《My 26-Year-Old Female Tenant》


 Chapter 1 – Pregnant with your child

    It was a rainy evening, with cold wind swirling and leaves scattered in this city. Le Yao and I stood at the entrance of the Maternity and Child Health Hospital, holding umbrellas. Amidst the crowd, she looked at me with a slightly pale face.


    "Zhao Yang, I''m pregnant."


    I was stunned for a moment, then stared at her and said, "Go find the person who got you pregnant. Why did you call me out?"


    "I''ve only been with one man this past year, and that''s you. If not you, then who?"


    "I can say I''ve only slept with one woman this past year. Do you believe me?"


    "Zhao Yang, are you even a man?"


    "We were just fooling around. Don''t drag me into this mess. If you want me to take responsibility, show me some evidence. Don''t play empty words with me. Who the hell wants to be a father without any proof?"


    Le Yao fell silent for a moment and said to me, "I''ve already had an abortion. There''s no evidence anymore."


    I was getting angry. "Do you think I''m a fool? You had an abortion and then... " I raised my hand, feeling speechless. "And then, you tell me the child is mine, are you pretending to be innocent or am I just stupid?... Le Yao, we''re both adults now. Can we do something decent?"


    Le Yao bit her lip and looked at me. After a while, she said, "If you don''t want to take responsibility, I''ll go to your company tomorrow..."


    "What the hell... Are you serious?" I said angrily.


    Le Yao tightly bit her lip and looked at me. But I felt that she was a good actress. We met at a bar and had a one-night stand. If she claims to have only been with one man in a year, I would be a fool to believe her.


    I didn''t want to get involved with her anymore. I took out my wallet, pulled out all the one hundred yuan bills and handed them to her. "You just want money, right? Take it, and don''t bother me again!"


    Le Yao didn''t say anything or bother me anymore. She nodded and turned around, holding the umbrella as she walked towards the hospital, as if there were still some unpaid fees...


    Watching her lonely figure in the rain, I suddenly felt an indescribable emotion. Although I didn''t believe that the child in her belly was mine, and although I was annoyed with her, I felt that her current life must not be easy. Otherwise, she wouldn''t have ended up in this situation with me.


    I remained silent for a while and finally called out to her, "Wait..."


    Le Yao turned around and looked at me.


    I took out a bank card from my wallet and handed it to her. "This card can be overdrawn. You just had surgery, so buy something to replenish your body."


    But Le Yao didn''t take it. "No need... My purpose was to see if you were willing to take responsibility. I came to you because I didn''t want to be slept with and get pregnant without knowing who the father is!"


    ...


    In the bar, I drank alone while waiting for my only close friend and colleague, Circle.


    Since the first day I came to this bar, I have seen too many lonely women and empty men drinking various kinds of alcohol here. They were either silent or filled with desire, searching for something called "living in a drunken dream".


    In fact, when we cast aside our physical bodies during the day and let our souls get lost in this world of lights and alcohol, we were already living in a drunken dream.


    I can''t remember which night it started, but I considered this place my home. I liked the women twisting their waists here, the swaying lights, the various colors of drinks, the scent of perfume mixed with tobacco. I liked the drunken dream here, and in that drunken dream, I engraved my messy past into a tombstone.


    I lit a cigarette, peeled off the film on the cigarette pack, and covered it in front of my eyes. I looked at the flickering lights, and my body swayed along with them. In the light refracted by the film, I seemed to see a kind of decadence of living for the moment! I couldn''t help but get lost in it!


    ...


    Circle took the film from my hand, and suddenly my world became clear again.


    "Why are you so anxious to find me?" Circle put down his briefcase and took out a cigarette from my pack to light it for himself.


    "Borrow me some money. I''ve been scammed!" S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Did you get another girl pregnant?" Circle said nonchalantly.


    "What the hell! This time I really got scammed..."


    "Who scammed you this time?"


    "Why are you asking so many useless questions?"


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    "Every time I lend you thousands and thousands, can you at least let me know who scammed my money?"


    "Le Yao." I angrily lit another cigarette and said.


    "The model?"


    "Yeah, it''s her. The entertainment circle is so messed up. She claims to have only been with one man in a year. Do you believe that? Circle, if this happened to you, would you believe it?" I banged the table with my fingers, making a loud noise."Such a thing could never happen to me. Besides, she wouldn''t scam you for just a few thousand yuan, would she? Last month, all the promotional posters for our department store were shot by her, and she was paid over ten thousand just for that..."


    I snorted and interrupted Circle, "Don''t you see her usual spending habits? Can ten thousand yuan last her a month? Now she''s in trouble and out of money, she thinks of me, her cheap fling... I''m such a fool. I should never have introduced her to our company. I didn''t shortchange her, and now she''s scamming me. Is there any professional integrity left?"


    Circle ignored my anger, lowered his voice and asked, "Did you use protection when you slept with her?"


    I thought for a while, only remembering that I was almost blackout drunk at the time. I couldn''t remember if I used a condom or not. After a while, I said, "I did... otherwise, I wouldn''t say I was scammed!"


    Circle looked at me suspiciously for a long time before sighing and saying, "Zhao Yang, we''ve been friends for almost ten years. Sometimes I really want to advise you. I know that breaking up with Jian Wei hit you hard, but it''s been two years. You really don''t need to degrade yourself like this... Youth doesn''t wait for anyone. Find a girlfriend and settle down, okay?"


    When Jian Wei''s name was mentioned again, I subconsciously paused before saying, "Don''t worry about me. I''m doing just fine!"


    "No worries, right?"


    ...


    Circle tried to advise me for a long time, and I impatiently humored him. In the end, he left with a huff, saying "You can''t make a brick without clay," forgetting about the money I borrowed from him.


    Fortunately, I''ve been frequenting this bar for two years and often bring friends here. I''m quite familiar with the bar owner, so this time, my drinks were put on a tab.


    Walking out of the bar, holding an umbrella on the rain-soaked streets, I truly understood what it meant to be alone. I''ve been struggling in this city for two years, and all I''ve gained is endless emptiness and loneliness. To escape this poisonous loneliness, I had to put on a mask of shame. With this mask, I could live in indulgence without guilt.


    But no matter how much I struggle on the edge of pain, she will never come back!


    ...


    I walked several blocks in a daze before returning to my apartment complex. It''s an old complex, so old that there''s no property management. In my first year here, I heard from the older women in the complex that it was built in the early 1990s. Over the years, each building in the complex has become dilapidated, but they all stand close together, as if afraid of being alone. This gives me the feeling that at night, when all is quiet, they might whisper to each other to alleviate decades of loneliness.


    With a cigarette in my mouth and keys in my hand, I walked towards my building. It''s the only one in the complex covered in ivy. Every summer, the south-facing wall is very green. If these buildings had genders, this one would undoubtedly be a woman, a cold woman.


    One that often makes people feel sad for her!


    ...


    To my surprise, a red Audi Q7 was parked under this dilapidated building. In my two years living here, I don''t recall ever seeing a car worth over half a million in this complex.


    Without thinking too much, I whistled and walked up the stairs to my apartment. When I reached the top floor, I was shocked to find the door ajar. I was sure I had locked it when I left. Instinctively, I thought there was a thief in the house, but then I remembered that I hadn''t paid my landlord, Old Li, rent for two months. It was probably him coming to collect.


    I pushed the door open to find Old Li and a strange woman sitting on the sofa. An Audi Q7 keychain was on the coffee table, undoubtedly belonging to the woman who owned the Q7 parked downstairs.


    A question flashed in my mind: How did Old Li, a commoner, manage to bring such a noble, untouchable woman like a white lily to this humble room? I was truly puzzled!

 Chapter 2 – A woman who drives a Q7

    I looked at this woman again. She sat upright, with slightly curled long hair hanging down to her shoulders. Her fair skin and slender figure, along with the upward curve of her mouth, exuded a confident and sharp aura. In short, she was an unquestionable beauty. Just by looking at her for the first time, it seemed like there was nothing in this world that couldn''t be forgiven!


    Lao Li waved at me, "Zhao Yang, come over, I have something to tell you."


    "Is it about the rent? I''ll pay it together next month when I receive my salary, okay?" I said with a forced smile, after all, I had been delaying the rent with Lao Li for so long.


    "It''s about the house... um... this house has been bought by this girl."


    "You sold this house?! Who''s the idiot willing to buy this old house that can''t withstand an earthquake!" I looked at the woman and shouted. In the face of the crisis of homelessness, I couldn''t care less about her elegance and beauty. I got angry first!


    Lao Li looked at the woman with a frown, feeling embarrassed. After a while, he said to me, "You should move out tonight. I won''t ask you for the rent for the past few months either!"


    "Lao Li, the older you get, the more you act like a grandson... Even if you want to sell the house, you should have let me know in advance. Where am I supposed to find a new place to live on such a rainy day?"


    "Just find a hotel to stay for now." Lao Li said without caring about my feelings.


    "You don''t even have the ownership of the house anymore, don''t talk to me!" I retorted at Lao Li, then turned to the unfamiliar woman and said, "The house is yours now, can I continue renting it from you?"


    The woman shook her head, "I bought it to live in myself, I have no plans to rent it out."


    I immediately became unsettled, "Miss, are you okay? You drive a million-dollar luxury car and come to live in this rundown house!... Are you intentionally trying to make things difficult for me?"


    The woman ignored my anger and calmly said, "You have one hour to move out..."


    Before she could finish her sentence, I interrupted, "I''m not moving... Have you ever seen someone who doesn''t give any notice and just tells others to move out?" I finished speaking and sat down next to the woman on the sofa. The woman instinctively moved to the other side.


    I lit a cigarette and looked around this old house. A sense of loss overflowed in my heart. Two years ago, when I came to Suzhou, I had been living here. In this house, I had endured the most difficult period of my life.


    Here, I had confided in the living room''s clock, and poured my heart out to the old floor lamp in the bedroom all night long. Every object here seemed like a close friend who had gone through hardships with me. Leaving here meant losing the last trace of my livelihood.


    The smoke emanating from my mouth made the woman annoyed, and she stood up from the sofa and walked to the other side.


    I felt even more unlucky. It seemed like all the bad things had happened to me today, and everyone who came to find me was unhappy.


    After a while, Lao Li said to both of us who were deadlocked, "I have something to attend to at home. You two can discuss the house matter slowly..." Without waiting for a response, he walked out as if he had thrown away a hot potato, stepping on the oil on the soles of his feet, as if he was skating, and left with his bag.


    There were only me and the woman left in the house.


    ...


    Outside the window, the strong wind and cold rain began to rage again. Such harsh weather made me even more unwilling to move out. I decided to sit here and stubbornly stay with this woman. After all, I had nothing left but time.


    I spoke to her, "Miss, may I ask for your name?"


    She responded without smiling, "Is it important?"


    "Of course it''s important. I need to know which immortal brought me to this homeless state on a cold rainy night!"


    She ignored the sarcasm in my words and replied coldly, "You only have 40 minutes left now. If you don''t move, I''ll call the police."


    I was about to explode when the phone rang. I frowned at the woman before taking out my phone from my pocket. It was a call from Le Yao, another woman who annoyed me.


    Impatiently, I answered the call, "What''s wrong again? Didn''t I give you money?"


    Le Yao remained silent for a moment before saying, "Zhao Yang, tomorrow is the weekend... Can you accompany me to the hospital for a check-up?"


    "Is the baby in your belly mine? Can''t you find a friend to accompany you? Do you think I have nothing to do?" I said in a rapid-fire manner, trying to make her give up on this unrealistic idea with my imposing manner. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "In this city, you are the only friend I have."


    "Le Yao, you''re mistaken. We are just friends with benefits, not friends... Do you know what friends with benefits means?"


    Le Yao ignored me and said softly, "I''m really scared alone!... If you don''t come, I''ll just let myself perish! I won''t go for the check-up anymore!"


    I patiently said, "You went alone today, so tomorrow you should be more familiar with the route."


    "I felt how terrifying it was precisely because I went alone yesterday!"


    Le Yao''s persistence was driving me crazy. Out of habit, I cursed, "Fuck you!"


    "Fuck you too! The child was conceived by you. If I had known, I would have given birth to the child and raised him, telling him that his father is a beast!"


    The sound of a disconnected call echoed from the phone.


    ¡­¡­


    "What a mess!" I lit a cigarette, smacked my forehead vigorously. For two years, I had never encountered such a troublesome friend with benefits like Le Yao. Despite her solemn promises, I could equally assert: the child is not mine! She claimed that I was her only friend in this city, which made me suspect that she was trying to swindle me. Just last week, I saw a photo of her partying at a bar with a bunch of people on Weibo.


    "Scumbag!"


    I looked up, only to find a woman staring at me with an extremely disgusted expression. It was just the two of us in the room, so there was no doubt that she was cursing me.


    "Were you listening to my call?" I asked emotionlessly, not caring that she had called me a scumbag, because even I couldn''t tell if I was one or not.


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    "You have 30 minutes left." The woman''s tone was even colder than before.


    What a troublesome rainy night. After giving all my cash to Le Yao today, I was penniless. Where could I move to now? The world is vast, yet there seems to be no place for me, Zhao Yang.


    After a moment of silence, I said to the woman, "Miss, look at the storm outside, it''s quite late now, I definitely can''t move out tonight!"


    The woman glanced out the window, finally giving me some leeway, "When will you move?"


    "Tomorrow."


    "What time?"


    "Before one in the afternoon." I said in a softer tone, because I was about to ask her for a favor.


    She nodded, "You can leave now, remember to move your things out on time tomorrow."


    I remained seated, leaning towards her after a while, and asked hesitantly, "Miss... could you lend me some money?"


    She seemed surprised, but firmly said, "I have no obligation to lend you money."


    "So you won''t lend me any? Then don''t expect me to leave tonight. I can''t possibly sleep under a bridge without a penny to my name!" I slumped onto the sofa, warning her, "Don''t even think about calling the police. This is your and Old Li''s fault for not giving me a heads up, at least let me prepare."


    She looked at me as if I were a plague, further confirming her eagerness to get rid of me. Unexpectedly, she said, "I don''t have any cash."


    I stared at her in disbelief. Her statement of not having cash was a sign of wealth and class. Wealthy people nowadays don''t usually carry cash in their wallets. Their consumption often reaches tens of thousands, and the small amount of cash that could fit in their wallets obviously wouldn''t suffice.


    "Miss, it''s fate, I also don''t like stuffing cash in my wallet!" I shamelessly told the truth, I rarely carried cash in my wallet.


    She ignored me.


    I continued, "How about this, you lend me your card, I''ll only swipe a thousand. I''ll return it to you when I move out tomorrow, or there''s an ATM 200 meters away downstairs, if you don''t trust me, you can come with me..."


    She pulled out a bank card from her wallet and interrupted me, "The password is six zeros. Before one o''clock tomorrow afternoon, get everything done."


    I took the bank card she handed me, "No problem!"


    I wasn''t surprised that she trusted me with her bank card. Old Li knew my phone number, workplace, and network of contacts very well. Or perhaps there wasn''t much balance on this card.


    ¡­¡­


    She sat quietly on the sofa. I took another look at her. Honestly, I had never seen such a beautiful woman in my twenty-something years of life. She seemed to possess a quality that other women didn''t have. However, the regrettable thing was: we didn''t seem to get along!


    As I was leaving, I half-jokingly, half-seriously said, "Miss, would you consider cohabiting with me? I can cook and give massages. After a long day of work, I can provide you with a full range of services at home, guaranteed to make you comfortable..."


    "Get out!" She finally lost her temper, a throw pillow flew towards me with missile-like precision.

 Chapter 3 – I only love you

    ?I left the small house I had lived in for two years with an umbrella. In fact, I didn''t feel good at all in my heart. When I proposed to live together with that woman, it was not a joke or taking advantage of her. At this moment, my mood was like a homeless child, losing the feeling of warmth, but no one knew that I felt like crying a little.


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    But people have to learn to respect reality, don''t they? When Lao Li sold this house, my departure was already inevitable.


    I found an ATM nearby and withdrew 1000 yuan from the card according to the agreement. I also checked the user information and found out that the woman who was excessively beautiful was called Mi Cai.


    I really like her name. "Mi" represents having enough to eat, and "Cai" represents colorful. If life has both rice and color, it is undoubtedly happiness. But I have neither of these two things. All I have left in my life now is hunger and black and white. So Mi Cai''s appearance is more like an irony to me! It mocks my lack of everything and my dead-end life!


    ...


    At the corner of the street, there is a hotel. I stayed there. Under the raging wind and rain all night, I fell asleep in a daze until morning. When I woke up, it was almost noon.


    I looked at the phone and found dozens of missed calls, all from Le Yao. She is really persistent. Seeing that I didn''t answer the phone, she sent me a message, saying: "If I had known, I should have given birth to the child in my belly and then used this so-called child to punish me for a lifetime."


    I found it a bit funny. She is not afraid of being an unmarried mother. Do I still fear being a cheap father in name only? Obviously, her complaints did not burden me mentally...


    After a simple wash, I hurriedly went to the hospital. The reason why I went may be because of the remaining bit of kindness, or perhaps out of sympathy between pao friends. I can''t explain why. Many times, people don''t necessarily understand themselves well.


    Arriving at the maternity and child hospital, I got off the taxi and saw Le Yao waiting for me with an umbrella at the entrance of the hospital.


    She noticed me the first time, and her expression of insecurity finally eased a bit. She walked towards me.


    I was very angry, but when I thought that she had been lying on the operating table here, facing the cold scalpel, I held back and didn''t lose my temper.


    Le Yao held my arm with a serious expression and looked at her belly. She looked like she loved me deeply, but I didn''t pity her.


    I broke free and finally couldn''t stand it anymore: "What the hell!... Tell me honestly, who made you pregnant?"


    "You, Zhao Yang!"


    "Do you believe that I will strangle you?" I stared at Le Yao and said.


    "Beast, strangle me if you want. If you had strangled me yesterday, it would have been a double murder. If you do it today, you will be in the headlines, and the whole country will know that there is such a beast like you!" Le Yao squinted at me and said, but her body pressed closer to mine.


    "Do you ever stop? I slept with you two months ago. How long have you been pregnant? Show me the ultrasound pictures."


    Le Yao ignored my doubts, but her tone suddenly softened. She held my arm tightly with deep regret and said, "Zhao Yang, if you didn''t have the abortion yesterday and let this child call you dad, how happy you would be!"


    I suppressed my anger and pushed her aside, saying, "Stop playing, okay?... Go for a check-up quickly. Once you walk out of this hospital, consider me dead and never bother me again!"


    Le Yao lowered her head and said to me after a while, "Don''t talk about living or dying. I won''t bother you anymore!"


    ...


    After Le Yao finished the check-up and was receiving intravenous fluids in the ward, I sat next to her like a family member, but I didn''t want to say a word. I always felt a little suffocated in my heart.


    The doctor pulled me aside outside the ward and said, "Young man, your girlfriend has a weak constitution and mild anemia symptoms. The post-abortion recovery must not be taken lightly, otherwise it will leave hidden diseases when she gets older. I will give you some medicine and supplements for recovery. You can go to the pharmacy on the second floor to get them."


    I nodded without thinking too much. I felt that the 1000 yuan I swiped with Mi Cai''s bank card yesterday should be enough to buy the medicine.


    With the prescription from the doctor, I went to the second floor. The staff took a full five minutes to hand me a bag full of medicine and supplements, and then asked, "The total is 3016 yuan. Will you pay by card or cash?" Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    I was stunned and then cursed, "What the hell is this elixir that costs over 3000 yuan? Do you think I have a lot of money and want to rip me off?"


    The staff didn''t find it strange and looked at the man who had just bought medicine next door, saying to me, "See, he just bought 8000 yuan worth of medicine and supplements. If you don''t have money, don''t let your girlfriend get pregnant!"


    "You''re still so happy when you''re being taken advantage of, idiot!" I cursed at the man''s back, and then thought of Le Yao''s weak and helpless appearance after the abortion. I suppressed my anger and took out Mi Cai''s bank card from my wallet, saying, "Give me a discount, or just round down the 16 yuan."


    The staff took the bank card from my hand, gave me a disdainful look, and said, "How fresh, have you ever seen a hospital that gives discounts?"


    Holding the medicine I bought from the pharmacy, my heart was bleeding. Being a pao friend is really expensive!


    ...


    I supported the weak Le Yao out of the hospital after she finished receiving intravenous fluids, but the rain was still drizzling, and the air was heavy because of the continuous rain, making people feel depressed.


    Le Yao leaned against me and walked for a while, unexpectedly asking me, "Zhao Yang, there is a film crew inviting me to go to Hengdian to shoot a movie next month. Should I go?"


    "Is it reliable?" I asked gently, trying not to stimulate her emotions, but in fact, I had no interest in where she would go to shoot a movie.


    "I have already tried the makeup. The director and producer are very satisfied and think I am suitable for this role.""Alright, you guys who work as models, aren''t you all eager to break into the entertainment industry? This is your chance, seize it... Oh, this is the post-surgery medication prescribed by the doctor. Take it and follow the schedule. I''ll text you later on how to take it." I said, extending the bag in my hand towards her.


    Le Yao didn''t take the bag I handed her, but stared at me for a long time before softly saying, "Being a model is just a transitional phase for me. Actually, I graduated from the acting department of Shanghai Theatre Academy."


    "Holy shit! No wonder you were so convincing when you were scamming me. You''re a professional! I really am blind, not recognizing a top student from the Theatre Academy!" I exclaimed, half sarcastically, half teasingly.


    Le Yao completely ignored my outburst, and looked at me, asking, "Zhao Yang, do you think I''m beautiful?"


    "Would I sleep with you if you weren''t beautiful?" I retorted, staring at Le Yao. She was indeed a beauty, and a very down-to-earth one at that. Bright eyes, red lips, white teeth, a bit sexy, a bit charming.


    Le Yao nodded, "Zhao Yang, forget about Jian Wei. Once I become a female star, I will only love you!" After saying this, she took the bag from my hand and left like the wind.


    ......


    I came back to my senses after a while. A cold wind blew over, and I suddenly remembered that I had promised Mi Cai to help her move before one o''clock. It was already half past one. I immediately hailed a taxi and headed to my old place. On the way, I remembered that I had just swiped Mi Cai''s bank card for 3016 yuan worth of medication. I had told her I would only charge 1000, so now I owed her 4016 yuan. How am I going to pay back all this money?


    Thinking of Mi Cai''s face, so beautiful yet so serious, I was in turmoil!

 Chapter 4 – Collided with an evil weekend

    When I returned to my original residence, it was almost 2 o''clock. After paying the taxi fare, I walked towards my building. I wasn''t particularly anxious since it was the weekend, but I was annoyed about the 4016 yuan that I owed her. Even if I sold myself, I wouldn''t be able to get that much money.


    When I arrived at the building where I lived, I was stunned. I was filled with anger as I saw that my luggage had been moved to the corridor of the hallway. Some of the luggage that couldn''t fit in the corridor had already been soaked by the rain, including a pair of black leather shoes that Jian Wei had given me a long time ago.


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    I threw away the umbrella and took out the key from my pocket. I unlocked the door and kicked it open. Standing in the living room, I angrily shouted, "You damn bitch, get out here!"


    I shouted three times but no one responded. I kicked open the door of the room she lived in, but there was no one inside.


    Looking at the spotless room that had been tidied up, I thought about my luggage getting soaked outside in the rain. The fire in my heart burned even stronger. I raised my hand and threw her blanket onto the floor, and in my anger, I even overturned the mattress. Pillows and blankets were scattered all over the place.


    ...


    After my hysterical outburst, I stood in Mi Cai''s room and lit a cigarette to calm my anger. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Mi Cai appeared outside the room at some point, holding a mop and a plastic bag filled with daily necessities. She had probably gone to the supermarket just now.


    She glared at me angrily. I grabbed her clothes at the chest and dragged her into the room, causing her to drop the bag and mop. The items scattered all over the floor, turning the previously spotless room into a mess due to my anger.


    I dragged her to the window and opened it, making her look at my luggage getting soaked in the rain. I scolded, "What the hell is wrong with you? Why did you throw my luggage in the rain?"


    Mi Cai broke free from my grip and coldly said, "You didn''t show up, so I asked someone to help you move out. Is there a problem?"


    "I was delayed by something else. What''s wrong with being a little late?"


    "Promise a time and stick to it." Mi Cai stood her ground, her eyes filled with determination.


    "You''re so unreasonable!" My anger grew even stronger, and I made a motion as if I was going to hit her.


    I thought she would instinctively dodge or close her eyes, but she continued to look at me coldly without even blinking.


    I put down my raised hand and squinted at her, saying, "You bring all my things back up here, and I''ll pretend this never happened."


    "I won''t go." Mi Cai''s beautiful eyes shimmered with tears, but she remained resolute.


    I nodded. "You won''t go, huh?..."


    As soon as I finished speaking, I threw the blankets and comforters on the floor out of the window, venting my frustration and seeking revenge.


    In the wind and rain, the falling blankets and comforters looked so helpless and innocent, like scars being mercilessly exposed. I stared at them absentmindedly, feeling regretful. I shouldn''t have been so impulsive, shouldn''t have treated this stubborn woman in front of me like this. Perhaps it was the sight of those black leather shoes in the rain that triggered something in me. My heart twitched, and in the reflection of the rain falling on the black leather shoes, I seemed to see the love between Jian Wei and me that had died out.


    ...


    The blankets and comforters finally landed on the ground amidst the alternating rain and wind. Feeling guilty, I said to Mi Cai, "Now we''re even!"


    After I finished speaking, tears fell from Mi Cai''s fair face. She bit her lip and looked at me.


    Looking at the devastated room, a sense of guilt suddenly filled my heart, but I still stared at her and said, "I know you despise me and look down on me. Yes, I''m poor and worthless, but that''s not a reason for you to disrespect me and my luggage. You''re a woman, and today I will show you some gentlemanly manners. I threw your blankets and comforters, but next time, I''ll throw you out as well!"


    After saying that, I took out the bank card she gave me yesterday from my wallet and placed it on the table. "I withdrew a total of 4016 yuan from the card. I don''t have the money to pay you back now, but I will find a way to repay you as soon as possible."


    Tears swirled in Mi Cai''s eyes. "Bastard, all of you are untrustworthy bastards..."


    I looked at her in surprise, unable to describe the feeling in my heart. After a while, I said, "I''m leaving. I will definitely repay the money I owe you. Although I''m late in fulfilling my promise, it doesn''t mean that I''m untrustworthy as you think."


    Mi Cai didn''t respond to me and continued to look at me with resentment.


    ...


    I left. I didn''t know if Mi Cai was still crying, but I knew that staying in that room, which I had turned into a mess, must have been unbearable for her.


    But just like what she had cursed at me before, I was indeed a scumbag, a beast like Le Yao had said, someone who couldn''t control his emotions and acted recklessly like a scumbag!I hailed a taxi and moved my luggage to a roadside pavilion where I could shelter from the rain. For a moment, I didn''t know where to go. The money I had left was not enough to rent a room, and staying in a hotel was not a long-term solution. The only person I was willing to borrow money from, Circle, was upset with me because I didn''t listen to his advice yesterday, and he temporarily refused to contact me.


    Yes, over the years, I''ve only borrowed money from Circle. I consider him a close friend and never hesitate to show him my hardships and destitution. But I would never do that to anyone else.


    It felt as if I had suddenly been abandoned by the world!


    ......


    I lit a cigarette and sat on the stone bench in the pavilion, watching the passing vehicles in a daze.


    My life shouldn''t be like this, but for the past two years, I''ve been living as lonely and helpless as the silent buildings in this city. All of this was because of that woman. I knew I would never have the chance to hold her hand again in my life, but I was still stubbornly stuck, unable to escape from her tenderness.


    The wind made me feel a bit cold, so I took out a scarf from my bag and tied it around my neck, finally blocking the endless cold wind pouring into my chest.


    For the next hour, I just sat in the pavilion, lost in thought and smoking, until it started to get dark, and I truly felt a desire to be saved.


    The sudden ring of my phone startled me. I wiped my face and took out my phone from my pocket. It was a call from Mr. Ban.


    Mr. Ban is my father. He is old-fashioned and reticent. He has been working in the procurement department of a small and medium-sized state-owned enterprise for 15 years. He was the deputy head of the department in his first year, and 15 years later, he still hasn''t been able to remove the "deputy" from his title. What''s more, the procurement department is a place where one can make extra money through kickbacks, but in 15 years, he has never accepted a single gift or kickback. His ironclad integrity has earned him the private respect of his colleagues, who call him "Mr. Ban". So, when I was 17, I also started calling him "Mr. Ban", but he always thought I was saying "my dad".


    I answered the phone and heard Mr. Ban''s emotionless voice. He said, "Zhao Yang, I''ll be in Suzhou soon. I have an exhibition to attend tomorrow morning, so I''m going to stay at your place tonight."


    I felt bitter. This weekend was really cursed. I couldn''t let Mr. Ban know that I was penniless and homeless! He might be old-fashioned, but that doesn''t mean he doesn''t have a temper.


    I quickly said, "Mr. Ban, can you find a hotel near the station to stay in? I''m having dinner with my colleagues tonight, and it''s going to take a while."


    "You eat your dinner. Don''t you always leave your keys under the door frame? I can get in."


    "There have been a lot of thieves recently, so I didn''t leave them there."


    Mr. Ban insisted, "Then wait for you. Don''t go out and play after dinner. Come back early."


    "Mr. Ban, you''ve been on the bus for half a day, you must be tired. Just find a nearby hotel to stay in. You don''t even want to take a taxi to my place, and it''s rush hour now. You can''t stand the squeeze on the bus!"


    Despite my excuses, Mr. Ban wasn''t in a hurry. Finally, he said, "Your mother knitted a sweater for you. I''ll bring it over."


    ......


    Listening to the "beep" of the hang-up, I was stunned for a moment. When I came to my senses, I immediately hoisted my luggage bag onto my shoulder, dragged my suitcase to the roadside, and looked around for a taxi. Tonight, I had to go back to the house that now belonged to Mi Cai.


    Whether she liked it or not, I had no choice but to stay. If Mr. Ban knew about my current situation, he would be furious.


    ¡ª¡ª---------------------


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 Chapter 5 – Wait a moment

    In the wind and rain, I took a taxi back to the run-down neighborhood where I had lived for two years. After getting off the car, I instinctively looked around to see if Mi Cai''s Audi Q7 was parked downstairs.


    Luckily, the car was not there. Even luckier, I hadn''t returned the house key to Mi Cai yet. I optimistically thought to myself: since Mr. Ban is only staying for one night, if she doesn''t come back tonight, everything will be smoothly resolved.


    I quickly ran back to the house, put my luggage back in its original place, and made the bed. Then I stood under an umbrella at the bus stop, waiting for Mr. Ban''s arrival.


    After about fifteen minutes, a bus from the long-distance bus station slowly arrived. I looked up and indeed saw Mr. Ban getting off the bus with a briefcase in his hand.


    I waved and shouted at him, "Mr. Ban, over here!"


    Mr. Ban came over to me with some surprise and asked, "Weren''t you going out to eat with your colleagues?"


    "Eating is a small matter, but you coming here is a big deal. I can distinguish between priorities," I said as I took the briefcase from Mr. Ban''s hand.


    Mr. Ban remained silent and followed me into the neighborhood.


    I complained, "Mr. Ban, since this is a business trip paid for by the government, can''t you just take a taxi next time you come here? It''s not like it won''t be reimbursed!"


    "Even if it''s paid for by the government, it''s still money. Saving a little bit is still saving," Mr. Ban said seriously.


    "Our government has trillions of foreign exchange reserves stored in the United States, so they won''t be short of money for your taxi fare!"


    Mr. Ban didn''t say anything. It was clear that he didn''t want to argue with me about values. He was always like this. If he believed something was right, he never wanted to explain. It was as if he was an independent world, and he had been a deputy section chief in this independent world for fifteen years.


    ...


    Back in the house, Mr. Ban took out a stainless steel lunchbox from the other bag besides the briefcase and said to me, "This is the wild crucian carp I caught last week. Your mother cooked it and asked me to bring it to you. Just heat it up when you want to eat it, it''s fine even if it''s not hot."


    "Let''s eat it tonight."


    Mr. Ban looked at me with confusion and asked, "Didn''t you already eat with your colleagues?"


    "I did, but you came, so I came back halfway." Then I quickly changed the subject, "By the way, did you bring the glutinous rice wine my mother made?"


    Mr. Ban nodded and took out a bottle from the bag that was originally filled with orange juice. Inside was the glutinous rice wine that I liked to drink.


    Mr. Ban and I each poured a glass of glutinous rice wine, ate the cooked crucian carp and peanuts, and waited for the rice porridge cooking in the rice cooker while chatting casually.


    I was somewhat absent-minded, afraid that Mi Cai would suddenly come back. It wouldn''t matter if she got scared, but if I revealed my true intentions in front of Mr. Ban, I would be done for.


    ...


    Just as I finished drinking a glass of glutinous rice wine, footsteps could be heard outside the door, followed by the sound of a key being inserted into the lock. I panicked a bit, glanced at Mr. Ban, and then at the door that was within reach.


    The door opened, and indeed, Mi Cai walked in. The scene in front of her made her stunned, but Mr. Ban didn''t react much. He just treated Mi Cai as someone who shared the rent with me, or maybe even as a girlfriend.


    Before Mi Cai could speak, I grabbed her arm and asked with concern, "You''ve been drinking, right? Let me help you into the house... Don''t thank me, we''re roommates, it''s what I should do."


    I said politely, but from an angle that Mr. Ban couldn''t see, I raised my hand and covered Mi Cai''s mouth, then pushed her into her room in a few steps.


    "Scum... Let go of me!" Mi Cai struggled and mumbled.


    "Don''t scream!" I said in a low voice. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Mi Cai struggled again and took out her phone from her pocket. Even a fool would know that she was going to call the police to deal with me. My actions could indeed be considered as trespassing a private residence.


    I snatched the phone from her hand and pushed her onto the bed, straddling her to prevent her from continuing to struggle. I couldn''t care less about how thuggish this position was.


    In a low and nervous voice, I said, "Stop screaming, if my dad hears it, I''m dead!"


    Mi Cai completely ignored me, her expression filled with fear. She instinctively raised her hand and tightly grabbed my hair.


    It hurt so much that I felt like I was going to collapse. I gritted my teeth and didn''t dare to make a sound. "Be gentle, you''re almost pulling out all my hair!"


    "Scum..." Mi Cai mumbled with her mouth covered.


    "I am indeed a scum!" I angrily said.


    Then I whispered, "But in my dad''s eyes, I''m not! He has high blood pressure. If he knows that I''m broke and don''t even have a place to live, he''ll be so angry that he''ll have a heart attack... Sister, just pity me and put up with it for one night. He''s here on a business trip and will leave tomorrow morning... I promise I won''t bother you in the future!"


    Mi Cai finally stopped struggling, released my hair, but her beautiful eyes still stared at me with hatred and disgust.


    I cautiously removed my hand covering Mi Cai''s mouth. This time, she didn''t scream again.


    I let out a sigh of relief and only then realized that I was still straddling Mi Cai''s body. Just as I was about to apologize and get up, Mi Cai twisted her body and pushed me hard. I fell straight off the bed with a loud thud.


    "Zhao Yang, what were you doing in there?" Mr. Ban heard the noise and asked.


    I endured the pain and said, "I bumped into the cabinet..."


    Mr. Ban didn''t ask further. Mi Cai finally looked at me with a revengeful smile mixed with anger.


    "I warn you not to talk nonsense! My dad really has high blood pressure. He can''t handle any shocks. Stay in your room and don''t come out!"


    Mi Cai neither agreed nor disagreed.


    I made a pleading gesture, but she still didn''t say anything. I could only console myself that she had tacitly agreed. I looked at her imploringly before closing the door and walking outside.


    ...


    In the living room, Mr. Ban had already filled three bowls of rice porridge and said to me, "Zhao Yang, go and bring a bowl of porridge to that girl. She should eat something after drinking. Can''t let her go hungry."


    "You should let her rest."


    As soon as I finished speaking, Mi Cai came out of her room with a handbag in hand...Given all the wrongs I had done before, it wouldn''t be too much if Mi Cai decided to skin me alive. Revealing my true colors in front of Mr. Ban now, it was indeed my retribution.


    Just as I was getting nervous to the point of my legs going weak, Mi Cai, without a sidelong glance, walked towards the door. It seemed that she intended to leave the room to me for the night.


    Just as I was about to breathe a sigh of relief, the usually reticent Mr. Ban spoke to Mi Cai, who was about to step out of the door, "Miss, I''ve made you a bowl of porridge. Have it while it''s hot."


    I wished for nothing more than for Mi Cai to leave quickly. I kept giving her signals with my eyes, but to my surprise, Mi Cai looked at me, then nodded at Mr. Ban, saying, "Thank you, uncle."


    ......


    The two people who were just at each other''s throats were now inexplicably sitting at the same table, eating porridge. I remained silent like a guilty suspect, always on guard against Mi Cai saying something she shouldn''t.


    I occasionally glanced at Mi Cai out of the corner of my eye, not knowing what she was up to. However, it seemed that she had no intention of exposing me to Mr. Ban, and was just quietly sipping her porridge.


    Mr. Ban, always reticent and more focused on his meals than others, finished his bowl of porridge first. He got up, picked up his bag, and said to me, "Since you have a guest, I''ll go stay at a hotel."


    I looked at Mi Cai and said to Mr. Ban, "Mr. Ban, don''t leave. You can sleep with me later."


    "I''ve been snoring heavily lately. You have to work tomorrow, I can''t disturb your sleep." Mr. Ban shook his head, then took out a sweater from his bag and handed it to me, "Your mother knitted this for you."


    I took it and looked at it, somewhat puzzled, "Why did she knit two?"


    "One for you and one for your future partner. The sweaters knitted at home are warm!"


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    I was a bit helpless. I knew Mr. Ban and my mother were subtly reminding me to find a girlfriend soon.


    I looked at Mi Cai, who was still sipping her porridge, and teased, "It''s getting cold. I''ll give you a sweater later!"


    Mi Cai glared at me, but ultimately didn''t lose her temper in front of Mr. Ban. I was secretly pleased.


    ......


    When he was about to leave, Mr. Ban took out 3000 yuan from his wallet and handed it to me, "Take it."


    I laughed carelessly, "Why are you giving me money? I''m not short of money!"


    Mr. Ban stuffed the money into my hand, "You''re my son, I know you too well. How many times have I told you, you need to plan your spending... Pay your utility bills when you have time." He glanced at the utility bill reminder that had been dropped on the floor a few days ago.


    I suddenly felt a lump in my throat. I really wasn''t a son who could make my parents worry-free. I pushed the money back into Mr. Ban''s hand, "I really don''t need it. My mother is not well, you keep it to buy her some medicine. I''ll get my salary next week."


    Mr. Ban didn''t say much, he left the money on the table, took a look at Mi Cai, and walked out the door alone.


    ......


    I caught up with Mr. Ban and saw him off downstairs. The always silent him said to me, "That girl just now is not bad, she''s pretty!"


    I stopped Mr. Ban, pointed to the Q7 parked nearby and said, "Mr. Ban, give up your fantasies. She''s not my type... See that car? It''s hers."


    Mr. Ban followed my gaze to the red Q7, looking puzzled. I guess he was also surprised why Mi Cai, who drove such a car, would live in such an old place.


    Mr. Ban eventually chose to remain silent as usual. He was helpless about my terrible situation. Whether we like it or not, we are indeed living in an era where love needs to be proven with money. So I told him to give up his fantasies, and I was even less willing to fantasize!


    That night, after Mr. Ban left me with a "work hard", he walked away in the rain with his umbrella.


    Looking at his aging figure in the rain, I read his expectations in his words. He hoped that I would work hard, marry a good girl, and give him a grandchild... But Mr. Ban, I''m living in my own helplessness and struggle, in the heaviness and pull of reality. Those many good things to be realized, can they wait a bit longer?... Is that okay?

 Chapter 6 – They are getting married

    Back at the residence, Mi Cai had almost finished her bowl of porridge, while my bowl of unfinished porridge was still steaming. I took out two salted duck eggs from the bag left by Mr. Ban and handed one to Mi Cai, saying, "Try it."


    "I''m almost done eating." This was the first time Mi Cai spoke to me in a normal tone since we met two days ago.


    I smiled and said, "Have another bowl. Eating plain rice porridge won''t make you fat."


    Mi Cai ignored my suggestion and said, "Your dad has already left, so you can move out too."


    I looked at the storm outside the window and negotiated with Mi Cai, "I won''t move today. Let me stay for one more night, okay?"


    "No." Mi Cai said firmly.


    I slammed the chopsticks on the table and angrily said, "What''s wrong with you? Don''t you understand the concept of gratitude? Spit out the porridge you just ate, and I''ll move out immediately."


    Mi Cai looked at me with beautiful eyes, speechless at how quickly I changed my attitude.


    I softened my tone and said to her, "Sister, I''ve been running around all day today and I''m exhausted. Please let me off the hook."


    "Scum, who''s your sister!"


    "Miss... Miss is that okay?" I quickly said, promising, "Tomorrow, I promise I''ll move out after work."


    After a while, Mi Cai finally relented and said to me, "Remember what you said."


    "Of course, I''ll definitely move out tomorrow!"


    Mi Cai looked at me dissatisfied, picked up the bowl and walked towards the rice cooker filled with plain rice porridge, and then filled herself a small bowl.


    "Aren''t you not eating anymore?"


    Mi Cai glared at me and said, "Since I''ve already eaten, what''s wrong with having another bowl?"


    I shook my head and sighed, "Ah! This is how people become corrupted!" S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Although I was joking, I peeled the salted duck egg and handed it to Mi Cai. She didn''t refuse, and so the two of us continued eating in this strange atmosphere.


    ...


    After dinner, I handed the 3,000 yuan left by Mr. Ban to Mi Cai and said, "Here''s 3,000 yuan for now. I''ll give you the rest when I get my salary next week."


    "Do you still have money to rent a place after giving it to me?... Let''s pay it back together in the future."


    "You''re considering me, aren''t you? It''s not that I don''t want to pay you back." I said as I put the money into my wallet.


    "As long as you move out quickly, everything else doesn''t matter." Mi Cai said, taking another sip of porridge. It seemed that she really liked this porridge. Indeed, Mr. Ban''s porridge-making skills were extraordinary. He could turn ordinary rice porridge into something delicious.


    "I''m not a plague, there''s no need for you to despise me like this!" I sighed.


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    "With your character, how could I like you?"


    I smiled and didn''t say anything else. Maybe my character was really not good, or maybe she misunderstood me a bit, but it didn''t matter. I didn''t need to clarify or explain because after work tomorrow, we would draw a clear line between us.


    I finished the porridge in my bowl in one gulp, then stared at Mi Cai. At this moment, she was wearing a white long-sleeved chiffon shirt, black and white checkered pencil pants, and her slightly curled medium-length hair added to her charm, but she looked fragile.


    I took out the knitted sweater left by Mr. Ban and gestured in front of Mi Cai. After a while, I sighed and said, "It''s getting cold. Don''t you think this sweater suits you?"


    Mi Cai frowned and said, "What? Do you want me to owe you a favor?"


    "Really, it suits you... If you''re willing to let me continue renting this room, I don''t mind giving it to you. My dad said this sweater was knitted by my mom herself. It''s thick and warm for the winter!"


    "No need for such a luxury."


    I smiled and handed her the sweater, saying, "I was just joking. Even if you don''t rent it, I''ll still give it to you. I don''t have any plans to have a girlfriend for now, and it''s a waste to keep such a good sweater by my side. I also want to apologize for my unreasonable behavior towards you yesterday."


    I looked extremely sincere, and Mi Cai hesitated for a moment before actually accepting the sweater I handed her. She said to me, "Fine, I accept your apology... and be nicer to your dad. Don''t deceive him anymore and make him worry."


    "Is there a logical connection between accepting an apology and being nicer to my dad?" I asked in surprise.


    Angry at my questioning, Mi Cai said, "You really are scum!" After speaking, she stuffed the sweater into her handbag and pushed the door open, leaving.


    I was left alone in the room, a little confused about Mi Cai''s sudden anger. I sat there thinking for a long time before finally understanding. Perhaps she temporarily accepted my apology and even allowed me to stay for another night out of sympathy for Mr. Ban. But she still had no feelings for me and was annoyed by me. In her eyes, I played with a woman''s feelings, deceived my own father, and broke my promises. If that didn''t make me scum, then what was I?


    Mi Cai didn''t stay in this room that night. I thought to myself: she must have another place to stay in this city, but why did she have to stay here?


    I racked my brains but couldn''t figure it out, so I stopped thinking about it. There are always strange people and strange things in this world, and compared to the countless wonders in the world, this was not too surprising. So there was no need to dig deeper, just consider it a form of artistic behavior for the rich.


    Actually, I quite liked living in such a confused manner most of the time because the truth could bring pain, and gaining something meant the possibility of losing it. So not knowing the truth meant no pain, and not gaining meant no loss.


    ...


    The next day, after the weekly routine meeting of the planning department, Circle and I walked out of the meeting room side by side, followed by another colleague, Zhao Li.


    I lit a cigarette and waved to him, saying, "Come here, Zhao Li."


    Zhao Li looked at me warily and asked, "What''s up?"


    "I heard you like outdoor sports?"


    "Yeah, I really like it!"


    I smiled and said, "I have a set of professional outdoor sports equipment that I bought but haven''t used much. I''ll sell it to you cheap.""Why are you buying outdoor gear when you don''t even like outdoor activities?" Zhao Li asked with a puzzled look.


    "It''s precisely because I don''t like it that I''ve never used it. It''s as good as new, absolutely fantastic! It''s from Arc''teryx, I''m giving you a bargain, selling it to you for 2000." I said, slinging an arm around Zhao Li''s shoulder.


    "Really?" Zhao Li asked, his face lighting up with joy.


    I replied impatiently, "Of course it''s real. Hurry up and give me the money. I''ll have Circle bring it to you tomorrow. It''s been sitting at his place since I bought it."


    Zhao Li counted out 2000 yuan from his wallet and handed it to me, reminding, "Don''t forget to bring it to me tomorrow. I can use it for rock climbing next weekend."


    I stuffed the money into my pocket and said, "You can tell Circle yourself."


    Zhao Li then turned to Circle, who was not far away and seemed distracted, "Circle, remember to bring me the outdoor gear that Zhao Yang left at your place."


    Circle, coming back to his senses, asked with a puzzled look, "What outdoor gear?"


    "The Arc''teryx gear from Zhao Yang. He sold it to me." Zhao Li patiently explained.


    I took a deep drag on my cigarette and headed straight for the restroom. Behind me, Circle cursed loudly, "Damn it, what the hell did he sell? That''s mine!"


    I heard Circle reluctantly tell Zhao Li, "Alright, don''t be upset. I''ll bring it to you tomorrow."


    ......


    After finishing my cigarette in the restroom, I returned to the office. There was a cup of coffee on Circle''s desk. He was wearing anti-radiation glasses, his fingers tapping away on the keyboard.


