Chen Jinzhao could feel the sincerity of Tao Qiyue's feelings.
Once, Tao Qiyue had asked him a question – if Chen Jinzhao had met her before Yu Mengzhi, would things have been different?
He didn't know the answer, perhaps they would have.
"Why are you so foolish?" Chen Jinzhao retorted.
"There's more than one man in this world. You can broaden your horizons; there's no need to trap yourself in a cage of your own making."
"Do you understand?"
Tao Qiyue shook her head. "I don't understand."
"Because I know that out of the millions upon millions of people in this world, I only like you. No one else can ever take your place in my heart. You are unique."
Chen Jinzhao found that no matter what he said, it sounded incredibly clumsy.
In this regard, he was an absolute idiot.
"Similarly, you also know that we cannot be together, don't you?" he countered.
Tao Qiyue nodded repeatedly, her voice kept very low. "Of course, I know it's impossible, but I still don't want to leave you. I only tell these words to you, and I won't disturb your life in the future. Just treat me as an ordinary friend."
Chen Jinzhao wanted to speak but stopped. Why go through all this trouble?
She leaned on Chen Jinzhao's shoulder like this. "I don't want any status, nor do I want you to be responsible for me. This is perfectly fine."
Tao Qiyue finally spoke her heart.
Just as Chen Jinzhao was about to say something, Tao Qiyue raised her hand to cover his mouth. "Don't say anything, okay?"
A sliver of guilt rose in Chen Jinzhao's heart. This affection had come at the worst possible time.
Moreover, Tao Qiyue was emotionally unstable right now. He could only suppress what he wanted to say, lest he provoke her and she do something foolish.
Amidst this fireworks display, Chen Jinzhao thought a great deal.
In the end, he embraced Tao Qiyue. Even Tao Qiyue seemed surprised. Chen Jinzhao said in a low voice, "Don't think too much. We'll continue living as we always have. Just like you said, we'll always be the best of friends."
"Just friends?" Tao Qiyue asked.
Chen Jinzhao seemed to have figured something out and chuckled. "At least, that's how it appears to outsiders."
Tao Qiyue's eyes flickered, a hint of understanding mixed with confusion.
"Lingyun and the others will be here soon. We'll act as if nothing happened," Chen Jinzhao added.
Tao Qiyue understood this time and immediately let go of Chen Jinzhao's hand.
A moment later, Wu Lingyun and Jiang Donghui arrived. As expected, they noticed nothing amiss. Chen Jinzhao said to them, "It's getting late. You should both go back and rest."
"Donghui, take Lingyun back."
Jiang Donghui nodded. "Brother Chen, you can rest assured about that."
"Then, cousin, we'll be going now," Wu Lingyun said.
Chen Jinzhao nodded.
Wu Lingyun glanced at Jiang Donghui, then turned to leave. Jiang Donghui hurried to follow.
After they had walked some distance, Wu Lingyun suddenly stopped. Jiang Donghui nearly bumped into her. Fortunately, Wu Lingyun moved just in time to avoid a collision. Jiang Donghui chuckled awkwardly. "Lingyun, what's wrong?"
Jiang Donghui had a vague suspicion of what was happening.
Wu Lingyun crossed her arms and stared coldly at Jiang Donghui. "Donghui, I know you're very good to me. But we can't be together. I hope you can understand that. So, it's better to end it quickly. Please don't come looking for me anymore."
Jiang Donghui was stunned.
Beyond his shock, there was a hint of panic and urgency on his face, as if he was about to cry. "Lingyun, do you mean we can't even be friends anymore? Don't worry, I won't have any romantic thoughts anymore. I just hope our friendship can continue."
Wu Lingyun raised her hand to stop Jiang Donghui.
"Let it go."
"I've already said this much. Do you really want me to say something harsher?"
"Donghui, let's save each other some dignity."
Jiang Donghui remembered Chen Jinzhao's words and swallowed what he had intended to say. He nodded. "Alright, I understand."
"Lingyun, I wish you happiness in the future."
"I'm leaving."
Jiang Donghui took one last deep look at Wu Lingyun, then gritted his teeth and turned away.
Wu Lingyun watched Jiang Donghui's receding figure. The cold smile on her lips gradually faded. She murmured to herself with a complex expression, "Such a devoted soul. But my sights are set only on Qin Fengwu. Otherwise, you would indeed be the best partner."
With that thought, Wu Lingyun withdrew her gaze and looked in the direction where Chen Jinzhao was.
A sharp glint flashed in her eyes, and then she muttered, "Chen Jinzhao, tomorrow might very well be your death day. Enjoy these last moments of warmth. If you can't bear to part with Tao Qiyue, I'll send her down to accompany you, my dear cousin."
Her words fell.
Wu Lingyun turned and disappeared into the night.
Meanwhile.
Tao Qiyue's heart pounded. It was only after Wu Lingyun and the others had completely walked away that her heartbeat gradually calmed. She then looked up at Chen Jinzhao. "Where are we going?"
"Let's go back first," Chen Jinzhao suggested.
"Okay, I'll do whatever you say."
Chen Jinzhao also suggested walking back to their residence, and Tao Qiyue didn't refuse.
In the cold winter night, they walked side by side. Chen Jinzhao sensed that Tao Qiyue seemed a little cold, so he took her hand.
Tao Qiyue stiffened and looked at Chen Jinzhao in confusion.
Chen Jinzhao said lightly, "Isn't life all about living freely?"
He wanted to do more meaningful things in the remaining time he had.
Tao Qiyue pursed her lips and smiled, her eyes sparkling with renewed brilliance.
"Can you hug me then?" Tao Qiyue asked with a smile.
Chen Jinzhao said nothing, but placed his arm around Tao Qiyue's shoulders. They walked along, chatting about their life experiences, occasionally erupting into hearty laughter.
As they walked, snowflakes as large as goose feathers began to fall, making the night scene even more poignant and moving.
"Are you cold?" Chen Jinzhao asked.
Tao Qiyue smiled sweetly. "With you by my side, I'm not cold."
"However, I am a little tired."
Chen Jinzhao immediately picked Tao Qiyue up and carried her on his back. Tao Qiyue said with a slightly flushed face, "This isn't proper, especially if acquaintances see us. Several of my colleagues from Fengtian are here, I wouldn't dare let them see."
"Then why aren't you holding on tighter?" Chen Jinzhao said with a smile.
Upon hearing this, Tao Qiyue held on even tighter, then rested her head against Chen Jinzhao's shoulder. Even just looking at Chen Jinzhao's profile filled Tao Qiyue with a sense of happiness and contentment. She wished that this road had no end, that they could walk on forever.
Unknowingly.
Chen Jinzhao's hair was already covered in white snow, making him look like a little old man, which made Tao Qiyue giggle.
"Put me down. I have something to say to you," she said.
Chen Jinzhao said "oh" and then put Tao Qiyue down. Tao Qiyue stood in front of Chen Jinzhao, her hair also dusted with frost. Chen Jinzhao carefully brushed the snowflakes from her hair. Tao Qiyue suddenly said, "No need. This is perfectly fine."
Sharing snow, growing old together.
At least in this moment, she felt like the happiest person.