Chapter 40: Should I Offer an Explanation?

When Cheng Suqiu woke up the next day, the room was bathed in the warm, toasted glow of the morning sun. She opened her eyes, dazed, and it took a full minute for her to realize this was not her own home. She felt perfectly fine, with not a single ache or discomfort; clearly, she had slept well.

Cheng Suqiu slipped into her slippers, rubbed her eyes, and walked out of the bedroom. Yu Ling was in the living room feeding her cat and turned around at the sound of the door opening. Seeing Cheng Suqiu, a smile blossomed on her lips. "Qiuqiu, you're awake?" She gave the cat a quick pat on the head and stood up to walk over to her.

"Mm, I'm up."

Waking up in an unfamiliar environment had initially triggered a flicker of panic, but seeing Yu Ling instantly put her at ease. Looking around at the furnishings, she asked, "Yuyu, did you buy this new place?"

"Yes. I sold that apartment in Chunjing Garden. This is my only home now."

Hearing her explanation, Cheng Suqiu immediately understood the underlying reason. That apartment had been tainted by Mu Chenbei and his mistress; selling it was for the best. She pinched Yu Ling’s cheek and smiled. "It seems our little Yuyu has grown up quite a bit over these past three years. You’re becoming more and more decisive."

Yu Ling rescued her cheek from Cheng Suqiu’s grasp and pulled her to sit down. "Oh, Qiuqiu, it’s nothing like that." If it hadn't been for the reminders from the live-stream comments, she certainly wouldn't have been so resolute. "I have some good news for you."

Cheng Suqiu rested her chin on her hand, looking at her with a smile. "What good news?"

Yu Ling blinked, her expression a bit mischievous. "Property is in high demand lately, so I actually sold that Chunjing Garden place for 500,000 more than expected." Her eyes crinkled with delight, looking like a kitten that had successfully stolen a bit of fish.

Cheng Suqiu was genuinely happy for her and didn't hold back her praise. "Our Yuyu is truly amazing."

Yu Ling smiled shyly. "Qiuqiu, are you hungry? Do you want breakfast?"

Cheng Suqiu patted her stomach. "I actually am."

"Then I’ll go wake up Xiao Ming."

Xiao Ming? Cheng Suqiu felt a moment of confusion, but then she remembered the young assistant who had been with Yu Ling yesterday. That must be her name. "Alright."

As Yu Ling left, Cheng Suqiu realized her phone wasn't on her. It must be back in the room. She walked back and pushed open the door, only to see a black suit jacket draped over the nightstand. Cheng Suqiu frowned and picked it up. It was distinctly a man’s garment—not hers, and certainly not Yuyu’s.

And why did this suit look so familiar?

After looking at it several times, it dawned on her: this was the very suit the man from last night had been wearing. A wave of irritation washed over her, and she tossed the jacket back onto the bed. But hadn't he left last night? Why would his suit be here?

Cheng Suqiu pondered for a long while but couldn't recall a single thing. This was terrible. She had blacked out from the alcohol last night. It seemed she would have to ask Yuyu; she hadn't been drunk.

***

After being woken up by Yu Ling, Chu Ming rubbed her eyes, only to realize she was lying in someone else’s home. She massaged her throbbing head and asked, "How did I end up here?" She clearly remembered drinking at the bar last night, and that annoying Zhang Yue had even held the bottle up, refusing to let her have more.

Hearing her question, a mysterious smile appeared on Yu Ling’s face. Waking up and immediately asking about Zhang Yue—if this wasn't love, what was?

"Zhang Yue brought you back last night and then drove home," Yu Ling explained. "I gave him the day off today."

Chu Ming nodded and smiled sheepishly. "Sister, I’m so sorry, I drank too much last night..."

Yu Ling smiled understandingly. "It's fine. Go ahead and get up for breakfast."

Though it was called breakfast, it was nearly twelve o'clock—time for lunch, really. After waking Chu Ming, Yu Ling stepped out and closed the door. She had woken up early and had a large pot of congee simmering on the stove. A hangover made for a sensitive stomach; greasy food wouldn't do.

Just as Yu Ling brought the congee out of the kitchen, Cheng Suqiu emerged from the bedroom. Yu Ling ladled out a bowl and signaled for her to come over. "Qiuqiu, come on over."

"Coming." Cheng Suqiu replied with a forced smile.

When she reached the table, she looked at the spread and said, "Thanks for the trouble, Yuyu."

Yu Ling shook her head with a smile. "It's nothing. Zhang Yue got up early to bring over the buns and fried dough sticks; I just made the congee."

"Then..." Cheng Suqiu hesitated for a second, then calmly changed the subject. "How did we get back last night?"

Yu Ling paused. She didn't answer immediately, instead glancing at the live-stream comments.

*Qiuqiu saw Zhou Yan's clothes. She’s probably already guessed that he was the one who brought them home.*

*Zhou Yan, that calculating man. If you’re going to drop someone off, just leave! Why not take your jacket? He’s clearly trying to make his presence felt, letting Qiuqiu know he didn't leave last night. Such a deep, brooding old man—I still prefer the little puppy, Min Qinwen.*

Yu Ling couldn't agree more with the comment about Zhou Yan—a deep, brooding old man. Spot on. As for that "puppy," she hadn't met him yet, so she couldn't judge. But that didn't matter.

She looked at Cheng Suqiu, deciding not to hide the truth. "A friend of mine brought us back last night."

"A friend?" Cheng Suqiu looked at her skeptically. When did Yuyu become friends with Zhou Yan? They clearly didn't even seem to know each other when they met yesterday. Was it possible that Yuyu and that man were colluding to lie to her?

She asked pointedly, "Which friend? Do I know them?"

Yu Ling pretended not to know about the relationship between her and Zhou Yan. "It’s that odd person who called me 'Fish Scales' yesterday. I only found out later that he’s actually Chi Ran’s manager. You could say he’s my unexpected benefactor."

Cheng Suqiu had been watching her expression closely. Seeing that she looked perfectly at ease, her suspicions faded. She knew of Chi Ran. That explanation made sense. But... how did Yuyu get involved with him?

Cheng Suqiu suddenly felt that a lot had happened in the three years she was away. She probed, "Yuyu, what is your relationship with Chi Ran?"

Yu Ling told the truth: "He helped me out when I was framed by Lin Mianmian a couple of days ago."

Cheng Suqiu’s first reaction was: *This isn't normal.* Chi Ran didn't seem like the type to meddle in others' affairs; why would he be so helpful? She looked at Yu Ling and asked, "Why did he help you?"

Yu Ling choked on her words. She had to pretend she didn't know. She shook her head and said softly, "I don't know either."

She lowered her gaze, looking quite dejected. To Cheng Suqiu, this looked like she had been deeply wronged. Her brow furrowed as she considered a possibility. Her expression turned grim.

Yu Ling had no idea what she was thinking and could only turn to the live-stream comments for answers.

*Oh no, Qiuqiu is overthinking it. She thinks Zhou Yan investigated her and realized Yu Ling was her friend, which is why he took the initiative to help.*

*Oh, boy.* Yu Ling looked at Cheng Suqiu with conflicted eyes. Should she explain?