Chapter 8 Ask for Help

• After coming out from the jail, Bai Ruoxi got into Qiao Xuanshuo’s car and kept silent as always.
• She tried to talk less in case she might annoy him.
• Looked vacantly out of the window,
• she felt like sinking into a tremendous abyss. Endless and hopeless.
• The car sped along and as time passed by, she felt like losing her mind. “Are we going home?” asked Bai Ruoxi.
• “Do you want to?” Qiao Xuanshuo replied coldly.
• “Yeah.” Feeling worn out, she answered casually.
• The hands over the steering wheel clenched. He was displeased with this answer.
• After another freezing silence, Bai Ruoxi turned to him.
• His delicate profile was intoxicating.
• “Are you getting married next month?”
• “Yes,” he answered lazily.
• “Will I be the maid of honor?” Her throat was dry and painful.
• “No,” answered him, resolutely.
• Bai Ruoxi smiled, in a bitter way. That was fine. She was afraid that she would cry out on their wedding anyway.
• “I’m okay with that. But still, I want to send you a gift. Is there anything you want?”
• Qiao Xuanshuo honked the horn restless at a motorbike that blocked the way before them. The loud noise surprised both the couple on it and Bai Ruoxi.
• The motorbike got out the way at once, but Bai Ruoxi sensed anger from the man beside her.
• “You can’t afford what I want.” After a while, he finally answered her question, but he seemed irritated.
• Bai Ruoxi was left speechless.
• She had an average job and average salary. Indeed, she could barely afford anything too expensive.
• She was silent again,
• while he was still burning with anger.
• The car, this time, steered towards the South Manor.
• They arrived home at dusk.
• Qiao Xuanshuo parked the car at the driveway. Bai Ruoxi walked out and bumped into Yin Rui,
• who was elegant dressed, like a beautiful princess.
• They were close friends, so Bai Ruoxi wasn’t surprised to see her here.
• “Hi, Ruoxi!” Yin Rui walked towards, radiant with smile.
• Bai Ruoxi forced a smile, “Hi.”
• Instead of catching up with her friend,
• Yin Rui walked straight to Qiao Xuanshuo and embraced him. She placed her head on his chest and murmured, “Xuanshuo, I have been missing you.”
• Bai Ruoxi was heartbroken at the sight, so she decided to leave them alone. Her presence might not be welcome here anyway.
• Qiao Xuanshuo frowned and stared at Yin Rui. “Are you done?” he asked coldly.
• Yin Rui stepped back and looked around. Noticing that Bai Ruoxi had left, she tucked her hair behind the ear and explained, “We haven’t seen each other for too long. I was overjoyed.”
• Qiao Xuanshuo passed her without a word.
• Yin Rui called from behind, “Xuanshuo, remember what you promised me?”
• He stopped, but he didn’t turn around.
• Yin Rui continued, “You promised me that if neither of us is married when we are thirty, you will marry me. Remember how I saved you at the risk of my life? Although we are just friends, we’ve known each other for years. And our parents would be happy to see…”
• Qiao Xuanshuo interrupted her, “I don’t break promises. Nor do I need you to remind me of that.”
• Yin Rui smiled, “I know that your aunt just passed away and it’s not the best time for wedding. But we can register first. I don’t care about the wedding.”
• “It’s not the time yet.” Qiao Xuanshuo turned her down coldly and carried on walking.
• Yin Rui clenched her fists and her beautiful nails were poked into the palms.
• -
• Bai Ruoxi was back to her room, lost in thoughts.
• She had no more tears to shed because she had cried so many times for him.
• Or maybe she had prepared herself well for this.
• She did nothing but sat there staring blankly.
• There was a knock at the door.
• But she didn’t come to herself until the second knock was heard.
• She opened the door and met Yin Rui’s happy smile. “Ruoxi, I need your help.”
• “Come on in,” Bai Ruoxi showed her in. “What can I do for you?”
• Yin Rui sat on her bed and said excitedly, “Ruoxi, can you help me choose a wonderful place for honeymoon? We are not going to hold a wedding, but I don’t want to skip the honeymoon. We’ll also take our wedding phone during that.”
• Bai Ruoxi was closing the door when hearing that. She froze in dumb silence.
• “Next month I’ll move in here and at that time we’ll live together like a family. Isn’t that exciting?” continued Yin Rui.
• Bai Ruoxi took a deep breath and closed the door. She had to act as if she didn’t care.
• She turned around and walked to her with a smile. “Why don’t you talk to my brother about it?”
• Yin Rui smiled sweetly, “He let me decide.”
• Bai Ruoxi sat down beside her and spoke in a low voice, “It’s up to you then. I know nothing about honeymoon spots.”
• Yin Rui put one hand over Bai Ruoxi’s shoulder, “Sorry I didn’t tell you that we have been dating. Are you mad at me?”
• Bai Ruoxi smiled bitterly and shook her head. Her long hair helped hide the sadness on her face.
• “Do you still have feelings for him?” Yin Rui probed.
• Bai Ruoxi slowly closed her eyes. “Not anymore.”
• Yin Rui held her hand and said apologetically, “I’m so sorry, Ruoxi. But love is unpredictable. He tried to ask me out for years. I knew that you liked him, so I never go out with him. But he’s so persistent that in the end I just fell for him.”
• Bai Ruoxi looked up and tried to sound delighted. “Don’t be silly. You didn’t do anything wrong. Why would I blame you? It was just a schoolgirl crush and now I’ve totally moved on.”
• To make Yin Rui feel more relieved, Bai Ruoxi made up another story. “Actually, I’ve met a perfect guy, so don’t worry about me. Besides, brother is always away for work and dedicated to defending the country. I won’t feel secure with him. I sincerely hope you will be happy together.”
• “Really?” asked Yin Rui.
• Bai Ruoxu avoided her gaze and nodded. “Really.”
• “Who’s that perfect man then?”
• “We are not dating yet. I’ll keep you updated.”
• Yin Rui pushed her shoulder playfully. “I’m sure you will have him. Look at your face and body shape. I’m sure he’s crazy about you.”