Chapter 08 Tomorrow, This Day Next Year

In a foreign land, the lonely Shen Ningxia has long refrained from listening to music. Now, whenever she hears a song, she is reminded of Du Weian and becomes lost in thought. No matter how much she suffers from insomnia or how deeply she misses him, she has never opened the voice message he sent her.

When Shen Ningxia arrived, Tang Yifeng was already there. He held two cups of coffee and lazily leaned against the railing. He was dressed in a black woolen overcoat, with a checkered scarf tied around his neck, conforming to local customs, exuding a distinct British gentleman style

After the mother discovered the matter between the father and Du Fanghua, the two had a conversation in the study. She quietly pushed open the door and saw her mother's pale face, which displayed an expression of disbelief.

Xia Xia, Wei An has grown up under your father's watchful eye. He is mature, composed, and responsible, and his feelings for you are sincere. Xia Xia, take a good look at your own heart, do not be so stubborn; once you miss it, there is no turning back.

After her mother passed away, she hated him even more deeply. He came to plead for her forgiveness: "Xia Xia, I am sorry. It is father's fault, it is all father's fault." Her only response was to look at him coldly: "I have no father! My father is already dead!"

The winter sunlight gently illuminated his profile, and the person dressed in a camel-colored trench coat had a pair of deep-set eyes and a prominent nose. It was Du Weian

Shen Ningxia suddenly woke up. Looking around, this was her bedroom, extremely familiar and utterly safe. However, her heart was racing, filled with an overwhelming sense of panic

Shen Ningxia was exceptionally obedient this time: "Dad." Fang Liming smiled with satisfaction, affectionately stroking Shen Ningxia's hair before turning around

If fortunate enough to meet or at the grand feast of a companion's wedding, I anxiously await your appearance. One year from today, I will not have seen you for a year

The apple tart is a golden hue, and the brownie cake is adorned with seasonal cherries, elegantly placed on a snow-white porcelain plate, exquisite and enticing. Su Jiani's gaze paused for a few seconds before she gently said: "Mr. Fang is not overly concerned; Mr. Fang loves her." Thus, out of love for her, he treats everything related to her with such courtesy and affection

She actually cried! Why did she cry

Her indifferent words cut like knives, leaving Du Weian bloodied and bruised. Du Weian's face turned as pale as paper, unable to believe: "No, I don't believe it. Ningxia, I know you love me!"

A familiar and warm atmosphere enveloped her. Shen Ningxia suddenly felt a sense of being alive. This is the city she has lived in; she has truly returned.

"Xia Xia, Daddy is leaving. Can you call out to Daddy one more time, okay?"

The road was filled with a surging flow of vehicles. Shen Ningxia took a few steps forward, as the passing cars honked their horns frantically... Fang Liming anxiously called out, "Xiaxia, it's dangerous, it's dangerous..." Shen Ningxia seemed oblivious; she turned to look at him and said word by word, "You listen carefully, if I see you again, I will commit suicide."

He was so certain that she loved him. They were in love! Yet the outcome was just as his aunt had said.

Shen Ningxia felt as if her heart had been wound up tightly, leaving her feeling tense and uncomfortable. She held her phone, hesitating to press the call button. The phone rang persistently, reaching the third call, when Shen Ningxia suddenly sensed that something was amiss

Su Jiani repeatedly admitted her mistake, saying, "Alright, alright. It was my fault! It was my fault!" She then changed the subject, "My older brother is also about to return from the United States. My mother has been nagging me, saying that I should matchmake the two of you."

On the day of departure, my mother held her hand with one hand and carried a suitcase with the other, arriving at my grandmother's building. Upon encountering acquaintances, she greeted them with a smile, saying: "Aunt An." "Yes, I'm back. I got divorced and have nowhere to go, so I had to return to my parental home." My mother spoke of her divorce without any hint of hesitation, displaying a sense of poise and openness.

Jiani merely mentioned the past casually, but unexpectedly, Shen Ningxia, upon hearing it, murmured the words "grandmother" with tears streaming down her face

She did not know that her concealment would affect Jiani's entire life However, that is a matter for later discussion

It is unclear how much time has passed, but Shen Ningxia loosened her grip on the brush, and her entire body slumped softly onto the bathroom floor tiles. It seemed as though she had engaged in an extremely exhausting task, breathing heavily and gasping for air

It was a quiet night when Shen Ningxia woke up in the middle of the night and quietly pushed open the door to her parents' study... The study was dimly lit, with her mother sitting in the chair behind the desk, flipping through documents, while her father stood beside her, one hand resting on the back of the chair, seemingly engaged in conversation with her mother, both exchanging smiles... It was exceedingly sweet

She does not want my love. I owe Ningxia too much... a lifetime would not be enough to repay it

He has aged! He is so old that she can hardly recognize him!

Du Fanghua: "Weian, your aunt loves you the most. However, your aunt is also the most worried about you. You are not like Weihe, who is sweet-tongued; you keep everything to yourself. Yet, you are a child who values emotions and loyalty the most.

