Chapter 21: I Wore It For You
This translation is originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.
She wanted to step forward, took half a step, then stopped, with a hint of guilt revealed in her eyes.
Seeing Wen Ruoxian here is more of a surprise and joy for Song Qingluo. Originally, she had accepted the regret and only needed some time to digest it on her own. However, this person's appearance unexpectedly stirs up bitterness in her heart.
"It's okay..."
Song Qingluo shook her head, and tried her best to smile “No one wants accidents to happen.”
After speaking, she walked around her and went towards the parking lot.
Wen Ruoxian immediately followed.
She walked towards the glacier blue car and spoke out in time, "Let’s take my car, and go back together."
Song Qingluo stopped and turned around to look at her.
The cold wind blows, making stray hair fly onto their faces. The December cold brings a piercing pain, cooling down the feverish mind and boiling emotions.
Isn't it already rare to be able to come over?
If a friend lies in the hospital, she wouldn't bother coming over specifically if it was her.
At least Wen Ruoxian came and still remembered their agreement in her heart. Even if she didn't make it, personally saying sorry is a great comfort.
It is unreasonable to argue anymore.
“Okay."
They both turned their steps.
After getting in the car, Wen Ruoxian turned on the heater. Although it was warm, it was stuffy. She lowered the fan speed so that the air vent was away from directly blowing on Song Qingluo, ensuring her comfort.
Song Qingluo lowered her gaze and looked at her slim and fair fingers waving before her eyes. "When did you arrive?"
Wen Ruoxian stood up straight, truthfully responding, "Around eight-thirty. Since the event had been going on for a while, the staff said we couldn't go in. I thought I'd wait until it was over, you would come out..."
According to the rules, entry is prohibited fifteen minutes after the concert starts. She arrived at 8:30, missing the beginning but catching the end.
"You stood outside for so long?" Song Qingluo's heart tightened.
The highest temperature during the day was only ten degrees.
The night would be colder, and with the wind, what if she caught a cold?
She couldn't help but complain about Wen Ruoxian in her heart.
"No," Wen Ruoxian seemed to sense her mood, "I sat in the car waiting. Many people came out when it ended at nine, but I didn't see you. Your car was still parked here, and I was worried, so I tried calling you..."
But Song Qingluo didn't answer.
The second time it went straight to voicemail, she understood. The Young Miss was unhappy, and she confirmed that Song Qingluo hadn't left yet. So, she simply went to wait by the side door.
"Oh..."
Song Qingluo relaxed and remembered she needed to say something more. "How is CEO Cheng? Is it serious?"
Wen Ruoxian's brow showed a troubled expression. "Ankle sprain and mild concussion. The doctor said it's not particularly serious, but she needs bed rest."
The company didn't work on holidays, so she put aside her personal work temporarily and gave herself a day off. At four in the afternoon, she changed into the clothes for the concert, carefully applied light makeup, eager to leave early, preferring to arrive in advance rather than be on time or late.
Then, she received a call from Cheng Suran, saying that she was outside and would drop by to deliver her eight-treasure rice, a dessert they both loved in the past.
It takes more than ten minutes to drive. She waited from five o'clock to six o'clock, but no one came.
She couldn't get through despite calling three times.
Right before heading out, Wen Ruoxian made the fourth call, only to have a police officer answer, delivering the unexpected news that the number's owner had been involved in a traffic accident. The officer conveyed the urgency of a family member's presence required at XX Hospital.
At that moment, her mind went blank, and her only thought was to contact Jiang Yu. Two calls went unanswered, but she couldn't dwell on it much. Without stopping to consider, she hurriedly rushed to the hospital.
Ranran lay on the hospital bed.
She was unconscious due to a concussion but with no apparent external injuries on her body.
After a series of discussions with the doctors and the police, she finally grasped the full story. In an urgent attempt to avoid a reckless electric scooter, Ranran accidentally crashed into the roadside greenery and hit her head against the window.
Jiang Yu couldn't be contacted and with no other close relatives for Ranran, she found herself as the only friend available in this situation.
On one side, there's her white moonlight in need of companionship after the accident, and on the other, the Young Miss eagerly anticipating their prearranged meeting. Making a decision might not be difficult for most people, who would unquestionably choose the former. Yet, in that moment of decision, she hesitated for a brief second or two.
It's precisely this brief hesitation of one or two seconds that left Wen Ruoxian tortured by her conscience.
She could have decisively stayed to accompany Ranran, but choosing after that moment of hesitation seemed like a betrayal of her original intentions and a letdown to the expectations of the Young Miss.
Her torment finally came to an end when Jiang Yu returned her call.
Jiang Yu was attending a charity banquet, occupied with socializing upon arrival and neglecting her phone. It wasn't until she went to the restroom midway that she noticed the missed calls. Upon learning the situation, she immediately left the room full of elite ladies and rushed over.
