Whether Lu Chen returns or not, Tang Ningli will still sing the songs she knows, but—
"Knock knock".
"Sister Tang Ning, it's me."
Hearing the knocking and the call from Xiaoyue, the little maid Li had specially sent to serve her, Tang Ning, who was putting on makeup, paused slightly, opened the door, and saw a round-faced girl holding a bunch of red roses standing outside the door with a charming smile.
Seeing this, Tang Ning raised her eyebrows in surprise, but before she could ask anything.
Xiaoyue excitedly began to recount, "Sister Tang, Sister Tang, I heard from Brother Dali, the gatekeeper, that a gentleman who doesn't want to give his name just handed them this bouquet of flowers and gave them a tip, asking them to give it to you, Sister Tangning, as a wish for your performance tonight. These flowers are really beautiful! I wonder who gave them to you. Let me guess, it must be Master Xu, right?"
Xiaoyue immediately revealed a mischievous and teasing expression.
After all, who in the entire Haicheng doesn't know the relationship between Master Xu and Sister Tang Ning? With Master Xu's current wealth, power, status, and position, ordinary people wouldn't dare to pursue Sister Tang Ning behind his back. Therefore, Xiaoyue naturally guessed that Xu Sinian did this on purpose to give Tang Ning a surprise.
Upon hearing this, Tang Ning smiled and poked Xiaoyue's head, then accepted the bouquet. Seeing a card hidden inside the roses, she reached out and took it. The caring words at the beginning made her smile higher and higher until she saw the signature at the end, at which point her smile gradually faded and her brows furrowed slightly.
Seeing that Tang Ning's expression was off, Xiao Yue's previously upturned lips also disappeared. "What's wrong? Sister Tang Ning, is something the problem?"
Upon hearing her question, Tang Ning neatly closed the card, smiled at Xiaoyue, and shook her head, "No, you can go now."
It has to be said that Lu Chen is really bold. Unlike in the original story, where he and the original owner always interacted in private, because he didn't get what he wanted at the Yuqian Teahouse last time, he actually became so bold that he even openly sent her flowers.
You asked how Tang Ning figured it out? Well, at the end of the card, Lu Chen drew a four-leaf clover. This was a secret code that the original owner and he had agreed on when they were together. When they were dating, they would leave this mark on the letters they used to communicate.
The reason for this was that when Tang Ning was singing, she overheard a French listener saying that in their Western legend, the four-leaf clover symbolizes unparalleled happiness. After hearing this legend, the original owner mentioned it in a letter, and the two of them gradually developed this habit of automatically leaving a four-leaf clover symbol when writing to each other.
You said they can see each other every day, so why bother writing letters? It's because they're both busy. Tang Ning has to sing, and Lu Chen has to pull a rickshaw. They don't have enough time to date on weekdays, so they started exchanging letters every day. On the one hand, it's to share their experiences of the day with each other, and on the other hand, it's to express their love and care through words.
All I can say is that the original owner and Lu Chen were truly pure and sweet back then. Even though it was tough, they always carefully nurtured this little seedling of love.
Since Lu Chen has already gone to such lengths, how can Tang Ning not give a response at all?
So when she left Lidu that evening, she was carrying this bouquet of flowers, and then casually gave it to Chen Ma, who was cleaning at the entrance of Lidu.
"Thank you, thank you, Miss Tang!"
Chen Ma was pleasantly surprised to receive such a beautiful bouquet of flowers out of the blue, and thought that she might even be able to sell them cheaply in a little while.
"Um……"
Tang Ning nodded slightly, paused for a moment, then got into the car that Xu Sinian had sent to park at the door and left.
The scene of her delivering flowers was witnessed by Lu Chen, who was sitting in a black car not far away. His expression did not change much, but his fingers hanging at his sides immediately clenched.
Only after Tang Ning's car disappeared around the street corner did he suddenly chuckle.
"Oh."
Because she had a clear conscience, Tang Ning, after returning to the Xu family, still personally prepared traditional Chinese medicine for Xu Sinian without even telling him about what had happened.
Knowing that Tang Ning had received flowers from Lu Chen today, Xu Sinian didn't bring it up when he saw Tang Ning helping him soak his feet and gently asking him if he felt unwell or if he felt better than yesterday.
