Not only was the alumni forum of A University abuzz, but Weibo was also in an uproar.
A mutual friend of Xu Qingqing and Zhou Chenyu had screenshotted their Moments and posted it online—"Breaking news!! Miss Xu and President Xie have broken up!"
This message was initially universally denounced as rumor-mongering and defamation, with Xu Qingqing's fans warning the poster to brace for a lawyer's letter.
Given the recent events, the popularity of Xu Qingqing and Xie Lianqing's relationship was at an all-time high, with countless people hoping they would stay together. In this climate, the person who posted the news was severely criticized.
That person had only intended to share the news online, never expecting to be verbally torn apart like this. In a panic, they posted screenshots of their chat windows with both Zhou Chenyu and Xu Qingqing, proving they were indeed a mutual friend.
When people checked their Weibo verification, they pieced together clues suggesting this person was also from a wealthy family, seemingly truly part of Xu Qingqing's social circle.
For a moment, everyone was stunned.
—"Holy crap? Whose world just collapsed upon waking up? Mine?!"
—"It can't be! A friend of mine who works at Xie's Group told me just two days ago that President Xie took Miss Xu on a trip, saying a happy event was likely imminent."
— "I just got into this ship! And it's already a BE (Bad Ending)? Who was it that dragged me into this pit (the fandom/ship), swearing up and down this couple would absolutely never break up??"
—"Help, I'm already starting to cry."
—"Why did they break up? Could it be the young lady throwing a tantrum? I went to check the A University forum; they say the young lady often broke up with President Xie back in their school days."
Soon, a flood of people rushed to Xu Qingqing's Weibo, curiously asking for reasons, while others left comments hoping it was just angry words or a hoax.
—"Why the breakup? Did President Xie do something bad?"
—"Don't break up! President Xie even acted in that ridiculously cheesy movie for you; you have to take responsibility for him!"
—"I don't believe in love anymore..."
Due to the time difference, Xie Lianqing found out about all this the next day after waking up.
After sending Xu Qingqing off that night, he spent a long time at home pondering their relationship and the things she had said.
Every word, every expression from the restaurant to the airport.
He replayed them countless times in his mind, analyzing and rehearsing. He wanted to understand why Xu Qingqing had suddenly turned on him, why she had said those things.
He didn't understand.
In this love, Xie Lianqing felt he had walked ninety-nine steps, yet Xu Qingqing wasn't even willing to take the final step, unwilling to accept his proposal.
All their friends knew how much he loved her. She only needed to stand there, give a reserved nod, extend her finger—she didn't need to do anything else.
And then Xu Qingqing would probably be holding up her phone, snapping pictures everywhere. Xie Lianqing could almost picture what she would do: she’d post them on Moments, slyly tagging her "plastic sisters" (fake, fair‑weather friends) to show off, listening to all sorts of flattery and boasts from others...
Xie Lianqing had foreseen it all; he knew exactly what kind of person Xu Qingqing was.
She was beautiful, vain, self-centered, a princess through and through.
But before today, Xie Lianqing had genuinely wanted her to be his princess for a lifetime.
He couldn't even comprehend why she would treat him this way. Was it because he wasn't good enough?
No. On the contrary, it was because he had given too much.
Xie Lianqing knew all too well that Xu Qingqing's words today were serious. She was unprecedentedly resolute. He rarely saw her so earnest, never expecting to witness it under these circumstances.
What he needed to determine now was whether Xu Qingqing, like her aunt, was a non-marriage believer, or simply unwilling to marry him.
This was crucial to Xie Lianqing.
If it were the former, he would find it hard to believe but could somewhat understand it, even if only a little. But if it were the latter, he felt he might need some alcohol and nicotine to do his best to maintain his last shred of composure.
Fortunately, however, recalling everything Xu Qingqing had said, Xie Lianqing could infer it was likely the former.
But regardless of which possibility it was, he needed to reconsider and redefine his relationship with Xu Qingqing.
If Xu Qingqing didn't want to marry, he certainly couldn't force her to get a marriage certificate. So, should they break up or continue together?
Xie Lianqing hadn't decided which to choose—whether to agree to Xu Qingqing's request and wait for her to change her mind, or to uphold his own dignity and separate for a cooling-off period.
Years ago, Xie Lianqing had chosen the latter. Upon returning, he had vowed he wouldn't regret it and would never let go.
Yet, in just a short year, he found himself facing the same dilemma again.
In love, someone has to make an effort. Onlookers clearly told him that if Xu Qingqing never changed her self-centered nature, he would grow weary of the relationship.
Xie Lianqing hadn't cared before; he believed he could handle it.
But now he was truly feeling somewhat tired.
However, while Xie Lianqing was still torn over whether to continue with Xu Qingqing, he soon discovered she had already made the decision for him.
