After Breaking Off the Engagement, The Young Lady Deeply Regretted It - Chapter 23

Jing Xiao followed the two of them to the Fan Corporation. The building still looked the same, but the atmosphere inside was far more tense. Several employees walked past Fan Qingyu carrying storage boxes.

“Layoffs? Why didn’t I know about this?” Fan Qingyu frowned slightly and turned to ask Fan Shusheng.

Fan Shusheng nodded. “It should be the higher-ups’ decision.”

Fan Qingyu clenched her jaw tightly, her hand balling into a fist. She felt her authority being challenged. Jing Xiao placed her hand over the back of hers, shaking her head with regret.

Helplessly, Fan Qingyu released her grip. Four deep marks from her fingernails were etched into her palm, bleeding slightly. She didn’t even feel the pain as she strode into the elevator with determined steps.

“Slow down.” Jing Xiao gently pried her hand open, her fingertips brushing over the bloodied marks.

Fan Shusheng said, “I have other matters to attend to. Xiaoyu, you take care of yourself.”

Fan Qingyu forced a smile. “Yes, Grandfather.”

Instead of returning directly to her office, Fan Qingyu went to the executive conference room. The moment she appeared, the heated discussion came to an abrupt halt. Silence fell, and then came a flood of sharp, mocking remarks.

The first to speak was Fan Qianhua, one of the Fan family elders. Though his weight in the company wasn’t particularly heavy, he had accompanied the corporation through its ups and downs for more than a decade, and still carried a certain amount of influence.

“Seems to me you really lack any sense of crisis,” Fan Qianhua sneered, casting a cutting glance at Jing Xiao. “At a time like this, you still can’t tell what’s important?”

Fan Qingyu naturally understood his insinuation. The project had been under her sole charge, and now that mistakes had been made, the others wouldn’t miss the chance to ridicule her. She took a deep breath. “I came in a rush. Let’s discuss this inside.”

Her cousin interjected coldly: “What’s left to discuss? We’ve already made our decision. Where were you earlier?”

For the board to deliberate was one thing, but to secretly make decisions behind her back was nothing less than a slap in her face. Her lips turned pale. Though unwilling, she knew she was at fault and said nothing more.

Then Fan Maoxiang, her grandfather’s younger brother, spoke up. “Even if Xiaoyu was tied up elsewhere, one mistake can’t erase her merits. This isn’t solely her fault. Qianhua, you and your group handled it poorly—don’t let it happen again.”

Fan Qianhua snorted, “You always take her side.”

Fan Maoxiang shot him a sharp glare, and Qianhua immediately fell silent.

With someone standing up for her, some color returned to Fan Qingyu’s face. “It was my lack of foresight,” she admitted.

“What’s done is done, there’s no undoing it,” Fan Qianhua said, his tone now cooler. He sat back down, impatiently tapping the table. “Little President Fan, aren’t you coming over?”

Others might not hear it, but Fan Qingyu knew well how dripping with sarcasm that “Little President Fan” was. She ignored him, smiling instead as she exchanged words with the people beside her.

The room was full of Fan family members. The conversations to follow would be highly confidential. Jing Xiao sensed several subtle gazes directed her way, leaving her uncomfortable. It wasn’t suitable to remain here. She leaned close to Fan Qingyu and whispered, “Xiaoyu, I’ll head out first. Take care of yourself.”

In her movement, Jing Xiao accidentally bumped into her.

Fan Qingyu, already unsteady, almost stumbled and fell, collapsing lightly into Jing Xiao’s arms. Regaining her balance, she said, “I’ll have the driver take you.”

Jing Xiao’s body felt hot again, her breath quickened, but she earnestly replied, “No need, I’ll have Ouyang Fei come pick me up. Just take care of yourself—don’t let them bully you.”

Fan Qingyu’s voice softened. “I know.”

Pulling out a chair, she sat down, her frail back bearing the weight of the world. Jing Xiao’s chest tightened painfully; she turned away, unable to watch any longer.

