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Epilogue 11: Xin Li & Xie Yuran

Feeling as if he had been slapped in the face, Xie Yuran hesitated before saying, “I take back what I said before.”

In actuality, the major reason Xie Yuran said that they were not suitable initially was that he thought Xin Li, being a pampered heiress, would lose interest in him quickly. 

After all, it was his brother that the Xin family favored, not him.

“Words that are spoken are like spilled water; how can you take them back?”

Xin Li glanced at him. “Doesn’t your face hurt?”

Xie Yuran agreed with a nod, “It does.”

Xin Li smiled slightly and suddenly asked as she remembered something. “What about Zhang Muqing then?”

Mentioning Zhang Muqing, the hint of a smile vanished instantly from her face.

Worried that she might react as she did last time and ignore him, Xie Yuran earnestly explained, “Xiao Li, when I first met Zhang Muqing, we were both just teenagers. We shared a similar background of being taken in by others, creating a sense of camaraderie. She’s older than me and usually took care of me, so naturally, I developed some feelings. However, it was just a fleeting interest…”

“Later, I realized that she was actually interested in my older brother and was only using me. So, I gradually let go of any thoughts in that regard.”

He rarely spoke about the past with anyone as it carried a tinge of embarrassment. He had always been overshadowed by his brother, and he was just merely a supporting character in the eyes of others.

Even she, initially, was supposed to meet his brother.

“Who hasn’t been a bit reckless in their youth?”

He gazed at her, his slightly intoxicated eyes reflecting her figure. “What happened between me and her is long gone. Now, in front of me, is you.”

Hearing that last sentence, Xin Li smiled again, a hint of sweetness blooming in her heart.

She suppressed her almost overflowing joy and looked up at him, pretending to be disappointed. “Oh, just in front of you?”

Xie Yuran also smiled and took her hand, placing it on his chest. “Also, in my heart.”

Through the fabric of his shirt, she could feel the warmth and the beating of his heart. 

Feeling a bit embarrassed, Xin Li wanted to pull her hand back, but he held it firmly.

Xie Yuran lowered his head and gently kissed her.

Looking up, Xin Li endured his gentle touch and slowly opened her mouth, beginning to reciprocate.

After a long while, Xie Yuran finally left her lips, but he didn’t let her go. He held her waist and panted, his breath puffing on her ear.

The alcohol disrupted their thoughts. After a while, he lowered his head again, his kisses landing on her neck, becoming more pressing.

Seeing things getting out of control, Xin Li pressed a bit on his chest to stop him from going further.

Xie Yuran looked up, and with a breeze passing through the door, Xin Li became a bit sober and said, “I want to rest now. You should go.”

Xie Yuran was puzzled, not understanding why she suddenly changed her attitude.

Xin Li pushed him away and hesitated for a moment before saying, “I need to explain things to Zhou Zeyan first.”

She also had to explain things to her parents, and she feared it wouldn’t be easy.

Thinking about all this made Xin Li feel a bit restless.

Xie Yuran held her shoulders, frowning. “Are you really dating him?”

Looking up and seeing his serious expression, Xin Li couldn’t help but smile, arching an eyebrow. “If I really am, what are you planning to do?”

When she smiled, sparkles shone in her eyes, resembling falling stars. Lowering his head, Xie Yuran pecked at the corner of her lips before saying, “I’ll win you back.”

“If I really am dating him, it’s useless for you to even try.” 

Xin Li shot him a sideways glance. “Who asked you to reject me before?”

This statement implied that they weren’t together yet, and Xie Yuran softened his expression.

Xin Li opened the door, pushing him out. “Alright, you should leave. I’m really feeling dizzy.”

Xie Yuran stood at the doorway. “Rest well.”

“Got it.”

Xin Li closed the door.

As the room quieted down, she leaned against the door and touched her flushed face, suddenly feeling a sense of unreality.

……

The next day, Xin Li invited Zhou Zeyan to meet and have afternoon tea at a cafe.

Seeing her stirring her spoon incessantly without saying a word, Zhou Zeyan asked, “Did you invite me out to talk about something?”

Xin Li looked up and said, choosing her words carefully, “I’ve thought about it seriously these past few days, and maybe… we should call it off?”

Zhou Zeyan paused slightly before asking, “Because of Xie Yuran?”

Xin Li didn’t deny it, showing a guilty expression. “I’m sorry. I don’t want to waste your time, and I don’t want to deceive you.”

Since the last time he saw her with Xie Yuran, Zhou Zeyan had anticipated that such a day would come, so he wasn’t surprised.

He smiled. “It’s okay; we were clear about it from the start about being transparent.”

He didn’t really have strong feelings for her, just a slight interest. In political marriages, feelings weren’t the primary consideration.

Hearing his words, Xin Li felt relieved and said with a smile, “Thank you. I will explain things to my parents.”

After making things clear, the atmosphere became much more relaxed. They chatted for a while before leaving the cafe.

Zhou Zeyan politely asked, “Do you need a ride home?”

Xin Li shook her head with a smile. “No, thank you.”

Zhou Zeyan chuckled, teasing, “Waiting for someone to pick you up?”

Xin Li hadn’t thought of that, but his mention sparked a thought.

After Zhou Zeyan left, she took out her phone and wanted to send a message to Xie Yuran to have him come pick her up. However, she realized that she had blocked him.

Unblocking him, she messaged him, “What are you doing?”

Shortly after, Xie Yuran replied, “At the office.”

Xin Li: “When will you finish work today?”

Xie Yuran: “Half an hour later, what’s up?”

Xin Li: “Your girlfriend wants to invite you to have dinner. Do you want to come and pick her up?”

After sending the message, Xin Li’s cheeks blushed slightly as she awaited his response.

Inside his office, Xie Yuran saw the message on his phone and smiled before asking, “Where are you?”

Xin Li smiled and sent him her location.

As the sun began to set, the wind breezed through the bustling streets. Xin Li looked around and returned to the cafe, sitting by the window and waiting for him.

Outside the floor-to-ceiling glass windows, pedestrians hurriedly passed by. The slanting sunset created a beautiful reflection of radiance.

About an hour later, a familiar car stopped by the road. Seeing through the window, Xin Li’s eyes brightened and smiled.

Xie Yuran got out of the car and noticed Xin Li sitting by the window inside the cafe, separated by the glass.

Xin Li put her phone into her purse and swiftly exited the cafe, walking over to him.

Xie Yuran smiled slightly. “Did you wait for long?”

“It was quite a while. I almost got sick of coffee.”

Xin Li replied, sounding a bit displeased.

Wrapping his arm around her shoulder, Xie Yuran turned to open the passenger door for her.

Once Xin Li got into the car, she fastened her seatbelt and turned to him, saying, “Let’s just find a place nearby; I’m starving.”

Xie Yuran agreed and drove to a nearby Chinese restaurant.

The restaurant had an elegant, romantic atmosphere, with several couples on dates.

They chose a private room on the second floor where they could see the sunset through the window.

After seating themselves, Xin Li ordered some dishes and took a photo with her phone, her eyes sparkling.

Seeing the gleam in her eyes, Xie Yuran smiled and asked, “Do you want to go see a movie after dinner?”

Placing her phone down, Xin Li smiled, “Sure~”

As dusk fell, they finished dinner, and the night had set in.

The vibrant lights illuminated the plaza outside the movie theater, bustling with people.

They entered the movie theater and chose a rom-com.

Initially, Xin Li watched attentively, but as the plot took an unexpected turn, becoming more melodramatic, she lost interest. She began absentmindedly stuffing popcorn into her mouth.

She turned to glance at Xie Yuran, grabbing a piece of popcorn and offering it to him. Leaning in, she whispered some complaints about the plot.

Xie Yuran opened his mouth to accept the popcorn. In the dim light, the smell of popcorn quietly dispersed, adding a faint sweetness to the air.

Seeing her boredom, Xie Yuran whispered, “Let’s go back?”

Leaning against him, Xin Li glanced at the screen and said, “It’s almost over. Let’s finish it.”

After another ten minutes, the movie ended.

As the final scene darkened, the audience eagerly rushed toward the exit, chatting and complaining.

Xin Li and Xie Yuran also stood up, and as they did, someone bumped into them. Xie Yuran quickly wrapped his arm around Xin Li’s shoulder, shielding her in his embrace.

Leaning against him, Xin Li looked up at him, her heart overloading with sweetness. Even her dissatisfaction with the movie had dissipated.

Exiting the movie theater, they held hands with their fingers intertwined, strolling toward the parking area while chatting. 

The gentle night breeze brushed past them. The boundary between the shadows on the ground blurred.

Back in the car, Xie Yuran held the steering wheel with one hand and asked, “Where to?”

Xin Li retrieved the seatbelt and fastened it, smiling. “I haven’t been staying at my condo. Send me back home.”

Xie Yuran started the car, merging into the swiftly moving traffic after covering some distance.

Leaning back in her seat, Xin Li looked at his side profile, feeling happy; her eyes sparkling.

On both sides of the street, streetlights formed a continuous line, stretching far into the distance.

……

The car entered the residential area and eventually stopped outside the Xin family’s courtyard, a distance from the main entrance.

