Chapter 99: A Night of Ecstasy

In the early morning, Chu Tian wakes up groggily, unsure of whether the events of the previous night with Yao Xinrou were a dream or reality. He searches for her, panicked, but eventually finds her coming out of the bathroom, wrapped in a towel, looking serene and untroubled. She reassures him that she is fine, and even teases him, saying she's not foolish enough to harm herself. She makes light of the situation, acknowledging that their intimate encounter was mutual, and that she had been the one to initiate it.

Chu Tian feels guilty, particularly when he notices bloodstains on the bedsheets—an indication that she had lost her virginity. He is overwhelmed with remorse, but Yao Xinrou dismisses his concerns, telling him not to feel responsible. She assures him that she does not expect anything from him and even tells him to consider their night together as just a dream.

Despite her words, Chu Tian is deeply affected, and he confesses to her that he will always care about her, even if he cannot promise a future together. Yao Xinrou, understanding his feelings, responds that she knows the relationship cannot be permanent but that she will always be proud to have shared such an experience with him.

Later, Chu Tian returns to his own life, distracted and troubled by the events. His friend, Mei Jie, notices his unease and offers him comfort. Over drinks, Chu Tian opens up to her, telling her everything about his feelings for Yao Xinrou. Mei Jie, an experienced woman, gently advises him not to avoid his emotions and to face his feelings toward Yao Xinrou. She shares her own heartache and urges him not to leave things unresolved, as doing so would be similar to the regrets she has from her past.

Chu Tian, reflecting on her words, realizes that he cannot escape the situation and must confront his emotions head-on. With a sense of clarity, he decides to make an effort to stay in touch with Yao Xinrou, even if they can't be together in the way he might have hoped.