Echoes of Betrayal and Redemption

The day after I spoke with Wen Xicheng, the significant error in the private hospital project bidding was resolved. Wen Xicheng took the initiative to admit that it was his negligence that led to the disqualification of the bid and submitted his resignation. 

Three days later, the company announced a personnel order: Wen Xicheng was removed from his position as Executive Vice President and Design Department Manager and transferred back to the US headquarters for further handling. 

During this time, he did not return to the hospital. I called him three times, but he did not answer. I even waited for him under his apartment building, but when I saw him walk out of the corridor with Amy, I hid behind a large tree, lacking the courage to approach him. 

One week later, without saying goodbye to anyone, he simply sent a text to He Zifei and returned to the United States with Amy. 

Since that day, my heart felt completely hollow. I walked out of the corridor with my heart completely empty, feeling no courage to step forward.

Since that day, I lost interest in everything; all my joys, sorrows, and emotions seemed to evaporate in an instant, and I even felt that my breathing was excessive.

He had been slow in submitting his resignation letter to Feng Shuchuan in the HR department, but I was resolute in my decision to leave. Over the past two weeks, aside from work-related matters, I hadn't exchanged a word with him.

Now, everything had unfolded as he wished: Wen Xicheng had been transferred, Amy had left, and Manager Zhang had recognized his value, transferring internal auditing under the contracts department and assigning him to lead the design and engineering departments. He had become the company's rising star, wielding influence with confidence and basking in endless glory!

I didn't blame him; without me, he was rightfully earning all this success. However, I could no longer fight alongside him. I had always known I couldn't be his assistant forever, but I never expected it to end so abruptly and with such disheartening finality.

After working overtime that evening, I went to the hospital. When I opened the ward door, I sensed a different atmosphere inside. I set down the packed desserts I was carrying and looked at the two people huddled on the bed, sharing a computer, feeling puzzled. "What's going on?"

Liu NiYi got off the bed first. He Zifei glanced at me, then quietly spoke into his headset mic, "Summer is here; you two talk for a bit. We'll take a walk." After speaking, he stood up with Liu NiYi's help.

I gripped the bag strap tightly, feeling a tightening in my chest, almost unable to breathe.

They walked toward me. He Zifei ruffled my hair and softly said, "It's Xicheng. Go talk to him for a bit. We'll be out for a walk."

When the door closed, I stood dazed for a moment before approaching the bedside, donning the headset, and slowly raising my eyes to look at the computer screen.

The man appearing in the video was dressed in comfortable home clothes, with soft hair casually falling over his forehead, slightly long, covering half of his brows. His face seemed somewhat pale, and his eyes showed signs of fatigue.

There was no movement in his gaze, just a calm serenity.

"Are you doing well?" he asked me.

I nodded lightly, trying to suppress the tremor in my voice. "And you?"

"Not bad, but why have you lost weight?"

I turned my head slightly, exhaled softly, and smiled. "Not really; it's probably just a distortion in the video transmission."

He paused for two seconds, then continued, "No, you really have lost weight; your chin is sharp."

The voice coming from the headset was intermittent, but I clearly heard the hurt within it, and my eyes reddened as a result; fortunately, he couldn't see it clearly.

I changed the subject. "What disciplinary action did the company take against you?"

He replied, "I left the company."

I was taken aback for a moment, and a thought slipped out without thinking: "So are you coming back?"

Immediately afterward, I felt extremely awkward. I didn't know how he would respond; I just clenched my fists tightly, my nails nearly digging into my flesh.

A hissing sound of static came from the headset, and after a while, I heard him say, "What did you just say? The signal is a bit interfered with here; I didn't catch that."

My mood sank to the bottom; I felt a mix of relief and greater disappointment. I forced a bitter smile. "It's nothing; what time is it there now?"

Wen Xicheng raised his hand to check the time and softly said, "It's just after six."

"In the afternoon?"

The man in the video smiled slightly, and the tone of his voice clearly lightened. "Silly, it's morning."

I felt a flush of embarrassment as I touched my nose and said, "You woke up really early."

"Actually, I haven't slept yet."

Along with his laughter, I heard another familiar female voice: "Xi, why are you still online?"

Then the headset filled with rustling sounds; it seemed Wen Xicheng was saying something, but soon the video went completely black; he must have covered the camera.

