After Breaking Off the Engagement, The Young Lady Deeply Regretted It - Chapter 22

The thick night had fallen. Countless thoughts swirled in Fan Qingyu’s mind, making it impossible to fall asleep. She tossed and turned, her pale eyes reflecting the light spilling in from outside, shining bright in the darkness. Jing Xiao pressed close against her back, one hand resting lightly on her waist.

Jing Xiao was sleeping soundly. Knowing they had a tough battle ahead tomorrow, Fan Qingyu forced herself to close her eyes and rest.

Her back was tightly pressed against Jing Xiao’s. Though Jing Xiao’s breathing was steady, her body temperature was alarmingly high. The night was too quiet; Fan Qingyu could even hear the rapid beating of Jing Xiao’s heart.

She opened her eyes, turned slightly, and placed her palm on Jing Xiao’s forehead. Clicking her tongue softly, she chided, “You’re burning up like this and still won’t see a doctor.”

Looking out at the crescent moon beyond the window, Fan Qingyu sighed helplessly. The ship couldn’t possibly dock tomorrow, so she had arranged for a speedboat connection. Everything was ready. Putting down her phone, her mind flashed through the honors she had accumulated over the years.

Young and promising, step by step she had climbed higher, entrusted with heavy expectations. Yet, an unexpected mistake had dragged her down from the pedestal.

The company’s cash flow was now strained, desperately in need of a large infusion. Though her calculations assured her this mistake wouldn’t completely crush the Fan Corporation, it was enough to waste several years of her hard work.

Pressing her aching temples, Fan Qingyu slowly sat up.

She fumbled around the bedside table, pulling out a cigarette between two fingers. With one leg bent up, her knee revealed the smooth outline of bone.

After trying the lighter several times, the tip of the cigarette only charred slightly. She clicked her tongue again, when suddenly a hot hand pressed down on the back of hers.

Jing Xiao’s eyes were half-closed. “Why are your hands so cold?”

Fan Qingyu startled, guilt flashing across her face. The cigarette still hung from her lips, her two hands tangled together awkwardly.

Glancing at the air conditioner, Jing Xiao silently raised the temperature without waiting for her to speak. She picked up the lighter and said, “Inhale.”

It was Fan Qingyu’s first attempt. She choked, coughing repeatedly.

Jing Xiao sighed. Gently parting Fan Qingyu’s lower lip with her fingertip, her husky voice sounded as though she were restraining something: “At least rest a while. I don’t feel well—I’m going back to sleep first.”

Given Fan Qingyu’s current condition, Jing Xiao guessed she would once again have to spend her entire heat cycle at the boxing gym.

“Alright.” Hearing that, Fan Qingyu also lay back down. Her eyelids trembled slightly, her heart racing beyond control.

They slept dreamlessly through the night. Jing Xiao woke early. The horizon glowed with the light of dawn; layers of golden fish-scale clouds shone brilliantly. She stretched lazily, her back muscles sore.

Fan Qingyu hadn’t slept all night. Feeling Jing Xiao stir, she shifted her numb arms slightly. “Awake?”

“Mm.” Jing Xiao pulled open the drawer, but with too much force, everything inside spilled out. Clenching her fists, she grew even more irritated.

Shedding her pajamas, Fan Qingyu’s slender silhouette was outlined by the light spilling through the curtains. Tilting her head slightly, she asked, “What are you looking for?”

“Disposable cups. I remember there were some here.” The glasses on the table had been sterilized, but just thinking they might have been used by strangers disgusted her.

“There aren’t any. Do you want bottled water?” As she spoke, Fan Qingyu pulled a bottle from the crate under the table and tossed it to her.

“When are we leaving?” Jing Xiao gulped down the entire bottle in one go. She knew something had gone wrong at the company—Fan Qingyu wouldn’t linger here. She herself was eager to get ashore and find a boxing gym to vent.

Straightening her collar in the mirror after getting dressed, Fan Qingyu replied, “We’ll leave soon. I arranged for a speedboat. But first, let’s eat breakfast.”

Jing Xiao’s clothes were hanging on the rack by the bed. She dressed swiftly and neatly. By the time Fan Qingyu finished washing up, Jing Xiao had already stepped into the bathroom. “Got it. And don’t overthink things. Eat more.”

She knew Fan Qingyu tended to forget meals when busy, so she could only remind her.

Out on the deck, the traces of last night’s debauchery lingered. Cleaning staff wielded high-pressure hoses, muttering as they scrubbed. Most guests had gone back to their rooms to sleep; only Jiang Shiyue remained on deck, chatting with a group of middle-aged men.

Waving, he called out, “President Fan, you’re up early!”

Though she had applied light makeup, Fan Qingyu still looked pale. Clearing her throat, she answered, “Mm. But you, your energy seems boundless.”

Understanding her implication, Jiang Shiyue scratched his head sheepishly. “It’s all about hospitality. I can’t just leave the guests hanging.”

“Well said.” After exchanging a few polite words, Jing Xiao squeezed Fan Qingyu’s hand, signaling it was time to go.

Noticing their attire, Jiang Shiyue paused and ventured, “President Fan, you look so sharp today.”

“Something came up at home. I’m afraid I’ll have to excuse myself this time.” Fan Qingyu smiled.

“I’ve heard a little about it.” Jiang Shiyue shrugged. “No need to be so formal with me.”

Without further pleasantries, Fan Qingyu left with Jing Xiao.

The restaurant was nearly empty, filled only with the quiet voices of staff. Sunlight poured in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a soft glow on the two seated by the window.

Fan Qingyu had no appetite. Forcing herself, she swallowed a few bites of sandwich. Seeing this, Jing Xiao pushed the soy milk toward her.

