Friendship Endures

Wen Xi Cheng took three days off before returning to the company. My heart had gradually settled during those seventy-two hours. The Shanghai project needed further design work. The discussion about the plan began at one in the afternoon, and because it involved cost control, Feng Su Chuan and I also attended the meeting.

When I saw the familiar indifference in his dark eyes, I realized that I was not the only one who had calmed down. I had no interest in probing the deeper meaning behind his gaze. I found a spot to block his line of sight, sat down, and expressionlessly opened the documents.

After nearly three hours, the meeting ended. Wen Xi Cheng was the first to stand up and walk out of the conference room, his straightened shoulders tense, exuding an inexpressible chill.

For the remaining hour, my work efficiency was low.

When I was about to leave, I received a text from Feng Su Chuan saying he couldn't invite me for dinner because he was with the boss. Just as I was replying, I heard Cheng Cheng's surprised voice from across the room, calling out, "Manager Wen."

I paused and looked up just in time to meet Wen Xi Cheng's deep gaze. He had a jacket draped over his arm, and the deep brown V-neck sweater fit him remarkably well.

The man at the door walked straight to my side, nodded, and looked into my eyes. After a brief pause, he said casually, "Let's have dinner together." It wasn't a question. His voice was low, but his presence felt more imposing than ever. I averted my gaze, focusing on the computer screen, and replied, "I have to work overtime."

"I'll wait for you!" His face showed no emotion, his eyes were calm and dark, and his voice was unusually steady.

After a moment of silence, I nodded. "Alright."

"I'll head to the underground parking first."

I watched his retreating figure, biting my lip and meeting the puzzled gazes of those around us, forcing a smile while lowering my head. Ultimately, we had to reach a conclusion.

As the lights began to glow and the air conditioning kicked in, I felt an uncomfortable, dry breeze sweep across my face. I heard him cough twice beside me, prompting me to turn off the heating.

"I'm fine, leave it on; otherwise it'll be too cold," Wen Xi Cheng said softly, glancing at me.

I shook my head in silence, turning my face toward the window. It was rush hour; the traffic lights blinked, and the endless line of cars grew increasingly frustrating.

What should have been a short drive of just a few streets felt like an eternity. After getting out of the car, I took several deep breaths; the cold, stagnant air rushed into my lungs, leaving me feeling uneasy.

Wen Xi Cheng had reserved a table by the window. Once we were seated, ordered our meals, and had the dishes served, the atmosphere grew suffocatingly quiet until the red wine he had ordered arrived.

He poured himself a glass and remarked, "It's too cold."

I pushed my glass toward him and said, "Help me pour a little less."

Wen Xi Cheng glanced at me and poured just under half a glass.

When he handed it to me, the dark red liquid rippled in the glass, reflecting a charming glow. I hazily accepted it, sipped a small mouthful, and looked at him. "If there's anything you want to say, just say it."

Wen Xi Cheng avoided my gaze. He picked up some bamboo shoots with his chopsticks and placed them in my bowl. "Let's eat first." His voice was low and hoarse, suppressing some unknown emotion.

I glanced at him, picked up my chopsticks, and when he was about to serve me more food, I blocked him with my hand, saying, "I'll do it myself."

After that, Wen Xi Cheng set down his chopsticks and bowed his head, drinking cup after cup of red wine. As he poured, a small section of his forearm came into view, revealing several purple bruises and needle marks.

With no appetite at all, I took a few symbolic bites, set down my chopsticks, wiped my mouth, and said, "I'm full. You can speak now."

Wen Xi Cheng slowly swirled his wine glass, then raised his gaze to look at me, downing it in one go. With a darkened expression, he said, "About these four years in America, I've never had the courage to tell you everything. I know you might not be interested now, but I hope you can give me a chance to clarify."

I turned to glance at the moonlight outside the window; it was somewhat hazy and unreal.

"You can speak; I will listen."

After a flash of struggle and pain flickered in his eyes, he slowly began, "The first half-year after I went to America was normal; nothing happened until the week before Christmas when my grandpa unexpectedly wanted me to get engaged to Amy without any explanation, simply stating it was his decision. Refusing or resisting was useless; I was put under house arrest and cut off from the outside world."

