Chapter 102
Chen Zhiyi carried the drunk Lin Ting out of the bar, just as Du Yuan's car arrived.
If it weren't for their childhood friendship, Du Yuan would have loved to kick Chen Zhiyi.
Your grandpa really knows how to disturb a person's sweet dreams. With a beauty in your arms, the moment is almost over, and a phone call comes like a death knell.
Du Yuan got out of the car, but he didn't kick it. He still had to say what he needed to say.
"It's pitiful that you're all alone, but you should at least have some integrity. I already told you we were deeply in love, and you still insisted on asking me to drive over to pick you up. Don't you know that ruining someone's good deed is a sin against heaven?"
The car door had barely opened a crack, and before anyone could be seen, Du Yuan started yelling incoherently.
"You have a driver, don't you? You bully me at work during the day, and you still exploit me after get off work. If it weren't for the fact that we grew up together, I would definitely throw my resignation letter in your face tomorrow."
Lin Ting definitely spat in Chen Zhiyi's face, but he didn't care. He lifted the person in his arms and hugged Lin Ting tightly.
Du Yuan thought Chen Zhiyi was drunk and afraid of being photographed inappropriately, so he insisted on calling him to pick him up, but he didn't expect that Chen Zhiyi was hugging a woman.
When he finally saw the woman in his arms, he was both surprised and delighted, his eyes widening as if he were seeing things.
"Holy crap, Sister Lin? You've run into her again?"
Chen Zhiyi nodded, his usually calm eyes now brimming with barely suppressed joy.
"Why are you unconscious? You didn't try to take something from me and knock me out, did you?" Du Yuan firmly believed that Chen Zhiyi was the kind of person who could do such a thing to Lin Ting.
He had never met anyone more devoted than Chen Zhiyi in his entire life, and he was always willing to wait.
"Stop talking nonsense, she's just drunk. Open the back door now."
"good."
Chen Zhiyi did not put Lin Ting on the car seat, but kept her in his arms.
Du Yuan handed him a bottle of mineral water, opened it, and held it to Lin Ting's lips, speaking patiently and gently, "Here, have some water."
Lin Ting shook her head, half asleep, and mumbled, "Don't drink water, go to sleep, go to sleep."
"Okay, okay, I won't drink. You go to sleep." Chen Zhiyi moved her head so that it was against his chest and she could sleep more comfortably.
Du Yuan curled his lips in the driver's seat. There's always someone who can subdue another. Lin Ting is Chen Zhiyi's nemesis. A person who receives all the attention and flattery, an arrogant person from childhood to adulthood, but in front of the person he loves, he becomes a little submissive.
Even at night, traffic continued to flow on the road, requiring the vehicle to brake and stop frequently.
With a sway and a jolt, the alcohol churned in her stomach, feeling as if countless tiny insects were wriggling inside, making her feel nauseous.
She was so upset that tears welled up in her eyes, her brows were furrowed, her cheeks were puffed out, and her mouth was tightly closed, as if she wanted to vomit but couldn't.
With another sudden stop, Lin Ting finally couldn't hold it in any longer. She half-opened her eyes, looking around for a place to vomit, but couldn't find one. She cried out anxiously, "I'm going to throw up."
Chen Zhiyi couldn't find it either, and in his anxiety, he pulled Du Yuan's clothes from the back seat.
"Put it here."
Du Yuan panicked, "Those are the new clothes my wife just bought for me."
Before she could finish speaking, "Wow!" the clothes were ruined.
"Couldn't you wait until I move aside? I haven't even worn my new clothes yet!"
Chen Zhiyi retorted, "Can't you drive a little more smoothly?"
"Brother, it's late at night and there's traffic. I can't fly a plane."
Lin Ting was still feeling unwell and vomiting. Chen Zhiyi patted her back gently to ease her discomfort, but he didn't forget to tease Du Yuan, saying that Du Yuan drove like a madman, "If you can't fly a plane, you can go learn."
Completely inhuman.
Du Yuan: "I swear that from now on I will turn off all my cell phones as soon as I get off work."
