Chapter 319: Chapter 319

He knew he never stood a chance. In Hua Xiaomo’s heart, she had always loved Qi Longbing. Even if she agreed to marry him one day, he was aware that Qi Longbing would never truly leave the depths of her heart. So, since they were fated, why not help them get together? Besides, they had a very cute daughter named Candy. She was already five years old, a fact he believed would surprise even Qi Longbing this time.

Therefore, when Qi Imperial Court proactively proposed a joint venture with them, offering favorable terms to help them successfully launch their IPO in City A, Zi Yunsui, after careful consideration, finally agreed. He then returned to City A with Hua Xiaomo. So, it could be said that this meeting was premeditated.

Well, as long as she is happy, that’s all that matters. What becomes of him is inconsequential. Money is no longer the issue. The key is his own heart. What is he really thinking? Does he want Candy to find her biological father?

Hua Xiaomo was led downstairs by her mother, Su Ronghua. During the meal, she didn’t say much, just wore a shy smile and didn’t once look at Qi Longbing. She felt that meeting again was truly awkward. She didn’t know what to say. They had once been so familiar, but now, she wasn’t sure if she felt estranged or if there was still a sense of familiarity.

Qi Longbing looked at Hua Xiaomo but also remained silent. At that moment, he didn’t know what to say. Perhaps he had many things he wanted to tell her, but suddenly, the words seemed to be caught in his throat, completely unutterable.

Everyone at the table noticed the two of them weren’t speaking, and for a moment, the atmosphere became somewhat chilly. It was Wen Yajun who broke the silence with a smile, gently nudging Hua Xiaomo’s arm.

"What’s wrong, little sister? How have you been in City B? It’s been so many years, and you haven’t contacted the family. You haven’t forgotten your big brother and Mom, have you?" Wen Yajun teased, his eyes crinkling with a warm smile.

He looked at Hua Xiaomo. She really has matured so much. And yet, the light in her eyes hasn’t changed at all; she’s still as adorable as before.

Hearing him call her ’little sister,’ Hua Xiaomo’s eyes moistened. It felt like she had truly returned to her family, and the feeling of being together was wonderful. In City B, apart from Zi Yunsui, who was always by her side, and Candy, her life had been consumed by their relentless dedication to work. They couldn’t pause for a moment’s rest, using work to numb themselves. So, despite achieving professional success in City B, her heart felt lonely. She often fantasized about returning to City A, living a happy life surrounded by family and friends, chatting together when they gathered. When apart, they could still call and show they cared for one another. That, she believed, was the best kind of life. It was what she longed for. Deep down, she desperately wanted to return to City A, but circumstances hadn’t allowed it.

Hua Xiaomo looked at her brother beside her, the wetness in her eyes intensifying until tears involuntarily streamed down her face.

"What’s wrong? Why start crying all of a sudden? Don’t cry, little sister. Mom and I will always be by your side," Wen Yajun said gently, his eyes filled with deep concern. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡~𝔣𝔦𝔯𝔢~𝙣𝙚𝙩

Just then, the man on the other side, Qi Longbing, proactively pulled out a tissue and offered it to her.

"Thank you," Hua Xiaomo said, looking up at Qi Longbing briefly before quickly lowering her head again. It was as if she feared that another glance would pull her back into that maelstrom of emotions.

"You’re welcome. You’ve returned, and it’s only right for me to treat you to a welcome meal. Please don’t feel uneasy about it," Qi Longbing said with a gentlemanly smile, his eyes filled with pure tenderness.

Hua Xiaomo didn’t speak, merely nodding habitually.

Next, Wen Yajun piled Hua Xiaomo’s plate high with food. She looked at him, then at her mother, and the friends beside her. Of course, her gaze also lingered on Zi Yunsui’s face. She noticed he had been silent the entire time. Perhaps, among so many people, he wasn’t very familiar with them. Yet, he was the friend who had helped her the most, the one she remembered being by her side during her hardest times.

"This is my friend, Zi Yunsui. I believe everyone has met him," Hua Xiaomo suddenly said. "Actually, Zi Yunsui is a very good person, and now... he is my boyfriend."

She didn’t know why she had said it. But from the moment she saw Qi Longbing, and then looked at Zi Yunsui, she felt she had to say something. It wasn’t just for herself, but a commitment to others as well. Sometimes, when she looked at Zi Yunsui, she could see the care he held for her in his eyes. She knew he genuinely had feelings for her, treated her well, and was also incredibly good to Candy. However, she still couldn’t let go of that other person in her heart. So, at times, faced with Zi Yunsui’s affection and concern, she felt at a loss. But now, she felt she owed him some kind of commitment. Perhaps this was the best way to repay him.

Wen Yajun and her mother, Su Ronghua, were completely surprised. They had never imagined Hua Xiaomo would suddenly bring up the topic of a boyfriend during dinner. Meanwhile, Qi Longbing’s face instantly tensed with awkwardness, an inscrutable darkness flickering in his eyes. Was it disappointment or sadness? In the end, he managed a forced smile and raised his glass to toast them.

"Well, congratulations, Hua Xiaomo. When should we expect an invitation to your wedding celebration?" Qi Longbing said, a gentle smile playing on his lips.

He had chosen this path. For him, perhaps gaining or losing her was no longer that important. He genuinely hoped she would be happy and joyful, whether she was in City A or City B. As long as she, Hua Xiaomo, was happy and content, that was all that mattered.

Zi Yunsui said nothing, but a subtle glint in his eyes betrayed his thoughts. Were those her true feelings? If she genuinely wanted him to be her boyfriend, why bring it up in this setting, at this moment?

Zi Yunsui remained very quiet, just eating his meal.

At that moment, everyone harbored their own thoughts, but no one voiced them. Finally, Su Ronghua broke the silence, smiling at everyone. "Please, eat more. I apologize if my cooking isn’t very good, but please don’t mind it," she said cheerfully. "You should all come over more often from now on; you’re all such good friends with Xiao Mo."