In the living room, Shen Lingxing and Mi Jing both remained silent. The expansive space was filled only with the sound of the television. Shen Lingxing sat leaning back on the sofa, while Mi Jing, who had initially been sitting next to him, had shifted to rest her head on his lap, comfortably watching TV.
At this moment, Mi Jing felt a profound sense of happiness. In the past, she believed that only passionate love could be unforgettable. So, when she realized she had feelings for Han Xiujie, she took the initiative to confess to him. After a bold, determined pursuit, they ended up together. Back then, she thought that was the thrilling love she desired.
But now, thinking back, she realized how simple-minded she had been!
However, this was normal. When you’re young, it’s hard to avoid some shallow thoughts. You think love is only real when two people who like each other come together, and only such love can blossom. But now, with the passing of time and the satisfaction brought by the man beside her watching TV, she gradually understood that she didn’t need a whirlwind romance. She just wanted someone who wouldn’t leave her, who would thoughtfully cover her with a blanket when she’s cold, remind her to wear more clothes, comfort her gently when she’s scared by bad dreams, stay by her side when she’s sad, give her a hug, and patiently walk with her through every stage of life...
Love isn’t something you talk about all the time, and it doesn’t need constant proof of how deep it is. Love is the quiet companionship and unwavering support for each other.
Or perhaps, as her senior said, she was lucky to have accidentally married this man. Therefore, she often had a sense of gratitude, constantly reminding herself to cherish him. But sometimes, when life becomes so sweet and beautiful, she can’t help but feel a bit anxious, fearing that such happiness might slip away from her.
People are inherently contradictory, especially women! So, it’s normal to occasionally overthink, just like now, Mi Jing’s thoughts were drifting away again.
Ring ring—
The sudden ringtone of the phone pulled Mi Jing back to reality. Taking the phone that Shen Lingxing handed her, she looked at the caller ID and answered the call.
It was her aunt calling, saying that her cousin Han Bin had returned from Africa two days ago. Ever since, he had been cooped up in his room with a gloomy face, seemingly disturbed by something. Fang Qinglan’s purpose for calling Mi Jing was to have her find out what was wrong with Han Bin and to offer him some guidance. Mi Jing thought that, as his close cousin, she naturally had the duty to care about him. So, after finishing the call with Fang Qinglan, she sat up from Shen Lingxing’s lap and immediately dialed Han Bin’s number.
"Beep beep..."
After a long wait, the beeping stopped, and Mi Jing was informed that the call couldn’t be answered at the moment. Please try again later!
"Hey! Went to Africa and got a temper? Not even answering my calls?" Mi Jing glared at her phone, grumbling to herself.
"Who pissed you off?" Hearing Mi Jing’s complaint, Shen Lingxing turned to ask.
"My cousin," Mi Jing replied as she pressed the call button again. Determined, she thought, if you don’t answer my call, I’ll keep calling until you do!
Indeed, Mi Jing was persistent, calling seven times until Han Bin finally answered.
"Are you very free?" When the call connected, instead of a warm greeting, a cold voice came through.
Whoosh—
Mi Jing was silent for three seconds, inhaling and exhaling deeply. Reminding herself that he was in a foul mood and that she shouldn’t take it personally, she suppressed the irritation and frustration welling up inside her and replied with a smile, "Yes, I have plenty of time today to chat with you."
"I don’t want to chat with you." His voice was still icy, revealing a coldness that Mi Jing found utterly unfamiliar, as if pushing her far away.
"Han Bin, what’s going on with you? Did I do something to offend you? Or did an African beauty dump you? You didn’t even call or text me after coming back. Didn’t you promise to bring me a gift? Where is it?" Mi Jing spoke playfully, trying to lighten the mood.
"I didn’t buy any gifts!"
"You..." Mi Jing was about to complain but reconsidered, thinking he might have forgotten to buy a gift because he was in a bad mood. Gritting her teeth, she suppressed her displeasure and understandingly said, "If you didn’t buy it, you didn’t buy it. You coming back safely is the best gift for me."
"..."
Han Bin remained silent. Mi Jing could vaguely hear his breathing, giving her an eerie sense of unfamiliarity.
This time, Han Bin’s attitude towards her seemed to have changed. This feeling was intense, and while Mi Jing found it puzzling, she also felt a bit at a loss. In the past, no matter how upset he was, he would never treat her this way. Just three months ago, he was so doting on her, so what had happened during these few months to make him so cold towards her?
At this moment, Mi Jing couldn’t find an excuse to lie to herself. Even if Han Bin had encountered something huge and was in a terrible mood, he would have confided in her as always. This time was an exception!
Did she somehow drive him away?
But she couldn’t think of anything she had done that could make him so angry and change his attitude towards her!
"Do you have anything else to say? If not, I’m hanging up!" After a long silence, Han Bin broke the quiet.
"Don’t hang up. If you dare hang up, I’ll cut ties with you!" Mi Jing warned through gritted teeth and then asked, "Did you receive the messages I sent you earlier?"
"Received."
"Then you should know that I got married, right?"
"Humph!"
Mi Jing was initially trying to joke with Han Bin about asking for a red envelope to break the tension, but she never expected he would respond with a dismissive snort!
At this point, Mi Jing couldn’t hold it in anymore. Her frustrations burst out, and she yelled into the phone, "Han Bin, what do you mean by that?"
"I mean, congratulations!"
"Well, thank you very much! Honestly, I’ve never seen anyone congratulate someone like this before!" Mi Jing retorted coldly. He had a temper, but so did she! No longer able to bear it, she saw no need to hold back.
"... Are you angry?" After another pause, Han Bin finally asked with concern, his tone no longer cold.
"Think about your attitude just now. If you were me, would you not be angry?" Mi Jing snapped.
"You went and got married, and all I got was a text message!"