Half a year had passed by, days falling orderly into a routine.
She wholeheartedly managed her flower shop, while he continued his extravagant lifestyle; their marriage in name only was sustained by a thin piece of paper.
In a department store, a line of men in suits walked out.
"President Tang, today’s schedule has concluded. Should we head back to the hotel?"
Tang Shaosheng glanced at a counter below and said, "You guys go ahead," then pointed at one of the female PRs in the group, "You stay."
The female PR smiled secretly, standing next to Tang Shaosheng.
Tang Shaosheng then instructed his assistant, "Book a ticket for tonight’s flight back home."
"Tonight? President Tang, you have an appointment with Mr. Minglang tomorrow morning."
"Postpone it to noon."
The assistant hesitated, then nodded, "Uh... yes."
"You may all go now."
Tang Shaosheng took the female PR, riding the escalator downwards.
"President Tang... where are we going?" The female PR secretly hoped; could it be that President Tang had taken a liking to her, being one of his many women would be an honor.
Tang Shaosheng did not reply, marching straight to the jewelry counter, his gaze traveling over various rings. Unfamiliar with these matters, he frowned and said, "What kind of styles do you women like?"
The PR woman was startled. Was he going to buy her a ring?
Feeling secretly pleased but slightly embarrassed, she stepped forward, carefully examining the rings in the display case, and pointed at a diamond heart-shaped ring, "This one... is not bad."
Tang Shaosheng frowned, feeling that such a luxurious style wasn’t quite suitable for that woman.
At that moment, the sales clerk approached, "Sir, are you looking to purchase a ring? Is it for an engagement or a wedding?"
Tang Shaosheng thought for a moment, "For a first wedding anniversary."
The female PR immediately widened her eyes in surprise. President Tang had been married for a year? It couldn’t be! She had just seen him with a new girlfriend yesterday! The ring must be for someone else!
The clerk in fluent English, "An anniversary? We have a special commemorative event here; sir, please have a look."
Tang Shaosheng walked over and instantly fixed on one, a ring with a single round diamond surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds, simple yet exquisite: "This one."
"This is a newly released model from DarryRing, sir, you have a good eye."
The female PR was amazed. DarryRing! That’s every woman’s dream, isn’t it? Who is the mysterious woman behind President Tang?!
Tang Shaosheng held the ring, clueless about the woman’s preferences and having never gifted her anything; he wondered what expression she might have upon seeing this, he hadn’t seen her smile for a long time.
He hadn’t visited her for a long time; he somewhat dreaded facing her.
After purchasing the ring, Tang Shaosheng went back to the hotel, took a shower, changed his clothes, checked his appearance in the mirror for a minute to ensure everything was alright, then left for the airport.
The flight took about five hours; it was 8 PM when he arrived in Mai City.
He drove to her flower shop first, it was already closed, but he could see the plants inside through the glass, and imagine her watering the flowers under the sunlight.
Many times he drove up to her store, yet never dared to go inside; he would just watch her from outside, then drive away.
Standing in front of the store for a while, he smoked a cigarette, clutching the ring box tightly in his pocket, sighing lightly. Buying the ring was impulsive, but how should he give it to her?
After finishing his cigarette, he returned to his car and slowly drove to her apartment.
He had visited her rented place twice, each time under the pretext of fulfilling marital duties, leaving immediately after.
Standing downstairs, he hesitated before rashly going up, pulled out his phone and texted her: Have you slept?
Since she became mute, he got accustomed to the inconvenience of texting.
Two minutes passed before she replied: Not yet.
As he stepped into the elevator, he typed out a few words: Open the door.
As he exited the elevator, he saw her standing by the door looking out. Upon seeing his arrival, she showed no joy, opened the door, and walked inside, leaving him to his own devices.
Tang Shaosheng changed into slippers, tugged on the ring in his pocket, pursed his lips, and said, "Cook something to eat."
She gestured: [Only noodles left.]
She went to the kitchen, and his gaze followed her.
Having not seen her for so long, she was still as cold as ever, not asking why he came today or where he had been all this time.
Though called husband and wife, they seemed more like enemies; but she had reasons to hate him.
While he was eating noodles, she seemed not wanting to stay in the same space with him, she ran out to the balcony to water the plants.
Actually, Ziyan had already watered them in the afternoon; it was indeed an excuse to avoid him.
Every time he visited, it led to nothing good; she just hoped he would leave after eating.
As Tang Shaosheng ate, watching her on the balcony, he furrowed his brows slightly, planning how to give her the ring.
Their first wedding anniversary, she seemed not to remember.
That day had nothing special, no wedding, no blessings, just binding her life to his.
Such an unfortunate day, she probably remembered but chose to selectively forget?
He finished the noodles in big gulps, wiped his mouth, walked to the balcony, and said in a habitually indifferent tone, "Come in."
Ziyan didn’t turn around nor replied. After watering the last pot, she turned to look at him briefly before putting down the watering can and walking inside.
Tang Shaosheng followed, turned around, and swept her up in his arms; she was much lighter than he imagined.
He kicked open the bedroom door, placed her on the bed.
She did not resist, just lay there motionless, her gaze fixed on the stark white ceiling, unwilling to look at him, unspeakably desolate.
Tang Shaosheng’s gaze darkened, a trace of helplessness in his eyes, not exceptionally gentle as he pulled open her clothes, leaning over her...
After all, in her heart, that was the image he portrayed.