I refused to attend the engagement banquet, and finally, he said that as long as I agreed to the engagement, he would allow me to return home for a visit. At that time, I was solely focused on coming back and didn't care about anything else. However, at the engagement banquet, I overheard him discussing wedding arrangements with Amy's father, revealing his intent to prevent my return home. It was then I realized I had been deceived and left in the midst of it all. When I went home to find my passport, I ran into him, and afterward, I was effectively placed under house arrest. Later, he threatened me about his health, insisting that I send that email to Zi Fei. By that time, I had begun to compromise. It wasn't until Amy came to see me that I logged into my email on her phone and saw Zi Fei's reply, which sparked my determination to come back and find you at any cost. I persuaded Amy to help distract the bodyguards downstairs, and I jumped out of the second-floor window.

Unfortunately, I was struck by a car during my escape, breaking my ribs. I spent over two months in the hospital. Even after being discharged, I explored every possible avenue but still did not succeed. However, I never gave up. I had a fierce argument with my grandfather, and during one heated exchange, he suddenly collapsed. I only learned he had cancer when he was taken to the hospital, and by that time, it was already in the late stages. At that moment, I felt regret and realized I could not fulfill the promise I made to you, so I called you." 

Wen Xicheng's voice was low and slow but trembled with uncontainable emotion. After he finished, he closed his eyes for a moment and turned his head toward the window, his reddened eyes shimmering with tears. I stared at him blankly, unable to think or even breathe. For a long time, the man opposite me maintained his gaze out the window. His hands, resting on the table, were tightly clasped together, his expression a blend of sadness and desperation, like a drowning person searching for any piece of floating debris. 

My heart felt empty and painful, yet I didn't know how to comfort him. I only asked, my eyes red, "What happened next?" 

Wen Xicheng took a deep breath and, after a moment, slowly exhaled. He turned to look at me, his eyes filled with sadness. "Later, grandpa passed away." 

I stared at him in shock, my eyes wide, incredulously asking, "When did this happen?" 

"Two years ago," he said, covering his face with his hand, his body shaking uncontrollably. 

I slumped on the sofa, nearly in a daze, watching him as despair and pain filled my heart. Seeing his pained and helpless expression, I didn't know what to do. Four years ago, I would have held him tightly, sharing in his heartbreak. Just days ago, I would have still felt his pain, wanting to offer him warmth. But now, I felt like a puppet, sitting impassively across from him, watching him sorrowfully without any desire to comfort him.

Sometimes, we can't help but lament the cruelty of fate. At that moment, I couldn't help but wonder if things would have turned out differently had he confided everything to me before I met Amy. I believe it would have, but once love has turned to ashes, it can never be rekindled.

After sitting in silence for a while, I picked up my bag and stood to leave. As I walked out of the restaurant, I turned to look at the gaunt figure hunched over the table by the floor-to-ceiling window. My tears could no longer be controlled. The barrier between us was far more than this glass curtain wall; the little treasure chest in my heart, along with its key, had been entirely discarded. My heart would always be missing a piece, an irreparable gap, yet it would no longer hurt.

We must all take responsibility for our choices, whether right or wrong. Wen Xicheng had many opportunities to share everything, yet he chose to hide it, relying solely on my love for him.

Perhaps he never imagined that one day, in summer, I would no longer feel heartache for Wen Xicheng. In truth, I never envisioned it either, but it is a disheartening reality.

Having made the decision to give up, I had no reason to turn back. The greatest difference between heartache and sympathy is that the heart has died.

I called He Zi Fei, gave him the address of the restaurant, and then walked to the roadside to hail a taxi to the bar street. Tonight was destined to be a sleepless night; I might as well indulge myself once. After all, how many people experience breaking up with the same man twice in their lives?

When Feng Suchuan appeared before me with a surprised look, I had already consumed six cocktails. As he lifted me up, I couldn't steady myself and fell directly into his arms. When I struggled slightly, I felt the ground give way beneath my feet. Feng Suchuan picked me up and whispered a few words to those around us before making his way to the exit.

I stared at his resolute, stern jawline for a moment, softly calling out to him, but he frowned and didn't respond. 

Once we stepped outside the bar, the cold wind hit me, causing me to shiver. I burrowed into his embrace and slurred, "How come you're here?" 

