《Heyi Shengxiao Mo》


 Chapter 1.1: Reunion

    <h4>Chapter 1.1: Reunion</h4>


    (tranted by peanuts & edited by Lidge)


    Later, I finally know how to love. Unfortunately, you were long gone and disappeared into the sea of people.


    English lyrics prepared by:vender 1509


    [[Afterwards. I finally learned how to love


    It''s a shame you disappeared into the sea of faces.


    Afterwards, though all the tears, I finally understood


    That you can only mist somebody once.


    White petals of orange flowers fall on my blue pleated skirt


    "I love you," you softly say


    I lowered my head and smelled the buburst of fragrance


    That eternal night; 17 years old, midsummer


    That night you kissed me


    Letting me in my future days, when I feel like sighing


    To always remember that day''s starlight


    That love then, why was it so simple like that?


    And also, why when we are young


    Must we let those whom we love be hurt?


    On this simr deep of night. are you the same?


    Also feeling the quiet hurt of regret?


    If at the time we could have been less stubborn


    We would not feel regret now


    How a re you remembering me? Does it bring youughter or silence?


    These past years, was them someone who could let you not be lonely?


    It will never happen again.


    To have that boy in love with that girl. ]]


    0.31: Seeing him again, was seven yearster in a crowded supermarket, packed with weekend shoppers.


    Zhao Mo Sheng was pushing a shopping cart alone and struggling to navigate in the crowd. She had just returned from abroad, so she was still not quite ustomed to such a crowd. However, such a vibrant and friendly scene made her unconsciously smile, virtually using a grateful mood to listen to the noisy local ent. She did not know whether other people who have just returned from aboard were like her? Excited, nervous.


    Seven years! Such a long time!


    However, howe she had just returned from aboard but already met him? No, to be precise, it should be them.


    Mo Sheng silently looked at the pair of shadows standing in front of the vegetable stand, once again feeling a strange twist of fate. Seven years ago, it was them who made her decided to leave.


    Now they were here to buy things together so ultimately they were also together! Fortunately, she ran away fast ah, otherwise she would probably hurt deeper.


    He Yi Chen and He Yi Mei, she was so silly, why did she think having simr names were surely brother and sister ah?


    ¡°We are absolutely not brother and sister. Before, both of our families were very good neighbors. We all have the surname He so the adults just chose simr names. Later, Yi Chen¡¯s father and mother had an ident so our family adopted Yi Chen.¡±


    ¡°You think you canpete and win over the two decades of deep affection between Yi Chen and me?¡±


    ¡°Today, I want to tell you, I love Yi Chen. I do not want to secretly love him. I want topete openly with you.¡±


    2.03: That year when she was neen years old, the day before Mo Sheng¡¯s birthday, her good friend He Yi Mei, who had always been quiet and introverted, suddenly courageously made this deration to her. Yi Mei, who had always been gentle and nonpetitive would say something like that, she must have been extremely in love with Yi Chen.


    But what could she have used topete with her? On the same day which Yi Mei dered war, she had already lost. Then, she fled to the United States for seven years.


    He Yi Chen ¨C unexpectedly she recalled his ice-cold eyes on that day and heartless words. There was a trace of light throbbing pain in Mo Sheng¡¯s heart, almost impossible to sense, nevertheless it was there.


    They were walking towards her direction. The joints of Mo Sheng¡¯s fingers that were gripping the cart began to turn white, and she almost wanted to turn around immediately. However, the supermarket was just too crowded so she, who was pushing a shopping cart, simply could not turn around. In the next moment, she thought why should she run away? She should calmly say to them: ¡°Hi, long time no see¡± then stroll away in an elegant and natural demeanor, leaving behind a beautiful silhouette.


    Moreover, they probably could not recognize her. She had changed a lot, the flowing long hair of yesteryear had already be neat and short, and her previously fair skin had be tanned under the California sunshine. Wearing a loose t-shirt, jeans and sports shoes, she looked very different from the past.


    They slowly step by step were getting closer, then ¡­¡­brushed past her.


    Not without heartache.


    It seemed like someone spoke.


    ¡°Do you want to buy some milk?¡± Yi Mei said in a soft voice.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    She did not hear the reply clearly. She really missed Yi Chen¡¯s deep and low voice. All these years in a foreign country, she could still hear it often and everywhere echoed in her ears.


    Feeling a sense of loss, yet also with a sigh of relief, Mo Sheng lifted her downcast head and strode forward.


    A ¡°Bang¡± sound could be heard as the shopping cart hit a pile of discounted soaps shaped like a hill on the ground. The culprit Zhao Mo Sheng innocently looked at hundreds of pieces of soap falling down as the scene was quite spectacr.


    4.02: Uh, can she pretend she did not do anything.


    ¡°Oh My God! This is already the third time today.¡± The person who manages the stock in the supermarket appeared out of the blue andined in a groan.


    Thus, she should not be med for this, as where got people put goods in the middle of the path. Mo Sheng quietlyined and tried hard to look regretful.


    The movement here attracted the attention of the people around them, including He Yi Mei. She inadvertently looked to that particrly noisy ce, then dumbfounded¡ª¡ªit is her, it is actually her, Yi Mei almost could not believe her eyes. She hase back?


    ¡°Yi Mei?¡± He Yi Chen was puzzled by her reaction, asked out loud and followed her line of vision.


    The tall and lofty body momentarily stiffened.


    Zhao Mo Sheng!


    That innocent looking small woman who had her head drooping like a guilty child is exactly Zhao Mo Sheng! Her face looked one hundred percent apologetic, but her eyes without doubt sparked with a mischievous smiling expression. Being faraway, in fact, he could not truly see her face, but Yi Chen knew it was her. He has always known she has always been like this, with a habit to disrupt a pond of spring water then leave without taking any responsibility, willful, selfish and hateful.


    Exactly seven years ¡­¡­she still knew the way home.


    He Yi Chen dropped his eyes. ¡°Yi Mei, let¡¯s go!¡±


    He Yi Mei was surprised to see a calm Yi Chen. ¡°Don¡¯t you want to say hello? Maybe ¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°She has not been a part of my life long ago.¡± His tone was empty, as if it was really nothing.


    Yi Mei looked at his expression carefully but could not find any clues. Finally, she had no alternative but to give a sigh. ¡°Come on!¡±


    When she had herst nce at Zhao Mo Sheng, she found that she also just happened to move her head and saw her, their line of vision collided in the air. Mo Sheng seemed stunned for a moment, then a faint smile emerged on her face and she greeted her by nodding her head.


    Yi Mei hurriedly turned around and called: ¡°Yi Chen ¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°She ¡­¡­¡± Yi Mei was shocked untiling to a halt. When she once again looked back at the moving crowd, she could no longer see her figure.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°No, nothing.¡± Yi Mei lowered her head. But she clearly saw them, yet why she so easily went away like that? Whereas Yi Chen also clearly saw her ¡­¡­


    6.08: She did not expect to return here one day.


    During the interview, the editor-in-chief asked her: ¡°Miss Zhao, why did you choose to work in A City?¡±


    Suddenly, Mo Sheng did not know how to answer. Whyh? Because she studied for more than a year in a university here? Because she met him here? Because she suffered some hardships here?


    At the beginning, she also did not know. Beforeing back, the first ce she thought of was here. Until she met him that day, she only came to understand that she wanted to see him. Although he no longer belonged to her, she just wanted to see him.


    It was only to see him.


    ¡°Probably because I cannot go home.¡± Mo Sheng said. The editor-in-chief looked at her strangely for a long time and hired her as a photojournalist for a certain woman¡¯s magazine.


    However, the editor-in-chief¡¯s excessive attention to her work experience in a magazine publisher aboard made her uneasy.


    ¡°It is just a little magazine publisher.¡± Mo Sheng said to the editor-in-chief.


    ¡°Hey! Ah Sheng.¡± The female editor-in-chief who was in her forties affectionately called her name. ¡°Are you praising my knowledge? That I even know so well about an uremarkable small magazine publisher in the US.¡±


    Mo Sheng started tough, and her anxiety disappeared.


    The editor-in-chief said sternly: ¡°Ah Sheng, I know the great difficulty Chinese people who are photojournalists in the United States face. You have to be better than the white people. They always think we Chinese people have no artistic talent.¡±


    Like this, she settled down. She still went to that supermarket to shop but has never encountered them again. Until one time, the security guard in the supermarket stopped her.


    ¡°Miss, would you please follow me to the security room.¡±


    Mo Sheng looked distracted and intuitively felt this could not be good. There were too many incidents regarding security guards in supermarkets forcefully conducting body searches and even beat up people being reported in the newspapers.


    Mo Sheng stared at him cautiously so the security guard helplessly said: ¡°Miss, I mean you no harm. I just want to ask if you have lost something a month ago.¡±


    She had just returned to the country a month ago so could it be that she lost something but did not know? Out of curiosity, she went with him to the security room. The security guard handed her a ck wallet.


    8.02: Mo Sheng did not need to look inside to know it was not hers so she smilingly shook her head and said:. ¡°You made a mistake, this is not mine.¡±


    The security guard was unexpectedly stubborn. ¡°You open it and take a look.¡±


    She took and opened it. Then, she saw her own photograph.


    The security guard said with satisfaction: ¡°Miss, this is your photo, right? Although it is very differentpared to now, I can still recognize you instantly.¡±


    The difference was really big because that photo was taken when she had just entered university. Her hair was still long and tied into a ponytail, and her smile looked silly.


    How could it appear in an unfamiliar wallet?


    Mo Sheng gave the wallet back to the security guard. ¡°It¡¯s really not mine.¡±


    The security guard was stubborn. ¡°Aren¡®t you the person in the photo?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am, but the wallet is not mine.¡±


    ¡°Then it must belong to someone who knows you. Miss, maybe the owner of the wallet has a crush on you ¡­¡­¡±


    Hey, who said that Chinese people do not have a vivid imagination?


    ¡°But ¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You take it, take it since all this time nobody hase to im it. It is also rather difficult for us to deal with it. It will be confiscated if we hand it over to our superior so you might as well have it. There is definitely some association between you and the owner of the wallet. Ah! Maybe I contributed to the beginning of a marriage match ¡­¡­¡± With such imagination, the security guard must like to watch drama series.


    A month ago was also about the same time she ran into He Yi Chen and He Yi Mei. Could it be that he lost it? With thisughable spection, Mo Sheng took the wallet home.


    At night after bathing, she carefully studied the wallet in bed. With a simple design, luxury brand and little cash, it was not possible to determine the identity of the owner.


    Mo Sheng carefully took out the photo. There were traces of steel mark on it so it must have been torn from a document. When she inadvertently turned it over, she was suddenly startled by the words behind the photo! She could never forget that elegant and sharp handwriting.


    It was Yi Chen¡¯s handwriting, written in ck fountain pen ¡ª¡ª


    my sunshine


    Theplex urban life could also be lived in a very simple way. Only work, eat, drink and sleep, nothing else. After a hectic period of adaptation, the following days became just numbing repetition.


    9.58: ¡°Ah Sheng ah, I have been looking for you everywhere.¡±


    Mo Sheng had just entered the magazine publisher office and heard someone shouting from a distance.


    ¡°Old Bai, what is the matter?¡±


    Old Bai was actually very young and was the magazine publisher¡®s other photojournalist. His surnamed was Li but because he always mispronounced it so everyone jokingly called him Old Bai. He was really good at coaxing celebrities so he was responsible for the magazine¡¯s cover shots.


    ¡°My wife is about to give birth. Can you help me to take care of the photography session with supermodel Xiao Xiao tomorrow?¡±


    Xiao Xiao? Mo Sheng found it a little difficult. ¡°I don¡¯t have any problem, but I heard Xiao Xiao¡¯s temperament is weird. If you are not an acquaintance, she would probably not cooperate.¡±


    Old Bai also thought of this and said: ¡°Well, you go and try first. If you really cannot, then call me.¡±


    The next day when Mo Sheng met the cool, elegant, morous and impressive Xiao Xiao, she waspletely stunned. She was not familiar with the celebrities in the country and had never seen the photos of Xiao Xiao before so she did not know she was actually¡­¡­ Actually, she looked so much like a good friend in her university days.


    However, her friend was such a simple and clumsy country girl, but the person in front of her had her long legs crossed and her smoking gesture was so skillful and seductive¡­¡­


    Mo Sheng did not dare to acknowledge her. Maybe they just looked alike only.


    However, supermodel Xiao Xiao squinted at Mo Sheng, then walked elegantly over and stopped in front of her.


    ¡°Hey, you do not recognise me?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­ Shao Mei?¡±


    ¡°Ah!¡± She chuckled sarcastically. ¡°If it is not me then who could it be?¡±


    ¡°Ah Sheng, you and Xiao Xiao know each other? This is really good.¡± The colleague who came together with her chimed in excitedly.


    ¡°When I was a first year university student, she slept in the upper bed, I was in the lower bed.¡±


    ¡°In university, bunk bed-mates are the closest friends.¡± Xiao Xiao¡¯s agent also joined in the conversation.


    ¡°Am I supposed to be photographed? Quickly shoot!¡± Xiao Xiao impatiently said.


    She had really changed a lot! While taking photos, Mo Sheng also thought the person under the lens was no longer the cute and clumsy Shao Mei. Then who could she be?


    Perhaps nobody. A good photographer can capture the souls of the people under the lens. However, Mo Sheng could not capture Xiao Xiao¡¯s soul. Maybe her skill wascking or the person under the lens did not have one.


    Xiao Xiao felt very empty! A kind of emptiness which made people powerless and desperate. Perhaps it was this kind of emptiness that propelled her to rise rapidly in poprity.


    After shooting a session, Xiao Xiao waved her hand. ¡°We will stop here for today.¡±


    ¡°But Xiao Xiao, there is more ¡­¡­¡± Her agent eagerly said.


    ¡°Stop here.¡±

 Chapter 1.2: Reunion

    <h4>Chapter 1.2: Reunion </h4>


    (tranted by peanuts and edited by lidge)


    0.30: After shooting a session, Xiao Xiao waved her hand. ¡°We will stop here for today.¡±


    ¡°But Xiao Xiao, there is more ¡­¡­¡± Her agent eagerly said.


    ¡°Stop here.¡± Xiao Xiao said firmly, then turned to speak to Mo Sheng, ¡°We will go for a cup of coffee.¡±


    ¡°For this long-awaited reunion, we ought to go for a drink, but unfortunately recently, there is something wrong with my stomach so there is no choice but to drink coffee.¡±


    ¡°Uh, a cup of coffee is good, or you should drink milk.¡± Mo Sheng did not know what to say. There are too many things she wanted to ask but did not know where to begin.


    ¡°Health is very important so dieting should be done in moderation.¡± Mo Sheng tried to find a neutral topic.


    ¡°I never go on a diet.¡± Xiao Xiao smiled faintly. ¡°I¡¯m an alcoholic.¡±


    ¡°Shao Mei!¡± Mo Sheng was shocked by her friend¡¯s mistreatment of her own body. She anxiously reached out to take her hand. Why did Shao Mei be like this?


    Xiao Xiao reflexively pushed away the hand, Mo Sheng was stunned, the atmosphere turned awkward and quiet.


    ¡°You¡¯ve changed a lot.¡± After awhile, Mo Sheng said softly.


    ¡°Yes, do you still remember my crush when I was a freshman?¡± Xiao Xiao spoke of her own story coldly. ¡°One day, I told him I liked him, he epted, but he did not love me. After that, Shao Mei died, I am now Xiao Xiao.¡±


    Xiao Xiao¡¯s words were like carvings into the heart. Mo Sheng felt distressed and was not able to ask anything else.


    After a while, Xiao Xiao coldly mocked: ¡°You have not changed much, still a hypocrite disying insincere affection. Howe you are willing toe back from the glittering United States ah?¡±


    Her words somewhat hurt Mo Sheng but thinking about it, after all, she was in the wrong first. That year, she left without a word and did not keep in touch for seven years so she was the one who did not value their friendship. ¡°At that time, I left in a hurry ¡­¡­¡±


    2.00: ¡°You do not need to say that to me.¡± Xiao Xiao interrupted her. ¡°You should say those words to He Yi Chen.¡±


    He Yi Chen? Howe he is mentioned? Mo Sheng remembered that day he and Yi Mei behaving like a couple at the supermarket: ¡°I think he does not care ¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Does not care? Do you think everyone is like you, so unfeeling and heartless?¡± Xiao Xiao¡¯s voice became agitated, ¡°The first few days when you went missing, he looked for you until he nearly went crazy. Later, he just waited all day downstairs in the dormitory, but what did he get in the end?¡± Xiao Xiao¡¯s eyes coldly used her. ¡°A few people came and took all your stuff away. Then, they told him and us that you have gone to the United States and may nevere back.¡±


    ¡°Mo Sheng, you were really cruel.¡± Xiao Xiao paused and said, ¡°I will never forget the way he looked at that time, like a person falling off a cliff, his face dark and empty, extremely despair until people could not bear to see. He is such a proud person but to actually look like that ¡­¡­¡±


    Mo Sheng listened until she was muddleheaded. Did that really happen?


