Blood Orange

At the meeting, Shen Qiancheng's outstanding performance made Shi Jianren realize he had underestimated his daughter. But then he remembered she was about to marry into the Su family; everything she was doing now was just wasted effort.

If only... Shen Qiancheng's words echoed in his mind.

Could Shen Qiancheng really take down the Su family?

Maybe it was actually possible.

Shi Jianren reluctantly announced the results: "Congratulations to Miss Shen Qiancheng on successfully joining the board of shareholders. I will transfer 20% of my shares to her, making her the youngest shareholder of the Shen Corporation."

Shen Qiancheng smiled with veiled sarcasm. "Thank you, Father. I really did it."

With all the shareholders present, Shi Jianren's expression was unpleasant. He gave a fake smile and said, "You really are my daughter. I'm truly proud of you."

"Then I must thank Father for your guidance," Shen Qiancheng replied.

Shi Jianren's face darkened. He forced a smile and walked away.

The shareholders' meeting continued, discussing the projects and decisions for the Shen Group in the second half of the year.

The biggest project in the second half was the pharmaceutical research between the Su and Shen families. Shi Jianren was meticulous, but his mind wasn't on the operations of the Shen Corporation. He only wanted to hold tightly onto the company, never thinking about its future. Under Shi Jianren's leadership, the Shen Corporation was already showing signs of decline. If it continued under his control, within a few years, the Shen Corporation would be forced off the business stage of Tang City.

In any case, the pharmaceutical research project between the Su and Shen families was extremely important. Shen Qiancheng's marriage to Su Zeye was a reassurance, a necessary condition for the two families to trust each other.

The shareholders' meeting on the pharmaceutical research project lasted two hours. Shen Qiancheng engaged in a battle of wits with a group of old foxes, fiercely debating, and finally wrested control of the project from their jaws.

As soon as the meeting ended, everyone filed out. Shen Qiancheng tiredly pinched the bridge of her nose, collapsing into her chair like she had no bones.

Sui Shi stood outside the door holding a cup of coffee, smiling and bowing to each shareholder as they passed. Only when everyone had left did she knock on the door.

Shen Qiancheng's voice was hoarse with exhaustion. "Come in."

Sui Shi walked in and set the coffee on the table.

Shen Qiancheng was dressed very formally today, in a sharply tailored beige suit. The double row of buttons at the waist emphasized her slender figure. Her long legs were neatly crossed, and the two unbuttoned shirt collar revealed a hint of collarbone. Her sharp jawline and fair skin shimmered.

"Miss Shen, coffee."

Shen Qiancheng opened her eyes, which had been closed in rest. The coffee, still rippling from being set down, reflected her tired eyes in its dark brown surface.

Shen Qiancheng rubbed her forehead, pushing the coffee aside. "Where's the pear soup?"

Sui Shi raised an eyebrow, remembering the thermos Shen Qiancheng had brought in the morning. "It's still in your office."

Shen Qiancheng rubbed her temples. "Let's go back to the office."

She stood up, didn't spare the coffee on the table a glance, and strode out of the meeting room. Sui Shi tilted her head back and downed the coffee in one go.

In Shen Qiancheng's private office, Sui Shi followed her in. She fetched a disposable cup from the pantry and carefully poured out the pear soup from the thermos. The soup was clear and white with amber-yellow pear pieces floating in it. Sui Shi's courage grew from her cravings. She smiled ingratiatingly and said, "Miss Shen, there's a lot in the thermos. Can I have some?"

Shen Qiancheng raised her eyes at that and frowned, her gaze full of murderous intent. Sui Shi's heart skipped a beat, as if she had said too much. No matter how approachable Shen Qiancheng was, she would never share the treats Liao Xue made for her.

Sui Shi scrambled for words to backtrack, forcing a dry laugh. "Haha, I was just saying. Miss Liao's cooking is amazing, haha."

Shen Qiancheng looked at Sui Shi without a word, emanating the oppressive pressure of an impending storm. Sui Shi was on the verge of tears, swallowing hard. "Um... Miss Shen, if there's nothing else, I'll get back to work."

A little voice in Sui Shi's head was pleading: Let me leave, please!

Under the heavy pressure, Shen Qiancheng finally spoke. "Don't go yet. There's something."

Sui Shi forced a smile that looked worse than a cry. "Miss Shen, what else do you need?"

Shen Qiancheng raised her hand and poured a cup of pear soup. Her fair hand looked even more lustrous than the soup itself. Sui Shi's face lit up with joy. "Miss Shen, is that for me?!"