Chen Zhiyi continued, "Okay, but we still need to get through tonight. Stop talking nonsense and give me the tissues in front of me."
Du Yuan handed it to him, and he carefully wiped the vomit off Lin Ting's mouth, hair, and clothes, his every movement gentle and tender.
Du Yuan escorted them to the underground elevator entrance and then left.
Chen Zhiyi still lives in the same neighborhood. Three years ago, netizens discovered the neighborhood he lived in through photos of him living together that were exposed. His enthusiastic fans often staked out the entrance of the neighborhood.
Fortunately, he wasn't in Shanghai at that time, and the fans waited for a long time without seeing him, so they gradually dispersed.
When he returned home after completing his studies and started his company, people around him suggested that he move to a different house, but he refused.
What if Lin Ting forgives him and comes back to him? He will wait for her where he is.
Every corner of the room holds memories of their love; how could they possibly just throw them away?
The elevator doors opened, and Zhang Ke turned around. The smile on her face vanished completely when she saw the face of the person Chen Zhiyi was holding in his arms. She even felt resentment and jealousy.
Zhang Ke is now the head of the talent agency department at "Little Ears" Film and Television, managing all the artists signed under the company.
For the past three years, she has devoted herself to Chen Zhiyi and worked hard with him in his career. She has made an indispensable contribution to the success of "Little Ear".
She is also the only woman who has stood by Chen Zhiyi's side for the past three years. Everyone can see her hard work, growth, and excellence, and I believe Chen Zhiyi can see it too.
Perhaps with more time, their feelings will come to light, and love can blossom over time. This is a common reason for marriages to be formed in the entertainment industry.
However, at this moment, all these ideas have become absurd.
The three words "Little Ears" are irrefutable evidence.
Chen Zhiyi didn't notice the change in Zhang Ke's expression. He walked straight to the door and opened it.
Zhang Ke followed her in and spoke first, "I'll go tidy up the guest room. You can put Sister Ting on the sofa to lie down for a while."
She didn't ask how the two of them met, nor did she ask Lin Ting why she was so drunk.
She has no situation, no right.
If nothing unexpected happens, the only person standing by Chen Zhiyi's side for the past three years would be Lin Ting, and Zhang Ke knew this all too well.
Chen Zhiyi carried Lin Ting into the master bedroom, saying, "No need, she's always slept in the master bedroom."
The close relationship between the two couldn't be clearer.
Zhang Ke gave a faint "hmm".
Chen Zhiyi gently placed Lin Ting on the bed, took off her shoes, and covered her with a light blanket.
Then he turned to Zhang Ke and said, "Bring me a basin of warm water."
"Okay." In that instant, Zhang Ke seemed to have returned to the time when she was a personal assistant.
Chen Zhiyi took the warm water Zhang Ke brought and first used makeup remover to gently wipe away Lin Ting's makeup little by little. He then wet a towel and carefully washed Lin Ting's face, revealing her clean and fair complexion.
Under the lamplight, Lin Ting's face appeared exceptionally gentle and serene. Her eyes were closed, and her long eyelashes fluttered gently like two small fans. Her breathing was soft and even, like a breeze rippling across a lake.
Her peaceful sleeping face is like that of Sleeping Beauty, making her all the more endearing.
Sleeping Beauty needs a kiss to wake her up, but Chen Zhiyi couldn't bear to, so he just wanted to sit beside her and quietly watch her.
Chen Zhiyi took Lin Ting's hand and kissed it tenderly.
The warmth of her palm seeped from her lips, through her skin, and into Chen Zhiyi's heart, telling him that this was not a dream, but reality.
Chen Zhiyi looked at Zhang Ke with red eyes, his voice hoarse, "She's back, isn't she?" He needed to confirm it again; he was afraid it was all just a dream.
Zhang Kexin shuddered. Once again, she saw a humble expression on the face of the man she admired and revered. Love can make people humble to the point of dust, even if that person is omnipotent in the eyes of others.
"Yes, Sister Lin is back. You've been waiting for this."
