Chapter 292: Chapter 292

"Oh, okay, then I’ll immediately go and get Miss Hua a pair of shoes," Yu Bao said and quickly left the hospital room with the shoes in hand. This update ıs available on 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵⟡𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮⟡𝓷𝓮𝓽

Qi Longbing watched Hua Xiaomo, his exceptionally handsome face taking on a dark, inscrutable expression as he looked at the person before him, his mind racing.

In the past, he had catered to her every whim, spoiling her so much that she became uncontrollable. That was why she could so easily play him for a fool. Taking photos, disappearing, even clamoring to get married—and that incident at Lovegoy, it was undoubtedly her trying to trap him. In short, she did whatever she wanted, and he had no control over her. He was consumed by a helpless anxiety, so intense it caused a hormonal imbalance. His temper became increasingly volatile, his disposition worsened, to the point that everyone in the company whispered behind his back that Qi Longbing was an unmistakable "tyrant." But what about her, the instigator who turned him into a "tyrant" behind the scenes—was she acting as if nothing had happened? Now, fully aware of this, he planned to punish her, to teach her a harsh lesson, to make sure she learned to obey!

Hua Xiaomo saw the inexplicable surge of hostility in his eyes and quickly said, "President Qi, there are some things I don’t know how to express."

Qi Longbing looked at her and said, "If you don’t know what to say, then don’t say it. Leave the rest to me. I’ll explain our relationship to the Old Master and make you the madam of the Qi Family."

"No!" Hua Xiaomo quickly objected, shaking her head.

Her direct words made Qi Longbing’s face grow darker as he stared at her. "Even now, you still want to avoid me, don’t you?"

Hua Xiaomo looked at him with difficulty and after a moment of silence, she said, "President Qi, my mind is very confused right now, really confused. Please give me some time to think. I beg you not to bring this up now. Let me clear up some things, and I will deal with this issue myself."

Qi Longbing stared at her, pressing the question, "How will you deal with this issue yourself?"

"Don’t tell me that after nine years together, you’re still more attached to my younger brother," Qi Longbing’s last words carried a hint of dark anger and force.

Nine years... That was undoubtedly a very difficult period for him to overcome—had that boy really stayed by Hua Xiaomo’s side for so long?

A somber look filled Hua Xiaomo’s eyes, and she remained silent for a long while.

He had no qualms about telling her directly, urging her to choose and decide carefully.

Hua Xiaomo looked at him, startled, and after a while, she said, "President Qi, why must you threaten me ?"

"Besides, my feelings for Xia Shuangming aren’t like that..." Hua Xiaomo said, already gently withdrawing her hand from his grasp. She forced a faint smile, yet her gaze was directed at the TV. "Please don’t do this again in the future, okay?"

Qi Longbing watched her, silent for a long while, his face somewhat somber. It seemed as if he was considering something.

Seeing that he did not respond, Hua Xiaomo looked at him. "Don’t you already understand my feelings? From now on, please respect my thoughts. That way, we can develop our relationship properly."

Indeed, it was imperative that she made this clear to him. Even if she held affection for him in her heart, she did not appreciate being scrutinized in such a way.

Qi Longbing looked at her, and his gaze suddenly softened considerably.

It seemed her last sentence had melted his heart a bit, as his gaze became slightly intoxicated.

"Xiao Mo, do you really want to develop a good relationship with me?" Qi Longbing’s voice turned unexpectedly tender, his eyes shining with a blue light. Looking into her eyes, he truly wanted to see right through to the bottom of her heart.

Feeling somewhat shy under his gaze, Hua Xiaomo shifted her eyes away, but he fixed his stare on her face again. "...You haven’t answered my question, Xiao Mo."

A storm stirred again in his heart; he couldn’t suppress the feeling. Was she sincere? Was her heart truly in it?

With his intense gaze leaving her eyes nowhere to hide, Hua Xiaomo could only utter, "...Mmm."

"Good. Don’t worry, I won’t," Qi Longbing replied with a smile.

He then whispered into her ear, "Since you said you would resolve this matter, I will wait for your good news, Xiao Mo. Don’t make me wait too long. You must make it clear to that young man soon. Tell him you don’t like him, that you won’t marry him, and make him give up that idea!"

If Hua Xiaomo herself stepped forward, it would probably be much easier. After all, there had indeed been a wager between him and Qi Lingfeng, something the Old Master knew about and had tacitly approved. He had lost and had agreed to withdraw unconditionally. Now that he suddenly wanted to go back on his word, there would likely be a strong backlash from both Qi Lingfeng and the Old Master. But if Hua Xiaomo stated her position and then resolutely stood on his side, the issue would be much easier to resolve.

"I will," Hua Xiaomo agreed, then reconsidered with some reluctance. She had to be kidding! She must have been lightheaded to say she would develop a relationship with him. Who was he? He was President Qi of the Qi Conglomerate; she had never seriously envisioned a future with him. Saying that was merely a delaying tactic. Besides, there was still Qi Lingfeng to consider! That was already enough to trouble her.

Qi Longbing watched Hua Xiaomo, a smile gracing his exceptionally handsome face, his eyes sparkling brightly. "Xiao Mo, what do you want to eat today? Just name it; I’ll even pluck the moon down for you!"

Hua Xiaomo didn’t speak, and for a moment her vision even darkened. "Right, don’t let Yu Bao buy shoes for me anymore."

"Because shoes should be bought at a shoe store, tried on by oneself. It’s quite troublesome to keep exchanging them . I think it’s more convenient to try on shoes in the store," Hua Xiaomo quickly said, looking at Qi Longbing, her eyes shining brightly.

Well, regardless of his thoughts, she wouldn’t let Yu Bao buy shoes for her anymore; it was genuinely too embarrassing! It made her, Hua Xiaomo, seem incredibly spoiled.

Qi Longbing considered her words for a moment, a smile playing on his stunningly handsome face as he replied, "Oh, that’s fine too. In the future, when you buy shoes, I’ll accompany you to the store, and then you can try them on. That way, you won’t have to waste energy exchanging shoes. How does that sound?"

Hua Xiaomo nodded, then looked at Qi Longbing. "Qi Longbing, so you *did* actually understand what I meant, huh? However, even if I go shoe shopping, I probably wouldn’t have you accompany me."

"Why? Are you afraid of being seen by others? You are already my girlfriend, Hua Xiaomo. Didn’t you promise me you’d make things clear with Qi Lingfeng? Don’t forget, okay?" Qi Longbing said, looking at Hua Xiaomo with a hint of unease in his dark, piercing eyes.

Honestly, was he just trying to reassure himself with what she’d said?

"Alright, I know. Please stop reminding me all the time, okay?" Hua Xiaomo replied with a smile, her eyes shimmering lightly.