He woke up from sleep to learn from other friends that he had been broken up with.
What was this? Being dumped?
He had only agreed to take some time to cool off, but in Xu Qingqing's eyes, it had turned into a breakup.
Xie Lianqing almost laughed in bitter anger. He sent messages and called Xu Qingqing—all to no avail, like a stone sinking into the sea. She had even blocked him on Alipay.
For once, she was being remarkably clever, and it was to sever all ties with him.
Xie Lianqing tossed his phone aside, lay on the bed, and pinched the bridge of his nose.
Finally, hardening his heart, he borrowed his assistant's phone and sent Xu Qingqing one last message: "I agree."
Even if he was the one being dumped, there should be some sense of ceremony, right? If only as the last shred of agency and dignity he could claim for himself.
Lying in bed alone, Xie Lianqing stared blankly at the ceiling.
He thought, Xu Qingqing, if you don't hold me in your heart, why should I accommodate you? It wasn't as if he didn't have other options.
...
When Xu Qingqing returned to the Xu family home, her grandparents were waiting for her. They had probably already learned about it from WeChat Moments, but still clung to a sliver of hope. However, when they saw their granddaughter come home overnight without any luggage, Chairman Xu and his wife had already guessed the outcome.
Xie Lianqing's proposal to Xu Qingqing had, of course, received the support of the Xu family, though everyone had kept it a secret from Xu Qingqing.
It was supposed to be a surprise; who would have thought it would end like this.
Xu Qingqing also hadn't expected her long-anticipated vacation to end this way. The only thing she felt grateful for now was that the restaurant was abroad, where no one knew them. If it had been in their home country, they'd probably already be headline news by now.
Seeing her grandparents, Xu Qingqing walked straight upstairs without a word. Entering her room, she kicked off her shoes, got into bed, and slept like a log until dinnertime.
Only when it was time for dinner did Xu Qingqing come downstairs, rubbing her hair.
She sat at the dining table, silent, her face dark. Grandpa Xu and Grandma Xu watched her cautiously, wanting to speak but hesitating, guessing in their hearts what had happened, why their granddaughter wore such an expression...
After finishing her meal, Xu Qingqing put down her chopsticks. With a calm expression, she said, "Xie Lianqing proposed, but I refused."
Grandpa and Grandma Xu both drew in a sharp breath simultaneously.
Xu Qingqing continued, "I blocked him. We've broken up."
She wiped her fingers, looked up at her grandparents across the table, and asked coolly, "Do you have any questions?"
Grandpa Xu immediately wanted to say something, but Grandma Xu gave his arm a sharp elbow jab. He immediately wore a pained expression, clutching his arm and unable to speak.
Grandma Xu didn't even glance at her husband. She looked at Xu Qingqing carefully, using a tone meant to coax a child, and said softly, "What's wrong with Qingqing lately? Feeling unhappy?"
Xu Qingqing said expressionlessly, "I don't want to get married."
Clutching his arm, Grandpa Xu couldn't help but interject, "Lianqing said this was just an engagement. The wedding would wait until after you graduate... If you're unwilling, the timing is negotiable." Why outright refuse?
He truly had high hopes for this pair. Chairman Xu had seen countless people over the years and could tell Xie Lianqing's feelings for his granddaughter were as good as they could possibly be.
Xu Qingqing let out a sigh. She knew she needed to give her grandparents an explanation—not the kind of spoiled, willful talk from her younger days, but a real reason they could believe and accept.
The Xie and Xu families had recently begun discussing cooperation, all because of her and Xie Lianqing. A marriage alliance was something both families would be delighted to see. With her suddenly announcing a breakup in this manner, Xu Qingqing had to give her elders an account.
She said slowly, "I know what you're thinking, Grandpa. I won't get married."
Grandpa Xu frowned, unable to believe it. "Everyone gets married when they reach the right age. If you don't marry young Xie, who do you want to... Wait, you're not thinking of following in Xu Youyue's footsteps, are you?!"
Xu Qingqing was silent for a moment, then said, "Maybe it will be anyone in the world someday, but it definitely won't be with Xie Lianqing."
She hadn't lived enough yet.
She had money, looks, and a loving family. It was completely impossible, and she absolutely would not, gamble on love.
In fact, after experiencing death twice in her dreams, Xu Qingqing now felt a certain aversion to the idea of marriage. She wouldn't marry Xie Lianqing, nor would she easily enter into another marriage.
She suddenly thought learning from her aunt might not be a bad idea.
"Ah?" The Xu family was shocked. It took them a long moment to process this.
After a long pause, Grandpa Xu took a deep breath. "You... you! This is just...!"
