Love in the Fast Lane - Chapter 37 - Blame You, Blame You

Mo Zihan lay on her bed in silence, eyes brimming with tears. She couldn’t fathom why things always seemed to develop in the direction she least wanted them to. She wasn’t a control freak, but did this even relate to control?

It’s not scientific, definitely not scientific!

Staring at the table lamp as if it were her greatest enemy, Mo Zihan lay wide awake past midnight. As if that wasn’t enough, her phone rang again. This time, it was Qi Xiaomeng.

Qi Xiaomeng’s voice boomed right from the start, “Mo Zihan, who would’ve thought, I mean, how could I have ever guessed that you’d be so daring to cohabit? You and Tang Ning? I mean, you’ve been pure for over twenty years, and finally, you’re breaking that spell?”

“Qi Xiaomeng!” Mo Zihan couldn’t contain herself any longer and roared into the phone.

Taken aback by her fury, Qi Xiaomeng stuttered, “I-I’m here, what’s up? What do you want? Hey, I’m warning you, I only called because I got a confirmation call from your family. I didn’t spread any rumors, okay?”

What? Her family actually called to confirm with Qi Xiaomeng?

Mo Zihan had no interest in scolding Qi Xiaomeng any longer. She sprang up from the bed, “Hey, Qi, what did you tell my mom? If you dare sell me out, I’ll storm over to your place immediately and make sure you never enjoy a single meat dish again, believe me?”

Qi Xiaomeng scoffed disbelievingly, “Ha, as if I’d be threatened by you. Right now, the ball is entirely in my court. Anyway, your mom’s strong assumptions and conclusions freaked me out. Whatever she asked, I just said yes or agreed to everything she said, guaranteed not to make a mistake. But you…” adopting a suspicious tone, Qi Xiaomeng sneered, “I bet you made something up. So, what are you going to do now?”

Mo Zihan replied gloomily, “What else can I do? Just stall as long as I can.”

Qi Xiaomeng said, “Aren’t you supposed to bring him home for the Spring Festival? How do you stall that?”

Mo Zihan shouted, “Damn it, didn’t you just say you didn’t hear what my mom said? How come you got this part so clearly? I’m pissed, hanging up now!”

“Wait!” Qi Xiaomeng hurriedly explained, “I only caught that one sentence. Hey, tell me, what are you going to do?”

Mo Zihan felt something was off. Though Qi Xiaomeng was nosy and would dig into her affairs, her tone was strange, really strange.

With this suspicion, Mo Zihan grew wary, “Qi Xiaomeng, are you also being forced into marriage by your family? Trying to get some advice from me, right?”

Qi Xiaomeng laughed sheepishly, trying to ingratiate herself, “Come on, we’re besties, right? When you’re in trouble, I feel it too. Now that you’ve experienced it, wouldn’t it be good to share your insight? Please, just tell me, okay?”

Pfft, experience? You’ve had experience since you were twelve!

Spitting in Qi Xiaomeng’s direction, Mo Zihan slumped back onto her bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. “Qi, tell me, how are we supposed to solve this kind of situation?”

Qi Xiaomeng sounded troubled, “Don’t get me started. Who did I even offend? Just a few days ago, my family called and had this serious talk with me. Normally, I’d just brush it off. But it’s all because of you, all because of you!”

Mo Zihan was utterly confused, “Me? What does this have to do with me? If you don’t explain yourself today, I swear I’ll make you regret it!”

Qi Xiaomeng scoffed, “And you have the nerve to blame me? Don’t pretend. Given how my mom and your mom chat on the phone daily, they’ll probably know everything by lunchtime tomorrow. I told your mom you were in a relationship, and now in the eyes of our moms, you’ve become the epitome of success, both in career and love. Why do I have to be the one in the background? Originally, they had no leverage over either of us. But now… Damn it, I’m the only one left.”

“Wait, just wait a second,” Mo Zihan, feeling increasingly guilty, quickly interrupted Qi Xiaomeng, “by your logic, I should be blaming you too. You confirmed everything to my mom, and now I’m stuck. If you hadn’t said anything, I would have been fine. But now… Ahh, this is driving me nuts!”

Qi Xiaomeng thought about it and realized Mo Zihan’s situation was indeed worse. Why was she worrying so much? At worst, she could continue playing dumb, but Mo Zihan…

“Ha, serves you right. I think you should just cohabit with him anyway!” Qi Xiaomeng felt an odd sense of satisfaction, probably dancing on the other end of the line. After a good laugh, she abruptly hung up.

Mo Zihan knew Qi Xiaomeng would probably sleep soundly tonight, even though she’d likely face her own troubles starting tomorrow.

As best friends and mutual tormentors, the more frustrated Mo Zihan felt, the happier Qi Xiaomeng got. But when it came to serious matters, Mo Zihan was certain Qi Xiaomeng would be the first to rush to her side if needed. After all, Mo Zihan would do the same for her.

That’s what best friends and mutual tormentors are for. If life allows such enduring friendships, finding someone who’ll laugh at your misfortunes yet stand by you when you need them is truly invaluable.

After a sleepless night, Mo Zihan arrived at the office the next day with dark circles under her eyes. The first thing she confronted was Murong Feng’s annoyingly cheerful face. What annoyed her even more was the broad smile plastered all over his face.

Had he eaten honey for breakfast, or done something unspeakable the night before to be this happy?

Silently grumbling, Mo Zihan was about to head to her office when Murong Feng called out, “Ms. Mo, wait a moment.”

What now? Can’t you see that I’m in a bad mood?

Reluctantly stopping in her tracks, Mo Zihan replied, “What do you need, Mr. Mu?”

Murong Feng looked momentarily taken aback but quickly regained his composure, “Oh, it’s like this. The design drawing Tang Ning brought in yesterday afternoon, after an overnight discussion, we’ve decided to use it. According to the contract terms, his payment is expedited, but Tang Ning is a night owl and probably sleeping during the day. To avoid disturbing his inspiration, can you pick up his payment at noon and bring it to him? Also, remember to come by my office before leaving to get the requisition form and pick up the payment from the Finance Office.”

Why does it always fall to me?

Mo Zihan wanted to shout, “I’m in no mood!” but held back eventually.

Around twelve noon, Mo Zihan stood outside Tang Ning’s residential community, just about to call the lazybones to milk a meal out of him, when she saw a sneaky figure nearby. Wasn’t that Tang Ning himself, wide awake in broad daylight?

Ugh, what kind of person am I becoming, thinking like this? Damn it!

But why wasn’t this guy asleep? What was he up to? Was he doing something shady?

I need to follow him. After all, if I don’t, I’ll be letting a friend down!