Chapter 109: Chapter 109: Who Matters More Than a Son

Shen Qingtang’s mind was preoccupied with the fact that Lin Xu had something to say to her, so much so that she was barely present during lunch.

On the way, she sneaked a glance sideways and saw Ji Zeqiu sitting next to Lin Xu, gazing at her with sparkling eyes, even eagerly serving her food.

If she had a tail behind her, it would certainly be wagging to the skies.

Shen Qingtang had seen Ji Zeqiu’s thorough care for Wen Li before, but now, in front of Lin Xu, he was even more meticulous.

At this thought, a dense pain surged within her chest, bringing discomfort.

Towards Wen Li, towards Lin Xu… just not towards herself.

A tinge of disappointment flashed through Shen Qingtang’s eyes; as she wallowed in her thoughts, she suddenly met Lin Xu’s warmly smiling face and her cheeks flushed red, quickly averting her gaze.

After lunch, Shen Qingtang stood up to tidy up the trash on the table.

Lin Xu quickly grabbed her hand, “Let Ji Zeqiu clean up, let’s chat on the side.”

“Ah?” Shen Qingtang paused.

She suddenly remembered a time during filming when Brother Zhao asked Ji Zeqiu to tidy up some scattered makeup on the table, and he was reluctant, so how could he be willing to clean up these kitchen scraps?

Shen Qingtang worried about how Lin Xu would react if Ji Zeqiu gave her a cold look.

“I’d better…” Shen Qingtang was about to take over the task.

But then she saw Ji Zeqiu without a word obediently cleaning up the table, leaving her stunned.

Lin Xu pulled Shen Qingtang further away to the balcony, and the first thing she said was an apology, “I’m sorry, someone sent you a text message last night, and I accidentally saw the content when the phone lit up.”

Shen Qingtang was taken aback.

Having mentally prepared herself beforehand, could it be that all this was just to apologize for seeing a text message?

“I saw your agent asking you to reconsider going abroad for further studies, and not to hastily refuse.” Lin Xu hesitated for a moment, then voiced her suspicion, “Is it because of Ji Zeqiu?”

Last night, Shen Qingtang grabbed her hand, curled up on the bed, and silently cried, occasionally mumbling something.

Lin Xu leaned closer and realized she was murmuring Ji Zeqiu’s name.

Considering her refusal to study abroad, Lin Xu made a connection and tentatively asked.@@novelbin@@

Shen Qingtang’s face stiffened, and she stuttered without being able to utter a single phrase for a long time.

As she had gained some fame recently, various opportunities, both big and small, had come her way.

Just a few days ago, Shen Qingtang met a man who introduced her to an overseas opportunity to study acting, which even her agent thought was favorable.

While still young, going abroad to study would make it much easier to establish herself once she returned.

Over the years, she had saved a considerable amount of money from her work, and along with the money Ji Zeqiu had given her intermittently, she had recently paid off a substantial home loan.

Her grandmother’s health had improved, and she had been discharged from the hospital.

She no longer needed to shoulder any family burdens, and going abroad for further studies seemed like an ideal opportunity.

But…

When her agent awaited her decision, Ji Zeqiu’s face flashed across her mind, and the words of agreement stuck in her throat, leaving her unable to speak.

The man came to see her again later, incidentally just when Ji Zeqiu was present.

Initially, she had harbored a slight hope, wondering if his presence would make Ji Zeqiu care that there was a new man around her, but it turned out, she had thought too much.

Shen Qingtang could not deny it.

In the two or three years of her relationship with Ji Zeqiu, she had indeed developed feelings for him.

Ji Zeqiu was completely indifferent to her, yet she refused further training because of that petty thought.

Seeing Shen Qingtang’s silence, Lin Xu knew she had guessed correctly.

“Giving up your career for love is not advisable. You are the only one responsible for your life, and no man should stop our progress. It’s very important for women to be independent. I don’t want you to look back and regret this,” Lin Xu said.

This was originally someone else’s business, and Lin Xu shouldn’t have interfered or tried to dissuade her.

But seeing Shen Qingtang’s behavior reminded her of the tragedy of the young daughter in the drama due to being blinded by love, which evoked a sense of empathy. This, along with the previous incident about Ji Zeqiu asking her for a blood donation, made her feel somewhat guilty towards her.

Lin Xu couldn’t resist and wanted to give her some advice.

“Moreover,” Lin Xu whispered mysteriously into Shen Qingtang’s ear, “Ji Zeqiu is just a conceited kid who throws a tantrum over anything not to his liking and always likes to argue with his brother… He’s no match for a mature and charming man. We don’t need to be fixated on him, right?”

Lost in thought, Shen Qingtang looked up and through the floor-to-ceiling window into the living room.

Ji Zeqiu was carelessly dealing with a dinner box on the table, throwing it into the trash can. The juice from the box leaked onto his hands, and his brow furrowed immediately, his face showing a sign of irritability, completely lacking any composure.

At that moment, Ji Zeqiu seemed to notice their gaze and looked up.

Upon seeing someone’s face, the irritation on his face retreated entirely. His dark eyes were like a pool of spring water, shimmering, and the forcefully suppressed corners of his lips could not hide the happiness on his face.

Shen Qingtang’s heart still uncontrollably jerked for a moment.

Then she saw Lin Xu next to her, helplessly rubbing her forehead and walking over, “Stop grinning, and wipe the table too.”

“Oh…”

Ji Zeqiu hummed twice and dragged his voice as he went to the kitchen to get a rag.

After cleaning the living room, Lin Xu dragged Ji Zeqiu away.

Before leaving, Lin Xu still left a word: “Think carefully about what I just told you, don’t be so hasty to refuse.”

“Okay, thank you,” Shen Qingtang nodded.

“What were you talking about?” Ji Zeqiu wondered.

“Nothing.”

“You actually have something to hide from me!”

“Don’t pry into girls’ matters.”

“Fine,” Ji Zeqiu pouted, then as if nonchalantly added, “Tomorrow I have to go record a variety show at the TV station. It just so happens that I have an extra ticket no one wants. It would be a waste to leave it, so I’ll give it to you.”

“Tomorrow I have plans with a friend and won’t be available. Why don’t you give it to Ting Yang?”

“That guy doesn’t deserve to watch my show!” Ji Zeqiu roared, then after a while he reacted, “Wait, which friend are you going shopping with, a guy or a girl?!”

“A girl.”

Only then did Ji Zeqiu relax, yet he still felt a bit jealous.

He had rarely invited his mother to watch his show’s filming, and she had actually declined.

What friend could be more important than her most beloved son.

The next day.

As soon as Lin Xu arrived at a chic café, a figure suddenly pounced on her.

“Lin Xu, you’re finally here!”

Ji Yuqiao hugged her arm, her bright eyes sparkling as she looked at her.