    ¡°Maybe he felt guilty ¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Zhao Mo Sheng, the one who abandoned him to go to the United States was you so the one feeling guilty should be you.¡±


    ¡°Shao Mei, you do not understand ¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I have eyes to see.¡±


    Mo Sheng stopped talking. Everyone thinks that she was the one who abandoned him. That¡¯s clearly not true!¡±


    Definitely, he was the one who said ¡­¡­ he said he did not want to see her again. He said he would rather he has never known her. He asked her to go the farther the better ¡­¡­


    Definitely, it was him!


    After saying goodbye to Xiao Xiao, Mo Sheng walked in the streets in early summer, Xiao Xiao¡¯s words still rang in her ears.


    ¡°He has always been single ¡­¡­ He Yi Mei? Isn¡¯t she his sister?¡±


    They surprisingly did not get together? Then why did she leave during that time?


    Then, why did he say those words?


    She spread out her palm, a piece of paper with the address of ¡®Yuan Xiang He Law Firm¡¯id in her palm.


    Xiao Xiao said: ¡°Maybe you need this.¡±


    She did not specificallye here, but she was just passing by. Before she knew it, she was already standing in ¡®Yuan Xiang He Law Firm¡®.


    The receptionist smiled apologetically: ¡°Lawyer He is not in the firm. Do you have an appointment?¡±


    Mo Sheng was not clear if she felt disappointed or relieved. ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Do you have anything important? I can help you to convey to him or ¡­¡­¡± The receptionist looked at the clock on the wall, ¡°You can wait aswyer He should be back soon.¡±


    ¡°Oh, no need, I wille again.¡± Mo Sheng walked away then turned back. ¡°This iswyer He¡¯s wallet. Please help me to return it to him, thank you.¡±


    An oue not so bad!


    4.06: As the fate was shallow, no wonder the love was not deep.


    ¡°Ah Sheng, what is different when you worked abroadpared to working in China?¡± It was nearly time to go home so the workers had no motivation to work, while chatting a colleague suddenly asked this.


    ¡°Uh.¡± Mo Sheng looked around and saw the boss was not in, ¡°The sry abroad was much higher.¡±


    ¡°What a shame!¡± The colleagues who thought the grapes were sour, immediately expressed their disdain.


    ¡°Did you experience any discrimination there?¡±


    ¡°A little.¡±


    ¡°This is nothing to be concerned about. Hong Kong people also look down on people from the maind!¡± Da Bao, who just came back from Hong Kong, felt that deeply.


    ¡°When you personally experience it, then you would not be able to dismiss it easily. Once in front of all of my colleagues, my former boss said that China does not have authentic artists. When I heard that, I was angry. I have never so keenly felt so Chinese so I immediately pointed at the old man¡¯s nose and said ¡®What do you know about Chinese art?¡¯. When we Chinese people were practicing our art, who knows where you Americans were wandering at.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s how to do it! How fierce!¡± The colleagues kept pping their hands, praising her continuously and then together asked her: ¡°Later, what excuse was used to fire you?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡± Mo Sheng did not know whether tough or cry, ¡°Although the Americans are arrogant, their magnanimity are still directly in proportional to their stature. One day, he unexpectedly took the Four Treasures of the Study (for calligraphy) out, which I did not know where he got them from, and asked me to write a few Chinese characters. He said he wanted to hang them in the living room.¡±


    ¡°Wow, really?¡±


    ¡°Ah Sheng, is your writing good enough?¡±


    ¡°Ha, I showed off my unique skill by firstly pouring all the ink on a fine writing paper. Then I pretended to do this and that for a long time, resulting in those Americans grasping in amazement. Honestly speaking, if those words were not written by me, I would definitely not know what they are.¡±


    ¡°What did you write?¡±


    ¡°You are a barbarian!¡±


    ¡°Ack!¡± A colleagueughed so hard and spit out tea.


    In the midst of loudughter, someone called out: ¡°Ah Sheng, someone is looking for you.¡±


    Mo Sheng turned around, and Hua Xian Zi (flower fairy), also known as¡ª¡ªstarry-eyed infatuation fairy and a busybody, walked over. ¡°In the reception room, there is someone very handsome, very cool and very masculine. He obviously looks like a young and talented urban elite with a sessful professional career. Ah Sheng, you have just returned from overseas but already met such good quality stock. No need to hide such talent ah.¡±


    If Hua Xian Zi¡¯s words can be believed, pigs also fly in the sky. Usually, her words should be taken at less than their value, no, more like half of their value.


    6.03: Mo Sheng was very curious, she had just returned home without hardly meeting anyone, who would look for her?


    She never thought it would be him!


    The handsome man standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows in the reception room with his back to her turned out to be He Yi Chen. When he heard the door open, he turned around, looked at her with cold eyes,pletely indifferent and without any emotions.


    Finally, Hua Xian Zi did not exaggerate. Indeed, he was extraordinarily handsome and impressive looking. His tailored and body fitting suit entuated his tall and straight figure. He looked just like before, full of confident, calm and collected, but also with something like aloofness that made people ufortable.


    She was left totally speechless.


    In contrast, he looked cool and calm, nodded his head to greet her. ¡°Miss Zhao.¡±


    Miss Zhao?


    Mo Sheng really wanted to smile, but it was just too difficult. ¡°He ¡­¡­ Mr.¡±


    Gesturing to a chair, Mo Sheng said: ¡°Please sit down.¡±


    She took out the tea leaves and looked down to conceal her expression. She was unable to look indifferent like him so she can only hide her stirred up emotions. ¡°What do you want to drink?¡±


    ¡°Thank you, no need.¡± His eyes were cold. ¡°After I say a few words, I will leave immediately.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you came to see me ¡­¡­ how did you know I¡¯m here?¡±


    He paused for five seconds before speaking. ¡°It is Xiao Xiao, I am herwyer.¡±


    ¡°What is the matter ah?¡±


    His tone of voice appeared to be chilly. ¡°Miss Zhao came to myw firm three days ago and said you woulde back, but after some time you still have note by. I have no choice but to personallye here to pay you a visit.¡±


    Mo Sheng was surprised, raised her head and met his luminous eyes. ¡°How do you know ¡­¡­¡± She did not leave her name so how did he know she was the one who returned his wallet?


    ¡°Miss Zhao, I can reason like any normal person.¡± He said mockingly.


    Probably those who arewyers also have this kind of ¡®ability to reason like a normal person.¡¯ Mo Sheng stared at a wall. ¡°I did go to return the wallet. Since you have already received it, you do not need to make a trip here.¡±


    He Yi Chen¡®s eyes shed. ¡°Beside returning the wallet, there is no other matter?¡±


    What other matter? Mo Sheng was in a daze. ¡°There is nothing else.¡±


    ¡°Very good.¡± There seemed to be a trace of disappointment in his eyes. He walked and stood in front of her. ¡°But I have a matter.¡±


    He took out the ck wallet and put it in front of her. ¡°Inside the wallet, it was supposed to have a photo. Miss Zhao, do you know anything about that?¡±


    Of course. Mo Sheng lowered her head. ¡°Really? I did not notice.¡±


    ¡°Oh? The inside of the wallet had nothing but money. Thus, how did Miss Zhao know it was my wallet?¡±


    Mo Sheng was dumbstruck and unable to reply. She almost forgot he is awyer, someone good at spotting all the loopholes in other people¡¯s words. Want to deceive him, it would be best to realize one¡¯s own capability first.


    He half rose out of his chair. ¡°Miss Zhao, can you return the photo to me?¡±


    Suddenly, Mo Sheng felt baffled. What did he mean? On one hand, he put on a ¡®you are a stranger¡¯ look, yet on the other hand asked for her photo.


    ¡°The person in the photo is me so why should I give it to you?¡±


    ¡°Miss Zhao, I advise you not to discuss ownership legality with awyer.¡± Yi Chen said coldly.


    Mo Sheng was discouraged as she was not familiar with Yi Chen like this and unable to deal with it. ¡°The photo is not here.¡±


    8.06: ¡°Give it to me tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Tomorrow, I have ¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Miss Zhao!¡± He Yi Chen interrupted her, ¡°I think both of us do not want to have too many entanglements with each other, let¡¯s end this quickly.¡±


    End this quickly? Mo Sheng was silent for quite a while, ¡°What do you want that photo for?¡±


    ¡°Who know?¡± Yi Chen¡¯s gaze darkened, ¡°Maybe I want to keep it with me, to constantly remind me about that part of my stupid past.¡±


    Stupid ¡­¡­ yes ah, so stupid! She even had some expectations.


    He Yi Chen went ahead to make a decision. ¡°I wille to get it tomorrow. If you do not have time, you can ask someone to pass it to me. Goodbye, Miss Zhao.¡±


    He moved forward to leave. When his hand was grasping the door handle, he heard Mo Sheng said from behind: ¡°Wait ¡­¡­ tomorrow, I will send it over.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± Yi Chen turned around with a nk face. ¡°Thank you for your cooperation, see you tomorrow.¡±


    Mo Sheng, in a daze, looked at the back of the tall and straight figure walking away. Not that she had not thought what it would be like if they met again one day, but she did not expect they did not even have the affection to say ¡°Long time no see.¡±


    Really, stupid past ah?


    Mo Sheng stood in front of the bedroom mirror and looked closely at the woman facing her in the mirror.


    If the short hair changed into long hair tied up in a ponytail. If the tanned skin became whiter. If she could still smile brilliantly without a worry ¡­¡­ most importantly, if the eyes could lose more than seven years of deep mncholy and be filled with innocence ¡ª¡ª then she could be the Zhao Mo Sheng who first started university and met He Yi Chen.


    ¡°He Yi Chen, He Yi Chen ¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°He Yi Chen, He Yi Chen ¡­¡­¡±


    She was not very clear how she managed to pursue Yi Chen. Yi Chen was even more unable to make head or tail of it. At that time, she just chased after him continuously. Finally one time, he could not stand it anymore and, with a straight face, asked: ¡°Zhao Mo Sheng, why do you always follow me around?¡±


    If now, she would probably be ashamed until unable to show her face! However, back then, she was shameless so she opened her eyes widely and asked: ¡°Yi Chen, are you stupid or am I stupid? Aiya, you¡¯re so smart, I must be the stupid one. How can I be such a failure? I chased for such a long time, yet he still does not know what I¡¯m doing!¡±


    She remembered Yi Chen was dumbstruck and speechless for a long time. Later, when he mentioned about this, heughed and also angrily said that he wanted to use the questioning tone to make her feel ashamed. But who could foresee in this world, there would be such a shameless little girl, in the end he was the one ashamed.


    9.59: Thus, the outstanding student at that time in the Faculty of Law, after reacting slowly, unexpectedly can only stammer: ¡°I don¡¯t intend to find a girlfriend in university.¡±


    At that time, she was too simple because she was not aware that it was just an excuse so in a spurt of energy asked: ¡°Then I will stand in line right now and wait for you to graduate from university. I will be given priority, right?¡±


    Facing such a stubborn opponent, the futurewyer and also best debater surrendered. He quickly ran away after saying out loud: ¡°I have to go to ss.¡±


    She certainly was not discouraged by this. Before she could think of a better n, she unexpectedly heard someone in the university said: ¡°I heard that He Yi Chen from the Faculty of Law already has a girlfriend called Zhao Mo Sheng, the name is quite a mouthful.¡±


    After hearing that, she immediately ran to the self-study ssroom, found Yi Chen and hastily rified: ¡°I did not start the rumour. You have to believe me.¡±


    Yi Chen looked up from his book, with a clear and bright expression, said: ¡°I know.¡±


    She foolishly asked: ¡°How do you know?¡±


    Yi Chen answered with a calm expression: ¡°Because I¡¯m the person who started it.¡±


    Finally, it was her turn to be stupefied. He calmly exined: ¡°I have thought about it. If three yearster, you are destined to be my girlfriend, I might as well exercise my rights earlier.¡±


    Oh! That time ah!


    The mouth of the person in the mirror curved up slightly, but the smile had not reached her eyes before it quickly disappeared.


    Mo Sheng walked onto the balcony, her mind in confusion. Looking at the bright moon and stars, tomorrow should be a good day.

 Chapter 2: Turnaround

    <h4>Chapter 2: Turnaround </h4>


    (tranted by peanuts and edited by lidge)


    The sun set in the west. Thete afternoon sunlight covered the sky.


    He Yi Chen stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows in the office on the tenth floor, surprised at why he was in the mood to admire the setting sun.


    Perhaps, because she came back.


    Mei Ting opened the door to seewyer He with his back to her standing in front of the windows. He held a cigarette in his hand and had a deste appearance ¡­¡­ Deste? Mei Ting simply doubted her own eyes. Can this word be used forwyer He who has always been full of confidence, calm and collected?


    Yi Chen heard the door open, turned and asked: ¡°What is the matter?¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Mei Ting snapped out of her own thoughts and quickly said: ¡°Lawyer He, Vice President Zhang of Hong Yuan Corp. has arrived.¡±


    ¡°Invite him toe in.¡± Yi Chen push away his chaotic train of thoughts and wholeheartedly engrossed himself into his work. He nced at the clock on the wall¡ª¡ªfive o¡¯clock, but she had note yet.


    Finally, he sent away Vice President Zhang, Yi Chen wearily leaned back in the chair and closed his eyes to rest. Suddenly, arge palm pped his shoulder, Yi Chen grudgingly opened his eyes. ¡°Lao Yuan.¡±


    After graduating from university, he declined postgraduate study offer and instead started work in¡±¡®Yuan Xiang Law Firm,¡± which has now been renamed as ¡°Yuan Xiang He¡± since he became one of the partners. Lao Yuan and another partner Xiang Heng were also University C alumni. Xiang Heng graduated a year earlier than him whereas Lao Yuan graduated many years ago.


    The tall, sturdy and big person who looked more like a bandit leisurely sat down across from him and arrogantly crossed his legs. ¡°What do you n to doter?¡±


    Yi Chen said without looking up: ¡°Overtime.¡±


    ¡°Cannot be!¡± Lao Yuan shrieked. ¡°Hey, today is the weekend!¡±


    ¡°So what?¡±


    ¡°So what!¡± Lao Yuan repeated his words and shook his head. ¡°This really sounds like something a cold-blooded, ruthless and workaholic He Yi Chen would say.¡±


    Yi Chen squinted. ¡°I certainly did not know you are so good at rhetoric.¡±


    ¡°NO, NO, NO.¡± Lao Yuan shook his hand. ¡°This is the consensus from all the females who know He Yi Chen.¡± Lao Yuan leaned forward. ¡°Yi Chen, I have been wanting to ask you, actually are you gay or have an unmentionable illness?¡±


    ¡°Regarding this kind of silly nonsense, only someone who is crazy will pay attention to it,¡± He Yi Chen thought. Mei Ting came in with two cups of coffee, and Yi Chen asked her: ¡°Did a Miss Zhaoe today?¡±


    Mei Ting thought for a moment, shook her head and said: ¡°No.¡±


    Yi Chen grunted to show that he heard and said to Mei Ting: ¡°I don¡®t have much to do here so you better go home early.¡±


    Mei Ting shook her head and said: ¡°I¡¯m in no hurry. Lawyer He, when are you leaving? Do you need me to help you to buy something to eat?¡±


    ¡°No need, thank you.¡±


    Mei Ting got the message and left with a disappointed look on her face.


    Lao Yuanughed heartily: ¡°Hey, pretty girl Mei Ting is interested in you. An office romance, oh that doesn¡¯t sound bad!¡±


    ¡°She is a decent girl so you better not say such nonsense.¡± Yi Chen warned him.


    A heart of stone! Lao Yuan subtly shook his head. Yi Chen¡¯s attitude towards women has always been courteous and thoughtful, but never more. All these years, who knows how many women have had their hearts broken by the name of ¡°He Yi Chen.¡±


    But the womening in droves cannot be med as even from Lao Yuan¡®s male perspective, He Yi Chen was outstanding. Disregarding his heroic spirit andpelling outward appearance, merely these few years, his reputation in the legal circle rose rapidly. In addition, his firm, persistent and upright image was more than enough to attract any proud and beautiful woman.


    3.07: ¡°What kind of woman do you actually like? So many women, none can touch your heart. That beautiful woman who was the director of a foreignpany, her body figure was very hot ah! That television hostess who has cooperated with you for such a long time. Don¡¯t tell me there is not even a little sparkle? There is also our able and efficient peer Xu Pi Li. I met her in court today, and she was still subtly asking me about you ¡­¡­¡±


    The more Lao Yuan talked, the more excited he became. Yi Chen turned a deaf ear, letting him continue on talking nonsense.


    A one-man show so Lao Yuan stopped in frustration. A whileter, he said excitedly: ¡°I know, it must be your little sister Yi Mei. You treat her the best.¡±


    Yi Mei often came to the office so Lao Yuan was very familiar with her.


    ¡°She is my sister.¡± Yi Chen quickly said.


    ¡°Come on, both of you are not blood rted.¡± Lao Yuan said knowingly.


    ¡°That does not change anything.¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s tone was quite mild, but Lao Yuan could still hear the firmness in his voice. Lao Yuan shook his head and did not say anything anymore as he had experienced Yi Chen¡¯s stubbornness before.