Xu Qingqing let out a breath and said resolutely, "Grandpa, Grandma, go ahead and hit me."
From childhood until now, the only time she'd ever been hit was when she secretly ate half a box of calcium tablets, and Grandma Xu had spanked her once after finding out.
Grandpa Xu was shaking with anger, repeating, "I won't hit you! I won't hit you!"
He fell silent. After a while, he started looking everywhere for his phone to call Xu Qing. "Call Xu Qing back! I... I'll beat her!! It's all her fault! My perfectly good granddaughter has been led astray!"
Young Xie was so good, and so good to Qingqing. If they missed out on this fool, could their granddaughter ever find someone this good again?
Xu Qingqing, who had been brave and composed just moments before, gasped in fright upon hearing this.
Her aunt had always been very good to her. She definitely couldn't throw her aunt under the bus at a time like this!
Seeing her grandpa really start making the call, Xu Qingqing had a sudden inspiration and shouted, "It's not Auntie! Actually... it's because of my dad and mom's relationship. It's made me lose hope in marriage."
Grandpa Xu held the phone, utterly bewildered, not yet understanding what she meant.
Xu Qingqing steeled her heart and said, "I don't want to get married. I think all the men in this world are scoundrels. Look at my dad and mom—they had great feelings for each other at first, but he still ended up having an affair later. I'm afraid I'll encounter something like that in the future."
Chairman Xu, who had presided over the Xu Group for decades, was utterly stunned. "How... how could it be like this? When did you start having these thoughts?"
He still couldn't understand. What did Xu Changshan have to do with Xie Lianqing? Why would Qingqing refuse young Xie's proposal because of Xu Changshan, and even say she'd never get married...
It was Grandma Xu beside him who reacted first. She slapped her thigh and cried out in anguish, "I understand! It's that thing online, the shadow of the family! That damned Xu Changshan! He's harmed my granddaughter!!"
That day, the Xu household was thrown into complete chaos.
Xu Changshan was berated for hours over the phone by Chairman Xu and his wife. The old master even went to the Xu residence with a cane to beat him, causing Xu Changshan, a man in his forties or fifties, to run around the house hiding from the blows. He took several hits without even understanding why he was being beaten.
Xu Qingqing was well aware of all this but didn't pay it much mind. In fact, after saying those words to her grandparents, she immediately felt much lighter and better.
She didn't feel guilty at all because, in a way, what she said was the truth.
Xu Changshan and her mother's affair was an indelible memory for Xu Qingqing.
When Bai Yaxiu and Xu Changshan got together, Xu Qingqing was already seven years old.
From the time she could remember, she knew her parents were deeply in love and sweet with each other. Every weekend, their family of three would go out on trips. Her parents would take her to the amusement park, and the family would go to farm stays to pick strawberries. Occasionally, her parents would leave her with her grandparents and go off on their own for a couple's getaway.
Her home had a beautiful garden where her mother planted many flowers and tended to it meticulously. Although her father was very busy, he would still make time to attend school events.
In short, at that time, Xu Qingqing had an incredibly perfect family. In her free time, her mother often told her stories about her past with Xu Changshan.
Xu Qingqing grew up listening to the love story of Lin Jiangxue and Xu Changshan.
Xu Qingqing had once heard her mother say that Xu Changshan had fought for her, stood up for her, chased away bullies—just like the plots in all those romantic campus dramas. Moreover, they were childhood sweethearts.
Xu Changshan and Lin Jiangxue's feelings for each other in the past were truly very good. Otherwise, Lin Jiangxue wouldn't have kept waiting even after being betrayed.
Xu Qingqing still remembered later, after Xu Changshan got together with Bai Yaxiu, every time he came home, he would argue with Lin Jiangxue, trying to get her to agree to a divorce.
The young Xu Qingqing hid in her room, hearing Xu Changshan say to her mother, "Jiangxue, let's part on good terms. I really don't love you anymore."
Through the crack in the door, she saw her mother stubbornly blocking the main entrance, her eyes brimming with tears.
She was such a gentle person, yet she stood firm, not letting Xu Changshan leave, stubbornly asking, "You love her now? You used to say you'd love me forever. Were you lying to me?"
"I was wrong. I didn't know I would meet her. If I had known, I wouldn't have been with you. It's my fault. It was true that I loved you once. How could I not have loved you after being together for decades? But it's also true that I don't love you anymore. I can't help it."
As he spoke, Xu Changshan also began to cry.
Xu Qingqing watched her mother break down, who said in despair, "I can agree to divorce you, but you must not be with her. Love someone else, anyone else, but not her."
She could let Xu Changshan go, but she absolutely could not bear to watch him be with the friend who had betrayed her. To her, that would be too cruel, as if everyone was laughing at her.
...
