After Breaking Off the Engagement, The Young Lady Deeply Regretted It - Chapter 5

Jing Xiao only wanted to teach her a lesson, she never actually intended to make her attend the evening birthday banquet with grapes in her mouth. After removing them, Fan Qingyu headed straight for the bathroom, pressing her words through the glass again and again, promising that she would keep her distance from Pei Lu.

Steam fogged up the bathroom, the hazy glass softening the outline of her graceful figure. Tracing her silhouette with a finger, Jing Xiao said possessively:
“Xiao Yu, you know this — I can’t tolerate even a grain of sand in my eye.”

Fan Qingyu was rubbing shower gel over her body. She glared fiercely toward the outside, reluctantly yielding:
“I know.”

Time was running short. Fan Qingyu finished her shower in a rush, completely ignoring Jing Xiao’s calls. She didn’t give her a single glance before striding quickly toward the dressing room.

Outfit for the banquet had to be grand yet festive. Fan Qingyu wore a red cheongsam. Standing in front of the dressing mirror, she checked herself from side to side, nodding in satisfaction:
“This outfit isn’t bad. Do my makeup.”

The makeup artist pulled out a chair for her, placing a towel across her shoulders, and asked carefully:
“Miss, did you do any hair treatment today?”

Fan Qingyu shook her head, staring at her own reflection without blinking. Then she suddenly snapped out of it—why had she listened to Jing Xiao this afternoon?

She tapped her temple lightly, sighing inwardly that her brain must be broken.

“Your hair needs to be dried.” Jing Xiao showed up uninvited, still in her wine-red shirt, the drape of her tailored trousers outlining her figure.

Still upset over the afternoon, Fan Qingyu said irritably:
“What are you doing here?”

Jing Xiao didn’t answer in front of others. Instead, she exchanged a look with the makeup artist. Understanding instantly, the makeup artist made way. Wrapping Fan Qingyu’s hair in the towel, Jing Xiao waited until the dripping stopped before switching on the hair dryer. Amid the buzzing noise, she bent down and whispered:
“I came to apologize.”

The others in the room tactfully stepped out, leaving the two wives their private space for flirting. This was nothing new—whenever Fan Qingyu got upset, Jing Xiao was the one to coax her. Everyone was used to it, chatting in the hallway while waiting.

Jing Xiao’s fingers ran through her silky strands. Fan Qingyu said nothing, allowing her to serve her quietly.

For a moment, irritation flared inside Jing Xiao. She was never good at coaxing people; to humble herself again and again like this—probably only Fan Qingyu could demand it. Forcing down the impatience, she brushed her cheek against Fan Qingyu’s and murmured:
“Forgive me.”

Fan Qingyu crossed her arms, showing signs of softening:
“Then tell me, what exactly did you do wrong?”

Jing Xiao, hearing the “double kill” sound effect in her head, had no clue. She blurted a random guess:
“I shouldn’t have… touched you in public?”

Fan Qingyu looked up, her face unreadable:
“From now on, don’t interfere in my business.”

Jing Xiao felt her pride sting. She set the dryer down and walked away. Maybe it was the stifling weather, but her chest felt uncomfortably heavy, like something was gripping her throat.

She took a deep breath, leaning against the window as she waited for Fan Qingyu. The makeup artist and others, returning not long after, glanced curiously at her but wisely said nothing before stepping back inside.

The dressing room doors remained shut. Jing Xiao’s gaze wandered, unfocused. Once hailed as a rare business prodigy of the Empire, she had spent over twenty smooth years on top of the world. And now—reduced to playing wife to a spoiled heiress who might not even love her. When she didn’t think too deeply about it, it was fine. But when she did, the disparity was unbearable.

This wasn’t how it should be.

Fan Qingyu ticked every single one of Jing Xiao’s aesthetic preferences. Jing Xiao genuinely liked her, was even willing to coax her and treat her well—but only if it didn’t cost her career.

She pulled out her phone, opening her chat with Ouyang Fei:
[When are you free? Let’s grab a drink.]

Ouyang Fei: [Who is this?]

Jing Xiao: [?]

Ouyang Fei: [Jing Xiao? You’re the model “perfect wife,” how are you willing to come out drinking with me?]

Jing Xiao: […]

Ouyang Fei: [I’m busy lately, but if you’re calling me, I’ll make time. Tomorrow night, 7 PM, our old spot.]

Jing Xiao: [Old spot?]

Ouyang Fei: [Ah right, forgot to tell you. Yuchang just got renovated—new services, you’ll see.]

Jing Xiao searched the map. Yuchang was a famous bar in Old Street. Confirming the location, she replied with an OK.

“Who are you chatting with?” Fan Qingyu was suddenly at her side.

Jing Xiao quickly locked her phone, sliding it naturally into her pocket:
“No one important. I’m going out tomorrow night.”

Fan Qingyu froze. Jing Xiao almost never went out at night in recent years, always revolving around her. Worry crept in:
“Is something wrong?”

Jing Xiao found it ironic. Smiling faintly, she shook her head:
“No, just meeting a friend.”

Fan Qingyu was speechless, then said quietly:
“I’ll be home tomorrow night.”

Jing Xiao dodged the subject:
“Go rest early.”

With Fan Qingyu’s personality, she would never stoop to asking Jing Xiao to stay. Dropping the matter, she beckoned briskly:
“Come on.”

Her heels clicked sharply as she walked toward the elevator. The doors opened, and the boutique clerk, impatient face instantly brightening, greeted her eagerly:
“Miss Fan, this is the newest collection—we rushed it over just for you.”

