The sun rose and set, day after day, as she lived her life according to routine.
Grace's work at the research institute was suspended due to a shortage of raw materials, and she had no idea when this break would end.
Merkel had not appeared again.
He had completely vanished from her world. She had called once and learned that he had changed units and projects, and was doing well.
Grace stopped inquiring further.
During this period, she spent her days in Du Ruoxin's room, not venturing out.
She ate in the room, read in the room, and even moved her exercise equipment into the room.
During the day, while Du Ruoxin and Miranda were busy with their respective film crews, she managed both reading and exercise. In short, she stayed indoors and avoided seeing Qin Yunxi.
No matter how arrogant and overbearing he was, no matter how persistent he was, how much he tried to please her, she remained unmoved.
Grace locked her windows tightly, preventing any little bees from flying in. If Qin Yunxi became too boisterous outside her window, making too much noise, she would draw the curtains and put on her headphones.
Heh, he had sorcery; did she not have magic?
Qin Yunxi: "————"
Rong Jingyang also felt despair and helplessness. Du Ruoxin ignored him; no matter what he did, she didn't even glance at him.
Most of the film crew's affairs were handled by Miranda. Du Ruoxin only made occasional appearances, very casually and freely.
Most of the time, she drove to the church alone.
She would stay there for the entire day, sometimes discussing Zen with the pastor, sometimes meditating alone, and sometimes attending services with the congregation.
Rong Jingyang: "????"
Was his wife a theology enthusiast? When did she become a Christian? Why had he never known?
What he didn't know was that Du Ruoxin, while ostensibly going to the church for "exchanges," had actually left through a secret passage to attend the Global Tamer Exchange Conference held in London.
Initially, Du Ruoxin went to church to truly escape Rong Jingyang and Christiano's constant presence, seeking a place of peace.
But a few days prior, the bishop mentioned that the Tamer Exchange Conference was lively and asked if she wanted to go see it.
Du Ruoxin, being bored anyway, decided to bring Grace along.
Grace had been confining herself to her room all day, and it was time for her to get some fresh air.
But to avoid being tracked by Qin Yunxi, she hid in the dining cart to leave her room, then quietly slipped into the trunk of a car, and stealthily made her way to the church.
The two women acted like thieves, tiptoeing around, not daring to make a sound.
It wasn't until they were in a car leaving the church that their taut nerves simultaneously relaxed—they were finally free!
Du Ruoxin and Grace exchanged smiles.
"How is it? Do you feel better now that you're out?" Du Ruoxin asked, linking arms with her good friend.
Grace nodded, "Mmm."
The world outside was colorful, certainly better than being cooped up indoors.
If not for avoiding Qin Yunxi, would she be living a life like a parasite?
The thought alone was unlucky.
"Sister Xin, you said there's a very skilled tamer, what kind of animals can he tame?" Grace's eyes sparkled with curiosity.
Du Ruoxin didn't answer immediately but instead asked, "Are you really not going to give Brother Qin a chance?"
"Just try?"
"Without forcing yourself?"
Several times, she had seen Qin Yunxi standing in the hallway, gazing wistfully at their window, sighing sadly, and she couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy.
Perhaps, Brother Qin truly loved her, which was why he was so persistent.
Grace shook her head, "There's no need to try. If people aren't compatible, forcing them together will only lead to more sorrow."
Realizing that Du Ruoxin was softening towards Qin Yunxi and feeling pity for him, Grace retorted, "You, on the other hand, are always letting your emotions get the better of you. Be careful, if Rong Jingyang hangs around more often and puts on more pitiful acts in front of you, you'll forgive him again."
Du Ruoxin let out a cold "Hmph," "Rong Jingyang? Impossible."
Forgive him?
He had bullied her so much; her being magnanimous and not holding him accountable, not sending him to eternal damnation, was already the greatest display of her virtue.
"Sigh~"
With a faint sigh, Du Ruoxin said earnestly, "Brother Qin and Rong Jingyang are different..."
Grace interrupted, "There's no difference. Men are all the same. " She held Du Ruoxin's hand and comforted her, "Don't worry, it takes two to tango. If I don't respond to him, if I ignore him, he'll give up on his own after a while."