Just as Gu Zheng felt their lips were about to touch, a large hand reached out and held her head still.
"Alright." With that, Huo Qingfeng stood up and moved to the side. His expression—no, his face was expressionless. Even though he had almost been forcibly kissed by a woman, he remained expressionless. But inside, he felt a tiny bit of disgust.
In a man's mind, a woman shouldn't be so casual except with her man at home and in bed. In his arms, a woman can be a wanton harlot like Pan Jinlian, and he won't mind. But in public, even just throwing a flirtatious glance is considered promiscuous. Huo Qingfeng held this view even more strongly; he despised women who lacked self-respect.
Gu Zheng looked down at her leg, moved it slightly, and realized it was fine. She stood up and slowly walked to Huo Qingfeng. "Hey, you're not really impotent, are you? You don't even react to women?"
Even Liu Xiahui (a legendary figure known for his chastity) would probably lose his temper, yet he maintained his expressionless face. It was as if he were blind and couldn't see anything being exposed! She considered herself to have a slender, curvaceous figure; when she swam in Paris, people even had nosebleeds from looking at her body! Did this devil have absolutely no effect on him?
Huo Qingfeng's eyes, hidden behind his sunglasses, swept lightly across her face, remaining silent about the complex expression on her face.
When he first learned of the betrayal, he probably hated her. No man can remain calm in the face of his woman's betrayal unless it was part of his plan. Later, as time passed, that hatred faded. Then came Ruoke, the woman who filled his entire heart, and he never showed any more affection for any other woman, not even hatred, let alone love or hate.
It has been said that love precedes hate. Therefore, hate is a very strong emotion. If a person no longer stirs your heart, then you will not hate her, not even a little bit. Huo Qingfeng is a rational person. After six years, he has long since understood his own feelings, and what happened six years ago no longer has any impact on him.
"Huo Qingfeng, are you not only impotent, but also deaf?" Gu Zheng was furious, feeling like a clown.
For a woman who is extremely proud of her face and figure and flaunts her assets, the biggest blow isn't insults, but being ignored. This is precisely why people like Lulu can keep stripping; the sheer volume of criticism she receives indicates that many people are paying attention to and admiring her body. If the media stops reporting on her and the public stops talking and criticizing her, who will she be showing off to? Can she continue like this?
Huo Qingfeng seemed to feel sorry for her and said lightly, "Guzheng, it's all in the past, save your energy."
Gu Zheng was no longer angry; she was utterly powerless. She suddenly had a feeling that no matter how hard she tried, he might never open a door for her again. She, Gu Zheng, wasn't lacking in men. He, Huo Qingfeng, was more often pursued by women. And as proud as she was, and even more proud as he was, he probably wouldn't give her even the slightest chance.
"You love that ordinary woman that much?" Gu Zheng asked, her previous aggressive demeanor completely gone. This helplessness emanated from within. She had always believed that Huo Qingfeng still held a place for her in his heart, which was why she had been able to go through all this trouble. Now, she understood that perhaps there was no longer a place for her in this man's heart.
Huo Qingfeng only replied with an "Mmm." His gaze then shifted away, surveying the surroundings.
Gu Zheng looked at his tall and straight figure and recalled a saying: "No matter how far a white dove flies, it will eventually return to its origin, but Huo is different. Huo, riding the wind, flies far away, and perhaps will never return. Unless, you have a string in your hand to guide it."
Now, that string is no longer in her hands as a guzheng player.
Could it be that the thread is already in the hands of that woman named Ling Ruoke? Is she capable? Does she deserve it?
...
Ling Ruoke keenly noticed that Mei Yanting had changed since that Sunday when she came to their house. It wasn't very obvious, but Ling Ruoke sensed a distance between them. If Mei Yanting had previously trusted and relied on her as an older sister, now she seemed like a friend, but one with a hint of estrangement.
