Nicole looked at me with an extremely serious expression, which made me feel like I was being questioned. I immediately felt embarrassed, especially since Yang Sisi was sitting next to me. So, it was obvious who Nicole was referring to. She knew about all the sacrifices Yang Sisi had made for me over the years, but I had never been fair to Yang Sisi emotionally.

Just as I was wondering how to start the conversation, Yang Sisi suddenly said to Nicole, "Nicole, I think your question is rather heartless... Michael, you friends should know better than me whether he deserves people's unwavering devotion... Over the years, whenever anyone has been in trouble, he's always the first to rush to their aid... and he's genuinely helped them all!... You can't forget your old friend just because you've found happiness yourself. He's truly good to everyone!"

Nicole looked at Yang Sisi, then smiled and replied, "Sisi, your feelings for Michael are just like mine for Cao Xue... so you have to understand me too."

“Then you should understand Michael even more. The reason he asked Cao Xue that question was because he was afraid that Cao Xue would let you down. He didn’t mean to make things difficult for Cao Xue. He’s not that kind of person.”

Nicole laughed and said, "Yes, yes, yes, I was wrong!... Sisi, when you get serious, it's really hard to resist!"

Yang Sisi finally stopped, then rested her chin on her hand and looked at the stage where the wedding was about to be held. She looked a little lost, a little confused, and a little at a loss... I wanted to find a topic to talk to her about, but I felt that I was more confused and at a loss than she was.

So, I subconsciously looked towards Ye Zhi's table. She was different from usual. Everyone around her was chatting enthusiastically, but she was the only one who was silent. Although her gaze was on her phone, I could see from my angle that the screen was completely dark... Occasionally, someone would strike up a conversation with her, and she would just give a polite smile before returning to silence. I didn't know if she was feeling unwell or in a bad mood.

Just as we were all in a daze, Cao Xue started chatting with Nicole next to him again. He said, "Let's hold our wedding at this hotel in the future... I'll book the whole hotel, I guarantee it will be even more grand than Cao Xiaobei's... When the time comes, you can bring your parents over. When they see that you're doing well, they won't hold any grudges about the past anymore."

Nicole looked at Cao Xue, smiled slightly, and then shook her head, replying, "I don't need such a lavish wedding, and we don't have such complicated interpersonal relationships... On our wedding day, we'll hold it at Tie Nan and Coach Ma's farm, and invite all our friends, family, and relatives. Those who want to come can come, and those who don't can't be forced... You know what? Compared to the wedding, I'm looking forward to our honeymoon. We've been so busy lately, and we should take some time to relax."

"But this is too unfair to you!"

"I'm not wronged at all, you..."

Knowing what I want... I truly feel that I'm much happier than most women right now; at least, I'm not living against my conscience.

As she spoke, Nicole glanced at Ye Zhi. It might have been just a subconscious gesture, but seeing it, I couldn't quite describe the feeling... Was she alluding to Ye Zhi? Although I had such doubts, at this point, I dared not give myself a definite answer. We had indeed drifted further and further apart, and I had already decided that I would no longer interfere in her affairs with enthusiasm beyond my capabilities... because I already had new plans for the future.

I admit I love her very much, but I am now a mature man. I know there will always be regrets in life, and I am no longer so attached to the past. Now, I would rather choose a life that is beneficial to me than wallow in the abyss of pain, knowingly doing the impossible...

It's quite tragic to say, but I've actually lost faith in love, and this happens at the very end of this story.

Yes, Yang Sisi once told me very seriously that our experiences are a story; since it's a story, it must have an ending, and I'm someone who likes to end things with a comedy; therefore, I must choose the life that is most beneficial to me.

This has nothing to do with good or bad people, it's just a difference between naivety and maturity... Who can live for love their whole life?

...

Just as I was contemplating life, Cao Xue suddenly took out a key from his wallet and placed it in front of Nicole, saying, "I bought a villa in Cangshan Yishu and put it in your name... I just got an insider price from my uncle, it wasn't free, the money is all from my savings over the years... I know there are some things you don't care about, but having a house means having a home, so I'm sure you'll like it..."

Nicole's eyes were filled with tears. This time, she did not refuse Cao Xue. She took the key from Cao Xue's hand and nodded emphatically.

It was at this moment that I suddenly understood Lu Jia even more. Even someone as adrift as Nicole longed for a home, let alone her...

This fits the characteristics of a story: near the end, the protagonist finds peace, and everything is filled with understanding and the beauty of mutual benefit... I think everything I'm experiencing fits this trend.

But in the end, who will be the woman I'll have to deliver the keys to?

...

As the guests gradually arrived, it meant the wedding was about to begin. My senses were overwhelmed by all sorts of noises, and I could hardly feel my own existence. I don't like attending such occasions, and I especially dislike facing these unfamiliar faces, so my instinct was to hope that it would end as soon as possible.

I subconsciously checked the time again. If I left the Municipal Bureau early enough, I thought I would take Yang Sisi back to my hometown in the afternoon.

For me at this moment, there is nothing left to do.

Feelings are more important than going home for the New Year... I want to chat with my mom about everyday things, and share my joy of success with Lao Mi... I think that even if Yang Sisi and I aren't a couple, this kind of in-between relationship is fine; I know that with Yang Sisi by my side, none of those materialistic relatives and neighbors will say a word against me, because Yang Sisi is a woman you can't find even with a lantern in a small county town.

I also want to show off Yang Sisi's Bentley. In my memory, I've never seen such a nice car in the county town. I admit, I'm a man with a bit of vanity, especially in front of my fellow villagers. I want to show my best side.

I even started thinking about what delicious food to take Yang Sisi to eat... This small county town is close to Chengdu, so there's a lot of good food here.

...

Just as I was lost in thought, my phone, which had been silent, suddenly vibrated in my pocket. I took it out and saw that it was a call from Wang Xiaoling.

(End of Chapter)