Yet she ultimately could not restrain herself and took a taxi to the hospital

He silently put on his headphones, and beautiful melodies filled his ears, it was the Cantonese version of "Ten Years" - "Next Year Today": One must bravely survive, I still wish again, ... for example, to learn to endure heartbreak ... ... Next year today, I haven't seen you for a year, who would be willing to change, leaving you for sixty years, I hope to recognize your children, and even at parting, I can hear you say goodbye. ... ... ... In the moments of life, to meet you, I have exhausted all my luck ... . Next year today, I haven't seen you for a year, who would be willing to change, leaving you for sixty years, I hope to recognize your children, and even at parting, I can hear you say goodbye. ... ... ... In the moments of life, to meet you, I have exhausted all my luck ... . ... It is only on this day that I realize, I have breathed the air.

In this world, she is truly the only one left all alone

Uncertain whether it was due to the time difference or something weighing on her mind, Shen Ningxia woke up early the next morning. She drew back the curtains, and the sky was just beginning to brighten.

Such resoluteness, resoluteness that leaves no room for either party to retreat even slightly

Du Weian simply gazed at her, waiting for a long time, and finally gave up hope. He wearily spoke, "Shen Ningxia, for the first time, I am grateful that you ran away on the day of the wedding." After that, he turned around and left without looking back

However, nowadays

Shen Ningxia's footsteps paused slightly, yet she still lifted her foot and walked away step by step... The long wedding dress trailed along the green grass, winding its way forward...

Fang Liming smiled: "It seems that I was overthinking it." He personally used tongs to take an apple pastry and placed it on the white porcelain plate in front of Su Jiani: "Here, try this apple pastry... and this cake. These are the specialties of our family chef. When Ningxia was young, she loved sweets the most"

Each word was like a blade, carving out deep, bloody scars that crisscrossed on his heart

At this moment, Fang Liming was truly frightened. He consulted a psychologist, who informed him that Shen Ningxia had gone through so much in a year, and it was not surprising that she exhibited extreme behavior and suicidal tendencies. The psychologist advised him to avoid provoking her as much as possible

Shen Ningxia forcefully pulled her arm out of his palm and said, "Du Weian, from now on, we shall not meet again."

The driver slightly bowed: "Miss Su, Mr. Fang would like to meet you." Su Jiani frowned: "Which Mr. Fang?"

The entire world seemed to be enveloped in a glass dome, silent and still. Shen Ningxia sat dazed, burying her head in her knees, as if this could help her escape.

In this way, Fang Liming and Du Fanghua turned the Fang and Du families into the biggest joke in the city. Shen Ningxia felt that she should be extremely happy about it. However, she was not. She did not feel even a hint of joy after the revenge.

As a result, he is truly dead now

A few days later, Tang Yifeng called her into the office: "There is a jewelry design training course in the UK, are you interested in participating?" Shen Ningxia only asked: "How long is it?"

Indeed. A person like him, a villain, is absolutely not going to die

Su Jiani pushed the cart and affectionately wrapped her arms around her shoulders: "Let's go home"

One month later, the United Kingdom

Thinking about it makes my heart ache

If it were not for him provoking Du Fanghua, none of these events would have occurred. Mother would not have abandoned her, and grandmother would not have left in such a manner. He and Du Fanghua are the perpetrators, the root cause of all these matters

"Madam Fang, this one is also quite good. It is a new arrival that just came in today, and there is only one piece in the entire Seven Islands." "Is that so? Bring it over for me to have a look."

Du Weian stood quietly, silently watching her. ... His gaze was filled with compassion ... ... He commanded once again: "Go change your clothes."

Shen Ningxia: "No, you are trying to deceive me. You don't believe that I would really commit suicide." Fang Liming nodded vigorously: "No. I believe, I truly believe." Fang Liming saw the corner of her mouth curve up, revealing a cold smile towards him

There is a store at the entrance of the hospital that operates twenty-four hours a day. After Shen Ningxia took a look around, she said, "Boss, please wrap me a bouquet of lilies."

Then, at the moment she leaped down, Fang Liming exerted all his strength to catch her

Du Wei'an, I have never loved you, not even a little!

Shen Ningxia got up and went to the kitchen to pour a cup of warm water, drinking a few sips to calm her nerves. She refused to think any further and lay down, hoping to continue sleeping for a while. However, feeling anxious and restless, she tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep.

Later, I fell asleep with great difficulty. This time, there were no dreams, just a light slumber

Occasionally, as she passes by the park, crosses the road, and walks by the large supermarket, Shen Ningxia also finds herself lost in thought

The sound of the phone suddenly rang out in the silent space. Shen Ningxia was startled awake, abruptly opening her eyes, and it was already bright outside the window

The white wedding dress she was dragging felt as heavy as a thousand pounds, and Shen Ningxia felt as though she was almost suffocated by its weight

It is Du Fanghua

The father took her and her mother on vacation. The father used a basin to fetch water to wash her mother's hair. She eagerly said, "Dad, I also want to wash Mom's hair." "Alright, let's wash Mom's hair together."

