Xiang Wan spoke these words after a night of internal struggle, mustering great courage.
She had thought that given their years of friendship, Lu Mingzhe would surely be surprised, or perhaps try to persuade her to stay.
Instead, after she finished speaking, he looked at her for less than five seconds before readily agreeing.
“Alright. But there’s no need to be so serious about it, as if you’re planning to cut ties with me forever.”
Lu Mingzhe’s expression was calm.
“I’m not that shameless. Since I’ve agreed, I won’t bother you again.”
Xiang Wan felt an emptiness in her heart.
For a moment, she didn’t know whether to be happy or sad.
“Get dressed properly and leave quickly.”
Lu Mingzhe turned to get his clothes, putting them on as he always did.
“Breakfast is ready, aren’t you going to let me finish before leaving? It’s not a big deal to wait a little longer.”
“Besides, my car is still downstairs at your studio. Could I possibly hitch a ride with you?”
Xiang Wan didn’t want to make things seem petty.
Even more, she didn’t want Lu Mingzhe to sense her peculiar emotions.
So she pretended to be nonchalant and agreed.
They ate breakfast together, bid farewell to her brother, and got into Xiang Wan’s car.
It was a bright summer morning, the sun was shining, the windows were open, and the car was moving at a steady pace. Cool breezes flowed in, bringing a sense of joy and relaxation.
Unfortunately, Xiang Wan couldn’t feel happy.
Having made this decision, perhaps they would never see each other again.
Nearly five years had passed; the tail end of her youth had been spent on this one man.
To have it disappear so quietly, how could she not feel a pang of emotion?
But at the same time, she looked down on herself for it.
She silently told herself not to dwell on these pointless thoughts, to not be a silly woman obsessed only with romance.
With these two conflicting emotions swirling within her, it was easy to get distracted.
As they drove, they approached an intersection. The green light had already turned red, but she hadn't realized it.
Lu Mingzhe saw that she had no intention of stopping and before he could remind her, with a bump, she rear-ended the car in front.
It was a black Wrangler.
“What are you thinking about, zoning out so early in the morning? Can’t you see such a big red light? Are you alright?”
Xiang Wan snapped back to reality. Facing Lu Mingzhe’s concern, she felt immensely embarrassed.
He was acting as if nothing had happened, as if he had never cared about her, and yet she was risking becoming a reckless driver for him?
Xiang Wan, Xiang Wan, can you not be so embarrassing?
“I’m fine.”
She put the car in park and unbuckled her seatbelt.
“I’ll go take a look.”
As she opened the car door, the driver of the car in front also got out.
Initially, being rear-ended so early in the morning was a thoroughly annoying affair. But upon getting out and seeing such a beautiful woman,
the other driver’s temper instantly vanished.
“How is it? Are you alright? Are you feeling unwell, or did the car malfunction? What just happened?”
The other person didn’t seem to blame her, nor did they speak harshly.
Xiang Wan let out a sigh of relief.
“I’m so sorry, it was my fault. Are you alright?”
“I’m fine, don’t worry.”
“Then, should we go through insurance? I apologize for wasting your time.”
The owner of the other car was a man, estimated to be in his early thirties. He was of medium build, neither tall nor short, neither fat nor thin.
He wore a simple crew-neck t-shirt, capri pants, and sneakers.
He wasn’t particularly stylish, but he exuded a sense of seasoned experience and calm maturity.
“Ah, it’s alright, this little scratch is nothing. As long as you’re okay, that’s what matters.”
But that wouldn't do.
His car was not cheap; being hit and dented by her would cost at least ten thousand yuan to repair.
Xiang Wan could not shirk her responsibility.
“If you’re in a hurry, let’s just settle this privately. How about this, can you estimate how much it will cost, and I’ll transfer it to you now.”
As she said this, she took out her phone.
The man quickly declined.
“No, really, no need. You didn’t do it on purpose. Besides, your car needs repairs too; it’s not just me who’s having a bad day.”
Xiang Wan was deeply touched to encounter such a kind person.
“Then… I won’t delay your time any longer. I’m truly sorry.”
Saying this, she prepared to go back to her car.
The man hesitated for a moment, then called out to her.
“Miss, please wait a moment.”
Seeing that the owner of the other car was a man and looked somewhat unapproachable,
Lu Mingzhe, fearing Xiang Wan might be taken advantage of, pushed open his door and got out.
The other man was taking out his phone, about to ask Xiang Wan for her WeChat, when he saw Lu Mingzhe. His expression faltered. “Uh, does Miss have a boyfriend?”
Hearing this, Lu Mingzhe realized the man had taken a liking to Xiang Wan. Without holding it against her, his face displayed a knowing smile.
“Have you already finished your discussion?”
Xiang Wan looked at the man, then at Lu Mingzhe.
“Big brother is very accommodating; I don’t need to pay compensation. We shouldn’t delay his time; let’s get going.”
He showed some grace.
Lu Mingzhe smiled at him.
“Hello. I’m not her boyfriend. You want her WeChat, right? Go ahead and add it.”
Xiang Wan looked over at him in disbelief.
Seeing Lu Mingzhe’s bright smile, her heart sank. She handed over her QR code.
“If there’s an opportunity, I’ll treat you to a meal to express my apologies. I’m truly sorry for today.”
For the rest of the journey, Xiang Wan no longer felt pity for herself.
Such a thoughtless, useless man, who wasted years of her time. Getting rid of him sooner meant less loss; why should she be reluctant?
To feel melancholy over such a man was utterly foolish!
With this realization, she transformed back into the invincible, iron-willed woman.
She drove潇洒ly to her office building, not bothering to beckon Lu Mingzhe. She turned off the engine, didn't spare him an extra glance, and went straight upstairs.
Lu Mingzhe had intended to say a few more polite words.
He hadn’t expected Xiang Wan to drift away like a gust of wind.
Returning to his car and reflecting, he felt he was utterly insignificant.
However, it was good not to waste words.
The two of them were bound to part ways eventually. From now on, he would focus all his energy on Chen Jiaojiao.
If I don’t get this revenge, I, Lu Mingzhe, swear I am no man!
At eight in the morning, Jiang Nanfang arrived punctually at the Technical Department of Grei Electric.
Less than ten minutes after she sat down, a delivery person arrived with a large bouquet of flowers for her to sign for.
This was the fifth consecutive day she had received flowers.
Every morning, a vibrant bouquet of 99 roses, attracting everyone’s attention.
Everyone assumed it was Zhan Beijue expressing his love for her.
Only she knew it must have been Ke Teng.
Jiang Nanfang wanted to stop him, to have a talk with him in person.
But ever since she had called him that day, Ke Teng had deactivated his phone number.
He had also deleted his WeChat account.
Jiang Nanfang couldn’t reach him.
She didn’t have the time or the courage to go to Shangcheng to find him; it would only complicate matters.
As she looked at the pile of flowers, feeling dejected, Vice President Gao knocked on her office door.
With the vibrant red flowers cradled in her arms, Jiang Nanfang’s fair skin appeared even more radiant than the blossoms.
Vice President Gao joked with her.
“President Zhan is becoming increasingly romantic. Accompanied by fresh flowers every morning, and picking you up in person in the afternoon, Manager Jiang’s life is as sweet as honey.”