Chapter 48: “I Want to Be the Fish in Your Pond.”

Chapter 48: "I Want to Be the Fish in Your Pond."

On the narrow balcony, Ye Rongzheng, imposing as a wild beast, was now bending over, lowering his head, anxiously avoiding Qin Qing's gaze.

It turns out when Qin Qing doesn't smile, he can be so cold. Like a delicate flower suddenly sprouting sharp, defensive thorns, terrifyingly pointed.

The questions he asked echoed in his mind, each one pounding against Ye Rongzheng's temples, causing pain, dizziness, and anxiety.

"Don't listen to my friend's nonsense! I couldn't possibly feel that way about you!" he blurted out.

Qin Qing shook his head, sighing with noticeable disappointment. "But that's how you feel." He stared into the endless dark sky, his voice hollow with resignation and sadness. "You lent out 150,000, then vanished. Wouldn't any normal person feel deceived and ask for an explanation upon meeting again?"

Again, Qin Qing shook his head, sighing even longer this time. "But you entirely avoided the subject, as if you were scared to scare me away. Were you trying to reel me in? Afraid I'd slip away as soon as we met?"

"That's because I don't care if you pay me back or not. I have plenty of money!" Ye Rongzheng said hastily.

"No, you do care," Qin Qing responded, his eyes half-closed and his face weary. "Taking a photo of 200,000 in cash and sending it to me from an unknown number, that's bait, isn't it? You had already labeled me as a boundlessly greedy con artist. To lure such a scam artist out, you'd use even more money."

"No, it's not like that." Ye Rongzheng shook his head stiffly.

"Who, after being deceived out of 150,000, would dare to bring out another 200,000? This is a classic scheme to deal with swindlers. The sight of money lures them in. But I came to see you, not for the money, but because I was worried that you, carrying such a large amount, might be in danger."

At last, Qin Qing settled his deep gaze upon Ye Rongzheng's flustered face.

"After my father's suicide and my mother's remarriage, I suffered from severe depression. You can check the medical records on my phone," he whispered.

"Qin Qing," Ye Rongzheng said, his eyes red, as he reached for Qin Qing's delicate, pale hands.

Qin Qing withdrew, clasping her hands together and resting them, defeated, on her lap.

"You and Duke D'Erse, who also loaned me 150,000, are my only friends. I could confide in you both about things I couldn't share with Yun Siyu. When I did, I felt there was hope in living. I was gradually healing."

Qin Qing met Ye Rongzheng's gaze, shaking her head wearily, "I shouldn't have borrowed from you, let alone blacklisted your contacts when I felt cornered. But I never intended to hide forever. In fact, before you reached out to me, I had unblocked both of you. Believe it or not, I had every intention of repaying the debt."

Qin Qing opened the ledger, tore out a blank page, and swiftly wrote an IOU.

"Within three months, I'll pay back the 150,000. You've seen the IOU Yun Siyu wrote for me. As soon as he sends the money, no matter the amount, I'll forward it to you. I understand the detestability of not repaying a debt. After all, my father died because of such an ordeal. People owed him billions and refused to pay, driving him to take his own life. I won't become that kind of person. Rest assured."

Handing over the IOU, he spoke of his most painful memories with a tone of despair.

Ye Rongzheng stared blankly at the note, then looked up to meet Qin Qing's weary and desolate eyes, finding himself completely overwhelmed.

He thought he was here for revenge, but upon seeing Qin Qing, he realized how vile his so-called revenge plan truly was.

He was disgusted with himself, so much so he felt like throwing up.

Qin Qing pressed the IOU into Ye Rongzheng's palm, gently cupping his face and sighing, "I initially wanted to pretend I knew nothing. I wanted to keep you here. I wanted to be friends. I wanted some company. I didn't want to be alone anymore."

Each "I initially wanted" felt like a hammer blow to Ye Rongzheng's aching heart.

"Can you keep me here? Can you pretend you don't know?" He pleaded, eyes red with emotion.

Being held by Qin Qing, Ye Rongzheng felt paralyzed, fearing that any movement would shatter the tender moment.

"But having seen that text, how can I pretend I didn't?" The warmth in Qin Qing's dark eyes was slowly fading.

Ye Rongzheng's heart skipped a beat, engulfed by an ominous foreboding.

Had Qin Qing discovered his malicious plan?

Even Ye Rongzheng could only describe his scheme as wicked. How did it appear in Qin Qing's eyes? Death couldn't instill fear in Ye Rongzheng, but in this moment facing Qin Qing, he was terrified.

In a chilly tone, Qin Qing asked, "In the ledger, I've written my repayment plan. Did you read it closely?"

Filled with anxiety, Ye Rongzheng replied, "I did."