Xin Li unbuckled her seatbelt and turned to Xie Yuran, smiling. “I’ll head in first.”

After saying that, she opened the car door and got out.

The night wind blew past, carrying a hint of chilliness. Xie Yuran followed suit, suddenly grabbing her arm. 

Xin Li turned back, puzzled. “What?”

Xie Yuran looked at her, his gaze carrying a clear meaning. “Are you just going in like this?”

Xin Li paused before realizing his meaning, but she didn’t want to give in. Pretending to be clueless, she said, “What else?”

The night was hazy, and the soft light from the streetlights fell into her eyes, revealing a hint of mischievousness.

Xie Yuran pulled her in front of him and looked down at her.

Xin Li couldn’t help but suppress a laugh. She glanced around, making sure no one was near, then tiptoed and gave him a kiss. 

“See you tomorrow.”

Xie Yuran finally let go, whispering, “See you tomorrow.”

Xin Li waved, looking back every three steps while heading back before disappearing inside.

Xie Yuran stood by his car with one hand in his pocket. He watched her until her figure vanished from sight before driving away.

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Epilogue 10: Xin Li & Xie Yuran

It was rush hour, and people surged like a tide, bustling. 

Xin Li paused for a moment before continuing to move forward.

Xie Yuran walked over and grabbed her wrist.

Xin Li hesitated, then turned around before asking calmly, “Why are you here? I’ve already made myself clear last time.”

Xie Yuran looked at her. “You made yourself clear, but I haven’t.”

“What do you want to say?”

Xin Li tried to pull away, but he held onto her wrist even tighter.

Xie Yuran said, “The incident that night was a misunderstanding.”

Unable to free herself, Xin Li let him do as he pleased before looking up at him. “En, and then?” 

Xie Yuran: “…….”

Xin Li couldn’t understand him. In the past, he was indifferent to her pursuit. Now that she finally decided to let him go, he refused to move on.

Could it be that he developed feelings after sleeping together?

If she had known this, she wouldn’t have wasted so much effort chasing him. She would have just tackled him directly.

Seeing her indifferent expression, Xie Yuran felt a bit of a headache. “I did have some feelings for her, but it’s all in the past. When she came to me for help that day, I didn’t agree. With everything that happened with Zhang Junfeng, there’s no possibility of anything between her and me.”

Hearing the last two sentences, Xin Li’s anger flared up. “So, as a second choice, you turned back to me?”

Xie Yuran didn’t expect her to interpret it this way, frowning. “That’s not what I meant.”

Xin Li clearly didn’t believe him.

Looking at him, she said, “I know you want to take responsibility for that night, but I’ve already said that you don’t need to. We’re both adults; there’s no need to force ourselves to be together over such a matter.”

Just as her words fell, a voice suddenly sounded from nearby, “Xiao Li.”

Xin Li turned around, and she was taken aback upon seeing Zhou Zeyan standing not far away. 

Why is he here too?

Xie Yuran’s expression changed slightly, and his hand that was holding Xin Li’s wrist tightened suddenly.

Zhou Zeyan’s gaze fell on the two of them, but he didn’t walk over.

The atmosphere instantly became awkward, and Xin Li suddenly felt like she had one foot in two boats*, with a feeling of overturning unexpectedly.

one foot in two boats – having two lovers at the same time 

After a few silent seconds, she turned to Xie Yuran and said, “You’ve explained what needs to be explained. If there’s nothing else, I’ll leave first.”

She forcefully pulled away from him and walked quickly to Zhou Zeyan, asking, “Why are you here?”

Zhou Zeyan replied, “I had some business nearby, so I thought I’d drop by.”

He glanced at Xie Yuran and asked, “Did I disturb you?”

Xin Li shook her head, smiling a bit unnaturally. “No.”

Zhou Zeyan understood and then asked, “Want to grab dinner together?”

Xin Li hesitated for a moment, sensing the gaze behind her before agreeing, “Sure.”

She followed Zhou Zeyan into his car. Before they left, she turned back and saw Xie Yuran standing still in place, staring straight at them all glum.

The setting sun behind him painted a touch of loneliness, like a scene of desolation.

Soon, the car drove away, and Xin Li’s gaze remained fixed outside the window, staring at the bustling city landscape, not retracting.

A nameless, bitter feeling surged in her heart, and she couldn’t shake it off.

Zhou Zeyan suddenly asked, “The guy just now, was he your ex-boyfriend?”

Xin Li snapped back to reality and smiled. “No.”

They had never even been together, so how could he be considered an ex-boyfriend?

Zhou Zeyan seemed to understand what was going on and didn’t press for more details.

Xin Li looked out the window again, feeling a bit disoriented.

Despite her strong reluctance to admit it and her efforts to conceal it, she couldn’t deceive herself.

She still liked Xie Yuran; she hadn’t gotten over him.

Due to this little incident, Xin Li’s mood remained unsettled for several days. She was even too lazy to go to her studio and decided to invite her girlfriends to go out.  

……

Not long after, it was Xin Li’s grandfather’s birthday, and the Xin family hosted a banquet at a hotel.

Although the initial arranged marriage didn’t happen, the relationship between the Xin family and Grandfather Xie remained. Since Grandfather Xie wasn’t feeling well, Xie Shuo and Xie Yuran represented him to offer his well wishes.

Thus, during the banquet, Xin Li encountered Xie Yuran once again.

When he appeared, Xin Li was holding a glass of wine, chatting and laughing with Zhou Zeyan. When she looked up, she met his gaze and was slightly stunned.

The clamorous and bustling atmosphere in the hall seemed to fade away in an instant, and the voice beside her became indistinct.

Xie Yuran didn’t come up to her, stopping a few steps away and looking at her.

After a few seconds of eye contact, Xin Li came back to her senses and moved her gaze away before continuing to talk with Zhou Zeyan.

Seeing her smiling, Xie Yuran felt it was a sore sight for his eyes. He didn’t walk away and kept his gaze on her. 

Feeling uneasy, Xin Li chatted with Zhou Zeyan for a while before excusing herself and going to the nearby lounge area, holding her glass of wine.

As she walked over to the lounge area, she noticed Ye An sitting alone on the sofa, and Xie Shuo was nowhere to be seen.

After the last time, the two had become acquainted. Recently, she had heard that she and Xie Shuo were having talks of divorce. Curious, Xin Li sat down and engaged in some gossip. 

Before long, Xie Shuo came over and embraced the slightly drunk Ye An before leaving, leaving Xin Li alone there.

Amidst the lively crowd, she seemed so separate and away from it.

Xin Li downed the contents of her glass and sat alone for a while in a daze. Feeling a slight headache, she decided to go upstairs and find a room to rest.

As she stood up and took a step, she noticed Xie Yuran standing not far away, watching her. It wasn’t clear for how long he had been standing there.

Through the layers of shadows cast by the lights, his handsome features appear somewhat blurred, and his expression mysterious. 

Xin Li paused in her steps and glanced at him before turning around and walking through the crowd, heading upstairs.

The hallway was carpeted, muffling the sound of footsteps. Yet, Xin Li felt his presence behind her.

Without looking back, she staggered to a room and inserted the keycard.

As she entered the room, she went to close the door when a slender hand suddenly blocked it.

Looking up, Xin Li saw Xie Yuran’s face. Before she could react, he forcefully entered the room.

Simultaneously, he closed the door with a firm push.

He seemed to have drunk quite a lot; the scent of alcohol hit her as he neared, and his gaze seemed a bit off.

Forced to take a step back, Xin Li asked, “What are you doing?”

Xie Yuran stared deeply into her eyes as he grasped her shoulder and pressed her against the wall of the door. He lowered his head and asked, “Are you with Zhou Zeyan?”

His scorching breath puffed onto her forehead as if it could invade her breath at any moment. Xin Li felt inexplicably nervous and grabbed his arm before pushing him away. “We don’t have any relationship; why do you care who I’m with?”

“We don’t have any relationship?”

Xie Yuran’s breath intensified, pressing her even tighter against the wall, and his gaze became even more fervent.

“Do you really think there’s any?”

Her back against the wall, Xin Li met his gaze. “Then tell me, what’s our relationship?”

Xie Yuran gazed into her eyes before smiling. “Are you denying that we slept together?”

Xin Li: “…….”

Xin Li blushed unexpectedly at his sudden comment. She instinctively retorted, “Who’s denying that we slept together?”

Xie Yuran added, “You.”

“…….”

Xin Li choked for a moment, pushing him with force. “That was your choice; I didn’t force you or tie you up!”

She pushed him a few times, finally breaking free from his restraint and steadying herself against the wall.

Xie Yuran loosened his grip, not pressing any further, and just stared at her silently. The way he was looking at her resembled that of someone looking at a woman who played with his feelings and then abandoned him.

Under his scrutiny, Xin Li couldn’t help but feel a bit guilty. “Unless you wanted me to take responsibility?”

Xie Yuran counter-asked, “What if I do?”

Xin Li: “……”

Xin Li was speechless. Her hands curled into fists, remaining silent for a moment before the emotions she had been holding back for a longtime finally erupted. “Xie Yuran, if you don’t like me, what’s the point of all this?

Xie Yuran stared at her and said, “Who said I don’t like you?

