After leaving the cinema, Xu Qingqing's eyes were brimming with tears, and the tip of her nose was flushed red.
If she hadn't seen the internal screening before, if she didn't know that the main couple ultimately overcame their difficulties to be together, and if she hadn't held that expectation in her heart, perhaps she wouldn't find this ending so hard to accept now.
But Xu Qingqing had clearly seen a completely different, happy ending. Now, the director had played dirty, editing the male and female leads into complete strangers, essentially creating another version.
Xu Qingqing felt utterly deceived! This was fraud by the director!
The wounded Xu Qingqing, clinging to Xie Lianqing's arm, spent the whole journey telling him about the different scenes she had seen before, cursing the screenwriter and saying she would send them hate mail.
Xie Lianqing silently handed her tissues, listening to her ramblings with gentle patience.
After complaining for a long while, Xu Qingqing slowly added, "Let's come watch it again tomorrow."
Even though the ending was changed, she still loved this movie very much. Moreover, with the altered ending, the couple's feelings and regrets became even more poignant. If there had been enough time, Xu Qingqing would have even wanted to drag Xie Lianqing in for another viewing right then.
However, even if Xu Qingqing wanted to, Xie Lianqing wouldn't dare agree to this request from his demanding lady. Her eyes were already red and puffy; letting her cry another round would surely leave her eyes swollen tonight, and the proposal would be out of the question.
The original plan for Xu Qingqing and Xie Lianqing was to watch the movie, then go to a restaurant for dinner, followed by a visit to a jazz bar.
But now, dejected by the movie's ending, she had lost all interest. She just wanted to hurry back to the hotel to cry her heart out while editing posts on Weibo and Instagram to curse the screenwriter.
Yet, Xie Lianqing held her back and said gently, "It's still early. Shall we have dinner before going back? Are you hungry?" He subtly shifted Xu Qingqing's attention away from the movie.
Reminded by him, Xu Qingqing quickly realized she hadn't had dinner yet and suddenly felt quite hungry. After some thought, she agreed that Xie Lianqing had a point; she needed to eat to have the energy to properly curse out the screenwriter.
Seeing Xu Qingqing agree, Xie Lianqing secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
He took Xu Qingqing to the restaurant they had reserved earlier. Los Angeles traffic was congested at night. During the wait in the car, Xie Lianqing rested one hand on the window, his fingers tapping the steering wheel absently, his expression calm and eyes lowered, lost in thought.
Xu Qingqing, still immersed in the movie, continued chattering and complaining, thus failing to notice Xie Lianqing's unusual demeanor.
It wasn't until they arrived at the restaurant that the wave of sadness in Xu Qingqing's heart subsided a little. Tonight's restaurant was as elegantly cozy as ever, a place Xu Qingqing loved and visited every time she vacationed in this city.
Because she had just been crying, while Xie Lianqing went in to order, Xu Qingqing specifically went to the restroom to freshen up and compose herself.
Thus, she arrived slightly later than Xie Lianqing. As Xu Qingqing pushed open the restaurant door, she suddenly had a subtle feeling that something was off, as if someone was watching her.
Xu Qingqing distinctly remembered this restaurant was very famous and usually packed with diners. But for some reason, there weren't many guests dining tonight.
While handing her coat to the attendant, Xu Qingqing couldn't help but glance around suspiciously, only to find everyone eating and conversing normally, with no one particularly looking at her.
Xu Qingqing decided she was overthinking it. She dismissed the strange thought, took a slight breath to calm herself, put on a poised and beautiful smile, and walked towards Xie Lianqing.
Xu Qingqing looked exceptionally beautiful today. Having taken off her overcoat, she wore a blue backless halter-neck maxi dress, with black high heels revealing her perfect instep.
She had her hair up in a rare updo, a diamond hair clip sparkling under the crystal lights, a large light blue bow tied at the end, with strands of hair falling on either side of her delicate collarbones.
She was so stunning, appearing abruptly in this restaurant, under the warm, dim lighting like a beautiful blue rose in full bloom, radiant and dazzling, instantly capturing everyone's attention.
