Saving the Heartthrob Frenemy-Chapter 652: Love rivals everywhere
After an hour of listening to the professor, Qie Xieling’s torment finally came to an end. "Don’t forget your assignment is due next week. If you have any questions check the time slots on my calendar to know when I am in the office.
The students barely heard that part. They were excitedly packing away their notes ready to leave campus. Qie Xieling took out his cell phone checking on his messages.
The family group chat was quite active but he scrolled past it because he knew they were talking about him and Luo Muchen.
Bo Ailun was wailing about having two more classes after this. Qie Xieling typed out a response but before he could send it a strong floral scent that could stick to your clothes just by proximity assailed his senses.
He looked up and sure enough, Jinjing was sitting next to him looking at him with a sullen expression. Qie Xieling could understand her depressed mood but this had nothing to do with him. He had been clear from the beginning that he wasn’t interested in her but people on the forum and the department kept shipping them together. He told her not to take it to heart but she probably didn’t take his advice.
Now that she knew he had a boyfriend her feelings were obviously hurt but it wasn’t his responsibility. The students around deliberately delayed so they could listen in on their conversation.
"Can... can we talk," she said and Qie Xieling sighed as he put his phone in his pocket. He felt it buzz but he just assumed it was Bo Ailun replying to him.
He packed away his tablet and stylus pen as he said, "Sure. I only have a few minutes to spare."
He slung his backpack over his shoulder and walked down the steps with Jinjing following behind him.
While walking out of the auditorium he could feel people’s eyes on them. He didn’t want to waste time with her so he said, "Let’s talk while walking." His steps were purposeful, yet unhurried, as he walked towards the private parking lot he was now paying for. It had restricted access hence no one would mess with his car anymore.
"I was thinking... maybe we could grab some coffee and talk properly," she suggested her voice barely audible.
Qie Xieling’s brows creased slightly as he shook his head gently. "I really can’t. I have somewhere to be. But like I said we can talk while we walk?"
She felt her disappointment weighing heavy in her stomach but she masked it with a nod. "Sure," she agreed though her spirits had dampened. She really thought they could sit down and talk but Qie Xieling was hell-bent on getting rid of her.
As they walked side by side, the distance between them felt like miles. He was within arm’s length but it felt like he was unattainable and far removed from her.
Jinjing finally gathered her courage, the words she had rehearsed a thousand times in her mind now sitting on the tip of her tongue. "Qie Xieling, I know I have said this before, but... I really like you. More than just a friend," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. She knew he was taken. Everyone knew he was taken but she wanted him to know how she felt.
Qie Xieling’s expression softened with empathy, but his response was firm. "You’re amazing, and any guy would be lucky to have you. But I am sure you have heard by now that I have a boyfriend. I am sorry but what I said before still stands."
She lowered her head trying to hold back the tears. Qie Xieling had already told her that he wasn’t interested but she was very hopeful. Everyone also thought they were perfect for each other. Even the head of the department would assign them to the same group all the time in an attempt to bring them together. There were groups in a forum dedicated to shipping them and she might have let that get into her head. She really believed she would change his mind.
"I know... I just wanted to let you know how I feel. I love you," she said her eyes red looking like she was going to break down into tears.
Qie Xieling ran his fingers through his hair feeling a little frustrated. She was a stunning girl so why was she hanging on this tree when there were plenty of fish in the sea?
"I understand but you have to let those feelings go because it’s futile. I have already said it before," he said struggling to hide his irritation. The two fell into an awkward silence for a moment as they kept walking. She bit her lower lip her tears now rolling down her cheeks. She wiped them away hastily as she came up with a response but before she even had a chance to reply, they reached the parking lot. There, leaning against Qie Xieling’s car with a storm brewing in his dark eyes, was Luo Muchen. He had messaged Qie Xieling after his class was over but his man hadn’t responded. As to how he knew he was out of class? It was because Qie Xieling gave him his entire class schedule. He had a driver drive him over here so he could pick up Qie Xieling. Who would have thought he would have company with him and she was a very beautiful girl too.
He had seen her name mentioned on the forum before and the posts always attached her to Qie Xieling’s name. He thought that after everyone found out that they were dating they would all back off but he was wrong. His boyfriend was walking with a girl whose eyes were red like she had been crying. For those who didn’t know the full story, they would think he was bullying a weak and pitiful woman.
His gaze shifted from Qie Xieling to Jinjing and back again, a silent accusation in the set of his jaw.
Qie Xieling’s steps faltered when he saw Luo Muchen waiting for him. He quickly recovered the irritation on his face vanishing completely.
He quickened his pace his eyes lighting up like a Christmas tree. He wanted to reach out and pull him into his arms but he restrained himself. He didn’t want to embarrass Luo Muchen.
"You are here to pick me up," he said, his voice low but his smile infectious. He was completely different from Qie Xieling who was talking to Jinjing before.
Qie Xieling sensed something amiss. Luo Muchen’s expression was guarded, his eyes flashing with a hint of an unknown emotion.
