Chapter 7, the war among women must be resolved by themselves

The moment she saw Qiu Zhuoping get out of the car, she knew that perhaps she would never be able to remove him from her heart

Zhong Jialiang's brilliance seemed to shine even brighter than the chandelier above, and Yiying felt uncomfortable under such radiance

Yiying limped her way up the stairs. Although the floor she lived on was not high, she felt as though she was spending a lifetime climbing the stairs with her injured leg.

The taxi stopped beneath the apartment building of Chen Yiying, the weathered exterior of the old apartment resembling cracked earth, and there was no elevator. Yiying limped out of the taxi, while Qiu Zhuoping hurriedly paid the fare and rushed over to assist her

"Liu Jiaran, you have had too much to drink." Qiu Zhuoping, sensing the situation was not right, hurriedly pulled Liu Jiaran away and maintained a certain distance from Chen Yiying

He was drenched in sweat, his white shirt clinging to his skin, giving off a somewhat sensual appearance. The young nurses and female patients walking back and forth in the hospital couldn't help but steal a few more glances.

He has returned to his country... yet... he did not call her

If it were not for her curiosity, Yiying would not have been deceived by Liu Jiaran into the storage room and locked inside.

There is no need to rush in times of urgency

Are you trying to get yourself killed!

Without using any exclamations, Yiying shook off his hand and made an effort to maintain her balance on one foot

Finally, Chen Yiying kicked her away, got up, picked up a large bottle of cold water beside her, and splashed it directly onto her.

She buried her head in the lawn, tears streaming down like rain. The eyeliner was washed away by the continuously flowing tears, melting on her eyelids

Zhong Jialiang was the first to arrive at her location. She raised her hand, inviting Zhong Jialiang to feel it. Zhong Jialiang held her hand briefly, smiling. Just when everyone thought Zhong Jialiang would take Chen Yiying out, he suddenly released her hand and walked in front of Liu Jiaran

In her childhood, Yiying could not understand why those with disabilities who leaned on crutches walked so slowly. Now, she finally comprehends the inconveniences of being disabled. As she climbed to the second floor, she saw the taxi that Qiu Zhuoping was in disappear at the end of the long street. By the time she spent over ten minutes climbing to the fourth floor, that vanished taxi had returned, slowly stopping downstairs

Love is sometimes like the red wine in this glass, requiring the aging of time. Some wines are bitter, while others are rich and fragrant

Zhong Jialiang walked to the front of the hall and passionately delivered some words celebrating the early sale of the property.

Perhaps she cares about him; in her heart, he will always be that boy in white clothes, both serene and indifferent

When Qiu Zhuoping found her in the crowd, she was puffing her cheeks as she swallowed a small cake. She was choking because she was swallowing too quickly and was hurriedly looking for a drink.

On the pristine white hospital bed lies a girl, peacefully asleep, her long hair cascading naturally over the pillow, while a large bump on her forehead swells like a ping pong ball

Two people walked out of the hospital door, one in front of the other, heading towards the location where the car was parked

You are always unpredictable, sometimes good and sometimes bad, sometimes cold and sometimes hot. How should I defend myself against you? Yiying looked at Qiu Zhuoping, feeling very conflicted inside. She hurriedly took a tissue for herself, stepped back a little, and began to wipe the cream from the corner of her lips.

This is for you. When the small car stopped at the entrance of the apartment, Zhong Jialiang took out a gift box wrapped in purple, adorned with an exquisite ribbon bow.

Why let a relationship that could have ended two years ago linger in ambiguity two years later

Standing awkwardly to the side, Yiying moved to the back of the crowd. She wanted to untie the knot on her skirt, but it was a tight knot that she couldn't undo for the time being

A glass of water appeared in front of Yiying. She looked up along the hand that brought the glass of water and saw Qiu Zhuoping's charming smile right before her eyes

Yiying had a habit of keeping a diary for a long time, and during her university years, her diary recorded many entries about him. After his inexplicable disappearance, she removed him from her life, unwilling to let this person who influenced her emotions re-enter her world. Yet perhaps, from the beginning to the end, she could never completely eliminate him. Because long ago, he had entered her heart, occupying the most important place.

Just like that, as Yiying stepped out of the door, she was unceremoniously pulled back into the hall by Zhong Jialiang. Upon seeing Zhong Jialiang's arrival, the people in the hall all gathered around.