He tugged at her hand, stubbornly pulling her towards the bedroom. Shen Ningxia struggled to shake off his hand: "Why should I go to the funeral? On what grounds should I go?"

Su Jiani smiled sweetly and said, "What are you thanking me for?" Shen Ningxia replied, "Thank you for always being as beautiful as a flower by my side!"

Tang Yifeng: "Just adapt to it." Shen Ningxia: "How are the colleagues at the company?" Tang Yifeng nodded: "They are all the same as before."

The room is clean and bright, with the warm scent of bedding that has been sun-dried. All of this is thanks to Su Jiani. Shen Ningxia feels warm inside as well: "Thank you, Jiani"

Fang Liming stopped her: "Stop right there." This was the first time he spoke so sternly, "Xia Xia, it doesn't matter how much you hate me. However, this has nothing to do with Wei An."

Shen Ningxia nodded honestly: "Looks good." Su Jiani giggled: "How about I buy them all? It's rare that I like everything." Just as Shen Ningxia was about to speak, she suddenly saw the staff at the entrance open two tall glass doors and respectfully bow: "Mrs. Fang, Miss Zeng."

Shen Ningxia crouched down, hugging herself tightly in a shivering manner

And his low call: "Ningxia." It felt as if snow had fallen in her heart, cold and continuously, softly falling, endlessly.

Later on, she could only occasionally see him through the media such as television and newspapers. There is probably no one in the world who can understand the feeling of seeing her biological father through newspapers, magazines, and television. There is a sense of gritted teeth! There is sadness and resentment! And there are many strange and subtle feelings, as if they are longing and concern. Although she tells herself each time that it is definitely not longing, it is merely hatred.

The two arrived at a brand flagship store familiar to Su Jiani, where she flitted back and forth like a butterfly in front of Ningxia, trying on one piece after another: "Does it look good?"

The toilet before her was as clean as a mirror, brightly reflecting her face.

When his aunt Du Fanghua learned that he was going to marry Ningxia, she had a long conversation with him: "Weian, your aunt has grown up with you since childhood, and in name, I am your aunt. However, we are only seven years apart, and in my heart, you are not only my nephew but also my younger brother. Between you and Weihe, I have always favored you since you were little. This is because you have always been sensible and obedient, helping the adults with household chores and never causing them any trouble.

Returning to Qidao, one is bound to encounter familiar faces. However, Shen Ningxia did not anticipate that her reunion with Du Fanghua would come so soon

On the day of the wedding, Shen Ningxia called off the marriage, yet the next day she appeared at the office as usual. Due to Fang Liming's influence, she did not invite any colleagues, so the people in the office were unaware of the situation and treated her as they always had. However, Shen Ningxia would occasionally lose her train of thought. Returning to this familiar environment felt as if it were a lifetime ago.

Shen Ningxia's mind was filled with the pale expression on his face as he clutched his chest and stepped back that day. Suddenly, she was overwhelmed with regret. She knew full well that he suffered from heart disease and could not withstand provocation, yet she still spoke without thinking, using the most vicious words to provoke him. She was so cruel, always trying every possible way to hurt him.

She nodded and said, "It's not bad, I suppose!"

At the entrance, it was empty... A gentle draft swept through, and Shen Ningxia suddenly felt a coolness on her face... She slowly reached out to touch it, and to her surprise, she found it was damp... It was tears!

Outside the window, there is a ground of bright flowing light

Shen Ningxia occasionally went grocery shopping with her mother, and she often saw her father waiting for them in the car downstairs. Her father would open the door, wanting to call out to her mother. Shen Ningxia would pull her mother's hand, trying to stop, but her mother always left without a sideways glance. Her father, behind them, did not dare to catch up, watching them leave from a distance.

Ningxia..." Du Weiyan called her softly from behind. Shen Ningxia did not pause or turn back, so she did not see the tragic and pained expression on Du Weiyan's face. With each step she took, it felt as if she were walking barefoot on the edge of a blade, bloodied and dripping.

The caller's number is strangely familiar; it belongs to Du Weian. Since the day of their wedding, the two have had no further contact with each other.

Fang Liming smiled faintly, with a hint of bitterness: "Indeed. Has she never mentioned me in front of you?" Su Jiani honestly nodded her head

The more pain Du Weian felt along the way, the more she suffered

"Do you think that my slightly better attitude towards you during this time means that I have forgiven you? Impossible. In this lifetime, I will never forgive you." Shen Ningxia turned around without any lingering attachment

Du Weian's pale face has since been deeply etched in Shen Ningxia's heart

She slowly released her grip on the railing and struck a flying pose by the edge of the bridge. Fang Liming was taken aback and kept retreating: "Alright, alright, alright. Xiaxia, I promise you, I will not appear again. I will not show up in front of you anymore. Please come down."