Shen Qiancheng said mercilessly, "No."

Sui Shi: Just teasing me?

Shen Qiancheng pushed the thermos in front of Sui Shi. "Take it and share it with the others on the team."

What?! Sui Shi dug at her ear. Had she really not been hearing things just now?

After drinking a sip of the pear soup, Shen Qiancheng raised an eyebrow with pleasure. "Do you want to hog it all for yourself?"

Having been with Shen Qiancheng for so many years, the lively, generous, considerate, even joking Shen Qiancheng—was she sure she hadn't been possessed?

Sui Shi grew bolder. "Miss Shen, if someone's threatening you, blink twice."

Shen Qiancheng clicked her tongue lightly. "I might just change my mind..."

Sui Shi grabbed the thermos and ran, shouting outside, "The best pear soup, endorsed by Miss Shen! Anyone want some?"

A burst of commotion sounded outside.

Shen Qiancheng curled her lips, remembering what Liao Xue had said at home: "Don't be nervous. Everything will pass. If you can't finish the pear soup, you can share it with your colleagues."

So this was the joy of sharing?

Shen Qiancheng buried her head in the documents.

Just then, the keypad lock on the office door beeped. Shen Qiancheng pricked up her ears. Familiar footsteps, landing with heavy force—only Liao Xue walked like that.

Sui Shi's voice came through: "Miss Liao, Miss Shen is back. You've come at just the right time."

Liao Xue's voice was calm. "Mm."

"The pear soup you made was really good. Could you give me the recipe?" Sui Shi said.

"Sure," Liao Xue replied.

"Let me add you on WeChat..." Sui Shi added.

The door, which was opening with a password, was yanked open from inside with brute force. Shen Qiancheng poked her head out and said, "Liao Xue, come in."

Liao Xue gave an apologetic smile and lowered her head to Sui Shi, while Shen Qiancheng straightened up and practically glared at Sui Shi.

Under Sui Shi's speechless gaze, the two entered the office. As the lock clicked shut, Sui Shi nearly had her nose bumped.

Liao Xue asked, "Was the pear soup not good? Why did you give it all away?"

Shen Qiancheng tilted her head, eyes wide as she looked at Liao Xue, looking like a wronged little wife. The disposable cup on the desk had spilled a bit due to being set down in a hurry.

Shen Qiancheng downed the rest in one gulp, then glared at Liao Xue. "I drank it all!"

Now what do you have to say! Shen Qiancheng thought smugly. Ask me why I gave it away!

Liao Xue smiled slightly. "How was it? Did they like it?"

Shen Qiancheng was stunned and pouted. "They loved it."

"And what about you? Did you like it?" Liao Xue asked.

"I didn't like it one bit!" Shen Qiancheng said.

"Oh," Liao Xue said very calmly, talking to herself. "The pear soup is really good, isn't it? I have a secret recipe."

Shen Qiancheng was always like a child. Don't listen to what she said insincerely; look at her expression and actions. The behavior of a child who speaks insincerely was often easy to read.

At the end of the workday, Shen Qiancheng carried her bag, linked arms with Liao Xue, and the corners of her mouth were turned up so high she couldn't bring them down.

She even greeted every employee who passed by. The next day, the rumor that Miss Shen had gone crazy would sweep through the Shen Corporation building.

Unaware of this, Shen Qiancheng rested her head on Liao Xue's shoulder. "What's for dinner?"

Liao Xue's ears turned red. "You must be tired. What do you want to eat?"

Shen Qiancheng thought for a moment, then said seriously, "Let's have rabbit hotpot."

"Okay."

It was late March, and the spring sun was warm and pleasant.

"Aren't we driving?" Liao Xue asked in confusion.

Shen Qiancheng looped her arm through Liao Xue's. "Should I be your driver every day? Let's walk home."

Liao Xue was surprised. "You don't have to work this afternoon?"

Shen Qiancheng tossed her hair and said smugly, "I got promoted, so I can go if I want."

Liao Xue smiled. In truth, she thought, you just want someone to keep you company at home.

"Is the Shen Corporation really okay without you for half a day?" Liao Xue said with exaggeration, putting on an affected expression. Shen Qiancheng was immediately amused.

Shen Qiancheng laughed happily. "Oh, you."

The traffic light held pedestrians. Shen Qiancheng and Liao Xue stood side by side at the crosswalk. The little red man on the opposite signal seemed to hurry but stayed in place.