"Then you should recall that my primary repayment method was stock trading. You were born with a silver spoon, so was I. You studied finance, and I love finance. When I decided to invest in stocks to repay the debt, I had already researched the stock market. I knew that in a few months, Jialin Chips would crash. What was your friend trying to accomplish by urging me to buy this stock?"

Releasing Ye Rongzheng's face and leaning back into her chair, Qin Qing tilted up her chin, casting a cold, disdainful glance, silently scrutinizing him from above.

Ye Rongzheng shook his head, attempting to deny it, "No—"

Qin Qing cut him off, "Don't lie to me, and don't claim that Jialin Chips' stocks will surge. Although their current performance seems promising, the incoming president of Alkan, a country that is Jialin Group's largest silicon supplier, mentioned in his campaign—restricting the export of strategic resources. No one knows exactly what he means by 'strategic resources,' but I suspect silicon is among them. Once he officially takes office and implements the related policies, the Jialin Group's stock price will inevitably plummet. And at such a critical moment, what's your intention in advising me to buy this stock?"

Closing his eyes momentarily, Qin Qing continued in a slightly hoarse voice, "I don't have money for stock trading. My only sources of funds are either mortgaging my property or taking high-interest loans. If Jialin Chips crashes, I will face bankruptcy again—a despair within despair, a destruction within destruction. I might even, like my father, stand on a rooftop, ready to end it all. Is this your plan? It was wrong of me to borrow and then cut off contact, but I must say, using such a malevolent scheme against me is truly excessive!"

Tears glimmered in Qin Qing's eyes as he gazed sorrowfully at Ye Rongzheng.

"You want to take my life for 150,000?" His usually steady voice now trembled, as if grappling with this harsh reality.

Ye Rongzheng couldn't meet those shattered eyes. The usually fearless man was now overwhelmed with fear.

"For 150,000, you wish me dead. Is it truly because of this? Just because of 150,000? Is my life worth so little to you?" Qin Qing stared intently at Ye Rongzheng, pressing for an answer.

He couldn't believe it could be so simple!

"No, it's not… it's not like that."

Ye Rongzheng hesitated, then fell into an uncomfortable silence. He couldn't face Qin Qing. The regret, the endless regret, consumed him.

Qin Qing closed his eyes briefly to regain his composure. Opening them, he tenderly cradled Ye Rongzheng's pale face, gently tracing his handsome features, "Before we met, I always imagined what you might look like. Seeing you, feeling an instant familiarity, brought me so much joy in that moment."

A fond smile graced his lips.

Enchanted by that smile, Ye Rongzheng's restless heart momentarily found solace.

But in an instant, that affectionate smile turned to boundless pain and disappointment.

"Why are you like this? I made mistakes, and you could have turned me in. But instead, you sought to destroy me entirely. My father was betrayed by his closest friend, leading him to a tragic end. I never thought you'd be the same. It hurts so much right now. You shouldn't be like this; it's too hard to accept..."

Releasing Ye Rongzheng's face and leaning back, Qin Qing sighed heavily.

He closed his tear-filled eyes, seemingly unwilling to look at Ye Rongzheng any longer.

Desperate, Ye Rongzheng tightly gripped Qin Qing's slender wrist, "Qin Qing, please, don't be mad, okay?"

The moist fringes of Qin Qing's eyelashes fluttered, and he shook his head, "I'm not angry. I'm just... profoundly disappointed."

He sighed again, deeply and sorrowfully.

The redness in Ye Rongzong's eyes deepened. The distress, anxiety, and regret all turned into icy despair in Qin Qing's sigh.

He realized that in the moment the truth was revealed, Qin Qing had moved so far away from him, too far to ever reach again.

"I'm sorry, Qin Qing. I was wrong! Please forgive me. I wasn't aware of your situation. Had I known, I would never have done this! After meeting you, I never thought of deceiving you.

Buying stocks,

"Really, truly!"

The apology he couldn't voice all night long slipped out at this moment. The greatest pride and wildest temperament had now turned into humble pleading.

Ye Rongzong felt a dull pain in his heart, his throat tightened, unable to speak, and his limbs slightly trembled. It was a stress response. When humans face immense fear, they react this way.

Ye Rongzong feared both Qin Qing's aloof rejection and her icy heartlessness.

Qin Qing didn't accept these apologies. He opened his eyes, stood up, took Ye Rongzong's hand with one hand, and held the travel bag containing 200,000 with the other.

So, Ye Rongzong obediently stood up, looking at him with hopeful eyes.

Qin Qing walked to the entrance, opened the door, pushed Ye Rongzong out, and then threw the travel bag into Ye Rongzong's arms.

"It's unfortunate that we met in such a manner. Your extremeness and cruelty frighten me. Let's pretend we never met, and I'll repay that money soon."

Qin Qing closed the door, shutting out Ye Rongzong's gaze filled with pain and plea.

996 was dumbfounded.