“……..?”

Xin Li was taken aback.

Xie Yuran approached her step by step, casting a shadow that enveloped her. 

He stopped in front of her, gazing into her eyes and saying, “If I didn’t like you, I wouldn’t have come here tonight.”

Xin Li met his deep gaze, and her heart skipped a beat. The long-lost palpitations instantly awakened.

Pressed against the wall behind her, she instinctively held her breath as if she could hear the frantic beating of her heart.

Is he… drunk?

Xie Yuran held her shoulders, and where his fingers touched, warmth spread.

“Xiao Li, can you stop avoiding me?” he whispered.

His sudden confession left Xin Li’s hands hanging at her sides, unsure of what to do.

She felt that she couldn’t succumb so quickly. Trying to steady her mind, she raised her chin and deliberately brought up past issues, “Didn’t you say we weren’t suitable?”

“……..”

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Upon returning home from the hospital, Xin Li felt somewhat absentminded and had little appetite.

At the dining table, Xu Wanqin brought up the topic of matchmaking again, suggesting that Xin Li prepare to meet Zhou Zeyan, the second young master of the Zhou family.

Xin Li, feeling increasingly unable to eat, said irritatedly, “Mom, I don’t want to talk about this right now.”

As soon as she said that, Xin Yuanhong, sitting at the head of the table, suddenly erupted in anger. “You don’t want to talk about it now, then when do you want to talk about it?”

The harsh remark from Xin Yuanhong caught Xin Li off guard. He had always spoiled her since she was little, rarely scolding her like this. She felt a twitch in her nose.

Seeing the situation, Xu Wanqin quickly intervened and said gently, “Xiao Li, listen to Mom. Just meet him first…”

Xin Li said nothing, remaining silent for a moment before putting down her bowl and spoon, saying, “I’m full,” and quickly went upstairs to her room. 

Xin Yuanhong stayed glum, and he didn’t look pleased. Xu Wanqin sighed and said, “Don’t yell at her now. I’ll go talk to her.”

Xu Wanqin went upstairs and knocked on Xin Li’s door. “Xiao Li?”

There was no response from inside.

Xu Wanqin gripped the doorknob and twisted it.

The door wasn’t locked, and with a push, it swung open. Xin Li was sitting on the edge of her bed, staring at her phone.

Xu Wanqin walked over and sat beside her before sighing and saying concernedly, “Xiao Li, it’s not that we want to force you. You’re not little anymore. You can’t always be so willful. You should consider the family…”

Xin Li parted her lips, wanting to say something, but seeing Xu Wanqin’s worried expression, the words stopped at her throat.

Although she was accustomed to being willful, there were some truths that she understood. Life wasn’t always about living freely; there were responsibilities to bear.

Xu Wanqin held her hand, saying gently, “Meet that kid from the Zhou family first. Who knows, you might just hit it off?”

Looking down, Xin Li remained silent for a while before saying, “Mom, let me think about it.”

Seeing signs of her wavering, Xu Wanqin didn’t press further. She embraced Xin Li’s shoulder and said, “Alright, go to bed early, and don’t stay up late.”

Xu Wanqin left her room, closing the door behind her.

Xin Li sat inside her room, and for some reason, she suddenly thought of Xie Yuran.

After hesitating for a while, she dug out his number and dialed.

The call connected promptly.

“Have you gone back yet?”

Xin Li felt a bit uneasy as she spoke.

Her call took Xie Yuran by surprise. After a pause, he responded, “I’m on my way back.”

“Didn’t you say you wanted to talk?”

Xin Li pursed her lips. “Give me your address. I’ll come over.”

Xie Yuran was taken aback for a bit before giving her his address.

Hanging up the call, Xin Li grabbed her purse and left her room.

Just as she went downstairs, she ran into Xu Wanqin. Seeing her with a purse, Xu Wanqin asked curiously, “It’s so late; where are you going?”

Xin Li, wrapping a scarf around her neck, replied, “I have something to attend to, made plans with someone.”

Worried that Xin Li might throw a tantrum again, Xu Wanqin didn’t press further and told Xin Yu at the side, “If you have time, escort your sister.”

Xin Li immediately refused, “No need, I can go by myself.”

Xu Wanqin frowned. “It’s late, going alone isn’t safe.”

“Really, I’ll be back in no time!”

Before Xu Wanqin could nag even more, Xin Li changed her shoes and swiftly ran out of the house.

Outside, the night had fallen, and a dense ink-like darkness pressed down, obscuring any sight of stars. Only the faint glimmer of distant lights swayed gently.

A beam of light cut through the night as they entered the residential area.

The chauffeur parked the car and turned to look at the back seat.

Xie Yuran opened his eyes and massaged his temples before getting out of the car.

Not even after walking two steps, he didn’t expect to spot a person standing near a tree ahead.

It was a cold winter night, and the air seemed to have a layer of frost. Zhang Muqing hugged herself, walking back and forth as if she had been waiting for a long time.

“Yuran!”

Seeing Xie Yuran, she hurriedly ran over and stood in front of him.

Xie Yuran’s faint smile disappeared in an instant as he looked at her. “Why are you here?”

Zhang Muqing’s fingers were frozen from the cold, and she looked a bit weary. “I called you, but you refused to answer, so I had to come here to wait for you.”

Xie Yuran remained silent for a few seconds before asking, “What do you want?”

A gust of wind passed by, causing Zhang Muqing to shiver. She forced a smile and softened her voice, “Can we go upstairs and talk?”

Xie Yuran glanced at his watch and said, “It’s too late, not convenient. Whatever you have to say, say it here.”

Zhang Muqing was taken aback, her complexion turning paler. She found it hard to believe and said, “Yuran, even you…”

Xie Yuran remained calm. “I know why you came; I can’t help you.”

After he said that, he continued walking forward.

Just as they were about to pass by each other, Zhang Muqing completely panicked. She grabbed his arm pleadingly. “Yuran, don’t go…”

She held onto him tightly, tears welling up in her eyes.

“Consider it a favor for me, please? I really have no other options…”

Xie Yuran halted in his steps but didn’t look at her. Instead, he gazed ahead, seemingly lost in thought.

Seeing him appear to be moved, Zhang Muqing struck while the iron was hot, “I know you have feelings for me, right? Yuran, remember, in the past…”

The night was dark, and a Bentley was parked not far away.

Through the car window, Xin Li could see the intertwined figures near the tree.

At a distance, she couldn’t hear their conversation, but she could see Zhang Muqing holding onto Xie Yuran’s arm, and he didn’t shake her off.

What a perfect scene of a melodramatic love; she came just in time.

After being perplexed for so long, enduring the pressure from her family, she finally made up her mind to give him another chance. Now, it seemed like a complete joke.

Fury surged in her heart. Xin Li turned back and gripped the steering wheel tightly before restarting the car.

Perhaps sensing something, Xie Yuran suddenly turned around and looked in her direction.

Seeing the figure inside the car, his expression changed abruptly. He hurriedly pushed Zhang Muqing aside and walked briskly toward the car.

Unfortunately, Xin Li had already driven away, and he attempted to chase after her, but it was futile. He was left with exhaust fumes in his face.

Behind him, Zhang Muqing persisted and caught up, calling out, “Yuran…”

As she called out, she was interrupted by the look in Xie Yuran’s eyes.

He looked at her and said, “Some things are better left in the past. There’s no need to bring them up again. You knew very well what intentions you had back then.”

Xie Yuran paused for a moment before continuing, “Zhang Junfeng raised you all these years, treating you as a tool for climbing the social ladder. In the past, you could argue that you had no choice. But what about now?”

Zhang Muqing seemed to be struck in a sensitive spot, and her face turned pale instantly.

Xie Yuran ignored her and turned around, taking out his phone to call Xin Li.

With the last bit of hope shattered, Zhang Muqing looked at his back and smirked self-mockingly before turning around to leave the residential area, looking disheveled. 

……

Along the long road, lights zoomed past as Xin Li drove faster than when she came. 

Her phone, thrown to the side, vibrated continuously, yet she acted as if she didn’t hear it.

Xu Wanqin’s words, coupled with the scene from earlier, replayed in her mind, causing a splitting headache.

Passing through a particular four-way intersection, she nearly ran a red light due to her distraction. After braking, she grabbed her phone and swiftly turned it off.

Upon reaching home, she parked the car in the garden, sitting in the driver’s seat in a daze, reflecting on everything since she met Xie Yuran.

Since meeting him, she felt like she had changed, no longer herself.

Why did I like him so much?

To the point of being a bother, giving up even my dignity. 

The shadows of the trees cast gentle sways on the car window.

After a while, Xin Li got out of the car and walked into the living room.

Xin Yuanhong and Xu Wanqin were already asleep, and it was quiet all around. She went upstairs and bumped into Xin Yu, who was coming out of the study.

Xin Li called out, “Ge,” looking a bit listless.

Looking at her, Xin Yu asked, “Did you go find Xie Yuran?”

Surprised, Xin Li blurted out, “How did you know?”

Xin Yu glanced at her meaningfully… Your little tricks could easily be seen through.

Xin Li silently complained: You must be a mind reader.

Seeing her looking defeated, Xin Yu asked again, “Judging by your appearance, rejected again?”

