Chapter 30 (2/2)

She walked over and smiled politely at Meng Xue who returned the smile though it contained a trace of provocation “You’ve finally come to tend to your boyfriend.”

Yun Jin acted as if she had not heard her as she squatted befor Cheng Zheng and tapped his face lightly “Cheng Zheng, wake up, we should make a move.”

Cheng Zheng made no reaction so she tried to support him to his feet. When she staggered under his weight, Song Ming quickly rushed to her aid by supporting Cheng Zheng on his other end.

“Thank you. Could I trouble you to a.s.sist me in carrying him out?” Yun Jin’s request was directed at Song Ming before she turned to Meng Xue “Thank you for your shoulder. No wonder Cheng Zheng always mentions that you’re like a brother to him.”

Meng Xue laughed bitterly and rose to her feet as well. After Yun Jin said her farewells to the others, she and Song Ming headed for the exit with Meng Xue trailing worriedly behind them. Undoubtedly, there would be no driving that night. Yun Jin went to the kerb and was about to hail a taxi when Cheng Zheng came to somewhat as he ma.s.saged his temples and asked what he was doing there.

“You’ve had too much to drink. We’re going home.” Yun Jin said softly.

Cheng Zheng looked at the three of them blearily before taking his arm out of her grip “You go back first. I’m not drunk, I can still continue drinking.”

His withdrawal was too abrupt that he stumbled but Meng Xue was quick to step forward and catch him. He finally caught his balance by leaning on her.

Yun Jin grabbed his hand firmly “Cheng Zheng, stop this. Let’s go.” Her voice betrayed her desperation.

Cheng Zheng swung her hand off once again as he staggered and slung his arm over Meng Xue’s shoulder “I told you not to restrict me. Go if you wish.”

There was no turning back now and even Song Ming felt awkward being there.

Yun Jin stared at him quietly before turning calmly to Song Ming and Meng Xue “Since it’s like this, I’ll be heading back first. Please take good care of him and don’t let him drink too much. Don’t let him drive as well.” She took out a notebook from her handbag and scribbled hurriedly “This is our address please help get him into a cab when the gathering ends. After he’s on it, give me a call. Thank you so much.”

As soon as Yun Jin’s cab rounded the bend and was no longer in sight, Cheng Zheng straightened slowly. The dazed look in his eyes had vanished, leaving palpable disappointment. He realised that he was still in close physical contact with Meng Xue so he quickly widened a gap between them and said simply “Sorry about that.” before heading back to the party.

“Cheng Zheng!” Meng Xue called out from behind him. He turned back in bewilderment and was unprepared for the slap she was about to deliver. Luckily, his reflexes were as quick as ever as he parried her attempt and yelled “Are you drunk?”

Only then did he notice Meng Xue’s tears. He grew up with Meng Xue and in his heart, she would forever be the innocent little playmate of his. This was the first time he had seen her cry.

Meng Xue lifted her face bravely as tears streamed down “Take this slap as my returning all the feelings I had for you. You don’t have to love me but you shouldn’t hurt me like this. You’ve known that I have loved you all along. How can you treat me feelings as a tool for the games you two play? You’re so cruel.”

Cheng Zheng loosened his grip on her and was utterly helpless “Maybe you’re right. If slapping me would make you feel better than go ahead.”

Meng Xue dried her tears and smiled coldly “But now I don’t feel like it anymore because I’ve discovered that you’re more pathetic than me. You wanted to use me to spite that Su Yun Jin but it’s a pity she doesn’t even care. It’s been so many years now. You’ve loved someone whose feelings for you aren’t clear. You thought you’re victorious because she’s by your side but you’re wrong.”

He covered his ears as though doing so would block out the unsatisfactory words. After a pause, he said to Song Ming “Please take care of her.” before turning and taking his leave.

It was very late by the time he reached home but the table lamp was still on. He was comforted to find Yun Jin still awake. She had not changed out of her clothes and was watching the telly calmly. Seeing that he had returned, she turned her eyes away from the screen.

“You’re back.” She put down the remote control in her hands and said the familiar refrain.

“You … have something to tell me?” Cheng Zheng jammed his hands in his pocket.

Yun Jin raised her face and studied him carefully “I just want to say, you’re very immature Cheng Zheng.”

Cheng Zheng sat on the sofa and buried his face in his knees “Yes I’m immature. I wrongly a.s.sumed that in doing so, I would provoke you into action and know definitively that you can be jealous over me, that you can be angry at me. This would prove to me that you actually care for me.”

Yun Jin’s face was void of emotion.

Cheng Zheng exhaled slowly “It’s been so many years and you still don’t love me. That’s why you are always so calm.”

The one thing he feared the most was ironically initiated by him. It was a surreal sensation, like he was the metaphorical ash being released in the wind.

“Yun Jin, let’s break up.”

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