Chapter 64

Chapter 64

"Yes," Shen Nian admitted frankly.

Since she had to reject Xiao Mubai, the only way for him to move on was through Lu Lingchuan.

So Shen Nian directly brought up Lu Lingchuan: "Actually, I haven't told you this, but after returning from the hospital that day, I had an argument with Lu Lingchuan, and we're still in a cold war period."

"You know I don't want to hurt you, and I won't leave Lu Lingchuan. These past few days, I've thought about it over and over, and I still believe that keeping a distance from you is the best outcome for you, Lu Lingchuan, and myself."

Since she clearly knew that she couldn't give him what he wanted, shouldn't she refuse his kindness?

"..." Xiao Mubai's face turned pale, looking unsteady.

But in the end, he still spoke out that word.

"Okay."

He had known her for five years, liked her for five years, and protected her for five years. He would fulfill all her requests. As long as it was her asking, how could he refuse?

"As long as you're happy..." His voice was soft, gentle, with a hint of indulgence and compromise.

Even if it meant staying away from her, as long as this was what she wanted, he would oblige.

"..." Xiao Mubai's answer and expression made Shen Nian feel as if her chest had been struck violently, leaving her shaken.

"Can I hug you one more time?" he gazed at her, tentatively asking his final request.

Shen Nian glanced at his injured right arm: "Your hand hasn't healed yet."

"It doesn't matter, I just want to hug you again," Xiao Mubai stared at her seriously, with a trace of stubbornness in his eyes.

"Just let it be the last time, okay?" His tone even carried a touch of pleading.

"..." Shen Nian gazed into his eyes, the two making eye contact for nearly a minute before Shen Nian's resolve finally crumbled, and she rushed into Xiao Mubai's embrace.

She wasn't a heartless person; she saw Xiao Mubai's protection and dedication towards her over the years.

If she hadn't met Lu Lingchuan, she thought she might have ended up with Xiao Mubai.

But it was too late, their fate was too shallow.

By the time he met her, her heart already belonged to someone else.

Her heart already had Lu Lingchuan, leaving no room for a second person.

"Small or large bowl?"

"A small bowl, I can't finish a large one."

"Got it!"

The stall owner opened the lid, steam rising from the hot congee inside. With one hand holding a plastic bowl and the other gripping a large ladle, he swiftly scooped out a bowl of plain congee.

The customer glanced at the few congee containers on the stall before remarking, "Boss, why are there still just these few? Your dried tofu congee was especially delicious before, my son really liked it. But now every time I come, it's not available."

The owner covered the congee container with a disposable plastic lid while sighing an explanation.

"Can't be helped, it's summer now, and the weather's hot. Not many people eat congee; everyone's having cold noodles to beat the heat, who eats congee? If I made too much and couldn't sell it all, it'd go to waste. So every summer, we only make the three or four best-selling varieties, none of the others."

Hearing this, the customer nodded in understanding: "I see, that makes sense."

"..." Not far away, Xiao Mubai's gaze shifted back from the scene.

He had a hand in his pocket, wearing the jacket Shen Nian had bought for him.

Ever since he got this piece of clothing, the others in his wardrobe had been neglected. Even now, with the daytime heat enough to give anyone a headache, he still enjoyed wearing it.

Fortunately, the jacket Shen Nian bought him was thin; otherwise, he would have broken out in a rash from the warmth.

He turned around silently, following the road in the opposite direction from where Shen Nian had left.

...

Soon, the day of the court hearing arrived. Shen Nian came early and met with Lawyer Xu first.

Lawyer Xu briefed her on the situation and reminded her to be mindful of her words.

Sometimes, words were very important; saying too much or too little could potentially make a huge difference in the outcome.

Shen Nian listened attentively.

The Lu family's car also arrived. Lu Lingchen came out from the front passenger side and opened the rear door to help Li Mingshi out.

Over these five years, Li Mingshi had endured great hardship, no longer displaying the grace and elegance of the former matriarch. Now, her face was haggard, with some strands of white hair emerging on her head.

Shen Nian paused, her mind suddenly picturing the graceful and noble image of Mrs. Xiao.

Lu Lingchuan and his father, Lu Yanhua, got out from the other side of the rear seats. During these years, he had also aged significantly, only hints of his youthful handsomeness and charm remaining in his eyes and brows.

The Lu Lingxuan incident from back then didn't just ruin Lu Lingxuan, Shen Nian, and Lu Lingchuan.