My Ex-Girlfriend Said She Was A Fairy - Chapter 18

Ji Qingyi woke up and eagerly glanced out the window, only to find the weather still gloomy, with rain drizzling down. Though it wasn’t heavy, this kind of weather made it hard for her to simply shoo the kitten outside.

 

 

Would it take a while longer? But what if the weather never improved… Maybe she should find an organization that could take care of stray cats and send it there. As Ji Qingyi pondered her options, she heard the kitten meowing again. She had closed her bedroom door, so the kitten couldn’t get in and could only linger outside.

 

 

“Time for breakfast.”

 

 

Ji Qingyi herded the cat, tidied up the bowl she had set out for it, and filled it with kibble before starting her own morning routine.

 

 

Before leaving, she made sure the cat’s food and water were topped up—that way, it wouldn’t go hungry. Satisfied, Ji Qingyi headed out.

 

 

 

Another tedious and dull day at work. Ji Qingyi spent the entire morning painfully revising a proposal to meet new requirements, only managing to take a short break by noon.

 

 

“Let’s eat together.”

 

 

Shen Xizhao came over to invite her again.

 

 

“Mm, sure.”

 

 

Ji Qingyi thought about how he had mentioned liking cats—maybe he knew of a reliable stray cat shelter.

 

 

“I saw that cat following you when I left yesterday.”

 

 

Before Ji Qingyi could figure out how to bring it up, Shen Xizhao suddenly mentioned it himself.

 

 

“Huh? You saw it?”

 

 

“I noticed it trailing behind you before I got in the car, but I lost sight of it after that.”

 

 

“It followed me home.”

 

 

“Really?”

 

 

Shen Xizhao sounded somewhat surprised.

 

 

“I can’t keep it for long. Do you know any places that could take it in?”

 

 

“Can’t you just let it back outside?”

 

 

“I think it might have had an owner before. It probably can’t adjust to life as a stray, which is why it followed me home.”

 

 

“True, that cat does look less scruffy than most strays—like it’s been cared for.”

 

 

“That’s why I want to send it to a shelter or… maybe even find its original owner.”

 

 

“Hmm… That’s like searching for a needle in a haystack.”

 

 

Ji Qingyi sighed at his words. That was exactly why she wanted to find a shelter. But she didn’t know much about this sort of thing and was worried about ending up with an unreliable place.

 

 

“I haven’t heard of any around here…”

 

 

Shen Xizhao thought for a moment before answering.

 

 

“Is that so…”

 

 

Ji Qingyi felt a bit deflated. It seemed asking him wouldn’t help—she’d have to look into it herself.

 

 

“But that temple I mentioned before might take it in.”

 

 

“Eh? Isn’t that place already overrun?”

 

 

“But there are a lot of visitors, so the cats definitely won’t starve. Plus, they get treated like celebrities.”

 

 

Shen Xizhao said with a laugh.

 

 

“That’s true.”

 

 

That temple… Ji Qingyi had considered it before, but hearing Shen Xizhao bring it up felt strange, almost as if he was steering her toward it. She worried he might invite her to go there together again, but Shen Xizhao didn’t say anything more.

 

 

Feeling like she was overanalyzing his intentions, Ji Qingyi chided herself for being overly sensitive. He probably genuinely only knew about that place.

 

 

After that, Ji Qingyi dropped the topic of the cat, and the two simply chatted casually as they finished their meal.

 

 

 

When it was time to leave work, Ji Qingyi had assumed she could head straight home, but she was suddenly reminded that today was the day for the company gathering.

 

 

“Qingyi, don’t you want to go?”

 

 

Shen Xizhao leaned in close, whispering in her ear over the chatter of their colleagues.

 

 

Caught off guard while trying to think of an excuse to decline, Ji Qingyi flinched at the sudden proximity of his voice. After a moment, she took a step back.

 

 

“Sorry.”