Both people in the living room were crying. Xu Qingqing hid behind the door, watching her father and mother.
It was as if she had forgotten these two weeping adults were her parents. From a child's perspective, she thought they looked so pitiful.
She thought, so love is such an illusory thing. When it comes, it's passionate and overwhelming; when it leaves, it's silent and unnoticed. Love could make her strong mother fragile, and make her tall, imposing father seem like a stranger.
Later, Xu Changshan never came back again, and even if he did, he no longer remembered the Lin Jiangxue who had once made him shed tears.
If it weren't for Xie Lianqing, Xu Qingqing would never have imagined she would one day enter into marriage with someone.
How could she guarantee the other person wouldn't be the next Xu Changshan?
Her mother and Xu Changshan had been childhood sweethearts for over a decade, and were still loving and sweet after marriage, yet it ended like this. What about the people she met?
Xu Qingqing had many relationships. She was like a queen, issuing commands in her romances, using her actions to test their sincerity. If the other person showed the slightest dissatisfaction, she would swiftly withdraw and move on to someone else.
Having experienced her parents' failed marriage, Xu Qingqing knew very well she had to guard her own heart, and absolutely not end up like her mother. Falling in love was too pitiful; the other person could simply stop loving, while she would be trapped there alone.
She thought her mother was very strong and brave. If she hadn't loved Xu Changshan, she wouldn't have suffered so much, nor would she have been so haunted by it.
Xie Lianqing was Xu Qingqing's first love. She had met him back in middle school. She initially intended to seek revenge, but after successfully pursuing him, she found herself reluctant to break up.
He was too good to her, always tolerant, accommodating everything about her. So she told herself she'd break up with him a little later, never expecting he would see through her scheme first and leave on his own.
Xu Qingqing was disappointed, but after being angry for a couple of days, she put the matter out of her mind.
She thought, men are indeed all scoundrels! Even that seemingly decent Xie Lianqing was the same. Thankfully, she hadn't fallen for his tricks yet!
Xu Qingqing felt relieved about this for a long time.
After breaking up with Xie Lianqing, the boys Xu Qingqing met were of varying quality, but none were as good as him. They were either arrogant and self-satisfied, or had impure intentions, or would eventually show impatience towards her. Even if someone was exceptionally perfect, Xu Qingqing still felt little interest.
Even when Xie Lianqing came back later, Xu Qingqing still hadn't changed her idea that all men were bad. She just agreed to his request to reconcile with a sense of revenge and smug satisfaction.
Xu Qingqing vowed to herself that after some time, she would finally carry out the revenge plan from her middle school days and dump Xie Lianqing!
So when she first dreamed of the original book's plot, she couldn't understand why she would ever agree to marry Xie Lianqing. Later, as the two slowly spent more time together, she gradually began to understand.
Xie Lianqing was too gentle. All of Xu Qingqing's dissatisfaction, willfulness, and petulance melted away in his presence.
If it weren't for that dream, Xu Qingqing might have truly accepted Xie Lianqing's proposal. No one knew that choosing to overcome her suspicions and step into marriage was the greatest effort she could make for a relationship.
...
At the Xu family home, Xu Qingqing lay by the window in a daze, her thoughts drifting far away.
Grandpa Xu and Grandma Xu stood in the living room, watching this scene, anxiously pacing around.
Grandpa Xu was so angry he took a deep breath and immediately said, "No, I have to call Xu Changshan again and give him a piece of my mind! That bastard has caused so much harm, so much harm!" He turned and headed upstairs.
Grandma Xu remained where she was, watching her granddaughter. After a while, she quietly walked over and handed Xu Qingqing a bowl of bird's nest soup that was just the right temperature.
As an observer, she saw clearly that her granddaughter was not without feelings for Xie Lianqing. Look how long she had been sitting here alone, lost in thought.
Grandma Xu absolutely could not bear to see her granddaughter troubled and unhappy. So she took the initiative to suggest, "Qingqing, dear, I think Xiao Xie also has genuine feelings for you. Even if you don't want to get married, if you talk to him properly, he might not necessarily refuse."
She said mysteriously, "Sometimes, acting a little spoiled is also a strategy, you know!"
Of course, this idea was rather shameless. If, between Xu Qingqing and Xie Lianqing, it was Xie Lianqing who didn't want to get married and only wanted to date, Grandma Xu would have already grabbed something to hit him with and marched over to his place by now.
But since the one being irresponsible and not giving commitment was Xu Qingqing, Grandma Xu unconditionally stood by her granddaughter! That's just how hypocritical people can be.
Grandma Xu became more and more convinced this could work, saying, "If you can't bear to let him go, why not contact him now? This fear of yours, maybe one day you'll overcome it. It's not impossible..."