Holding a small clutch, Xu Qingqing walked gracefully towards the inner seats. With each step, the hem of her dress swayed and rippled like blooming flowers.
Reaching Xie Lianqing, Xu Qingqing sat down with poised elegance. Her fair hand lightly picked up the wine glass on the table, shielding the side of her face.
Leaning on the table with one hand, she inclined her body towards Xie Lianqing and whispered excitedly in a proud and triumphant tone, "Senior Xie, everyone is looking at us!"
Xie Lianqing's gaze had been fixed on her the entire time, his eyes tender and lingering. Looking at the excited, proud girl before him, her self-satisfied tone seemed utterly adorable at this moment.
Xie Lianqing looked at Xu Qingqing and said softly, "Yes."
She was so dazzling, like a shining pearl, stealing everyone's attention the moment she appeared.
Who wouldn't look at her? Who wouldn't desire to possess her?
Xie Lianqing's gaze was profound, unblinkingly fixed on the girl before him, his heart overflowing with tenderness at this moment.
Hearing Xie Lianqing's affirmative answer, Xu Qingqing immediately lifted her head, covering her mouth proudly. "With such a beautiful and outstanding girlfriend, you must be very proud, right?"
"Of course. You are my honor," Xie Lianqing replied, gazing at her without blinking.
When she walked towards him just now, who knew how many people envied him for being fortunate enough to receive this pearl's favor.
Xie Lianqing's gaze was deeply affectionate, lingering boundlessly.
Xu Qingqing, however, didn't notice at all. She took a leisurely sip of wine, stuck out her tongue playfully, her expression charming and triumphant.
Xie Lianqing had originally planned to wait until after their meal to begin, but now, looking at the breathtakingly beautiful Xu Qingqing, his heart stirred.
He smiled and said to Xu Qingqing, "So, the beautiful Miss Xu, please allow me to request a song for you."
Xu Qingqing didn't object, looking rather pleased. "Alright."
Her attitude towards this gentleman's attentiveness was open and generous, without a trace of shyness, as if it were the most natural thing. Because she could effortlessly captivate people and was long accustomed to others' admiration.
And she truly deserved it.
Xie Lianqing beckoned a waiter, whispered a few words to him. The waiter quickly nodded, and soon the violinist began to play.
However, it was different from what Xu Qingqing imagined. The violinist finished a piece but did not leave.
Just as she was puzzled, Xie Lianqing stood up and took the violin handed to him by the waiter.
Xu Qingqing covered her mouth.
Many people knew Xie Lianqing was excellent at the piano, but only those closest to him knew his true expertise lay in the violin.
The prelude of "Salut d'Amour," a famous proposal piece, began. Smooth music flowed from the strings. Outside, helicopters appeared, and the sky showered down countless flower petals.
Xu Qingqing suddenly realized what was happening!!!
At this moment, all the surrounding customers had stopped dining, smiling as they looked at them. There was even a camera in the corner.
Oh my god! No way?!!
Xu Qingqing's eyes widened, her expression one of disbelief, utterly stunned where she stood!!
As Xie Lianqing's performance ended, the restaurant fell completely silent. Servants came forward one by one, each holding a different bouquet, from Xu Qingqing's favorite tulips to the roses she adored... every flower was fresh and vibrant, each bunch adorned with a thoughtful card.
Xu Qingqing received the first bouquet and picked up the top card, which read—"To my love."
Xu Qingqing covered her mouth. She could no longer hold back and stood up.
Oh my god!!!
From the moment Xie Lianqing stopped playing, during the wait as the attendants delivered the flowers, the guests left one by one in an orderly fashion. The place had long been reserved by Xie Lianqing.
He stepped forward, took her hand, his gaze tender and lingering, and said softly, "I don't want you to regret it in the future, and I won't let you regret it."
Xie Lianqing's gaze was deep with affection, filled with love. He had been waiting for this moment for a very long time.