Seeing Jiang Yu arrive, Wen Ruoxian breathed a sigh of relief, as if she had accomplished a task. After that, everything seemed unrelated to her.
She and Ranran are no longer the most important people in each other's lives.
Visiting and showing concern were acceptable, but staying by the bedside wasn't her role. Having completed her task, it was time to leave and attend to her own affairs.
Her mission was to attend the concert.
She left the hospital at 8 o'clock, well aware that the concert had already begun. She imagined Song Qingluo must have adorned herself in that lavender gown, sitting at the most conspicuous spot in the center of the stage. Perhaps, during breaks in the music, she would sneak glances at the audience and search for her presence.
Only to discover she wasn't there.
What would her reaction be? Disappointment, confusion, or perhaps anger? Just the thought of Song Qingluo's hopeful yet unfulfilled anticipation made her inexplicably sad.
Regardless, she felt the need to apologize in person, no matter what.
Wen Ruoxian explained the situation thoroughly, and Song Qingluo remained silent for a while. The car became engulfed in silence, with faint, dimly lit stars shining through the window, reflecting in each other's eyes.
"I'm sorry I didn't fulfill what I promised you," Wen Ruoxian broke the silence.
"That's all right..."
Song Qingluo shrugged, gently rubbing her palms with her fingertips. "I am indeed a bit disappointed, but I can understand you. I'm not a child who doesn't understand things; you don't need to apologize."
She didn't ask why she didn't reply to the "...I want to see you all the time" message.
Wen Ruoxian didn't take the initiative to say anything.
Both of them made a tacit agreement not to mention it to avoid each other's embarrassment.
After all, their relationship wasn't exceptionally close.
This translation is originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.
Knowing when to advance or step back is crucial.
"Apologies are necessary," Wen Ruoxian looked at her earnestly. "I want to let you know that I value today's performance, and I didn't take it lightly or just treat you badly.”
Maybe it would alleviate some of the guilt.
The torture of her conscience caused by that one or two seconds of hesitation.
Her serious appearance seemed funny.
Song Qingluo laughed out loud, "Then that's a pity for you. I only wear each performance gown once. You missed today, and you won't see it again. And..." Her voice paused, and then suddenly she leaned towards Wen Ruoxian, with her nose twitching.
The fresh and clean herbal fragrance permeated her heart and lungs.
"I originally wore it for you." She lowered her voice and her long and curled eyelashes trembled slightly.
The woman's warm breath brushed past her face, and her red lips were so close, like a fruit ripe for picking. There was ambiguity in those blurred and fiery eyes, as if tempting.
Wen Ruoxian's heart raced and quickly avoided her.
The warm breeze seemed to seep through every pore from all directions, causing discomfort with a pervasive heat. Her face felt flushed.
Wearing it just for her...
What does it mean?
Realizing her overly sensitive nerves were playing tricks on her, Wen Ruoxian forcefully interrupted her thoughts. Whatever it meant, it had nothing to do with her. She couldn't allow herself to overthink.
Straight women are like this.
The more carefree in their minds, the more unrestrained they become. On the contrary, people like her are cautious and reserved and rarely cross boundaries.
The Young Miss is just naturally clingy.
Like a younger sister, she sticks to her, acting cute and throwing tantrums in front of her. "There will be many more beautiful gowns in the future." Wen Ruoxian turned around, sat upright, lowered her head to fasten the seatbelt, and her long hair fell and covered her flushed cheeks.
Song Qingluo pursed her lips and chuckled silently.
Clearly sensing Wen Ruoxian's avoidance. She didn't want to push her further, so she dropped the subject with a nod.
"I'm still happy that you came. Let's forget about this time. There will be many more opportunities in the future."
"True."
It not only comforted Wen Ruoxian but also comforted herself.
Hearing her words, Wen Ruoxian eased her emotions. Afraid of displeasing the Young Miss, but why exactly? Upon careful consideration, it was all for the sake of interest.
So, she glanced sideways with a smile, "Shall we go home?"
Go home...
Song Qingluo muttered silently, feeling sweet in her heart, "Okay."
….
Just two days after the holiday, Song Qingluo received a call from the orchestra's head, Director Yang. She had initially agreed but then changed her mind about collaborating with a certain pianist. Now, her attempt to retract the decision was unsuccessful.
The other party insisted on cooperating with her, otherwise they would rather cancel the special performance.
"Cancel it if you want, it's none of my business." Song Qingluo said, half-lying on the sofa in the President’s office, wearing earphones, talking on the phone, and eating strawberries.
Wen Ruoxian bought fresh and huge strawberries specially for her.
On the other end of the call, the man sounded helpless: "Xiao Song, it's his first time coming to China. He didn't choose the capital but picked Jiangcheng. This is a big deal in the entire classical music circle. Personal grievances shouldn't interfere with music..."
