The sounds of people arriving home startled Qian Meigui awake. She rose her head, looking around to see the inside of her bedroom. She recalled what happened the night before. Song Sheng held her, danced with her, made her some food, and waited until she fell asleep. Qian Meigui clutched at her chest, at the complicated feelings in her heart.

She then jumped out of her bed, quickly leaving her room, descending the stairs. It was around sunrise, when Song Jinyi, Song Jun, and Song Ren arrived home looking terrible. Song Jinyi wore streamers around her neck with funky gla.s.ses while Song Jun's clothes had holes in them.

"What happened?" Qian Meigui asked with concern.

Song Jinyi looked at her tired and dazed, but with a smile, she answered, "We have to go again next year. Mei, you missed out on the fun."

Qian Meigui was a bit upset, but she couldn't help but chuckle. Song Ren stepped closer from the side. Her dress and makeup were still intact. "Are you all right?" she asked her, knowing that Song Sheng had to take Qian Meigui home early.

"Mhm," Qian Meigui responded with a subtle smile. "I felt unwell, so Sheng took me home. I'm sorry I wasn't much help."

"What do you mean?" Song Jinyi interrupted, appalled. "Long Houjin let us have the most exclusive access at the party. Did you know that was a secret?" Song Jinyi almost went off topic. "But anyway, he says that you helped someone important to him, but he wouldn't say who that person was."

Xue Guangli.

Qian Meigui recalled helping her. Just what is between her and Long Huojin? She shook the thoughts away; it wasn't her business.

"Yes! And we got access to the security department. Although, Jinyi and I snuck in there on our own," Song Jun continued with excitement.

The twin's eyes glinted with mischief, but it slowly went away from exhaustion. Jinyi yawned and stretched, and the twins ascended the stairs slowly going to their separate rooms.

Song Ren did not appear to be the least bit tired, which did not surprise her.

"Where's Su Feng?" Qian Meigui asked her.

Song Ren's face appeared to be grave, "He went home."

Qian Meigui felt like she could pick up a sense of worry. "What's wrong?" she asked.

Song Ren sighed. "The Su' never showed up," she said.

"Su Feng and I tried looking for them, but it was difficult with the masks. Song Jinyi and Sun Jun snuck into the security room pretending to be members of the Long family, but they couldn't find anything."

Qian Meigui felt annoyed that the night had gone to waste for them.

Song Ren continued, "However, Su Feng and I overheard a conversation about Su Guiren's policies in the hospitals he manages." Song Ren's expression turned wary, an emotion she has not seen in a while.

"But it's no use. No matter what I find out or do to ruin Sun Group; it will ruin Su Feng too," she said as she clenched her fists together. Qian Meigui felt aggrieved. She knew how important Su Feng was to Song Ren.

"I'm afraid," Song Ren admitted, tears slipping from her eyes. Qian Meigui's eyes widened, she approached Song Ren carefully, offering a hug, with her arms wide open. Song Ren glanced at her before reaching out to hug Qian Meigui. She rested her head on her shoulder, letting the tears fall. Song Ren sobbed silently, and it was rare for her to express her feelings in front of people. Qian Meigui knew it was hard for her to reveal herself so vulnerable.

"If our father finds out that Sun Group is planning to demote Su Feng, he won't approve our engagement," Song Ren said with a choked-up tone.

Qian Meigui stilled. "He wouldn't?" she questioned her. Song Ren lifted her head, her mascara running slightly. "Father will do anything for Song Corporation," Song Ren responded darkly.

Qian Meigui looked at her puzzled, conflicted. She recalled that they never publicly announced their engagement. They only told their families, and now, they were waiting for everything to be sorted out. She knew how much Song Ren and Su Feng loved each other. She even picked it up since they were younger. Whenever the two bickered or argued, one of them would steal an affectionate glance but never admit to anything because of their pride.

Forbidden love is a hards.h.i.+p that Qian Meigui did not want anyone else to endure. It was a feeling that was both frightening and sorrowful. She wouldn't wish that upon anyone else. Qian Meigui then faced her with determination and strength. "I won't let that happen," she began, "We will figure it out, together."

Song Ren was taken aback. But she quickly smiled, "I knew it," she said. Qian Meigui glanced at her, "knew what?" she asked.

Song Ren took a deep breathe, "That you would grow to be stronger than me," she said. Qian Meigui smirked at her, "after all these years of wanting to be like you; I've become a better version of myself. Thank you, Ren."

Song Ren held her arms together from feeling cold, "No need to thank me for something you've done all on your own." And just like that, she walked away, ascending the stairs without another word. Qian Meigui smiled to herself. Song Ren would always be cool.

Qian Meigui decided to eat breakfast before going to school. Although she had a few hours of rest, she felt more awake and motivated to attend cla.s.ses.

Qian Meigui quickly ate, changed, preparing her books and went to cla.s.s. This time, she paid close attention to the lectures and lessons, not missing any points. After cla.s.s, she went to study at the learning centre on campus. While she was reviewing, she received a phone call. She picked it up. It was Zhong Liu. She breathed out deeply and answered it.