Xin Li: “……..”

Life is already hard as it is; can’t you be a bit more tactful? 

Are you even my real brother?

Xin Li felt a sense of mockery and angrily said, “No, it’s me who doesn’t wanna deal with him this time, and I won’t in the future either!”

Xin Yu glanced at her with obvious skepticism, as if saying, “Really?”

Xin Li felt a bit guilty and insisted, “This time, I mean it! I won’t bother with him anymore!”

Xin Yu didn’t express whether he believed her or not. He walked to her side and changed the topic, saying, “The one our parents picked for you, Zhou Zeyan, I know him. He’s not bad; you can meet him first.”

Xin Li’s anger instantly subsided and fell silent. Xin Yu had always spoiled her, and if he said someone was not bad, he wouldn’t dig a hole for her to fall into.

Perhaps she should step back and try getting to know someone else.

“If you don’t like him after meeting, then we’ll find another one.”

Xin Li: “Are you choosing a consort? If you don’t like one, just find another?”

Xin Yu continued, “If you really want to choose a consort, I will help you too.”

Xin Li chuckled, her nose twitching a bit.

Xin Yu patted her head gently and said, “Alright, go to bed early. Don’t frown all day. If he doesn’t like you, there naturally will be someone else who does.”

“En.”

Xin Li nodded before entering her room.

……

That night, Xin Li practically didn’t sleep at all, and when she woke up the next day, she was muddle-headed.

She picked up her phone and turned it on, noticing the missed calls.

Seeing the name on the screen, she stared at it for a while before throwing her phone aside. As she was about to get up, another call came in.

It was still from Xie Yuran.

This time, Xin Li didn’t decline the call and answered it.

She brought the phone to her ear, remaining silent.

After a brief silence, Xie Yuran finally spoke, “Xiao Li, what happened last night wasn’t what you saw…”

Xin Li interrupted him, “You don’t need to explain to me. We didn’t have much of a relationship anyway. It’s been me persistently pursuing you. Whoever you like and want to be with is your choice…”

Hearing the coldness in her words, Xie Yuran finally felt a sense of urgency. “Xiao Li…”

“Don’t worry, I won’t disturb you anymore.”

After saying that, she abruptly hung up the call.

To prevent herself from changing her mind, she decisively blocked all of his contacts.

After blocking him, she took a deep breath and threw her phone aside before getting up to freshen herself.

When she came downstairs, Xin Yuanhong and Xin Yu had already left, and only Xu Wanqin was in the living room.

Seeing her come down, Xu Wanqin cleared her throat and said, “Up already?”

Thinking about her resolution just now, Xin Li hesitated for a moment before saying, “Mom, I agree to the blind date. I’ll meet Zhou Zeyan.”

Surprised that she agreed so quickly, Xu Wanqin happily pulled her over and said with a smile, “It’s good that you’ve come around. There’s no harm in meeting him.”

Xin Li barely forced a smile.

Xin Li and Zhou Zeyan agreed to meet at a restaurant on a Saturday afternoon.

Before the meeting, Xu Wanqin had sent Xin Li a photo of Zhou Zeyan to avoid any confusion like last time.

Xin Li arrived at the restaurant punctually and immediately spotted the man sitting by the window.

He looked at his watch as if he had been waiting for a long time.

Xin Li hurriedly walked over. “I’m sorry for keeping you waiting.”

Zhou Zeyan looked up and smiled. “No worries; I just arrived too.”

His appearance resembled Xin Yu’s, with a gentle and polite smile that easily created a favorable impression.

Xin Li’s resistance to this blind date lessened a bit as she put down her purse and took her seat.

Zhou Zeyan called the server over and asked her, “What would you like to eat?”

Xin Li politely smiled and ordered two dishes she liked.

As Xin Yu mentioned, Zhou Zeyan was a gentleman who knew how to take care of a girl. After the dishes were served, the two of them chatted while eating, and the atmosphere was not as awkward.

However, Xin Li felt that it was a bit dull, perhaps because she hadn’t completely moved on from Xie Yuran.

After lunch, Zhou Zeyan offered to drive her home. Suddenly, he asked, “Did you not want to come today?”

Xin Li was taken aback, momentarily unsure of how to respond. She could only say, “I’m sorry…”

Zhou Zeyan, understandingly, smiled and said, “It’s okay. I’m not in a hurry for marriage. If you’re not ready, we can be friends first. We can discuss the future later.”

Becoming friends with someone like him was indeed a comforting prospect. Xin Li finally showed a genuine smile and agreed, saying, “Okay.”

And so, Xin Li and Zhou Zeyan reached a mutual agreement to be just friends for now, dealing with their respective parents.

Time passed quickly, and before they knew it, the Spring Festival was over. On a certain day in mid-March, as Xin Li left her studio, she suddenly noticed a familiar car parked by the road. 

The car door opened, and Xie Yuran stepped out, looking at her.

Xin Li paused in her steps. It had been over three months since she had blocked him, and they hadn’t seen each other since. 

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Epilogue 9: Xin Li & Xie Yuran

The person ringing the doorbell was the delivery man. Xin Li thanked them as she opened the door and took the breakfast before returning inside.

She placed the breakfast directly on the coffee table and sat on the sofa before eating.

From the time she woke up until now, she hadn’t said a word to Xie Yuran. She had only ordered breakfast for herself, treating him as if he were invisible. 

In contrast to her calmness, Xie Yuran felt increasingly uneasy. He stood there watching her for a while before finally sitting down beside her.

“Xiao Li.”

He called her name.

Xin Li stopped in her movement, a flicker flashed through her eyes. 

She looked up. “Why haven’t you left yet?”

Remembering her words from before, Xie Yuran looked into her eyes and said, “Let’s give it a try.”

Give it a try?

Xin Li was momentarily stunned. After confirming she didn’t hear it wrong, she raised an eyebrow. “What, are you trying to take responsibility?”

Her indifference made Xie Yuran frown.

Before he could speak, Xin Li added, “If you’re taking responsibility for me, what about Zhang Muqing?”

Xie Yuran was taken aback, surprised that she knew about him and Zhang Muqing.

Xin Li caught his reaction, and she felt like a sharp blade had been thrust into her heart. 

Initially, she held a glimmer of hope, thinking perhaps the rumors were wrong. But now, it seemed like her friend didn’t lie to her; he did have feelings for Zhang Muqing.

Unable to continue eating breakfast, Xin Li threw the remaining food into the trash and stood up, saying, “We both drank too much last night; there’s nothing to take responsibility for. You can leave.”

Xie Yuran grabbed her wrist, frowning. “You…”

Before he could say another word, his phone suddenly rang.

He picked up his phone and glanced at the caller ID before answering the call.

After picking up the call, Xie Yuran’s expression gradually became solemn. Without delay, Xin Li broke free from him and headed to her room.

After a brief exchange on the phone, Xie Yuran hung up the call and said to her retreating figure, “I have an urgent matter to tend to. I’ll come over tonight, and we can talk things through.”

Xin Li acted as if she didn’t hear him and just entered her room.

Soon, the sound of footsteps faded away, and Xie Yuran left her condo.

Hearing the door opening and closing Xin Li paused for a moment and looked back.

She walked to the side of the bed and angrily lifted the disheveled sheets, muttering, “Who cares if you take responsibility!”

Her head was still throbbing. She changed the bedsheets and got back into bed, deciding to catch up on some sleep.

In the midst of her nap, her phone on the nightstand started ringing and vibrating incessantly.

At first, Xin Li ignored it, but after a while of pestering, she reluctantly reached out to grab her phone.

It was a call from Xin Yu.

“Hey, bro.”

Wrapped in the blanket, she uttered hoarsely. 

“Still not up? Mom’s not feeling well; she’s asking you to come home.”

Upon hearing this, Xin Li instantly woke up and sat up, asking, “What happened?”

Xin Yu replied, “Nothing serious, just caught a chill. Mom wants you to come home and keep her company.”

Xin Li breathed a sigh of relief and said, “I’ll go back this afternoon.”

Uncharacteristically compliant of her, Xin Yu asked, “Do you want me to pick you up?”

Xin Li replied, “No need, I have to stop by the studio later.”

After hanging up the call, Xin Li went back to lying in bed for a while before finally getting up and leaving the condo.

She first drove to the studio, and around 5:00 p.m., she headed back to the Xin family residence. 

Upon seeing Xin Li, Xu Wanqin started to nag at her out of habit. Perhaps fearing that Xin Li might leave again in anger, she didn’t bring up Xin Li’s important life matter and only had her move back home for a while. 

Xin Li, not particularly eager to face Xie Yuran, agreed.

That night, sure enough, Xie Yuran called her.

Having just finished dinner and chatting with Xu Wanqin, Xin Li hesitated briefly when she saw the incoming call before deciding to hang up directly.

Not even two minutes later, Xie Yuran called again.

Xin Li continued to reject his call, her expression somewhat peculiar. 

Xu Wanqin glanced at Xin Li’s phone screen and asked curiously, “Whose call is it? Why aren’t you answering?”

Xin Li replied, “Nobody important, just someone I don’t like.”

Xu Wanqin: “Why not block them then?”

