200 - Cinderella’s Dream: Together Forever

**Chapter 200: A Thorny Encounter in the First District** Chen Wan fixed her gaze on Yuan Jie, frowning. "The First District is not like other places. It has strict rules and regulations. While soldiers must adhere to these rules, they also have the authority to deal with situations as they see fit. Pretending to be someone’s relative is strictly prohibited here." Yuan Jie, noticing Chen Wan's unfriendly demeanor, instantly adopted an authoritative attitude reminiscent of pre-apocalyptic hierarchies. "What's your problem? We came here because we heard that the First District isn’t much different from the wasteland. Besides, I am indeed Qi Jing's boyfriend. Oh, I get it. Has Qi Jing found someone new and is trying to ditch me and my mom?" Wei Siyu quietly approached Qi Jing and asked in a low voice, "What's going on? Do you know this guy?" Qi Jing frowned and replied, "I’ve only met him once. If he hadn't introduced himself, I would've forgotten his name." Hearing Qi Jing's words, Wei Siyu was somewhat relieved. She whispered, "Do you want me to take care of this trouble for you?" Qi Jing looked at Wei Siyu, unsure of what she intended to do, but nodded nonetheless. With Qi Jing’s approval, Wei Siyu gently wrapped her left arm around Qi Jing's waist, focusing her gaze on the troublesome mother and son. "Qi Jing is my girlfriend. We've been together since the apocalypse began. Where did you two come from to stir up trouble?" "So, Qi Jing, you've left me for someone else? Fine, I had planned on marrying you because I liked you so much, and now you've gone and gotten with this woman without my consent?" Yuan Jie, upon hearing that Qi Jing was with someone else, became even more agitated, raising his voice. "Exactly! After being with my son, you still ditch him for others. You're no good!" chimed in Yuan Jie's mother, Qiu Fang, supporting her son's words. Chen Wan's expression turned icy as she glared at Qiu Fang. "Why? At your wits' end and resorting to insults?" Seeing Chen Wan's cold gaze, Yuan Jie, worried about his mother being at a disadvantage, quickly stood in front of her and stubbornly retorted, "What do you mean? Does the military want to resort to violence?" Chen Wan, who had been holding back from the moment she stood there, punched Yuan Jie in the face with just half her strength, still causing him to spit blood. "What are you doing hitting my son? I'll fight you! Look, everyone, the military's attacking people!" Qiu Fang rushed at Chen Wan, only to be flung aside. "Do you think the First District is your playground where you can cause a scene as you please? Take them to the detention center for five days. If they're still unruly after that, expel them from the district," Chen Wan declared coldly. "Yes, ma'am." With Chen Wan's orders, the soldiers acted immediately, disdaining such disruptive behavior and dragging the duo towards the detention center. Yuan Jie was in too much pain to speak, while Qiu Fang continued to scream. Chen Wan coldly stated, "Say one more word, and you'll be kicked out immediately." Seeing her son with a bloodied mouth and recalling the chaos outside, Qiu Fang dared not utter another word. They had struggled to reach the First District and couldn't afford to leave so easily. Watching the troublesome duo being led away, Qi Jing's ears turned slightly red. She awkwardly said to Wei Siyu, "They're gone. You can let go now." Wei Siyu quickly released her grip on Qi Jing's waist, blushing as she explained, "I just wanted them to believe we were together, not to take advantage of you. Please don't be mad." "I'm not mad. I still have to finish registering people. You go back with Chen Wan first." Qi Jing glanced at Wei Siyu and then looked away shyly. Seeing the two chatting animatedly, Chen Wan smiled and said to Wei Siyu, "Stay with Qi Jing then. I'll head back. My little Yangyang must be missing me." With that, Chen Wan left quickly, not wanting to intrude on the budding relationship. She was no longer the naive girl who would shy away from such situations. Wei Siyu watched Chen Wan's hurried departure with a smile, turning to Qi Jing, "She’s gone. Let me help you. We can head back together later." Li Xiaoxiao and Kang Wan exchanged glances, then distanced themselves to give the pair some space. Given Wei Siyu's offer, Qi Jing had no choice but to agree. Wei Siyu took charge of questioning, while Qi Jing recorded the information. With only a dozen people left, they swiftly completed the registration. Wei Siyu helped Qi Jing and her team move the tables into a nearby shop, locking the doors. They’d continue from the same spot tomorrow. Li Xiaoxiao quickly winked at Kang Wan, telling Qi Jing, "We're off to the trade center to buy some stuff. You guys head off without us." "Hey..." Qi Jing