C18 Exiting and Blessing

"Is it that assistant?" Fu Xiaoya suddenly recalled the slightly jealous look from the young assistant named Shu Ann. At the time, she thought Shu Ann was just another girl deceived by Lih Jingyan, shaking her head in silent resignation. Now, thinking back, it did seem a bit suspicious. The assistant was quite pretty, so it wasn’t out of the realm of possibility.

Lih Jingyan was taken aback, seemingly surprised that Fu Xiaoya knew about Shu Ann. He frowned, unsure if someone had intentionally leaked the information, if she had found out on her own, or if she had simply guessed. Regardless, it was his own carelessness. But since it was out in the open, there was nothing more to say. He just hoped Fu Xiaoya wouldn’t stoop to using underhanded tactics.

Upon hearing her words, Lih Jingyan's gaze turned icy as he looked at Fu Xiaoya. He wondered if he had been that obvious, if his thoughts were so easily read by others. Meanwhile, Shu Ann, that little fool, remained blissfully unaware.

Realizing his gaze was too intense, Lih Jingyan softened it slightly and adopted a businesslike demeanor. He firmly addressed Fu Xiaoya’s earlier question, saying, "I think I need to correct your wording."

"What?" Fu Xiaoya shrugged slightly, gesturing with her right hand for Lih Jingyan to continue.

Lih Jingyan enunciated each word carefully, "I haven’t taken a liking to my assistant. Rather, I’ve fallen for Shu Ann."

Fu Xiaoya pondered the two statements, not seeing much difference. Amused, she asked Lih Jingyan, "If I may ask, what’s the distinction between those two sentences?"

With meticulous precision, Lih Jingyan used his knife and fork to cut his steak, his expression unwaveringly serious. This handsome man approached everything with utmost dedication, exuding an effortless charm he seemed unaware of. Like a pedantic scholar, he explained, "In my twenty-plus years of learning and life experience, I believe the term 'taken a liking' is frivolous and imprecise, while 'assistant' carries a hint of mockery."

Lih Jingyan continued, "My feelings for Shu Ann are serious and genuine, and I don't appreciate hearing you speak like that."

Jingyan was known for his decisive and straightforward nature. Once Fu Xiaoya noticed his feelings for Shu Ann, there was no point in hiding it. It wasn't his style to be evasive, and he had no intention of keeping it a secret. Liking someone shouldn't be something to hide.

Hearing Jingyan's earnest explanation, Xiaoya couldn't help but feel a bit moved. In her mind, Jingyan was always a man of few words, but when it came to Shu Ann, he seemed to say more in that moment than he had to her all month. Truly liking someone meant not tolerating even the slightest negative word about them, being meticulous about every detail—it was indeed different.

Even though Xiaoya knew Jingyan didn't have any feelings for her, his words still stirred something within her. She said, "Hearing you say that, it makes sense. I apologize for my earlier careless words."

As she spoke, Xiaoya raised her glass of red wine, gave it a little shake towards Jingyan, and said, "This drink is my apology." She then downed the wine in one go, showing him the empty glass, and added, "I finished mine, feel free to do as you like."

Jingyan, being a gentleman, wasn't going to hold a grudge. He also downed his glass of wine, accepting Xiaoya's apology.

As the wine touched Jingyan's lips, his graceful neck arched slightly, resembling a finely sculpted statue with perfect proportions. His manner of drinking was elegant and refined, even when he finished it in one go, unlike the rough manner of those at a roadside diner.

Jingyan's presence in the sophisticated restaurant was a perfect match, enhancing the ambiance.

Lih Jingyan set down his wine glass, intrigued. "How did you figure it out?"

Fu Xiaoya knew exactly what Jingyan was asking, but she feigned ignorance. "Figure out what?"

Jingyan had no choice but to be direct. "That I like Shu Ann."

Hearing this, Shu Ann felt a twinge of sadness. Not only did he not like her, but he also asked such questions. She replied helplessly, "Maybe it's a woman's intuition. You know, a woman's sixth sense is usually spot on."

Jingyan chuckled at this. "If a woman's sixth sense is so accurate, how come Shu Ann hasn't sensed it?" he thought to himself, finding Shu Ann adorably clueless.

Xiaoya mused, "How would I know about your situation? You avoid me like the plague, and now you're asking me for relationship advice." She decided to brush off Jingyan's inquiry with a common saying, "Maybe it's just a case of 'can't see the forest for the trees.'"