Upon hearing the affirmation, Chen Zhiyi was so overjoyed that tears welled up in his eyes. He placed Lin Ting's hand on his chest and gently stroked it, as if holding a precious item that had been lost and found again. His smile revealed a deep sense of cherishing, the kind of cherishing that one would give their life for.
He stared intently at Lin Ting, his gaze never leaving her for a second, as if afraid that she would disappear again if he blinked.
Zhang Ke came to see Chen Zhiyi tonight to discuss important work matters, but there's no need for that now.
The most important and precious thing in his life was right in front of him.
So, I left quietly, and those inappropriate thoughts should have vanished, for they were never meant to be.
The next day, Lin Ting opened her eyes and felt her eyeballs were dry and her head was throbbing, as if a saw was sawing back and forth inside her skull. She felt like all her strength had been drained from her body, and it took a lot of effort to even sit up straight.
The whole world spun in her eyes. She rubbed her eyes and temples, trying to shake off the dizziness. Squinting, she finally saw everything around her clearly.
She recognized the place at a glance; it was exactly the same as when she left. It wasn't a hallucination from being drunk; it really was him.
Just as Lin Ting was about to get out of bed, Chen Zhiyi walked in carrying a bowl.
He was overjoyed to see that Lin Ting was awake. He quickened his pace to the bedside, placed the bowl on the bedside table, reached out to the back of her head, pulled her towards him, and left a kiss on her forehead.
Then he touched Lin Ting's cheek and said affectionately, "Are you feeling a little unwell? I made some red bean porridge. Eating something light when you wake up from a hangover can relieve stomach discomfort and help you recover your energy." He then picked up the bowl, stirred it with a spoon, and scooped a spoonful to Lin Ting's lips. "The temperature is just right, drink it quickly."
Their actions and tone of voice were as natural as those of an old married couple.
Lin Ting looked at him coldly, and those scenes sealed in her memory resurfaced in her mind.
Unreachable phone calls
That breakup statement that completely absolved them of all responsibility...
Disregarding any personal relationships, they exposed all of Qin Qiang's crimes to the public.
Lin Qin's entire body was covered by a white cloth.
Qin Qiang, handcuffed and head bowed, accepts his final judgment.
Lin Ting could understand why he unilaterally chose to break up with her to protect his beloved career, breaking their vows. Everyone is selfish; betraying love for the sake of one's career when young is only natural. What she couldn't accept was his attempt to distance himself from her by shifting all the public pressure onto her, releasing the audio recording of Qin Qiang asking him for money online, causing a huge uproar. This led to Qin Qiang's hiding place being discovered, and the police arresting him in front of Lin Ting. Entertainment reporters, eager for front-page news, even besieged Lin Ting's hometown, live-streaming the arrest.
This led to a recurrence of Lin Qin's cerebral infarction, indirectly causing her death.
It is understandable that Qin Qiang was punished by law for his mistakes, but Lin Ting could not forgive him for indirectly causing Lin Qin's death.
The pain has been soothed by time, but the memory has not died.
So, looking at the man in front of her, Lin couldn't understand what the feigned doting meant.
She didn't speak, but stared straight at him. The indifference in her eyes was like a sharp blade piercing Chen Zhiyi's heart, making him feel both pain and trembling.
It felt more like looking at an enemy than a stranger.
Chen Zhiyi felt a chill run down his spine. He squeezed the spoon handle tightly, maintaining a natural and cheerful expression on his face, and forced a smile. "Take a sip. It's your favorite red bean porridge."
Lin Ting twitched her lips, still finding it laughable. She turned her spoon aside, got up, and found slippers instead of her own shoes by the bedside. Without thinking, she stood up, grabbed her bag from the bedside table, and left.
Chen Zhiyi quickly put down the bowl, grabbed her hand, and pleaded urgently, "No, don't go, I have something to tell you."
Lin Ting opened his hand, not even looking at her, her voice icy, "There's nothing to talk about."
