After Breaking Off the Engagement, The Young Lady Deeply Regretted It - Chapter 63

After returning to the country, Jing Xiao’s team didn’t have time to celebrate obtaining the rights; they immediately threw themselves into a new round of research and development. In this world, specialized R&D was somewhat lacking, and with current technology, it was very difficult to break through traditional barriers.

Due to outdated equipment, Jing Xiao had no choice but to split a large project into several sections and tackle them one by one. She was so busy that she barely had time to rest, and in her mind, a selfish thought gradually took shape.

“Knock knock—”

Late at night in the R&D lab, Jing Xiao was operating precision instruments, not daring to make even the slightest mistake. She roughly ran through the faces of the staff who had left for the day, guessing who might have returned for something, and said perfunctorily, “Come in.”

There was no sound from the door. Jing Xiao didn’t think much of it and continued with her work.

Fan Qingyu stood with her arms crossed outside the airtight door. She seemed to be watching Jing Xiao’s busy back and didn’t want to disturb her. She stepped lightly over to a nearby bench.

Fan Qingyu brushed off some dust from her clothes. Strangely, Jing Xiao’s R&D lab didn’t seem to be part of the main company. It was actually quite far away. The seemingly strict security merely nodded at her; after contacting Jing Xiao’s secretary, they simply let her in.

She leaned against the bench and logged into a shopping platform on her phone, checking the feedback in the comments section.

The data seemed slightly worse than what the backend showed, but it was within an acceptable range.

The new product, the “City on Water” series, had drawn widespread attention upon launch. However, Fan Qingyu’s private studio was still in its early stages and lacked a reputation to build upon. Coupled with subtle obstruction from Fan Shusheng, sales were considerably below expectations.

She rubbed her temples, and a chill ran from her calves through her body. Suddenly, the lab door opened. Jing Xiao, in a white lab coat and wearing protective goggles, crouched in front of her with a smile.

Jing Xiao rubbed her nose against hers. “Why are you here?”

Fan Qingyu giggled and dodged slightly. “I missed you a bit. It’s been a while since we last saw each other.”

Jing Xiao hung her lab coat aside and changed into her regular clothes and shoes. “By the way, how did you get in?”

Fan Qingyu fiddled with her phone. “The security said you had mentioned not to be disturbed, so they contacted your secretary.”

“Perfect timing. I don’t have much to do today.” Jing Xiao stretched, her joints cracking. She tilted her head and dropped a few drops of lutein into her tired eyes. “So, where are we going on our date today?”

Fan Qingyu smiled softly as she stared at the pink couple avatar in the chat box, feeling at ease. “You actually said the word ‘date.’”

“Of course. I’ll come over to your place tonight and see if you’ve finished all the medicinal meals I prepared for you.” Jing Xiao quickly pecked her on the cheek and mockingly pinched the soft flesh of her outer thigh. “If you haven’t finished them, don’t blame me for being merciless.”

After saying this, she playfully rubbed Fan Qingyu’s neck.

“Honestly, I’m a grown adult,” Fan Qingyu laughed, pushing her away slightly and pinching her chin. “How do you plan to not let me off?”

Jing Xiao’s eyes sparkled. “It’s a secret.”

A cold breeze drifted through the unclosed window. Jing Xiao noticed that Fan Qingyu’s coat was open and, without asking, fastened the buttons for her. Looking down, she frowned slightly. “You’re wearing heels in this weather? Aren’t you cold?”

Fan Qingyu’s feet were numb from the cold. She forced a small laugh and admitted, “But no other shoes match this outfit.”

“You really don’t take my advice seriously.” Jing Xiao took out spare shoes and socks from the shoe cabinet and tossed them to the floor. “Quick, change.”

Fan Qingyu froze. “These are yours?”

Jing Xiao patted her shoulder. “Don’t worry, the shoe cabinet is separate. Mainly for rainy days.”

Outside, the wind howled, bending tree branches violently. Her phone suddenly rang. Fan Qingyu stared at the unfamiliar number for a long time before finally answering.

“Miss Fan, long time no contact.”

Fan Qingyu’s heart skipped a beat. The voice was unmistakably familiar—it was Gao Qiao.

Time flew, and soon it was late autumn. Leaves on the branches were dry and withered, falling with the slightest gust of wind.

Fan Qingyu buried most of her face in her scarf as she stood across the street, watching a video play on a large LED screen. The video’s protagonist had straight black hair lazily falling to her chest. Her skin was pale, lips red, expression calm, as she delivered a speech in fluent English.

Fan Qingyu couldn’t stop watching. The video had been playing for several days. She almost memorized Jing Xiao’s speech but couldn’t help pausing every time she saw her.

Fan Family. She hadn’t been back in a long time. That morning, her mother had called, asking her to return, though Fan Qingyu didn’t understand why. Probably the Fan family had discovered her value again.

Recently, there had been a lot of news online about her and Jing Xiao. The Jing family had not intervened, seemingly acknowledging her position.