 

 

 

“Shen Xizhao said with a smile.

 

 

‘It’s fine…’

 

 

Ji Qingyi replied slowly.

 

 

‘Don’t you want to go?’

 

 

‘Not exactly… There’s still the cat at home.’

 

 

Ji Qingyi wondered if this could serve as a reason to leave.

 

 

‘But it wouldn’t hurt to go back a little later, right?’

 

 

Shen Xizhao seemed eager for her to stay.

 

 

She had already declined several team dinners—should she go just this once? Ji Qingyi pondered.

 

 

‘Do you like these gatherings?’

 

 

‘Just joining in the fun.’

 

 

That’s what Shen Xizhao said, but Ji Qingyi found it hard to believe. She didn’t think the other person was the type to enjoy crowds. In fact, Shen Xizhao seemed uninterested in interacting with anyone besides her.

 

 

This wasn’t Ji Qingyi being presumptuous. Another colleague had once asked if she and Shen Xizhao were close while handing over work. Though Ji Qingyi denied it in confusion, the colleague mentioned only ever seeing her talk with Shen Xizhao.

 

 

‘Fine, I’ll go for a bit.’

 

 

After a pause, Ji Qingyi sighed and whispered to Shen Xizhao. She had just heard the manager call her name, asking if she was free and whether she was feeling unwell again—the excuse she’d used last time. Repeating it now would be awkward, so she forced a laugh and said no, she was fine.

 

 

Poor office worker—even after clocking out on time, there was no peace. Ji Qingyi sighed again under her breath.

 

 

‘Need any help?’

 

 

Shen Xizhao leaned in close to her ear again, lacking any sense of personal space, lips curved in a smile as if willing to do anything.

 

 

‘No, it’s just dinner. I’ll leave right after.’

 

 

Ji Qingyi felt the warmth of Shen Xizhao’s breath and instinctively leaned toward her desk as she spoke. She was already at the edge, with no room to retreat further.

 

 

What exactly are you trying to do? Ji Qingyi turned to look at Shen Xizhao’s face. The other’s eyes were a light brown, pupils fixed directly on her, still smiling. A beautiful smile, but to Ji Qingyi, it lacked sincerity. There was always a strange dissonance, as if that flawless expression was just a facade.

 

 

‘Too close.’

 

 

Only after Ji Qingyi spoke did Shen Xizhao chuckle and step back slightly.

 

 

Ji Qingyi was growing impatient. She hated having to remind the other person every time, yet it wasn’t a serious enough offense to justify outright anger.

 

 

‘Then let’s go for barbecue. It’s nearby—we can walk.’

 

 

Ji Qingyi suddenly heard someone raise their voice to announce the plan. As the others gradually moved toward the exit, she stayed behind with Shen Xizhao. Though the group wasn’t large, she only felt she could breathe freely once she’d escaped the crowd.

 

 

 

It really wasn’t far—just two turns away. Ji Qingyi followed the others into the restaurant.

 

 

The aroma from other tables already wafted over, but Ji Qingyi had never been one for heavy meals. A few bites of barbecue were enough to satisfy her, so she wasn’t particularly excited.

 

 

She took a seat near the exit and glanced around. The restaurant was dimly lit, with only a warm yellow lamp above each table—not too bright, but enough to make the food look more appetizing. Further in was a bar counter, its lighting even dimmer. Ji Qingyi couldn’t make out how many people were seated there.”

 

 

 

The design is similar to an izakaya… Ji Qingyi thought idly. Right now, there was nothing to do but wait for the food to arrive. While she could strike up a conversation with the person next to her, Ji Qingyi glanced at Shen Xizhao on her right and still didn’t feel like talking to them much.

 

 

Pretending to check for messages, Ji Qingyi picked up her phone. It was originally just an excuse to look busy, but when she opened WeChat, she actually found a message waiting for her.

 

 

Of course, the message was from Wen Yuchuan. Ji Qingyi suddenly remembered that he had mentioned coming back tonight.