    I turned on my computer and played with the lighter in my hand while the system was booting up. I struck up a conversation with Circle, "Still working on the proposal for GUCCI''s counter in our mall?"


    Circle didn''t hold a grudge about the earlier incident and sighed, "Yeah, I''ve been busy for almost a week. The business development department is waiting for our proposal to negotiate with GUCCI''s representative."


    I responded and didn''t ask further. Circle and I were polar opposites. He was a workaholic, while I was always just getting by. The result of our different attitudes was that after two years of working, Circle had become the team leader of the planning department''s copywriting team, while I was still at the bottom.


    Suddenly, Circle stopped typing and stared at me with a heavy look for a long time.


    "What''s wrong?" I asked, puzzled by Circle''s strange behavior.


    Finally, Circle said, "I noticed you''ve been down lately, and there''s something I didn''t tell you... Yan Yan and I are getting married next week."


    "You''re finally getting married!" I blurted out, then felt a pang of heartache.


    Circle had met Yan Yan because of Jian Wei and me. Yan Yan was Jian Wei''s best friend, and Circle and I were close buddies. After Jian Wei and I started dating, Circle and Yan Yan had the opportunity to meet, and they fell in love.


    During our college years, the four of us often hung out together and built a deep friendship. We joked several times about getting married after graduation.


    Circle and Yan Yan''s marriage was a joyous occasion, but it also ruthlessly exposed my pain and loneliness... I couldn''t continue my love story with Jian Wei.


    Sometimes, people''s pain comes from comparison... But what else could I do at this moment, other than envy and bless Circle and Yan Yan in my pain and loneliness?


    The past will eventually turn into dust, but the wind can''t blow it away. It settles in my heart, covering my world in a layer of ash.


    I smiled at Circle and said, "Where''s your wedding invitation, buddy? Hand it over."


    Circle nodded and took out the invitation from his drawer. I opened it, and in the photo on the invitation, Circle and Yan Yan were beaming with happiness.


    ......


    After a long silence, I asked Circle, "Will Jian Wei come back to China for your wedding?"


    "You know, ever since she moved from Los Angeles to New York, we''ve lost contact. But a few days ago, Yan Yan sent her an email. She hasn''t replied yet, so we don''t know if she''ll come back."


    "Oh, really?" I responded indifferently, stopped talking to Circle, and started typing on my computer. But my eyes were lost in the screen.

 Chapter 7 – The child is originally yours

    I spent the whole day in a daze, until the lazy evening sunlight reflected on the transparent glass, I realized it was time to get off work.


    Circle at the next table was still busy, while I had some free time, so I went to the bathroom to smoke and waited for the end of work.


    When I came back, Yan Yan was sitting on my office chair, it seemed she was waiting for Circle to get off work.


    I teased Yan Yan, "Yan Yan, your buttocks have become plump again, my chair can hardly fit you!"


    "Stop it, you''re so annoying!" Yan Yan glared at me and said.


    I raised my eyebrows and smiled at Yan Yan. Actually, she was a beauty, very sexy, especially her buttocks, round and perky, with long and slender legs, tall and slim figure, all combined together, it was a perfect match. If she walked on the street, looking at her back, her curves, she was definitely the most beautiful.


    I went to Circle''s side and patted his shoulder, asking, "Have you finished the overall framework of that planning proposal?"


    "I have finished the overall idea and framework, just need to add some explanatory text at the end," Circle replied.


    "Then let me do the rest, you can leave first, don''t let Yan Yan wait for you."


    Yan Yan happily held my face with both hands and said, "Zhao Yang, you''re so considerate. Don''t you know how busy we will be later?"


    "Getting married, there will definitely be a lot of things to do," I said, removing Yan Yan''s hands from my face.


    Circle finally stretched his body and stood up, saying to me, "Alright, I have to go to the wedding company with Yan Yan, and also to the bridal shop... If you have any questions, we can communicate through phone anytime."


    "Don''t worry, go and do your work," I said, sitting on Circle''s office chair.


    Circle quickly packed up his things, Yan Yan held his arm, and before leaving, she suddenly remembered something and said to me, "Zhao Yang, our company''s building is about to open for sale. If you want to buy, I can help you get an internal price, which can save you 1500 yuan per square meter!"


    Yan Yan was the sales department manager of a local real estate company, and the internal price she could get was definitely attractive. Buying a house could save at least a hundred thousand yuan. But even so, I didn''t have the ability to buy a house.


    "We''ll talk about it later," I replied.


    Circle asked Yan Yan, "Which project is opening this time?"


    "Zhongyuan Ecological City Phase 2," Yan Yan replied.


    Circle put down his briefcase and said to me seriously, "Zhao Yang, buy it. This project is really good. If you miss this opportunity, who knows how long you''ll have to wait for the next one, and the housing prices will definitely skyrocket in the future!"


    "What''s the point of buying? You know my financial situation," I said.


    "Yan Yan and I have tens of thousands of yuan in savings. We can lend it to you first, and you can figure out a way to gather the down payment with Mr. Ban, it shouldn''t be a problem, right?"


    "You two still have mortgage and car loans to pay, and you''re getting married soon. You''re spending money everywhere, I don''t need to worry about it," I said, urging Circle and Yan Yan to leave.


    Yan Yan and Circle glanced at each other, sighed softly, and looked at me before leaving.


    ...


    Standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, I saw Yan Yan holding Circle''s arm and walking towards the white Mazda 6 they had just bought. I felt a strange feeling in my heart.


    Circle, Yan Yan, and I all graduated from Suzhou University. They already had their own house and car in this city, and they were about to enter the hall of marriage. I couldn''t understand why there was such a big gap between us. Was it a joke from heaven, or did I ruin myself?


    In my lonely gaze, I couldn''t help but think: if Jian Wei and I hadn''t broken up, should we be getting married too?


    ...


    At 9 o''clock in the evening, I finally finished the planning proposal left by Circle. I stretched my body and carried a cup as I walked towards the employee rest area. I was ready to have the last cup of coffee before leaving work.


    I absentmindedly listened to the sound of coffee liquid falling into the cup from the coffee machine, like a gentle call, and even my desires had nowhere to hide.


    I took a sip of coffee, looked at the heavy night outside the window, and the struggling neon lights. I really wanted to abandon this tired body!


    ...


    The phone rang, I took it out of my pocket and saw that it was Le Yao again.


    I answered the call, and Le Yao''s voice sounded weak, "Zhao Yang, where are you?"


    "Working overtime," I responded with an unclear mood. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Can you come and help me with the laundry? I can''t touch water with my hands."


    "What the hell, don''t you have a washing machine? I''m annoyed and asked angrily.


    Le Yao''s voice sounded tired as she said, "You come and f*ck me."


    I was speechless for a moment and said, "My focus is on the washing machine, not f*cking you!"


    "Some clothes can''t be washed with a washing machine."


    "Then take them to the dry cleaner. I''ve been working all day, tired as hell, I don''t have the energy to do it," I firmly refused.


    "Underwear and panties can''t be taken to the dry cleaner, right?"


    "Are you crazy? Let me wash your underwear and panties!"


    "Zhao Yang, I just had surgery, I really can''t touch water with my hands. Can''t you show some mercy?" Le Yao choked.


    "I know you graduated from the Shanghai Theatre Academy. Please, can you not act with me anymore?"


    Le Yao burst into tears, "I''m pregnant with your child, and you treat me like this? Have you ever thought about my feelings? Do you know how much it hurts me?"


    "You''re acting like a character from a Qiong Yao drama, asking questions in parallel!"


    Le Yao sobbed, "Zhao Yang... you beast... Do you believe that I''ll die for you?"


    I was at a loss for what to do with Le Yao''s behavior. "Miss, I''m afraid of you. Can I leave now?"


    Le Yao''s tone suddenly became calm. "Hurry up and come. I''m waiting for you."


    Hearing the sound of the phone hanging up, I suddenly thought: if Le Yao can''t make it to the level of a leading actress, then the entertainment industry is truly blind. Her acting skills are simply incredible!


    A quick look at " will leave you more fulfilled.


    People who study acting are truly terrifying, especially women who study acting!


    ...


    Leaving the company and standing on the side of the road waiting for a taxi, I suddenly remembered that I promised Mi Cai to help her move after work. It was already almost 9:30!


    "I hope she didn''t throw my things out again," I muttered to myself.


    The taxi had already stopped beside me. I thought for a moment: since I''ve already broken my promise, I''ll go wash Le Yao''s clothes first. As for the moving, I''ll deal with it later when I go back.


    After about 15 minutes, I arrived at the single apartment where Le Yao lived. I stood at the door and repeatedly pressed the doorbell, venting my frustration at being forced to come.


    Le Yao, wearing pajamas and holding a stuffed toy in her arms, opened the door for me with a haggard expression. Her pitiful appearance made me swallow all the harsh words I had prepared, and I only complained, "You''re such a troublemaker!"


    "If you didn''t sleep with me, we wouldn''t have these problems," Le Yao said, moving aside to signal me to come in.


    I didn''t have the mood to argue with Le Yao. I walked into the room and asked her, "Where are the clothes?"


    "In the dirty laundry basket in the bathroom."


    I went to the bathroom and was shocked. The two extra-large laundry baskets were filled with clothes. I angrily said, "Did you intentionally save up a year''s worth of clothes to torture me?"


    Le Yao ignored me, but the sound of the TV in the living room became even louder.


    I was so angry that my liver hurt, but I still gritted my teeth and dumped all the clothes from the laundry basket. I piled up the ones that could be washed in the washing machine and the ones that needed to be hand-washed separately. I also separated the underwear and put them in another pile.


    I spent the next hour working with the washing machine, finally finishing washing this pile of clothes. I carried the clean clothes to the balcony one by one and hung them up. After finishing everything, I stood on the balcony and lit a cigarette to relieve my fatigue.


    Le Yao came to my side with a fruit plate and asked softly, "Do you want to eat?"


    "I have no appetite," I took a deep drag of the cigarette and said.


    Le Yao took the cigarette from between my fingers and wiped the sweat off my forehead with a tissue from her pocket. Her tone was gentle as she said, "Zhao Yang, the magazine says that a man who is willing to wash a woman''s underwear is definitely a gentle and reliable good man."


    "Get lost, okay? Do you think I want to help you wash them?"


    Although I scolded her, Le Yao still held onto my arm and leaned against my body, asking, "Have you ever washed clothes for other women besides me?"


    "No," I impatiently replied.


    "What about Jian Wei?" Le Yao pursued.


    "Are you annoying or what? Why are you asking such pointless questions?" I said, pushing Le Yao away.


    Le Yao had long been accustomed to my attitude. She didn''t get angry or say anything, she just looked at me.


    I put on my coat and said to her, "I''m leaving. Don''t call me anymore."


    Le Yao grabbed onto me. "I won''t let you go."


    "Let go," I raised my arm and shook off Le Yao''s hand.


    Le Yao blocked the doorway and said, "Don''t leave yet, I have something for you." She took out a bank card from her pajama pocket, which seemed to have been prepared in advance, and handed it to me. "Here, there''s ten thousand yuan in the card. I know you spent a lot of money this time."


    I was stunned and asked, "Where did you get the money?"


    "I received an advance from the crew."


    "Have you suddenly grown a conscience?"


    Le Yao stared at me with a mournful look for a long time. "The child is yours... I said, I just want to see your responsible attitude. I will naturally repay the money you spent."


    The more serious Le Yao''s expression became, the more I felt that she was acting. In my eyes, she was just a woman who enjoyed indulging in the nightlife. The responsibility she spoke of was completely unreliable, and I was the same. So I understood it too well.


    The reason why she insisted that the child was mine might just be a kind of consolation after emptiness, or perhaps she herself didn''t even know whose child it was... It''s hard to explain this strange consolation in words, but those who live in this decadent circle understand... We may seem carefree, but our hearts are empty!


    ...


    In the end, I didn''t take Le Yao''s card, even though I was in need of money. As for why I didn''t take it, I can''t really say. Perhaps deep down, I sympathize with Le Yao. I may scold her, but when she needs help, I will still lend a hand.


    No matter how glamorous she appears, I understand the emptiness behind her, because we are the same kind of people. The only difference is that one day she may truly become famous in the entertainment industry, while I am destined to live an ordinary and lonely life!


    ...Leaving Le Yao''s place, I immediately hailed a taxi to my old residence. I sincerely hoped that Mi Cai hadn''t moved my luggage out because I failed to keep my promise. I didn''t want to work overtime, nor did I want to be bothered by Le Yao to do laundry! But life is full of such unexpected events that leave me helpless.

 Chapter 8 – Your punishment

    The car drove into the old neighborhood. I pressed the car window first to see if Mi Cai had taken out my luggage. I was satisfied with the result. Although I didn''t follow the agreement, my luggage was not downstairs. It seemed that my warning last time worked.


    I floated upstairs lightly and opened the door. The room was pitch black. I looked into Mi Cai''s room, but there was no light coming through the crack in the door. It turned out that she didn''t come back tonight. No wonder I didn''t see her car downstairs, and no wonder she didn''t move my luggage.


    It''s good that she didn''t come back. I can stay here for the night again. Perhaps this is the only comfort given to me by heaven at the end of the day.


    After a simple wash, I lay on the bed. When I closed my eyes and turned off the light, the world suddenly became quiet. I thought I could quickly fall asleep in this state, but some fragments rushed into my mind.


    All these fragments were about the past, recalling the past and bringing out the emptiness and decline of the present. I don''t understand why Circle and Yan Yan could persist and eventually get married after graduation, while Jian Wei and I ended so dimly. What did I do wrong? I really hope Jian Wei can tell me in person. But such a simple request has become a luxury!


    So I suffered in pain for two years without understanding, and indulged for two years.


    ...


    I wiped my face heavily, sat up from the bed, and sat still for a long time. I got out of bed and found the long-sealed guitar from the cabinet. I wanted to sing a song, for myself... for Jian Wei.


    I tuned the guitar with a tuner, plucked the strings, and hummed "Lost" by Qu Yinghao.


    "Who can see through this prosperity, once again, eyes blurred; who can escape from this noise, once again, eroding you; who has mentioned these past events, once again, forgetting you; who will meet again in the next life, once again, falling in love with you.


    I''m lost, can''t find the map, it''s so hard to walk this path of emotions; I''m lost, can''t find the way back, why has the world become so numb; I''m lost, can''t find the way I came, the people around me are all strangers; I''m lost, standing still in place, while your heart has flown far away..."


    When I sang the last sentence, I felt a warm sensation in the corner of my eye. I''m lost, really lost. I thought I had come a long way in these two years, but I was just standing still on a map called love, while her heart had flown far away...


    I lit a cigarette and took a puff. Suddenly, the door was knocked, and I was so scared that I almost broke the guitar strings. Isn''t there no one at home?


    Mi Cai''s voice came from outside the door, "If you''re in the mood for singing, please find a place where there''s no one. This is a residential area."


    I put on slippers, opened the door, and Mi Cai stood in front of me wearing a camisole. Her well-proportioned figure was comparable to Yan Yan''s, and her pretty face was so quiet under the dim light, making her temperament unparalleled.


    "Didn''t you hear me singing ''Am I Lost''? If I''m lost, can I find a place where there''s no one?" I said with a half-smile.


    "You''re twisting the facts!"


    I ignored Mi Cai''s dissatisfaction and asked, "Why are you at home?"


    "I''ve been here."


    "I didn''t see your car downstairs!"


    "It''s parked in the empty space across the street."


    "No wonder!" I sighed and immediately wanted to close the door, afraid that Mi Cai would bring up the topic of moving. It''s almost one o''clock in the morning now, where can I move to?


    Mi Cai pushed the door with both hands, not letting me succeed.


    I glared at her angrily and asked, "Are you really planning to make me move out now?"


    "No." Mi Cai paused and said, "Since you want to sing and get lost, I can take you to a place where there''s no one and let you vent."


    "Really? Are you that kind?" I asked cautiously.


    "Anyway, I can''t sleep because of your noise. If you''re still interested, I can be your audience." After thinking for a moment, she added, "Your voice is not bad!"


    I felt that Mi Cai was taking the initiative to repair our relationship, or she was amazed by my singing, or she pitied me, this decadent man. Anyway, no matter what her motive was, I felt that I could agree to her request because I couldn''t sleep either. Let''s go crazy together!


    ...


    After a while, Mi Cai changed her clothes, and I wore pajamas. We walked downstairs with the guitar, one after the other.


    Mi Cai drove her own car, and I opened the car door and sat in the passenger seat. I had sat in luxury cars before, but it was my first time in a Q7, so I couldn''t help but take a few more glances.


    Before I could fasten my seat belt, Mi Cai had already stepped on the accelerator heavily. The powerful thrust of the Q7 almost killed me against the windshield.


    "At this late hour, do you want a corpse sitting next to you?" I rubbed my sore head and angrily said to Mi Cai.


    "Who told you not to fasten your seat belt? Those who don''t follow the rules deserve to be hit!" Mi Cai said indifferently.


    I pointed at Mi Cai in anger and helplessness and said, "You''re really getting back at me!"


    Mi Cai completely ignored me and continued to drive expressionlessly.


    ...


    After about twenty minutes, Mi Cai really brought me to a deserted wasteland where no one would come. She stopped the car, pulled up the handbrake, and finally turned off the engine, saying to me, "There''s no one here, sing to your heart''s content."


    "The space in the car is too small, I can''t fully display my skills."


    "Then sing outside.""Do you take me for a fool? If you drive off later, where can I go to complain?" I said warily. Ever since she deliberately started the car while I hadn''t fastened my seatbelt, I''ve been suspicious of her intentions.


    "You sure talk a lot!" Mi Cai unbuckled her seatbelt and got out of the car first, acting as if she was the innocent one and I was the villain.


    I also got out of the car, standing shoulder to shoulder with Mi Cai, and looking up at the sky, I realized: the weather tonight was good, the moon was bright, the stars were sparse, and the air was fresh. I felt a sense of relief, as if I had finally escaped from the hustle and bustle.


    My heart gradually calmed down. I was genuinely grateful to Mi Cai for bringing me to this quiet place. I needed to vent, to release all the unhappiness and dissatisfaction with reality in my heart.


    I strummed the guitar and started singing a song by Jin Wulin called "Metamorphosis".


    After I finished singing, Mi Cai unexpectedly clapped and asked, "Do you also like serious music?" S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "YES, it feels better to sing with more instruments," I replied, surprised that Mi Cai knew this song. Serious music is not mainstream, it has strong artistic and academic qualities, and both performers and listeners need a certain aesthetic ability.


    Mi Cai nodded and said, "You''re not as dumb as you look!"


    "Judging people by their appearance is your narrow-mindedness."


    Mi Cai didn''t argue with me and said, "Please continue."


    I put down the guitar and said to Mi Cai, "You seem to know a lot about music. Can you play the guitar? Play a song."


    "We agreed that I would be the audience. You continue."


    I nodded. On such a dim night, in the boundless wilderness, having a woman as beautiful as her willing to be my audience was a gift from heaven!


    Thinking about it, I felt even more guilty for being so rough with Mi Cai before. She had been quite nice to me, lending me money, letting me stay at her place for an extra night, and now accompanying me to vent my frustrations. Maybe I really should change my bad temper!


    A cold wind blew, and Mi Cai subconsciously pulled her thin clothes tighter.


    Feeling a bit sorry for her, I said, "You should get in the car. I can vent on my own."


    "Are you sure?"


    I nodded.


    Mi Cai opened the car door and got in, but she didn''t completely isolate herself from me. She rolled down the window, rested her chin on her hand, and looked at me, as if she was looking forward to my next song.


    I strummed the guitar and started singing another song. As I was getting into it, the car behind me suddenly started. I turned around abruptly, and Mi Cai had already fastened her seatbelt.


    She said to me with a smirk, "Your voice is really good... but I have to go now. This is your punishment for breaking your promise and being rude." With that, the car shot off into the night like an arrow.


    "Damn you!" I took off my slipper and threw it at her car, but it didn''t do any damage.


    "You bastard, you bitch, I knew you were up to no good... taking advantage of my sympathy, you better watch out for divine retribution... damn it! I''m not done with you!" I was so angry that I was spinning around, cursing at Mi Cai who had already disappeared from my sight.


    ...


    I''ve always been a friendly person, easy to trust and not fond of being on guard. I deserved this!

 Chapter 9 – Repay evil with kindness

    Mi Cai drove me here at a speed of 100 miles per hour for 20 minutes, which means that I am at least 30 kilometers away from my residence now. I feel like dying. Why do I always encounter these absurd things recently?


    I picked up my slippers from the ground, adjusted my clothes, and looked up. Fortunately, the North Star was still twinkling. I found the brightest star, Jade Balance, and determined the directions. I walked towards the dim lights in the distance, like a lonely escape.


    After half an hour, I finally saw a road with cars passing by. I took a closer look and wanted to strangle that wicked woman. It was the intersection of the Shanghai-Nanjing Expressway between Suzhou and Wuxi.


    ...


    After struggling until dawn, a kind passerby finally drove me to the city. I took a taxi back to my place, but because I didn''t bring my wallet, I didn''t even pay for the fare. I just threw the half-finished pack of cigarettes to the driver and ran away.


    As I entered the residential area, the flames of anger started burning inside me. I wanted to talk to Mi Cai, not about life or ideals, but about why she treated me like this.


    I put the guitar on the table in the living room and went to Mi Cai''s door. I knocked on it vigorously, venting my frustration, "Is it fun to play with me? Do you know that I have to go to work tomorrow..." I looked at the sky outside the window, which was already getting bright, and corrected myself, "No, it''s today. You''ve been messing with me all night. How can I go to work in this state? If the boss is unhappy and fires me, will you support me?"


    I kept talking, but there was no response from inside the room.


    "If you want me to curse even more harshly, just keep pretending not to hear me." I said and knocked on the door again.


    There was still no response from inside.


    "Could it be that she hasn''t come back?" I wondered as I twisted the doorknob, only to find that it was locked.


    Anyway, in Mi Cai''s eyes, I am scum. It wouldn''t make much difference if I committed the crime of breaking into her room at night. I found the key to her room from a bunch of keys, and then opened the door. I didn''t care if she was sleeping or not, I had to talk to her.


    I turned on the light and finally saw Mi Cai lying on the bed with her back facing me, covered with a quilt, still silent.


    "You sleep so soundly. Have you ever thought about the suffering I''ve been through?... The wind blew my nose all the way..." I sneezed, rubbed my nose, and angrily said, "Let me tell you, I''ve been alive for more than 20 years, and I''ve never seen anyone like you, so sneaky, so unkind!"


    I kept scolding, but she remained as calm as Mount Tai, motionless!


    Just as I was about to pull her up from the bed and confront her face to face, she suddenly had a severe coughing fit...


    Based on common sense, if my sneeze just now was a cold, then her coughing definitely indicated a fever. She must have caught a cold last night.


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    ...


    I was stunned for a moment, then cursed, "Heaven has eyes!... You''re getting your retribution!"


    Mi Cai coughed again, but didn''t say anything to me. I didn''t know if she ignored me on purpose or if she was too weak and in pain due to the fever.


    "Get out." After a while, Mi Cai spoke coldly to me.


    "No need to remind me. I like to see others suffer without helping. It would be great if you coughed to death!... You deserve it, retribution..." I said and walked out of Mi Cai''s room in big strides. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    I was ready to take a hot shower and then take a nap, but I heard intermittent coughing coming from Mi Cai''s room.


    I stopped in the bathroom and suddenly found myself struggling for no reason. I felt like I was the only man in this house, and she was coughing so helpless. Should I just watch her like this?


    "Never mind. I''ve been scum for so long, let me do a good deed for once. Consider it accumulating some virtue." I said to myself.


    ...


    I placed the towel on the sofa and went to the kitchen. I found a piece of ginger and a bag of brown sugar, lit the gas stove, and started boiling ginger brown sugar soup.


    I was already so tired that I could barely keep my eyes open. I lit a cigarette to stay awake, and then numbly watched the ginger brown sugar soup boiling in the pot.


    The first rays of sunlight had already leaked through the window on the eastern side, and a gentle breeze brushed through the hanging spider plants on the balcony. A new day was filled with the vitality and freshness that had been going on for billions of years. I was a bit fascinated. The world at this moment was enchanting, as if it belonged only to me... Perhaps, compared to this rare morning, I didn''t really like the nightlife with its lights and revelry.


    Mi Cai''s cough brought me back from my trance. I realized that the ginger soup had been boiling for quite a while. I turned off the gas stove, scooped a bowl, and walked towards Mi Cai''s room.


    ...


    "I made a bowl of ginger soup. Drink it." I stood by Mi Cai''s bed and said to her.


    "No need to be so kind."


    "Who''s being kind to you? I''m just afraid that your coughing will disturb my sleep!" I said discontentedly.


    Mi Cai said ungratefully, "Move out, then you won''t hear it anymore.""I''m moving out. If you die coughing at home, no one would know... Enough with the nonsense, drink the ginger soup now!" I said, putting down the bowl in my hand and propping up Mi Cai''s pillow, then roughly helped her sit up.


    I touched her forehead, indeed she had a fever. I picked up the bowl from the bedside table and handed it to her, "Drink the ginger soup first."


    Mi Cai stopped fighting with her body and took the ginger soup from my hand to drink. Although she remained silent, her expression was not as cold as before.


    "After you finish drinking, sleep under the blanket. Leave the bowl, I''ll come back to collect it later. You have a mild fever, take some antipyretics, sweat a bit and you''ll be fine."


    ...


    Afraid of worsening my cold, I put on a thick coat before going out. I rarely get sick and don''t have any common medicines at home, so I had to go to the pharmacy to buy some antipyretics and cough medicine for Mi Cai.


    It was still too early, and the pharmacies hadn''t opened yet. I had to travel several stops before I found an open clinic. After buying the medicine, I immediately took a taxi back home. After all the hassle, it was already 7:30.


    When I returned to the apartment and entered Mi Cai''s room, she was already asleep. Seeing her breathing evenly with a peaceful expression, I didn''t wake her up.


    I found her phone in her bag, dialed my number, and left a note on her bedside table: "Remember to take the antipyretics and cough medicine when you wake up. If you have any problems, call me. The number is already saved in your phone... The scum in your eyes, the angel in mine - Zhao Yang."


    After tucking her in gently, I left her room.


    ...


    After taking a hot shower and not having time for breakfast, I caught the bus to the company and started a day of work in a state of exhaustion.


    I was so sleepy, yawning one after another, and finally fell asleep in a technically perfect posture with one hand propping up my chin. Unless you came close, you wouldn''t notice I was sleeping.


    Circle, who was busy preparing for his wedding, didn''t arrive at the company until almost ten. He woke me up with a slap, "Did you go clubbing again last night?"


    Thinking of last night''s events made me angry, but there was no point in taking it out on Circle. I yawned and replied, "I didn''t sleep well, it was a restless night!"


    Circle misinterpreted my words, saying, "You need to take care of your kidney, even though you''re young, you can''t handle messing around with women without restraint!"


    "We''re both educated people, can we speak more subtly?"


    Circle laughed helplessly, then asked me, "Did you finish the GUCCI counter proposal for me yesterday?"


    "It''s done, I saved it in your D drive."


    Circle nodded and handed me a note, saying, "Zhao Yang, I''ll ask the manager for a leave of absence for you later. You accompany Yan Yan to the mall and buy everything on this list."


    "Are you getting married or am I? You want me to accompany Yan Yan to go shopping!" I asked with a smile.


    Circle sighed, "I have no choice, there''s so much to buy, Yan Yan can''t carry it all by herself. I have to go to Shanghai with the business development team to discuss setting up a GUCCI counter in our mall. I can''t let my personal affairs affect the company''s business plan that has been prepared for several months, right?"


    "Alright." I agreed, but yawned again. I had walked half the night and hadn''t slept, how could I not be tired!


    Circle patted my shoulder, "Hang in there, I''ll treat you to dinner tonight."


    I waved at Circle, "Go do your thing, I''ll take a quick nap!"


    "Don''t nap, Yan Yan is waiting for you downstairs at the company! ..." Circle paused, then whispered in my ear, "By the way... Jian Wei replied to the email. There''s an eighty percent chance she''ll come back from the U.S. for my wedding!"


    I stared at Circle, my sleepiness completely gone, suddenly feeling like I was caught between ice and fire. After three years, was she finally coming back?

 Chapter 10 – There are bad people among the masses

    After a while, Circle and I went downstairs together. He got into the company''s business car, and I sat in Yan Yan''s car.


    My nerves were caught in an inexplicable pain. I even blamed Circle for suddenly telling me the news that Jian Wei would come back. After three years, I no longer knew what emotions to face her with.


    Countless days and nights, I went crazy thinking about seeing her, but I was also afraid to see her... afraid of the silence and awkwardness after meeting, it would be too painful.


    Yan Yan started the car and looked at the rearview mirror after changing lanes. She asked me, "Zhao Yang, why do you look so troubled?" Then she shook her head and added, "It doesn''t seem like you!"


    I smiled and said, "Do I have to be carefree to be like me?"


    "Did Circle tell you the news that Jian Wei will come back?"


    "Yeah," I replied, but opened the car window and lit a cigarette.


    "No wonder. In this world, besides Jian Wei, no one can disturb your melancholic nerves like Circle!" Yan Yan sighed.


    "You''re thinking too much. She''s not that invincible, and I''m not that vulnerable." I continued to smile in response.


    Yan Yan shrugged and said, "Zhao Yang, you know yourself best... The more radiant you smile, the more pain you feel inside."


    "You act like you understand me so well." This time, I finally put away the smile that Yan Yan thought was a disguise, to prove that I wasn''t as hurt as she said.


    "We''ve been friends for so many years, and I know you better than anyone... Zhao Yang, let me tell you something from the bottom of my heart. Although we all feel sorry for you and Jian Wei, I have to tell you: when a woman changes her heart, the man she once loved becomes a used cigarette that can no longer bring pleasure. It only makes her eyes red from the smoke. At this time, the only thing she can do is to abandon this used cigarette. Do you understand what I mean?"


    "Why are you telling me all this?" I took a deep breath of smoke and asked.


    "I hope you can be more carefree."


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    I remained silent for a long time and asked unwillingly, "What is love? Isn''t it just a promise, and then a lifetime of persistence? Why give a promise to the other person, but not have the courage to persist?"


    "Zhao Yang, love is really not as simple as you think. Why can Circle and I make it to the end, but you and Jian Wei can''t? You should understand."


    I fell silent again. I did understand. Circle and Yan Yan, although not from wealthy families, had decent backgrounds. They were a good match, while Jian Wei and I... I clearly remembered that before Jian Wei went abroad, her father bought her a Cadillac CTS as her graduation gift... But does love really have to be measured by material possessions? I don''t quite understand!


    Yan Yan continued, "Jian Wei really loved you, and you know that she went to study in the United States to avoid her parents'' arranged marriage. She hoped to spend three years abroad and then return to China, hoping that her parents would accept her being with you. But why did she break up with you after going to the United States? I also can''t figure it out... Maybe it''s really because..."


    I didn''t want to relive the feelings I had when we broke up, so I interrupted Yan Yan, "Stop. Just like you said, when she changes her heart, I''ll be a used cigarette that can''t bring pleasure."


    "I said she changed her heart just as an analogy..." Yan Yan tried to comfort me.


    There is a kind of person in this world who has a special ability to comfort someone who wants to die until they actually die. Undoubtedly, Yan Yan is one of them.


    ...


    I spent the whole day with Yan Yan buying the items on the list provided by Circle for their wedding. It wasn''t until evening that we had a simple meal together and went our separate ways.


    Although I didn''t sleep all night yesterday and worked hard all day today, I surprisingly didn''t feel sleepy as night approached. Walking on the street, every time I saw couples cuddling under the neon lights, I felt endless loneliness and emptiness in my heart.


    I still had the habit of emptying myself, as if my nights belonged to nightclubs. I told myself: maybe drinking some alcohol will make me sleep better tonight.


    Listening to the booming music in the bar, watching the changing and flickering lights, and the people dancing wildly, I had already drunk several bottles of beer in no time. I liked this feeling, no worries, no love or hate, only a hazy and illusory state.


    There were two resident bands in this bar, and the bands took turns performing every night. Today happened to be Robben''s band, "Nerve Tear," performing. Robben and I had a good relationship, and sometimes we played music together.


    Robben used his fingers to hold the guitar strings, making a noise similar to friction, and teasingly smiled at me, "Zhao Yang, come up and play...?"


    I put down the beer bottle and jumped onto the stage, taking the guitar from Robben''s hand. I said to the other members of the band, "Let''s play ''Still Sunny.''"


    Everyone nodded, and various instruments started to sound. Under the flashing lights, heavy metal music began to swell.In the aftermath of my drunkenness, I stepped on a prop shaped like an ammunition box with one foot, and began to play the electric guitar wildly, singing in a roaring, explosive voice: "The hand of fantasy holds the flag, my bones tucked in my coat, desperately recalling the route I came, turning around and shattering on the thumping wall; oh mama, I can''t come back; oh mama, you''re a bit tired, mama, hurry up and give birth to me, give birth to me... I raised my voice and stretched my neck..."


    I had only sung half of it when a young punk with long hair, wearing a black jacket and a gold chain, glared at me from the audience and yelled, "What the hell are you singing... change the song now..."


    I stopped, squinting at him: "Say that again, you punk."


    The long-haired guy kicked over the nearest drum set: "You''re an idiot, I told you to change the song!"


    "Fuck you..." I was standing high, and I kicked the long-haired guy in the face. It felt like a release, and I jumped down from the stage with my guitar and started smashing. In a blink of an eye, the guitar was smashed to pieces by me, and the long-haired guy was beaten to the point of curling up on the ground, screaming in agony.


    A few people who were with the long-haired guy rushed at me with beer bottles, but they were blocked by Robben and the band members. In the chaos, I saw someone calling the police, and I immediately threw away the remnants of the guitar and ran out of the bar.


    ......


    In the interrogation room of the police station, the light was shining on me, and sitting across from me was an older policeman who seemed quite amiable.


    "Name, gender, age, place of work."


    "No... Officer, that punk really deserved a beating. He was the one who kicked our drum set first. You know, for us musicians, our instruments are like our brothers. He hit my brother, how could I let it go?... Officer, I really didn''t want to fight, but there are bad people among the public!!" I said with a mournful face.


    "Young man, cut the crap. No matter how many reasons you have, fighting is wrong. The law does not give you this right, understand?"


    "Officer, I know I was wrong. I have deeply reflected and reviewed my actions in my heart. I should not have ignored the dignity of the law. In the future, I will definitely raise my awareness, be a good citizen who obeys the law, and absolutely not drag down our harmonious society!"


    "Alright, stop being sarcastic!... Go pay the fine."


    "No detention, right?" I asked cautiously.


    "The young man you hit only suffered some minor injuries. He agreed to settle privately. You need to compensate him for his medical expenses and lost wages, plus the fine, a total of 6,000 yuan."


    "6,000!!!... Officer, I don''t have that much money on me!"


    "Call your family or friends."


    Hearing the words "family and friends", I suddenly felt lost. At this moment, I truly felt how lonely I was in this city where I had lived for two years.


    I definitely couldn''t ask Circle or Yan Yan. Firstly, they were about to get married and I didn''t want to bring this trouble to them. Secondly, they had expressed their hope for me to live a stable life countless times. It''s better not to let them know about this, for fear of disappointing them!


    ......


    After thinking for a while, the face of that extremely hateful yet overly beautiful woman appeared in my mind.


    Find Mi Cai, yes, find Mi Cai! Anyway, in her eyes, I''m just a scumbag with no image to speak of. Let her help me pay the fine first, and when I get my salary next week, I''ll pay her back the money I owe her.


    At this moment, I was really glad that I had taken down her phone number in the morning.


    I took out my phone from my pocket, found Mi Cai''s number, and dialed it.


    S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 11 – Man silent, woman in tears

    The phone rang a few times before being answered. I pretended to be concerned and asked Mi Cai, "Did you take the fever-reducing and cough medicine I bought for you?"


    "I took them," Mi Cai replied calmly, lacking the previous disgust in her voice.


    "Are you feeling better now?"


    "I''m feeling better," Mi Cai said, followed by a cough.


    "Wear more clothes, and you''ll feel better soon," I said with concern.


    "Why should I wear so many clothes if I''m not going out?" Mi Cai questioned.


    Seeing that Mi Cai had fallen into my trap, I said, "I actually need you to come out. I got into a fight and don''t have enough money to pay the fine. Can you come and help me pay it?"


    Mi Cai hesitated before asking, "You got into a fight?"


    "Yeah, that guy deserved it. I fought him to teach him not to live so recklessly!"


    "You''re the one who lives recklessly!" Mi Cai retorted, neither agreeing nor refusing to come.


    Getting anxious, I asked, "So, are you coming or not? Can you give me a definite answer?"


    Mi Cai remained silent, and her silence seemed intentional.


    Getting more anxious, I pressed, "Are you coming or not? They''re about to use private punishment on me!"


    Before Mi Cai could respond, the police officer got angry and shouted at me, "We are the people''s police. Do you think we''re the mafia? What private punishment?"


    I quickly covered the phone and whispered, "Calm down, calm down... I was just using exaggerated language to describe the situation, so she would come and help me pay the fine. That way, I''ll be free, and it''ll save you trouble, right, Officer?"


    The police officer made a gesture for me to hurry up and settle it, and then remained silent. I nervously waited for Mi Cai''s response. If she didn''t want to come, I would have to trouble Circle and his wife.


    Mi Cai seemed to make a difficult decision before asking me, "Which police station?"


    I quickly replied, "Guanqian Police Station."


    Mi Cai made a sound of agreement and hung up the phone. Her ambiguous attitude made me feel uneasy. Considering her previous act of leaving me in a deserted area 30 kilometers away from the city, it was not impossible for her to trick me again.


    The police officer left, and I remained in the interrogation room. For me at this moment, the cold walls and the words "Confess and be lenient, resist and be strict" representing the dignity of the law felt oppressive. I couldn''t wait to leave this place, but as time passed, I began to doubt if I had been tricked again!


    ...


    Half an hour passed, and the closed door finally opened. This time, a female police officer came in and said to me, "Are you Zhao Yang? Someone has paid the fine for you. Go register with your ID!"


    Those words relieved the tension in me. When I stood up from the chair, I felt a bit weak, but my heart was free from heaviness and oppression. She had really come to rescue me from this predicament!


    ...


    Mi Cai and I left the police station side by side, and I felt as if I had entered a different world. Even the air outside, filled with car exhaust, seemed fresh.


    Mi Cai tucked her messy hair behind her ear and covered her mouth with the back of her hand, coughing again. She had come to help me despite being sick.


    Feeling guilty, I said to Mi Cai, "I caused you trouble today, with the fine and the money I owe you..." I scratched my head and said somewhat embarrassedly, "It seems like even with my next week''s salary, I still won''t have enough to pay you back!"


    Mi Cai didn''t mind about the money. She stopped and said to me, "You know you caused me trouble. Don''t get into this kind of trouble again in the future."


    I laughed self-deprecatingly and said, "You called me scum, right? To be a qualified scum, I have to fight, play with women, and do everything!"


    Mi Cai looked at me without saying a word, her eyes filled with renewed disgust. Perhaps she thought it was stubborn nonsense, not understanding that it was my self-deprecating expression tinged with a hint of sadness.


    Mi Cai continued walking, and I followed her. I softened my tone and said, "Actually, with my next week''s salary, I can pay you back the money my dad left me. But then I won''t have enough money to rent a place... What do you think? I can pay you back first, and you let me stay for another month until I recover financially, and then I''ll move out."


    Mi Cai looked at me with an emotion I couldn''t decipher...


    In the silent exchange between Mi Cai and me, a taxi, as if injected with chicken blood, stopped not far from us. The door opened hastily, and Le Yao hurriedly got out of the car with her handbag.


    ...Le Yao came to me and stood face to face with Mi Cai. The two of them had similar heights and different styles of dressing, but they both had a unique temperament. They were also rare beauties in the true sense. Even the two male police officers passing by couldn''t help but take a few more glances.


    "Why are you here?" I asked in confusion.


    Le Yao said to me with a concerned and nervous tone, "Robben called me and said that you were taken to the police station after a fight at the bar!"


    "I''m fine now," I replied in a relaxed tone.


    Le Yao didn''t respond to me, but said to Mi Cai beside me, "Miss, can you please step aside? Zhao Yang and I have something private to discuss."


    Mi Cai wasn''t interested in staying by my side in the first place. She just nodded and walked towards her car, then drove away.


    ...


    It seemed to be a troublesome night. I was a bit annoyed and habitually lit a cigarette for myself.


    Le Yao looked in the direction where Mi Cai disappeared and asked, "Did she help you pay the fine?"


    "It''s obvious, so don''t ask, okay?" I said impatiently.


    "What''s your relationship with her?"


    "Whatever relationship you think I have with her is the relationship we have," I replied dismissively.


    My dismissive and impatient attitude made Le Yao look a bit down, and she fell into silence.


    After smoking half a cigarette, I finally said to Le Yao, "You should go back. It''s windy now, and you just had surgery. Your body can''t handle it."


    Le Yao shook her head, indicating that she didn''t want to leave, and asked me again, "Why did you fight? Is there something uncomfortable in your heart?"


    I was stunned. After Le Yao asked me this question, I couldn''t help but question myself why I fought. I had been in the bar for two years, encountering all kinds of drunk and unruly people. In the past, I would just ignore them. Why didn''t I want to tolerate it today?


    Find the original at ".


    Although I didn''t want to admit it, it was indeed related to the news that Jian Wei was coming back. When she was far away, those pains had always been lurking in my heart. When she was about to return to the country, those pains suddenly erupted and stimulated my fragile nerves.


    I looked at Le Yao, wiped my face with my hands, and said, "Consider it a favor, don''t ask anymore, okay?"


    "Zhao Yang, am I just annoying to you?" Le Yao said with tears in her eyes.


    I remained silent and continued smoking, standing with Le Yao in the cold wind, performing a classic scene of a man''s silence and a woman''s tears.


    After a long time, Le Yao finally said to me, "I''m going to Hengdian next week. The crew will start filming in advance."


    "Really? I wish you great success in advance!"


    Le Yao looked at me with a complicated look and said lightly, "The reason I told you is not to ask for your blessings, but to hope that you can live well and be happy at least while I''m away."


    I continued to be silent, with various emotions intertwining in my heart, but I couldn''t figure out where these emotions came from.


    Le Yao took out a pen from her bag and said to me, "Give me your hand."


    Although I didn''t know what she was going to do, I mechanically stretched out my hand in front of her.


    Le Yao wrote down a series of phone numbers on my hand and said, "I will be in Hengdian for a long time this time. If you''re in a bad mood or have something on your mind, you can call me with this number. We can at least chat like friends." She paused and added, "This number is available 24/7."


    I didn''t know what to say for a moment, I just looked at her in silence.


    Le Yao put the pen back in her bag, smiled at me, and said, "We haven''t seen each other for a long time... Goodbye, Zhao Yang!"


    ...


    Watching Le Yao''s figure disappear, I suddenly felt a sense of sadness from parting. Perhaps even if it was just a **, over time, there would be some feelings. Although most of the time, I was annoyed by the troubles she brought me one after another.


    ...


    It was late at night, and I should go back, but where should I go? Although I still lived in that old but warm house, I had stayed there with a thick-skinned face. If Mi Cai insisted on asking me to leave, where should I place the troubles, the sadness, the loneliness that troubled me? Should I really leave them to this boundless night?


    No, I don''t want to leave. I should have a good talk with Mi Cai, even if it means begging her to let me stay, just to properly place those troubles, sadness, and loneliness!


    -----------------------------------------


    PS: Today''s update is finished, a total of 11 chapters... I hope everyone can leave more comments in the comment section. The new book needs to climb the new book rankings, flower collections are important data for the new book rankings. It would be a great help if everyone can spare a moment to do so.


    There were many people who voted today, so I won''t thank each one individually. I will create a separate chapter in the future to express my gratitude.This book is intended for film and television adaptation, and that''s how the website positions it. Therefore, updates won''t be too frequent, but there won''t be any discontinuation either. I hope to work with everyone to bring this book to the television screen, making up for the shortcomings of the previous book.


    Let me explain the rules for additional updates. For every 5000 VIPs, an extra chapter will be added. For every 500 stamps, an extra chapter will be added. For every 10,000 flowers, an extra chapter will be added. An extra chapter will be added if any of these conditions are met. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The conditions for additional updates are set high, not because I''m being arrogant, but because I must devote 120% of my energy to writing this book. Quality is the top priority.


    Let me remind you again, don''t forget to give flowers, add to your collection, and sign in. These are simple tasks. The success of a book is accumulated bit by bit by everyone. I hope this book can make a breakthrough. Readers who have finished the book, please leave a comment in the book review section and share your thoughts on this book. Let me see that you are always there.


    My book belongs to the night. I suggest you read it at night, with a cigarette in hand, and a music player on. Listen to the songs mentioned in the book. It''s quite nice.


    Good night, everyone!

 Chapter 12 – Request for co-renting

    It was late at night, and I was sober. I zipped up my jacket, lit a cigarette, and walked aimlessly on the street under the neon lights. My mind was filled with endless trivial thoughts. I suddenly felt tired of my current life and wanted to do something for myself, but I didn''t know where to start, so I became even more confused.


    Passing by a hotel, I looked at the lights scattered from dozens of windows, as if peeking into the bodies moving up and down on the bed, causing the whole hotel to shake. Tonight, some people were enjoying the ecstasy of the night in warm rooms, while others were walking on the street, enduring the loneliness of the night.


    But it is because of such a contrast that the world appears so three-dimensional and real. I should understand that this world is originally a complex contradiction. Loneliness and loss always have to be borne by someone, so I don''t need to feel wronged or complain.


    But the moon tonight is so beautiful, shining on the loneliness that has nowhere to hide. So, I beg the celestial beings in the sky to turn off the moon''s power. I am willing to bear the loneliness, but it doesn''t mean that I am willing to expose it in this cruel world!


    ...


    Back at my place, I habitually stood downstairs and looked around. I didn''t see Mi Cai''s car. I went to the opposite side of the building and looked again. The car was there. It seemed that Mi Cai was used to parking her car here.


    I squatted next to the car, smoked another cigarette, and went back upstairs. Then I stood at the door of Mi Cai''s room for a while before knocking on her door.


    "Mi Cai, are you asleep?" I asked in a low voice.


    "What''s the matter?"


    "I want to talk to you."


    Mi Cai''s response was within my expectations: "There''s nothing to talk about between us."


    "At least let me say thank you in person for tonight. I''m really grateful to you!"


    "No need." Mi Cai still refused me with three words.


    "I insist. If I don''t say it, I won''t feel at ease!" I said without getting Mi Cai''s consent, and opened her door in the name of gratitude.


    The light in the room was still on. Mi Cai was sitting at the desk, looking at a book or maybe some documents.


    Mi Cai seemed to be used to my rudeness and didn''t react to my entering the room without permission.


    I came up behind her and glanced, asking, "What are you reading?"


    Mi Cai ignored me and kept her attention on the documents.


    Find the original at ".


    I stood there like that, brewing in my mind how to tell Mi Cai that I intended to continue living here.