As it draws closer by a fraction, the bitter lips are moistened, and the long-lost moisture lingers between them

During the week that Chen Yiying was under observation in the hospital, the company successfully sold all the properties that were planned to be sold by the end of the month, allowing the employees to be released early. To celebrate everyone's achievements, Zhong Jialiang decided to invite all the employees of the company to his home for a celebratory party

But what does this matter? Since he began his studies in Canada, not only has there been a physical distance between them, but also a time difference.

Liu Jiaran looked at Zhong Jialiang in shock, hesitantly extending her hand to him, and gave his hand a slight squeeze to indicate that she was not Chen Yiying. However, Zhong Jialiang firmly grasped her hand and pulled her up from the chair.

Yiying looked at Huimei's gossipy expression and suddenly felt that Huimei was the person she should eliminate from her life the most

Qiu Zhuoping found her appearance amusing. In his mind, Chen Yiying was a sufficiently independent girl; she would not become despondent over relationship issues, nor would she seek to end her life. Even without him, she would be able to adapt quickly. This was also the reason why he did not choose her when faced with a decision.

Her gaze still carried deep hostility and disdain, but with her background in financial management, she understood better than anyone that in a company's critical moment, personal grievances must not outweigh corporate interests

For Liu Jiaran, Chen Yiying indeed shattered her ideals and dreams. Therefore, at this moment, Yiying is squatting in the storage room, having given up on providing assistance to avoid causing greater turmoil

That slap was exceptionally loud in the silent night; that slap seemed to shatter all of Qiu Zhuoping's dignity and pride

Zhong Jialiang sighed as he watched Qiu Zhuoping's figure gradually fade into the distance, while Liu Jiaren, who was tightly holding him from behind, reeked of alcohol, seemingly too drunk to distinguish who was who

"You won't let me speak?" Liu Jiaran forced a smile, tears immediately welling up in her eyes. This was the love she had painstakingly nurtured, the reward for the time and money she had invested. She knew he did not love her, but she did not care; as long as he was by her side, that was enough. Why did he have to destroy even this small hope? Why were her feelings so humble?

Soft music and lights enveloped the hall, as Qiu Zhuoping embraced Yi Ying's waist and began to dance the waltz

In the first few months after Xu Shushu went abroad, he would still chat with Huimei about various topics related to foreign countries—such as foreign architecture, landscapes, and culture. Huimei often stayed up until three or four in the morning waiting for his replies. However, as time went on, their conversations dwindled, and eventually, all that remained were likes on each other's social media posts. In the end, they both became disinclined to post on social media, even forgoing likes.

Such a smile in Zhong Jialiang's eyes resembled a general's spear, filled with hostility, yet he still straightened his back with great poise and replied: "Alright"

Qiu Zhuoping saw her run the red light and quickened his pace to catch up with her

I am. You are ... ...

Even if I come to pick you up, what topics do we have left to discuss? It might be better to watch you from a distance, neither too far nor too close, just like now. Although it is not perfect, it is still the happiness that I believe in

I have something to attend to this afternoon, so I would like to take a leave of absence. Huimei ultimately set down her pen, slung her crossbody bag over her shoulder, and left the studio

Qiu Zhuoping could not help but recall events from his university days: Chen Yiying was the first girl who dared to shout at him, the first to sever ties with him, and also the first girl who made his heart race.

I will take you up

This cannot continue any longer; she will become ensnared in such a gentle trap, sinking deeper and deeper. She must not allow herself to be blinded by this ambiguous emotion.

Chen Yiying arrived at the address provided by Zhong Jialiang by taxi. It is a large three-story mansion, with a pathway leading to the front door, approximately thirty meters long

Because Zhong Jialiang and Qiu Zhuoping did not intervene, the others in the hall also dared not to meddle casually. They watched as the two women fell to the ground together, overturning several tables laden with desserts and drinks. They tugged at each other's hair, and their elegant skirts were violently torn into several pieces, leaving them in disarray

Finally, Qiu Zhuoping hailed a taxi, and the two remained silent in the car, quiet as if they were strangers

I suddenly remembered that there is still a matter at home

What is this

Hello, is this Chen Yiying

Thank you for what you did last time; if it weren't for you, I might have lost my job

Yiying touched the large bump on her head and thought for a moment, probably because she was in too much of a hurry while walking and did not notice that a stapler had fallen on the ground, stepping right on it and then falling to the ground.

The following evening

Ever since she sprained her ankle, Yiying has been recuperating at home. Although the hospital examination revealed no major issues, she requested the doctor to issue a certificate for a comminuted fracture. Since Qiu Zhuoping granted her a half-month leave, she decided to fully enjoy her leisure time.

