Proud senior schoolgirl was tender and sweet, we fell in love

Xie Xiao was indeed struck by curiosity; he really wanted to hear what Yan Shi had to say.

So, ten minutes later, they arrived at a Western restaurant.

Yan Shi obviously didn't like the place much, but Xie Xiao said, "It's convenient and quiet to talk here."

The booths were also separated and shielded; unless someone intentionally peeked, they couldn't see the occupants at all.

But the actions required for intentional peeking were quite noticeable, and they could easily detect it.

Yan Shi made a sound of agreement and looked at Xie Xiao, saying, "You are very considerate."

At that moment, Xie Xiao was telling Luo Yanran about running into Yan Shi after work and deciding to have dinner with him out of curiosity.

Luo Yanran first sent a few points, then seriously said, "I am also very curious, tell me when you get back."

Xie Xiao couldn't help but laugh when he saw this message.

It was indeed too much of a coincidence; today Ranran had encountered Zhou Mianmian, and here he was, running into Yan Shi.

All the coincidences pieced together really piqued his curiosity about how things would unfold.

At this point, Xie Xiao put away his phone and pushed the menu toward Yan Shi, "It's not so much being considerate; I just noticed you didn't seem to want to be overheard, so I chose this place. What will you eat?"

In the end, they both casually ordered a set meal, knowing full well that neither of them was here to eat.

After the waiter left with their order, Xie Xiao spoke up, "Can you talk now?"

Yan Shi was startled for a moment before slowly nodding, "Someone said they saw Zhou Mianmian around here, so I thought of you immediately."

Yan Shi looked at Xie Xiao in front of him, "I know her well; if she were here, she would probably come to you."

It had to be said that to some extent, Yan Shi did understand Zhou Mianmian well.

Zhou Mianmian had indeed come to B city because of Xie Xiao, but in the end, she chose not to disturb his life anymore.

After all, they were both growing.

At that moment, Xie Xiao shook his head, "She didn't come to me."

Yan Shi was stunned; he hadn't suspected that Xie Xiao would lie.

And indeed, Xie Xiao wasn't lying; Zhou Mianmian truly hadn't come looking for him, their last encounter was accidental.

Xie Xiao saw Yan Shi frowning, his face clearly marked with concern, and couldn't quite figure him out.

Before, Zhou Mianmian had reported him, and their so-called "marriage" had caused a sensation.

Initially, Xie Xiao thought Yan Shi's vengefulness was so strong that he'd followed him here.

But now he felt somewhat puzzled by Yan Shi's expression—what was with the concern on his face?

However, Xie Xiao didn't initiate the conversation. Hmm, the more you know, the more you get involved.

Fundamentally, he didn't really want to become more entangled with these two people.

But as Xie Xiao had anticipated, although he didn't ask, Yan Shi voluntarily started talking.

"I'm not looking for her out of revenge or anything, I just want to know if she's doing well. If not, I could still help," Yan Shi sighed.

The words spoken surprised Xie Xiao as he observed Yan Shi.

He seemed to be doing alright at the moment, but his limp was very noticeable when walking.

And even though his grades weren't great, he shouldn't be doing as poorly as he was now, right?

When it comes down to it, it looks like everything somehow involved Zhou Mianmian.

But now, Yan Shi seemed to have forgiven Zhou Mianmian? He even wanted to help her?

What kind of melodramatic, lovestruck development was this?

Probably because Xie Xiao's gaze was so unguarded, Yan Shi across from him understood the meaning in his eyes.

The waiter brought their meals and then left with a wish for a pleasant dining experience.

Yan Shi started talking, "Do you think I'm sick or something?"

Xie Xiao nodded, "Indeed, a little."

Yan Shi laughed, "Actually, my relationship with Zhou Mianmian..."

He paused, "Could be described as mutual torture? I really liked her, but I also truly hated her."

When he mentioned hatred, Yan Shi's voice was tinged with a certain gritted bitterness.

He picked up a glass of water and took a sip, "Anyway, this is how I turned out, even my parents don't recognize me now. There's really no need for them to, I'm rotten to the core."

He gave a self-deprecating laugh, "But I still think about her, just want to know if she's doing well. I'm not exactly a good person, but she did end up like this because of me. Otherwise, she could have gone to an ordinary university, maybe even married a decent husband."

Yan Shi looked down, patting his leg, "But it's also because of her that my leg ended up like this. It's evened out, I suppose. Everyone's lives have turned out this way."

Xie Xiao didn't say anything, there was no need; they weren't close, and anything he might say could be misconstrued by Yan Shi as sarcasm rather than comfort.

It was better for him to remain silent.

Yan Shi was just speaking his mind and hadn't expected any response from Xie Xiao.

He looked up at Xie Xiao, "The warning about President Ge might not be useful to you, but I considered it a favor owed. I just want to know if Zhou Mianmian has been to see you?"

So this kindness wasn't without a cause.

Xie Xiao still shook his head, "She hasn't come to me."

Yan Shi's probing gaze landed on Xie Xiao's face.

Xie Xiao met his gaze squarely, "You're engaging in coercion, but I consider my debt paid. Zhou Mianmian hasn't come to find me, not even once, at least not so far."

He hadn't lied.

Watching his frank demeanor, Yan Shi nodded, "Alright, I got it."

Xie Xiao didn't say anything more. They continued to eat in silence, the meal feeling truly uncomfortable.

Just as they were about to leave, Xie Xiao suddenly asked, "Why don't you want President Ge to know you're looking for someone?"

Yan Shi probably hadn't expected the question and seemed a bit surprised. He looked at Xie Xiao and was just about to light a cigarette when Xie Xiao reminded him, "You can't smoke here."

Yan Shi paused, then put the cigarette back.

Then he answered Xie Xiao's question, "Let's just say it's repayment for the meal. Don't collaborate with President Ge."

He looked at Xie Xiao, "I'm tainted, no denying it, but after Zhou Mianmian got entangled with me initially, she remained clean."

Xie Xiao understood Yan Shi's point. Now he was doing President Ge's dirty work.

So, he didn't want Zhou Mianmian to get involved.

Eventually, the two parted ways at the entrance of the restaurant.

Xie Xiao drove away in his car, while Yan Shi stayed where he was.

Xie Xiao retracted his gaze, not fully believing Yan Shi's words.
Your journey continues with empire

Could anyone really be so magnanimous? To love and hate?

Xie Xiao reflected on his own past feelings, which were left with nothing but despair and hatred.

If not for Ranran's and his family's support, he probably would have been ruined back then.

Either he would have ended up committing suicide, or he couldn't have restrained the hatred in his heart and would have killed the person who caused his suffering yet lived comfortably.

Was Yan Shi more forgiving than himself?

But if Yan Shi were truly that forgiving, he wouldn't have ended up like this.

His words were a mix of truth and lies, but it was clear the lies were more abundant.