For some reason, he always felt that if he didn't bring up the news of Lu Chen's return, he and Tang Ning could continue to live peacefully. But once the news was revealed, things could easily spiral out of control.
Comparing the two options, he prefers to maintain the current superficial calm.
On the other hand, even after witnessing Tang Ning give his flowers to someone else, Lu Chen still persisted in sending flowers, and his messages became more and more sincere. He watched Tang Ning give the flowers to other people as if he were torturing himself, seeing that Tang Ning did not cherish him as much as he thought. It was as if the impulse of Tang Ning to rush into his arms when they first met was just a momentary impulse.
After the momentary impulse subsided, her rationality and composure returned, and she became the same Tang Ning who, five years ago, had abandoned him without hesitation on that snowy night, gotten into Xu Sinian's car, and sped away.
Seeing Lu Chen sending her flowers day after day, even her favorability towards him began to waver, gradually decreasing from -60 to -55 each day.
When she was alone, Tang Ning simply smiled at her reflection in the mirror.
It can only be said that in the story, the sunk cost that the original owner made Lu Chen pay was too small, which is why he could give up so decisively and change his mind so quickly and casually.
In reality, relationships and investments aren't that different. The more you get someone to invest, the harder it is for them to let go. Some foolish girls are always focused on saving their partners money and making things easier for them, becoming increasingly sensible and considerate. You make their lives comfortable, without them having to put in any effort. When they abandon you, they feel no pain, but you feel like you've lost half your life…
No matter what, it's never wrong to love yourself more.
This statement applies to everyone who is in love.
Lu Chen had made it so obvious that Xu Sinian had naturally already received the news. Because of Tang Ning's actions, his mood improved uncontrollably day by day, and even his favorability rating secretly increased by 2 points.
Xu Sinian's current favorability rating: 77.
As Lu Chen sent flowers day after day, Tang Ning and Xu Sinian's relationship steadily progressed thanks to the rare, warm moments they shared in the evenings. Heaven knows when Lu Chen reached out to Xu Sinian; or rather, Xu Sinian deliberately allowed him to do so.
Then he learned that while he was being rejected by Tang Ning time and time again, she was willing to personally brew medicine for Xu Sinian and even help him soak his feet to relieve the pain from his broken bones.
Almost the instant he learned of this news, Lu Chen smashed a wooden dummy with a dark expression.
Practicing with wooden dummy was the first request he made after returning to the Fengcheng Marshal's Mansion. Even though he had missed the best time to practice and even though he had suffered a lot, he still gritted his teeth and persevered.
He didn't want to fall into the same painful situation as before, where he was beaten and had no chance to fight back.
After completing his training and target practice in an orderly manner, Lu Chen immersed himself in the hot water. Looking at the rising steam in front of him, he knew that he couldn't continue like this. Perhaps he had overestimated his position in Tang Ning's heart.
She was far more ruthless than he had imagined.
Thinking of this, Lu Chen chuckled softly.
The louder you laugh, the hoarser your voice becomes.
After laughing, the man immediately slid down until the hot water completely submerged his head. He then held his breath in the tub until he could barely breathe, at which point he suddenly surfaced.
Lu Chen, who had come up with another solution in such a short time, quickly took a shower, changed into clean clothes, and then summoned the people he had brought with him to Haicheng. He whispered a few words in their ears.
So on this day, in Lidu, Tang Ning, who had just finished singing a song on stage, heard from the little maid Xiao Yue that Tang Yin had become a reporter at the New Moon Newspaper. She didn't know what had happened to her, but she had directly offended the legendary Third Master Shen's subordinates, whose power was comparable to Xu Sinian's. Now that she was surrounded, if they didn't go to rescue her, they were afraid that they would just put a sack over her head and throw her into the river to feed the fish.
Upon hearing this news, Tang Ning immediately asked 54088 to check it out for her.
She really didn't expect the news to be true. Although Lu Chen's people might have been involved, what was even more astonishing was Tang Yin's tiger-like behavior. Perhaps because she had Xu Sinian and her backing her up, no matter what, the two of them would definitely not abandon her. Facing the subordinate of Master Chen, who was not good-looking and had even flirted with her, she spoke with such arrogance and impoliteness.
It's a pity that the subordinate wasn't that kind of person. Wow, this lady actually cursed at me. She's so innocent and unpretentious. She's completely different from those flashy, cheap women outside who only care about my money. She's so special, and I really like her.
