hotmtlnovel Page 168
Page 168
Su Chang gently placed her index finger on Song Xingchen's lips, as if to stop her from continuing.
His eyes were full of tenderness as he said softly, "It's not your fault, but don't you also feel that I haven't spent any time with you these past two days since I got you? Don't you also think I'm an irresponsible womanizer?"
His words carried a hint of teasing, attempting to ease Song Xingchen's unease.
Song Xingchen pouted, feeling somewhat disappointed, but still firmly shook her head and said, "I believe you must have your reasons for doing this."
Her eyes revealed her trust in Su Chang, while also concealing a hint of expectation.
Seeing that she seemed to be saying things she didn't mean, Su Chang's heart softened.
He gently kissed her forehead, then said earnestly, "Xingchen, you don't need to hold back here. Just say what's on your mind." His voice carried a hint of firmness, which made Song Xingchen feel incredibly at ease.
Upon hearing Su Chang's words, Song Xingchen's last trace of doubt vanished. She rested her head against Su Chang's chest, her fingers gently tracing his skin as if feeling his heartbeat.
She whispered, "I'll feel a little disappointed, but I won't think about it that way." Her voice was tinged with shyness, and a blush rose to her cheeks.
Su Chang sighed, hugged Song Xingchen's arm tightly, and said, "Xingchen, now that you've become my woman, you naturally have to integrate into our family. They already have opinions about you after what happened before. If I'm alone with you again, what do you think they'll think?"
His tone carried a hint of helplessness, but also revealed his concern for Song Xingchen.
Hearing Su Chang's analysis, Song Xingchen realized what was going on. A hint of apology appeared on her face, and then she looked at Su Chang earnestly and said, "I'm sorry! Husband, I misunderstood you. I didn't understand your good intentions."
Her eyes were filled with guilt, but she was also determined to actively integrate into this big family.
Su Chang tightened her grip on Song Xingchen's arm and said with a smile, "Baby, it's okay. You can try to integrate into their lives later. You can start by getting along well with Guan Guan. Guan Guan is very well-behaved and kind, and she's the darling of the family. With her help, things will be much easier for you."
His words were full of encouragement, which made Song Xingchen feel incredibly warm.
With Su Chang's guidance, Song Xingchen felt her confidence had greatly increased. Moreover, after these two days of interaction, she could tell that Guan Juer was the kindest-hearted woman among all the women. So she nodded and said, "I understand, thank you! Husband."
Su Chang affectionately patted Song Xingchen's hair and said with a smile, "Okay, baby, you don't need to thank me. Go find Guan Guan first, and we'll have dinner together later."
Song Xingchen nodded in agreement, but thinking of Han Xiaoli, her brows furrowed slightly, and a hint of struggle appeared in her eyes. She bit her lip and said softly, "Honey, can you forgive Xiaoli? She was only trying to help me, that's why she spoke rudely to you." As she spoke, she clung to Su Chang's arm and swayed it, her eyes filled with pleading.
Seeing Song Xingchen's ingratiating expression, Su Chang shook her head helplessly and said, "Alright! I'll have a good chat with Han Xiaoli later."
Seeing Song Xingchen's worried expression, Su Chang couldn't help but feel a surge of affection.
He gently patted Song Xingchen's arm, reassuring her, "Don't worry, baby, I won't get angry with her. But if she continues like this, I'll have to ask her to leave, okay?"
Song Xingchen knew this was the best outcome. She nodded, a determined glint in her eyes: "Okay, thank you, honey. I'll go call Xiaoli in, and then I'll go find Guanguan."
Su Chang nodded lightly, and Song Xingchen gave Su Chang a light kiss on the cheek before turning and leaving the room.
Su Chang watched Song Xingchen's departing figure, sighed helplessly, shook his head, and then lay down on the sofa.
As soon as Song Xingchen came out, she saw that Han Xiaoli was still standing there without moving, her eyes filled with grievance and resentment.
Song Xingchen felt a pang of heartache. She quickly ran over and hugged Han Xiaoli, whispering, "I'm sorry, Xiaoli, I've made you suffer."
Han Xiaoli looked at Song Xingchen with a serious expression, her eyes revealing a hint of doubt and confusion: "Xingchen, are you really determined to stay with Su Chang forever?" Her voice trembled slightly, as if she was trying hard to control her emotions.
Song Xingchen was deeply moved. She hugged Han Xiaoli tightly and said firmly, "Yes, Xiaoli, I've decided to be with Su Chang. He's very good to me, and I love him very much. He almost lost his life for me. How many men can do that? You're my best friend, and I hope you can understand and wish me well."