 

 

“You’re not home?”

 

 

The last message from him was this.

 

 

“No.”

 

 

“When are you coming back?”

 

 

“Don’t know.”

 

 

“Won’t your kitten miss you? Come back early.”

 

 

Oh right, there was that kitten. But she couldn’t just leave now. Ji Qingyi sighed inwardly.

 

 

“At a dinner gathering.”

 

 

Wen Yuchuan sent several more messages urging her to come back early. Annoyed, Ji Qingyi replied directly, making it clear she wouldn’t be able to return anytime soon.

 

 

“Then I’ll come rescue you.”

 

 

“?”

 

 

“Not needed.”

 

 

“You do need it. Where are you?”

 

 

This guy usually loved playing the victim, but sometimes he’d suddenly act all domineering. The worst part was that Wen Yuchuan always knew exactly when to be weak and when to be forceful.

 

 

“You coming won’t help.”

 

 

“Just say someone’s picking you up.”

 

 

“Who’s picking me up that I have to leave?”

 

 

An ex-girlfriend?

 

 

Ji Qingyi typed those words, hesitated for a moment, then deleted them. She still didn’t want to bring it up directly.

 

 

She stared at her phone for a while longer, but before she could see his reply, the waiter brought over the dishes. Though Ji Qingyi hadn’t grabbed the tongs, it would be rude to play with her phone while others were flipping the meat, so she put it back in her bag.

 

 

“Hungry?”

 

 

After a while, Shen Xizhao finally spoke to her.

 

 

“A little.”

 

 

“This one seems done.”

 

 

Shen Xizhao placed a piece on her plate.

 

 

“That fast? You should eat first—”

 

 

Before Ji Qingyi could finish, the meat was already on her plate. Well, she had to eat it now—no point in passing it back and forth.

 

 

“Thanks.”

 

 

With that, she took a bite. Not bad.

 

 

“Good?”

 

 

“Pretty good. You grilled it well.”

 

 

As long as the marinated meat was cooked through and not burnt, it was hard to mess up. Still, Ji Qingyi responded politely. Shen Xizhao immediately smiled and gave her another piece.

 

 

The meat cooked quickly, and soon everyone was chatting and eating happily, no one paying attention to them.

 

 

Too oily. Ji Qingyi quickly felt full. The first few bites were always the best.

 

 

She wanted to leave, but there was still a lot of food left, and everyone was in high spirits. It wouldn’t be appropriate to bring up going home now.

 

 

Since no one’s really paying attention, maybe I can slip away quietly? As she pondered escape plans, she glanced at her phone again—another message from Wen Yuchuan.

 

 

“Who do you want it to be?”

 

 

Such a vague, roundabout answer—that was just Wen Yuchuan’s style, Ji Qingyi thought.

 

 

“Where are you?”

 

 

Followed by several more repeated questions.

 

 

“You actually still want to pick me up?”

 

 

Ji Qingyi replied, a hint of mockery in her tone.

 

 

“Yeah. I’ll just say your house is on fire and you need to go back.”

 

 

Ignoring her sarcasm, Wen Yuchuan continued spouting nonsense on his own.

 

 

 

“Then why don’t you just call me directly?”

 

 

“Then I’ll call you now.”

 

 

“Forget it, forget it. That’s too fake. Make up another excuse.”

 

 

“Then tell me where you are, and I’ll think of something on the way.”

 

 

“……”

 

 

“If the people you’re meeting have already arrived, it wouldn’t be good if they don’t let you leave.”

 

 

There was some logic to that, but not much.

 

 

Still, Ji Qingyi ended up sending her location after all, because the other person kept spamming pitiful crying emojis, which was annoying.

 

 

“Want to grab a drink?”

 

 

Shen Xizhao noticed Ji Qingyi had stopped eating and suddenly asked.

 

 

“Huh?”

