After Breaking Off the Engagement, The Young Lady Deeply Regretted It - Chapter 52

Jing Xiao looked at the mirror; a small bright red spot stood out in the center of her lips. She gently pressed them together, and her plain face finally had a touch of color. “Going for a walk today too?”

Fan Qingyu had already put on her socks and shoes, smoothing out the wrinkled pant legs. “I want to go home early today.”

“Wait a moment.”

Jing Xiao suddenly crouched down, leaving Fan Qingyu puzzled. Her thin lips pressed into a line as she awkwardly rummaged in her pocket, the rustling sound echoing softly.

Seeing Jing Xiao so serious, Fan Qingyu stayed quiet, watching her every move.

After mentally preparing herself, Jing Xiao finally pulled out something: a pair of thick wool socks.

“Huh?” Fan Qingyu stared in shock. The brand-new pure white socks lay quietly in their packaging. Her gaze shifted back and forth, suspicious. “When did you buy these?”

Before Fan Qingyu could speak, Jing Xiao loosened her shoelace and partially removed one of the shoes. Her hands touched Fan Qingyu’s cold ankle, and Jing Xiao felt gratified that her choice had been correct. She firmly placed the socks on the bed. “These are warm. Wear them.”

Fan Qingyu awkwardly moved her calf back and put her shoes back on. “My shoes are lined. I don’t need these.”

Jing Xiao pressed her shoulder lightly, hands applying a little more force. “Do you want me to just hold them for you forever?”

Fan Qingyu understood Jing Xiao’s intent. Jing Xiao didn’t voice it, but her eyes were full of expectation. Reluctantly, Fan Qingyu sat back down and put on the wool socks.

Jing Xiao’s eyes curved like a crescent moon. “Thank you.”

“For what?” Fan Qingyu elbowed her lightly. “It should be me thanking you.”

Thank you for taking care of yourself.

Fan Qingyu wanted to visit the newly opened flower park, which was quite far and rather dull. Jing Xiao took out a Bluetooth headset and put it in Fan Qingyu’s ears. “Do you want to listen to music?”

Fan Qingyu pushed the earbuds in and selected a few songs she wanted to hear.

The familiar, pleasant melody played softly, and she opened the window slightly. The cool breeze flowed in. The lane they were in was long and tall, covered with climbing ivy and trees along the sides, clearly well-maintained, giving it a sense of natural beauty like entering a primeval forest.

Fan Qingyu breathed slowly and deeply. “The air here is amazing.”

“The natural park,” Jing Xiao said, “usually has few visitors.”

The music paused as Jing Lan’s phone call came through again. Jing Xiao felt worried. Since getting into the rental car, Jing Lan’s calls had been continuous. She didn’t want to answer, but it rang intermittently, perhaps signaling something important.

Reluctantly, Jing Xiao picked up.

“Out on a date again?”

Her worry vanished instantly. Instinctively, she glanced around. There were no suspicious cars, giving her some reassurance. Calmly, she deflected: “Spit it out.”

Jing Lan snorted. “Grandpa told me to pass on a message: tonight at 7, go to Shenyunhai Restaurant for a blind date. He’s quite impressed with this girl.”

Jing Xiao’s arm pressed against Fan Qingyu. As the words reached her, she felt the arm shiver slightly, trembling all the way down.

The headset was still in Fan Qingyu’s ear.

The atmosphere became tense; every breath could be heard clearly.

Jing Xiao felt guilty. She glanced at Fan Qingyu from the corner of her eye. Though her posture seemed calm and normal, a thin sweat on her forehead betrayed her.

Jing Xiao let out a long sigh. The huge weight on her chest lifted, crashing like an earthquake.

She gently patted Fan Qingyu’s hand to comfort her. Fan Qingyu held back, this time not withdrawing, letting Jing Xiao’s fingers weave between hers.

Jing Xiao’s voice softened, almost suffocating in its tenderness. “Can I go?”

Fan Qingyu’s breath caught.

What was this now? Her ex-girlfriend, with whom she had resumed a flirtatious relationship after breaking up, was asking if she could go on a blind date.

Fan Qingyu’s hands clenched into fists. Her limbs felt icy and numb. Pain spread to her throat, making it hard to speak; she could only try to ease it with deep breaths.

She had heard every word of the conversation. Deep down, she knew she had no right to interfere with Jing Xiao’s decision—at least, she couldn’t prevent her from improving herself.

So, what was she to her?

Merely a mistake Jing Xiao had made in the past.

Fan Qingyu inhaled deeply and forced a smile. “You want to go?”

“I mainly want to know your opinion,” Jing Xiao replied, wrapping Fan Qingyu tightly in her arms.

Fan Qingyu didn’t pull away. The pain was so intense it dulled her senses. If Jing Xiao cared about her feelings, she wouldn’t even bring it up.

Fan Qingyu reflected on herself. Back when she and Pei Lu were ambiguous, did Jing Xiao feel the same way?

Now, the things she had given up, the sacrifices she had made, were no less than Jing Xiao’s. She knew life didn’t allow one to have both the fish and the bear’s paw. If Jing Xiao really went to the blind date, would her devotion become a joke?

She said nothing, just shook her head gently. “What you can’t give up will one day become a weapon to separate us.”

Jing Xiao asked, “Just like you back then?”

She had once valued benefits, made many mistakes, and only regretted them later. Unexpectedly, her lover had also stepped into the trap of interest.

“Perhaps a little different. I once considered if we were suitable, but I never thought I should—” Fan Qingyu stopped mid-sentence, knowing more words would be useless. She smiled lightly, leaned back, and looked out the window. “Driver, please take this lady to Shenyunhai Restaurant. I’ll get off at Aegean Sea Apartment.”

“It’s almost to the flower park. Going back now isn’t worth it,” the driver said, unaware of the tension between the two young women, thinking they had just changed their minds spontaneously.

Jing Xiao didn’t stop him.

Fan Qingyu repeated her instructions. The driver steered the car in the new direction.

Heartbreak truly drains one. Before she realized it, they were back in the city center. Fan Qingyu hadn’t yet recovered from the sadness. She blinked dry, sore eyes and asked the driver to stop by the roadside.

Jing Xiao gently touched Fan Qingyu’s wrist. “I bought mooncakes and cake for you. Someone will deliver them tonight.”

“Thanks. How much?” Fan Qingyu pulled out her phone and quickly transferred 500 yuan to Jing Xiao.

“Being so formal?”

Fan Qingyu said nothing, decisively waved, and got out of the car.

A few shopping bags remained in the car. Jing Xiao called after her, “Can’t carry them yourself? I can take them up for you.”

Fan Qingyu was resolute. After her figure disappeared into the dark night, Jing Xiao received a message.

[Fan Qingyu: That’s for you. Hope you have a good evening.]

She even sent a little dog emoji, truly like a friend sending blessings.

Jing Xiao typed and deleted several drafts, but ultimately didn’t send a single message.

The driver cautiously asked, “Miss, shall we head to Shenyunhai Restaurant now?”

Jing Xiao almost stepped out, hesitated, then sat back down. “Let’s go.”

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