Chapter 388: Chapter 388

Graduation quickly arrived. Ye Ling and the others packed their belongings and sent them home a day earlier, and upon returning home, they faced the arrangements made by their families.

Ye Ling already knew where she was arranged to go, so she wasn’t as anxious as Zhao Guodong and the others. However, on the day she went to report at her unit, a shocking piece of news came.

Xiang Weilai did not join the company. This was kept a secret even from the Xiang Family. They had agreed that after entering school, he would join the company, but Xiang Weilai quietly made his choice, and only when he returned to his hometown did everyone find out.

"Really didn’t expect he would make such a choice," Zhao Guodong, now an intern, spoke in a measured manner.

"Uncle Xiang resigned after the New Year, and the Xiang Family had long moved out of the compound. It’s understandable that Xiang Weilai’s matter is only coming out now," Zhang Linong also felt pity.

Not to mention the rest, Xiang Weilai excelled in all aspects; during the college entrance exam, his scores were outstanding, and his four years of university life, though unassuming, were unforgettable. A person like him would have a bright future in the company, but now he refused.

"It’s the Liu Family’s doing, right?" The few people present didn’t say it aloud, but Ye Ling pointed it out, looking disappointed, "Although Xiang Weilai didn’t say it, I know he likes to be with everyone. Yet, he suddenly left; it could only be the Liu Family matters that would make him decide this way."

He is such a proud person; how could he bear such humiliation? But for his father, he had to endure. So, after his father retired, Xiang Weilai no longer needed to worry and did not want to be led by the Liu Family, and thus chose to resign.

"You shouldn’t overthink it. It’s not your fault," Zhang Linong comforted Ye Ling.

They could certainly imagine the reasons, but it wasn’t appropriate to say much in front of Ye Ling. Unexpectedly, Ye Ling mentioned it first; without thinking, one could understand how hurt Ye Ling’s heart was. Updates are released by novel·fire·net

"Did you guys visit the Xiang Family?" Ye Ling looked up and asked them.

"Went, but he’s not home." Wang Ping lit a cigarette and blew a smoke ring, "But Aunt Xiang didn’t seem unhappy at all, so I guess his family won’t blame him."

"That’s good," Ye Ling tugged at the corners of her mouth, "With Uncle Xiang and Aunt Xiang’s good nature, they will surely understand him."

"Let’s not talk about this anymore. What about you, how did you get assigned so far away? Was it Shen Bin’s arrangement?" Zhao Guodong redirected the conversation, "I heard it’s cold there most of the year."

"It was arranged by those with ulterior motives." Ye Ling raised an eyebrow and smiled, "But it’s just as well. Shen Bin is there, so, coincidentally, it ended up being a good thing."

Upon hearing Ye Ling’s desire to be with Shen Bin, Zhao Guodong felt somewhat unhappy but didn’t say anything unpleasant. Ye Ling, however, was still worried about Xiang Weilai. No matter what, given what happened to Xiang Weilai now, she had to see him in person to be reassured.

After Zhao Guodong and the others left, Ye Ling went out but didn’t know where the Xiang Family was. She wandered outside alone for a long time, and finally thought of that incident in the park when she was brought to a chair by Xiang Weilai. Unconsciously, she walked there, and upon seeing the figure sitting there, Ye Ling froze in place.

And that figure, which she had been staring at intently, also looked over. After seeing her, he pulled a gentle smile, which made Ye Ling’s nose tingle. Ever since they met, the one thing that never changed was that smile. After the Liu Family ordeal, that smile disappeared, and now, after so long, it appeared again.

No more questions were needed as Ye Ling’s worries were put to rest. She walked over unconsciously, "Why are you sitting here alone?"

"I’m waiting for someone," Xiang Weilai said with a smile, as warm as the sunlight in spring.

Ye Ling dared not ask further, took a deep breath, and heard him continue, "Now I can leave with peace of mind."

"You’re leaving?" Ye Ling exclaimed the next moment.

Xiang Weilai nodded, "I want to go to Shenzhen. I was there during a summer break in college; it’s nice. I want to take a chance there."

"You’ve already made up your mind?" At that moment, Ye Ling understood it wasn’t an impulsive decision.

Xiang Weilai smiled and stood up, "Yes, I’ve made up my mind long ago."

He lost the chance to be with the girl he loved, so he confronted reality and went out to find his own sky.

"I will marry Liu Rui," Xiang Weilai continued, "and you must live happily. Shen Bin is a good person. I believe he will take good care of you."

"You... you knew?" Ye Ling was astonished at first, but recalling what Shen Bin said about her father’s hospitalization, she understood.

Xiang Weilai was so clever, how could he not see it?

"He approached me when something happened to my family, but I refused his help." Xiang Weilai’s smile was a bit forced, "If everything, including feelings, relies on others from the start, how could I protect you in the future? Not being able to be the one to protect you, I can only let go."

"I understand. Shen Bin can help you for a while but not a lifetime. You’re also worried that if I joined the army, the Liu Family would trouble me later," Ye Ling smiled bitterly, "Weilai, now that things have come to this, I’m relieved knowing you’re okay."

There was no point in saying anything more; the two of them could no longer be together. Yet Ye Ling felt an indescribable sense of loss, not knowing why, just heartbroken for the person in front of her.

"Silly, how could anything happen to me? I might not be able to attend your wedding, but when I return, I must make it up." Xiang Weilai glanced at the sky, "It’s already dusk, let’s go, I’ll walk you home."

Ye Ling nodded, and the two walked in silence towards home. After escorting Ye Ling to her doorstep, Ye Ling watched Xiang Weilai wave at her and walk away. She couldn’t help but turn her head, her eyes reddening. If, back then, she hadn’t responded to Xiang Weilai, maybe when trouble hit his family, he might have accepted the Liu Family, and he wouldn’t be so opposed, even making today’s decision.

Ye Ling had never regretted anything as much as she did at that moment but was powerless to act. Thinking of the Liu Family, Ye Ling bit her lips, determined that she would not let the Liu Family off if given a chance.

Bai Xue stood in the courtyard, noticing Xiang Weilai escorting Ye Ling back with a grim expression, "Xiang Weilai is the Liu Family’s son-in-law, and you have your own engagement. Don’t go provoking men again. If the Liu Family resents you, won’t it be your sister who suffers?" (To be continued. If you work, you’re welcome to recommend votes, monthly tickets on Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)