At work, she became even more diligent. Perhaps because of what she had mentioned last time, she stopped asking other colleagues questions during work hours and instead quietly observed them, listened to their communication, and even took notes from time to time.
Sometimes Ling Ruoke wanted to talk to her, to share her innermost thoughts, but it always ended up being superficial. Because of her avoidance of the main points or even changing the subject, it was impossible to have a real conversation. It seemed that she had shut herself off from her own heart and was no longer opening up to herself.
When Ling Ruoke brought up this matter with Yuan Meng, Yuan Meng said, "Ruoke, no one in this world can do everything perfectly, and you are no exception. Similarly, no matter how well you do, there will always be someone who is not satisfied. The ancients said, 'When poor, one should cultivate one's own virtue; when successful, one should benefit all under heaven.' Do you think how many people throughout history have been able to benefit all under heaven? If everyone can cultivate their own virtue and abide by the boundaries of morality and law, then the world will be at peace. So, don't be harsh on yourself because of others, and don't let it affect your life."
Ling Ruoke had never known that Yuan Meng was such a clear-headed woman. Originally, she had refused to meet Fu'an, thinking Yuan Meng was a stubborn and obstinate woman. But it turned out she was so open-minded. And rightly so, after experiencing so many hardships, how could she face the long road ahead if she weren't open-minded and strong?
She reached out and hooked her arm around Yuan Meng's shoulder, unable to help but laugh as she said, "Yuan Meng, I didn't realize you were so easygoing."
"When you've experienced so much, you can't help but let go," Yuan Meng smiled and went into the kitchen to busy herself. Now, all her energy is focused on her child, and she has no energy left to dwell on the past. The road ahead is still so long; she needs to unpack the heavy burdens from her baggage before she can bear the experiences to come.
Ling Ruoke felt a pang of sadness as she recalled the suffering Yuan Meng had endured. How could Heaven bear to let such a kind and gentle girl like Yuan Meng suffer such a calamity… But Yuan Meng will surely find happiness!
Ling Ruoke calmed herself down before going inside to help Yuan Meng. "Yuan Meng, do you plan to stay in Z City indefinitely?"
After thinking for a long time, she finally couldn't help but ask. Deep down, she hoped Yuan Meng would stay here. That way, she could not only see the little ones but also help them when needed. Yuan Meng had suffered too much, and she didn't want her to suffer any more. She always hoped that she and Qingfeng could clear away those obstacles for her, at least by her side to support her in difficult times.
Yuan Meng stopped what she was doing, looked at her, pursed her lips, and smiled. "I want to go to T City."
Kaiyi had taken her to T City once. Kaiyi said she had never traveled far from home, so he specifically chose the bustling metropolis of T City. They were both dazzled by what they saw and joked that they would bring their child here someday to show him how wonderful the outside world is.
Now that Kaiyi is gone, let her take their child and see the wonders of the world.
In fact, the little guy has seen a much wider world than she has. After all, he has lived right under the noses of the capital.
But it was a promise they made years ago, and she still hoped to travel. She believed that Kaiyi was watching from heaven.
Ling Ruoke paused for a moment, a bitter feeling welling up inside her, but she still smiled. "T City is great. It's a big city, bustling and vibrant. Living there broadens your horizons considerably. But you won't just quietly leave and not let us find you, will you?"
This is what she is most worried about.
Yuan Meng chuckled. "No, the little guy is your child too. I won't take away his rights. Besides, I haven't done anything to wrong you, so why should I act like I'm fleeing from justice?"
Hearing her say that, Ling Ruoke also thought it was crazy. "Then I must be out of my mind!"
"Thinking about your man, huh?" Yuan Meng chuckled mischievously, rarely making such a joke. In truth, she was incredibly envious.
Poverty or wealth is no longer important; at least we can still hold each other's hands and feel each other's warmth—that is the greatest happiness. But people often forget to cherish what they have, and by the time they are separated by death, it is too late for regrets.
