Chapter 57: A Collision Occurred

“Oh no, this is terrible, someone’s trying to murder her own husband!” He Haoxuan cried out theatrically, letting Li Qingying’s dainty fists rain down on him.

With his thick skin and sturdy frame, no matter how much force she used, even ten times more, she couldn’t hurt him.

“Hmph, so you know fear now, don’t you? Hurry up and apologize to me.” At that moment, Li Qingying abandoned all trace of her ladylike demeanor, sitting astride He Haoxuan, her face brimming with triumph.

“No, a man must stand his ground. I said I won’t apologize, and I won’t.” With Li Qingying sitting on him like this, He Haoxuan felt something stir within him—an unfamiliar sensation, but one he found himself rather enjoying.

Suddenly, Li Qingying sensed that something was off and, realizing the ambiguous position they were in, let out a shriek and scrambled off, retreating several steps.

He Haoxuan’s eyes went wide—good heavens, he’d seen everything he should, and plenty he shouldn’t have.

Flustered, Li Qingying hastily adjusted her clothes and glared at him. “Shut your eyes, or I’ll dig them out.”

“All right, I’ll close my eyes right away,” He Haoxuan replied, though he was no fool—how could he not sneak a glance at his own wife?

“Hmph.” Li Qingying returned to her original seat, her heart still pounding from the scene moments before.

Suddenly, she asked, “He Haoxuan, have you taken your medicine?”

“Darling, have mercy on me,” He Haoxuan pleaded, pulling a face. “If I take any more, I’ll get a nosebleed again. I’m already so full of energy—I really can’t take any more tonics. If you really want me dead, just let me keep taking them.”

He Haoxuan knew that if Li Qingying told his father, he’d have no choice but to continue.

On reflection, Li Qingying realized he was right—after all, they hadn’t even shared a bed, so how could there be any prospect of a child? And He Haoxuan looked strong and healthy; he didn’t seem to have any issues in that regard. There was no need for him to take the medicine for now. Otherwise, he’d just end up with more nosebleeds, and she found herself a bit worried for him.

But wait, why am I worrying about him? In just over five months, we’ll be divorced. He’ll go his way, I’ll go mine, and we’ll have nothing more to do with each other.

As her thoughts drifted, her phone suddenly rang, the shrill ringing snapping her back to reality.

Li Qingying glanced at the caller ID—it was her mother. “Mom, aren’t you back yet?” She checked the time; it was already past eleven.

“Qingying, we got into an accident just as we were heading out onto the street,” Song Li replied, her voice mournful.

“What? Someone crashed into the BMW X7?” Li Qingying exclaimed in shock.

“No, it was our BMW X7 that hit someone else’s Mercedes,” Song Li said. “They want to call the police. What should I do? And I was drinking and driving.”

Li Qingying said urgently, “If that’s the case, just settle it privately with them.”

“I tried, but they’re demanding a million. Otherwise, they'll call the police.” Song Li was filled with regret. At first, she’d let Li Dong drive, but when she saw some old friends and wanted to show off, she moved into the driver’s seat herself. She’d planned to switch back after two blocks, but before they’d even made it that far, she’d crashed into someone.

“We’ll come over right away,” Li Qingying said.

She called He Haoxuan to go with her. She’d thought to drive Li Dong’s Highlander, but he’d taken the car keys, so they had no choice but to ride on He Haoxuan’s electric scooter.

“How is your scooter so fast?” Li Qingying asked, sitting behind him.

He Haoxuan grinned. “It’s a great bike, and with a great driver like me, it’s even better.”

“Oh, stop boasting! Just hurry up or my mother will be frantic.” Li Qingying was furious with her mother—how could she drink and drive?

By the time they arrived, a crowd had already gathered. Song Li, ever resourceful, had tried to turn the situation around, claiming that she hadn’t been driving—it was Li Dong. Even if the other party called the police, she wasn’t afraid now.

The other party consisted of three young men—not the rough sort, but with faces that brooked no nonsense. “You shameless woman, since you want to play games, we’ll just call the police. Let’s see what you do then.”

“So what?” Song Li retorted loudly. “My husband was driving, and he wasn’t drinking. I’ve got nothing to fear.”

Earlier, when trapped in the car by the three men, she’d begged them desperately. Later, she’d claimed she needed to use the restroom to get away, and now the situation was different. A million was sheer extortion.

When Li Qingying arrived, Song Li called out, “Just in time! You’re a high-up at Bailei Group—you know a lot of people. Let’s see if they dare act up now!”

“Bailei Group?” The three young men sneered. “Just a tiny company, and you act all high and mighty.”

Song Li had just been bragging to them about how powerful her daughter was and threatened that if they were smart, they’d take ten thousand and leave, or else they’d be in real trouble.

“You call us a small company? Let me tell you, Bailei Group is worth two hundred million now! And this is a BMW X7, worth several hundred thousand!” Song Li boasted.

“Hmph, so your car is worth hundreds of thousands—ours isn’t?” One of the young men snapped. “We were just out for a late-night snack and ended up being hit by you. If you don’t want to settle, fine, we’ll call the police. And just so you know, we’ve got video of you driving.”

Song Li’s face changed at once; her arrogance evaporated. “Gentlemen, let’s talk this over. We were in the wrong. Just tell us how much the repairs will cost and we’ll pay, or we can call the dealership—you’ll get your money.”

Li Qingying nodded. “That sounds reasonable. Even if it’s a Mercedes, you can’t just ask whatever you want.”

But behind her, He Haoxuan shook his head. “Darling, this model of Mercedes isn’t cheap. Repairs could easily run into the hundreds of thousands. Asking for a million is steep, but not entirely unreasonable.”

They’d gone out full of good cheer and got hit—by a drunk driver, no less. Of course they’d want more.

Song Li was furious at this and snapped, “He Haoxuan, you useless wretch! I called you here to help, not to sabotage me. Get lost—I don’t want to see you again!”

“Mom, don’t say that. They’ve got video of you driving. This is a big problem,” Li Qingying said anxiously.

Song Li wilted at this; she dared not act tough any longer.

Just then, a voice called from behind, “Gangzi, what’s going on here?”

The three young men immediately looked sheepish. “Brother Tong, sorry—we borrowed your car for a late-night snack and ended up getting hit by that drunk woman. She said she had powerful connections, so we called you over. But it turns out, they’re just from Bailei Group—nothing to be afraid of.”