Love For You - Chapter 9

Chapter 9: Miao Jing Did Not Go Home That Night

Tu Li had a good impression of Miao Jing and also showed her closeness. Regardless of how good or bad the relationship between the siblings was, the fact that Miao Jing could live in Chen Yi’s home meant that Chen Yi treated her somewhat differently.

During the most intense period of her relationship with Chen Yi, she had wanted to move in with him. Chen Yi refused point-blank, complaining that women were troublesome and cluttered his view. She pinched his arm with a coquettish pout, asking if he was just planning to discard her after sleeping with her. Chen Yi said yes, grabbed her with a backhand twist, wrapped his muscular arms around her waist, and threw her onto the bed roughly. She couldn't say a word; she simply loved that lazy, reckless, rogue-like ferocity of his.

Later on, Tu Li didn't want to come over anymore. The surrounding area was full of old neighbors who would point and discuss them whenever they saw the two entering or leaving. They had no tact, and the nasty things they said would go directly into Tu Li’s ears. Tu Li would be furious after hearing them and would tell Chen Yi to do something about it. Chen Yi didn't care at all; tongues were on other people, and if they wanted to talk, let them talk. It didn't matter to him.

Now that Miao Jing was back—such a promising younger sister who clearly possessed a lofty and upright character—Tu Li thought that if she could win Miao Jing over to her side, everything would be easier in the future.

However, although Miao Jing was not difficult to get along with, her cool and distant personality was set in stone; she didn't like to play or hang out. When Tu Li invited her to go shopping, have gatherings, go to beauty salons, or eat out and work out, Miao Jing basically refused, saying she was sorry, she was a bit busy. She had just started her job, and there were many training sessions and technical documents to read; she also had to take over her work slowly. She had been spending a lot of time with her colleagues and leaders recently. But Miao Jing was truly helpful: when the gym where Tu Li worked wanted to open a dance studio, Miao Jing helped Tu Li create a personal promotional resume. Even though she was an engineering student, she was capable of editing videos and using Photoshop.

Chen Yi watched coldly as Tu Li tried to curry favor with Miao Jing. He frowned, his expression a mix of displeasure and hidden restraint. Hearing Miao Jing’s refusal on the other end of the phone, he rubbed his chin expressionlessly, his tone listless: "Stop bothering her from now on."

"It’s just a meal. You didn’t stop me before I called," Tu Li murmured, pouting her red lips. "She said she’s working overtime at the company today and will go back late. Just letting you know."

"Mm."

After the new employee training ended, Miao Jing entered a state of working overtime every day. The factory area was far and remote. After work, she would take a taxi back by herself. Sometimes, because it was too late—midnight or one in the morning—taxis were unwilling to come and pick up passengers, so she could only ask Chen Yi to pick her up.

Miao Jing wasn't worried about her safety when returning late. Each time, she used a ride-hailing app to find a licensed taxi. Lu Zhengsi would work overtime with her, and after putting her in the taxi, he would specifically greet the driver and ask for contact information. He would also chat with Miao Jing all the way until she arrived home safely. After Chen Yi found out, he didn't say a word. She didn't live at the company and was willing to live at home and deal with the back-and-forth; then she could do as she pleased. It wasn't his business.

This meal was eaten absent-mindedly. After eating, Tu Li wanted to go shopping at the mall. Chen Yi gave her a few thousand yuan and declined to accompany her. It was already September; students had returned to school, and the pool hall was popular, so he went back to look after the shop.

Tu Li wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a smack on the cheek, her eyes glistening with flirtatious charm: "I love you to death. How about I don’t go shopping and go to the pool hall with you? And we go home together tonight?"

Chen Yi exhaled the last puff of smoke slowly, stubbed out the cigarette, and a dissolute, cold sneer curled the corners of his lips as he squeezed her curvy buttocks hard: "You turn into a slut as soon as you have money? Get lost."

"I’m a slut even without money." Tu Li giggled and wiggled her waist. She knew that he had been cold for so long because he was still angry about that slap. For so many days, she didn’t know how many sweet words she had said to finally coax Chen Yi over. Honestly, men also loved to hear sweet nothings, praising him to the skies, soothing him, and eventually, he would be completely obedient.