A hint of disappointment flickered in Han Xiaoli's eyes. She nodded slightly, her voice tinged with helplessness and bitterness, and said softly, "I understand, Xingchen. As long as you're happy, that's all that matters. I hope you won't regret it." Her voice seemed to float in the air, carrying a faint sadness and a trace of worry.
Seeing this, Song Xingchen nodded hurriedly, her eyes shining with determination, and said, "Don't worry, Xiaoli, I won't regret it. Besides, apart from being a little fickle, Su Chang is actually a really good person. Please don't talk about him like that anymore, okay?" Her expression was full of sincerity, and she held Han Xiaoli's arm tightly with both hands, as if trying to persuade her.
Looking at Song Xingchen's pleading expression, Han Xiaoli couldn't help but sigh. Everyone says Su Chang is a womanizer, so what kind of good person could he be?
She knew that Song Xingchen genuinely liked Su Chang and didn't want to put her in a difficult position, so she said helplessly, "Alright, I understand. I won't make things difficult for you." Although her tone was calm, her heart was filled with contradictions and struggles.
Upon hearing Han Xiaoli's agreement, Song Xingchen immediately became as excited as a child, hugging Han Xiaoli's arm with a beaming smile and saying, "Thank you so much, Xiaoli, you're so kind." Her voice was filled with joy and gratitude, as if she had received the most precious gift in the world.
Seeing Song Xingchen's excited expression, Han Xiaoli rolled her eyes helplessly, gently pushed Song Xingchen away, and said with a hint of jealousy on her face, "Alright! I know you're happy, you should go hug your Su Chang." Her words were teasing, but her eyes revealed a trace of disappointment.
Song Xingchen naturally knew that Han Xiaoli was jealous. She smiled mischievously, then clung to him again, continuing to coax him, "Xiaoli, don't be angry. I'm just too happy. Besides, you're my best friend. How could you dislike me?" Her actions were intimate and natural, and then she pouted, looking aggrieved.
Once she felt she had comforted him enough, Song Xingchen cautiously asked, "Xiaoli, Su Chang said she wants to talk to you alone. Would you be willing?" Her eyes revealed a hint of worry, as if she was concerned that Han Xiaoli would refuse.
Han Xiaoli was taken aback upon hearing this, a surge of nervousness rising within her. She didn't know what Su Chang wanted to talk to her about alone. Although she outwardly appeared calm, her heart was in turmoil. She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself, and then said, "Fine, I'll go. I'm not afraid." With that, she strode confidently toward Su Chang's room, as if proving something to herself.
Song Xingchen watched Han Xiaoli's retreating figure and shook her head helplessly. She knew Han Xiaoli was actually a little scared, but she also understood Han Xiaoli's personality; she wouldn't easily show weakness. So, Song Xingchen turned and walked towards the girls' room; she still needed to cultivate a relationship with Guan Juer.
Chapter 317 Fury
As soon as Han Xiaoli opened the door and entered the room, she saw Su Chang lying on the sofa. She straightened her clothes, mentally cheered herself up, and then slowly walked to stand opposite Su Chang, pretending to be calm as she said, "Okay, what do you want to talk to me about?"
Su Chang looked up, glanced at Han Xiaoli, and then casually pointed to the short sofa next to her and said, "Han Xiaoli, sit down first."
Han Xiaoli, however, remained defiant. Her hands trembled slightly, but she spoke in a calm voice, "No need, I'll just stand here. Just say what you need to say quickly, I'm waiting to go eat."
Seeing Han Xiaoli's trembling hands, Su Chang couldn't help but chuckle inwardly. He teased, "What's wrong? Tomboy, are you scared? You don't even dare to sit down?"
Han Xiaoli's face instantly turned bright red. Her voice rose eight octaves as she said indignantly, "Sit down then, who's afraid?" With that, she strode over to the short sofa and plopped down on it, as if to prove her courage.
Su Chang picked at her ear with her index finger, looked at Han Xiaoli with a helpless expression, and said, "No, big sister, I'm not deaf, can you please speak a little softer?"
Han Xiaoli curled her lips in disdain, a hint of stubbornness in her eyes, and said, "I'm naturally loud, so if you can't stand it, then don't talk to me."
Looking at Han Xiaoli's seemingly tough but actually weak appearance, Su Chang felt like laughing, but he held it in and then said, "Han Xiaoli, you are Xingchen's best friend, and I am her man, so in order not to make things difficult for Xingchen, I think we should be a little more relaxed when we get along."
A surge of dissatisfaction welled up in Han Xiaoli's heart. She felt that Su Chang was too self-righteous. She said nonchalantly, "I didn't argue with you. I just can't stand you being such a womanizer."