    ¡°Lawyer He.¡± Mei Ting came in, holding an envelope. ¡°Ady just sent this here.¡±


    Yi Chen knew what it was just by touching it. ¡°Where is thatdy?¡±


    ¡°She left immediately after leaving this envelope.¡±


    ¡°Gone already?¡± Yi Chen looked disappointed. ¡°How long has she gone?¡±


    ¡°Less than a minute.¡±


    Yi Chen did not think much. He just picked up the car keys and coat and went out. Lao Yuan followed him from behind and shouted: ¡°Where are you going?¡± He did not seem to have heard.


    At the front door, Lao Yuan happened to meet Xiang Heng, who had just returned from court. ¡°What happened to him?¡±


    Xiang Heng looked at the direction He Yi Chen left, said thoughtfully. ¡°I think I know why.¡±


    ¡°You know? Say quickly, say quickly.¡±


    ¡°I just saw a person downstairs. I thought I saw wrongly, I did not expect it could really be her.¡±


    ¡°Who? Don¡®t keep me in suspense.¡± Lao Yuan said impatiently.


    ¡°What kind of person do you think Yi Chen is?¡± Xiang Heng did not answer but instead asked him.


    ¡°Calm, rational and objective.¡± Lao Yuan¡¯s fair evaluation.


    ¡°In that case, this person will make him not calm, not rational and not objective.¡±


    Lao Yuan asked curiously. ¡°A woman?¡±


    ¡°Yes, his former girlfriend.¡± Although Xiang Heng was one year ahead of Yi Chen, they lived in the same dormitory so he knew very well about Yi Chen¡¯s past.


    ¡°Girlfriend?¡± Lao Yuan had the expression of someone who heard a fantasy story, ¡°He had a girlfriend before?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Yi Chen¡¯s girlfriend broke up with him because she went to the United States.¡±


    ¡°You mean ¡­¡­¡± Lao Yuan opened his eyes widely. ¡°Yi Chen was dumped?¡±


    ¡°Yes, moreover she left without telling him. After she had gone to the United States, he then found out about it. This incident was very widely known at university. Yi Chen was very depressed for a while. At that time, he started to smoke and drink.¡±


    ¡°Impossible ¡­¡­¡± Lao Yuan really could not imagine what kind of woman could abandon He Yi Chen. No wonder he would not go near women, a case of once bitten, twice shy.


    5.36: It was rush hour as everyone left work. Mo Sheng was not in a hurry to go home so she wandered aimlessly in the crowd on the streets.


    Until just a moment ago, she had no choice but to admit that she had changed. Before, it would be absolutely unlikely that she would avoid him, now obviously she really wanted to see him yet she did not dare.


    Back then, no matter how indifferent Yi Chen was, how his resistance made it feel like he was a thousand miles away, she happily followed him around with a smile on her face. Now, she did not even have the courage to say a few words to him.


    Yi Chen said she was ¡®sunshine¡®, the sunshine he wanted to refuse yet could not. But now, even the sunshine in her own heart had disappeared so what could she use to shine on others?


    A white BMW abruptly stopped in front of her. Mo Sheng did not look up and tried to avoid it. Then, she heard a familiar voice. ¡°Get in the car.¡±


    She looked up in surprise, it was him!


    Yi Chen saw her looking distracted, frowned and said again: ¡°The car cannot stop here so get in.¡±


    Mo Sheng did not have time to consider what was going on as the car brought them in to join the endless traffic.


    ¡°Chinese or Western food?¡± Yi Chen asked her while paying attention to the traffic situation in front.


    ¡°Chinese food.¡± She replied reflexively, then started to feel something was wrong. What Chinese or Western food, could he want to treat her to a meal ah?


    Yi Chen nced at her coldly. ¡°Do you still know how to use chopsticks?¡±


    Mo Sheng pretended she did not hear his sarcasm, instead cautiously asked: ¡°Do you want to treat me to dinner?¡±


    ¡°You picked up my wallet so it is reasonable that I ought to thank you.¡±


    ¡°Actually, you do not need to be so polite.¡± Mo Sheng mumbled, suddenly feeling dejected. When did they resort to saying such impersonal things?


    They had dinner at the famous Qin Ji, where the beautiful setting, delicious cuisine and attentive service could not improve Mo Sheng¡®s mood. Facing that expressionless face across the table, she was doomed to have indigestion.


    The musical ringtone from the mobile phone broke the quiet atmosphere. Yi Chen answered the call. ¡°Hello ¡­¡­ yes ¡­¡­ I am at Qin Ji ¡­¡­ no, there is also Zhao Mo Sheng ¡­¡­ met by coincidence ¡­¡­ okay.¡±


    Suddenly, he gave the phone to her. ¡°Yi Mei wants to talk to you.¡±


    Mo Sheng took it. ¡°Hello.¡±


    ¡°Hello, Mo Sheng.¡± A gentle voice came from the other side.


    ¡°Yi Mei, long time no see.¡±


    ¡°Yes ah, long time no see.¡±


    Both sides were silent, not knowing what to say so finally Yi Mei said: ¡°Mo Sheng, how have you been all these years?¡±


    ¡°Not bad, until recently I was reluctant to leave the U.S.¡± Mo Sheng tried to act casual and did not notice Yi Chen suddenly looking at her closely.


    ¡°Oh.¡± There was another silence, then Yi Mei said: ¡°Can you give me your contact number? We will find time to meet up.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Mo Sheng told her the mobile phone number.


    ¡°All right, then good-bye.¡±


    ¡°Goodbye.¡±


    After finishing the call, she gave the phone back to Yi Chen, but he did not take it. ¡°Enter your phone number into it.¡±


    Mo Sheng was stumped for words and lowered her head to enter the number, but she encountered difficulty when entering the name.


    ¡°What kind of Chinese input method do you use?¡±


    ¡°Stroke.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    She still could not type it out. ¡°How to type the word ¡®Mo¡®?¡±


    Yi Chen reached out to take the phone from her hand. ¡°I will do it.¡±


    Mo Sheng felt embarrassed while watching his slender fingers gracefully and rapidly typing on the silver phone. After a few seconds, he finished typing and put it away in his pocket.


    ¡°You have even forgotten how to write your Chinese name?¡±


    ¡°No, it is just that I do not know how to use your mobile phone.¡± Mo Sheng mumbled her exnation.


    He nced at her and no longer spoke. Dinner was eaten in a silent atmosphere, even until he drove her home.


    Getting out of the car, Mo Sheng said: ¡°Thank you for driving me home.¡±


    He nodded his head and sped away.


    Mo Sheng stood there, feeling at a loss. She did not know how long she stood there until she realized people passing by ncing at her strangely, only then did she snap out of it and hurriedly ran upstairs.


    8.47: ¡°Blind, blind date?¡± Mo Sheng shouted at the top of her lungs.


    ¡°Keep your voice down!¡± Hua Xian Zi covered Mo Sheng¡¯s babbling mouth. Then Hua Xian Zi warned her: ¡°You are not allowed to yell out, okay?¡±


    Mo Sheng nodded her head quickly, waited until she was let go and asked: ¡°You want to go on a blind date?¡±


    ¡°Not me alone, it is we.¡±


    ¡°We? Why, why?¡± Mo Sheng looked critically at Hua Xian Zi.


    ¡°We are two of the oldest staff in the agency who do not have a boyfriend. Do you know, if we don¡¯t seize the day, we will not be able to get married?¡± Hua Xian Zi rushed to check the calendar, ¡°Today¡¯s target is two XX Co. system engineers so you and I going are just right.¡±


    ¡°If go, you go yourself. I am not going.¡±


    ¡°They have two people ah, I cannot handle ¡­¡­ Ah Sheng, normally do I treat you well? Whether I can get married or not this year is all depended on you.¡± Hua Xian Zi looked at her pitifully, like an abandoned puppy.


    ¡°You can date one at a time ah.¡±


    ¡°No, that is too inefficient. I also need your help.¡±


    ¡°What kind of help?¡± Mo Sheng said cautiously as it was never easy to help Hua Xian Zi.


    Seeing Mo Sheng backing down, Hua Xian Zi took out a lot of things from her desk such as ck-rimmed sses, weird looking wigs, earrings big enough to be bracelets and some very colorful clothes.


    ¡°What are those?¡± Mo Sheng stared at the pile of stuff.


    ¡°To make you look ugly to bring out my beauty!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­ I am your victim number what?¡±


    10.03: When it was time to get off work, Hua Xian Zi grabbed her and ran downstairs. When they finally reached downstairs, she screamed: ¡°Ah! I forgot to take my ¡®sure-win¡¯ lipstick.¡±


    She rushed back up to take the ¡®sure win¡¯ blind date lipstick.


    Mo Sheng was waiting for her at the front door, suddenly she felt heated. She turned around and unexpectedly saw He Yi Chen.


    He met her line of vision and nodded his head at her to send greeting.


    Her heart beat faster, could he be here to look for her? It had been almost a month since the ¡®silent dinner¡®. They have not been in contact so this time, could he be here to look for her ah?


    She involuntarily walked towards him.


    ¡°Howe you are here?¡±


    ¡°Waiting for a person.¡± He replied briefly.


    ¡°Oh, wait ¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Yi Chen!¡± A slender and beautiful woman with a soft feminine voice appeared in her line of vision, making Mo Sheng¡¯s heart sink.


    ¡°The person I have been waiting for is here so I will go first.¡± He tly told her and left together with that woman.


    ¡°Okay, good-bye.¡±


    She just stood there nkly and watched them walk to the direction of the car park. Actually, she did not have the strength to move her feet until Hua Xian Zi appeared and pulled her away. ¡°Why are you standing there foolishly? Walk faster as we are going to bete. I also need to help you put on make-up. Remember, oh, you have to behave a little worse than me ¡­¡­¡±


    Mo Sheng simply did not need to pretend as during the blind date dinner, she really looked dull and unresponsive, perfectly helping to highlight Hua Xian Zi¡¯s radiance personality.


    11.24: He came to wait for her again.


    Mo Sheng looked down from the floor-to-ceiling windows and saw He Yi Chen in a simple shirt and pants looking handsome downstairs. In this month, he woulde here once every four to five days, then leave together with that beautiful woman.


    Today was the weekend, he came again.


    He never waited for her before.


    ¡°Ah Sheng, Ah Sheng.¡± Hua Xian Zi squawked. ¡°Hey, today is the weekend, you follow me ¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°Uh?¡± Hua Xian Zi was surprised, ¡°You know what I want to do?¡±


    ¡°Blind date!¡± Mo Sheng tiredly said. Given her previous ¡°outstanding performance,¡± Hua Xian Zi regarded her as her ¡°blind datepanion¡± so every weekend, she would drag her to go to blind dates.


    But it was really fun to go to blind dates with her since she would not have to worry that men will like her. She only needed to go have dinner and watched Hua Xian Zi put on a show to amuse others.


    ¡°Today, what kind of man are you seeing?¡±


    ¡°Hehehe, today is a young and talented man ah, a surgeon, having Western food, hahaha ¡­¡­¡±


    Mo Sheng could not help but be amused by her attitude. It can¡¯t be deny that she was quite a pro as the blind dates got better and better. Unfortunately, no man has been won over! Instead, due to inexplicable reasons, they either became her good friends or her friends¡¯ husbands. Hua Xian Zi, who was twenty-nine years old and considered old for marriage, vowed to marry any man who would have her.


    Due to the need to go home early to ¡°make up¡±, Mo Sheng left work on time. Thus, it was inevitable to encounter He Yi Chen, who was waiting downstairs. Mo Sheng only wanted to walk pass him with her head down. She did not expect Hua Xian Zi to suddenly stop and look with fierce eyes at He Yi Chen¡¯s¡­¡­beautifulpanion, who was standing beside him.


    ¡°This is too much!¡± Hua Xian Zi gritted her teeth and said angrily. Before Mo Sheng can react, she was pulled by her to stand in front of Yi Chen and that beauty.


    ¡°Vixen, you are still seducing men.¡±


    That beauty, although looked delicate and soft, surprisingly said boldly: ¡°Blind date maniac, you¡¯re still dragging other people to apany you to go to blind dates?¡± She nced at Mo Sheng. ¡°She looks a lot prettier than you so you will just be a wallflower and not be able to get married in this lifetime!¡±


    The two people actually began to quarrel. Mo Sheng was dumbstuck and greeted Yi Chen awkwardly. ¡°Hi!¡±


    Hisplexion seemed rather bad, which was understandable since anyone would not be happy to have the girlfriend being scolded as a vixen.


    ¡°Uh, I¡¯m sorry, although she speaks harshly, it is without any bad intent.¡± Mo Sheng tried to defend Hua Xian Zi.


    Yi Chen gave her a killer stare, and his voice sounded cold as ice. ¡°Are you going on a blind date?¡±


    ¡°Uh, yes ¡­¡­¡± Mo Sheng did not know what to say but her hesitant attitude would only reaffirm his opinion.


    He did not say anything, his expression frigid as he nced at her then turned around and left.


    ¡°Yi Chen, wait for me.¡± That beauty who quarreled with Hua Xian Zi stopped fighting and hurriedly followed when she saw him leaving.


    Mo Sheng temporarily did not have time to sort out her mood because Hua Xian Zi¡¯s expression was really weird, as she actually was ¡­¡­ crying?


    Hey, Hua Xian Zi! The Hua Xian Zi who put on a show to amuse others daily was crying?


    ¡°Xiao Hong, you are crying just because you failed to win in your quarrel, very shameful ah.¡±


    ¡°What do you know!¡± Hua Xian Zi stared at her with widely opened and tearful eyes, ¡°She stole my first boyfriend.¡±


    Uh, indeed it was a bitter and deep-seated hatred! Mo Sheng immediately joined her in being angry and patted her shoulder. ¡°There are plenty more fish in the sea. We will find a good one tonight to infuriate her.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not angry at her for stealing the person I like. I am angry at her for not cherishing him, resulting in him having a car ident. Then, she abandoned him when he became crippled. How can she be like this ah? Why he still loves this kind of person? Why does he not like me, just because I am not as beautiful as her? Sob, sob ¡­¡­ ¡±


    Mo Sheng listened in surprise. She did not expect the always starry-eyed infatuated Hua Xian Zi would have such a story. Indeed, the person with the more cheerful outward appearance will have a more vulnerable heart inside?


    14.28: Because of the quarrel, both of them werete for the first time. Mo Sheng also did not have time to put on ugly makeup. Hua Xian Zi was depressed so she did not take the initiative or put on a show to amuse others. As a result ¡­¡­


    The two outstanding surgeons were actually very interested in them?!


    Oh my God! Could this be regarded as a blessing in disguise?


    Due to the men¡¯s excessive enthusiasm, the four of them went to a movie, then to a karaoke bar and finally to supper. They stayed outter than eleven p.m. before returning home.


    Finally, Mo Sheng was relieved when she saw her home in sight. ¡°Dr. Zheng, I have reached my home. Thank you for sending me back.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Dr Zheng stopped talking about heart disease and politely said: ¡°Good night, Miss Zhao. I had a good time today.¡±


    ¡°Me too, good night!¡± Mo Sheng smiling said and waited for him to walk away before going upstairs.


    The lights in the corridor were broken so it seemed a bit dark. She walked up to the fourth floor and fumbled for the door key. Suddenly, a tall and dark shadow appeared in her line of vision, Mo Sheng was shocked and dropped her keys on the floor.


    ¡°You ¡­¡­¡±


    Before she could finish talking, she was pulled into a strong embrace and her unsuspecting lips were pressed. He mercilessly ravaged her lips repeatedly. Those fiery kisses even spread to the neck, seemingly wanting to crazily pour out all the pent-up anger. His hand tore open her cor. She started to feel a slight chill in her upper chest, and he immediately covered it with kisses.


    Mo Sheng did not have a chance to react but was caught up unprepared in the spellbound and delirious confusion. The ambiguous atmosphere was filled with the smell of alcohol. Alcohol? He had been drinking!


    Mo Sheng became more clear-headed and eximed in unsteady breath: ¡°Yi Chen!¡±


    He stopped all his movements, buried his head in her neck and rapidly grasped for air.


    A long timeter, only then his hoarse voice was heard. ¡°I have lost.¡±


    What did this mean?


    ¡°After so many years, I still lose to you, suffering a crushing defeat.¡±


    Why did he sound so bitter?


    ¡°Yi Chen, what are you saying? Are you drunk?¡± She asked anxiously.


    There was silence, then he suddenly pushed her away. His beautiful eyes shone awkwardly and resentfully in the dark night. His voice sounded strangely sober and cold: ¡°I¡¯m not drunk. I am crazy.¡±


    He turned and suddenly disappeared, like he had suddenly appeared. If not for the slight tingling feeling on the lips, she would think this was a ridiculous dream.


    She picked up the keys to open the door. After entering the house, she just stood foolishly at the doorway. If the phone did not suddenly ring, she did not know how long she would stand there.


    After picking up the phone, she immediately heard Hua Xian Zi¡¯s excited voice. ¡°Ah Sheng, how are things at your end?¡±


    What? Mo Sheng temporarily did not understand what she was saying.


    ¡°Say quickly, ah, did that Dr Zheng say anything? Did he ask you when to meet up next time?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°How can that be?!¡± Hua Xian Zi cried out, ¡°He obviously looked very interested.¡±


    He was probably pleased to have someone willing to listen to his ¡°heart and love¡± special topic lecture.


