Chapter One Hundred Sixty Eight

"Has your father gotten back to you about leaving," I asked as I rounded the corner into the kitchen?

"No, not yet. He's probably in his office, so we can just go down there and ask him in person." I walked up to the boy that was leaning against the countertop with his arms crossed. "He's probably waiting for us to do that anyway."

"You mean me don't you?"

"mmhm. I've asked him of a big favor already. You're gonna have to start a tab with that man too."

I wrapped my arms around his neck, "tab?"

"Yeah. He may think of you as family, but he still is a criminal."

"And what does that mean?"

He leaned down and kissed me, "He doesn't do anything for free."

"Good thing I'm well connected."

He just smiled and pushed me off of him. I just laughed and watched as he started to walk to the door. I followed him and just shook my head. I slipped into my shoes, and followed behind him. I didn't say anything when I heard voices coming from downstairs.

When we reached the bottom floor Ba Wei made a b-line straight to his father office. I kept close to him because although I couldn't see the people I knew they were around. I thought he would knock but he didn't. Instead he just walked in. His father looked up almost immediately.

"Xiao Wei, what have I told you about entering without knocking?"

"Sorry. I'm in a bit of a hurry."

"Ah is this about using my jet?"

"Yes. His father might be in danger so-"

"I don't want to hear you speak for him. I'm aware of what is going on with his father. I sent some men up there already. However if you want to use my jet Ji Nan you will have to ask me yourself."

Hearing my name leave his mouth I couldn't help but be uncomfortable. I cleared my throat and stepped from behind Ba Wei.

"I would but I don't really know how to word it."

The man chuckled, "how cute. I'm going to assume you've never had to ask for help before." I shook my head, "everyone needs to experience something new."

"Dad, don't be a dick."

"I'm not. Things don't come free in this family, he needs to understand that."

I narrowed my eyes, "with all due respect, it seems like you're talking down to me."

"I'm not. I'm simply trying to make you understand that my son won't always be there at your beck and call."

I didn't know what to say to that, and looking into that man's eyes didn't  help. I understood what he was trying to say but it did make me angry. I didn't need Ba Wei to fix my messes. I didn't need my father for them either. He said he wasn't looking down on me but it very much seemed that way.

"Okay," was all I said before I turned around to leave.

"Ji nan," that man called?

I stopped walking and glanced back at him and Ba Wei, "I don't want your help anymore. Sorry for bothering you."

I was about to leave but Ba Wei grabbed my arm. I pulled it out of his grasp and left. I wasn't upset, I just realized that asking for help from his father wasn't something I wanted to do. How he spoke to me made me realize that if I asked for help he would hold it over my head. I don't want that nor do I do I like people implying that I need someone to protect me. My entire life that's what people have implied.

"I don't need anyone," I said lowly.

I thought Ba Wei would follow behind me but he didn't, so I just walked directly out the door. I pulled my phone out and quickly clicked on my fathers number. It rung but no one answered. I let out a sigh and decided to call a cab back to my place. After I did that I just stood in the large driveway thinking about nothing. A few minutes passed like that until arms wrapped around my waist.

"What do you want?"

"Don't have that tone."

"Where were you?"

"Talking with father."

"Talking?"

"Well, it was more of shouting."

"Why?"

He laid his chin on top of my head, "I didn't like how he was speaking to you."

"It's fine. If he doesn't want to help he doesn't have to."

"No, he was going to help you regardless. He's just a ass."

"I don't want his help. I'll just take the train there tomorrow."

"If you're doing that, why are you outside?"

"I don't want to stay here."

"You're not planning on going back to that apartment are you?"

I turned around in his arms and looked up at him, "where else am I supposed to go."

He stared down at him for a minute before pinching my side, "you really think I'm going to let you go back to that place."

"I'm not asking for your permission to go there babe," I said with a chuckle.

"And I'm telling you you're not going back there."

"Well where do you suppose we go?" He didn't say anything and just tightened his arms around me. "I don't hear any suggestions."

"Let's go to my apartment. I'd rather you be there."

I pulled away from him and nodded. Just as I did that the taxi that I had called pulled up. Ba Wei looked at me confused but didn't say anything. We climbed in and and Ba Wei gave him the directions. I didn't pay much attention to it and instead just thought about my father.

I would say I wasn't scared but that would be a lie. I had a bad feeling, and somehow I knew something was going to go bad. I couldn't tell you why but I know my father would've been furious after finding out about my mother. His lack of reaction said it all. Please don't be hurt old man.

I pulled out my phone and clicked on his number again. I waited and waited, and only on the last ring did he pick up.

"Dad?"

"Who else would it be Ji Nan."

I let out a relieved sigh and Ba Wei seemed to notice because he put his hand on my thigh.

