"Huh? You want to go?" Ella Li asked in surprise.
"If there's a suitable opportunity, of course I'll go. What else can I do?" I had also thought about starting from the bottom at my family's company, but my heart wasn't in it. My parents were still in good health, so they didn't need me for now. I wanted to revisit my own dreams.
Ella Li slapped her thigh. "I've been wanting to say this for a long time! You were the cello goddess of A-University. It's such a waste for you to be a full-time housewife. Don't worry, if there are any high-class concerts or anything, I'll definitely recommend you!"
I cupped my fists. "Great, I won't say thank you for such a big favor. All drinks tonight are on me, don't be shy!"
After drinking, I parted ways with Ginny and the others and went home.
I called Leo Li and told him to come and drive. Just as I hung up, I heard a familiar voice. "Sis Zoe?"
I turned my head. It was Julian Qi.
"Julian, what are you doing here?" I asked.
"I was working nearby and just got off. Sis Zoe, have you been drinking?" Julian Qi must have smelled the alcohol on me.
I clutched my forehead, feeling a bit unwell. The alcohol was kicking in, and my brain felt like it was dissolving. "Julian, do you know how to drive?"
Julian Qi replied, "Yes, I do. If it's not convenient for you to drive, I can."
What a good kid. I tossed the car keys to Julian Qi and then called Leo Li to tell him not to come.
"Sis Zoe, this... is your car?" Julian Qi's eyes clearly flashed with surprise and envy when he saw the black Panamera.
Men of all ages have a desire for cars.
My head was spinning. "Yes, it's my car. You can just use the navigation to take me to Mapleview Manor."
"Mapleview Manor?" Julian Qi was stunned again. He must have heard how ridiculously expensive the real estate there was.
"What are you standing there for? My head is killing me." Seeing that Julian Qi seemed a bit dazed, I leaned in closer and let my body rest limply on his shoulder. This kind of seemingly unintentional gesture, as if from drunkenness, was the easiest way to create an ambiguous atmosphere.
Julian Qi came back to his senses and realized our proximity was too intimate. He quickly supported me, his face flushing red. "Sis Zoe, be careful not to fall."
It seemed Julian Qi and Lila Wei were quite similar in character, not easily swayed by money. Even knowing he had met a rich woman, he could still keep a clear head.
I pretended to be drunk and laughed. "Julian, you're so thoughtful. Your girlfriend must be very happy, right? Unlike me... a failed marriage, with nothing left but money. See, this car is the most ordinary one I own. If you like it, it's yours!"
If Hugh Pei could give other women cars and houses, so could I. And I felt extremely balanced doing it.
"No, no, Sis Zoe, you're drunk. I'll take you home," Julian Qi quickly shook his head and helped me into the car.
Julian Qi drove very cautiously and slowly, probably afraid of scratching the car and not being able to afford the repairs.
I feigned sleep in the passenger seat, occasionally opening my eyes to see where we were.
After a while, Julian Qi spoke. "Sis Zoe, we're at Mapleview Manor. Which building are you in?"
"Block A, Unit 08," I answered with my eyes closed.
Julian Qi entered the specific building number into the navigation and finally got me to my doorstep.
After parking, I took out a stack of cash from my wallet and handed it to him. "Take this, for your driving and as a tip."
Julian Qi was stunned, then quickly tried to give the money back. "Sis Zoe, you don't have to give me money. I was just helping you out, it's not a transaction."
"Take it. It's so late, it'll be a hassle for you to get a taxi. Just take this car back. Call me tomorrow, and I'll have my driver pick it up from you." I unbuckled my seatbelt, got out of the car, and went inside without waiting for his reply.
As soon as I got home, I woke up Eva Liu and asked her to make me some hangover tea.
Eva Liu showed no resentment and immediately went to the kitchen to get busy.
In two or three days, Hugh Pei would be attending the business symposium. The time for him to meet his true love was getting closer, and the time for my freedom was also drawing near.
A short while later, I heard the sound of a car engine shutting off outside. Soon, Hugh Pei appeared.
He glanced at me, lying like a corpse on the living room sofa, and then sat down on the other side. He also smelled strongly of alcohol, no better than me.
"Madam, the tea is ready," Eva Liu said, placing a cup of brewed hangover tea in front of me. She then respectfully greeted Hugh Pei. "Mr. Pei, you're back."
Hugh Pei glanced at her, his expression cold, without any response.
I sat up and gave Hugh Pei a bright smile. "You've been drinking too, right? Here, you have this cup of tea first. Auntie Liu, please get me another cup."
Eva Liu nodded and went back to the kitchen.
"I don't need it," Hugh Pei said, not even touching the cup.
I felt a little schadenfreude. This was hangover tea made by his future mother-in-law. Later, when he was chasing Lila Wei, he would have to suck up to her.
The maid he was ignoring today would be the mother-in-law he couldn't afford to offend tomorrow.
Eva Liu brought out another cup of tea. I said to Hugh Pei quietly, "Auntie Liu was asleep when I woke her up to make this tea. If you don't even take a sip, you're really letting down her hard work."
Eva Liu quickly replied, "Mr. Pei, Madam, this is what I should do. It's no trouble."
"He's a man of no class and has a terrible temper. Auntie Liu, don't mind him," I said in a soft voice, but I was actually belittling Hugh Pei in front of her.
He was madly in love with Lila Wei, right? I was just adding a little difficulty to his future pursuit.
"No, no, Madam, you're too kind!" Eva Liu was starting to get flustered.
"Alright, Auntie Liu, you can go rest now," I said with a wave of my hand.
After Eva Liu left, I drank half a cup of tea and then went upstairs to shower. Hugh Pei went to the guest room as usual.
Just as I came out of the shower, I found Hugh Pei sitting on the master bedroom bed, already in his pajamas.
I frowned. "What are you doing in my room?"
Hugh Pei looked just as impatient. "My parents are here. They're staying in the guest room tonight."
I was shocked and confused. In my past life, my in-laws had been so eager for me and Hugh Pei to have a child, but they had never come to Mapleview Manor to supervise. Why the sudden visit today?
"So sudden?" I was a bit caught off guard.
"Sudden?" Hugh Pei sneered. "What did you say to Evan Yu? Don't you know in your own heart?"
So that's why Hugh Pei came back tonight, to deal with a late-night room check.
I swear I never thought Evan Yu would go and snitch, and even get my in-laws involved. This damned butterfly effect.
"I didn't say anything to him, just asked him to persuade you to get a divorce," I said, not wanting to take the blame. "How was I supposed to know he would go and tell your parents?"
"How long are you going to play this game?" Hugh Pei was already very annoyed, his tone unfriendly.
I didn't answer, just opened a drawer and took out a divorce agreement I had drafted earlier. I had already signed it, and I wasn't asking for any of Hugh Pei's assets, just a divorce.
I handed the divorce agreement to Hugh Pei, then started applying a face mask. "If you sign it, you'll know if I'm playing hard to get or not, won't you?"
The atmosphere instantly froze. I saw Hugh Pei's face in the dressing table mirror, getting darker and darker.
Just as he was about to tear up the divorce agreement, there was a knock on the bedroom door.