Chapter 27 A Heart Like the Wilderness

Shen Heqing was self-righteous, firmly believing that as long as Song Yixin took the initiative, she still had a chance.

After all, isn't there a saying that a woman pursuing a man is like a thin veil?

So, I could easily guess with my toes that on the way back to the company from the airport, he would surely belittle me with disdain and take the opportunity to praise Song Yixin in front of Shen Jibai.

This was precisely why I chose this moment to tell Shen Jibai that his second uncle had called me—because it would make me appear more tolerant and enduring.

If they weren't so confident, I wouldn't have been able to exploit this loophole to manipulate their hearts.

Would Shen Jibai stand by my side despite the opposition?

Although I couldn't yet say for sure how deep his feelings for me were—

We had just started dating, untested by trials, and there was no way to verify many things. But the one thing I was certain of was that the chemistry between us was something only two mutually attracted people could have.

Every time we were entangled, it was so in sync that I could clearly feel his desire and possessiveness. Even when restrained, it surged like an undercurrent.

A man who was usually so noble and aloof, seemingly immune to romantic entanglements, would suddenly become irresistibly alluring in those moments.

"Send me your location," Shen Jibai repeated over the phone when I remained silent for too long.

I stared at the bench by the roadside, and my vision suddenly blurred. When I opened my mouth, my voice was already hoarse. "Shen Jibai, let me move out. I don't want to live a life where I have to rely on a man."

I wanted to see the world's mountains and rivers, sunsets and horizons, just like when I had scrimped and saved for months in college to experience the thrill of skiing in Switzerland during the best season.

That longing for freedom wouldn't fade just because love had arrived.

The impulsiveness of youth, to leave whenever I wanted, allowed me to witness many landscapes worth cherishing for a lifetime.

With a heart like the wilderness, I feared no dust.

These ambitions wouldn't settle into the mundane routines of daily life as I grew older.

In a way, a soul chasing freedom was inherently at odds with Shen Jibai's meticulously planned life.

After all, he had returned to the family business as soon as he graduated from graduate school, embarking on a cycle of endless work and navigating the treacherous waters of the business world, all according to the path laid out for him by his family.

Having witnessed too much scheming, betrayal, and even mutual destruction, he carried a subtle yet unmistakable shadow and calmness about him.

Meanwhile, I preferred a simpler, more carefree life.

"You're only a sophomore; life is still long. Who said you'd rely on me forever? But for now, you still need to finish your studies, right?" Shen Jibai's tone gradually warmed, shifting from a hint of coldness to something more soothing.

"I know… but tonight, I'm flying to Shanghai with Lin Xi. We're planning to start a studio, and there's a project that requires collaboration with a team over there."

"A studio? When did you start it?"

"This afternoon…"

"What kind of studio gets a project the day it's established?"

Clearly, with his seasoned experience, he didn't believe my story at all.

He had this natural authority that made lies crumble under his gaze.

But what I said was the truth.

Lin Xi's most admired director in the industry had heard about the Shen Corporation's upcoming art film project and was very interested. He agreed to serve as a consultant for our project's preparation. Of course, we had to rush over immediately to secure him—what if he sobered up tomorrow and changed his mind?

I quickly sent Shen Jibai a screenshot of our flight information.

"This project is still confidential for now. I'll tell you more once we have a clearer plan," I said, though my confidence wavered slightly.

This time, it was Shen Jibai who fell silent on the phone for a long while.

He was, after all, someone who understood people's hearts. After a pause, he suddenly said, "I'm sorry for what happened at the airport today. You didn't deserve that."

"It's okay," I replied with a forced smile. "It was expected."

"…When will you be back?"

"About a week, but I can't say for sure yet. You should get back to work; we're heading to the airport now. I'll talk to you later."

After hanging up, I felt an indescribable emotion, as if I were standing in an endless open field, surrounded by nothing but desolation.

Lin Xi must have noticed my melancholy and gently spoke,

"My mom, back when my dad cheated for the first time, chose to endure it. And then she endured it for the rest of her life."

I understood what she meant. For someone like Shen Jibai, there would always be women coveting him, whether openly or secretly.

So how would I handle this in the future? Should I retreat in the face of difficulty or guard against it tirelessly?

Taking a deep breath, I suddenly looked at Lin Xi with determination.

"Let's go. I won't think about it anymore. No matter how many women want him, to hell with it. I'm going to focus on my career!"

I strode toward the parking lot, stepping out of the desolation in my heart at the same time.

I wrestled with myself and chose to remain true to who I am.