She suddenly sighed and advised, "Qingqing, dear, you're still young. You don't know how rare it is to meet someone in this vast world who genuinely likes you, and whom you also like. Grandma doesn't mind if you don't want to get married. I'm nagging you like this now, annoying as it may be, only because I'm afraid you might regret it later."
Some people, once missed, can never be found again.
Xu Qingqing understood her grandmother meant well and didn't find her words annoying.
But the more her grandmother treated her like this, the more impossible it became for her to continue being with Xie Lianqing. If she died, how heartbroken would Grandpa and Grandma be?
Although she didn't know the fate of her grandparents in the book, she guessed they must have been very sad. Xu Qingqing believed her life was precious, not only because she wanted to live, but also because many people loved her.
Xu Qingqing took small sips of the bird's nest soup and muttered, "Grandma, please don't try to persuade me. I won't get back together with Xie Lianqing."
She understood better than Grandma Xu that even after she rejected his proposal, as long as she herself didn't want to break up, Xie Lianqing probably wouldn't let go.
Xie Lianqing had always been very good to her, patient and gracious. Even when she acted like a coward and ran away from the proposal scene, he still came looking for her. Even after she said such harsh things at the airport, he never uttered a single harsh word to her.
Xie Lianqing was so good. Good people deserve good rewards. Since she couldn't walk with him to the end, it was better not to hold him back.
So after thinking it over, Xu Qingqing decided to let him go.
Loving someone is hard. She hoped Xie Lianqing would free himself soon. And she had her own life and loved ones too.
"When love causes you pain, I'll bear the pain so you don't have to."
Xu Qingqing told Xie Lianqing they were breaking up at the airport, her tone serious and her expression earnest, but afterwards, she was too cowardly to see him again.
After all, Xie Lianqing was the male lead of this book, destined to become increasingly formidable in the future. Even as a bit of a drama queen, she knew her act of running away from their engagement had offended him deeply.
Under such circumstances, it was best she didn't prance around in front of Xie Lianqing. Although he appeared noble and graceful, who knew if he might suddenly, nursing a sense of injustice, want to take revenge or make trouble for her?
And since Xu Qingqing had already decided to break up, it was better to make a clean break.
So from that day on, Xu Qingqing holed up at home, afraid to go out and socialize, precisely to avoid running into Xie Lianqing. Even when he specifically came to the Xu family home looking for her after returning to the country, she immediately ran upstairs pretending she wasn't home.
To prevent Xie Lianqing from barging up, she even cleverly locked her door from the inside.
However, Xu Qingqing was overthinking it. Xie Lianqing, ever the gentleman, would never allow his upbringing to let him barge into someone's room, even shortly after being brutally left at the altar by his ex-girlfriend.
So he just stood outside Xu Qingqing's door for a while, and upon hearing the housekeeper say she wasn't home, he nodded and left.
Xu Qingqing hid behind the second-floor curtains, secretly watching Xie Lianqing's retreating figure. He was tall and slender, wearing a shirt with one sleeve rolled up, revealing a wristwatch on his fair wrist.
That watch was the one she had bought for him... Xu Qingqing's gaze involuntarily shifted to the ladies' wristwatch on her bedside table, a matching pair with Xie Lianqing's.
Xu Qingqing couldn't quite describe the emotion in her heart. She had thought he would take it off after they broke up.
Xie Lianqing's back was ramrod straight as he left, his legs long and straight, quickly departing from the front of the Xu residence. A black car was waiting for him outside. He paused for a moment after stopping by the car door.
Just as Xu Qingqing thought he was about to get in, he suddenly turned sideways, looking from afar towards her location.
Xu Qingqing was startled, immediately crouching down. When she cautiously raised her head again, he was already gone.
Xu Qingqing couldn't tell if she felt lost or melancholic.
Xie Lianqing was truly a wonderful boyfriend, handsome and gentle. If it weren't for all that messy business with the plot and the system, perhaps she wouldn't have acted this way either.
But her own life was more important. She comforted herself.
After wallowing in melancholy for a while, there was a knock on her door. The pastry chef had prepared her favorite desserts and drinks, notifying her to come down and taste them. Xu Qingqing exhaled, then broke into a smile with a cheer, immediately running downstairs.
Although her heart felt a bit empty and unsettled, regret was useless. Better to eat something delicious and make herself happy again!
At the same moment, in the car.
Xie Lianqing sat in the back seat, his eyes gazing at the scenery flying past outside the window, his expression calm, lost in thought.
The driver and secretary in the front didn't dare to breathe too loudly. The car's air conditioning wasn't set very low, yet the atmosphere was chillingly cold.
Secretary Zhang had accompanied President Xie throughout the entire process, even busily planning and arranging the proposal abroad. He had thought it would be a joyous occasion for all, never expecting the stroke of genius where the female lead ran away from the engagement!!
