Translator: Lynn
Ji Kai deeply regretted his conduct on the day of their divorce.
In hindsight, he pondered if he had been too composed, handling the situation with levity and leaving no lasting impression.
Only now did he present such a confident demeanor to Zhu Ling, even emboldening Zhu Ling to retort, “…Think about it carefully. Didn’t you have his number before we divorced?”
“It didn’t matter before you two. In just three or four months, how come everything progressed so rapidly?”
Ji Kai searched his entire body, but found nothing.
He wished there was something, even longing for Zhu Ling to have bought all his clothes before so he could throw them back in his face.
“From that phone call to when I arrived home, it was only over two hours,” he revealed. “Just two hours, and the divorce papers were filled out. You claimed it wasn’t a long-planned decision? After three years of marriage, you pushed me into it over a phone call. Brother Kai, can’t you be honest with me about the truth?”
Zhu Ling couldn’t understand his own behavior or where this malice originated, but he couldn’t restrain himself.
Deep down, it was completely contrary to what he truly wanted to express.
Yet, he couldn’t stop.
Inflicting pain became addicting. If you could hurt me, I could hurt you too.
It hurt so much. Why him? Why Li Weidu? After five years together, knowing how much I despised him, why did you choose him?
Brother Kai, how could you do this to me?
…
Ji Kai didn’t engage in an argument with Zhu Ling this time, despite his usual prowess in verbal sparring. It simply wasn’t worth it, as the situation was too absurd.
He couldn’t fathom why Zhu Ling felt entitled to such anger, shaking with fury as if he were the innocent victim in all of this.
…This person always prioritized his own emotions.
Throughout it all, he never apologized for his past actions. It seemed he expected the world to accept his change of heart without question, never considering forgiveness, and Ji Kai never intended to offer it.
Yes, there was no forgiveness, nor would there ever be.
There was something crucial that Ji Kai had wanted to share with Zhu Ling during their time together, but circumstances never allowed for it.
He had hoped for a chance to sit down and speak calmly, to tell him about his loving and supportive family. If only Zhu Ling could meet them, surely he would adore them.
Especially his sister; she exuded gentleness, wore a constant, delicate scent of orange perfume, and possessed a beautiful smile.
But then, he fell for a deceitful man. Amidst his efforts to find happiness and seize the day, all his tenderness, passion, trust, and hope were shattered by that man’s lies and selfishness.
“Xiao Kai, your sister feels so weary. It’s as if living in this world… is such a struggle.”
Not everyone possesses the strength he does. Even after being betrayed by the person he trusted most, he still persevered, clinging to the belief in a semblance of happiness.
Many people’s hearts are like delicate works of art. Once broken, they can never be fully restored.
…
The scent of Zhu Ling’s perfume still lingers faintly in the air.
Ji Kai had always been fond of the nostalgic citrus aroma, as well as the perfume’s name – Love for Summer. The image of Zhu Ling, with all its associations, remains etched in Ji Kai’s memory.
Now, as he gazes at the man before him, sneering and hurling baseless accusations, it all feels surreal.
Could it be that the bright, hopeful young man, the one who once inspired courage and indifference in him, had quietly vanished long ago? Perhaps some vile entity had taken possession of his body, stealing away his smile and his voice.
The thought of the original person, now consumed by such a corrupted soul, is profoundly disheartening.
…
Ji Kai was baffled by his own emotions.
He hadn’t shed a tear when he lost his family, nor did he cry during his divorce. Now, he especially didn’t want to lose his temper, especially not in front of Li Weidu.
He understood that Mr. Li’s nerves were delicate, more fragile than a strand of hair.
But then his thoughts veered off course, and he realized he’d have to work hard to reassure her when he returned.
This situation seemed significant, and coaxing her might not be simple. Kisses, hugs, and comforting words might not suffice. He worried about potential repercussions in the future. He couldn’t afford to let go of the happiness they had fought so hard to attain.
And now, the person he felt he needed to reassure stood right before him.
…
During these days, Li Weidu endured endless teasing every day.
Watching others’ shy and flustered expressions became a daily ritual, a compulsory part of his routine.
Yet, the self-proclaimed tough guy, daring enough to wield a watermelon knife, remained oblivious to the fact that the shy little lamb before him was actually a wild wolf cub accustomed to life’s hardships.
As the little wolf matured, it donned an elegant and gentle facade.
Pale, refined, and somewhat melancholic, even his smiles often felt shallow. He exuded an air of elegance, seemingly devoid of fighting spirit.
…Growing up amid the family’s dark tales, overlooked by outsiders, bestowed upon Li Weidu an unusual resilience.
Under normal circumstances, he might explode if kissed. But the more overwhelming the situation, the clearer and calmer he became, distinct from ordinary people.
“Have you finished?” he finally interjected. “If you’re itching to scold someone, scold me. Why bother lecturing him when you’re bold enough to confront me?”
Yes, I truly adore him. From the moment I laid eyes on him, I couldn’t get him out of my mind. Zhu Ling, do you have any objections to me chasing him every day? Speak up, why the silence?”
Zhu Ling was speechless.
From the instant he saw Ji Kai wiping his face, he was at a loss. Regret flooded him, nearly freezing his limbs, before he was roughly slammed against the wall by Li Weidu without resistance.
“If I recall correctly, wasn’t Ye Yin your aspiration before?” Li Weidu continued, his tone cutting. “Did you achieve your desires? Where are Ye Yin and the rest now?”
“…”
“Or perhaps you’re just fickle, and your talent will be lost forever. It’s the best, because you won’t cherish what you have. But it’s too late for second thoughts now. Listen, Zhu Ling. I’m not as fortunate as you. I met him early, and he still holds a torch for you. But now, he’s mine.”
“I’ll ensure he forgets you completely. So, abandon any notions of him. Be honest, keep a low profile, and refrain from crossing my path again. You do understand, right? If I cut off your opportunities and banish you to South America, I can do it. I won’t hesitate.”
“Do you still dream of singing? Pursuing a career in entertainment? Do you want to keep playing games?”
From Ji Kai’s vantage point, he only saw Li Weidu’s back.
He couldn’t witness Zhu Ling’s reaction—how he took in every word. As Li Weidu spoke, his expression wasn’t as dark as his words suggested; instead, he wore a smile.
It was a chilling, sinister smile.
Li Weidu knew his grin might appear twisted, but he relished it. It felt fitting. Perhaps he could be a bit more menacing, causing Zhu Ling’s face to pale further.
In high school, he’d heard whispers that Zhu Ling considered him an old nemesis, while he simply found the self-righteous guy annoying. Now, that annoyance made the darling he coveted shed tears.
He almost wanted to toss him in the trash, but he feared dirtying his hands.
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