"Can I take you home and then disappear?" Qiu Zhuoping's attitude softened. He maintained his usual calmness, yet felt at a loss inside. He exerted all his strength to help her up, holding her tightly in his arms: "Let me take you home. I will not interfere in your life anymore; I will disappear, alright?"

"What happened last time?" Chen Yiying did not understand what the female colleague who was striking up a conversation with her was saying, so she shifted her attention to her. Yiying slightly lowered her head and then recognized that the female colleague who had come to talk to her was the one who had moved her chair last time. She had changed into a beige strapless dress and curled her straight hair, making it somewhat difficult for Yiying to recognize her

In some old belongings, she found her previous diaries. She has always had the habit of keeping a diary, and her notebooks are filled with densely packed text, with every line reflecting her past memories

In the beginning, we were all children. In the end, the longing transforms into angels. The songs of songs sing the shadows of fairy tales. The children of children, where should they fly to

She forcefully pushed him away, falling to the ground once again, and the pain in her ankle was even more excruciating.

"I want you to disappear now, disappear right now! Do not appear again, I do not want to see you, I do not want to!" Yi Ying struggled, but ultimately leaned into his embrace and began to cry.

This is best. By the way, something happened. Let me show you, it is about the sudden disappearance of Qiu Zhuoping two years ago. Liu Jiaran put down her wine glass and walked towards the direction away from the crowd

A loud noise echoed through the company building, and the cold sensation of the floor made Yiying feel as if her head was heating up endlessly. Her consciousness briefly drifted away from her body. She struggled to pull her awareness back, only to find that everything she saw upon opening her eyes was a blinding white.

She had never thought that Liu Jiaran would organize this data for her. Looking at the materials in her arms, she no longer held any prejudice against Liu Jiaran. Filled with gratitude, she was about to take a step to catch up with Liu Jiaran when a voice came from not far away

Chen Yiying has also begun to adapt to such high-intensity work and fast-paced life. She often sees the lights in Qiu Zhuoping's office shining throughout the night and frequently feels the gaze coming through the blinds. However, when she follows the gaze, it feels as if she is in a daze, almost like an illusion

Due to Chen Yiying's inability to cook, she is someone who cannot take care of her own meals, so every day she can only go downstairs to buy a fast food meal, and then return to the apartment to eat while watching television dramas. When she feels bored, she will clean her room and organize some old items

The ringtone of the phone is "The Days of Beijing East Road." This song brought Yiying's thoughts back to reality. She looked at the unfamiliar number on the display screen, unsure whether it was a spam call or a client call

I am Xu Tanshu, and I am now preparing to take a flight back to my country. Qiu Zhuoping asked me to call you and have you pick me up at the airport in two hours, and take me to find a place to stay first

Chen Yiying sat nervously in her chair, with Liu Jiaran sitting beside her, which only heightened her anxiety. This tension stemmed from both anticipation and concern. She looked forward to Qiu Zhuoping taking her hand, yet feared that Liu Jiaran would not accept this reality and would erupt in anger.

Liu Jiaran did not follow in Qiu Zhuoping's footsteps; instead, she picked up a glass of red wine and swirled the liquid within it with an elegant and charming demeanor

All along, she has regarded Zhong Jialiang as her male confidant, despite his repeated confessions, she still chooses to ignore this fact

Liu Jiaran was not in a much better state; her arm had been bitten by Yi Ying, and her already delicate skin immediately showed signs of bleeding. Many strands of her curly hair had been torn out, and her neck bore several red scratches. She resembled an enraged lion, relentlessly pouncing on her designated prey

There is a window on the wall of the storage room, and the size of the window is just enough for a person to squeeze through. Yiying had an idea about that window. She pushed it open with all her strength and glanced at the surroundings outside. Outside was a corridor that could circle around the hall and lead to the front door. ... Perhaps ... she could sneak out and leave this place.

"You are still so considerate." Chen Yiying, who has always been open to gifts, readily accepted the gift box and unwrapped it without hesitation in front of Zhong Jialiang

The decoration of the ward is as good as that of a five-star hotel, and it is likely that staying in such a ward for one night would cost quite a bit of money

I beg you not to continue following me, I just want to be alone in peace, I only want to live a simple life! If you do not intend to tell me anything, excluding me from everything, then I do not need you to be here, neither two years ago nor two years later, I do not need you! For some reason, her tears fell like this, without any warning

Chen Yiying originally intended to hail a taxi by the roadside to leave, but the taxis coming and going were all filled with passengers. She turned to see Qiu Zhuoping gradually approaching from behind, and she did not want to face him in such a disheveled state. She lifted the hem of her dress, wanting to dash across the road to reach the quiet side.