Chen Zhiyi walked around to her, grabbed her arm, his eyes reddened, and held back his tears. "Yes, I want to tell you the truth. I didn't post those things. I was in a car accident at the time. They posted everything on my phone while I was unconscious, but it wasn't my intention. My feelings for you have never changed."
Lin Ting frowned, lifted her eyelids, and looked at Chen Zhiyi with a mixture of belief and doubt. He was a young movie star with superb acting skills, capable of portraying any kind of deep affection or outrageous storyline.
Chen Zhiyi could tell she didn't believe him, so he immediately lifted the hem of his shirt to reveal the scar on his lower back. "This is a scar from a car accident." Then he grabbed Lin Ting's hand and touched the top of her head. "There's another scar here. I was seriously injured in the head and was in a coma for almost two months."
Lin Ting ran his fingertip over the scar and indeed found a slightly raised scar.
But questions remain.
"Why isn't there any news coverage? If someone of your status were in a car accident, it would have been posted online immediately."
"You know my dad's current status; it wouldn't be difficult for him to keep the news under wraps."
I see.
Lin Ting fell silent again. She still had many questions in her mind, but she felt there was no need to ask anymore. Whatever the truth was, the damage and pain had already been done and could not be undone.
Chen Zhiyi spoke again, "No matter what, I will tell you all the facts. Whether you forgive me or not, I will accept it."
"Three years ago, as soon as I returned to the old house, they confiscated my phone, which is why you couldn't contact me. You were at the top of all my messaging apps; if it weren't for special circumstances, how could I not reply immediately? Later, my dad put me under house arrest. He forced me to give up you, give up my acting career, and return to the family, but I refused, so things remained deadlocked. Because I didn't have a phone or any means of communication, I couldn't see anything happening online, and I couldn't deal with it in time. Later, to escape, I stole my mom's car keys and jumped out of the second-floor window." I drove my mom's car away from the old house, but my dad found out and sent people to chase me. Because I was speeding on the highway and trying to shake off the pursuers, I didn't notice a large truck cutting in front of me. I braked suddenly, causing a serious rear-end collision. I barely escaped with my life. After I came to my senses and got my phone, I learned what had happened. I didn't send the audio recording with my uncle. I also hate Qin Qiang. I accepted his blackmail and transferred money to him because I didn't want him to come after you and Auntie. I've kept this to myself and never told you, so of course I won't publish it online. There was a breakup statement, but I didn't write it; they used my phone to write and publish it. My biggest regret is not announcing our relationship. I should have been honest the day we decided to get back together. Because in this relationship, I felt more insecure than you. It wasn't so much that I was giving you a title, but rather that I wanted security. Announcing our relationship would have brought attention, but it also created invisible pressure—you couldn't just abandon me like that. Honestly, I regret it so much. Why did I listen to you and choose to hide it? If we had gone public sooner, none of this mess would have happened. After I came to my senses, I went to find you immediately. When I saw all your things were gone, and the necklace, bank cards, ring, and asset transfer agreement you left on the table, I was terrified. I knew you had completely severed ties with us. Then I rushed to Lizhen and saw it had been demolished, reduced to rubble. When I learned that Auntie had also passed away, I was utterly devastated. I knew you would never forgive me. I promised to be with you, protect you, and give you all my love, but I became the one who hurt you the most.
"I'm sorry, I'm really sorry, but it really wasn't my intention. Can you forgive me?" Chen Zhiyi almost burst into tears.
Lin Ting closed her eyes. When all these truths were laid bare before her, she felt relieved but also helpless. This was not a twist of fate, but rather a matter of powerlessness.
"Do you know who's behind all of this?"
This was a topic Chen Zhiyi was reluctant to discuss, but he still nodded.
Lin Ting forced a smile. "Then it doesn't matter whether I forgive you or not."
“No, it’s important.” Chen Zhiyi opened a drawer and took out a household registration booklet. “I’ve severed ties with my family, and my household registration has been moved from Tianjin to Shanghai. They can no longer control me. And Qin Fei, Jiali Media is collapsing, and she’s having a hard time. I’ve been collecting evidence of her illegal activities, and I’m just waiting for the right time to hand it over to the relevant government agencies. I won’t let anyone who has hurt you get away with it.”