Xin Li hesitated for a moment then said, “I’ll do it later.”

Blocking needs the right timing?

Xu Wanqin sensed something was amiss and looked at her suspiciously, “Xiao Li, are you secretly dating someone?”

Xin Li instinctively denied, “No.”

However, Xu Wanqin wasn’t entirely convinced. Before she could dig deeper, Xin Li yawned and said, “Mom, I’m a bit tired today. I’m going to bed.”

With that, she went upstairs with her phone.

Xu Wanqin: “…….”

Back in her room, Xin Li sat on her bed, and a new unread message appeared on her phone. Xie Yuran had switched to sending a message on WeChat.

Xie Yuran: “I’m outside your door; can you open it?”

Xin Li: “I’m not at my condo, go back.”

Xie Yuran: “Where are you? I’ll come over.”

Holding her phone, Xin Li paused for a moment before replying, “I’ve returned home.”

She didn’t believe that he would dare to come find her at the Xin family residence. 

As expected, the other end went silent for a few seconds before he sent over another message, “Answer the phone.”

Xin Li typed, “I already made it clear this morning. I drank too much last night. You don’t need to take responsibility.”

She liked him, but it wasn’t to the extent of resorting to such tactics. Who knew if he would regret it once he calmed down in a couple of days?

Xie Yuran stood outside her condo, looking at the messages on his phone, frowning. He couldn’t understand the change in her attitude. Just recently, she seemed entirely focused on pursuing him.

After a while, just when Xin Li thought he had given up, a new message was sent over, “Didn’t you say that we won’t know if we’re suitable until we give it a try before? Let’s give it a try.”

Seeing this message, Xin Li felt inexplicably irked. Give it a try, not giving it a try; did he think everything revolved around him? 

What did he take me for?

She looked down and quickly typed a message.

A moment later, Xie Yuran received two messages…

Xin Li: “We already tried last night, and we’re not suitable.”

Xin Li: “Your skills are just too poor!”

Xie Yuran: “……..”

Xie Yuran’s expression immediately darkened, and the veins on his forehead twitched.

He clenched his phone tightly, choosing not to reply, and briskly went downstairs.

Meanwhile, Xin Li imagined his furious reaction and couldn’t help but laugh while lying back on the bed. 

……

Perhaps the impact of Xin Li’s final words was so strong that in the following few days, Xie Yuran didn’t contact her again.

Xin Li also didn’t reach out to him, obediently staying at home to accompany Xu Wanqin. 

As the season changed to winter, the weather grew colder day by day.

Not long after, there was breaking news from the Xie family… Xie Shuo regained his vision!

Xin Li heard this news from her dad, Xin Yuanhong.

The news was breaking, coming out of nowhere, and like everyone else, Xin Li found it a bit hard to believe.

She instinctively took out her phone and opened Xie Yuran’s WeChat, wanting to confirm if the news was true or not. However, upon seeing their last conversation, she hastily restrained herself.

Everything had been made clear in their previous conversation. It would be awkward to reach out to him at a time like this.

While lost in thought, Xin Yu knocked on her door. “Ready to go yet?”

Xin Li snapped out of her thoughts, saying, “Wait a sec.”

She grabbed a purse from her closet and hastily went outside. “Let’s go.”

These past few days, her stomach hadn’t been feeling well, so she planned to go to the hospital for a checkup.

They went downstairs, and Xin Yu drove her to the hospital.

On the way, Xin Li curiously asked, “Ge, is it true that Xie Shuo regained his vision?”

Xin Yu glanced at her. “Why are you suddenly so interested in him?”

Xin Li smiled. “Just curious.”

Xin Yu retracted his gaze, focusing on the road ahead, and said insipidly, “It should be true.”

Xin Li then asked, “Is the news about the Zhang family also true?”

Simultaneously with the news about Xie Shuo regaining his vision, there was another breaking news… The Vice Chairman of the Xie Group, Zhang Junfeng, who was also Zhang Muqing’s foster father, was arrested on charges of embezzlement, leaking trade secrets, and hiring someone to cause a car accident.

Due to this, the Zhang family collapsed and disappeared from the list of elite families in the city.

Xin Yu glanced at her again and replied, “En.”

Xin Li felt a bit perplexed, so she didn’t continue asking further.

The Zhang family had fallen, and because of such serious charges. Was there still even a chance for Zhang Muqing and Xie Yuran?

Lost in her thoughts, Xin Li arrived at the hospital and did a check-up. After getting her results, she walked toward the waiting area when she suddenly spotted a familiar figure.

Xie Yuran was standing not far away, gazing at her. He looked weary, and his expression wasn’t great.

Xin Li was taken aback, involuntarily stopping in her tracks.

In the hospital corridor, people hurried back and forth. Every person’s face carried an expression of sorrow, joy, or indifference, all different from one another. 

The two stood a distance apart, silently locking eyes for a few seconds.

In the end, Xin Li looked away first, turning to go in another direction.

Xie Yuran stared at her retreating figure and the medical report in her hand, his expression inscrutable.

For some reason, he suddenly quickened his pace and grabbed her wrist.

Xin Li turned back, seeing Xie Yuran’s displeased expression.

“What are you doing?”

The warmth of the wrist in his hand felt warm, a little too slender. In less than a month, she seemed to have lost a lot of weight.

Xie Yuran loosened his grip slightly and asked, “What happened to you?”

What happened?

Seeing the concern on his face, Xin Li suddenly felt a burst of anger. Since that day, he hadn’t reached out to her at all.

She had told him he didn’t need to take responsibility, and he really didn’t even try to press on further.

If he really cared, why hadn’t he done something sooner?

She raised her chin slightly and said mockingly, “What happened to me? What does it have to do with you?”

Curious glances from the people around prompted Xie Yuran to frown and pull her into a nearby emergency exit.

“Are you not feeling well?”

He glanced at the medical report in her hand, focusing on her abdomen, his expression peculiar. 

“I told you, it’s none of your business…”

Xin Li twisted her wrist, trying to free herself from his grasp. Inadvertently catching his gaze, she suddenly realized what he might be thinking. She widened her eyes, looking at him in shock. “You don’t think I’m pregnant with your child, do you?”

Seeing her surprised expression, Xie Yuran felt like she might say, “With your skills, how is that even possible?” any second. His face soured slightly.

Xin Li couldn’t help laughing, as if she had just heard a hilarious joke. 

“You’re really good at letting your imagination run wild, huh?”

Xie Yuran’s expression became even more glum.

“My stomach isn’t feeling well, so I came to do a check-up. It has nothing to do with me being pregnant.”

Xin Li suppressed her laughter and glanced at him speechlessly. “Can I go now?”

However, Xie Yuran continued to hold her wrist tightly, unwilling to let go.

Thinking that he didn’t believe her, Xin Li directly handed the medical report to him, saying, “It’s true. If you don’t believe me, take a look yourself.”

Taking the report, Xie Yuran skimmed through it, and indeed, it was just a regular gastrointestinal examination unrelated to pregnancy.

“I told you not to overthink…”

Taking the report back from his hands, Xin Li looked at him once more, then turned around and left without hesitation, as if she had truly detached herself from her feelings, without a trace of attachment for him.

Xie Yuran stood still for a long time, unmoving.

Xin Li turned around the corner, walking to the waiting area. Her long eyelashes drooped slightly, and the fingers that pinched the medical report turned pale.

A few steps away, Xin Yu had his back to her, answering a call.

Sensing her approach, Xin Yu said a few more words to the other end before hanging up the call, smiling lovingly at her.

“Done with the check-up?”

Xin Li nodded and handed him the report.

After Xin Yu carefully examined the report and found no major issues, he sternly reprimanded her and reminded her to eat meals on time.

Xin Li rolled her eyes. “Got it.”

They then walked to the elevator, waiting for the doors to open along with others.

Suddenly, Xin Li’s phone in her purse rang. Checking it, she saw the familiar nickname on the screen.

She paused for a moment before declining the call.

As if sensing something, she turned around and saw Xie Yuran standing at the corner of the corridor, looking at her while holding his phone.

Xin Li pursed her lips, her heart wavering a little.

She shifted slightly, attempting to block Xin Yu’s line of sight.

However, this move seemed to be counterproductive as when Xin Yu looked up, he also spotted Xie Yuran.

Turning to Xin Li, he frowned. “You’re still in contact with him?”

Xin Li shook her head hurriedly, feeling a bit guilty. “No, today was just a coincidence, meeting by chance.”

Xin Yu relaxed a bit. “If you want to end it, end it cleanly. Don’t muddy the waters.”

Amid their conversation, the elevator doors opened, and Xin Yu wrapped his arm around her shoulder, guiding her into the elevator. 

Xin Li couldn’t resist his strength and could only cast one last glance at Xie Yuran before the elevator doors blocked their view.

Xie Yuran watched her leave, standing still for a while, not pursuing after her. He then turned around and headed to Xie Baiyan’s hospital room.

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Epilogue 8: Xin Li & Xie Yuran

In October, Zhang Muqing really did return to the country.

The Zhang family hosted a banquet for her, and both brothers from the Xie family were among the invitees.

