1

The entire city of Beijing envied Lu Ze and me as a pair of fairy-tale lovers.

We grew up together as childhood friends, but later I was transferred abroad for work. Unwilling to waste Lu Ze's youthful years, I painfully suggested a breakup to him. However, he took out a ring and proposed to me on the spot, promising to register the marriage the first chance he got.

Yet, when I returned to China, he didn't even mention it and brought a female assistant to my welcome-back party.

The next day, I had a lawyer help me dissolve the engagement.

But when he received the engagement termination agreement, he went mad, searching for me all over the world.

1

On the first day after ending my long-distance relationship and returning to my country, my friends threw me a lively welcome-back party.

During the party, everyone congratulated me on my return, but Lu Ze, as my fiancé, showed no interest at all and was laughing and talking with his female assistant.

If it had been before, I might have felt upset and argued with him.

But at this moment, I was exceptionally calm.

Sensing the tense atmosphere, a friend quickly stepped in to ease the situation: "Oh, she's just a small secretary of Lu Ze's. You know how responsible he is; he definitely has to show concern for his subordinates."

But Lu Ze interrupted: "We haven't registered yet, so you can't call her sister-in-law."

I felt as if I'd been slapped hard in front of everyone, and my friend stood there awkwardly, not knowing what to do.

Everything that happened tonight felt like a joke. I forced a smile: "It's okay, I understand."

Lu Ze seemed a bit surprised by my attitude, shielding Gu Qingqing behind him, full of protective intent: "She's not feeling well and can't be left unattended. I'm taking her to the hospital now, so you take a cab home by yourself tonight."

"I'll organize a grander welcome-back party for you another day."

After saying this, he didn't even bother to glance at me as he carefully draped his coat over Gu Qingqing and turned to leave, not considering how I'd manage the mess left behind.

Though the air conditioning in the room was on, nothing was colder than my heart. He forgot that I, too, have stomach issues.

With his irresponsible mid-event departure, I had to endure my discomfort and continue socializing. In the end, I was drenched in cold sweat from cramping all over and dragged myself to a nearby clinic for an IV drip.

The doctor frowned and scolded me: "Young people these days don't know how to take care of themselves. Don't you fear sudden death drinking so much? Where's your boyfriend? Have him come keep you company. Judging by this, you'll need an IV for the entire night."

I shook my head with a bitter smile. By this time, Lu Ze should be with his little secretary.

I called him, and after a long time, he finally answered, cutting me off impatiently before I could finish:

"If you're not well, go see a doctor. I can't cure illnesses."

"When did you start having this problem? Don't tell me you made it up to trick me."

I showed a slight bitter smile; turns out it wasn't about my health, but rather a change of heart.

In his mind, the most important person was no longer me.

I thought, it's time to put an end to these more than twenty years of feelings.