Feng Suchuan looked down at me for a while, exhaling without saying anything, his entire expression unusually tense until he placed me in the back seat and draped his coat over me. Only then did his expression soften a bit. I curled up in the seat, feeling dizzy and unable to open my eyes, with a violent throbbing in my temples. After a while, I heard the sounds of the door opening and closing. The car swayed slightly, and after feeling it start, I buried my face in the coat covering me, closing my eyes in a wave of dizziness.

When the car came to a stop, I was unable to react at all. I felt someone pick me up again, then enter the elevator, open the door, and gently place me on a soft, large bed. In that moment, I felt every cell in my body being instantly liberated. I clutched the quilt tightly, curling up and feeling incredibly comfortable in this unfamiliar room, though I couldn't understand why.

When a gentle touch came to my face, I began to cry; tears flowed out like a broken dam, unstoppable, while the hand on my face wiped away my tears again and again.

When I cried to the point of almost gasping for breath, Feng Suchuan lay beside me, holding me in his embrace through the blanket, gently patting my back and sighing, "What do you want me to do about this? Do you know that seeing you sad over other men makes me feel helpless in love?"

I looked up at him, feeling even dizzier, and mumbled, "I'm sorry."

Before my consciousness faded, I heard a very low and soft voice say, "You fell asleep in my arms like this; you truly don't treat me as an outsider!"

A warm feeling gradually filled my heart, and I smiled as I peacefully drifted off to sleep.

I don't know when it happened, but Feng Suchuan had already become like family to me—someone I could rely on and trust, transcending gender and unrelated to love.

The next day, Feng Suchuan took me back to the apartment early in the morning. When Liu Ni saw me, she didn't say anything, but her eyes were red as she pulled me into the bedroom, and I thought she must have already known about Wen Xicheng.

She stayed with me the entire day, and in the evening, He Zifei came over, his face full of exhaustion. He looked at me for a while with a complicated expression, then approached and hugged me, patting my hair like an older brother. "Summer, don't be sad. No matter what decision you make, we support you, as long as you can be happy."

The tears had dried up, and I nodded gently with red eyes.

A true friend is someone who, even when you start to doubt yourself, continues to believe in you and support you!

The workday fell on a weekend and coincided with New Year's Eve. I did not attend the morning meeting. At noon, Feng Suchuan invited me to the tea restaurant downstairs for lunch.

"What are your plans for the three-day New Year holiday?"

"Ni Zi and Zifei said they were going to hike; what about you?"

"I'm going back home; I haven't been back for a long time."

I replied, and when I looked up, I caught sight of two figures at the doorway. I pursed my lips and turned my face toward the window.

Feng Suchuan frowned slightly, turned around to take a look, and when he looked at me again, a faint smile was on his lips.

"Showing off love so openly, it seems you've been quite stimulated, but unfortunately, he used the wrong approach; to deal with you, this little lion, one must pet the fur the right way."

I glared at him and stirred my coffee, softly saying, "I have completely cleared things up with him. There are no more connections between us, not even as friends. Please don't tease me anymore; I think it will take me some time to face your sarcasm calmly."

Feng Suchuan was obviously taken aback, gazing at me intently. After a long while, he exhaled a breath of tea and smiled, saying, "That's good."

I turned my head to watch the dappled shadows of the trees outside in the sunlight, lost in thought and gradually drifting away. Those memories truly couldn't be traced anymore; how many winter afternoons had I spent reminiscing, repeatedly recalling the beautiful past? Now, I could finally stop indulging in it. I thought I must have matured!

As we left the restaurant after the meal, I distinctly felt two burning gazes from the corner. After a moment of hesitation, I decided to look over.

Once filled with tender emotions, those gentle eyes were now extraordinarily cold.

Wen Xicheng sat with his back to the light; I couldn't see his expression clearly, only his tightly pursed white lips and his straight, thin frame.

After locking eyes with him for a few seconds, I lowered my head and left with Feng Suchuan. As we passed by the glass window, I turned my head for a quick glance inside.

A beautiful woman was animatedly speaking, while the handsome man opposite her offered a slight smile. Although his face bore signs of weariness, his expression was gentle; it was a very harmonious scene, perfect like a painting.

And I was merely a passerby admiring that painting!

On New Year's Day, I received a call from He Zifei. He said, "Summer, Xicheng and the others want to go hiking as well. If you're uncomfortable, I'll refuse him."

