Chapter 117

He kept his head down, seemingly waiting for someone.

Lu Yuzhou asked a photographer from a media company to arrange a meeting with Ying Ning under the pretext of work.

In the past few days, there have been many voices on the internet criticizing "his" actions at the time, saying that he was no better than Shen Yan.

The company's senior management has done its best to suppress these comments.

Yingning didn't see the photographer and was about to make a call when Lu Yuzhou suddenly got up from his seat and blocked her way.

"Lu Yuzhou?"

"haven't seen you for a long time."

"Um, I'm sorry, I have an appointment today." She turned around and was about to leave.

Lu Yuzhou knew that their relationship was no longer one where they could talk calmly and peacefully like before.

His statement and remarks on his account nearly pushed their relationship into an intractable deadlock.

He lowered his eyes and said, "I asked the photographer to arrange this with you."

"I have something to say, could you please sit down first?"

Lu Yuzhou's hair was a little messy today.

After Yingning sat down, she noticed that he had already ordered a glass of juice on the table: "What do you want to say?"

"actually..."

Lu Yuzhou was at a loss for words.

"Actually, it's you, Jiyu." She took a sip of the juice, which tasted quite sweet and didn't taste good.

Upon hearing this, Lu Yuzhou looked up in surprise, his tone incredulous:

How did you know?

Lu Yuzhou has been using the account "Jiyu" to maintain the two of them's non-existent contact these days.

“It’s not hard to guess, because no matter how your voice changes, your original voice will always be there.” Yingning put down the juice and stopped looking at it.

Lu Yuzhou looked at her and saw that her expression remained unchanged, as if the recent events had not affected her at all.

He saw the lawyer's letter and the exposé from a few days ago and knew that she had already reversed a lot of public opinion.

Lu Yuzhou finally mustered up his courage and faced her:

I want to apologize to you.

"Those comments were actually posted by the company using my account."

When I wanted to delete it...

His account has been taken over by the company.

In recent days, Lu Yuzhou had confronted Manager Chen multiple times, trying to get his account back, but only received one sentence from Manager Chen:

"This is an internal company decision."

"Moreover, Lu Yuzhou, you have already chosen the path you want to take."

He knew that the popularity of those negative comments was partly due to his own account.

“Lu Yuzhou, I saw those comments,” Yingning said.

"At first I was very angry."

"But seeing you now, I find it a little funny."

“Lu Yuzhou, I don’t know if you’re under the company’s control or if you have no autonomy.”

"However, I believe you have already made your choice."

"Now that you've chosen another path, don't hesitate any longer."

Her few words left Lu Yuzhou speechless.

"I still... want to say sorry." The shy person looked quietly at the coffee cup in front of them.

"Stop talking."

Yingning looked at Lu Yuzhou, who looked dejected, his thick black eyelashes concealing the expression in his eyes.

In the original storyline, Lu Yuzhou did not directly obtain the company's quota this time.

However, in order to secure a spot, he followed the advice of an insider in the company and "accidentally" liked comments targeting the original owner, which generated considerable buzz and caught the eye of Manager Chen.

A few days later, perhaps feeling a little guilty, he eventually unliked the post.

However, the damage is irreversible.

Yu Yingning deleted her online account, but abusive messages were still sent directly to her phone.

She changed her phone number, but someone still followed her to her doorstep.

Time and time again, helplessness, hesitation, choices, and hurt.

Now that you've made your choice, don't regret it later.

There's no going back in this world, not even a second of chance to struggle.

*

When Lu Yuzhou chased after her, he only saw her figure gradually disappearing into the street.

Unlike that rainy day, this time he didn't dare to walk up to her.

Did he do something wrong...?

Even though the weather outside was clear and sunny, he suddenly felt a fog of rain before his eyes.

Suddenly, a dense murmur of discussion arose around them:

"So handsome."

"But this person looks familiar."

"Isn't that the voice actor who recently did the voice acting?"

Who is it?

"What Yu Zhou?"

"It's that variety show, the one where they were super sarcastic and put down the female guests."

"Is it the mystery of love, and that guy named Shen Yan?"

"What are you talking about? Tell me quickly."

......

Lu Yuzhou felt extremely embarrassed and immediately lowered his head and walked away.

So that's how she felt.

The speculations and arguments from those around him made him want to avoid it.

And what kind of fear did she feel when faced with so much malice?

Lu Yuzhou stopped in his tracks, and then, as if struck by a sudden thought, pulled out his phone and immediately registered a new account.

...

Yingning heard her phone constantly buzzing with messages, the most frequent sender being "Jiyu".

After his surgery, He Zhiqian was able to take a rare break at the hospital.

He watched her sitting quietly by the window, and her clear, melodious voice drifted over:

"It seems like someone is looking for you?"

He implied that her phone had been ringing continuously.

“It’s just the brand’s concern.” Yingning turned her head.

"You want to enter the entertainment industry?" He Zhiqian suddenly asked.

If she wants to enter the entertainment industry, he is willing to pave a smooth path for her.

"In no mood."

"What's wrong?"

"After this experience, I've realized that this industry is far too dangerous."