"Zhuo Ping, what are you doing here?" Liu Jiaran, who had been watching for a long time on the second floor, finally couldn't help but come down.

On the day of her discharge, Qiu Zhuoping was not present; instead, it was Zhong Jialiang who came to pick her up. He had changed into a casual T-shirt, seemingly just having come from home. He assisted her in completing the discharge procedures and presented her with a bouquet of flowers.

Liu Jiaran glanced at Qiu Zhuoping and said with a cold smile: "Brother Zhuoping, do you know? I have liked you since I was young. Whatever you ask of me, I will never refuse; I will do my utmost to help you. But what about you? You are so high and mighty, you only ignore my contributions and my efforts. In these past two years, if it weren't for me, if I hadn't helped you, you and..."

Hui Mei watched them walk out of the airport and get into a taxi that sped away

Vehicles continuously honked as they shuttled back and forth, while Yiying recklessly dashed across to the other side of the road

She does not want him to leave, nor does she want him to disappear, but she is truly exhausted. Regarding this love that cannot continue and cannot turn back, she feels at a loss.

I don't see any cars

As she flipped through the yellowed pages of the diary, it was evident that only two years had passed, yet the memories had become crumpled and worn.

In the dim light, no one noticed her sorrowful emotions. As she crossed the road and stepped onto the lawn, the heel of her right shoe suddenly broke. Losing her balance, her right foot twisted along with the broken heel. Her entire ankle hit the ground directly, and pain radiated from her ankle throughout her body, leaving her almost too weak to stand up.

The female doctor, whose height only reached Qiu Zhuoping's chest, looked up at him for a moment, then closed the medical record book and said: "Mild concussion; aside from a large bump on the head, there is no bruising or internal injury. However, it is best to stay in the hospital for observation for a week to see if any other symptoms develop"

"Go back and try it on; if it doesn't fit, I will take it to exchange for you"

I have been by Zhuo Ping's side since I was five years old. We have a bond of twenty years, and my dream is to marry an outstanding man like Zhuo Ping. Anyone can become selfish in the face of love, and I do not deny that I am a selfish person. I only hope that Zhuo Ping belongs to me alone. Liu Jiaran took a sip of red wine, her lips, which were even darker than the wine, slightly curled upwards. "To me, you are an obstacle on my path of love, a stumbling block, a thorny bush. Therefore, I target you and despise you."

After graduation, Chen Yiying always felt that she joined the company during its busiest time. In order to clear out all the old properties in the company by the end of the month, everyone's biological clock was disrupted. They often held meetings until the early hours of the morning. Although the planning proposals written by Yiying were often not adopted, those that were accepted received recognition from everyone

That was the first time Qiu Zhuoping heard her speak in such a weak tone. He always thought she was strong and could live well on her own, but in reality, her fragility was beyond his imagination. She spent two years processing her sorrow, while he always believed she was living happily.

In this expanse of whiteness, only a vague figure intrudes, and the owner of that figure gradually comes into focus. As she clearly sees the worried face, she feels as if she has fallen into a dream

Tone down your spoiled princess attitude

The desserts arranged on the elegant dining table were all unfamiliar to her, both adorable and visually appealing. She indulged herself, eating with abandon.

Qiu Zhuoping wanted to step forward to intervene, but Zhong Jialiang firmly grasped his hand and shook his head at him: "The war between women must be resolved by themselves"

Oh, I plan to return to hold an art exhibition. I have made a lot of preparations, and the venue has been decided. You should come and support it when you have time

How do you know it is me

Xu Tanshu's voice seemed to become more magnetic, and Chen Yiying, who had little contact with Xu Tanshu, was unable to recognize it quickly

"Doctor, how is she? Her forehead is swollen; is it serious?" Outside the hospital ward corridor, Qiu Zhuoping slightly bent forward, inquiring of the female doctor who was filling out the medical records.

Qiu Zhuoping and Zhong Jialiang originally chased after them together, but Liu Jiaran, who had been drenched in water, rushed forward and firmly grabbed one of their hands

The small red flags on the model of the old district properties are gradually decreasing, and the floors without red flags have all been successfully sold. When Yiying first joined this company, many colleagues were arguing and in a cold war over competing for clients. Now, however, there are so many clients that it keeps everyone busy, and amidst this busyness, it seems that everyone has learned to help each other—for the common good

She turned her gaze towards the voice reminding her of Qiu Zhuoping, however, it was already too late for her to avoid landing face-first on the floor tiles

General Manager Qiu, I can handle it myself

On the left side of the path is the swimming pool and recreational facilities, while the right side features a greenbelt, creating an excellent environment

What do you want to say

Alright, I will head back first, goodbye. Yiying casually folded the gown and placed it back in the box, waving goodbye to Zhong Jialiang.