    "Do you think it''s appropriate to stand in a woman''s room late at night?" Mi Cai asked coldly.


    "I just want to say thank you, nothing else." I quickly said.


    "Then say it and leave."


    "Oh..." I agreed and asked in a pleasing tone, "By the way, did you take your medicine tonight? I heard you coughing just now."


    Mi Cai closed the document, frowned, and looked at me, saying, "If you have something to say, say it quickly. I''m going to rest."


    "You asked me to say it, so don''t turn against me when I do." I hurriedly said.


    "Then don''t say it."


    "I can''t do that. Once words are spoken, they can''t be taken back. You asked me to say it, so I will say it..." After a moment of contemplation, I finally said, "The truth is, I don''t want to move out at all!" After saying that, I instinctively stood up straight, trying to suppress Mi Cai with a powerful aura and make her agree to my request to stay.


    Mi Cai looked at me calmly and said, "I said you don''t have to pay back the money for now, so you have no reason not to move out."


    "I said I don''t want to move out at all. Don''t you understand what I mean?" I raised my voice.


    "But you have promised me more than once to move out. Is your promise so cheap in your own eyes?" Mi Cai''s words were cold, but her eyes flashed with anger.


    "What''s wrong with letting me stay here?" I was also angry with my words. While Mi Cai didn''t understand me, I didn''t understand her either. There are many people who share apartments in this city. Why am I so dependent on this room while she keeps pushing me away? Besides, I think I am a very reliable roommate and a safe person to live with.


    Mi Cai retorted, "Tell me what''s good about it."


    "Everything is good!" After thinking for a moment, I said, "With me living here, if there''s any neighborhood dispute in the future, I can easily handle it for you. Let me tell you: I''m the boss of this neighborhood..."


    "Don''t be so childish, okay?" Mi Cai interrupted me.


    I sneered, "You don''t believe it, do you?... You can go to other neighborhoods and see if there are square dance aunties disturbing the peace every night. Have you seen any in our neighborhood?... No, right? Let me tell you: Although this neighborhood doesn''t have property management, having me here is much better than any property management.""Even if what you''re saying is true, it can''t be a reason for you to continue living here. You must move out," Mi Cai insisted firmly.


    I was angry again, "Are you out of your mind? What''s wrong with me living here? At least when the pipes are blocked or the lights are broken, I can fix them. If it rains and you''re not home, I can help collect the clothes. Like today, you''re sick, I can''t just stand by and do nothing. I have to buy medicine for you, make you some ginger soup... Why do you insist on making both of us unhappy?"


    "I''m not unhappy."


    Mi Cai''s words left me speechless. After an awkward silence, I finally said, "Anyway, I don''t want to move. I owe you so much money, I think it''s more important to pay you back than to move."


    Unexpectedly, Mi Cai asked, "Why do you think paying back the money is more important than moving?"


    Without much thought, I replied, "Paying you back will make me feel at ease, but moving makes me feel like I''m alone and empty. If it were you, would you choose to pay back the money first, or move out first?"


    "You can live somewhere else if you move out from here. Where does this feeling of emptiness and helplessness come from?" Mi Cai continued to ask.


    I looked around the room, a wave of indescribable emotions welled up in my heart. Mi Cai didn''t understand my feelings and attachment to this house. Every time she asked me to leave, she never considered my feelings. But then again, she didn''t have to. My deep attachment was mine alone.


    I lit a cigarette to ease my feelings of loss and helplessness.


    "Don''t smoke in my room, okay?"


    Mi Cai''s words were filled with disgust, but I couldn''t blame her. I had been too presumptuous, forgetting that I was still in her room.


    "Sorry, I''ll smoke on the balcony," I said quietly.


    ...


    After finishing a cigarette on the balcony, I returned to the living room. To my surprise, Mi Cai was not in her bedroom but sitting on the living room couch.


    For the first time, she initiated a conversation with me, "You haven''t answered my question just now."


    "You were asking why I would feel empty and helpless if I moved out, right?"


    Mi Cai nodded.


    I sat down on the couch opposite Mi Cai, closed my eyes, and the countless days and nights I had spent here surfaced in my mind like a series of clips.


    After a long silence, I finally said, "I moved in here two years ago. The days when I first moved in were the darkest days of my life. I suffered from insomnia almost every night... The reason for my insomnia was that I had a lot on my mind, but I couldn''t share these thoughts with anyone. But keeping them to myself was painful. So, I treated the floor lamp, the cabinet, the wall clock, even a mop in the room as my friends, telling them the thoughts I couldn''t share with anyone. Although they never responded, they were very patient. No matter how long I talked, they were patient. So, after venting, I didn''t feel so bad. I''m grateful to them, grateful for everything in this room. They are my support, my friends. That''s why I don''t want to leave. I love this room. Even though it''s simple, it''s the safest, warmest place in my world...!!"


    After I finished speaking, Mi Cai looked at me with a complicated expression. I had no idea what this complexity meant, I was just anxiously waiting to see if she would let me continue to live here.


    --------------------


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 Chapter 13 – No more going to nightclubs

    The moonlight outside the window was unusually bright, shining into the living room through the window, making the lights dim, and Mi Cai''s beautiful and ethereal face also dimmed under the moonlight.


    I stared at her like this, her face was quiet, which made me a little uneasy. Perhaps my nostalgia for this house couldn''t move her "cold" heart.


    After a long time, Mi Cai finally spoke to me, "Do you love this house?"


    I nodded seriously, "I love it, love it... There is no one in this world who loves this inconspicuous house more than me."


    Mi Cai smiled and said, "That''s not necessarily true."


    I looked at her in surprise, "Are you the one who loves it more than me?"


    In fact, I have always been curious why Mi Cai bought this house from Lao Li, although I can imagine it as a kind of artistic behavior of the rich, but the real answer is probably not as simple as I imagined.


    Mi Cai did not answer my question. She asked me, "How long do you plan to stay?"


    "Did you agree?" I asked excitedly.


    "Zhao Yang, can you face the problem first?" Mi Cai said with some dissatisfaction.


    I smiled and sighed, "So you know my name!?"


    Mi Cai frowned again.


    I smiled awkwardly, afraid that she would change her mind, made an apologetic expression, and kept saying, "I will answer the question first, I will answer the question first. I plan to stay... for another month, is that okay?"


    Mi Cai remained silent for a while, and finally said, "Okay... but you have to promise me two conditions first."


    "Okay, as long as you don''t kick me out, I will do anything. I promise." I patted my chest and said.


    "Don''t make empty promises. Wait until you actually do it." Mi Cai interrupted me.


    I smiled awkwardly again and said, "I know I don''t have much credibility in your eyes. So, let''s put it this way, I will do my best to meet your requirements, okay?"


    "Okay." Mi Cai paused and said, "First, you can''t go to nightclubs in the future. Can you do that?"


    "Ah!" I exclaimed subconsciously. I didn''t expect Mi Cai to make this request.


    Mi Cai looked at me, waiting for my answer.


    Although I was puzzled why Mi Cai made this request, considering that women''s thoughts are always unpredictable, and I didn''t want to inquire about the reasons, the most important thing was to settle down first. Without much consideration, I nodded and said, "Yes, and what''s the other one?"


    "During your stay here, you can''t enter my room. You have to return the key to my room."


    "This request is reasonable." I said, taking out the key from my pocket and placing it on the coffee table in front of Mi Cai''s room.


    Mi Cai stood up from the sofa and finally said to me, "Remember what you promised me. If I find that you can''t fulfill any of the conditions, you have to move out on your own."


    ...


    After washing up, I returned to my room. This was supposed to be a night to settle down, after all, I could temporarily stay here, but I couldn''t help but think randomly.


    There are only four days left until Circle and Yan Yan''s wedding day. As friends who have come a long way, their wedding cannot fail to stimulate me. Actually, I am not someone who opposes marriage. If I can meet a woman who I truly love, I also desire to get married. However, my material conditions are indeed lacking, and I have very little to offer in a marriage. So, the desire to get married for me can only be an unrealistic fantasy, temporarily sealed away.


    I thought of Jian Wei again. On the day of Circle and Yan Yan''s wedding, we will definitely meet. If she comes with her boyfriend or if she is already married with a husband, will I collapse again?


    I shook my head and smiled. If I really collapse at a friend''s wedding, it would be quite spectacular!


    ...


    The next day, I arrived at the company on time. Circle had also returned to Suzhou from Shanghai, and we met by the coffee machine during the break.


    We each held a cup of coffee and chatted. I asked Circle, "How is it? Did you settle the GUCCI counter project?"


    Circle smiled with relief and said, "It''s settled. If nothing goes wrong, we will be able to sign the contract for the store next month."


    "Not bad. With a first-tier brand like GUCCI entering our department store, you have made a great contribution. Your future is limitless, young comrade!" I patted Circle''s shoulder and joked.


    Circle, however, said seriously, "Zhao Yang, do you have any thoughts about your work? I can help you fight for it."


    I continued to smile and said, "You don''t have to worry about me. If I have any ideas, I will fight for them myself."


    I knew Circle was worried about me, but he had only been the leader of the planning and copywriting team for half a year, and his experience was still shallow. The company''s politics were deep, and combined with our well-known friendship, it wouldn''t be good for him.


    "Give it up. We have worked together for two years. When have you ever fought for yourself?" Circle''s tone sounded displeased.


    I laughed carelessly, "That''s because I don''t have any ideas. I think it''s pretty good like this. At least the work is easy. Even if the sky falls, it will fall on you hardworking models who climb up desperately!" S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Circle was speechless by my words and sighed after a while, "You are really something! It has been two years..."I immediately interrupted, "Alright, stop lamenting. Tell me about what happened yesterday. I spent the whole day shopping with your wife. You have to compensate me for this hard work."


    Circle nodded, "Let''s have dinner together after work."


    As they spoke, they walked from the break room to the office, holding their unfinished coffee cups. When they were about to enter the office, Circle suddenly stopped me, causing the coffee to spill on my sleeve.


    "What''s wrong?" I shook off the coffee from my sleeve, feeling surprised and a bit displeased. I always felt that Circle was acting strangely, ever since he suddenly asked me if I had any thoughts about work.


    Circle looked at me with piercing eyes and paused for a while before saying, "...Jian Wei contacted Yan Yan last night. At that time, she was already preparing to board the plane back to China. She should arrive in Shanghai around noon!"


    I was stunned for a moment, my mind went blank, and I didn''t know how to face this news.


    Circle patted my shoulder and asked in a low voice, "Are you going to Shanghai to see her?"


    I was silent for a while and asked Circle in return, "Tell me, how can I go and see her? Should I go as her ex-boyfriend?"


    "If you think it''s awkward, then forget I told you. But you have to meet her at least once."


    Of course, I knew that Circle meant we would meet at his and Yan Yan''s wedding. On that day, Jian Wei would attend, and so would I. But that kind of meeting would just be a formality, not intentional. I thought to myself: If I can be open-minded enough at that time, I will treat her as a stranger I coincidentally met, no need for small talk, no need... to tear my heart apart!


    ...


    In the morning, I continued to work intermittently, feeling scattered. It wasn''t until noon when all my colleagues went to the cafeteria for lunch that I lit a cigarette, closed my eyes, and reclined on the office chair, taking a puff.


    Amidst the dissipating smell of tobacco, Jian Wei''s face from the day she left kept lingering in my mind. I felt a bit of pain, a bit lost, but I didn''t know how to dispel this inexplicable anguish.


    Two years ago, I already understood that the pain caused by the fantasy of breaking up was meaningless self-torture. But "being cheap" is human nature. I would rather grit my teeth and endure false pain than give up being "cheap" and become enlightened.


    Perhaps at this moment, Jian Wei was enjoying a pleasant afternoon tea with her family and friends, while I sat in the empty office, feeling melancholic, surrounded by a cloud of sorrow and gloom that I couldn''t escape.


    I stubbed out the cigarette fiercely, wishing I could slap myself in the face and tell myself not to be so cheap.


    In the end, I couldn''t bring myself to do it and could only smile helplessly. These years of indifference, all the deviant behavior, now seemed to be the sorrow she left me with. And I have always carried this sorrow, immersing myself in an inescapable past, causing self-inflicted harm.


    The smell of smoke gradually dissipated. In the spacious office, I was still alone. The warm afternoon breeze, carrying a hint of inexplicable melancholy, blew in through the open window, just like my mood. After sitting still for a while, I finally felt hungry and put the cigarette in my pocket, ready to go eat something.


    After coming out of the elevator, my phone rang. It was Robben calling.


    I answered the phone, and Robben apologized, "Zhao Yang, I''m really sorry about yesterday. I couldn''t help you handle it."


    I laughed and said, "If we''re brothers, don''t apologize to me. You guys are in a band, getting into fights at bars. How can you handle that? Besides, it''s my responsibility as a good citizen to teach those ignorant bastards a lesson. You guys don''t need to join in the fun!"


    Robben also laughed and said, "Alright, I won''t say anything more, by the way, there''s a fashion show at Suhe Bar tonight, full of beautiful girls. I know a few of them pretty well, I can introduce you to someone you like."


    "Sure!" I almost instinctively agreed without thinking.


    "Okay, tonight I''ll treat you. Let''s have a crazy night."


    I held my phone and had already walked away from the office building. Suddenly, I was enveloped in sunlight, and my thoughts seemed to expand. I suddenly remembered that I had promised Mi Cai not to go to nightclubs anymore.


    I stopped in my tracks, remembering my unreliable words and actions towards Mi Cai in the past few days. I decided to be a man of my word this time...


    After a moment of silence, I said to Robben, who was still waiting for my response, "Oh... look at my memory. I have something private tonight, so I really can''t make it."


    "What could be more important than hanging out with a group of friends, eating, drinking, and having fun?" Robben jokingly asked, but he was also a bit surprised. In his eyes, Zhao Yang had always treated eating, drinking, and having fun as the most important things in life.


    "Some things are more urgent. Let''s make plans for another day. I really can''t make it today."


    Robben responded with a slight disappointment, but in the end, he didn''t force me and fulfilled my promise to have a plain night because I kept my word.After hanging up the phone, I walked down the street in the warm breeze, somewhat surprised at my own transformation. In fact, even if I had agreed to Robben, it wouldn''t have mattered. With my character, I could have told Mi Cai with a clear conscience: I just attended a company party and had a few drinks. She may control everything else, but she surely can''t control my legitimate gatherings with my colleagues.


    So why didn''t I choose to deceive her? I was a bit puzzled...


    After a while, I still couldn''t figure out why. I simply chalked it up to: she was just too beautiful, and men are instinctively willing to comply with beautiful women.


    However, this baseless logic didn''t seem to hold up.


    So what was the real reason?... After a long time, I still didn''t quite understand!


    ---------------


    Today there will be four updates, this is the second one. Looking forward to your continued support, the new book period really needs support. We haven''t even made it onto the new book list yet, which is quite terrifying!

 Chapter 14 – You are my new tenant

    In the evening after work, Circle and I found a Chinese restaurant near the company. We ordered some simple dishes and sat facing each other.


    After a while, the food was served. Circle picked up his chopsticks and started eating by himself. Seeing that I didn''t move my chopsticks, he said, "Aren''t you going to eat?"


    "Aren''t we waiting for Yan Yan?" I asked in confusion.


    "She went to Shanghai to see Jian Wei. It''s just the two of us for dinner today," Circle said calmly.


    "She went to see Jian Wei? You''re getting married in a few days. Can she leave?" I asked with some doubt.


    Circle didn''t care and replied, "She just left after work. She''ll be back tomorrow morning. It won''t delay anything." I nodded and started eating as well.


    Circle put down his chopsticks and stared at me. After a moment, he asked, "Zhao Yang, how about having some drinks?"


    "Not today."


    After a while, he looked at me and said, "You seem a bit depressed!" Then he looked at his watch and continued, "Yan Yan shouldn''t have gone far yet. Should I call her to turn back and pick you up? You can take this rare opportunity to see Jian Wei while you''re sober..."


    I remained silent for a while and sighed, "Yan Yan really follows the dog!"


    "What do you mean?" Circle asked, changing his sitting posture. He didn''t mind me indirectly insulting him.


    "Both of you are heartless. I beg you not to comfort someone who wants to die until they actually die, okay?"


    "Did I comfort you?" Circle asked innocently.


    I was furious and said, "Can you still eat this meal? If not, get lost."


    My anger made Circle sigh. He shook his head and said, "You''re still the same. Every time something related to Jian Wei is mentioned, you change your attitude faster than turning a page. Can''t you get over her?"


    Only then did I realize that Circle was just testing me. I didn''t know how to respond and fell into silence again.


    Circle asked the waiter to bring two cans of Qing beer. He opened one and handed it to me, and he drank one himself. He deliberately changed the topic and asked me, "How''s it going with that model? I think she seems interested in you."


    "Stop it. At most, I''m just a toy for her when she''s bored."


    "A sex toy?"


    "However you interpret it." I said indifferently, then picked up the beer in front of me and took a big gulp.


    Circle took a sip of his beer and asked again, "Honestly, have you not been attracted to any girl in these years since Jian Wei left? I feel like there must be someone who has caught your attention."


    "No, there isn''t." I answered without hesitation.


    Circle shook his head and said, "You don''t seem like a sentimental person. In fact, it''s your own indecisiveness these years. If you calm down and think about it, maybe there''s a girl who has been by your side all along, but you just haven''t noticed."


    "I''m indecisive?" I asked Circle in confusion.


    Circle nodded seriously and made a guiding gesture, saying, "Take a sip of your drink and think about it. Right now, there must be something you''ll find."


    I was skeptical, but I followed Circle''s advice and took a sip of my drink. Then I let my thoughts wander and tried to recall all the girls who had been around me in these years. After a while, I realized that I hadn''t been attracted to anyone. I preferred to keep the memories of being with them confined to one night of passion.


    I still remembered the mornings after each night of passion, when the sunlight fell on the bedsheet supported by our bodies. It didn''t give me a sense of security. I often wanted to put on my pants and run away, as if the dawn sunlight only revealed material poverty. I didn''t remember the excitement and ecstasy of the night.


    "If there is?" Circle raised his beer and clinked it with mine, asking with concern.


    I just shook my head, took another sip of beer, and didn''t feel like saying anything else. I didn''t want to think about any woman anymore. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But human thoughts are strange. When I didn''t want to think about it, suddenly the unrealistically beautiful face of my female landlord, Mi Cai, flashed in my mind.


    I quickly denied it. It was an absurd idea. I had only been with Mi Cai for a few days. Even if she was as beautiful as Chang''e, I didn''t need to be attracted to her. My fantasies and impulses towards women had long died in the harsh years.


    Circle was still waiting for my answer with anticipation, but I didn''t want to dwell on the meaningless word "attraction" anymore. I chose to continue my silence.


    ...


    After finishing a can of beer, we continued eating. Unnoticed, the sky outside darkened, and the streetlights on both sides of the road painted the city under the night sky in the same way.


    Circle and I each lit a cigarette and passed the time after dinner. We continued chatting, and as we chatted, Circle looked at the night outside and jokingly asked, "Zhao Yang, something seems off today. It''s already dark outside. How can you sit still? Don''t you need to find some fun?"


    "Nowhere to go. I''ll go home and sleep later."


    Circle seemed shocked by my answer and exclaimed, "Who murdered your nights?"


    I was taken aback by Circle''s question. Indeed, my drunken and dreamy nights had been killed by a woman who had just appeared in my life.I was not in a hurry to answer Circle''s question, but I urgently wanted him to help me analyze a question that had been bothering me for many days. I still couldn''t figure out why Mi Cai, who drove a luxury car, would live in that run-down house. I didn''t want to believe that this was a deliberate fate created by heaven. It was even a stretch to call it fate, because a few days ago, she threw my blanket away and then threw me into the wilderness. It seemed that there was no such tormenting fate in this world.


    After a while, I said to Circle, "Let me tell you something fresh."


    "Is this fresh thing directly related to you not going out fooling around?"


    I nodded and then selectively told Circle about the various things that happened between Mi Cai and me because of that house.


    After listening, Circle looked at me with some skepticism, paused for a moment, and then asked, "Are you sure she, who drives a car worth hundreds of thousands, moved into your dilapidated house?"


    "Of course I''m sure. Help me analyze, analyze. What is her motive?" I said seriously to Circle.


    "It''s definitely not for money or to harm you." Circle said disdainfully, glancing at me.


    "I know I have no money and a miserable life, but now I''m really telling you something serious. Can you take it seriously?"


    "Zhao Yang, we live in a very realistic world. Actually, you shouldn''t expect her to be repaying some debt from a past life in this life."


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    I rubbed my chin and said seriously, "Don''t say that. Maybe there is a possibility. You know, I''ve done a lot of good things in my past life, maybe my female landlord was helped by me in her past life and now she''s repaying me."


    "Repaying you? Didn''t you say she tricked you into going to the intersection of the Shanghai-Nanjing Expressway in Suzhou and Wuxi in the middle of the night, freezing you with snot running down your nose? Is that how she''s repaying you?"


    I pointed at Circle, speechless for a while, and then said, "You''re just a bad friend!"


    Circle smiled, got up, patted my shoulder and said, "Zhao Yang, actually, it''s not a bad thing for a woman to divert your attention from Jian Wei..."


    Before I could respond, he said again, "It''s almost 7:30. I have an appointment with the wedding planning company at 8. Let''s call it a day today."


    Watching Circle leave, I lit another cigarette in a daze. I always felt that I didn''t quite understand what he said. Why would Mi Cai''s appearance divert my attention from Jian Wei?


    ...


    After leaving the restaurant, I bought a can of beer and walked home in the direction of the crowd, listening to the laughter and noise of others, thinking about my own troubles.


    When I got home and opened the door, the house was pitch black. I turned on the living room light and looked around. The house was empty and cold. My female landlord, Mi Cai, seemed to have not come back yet.


    Feeling bored, I sat on the sofa and turned on the TV. Without the drunken nights in nightclubs, the night seemed endlessly long. I couldn''t remember when was the last time I spent the evening like this, like a homebody, looking for entertainment in front of the TV... and feeling bored!


    It was only 8:30, but I was tortured by boredom. I lit a cigarette, stared into space for a while, and after only ten minutes, I felt like dying. It turned out that a person''s night could be so difficult to endure!


    I took out the guitar from the room and found a guitar score. I started practicing a song. If there was something I liked to do besides living a debauched life every night, it would probably be playing the guitar to pass the time.


    After finishing a song and preparing to play the next one, there was finally some movement outside the house. Then the door opened, and I saw Mi Cai, carrying a handbag, looking stunning.


    Although we had some conflicts, I was not a narrow-minded person, so I didn''t belittle her beauty. This woman seemed to be a masterpiece created by God in a moment of impulse.


    I put down the guitar and asked with a smile, "Back?"


    "Yeah," Mi Cai replied and walked towards her room.


    "Stop." I said in a deep voice, with a serious face, trying to play a prank on her out of boredom, not willing to be lonely alone.


    Mi Cai turned around and looked at me. "Is there something?"


    I looked at Mi Cai and became more and more puzzled about how this woman could be so beautiful. Then I blurted out without thinking, "How come you''re so beautiful? Are you some kind of monster?"


    Mi Cai frowned slightly and coldly said, "Please don''t make me feel like I''m inviting trouble. Okay?"


    I immediately stood up, pretending to be excited, and said, "Miss, are you mistaken? I moved in here first. Your talk of inviting trouble is a bit inappropriate, isn''t it?"


    Mi Cai ignored my claim of being the first to move in and still spoke in a cold tone, "If you think I''m a monster, you can move out anytime. I won''t mind."


    "Why should I move? This house was originally mine. You''re just a new tenant. Besides, you agreed to live here, and I''ve kept my promise. So, don''t mention moving out to me in the future." I stood up from the sofa to show my excitement.


    "I''m your new tenant?" Mi Cai''s tone was clearly displeased.


    But I didn''t care about her displeasure and said, "Yes, from today on, you should consider yourself a female tenant in front of me. In this house, whoever has more experience is the landlord.""Don''t you find yourself boring? Besides, I need to remind you, there''s no need to misrepresent things, forcing the title of ''female tenant'' onto me. I only agreed to stay here for a month. You''ll soon be leaving here forever, carrying the identity of a tenant," Mi Cai said, looking at me with an expression of fearless confidence.


    "What''s wrong with a month? Even if I''m only a landlord for a month, I''m happy!" I retorted stubbornly, but my mood sank at Mi Cai''s words, "leaving here forever."


    Mi Cai didn''t want to argue with me anymore. After saying "Who cares about you," she turned and walked towards her room.


    ......


    In the living room by myself, I took out a cigarette and lit it. As I inhaled and exhaled the smoke, I found it amusing that I had fought so hard to become a landlord through shameless means.


    The smoke I exhaled drifted towards the window under the light, captivating me. A gust of wind from somewhere blew me back to reality. In this seemingly borrowed wind, I suddenly saw the vague silhouette of Jian Wei. I suddenly remembered: in three days, we will meet at Circle and Yan Yan''s wedding. I have a premonition that the next three days might be harder to endure than the three years of separation...


    To this day, I still can''t understand. We spent the best years of our lives nurturing a love for four years, why couldn''t we end it well? Even if we broke up, at least give me a reason, but...


    I closed my eyes, the smoke continuously emanating from my fingertips made me feel like shedding tears!

 Chapter 15 – Teasing Mi Cai

    Sitting back on the sofa, I finished smoking the cigarette in my hand and then extinguished it in the ashtray. I looked at the guitar beside me, but I didn''t have the mood to sing even a song.


    I lay back on the sofa, once again tortured to death by boredom. I glanced at Mi Cai''s room and felt somewhat unhappy. If it weren''t for her constraints, I would have been drinking beer and watching a show with Robben and the others, so to a large extent, the boredom I feel now is bestowed upon me by her.


    If she hadn''t suddenly bought this house, I wouldn''t have to compromise to continue living here, nor would I have to change my lifestyle. In a night like this, dying in the torment of boredom.


    I feel that she has a responsibility to help me get rid of this endless boredom. Regardless of how unreasonable this logic may seem to others, I think it is only natural. Boredom is so terrifying in my world of understanding, and it is completely derived from loneliness. If one is alive, who wouldn''t be afraid of loneliness?


    I came to Mi Cai''s door, determined to break free from the prison of loneliness on this not-so-late night. I knocked on the door and said to Mi Cai, who knows what she was doing inside, "Hey, do you have time? Let''s chat."


    "We don''t have a common language," Mi Cai''s voice came from inside the room.


    "We all speak Chinese, so how can we not have a common language?... Besides, I am the landlord and you are the tenant. We live under the same roof, so it is necessary to communicate in order to live in harmony in the long term."


    Mi Cai ignored me, and I could only hear a slightly awkward echo from inside the room.


    I immediately changed my strategy and adopted a conciliatory policy. I knocked on her door again and said, "Have you had dinner? How about I cook some supper..."


    Mi Cai didn''t appreciate it and interrupted me with annoyance, "Please do something meaningful."


    "Damn it, I offer to make supper for you, and you mock me for living a meaningless life, right? Then I won''t bother anymore. I''ll go play with a spoon..."


    I sat back on the sofa in frustration, but I was not willing to give up. Why does she have the attitude of ignoring me? I may be poor and not very successful, but that doesn''t mean I''m willing to use lowliness to fulfill her high attitude. Since I am alive, I still care about my dignity.


    I really found a spoon from the kitchen and placed it on the coffee table, using my fingers to spin the spoon handle, making it spin like a top.


    ...


    Half an hour later, Mi Cai''s door was opened. She had changed her clothes and was wearing a white coral fleece pajama. She walked towards the bathroom, seemingly ready to wash up and rest.


    I stared at her, but she didn''t look at me. She only glanced at the spinning spoon when she reached the coffee table, then stopped and looked at me. I, on the other hand, looked at her expressionlessly and spun the spoon handle even harder, as if venting my frustration.


    My boring behavior finally brought a slight smile to Mi Cai''s face, but I couldn''t tell if she found it genuinely funny or if she was mocking me.


    "What are you laughing at? Didn''t I just tell you that I want to play with the spoon?" I said while spinning the spoon even faster.


    Mi Cai nodded and said, "You really keep your word. That''s progress." After speaking, she didn''t say much and walked towards the bathroom.


    I glanced at Mi Cai''s departing figure and slapped the spinning spoon to make it stop.


    ...


    A moment later, Mi Cai came out of the bathroom. Her hair was already loose, with some water stains on the tips. Although she had removed her makeup, her skin was still fair and delicate, as if it could be broken with a gentle touch. This further highlighted her natural beauty. Among the countless women I have known, there are not many who still look so beautiful after removing their makeup.


    She continued to ignore my existence and walked towards her own room.


    I mustered up the courage and shouted at her again, "Stop right there."


    "What do you want?" Mi Cai''s words were cold, and her expression was even colder as she looked at me.


    Feeling a bit guilty, I forced myself to say, "I... I''m bored. Can you chat with me for a while?"


    "Find someone as boring as you to chat with. I''m going to rest," Mi Cai replied, her words and expression full of sarcasm.


    It was as if I had been granted a reprieve, and my tone became more assertive, "But you said so yourself. I''m going out to have fun now."


    "You can go out, but take your luggage with you. There''s no need to come back," Mi Cai said.


    "I knew you would use my weakness to entertain yourself... Seriously, after more than three years of renting, I''ve seen all kinds of people, but I''ve never seen a tenant as arrogant as you. Can''t you be a bit more polite to your landlord?" I expressed my dissatisfaction and once again forced the title of "tenant" onto Mi Cai.


    Mi Cai retorted, "I''ve never seen someone as shameless as you!"


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    "If I weren''t shameless, I would have been sleeping on the streets. It''s all because of you." I glared at Mi Cai, feeling annoyed as I recalled the experiences of the past few days.


    "Aren''t you the landlord? Who dares to force you?" Mi Cai looked at me with a smile that wasn''t really a smile, her words full of mockery.I pointed at Mi Cai, feeling so angry that my liver hurt. After a while, I said, "You wicked woman, I said I''m the landlord, but you want to find a fig leaf for yourself? Can you leave some dignity?" After saying that, I sighed heavily, "The life of the poor is bitter... Ah! There''s no sense of happiness in living... Ah!"


    "You are a troublemaker in ancient times, and a rascal in modern times!" Mi Cai glared at me, and after saying that, she didn''t want to argue with me anymore. She turned around and walked towards her own room.


    Looking at the closed door, I spat and angrily said, "So what if you''re the bourgeoisie? Comrade Xiaoping has said that the Chinese people will eventually move towards common prosperity. Let you guys who have become rich in advance show off for a few more years. In a few years, you''ll see..."


    After messing around in the living room for a while, I finally returned to my own room. I closed the door, lay on the bed, and lit a cigarette out of habit. I still thought about the argument with Mi Cai just now. Although I didn''t gain any advantage, I felt a sense of satisfaction in my heart when I thought about Mi Cai''s angry scolding of me as a rascal and a rogue. My mood seemed to be less irritable. After a while, I fell asleep in a daze, finally escaping from the torment of boredom!


    ...


    Maybe I slept early last night. I woke up at six in the morning and couldn''t fall back asleep no matter what. I just stared at the ceiling absentmindedly, and involuntarily thought about Circle and Yan Yan''s upcoming wedding. My mood became anxious. I understood that this anxiety was not groundless, it was related to my upcoming meeting with Jian Wei. It was troublesome! No matter how I comforted myself, it seemed that I couldn''t remain calm...


    Furthermore, I was also curious. I had dedicated my youth to Jian Wei just like her. I was anxious because I was about to meet her, but what about her? Was she feeling the same as me?


    I didn''t have the answer. I couldn''t use myself as the standard to measure Jian Wei, because sometimes women were different from men, and sometimes Jian Wei was not equal to me. Perhaps when we meet again three years later, she would only treat me as an ordinary friend, or even a stranger!


    The genius dawned, and under the continuous anxiety, I didn''t plan to sleep anymore. After getting up and freshening up, I prepared breakfast for myself. I opened the refrigerator and saw that there were still a few salted eggs that Mr. Ban brought a few days ago. I cooked a pot of porridge, bought a few youtiao, and it was considered a good breakfast combination.


    I went to the breakfast shop downstairs and bought some youtiao, then went to the convenience store and bought a few bags of pickled vegetables. When I came back, the water in the pot was already boiling. I poured in the rice and then found a mop to clean the house.


    A gust of cold wind suddenly blew in from the window of the balcony, and I realized that both Mi Cai and I had forgotten to close the window last night. No wonder this morning was colder than usual.


    It was already halfway through autumn, and the morning temperature was very low. I wrapped myself in clothes and walked to the balcony to close the window. The first ray of sunlight in the morning also shone through the glass and reflected onto the colorful leaves on the balcony, as if telling me that it was a good morning.


    In order to blend into this good morning, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Gradually, my restless mood calmed down a bit.


    When I opened my eyes, I saw Mi Cai walking out of the room. She was still wearing pajamas and her expression was still in a daze from just waking up.


    I leaned on the mop and greeted Mi Cai with a frivolous smile, "Good morning, my female tenant!"


    Mi Cai seemed unwilling to be entangled in the identity of a tenant that I imposed on her. She tied up her messy hair and asked me, "Do you always wake up this early?"


    "Of course not. I woke up early today specifically to make breakfast for you." I casually lied.


    "Is that so? But I planned to sleep a little longer."


    "Then why did you get up now?" I looked at Mi Cai knowingly. Getting up at this time was obviously to go to the bathroom, but I was curious about what it would be like for such a beautiful woman to say the two vulgar words "go to the bathroom". Or maybe she was too embarrassed to say it!... It didn''t matter whether she was embarrassed or not, as long as I could find some amusement for myself at the beginning of the day.


    Mi Cai frowned at me but didn''t say anything. It seemed that a beautiful woman like her found it difficult to say the two words "go to the bathroom". I felt proud in my heart and took advantage of the situation to block the entrance of the bathroom.


    After a while, Mi Cai said to me, "Move aside."


    "No way!... Don''t you understand manners? I asked you a question and you haven''t answered. You made me so angry early in the morning!" I raised my voice. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Mi Cai stood still, her face slightly red. It might be because of my anger, or it might be because she had been holding it in all night... How could she not be uncomfortable!


    I felt extremely satisfied in my heart, as if Mi Cai had already avenged the grudge of occupying this house with money. I arrogantly said, "Tell me, since you still plan to sleep, what are you getting up for now?"


    "I''m getting up now because I need to use the bathroom. Please move aside." Mi Cai said with an annoyed expression.I was afraid that I had taken my joke too far, even more afraid that Mi Cai would get angry and ask me to move out. I quickly moved aside, making room for Mi Cai to enter. Suddenly, I realized that I didn''t necessarily have to say "I need to pee". Saying "I need to use the bathroom" could also subtly express the same thing. This was the difference between a rough man and a beautiful woman!


    After Mi Cai came out of the bathroom, I sincerely invited her to have breakfast together again. However, she seemed to be disgusted by my previous teasing and ignored me, going straight into her room to continue sleeping. As a result, on this seemingly fine morning, I ate a boring breakfast alone and then, like a machine, started the day that had already been set.


    Wait, I need to correct myself. Strictly speaking, I''m not like a machine, because lately, I''ve been anxious with human emotions. Every time I think about Circle and Yan Yan''s upcoming wedding, and the inevitable meeting with Jian Wei, I instinctively feel anxious... At this moment, I would rather be an emotionless machine, because another day has passed, and I still don''t know how to face Jian Wei after three years of separation!


    At this moment, the perfect morning sunlight shifted its angle and shone into the room, illuminating the black coat in the wardrobe, extinguishing my emotions, but Jian Wei''s face became clearer and clearer...

 Chapter 16 – Two shameless thieves

    Arriving at the company, as usual, I turned on the computer and read some social news for a while. Then I went to my friends'' Weibo and tried to find some funny jokes to cheer myself up.


    By chance, I found a Weibo post from Yan Yan two days ago. The main content of the Weibo was her wedding photos with Circle. She mentioned many people in the post, but not me. Of course, I knew that she was afraid that Circle and her getting married would remind me of the sad ending between Jian Wei and me. Actually, she didn''t have to worry. I can bless them with pain.


    Their wedding photos had many themes, and one set of photos was named "Silent Joy". In this set of photos, Circle and Yan Yan held hands but had no expression on their faces. They looked silent, while the background of the photos was a smiling sunflower, highlighting the theme of "Silent Joy".


    It was a great theme, but it didn''t belong to them. This theme was proposed by Jian Wei more than three years ago when she had a forward-thinking idea of how to take our wedding photos. I had a sudden inspiration... I thought that joy in silence could withstand the test of time and erosion of years, and always remain.


    I sighed lightly, but my heart was in pain due to the merciless passage of time. I fell into silence for a while, then I smiled and left a comment under Yan Yan''s Weibo post: "Two shameless thieves, I wish you eternal happiness!"


    I lit a cigarette, took a deep drag, and exhaled slowly. However, the smoke was instantly blown away by the wind, revealing a cracked image. In the image, Jian Wei, who still looked the same as three years ago, was lying in my arms, praising the theme of "Silent Joy" that I proposed. We happily decided that one day when we got married, we would use this theme for our wedding photos.


    But in the end, we didn''t get to use this theme. It was stolen by Circle and Yan Yan, two friends who lacked innovation... Hehe, I''m not upset about it at all, really... It just reminds me of that evening when we were full of joy because of our anticipation of getting married.


    ...


    At noon, Circle and I had lunch in the company''s cafeteria. Starting from this afternoon, Circle would take a two-week wedding leave, and he needed to temporarily hand over some work to me.


    After spending ten minutes discussing work with Circle, we started talking about his upcoming wedding with Yan Yan.


    I asked Circle, "Has Yan Yan found her bridesmaid?"


    Circle nodded and said, "Originally, Yan Yan planned to find a female colleague from her company to be her bridesmaid. But now that Jian Wei is back, she will definitely choose Jian Wei."


    I didn''t react for a moment and stayed stunned for a while before asking Circle, "I''m your groomsman, right?"


    "What''s wrong? Are you planning to back out at the last minute?" Circle''s face sank as he asked.


    "What are you two thinking? Have you ever considered how awkward it would be to arrange Jian Wei and me as your groomsman and bridesmaid?" I added.


    After a moment, Circle finally realized and said, "Oh, I and Yan Yan didn''t think about this. It would indeed be awkward to arrange you and Jian Wei like that."


    "Good that you know. Besides, Jian Wei and I have already broken up. It''s not auspicious for us to be your groomsman and bridesmaid!" I added.


    "Now that you mention it, I''m a little worried!" Circle paused and asked again, "So, who should withdraw, you or Jian Wei?"


    "You''re taking a wedding leave, and all the work is being handed over to me. I don''t have that much time to be your groomsman. I''ll withdraw." I thought for a moment and said.


    "Alright, there''s really no perfect solution to this matter." Circle said with some regret in his words.


    Of course, I also felt regret, but according to wedding customs, it''s not very auspicious for a couple who have already broken up to be the groomsman and bridesmaid.


    After a moment of silence, I asked Circle, "Have you thought of any other candidates for the groomsman?"


    Circle made a reassuring expression and said, "No need to think about it, we already have someone in mind. We''ll ask Xiang Chen."


    I have to say, Xiang Chen is the perfect choice to be Circle''s groomsman. Back in college, the three of us had the closest relationship in our class. It''s just that Xiang Chen is from Nanjing and returned to Nanjing after graduation, not staying in Suzhou with us. But the friendship between revolutionaries has always remained.


    I nodded and asked Circle, "I haven''t been in contact with him for a while. What has he been busy with lately?"


    Circle sighed and said, "Their family''s tobacco and liquor business has been doing well these past two years. I heard they opened several branches in Nanjing. Recently, they are preparing to operate as a company and have set up a flagship store of 800 square meters. The image design fee for the flagship store alone cost over 300,000 yuan. It''s quite high-end!"


    I also sighed and said, "His father is really amazing! Even in his old age, he managed to turn this kid into a second-generation rich!"


    Circle shrugged and said, "This has nothing to do with his father. You know that his third uncle works in the Business Bureau and has real power. It''s only a matter of time before their tobacco and liquor business becomes big!"


    I agreed with Circle''s point of view. In this society, having connections or not makes a huge difference. For example, Xiang Chen and I are two completely different cases.


    ...


    In the afternoon, Circle left the company. My work became busy, and I didn''t finish until 8 o''clock in the evening. The next day, even though it was Saturday, I continued to work for a whole day, mainly taking over Circle''s work for the GUCCI counter project in our shopping mall. These past two days, I have been coordinating with the inspection team from GUCCI and modifying the project proposal according to their requirements.Just two days, and I already feel overwhelmed and tired. This made me realize that compared to Circle, my work ability is lacking. At least he has always been capable in handling these events.


    On Saturday night at nine o''clock, I dragged my exhausted body onto the last bus home. However, my mood did not lighten because of tomorrow''s rest. All I could think about was the scene at Circle and Yan Yan''s wedding tomorrow. Although I am happy for their happy union, I am unwilling to meet Jian Wei in such a joyous occasion. This unwillingness grows stronger as time goes on. In my eyes, Circle and Yan Yan''s wedding is a cruel punishment and torment for Jian Wei and me.


    Perhaps Jian Wei doesn''t care about this torment, but I really do!


    ...


    I arrived home at half past nine, but I didn''t immediately wash up and rest. I just sat on the sofa in the living room and lit a cigarette out of habit. I became immersed in anxious emotions and even forgot to play a song on the guitar to relax.


    I drank a glass of cold water and lay on the sofa, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought. After a while, I heard the sound of the door opening. I knew it was Mi Cai coming back. She came back later than me these past two days, maybe she has her own nightlife, but that has nothing to do with me.


    The smell of smoke in the room made Mi Cai furrow her brows. She walked over to me and said, "Can you not smoke in the living room?"


    I didn''t care about Mi Cai''s question and casually said, "What''s wrong with smoking in the living room? I didn''t go to your room to smoke."


    "The living room is also not allowed. I don''t want to come home every day to a smoky room," Mi Cai said sternly.


    "Then I''ll open the window next time I smoke. The wind will blow it away in a while," I said patiently to Mi Cai in my anxious state.


    "That''s not allowed either. From now on, you can only smoke outside. It''s not allowed in this house."


    I sat up from the sofa and furrowed my brows, saying, "Not allowed here, not allowed there. Do you think of me as your grandson?... I''ve been smoking in this house for over two years, in every corner, including the room you''re living in now and... the toilet."


    After I got angry, Mi Cai suddenly said calmly, "If you''re so dissatisfied, then go find another place to live. You can even climb up to the roof to smoke, no one will stop you."


    I didn''t say anything, but I felt annoyed being pinched at my weak spot. However, I couldn''t resist. I hated that I couldn''t buy this house myself and then smoke arrogantly on the roof.


    After a while, I crumpled the cigarette box into a ball and angrily threw it into the trash can. I glared at Mi Cai and said rudely, "I won''t smoke anymore, are you satisfied?"


    Mi Cai calmly looked at me and asked, "Won''t smoke anymore? Didn''t you just say you''re my grandson?"


    I angrily said, "Nonsense, you''re the one treating me like a grandson. When did I say I''m your grandson?"


    Mi Cai smiled, shrugged, and walked back to her room.


    I was stunned for a while before realizing that she was setting a trap for me, making me unknowingly admit that I am her grandson... I suddenly had the urge to spray blood in front of her room. She''s really bullying an honest person!


    ... S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After washing up, I returned to my room and closed the door tightly. I found another pack of cigarettes, opened it and lit one, then opened the window and lay on the bed, smoking.


    After a while, the phone that hadn''t rung for a long time suddenly rang without any warning. I was stunned for a while and only picked up the phone from the cabinet next to the bed when the ringtone was about to end. Then I answered the call.


    I heard Yan Yan''s familiar voice on the phone, "Zhao Yang, are you asleep?"


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    "I''m lying down, but I haven''t slept yet."


    Yan Yan sighed, "Thinking about something again? Single men are really pitiful!"


    "Call me back later, I''ll go cry in the bathroom for a while." I said unkindly. Yan Yan and Circle are the same, always comforting people to death.


    Yan Yan laughed and said, "Alright, let''s talk about something serious."


    "Go ahead." I took another puff of smoke and said.


    "...I''m with Jian Wei now. She''s staying at my house tonight." Yan Yan lowered her voice and said to me.


    I restrained my heartbeat and pretended to be calm as I asked, "Aren''t you with Circle?"


    "Are you stupid? I''m definitely at my own house now." After saying that, she sweetly added, "My husband will come to marry me tomorrow!"


    "Oh."


    "Um... Do you want to say a few words to Jian Wei? She''s chatting with my parents in the living room." Yan Yan''s voice became even lower.


    I was speechless...


    Suddenly, another voice came from the phone, "Yan Yan, what are you doing?"


    Then the phone suddenly hung up with a "beep" sound. However, I didn''t hang up the phone for a long time. I could tell that it was Jian Wei''s voice.


    Finally, the phone automatically hung up. After a while, Yan Yan sent me a text message: "Did you hear Jian Wei''s voice just now... I was so scared. I called you behind her back. This matter needs to be communicated with you and Jian Wei''s consent before I can help you connect. Otherwise, it will seem like I have no sense of propriety!"


    I didn''t reply to the message. I just extinguished the cigarette in silence. Her voice still lingered in my ears, and I remembered the joyous us in the rainy dusk.


    Actually, whether we communicate tonight or not doesn''t have much practical significance for us. After all, we will meet face to face with our real bodies tomorrow, and three years have passed. Do we still care about enduring another anxious night?Today, as always, I''m updating four times. I''m putting in the effort, and I hope you all continue to support me. Our book has a realistic style, so it takes a while to heat up. The new book period is always the most challenging! Yesterday evening, we finally slowly climbed into the new book list, currently ranked tenth.


    Flowers, collections, check-ins, and for those who can afford it, VIPs, let''s all come together to get through the toughest new book period.

 Chapter 17 – Meeting after three years

    I didn''t really sleep that night. Deep down, I wanted to go back to the days when she still loved me, and we held hands in silence, filled with joy.


    But I am living in the present, living in the shadow of her turning away from me, and I can''t help but think of her cruelly and mock her!


    The night turned into morning, and sunlight seeped through the curtains into my room. It settled on the glass vase with flowers, creating a colorful halo, as if indicating that it was going to be a great morning.


    Yes, even without the sunlight''s indication, it was still a great morning. Today, a couple will tie the knot, and I shouldn''t taint this morning and their wedding with anxious emotions. I told myself that I must have a sunny attitude.


    I found the most handsome suit from the wardrobe, shaved off my beard, and used a hairdryer to style my hair energetically. I smiled at myself in the mirror, confirming that I looked sunny. Only then did I prepare to leave the room and give my blessings to Circle and Yan Yan on their wedding day.


    ...


    It was almost noon, and I, along with other guests, waited outside the hotel for the wedding procession and for Jian Wei, who would be accompanying Yan Yan as the bridesmaid.


    The wedding procession was taking longer than expected, as there was heavy traffic on the road. This was torture for me. At this point, I would rather see Jian Wei earlier. The agonizing wait before meeting her was unbearable. Since we couldn''t avoid seeing each other, it would be better if we treated each other as strangers without saying a word. That would be best!