Su Jiani hesitated and said: "Ningxia, am I not your best friend?" "Yes."

Su Jiani met Fang Liming in the legendary exclusive ward for super wealthy individuals. Fang Liming was very kind to her, instructing someone to bring her coffee and snacks

Shen Ningxia always remembers the moment at her wedding when she uttered the words, "I'm sorry, I do not wish to," and Du Weiyan's originally joyful smile froze on his face, never to thaw again

Tang Yifeng: "Half a year." Shen Ningxia stood quietly, responding with only a single word: "Good."

On many nights, when she was in a state between sleep and wakefulness, she would sense her parents kissing her simultaneously, one on the left cheek and the other on the right, a ticklish warmth. Their voices were gentle, as if caressed by the midsummer night's breeze: "Xia Xia, Daddy loves you." "Xia Xia, Mommy loves you too." Shen Ningxia felt a warmth in her chest, as if a small sun had taken residence there, providing her with immense comfort. She turned her head to find a comfortable position and then sweetly drifted into slumber. Their voices were gentle, as if caressed by the midsummer night's breeze: "Xia Xia, Daddy loves you." "Xia Xia, Mommy loves you too." Shen Ningxia felt a warmth in her chest, as if a small sun had taken residence there, providing her with immense comfort. She turned her head to find a comfortable position and then sweetly drifted into slumber.

After her mother, Shen Huiyi, took her back to her grandmother's house, her father came to find her more than once. However, each time she would wear a stern expression, turn around, and leave without saying a word to him. He would buy her favorite snacks and force them into her hands, but she would just throw them away carelessly.

Fang Liming: "Miss Su, I have always wanted to meet you, to talk with you, and to discuss Ningxia." Su Jiani placed her hands on her knees, appearing quite reserved: "Mr. Fang, are you really the father of Ningxia?"

Shen Ningxia saw many people: Du Weian, Du Fanghua, Fang Ningrui, the entire Du family

After not seeing each other for half a year, Su Jiani stood at the exit in a knee-length nude pink dress, smiling brightly and attracting many gazes like a pearl. She warmly embraced her: "You are finally back. If you don't come back soon, I will be ready to end our friendship." Shen Ningxia replied: "Who was it that said they would come to see me and play all over the UK? In the end, you broke all your promises. It is I who will truly end our friendship."

Su Jiani lowered her eyes, as if she had something to say: "Ningxia, I..." Shen Ningxia entered the bedroom to organize her clothes: "Why are you being so hesitant? It doesn't suit you at all."

Su Jiani said cautiously, "Du Weian came to see me." Shen Ningxia turned her face to the side and remained silent.

During this time abroad, it feels as long as a lifetime yet as brief as a moment

Suddenly, she heard Du Fanghua's voice ringing in her ears: "You have already taken your revenge, and you have succeeded.

In the summer of Qidao, the sun blazed fiercely. Shen Ningxia stood under the scorching sun, yet she felt no heat at all. She embraced her trembling self and finally understood: Fang Liming was truly dead

Shen Ningxia was naturally unaware that her father had consulted a psychologist. She only knew that from that moment on, he truly never appeared again

She had never told Jiani the entire story of what had happened to her, only mentioning that her parents had divorced and that she had been placed in her mother's custody. At that time, Shen Ningxia simply did not want the innocent and kind-hearted Jiani to know that there was so much ugliness and sorrow in the world. Many of her heartaches, she preferred to bear alone in silence

The elevator was polished to a bright shine by the cleaning staff, and Shen Ningxia could faintly see her long hair cascading over her shoulders.

Because he has died! Died, which means that in this life and this world, she will never see him again

The father who once let her ride on his shoulders and ran around everywhere, the father who trimmed her fingernails and toenails during her childhood, the father who took her by the hand to the zoo to see tigers and lions, ... the father whom all the children envied after the parent-teacher meeting ... is no longer the figure in her memories

Shen Ningxia seemed as if she had been pulled out from an ice cellar, shivering uncontrollably. She did not know how long she had been in this state until another phone call came in: "The doctor has announced that resuscitation was unsuccessful. Mr. Fang has passed away"

On the second day after returning, Su Jiani took Shen Ningxia to stroll through the shopping street under the pretext of reacquainting herself with the Seven Islands

Su Jiani smiled and said, "I would like to mention that I have made a reservation at a restaurant for dinner to welcome you." Shen Ningxia did not hold back and replied, "That is essential"

Shen Ningxia sat on the ground in a daze, unaware of how long she had been there. Until someone gently crouched down and tenderly embraced her. That person sighed with concern in her ear: "Ningxia." It was Jiani!

Because I divorced Ningxia's mother, and later her mother passed away due to this matter, Ningxia has always hated me. Over the years, she has refused to see me and has never called me 'dad'.

