Chapter 42: Escalation of Contradictions
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Xia Xin simply wanted to do what she loved for work, spend more time with her parents, and so she politely declined the enticing offer from Zhou Tian. Disappointed, Zhou Tian settled the bill and left.
Throughout dinner, Zhao Nan hardly said a word, her lack of enthusiasm evident as she listened to Zhou Tian and Xia Xin’s conversation.
Xia Xin had thrown countless inquiring glances at her, but it seemed like Zhao
Nan hadn’t noticed at all. This left Xia Xin feeling somewhat disheartened. Zhao Nan was her best friend from university, and she didn’t want their relationship to be affected by some jerk.
Xia Xin decided to address the issue directly, “Nan, you’ve been responding to my messages less lately. Is there some misunderstanding?”
Zhao Nan hesitated, eventually let out a long sigh, and said, “Xia Xin, you’re a social media influencer now. We’re different.
Xia Xin was taken aback, and it felt odd hearing her call her by her full name after becoming such close friends. Before she could inquire further, Zhao Nan’s phone rang—it was Zhang Liang saying he was coming to pick them up.
Hearing Zhang Liang’s name made Xia Xin feel nauseated.
Outside the restaurant, Zhang Liang waited for Xia Xin and Zhao Nan with a
carefree smile, acting as if nothing had happened before.
Xia Xin gave Zhang Liang a cold stare, standing on the side of the road, waiting for a taxi.
Surprisingly, Zhang Liang came over, hugging Zhao Nan, and provocatively said to Xia Xin, “Xia Xin, we’ll give you a ride home.”
Xia Xin couldn’t be bothered to look at him, kept her head down, and replied with undisguised annoyance, “No thanks. My taxi is about to arrive.” However, it was the peak of rush hour, and taxis were nearly impossible to find.
Feeling that Xia Xin wasn’t treating her boyfriend well, Zhao Nan felt a bit upset. Unable to hold back anymore, she said, “Xia Xin, I know you’ve never approved of Zhang Liang and me dating. I’ve been trying to accommodate your feelings and rarely mention him in front of you. But even after all that, you’re still unsatisfied. A few days ago, he helped me give you a gift, and you let your dog bite him. You’ve gone too far! Now that you’re an influencer, you want to stop being friends with me, right?”
Xia Xin was surprised and unintentionally ignored the last sentence. Zhang Liang had actually twisted the truth, making her look bad instead.
‘Turns out, on that day, Zhang Liang had suddenly appeared outside my apartment. He had somehow managed to get my address from Zhao Nan. Disgusting!’ Xia Xin thought.
Xia Xin began explaining, “Zhao Nan, you’ve misunderstood…” but then stopped abruptly. If she revealed what happened that night, Zhao Nan would definitely be heartbroken.
Zhang Liang wrapped his arm around Zhao Nan, looking at Xia Xin provocatively, “Baby, don’t get angry. People change over time. We don’t need to be petty anymore.”
Hearing those words, tears welled up in Zhao Nan’s eyes. She was more upset that Xia Xin had become popular and was drifting away from her.
Furious, Xia Xin clenched her fists, unable to find words to say. If Zhao Nan weren’t there, she would’ve wanted to give Zhang Liang a shoulder throw right then and there, while also contemplating how to explain things to Zhao Nan.
Suddenly, a discreet black Jeep Wrangler stopped in front of them. Everyone looked at the car, and the rear window slowly rolled down. A chubby head eagerly emerged, two front paws resting on the window sill.
Bobo excitedly barked, “Xia Xin, pet me!”
Xia Xin was taken aback for a moment, ‘The driver should be Jing Mo.’
Seeing Bobo happy, Xia Xin walked over and rubbed its head.
Jing Mo’s lazy voice came from inside the car, “Need any help?”
Xia Xin turned around, seeing Zhao Nan who didn’t want to look at her, and Zhang Liang who looked smug. She nodded and got into the back seat. Before getting into the car, she said to Zhao Nan, “Nan, I know you have misunderstandings. I’ll come find you in a few days and explain everything.”
Zhang Liang’s gaze turned sinister, and he clenched his teeth with jealousy. He deliberately added fuel to the fire, “Look, even when she’s out, she gets picked up in a luxury car. She probably looks down on you, her poor friend.”
Xia Xin glared at Zhang Liang fiercely, while Bobo barked at him from her lap.
Zhang Liang was frightened and instinctively touched the wound on his leg, the pain of being bitten resurfacing. Zhao Nan cried even harder in his embrace.
The Jeep Wrangler weaved through traffic, heading in the direction of Xia Xin’s home.
As Xia Xin petted Bobo for a while, her mood gradually improved.
Bobo complained, “Xia Xin, did you bring that dog with a disability of yours out to play instead of me these days?”