Mrs. Fu, please be mindful of the appropriate boundaries.

Xu Qingcheng knew about this.

Wen Fei once said that.

Zhong Wanxiu also said that.

There must have been a lot of people that day. In front of Fu Jingting, she could be shameless and unscrupulous, and she could endure no matter how harsh the things he said.

Because it was only in front of him.

She wasn't afraid to show him her disheveled state, even if she was mocked or ridiculed. But because it was him, she could still put on a smile and face him after picking up her broken heart.

With so many people around, any slight mockery would be magnified infinitely, and she didn't know if she could bear it.

I don't know if I can endure it.

Xu Qingcheng wasn't actually a very patient person. She felt that she had used up all her courage on Fu Jingting, and even her thick skin had been worn thin.

Seeing her like this, Song Chang provoked her, "What's there to hesitate about? Go, and when you meet, just say what you have to say. Give me a straight answer, whether it's okay or not, and save yourself from overthinking all day long."

"What if I tell you and it still doesn't work?" Xu Qingcheng bit her lip.

It's not that she can't speak, it's that she's afraid to speak.

I wonder if others have experienced that feeling of being anxious and uncertain about gaining or losing something.

But she has.

Not to mention, she can still shamelessly cling to him, seeing him from time to time, and slowly cultivate feelings for him. But it's also possible that it won't develop in the long run, and all her time will be wasted.

He said that they might go their separate ways from now on, which would save time and even eliminate any ambiguity, but she would never have another chance with him.

One step forward is a cliff, one step back is the deep sea.

Whichever path we take, the outcome is unknown.

She can be carefree about anything, but she can't be carefree with Fu Jingting.

Have you ever loved someone so deeply that you only wanted to accept their agreement to be with you, and refused to accept any other answer or ending?

Otherwise, she wouldn't have gone to such lengths to buy groceries and cook, trying to warm his stomach first, nor would she have worn her prettiest clothes hoping he would notice her beauty. She's a mother of a two-year-old girl, yet she still harbors so many innocent, childish, and dreamy thoughts like a little girl.

There doesn't seem to be a fixed time when I started to like someone or when I fell in love with them.

All she knew was that whenever she heard news of someone else's misfortune, her world never seemed to brighten.

All she knew was that in countless dreams, she longed for him to appear and embrace her and Yuanyuan.

Perhaps it was because of Yuanyuan, who resembled both her and him; she could always find his image in Yuanyuan's face.

For the past six hundred days and nights, she has thought of him every moment, and slowly he has become one with her very being. Letting go has become so difficult, so very difficult.

Song Chang gave her a particularly disdainful look, reached out and pinched her cheek, "If he says no, then just give up. If you give up, go love another man."

He paused, then added, "Let's go together. We'll eat and drink like royalty, surrounded by handsome young men, dressed in fine clothes and riding spirited horses, living life to the fullest. Hmm, we can even bring Yuanyuan along. Our little beauty is absolutely irresistible."

Xu Qingcheng was momentarily caught off guard and amused by Song Chang.

Song Chang fell asleep that night, but Xu Qingcheng tossed and turned, unable to sleep. She sat by the window and looked out at the stars.

The starry sky was so beautiful.

Xu Qingcheng didn't tell Song Chang that Fu Jingting's new home was arranged by Dr. Wen Feiwen.

There was no trace of her there.

Yes, it was another woman.

What did Wen Fei's companionship mean to Fu Jingting during the two years she was away?

……

That weekend was the 18th of the lunar calendar.

It's a good day.

A row of luxury cars was parked outside the villa, and the yard was lit up, like a small carnival.

Flowers, cold dishes, barbecue, desserts, and fine wines are all available.

With soothing background music playing, and surrounded by shimmering lights and handsome men and beautiful women, you can even dance a little by putting your arm around someone's waist.

Xu Qingcheng did not go with Song Chang.

It was inappropriate for her to go uninvited, and her identity would likely make those around him uncomfortable.

Such days are very important for the elderly.

Zhong Wanxiu specially prayed to the gods for peace, just to have peace of mind regardless of whether it worked.

After all, it's where he'll be living in the future.

Having experienced life-or-death despair, one becomes exceptionally devout to the gods, hoping to bring blessings to one's loved ones.

Xu Qingcheng understood Zhong Wanxiu's thoughts, so she didn't want to ruin this beautiful wish.

Song Chang took Song Xingzhi's arm and tilted her head, "Brother, who's that?"

"Which one?"

"The one next to Fu Jingting."

"Wen Fei, Dr. Wen."

Song Chang frowned. "What's Fei? What does she do?"

His tone was already barbed.

Song Xingzhi glanced at her indifferently, "Don't be ridiculous. She's been taking care of Jingting during his recovery these past two years."

Song Chang was silent for a moment, then turned her head and asked, "The kind of care that extends to the bedroom?"

Song Xingzhi, "..."