Since losing his sight, Xie Shuo had been living reclusively, rarely appearing in public, and he had no intention of attending. Therefore, Xie Yuran was going alone.

Having heard the news from her brother, Xin Li spent a restless night feeling frustrated.

Picking up her phone, she opened and exited her chat with Xie Yuran several times.

She strongly wanted to send him an unreasonable message, commanding him not to go, but she was acutely aware that she didn’t have that right.

These days, his tolerance toward her was nothing more than just using her to pass the time, just playing with her.

Ultimately, she threw her phone away and punched her pillow for a while to vent, forcing herself to forget about it.

The next day, Xin Yu came to visit her. Seeing her looking downcast, he couldn’t help but frown and advised, “Since he’s not interested in you, don’t delude yourself into approaching him.”

Hearing these words, Xin Li became even more depressed. She also knew that what her brother said was correct, and she should cut her losses in time to save face but she was not reconciled.

……

Not long after the banquet at the Zhang family, the Xie family also hosted one—Xie Baiyan’s birthday celebration.

Due to Xie Shuo’s blindness, this birthday banquet was relatively low-key with only a few invited guests.

Originally, Xin Li was not on the guest list and had little interest in attending. However, upon hearing that Zhang Muqing would be there, her interest sparked, and she asked Xin Yuanhong to ask for an invitation for her.

It had been a while since she and Xie Yuran had seen each other. They had just been talking through the internet lately. Even if they were to sever ties completely, they needed to clarify things face to face.

Xin Yuanhong thought she just wanted to attend the banquet for fun, so he didn’t ask further.

On the day of the banquet, Xin Li hired a professional makeup artist and spent four to five hours getting ready. She didn’t go until she was satisfied with her appearance. 

Inside the banquet hall, it was brightly lit as if it were daytime. As soon as Xin Li entered, she spotted Zhang Muqing. Compared to a year ago, she hadn’t changed much, still maintaining that dignified and elegant appearance. 

Besides Zhang Muqing, Xin Li also spotted Xie Shuo’s wife, Ye An. After Xie Shuo became blind and had limited mobility, the Xie family arranged a marriage for him—someone who could take care of him closely.

The wife of Xie Shuo was quite stunning, and Xin Li couldn’t help but look a few times at her.

Initially, Zhang Muqing was talking to Xie Shuo, but Xie Yuran suddenly walked over, interrupting them and said something to Zhang Muqing with a smile.

Xie Shuo and Ye An then left, heading to a corner to rest.

Holding a crystal glass, Xin Li watched the two of them, who were chatting with a smile under the lights, from a distance. A lump formed in her heart, and she nearly crushed the glass in her hand.

She couldn’t understand what was so special about that woman that made him so devoted to her.

Then again, wasn’t she just another version of him?

She clearly knew the outcome but foolishly made the same mistake over and over again.

After staring at the two of them for a while, she turned away and walked to the side, unwilling to subject herself to further pain.

However, after just a few steps, she accidentally bumped into Ye An, who was coming from the other direction. The red wine in her glass spilled out, staining her gown. 

“I’m sorry…”

Xin Li quickly apologized.

Fortunately, Ye An had a good temper and didn’t get angry. Xin Li accompanied her upstairs to change her gown, chatting casually along the way.

When she came back downstairs, Xie Yuran finally finished catching up with Zhang Muqing and went over to Xie Baiyan’s side to help entertain the guests. 

Xin Li circled around in the crowd and found his figure. She grabbed another glass of wine and leaned against a table, sipping it slowly.

Inside the crystal glass, the red wine rippled, reflecting a shimmering light.

After a while, she saw Ye An coming down from upstairs alone. Feeling bored, Xin Li took the initiative to strike up a conversation with her.

The wine in her glass gradually diminished, and Xin Li began to feel a bit drunk. The scene in front of her became somewhat blurry.

Thus, she didn’t continue chatting with Ye An. Stepping on her high heels, she swayed through the crowd toward where Xie Yuran was.

Before she could get close, Xie Yuran’s gaze fell on her, and he paused.

As Xin Li walked up to him and brushed past him, she pretended to accidentally bump into him. 

Xie Yuran raised his hand and grabbed her arm.

Taking advantage of the situation, Xin Li leaned in close to his ear and whispered, “I’ll wait for you upstairs.”

After saying that, she glanced at him meaningfully before she continued walking, heading upstairs.

Xie Yuran watched her retreating figure. Not long after, he also excused himself from the lively crowd, quietly making his way upstairs.

Xin Li was waiting for him on the balcony. Tonight, she wore a black, off-the-shoulder dress. The cool night breeze helped sober her up a bit.

Seeing him arrive so quickly, Xin Li was somewhat surprised. She thought he might ignore her or delay it for a while. 

Xie Yuran approached her, his gaze sweeping over her exposed shoulders, landing on her flushed face.

“Not feeling well? Do you need to go to a room to rest for a while?”

He asked, adopting a caring host’s demeanor. 

Xin Li looked at him, and the scene of him chatting and laughing with Zhang Muqing at first flashed across her mind, and her mood instantly soured.

She indeed wasn’t feeling well, but it wasn’t physical; it was emotional.

“No need.”

As soon as she spoke, she sneezed.

Xie Yuran glanced at her partially exposed shoulders and collarbone again, saying gently, “It’s cold at night. Wear more clothes and be careful not to catch a cold.”

Leaning back against the railing, Xin Li smiled and raised an eyebrow. “You’re this concerned about me?”

Xie Yuran didn’t respond, just looking at her.

The balcony was dimly lit, making his eyes appear much deeper than usual.

“Why don’t you ask me why I called you up here?”

Seeing him silent, Xin Li asked.

Xie Yuran smiled slightly, following her lead, “Why did you call me up here?”

Looking at him slightly drunkenly, Xin Li smirked., “Guess?”

Before he could react, she suddenly lunged forward and pressed him into the nearby corner. Gripping onto his shoulders, she kissed him.  

Her movements were too abrupt, and she almost tumbled onto him. Taking a few steps back, Xie Yuran instinctively held her waist, preventing her from falling.

Their lips met, and the air grew tense in the darkness. 

Xin Li gripped him, kissing him without any restraint as if venting her frustration.

The balcony directly faced the living room, and the curtains were not drawn. If someone passed by, they would be able to see what was going on. 

Coincidentally, at that moment, faint footsteps sounded from the direction of the living room. Xie Yuran’s expression changed slightly. He gripped her arm and sternly whispered before pushing her apart. 

Hearing the footsteps as well, Xin Li let go of him and peeked inside. She only caught a glimpse of a slender figure disappearing around the corner of the hallway.

After recognizing the person in a split second, Xin Li withdrew her gaze and looked back at Xie Yuran. Seeing his nervous expression, she inexplicably felt pleased.

She raised her chin proactively and teased, “What? Afraid of being seen?”

Xie Yuran glanced at her., “Aren’t you afraid?”

Xin Li felt a hint of guilt, but she quickly suppressed it and said, “What do I have to be afraid of?”

After all, her mother, Mrs. Xu, wasn’t around.

Meeting her fearless gaze, Xie Yuran’s expression changed slightly. There seemed to be a lingering taste of her on his lips, and the warm sensation persisted.

Feeling a rising heat, he realized that he, too, was pretty drunk. 

Thinking he might leave angrily, Xin Li was surprised when he reached out to support her instead. “Let me take you to a room to rest.”

Xin Li had a bit too much to drink and was feeling a bit tipsy. She reached out and held onto his arm instead. “No need, just take me home.”

Xie Yuran turned his head slightly.

For her to come and attend the banquet, there should be a chauffeur from home to pick her up, and there was no need for him to send her back.

However, Xin Li was determined to have him take her back, gripping onto his arm with an expression of “if you don’t take me home, I won’t let go.”

He had experienced her willful, heiress temper before. After a few seconds of locking eyes with her, Xie Yuran ultimately chose to compromise. 

He went downstairs and exchanged a few words with Xie Baiyan before calling his chauffeur over and leaving with her. 

Throughout the ride, Xin Li leaned on him, surprisingly quiet, leaving him curious about what might be on her mind.

Xie Yuran escorted her back into her condo. Seeing that she was pretty drunk, he decided to help her into her bedroom.

The lights suddenly turned on, a bit too glaring.

He helped her lay down on the bed and pulled the blanket over her before saying softly, “Rest well. I’ll be leaving first.”

As he tried to leave, Xin Li unexpectedly embraced him from behind. “Don’t go.”

Xie Yuran was taken aback.

Xin Li wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her chin on his shoulder, and muttered, “What exactly do you mean? If you don’t like me, why do you care so much about me?”

Xie Yuran turned around and saw her hazy gaze, the corners of her eyes slightly tinged with red.

“Say something!”

She grabbed his tie and pulled it forcefully. “Explain yourself… Are you doing this on purpose…”

She had originally decided to give up, but he chose to confuse her again.

Xie Yuran looked down, gazing at her intently. Before he could respond, his lips were suddenly sealed. 

Xin Li wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him again. Afraid that he might push her away, she used a considerable amount of force.

A faint fragrance mixed with the scent of alcohol invaded the space between their lips, gradually stirring the dormant desires.

