The Rice Pot Next Door

Untitled Part 43

Chapter 63: Confessions

Song Zi Cheng left the riding club by himself. Lan Shan assumes his anger is because he thinks that she is trying to play both men at once, as it is rather far fetch to think that he could be jealous to see her with Qiao Feng. Although what he thinks is not true, she does not want to confess the truth since he will likely become angrier if he finds out that she is merely using him to test a reaction from Qiao Feng.

No matter which way she looks at it, she owes him an apology so she calls him to check if he has time to talk things over. "I am at XX KTV club, you can come over if you want."

"Now?" It is a little over 4 so she is still working.

"Why? Are you are not coming?"

"Um, sure, I will be right over."

Lan Shan has to apply for urgent leave and on her way to the club, she tells herself that she is in the wrong so no matter what Song Zi Cheng says later, she is simply going to go along. When she reaches the club, she is surprised to find Song Zi Cheng alone in a private room without his usual gang. He is sitting with his legs crossed at the ankles, his face expressionless, as if he is waiting for a subordinate to give him an update on his business. Seeing the amount of ashes in the ashtray next to him, Lan Shan can tell that he is not in a good mood and takes a seat that is not too near to him.

She has only managed to utter "Boss" when he interrupts. "So you are using me to test another man?"

Lan Shan is surprised by his perception but then again, some things are always clearer to a third party when there is only confusion to the parties involved. Furthermore, he is no greenhorn to dating and she lowers her head. "I am sorry."

He smiles without mirth. "Lan Shan, you are the first."

"Huh?"

"You are the first woman who treats me like this. You are a hypocrite and are only making use of me." Sticking out his thumb, he continues. "You are really something."

"I am really sorry."

"I do not wish to hear these words from you."

Lan Shan purses her lips, unsure of what else to say, when he asks suddenly. "In what way am I inferior?"

"I beg your pardon?"

"I say, in what ways am I not better than Qiao Feng?"

Lan Shan tries to comfort him. "How can Boss be inferior? The fault lies with me as I am unable to appreciate a fine man like yourself and likes another instead."

He laughs icily. "Let me ask you. Do you think I am merely toying with you?"

Of course, what else can it be? But Lan Shan controls the urge to nod and forces herself to smile. "Of course not, I am just too lousy, a hypocrite like you said."

Song Zi Cheng lights a cigarette and breathes out a stream of smoke. "If I tell you that I am serious about you, will you believe me?"

Lan Shan is unable to discern his look behind the smoke but figures he is probably joking so she tries to laugh. At her reaction, he turns his face away and snorts. "In any case, even I don't buy it."

"Please don't worry Boss, neither do I."

His fingers tremble ever so faintly and some ashes float to the floor. Snuffing out the cigarette, he presses the service button and orders a bottle of red wine while Lan Shan takes the chance to observe him carefully. He seems like his normal expressionless self except that he looks rather tired, as if he has not rested well the night before. "All I have to say is, it is my fault in this instance and I like to apologize to you once more. If there is nothing else, I will take my leave."