"Why didn't you answer my call earlier."

"I was in a meeting. Plus that father of his sent men here so they've been monitoring my calls."

"Ah okay. Are you okay?"

"Why wouldn't I be?"

"I don't know. Ba Wei kind of dropped a lot of information on that phone call with you."

"That's what you mean. I'm fine. I knew your mother was that type of women so I don't really fear her."

"But that other woman?"

"I've broke it off with her. No need to stress."

I didn't know I was holding my breath until I finally let it out. It was a relief that he didn't have that woman around anymore, but it didn't stop the worry. I don't know what my mother was planning but it wasn't anything good.

"I'm coming home tomorrow, so tell those people with you that I'll be coming."

"Okay. I got to get to a board meeting. Have a safe trip here."

I hung up the phone and leaned my head against Ba Wei's shoulder. He rubbed my thigh slowly and I let out a sigh.

"Is everything okay?"

"Yeah. He said he got rid of that woman."

"That's great news. I had thought he would have kept her around and told you to fuck off."

I laughed, "why would you think that?"

He glanced down at me and raised a eyebrow, "are you really asking me that?" I couldn't help but laugh.

"You got a point. I'm surprised he got rid of her at such a fast speed."

Ba Wei didn't say anything so I just let the car remain in silence. I glanced up at the boy beside me and I couldn't help but want to kiss him. My face heated up and I shifted my eyes. I couldn't help but feel a bit ashamed that I wanted to kiss him in a time like this. That should be the last thing on my mind. Have some self control.

——

When we made it to Ba Wei's apartment his phone had been going off nonstop. I told him to get it but he just put it on silent. I couldn't read what was going on, but it had to be his father. It only made sense that it would be him. Ba Wei seemed to be annoyed as he unlocked the door and walked in. I reached out and grabbed his hand.

"Why don't you just answer him. He's just going to keep calling if you don't."

He let out a sigh, "that man needs to be given the silent treatment. He knows he pissed me off."

I just nodded and let go of his hand. I slid out my shoes and walked into the living room. I flopped down on the couch, and not soon after Ba Wei joined me. I laid my head on his shoulder and he let out a sigh. I was about to say something but his phone began to vibrate.

"Give me the phone," I said sitting up straight. I thought he would put up a fight about it, but he didn't. He pulled it out and immediately handed it to me. I looked at the phone and to my surprise it was Kang Wu. I answered and before I could utter a word he spoke.

"Finally you answer a phone call."

"What do you want," I asked flatly?

"Where's Ba Wei?"

"He's right here. Answer my question."

"Why don't you ask him?"

"I'm asking you."

"Look Ji Nan you're sticking your nose in family business." I was about to say something, but Ba Wei spoke first.

"Kang Wu," he started.

"Finally you speak up. Look-"

"I don't want to be bothered right now. Tell father he'll get a call back from me when I'm in the mood to talk to him."

Kang Wu was about to say something but Ba Wei hung up. Immediately it started to ring again and I watched as he shut off his phone. I was kind of curious about what had transpired between him and his father now. Sure he had told me they had an argument but he didn't say what was said. We sat in silence for a good minute before I let out a sigh.

"What the fuck did you say to your father to have him trying to get in touch with you so much?"

"Nothing I haven't said before?"

"It had to be something if Kang Wu is openly being a dick."

He didn't say anything and I let out a sigh. I wasn't mad he didn't want to talk about it; I was just concerned that I caused another inconvenience for him again.

"Why are you making a face like that?"

"I'm not making any face."

He didn't say anything, and just leaned over and kissed me. I was shocked at first but still kissed him back. When he pulled back I took in a deep breath. He cleared his throat and just looked at the wall in front of him.

"What was that for," I asked as a smile spread across my face?

"Just felt like kissing you" I got up and moved to stand in front of him. He was about to say something but I sat on his lap before he could utter a word. His hands immediately came to rest on my hips. I smiled and kissed him.

A smile spread across his face as I pulled back, "And what was that for."

"Just wanted to kiss you."

He squeezed my hips, "don't be cheeky." I just laughed and rolled my hips against him. I was about to do it again but he firmly stopped me with his hands. "Ji Nan."

"Hmmm?"

"Don't."

"Why not?"

"You have a head injury that's why," he said running his fingers through my hair.

I leaned forward and kissed my way down to kiss neck, "so you're telling me no?" He stayed quiet and I took the chance to grind against him again. He let out a groan and judging from what was poking me he wasn't as against it as he was trying to make it seem.

"Baby please..." I placed one last kiss on his neck before I leaned up and placed one on his lips.

My hands slid into his shirt and I leaned close to his ear and whispered, "Just be gentle."