Escaping midway through the meal, running to the airport in her little evening gown to catch a flight back to the country overnight... President Xie and he had searched for most of the night.
Knowing all this, Secretary Zhang could only click his tongue inwardly and sigh, "That's so typical of you, Miss Xu!!"
Of course, in front of the foul-mood President Xie, he didn't dare say a word. Not only did everyone in the secretary's office who knew the inside story understand, but the entire company knew President Xie was in a bad mood. He had flown into a rage several times recently, making every executive delivering reports or documents tread on eggshells.
The only one who could push Xie Lianqing to this point was Xu Qingqing.
Xie Lianqing in the back seat didn't know what his subordinate was thinking. Recalling the dodging figure behind the curtains on the second floor of the Xu residence he saw as he was leaving, he couldn't help but give a mental scoff.
Perhaps feeling the air was a bit thin, he impatiently tugged at his tie with one hand. Only after loosening the first button of his shirt did he feel the air circulate better, allowing him to breathe slightly easier.
Xie Lianqing had never imagined he would break up with Xu Qingqing. From the moment he returned to the country and began his careful planning, he was convinced he and Xu Qingqing could go the distance.
From the incident until now, Xie Lianqing had replayed the experiences of the past few days countless times in his mind. From the gifts to the proposal, the movie, the walk, the restaurant, the music for the proposal...
He tried hard to find anything wrong, anything that would cause Xu Qingqing to refuse and run away.
That day, he let Xu Qingqing return to the country, his intention being, amidst his anger, to let them both cool off for a while, so he could continue to contemplate their future.
Yet Xu Qingqing unilaterally declared the end of their relationship, impatiently announcing it to the world on her social media. If it weren't for the fact that they had been kissing and embracing just days before, Xie Lianqing would have suspected she had been wanting to ditch him for a long time.
Finally calming down and settling his emotions, his visit today was precisely to have a proper talk with Xu Qingqing. Xie Lianqing always believed that relationships required honesty and communication.
Yet Xu Qingqing persistently refused to see him, not even giving him a chance to talk and communicate.
If she wouldn't even see him, how were they supposed to talk?
As a favored son of heaven, thanks to the Xie family's influence and his own outstanding abilities, it was no exaggeration to say Xie Lianqing had been pampered and admired since childhood. In any circle, once he appeared, he was the center of attention, which spoke volumes about his inherent pride.
It was this very person who was willing to lower his head for Xu Qingqing, willing to endure her drama and unreasonable demands, transforming himself from a favored son of heaven into a widely praised, perfect 24/7 boyfriend.
Xie Lianqing's efforts were by no means insignificant; they astonished everyone around them, who concluded that he and Xu Qingqing couldn't last.
Only Zhou Chenyu, their mutual friend, knew the extent of his determination.
Xie Lianqing believed he had been good enough to Xu Qingqing. He had done everything he promised.
At this moment, it was truly hard for him not to feel anger.
After that day, Xie Lianqing never looked for Xu Qingqing again. He was very busy with work, especially since not long ago he had deliberately carved out some time from his schedule to prepare for proposing to Xu Qingqing and for their subsequent honeymoon.
But now, the proposal had failed, his girlfriend was gone, yet the work had to go on. The pent-up frustration and impatience in Xie Lianqing's heart were something only his overtime-working subordinates could truly empathize with.
Aside from being busy with work, Xie Lianqing also needed time to think about his relationship with Xu Qingqing.
Last time, Xu Qingqing avoiding him directly ignited the fire in Xie Lianqing's heart.
He found Xu Qingqing's refusal to meet or communicate utterly absurd. Did she really think he was the sort of person who would cling and pester her? Was that how she saw him?
And why had he, even though he had clearly agreed to break up, come to the Xu family to look for her? Was he really so incapable of living without her?
Xu Qingqing wanted to break up, so they broke up. She wanted to leave, so she left. With her spoiled, princess-like temperament, if she truly wanted to end it, perhaps he should simply let her have her way.
Xie Lianqing thought somewhat petulantly. After all, there were plenty of socialites in City A. With his family background and status, finding a girl more gentle, considerate, sensible, and from a better family than Xu Qingqing would be a breeze.
Even Xie Lianqing's parents, upon learning of his breakup, had subtly suggested whether they should arrange some blind dates for him. Xie Lianqing hadn't given a direct answer. But somehow the news leaked. Once people found out that Xie Lianqing and Xu Qingqing had broken up and heard that the Xie family might be looking for a match for him, they all sprang into action.
Those with closer relationships and comparable family status took the initiative to visit and inquire, while those less familiar sought confirmation more discreetly... In short, Xie's mother recently complained that the social gatherings had become much livelier.
