Ji Ruoluo had originally planned to have dinner with Xin Di, but Xin Di already had plans for the evening and was also afraid of rushing to a meal with someone she wasn't familiar with. So she suggested: "Why don't we just sit together now? I live near your hotel, April Garden. You can call a taxi, it'll only take 10 minutes."

  April Garden is an old-fashioned building hidden in a small alley in the city, said to be the former mansion of a certain warlord. With the passage of time, it naturally became a densely populated courtyard where ordinary people lived together. After the policy was implemented and the original owner returned, it had become dilapidated. Someone with a keen eye for opportunity acquired this place at a relatively low price, obtaining long-term usage rights. After spending a large sum on renovations, the three-story Western-style villa inside was largely restored to its former appearance. The trees, flowers, and grass in the courtyard were replanted and pruned, and a waist-shaped pool was dug out, where koi fish were raised and water lilies were planted. A small sign was hung on the black-lacquered gate, and a coffee shop called April Garden was opened. Except for the main hall, each wing of the building was decorated with its own unique features, displaying the owner's collection of artworks. On the upper floor, there is also a small gallery showcasing works by local artists.

  In front of the April Garden gate, there is a narrow one-way street that is not convenient for parking. The business was originally very bleak, but the owner insisted on it out of interest. Slowly, the environment and taste were appreciated by outsiders and local petty bourgeoisie, and through word of mouth, it also became a good place to spend leisure time.

  Aken somehow got along well with the owner here and often brought his work to this side in the afternoon, drinking tea and cracking melon seeds while drawing design drafts. Xindi and he didn't need to punch in and out of work, but she felt that this was a bit decadent and still preferred to complete her work in the design room.

  Su Mei is going to shoot a new album, and invited Xindie's old classmate Yan Xu Hui from Beijing to take charge of the camera. After Aken saw the creative plan presented by David Fan Advertising Company, he suggested that since one of the themes was retro nostalgia, why not shoot it in April Garden? This idea was immediately agreed upon by David Fan. Today, the two will bring over the design drafts for the album and discuss them here, while waiting for David Fan to pick up Yan Xu Hui.

  It can be frustrating to finalize a design, with two people often arguing and reluctantly rejecting certain designs. In this quiet courtyard, sitting in the east wing of the house with an English-style floral sofa, the sunlight filtering through the curtains becomes soft, one person drinks tea, the other coffee, after discussing for a while, going out to tease the goldfish in the small pool on one side of the yard, work doesn't seem so tedious. Xindi can't help but agree with Aken's words, decadence has its own pleasure.

  The waitress led in a woman wearing an ivory silk dress and carrying a Chanel bag. She smiled and greeted Xin Di, who was not good at recognizing people. Fortunately, the elegant woman in front of him did not differ much from the vague impression in his mind.

  Xin Di greeted Ah Ken, led Ji Ruolan through the front corridor to the west wing and sat down. He took another look at what she was wearing and smiled: "Miu Miu's new style, very beautiful."

  Ji Ruo Lai smiled, "No wonder you're a designer, last time I saw you, at a glance, you knew that the clothes I was wearing were from DKNY's previous two seasons, which made me feel so embarrassed. To be honest with you, this time I deliberately wore new clothes to see you."

  "No need to apologize, don't take it to heart, I'm just a professional, actually I don't care which season's design it is, as long as it matches with people, it's good clothes."

  "I know you're being kind to me, just stating the facts without making any judgments." Ji Ruo Leng was able to maintain her composure at the time thanks to her upbringing, but when she later saw Xin Di speaking freely about Lu Fei, she felt relieved. "He even criticized Lu Fei's Dunhill suit for being old-fashioned and middle-aged, completely lacking in style, saying that all you can see is the clothes."

  "My colleague Ah Ken said I'm a typical 'respect clothes before respecting people', this kind of selfishness is different from others, haha." Xindi never proactively comments on people's behavior, but can't help but criticize their attire, almost every time she sees Lu Fei she has to criticize him once, always disliking his ordinary style, while Lu Fei always smiles and lets her talk nonsense, without any intention of accepting her opinions.

