After Breaking Off the Engagement, The Young Lady Deeply Regretted It - Chapter 60

In the afternoon, the sun shone brightly, and the oars stirred ripples in the water, splashing gently and leaving a tranquil sightseeing trail. Fan Qingyu lazily leaned against Jing Xiao, the afternoon breeze stronger than the morning’s, warm and lulling, making her eyelids heavy as she stroked Jing Xiao’s hand.

Mr. Brown had an urgent matter and called a reliable old friend to guide the two of them on their tour. This gentleman was a private guide, who chatted endlessly about the local history.

The wind was too strong, so Jing Xiao simply tucked her hair behind her ears and fastened it, gently brushing Fan Qingyu’s earrings and wrapping her arms around her neck.

“Click—click—click.”

Three gazes met at once. Mr. Brown’s friend, Mr. Joan, smiled warmly, “That scene was too beautiful. I couldn’t resist capturing it. Would you like a photo?”

On the camera screen, the sunlight was just right. Fan Qingyu’s hair fluttered, her eyes fixed on Jing Xiao, while Jing Xiao, though not showing her eyes, gave the impression of constantly observing Fan Qingyu.

Jing Xiao hadn’t expected such a casual shot to turn out even better than a studio photo. “Thank you. When do you think it will be ready?”

Mr. Joan shrugged, “It won’t take long. I’ll develop it once I get back.”

Jing Xiao nodded, pulling out a cigarette to hand to him, “I’ll probably need to trouble you to contact me when it’s done.”

“You’re very polite,” he said, returning to adjusting his camera.

“Xiao Xiao,” after the surroundings quieted down, Fan Qingyu tugged at Jing Xiao’s sleeve and whispered, “The sound from this morning… it seemed similar to the camera click just now.”

Fan Qingyu’s expression was serious. Jing Xiao had initially thought she had imagined it, but now it seemed it wasn’t so simple. Her thoughts immediately turned heavy as she rubbed her temples. “This is tricky. There’s no one we can rely on here, and we can’t figure out their intentions.”

On the boat, it was hard to stretch, and Fan Qingyu’s lower abdomen ached from the bench. She inhaled sharply and leaned closer to Jing Xiao.

Jing Xiao mentally went over recent events but couldn’t come to any conclusion. “Don’t worry. If trouble comes, we’ll deal with it as it comes.”

The small boat docked, and the pier’s horn sounded as a cargo ship prepared to depart.

European life seemed unusually leisurely. The streets were dotted with pastry shops and cafés. Mr. Joan led the way, and as they approached the castle, the scene became starkly different from the fairytale-like town earlier. Waves constantly hit the rocky shore with a grand sound. The castle loomed majestic and imposing, beyond words.

Mr. Joan was thoughtful, asking politely if they wanted him to continue accompanying them.

Fan Qingyu touched the object in her pocket and politely declined.

Looking up, the castle was large and closed off, unrepaired for the most part. Its walls had been weathered by time, appearing mottled and old. From behind the tightly shut gates, strains of music poured out.

After buying tickets, Jing Xiao recalled the official price and asked curiously, “Why is it five euros more than usual?”

The ticket clerk politely replied, “There’s a music festival going on inside, with complimentary drinks and desserts. If you don’t want them, I can refund the extra cost.”

“We’ll keep it. We came for the music festival,” Fan Qingyu said, holding Jing Xiao’s hand as they crossed the stone bridge. “I want to enjoy the festival. We’ll settle the money later tonight.”

Jing Xiao patted the back of her head with a smile. “Whether we pay or not, it’s just a small amount. I’m more concerned about them overcharging tourists.”

Inside, the castle’s interior contrasted sharply with the exterior. The old estate was filled with lush flowers, vibrant and colorful, creating a striking contrast with the decayed fences and walls.

Looking up, apart from the blue sky above, the outside world was invisible, giving Jing Xiao a sense of confinement. She didn’t linger in the courtyard.

The grand hall had clearly been renovated, retaining traditional ethnic features while adding modern elements, leaning toward a café-bar style. Jing Xiao ordered two drinks, handing one to Fan Qingyu.

Fan Qingyu propped her head up and watched the endless music. “I don’t feel like drinking today.”

Jing Xiao scanned the menu. “Do you want milk?”

Fan Qingyu leaned on her. “I’ll just have water.”

On stage, the band asked if anyone wanted to play with them, then tapped the piano.

Fan Qingyu’s gaze met Jing Xiao’s as she lightly played with her hair. “Xiao Xiao, do you want to hear me play the piano?”

“You can play?” Jing Xiao’s words carried a slightly formal tone from speaking with Europeans. “I want to hear a love song from you.”

