Gao Hongbo listened to the report from the two people responsible for watching over Chiang Qing and nodded slightly.
"What did they discuss?"
The two exchanged glances, lowered their heads, and said, "Miss Chiang didnât let us in, and visitation has rules. But when she came out, her eyes were swollen red."
Gao Hongbo felt a bit displeased and waved his hand, "Alright, you can go now!"
The two quickly bowed and then left.
Gao Hongbo sat in the study, wearing a thin robe, and only after finishing a cigar did he return to his room with Chiang Qing.
He pushed the door open, and Chiang Qing was lying sideways on the bed with her back to the door, her gracefully curved waistline exposed.
Gao Hongboâs gaze deepened. This woman had her own alluring side, but unfortunately, she was too clever and stubborn.
He lay down beside her without saying a word, but Chiang Qing turned over, wrapping her arms around his waist.
Gao Hongbo was slightly surprised. Had she learned her lesson after going out once?
Unexpectedly, Chiang Qing began to sob softly.
"Whatâs wrong?" Gao Hongbo asked.
Chiang Qing shook her head, saying nothing.
"Your father isnât sentenced for life, heâll be out in ten years, and if he behaves well, maybe even sooner. Your mother will be out even sooner, donât worry!" Gao Hongbo said.
Chiang Qing looked up at him and said, "Do you think Iâm upset because of them?"
Gao Hongbo raised an eyebrow.
"Iâm heartbroken, but not because theyâre in prison â they deserve it. Iâm just heartbroken for myself. Why do I have such parents? Especially my dad. Iâm his biological daughter, and yet he could be so ruthless, sending me to that place," Chiang Qing said. "I just wanted to get some clarity!"
"Did you get it?"
Chiang Qing sneered, "Whatâs there to get? Itâs all for their future, embarrassed by me, ashamed of me. A biological daughter and he can be so cruel â thatâs my good father!"
Gao Hongbo said nothing.
"I wonât ever acknowledge him again. From now on, I have nothing to do with them. I have no one to rely on, only you!" Chiang Qing cried out in his embrace; well, she put on quite an act. With tears like these, she could easily sway a manâs heart.
It was the first time Chiang Qing had ever thrown herself into his arms like this; Gao Hongbo was rather pleased. If he had known this earlier, things would have been resolved long ago, his tone softened as he patted her back and said, "Alright, stop crying. Crying wonât make you any prettier. Donât worry, as long as youâre with me, youâll have food, shelter, everything you need, no need to fret!"
Burying her face in his chest, Chiang Qing sneered but looked at him with tear-filled eyes, "If I devote myself to you, will you ever abandon me too?"
Gao Hongbo was taken aback, then laughed, "How could that be!"
But Chiang Qing twisted her body and said, "Why not? Youâre married with children. I have no status. If I walk out there now, I might even be considered a fugitive. For the sake of your future, if you turn me in, what can I do?"
Gao Hongbo leaned closer, turned her shoulders, and said, "How could that happen? Donât speak nonsense. Who said youâre a fugitive?"
Chiang Qing pursed her lips and said, "With all the things my parents and my maternal grandfatherâs family have done, I..."
"If it involved you, youâd already be wanted. Donât worry, those are their issues, nothing to do with you," Gao Hongbo said.
Chiang Qingâs heart stirred with emotion, though she showed none on her face, leaning back into his embrace, "Thatâs good, Iâm just worried Iâd never see the light of day!"
Gao Hongbo caressed her waist.
Chiang Qing felt disgusted inside but didnât push away, only pressing her body closer. As she gently stroked his lower back, she said, "Iâve thought about going to Jiangnan to relax for a few days..."