    ¡°How about you?¡± Mo Sheng did not want to beat around the bush so asked her directly.


    ¡°He invited me to watch a movie tomorrow, heehee hee ¡­¡­¡± scaryughter came from the other side, ¡°Ah Sheng, starting tomorrow, I want to behave like ady!¡±

 Chapter 3: Near

    <h4>Chapter 3: Near </h4>


    (tranted by peanuts and edited by lidge)


    0.31: What was harder than for Hua Xian Zi wanting to be ady ah?


    ¡°Ah Sheng, is this looking good or that one is better? Or else, how about this?¡± Hua Xian Zi wasparing clothes in the fashion store and asking Mo Sheng, her adviser, who was dragged here by her chain of calls early in the morning.


    ¡°Ah, this one.¡±


    ¡°That is what I wore here today.¡± Hua Xian Zi¡¯s face darkened by half, ¡°Ah Sheng, are you fully awake yet, so absent-minded and distracted early in the morning?¡±


    ¡°Uh ¡­¡­¡± Mo Shengughed with a guilty conscience, quickly changed the topic and said seriously: ¡°Xiao Hong, clothing is not the most critical factor for you to be ady.¡±


    ¡°Then, what is?¡±


    ¡°Manners ah.¡± Mo Sheng gave an example, ¡°For instant, if people ask what kind of music you like to listen to, you must never say heavy metal rock.¡±


    ¡°I do not listen to rock music.¡± Hua Xian Zi said happily: ¡°My favorite is Richie Ren and Ah Niu¡®s ¡®¡®.¡±


    This time, it was Mo Sheng¡¯s face darkening. The images of three men with silly grins, wearing flower shorts, holding a guitar and chasing bikini d women on the beach emerged in her mind. There was also Hua Xian Xi¡¯s excited voice singing: ¡°In particr, ¡®beautiful girl bes an old woman,¡¯ this line directly expresses my hope for the future ¡­¡­¡±


    ¡± ¡­¡­Do not ever discuss music together.¡± Mo Sheng said firmly, ¡°Maybe talk about movies? Aren¡®t you going to a movie with him tonight? This can also disy the taste and temperament of ady.¡±


    ¡°Movie ah?¡± Hua Xian Zi¡¯s eyes lit up, ¡°I like ¡®Journey to the West ¨C ¡®. looks very handsome, and his speech is very philosophical, especially the sentence ¡®humans are born from parents, devils are born from demons¡¯, which embodies ethics, love, medicine and religion. It is simply ¡®the best interpretation of all beings are equal¡¯¡­¡­¡±


    ¡± ¡­¡­Xiao Hong.¡± Mo Sheng said with difficulty, ¡°I think, it is best you do not say anything tonight.¡±


    Finally, Hua Xian Zi let her off, which was already two o¡¯clock in the afternoon. Mo Sheng went home to sleep. When she woke up, the sky was already all dark and looking at the clock on the wall, it was already half past seven.


    She was very hungry, but when she opened the refrigerator, there was nothing to eat. Mo Sheng picked up her purse and keys, ready to go to the supermarket.


    Mo Sheng walked down the stairs, through the flowerbed, her footstep abruptly came to a stop, and she lifted her eyes.


    Under the dim lights opposite the road, he stood there. The expression in his eyes through the fog-filled night, silently fixated on her.


    Yi Chen!


    2.38: He stood at a distance, in no hurry to approach her. Today, he was wearing casual clothing, a simple shirt and pants, yet he could still look rather distinguished. In the past, she had often looked infatuated at him and couldn¡¯t help but asked: ¡°Yi Chen, why do you look good in whatever you wear ah?¡± In reply, Yi Chen would give her an unhappy re.


    The past! The past again! Zhao Mo Sheng, have some pride! You should not think of it anymore!


    Yi Chen stubbed out his cigarette and walked toward her.


    ¡°Can you apany me for a walk?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­ Okay.¡±


    They walked in silence for a while, yet Yi Chen still had no intention to say anything. Thus, Mo Sheng could not help but asked: ¡°Where are we going?¡±


    ¡°We have arrived.¡±


    The bus stop? They are going to take the bus ah?


    ¡°Do you have coins?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I do.¡± Mo Sheng dug out a few coins from her purse and spread them out in her hand.


    ¡°Give me one.¡± Yi Chen took a coin from her hand, his fingers unintentionally touched her palm.


    Mo Sheng was stunned and quickly withdrew her hand, but he seemed to feel nothing. He stood next to her, watching the bus heading towards them.


    ¡°Go up the bus ah.¡±


    She did not have time to ask anything so just followed him into the bus. Of course, the public bus was very crowded on Saturday so they were separated by two or three people in between them. She had difficulty breathing and moving. The bus stopped after eight or nine stops. Suddenly, Yi Chen held out his hand and pulled her out of the bus. Then after getting down from the bus, he immediately released her hand and walked alone in front.


    Mo Sheng looked around the unfamiliarndscape, lined with tall buildings, ¡°Where is here?¡±


    Yi Chen stopped walking and turned around. ¡°Don¡¯t you recognize?¡±


    Should she recognize? A city was so big, and she had not been to all the ces ah. But why would he look so displeased as if she hadmitted a heinous crime?


    Looking at her apparently bewildered expression, the emotions showing in Yi Chen¡¯s eyes gradually faded.


    ¡°Forget it!¡±


    He coldly spit out the two words, swiftly turned back and quickened his pace.


    Mo Sheng failed to understand the reason why until the quaint university gate appeared before her eyes.


    Here, is actually C University?


    Then this street, she looked at the bustling street she had just passed by a moment ago in shock, it was Lao Bei street?


    The Lao Bei street where Yi Chen and her had walked past countless times?


    How could it be!


    Where was that downright lively night market? What about those hawkers shouting? Where have the wide variety of cheap and delicious snack stalls on both sides of the street gone?


    ¡°After returning from overseas, haven¡¯t youe here for a look?¡± Yi Chen¡¯s mood became more calm, and he asked in a soft voice.


    ¡°No, I ¡­¡­¡± not that I didn¡¯t want toe, but ¡­¡­ ¡°have been too busy with work.¡± She mumbled because such reason, even to herself, felt ridiculous.


    Yi Chen nced at her and said softly: ¡°You don¡®t need to say anything, I understand.¡±


    What did he understand? She did not understand.


    They walked into C University, this more than hundred years old university did not change much. Mo Sheng was dazzled and felt like she was walking in an old dream. Those big trees, those dormitories which seemed rather old, thoseughing students who walked past her ¡­¡­ a kind of mncholy and forlorn feeling swelled in her chest. She had gone away for so long, is it possible to reim what had been lost?


    5.31: ¡°Hey!¡± Mo Sheng pointed at a small grocery shop at the corner of the road, ¡°The shop is still here. I wonder if the shop is still run by that old couple.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Yi Chen said, ¡°The shop has changed owner before I even graduate.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Mo Sheng replied softly, looked up with a smile and said, ¡°I will go and buy something to eat since I¡¯m starving.¡±


    The new owner of the small shop was a young woman. While looking after her child, she served them. Mo Sheng bought bread and a can of coke. Yi Chen also bought a can of beer and paid for everything. She remembered they used to have frequent arguments over who should pay. At that time, she was too young to know about a man¡¯s pride and dignity. Being with her, Yi Chen should be very tired ah!


    ¡°When did you start to drink?¡± Initially, she simply asked only but after saying it, she recalledst night¡¯s intense kiss with alcohol smell so Mo Sheng uneasily looked down to avoid looking at him.


    ¡°These past few years.¡± He was silent for a long while, then said indifferently.


    Yes ah, these past few years.


    ¡°Let us find a ce to sit down.¡±


    At eight o¡¯clock plus, the field was still full of people who were exercising, mostly young students, but there were also some elderly professors having a walk around.


    They sat at the side of the field, and Mo Sheng smilingly said: ¡°I have my most painful memories on this field.¡±


    Yi Chen gave a rare, slight smile. ¡°Eight hundred meters.¡±


    ¡°Yes ah.¡± Mo Sheng admitted in embarrassment, ¡°My best result in eight hundred meters is four minutes and ten seconds. I still remember at that time you said in disbelief ¡­¡­ ¡±


    Suddenly, Yi Chen stopped to stare at her and asked, ¡°What did I say?¡±


    ¡°You said: Zhao Mo Sheng, you run so slowly, how did you manage to catch me?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­ Hey, is that Professor Zhou from your faculty?¡± Mo Sheng pointed at the old man who was strolling nearby.


    Yi Chen turned around to look, nodded his head and stood up, ¡°I will go and say hi.¡±


    Mo Sheng watched him walk over. When Professor Zhou saw him, he looked very happy, said a few words with him and approvingly patted him on the shoulder.


    This old professor¡¯s hair was getting less and less!


    How she would know this famous professor of the Law Faculty was simply because of her rtionship with Yi Chen.


    At that time, Yi Chen was busy with university and tutoring work so even as his girlfriend, she also did not manage to see him often. In order to spend more time with him, when she did not have lessons, she will attend his sses. From beginning to end, she attended this Professor Zhou¡¯s criminalw lectures for an entire semester. However, even now she was still unclear about the most basic principles of ¡°presumption of innocence¡± in criminalw. Not like Yi Chen, who was dragged by her to attend only a few of her advanced mathematics sses, yet tutored her for the semester¡¯s final exam.


    She did not know what Yi Chen said, but Professor Zhou unexpectedly looked in her direction and smilingly nodded his head as greeting before walking away.


    When Yi Chen came back, Mo Sheng curiously asked: ¡°What did you say to him?¡±


    ¡°I said I¡¯vee back with a friend to look around.¡± Yi Chen nced at her oddly, ¡°Professor Zhou can still remember you.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Mo Sheng mumbled: ¡°I probably left a deep impression on him.¡±


    She was the butt of a joke in this professor¡¯s ss before.


    During ss, Professor Zhou never looked at the attendance rollbook so he simply pointed randomly when asking people to answer his questions. Once, Mo Sheng was unfortunately picked by him. She could still remember that his question was ¡°In your opinion, how should A, B, C and D, these four people, be sentenced?¡±


    She was confused, silently thought who were these four people, what crime did theymit, how should they be punished? She had not listened to the professor¡¯s lecture. Desperate, she pulled at Yi Chen¡¯s shirt under the table for help, but he replied harshly: ¡°I haven¡¯t heard anything.¡±


    Oh! Yes, they quarreled recently so Yi Chen was still angry with her. But seeing that she was dying also didn¡¯t rescue her, he was just being too petty.


    8.21: As a result of her anxiety, she actually said: ¡°Put all of them in jail.¡±


    After a few seconds of silence throughout the ssroom, everyone burst intoughter. The guys in the front shouted: ¡°Professor, she is not from our faculty.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Professor Zhou was touched and said: ¡°Student, are you very interested in the criminalw I teach?¡±


    The students burst intoughter again and rowdily shouted: ¡°Professor, she followed her boyfriend here!¡±


    The old man was very open-minded so he went so far as to question closely with great interest: ¡°She is whose girlfriend?¡± The tone of his voice was amused.


    Yi Chen resigned to fate and stood up, feeling humiliated. ¡°Mine.¡±


    Naturally, Professor Zhou knew He Yi Chen. Hence, this old man with a sense of humor earnestly said to him: ¡°Student He, an educated family is very important, only one person being educated is not enough. It would not be good if the girlfriend of a gifted student in the Faculty of Law does not know anything aboutws, right? This is also rather embarrassing for uswyers, ah.¡±


    Mo Sheng could still remember the sounds ofughter that broke out in the ssroom at that time.


    Yi Chen chuckled: ¡°Indeed, a deep impression.¡±


    Mo Sheng foolishly stared at him, was he reallyughing? Finally, he no longer put on a cold face and treating her like a stranger?


    ¡°Well ¡­¡­ ¡± She abruptly turned away to conceal her emotions, no longer looking at him and unnaturally said: ¡°Who told you to see me in trouble yet did nothing!¡±


    She was still bearing a grudge on this incident? Yi Chen was experiencing mixed feelings and was silent. He really did not hear anything ah. She thought he was that calm and rational to the point where he could be having a cold war with her and still concentrate on his lectures?


    If he could be calm and rational enough, he would not be standing here together with her now.


    Yi Chen gloomily sighed, ¡°It is gettingte, I will send you back.¡±


    They still took the bus. When they reached the downstairs of Mo Sheng¡®s home, she stopped walking and said: ¡°I am home.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± He also stopped walking.


    ¡°Then, good-bye.¡±


    ¡°Good-bye.¡±


    Mo Sheng took two steps before turning back. He was still standing under the streetlight. ¡°You?¡±


    His eyes looked past her into the far distant, as if he wanted to say something but did not. The two of them were silent. He paused for a long while before saying: ¡°I¡¯m sorry about yesterday.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­ It is nothing.¡± Mo Sheng felt rather ufortable and uneasily said, ¡°You were drunk yesterday.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Yi Chen paused before continuing, his voice slightly mocking. Suddenly, he lowered his head, and his cold lips touched hers but left right away. He looked at her with his deep and puzzling eyes and whispered: ¡°Mo Sheng, I¡¯m always clear-headed.¡±


    Always?


    That¡¯s right, he¡¯s always clear-headed, looking at himself sinking.


    10.07: ¡°You look distracted today.¡± When they were discussing a difficult case, Xiang Heng suddenly blurted out.


    Yi Chen calmly lifted his eyes to look at him: ¡°I think my proposal is quite good.¡±


    ¡°It is quite good.¡± Not just quite good, more like great, ¡°But you still look distracted.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Yi Chen put down the pen in his hand, ¡°What do you want to ask?¡±


    Xiang Heng started tough as it was rare to see him losing his cool like this, ¡°Our university junior, Zhao hase back?¡±


    Yi Chen raised his eyebrows. ¡°How do you know?¡± Had he been acting so obvious? Yi Chen¡¯s face blushed slightly then paled.


    ¡°That day, I saw her downstairs.¡± Xiang Heng solved his doubts, ¡°She seems ¡­¡­ to have changed a lot.¡±


    Yes, a lot. Yi Chen stopped talking.


    At this time, Lao Yuan pushed open the door and shouted: ¡°Hey, the people from Lian He is treating dinner today so both of you must go with me.¡±


    Lian He Law Firm and Yuan Xiang He were two of the big fourw firms in A city. Although they opposed each other with equal harshness in court, they still had quite a good rtionship privately. This time, Lao Yuan helped them a little so they arranged a banquet in De Yue Lou as a way to thank him.


    Speaking of which, those people from Lian He actually had bad intentions. Who did not know the rose from Lian He, Pi Li, was very interested in He Yi Chen from Yuan Xiang He? By getting them together, it was obvious they wanted to see a good show. Xu Pi Li specialized in attack whereas Yi Chen¡¯s defense had always been watertight. Thus, one can infer the dinner tonight would surely be very lively and fascinating. Lao Yuan already started to look forward to it.


    11.21: De Yue Lou was located in the most bustling part of the city. When darkness fell, the city lit up surrounded in bright lights. After three rounds of drinks, Lao Yuan and severalwyers from Lian He who were good in talking big, making jokes and noises, began to be rowdy. Xiang Heng sat by the windows. While listening to them chatting idly with his ears, his eyes unconsciously nced out the windows.


    The neon lights in the city at night. On the wide road, a ce buzzing with activity and people streaming past like running water.


    Wait, that was ¡­¡­


    ¡°Lao Xiang, you are not talking so what are you looking at?¡± Lawyer Li turned his head and followed his line of vision to look downward. On the opposite side of the main street, there was a woman holding a camera in her hands taking pictures. Her hair was neither long nor short, and she was wearing a loose light blue shirt and jeans. There were 2 more cameras on her neck.


    ¡°Is she the type you like?¡± Lawyer Li was interested to know and asked. He could not see her face, but she seemed like a student.


    ¡°That is not my type,¡± Xiang Heng replied, but his eyes turned to the direction of Yi Chen and Pi Li. Pi Li sat close to Yi Chen and whispered something, not sure what Yi Chen¡¯s reply was, but she covered her mouth hiding a smile, her eyes never leaving Yi Chen.


    ¡°If she can be included ¡­¡­ that can be fun!¡± Xiang Heng thought suddenly.


    ¡°Yi Chen.¡± Xiang Heng tried to attract his attention, then pointed out the window.


    Not only He Yi Chen, but everyone also looked out the windows.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Someone asked.


    With only one nce, Yi Chen spotted Zhao Mo Sheng, who was taking camera angles in the crowd. He put down his wine ss right away. ¡°I¡¯m going out for a while.¡±


    Except Xiang Heng who was calm andposed, the rest of the people were lining up against the windows. He Yi Chen¡¯s tall figure quickly crossed the street and stopped a few steps behind an unfamiliar woman, but he was just quietly watching and did not disturb her. The woman seemed unaware of his presence until she turned around after taking some pictures ¨C Ah! Such a pity! Her back was facing them so they could not see her facial expression. Then both of them said a few words.


    Then ¡­¡­


    Everyone¡¯s jaws almost fell off ¨C He Yi Chen! He, he, he¡­¡­


    13.00: He actually forcefully grabbed her hand?


