Chapter 6, Encounter at the Banquet with Ning Xuan

Who can remain rational when trapped in love? Aren't we all just living in self-deception? Sweetness is merely the illusion he creates for you in a world of indulgence, and then you foolishly and desperately help him to gradually blind yourself.

That day, Xiao Xiao asked me: "Can you really break up?"

I have been cooped up at home for a few days. The other day, I bought some items with Zhuohao, and after returning home, I just tossed them in the corner of my room without bothering to unpack or look at them. I originally bought them just to waste money, and I have no affection for them at all; I can hardly remember what they even are.

Tears welled up in my eyes, and I almost cried. Fearing that he would see the bitterness in my heart, I misled him into thinking I was overwhelmed with joy. I forced a sweet, overly sentimental smile at him, while inside I felt as cold as death

Yes, I am waiting. I am waiting for Zhuohao to say the words "break up" first

Suddenly, I remembered what Zhuo Hao said, that this necklace was designed by a renowned designer and was released in limited quantities. I rushed to the computer, searched online, and indeed, as soon as such a top-tier item was launched, countless replicas had already appeared in every street and alley.

Thinking of such tenderness, which is merely built on the foundation of a hypocritical and ugly emotional deception, I cannot help but feel a heart-wrenching sadness

I was momentarily stunned. Turning my head to take a look, my heart trembled, my eyes brightened, and my expression froze.

When Zhuo Hao came to pick me up in the evening, he stared at the necklace around my neck for quite a while. I felt a bit guilty and couldn't help but ask, "Is it pretty?" Zhuo Hao looked up at me, nodded, and with a smile at the corner of his mouth said, "It's beautiful! Especially lovely!"

I had long forgotten about this valuable item

... ...

I said: "Is it really not distinguishable? And then wait for the day when I am casually discarded like old clothes by a flower | flower | gentleman? Now that I am still young, starting over doesn't matter; at most, I will have experienced heartbreak and felt the pain once. But when I reach the age of being cast aside, I fear that I won't even be able to find my voice to cry!"

Very well. Where is it good? Is it just good because he is willing to spend money? And what number am I among the women he is willing to spend money on?

I solemnly vowed to Xiao Xiao, "Xiao Xiao, just watch, after this time, I will never again let love blindly control and dominate me! I will no longer be led by the nose by this thing!"

Zhuo Hao brought me to the banquet. It is said that this is a high-level gathering of very prestigious social status, where attendees are either mayors or secretaries-general, or chairpersons or presidents, and so on. Upon entering the banquet hall and gazing at the myriad figures mingling with glasses in hand, several phrases flashed through my mind. The fragrance of fine clothing and elegant hairstyles, the aroma of wine wafting through the air, the bright lights shining brilliantly, and the intoxicating allure of wealth. I thought to myself, in terms of headcount here, it turns out there can be so many presidents, and it turns out chairpersons are not so rare after all. It seems that in China, there truly are the most officials.

It has been quite a few days since I last took the initiative to contact Zhuohao. He finally showed some awareness, and in the midst of his busy schedule with the girls, he finally remembered that he has a girlfriend like me. This morning, while I was sitting at home in a daze, he suddenly called me

Xiao Xiao was horrified after hearing my analysis and asked me, "Human nature is truly terrifying! Since you knew he had such a character, why did you choose to be with him in the first place?" I could only respond with a bitter smile

I sighed: "I won't say anything. I will wait for him to speak."

Zhuo Hao seemed to notice my unusual behavior, as he thoughtfully served me dishes while gently saying to me: "Ya Ya, I've been a bit busy lately and haven't had much time to accompany you! Don't be upset, today I dedicate the whole day to you! I won't do anything today, just spend time with you!"

I ordered a high-quality imitation necklace from a local jewelry processing shop online and paid a little extra for shipping. Two hours later, the necklace was delivered to my home on time. Looking at the nearly indistinguishable "diamond" necklace, I finally felt a sense of relief

My heart twitched involuntarily. Where have you been all this time, only now realizing you should accompany me! Are you busy? I fear it is not work that keeps you busy!

I replied with a few perfunctory words and returned to my room

So when Zhuo Hao called me and asked me to wear the newly purchased diamond necklace to accompany him to a banquet of business elites that evening, it took me quite a while to remember what he meant by the diamond necklace

Xiao Xiao said: "But how are you going to tell Zhuo Hao?"

I breathed a sigh of relief. I wondered if his earlier demeanor was what is known as stunning.

How can I see you here

During meals, I say nothing, keeping my head down and just eating. In front of him before, although I tried hard to be a cultured young woman who spoke softly, acted gracefully, and expressed myself succinctly without being verbose, the deliberate quietness and reticence I exhibited were not like the complete silence I maintain now.

... ...

I said goodbye and quickly got out of the car

I have no objections. I will go as agreed.

... ...

Zhuo Hao saw that I looked unhappy, so he smiled and tried to cheer me up: "Ya Ya, how about I take you shopping later? I heard from a few people in the company that Cui Bao Zhai has a new necklace, designed by a famous designer, and it's a limited edition. Let's go take a look at hetushucom later, and if you like it, I'll buy it for you as a gift!" He paused for a moment, observing my expression, and then added: "Come to think of it, I haven't given you any gifts yet; I really am an unqualified boyfriend!"

