Chapter 554: Chapter 312: The Girl’s Thoughts_2
"Stop it, stop it~ Haha~" Xiao Meier backed away while dodging, but ultimately she was still kissed by Chen Cheng.
...
...
The car soon arrived at the entrance of Wanbao Hall; the lights inside the store were still on.
The two walked in and happened to see Mei Xiang sitting at the cashier counter, frowning in thought.
"Mei Xiang." Xiao Meier called out.
Mei Xiang looked up, her face showing surprise, "Sister Xiao, you’re back?"
Xiao Meier nodded, "You’ve worked hard today."
Before she could finish her sentence, Mei Xiang hastily said: "Sister Xiao, I think I made a mistake."
"Mistake?" Xiao Meier didn’t understand.
"Look, no matter how I calculate, we’re short by 30 yuan." Mei Xiang pointed at the screen and said, "Did I miss a payment? Or did I give too much change?"
Chen Cheng also leaned in, "If it’s short, it’s short; it’s not a big deal."
"No way! Sister Xiao entrusted me to watch the store today, and I have to make sure the accounts match!" Mei Xiang insisted earnestly: "Even if it’s just one yuan, I have to clarify it!"
Xiao Meier originally didn’t plan to investigate the missing 30 yuan, but seeing Mei Xiang’s serious demeanor, she went along with her: "Let me see, it’s probably a missed entry."
Chen Cheng, however, noticed something off about Mei Xiang.
He guessed that Mei Xiang was probably upset about moving out of the quadrangle courtyard.
Additionally, living under the same roof, things weren’t easy for the two of them, and what seemed like a beautiful plan was actually fraught with difficulties in practice.
Chen Cheng discreetly observed Mei Xiang, contemplating how to handle this situation.
He understood that Mei Xiang’s pride was strong, and if he directly pointed it out, it might make her feel even more embarrassed.
"Mei Xiang, don’t be too nervous," Chen Cheng said gently, "It’s inevitable to have some minor discrepancies in the accounts. Just take your time to get it sorted out."
He gave Xiao Meier a look.
Xiao Meier quickly caught on, "Yes, Mei Xiang. You’re also tired today. Let’s do this: I’ll leave the account as it is for now, and when we open the store tomorrow, I’ll come and see where exactly the 30 is missing."
Mei Xiang was looking down, her eyes falling on Chen Cheng’s shiny shoes.
She wished she could look Chen Cheng squarely in the eye like she did in Japan.
"Um... Sister Xiao, I’m sorry."
Xiao Meier saw that Mei Xiang was feeling down and asked with concern, "Mei Xiang, what’s wrong? Do you have something on your mind?"
Mei Xiang shook her head, forcing a slight smile, "No, Sister Xiao, I’m just a bit tired."
"Is it homesickness?" That was the only reason Xiao Meier could think of.
This time, Mei Xiang shook her head even more vigorously.
After a moment of silence, she finally looked up, "Really, it’s nothing, Sister Xiao."
Chen Cheng: "So, Mei Xiang."
"Hm?"
"How about I take you to see Aunt Wen." Chen Cheng said, "To chat with Li Ya?"
Mei Xiang blinked, looking deeply at Chen Cheng, "Right now?"
"It’s still early; let’s go sit for a while." Chen Cheng cleared his throat, "You know each other, and you’re about the same age."
Xiao Meier also urged, "Yeah, Mei Xiang. Go take a seat."
"Alright then." Mei Xiang nodded in agreement, "I’ll go change my clothes."
After Mei Xiang left, Chen Cheng said to Xiao Meier: "You go back first. We’ll be back soon."
After finishing speaking, he snapped his fingers twice towards the door, "Xiao Hai."
Xiao Meier looked towards the dressing room worriedly, "Xiao Cheng, do you think Mei Xiang really is homesick? She’s here all alone, without any relatives or friends."
"I’ll ask Wen Shulin to probe discreetly," said Chen Cheng.
"Okay," Xiao Meier nodded, "Then I’ll head back first. Call me if anything comes up."
"It’ll be fine, we’ll be back soon."
When Mei Xiang came out dressed, Chen Cheng was the only one left in the store.
She adjusted her scarf, walking to Chen Cheng’s side, "I’m ready."
Mei Xiang looked around, "Eh? Where’s Sister Xiao?"
