Chapter 22: It’s me.
“Xiao Yao, I’m not blaming you.”
After learning Song Yao’s story, Xia Mengrou’s gaze softened.
Song Yao knew Xia Mengrou was easygoing—but this unbothered?
If grandma hadn’t exposed her and Wu Yishuang, it’d be forgotten.
But grandma’s arrival screamed lied to you.
Still this forgiving?
Song Yao didn’t buy it.
Two and a half years—seen every client.
Even if Xia Mengrou didn’t care, discomfort lingered.
Smashing my own sign?
Rented girlfriend’s job: take money, deliver emotional value, keep client comfy.
“Rou Jie, even if you don’t blame me, I feel bad…”
Song Yao’s guilt—Xia Mengrou ached.
Such a sensible kid.
In that moment, Xia Mengrou forgot it was just a transaction—felt like friends-plus, almost lovers.
Maybe…
Her life wasn’t just hard—lonely too?
Why not warm each other, lean on each other?
Like she and Mom once did.
“Alright, Rou Jie—any request, I’ll fulfill at all costs!”
Song Yao looked up, resolute.
To keep her cash cow VIP—she’d go all in.
Luckily, Xia Mengrou’s kinks weren’t too wild—no outrageous demands.
Xia Mengrou thought briefly.
“Xiao Yao, free Sunday?”
“Sunday?”
No plans.
Unless her “new roommate” went nuts…
“Probably…?”
Chen Siyu might lock her in the basement again.
“9 AM, school gate—I’ll wait.”
“Got it.”
Song Yao flashed an “OK.”
“Let’s go, Xiao Yao. I’ll visit grandma, chat.”
Song Yao’s alarm bells rang.
Clients and personal circles—big no.
Vice versa too.
Client bonding with her people? Post-transaction breakup—impossible.
Grandma already saw Xia Mengrou as a friend.
Closer ties? Lifelong entanglement.
Ring ring…
Xia Mengrou’s phone.
No dodging—answered right in front of Song Yao.
Song Yao blinked.
Used to hide calls…
Politely stepped back.
No privacy-snooping habit.
Two steps—Xia Mengrou blocked her.
Song Yao: “?”
Want me to listen?
“Mm… found them? What? Chen Group? No beef with them—why tail me? Keep digging. I’m coming back.”
Xia Mengrou hung up.
Song Yao didn’t catch the other side—but sounded big.
Noticing her face, Xia Mengrou explained: “Tail’s ID’d—Chen Group.
Zhongxia Tech and Chen Group—no overlap, no competition. Maybe using us to enter tech…
Just guess. Need to check back.
Sorry, Xiao Yao—next time I’ll visit grandma.”
Uh…
Song Yao blank.
Possible they’re just tailing me—no grand scheme?
Couldn’t say it.
“No problem, Rou Jie. Work first. I’m happy you care.”
Song Yao held her hand—green tea mode. “But rest outside work. No more late nights, okay? Insomnia—call me. Anytime, I’ll rush over.”
Feared business queen—who got this care?
Heart melted instantly.
Together, we’re whole.
Xia Mengrou left reluctantly. Song Yao exhaled.
Exhausting day.
But not worse—steady progress.
Not bad, me!
Chatted with grandma in the ward—then ready to leave.
Another task today.
“Girl, wait.”
Wu Yishuang stopped her.
“Tomorrow’s Saturday—free morning? Hospital for a checkup.”
“Doctor Wu, really no need!”
Song Yao near tears.
Why still pushing?
“Free. You’re grandma’s pillar—collapse, then what? No malice. You’re Rou Rou’s friend—I can’t ignore.”
Wu Yishuang persuaded.
Repressed people explode hardest.
Bestie hid true self—Song Yao her outlet. What life did she live?
Personal or professional—she couldn’t look away.
Song Yao wavered.
Not worried about misunderstanding—as long as no grandma leaks.
But if she got sick?
She nodded.
“Thanks, Doctor Wu.”
Set tomorrow’s checkup—Song Yao boarded a downtown bus.
Gazing at flashing city lights, emptiness hit.
Lucrative job—but no place for her.
Night’s myriad lights—none for her.
All this effort—beyond grandma’s treatment, meaning?
“Walk every street with you~
Watch ginkgo leaves fall~
Piece by piece, poetic~
Autumn breeze blows~”
Sudden song shattered her mood.
Song Yao eyed the guy ahead—phone blasting music.
Public playback—emo soul punch.