After Qiu Zhuoping left, Huimeixu kept asking Yiying for a long time about the specifics of the fall. There were no banana peels in the office, so how did she manage to fall flat and get such a big bump?

During this week of hospitalization, Qiu Zhuoping would occasionally come to see her, bringing some fruits and snacks. The one who visited most frequently was Qiu's father, who often came to inquire about her well-being, as if she would be staying in the hospital for an extended period.

"I will give you an additional half month of leave. Tomorrow, let Huimei take you to the hospital for an X-ray to see if there are any fractures." After Qiu Zhuoping finished giving instructions, he left the apartment and casually closed the door behind him

After entering the room, Qiu Zhuoping found the medicine cabinet and massaged Chen Yiying's injured ankle with medicinal alcohol for ten minutes, then simply bandaged it with gauze

Liu Jiaran was unable to continue speaking, as Qiu Zhuoping slapped her in front of everyone.

Xu Zhenzhu appears more mature and composed. He is wearing dark jeans and a windbreaker, with a simple patterned crew-neck T-shirt underneath. He is wearing a Swiss mechanical watch, occasionally glancing at the time on it

Yiying walked towards the open European-style solid wood door, stepping along the path adorned with colorful lights, wearing low-heeled pointed shoes

He did not answer Yiying's question, but smiled gently. He twirled her around, gracefully dancing the waltz

Qiu Zhuoping walked up to Chen Yiying, and he merely touched her hand lightly before gripping it tightly. He seized her wrist and pulled her up from her seat. As he took a few steps and removed the blindfold from his eyes, the audience erupted in applause. Only Liu Jiaran stomped her feet in anger and fiercely stepped on Zhong Jialiang's foot, declaring him useless

Zhong Jialiang found it somewhat amusing to watch her unwrapping the package. Her straightforwardness was what he liked most about her; it was unpretentious and bold.

"Every year it is the same invitation to dance partners, it is too boring. Why don't we play a game instead?" Qiu Zhuoping reached out and pressed Zhong Jialiang's hand down, a faint smile appearing at the corner of his lips

Huimei, who was working on character design sketches in the studio, paused her pen, and the ink at the tip of the pen spread out on the same spot on the paper

"Hui Mei, you are here," Chen Yi Ying was the first to see Hui Mei. She gently pushed away the spoon that Qiu Zhuo Ping had brought close to her mouth.

"Surely, I can't just squat here until the end of the party?" Yiying said to herself as she looked around.

Zhong Jialiang's words did not register with her at all. When the music in the hall began to play, a hand stopped in front of her. The hand belonged to Zhong Jialiang, who slightly bent forward, intending to invite her to dance the first dance

Liu Jiaran, what are you doing? Open the door! Just as Chen Yiying walked into the storage room to look for the materials mentioned by Liu Jiaran, the sound of the door closing echoed, followed by the sound of it being locked from the outside. Yiying hurriedly ran to the door and pulled on it with all her might, but the tightly locked storage room door did not budge.

After the visitors have all left, she would take a walk in the yard and chat with the elderly people sitting on the benches basking in the sun. She even thought that it would be wonderful if she could stay a few more days, so she could enjoy a few more days of Qiu Zhuoping's special treatment, seeing his gentle face every afternoon and savoring the warmth of him feeding her bite by bite, even though her injury was not to her hand. How she wished that such a good time would never end, but whenever she thought of his words, "We cannot go back," she would feel a deep sadness. She even thought that it would be wonderful if she could stay a few more days, so she could enjoy a few more days of Qiu Zhuoping's special treatment, seeing his gentle face every afternoon and savoring the warmth of him feeding her bite by bite, even though her injury was not to her hand. How she wished that such a good time would never end, but whenever she thought of his words, "We cannot go back," she would feel a deep sadness. They clearly loved each other deeply, so why could they not go back?

"I have always regarded you as my younger sister, and nothing more." Qiu Zhuoping knew he should not hit her, but he could not stand by and watch the person he liked being bullied. He could not allow her to continue hurting Chen Yiying. He slightly parted his lips, intending to apologize, but Liu Jiaran had already pushed him aside and ran in front of Chen Yiying, starting to fight with her.

When Huimei arrived at the hospital, it was already six o'clock in the afternoon. She had originally cooked porridge for Yiying, but when she reached the door of the ward, she felt that her kindness was unnecessary

The men, with their eyes covered, formed a circle. They first walked clockwise around the circle, then counterclockwise for three laps, until all positions became indistinguishable, at which point they stopped.

