Chapter 109: The Choice (5)

Gu Heng did not answer, merely turning his head aside.

She thought it must have been a long time ago, but why hadn’t he called her?

And what about herself? Why hadn’t she called him? Was it because her heart was still unsettled, so much so that she didn’t even dare to make a simple call to tell him she had returned?

After a brief silence, she asked, “Why can’t I get through to your phone?”

Gu Heng glanced at his phone. “It must be broken,” he said, then looked at her. “When did you call me?”

It was just now, when Qiu Qiu said on the phone that your number was unreachable, that I called...

He wouldn’t like that answer.

So she didn’t reply, changing the subject instead. “Are we going to Ning Yi’s place?”

Gu Heng looked at her silently for a few seconds, neither asking further nor answering. He simply handed her the other helmet, then turned and swung himself onto the motorcycle.

Qiao Xi put on her helmet and climbed up as well.

“All set,” she said.

But Gu Heng turned back, grabbed her hand, and placed it around his waist.

She froze, forgetting that she used to wrap her arms around his waist...

Hesitating for a moment, she gently encircled his waist with both hands, pressing her front against his back, warm and familiar as before.

Feeling the gentle grip of her hands around his waist, Gu Heng’s lips curved into a slight smile.

He didn’t ride fast, but the wind blew against them. Her jacket was thin, and sensing the chill, she instinctively tightened her hold.

Barely perceptible, Gu Heng noticed this and glanced down.

“Cold?” he asked.

“Not really,” she replied.

Gu Heng said nothing more but slowed down.

Soon they arrived at Ning Yi’s home. The festive atmosphere was lively with many relatives gathered.

Though Ning Yi was usually a bit aloof, she was still a well-behaved child, especially in front of elders.

She first warned Nan Zixi to behave and not cause trouble in her house.

Nan Zixi started off obediently but soon his true nature surfaced; he swapped the drinks for alcohol and insisted everyone drink along.

Qiao Xi was also forced to have a few glasses. Rarely drinking, her cheeks flushed after several cups. Nan Zixi, however, wouldn’t let up and poured a large glass for her again, only for Gu Heng to snatch it away and drink it in one gulp.

“Handsome!” Dan Qiuqiu clapped her hands, then looked at Nan Zixi with disdain. “Not like some people…”

“Like who? Say it,” Nan Zixi raised his eyebrows and leaned in, holding up his glass as if daring her to continue, as if saying, “If you say it, I’ll make you drink.”

Dan Qiuqiu was unfazed, ready to retort, but another voice cut in first.

“Stop it, please. Don’t embarrass me in front of my relatives,” Duanmu Ning Yi said, nearly at her limit. Though she had wisely separated their table from the relatives’ by a wall, it was thin, and all sounds easily carried over.

“No way,” Nan Zixi said proudly. “I’m so handsome, how could I be embarrassing?”

“If you’re an idiot, what good is good looks?” Dan Qiuqiu raised her eyebrows.

“Even if I’m an idiot, I’m still more lovable than someone flat-chested,” Nan Zixi said with an innocent expression.

“You…” Dan Qiuqiu’s face darkened. Even if not flat, constantly hearing such remarks would upset any girl.

Duanmu Ning Yi had grown tired of their bickering and turned her gaze to Qiao Xi and Gu Heng. “Are you full? Shall we go upstairs?”

Qiao Xi agreed, and Gu Heng, not wanting to stay and listen to their quarrel, also stood. The three of them rose and went upstairs.