I stood by the window, watching the somewhat gloomy weather, smiled, and replied, "It's okay; the more people, the livelier it is."

"Then we'll come pick you up shortly. It's cold outside, so dress warmly."

I smiled, agreed, and hung up the phone.

He mentioned "them," which means I ultimately have to adapt, right?

Wearing a thick down jacket, I stood on the balcony and saw the black car parked downstairs. Taking a deep breath, I turned and left the house.

When I reached the downstairs area, I saw Wen Xicheng and He Zifei leaning against the car, smoking. Upon noticing me, Wen Xicheng stayed put, turning his face away. He Zifei opened the car door and gave my shoulder a light pat, saying gently, "Squeeze in; we'll arrive in an hour."

I nodded, feeling warmth as I noticed Liu Ni sitting in the middle, and I squeezed in beside her.

"Summer, Happy New Year!" Amy leaned over with a cheerful smile to greet me.

Liu Ni stiffened and linked her arm with mine. I gently squeezed her hand, and when He Zifei and Wen Xicheng climbed in, I smiled at Amy and said, "Happy New Year!"

My words prompted both men in the front seat to turn back simultaneously; He Zifei showed mild surprise, while Wen Xicheng looked blank.

I smiled at him again and said, "Happy New Year!"

Wen Xicheng quickly lowered his head, awkwardly starting the car as he replied softly.

The others looked puzzled while I simply turned toward the window. The sky was becoming increasingly gloomy; this winter hadn't been particularly cold. With New Year's almost here and no snow yet, I recalled the weather report that mentioned a possibility of snow during the holiday. I wondered if it would come today.

Throughout the drive, conversation was minimal. Liu Ni Yi cuddled up close to me, purposefully keeping her distance from Amy and eventually resting her head on my shoulder. We squeezed into one seat together, and when we finally arrived at the foot of the mountain, I felt everyone release a slight sigh of relief. After we got out of the car, He Zifei went to buy water, while Amy stood beside Wen Xicheng, occasionally chatting with him in English. Wen Xicheng maintained a blank expression, kept his head down, and only responded to her infrequently, showing little enthusiasm. I averted my gaze and adjusted my hat. Liu Ni Yi hooked her arm around my shoulder, her eyes lighting up with joy as she watched He Zifei approach, beaming with delight.

Since it was a holiday, there were quite a few people climbing the mountain, and everyone was bundled up, which slowed our pace. Liu Ni Yi and I walked at the front, with He Zi Fei carrying the water behind us, while Wen Xicheng and Amy followed at the rear. The mountain wasn't high, and apart from the pine and cypress trees, most branches were bare, lending a somewhat desolate feel to the scenery. Along the way, Amy was extremely excited, chattering endlessly. Gradually, we were swept up in her joy, and the atmosphere became less awkward. Before long, He Zi Fei started teasing her about her less-than-perfect Chinese and insisted on teaching her the Shaanxi dialect, which made Liu Ni Yi stifle her laughter, her shoulders shaking.

I glanced back; Wen Xicheng wasn't smiling. He walked alone at the back, with his hands in his pockets, head bowed, his face almost buried in his scarf, seemingly lost in thought.

When we reached halfway up the mountain, Amy wanted to take photos, so we sat on a rock to wait for her. "It's snowing!" With a cry of surprise, Liu Ni Yi and I immediately stood up, stretched out our hands, and looked up at the sky. Sure enough, snow began to flurry down, and a few small snowflakes landed in my palms, quickly melting into drops of cool water. He Zi Fei and Wen Xicheng sat on a rock smoking; the two of them didn't converse, their gazes distant. Soon, the ground was covered in a thin layer of white snow. After Amy returned, she pulled Wen Xicheng to help her take pictures of the snowy scenery. I watched them for a while before looking away.

"Wen Xicheng treats her like a sister," He Zi Fei said softly, placing a hand on my shoulder. I shook my head and smiled, "I'm fine. In fact, it feels a bit better this way." He Zi Fei nodded, "In those years, we weren't by his side; only Amy was with him. I don't know how he got through it. That brat didn't even tell me anything!" I pursed my lips, smiled, and remained silent.