Miss Zeng is very suitable for our Wei'an. She genuinely likes Wei'an and truly cares for him. Most importantly, she will not harm Wei'an

Shen Ningxia went to open the door and was taken aback to see Du Weian standing behind Jiani. It had been such a long time since they last met, and he had lost a lot of weight. He stared at her blankly, his gaze finally landing on her feet. Shen Ningxia looked down and realized that she had been barefoot all along

The afternoon sunlight streamed in warmly, filling the room with bright light. Fang Liming looked at Su Jiani with affection and said, "You are a kind-hearted child who understands others well"

She heard her own voice: "Every word I say is true. Du Weian, I have never loved you. Everything has been a performance on my part, all for the sake of revenge against you!"

Shen Ningxia seemed to recall something and suddenly fell silent

The kind-hearted Jiani strongly disapproved of her actions. On the night she called off the engagement, Su Jiani sternly reproached her: "Ningxia, how could you do this? If you don't want to marry Du Weian, just cancel it; how could you treat him this way!" Shen Ningxia merely buried her head in her knees, exhausted, and said, "Jiani, let me be alone for a while"

Behind the lace veil, at the end of her gaze lay a lush, verdant lawn. Shen Ningxia realized that she could not bring herself to look at Du Weian again: "Du Weian, the truth is, being with you, agreeing to marry you, is merely an act of revenge against Du Fanghua, a means to retaliate against your Du family." She spoke these heartless and ungrateful words with great reluctance.

She seemed to have gone mad, uttering the most venomous words in the world, and then successfully watched him retreat, clutching his chest, his face as pale as if he had been struck hard several times.

Mr. Fang Liming. Upon hearing this, Su Jiani couldn't help but be taken aback: "Mr. Fang is looking for me?"

As she entered the hospital elevator, it was still quite early, so there was not a single person inside. Shen Ningxia, holding flowers, watched as the two elevator doors gradually closed. The button for the 22nd floor was right in front of her. Shen Ningxia's hand paused a few centimeters away from the button for a moment before she mustered the courage to press it down

The outside has become dim and gray, with light gradually pushing in from the horizon, coming closer and closer.

Father Fang Liming was lying in bed, sleeping on his side. She stood by the bedside, carefully observing him for the first time in many years. ... The swollen eyelids and eye bags, the gray hair at the temples, the sagging double chin ... . ... Shen Ningxia realized for the first time how severely he had aged.

Thus, she was assigned to the United Kingdom

Each line of the lyrics fits him as if it were tailor-made for him

When the car came to a stop, Su Jiani gazed at the hospital building in front of her, momentarily taken aback. The driver smiled and said the word "please".

However, the father stood there, waiting and waiting, until his hair turned white... Shen Ningxia did not dare to acknowledge him, hesitating as she stepped forward, timidly calling out: "Dad." Fang Liming looked at her, smiling indulgently as he did when she was a child. He gently wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her into his embrace: "Xiaxia, Dad is leaving. Dad is going to seek your mother's forgiveness... You must take good care of yourself in the future"

"Then shouldn't you tell me what exactly happened between you and Du Weian?" Ningxia fell silent once again. Su Jiani sighed and stood up, saying, "Get a good night's sleep, and I will come to see you again tomorrow"

Shen Ningxia turned her head away, exceptionally resolute: "I absolutely will not go. You can give up on this idea." Every word she spoke was firm and decisive

Du Weian stood expressionless at the door, not stepping inside: "Change your clothes and come with me to the funeral." "I am not going."

That person has died, and she is still too happy to care! Why is she crying? Why are there so many tears falling? So many that she doesn't even have time to wipe them away?

In the Osmanthus Community, a considerable number of bougainvilleas have been planted, approximately at the time the houses were completed, and they have a history of several decades. The flowers, in various colors, bloom in clusters, embracing the green leaves.

She heard her father's plea: "Huiyi, it is my fault... Please give me another chance"

That afternoon, Su Jiani quietly and obediently took on the role of a listener. After a long while, she finally spoke: "Ningxia once told me that she wanted to open a small jewelry design shop with her own brand, with the shop in front and the studio in the back... she said..."

Shen Ningxia covered her face with both hands, murmuring: "Mom... Grandma..."

Mother resolutely demanded a divorce, each word striking with conviction: "Fang Liming, for anything, I can give you a chance for Ningxia. But this matter is not negotiable!"

Du Weian's gaze was cold and heavy as he looked at her: "Go change your clothes. Otherwise, you will regret it later." Shen Ningxia seemed to have heard the greatest joke in the world, laughing so hard that she bent over: "Regret? How could I possibly regret it! You know, all these years, I have wished every day for him to die sooner. Now that he is dead, I couldn't be happier! To celebrate, I plan to go traveling.

All the attendees at the wedding were astonished, momentarily frozen in shock. Once they regained their composure, they exchanged bewildered glances, completely at a loss as to how such a scene could unfold.

Su Jiani sighed and put her arm around her shoulder: "You should take a good rest. You can talk to me whenever you want. I will always be by your side." She reminisced, "I promised my grandmother that I would stay by your side."