 

 

Ji Qingyi hadn’t caught on at first. After locking her phone, she responded with a puzzled hum.

 

 

“Over there,” Shen Xizhao pointed toward the bar inside. “They say the drinks here are good.”

 

 

Really? Ji Qingyi hadn’t been paying attention to the others’ conversations, but…

 

 

“…Sure.”

 

 

Ji Qingyi glanced at the dimly lit bar area and thought it was indeed a good place to slip away. Besides, if Shen Xizhao was going too, leaving together would be less awkward than going alone.

 

 

The two stood up and smiled as they excused themselves from the group. Once they mentioned they were going for drinks, no one questioned them further, and they made their way inside.

 

 

“What are you having?”

 

 

Shen Xizhao asked.

 

 

“Hmm… let me think.”

 

 

Ji Qingyi hadn’t planned on drinking, but since she was already here… She glanced back—the others were still deep in conversation and probably wouldn’t notice them. Perfect. She’d have one drink and then leave.

 

 

“I see…”

 

 

Shen Xizhao drew out her words, and though Ji Qingyi wasn’t sure what she meant, she didn’t dwell on it. When the bartender approached, she ordered a Long Island Iced Tea, and Shen Xizhao asked for the same.

 

 

“Oh, you like this too?”

 

 

Ji Qingyi asked when she heard the other order the same drink.

 

 

“Never had it before. I just wanted to try what you’re having.”

 

 

“…This one’s pretty strong, just so you know.”

 

 

Ji Qingyi ignored the deliberate undertone in Shen Xizhao’s words and quickly warned her instead.

 

 

“Is that so…”

 

 

Shen Xizhao fell silent for a moment before smiling and saying it should be fine.

 

 

Well, she’d already given the warning—what happened next wasn’t her problem. Ji Qingyi didn’t press further and pulled out her phone again while waiting for the drinks. This time, there were no new messages. She swiped up and down a few times, but no red notification dots appeared.

 

 

The bartender soon returned with two identical drinks. He seemed about to strike up a conversation, but after catching Shen Xizhao’s gaze, he wisely retreated.

 

 

“Doesn’t taste like alcohol at all.”

 

 

Shen Xizhao took a sip and sounded puzzled.

 

 

“That’s how this drink is—very sweet, but it’s actually pretty strong.”

 

 

Ji Qingyi downed half her glass in one go before responding. She kept staring at her chat window, but there were still no new messages.

 

 

“So there are drinks like this… Not bad…”

 

 

Shen Xizhao suddenly chuckled, sending an inexplicable chill down Ji Qingyi’s spine. She put her phone away and turned to look at her.

 

 

“You don’t drink much?”

 

 

“I’ve had alcohol, but not often. Never anything this… new?”

 

 

“New?”

 

 

Ji Qingyi was confused. What was new about it? It was a pretty common cocktail.

 

 

“Are you drunk?”

 

 

Shen Xizhao lowered her head. Half her drink was already gone, and Ji Qingyi couldn’t see her expression. Worried she might be getting tipsy and cause trouble, Ji Qingyi leaned in to check her face.

 

 

Still couldn’t see anything. All she noticed was Shen Xizhao lightly licking the rim of her glass—a gesture that only made her seem even more peculiar.

 

 

“Stop drinking.”

 

 

 

Ji Qingyi gave Shen Xizhao’s shoulder a gentle shake. After a moment, the other person straightened up and turned to look at her, then suddenly leaned in close before she could even react.

 

 

Shen Xizhao stared directly at Ji Qingyi. When their gazes met, Ji Qingyi froze, her pupils contracting slightly in an instant as she looked back.

 

 

“Ji Qingyi.”

 

 

She suddenly heard a familiar voice call her name.

 

 

Stiffly raising her head slightly, her gaze traveled past Shen Xizhao’s curly hair, and Ji Qingyi saw Wen Yuchuan standing in the shadows.