As we continued our ascent, snowflakes began to drift down—not heavily, but the temperature dropped significantly. Hearing a few coughs, I turned my head just in time to see Amy nervously assisting Wen Xi Cheng as he gently patted his chest. My heart tightened, and I hurried a few steps ahead, leaving Liu Ni Yi and the others behind. I walked quickly for the remainder of the way and finally sat on a mound at the mountain's summit to catch my breath. I admitted to myself that I felt a bit uncomfortable, though I knew that this discomfort lacked clear rationale. The snowfall had ceased, but the wind at the peak was particularly fierce. I tightened my down jacket, hugged my legs, and gazed into the distance.

"Are you cold?"

A somewhat hoarse voice broke the silence beside me, causing me to shiver slightly. I turned my head and saw Wen Xi Cheng standing quietly, his hands in his pockets. He appeared a bit pale, his brow slightly furrowed, yet the expression in his eyes was gentle. I shook my head and asked, "Where are Zi Fei and the others?" Wen Xi Cheng took a step closer and sat beside me, blocking the biting wind. "They're helping Amy take pictures." "She's very cute and lively," I replied softly, gazing ahead. Wen Xi Cheng pulled out a cigarette, hesitated for a moment, and then put it back, responding quietly, "Yeah, very innocent and carefree, just like you used to be." I turned to him and smiled, "So are you saying I'm no longer innocent?" The person next to me clearly froze, shaking his head. "No, that's not what I meant…" I interrupted him with a laugh, "You're overestimating me; how could I compare to her?"

Before he could respond, I pulled a small box from my pocket and handed it to him. Wen Xi Cheng's expression instantly darkened; he didn't take it, instead watching me intently. I set the box beside him and quietly said, "I've thought about this for a long time, and I still believe I should return this to you."

"I know it sounds cliché, but the meaning of this necklace is different; it doesn't belong to me. It should be given to someone who deserves it." After saying this, I stood up, and just as I turned, someone gripped my wrist tightly. Wen Xi Cheng remained seated, his outstretched arm tense. His fingers were cold, almost icy, slightly trembling. "Take it back!" His voice was devoid of warmth, laced with anger. I yanked my hand, but there was no give; I glanced down the mountain and said lightly, "Don't do this; it wouldn't look good if Amy saw."

Wen Xi Cheng suddenly stood up, pulling my arm, his other hand tightly clutching the small box. His expression was incredibly stern, his eyes locked on me as he squeezed out a sentence through clenched teeth, "What does she have to do with this?!"

"You don't love me anymore; don't use someone else as an excuse!" I calmly looked at him, pulled my arm away forcefully while rubbing my wrist, and stared deep into his eyes. "Yes, I don't love you anymore, so I don't want to carry these burdens. I said I want to live a little more easily, without any ties." Hurt instantly filled Wen Xi Cheng's eyes, and after a slight sway of his body, he turned away tiredly, no longer looking at me.

I stood there for a moment before stepping away. After walking a distance, I heard a somewhat ethereal voice from behind. "In this life, I only love you, Xia Tian; there won't be anyone else!" My steps didn't falter; I wore a smile, but my eyes were burning. I don't love you anymore, yet I can't love anyone else again. So, in fact, I don't owe you anything! 

Descending from the mountain, Wen Xi Cheng felt a bit chilly. The ride back was in He Zifei's car. Once we reached the city, Amy wanted to eat hot pot. None of us spoke; Wen Xi Cheng opened his eyes, glanced at her, and smiled. That weak yet indulgent smile made me turn my face away. I wondered, could Amy really not see how uncomfortable he was?

Then I found my thoughts absurd; what does it have to do with me?

After dinner, Amy suggested going out to a bar. I declined outright, and Liu Niqi echoed that she was tired and wouldn't go either. He Zifei remained silent, lighting a cigarette and smoking slowly. Wen Xicheng looked up at her with a pale face and smiled, saying, "You can go wherever you want; I'll accompany you!" Liu Niqi and He Zifei both glanced at me, and I lowered my head, smiled, and stood up, saying, "Then we'll leave first. Have fun." Amy smiled and bid goodbye, while Wen Xicheng tightened his coat and buried his face in his scarf without looking at me.

After leaving the restaurant, Liu Niqi accompanied me back to the apartment. While making coffee and watching TV, she remarked, "Xicheng is really silly!"