The Dan Hospital mentioned by Du Fanghua is located in the West City New District, and naturally, it cannot be seen from the window where Shen Ningxia is situated. Shen Ningxia let out a soft sigh and went to the bathroom to freshen up

Du Weian's voice lowered a few notches, as if he were utterly exhausted: "Mr. Fang's condition is very poor. By the time it was discovered, his heart had already stopped beating... The doctors are in the midst of resuscitation. Shh, be quiet. You... hurry here as soon as possible."

Two months later, Tang Yifeng went on a business trip to visit her. The two agreed to meet by the riverside embankment.

Four hands, two large and two small, weave through their mother's long, dark hair, creating countless bubbles. She deliberately asks, "Mom, do you feel very happy that Dad and I are washing your hair together?" The corners of her mother's smiling eyes are lined with deep and shallow wrinkles: "Yes, Mom is very happy. Mom is the happiest person in the world."

In a foreign land, one finds oneself without kin. Yet, is it not the same in one's own country? Often, apart from Su Jiani, there is no one else who can share in her joy or weep for her sorrow.

She thought everything would pass. However, it has already been six months, and she can only see his silhouette from a distance, yet she still feels a pain in her heart as if it were being cut by a knife.

What hurt him the most were her words: "If you think that is love, then it must be because my acting skills are too good."

Shen Ningxia poured the toilet cleaner into the toilet and scrubbed it repeatedly with a brush

If you think that is love, then it must be due to my exceptional acting skills

"There is nothing left." Du Weian sat in front of her, lost in thought for most of the day, and there were no other words.

Du Weian's face gradually lost its color: "No, I don't believe it. Ningxia, you are lying. You love me!"

Su Jiani will always remember a certain day after Shen Ningxia went abroad, when she came out of a coffee shop with a cup of coffee and suddenly heard someone calling her: "Miss Su, hello." It was a driver dressed in a navy blue uniform, whom Su Jiani did not recognize

At the beginning of the class, Shen Ningxia relied on the solid foundation in art she had built since childhood, along with what she learned during her four years in university, and did not find it tiring. However, one day, when she confidently submitted the assignment assigned by Teacher Emily, Emily called her over: "Ningxia, your sense is very good. However, design requires trying new and unique things, doing what others have not done before. I believe that as a designer, it is essential to understand the importance of experimenting with new ideas and concepts in order to achieve breakthroughs. I hope you can continuously improve and keep pushing your own boundaries."

The community remains crowded and noisy. Standing downstairs, one can hear the sound of mahjong from the neighboring building, with someone slapping the table and exclaiming, "Hahaha, I won." There is also the melodious sound of a drama playing on the television, mixed with the sharp cries of children and the stern reprimands of their mothers: "I told you to behave, I told you to behave..."

She imagined the sensation of weightlessness after jumping down, as if her mother would be there to catch her.

Shen Ningxia did not stop. This road seems to have no end, but she had no choice but to continue moving forward

Shen Ningxia sat on the high-backed tiger chair sofa, flipping through the store's product catalog. In front of her was a row of colorful fashion items, and through the gaps, she could clearly see Du Weian getting out of the car. He gentlemanly opened the car door for Zeng Jingru, and then got in the car and left. Ultimately, he disappeared from her sight

Every time I think of Du Weian's pale face and her incredulous, wounded gaze, it is as if she has been bound to a massive stone, heavily cast into the depths of the sea, sinking deeper and deeper

Shen Ningxia grasped her arm, her tone weak: "Jiani, after some time, I will tell you my story in its entirety. Is that alright?"

Fang Liming stumbled a few steps forward, speaking earnestly and almost pleadingly: "Xia Xia, do not do things that you will regret. Wei An truly loves you."

Fang Liming took a step back in disbelief

Du Weian's voice was extremely grave: "Mr. Fang has suffered a heart attack and is currently undergoing emergency treatment. You must come immediately." A heart attack... Shen Ningxia stumbled back a step, suddenly filled with fear. She heard herself say: "I won't go."

"I said I wouldn't go." After saying this, she hung up. ... For a long time afterward, Shen Ningxia remained in a daze, staring blankly at the phone in her palm ...

Xia Xia, do not be so stubborn. You must see your own heart clearly

Shen Ningxia raised her head with tears streaming down her face: "Jiani, Du Weian said he is dead..." Su Jiani clearly knew who she was referring to as "he." She sighed deeply: "Ningxia, would you like me to accompany you to the funeral?"

In a moment, Zeng Jingru emerged in a new outfit, a long purple lace dress from the latest season, which looked exceptionally ethereal and beautiful on her. Du Fanghua praised her and then instructed, "Please wrap this dress for me. Charge it to my account."

For a moment, the only sound in the brand flagship store was the gentle voice of the sales assistant: "Madam Fang, that dress complements your temperament very well. Shall I go and fetch it for you to try on?"

Du Fanghua withdrew her gaze and, before turning to leave, dropped a remark: "Your father has not been in good health lately. He is in room 2202 of the Dan family hospital's inpatient department. You should find time to visit him."