Her tone was noticeably more cheerful than before.
Chen Cheng didn’t dillydally and took her into his arms.
"Mmm~" Mei Xiang was a bit scared, "There’s a camera..."
Chen Cheng pressed against those water-brimming lips, "I turned it off before you came out."
Mei Xiang’s eyes lit up, then she gently closed her eyes, wrapped her arms around Chen Cheng’s neck, and finally welcomed the long-missed intimacy.
"You’re not happy, are you?" Chen Cheng asked.
Mei Xiang said intermittently, "I just missed you."
Chen Cheng let go of Mei Xiang, "If you’re unhappy, you have to tell me, okay?"
Mei Xiang looked at him grievously, reaching out to touch that familiar face, "Husband, I want us to have a home."
That simple sentence deeply touched Chen Cheng’s heart.
Mei Xiang’s feelings for him had always been pure.
And she was also the first woman who actively wanted to have his child.
Looking at those expectant eyes, Chen Cheng asked, "Shall we go buy a house tomorrow, okay?"
Mei Xiang shook her head, "A house is a house, a home is a home."
"Huh?"
Mei Xiang bit her lip gently, her eyes starting to redden again, "A home needs you, me, and our child to really be a home."
Chen Cheng took a deep breath; he lifted Mei Xiang’s face, "We will have it."
"That day, after drinking. Before Miss Meng left, she told me a lot," Mei Xiang finally spoke up.
Chen Cheng pondered for a moment. Given Meng Wanning’s personality and temperament, she would never say anything excessive to Mei Xiang.
"She told me that she and you have your own little family." Mei Xiang’s chin trembled, seeming like she was about to cry, "I am so envious of her."
Chen Cheng took her hand, "I understand, it’s my lack of thorough consideration."
"Mei Xiang, believe me, I’ll keep my word." He paused, "I shouldn’t have..."
Mei Xiang covered Chen Cheng’s mouth, "No, there’s nothing you shouldn’t have done, it’s all my own choice."
She closed her eyes and once again leaned into Chen Cheng’s embrace.
Chen Cheng could clearly feel that within the sweetness this time, there was a faint taste of saltiness.
Their lips parted, and he looked at Mei Xiang again.
Her tear-stained cheeks now bore a smile.
Just like the first time he saw her, sweet and beautiful.
"Aren’t you taking me to find Li Ya anymore?" Mei Xiang asked on purpose.
Chen Cheng wiped the tears from her face with his hand, "Not going anymore, there was never such a plan."
Mei Xiang clutched the corner of Chen Cheng’s clothes, her eyes full of tenderness, "Brother Cheng, where will we go...?"
"Shall I take you for a spin?" Chen Cheng suggested: "Go see the night view, have some late-night snacks."
"I don’t want to." Mei Xiang shook her head decisively, "I don’t want to see it, nor do I want to eat."
"Why?" Chen Cheng already knew the answer.
Mei Xiang lifted her head, "I..."
She also noticed the smile in Chen Cheng’s eyes, "You’re just teasing me!"
With a swift turn, her flowing long hair brushed across Chen Cheng’s chest, tickling his heart.
Chen Cheng hugged her from behind, his hands caressing those smooth hands, whispering in Mei Xiang’s ear, "If you don’t tell me, how would I know your heart’s desire?"
Mei Xiang slipped around in his arms, tiptoed, and initiated a kiss with Chen Cheng.
"I didn’t say it, but I’ve already told you."
Chen Cheng smiled, reached out his hand, "Then let’s go."
Mei Xiang placed her hand on his, gripping it tightly, "Remember to lock the door, and turn the camera back on..."
Chen Cheng slapped his forehead, "I’d forgotten about that."
After that, he reactivated the surveillance, checked the shop one more time, and then left Wanbao Hall with Mei Xiang, locking the door behind them.
Amidst the night, Mei Xiang held Chen Cheng’s arm, like a couple who hadn’t seen each other in a long time, very affectionate.
Arriving at the roadside, Chen Cheng said, "Are you really coming with me?"
Mei Xiang nodded firmly, "I’m already here."
Chen Cheng flagged down a taxi, and after getting in, told the driver, "Please, to Wangjing Green City Center, thank you."
Mei Xiang leaned on Chen Cheng’s shoulder, "What place is that?"
Chen Cheng turned his head and smiled, "You’ll know when we get there."