Xie Yuran encircled her waist, and before he could make a move, she pushed him down onto the bed; the fabric of their clothes was in disarray.

The soft and still lighting cast reflections of their tangled and disheveled figures…

……

For Xin Li, the experience of this night was not that good, and one might even describe it as quite terrible.

Perhaps it was because both of them were drunk. 

The next day, Xin Li woke up early with her head throbbing and her body aching. 

Xie Yuran lay beside her, eyes closed, still asleep.

When he was asleep, his features looked even more handsome. A few strands of black hair lightly rested on his forehead, giving him a somewhat girlish look—innocent and harmless, making it hard to blame him. 

Xin Li turned around and looked at him, recalling the events of last night with a myriad of emotions. 

Their clothes were scattered on the floor in a disheveled mess.

She got up quietly and picked up the fallen clothes before wearing them and entering the bathroom to freshen up.

The sound of running water woke up the person still in bed. When Xin Li came out of the bathroom, Xie Yuran had already put on his clothes and was sitting at the edge of the bed. 

His white shirt hung loosely on him, untucked. His collar was open, revealing the dubious hickeys on his collarbone and chest. 

With a towel wrapped around her body, Xin Li paused in her steps and glanced at him before continuing onward to her closet to get dressed. 

They were both adults, and there was nothing to make a fuss about regarding such matters, especially since she had initiated it last night.

If one were to be particular, she had also made a loss.

The sunlight outside climbed onto the windowsill, casting a bright glow behind her. Xie Yuran watched her enter the closet before getting up to go to the bathroom, too.

There were no clothes for him to change into, so he could only take a quick shower.

After he finished showering, the bedroom was empty. He left the room and found Xin Li in the living room.

She was lying on the sofa, engrossed on her phone.

Xie Yuran walked over and stopped in front of her. He was just about to say something when the doorbell suddenly rang. 

Xin Li’s eyes lit up, and she quickly got up, slipping on her slippers as she headed toward the door.

As she took the first step, Xie Yuran noticed that her posture seemed a bit awkward as if she was not entirely comfortable.

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Epilogue 7: Xin Li & Xie Yuran

“Do you need a ride?”

Xin Li’s mind was in a mess, not quite understanding the meaning behind his actions.

Wasn’t he ignoring me?

But now, he’s offering to give me a ride?

Lost in thought for a couple of seconds, Xin Li subconsciously followed him into the car.

Once inside, the two sat side by side in the rear, maintaining silence. 

The neon lights in the city flashed by, and there was a subtle tension in the air inside the car.

“Have you been busy lately?”

As they approached the condominium where Xin Li lived, Xie Yuran finally spoke, breaking the silence.

Upon hearing this, Xin Li turned to look at him and replied, “Not really, not too busy.”

Hearing this, Xie Yuran’s gaze lingered on her face for a moment. It seemed like he wanted to ask something more but decided against it.

His demeanor tonight was somewhat unusual.

Xin Li propped her elbow on the window edge, staring at him momentarily before asking, “Why did you choose to give me a ride tonight?”

She had a bit much to drink, so her voice carried a hint of intoxication. The corners of her eyes exuded a hint of allure.

Meeting her inquisitive gaze, Xie Yuran said calmly, “It’s late, and you’re a girl. It’s not safe.”

“Is that so?”

Xin Li chuckled, not looking at him anymore, and turned to gaze at the night scenery outside the window.

Looking dazedly at her side profile bathed in soft light, a fleeting sense of something flickered in his eyes.

She seemed to have changed a lot after not seeing each other for a long time. In the past, she would never have reacted like this, nor would she have turned her head away from him.

In actuality, he had only blurted out offering her a ride because he saw the young man following her and subconsciously felt it was not proper. 

As for why he felt that way, he didn’t delve into it.

Not long after, the chauffeur stopped the car at Xin Li’s condominium. 

“Thank you for sending me back.”

Xin Li expressed her thanks and opened the car door to get out. Just as her foot touched the ground, she swayed a bit, stumbling for a moment.

Worried that she might twist her ankle again, Xie Yuran also got out of the car.

“Are you okay?”

He reached out to support her.

Xin Li steadied herself with his help, shaking her head.

Xie Yuran was still worried, so he helped her all the way into the elevator.

Glancing at him, Xin Li suddenly found it a bit perplexing. If he wasn’t interested in her, why was he so caring? He hadn’t responded to her flirting before. On the other hand, if he did have feelings for her, there were no clear indications.

Could it be that he enjoyed the attention of being pursued by me?

Or was he leading me on as a backup since he couldn’t have Zhang Muqing?

In the enclosed space, it was just the two of them. Neither of them said anything.

A faint scent of alcohol hung in the air, teasing their senses.

As the elevator stopped on Xin Li’s floor, the doors opened, and she stepped out, walking to the front of her condo. She looked down and entered the passcode to unlock her door.

Xie Yuran followed behind her, watching as she unlocked the door. When she finished, he withdrew his hand and said, “If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”

Xin Li had just opened the door when she heard his words, causing her to pause.

Suddenly, she turned around and leaned against the doorframe, smiling mischievously. “You don’t wanna come in and sit for a bit?”

The corridor was dimly lit, and her eyes sparkled as she looked at him. Xie Yuran gazed back at her, neither answering nor hurrying to leave.

Xin Li chuckled and glanced at him before suddenly leaning in and placing her hand on his shoulder, whispering into his ear, “Do you know that your behavior tonight can easily lead to misunderstandings?”

As she spoke, she turned to meet his gaze with a slightly intoxicated expression.

Xie Yuran lowered his eyes.

Many fragmented scenes flashed through his mind. Before he could react, Xin Li tiptoed and gave him a peck on the lips like a dragonfly touching the water.

Xie Yuran was momentarily taken aback.

Xin Li let go of him, and before entering her condo, she raised an eyebrow at him. There was a hint of triumph in the corners of her eyes and lips as if she had just done something extraordinary.

Soon after, the door closed tightly, leaving Xie Yuran alone outside.

Facing the closed door, Xie Yuran was in a daze for a moment before smirking and turning around to leave.

Inside the condo, Xin Li leaned against the door, belatedly realizing that her face felt a bit warm.

She kicked off her high heels and staggered into the living room before collapsing on the sofa.

Lying on her back, she thought about the scene just now, and the feelings that had been pent up for a long time inexplicably eased.

If only he had mentioned that there was someone in his heart earlier, she wouldn’t have wasted so much time and effort on him. Not taking advantage of the situation would have been a real loss.

Moreover, he delivered himself to the door today.

……

After that night, their relationship seemed to have reverted back to before. Occasionally, when Xin Li felt playful, she would send him a message to flirt with him.

So what if there was someone he liked?

As long as they aren’t together, I don’t believe I can’t win him over.

Xie Yuran’s attitude had improved somewhat compared to before. He no longer explicitly rejected her advances, but he also didn’t exhibit overly warm behavior.

A little over a month later, it was Xin Li’s birthday.

That night, Xin Li held a party with a group of close friends to celebrate.

She had confirmed with her friends three days in advance, and after much internal struggle, Xin Li decided not to invite Xie Yuran.

She had wanted to take this opportunity to invite him out, but she was afraid of being too conspicuous. If news reached her parents’ ears, it might complicate things.

In order to subtly remind Xie Yuran, she deliberately made a post on WeChat around noon, showcasing her birthday cake and the gifts she received.

However, there was no response from Xie Yuran even until late at night. He hadn’t even liked her post as if he were completely unaware of the occasion.

In the reserved private room, Xin Li had fun with her friends while constantly checking her phone. The more she checked, the more frustrated she felt.

Did he not see it, or he just didn’t care?

Around 10 p.m., Xin Li excused herself and went to the restroom to take a breather.

Coming out of the restroom and still not finding the message she hoped for on her phone, she was burning with anger. Unable to contain herself, she called Xie Yuran.

The phone rang for quite a while before he answered, sounding a bit weary. “Hello?”

Leaning against the sink, Xin Li said muffledly, “Hey, are you busy?”

The sound of the door opening echoed through the phone, and Xie Yuran asked, “Just got home; do you need something?”

Already in a bad mood, Xin Li became even more unhappy upon hearing his words. “Do I have to have something to call you?”

Detecting that she had been drinking, Xie Yuran chose not to argue with her.

Xin Li shifted to the side. While looking down at the floor, she said aggrievedly, “You didn’t see WeChat? It’s my birthday today.”

Xie Yuran paused and said, “My uncle is ill. I’ve been at the hospital all day.”

Hearing this reason, Xin Li felt a bit better and asked, “How is Uncle Xie? Is it serious?”

Xie Yuran replied, “It’s nothing serious.”

Feeling reassured, Xin Li continued, “I’ve invited some friends to celebrate. Do you want to join us for a bit?”

On the other end of the call, Xie Yuran entered the living room from the entrance and loosened his tie, looking weary. “It’s too late. Maybe next time.”

“Next time will be a whole year away.”

Xin Li pursed her lips and began to playfully pester him, emboldened by alcohol, “Then come pick me up.”

Deep down, she knew that making such a request, given their current relationship, was somewhat unreasonable. However, she couldn’t help herself; she wanted to test his limits.

“It’s my birthday today, and you won’t even fulfill this small wish of mine?”

