It was not known how long it had been, or maybe not long, when Serena heard Shen Qingxiang's call, and she realized that James had left.
"Serena, are you okay?" Shen Qingxiang squatted down hurriedly to check. Serena's hair was disheveled and she was wrapped in a bright yellow coat. She was holding her knees and shaking, and she looked like something was wrong.
"It's okay, I just... I just have a stomachache. Maybe the milkshake was too cold. I feel much better now. I shouldn't have texted you." Serena forced a smile.
"If you have something wrong, tell me! How about I take you to the hospital and we can play together another day."
"No, I'm going to the bathroom, you go back and wait for me, really, I'm fine."
Shen Qingxiang supported her worriedly, and put her hand on her coat. At first glance, it looked like a coat worn by a takeaway boy, but the texture was good and it was a big brand. She asked curiously, "Your coat..."
It was a costume that James threw away after finishing a play.
Serena hurriedly explained, "I borrowed it from someone because I was not feeling well. I will return it later."
However, Shen Qingxiang was still worried, and Serena had to give repeated assurances before sending the person away.
Standing in front of the large mirror in the bathroom, Serena felt for the first time that the dim light in the bar made sense. At least it was very useful in covering up traces. James was usually not as wild as he claimed. For the sake of their mutual safety, he seldom left traces in places where they shouldn't be.
But today he was angry.
There was a kiss mark on the crook of the neck, very deliberately red.
Her skirt had a wide square neckline, and the clavicle chain couldn't hide the kiss mark at all. James must have done it on purpose.
If this kind of possessive behavior happened in the past, Serena would think that he was jealous. But now, there is only one reason: James doesn't want her to have an easy life. It's not enough to admit his mistake, he has to embarrass her in front of others.
His hatred is so long that there is no end in sight. If you want to break free, you will have to pay a heavy price.
Serena touched the kiss mark , and the fire that the man had aroused was still slightly lingering, making her shudder.
Perhaps the more this happens, the more she has to struggle to break free. Hatred is a double-edged sword . Not only will she feel uncomfortable, but James will also be unable to free himself. That won't do, absolutely not!
After returning to the booth, Shen Qingxiang raised his eyebrows.
"Serena, you're doing a drag show tonight, where did you get the scarf?"
The aqua blue chiffon scarf was tied into a beautiful knot around her neck, which matched the dress better than the clavicle chain . Serena held up her wine glass and clinked it with Liu Shuai , saying, "When I was putting on makeup, I felt that this outfit was a bit plain, so I asked the waiter to buy a scarf to match it."
"Yeah, not bad." Shen Qingxiang tilted his head, "Why do I feel like you feel more relaxed after going to the bathroom?"
"You must be drunk." Serena said with a smile, "Hey handsome guy, let's talk about the philosophy of life."
Handsome Liu had noticed the change a long time ago. After Serena's return, she exuded an indescribable charm. Her face was full of spring, as if a budding flower suddenly bloomed, and her every move was seductive.
"This is my forte! Qingxiang, Serena! How about an old tradition, truth or dare?"
From Miss Xie to Serena, Serena smiled and said, "I'm fine with anything."
The wine bottle started spinning, and after several rounds, Serena managed to dodge it. Shen Qingxiang was not as lucky as her and only got the dare, but she was relaxed and spoke sweet words, making the handsome guy blush.
"I'm telling the truth this time."
Shen Qingxiang spun the wine bottle again as he spoke. The green bottle flew around a few times before finally stopping in front of Serena.
"I'll do it, I'll ask!" Handsome Liu spoke up enthusiastically, "I want to ask: What's the biggest lie you've ever told in your life?"
Everyone looked over, and Serena was stunned by the expectant gazes.
"What kind of question is that? Serena never lies. How do you want her to answer? Change it !" Shen Qingxiang waved his hand.
Everyone knows how to lie, including her, and even James couldn't see through her lies . Serena was briefly distracted.
"Then...then...who was your first love? Describe him!"
Handsome Liu seemed to have racked his brains, but Serena still couldn't answer. She sighed and said, "How about... let's take a big risk..."
The dare was an easy choice, decided by drawing lots, and Serena drew the one to ask a designated man for his phone number.
