Dad often had work-related social engagements, so he knew the city’s entertainment spots far better than brother Xiao Hei or I ever could. Hearing my response, he didn’t press further and listed a few KTVs with “Sunshine” in their names.
After hanging up, I dragged brother Xiao Hei with me to check each one. Finally, at a place called Sunshine Mediterranean, we found a lead on Chen Qiao Luo.
Following the directions given by a staff member, we reached Room 2046. The moment we opened the door, we saw Chen Qiao Luo grinning obsequiously at a plump middle-aged woman.
The sudden intrusion left everyone in the room momentarily stunned.
After a long pause, a woman in her thirties was the first to react. Frowning, she asked, “Who are you looking for?”
I can’t quite put into words how disappointed I felt when I saw Chen Qiao Luo in that moment. Clenching my teeth, I walked over without saying a word and grabbed him by the arm, pulling him up from the sofa. “Chen Qiao Luo, you’re coming with me.”
As I was about to drag him out, the woman next to him suddenly snapped to attention. She shot up and demanded sharply, “What do you think you’re doing?”
I didn’t respond. At that moment, I didn’t want to deal with any of them—I just wanted to take Chen Qiao Luo away.
But as soon as I took a step, someone pried my hand off his. I turned back to see Chen Qiao Luo standing there with his head bowed. In the dim lighting, I couldn’t make out his expression.
It felt like an eternity before I heard his low voice.
“Zhu Yun Hao, what are you doing here?”
That single sentence sent my heart plummeting into an icy abyss. I glared at him, seething. “Chen Qiao Luo, are you seriously asking me what I’m doing here? You, of all people, should know exactly why I’m here.”
He didn’t answer me directly. Instead, his tone was distant as he said, “Zhu Yun Hao, just leave.”
Leave?
I never expected to hear those words from him. For a moment, I stood there, stunned.
Brother Xiao Hei, who had been waiting near the door, couldn’t hold back any longer and barged in. “A-Luo, what’s wrong with you? Do you have any idea how worried Yun Hao has been? She’s been searching for you all this time.”
“It’s not like I asked her to come looking for me,” Chen Qiao Luo replied coldly.
Not like he asked me? Those words cut deep, and I let out a bitter laugh as sorrow overwhelmed me.
Clenching my teeth, I finally managed to speak. “Chen Qiao Luo, what do you mean by that?”
“Exactly what it sounds like,” he said with a glance in my direction. “Zhu Yun Hao, just stay out of my business.”
“Why didn’t you say that before?” I locked eyes with him, refusing to back down. “We’ve known each other for so long—why didn’t you tell me to stay out of your business back then? If you had, I wouldn’t have wasted my time like this.”
My words seemed to strike a chord. He fell silent, lowering his head.
The woman from earlier stepped in front of him, flashing me a mocking smile. “Look, sweetie, if he doesn’t want to go with you, what can you do? Take some advice from your big sister—just forget about a guy like this and move on with your life.”
She reached out as if to pat my shoulder, but I slapped her hand away in disgust. “Don’t touch me with your filthy hands.”
Her face darkened instantly at my harsh words.
Another woman nearby, seeing this, stepped forward and pointed at me. “You’d better believe me when I say you’re not walking out of here tonight!”
I met her gaze coldly. “Get lost.”
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