Hiding in the bathroom, Wen Ying was unaware of Xie Qian’s thoughts.
But listening to Song Chan’s sharp retorts, she felt a twinge of satisfaction: Song Chan’s wit and quick thinking— if a writing career didn’t pan out, she could definitely consider becoming a lawyer.
“Assistant Qi.”
Xie Qian called out to Qi, the assistant, “My dad messed up, plain and simple. With everyone covering for him, he won’t see his mistake. This isn’t complicated—let’s not make it so, right?”
Assistant Qi was in a tough spot.
He thought the same, but what could he do if Boss Xie didn’t?
Sigh, everyone here disliked Boss Xie except him. Xie was fighting a lone battle and probably wouldn’t last long.
“Young Master Xie, should I try talking to Boss Xie again?”
Boss Xie had spent a night at the police station and was nearly losing it today.
He even suspected the Jiang family was laughing at him, deliberately not helping. On Zhao Dong’s advice, Xie finally admitted to the assault, which got him escorted to the hospital by the police.
At least he was out of the station.
But without settling with Song Foxiang, the police would still be involved.
Assistant Qi felt that, at this point, pride didn’t matter. He’d planned to bypass Song Foxiang to get Xie out, but Zhong Yong had sternly warned him off.
Zhong Yong didn’t care how long Xie Jinghu was locked up.
Xie Yuping’s orders? Zhong Yong would follow them to the letter!
Assistant Qi, muttering to himself, found no one stopping him. He slunk off to Xie Jinghu’s ward.
Song Chan knocked hard on the bathroom door, “Junior Wen?”
Borrowing the bathroom was a ruse; watching the drama was the real goal.
Xie Qian being there was one thing, but why should Wen Ying get to spectate?
Wen Ying opened the door, her face thick with shamelessness, “Did I disturb Uncle Song’s rest? I’ll leave now.”
With Xie Jinghu “admitted” to the hospital, it seemed no resolution was coming soon. Even if there was, it’d likely just be the Song family roasting Xie again—repetitive drama Wen Ying wasn’t keen on.
As Wen Ying left, Xie Qian didn’t want to stay either.
Jiang Xuekun, however, couldn’t leave. He feared Xie Jinghu’s assistant might return, putting the Songs at a disadvantage.
A sharp tongue worked in some situations but could backfire in others.
Xie Qian said a few polite words and followed Wen Ying downstairs. Song Chan watched their retreating figures, unable to pin down their relationship—early romance? Didn’t quite seem like it.
The pink bubbles were faint.
And Xie Qian with Wen Ying? They didn’t match from any angle.
Just good friends, then.
Probably only someone as thick-skinned as Wen Ying could melt the icy mountain that was Xie Qian and become his friend.
Song Chan stared after them, while Song Foxiang sneaked a glance at her.
Sigh?
She said she didn’t like him.
Yet she kept stealing looks at Xie Qian!
Song Foxiang had no desire to become in-laws with Xie Jinghu, nor to face Zou Weijun in that capacity.
Not being allowed to pursue her was painful enough; dealing with her like this would be pure torture.
“Boss Jiang, what do I do now?”
Song Foxiang turned to Jiang Xuekun for help.
Jiang Xuekun: “…?”
I thought you had all your moves planned out with that bravado. Guess not?
Jiang Xuekun was exasperated but not surprised—this was classic Song Foxiang.
If the man could plan three steps ahead, he wouldn’t just be a “chief editor.”
“Old Song, I get your anger. Personally, you’re in the right, so hold your ground however you want. But as your boss, I hope this can be settled quickly. Every day you’re in the hospital, colleagues will talk about it more. You don’t mind gossip, but Xiao Zou… you know how these rumors about relationships hit women harder.”
At the mention of Zou Weijun, Song Foxiang listened intently.
Jiang Xuekun continued, “Xiao Zou’s been with us less than a year, but she’s poured her heart into this job. Without that passion, she wouldn’t have planned a bestseller like *Hush, Little Secret*. I think she loves this work. If the gossip gets out of hand, I’m worried she might resign.”
Zou Weijun was indeed dedicated, or she wouldn’t have pressured Editor Wan.
Song Foxiang thought for a moment, responding with rare seriousness, “Exactly why this can’t be brushed off. If I let Xie off after taking a beating, it’ll look like I’m guilty. The office will spread rumors about me and Xiao Zou, thinking we’re actually involved!”
“You two really have nothing going on?”
Jiang Xuekun teased, and Song Foxiang’s face reddened, “I wish, but it hasn’t happened… Xiao Zou hasn’t given me any sign!”
The way he said it, it was as if one glance from Zou Weijun would send him chasing her despite the storm.
Jiang yola felt like smacking him.
This was Song Foxiang—Jiang’s budding goodwill toward him was instantly squandered.
“Fine, I’ll talk to Boss Xie. Your demand is an apology. Anything else, like financial compensation? I can pass it on.”
“Medical fees, lost wages!”
Song Foxiang considered asking for mental distress compensation but thought better of it—he was the victor mentally, no loss there, so he didn’t mention it.
Not greedy, a reasonable request.
Jiang Xuekun went to speak with Xie Jinghu himself.
…
“Do you think your dad will apologise?”
Downstairs, Wen Ying couldn’t help asking.
Xie Qian thought seriously, “With粿With his temper, he won’t apologise, but if Song Foxiang holds firm, he’ll have no choice. My uncle’s words carry weight. Anyway, my dad’s not getting much out of this Songcheng trip.”
Wen Ying got it. Watching the drama was one thing, but making Xie Jinghu suffer a big loss was tough. His assault on Song Foxiang was only a minor injury, not enough for detention. Even if Song Foxiang didn’t forgive him, a few days and a fine would get Xie out.
Wen Ying’s bigger takeaway was a clear picture of what kind of person Xie Jinghu was.
“…You must’ve had a tough time growing up, huh?”
Wen Ying murmured, answering herself before Xie Qian could, “Must’ve been tough. Auntie Zou too.”
Xie Jinghu was full of himself, showing no remorse despite being in the wrong.
Even if Zou Weijun and Xie Qian did nothing, a mistress abroad could provoke Xie Jinghu into hurting them.
Maybe just a careless word.
Maybe a shopping charge on a bank statement.
Or a mismatched itinerary.
When Zou Weijun noticed these details, she must’ve been deeply hurt, and so was Xie Qian.
You’re only hurt by those you care about. Before Xie Jinghu’s affair was exposed, he was a good husband and father. Once that veil was lifted, his harm to Zou Weijun and Xie Qian became unrestrained!
