Xin Che paused and asked, "If I go to Beijing, will it be my current position?"
"It might be a bit lower. But it's okay, I'll endure it for a while and then we'll talk later." Ji Xiaoran looked at Xin Che with a hint of anticipation in her eyes, but he didn't say anything more.
In Shenzhen, after breaking up with Xin Che, Susu was in low spirits. She craved Xiao Fei's company more than ever. But for months, Xiao Fei had been very cold to her. She had thought about asking for the reason but didn't know how to start. At this moment, she thought, after all, they had had so many years of feelings for each other; if Xiao Fei knew how difficult things were for her now, she would eventually soften. She gathered her courage and sent Xiao Fei a message: "I broke up, and I'm very sad."
Not long after, Xiao Fei replied, "You deserve it. I told you long ago that old man was no good. Chen Ming was so good to you, did you cherish him? Don't talk to me about this anymore."
Susu stared at the screen, tears blurring her vision.
A few days later, Chen Ming flew over from Beijing. After they met, Susu didn't know what to say for a moment. She first sighed softly, "Ever since we broke up, Xiao Fei has been acting strange, like she suddenly became a stranger."
Chen Ming said, "Don't you know yet? Xiao Fei is with Han Yicheng. She might be bothered that Han Yicheng used to like you."
Susu blurted out, "How could they possibly be together? Don't talk nonsense."
Chen Ming didn't say anything more. On the streets of Shenzhen at night, he took Susu's hand as he used to, and the two of them walked aimlessly.
Suddenly, he stopped, turned, and looked at Susu tenderly, "Marry me... I still love you. It was my fault; I shouldn't have let my self-esteem get in the way and not held onto you properly. I thought you would eventually come back to me."
Susu's heart melted, and she stood frozen for a long time before saying, "We can't go back." As soon as she finished speaking, tears streamed down her face.
Chen Ming held her tightly in his embrace, his heart aching, and repeatedly said, "It's all in the past, don't cry..."
Susu pushed him away, lowering her head, afraid to meet his eyes, "You won't forgive me..."
Chen Ming interrupted her, somewhat agitated, "I forgive you, and I beg you to forgive me, please don't leave me. Perhaps I neglected you in the past, or did things wrong. I swear I will treat you even better from now on and will never trouble you about this matter for the rest of my life." After speaking, he pulled Susu into his embrace again.
Susu lay on Chen Ming's chest, tears flowing uncontrollably. She believed his sincerity, and she couldn't bear to leave him. However, their lives were still so long, and she feared that this thorn would eventually take root in his heart and turn into a sharp blade, piercing them both years later. She dared not gamble, nor did she want to.
Chen Ming seemed to hear the voice in her heart and pleaded earnestly by her ear, "I beg you to believe me, I beg you not to give up on me. I will prove it to you; I will do it."
Susu's heart shattered into pieces. She increasingly regretted her impulsiveness back then.
Around the Spring Festival, Ji Xiaoran moved into Xin Che's house—the house they had decided to buy together years ago. She remained as focused on her career as ever, and no matter how late Xin Che had social engagements, she never inquired.
A few days later, Xin Che was drinking with friends outside, his mind hazy, but his longing for Susu grew stronger. In a daze, he sent Susu a voice message: "Why did you run so far away? I haven't had enough of you yet... Susu, I miss you so much... Come back, okay?"
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