Chapter 283

"It's nothing, really. Just a tenant issue. I've already had someone handle it."

"That's good then…"

Xu Hongzhuang was truly looking out for her best friend.

If she were to find out…

…what her best friend, Xiao Wanling, was actually thinking…

…she would definitely skin her alive.

'I treat you as my best friend and care about you.'

'But you're actually thinking about my dad…'

Then, Xu Hongzhuang spoke up with great enthusiasm.

"Wanling, let's sleep together tonight. I have so much to tell you."

Wanling hesitated.

"This… isn't this a bit inappropriate?"

Xu Hongzhuang looked at her as if she were looking at a monster.

She couldn't believe these words had actually come out of her best friend's mouth.

Was she out of her mind?

Back when they were in school, they had rented an apartment together.

It was this very friend who had taken the initiative to suggest sleeping in the same bed.

Saying they could chat at night to strengthen their bond.

During college, the two of them had shared a bed countless times for late-night pillow talk.

But what was she hearing now?

Her best friend was actually saying it was inappropriate to sleep together.

Of course it was inappropriate.

Wanling grumbled inwardly—

'I still need to go knock on your parents' door.'

'If I sleep with you, wouldn't that be highly inconvenient?'

Realizing her best friend's reaction, Wanling felt she had misspoken.

She laughed it off.

"I was just worried that our Hongzhuang has grown up and has secrets of her own. What if I overhear you talking in your sleep… hehe…"

Wanling seemed to be talking to Xu Hongzhuang.

But in reality, she was feeling guilty, terrified that her own secrets would be discovered.

If she fell asleep and suddenly blurted something out in a dream…

"Uncle, you're so bad…"

…along with other scandalous words.

Wouldn't her best friend chase her down with a knife?

"What secrets could I possibly have…"

Xu Hongzhuang was speechless.

She paused, looking suspiciously at her friend.

"Could it be that you have some unspeakable secret you're afraid I'll find out?"

Wanling was startled.

How did her best friend guess so accurately?

She forced a calm smile.

"How is that possible? Fine, let's sleep together then."

[Ding… Su Wanqiu feels curious, Emotion Points +741…]

[Ding… Xiao Wanling blushes furiously, Emotion Points +852…]

Undercurrents surged within the Xu Family.

The rented apartment where Xia Qingge and Li Yunshu lived was also far from peaceful.

Knowing her best friend had taken time off, Xia Qingge had called her a few times out of concern.

Right after work, she rushed home to check on her.

By the time she returned, Li Yunshu had already prepared dinner and was waiting for her.

Xia Qingge pressed her to find out what had happened.

Feeling guilty, Li Yunshu explained that it was just a minor cold and that she was already better.

Xia Qingge was suspicious.

Was her friend's absence really as simple as a cold?

A minor cold kept her from going to work?

She didn't buy it.

It wasn't until they finished eating—

—and she saw her best friend clearing the table.

Her walking posture was awkward, and she kept frowning.

A sudden realization flashed through her mind.

As someone with experience, how could she not know what was going on with her friend?

She found it both exasperating and amusing.

She was annoyed that her best friend was keeping secrets from her.

Making her worry all day, thinking something terrible had happened…

Her eyes darted around as Xia Qingge came up with an idea.

She wanted to get a little playful revenge on the friend who had kept her worried all day.

After helping clear the table, Xia Qingge sat on the sofa to watch TV.

She asked, seemingly in passing,

"Yunshu, where did you go last night? You didn't come back all night."

Li Yunshu tensed up.

"N-nowhere… I… didn't I tell you? I rested at home for the night."

"Is that so?"

Xia Qingge put on a puzzled expression.

"But… when I went to your house to look for you, your parents said you didn't come home."

Li Yunshu panicked.

She completely lost the ability to think straight.

She completely forgot that her best friend didn't even know where her family home was.

Li Yunshu racked her brain to make up an excuse.

Before she could come up with one, Xia Qingge suddenly leaned in and asked playfully,

"Yunshu… last night, you didn't happen to go do something naughty, did you? Like… going on a date with some guy."

Li Yunshu's face turned pale with fright.

She flusteredly stammered,

"H-how is that possible? You're overthinking it."

"Yunshu, you look a bit guilty right now. It's making me suspicious."

"I really didn't! You know me, I've never even interacted with any guys."

Li Yunshu shook her head repeatedly, trying her best to deny it.

"Hehe… really?"

Xia Qingge gave a noncommittal smile, her expression teasing.

"But I know of one man. Not only did you interact with him, but your relationship is also very close."

"Who?"

Li Yunshu looked completely bewildered.