That's fine. Much easier to deal with than bringing up memories of James.
Handsome Liu looked around and pointed at the back of a man sitting alone at the bar not far ahead and said, "That one! I just noticed that there are countless beauties coming and going around him, but none of them can please him. Serena, it's up to you . "
Serena looked in the direction of his hand and saw the man sitting alone at the bar with his head lowered, not knowing what he was looking at. From his back, he gave off an aura that said "keep away from strangers".
"No problem, watch me!"
Serena stood up, thinking about how to explain. Rejecting the beautiful woman's advances did not mean refusing to help. She thought that as long as she was polite and gave some hints, those who came to the bar should understand and would not make it too difficult.
Yes, that's right, she tiptoed around to the man. He was looking at his phone with a half glass of cocktail next to him. There seemed to be something nostalgic in the phone. The man had a smile on his lips, making his already handsome face look even gentler.
He looked like a good person to talk to. Serena strengthened her confidence, mustered up the courage to walk in, and forced out a flattering smile, "Hello, sir!"
The gentleman's recollection was interrupted by her call, and his tenderness immediately disappeared. He frowned and turned his head . When he saw the person coming, he asked in surprise, "Mrs. Shen?"
He immediately changed his words, "Thank you, Miss."
"you know me?"
Serena looked carefully. The man in front of her was quite handsome, somewhat similar to William, with delicate features, neatly groomed sideburns, and a refined temperament that was not affected at all even in this glamorous place. But, had she ever seen such a man?
Wait, I seem to have some impression.
Seeing her confused face, the man smiled instead of getting angry, "We haven't seen each other for about... three years."
Three years...Serena suddenly asked, "Doctor Lin?"
"It's me. I'm glad you still remember me."
How could he not remember? Serena thought, William's good friend and attending physician, Lin Boting.
During the six months of William's treatment, Serena met with Lin Boting almost every day. Later, William passed away. Lin Boting was devastated and went abroad, staying away for three years.
"Dr. Lin, long time no see!" Serena asked happily, "When did you return to China?"
Lin Boting said, "I took a flight two days ago and came here today to see a friend." He paused, "Do you want to see me?"
"Of course, I was worried that you didn't want to see me, and it would bring back...unpleasant memories..."
It is a big blow to every doctor when a good friend passes away despite the doctor's full efforts in treating him. Serena still remembers that a few days before William's death, Lin Boting was always smoking on the rooftop, pack after pack of cigarettes. He almost never smoked normally.
"Those memories are not bad, they are very good!" Lin Boting said hurriedly, "I actually wanted to come back a long time ago, but... there are some difficulties that need to be resolved."
Listening carefully, Serena clapped her hands and said, "It sounds like all the difficulties have been resolved?"
"Yes, we will probably develop in China in the future."
"That's great! I think William will be very happy!"
Lin Boting's eyes were like evening stars. "Are you happy?"
"Of course I'm happy! I still remember that Dr. Lin, your Huaiyang cuisine is top-notch!"Serena had only taken a few bites of the pizza and her stomach was still rumbling with hunger. When she heard about Huaiyang cuisine , she couldn't help but look longing."I believe you really want to eat it. Okay, come over when you have time and I'll make it for you."Lin Boting said, motioning her to sit down. Serena then remembered her mission and waved her hands, "I almost forgot, I still need... um... your cell phone number...""truth or Dare?"Serena glanced at the booth and nodded slightly."It seems that today is not a good time to reminisce about the past." Lin Boting glanced behind her, "Miss Shen Er is waiting for you, go quickly.""Then your number..."Lin Boting smiled slightly, "It has never changed, you have it."As soon as Serena returned, Liu Shuai praised her, "Serena is amazing and she won it in one go. She is stil
The doctor in a white coat looked at Serena and then at Lin Boting, and understood what he meant. "Boting, I'm fine now. I'll treat you to tea next time.""OK."After sending the doctor away, Lin Boting asked, "Are you just here or are you going back?""go back.""Would you mind giving me a ride?"Serena smiled, "With great pleasure."Serena's apricot-colored car glowed in the sunset . She opened the door and said jokingly , " Don't be disgusted, Doctor Lin."Lin Boting got into the car and said, "No, I came here by subway. You still have a car."He took the subway just because he wanted to. In fact, Lin Boting's family was wealthy. His parents were both industry leaders. He had been pampered since childhood and could afford any car. However, he had strict upbringing, a gentle personality and never liked to show off. He had been like this since Serena had known him, and no one disliked him."Doctor Lin is going home now?"
