Song Xi was thus driven into the car by Zhang Qi. He didn't say where they were going, and stepped on the accelerator, scaring Song Xi so much that her soul almost left her body. She quickly fastened her seatbelt.
There was no conversation along the way. Song Xi wanted to speak several times but dared not, fearing that a wrong word might lead to her demise.
Later, the sports car stopped in front of a five-star restaurant. Zhang Qi got out of the car, turned his head, and saw her still sitting inside. He frowned slightly, "What are you dazed for? Get out."
Only then did Song Xi tremblingly open the car door.
A waiter led them to a window seat on the second floor. It was quiet around them, with few people in sight.
This was Song Xi's first time in such a place, and her hands and feet felt awkward.
Zhang Qi, familiar with the routine, ordered a few dishes and then handed the menu to her, saying, "Order whatever you want."
Song Xi glanced at it, and was astonished by the average price of four figures per dish. She intuitively felt this was a trap, so she didn't dare to be presumptuous and simply ordered a salad.
Seeing this, Zhang Qi sneered, "Eating so little, no wonder you're not strong enough. You faint so easily."
He was referring to the incident where he had grabbed her by the neck.
Song Xi trembled with anger.
How dare he speak so casually? He was practically a murderer! She had almost died, and yet he was blaming her for being weak?
This… scoundrel!
The dishes arrived quickly. Zhang Qi cut a piece of steak and put it in his mouth. He glanced at her neck and said, "It seems to be mostly healed."
Song Xi sneered inwardly.
"I was too impulsive last time. My uncle said you have no relation with that Shen fellow. Let this meal be an apology to you."
He took out a delicate gift box from his pocket and handed it over, his tone a little sweeter, "Xi'er, these earrings are specially bought for you. See if you like them."
With just a pair of earrings, Song Xi couldn't help but feel her life was too cheap.
"Why aren't you opening it to take a look?"
Song Xi took a deep breath and pushed the gift box back, "No need. I don't have pierced ears."
Zhang Qi paused, "Just get them pierced, it doesn't hurt that much."
Song Xi remained silent, her lips pursed into a faint straight line.
Seeing her expression was a bit off, Zhang Qi asked in a deep voice, "Still angry? Xi'er, you've always been considerate and kind. Don't dwell on this anymore. Besides, if you hadn't taken so long to explain, I wouldn't have acted. You suffered a bit, but I didn't fare any better!"
"Look at my hair, and these past few days. Not only was I confined, my phone was smashed too. After much pleading, I managed to get Grandma to intercede for me so I could be released early, otherwise I would have died of boredom!"
"So, we're even, okay?"
So, she almost lost her life, and he, Young Master Zhang, was merely confined and had his hair cut, and he was already feeling wronged?
Song Xi found it utterly laughable!
"Xi'er?"
Seeing her unresponsive, Zhang Qi's temper flared. He threw down his cutlery and said coldly, "I've already apologized to you. What else do you want? Xi'er, I've never been so humble to coax anyone. Don't push your luck, or else I'll—"
"Bang!"
Song Xi finally lost her patience and slammed the water glass on the table, interrupting him.
"Zhang Qi."
Her voice sounded completely devoid of emotion, exceedingly cold.
"Since you didn't see the text message I sent you, I'll say it again to your face now."
"We're breaking up."
Zhang Qi thought he misheard. His eyes froze for a moment, "...What did you say?"
Song Xi gritted her teeth and said word by word, "I said, we're breaking up."
Unexpectedly, Zhang Qi became enraged. He swept his hand, and all the tableware on the table clattered to the floor.
The waiter, hearing the commotion, rushed over but was scared away by his roar of "Get out!"
Not far away, a man calmly sipped his red wine. His eyes were serene, and he exuded an air of nobility.
The woman sitting opposite him complained softly, "Yu Ming, it's a bit noisy here. Shall we go somewhere else?"
Lou Yu Ming's thin lips curved slightly as he handed her the cut steak, "The taste is good. Try it."
The woman was easily distracted, and smiled shyly, "Thank you."
Meanwhile, Zhang Qi's face was grim. He stared down at Song Xi, "Say that again if you dare!"
"If you didn't hear me clearly, I can say it again."
Song Xi, unfazed, looked up to meet the fury in his eyes. She didn't believe he would dare to strangle her in public again!
"Song Xi!"
He roared, drawing the attention of other diners.
"If you want to throw a tantrum, I'm telling you, I won't stand for it! Even a tantrum has its limits, don't go on and on! You'll regret it if you do!"
His arrogance was overwhelming. Song Xi decided there was no need to hold back any longer and laid it all out, "The only thing I regret is being with you!"
Zhang Qi was so enraged by these words that he was about to explode. He strode towards her, grabbed her by one hand, and lifted her up, "No one has ever dared to speak to me like this!"
At this point, Song Xi was no longer afraid. She retorted, "That's because they all talk behind your back."
Zhang Qi's veins bulged instantly. With a "bang," he flung her away.
Song Xi expected to die. She had even prepared herself for it, but unexpectedly, it didn't hurt as much as she imagined. Instead, a secure force caught her steadily.
Song Xi fearfully opened her eyes. The first thing she saw was a sharp, slender jawline. The man lowered his eyes, his pupils dark and deep.
Her tense nerves relaxed. Her legs went weak, and she almost collapsed to the ground.
"Stand firm."