  The waiter brought the coffee and retreated, Ji Ruoluo looked around this small tea room, smiled slightly, "I've long heard that the temperature here in summer is terrifying, indeed it is. However, once inside, I feel completely different, I didn't expect to find such a quiet place in the bustling city, it's truly a hidden gem."

  In the local area in late August, the summer heat still lingered, but in this courtyard, the flowers and trees were lush, and the air conditioner was turned up to a comfortable level. Xindi joked: "You should go out and experience it properly, or else it would be a waste of your trip during this season."

  Ji Ruoxue smiled cooperatively, but it was clear that she had no intention of going out to do this experience. "You haven't changed at all, Miss Xin, still the same as two years ago."

  Xin Di still had work to do and was afraid of getting bogged down in small talk. "You too, I ran into Lu Fei yesterday, how come he didn't mention you were coming over?"

  "This time I came, haven't called Lu Fei yet, wanted to see you first."

  Xin Di's face was filled with astonishment.

  "Lu Fei went to the US on a business trip in May this year, and after coming back, he suddenly told me that he wanted to cancel our engagement." She furrowed her brow, staring at the cup of coffee in front of her, and suddenly stopped, as if trying to suppress the tremble in her voice.

  Xin Di nervously looked at her, having no confidence in her ability to comfort herself. Her fingers involuntarily went to touch the backpack, only to remember that it was left in the east wing. Her eyes glanced at the box of tissues on another table, secretly hoping that Ji Ruoluo used waterproof mascara.

  Before she finished her wild thoughts, Ji Ruoluo raised her eyes, and indeed there was a hint of crystal clear light in them. However, she controlled it well. "I've made you laugh, Miss Xin. I just hope that even if I die, I'll die with clarity, so I came over here to find an answer."

  Xin Di couldn't help but feel a little sympathetic, and at the same time, she was furious with Lu Fei. "How could Lu Fei suggest canceling their engagement without even giving her an explanation? That's too much."

  "He explained, very sincerely, that he realized it was disrespectful and irresponsible to marry me when he didn't love me, saying that he had been in love with someone else for many years without realizing it, and he hoped to correct this mistake before everything was too late."

  Xin Di didn't know whether to help reason or help relatives at this time. It was clear that a man saying this to his fiancée was very cold-blooded, and no matter how sincere it was, it was unacceptable. However, Lu Fei's loved one should be her cousin Xin Chen, so she couldn't not be biased. "Uh, I'm not good at comforting people, Miss Ji, but I think you two should communicate fully. If it can't be salvaged, then you can only try to minimize the harm."

  "Is it hurtful? I liked him from the first sight, he took a long time to accept me, and I thought we were together after careful consideration. After more than two years of formal dating, we decided to get married at the end of last year, then met both parents, all relatives and friends know our wedding is in September, how do you think such hurt can be alleviated?"

  Xin Di was speechless, admitting that her words were too frivolous, but she couldn't help feeling a bit resentful. It's not like the whole world has to cry with you just because of a lost love, she thought.

  Ji Leqiang took a deep breath and calmed down his slightly excited mood, "Sorry, my tone was wrong, this matter can't be blamed on you."

  "It's okay, I... actually feel very sympathetic towards you and think that Lu Fei didn't handle things well." Xindi racked her brains but really didn't know what to say, so she could only speak the truth, "Sorry, I don't know if there's anything I can do to help you."

  "Of course you can't help me, this matter of love, no one can help anyone, and I didn't plan on asking you either. But I have to know, Lu Fei loved you for so many years, why didn't he ever say anything to you? Three years ago, he came back once, should be to see you, but why did he accept my feelings after going back? Did you reject him? Later, it seemed like you two only met once that autumn two years ago, and I was there too, I couldn't see anything between you two at all, so why did he suddenly realize his love for you when he came back from America this year?"

  The shock was too great, Xindi's mouth opened into an O shape and she couldn't close it for a long time. She knew she must look very silly and could only stutter: "Who... who said he loved me?"

  Ji Ruoluo looked at her with a complex expression, "You actually didn't know all along?"

  Xin Di Ming knew that joking at this time was not appropriate, but he really couldn't help it. He nodded, "Yes, he hid it very well. But how did you know? Did he tell you? He didn't even tell me."