She didn't ask Chen Yi to send her off; Tu Li hailed a taxi to the mall herself. Chen Yi played two games in the pool hall. In this kind of street-side pool hall, there were more people playing Chinese 8-ball than snooker. Snooker took a long time, and the ball sense was more precise and steady, while Chinese 8-ball was highly entertaining, the playing styles were flashy, and tables flipped quickly. The trick shots made people gasp in amazement. Chen Yi’s Chinese 8-ball had reached the level of clearing the table in one stroke. These past few years, he had mainly played snooker. Now, standing at the pool table, surrounded by a circle of students, the space was packed tight.

At ten o'clock in the evening, when Chen Yi left the pool hall, he saw the house downstairs was still dark. Knowing Miao Jing hadn't returned yet, he called her. The two siblings exchanged a few brief words, then he turned the car around and drove toward the development zone.

Miao Jing and Lu Zhengsi walked out of the industrial park. The two walked side-by-side, gesturing as they chatted, and finally stood under a streetlamp talking. Today, Miao Jing was wearing form-fitting jeans, a white T-shirt, and canvas shoes. Although her figure was slim, her curves were subtle and elegant. Her eyes held a faint smile, and her expression was very gentle, possessing the clarity of a young girl, which perfectly matched the refreshing, boy-next-door vibe of Lu Zhengsi.

Chen Yi waited for the duration of two cigarettes before Miao Jing said goodbye to Lu Zhengsi. She walked over with a light step. When she got into the car, her expression returned to its usual plain, tired state: "Didn't I say you didn't need to come pick me up?"

"On the way."

He steered the wheel, both car windows rolled down. At this time, the heat of the day had completely subsided, and the night breeze was cool and pleasant. The city's nightlife had just begun to get lively. Although the development zone was desolate, the straight road was empty and quiet. Streetlamps flew by one after another, which was also quite refreshing.

"How much longer will this overtime last? Tossing and turning until midnight every day."

His tone was extremely dissatisfied—it was unclear whether he was annoyed at having to play chauffeur in the middle of the night or annoyed that she was working her life away for such a small salary.

"It’s okay. I used to work even more overtime. To catch up with projects, I worked until early morning for two consecutive months. This position now also requires supplier management, so I need to hurry up and get familiar with it, and it will be easier later."

She said it lightly, as if it were just business. Chen Yi frowned and exhaled deeply: "They are all prestigious university graduates. Some wear professional suits and high heels, walk into high-end office buildings with coffee cups, and make overseas calls at will. Others wear work uniforms in the workshop, with fifteen thousand steps on WeChat every day."

Miao Jing rubbed her calf, half-pouting and half-smiling: "I’m willing to do it. Is that any of your business?"

The atmosphere in the car turned freezing; neither of them spoke. The older brother’s face was dark, his expression tight, and his muscles twitching. Right, it was indeed what she was willing to do, and it was none of his business.

"The engine noise in this car is a bit loud. Has the carbon buildup been cleaned? Check to see if there is any wear on the bearings." Miao Jing looked at the scenery outside the window and suddenly turned her head to say this.

"Old car, an old problem." He remembered something. "Do engineers who build cars know how to repair them?"

"Want me to repair the car for you? No way." Miao Jing laughed, showing her delicate, milky-white teeth, her voice trailing off with a playful inflection.

Just this one witty remark.

Chen Yi smiled, his eyes like black lacquer, both hands resting loosely on the steering wheel.

The sound of the wind pouring into the car windows was loud, blowing against their cheeks. Miao Jing simply pulled off her hair tie, closed her eyes, leaned her head back, and curled up in the seat, enjoying the cool breeze.

A few streaks of dim light projected into the car, flowing silently across her porcelain-white face: her smooth forehead with soft, wispy hair, long and elegant brows, thick and curly eyelashes, the delicate bridge of her nose and lips, and her refined chin.

In the gaps between the noise, Chen Yi heard her light, slow, and peaceful breathing. He silently closed the car windows and turned on the air conditioning.

