Meng Ning's heart skipped a beat as she immediately looked at Fu Tingxiu, observing his expression.
She felt a guilty conscience, explaining, "I didn't mean to hide it from you, nor did I attend the class reunion because of my ex-boyfriend. Please don't misunderstand."
From their first meeting, Meng Ning had disclosed her past relationship. Fu Tingxiu easily discerned Gu Changming's reaction just now.
Even if Meng Ning had no lingering feelings, Gu Changming certainly did.
At a traffic light, Fu Tingxiu smoothly stopped the car and turned to her, saying, "Meng Ning, you don't need to be nervous. I trust you."
Upon hearing this, Meng Ning's eyes widened in surprise and disbelief.
In most men's eyes, even if not jealous, they would still become upset.
Fu Tingxiu's response was calm and composed, neither angry nor jealous. Considering that they had only recently met and were legally married without any emotional attachment, Meng Ning felt relieved.
Unaware of Meng Ning's thoughts, Fu Tingxiu's indifference stemmed from the fact that Gu Changming was not worthy of being his rival.
Despite Fu Tingxiu's lack of concern, Meng Ning felt compelled to explain further: "We dated for half a year in high school and both got accepted to Peking University. His family arranged for him to study abroad midway through, and we lost contact thereafter. Our relationship was just holding hands back then, we never even kissed."
The light turned green, and Fu Tingxiu started driving. "You graduated from Peking University. Why did you choose to sell at the night market?"
"Huh?" Meng Ning was a bit surprised by Fu Tingxiu's question. Why wasn't he asking about her past with Gu Changming?
Collecting herself, Meng Ning explained, "There were some issues back then. I only attended one semester and then dropped out. I didn't graduate."
Seeing Meng Ning uncomfortable and unwilling to elaborate, Fu Tingxiu didn't press further.
Expecting Fu Tingxiu to continue questioning, Meng Ning felt uneasy when he didn't. They returned to Shuimucheng City, and as they entered the house, Meng Ning couldn't help but continue, "Back then, I chose the Design Department. I liked jewelry design. Due to a plagiarism incident, it caused quite a stir. Coupled with a breakup, I couldn't handle the public opinion and ended up dropping out."
In truth, Meng Ning's mother and Qin Huan had informed her of these details. Her memories of that year at Peking University were vague. She vaguely recalled experiencing these events and forgetting some details. She had suffered from severe depression and underwent lengthy treatment before recovering.
As for the plagiarism incident, it remained blurry in her mind, with Qin Huan insisting she had been wrongly accused.
Meng Ning herself wasn't entirely clear on the exact truth.
Since recovering from depression, she hadn't dwelled on the past. She started selling at the night market, striving to be self-reliant.
The past no longer mattered; what mattered was taking each step forward with determination.
Fu Tingxiu refrained from probing further because he didn't want to reopen Meng Ning's wounds. Having been accepted into Peking University but dropping out midway, there surely was a story behind it. He hadn't expected Meng Ning to voluntarily disclose it.
He looked at her with an indescribable tenderness in his eyes and asked, "Do you regret it? If you had graduated from Peking University, life would certainly be better than it is now."
Meng Ning shook her head. "I chose my own path; there's nothing to regret. I believe there's more than one road to Rome."
Fu Tingxiu nodded approvingly. "I believe in you."
Meng Ning's gaze was firm, reminiscent of when he first met her, holding her household registration book and asking if he was willing to marry her.
"You didn't drink today?" Meng Ning suddenly noticed that Fu Tingxiu didn't smell of alcohol, unlike his usual return home.
"No social engagements today. I planned to come back early and help you at the night market."
Fu Tingxiu did have social engagements but had sent Fu Boxuan in his place. Currently, Fu Boxuan was still toasting at the dinner table.
"Oh." Meng Ning asked, "Did you eat? If not, I'll cook something."
"I've eaten already." Fu Tingxiu smiled, sensing Meng Ning's subdued mood. "I'll go to the study and do some work. You rest early."
At this moment, Meng Ning needed quiet and independent space more than ever.
"Okay."
Indeed, Meng Ning wanted to be alone for a while. The class reunion had affected her mood.
After Fu Tingxiu went to the study, she returned to the bedroom, washed up, changed into pajamas, and lay down to rest.
At that moment, a friend request popped up on her phone's WeChat.
Meng Ning clicked to open it and was immediately filled with mixed emotions.
Gu Chang Ming added her as a friend and left a note: "Let's start over."
Meng Ning felt ironic and a bit annoyed. Did Gu Changming know she was married? Sending such a message in the middle of the night, what was his motive?
Meng Ning deleted it directly without accepting the request. She then muted her phone and went to sleep.
In the middle of the night, Meng Ning woke up thirsty. She groggily uncovered herself and walked out of the room, feeling her way to get some water to drink. Suddenly, she collided with Fu Tingxiu.
"Ah!"
Meng Ning was shocked and instinctively cried out. Her body leaned backwards, her legs hitting the sofa behind her, causing her to lose balance. She instinctively grabbed Fu Tingxiu in front of her, and the two fell onto the sofa together.
Fu Tingxiu's lips landed directly on Meng Ning's lips.
The soft sensation on her lips surprised them both, as if an electric current ran through their bodies.
In the dim light and intimate position, some fragmented memories flashed through Meng Ning's mind. They were parts of memories she had forgotten, and when she tried to piece them together, her mind went blank again.
Meanwhile, Fu Tingxiu's mind also flashed with some inappropriate images...