  "Miss Xin, I think in matters of love, there's no need to keep score of who wins or loses. You don't have to put on such an aloof attitude," Ji Ruoluo was visibly irritated, "Moreover, you're so disrespectful of Lu Fei's feelings, it's a bit too cruel. I thought you'd at least understand that love would make you treat yourself and others' efforts with kindness."

  Xin Di was left speechless by her, and only after a long time did he bitterly smile. "There's been a huge misunderstanding here, Miss Ji. Ruo Fei and I have indeed grown up together since childhood, and we are good friends, but I don't think he loves me, nor do I think I love him. Your theory of love sounds very mysterious to me, but I think love is between two people, and it can't be forced upon an outsider's understanding."

  "So you're saying you completely won't accept Lu Fei's feelings?"

  Xin Di looked at her, hesitating in his heart. The Ji Ruoluo in front of him looked gentle and beautiful, but the urgency in her eyes was obvious. No matter how dull Xin Di was emotionally, he understood that she wasn't just here to see what his love rival looked like. He didn't want to be cruel to a strange girl, especially since she had just been hurt, yet he also didn't want any more complications between Lu Fei and Xin Chen before their relationship could even begin.

  "Miss Ji, I'm not that enthusiastic about love. I've always thought that there's more to life than just this one thing. Lu Fei is my good friend, and all I can say for sure is that the person he loves isn't me. If you're feeling resentful, you should communicate with him directly and find your own answers. In the end, it's probably still going to hurt you."

  "How can I hurt myself even more? From young to old, my family has loved me and I've also been self-loving. But when you care about someone, it seems like you give them the ability to hurt you, so I'll just accept it. I'm planning to stay here for a while, find an answer, and try to make up for it."

  Xin Di thought of Xin Chen mentioning Lu Fei, she shook her head without hesitation, and couldn't help but smile wryly again. "Miss Ji, I don't like to get entangled in other people's emotional disputes. Moreover, it seems you've already made up your mind, so I won't say anything more."

  "I asked Lu Fei to come pick me up before I came to the coffee shop, he should be here soon, is that okay with you?"

  Xin Di smiled secretly, thinking that she was not as gentle and harmless as she seemed. She did so because she didn't believe her own words, wanting to see Lu Fei's reaction. "Not bothered at all."

  Ji Ruoluo held the coffee saucer in her left hand and supported the cup with her right, taking a sip of the coffee. Her movements were impeccable and polite, but she smiled and said, "Sigh, I'm so used to drinking big cups of coffee with Lu Fei in America, holding such a small cup feels a bit awkward."

  Xin Di said leisurely: "You guys should have known each other for a long time too, right?"

  "Yes, it's been five years now." She raised her hand and gestured towards the door. Xindi turned his head and indeed, Lu Fei was walking over.

  "Have you made an appointment with Xiao Di?"

  "Yes, I should finally meet the one you've always liked."

  Lu Fei looked at Xin Di with a surprised expression, Xin Di had a face that couldn't help but laugh, "According to Miss Ji, you've had a crush on me for a long time, and I didn't even know. Alas, Lu Fei, men who are too reserved are truly a disaster."

  Lu Fei had no choice but to say, "Stop messing around, Ruo Li. Xiao Di is my friend, and it's not good for you to disturb her like this. Let's go."

  Ji Ruo sat still, staring at him intently. "Either you're all crazy or I'm the one who's gone mad. Lu Fei, your classmate Ding Xiaoqing told me that since you were in school, you've had a crush on a girl studying design and rejected everyone else for her sake. The friend you regularly email is her, and your private mailbox has kept every single one of her emails from over the years. You're also keeping mementos like photos of the two of you together, her fashion design sketchbook, and portrait sketches she drew...and yet you still try to act nonchalant with me? What's so special about it?"

  Xin Di gazed at the two of them, speechless. She could only recall in her heart that Lu Fei was unlikely to say he liked someone out of the blue, and it was probably just someone making something out of nothing. If this got back to her mom, it would be a big hassle. When did they take that photo together? She had no memory of it; over the years, Lu Fei had indeed sent many emails, and she had replied to many of them. Sometimes she would ask Lu Fei to help her collect fashion information from abroad, but most of the time it was just small talk about their daily lives. As for the artwork albums and sketches, aside from keeping some as reference materials, she usually just casually placed them somewhere and didn't have the habit of giving them away everywhere, so where did this come from?

