Calming music, a quiet environment, and it was not yet the peak dinner hour, so there weren't many customers in the restaurant. At a table by the window, hordes of pedestrians hurriedly made their way along, right in the middle of rush hour—everyone was bustling about.
Fang Ze had chosen the spot, but after they arrived, he remained silent the whole time. Thankfully, the waiter brought over the menus, and Shen Li busied herself with perusing the selections. She didn't know how to break the silence. Before getting into the car, she had thought that a chat might be good. Although she had rejected him twice, Fang Ze seemed to still cling to hope. She resolved to make things clear once and for all.
"I'll have a bowl of udon," said Shen Li, after scrutinizing the menu for another fifteen minutes, finally breaking the silence. She then handed the menu to Fang Ze with a smile and said, "I got a job, so this meal is on me."
"Same for me," Fang Ze finally ended his silence, looking at Shen Li, his expression grave as he said, "The flowers your boyfriend sent..."
He had thought he still stood a chance, only to discover that Shen Li's boyfriend was wealthier.
Shen Li didn't want to clear up this misunderstanding; she was just surprised that news had spread so fast and said, "He treats me pretty well, even if we do argue occasionally."
"I like you," blurted Fang Ze, noticeably agitated, his hands clenched into fists.
He had thought he had a sure chance, but now... he was about to lose Shen Li for good.
"That was all back in high school," Shen Li began, pausing before adding, "We haven't even seen each other in these four years. It could be just an illusion—it's all in the past."
"This is no illusion!" Fang Ze insisted. He had spent four years confirming his feelings, and he truly loved Shen Li deeply. He stood up abruptly, placing his hand on Shen Li's shoulder and said, "Can you dare say you've never liked me? For two whole years we were inseparable—we were together during classes, after classes, eating, going out. Do you remember? It was the same winter that year when I brought you things..."
"So why didn't you confess back then?" Shen Li suddenly interrupted him, her expression filled with sorrow.
Memories she had nearly forgotten were suddenly revived by Fang Ze, throwing her heart into chaos. Yes, she once had been close to Fang Ze; it wasn't possible without some affection.
Those were memories of youthful innocence, but with Chen Na's interference and Fang Ze's departure, they faded little by little. Now, having completely forgotten, Fang Ze's words seemed to come out of nowhere. What had he been doing four years ago?
"I... I was too shy back then. I thought you understood," Fang Ze said with immense regret before continuing, "And there was Chen Na. Once I got drunk, and we... I had no idea what to do. I didn't like her at all, but I couldn't just abandon her..."
At 17, the young man's youthful timidity kept him at a loss for words. He thought that by just being together, they would end up in the same university and then... it would all fall into place.
Shen Li was stunned, Chen Na... It was unexpected; everyone was so naive then. Without realizing it, she sighed, pushed Fang Ze's hand away, and spoke in a subdued voice, "Let it be, it's all in the past anyway. Talking about it is meaningless. Let's just leave it at that, we can still be friends."
"I love you!" Fang Ze was nearly roaring, and as he did, several waiters looked their way.
Shen Li lowered her head and said, "It's too late... really."
Even without Huo Siyu, she couldn't possibly accept Fang Ze. The complete lack of feeling on her part was one thing, she also couldn't tolerate a man's wavering. If he was indecisive during dating, the outcome of marriage would likely be divorce.
Perhaps it was related to her family background, with a scumbag of a father, leading her to feel quite disappointed in men as a species. As for falling in love, she'd rather not—she could live very well on her own.
Suddenly, Fang Ze pushed his chair back and approached Shen Li, placing his hands on her shoulders urgently, "It's not too late at all. You liked me once; it's just that we've been apart too long, and you've forgotten me. It doesn't matter, just give me a little time. That's all I need. You'll remember our past feelings. You're bound to like me again."
Shen Li looked at Fang Ze with a helpless expression, gazing into his earnest eyes, "Fang Ze, please don't. I've told you, I have a boyfriend now. I've already fallen for someone else."
"How could it happen so fast? How could you..." Fang Ze's voice was filled with disheartening pain as he suddenly stepped forward and embraced Shen Li, pleading, "Please like me, I really love you..."
Could a mistake from his youth make him lose his true love? That seemed far too cruel.
"Let go of me first," Shen Li said. She could feel that Fang Ze wasn't quite himself and was afraid of provoking any extreme action—Fang Ze was just holding her, not doing anything else.
Fang Ze drew a deep breath, his true love, something he'd have to cherish in memory for the rest of his life...
No, it shouldn't end like this...
Suddenly, a hand reached in, yanked Fang Ze away with force, and sent him flying. Fang Ze hit a nearby seat with a "bang".
Chairs were knocked to the floor, and the tableware that had been on the table also crashed to the ground. Ceramic pieces shattered, slicing into Fang Ze's hands, causing blood to flow freely.
"Fang Ze..." Shen Li was terrified and cried out, wanting to rush over to check on him. Her hand, however, was grabbed, and Huo Siyu's cold voice came to her ear, "Woman, you're quite bold..."
He had only been away for a few days, and she was already dining with a man, embracing, nearly kissing. He had hurried back on purpose, expecting surprise but not pleasantness. She had been cheating on him; he had been too kind to her.
Shen Li was struck dumb, feeling an icy chill all over her body as she stared at Huo Siyu as if she had seen a ghost. It wasn't even the New Year yet; how had he returned so suddenly?!
By then, Fang Ze had gotten up from the floor, ignoring the blood flowing from his hands, and walked straight towards Huo Siyu. Eyeing the man before him, he felt even sadder—Shen Li had good taste; this man... was stronger than him. He said, "Are you Ah Li's boyfriend?"
Huo Siyu's eyes narrowed, his whole demeanor chilling, such a man dared to embrace Shen Li. He said, "I could kill you."
As he spoke, he reached inside his suit jacket.
"Fang Ze, go, hurry," Shen Li cried out instinctively. She knew Huo Siyu wasn't joking; he was capable of following through. As she spoke, she lunged toward Huo Siyu, yelling, "Go, Fang Ze, go!"