Susu replied, "No."
Xin Che asked again, "When did you and Chen Ming break up? And why?"
"When I broke up with him, you didn't know me very well yet. As for the reason for the breakup... I felt like I was starting to like you a little, so I initiated the breakup."
Xin Che asked again, "During the four months we were apart, did you two get back together?"
"No. But he went to Shenzhen once and asked if I wanted to marry him."
Xin Che sighed, "You should ask Chen Ming out today and see what his attitude is. If it's just Ji Xiaoran making a fuss, it's easier to handle. After all, I'm not married to her, and I've already compensated her with a suite. I'm just afraid Chen Ming will also come forward as a victim. With four industry professionals and three major companies involved, there will likely be many people watching the drama. If Chen Ming wants revenge, this is the best opportunity. But if he stays silent, the rest will be easier to handle. At worst, you can marry me, and they'll come after me, and no one will trouble you anymore."
Susu saw through it, "So, do you want to marry me, or are you just sulking with her?"
Xin Che smiled and stroked her head, not answering.
That afternoon, Susu arranged to meet Chen Ming at a coffee shop and told him about Ji Xiaoran posting on Moments.
Chen Ming said, "Xin Che sent you to find me, didn't he? He's afraid things will escalate and affect his career. Have you heard of his reputation in the industry? I really can't understand—why would you give up our more than three years of feelings for someone who is irresponsible and a serial cheater? He doesn't understand me, but do you not understand me either? Even if I wanted revenge, I wouldn't use this. If this blows up, you'll be the most hurt. Please consider him more for your sake."
"I'm sorry, it's all my fault." She felt regretful in her heart, thinking more and more about her impulsive actions back then. She once thought pursuing love was natural, but looking at Chen Ming now, she only felt both guilty and pained.
Chen Ming suppressed his reluctance, "Tell me what you need me to do. You can come pick up your things from home anytime; the locks haven't been changed."
Susu asked awkwardly, "Could you hire a moving company to pack my things and have them delivered to my place?"
"He won't let you go to my house?" Chen Ming's heart clenched with bitterness, and he sighed helplessly, "I've truly lost completely. No matter how much I love you, I can't keep you, but he can control you so easily. Is he waiting for you nearby? You should go first; I'll find someone to deliver your things to his home."
After they parted, a suffocating sense of disappointment settled in Susu's heart. She had wanted to be alone for a while, but remembering Xin Che was waiting for her, she had to go find him first.
When she got back to the car, Xin Che interrogated her, "Did he say I have character problems?"
Susu was agitated, her words laced with sarcasm, "You already know, so why are you asking me?"
Xin Che's expression also turned cold, "You don't need to listen to others tell you what kind of person I am." He paused, "I'll take you home first. I have some friends meeting me this evening."
Xin Che hadn't arrived home until past ten in the evening. Susu felt uneasy and decided to soften her stance first, sending him a message: "I just want you by my side. I really want to touch your nose and kiss your ears."
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