Daughters of the Elite - Chapter 64：Surprise Party (1)

Song Sheng had already left the house without much of a word, and the only thing Qian Meigui could think of now was to study for school, work, and help Song Ren.

She knew that creating a busy schedule would keep her mind free from intrusive thoughts of him. Therefore, Qian Meigui went to her room, writing notes over her calendar and planned out her days accordingly.

—

The next morning, Qian Meigui dressed for her first day of classes. She quickly ate breakfast, prepared her notes while trying to shake off the nerves of having to attend a new school year. She graduated from Business Communications, but this time, she was trying to obtain her law degree.

Her University campus was more traditional, with articulate old and polished, towering buildings. The atmosphere already made her feel welcomed as she walked around the quad.

She only took morning classes; therefore, Qian Meigui could go home early and still have the rest of the day to work or study. Song Ren had given her a flexible position at the company so that she can come in and out of the office whenever they would request for her contributions.

As Qian Meigui attended her classes, she learned about tort law, extortion, fraud, and ethics. She managed to absorb most information, but her head felt dizzy from the lectures.

After class, she went straight back home, and she quickly changed into a knee-length marigold dress with flared sleeves. She applied on some light makeup and fixed her hair. As she was about to put on her shoes, she heard the doorbell ring.

She hastily walked down the stairs, opening the door with a generous smile. Zhong Liu wore a deep blue cashmere sweater over a white collared shirt and black pants. His dark hair was neatly combed up. He met her with a warm smile, and he politely greeted her.

But Zhong Liu had to keep his lips from gaping, as Qian Meigui was indeed a sight to behold, and he felt guilty for not realizing sooner, even in their high school years.

He befriended her because she was Song Ren’s sister, and he wanted her to feel like she had someone to speak to since she did not have many friends. Now, she had grown into a woman with a full figure. She was smart and independent, and everything he never realized she was before.

Qian Meigui closed the front door of the entrance behind her, holding her purse and a light jacket. She greeted him, and Zhong Liu guided her to his car.

Zhong Liu took Qian Meigui to an ice cream parlour. There were various flavours and different samples that she’s never heard of before. She settled for a hazelnut flavoured ice cream, and she ate it inside the shop with Zhong Liu, exchanging casual conversation about their days. Qian Meigui told him about attending law school, so he offered dinner to celebrate.

Soon after, he took her to a family-based restaurant. Qian Meigui ordered some fish and rice and chicken soup, while Zhong Liu ordered various dishes of meat. They both began to consume their meals, but Qian Meigui reserved herself from devouring her meal.

“How were your classes today?” Zhong Liu asked as he chewed on some short ribs.

Qian Meigui deboned her fish, answering, “They went well. Today I learned more about applying ethical practices in the workplace and how corporations can improve on ecological sustainability.”

Zhong Liu’s eyebrow raised as he looked at her with an affectionate grin. Qian Meigui was eating when she noticed his expression change. It puzzled her. “What’s wrong?” she asked.

Zhong Liu chuckled, “Nothing,” he began. Cluelessly, Qian Meigui looked at him like a lost puppy, and Zhong Liu’s heart skipped a beat. She was more beautiful than he realized, and he damned himself. Qian Meigui continued to innocently eat her fish when she heard Zhong Liu say, “You’re just different now.”

“Really? How so?” Qian Meigui asked him as she looked up, genuinely curious.

Zhong Liu cleared his throat, he seemed to be nervous, and Qian Meigui could not figure out why. He continued, “Well, you’re bold now. Not shy like you used to. You’re more confident, and you apply yourself directly.” Qian Meigui stopped her chewing, looking at him. “You’re also more beautiful,” he finished.

Qian Meigui’s mouth gaped, and she flushed immediately, turning as red as a radish. What? He thought she was beautiful? Qian Meigui was stunned beyond comprehension. She always believed she was dull, and Zhong Liu was the most handsome man in their year. Even Song Ren fancied him at one point.

Qian Meigui continued to chew her food as the only response she had. She needed more time to understand what he was saying. She nodded as a response while eating and asked him, “Why are you being so nice to me?”

