Ao Chen didn’t know that Huo Qi, just like him, was recalling the bits and pieces between them from years ago.
As with Jessica and the others, Huo Qi’s friendship was built on the conversations they had over hotpot, therefore, his feelings towards Jessica and the others dated back even further.
It was because of him that Jessica and the others had accepted Huo Qi, but after he and Huo Qi had broken up, although they did not intervene in their relationship, they always felt that he had wronged Huo Qi.
Ao Chen wasn’t unwilling to defend himself, but ultimately he found that the spectators were clearer about it than he was himself; in this relationship, he had lost the most, yet cared the most.
Jessica and the others definitely wanted to scold him for deserving it.
But since he was a longstanding friend, some harsh words would not be spoken, yet it was palpable that if he and Huo Qi eventually reconciled, it would be the most gratifying thing among friends.
"AI: Planet" wrapped up filming and moved into the hectic post-production, editing, and music selection, with Ao Chen as the chief music director and Huo Qi as the overall director.
When it came time to insert the music, it required Huo Qi’s personal review.
The two never intentionally avoided each other but always seemed to miss that bit of fate.
People always say fate is wonderfully indescribable.
In their case, it didn’t seem to reflect that at all; Ao Chen had wanted to encounter Huo Qi several times at Diyang where Bo Yan was, but had never bumped into him once.
After being continuously busy for two or three months, the two had yet to meet by chance even once.
Ao Chen felt ridiculous, troubled as never before; previously, why would he have made so much effort to see someone.
And then trying to manufacture numerous coincidental meetings.
The very person who wanted to create these coincidences, however, could never be met.
The two met again at Jessica’s wedding reception, where Jessica and her fiancé had been engaged for over three years. Jessica had been hesitant to accept Andrei’s proposal partly because she felt it was too soon to marry and partly because she felt quite young.
When Ao Chen received the wedding invitation call, he was somewhat incredulous, "Excuse my bluntness, but is your decision to get married well-considered?"
Jessica laughed on the other end of the phone, her voice filled with joyful delight, "Otherwise, what? Now, I lack neither money, fame, nor resources. What I lack is a companion for life, and moreover, I have a baby in my belly. It doesn’t seem right not to marry, especially since I would prefer the baby to grow up in a healthy environment with both a mom and a dad around, despite being fully capable of raising the baby well myself, but it feels a little off."
Ao Chen chuckled, "Congratulations."
Jessica was silent for a moment, "Ao Chen, I’ve also invited Huo Qi."
"Oh, is that so?" It took quite a while before Ao Chen found his voice again.
Jessica sighed helplessly, "Is there still a chance between you two? I think you could still try. Huo Qi isn’t the kind of person who can just let go."
Ao Chen snickered, "I know, but I don’t know what about the current Ao Chen could possibly appeal to him?"
"Maybe you should get a pet; this won’t do," she said.
Having heard about Ao Chen’s condition from Angus, Jessica was very worried about him. When would Ao Chen let himself be so distressed, unless he was truly weary of the world?
Ao Chen was simply not a normal person; a genius in certain respects, far surpassing his peers, his personality often had flaws. Ao Chen was such a person.
Jessica and others understood him well and because of this understanding, they were even more concerned.
Ao Chen rejected Jessica’s suggestion, "You know, I don’t like those things."
"What if Huo Qi likes them? What would you do?"
Ao Chen didn’t expect Jessica’s question to be so unpredictable, giving an answer in less than two seconds, "If he likes them, then let’s keep them."
"Jessica, what do you mean? Are you saying Huo Qi likes animals?"
Jessica was exasperated, knowing that Huo Qi cared about anything he took to heart; how could he have been so confused initially?
Unable to understand, Jessica didn’t answer, "Come to my wedding, we’ve been acquaintances for many years, I hope to see you all there."
"Naturally, how could I miss observing your happiness?"
"Good, then I look forward to seeing you."
The day of Jessica’s wedding was not a grand affair; as Jessica and Andrei would say, happiness is for two, just for them to know, no need to announce to the world. The wedding was a simple, rustic ceremony and their rings were not expensive.