I didn't wait for him any longer, closed the video, and took off the headset. At the end of May, looking out into the night, I couldn't help but shiver; it wasn't just my body that felt cold. Before He Zifei and Liu NiYi returned, I left. I had no right to feel sad, nor was I qualified to blame anyone; I just felt tired—so tired that I couldn't even feel the pain in my heart.

Walking back to my apartment, I spotted a familiar silver sedan parked in the distance. My first reaction was irritation; on such a lonely and sorrowful night, I really didn't have the energy to deal with Feng Shuchuan anymore. The man leaning against the front of the car flicked away his cigarette butt and walked toward me. As he approached, a faint scent of alcohol wafted through the air.

"Are you looking for me?" I asked, looking up to meet his dark eyes and feeling momentarily stunned. It wasn't the gaze I was used to; it trembled continuously, filled with confusion and pain, as if it was trying to convey something unspoken. Even his normally tightly pressed lips parted slightly, concealing a myriad of words between breaths.

I averted my gaze and softened my tone, "Did you drink a lot?" 

"Not much." Within seconds, the man returned to his usual demeanor, masking the complex emotions on his face; he exhaled softly, "Did you go to the hospital?" 

I nodded and stepped aside slightly, distancing myself from him. "It's getting late. If there's nothing else, you should head back." 

"Are you avoiding me?" he asked calmly.

"No," I replied just as calmly.

"I know you blame me for driving him away. If you truly can't bear it, why didn't you stop him back then? Xia Tian, you've actually stopped loving him long ago."

Listening to his firm words, my heart remained unmoved.

I smiled faintly, brushing past his arm as I walked forward. "Since everyone says that, let's assume I don't love him anymore. Goodnight!"

As I hurried into the corridor, I heard his voice, filled with regret, say, "I'm sorry."

I forced a bleak smile, waved my hand, and continued on. Those three words held no meaning for me anymore.

What does he have to apologize for? It was Wen Xicheng who blocked his way; I was the root of the problem. He was merely doing what he needed to do, while I was just enduring another heartbreak.

A month later, I began organizing the handover materials. Although Feng Suchuan still withheld my resignation letter and hadn't hired anyone new, I was ready to leave at any moment.

MSN was flashing wildly, and after a while, I clicked on Song Ying's profile picture. I was stunned by its content.

[Your boss has resigned to General Zhang!!!!] 

[How do you know?] 

[Our manager said so; he just called him for a meeting. It's chaotic here. Didn't you hear?] 

[No.] 

After sending those two words, I saw Feng Suchuan walk in. He met my gaze, pursed his lips, and went into his office.

After thinking for a moment, I got up and followed him inside.

Before I could speak, he waved his hand to interrupt me, "Wait." 

He stood up to close the blinds, leaned against the desk, and looked at me. "You already know?" 

I nodded, "Why?" 

He raised his wrist to check the time. "It's almost quitting time. Let's have dinner together tonight." 

I stared into his eyes, a bad feeling rising gradually in my heart. I stood silently for a moment and then nodded gently, "Okay."

As I left his office, I suddenly felt a chill in my heart, as if something terrifying and unbearable was about to happen.

The quiet and comfortable tea restaurant had a secluded booth by the window, perfect for conversation. After the meal, I ordered a pot of green tea.

Feng Suchuan sat quietly with his eyes downcast, and I didn't urge him to speak as I lost myself in thought, staring at the flames in the small stove.

After a long silence, he finally said, "I started my own company, and it's already operational." I wasn't surprised by this revelation. I nodded and asked softly, "When did this happen?"

"Two months ago."

"Then why did you have to force Wen Xicheng out?"

"I gave you the answer in the hospital."

I smiled lightly and replied, "I don't believe it."

The expression on his face shifted slightly. Turning toward the window, he whispered, "Why?"

I took a deep breath. "Don't forget, I've been with you for four years. Back then, you could give up your first love for your career. How could you let your emotions dictate your actions for me? Feng Suchuan, I'm not foolish; I just never guarded against you."

The last trace of calm disappeared from his face. When he looked at me again, his gaze was deeper, devoid of any smile. After a flicker of struggle crossed his strong features, he said quietly, "The first project I secured was for a private hospital in the development zone."

I was momentarily at a loss, staring blankly at him. After a moment, I understood what he meant, my eyes widening in horror as my previously vacant mind began to piece together the fragments.

Feng Suchuan looked down and continued, "Our biggest competitor is your company. The total price of your business proposal was almost identical to mine, and our design proposal was clearly inferior to yours. I couldn't take that risk, so I tampered with the technical proposal, resulting in your company being directly disqualified."

