After Breaking Off the Engagement, The Young Lady Deeply Regretted It - Chapter 9

Jing Xiao covered Fan Qingyu’s eyes. Her thick eyelashes brushed against Jing Xiao’s palm, sending tingling, electric shivers up every nerve. Jing Xiao murmured, “No need to say sorry.”

Fan Qingyu took the initiative to step back, gently tugging on the hem of Jing Xiao’s clothes. “Yesterday’s date was awful… do you have time this afternoon?”

“Of course.”

The private swimming pool was located on the top floor, offering a stunning bird’s-eye view. Huge floor-to-ceiling windows reflected the shimmering pool water. With constant temperature and high humidity, the space offered an unparalleled sensory experience.

They had rushed out in a hurry, so Fan Qingyu ended up wearing a gymnastics uniform that Jing Xiao had treasured for a year—something she once wore herself. The simple blue-and-white outfit still looked striking on Fan Qingyu. Her body had matured a lot since a few years ago—showing not only her delicate collarbones but also a glimpse of her waist.

After warming up, Fan Qingyu couldn’t wait. She jumped straight into the pool, ripples spreading across the surface. She swam a full lap with ease before noticing that Jing Xiao hadn’t moved. She kicked her way to the edge and called out, “Xiao Xiao, why aren’t you coming in?”

With a smile tugging at her lips, Jing Xiao casually unlocked her phone. “Don’t you think something’s missing?”

Fan Qingyu wiped the droplets from her face, pressed herself up with her arms, and sat on the pool’s edge. She understood what Jing Xiao meant. With a strong sense of camera awareness, she struck a few poses. “Go ahead, I’m ready.”

Jing Xiao swam to the shallow area. No matter which angle Fan Qingyu turned to, she looked flawless. Jing Xiao snapped more than a dozen photos in one go, then swam back over to praise her one by one: “This one’s great—the lighting’s perfect, it really sets the mood. And this one—your features look so delicate.”

People often said the camera carried feelings, and Fan Qingyu felt that the way Jing Xiao photographed her was no less than a professional shoot. With no outsiders around, Jing Xiao’s clothes casually piled to the side, she lowered her phone with a trace of anticipation in her voice. “Xiao Yu, could I take some… different kinds of photos?”

Fan Qingyu’s cheeks flushed. Her gaze darted away. “What do you mean by ‘different kinds’?”

“Pfft, what are you thinking?” Jing Xiao burst out laughing. She was sure Fan Qingyu must have thought of something indecent. She reached over to her clothes, rummaged through the pocket, and pulled out two thin strips of white fabric. “These might actually suit you. Try them on?”

They were stockings—shorter ones, reaching below the knee, with little pink bows sewn at the front. Fan Qingyu twisted her fingers nervously. “I don’t think they really suit me… Wouldn’t it look strange if I wore them?”

Before she could finish, Jing Xiao swiftly grabbed her ankle and, in one smooth motion, slipped the stocking onto her leg. The top edge was trimmed with fluffy lace and had a slight compression effect, making her calf look even more toned.

Her legs were still damp, the stocking clinging to her skin in a sheer, hazy way that gave off a mix of innocence and allure.

With only one stocking on, it didn’t look quite complete. Just as Fan Qingyu was about to refuse further, Jing Xiao’s eyes lit up as she exclaimed, “It matches your outfit perfectly.”

Fan Qingyu scratched her head awkwardly. “Really?”

Normally, her style was all about understated luxury and professional elegance. This sudden switch in look did bring a sense of novelty. Jing Xiao, delighted, wrapped her arms around Fan Qingyu’s waist and said from the heart, “You’re really cute.”

“Only if I have to…” Fan Qingyu gave in halfway, agreeing to Jing Xiao’s request. She folded her arms, turned her head away, and placed her other leg across Jing Xiao’s thighs. “You help me put it on.”

Jing Xiao happily snapped away, taking even more photos. This time, Fan Qingyu’s movements were noticeably more restrained, not as bold as earlier. By the time Jing Xiao finally said “All done,” Fan Qingyu quickly yanked the stockings off, dove into the opposite side of the pool, and swam away.

Jing Xiao dove in as well, cutting swiftly through the water until she caught up and wrapped her arms around Fan Qingyu’s soft body, feeling a deep, unmatched sense of satisfaction.

The two of them splashed and played in the pool all afternoon. By the end, Jing Xiao was exhausted, stretching lazily as she thought about grabbing dinner, taking a walk to digest, and then heading straight to her appointment with Ouyang Fei. In contrast, Fan Qingyu was flustered, rushing to pack her bag, dig out her car keys, and clicking along in high heels.

Before Jing Xiao could even fasten her seatbelt, Fan Qingyu had already started the car. Her half-damp hair draped over her shoulders, beads of water sliding down into her off-shoulder sweater. Jing Xiao reached out with a towel and draped it over her. “Why are you in such a hurry?”

Fan Qingyu nodded, calmly explaining, “We’ll grab dinner first, then I’ll drop you home. Tonight I’ve got to work overtime at the company—still a pile of things waiting.”

Originally, she had planned to keep the evening for Jing Xiao, but upper management was pressing hard, so she had no choice but to go in.

Fan Qingyu had already forced out one full day yesterday and skipped work again today. Tonight’s workload would be no joke. Jing Xiao asked considerately, “Is there anything I can help with? I could come along.”

Fan Qingyu politely refused. “It’s probably not the kind of work you’ve dealt with before. Besides, you’ve got someone to meet tonight, right? Standing them up wouldn’t be good.”

After saying it, guilt flashed through her. She remembered how many times in the past she had used “work” as an excuse to stand Jing Xiao up. The guilt only weighed heavier.

