Chapter 23: Earnest and Patient Persuasion

Standing at the foot of the apartment building, Su Mian wore an expression of faint mockery.

Lin Qingqing noticed the hostility in Su Mian’s eyes and took a step forward, looking at her with evident nervousness. "You really have misunderstood. Perhaps I didn't explain things clearly before, but I have never intended to come between you and Qin Yunzheng, nor did I ever think to steal him away from you."

These words stirred up memories for Su Mian. When she was with Qin Yunzheng, her devotion and her happiness had been genuine. But it was equally true that Lin Qingqing and Qin Yunzheng had shared embraces and kisses. Though she felt a pang of sorrow, she was not the type to cling to the past.

Staring coldly at the person before her, she said, "I am not Qin Yunzheng, and I don't buy this act of yours. Now that things have reached this point, don't you find it laughable to still stand there and justify your innocence?"

Even if they had known each other in the past and shared some history, it did not mean they could now be friends in peace. Su Mian merely glanced at Lin Qingqing, wanting no further entanglement, and walked into the apartment building. Lin Qingqing stood stunned for a few seconds before hurrying after her.

"Wait a moment."

Watching the elevator doors being held open, Su Mian frowned and stared at Lin Qingqing. "If you are here to gloat, then I’m sorry, I don't have the time to play games with you."

As Su Mian prepared to press the close button, Lin Qingqing stepped inside, pressed the button for the floor below Su Mian’s, and looked at her apologetically. "I really don't want you to misunderstand me, but it seems you aren't willing to listen to my explanations."

Seeing the number light up, Su Mian looked at her with a blank expression. "What do you mean?"

"I live on the floor below you."

This absurd answer made Su Mian’s expression turn sour. Lin Qingqing quickly explained, "It... it was provided by Qin Yunzheng. He said it would be more convenient for work. I know our misunderstanding is deep and might not be resolved overnight, but please believe me, I truly have no ulterior motives."

As the elevator reached the floor, Lin Qingqing cast an apologetic look at Su Mian and jogged out. Watching her retreating back, Su Mian felt only a sense of ridicule. So, the promises that were supposedly valid only for her could also be granted to others.

Once Lin Qingqing reached her apartment, she shut the door, leaned against the wall, and gasped for air. She felt helpless. She had hoped to use this opportunity to clear things up with Su Mian, but instead, she had only made matters worse. Ever since Su Mian had saved her, she had regarded her as a goal for the future, a driving force for her life, and the light that guided her forward. By chance, Lin Qingqing had learned from others that Su Mian was Qin Yunzheng’s girlfriend. She had thought that by getting close to Qin Yunzheng, she would eventually have the chance to see Su Mian and repay her kindness.

However, she soon discovered that Qin Yunzheng was not a good man, and she wanted to help Su Mian. There was also an irrepressible, growing sense of possessiveness—and an undeniable fact: she was jealous of Qin Yunzheng. She was jealous that he had once possessed such a warm light as Su Mian, only to take it for granted and fail to cherish it.

Back in her own home, Su Mian felt exceptionally exhausted. Even though she had tried hard to restrain herself from thinking about it, the more she tried, the more Qin Yunzheng’s gentle whispers kept flashing through her mind. But then the images would shift, showing Qin Yunzheng giving twice the affection he once gave her to Lin Qingqing, providing Lin with the courage to flaunt it right in front of her. Thinking back on all she had sacrificed, she felt like a complete clown.

Su Mian looked at her reflection in the mirror and patted her cheeks, reminding herself, "It is all in the past. Stop thinking about things that were never meant to be yours."

Everything happened for a reason.

…

The next morning, Su Mian went downstairs with dark circles under her eyes. It took a moment in the cold wind before she remembered to call for a car on her phone. As she looked up to pinpoint her location, she saw a black car parked in front of her.

Because the car looked overly familiar, she walked over and noticed Huo Beihan sitting in the driver’s seat.

"Big Brother, why are you here?"

Seeing her approach, he stepped out of the driver’s seat and pressed the car keys into her hand. "Didn't I say I’d get you a car for getting around?"

As he spoke, his gaze drifted forward. Su Mian followed his eyes and saw a white BMW parked in front of the black car.

"Go ahead and test the feel of it. If there’s anything about the appearance you aren't satisfied with, let me know, and I’ll have my assistant take care of it."

Su Mian was surprised and walked over, sighing involuntarily. "Wow, this is beautiful. But I recall this model isn't cheap. Isn't this compensation a bit too extravagant?" Her eyes never left the new car, and her tone was more relaxed than she had been in a long time.

"Do you like it?" Huo Beihan’s deep voice came from behind her.

"I love it. Thank you, Big Brother," Su Mian replied without looking back.

Seeing her expression, Huo Beihan chuckled and shook his head. "Since you like it so much, how about a more practical expression of thanks?"

"Huh?"

Su Mian turned around, looking at him in confusion.

"Should I treat you to a meal?" she asked tentatively, meeting his enigmatic gaze. "Or perhaps I could pick out a gift for you as well?"

Huo Beihan waved his hand. "No need. However, there is indeed something I need your help with."

Because he sounded so serious, Su Mian couldn't help but wonder: what could possibly be troubling Huo Beihan that required her help?

Huo Beihan seemed to read her expression and explained, "It’s nothing major. It’s well within your capabilities."

"Alright." Su Mian could hardly refuse after receiving such a generous gift.

However, the two were so caught up in their conversation that they failed to notice their figures had been captured in the frame of someone else’s phone. Lin Qingqing had been about to head out, but as soon as she went downstairs, she spotted Su Mian and noticed the person standing beside her. Seeing them laughing and talking, a spark of jealousy ignited in Lin Qingqing’s heart. She instinctively pulled out her phone and pressed the shutter.

She only managed to capture the back of Huo Beihan and the side profile of Su Mian. Su Mian sensed something behind her, but when she turned, she saw nothing. Since she was running late for work, she quickly said goodbye and drove off in her new car.

Not long after she left, Huo Beihan also drove away. Once she was certain they were gone, Lin Qingqing hurriedly hailed a taxi to head to the office. When she arrived, Qin Yunzheng was nowhere to be found; it was nearly noon before he staggered in. As Lin Qingqing filed her documents, she caught the scent of alcohol in the air.

"You weren't out drinking again last night, were you?"

The man sitting nearby didn't answer, which she took as a silent confirmation. Lin Qingqing went to the pantry to pour a cup of tea for Qin Yunzheng and handed it to him, advising him earnestly, "I know you’re hurting, but since you’ve already parted ways, you should let each other go and move on."

"Why should I? My life is a mess, so why should Su Mian be allowed to be at peace?" Hearing this, Qin Yunzheng’s anger flared up.

"Su Mian has her own life now. You should try to let go."

Qin Yunzheng stared at Lin Qingqing in disbelief. "What do you mean? What 'new life'?"

Seeing the predatory look in his eyes, Lin Qingqing didn't hesitate; she quickly pulled out her phone and handed it to him.