The car stopped downstairs. He sat in the car for a while, then went out to stand by the side of the road to smoke a cigarette. After finishing the cigarette, he opened the passenger door and shook Miao Jing’s head, touching her thick, heavy hair. It was ice cold: "Miao Jing, wake up, go home and sleep."

She opened her drowsy eyes, stretched, and got out of the car to follow Chen Yi. His tall frame walked in front, and she followed behind, lost and groggy.

Everyone heard about Miao Jing’s return from Tu Li. After Bo Zai found out, he went to ask Chen Yi. Chen Yi gave a flat "Mm" and said she was back for work. Bo Zai grinned and rubbed his hands, saying he should meet Miao Jing for a meal. Chen Yi didn't respond, just gave Bo Zai a cool look: "You’re already married."

"Brother Yi." Bo Zai touched his nose. "That was years ago. My feelings for Miao Jing are purely those of a friend."

Bo Zai’s parents were divorced, and he had lived with his grandmother since he was young. His grandmother’s house was near Chen Yi’s house, so he had known Miao Jing since he was a kid, and they were in the same school during junior high. Although they didn't talk much, they would see each other from time to time, and their relationship was actually quite good. Miao Jing... Miao Jing back then was very quiet, her eyes like frost, and she grew more and more beautiful. She had a graceful figure, and even when wearing the cheapest, most tacky clothes, she had a reserved, ladylike temperament. Back then, among the brothers around Chen Yi, who hadn't cast a glance at Miao Jing?

Now, Bo Zai’s grandmother had passed away, and Bo Zai was married and lived elsewhere, rarely returning to those dilapidated residential buildings. Chen Yi didn't take the initiative to arrange a reunion, so Bo Zai, thinking of his old neighbor, figured there was no harm in meeting up for a chat while he was out on business. He sat with Miao Jing at a nearby sweet soup shop for a while.

Miao Jing noticed his walking posture and was a bit surprised: "What happened to your leg?"

"A fight. A steel bar pierced through, and I’ve walked with a limp since then." Bo Zai smiled. "Hey, it’s alright. Not being in jail is already good enough. I’m content."

"When did that happen?"

"Five or six years ago. We were fighting for territory, and several groups got into a brawl. A lot of people were caught. That Boss Zhang we followed also went in. It happened to be during the ‘Strike Hard’ campaign, so everyone was sentenced. We were among the lucky ones; having a criminal record is the real trouble."

Miao Jing frowned, her eyes bright: "Was Chen Yi involved? Have you been with Chen Yi all these years?"

Bo Zai laughed: "Not really. After Boss Zhang fell, everyone had nothing to do, right? Brother Yi went out to make his own way for more than two years before coming back. Later, he earned some money and opened this pool hall, and I followed him again."

Chen Yi had been a regular at pool halls since junior high. By vocational high school, his skills were invincible in school. At that time, he lived off gambling on pool games. Now, this pool hall had been open for two years, operating from ten in the morning until one or two in the morning. Chen Yi and Bo Zai watched over it together. Fortunately, the income was decent, and the profits were basically split fifty-fifty, which was Chen Yi taking care of Bo Zai.

"The pool hall is on the street behind the vocational high school. Just go straight ahead, and you’ll know once you see it. It’s the weekend today, so the shop will be quite lively."

With Bo Zai saying that, Miao Jing really felt the urge to go see that pool hall. Behind the vocational high school was an incredibly busy street for students, and there was also a newly built junior college branch nearby, so many people came here to play. Miao Jing saw a white light box standing on the side of the road with only three words written on it—Pool Hall.

There was a long staircase going down, probably some kind of basement shop. Overhead spotlights shone down, and colored neon lights danced on both sides of the stairs. As she walked in, a narrow, open glass door revealed a sudden expanse. The lights were bright, and the long space held several green pool tables. The wall behind was embedded with mirrors, making the space bright and spacious. Next to it was a long row of pink claw machines.

There were many people in the shop, both boys and girls. Two tall, hot chicks with colorful hair were particularly eye-catching, moving back and forth to help set up the balls, act as sparring partners, and chat. The seats at the bar were empty. Miao Jing stood at the entrance for a while; everyone in the shop was busy with their own games, and no one noticed her.

