Su Youli is forced to marry as a substitute, suppressing her true nature to become the obedient replacement that satisfies Li Tingxi—servicing him in bed at night and working tirelessly by day.
...Chapter 100: Starting Over
First love
Does Su Youling mean that Shi Yan holds the same place in her heart as Shen Xiyue does in his?
Li Tingxi suddenly stood up, looking down at her with a pale face. "Who told you I was jealous? Su Youling, do you think too highly of yourself?"
Knowing this would be the answer, Su Youling wasn't too disappointed, but her heart still felt heavy. "I know I'm just an insignificant substitute to President Li. So I don't understand, why are you still clinging to a worthless substitute when your real self has returned to your side?"
"I told you! I'm used to it!" Li Tingxi felt as if his hidden secret had been exposed. His first reaction was to instinctively refute it, using the harshest words to cover up the emotions he felt inside!
More than one person has discussed this logic with him!
Even Li Mufeng questioned him again last night why he couldn't let Su Youling go and be with Shen Xiyue properly?
Logically, that should be the case!
But Li Tingxi just couldn't bear to see Su Youling leave!
He couldn't imagine life without this woman by his side, so when she lost control and was about to start anew, he actually needed to assert his sovereignty over Su Youling through physical possession!
It's both laughable and pathetic!
Jealousy...
As Li Tingxi listened to Su Youling's words, a rare look of confusion appeared in his eyes. Was his behavior and mentality considered jealousy?
Why would Li Tingxi be jealous of a woman?
This couldn't possibly be an emotion that exists within him!
But reality doesn't stand up to scrutiny. The doubts and confusion in his eyes grew deeper and deeper. Is jealousy based on liking someone?
Could it be that he has fallen for Su Youling?
Looking at Su Youling's indifferent and cold eyes, Li Tingxi gradually clenched his fists.
That's impossible!
He's not that kind of womanizing, promiscuous scumbag like that old man; he won't be a womanizer who's fickle and unfaithful!
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Once he made up his mind about Shen Xiyue, he would stick with her for life!
Otherwise, what's the difference between him and an old man?
So what are his thoughts on Su Youling?
Li Tingxi thought and thought but couldn't figure it out.
As he watched the light in Su Youling's eyes gradually fade away, he suddenly felt extremely flustered, as if if he didn't give her an explanation today, the two of them would drift further and further apart.
Whoosh!
Li Tingxi suddenly stood up and walked to Su Youling's side. He bent down, grasped her shoulders, and looked at her intently. "Su Youling, listen to this! The contract marriage is null and void!"
His tone was more serious than ever before, unlike the previous two times when he was nonchalant; this time it seemed like a decision made after careful consideration.
It was as if he was giving her an explanation!
“You…” Su Youling almost fell off her chair, her eyes widening in surprise.
What exactly does Li Tingxi mean?
They belittled and humiliated her for her delusions, and then they want to officially cancel their contract. Isn't that just contradicting themselves?
Su Youling said sarcastically, "Li Tingxi, are you trying to tell me that you've suddenly realized you've fallen in love with me? So you want to abandon Shen Xiyue and continue this marriage with me, to be together for the rest of your life?"
Li Tingxi "..."
His eyes darkened, but he didn't avoid Su Youling's gaze. "No!"
Su Youling's heart sank heavily, as if a huge boulder hanging over her head had suddenly fallen. Although it left her heart bleeding, at least she had some peace of mind and no longer needed to suffer the torment of guessing.
this
The word "no" was not only Li Tingxi's explanation to her, but also her explanation to herself!
Su Youling smiled bitterly and pursed her lips. How could Li Tingxi possibly like her?
Even though it was a well-known answer, she secretly harbored a sense of anticipation. With each unusual action Li Tingxi took towards her, that seed of anticipation would slowly sprout.
Fortunately, she has now nipped that seed in the bud and completely given up on it!
"That's good!" Su Youling withdrew her gaze, gently pushed his hands away, and sat down again to drink water. "President Li is truly a loyal and good man. I wish you happiness."
Seeing her suddenly become expressionless and devoid of desire, as if something had been hollowed out, Li Tingxi paused for a moment, then forcefully turned Su Youling's shoulder again and said in a deep voice, "Su Youling, I have reflected on my actions."
Su Youling was stunned and surprised!
Li Tingxi actually has the ability to reflect? Has the word "reflect" even appeared in his vocabulary?
"What kind of look is that?" Li Tingxi looked at Su Youling's undisbelieving eyes and said with a straight face, "I did not do well before, and I did not recognize the fact of our marriage."
“For the past three years, we have been husband and wife in the truest sense, both at home and in public. Everything you have now is earned by your own hands, and you shouldn’t be burdened with the name Shen Xiyue. I promise you, I will restore your identity as soon as possible.”
Su Youling tried to understand his meaning: "After restoring our identities, shall we go our separate ways again?"
"You're really thinking of running away?" Li Tingxi's handsome face darkened instantly. He grabbed Su Youling and pulled her up, holding her tightly in his arms. "You wish!"
Su Youling: "...Then what exactly do you mean?"
Li Tingxi lowered his head, softened his tone, and said as calmly as possible, "I've thought about it."
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"Yes, I should take responsibility for you and this marriage! Once you regain your identity, Su Youling will be the rightful Mrs. Li! As for Shen Xiyue, now that she's married and has a new beginning, she won't be an obstacle between us anymore."
He paused, then awkwardly warned, "Don't keep wearing the 'stand-in' on you like that anymore. I won't look at you like that anymore."
Su Youling was stunned for a moment, looking at Li Tingxi incredulously, "Do you have that serious illness?"
"What did you say?" Li Tingxi's expression changed.
This is not the reaction he wanted!
He was willing to let go of Shen Xiyue and start over with Su Youling. He would treat her very well, respecting and cherishing her like a husband would treat his wife.
Shouldn't she be happy?
“Li Tingxi, did you ever ask for my opinion from beginning to end?” Su Youling pushed him away and said expressionlessly, “This marriage was not my choice from the start. For the past three years, I have been looking forward to the day when the contract ends! I used to be obedient to you because I was just a working person with the title of wife. I treated you like my boss, so it was only right that I did it.”
"you……"
"But things are different now! I want a completely new life of my own. Su Youling's life could never be related to a big shot like Li Tingxi. It's best for us to go back to our own paths!" Su Youling couldn't help but raise her voice, almost shouting at Li Tingxi.
Who did Li Tingxi think he was? A god who rules over everything?
He only did so because Shen Xiyue had gotten married and had become accustomed to his presence, so he was forced to let go of the past and take the initiative to try to keep her.
He believed this was a responsibility, a way to make amends, and that she should happily accept it and gratefully return to his side.
Why should I?!