  Luo Fei's expression was calm, without a hint of surprise or embarrassment. "You shouldn't have gone through my things, Ruo Lin. We're both adults, I thought we'd already made it clear that we would part ways amicably and not make a scene."

  Ji Ruo Lian burst out laughing, "I've always wanted to maintain a good demeanor, Lu Fei, you have to admit, from the time you told me we were breaking up until now, these three months I really did it with great tolerance and composure, right? However, I endured and endured, but couldn't accept such an unclear ending, so I did something that I completely didn't expect myself to do. I went to your house, rummaged through all the things in your study, turned on the computer and entered your email, trying to find clues. But you two are as clear as a sunny day after rain, yet making me look like an idiot." She looked at Lu Fei then at Xin Dai, "Or maybe, Lu Fei, now tell me the truth, did you have someone else or simply didn't want to marry me?"

  "I didn't deceive you, Ruo Ye, I've always been honest with you."

  Ji Ruo's face maintained a smile, but her eyes were filled with tears. "Right, I shouldn't have doubted you, Lu Fei. You're indeed sincere and have never lied to me about loving me. I thought your way of expressing emotions was just that subtle. The day you accepted me, I thought all my efforts hadn't been in vain and had finally moved you. But I was wrong, it was only myself who was moved. How terribly wrong I was."

  Lu Fei remained silent, while Xin Di was already so embarrassed that she couldn't sit still. She never watched soap operas and even more dreaded such emotional scenes in real life. "I still have work to deal with, Lu Fei, you send Miss Ji back to the hotel to rest."

  Lu Fei nodded, "If you insist, I'll send you back. This matter really has nothing to do with Xiao Di, let's go."

  Xin Di and they walked out together, planning to return to the east wing house, but suddenly stopped, only to see two people standing in the courtyard, fiddling with cameras and tripods, who were Xin Chen and Lin Leqing.

  Xin Chen looked through the lens at the three people standing in front of her, Lu Fei stared at her in shock, as if he wanted to say something, but immediately shut his mouth tightly; The woman next to him was lost in thought, and no one noticed; While Xin Di glanced at her, then at Lu Fei, and smiled bitterly at her lens.

  Xin Chen paused for a moment, slowly moved the camera away, and smiled at Xin Di, "What a coincidence, Di, why are you here? Don't you need to go to work?"

  Xin Di thought, today's encounter was really annoying, but seeing Xin Chen's calm and composed expression, she slightly relaxed. "I'm discussing the design draft with Ah Ken here, and waiting for David Fan to bring the photographer over to check out the scene. What brings you here?"

  "Leqing wanted to take some old-style buildings, I accompanied him all the way to this side." Xincheng picked up the camera again, slightly turned around, and adjusted the aperture against the villa's upper side, "This angle is very interesting."

  Lin Leqing nodded to Lu Fei, set up the tripod and smiled: "This villa is quite special, sitting north and facing south, with symmetrical east and west wings, and a hexagonal small pavilion on the roof, typical Chinese style, but the porch is similar to colonial architecture, interesting fusion, I was just about to take that pavilion."

  Xin Di gave Lu Fei a look, hinting that he should go first. He understood, "Let's go, Ruo Li."

  Before they could take a step, David Fan walked in with a tall and thin man carrying a large camera bag. The man exclaimed happily: "Xin Di, you're giving me so much face by personally standing at the door to welcome me."

  Xin De snorted, "You're getting a bit too full of yourself, Old Yan."

  "Xin Chen, you're also here, great. I was just talking to Lao Dai and thinking of finding you to participate in the post-production of this album." The person brought by Dai Weifan was their classmate Yan Xuhui, who had resigned a few years ago and drifted north, and now has made a name for himself in the fashionable photography circle in Beijing. He has always been indifferent to Xin Di's attacks.

  Xincheng couldn't help but put down his camera and smiled: "Xu Hui, long time no see."