    He Yi Chen! The He Yi Chen who had always been cool towards women surprisingly took such drastic action, how could it be!


    Everyone also tacitly understood and very sympathetically looked at the only woman present, beautiful woman Xu whose face was turning gloomy.


    It was thought He Yi Chen treated women coldly because of his cold and detached personality. However, it appears that if needed, he can act as intensely as anyone.


    This is really too much of a blow against the female self-esteem!


    Although he was always annoyed by Xu Pi Li¡®s sharp tongue, after all they still came from the same firm so inevitably there will be colleague camaraderie. A fatwyer Zhang made discreet inquiries about the enemy. ¡°Lao Xiang, who is she?¡±


    Xiang Heng¡¯s expression was somewhat enigmatic, ¡°Why do you ask me? You should be asking Yi Chen.¡±


    Lawyer Zhang politely declined, ¡°I dare not count on getting any information from He Yi Chen¡¯s mouth.¡±


    Xiang Heng smiled and said: ¡°His coat is still here so he will need toe back to take it.¡±


    A momentter, Yi Chen really came back and very apologetically said: ¡°Lao Li, I have something so I need to go first.¡± Lao Li was considered the host of tonight¡¯s dinner.


    Before Lao Li could say anything, Xiang Heng said something first: ¡°You leaving like this is rather sudden and not giving face to the host so why not ask Zhao Mo Sheng toe and join us since I have not seen her for a few years.¡± He turned around and asked Lao Li: ¡°Do you mind having an additional person?¡±


    Lao Li nodded his head repeatedly: ¡°Can bring family members, can bring family members.¡±


    Yi Chen pondered.


    Xu Pi Li said with a bit of anger: ¡°Lawyer He has a girlfriend but why the need for secrecy, is it so shameful meh?¡±


    Mo Sheng was still foolishly in a daze on the sidewalk on the other side of the road, thinking about what sort of rtionship Yi Chen and her had since they were not like friends, yet they were also not like lovers ¡­¡­ Before she could figure out what they were, her phone rang. When she picked up, it was Yi Chen.


    ¡°I cannot leave¡­¡­¡±


    Oh, that is good, Mo Sheng was relieved.


    ¡°¡­¡­ Youe over!¡±


    14.34: He hung up the phone. Mo Sheng did not even have the chance to discuss it with him. She looked at De Yue Lou across the road, packed her things and crossed the road.


    0.31: Yi Chen was waiting for her at the door. Mo Sheng hesitated and said: ¡°Is it appropriate for me to go in ah?¡±


    Yi Chen acted coolly: ¡°It is all right, just a few peers.¡±


    However, she should appear in what capacity ah?


    She swallowed back that sentence. These days, Yi Chen asionally looked for her but will also deliberately keep his distance. However, such contacts have already made her uneasy.


    It should not be like this, she should stay farther away from him ¡­¡­


    When they got nearer, that group of people rudely sized Mo Sheng up and down. She looked pretty good and her clothes very casual but the hair a bit short andcked a little charm. Compare to those women around Yi Chen, she was average.


    Xiang Heng was the first to greet her.


    ¡°Zhao Mo Sheng, whye back home so fast?¡± His smile and gentle words actually were slightly thorny, ¡°I thought you wanted to make Yi Chen painstakingly guard the cold cave for 18 years.¡± (an allusion to Yang Guo waiting for the Little Dragon maiden in Return of the Condor Heroes)


    Indeed, a dagger hidden in smiles, a needle concealed in silk floss (friendly manner belying hypocritical intention). What else could Mo Sheng say but the stereotyped and repetitive phase, ¡°Senior Xiang, long time no see.¡±


    ¡°I dare not ept to be called senior, but really long time.¡± Xiang Heng smiled yet not a smile.


    Yi Chen gave a brief introduction. Mo Sheng had just sat down, but that beautiful femalewyer already rudely opened fire at her.


    ¡°Miss Zhao, I heard He Yi Chen is well-known for being hard to get so what method did you use to get him into your hands?¡±


    Not hearsay, but her own experience. The people on the dinner table turned quiet.


    After hearing that, Xiang Heng nearly spit out his tea, this Xu Pi Li!


    In fact, she was not malicious, just ustomed to being straightforward. This was because she often mixed with a group of men so she spoke in such manner. Since she even dared to scold a judge in court as poor quality andckedmon sense, don¡¯t expect her to be mild and tactful. Today, this kind of questioning could be considered polite. Merely, Zhao Mo Sheng had not seen this kind of questioning so it made her ufortable.


    He was about to speak out to help her but saw He Yi Chen looking indifferent like a spectator so he could not be bothered. Other people¡¯s girlfriend, other people also did not feel distressed so why should he be nosy to meddle in other people¡¯s business?


    Mo Sheng was stunned, before quickly calming down. Seeing everyone was not talking, she could not help feeling sorry because she thought that her presence spoiled the atmosphere. How would she know these people purely wanted to see a good show, waiting excitedly with bated breath¡­¡­


    Thus, she half-jokingly said:


    2.32: ¡°Actually, Yi Chen is very easy to chase.¡± She summed up her previous experience, ¡°The crucial point is you need to have a thick skin to shamelessly pester him. First try crying, then try screaming andstly threaten to kill oneself, guarantee he will hold up his hands to surrender.¡±


    Everyone looked incredulously at Yi Chen. The greatwyer He actually likes this kind of style?


    Xu Pi Li disapprovingly red at her: ¡°Don¡¯t you feel that by doing that, there is no women¡¯s dignity?¡±


    ¡°Uh ¡­¡­ At that time, I did not think that far.¡± Mo Sheng smiled.


    ¡°The man you managed to get through this kind of shameless method, how much feelings will he have for you? Without spiritual understanding, he inevitably will get bored of you one day, then abandon you.¡± Xu Pi Li was aggressive.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Lao Yuan, who had not been talking suddenly eximed, interrupting Xu Pi Li¡¯s offensive. He stared excitedly at Mo Sheng, ¡°I remember now. You¡¯re the woman who dumped Yi Chen to go to America, right?¡±


    Ah?! Except Xiang Heng and Yi Chen, the rest of the people looked at Zhao Mo Sheng in disbelief. She dumped He Yi Chen?


    Mo Sheng was also dumbfounded. She dumped Yi Chen? What? Why say something like that? But also, why the expression in the eyes of this tall and sturdy big guy seemed like ¡­¡­ worship?


    ¡°No, I did not ¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You still want to deny?¡± Lao Yuan adopted a roundabout tactic. ¡°Have you been to America?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­ Yes.¡±


    ¡°Are you his previous girlfriend?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­ Yes.¡±


    ¡°There you are.¡± Lao Yuan¡¯s bear paw mmed on the wooden table. ¡°The evidence is clear. Guilty as charged!¡±


    Mo Sheng was dumbstruck. Why all the currentwyers treat human life as if it were not worth a straw?


    She was about to exin but was pulled up by Yi Chen. ¡°Excuse me, we will go first.¡±


    Nobody stopped them, but they just stared and watched them walk away.


    Once they left the front doors of De Yue Lou, the cold wind outside blew and finally her extremely confused train of thoughts started to clear a little. Watching that person walking in front, she could not help but asked: ¡°Yi Chen, why didn¡¯t you say something?¡±


    ¡°What to say?¡±


    ¡°They seem to think ¡­¡­ I broke up with you, but obviously that was not the case. Why didn¡¯t you exin?¡± How could the proud and arrogant He Yi Chen tolerate such misunderstanding!


    4.20: ¡°How to exin?¡± Yi Chen¡¯s stopped walking. In that moment, under the gloomy streetlight, she thought this arrogant man seemed so lonely. His hoarse voice sounded exceptionally clear in the windy night, ¡°Even I think that too.¡±

 Chapter 4.1: Fate

    <h4>Chapter 4.1: Fate </h4>


    (tranted by peanuts and edited by lidge)


    4.33: She did not understand, what happened to make him think like that too?


    ¡°To this day, I still doubt if those words I said at that time were the real reason that justified you running away to a faraway ce.¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s voice was not high or low, but each and every word weighted heavily on her heart.


    How could he say that? He actually said that!


    She remembered clearly the circumstances of that day. After hearing what Yi Mei said, she immediately went to him for confirmation. Yi Chen would never lie to her. If he said no, it would mean no. She definitely would believe him. But if he really liked Yi Mei, then what to do ¡­¡­


    On the way there, the worst-case scenario she can think of was Yi Chen would tell her that he also loved Yi Mei, but she never expected she would encounter a terrifying re, hatred in his eyes and those hurtful words that cut like a razor.


    ¡°Go away, I do not want to see you!¡±


    ¡°Zhao Mo Sheng, I wish I never knew you!¡±


    Such determined tone and attitude. Thinking back now, she still felt bitterness in her heart. Now, he went so far as to say she turned her back on him?


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Mo Sheng stared at her shoes and asked in a low and clear voice.


    The two of them stood in the middle of the constantly flowing crowd so they more or less attracted the attention of the people around them. Yi Chen pulled her to a secluded ce, released her and lit a cigarette.


    How to tell her? Truthfully?


    Cannot.


    He began to speak: ¡°That day, your father came to see me.¡±


    Seeing her shocked look, a faint mocking sneer emerged on his handsome face. ¡°You didn¡¯t expect this? Ah! I also did not expect my girlfriend to turn out to be the mayor¡®s daughter.¡±


    Mo Sheng¡¯s face suddenly became pale. Mayor¡¯s daughter! Mayor¡¯s daughter! Such a sarcastic form of address!


    She and Yi Chen came from the same ce ¨C Y City. At that time, this delighted finding was regarded as fate and coincidence, but now it is a big embarrassment.


    If he knew she was the daughter of Zhao Qing Yuan, then he must also knew ¡­¡­


    Mo Sheng unsteadily said: ¡°You should know about my dad¡®s matters?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Yi Chen nodded his head. Zhao Qing Yuan¡¯s corruption case shocked the entire country. He epted huge bribes up to tens of millions. When it was discovered and he was arrested, hemitted suicide in prison which was big news at that time.


    Mo Sheng closed her eyes, it did not matter.


    ¡°What did my dad say to you?¡±


    Yi Chen dropped his head. He could still remember clearly what Zhao Qing Yuan told him that day. ¡°You are a very outstanding young man. Little Sheng likes you very much so I don¡¯t want to object. If you are willing to go to the United States together with her, I¡¯ll help you arrange everything. You do not have to worry about visa, housing, university ¡­¡­ ¡±


    Such attractive conditions!


    6.52: A long timeter, Yi Chen said wordlessly: ¡°I am a poor student who depends on my part-time job wages and schrship to survive so what do you think he said?¡±


    Mo Sheng kept quiet because she knew her father well. He had always been dismissive of people who were of no use to him. She couldpletely imagine the excessive words he said to Yi Chen. Otherwise, why would the cool-headed Yi Chen vented his anger on her?


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± The truth turned out to be like this! What she had thought as the truth turned out to bepletely wrong. Mo Sheng was confused.


    ¡°Who are you saying sorry for? For yourself or your father? If it is on behalf of your father, then there is no need.¡± Yi Chen said coldly.


    Mo Sheng weakly tried to exin: ¡°I ¡­¡­ did not know at that time.¡±


    ¡°Then why didn¡¯t youe and ask me?¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s voice sounded grim and sharp as ifing from hell, ¡°You did not even bother to ask me before sentencing me to death. Zhao Mo Sheng, can you imagine how much I hate you all these years?¡±


    Hate?


    Mo Sheng was shocked until she took a step backward, yet she could not escape his grasp. Suddenly, he grasped firmly both of her shoulders, his strength was so great until she suspected if her bones would be crushed into pieces.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never messed with you so why did you want to mess with me? Since you messed with me, why did you give up halfway?¡± Yi Chen groaned hopelessly. Such a despair and angry questioning tone made Mo Sheng unable to say ¡°sorry.¡± Thus, she subconsciously closed her eyes and did not dare to look at him.


    ¡°Now, I just want to ask you,¡± Yi Chen gradually became calmer and stared at her with his scorching eyes, ¡°If at that time you knew everything, would you still leave?¡±


    Would she still leave? Mo Sheng stared nkly and speechlessly as she never thought he would ask this sort of question.


    If it was seven years ago, she would definitely without hesitation say ¡°no.¡± After all, at that time, the reason she went to USA was merely to escape from the pain of the failed love rtionship. But how about now? Now, she already knew everything that happened seven years ago had been nned ahead by her father for her to flee to USA. Otherwise, how could the visa be ready within a few days? Also, how could everything in USA had been arranged beforehand? Everything had been decided without her knowledge so she had no doubt that at that time even if she did not want to go, she would be forced onto the ne.


    Mo Sheng lowered her head: ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Yi Chen understood and swiftly released her. The disappointment and anger in his eyes were so great that they could slice her alive into a thousand pieces.


    A good whileter, he calmly spoke up with difficulty: ¡°What about now?¡±


    What about now? Mo Sheng was puzzled.


    ¡°Do you want toe back to me now?¡± Yi Chen, a little stiffly, said.


    The outside world suddenly became quiet. Mo Sheng looked at him in astonishment and could only hear the severe beatings of her own heart.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to waste too much time on this. I am also not interested to get to know another person all over again and have a rtionship so you are the most suitable, right?¡±


    Really? Mo Sheng listened in a daze, her heart slowly squeezed in pain.


    9.29: Because they knew each other, because she was suitable?


    But Yi Chen, did you really know the Zhao Mo Sheng in front of you? This person, who at times she also felt like a stranger, a stranger ¡­..


    However, all these things were no longer important.


    She no longer had the energy to chase a distant heart. She also no longer wanted a rtionship that could destruct any time. She could no longer endure to see the whole worlde tumbling down around her again.


    Hence Yi Chen, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Forgive my cowardice. I did not expect that even you could not give me courage.


    Surprisingly, she so quickly rejected him. Yi Chen paused and said: ¡°You do not need to give me an answer so fast, you ¡­¡­¡±


    Mo Sheng gently interrupted him: ¡°I have married.¡±


    Shocked into speechlessness, frozen into rigidity. Yi Chen looked at her in disbelief and word by word very clearly asked: ¡°What did you say?¡±


    Mo Sheng stared at her own shadow on the floor and whispered: ¡°I married three years ago in USA.¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯splexion became chilly and gloomy. The air which emitted from his body could have frozen the surrounding. He stared at her fiercely, as if any time, he would stretch out his hands and strangle her to death.


    After a very long time, she only heard his thoroughly ice cold voice, ¡°Zhao Mo Sheng, I must be mad to let you trample all over me like this.¡±


    10.40: Time passed like usual. Today, after Mo Sheng saw the National Holiday¡¯s notice on the office¡¯s bulletin board, she found out how time quickly flew by and it was already the end of September.


    The summer hade and passed.


    The closer to the holiday on the first of October, the atmosphere in the office became more rxed. On the 30th of September, when it was about time to get off work, Xiao Hong came over and asked Mo Sheng: ¡°Ah Sheng, what are you going to do on the seven days National Holiday?¡±


    ¡°I have not thought about it yet.¡± Mo Sheng was sorting out photos on the table.


    ¡°I am surprised you have not thought about it, I have already started to look forward to this holiday since the Labour Day holiday on the first of May.¡±


    Her exaggerated facial expression made Mo Sheng smile, and she casually asked: ¡°Howe such a long holiday this year?¡±


    ¡°Every year is also like this ah.¡± Xiao Hong was slightly baffled, then immediately understood, ¡°Oh, you¡¯ve been aboard for too long so you probably don¡¯t know that the seven-day long holiday was implemented for several years to develop tourism. Oh, this year, I intend to go to Phoenix Ancient Town. Do you want to go together?¡±


    Looking at her sweet face, already knew for sure, she would be going together with that Mr. Doctor. Mo Sheng smiled: ¡°Do you want me to help you to take couple shoots throughout the trip? I charge very high fees.¡±


    ¡°Aiya! You are hateful!¡± Xiao Hong blushed in embarrassment and covered her face. When she put down her hands, she saw that Mo Sheng, who was chatting andughing with her just a moment ago, had be silent again and looking pensive.


    Xiao Hong gave her a little push. ¡°Ah Sheng, are you okay? You are a little strangetely.¡±


    ¡°Ah? Oh, no ah.¡± Mo Sheng recovered herself, ¡°Suddenly, so many extra holidays, I am thinking what to do.¡±


    11.35: After work, she did not know how to kill time so she wandered around. The streets had be a lot more lively, and the shops appeared like brand new. Mo Sheng strolled along the beautiful shop windows and asionally stopped to buy some snacks, then continued walking aimlessly.


    Until she saw the familiar quaint university gate, Mo Sheng only realized she had walked to C University. She was also startled as she had walked about half of the city from her ce of work to here.


    The front of the university gates should be more lively than usual as there were students everywhere with a happy and simple smile on their faces while carrying their luggage. Mo Sheng recalled her days as a student, who also felt happy and excited for a long time due to holidays. Thinking about that now, it truly seemed like a dream.


    0.30: Mo Sheng, with her hands in her pockets, strolled on the boulevard in the university. Her current mood was not as vtile as thest time she came together with Yi Chen but more calm and serene. Since leaving this university, her life seemed to have veered down the wrong path. But the past can¡¯t be undone, how to continue on the right path from now onwards?