It's no wonder Song Chang overthinks things; she greets guests like a hostess, helping to explain the layout and decorating style, showing an intimate familiarity with the place.

Song Chang couldn't feel any affection for her for no reason.

Regardless of whether Xu Qingcheng and Fu Jingting have a future, even if they don't, before Qingcheng gives up, she will naturally despise all the women who appear around Fu Jingting.

They must wait until their beloved Qingcheng is no longer wanted before giving her to another woman.

There's nothing she can do; she's just fiercely protective of her own, and only has eyes for her family's Qingcheng.

"I'll go say hello." Song Chang lifted her skirt and was about to go over when Song Xingzhi grabbed her.

"Today is a special day, so don't cause me any trouble."

"Which eye of yours saw me cause trouble? I was just saying hello." Song Chang's eyes widened. "What's so special about today? Isn't it just a housewarming party?"

Song Xingzhi held her waist to prevent her from moving, but Song Chang was not about to be trapped like that, and she twisted her body and struggled.

The man suddenly tightened his grip.

Song Xingzhi looked down at her, and in just one glance, his gaze was full of threat.

Song Chang stopped moving, and she could clearly feel his change where the two of them were touching.

Even so, his eyes were excessively calm, so calm that it made Song Chang hate him.

Her hand deliberately reached out in that direction, but Song Xingzhi stopped it halfway, saying, "Stop fooling around."

"Why don't you make a fuss?" Song Chang smiled, her eyes fixed on him like hooks. She had a carefree and energetic personality, but apart from showing her true nature in front of him, she always appeared as a gentle and graceful lady in front of her family.

Just like the dress she's wearing now, so proper and gentle like a little princess, does he know what kind of ferocious soul lies beneath that dress?

"Don't move, little brother. I just saw Qin Mingyue and her brother coming over." Song Chang said, standing on tiptoe, her face close to his cheek, breathing into his ear. "You two engaged are really interesting. One brings his sister to the banquet, and the other brings his brother. What do you think she'll think if I kiss you like this?"

As she spoke, she pressed her lips against Song Xingzhi's cheek, expecting him to at least flinch. But the man didn't flinch at all, and his arm around her waist never loosened its grip. Song Chang couldn't keep up the act any longer. "Let go. If you want it, I'll call Qin Mingyue over for you."

Before she could say it a second time, Song Xingzhi dragged her into a corner, pressed her down, and kissed her fiercely and thoroughly.

"Why call her? I just happen to have one right here; why bother looking elsewhere!"

……

When Fu Jingting saw his parents arrive, he frowned and looked at Zhong Wanxiu. "Didn't you say you weren't coming?"

"I didn't originally intend to come," Zhong Wanxiu said with a smile, "but since your Uncle Wen is here, how could we not come?"

"Uncle Wen said he'd just take a look and leave; it's too noisy here."

"That's true, but since they're here, it wouldn't be right for your father and me not to show up." Zhong Wanxiu glared at him. "Arrange a place for us in the room so we can talk for a while."

Fu Pinghui patted him on the shoulder, "After all, he's the one who pulled you back from the brink of death. You should always keep him in your heart."

Wen Liyan was Fu Jingting's surgeon, and it was thanks to him that Fu Jingting was able to save the family. At that time, they were powerless to help, and the only hope was the doctor.

The heart stopped beating for a moment. As a family member, just hearing about those few seconds of fear is something I'll never forget.

It was the doctor's calm and collected handling that enabled them to create a miracle at that critical moment.

The person who could create miracles and save countless lives was not favored by God.

Wen Liyan had been suffering from nasopharyngeal carcinoma for some time. It was already in the middle stage when it was discovered. Even though it was under good control, he was not going to have any more surgeries due to his physical condition. He only accepted the surgery after being asked to do so.

My health has been deteriorating over the past two years.

Fu Jingting nodded. "I understand."

"Also, you need to be more thorough in your work. Why didn't you tell us about something so important?" Fu Pinghui reprimanded him sternly.

"That's right, if Wen Fei hadn't let it slip, you were still planning to keep it a secret!" Zhong Wanxiu glanced at him sideways.

Fu Jingting remained silent.

Wen Fei saw that the people had already walked over. She was wearing a flowing long dress and had a smile on her face. "Uncle and Auntie."

Zhong Wanxiu affectionately took Wen Fei's arm and said with a smile, "Very beautiful."

"Auntie, please don't praise me." Wen Fei smiled, and the group walked indoors together.

Song Chang managed to shake off Song Xingzhi and came out just in time to see them all there. With the elders present, she couldn't act recklessly. Song Xingzhi didn't stop her, so Song Chang followed him.

It wasn't until the wine tower in the villa's courtyard, when Wen Fei and Fu Jingting were pouring red wine together, that Song Chang finally uttered a curse.

Her eyes blazed with anger as she turned to Song Xingzhi, "You knew all along, didn't you?"

Silence means yes.

