69novels Page 153
Page 153
When Zheng Shuyi heard that Su Chang was just looking for a gaming partner, she couldn't help but feel a surge of resentment.
She frowned, pouted, and complained, "Boss, you've gone too far! We're so busy, and you'd rather play games than come to the company to help. I'm going on strike!" As she spoke, she stomped her foot to show her dissatisfaction.
Su Chang felt a burning sensation on his face after being criticized by his employees. He coughed twice, trying to ease the awkward atmosphere.
"Um... Shuyi, how about this, after you're done with this busy period, I'll give you a long vacation so you can go traveling, what do you think?" he suggested cautiously, a hint of flattery in his eyes.
Zheng Shuyi huffed and puffed, "I don't want to! It's no fun going alone! Why don't you come with me, boss?" Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, and the corners of her mouth turned up slightly, as if she was waiting for Su Chang's response.
Su Chang understood Zheng Shuyi's feelings perfectly well. He hesitated for a moment, thinking to himself, "I should respond to Zheng Shuyi and Bi Ruoshan's feelings directly, otherwise dragging it on won't do."
After thinking for a moment, he said, "How about this, you and Ruoshan hand over your work. I'm currently traveling with them. Why don't you come and meet us?"
Zheng Shuyi looked at the busy scene and hesitated. Although she really wanted to fly over immediately, her sense of responsibility wouldn't allow her to do so.
She pouted and said, "Let's forget it, Su Chang. I'm about to hold a game competition, and the preliminary preparations will take a few more days. I'll go on vacation after I'm done with that." A hint of helplessness was in her eyes.
Su Chang thought for a moment. He understood Zheng Shuyi's personality and nodded, saying, "That's fine then. You and Ruoshan can make the arrangements. We'll be traveling for quite a while this time. Call me when you've made your plans. There's no need for you to do everything yourself. Just focus on the big picture." His tone was full of concern and trust.
Hearing Su Chang's caring words, Zheng Shuyi felt incredibly sweet inside. She smiled slightly and replied, "Okay, I understand, Brother Su Chang. Ruoshan and I will discuss it and make arrangements to get there as soon as possible. Wait for us!" Her eyes were filled with determination and anticipation, as if she could already see the wonderful scene of traveling with Su Chang.
Su Chang answered without hesitation, "No problem, we're just waiting for you to arrive." His face was full of confidence and enthusiasm, as if he couldn't wait to welcome the other party.
Zheng Shuyi seemed to suddenly remember something, her eyes flashing with excitement. She quickly said, "By the way, Su Chang, you mentioned gaming partners, and I just remembered someone. She seems quite suitable, and she has time now." As she spoke, she lightly tapped the table with her hand, as if she was thinking about something.
Su Chang asked with a puzzled look, "Who is it?" His brows furrowed slightly, his eyes revealing his curiosity about the person.
Zheng Shuyi didn't keep them in suspense and answered directly, "Qiao Jingjing, she's our spokesperson! She'll be participating in this competition, so you can help test her skills and prevent her from embarrassing herself again. By the way, Su Chang, do you want to participate?" Her tone was teasing, and the corners of her mouth were slightly upturned, as if she was very satisfied with the idea.
After listening, Su Chang pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "Okay, I understand. We'll talk about participating in the competition later; I can't be sure right now. You go ahead and do your work; I won't bother you any longer."
"Okay, Su Chang, bye-bye!" Zheng Shuyi replied sweetly, then hung up the phone...
As soon as Su Chang hung up the phone, Song Xingchen looked at Su Chang with a wronged expression and asked coquettishly, "Su Chang, who were you talking to on the phone?"
Her eyes revealed a hint of dissatisfaction and doubt, and her lips were slightly pursed, as if she was trying hard to control her emotions.
Upon seeing Song Xingchen's expression, everyone knew she was jealous. Su Chu and the other two exchanged knowing glances, as if to say, "This is going to be interesting!"
Su Chang glared at them irritably, inwardly groaning, then turned to Song Xingchen with gentle eyes and explained, "This is the general manager of a company under my group."
A hint of suspicion flashed in Song Xingchen's eyes. She had, of course, overheard the conversation; it was definitely not a typical superior-subordinate relationship. However, she felt that she and Su Chang didn't have any special relationship and shouldn't interfere too much. So, she nodded dejectedly and said softly, "Oh." Her voice carried a trace of helplessness and disappointment.
