That night, the two returned to the apartment.
After showering, Su Qianqian sat on the living room sofa.
She didn't read scripts or books as she usually did, but just sat quietly, as if waiting for something.
Gu Chengyu, having washed away the restlessness from the banquet, came out and saw her sitting there. His steps halted.
"Not asleep yet?" He walked over, his tone normal yet carrying unease and a probing note.
Su Qianqian looked up, her dewy almond-shaped eyes meeting his. Her voice was firm: "A-Yu, we need to talk."
Gu Chengyu's heart sank violently.
This kind of opening line was usually not a good sign.
He sat down beside her, his arm moving out of habit to pull her close, but she gently avoided it.
That subtle action shattered his forced composure.
"Talk about what?" His voice lowered, his gaze fixed intently on her.
Su Qianqian took a deep breath, her fingertips curling slightly, as if steeling herself with great resolve before speaking softly:
"A-Yu, we... should separate."
Gu Chengyu almost thought he had misheard. He stared at her, his eyes darkening abruptly, a storm brewing within them. "What did you say? Say it again."
"I said, let's break up," Su Qianqian repeated, her voice still soft and sweet, yet carrying seriousness.
"You must have sensed it these past days. My feelings for you... aren't that deep."
Gu Chengyu's face instantly turned ashen, his jawline taut. "Su Qianqian, do you have any idea what you're saying?"
"I do," she met his gaze, her eyes clear and honest, even carrying an apology.
"When I first approached you, it was because I had no one to rely on, and I was being framed. You were the most powerful lifeline I could desperately cling to."
"I'm sorry for taking advantage of your protection and affection."
She paused, her voice softening further, as if reminiscing. "For nearly a year, you've been so good to me. I'm not made of stone. There were moments I was moved, moments I thought, maybe it wouldn't be so bad to just keep being cherished by you like this."
Gu Chengyu's breathing grew heavy, the question almost gritted out between his teeth. "Then why now?"
Su Qianqian lowered her lashes. "Today, when I met Lin Shu, she told me many things... about how intimate you two used to be..."
"All the intimate things you've done with me, you've done with her, and with many other women too."
Her voice caught with a sob. "That's when I realized I've always minded. I can't bear it anymore."
"That was all in the past!" Gu Chengyu roared, like a cornered beast struck in its sore spot.
"That was before I met you! How can you judge the present based on things that happened before I even knew you?"
"Can't you feel how sincere I am with you? Have I had anyone else by my side this past year?"
He grew more agitated, suddenly standing up, his chest heaving violently, a vein throbbing at his temple.
"Su Qianqian! Do you even have a heart?!"
"I've given you my fucking all! And you want to break up with me over those ancient, worthless things? What do you take me for?!"
He swung his arm violently, sweeping everything on the coffee table onto the floor. Glass cups shattered with a piercing crash.
Then the vase, the ornaments... As if out of control, he smashed everything within reach onto the ground!
In an instant, the once luxurious and tidy living room was in utter disarray, fragments scattered everywhere.
Panting heavily, he stood amidst the wreckage, his eyes bloodshot as he glared at Su Qianqian, who remained quietly seated on the sofa, like a wounded, furious lion.
Su Qianqian watched his outburst without screaming or flinching.
When he finally paused slightly, she stood up, carefully stepping around the shards on the floor, and walked up to him.
She stretched out her slender, pale arms, gently encircling his lean waist, pressing her body against his, her small face resting against his violently heaving chest.
Gu Chengyu stiffened, feeling the softness of her delicate form, inhaling the sweet fragrance he adored.
"I'm sorry..." her voice was muffled.
"And, thank you. Really, thank you for all your protection and affection during this time."
"I know you've been good to me, and I know it's only me for you now." She tilted her face up to look at him, her eyes fragile.
"But, taking some time apart would be good for both of us, okay?"
"Our start was too fast. The first time we met, we ended up in bed. That's nothing like the relationship I imagined."
She explained in her gentle, delicate voice, "And your past... I really tried hard, A-Yu. I truly can't help but mind."
She coaxed him softly, "Let's just step back to our own places for now, cool down, okay?"
Gu Chengyu looked down at the exquisite face nestled against his chest. His heart ached with a tight, painful grip, yet he was also mad with fury.
He suddenly tightened his arms, as if wanting to crush her into his very bones and blood. His voice was hoarse, the words forced out through gritted teeth:
"Su Qianqian! You're just taking advantage of the fact that I love you! That's why you dare to stab me in the heart so brazenly!"
"I really want to... tie you to my bed, so you can't go anywhere, so you can only look at me as I possess you..."
Su Qianqian didn't answer, only held him tighter. "I'm sorry..."
He was right. She was taking advantage. She was certain he couldn't bear to hurt her.