I leaned against her and shook my head, laughing. "No, he's very smart; he knows how to test my sincerity." Liu Niqi hugged my shoulders and softly said, "Unfortunately, there have been too many tests, which is counterproductive; in the end, he will completely lose you." I sighed, "That's fine; it's better to cut off all ties without any lingering feelings." "Will it be very sad? I've never experienced this feeling, so I don't know how to comfort you." I smiled slightly and tilted my head to look at her. "You can ask Zifei; he has the most experience with this!" "Get lost!"

I laughed loudly, holding back the tears that threatened to overflow. Of course, it would be very sad, but I was starting to get used to it. With each pain I felt, I became a bit less sensitive. One day, I would no longer feel anything, right? Maybe the next time we meet, I could smile and say to them, "I wish you happiness!" After New Year's Day, Amy returned to America. I learned about it from Song Ying. On MSN, she would still occasionally talk to me about Wen Xicheng, saying he was always coughing, no longer wore that gentle smile, and seemed cold. She assumed it was due to a fight with his fiancée.

Gradually, I came to see Wen Xicheng as just a department manager—wealthy, influential, and engaged to a beautiful fiancée—seemingly disconnected from my world. With the New Year approaching, there were no projects to bid on, and apart from our daily morning meetings, we hardly crossed paths.

The holiday began on the 28th of the lunar calendar, and we had booked our flights for that evening. Liu Niqi and I were on the same flight, while Wen Xicheng chose to celebrate the New Year at He Zifei's home. In the airport waiting area, He Zifei and Liu Niqi went shopping, while Wen Xicheng and I sat apart. I was reading a magazine, and he had his headphones on, likely listening to music. Someone shifted beside me, and when I looked over, I saw him curled up, hunched over his legs. I set my book down and moved closer. "What's wrong?"

Wen Xicheng glanced at me, his face somewhat pale, and beads of sweat glistened on his forehead. He straightened and said, "It's nothing." I sighed and stood up to buy him a cup of milk tea. "It's hot; drink some. Do you have any stomach medicine with you?"

Wen Xicheng removed his headphones and pulled out an extremely old radio from his pocket, gently wrapping the ear wire around it. After putting it away, he accepted the milk tea with both hands and softly said, "I've taken the medicine, thank you." I pursed my lips and asked, "After so many years, does that radio still work?" He took a sip of the milk tea and smiled, "It works; it's always been just fine." I fell silent, sensing a mix of the rich aroma of milk tea intermingled with a hint of sadness in the air.

Not long after, Liu Niqi and He Zifei returned, and we began boarding. After passing through security, I turned back and waved at the two men standing outside. He Zifei wore a somewhat reluctant smile, while Wen Xicheng looked lost, staring at me with hollow eyes, as if he were unaware of his surroundings. Suddenly, just before I turned away, he took a few steps through the crowd and called out to me.

I stood in the aisle, looking through the glass window. The man on the other side pressed his lips together and waved at me. He seemed to want to force a smile, but his eyes were red. Suddenly, the atmosphere of parting descended upon us; I nodded to him, hurriedly grabbed Liu Niqi's arm, and turned to leave. My vision blurred for quite some time and only became clear once I entered the cabin.

That brief moment felt like a return to four years ago when Wen Xicheng left for abroad—standing at the airport, the people outside still the same gentle young man, with that affectionate and deep gaze. The sudden surge of reluctance and heartache made it almost unbearable.

In my hurried escape, I firmly resolved: it was ultimately that boy, who had once relied on me and trusted me completely, that I loved, not the man shrouded in endless secrets, who was restrained and mature.

The Lunar New Year had long lost the atmosphere of my childhood. On New Year's Eve, after dinner, Xia Lei went out to play mahjong. The heating at home was poor, and the living room felt cold. I accompanied my dad and mom in the master bedroom to watch the Spring Festival Gala. At 11:30, my phone buzzed continuously with messages. I replied one by one, and as midnight approached, my phone began to ring. I glanced at the caller ID, stepped out of the bedroom, and smiled as I answered. "Boss! Happy New Year!" The voice on the other end chuckled lightly. "Happy New Year! Still awake?" "I was waiting for your call; how could I dare to sleep?" "You're so funny! Have you set off any firecrackers yet?"