Su Chang wasn't angry. Instead, he looked Han Xiaoli up and down with disdain, a hint of contempt flashing in his eyes, and said, "I'm not with you, so why do you care if I'm a womanizer? Besides, even if you wanted to be with me, I wouldn't want to. So as long as Xingchen is willing to accept it, what does it have to do with you? Mind your own business."
Hearing Su Chang's slightly provocative words, Han Xiaoli felt a surge of anger. She rolled up her sleeves, looking ready to fight.
Her eyes were filled with rage; if looks could kill, Su Chang would probably have been torn to pieces by now. Her hands were clenched into fists, her nails digging deep into her palms.
"Su Chang, explain yourself! What's wrong with me? I have an angelic face and a devilish figure, and you still don't like me? I don't even like you, you womanizer!" Han Xiaoli exploded, staring intently at Su Chang, as if she was ready to fight to the death if Su Chang didn't give her a satisfactory answer.
Su Chang raised the corners of her mouth slightly, revealing a disdainful smile. She looked Han Xiaoli up and down again and said slowly, "I don't know where you get the courage to say that you have the face of an angel and the body of a devil. Xingchen is what you call having the face of an angel and the body of a devil, okay?"
Han Xiaoli was stunned by Su Chang's words. Her eyes widened, and anger flared up instantly. She had to admit that Song Xingchen was indeed more beautiful than her, and her figure was comparable, but she also had her own unique charm. How could she be belittled like this?
She clenched her fists, gritted her teeth, and angrily questioned, "Are you blind? Speak with your conscience, am I not pretty? Do I not have a good figure?" Her eyes were filled with anger and resentment, as if they were about to spit fire, and she deliberately flinched as she spoke.
Su Chang frowned slightly. He had to admit that Han Xiaoli was indeed quite beautiful, but he had seen too many beautiful women these days, and his resistance to them had increased considerably.
He curled his lip and said indifferently, "It's alright." His tone carried a hint of disdain, as if to say that Han Xiaoli was nothing special.
Han Xiaoli's anger level instantly exploded. Her face turned bright red, and the anger in her heart erupted like a volcano.
She was furious and demanded, "What do you mean 'just like that'? I'm a rare beauty, you know?" Her voice was full of grievance and anger, and tears welled up in her eyes.
Su Chang seemed unaffected by Han Xiaoli's anger. He simply said, "Oh," and then remained silent. His expression was indifferent, as if he didn't care about Han Xiaoli's anger at all.
Han Xiaoli was filled with despair and anger; she felt she had been greatly insulted.
Her eyes turned fierce, and she shouted, "Ah! You filthy womanizer, I'm going to fight you to the death!" With that, she raised her fist and charged at Su Chang.
Upon seeing this, Su Chang immediately got up to dodge. He moved nimbly and quickly dodged to the side. Although he possessed an indestructible body, he had no interest in being beaten.
Han Xiaoli had no intention of letting Su Chang go. She shouted, "Stop right there!" as she continued to chase after Su Chang. Her steps were unsteady, as if she had lost her mind.
Su Chang and Han Xiaoli ran around the room like two donkeys pulling a millstone, tirelessly. Han Xiaoli's breathing became more and more rapid, and her legs felt as heavy as lead. Finally, she couldn't hold on any longer and stopped.
She gripped the sofa seat beside her, panting heavily, glaring angrily at Su Chang, and said viciously, "Su Chang, are you even a man? What's wrong with letting me hit you? All you do is bully women!"
Su Chang didn't take it seriously. She curled her lip and said with a disdainful look, "I'm not stupid. If you want to hit me, I'll run away. What kind of bullying is this?"
Seeing that Su Chang was so unyielding, Han Xiaoli frowned and thought to himself, "It seems that force alone won't work. I need to think of a different approach."
Her eyes darted around, and an idea came to her. Then, she said provocatively, "Su Chang, if you're a man, don't run away. Fight me fair and square!"
Su Chang raised an eyebrow, moved closer to Han Xiaoli, and looked at her thin arms and legs. He curled his lip in disdain and said, "Forget it. I'm afraid if I punch you, you won't be able to open your eyes again." As he spoke, he smiled smugly, completely letting his guard down.
Seeing this, Han Xiaoli's lips curled into a barely perceptible smile of triumph. She suddenly lunged at Su Chang, who instinctively reacted and immediately turned to dodge.
Han Xiaoli lunged too fast and couldn't stop in time. Like a bird out of control, she flew straight towards a glass floor lamp behind Su Chang.