Ling Ruoke put down the vegetables she was holding and reached out to tickle her waist. "The world is going to the dogs, people's hearts are no longer what they used to be! Even Yuan Meng is making jokes like this!"
"Hey, hey, hey, I can't take it anymore, please spare my life..." Almost every woman's waist is sensitive, and Yuan Meng dodged and weaved, pleading loudly for mercy.
The commotion attracted all the little ones in the living room. "Mommy, Mommy, what are you doing? Are you playing a game?"
The little guy blinked his big eyes, looking eager to join in. He's at that curious age and interested in everything he plays with.
"Baby, she's bullying Mommy! Come quick, save Mommy!"
"Baby, you have to stand on Mommy's side, understand?"
"Huh?" The little one was confused, scratching his head, unsure of whose opinion to follow. Both were mothers, so who should he side with? In the end, the mother he had known for so long won, and the little one didn't move.
Ling Ruoke only stopped when she saw Yuan Meng was almost out of breath. "Hmph, scared now, huh, you little brat!"
Yuan Meng went limp and leaned against her, groaning and crying, tears welling up in her eyes.
Ling Ruoke pretended to fight back, which startled her so much that she jumped up. "No, no, I'm going to stop breathing!"
Once he had caught his breath, Yuan Meng pulled the little guy over and playfully slapped his bottom twice. "Why aren't you helping Mommy, huh?"
The little one looked at this and that, and said with difficulty, "But she's Mommy."
Yuan Meng and Ling Ruoke exchanged a glance, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. They felt a pang of sadness; the child had been with them for so long, yet their bond wasn't deep enough.
As if sensing her feelings, Xiao Fu'an snuggled up to her, hugged her leg, and looked up at her. His big, wet eyes were like black grapes. "Mommy, I'll definitely help you next time!"
Yuan Meng immediately laughed. "Okay, next time we'll beat Ruoke's mom together!"
"good!"
This time, it was Ling Ruoke's turn to be devastated! She pretended to collapse, shouting, "I'm so heartbroken, I'm going to faint from anger!"
The three of them were laughing and joking, having a great time.
...
Several days have passed.
Gu Zheng realized that she couldn't get even an inch closer to Huo Qingfeng. It was as if there was an East African Rift Valley between them, which they could never cross. It was as if he had predetermined the distance between them; whenever she approached, he would step back, always maintaining the same distance.
It was late at night, and she tossed and turned, unable to sleep.
Sometimes people are too obsessed, to the point of becoming obsessed.
That's how she felt about Huo Qingfeng. The closer she got, the further away he went, so she had to keep getting closer while he kept retreating... In this chase, her obsession deepened and eventually became a demon.
She tossed and turned in bed, her heart pounding like a pancake on a hot pan, unbearably agonizing. Finally, she couldn't take it anymore and got up, carefully opening the door and going out. All the lights were off; it was pitch black.
The man outside the door suddenly opened his eyes, leaped up, and then disappeared without a sound.
In the darkness, the two gazed at each other silently. He could see her clearly, but she only saw his tall, imposing figure. Even though it was just a blurry silhouette, it made her feel incredibly safe. It was as if, with him by her side, no danger or difficulty seemed so insignificant.
"I can't sleep. Will you talk to me?" Gu Zheng no longer used a commanding tone, nor a spoiled tone, but instead had a pitiful feel to it.
Most men in the world are prone to sympathizing with the weak. Huo Qingfeng didn't coldly refuse, but he also didn't respond. He simply looked at her calmly, waiting for her to speak. If Gu Zheng's conversation didn't involve feelings, he was willing to listen, treating her as a stranger who needed to confide in him.
"Huo, do you hate me?" Gu Zheng still remembered how, when he discovered her betrayal, he punched the wall repeatedly until it was a bloody mess. At that moment, she had no doubt that he mistook that wall for her. If she hadn't retained a sliver of reason, she would have been a pulp.
