Chapter 12: Uh, Long Time No See
Yun Xinyu's head gradually lowered. Hearing Luo Fan's sarcasm, her heart turned cold. She didn't know what to say—at this moment, all explanations seemed pale and powerless.
She had indeed hurt him, leaving her with no defense. Even if her intentions had been good, she'd never asked whether he actually wanted her self-sacrifice.
Luo Fan watched Yun Xinyu shrink deeper into the blankets and coldly twisted the knife: "Yun Xinyu, is this the life you've built after leaving me?
Weren't you so triumphant? Didn't you walk away so proudly?
How did you end up in such a pathetic state?
Hmm? Weren't you so eloquent before? Why aren't you retorting now?"
Crossing his arms, Luo Fan swept his icy gaze over Yun Xinyu, who had now covered her head with the blanket's edge. His expression remained frozen like ancient glaciers, devoid of any other emotion.
Yun Xinyu felt utterly wronged. She never imagined that Luo Fan, after all these years apart, would become so vicious and unfeeling.
Though he'd been cold and aloof when they first met, he'd never been this extreme. His frigid words left her completely tongue-tied.
After a long silence from outside, she assumed Luo Fan had left.
Released from the pressure of his overwhelming presence, she exhaled sharply and relaxed her tense nerves. Burrowing deeper under the blankets, she let the suppressed grievances surge through her like tidal waves.
Soon, faint sniffles emerged from beneath the covers, growing louder until they erupted into full sobs. As if realizing no one remained to hear, she abandoned restraint and wailed freely.
Between hiccups, she began cursing: "Stupid Luo Fan... hateful jerk... big villain, why don't you just..." She grew increasingly vehement, oblivious to the dropping temperature around her.
"I'm not dead yet." Luo Fan's voice shattered the long silence.
The "die" on Yun Xinyu's lips transformed into a shocked hiccup, instantly silencing her cries.
After another eternity, Yun Xinyu decided some obligatory greeting was necessary. Hesitantly, she ventured: "Uh... Luo Fan... so... long time no see?"
"......"
"One last thing... I... I missed you."
"Unwanted. I hate you."
After delivering this frosty reply, Luo Fan turned and slammed the bedroom door shut with violent finality.
Hate?
Why hate?
Hadn't she merely tarnished her own image to make him believe her greedy?
At worst, he should dislike her—why use such an extreme word?
Too frustrated to dwell on it, Yun Xinyu scrambled to straighten the bedding.
She suddenly realized she still wore yesterday's runway dress.
Inspecting it closely, she groaned—the garment lay crumpled beyond recognition. Every piece from that show cost tens of thousands of yuan. This damage would require significant compensation.
Fortunately, her recent overtime work had built substantial savings. With medical bills recently paid and no immediate expenses, she could afford this—especially since mere compensation would cost less than purchasing it outright.
Relieved at finally catching a break, she flopped back onto the plush bed, admiring the ornate chandelier above.
["Share half my tears
I too know their bitter taste
Why rend hearts and lungs?
Only to highlight my wretchedness..."]
Her phone rang abruptly—Gu Cheng's name flashed on the screen.
Answering, she heard his hoarse voice: "Hey, Xinyu."
"What is it?"
"Earlier... I couldn't say certain things face-to-face. After thinking it through, I need to tell you by phone."
"Go ahead."
"When I suddenly broke up with you, I know it must've confused you. Truthfully, I was conflicted too.
I desperately wanted to stay together—my feelings for you are real. But I knew you didn't love me, not truly.
I couldn't accept marrying under those conditions. That's why I ended things after struggling for so long.
But after returning to solitude... I regretted it.
With you, I felt happiness and ease I've never found with anyone else.
No one else makes my heart race like you do. I've realized—there's only one you in this world. Lose you, and that light vanishes forever.
That's why I want to reconcile. Not just to help with your troubles, though that plays a small part.
Yet when I stood before you again... I froze. You know I've had many relationships, but I've never been good at expressing real feelings. I don't know if you'll understand, but... do you?"
"...Gu Cheng, I should be apologizing. I understand everything you've said—your conflict makes perfect sense.
Before seeing him again, I thought I could live simply without love. That's why I accepted your proposal.
But reuniting with him taught me two things: my heart still beats... and I'd wounded him so deeply he's turned to ice. My fault. How can I ignore that?
If I can't heal his scars, I'll at least ensure he finds someone who brings him joy like I once did.
Until then, I won't consider romance. Afterward, I might settle with someone equally indifferent—that's only fair.
So you—I hope you find a better woman. I'm unworthy. Thank you for two years of support, Gu Cheng. I won't look back. Truly—I wish you happiness."
"What if I stop demanding your love? What if I accept you loving someone else?"
"Sorry."
"Is it because I'm lacking? Xinyu, I'll improve myself! Don't be so cruel—"
She hung up mid-plea. No ambiguity could remain—any hope would only deepen his eventual pain.
(End of Chapter)
