Chapter 72: I Really Know You |
Liu Changqing drove back to Lan Yixian’s breakfast shop after dropping off the kids. He bought breakfast for himself and Xiazhi and settled the bill for the earlier purchase.
From Lan Yixian’s polite demeanor, it was clear she had no idea about Zhou Shiyan’s previous assault. It seemed her daughter hadn’t mentioned it. To her, Liu Changqing was likely still just the man whose head she’d hit with a French baguette.
With the bruise on his forehead long gone, Liu Changqing decided not to bring it up. After paying, he headed home.
When Liu Changqing returned, it was already past 9:50.
Xiazhi was still fast asleep. Their relationship had grown considerably warmer, so much so that she no longer reacted defensively when he entered her room.
Opening her door, he found her sprawled on the bed, snoring lightly. Half the blanket was on the floor, and her hand still clutched the handheld console.
“This girl…”
Liu Changqing chuckled and shook his head.
He picked up the fallen blanket and gently patted her shoulder.
“Time to wake up.”
Xiazhi stirred slightly, frowning in her sleep and mumbling incoherently before turning over and pulling the blanket closer.
After a few more attempts to wake her, Liu Changqing gave up. She seemed utterly exhausted.
Quietly closing her door, he decided to let her rest.
In the kitchen, Liu Changqing unpacked the breakfast. He placed the soy milk in a bowl to stabilize it and sat at the table to eat.
Halfway through his meal, his phone rang. Quickly answering to avoid disturbing Xiazhi, he swallowed his food and said, “Hello?”
“Hello, Mr. Liu. This is Xin Xin Publishing. Do you remember us?”
“Yes, I do. What’s the matter?”
“We’ve revised the contract based on your preferences. Are you available to come in and discuss it further?”
“Sure, I’ll be there soon.”
“Great. When you arrive, call this number, and someone will meet you.”
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Liu Changqing ended the call.
The publishing house had contacted him earlier about turning his work into a physical book, but the project had been delayed due to recent events.
After finishing his meal, Liu Changqing changed into fresh clothes and headed out.
Arriving at the publishing house, he parked his van, called the contact number, and was soon escorted inside by a staff member.
He was led through the bustling office to a private room.
“Please wait here for a moment,” the staff member said before leaving.
Liu Changqing stepped into the office, noticing the elegant decor—artwork on the walls, a sturdy wooden desk with a computer, and potted plants flanking the room.
He took a seat on the sofa, leaning back as he surveyed the tasteful furnishings.
Not bad.
The wait wasn’t long. Soon, the clicking of high heels echoed down the hall.
The door opened to reveal a poised woman holding a folder.
Without acknowledging him, she walked straight past to her desk, flipping through the folder as she sat down.
“Sorry to keep you waiting. I had something to handle,” she said without looking up.
Liu Changqing didn’t respond immediately, his gaze fixed on her. Her demeanor left a sour impression.
Though this was supposed to be a collaborative meeting, her attitude made him feel as if he were here to beg for a favor.
Noticing his silence, the woman finally put down the folder and looked at him. Her scrutinizing gaze shifted to surprise.
“Liu Changqing?”
Her tone and direct use of his name irked him further.
“What’s the problem with my name?” Liu Changqing asked, leaning back with a hint of displeasure.
Ignoring his tone, the woman stared at him, as if trying to confirm something.
Then, as if needing a closer look, she stood and approached him.
Now standing over him, she examined him closely, her expression growing more awkward.
“Why are you… so fat now?”
“…”
Liu Changqing was momentarily stunned before irritation flared.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I mean, you weren’t like this before. You used to be tall and thin—and quiet.”
Liu Changqing nearly laughed.
Quiet? In school, his former self had been the loudest troublemaker in class.
She’s lying.
His suspicion that he didn’t know her grew stronger.
“I was called here to discuss publishing my book,” he said evenly. “What’s with this attitude? Are you trying to insult me?”
The woman, clearly taken aback, seemed lost in thought as she compared the face before her to her memories. It was both familiar and unfamiliar.
“Did you write Battle Through the Heavens?” she asked.
“Whether I did or didn’t doesn’t matter. If you called me here to waste my time, we won’t be meeting again.”
With that, Liu Changqing stood and moved toward the door.
“Wait!”
The woman grabbed his wrist, stopping him.
“What do you want?” he asked, turning back with a frown.
“Don’t you recognize me?”
“In my memory, I don’t know you. Is there anything else, Miss Zhao?”
Her eyes widened in disbelief. Pointing at herself, she exclaimed, “Zhao Yalin!”
Liu Changqing stared at her silently before responding flatly, “Don’t know you.”
He turned back, hand on the doorknob, ready to leave.
“Men Youping!”
The name froze Liu Changqing in place.
He stood there, back to her, brows furrowed. The name was both familiar and distant.
After a long pause, he slowly turned to face her, his expression complicated.
“I… have no idea what you’re talking about.”