    ¡°Do you want toe back to me now?¡± Mo Sheng thought about Yi Chen¡¯s deep voice again. She stopped walking, closed her eyes and waited for her heart to stop throbbing about the past.


    Once, she had imagined countless times being back with Yi Chen. When she was abroad and her mind started to wander, she would fantasize about reuniting with Yi Chen, and the two of them together happily. It was her onlyfort in those long, lonely days. All her strength and perseverance were derived from this kind of happy imagination. However, after returning to the country, when Yi Chen wanted to use a kind of rational and ice-cold attitude to turn her fantasy into reality, she retreated.


    They were no longer the simple young girl and young boy in her memories. The crack caused by the seven years of separation always reminded each other of their pain. Perhaps, it was merely a small wound but still extremely painful.


    Because they cared too much so they were overwhelmed.


    In fact, everything was already decided between them seven years ago.


    Unconsciously, she also walked to the side of the field. There were many people jogging on the track.


    How long would it take for her to run 800 meters now?


    Mo Sheng¡¯s small body passed through the railings, and she walked onto the field. She stood on tiptoe on the starting line and counted silently ¡°1,2,3.¡± Using the speed for the 800 meters test, she dashed out.


    With eyes closed, she sped through the night wind to reach the finishing line.


    2.20: ¡°Four minutes and twenty-five seconds, too slow.¡± Yi Chen tapped her head once.


    ¡°Slower than yesterday.¡± She whispered gloomily. Then, she raised her head and looked at him with her luminous eyes, ¡°Yi Chen, what about during the test, you run in front of me, and I chase you from behind? Like that, I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll run fast!¡±


    After being red at by Yi Chen, Mo Sheng felt a bit dejected for not being appreciated, which was obviously a good idea, ¡°What about dangling your photo in front of me¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Zhao Mo Sheng, don¡®t you feel ashamed!¡± Finally, Yi Chen could not help but be angry at her, but his ears slowly turned red.


    ¡­¡­


    Smiling, she opened her eyes, but the finishing line was deserted.


    Suddenly, her heart felt a sharp pain, the clearer the details, the more pain she felt. Without warning, the tears, one by one, started to drop gradually and could not be suppressed. Mo Sheng sat on the ground, buried her head and cried aloud bitterly.


    From then on, any finishing line will no longer have Yi Chen.


    3.23: The final train stop was Y City.


    Last night, aftering back from C University, Mo Sheng went to bed early. The next morning, she woke up at around 4am because she could not sleep. She stared expressionless at the ceiling for a while, then got up and tidied up a bit before going to the train station.


    This was the first time she returned to Y City aftering back to the country.


    The train arrived on time in Y City at 11am. It was raining so it was a lot more cooler than A City. The cold winds blew, making people curl up shivering.


    Standing on the steps of the train station, her fingers drew together her flimsy clothes. Mo Sheng looked around at the city where she grew up, her heart feeling sadness as well as happiness. She did not know if this could be called homesickness.


    ¡°Miss, are you here on holidays ah, do you need somewhere to stay, the lowest rate in the city.¡±


    ¡°Miss, do you need a tour guide ah, National Holiday cheap deal¡­¡­¡±


    When she was walking across the square, she encountered many people soliciting customers. Maybe the lost expression on her face made her look like a tourist instead of a local. Mo Sheng slightly mocked herself in her heart.


    Fortunately, the location of the bus stop had not changed, and the bus route also had not changed so she could find it easily.


    Someone seemed to have said that you could take the local bus a few times to truly know a city because it will take you through all the vital ces in the city. Mo Sheng looked at the pedestrians, vehicles, streets and shops outside the bus window. Due to the drizzling rain, this Jiangnan small town looked blurry, just like her current mood.


    ¡°Qing He Vige is next, passengers who wish to get off, please get ready.¡±


    After getting off the bus, she saw many old houses. Looking back, Qing He Vige also had a history of more than ten years. Mo Sheng grew up here. She never thought that one day, she would stand on the familiar downstairs of her house and feel deste as things remained the same, but she had changed.


    This time, she hase back to look for her mother. Mo Sheng had not kept in touch with her for more than seven years so she wondered if she still lived here.


    The rain outside became heavier so Mo Sheng, dripping wet, rushed into the corridor. She knocked on the door, but nobody came to open it.


    She went out? Or had she moved out?


    She waited at the front door for over an hour, but still no one came back. The wet clothes affixed to her body, resulting in her freezing cold.


    Mo Sheng suddenly remembered something simr to this happening before when she was a child, when she ran home from school in the rain, but there was nobody at home. Hence, she waited at the front door for more than two hours before her father carrying a briefcase came back.


    She could still remember his father¡¯s very distressed look at that time, he hugged her tightly in his arms and kept on saying: ¡°Daddy is bad. Daddy is bad. Little Sheng, you can beat daddy¡¯s backside? ah!¡±


    Mo Sheng was born when her dad was approaching middle age but whenever they were together, he would behave like an old naughty boy bringing her everywhere to y, not in the slightest like the powerful and prestigeous mayor Zhao. However, he was simply too busy and had little time for his daughter. Many of Mo Sheng¡¯s ssmates were envious of her father being a government official but little Mo Sheng wrote this in her essay: My wish is for father toe back on time from work daily. There will be no uncle visiting my house and having discussions with father every day.


    But whenever there was time, her father would spoil Mo Sheng rotten,pletely unlike her mother ¡­¡­ in her memory, mother has always appeared cold and cheerless. She also rarely smiled at her daughter ¡­¡­


    6.39: ¡°Little Sheng!¡±


    A surprised shout startled Mo Sheng from recalling her memories. ¡°Aunt Huang.¡±


    The middle-aged woman standing in front was Mo Sheng¡¯s neighbour. Her husband was her father¡¯s former municipal colleague and had a close rtionship with her family.


    ¡°Little Sheng, when did youe back? Quicklye in, quicklye in. Look at you all drenched by the rain.¡± While Aunt Huang was opening the door, she greeted her.


    After wiping herself with a towel, atst she felt a lot morefortable. Mo Sheng somewhat uneasily spoke, ¡°Aunt Huang, is my mother still living here?¡±


    ¡°She is still here, otherwise where can she go? You are terrible, went aboard for so many years but no news at all, leaving your mother alone here.¡±


    It was not that she did not want to keep in touch ah. Mo Sheng felt a little sadness. Seven years ago, when she was aboard and had just learned of her father¡¯s death, she immediately called home, but her mother very calmly said to her: ¡°In future, you don¡¯t call again and also don¡¯t return home. Your father already ruined part of my life. Finally, I can live a quiet life now so I do not want to see anything rted to him.¡±


    Then, she hung up the phone. Later, when she dialed the number again, it was already disconnected. Muchter, she also found out some hidden secrets, which until now she still dared not believe from his father¡¯s old school friend, Uncle Li in USA ¡­¡­


    Mo Sheng did not answer Aunt Huang¡¯sin, ¡°Is mum doing well?¡±


    ¡°I did not hear of her having any health problem. Too bad, you¡¯vee at the wrong time. Today, she just followed the tour group organized by the localmunity to go sight-seeing and will only be back five dayster. You can stay at my house first.¡±


    Went traveling? Mo Sheng did not expect this answer. It seemed that she had been doing well. Mo Sheng dropped her eyes, gently smiled, stood up and said: ¡°Aunt Huang, I¡¯m leaving.¡±


    ¡°Not waiting for your mum toe back?¡± Aunt Huang asked in surprised.


    ¡°I am not going to wait. Actually, I just wanted to see if she is living well, and I have some things to ask her.¡± Mo Sheng paused, ¡°Now I know she is doing well, and suddenly I do not want to ask about those things anymore.¡±


    The ending was already in this way. The reason was no longer important.


    ¡°Aunt Huang, thank you. Please do not tell her I came.¡±


    Before she left, she asked Aunt Huang for her father¡¯s cemetery address. No. 157, Area A, Mount Jin Ji, seemed like a residential address arrangement.


    8.58: Since it was not Tomb Sweeping Day, there was hardly anyone on Mount Jin Ji. Mo Sheng sat beside her father¡¯s tombstone, her head resting on the stone, just like when her father was still alive and they were chatting.


    Mo Sheng chatted with her dad now: ¡°Dad, you won¡¯t be angry with me for onlying to visit you after such a long time? Actually, I¡¯ve always been reluctant toe back ¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m too weak and afraid I couldn¡¯t handle it. Because when I left, you were alive, your arms hugged me, your body radiated warmth, a lot of warmth, why are you now only a tombstone?¡±


    ¡°I always feel as long as I don¡¯t return home, it seems as if you are still alive. I can still remember the cheese biscuits you bought me before I boarded the ne ¡­¡­ At that time, you lied to me and said you let me go to USA to see if it is good or not. If it is not good, I cane back. But, I feel it is not good at all, yet I couldn¡¯te back ¡­¡­¡±


    Mo Sheng used her sleeve to wipe the photograph of a young, smiling man on the tombstone who looked a bit like Mo Sheng: ¡°Dad, was this picture taken when you were in university? Don¡¯t think by using such a young photo, you can impersonate as a young ghost.¡±


    The mountain was shrouded in a thin fog and so quiet as if the world had no sound. Mo Sheng knocked at the tombstone, ¡°Daddy, you are ignoring me.¡±


    A long silenceter, Mo Sheng¡¯s eyes gradually became hazy like the fog on the mountain. ¡°Dad, he said, ah, that is Yi Chen, you still remember him? He said we could be together again ¡­¡­ Do you think it is a good idea?¡±


    Naturally, nobody answered so after a while, Mo Sheng muttered softly: ¡°Actually, I also feel it is not a good idea. He is so outstanding and always has a lot of admirers so he can find someone better. We¡¯ve been apart for so many years and are virtual strangers now. If we get back together, there will bound to be plenty of conflicts. Very soon, he will be thoroughly disappointed with me again as he used to be disappointed with me often ¡­¡­ then if we break up once again, I do not know what will happen to me. At least, I am used to my current life without Yi Chen ¡­¡­¡±


    She could no longer continue talking anymore. After sometime, Mo Sheng said softly: ¡°Everything in my life is also going very well so you do not need to worry about me ¡­¡­ Dad, I am going.¡±


    11.16: The rain had stopped when she descended the mountain. At the foot of the mountain, she looked back at the almost disappearing mountain top, covered by darkness and mist, as if there were already two worlds.

 Chapter 4.2: Fate

    <h4>Chapter 4.2: Fate </h4>


    (tranted by peanuts and edited by lidge)


    11.25: When she got back to the city, the sky was already dark. Mo Sheng looked at the time on the mobile phone, it seemed like she could only leave tomorrow. She inquired a few hotels in the city, but all answered they were already fully booked. In the end, she found and stayed in an expensive downtown hotel. After taking a bath and drying her clothes, it was still too early to sleep so she got up and went downstairs.


    Outside of the hotel is the most bustling ce in Y City, Zhen Guan Road. Y City with its picturesque scenery is a little known tourist city. At this time, there were a lot of tourists on Zhen Guan Road. Suddenly, Mo Sheng remembered that the first time she met Yi Chen in Y City was at this busy road.


    0.31: At that time, they were already dating. However, when they were going home during their freshman year winter vacation, no matter what, Yi Chen refused to give his home phone number to her. At that moment, she was filled with disappointment and sadness. How could a girlfriend not even know her boyfriend¡¯s home phone number? Before splitting up in the train station, Mo Sheng failed to coax and pester him to get it so she panted with rage, turned around and ran away.


    However, she started to regret after running for a few steps. Why be angry? Maybe if she continued to act shamelessly, Yi Chen¡¯s heart would soften. But when she looked back, Yi Chen was no longer at the front of the train station.


    After returning home, she began to feel moody, had no appetite to eat anything and did not know what she watched on TV. Later, she also started to indulge in fantasy and would go out every day, thinking she might encounter Yi Chen.


    Then, they actually ran into each other.


    That day, it was snowing. He and Yi Mei, who she had not known yet, were walking across the street. At that time, she simply did not know how to react. To her surprise, they really ran into each other. In fact, she did not harbor any hope since there were so many people in the city¡­¡­ the next moment, she dashed across the road at lightning speed, threw herself at him and hugged him ¡­¡­


    It seemed like it was exactly under this tree, that girl wearing a furry white hat was hugging that youngster, who was embarrassed by the ambiguous stares of people passing by, and shouted excitedly: ¡°Yi Chen, I knew I¡¯ll run into you. I just knew it!¡±


    Mo Sheng closed her eyes.


    When the rtionship had be a thing of the past, the most painful were the memories, which still felt like they just happened yesterday.


    In a hurry, she took out her camera, turned towards the empty space and pressed the shutter.


    The photos that were developed were of spacious and empty roads, nobody walked past, just nk space.


    2.13: After the holiday, Mo Sheng became more busy at work.


    Only Xiao Hong was very free. She had just recently finished a column and was in an idle period. She hanged around Mo Sheng¡¯s office every day, worrying about her marriage prospect.


    ¡°Ah Sheng, you cannot afford to waste anymore time like this. You need to know that time is youth and beauty. When you find a man, it is like saving society. In a few more years, it would be toote for the woman and it is like ughtering the man, furthermore ¡­¡­¡± Xiao Hong mysteriously whispered, ¡°It would be in line with the rule of psychology, Ah Sheng, don¡¯t you want to sleep in a man¡¯s warm embrace at night?¡±


    ¡°Xiao Hong, you ¡­¡­ dreamed that kind of dream again yesterday?¡±


    ¡°Sometimes only!¡± She pretended to be shy, blushed, lowered her head and swayed her body. After a while, she became serious, ¡°Ah Sheng, you finally are back to normal now. Before, you acted like you were about to be robbed.¡±


    Xiao Hong¡¯s ridiculous analogy caused Mo Sheng tough.


    As long as you don¡¯t think about it, superficial happiness was really very easy. Laughing and joking with colleagues, people would think she was happy. Gradually, she would believe she was happy too.


    She did not want to talk about this anymore so Mo Sheng looked at the clock on the wall. It was already ten o¡¯clock, ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go to the meeting.¡±


    Today¡¯s meeting was the quarterly meeting.


    The magazine publisher where Mo Sheng worked is quite big. In addition to ¡°Xiu Se (Elegant Color)¡±, a well-known women¡¯s magazine, the publisher also published a lifestyle weekly magazine. Otherwise, it would not be able to afford to employ two photographers.


    ¡°Xiu Se¡± is considered a popr brand in the women¡¯s magazine market. Sales have always been number one among simr type of magazines. Although sales still remained at number one in the previous quarter, the market share had been decreasing every month.


    After the editor gave positive feedback on the quarterly results of various departments, she mentioned the main topic, which would be to add a new column.


    ¡°If our magazine wants to distinguish itself, we need to have something different. There are so many simr types of magazines in the market now. Most of the contents are repeated such as beauty, fashion, gourmet, rtionship and life. Besides all these, what else can we do?¡±


    The editor looked at everyone and said: ¡°Or I should ask it this way, what else can attract women?¡±


    4.06: ¡°I know.¡± Xiao Hong raised her hand and said, ¡°Men.¡±


    Everyone immediately started tough.


    The editor nodded her head earnestly: ¡°Although Xiao Hong usually seems very careless, she is actually very sharp.¡± The editor no longer kept everyone in suspense and turned on the slides. On the screen was the theme ¡°Elite Men.¡±


    Everyone started to mutter.


    ¡°We publish women¡¯s magazines so will it be very strange to write a special topic on men?¡± A colleague questioned about this.


    ¡°I am sure everyone have heard of the old adage ¡°opposites attract¡±. The men¡¯s magazines use women on their covers, why can¡¯t women¡¯s magazines write about men?¡± The editor asked in reply.


    After everyone discussed for a while, the editor said: ¡°Anyway, market sales is what matters in the end. Hence, let¡¯s temporarily do four specials to assess the responses from readers to decide whether to continue with it. Let¡¯s hear everyone¡¯s opinions.¡±


    ¡°What about the candidates?¡±


    ¡°I have already chosen four candidates. I¡¯ll talk about them now so let me know what everyone thinks.¡± When the editor clicked the mouse, photographs of four young men appeared on the screen, ¡°Our choice of candidates would not be those beyond our reach such as sons from influential families and highly eligible bachelors but elites from different professions with good reputation. They are young, outstanding men, and the crucial point is they must be handsome and single.¡±


    ¡°Is that the recent award-winning architect?¡±


    ¡°Yes, correct, the one on the left seems very familiar.¡±


    Everyone were pointing here and there. Suddenly, Mo Sheng saw a familiar silhouette at the upper right corner of the screen. How could it be him?


    ¡°Hey, isn¡¯t the one in the upper right cornerwyer He Yi Chen, who is a guest host of that TV program ¡®Legal Time¡¯?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s him.¡± The editor nodded her head, ¡°Those who watch the local channel should know that he is one of the guest hosts since this program has pretty good ratings.¡±


    ¡°I propose to put him in the first special.¡± Senior staff Li suggested, ¡°He is already on television so he is rtively well-known and can easily be an overnight sess.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I think he has won a very high profile majormercialwsuit in the province recently, very good selling point.¡± Someone immediately agreed.