"What difference does it make whether I let it go or not? Can the damage be made up for? Can my mother come back to life?" This was Lin Ting's deepest pain, something that could never be made up for, and she could never forgive until her death.
Chen Zhiyi was at a loss for words. He could only step forward and hug Lin Ting tightly, repeatedly apologizing in her ear, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry."
I'm sorry, these three are the most useless. Lin Ting has known since she was a child that she has to suffer the pain herself, bear the consequences herself, and clean up the mess herself. It's too much for her to not care about these pains and forgive them.
Forgiving Qin Qiang was Lin Qin's dying wish, something she had to do, but this time she doesn't want to forgive him, no matter what the truth is.
No matter how perfectly a broken mirror is repaired, the cracks remain; and even if a heart with a hole grows new flesh, it is no longer the same heart.
Lin Ting pulled away from Chen Zhiyi's tightly gripped hand. "I won't accept it this time. Let's both look forward."
Chen Zhiyi pleaded desperately, "Please give me another chance, okay? We broke up last time, but we made up, didn't we? You can do it this time too."
"We've broken up twice, and both times I was forced to leave. The first breakup ruined the results of twelve years of hard work, and the second breakup made me lose the most important person in my life. Why should I accept a third time? What do I have to lose this time? My life? You were the one who provoked me first, and I was loyal to this love, so why am I the only one who gets hurt?"
"No, no one will force you anymore. I've cleared away all the obstacles in our way. Please trust me one more time, okay? I really love you and need you."
“But I don’t need you anymore.” Lin Ting didn’t want to argue any longer. She gave him a cold look and then left.
Chen Zhiyi chased after her and hugged Lin Ting tightly from behind, as if he wanted to melt her into his own bones and blood. He let out a sobbing cry. He didn't know how to keep her, but he definitely couldn't let her go.
“We have already exchanged rings in front of the pastor and made vows to stay together for life. We are a couple whose vows have been witnessed.”
Lin Ting immediately interrupted, "What kind of couple are we if we haven't even registered our marriage? Even if we were married, we could still get divorced. Two lessons have thoroughly taught us that we're not a good match. I won't sacrifice anything for a relationship that has left me scarred and that we shouldn't have been together in the first place."
"If I could, I wish I had never met you in the first place. Thank you for taking care of me last night. From now on, we go our separate ways." Lin Ting forcefully shook off Chen Zhiyi's hand and didn't look back.
Chen Zhiyi sensed her determination and knew that this was not something that could be changed in a short time. He also understood her personality; the more he argued with her, the more stubborn she became.
But there's plenty of time; he will gently heal her wounds, bit by bit.
"Okay, then I'll drive you away."
"Need not."
"We can't go back to being lovers, but we can always be ordinary friends. We've known each other for ten years."
But the indifference in Lin Ting's eyes did not lessen in the slightest.
Chen Zhiyi gave a helpless bitter smile, "Even if we can't even be friends, and we're just acquaintances, I still have an obligation to take you home after you leave my house."
Lin Ting didn't respond, but merely glanced at him lightly, her refusal quite clear.
Chen Zhiyi said in a low voice, "Just consider this the last thing I'll do for you, okay?"
Lin Ting was slightly moved and understood his reasons for doing so. She wanted to know where he was staying now. Since he no longer lived in Hai City, it was just a temporary hotel and there was nothing to worry about.
"Junyi Hotel".
"What?" Chen Zhiyi clearly hadn't expected this answer.
"After all this, do you think I would still live in Haishi? If it weren't for something else that needs to be resolved, just like I said, I would never set foot in this place that destroyed my love and dreams again."
Chen Zhiyi's heart skipped a beat. No matter what he said, it would be meaningless. He walked to the entrance to get his car keys, but every step he took was heavy, as if he was carrying endless guilt and regret.
One vowed never to see him again, and the other vowed never to set foot in the city; she was determined to sever all ties with him.
Lin Ting followed behind, looking at his back, her eyes still devoid of warmth and emotion.
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