I stepped onto the balcony, holding the phone up in the air. A few seconds later, I cheerfully said, "Can you hear it?" "I can hear it. It's very lively." Feng Suchuan's voice was low, and after a pause, he continued, "I don't know if I'll have the chance to experience this again." My heart trembled, and I bit my lip. "Then come home with me next year, and I'll introduce you as my recognized elder brother!"

Feng Suchuan scoffed, "You're not naïve. When it's time for marriage, what kind of red envelope do I have to give?"

"Does she want him to wait that long?" I asked, surprised. 

Wen Xicheng replied, "She's worried about his career. It's tough for him now." 

I nodded, feeling a weight in my heart. 

"Do you think they'll be okay?" I ventured. 

Wen Xicheng shrugged, "I hope so." 

After a while, He Zifei and Liu Niyi finally emerged from their room, both showing signs of fatigue. 

"Let's go for a walk today!" He Zifei suggested. 

"Sure, where should we go?" Liu Niyi asked. 

"Let's check out that new bookstore," He Zifei replied with a smile. 

Wen Xicheng chimed in, "That sounds great; it'll be a nice way to relax." 

I thought this would be a good opportunity to temporarily forget my troubles.

We walked together to the bookstore, where the warmth and the scent of books enveloped us. 

Wen Xicheng wandered among the shelves while I flipped through an illustrated book. 

"This book is really good," his voice said beside me, startling me. 

"Oh, really?" I passed the book to him, feeling that his words lightened the moment a bit. 

"What do you think?" he asked, smiling slightly. 

Just then, He Zifei and Liu Niyi approached. 

"What are you two talking about?" He Zifei asked curiously.

"This book has really nice illustrations," I replied. 

"I feel like there are fewer and fewer people who can draw these days," He Zifei remarked with a sigh. 

"Yeah, everyone is busy with work and doesn't have much time to draw," Liu Niyi added. 

As we walked and chatted, the atmosphere gradually lightened. 

Finally, Wen Xicheng suddenly suggested, "How about we draw lots to decide where to go next?" 

"Great idea!" everyone exclaimed in unison. 

The draw decided that we would go to a nearby café. 

Seated in the café, we ordered some drinks, and everyone seemed to relax considerably. 

"What are your plans after the New Year?" I asked.

He Zifei paused for a moment before stating, "I want to improve the company as soon as possible." 

"Me too; I hope I can keep it up," Wen Xicheng replied. 

I nodded, sensing a bittersweet feeling lingering in everyone's hearts.

Amidst the lively conversation, a wave of melancholy washed over me as I contemplated the distance between Wen Xicheng and myself. 

"To lighten the mood, should we all go out together again next time?" I suggested. 

"Of course! The more, the merrier," Liu Niuyi's eyes sparkled. 

"I feel the same; I look forward to spending more time together," Wen Xicheng said softly. 

That afternoon, though tinged with fatigue, brought us unexpectedly closer together. 

I realized that sometimes, companionship truly is the best remedy for everything.

After dinner, He Zifei, wearing a serious expression, pulled Liu Niuyi into the bedroom while I washed the dishes, with Wen Xicheng helping beside me. 

As I wiped the table, I glanced at the closed door, puzzled, and asked, "What's going on with them?" 

Wen Xicheng looked at me and replied, "Niuyi told Zifei that she would go back to Changchun once his company is on the right track." 

I was taken aback and pursed my lips, speechless. 

"Did you know about this already?" Wen Xicheng turned to me, his brows slowly furrowing. 

I sighed and carried the plate into the kitchen. 

"When did she come up with this idea?" Wen Xicheng followed me in, crossing his arms and leaning against the door frame, looking somewhat dissatisfied. 

"She's had this idea since she first arrived. I've advised her multiple times, but it didn't help." 

"What about Zifei? Did she even consider his feelings when making this decision?" 

I turned around, somewhat angry, and said, "Why are you raising your voice at me? After all these years, do you think I'm not heartbroken watching Zifei suffer? But Niuyi is stubborn; I can't force her to break up with Huang Xiaoshuai!"

Wen Xicheng rubbed his face with his hands and apologized, "I'm sorry, that's not what I meant, but this will really drive Zifei crazy!"

I sighed deeply and leaned against the marble countertop, lowering my head to say, "I think she might be wavering a bit. Otherwise, with her personality, she would have left without saying a word in the end."