"When you're with the wrong person, everything you do is wrong."

“A single word you say, a single outfit you wear, can become an excuse for those who don’t like you to attack you.”

"Various malicious edits, all sorts of words, and even stepping on others to gain popularity."

"Those who can survive in this circle are the strong."

"But I am destined not to be that kind of person."

He Zhiqian looked at her face, his phoenix eyes filled with determination.

He had previously noticed that she had actually secured some promotional deals with smaller brands, and Song even considered signing a long-term cooperation contract with her because of the hot sales of the "Heart Thief" perfume.

He thought she had plans to enter the entertainment industry.

Everyone is just pursuing fame and fortune in this circle, but few people are truly willing to let such an opportunity slip through their fingers.

Realizing the danger, she immediately withdrew from the circle.

Very clear-headed.

"What are your plans after that?"

"I'm planning a trip to Europe to relax," Yingning said, lowering her head.

"After all, the bonus and promotional fees are a considerable income." She blinked, as if she really intended to relax.

"When are you going? How about I go with you?" He Zhiqian said.

Although he was leaning against the hospital bed, he still exuded a possessive aura and did not back down.

"Okay," she replied with a smile.

He Zhiqian felt a burning sensation in his chest again.

His gaze slid over her rosy lips.

......

He Zhiqian thought that the trip to Europe would be the first trip the two of them would take.

However, he did not expect the Shen family's suppression to come so quickly.

Previously, although He Zhiqian was wary, he still underestimated the Shen family.

A jewelry family that has gradually declined, with little prospect of development in recent years.

However, a few days ago, the Shen family suddenly issued a statement that the Shen family will be entering a new business territory.

It's unclear when the Shen family connected with a capital group in Y country, but they actually signed a cooperation agreement for the development of high-end residential communities in China for the next thirty years.

The Shen family operates in the high-end jewelry industry, and their clientele consists almost entirely of wealthy and powerful businessmen.

With the Shen family's connections and the money from Y country's capital, the two will jointly build a new business path.

After this news was released.

In just one week, the Shen family's stock price doubled.

Meanwhile, almost simultaneously, problems were exposed in the construction of the high-end residential communities under He Zhiqian's control, which was orchestrated by the Shen family.

Immediately, He's stock price began to fall.

The project was temporarily halted again for inspection by relevant authorities, and online public opinion once again became a hot topic.

Many companies that originally planned to cooperate with the He family are now just watching from the sidelines, unwilling to make any further moves.

He Zhiqian's vacation ended immediately, and after obtaining the doctor's consent, he went to another city to handle project issues.

......

A week later, Shen Yan gradually woke up from his coma.

His panicked appearance when he woke up almost frightened his mother, who was taking care of him.

"this..."

Shen Yan felt that the scene in front of him was very familiar.

"Mom...?" Shen Yan couldn't get up and had to force himself to sit up, seemingly somewhat frightened by the current situation.

"Yan Yan, you scared your mother to death!" When Shen's mother saw that her child had finally woken up, she immediately hugged Shen Yan, who was lying on the hospital bed, and began to wipe away her tears.

During this period, she could barely eat a single bite of food.

Her beloved son has not woken up.

Shen Yan stared blankly at the environment in the ward, seemingly unable to believe it.

"Yan Yan, are you feeling unwell?"

"Mom...can you hit me..." Shen Yan's inexplicable words almost made his mother faint with anger.

"You brat, I'm so worried about you at my age!"

"You definitely deserve to be hit!!"

But in the end, Shen's mother couldn't bring herself to do it; she just secretly wiped away her tears.

Looking at his mother, Shen Yan's mind was filled with chaotic images that almost overlapped with the scene in reality, making it impossible for him to face the situation.

He pinched his arm and found it hurt.

Could it be...?

Shen Yan was stunned for a long time.

Ms. Shen was so frightened that she called the doctor again. After the doctor examined her and said that she was fine, Ms. Shen was relieved.

After the doctor left, Shen Yan spoke again:

"mom..."

"I'm sorry for making you worry," Shen Yan said softly.

The scars on his forehead were still shocking to behold.

"It's alright, it's alright now." Mother Shen stroked his hair tenderly.

"Where's Dad?" Shen Yan suddenly asked.

“Your father has been busy lately, so he only comes at night.” Mother Shen didn’t directly mention that Father Shen had been biting He Shi more and more lately.

Shen Yan was her youngest child, and he grew up almost entirely pampered.

His family indulged him in almost everything he wanted to do.

Little did I expect that my child would go through something like this.

However, she did not notice Shen Yan's strange expression.

"Um."

Shen Yan stared at the ceiling above his head, his head still spinning, unable to distinguish between reality and unconsciousness.

He swallowed the nausea and bitterness in his throat.

"Mom... could you please ask Brother Li to come over?"

"I want to see him."

Shen Yan's voice was trembling with tears, but his mother thought he was just feeling unwell.

"Your agent?"

"Mmm." Shen Yan closed his eyes.

...

Li Li arrived quickly.

"Mom, you can go out first." Shen Yan sent his mother away.

"Chen Yan, you're finally awake."