Before Serena could even ask what was going on, her phone was knocked away.Strictly speaking, she was knocked to the ground and her phone fell out.Two men with crew cuts appeared in the room at some point. They looked young, wearing hoodies and jeans , but their arms were covered with tattoos.One of them , holding a cigarette in his mouth , directed the other, "Ajie, tie them up first before we play!"Ajie pressed on Serena, tied her hands behind her back and tied them up with cable ties. While tying them up, he pinched the woman's butt, which was plump and elastic, not bad."Don't worry, boss. I'm a professional and the employer's requirements are the most important!"After tying up the man, Ajie kicked him and made an OK gesture to the boss.The boss was more professional than him. He walked to Serena's cell phone and stepped on it. Serena clearly heard the sound of the phone breaking. She realized that it was not a dream but a r
Serena's tense nerves were completely broken at this moment. She gasped and struggled violently, and then was supported by a pair of warm big hands."It's okay, it's okay now." Lin Boting held her in his arms and comforted her, "I'll untie the cable tie right away, and we'll go to the hospital right away. The police are here, Serena."Serena rested her head on his chest and hummed. With his comfort, she tried to calm down, but her stress reaction was so strong that she had a hard time.In addition to Lin Boting, a group of armed police officers also rushed into the room. Lao Da and Ajie had no ability to resist at all and were subdued in minutes.Ajie shouted, "Damn, you dare to arrest us, do you know who is behind us?"The boss yelled, "Shut up!""Boss, tell them and scare them to death!"Ajie straightened his neck and was about to announce this scary name when he was kicked in the face.ones who kicked him were not police boot
Before leaving, James paused and didn't look back.“Lin Boting, has my elder brother ever told you that I have no conscience?”This incoherent remark certainly aroused Chen Xiaoyu's suspicion, but James did not explain. Lin Boting watched his back disappear and turned around after a while.The ward returned to peace. He quietly sat down beside the bed and said to the person on the bed, "They're gone. You can wake up now."Serena opened her eyes and touched her nose sheepishly, "Is it that obvious?""It's not obvious. He pretends well. But I'm a doctor. I can tell whether he's awake or not."Lin Boting helped her sit up, and Serena said solemnly, "Thank you!""I've thanked you before, and I accept it.""This thank you is for helping me send them away."Lin Boting smiled and said , "I know that you and James have been at odds for a long time." He paused, "But this time you were saved thanks to him."When Lin Boting arr
Sister Sun prepared for Serena was light and tasty, very different from the set meal delivered by the hospital, but Serena had a poor appetite and felt full after eating half a bowl.After dinner, she sat on the sofa waiting for someone, and fell asleep while waiting .In the dim light, someone was fiddling with her hair. The slightly rough fingertips slid across her eyebrows and brushed away the loose hair in front of her forehead. Then the smell of fir gradually invaded her, and someone came closer.Serena opened her eyes at the moment when James was about to touch her, so she happened to meet his eyes. There was a strong emotion in his eyes, which disappeared before she could make out clearly."Sleeping here dressed like this, sister-in-law is so impatient?"Serena threw away the cotton pajamas she wore in the old house. She picked up a dark green silk suspender nightgown and put it on. After putting it on, she remembered that it was a gift fr
The more Serena thought about it, the more she felt that it was indeed a misunderstanding, but it takes two to tango. James was not without problems either. It was because he had a mouth but refused to explain himself.That’s right!Serena put on the new phone and wondered whether to send something to James, but as soon as the screen lit up, a push notification popped up.Social news said that a vicious incident occurred in a community in the city. Two gangsters were caught on the spot. The attacked woman had been sent to the hospital and was not seriously injured. The police thanked the enthusiastic citizen Mr. Shen for his great help and solicited relevant clues from the public.The news itself is not important. What is important is that there is a video in the push. In the video, James holds her tightly in his arms. Under the escort of Sun Heng and the police, he walks through the crowd to the ambulance with a stern face. She holds his clothes tight