There was about a two to three-second silence from Xie Yuran’s end, and then he signed in a resigned tone, “Where are you?”

Xin Li grinned happily and gave him the address.

……

About half an hour later, Xie Yuran arrived at the club that Xin Li mentioned.

After parking his car in the parking lot, he gave a call to Xin Li.

After answering the call, Xin Li said bye to her friends and picked up her purse before leaving.

Her friends, not ready to end the night, expressed their dissatisfaction, “It’s still early; why’s the birthday girl leaving already?”

Walking toward the door, Xin Li waved to them, “My mom asked me to come home. Have a great time; I’ve already settled the bill.”

Outside the club, the streetlights elongated their shadows.

Xie Yuran stood with one hand in his pocket, waiting by the bushes for a while until he finally saw her coming out.

In the late spring, early summer night, there was still a slight chill. She was wearing a knee-length skirt, her slender legs were fair.

“You’re here?”

Upon seeing him, she grinned drunkenly, reminiscent of the night they first met.

Momentarily stunned, Xie Yuran said to her, “Happy birthday.”

Taking a step forward, Xin Li pretended to be unsteady on her feet and fell into his arms.

Leaning against him, she grabbed his shirt around the waist and looked up, complaining, “Your birthday wish came too late. In a little over an hour, today will be over.”

The scent of alcohol mixed with a faint fragrance wafted through the air. Seeing that she was quite drunk, Xie Yuran wrapped his arm around her exposed shoulder and guided her into the car.

After closing the door, he walked around the front and got into the driver’s seat.

Leaning against the passenger seat, Xin Li looked a bit dazed, and she didn’t even fasten her seatbelt.

Xie Yuran’s hands were on the steering wheel, preparing to drive away. Seeing her like this, he could only lean over and help her fasten her seatbelt. 

With a handsome face so close, Xin Li blinked her long lashes, focusing on his lips. Suddenly, an impulse to steal a kiss surged within her. 

She couldn’t help but lean forward, but before she could make contact, Xie Yuran already sat back up.

Before returning to his original position, he glanced at her, seemingly seeing through her intentions.

Not embarrassed, Xin Li turned to the side and continued to stare at him.

As she looked, drowsiness overwhelmed her, and her eyelids gradually drooped. 

Xie Yuran gripped the steering wheel, looking straight ahead, occasionally glancing her way.

When she was asleep, she seemed more well-behaved than usual. The mischievous glint in her eyes was completely concealed. Her eyelashes neatly drooped as she breathed evenly. 

……

Upon reaching the condominium, Xin Li was still slightly tipsy, her gaze unfocused.

“We’re here.”

Xie Yuran opened the door, unfastened her seatbelt, and gently patted her shoulder to wake her up.

Xin Li opened her eyes and got out of the car in a daze.

As soon as she did, she slumped into his arms.

Holding her close, Xie Yuran realized she was quite drunk. He decided to escort her upstairs and walk her into her condo. 

Just as he reached back to close the door, his phone in his pocket suddenly rang.

Taking out his phone, he answered the call while holding onto her and walking inside.

Leaning against his shoulder, Xin Li listened to his conversation, which seemed to be related to the truth behind Xie Shuo’s car accident.

There had been increasing rumors lately claiming that Xie Shuo’s car accident was closely linked to Xie Yuran, alleging that he orchestrated it all to secure the successor position to the Xie family.

Guiding her to sit on the sofa, Xie Yuran hung up the phone. His expression was no longer relaxed like before, looking somewhat irritated. 

Xin Li asked muddleheadedly, “Are you investigating your brother’s accident?”

Xie Yuran looked at her and replied with a soft “En.”

Xin Li continued, “How’s the investigation going?”

Xie Yuran didn’t answer her. Instead, he went to find a cup before pouring some warm water and handing it to her.

When it came to the private matters of the Xie family, he was reluctant to share. Sensing this, Xin Li didn’t press further. Taking the cup of warm water, she took a few sips and started to regain some clarity.

Placing the cup down, she suddenly reached out to him, her eyes sparkling. “Where’s my birthday present?”

Xie Yuran was taken aback. He had just learned that today was her birthday, and there was no time to prepare a present.

Looking at her fair palm, he thought for a moment before taking out his phone and sending her a red envelope.

Xin Li: “…….”

“Who cares about your red envelope? There’s no sincerity at all!”

Xin Li was almost infuriated by him. She retracted her hand and leaned back on the sofa, tilting her head back. Her black skirt slid up a bit with her movement, revealing a snowy section above her knee. 

The light cascaded from above, landing on her face and illuminating the flush on her face. 

Looking at her, Xie Yuran suddenly felt a bit warm. He unbuttoned one button of his collar, revealing a bit of his collarbone.

Afraid she wouldn’t let it go, he said, “I’ll get you something in a couple of days.”

Staring at him unbuttoning his collar, Xin Li insisted, “A couple of days is too late. I want it now.”

Xie Yuran’s head began to throb. He didn’t know how he ended up so good-naturedly playing along with her antics.

Suddenly, Xin Li pounced forward, forcefully pushing him onto the sofa before nibbling his semi-exposed collarbone.

Caught off guard, Xie Yuran frowned, gripping her waist to try and get up.

However, Xin Li wouldn’t let him. Using both hands and feet, she held him down and tugged at his shirt before biting him again, this time with more force than before.

Soft strands of her hair brushed against their necks. Xie Yuran let her indulge in her antics for a while, but when she attempted to go further, he finally couldn’t endure it. He turned, sitting up and taking control, moving her to the side. 

“Xin Li!”

He scolded hoarsely, his words seemingly squeezed out of his throat with difficulty. 

Xin Li, her back against the sofa, looked up upon hearing his words. She met a pair of pitch-black eyes, something indistinct churning within them.

The man’s scorching breath puffed across her face, yet she showed no fear. She reached out and poked at the red mark on his collarbone, created by her bites. Her eyes flickered, and she smiled wantonly.

“This can be considered my birthday present.”

Xie Yuran’s expression darkened. Pressing against her, it seemed like he might kiss her in the next second.

The air in the room became still, and silence enveloped the surroundings. Only the breaths of the two intermingled, creating an atmosphere of lingering ambiguity. 

Xin Li looked at him and blinked, a hint of inexplicable anticipation in her eyes.

However, she waited and waited but didn’t see any further action from him.

Xie Yuran stared into her eyes, maintaining the position for a moment before releasing her and standing up.

Without looking at her again, he turned away slightly and said, “It’s getting late; rest well.”

After saying that, he left her condo without turning back.

The closing of the door echoed with a solid thud. Xin Li finally relaxed completely, leaning back on the sofa, her eyes sparkling as if they held a sky full of stars.

Recalling the scene just now, she couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

……

The next day, when Xin Li woke and recalled the events of last night, it all felt like a dream.

She got out of bed and reached for her phone before opening Xie Yuran’s WeChat.

The last message between them was the red envelope he sent. 

Xin Li didn’t accept the red envelope and sent him a message: “Morning…”

She added a cute emoji for good measure.

Xie Yuran was probably busy as he replied more than half an hour later, “Sober now?”

Seeing this message, Xin Li could almost imagine his expression at the moment. She couldn’t help smiling and replied, “Awake.”

Xie Yuran didn’t respond.

After pondering for a bit, Xin Li deliberately added, “Thank you for yesterday’s birthday present.”

Xie Yuran: “……”

The bite mark on his collarbone seemed to still ache faintly.

Xin Li was overjoyed. She felt like he might block her any second, so after sending that message, she stopped teasing him and put down her phone before cheerfully getting up to get changed, and heading to her studio for work.

……

After July, Xin Li became busy due to her clothing brand studio’s participation in an international fashion competition, so she didn’t have much time to think about Xie Yuran during this period.

This busyness continued until September.

During this time, her contact with Xie Yuran decreased significantly, only chatting occasionally when she had some free time.

At the end of September, after the competition concluded with the studio winning an award, they held a celebration party. 

Amidst the liveliness, Xin Li, feeling a bit exhausted from the festivities with her colleagues, sat alone in a corner and chatted with her girlfriends. 

Chatting away, one of her friends suddenly asked her, “By the way, do you still keep in touch with that Xie Yuran?”

Her friends weren’t aware that Xin Li was pursuing Xie Yuran again.

Before Xin Li could respond, her friend sent another message, “I heard that Zhang Muqing is about to return to the country. If you still have feelings for him, you better act fast, secure him first, and then figure things out.”

Seeing the two words “Zhang Muqing,” Xin Li’s good mood instantly diminished by half and even her desire to continue chatting disappeared.

For some people, the more unattainable something was, the more they cherish it. 

In Xie Yuran’s heart, Zhang Muqing was most likely an unattainable love.

In the past, Zhang Muqing had feelings for Xie Shuo, so he had no chance. Now that Xie Shuo was blind and Xie Yuran had taken his position, there was a possibility that Zhang Muqing might turn back and look at him. 

With the depth of his infatuation for Zhang Muqing, if she were to beckon with a finger one day, he must just rush over immediately. 

She wouldn’t even compare to a single gesture from Zhang Muqing despite all the effort she had invested in pursuing him for such a long time.

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