Just then, Sarah and Bella entered, their arms full of files. They almost bumped into Jing Xiao at the doorway. Sarah’s face was unusually serious. They exchanged brief greetings before heading into the meeting room.

Jing Xiao didn’t dwell on it, but she knew these events must be tied to Xu Jia. The so-called plan Xu Jia had mentioned now intersected precisely with what was unfolding. A wave of dizziness overtook her—she realized a confrontation with Xu Jia was inevitable.

Leaving the Fan Corporation, Jing Xiao stood by the roadside. She didn’t call Ouyang Fei right away but squatted in a corner to collect herself. Sweat soaked her back, and her pure white shirt faintly revealed the outline of her waist.

For some reason, an ominous feeling gnawed at her.

Her chest tight with panic, she lit a cigarette and was just about to call Ouyang Fei when her phone buzzed.

It was Ouyang Fei calling first. She whistled cheerfully through the line: “Where are you wandering around? I’ve got something to tell you.”

Pressing her fingers to her brow, Jing Xiao said, “I’m downstairs at Fan Corp. Come get me.”

Ouyang Fei turned the wheel. “Got it, be right there.”

Jing Xiao stood up, stretching her sore, numb legs. The sunlight was blinding, bringing tears to her eyes. She stepped toward the curb. “What is it you wanted to tell me?”

Ouyang Fei’s tone suddenly shifted, sounding almost pitiful: “My sister heard about what’s happening with Fan Qingyu’s family. She’s already on her way there.”

Jing Xiao froze in shock. “Your sister?”

Caught off guard, Ouyang Fei coughed awkwardly. “Pei Lü.”

Jing Xiao was speechless. “What did you tell me last time?”

Ouyang Fei laughed sheepishly, sounding guilty. “It’s not like I wanted this either. Do you think I’m willing? Should I really go fight it out at the boxing gym instead?”

Other than with Fan Qingyu, Jing Xiao had little patience for anyone else. Half-joking, half-serious, she retorted, “What else then? Should I come over and fight you at your place?”

Ouyang Fei scoffed. “Tch, as if you could beat me. Look left.”

Jing Xiao lifted her gaze. Ouyang Fei’s car was parked right beside her. The horn honked, the window rolled down, and a sickly-sweet scent wafted out. Jing Xiao instinctively stepped back. “What’s that smell in your car?”

Ouyang Fei looked guilty. “Strawberry perfume. Not mine.”

Jing Xiao pressed her lips together. The scent of strawberry was cloying, but it was Pei Lü’s favorite. Countless things she wanted to say stuck in her throat. Finally, she just muttered, “Pathetic.”

She got into the passenger seat. The car’s decoration had even changed—from a lucky pixiu charm to a blue wind chime. Ouyang Fei grinned awkwardly. “She likes this too.”

“Hopeless.” Jing Xiao rubbed her forehead in disbelief. “Are you serious?”

After a moment of thought, Ouyang Fei nodded earnestly. “Sorry, I couldn’t keep my word.”

“It’s fine, I get it.” Jing Xiao did understand—the concept of irresistible feelings. But the fact that Ouyang Fei had fallen for her rival was both absurd and bizarre. With frustration, she punched Ouyang Fei’s thigh lightly. “But I don’t approve.”

“Ow, alright, alright.” Ouyang Fei chuckled. “But if I win her over, then no one will bother you and Fan Qingyu again. Makes sense, right?”

Jing Xiao sighed helplessly, consoling herself: “Excuses, all of it.”

They arrived at a boxing gym owned by one of Ouyang Fei’s friends. Inside, alongside hobbyists, there were professional trainers and trainees. Ouyang Fei greeted the owner familiarly. The man was heavily muscled but polite, nodding to Jing Xiao. “Is this the lady who wants to give it a try?”

“That’s right. Just find some amateur for her to spar with,” Ouyang Fei said, lowering her voice.

It wasn’t her fault—Jing Xiao in this world had no background in boxing. Ouyang Fei probably assumed she just needed to blow off steam. Jing Xiao smirked—facing some second-rate opponent might indeed be the perfect release.

