Chapter 49 Please, Please, You Gotta Help Me (1/2)

Xin Qing found herself constantly stewing over the incident. Every time she wanted to ask Ying Qingcang about it, he acted as if he was giving her the cold shoulder. Hence, she ended up agonizing over the whole thing for two days straight. But tonight, her torment finally ended when Ying Qingcang brought up the subject himself.

”This is a report of Xin Enterprises' finances. Have a look,” Ying Qingcang said, passing the documents to her.

Xin Qing took the papers and started going through the pages carefully. While she read, Ying Qingcang had not made any attempts to hurry or urge her. Instead, he sat on the couch, nursing the coffee cup that was cradled in his hand. Once or twice, he would glance at her.

”This......how can the losses be this severe?” Xin Qing asked. Although she had no knowledge or understanding on matters relating to finances and accounting, she could still recognize the scores of debt payments that were listed in the document. Xin Enterprises was practically filled with unmendable loopholes at this point.

The corners of Ying Qingcang's mouth lifted as he laughed. ”Now you know why he is so hell-bent on returning the shares to you,” he said.

Xin Qing stared at him in alarm. She was totally clueless regarding these matters, but then she also knew that she could not allow Xin Enterprises to fall. It was her mother's wish.

”I can help you,” Ying Qingcang said, lifting his brows.

Xin Qing's eyes grew several shades darker. Standing up, she began making her way up the stairs. Halfway, she noticed that Ying Qingcang had barely moved from his seat. So she said, ”Well? You want me to please you again, right? Pretty sure you'd like to see the color of my bra or something.”

Ying Qingcang coughed twice. Various images flashed across his mind, images of racy bras adorning Xin Qing's body. He tamped down the surge of desire in his heart. He could not afford to touch her under the current circumstances. He would only be pushing her further away if he did.

”When did I say that?” he asked, smiling.

A blank look flitted across Xin Qing's face. ”What did he mean?” she thought.

Ying Qingcang stood up from the couch. The next thing she knew, he was pulling her towards her bedroom. And upon entering her bedroom, he pulled open her wardrobe and began sifting through its contents. Deep down, Xin Qing was laughing self-mockingly. ”In the end, I still have to pay with my own body...” she thought bitterly.

When Xin Qing began undoing her buttons, it caught Ying Qingcang's attention immediately. He handed a set of outfit to her, a barely-there smile plastered on his face. ”I definitely won't complain if you insist on changing in front of me. But are you sure?”

Xin Qing gaped at the clothes in her hands: a lavender sweater and a pair of jeans.

Ying Qingcang was already opening the door to leave. ”Get changed. Then we'll go get something to eat.”

Even when she was fully seated in the car, the dazed look had not left Xin Qing's face. Ying Qingcang found the look on her face highly amusing, but had kept his amusement hidden behind a straight face. Xin Qing shot him a glance, appraising him. And then she felt like testing the waters, so she asked, ”Didn't we have dinner just now?”

”We're getting supper,” Ying Qingcang said, pursing his lips.

Xin Qing thought for a moment, and then she added, ”Can't stay out until too late. I've got class tomorrow.”

The car stopped before the entrance of a hotel which looked elegant, though in an old-fashioned kind of way. At the door, they were received with utmost attentiveness by the greeter.

”Good evening, President Ying! We've reserved the Pine Room for you.”

Ying Qingcang nodded and took Xin Qing's hand into his own. Xin Qing had every intention to break free from his grasp, but then she hesitated when she saw the look of pure shock on the greeter's countenance. And in her distraction, Ying Qingcang had taken the opportunity to drag her forward.

As they passed the lobby, Xin Qing immediately noticed that a lot of men there had female escorts. Those women were either following the men around, or they were practically lying on top of the men. The former did not seem to mind at all the wanton ministrations that were being lavished on their bodies.

They settled themselves into a private room with a highly-refined and tasteful decor. After the greeter left them, Ying Qingcang said, ”All those women are playthings.”

Xin Qing stared at him wide-eyed. Understanding dawned on her regarding his gesture just now. ”Entering hand in hand. Is he telling everyone that I'm not his plaything? No wonder the greeter had that look just now,” she thought.

Xin Qing felt a wave of disgust well up in her heart. He damn well knew what this place was, yet he still brought her here. Plus, she did not see the point at all in telling everyone here that she was not his plaything. After all, these people were mere strangers.

The waiter entered and left the room. Xin Qing barely noticed the dishes that Ying Qingcang had ordered for them. She sat there in a downcast mood, sipping her tea.

”You shouldn't be drinking tea at this hour. Do you want trouble falling asleep later?” Ying Qingcang poured her a glass of fruit juice.

Xin Qing ignored him, but she picked up the glass and took two sips. Shortly, the course was served. Well, at least Ying Qingcang had not been prodigal when making the orders. The course consisted of two cold dishes, two hot dishes, and a bowl of soup.

Xin Qing did not have much appetite at first. But that quickly changed when she casually took a mouthful of the portions that Ying Qingcang had placed on her plate. ”The food here isn't bad at all! Delicious. No wonder the place is swamped,” Xin Qing thought.

Ying Qingcang gave her another slice of pork ribs. ”You can have more,” he said, ”it's vegetarian meat.”

Xin Qing stared at the pork ribs slice in shock. ”You mean this isn't real pork ribs?”

”Of course not. Didn't you notice the signs at the entrance?”

Xin Qing shook her head, still pushing and turning the slice of pork ribs in her plate.

”Well, this is a clubhouse that is open to members only. Health-preserving vegetarian dishes are their specialty.” Ying Qingcang ladled out a bowl of soup and said, ”You haven't been eating well for the past few days. So I thought the food here might be better.”