    I squeezed out of the crowd and sat on a stone bench across from the hotel. My emotions became even more anxious. It was hard to describe this anxiety in words. I felt that Circle and Yan Yan''s wedding, symbolizing completeness, was a cruel interrogation for me.


    This interrogation was not only emotional but also material. Why did Circle and I graduate from the same school, start from the same starting point, and yet he achieved success in his career and found happiness with his loved one, while I was so destitute, living a life of uncertainty and borrowing money everywhere?


    In my self-interrogation, my heart was filled with suffocating loneliness and despair. At this moment, I really wished there was a woman by my side, helping me conceal this loneliness and despair, allowing me to wear at least a seemingly happy smile to bless Circle and Yan Yan.


    I lit a cigarette and finally took out my phone from my pocket. I dialed the number of my female tenant, Mi Cai.


    After waiting for a while, Mi Cai answered the phone. I quickly asked, "Are you awake?"


    "Why?" Mi Cai''s tone was somewhat cautious.


    I smiled, trying to make her relax first before saying, "I actually wanted to invite you to have a meal..."


    "No need. We''re not that close," Mi Cai rejected without hesitation.


    "There is a need. Think about it, you lent me money and let me stay with you. It''s a great favor to me. If I don''t treat you to a meal, I''ll become a scumbag in your eyes!" I emphasized, pretending to be "hurt."


    Mi Cai fell silent for a moment, then said to me, "Where are we eating?"


    "Yaming Grand Hotel."


    "Yaming Grand Hotel? Did I hear it correctly?" Mi Cai asked, full of doubt.


    "Of course, you heard it correctly. Only a five-star hotel can show my sincerity in inviting you to dinner. So... you must come. This meal is worth a week''s salary for me!" I emphasized with sincerity, pretending to be "hurt."


    "Got it. Wait for me for 20 minutes." After a pause, she added, "Don''t be so extravagant in the future. It doesn''t matter where you sincerely invite me to eat."


    I didn''t expect Mi Cai to consider my financial situation. I was stunned before answering, "Got it. I''ll wait for you outside the hotel." After that, Mi Cai and I hung up the phone. Finally, I felt relieved. I thought that if I could deceive Mi Cai into accompanying me, I wouldn''t feel so lonely and destitute later!


    ...


    A quarter of an hour passed, and the wedding procession still hadn''t arrived. It seemed that they encountered an unprecedented traffic jam. But now, I wasn''t as anxious as before, which made me feel that calling Mi Cai was a wise decision.


    After another 5 minutes, I saw the red Audi Q7. Mi Cai had really come as agreed. She parked the car in the open-air parking lot, and I immediately went to greet her.


    We stood beside the fountain in the hotel square, and I spoke first, "I was a little worried that you wouldn''t come, but I didn''t expect you to be so punctual, exactly 20 minutes."


    "I''m not like someone who treats breaking promises as a common occurrence." Mi Cai took the opportunity to tease me.


    I laughed it off and said, "You''re referring to me, right? It''s okay, you can say it directly. I won''t get angry with you."


    "You''re not angry because you have thick skin!" Mi Cai retorted.


    I laughed again but didn''t say anything more.


    Mi Cai glanced at the hotel across the street and asked me, "Can we go eat now?"


    "Of course, but we have to wait a little longer. We''re still waiting for a few more people."


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    "Are there other people?"


    As soon as Mi Cai finished speaking, the crowd that had been waiting started to get noisy. Then, eight cars decorated with "double happiness" characters and ribbons formed a straight line and drove into the hotel courtyard. They had finally arrived!


    I didn''t have time to talk to Mi Cai beside me. My gaze uncontrollably fixed on the wedding car carrying the bride. I knew Jian Wei was also sitting in that car. My breathing became erratic in an instant.Circle, dressed in a groom''s suit, stepped out of the wedding car first. He then went to the other side of the car to open the door for Yan Yan, lifting her out of the car in a princess carry. This act elicited a round of applause and cheers from the crowd, their happiness overwhelming me in an instant.


    Amidst the ebb and flow of the crowd, I finally saw Jian Wei stepping out of the car. She was holding a bouquet of flowers, dressed in a sapphire blue gown. The midday sun shone on her arms, making them glisten. Her face was as beautiful as ever, her eyes, like peach blossoms, seemed to ripple under her willow-leaf eyebrows. Among all the women I knew, her eyes were the most beautiful.


    Jian Wei handed the flowers to Yan Yan, who was cradled in Circle''s arms. As the crowd cheered and clapped, she never once glanced in my direction. Perhaps she didn''t even realize I was there. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    I remained silent for a long time, took a deep breath, and said to Mi Cai, who seemed a bit confused, "My friends are here... Let''s go in for the meal."


    Mi Cai''s face was cold. "You''re here to attend a friend''s wedding, not sincerely inviting me to dinner, right?"


    "I am sincere, it''s just that there are a lot of people."


    "Scumbag!" Mi Cai cursed at me, took out her car keys from her bag, and turned to walk towards her car parked not far away.


    I couldn''t let Mi Cai leave. Yes, I had tricked her, but this trickery didn''t harm her in any way. At least she could enjoy a wedding feast. Since she was already here, it made no sense to leave.


    I reached out to hold Mi Cai back, my tone uncontrollably harsh, "Why do you always take things so seriously! What''s wrong with inviting you to a friend''s wedding feast? Just eat and drink to your heart''s content, it won''t cost you anything!"


    Mi Cai hit me with her bag as she walked, repeating, "I''ll say it again, I don''t like being lied to... From now on, I don''t want to have anything to do with you, a liar, a scumbag. Please move out of my house as soon as you get back."


    Although I didn''t expect Mi Cai''s reaction to be so intense, I still held onto her, not letting her leave. In the midst of our struggle, a figure stood opposite us.


    My hand was still tightly gripping Mi Cai''s arm, and I looked up at the person standing opposite us, my heart pounding... Standing opposite Mi Cai and me was Jian Wei!


    Three years later, at this moment, we were finally standing face to face.

 Chapter 18 – Deep Confession

    The water in the fountain pool flowed down along the giant sculpture like a waterfall. Mi Cai, Jian Wei, and I, this strange trio, looked at each other in silence amidst the sound of flowing water.


    Finally, Jian Wei smiled and said to me, "Long time no see, Zhao Yang."


    "Hmm." I only replied with one word, afraid that speaking too much would reveal my trembling voice, and even more afraid that she would know I was scared.


    Upon hearing my response, Jian Wei just smiled and looked at Mi Cai, asking, "Is she your girlfriend?"


    Only then did I realize that I was still tightly holding onto Mi Cai, too preoccupied to let go of her. I thought to myself: If Mi Cai really is my girlfriend, it would be enough to prove that I have been doing fine since breaking up with Jian Wei all these years, at least I haven''t died in the loneliness of being alone.


    Instinctively, I didn''t want Jian Wei to see me living a miserable life. Driven by this instinct, I actually nodded towards Jian Wei and said, "Yes, she''s my girlfriend."


    After saying that, I nervously looked at Mi Cai, afraid that she would expose me in front of everyone and turn me into a joke.


    Mi Cai frowned and remained silent, seemingly considering showing me some mercy, yet also unwilling to give up this perfect opportunity for revenge.


    I quickly said to Mi Cai, "Don''t you have urgent matters to attend to at work? Go quickly, I''ll explain to my friends later, they will understand."


    Mi Cai struggled and shook off my hand, seemingly eager to leave this place, without saying a word she turned and walked towards her car.


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    The red Q7 drove past me with a gust of wind, seemingly filled with Mi Cai''s angry aura. It seemed that I had really angered her.


    The fountain was still flowing, but only Jian Wei and I remained at the scene. I lit a cigarette, took a deep breath, and pretended to be helpless as I complained, "Sigh! She''s always busy, busy all the time..."


    "Is that so? But your girlfriend seems pretty good."


    "What do you mean ''seems pretty good''? Of course she''s good!" I stood up straight and corrected Jian Wei''s statement discontentedly.


    Jian Wei looked at me, and after a while, she said, "Zhao Yang, you haven''t changed."


    "What do you mean?"


    Before Jian Wei could answer, the groomsman Xiang Chen waved at Jian Wei from a distance, saying that the emcee was looking for her and there was a wedding ceremony that required her cooperation.


    Jian Wei responded to Xiang Chen and looked at me again, asking, "The lunch banquet is about to start, aren''t you going in?"


    "I''ll finish smoking first."


    Watching Jian Wei''s departing figure, my heart was filled with a sense of loss. I wanted to tell her: she was right, I really haven''t changed. I still long for the days we spent together. I still remember: that day when I couldn''t meet her family and could only hide in a corner to bid her farewell, I also remember, she cried and wrote "wait" heavily on the car window with her lipstick. I watched from afar until the two words "wait" completely blurred in my sight, until tears streamed down my face that she would never see...


    I immersed myself in the memories, even wanting to rush over and hug her regardless of everything, telling her that I still love her. But just now, our conversation after a long separation and reunion was so pale and tasteless, not even qualifying as ordinary friends. I knew that the love and joy we once had in silence had been drifting further and further away from us...


    If my heart is a city, at this moment, the entire city is weeping!


    ...


    The wedding banquet began, and everyone took their seats one by one. My colleagues and I sat in a slightly more remote location, while Jian Wei, Xiang Chen, the groom, and the bride sat at the front table.


    I resisted the urge to look at Jian Wei, but I couldn''t control myself. It was ridiculous. For a woman who had been separated from me for three years and made me think of her every night, how could I suppress the impulse to think of her when she was only a stone''s throw away from me?


    My colleagues talked to me, and I absentmindedly responded while constantly finding a reason in my heart to look towards Jian Wei. But from beginning to end, Jian Wei didn''t even give me a glance in response. She only chatted with Xiang Chen from time to time, and they would exchange knowing smiles after a few words. They seemed to get along very well, and Jian Wei''s mood seemed to be quite good.


    The emcee on the stage encouraged Circle and Yan Yan to have intimate interactions, and the crowd below cheered. I remained silent, but kept drinking glass after glass of alcohol.


    In a daze, Xiang Chen walked towards me with a wine glass in hand. I also picked up a glass of wine and drank it all in one go. When Xiang Chen reached me, I had already poured myself a full glass of wine and shouted at Xiang Chen, "Xiang Chen, my little brother, come over and drink with me."


    Xiang Chen smiled and said, "Who knows who will end up drinking? How many are you prepared to drink this time?"


    The so-called "drink with me" between Xiang Chen and me was a habit left over from our university days. When we were young and reckless, we would drink until one of us was completely drunk. At that time, the person who could still stand at the end would arrogantly call the person who fell down a grandson. In our four years of university, I fell down, Circle fell down, and naturally, Xiang Chen also fell down. So the three of us took turns being grandsons for four years, but we never admitted that the other two were the grandfathers!In fact, ever since I started working, I no longer drink foolishly like I did in college. But today, no matter if it''s Xiang Chen or anyone else, as long as they raise a glass with me, regardless of the type of alcohol or the number of glasses, I will accompany them. I feel happy for Circle and Yan Yan, but I feel sorry for myself. With all these emotions, perhaps alcohol is my best antidote.


    I switched to a larger goblet, filled it almost to the brim with white wine, and raised my glass to Xiang Chen, saying, "Just like before, one glass per person. If you can''t drink anymore, just lie down and play dead. Don''t beg for mercy, don''t explain."


    Everyone laughed at my words, thinking we were joking. But I didn''t blink, I really drank two mouthfuls of a full glass of white wine, then turned the glass upside down to show that I had finished.


    Amid exclamations, everyone''s attention shifted from Circle and Yan Yan to Xiang Chen and me, including Jian Wei.


    "Zhao Yang, you''re still as fierce as you were several years after graduation. But I will definitely drink this wine because I''m very happy today." After saying this, he also drank all the wine in his glass, then glanced at Jian Wei.


    I noticed this detail, a string in my heart was suddenly pulled. I understood who Xiang Chen was happy for.


    In college, he and I both pursued Jian Wei, but Jian Wei chose me. Then he became like a brother to Jian Wei, still giving her meticulous care. Of course, this seemed like a kind of letting go at that time. But now that Jian Wei and I have broken up, and Jian Wei has returned to China, if Jian Wei is still single, he can legitimately pursue Jian Wei again.


    I remained silent, but Xiang Chen poured another full glass of white wine and said to me, "Zhao Yang, do me a favor, let''s have another one."


    I nodded and poured another glass of white wine, ready to drink it all in one go, but Xiang Chen stopped my glass, saying, "I''ll drink first this time."


    After saying this, Xiang Chen drank a whole glass of white wine, then put the glass on the table and walked towards Jian Wei.


    Jian Wei reprimanded Xiang Chen in a caring tone, "You should drink less. Aren''t you afraid of hurting your body by drinking like this?"


    "Using the alcohol I''ve drunk, I want to tell you what''s on my mind!" After saying this, Xiang Chen closed his eyes and took a deep breath, then borrowed the microphone from the host, looking at Jian Wei with deep affection.


    I suddenly had a premonition that the next scene would be enough to tear me apart!


    ...


    The whole room was silent. At this moment, Xiang Chen''s expression was full of sincerity, gentle with emotion. He tightly held Jian Wei''s hand, gazed at her for a long time, and said, "Today is a day full of joy, and a day I''ve been looking forward to for a long time... Jian Wei, I''ve loved you deeply for 5 years, and that has never changed. Even when you were with Zhao Yang, I never gave up loving you... Once I thought Zhao Yang would make you happy, and I chose to silently bless you. But the fact proved that your love was a failure. I won''t comment on your love, after all, love is free, and it''s meaningless for anyone to dwell on the past... Now that you''re single, I hope you can be my girlfriend. I''m really willing to give everything for you, even if you plan to go back to America, I''m willing to go abroad with you. No matter where you are, I will be with you, just like the days I spent with you in America two years ago! I will make you happy!"


    My heart ached as if it was about to explode. Xiang Chen''s words reminded me of something: a month after Jian Wei and I broke up, Xiang Chen did go abroad for a while. At that time, he didn''t tell us which country he went to. Now it can be confirmed that he went to America to accompany Jian Wei after her breakup. It turns out that he has been in contact with Jian Wei all these years.


    Everyone was waiting for Jian Wei''s answer to Xiang Chen. But at this moment, I finally understood that the Jian Wei in college loved a feeling, but the Jian Wei after graduation loved a match in social status.


    From any perspective, Xiang Chen and Jian Wei are the most compatible... I think: maybe I already know the answer Jian Wei is about to give Xiang Chen.


    In the midst of the tearing pain, I seemed to see again the day I saw her off, when she cried and wrote "Waiting..." heavily on the car window with lipstick. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 19 – Castle in the Sky

    Jian Wei exchanged a look with Xiang Chen, her expression unreadable. Xiang Chen took out an exquisitely prepared gift box from his pocket and opened it. Inside was a necklace with a crystal pendant encrusted with diamonds.


    The lighting technician turned off the lights in the hall and used a spotlight to highlight Xiang Chen and Jian Wei. They looked radiant, while I felt invisible in the darkness.


    "This crystal diamond necklace was designed by the best jewelry designer in the country. There is only one in the world. I named it... Devotion. It represents my sincerest and purest love for you, just like diamonds and crystals. Give me a chance to put it on for you... please?"


    I wanted to tell Xiang Chen that he was wrong. Anyone with money can buy a crystal diamond necklace for a woman, but the sincerity and purity that come from love are heartfelt and do not require any material possessions.


    But how many women would believe such a pure truth? The brilliance of the diamonds had already dazzled their eyes.


    I didn''t argue with Xiang Chen. I just kept shrinking the fortress in my heart, making it smaller and smaller...


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    Everyone present was moved by Xiang Chen''s gesture, and they applauded to encourage Jian Wei to accept his confession.


    Jian Wei glanced towards a dark corner and finally nodded in silence. The applause and cheers grew louder as Xiang Chen excitedly put the necklace on Jian Wei. In that moment, a couple found love at Circle and Yan Yan''s wedding, adding to the joy!


    At this moment, no one except me remembered the rainy dusk when we promised to take a series of wedding photos with the theme "Silent Joy."


    ...


    The wedding banquet was coming to an end amidst the excitement of the crowd. The guests who attended the wedding bid farewell to each other, and I walked alone towards the hotel entrance with unsteady steps.


    The sunlight outside the hotel was beautiful, but it was too bright for me to open my eyes. I leaned against a pillar and squinted, looking at the blue sky and white clouds. In my drunken dizziness, I seemed to see the fortress in my heart flying up into the sky with the floating air, merging with the blue sky and white clouds, gradually becoming crystal clear, without a trace of loneliness and pain!


    Yan Yan and Circle, both in wedding attire, supported me as I swayed.


    Yan Yan apologized to me, "Zhao Yang, we really didn''t know that Xiang Chen would confess to Jian Wei at our wedding... I''m sure you''re not feeling well. I''m sorry!"


    "Haha... I''m not sad, why would I be sad?... By the way, did you... did you see the fortress in my heart flying into the sky, shining inside the sunlight..." I said incoherently, then took out the transparent film from the cigarette box and covered my eyes, searching for that city in the sky.


    Yan Yan and Circle exchanged glances, and Circle took the film from my hand and said, "Stop talking nonsense... I''ll call a driver to take you home."


    "No need to... bother, I can go back by myself. I''ll take a taxi." I said, breaking free from Yan Yan and Circle''s support and walking towards the street.


    As I stumbled, I saw Jian Wei supporting the intoxicated Xiang Chen as they walked from the other side. She took the car keys out of Xiang Chen''s pocket and opened the door of the black Land Rover. Circle and Yan Yan hurried over to help Jian Wei put Xiang Chen in the car.


    Actually, I didn''t feel sad looking at this scene. At least I could still stand, while Xiang Chen was already unconscious. This time, he was the one lying down, and I was the one hurting in loneliness.


    I stood still, watching Jian Wei start the car and drive with Xiang Chen towards the bustling city.


    ...


    In the afternoon, I sat by the green belt next to the moat, smoking one cigarette after another. Finally, there were no more cigarettes to smoke, so I closed my eyes and lay down, feeling the autumn afternoon breeze brushing past me.


    Even though I had drunk too much alcohol, the extreme pain in my heart prevented me from falling asleep. The agony was magnified several times in the peculiar clarity of drunkenness.


    The scenes of her waiting heavily on the car window in the past and her silent acceptance of Xiang Chen''s confession today alternated in my mind, flashing faster and faster, as if they were tearing me apart. I held my head tightly in pain, curled up and sobbed.


    The pain in my heart became unbearable, and I really wanted to end my life and follow that fortress that had already detached from my heart and transformed into the city in the sky.


    With the remaining strength, I took out my phone from my pocket and found the most recent call record in the call history. I immediately dialed the number.


    After a long time, the call was answered, and I heard Mi Cai''s determined voice. She said to me, "No matter what excuse you use this time, I won''t tolerate it anymore. You must move out today. I don''t want a liar living in my house."


    I smiled and calmly said to Mi Cai, "If you''re free now, come to the moat and stop me. I want to jump into the river. I really will jump!"I didn''t wait for Mi Cai''s response before I threw my phone into the moat. I didn''t lie to Mi Cai. Under the influence of alcohol and pain, I became numb and indifferent, truly wanting to pursue that crystal-clear city in the sky.


    A warm breeze blew with a sense of comfort. Before I could take a step, the accumulated alcohol suddenly surged up. I looked up at the dizzying blue sky, and my body suddenly softened, falling to the ground and passing out.


    ......


    When I woke up, it was already dark. The street lights on both sides of the moat were lit, reflecting on the river surface and swaying with the waves. The sound of car horns came from the road by the riverbank from time to time. Under the dual stimulation of vision and hearing, the blurry world suddenly became real.


    My head was splitting with pain, but I was staring blankly at the twinkling stars in the sky......


    A comfortable feminine fragrance drifted into my nostrils with the autumn wind of the night. I turned my head and saw that it was Mi Cai sitting next to me, her coat draped over me.


    I sat up from the ground, and Mi Cai noticed that I was awake.


    "You''re awake."


    "How did you get here?"


    We both spoke at the same time.


    Another gust of night wind blew, and the already yellowed maple leaves fell, dropping into the river not far away, drifting with the waves under the twinkling stars. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    We both looked at the river surface, and after a while, Mi Cai answered my question: "I came to see if you were dead."


    "What do you mean, dead?" I asked in confusion, having already forgotten about the call I made to Mi Cai before I passed out.


    "So you''re lying to me again, aren''t you?"


    "I have no idea what you''re talking about!" I exclaimed.


    Mi Cai patiently said to me: "You called me at noon and said you wanted to jump into the river. If you have any doubts, you can check your call history on your phone."


    "Let me check." I said, starting to feel my pockets.


    "Huh! Where''s my phone?"


    Looking at the river again, I finally remembered that in a fit of impulse, I had thrown my phone into the moat. With that, my memory was unlocked, and I remembered that I did indeed call Mi Cai at noon like a madman, saying I wanted to jump into the moat......


    I apologized to Mi Cai a bit guiltily: "I''m sorry, I drank too much at noon and was talking nonsense. I really wasn''t trying to deceive you."


    "Scumbag, deceitful liar!" Mi Cai cursed without mercy.


    "Can you stop cursing me like that?" I paused and then said, "It''s just jumping into the river, right? I can make it up to you now, it''s not too late, is it?"


    "Go ahead and jump." Mi Cai said to me, looking at the river.


    "Jump it is." I said, walking towards the river, and jumped onto the railing by the river.

 Chapter 20 – Castle in the Sky 2

    I stood on the railing, facing the wind, and opened my eyes wide, hoping to find the reflection of the "City of the Sky" on the flowing river, but all I could see was the dazzling lights of the city.


    After waking up, I realized how afraid I was of death, afraid of being submerged in the bottomless moat.


    I looked back at Mi Cai, but she seemed indifferent.


    "Aren''t you going to persuade me?" I frowned and asked Mi Cai.


    "Why should I persuade you?"


    "But if I jump, I will really die!"


    "You will die, not me." Mi Cai still had an indifferent expression.


    I jumped off the railing and angrily said, "I didn''t misunderstand you. You are a poisonous woman who doesn''t hesitate to let others die for your own purposes."


    "I have no purpose. It was you who said you wanted to jump into the river." Mi Cai still spoke calmly.


    I became even more angry and pointed at Mi Cai, saying, "Can''t you stop pushing me towards death so calmly?... I remember I called you to persuade me not to jump. According to the script I set, you shouldn''t have acted like this!"


    "When I came, you were lying there like a dead person. You wouldn''t have jumped anyway. Why did you bother calling me? Is it fun to play with me?" Mi Cai finally showed some anger in her words.


    I felt a little frustrated. I would have jumped impulsively at that time, but who knew that fate had other plans. Suddenly, the alcohol rushed up and made me fall asleep.


    I didn''t know how to explain to Mi Cai, so I made up a story and said, "I really wanted to jump into the moat. When I was about to jump, I remembered that I owed you more than ten thousand yuan. It wouldn''t matter if I died, but no one would be able to repay you. So I hesitated and didn''t jump, because I am a person with a conscience and moral bottom line. I would never do such a despicable thing as not repaying debts."


    "You sound so heroic!" Mi Cai looked at me with a half-smile.


    "It''s really heroic! You don''t know how much I struggled at that moment. On one hand, there was the relief after death, and on the other hand, there was the guilt of not repaying the debt. It was difficult to choose!... Of course, in the end, I chose to uphold my moral bottom line, so I am still alive." I exaggeratedly said.


    Mi Cai seemed unwilling to listen to my nonsense. She stood up from the ground and prepared to leave.


    "Wait." I called out to Mi Cai.


    "What now?" Mi Cai''s words were already very impatient. She put on the coat she had just covered me with.


    "Have you been sitting here guarding me since the afternoon?"


    "I came to collect your body, not to persuade you, so I came in the evening." Mi Cai said calmly.


    "Who are you kidding? You came to collect my body and even helped me put on a coat?" I exposed Mi Cai''s lie with a meaningful smile.


    Mi Cai turned around and looked at me coldly, saying, "A covering is always placed on a corpse to hide its appearance. Don''t you know that?"


    I was speechless by Mi Cai''s words, standing there dumbfounded. My attention shifted from arguing with Mi Cai, and the alcohol that hadn''t completely dissipated in my body started to wreak havoc. I felt dizzy and a strong sense of nausea came over me.


    I leaned on the railing and vomited into the moat, emptying myself. I had drunk too much at noon.


    After vomiting, I sat down against the railing, feeling exhausted. I closed my eyes, and my consciousness became clearer. The scenes from Circle and Yan Yan''s wedding at noon appeared in my mind again, followed by a tearing pain filling my body.


    At that moment, Xiang Chen helped Jian Wei put on the diamond crystal necklace that symbolized their commitment. How much I wanted to tell Jian Wei without hesitation: I want to go back to the past, to the silent and joyful past, to the past full of love...


    But I could never go back to the past. I lost Jian Wei, and I could only watch her be happy in someone else''s world forever!


    In the midst of the tearing pain, a warm feeling spread from the corners of my eyes. It seemed like I was crying!


    It couldn''t be me crying. It was the City of the Sky crying. It was using tears to dissolve the sorrow in my heart.


    "You''re crying, wipe your tears."


    I opened my eyes and realized that Mi Cai hadn''t left yet. She handed me a tissue.


    I didn''t take the tissue. It was better to let the wind dry my tears. That way, there would be no trace left.


    Mi Cai squatted down and looked at me. Her tone finally softened as she asked, "Did I say something too harsh just now? I shouldn''t have mocked you for being a corpse."


    I remained silent for a long time and whispered, "Actually, it has nothing to do with you. Even if I were really a corpse, it would just be a moment of pain before death. But the pain of being alive is the one that tears my heart apart... Do you understand this feeling?"


    Mi Cai shook her head and said, "I don''t understand. All I''m thinking about now is when you will move out of my house." S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Are you really annoyed by me?" I smiled and asked, my tears seemed to have dried up in the wind.


    "Yes, your behavior doesn''t give me a good impression. You are a complete bastard!" Mi Cai said bluntly.


    "Is that so?... But you don''t know that the bastard who has done all the bad things also had a clean city in his heart!"


    "I don''t quite understand what you''re saying."


    "You don''t need to understand... because today, that city has separated from my body and become a City of the Sky that I can never touch!"


    I lowered my head and felt my pocket, but there was no cigarette left to burn away my melancholy and mend my broken soul.Mi Cai didn''t say anything. She sat down next to me, leaning against the railing behind us in the same posture. Our surroundings became increasingly quiet, as if we were isolated from the city''s hustle and bustle by the night. A night breeze blew past, bringing a sense of equality among all beings and extinguishing the worldly fireworks!


    I saw a half-smoked cigarette on the ground that I had extinguished. I picked it up, blew on it, and lit it again. The smell of tobacco once again filled the air, then dissipated under the dim light...


    Finally, I said to Mi Cai, "I know you want me to leave. I will move out tomorrow."


    "Is it for real this time?"


    "It''s real... I''ve lost an entire city, why would I care about a room?..."


    Mi Cai seemed curious about the city I kept mentioning. She asked me, "What does this city in the sky you speak of look like?"


    I thought for a moment and said, "It''s a crystal-clear yet always silent city. It has a kind of magic that makes people forget their troubles, their pain, their vanity. When you live in it, nothing else matters, because you will become a crystal-clear bird, breaking free from all restraints and soaring in the wind of freedom..."


    Discover the complete story on


    "But birds have to land eventually. Will it still be crystal clear after it lands?" Mi Cai asked, looking at me.


    "I don''t know... because I haven''t thought about what it would look like after landing."


    ...


    Perhaps my pitiful state aroused Mi Cai''s sympathy. That night, she didn''t leave me alone by the river. I rode in her car towards the bustling, somewhat illusory city. I had made up my mind that after this night, I would move out of that old house. After all, my life couldn''t get any worse. I might as well make Mi Cai happy and give her some peace.


    On the way, we both remained silent. I understood this silence as Mi Cai''s continued dissatisfaction with my repeated deception today. My current destitution and pitiful state couldn''t completely extinguish her anger. The fact that she brought me back from the outskirts was already very considerate.


    When we returned to our residential area, Mi Cai parked the car. We walked towards the entrance of the building, one in front of the other. To our surprise, we found Mr. Ban sitting on the steps at the entrance, with his decades-old black briefcase beside him.

 Chapter 21 – The significance of a cockroach

    Mi Cai and I walked towards Mr. Ban. I asked, "Mr. Ban, why didn''t you call me? It''s getting really cold tonight. It must be freezing for you to sit here like this!"


    "I did call, but your phone was turned off," Mr. Ban replied, still emotionless.


    Upon hearing this, I remembered that I had thrown my phone into the moat in a fit of drunkenness. I couldn''t help but feel a pang of regret. I hadn''t earned much money, and all I did was waste it.


    Mi Cai greeted Mr. Ban, "Uncle, hello!"


    "Hello to you too. You two haven''t eaten yet, right? I bought some groceries from the supermarket to cook for you," Mr. Ban said as he took out a bag from behind him. Inside were fish and some vegetables.


    "Uncle, the porridge you made last time was delicious. I''m sure your cooking is great too," Mi Cai said to Mr. Ban with a smile I had never seen before. It made me realize that I truly was an unlikeable person, and that Mi Cai''s attitude towards me was not unwarranted.


    Mr. Ban only smiled in response to Mi Cai''s compliment, then gestured for us to go upstairs.


    As we went upstairs, Mi Cai walked ahead while Mr. Ban and I followed behind. I asked Mr. Ban in surprise, "Mr. Ban, have you been staying in Suzhou these past few days?"


    "I went to Guangzhou for a trade show and passed by Suzhou on my way back," Mr. Ban replied concisely.


    I thought about it and realized that it was true. It was almost winter, the time when Mr. Ban''s state-owned enterprise received the most orders for heaters. Around this time every year, he would have to go to various places to purchase raw materials.


    When we returned to the house, Mr. Ban went straight to the kitchen and started cooking. Mi Cai wanted to help him, but he refused and she went back to her room, busy with something I didn''t know. I sat in the living room, lost in thought. I knew this bitterness would accompany me for a long time, until the day I completely forgot about Jian Wei.


    To read the uncut version, go to ].


    After a while, Mi Cai came out of her room wearing casual clothes. She looked more approachable, but still beautiful. It seemed that beauty was ingrained in her no matter how she dressed.


    "Why are you just sitting there like a statue? Can''t you go to the kitchen and help your dad?" Mi Cai seemed displeased that Mr. Ban was busy while I did nothing.


    "You don''t understand. He likes cooking alone."


    "Is that so?"


    "Because he sees cooking as a pleasure, and having someone help would take away his enjoyment."


    "Oh, so his cooking must be delicious then?"


    "You''re not a foodie, why ask so many questions?"


    "Do you have to be a foodie to ask? Everyone has the right to be curious," Mi Cai retorted, still unhappy with me.


    "You''ll find out soon enough. It won''t take long."


    Mi Cai didn''t pursue the matter further and went back to her room. She then carried a dirty laundry basket and headed to the bathroom. I was a bit surprised to see that even a goddess like her had to do laundry.


    I heard the sound of water flowing from the bathroom, followed by the sound of the washing machine running. Listening to the rhythmic sound, I became even more absent-minded, to the point where I couldn''t feel my own existence.


    A scream came from the bathroom, which was naturally Mi Cai''s voice. The sudden loudness of her scream snapped me out of my daze, and Mr. Ban was already ahead of me, running towards the bathroom with a ladle in his hand. I followed suit.


    Although Mr. Ban and I made a big fuss, a wolf could still be killed. But at this moment, Mi Cai was only facing off against a cockroach that was crawling on the edge of the bathtub. The cockroach was shaking its antennae fearlessly, while Mi Cai''s face turned pale. It was clearly an asymmetrical confrontation, and it was ridiculous that the weaker side was a human being.


    Mi Cai instinctively stepped back and hid behind me when she saw me. It was just like a scene from a cheesy Korean drama at 9 o''clock. I had the opportunity to be a hero, even though my opponent was just a cockroach.


    I walked to the edge of the bathtub and picked up the cockroach by its antennae. It struggled violently, and Mi Cai screamed again. I found it amusing that while she could make me feel nauseous every time she choked me, a cockroach hiding in a dark corner could scare her. It was a case of one creature overpowering another.


    I lifted the cockroach and said to Mr. Ban, "Let''s add this to the dish. It''s been a while since I had meat. Should we stir-fry it or steam it?"


    Mi Cai felt disgusted.


    Mr. Ban seemed to be protective of Mi Cai and frowned, saying, "Stop messing around and throw it away."


    I smirked at Mi Cai while holding the cockroach, knowing that she understood I was teasing her for always kicking me out. But she still hadn''t recovered from the cockroach incident and remained silent with a terrified expression. At that moment, a childish and somewhat funny idea came to my mind. If rich people were as afraid of cockroaches as Mi Cai, I could carry a pocketful of cockroaches and extort them easily, and I would definitely become rich.


    After the unexpected incident, Mr. Ban continued to be busy in the kitchen, while Mi Cai didn''t allow me to leave the bathroom. She wanted me to accompany her until she finished washing her clothes, afraid that another cockroach would jump out from somewhere, or maybe even a group of them. In any case, it was definitely the relatives of the cockroach from earlier.


    After a while, we finally finished washing. Mi Cai took the clothes out of the drum, and I sat on the edge of the bathtub watching her.


    After a moment of silence, I said to her, "I''m moving out tomorrow."


    "I know."


    "You must feel lonely by yourself, right?"


    "Why should I feel lonely?"


    I pretended to be very disappointed and said, "Oh, right. Why would you feel lonely? You have cockroaches to keep you company here. You can play hide-and-seek with them whenever you want. It''s so lively!"


    Mi Cai froze for a moment, then looked at me with anger. I remained calm and said, "Go hang the clothes. We''ll be eating soon." S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    At the dining table, the three of us, Mr. Ban, Mi Cai, and I, sat on different sides. Mr. Ban, who was usually quiet, surprisingly took the initiative to ask Mi Cai, "Is the food to your liking, young lady?"


    Mi Cai nodded and said, "Uncle, the food you cooked is delicious!"


    I knew this was not just flattery. Mr. Ban''s cooking was really amazing, especially his sweet and sour fish, which was exceptional. Mi Cai also had good taste, as she only picked the sweet and sour fish to eat.After Mi Cai''s praise, Mr. Ban nodded and smiled, then looked at me as if to say, "Son, your dad can only help you this far, the rest is up to you!"


    I would rather misinterpret the meaning expressed in Mr. Ban''s eyes, because there was absolutely no chance for Mi Cai and I to develop into a couple. Firstly, she was extremely disgusted with me; secondly, I hadn''t yet emerged from the shadow cast by Jian Wei and Xiang Chen; and thirdly, the most important point, I was not worthy of her. Who has ever seen a beautiful girl driving a luxury car fall in love with a worthless scumbag!


    Our meeting was not a wonderful arrangement, but a way for the heavens to show me the vast gap between people, and then let me die in unbearable shame. Damn the heartless heavens!


    Lost in thought, Mr. Ban spoke to me again, "Zhao Yang, after dinner, fix the water pipe. There''s a bit of a leak at the joint. If it gets colder, it might burst."


    "Understood," I replied.


    Mr. Ban nodded, and after a while, he said to me, "Next time I come, I''ll bring more rice and flour from home. You should come home early after work and cook. Eating out is wasteful and unsanitary." After a pause, he added, "You two are living together, you should take more care of the girl. You can cook, so do more chores."


    According to the agreement between Mi Cai and me, I should move out tomorrow. Mr. Ban was still binding my future life with Mi Cai with his imagination. I felt helpless, but I couldn''t say anything. If I told him about moving out, he would probably be disappointed.


    I nodded again, then looked at Mi Cai. Her expression didn''t change, she was just focused on eating.


    Finally, Mr. Ban''s attention shifted from me to Mi Cai. He asked her, "Girl, has our Zhao Yang caused you any trouble living together?"


    I was afraid that Mi Cai would expose my various crimes, so I kicked her under the table to signal her not to speak out of turn. Unexpectedly, she took the opportunity to step heavily on my toes, causing me to almost drop the chopsticks in my hand.


    "Uncle, he''s quite good... just that he always likes to smoke in the room and doesn''t change even when told." Mi Cai revealed my crime to Mr. Ban with a mix of praise and criticism.


    Mr. Ban looked at me sternly. I pretended not to see, but Mr. Ban''s gaze was still sharp, staring at me relentlessly. Mi Cai had a look of schadenfreude.


    "I''ll change, I''ll change." I compromised in helplessness, but felt that such a compromise was meaningless. Mi Cai was also quite boring. I was about to move out, was it still worth arguing about whether I smoked in the room or not?


    After this little episode, Mr. Ban seemed to be in a good mood. He asked me to fetch the glutinous rice wine he had brought last time. I poured a glass for Mr. Ban, and then asked Mi Cai, "Do you want some?"


    Mi Cai pushed her empty glass forward and said, "A little."


    I poured a little for Mi Cai and myself. So the three of us sat around a not-so-large table, in this night of thousands of lights, and had a dinner with a family atmosphere.


    Don''t get me wrong, when I say family atmosphere, I simply mean it''s different from eating out. Because Mi Cai is not part of our family, I''m afraid that after I move out, it will be hard to even run into her in this vast city!

 Chapter 22 – Opportunities for promotion

    After dinner, Mi Cai and I escorted Mr. Ban to the outskirts of the residential area. The hotel where Mr. Ban was staying was just across the street, but he would have to leave tomorrow morning.


    As Mr. Ban was about to leave, I asked him, "Mr. Ban, when will you come to Suzhou next time?"


    "I''ll come when I have time. Next time I''ll bring you some rice and flour," Mr. Ban replied.


    When Mr. Ban emphasized ''you'', I felt a wave of helplessness. By the time he comes next, I would have already left Mi Cai''s house and drifted to some unknown corner of this city. In fact, I didn''t want Mr. Ban to come to Suzhou, because my failure and destitution always made me feel extremely guilty when facing him.


    Mr. Ban reminded me before leaving, "Remember to fix the leaking pipe when you get back."


    "I will."


    Mr. Ban nodded, patted my shoulder, and then turned around and left without saying another word.


    Watching Mr. Ban''s retreating figure, I knew he wanted to say something to me, but he didn''t. He didn''t want to burden me too much.


    I lit a cigarette, feeling waves of unstoppable loss. Today, Circle and Yan Yan got married, Jian Wei became Xiang Chen''s girlfriend, and me... it''s better not to mention.


    I thought: I should go back and pack my bags, and find a corner in this city where I can live peacefully, but not settle down, tomorrow night.


    ......


    Mi Cai went upstairs before me, and I didn''t go back until I finished my cigarette.


    Once I got home, I found the toolbox and replaced the leaking pipe that Mr. Ban had mentioned. I checked some other places to make sure there were no hidden dangers, and then I went back to my room to pack my bags.


    Mi Cai was standing at the door of my room at some point. She asked me, "Did you fix the leaking pipe?"


    "Yes, I''ve checked other places too. If the pipes break or the light bulbs need to be replaced in the future, just call me and I''ll help you fix it," I said, packing my guitar into its case.


    "Oh, but there are still cockroaches in the room. Do you have a way to get rid of them?"


    I laughed and joked with Mi Cai, "You managed to drive away a big living person like me, can''t you handle a few little cockroaches?"


    Mi Cai didn''t say anything, just looked at me.


    "I was just joking. After work tomorrow, I''ll buy some insecticide and sprinkle it in the bathroom. It''s almost winter, and the cockroaches won''t be active, so you don''t need to worry."


    "Oh."


    Mi Cai went back to her room, and I continued packing my bags. Halfway through, I sat on the bed to rest, looking around. I took a cigarette out of the pack but didn''t light it. After all these years of messing around, I should at least keep my word when I leave, even if it''s just a trivial matter.


    I put the cigarette back in the pack and lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling out of habit, emptying my mind, unwilling to recall what had happened at noon. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ......


    The next day, I went to work as usual. Today, I had another meeting with the representative from GUCCI. This was the last negotiation before GUCCI set up a counter in our mall. If everything went smoothly, I would get a brief respite. Ever since Circle handed over the responsibility of GUCCI to me, I had been working overtime.


    I was discussing the advertising space with the representative from GUCCI in the mall''s square.


    The representative from GUCCI asked me, "You promised to give us the central advertising space at the south entrance as soon as possible to support our opening promotion."


    "There''s definitely no problem. We''ve reserved this advertising space for GUCCI a long time ago. Your presence has, to some extent, elevated the operating level of our mall. We will definitely prioritize international first-line brands like yours when allocating our mall''s premium resources."


    The representative from GUCCI nodded and said, "We chose to enter your mall because we saw your sincerity in the proposal. There are not only your Bao Li Department Store in Suzhou''s high-end malls!"


    "Yes," I replied, not wanting to flatter too much.


    As I accompanied the representative from GUCCI around the mall, she suddenly stopped to look at the promotional posters displayed in the middle of the aisle.


    "Miss Zhao, what''s wrong?" I was a bit puzzled. The promotional posters she was looking at were the ones Le Yao had shot.


    "What do you think of this print model?" she asked me.


    "She has a strong camera presence and is very adaptable. Her temperament and appearance are quite international. She can create an artistic image for the product''s advertisement. Oh, and she''s one-quarter Italian," I answered truthfully.


    "That''s quite a coincidence. Our GUCCI is an Italian brand. Are you close to her?"


    I hesitated before answering, "We''re friends, I guess."


    Miss Zhao nodded and looked at Le Yao on the poster again. After a while, she said to me, "I think her image and temperament fit our product positioning very well. You should contact her to shoot a promotional poster for our opening."


    I was a bit troubled and said, "I''m afraid that''s not possible. She''s filming in Hengdian right now and probably won''t have time for the next few months."


    Miss Zhao frowned and said, "I don''t want to hear words like ''afraid'' and ''probably''. Your answer makes me doubt the execution ability of your mall. We''ve already negotiated this far, and I don''t want such a small matter to affect our cooperation."Such a blunt threat left me feeling annoyed, but considering that this project was related to Circle''s career prospects, I didn''t lose my temper. However, I instinctively didn''t want to contact Le Yao. Moreover, shooting such a promotional poster might require going to other places for location shooting, which couldn''t be completed in a day or two. As a newcomer to the crew, Le Yao couldn''t possibly have the entire production team adjust to her schedule. Naturally, she would treat acting as her top priority. If I asked her to come back, wouldn''t that be making things difficult for her?


    "Miss Zhao, I''ll try my best to contact her, but I can''t guarantee whether she can spare the time," I responded, but I had no intention of contacting Le Yao.


    Miss Zhao waved her hand impatiently and said, "Forget it, I won''t make things difficult for you. I''ll go talk to your manager, Chen." She left me alone and headed towards the office area.


    ......


    As expected, shortly after I returned to my office, the manager''s office called me over.


    I was annoyed again. This was clearly a case of using superiors to pressure me. For a small employee like me, she couldn''t be bothered to waste too much time talking.


    I entered the manager''s office, where Manager Chen Jingming sat with a displeased expression.


    "I''m here, Manager Chen."


    "Do you know why I called you?" Chen Jingming asked me with a cold face.


    "I don''t know," I responded negatively.


    Chen Jingming''s voice rose a few notches as he tapped his fingers on the desk, "Zhao Yang, how can you not understand the situation? GUCCI is the eighth international first-line brand to enter our mall. Do you know what this means for our mall? ...It means that according to international rating standards, our mall has officially reached the level of top-tier B-class department stores! It''s of milestone significance!"


    "Manager, even if you don''t ask and answer yourself, I know."


    Chen Jingming suppressed his anger and said to me, "If something goes wrong at this critical moment, not only you, but our entire planning department will be in trouble!"


    It can be hard to make great work when its stolen from "pawread dot com".


    "Don''t make things difficult for me. If the model can''t fit into her schedule, what can I do? Besides, for this project of setting up a counter in our mall, both sides have invested a lot of manpower and resources. For the sake of a small matter like a promotional poster, it wouldn''t ruin the cooperation that has been discussed for so long."


    "Before the contract is officially signed, no one can take chances. Other malls are eyeing the GUCCI brand, and it''s not ruled out that GUCCI might terminate the cooperation plan at the last minute," Chen Jingming said with an increasingly serious expression.


    I continued helplessly, "Even if the company fires me, I can''t guarantee this!"


    Chen Jingming stared at me for a long time with a chilling gaze, "There''s something you probably don''t know. The board of directors attaches great importance to this matter of GUCCI setting up a counter in our company. If the counter can be successfully set up, there will be major personnel changes in our planning department. Circle, as the direct person in charge of the whole project, has the chance to become the deputy manager of the planning department, and you... have a great chance to replace Circle as the leader of the copywriting planning team!"


    ---------------------


    Three updates today, all done. Come on, give a thumbs up to the chapter below, let me see how many old readers have come. The website''s recommendation hasn''t been officially given yet, so the current readers are probably from the previous book.

 Chapter 23 – Pay your debts

    Before the opportunity for Circle''s and my own promotion, I seriously weighed the pros and cons in my heart. Actually, I was fine, but mainly for Circle. If he could really be promoted to the deputy manager of the planning department, his treatment and status in the company would take a qualitative leap, and his future would be bright.


    "Zhao Yang, if you can''t handle this, I''ll have Circle come back and take care of it. He shouldn''t even take his wedding leave!" Chen Jingming looked at me with a pressing expression.


    "No, Manager! If I can''t handle it, he definitely can''t. He''s not familiar with that model."


    Chen Jingming softened his tone and said to me, "Actually, we are about to sign the contract soon. I guess CUCCI is just using the model incident to test our company''s sincerity in cooperation. Even without this incident, they would probably create other unexpected events... Whether GUCCI will set up a counter in our department store not only concerns the company''s interests, but also the interests of our planning department, including you. So... no matter what method you use, you must help the company through this last hurdle."


    After weighing it in my heart for a while, I finally nodded and said, "I''ll do my best."


    "Doing your best is not enough, you must succeed. You have to promise me this." Chen Jingming adjusted his glasses, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Whether this matter can be done or not, I have to do it. Now I can only hope that Le Yao can free up her schedule. After weighing it over and over again, I nodded and said, "I will definitely get this done."


    Chen Jingming finally breathed a sigh of relief and said, "That''s great!"


    I thought to myself, "You''re fine, but I have to shamelessly beg a woman I least want to beg. Do you fucking know that?"


    As I was about to leave, Chen Jingming called me back, "Zhao Yang, don''t call that model yet. Isn''t she filming in Hengdian? You go to Hengdian tomorrow. If you travel all the way there to talk to her in person, she won''t be able to refuse so easily!"


    "Manager, you''re considerate and wise!" I forced a smile and said, but no matter how I looked at him, he seemed like a shameless old fox. Has he ever considered how others would feel if they couldn''t arrange their schedule and found it hard to refuse?


    ......