    ¡°I think being high profile is not the crucial point, the important point is that his appearance is a lot more outstandingpared to the other three. Hence, it should attract the attention of female readers.¡±


    The editor nodded her head: ¡°I think so too.¡±


    ¡°Really, so awesome meh?¡± Mo Sheng heard the newly hired, fresh graduate Xiao Xu sitting behind her muttered in a low voice.


    6.09: ¡°Are you jealous, little kid?¡± Editor Huang, who sat next to him,ughed and said, ¡°There is no use being jealous since those people may be able to earn more in an hourpared to what we can earn in a month. I have a friend who also works in the legal profession. It is said thiswyer gets as much as this for one case.¡± Editor Huang put up two fingers.


    Xiao Xu guessed: ¡°Twenty thousands?¡±


    He shook his head.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me two hundred thousands?¡±


    Editor Huang sneered: ¡°Multiply by ten.¡±


    Xiao Xu sucked in a mouthful of cold air and kept quiet.


    Basically, the new column was confirmed, but the key question now was who would be in charge as the editor looked around the meeting room: ¡°Who wants to take charge of this new special topic?¡±


    The meeting room was quiet as everyone was a little eager to try, yet they were also a little hesitant so nobody said anything at the moment.


    ¡°I will do it.¡±


    The clear-cut and firm voice belonged to a beautiful but cold woman in the magazine publisher called Tao Yi Jing. Pretty face, ideal body and lofty self-esteem, she asserted her wish clearly: ¡°Editor, I would like to do this special topic. The work I¡¯ve on hand ising to an end so I will have the energy to make an all-out effort. In addition, I have another advantage, which is that I graduated from C University, simr towyer He Yi Chen and architect Kang Jia Nian. Thus, I believe we will have something inmon to talk about. Moreover, I have metwyer He Yi Chen once before¡­¡­¡±


    Met once before? Mo Sheng looked up and coincidentally saw a rare hint of a blush on the face of the beauty who had always been ice cold. She could not help feeling despondent and unexpectedly, a sour feeling bubbled forth in her heart.


    ¡°C University graduates, big deal ah.¡± Mei Jie, who was sitting beside Mo Sheng, muttered resentfully at once. She had always been on bad term with Tao Yi Jing so she encouraged Xiao Hong, ¡°Xiao Hong, why don¡¯t you do it? Why let this type of person show off?¡±


    Perhaps she was too aloof and liked to steal other people¡¯s thunder, Tao Yi Jing was not well liked by colleagues in the office. Many of the colleagues, whether intentionally or unintentionally, isted her, but Xiao Hong and Mo Sheng never joined in. At the moment, Xiao Hong jokingly declined: ¡°No way, my boyfriend will suspect I want to betray him.¡± She took a look at the photos of those handsome men, ¡°Hey, why do I feel that handsome guy He look very familiar? Mo Sheng, don¡®t you think so?¡±


    Mo Sheng reluctantly smiled: ¡°All the handsome guys in the world look familiar to you.¡±


    While the discussion was happening, the editor already decided on Tao Yi Jing: ¡°Yi Jing, I¡¯ll give this assignment to you, and I believe you will be able toplete it sessfully. Haha, I don¡¯t know if this can be considered a honey trap.¡± The editor started to joke.


    Everyone roared inughter, and a male colleague teased: ¡°If our Tao beauty can get involved with awyer, maybe ourpany can save onwyer fees in the future.¡±


    8.09: ¡°Ah Sheng ¡­¡­ Ah Sheng?¡± The editor called her.


    ¡°Ah, what?¡±


    ¡°The photography part of this special topic should be quiet rxing so you allocate some time and try as much as possible to amodate Yi Jing.¡±


    Mo Sheng was startled, but all of a sudden, she was unable to find a good excuse to decline the job. Hence, she could only nod her head and agree first, then will exchange the assignment privately with Lao Baiter.


    It would probably be inappropriate for her to appear in front of him.


    Currently, Mo Sheng and Tao Yi Jing were working together on a column called ¡°White-Cor Apartment.¡± It began with introducing the living environment of single white-cor workers and their views on life. Mo Sheng was responsible for the photography, and Tao Yi Jing was responsible for the writing. After finishing work in the morning, Tao Yi Jing said: ¡°Let¡¯s eat lunch together, but I have an appointment with a friend so you don¡¯t mind, right?¡±


    ¡°Since you are meeting with your friend, I better go back first.¡± Mo Sheng felt a bit awkward.


    ¡°It does not matter. If you go back alone, our transport reimbursement is difficult to calcte.¡±


    Since Tao Yi Jing said it like that, Mo Sheng could only nod her head.


    After arriving at the restaurant, she only found out that Tao Yi Jing had an appointment with a person called Ge Li, the hostess of ¡°Legal Time¡±.


    ¡°Senior sister, this is my colleague Zhao Mo Sheng, a photographer. She will be responsible for the photography part of the interview. Ah Sheng, this is my senior sister in the journalism faculty in C University called Ge Li, who is now the hostess of ¡®Legal Time¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Hello.¡± Ge Li nodded her head gracefully.


    ¡°Hello.¡± Mo Sheng returned her greeting. She had the impulse to leave as the world was really small.


    Ge Li was a typical officedy with stylish dressing, elegant manner and always smiling politely while talking, just like a hostess. After chatting for a while, they started to talk about the main topic: ¡°Yi Jing, you told me yourpany wants to interview He Yi Chen?¡±


    Tao Yi Jing nodded her head: ¡°Yes, senior sister, can you pull some strings?¡±


    ¡°Pull strings? Why do you need me to do that since you already know each other, right?¡±


    ¡°But that was a few years ago when we hosted a wee party together. Then he graduated so he probably cannot even remember my name now.¡± There was a sh of disappointment in her eyes. Mo Sheng looked at her depressed expression, and her heart was moved.


    ¡°You can¡¯t be too sure as normally people have a deeper impression of beautiful women ah.¡± Ge Li said mischievously.


    ¡°Senior sister!¡± Tao Yi Jing was displeased and asked, ¡°Are you helping or not?¡±


    ¡°I will help.¡± Ge Li gave an ambiguous smile, ¡°He Yi Chen does not have a girlfriend so you should make good use of this opportunity, don¡¯t let one¡¯s own fertile water flow into others¡¯ fields. This is truly a gold turtle (rich husband). Moreover, I guarantee his character is really good.¡±


    ¡°Senior sister! You shouldn¡¯t talk nonsense in front of my colleague!¡±


    ¡°Okay, I won¡®t say anymore.¡± Ge Li now remembered that there was someone else around, ¡°Miss Zhao, please don¡¯t mind us as we always joke around like this.¡±


    ¡°Ah, it is all right.¡± Mo Sheng smiled faintly, lowered her head and stirred her coffee.


    ¡°Yi Jing, why did yourpany want to do this special topic?¡±


    ¡°Senior sister, if the magazine introduces a young talent who graduated from a prestigious university with a sessful career and handsome appearance, will you buy it to have a look?¡±


    ¡°Of course, I will buy it behind my husband¡¯s back.¡± Ge Liughed out loud, ¡°But Yi Jing, ording to He Yi Chen¡¯s character, he probably wouldn¡¯t want to appear in a women¡¯s magazine. You may not be aware that I used a lot of effort to invite him to be a guest host.¡± Suddenly, she paused for a while and was a little hesitant, ¡°But it may not be like that, maybe ¡­¡­ he is willing to stand in a prominent spot.¡± She said with uncertainty.


    10.34: Suddenly, Mo Sheng stopped stirring her coffee. Tao Yi Jing looked at her and asked Ge Li: ¡°Senior sister, then how did you convince him?¡±


    ¡°How ah ¡­¡­¡±


    Ge Li remembered two years ago when she first met a youngwyer He, who had just made a name for himself in the legal profession. When she suggested to him of her intention to cooperate with him, that youngwyer, who always looked cool-headed, seemed a little distracted. She vaguely heard him ask: ¡°Does this count as standing in a prominent spot?¡±


    Later, once, he asked her about the ratings, which made her feel that this youngwyer was not as reserved and low-key as what others have said. She told him in a rxed manner that it performed fairly well inparison with simr programs.


    Then, she heard him talking to himself in a low voice: ¡°That means a lot of people are watching ¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes ah, a lot of people are watching it.¡± The number of times he repeated this at that time, thinking about it now, maybe thiswyer also liked public attention?


    ¡°Maybe he will agree. I will help you to ask him.¡± In the end, Ge Li said.


    They could not get a taxi at the ce they ate so they had to walk pass a square. At this time, there were many people in the square, especially many sellers promoting their products.


    Tao Yi Jing noticed Mo Sheng had slowed down her pace so she could not help but urged: ¡°Walk faster as it is time to start work soon.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    Seeing that the expression in her eyes was a bit erratic, Tao Yi Jing could not help but asked: ¡°What are you thinking about?¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°He also asked why.¡± Mo Sheng smiled sadly, ¡°I replied, since I couldn¡¯t find you, all I could do was stand in an eye-catching spot to let you find me.¡±


    Did Yi Chen make an appearance on television in the hope that she would see him and look for him? This time, the position was reversed and he was the one standing in a prominent spot?


    Or she has a vivid imagination?


    ¡°Was he someone you liked?¡± Tao Yi Jing asked.


    Mo Sheng did not answer, and a long timeter, Tao Yi Jing seemed to hear Mo Sheng said: ¡°¡­¡­ Someone I like very much.¡±

 Chapter 5: Reminiscence

    <h4>Chapter 5: Reminiscence </h4>


    (tranted by peanuts and edited by lidge)


    0.31: For the next few days, Mo Sheng continuously traveled to take pictures so she did not hear anything more about the interview with Tao Yi Jing. She already spoke to Lao Bai to change jobs so she would not have anything to do with it anymore.


    The shootingpleted rtively smoothly that day. Thus, Mo Sheng returned to the office rather early. When she was washing her hands in the toilet, she was pulled aside by Ah Mei and several female colleagues to gossip.


    ¡°Ah Sheng, your elite men¡¯s interviews might not go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Tao Yi Jing did not even get to meet her famous subject and was rejected immediately. She is made aughing stock now. Initially, she talked with so much arrogance but is now humiliated.¡± Ah Mei¡¯s tone sounded a little like she was rejoicing in other people¡¯s misfortune.


    ¡°Yes ah, I heard she called thew firm, but it was answered by his assistant, who gave the excuse thatwyer He is sick.¡±


    ¡°Sick?¡± Initially, Mo Sheng was about to walk out, but when she heard this, she stopped walking, ¡°Is it true?¡±


    ¡°It is certainly false. I saw him on a TV program yesterday.¡±


    Such program was usually recorded in advance. So was Yi Chen really sick?


    She still felt uneasy while sitting in the office. Then, sheughed at herself. Zhao Mo Sheng, in what capacity can you show concern for him now? Mo Sheng ridiculed herself over and over.


    ¡°Ah Sheng, your call!¡± Lao Bai transferred the call to her, ¡°This person seems to have called twice in the morning.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll answer it.¡± Mo Sheng picked up the phone: ¡°Hello, how are you?¡±


    ¡°Are you Zhao Mo Sheng?¡± The gentle voice of a man echoed from the other end of the phone, ¡°I am Xiang Heng.¡±


    1.37: She met with Xiang Heng in a cafe called ¡®Silent World¡¯ which is situated in the eastern side of the city.


    After briefly greeting each other, Xiang Heng said: ¡°It is not easy to look for you, but luckily Yi Chen mentioned you work as a photographer in a magazine publisher.¡±


    Seeing Mo Sheng looking at him with a stunned face, Xiang Heng smiled: ¡°What kind of expression is that? Is it very strange for Yi Chen to mention you? Actually, Yi Chen did not say anything, but it was Lao Yuan, a middle-aged gossipy man. Hence, a bit of information was dug up¡­¡­¡± For some reason, Xiang Heng became ufortable.


    The waiter came and handed them the menu.


    After ordering drinks, Xiang Heng started to talk about the main topic: ¡°You probably feel very strange that I asked you toe out.¡±


    Indeed, very strange. Although Mo Sheng knew this elegant and polite man in front of her, he was not a close friend. For a very long time, her impression of him was just as ¡°Yi Chen¡¯s roommate.¡± She did not even remember his name clearly. Until one day, she followed people from his dormitory to eat hot pot. It was a must to bring a partner to the gathering. In the end, only Xiang Heng came alone. There was a person who teased him by saying: ¡°Xiang Heng, even He Yi Chen is taken, how long do you want to remain single?¡±


    Xiang Heng sighed and said: ¡°It is easy for you to say, but where do I find a courageous and indomitable Zhao Mo Sheng to take me?¡± Xiang Heng nced at Mo Sheng and said it in jest.


    Unfortunately, Yi Chen made the situation worse by saying: ¡°If you want, then I will give her to you so my life can be more quiet.¡±


    She was sitting beside him and felt sorry for herself. She did not even say anything, yet a disaster descended from heaven (unexpected adversity). This group of people was from the Faculty of Law, all of them infamous for their poisonous tongues.


    Thereafter, she remembered Xiang Heng.


    3.06: Seeing Mo Sheng a little dazed, Xiang Heng suddenly spoke: ¡°Actually, I have always been puzzled, why you could be Yi Chen¡¯s girlfriend during university. You should know back then, there were many girls who were prettier, smarter and more outstanding than you that also liked Yi Chen.¡±


    Mo Sheng did not know why he suddenly mentioned about the past so she remained quiet and listened to what else he had to say.


    He started to reminiscence: ¡°At that time, one of the entertainment in our dormitory was gambling on which girl will eventually be able to get Yi Chen. One night after the lights were off, we started to gamble noisily again. Someone bet on one of the prettiest girls in our faculty. Someone else bet on a talented girl who took part in the debatepetition with He Yi Chen, and I think I bet on a girl from the Faculty of Foreign Languages.¡±


    He smiled and recalled the frivolous days of being young: ¡°Yi Chen always implemented a ¡®three don¡¯ts¡¯ policy on this kind of activity, which were ¡®don¡¯t approve, don¡¯t pay attention and don¡¯t participate.¡¯ He would read his books, sleep and let us make jokes and noise. However, one time, after we have put our bets, he suddenly said ¨C ¡® I bet on Zhao Mo Sheng,''¡± Xiang Heng looked at her, ¡°That was the first time I heard your name.¡±


    That was the reason why afterwards, someone started to spread around that she was his girlfriend. Yi Chen never mentioned this.


    ¡°You can imagine how curious we were about you. Later, we were even more surprised when we met you. Yi Chen always had a steadiness and calmness beyond his age. In our impression, his girlfriend should also be mature and sensible, but you¡­..¡± Xiang Heng said implicitly, ¡°were not what we expected.¡±


    ¡°Honestly speaking, in the beginning I was not optimistic about your rtionship, but gradually Yi Chen was just like any normal twenty years old big boy. He often was mad because of you. He also could be so happy and would do what we asked and washed everyone¡¯s clothes in the dormitory. Hmmm, that happened on his birthday ¡­¡­¡±


    This kind of thing happened on Yi Chen? So unbelievable.


    4.34: On the day of his birthday, she searched throughout the city yet she could not find a satisfactory birthday gift to buy. As a result, she could only appear at ten something that night, looking dead tired at the downstairs of his dormitory to wish him happy birthday empty-handed.


    Yi Chen asked her with a straight face: ¡°Where did you go today? Where is my present?¡±


    Naturally, she could not produce a present. Yi Chen fiercely red at her for a long time and finally said in defeat: ¡°Forget about it. Close your eyes!¡±


    She closed her eyes. Then, he bent his head down and kissed her. It was their first kiss.


    She could still remember after she opened her eyes, she foolishly asked him: ¡°Yi Chen, today is not to celebrate my birthday.¡±


    Mo Sheng¡¯s hand holding the coffee cup shook a bit, and she put it back on the table.


    Why did this man want to mention so many things of the past? Could he stop talking ah?


    ¡°The matter you said I need to know is this?¡± She interrupted him.


    Xiang Heng paused, his face pale. He looked at her for a long while, slowly shook his head and said: ¡°Zhao Mo Sheng, you are really cruel.¡±


    Yes, ah, she can be cruel to everyone.


    Xiang Heng didn¡®t say anything anymore. He took out a pen and paper to write two lines then handed it to her. Mo Sheng took the paper with the name of a hospital and ward number written on it.


    What¡¯s this?


    ¡°With his working style, premature death is not surprising, not to mention the ¡®unimportant¡¯ stomach bleeding.¡± Xiang Heng¡¯s voice was always mild and gentle but now turned cold, ¡°I¡¯ve given you the address of the hospital. Whether to go or not is your business. I do not know what happened between both of you, but Zhao Mo Sheng!¡± His voice was full of condemnation, ¡°A person cannot be too selfish!¡±


    5.55: After he finished talking, he paid the bill and left. Mo Sheng sat there, shocked by this piece of news. She tightly squashed the piece of paper in her hand into a ball. Although her fingernails were not long, it was still quite painful when they pierced into the flesh, but she was not aware. Stomach bleeding, hospital, Yi Chen ¡­¡­ because of her ah? Indeed, because of her?


    The coffee was already cold. Mo Sheng pushed open the door of the cafe, and she did not know when it started to rain outside. How could it rain at this timeh? In particr, it was a heavy downpour.


