“Is there nothing you need me to do?” Xiao Yufan couldn’t help but hesitate as he watched Hu Yingluo place the contract into her briefcase. Hu Yingruo seemed determined to see things through to the end, like someone who insists on accompanying a Buddha all the way to the West. But could she really complete this task on her own?
“Why? Don’t you trust me? Remember, I have a great relationship with our company’s CEO. As soon as I speak up, this matter will definitely be resolved!” Hu Yingruo brushed snow off her shoulder, appearing very casual, as if Xiao Yufan’s request was no big deal at all, which surprised him slightly.
“Of course I trust you. Our beautiful lady has infinite charm. I bet your CEO wouldn’t even dare to refuse your request!” Xiao Yufan looked at Hu Yingruo with a flirtatious gaze, his intentions obvious.
“I could mention that our CEO is a woman, right?” Without thinking, Hu Yingruo knew exactly what Xiao Yufan meant. Was this guy assuming she would sell her own charm?
“Oh… So your preference is…” Xiao Yufan dragged his tone sarcastically, looking particularly annoying.
“Get lost…” Hu Yingruo laughed as she scolded him, a blush creeping onto her face. She was clearly somewhat overwhelmed by Xiao Yufan’s teasing, but their relationship had warmed up steadily as a result.
…
After Hu Yingruo left, Xiao Yufan immediately felt much more relaxed. Since Hu Yingruo had already agreed to help, there was naturally a good chance she could complete the contract. But could simply being friends with the company’s CEO really secure an eight-million-yuan contract?
Strolling leisurely across the square, the falling snow did nothing to dampen Xiao Yufan’s mood. He kept imagining his life over the past three years. He had been so aimless that he’d even forgotten the ambitious dreams he had when he first arrived in Beijing. Perhaps this was reality.
In such a vast city, how many people were constantly chasing their dreams, afraid to stop even for a moment on the road, fearing that a brief pause would leave them far behind? Thus, everyone rushed about, missing the most beautiful scenery along the way.
Closing his eyes, feeling the breath of snow, for the first time Xiao Yufan felt a rare sense of ease. Whether or not he could enter Yu Yihan’s company, this moment marked a brand-new beginning for him.
Just then, his phone rang—it was Lin Jiayao calling. Was she going to ask Xiao Yufan to do her laundry again?
“My lady, what now?” Although Xiao Yufan no longer felt any aversion toward Lin Jiayao, it didn’t mean he wanted to be at her beck and call whenever she desired. He found it quite annoying.
“Are you really that impatient?” Lin Jiayao paused for a moment, clearly unhappy with Xiao Yufan’s somewhat irritable response. But she quickly continued, “I’m just calling to say goodbye…”
“Goodbye?” Xiao Yufan was taken aback, unsure of what Lin Jiayao truly meant.
“I’m leaving tomorrow for Pingwu to start filming. The production began earlier than expected, and I just received the news!”
“Really? Then allow me to wish you early success and stardom!” A cold wind blew across his face, and suddenly Xiao Yufan felt a strange sense of detachment. Yes, Lin Jiayao and he were simply not on the same path.
“I’m not calling for your blessings. I just hope that during my absence, you’ll live well, at least be happy. Some things can never return to what they were. So let the past stay in the past.”
Xiao Yufan fell silent. He knew Lin Jiayao was referring to Cheng Ying. He felt a hint of self-mockery. Perhaps from now on, he and Lin Jiayao could never go back to how things were before either.
“I’ll keep this number forever. If you ever feel unhappy or have something on your mind, you can call me anytime. I’ll keep my phone on 24 hours a day. At the very least, we can still chat like friends!” Pausing briefly, Lin Jiayao sighed. She understood that Xiao Yufan had a very strong sense of pride, and telling him this would surely make him think a lot.
Xiao Yufan didn’t know how to respond for a moment, merely uttering a soft “Hmm.” What else could he do at this moment besides staying silent?
“The next time we meet, perhaps we should say… long time no see…” Clearly, Lin Jiayao felt reluctant. Her feelings for Xiao Yufan were as deep as those she held for her own family.
…
Listening to the continuous busy signal from his phone, Xiao Yufan suddenly felt a pang of sadness at the farewell, even though he hadn’t invested deep emotions into Lin Jiayao. Over time, however, feelings had developed, and sometimes he had even grown annoyed by the troubles she brought him one after another.
Lin Jiayao was destined to rise above others, while even if Xiao Yufan managed to enter a company, he would only ever be a small employee, barely surviving in this city.
Zipping up his jacket, Xiao Yufan no longer had the mood to admire the snowy scenery around him. Treading along paths already walked by others, he felt a sense of confusion creeping back. Was this really the life he wanted—just settling down in a company as a minor employee?
It was precisely because of contrasts that the world appeared more real and multidimensional. Xiao Yufan understood that the world was inherently a complex contradiction, and loneliness and loss were always borne by someone. Thinking about the gap between him and Lin Jiayao, he felt neither wronged nor resentful…
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage