Sheng Qi watched her flustered expression, then turned his head to look out the window, a faint, barely perceptible smile flickering in his eyes.
The awkward attempt at sweet talk failed, and Bai Tang turned her head to stare out the window in silence for half a minute.
"Beauty, why were you angry today?" Bai Tang tilted her head, looking at him like a curious child.
If there weren't a hint of slyness glinting in her eyes, he might have thought she was seriously asking him that question.
Giving her a cool glance, Sheng Qi didn't answer.
Undeterred, Bai Tang pressed on: "Beauty, are you afraid of losing such an adorable, charming, beautiful, generous, smart, kind, and talented Tangtang, who's got both looks and brains, right?"
Sheng Qi stared at her expressionlessly. "Next time, could you not pile so many modifiers on yourself?"
"Beauty, you're changing the subject. Please answer my question directly." Bai Tang stared at him, smiling with mock seriousness.
Sheng Qi shot her a look like she was an idiot, then haughtily and coldly averted his gaze.
Bai Tang laughed happily. "There's a word called 'default,' and I think that's exactly what you're doing right now, Beauty."
Sheng Qi gave her a chilly look for her to interpret on her own.
Bai Tang chuckled. "I get it, you're just being contrary!"
Sheng Qi took a deep breath, said nothing, but the hand at his side clenched and unclenched, then clenched again.
Amid the unrestrained, joyful laughter of the girl beside him, Sheng Qi finally let his hand relax.
The sound of rain outside mingled with the girl's crisp laughter. For the first time, Sheng Qi felt that a rainy night wasn't so detestable.
The heavy rain showed no sign of letting up even after an hour. Sheng Qi checked the time, remembering she had class the next day, and said, "Come on, let's head back."
Bai Tang followed him out but teased, "And there goes another chance to be alone with Beauty in a room, just the two of us. Sigh..."
Sheng Qi ignored her dramatics and theatrics, striding ahead.
Because of the heavy rain, Sheng Qi drove very slowly the whole way, at half his usual speed.
Bai Tang couldn't help but complain: "Beauty, honestly, I walk faster than you drive."
Sheng Qi's grip on the steering wheel tightened a few notches as he said darkly, "Want me to stop so you can get out and walk?"
Bai Tang coughed lightly, looking at him ingratiatingly. "I'm just trying to lighten the mood! You take your time, Beauty—stick to first gear, ease off the clutch, and don't hit the gas."
Sheng Qi gave her a cold glare, snorted, then stomped hard on the accelerator, the speed shooting up instantly.
Bai Tang lurched back, her head thumping against the seat.
Bai Tang: "..."
What a temper!
Tsk, tsk, tsk...
In less than ten minutes, the car pulled up steadily at the villa's entrance.
Bai Tang grinned. "Beauty, you're amazing, we're here so fast! I was hoping to spend a little more time with you..."
"Get out." Sheng Qi cut her off, reaching into the back seat to grab an umbrella and tossing it at her.
Bai Tang: "..."
Not even appeased yet, and she'd already pissed him off again.
As Bai Tang got out, umbrella in hand, and stood up straight, Sheng Qi's car sped off without a trace, splashing water all over her pants.
Bai Tang took a deep breath, forced a smile, and said in a very boss-like tone, "I'll spoil you!"
Opening the door and stepping inside, Bai Tang had just placed her hand on the light switch when she sensed a hint of danger.
"Snap!"
All the living room lights came on. Bai Tang slowly lowered her hand, her gaze landing on the group of people standing in the living room.
She walked over to them calmly, a playful smile curling at the corners of her lips. "So many people—are you all here to gang up on me?"