Shen Qiancheng's amber eyes sparkled as she struck a starting pose. "Liao Xue, let's see who can run faster!"

Liao Xue smiled helplessly. Clearly, she just wanted to be a running champion.

Liao Xue smiled and said, "Alright."

The moment the light turned green was like the starter's gun.

Shen Qiancheng and Liao Xue both ran out.

On the sidewalk, pedestrians hurried by. Shen Qiancheng, childlike, turned back to Liao Xue and made a thumbs-down gesture.

Liao Xue panted, but Shen Qiancheng's lively form was vividly reflected in her eyes. Her clear eyes held only Shen Qiancheng.

Her long hair flowing in the wind, a thin layer of sweat on her rosy cheeks, her eyes curved like Nike swooshes. Youthful, lively—words that shouldn't describe Shen Qiancheng, but at this moment, she looked like a high school student, crashing into Liao Xue's limited high school memories.

"Ah—"

A cry of surprise. Shen Qiancheng fell like a kite whose string was cut, abandoned by the wind, forced to hit the ground.

Liao Xue quickened her pace, using all her strength, flying to Shen Qiancheng's side like an arrow.

"What happened?" Liao Xue's voice was trembling. "Does it hurt?"

Shen Qiancheng twisted her mouth. Caring words were the most effective teardrop trigger. The moment she heard Liao Xue's voice, tears filled her eyes.

Realizing she was crying, Shen Qiancheng was dazed. When had she become so fragile?

Was this still her?

Her fair knees were covered in scrapes, impossible to tell if there was a fracture. Liao Xue already had sweat on her forehead, and now a cold sweat broke out, but she had no mind to wipe it.

Shen Qiancheng reached out and pressed her sleeve against Liao Xue's forehead. "It's okay. I'm not in pain."

"How can you not be in pain after a fall like that?!" It was the first time Liao Xue had ever raised her voice at Shen Qiancheng, so loud it shook her. "Let's go to the hospital."

No complaint about why they didn't drive, no scolding for not watching where she was going—only the pain of caring why she didn't care for herself.

Shen Qiancheng had never known Liao Xue could be so strong. On the busy sidewalk, Liao Xue bent down and carried Shen Qiancheng in a princess hold.

Shen Qiancheng yelped, her arms naturally wrapping around Liao Xue's neck. Turning her head, she spotted a community clinic by the roadside and quickly patted her. "Liao Xue, there's a clinic over there. We don't need to go to the hospital. It was just a fall; how could it be a fracture?"

The clinic was just beyond the green belt, a small community hospital inside a residential compound.

Liao Xue nodded, swung her long leg over the green belt, and walked steadily toward the clinic.

After examining Shen Qiancheng's leg, the doctor said, "It's nothing serious. The bones are fine, just minor scrapes."

Shen Qiancheng glared at Liao Xue reproachfully. Liao Xue pretended not to notice, pulling the doctor aside. "Are you sure she's okay? The asphalt is quite hard. She has delicate skin..."

The doctor gave Shen Qiancheng an odd look. "You two don't look alike. Are you sisters?"

Liao Xue was at a loss for words. Shen Qiancheng said gloomily, "I'm her boss. She's afraid something will happen to me and she won't get her salary."

The doctor had a moment of realization. "Ah, I see. I thought you two were a couple."

Shen Qiancheng let out two cold laughs. Liao Xue shut her mouth and said no more.

On the way out, Liao Xue stubbornly insisted on carrying Shen Qiancheng on her back to go home. Still annoyed, Shen Qiancheng hopped onto Liao Xue's back. The plastic bag in her hand, filled with iodine and cotton swabs, kept hitting Liao Xue in the face.

Now there were two "patients" at home.

Once home, Liao Xue carefully laid Shen Qiancheng on the bed, as if she were as light as a goose feather, liable to blow away at any moment.

Shen Qiancheng munched on fruit, legs crossed, happily texting Sui Shi.

[I hurt my leg and took the afternoon off. Handle the documents and send them to me tomorrow.]

Sui Shi was about to reply when Shen Qiancheng sent another message.

[Image.jpg]

Sui Shi's afterthought: any later and it would have healed by itself.

After sending the messages, Shen Qiancheng announced loudly, "Liao Xue, we're out of watermelon."

A moment later, Liao Xue pushed the door open carrying a plate of ice-cold watermelon.

She was wearing an apron, and the smell of hotpot clung to her.

Shen Qiancheng's eyes lit up. "Is the rabbit hotpot ready?!"