Director Yang advised earnestly.
The phrase "personal grievances shouldn't interfere with music" woke Song Qingluo up.
After careful consideration and enduring persuasion, she finally agreed.
Then she set the phone aside.
The office door swung open.
"You're back, President Wen," she promptly stood up to welcome.
“Mm."
Wen Ruoxian glanced at her, suddenly feeling a bit uncomfortable with such a formal address, but still nodded. She circled around the desk and took a seat.
Setting her laptop aside, she lightly massaged her forehead with her index and thumb.
Her whole body felt an indescribable fatigue.
Due to Cheng Suran's need to rest due to her illness, all the company's affairs, big and small, fell onto Wen Ruoxian's shoulders. The part that wasn't originally her responsibility required her to invest energy in getting acquainted with it. Two meetings a day left her feeling dizzy and disoriented.
Waking up earlier than a rooster and sleeping later than a dog every day.
Song Qingluo also kept her company in the busyness.
They go to work together, eat together, work overtime together, and go home together.
The things Song Qingluo can help with are limited, most of them are document work. In the span of busy days, she improved rapidly. From feeling overwhelmed at the sight of meeting minutes to effortlessly writing project reports, it took her only half a month.
Occasionally joining Wen Ruoxian for social events, she could hold her liquor and engage in conversations. Completely devoid of a Young Miss’ spoiled temperament, she might not be of significant help, but she didn't cause trouble either.
"Are you tired?" Song Qingluo came to Wen Ruoxian with a plate, picked up a big strawberry, and put it close to her lips.
Wen Ruoxian closed her eyes and nodded, subconsciously opened her mouth, and ate the strawberry.
Icy and cool, with a slightly sour and sweet richness.
It does have a somewhat refreshing effect.
"I'll give you a massage for a while." Song Qingluo set down the plate, wiped her fingertips with a tissue, and gently placed her hands on her shoulders, starting to massage.
Wen Ruoxian abruptly opened her eyes, slightly shrank forward, and hurriedly stopped her, "No need."
"My massages are very comfortable; I often give my mom massages at home. You have to trust my skills."
"I don't doubt your skills. It's just that my shoulders and neck aren't tired." The Young Miss would only listen if she had to explain it seriously.
"..."
Song Qingluo withdrew her hands sadly.
Wen Ruoxian slightly adjusted her seat and turned to face her. "I have a business trip to Los Angeles on Monday. Help me book two tickets for the same afternoon, and two tickets for Friday afternoon coming back. Make sure they're not too late.
"Business trip? I want to go too."
"No need."
"Why can Assistant Xu go then?"
“...”
"I'm your secretary, and I can handle basic tasks now. You should take me with you on the business trip." Song Qingluo spoke straightly. Just the thought of being away from the old-fashioned for four or five days with someone else around, made her feel uneasy.
Why?
If Assistant Xu is going, she should go too.
Wen Ruoxian knew she was being temperamental again. Despite the headache, she patiently explained, "It involves coordination with government-related agencies. Xu Man has been following up on this, so, of course, she needs to go."
"If you think I can't be of help, I can wait for you at the hotel. Even as a mascot, watching can be considered a form of practice."
“...”
This ancestor is really sharp-tongued.
No one can resist when she's stubborn.
Wen Ruoxian didn't want to argue with her and could only come up with a random reason, "As I mentioned, we will be in contact with government-related personnel, and both sides will pay great attention to their image. Your hair... might give an unreliable impression."
Song Qingluo fell silent immediately.
Thinking the Young Miss had been persuaded, Wen Ruoxian breathed a sigh of relief and her expression eased: "Go book the tickets, I'll send you my and Xu Man's ID numbers on WeChat..."
"Wait for me."
Before finishing her sentence, Song Qingluo interrupted and then she saw her swiftly walking away.
"?"
Wen Ruoxian stared at the door blankly.
When you invite the ancestors around you, you have to coax them no matter how much headache you have, and you can't lose your temper.
Otherwise, it will be more difficult.
She didn't have time to think too much, so she let Song Qingluo go. She had a lunch appointment with clients at noon. Checking her watch, it was time to leave…
Not until around two in the afternoon did Wen Ruoxian return to the office, but Song Qingluo was nowhere to be seen.
Only then did she realize the seriousness of the matter.
She took out her phone to make a call.
―shwoosh
The office door was pushed precariously.
Song Qingluo's steps were swift like the wind. Without waiting for Wen Ruoxian's reaction, she stood in front of her, provocatively asking, "Is this hair color acceptable?"
The bright silver strands, resembling moonlight, were nowhere to be seen, replaced by a full head of thick, pure black…
Author's Note:
Xiao Qingluo:?? Dye your hair for love (no