    That evening after work, I sat on the bus home, feeling restless. The source of my restlessness was that I had to go to Hengdian to see Le Yao tomorrow, and I had to move out of the room I had lived in for two years tonight. The restlessness turned into frustration. I seemed to never be able to decide my own life. Often, a few words from others would shatter my love, work, and life, like Jian Wei, the female representative of GUCCI, and Mi Cai.


    When I returned to the old room, I subconsciously looked at Mi Cai''s room. Her door was still closed, she probably hadn''t come home yet.


    Whether she came home or not had nothing to do with me. Now what I had to do was to keep my promise and move out of this room forever.


    I went back to my room and started packing my luggage. Actually, I had almost finished packing yesterday. I just needed to pack some items on the bed.


    After packing, I opened my computer and searched on the local website for a place where I could move in immediately. I found a few suitable ones, but they all required half a year''s rent and a three-month deposit. After calculating, I needed at least ten thousand yuan for the rent. I was in a dilemma. I only had a few thousand yuan left. I wouldn''t get last month''s salary until the day after tomorrow. Even if I got it, I couldn''t use it all for rent. I had to save some for living expenses.


    With no other choice, I had to lower my standards and start looking for a place where I could share the rent. The rent would be relatively less. As time quietly passed, the night had already lit up the city.


    I rubbed my face heavily to relieve the fatigue from staring at the computer for a long time. After a rest, I had to continue looking for a place to live. I couldn''t really end up on the streets. I was already down and out enough!


    I looked out the window in a daze, my soul once again lonely among the lights of thousands of homes. At this moment, I really longed for a house of my own in this city where I had lived for more than two years, a woman waiting for me to come home every day, to say goodbye to homelessness, to say goodbye to the loneliness of the night, to say goodbye to the bitterness of life...


    A while later, the sound of the door opening came from outside the room. I knew it was Mi Cai coming back. But at this moment, I could face her with a clear conscience, because I finally didn''t break my promise to her. I would move out of here in a while.


    Mi Cai, carrying her handbag and wearing her newly changed slippers, stood at my door, looked at my packed luggage, and asked me, "Have you found a place?"


    "Don''t worry, whether I find a place or not, I''ll move out tonight." I answered, subconsciously feeling that Mi Cai would like this answer.


    "Oh." Mi Cai responded, but didn''t leave.


    After a moment, she seemed to remember something and asked me, "You said you would buy some insecticide powder and sprinkle it in the bathroom today. Did you buy it?"Compared to moving, being forced by my boss to go to Hengdian to find Le Yao was really insignificant, so I genuinely forgot about buying the insecticide powder.


    I apologized to Mi Cai, "I''m sorry, I forgot. You can go buy some yourself. If you don''t want to go out, you can buy it online. It''s very convenient."


    Mi Cai''s expression turned displeased, "This is something you promised me. How can you be so irresponsible?"


    I had been frustrated all day, and I still hadn''t found a place to live. My mood was far from good, and my tone became harsher, "Can responsibility feed me? You keep bringing it up, isn''t it annoying?"


    Mi Cai didn''t expect my reaction to be so intense. She was taken aback, then lowered her face and nodded, "Fine, pay back the money you owe me. I don''t need to be responsible for you."


    I was speechless for a while, once again falling into the sorrow of being broke. After a long time, I said in a lower voice, "You said that as long as I moved out, I didn''t have to rush to pay back the money I borrowed from you."


    To read the uncut version, go to ].


    "Who cares about that, it''s only right to pay back the money you owe." Mi Cai still said coldly.


    "We''ve been living under the same roof for several days, do you really need to push me into a corner like this?" I said with my head down, not knowing what to feel.


    Mi Cai scoffed, "I''m not pushing you into a corner. You''ve been working for several years, why don''t you have any savings?... You should understand, the one pushing you into a corner is yourself."


    Mi Cai''s words ruthlessly tore open the deepest, most painful scar in my heart. In an instant, feelings of inferiority and shame made me feel utterly humiliated.


    In my confusion, I saw the guitar I had placed in the corner. This guitar was a birthday gift from Jian Wei, who had it custom-made in a music shop. It was made of very good materials and was worth far more than ten thousand.


    Looking at this guitar, I once again felt the pain of things remaining the same but people changing.


    I got up and brought the guitar to Mi Cai, handing it to her, "You can take this guitar as collateral. If you sell it to someone who knows its worth, it will definitely fetch more than ten thousand."


    Before Mi Cai could respond whether she would accept the guitar as collateral, I had already picked up my luggage. I didn''t dare to take another look at this room and walked out with my head down.


    ......

 Chapter 24 – Price of growth

    I have already left that old neighborhood far behind. I walked on the streets of the city with my luggage for a long time before finding a stone bench in a square where I could rest.


    I placed my luggage on one side of the stone bench, lit a cigarette, and sat down, looking at the neon lights flickering on the tall buildings. A wave of panic surged in my heart, unsure of where to go.


    Hastily avoiding the lights and shadows of the city, I looked up at the sky, searching for the "Sky City" that had already been separated from my body.


    I don''t know when, a group of square dance aunties with fans arrived at the square. The music immediately overwhelmed me, and I couldn''t see the "Sky City" clearly anymore. Maybe it was already hidden behind the moon, or maybe it had been blown away by the passing wind...


    But tonight, I still had to find a place to rest in this city.


    I took out my phone from my pocket and dialed Robben''s number. He lived near the train station, and since I was going to Hengdian by train tomorrow, I decided to stay at his place for the night.


    Amidst the noise, Robben answered the phone, "Zhao Yang, do you need something?"


    "Are you still performing at the bar?"


    "Yeah, our band is about to go on stage."


    "Oh... well, I want to stay at your place for the night, is that convenient?"


    Robben smiled and said, "There''s no inconvenience, why don''t you come to the bar? Wait for me to finish work, and we''ll go back together."


    "I''ll just go directly to your place, I won''t go to the bar."


    "Alright, I''ll treat you to a drink. I still have several drink vouchers left."


    "I really won''t go." I hung up the phone, leaving Robben wondering why I didn''t want to go to the bar.


    After leaving the square, I took a taxi directly to Robben''s place. It was still early, so I went to the train station and bought a train ticket from Suzhou to Yiwu for tomorrow morning.


    ...


    It was almost midnight when Robben returned from the bar, and I had already fallen asleep in the hallway, leaning against my luggage.


    Robben woke me up, complaining, "You''ve changed recently! You didn''t want to go to the bar, so you''d rather sleep in the hallway like an idiot!"


    I just smiled and didn''t say anything.


    As Robben opened the door, he asked me, "Did you move?"


    "Yeah, I haven''t found a suitable place to live temporarily. I have to go to Hengdian on a business trip tomorrow, so I thought I''d crash at your place for the night!"


    "Sure, you can stay as long as you want!" After saying that, he looked at the luggage on the floor and asked, "Where''s your awesome guitar?"


    I felt a bit down in my heart. After all, it was a guitar that had accompanied me for several years. But I casually said to Robben, "I used it to pay off a debt!"


    Robben widened his eyes and sighed, "Paid off a debt? You''re really in a tough spot! I''ve borrowed it from you a few times before, and you treated it like a treasure and didn''t lend it to me. But you actually used it to pay off a debt!"


    "Forget about it, help me move the luggage inside."


    ...


    Robben lived in a small attic on the top floor. There was only one narrow room, but there was a relatively large balcony behind the room. The balcony had a shared bathroom and a clothesline. The living environment was not good.


    Turning on the light, I first saw a few leather jackets hanging on the hanger, a guitar in the corner, several pairs of Martin boots on the shoe rack, and a few suitcases. There were no other decorations except for the beer cans scattered on the table, which didn''t look too messy.


    After arranging the luggage, Robben took out two buckets of instant noodles from a box and made one for each of us as a late-night snack.


    After a short while, the empty instant noodle boxes were placed upside down on the abandoned flowerpot under the balcony. There were several cans of beer next to us as we sat on the balcony railing.


    We opened a can of beer each, clinked them together, tilted our heads back, and half of the beer went down our throats.


    "Zhao Yang, you seem quite depressed recently. Did something happen? You don''t even go to the bar anymore?" Robben asked.


    "I''m living carefree. What could possibly make me depressed?" I said, finishing the remaining beer in the can in one gulp, but I looked absentmindedly into the distance.


    In the distance, the lights on Maxwell''s giant billboard were still flickering in the early morning of this quiet night.


    Robben didn''t ask any further questions and followed my gaze into the distance. After a long time, he patted my shoulder as if he understood, and we were both struggling on the edge of this city. Some pain was shared, and there was no need to explain too clearly.


    The wind, carrying the chill of the night, whistled past us. We continued to sit on the railing of the balcony, looking into the distance, and drank another can of beer.


    In the quiet night, people tend to think more. Robben seemed to think of someone and opened another can of beer, but I stopped him. Drinking too much alcohol was never good. I almost jumped into the moat yesterday because I drank too much.


    "Missing a woman?" I smiled and asked Robben.


    "Yeah, I think of one when I drink." Robben said straightforwardly.


    I knew that Robben had once had a girlfriend whom he loved deeply. I pushed him and said, "Do you still have a photo of your girlfriend? Show it to me."


    Robben took out his wallet from his pocket and handed me a photo from the compartment. I looked at the woman in the photo, her features were good, and she was a very intellectual and elegant woman.


    Robben seemed a bit absent-minded and said to me after a long time, "We broke up almost three years ago. She should be married by now!"


    "Why did you break up?"Robben gave a wistful smile, "She was born into a family of educators, both her parents are university professors. I''m just a musician with no stable income, living day by day. I didn''t want to hold her back."


    "So you ran away from Beijing to Suzhou without telling her?"


    Robben nodded, after a long pause, he said, "Actually, she followed me to Suzhou later, and we lived together for another half a year..."


    "Why did you break up then?" I asked, puzzled.


    "Her parents came to me, they had arranged a job for her at a university in Beijing, they asked me to let her go back."


    "You really let her go, you fool?"


    Robben nodded, "I did. I told her I was seeing someone else."


    "Did she believe you?"


    Robben chuckled, "She definitely didn''t believe me..."


    "Then...?"


    "I hired a prostitute, right in this room, in front of her..." Robben didn''t continue, his face still wore a smile, but beneath it, I saw a heart that was already dead.


    I sighed heavily, "Why did you have to be so ruthless?"


    "If I wasn''t, she wouldn''t leave. Better a short sharp shock than a long-drawn-out agony..." Robben tilted his head back and drained the beer can, some of the liquid trickling down his neck into his shirt.


    I fell silent. Despite Robben''s casual tone, I saw a heart-wrenching love story born out of helplessness. I knew Robben would never forget that woman in his lifetime.


    "Enough about me, show me a picture of your girlfriend." Robben nudged me. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    I pulled out a photo of Jian Wei from my wallet and handed it to Robben. We were both reluctant to forget the past because it was too precious!


    The light from the opposite side was dim, Robben lit a lighter, examining Jian Wei''s photo in the flickering flame.


    "Your girlfriend is beautiful, not just ordinarily beautiful!"


    Hearing the word ''beautiful'', the face of my female tenant suddenly appeared in my mind. But it didn''t surprise me, because I had never seen a woman more beautiful than Mi Cai in my life. In just a moment, I was back to reality, looking at Jian Wei''s familiar yet strange face in the photo by the dying flame, my heart ached. I thought: It won''t be long before she marries Xiang Chen.


    Robben returned Jian Wei''s photo to me, and asked, "What about you guys, why did you break up?"


    I recalled, after a long while, I said, "She called me a year after she went to America and proposed the breakup."


    "Why did she want to break up with you?" Robben asked further.


    "I don''t know, she didn''t say." I replied with a smile similar to Robben''s earlier.


    "Didn''t you ask?"


    I nodded, I indeed didn''t ask Jian Wei why she wanted to break up with me, because I thought: If Jian Wei wanted to tell me, she would, without me asking. Or perhaps, deep down, I didn''t believe we could make it to the end, that a breakup was inevitable. What''s the point of seeking an answer for something expected?


    "Aren''t you afraid there might be some misunderstanding between you two?" Robben reminded me.


    I was taken aback, "What misunderstanding could there be?... Love is just a fleeting cloud. Let''s not talk about this anymore! Go get the guitar, let''s play a song, forget all these mess!"


    Robben fetched the guitar from the room, tested the sound and asked me, "Your key or mine?"


    "Whatever."


    Robben strummed the guitar strings, a melody wafted into the night air, it was Jonathan Lee''s "The Price of Love".


    "Let''s go, let''s go, one must learn to grow up. Let''s go, let''s go, life is inevitably filled with pain and struggle. Let''s go, let''s go, find a home for your heart. There were times when I cried, times when I was heartbroken, that''s the price of love. Maybe I still think of her occasionally, inevitably missing her. Just treat her as an old friend, she makes me worry, she makes me care. But there''s no spark in my heart anymore, let the past go with the wind..."


    The song floated out from our mouths, filled with vicissitudes. I didn''t quite understand if the price of love was just tears and heartbreak, but I knew: the price of growth was the love that had faded away with the passage of time.


    In this deep night when I should have seen through everything, I still regretted the love that had passed away, for Robben and that Beijing girl whose name I didn''t know!


    ...


    The next morning, I caught a train heading to Yiwu. After arriving in Yiwu, I had to transfer to Hengdian. I knew, I had to do something for myself. If Le Yao could agree to come back and shoot the opening poster for GUCCI, my career would take its first step forward.


    Promoted to the team leader of the planning and copywriting team, my monthly salary would exceed ten thousand, perhaps life could stabilize.


    Sitting on the southbound train, I said to myself for the first time, "Work hard, Zhao Yang!... Don''t let anyone look down on you!"

 Chapter 25 – Night at Dream Valley

    At noon, the train arrived in Yiwu. After a quick lunch at the station, I followed the express train to Hengdian.


    In the afternoon at three o''clock, I finally arrived in Hengdian Town. I found a family hotel on Wansheng North Street and settled down. Then I dialed the phone number Le Yao left for me.


    Le Yao might be busy with her performance, so she didn''t answer my call for a long time. I sent her a text message, telling her that I had arrived in Hengdian and asked her to pick me up quickly.


    After a while, Le Yao still didn''t reply to my message. I didn''t feel like going out, so I just lay on the bed in the hotel and flipped through a magazine.


    The window of my room faced west, and after a while, I saw the sunset in the dusk. The gentle sunlight lay softly on the quilt beside me, and the air was filled with a lazy scent. I yawned and fell asleep for a while.


    When I woke up, it was already getting dark. Le Yao finally replied to my message. She told me to find her in the Imperial Garden inside the Ming and Qing Palace. Their crew was filming there, and several big shots were also performing today. She said she would help me get autographs.


    Actually, I wanted to go, but I didn''t have much cash on me. I had to go back to get reimbursed for my travel expenses. It would be a waste to spend over a hundred yuan just to see a few celebrities. So I could only regretfully reply to her message, telling her that I would wait for her outside the scenic area.


    As the sun set, there were still many extras squatting outside the scenic area, waiting for the crew''s call. Their eyes revealed a sense of numbness and longing. I could truly see the hardships of life in them. But no one is destined to live in such suffering. Unfortunately, there are still so many people struggling and suffering, like me and these extras waiting.


    I squatted next to one of the extras, chatting with him to pass the time while waiting for Le Yao.


    As the sky gradually darkened, I saw several crew cars driving out of the scenic area, but I still didn''t see Le Yao''s figure. I couldn''t help but wonder if this damn woman had a night scene tonight!


    While I was doubting, I saw Le Yao wearing a Qing Dynasty costume at the entrance. It seemed that she hadn''t had time to change her costume. She stood at the ticket service counter, looking around.


    I stood up and walked towards Le Yao. She finally noticed me and ran towards me with a smile.


    Le Yao held onto my arm and said with relief, "You finally traveled back!" sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    I let go of her hand holding my arm and said, "Miss, please behave yourself!"


    Le Yao held onto my arm again and asked happily, "Xiao Yangzi, tell me honestly, why did you come all the way to Hengdian to find this palace?"


    "It definitely isn''t to be your husband." I pushed Le Yao aside again.


    "Then I''ll make you a eunuch in the Imperial Household Department." Le Yao pinched my waist, but she still had a smile on her face and seemed to be in a good mood.


    Her pinch hurt, and I sternly reprimanded her, "Stop fooling around and focus on acting and being a good person!"


    "What will happen if I don''t be a good person?"


    I frowned and said, "Fuck you!"


    Le Yao burst into laughter and said, "Zhao Yang, I just love seeing you act all serious but saying rogue words!"


    ...


    I accompanied Le Yao to her hotel to change clothes. The two of us strolled on Wansheng North Street. Although Le Yao hadn''t become famous in the entertainment industry yet, people still cast their gazes towards her as we passed by. I felt that it was only a matter of time before she became famous. She was not only beautiful but also had the aura of a star. Her acting skills were also amazing, at least I had the unfortunate experience of witnessing it.


    At this moment, I didn''t mention the purpose of this trip to Le Yao. I always felt that it would be a difficult and mood-ruining thing for her. It was better to enjoy the ease and freedom before nightfall.


    It was my first time in Hengdian, and as I walked on the street, I couldn''t help but look around at the scenery. Le Yao was only interested in some street snacks and would occasionally ask me what I wanted to eat.


    As we walked towards the end of the street with the crowd, Le Yao suddenly grabbed my arm and pointed to a barbecue restaurant on the side of the street, saying, "Zhao Yang, let''s go eat barbecue."


    Find the original at "pawread dot com".


    I looked at the crowded restaurant and said, "There are too many people. Let''s eat somewhere else."


    "Many people means it''s delicious! Don''t you know? This barbecue restaurant is very famous. When Fan Bingbing came to Hengdian to film, she queued here for more than 20 minutes just to taste their barbecue." Le Yao dragged me towards the direction of the restaurant.


    "Wait for 20 minutes! Fan Bingbing is also that silly!" I stood still and refused to move, not because I didn''t want to eat barbecue, but because I didn''t want to wait.


    "She''s not silly, she''s a foodie!" Le Yao corrected me.


    I still refused to move.


    Suddenly, Le Yao looked excitedly behind me and shouted, "Hey! It''s Fan Bingbing..."


    I instinctively turned my head, and Le Yao took the opportunity to use force to drag me into the restaurant, mocking me, "Look at your eager expression when you turned your head. Did you almost break your neck?"


    "If Fan Bingbing really broke her neck, I would be happy!" I glared at Le Yao, but once again, I was fooled by her acting skills."You''re hopeless!" Le Yao said, pushing me into a chair and going to line up to order food.


    During dinner, night had quietly fallen. Le Yao and I were sipping on Sprite and eating barbecue, both of us had a good appetite. I took another big gulp of Sprite, wiped the sweat off my forehead and asked Le Yao, "I''ve eaten so much, why can''t I taste Fan Bingbing?"


    Le Yao gave me a contemptuous look and replied, "Are you stupid? You''re eating barbecue, not roasting Fan Bingbing!"


    I was speechless for a moment, then said, "Forget I asked..."


    Le Yao smiled triumphantly at me and said, "I love seeing you helpless... Hurry up and eat, we''ll go for a walk in Dream Valley after we finish."


    ...


    At seven-thirty in the evening, Le Yao and I arrived at one of the scenic spots in Hengdian, Dream Valley. Once inside, we found that the night here was almost a world made of light and shadow. Despite it not being the peak tourist season, it was still bustling. Le Yao and I walked around, finally resting on a wooden bench under the Ferris wheel.


    I closed my eyes to rest, not particularly fond of the hazy lights here. When I opened my eyes, I found that Le Yao also had her eyes closed.


    I nudged Le Yao and asked, "Why are you closing your eyes?"


    Le Yao, still with her eyes closed but with a longing expression, replied, "I''m imagining this place as a stage surrounded by lights, and I''m the star standing in the center of the stage..."


    I''ve always known what Le Yao''s dream is, and how important opportunities are for a newcomer who has just graduated from film school. In terms of pursuit, Le Yao and I are worlds apart. She likes the hazy lights here, while I''m fascinated by the crystal clear city.


    The Ferris wheel was still carrying all sorts of people, spinning in the air. I was somewhat entranced...


    I don''t know when Le Yao took my arm and nestled into my chest, and I was lost in her rare tenderness.


    "I''m very happy being with you," Le Yao said softly, leaning further into my chest.


    This time I didn''t push Le Yao away. Actually, it''s not bad letting her lean on me like this. At this moment, there was no surge of lust, only a sense of mutual dependence and warmth.


    I seemed to be very dependent on this warmth, and I held Le Yao tightly. The faint scent of her perfume was inhaled into my lungs with the cool night air, and in my brief moments of clarity, I was again lost in a haze.


    A warm tear fell on my hand. Le Yao held me tighter, choking back sobs as she said, "Zhao Yang... I''m really tired here, I feel so helpless... Every day I have to look at other people''s faces, afraid of the unspoken rules, afraid of the intrigue in the crew... Only when I''m in your arms do I feel secure!"


    Le Yao''s words made me feel a bit scared. I myself was teetering in the storm, hardly a reliable support.


    I silently comforted her, wiping the tears from her face with my hand. Apart from lending her my body to lean on, there was nothing else I could do for her.


    The wind that had been blowing finally lessened a bit. Le Yao left my body, then looked at me and asked, "You must have something to tell me since you came to see me, right?"

 Chapter 26 – Will we be together?

    The Ferris wheel behind me stopped spinning, and a new group of people got on. After a while, under Le Yao''s gaze, I nodded and said, "Yes, I did come to Hengdian to see you for a reason."


    Le Yao responded with an expected expression, "You definitely didn''t come to see me because you missed me. You probably didn''t miss me at all."


    "Don''t say that, it makes me feel like a villain, only coming to you when I need something."


    Le Yao chuckled, her words teasing, "So, have you missed me these days?"


    "Here we go again!"


    "Alright... I won''t tease you anymore. Tell me, why did you come to see me?"


    I was silent for a while before asking, "Are you free recently?"


    "The crew just started shooting, so basically, I have scenes every day," Le Yao replied.


    "You''re that busy?" I exclaimed.


    Le Yao nodded and said, "Yes, the shooting schedule is very tight recently. I have two night scenes tonight, so I have to go back to the crew soon. I can''t stay with you for long."


    My heart sank, knowing that there was a high chance that this trip would be fruitless. But I didn''t want to force Le Yao, so after a moment of silence, I said, "You should go back then. The reason I came to see you isn''t that important. If you don''t have time, it''s okay."


    Le Yao glanced at her watch and said to me, "I have to go now."


    I smiled and said, "Go ahead."


    Before leaving, Le Yao asked me, "Where are you staying?"


    "Xiao Li''s Inn."


    "Oh, then I''m leaving now, bye Zhao Yang." Le Yao waved at me and then jogged away. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    The Ferris wheel was still spinning, but I suddenly felt alone. I lay on the bench, not wanting to go back to the inn.


    Although I had promised my boss that I would get this done, I didn''t want to force Le Yao. If she really didn''t have time, then I would leave it up to fate.


    The reason I gave up so easily was that I understood Le Yao''s situation. She was a newcomer in the crew, often having to act according to others'' moods. And with the tight shooting schedule, it was indeed difficult for her to find time. I couldn''t expect the crew to stop working to accommodate her!


    Actually, I should be happy for Le Yao. The fact that she couldn''t find time meant that she had a significant role in this drama. Maybe she could become famous from this one role.


    Back at the inn, I took a hot shower to relieve some fatigue, then lay on the bed. I couldn''t help but worry about my and Circle''s career prospects. I could only hope that Chen Jingming was making a big deal out of nothing, and that GUCCI wouldn''t necessarily terminate the cooperation over this issue.


    I couldn''t fall asleep, and time passed in my anxious thoughts until it was the early morning. The world gradually quieted down.


    I walked to the window, opened it, lit a cigarette, and stared at the gray outside, emptying my mind and not wanting to think about anything.


    Suddenly, the doorbell rang. At first, I thought it was from the next room, but then I realized it was mine.


    I was puzzled. This kind of guesthouse wouldn''t have any special services, so who could be at the door so late?


    I looked through the peephole and found that it was Le Yao standing outside.


    I opened the door, and Le Yao smiled at me, "Surprised?"


    "Surprised, but not pleased!" I was indeed shocked by Le Yao. I never expected her to come to see me at this time.


    Le Yao entered the room, put her makeup and toiletries in the bathroom, and then said to me, "I came to see you as soon as I finished shooting. I''m staying here tonight."


    "Do you need it that much?" I asked, standing at the bathroom door.


    "I do! But not tonight. You can''t have sex for a month after an abortion. You should know this basic physiological knowledge, Zhao Yang!" Le Yao said while removing her makeup.


    "Why can''t you change your teasing nature? You came here so boldly, have you thought about how hard it will be for me to get through the night?"


    "Find a way to solve it yourself!" Le Yao said nonchalantly.


    I didn''t say anything more.


    ...


    I lay on the bed watching TV, and Le Yao, after washing up and putting on her pajamas, crawled into bed and lay down next to me. Then she leaned into my arms, hugged me, and said, "Stop watching TV."


    "If I can''t have you, what else should I do if not watch TV?" I kept staring at the TV.


    Le Yao found the remote and turned off the TV. The room suddenly quieted down. She spoke to me seriously, a rarity, "Tell me, why did you come to see me?"


    "I told you, it''s not a big deal!" I reached for the remote again.


    "I''m not stupid. If it was just to sleep with me for a night, would it be worth it for you to rush from Suzhou to Hengdian?" Le Yao took the remote from my hand again.


    "I didn''t come here to sleep with you, did I?"


    "Then stop beating around the bush and tell me why you came to see me."


    Under Le Yao''s persistent questioning, I finally said, "GUCCI is currently negotiating with our department store about setting up a counter. A female representative from GUCCI saw the promotional poster you shot for our mall and felt that your image fits GUCCI''s product positioning. They hope you can shoot a set of product promotional posters for GUCCI to help with the opening promotion..." I added, "If you can''t arrange the time, it''s okay."


    "Does your company attach great importance to the cooperation with GUCCI?"


    "We have seven international first-line brands operating in our department store. Adding GUCCI would make it eight, reaching the standard of a top-tier B-class department store, which is a step up. So yes, we do take it seriously," I replied.


    "Look at you. If I hadn''t asked, you wouldn''t have mentioned such a big thing?" Le Yao sounded a bit reproachful.


    "If you really don''t have time, there''s no point in me telling you. You should prioritize your work. There''s really no need to force it."


    After a moment of silence, Le Yao asked me, "How many days will it take to finish the shoot?"


    "It should be done in two days, or maybe one. We''re not sure how GUCCI plans to shoot yet."Le Yao nodded and said, "That''s good. Actually, I''ve already spoken to the director before coming here. I might need to take a leave of absence. He said he could arrange a two-day vacation for me. You should communicate with GUCCI and see when we can shoot."


    A weight lifted off my heart, and I reminded Le Yao, "Don''t push yourself too hard!"


    "It''s nothing to push a little for you."


    ......


    The night was deep and bottomless, with only a dim night light left in the room. Le Yao was still curled up in my arms, and neither of us seemed sleepy.


    "Zhao Yang, do you think we''ll end up together?"


    I didn''t know why Le Yao would suddenly ask this. I was stunned for a long time before I answered, "We''re from different worlds. Your future is bright, and I''ve always been just getting by. The reason we''re sleeping together now is more out of loneliness and physical needs."


    "Maybe... ever since I chose this path, I''ve stopped expecting love."


    Hearing the word ''love'', I felt so empty and unfamiliar that I momentarily forgot I was still talking to Le Yao.


    We fell into silence, experiencing the helplessness of being alive. Even though we were sleeping together at this moment, we wouldn''t really live together because we were on different paths. Eventually, we would lose sight of each other at the crossroads.


    "Le Yao, let''s not continue like this, or it will become a burden for us in the future..." I finally said after a long time.


    Le Yao hugged me tighter, silent for a long time, but finally said calmly, "Okay, after this night, let''s just be friends."


    That night, Le Yao and I slept in the same bed. She held me tightly and slept peacefully. I knew that what she needed was not a casual partner or a boyfriend, but a support to prevent herself from sinking into this heavy reality.


    What about me?... Perhaps what I need is a woman with whom I can lead a normal life, eagerly giving my heart to her for comfort. But where is she?


    I remember: I''ve searched for her on the other shore, but she wasn''t there. I''ve searched for her where the lights are dim, but she wasn''t there either...

 Chapter 27 – Dont let me see you in Suzhou

    The next morning, I left Hengdian and returned to Suzhou in the afternoon. The first thing I did was to go to the company and report the situation to Manager Chen Jingming. The issue of shooting promotional posters for GUCCI was resolved with the promise Le Yao gave me.


    That evening after work, I sat in the office for a long time without leaving. Having left the house where I had lived for more than two years, the fear of having nowhere to go kept haunting me.


    Habit is indeed a terrifying thing. My current pain is entirely due to habit. I was used to the love Jian Wei once gave me, and the warmth and comfort that the house once provided.


    I was a bit confused about what had happened over the years. Why did I always lose the precious things in my life, yet gain so little?


    Perhaps I knew the answer, but was unwilling to admit it. So I comforted myself: At least I see some hope in my work now. The progress in my work will surely make my future life better. So, I should pull myself together and prepare for a new life!


    After leaving the company, I didn''t look for a new house. I decided to stay with Robben for the time being. At least at night, two equally lonely and frustrated men could chat about music and this absurd life.


    ...


    Wandering alone on the street, utterly bored, I decided to go to the bar to find Robben and have a few drinks.


    Without hesitation, I hailed a taxi and headed to the bar where Robben was performing.


    Upon arriving at the bar, the familiar lights and the crowd with their swaying bodies were still there. I just found a relatively quiet corner and sat down.


    Robben came over with a few bottles of beer, sat down across from me, handed me a bottle of beer, and said, "I thought you were done with this place. Why are you back?"


    I looked around and joked, "I came here to soak up some decadent vibes. I''ve been living a bit too well lately!"


    Robben clinked his beer bottle with mine and laughed, "You''re just too used to the hard life. What''s wrong with living a bit more comfortably?"


    I also laughed, raised my bottle, and said, "This is the realm of life. You, young comrade, still have a lot to comprehend... Cheers!"


    Robben shrugged and drank with me. Then he asked, "You went to Hengdian to find Le Yao yesterday, didn''t you?"


    "How did you know? I kept it so secret," I asked in surprise.


    "I chatted with Le Yao on WeChat today. She said you went."


    "Actually, I really went to Hengdian for work. GUCCI wants to set up a counter in our department store and specifically requested Le Yao to shoot their product promotional posters. This tough task fell on me." I said and took another sip of beer.


    "No wonder Le Yao said she was happy for nothing. She probably thought you went there specifically for her at first."


    "Even if I went specifically for her, it would have to be on the weekend."


    Robben nodded and didn''t ask any more questions. After we finished another bottle of beer and chatted for a while, Robben left. It was time for him to perform.


    More and more people came to the bar for entertainment. I was still sitting in the corner, sipping my drink, lost in thought. The night I spent with Le Yao vaguely appeared in my mind, making me feel a bit melancholic. This melancholy was puzzling, but it was real.


    On the stage, Robben and another female singer were singing a song he wrote. The applause from the audience was intermittent. My attention was finally drawn to the music, and I started snapping my fingers to the rhythm.


    Robben is actually a very talented folk singer. But he is too principled, unwilling to write commercial pop songs or participate in ubiquitous talent shows. So, he has been singing in bars for years, living a frugal life. But he doesn''t seem to mind this hardship. He often says: Playing music doesn''t necessarily mean becoming famous, but it must involve persistence.


    However, after knowing him for so many years, I still don''t know what his persistence is. But that doesn''t affect my admiration for him.


    ...


    In the midst of the music, my phone vibrated in my pocket. I continued to snap my fingers to the rhythm, took out my phone, and answered the call without looking at the number.


    It was Circle who called. He seemed to have heard the noise of the bar and said to me, "Zhao Yang, you''re hanging out in the bar again?"


    "Enjoy your honeymoon and stop worrying about me." I said, standing up from my seat and swaying with the crowd to the rhythm of the music.


    "Which bar are you in? I''ll come find you."


    "Aren''t you and Yan Yan in Sanya?" I asked in confusion.


    "It''s been raining heavily in Sanya these past few days. We''ll go in a few days."


    "Will your honeymoon leave be enough if you go in a few days?"


    "We won''t be playing for many days, it will be enough... Stop talking nonsense and tell me which bar you''re in."


    "Soho Bar. Come on, I''ll buy you a drink."


    "Then you''d better prepare more money. Yan Yan is coming too, as well as Jian Wei and Xiang Chen."


    Hearing the names of Jian Wei and Xiang Chen, my heart fluttered. After a long pause, I cursed, "Did you go stupid after getting married? Why are you bringing them?"


    "Why are you getting so worked up? The five of us haven''t gotten together in years. Besides, don''t you have a girlfriend now? Let''s all get together and forget about the past."


    "Who told you I have a girlfriend?"


    "Jian Wei. If you didn''t have a girlfriend, I wouldn''t bring Jian Wei and Xiang Chen to upset you. I know my limits!"It was then that I remembered, on the day of Circle''s wedding, I had indeed lied to Jian Wei that Mi Cai was my girlfriend. I didn''t expect this lie to come back like a stone I had lifted myself, ruthlessly smashing my own foot, and I couldn''t dodge it.


    In my daze, Circle said to me again, "Actually, the idea of getting together was Xiang Chen''s. We''re all brothers who have come through college together. Don''t let those emotional things spoil the fun... Now that everyone is paired up, isn''t it nice to get together?"


    I didn''t know what to say, so I just stayed silent.


    Circle reminded me again, "Remember to invite your girlfriend. I heard from Jian Wei that she''s incredibly beautiful. If even Jian Wei thinks so, Yan Yan and I really want to see for ourselves!"


    I was about to say something when Circle hung up the phone. Listening to the "beep beep" sound from the phone, I was dumbfounded!


    ...


    The bar was still noisy, but I was restless. Circle had made his point clear, and I couldn''t run away at the last minute. The problem was that I had recklessly claimed Mi Cai as my girlfriend that day. Given the circumstances then, I was like a drowning man clutching at straws, so I could understand my actions. But what should I do now?


    After being at a loss for a long time, I finally decided to call Mi Cai. If she had any sense of loyalty, she would definitely help me out.


    I took out my phone, found Mi Cai''s number, but hesitated to dial. I remembered that we had argued over not buying insecticide powder when I moved out the day before yesterday. Then she forced me to pay back the money I owed her. I left my guitar behind in embarrassment and almost fled. Would it be too unmanly to call her now?


    "Forget it, I''m already a scumbag in her eyes, so why bother about dignity."


    I muttered to myself, then, with the reputation of a scumbag, I plucked up the courage and dialed the number.


    Listening to the dial tone, I was surprisingly nervous. This nervousness was justified. I was afraid that Mi Cai would mock my lack of dignity, and even more afraid that she would refuse to help me in my hour of need.


    After a while, the call was answered, and I heard Mi Cai''s serious voice again, "What do you want?"


    "I need your help."


    "Need my help? Are you planning to jump into a river or a lake again?"


    I was choked by Mi Cai''s words and after a while, I said, "This time it''s not about jumping into a river. Do you remember at my friend''s wedding, I told a woman that you were my girlfriend?" sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You have the nerve to bring that up?"


    I immediately followed Mi Cai''s words and sighed, "Ah~~! Isn''t that the thing that got me into trouble? My friends all want to meet you, and they''re already on their way. Hurry up and come to Soho Bar to rescue me."


    "Even Jesus can''t save someone like you!"


    "Stop mocking me, it''s really urgent. If you don''t come, I''ll be utterly humiliated today!"


    "Who cares!"


    "Please, can you do it for me?" I pleaded desperately.


    Mi Cai responded indifferently, "You''re on your own."


    I was furious, "Are you reincarnated from a heartless nun? Don''t you have any sense of loyalty... Damn it, don''t let me see you in Suzhou again..."


    The call was suddenly hung up. Listening to the "beep beep" of the hang-up tone, I was completely dumbfounded!


    ---------------------


    The friends from the mobile site are really supportive. There are already 85 recommendations. The goal has been achieved early, so there will be four updates today. Here''s the second one!

 Chapter 28 – Walking on eggshells

    After Mi Cai decisively hung up my phone, I no longer had any illusions about her. I had to bear the consequences of my own actions.


    Actually, it was normal for Mi Cai not to come to my rescue. It was my threat to her, "Don''t let me see you in Suzhou," that was truly unreasonable.


    Feeling helpless, I scratched my head. I really wanted to leave this bar. I sincerely didn''t want to face Jian Wei and Xiang Chen. This unwillingness was just to make myself feel better. But tonight, I couldn''t escape because running away would only prove that I couldn''t let go of Jian Wei.


    Just ten minutes later, I saw a group of four people enter the bar. Circle and Yan Yan were in the front, while Xiang Chen and Jian Wei were in the back. They walked towards me, chatting and laughing. I wished I could find a hole to hide in.


    Jian Wei was dressed in Chanel fashion and carried a new Hermes bag. Her luxurious appearance made me unable to look directly at her. I quickly fixed my gaze on Yan Yan and Circle, and lit a cigarette to hide my uneasiness.


    Yan Yan and Circle sat on the sofa to my left, while Jian Wei and Xiang Chen sat on the right. I remained in the middle.


    Circle and Yan Yan looked around and asked me in unison, "Where''s your girlfriend?"


    "She''s busy tonight, let''s just have fun." I replied casually.


    Yan Yan said displeasedly, "Don''t ruin the mood. Call her again and ask her to come. We''ll wait for a while."


    I glared at Yan Yan and said, "Stubborn girl, if I say she''s busy, then she''s busy. Why are you so stubborn?"


    "Don''t bullshit, hurry up and call your girlfriend. I want to see what my future sister-in-law looks like!" Circle kicked me and said.


    Xiang Chen continued, "Zhao Yang, don''t be a spoilsport. We made time for this. Just invite your girlfriend out to play. We''re all old friends, it won''t be boring!"


    I looked at Jian Wei. At this moment, deliberately keeping my distance from her only made it seem like I couldn''t let go. So I said, "I think it''s fun. Jian Wei and I haven''t seen each other for over three years. Old faces have become new faces, right, Jian Wei, my sister-in-law?"  S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Jian Wei, who had been silent since she came in, looked at me and asked, "What did you call me?"


    As soon as Jian Wei asked this, my deliberately casual attitude instantly crumbled. For a moment, I didn''t know how to respond to her question.


    Circle quickly came to my rescue and said to Jian Wei, "Zhao Yang didn''t call you wrong. Strictly speaking, you can be considered his sister-in-law. When you and Xiang Chen get married, it will be even more appropriate."


    Jian Wei glanced at Circle and said, "Why are you so excited? Did I say he called me wrong? I just didn''t hear clearly earlier."


    Circle awkwardly smiled, and I remained silent. Xiang Chen hugged Jian Wei in his arms and whispered something in her ear that no one else could hear. But this intimate gesture stabbed my heart with pain.


    At this moment, I finally understood how Xiang Chen felt when Jian Wei and I were together, openly displaying our affection.


    I picked up my beer and took a sip. I wanted to leave this place. I knew that as long as I still loved Jian Wei, this gathering would be torture for me. But in the eyes of Xiang Chen, and even Circle and Yan Yan, I had already let go of Jian Wei. After all, it had been over two years, and I had a new "girlfriend."


    The waiter brought the drinks that Circle and the others had ordered. Everyone started drinking. Yan Yan leaned towards me and whispered, "Zhao Yang, we know you have a girlfriend now. Circle and I are really happy for you. We were worried that you couldn''t let go of Jian Wei, but now it seems our worries were unnecessary..."


    A bitter feeling rose in my heart. Even if I let everyone know that I couldn''t let go, what difference would it make? It was better to hold onto this lie and let my friends feel at ease.


    Yan Yan pushed me and said softly, "Hurry up and call your girlfriend, introduce her to us. We''ll have another shopping buddy!"


    I forced a smile and said, "Next time, she''s really busy tonight!"


    Disappointment appeared on Yan Yan''s face...


    Just then, almost all the eyes in the bar suddenly focused on a graceful figure walking towards us. Her figure was so good, and her walk was even more graceful and charming. However, due to the flickering lights, I couldn''t see her face clearly, but that didn''t stop me from recognizing her. It was Mi Cai! Only she had such allure, attracting so many gazes.


    Mi Cai noticed me and walked towards me gracefully. I quickly stood up and before she reached everyone, I pulled her aside and asked in a low voice, "Why are you here?"


    "Didn''t you say, ''Don''t let me see you in Suzhou''? I came to see what consequences there would be if you did see me." Mi Cai looked at me with a smile that wasn''t a smile.


    "So, you came to find trouble with me, not to help?" I frowned and said.


    Mi Cai looked at me and said, "You were the one who threatened me. How can you say I came to find trouble with you?... Now that I''m here, go ahead and do something."


    I felt like a snake being held by Mi Cai''s seven-inch grip. I was afraid she would expose me in front of everyone, so I had to soften my tone and say, "I was just angry earlier. Don''t take it seriously, okay?"


    Mi Cai disdainfully said, "Where did your arrogance go just now?"


    "Sister, I was wrong. I promise to be more cautious in the future!"


    "Is that you begging for mercy?"


    "Yes."


    "Beg again."


    A sense of powerlessness welled up in my heart. I couldn''t resist, so I gritted my teeth and said, "I was wrong. I promise to be more cautious in the future!"


    Over there, Circle shouted at me, "Zhao Yang, what are you whispering about? Hurry up and introduce your girlfriend to us."


    "I''m coming." I replied, then asked Mi Cai, "Are you not angry anymore?"


    Mi Cai remained silent, seemingly intentionally making me uneasy. It was then that I realized how difficult this woman was to deal with. She wouldn''t yield to either hard or soft tactics.


    I lowered my voice again and said, "Can you say something?""Remember to buy insecticide tomorrow, the cockroaches in the bathroom are as annoying as you!" Mi Cai said before walking towards the crowd.


    I was stunned for a moment, then puzzled. Was she letting me off the hook, saving me from a difficult situation?


    Mi Cai sat down where I had just been sitting, greeted everyone, and I sat down next to her.


    Yan Yan smiled and said to me, "Zhao Yang, you have good taste, your girlfriend is amazing and beautiful!"


    "Of course, we are a perfect match! Let me formally introduce you all, this is my girlfriend, Mi Cai." I spoke with a tone of triumph, but my heart was full of trepidation. Who knows what this unpredictable woman is thinking.


    "Hello, everyone." Mi Cai smiled and greeted everyone.


    Circle, Yan Yan, Xiang Chen, in that order, introduced themselves to Mi Cai, and finally, it was Jian Wei''s turn.


    Mi Cai and Jian Wei looked at each other, their expressions were equally indifferent, but I couldn''t understand what was hidden beneath their expressions.


    Jian Wei spoke first, "We met the other day."


    Mi Cai just nodded. Strictly speaking, she wasn''t the type to be overly friendly with strangers, she was somewhat aloof.


    "My name is Jian Wei, I''m Zhao Yang''s ex-girlfriend."


    We are all very open-minded people, so it wasn''t surprising that Jian Wei introduced herself this way. Besides, there was nothing to hide. Clarifying the relationship would make future interactions more straightforward.


    Find the original at " ".


    Mi Cai responded with a polite smile and said "hello" to Jian Wei, but didn''t say much else. The atmosphere cooled because of her indifference.


    Yan Yan started to liven up the atmosphere, asking Mi Cai, "When did you meet Zhao Yang? He''s really good at keeping secrets, we only found out yesterday!"


    I nervously watched Mi Cai. If she didn''t expose me at this moment, then today''s uncomfortable gathering could pass without incident.


    "It''s been a while." Mi Cai gave a vague answer, but it was an answer without flaws.


    Yan Yan smiled and said, "From now on, we''ll leave Zhao Yang to you. He''s a bit wild, you''ll have to keep him in check."


    Mi Cai nodded and said, "I will, his character is a bit lacking!"


    Yan Yan was taken aback for a moment, looked at Mi Cai and then at me, her expression somewhat puzzled.

 Chapter 29 – Elopement

    In Yan Yan''s puzzled eyes, I said, "Don''t look at me with those doubtful eyes. Haven''t you ever teased Circle before? It''s a healthy development for couples to tease each other. Everyone here knows that I, Zhao Yang, have a strong character."


    After speaking, I complained to Mi Cai, "Don''t make fun of me. If you want to tease me, let''s do it at home. These guys are all teasers. Don''t get involved with them."


    "Zhao Yang, you''re really crazy. For the sake of your own tall image, you''ve degraded me and the others!" Xiang Chen said.


    "I''ve always been good at doing that!"


    This time, Mi Cai took the initiative to speak, "So I''m right to say that your character is bad, right?"


    "Exactly!" Everyone agreed, and then they smiled and raised their glasses, finally livening up the atmosphere.


    I drank the remaining half bottle of beer in one gulp, feeling a little relieved. But the corner of my eye glanced at Jian Wei. Since we entered the bar, she had been even quieter than Mi Cai, only occasionally talking to Xiang Chen.


    The others continued chatting, and although I was sitting next to Mi Cai, I didn''t dare to have any physical contact with her because I was afraid she would get angry. At this moment, I just wanted this gathering to end peacefully, and I didn''t want to participate in it again no matter what. The pain in my heart was only known to myself. I just wanted to silently wish Jian Wei and Xiang Chen happiness from behind, instead of being like this now. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Reluctantly, I joined in the laughter and banter with everyone, filling my heart with pain that I couldn''t escape from.


    Oh, the pain of wearing a mask that doesn''t fit is not just on the face, but also in the heart!


    Robben, who was far away, finally finished singing. He looked at me with the microphone and said, "Zhao Yang, come up and sing a couple of songs to liven up your friends."


    As soon as Robben finished speaking, Jian Wei was the first to applaud, followed by Circle, Xiang Chen, and others. They all clapped and whistled, and the atmosphere in the bar became lively.


    I glanced at everyone, nodded at Robben, and then walked towards the stage.


    Robben handed me the guitar and took a bass from Little Wu, a member of the band. I took a deep breath and chose Zheng Jun''s "Elopement".


    "A song of elopement for you all..." I said, strumming the guitar strings and closing my eyes. Some fragmented scenes appeared in my mind.


    "Devote our youth to the glorious city behind us, paying the price for this dream. Leave love to the girl who is most sincere to me. You accompany me in singing, accompany me in wandering, accompany me in both victory and defeat, until now I suddenly understand that what I yearn for is true love and freedom. I want to elope with you to the farthest town..."


    In the sound of tearing, I improvised and sang three consecutive "elopements". My emotions were completely released at this moment. Before Jian Wei went abroad, we were forced to a dead end, hiding back to Suzhou from Shanghai, and then wanting to elope from Suzhou to Tibet. At that time, we naively believed that with the courage in this song, we could elope to the ends of the earth, and we thought that with a guitar and the two of us, running all the way would make us the happiest people. We also believed that eloping could steal a lifetime for the two of us from the real world...


    The heavy metal music tore apart the longing, drowning out all the worldly noise. I had never been so hysterical, wishing I could tear the world apart, tear apart the illusions!


