Chapter Sixty-Two

After lunch, Yi Xiaoyu and Wen Ming went to a nearby café.

It was Yi Xiaoyu who had suggested this, but not because she wanted to share a cup of coffee with Wen Ming; rather, she wanted to finally share what was on her mind.

During lunch, Wen Ming had already guessed that Yi Xiaoyu had something to say to him—and that it would likely be exactly what he least wanted to hear.

“So…” After listening to Yi Xiaoyu’s words, Wen Ming’s expression grew weighed down with sorrow. “You’re planning to stay with that man?”

Yi Xiaoyu’s eyes remained fixed on the tabletop. “I want to give it a try.”

“He lied to you, Xiaoyu. Are you sure he’s worth coming back for?”

Yi Xiaoyu was silent for a long moment before replying softly, “Last night I couldn’t sleep at all. My mind was full of him. And then, when I finally drifted off, I dreamt he’d been stabbed by someone…” She took a gentle breath. “After a few hours’ sleep, my body felt as though I’d aged several years overnight. It wasn’t until a few hours ago when he suddenly appeared before me that I truly woke up from the dream.”

Wen Ming clenched his fists in frustration and helplessness. “Between him and me, what is it that I lack? Time? He’s only been with you two years, but we spent seven together. When I left you back then, I had my reasons—and that man, he really has wronged you.”

“Since I fell in love with him…” Yi Xiaoyu spoke quietly, “I’ve begun to believe in fate. Wen Ming, you surpass him in every way—looks, family, education, everything. But I’ve grown used to him. Over these two years, my feelings for him have shifted from dislike to affection, and now, he’s become part of me. Just as you were, once. We were together for seven years, and your decision to let go is something you regret deeply now. I don’t want to follow in your footsteps. If I were to leave him now, without a backward glance, I wonder if, in the future, I too would regret it as you do. So I’m giving him a chance to make amends, and giving myself a chance to avoid regret. This is the first and only time.”

“These two things are completely different, Xiaoyu. You and that man aren’t right for each other. Anyone can see that.”

Yi Xiaoyu smiled. “When it comes to marriage, outsiders never see more clearly than those involved. Whether we’re right for each other or not, I’m the one who feels it most deeply.”

Realizing that further argument was pointless, Wen Ming shrugged and forced a small laugh. “…After all he’s done, you’re really going back to him?”

“In fact, coming out to see you face to face is already the greatest punishment I could give him.”

She wondered just how frustrated he must be feeling right now.

———

After lunch, Old You paced nervously back and forth in the suite, as restless as an ant on a hot pan. Several times he nearly rushed out to follow his wife, but each time forced himself to stay put.

At a moment like this, he dared not do anything that might make Yi Xiaoyu angry.

He waited a long time, but Yi Xiaoyu still hadn’t returned, and the sky outside had grown dark and overcast.

Unable to resist any longer, Old You called Yi Xiaoyu. As soon as the call connected, he spoke softly and hurriedly, “It looks like it’s going to rain soon. I remember you didn’t take an umbrella when you left. If you’re not back yet, I’ll buy one and bring it to you.”

“No need. Wen Ming already bought two umbrellas.”

Old You’s heart twisted with jealousy, but he forced himself to sound gracious, even adding a light chuckle. “Mr. Wen is certainly thoughtful, ha…”

“Is there anything else?”

“…When will you be back? I… I… I miss you.” The last few words were spoken with great care.

“Mm.” Yi Xiaoyu replied coolly, “I miss you too. I’ll be back soon. That’s all. I’m hanging up now.”

It took Old You a long time to come to his senses after the call ended. He stared down at his phone, blinking in disbelief.

Had he misheard?

Did Xiaoyu just say she missed him too?

He must have been mistaken; Xiaoyu wanted nothing more than to divorce him—how could she possibly…

But he had clearly heard her say it!

Ahhh—

Had he really misheard?

Old You scratched his head nonstop, spending nearly half an hour trying to confirm whether Yi Xiaoyu had actually said those words.

When Yi Xiaoyu finally returned, she was carrying two bags of sunflower seeds.

It was raining heavily outside, and even with an umbrella, her clothes were splashed with rain. Upon entering, she ignored Old You, who stood in the living room looking as innocent and harmless as could be, took off her coat, and headed straight for the bathroom to shower.

Listening to the steady rush of water from the bathroom, Old You couldn’t help but swallow, a faint heat stirring in his lower abdomen.