Zhang Qi thought bringing this up would agitate Song Xi, as she had trembled and been distressed every other time. To his surprise, she let out a series of cold laughs.
Song Xi said, "Ex-boyfriend? I think you're not only incompetent but also brainless. I never had an ex-boyfriend! I made all of that up just to keep you away from me!"
Now it was Zhang Qi's turn to be stunned. "What did you say?"
"Don't you get it yet? I never liked you from the start! Everything in front of you was an act! Every minute, every second I spent with you disgusted me! I wish you would just die!"
Zhang Qi grabbed her by the neck, his face contorted with ferocity. "Say that again!"
"No matter how many times I say it, it's the truth!"
Song Xi adopted a defiant air. "If it weren't for your family's influence, you'd be nothing! If you have the guts, strangle me to death. Otherwise, I'll make sure everyone knows. I'd like to see if you can still hold your head high after your prominent family's reputation is ruined."
The force of his grip suddenly intensified, and Song Xi's breath hitched.
Just as her consciousness began to fade, a woman's voice suddenly rang out.
"Zhang Qi, let go."
Zhang Qi snapped back to attention and immediately released her.
Song Xi's body went limp. She coughed violently, gasping for air, and slid to the ground.
"Auntie." Zhang Qi's eyes still held a lingering ferocity.
Anna gently patted his shoulder and said, "Go back to the car first."
"But..."
"Go!"
Zhang Qi left unwillingly, casting a hateful glare at Song Xi before he departed, clearly signaling that this was not over.
Song Xi felt utterly humiliated. She didn't want to lose face in front of Anna, so she forced herself to stand up.
Unexpectedly, Anna saw her struggle and extended her hand. "Are you okay?"
Song Xi paused, her gaze falling upon a diamond necklace that had slipped out from Anna's sleeve, sparkling brilliantly. In comparison, the pearl necklace she wore instantly dimmed.
Had Lou Yu Ming bought this priceless diamond necklace abroad, as Shao Cheng had mentioned?
Song Xi's heart sank.
Anna noticed Song Xi's soiled dress, her hem torn, and felt a surge of satisfaction.
She spoke with an air of parental authority, comforting Song Xi. "That's just Zhang Qi's temper. Don't take it to heart. I'll talk to Yu Ming properly next time."
How intimate they sounded calling each other.
Anna continued, "Haven't we met before? Last time at that Japanese restaurant, you got my clothes dirty."
"...I'm sorry."
"It's alright. I know you didn't mean to. You're Song Xi, right?"
"Yes."
Song Xi kept her head bowed, unsure if it was out of inferiority or guilt, never daring to meet Anna's eyes.
"Anna," she said, her tone understanding and gentle. "If Zhang Qi ever bullies you again, tell me."
Song Xi didn't know whether to nod or shake her head.
Finally, Anna took out five hundred yuan from her wallet and handed it to Song Xi. "Your dress seems to be damaged. You can buy a new one on your way back. This dress isn't really suitable for you anyway."
Song Xi didn't take it. "No, thank you."
Anna smiled and pressed it into her hand. Two bills fell to the ground. "Don't be shy, it's not much money."
Indeed, it wasn't much money, but to Song Xi, it was a month's living expenses.
Anna left, even adding Song Xi on WeChat, saying she could reach out if anything came up.
Song Xi dared not, but out of curiosity, she clicked on Anna's moments. The most recent photo showed a diamond necklace on Anna's wrist, with the caption: "His birthday gift~ ❤️"