After Breaking Off the Engagement, The Young Lady Deeply Regretted It - Chapter 38

The relationship between Jing Xiao and Fan Qingyu was delicate, not suitable for long interactions. Jing Xiao repeatedly confirmed that Fan Qingyu’s surprise was not a sudden visit, and she accepted it with a relieved thank you.

Fan Qingyu’s slender fingers held the wine glass, her eyes slightly narrowed, carrying a depth that concealed all waves: “Were you afraid I’d come looking for you?”

Saying too much could reveal something, and Jing Xiao feared Fan Qingyu might discover anything. At that moment, Mr. Brown was also standing at the center of the banquet hall announcing his presence. She gave an apologetic smile and pointed toward Mr. Brown: “Let’s talk later.”

Fan Qingyu’s brows furrowed slightly, adding a few more layers of melancholy to her charm. She tightened her coat, set the wine aside, the liquid rippling, and murmured: “Jing Xiao, how many things are you hiding from me?”

She pushed into the loosely gathered crowd. Jing Xiao did not rush to self-introduce, but instead discussed market prospects with Mr. Brown.

Mr. Brown and his colleagues’ Chinese was not standard; they could only use exaggerated interjections to praise Jing Xiao’s ideas.

Fan Qingyu interjected with a faint smile: “It seems President Jing is very familiar with Mr. Brown’s mobile game. You make it sound so interesting I’m curious too.”

Everyone in their circle knew about the two of them; others only assumed Fan Qingyu had come to cause trouble. Their eyes wandered between the two, watching the “drama.”

Jing Xiao remained poised, introducing smoothly: “The mobile game Eerie Dreams is different from our traditional horror themes. It features urban horror, personal adventures, and missions. I think the experience is excellent. President Fan, you should try it when you have time.”

Fan Qingyu’s gaze fell on the arm of a female companion linked with Jing Xiao. Even though they had broken up, the woman inexplicably felt guilty. At Jing Xiao’s signal, she quietly let go and found an excuse to leave.

Fan Qingyu chuckled lightly: “I’d like to try, but my gaming skills aren’t very good.”

Jing Xiao said: “If you don’t mind, next time I can show you the ropes. This game is really good, and it would be a pity if you didn’t try it.”

Fan Qingyu politely declined: “How could I take up President Jing’s precious time?”

Jing Xiao replied: “Not at all. Using that term with me feels unnatural now.”

Contrary to everyone’s expectations of hair-pulling, dramatic fights, and passive-aggressive vibes, their conversation was reasonable—strangely reasonable. Mr. Brown, unaware of their past, draped a hand over each of their shoulders: “I’m confident my mobile game will give you both a wonderful experience, and maybe even lead to some collaboration.”

“Thank you for your suggestion, Mr. Brown. I’m sure President Jing and I will enjoy a wonderful experience through the game.” Fan Qingyu emphasized the last few words and then looked at Jing Xiao with a teasing gaze. “Right, President Jing?”

Jing Xiao raised an eyebrow: “Naturally.”

Finding it uninteresting, Fan Qingyu lightly stepped out of the crowd and went to converse with a familiar collaborator.

Jing Xiao exhaled heavily and could only watch her leave, then returned to discussions about cooperation.

The crowd was large. Fan Qingyu, who disliked flattery, moved to a corner to ensure Jing Xiao wouldn’t pay attention. She then answered a call from Fan Shusheng: “Grandfather, there really isn’t a beginning or end to this matter.”

Fan Shusheng raised his voice: “Xiao Yu, you really didn’t find anything?”

Fan Qingyu lowered her eyes, glancing at the email Bell sent. Her heart ached, and she finally sighed and clicked confirm to delete it: “Yes, Grandfather.”

Fan Shusheng found it hard to believe: “Xiao Yu, your abilities couldn’t figure this out?”

Fan Qingyu’s voice was gentle: “I won’t lie to you.”

Fan Shusheng hesitated, probing further: “I don’t believe you have no clue at all.”

Fan Qingyu concealed her emotions: “No mistake.”

Fan Shusheng fell silent. Fan Qingyu’s words were clearly unrealistic, yet he did not press further: “Xiao Yu, our family has always valued ability. I don’t want my primary heir to be led by emotions.”

Fan Qingyu: “I understand.”

It rained again.

With each autumn rain, the chill grew. This rain lingered over the earth, unwilling to leave, and the air had completely shed the summer’s heat. Jing Xiao’s negotiations with Mr. Brown had not succeeded; the only silver lining was that he gave her a verbal promise to discuss further next time and exchanged contact information.

Leaning against the car window, Jing Xiao closed her eyes. Fan Qingyu’s lingering gaze flashed through her mind, weighing heavily on her thoughts. She exhaled deeply.

She had only taken over a portion of the company’s tasks. The past few days had been hectic, but her current workload was almost complete, leaving her much freer recently.

Jing Xiao had not slept well for a long time. She had intended to rest briefly but unexpectedly fell asleep.

The driver, cautious not to disturb her, called her several times. After receiving a reply, he asked loudly: “President Jing, are you going back to the old residence now?”

Although it was only afternoon, the sky was so overcast that it appeared gray. Jing Xiao, irritated, was about to reach for a cigarette but reconsidered—the driver might signal her grandfather. She withdrew her hand: “Back to my own house.”

The driver turned the car: “Yes.”

The farther they left the old residence, the more fatigued Jing Xiao felt. Supporting her head, she closed her eyes again, the bumpy ride preventing restful sleep.

By the time the driver woke her, they had arrived at a suburban villa. Jing Xiao informed him of the next day’s pickup time and emphasized punctuality. The driver acknowledged and left.

Due to road conditions, Jing Xiao had to cross the street to reach her home. From a distance, she saw a figure dressed entirely in white.

Blinking, she thought she had misread the house number. Once sure, her heart immediately sounded an alarm.

Despite the chilly weather, the person wore only a pure white dress. The garment, soaked with rain, clung semi-transparently to her body. She occasionally glanced back, seemingly waiting for the owner’s arrival.

Jing Xiao felt an ominous premonition. She was about to turn and leave when the person saw her from afar and waved excitedly: “Xiao Xiao!”

Startled, Jing Xiao braced herself and walked to her front door. What should have been a short walk took her ten minutes.

The woman ran up to meet her, pretending to shiver and rubbing her arms for warmth. Her skin was pale; her oval face was bare of makeup, with large round under-eye bags. She should have looked fragile, but the pale lips and reddened corners of her eyes gave her an unusual appearance.

Jing Xiao said nothing. She naturally had little patience for strangers.

Xu Jia pouted: “Xiao Xiao, why are you being so cold to me? Haven’t seen me in years and don’t recognize me?”

Jing Xiao spoke weakly: “Xu Jia?”

Xu Jia’s eyes were even redder, with faint tears glistening: “I’ve been waiting for you so long. I’m so cold. Can I come in and stay for a while?”

Jing Xiao glanced around: “Where’s your luggage?”

Xu Jia’s face flushed slightly: “I didn’t have time to get it yet.”

“Xu Jia, are you out of your mind or am I?” Jing Xiao’s lips curled into a cold smile, completely unrestrained. “There are hotels near the airport, yet you come to my house to stay and still haven’t picked up your luggage?”

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