wanted to join them, but they disappeared in a flash. Wei Siyu, walking beside Qi Jing, chuckled, "Let’s go then." Qi Jing nodded. "Alright." She didn't have much choice; her companions had vanished, leaving her to return with Wei Siyu. Wei Siyu occasionally glanced at Qi Jing and then her hand by her side, smiling as she asked, "Did you have a girlfriend before the apocalypse?" Qi Jing hadn’t expected such a question. They weren't too familiar, usually chatting in groups, and this was their first time alone together. Her ears turned slightly red as she replied, "No, I was always busy with work and never met the right person." Wei Siyu’s eyes lit up. "Me neither. I've never had a girlfriend before. Qi Jing, how about we give it a try? With me around, even if that guy gets out, he can't bother you." Taken aback by Wei Siyu's straightforwardness, Qi Jing’s cheeks turned a deep red as she stammered, "Isn't this a bit too fast?" After all, they'd only known each other for a few months. "It's not too fast. In these times, who cares about such things? If you feel even a bit fond of me, why not give it a try?" Wei Siyu looked at Qi Jing expectantly, adding, "If you’re not interested, we can still be friends." Blushing furiously, Qi Jing admitted she wasn't adept at relationships, but she did like Wei Siyu. Instinctively, she nodded. Excited, Wei Siyu took Qi Jing's hand, having wanted to do so earlier but hesitating. Now that Qi Jing agreed, she promptly held her hand. Qi Jing was even more flustered, not expecting hand-holding to happen so soon. She coughed lightly, "Isn't it early for holding hands?" "Given the apocalypse, we should treasure our time, skipping unnecessary steps," Wei Siyu reasoned while holding Qi Jing's soft, delicate hand. All the way back, Wei Siyu kept holding Qi Jing's hand. As they reached Qi Jing’s residence at Building 76, Qi Jing, her ears tinged red, reminded her, "We've arrived. You can let go now." "I need to see Chen Wan anyway, let me hold it a bit longer." Wei Siyu held on, guiding Qi Jing towards Building 76. In the stairwell, Wei Siyu reluctantly released Qi Jing's hand, saying, "We're off tomorrow, no need for supply runs. I’ll come over and help." "No need. Enjoy your rest at home; it's been a hard-earned break," Qi Jing urged, wanting Wei Siyu to relax after her tough tasks. Wei Siyu smiled, "It's fine. It'll be nice to spend more time with you tomorrow." Chen Wan, hearing the conversation from afar while holding a child, opened the door laughing, seeing Wei Siyu and Qi Jing talking outside. Puzzled, Chen Wan asked, "Why not come inside? What’s up?" The child echoed, "What’s up?" prompting laughter from Wei Siyu and Qi Jing. Wei Siyu patted the child's cheeks, smiled, and said, "Just visiting the little one. Is that okay?" The child nodded eagerly, reaching out for Wei Siyu, "Okay!" With the child in her arms, Wei Siyu and Chen Wan went inside. Curious, Chen Wan asked Wei Siyu, "What's up with you coming over again? You didn't mention needing anything." Wei Siyu squeezed the child's hand and replied, "I'm here to learn from you two, seeking advice on winning someone's heart." Chen Wan perked up, the gossip-lover in her eager, as she sat beside Wei Siyu, "Oh? When did you two get together? Is it serious?" Smiling, Wei Siyu explained, "Just earlier. Qi Jing agreed to give us a try. I need to step up my game." Yi Yi and Qin Ke, overhearing the conversation in the living room, decided to join in the fun. "What's going on? Who's with whom?" Qin Ke asked eagerly. "You've got sharp ears to catch that," Chen Wan chuckled lightly, teasing her. "Of course, I always focus on the key details. Tell us more," Qin Ke urged impatiently. "Siyu is trying to pursue Qi Jing and wants some advice from us veterans," Chen Wan replied with a knowing look, conveniently forgetting how she used to insist she was straight to Jiang Yanxin just over six months ago. "Then you've asked the right people. We’re experts at keeping our girlfriends happy," Qin Ke chimed in with a smile. "Oh, I have some study materials in my optical brain. Want me to transfer some to your tablet? It could help you learn," Yi Yi suggested, jumping into the conversation. "Isn't your material a bit too intense? They're just starting out. I worry Siyu might be overwhelmed," Chen Wan said with a light cough, sounding concerned. "What's so intense about it? Sooner or later, she'll need to know. It's all for her girlfriend's happiness," Yi Yi replied, matter-of-factly. Wei Siyu found herself intrigued. The earnest way Yi Yi was discussing it suggested she might have some useful tips on romance and creating a romantic atmosphere. Enthusiastic, she said, "Great, thank you so much, Yi Yi. There’s a lot I still don’t understand!" --- No pop-up ads on our website. Permanent domain (xbanxia.com)