Rapid Collapse (GL) - Chapter 59

Shen Xi sat in the lounge for a while before hearing the sound of high heels outside. The hurried footsteps sounded like Han Ning. Just as she stood up to confirm, Han Ning appeared at the door.

They looked at each other, speechless and choked with emotions.

Han Ning’s eyes were still red, shimmering with tears.

She hadn’t expected Shen Xi to be waiting for her in the lounge. Though she was upset, she wasn’t unreasonable. She figured Shen Xi must have had a difficult reason for wanting to explain.

“Ning Ning… you’ve been crying?” Shen Xi walked over and held her hand, guilt written in her eyes. In her memory, Han Ning was like a fierce little lion, rarely showing her vulnerability, let alone breaking down in tears on such an important night.

“Are you proud of yourself?” Han Ning wiped her tears and snapped at her before walking straight to the sofa, turning away.

“Okay, okay, it’s my fault. I should have told you in advance… I was too confident, thinking I could predict Nie Lan’s intentions…” Shen Xi sat across from her, cupping Han Ning’s face in her hands and gently stroking her cheek. Han Ning didn’t move, staring at her with a wounded look but saying nothing.

“Time is short. Are you really going to stay mad at me like this?” Shen Xi softened her tone. “We rarely get to see each other…”

Shen Xi told her the truth: “Luckily, I saw your fan page’s post on Weibo, or I wouldn’t have known you were coming to this brand event. I thought I wouldn’t get to see you, but then… all of this happened.” She sighed. “Ning Ning, I missed you so much…”

Her tone carried a hint of a pout as she gently apologized, admitting she had acted rashly and lost control of the situation.

Han Ning thought about it—Shen Xi did have her reasons.

Besides, how could she stay mad when her dear wife was acting so sweet?

In an instant, her anger vanished. She turned the tables, cupping Shen Xi’s face and peppering her with quick kisses like a little chick pecking at rice. Shen Xi laughed helplessly, pushing her away. “Stop, stop—mmph!”

After a long, intense kiss, both were left breathless.

Han Ning licked her lips, recharged and full of energy. Finally, she got to the point.

“After spending all these days with Nie Lan… you should know what I want to ask, right?”

Her gaze sharpened as she looked at Shen Xi. “Did anything… inappropriate happen between you two?”

Shen Xi panicked, stammering, “Uh… at most, just hugging…”

“Really?” Han Ning was doubtful.

“Yeah…” Shen Xi’s words weren’t entirely honest. She thought to herself, If Han Ning knew I touched Nie Lan’s chest, she’d probably burn her house down on a dark night.

Nie Lan wasn’t worth Han Ning turning into a criminal.

“You slept together?” Han Ning gritted her teeth.

“Uh… yeah… it was unavoidable…” Shen Xi lowered her voice, practically burying her head in her chest.

Han Ning understood Shen Xi’s situation, but she still felt a little stifled. She pinched the bridge of her nose to calm herself and muttered, “Tomorrow morning, I’m finding A-Tian. I’m dragging him to his master. I can’t take this anymore! I have to bring you back!”

“Ning Ning, thank you.” Shen Xi hugged her and whispered, “I made this decision on my own, but I won’t do it again…”

“I know. I was angry just now, but deep down, I know… you’d never betray me.” Han Ning finished speaking and gave her a few more kisses.

After a bit more cuddling, Shen Xi said, “The banquet is almost over. I need to find a place to sit so Nie Lan can spot me.”

Han Ning felt uneasy but had no choice but to let her go. She was certain of one thing—no matter what, Shen Xi’s heart belonged to her.

After they parted, Shen Xi went to the lobby to wait. Everyone had to pass through the lobby when leaving, so Nie Lan was bound to see her.

Sure enough, before long, Nie Lan appeared. She spotted Shen Xi, sitting with her chin in her hand, staring at the street outside. Feeling pleased, she thought, Of course. Shen Xi has no money or power. Even if she’s unwilling, she can’t escape my grasp.

She walked over, her eyes cold. “What are you doing here?”

“Thinking about life,” Shen Xi replied sarcastically. “I’m wondering how I managed to ruin both my relationships. Is it my fate to be lonely forever?”

She remained in her pose, not looking at Nie Lan, and continued, “Back there, didn’t I look like a complete clown?”

Then, she stood up and met Nie Lan’s gaze. “Do you know what that feels like?”

Nie Lan smirked. “Han Ning left right after you did. Don’t tell me you two didn’t meet and catch up?”