    As the music gradually stopped, the applause thundered. I still looked up, and after a long time, I returned the guitar to Robben without looking back and walked towards the restroom.


    In the mirror of the restroom, my face was covered in water stains, but I was glad that I had successfully hidden the pain, the suppressed tears, and the false disguise.


    She used to be my belief in this city of desires, but now, faith has mercilessly collapsed. So all the hurt, pain, and longing were suppressed in my heart, finally becoming unbearable and mutating in the time of this song, torturing my nerves.


    ...


    Outside the bar, everyone said their goodbyes. The three of us men were a little drunk. Circle supported Yan Yan and walked towards their car first, while Jian Wei helped Xiang Chen, who was not sober, and only Mi Cai and I maintained an imperceptible distance.


    Jian Wei helped Xiang Chen into the car, and when I thought she was going to leave, she turned back and walked towards Mi Cai and me.


    She stood in front of Mi Cai and me, but didn''t look at me. She said to Mi Cai, "Go back and make him a cup of milk with honey. His stomach isn''t feeling well."


    Mi Cai nodded, and only then did Jian Wei look at me. Then she nodded at Mi Cai, without saying anything else, and turned to walk towards the other car.


    I stared at her back, unable to come back to my senses for a long time!


    "She''s already gone..." Mi Cai said to me.


    "Oh." I numbly responded.


    "Where do you live? I''ll take you home."


    "No need, I''ll take a taxi myself."


    Mi Cai smiled and said, "I promised your ex-girlfriend to make you a cup of milk with honey. I don''t like breaking promises."


    "Then let''s go."Mi Cai was driving, and I sat in the passenger seat, watching the car weave through the city''s lights and towering buildings. I felt a bit dizzy, knowing that the alcohol was starting to take effect.


    After a long silence, Mi Cai finally asked me, "Was that song you just sang for your ex-girlfriend?"


    "Her... her name is Jian Wei."


    "So, you don''t like it when people refer to her as your ex-girlfriend?"


    I replied somewhat clumsily, "Two people who have... severed ties... isn''t it cleaner to just call them by their names?"


    Mi Cai chuckled, "I''m afraid your heart isn''t as clean as your words suggest."


    I didn''t respond, just stared at Mi Cai for a while before suddenly saying, "Drive faster, I feel like throwing up."


    "Then you should get out of the car and throw up."


    "I''ll throw up at home, just drive faster." I urged again, my words becoming more fluent.


    Mi Cai slammed on the brakes, and the car came to an abrupt stop. "Get out and throw up. Aren''t you uncomfortable holding it in? There''s a river over there."


    Although I was dizzy, I wasn''t about to throw up. I had only mentioned it to avoid talking about Jian Wei. But the sudden stop almost made me vomit the alcohol I had consumed. This woman always seemed to see through my lies and punish me accordingly.


    A quick look at " will leave you more fulfilled.


    I opened the car door and stumbled towards the river, then began to vomit hysterically.


    Feeling weak, I lay flat on the ground, looking at the twinkling stars and feeling dizzy again.


    Mi Cai came over and handed me a tissue, reprimanding me, "I told you not to drink so much!"


    "If you hadn''t... slammed on the brakes, I wouldn''t have thrown up." I slurred.


    "Really? So you were just playing me again?"


    Realizing I had inadvertently confessed, I decided to play dead and lay motionless on the ground.


    "Keep pretending, I''m leaving."


    I remembered the night Mi Cai had left me in the middle of nowhere, and I grabbed her hand, "Don''t go..."


    I held onto Mi Cai''s hand tightly, afraid of being left alone in this rarely traveled area.


    Mi Cai was a bit flustered, struggling to free herself while asking me to let go. I clung to her legs, as if I had found a source of comfort, a solace, a lost past.


    "Zhao Yang, let go, you''re drunk!" Mi Cai''s voice was tense. This level of physical contact was too intimate for us.


    "Just let me hold you for a while, don''t go..." My voice was choked with emotion.


    "I''m not Jian Wei, Zhao Yang, sober up!" Mi Cai pushed my shoulders, struggling fiercely, and finally managed to push me to the ground and ran towards her car.


    Lying on the ground again, my world was dark. The cold autumn wind gradually sobered me up. After a while, I got up and walked towards Mi Cai''s car. But Mi Cai, still shaken, insisted that I sit in the back seat.


    The car started again, carrying my sobering sense of loss towards the bright lights ahead.

 Chapter 30 – Sudden opportunity

    Explore the extended edition on .


    A moment later, Mi Cai escorted me to Robben''s place, where I would be settling down in this small ten-square-meter loft for the day.


    I was still dizzy and headed straight for the bed, falling into a deep sleep.


    Through my half-open eyes, I saw Mi Cai bustling around. She found an electric kettle, boiled some water, and then went downstairs. A moment later, she returned with milk powder and honey, and made me a cup of honey milk.


    "Don''t sleep yet, drink the milk first."


    I didn''t want to move at all, and mumbled, "Just leave it there, I''ll drink it later."


    "It''ll be cold later."


    I struggled to sit up from the bed, and Mi Cai handed me the milk, sitting across from me and watching me.


    The freshly made milk was very hot, and I drank it slowly. Mi Cai urged me, "Hurry up and drink, I''ll clean up and leave when you''re done."


    "There''s nothing to clean up. If you''re in a hurry, just go."


    "I''ll wash the cup and pour you another cup of hot water in case you get thirsty," Mi Cai said.


    "Why are you being so nice to me?" I said as I took a big gulp of milk, but it was so hot that I couldn''t swallow it.


    Mi Cai asked in surprise, "Just because I made you a cup of milk, you think I''m being very nice to you?"


    Yes! Mi Cai just made me a cup of milk with a simple gesture, so why did I feel she was being so nice to me?


    After a long time, I realized that I had been lonely for too long, and there hadn''t been a woman by my side for a long time. No matter how much I drank, I would only vomit by myself, and then fall asleep when I couldn''t vomit anymore. There was never a woman who would make me a cup of milk.


    Finally, I finished the cup of milk. Mi Cai washed the cup and poured me another cup of boiled water. This time, she didn''t urge me to drink it. She left the cup on the table by the bed and said, "Leave this cup here, drink it when you''re thirsty."


    "Okay."


    Mi Cai picked up her handbag, ready to leave, and then seemed to remember something and asked me, "Do you remember what you need to do tomorrow?"


    "Get up on time for work," I answered without thinking.


    Mi Cai frowned, "That''s not it."


    "Then what is it?"


    "You think about it yourself, I''m leaving now." Mi Cai said as she walked out of the room, closing the door behind her. She disappeared from my sight in an instant, leaving me with a question.


    I lit a cigarette and sat on the bed, thinking for a long time about what I needed to do tomorrow besides going to work. I finally extinguished the cigarette, covered myself with the blanket, and fell asleep again. Since what Mi Cai was talking about was something for tomorrow, I would think about it tomorrow...


    ...


    The next day, when I woke up, Robben was still asleep. His job required him to live a nocturnal life, and it seemed that he didn''t come back until the early hours of the morning yesterday.


    After a simple wash, I found a bowl of instant noodles in a box in the corner, made it for breakfast, and then hurriedly went downstairs to wait for the bus to the company.


    Robben''s place was quite remote, and the bus was swaying on the road. So, during this hour on the road, I kept thinking about what Mi Cai had reminded me of when she left yesterday.


    I was more awake in the morning and remembered that Mi Cai had helped me put on a show last night. Of course, she wouldn''t help me for no reason. There must be some exchange condition between us. Following this line of thought, it suddenly dawned on me that I had to buy insecticide powder for her today and spread it in the bathroom.


    I was afraid that I would forget, so I set a reminder on my phone. Only then did I feel safe.


    When I arrived at the company, before I had time to make myself a cup of tea, I was summoned by our planning department manager, Chen Jingming.


    I went to Chen Jingming''s office, and he seemed to be in a good mood, greeting me to sit down.


    "Manager, you summoned me early in the morning, did I mess up something again?" I asked subconsciously. In the two years I''ve been working, Chen Jingming usually called me in to criticize me.


    Chen Jingming smiled and said, "Don''t be nervous, this time I have an important task for you."


    "What task?"


    "This time GUCCI is setting up a counter in our department store, which officially elevates us to the ranks of top-tier department stores. The company wants to take this opportunity to launch a comprehensive marketing campaign, aiming for a grand scale to attract more international first-line brands to cooperate with our department store."


    "Manager, do you mean that I''m responsible for planning this event?" I asked in shock.


    Chen Jingming nodded and said seriously, "Yes, this is a rare opportunity for you. You know, the competition in the traditional retail industry is fierce, and it has been strongly impacted by online shopping in recent years. The survival environment is very harsh. Going high-end and brand-oriented is the fundamental way for our department store to survive in this industry. We must attract as many international first-line brands as possible to operate in our store and strengthen the brand advantage of our department store. So, this event is a manifestation of our company''s core values. The decision-making level above attaches great importance to it, and I hope you can take on this important task."


    "Manager, you know exactly how much I weigh. It''s better to leave such a big event to Circle."


    "Zhao Yang, opportunities don''t come often. It''s a foregone conclusion that Circle will be the deputy manager of the planning department because of his many contributions to the company and the department. No one has anything to say about that. But what about you, Zhao Yang? If I want to promote you to be the team leader of the planning and copywriting team, I''m afraid others will have something to say... Do you understand what I mean?"


    Of course, I understood what Chen Jingming meant. He wanted to use this event as a legitimate reason to promote me to the team leader of the planning and copywriting team. This was indeed a rare opportunity for me.


    After a long silence, I finally asked, "When will we start preparing for this event?""The preparations for GUCCI''s entry into our department store began as soon as the contract was signed. Oh, and GUCCI is planning to shoot the opening promotional poster on the 15th of this month. Please confirm with the model again to see if she is available. This is something that absolutely, absolutely cannot go wrong, understand?" Chen Jingming''s expression became increasingly serious as he spoke. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Understood, I''ll call her right away to confirm."


    Chen Jingming nodded, saying, "Make good use of this opportunity, it''s not something everyone is fortunate enough to encounter."


    "Thank you for the opportunity, Manager." I said sincerely.


    After leaving Chen Jingming''s office, I immediately called Le Yao to inform her of the date for the promotional poster shoot. Once she confirmed that there were no issues, a weight was lifted off my heart. I really should do something for my own life, so I must seize this opportunity!


    This was the first time in over two years that I had a desire to strive for progress, hoping for a significant change in my life.


    ......


    After a busy day, I came to my senses and realized it was already past seven o''clock. The various lights on the street began to illuminate the city''s night, making it dazzlingly bright.


    Sitting on the swaying bus, all I could think about was the upcoming event planning. Chen Jingming was right, this opportunity was a rare one for me, and I couldn''t afford to be careless.


    After a while, the bus was still swaying on the road. I took out my phone from my pocket to check the time, only to find that it had automatically shut down due to a lack of power.


    I looked up at the electronic clock on the bus, it was already half past eight in the evening.


    Half past eight! I suddenly remembered that I had to buy insecticide powder for Mi Cai after work today, to help her deal with those cockroaches she hated!


    I remember setting a reminder on my phone this morning, fearing that I would forget. But my phone just happened to run out of power. This coincidence was enough to ruin my reputation and make Mi Cai completely disgusted with me.

 Chapter 31 – Scammer

    I couldn''t wait to get off the bus before it even stopped. I looked around for a taxi, but unfortunately, all the ones that passed by were already occupied.


    I was starting to believe more and more that my encounter with Mi Cai was not a wonderful arrangement, but an unavoidable torment.


    Finally, a taxi arrived. I hurriedly got in and headed towards the farmer''s market. I remembered that there would be some vendors there selling insecticide powder, as the insecticides sold in supermarkets usually couldn''t kill cockroaches. So I could only hope that the vendors hadn''t closed yet.


    When I arrived at the farmer''s market, it was pitch black. Not only were the vendors gone, but all the shops inside had also closed. I felt a bit disappointed. Despite my efforts, it seemed that I wouldn''t be able to buy the insecticide powder tonight.


    With no other choice, I went to the supermarket and bought a bottle of insecticide, hoping to pass it off as the powder.


    ...


    I arrived at the old house. It was already 10 o''clock at night, and the back and forth journey had tortured me for over an hour. I just hoped that Mi Cai wouldn''t discover that what I brought was just insecticide instead of the agreed-upon powder.


    I knocked on the door, and after a while, Mi Cai, wearing pajamas, opened it for me. It seemed like she was still eating something.


    Curiously, I asked, "What are you eating?"


    "Cherries."


    "What are cherries?"


    Mi Cai seemed satisfied with my compliance today and patiently explained, "Cherries are cherries. Go wash your hands first. There are still plenty left!"


    "Are you treating me to them?"


    Mi Cai nodded, and I immediately walked towards the bathroom. I felt a bit delighted. Mi Cai''s attitude towards me had improved a lot, so there was no harm in being a reliable person.


    When I came out of the bathroom, Mi Cai had already placed the box of cherries on the sofa in the living room. She was holding a book and eating, with an elegant eating posture and a relaxed expression.


    I sat down next to Mi Cai and looked at the box. It was beautifully crafted. I realized that these were authentic cherries imported from Chile, not the kind of cheap goods labeled as imported in supermarkets. There were at least a thousand cherries in this box.


    I picked up two cherries and put them in my mouth, saying to Mi Cai, "You say we both have the same nose and two eyes. Why do you live so extravagantly?"


    "What?" Mi Cai looked at me with some confusion.


    "I mean you live extravagantly. Since my mother gave birth to me, I''ve never eaten such expensive fruit!" I said, picking up two more cherries and throwing them into my mouth.


    "A friend gave them to me," Mi Cai replied, focusing her attention back on the book she was reading.


    "Then tell me, why don''t I have friends who give me such expensive fruit? In the end, your class is corrupt and extravagant! The big parasite of socialism." After saying that, I angrily picked up several cherries and threw them into my mouth.


    Mi Cai seemed to be in a good mood and didn''t argue with me. She just said, "If you like them, you can take them home and eat."


    When you''re just trying to make great content at .


    "I must take them home." I stood up from the sofa, found a convenient bag, and packed the box.


    At this moment, Mi Cai finally put down her book and asked me, "Did you buy the insecticide powder?"


    "If I didn''t buy it, would I have the nerve to come here?"


    Mi Cai nodded in agreement and said, "If you didn''t buy it and still dared to come find me, that would be harassment!"


    "I bought it, I bought it. Don''t talk about harassment. You''re ruining my reputation." I said impatiently, taking out the insecticide I had bought from my briefcase, ready to deceive her.


    Mi Cai stared at the insecticide and frowned, saying, "Didn''t you say it was insecticide powder? This doesn''t look like it!"


    I panicked for a moment and quickly said, "Of course it doesn''t look like it. This is the latest insecticide developed. It''s extremely effective against cockroaches."


    Mi Cai looked at me with a skeptical expression and said, "I read in a book that cockroaches have strong resistance, and ordinary insecticides are basically ineffective."


    "Don''t be so dogmatic. Is this an ordinary insecticide? Without bragging, just this can wipe out all the cockroaches in this house. It''s simply inhumane!" I bluffed.


    Mi Cai still looked unconvinced and said, "Why do I feel like you''re a swindler from the martial world?"


    Feeling a bit guilty, I angrily replied, "I''m doing this for your own good. Insecticide powder is highly toxic. What if you accidentally poison a rat or something? Isn''t that disgusting?"


    Mi Cai was startled by my words and quickly said, "Then don''t just stand there. Do what you came here to do."


    "Do you want to come in and watch?"


    Mi Cai shook her head repeatedly, and I calmly turned around. Then, with a triumphant feeling, I walked towards the bathroom. At this moment, I had a sense of conquering a city. In my heart, I thought, "Silly girl, come and expose me again, come on..."I was holding the cherries that Mi Cai had given me as I bid her farewell. It was already 11 o''clock, and it would be at least midnight by the time I got back to Robben''s place. I couldn''t help but sigh at how exhausting this night had been. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Before leaving, I warned Mi Cai, "Don''t use the bathroom tonight. After spraying the insecticide, there are too many toxic substances."


    "I know."


    Out of boredom, I asked, "Can you hold it in for the night? I doubt it. I usually have to use the bathroom several times a night."


    As expected, Mi Cai frowned and said, "Why do you talk so much?"


    "I''m just worried about you!"


    "I won''t stay here tonight."


    Mi Cai''s words once again piqued my curiosity. From her words, I was almost certain that she had other houses in this city. But why did she insist on buying this place and living here?


    In the end, I didn''t voice my doubts because Mi Cai wouldn''t tell me. I had asked before, and knowing the answer would only satisfy my curiosity and had no other significance to me. I had become accustomed to doing meaningful things, so it was better not to ask.


    I took another cherry out of my pocket, threw it into my mouth, and said to Mi Cai, "I''m leaving now. If there''s anything you can''t handle in this house or the community, give me a call."


    "Okay."


    I coughed, the sensor light in the corridor lit up, and I turned around to leave.


    "Zhao Yang, wait."


    I turned back in surprise and asked Mi Cai, "You''re not planning to ask me to stay, are you? The bathroom here is out of order, and I can''t hold it in!"


    "Take your guitar." Mi Cai turned around and went back to the room I used to live in, and took out the guitar.


    I didn''t want to take the guitar from Mi Cai. After a long silence, I said, "I told you to find someone who knows about this. This guitar can definitely be sold for a good price. I don''t have the money to pay you back now!"


    "When I asked you to pay me back that day, I was angry. Take the guitar. It doesn''t belong to anyone but you and Jian Wei. It''s at least a memory."


    I asked in surprise, "How do you know this guitar is related to Jian Wei?"


    "Your names are carved on the guitar." Mi Cai''s tone was very calm.


    After a long silence, I didn''t look at the guitar that Mi Cai had propped up in the corner, and said in a low voice, "I don''t want it."


    Mi Cai smiled, "You can throw away a guitar, but you can''t throw away the memories in your heart. Why deceive yourself?"


    I remained silent.


    "Take it." Mi Cai put the guitar case outside the door and then closed the door.


    ...


    With this regained guitar, I returned to Robben''s place with a heavy heart. Coincidentally, I ran into Robben at the entrance of the building, along with a flamboyantly dressed woman he was with.


    The woman took off her helmet and stepped off Robben''s modified racing motorcycle. Then Robben also took off his helmet.


    I immediately understood that this was a casual friend Robben had brought back.


    Robben, with his arm around the flamboyant woman, introduced her to me, "Zhao Yang, this is my friend Lily."


    I smiled and said, "I''m not intruding, am I? If so, I can stay at a hotel."


    "No, it''s fine. She''s not staying the night. It''ll be quick." Robben said.


    "Alright, I''ll wait downstairs... Can you take the guitar up for me?"


    Robben took the guitar from me, patted my shoulder to indicate that he would be quick, and then walked upstairs with the woman. I sat at the entrance of the building, opened the bag of cherries I had brought back from Mi Cai''s place, and started eating again.

 Chapter 32 – Payday

    I waited at the corridor for almost forty minutes, and Robben still hadn''t finished. I couldn''t resist the cold autumn wind and wanted to go up and urge him.


    Just as I stood up, a woman named Lily came down from upstairs, and the air was filled with a strong scent of perfume.


    "Finished?" I adjusted my clothes and asked.


    Lily glanced at me displeased and said, "If it weren''t for you, I would have spent the night here."


    "Robben still has several bars to visit tomorrow, so don''t bother him."


    "I don''t understand why two men live together!" Lily complained to me.


    "I''m just staying here for a while until I find a house to move out." I explained to Lily with some guilt.


    Lily nodded and then said, "I forgot to bring my wallet, give me 50 yuan for a taxi."


    I was a bit surprised, "Why didn''t you ask Robben just now?"


    "I forgot, and I''m too lazy to go back up. Stop nagging and give it to me quickly." Lily made a gesture asking for money.


    "Are you a prostitute or something?"


    Lily gave me a disdainful look and said, "Have you ever seen a prostitute who only asks for 50 yuan?"


    "You have a point." I took out my wallet from my pocket, but couldn''t find a 50 yuan bill. Lily directly took out a 100 yuan bill and waved it in front of me, as if I had slept with her.


    After Lily left, I felt that staying at Robben''s place was not a long-term solution. After all, it was inconvenient and far from the company. I needed to continue looking for a house.


    ...


    Back in the room, there seemed to be a lingering scent of debauchery in the air. I instinctively looked at the bed, but the sheets were still neatly folded.


    "I didn''t do anything on the bed because I was afraid you wouldn''t be comfortable." Robben explained to me.


    "Thank you for that!"


    Robben smiled and said, "No problem, sleeping or standing is the same."


    I put the cherries that I brought from Mi Cai on the table and said to Robben, "A friend gave them to me, try them."


    "Oh, they''re imported from Chile. Which friend of yours is so extravagant?" Robben picked one up and put it in his mouth.


    I didn''t answer for a while, realizing that calling Mi Cai a friend was a bit wishful thinking. In reality, we were at most slightly closer than strangers. At least, Mi Cai was often annoyed with me.


    "Just a friend." I vaguely replied.


    It was an insignificant matter, and Robben didn''t ask further. He took out the guitar from the guitar case, strummed the strings, and looked intoxicated. Then he asked me, "How did you get this awesome guitar back? Didn''t you use it to pay off your debts?"


    "She returned it to me." I answered truthfully.


    "Who is she?"


    "Do I have to write a book to answer you?"


    Robben smiled at me with an understanding look and said, "Calm down..." Finally, he stopped asking me and started strumming the guitar. The song "Cinderella" floated out of the ten-square-meter attic with the autumn wind at night.


    ...


    The night was quiet like a stagnant pool of water. Robben and I lay on the bed, each holding a cigarette, equally lost and silent.


    Suddenly, a gust of wind blew forcefully from outside the window, dispersing the smoke that filled the room.


    Both of us took a deep breath of the wild wind and exhaled heavily, and the smell of tobacco filled the room again.


    I quickly finished smoking a cigarette and extinguished it in the ashtray. Finally, I asked Robben, "What are you thinking about?"


    "Thinking about girls." Robben took another drag of his cigarette.


    I teased, "Didn''t you just sleep with Lily?"


    Robben smiled and extinguished the cigarette in his hand. He took out another one from the cigarette box, lit it, and after a while, he said, "I wonder how she''s doing now."


    "If you miss her, why don''t you contact her? Just treat it as caring for an old friend."


    "Can you contact Jian Wei after breaking up for more than two years?" Robben asked me in return.


    "Why are you bringing up Jian Wei?"


    "It''s the same logic. What can change by contacting her? Just think like that!"


    "I''m just feeling sorry for you. Clearly still in love, clearly forced by her parents, but in the end, leaving a name of betrayal in her heart."


    "As long as she''s happy, my little bit of grievance doesn''t matter."


    I also lit another cigarette and took two puffs, sinking into silence. I didn''t urge Robben to contact that girl from Beijing anymore.


    "Let''s sleep, it''s almost dawn." Robben extinguished the cigarette that he had only smoked halfway and said to me.


    I looked out the window and seemed to see through all the darkness before dawn. I couldn''t help but sigh in my heart: Life is truly an unsolvable puzzle, full of right and wrong, truth and falsehood...


    ...


    The next day, another busy day passed. This kind of busyness was something I hadn''t experienced in the first two years at the company. It was mainly because Circle''s work temporarily fell on me. But it wasn''t a bad thing. If I had the chance to become the team leader of the planning and copywriting group, then this was an early adaptation process.


    Besides being busy all day, I also had other gains. I finally received my salary today, so as the end of the workday approached, I planned how to spend this month''s salary.


    After thinking for a long time, I decided to use this money to invite Mi Cai to have dinner for the first time. I still remembered how I tricked her into attending Circle''s wedding under the pretext of having a meal a few days ago. She was so angry. There was no doubt that I had acted thoughtlessly in that matter. So tonight''s dinner, I must sincerely invite her, to apologize and to thank her for cooperating with me in the play at the bar the night before yesterday, so that I wouldn''t feel embarrassed in front of Jian Wei.


    I found Mi Cai''s phone number and dialed it. She answered after a while, still in a calm tone, "Hello, what''s up?"


    "I want to invite you to dinner tonight, would you honor me with your presence?" I said sincerely.


    "Is it another one of your friend''s weddings this time?"I was at a loss for words. She always had a way of leaving me speechless with her calm demeanor. After a pause, I finally said, "This time it''s not about a friend''s wedding, I just want to invite you to dinner."


    "Oh, let''s skip it today."


    I felt a bit disappointed, but I insisted, "Come on, I got my paycheck today, and you were the first person I thought of. Don''t turn down my generous offer."


    "My car is in for maintenance, and it''s not very convenient to hail a taxi here. Maybe next time." Mi Cai finally gave me a reason not to come.


    "That''s easy to solve, I have a car, I can pick you up. Where are you?"


    "You have a car?" Mi Cai asked, puzzled.


    "Yes, it''s similar to yours. Please give me some face, I''ll take you to a very interesting restaurant tonight, I guarantee you''ll like it."


    After thinking for a while, Mi Cai finally agreed, "Hmm, I''m at Liu''an Scenic Garden, you can come over."


    "You live in Liu''an Scenic Garden!" I exclaimed, because it''s a high-end residential area locally. Mi Cai must have moved there because her bathroom was unusable due to the insecticide sprayed yesterday. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Why are you asking so many questions?" Mi Cai hung up the phone after saying this.


    I smiled and didn''t mind Mi Cai''s attitude. I had anticipated that she had other properties in Suzhou.


    I put my phone in my pocket and said to Zhao Li, who was still busy next door, "Zhao Li, can I borrow your Alto Little Prince tonight?"


    Zhao Li looked up at me warily and asked, "What are you going to do?"


    A quick look at " will leave you more fulfilled.


    "I''ll fill up the tank for you after I''m done, hurry up." I said impatiently.


    "You better not trick me." Zhao Li said, taking the car keys out of the drawer and handing them to me.


    ......


    As the sky gradually darkened, I drove Zhao Li''s Alto towards the "Liu''an Scenic Garden" residential area. I wasn''t fooling Mi Cai this time, the car I was driving was indeed similar to hers. Hers was an Audi, mine was an Alto, both in eye-catching purple-red color.

 Chapter 33 – In the empty city, there is a music-themed restaurant

    After about half an hour of driving, I finally arrived at "Willow Bank Scenic Garden" where I currently live, and Mi Cai was already waiting for me under a phoenix tree outside the community.


    Autumn leaves were swirling in the air, and the lights illuminated her figure, making her look like a character walking out of a painting, serene and indifferent.


    I honked the horn and Mi Cai looked towards me.


    I smiled at her and said, "Get in the car, let''s go eat. If we''re late, there might not be any seats left."


    Mi Cai walked towards me and opened the car door, sitting in the passenger seat without paying attention to what kind of car I was driving. I couldn''t help but feel a little guilty and said, "How about my car? It''s not bad, right? Small displacement, environmentally friendly."


    "It''s not bad, just a little sleazy like you." Mi Cai glanced at me with a smile that wasn''t really a smile.


    "Am I sleazy?" I asked, then took down the mirror in the car and looked at myself with insecurity.


    A quick look at " will leave you more fulfilled.


    "Sleazy doesn''t necessarily refer to appearance, I''m talking about your character."


    I put the mirror back and didn''t want to argue with Mi Cai. After all, the image of me having a bad character had already been deeply ingrained in her mind. Even if I tried to package myself as a national hero saving the people, she would still think I''m sleazy.


    Mi Cai was a little surprised by my lack of retort, and I just smiled at her and started the car. I thought to myself: Mi Cai doesn''t really understand a man with depth. They are often silent. Based on this, it''s obvious that I am a man with depth.


    ...


    The Alto shuttled through the streets and finally stopped on an old street that was about to be demolished. Mi Cai and I got out of the car. The shop I wanted to take her to would pass through a narrow alley, and the car couldn''t go in, so we had to walk.


    There were only a few dim streetlights in this narrow alley, and Mi Cai followed closely behind me, a little nervous, and asked, "Where are you taking me?"


    "To a paradise, but we have to pass through this dark place first." I replied.


    After walking through this dark alley, the space on the other side suddenly opened up. Under a bright streetlight, the "Empty City Theme Music Restaurant" appeared in front of Mi Cai.


    I lit a cigarette and said to Mi Cai beside me, "This is the restaurant. It''s opened by a friend of mine who plays music. The music atmosphere inside is great, but they mainly serve Sichuan cuisine."


    "That''s quite eclectic!" Mi Cai looked at the sign and said. Usually, music restaurants mainly serve Western cuisine.


    "Yeah, the boss is from Chongqing. Can you handle spicy food?"


    "I can."


    While I was talking to Mi Cai, we walked into the restaurant. The boss, CC, was sitting on a bar stool that could be raised and lowered, singing a song with a glass of beer in her hand and an unfinished cigarette between her fingers.


    CC noticed my arrival right away and snapped her fingers at me during a break in the music, saying, "Long time no see, Zhao Yang."


    I nodded and gave CC a thumbs up to show that her singing was great.


    CC smiled and gestured to chat later, then continued singing Zhang Xuan''s "Appearance" with the rhythm of the music.


    Mi Cai and I chose a seat, and Mi Cai seemed to really enjoy CC''s singing. She didn''t talk to me and just listened quietly.


    After ordering the food, my attention was also immersed in CC''s singing. In CC''s somewhat hoarse but extremely infectious voice, I remembered some fragments.


    Three years ago, Jian Wei and I escaped to Suzhou from Shanghai because of her parents'' crazy opposition. We were both penniless and struggled to survive. I started performing in this music restaurant owned by CC, and the income sustained our lives. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At that time, Jian Wei would wait in the restaurant every day to listen to me sing. She would also help serve dishes and pour water for customers to earn some tips. Every time the restaurant closed, I would habitually light a cigarette, and she would help me carry the guitar on her back. We would hold hands and walk through that dark alley. I would buy her a roasted sweet potato from a stall at the corner...


    That winter, sometimes the wind was cold, sometimes the rain and snow were heavy, but the feeling of relying on each other made me feel warm even now!


    "Zhao Yang, why is this restaurant called Empty City?"


    Mi Cai''s sudden question broke the images in my mind. I couldn''t come back to my senses for a while and stared blankly before answering, "When everyone is born, there is an empty city in their hearts. As time goes by and they grow up, the restlessness, indifference, and worldly fame and fortune fill up this empty city, making it bloated and unbearable. It''s called Empty City to commemorate that innocent empty city."


    "Is this your interpretation?"


    "This is what CC told me." I said, looking at CC who was singing.


    Mi Cai nodded, took a sip of cold tea, and continued to listen to CC''s singing.


    ...


    CC finally finished singing a song and walked towards us, putting the microphone back on the stand.


    CC was a very unique beauty. Her features weren''t particularly attractive individually, but when put together, they were captivating and unforgettable. So, as she walked over, she attracted the attention of many diners.CC placed a large mug of draft beer in front of me and smiled, saying, "This one''s on me." She then signaled the waiter to bring a large cup of cola for Mi Cai.


    "I''m driving today, so I won''t drink."


    Mi Cai chimed in, "Go ahead, I''ll drive for you later."


    Only then did CC look at Mi Cai and ask me, "Is this lady... your new girlfriend?"


    I glanced at Mi Cai, who remained calm, and mustered the courage to say, "Yes, she''s my girlfriend."


    CC shrugged. I knew she felt regretful about Jian Wei and me, but in the end, she still greeted Mi Cai with a smile, praising her for her stunning beauty.


    The lights in the restaurant dimmed a bit, but the old-fashioned candlesticks on the table lit up, filling the entire restaurant with a faint aroma of scented candles.


    After a brief silence, CC asked me, "By the way, what has Robben been up to lately? He hasn''t been here for a long time."


    "What else could he be busy with, just running around all day."


    "Invite him over when you have time, I miss him." There was a hint of helplessness and sadness in CC''s words. She liked Robben, but Robben was always thinking about that girl from Beijing.


    "Sure, let''s set a time to get together, right here."


    "You have to promise me!"


    I smiled and made a promise, "I promise."


    Only then did CC nod in relief.


    ......


    After CC left, Mi Cai and I finally had some alone time. I raised my beer mug to Mi Cai, who also raised her cola to clink with me, and we each took a sip.


    Just then, two more people walked into the restaurant from outside. The door opened and a gust of cold wind was brought in. Then I saw that the newcomers were Jian Wei and Xiang Chen.


    A surge of emotions caught me off guard. It seemed that this was not a night where Mi Cai and I could enjoy a quiet dinner. I dreaded such encounters, feared them, and hated such coincidences that awkwardly brought us together.

 Chapter 34 – Clean place

    My expression began to look unnatural, and Mi Cai, who was sitting across from me, noticed something was wrong. She glanced at me and then turned her head, and our gazes met with Jian Wei''s.


    Mi Cai had a cold personality, while Jian Wei was naturally proud. Despite this unexpected encounter, neither of them greeted each other. Instead, Xiang Chen waved at me and said, "Zhao Yang, having a meal with your girlfriend?"


    "Yeah, since you''re here, let''s share a table." Despite my reluctance to meet them, I politely invited them. This politeness made me feel uncomfortable, but I had no choice.


    Jian Wei held onto Xiang Chen''s arm and shook her head, saying, "No need, we''ll sit over there to avoid the crowd."


    Xiang Chen obediently followed her. After smiling at me, he led Jian Wei to another table. Watching their backs, I believed that after this unexpected encounter, Jian Wei and Xiang Chen would definitely believe that Mi Cai and I were in a romantic relationship. Today, Mi Cai and I were on a date, enjoying a dinner that belonged only to the two of us. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    This was probably the first time Jian Wei had come to "Sky in the Clouds" to eat since returning to the country. CC was surprised to see Jian Wei and also gave her and Xiang Chen a beer and a cola. However, she didn''t mention the past because in her eyes, Jian Wei and I had already moved on. Bringing up the past would be inappropriate and ruin the atmosphere.


    During the meal, Xiang Chen and I exchanged a few words from several tables away. I asked Xiang Chen why he and Jian Wei were still in Suzhou. Xiang Chen said that Suzhou was where we went to university, but we rarely came back in recent years. Since both he and Jian Wei had time, they decided to stay here for a few more days. However, in a few days, Jian Wei would accompany him to Nanjing.


    Xiang Chen''s answer struck a nerve. I knew that Jian Wei was going to Nanjing to meet Xiang Chen''s family. Perhaps it wouldn''t be long before I received their wedding invitation, tearing me apart once again.


    ...


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    During the meal, I remained restless, never looking towards Jian Wei''s direction and refraining from drinking too much. I repeatedly reminded myself that our past had already been diluted by the passage of time. No matter how reluctant or self-torturing I was, it wouldn''t change anything.


    I knew deep down that when Jian Wei put on the crystal diamond necklace given to her by Xiang Chen, I had already been living in a separate world, building the strongest wall around myself, shutting out any sight, thought, or pain...


    I didn''t know when, but Xiang Chen and Jian Wei had finished their dinner before us. They simply greeted us and left in a hurry. I watched them walk into a small alley, but I couldn''t see the scenery of the corner where we used to buy roasted sweet potatoes on winter nights.


    It was a chilly night.


    Mi Cai waved her hand in front of my eyes, bringing me back from my daze. It was then that I realized this was a dinner that was supposed to be just for Mi Cai and me. I smiled apologetically, raised my glass to Mi Cai, and finished the remaining beer in one gulp, still sober.


    The dinner continued. It wasn''t that Mi Cai and I were eating slowly, but rather that Jian Wei and Xiang Chen had left in a hurry. I ordered another beer, not to get drunk, as this beer couldn''t get me drunk, but to clear my mind with its cold liquid.


    Half an hour later, Mi Cai and I finished the dinner. After saying goodbye to CC, I left with Mi Cai.


    "Zhao Yang, haven''t you paid the bill yet?" Mi Cai said, grabbing my arm.


    "We''re such good friends, why bother with the bill?" I continued walking forward, joking with Mi Cai. In reality, we were mostly silent during the meal and didn''t communicate much. Teasing her before leaving at least made the night feel less heavy.


    Mi Cai exerted more force and stopped me. Her calm face was filled with anger. "You have no integrity! If everyone were like you, how could your friend''s restaurant stay in business?"


    "You''ve had too much to drink! It''s surprising that even cola can get someone drunk," I said, looking at Mi Cai with a half-smile. Her current state of agitation was completely different from her usual self.


    Mi Cai realized she had lost control and stopped arguing with me. She took out her wallet and walked towards the counter. At this moment, I understood even more how much Mi Cai despised my bad behavior, to the point where she disregarded her own appearance and argued with me in public.


    I quickly caught up and held onto Mi Cai, saying, "We agreed that I would treat you. How can I let you pay?"


    "I don''t want to associate with scum like you. Don''t talk to me."


    "Heh, I was just joking with you. The place to pay is not at the counter, but in that corner." I turned Mi Cai''s body around so she could see the box in the corner.


    Mi Cai looked at me with confusion. During her meal, she had been facing away from the box and didn''t know what was going on.


    I smiled and explained, "Didn''t you notice that there were no prices listed on the menu? Eating here relies on your own conscience. When you leave, you just throw the money into that box."


    "Can I put in any amount?" Mi Cai asked, surprised.


    "Yes, no one will supervise you here."


    "But..."


    I pulled Mi Cai to the corner where the box was placed and took out 300 yuan from my wallet, putting it into the box. Then I said to Mi Cai, "People who come here to consume have all had a pure empty city in their hearts. No one will defile this empty city with worldly materials. That''s why this restaurant has been in business for many years and is not losing money... If there is still a clean place in this world, it must be here!"


    ...


    On the way back, Mi Cai drove her compact Alto through the real city, but she still seemed interested in the "Empty City Music-themed Restaurant." She asked me, "Zhao Yang, have all the people who have come to this restaurant over the years followed this rule?"


    "Of course not. When this restaurant first opened, there were many people who came to eat without paying or tried to escape the bill."Mi Cai was not surprised by my answer, because the world is never short of those who love to take advantage of others, the petty people who want to gain without working. She asked again, "So why has it become like this now, where everyone abides by this rule?"


    I recalled and answered, "At that time, we all advised CC to give up this idealistic way of operation, because it was too unrealistic. But CC insisted on doing so. Eventually, the income couldn''t cover the expenses, and it was difficult to continue the business. Finally, one day, a notice of closure was posted on the bulletin board of the restaurant."


    "And then?"


    "On the last night before the closure, there were still many people who brought their families to have a free dinner. We were all disheartened, blaming CC for being too naive. This idealistic way of operation only revealed the ugliness of human nature in the end."


    Mi Cai nodded thoughtfully.


    I rolled down the car window, lit a cigarette, and continued, "After closing that night, we were really down. A few friends and I closed the door and drank a lot of alcohol, because after this night, there would be no more restaurant in the empty city!"


    I exhaled a long puff of smoke, smiled, and said, "Perhaps there really is a saying about life from desperation. When we and CC opened the box to settle the day''s business income, we found a full 100,000 yuan in cash... We were surprised, but no one knew which customer had put it in."


    "So the restaurant continued to operate because of this 100,000 yuan?"


    I nodded and said, "Yes, this 100,000 yuan gave CC the motivation to continue operating, to be precise, a spiritual motivation. For the sake of that unknown customer, we couldn''t close the restaurant in the empty city. Later, we replaced the box with a transparent one. Everyone could clearly see how much money was given after eating. Those petty people who only threw a few coins in, my friends and I would block them in the alley and beat them up... Over time, those who loved to take advantage of others stopped coming. But CC never knew about this. If she knew, she wouldn''t agree with us doing this... After a long time, CC replaced the transparent box with an opaque one again, but there was basically no loss, of course, it doesn''t rule out that there are still people who are muddling through!"


    After listening to my narration, the usually indifferent Mi Cai actually said indignantly, "Good for you, those shameless people deserve to be beaten... But won''t those who were beaten call the police for your abuse of private punishment?"


    "Of course they would call the police, but one of the guys who beat people with us was a local police officer, so he turned a blind eye. Besides, we didn''t extort money, and we knew how to control our strength. It was mainly a warning. As long as those scumbags didn''t come, the restaurant could maintain normal operation."


    Mi Cai looked at me and suddenly laughed...


    I looked at her in surprise, not understanding why.


    "I just find it funny to hear you calling others scumbags...!" Mi Cai explained with a laugh.


    "...Who says a scumbag can''t call others scumbags?"


    "I didn''t say you were a scumbag this time."


    "You mean that, do you think I''m stupid and can''t hear it?"


    Mi Cai laughed out loud. In all the days we''ve been together, this was the first time I saw her laugh so openly. At this moment, her cheerful demeanor made her even more beautiful and captivating. So, the little Alto car moved more briskly through the city''s lights and shadows, less burdened by reality, and filled with a string of beautiful laughter.

 Chapter 35 – You beast

    Mi Cai drove me back to Robben''s place. I hadn''t drunk too much that night, so saying goodbye was relatively simple.


    Mi Cai unbuckled her seatbelt and said to me, "Thank you for dinner tonight. I really liked that restaurant."


    "You should go there often then, but don''t try to dine and dash. I''ll gather a group of righteous people and corner you in an alley to give you a good beating," I joked with Mi Cai.


    "If I really did that, I would willingly accept your judgment."


    "You''re very enlightened!"


    Mi Cai didn''t say much more. She opened the car door and got out, looking around for a passing taxi.


    I also got out of the car and stood next to Mi Cai, waiting with her. After a while, I nudged her and jokingly said, "Let''s discuss something."


    "What is it?"


    "Let me go back to being your landlord, and you can be my female tenant, okay?"


    "That''s not very practical! You just moved out."


    "But I miss that room more and more every day!"


    Mi Cai firmly said, "Put away your inappropriate thoughts... I don''t like having a man living in my house."


    "But didn''t you take me in before?"


    "That''s because you were pitifully begging me."


    "Then I''ll pitifully beg you again."


    Mi Cai didn''t get annoyed with my persistence like before. She patiently said to me, "It''s really inconvenient for a man and a woman to live together. There are many options in this big city, why do you have to make things difficult for me?"


    "So, you won''t live with your boyfriend in the future? No matter who it is, it''s inevitable for a man and a woman to live together."


    Mi Cai gave a faint smile and said, "You''re right, so I''ll only live with my boyfriend, not you."


    Finally, a vacant taxi drove by. Mi Cai flagged it down, got in, and quickly disappeared from my sight.


    I muttered to the night, "You''re right, but why do I feel like you''re forcing me to be your boyfriend, so we can live together legitimately? Remember, I told Mr. Ban before, you''re not my type, so please put away your inappropriate thoughts about me!"


    Suddenly, I laughed. This was really audacious, I was even lying to myself!


    ...


    When I entered Robben''s house, it was still empty, not even a TV. The night was destined to be dull and boring. I dragged out a few boxes from under the bed and found a can of beer. This was nice. Drinking a can of beer and playing a few songs on the guitar was a decent way to pass the time.


    The wind on the balcony was still wild. I sat on the railing, holding my guitar, unmoving. I wasn''t afraid of the wild wind, but I was afraid of not seeing the "City in the Sky". So, I strummed the guitar strings and sang with all my might, as if calling out, as if begging, calling for that distant city to return to my heart, to settle down, to no longer wander.


    I didn''t know when Robben came back. Suddenly, he handed me a cigarette from behind, then jumped onto the railing and lit one for himself.


    I put the guitar aside, lit the cigarette, took a puff, and said to Robben, "I went to CC''s restaurant for dinner today."


    "Really?" Robben mechanically responded.


    "CC said she misses you."


    Robben looked at me, was silent for a while, and then said, "I chatted with Le Yao on WeChat today."


    "Really?" I mechanically responded.


    "Le Yao said she misses you."


    I laughed and said, "I honestly relayed CC''s words to you, but you''re clearly bullshitting."


    Robben didn''t argue with me. He took out his phone from his pocket and showed me his chat history with Le Yao. Indeed, it was there in black and white, solid evidence.


    I suddenly felt speechless. I picked up the beer next to me, took a sip, and after a while, I said, "You haven''t seen CC for a long time, right? When you have time, let''s go to her restaurant together."


    "Bring Le Yao along, let''s all go together."


    "Why do you always bring up Le Yao?"


    "Zhao Yang, my young friend, do not do unto others what you don''t want done unto you!" He laughed and continued, "You should understand better than anyone that a man''s heart isn''t big. It can only hold the first woman he loved. At least in this regard, we are the same."


    I shook my head and said, "Robben, you and CC are actually quite suitable for each other. You have the same dreams, the same hobbies, the same character. But Le Yao and I are clearly from two different worlds. She doesn''t really like me that much. To be precise, she was just dependent on me for a while. So, don''t forcefully compare us."


    "Let''s not talk about this. I''m a bit tired today, I''m going to bed." Robben patted my shoulder and jumped off the railing.


    I shouted at him, "Find some time to go to CC''s place soon."


    "We''ll see."


    After giving me an ambiguous answer, Robben left. I knew he didn''t want to defile CC with a body that didn''t love her. After all, CC was different from those women he could casually bring back to sleep with. On this point, Robben had his principles. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    I could understand Robben, but I still felt a bit regretful.


    ...


    The next day, I got up a bit later than usual because I didn''t have to take the bus. Zhao Li''s car was still with me.Upon arriving at the company, I managed to clock in just before nine o''clock at the front desk. Right on my heels, Zhao Li rushed out of another elevator, sprinting towards the time clock as if he were on roller skates. Just as he was about to insert his card, the time mercilessly ticked past nine.


    With a gloomy face, Zhao Li complained to me, "Zhao Yang, it''s all your fault. I thought I had a car and slept until eight. Now...sigh! I''ve lost my perfect attendance award for this month!"


    I tossed the car keys in my hand to Zhao Li, nonchalantly saying, "It''s just a perfect attendance award, no big deal. I didn''t get it last month either."


    "Have you ever received it since you started working?"


    I was annoyed by Zhao Li''s question and my face darkened. Zhao Li quickly changed the subject, asking, "You said you would fill up my car with gas, did you?"


    "Don''t worry, it''s filled to the brim."


    Zhao Li finally seemed to regain some balance and nodded.


    I added, "By the way, I found a Sinopec gas card in your car and gave it to the gas station attendant."


    Zhao Li''s face changed dramatically, still holding onto the last hope, he said, "You don''t know the password!"


    "It''s just Pan Xiaoyun''s (Zhao Li''s girlfriend) birthday, I know it."


    "Zhao Yang, you beast!... You stole my game equipment last time, didn''t you?"


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    After entering the office, Zhao Li continued to glare at me with a look of deep hatred. I ignored him, knowing that he would still lend me his little Alto when I needed it next time.


    Just as I was about to make a cup of coffee in the break room to perk myself up, I received a summons from Manager Chen Jingming, asking me to come to his office immediately.


    I put down the cup in my hand and went to Chen Jingming''s office.


    "Sit." Chen Jingming said to me while looking at some documents.


    "I won''t sit, Manager. If you have something to say, just say it. I''m very busy."


    Chen Jingming looked up and smiled, then put down the documents in his hand and said, "There''s a matter that needs your coordination."


    "Is it still about GUCCI?"