"How are you? What happened to you?!" Li Li's words were filled with concern for Shen Yan.

Shen Yan turned to look at Li Li, and the scar on his forehead twitched as well.

He spoke inexplicably, his eyes showing a rare hint of world-weariness:

"Brother Li, I think I know I've made a lot of mistakes."

"I don't want to go back to the entertainment industry."

"What's wrong?" Li Li pressed Shen Yan for an answer.

But he shook his head, unwilling to speak.

"Can you do me a favor?"

"I want to see Yu Yingning."

As Shen Yanyue spoke, his voice was almost interrupted by sobs.

"Chen Yan, what exactly are you talking about?"

"Are you still feeling unwell? Should I go see a doctor?" Li Li was completely confused by his words.

"Brother Li, please."

"I want to see Yu Yingning!"

"You have to give me a reason!"

Shen Yan suddenly broke down and shouted, "I want to stop Yu Yingning from going to Europe!"

"What? What Europe?"

"Chen Yan, tell me the truth." Li Li asked, puzzled.

What about Yu Yingning going to Europe?

Shen Yan's arm fell limply onto the bed. After a long while, he slowly spoke:

"Brother Li..."

"I had a very absurd dream..." Shen Yan's eyes seemed to reflect years of confusion.

The scene in my dream was similar to today.

A few days later, she went to Europe alone.

She then disappeared without a trace.

Shen Yan lost contact with her.

Once Shen Yan's leg had healed, he immediately flew to Europe.

I've been searching for a year...

Two years...

Five years...

But no trace of her could be found; it was as if she had vanished from the world.

Shen Yan preferred to think that she was avoiding him, or avoiding everyone.

She hid because she was afraid of those online things.

Shen Yan even thought that he would be discouraged, would give up, and would eventually be disappointed.

Or perhaps I will meet her.

But he never expected that their reunion would be like that...

Seven years later, he unexpectedly received news of her.

It is the police station of a European country.

When police raided a criminal base belonging to a gang, they unearthed several bodies in the backyard.

Several skeletal corpses were buried in a pit, surrounded by fresh corpses that had not yet decomposed.

While the police were searching for the victim.

One DNA sample was detected and matched with the international missing persons database.

Shen Yan flew directly to Europe that very night.

When the neatly arranged skeletons appeared before his eyes, the man, who had already entered his thirties, knelt down in the police station and suddenly burst into tears.

He hurt her so wantonly.

And yet, we face this same ending once again.

Even among so many skeletons, he couldn't tell which one was her.

He could only hold onto that keepsake.

It was a necklace, and the old bloodstains on it had been identified as her DNA.

Later, Chen Hui said that she gave the necklace to Ningning at the cottage.

Shen Yan tremblingly took out a jade and gemstone necklace from his bosom and placed the two necklaces together.

Seven years ago, before the car accident.

When he went abroad to attend a wedding, he witnessed the newlyweds exchanging rings, and he suddenly had a fantasy.

What would it be like if I got married...?

Who will the bride be?

At that moment, the first person he thought of was her.

After the wedding, Shen Yan saw a brochure for a nearby auction.

He went and bought a necklace called "A Brand New Heart".

I want to go back to China and find an opportunity to give it to her.

The naturally dazzling gemstone was just like the thrill he felt that day at the amusement park.

Look, so many years.

The little lion could never forget his rose, and even when the rose withered, he was willing to water it again and again with his tears.

Then, wait for the next bloom that will never come.

*

Upon hearing Shen Yan's words, Li Li was stunned and wondered if Shen Yan was suffering from the aftereffects of a concussion.

"Chen Yan, do you want to rest a bit more?"

"Brother Li, I want to see her." Shen Yan's eyes were almost completely filled with sorrow.

Despite repeated attempts to dissuade him, Li Li simply couldn't stop him.

He then said he would do his best.

Li Li obtained Yu Yingning's phone number through the staff of the "Mystery of Love" program and dialed it:

"Hello."

"Hello." The voice on the other end was cold and indifferent.

"I am Shen Yan's agent, Li Li."

"Miss Yu, where are you now?"

"Is there something you need?" Her tone was unfriendly.

"Could I ask you for a favor?"

"Do you have time to come to the hospital to see Shen Yan now?"

“Mr. Li, I have no obligation to go to the hospital to see him.”

"Shen Yan and I have nothing to do with each other anymore."

“I know that there have been many unpleasant things between you and Shen Yan, but I apologize to you. In fact, I was the one who handled the specific matters of untying the bond.”

"I'm sorry to have hurt you in this way."

Li Li saw Shen Yan with his head down through the window of the ward door.

"I'm really begging you."

"I will take the initiative to contact the entertainment bloggers and ask them to clarify the matter."

"Could you find some time to come to the hospital?"

"Shen Yan's condition is not good."

When Li Li heard Shen Yan's incoherent ramblings, he almost concluded that Shen Yan was still suffering from the aftereffects of a concussion.

"I won't go see them."

"Excuse me, boarding for my flight is about to begin."

For some reason, Li Li suddenly felt a tightness in his chest.

As if possessed, I asked a question:

"Miss Yu, where are you going?"

“Europe,” she began.