Cynical Romantics - Chapter 6 Escapism

They snuck between the crowds of drunken people and walked to find a park in the city. The park was near their home and a walking distance from the banquet. This was the place Song Sheng took her to whenever she felt upset about her parent’stheir escape when they felt like something was on their minds. Even though he was always busy, he made time for her, as he did with his other siblings.

“When did you get better bigger? You look different from six months ago,” he asked. Qian Meigui knew that Song Sheng was also referring to three years ago, though he never dared to bring up a touchy subject. He was being considerate of her feelings. Qian Meigui then smiled mischievously.

“Do you think me womanly now?” she asked with a bright smile. Song Sheng stilled, seeming disturbed. Puzzled, Qian Meigui changed the subject quickly, “I thought that by turning eighteen, I would immediately be taller, have my life together, maybe transform into a real Song, but now I am more at lost in direction than ever.” She thought Song Sheng would have laughed, as he would always chuckle at her remarks. But now the air of him was differenteverything changed and she hated change.

Song Sheng then responded, “You are a Song, Xiao Mei,” said he. Qian Meigui smiled, but her eyes betrayed her. She should feel happy that the Song family accepts her as one of them, that Song Sheng sees her as a sister, but deep in her subconscious, she felt a tinge of pain. Like she was betraying her real family, losing sight of her goals, and for something else.

“May I ask why you were gone?” she asked. Song Sheng stood still, glancing over the river that divided the city. His black hair swayed across his forehead, making him appear more solemn. “I needed some time to think about things, my life, my future, andmy family.” Qian Meigui nodded, “I understand.”

Song Sheng and Qian Meigui walked around the park, and event skipped stones over the river. Qian Meigui was about to enter her home when they arrived. She then turned to notice that Song Sheng was not walking up the steps.

Qian Meigui asked, “Are you not coming in?” Song Sheng smiled sadly, “I now have an apartment, it is close by. And I will no longer be welcomed.” Qian Meigui ran down the steps and embraced him. “That is not true, your family loves you, I” Qian Meigui stopped herself. “Please, at least visit. Or invite me to your apartment some time, I would like to see you again.” Song Sheng twirled a lock of her hair between his fingers, “I will give you a call.” Qian Meigui nodded and let go of him quickly, afraid that he would notice that her heart nearly stopped.

She then entered the house, giving him a final wave of good-bye before closing the door behind her. Qian Meigui felt flustered. She never had this feeling before. Even when they spent time together over the last three years, she never felt like this. Could it be she really missed him since he was absent for so long? Even she realized he changed. He used to tease her and treat her like a child, now he even confessed about his unintentional wronging’s against Song Ren. Sister Ren!

Qian Meigui ran up the spiral staircase, passing by a few butlers who bowed in her presence, “young mistress,” they said in unison. Qian Meigui said, “Hello,” before rushing into Song Jinyi’s bedroom.

Without knocking she barged in, “is Ren home?” Song Jinyi frowned, “Where have you been? Do you know how worried Jun and I have been! Song Ren, Song Sheng and you disappeared. I swear adults think they can do whatever they want without people thinking they won’t worry about them!” Qian Meigui felt guilty. “I was with Song Sheng,” she said.

Song Jinyi’s eyes widened, “How is brother? Please tell me, I can take it.” Indeed, Song Jinyi was more mature than most people her age, a common trait of the Song family. They all seem to age mentally rapid. Qian Meigui sighed, “He’s all right. He had left because he had a few things on his mind. He now has an apartment in the city.”

Song Jinyi nodded, “I see why he took the time. He must have considered leaving the company. When father finds out he will never forgive him, he will probably even cut all funding related to him. And Song RenFather will press her to take action and responsibility almost immediately. She will become president when the time comes.” Qian Meigui’s legs felt wobbly.

“The chairman will cut ties with Song Sheng? Surely he could not. How would he be living out there? And Song Ren, can’t Song Jun or you take the company?” Song Jinyi smiled coldly. “Father would do whatever he wants. As for Song Ren she will accept the position. As much as she would hate it, she will do it. She is someone who takes actions on her responsibilities. If they ask her to be president, she will be present. If she is asked to marry Su Feng, she will marry Su Feng. Song Ren is not selfish, she would do anything because she cares about the company, because she cares about our family.”

Qian Meigui felt like crying. She supports Song Sheng, but it is Song Ren who would carry on this burden. Perhaps that is why Song Sheng left in the first place. Being president brings about unimaginable pressures and obligations. And Song Sheng did not want that.

Qian Meigui then felt torn. “Do you know where she might be?” asked Qian Meigui. Jinyi then said, “She probably went to one of the pharmacies she manages. Her favourite pharmacy store is a couple of blocks from here. She is probably working to keep her mind occupied.” Qian Meigui nodded, and went to sleep.

She hoped that both Song Sheng and Song Ren were doing all right, as the last thing she wanted was a gap in their family to continue to tear, far from mending. She knew how it felt to lose family members, and losing them to resentment and envy is far worse than losing them in death.