Jing Xiao’s VR glasses were selling like hotcakes. Once released, they were eagerly snapped up by young consumers, catapulting her to one of the most promising positions in the business world.

Fan Qingyu’s private studio was also growing strong. Once the Fan Group could no longer suppress it, she knew Jing Xiao had been helping behind the scenes; otherwise, nothing would have gone so smoothly.

The sky was blue. She lowered her eyes. The past, let it stay in the past.

Fan Qingyu entered the hall across the street. It was the 5th Technology Golden Awards Ceremony, and she had been invited.

Her appearance was a media bombshell. Security personnel barely held back the crowd.

Fan Qingyu took her seat, calmly sipping mineral water. Today was Jing Xiao’s award ceremony.

Outsiders only saw a young, talented professional, but Fan Qingyu knew it wasn’t that simple.

With contemporary equipment and technology, it would be impossible to research, develop, and produce such an invention in such a short time. Watching the VR glasses on the big screen, she reaffirmed her thoughts.

Before the ceremony began, only soft chatter filled the hall. Sharp reporter voices pierced the air.

“Miss Fan, what is your relationship with today’s star?”

Fan Qingyu merely glanced at them, too lazy to answer such foolish questions.

Minutes passed. The ceremony was about to start. The host warmed up the stage while the audience laughed lightly.

There were three teams up for awards, ranked from low to high. Fan Qingyu wasn’t interested in the first two teams, pretending to listen seriously while her mind wandered far away.

The red curtain opened and closed repeatedly. Only when Jing Xiao’s team stepped on stage did Fan Qingyu return to the present, staring at the stage without blinking.

Jing Xiao’s steps were steady and confident. She still wore her lab outfit and shook hands politely with the award presenter, under the watchful eyes of the previous teams.

Fan Qingyu unknowingly smiled, her eyes like crescent moons, only capable of holding Jing Xiao.

Award ceremonies like this happened every year. Due to fast-paced life and boring past events, viewership had always been low.

This year, the organizers intentionally leaked the news that Fan Qingyu knew about Jing Xiao’s guaranteed win. The ceremony was broadcasted live from multiple angles. Her smile had already caused an online frenzy.

“Who even understands, ahhh! Fan Qingyu stayed expressionless, but she saw Jing Xiao smile like that. Did they secretly get married? @Civil Affairs Bureau!”

“Stop being ridiculous. Must it be romantic? Couldn’t they just be close friends? Ship what you want without hurting yourselves.”

“Nonsense. Shipping is balanced. Could you stay friends with your ex for four years? They probably secretly reconciled and went to Europe for a honeymoon.”

“Jing Xiao is so beautiful, Fan is gorgeous too. If they both pursued me…”

“Dreaming in broad daylight?”

On stage, Jing Xiao could see the live comments. She stifled a laugh, trying to look serious. The commenters likely paid for VIP, so their comments were bright and prominent. She noticed them instantly.

Honeymoon? Ridiculous.

The presenter lifted the golden trophy, humorously asking, “Miss Jing, what do you think of this award?”

Jing Xiao picked up the microphone. Her diamond ring sparkled. The live comments became even crazier.

She sincerely asked, “Is this made of pure gold?”

The hall erupted in laughter. The presenter joked, “Of course. If you like, we can request another identical one for you.”

Jing Xiao waved her hand. “No need, I can’t accept it.”

After a few polite words, the presenter handed her the trophy amidst thunderous applause. Jing Xiao subtly winked at Fan Qingyu’s direction.

After all awards were presented, it was time for reporters’ questions. The other two winning teams received only technical questions about their products.

But in front of Jing Xiao’s team, gossip reporters crowded in, even pressing up to Fan Qingyu.

Jing Xiao smiled, not avoiding the topic. She took the nearest microphone and firmly said, “I’m not from the entertainment industry. I’ll answer this question once, for the public and those who care. After this, I don’t want anyone to use these matters to exploit me. If I find out, I won’t recommend gentle measures.”

The reporters were stunned. Then Jing Xiao’s gaze softened, “I don’t know if you remember, I once said that the person who deserves Miss Fan should be full of honor, reputation, and dignity.”

Ignoring the surrounding chatter, she reached out as if across space, “So, Miss Fan, do you think I am that person—honorable, reputable, and dignified?”

The audience cheered, focusing on Fan Qingyu.

Jing Xiao smiled lightly, then added, “I also apologize to Miss Fan. Today is crowded; if you refuse, it would embarrass me. Consider this… coercion into marriage.”

Fan Qingyu took the nearest microphone. Her warm, calm voice echoed: “Sorry for taking up everyone’s time. I believe Jing Xiao just wants to give everyone an explanation. She is not part of a ‘play,’ as some comments suggest.”

Fan Qingyu’s serious words caused laughter both in the hall and among online viewers.

“I also answer Jing Xiao’s question directly. In my heart, you have always been the best person in the world.”

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