Du Wei'an soon arrived; he did not get out of the car but made a phone call from inside. Du Fanghua answered the call and warmly took Zeng Jingru's hand, saying: "Aunt originally wanted you to try on a few more outfits, but since Wei'an has come to pick you up, Aunt will not disturb you two. Come, Aunt will see you to the car"

However, Fang Liming thought she was merely speaking casually. A week later, he appeared again at the school gate.

Bang bang bang! The other party kept knocking: "Ningxia, it's me, Jiani."

On the night of her departure, as she was sorting through her clothes, she saw Du Weian's garments quietly hanging to one side, and her heart ached like a knife wound

Shen Ningxia gently lowered her eyes. She had always been very clear about what she had lost

Jiani thoughtfully left, giving the two of them space to be alone: "You two have a good talk."

Then, she saw her father lean down and kiss her mother's cheek... Shen Ningxia felt her face flush with embarrassment as she shyly covered her face and ran back to her room. However, deep in her heart, she felt so warm. Because she knew her father loved her mother, and both of them loved her; she was the treasure held in the palms of their hands

In the past, Su's mother indeed said similar things. She had pulled Ningxia's hand more than once, saying: "Ningxia, Auntie truly likes you. How about you become Auntie's daughter-in-law? Auntie will definitely treat you like her own daughter." But that was merely a joke, and Shen Ningxia had never taken it seriously.

Shen Ningxia remained engrossed, mechanically scrubbing. ... Once, again, and yet again ... . ... She did not stop at all, as if the moment she paused, she would be doomed to eternal damnation

She always recalls the past with Du Weian: remembering their childhood together; remembering his visits to see her grandmother; remembering how she drove him away with her sharp words; remembering that embrace they shared in front of the ruins; ... remembering the lullaby he sang to her ...

During the three days of the funeral, Su Jiani would accompany Shen Ningxia every day, standing at a distance outside the farewell hall. This was solely because Shen Ningxia was unwilling to take a single step forward.

In this world, there is no phrase that can pierce her more than this one. It is as if someone has drawn back a black curtain before her, plunging the entire world into darkness. Shen Ningxia swayed and fell to the ground.

"If you don't believe it, you can give it a try," she said, every word she spoke was true, she was not deceiving him. At that time, she truly felt that there was nothing left to live for

Su Jiani seemed to have been enchanted by a magic wand; in just half a year, she transformed from a pure and lovely young girl into a charming little woman who captivates hearts. Even Shen Ningxia, who is also a woman, was drawn in by her every smile and frown

Du Fanghua and Zeng Jingru strolled to a row of clothing. After selecting a few pieces, Du Fanghua turned her head and saw Shen Ningxia and Su Jiani, who also looked quite surprised. However, she pretended not to notice and continued to casually choose her clothes.

Su Jiani sighed: "He told me to take good care of you." After a long, long time, she finally heard Shen Ningxia's voice weakly rise: "What else did he say?"

The phone slipped from Shen Ningxia's hand, crashing heavily onto the floor with a dull thud.

Shen Ningxia did not understand why she felt this way. In the past, when her father appeared before her, she hated him! Now that he no longer appears, her hatred has only intensified!

It is impossible! How could Fang Liming die! Good people and books are destined for a short life! Evil people live to be a hundred years old!

"I am with Jingru at the × × road × × store, my car has encountered a bit of trouble, could you come and pick us up?" Du Fanghua then turned her gaze towards Shen Ningxia. Su Jiani naturally noticed something was off and pulled Shen Ningxia, saying: "I will go in and change my clothes, we will settle the bill and leave." However, Shen Ningxia smiled faintly and replied: "It's fine, take your time changing, we can shop slowly. We have plenty of time today"

Shen Ningxia sat quietly, her brows lowered, her expression faint, completely devoid of any discernible emotion

He, Du Weian, became the biggest "joke" of the Seven Islands

She forced herself to cut off all avenues of retreat, ruthlessly pushing him out of her life and existence

She casually picked up an item and handed it to Zeng Jingru: "Jingru, this one is nice, your aunt thinks it suits you. Go try it on."

Tang Yifeng gazed at Shen Ningxia's departing figure, slowly making his way to the railing not far away, and said to someone else's back: "Let's go, back to the hotel!" However, that person maintained a sideways posture until the woman in his line of sight disappeared, before he slowly turned around.

Shen Ningxia and Tang Yifeng had no personal acquaintance; they chatted casually for half a day, and since Shen Ningxia had a class, they waved goodbye to each other

At that moment, Du Fanghua took out her phone from her bag and said, "Weian, it's your aunt." Even though there was some distance and it had been half a year, when Shen Ningxia heard the name "Weian," her pupils still constricted suddenly.

Bang bang bang! Someone is knocking on the door. Shen Ningxia was stunned for a long time before she slowly raised her head.