"Alright, I will go to the airport to wait for you in two hours." Yiying nodded eagerly, even though she knew the other person could not see her.

Hui Mei looked at Yi Ying's disheveled appearance and did not offer any comforting words. Instead, she used their usual mode of communication to ask, "Are you going to attend Halloween?"

Yiying believes that if she and Liu Jiaran did not have any conflicts, she might find Liu Jiaran to be an impressive girl, possessing both the charm of femininity and the commanding presence of a female leader and strong woman. If Liu Jiaran were not so harsh in her speech, or if they could become friends at work and interact amicably

She had attempted multiple times to burn these memories, but each time she looked at the flame of the lighter, she reluctantly set it down.

Zhong Jialiang watched the departing figure of Yiying, and could not help but recall that year in May, when the spirited girl in a black dress danced the cha-cha amidst the crowd. She was so distinctive, like a wild black horse, like a black rose among the flowers, leaving a lasting impression on everyone.

Hui Mei smiled with a sense of relief and followed suit, leaving the bustling airport behind

Life can sometimes be so awkward, and we cannot avoid it

In the moment of losing consciousness, she felt as if she had fallen into a white space, where the boy with a serene face was continuously calling out to her. Strangely, she could only see his lips moving, yet she could not hear any sounds around her. Gradually, she became disoriented in this bottomless white space, and she even feared that she would sink into this abyss, never to reach that boy again.

Chen Yiying spent a pleasant week in the hospital as if she were on vacation. Without the pressure of work, she felt rejuvenated and much younger.

The warm lighting envelops the first-floor hall, with no distinct boundaries between the dessert area and the entertainment area. Colleagues who have arrived at the hall gather in small groups, engaging in conversation.

"Why did you like me before?" Yi Ying moved forward and backward with Qiu Zhuoping, this was their first close conversation since their reunion, as if they had traversed time and space, as if everything around them had vanished.

Since you have arrived, I shall take my leave first. Qiu Zhuoping placed the fast food box on the cabinet beside the bed, glanced at Yi Ying, and then left the hospital room

"Oh, it’s alright, I don’t hold grudges," Yiying said with a polite smile, eagerly walking towards the snack area

Qiu Zhuoping took a tissue from the table and wiped the cream from the corner of her lips: "I used to be the same when eating, always getting it all over my face"

Before the party ends, you should stay inside obediently

The cold touch made Liu Jiaran shiver, and Chen Yiying seized the opportunity to run outside, escaping from the embarrassing situation of the party.

Thank you. Yiying smiled politely, raised her hand, and tucked the long hair that hung by her face behind her ear, her pure smile shining brightly in the warm light

In the dream, Qiu Zhuoping held her as they ran through the crowd, moving amidst the ever-receding light and shadows. Her eyes seemed to have lost focus, with only that familiar face lingering in her mind.

"I can eat by myself." By the bedside, Qiu Zhuoping was feeding Chen Yiying bite by bite, as if she had broken her arms and legs.

Chen Yiying watched the taxi speeding away, sneering at herself in self-mockery. She could never let go of her dignity and would never change for her. In that case, why should she harbor any expectations for him?

It seems that I can only keep the porridge for myself. " Huimei smiled with her lips pressed together as she walked into the hospital room carrying the insulated food container

Then let him stay in the hospital for observation for a week. Can you arrange for a better and quieter ward? Qiu Zhuoping's anxious heart finally settled down, and he couldn't help but glance into the ward.

Hmm. Yiying's gaze passed over her and landed on the snacks and drinks behind her

Driven by curiosity, Yiying still chose to follow.

That was an expression she had not seen in a long time, and she stood there in a daze, somewhat lost in thought

That was the most embarrassing day of Chen Yiying's life; her long dress was torn in several places, revealing the denim shorts underneath. The pearl necklace around her neck was also broken, and the pearls scattered all over the ground, the lights reflecting her disheveled state

I have long since become impossible with Qiu Zhuoping. I did not know I would encounter you all before coming to the company. I only wish to have a stable job after graduation and lead a stable life. In fact, there is no need for you to target me, as I will not compete with you for Qiu Zhuoping; I have long since lost all feelings for him. " When Chen Yiying said this, her gaze was dim, yet she could not help but glance into the crowd, hoping to find that figure that made her so sorrowful.

Qiu Zhuoping glanced at Liu Jiaran, then turned and walked into the crowd, no longer looking in this direction.