Enraged, Song Chang kicked Song Xingzhi in the ankle. She lifted her skirt to leave, but Song Xingzhi grabbed her arm. "What are you doing? It's their business, why are you interfering?"

"Song Xingzhi!" Song Chang roared at him in a low voice, his eyes blazing with cold fire. "You should have told me first, and I wouldn't have come, so you don't need to worry about me causing trouble. Second!"

Secondly, she won't desperately try to persuade Qingcheng to come over!

Song Chang gritted her teeth, suddenly not wanting to continue.

She pulled away from Song Xingzhi's hand, picked up her phone to make a call, and tears streamed down her face as she anxiously made her cry.

"Qingcheng, answer the phone! Answer the phone!"

After the dial tone stopped, Song Chang continued to dial.

She tilted her head back, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Changchang, I'm not going with you. It's not good. The atmosphere will definitely be off if I go on such a nice day."

"So you're not going?" Song Chang scoffed. "Or you've backed out."

"I'll go a little later, when it's almost over and no one's paying attention." Xu Qingcheng blinked playfully, then smiled and complained to him, "If I don't deliberately look for him, I really can't see him. It's so annoying, he just won't see me if he says he won't."

The phone was finally answered after several attempts. Song Chang was furious. "Qingcheng, don't come any closer. Listen to me, wherever you are, tell the driver to turn around and go back."

There was only a soft "hmm" from the other end of the phone, indicating that she had heard it, but she didn't seem inclined to speak further.

"This is someone's wedding room. What, a housewarming party, an engagement...?"

Suddenly, cheers erupted, champagne bottles were popped one after another with a "pop" sound, and whistles filled the air.

The sound from her phone sent a chill down Song Chang's spine. She suddenly asked, "Are you there? Where?"

"Don't look for me. After the banquet, go home with Song Xingzhi." Xu Qingcheng's voice was unusually calm, but the sound of her breathing was also very clear in the receiver.

Where are you? I'm coming to find you.

"No. Let me be alone for a while. I don't look good right now." Tears streamed down her face, but Xu Qingcheng smiled. "I'll go back by myself in a bit, don't worry about me. Didn't you say you were going to take me to see an apartment and handle the rental procedures tomorrow? Pick me up at Xinghewan tomorrow afternoon."

The phone call ended, and Song Chang stood there, looking around at the crowd.

The fragrance of clothes and the sway of hair.

However, Xu Qingcheng was not seen.

Fu Pinghui and his wife left at the same time as Wen Liyan. The refined man with glasses had become emaciated due to illness, but his demeanor was still evident in his words and actions.

Before getting into the car, he turned back, his gaze sweeping over Fu Jingting and Wen Fei, finally settling on Wen Fei's face, and earnestly advised, "Fei Fei, don't be too ambitious, because you're standing on solid ground."

"Dad!" Wen Fei clung to his arm playfully. "All you do is lecture me all the time. Alright, I remember every single word you've ever said to me."

Wen Liyan smiled, reached out and patted her head, and didn't say anything more.

After seeing them off, the man stood still. Wen Fei looked at him and said, "Thank you."

Fu Jingting turned his head to look at her.

"Thank you for not calling me out on it."

Wen Fei rubbed her arm, and seeing that he didn't speak, she said, "I'll go in first."

Fu Jingting stood still, glancing back at the brightly lit villa, feeling that all this hustle and bustle had nothing to do with him.

He moved to the side, and everyone was enveloped in shadow, away from the light. Once the noise and enthusiasm were gone, only desolation remained.

Fu Jingting lowered his eyes to light a cigarette, but the sight of the skirt caught his eye, making him suddenly look up.

Xu Qingcheng saw his eyes turn cold in an instant, shattering her heart into pieces.

Seemingly annoyed even by looking at him, Fu Jingting turned around, only to have his arm suddenly grabbed by her.

"Please don't get engaged to her, don't get married." Xu Qingcheng's voice trembled and choked with suppressed sobs. "Fu Jingting, I love you."

She wore a beautiful chiffon dress, flowing and ethereal, and her mother said she looked like a fairy who had fallen to earth.

The moonlight is so bright tonight; she hopes he will look at her properly.

The man's forehead creased, and a surge of emotions rushed into his chest, almost tearing his lungs apart; even breathing was painful.

"Xu Qingcheng, your love is worthless!"

He flung her away, and her fingers, which had been gripping his sleeve, fell limply to her sides.

No matter how many times I rehearsed this outcome in my mind, hearing it still hurt so much I couldn't breathe.

She used up all her courage just to tell him, "I love you."

The man strode away, his figure disappearing at the villa entrance, leaving her with only his back view.

Xu Qingcheng covered her face and wept bitterly, biting her lip and sobbing uncontrollably.

One step wrong, step by step wrong.

Perhaps it would have been better if we had never met.

Her love affair, which she had given her all to, came to a clean and decisive end.