Daughters of the Elite - Chapter 66

Song Sheng had grown accustomed to long days, to being alone. When he left the country, he knew that he was dangerously conscious of Qian Meigui’s beauty and perfect qualities. Who wouldn’t be?

He had to escape, so he thoughtlessly left the country, leaving his entire family behind. He knew it hurt them—all of them, but he also knew that it’d left a gaping hole within his relationship between Qian Meigui.

He remembered the day he left. She sat on the couch, looking out the balcony doors, with her arms clutched around her legs, dazed. He picked up his suitcase, glancing at her one more time, exiting the door without much of a goodbye. He didn’t want to say goodbye. Otherwise, he couldn’t bear to leave.

It was forbidden. The feelings they began to spark were forbidden. In the eyes of everyone around them, they were Song Sheng and Song Mei. But even when they first met, he couldn’t think of her as a sister. But he treated her kindly as such.

He wanted her to feel included. But over the years, they became best friends. She clung to him, and he couldn’t shake her off.

Then when she began her first year of university, he began to realize that she had grown into a woman.

Even when they use to sleep together for comfort, his heart began to pound fiercely during some nights, and he felt like he couldn’t breathe. Just being around her felt suffocating – in the right way, because he wanted her to suffocate him.

With her presence, with her warm nature, she stood by his side during nights he felt like giving up in school during stressful moments. She would grant him a smile, reassure him that he would do well, then she would patiently wait for him to finish so they could do something after. Some of the time, Song Ren or the twins would join, but between the two of them, they rather enjoyed each other’s company.

Qian Meigui understood him best, and perhaps it was because she had to grow up quickly after what happened to her biological parents. She was rather mature and silent for her age, but she opened up to him, and slowly she opened up to the others.

Song Ren was the hardest person to warm up to, but they became the sisters they were meant to be. That’s why it was difficult for Song Sheng to cave into his feelings.

There was a time, he wanted to confess, but she had told him that she was glad he was her brother. So he stopped because he wasn’t sure about Qian Meigui’s feelings. He still doesn’t know. But he’ll try to find out without hurting her.

But now, with Zhong Liu in the way, it will be hard to convince her that they should be together after he assured her that they would never take the next step.

Song Sheng dialled Rong Ming’s phone number. His friend groggily answered the phone. “How do you pursue a woman?” Song Sheng asked by way of greeting him.

Rong Ming sighed over the phone, “Confess to her. Tell her how you feel, that’s the only way.” Rong Ming spoke from experience. He glanced at his wife, who was sleeping peacefully next to him.

“Sheng,” he continued. “Whoever this woman is, she will want you. I have no doubt. But women want action; they want words. No materials, not until after.”

Song Sheng blew out the white smoke into the night. He nodded, though Rong Ming could not see him. “Mhm, thank you, Ming,” said he. Rong Ming chuckled, “That’s the first time you thanked me in a while, you bastard. Now, stop bothering me and pursue her.”

“Mhm,” Song Sheng said, hanging up the call.

That night, he slept restlessly.

The next morning, Song Sheng had an interview to attend to with his movie co-star Yu Qingge. Throughout the process of filming, she maintained her professionalism, never overstepping personal boundaries.

He hated women that were overbearing or persistent. This interview was to promote their upcoming film, and they both answered the questions smoothly.

“Can I ask you a personal question?” the interviewer asked him.

“Mhm,” Song Sheng nodded.

“Many viewers are anticipating the film, A Dream of Roses since Yu Qingge is an A-list actress, but Mr. Song, this is your debut film. The chemistry seems fitting between the two of you, as seen on an advanced screening clip. Are you by any chance courting anyone?”

Song Sheng thought for a moment before he shook his head. “No,” he began, “But there is a woman that I am interested in,” he said deeply. The interviewer seemed intrigued. Yu Qingge’s eyes slightly widened, but she knew who he was talking about, it was that woman who stopped by his office from the other time.

“Do we know who she is?” the woman asked. Song Sheng shook his head, “At the moment; even she doesn’t know how I feel about her.”

The interviewer smiled. “Well, best of luck to you then.” At that, the interview ended. Song Sheng went to his office, working on his projects, and trying to dig into information regarding the Long Banquet that was soon approaching.

—

Qian Meigui woke up late since she couldn’t rest properly. Luckily she didn’t have class that morning. Thoughts warped around her mind endlessly, skipping between Song Sheng and Zhong Liu. Her heart was heavy. She loosed a breathe, shuffling out a bed. Her phone buzzed from her nightstand. She took the call; it was Zhong Liu.

“Mei?” he called out.

“Mhm?” she responded.

“I’m sorry,” he said gravely. Qian Meigui was puzzled, “What do you mean?” she asked, concerned.

“I shouldn’t have drunk a lot; I appeared uncool. I’m so sorry.” Qian Meigui chuckled a bit, “there’s no need to feel sorry. I should be sorry for my family pushing you.”

Zhong Liu laughed as well. “No, your family was great,” he said.

Silence loomed over the call, but it felt warm and gentle. “Xiao Mei?” he called out to her.

“Mhm?” she responded again.

“I had a good time last night,” he said.

Qian Meigui sighed, “Me too.”

She told him a half-truth. She did enjoy herself, up until the part Song Sheng pinned her up against the wall to toy with her feelings.

“Can we go out again?” he asked nervously.

Qian Meigui thought for a moment. Her heart was tired, exhausted. She wasn’t sure if she should even date Zhong Liu. But, she knew he would be suitable for her.

Perhaps, they could fall in love over time. And the relationship between her and Song Sheng could be platonic, not afraid of secrets, not afraid of anything.

“Yes,” she breathed over the phone. Zhong Liu was overjoyed. They both said good-bye without giving each other any details. He didn’t ask her out on a date; he asked her if they could see each other again because relationsh.i.p.s take time, a promise of a next time. She placed on some light makeup, looking at the mirror. Her heart will get rid of Song Sheng from now on.

—

Qian Meigui decided to spend most of the day with Song Jinyi. They both went to a boutique nearby, selecting dresses for the Long Banquet. Though Song Ren was bold when it came to dressing, Song Jinyi was daring, risky. She chose a dress for Qian Meigui. At first, Qian Meigui refused to try it on, but Jinyi forced her.

After trying it on, Qian Meigui felt like she couldn’t recognize herself. She knew it was her, but she looked as if she was reborn; she looked as if she emerged from the shell that kept her bound.

“All eyes will be on you,” Song Jinyi said with a knowing smile. “No one will resist your charm.” Qian Meigui looked at her younger sister, nervously. She then glanced at her mirror once more, her eyes narrowed. She took a deep breath, and for once in a long time, Qian Meigui felt confident.