In many, many proposal scenes, there are always crowds of onlookers. Whether they are unrelated passersby or close friends and family, those voices of blessing and encouraging cheers inevitably influence the emotions and decisions of the people involved to some degree.
Yet at this moment, the restaurant was extremely quiet, with starlight twinkling outside the window.
Xie Lianqing looked at Xu Qingqing and said, "I don't want the voices of bystanders to influence your decision. I hope that long from now, when you recall the decision you make here, it will be entirely your own, unaffected by anything else."
He is so good.
He is so very good.
He could have pressured her, but he didn't.
Xu Qingqing, holding many, many flowers, stared at him in a daze.
Only now did she realize that it seemed she had been with Xie Lianqing for a very, very long time. Longer than all the time she had spent with her other boyfriends combined.
Did she not like Xie Lianqing? Of course she did.
This was her favorite restaurant. She had just watched one of her favorite movies and was surrounded by her favorite flowers. If she just nodded, she could have everything immediately.
If it were before, Xu Qingqing probably would have said yes.
Although she hadn't thought about marrying so early, today's proposal was the epitome of romance and luxury, fulfilling all her fantasies and vanity. If she were to agree, Xu Qingqing could almost imagine how she would later boast about it to her superficial friends.
But when she thought of her own death in the original book, all her passion and excitement faded away.
She looked at Xie Lianqing—gentle, chivalrous, capable of anything, tolerating all her willfulness.
Holding the flowers, Xu Qingqing asked somewhat at a loss, "Do we have to get engaged?"
"Of course," Xie Lianqing said softly, looking at Xu Qingqing.
He is so clever.
With just one gesture or look from Xu Qingqing, he could guess her decision. He would not allow her to retreat any further. If Xu Qingqing didn't want to accept his proposal today, that was completely fine.
But there needed to be a timeframe, a deadline. He could not allow her to keep retreating forever.
If Xu Qingqing wasn't ready, he could give her time to prepare. But he could not tolerate her constantly avoiding making any plans for their future.
Xie Lianqing looked at her seriously, somewhat disappointed. "Have you never considered it?"
"Alright." Xu Qingqing understood the implication in Xie Lianqing's words, and she also saw the confusion and perplexity in his eyes.
She was never stupid. She was just rather self-centered and spoiled, habitually avoiding deep thought.
Their dialogue was so brief, yet they both understood the deeper meaning in each other's words. In an instant, Xu Qingqing felt utterly ashamed. She knew Xie Lianqing was right.
She couldn't keep avoiding this forever, being stingy with giving him a promise. The problem was right here; it wouldn't disappear just because she refused to think about it or find a solution.
Xu Qingqing took a deep breath. She suddenly understood what she needed to do.
Standing there, holding those flowers, she didn't dare to look into Xie Lianqing's eyes. Flustered, she slowly said, "Alright, I will consider it."
Xu Qingqing began to rise and step back. She slowly put down the bouquet, her movements reluctant.
For some reason, as her fingers withdrew from the flowers, among the many, many blossoms, she pulled out a single blue bellflower.
Holding that flower, she nodded to Xie Lianqing and said softly, "Sorry, I think I need to go to the restroom."
Xie Lianqing now fully understood her feelings. His expression was cold, lost in thought.
Xu Qingqing stepped back. Her initial steps were very slow, as if testing the waters. She didn't know why she was walking so slowly, perhaps vaguely aware that she was waiting for him to say something.
She also didn't know what she wanted Xie Lianqing to say—to ask her to stay or to say it was okay.
In that second, Xie Lianqing silently watched her. Finally, he sighed, as if yielding.
His lips moved, he opened his mouth to speak.
But Xu Qingqing seemed scalded. Without waiting for Xie Lianqing to speak, she quickly walked backwards.
Then she ran!!
She didn't take her coat or her bag. This coward bought a plane ticket by herself, preparing to fly back to China overnight.
Xie Lianqing found Xu Qingqing at the airport.
He didn't know how many places he had gone to tonight, how many people he had asked, how many phone calls he had made. The night temperature was very low, yet sweat beaded on Xie Lianqing's forehead, dampening his hair.
