After Breaking Off the Engagement, The Young Lady Deeply Regretted It - Chapter 47

“Really?” People often find knives in honey. Her words were half-truth, half-playful; Fan Qingyu didn’t dare fully believe them. She half-pouted, half-joked: “Words alone aren’t enough. You still have a lot to take care of at home—can you promise me we’ll still be together next week?”

What was originally just an encouraging excuse suddenly jolted Jing Xiao awake. Tonight’s atmosphere was too perfect; she couldn’t help but let things get a little more intimate, forgetting many practical concerns.

As for the promise of staying together next week, she probably didn’t have the strength to guarantee it.

She twirled a strand of Fan Qingyu’s hair around her finger. The hair wrapped around her fingertip. Feeling guilty, she asked softly, “Do you mind an underground relationship?”

In this prosperous era, two adults having a secret romance seemed absurd. Fan Qingyu shook her head evasively, her voice like a drop of rain falling into the sea—calm and unruffled: “Take what I just said as me teasing you.”

Jing Xiao stood up, moving her sore, numb legs, and explained: “That was my first thought. I swear I’m serious.”

From her angle, she could see Fan Qingyu’s curled eyelashes casting a small shadow over her eyes, hiding all emotions. Even without words, Jing Xiao could sense her deep disappointment.

Jing Xiao’s hand traced the contours of her face, changing the topic: “Who made you feel wronged?”

Fan Qingyu gritted her teeth and vented, seriously saying: “You, Jing Xiao.”

For a moment, Jing Xiao couldn’t believe it and pointed at herself: “Me?”

Seeing her eyes wide open, Fan Qingyu let out a helpless sigh: “No, I’m joking.”

The moment of ambiguity and melancholy passed in an instant. The adrenaline-fueled pleasure faded, and Fan Qingyu returned to her usual state. She held her chest with one hand, no longer upset.

The hand warmer she held still emitted a faint heat. Jing Xiao regretted not buying a few more, grabbed it in her hand, and gently pulled Fan Qingyu’s hand into her sleeve: “Feeling better?”

“Mm.”

Jing Xiao mentally planned how to help her and casually asked: “Your family’s branch office is in Anjiao District? What’s the main business?”

Besides Anjiao, the Fan family’s businesses spanned the country. Jing Xiao had checked the information a few days ago and wanted to confirm whether Fan Qingyu was assigned to the least significant branch.

Fan Qingyu grew even more dejected. Being assigned to a branch office was perhaps the biggest dark chapter in her life. Everything felt like a dream, too shameful to talk about. Yet, sensing Jing Xiao’s lack of malice, she forced herself to say: “Yes, mainly after-sales service.”

Jing Xiao’s expression blanked. Hearing that, her brows shot up as she paused, idly squeezing the hand warmer: “Only after-sales?”

Fan Qingyu’s fingers tapped rhythmically on the wooden chair, her eyes vacant. A faint smile curved her lips, unsure whether it was self-comfort or self-mockery: “Yes. It makes me feel my existence has little value.”

A huge company but only responsible for after-sales work—implying that employees had little to do. For ordinary employees approaching retirement, it was a good place to coast through.

But for someone like Fan Qingyu, being brought down from the top of the headquarters to such a place—anyone would feel crushed.

Every solution Jing Xiao could think of was blocked. If it were a normal small-scale company, she could secretly lend a hand. But for a company only responsible for after-sales, she truly couldn’t find a way to help Fan Qingyu stand out.

Jing Xiao drew in a sharp breath: “Is there any way to temporarily get you somewhere decent?”

Fan Qingyu shook her head: “I don’t care now. I’ll think of something later.”

With that, an awkward silence fell. Jing Xiao patted her shoulder: “I believe in you.”

“I’ll drive. Later, you just cross over and wait on the main road.” Jing Xiao shook the car keys and ran in the opposite direction.

Only when her back disappeared into the dark night did Fan Qingyu finally bend down, using her legs to sit up. She stared in the direction Jing Xiao had left. The fog that had lifted just now returned, layer upon layer, clouding her mind.

Believe her?

To put it bluntly, she felt like a salted fish on a cutting board—any resistance was futile.

Now she understood the extent to which Jing Xiao had once given up everything for her.

Between the small path and the main road, there was a narrow lane, pitch dark along the way. Fan Qingyu turned on her phone for guidance and walked toward the faint lights.

On the main road, she saw a familiar car coming from afar. Fan Qingyu waved to alert it.

Jing Xiao didn’t stop.

It was the car Fan Qingyu had casually taken from home last time, all black, sleek emblem. Jing Xiao honked a few times and rolled down the window: “Cross over to the other side.”

Fan Qingyu blinked, realized she was going the wrong way, tapped her head, and crossed. Parking was impossible here, so she kept walking until she reached a corner where Jing Xiao waited.

Out of breath, Fan Qingyu said: “I’ve been making silly mistakes recently.”

After she fastened her seatbelt, Jing Xiao pressed the accelerator: “It’s no big deal. Stop making such a fuss.”

It was near Mid-Autumn Festival; the streets were busy. Jing Xiao rolled down her left window a little, letting the aromas of street snacks drift in. She slowed down near the supermarket.

