Tang Tang sighed and told her mother the story of what had happened recently. Her mother was also sad to hear it. "This child is truly pitiful. Let her go if she wants to. You can go and see her when you have time."
"I will, Mom."
"But if her feelings are hurt, at least her career is advancing. You don't have to worry about your job, so you should put more effort into your love life." Her mother suddenly changed the subject, leaving Tang Tang a little flustered.
"Last time I saw you two go out, it seemed to be going well. Why haven't you contacted Xiao Feng recently?"
"Mom, what are you talking about?"
"I heard Xin Xin say when you came back that you had a good time. What's the matter, are you still pretending not to be happy in front of me?"
Fine, if Shi Xin Xin wasn't on a business trip, Tang Tang would have loved to drag her in front of her for a good interrogation. She had sold herself out as soon as she returned. Truly, she had made a bad choice in friends.
"You just returned to the country recently. If you need any help, let Xiao Feng help you more. Let Xin Xin rest well."
Her mother smiled and left the room. Shi Xin Xin's departure made her a little worried about her, but now she could use various excuses to urge her daughter to spend more time with Xiao Feng, which was also good.
Perhaps it was a coincidence, but not long after Tang Tang's mother left the room, Tang Tang was glumly eating fruit when Xiao Feng called.
"Are you free recently?" Hearing this, Tang Tang thought that her mother had definitely gone to report to him. She replied testily, "What is it? Something else?"
"Oh, you're so fiery. I'll take you out to cool down."
"What do you mean?"
Xiao Feng didn't mind her sudden temper. He took a deep breath and said slowly, "That's right, your mother called me. She said Shi Xin Xin went to another city and hoped I could keep you company during this time."
Hearing this, Tang Tang was very angry. Why did her mother tell him everything? She was practically betraying her own child.
"She said you just returned to the country and haven't met many people here. Shi Xin Xin is your only good friend, and now that she's gone to another city, you must be very sad. Since I'm someone your aunt trusts, she hopes I can accompany you."
Even so, Shi Xin Xin was indeed her best friend. It was natural to be sad when she left. Her mother's actions were indeed well-intentioned, but she was still very angry at being sold out so quickly.
Xiao Feng could sense Tang Tang's unhappiness on the phone. He changed his tone.
"I know you don't like me, but now, you understand the elders' intentions. I won't force you into anything."
"I know that..." Tang Tang felt a little embarrassed. This was something that both families were forcing on the children, and she couldn't blame Xiao Feng.
"If you stay at home, your mother will pester you every day to find me. Why don't you come with me to Dali? I'll show you the beautiful mountains and clear waters in China. It'll be a way to relax and you won't be pressured by your mother anymore."
Xiao Feng proactively considered things from her perspective.
"It's indeed very annoying to be constantly pressured by parents at home. After we go out a few times, you can come back and tell her that we're not compatible. Even if she doesn't believe it, she'll have to."
As expected, Xiao Feng's method worked, and Tang Tang was moved by what he said.
Moreover, it was strange. Just two days ago, Tang Tang had lamented the freedom of life abroad, often sunbathing on the beach. After returning to China, she hadn't been in the water for a long time.
She heard that Erhai Lake in Dali was very beautiful, Cangshan Mountain was also picturesque, and there was even a rhododendron valley. It seemed like a good place to relax.
Coupled with the fact that Xiao Feng's reasoning made sense, it was better to go out with Xiao Feng than to be constantly nagged by her mother at home. At worst, they could just go their separate ways.
Tang Tang still refused to admit it in her heart, but she had actually accepted her mother's arrangement. In fact, the previous homestay had already given Xiao Feng enough confidence.
If they went out again, Shi Xin Xin wouldn't hate him much. Instead, their relationship would only become closer. This forced marriage by their parents had unexpectedly become a powerful tool for him.
"Alright then, but it's agreed. Once we get to Dali, we'll go our separate ways and not interfere with each other. Don't think you'll have a chance just because we're in another city. No way."
Tang Tang threatened. Xiao Feng chuckled on the other end of the phone and replied, "Okay, okay, you call the shots. We'll go together, and then we'll go our separate ways. We'll just pretend we went out for the elders."
"Okay, it's a deal. Should my secretary book the tickets and accommodation? Or will you find your own hotel?"
"Of course, we'll book together." Tang Tang immediately got anxious. "If the parents find out we're not staying in the same hotel, they'll know we're playing separately. Are you deliberately trying to trap me?"
"No, no, I was just asking your opinion. Then let the secretary book it."
"Okay, then it's settled. Bye." Tang Tang hung up the phone decisively. Shi Xin Xin had just left, and she felt a huge void in her heart. Before she knew how to fill it, her mother had already thrust a bunch of messy things at her.
It was this Xiao Feng again. Tang Tang didn't know how highly her mother thought of him. But for some reason, she was a little looking forward to this trip. She hoped it would be tomorrow morning soon, so she could go shopping at the supermarket, prepare everything, and then set off.
She was still in her bedroom, but her heart already felt the sea breeze from Erhai Lake on her face.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Xiao Feng hung up the phone and pondered for a while. He really couldn't figure out this girl.
He chose Dali because a few days ago, when he was looking at his social media feed, he had just seen Tang Tang's wish to go into the water. As Tang Tang's good friend, he had also been quietly paying attention to Shi Xin Xin.
He knew about the recent events at Shi Xin Xin's company, but he hadn't interfered too much, only quietly observing Tang Tang's reactions. Clearly, Shi Xin Xin hadn't told her anything.
However, he was also surprised that she suddenly went on a business trip to another city today. But no matter what, he had a subsidiary in H City. He could find an excuse for a business trip and invite Tang Tang along.
As long as they spent more time together, Xiao Feng didn't believe he wouldn't have any chance.
After Xiao Feng finished speaking with his secretary, he only asked her to book the flight tickets and hotels, and he would handle the rest himself, including planning the itinerary.
Although Tang Tang refused on the phone and decided they would play separately, judging by their trip to the suburbs last time, Tang Tang still had some princess-like temperaments.