Xia Lan hung her head, playing the victim, leaving He Qing no choice but to step up and confront the situation, approaching Xia Chuyi to calm her.
"Chuyi, it's nothing, just a little misunderstanding," He Qing rarely spoke to her in such a gentle tone.
Xia Chuyi looked up at him, her lips curling up with a hint of sarcasm.
This was him using his charm.
In the past, whenever he showed even a little kindness towards her, she would obediently and gently follow his commands, submissive and compliant.
She hadn't even started the "duet" with He Qing.
"A misunderstanding?" Huo Shiqian's icy voice suddenly rang out from behind.
In that instant, He Qing and his friend on the ground were drenched in cold sweat.
Huo Shiqian's piercing gaze swept over everyone, eventually sliding over the crowd to land, somewhat indistinctly, on Xia Chuyi.
Xia Chuyi turned her face away, her round eyes wide as if she had seen a stranger, feigning curiosity as she looked at Huo Shiqian.
After a few seconds of silence, Huo Shiqian finally withdrew his gaze and said, "Since it's a misunderstanding, then please leave."
"Bang." In front of Xia Chuyi, Huo Shiqian forcefully shut the door.
Xia Chuyi was stunned.
The other three sighed in relief, feeling like they had narrowly escaped disaster.
"Let's go," He Qing helped Xia Lan up, whispering softly.
Seeing that Huo Shiqian had dealt with the situation, he didn't spare another glance at Xia Chuyi.
Their friend on the ground scrambled up swiftly.
The few of them quickly left the second-floor corridor.
Xia Chuyi, walking at the back, couldn't help but shake her head at the door.
It was just because she hadn't obediently waited for him in place... This man also had a petty side.
Then, she hurried to catch up with the others.
Just as they were descending the stairs, she saw He Qing apologizing, smiling, to his friend.
"I'm sorry, I originally invited you here for a treat, but then..."
His friend waved his hand, "Enough, enough, let's not talk about this, Huo... I'm leaving now, take care of yourself!"
As if there were demons here, his friend left the guesthouse without looking back.
With a good-natured send-off, He Qing's smile quickly faded.
Xia Chuyi knew He Qing well; he was very proud, and making him lose face in front of his friend must have infuriated him.
His stubborn character was something even Xia Lan clearly knew.
"Brother Qing..." Xia Lan sobbed, her eyes brimming with tears and guilt, she bowed her head, her shoulders trembling, "It's all my fault, all my fault..."
Her frail appearance made Xia Chuyi feel pity.
Ever since they were young, Xia Chuyi hadn't hesitated to stand up for Xia Lan whenever she played the victim.
As expected, He Qing immediately softened.
"Forget it, Lanlan," He Qing reached out, soothingly patting Xia Lan's back, "It's not your fault."
The two of them exchanged affectionate glances.
Standing behind them, Xia Chuyi played with her braids, watching the drama unfold with interest.
How blind had she been in her previous life to not notice their affair?
As if just noticing her, Xia Lan stepped back to avoid He Qing's touch, her voice trembling, "Chuyi! Don't be mad, I didn't mean it, I was worried about you..."
Worried about her, so she specifically brought someone to catch her in an affair?
Xia Chuyi couldn't be bothered to expose her ploy and continued walking without a word.
"Xia Chuyi, what kind of attitude is this!"
Her indifference angered He Qing, who fiercely said, "Xia Chuyi, apologize to your sister!"
Xia Chuyi stopped, raised her eyebrows, and gave them a scornful look.
"Apologize for what?" She looked at He Qing, almost laughing.