Chen Xiaoyu rolled her eyes and regained interest. She smiled and pulled Serena over, blinking, "Sister Serena, please don't mind me being quick-witted sometimes.""fine.""The chef for today's afternoon tea was brought back from Country M by me. His French desserts are of very high standard."Serena didn't want to say anything, so her colleague interrupted, "How long have you and Mr. Forrest been in Country M?"When Mr. Forrest was mentioned, Chen Xiaoyu smiled. "More than five months. He was in a coma for one month, and then spent the next four months recovering. He is a stubborn person. He refused to let anyone accompany him after he woke up. It would have been better for him to lie down for that month. I could still see him every day."Chen Xiaoyu became shy as she spoke , and her colleagues tactfully started to make noises of derision."Then he went back home because of something at home. I was still in Country M, but we kept in touch
Lin Boting followed her into the elevator without asking any more questions, but his inner doubts grew again. A honeymoon villa must be of top priority in the hearts of a loving couple. They would not give it away to anyone even if it was vacant, unless they were not in love.The conference room was on the third floor. Dean Wen didn't exchange any more pleasantries. He pushed Serena in directly and said, "How about you guys? Do you want to come and listen together?"Shen Qingxiang didn't want to do that. It was a rare opportunity to be alone with Lin Boting, and she didn't want to miss it, so she looked at Serena.Seeing her sad face, Serena said, "The report is quite boring, how about you...""I want to listen." Lin Boting said, "Junior sister, are you welcome?"Wenxiu smiled and said , "Of course, senior, you are welcome to come and give us guidance."Shen Qingxiang became even more distressed, but Serena was still very considerate.
Mrs. Meng was frightened to tears by the slap."Meng, this time it's clearly the Forrest family's fault, why did you hit the child?"Meng Gang's expression changed, and he instantly became compassionate. He even reached out and helped his daughter up."This slap is a lesson for you. Don't be impatient when doing things. You have a good idea. You took advantage of James getting into trouble and hid behind the Chen family to instigate trouble. The woman who slandered James is yours, right?"Meng Jinyun nodded."Your technique is good, but not neat enough. I'll help you deal with that woman."Meng Jinyun was stunned. After a moment, he said happily, "Dad, you don't blame me for being reckless anymore?"Meng Gang pointed at her, "You are still reckless and not careful enough, but you are still okay if you know how to kill someone with a borrowed knife. Since you have chosen James, you must act quickly, ruthlessly and accurately, leaving n
The following week, James disappeared. To be more precise, the parachuted-in president of the group returned to the group. There were various versions of descriptions of his strong return in Xiao He’s gossip group.——I heard from my friend who works at Jincheng that Vice President Shen was in a meeting, and Mr. Forrest walked in without knocking or notifying in advance. All the executives were stunned. One executive was trying to suck up to Vice President Shen, and when he saw Mr. Forrest, he was so scared that he fell off his chair. It was so funny.——No, that’s not the case. I heard that it was Mr. Forrest who threw the report in Vice President Shen’s face and scolded him in front of all the senior executives. Vice President Shen didn’t even dare to breathe.When Serena saw it, the topic had already changed in the group. She looked through the chat history and discovered that in the eyes of the onlookers, James' return to Jin Cheng was no different from Zh
James' eyebrows moved slightly, and he led her out of the leisure area and walked towards the flower hall."You think so clearly, so you don't blame me for taking back my shares?"Meng Jinyun sighed, "It's still strange. Not for myself or the Meng family, but for you, I feel that I shouldn't go back on my words. I said it bluntly, but my heart was good, James.""You've always been kind."James showed a look of loss. "Three years ago, in front of my eldest brother's ward, you said the same thing. You said that you were just visiting with good intentions and advised him to focus on his treatment, but he asked you to accompany him to his last journey. You refused, and he vomited blood out of anger."When talking about the past, Meng Jinyun was also moved."I regretted it afterwards. I should have just agreed to it and let William live comfortably in his last days. It was all a way to repay him. Why did I have to stick to my original intention?
