely liking Tan Zhen. Even she had to admit she was a mass of contradictions at that moment.