"Don't you want to seduce the protagonist anymore? Aren't you trying to seize the protagonist's fortune? By the way, have you really not read the script?" It was utterly confused.

After a moment of bewilderment, it shrieked, "Qin Qing, did you just ruin another crucial plotline? You should have let the protagonist stay!"

Qin Qing shook his head, sighed, and then walked to the balcony, picking up Tagore's collection of poems.

The line marked in red was clear to the eye as the evening breeze rustled the pages, making them quiver.

Is it true, does your love traverse time and worlds alone, seeking me?

"It's true, but such a search is so difficult..." Qin Qing pressed the book against her aching chest, closing her eyes and sighing wearily.

Ye Rongzong stood dumbfounded at the door, holding 200,000 in cash. He felt like an irredeemable fool! How could he agree to Mu Feiyan's plan without understanding the situation?

He almost ruined Qin Qing!

He has already destroyed everything!

Ye Rongzhuang wanted to bang the door, to shout out loud, but he feared it would only annoy Qin Qing further.

Maybe it's best to act as if we've never met... But those initial scenes, those breathtaking moments are etched into his mind like a brand! How could he pretend not to know her? He wants to be friends with Qin Qing, the best of friends!

His massive fist was raised halfway, poised to pound the door, but at the last second, Ye Rongzhuang refrained.

With tears in his eyes, he looked at the thin wooden panel, then took heavy steps away.

Once downstairs and inside his car, he slammed the steering wheel several times before igniting the engine.

A silver bolt of lightning sped on the road, weaving left, swerving right, tail-spin drifting; the roar of the engine was deafening, like a beast's howl.

Ye Rongzhuang, with furrowed brows, glaring ahead, fiercely gripped the steering wheel. Flooring the accelerator, he swerved at the very last second before colliding with the car ahead. Only the thrill of speed and brushes with death could bring him any semblance of calm.

But thinking of Qin Qing's tear-filled eyes, her sorrowful face, and her words of ending their relationship, he could never find peace.

Elsewhere, Qin Qing calmly flipped through Tagore's poetry.

996 sneaked into the kitchen to rummage through the fridge.

Possibly struck by a thought, Qin Qing picked up her phone and dialed a number.

The melodious ringtone echoed in the confined space of the car cabin. Ye Rongzhuang didn’t want to respond, but catching a glimpse of the caller ID, his heart skipped a beat, blood racing. He quickly answered, fearing even a second's delay might end the call.

"Qin Qing," he uttered with a raspy voice.

"Are you speeding?" Qin Qing asked knowingly.

Ye Rongzhuang remained silent, but his breathing was hurried.

Qin Qing instructed, "Slow down right now, and drive home safely."

Holding his breath, Ye Rongzhuang asked, "Have you forgiven me?"

His words, though not entirely clear, carried an implicit threat. If Qin Qing didn’t forgive him, he would push his car to its limits. If it meant crashing and dying, it wouldn't matter; after all, Qin Qing had already turned her back on him.

"If you died, I'd carry the guilt for the rest of my life. Is that what you want?" Qin Qing asked coldly.

Ye Rongzhuang, who had just moments before been so nonchalant about death and the potential heartbreak it would cause to friends and family, now eased off the accelerator, swayed by Qin Qing's single remark about feeling guilty.

"I'm sorry, I'm slowing down," he said, his voice raspy.

As if to assuage any doubts she might have, he held his phone up to the windshield. "Listen, the engine's quieter now. I'll drive slowly. Please, don't be mad."

He had never been so humble, almost to the point of self-degradation.

After a few moments of silence, Qin Qing softened her tone, "Go home soon. Goodbye."

The call ended abruptly, leaving Ye Rongzhuang without a chance to even utter a 'goodbye'. For a moment, he gripped the steering wheel, tempted to floor the accelerator again. But the thought of Qin Qing's guilt, her self-blame, and potential bouts of depression held him back.

The silver sports car leisurely drove into the underground parking lot of a leisure club.

After a barbecue dinner, Jin He and his wealthy second-generation friends had all come here for entertainment. Seeing Ye Rongzhuang stride into a private room with a travel bag, they were all taken aback.

"Ye Bro, weren't you living with Qin Qing? Why are you back?" one of the rich kids asked curiously.

Numerous delicate-looking young men and women flocked around these rich heirs, whispering sweet nothings.

Glancing at the travel bag, another rich kid remarked, "Oh, you brought the money back? I thought you were leaving it at Qin Qing's place, unlocked, waiting for her to steal it?"

The comment visibly infuriated Ye Rongzhuang, making his already bloodshot eyes even redder.

Without a word, he unzipped the bag, pulled out stacks of bright red banknotes, tore off their bands, and tossed them into the air. He grabbed more stacks and kept tossing.

"Take all this money! Whoever wants it, take it! I don’t want to see these filthy things again," he cursed bitterly, as if he held a deep grudge against the banknotes.