I'll try to persuade her again, but after all, Huang Xiaoshuai is her first love. Every woman often struggles to let go of the man she loved first. It's not that she doesn't love Zifei; she just doesn't want to relinquish that beautiful hope in her heart. Just think about it: how tempting it is to walk through life with your first love!

Unknowingly, my voice took on an ethereal and sad quality. When I lifted my head, I saw Wen Xicheng staring blankly at me, his eyes misty with tears. I felt a bit embarrassed, cleared my throat, and turned back to wash the dishes.

For a long time, the only sound in the small kitchen was the running water. Wen Xicheng didn't leave, and I could feel his gaze burning into my back, creating a chaotic flutter in my heart. I hadn't been reflecting on my own feelings; I was simply analyzing the situation from Liu Niuyi's perspective. But I knew Wen Xicheng must have misunderstood.

Hearing a faint sound, I turned around and was suddenly engulfed by a cold male scent mixed with mint. Before I could react, Wen Xicheng wrapped his arms around my waist from behind and gently pulled me close.

My body stiffened instantly; my mind went blank, and I forgot to resist for a moment. The warm, unsteady breath of the man swept across my neck, sending my nerves into a frenzy.

Finally snapping out of my daze, I grabbed his arm without hesitation and tried to pry it open, but he tightened his grip even more. I took a deep breath and said coldly, "Let go!"

"I won't!" he replied defiantly, burying his face into my neck and slowly kissing me there. I dodged but couldn't fully escape; my voice turned even colder.

"If you don't let go, I'm really getting angry!"

His arms around me stiffened noticeably, yet there was no release. The moist sensation on my neck slowly faded. I clenched his arms tightly, nearly digging my nails into his thin sweater, trying to find strength to resist him.

After a moment of stalemate, Wen Xicheng finally loosened his grip. I pushed him away and decisively slipped out of his embrace, stepping aside and gasping for air as I glared at him. Wen Xicheng took several steps back and bumped into the wall behind him, lowering his head. His bangs fell softly over his forehead, and his long eyelashes trembled slightly, revealing a hurt expression on his pale, paper-like face, filled with loneliness.

After a while, my emotions calmed down slowly. I took a few deep breaths and turned to leave.

When my wrist was gripped, I flinched as if I had been electrocuted and shook it off. Wen Xicheng stood stiffly, looking at the hand I had pushed away, deep pain evident in his eyes. He glanced at me, then turned towards the sink, twisted the faucet to the maximum, and splashed water on his face. Once, twice, three times—then he bent over, supporting himself on the sink, his head buried deeply in his arms, with droplets of water sliding down his pale cheeks, hitting the edge of the sink with soft clinks.

I leaned against the countertop, feeling a bit flustered as I watched him. This version of Wen Xicheng felt strange to me, radiating a dangerous aura that made me apprehensive.

It seemed like a century had passed before Wen Xicheng turned to look at me, his reddened eyes welling with complicated emotions, filled with endless pain. After briefly closing his eyes, he spoke in a shaky voice, "I'm sorry."

I bit my lip, remaining silent. I lowered my head and turned toward the door.

"Xiatian," he called out, his voice hoarse.

I stopped but didn't turn around.

"How can you say you don't love me and just leave like that? What am I supposed to do?"

My eyes turned red for a moment; I turned my head and exhaled softly, saying, "It will get better. Trust me, you will get through this because I used to be much more miserable and desperate than you are now. Time can heal everything; just take it slow!"

"Are you trying to get back at me?" His voice surprisingly held a glimmer of hope. I lowered my head and fell silent for a moment before gently shaking it. "No, Xicheng, I just don't love you anymore. You know I never lie." After saying this, I didn't linger; I grabbed my bag and left immediately.

As I stepped out of the apartment, it struck me that I had given up my rented place. I wandered aimlessly; the southern city felt different from the north. Even though it was still the Spring Festival, there was no trace of a festive atmosphere. The deep night enveloped the city, with few pedestrians on the quiet streets and sparse cars, creating an indescribable solitude. I never imagined I would hurt him like this, and what shocked me was the absence of heartbreak or pleasure; all I felt was exhaustion and weariness. I truly didn't want any more entanglements with him; I was genuinely tired and longed for an easier life. For all these years, carrying both love and hate for him, I had truly lived in pain. Finally letting go was something I had no intention of revisiting. Let those pasts be swallowed by the night, like a black hole.