"Ah!" Han Xiaoli cried out in alarm, her heart filled with panic: "It's over, I'm doomed this time, I'm going to be disfigured!" She unconsciously closed her eyes, waiting for that terrible moment to arrive.
However, at that moment, Han Xiaoli suddenly felt her body lighten as someone grabbed her waist from behind. Those arms were as strong as steel, holding her tightly and making her unable to move. Her forward momentum stopped instantly.
Han Xiaoli opened her eyes and found herself nestled in Su Chang's arms. Looking up at Su Chang's face, she saw him as incredibly handsome. His eyes held a hint of concern and anxiety, which warmed her heart. Moreover, his arm was so warm, giving her an unprecedented sense of security.
However, Han Xiaoli quickly regained her composure. Remembering Su Chang's previous behavior, her anger reignited. She lunged at Su Chang again, baring her teeth and claws.
Su Chang also lost her temper. She had kindly saved Han Xiaoli, yet Han Xiaoli dared to attack her. She immediately grabbed Han Xiaoli and made her lie on her lap, then slapped her soft flesh.
Han Xiaoli was stunned. Her face turned red, and she looked at Su Chang in shock. She never expected that Su Chang would dare to hit her, and in such a shameful place at that.
Su Chang realized at this moment that Han Xiaoli was not his woman, and this action seemed a bit frivolous.
Han Xiaoli gritted her teeth and glared at Su Chang, her eyes brimming with anger that seemed about to burst forth. But mixed within this anger was a strange, indescribable emotion.
Su Chang turned his head away guiltily, not daring to meet Han Xiaoli's gaze. His hands trembled slightly involuntarily.
Just then, the door was suddenly pushed open again, and Chen Nanxing hopped in like a cheerful little bird, calling out happily, "Brother Su Chang, dinner's ready!"
However, when she saw the somewhat embarrassing posture of the two people inside the room, she froze instantly, and the scene became even more awkward.
Han Xiaoli felt utterly ashamed and wished she could disappear into the ground.
Su Chang quickly came to his senses. He hurriedly helped Han Xiaoli to her feet, then looked at Chen Nanxing with a helpless expression and asked cautiously, "Nanxing, if I said this was all a misunderstanding, would you believe me?"
Chen Nanxing snapped out of her daze, a knowing smile playing on her lips as she glanced at the two of them. She nodded slightly and said, "Don't worry, Su Chang, I understand. It's definitely a misunderstanding. I'll be going now. Hurry up, it's time to eat." Without waiting for Su Chang's explanation, she dashed out like a gust of wind, making sure to close the door behind her.
Watching Chen Nanxing's departing figure, Su Chang was speechless and shook his head helplessly. He knew that this girl was probably overthinking things again, and was probably already spreading this "misunderstanding" everywhere as a publicist.
Chapter 318 Mischievous
Su Chang suddenly felt a chill on the back of his neck. He turned his head and saw that Han Xiaoli's eyes were red and swirling with tears. She bit her lip tightly, stared at Su Chang fiercely, and clenched her fists as if she wanted to devour him alive.
Su Chang was immediately embarrassed and at a loss for words. He coughed twice and stammered, "Um... Han Xiaoli, I'm sorry! Do you believe me if I say I didn't mean it?"
Upon hearing Su Chang's words, Han Xiaoli's pent-up grievances erupted, and tears streamed down her face like a burst dam. She clutched her head tightly with both hands, squatted down, and burst into loud sobs.
Su Chang suddenly felt a headache coming on; what he feared most was girls crying.
He hurriedly grabbed a pack of tissues from the table, then quickly knelt down beside Han Xiaoli and said gently, "Um... Han Xiaoli, I'm sorry! Don't cry. Didn't you want to hit me? As long as you don't cry, I'll let you hit me to vent your anger, how about that?" As he spoke, he pulled out a tissue and gently pushed Han Xiaoli's arm.
Hearing Su Chang's words, Han Xiaoli cried even harder, shaking her shoulders to prevent Su Chang from touching her.
A hint of panic flashed across Su Chang's face; he had absolutely no idea how to comfort the weeping Han Xiaoli before him. He remembered a video he'd seen in his past life mentioning that "a bag can cure all ills."
So she spoke again: "Han Xiaoli, don't cry, okay? I'll go buy you a bag, whatever kind you like, I'll buy it for you."
Han Xiaoli's crying stopped abruptly, and Su Chang was overjoyed, thinking his method had worked. However, when he saw Han Xiaoli raise her head and stare at him fiercely, his body involuntarily trembled. That murderous gaze seemed to want to devour him alive.
Han Xiaoli roared angrily, "Who wants your bag? Who cares about your stinking money? Do you think you can do whatever you want just because you have money?"