Chapter: 2742
After getting out of the car, He Zhiqiu followed Charlie Wade into the office building. She whispered nervously, “Do you know where my dad’s office is? I’ve never been here before.”
Charlie Wade smiled and replied, “Don’t worry, I know the way. Just follow me.”
Meanwhile, in his office, He Yuanjiang was pacing back and forth. He was worried sick about his only daughter, who was far away in Syria. He had no idea if she was safe or in danger, and he hadn’t received any updates from Charlie Wade. The uncertainty was eating away at him.
Today, his anxiety affected his work. He kept losing focus and making mistakes during class. He felt like he was at his breaking point. If he didn’t hear from Charlie Wade by the end of the day, he would take a leave of absence from school and fly to Syria himself. He knew he might not be able to rescue her or even reach where she was being held, but just being closer to her would give him some comfort.
Just as he was lost in his thoughts, there was a sudden knock on the door. The sound jolted him back to reality. He walked over and opened it, surprised to see a young woman standing there, wearing a mask.
“Hello, can I help you?” he asked, puzzled.
He didn’t recognize the woman in front of him. It wasn’t that he and his daughter were distant; it was just that He Zhiqiu had never dressed so stylishly before. She usually preferred simpler clothes.
He Zhiqiu was a tomboy. She dressed simply, usually in t-shirts and jeans during the summer, and sweaters with a down jacket in winter. Her style resembled that of programmers in Silicon Valley. She rarely wore skirts.
In contrast, the girl in front of her seemed very elegant and well-dressed, aligned with He Zhiqiu’s style. He Zhiqiu’s father, He Yuanjiang, didn’t realize it was his daughter. He thought of her as being far away in Syria, and he didn’t expect her to suddenly appear.
He Zhiqiu looked at her father, surprised that he didn’t recognize her. There was a hint of confusion in her eyes, but He Yuanjiang didn’t catch on to her feelings. Instead, he remained focused and said, “If there’s something wrong, please go back.” Then, he closed the door.
Outside, He Zhiqiu was stunned. She never imagined her dad wouldn’t recognize her just because she was wearing a mask. Not only that, but he had also shut the door in her face.
Charlie Wade, who had been leaning against the wall, watched the scene unfold with a smile. He leaned in and asked, “How did it go? Did he recognize you?”
Frustrated, He Zhiqiu replied, “This is a big deal! I’m inviting you to dinner tonight!”
Charlie waved his hand dismissively. “Not tonight. I have to go home; my wife is waiting for me.”
Surprised, He Zhiqiu asked, “You’re married?”
Charlie nodded. “Yes, I’ve been married for a while.”
He Zhiqiu had been married for four years, but lately, she felt a bit empty inside. She quickly shook it off and said, “Let’s talk about the meal another time. I’ll be working in Jinling for you from now on, so I can keep my end of the bet whenever you want.”
Charlie Wade smiled and replied, “Alright, just remember that meal.”
Then he pointed to the door of He Yuanjiang’s office and asked, “Do you want to give your dad another chance?”
Feeling frustrated, He Zhiqiu raised her hand and knocked on the door again.
Knock, knock, knock.
Inside, He Yuanjiang sounded a bit annoyed as he opened the door. Seeing it was his daughter, he asked, “What do you want?”
Angry, He Zhiqiu stomped her foot, took off her mask, and exclaimed, “He Yuanjiang! You don’t even recognize your own daughter!”