Out of the corner of her eye, she glanced at the passenger seat. Seeing Jing Xiao hadn’t recalled those unhappy times, she breathed a little easier and focused back on the road.

Jing Xiao could hear the refusal in her tone and didn’t press further. Fan Qingyu’s family business was e-commerce, currently branching into livestreaming. Jing Xiao’s family business was technology development—completely different fields. She also understood all too well how dangerous a three-year career gap could be in the workplace.

That evening, Fan Qingyu booked a music restaurant. The moment Jing Xiao stepped in, the conductor raised his baton and the orchestra began a melancholic, profound melody. Apparently, Fan Qingyu liked to book private venues—once again, the restaurant was empty of other patrons, only the staff lined up neatly to greet them.

The room wasn’t lit with electric lights. Instead, candles of different heights were scattered across various stands. The flickering flames blended with the twilight outside, creating an enchanting atmosphere.

Fan Qingyu pulled out a chair for Jing Xiao with a graceful “please” gesture. Jing Xiao wore a tight black slip dress, topped with a chic little tweed jacket, her face lightly made up. Fan Qingyu felt that not doing something special for her would be a crime against how stunning she looked.

The waiter handed the menu to Fan Qingyu, but she shook her head and lifted her chin toward Jing Xiao. “Let my beloved order first.”

Even Jing Xiao, usually calm, felt her cheeks heat at the words “my beloved.” Clearing her throat, she took the menu without holding back. “One Angus thick-cut steak, one black truffle bacon pasta, and a creamy mushroom crisp.”

She had deliberately chosen all of Fan Qingyu’s favorite dishes.

Then she passed the menu back. Fan Qingyu ignored the dainty, limited selections and instead ordered, “Black caviar shrimp hotpot, a cheese seafood pizza, and two slices of strawberry garden cake.”

The waiter bowed slightly. “Very well, please wait a moment.”

Fan Qingyu had always been one to care about appearances, never ordering hearty, filling dishes when dining out. Yet this time, she’d ordered comfort food. Jing Xiao was puzzled, but before she could ask, Fan Qingyu reached for her hand. “Sorry. I used to care too much about saving face. What matters most on a date is enjoying ourselves.”

That unlocked a memory. Jing Xiao remembered the first meal they had together after becoming a couple. She had wanted something warm and filling, but Fan Qingyu refused such options in public. When the food arrived, Fan Qingyu had scolded her for having “no taste.”

From then on, Jing Xiao had reluctantly given up and followed her lead, eating only dainty meals. Now, she held Fan Qingyu’s hand back, her smile reaching her eyes. “It makes me so happy that you’re willing to think of me.”

Their gazes met, and they couldn’t help but laugh together.

The music lightened to a bright, cheerful tune. While waiting for food, Jing Xiao went to the bar and ordered two glasses of low-alcohol sparkling wine. The bartender was quick; by the time Fan Qingyu walked over, the drinks were ready.

Jing Xiao slid one glass toward her and clinked it with her own. The atmosphere was like a painting. Jing Xiao was immersed in the moment, time flowing by unnoticed, when Fan Qingyu peeled a shrimp for her and asked warmly, “Do you want to travel before the New Year?”

“Wherever you’d like,” Jing Xiao replied casually.

Fan Qingyu sipped her sparkling wine lightly. “How about Baishan?”

Jing Xiao considered. “That sounds nice.”

Her phone had been vibrating nonstop. Thinking she might be late for her other appointment, Jing Xiao quickly checked it—there were still forty minutes left, but dozens of messages from Ouyang Fei had already piled up.

Curious, she unlocked the screen. Before she could open the chat app, Fan Qingyu’s disappointed voice cut in. “You changed your wallpaper?”

Jing Xiao’s hand trembled. She slowly looked up to see Fan Qingyu’s brows drawn together, lips parted slightly, her face full of disbelief and grievance. Jing Xiao had switched the wallpaper back when she was angry before. Embarrassed, she quickly changed it back.

When Fan Qingyu saw her own face return to Jing Xiao’s lock screen, her heart lifted in relief.

But she also noticed the sheer number of messages, surprised. “Who’s been texting you? Something urgent?”

“I’m not sure yet.” Jing Xiao took a sip of wine, turning her phone so the screen faced away. Ouyang Fei had sent a whole string of photos. Jing Xiao reassured Fan Qingyu first, “It’s fine, don’t worry.”

Then she opened the pictures one by one. The shots moved from far to near: first a blurry silhouette, then a curvy figure, and finally a coquettish woman covering her mouth with a laugh as Ouyang Fei whispered something to her.

The woman wore a tight red skirt and black stilettos. Jing Xiao’s eyelid twitched. Pei Lü?

Ouyang Fei: Funny coincidence. I overheard someone call her name—it clicked that the one who used to mess things up between you and Fan Qingyu was called Pei Lü, right?

Jing Xiao felt a sinking premonition. So?

Ouyang Fei: She’s not bad. Her figure and style are exactly my type.

Jing Xiao almost spat out her drink, fingers flying. Don’t tell me when you said you’d “handle it” you meant…

The ellipses barely captured her exasperation.

Ouyang Fei replied enthusiastically: She said she had something tonight and just left. I already added her as a friend. Just wait—I’ll win her over, then dump her for you as payback.

Jing Xiao’s mouth twitched. She truly didn’t know what to say. She flipped her phone face-down and asked cautiously, “Xiao Yu, are you working with Pei Lu tonight?”

Fan Qingyu didn’t deny it. Holding up four fingers, she swore, “I promise I’ll keep my distance. Don’t worry.”

Jing Xiao nodded. This world really was too small.

Support