“That’s your view of love—keeping ties with exes.” Shen Xi narrowed her eyes with a knowing smile. Then, as if struck by realization, she added, “Wait… does that mean you’ve been secretly meeting your exes? Maybe even having dinner, drinks… and sleeping with them?”

“Shen Xi…” Nie Lan probed, her tone cautious. “You know this hotel has surveillance cameras everywhere except the bathrooms, right?”

“Don’t change the subject,” Shen Xi smiled. “Aren’t we talking about you? You think everyone’s like you, keeping strings attached. But my belief is different. A breakup happens for a reason—a reason that’s unforgivable. I swear, I have never kept ties with an ex, and I have never betrayed the person I was with. If I have…” She pointed to the bustling street outside, her eyes firm. “Then may I be hit by a car the moment I step out.”

Nie Lan lowered her head, silent, seeming to waver. Seizing the moment, Shen Xi grabbed her wrist. “Come on!”

“Where?” Nie Lan was confused, completely thrown off.

“You want to check the surveillance, right? Let’s go together!” Shen Xi wasn’t afraid—she knew there were no cameras in the lounge hallway.

Besides, Nie Lan cared too much about her reputation. Checking surveillance to see if her girlfriend had secretly met her ex? That would be like announcing to the world she was insecure.

And Shen Xi was right. Nie Lan was vain and proud, unwilling to let anyone see her weaknesses. Just like when Han Ning first rose to fame—Nie Lan had tried to win her over, only to be repeatedly ignored and humiliated. That was how their rivalry started.

“Wait, baby, what are you doing?” Seeing Shen Xi determinedly dragging her forward, Nie Lan panicked. She quickly switched to a sweet smile, trying to defuse the situation. In the crowded hotel lobby, their struggle drew attention.

“Let’s go home, okay?” Nie Lan coaxed.

“Go home? Weren’t you eager to check the cameras? Come on, let’s go!” Though Shen Xi said this, she stopped moving, deciding to ease up. After all, she still had to stay by Nie Lan’s side for a few more days.

“I was joking… You know how women in love get—jealous, possessive… It just means I care about you,” Nie Lan softened, leading her away. Shen Xi followed with a huff.

“Tch…”

“Don’t be mad, baby. It was my mistake. I won’t doubt you again, okay?” Nie Lan buckled Shen Xi into the car, still smiling.

Shen Xi crossed her arms and closed her eyes. “This is the last time. If you do it again, I won’t hold back.”

Their relationship returned to normal. That night, Shen Xi used the argument to her advantage—Nie Lan no longer doubted her. She even insisted on sleeping in a separate room as “punishment.” Nie Lan had no choice but to comply.

Alone in her room, Shen Xi logged into her game account. Seeing Han Ning online, she grinned.

She clicked Han Ning’s profile and sent a message:
[Ning Ning, Nie Lan was scared off by my tantrum. She won’t suspect me anymore. I didn’t sleep in the same room with her tonight. What about you? Are you leaving tomorrow?]
Han Ning’s phone beeped on her desk.

She always left her game account running at night, just in case Shen Xi messaged her.

Today was no different. She was packing food for her trip when she saw the message.

Smiling, she replied:
[You’re so clingy now? Impressive~]

[Yeah, I’m heading to Jiuhua Mountain tomorrow morning. It’ll take about three days.]

She hesitated, then sent another message: [I want to sleep with my wifey Xi Xi~]

Shen Xi’s eyes darkened slightly. She thought about their time together—eating, sleeping, working side by side. It had been peaceful and comforting.

[We will.] Shen Xi sent back two simple words.

“We definitely will,” Han Ning murmured confidently.

After saying goodnight, she finished packing and set off early the next morning with A-Tian.

The drive from Lingchao to Jiuhua Mountain took eight or nine hours, crossing three provinces. The scenery was endless, but Han Ning couldn’t focus—her heart was filled with uncertainty.

What if Zhong Kai refused to help? He had retired from the world, seeking peace in Jiuhua Mountain, clearly wanting no part in any conflicts.

She felt pessimistic.

Noticing her gloomy expression, A-Tian spoke up, “Sister Ning, don’t worry. Your problem is my problem. If my master refuses, I’ll just…” He glanced around and then patted his knee. “I’ll kneel at the door until he agrees!” He even let out a goofy laugh.

“…I just hope it goes smoothly,” Han Ning murmured softly.