Fan Qingyu acknowledged politely, then stepped inside. Looking back at Jing Xiao standing outside, she said:
“Aren’t you coming in?”

The clerk and staff stepped aside awkwardly. Jing Xiao pressed the floor button. Fan Qingyu, staring at her elegant hands, finally couldn’t hold back:
“Who are you going out with tomorrow?”

Jing Xiao:
“A friend.”

Fan Qingyu stayed silent for a while, clearly dissatisfied:
“Male or female?”

The elevator chimed as the doors opened. Fan Qingyu suddenly remembered it wasn’t like her to interrogate. Changing tack, she asked:
“Where are you meeting?”

Jing Xiao deflected:
“Don’t worry, I’ll be back early.”

Fan Qingyu’s displeasure was obvious. Her eyes swept over Jing Xiao, then she turned away, striding faster toward the car. Jing Xiao hurried after her, only to notice that Fan Qingyu had chosen the passenger seat, clearly putting physical distance between them.

Jing Xiao had planned to test her reaction, but the opportunity slipped away. Fan Qingyu occasionally glared at her through the rearview mirror, snorting softly when Jing Xiao refused to yield.

The atmosphere was awkward. Jing Xiao chose the safer route—pretending to sleep. Just before her eyes closed, she caught the look of disbelief on Fan Qingyu’s face.

The ride was smooth. Jing Xiao had meant only to rest her eyes, but she really did fall asleep. She dreamed of her college days—her pursuit of Fan Qingyu, her obsession. She dreamed of giving up everything to stay by her side.

How she had worked in the shadows, using every connection to clear obstacles from Fan Qingyu’s path, treating her like a goddess.

“True love” was no exaggeration.

Even though Fan Qingyu had never once said, “I love you.”

“Miss Jing, Miss Jing…”

A man’s unfamiliar voice woke her. Jing Xiao cracked an eye open, catching the glow of sunset through the window. The driver let out a breath of relief:
“Finally awake. Miss Fan asked me to call you.”

Jing Xiao frowned. Fan Qingyu’s way of expressing herself was childish. Shrugging, she stepped calmly out of the car and walked toward the Fan family’s old estate.

In front of the mansion sprawled a vast traditional garden. Perhaps because the old couple loved tending plants, the garden was full of birdsong and chirping insects. Children ran happily among the greenery.

Entering the main building, she found the first floor used as a reception hall. Servants and drivers filled the space. A greeter at the door bowed politely:
“Miss Jing, please proceed to the third floor.”

Old Master Fan, having weathered decades of ruthless business wars, now enjoyed a quieter old age. Tonight’s birthday banquet was a modest affair, inviting only close friends and family. Dressed in a refined Tang-style jacket, cane in hand, he was surrounded by well-wishers.

Jing Xiao searched the crowd for Fan Qingyu. Holding a glass of wine, she returned every polite greeting, weaving her way through without success—until a girl stumbled into her arms.

The girl feigned panic, hands brushing at the wine staining Jing Xiao’s chest but leaving an obvious blotch. She stepped back quickly, biting her lip:
“I tripped… didn’t hold steady. Sister Xiao, let me take you to change.”

The girl looked six or seven parts like Fan Qingyu, though her aura and tone were worlds apart. In a frilly dress with twin braids, her reddened eyes brimmed with tears:
“Sister, I really didn’t mean it. Don’t be mad at me, please.”

Jing Xiao easily saw through her act. But since this was the Fan family estate, she couldn’t embarrass her outright. Taking a small step back, her voice cooled:
“It’s fine. Have you seen Fan Qingyu?”

Fan Baoying bit her lip, unwilling to back down. She leaned closer, eyes wet with tears:
“There are too many people here. Let me take you to change, then I’ll apologize properly.”

Jing Xiao’s scalp prickled. That face—so similar to Fan Qingyu’s—trying to seduce her was uncomfortable. Their exchange drew curious glances. Just as Jing Xiao wondered how to get away, Fan Qingyu’s voice sounded from behind.

One arm curved gracefully around her waist, the other hand lifting a glass. Fan Qingyu approached with light steps, her smile calm and poised:
“Fan Baoying, you’re not a child anymore. How can you still be so clumsy?”

Fan Baoying looked startled:
“Sister, I didn’t mean to spill on Sister Xiao. Please don’t be mad at me.”

Fan Qingyu slammed her glass down on the table, displeasure written plain. Standing side by side, it really did look like she was bullying Baoying. Tears streamed nonstop down Fan Baoying’s cheeks, her shoulders trembling. Fan Qingyu held back her disgust, and only once the relatives and friends turned their eyes their way did she begin to speak.

She left no room for gossip:
“You spilled wine on Jing Xiao and didn’t even apologize. Instead, you keep saying ‘don’t blame me.’ Did either of us say we blamed you?”

The crowd murmured. Many had heard the commotion. Several relatives nearby confirmed:
“Indeed, no one said a word blaming her. Strange how Fan Baoying just started crying.”

Fan Baoying sniffled, shaking her head:
“Sorry, I was too flustered. I spoke wrong.”

Fan Qingyu smiled faintly, with meaning:
“And? How do you plan to make amends to my fiancée?”

Fan Baoying’s face went pale. Her lips moved but no words came out. Everyone present understood the innuendo. Forcing a smile, she stammered:
“I’ll buy her a new shirt.”

“Just transfer it to me later. As for helping her change, leave that to me. Rest well, little sister.” Fan Qingyu patted her head in a mock display of intimacy, then took Jing Xiao’s hand and led her to the room she usually stayed in at the estate.

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