His voice was soft and low, as if he struggled to express himself, and then he fell silent. During this prolonged silence, I gradually sorted through my thoughts, but I didn't know how to look at him anymore. After taking a large gulp of the now cold tea, I felt a chill spreading throughout my body.

I stared at him intently.

"You were sure I wouldn't expose you and that I would choose to take the blame myself. You also knew that Wen Xicheng would be utterly disappointed in my decision and would definitely leave. So this was a risk-free plan, where he would take the fall, leaving you beyond suspicion, right?"

Feng Suchuan's expression was tense, and he remained silent. "When did you start planning this? Before I was hospitalized? You deliberately chose to be hospitalized two weeks before the bidding to have enough time to prepare the documents for your own company. On the last day, you didn't let me double-check with you, which also made it easier for you to adjust your own company's bids. Feng Suchuan, don't you feel a lack of achievement when scheming against someone like me?"

I fixed my gaze on him, my words sharp and laced with disdain, gasping heavily as I struggled to contain the trembling and anger boiling within me.

Feng Suchuan remained silent as I felt my voice break with barely suppressed sobs. At last, he slowly raised his head. The calmness in his eyes cracked, yet he still didn't speak. He probably didn't know what to say. I even sensed pity and sympathy in his gaze, as if he was marveling at my naivety, wondering how someone could genuinely believe there could be real feelings and trust in the workplace!

I opened my mouth, breathing heavily, my vision blurring, yet no tears fell; I wouldn't allow them to.

Overwhelmed with agitation, I felt slightly suffocated, and my vision began to dim.

As I slowly closed my eyes, I felt a warm touch on my wrist, reminiscent of a poisonous snake bite. Instinctively, I shook it off and forced my eyes open to meet his gaze across the table. The pain etched on his face and the hurt in his eyes made me feel nauseous.

After finally managing to prop myself up to stand, an overwhelming exhaustion washed over me.

Pressing my dry lips together, it felt as if all my strength had ebbed away. I stared blankly at him. "Can you answer me one question honestly?"

Feng Suchuan stood up as well, gently nodding before extending his arm, ready to catch my trembling body at any moment.

"That afternoon in the hospital, when you pretended to be close to me, who were you putting on a show for?"

A flicker of pain crossed Feng Suchuan's face, and he turned his head, pressing his lips tightly together.

I smiled bitterly. "It wasn't for Zhang Lina at all. You were doing it for Wen Xicheng, right? You wanted him to believe that I had secretly fallen in love with you, laying the groundwork for his total abandonment of me later. Feng Suchuan, thank you for this last lesson, teaching me that there is absolutely no trust in the workplace!"

The path I took to leave was obstructed by a crowd, their presence striking and unyielding.

"Do you hate me?" Feng Suchuan's voice was hoarse, laden with desperate resignation.

I ruthlessly shoved his arms away and watched him crash into the table behind him. I responded coldly, "I don't hate you! I just feel disgusted. I hope we never see each other again in this lifetime!"

Leaving the restaurant in a daze, I squatted by the roadside, hugging my arms, and wept inconsolably. Feng Suchuan may never have realized that his exploitation and betrayal would shatter all my beliefs, overturn my entire value system, and leave me incapable of trusting anyone again.

Two hundred million—it bought out my gratitude and guilt towards Feng Suchuan, while also allowing Wen Xicheng to settle his debt to me.

At this point, none of us owed anything to each other anymore! I felt utterly numb.

Half a year later.

As Christmas approached, every business and shop began adorning itself with decorations. Naturally, I was busy as well. After returning from Jiangnan, I opened this little bookstore—over one hundred and fifty square meters, with two floors and a decent location.

It was a shop developed by a friend of Xia Lei, with an incredibly low rent of just fifty thousand a year. I immediately signed a five-year contract. When I did, the kid's father's lips began twitching, and Xia Lei teasingly chided me for being ungrateful after hanging around for a few years, oblivious to the fact that the kid was genuinely trying to help while I was taking advantage of him. Feeling a bit guilty, I gave them both lifetime free reading cards, which even made Xia Lei's lips twitch in the end.

Early in the morning, Xia Lei invited several well-connected friends to help out—young men from affluent families, all part of today's rich second-generation or official second-generation crowd. I don't know what personal charm Xia Lei possesses, but these guys all seem quite obedient, respectfully calling me "sister" when they see me.