Eason Chan's "Tomorrow, Next Year"

Given Fang Liming's current status, these are not matters worth boasting about. Su Jiani naturally understands Fang Liming's concerns. The fact that he can say so much already indicates that he considers her one of his own

Upon connection, Du Weian simply said: "Come to Dan's Hospital immediately." Just a few simple words, yet the tone was so urgent that Shen Ningxia was left stunned on the spot, a sense of foreboding slithering up her spine like a snake: "What happened?"

Fang Liming remained silent for a long time, then said: "I know you are Ningxia's only good friend, so I would like to ask you to spend more time with her when you can." Su Jiani smiled and replied: "Ningxia is also my only good friend. Even if you didn't say anything, Mr. Fang, I would do the same."

None of these are the most hurtful to him

Amidst a chorus of astonishment, Du Weian caught up and grasped her arm: "Ningxia, what is wrong with you?" For the usually composed him, this was the first time his tone was so flustered

She opened the wardrobe and was instantly taken aback... Du Weian's clothes still hung there, lonely on one side. Shen Ningxia felt a sudden tightness in her chest, and her breathing became difficult. Unconsciously, she loosened her grip, and the clothes slipped from her hands.

From this point on, no one would call her every day to remind her to drink water and eat meals. No one would report their whereabouts to her in meticulous detail.

She will not go! No matter what, she absolutely will not go!

I hope you will no longer disturb his happiness

Su Jiani did not understand why, despite the fact that it was Shen Ningxia who had abandoned Du Weian, the silent Ningxia appeared to be gravely injured, on the verge of death

There is not even a single card in the bouquet, and it consists of the most ordinary and cheapest type of lilies. Even a casual bouquet sent by Mr. Fang as a gesture of condolence is better than this one. The nurse, not particularly concerned, casually placed the flowers on the coffee table in the outer room

Tang Yifeng handed her a cup of coffee: "How is it? Are you getting used to it?" The coffee was warm, gradually warming her icy fingertips. Shen Ningxia took a slow sip and was somewhat surprised to find that the milk coffee Tang Yifeng had accidentally bought for her was actually her favorite.

The heart stopped beating ... ... She recalled the dream from earlier. ... ... Shen Ningxia suddenly shivered. The dark bedroom was eerily silent. It was as if she could hear the clattering sound of her upper and lower teeth chattering.

Shen Ningxia pretended not to see and made her way to the large bridge next to the school. Her father followed closely behind her. Shen Ningxia threw down her backpack and climbed over the railing. With a blank expression, she looked at the flustered Fang Liming and said, "I told you, if I see you again, I will commit suicide"

Shen Ningxia turned on the electric light, thinking that the brightness would calm her down. However, it did not; she felt increasingly restless as time passed, without understanding why. What was happening? How could she have dreamt of her father for no apparent reason?

Shen Ningxia reached out her hand, wanting to grasp him: "Father." However, she could not catch him, as her father completely vanished into a bright light...

"Miss, what are you doing here? Who are you looking for? Do you know that you cannot enter this place casually?" A nurse pulled Shen Ningxia back to reality. Shen Ningxia slowly withdrew her gaze and handed the flowers in her arms to her: "I am here to see Mr. Fang. Please help me deliver this to him." After saying this, Shen Ningxia left.

Su Jiani blinked and said, "You can joke now. It seems that the past six months have been quite good." Shen Ningxia smiled faintly and remained silent

A person who values emotions and relationships, once they become emotionally involved, is the most susceptible to being hurt. Wei'an, do you know? My aunt had a conversation with Ningxia once, and her attitude was very poor. My aunt has always felt that she is with you to take revenge on me, to take revenge on our Du family

Su Jiani suddenly felt that Mr. Fang in front of her was quite pitiful, possessing immense wealth to the point of being able to command the winds and the rain, yet his only daughter refused to acknowledge him

Zeng Jingru accepted it with a smile, obedient and well-behaved: "Alright." She clearly did not notice Shen Ningxia sitting on the sofa in the corner

As soon as Ningxia Shen pushed her luggage out of the airport, she heard Su Jiani's crisp voice: "Ningxia, over here"

At the turn, Fang Liming called out to her sternly: "Xia Xia, you cannot be like this. Come back with me." Shen Ningxia turned her head and looked at him with no warmth. Her gaze was icy: "Mr. Fang, who are you to me? On what grounds do you have the right to control me!"

Du Wei'an, I have never loved you, not even a little!

As long as she does not go, Fang Liming will not have died... That Fang Liming, whom she gritted her teeth in hatred for, will continue to live on...

In fact, she merely shared a few snippets of her experiences in Ningxia with a father figure. However, Fang Liming listened with great affection, filled with joy.

The moment she pushed the door open, Shen Ningxia felt as if she had never left at all

Du Weian silently said, "It won't happen, Auntie." Du Fanghua sighed deeply and simply said, "I hope Auntie is overthinking it."

She did say for him to die. However, that was merely her expression of anger and should not be taken seriously