Watching her son drink his soup, she tentatively asked, "Lianqing, you know the Shen family's daughter, right?"
She turned to chat with her husband, deliberately raising her voice as if unintentionally: "I heard she just returned from M country. She attended the same university as Lianqing abroad, so they're practically alumni. They say she has a very cheerful personality. Today I saw her accompanying her mother, so poised and graceful—clearly a sensible girl!"
She emphasized the last few words on purpose, making her husband beside her glance at her and cough a couple of times.
Mrs. Xie refused to let it go: "What's the matter? Can't I say it? They've broken up, and I still can't say it?"
She was being petulant. Every parent dotes on their own child. Just think of how much her son had invested. He even discussed the proposal with the Xu family—everything was settled. Now to suddenly call off the marriage? If they didn't want to get married, they should have said so earlier! What was the point of dating all this time!
Last time the Xu family was in trouble, we helped without a second thought—that was like sending charcoal in snowy weather. And then this happens, and not a single person from the Xu family comes to apologize! It's simply outrageous!
"In my opinion, it's good that they broke up. It's better to find someone with a good temper," Mrs. Xie said pointedly in a low voice.
Chairman Xie was spreading butter on his toast and suddenly chuckled at this: "You're one to talk about others' personalities. Your own temper isn't exactly great either."
Mrs. Xie immediately redirected her fury, exclaiming, "Xie Chang'an, what do you mean by that?! You explain yourself clearly today! Are you trying to start a rebellion?!!"
"I was wrong, I misspoke, I'm sorry. Honey, your temper is the best, gentle and virtuous in every way, alright? I really was wrong. Hey, what are you doing, don't pinch me! Ouch!!"
...
Xie Lianqing acted as if he hadn't heard his parents, lowering his eyes and silently eating his porridge, refusing to watch them flaunt their affection.
After breaking up with Xu Qingqing, Xie Lianqing had been quite depressed for a while. When emotions were hard to control, in the dead of night, he would also petulantly think that his next girlfriend must be gentle, sensible, and virtuous—at the very least, she absolutely could not be another high-maintenance drama queen.
However, now hearing his mother's words, he felt nothing, no ripple of emotion in his heart.
So what if the other person had a good personality, was gentle and sensible? She wasn't Xu Qingqing.
No matter how good others might be, the person he loved was still Xu Qingqing.
Hadn't he already figured this out back when he broke up with Xu Qingqing and went abroad? It had taken him years to resign himself to it then. Was he going to spend more years now trying to understand his own feelings again?
Having realized this, the pent-up frustration in Xie Lianqing's heart over the past half month finally dissipated.
He quickly made a decision. Although there was still a trace of unwillingness, he also felt a sense of relief, as if things had finally settled.
Unable to let go and unwilling to give up, he thought, consider it a debt he owed Xu Qingqing from a past life!
Xie Lianqing put down his porridge, ignored his parents putting on their affectionate display in the living room, and decided to go find Xu Qingqing again.
Before leaving, he glanced back. His father—the outwardly formidable Chairman Xie—was now scrambling away in an embarrassed, discomfited manner, being chased by his mother who was hitting him with a cushion.
Xie Lianqing picked up his jacket and let out a sigh. He thought about it; at least Xu Qingqing had never hit him?
At least he was a bit luckier than Chairman Xie.
However, when Xie Lianqing finally steeled himself and wanted to reconnect with Xu Qingqing, whom he had been avoiding for so long, he discovered that this coward had actually fled the country!!
Xie Lianqing: ...
Xu Qingqing went abroad partly to relax and ease her heartbreak, and partly to escape the endless stream of people probing for information.
During the time Xie Lianqing and Xu Qingqing were apart, rumors spread rapidly. Some lamented that they had finally broken up, while others eagerly prepared to make moves to pursue either one of them.
Xie Lianqing had always been an unattainable prize. Countless people wanted to marry into the Xie family and become the young mistress. Xu Qingqing also had no shortage of admirers. Everyone knew how doted on she was in the Xu family. Recently, Chairman Xu's grand gesture of transferring ten percent of the company's shares to her on the spot had made Xu Qingqing jump to the top of the list as the most sought-after marriage prospect.
Originally, people didn't harbor many thoughts. After all, whether in terms of background, capability, or looks, most people felt they had no chance of stealing Xie Lianqing away and becoming the other man. But now it was different. This couple had broken up, and those who were originally interested immediately began to stir!
Although Xu Qingqing was a bit high-maintenance, her character was impeccable. Moreover, she had been well-protected by her family since childhood, never touching anything she shouldn't. Her lifestyle wasn't decadent either. Within the same social circle, Xu Qingqing could even be considered the top marriage candidate.