The conversation hit a lull, and Jingyan and Xiaoya turned their attention to their meals, the atmosphere turning a bit silent and awkward.

Jingyan reflected that dining with someone you like makes even plain water taste sweet, and you wish time would stop so you could sit there forever. But dining with someone you don't care for makes even the most delicious food hard to swallow, with awkwardness making you uncomfortable.

With these thoughts, Jingyan put down his fork and knife, feeling the urge to end this tasteless dinner. He asked Xiaoya, "Are you full?" hinting that he was ready to settle the bill.

Xiaoya dabbed her mouth with a napkin, straightened her posture with grace, and nodded. "I was the one who called you out, so I'll take care of the bill."

"No need," Jingyan said, signaling for the waiter. He pulled out a black card from his Gucci wallet and told the waiter, "Charge it to this."

He looked at Xiaoya and said, "I've never been one to let a lady pick up the tab."

After paying, they left the restaurant as night fell. The city lights flickered on, and the streets were bustling with traffic.

Jingyan went to the parking lot to get his car, embodying the spirit of a gentleman, and asked Xiaoya, "Where to? Want a ride?"

Xiaoya brushed her wind-tousled hair back with her fingers and pointed to a nearby car. "Thanks for the offer, but I drove here too."

"Alright then," Jingyan replied, not eager to prolong the interaction. He turned on his heel, heading to his car, calling over his shoulder, "I'll be off then. Drive safe."

Xiaoya stood there, watching Jingyan's confident, model-like stride. He turned away without hesitation, just as he always did with her. To Xiaoya, it felt cold, much like the aloof demeanor he often showed her. It was no surprise she had once found herself drawn to such a charismatic man.

The most beautiful love is when I love you, and you happen to love me back.

Xiaoya realized she needed to pull herself out of this emotional quagmire before she got in too deep. Her pride wouldn't allow her to cling to a man with such a cold heart, nor would her self-respect and moral compass let her interfere in someone else's relationship.

She knew it was time to bring this chapter to a close.

"Jingyan!" she called out just as his hand was about to touch the car door handle. Her voice echoed slightly in the empty parking lot.

"What is it?" Jingyan asked, his tone seemingly indifferent, without turning around.

Fu Xiaoya took a deep breath, calming herself before speaking. "I know your grandfather wants us to be together."

"So what?" Lih Jingyan immediately retorted, his voice as cold as a winter wind carrying snowflakes. "What difference does it make if he wants us together? As long as I don't want it, that's all that matters. No one should think they can force me, Lih Jingyan, to do something I don't want to do. Is Fu Xiaoya trying to use the old man to threaten me? That's just plain foolish."

Fu Xiaoya forced herself not to care about Jingyan's tone and continued, "Even though your grandfather wants us together, this isn't the old days where parents dictate our lives. Relationships should be mutual; you can't force them. You don't want this, and frankly, neither do I."

Hearing Xiaoya say she wasn't interested either, Jingyan felt a bit relieved. While he could refuse to do things he didn't want to, it could sometimes be a hassle. If there's a shortcut, why take the long way? Still, he worried Xiaoya might be trying to lull him into a false sense of security, so he said, "That's for the best. I hope you remember every word you just said."

Xiaoya understood Jingyan was warning her not to try anything sneaky and promised, "Don't worry. Since I know you like Shu Ann, I won't interfere with your relationship with her. I'm not that kind of person, and I wouldn't do that."

Jingyan felt completely at ease after hearing Xiaoya's assurance. Although she wasn't much of a challenge for him, having this obstacle willingly step aside made his path to love seem even clearer.

Seeing Jingyan remain silent, Xiaoya thought he might still be unsatisfied with her response and added, "Shu Ann is a great girl. I hope you win her over soon. I wish you both a smooth journey in love, a deep connection, and a long, happy life together."

Lih Jingyan heard this and a subtle, genuine smile appeared on his lips. He said to Xiaoya, "I appreciate the good wishes, thanks in advance."

With that, he opened the car door and slid into the driver's seat. As the car drove past Xiaoya, Jingyan did something unusual—he waved at her.

Jingyan's car merged into the bustling traffic, and he was in high spirits. It felt as if he hadn't just had lunch with Xiaoya, someone he used to avoid, but rather had closed a multi-million-dollar deal with a tough client. Everything seemed to be going his way. Even when he was stuck in traffic for half an hour on the way back to the office, Jingyan remained calm and patient, showing no signs of frustration.