Later, she went to Paris. Whenever she thought of that scene at night, her pride far outweighed her sadness. How deep must that love be to produce such intense hatred? It showed that she was incredibly important to him! It was this thought that made her still feel that he should love her. Six years, in her mind, wasn't a long time, at least not long enough for him to completely forget her.
"No." Hate is a very difficult thing to do, and it is also a very deep emotion. Both the former and the latter are within the scope of the colonel's refusal.
Gu Zheng let out a slight sigh of relief. "Then do you hate me?"
"No."
"Do you still like me?"
"No."
"Then what do you have for me? No love, no hate, no dislike, no interest, just indifference? Just a stranger?" Gu Zheng smiled bitterly.
Huo Qingfeng didn't answer. If a couple doesn't break up amicably, they either become enemies or strangers. He didn't hate her, so naturally they were strangers. He wasn't so altruistic as to treat her like a friend or a younger sister!
"Do you think I'm despicable? You clearly look down on me, yet I keep clinging to you? Am I even worse than prostitutes? At least men are eager to seduce them, and they even make money!" Gu Zheng was already speaking recklessly, completely disregarding the fact that her words were demeaning to herself, only wanting to see his reaction.
Huo Qingfeng felt a sudden jolt, and his head ached. "You can choose not to do this."
Gu Zheng laughed, but it was a bitter laugh. "You're right, I brought this on myself! But—" She suddenly lunged forward and hugged his waist tightly.
"But I can't control myself, what should I do? I just want to be back by your side, I want to stay in your arms! What should I do, what should I do?"
"Guzheng, don't force me to do it." Huo Qingfeng tried to pull her arm away, but she had used all her strength. If he forced it open, he might hurt her.
Guzheng not only wouldn't let go, but she also pressed her face against his chest. "I won't let go, I just won't let go!"
Huo Qingfeng's face darkened, and he pressed on a certain acupoint on her hand.
Guzheng let out a scream, and her arm loosened its grip.
Huo Qingfeng pulled her arm away and pushed her into the room. "It's late, go to sleep."
He closed the door, hurried down the stairs, and walked straight to the poolside. He took out a cigarette and lit it. It was the beginning of the month, and a crescent moon cast a faint light in the sky, unable to dispel the darkness of the night.
The guzheng's noise distracted him, making him think of his wife. It was already past midnight; she should be fast asleep by now. Her sleep schedule was very regular; she would always be in bed before eleven. He wondered if he was in her dreams. He was sure he was; he hadn't been able to contact her these past few days while on a mission.
His pager vibrated in his pocket. He pulled it out and saw it was a guzheng (a traditional Chinese zither). He thought for a moment, then hung up and put the pager back. She had played this trick many times these past few days. Even though he repeatedly told her it was pointless, she still insisted on her charade.
Just then, a woman's scream rang out, accompanied by a gunshot.
Huo Qingfeng leaped forward, and after a few scrambles, he jumped up and kicked through the glass in the third-floor stairwell. It was the only piece of glass that could be broken. Several shots were fired, and several people fell.
"Don't come out!" he commanded the guzheng under the bed.
The servants downstairs got up at the sound, and more gunshots rang out.
Huo Qingfeng fired both guns simultaneously, and several more people fell in the blink of an eye. At the same time, all the gun barrels were pointed at him. He rolled down the stairs, half-lying on the ground, using his body to propel himself backward while firing, hitting several more people.
The enemy's numbers far exceeded his expectations.
Huo Qingfeng swiftly rose to his feet and pulled the switch off the electric grid. Instantly, the room was plunged into darkness. Surrounded by tall trees, almost no light could penetrate.
In the chaos, Huo Mou quickly adjusted to the darkness, unleashing several more shots, killing several people. He then dodged and shifted his position, avoiding the enemy's counterattack.