Almost as soon as he heard Tang Yin's insults, he narrowed his eyes, pulled out a gun from his waist, and wanted to kill her on the spot.
Finally, after being informed of Tang Yin's identity by others, the man stopped, only ordering his men to force Tang Yin to the edge of the clock tower's rooftop, seemingly waiting for Xu Sinian to send someone over to discuss the matter.
Even a fool could tell that Tang Yin was probably terrified and crying uncontrollably at this point.
Interestingly, the person who came to inform Tang Ning was directing her to a small courtyard that was completely opposite to the clock tower to the south.
It's obvious without even thinking that Lu Chen must have done something to this.
Even though she knew the other party had interfered, Tang Ning still rushed to the small courtyard on the north side.
The truth is, Tang Yin's personality, in general, means she hasn't experienced the harsh realities of society. She keeps saying she won't rely on her anymore, but in reality, the first thing she does when something happens is to push all the blame onto Tang Ning.
Tang Ning naturally wanted to repay all the beatings the original owner had shielded her from.
Isn't it about supporting yourself, renewing yourself, and cutting ties with her?
Sure, then you'll have to take responsibility for the trouble you caused.
Anyway, with Xu Sinian's banner in hand, she won't die. As for whether she'll be scared out of her wits or suffer some torture, Tang Ning doesn't care. After all, she was tricked into this!
Thinking this, Tang Ning appeared in an old courtyard with a clear conscience. Her face showed a worried and serious expression as she abruptly pushed open the courtyard door. "Yinyin..."
As soon as Tang Ning finished speaking, she met Lu Chen's gaze, who was sitting at a stone table in the courtyard. A look of surprise flashed across her eyes.
"you……"
Before Tang Ning could finish speaking, Lu Chen stood up, a hint of surprise in his eyes. "You're here?"
"Why is it you? Where's Yinyin? I heard..." Tang Ning's brows furrowed tightly at this point, "It's probably false, isn't it? You spread false information that my sister was in danger just to lure me out? Or is it that Yinyin really is in trouble..."
"I've already sent someone to handle things with your sister, Tang Yin, so don't worry, she'll be fine. I just took this opportunity to lure you here because I haven't seen you in a long time since our unpleasant parting last time, and you wouldn't even accept the flowers I sent you. If you think I was too harsh last time, I can apologize..."
Lu Chen spoke with a sincere expression, then pointed to the items laid out on the four tables, as if seeking praise, "Look, I even ordered you a Western meal, from that Billy's Western restaurant you've wanted to eat at for so long. I also bought your favorite cake. Actually, I've always wanted to treat you to a big meal like this, but saving money by pulling a rickshaw was just too slow. It took me a whole six months to finally save enough, but before I could treat you, I ran into... Now I have the money, and I can finally treat you. Come and try it, see if it's still the taste you like!"
Lu Chen extended this invitation with enthusiasm and seriousness.
His dark, bright eyes seemed to instantly merge with the image of Lu Zhong, the rickshaw puller from the past. If it were the original owner of this body, she would have surrendered long ago due to her guilt and longing for the beautiful love of the past.
Unfortunately, it was Tang Ning who stood in front of Lu Chen.
Tang Ning glanced at the food on the stone table with a complicated expression, then looked at Lu Chen, "Lu Chen, actually..."
"Alright, stop talking and hurry up and eat, or the food will get cold and won't taste good!"
Upon understanding the meaning in Tang Ning's eyes, the man immediately lowered his head, concealing his eyes which were beginning to redden, and greeted her in this way.
"Listen to me..."
"I told you to stop talking, didn't you hear me?!"
Lu Chen suddenly exploded, glaring fiercely at Tang Ning. "Don't you think this is unfair to me? From five years ago to five years later, what have I done wrong all this time? Tell me, what have I done wrong that makes you choose to abandon me time and time again without hesitation! Why? Tang Ning, why?! Five years ago, our relationship was so good. We even agreed to get married as soon as we saved enough money, and to be together for life! Why did Xu Sinian have to interfere, forcing me to give you up, to give up the woman I love most, and then be driven away like a dog... Why?!"
