The Devil who devoured Snow White

The man was wearing an impressive white tuxedo. He was holding a phone, looking as if he just ended a call. His hazel-brown ivy league haircut was styled to the side. He may not be on par with Yong Liwei's tall sculpture-like figure but he was still devastatingly handsome. Unlike the other man, Si Hongqi was like a radiating sun. His kind and yet eagle-like amber eyes never failed to captivate her. The affect he has on her was different, in ways she couldn't even describe. He has the appearance of an angel and yet she knew better what he really was: another devil in an angel's form. Yes, that was right, she knew how cruel this man could be. Another mix-bred of heaven and hell.

Si Hongqi was looking at her with widened eyes. It was really her. The surprised look on his face disappeared and was not replaced by confusion as he asked, "what are you doing here? Don't tell me you're…" he paused and took a closer step to her before he continued in a whispering tone this time, "man-hunting again?"

Lu Mengjie was about to reply but before she could even do so, she was pulled back by a strong hand, making her fall on her partner's broad chest.

"Mr. Si, it's nice to see you again," Yong Liwei's deep, icy voice was heard. 

Once again, Si Hongqi was surprised to see the face of the man who pulled her away out of his reach. Yong Liwei. Why was Lu Mengjie with him? Why was he… protecting her? He cast his eyes back to her, "Mengmeng?"

Lu Mengjie pouted. She was still bitter with his rejection after all. "I found a better man than you!"

"…" He heaved out a heavy sigh. Here we go again. He looked at the other man apologetically. "I'm sorry for the trouble she's causing you. Mengmeng can be persistent."

"I'm serious. I'm dating him now. He's my man." She huffed. She was kind of annoyed when she saw that he was not taking her seriously.

Hearing her words caused a small smile to play on his lips. Yong Liwei was pleased when he heard her words. "This woman is mine now," he confirmed.

Si Hongqi looked at them in disbelief. Mixed emotions filled his eyes until they became blank, hiding it all. "Have she told you about her other men?"

"Yes. I know it all."

He became quiet for a few seconds before a mysterious smile appeared on his lips. "Uncle, you are too old for her."

Si Hongqi's mother came from the Yong family. In fact, she was Yong Liwei's older sister so it was just right for him to address him as his 'uncle'.

"She doesn't care."

"That's because of your looks. You're handsome. Very attractive. Just like me."

"..." Lu Mengjie wanted to argue back but she couldn't think of what to say since what he said was quite true.

"Then I better make sure that I'll stay handsome in her eyes."

Si Hongqi sighed in defeat. "I guess I don't have to worry about anything. I know how capable you are but I just hope that you won't hurt her or make her cry. Mengmeng is like a sister to me."

Like a sister… She has always heard those words from him for years. She has never liked it since she felt like it was another form of rejection. Although this time, she was surprisingly not affected by those words anymore. Not irritated like how she used to be whenever he said that word.

"Then should we turn our rivalry into partnership?" Yong Liwei suggested.

That's right. Si Hongqi and Yong Liwei have always been business rivals. Even in person, they have never gotten along despite their blood connection. It was already surprising enough that Lu Mengjie's ex-fiancé didn't even try to get her back for the sake of their rivalry.

"I'll give it a thought." Despite saying those words, Si Hongqi's answer was obvious. There's no way he would accept such a partnership.

Lu Mengjie looked back and forth between the two men. For some reason, a heavy, ominous air surrounded them. She knew that whatever was going on between them was surely not because of her but because of something else.

Si Hongqi was the first to turn away just so he could look at her. "Mengmeng, don't you have a curfew?" He asked with that smile that reminded her of her papa. She has always loved that kind smile of his. It was what attracted her to him in the first place.

Yong Liwei turned to his wristwatch just to check the time. It was almost 9 pm. "I should-"

"Mr. Yong," Niu Jiachen came approaching him all of the sudden. His face was full of worry.

"What is it?"

"It's your mother… she has been rushed to the hospital!"

Yong Liwei's face paled after his assistant delivered the news.  Even Si Hongqi looked surprised.

"What? What happened to grandma?" He asked with worry on his face.

"Madam Yong was..." Niu Jiachen was hesitant to continue since he saw the dark look on his boss' face.

Lu Mengjie felt his hold tightened around her hand. She flinched because of the pain. "Y-Yong Liwei?"

Upon realizing that he was hurting her, he released her hand. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay," she smiled a bit. It was her first time seeing him this anxious. She never thought that she would be able to see this part of him at once. "I think you should go ahead."

"But you—"

"I can drop her." Si Hongqi interrupted. "You can go ahead and check on Grandma's condition. I will follow you later."

Yong Liwei was hesitant but it was already obvious enough who he should prioritize first. "I'll make it up to you," he promised before he turned away and hurriedly left with his assistant.

Although Lu Mengjie couldn't help but feel a tinge of disappointment inside when she saw him rush away. Despite that, she also knew how he felt so she couldn't help but understand. It was his mother. Whatever happened to her seemed serious. She has never liked hospitals ever since her papa left. Just thinking of the place left a bitter taste in her mouth.

She was snapped out of her thoughts when Si Hongqi spoke, "Mengmeng, let's go."