My eyes feel dry and uncomfortable. I said, "You should go ahead and get busy. Don't let this delay ruin your enjoyment in the midst of your work." Zhuo Hao was taken aback by my sarcastic tone, and then immediately reflected, "Yaya, I have been distant with you lately, and I am very sorry. It won't happen again. Please don't be unhappy, okay?"

The banquet is permeated with exquisite hypocrisy. Men and women, dressed appropriately and resplendently, exchange ambiguous smiles as they brush past each other; politicians and businessmen, with faces full of cordiality and joy, share a handshake that carries an unspoken understanding of insincerity; the room is filled with ubiquitous titles of this and that; pleasantries about how long it has been since they last met, insisting on having a couple of drinks; and, how delightful it is to see you here.

He is gentle and refined. However, that is merely a facade. Beneath this facade lies a profound pride and an unwillingness to concede. His pride will not allow a young girl to cast him aside. His determination will compel him to treat the person who wishes to leave him increasingly well, to the point where she cannot resist, to the point where she becomes deeply ensnared once more. Then, the most likely outcome is that he will calmly cast her aside at that moment.

... ...

After leaving Cui Bao Zhai, I pondered that since I had already taken the necklace, I might as well put on a good show, embracing the tackiness to its fullest. Thus, throughout the day, I dragged Zhuo Hao with me as we strolled through one shopping mall after another. Among the dazzling array of products, I only chose the expensive ones, disregarding the right choices. Each time I selected an item and stood aside watching Zhuo Hao pay, I wore a sweet smile on my face, yet my heart was filled with resentment. His gesture of reaching into his wallet for a woman was indeed incredibly suave. However, the more suave he was, the more sorrowful I felt. Each time I selected an item and stood aside watching Zhuo Hao pay, I wore a sweet smile on my face, yet my heart was filled with resentment. His gesture of reaching into his wallet for a woman was indeed incredibly suave. However, the more suave he was, the more sorrowful I felt. Such a practiced motion, I only had the opportunity to witness today, as it had previously been rehearsed on other women.

Feeling troubled. Although I have made up my mind to part ways with Zhuo Hao, letting go is just letting go, and it can be considered as my revenge. However, what should I do about the banquet tonight

Zhuo Hao. Zhuo Hao. I know Zhuo Hao very well. Although I am much younger than him, and I have just graduated, I truly understand him.

Regarding the matter of a kiss, I believe I will no longer give it the opportunity to occur between Zhuo Hao and me

Carrying this bittersweet resentment, I ended up losing quite a bit of money to him throughout the day. In the evening, he accompanied me home, and before getting out of the car, he seemed to want to have a serious talk with me. I suddenly lifted the various bags I was holding high and smiled at him with a face full of pure, radiant happiness, saying: "You were really great today! You brought me so many wonderful things! If it could be like this every day in the future, I would be overjoyed!"

He used to always say that I was the most unique girl in the world, never like those vulgar women who greedily and vainly ask men for this and that. So whenever he said he wanted to give me something, in order to preserve my foolish so-called unique temperament and integrity, I would firmly and resolutely say no, treating my foolishness as if I were being sensible.

After so many years of studying, it seems that it has not been in vain. Aside from the rather disappointing exam results, I can at least claim to have some proficiency in the art of cunning tricks. Reflecting on the brilliant life during my four years in university, what I practiced every day was how to use my two hands, which had not completed the assignments on time, to smile and cover the teacher's sharp eyes with a cheerful facade.

Could it be that I casually tossed it somewhere while shopping that day

It is indeed Ning Xuan

My thoughts are so beautiful. However, I have overlooked one point. In the face of love, no one can be a dominant ruler.

... ...

I hung up the phone and walked to the corner to rummage through that pile of things. After rummaging around, I still couldn't find that necklace. A cold sweat broke out from the top of my head to the soles of my feet

Yaya, let's have lunch together

But now, Zhuo Hao, I have decided to be greedy and vain like other women, asking you for this and that. I want to reach a point where you think, in fact, I am no different, to the extent that you utterly despise me, until you can no longer hold back and say to me: Su Ya, let's break up.

Zhuo Hao's eyes twitched. I scoffed inwardly, thinking to myself that it would be best if your mouth could twitch as well, and then say to me, "Su Ya, let's break up."

Upon arriving at Cui Bao Zhai, I wore a beaming smile adorned with the vibrant joy of mountain flowers, gazing at the limited edition diamond necklace crafted by a renowned master that Zhuo Hao had mentioned, displaying an infinite admiration and longing. The value of the necklace is quite substantial. I wonder if Zhuo Hao has ever made such a grand gesture when gifting those close female friends of his. From the perspective of the price he paid, I might still be considered to hold significant weight.

After Zhuo Hao entered, he saw an acquaintance and went over to greet them. I was too lazy to deal with it, so I let him go alone and hid in the corner to drink iced tea

The more he comforts me in such a gentle and soft-spoken manner, the more I am unable to contain my anger.

Upon returning home, both my father and mother were present. When my mother saw the large and small bags in my hands, she instantly became more radiant than flowers, her brows raised in delight, repeatedly nodding her chin and saying: "Zhuohao is truly a wonderful child! Zhuohao treats you very well! Zhuohao will surely treat both me and your father well in the future!"