When he found Xu Qingqing, she was sitting on a chair in the airport, holding that blue bellflower in a daze, lost in who knows what thoughts.
He let out a deep sigh of relief; his heart, which had been in his throat all night, could finally settle. Rubbing his temples, he slowly walked over and looked down at Xu Qingqing in the chair. "You said you were going to the restroom?"
He was almost laughing in exasperation.
In fact, as he said this, Xie Lianqing did indeed laugh.
How long had he been looking for Xu Qingqing tonight!
He was afraid something had happened to her, worried that she might be stopped or get lost in this unfamiliar place. She hadn't brought a coat or her wallet. If some emergency occurred, she might not even be able to contact him.
And instead, she had quietly bought a ticket, run to the airport, and prepared to go home overnight?
Even someone as steady and composed as Xie Lianqing couldn't help but find this absurd and unbelievable at this moment.
He had just proposed, and it was just an engagement! Was it really that bad?
Xu Qingqing, a troublemaker who could stir up heaven and earth, didn't even have the guts to refuse his proposal and was so frightened she ran away in the middle of it.
Xie Lianqing completely failed to understand and even felt like he was dreaming.
Xu Qingqing's eyes darted around, not daring to look at him. "Uh, the airport restroom?"
Xie Lianqing had been searching for her for a long time. In the snowy weather, his forehead was still sweaty, his black hair damp with perspiration.
He looked at Xu Qingqing and asked, "Why run? What are you afraid of?"
Xu Qingqing, who dared to cause trouble at other people's weddings, who seemed capable of anything, who could stir up heaven and earth, had been scared off by his proposal and tried to flee back to China overnight with nothing.
Xie Lianqing was both exasperated and amused. He tried to reason with her, saying, "Xu Qingqing, don't be afraid. If you don't agree, I won't do anything to you."
He paused for a moment, then continued slowly, "I just hope you can see our future and realize that I should be in it?"
His last sentence was a question, his wording so humble when he said "should."
Xu Qingqing felt even sadder in that instant.
Because she really had seen their future, and not just once.
Xu Qingqing looked up, her gaze full of grievance as she met Xie Lianqing's eyes, her expression seeming to say, "I saw it. You were there, but we really don't end up well."
Xie Lianqing almost choked on his anger for a second.
He laughed in frustration, raising an eyebrow. "Oh? Such as? We get divorced?"
Xu Qingqing shrank her neck, her voice weak. "Not that."
They hadn't even had their wedding yet; at most, Xie Lianqing would be a widower.
Xie Lianqing needed an answer. "So what did you see?"
Annoyed by his questioning, Xu Qingqing blurted out angrily, "Like... I die, and you..."
Before she could finish, a thunderclap suddenly boomed out of nowhere outside the airport. Xu Qingqing was startled, jumping like a frightened little animal. Her words instantly veered off course, stumbling out as, "You... you remarry?"
After a brief silence.
Xie Lianqing stared at her expressionlessly and asked, "Do you think that's funny?"
Lightning flashed outside the airport as an announcement informed of flight delays. Xu Qingqing cautiously glanced at the sky outside the window and said, "Funny?"
Xie Lianqing was incredulous, utterly at a loss with her.
He hadn't expected Xu Qingqing to react so violently. Those in the know would understand it was just a proposal, but anyone seeing Xu Qingqing's state of fleeing overnight might suspect he was trying to assassinate her.
Though for Xu Qingqing, a proposal and an assassination attempt weren't that different.
His dark eyes focused intently on Xu Qingqing, as if she were the only person in them. He tried to calm himself, saying, "I believe you are wonderful. If there is anything unsatisfactory between us, it must be my problem."
He was certain he should, and could, take responsibility for Xu Qingqing. This was his decision from the start, the outcome he had envisioned before returning home.
From the beginning until now, Xu Qingqing had been evading. She fled from the restaurant, and now, found by Xie Lianqing, she still didn't dare meet his eyes, her tone evasive as she rambled.
But after hearing Xie Lianqing's words, she suddenly settled down.