Zhong Liu scratched his temple nervously. “Because we are on a date, and I think you should know” At that, It took a few moments for Qian Meigui to register those words. A date??????? She didn’t know this was a date. Qian Meigui felt stupid, why else would a grown man take her out for dinner?

She felt like hitting her head, trying to knock some sense into her slow brain. After a few moments, Qian Meigui said to him, “Zhong Liu, I’ve always admired you since we were younger. You were good at everything, and you were even up to par with Su Feng and Song Ren in academics. I’m just a woman that doesn’t have many friends or much of a life since we’ve met. I’ve always been that way. Why me?”

Zhong Liu smiled. “Can’t you tell?” he began. “Mei, you need to be more confident in yourself. You are amusing, enterprising, and brilliant,” he paused his gentle face flushing.

“You know, you always put others ahead of yourself. I’ve known you for years. You respected your father’s wishes, you ended up working for your sister, and you are close to your brothers without question. I think there are qualities you don’t see, and that’s what makes you so great, Song Mei. See that in yourself.”

Qian Meigui was speechless. She clutched her fingers under the table and wondered, perhaps it was time to move on from Song Sheng, even if he was constant in her life.

Everywhere she went, Song Sheng was there. But now she had to live with the fact that he was someone she could never reach, even if it pained her. She felt like crying so her heavy heart could release itself, but she held herself back.

“Zhong Liu,” she said with her eyes weary with emotion. Zhong Liu slowly looked up at her.

“Thank you,” she said with a smile that glowed like starlight. Zhong Liu was stunned by her beauty. He wondered, how could she not see that in herself? Just as Qian Meigui was going to say something, her phone rang. It was Yang Minzhe.

She attempted to ignore the intrusive call, but Yang Minzhe persisted endlessly.

“You should take the call,” Zhong Liu said. Qian Meigui clasped her hands together, bowing and apologizing. “It will take a moment,” she responded.

Qian Meigui turned her head, answering the call. “What?” She greeted irritatingly.

“Song Mei?” Yang Minzhe said. There seemed to be loud music in the background.

“What do you want?” she asked.

“Where are you?” he said.

Qian Meigui glanced at Zhong Liu, who was smiling at her. “I am on a….” Qian Meigui was not sure how to finish her sentence. “I’m on a date,” she finished quickly and quietly.

“Oh shit,” he began. “Mei, we are celebrating you today. It’s supposed to be a surprise since you won the case for us and for getting into law school. Everyone is here; you must come. And oh, bring your date too.”

Qian Meigui sighed through the phone. “Fine,” she said, ending the call abruptly. A minute later, she received the address Yang Minzhe sent her.

Qian Meigui smiled at Zhong Liu. “I’m sorry it was my cousin Yang Minzhe.”

Curiously, Zhong Liu asked, “Is there anything wrong?”

Qian Meigui shook her head. “No; my family threw me a surprise party, apparently. But it’s not much of a surprise.”

Qian Meigui looked at him, trying to muster her confidence. “Would you like to come with me?” she asked. Zhong Liu’s lips parted, shocked that she would even invite him. He was happy beyond belief. Without trying to sound eager, he calmly said, “All right. Let’s go.” Qian Meigui was surprised he agreed, and they both left the restaurant.

Zhong Liu drove Qian Meigui to the venue where they waited. It was an expensive restaurant and bar where wealthy people attended celebrations for privacy. When she walked in, she found them by asking the usher for the room under Yang Minzhe’s name.

“I’m sorry miss. There is no reservation under Yang Minzhe. Is there another name you would like to try?” Qian Meigui was puzzled and could not think of another name. “Song Ren?” she asked. The usher shook her head. Puzzled and defeated, she decided to call Yang Minzhe.

When Qian Meigui called, he immediately answered. “I’m here, and I can’t get in.”

“Oh, I’ll come to get you then,” he responded. Within five minutes, Yang Minzhe came, slightly drunk already. “Mei!” he called out. He shook Zhong Liu’s hand, introducing himself, and shortly after Yang Minzhe guided them to the private room.

Qian Meigui walked into a grand room with Zhong Liu by her side. The light dimmed, decorations were pulled up, and everyone was standing, waiting for her. Everyone came, Su Feng, friends from her office, Song Ren, the twins, and most regrettably, Song Sheng.