  The sunlight slanted through the tree shade and shone on Xin Chen's face, her shallow smile was tinged with a dazzling light gold color. Ji Ruoluo, who had been distracted, suddenly froze, his gaze locked onto Xin Chen's face for an instant, this side profile with a dimple on her left cheek was so familiar, she had opened the file folder placed in the deepest part of Lu Fei's desk drawer a few days ago, took out the sketch and fashion design booklets inside, and flipped through them one by one, the common model on them was clearly in front of her, but after listening to Ding Xiaoqing's words, she had jumped to conclusions and only noticed that the designer of the booklet and the small signature in the corner of the sketch were both Xin Di.

  Ji Ruoluo slowly turned her head, looking at Lu Fei. The two of them locked eyes, and in Lu Fei's usually deep and calm eyes, a complex emotion that couldn't be put into words flashed through. Suddenly, she completely understood.

  "This machine of yours should be replaced." Yan Xuhui gave a professional glance at the camera in Xin Chen's hand, "Lao Dai told me that you've been processing pictures for his company all along. We finally have the chance to cooperate. What a waste, Xin Chen! If you had been willing to stay in Beijing back then, your career would definitely be better off than it is now. No need to process those tacky ads for Lao Dai."

  David Fan, who had known him for a long time, spoke freely and without reserve, immediately bluntly poking his elbow at him, "Hey, I haven't even said you're fat yet, and you're already panting away. You're really treating yourself like an art master just because you do commercial photography."

  Xin De laughed at Yan Xuhui earlier, but now he's a bit surprised, "Chenzi, have you been to Beijing to find work?"

  Xin Chen handed the camera to Lin Leqing and said lazily, "It's been a long time ago." She looked straight at Xin Di with a calm expression, but the meaning in her eyes was clear: please don't ask about this again. Xin Di immediately shut up.

  "Xiao Chen, when did you go to Beijing?"

  Xin Chen's gaze swept from Lu Fei to Ji Ruoluo's face, still maintaining that smile, and said casually: "I forgot, is it important?"

  Yan Xuhui smiled and said: "Xin Chen, you've even forgotten this. It was the year you graduated from university."

  Xin Chen's smile disappeared from his face, and he glared at them with a troubled and unpleasant expression. "You guys go ahead, Le Qing, we'll go to that Orthodox church up front first."

  She didn't look at anyone, turned around and left. Lin Leqing could naturally feel that the atmosphere here had become somewhat eerie in an instant. He picked up his tripod, nodded to Lu Fei, and followed her out with big strides.

  Yan Xuhui had previously been taught a lesson by Xin Chen's willfulness and mood swings, but he thought this was the privilege of beautiful girls and didn't take it to heart. However, when he saw Xin Di glare at him with an accusing expression, he couldn't help but feel puzzled. "Hey, Xin Di, you're looking at me again with that accusing gaze, as if I'm abducting underage girls. She was already an adult back then, came to Beijing to find work, and I introduced her to a fashion magazine's graphic design position. She passed the initial and secondary interviews, and the treatment was very good. They even wanted her to try out for a modeling gig, and it was all set for her to start on Monday. But suddenly, she changed her mind the next day, said she wasn't interested, packed up her bags, and left."

  "May I ask, when was that?" Lu Fei asked, his voice low and hoarse.

  Yan Xuhui thought for a moment, "I don't remember very clearly, but the day I saw her off at the train station, Beijing was hit by a sandstorm, it should be around March or April."

  Lu's face turned solemn, while Xin Di was suddenly stunned.

  That March, Xin Chen was in her senior year of college, and one weekend while having dinner at her uncle's house, she suddenly mentioned that she planned to go out of town to find a job. Xin Kai Ming was surprised and asked her where exactly she was going. She smiled and said: "Big cities have more opportunities for graphic design work, I'll go take a look in Shanghai first."

  Xin Kai Ming did not agree, he always advocated for Xin Chen to stay in the local area like his own daughter. Li Xiang, as usual, did not comment on her choice, but Xin Di smiled and said, "I thought so when I graduated, unfortunately, it didn't work out. It's great that Chenzi is going to try, doing design-related majors, coastal areas and big cities indeed have more development space."