She stood up and said, "You're wrong. It's not your problem; it's mine."
"I won't consider marriage, and I won't marry you. I can't tell you the reason, but that's how it is. It's not that I'm not ready; it's that I won't."
Xu Qingqing's tone shifted from confusion to resolve. She silently tightened her grip on the bellflower in her hand, thinking to herself, "I can't."
"I'm sorry," she said, looking at Xie Lianqing. "Xie Lianqing, let's break up. This time I'm serious. You've always been wonderful; it's me who's sorry."
Xu Qingqing prepared to enter the departure lounge. She took her wallet and coat from Xie Lianqing's hand. His face was dark, lost in thought.
He wouldn't let go, so Xu Qingqing used a bit of force. Throughout this, neither of them said another word.
Finally, Xu Qingqing stared at him and said, "Give it to me."
Xie Lianqing gazed into her eyes and gradually began to relent.
It suddenly occurred to him that in front of Xu Qingqing, he was always the one relenting.
Xie Lianqing released his hand and laughed, "Fine, fine. You go first. I'll contact you again."
He took a breath, his voice calm once more. "Let's both cool off for a while."
He understood Xu Qingqing, so he knew she meant it.
Xu Qingqing left. Xie Lianqing put his hands in his pockets, quietly watching her retreating figure. Before Xu Qingqing had completely entered the lounge, Xie Lianqing turned and walked away first.
He didn't speak, didn't argue during this; only disbelief remained in his heart.
Why had they come to this?
Was it because he proposed too soon? Or were the flowers not fresh enough today? Or perhaps the ring wasn't satisfactory?
Where exactly did it go wrong?
Just a moment ago they were laughing, kissing, and now they were so far apart, and might grow even farther.
Xie Lianqing needed some time to think it all through.
However, Xu Qingqing wouldn't give him that chance.
As soon as she boarded the plane, she blocked all of Xie Lianqing's contact methods. Unfollowed on Weibo, deleted from games—she did it all without hesitation.
While doing these things, she thought somewhat dejectedly that it was her fault.
If she had known what would happen later, she would have broken up with Xie Lianqing the first time she dreamed of the future.
Back then, Xu Qingqing had just started dating Xie Lianqing; it would have been the perfect time to extricate herself. After breaking up, she wouldn't have lingered or regretted it. Xie Lianqing would have become like all her other ex-boyfriends she'd dumped, fading from her memory into a blurry shadow.
Yet, thinking herself clever, and worried that Xie Lianqing would end up with Bai Youlan after their breakup, she had secretly kept postponing the split... until now.
Xu Qingqing closed her eyes and slept. When she woke up, her eyes were a bit red. Turning to look out the window, she found they had passed through the darkness, and beyond the clouds, there was actually a sunrise.
A new day had begun; yesterday was left behind.
She thought for a moment, took a picture of the sky outside the window, and posted it on her social media feed—a rare moment of being poetic.
Zhou Chenyu commented below: "Not on vacation with CEO Xie?"
She announced to the world: "We broke up."
Xu Qingqing's post spread quickly. Almost all her friends and classmates could see it. Instantly, everyone's gossip desires were ignited.
Xu Qingqing was practically a household name at University A, thanks to her talent for stirring up drama and the speed and reasons with which she dumped her boyfriends.
When everyone first learned Xu Qingqing was with Xie Lianqing, given her track record, most people on the university forum were guessing what bizarre reason Xie Lianqing would eventually be dumped for.
People even placed bets on when the two would finally break up. Some bet a week, some three days...
Yet these two bickered and quarreled, dating for a whole year. Every day seemed like they were on the verge of breaking up, but the next day, they still hadn't. Then they inexplicably went viral, becoming a national couple with a bunch of shippers.
Insiders from their circles reported that the Xie and Xu families had already discussed a marriage alliance, so Xu Qingqing and Xie Lianqing were probably headed for marriage.
Just as everyone had accepted this and started looking for sweet moments to ship the couple... Xu Qingqing and Xie Lianqing actually broke up!!!
