“If only I had had a little more faith in you, a little more faith in our love… I was just too afraid of losing you, Nanfang. I was truly terrified you would choose Ke Teng.”
“He was younger than me, handsomer, and better at pleasing you. I was consumed by jealousy back then.”
“That’s the truth of it. I can swear now, if you’ll still let me.”
“Please don’t be angry. You can hit me, you can scold me, you can do whatever you want, even stab me a couple of times… but I beg you, don’t ignore me, don’t leave me again, okay?”
Upon learning that Old Mrs. Zhan was not dead, but was recuperating abroad from a hereditary female ailment similar to her daughter’s, Jiang Nanfang’s first reaction was not anger, regret, or a desire to settle scores with Zhan Beijue, as he had anticipated.
So much time had passed, and time had blurred many memories.
Jiang Nanfang’s first reaction was simply pity.
As a woman, Old Mrs. Zhan had an unhappy marriage, an unhappy love life, and had to conceal her children, afraid to reveal them to the world.
In her middle age, the son she had worked hard to raise married a daughter-in-law she disliked – someone ugly, stubborn, and defiant towards her. Now, she was also afflicted with such a difficult illness.
She genuinely, from the bottom of her heart, felt that Old Mrs. Zhan was also a pitiable person.
It seemed that the pain of her illness had erased all her past eccentricities, and Jiang Nanfang could no longer hate her.
Even more, she felt that Zhan Beijue was also a pitiable person.
Having never experienced family warmth since childhood, he had borne too much that he shouldn't have due to his parents’ past grievances.
After finally resolving misunderstandings and coming together with her, he still had to be caught in the middle between his wife and mother.
Everyone had their own misfortunes.
Since things had happened and reached this point, what was the use of her dwelling on the past and staying endlessly angry with him? It would only be a waste of time.
Looking at Zhan Beijue, who was invincible in the business world and feared by all men, now looking at her like a child, begging for her forgiveness, Jiang Nanfang’s heart melted completely.
Without further ado, she tackled him.
She just wanted to prove through her actions that she had let go of the past.
Let’s start anew.
After another soul-stirring encounter, Jiang Nanfang told Zhan Beijue once they had finished.
“Starting tomorrow, we’ll be underground lovers for a while, until you bring down Director Gao and achieve your goals.”
“I won’t cause you trouble, nor will I become a burden. From now on, there will only be a Jiang Nanfang by your side, who will always firmly support you, okay?”
Zhan Beijue was deeply moved.
However, December was fast approaching, and the company would have its holiday in just over 20 days.
His original plan was to visit his mother and Melody during the annual leave.
Now that he had reconciled with Jiang Nanfang, he was reluctant to leave them.
“I can go with you. Bring the children.”
Jiang Nanfang nestled in his arms and stroked his chin.
“Even if your mother doesn’t like me, she’ll still miss her grandchildren, won’t she?”
“We’ll set off separately and meet in the States. It would be nice to give the children a different New Year experience.”
He was overjoyed that she could be so magnanimous and considerate.
“Then I’ll have Ah Zhong arrange the accommodation there right away.”
Speaking of Ah Zhong, Jiang Nanfang felt he was also a pitiable person.
He had been sent to the other side of the ocean right after getting married, unable to see his wife and elderly father. He had been too deeply affected by their troubles.
“Don’t assign Ah Zhong so much work. Let him come back quickly. I have more suitable people to help you look after your sister.”
“Who?”
“Lu Qingxu. He’s currently desperately trying to find out Melody’s whereabouts. Consider this an opportunity for him. Ah Zhong should come back and have a good reunion with Beibei.”
Time quickly passed to mid-December, and Ah Zhong was transferred back from the States.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Zhou Jinbei no longer had any thoughts of fooling around with them; she spent every day doting on her husband, making up for their missed honeymoon.
As Jiang Nanfang began preparing for their trip to the States, this New Year was destined to be a lonely one for Chen Jiaojiao.
This would be her first New Year as a divorced woman, after her in-laws had fallen out with her and her own family had gone bankrupt. She would spend it alone.
How wonderful.
On this day, as usual, Chen Jiaojiao, alone, was preparing to order takeout after work and eat it while watching variety shows at home. Suddenly, she received a WeChat message from Xiang Yang.
He said he had officially signed a contract that day and had become part of the modeling industry. To thank her for connecting him, he wanted to treat her to a meal.
They hadn’t been in touch for a while, and she wondered how this new model was developing. Since she was staying home alone anyway, Chen Jiaojiao agreed.
They arranged to meet at the entrance of the restaurant.
Chen Jiaojiao wore a form-fitting black knit dress, a deep purple mink coat, and black high boots.
She appeared with exquisite and flamboyant makeup. In contrast, Xiang Yang’s attire was much more like that of a college student.
A black turtleneck sweater, black casual pants, a light gray short down jacket, and white sneakers.
Standing at the restaurant entrance, even without saying a word, he was quite eye-catching.
When the two stood together, handsome man and beautiful woman, each pleasing to the eye in their own way, they immediately drew countless gazes.
Chen Jiaojiao sized Xiang Yang up and teased him.
“As expected of someone who’s become a model, your sense of style has improved.”
“What else could you do if you weren’t a model? With such a good physique, not being a model is a waste of heaven’s gift. It’s a good thing you met me, sister.”
Xiang Yang wasn’t usually a shy person, but every time he stood with Chen Jiaojiao, he felt completely overshadowed by her mature, dominant aura, making him feel like a bashful puppy.
He felt awkward teasing Chen Jiaojiao, so he simply greeted her and accompanied her inside like a bodyguard.
Thanks to Chen Jiaojiao’s liveliness and cheerfulness, despite not being very familiar with each other, the conversation flowed smoothly.
During the meal, they mainly talked about Xiang Yang’s work and studies. Chen Jiaojiao asked, and he answered. The meal was lively.
Soon, the dinner was nearing its end. Chen Jiaojiao was about to ask Xiang Yang when he would have his holiday and when he would return to his hometown.
She felt a familiar figure drift past in the corridor.
Chen Jiaojiao’s eyes moved, and she looked over.
As it turned out, she had indeed run into an acquaintance.
Isn’t that Hu Jiasheng?
Long time no see. Hu Jiasheng was still dressed and styled like a workplace elite, just like before.
A white shirt, a dark blue crew-neck sweater, suit pants, and a long black overcoat.
He didn’t look like he was here for dinner; it was more like he was here for a business meeting.
Perhaps it was because Chen Jiaojiao was too eye-catching even while sitting, he looked over in her direction as soon as he sat down.
Their eyes met, making it impossible not to greet each other.
Seeing it was her, Hu Jiasheng was first stunned, then smiled and walked over.
“Long time no see. What a coincidence, are you also dining here?”
Isn’t that stating the obvious?
Chen Jiaojiao thought to herself.
At this hour, sitting in a restaurant with a table full of dishes in front of them, what else could they be doing if not eating? Were they on a blind date?