Chapter 284 - 284: Miss Li’s Explanation

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Huo Sicheng found himself at a loss for words in response to Gu Qingcheng’s barrage of questions.

Seeing Huo Sicheng speechless, Gu Qingcheng struggled but was unable to withdraw her hand.

“Let go,” she said.

But Huo Sicheng didn’t release her grip.

“You’re hurting me,” Gu Qingcheng stated.

Upon hearing this, a wave of concern washed over Huo Sicheng, and he quickly released her hand.

When he did, he noticed a circle of bruises on her wrist, filling him with immediate remorse.

“I didn’t mean to, I…” he said, gently taking her hand again, his voice filled with worry and guilt. “Let me apply some ointment for you.”

Gu Qingcheng pulled back her hand, glancing at her bruised wrist. “It’s nothing. I don’t mind,” she dismissed.

Her indifference made Huo Sicheng’s heart skip a beat, as fear seemed to envelop him completely.

Gu Qingcheng’s nonchalance seemed to convey to him that she didn’t care about him, that she didn’t need him.

“Qingcheng…” Huo Sicheng hurriedly interjected as she was about to leave, “I need to explain.”

Calmly facing Huo Sicheng, Gu Qingcheng said, “Explain? Alright, I’m all ears for your explanation about you and Miss Li.”

“I…” Huo Sicheng found himself choking on his words, earnestly saying to Gu Qingcheng, “My relationship with Miss Li isn’t what you think it is…”

Gu Qingcheng gave a faint smile, serene yet profound. “So, if it’s not as I think, what is it then?”

Huo Sicheng’s lips twitched slightly, and after a moment, he said, “When I mentioned the goose liver incident, it was to express that I am aware of the doubts in your heart. There are many things I cannot yet reveal. I have my own reasons for keeping silent, and I need to wait for the right moment to explain everything to you.”

Gu Qingcheng’s eyes momentarily flickered.

Her mind cast back to that day, to Huo Sicheng’s promise. How had she responded?

With kindness.

She recalled telling him that she would wait for the right moment for him to reveal everything.

Therefore, this time she did not pressure him about Miss Li.

Otherwise, she might have reacted as impulsively as when she learned he had traveled thousands of miles to see Miss Li – by storming into Huo Corporation to confront him, just like when he and Ji Sisi made headlines.

No.

She wouldn’t just rush to Huo Corporation. She would follow him abroad to catch them in the act and confront him and Miss Li!

She remembered!

She remembered her promise to him, which had been the reason for her patience thus far.

Yet, her patience had limits. She could endure anything else for a lifetime, but not betrayal.

“I remember my promise, but that’s all it is—a memory,” she said, taking a deep breath to calm her turbulent emotions. “How we interact is my affair, and it’s none of your concern.”

“It is my concern,” Huo Sicheng asserted with conviction. “I don’t want to quarrel with you, I don’t want to return to a home without you, I don’t want to see you unhappy, and I cannot bear the thought of you leaving me.”

Gu Qingcheng trembled slightly, moved by Huo Sicheng’s words.

Particularly his last statement— “I cannot bear the thought of you leaving me.”

She knew she held a place in his heart, but she was also painfully aware that Miss Li held a more significant spot.

Yet, Huo Sicheng’s words had touched her, setting her heart on fire.

For her, Wanmei Villa was home, where her son Huo Xuan and her husband

Huo Sicheng were.

A family of three—incomplete with one missing.

His words also clarified that for him, Wanmei Villa without her was not a home, and for her, it was not a home without him.

“My unhappiness is linked to you, my decision to return to Wanmei Villa depends on you, and your inability to bear my departure also hinges on you.”

“I understand,” Huo Sicheng said, his gaze deep, tender, and full of affection. “Qingcheng, I will tell you everything I can. However, I cannot discuss Miss Li’s matter at the moment. I hope you can wait for me; I will soon be able to tell you everything.”

“In the end, you still withhold the truth from me,” Gu Qingcheng said with a

hint of bitterness. “But since I promised to wait for your answer before, I will wait for you to tell me. How I choose to act in the meantime, as I’ve said before, is unrelated to you.”

“Qingcheng…”

“Qingcheng…” At this moment, Li Jing opened the door to the lounge. Seeing the troubled expressions on both Huo Sicheng and Gu Qingcheng, she said apologetically, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude.”

Gu Qingcheng felt a sense of relief upon seeing Li Jing, as her arrival had unwittingly saved her from an awkward interaction with Huo Sicheng.

“It’s fine, we’ve finished talking,” she said, heading towards the door. “The competition is about to start. Let’s head over.”

“I’m sorry,” Li Jing said, looking apologetically at Huo Sicheng. “I hope

President Huo can understand my interruption.”

“Understood,” Huo Sicheng responded indifferently as he looked at Li Jing.

He watched as Gu Qingcheng walked away, a hint of bitterness in his eyes.

Outside, Li Jing, seeing Gu Qingcheng’s low spirits, said kindly, “Understanding and tolerance are key in a marriage. You and President Huo should find time for a calm discussion. Whether he is unfaithful or not, he owes you an explanation.”

Gu Qingcheng let out a long sigh. “He can’t provide an explanation now, and I didn’t argue with him this time. Let’s wait a little longer. He said he would soon give me an answer. If he still can’t clarify things by then, I believe I’ll know what to do.”

“Divorce is not the best solution,” Li Jing advised. “But if things become unbearable, and if he is excessively unfair, then divorce may be the best course. Remember, loving yourself is a lifelong commitment for a woman; don’t compromise for anyone.”

Gu Qingcheng smiled lightly. “I appreciate that sentiment, master.”

“You silly girl,” Li Jing chuckled. “By the way, Qi Shaoze came looking for you earlier with a gift. He was turned away since you were with President Huo at the time. He’ll probably try to give it to you during the break. If you don’t want it, avoid the lounge during the break; even the women’s restroom is an option.” Gu Qingcheng frowned. “This Qi Shaoze just doesn’t give up.”

“He’s smitten with you,” Li Jing remarked casually. “Naturally, he wants to be seen by you, to ensure you don’t forget his existence.”

Gu Qingcheng’s frown deepened, her annoyance growing.

At the judges’ table, Gu Qingcheng felt the gentle yet intense gaze of Qi Shaoze from behind.

Simultaneously, she sensed another intense gaze fixed on her. Without seeing Huo Sicheng around, she knew he must be watching her from afar.

Her heart was in turmoil.

But as the competition began, she quickly subdued her agitated emotions and focused on scoring the performances.

After a Han dance performance, the other judges gave their feedback.

Gu Qingcheng, however, had already noted down the errors she observed.

When her turn came, she spoke into the microphone, addressing the contestants on the stage.

“Before I comment on your dance, I want to point out one thing. As a classical dance contestant, you must pay attention to the details of Hanfu. The collar should be left over right for the living, and you’ve worn it the opposite way.”

Her words made the contestants from Three Arts Academy on stage check their outfits, their faces turning red with embarrassment upon realizing their mistake.

Gu Qingcheng wasn’t trying to embarrass the students. She reassured them, “Maybe it was nerves, or perhaps your teacher or designer didn’t dress you correctly. Nevertheless, this didn’t detract from your splendid performance…”

After her critique, it was time for a break. She stood up to leave.

Qi Shaoze quickly approached Gu Qingcheng. “Qingcheng…”

At this moment, Qi Shaoze’s actions drew the attention of everyone present. Many speculated about the contents of the gift box he held, wondering if it contained a ring, as they watched the interaction between him and Gu Qingcheng.

With charming eyes, Qi Shaoze asked, “It’s been a while.. May I have a few minutes of your break time?”