STRAWBERRIES & CIGARETTES

CHAPTER 28

"How dare you go against my orders?"

The first words that filled his ears as soon as he stepped foot in his father's office

Chenle just stood blankly as he faced his father, his eyes glowering in disappointment. If the man's patience was really filled by then, Chenle could expect a slap or some random thing being thrown at him.

"How dare you treat Xifei like an extra girl?"

Because she is, Chenle wanted to say. Then, when he opened his mouth to actually spill some excuse, his father spoke again.

"Call her this instant."

"No", Chenle firmly answers.

"No?"

Chenle just keeps staring at him. Guoh's tone became more serious, dominant, and frightening.

Seeing his son's still disinterested face, Guoh scoffed, standing on his swivel chair as he walked towards his son, who couldn't seem to move from his spot.

"Don't disappoint me further, Chenle. If I hear someone say that you're having an affair with other girls again, you won't like what I can do."

"If we do love each other while my arrangement with Xifei isn't still official, is it considered an affair, dad?"

"Oh, so now you're really talking back?"

"Even if I do, my words are still useless for you. You will still push my marriage with Xifei even if I do have someone I genuinely love."

"No, you will leave that person this instant."

"No. And when I say no, it's a no, dad. You won't get anything decent from me. Pairing me with all the girls who came from a family that can benefit you is not such a fatherly thing at all. Even if you lock me in a room with Xifei, nothing will happen. She will be just a childhood friend.

"Well, she will be your fiancée. Soon to be wife. Soon to be the mother of your child. You will marry Xifei and conceive an heir."

"No"

"And I won't take no as an answer."

Sighing, Chenle just disinterestedly nodded and walked out of the office. He was approached by the secretary, yet after she could say something longer, he just dismissed her and went to the elevator.

As soon as he reached the ground floor, Chenle pulled out his phone and dialed the number he badly wanted to talk to.

🚬 🚬 🚬

The moment Chenle reached the living room, he was immediately pulled in for a hug.

With no hesitation, he tightened his embrace and buried his head on the crook of her neck, taking in her usual sweet strawberry perfume that never failed to make him calm.