Fan Qingyu drained it in one gulp, her slender fingers gripping the glass so tightly that her knuckles turned white. “Xiao Xiao, I’m full.”

“You only had a few bites.” Jing Xiao was uncompromising when it came to health. “Eat more. I know you won’t have time at lunch.”

Fan Qingyu’s lips parted slightly. “Alright.”

Before she could continue, her phone rang. The speedboat had arrived nearby. After confirming, she hung up. “Xiao Xiao, we should go.”

Her eyes burned into Fan Qingyu’s. Helpless, Fan Qingyu packed two sandwiches. “Don’t worry. I’ll eat on the way.”

The boat’s owner seemed acquainted with Fan Qingyu. After brief greetings, she and Jing Xiao boarded. Fan Qingyu took out a sandwich, forcing herself to swallow in small bites.

Morning sunlight crowned the crimson sun. The river shimmered, deep and bottomless, while the grand Hongjiang Bridge loomed overhead as cars sped past. The city was waking up.

Fan Qingyu remained silent, barely moving, sighing from time to time.

Jing Xiao didn’t disturb her. She knew Fan Qingyu needed space to accept and compose herself. Soon, she would be facing a storm.

Meanwhile, Jing Xiao was messaging Ouyang Fei.

Her temple throbbed as she typed furiously:
[What? Say that again.]

Ouyang Fei hesitated before replying with an emoji of two fingers touching.

[Talk.]

[I couldn’t help it. You know how it is.]

Jing Xiao gritted her teeth:
[This is the revenge you talked about? You let Pei Lü string you along like a fool, and she doesn’t even want to be with you?]

Ouyang Fei sent back a pitiful sticker.
[I’m not a fool. Don’t be so mean. You don’t know how… amazing she is. But hey, some good news—she told me a few days ago she doesn’t have feelings for Fan Qingyu anymore.]

Jing Xiao nearly spat blood, almost throwing her phone into the river.
[She said that and you just believe her?]

[She said it herself! Let me buy you dinner, sis. Don’t be mad at me.]

Realizing Ouyang Fei had completely fallen under Pei Lü’s spell, Jing Xiao fumed.
[I don’t want dinner. Go to the boxing gym with me.]

[Huh? Since when do you like that? Don’t beat me up, okay?]

[I won’t. Just come with me.]

With that, Jing Xiao shut her phone.

The speedboat cut against the wind. Hot air whipped Fan Qingyu’s hair, leaving her no time to tidy it.

A faint plum blossom scent drifted into Jing Xiao’s nose. She loosely wrapped her arms around Fan Qingyu’s waist, inhaling deeply.

“Yes, I promise our cooperation won’t have issues.”

Leaning closer, she realized Fan Qingyu was on the phone. Not wanting to interrupt, she released her, instead smoothing down her windswept hair.

After a long while, Fan Qingyu hung up, exhaling in relief. Turning back, sweat beaded her delicate nose. In the sunlight, even the fine fuzz on her cheeks was visible.

“Xiao Xiao, do you have plans this afternoon?” she asked.

Jing Xiao was already plotting how to ditch Ouyang Fei. “I do. Why?”

Fan Qingyu hesitated, her clear eyes heavy with unspoken weight. At last, she only shook her head lightly. “Nothing. Just… be careful.”

Jing Xiao blinked, puzzled, but nodded.

After a pause, Fan Qingyu whispered, “Xiao Xiao, if I do something… please don’t blame me, okay?”

“Like what? What are you planning?” Jing Xiao frowned, a bad premonition rising. She understood Fan Qingyu’s situation, but she couldn’t accept her crossing certain lines.

Panicking, Fan Qingyu quickly explained: “I might have to be in contact with Pei Lü. Would you mind?”

Hearing that name again, Jing Xiao felt less defensive than before. If Pei Lü could ensnare a notorious flirt like Ouyang Fei, yet leave Fan Qingyu unmoved, then Fan Qingyu clearly had no feelings for her.

Still, to say she wasn’t bothered would be a lie. Pei Lü had pestered Fan Qingyu for years. The idea of them reconnecting stirred complicated unease in her heart.

But with surprising generosity, Jing Xiao nodded. “I’ll mind. But I understand. There’s no better option right now.”

Fan Qingyu forced a smile. “Thank you.”

The speedboat drew near shore. A chauffeur from the Fan family had been waiting, bowing respectfully upon seeing her.

Fan Qingyu nodded. “No time to waste. Let’s go.”

Jing Xiao opened the car door—only to find the kindly face of Old Master Fan inside. He beckoned. “Xiaoyu.”

Fan Qingyu froze, instantly flustered. “Grandpa? Why are you here?”

Fan Shusheng stepped out slowly, moving to the front passenger seat to leave the back for Fan Qingyu and Jing Xiao. “I came to take you to the company.”

Her cheeks burned. If he was here, it meant he already knew what had happened.

As soon as the doors shut, Fan Shusheng spoke in his calm, measured way, though not without reproach: “Xiaoyu, I know you’re eager for success. But not every opportunity should be seized.”

“Yes, Grandpa.” She lowered her gaze, accepting the rebuke.

Changing the subject, he turned to Jing Xiao. “Xiao Jing, how are you two doing lately?”

Caught off guard, Jing Xiao stammered, “G-good. We’re good.”

“I see.” For once, Fan Shusheng was blunt. “Xiaoyu, you two need to cherish this. Don’t let me down.”

“Yes.” Fan Qingyu drew in a deep breath before asking the question she had long dreaded: “Grandpa, how’s the company?”

He shook his head slightly. “You should already know the answer if I’m the one coming here.”

Having been decisive all his life, Fan Shusheng had finally enjoyed some peace in his old age. The fact that he had personally stepped back in proved just how grave the situation was.

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