Chapter 114

Pei Shi Yu didn't return until five days later, and it was at night. Wang Rui and I were in her room drinking and chatting. She hadn't told me she was coming back, so she appeared in front of us unexpectedly. Not only were we startled, but she was equally shocked; the expression on her face was naturally not pleasant.

My first thought was that there was a look in her eyes, the kind of discomfort one feels when their territory is occupied by someone else. But that look was fleeting, because when she saw it was Wang Rui, I clearly saw her brow relax, and she quirked the corner of her mouth in a half-smile. It was her signature move. In her mind, it was probably a relatively friendly way of greeting someone, but to others, it seemed awkward. I quickly turned my gaze to Wang Rui, who was very composed, downing the red wine in her glass in one gulp.

Then she stood up casually and said, "Sorry, I've been sleeping in your room these past few days. I suggested getting another room, but Lin Che said it was a waste; it's just empty anyway."

"It's okay."

Pei Shi Yu said it was okay, but the expression on her face said otherwise. She put down her suitcase and immediately went to the bedside to observe the sleeping Xiao Long. Wang Rui began to gather her things, quickly packing just a few pieces of clothing, and then walked out of the room. I immediately followed her and said, "I'll get you another room. Or you can stay in my room. If there are no rooms here, I'll find somewhere else to stay."

Wang Rui was very casual, immediately entering my room and closing the door behind her. She lowered her voice and said to me, "That woman is hard to communicate with. I admire your courage. She seems unhappy. I told you before that it's impolite to stay in her room. This is all your fault."

"She's a good person; that's just her personality. It's strange, though. You'd think she'd at least say hello when she gets back. I sent her a message this morning, and she didn't even reply."

"She's definitely going to question you later. Don't push the blame on me then. I'm going to get my own room. Don't be polite. Not being able to speak the language makes even getting a room a problem."

"Okay, then I'll go with you. Let's go down and ask if there are any vacancies."

We went to the lobby, and Wang Rui communicated fluently in English. Then she translated for me, saying that only small rooms and deluxe suites were left, asking me which one to choose. Feeling bad about Pei Shi Yu's attitude earlier, I said generously, "Get the best one."

The room she got was several floors above ours. Wang Rui didn't let me go up with her and went straight to the elevator.

I didn't go upstairs right away. I hadn't had a good smoke in days. I deliberately found a place where I could smoke, and while I smoked, I thought about my dissatisfaction with Pei Shi Yu. Although Wang Rui's arrival wasn't something I'd discussed with her, that didn't justify her cold attitude earlier. No one owes anyone anything. She could treat me that way, but she should change that strange temper of hers when it came to other people.

After smoking two cigarettes, I went back. When I went upstairs, Pei Shi Yu's room door was closed. I stood outside the room for a while, hesitating whether to go in or not. As I was deciding, the door suddenly opened. Pei Shi Yu was still wearing the same clothes; it seemed she hadn't taken off her makeup or cleaned up in the half hour I was downstairs.

I stared at her face. Her expression was even worse than before. I already thought her behavior earlier was inappropriate. Losing face was the thing I hated most, so I spoke first, preemptively accusing her, "I don't care what attitude you have towards me, but treating Wang Rui like that just now, isn't that a bit unsociable?"

"Do I need you to evaluate whether I'm sociable or not? You should examine yourself first. You can just casually go into other people's rooms and let other people stay there without telling me?"

My face also became very unpleasant. I asked sharply, "Then why did you give me the room card?"

"Giving you the room card is a sign of trust, and it's also for convenience to get necessary items for Xiao Long."

"What's wrong with Wang Rui staying there? Is something missing or did she make it dirty?"

"Is that the point?"

"Then tell me, I'd really like to know." I replied, knowing full well what she would say.

"Shouldn't you ask me before letting her stay? Who gave you the right to make decisions on your own?"

Not only did Pei Shi Yu not feel sorry for her attitude, but her temper was also getting worse and worse. Naturally, she raised her voice a lot. I saw guests passing by in the corridor giving us unintentional glances.

Although I was very angry, I still restrained my emotions. I swiped my room card. I saw that Pei Shi Yu intended to follow me, but before she could move, I slammed the door shut. This kind of venting was both relieving and a way to avoid arguing with her directly. If I could get through tonight, everyone's anger would probably dissipate tomorrow, and then it would be a better choice to communicate calmly.

I'd been with Wang Rui these past few days, and the room was full of empty red wine bottles, some of which were lying on the floor. I went over and set them upright. Being with Pei Shi Yu was only psychologically pleasing, but being with Wang Rui was all-around fun. After spending a few days together, we talked about many things. Although there were cultural differences, my knowledge wasn't that much worse than hers. Most importantly, we got along very well and shared basically the same values.

I took off the windbreaker Wang Rui had picked out for me. It was a mid-length, off-white style I'd just bought yesterday, which perfectly complemented my temperament. The leather shoes I was wearing were also from a famous Italian brand. I had to admire Wang Rui's taste and her unique aesthetic for men. Perhaps it was because she had been in the United States for so long, but she liked to dress me in a European and American style, of course, I was equally satisfied.

Just as I picked up the phone to call Wang Rui, there was a sudden knock on the door. I didn't open it, but just walked to the door and asked, "If you have something to say, let's talk tomorrow."

She didn't respond to me, but continued knocking. Pei Shi Yu's character was stubborn. Escape was not an option for her. Unless she wanted to end it, she would have to gain the upper hand and get things out in the open. This was my summary of her after these days of being together.

I simply made a very reluctant gesture and opened the door. She was just raising her hand to continue knocking. I just said briefly, "Come in if you have something to say."

She didn't stand on ceremony and went straight into the room. The first thing she saw was the wine bottles in front of the TV cabinet, and then she shifted her gaze to me and said, "Have you explained what happened just now?"

"I don't want to explain too much. Wang Rui's idea is the same as yours, that staying in your room is a bit disrespectful. My idea is just the opposite of yours. I don't speak English, so I've been a bit bored these past few days. Wang Rui happened to be bored in Germany too, so I invited her to Rome to keep me company. As for your room, I thought it was just empty anyway, which is not only economical, but we could also chat and take care of Xiao Long together. I don't know what you're angry about."