    Chen Jingming nodded and said, "The date for the promotional poster shoot has been changed to the 10th of this month. You need to notify the model."


    "We agreed on the 15th, didn''t we? The model isn''t unemployed and available all the time. Do you know how hard it is to coordinate schedules with the production team?" I said, irritated.


    Chen Jingming also looked helpless and said, "I can''t help it if GUCCI makes a last-minute adjustment. They said the photographer has other work arrangements on the 15th, so it has to be moved up to the 10th!"


    "They really have some nerve! They tell us which model to use, and we have to find them. They say adjust the time, and we have to comply!" My anger grew.


    "Alright, Zhao Yang... you''re on the company''s payroll. This is a task assigned to you by the higher-ups, and you must complete it." Chen Jingming finally said to me, also irritated.


    I retorted sarcastically, "So, because I''m on the company''s payroll, if the company says the moon in the sky is nice, I have to build a spaceship, pluck the moon down, and present it to the company?"

 Chapter 36 – Burning with anger

    Chen Jingming was left speechless by my words, but he needed my help. After a while, he spoke to me in a softer tone, "I''m also frustrated that GUCCI changed the shooting date at the last minute, but what can we do? We can''t afford to fall out with them. They have many options for setting up their counters, but for us, finding the eighth international top-tier brand is extremely difficult... Ah! We have to go with the flow... Zhao Yang, if you want to go higher and further in your career, you must learn to endure and compromise. Keep these two words in mind."


    After hearing Chen Jingming''s words, I felt a bit embarrassed to continue arguing. He was actually a decent boss. During my two years in the company, he had taken good care of me. It was just that I was not very ambitious.


    I didn''t want to put Chen Jingming in a difficult position. He had his own problems, and I understood the pros and cons of this situation. After a long silence, I said to him, "I''ll contact her, but the day after tomorrow is the 10th, and time is tight. I can''t guarantee that I can arrange a schedule this time."


    Chen Jingming, tired, rubbed his temples and said, "Do your best to communicate with her. Tell her that if she can participate in the shooting on the 10th, I am personally willing to pay her three times the labor fee as compensation."


    I fell silent again, deeply feeling the difficulty of Chen Jingming''s situation. The company''s senior management must have put a lot of pressure on him. He and I were different. After all, he had reached this position, while I was just a grassroots employee. If I was not comfortable, I could just switch to another company... Perhaps his helplessness and compromise were a cruel reflection of the workplace.


    ...


    Leaving Chen Jingming''s office, I dialed Le Yao''s number with mixed feelings.


    Le Yao seemed to still be in bed. After a long time, she answered the phone in a drowsy voice, "Hello, Zhao Yang, why are you calling me now?"


    "Are you still sleeping?"


    "Yeah, I had two night scenes last night and shot almost all night. I''m so tired!" Le Yao yawned and asked, "Do you need something?"


    I hesitated for a moment before saying, "The shooting plan for GUCCI has been adjusted and moved forward to the 10th, which is the day after tomorrow. Can you adjust your schedule?"


    Le Yao was silent on the other end of the phone, and her silence was enough to prove how difficult this was for her. She had already applied for leave on the 15th from the crew, so the crew must have adjusted her scenes. This adjustment would involve many other actors. If she adjusted again, the other actors would definitely have strong opinions.


    "I''ll go talk to the director now. If I can arrange it, I''ll let you know as soon as possible," Le Yao said to me.


    "Okay, I''m really sorry about this!"


    Le Yao laughed and said, "What are you saying sorry for? If I can arrange it, you have to come to Hengdian to pick me up this afternoon. Taking the train is too boring!" sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "No problem."


    "Okay, wait for my news."


    After ending the call with Le Yao, I immediately went to the bathroom to smoke a cigarette. I felt suffocated. I knew how bad it was for Le Yao, as a newcomer, to repeatedly make requests to the crew. But she still agreed to me so readily. I really hope it doesn''t cause her any trouble.


    Around noon, while I was eating, my phone vibrated. It was a text message from Le Yao.


    "Zhao Yang, the crew has approved my leave. It''s for 3 days. Come pick me up." She added a smiling face at the end of the text.


    I took a deep breath, and my nervous mood finally eased a bit. I immediately replied to Le Yao, and this afternoon, I would go to Hengdian to pick her up and bring her back to Suzhou.


    ...


    I went to Chen Jingming''s office again to report the situation to him. He, like me, breathed a sigh of relief. He immediately gave me his car keys and 2000 yuan in cash, asking me to treat Le Yao to a meal in Hengdian on his behalf. Once Le Yao returned to Suzhou, he would treat her separately.


    Chen Jingming also told me that the vice president of GUCCI''s China region would come to Suzhou on the day of the poster shooting to officially sign the contract for setting up a counter with our department store. This meant that the GUCCI investment plan that the planning department and the investment department had been busy with for several months was finally completed. Baoli Department Store had officially reached the standard of a top-tier B-class department store. For me personally, I had the opportunity to be promoted to the leader of the planning and copywriting team.


    I hope this time everything goes smoothly, without any more changes.


    ...


    After leaving the office, I immediately drove Chen Jingming''s Audi A4 to Hengdian. When I arrived, it was already past 4 in the afternoon. Instead of looking for a hotel, I went directly to the scenic area where Le Yao was filming. We agreed that I would wait for her outside the scenic area after she finished filming that afternoon.


    The autumn wind blew away the dusk, and it was completely dark. Le Yao had not yet come out of the set. I lit a cigarette and habitually stared at the exit of the scenic area, lost in thought.


    Le Yao finally appeared under the lights at the exit. She was walking slowly, her right hand covering her cheek. I couldn''t quite see her expression.


    I got up and walked towards her. She looked at me but didn''t act as affectionate as before.


    I smiled and asked, "Are you having a toothache? Why are you covering your face?"


    Le Yao remained silent and continued to walk forward. Her unusual behavior made me puzzled.


    I quickly caught up with her and asked with concern, "What''s wrong? Let me see your face."


    "I''m fine." Le Yao quickened her pace, but her voice was already choked with emotion.I grabbed her and forcibly removed the hand she had covering her cheek. I was shocked to see several bright red finger marks on her fair face.


    Fury surged within me. "Who the fuck hit you? I''ll kill him." I said, heading towards the entrance of the scenic area.


    Le Yao desperately held me back. "Zhao Yang, don''t go."


    "Get out of my way. If I don''t beat him (her) up, I''ll be letting you down." I couldn''t control my anger. I had a vague feeling that Le Yao being hit had something to do with this incident.


    After I shook Le Yao off, she sat on the ground, tightly clinging to my leg, crying, "Zhao Yang, I beg you, don''t make a scene... It won''t do me any good... There are too many people here, let''s go back to the hotel and talk."


    I tried my best to control myself, seeing the surrounding eyes gradually calming down. At this moment, making a scene would only add insult to injury for Le Yao, unless she didn''t care about anything and gave up this play, which was obviously impossible for her. At this moment, all I could do for Le Yao was to endure.


    I helped Le Yao up from the ground, my heart twitching with unexpressed anger. I took out a tissue to wipe away Le Yao''s tears, and said in as gentle a tone as I could muster, "Let''s go back to the hotel first, but you have to tell me what happened."


    Le Yao nodded, gently holding my arm, and we walked towards the parking area.


    ...


    In the hotel room, Le Yao sat next to me. I used an ice pack to cover the bruised area on her face, my heart still burning with anger. I gritted my teeth and asked Le Yao, "Who the fuck hit you? Was it your director?"


    Le Yao shook her head, tears rolling down her cheeks again. After a long silence, she said, "It was a female actress from our crew... She said I was a vixen, seducing the director, so the director took such good care of me, arranged my schedule twice, causing them to have no rest, but I..."


    Le Yao didn''t finish her sentence, already sobbing uncontrollably. My heart felt as if it was being twisted by a knife. I guessed right, it was indeed my matter that had caused trouble for Le Yao. I wished I could find that actress right now and slap her back for Le Yao.


    "Do they always bully you like this?"


    Le Yao nodded, "The industry is complicated. I''m just a newcomer who just graduated from school. It''s normal, Zhao Yang, you don''t need to be angry for me."


    "Who is that actress?" I asked with a frown, still wanting to stand up for Le Yao.


    Le Yao shook her head vigorously, refusing to tell me.


    A wave of frustration welled up in my heart, and I hated myself even more for causing Le Yao such humiliation.


    As if seeing through my thoughts, Le Yao comforted me softly, "Don''t think about it. Her hitting me will only make me work harder. I will go higher and further than her. Maybe one day I will even thank her for the slap she gave me today!"


    I sighed with gritted teeth, thinking of what Chen Jingming had said to me in the morning. Yes! Whether in the workplace or in the entertainment industry, we must learn to endure and compromise, because we, who are struggling at the bottom, do not have the capital or the right to react. If we are impulsive, if we can''t learn to restrain ourselves, the price we pay will only be greater. That''s why Le Yao tried so hard to stop me from standing up for her.


    But just because we are humble, do we have to live such a life without dignity? Is there really no "Castle in the Sky" that is crystal clear in this world? Can''t we return to the empty city where human nature was originally?


    Who the fuck can give me an answer?

 Chapter 37 – Poor people have a hard life!

    The night deepened, and the autumn wind outside the house became more rampant. The hotel room temporarily became a place without danger. Le Yao still leaned on me, staring blankly at the air conditioner vent, and I was the same. Neither of us had the desire to eat.


    After a while, I looked at Le Yao''s face. The finger marks had finally faded a bit. I said to her, "Let''s go out for dinner, or if you don''t want to go out, I can order food."


    Le Yao shook her head and said, "Let''s go out."


    "Okay, when I came, our leader gave me 2000 yuan and asked me to treat you to a meal!"


    Le Yao finally smiled and said, "I''m tired of the boxed meals from the crew. Let''s splurge today and eat the best."


    I nodded vigorously, "Yes, eat the best. If it''s not enough, ask the leader for more. Eat him poor, make him afraid of us."


    "You''re so bad!" After saying that, the two of us shared a laugh amidst our troubles.


    ......


    The night wind was blowing "whoosh whoosh", and there were not many pedestrians on the street. Le Yao, wearing a thick pink down jacket, walked beside me. Although we said we wanted to have a luxurious meal, in the end, we only decided to have a bowl of noodles. Perhaps at this moment, we didn''t like the extravagance of fine clothes and food, but pursued the simplicity of a bowl of noodles, forgetting the pain of reality in simplicity.


    In the noodle shop, Le Yao took off her mask, looked at her face in a small makeup mirror, and said to me with some worry, "We have to shoot the poster the day after tomorrow. I don''t know if these finger marks can fade."


    "There''s still tomorrow. It should fade." I comforted.


    Le Yao nodded, "Let''s apply an ice pack when we get back."


    I looked at Le Yao with some heartache, but I didn''t know what else to say. I just regretted that I shouldn''t have been so impatient with her, disgusted with the troubles she brought me. In fact, she was very good to me, but this goodness was only discovered by me when I needed her, which made me feel guilty! S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sometimes people really shouldn''t look at another person one-sidedly. Although Le Yao is a troublesome woman, she also has her good points. At least she has a sense of loyalty among friends. Otherwise, she wouldn''t have chosen to help me willingly, even if it meant she had to suffer.


    During the meal, Le Yao and I talked about our friends. She asked me, "Zhao Yang, how have Robben and CC been recently? Are they together?"


    "I don''t think so."


    "What a pity, CC is a good girl. Although she''s a bit idealistic, so is Robben. I think they would be good together."


    I nodded in agreement with Le Yao''s words, but said helplessly, "You should know that Robben has a hurdle in his heart that he can''t get over. He doesn''t want to be with CC with this hurdle. Anyway, I can understand him."


    "What about you? Have you gotten over the hurdle in your heart?" Le Yao suddenly turned the topic back to me.


    I had an answer in my heart, but fell into silence. At this moment, I really hoped that someone would pass by that "City in the Sky", come back and tell me how long it would take for me to overcome the obstacles and meet the woman in my heart on that "City in the Sky" again... But I knew that the woman waiting in the "City in the Sky" was no longer Jian Wei.


    Seeing that I had been silent for a long time, Le Yao smiled and said, "You''ve already answered with your silence."


    I didn''t deny it, but said with some loss, "Let''s eat, the noodles are getting soggy."


    Le Yao lowered her head and took a bite of the noodles, then seemed to remember something and said to me, "When we go back to Suzhou this time, let''s gather at CC''s restaurant. I haven''t been there for a long time, and I miss it."


    "Okay, let''s do it tomorrow night, and invite Robben too."


    ......


    With the agreement to be friends with Le Yao last time, we didn''t stay together that night. In the hotel room, I lit a cigarette as usual, immersed in my own loneliness, and couldn''t help thinking of Jian Wei. This thought made me panic, but I couldn''t stop it.


    I took a deep puff of the cigarette, and laughed helplessly. Jian Wei and I had experienced so many things together, but what we pieced together was a broken love. In the end, these bits and pieces turned into brute force scattering in all directions, tearing me apart.


    In the midst of being torn apart, I seemed to see Jian Wei and Xiang Chen lying on the same bed, whispering sweet nothings. They didn''t remember the bits and pieces we had been through, so they disappeared into dust in the midst of being torn apart, hurting so much that I couldn''t feel the pain!


    A text message alert finally saved me. I put out the cigarette and picked up my phone from the cabinet. But the message that saved me surprised me. It was from Mi Cai.


    "Do you have a lot of cockroach corpses in your bathroom after you sprayed the insecticide?"


    She''s really something, even afraid of dead cockroaches! I smiled and replied to her, "There should be some."


    "Can you come and help me clean up these dead cockroaches now?"


    "I''m on a business trip in Hengdian. Wait for me to come back, or you can ask someone else for help first."


    "I''ll wait for you. I don''t want to bother others with such disgusting things."


    I looked at Mi Cai''s reply with a wry smile. She''s really something. Just because I owe her some money and haven''t paid it back, she can make me do all the disgusting things with a clear conscience. I immediately replied to Mi Cai, "It''s hard to be poor. I live without dignity, without happiness..."


    "Stop complaining! Be a good person, work hard."


    Looking at Mi Cai''s reply, I found it genuinely funny, but I couldn''t say why. Anyway, it was a very subtle feeling.


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    My mood gradually lightened. I quickly replied "Good night" to Mi Cai, pulled the curtains, turned off all the lights in the room, and fell asleep after a while.


    ......


    The next day, I took Le Yao back to Suzhou. She had already given up the room she rented in Suzhou. I arranged a hotel for her, and agreed to gather at CC''s restaurant in the evening. Of course, we had to invite Robben. This was something I had promised CC. As a principled person like me, I naturally keep my word.After returning to the company and reporting to Chen Jingming, I continued to be busy for the rest of the afternoon. It wasn''t until late evening that I finally broke away from work. I lay back in my chair for a moment of rest, then finally took out my phone and dialed Robben''s number.


    Robben answered the call quickly. I cut straight to the chase and asked, "Where are you?"


    The sound of an electric razor buzzed from the other end of the line. Robben, stealing a moment from his busy schedule, said to me, "I''m about to head to the bar for work."


    "Don''t go. Come to CC''s place tonight. I''m treating."


    Robben sounded a bit impatient, "I told you I''m not going. Can you stop giving me a hard time?"


    "Didn''t you say last time that if I bring Le Yao, you''ll come?"


    "I did say that."


    "Will you keep your word?"


    "I will, but isn''t Le Yao filming in Hengdian?"


    I chuckled and said, "How could I invite you, the big shot Robben, without bringing her back? Stop dawdling and hurry over... Oh, and bring my guitar with you. We''ll help CC liven up the place tonight."

 Chapter 38 – Restaurant encounter

    Night fell as expected, and our bodies, tired from the day''s work, finally found release. In this vast city, the night brought us endless loneliness, but also allowed us to indulge freely. Perhaps only at night could we reveal our true selves, experiencing pain and pleasure in reality, and helplessly watching our youth gradually being swallowed up by the relentless flow of time...


    Because of Le Yao, Chen Jingming''s A4 had become my private car these past few days. After ending my call with Robben, I drove to the hotel to pick up Le Yao, and then headed straight to CC''s "Empty City Music Themed Restaurant".


    By the time we arrived, Robben, carrying my guitar, appeared at the entrance of the alley on his modified racing motorcycle.


    After parking the car, Le Yao and I got out, one after the other. Seeing Robben, Le Yao was very happy and greeted him from afar.


    As they approached each other, Robben put his arm around Le Yao''s shoulder and joked, "Long time no see, big shot Le!"


    Le Yao didn''t mind Robben''s arm around her shoulder. She looked at the guitar behind him and asked, "Big shot Robben, are you planning to sing tonight?"


    "This is Zhao Yang''s guitar."


    Le Yao then looked at me and asked, "Are you planning to improvise a few songs later?"


    I nodded and said, "Yeah, it''s been a long time since I sang in CC''s restaurant. I miss the days when I used to perform here."


    "Why do I feel sour when I hear the word ''miss''?" Robben said.


    Le Yao echoed, "Because missing is shameful. We both look forward, right, Robben?"


    Robben nodded, "Makes sense. Only Zhao Yang still occasionally indulges in the shame of looking back."


    I smiled. At this moment, Robben and Le Yao''s teasing of me seemed more like a cover-up and evasion. But I wouldn''t expose them. No matter how perfect his disguise in front of others, when the night is quiet, all the disguises he painted to cover up will still be torn apart, because the night dislikes pretentious people the most.


    The three of us chatted and laughed as we walked through the dark alley towards CC''s restaurant.


    As we pushed open the door of the restaurant, the first thing we heard was CC''s familiar singing. This time she was singing a song by Xu Wei called "Time". She was so engrossed in her singing that she didn''t notice our arrival.


    We didn''t disturb CC, but just found a corner to sit down and listen to this song "Time", which evoked many feelings in us.


    When CC sang the line "You are the most beautiful spring in my memory, the yesterday I can never return to", Robben and I almost simultaneously took out a cigarette and lit it. I didn''t know what Robben was feeling at the moment, but my heart was filled with nostalgia for the past. I wished I could return to that spring, dive into her river, and swim to the end of love...


    The applause was intermittent, and it was then that I realized that the song "Time" had ended in the quiet passage of time. I looked up at CC on the small stage. She had already put down her guitar and almost at the same time noticed our arrival. Her eyes were full of surprise, of course, her surprise was due to Robben, not me and Le Yao.


    CC walked towards us with a smile, calling the waiter to bring us drinks and menus.


    Robben didn''t react much to CC''s arrival. He just continued to smoke and tune his guitar.


    CC stood next to Robben for a long time before saying, "Long time no see, Robben."


    "Sit down, let''s have a few drinks." Robben said, making room for CC, but his tone was flat and emotionless.


    CC nodded and sat down next to Robben, also lit a cigarette and asked Robben, "How have you been lately?"


    "Pretty good."


    Faced with Robben''s perfunctory answer, CC looked helpless. But Robben had always been like this to her, and she had no way to change it. She then fell silent.


    The waiter brought the drinks and beverages first. We each filled our glasses and the three of us started chatting, leaving Robben out.


    CC flicked the ash from her cigarette and asked me, "Zhao Yang, why didn''t you bring your girlfriend to hang out today?"


    I was taken aback before answering, "She''s pretty busy, always busy."


    As soon as I finished speaking, Le Yao and Robben both asked me at the same time, "Do you have a girlfriend?"


    At this point, I kind of regretted telling CC that Mi Cai was my girlfriend. But people tend to think in a certain way. I introduced Mi Cai as my "girlfriend" to Circle and Jian Wei, so I continued to introduce her as such to CC.


    "Sort of." I replied vaguely.


    Robben didn''t seem to care much about my having a girlfriend. He took a sip of his drink and didn''t ask any more questions. But Le Yao was very interested and asked, "Who is it, Zhao Yang?" S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You''ve met her." I said, raising my glass to Le Yao in an attempt to divert her attention.


    But Le Yao ignored me, thought for a moment, and said, "Is it that woman who paid your fine at the police station last time?"


    "You guess." I said, picking up the guitar that Robben had tuned and walking towards the small stage on the opposite side, fearing that Le Yao would keep asking.


    Just as I sat down on the chair on the stage, Robben also stood on the stage with me. We looked at each other, both helpless. I was afraid of Le Yao''s questioning, and Robben was afraid of facing CC.


    Robben asked the sound engineer for a microphone, then told the band behind him, "Let''s do ''Don''t Break My Heart'' by Black Panther."


    The band found the key and signaled to us. Robben and I gave them an OK gesture, then closed our eyes and lost ourselves in the prelude of the song.


    I was so engrossed in the song that I kept my eyes closed until the end. When I opened my eyes and instinctively looked at the seats we had just been sitting in, I was surprised to find that Mi Cai had somehow come to the restaurant. She was sitting with CC, applauding for Robben and me, and the customers'' eyes were also drawn to them.It''s already rare to see a beauty, but at this moment, Mi Cai, Le Yao, and CC sitting together naturally amplified the beauty effect, attracting the eyes of the diners. However, I was feeling anxious under this beauty effect, fearing that CC would introduce Mi Cai to Le Yao as my girlfriend, and then Mi Cai would embarrassingly expose the lie, which would make me lose face big time!


    I handed the guitar to Robben, signaling him to continue, and hurriedly walked off the stage to the three women. Just as I was about to speak, Le Yao said to me, "I''ll take your shift, it''s been a long time since I''ve collaborated with big shot Robben." After saying that, she walked towards the small stage.


    I sat down next to Mi Cai, and while CC''s attention was on the stage, I lowered my voice and asked Mi Cai, "How did you find this place? Didn''t I promise you that I would help you get rid of those damn cockroaches when I have time? Why are you in such a hurry?"


    Mi Cai looked at me as if I was an idiot, and after a while, she asked, "Do you think I came here to find you?"


    Only then did I realize how self-centered I was in my nervousness. I remembered that Mi Cai once told me that she really liked CC''s restaurant, so naturally, she would come to eat, so today was purely a coincidence.


    To ease my embarrassment, I thick-skinnedly asked Mi Cai, "The song I just sang, ''Don''t Break My Heart'', was pretty good, right?"


    "The man next to you sang very well, I didn''t pay attention to you." Mi Cai spoke to me, but her chin was resting on her hand as she watched Robben on the stage, seemingly looking forward to Robben''s next song.


    I clutched my chest, twisted my face, and made a painful expression, saying, "Oh, dear, my heart hurts so much. I''m your boyfriend, you can''t treat me like this, my heart is broken!"


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    "Boring."


    Mi Cai''s attitude made me breathe a sigh of relief. If she had bluntly exposed me, it would definitely not be as simple as just saying "boring."


    I picked up the glass and took a sip of beer, then also turned my attention to the small stage, waiting for Le Yao and Robben''s duet.

 Chapter 39 – Master of Life

    On the small stage, Robben strummed the guitar, and Le Yao followed the rhythm of the music and started singing. I drank beer absentmindedly.


    After a while, I said to CC, "Le Yao is really a potential top actress!"


    CC looked at me puzzled and asked, "What do you mean?"


    "Have you ever heard Yang Mi and Fan Bingbing sing well? Based on singing ability alone, Le Yao is on her way to becoming a top actress!"


    CC smiled and said, "Zhao Yang, you''re really mean. You''re indirectly mocking Le Yao. She''ll be furious if she finds out!"


    Curiosity sparked, I nudged Mi Cai next to me and said, "Why don''t you go up and sing later? I haven''t heard your beautiful voice yet!"


    "I only like listening to others sing," Mi Cai declined with a shake of her head.


    Feeling bored, I took a sip of beer and then shifted my attention back to Le Yao''s singing on the stage.


    After a while, CC asked the waiter to bring a camera and left her seat to capture Le Yao and Robben''s figures on the small stage.


    I said to CC when she returned to her seat, "You''re really biased. You didn''t take a picture of me when I was singing. I wanted to capture my magnificent figure."


    CC smiled and showed me the photos she had just taken. She said, "They turned out pretty good. Maybe this will become a photo with special meaning!"


    I nodded and looked at Le Yao and Robben on the stage. Perhaps one day they would truly become famous in the entertainment industry. The duet photo of them before they became famous would naturally hold special meaning. But even if that day came, who would know about the countless difficult yesterdays and todays they had gone through to achieve fame?


    It was a simple night, simple enough that we took turns singing on the small stage, and Mi Cai was even simpler. She hardly said anything from beginning to end, just quietly listened with her chin resting on her hand. Perhaps everyone who came to "Empty City" treated it as a beach where they could rest and listen to music, enjoying the warmth of humanity in a simple way.


    Originally, I was supposed to treat everyone to dinner, but in the end, Mi Cai took out 1000 yuan and put it in the donation box that represented humanity. I was proud of this and showed off in front of everyone, saying that my "girlfriend" was rich.


    Everyone jokingly called me the "kept man" supported by Mi Cai.


    In fact, there was no rich girlfriend or kept man. It was just young people having fun together. Our youth was running out, and only through laughter and playfulness could we make our remaining youth less lonely and heavy. Because none of us wanted to be the lonely one in the most beautiful years!


    ...


    Leaving CC''s restaurant, Mi Cai bid farewell to everyone and was the first to drive away. Robben left next, and I had to take Le Yao back to her hotel.


    On the way, Le Yao, who hadn''t been drinking, was driving, and I opened the car window, lit a cigarette, and habitually looked at the city under the night sky.


    I didn''t know when, but a light drizzle started falling from the sky, and the autumn wind felt cool.


    Le Yao suddenly changed lanes and turned the car in the opposite direction. She said to me, "It''s still early, and the hotel is too stuffy. Let''s go sit by the moat."


    "Okay," I replied and continued to immerse myself in the boundless night.


    After a while, we arrived at the moat and sat close to each other on the slightly damp grass.


    After sitting for a while, I lay flat on the grass with my face up, letting the gentle rain wet me. My emotions completely drifted away in the coolness of the autumn wind.


    Le Yao also lay down beside me, her hand resting on my chest. She whispered in my ear, "Zhao Yang, Mi Cai isn''t your girlfriend, right?"


    Surprised, I asked, "How did you figure it out?"


    Le Yao smiled and said, "It''s a woman''s intuition. I can tell she doesn''t have romantic feelings for you."


    Le Yao''s insight made me believe that women truly are creatures of intuition. I nodded and said, "Yeah, she''s not my girlfriend. I just didn''t want Jian Wei to see me in such a miserable state when we met, so I said she was my girlfriend."


    "Jian Wei is back?" Le Yao''s tone was full of surprise.


    "Yeah!" I sighed and then lit another cigarette. Taking a deep drag, I rested my arm on my head and looked at the drizzling sky with a somewhat melancholic gaze.


    Le Yao seemed a bit cold, so she hugged me tighter but remained silent. And so, the two of us, who had experienced ups and downs in life, huddled together on this rainy night, seeking the scarce warmth. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After a while, Le Yao softly asked in my ear, "Zhao Yang, is there a place you long for in your heart?"


    "Yes, it''s a city."


    "A city? Like CC''s restaurant?"


    "No, it''s in the sky, an aerial city, crystal clear, where a beautiful woman with long hair lives."


    Le Yao thought for a moment and said, "Mi Cai is a beautiful woman with long hair.""It''s not her, her hair is slightly curly." I denied, then asked Le Yao, "What about you? What place do you yearn for in your heart?"


    "It''s a small island across the beach, but I don''t know where this island is. Later, I met a man with a sail in the middle of the sea. He took me to that island. We lived there ever since, watching the sunset on the island every day. Oh, he would cook dinner for me every dusk, so there was smoke from the cooking on the island, and we no longer had to think about the hustle and bustle of the world!"


    I smiled and said, "You really have it all figured out! Even the plot of the story is well thought out. But it''s beautiful, even more beautiful than my city!"


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    Le Yao didn''t say anything more, she pressed her face against mine. After a long time, she said to me, "Zhao Yang, stop thinking about Jian Wei. Strive for your own life. We shouldn''t be the ones defeated by reality."


    The cigarette in my hand was already wet from the rain. I took a deep puff, besides the smoke, there was also the fishy dampness of the rain, which made me uncomfortable. I couldn''t help but ask myself: Can I really forget Jian Wei and strive hard to become a master of life?


    This time I gave myself an answer. Regardless of whether I can forget Jian Wei or not, I should strive hard. I know that the opportunity I got at work this time was exchanged by Le Yao enduring great grievances for me.


    After a moment of silence, I said to Le Yao, "I should strive hard. Starting from today, I will sort out my life as soon as possible and become a master of life."


    "Mm." "¡­Zhao Yang, hold me tight, it''s a bit cold!"


    The rain was still falling gently. A low-lying area finally had a bit of accumulated water. The light from the street lamp was cast on this small puddle, as if refracting the "City in the Sky" and the "Island across the Beach".

 Chapter 40 – Dont act like a child

    After temporarily saying goodbye to Le Yao, I returned to the attic. Opening the door, I found Robben sitting on the rooftop, cradling a guitar in his hands, but not practicing any songs. The scattered beer cans around him made him look somewhat decadent.


    I handed him a cigarette and leaped onto the railing, lighting up the cigarette and listening to the sound of raindrops falling on the awning. It sounded like a sorrowful sob, wetting the dark night, waiting for dawn.


    "Why are you down again?" I asked with a smile. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Robben tore open a can of beer and handed it to me. It seemed like our nights were only filled with cigarettes and beer. He said, "I''m down every day."


    "Well, you be down then. I''ve decided to be a positive man."


    "Really? Just don''t be all talk and no action."


    Although Robben was teasing me, I didn''t mind and laughed, "I''ll talk and act." I paused and then said seriously, "It''s been over three years since graduation, and I''ve accomplished nothing. Seeing my classmates and friends getting married one by one, I feel quite empty inside."


    Robben nodded without saying a word, just threw away the empty beer can in his hand and took a deep puff of his cigarette.


    I stood up from the railing, shouting at the vast city below that was shrouded in darkness, "I''m done playing around. I want to work every day, buy a house, marry a beautiful girl, have someone to talk to and sleep with when I come home every day..."


    Suddenly, Robben strummed his guitar and hummed a song called "Don''t Be Silly". I realized then that Robben was quite a piece of work too!


    ......


    The next day, I arrived at the company early. At the same time, Le Yao also came to our company and met with a manager in charge of marketing at GUCCI. The manager praised Le Yao''s image and temperament as being very in line with GUCCI''s product positioning. I had no doubt about this. Although Le Yao was often carefree in front of us friends, when she was in work mode, she was elegant and fashionable, with a touch of exotic beauty. So GUCCI''s decision to have Le Yao shoot their promotional posters was not entirely a test of our sincerity in cooperation, but mainly because Le Yao was a good fit. This precisely highlighted the brand awareness of international first-line brands, who are often very cautious in their marketing and promotion.


    While Le Yao was shooting promotional posters for GUCCI, the vice president of GUCCI''s China region also signed a contract with our department store to set up a counter as promised. The signing ceremony was very high-profile, with many media present. Our company also took this opportunity to officially announce that Baoli Department Store has entered the ranks of top-tier department stores.


    The high-profile nature of this signing ceremony was also to pave the way for the full-scale marketing campaign that I was about to be in charge of. So my first real challenge in life officially began with GUCCI setting up a counter in our department store.


    That night, our company hosted a banquet for the vice president of GUCCI''s China region and several accompanying staff. Of course, as one of the contributors, I was also invited, which made me feel somewhat flattered. After all, having worked at the grassroots level in the company for two years, I had hardly ever spoken a few words with the top management, let alone had dinner with them.


    At the banquet, Chen Jingming praised me in front of the company''s senior management. By the end of the banquet, Li Junren, the executive vice president of Baoli Department Store, came up to me, patted me on the shoulder and said, "Young man, I remember you."


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    Of course, this was just remembering. If I wanted the company''s senior management to really pay attention to me, I needed to seize this rare opportunity, do my best in this marketing campaign, and create value for the company.


    ......


    After leaving the celebration banquet, I went to find Le Yao. Having completed her shooting task for GUCCI, she was going to leave Suzhou tomorrow and return to Hengdian to continue fighting for her acting career.


    We sat next to a section of railway track. The track extended infinitely in the direction of the wind in the dark night, seeming so free. But I knew that perhaps the next city would be the end of this track.


    A green train, which was rarely seen now, carrying a group of seemingly lonely people, hurriedly passed in front of us, leaving only some light and smell.


    Le Yao, wearing a thick coat, sat next to me. There was some distance between our bodies, which made us more and more like friends.


    I tucked in my clothes, lit a cigarette, and said to Le Yao, "When you go back to the crew, don''t let others bully you anymore."


    Le Yao hugged her knees with both hands, looking somewhat lost as she watched another passing train. After a while, she nodded and said to me, "Hmm... you should also work hard."


    "Hmm... Actually, I feel quite guilty. Because of my affairs, you have suffered so much. When I can''t sleep at night these days, I always want to go and beat up that actress."


    Le Yao smiled and said, "Don''t be like a child. Actually, I don''t even want to think about it anymore."


    "What are you thinking about then?"


    "I don''t want to think about anything. Thinking too much makes me sad."


    I agreed with Le Yao''s words, but could she really do it? At least I often let my soul, trapped in flesh and blood, wander aimlessly, the more I think, the more it hurts.


    After a long silence, I took an envelope out of my bag and handed it to Le Yao, saying, "This is your payment for this time, a total of ten thousand. You should count it."


    "Why is it so much?"


    "Our manager said that as long as you could take the time to participate in the shooting this time, he was willing to pay three times the remuneration personally. Take it, it''s what you deserve." I said and pushed the envelope into Le Yao''s hand again.


    Le Yao took the envelope and stuffed it into her handbag. After that, we kept silent until we left, but we saw many trains whistling past with the wind.


    ......


    On the way back, it was just past 10 o''clock. Actually, Le Yao and I didn''t sit by the railway for too long, but our hearts had traveled far with the speeding trains and couldn''t be reined in.


    When I got back to my place, I found that Robben didn''t go to the bar tonight. Because when I was about to open the door, I heard a woman''s moaning sound from inside the house. It might be Lily, who he brought back last time, or it might be another woman.I felt a bit embarrassed to disturb anyone, yet I had nowhere else to go. After sitting downstairs for a while, I finally remembered that I had promised Mi Cai a few days ago to help her get rid of those cockroach corpses. It seemed like a good time to fulfill that promise.


    I called Mi Cai, and she told me that she had been waiting for me to deal with the cockroaches in the old house, which was why she was still living in Liu''an Scenic Garden.


    I told her that I was free to deal with it now, and she immediately said she was also available. So, from two different directions of the city, we headed towards the old house at the same time.

 Chapter 41 – You have no shame

    In the dark night, I arrived at the residential area where I had lived for more than 2 years. Mi Cai''s purple-red Q7 was parked downstairs. She had arrived before me.


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    I whistled as I went upstairs. Along the way, the motion sensor lights lit up one after another. Under the light, the corridor looked even more dilapidated. I couldn''t understand why Mi Cai chose to live here, leaving me with nowhere to go but to stay in Robben''s filthy den.


    I knocked on the door, and Mi Cai, dressed neatly, opened it for me. I immediately complained, "I''m exhausted!"


    "Then go take care of it and come back to rest quickly," Mi Cai said in a caring tone.


    I gave her an annoyed look and said, "You may be pretty, but your emotional intelligence is lacking. When I say I''m tired, I mean I want you to help me get a cup of hot water."


    "I haven''t been staying here for several days. There''s no hot water."


    "There''s an electric kettle and a gas stove at home. If there''s no hot water, you can boil some. By the way, I like goji lemon tea. I didn''t bring the goji berries and lemons when I moved last time. Go and make it for me now." I sat down on the sofa, crossed my legs, and took out a tangerine from the fruit plate to eat.


    Mi Cai''s face turned ugly, but she still went to the kitchen to get water and started boiling it with the electric kettle. She stood opposite me, looking somewhat resentful.


    I felt triumphant. It was not the time to take advantage of her. After she had used me up, she might use malicious words to choke me half to death.


    "These tangerines are really good. Where did you buy them?" I said as I peeled another one.


    "If you like them, you can take them home. But can you help me with the important matter first?"


    I calmly replied, "Last time, I thought your cherries were good, and you let me take them home. This time, I think the tangerines are good, so you should let me take them home too. Can I take anything I like from this house?"


    "In principle, yes. I can''t argue with someone like you because you have an incredibly thick skin," Mi Cai said patiently.


    I smiled and continued, "Then I really like you. Come with me tonight."


    Mi Cai''s expression suddenly turned stormy, and she glared at me angrily, saying, "Please don''t say things that can be said to every woman in front of me. I will think you have no shame!"


    I remained calm and said, "I''m just following your logic. If you don''t want to, I don''t like you either."


    Mi Cai glanced at the boiling water and looked as if she wanted to stuff me into the electric kettle.


    I felt triumphant. This was the first time I had the upper hand in our many verbal disputes. The feeling of recapturing the city was truly satisfying. I was so proud that I couldn''t help but hum Faye Wong''s song "New Tenant."


    "Waiting for the night, welcoming the day, cleaning during the day, praying at night, leaving the noise, seeking troubles, the ends of the earth, whimsical, is anyone there, who is looking for someone, I say hello, you say disturb, neither early nor late, thousands of miles away..."


    Mi Cai stared at me as I finished singing the song, but she was helpless. Of course, she was helpless because she didn''t dare to be as shameless as me.


    I said to Mi Cai again, "Do you know what song I just sang?"


    Before Mi Cai could answer, I interrupted and answered myself, "It''s Faye Wong''s ''New Tenant.'' Don''t you think the lyrics describe our relationship?"


    Without waiting for Mi Cai''s response, I continued analyzing, "Every day, I wait for the night in this house, welcoming the day, cleaning during the day, praying at night. One day, you moved in here on a whim, and as the landlord, I said hello to you, the new tenant, but you said disturb to me... and then you kicked me out of this house!"


    Mi Cai sighed for a moment and said, "You really have a vivid imagination!"


    "This is not imagination. It''s a true and tragic story that happened not long ago!" I stood up from the sofa, feeling wronged, and glared at Mi Cai.


    Mi Cai didn''t respond to my words. She looked at the boiling water and said, "I''ll go get the water. Where did you put the lemon slices and goji berries?"


    "Next to the toilet in the bathroom," I said sarcastically, but it was to disgust Mi Cai. After analyzing it myself, I also felt greatly wronged.


    Mi Cai made a disgusted expression, knowing that I did it on purpose, and said with a stern face, "If you don''t tell me, forget it. You can make it yourself."


    "You''re so principled. You promised to make tea for me, so you must make it." I took the opportunity to mock Mi Cai''s principles.


    Mi Cai finally got angry with her words, "But did you really put the lemon slices and goji berries next to the toilet in the bathroom?"


    "Go ask the cockroaches in the bathroom. They live there, so they must know whether I put them there or not."


    Mi Cai became frustrated and said, "I won''t drink it then." She walked into her room without saying another word to me.


    Feeling like a petty person, I sang "New Tenant" again in front of Mi Cai''s room.


    ...


    Finally, I found the lemon slices and goji berries in my old room. I brewed a cup with hot water and sat comfortably on the sofa, enjoying the moment of a beautiful life.


    After finishing a cup of tea, I thought about going to the bathroom to clean up the dead cockroaches for Mi Cai, but my phone suddenly rang. I looked at the number, and it was Robben calling.


    I answered the phone, but it was a woman''s voice. She said to me, "Are you Zhao Yang?"


    "Who are you? Why are you using Robben''s phone?" I asked in confusion.


    "Lily, the Lily from last time."


    "Oh, what''s up?"


    Lily spoke to me in a consultative tone, "Robben went downstairs to buy cigarettes. I called you to tell you not to come back tonight. I want to spend the night here with Robben."


    I was a bit hesitant, but I had already caused trouble for Lily once before. If I caused trouble again, it wouldn''t be fair. After a while, I finally said to Lily, "Okay, I won''t come back tonight."


    Lily''s words suddenly became cheerful, and she instructed me, "Then call Robben later and tell him you''re not coming back."


    "No problem.""Remember, don''t tell Robben that I was the one who called and told you not to come back," Lily reminded.


    "Okay, I''ll just say I have something going on tonight and won''t be back."


    "Zhao Yang, you''re really nice. I''ll treat you to a meal when I have time." Lily said, hanging up the phone with joy. I forgot to remind her to return the hundred yuan she took from me last time. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After ending the call with Lily, I was in a dilemma again. If I didn''t go back to Robben''s place tonight, where else could I stay overnight!


    ...


    With the worry of having nowhere to go, I went to the bathroom to help Mi Cai clean up the cockroach corpses. There weren''t many, because the insecticide we used last time didn''t work at all. After a long search, I found a cockroach that was not completely dead behind the toilet. But this one was enough for me to feel justified in reporting back to Mi Cai.


    I wrapped the cockroach in toilet paper, stuffed some cigarette butts in as the cockroach''s body, and then came to Mi Cai''s door. I knocked and said, "I''ve cleaned up all the cockroach bodies. They''re wrapped in toilet paper. Do you want to come out and check? That insecticide really works."

 Chapter 42 – If you have the ability, then call the police

    Mi Cai in the room didn''t respond to me, probably really upset by my words and actions just now. I knocked on the door again and said, "If I don''t enter your room, I''ll throw in the cockroach I''ve cleaned up for you to check, to prove that I''ve indeed done you a favor and never perfunctory you."


    Mi Cai said to me nervously, "No need to check, just take it away."


    "Oh." I responded, and threw the cigarette butt wrapped in tissue paper and a half-dead cockroach out of the window.


    I said to Mi Cai again, "The bathroom is now available, guaranteed no cockroaches."


    "Oh, then you should go back and rest."


    "It''s hard to get a taxi this late."


    Mi Cai finally came out of the room again, her slightly curled long hair was tied up, and she changed into a thicker checkered woolen coat, holding the car keys in her hand, she said to me, "Then I''ll drive you back."


    I stood still, of course, to stay, because I had promised Lily not to go back to Robben''s place tonight.


    Mi Cai, who had already reached the door, turned back and asked, "Why aren''t you leaving?"


    I sighed, with a helpless look on my face, "I can''t stay at my friend''s place today." sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "What happened?"


    "Sigh... He brought a woman back to spend the night." I lowered my voice, full of desolation.


    "It''s been a week, haven''t you found a place to live yet?"


    "I''ve been busy, I''ve been to Hengdian twice, where do I have time to find a house, besides, it''s not easy to find a comfortable house to live in!" I said, looking around the room again, full of nostalgia.


    "Then you should go to a hotel."


    "No, hotels are too expensive! I need to save money to pay back the debt I owe you." I said, sitting on the sofa, then lying down, clearly indicating to Mi Cai that I was staying here tonight.


    Mi Cai came back to me, frowning and asked, "What do you mean?"


    A quick look at " will leave you more fulfilled.


    "It means I''m staying here tonight." I said, giving Mi Cai a smile.


    After a while, Mi Cai said to me patiently, "Don''t make me think you''re a rogue, okay?"


    "I am a rogue, besides, I spent over 20 on taxi fare just to come and help you, I didn''t even mention money to you, what''s wrong with letting me stay here for one night."


    "I''ll give you the taxi fare, I''ll book a hotel for you, is that okay?"


    I got up from the sofa, almost face to face with Mi Cai, and said angrily, "You know what, I can''t stand your attitude that everything can be solved with money, do you think I''m short of money?... Let me tell you, I''m not leaving here tonight, if you dare, call the police, say I''m trespassing... You''re a tenant, do you dare to call the police and say I, the landlord, am trespassing, of course you don''t dare, because you took over the house I''ve lived in for over two years with your stinky money, you''re the one who''s in the wrong..."


    I rambled on, blocking all of Mi Cai''s words, she just glared at me, I lay back on the sofa, showing a determined not to leave attitude.


    Mi Cai had no way to deal with me, the usually calm her actually stomped her foot in anger, then picked up her handbag and walked towards the door.


    "Where are you going?" I asked, turning my head.


    "I''m leaving."


    "Go ahead, don''t come back..."


    After Mi Cai left, I sneaked into her room, found a set of unused bedding from the cabinet, moved it to the room I used to live in, made the bed, and settled down with a clear conscience, hoping that Mi Cai wouldn''t come back, but I had already forgotten how I had put on a righteous attitude when I moved out of here, to make way for Mi Cai.


    ...


    The next day, I didn''t get up until eight o''clock, didn''t have time to buy toiletries, directly used Mi Cai''s, quickly finished breakfast at the familiar snack shop downstairs, and hurriedly boarded the bus to the company.


    After arriving at the company, after attending the routine morning meeting, Manager Chen Jingming kept me alone, I knew he was concerned about the all-marketing planning I was in charge of.


    Chen Jingming asked me, "How is it, do you have a plan for this all-marketing planning?"


    I nodded and said, "Yes, this time I plan to focus on realizing customer value, this is to strengthen our brand image, I believe that by first realizing customer value, customers will better realize our corporate value."


    "You''re right, our Bao Li Department Store has been operating for many years, and we are very mature in 4P (product, price, channel, promotion), now we are officially entering the top department store ranks, what we urgently need to do is to improve our image, better realizing customer value is the best way to improve corporate image, your marketing thinking is very in line with our department store''s current strategic needs."I nodded in response. Having worked at Bao Li Department Store for over two years, I naturally had my own understanding of the strategic environment in which the company operates.


    Chen Jingming continued, "I will select one person each from the graphic design team, engineering team, and display design team to join this special project team to assist you in completing this marketing plan. If you have any requirements for the personnel selection, feel free to communicate with me at any time."


    "Alright."


    "By the way, I''ve received news that our biggest competitor, Zhuo Mei Shopping Center, is planning a large-scale promotional event targeting our Bao Li Department Store. Their purpose is to overspend consumers'' demand in the short term, aiming to suppress us temporarily."


    The fact that Zhuo Mei Shopping Center is holding a large-scale promotional event at this time doesn''t surprise me. It''s entirely a strategic necessity. Our Bao Li Department Store and Zhuo Mei Shopping Center are in the same business circle, both targeting the high-end market. The conflict of interest is inherently intense. The fact that GUCCI has a counter in our store puts us in a parallel position with them in the true sense. They feel threatened and naturally want to suppress us aggressively. However, although our Bao Li Department Store meets the standards of a top-tier department store, there is still some gap between us and Zhuo Mei. Currently, Zhuo Mei has 11 international first-line brands operating counters, slightly more than us.


    I asked Chen Jingming, "So, our planning department also needs to come up with a promotional plan in response soon?"


    "Yes, and as soon as possible. Our promotional event needs to be held before theirs to disrupt Zhuo Mei''s strategic intentions. Although the time is tight, we must ensure the effectiveness of the event. This is a test of our planning department''s mobility and execution. We can only succeed, not fail." After a pause, Chen Jingming added, "Because of the significance of this promotional plan, I have asked Circle to end his wedding leave early and report back to the company tomorrow. You two will complete this promotional plan together."


    I breathed a sigh of relief in my heart. If Circle didn''t come back, I wouldn''t be able to handle such an important case alone. But this also indirectly shows how strategically significant this promotional plan is to our department store. Otherwise, Chen Jingming wouldn''t have ended Circle''s wedding leave early.


