Mai Qi really didnât come back that night. I waited until midnight before I called Qu Hao. Qu Haoâs voice was clear, and I knew he hadnât slept yet.
âNanxing?â He sounded surprised that I had called him.
âMai Qi has been taken by Mrs. Mai. Before Mai Qi left, she told me that if she didnât come back by the morning, I should go look for her. Itâs not morning yet, but I worry about her. Mr. Qu, can you tell me her location? If you canât, then Iâll find her my own way.â I told him directly.
âNanxing, donât worry. Iâll get someone to check immediately. Iâve been keeping tabs on Mrs. Maiâs movements.â Qu Haoâs tone became serious.
I smiled. âI assumed as much. Thatâs why I came to you directly. Itâll take time for my people to find her. Iâll wait for your news. If your people canât rescue her in person, then Iâll send in my people. I wonât let Mrs. Mai use Mai Qi as some kind of leverage.â My tone was normal but my attitude was serious.
Qu Hao let out a light sigh. âNanxing, Mai Qi is really lucky to have a friend like you.â
I chuckled and hung up the phone.
When Mai Qi left, I didnât send anyone to follow her because I knew Qu Haoâs people would follow her. I didnât want to waste energy.
Mrs. Mai was close to the Brothers from the capital. Mrs. Mai wore her ambitions on her sleeves. If only she could learn a little bit from Madam Jing. One only wanted supreme power, the other could survive on love.
â¦
At 4 am, I was shaken awake by Sister Li. âMiss, someone has sent Miss Mai Qi home.â
I was startled awake.
Since I had been waiting for news, I hadnât even changed out of my day clothes. I was still wearing my coat. I didnât bother to put on shoes and ran out.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
Apart from her messy hair and red eyes, Mai Qi looked fine. I opened my arms. She threw herself at me and cried. But she didnât wail or sob. She cried soundlessly. Her shoulders trembled.
I patted her back. âItâs okay now, youâre home. Sister Li will bring you to change. Take a hot bath and go to bed.â
Mai Qi hugged me for three full minutes before she pushed me away and sniffled, âOkay.â
Mai Qi didnât look back as she followed Sister Li. She looked lonely but not defeated.
It was Qu Hao who dropped Mai Qi off.
I invited him to sit on the sofa and ordered someone to bring some tea.
âThank you so much,â I said.
Qu Hao didnât look tired. People like him didnât have the concept of the day and night cycle. It was as if they never knew what fatigue was.
Qu Hao smiled. âNanxing, Mai Qi is my sister. Iâm imposing on your hospitality by bringing her here. I should be thanking you and not the other way round.â
I smiled. âTo be honest, Iâve always treated Mai Qi as family. It must not be easy for you to retrieve her. So regardless, you shall have my thanks.â
Qu Hao smiled helplessly shook his head.
He looked around. âI heard that your custody has been given to Tong Le?â
I answered, âTechnically Iâm already an adult so there is no custody issue. But I am his only family so this is his family home as it is mine.â
Qu Hao nodded. âYou have not changed. You speak your mind and you dare to openly love and hate.â
My heart moved.