While the rich kids stood in shock, the attractive young men and women screamed in excitement, leaping to grab the fluttering notes. Laughter and fawning voices filled the ostentatious room.

But Ye Rongzhuang didn't share in the joy; instead, he felt even more miserable.

After scattering the money, he went to a corner and unleashed a flurry of punches on a decorative sandbag. His forceful strikes soon tore through its fabric, causing sand to spill out.

Sweat drenched Ye Rongzhuang's body, his robust muscles glistened, reflecting both beauty and a terrifying strength. A droplet of sweat landed in his eye, causing a momentary grimace of pain.

In this state, he looked immensely dangerous. However, Jin He discerned the pain and vulnerability masked by this outward aggression.

"Stop it, sit down, and tell me what happened between you and Qin Qing," Jin He said, shooing away the group of boys and girls, his voice filled with concern.

Ye Rongzhuang landed several more punches on the sandbag before he began to recount the entire situation.

"Qin had predicted the stock prices of Jia Lin chips this early?" One of the heirs said incredulously, ending with a mocking tone, "Compared to Qin, you and Mu Feiyan look like complete idiots!"

Ye Rongzhuang couldn't refute that. He felt like he was the biggest fool in the world.

"You don't deserve someone as good as Qin. It's better that things ended between you two," another wealthy heir remarked with schadenfreude.

"Isn’t Yun Siyu the real idiot? How dare he spend all of Qin's millions? He's taking Qin for a ride! Damn, if I see him at school, I'd give him a good beating. Such a shameless guy, acting all innocent and kind when he clearly has no morals! So disgusting!"

"Enough, I feel sick just hearing about it. But Ye, you and Mu Feiyan are quite revolting too. If I were Qin, I'd have stopped hanging out with you as well."

These words pierced Ye Rongzhuang's heart like icy daggers. Seeking comfort from his friends, he only found himself feeling worse.

He stood up and began to mercilessly hit the torn sandbag, cursing himself aloud, "Ye Rongzhuang, you're an idiot! You're a massive idiot!"

As he continued berating himself, tears streamed down his face. He had never cried since the day he was born!

The wealthy heirs stopped making sarcastic remarks.

Yet, Jin He took out his phone and began filming the tearful Ye Rongzhuang.

"Do you have a death wish?" Ye Rongzhuang growled, his eyes and nose red from crying, looking somewhat comical with tears streaking down his face.

"I'm going to send this video to Qin Qing and see his reaction," Jin He explained.

Ye Rongzhuang, who was just glaring fiercely moments ago, paused before softly saying, "Then keep filming. Make sure you capture it all."

A stifled laughter erupted from the other heirs hiding nearby.

My god! If they hadn't seen it with their own eyes, they'd never believe they'd witness this side of Ye. He seemed so humbled, so pitiable!

Jin He gritted his teeth, suppressing his urge to laugh.

"I'm capturing it clearly, don't worry," he assured as he continued filming, even using close-up shots to capture Ye Rongzhuang's tear-streaked face.

With no other option, Ye Rongzhuang continued to cry and hit the sandbag, not daring to stop.

"Has Qin Qing replied yet?" He asked anxiously.

"Let me see... Yes, he replied," Jin He began slowly, "Qin Qing says he's still friends with us."

"Still friends with you all?" Ye Rongzhuang was taken aback, his voice tinged with pain and desperation, "Does that mean he's no longer friends with me?"

Jin He nodded reluctantly, "That seems to be the implication."

Ye Rongzhuang's fist collided with the sandbag. His expression grew fiercer, yet more tears streamed down. How did it come to this? His affection for Qin Qing was overwhelming, a love he couldn’t suppress.

Jin He moved around, capturing Ye Rongzhuang from different angles, instructing aloud, "Yes, just like that. Quiver your lips, twitch the left side of your face. This perfectly portrays your agony and regret. OK, perfect! That's the expression!"

In a fit of despair, Ye Rongzhuang roared, "Jin He, get out! All of you, get out! Anyone who provokes me today will regret it!"

Yet, instead of the accustomed fear and avoidance, his outburst was met with raucous laughter. Ye Rongzhuang, having loved and been rejected by Qin Qing, despite his ferocity, seemed more human than ever.

Being on guard is essential when dealing with a beast, but not with another person. The laughter grew louder, with some even slapping the tables in amusement.

Naturally, Jin He sent the video to Qin Qing.

Qin Qing's response upon receiving the video: "..."

6, sneaking a peek at the video: "..."

"You say he doesn’t care for me at all? That he's smitten with Yun Siyu? That I'm nothing but a mere 'der' to him?" Qin Qing raised an eyebrow, asking question after question.

996 lifted its pudgy paw, covering its chubby face, "Qin Qing, enough. You know the saying, 'Don't hit someone in the face'?"