As for her high-maintenance personality, was that even a flaw?
These days, which family's child isn't a bit self-centered? Is your child the only one allowed to be pampered?
Not to mention, just the fact that Chairman Xu and his wife announced that the Xu Group would be left to her in the future was enough to make her the coveted prize in everyone's eyes.
So after Xu Qingqing and Xie Lianqing split up, countless people tried to sound out the Xie family, but there were also plenty who wanted to take the opportunity to promote their own sons to the Xu family!
Among the wealthy families of the same tier in City A, a wave of matchmaking fervor erupted. Everyone wanted to take advantage of Xie Lianqing and Xu Qingqing's recent breakup, while they were vulnerable and heartbroken, to swoop in and win them over.
Xu Qingqing had no idea what these people were thinking. After breaking up with Xie Lianqing, she simply stayed home. She lost most of her desire to go out and have fun, her interest in gaming and reading novels dropped significantly, and post-breakup life became boring.
Yet, for some reason, just when she was feeling so down and irritable, there were still many people relentlessly bothering her. During this period, numerous guests visited Xu Qingqing's home—people she'd met and people she hadn't all came calling.
Every time there were guests, Xu Qingqing would be summoned by her grandparents to entertain them and then have to listen to the other party ramble on about a bunch of nonsense...
Amidst the surrounding noisy chatter, Xu Qingqing was utterly annoyed, unable to even sleep in properly.
Unable to bear the disturbance any longer, she finally decided to resume the travel plans that had been interrupted by the marriage proposal.
Unfortunately, although Xu Qingqing was heartbroken, no one around her could accompany her to unwind. Zhou Chenyu was busy with work, Le Jiaojiao was in a relationship, and her grandparents were too old for such activities...
Xu Qingqing had no choice but to set off alone. She went to Paris for shopping, then to Milan for fashion shows, followed by scuba diving, horse racing at a stud farm, wine tasting at vineyards...
Xu Qingqing thoroughly enjoyed herself for an entire month. She had a wonderful time during her travels. Even her grandfather, who usually urged her to study, encouraged her to extend her vacation—after all, she had just gone through a breakup!
Of course, while on holiday, Xu Qingqing occasionally thought of Xie Lianqing. Like when she acted coquettishly wanting juice, or when she got lost after walking too long and was about to throw a tantrum, only to turn her head and find the space beside her empty.
At such moments, Xu Qingqing would feel an indescribable sense of melancholy.
She watched whales swim by from the deck of a cruise ship, gazed at sunsets beside ancient Roman architecture, and took photos with flocks of pigeons in Paris. During these times, she couldn't help but want to turn and share her joy with someone beside her.
The scenery during her vacation was beautiful, but she was alone, with no one to appreciate it with her.
The sunset on the beach was stunning, with silhouettes of couples kissing and embracing under the golden light. Lying on a beach chair, Xu Qingqing stared jealously at the couples just a few meters away, feeling so sour she was practically bubbling.
Holding a glass of juice, she bit the straw indignantly and muttered, "Hmph! What's there to kiss about? In broad daylight, under the clear sky, all this hugging and clinging—what proper behavior is that!"
After grumbling to herself for a bit, she said, "If a handsome guy showed up right now, I'd want to fall in love too!"
These people were just too much. They knew she had just broken up, yet they flaunted their love right in front of her, making her actually want to be in a relationship.
Just then, a laugh came from beside her. "This beautiful lady, are you here alone?" In a foreign land, the speaker was actually using Chinese.
Xu Qingqing looked up and saw a man standing beside her lounge chair. He was tall and well-built, with deep, handsome features.
Under her surprised gaze, he slowly leaned down, gazing at her with deep affection, and said lightly, "I sense you too are longing for a romantic love affair at dusk…"
He had had his eye on Xu Qingqing for a while. She was staying at the most luxurious hotel nearby, where a single night cost hundreds of thousands. Someone in such a room was undoubtedly wealthy or influential. Moreover, she had brought bodyguards and assistants specifically for a beach vacation—clearly a young lady from a rich family.
Of course, even if he had misjudged, a fleeting romance with such a beauty would still be a fine thing.
The man smiled confidently. Before he could finish his sentence, Xu Qingqing withdrew her gaze and said coldly, word by word, "Get. Lost."
He didn't even look like a decent person, let alone compare to Xie Lianqing.
With an air of indifference, Xu Qingqing put on her sunglasses, lay back on the chair, and continued to daydream. The man who had attempted to hit on her was then politely escorted away by her bodyguards.
As he was being led off, Xu Qingqing, behind her sunglasses, took a sip of her drink and went back to staring blankly at the couples not far away.
She started her repetitive grumbling again: "I really want to fall in love…"
