The sky was covered by thick, dark clouds, their gray hue blending seamlessly with the surrounding environment and adding to the oppressive atmosphere. A chilly wind blew, stirring up dust from the ground, which swirled in the air along with withered leaves.
A low rumble of thunder came from afar, as if nature itself was mourning the lives lost.
In the cemetery.
Shen Zhi Qiu and Gu Qing Yan stood facing each other.
When Shen Zhi Qiu mentioned transferring the shares to Mu Zi Qi, Gu Qing Yan's eyes flickered slightly, revealing a complex emotion in his gaze. After a while, he said, "No need. It's what Grandpa left you; consider it a gift for the children." He firmly shook his head.
Shen Zhi Qiu did not insist. She sighed softly and turned to leave. Her steps were heavy, as if each step carried endless sorrow and longing.
"Zhi Qiu." Gu Qingyan suddenly called out to her.
Shen Zhi Qiu stopped and turned to look at him, her eyes filled with confusion.
Gu Qingyan walked up to her and stopped a meter away. He suddenly smiled and said, "Zhi Qiu, thank you."
Shen Zhi Qiu didn't speak, but simply looked at him quietly. Her eyes revealed a complex emotion.
“I’m truly sorry for what happened in the past,” Gu Qingyan continued. “These past few days, perhaps it’s because of the passing of my father and grandfather that I’ve realized the weight of my responsibilities, and that I shouldn’t continue to be so willful.” He stopped smiling and choked up.
"I was too impulsive the other day, I'm sorry." Gu Qingyan continued to apologize, "We haven't talked so calmly for a long time." His voice was gentle, as if he were reminiscing about the good old days.
Shen Zhi Qiu didn't say anything, but was prepared to leave after he finished speaking.
Suddenly, Gu Qingyan took two steps forward and noticed that Shen Zhi Qiu's hair was disheveled by the wind. He instinctively reached out to tuck it behind her ear. However, Shen Zhi Qiu frowned, took a step back, and created some distance. She tucked her hair back herself and looked at Gu Qingyan with a normal expression.
"I'm sorry, I was being presumptuous." Gu Qingyan quickly withdrew his hand and apologized. "It was probably an unconscious action. Before, we..." His voice was somewhat lonely and helpless, as if he was lamenting the regrets of the past.
A bolt of lightning streaked across the sky.
"It's going to rain soon, go home early, Mom is still waiting for you in the car," Shen Zhi Qiu replied casually, changing the subject, "I should go too."
"I will not go to the capital to see the children without your permission, please rest assured."
"Thank you." Shen Zhi Qiu didn't turn around.
On the way to the airport, the sky was still overcast, with flashes of lightning occasionally streaking across the sky.
Wei Qiao drove the black sedan smoothly along the wide road. He would occasionally glance at Shen Zhi Qiu in the back seat through the rearview mirror. He saw her leaning back in her seat, looking somewhat tired, with her eyes closed, as if immersed in a moment of tranquility.
“Miss, if you’re too tired, we can go back tomorrow. Mr. Rong originally planned to pick you up tomorrow,” Wei Qiao said softly, trying to break the silence in the car.
Shen Zhi Qiu slowly opened her eyes and shook her head. "I just didn't want to trouble my brother to make the trip again, so I came back today. It's good that things are done here. I also miss Zhao Zhao and Niannian." Her voice was gentle, but it carried a clear sense of fatigue.
Wei Qiao nodded and didn't say anything more.
The car sped along the road, and silence returned to the passenger compartment. Shen Zhi Qiu gazed at the receding scenery outside the window, a strange emotion welling up within her. Suddenly, memories of her time living in Nancheng flashed through her mind.
“This time, I feel like President Gu has changed.” Wei Qiao suddenly broke the silence. “Before, he seemed unable to control his emotions. Whenever he mentioned anything related to Xiao Wanqing, he would act as if he were possessed, regardless of anything else. But this time, I feel like he has changed.”
Shen Zhi Qiu frowned slightly and sighed, "Perhaps the successive deaths of his loved ones made him truly realize the truth. But the price was too high. If Gu Qing Yan hadn't angered Dad to the point of collapse, Grandpa's health would still be quite good. Alas." Her voice revealed a sense of helplessness and regret.
Wei Qiao sighed as well. He knew Shen Zhi Qiu must be very sad. He was afraid that continuing the topic would bring up her painful memories, so he didn't say anything more.
"By the way, Wei Qiao, has Lu Wei called?" Shen Zhi Qiu hesitated for a moment before asking.
Wei Qiao pursed his lips, unsure how to answer. He paused for a moment, then said, "No, there's no news yet." He tried to make his voice sound calm and natural, but he knew Shen Zhi Qiu must be feeling terrible.
Shen Zhi Qiu gave a soft "Mmm" and didn't say anything more. She gazed at the receding scenery outside the window, a complex mix of emotions welling up inside her. She didn't know how she would face a future without Lu Jia.
She has been trying to control her thoughts lately, but the longer it goes on, the harder it is to suppress her emotions.
"Miss, Lu Jia will definitely be safe and sound." Wei Qiao felt sorry for her and comforted her.
Shen Zhi Qiu smiled bitterly, tears streaming down her face. "It's been so long, and there's not a single word from you." Her voice trembled and choked with sobs. "It's all my fault. If it weren't for me, Lu Jia would still be living a carefree life in Rongcheng and would never have gotten involved in this danger."
Wei Qiao tightened his grip on the steering wheel, a hint of sadness flashing in his eyes.
"Miss, please don't say that. These things are not your fault. Don't take the blame for everything. If anyone is to blame, it's Xiao Wanqing's ruthlessness."
Shen Zhi Qiu choked back tears, "Xiao Wan Qing is dead, but Lu Jia will never come back." Her tears rolled down her cheeks like broken beads. "Wei Qiao, I really wish it was me who died."
Wei Qiao sighed, "But, Miss, I believe Lu Jia felt the same way you did, which is why he resolutely and selflessly rushed onto the ship to save you." His voice was somewhat agitated. "Before he set off, he said that if it came down to a life for a life, he would not hesitate to sacrifice you. So, you must carry Lu Jia's wishes and live well. Your daily sorrow is the last thing he wanted to see, isn't it?"
Shen Zhi Qiu desperately tried to hold back her tears, turning her head to look out the window. But the tears flowed like a burst dam, blurring her vision. How she wished it was all just a nightmare, and that everything would be back to normal when she woke up. But she knew very well that no matter how unwilling she was to admit it, Lu Jia had left her forever.
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