Return to the City: The Strongest King
Chapter 497 - 498: Sneaking a Little Affection

Chapter 497: Chapter 498: Sneaking a Little Affection

On Monday morning, Song Xiaodong was sitting on the sofa in the living room playing games with Miao Xuanxuan and Xiao Yingying when there was a knock at the door.

Just as Xiao Yingying’s game character died, she ran over to open the door, then paused, and said crisply, "Sister Li, what brings you here?"

Song Xiaodong and Miao Xuanxuan both looked towards the door and saw Li Sijie standing at the entrance, "I heard that Xuanxuan injured her leg; as a boss, I should come and check on her."

"Please, come in," Xiao Yingying hastened to let Li Sijie in, finding her a pair of slippers on the way.

Miao Xuanxuan poked Song Xiaodong as a warning, then put down her phone and stood up, saying, "President Li, you came specially to see me."

Li Sijie, holding a fruit basket, placed it on the coffee table, and said with a smile, "You’re a star in our club, and with you gone these days, we’ve had fewer customers."

Miao Xuanxuan grinned and said, "President Li, you’re giving me too much credit."

Li Sijie then asked how Miao Xuanxuan had fallen, and she simply recounted the incident.

Though the atmosphere wasn’t awkward, both Li Sijie and Miao Xuanxuan could feel that things between them were not as comfortable as before, and there was now a distance in their hearts.

"Alright then, I won’t disturb you any longer; you just rest well at home." After more than ten minutes, Li Sijie stood up to leave.

Miao Xuanxuan wanted to ask her to stay but knew it would be awkward if Li Sijie stayed too long, so she said, "I’m really sorry for the trouble, President Li, for making a special trip here."

Li Sijie smiled and said, "It’s what I should do. You, being such a privileged young lady, even worked for me and helped me make money; that’s giving me face. Don’t worry about the club; the students know you’re injured and are very understanding."

"Dongzi, could you see off President Li? My leg’s not convenient, so I won’t send her off."

Song Xiaodong accompanied Li Sijie out, and while waiting for the elevator, she said, "Go back."

Song Xiaodong chuckled, "I’ll see you downstairs."

Li Sijie forced a smile, "Forget it, if I cause you any more trouble, then my guilt would be too great."

Song Xiaodong rubbed his nose with a bit of embarrassment, "It wouldn’t be that serious."

At that moment, the elevator doors opened, and Li Sijie entered. Turning around and seeing Song Xiaodong follow in, she asked, "You’re really seeing me off?"

"Of course, you’re a guest. It would be rude not to escort a guest who visits my home downstairs."

The elevator doors slowly closed, and Li Sijie watched the display without speaking.

Seeing Li Sijie like this, Song Xiaodong’s heart truly ached. After all, she was the first woman he had slept with upon returning to the city. He sighed and said, "Sijie, how have you been recently?"

Li Sijie smoothed her hair and lifted her chin, "Good, what could be wrong? The club’s doing better than ever. I don’t have to worry about losing the place or about troubles from any underworld, things are better now than ever before."

Li Sijie’s words were quite casual, trying to appear at ease, but a faint sense of loss nonetheless seeped through.

Song Xiaodong felt even guiltier. Even though they had known from the start that a relationship between them was impossible, and they were just using each other, could matters of intimacy really be explained so clearly?

They reached the ground floor and walked out of the building. The wind was somewhat strong and cold, causing Li Sijie to involuntarily shrink her neck.

Song Xiaodong instinctively wrapped an arm around Li Sijie’s shoulders.

"You..." Li Sijie turned, chuckling bitterly, "You’re brave, daring to embrace me right at your own doorstep?"

Song Xiaodong coughed lightly. Now that he had embraced her, letting go would seem inappropriate. Smiling slightly, he said, "Let’s go, I’ll escort you out. It’s chilly and you’re not dressed warmly enough."

"It wasn’t this cold in the morning; it must be the wind picking up." Li Sijie gently brushed a strand of hair from her forehead, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush.

They walked forward slowly. Li Sijie turned her head to look at Song Xiaodong, "Dongzi, you don’t need to do this. I’m very clear on what’s going on between us, and you really shouldn’t feel any burden about it. You’ve already given me more than enough. As a divorced woman, just having slept with you a few times and getting so much in return, I’ve gained a great deal."

Song Xiaodong tilted his head to look at her, "Sijie, you don’t have to belittle yourself. One mistake in love doesn’t mean you can’t pursue your happiness afterward. Whatever I give you, it’s not because we slept together, but because you deserve my help."

Li Sijie’s corners of the mouth curled up, "As long as you can say that, I’m very satisfied. At least you don’t treat me like a plaything, to use when you wish and discard when you’re done."

Song Xiaodong sighed, "It seems like I’m also making excuses now."

Li Sijie beamed a smile, "Dongzi, why aren’t you as carefree anymore? We are both adults. I know what I am doing, and I know what our future holds, so I don’t think so much. If you keep fretting over how I feel, then I might start hesitating to see you again."

Song Xiaodong looked at Li Sijie and she at him, and they remained silent, looking into each other’s eyes for about half a minute before suddenly breaking into laughter.

Song Xiaodong tightened his arm around her, "You’re right, I was indeed being too sentimental."

"Glad you realize it. We’re partners after all. I’m counting on you to back me up. Without you, my club wouldn’t be thriving like this."

"Hmm," Song Xiaodong nodded, continuing to walk with his arm around Li Sijie towards the exit.

When they were almost at the door, Song Xiaodong slowed his pace and whispered in Li Sijie’s ear, "If you ever feel lonely, you can give me a call. I think stealing a moment of pleasure once in a while can be quite joyful."

Li Sijie’s eyes widened in shock as she looked at Song Xiaodong, but she soon burst out laughing, "Men are all the same, always preferring the forbidden fruit. Stolen pleasures feel sweet. Well, if I ever really can’t stand the loneliness, I might just look you up."

As they spoke, they both had a light-hearted attitude. Once they opened up, the issues between them didn’t seem to be issues anymore.