"Ha, don't tell me Xu Sinian wasn't involved. If he hadn't deliberately schemed, would I have offended Master Shen? Would I have been put on a kill order? When I was driven away, I already understood that Xu Sinian was after you from the very beginning. I know that the reason you chose to be with Xu Sinian back then was mostly to protect me, but do I care about that? What I want is for you, Tang Ning, to choose me firmly from beginning to end! I want you to choose me! Otherwise, I would rather be beaten to death by Xu Sinian's men on that snowy day!"
Lu Chen's eyes were bloodshot.
"Okay, let's pretend you had your reasons for what happened five years ago. But that's all gone now. Let's pretend what happened five years ago never happened, Tang Ning. From this moment on, let's start over. I'm capable now, and I'm rich now. As long as you leave Xu Sinian now, we'll be together again. This time, I can definitely protect you, okay?"
Lu Chen pressed his hand to his chest and said earnestly.
After testing by 54088, it turned out that 80% of what the other party said was true.
He's serious...
So, in other words, when he first returned to Haicheng in the story, he genuinely liked the original owner of this body. However, the original owner's compliant and indulgent nature blinded him, making him feel that the person he had longed for for five years was nothing special now that he had her. Then, past resentments and the various unresolved issues from Tang Ning's relationship with Xu Sinian over the past five years resurfaced, slowly eroding his love...
In addition, a woman named Tang Yin, who is even more pure, innocent, and gentle than Tang Ning from five years ago, appeared in his life...
After hearing Lu Chen's words, Tang Ning's eyes reddened slightly, but she took a deep breath and looked coldly at Lu Chen not far away.
"I must admit, before meeting you, I really couldn't let you go, which is why I acted so impulsively when we first met. But after actually seeing you, I realized I might have been a bit too persistent..."
“I know I might be being unfair to you, but my reason tells me that what’s past is past. Five years have passed, and we can’t go back to the way things were. You’re probably just feeling a bit resentful right now…”
"No matter what, it's unrealistic for us to get back together. Putting everything else aside, even if I really broke up with Xu Sinian and got together with you, would you really not mind my past with him at all? You should know that in these five years, everything that could happen between him and me... has happened. Lu Chen, we're not children anymore. I've been in a place like Lidu for too long, and I've seen too much of this kind of thing. I can't afford to gamble now."
"That's it. If you're feeling down, I can apologize, or even do something to make it up to you, as long as you can cheer up... Also, instead of living so painfully in the past, why not look forward? Although we can't be together again, I really want you to be happy, because I would sincerely wish you happiness..."
Although Tang Ning's eyes were still a little red and her expression was somewhat sad, what she said was very rational and calm, even to the point of being somewhat cruel.
After hearing Tang Ning's words, Lu Chen felt as if his heart had been ripped from his chest and thrown into a bottomless icy pool with a dull thud.
That's not how it should be, it shouldn't be like this...
Over the past five years, he had long understood that Tang Ning, with her personality, would never suddenly choose to be with Xu Sinian for no reason. But the beating he received that day hurt too much, and Tang Ning's eyes were too cold, colder than the snow that night. He had just left Haicheng and immediately tried to kill himself, but unexpectedly, he was saved in the end.
He told himself that he hated Tang Ning.
Because he had no hatred, he didn't even know how he was going to keep going. It was his hatred for Tang Ning that had sustained him until now.
Before coming to Haicheng, he firmly believed that Tang Ning must have had a hard time during those five years, and that she might still be thinking about him. He thought that as long as he was willing to humble himself, Tang Ning would definitely be willing to come back to his side.
But now...
She actually advised him to look forward, she advised him to look forward!
Ha ha ha ha.
Thinking this, a rare feeling of heartache, grievance, and bitterness welled up in Lu Chen's heart; it really hurt too much!
Tears welled up in Lu Chen's eyes involuntarily.
It was this feeling that made him realize that the reason he hated Tang Ning so much was because he still loved her. The more he hated her, the more he loved her. Even now, he would still feel heartbroken and sad because of Tang Ning's words.
Such a mindset is so pathetic that even Lu Chen himself finds it embarrassing and disgusting.
"sorry……"
Upon hearing Tang Ning's three soft words, Lu Chen turned and walked out.
The moment Tang Ning left, Lu Chen shoved the stone table over.
Hearing the noise behind her, Tang Ning paused slightly, then hardened her heart and continued walking out.
Lu Chen was left standing amidst the chaos, watching Tang Ning walk further and further away...
Lu Chen's current favorability rating: -70.
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