Hui Mei politely declined the request to go to the airport with Yi Ying to pick up Xu Tan Shu. She knew that she was merely a shadow concealed beneath Xu Tan Shu's figure, only able to observe his brilliance from the dark corners.

Liu Jiaran looked at Qiu Zhuoping and Chen Yiying, who were enveloped in the spotlight, filled with resentment. She had always been a proud princess, while Chen Yiying, in the guise of a queen, had taken away all her pride and brilliance. Instead of dancing with Zhong Jialiang, she turned and walked to the beverage area, drinking continuously. She hoped to get drunk, to escape the torment of such feelings, but the alcohol only fueled her anger, which eventually spiraled out of control

Hello, how are you?" Yiying said politely, while the announcement of the airplane about to take off could be heard from the other end of the line

Get lost

Ying, watch your step

The footsteps outside gradually faded away, and Yiying gave up on calling for help, sitting in a small corner in a daze

"There is a scar on the back of your hand, you mentioned that it was from a burn you suffered in your childhood, and I have always remembered it." Qiu Zhuoping held Yiying's hand, gazing at the scar on her hand, a hint of warmth emerging from his cool smile.

Standing at the door, Huimei watched them giggle. According to Huimei, they were a pair that would not die without making a scene, perfectly matched.

When she arrived at the airport, Yiying was standing at the passenger exit to greet Xu Renshu. Xu Renshu, holding her ticket and passport, waved at Yiying, her warm smile still looking very beautiful.

The shadows under the streetlight overlapped and then separated. Yiying waved her hand and slapped Qiu Zhuoping hard.

Qiu Zhuoping's hand paused in mid-air, and then he slowly retracted it, his expression one of despondency: When did we start to rely solely on work to maintain our relationship

Yiying opened the folder that Liu Jiaran had thrown over, which contained a summary of sales data for various properties. In the blank space at the bottom right of the data, a few words were written: Marketing Planning Reference Data

Qiu Zhuoping took a few steps to the fourth floor, without saying a word, he picked her up in a horizontal embrace and briskly walked up to the fifth floor. He kicked the apartment door, and Huimei, who came out to open the door, was stunned for a few seconds before hurriedly opening the door to let them in

"Ying, you are here?" A female colleague, holding a drink and enjoying some dessert, approached Ying to strike up a conversation. Like the other female colleagues, she wore light makeup, but the lipstick on her lips had already been swallowed along with the drink.

Yiying extended her hand along with all the other girls. The first to touch Yiying's hand was a slightly shorter male colleague from the company; he brushed the back of her hand, shook his head slightly, and turned to another lady. Yiying watched as the girls on the chairs were taken away one by one, while Qiu Zhuoping and Zhong Jialiang still had not approached her. In the end, only she and Liu Jiaran remained in the entire hall.

In order to climb out of the window, Yiying lifted the hem of her black evening gown and tied several knots. With her naturally good athletic ability, she quickly climbed out of the window from the storage room. Like a thief, she held up her skirt and circled around the hall. Just as she was about to leave through the main entrance after walking down the path mhetushu . comcom -

"This is a carnation, not a rose, so there is no need to hesitate." Zhong Jialiang took Chen Yiying's hand, guiding her to hold the bouquet of carnations

How has Hui Mei been recently? Why hasn't she come?" Along the way, Xu Shushu asked.

After hanging up the phone, she dialed Hui Mei's number and informed her about Xu Tan Shu's return to the country

Hui Mei is engaged in graphic design and character design for games. Recently, her studio has received a considerable number of projects, and she is extremely busy, leaving her with no time to come. By the way, are you planning to settle down upon returning to the country or...

A simple word made Qiu Zhuoping shudder all over; he paused for a moment, then turned and took a taxi to leave

"Emergency meeting." A folder unexpectedly fell into Chen Yiying's lap, startling her as she was lost in thought, and she hurriedly caught the folder that was about to drop to the ground. The person who threw the folder to her was Liu Jiaran, who walked past her with her hair styled in a bun.

Isn't it too much to eat so much cake

The loud sound of a slap brought the music to an abrupt halt, and everyone turned to look at Liu Jiaran, who was stumbling as she walked. Her cheeks were flushed, and tears glistened in her eyes. She pointed at Chen Yiying, who was covering her face and unable to react, and shouted, "Why are you trying to steal Zhuo Ping from me? What makes you think you are better than me! Are you richer than me? Are you more attractive than me?"

Qiu Zhuoping, for your dignity, for her, you hit me? In your heart, what am I to you? Am I really not as good as Chen Yiying?

