The CEO’s Dancing Wife – Part Two

The mention of “your Liu Yi” pricked Song Li, and he could only force a smile without saying anything. The mother noticed a forlorn look in his eyes, her heart stirred, and she gently grasped Song Li’s hand, her voice soft as water, “My child, that Tang Xiaofu, haven’t you found her yet?” Song Li’s wedding was one where his mother had not attended because she did not want to see the Song family. She knew her son had married a stranger he had never met before, for the sake of the new Song family, and had been mocked and criticized. Thus, she had hardly ever asked him about it, fearing to reopen old wounds. It wasn’t until not long ago when Song Li, drunk, staggered to her place and cried in her arms like a little child. Since Song Li was five, even during the forced separation of mother and son, or later when they reunited, she had never seen him cry. In her heart, this son was truly like a mountain, strong and majestic, shielding them from wind and rain; nothing in the world seemed too difficult for him, handling work issues as easily as cutting a head of cabbage; emotionally, Liu Yi was also wholeheartedly devoted to him, perhaps even more passionate and attentive than he was to her. So when she saw her son suddenly so vulnerable, heartbroken, it truly scared her. The next day, when Song Li sobered up, he returned to his usual calm and composed self. Unable to resist her inquiries, he briefly mentioned Tang Xiaofu’s situation. Essentially, he had meticulously used every commercial tactic at his disposal to deal with Tang Xiaofu, but when he finally drove her to divorce and disappear, he realized he might have feelings for her. Song Li’s heart ached when his mother mentioned Tang Xiaofu; it had been a long time since he last saw her. On the night of the “Battle of the Dancers,” Fang Junji appeared holding her after the lights came up, one looking triumphant as if holding the world’s treasure, the other shyly but seemingly secure in her newfound support. That scene was etched into his heart, unforgettable, and it still hurt to touch. Later, at a business cocktail party, he saw them together, looking like a match made in heaven, naturally attracting waves of admiration. He made an excuse to leave without meeting them, and since then, he avoided any events where Fang Junji might appear. Exhausted, Song Li shook his head; although he wanted to share every detail of his past with Tang Xiaofu with his mother, now was not the time, especially since his mother was in a good mood, and he did not want to affect it. So, he casually changed the topic, feigning lightness, “Mom, what’s the name of your little friend, and how old is she?” Seeing he did not want to talk, Song’s mother did not press, “She’s about the same age as Xiao Ying, her name is…” Just then, the doorbell rang. Song’s mother got up to open the door, “It must be Cheng Yu, Xiao Zhang can’t come so soon.” Song Li, preoccupied, did not catch much of what his mother said, just sat there lost in thought. Moments later, Song’s mother returned to the living room, laughing, “Li, look who’s here, I thought you two had planned this?” The graceful figure entering behind her was none other than Liu Yi. Seeing Song Li, she looked surprised, “Oh, Li, you’re here too, what a coincidence.” Song Li frowned slightly but soon smiled, “Oh, you’ve come.” Liu Yi turned back, holding Song’s mother’s hand, smiling, “A few days ago, my dad went back to our hometown and brought back some local specialties. He knows auntie likes these things, so he urged me to bring them over. I’ve been busy recently, so I couldn’t find the time to visit you. How have you been feeling?” “I’m doing well, always on your mind,” Song’s mother took the items to the kitchen, “You could’ve just come without bringing anything, these should be for your dad to enjoy. You’ve come all this way carrying such heavy things, come in and sit down, rest for a bit!” Liu Yi sat next to Song Li, “Li, when did you arrive? What a coincidence today!” “Not long ago,” Song Li gave Liu Yi a brief glance, smiling, “Indeed very coincidental.” Liu Yi felt slightly uneasy, sensing something odd in Song Li’s smile. He had been avoiding her calls and was nowhere to be found, and today she had to put in a lot of effort to learn he was at his mother’s place, quickly preparing to come over, thankfully not missing him again. Liu Yi, with a look of affection, reached out to touch Song Li’s cheek, her voice soft, “Have you been very busy lately? You’ve lost weight.” Song Li grabbed Liu Yi’s fingers, his eyes on her but his face slightly turned away. Liu Yi’s face stiffened, turning from red to white, and they stared at each other in silence for a moment, her eyes slowly filling with tears, almost crying, “Li, what’s wrong with you? Do you now dislike me so much that you won’t even let me touch you?” Song Li’s expression remained indifferent, “What are you thinking? I’ve just been very busy lately.” He gently placed Liu Yi’s hand back on the sofa, patting it in a comforting manner. “But why don’t you answer my calls?” Liu Yi cried out in grievance, “Are you so busy that you can’t even find time for a call?” Seeing Song’s mother enter the living room, Liu Yi swallowed her words, turning away to wipe her eyes. Song’s mother, carrying two drinks, paused at the sight of the two, then sat down, pretending not to notice the tension. Liu Yi had been with Song Li for years; she thought she would surely become her daughter-in-law. Although she did not particularly like Liu Shiquan, Liu Yi herself was not problematic, beautiful, gentle, and though always polite rather than warm with her, what did that matter as long as her son liked her? But now… Song’s mother handed a drink to Liu Yi, “Here, Yi, have something to drink.” Liu Yi took the cup, forcing a smile at Song’s mother, and took a sip. Song’s mother saw the tears in Liu Yi’s eyes but acted as if nothing was wrong. Knowing Song Li’s current state of mind, she naturally felt he owed Liu Yi much, and remembering Liu Yi lost her mother young, although her father doted on her, the lack of a mother’s presence was still pitiful. Her heart softened, and she reached out to stroke Liu Yi’s hair, “Good child, Song Li is busy with work, you need to be more understanding.” Hearing these tender, comforting words, Liu Yi’s eyes reddened further, biting her lip to hold back tears that eventually fell into her cup, looking utterly pitiful. Song’s mother, realizing her attempt at comfort had caused tears, felt guilty, hastily handing her a tissue while giving Song Li a stern look, “Don’t be upset, auntie knows you’ve been wronged. Tell me, and I’ll stand up for you.”