“Do you have ingredients at home? I’ll make you a late-night snack.”

Fan Qingyu thought for a moment: “Only mineral water and eggs.”

As expected, Jing Xiao parked at the supermarket lot, quickly got out, and opened Fan Qingyu’s car door: “Come on, let’s get something.”

Fan Qingyu waved her off: “Forget it, I’ll order delivery.”

“Why? Walking and browsing is fine.” Jing Xiao unbuckled her seatbelt.

Fan Qingyu put one leg out: “I’m afraid of taking up your time.”

Jing Xiao blinked: “Don’t worry, I’m free all night.”

Fan Qingyu’s previous life was the epitome of luxury, never concerned with cooking or snacks. Apart from once stocking Jing Xiao’s fridge, she had never shopped at a supermarket.

Jing Xiao paid the deposit and let Fan Qingyu push the cart.

“See if there’s anything you want. My treat.”

Jing Xiao pointed to the snack aisle. At first glance, all high-end goods. She checked the labels—full of additives. She lost interest instantly: “Not eating these. Let’s get groceries.”

“Later I’ll negotiate with Mr. Brown for collaboration. I’ll see what I can bring you from abroad.”

Fan Qingyu joked: “Trouble for you. Do I need to pay?”

“Of course not.”

They went straight to the produce section, rich aromas filling the air. Fan Qingyu covered her nose, coughing lightly.

Jing Xiao quickly picked some seasonings, grabbed the cart, teasing: “You said your health was fine, yet look at you coughing.”

Away from the section, Fan Qingyu felt better. While selecting ingredients, the distant sound of loudspeakers caught her attention.

Looking over, the opposite corner was crowded. Cheap balloons and streamers covered the ground. Staff shouted through a microphone, words inaudible.

Squinting, Jing Xiao read the sign: “Couple activity—participate and get free eggs?”

Fan Qingyu laughed, shaking Jing Xiao’s sleeve: “Don’t tell me you want to join.”

Squinting, Jing Xiao indeed headed toward the event: “You know me, I like the excitement.”

Fan Qingyu half-resisted, half-played along, complaining: “Be careful.”

The activity was simple: one hugging photo earned a box of eggs. Jing Xiao shook her head, declining participation.

Fan Qingyu asked staff the obvious question: “Then why are you here?”

Jing Xiao grinned: “Just for fun.”

The night wind was crisp, blowing her stray hair. Both carried heavy bags to the trunk. Fan Qingyu’s fingers were sore from the handles. Jing Xiao had opened the car door beforehand.

Fan Qingyu looked at the half-open door jokingly: “Do we look like a married couple?”

She thought Jing Xiao wouldn’t respond. Jing Xiao thought seriously for a moment: “Yes. Like a couple shopping after work, heading home with kids.”

Fan Qingyu opened the juice she had bought and drank it in one gulp: “You sound so exhausted.”

Jing Xiao was startled: “What flavor?”

Fan Qingyu stammered: “Wa…wa…watermelon.”

Jing Xiao relaxed: “You’re allergic to cherries.”

Fan Qingyu felt a warmth in her heart: “You remembered.”

Seeing the red liquid in the bottle, Jing Xiao recalled Fan Qingyu coughing violently an hour ago. During a red light, she covered Fan Qingyu’s hand: “Finally feeling better.”

She closed the window and was about to turn on the heater.

“No need. We’ve arrived.” Fan Qingyu stopped her.

“Your place is nice.”

Convenient transportation, connected everywhere. Fan Qingyu greeted the security, the car was logged, and they entered the underground garage, pitch dark. Jing Xiao got out first, carrying all the groceries. Fan Qingyu turned on her flashlight.

Jing Xiao took on the task of carrying everything, making Fan Qingyu feel slightly guilty. The elevator connected directly to the home. Fan Qingyu searched for her keys. The grandmother next door returned with her grandson.

She greeted warmly: “Good evening.”

Fan Qingyu politely replied: “Good evening, Grandma Li.”

Grandma Li was unusually enthusiastic and helped carry some of the groceries, asking: “Bringing your girlfriend home tonight?”

Fan Qingyu instinctively blurted: “Ex-wife.”

All three, including the little grandson, froze. Grandma Li awkwardly laughed and returned the groceries to Jing Xiao.

Fan Qingyu continued her tasks, opening the door for Jing Xiao.

“First you said you’d just hug me downstairs, now you’re making dinner too.”

“Your home is so—” Jing Xiao looked around. The furniture was light-toned, lights a soft warm yellow. “Very cozy.”

“Mm. A family of four lived here before, no major renovations.” Fan Qingyu poured water for Jing Xiao.

Even though she hadn’t been here before, Jing Xiao moved confidently, heading to the kitchen, placing groceries in the fridge: “What do you want to eat?”

Fan Qingyu’s eyes darted: “Something simple. You should leave early.”

“Why rush me?” Jing Xiao complained. “So eager to kick me out?”

Fan Qingyu changed into slippers and helped organize the kitchen: “No, just worried about your time.”

“I’ve changed my mind.” Jing Xiao said. “I’ll stay until dawn. From the start to the end of Mid-Autumn, I’ll spend it with you.”

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