Su Chang noticed Song Xingchen's unhappiness and knew he couldn't let this mood continue. He took a deep breath and decided that it was better to end things now than to prolong the pain.
So he said to Song Xingchen, "Xingchen, let's go outside for a bit. I have something to say to you alone." His eyes were firm and sincere, revealing a determination to resolve the issue.
Song Xingchen didn't understand what Su Chang wanted to say to her alone, but seeing how serious he looked, she nodded and agreed, "Okay." Her heart was filled with curiosity and anticipation, but also a little nervous.
Su Chang then said to Su Chu and the other two, "You guys start playing, Xingchen and I are going out for a bit."
Although Su Chu and the other two wanted to continue watching the drama unfold, they knew that Su Chang's decision was irreversible, so they could only nod helplessly and agree, "Okay."
Su Chang led Song Xingchen downstairs, their steps heavy, as if they were both thinking about what to say next.
As soon as they arrived at the door, they saw Fang Zhiheng, Andy, Xu Li, and Tong Wei walk in together, followed by bodyguards carrying large and small bags.
Andy and the other two girls didn't recognize Song Xingchen, but Fang Zhiheng recognized him at a glance. After all, she had dealt with Song Xingchen quite a bit when she was hospitalized. A look of surprise appeared on her face, and she quickly walked over and asked curiously, "Dr. Song, what are you doing here?"
When Song Xingchen saw Fang Zhiheng, she was also surprised, but she quickly regained her composure and said with a smile, "Lucy, I came here for tourism and happened to run into Su Chang, so we came together."
Her smile was somewhat forced, and then she glanced at Su Chang beside her, secretly wondering to herself, "What a coincidence! Could Lucy and Su Chang be having an affair too?"
Su Chang's heart tightened when he saw Fang Zhiheng and the others. He knew he had to face this reality, so he took a deep breath and forced himself to say, "Lucy, Andy, Lili, Vivi, this is Song Xingchen, Lucy's doctor when she was hospitalized, and also my friend. You guys go up first, I need to talk to her alone." His voice was somewhat low, and his eyes revealed a hint of embarrassment.
Song Xingchen's heart sank. She sensed the hesitation in Su Chang's words and his intimacy towards the four women. A hint of disappointment flashed in her eyes, but she still politely greeted Fang Zhiheng and the others. Fang Zhiheng and the others responded in kind, making the atmosphere somewhat awkward.
Chapter 291 Encountering Danger
The four women knew exactly what Su Chang was up to, so they could only wave goodbye to Song Xingchen and quickly head upstairs, leaving this place of trouble behind.
Su Chang led Song Xingchen silently down the street. Neither of them spoke, and the atmosphere was somewhat somber.
When they reached a secluded corner, Su Chang suddenly stopped. Song Xingchen, who was lost in thought, didn't notice and bumped into Su Chang.
"Ouch!" Song Xingchen cried out in surprise, her body involuntarily falling backward. Su Chang reacted quickly, reaching out to pull her into his arms.
"Xingchen, are you alright?" Su Chang asked with concern, her eyes filled with worry.
Nestled in Su Chang's arms, Song Xingchen felt his warmth and care, and finally felt at ease. She looked up at Su Chang's handsome face, her cheeks flushed red, and whispered, "I'm fine."
Su Chang said somewhat apologetically, "I'm sorry! I wasn't paying attention just now..."
Song Xingchen shook her head and said, "It's okay, it's not your fault. It's my own fault for being lost in thought and not watching where I was going."
After saying that, Song Xingchen stood up from Su Chang's embrace, looked at him nervously, and asked, "Su Chang, there's not much people here, so just tell me what's on your mind."
Su Chang looked at Song Xingchen, who was staring intently at her, and felt a pang of pity, but she still sighed and asked, "Xingchen, do you like me?"
Song Xingchen's heart raced instantly; she hadn't expected Su Chang to ask so directly. Her face flushed crimson, like a ripe apple, and her hands clenched unconsciously.
She took a deep breath, mustered her courage, nodded, and said, "Yes, Su Chang, I like you. But you should have a girlfriend, right?"
Su Chang didn't hide anything, nodded, and said, "Yes, Xingchen, I have girlfriends, and more than one."