Qiu Zhuoping's game is quite simple. They arrange chairs in a circle at the center of the hall, with the girls sitting on the chairs forming the inner circle, while the boys, blindfolded, form the outer circle. The boys identify their desired dance partners by touching the girls' hands. If a boy believes he has found the right partner, he will lead the girl out and remove the blindfold. Regardless of the outcome, whether it is the object of his affection or not, he must not lose his temper or act in an ungentlemanly manner for any reason.

Liu Jiaran, who usually only fiddles with her nails, has also styled her long, curly hair and is earnestly discussing important matters with the sales department staff

She saw the recipe she had once written on a piece of paper, which was Qiu Zhuoping's favorite food. She recorded them one by one, but before she had the chance to learn how to make them, Qiu Zhuoping had already left her world

Hui Mei was secretly watching them from a short distance, while Yi Ying stepped forward to help him with a suitcase. The two of them walked towards the airport exit, chatting and laughing.

I do not need you to concern yourself with me, could you please leave? Do not interfere in my life any longer, do not disrupt the tranquility of my existence. I do not want to feel sad anymore, I do not want to be as despondent as I was two years ago when I suddenly could no longer find you. I do not want to shed tears anymore, nor do I wish to pretend to be strong and indifferent. If crying represents weakness, then in this moment, Yiying is indeed weak.

Zhuo Ping, please do not leave me! Zhuo Ping, it is all my fault, can I admit my mistake? I beg you not to ignore me for her sake, sob sob... Liu Jiaran tightly embraced that figure, weeping uncontrollably

I have already arrived, you can leave, I do not wish to see you even for a moment longer. Still angry, Chen Yiying continued walking towards the stairway of the apartment. Her pride would not allow her to accept any kindness from the man before her, as if any semblance of goodness would burn her.

Liu Jiaran was tightly gripping Chen Yiying's neck, while Chen Yiying was fiercely pulling her long curly hair backward. The two were fighting in the most primal way, with no one to help and no one to intervene

It looks quite nice, isn't it expensive? But for you, it shouldn't be a big deal. Thanks! Yiying gestured towards the black dress, which should fit just right.

Her long curly hair was tied to the right side, cascading down naturally. She stepped forward, affectionately linking her arm with Qiu Zhuoping's, looking at Chen Yiying with a smile that was neither fully a smile nor devoid of it.

In her memories, her parents lived apart due to work, and she became accustomed to living with either her father or her mother. As a child, she enjoyed watching martial arts dramas, defining herself as a chivalrous heroine, self-reliant and strong, moving like the wind. Later, due to her studies, the family found themselves living in three different places. She aspired to establish herself in this city far from her parents, striving to create her own little world. Eventually, she met Qiu Zhuoping. She aspired to establish herself in this city far from her parents, striving to create her own little world. Eventually, she met Qiu Zhuoping.

Zhong Jialiang's reasons for liking her are quite simple; it is because being by her side feels very relaxed, a stark contrast to the pressures of the outside world. After all, there are many attractive girls, but very few interesting ones.

You are sick!

The owner of the car, having lowered the window, shouted at the disheveled Chen Yiying.

"There will be a party tomorrow evening, and you are the last to know, so you definitely won't have time to shop for a dress. I went ahead and bought one for you, so take a look and see if you like it."

For Xu Shushu, university is merely a trivial stop in his life, and she is one of the passersby he encounters at this stop. She will remember him, radiant with light, while he will meet many others like her at different stops. They are neither like lovers nor like friends, unable to become lovers and finding it difficult to become true friends.

"Go ahead and use this to make the payment, and I will apply for a separate ward for you." The female doctor quickly filled out a payment slip, handed it to Qiu Zhuoping, and pointed to the payment window around the corner

When it comes to love, people are inherently selfish. Liu Jiaran is not at fault; she and Qiu Zhuoping have been childhood friends for over twenty years, so how could she tolerate someone else's interference? Perhaps Liu Jiaran never anticipated the arrival of Chen Yiying; she may have simply wanted to wait until the age of marriage to happily walk down the path with the person she loves.

"Chen Yiying, what are you trying to do by making your skirt so short?" A small car slowly came to a stop at the entrance of the mansion, and the speaker was Zhong Jialiang, who had just rolled down the window. He looked somewhat astonished at Chen Yiying, who had just reached the door. She had tied several knots in the hem of her dress, transforming the long skirt into one that was more than three inches above her knees, making it appear even more alluring.

But my hand is not injured

You are injured, let me feed you instead

Just as she resolutely turned around, Qiu Zhuoping embraced her tightly

Yiying! Qiu Zhuoping hurriedly crossed the road and rushed to her side, gently helping her up with concern.