Chapter 38: Losing the Job

"You were fired by the airline?" Tang Xi heard it clearly. "When did this happen?"

Knowing she couldn't hide it, Song Xining had no choice but to confess, "Just now."

During the gathering last night, their colleagues were still wishing her a swift return to the skies, yet she had received the call first thing this morning: she had been let go.

"Did Gu Yu do this?!" The answer was affirmative. Trembling with rage, Tang Xi turned around, furious. "I’m going to find him."

"Don’t you dare go." Song Xining grabbed her friend. "Don't fall into his trap. He did this specifically to force your hand. Xixi, we must not compromise."

Tears welled up in Tang Xi’s eyes instantly.

The man who had shared her bed for three years had dealt her a vicious blow from behind, while her dear friend was the one trying desperately to staunch the wound.

Gu Yu didn't do this because he couldn't bear to lose her, but because he couldn't bear the thought of losing his company or his reputation. For that, he was willing to go to any lengths, hurting those around her without a shred of mercy.

Dizziness washed over Tang Xi, and a crushing sense of guilt threatened to drown her.

Song Xining’s parents were ordinary people. Through years of hard work, she had finally carved out a small corner for herself in this sprawling city. She had cleared hurdle after hurdle, surviving countless tests to become a flight attendant, climbing step by step to where she was today.

Tang Xi felt regret. Only when Gu Yu truly struck at someone important to her did she realize how unbearable it was to see them suffer.

"Xixi, you must not waver." Sensing her intentions, Song Xining quickly tightened her grip on her hand. "It’s just a job, it's not a big deal. I am your sister, not your weakness."

Tang Qiushuang had also said that their family was her sanctuary, not a burden. But she couldn't bring herself to be so selfish.

"A-Ning, I won't go to Gu Yu, but you have to let me help you."

Property in the capital was exorbitantly expensive, and the monthly mortgage pressure was like a heavy mountain. Even with a decent salary as a flight attendant, Song Xining had little left over after paying the mortgage each month.

Tang Xi had offered to help pay off the loan many times before, but Song Xining had refused, claiming the mortgage was her motivation; once it was paid off, she would lose her drive.

Now that she had lost her job, the mortgage would surely crush her.

"Fine, we'll call it a loan. I'll give you an IOU." Song Xining knew her well; if she didn't agree, Tang Xi would surely go and confront Gu Yu.

Gu Yu was a master of manipulation and charm. With a mix of soft words and hard tactics, he might just trick her Xixi into returning to him.

After settling the matter of the mortgage, the two best friends went out for hotpot, determined to cheer up. Halfway through the meal, however, a call came from Tang Qiushuang.

"Xixi, come to the hospital quickly. Your father is ill."

Tang Xi told Song Xining to take a taxi home while she grabbed her bag and rushed to the hospital.

Before she even entered the room, she heard Tang Jili’s voice from inside: "Didn't I tell you not to tell Xixi? You really don't listen."

Tang Qiushuang replied in a soft, soothing tone: "You scared me so much yesterday, how could I not tell her? Besides, she would have found out sooner or later."

Tang Xi pushed the door open. Seeing Tang Jili lying in the hospital bed, her eyes reddened instantly, and tears began to fall. "Dad."

Tang Jili was startled, then shot a reproachful look at Tang Qiushuang.

"Dad, how are you? What did the doctor say?" Tang Xi stepped forward to hug him, crying with the same vulnerability she had as a child.

"My dear daughter, I'm fine. The doctor said I'll be out in two days." Tang Jili, who could never bear to see his little girl cry, frantically wiped her face. "There, don't cry, it’s really nothing."

Tang Xi sniffled. "Aunt said you suddenly fainted. You were perfectly fine, why would you faint?"

At the mention of this, Tang Qiushuang’s expression darkened.