26 The Ride Home (1/2)

Both Xu Jing and Joann were shocked by Qing Qing's request. It did sound like she was suggesting for Xu Jing to kick Joann out of the car, and that was understandably rude and offensive. However, she quickly added a spin to the request by attaching the following, ”It has been a long day, I wouldn't want Sister Joann to get too tired during the trip, after all, my house is quite a long distance away.”

The all too forward request was thus changed into a consideration out of concern. Joann was touched by her junior's kind thoughtfulness.

She was about to say something when Xu Jing began, ”That will not be necessary. I am sure Joann won't mind staying up for a little while longer.”

”But… I do not want Sister Joann to get too tired because of me. It is already kind enough that you are offering to drive me home, I would not want to impose into Sister Joann's resting time on top of that as well. I could not have that on my conscience,” pouted Qing Qing pitiably.

”But, I have already told you I am sure Joann…” Xu Jing began but was soon cut off by Joann, ”Xu Jing, never mind. Qing Qing has a point. After all, we will be passing our home on the way to her house, so it will not be too much trouble for you to stop and drop me.”

Then Joann turned to look behind her, ”Qing Qing, thank you for your consideration.”

Qing Qing smiled but after Joann turned around, it turned into one colored with conceit.

Since Joann had put it that way, there was nothing else Xu Jing could say without arousing suspicion or sounding like an uncouth person. He sighed internally and prayed that nothing would go wrong.

The car soon arrived at Xu Jing and Joann's home. Before she got down from the car, Joann turned to Xu Jing to say, ”Take care of Qing Qing for me and drive safely. I will see you at home later.”

”Alright, see you later.”

”Qing Qing, good night.”

”Good night, Sister Joann.” Qing Qing waved at Joann through the window and she waved back.

Xu Jing watched his wife walk towards their house's front door and only started the engine when Joann reached the door. However, before he stepped on the oil pedal, the backdoor was suddenly pushed open and Qing Qing got out. Xu Jing turned around to ask, ”What are you doing?!”

…

Before she stepped through the threshold, Joann turned back to look at Xu Jing's car. Normally, she would not do something like that but call it a woman's instinct, a voice inside her head told her to do exactly that.

She frowned when she saw Qing Qing exit the backdoor and walk to the front to take the seat she had just vacated. She did not understand why Qing Qing would do something like that. It did not even cross her mind that there was a sinister motive behind this move.

However, an explanation soon appeared in her mind, one that befitted her impression of Qing Qing, 'The girl probably moved to sit beside Xu Jing so he won't feel like a paid driver. Such a considerate and thoughtful young woman.'