Lu Yinchu kept his lips pursed, remaining silent.
Up ahead, Nanxi and Lu Qingtian were returning from a walk. Seeing Lu Yinchu and Li Weihuan in the distance, Nanxi came to a halt. But Qingtian ran over with joy, waving towards them.
âLetâs go over!â
As Lu Yinchu spoke, he reached out, signalling to Li Weihuan. The pair headed towards Nanxi and Lu Qingtian.
âBro, cousin, are you two out for a stroll too? Iâve already finished my walk with sister-in-law!â Lu Qingtian panted as he ran over, speaking with a tone of complaint.
He was annoyed that when he and his sister-in-law went out, his idols, his big brother and cousin, didnât come with them.
Having to walk separately made the stroll less enjoyable!
Lu Yinchu glanced at Lu Qingtian and squinted, âYouâre right. Youâve already had your walk, now go sleep. You still have to wake up early tomorrow!â
âBut bro, tomorrow is the weekend!â
âHave you finished your homework? If you havenât, youâre not going to the engagement tomorrow!â
Upon hearing this, Lu Qingtian bared his teeth at Lu Yinchu, âBro, youâre so uncool!â
His sister-in-law hadnât spoken a word while they were walking, seemingly in a foul mood. He suspected his brother mustâve upset her, which was why he spoke kindly during their walk. And all his effort was for nothing!
He swore heâd never cover for his brother again!
He was furious!
âSister-in-law, donât forgive my brother too easily. Men are the most unreliable! Thereâs a saying thatâs right: âIf men were reliable, pigs could climb trees!'â
After saying this, he walked away.
Nanxi: ââ¦â
She glanced awkwardly at Lu Yinchu, then at Li Weihuan. Lost for words, her eyes flickered with uncertainty.
âLetâs walk a little further up, the servants could still see from here,â Lu Yinchu exhaled a puff of smoke, speaking up.
The three of them walking together was inherently uncomfortable. Nanxi didnât even know what to say.
Lu Yinchu didnât hold her hand as they walked. She appreciated that he didnât deliberately show affection, making Li Weihuan uncomfortable. Her feelings were complex, and she felt troubled.
They walked outside of the Lu Family mansion, onto the broad road. The street lights were bright, but few people were around due to it being a villa area. Occasionally, a car zoomed past them, whipping up a gust of wind.
Lu Yinchuâs phone rang. He glanced at the two and said, âIâll answer a call, be back soon!â
After that, he picked up his phone and walked away, maintaining a safe distance of about 20 to 30 steps. There, he answered the phone, standing with his back turned towards Nanxi and Li Weihuan.
Nanxi knew that Lu Yinchu was giving her time and space to talk to Li Weihuan. Indeed, she had much to say, but where should she begin?
She wasnât sure anymore!
Nanxi stood there. She was initially separated from Li Weihuan by Lu Yinchu, but now with him gone, all it took was a turn of their heads to be near each other!
Nanxi moistened her lips. She wanted to say, âIâm Sorry,â but words seemed pale at this moment, inappropriate to utter.
Nanxi let her gaze drift away, not towards Lu Yinchuâs direction. The distant neon lights appeared illusory, glaring yet unreal. Under the lights, countless souls lingered, some relied on each other, while others continued to wander. No one knew!
âIâm sorry, Nanxiâ¦â Li Weihuan suddenly spoke, startling Nanxi.
He was apologising, but it was her who should be saying that line!
âMy second uncle is indeed a good choice. Iâve accepted my loss wholeheartedly!â He wasnât looking at Nanxi, but at somewhere far away.
âWhen I was young, I admired my second uncle. I felt he was extraordinarily competent and omnipotent. I liked everything my second uncle liked, but never thought that one day Iâd fall for a girl he liked. I didnât want to hide it from you or from my second uncle. But Nanxi, I was scared. Scared of breaking my second uncleâs heart, and of losing you!â
Li Weihuanâs lips twitched, his eyes shimmering. âBut⦠I eventually hurt my second uncle and lost you. Maybe fate does exist. Iâve finally accepted it.â
Nanxiâs tears welled up, unstoppable. She felt a biting pain in her chest, as if she was being gnawed upon, making it hard for her to breathe!
âNanxi, I canât lie to myself or to you. Even now, seeing you like this hurts me. But donât worry, Iâm fine. Iâll live each day well. Iâm the one to blame for all this. I wronged my second uncle. My six happiest years coincided with six dreadful years for my second uncle. Those six years were my indulgence. To pay for that with a lifetime of heartache is worth it!â
His handsome profile was partially hidden under the light. This older boy was no longer capable of laughing and being carefree as before!
Nanxi covered her mouth, sobbing uncontrollably, as Li Weihuanâs own tears began to fall!
He reached out, wanting to comfort Nanxi, but realized he had lost that privilege. What right does he have to comfort her now?
âNanxi, donât cry! If you cry, my second uncle will be heartbroken!â
Li Weihuan bit his lip. His voice slightly hoarse, his teary face reflected a mix of brilliance and sadness under the light.
Nanxi continued crying her heart out, ignoring his words. She didnât know whether her tears were for Li Weihuan or Lu Yinchu?
âNanxi, donât blame my second uncle. He suffered a lot for you! If you have to blame someone, blame me. Itâs all my fault. I hope you and my second uncle can be happy, happier than when you were with me. I once saw a quote that I feel suits our current situation!â
âIn my past life, this life, or the next, I tenderly promise you: if we can only be friends, then Iâll strive to be a meaningful friend; if we can only be strangers, then Iâll be a stranger who always smiles; if weâre destined to part ways one day, Iâll quietly vanish from your life; this status between you and me is non-existent. This might be the most touching ending!â
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