  She saw that she was determined to go, Xin Kai Ming had no choice but to remind her to bring enough money, keep in touch with home, and come back immediately if she couldn't find a suitable job. Xin Chen nodded in agreement, left the next day, and returned quietly about half a month later, suddenly becoming much quieter. Xin Di thought she was just having trouble finding a job and didn't think much of it. It wasn't until now that she connected this incident with Lu Fei's return to Beijing for work at the end of February last year, her face sinking.

  "Has Chenzi come looking for you?"

  Lu Fei shook his head, "I haven't seen her, let's talk about it later, Xiao Di." He gently held up Ji Ruoluo's arm as she was about to speak, and the few people present nodded, "We have something to attend to, we'll take our leave first, see you later."

  There were no parking spaces in front of the door, so Lu Fei parked his car on a nearby street. Ji Ruochen followed him along the narrow sidewalk, Lu Fei's strides were extremely fast, striding forward with big steps, as if he had already forgotten about Ji Ruochen by his side. She was wearing high heels and could only follow for a few steps before stopping abruptly, looking at his back in despair.

  He walked forward for over ten meters before realizing it and stopped to turn back, "Sorry, Ruo Ke, why don't you wait here, I'll go get the car."

  "Is that the girl with the camera?" she asked softly. Lu Fei didn't respond, and she laughed self-mockingly. "Hey, I don't even know what it means to recognize her anyway. Your past is a complete blank to me. Even when we were closest, you never told me about your past. I thought it was okay, that as long as we had the present and future, that would be enough. Look at how I deceived myself, how ridiculous."

  "I'm sorry, I wasn't firm enough, while having someone else in mind, I accepted your feelings."

  "You've been away for seven years, Luo Fei. So how long have you loved her? She looks quite young to me."

  "She is 25 years old now, I have loved her since she was 14, that's all I can tell you."

  Ji Ruo suddenly turned his head to the other side, "I'm really a masochist, flying to this hot and scary city just to hear you say that."

  "Sorry."

  "Please don't say sorry to me again, it's said that when a man says this to a woman, he has already made up his mind to disappoint her." Ji Ruoluo sighed with a bitter smile, looking around blankly.

  This narrow road is a one-way street, lined with the most common local plane trees, whose dense branches and leaves block out the scorching sun in summer. The densely packed buildings on both sides are lined with small hair salons, restaurants, and various small shops. Many restaurants have working girls squatting at their doors, washing vegetables on the sidewalk while chatting and laughing, giving off a strong urban flavor that can't be described as quiet. They stand just outside the pale pink walls of the April Garden, but not a hint of the serenity inside is felt here.

  "Do you like it here? Lu Fei, I asked you before, but you always brushed it off, only saying that the seasons are distinct here, summer is very hot and the city is very noisy. Ji Ruoluo really didn't like this chaotic environment, nor did she like such violent temperatures."

  "I was born here, and I've gotten used to it. Sometimes I like it more than habit. Of course, there are many places better than this one, with fresher air, cleaner roads, a more prosperous environment, more job opportunities, and a more suitable climate. But no matter where I live, I often think of this city."

  Ji Ruoluo understood, and what made him think from time to time was not just the hustle and bustle of the world in front of him. "Do you plan to stay and settle down? What about your job?"

  "I went back to the company two days ago and submitted my resignation report."

  Ji Ruoluo was startled and looked up at him, a cold smile slowly rising from the corner of his mouth. "You didn't even contact me when you returned to Beijing, how clean and thorough is that?"

  "I flew away that afternoon and flew back at night, I was in a hurry, and we agreed to calm down and wait for your reply, so I didn't disturb you."

  "It's also good that it happened this way, you don't have to face the embarrassment of running into me rummaging through your apartment. As I was searching, I couldn't help but think that in the past when I visited your place, I would always call ahead of time, never touch your phone, and never use your computer. Even if you had to take work calls, I would consciously avoid it a bit, fearing that you might feel like I'm invading your space, yet somehow I ended up doing something like this."

  "Never mind, I don't blame you."

  "No need for you to apologize, and I don't plan on blaming myself either." Ji Ruochen raised her head and said bluntly, "I don't have any guilt. After being engaged, I at least have the right to know why we're breaking up, right?"

  "If I go on, I'll have to apologize again for saying something you don't want to hear."