A few girls were gathered in front of the claw machines, probably girlfriends brought by the boys playing pool. They were holding a few small dolls, and with a few game tokens left in their hands, they called the boss over, complaining that the claw machines here were too hard to win.

Chen Yi walked over from the pool table with his two long legs, his smile lazy and unbridled, dazzling and eye-catching. He grabbed a handful of game tokens, raised his eyebrows, and chuckled: "Why not say your skills are bad? Which one do you like? I’ll catch them for you. Guaranteed win."

"This rabbit."

"This little bear is the cutest."

"Don’t rush, one by one."

The girls gathered around him. He lowered his head and focused on the glass window, adjusting the claw while making jokes with the girls around him.

"Boss, how old are you this year? What’s your zodiac sign?"

"Are you introducing a girlfriend to me or doing a background check?"

"Do you have a girlfriend—" The little girl’s voice trailed off coquettishly.

"I do—" Chen Yi imitated her voice with a mischievous smile.

The girls covered their mouths and laughed in a chorus.

"Really? What a pity. You’re already taken. I actually wanted to introduce someone to you; my roommate is very pretty and would be a good match for you."

"How pretty?" Chen Yi raised an eyebrow, locked onto the little rabbit, and pressed the button quickly. "If she’s very, very pretty, I can consider changing."

"Boss, you’re such a scumbag. Your girlfriend would be so sad if she heard that."

"Then everyone should stay away from scumbags." The claw machine lit up with colorful lights, and he raised his eyebrows. "Whose rabbit is it? If anyone says my claw machine is hard to win again, I’m going to pull your pigtails."

"And this one, this one. Boss, I want this one."

Over at the claw machines, there was the chirping sound of happy laughter, while over at the pool tables, someone was getting impatient.

"Boss." A sweet, sultry voice called out, "Why haven't you come back yet?"

"Coming."

After winning the toys, Chen Yi returned to the pool table, reverting to his role as a pool coach, moving as easily as a butterfly among flowers: "How’s your practice?"

The pool hall offered membership top-ups that included coaching. Of course, one could choose their favorite coach: the smiling, young, hot chicks or the masculine, young boss. The boys chose the hot chicks, and the girls chose the boss. No problem.

Chen Yi was teaching a few college girls, first explaining the rules, then demonstrating how to step, position, bridge, stroke, and strike. His mellow voice delivered instructions that were steady and low, and the girls giggled as they listened. Chen Yi bit the tip of his tongue with a half-smile, tapping his palm with the cue, cynical: "If you don't listen well, watch out for a spanking."

The girls laughed even more happily.

When it came to guiding them hand-in-hand and correcting their posture, the girl holding the cue was a bit nervous. Chen Yi stood behind her, straightened her arms and stance, and leaned down, his tall figure towering as he adjusted her bridge and stroke: "Relax your forearm, look at that ball in front, try to feel the force of the strike."

With his handsome, deep-set face, the mellow scent of tobacco wafted over, and a solid, honey-skinned arm supported her side, providing a great sense of security. The man’s posture and expression were very serious, yet his seriousness made one’s imagination run wild.

The girl’s cheeks had already turned pink, and she hit the ball with a soft touch.

"Seems like you didn't eat much for lunch." He smiled with a bad-boy edge. "Use a bit more force."

After teaching them one by one, his voice had become a bit hoarse. Chen Yi used an excuse to leave for a while, letting them play by themselves. He made a round around the hall and walked back to the bar, where he was called over by Weiwei—Chen Yi had hired several girls as part-time sparring partners, and Weiwei was the one who came the most.

"Brother Yi, what are we eating tonight? Shall I order some Chongqing chicken?" Weiwei put her arm on Chen Yi’s shoulder, insisting on hooking her elbow over him as if he were a tree she could climb. "Maybe some seafood barbecue?"

"Sure, order whatever you like."

"Alright. Is Bo Zai coming tonight? I’ll order a portion for him too."

"He’s resting today." Chen Yi’s nicotine craving kicked in, and he was about to go out for a smoke. Weiwei lifted her chin. "There’s a beauty sitting by the bar. She’s been there for a long time. I don’t know whose girlfriend she is, but she’s really pretty. Pure and elegant, not like someone who would come to play here."