I wrapped myself in a thick down jacket and directed them. The young men worked energetically, and before noon, the Christmas tree, Santa Claus, and colorful decorations were all set up. I suggested treating them to a nice meal at a hotel, but everyone, except Xia Lei, claimed to have urgent matters and left.

Since Xia Lei is family, I didn't hold back. I cooked two bowls of noodles and bought a pack of pickles for lunch.

While we ate, Xia Lei asked, "Sister, who is that person sitting by the southeast window outside? He's been here for three consecutive days." 

I glanced outside and replied flatly, "Feng Suchuan." 

As soon as my words left my mouth, Xia Lei dropped his utensils and stood up abruptly. I hurriedly grabbed his arm, "What are you doing?"

"Going to beat him up!" 

I chuckled and pulled him back down. "If you want to fight, it has to be tonight! Prepare some tools or something; doing this in broad daylight is just ridiculous!" 

Xia Lei rested his chin on his hand, deep in thought, then suddenly pulled out his phone. "Got it! I'll make a call to arrange it." 

I snatched the phone away and tapped his forehead.

"You're about to run a company; how can you still act like a thug? Let's eat!" 

Xia Lei obediently picked up his chopsticks, stealing glances at me. "Sister, do you hate him?" 

"I don't hate him." 

"Why not?" 

"He's a stranger to me. What reason do I have to hate him?" 

"But I hate him!" 

I looked up, somewhat puzzled. 

"He made you unable to smile." 

"Who said that? I'm happy and laughing every day!" 

"Bull…." Seeing my glare, he touched his nose and mumbled softly, "That's just a fake smile; it makes me anxious to watch!" 

I stifled my smile, pondered for a moment, and changed the subject. "How's your company planning going?" 

"Almost done, sister. When the time comes, will you help me out?" 

"No, I finally have some free time. I don't want to worry about that." 

Xia Lei looked at me, the youthful charm on his face already fading, revealing the allure of a mature man. He's four years younger than me but has always had a mature demeanor. Sometimes, when we're out together, people can't tell who's older. However, since his girlfriend ran off with a boss from Guangdong two years ago, he's become harder to understand. At this moment, he gazed at me quietly. Although he didn't say anything, his penetrating look seemed to peer directly into my heart, making it hard for me to meet his eyes.

After a long while, I stood up to clear the dishes. 

"Sister, if you have anything on your mind, you can share it with me, just like when we were kids." After saying this, he got up, lit a cigarette, and leaned against the door frame, slowly smoking.

I have a very close relationship with Xia Lei. As a child, I was obedient and sensible, while he was quite mischievous, which led our parents to favor me more. However, I cared deeply for Xia Lei; I always took the blame whenever he got into trouble. He shared his secrets with me, and when he had a crush on a girl in middle school, I helped him write a love letter.

Compared to our parents, he relied on me more and understood me better.

I sighed and said softly, "It seems like I really don't have anything on my mind anymore. Every day I wake up, have breakfast with my family, and then come to open the store, welcoming the first rays of sunlight. My mind is calm and peaceful; I feel this is the happy life I've been aspiring to."

"And what about that person? Don't you think of him every time you space out?"

Xia Lei gazed at me intently, his striking features mirroring some of my own, his eyes resolute, preventing me from evading the question.

I whispered, "I think of him every moment."

As I turned to leave, I heard him say with some difficulty, "If he could guarantee not to hurt you again, I could consider forgiving him!"

I shook my head and smiled, thinking to myself, who even knows where he is? He's probably already married to someone else!

When Xia Lei left, he stared at Feng Suchuan for a long time, making me wonder if he actually planned to do something tonight.

Feng Suchuan had come a week ago while I was sorting through the month's accounts. Upon hearing several young ladies whispering, I looked up to see him standing quietly at the shop's entrance, standing out in the crowd. When Xia Lei left, he continued to gaze at Feng Suchuan for a long while. I even doubted whether he really intended to take any action that night!

Hearing a few girls in the store whispering, I looked up to see him standing quietly at the entrance. His outstanding appearance and exceptional aura instantly captured the attention of everyone in the store. After exchanging glances with him for a few seconds, I slowly looked away. He didn't walk over; instead, he turned and made his way to a seat by the window. There, he sat for the entire afternoon, drinking three cups of coffee and alternating between two books. When he left, he also purchased a yearly membership card.

After that, he came every day—sometimes in the morning, sometimes in the afternoon—and so far, we hadn't exchanged a word.