After the two girls finished their meal, Hua Xiaomo clasped Ye Xiangxue’s hand, reluctant to part, before finally heading towards her mother’s villa.
But as she approached the villa, she hesitated, turned around, and walked toward a certain hotel instead.
And it so happened that this hotel was where Zi Yunsui was staying.
Hua Xiaomo went straight to the elevator and arrived outside Zi Yunsui’s room, where she knocked. "Come in," Zi Yunsui’s voice quickly responded from inside.
Hua Xiaomo walked in to find Zi Yunsui busy at his computer.
"Xiao Mo, you’re here. Do you want some cherry juice? Help yourself from the fridge," Zi Yunsui offered generously. He was quite at ease with Hua Xiaomo; to put it plainly, they had known each other for five years and were very familiar with each other’s habits.
"Thank you," Hua Xiaomo said and walked over to the fridge. She opened it and, sure enough, found several bottles of cherry juice.
She remembered how much she’d adored cherry juice during her pregnancy. She had drunk it so often that she’d become accustomed to it. Consequently, whenever she was thirsty while out and someone asked what she wanted to drink, ’cherry juice’ would be her casual reply.
And Zi Yunsui had taken note of this. He had even prepared so much cherry juice here—perhaps just in case she might come by one day and be thirsty enough for a glass!
Thinking of this, Hua Xiaomo felt touched by Zi Yunsui’s thoughtfulness.
Zi Yunsui stopped his work and glanced over at her. "What’s up? You’re being quite polite today. Is something troubling you?"
He hadn’t disturbed her these past few days because he knew she needed space to deal with her own matters. Whatever the outcome, he hoped she wouldn’t have any regrets. So, he hadn’t bothered her; he had been quietly waiting in a corner for her decision.
Perhaps that decision would be clear today; after all, she had come, hadn’t she?
Hua Xiaomo looked at Zi Yunsui and suddenly felt a sense of guilt. She knew she couldn’t be with Qi Longbing, but she also couldn’t be with this exceptionally wonderful boy before her. There was no need to mention the reason; she didn’t want to bring it up. Her intuition told her that being single was good for now, and that was it.
Hua Xiaomo picked up a bottle of orange juice, twisted the cap off, and spoke softly.
"What’s the matter? Do I look like someone who’s preoccupied?" Hua Xiaomo asked. She took a sip of her orange juice, a hint of subdued light in her eyes.
"You do seem a bit preoccupied. By the way, how have things been going with Qi Longbing?" Zi Yunsui looked at Hua Xiaomo, his heart aching slightly, but he was unsure of what to say or whether to say anything at all.
Would saying something bother her? Perhaps it would be better not to say anything at all, just to wait for her in the corner. He didn’t want his constant presence to become a nuisance.
"What can I say? He’s about to get married," Hua Xiaomo replied indifferently.
"What? He’s getting married? When did this happen? I’ve never heard you mention this before!" Zi Yunsui was surprised. Logically speaking, why would Qi Longbing decide to suddenly get married now? His intuition told him this definitely had a significant connection with the woman before him. But was it because their collaboration hadn’t succeeded, or their negotiations had broken down? Did it have anything to do with that? Or perhaps it was most directly related to Hua Xiaomo herself!
"Whether or not I mention him, he’s getting married anyway. So it’s just as well that I don’t," Hua Xiaomo said, taking another sip of her juice.
The flavor seemed to gently soothe a part of Hua Xiaomo’s heart.
It was different from other tastes; a strange, sour-bitter sensation suddenly seeped deep within her.
"Xiao Mo, what exactly happened? Can you tell me?" Zi Yunsui asked, a glint of suspicion in his eyes.
He had no idea what wrongs she might have endured. If she had been wronged, he hoped she would tell him. After all, they were the best of partners, teammates, and friends.
Hua Xiaomo shook her head and gave a small laugh. "Really, it’s nothing. I’m thinking of going back to City B in two days."
Zi Yunsui thought about it, surprised she had decided so quickly.
"Do you really want to go back right away? Are you sure?" Zi Yunsui asked, looking into Hua Xiaomo’s eyes, feeling as if they were hiding something.
But at this moment, he couldn’t quite articulate the feeling. He just sensed that something was unusual.
But... but if she continued to stay here, it would make her uncomfortable. It really would be better to go back. At least in City B, the world would be theirs. They could quietly do what they wanted, and they could also be with Candy, watching her grow up happily. Wasn’t that a form of happiness too?
"I’ve decided. Let’s leave in two days! You should prepare as well. Once we get back to City B, we’ll re-plan our game software and aim to develop a new one," Hua Xiaomo said, a trace of gravity in her gaze.
But now, there was really nothing left for her to feel attached to here. Still, she would miss her mom and brother.
Zi Yunsui thought for a moment and said, "I heard your brother is getting married soon. If you go back , won’t you be coming back shortly? Maybe we could wait until after your brother’s wedding before returning."
"No need. My brother’s wedding will take some time, and the flights between City A and City B are convenient. I can always come back then," Hua Xiaomo said with a smile.
"Alright then, as long as you’ve thought it through. I’m fine with it; we can leave in two days," Zi Yunsui replied, his decision already firm.
Since she wanted to leave, it must be a decision she had carefully considered. So, there was no need for him to try and persuade her otherwise, was there? Thɪs chapter is updatᴇd by 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩·𝔣𝔦𝔯𝔢·𝔫𝔢𝔱
"Speaking of which, I really miss Candy as well. Having been gone for such a while, I wonder how the little one is doing at school?" Zi Yunsui said with a smile.
Hua Xiaomo nodded, looking at Zi Yunsui and walking toward him.
"Zi Yunsui, thank you so much. I know you’ve been working very hard all this time," Hua Xiaomo said, smiling at him. She knew there were some things she couldn’t give him in return, but she felt it was necessary to make things clear.
"Why are you suddenly being so formal with me? We’re partners, aren’t we? Besides, the company is mine too. Giving my all is only right, isn’t it?" Zi Yunsui replied.
Hua Xiaomo wanted to say more, but then something else crossed her mind, a mysterious light in her eyes. She asked, "By the way, have you visited your master lately? How is he doing?"