"What did you say?" Song Xingchen's face turned pale instantly. She stared at Su Chang with wide eyes, her expression one of disbelief.
She was filled with shock and disappointment. She couldn't accept that she had fallen for such a philandering man, and that he could say it so confidently.
Song Xingchen's body trembled slightly, and her lips also trembled slightly. She tried her best to remain calm and said, "Su Chang, how could you do this? Don't you know that your behavior is immoral?" Her eyes were filled with disappointment and anger, and tears welled up in her eyes as if they would roll down at any moment.
Seeing Song Xingchen's tears, Su Chang felt a pang of pain in his heart. A look of heartache crossed his face, but he still forced himself to say, "Xingchen, I don't want to lie to you. I like you too, and I like my girlfriends as well. Besides, I have the ability to guarantee that all of you can live a carefree life with me for the rest of your lives. Will you be my girlfriend?"
Song Xingchen's face turned pale instantly. Her eyes widened as she stared at Su Chang in disbelief. She said, "Su Chang, do you know what you're saying? Our country has a monogamous system. You can't even guarantee a basic marriage. What makes you think you can guarantee us a carefree life? You're just being a scoundrel!" Her voice trembled with emotion, and tears finally streamed down her face. She turned and ran away.
Su Chang sighed helplessly. He knew that even if he followed her now, it would be difficult to persuade Song Xingchen. He turned his head, glanced at a bodyguard following far behind, and winked at her. The bodyguard immediately understood and quickly followed.
Su Chang was filled with helplessness and inner conflict. He knew his actions might hurt Song Xingchen, but he couldn't give up his way of life. He silently adjusted his mood and turned back to the hot pot restaurant.
By this time, everyone had returned, and the hot pot base and dishes had been served.
Seeing that only Su Chang had returned, although Su Chang still had a smile on her face and appeared very calm, no one dared to mention Song Xingchen's matter.
Guan Juer and Xu Hongdou sat beside him thoughtfully, serving Su Chang food and telling jokes to cheer him up.
Su Chang understood the women's feelings, so he tried to make his smile even brighter. He joked with the women while enjoying the sumptuous hot pot feast, temporarily putting Song Xingchen's matter aside.
After the meal, Xu Hongdou had recovered quite well, and the group went to Kuanzhai Alley.
Women seem to have two stomachs. The women who had just finished eating hot pot and were still complaining that they were too full couldn't resist the sight of street food and wanted to try everything that looked delicious.
After strolling through Kuanzhai Alley, it was already 8 p.m., and everyone returned to the hotel after having a good meal.
Su Chang didn't intend to pay attention, but the phone kept ringing, and he became impatient and reached out to hang up.
Guan Juer, who was beneath him, whispered a reminder: "Brother Su Chang, you should answer the phone. It must be something urgent."
Xu Li, who was standing next to him, also chimed in, "Yes, honey, answer the phone. If there's nothing else, we can continue."
Andy simply handed the phone to Su Chang. Su Chang thought for a moment, then answered the call.
As soon as the call connected, the bodyguard who had been secretly protecting Song Xingchen that day came through the phone, breathing heavily. Then the bodyguard said, "Boss, something bad has happened. Miss Song Xingchen is in trouble."
Su Chang was stunned upon hearing this, then hurriedly scrambled off Guan Juer. His face was filled with shock and anxiety, and his voice trembled as he asked, "What happened? What happened to Xingchen? Weren't you secretly protecting her?"
The bodyguard said somewhat helplessly, "I'm sorry, boss, it's my fault for not protecting her properly. Tonight, Miss Song Xingchen went out for drinks, and after she came out, she took a walk by the bridge. Then, a girl was about to jump into the river, so she ran up to save her. But before I could get there, that person actually pulled Miss Song Xingchen in with her. Now someone has called for emergency services, and a search and rescue team has started searching the river, but they haven't found her yet."
Su Chang's face turned extremely pale. His fists clenched tightly, his heart filled with self-blame and worry. He knew Song Xingchen was a kind girl, and if she saw someone jump into the river, she would definitely rush to save them without hesitation.
But now she's missing, her fate unknown. Why was he in such a hurry to confess to her? If he had been by her side, perhaps this wouldn't have happened. If something really happened to Song Xingchen, Su Chang felt he would never be able to forgive himself.