A young woman with long, shiny black hair, a white silk shirt, and a light purple long skirt sat quietly. Her features were clear and refined, like a summer poster, a retouched photo, or someone from a painting.

"Your eyes for spotting beauties are even sharper than a man’s." Chen Yi chuckled and tilted his head to look. His Adam's apple suddenly choked, his smile froze, and he brushed Weiwei’s hand off his shoulder.

Weiwei’s S-shaped figure lost its support and nearly fell face-first.

Miao Jing watched Chen Yi walk toward her with the cigarette box in hand, his long legs moving quickly. He planted himself in front of her, narrowed his eyes to size her up, lowered his head to pinch a cigarette from the box, and put it in his mouth. He put both hands into his pockets to find a lighter but forgot to take them out.

"Why are you here?" His voice was raspy and blurry.

"Bo Zai said the pool hall was quite good, so I came to have a look." Miao Jing’s tone was calm.

"How long have you been here? Why didn't you tell me?"

"An hour. I saw you were busy, so I didn't disturb you."

"Mm."

He took the cigarette out again, holding it in his hand, rubbing the filter with varying degrees of pressure.

"It’s getting late, I’m heading back."

"I’ll see you off."

"No need, you go back to work. You have plenty of customers."

"Miao Jing."

Miao Jing got up and walked out. Chen Yi followed her behind. Weiwei came over to interject, but no one heard her at all.

There was a taxi on the side of the road, which arrived as soon as he hailed it. Chen Yi stared at Miao Jing as she pulled open the car door and looked back with a smile: "Don't see me off. Go back."

Chen Yi stood with his hands on his hips, his shoulders slumped, smoking his cigarette slowly as he watched the taxi drive away.

Chen Yi didn't return until one o'clock in the morning that day.

Since Miao Jing returned to Teng City, if the pool hall closed too late, Chen Yi would stay the night at the pool hall and return the next morning.

He never asked what she did, how she lived, or whether she went home; nor did she ever ask him.

Chen Yi saw the light still on in her room and knocked gently. The door didn't open, and Miao Jing asked him what was the matter.

"Why are you still up?"

"Going to sleep soon." Her voice was soft and weak. "You should get some rest too."

The next day, Sunday, both siblings woke up late. Chen Yi asked her again what she was busy with the night before. Miao Jing said she was working overtime; her leader had sent a drawing of a component at the last minute, and she had been revising it, only going to sleep very late. After speaking, she went to the refrigerator to find something to eat.

"I’m going downstairs to buy some breakfast. What do you want to eat?"

"No need." There was milk in the refrigerator, and bananas and apples on the table. Miao Jing planned to make do with that. She poured the cold milk into a cup and sat in a chair, drinking slowly, her posture like a still-life painting.

Chen Yi frowned again, folding his arms and looking down at the wooden floor.

"Working overtime like this all the time... you should just live in the company dormitory." His tone was flat. "It’s convenient and saves trouble."

"Mm." Miao Jing pondered for a moment, nodded, and said softly, "That’s true. It also wouldn't hinder you from bringing different girls back in the middle of the night. Otherwise, you’d have to sleep outside in a hotel, and then come back in the morning to shower and change clothes. How troublesome. As your younger sister, I really should avoid these things."

Chen Yi’s throat bobbed, and his expression changed—white to green, green to white. His two eyes stared at her, as dark, cold, and hard as a winter night. He wanted to say something, but he bit his teeth tightly. His trembling fingers pressed against his lips, as if smoking, but there was no cigarette to smoke. Finally, he squeezed out a few words coldly: "Good that you know."

Miao Jing finished the last drop of milk and gave him a slight smile. The smile was as pure and sweet as the milk.

The next working day, Chen Yi opened the bedroom door in the morning and happened to see Miao Jing heading out with a small suitcase. The door closed with a "thud." He closed his eyes, grabbed his forehead in annoyance, his temples twitching. His breath was heavy, and his face was tense as he strode through the house. Passing by a chair at the dining table that hadn't been pushed in, he kicked it away. The chair flew, banging against the balcony door frame, and landed pathetically on the ground.

Miao Jing did not go home that night.