Recalling the rosewood piano from her childhood, Fan Qingyu felt happy. “I learned a little when I was young.”

She discussed with the band, asking for a simpler piece.

Once agreed, she lifted her skirt slightly and sat properly at the piano, her fingers lightly touching the keys. As the soft notes flowed, her hands moved gracefully.

Beautiful, warm, and sweet tones emerged, overflowing with emotion. The spotlight fell on Fan Qingyu, her slender figure casting a shadow that stirred ripples in Jing Xiao’s heart.

Though the piece was simple, she played flawlessly.

Jing Xiao started recording, unwilling to miss a single note, and went to a small flower stall by the door, buying two large bouquets of roses.

The flowers were much more expensive than outside. The stall girl was surprised by Jing Xiao’s generosity, giving a few extra stems for free.

The music ended. The piece was simple and did not cause much stir. Most applause was polite, not enthusiastic.

Fan Qingyu searched for Jing Xiao and, seeing no one, suddenly felt her shoulder tapped. Turning around, she was met with the fragrant scent of red roses. Jing Xiao’s eyes shone warmly. “A piece played for me deserves a response.”

Fan Qingyu’s joy was not just the roses, but the bold English inscription on the card:

“To my excellent wife”

Fan Qingyu carefully twirled the roses in her arms. Dressed in a white French-style short skirt, the hem flared like a pristine flower, making her look like a princess untouched by the world.

She noticed the red at the stall. “These must be expensive, right?”

“It’s just a few bouquets. How expensive could it be?” Jing Xiao gently ruffled her hair. “I want my princess to have flowers.”

Fan Qingyu laughed. “Don’t try to speak like a European. It sounds strange.”

Jing Xiao smiled but said nothing, finishing her drink. “The music festival is in the next hall. Shall we go?”

“Wait,” Fan Qingyu swallowed and blushed. “I have something for you.”

Jing Xiao stopped. “What is it?”

Fan Qingyu’s hands were already in her coat pocket, the sweat from her palms dampening the gift box. Her fingers tingled and numb from the nervousness.

Her entire arm trembled. Jing Xiao had a hunch but didn’t rush to reveal it, patiently recording the moment.

“Wait… I’m a bit off balance,” Fan Qingyu’s whole body shivered. She couldn’t get the item out, silently blaming herself.

Jing Xiao was amused by her nervousness and hugged her. “It’s okay. I’m not in a hurry.”

The scent of Fan Qingyu’s breath wafted over Jing Xiao. Her chin rested on Jing Xiao’s shoulder, increasing the tension instead of relieving it.

“You’re going to propose, aren’t you?” Jing Xiao teased.

Fan Qingyu, flustered, said, “No.”

The adjacent music festival was in full swing, leaving the room nearly empty. With the prying eyes gone, Fan Qingyu relaxed.

Jing Xiao wrapped her arms around Fan Qingyu’s waist. She had already felt the outline of the item in Fan Qingyu’s pocket. “We can keep hugging until you’re ready to speak.”

Doing one bold move, Fan Qingyu pushed Jing Xiao away and pulled out a delicate white leather box. Her prepared words were forgotten; her mind was a complete jumble. “Xiao Xiao, the last time we talked about the engagement ring… that was in summer.”

“Time flies,” Jing Xiao said softly, thinking of the fireworks just before they had parted.

“Sorry… I lost the engagement ring last time because of me. Can you accept it?” Fan Qingyu’s words were scrambled with nerves. “Will you marry me?”

Jing Xiao smiled faintly, holding out her hand. “Put it on me.”

Fan Qingyu took out the ring meant for Jing Xiao. With the box and another ring having nowhere to go, she hastily placed the box on the bar and held the other in her palm, carefully sliding the diamond-studded silver ring onto Jing Xiao’s finger.

Jing Xiao’s fingers seemed to lighten a few shades under the light. She held them up, the diamonds glinting softly. “I really like it.”

“Yes, my name is engraved inside,” Fan Qingyu said with a gentle smile, pressing, “You haven’t answered me yet. Will you marry me?”

“Now that your ring is on, there’s no turning back,” Jing Xiao said seriously, treating Fan Qingyu’s hand like a treasure, putting the other ring on her finger as well.

Though expected, Fan Qingyu’s eyes reddened. She quickly removed the ring. “Look, it’s not letters. It’s your full name.”

Jing Xiao looked at the engraving in the reflected light: “Fan Qingyu,” joking, “Is this for marking territory? If someone flirts with me, I can just show them the name inside.”

Fan Qingyu snorted, “Seems like you want someone to flirt with you.”

“Not at all.” The ring fit perfectly. Jing Xiao admired it for over ten minutes before remembering their original purpose. “Right, let’s go enjoy the music festival.”

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