    Chen Jingming then took out a file from his drawer and handed it to me, saying, "This is the latest personnel file of Zhuo Mei Shopping Center that our PR department just got. Their company''s senior management has undergone significant changes recently. Take this personnel file back and have a look, especially pay attention to the composition of their planning department, so as to know both ourselves and our enemy."


    I flipped through the personnel file handed over by Chen Jingming. As soon as I saw the first page, I was shocked. The newly appointed CEO of Zhuo Mei Shopping Center was someone I knew all too well.

 Chapter 43 – No meeting without being enemies

    Betsy, born on September 10, 1988, is the CEO of Zhuomei Shopping Center. She hails from Suzhou and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a master''s degree in business administration.


    I was reading her resume, utterly shocked. The woman I had driven away from that dilapidated house last night turned out to be the newly appointed CEO of Zhuomei Shopping Center. Although I don''t work at Zhuomei, it is the biggest competitor of our Baoli Department Store, which indirectly connects me with Mi Cai. At least we are both in the retail industry, albeit with a vast difference in status.


    Could it be true that enemies are destined to meet? After intersecting in life, we indirectly connected at work.


    Chen Jingming noticed my abnormality and asked in confusion, "What''s wrong? Is there a problem with this personnel file from Zhuomei?"


    "No, no... I just think the new CEO of Zhuomei is too beautiful. She''s only 26. I wonder if she has a boyfriend."


    Chen Jingming looked at me helplessly, speechless for a long time.


    "Well, Manager, you go ahead with your work. I''m going to work now." Without waiting for Chen Jingming''s response, I took the personnel file of Zhuomei and left the manager''s office.


    ...


    Back in my office, I flipped through the personnel file again. After reading it all, I turned back to Mi Cai''s page, still finding it unbelievable. Subconsciously, I compared myself with her and instantly felt the gap between people could be so huge. Zhuomei has been suppressing our Baoli in Suzhou for years. As the CEO of Zhuomei, Mi Cai is more successful in the industry than our CEO, Yang Huaqing. In the more than two years I''ve been working at Baoli, I''ve hardly seen Yang Huaqing due to the difference in our ranks. In my mind, Yang Huaqing is a man I have to look up to. But not long ago, Mi Cai, who is stronger than Yang Huaqing in the industry, was treated rudely by me. I still remember the scene when I threw her sheets and quilt out of the window into the rain. Mi Cai really cried in front of me, and my behavior afterwards was even worse...


    I didn''t want to think about it anymore. At this moment, I was really glad that I was working at Baoli, not Zhuomei!!


    Zhao Li, who was sitting next to me, looked at my changing expressions and asked in confusion, "Zhao Yang, why is your face so twisted?"


    "My face hurts!"


    "Oh... What''s that document in your hand? You''ve been flipping through it for a while."


    "It''s the latest personnel file from Zhuomei. You take it and familiarize yourself with it." I said, tossing the file to Zhao Li.


    Zhao Li immediately started flipping through it. After seeing the first page, he exclaimed in surprise, "The CEO of Zhuomei has changed!"


    "Yep." I replied.


    Zhao Li continued reading and sighed, "She''s only 26 and so beautiful. Is she just a figurehead?"


    "You think she''s a figurehead too." I said to Zhao Li, feeling a sense of camaraderie, but also a sense of imbalance. Why is it that both Mi Cai and I were born in the 80s, but she lives like a fairy while I live like a cockroach.


    "But she''s a master''s graduate in business administration from the University of Pennsylvania. She probably won''t be just a figurehead. Everyone knows that the business school of the University of Pennsylvania is the best in the world." Zhao Li looked at Mi Cai''s photo and negated his previous opinion.


    I glared at Zhao Li and said, "Zhao Li, do you have a stance? What about a master''s degree in business administration from the University of Pennsylvania? Modern business competition is about wisdom and experience, not education."


    "Why are you so agitated! I was just saying. Whether she''s a figurehead or not has nothing to do with us small fries."


    "Sissy, don''t talk to me."


    "Who''s a sissy? I''m a man who loves outdoor sports." Zhao Li said to me, his face turning red.


    "Outdoor ballet, right?"


    "Zhao Yang, you beast, you''re even more damaging when you speak than when you act!"


    I replied nonchalantly, "Keep cursing, keep cursing with your pinky finger up."


    Zhao Li: "......"


    ...


    That evening, I stayed at the company with my colleagues for an extra two hours. I had been in this state of work for several days in a row, and I was gradually getting used to this busyness and pressure. This was a significant change for me, and my long-depressed life needed such a change.


    As I was about to leave the company, I received a call from Circle. He told me that he and Yan Yan had returned from Sanya and invited me to dinner. I cautiously asked him if Jian Wei was there. He told me that Jian Wei had gone to Nanjing with Xiang Chen. Only then did I let down my guard, but my heart was filled with an indescribable sense of loss. I knew very well what Jian Wei and Xiang Chen''s trip to Nanjing meant.


    The heaviness of the night kept suppressing my sensitivity, making me feel more and more depressed and lost...


    When I arrived at the restaurant where I had agreed to meet Circle, I smoked a cigarette at the door, grinned at my reflection in the window, and felt that my smile was flawless. Then I put out the cigarette and walked into the restaurant.


    Yan Yan waved at me from a distance. I struggled to maintain my smile as I walked towards them.


    After I sat down, Yan Yan immediately handed me a convenience bag and said, "I know you like beer, so I bought you a lot of ready-to-eat seafood... Zhao Yang, your sister is good to you, right?"


    I took the bag from Yan Yan and said with a smirk, "You''re a married woman now, don''t pretend to be young and call yourself a sister in front of us. I really can''t say it."


    Yan Yan slapped me and said, "You''re really mean. What''s wrong with me being a married woman? I''m still your sister."


    I laughed heartily, but my mood was still immersed in an undeserved sense of loss.


    In the midst of my laughter with Yan Yan, Circle asked me, "I heard from Manager Chen that Zhuomei will have a large-scale promotional event targeting our Baoli soon."I nodded and said, "Well, this was expected. Otherwise, Chen Jingming wouldn''t have been so eager to call you back. It''s a pity about your honeymoon." Then I turned to Yan Yan and asked, "Young lady, are you upset about being summoned back before you''ve had enough fun?"


    Yan Yan, holding onto Circle''s arm, said, "I always support my husband''s work. I don''t mind missing out on a few days of fun."


    "What a good wife, a virtuous helper!" I exclaimed sincerely.


    Circle, hugging Yan Yan, smiled at me and said, "You could also put some effort into cultivating your girlfriend into a virtuous helper!"


    To read the uncut version, go to ].


    I remained silent, looking around and waiting for the waiter to serve the dishes. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    During the meal, Circle and I talked about work. I briefly told him about my recent work situation. Suddenly, he asked, "By the way, I heard that the CEO of Zhuo Mei has changed. You should have their latest personnel files, right?"


    "Yes, Chen Jingming gave me a copy this morning."


    "Do you have it with you? Let me see."


    I suddenly realized that the new CEO of Zhuo Mei was Mi Cai. If Circle saw that personnel file, he would be shocked, and I would have a hard time explaining. It was so incredible that I never dreamed that the woman I had forcibly pretended to be my "girlfriend" was actually the new CEO of Zhuo Mei.


    I immediately said, "Why would I carry that thing around with me?"


    "You must have looked at that personnel file. Can you briefly introduce the new CEO of Zhuo Mei and the situation in their planning department?"


    I said impatiently, "It''s off work time, can we not talk about work?"


    But Circle said to me very seriously, "I''m always clear about work. For me, there''s no difference between on and off duty. As members of the company''s planning department, it''s our duty to understand the movements of our competitors as soon as possible."


    I was silent, knowing that I couldn''t hide this matter. Circle would see Zhuo Mei''s personnel file sooner or later. With a firm heart, I took out the file from my bag and threw it in front of Circle, saying, "This is it."


    Circle picked up the file and asked in surprise, "Didn''t you say you didn''t bring it with you?"


    "Don''t ask, just read it."

 Chapter 44 – Be discovered

    Circle opened the personnel file of Zhuomei Shopping Center in confusion, his expression changing rapidly, no less shocking than when I first saw it.


    Yan Yan, who was beside him, noticed Circle''s unusual behavior and asked, "What''s wrong?" She also looked at the personnel file in Circle''s hand, took a glance, covered her mouth in shock, and stared at me with wide eyes. After a while, she said, "Oh my god, your girlfriend is the CEO of Zhuomei Shopping Center!!... This is too exaggerated, or am I hallucinating?"


    Circle put down the file in his hand and looked at me with the same expression as Yan Yan, saying, "Zhao Yang, what''s going on? You never mentioned it before. Mi Cai is the CEO of Zhuomei?"


    "I only found out this morning when I saw this personnel file. I feel the same way as you guys. I also thought it was my illusion!"


    Circle and Yan Yan glanced at each other, still in a state of shock, and asked me, "How did you two meet?"


    "Do you remember when I told you that the old house I used to live in was bought by a woman driving a luxury car?"


    "Yeah, you told me."


    "It was Mi Cai who bought it, and then we naturally got to know each other."


    Circle nodded and suddenly seemed to have realized the key to the problem. He asked me with a piercing gaze, "She became your girlfriend in less than a month?"


    I tried to hide it, "There''s nothing I can do. Fate came and I couldn''t stop it!"


    "The CEO of Zhuomei was pursued by you, Zhao Yang, in less than a month? Even in a novel, the plot wouldn''t develop so quickly!"


    Yan Yan agreed, "When you introduced Mi Cai to us at first, we all thought you had been dating her for a long time, just hiding it from us. I didn''t expect you two to have only known each other for less than a month. Zhao Yang, you''re really skilled at picking up girls!"


    "Can you two stop talking to me in such a sarcastic tone?" I said angrily, glaring at them.


    Circle and Yan Yan simultaneously questioned me, "Then you have to be honest with us. What is your relationship with Mi Cai?"


    In fact, the moment I showed Circle Mi Cai''s file, I already knew that the truth couldn''t be hidden anymore. Who would believe that the CEO of a top shopping center would fall in love with an unreliable employee? If only Mi Cai was the daughter of a town enterprise owner or someone who came out of nowhere, I wouldn''t be facing this embarrassing situation.


    After a while, I impatiently said to Circle and Yan Yan, who were staring at me, "Stop looking at me like you''re interrogating a criminal. I''ve confessed, isn''t that enough?"


    "Hurry up, if you don''t confess, we''ll use torture on you," Yan Yan threatened, raising her fist.


    I lay back in the chair, finally looking at the ceiling, and said recklessly, "She''s not my girlfriend. On the day of your wedding, I felt empty inside, so I called Mi Cai and lied to her, saying I wanted to have dinner with her. I tricked her into attending your wedding banquet, and then I met Jian Wei. In a moment of madness, I said she was my girlfriend. And then I kept using lies to cover up lies, until everyone really believed that she was my girlfriend..."


    "Oh my god! Zhao Yang, does this mean you still can''t forget Jian Wei?" Yan Yan couldn''t help but exclaim, regardless of the crowded restaurant.


    "Circle, give your wife a sedative, she''s too noisy!" I said in the calmest tone.


    Circle gave Yan Yan a look, signaling her to be quiet. Yan Yan finally looked at me apologetically and fell silent, leaving the conversation space to me and Circle.


    After a moment of silence, Circle said to me, "Zhao Yang, why do you have to deceive yourself with such childish methods?"


    I smiled, "Is it childish? I just want to make myself feel better, and also Jian Wei and Xiang Chen. At least we don''t have to be bitter enemies, and we can still talk like friends."


    Circle sighed and fell silent. The most helpless thing between men and women in this world is love, which comes and goes beyond our control. No one can save me and Jian Wei from our past. Circle chose silence because he understood this truth.


    I also fell silent, a silence filled with helplessness, sadness within the helplessness. But there was no boat in this deep autumn night that could carry me away from the sadness. So I suppressed my desires, wandered with my soul, and anxiously looked around...


    ...


    After dinner, I walked alone on the street. I wasn''t exactly lost, but I wanted to leave this city. In fact, I had wanted to leave a long time ago because this city had been my fantasy for two years, and it had also exhausted me for two years.


    Countless sleepless nights, I fantasized that one day Jian Wei would return to my side. But my fantasies were shattered time and time again, and I became more and more tired. Now I finally don''t have to fantasize anymore because Jian Wei has made up her mind. When Xiang Chen put the necklace of commitment on her, I woke up.


    I really want to leave! Leave this place and return to the city where I grew up, where there is a sweater knitted by my mother when it''s cold, and a cup of herbal tea brewed by Mr. Ban when it''s hot...


    But I can''t leave this city. My soul has long been buried here. Here, there is a guitar singing loneliness, a deserted city hiding the past, and an old house comforting me.


    Sitting on the bench at the bus stop, I looked blankly at the buses carrying passengers to every corner of the city. But it seemed that I had nowhere to go on this night.


    The last bus of route 32 stopped at the bus stop, and I suddenly woke up. Then I hurriedly ran up and threw in a coin, finally having an identity as a passenger. Tonight, I will ride this route 32 bus, passing through six streets, and return to that old house.


    ...


    Subconsciously, I didn''t want to leave this old house. So this morning, I took a risk and went to Mi Cai''s room again. I found a bunch of keys to this house and naively thought that Mi Cai had really left this house for me, never to return.Pulling out the key, I opened the door to the apartment, only to unexpectedly hear the sound of someone washing up in the bathroom. Glancing at the shoe rack, I noticed a pair of women''s Chanel shoes with crystal sequins. Without a doubt, Mi Cai was back.


    I quietly stood at the bathroom door, watching Mi Cai who was in the midst of washing up, and suddenly said, "You''re back?"


    Mi Cai didn''t seem startled, probably because she had heard me opening the door earlier. However, she didn''t respond to me, seemingly still upset about my shameless behavior yesterday.


    "Did you just rinse your mouth?" I asked Mi Cai again.


    Mi Cai subconsciously looked at her toothbrush before asking, "Why do you ask?"


    "I woke up late this morning and didn''t have time to buy toiletries, so I used yours," I replied.


    Mi Cai''s expression immediately changed, her breath becoming heavier, "You..."


    "You left so decisively yesterday, I thought you wouldn''t come back. Otherwise, I would have definitely told you in advance, or bought you a new set."


    Mi Cai''s expression was similar to the one she had when she saw a cockroach, she angrily said, "Aren''t you disgusting?"


    "You''re a beauty, so I definitely don''t find it disgusting. I used it, so what?" I spoke the truth. In fact, this was a trivial matter to me. Back in college, a few of us guys would share a cigarette, each of us taking a puff. Compared to that, why would I mind using a toothbrush that a beauty had used? Besides, I really intended to buy her a new set. Who knew she would come back tonight?


    "I''m talking about your behavior being disgusting!"


    I innocently replied, "I really don''t find using your toothbrush disgusting, you really don''t need to worry about me."


    Mi Cai''s expression became even more furious. She threw her toothbrush, towel, and even her cosmetics into the trash bin. She walked over to me, who was blocking the bathroom door, and gave me a hard shove, cursing for the first time, "Get lost!" S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    I grabbed Mi Cai and feigned realization, "Oh!... So you find it disgusting that I used your toothbrush!... Look at your communication skills, it''s really frustrating that you can''t express yourself clearly!"

 Chapter 45 – To watch or not to watch

    Mi Cai bit her lip and looked at me, as if she couldn''t communicate with me in words anymore. After a long time, she frowned and said to me, "Why are there people like you in the world who have no manners?"


    I let go of Mi Cai and said indifferently, "Can''t you look at things from both sides? Using your toiletries shows that I am not petty!"


    "Did you get my permission to use them?"


    "So I said I am not petty. Is it necessary to make a big deal out of such trivial matters and ask for your permission?"


    "But I used your toothbrush without knowing it!" Mi Cai said with a disgusted expression.


    "I''ve already used it, should I go back in time with a time machine and remind you not to use it?... That''s unrealistic, so you should just let it go... You have to understand, there is nothing in this world, you are fake, I am fake, and of course the toothbrush is fake..."


    Mi Cai finally calmed down a bit and said, "Who knows if you have any contagious diseases."


    "If you get infected, it''s your own fault. Do you know how small the chance is for us to meet in this vast sea of people? And the chance of me using your toothbrush and other toiletries is even smaller."


    Mi Cai, who had just calmed down, became angry again and said, "According to your logic, no matter what happens in the future, it will always be my fault, and I deserve to be unlucky?"


    "You can say that." After speaking, I looked at Mi Cai and smiled, "You really understand me, you know what I''m thinking without even guessing!"


    Mi Cai, in extreme anger, sneered, "That''s how despicable people like you are. No one needs to guess, we can all see through the ugly faces of people like you."


    "You''re swearing again. Even if I am despicable, as a dignified woman like you, you shouldn''t say such things. It ruins your image!"


    "Zhao Yang, are you trying to make me angry today?"


    "If you''re afraid of getting angry, then just leave. Leave this place to me, so that everyone can be comfortable and peaceful."


    Mi Cai suddenly calmed down and said calmly, "You wish. I won''t fulfill your wish, you scum."


    "Anyway, I''m not leaving tonight. If you don''t mind, I definitely won''t mind living together again."


    Unexpectedly, Mi Cai didn''t argue back. She turned around and went back to the bathroom, slamming the door shut. I didn''t know what she was doing inside.


    I sat on the sofa and turned on the TV, but my mind wasn''t focused. I kept glancing towards the bathroom, feeling a sense of conspiracy. Suddenly, I remembered the last time she tricked me into going to a deserted place in the middle of the night, and I felt a sense of fear.


    "As an intelligent person like me, can I be fooled twice by the same person? Obviously not!" I comforted myself in my heart and felt relieved.


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    After feeling relieved, my mood inexplicably improved. So, while Mi Cai was in the bathroom, I went to the convenience store downstairs to buy toiletries. Of course, I took the key with me, just in case Mi Cai locked me out.


    I felt a little guilty, so I bought the most expensive toiletries for Mi Cai in the convenience store, and bought some random ones for myself. After all, I''m not a picky person.


    I took a walk outside the residential area for a while, smoked a few cigarettes, and dispelled the depression in my heart before returning to the place I was staying. Mi Cai happened to come out of the bathroom at the same time, with wet hair as if she had just taken a shower.


    I asked in confusion, "Didn''t you throw away all the toiletries? Why are you using them again?"


    "Don''t I have any backups?"


    I suddenly became uneasy, "You... Why didn''t you say earlier? I just went to the convenience store and bought a set for you, it cost more than 50 yuan."


    "Is that so?" Mi Cai wiped her wet hair with a new towel, her tone calm as if nothing unpleasant had happened just now.


    "Here, take a look." I handed her the bag.


    "Then put it in the cabinet in the bathroom and use it later." Mi Cai remained calm.


    I nodded and walked towards the bathroom. Inside, there was only steam and the lingering scent of shower gel. I looked around cautiously, afraid that Mi Cai would play tricks on me. Based on my understanding of her, the calmer she was, the more she would try to harm me.


    Except for the clothes Mi Cai had changed out of, there was almost nothing in the bathroom. After making sure it was safe, I opened the cabinet under the sink and indeed found many spare toiletries. If I had known earlier, I wouldn''t have used the ones she had used. After all, I''m not someone who enjoys arguing and fighting.


    After that, I washed up in the bathroom. When I was done, just like Mi Cai earlier, I used a dry towel to wipe my wet hair and walked out of the bathroom.


    To my surprise, Mi Cai didn''t rest, but sat on the sofa in the living room, eating cherries and reading documents.


    "Why aren''t you sleeping yet?" I asked Mi Cai.


    "Waiting for my hair to dry."


    I sat down next to Mi Cai and casually picked up a cherry to eat. Then I asked, "Do you really like eating cherries?"


    Mi Cai patiently replied, "Yes, I''ve liked them since I was little."


    I looked at Mi Cai and felt that something was off. With my recent bad behavior, her one-word answer of "yes" was already giving me face. She even told me that she liked eating cherries since she was little.


    I reassured myself: I''m a man, what can she do to me? Just calmly live here and there''s no need to be suspicious and overthink.


    Bored, I glanced at the documents that Mi Cai was holding in her hands. Sure enough, I saw the logo of Zhuo Mei Shopping Center on the documents. It was indeed true that Mi Cai was the CEO of Zhuo Mei.


    I nudged Mi Cai, who was engrossed in reading, and asked, "Hey, do you know what job I do?"


    "Who wants to bother with you." Mi Cai replied impatiently this time.I gave an awkward smile, feeling somewhat relieved. She should treat me with this kind of impatience. It wasn''t surprising that Mi Cai knew nothing about my work situation. Although I believed that Zhuomei also had our Baoli''s personnel files, Mi Cai would definitely not look at them. Even if she did, she would only look at the top executives of Baoli, not a small fry like me. So, she had no idea that I worked in the planning department of Baoli.


    Of course, I would never take the initiative to tell Mi Cai that I worked at Baoli. This was entirely due to my pride. I didn''t want to be so much lower than her. At least in this room, we were equals, or rather, I was superior. This was not nonsense, but logically supported. She was afraid of cockroaches, cockroaches were afraid of me, so I was two levels above her.


    In my self-delusion, I felt even more triumphant. I casually tossed two cherries into my mouth and started humming Wang Fei''s song "The New Tenant" in front of Mi Cai.


    Mi Cai was annoyed but didn''t want to argue with me anymore. She slapped the file on the table, got up, and left the couch.


    "What are you going to do?" I asked, thick-skinned.


    "Wash clothes," Mi Cai replied without turning her head.


    "So, you''re not kicking me out tonight?"


    "Stay as long as you like," Mi Cai said resentfully.


    "Will you stay with me?" S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Of course, I''ll stay with you."


    Mi Cai''s answer made me feel triumphant. I had easily won over a woman. I was already fantasizing about moving my luggage back here tomorrow night. In this city, this old house was the place I had always dreamed of.


    Continuing to hum the annoying "The New Tenant", my eyes glanced at the file Mi Cai had left behind. My heart suddenly pounded. This file was Zhuomei Shopping Center''s business plan for November. It must contain their strategic suppression of our Baoli and the upcoming promotional activities.


    If I read this plan, Zhuomei''s strategic intentions would be clear, which would be extremely beneficial for our countermeasures against Zhuomei''s marketing plan.


    To read or not to read, I was torn for a moment.

 Chapter 46 – Mi Cais Revenge

    After a brief struggle, I ultimately decided not to look at the business plan for Zhuomei that Mi Cai had left on the coffee table. Perhaps I''m not the most upright person, but I''m not willing to stoop to such petty theft. I constantly remind myself to know my limits in life. I would not harm Mi Cai and the Zhuomei Shopping Center she works for with such near-thieving methods for my own personal gain.


    The sound of the washing machine drum turning came from the bathroom. After a while, Mi Cai came out of the bathroom and sat back on the sofa, picking up the monthly business plan again. But she treated me, sitting next to her, as if I were air. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    I couldn''t find my sense of existence, so I said to Mi Cai, "By the way, I took a set of bedding from your room yesterday. You wouldn''t want me to sleep in your bed, right? That would disgust you even more. So, I think you wouldn''t be angry about this."


    "No, you can use it," Mi Cai said indifferently.


    Her sudden change of attitude made me feel a bit embarrassed. I felt like I had bullied her before. Although she is the CEO of Zhuomei, she is still a woman. My previous actions lacked a man''s grace.


    "I''m going to bed now. You should rest early too. Don''t stay up too late," I said to Mi Cai in a softer tone.


    "Okay, I''ll go to bed after I finish washing the clothes."


    ...


    Returning to my room, I felt a sense of joy as if I had regained something lost. I could finally live in this room where I had lived for more than two years with a clear conscience. I thanked the heavens for their favor, my shameless persistence, and Mi Cai''s conscience.


    After thanking everyone I could think of, I suddenly felt relaxed, and sleepiness hit me. As I drifted off to sleep, I knew that after more than a week of drifting, I could finally have a good night''s sleep.


    As I expected, I slept soundly that night. I slept until dawn without dreaming. When I woke up, I quickly became alert.


    I sat up in bed and looked out the window. Although the autumn wind was blowing the leaves around, the sunlight was good, and the temperature was comfortable. I wiped my face, completely shaking off the morning drowsiness. Looking at my watch, it was just past 7:30. It was the perfect time to get up.


    After getting up and washing up, I planned to cook some porridge and go out to buy some breakfast. Of course, I would also buy a portion for Mi Cai. I felt that there should be no grudges between us. As a man, I could lower my posture and take the initiative to make peace with her. From then on, we could live in harmony in this house.


    I went to the cabinet where the rice was stored, but to my surprise, the cabinet was locked. I was a bit puzzled, but didn''t think much of it. I was about to check the fridge, but when I opened it, I was completely dumbfounded. The fridge was empty. A sense of foreboding filled me.


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    I almost ran to the door of the house, turned the handle of the security door, and found it was locked... I suddenly realized that I had been confined in this room by Mi Cai.


    "Damn it! No wonder she told me last night that I could stay as long as I wanted... How could I have been so stupid not to notice!" I cursed as I ran to my room with the last hope, only to find out in despair that the key to my room had indeed been taken by Mi Cai while I was sleeping.


    In the face of danger, I remained calm and thought of calling a locksmith for help. I picked up my phone from the cabinet, felt it was much lighter, and when I opened the back cover, I felt like I was about to collapse. The battery of the phone was gone.


    I walked back to the living room from the bedroom with a stern face, but I had no idea what to do. This room was on the fifth floor, jumping down would be suicide.


    ...


    I spent the morning pacing around the room like a headless fly. If it were the weekend and I didn''t have to work, it would be fine. But today was the day Circle was returning to the company. There would definitely be a meeting in the department to discuss the recent promotional plan. The importance of this meeting goes without saying. If I didn''t attend, it would definitely affect the progress of the promotional plan. I could already imagine the angry and twisted faces of Chen Jingming and Circle...


    The more I thought about it, the angrier I became. I really wanted to strangle Mi Cai, this vicious woman. At this moment, I was like a poor bug trapped in a box by her, but I had no way out. This time, she was literally trying to kill me. Not only was there no food in the house, but she had also cut off the electricity from outside. I couldn''t imagine how hard this day would be.


    I lay anxiously on the sofa, each second feeling like a day. Several times, I ran to the balcony and yelled down, but no one paid any attention to me. It was as if everyone in the community had been bought off by Mi Cai, or maybe my luck was just that bad today. In any case, I was still trapped in the room, and my energy was rapidly depleting.


    By noon, I was so hungry that I was dizzy. My hatred for Mi Cai increased. I didn''t believe she would dare to trap me in this room to death. At most, she would have to come back and let me out tonight.


    In my rage, I decided: as soon as she comes back, I will call the police. This is illegal confinement, and she also stole my phone battery. She should be detained for these crimes. She must be detained. She''s too damn bullying!


    ...


    A few birds were chirping and hopping around on the window of the balcony, flaunting their freedom. The weak evening sun was reflected on the curtains. Like the sun, I was powerless, lying weakly on the sofa. I felt as if there were stars circling around my head, praying for this hellish day to end soon.After a long while, the last ray of sunlight disappeared from the balcony, and the sky turned completely dark. I was lying on the sofa, too weak to even turn over. Yet, that wicked woman, Mi Cai, still hadn''t returned. Fear gradually crept into my heart. Although I knew she wouldn''t dare to leave me trapped here to die, if she didn''t return tonight, I would be as good as dead by tomorrow morning.


    There was no light in the room. In the darkness, my anxiety from the loss of freedom intensified. I felt bouts of madness in my heart, but I didn''t even have the strength to vent. Thus, the torment of anxiety and rage was like a hundred claws scratching at my heart. My vision started to darken, and I could faint at any moment.


    Time crawled forward like a snail, and I was still struggling to survive. Finally, the sound of a key unlocking the door came from outside. I instantly woke up as if injected with chicken blood, and tried to stand up from the sofa. However, my body couldn''t keep up with my consciousness. With a "thud", I rolled off the sofa, my shoulder hitting the corner of the coffee table. The pain was so intense that I couldn''t even cry out, and my head spun...


    Suddenly, all the lights in the room turned on. Then, I heard Mi Cai''s "surprised" voice, "Zhao Yang, why didn''t you turn on the lights? And you''re sleeping on the floor, aren''t you cold?"

 Chapter 47 – You are just a female gangster

    I struggled to stand up from the ground, glaring at Mi Cai, who wore a face of "surprise". "Come here, let me strangle you!" I exclaimed.


    "What''s wrong?" Mi Cai asked innocently, looking at me.


    I laughed in anger, "You locked me up for a day and you''re asking me what''s wrong? The more you pretend, the more shameless I think you are!"


    "Crazy." Mi Cai casually threw out these words, then started to change her slippers.


    I walked towards Mi Cai, but my legs were weak. I used the last of my strength to grab hold of her, angrily asking, "Why did you lock the door today?"


    "Aren''t all security doors supposed to be locked?"


    "I was still at home, didn''t you know?"


    Mi Cai shook her head, "I didn''t know, I thought you had left."


    "Fine, even if you didn''t know I was at home, why did you take the key while I was sleeping?"


    "Shouldn''t I take the key to my own house?" Mi Cai retorted coldly.


    My head spun with anger. I slapped my forehead hard, struggling to keep my composure. "Alright, it''s your key, you should take it. But how do you explain stealing the battery from my phone?"


    "Who stole your battery? When I took the key yesterday, I accidentally knocked your phone over. The battery might have fallen under the bed. The room was dark, I couldn''t see clearly, so I just put the back cover on."


    "Damn, you really planned everything perfectly to kill me. I can''t even find a way to trouble you!"


    Mi Cai responded with a smile, "In your words, it''s your bad luck to meet me. What are the odds of us meeting in the vast sea of people, and what are the odds of me locking you in the room after we met?"


    "Are you admitting it?"


    Mi Cai replied coldly, "So what if I admit it? Go call the police. Say I illegally imprisoned you... You definitely won''t call the police, after all, you''re a man and I''m just a woman. Besides, you''re the landlord, how could a landlord be imprisoned by a tenant? Even if you told the police, they wouldn''t believe you!"


    Mi Cai once again hit me hard with the words I used against her before. I didn''t know how to retaliate. After a while, I blurted out, "You... you''re a female hooligan, a devil, a demon... Does your shameless behavior match your pretty face?"


    Mi Cai was unaffected by my anger, she calmly replied, "Save those words for yourself. Without your cause, there wouldn''t be my effect."


    "But the effect you gave is too poisonous. You locked me up for a day, I couldn''t make a call, how will the company see me? This is much worse than skipping work, I might lose my job!" I said, my face turning red.


    Mi Cai stared at me in silence for a while, then calmly said, "You''ve been talking so much, aren''t you hungry?"


    As soon as she finished speaking, my legs went weak and my stomach growled. I felt dizzy from the anger, and instinctively put my hand on Mi Cai''s shoulder. Swallowing my hunger, I struggled to say, "Help me downstairs to eat Zhajiang noodles, the biggest bowl!"


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    In the noodle shop downstairs, I put the battery back into my phone. As I nervously turned it on, dozens of text message alerts sounded like an earthquake. They were all missed call notifications from Circle and Chen Jingming.


    I threw the phone aside in annoyance, glaring at Mi Cai who was sitting across from me with a calm face.


    Mi Cai stood up and said to me, "I''ve brought you here, you can eat slowly."


    "Sit down, this matter isn''t over so easily. You heard the message alerts just now, right? They''re all from the company, what should we do now?"


    A hint of guilt finally appeared on Mi Cai''s face. She said softly, "I always thought you didn''t have a proper job, I really didn''t expect..."


    I was speechless for a moment. Given my previous state, I didn''t look like someone with a proper job. I patiently said to Mi Cai, "Even if I don''t have a proper job, I should still have some organization and discipline, right? Haven''t you seen those beggars in the underground passages? They gather and count their numbers every day, then divide up the begging areas!"


    Mi Cai was silent for a while, then said to me, "I was indeed a bit thoughtless about this. What do you want me to do, you tell me."


    After Mi Cai softened her attitude, I felt a bit embarrassed. Actually, I was the one who had gone too far before. Mi Cai''s reprimand was just a natural reaction after being bullied. As a shopping mall CEO, she should have some temper.


    After thinking for a while, I said, "I won''t make things difficult for you. Just call our leader and explain why I didn''t go to work today. As long as I can keep my job, I won''t mind being locked up for a day."


    "Can''t you explain it yourself?"


    "If he would believe my explanation, would I need you to explain?" I gave Mi Cai a look.


    "It seems you''ve also fooled your leaders quite a bit... Give me the number."


    I was left speechless by Mi Cai''s words. Speechless because she hit the nail on the head. I coughed to cover up my embarrassment, then gave her Chen Jingming''s phone number. She immediately dialed it.


    I was a bit curious. If Chen Jingming knew that the person calling him was the CEO of Zhuomei, what would his reaction be? But Mi Cai and Chen Jingming definitely wouldn''t talk about this, so I could only be curious.


    The call seemed to be connected on the other end, and Mi Cai began to speak, "Hello, may I speak to Manager Chen?"


    "I''m Zhao Yang''s roommate. I have something to explain to you. When I left today, I accidentally locked Zhao Yang in the room. His phone had some problems, so he couldn''t notify the company immediately. I want to express my apologies to you, I''m sorry."


    Although Mi Cai''s words were polite, there was still a sense of authority in her tone.


    After speaking with Chen Jingming for a while, Mi Cai handed the phone to me, saying, "Your manager wants to talk to you."


    I took the phone from Mi Cai and immediately said, "Manager, you heard just now, right? I''m not going to work today, it''s really an accident!"


    Chen Jingming asked with an angry yet helpless tone, "Is it true?"


    "I wouldn''t lie to you. Would I go to the trouble of finding an excuse to tell you? I, Zhao Yang, always take responsibility for my actions. It is what it is." I said confidently, because this time I really didn''t deceive Chen Jingming.


    "Alright, we''ll treat this as an accident this time. Come to the company early tomorrow and communicate with Circle. The plan this time must be efficient."


    "You can rest assured, I will go to the company early tomorrow."


    ......


    After ending the call with Chen Jingming, I called Circle to explain the situation. I finally breathed a sigh of relief. At this time, the Zhajiang noodles were served. Without a word, I started to wolf down the food. I ate two big bowls until I couldn''t eat anymore.


    I wiped the oil stains from my mouth with a napkin and said to Mi Cai, who I had forcibly kept here, "You just told our leader that we are roommates, right?"


    Mi Cai guessed my intention and immediately denied it, saying, "That was necessary under the circumstances. Otherwise, how would I explain this to your leader?"


    "Oh... oh... so you can also lie and deceive!"

 Chapter 48 – Almost hurting to death

    When I said that Mi Cai was lying and fooling around, her emotions didn''t change much. She calmly said to me, "I remember telling you last time that it''s inconvenient for the two of us to live together. Our lifestyles and habits are very different. Why do you keep making things difficult for me and endlessly bothering me?"


    I calmly responded, "Don''t say that. Am I bothering you? I care about that room. If you move out, I will never go looking for you."


    Mi Cai nodded and said, "I believe that, but the property certificate clearly states my name. What''s the point of you caring about it?"


    I earnestly said to Mi Cai, "Let''s switch places and think about it. If you lived in a house for over two years and suddenly moved out, how would you feel? In Suzhou, we don''t have a house. Our lives are unsettled, and we really long for a place to rely on, especially at night... You will never understand the fear of having nowhere to go, feeling suppressed and helpless!"


    Mi Cai fell silent.


    I also fell silent. At this moment, it wasn''t just a house that caused conflict between us, but also the barriers of social class. These barriers prevented us from understanding each other and caused us to torment each other while holding our ground.


    After a long time, I asked Mi Cai with doubt, "If you really wanted me to leave, for example, by calling the police, I would have to go. Why haven''t you done that?"


    Mi Cai looked up at me, and after a moment of silence, she said, "You haven''t become bad enough to warrant calling the police on you."


    I smiled and said, "Then I''m really lucky. I''m lucky that I''m not completely bad!"


    Although it was a sarcastic remark towards Mi Cai, she said to me seriously again, "You can help CC guard that restaurant and become friends with her. You can''t be that bad. It''s just that life and emotions have given you too much pressure, so you appear to be someone who does anything without scruples. In reality, your indifference is just a way to make yourself feel better."


    I looked at Mi Cai absentmindedly. It turned out that she was the one who understood me the most over the years. At least my closest friends, Circle, Yan Yan, Robben, and CC, have never said these things to me. It seemed like Mi Cai lightly touched the deepest knot in my heart, but didn''t completely untie it. However, it was enough to touch my sensitivity.


    Finally, I said to Mi Cai, "Are you trying to affirm my character and make me feel embarrassed to bother you, fulfilling your desire for peace? Stop playing mind games with me. I''ve been to school, and I understand the policy of leniency."


    Mi Cai fell silent, looking helpless. It seemed that my stubbornness didn''t work on her, and I already knew her bottom line. If I stubbornly refused to leave, she wouldn''t have any way to deal with me. Naturally, I wouldn''t give her another chance to lock me in the house. How could someone as smart and alert as me be taken advantage of by the same woman three times?


    I wasn''t ashamed of my behavior of bothering Mi Cai. At least she still had a luxurious house in this city. If I forced her out, she wouldn''t experience the feeling of being adrift with nowhere to go. And of course, I wouldn''t live in that old house for free. I would still pay the rent that was due.


    This was my plan. If Mi Cai could compromise, it would be a win-win situation for both of us. Indeed, she was beautiful, rich, and the CEO of Zhuo Mei. But that didn''t mean I had to like her or have any ulterior motives towards her. So I really didn''t need to bother her. As long as she was willing to rent the house to me, I wouldn''t bother her for the rest of my life.


    After thinking for a while, I said to Mi Cai, who had been silent all along, "Why don''t you just rent this house to me? Don''t you have another house in Liu''an Jingyuan? You can go back there to live. Just give me a bank account number, and I''ll transfer the rent to your account every month. We don''t even have to see each other anymore. Isn''t that great?"


    Mi Cai didn''t accept my proposal at all and said with an angry expression, "You were so determined to move out last time. Why are you changing your mind now?"


    "I''m just a scoundrel, living a wavering life. Besides, I thought I would find a suitable house after moving out. But either they were too expensive or too far from my company. I wasn''t happy being adrift, so of course, I wanted to move back."


    Mi Cai looked at me helplessly and said with a wry smile, "Your reasons are really convincing. Both subjectively and objectively!"


    "Of course, I''m someone who does things thoroughly."


    "But don''t you think you''re going too far? Who forces someone to rent their house to them?" Mi Cai still patiently said to me.


    I shouted, "Am I going too far? How about I call all my friends right now and let them judge who is going too far between us? Really, you''re just like those tyrant bandits in the past, using money to oppress the lives of poor people."


    Mi Cai finally lost her patience. She picked up her handbag from the table, stood up, and said to me, "I don''t have time to argue with you. I definitely won''t rent the house to you. Stop fantasizing."


    I followed Mi Cai out of the noodle shop, wanting to continue talking to her. In any case, I wanted to settle the matter of the house tonight.


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    Mi Cai walked fast, afraid that I would catch up to her. Her high heels made a "clacking" sound on the concrete ground. I also didn''t slow down and took a few big steps, blocking Mi Cai''s path and threateningly said, "Are you going to rent it or not..."


    Before I could finish my sentence, a sudden and excruciating pain bloomed in my stomach. I covered my abdomen and squatted down. I hadn''t eaten all day, and I just had a big meal. My already weak stomach couldn''t handle such stimulation.


    Mi Cai took advantage of me squatting on the ground, walked around me, and didn''t care about whether I was alive or dead.


    "Do you have... no conscience? My stomach hurts, and you''re just watching me suffer?" I said while enduring the pain.


    Mi Cai stopped and turned to look at me. "What? Are you planning to use the ''suffering together'' tactic on me again? I already made it clear to you just now. I won''t rent the house to you."


    I convulsed in pain and could even feel the sweat on my forehead.


    Mi Cai finally came back to my side, squatted down, and looked at me with doubt. She asked, "What''s wrong with you?""Didn''t I just tell you... I have a stomachache. How could you... just stand by and do nothing? Last time... when you had a fever, didn''t I make ginger soup for you out of kindness... didn''t I go buy medicine for you?" I said, my face twisted in pain.


    "At a time like this, you''re still nitpicking. Did I say I wouldn''t help?... I''m calling an ambulance." Mi Cai said, pulling out her phone from her handbag.


    "What planet did you parachute from, you alien? Don''t you have... any common sense? I just have a stomachache, why are you calling an ambulance... There''s a pharmacy one hundred meters to the right across the street, go... buy those fast-acting stomachache chewable tablets, I''ll be fine after chewing a couple." Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Mi Cai gave me a dissatisfied look and said, "You''re like this, can''t you just save your strength and talk less? Fine, I''m going now, you wait here."


    I grimaced and said, "Hurry up, I''m in so much pain I''m going crazy!"


    Mi Cai nodded, then jogged across the street... Watching her retreating figure, I sat on the ground, another wave of pain hitting me.

 Chapter 49 – Jian Weis appointment

    Returning to the old house where Mi Cai and I had countless arguments, I chewed on a painkiller and lay on the sofa to relieve the pain. Mi Cai poured me a glass of water and sat across from me.


    She asked, "Are you feeling better?"


    "After resting for a while, I''ll be fine." S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Mi Cai nodded and said, "When you feel better, I''ll take you back."


    I sat up in pain and asked, "Where am I supposed to go?"


    "Aren''t you temporarily staying at your friend''s place? I''ll take you back there."


    I replied angrily, "Can''t you show a little humanitarianism? I''m a patient now!"


    Mi Cai calmly said, "This is my house, not a hospital. Why do you have to act like a patient? Or do you think your health is really bad? I can take you to the hospital."


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    I lay back on the sofa, showing no interest in talking to her. Thus, we entered into a cold war due to our differing opinions.


    After a short while, my phone vibrated in my pocket. I turned over and took out my phone. It was an unfamiliar number from Shanghai. I answered the call in confusion, "Hello, who is this?"


    There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone before the voice said, "It''s me, Jian Wei."


    My mind suddenly went blank, and I couldn''t even feel the pain in my stomach. After a long pause, I mechanically responded, "What''s up?"


    "Come out and meet me at our usual place."


    Before I could react, Jian Wei hung up the phone. She was still the same as before, never giving me a chance to refuse. That''s why I didn''t reject or ask for a reason when we broke up.


    The phone had been disconnected for a while, but my heart was still shaking. However, one thing was certain - if she invited me, I would definitely go and meet her. At the very least, we were still ordinary friends.


    I finally put the phone back in my pocket and said to Mi Cai, "I''m going out to meet a friend. Can you keep the door for me?"


    "Just go, there''s no need to keep the door. Take a look around the house and take anything that belongs to you."


    At this moment, I had no intention of arguing with Mi Cai. I glanced at her again, then walked towards the door. My stomach was still aching, and perhaps the pain in my heart was even harder to bear.


    ...


    I stood outside the residential area, waiting for a taxi, but I was pondering where Jian Wei meant by "our usual place." Was it CC''s music restaurant? Or by the moat? I couldn''t be sure. This also indicated that we had too many memories about Suzhou, too many places we had lingered in. Each place was a memorable past.


    In the end, I chose to go to the moat. It used to be the place where we took walks every evening. We laughed and played here, enjoying the picturesque scenery.


    Fifteen minutes later, I arrived at the moat, the section of the road we used to walk on the most. I sat down on the lawn, lit a cigarette amidst the pain in my stomach. Because my heart was restless, I didn''t know why Jian Wei suddenly asked to meet me, I didn''t know how to face her, and I didn''t know what to say when we met... Look, this is the change of time, turning our once intimate relationship into ignorance!


    Half an hour had passed, and Jian Wei still hadn''t arrived. In the cold autumn wind, I finally realized that I had come to the wrong place. Perhaps Jian Wei was waiting for me at CC''s music restaurant.


    I immediately took out my phone and dialed her number, but Jian Wei''s line was busy. After I hung up, her call came in again. It seemed that we had dialed each other''s numbers at the same time.


    I answered the call, and Jian Wei told me she was at CC''s restaurant. I told her I was at the moat, and I said I would go find her. She said she would come find me. Naturally, I complied with her, and thus ended the call and began a new wait.


    I felt a bit disappointed. I couldn''t choose the old place in Jian Wei''s heart. Our hearts were no longer in sync, so breaking up was inevitable.


    ...


    The autumn wind covered the night, neon lights reflected everything around me. I lit another cigarette by the seemingly beautiful moat, watching the smoke fill the air and eventually dissipate.


    After another 20 minutes, I saw Jian Wei''s Cadillac CTS parked by the riverbank. This top-of-the-line CTS was a graduation gift from Jian Wei''s father three years ago. It was also this car that forcefully tore us apart from our innocent campus romance. I still remember it vividly: the day Jian Wei drove her new car and took me for a ride, how I forced a smile, as if in that moment, I already painfully anticipated the ending between Jian Wei and me. In fact, I did anticipate it.


    Jian Wei opened the car door and got out. She was dressed lightly, wearing only a short women''s leather jacket, slightly loose gray-white casual pants, and her hair was simply tied up. She looked casual, unlike the last time I saw her in the bar, where she was dressed in luxury brands that I couldn''t even look at.


    I couldn''t meet her gaze with my eyes. I turned my head away and took a deep drag of the cigarette in my hand. Just one puff, and half of the cigarette turned into ashes.


    The familiar scent of a woman wafted into my nostrils from Jian Wei''s body. I finally looked up at her and said stiffly, "Why did you invite me?"


    Jian Wei sat down next to me, "Do I need a reason to ask you out?"


    I tried to relax a bit, smiled and asked, "Didn''t you go to Nanjing with Xiang Chen? How come you''re back so soon?"


    "I have my arrangements."


    "Indeed, you have your arrangements." I echoed Jian Wei''s words, but didn''t know what else to talk about with her. So, I lit another cigarette, looking at the river surface stirred by the wind, my emotions alternating between confusion and anxiety.


    Jian Wei took the cigarette from between my fingers, looked at me and said, "Don''t smoke in front of a lady, you should be a gentleman."


    The corner of my mouth twitched. Jian Wei was actually asking me to be a gentleman. Time indeed changes a person. She used to enjoy playing and fooling around with me, even smoking the cigarette I was smoking. At this moment, I realized: she had really walked too far away from my world, and I couldn''t keep up with the times, just standing foolishly in place, which was why I so abruptly smoked in front of her.


    After the silence, I finally said to her, "Tell me, what''s the matter that you asked me out for? We shouldn''t just sit here in the cold wind."


    Although I said so, I was willing to sit here with her all night, watching her, carefully observing her appearance three years later, letting her know how much I liked her sparkling eyes, her slightly upturned mouth, her blooming smile, her calm demeanor, the feminine scent on her, her seemingly scolding but caring love, her whispering in my arms, our heavy panting after making love...


    I liked everything about her, everything about being with her. But now, she was like a kite that I had lost, I could only hold the broken string, helplessly watching her fly to the distant north, disappearing in the sunset of dusk, and finally only walking once in my memory.


    How lost, how melancholy, how reluctant!