  "Alright, I know I'm probably not normal, but I really want to know, Lu Fei, you're such a rational man, what do you love about her? Is the feeling from when we were young so deep? Why do I think it's funny when I recall the boy I secretly liked at 14 or 15?"

  "Everyone's emotional experiences are different, don't compare them, it doesn't make sense."

  "So it seems that my feelings have been judged by you as meaningless and not worth lingering over."

  Lu Fei shook his head helplessly, knowing that Ji Ruoluo was calm at this moment, but the sharp and irritable person was completely different from usual. "It's not like that, Ruoluo, I'm grateful for your tolerance and dedication to me."

  "My efforts are my own volition, no one's gratitude is needed. What I need is just a clear explanation."

  "I owe you an explanation, Rukawa. Seven years ago I gave her up and went to study in the US, leaving this city behind. When I left, she told me that she never wanted to see me again. She's always been someone who doesn't compromise, saying what she means and doing what she says - she didn't accept my emails or answer my calls. Three years ago when I came back, I tried to ask her for another chance, but she left early without even seeing me, and I thought that there was no longer any possibility between us."

  "So you reluctantly accepted me." The words had reached the tip of Ji Le Ye's tongue, but she swallowed them back. Of course, in fact, she had realized this three years ago, yet she only told herself to cherish the happiness in front of her. But now that she couldn't avoid clearly facing this point, she suddenly felt a chill run down her spine despite the sweltering heat.

  "Do I have to call you a romantic, Lu Fei? Who didn't have some puppy love when they were young, and it's worth your while to still be thinking about it until today, and then bring it up on the eve of our wedding? Is she showing off in front of you again? So you think there's still a chance between you two, and you're eager to get rid of me?"

  "She didn't give me any hint, but I suddenly realized that if leaving seven years ago was still understandable, then leaving three years ago was my fault for giving up too easily. I clearly loved her, yet I didn't wait or persist at all, and left Beijing after just one day. I will never forgive myself for this."

  "Why do I feel like I'm hearing something unbelievable? What did you think of our past feelings? Are you going to tell me next that it was all just a one-sided love on my part, and you never actually had any feelings for me?"

  "You've been very good to me, I like you, and we have a great time together, but I can no longer enjoy your efforts in peace, and continuing with you would be unfair."

  "You're talking to me about fairness now? Lu Fei, I've known you for five years and loved you for five years. If all I wanted was fairness, it would have been unfair a long time ago. Why is it that I've loved you for so long, but you only come back to accept me when you can't get what you want? Look, both of us have accepted this unfairness by default. Now, I just want to know, what made you suddenly think of giving me fairness?"

  "I'm sorry, I won't be able to dissect my own emotions for your understanding anymore."

  Ji Ruochen couldn't bear it anymore, and tears fell down. "Is it still sorry, or is it still sorry? Is there nothing else between us except for sorry?"

  Lu Fei handed her a handkerchief. "I'm a terrible man, Ruo Lin. You deserve someone better to love you. Forget about me."

  "This breakup blessing is really terrible." Ji Ruoke carefully wiped away her tears, opened her bag and took out a makeup mirror to admire herself, "Before I came, I had already prepared to hug you and cry, using waterproof mascara, hoping that my makeup wouldn't be ruined, but now, after crying a bit, I couldn't cry anymore."

  Lu didn't respond, and Ji Ruoze put the makeup mirror into her bag, staring at him. "What if I said I'm willing to wait?"

  Lu Fei frowned, "No, Ruo Ye..."

  "Please let me finish, Lu Fei. You two haven't been in touch for seven years, and you also heard just now that the girl went to Beijing three years ago without even visiting you. She may not still be in love with you, right? I said before that we should give each other some time to calm down, and you agreed. During this time, I will stay locally but won't interfere with you. You go talk to her, if she's willing to accept you, I have nothing to say, I'll leave immediately. If she doesn't have the same feelings as you, then I hope we can still give each other a chance." Ji Ruoleng said calmly, "You treasure your emotions, but don't belittle mine either, okay?"

  He looked at her, his expression more exhausted than ever. "I've already hurt her, and now I don't even know how to face her, let alone make amends with her. Sorry, Ruo Lian, please don't wait for me, I appreciate your feelings, but I no longer have the possibility of being with anyone else."