The remaining people retreated behind obstacles, and for a moment the room was completely silent. Even breathing was blocked. Every pair of eyes searched the darkness, looking for an opportunity to kill their opponent.
Huo Qingfeng pointed the flashlight he had prepared at the wall, pressed the button, and threw it. Simultaneously, using the shadowy figures appearing where the flashlight had flashed, he repeatedly pulled the trigger, eliciting several screams. Then, silence returned to the room.
A few seconds later, he pressed the remote control in his hand, and the television turned on. Several more shots were fired, and several more figures fell.
The enemy spotted him and kept firing at his location. They only stopped after a while.
Huo Qingfeng pressed himself tightly against the wall. He knew there weren't many enemies left in the room. However, there was one person among them who was very strong. And extremely ruthless!
A murder case, and the perpetrator has such a background! If he has such a background, how could the police really protect Guzheng?
Time passed slowly, and Huo Qingfeng listened intently to their movements. Sure enough, after a while, they couldn't wait any longer and began searching in the darkness.
Huo Qingfeng pressed the pager in his pocket, and the pager on the table lit up. Three shots rang out, taking out the three people searching the house.
He deduced that there were no more than three enemies inside!
Hearing the cacophony of gunfire outside, Guzheng, who was in the room, could no longer contain herself. Finally, she couldn't resist and carefully crawled out from under the bed, then cautiously slipped out of the room. She was barefoot, so she made no sound.
She couldn't see anything in the darkness, so she could only stand up and slowly probe forward. Then, she encountered a tall figure and, thinking it was Huo Qingfeng, whispered, "Huo, it's me!"
"Ah—" Gu Zheng screamed as someone grabbed her by the neck and pressed a gun against her head.
Upon hearing her scream, Huo Qingfeng rolled over on the spot, leaped up, and pulled the switch. Instantly, the lights in the room blazed on.
As they squinted from the sudden blinding light, he took down two of them. Only the final, most formidable opponent remained.
The guzheng, in his hands.
It was a familiar face, or rather, a face that was once familiar.
"It's you," Huo Qingfeng said calmly. Like the cheetah, he'd been discharged from the military, but he was dozens of times more ruthless. Rumor had it he became a mercenary, a bloodthirsty wolf in the Southwest!
"It's me," the other person said coldly. "Today, only one of us can walk out! It's either you or me who dies."
Huo Qingfeng looked at him but did not respond.
"Put down the gun, or I'll kill her!"
Gu Zheng bit her lip, panting, tears blurring her vision. She was terrified!
Huo Qingfeng slowly raised both hands, then released his grip, and the gun fell to the ground. Before the other man could speak, he kicked the gun away. "Let her go."
"Let her go?" His face was contorted and terrifying by the blood, and he laughed maniacally, a laugh that seemed to come from hell. "I can let her go. I still have three bullets in this gun. As long as you take these three bullets for her, I'll let her go."
"Okay." Step by step, he moved into his firing range.
"Huh!" Gu Zheng cried out in fright when she heard him answer. But she was too terrified to make a sound. The man released her, and she mechanically took small steps, struggling to breathe.
Huo Qingfeng approached her step by step.
The gun behind her was always pointed at Gu Zheng's heart. Then, slowly, it was aimed at Huo Qingfeng's heart.
As the two brushed past each other, the trigger was pulled, and a bullet left the chamber. Huo Qingfeng swung his arm, pushing the guzheng aside, and with a "thud," the bullet pierced his chest.
"Whoa!" Gu Zheng caught his falling body and shouted loudly.
The man revealed a bloodthirsty smile. "It's not over yet, there are still two bullets left!" he laughed, his smile twisted and terrifying. It seemed he harbored an immense hatred.
The trigger was pulled a second time.
"No!" Gu Zheng shouted, stepping forward to block him.
Huo Qingfeng spun around forcefully. As the bullet lodged in his body, a gleaming knife plunged into the man's throat. There was no longer any chance of survival.
"Wow!"
...
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