Meng Jinyun didn't touch the pork trotter , but James ate a few bites leisurely and praised the dish for its good quality .The atmosphere at the table was depressing, but the third brother's wife, following Xue Nanyue's instructions, began to liven up the atmosphere."Aunt Yan, I heard from Sister Liu that the family banquet is being held in advance?""Well, the one after William's death anniversary at the end of September has been moved up. There's been a lot going on lately, and the old man is worried about it. Please make time next Friday night."Hearing this, Serena looked towards the upper seat and saw James picking up some food for Meng Jinyun. He picked up a piece of pork trotter with chopsticks . Meng Jinyun's eyes were red and she ate it in small bites with her eyes lowered. It seemed that she was very angry and he was teasing her.Although he played a trick on the Meng family, he probably still cared about his childhood sweetheart.
"Jinyun is talking about fairness, I support it." James turned his head, "Sister-in-law, are you convinced?"Xie Shi didn't expect James to help her at all. Not to mention that he felt sorry for his childhood sweetheart, he wouldn't do anything just for the sake of the Meng family behind her.To put it bluntly, she did this only because she felt frustrated, and she carefully chose a way to vent her feelings. As the eldest daughter-in-law, even if she ignored the overall situation, there would be various people who forced her to do so.So she said, "Whatever Fifth Brother says is what it is."Meng Jinyun wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, and took advantage of the victory to pursue the attack, saying sadly , "Ms. Xie, I did this so that we can get along longer in the future. You didn't grow up in a big family like ours, so you don't understand my painstaking efforts. I don't blame you."Serena dropped her eyelids and pretended not to he
Serena returned to the flower hall with this plain face. As soon as she entered, her third brother's wife called out."Oh, sister-in-law, you..." She said "you" twice and sighed, "You look so miserable!"Serena's miserable condition aroused the sympathy of the third brother and sister-in-law, and they hurriedly stood up to help her.Serena didn't refuse, and took the hand of her third sister-in-law and sat at the last seat at the side.She had a delicate appearance to begin with, and when she was bare-faced and looked full of resentment, Xue Nanyue looked unpresentable." Serena, why did you take off your makeup for no reason?"Serena lowered her eyes and whispered, "There's a wound on my face. I'm afraid it will get infected if I don't remove it."Xue Nanyue curled the corners of her mouth and wanted to say a few more words, but when she saw the condition on her face, she swallowed her words back. If you say she was injured, it was j
Serena put down her powder puff and turned around."Ms. Meng must understand this pain more deeply than I do. Why don't you tell me?""How can other people's words be as profound as your own feelings? Don't worry, you will experience a lot more pain in the future." Meng Jinyun looked at her red and swollen left cheek and laughed, "Poor thing, you already look stupid, and now you look even more disgusting."She was provoking her to get angry. It seemed that after saving face, it was time to save the reality. Serena's eyelashes trembled slightly."Ms. Meng is not at the banquet admiring the flowers and smelling the fragrance, but is running to the bathroom to smell the air freshener. This should not be as simple as a quarrel.""It's that simple. I just want to see you lose."Serena smiled too."It sounds like Miss Meng feels that she has won, but how has she won? After waiting for three years, you give me a slap in the face? Miss Meng's
Serena's ears suddenly rang and half of her face felt hot.She guessed that Meng Jinyun would not let her go easily, but she did not expect it to come so quickly and undisguisedly.This slap also stunned several people around . There were not many passengers near the VIP channel, but there were staff members, who looked over in twos and threes with inquiring eyes.The first to speak was the third sister-in-law. She said sternly , "Miss Meng, what do you mean by this!"As soon as she said this, Meng Jinxiu immediately pulled her sleeve.Meng Jinyun rubbed his numb palms."I mean to make peace with my sister-in-law."She asked with concern, "Sister-in-law, are you okay? Does it hurt? Don't blame me. I'm trying my best to recreate the slap you gave me."Serena dodged her hand, she was not annoyed, but more eager."Sister-in-law, if I don't return this slap to you, I will always have a thorn in my heart. As long as you are in