She changed into a sports bra and shorts, stretching lightly on the side.

“Don’t push yourself,” Ouyang Fei reminded. “If it’s too much, say so. Don’t force it.”

Jing Xiao chuckled at the well-meant warning. “Relax. I won’t be the one who can’t handle it.”

“See? You never listen.” Ouyang Fei shook her head.

Jing Xiao shrugged, the sleek lines of her biceps subtly showing. “Seriously, don’t worry.”

Gloves on, before stepping into the ring, Jing Xiao landed a solid punch on the heavy bag. It swung violently. She could tell this body wasn’t as strong as her old one, and she muttered to herself, “Still need more training.”

Ouyang Fei stared in shock.

The match began. Her opponent’s eyes were full of disdain.

Such second-rate fighters were often the easiest to underestimate others and the quickest to crumble. Before he could even taunt her, Jing Xiao launched a fierce assault.

Spectators gathered. At first, the fight was evenly matched, the man holding his own. But soon disbelief showed in his eyes—Jing Xiao was far stronger than expected.

By the later rounds, his attitude had shifted completely. That was when people got careless. Jing Xiao seized the moment and floored him with a decisive move.

Cheers erupted from the crowd. Jing Xiao was drenched in a sheen of sweat, droplets sliding down her skin. Breathing heavily, she sipped water, exuding a raw, intoxicating energy.

The owner asked, astonished, “Ouyang, are you sure she’s never trained?”

Ouyang Fei was dumbfounded. “I was sure before. Now… not so sure.”

Clapping enthusiastically, she praised, “Didn’t know you had it in you, Xiaoxiao! Hidden depths!”

Jing Xiao’s mood lightened, her flushed face softening into a smile. “Less talking. Or do you want to spar with me next?”

“No, no! You’d kill me.” Ouyang Fei waved her hands frantically, then pulled out her phone to show a photo she had just taken. “Look at this—great shot. Send it to your Fan Qingyu, guaranteed to—tsk tsk.”

“Annoying. You’re such a pain,” Jing Xiao said, rolling her eyes.

But she really did pick out a few good photos and sent them to Fan Qingyu.

“I told you so,” Ouyang Fei teased. “Knew you’d send them.”

Jing Xiao laughed, giving her a shove. “You’re impossible.”

Then she turned to the gym owner. “Could you find me someone professional? I want a proper match.”

The man smiled apologetically, pressing his palms together. “My mistake for underestimating you. I’ll bring over a real trainer right now.”

“Thank you.”

He kept his word, sending in a seasoned coach from the training room. The coach looked her over, smiled politely, and went to the back to change.

Jing Xiao stretched again, loosening her body for the real fight.

Just before stepping onto the ring, her phone buzzed. It was a video call from Fan Qingyu.

Ouyang Fei whistled knowingly and stepped aside. “Looks like she’s hooked. Go on, take it.”

Jing Xiao smiled faintly. She didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she switched off the phone screen, smoothed her hair, and made sure her face looked neat before picking up.

Fan Qingyu’s face appeared on screen, full of sorrow, more haggard than when Jing Xiao had left her earlier. Her voice was hoarse as she whispered, “Xiaoxiao…”

“I’m here. What happened?” Jing Xiao apologized to the coach with a small bow, then raised her phone to show him. He nodded in understanding.

Fan Qingyu opened her mouth, then hesitated, exhaling a long breath as if trying to escape something.

Jing Xiao’s heart pounded with alarm. “What is it? Tell me. Maybe I can help.”

Fan Qingyu’s voice trembled, as if she’d done something unforgivable. She even averted her eyes, lowering her head.

“Xiaoyu, say it!” Jing Xiao urged anxiously.

After a long silence, Fan Qingyu finally looked back into the camera. Meeting Jing Xiao’s face, she shut her eyes tightly, as if making a monumental decision. Then, like a warrior about to leap into fire, she said:

“Xiaoxiao, I have something to tell you.”

Support After Breaking Off the Engagement, The Young Lady Deeply Regretted It