Chapter 144: The Piercing Ring of the Telephone

Seeing Su Bai return, a clear look of concern lingered on Tong Xiaoya’s face. She, too, feared that if the video of them leaving the hotel together were to be leaked online, they would be subjected to unimaginable cyberbullying.

"Are you all right?"

Su Bai shook his head and said, "It’s all settled."

Hearing this, Tong Xiaoya patted her chest in relief, then gave Su Bai a sweet smile before driving them home. She felt an inexplicable sense of trust in Su Bai; it seemed that no matter what he said, she would choose to believe him.

"By the way, how much do you know about Han Hanxue?"

Han Hanxue? Tong Xiaoya was taken aback. She wondered why Su Bai would suddenly ask about her. Could it be that he was interested in her? She quickly reasoned through it internally, though she felt a slight sting of disappointment. After all, Han Hanxue was known in the industry for having an incredibly powerful background. Countless male celebrities had hoped to win her favor, only to leave empty-handed. It was only natural for Su Bai to want to pursue her. The longer one worked in the industry, the more one realized the importance of connections, while mere beauty was often just a joke.

"I’m not very familiar with her. We’ve met a few times, but I wouldn’t say we’re close," Tong Xiaoya replied, looking at Su Bai with a playful smile. "She’s considered a breath of fresh air in the entertainment circle, quite different from most stars. Why? Are you interested in her?"

Su Bai shook his head and explained, "No, I got into some trouble earlier, and Mimi took me to see her. At the time, Han Hanxue kept such a cold face that I thought she had turned us down. I never expected that her grandfather would settle everything for me behind the scenes. I only just found out, which is why I came to Yanjing—to thank him."

"Han Hanxue’s grandfather?" Tong Xiaoya looked at Su Bai in shock. She knew that the source of Han Hanxue’s formidable influence was precisely that powerful grandfather of hers. The fact that Su Bai could persuade him to intervene on his behalf was simply unbelievable.

Hearing that Tong Xiaoya didn't know much about her either, Su Bai dropped the subject. Once they arrived at her home, Tong Xiaoya brought out a Zisha teapot.

"This is a Zisha teapot from Dingshu Town. A good local friend gave it to me when I was visiting there a few years ago. It’s not antique, but it’s not a recent piece either. Do you think this will do?"

Su Bai didn't know much about such things; it looked nice enough, but he suddenly remembered his "Discovery" function, which could identify valuable treasures. He activated it immediately, and several items of value flashed into his mind.

He was shocked to discover that this teapot was worth nearly 200,000 yuan. Furthermore, there were several other items in Tong Xiaoya’s home that were even more expensive than the teapot. One glance was enough to rattle him, and he hurriedly deactivated the function, lest the images of everything else in her house flood his consciousness.

He looked at Tong Xiaoya with a sense of wonder. What kind of friend would give such a generous gift?

"Thanks, Xiaoya. I think Elder Han will like it."

Tong Xiaoya looked at him with pleasant surprise, then asked playfully, "What did you call me?"

"Xiaoya, why?" Su Bai asked, puzzled.

Tong Xiaoya waved a hand, giggling. "Nothing, it just sounds nice. Call me that from now on."

Su Bai felt a wave of confusion. Wasn't her name already Tong Xiaoya? Was she complimenting herself? That was a bold move.

"It’s almost evening now. It probably wouldn't be appropriate to pay a visit to Elder Han this late, would it?" Tong Xiaoya suggested. "Why don't you stay the night and head over tomorrow morning? I get quite bored at home alone. The house is big, but it feels a bit cold and empty..."

Even if Su Bai were dense, he understood what she was implying. He couldn't help but recall the moment they were drenched at the hotel, and his heart began to race uncontrollably. Watching her face flush slightly, he found her every movement radiating a unique charm. Truth be told, as a girl from the border regions, Tong Xiaoya possessed a distinctive, exotic beauty—especially her large, flickering eyes that could easily captivate a man, complemented by her charming dimples. Even Su Bai felt his resolve wavering.

"That... might not be convenient. Actually, I could..."

Before Su Bai could finish, Tong Xiaoya stepped forward and kissed him. Su Bai’s eyes widened in disbelief. He remembered how she had enticed him at the hotel, and how he had rejected her time and again, holding to the principle of not taking advantage of her. But now that she was sober, she was doing this? Was he really meant to just stand there like a man without blood in his veins?

*It was your idea,* Su Bai kept repeating to himself. *Don't blame me for responding; otherwise, you'll look down on me.*

Having convinced himself, he began to respond in kind.

"Su Bai, stay tonight," she whispered, filled with emotion. "I like the sense of security you bring me. I'm afraid when I'm alone... Just one night, okay?"

Su Bai felt his heart beating out of his chest as he pulled her toward the stairs. Tong Xiaoya covered her mouth with a shy smile, her expression softening. She felt satisfied; as a divorced woman, she had become more open-minded. Having finally met a boy who moved her, she didn't want to let the opportunity slip away. Even if it didn't lead anywhere, having had the moment was enough.

Watching her sit on the bed, waiting in anticipation, Su Bai felt his body trembling. He stepped toward her, but as he stood inches away, he felt a sudden hesitation. Tong Xiaoya smiled and reached out a hand, pulling him down toward her.

*Ring, ring!*

The harsh sound of a cell phone echoed through the room. As Su Bai reached for it, Tong Xiaoya pressed her hand over his.

"Don't worry about the phone tonight, okay?" she said, looking at him tenderly. "At least not right now. Your only priority is to kiss me."

Su Bai silenced the phone through his pocket, and they embraced again.

*Ring, ring!*

The grating sound cut through the air once more.

"Xiaoya, maybe I should answer it? It’s going to keep ringing, and it’s quite annoying."

Tong Xiaoya sighed and let out a small laugh. "Go ahead, answer it then."

Su Bai pulled out his phone and saw it was Yang Mimi. A heavy silence fell between them.