Liao Xue nodded. Shen Qiancheng flew out the door like the wind.

Liao Xue shook her head sweetly. Even after cooking until her forehead was slick with sweat, she set the hotpot for Shen Qiancheng without a single complaint.

Shen Qiancheng actually felt a pang of guilt and, rare for her, said with a shred of conscience, "Why no temper today?"

Liao Xue picked up a piece of boiled rabbit meat and put it in Shen Qiancheng's bowl, speaking gently. "I just want to be good to you."

Shen Qiancheng covered her eyes. How seductive.

The hotpot was thoroughly enjoyable. Shen Qiancheng ate her fill, nibbled on fruit, and raised her leg again, waiting for Liao Xue to bathe her.

Liao Xue said, "I want to take a day off tomorrow."

Shen Qiancheng sprung up like a leaping carp. "Are you leaving me?"

She dashed to the door and closed it firmly.

Liao Xue stood outside, exasperated, watching Shen Qiancheng's childish behavior. Staring at the pattern on the bedroom door, she said with a hint of grievance, "I haven't gotten over my cold yet. The living room is cold."

After a long silence, the door was pulled open from inside.

Shen Qiancheng came out with a pillow and blanket, flung them onto the floor, then gave Liao Xue a chin-up gesture, indicating she should sleep in the bedroom.

Liao Xue obediently went in, but when closing the door intentionally didn't shut it completely.

Shen Qiancheng: She's just... alone... in the bedroom... and that huge bed—how well can she sleep in it?

Outside, Shen Qiancheng paced back and forth, went to the kitchen, and finally spotted the Chinese herbal medicine she'd left in a bowl, kept warm.

Inside the bedroom, behind the door.

Liao Xue could hear exactly what was happening outside—she could even determine: Shen Qiancheng was squatting on the floor, Shen Qiancheng was brushing her teeth, Shen Qiancheng went into the kitchen—then came a knock on the door.

So polite?

Liao Xue was sitting on the edge of the bed and hadn't yet risen, when Shen Qiancheng flung the door open and said with a flourish, "Drink your medicine."

Liao Xue remembered the terrifying experience of being fed the medicine spoonful by spoonful, so she obediently took it and downed it in one gulp.

Shen Qiancheng then spoke, as if with reason, "It's too cold out there. I might catch a cold too."

With that, she hugged her pillow and lay down on the bed.

Liao Xue sighed, got up, and left the room. Sure enough, the person lying there stirred slightly.

Liao Xue curled her lips. "I'm going to rinse my mouth. Don't fall asleep yet."

Shen Qiancheng's voice came muffled from the pillow. "Oh."

It didn't take long to wash up. Liao Xue closed the door tightly and climbed into bed beside Shen Qiancheng.

"Tomorrow I'm going to sweep my mother's grave."

Shen Qiancheng mumbled in response, half-asleep and half-awake, and then, in a daze, she saw Liao Xue standing before a tombstone.

A desolate hillside, no one around, the wind curling with mist, so quiet that occasional cries of unknown birds could be heard. Liao Xue seemed not to see Shen Qiancheng. Shen Qiancheng leaned in until her face almost touched Liao Xue's eyelashes, yet Liao Xue's eyes didn't blink, fixed straight ahead on the tombstone.

Shen Qiancheng turned her head. The tombstone bore the inscription: Mother Liao's Grave.

Something felt wrong, but before she could examine it, there came a loud rumble.

The grave opened wide, and a figure leaped out.

A pale face, red lips—it was the zombie version of Mother Liao.

Shen Qiancheng screamed, "Liao Xue, run!"

But Liao Xue seemed not to hear, staring blankly ahead as if her soul had been stolen.

Everything was eerily unreal.

Shen Qiancheng reached out to pull her, but her fingers passed through Liao Xue's body. She froze, eyes wide in shock.

Mother Liao, with a zombie's hop, sprang to stand before Liao Xue, grinning viciously as she seized Liao Xue's wrist and chanted in a repetitive loop: "Come to hell with me."

"No!" Shen Qiancheng let out a sharp cry, a shout that might burst Liao Xue's eardrums. She opened her eyes to find herself staring at the dark gray ceiling.

She touched her forehead; it was covered in cold sweat. Shen Qiancheng let out a long sigh.

Liao Xue was lying beside her, alive and warm. Shen Qiancheng's heart felt as if it had been torn open wide. She took a deep breath, bent down, and tightly enveloped Liao Xue in her arms.

Liao Xue was right here, right now.