The image of Song Xingchen kept flashing through Su Chang's mind; her smile, her gentleness, all caused him immense heartache. He secretly vowed to find Song Xingchen, no matter the cost.
He quickly put on his clothes and said to Guan Juer, Andy, and Xu Li, "I'm going to find Xingchen. You guys rest first."
Having said that, he didn't even give the three women any time to react before rushing out of the room like a whirlwind. His steps were firm and swift, as if an inextinguishable flame burned within him.
He quickly took out his phone and dialed Zheng Fangxiu's number, his voice revealing a hint of anxiety: "Zheng Fangxiu, immediately contact more search and rescue teams to come to Chengdu!" After hanging up the phone, he headed straight for the riverbank without hesitation.
Fortunately, the place where Song Xingchen fell into the water was not far from the hotel. Su Chang quickly arrived at the location sent by the bodyguard, where the area had been tightly cordoned off.
His gaze was icy, completely ignoring the curious onlookers around him. His expression was serious and focused, as if the entire world consisted only of the warning line in front of him.
With a cold face, Su Chang forcefully squeezed into the crowd. His body was as hard as steel. Amidst the insults from the crowd, he pushed his way to the edge of the cordon without flinching, completely disregarding the attitudes of the other onlookers.
Just as Su Chang was about to pull up the police tape and go inside, a young policeman blocked his way like a barrier.
A hint of nervousness appeared on the young policeman's face, but his tone was firm: "I'm sorry, sir, you can't go in now."
Su Chang's gaze pierced the young policeman like an arrow, his eyes filled with anger and anxiety. He clenched his fists tightly and said in an icy voice, "My girlfriend's life hangs in the balance as she tries to save someone. What do you mean by blocking me out like this?"
The young policeman was so intimidated by Su Chang's imposing manner that he took two steps back. His heart started racing involuntarily, and the onlookers who had been indignantly cursing Su Chang immediately shut up.
The young policeman was absolutely certain that if he dared to stop Su Chang, he would definitely take action without hesitation. He had never seen such a terrifying look in his eyes, and a sense of fear welled up in his heart.
However, the young policeman, wearing this uniform, knew he bore a heavy responsibility and had to live up to the badge on his head.
He took a deep breath and said, forcing a smile, "Excuse me, sir, I need to verify your identity before I can let you in."
Su Chang understood that this was the duty of a young police officer. Although he was filled with anger, he tried his best to control his emotions.
He silently took out his phone, dialed his bodyguard's number, and said in a low voice, "Come pick me up."
Soon, the female bodyguard came running up, panting. She was soaked to the bone, and her hair was wet and clung to her face.
Her eyes were filled with guilt as she looked at Su Chang and said, "I'm sorry! Boss..."
Su Chang raised his hand to interrupt her, his gaze remaining fixed on the young policeman. His expression remained indifferent, but the anxiety in his eyes became increasingly apparent.
He looked at the young policeman and asked, "May I go in now?"
The young policeman hesitated for a moment, but finally nodded and said, "Okay, but please don't wander around."
Su Chang didn't linger. He led the female bodyguard inside quickly. As he walked, he asked the bodyguard about her current situation, his voice revealing an unspeakable tension.
Through the female bodyguard's account, he roughly understood the situation. Twenty minutes had passed since Song Xingchen and the others fell into the water, and although the search and rescue team launched a search immediately upon arrival, they had still not found any trace of Song Xingchen and the others.
Su Chang led the female bodyguard to the riverbank beach, where numerous police officers and search and rescue teams were busy at work. Although there were many lights on the river, it was still pitch black with extremely low visibility.
Su Chang instructed the female bodyguard behind him: "Go and contact Zheng Fangxiu, and tell her to urge the rescue team to come over quickly and bring more lights. I want the river and downstream areas to be brightly lit."
"Okay, boss." The female bodyguard agreed and immediately turned to contact Zheng Fangxiu.
Su Chang watched the female bodyguard's retreating figure, then suddenly called out to her, instructing, "Wait a moment, go and change your clothes first."
The female bodyguard was taken aback at first, then looked at Su Chang with gratitude and said, "Thank you, boss." Her eyes were full of gratitude and admiration, as if to say, "Boss is such a thoughtful and considerate person."