    Surprisingly, she managed to g down a taxi easily. The driver was someone too enthusiastic. After hearing where she wanted to go, he began to constantly ask questions.


    ¡°Miss, is your friend sick?¡±


    ¡°Miss, are you still studying or working?¡±


    ¡°Miss ¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Miss ¡­¡­¡±


    Mo Sheng replied ¡°ah¡± and ¡°oh¡± and looked out the taxi¡¯s window. What the driver said fell on deaf ears since she did not pay attention. The outside scenery one by one shed before her eyes, but she did not see anything. Surprisingly, there was no red traffic light along the way so she arrived at the hospital very quickly. She also found Yi Chen¡®s ward very easily. When she was standing in front of the door, her hands felt very heavy, she could not lift her hands to knock.


    But should she leave? Her legs also felt very heavy, she could not lift her legs to move.


    There was one moment, she actually thought she would stand there forever, dare not get close but also could not bear to leave. Even when the universe is flooded, the seas run dry and the stones go soft (until the end of time), she would forever stand outside his door.


    But how could there be a forever? If it was meant toe, it would eventuallye, no matter what a person would do to avoid it. The door was pulled open from inside, but she was not able to dodge on time so she stood facing that person.


    Yi Mei.


    7.37: There are people we are destined to meet, moreover the reasons are always the same, such as Yi Mei and her.


    Later, Mo Sheng always wondered, how did this gentle as water and exquisite as poetry girl feel when the man she loved introduced her to others, ¡°This is my little sister¡±? At that time, she was thick-skinned and introduced herself, ¡°I am your brother¡¯s girlfriend¡±. Yi Chen did not refute it so how painful it must have been for her.


    She saw her and actually smiled gently at her. How much unknown sorrow and grief behind that smile?


    Hey! Yi Mei, Yi Mei, long time no see.


    ¡°Mo Sheng, finally meeting you again.¡±


    Yes ah, finally.


    ¡°Are you here to visit Yi Chen ah?¡± Yi Mei asked, ¡°He just fell asleep. If you have time, can you apany me to his house? I want to help him get some daily necessities.¡±


    Mo Sheng hesitated for a moment, then nodded her head: ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°He ¡­¡­ is alright?¡±


    ¡°Yes. The doctor said all will be well, as long as there is plenty of rest and to pay attention to his diet.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Mo Sheng said in a low voice.


    They talked about their current situations while on the way to Yi Chen¡¯s house. Yi Mei said: ¡°Actually, I wanted to look for you earlier, but suddenly mypany sent me traveling so I have been very busy. It is not easy for me to make a trip back, but Yi Chen suddenly fell ill. Aiya, I finally experience the suffering of a career woman.¡±


    Mo Sheng said: ¡°I did not expect you to be a sessful career woman.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡®t you also the same? At that time, you would use your camera to simply take pictures of anything. I did not expect you to be a photographer.¡±


    Mo Sheng started tough: ¡°I still simply take pictures of anything now.¡±


    9.05: Yi Mei alsoughed: ¡°If your boss heard what you said, she will be angry ¡­¡­ We have arrived, it is right here.¡± She stopped walking and took out the keys to open the door. Mo Sheng also stopped for a moment and followed her inside.


    Yi Chen¡¯s home was located on the 12th floor of a premium residential area in the western side of the city. The house was very big but looked very empty. There were no unnecessary things but only a few open magazines on the coffee table, which made it look like someone was staying here.


    ¡°In recent years, everyone is busy so we only asionally get together.¡± Yi Mei talked while packing his things. When she opened the refrigerator, she helplessly shook her head, ¡°There is really nothing inside. He is probably the most incapable person to take care of himself in the world. Thest time I came, I actually saw him eating instant noodles. That was thest straw so I dragged him to the supermarket, but I did not expect to meet you there.¡±


    Yi Chen had always been like this. How would Mo Sheng not knowh? He always had something even more important to do than eating. The only way to deal with this type of people would be: ¡°You don¡¯t eat, I also won¡¯t eat.¡±


    ¡°Oh, yes.¡± Yi Mei suddenly said, ¡°I¡¯m getting married soon, do you know? The groom is my supervisor, the story is like Cindere.¡±


    Mo Sheng was stunned and stared at her: ¡°You are getting married?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am getting married.¡± She smiled, nodded her head andmented, ¡°In the past, I was ignorant to say those words to you. Afterwards, I only found out there are some things we cannot fight for. Regarding Yi Chen, I¡®ve long given up hope.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    10.23: ¡°Probably because I cannot wait as long as him. He can continue to wait year after year in an almost hopeless situation, whereas I cannot.¡± Yi Mei was silent for a moment then said, ¡°About three or four years ago, when Yi Chen won a big case, I went to celebrate with a few of his colleagues. He was drunk so I sent him back. When I helped him to clean after he vomited, he suddenly hugged me and kept asking, ¡®Why won¡¯t youe back? I am prepared to abandon everything, why do you still refuse toe back?''¡±


    Yi Mei paused with a bitter smile: ¡°If those words were not enough to let me give up hope¡­¡­ youe with me.¡±


    She took Mo Sheng into the study room, simply picked out a book, turned to a certain page and handed it to her: ¡°This is something I¡¯ve stumbled upon, not only in this book ¡­¡­¡±


    Mo Sheng stared at the poem written messily on the page of a book. From the illegible handwriting, it was possible to imagine that the mood of the person at the time of writing must be very irritable and dejected.


    After the book was closed, she no longer paid attention to what Yi Mei was still saying.


    In her mind, the melodious andughing voice of a young girl seemed to travel from a distant time and space. ¡°He Yi Chen, you still do not know my name! I am called Zhao Mo Sheng. Mo means silent and is a type of musical instrument (free reed mouth organ, with wooden pipes stuck into a gourd). My name even has an origin. Ites from poem ¡­¡­ ¡±


    11.46: ¡°When we were young, Yi Chen¡¯s mother often carried me and said it would be good if she had a daughter while my mum beside her would say do you want to exchange the two kids. From young, Yi Chen had always been smart and sensible. My mother probably likes him more than me.¡± On the way back to the hospital, Yi Mei talked about past events, ¡°Until now, I can still remember how auntie looked like, unfortunately ¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­ How did his parents die?¡±


    Yi Mei shook her head and said: ¡°I don¡¯t really know since I was only nine years old at that time. I think it was an ident, uncle slipped and fell from the fourth floor. Auntie¡¯s health was always poor so due to excessive grieving, she also passed away not longter.¡± Yi Mei seemed to have thought of something, paused for a while then said, ¡°I heard my mum unintentionally mentioning it once that after auntie¡¯s death, it was found she did not take the medicine in the drawer that she needed to take. Hence, it can also be considered suicide.¡±


    ¡°Suicide?!¡± Mo Sheng was astonished. At that time, Yi Chen was only ten years old so how could she have had the heart to do it!?


    12.30: Yi Mei nodded her head:. ¡°Auntie probably loved uncle very much.¡± She seemed to be thinking and continued to talk, ¡°Actually, Yi Chen is very simr to auntie ¡­¡­¡±


    While talking, they reached the hospital. They met the nurse, who knew Yi Mei, at the hallway and she kindly said to her: ¡°Your boyfriend just changed his IV and is sleeping again.¡±


    Yi Mei thanked her and exined smilingly: ¡°He is my brother.¡±


    When they were at the door, Yi Mei suddenly gave everything in her hands to Mo Sheng: ¡°You take them in so I won¡¯t go in.¡±


    There were not many things, yet Mo Sheng felt these things in her hands were too heavy for her to hold.


    ¡°Mo Sheng.¡± Yi Mei said, ¡°I did not lose to you, but I lost to him.¡±


    Mo Sheng saw her gradually walking away, but she was unable to say anything to make her stay.

 Chapter 6.1: Separation

    <h4>Chapter 6.1: Separation </h4>


    (tranted by peanuts and edited by lidge)


    0.31: The door was not locked so Mo Sheng pushed it open. This was a double room. There was an empty bed and Yi Chen¡¯s bed was near the window. The sound of the opening of the door did not wake him up. He was hooked to an IV and still sleeping.


    Her heart seemed to be entangled by an invisible string. Step by step, she approached him, and that string little by little tightened.


    Hey on the bed, his face looked pale and thin. While sleeping, he even had a frown. After meeting him again, she had not actually taken a good look at his appearance, and now she finally could. Her fingers unconsciously touched his wrinkled brows then brushed across his eyshes. She could imagine if the owner was awake, this pair of eyes would certainly be cold and detached and sometimes slightly mocking.


    Finally, the fingers stopped at the slightly pale lips. It was said that most of the people with this kind of lips are fickle in love. Yi Chen Yi Chen, why aren¡¯t you like that? Don¡¯t you understand that we could not return to the past. Seven years, everything has changed ¡­¡­


    Before she realized what she was doing, her lips reced her fingers. Her lips still cold from the outside air, but his lips were unexpectedly warm. The warmness unexpectedly made her sad. Then, her tears without reason dropped one by one, and she could not control them.


    Until her wrist was harshly grabbed by someone.


    Yi Chen!


    Has he waken up?


    Mo Sheng¡¯s mind immediately became nk. Her eyes were blurred by the tears so she couldn¡¯t see his face properly, but she could still hear his angry voice.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Yi Chen asked with his gritted teeth, ¡°Zhao Mo Sheng, what do you actually want!¡±


    ¡°I ¡­¡­¡± She gaped and was tongue-tied, all her thoughts flew away from the brain. For some time, she did not know what to do and could only look at his fuzzy appearance. She felt the strength that was grasping her wrist was getting stronger, as if anxious to crush her wrist, only then would he be satisfied. She tried to control her tears, but they were beyond her control. Instead, more tears dropped more rapidly.


    2.27: How could it be like this? She could clearly hear the things that she once held dear in her heart were in the process of being shattered. This kind of shattering sound made her feel afraid and panicked. Yi Chen¡¯s aggressive voice made her scared. She did not know what she was doing. Didn¡¯t she want topletely cut off the past including her connection with him? Then, what was she doing just a moment ago? She was totally confused.


    Escape! When this idea came out, it immediately dictated her action. She did not know where she produced so much strength to unexpectedly break free of his grasp and ran toward the door.


    Yi Chen said in a stern voice: ¡°Zhao Mo Sheng, you dare to go!¡±


    Damn it!


    Yi Chen looked at her pulling open the door so he abruptly pulled out the intravenous infusion drip in his left hand and got out of bed to stop her. However, he was still sick, had been resting on the bed for too long and his footsteps were far too anxious. Hence, he stumbled and felt down awkwardly at the bedside.


    All these, Mo Sheng naturally did not know.


    She nkly followed a group of people into the elevator. The people in the elevator nced at her, but they were ustomed to seeing this so they lowered their heads absorbed in their own thoughts. This hospital is used to witnessing life and death incidents on a daily basis so one or two people with cheeks streaming with tears on their face are really verymon.


    After getting out of the elevator, the noisy sounds in the lounge all of a sudden filled her ears. In the midst of peopleing and going, Mo Sheng suddenly did not know where to go.


    Where could she go?


    Didn¡¯t she already know, although the world is big, there was not a ce that didn¡¯t have Yi Chen.


    3.54: ¡°Lawyer He?¡± Mei Ting was surprised to see the man appear at the door, ¡°Lawyer He, aren¡¯t you in the hospital ah?¡±


    ¡°I was discharged this morning. Mei Ting, take the information on the ANASpany case to my officeter.¡± Yi Chen said that while walking, ¡°Were there any important messages in these few days?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Mei Ting immediately flipped through her notes to report a few important messages, then hesitated for a moment and said: ¡°Lawyer He, a female reporter from ¡°Xiu Se¡± called several times and said she wants to do an interview with you. She also personally came to the office once. She said that she is your alumna so do you want to return her call?¡±


    When Yi Chen heard ¡°Xiu Se¡± being mentioned, his eyes shed slightly, then stayed calm again. ¡°No, if she calls again, just reject her directly.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Mei Ting nodded her head. Finally, she felt thewyer He who deals with matters efficiently and never sloppy has returned.


    After Xiang Heng came back from the prosecutor¡¯s office, he directly went into Yi Chen¡¯s office and saw him engrossed in his work. He simply did not know what to say.


    ¡°I did not believe what Mei Ting told me so can you exin what is going on?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Yi Chen looked up at him from the file he was reviewing. His face was still a little pale, but his eyes were clear and lively.


    ¡°Don¡¯t act dumb with me. I remember you are only allowed to be discharged from the hospital the day after tomorrow. May I ask why are you here now?¡±


    ¡°I left the hospital early.¡±


    Xiang Heng stroke his head. Although he was awyer, he had to admit it is difficult to speak with awyer, as replying like this was the same as not replying: ¡°Don¡¯t you want to live anymore? Thew firm will not copse without you.¡±


    ¡°That may not necessary be true.¡± Yi Chen flipped through the documents in his hands, ¡°I remember Lao Yuan and you are not good in this aspect.¡±


    Xiang Heng snorted: ¡°No matter how bad we may be, we will also not fail at the negotiating table.¡±


    ¡°Xiang Heng.¡± Yi Chen leaned back in his chair and looked at his good friend somewhat helplessly, ¡°I will not treat my health as a joke.¡±


    ¡°Under normal circumstances, you will not ¡­¡­¡± Xiang Heng looked at him and directly asked, ¡°She visited?¡±


    The emotion in Yi Chen¡¯s eyes darkened, and he did not answer but asked: ¡°Did you look for her?¡±


    Xiang Heng nodded his head, looked at Yi Chen¡¯s facial expression and sighed: ¡°It seems that my action has backfired.¡±


    ¡°No, I want to thank you.¡± Yi Chen said dismissively, ¡°If not for her giving me a heavy blow, how could I bepletely clear-headed?¡±


    ¡°You ¡­¡­¡± Xiang Heng gaped and did not know what to say again.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± Yi Chen looked at him with a calm face, ¡°Our rtionship haspletely ended. No, it should be said, my own wishful thinking ispletely over.¡±


    6.15: At eleven o¡¯clock at night, after Yi Chen parked the car, he walked into the elevator with his mind still thinking about the details of the negotiations on the day after tomorrow. Nowadays, he did not seem to be able toe back before ten o¡¯clock because he had to prepare for several cases on hand at the same time so he was busy everyday until his eyes blurred from the amount of work. Xiang Heng had given up on persuading him whereas Lao Yuan always cheerfully counted how much the revenue for the quarter would increase by. Heughed happily and said he wanted to prepare the best coffin for Yi Chen.


    In fact, he was extremely tired, but he desperately needed to keep himself busy.


    The elevator arrived on the twelve floor. Yi Chen walked out of the elevator and took out his keys, ready to open the door. When he saw the person in front of his door, his action froze instantly.


    She wore a thin sweater, hugging her knees and sitting on his doorstep. Her chin was resting on her knees, and her eyes stared fixedly at the floor.


    She looked up when she heard the sound of footsteps. She appeared even more haggard than the patient, a bit thinner and with a sharper chin. The instant she saw him, her already big eyes seemed flustered, like a person in some kind of difficulty and desperate.


    Nobody spoke. Yi Chen stood still for three seconds, then moved forward to walk past her.


    He steadily opened the door, went in and turned his hand over to close the door.


    But there was no sound of the door being closed. Instead, his sleeve was being tightly gripped by her.


    ¡°Yi Chen.¡± He heard her low and muffled voice, like the whimpering of a little animal, both also pitiful , ¡°Do you still want me?¡±


    Did she know what she was saying?! Yi Chen could only turn around and red at her fiercely, his expression seemed like he had seen a ghost. Although her voice was soft, in such a quiet night so how was it possible that he could not understand? He tried hard to regain his sanity and wanted to pull back his sleeve, but she stubbornly hanged onto it.


    A very familiar shameless gesture ah. Yi Chen realised he actually shamefully missed it.


    8.19: ¡°Let go.¡±


    Perhaps his voice was too harsh, even her hands trembled a little. Then, slowly one finger by one finger, she slowly loosened her grip on his sleeve.


    Yi Chen could not see her expression because her head was bowed down, but her grievance and sad appearance actually emerged in his mind at this very moment.


    Every expressions were vivid in his mind, so clear that the next moment he would be soft-hearted.


    Yi Chen ignored her and walked straight to the balcony. The cold night air sobered him up a lot. She always had the ability to disrupt his life, before in this way and even more so now. Therefore, he had to be even more calm, otherwise he was bound to be utterly defeated.


    He walked back into the living room, but she was still curled up outside the door. ¡°Come in.¡± His voice had recovered its calmness, ¡°What do you want to drink? I only have beer and pure water here.¡± He remembered her favorite drinks were colorful ones.


    Mo Sheng shook her head.


    Yi Chen did not insist and sat down on the sofa, like an owner who was entertaining a guest: ¡°Why did youe to look for me?¡±


    Mo Sheng did not expect him to act in such a polite and unfamiliar manner so she somehow did not know what to do: ¡°I, I went to the hospital today. The doctor said you have already left the hospital ¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯vee to visit a patient, then you can go back.¡± Yi Chen interrupted her.


    Mo Sheng was speechless.


    Yi Chen looked at her and said with slight sarcasm: ¡°If I didn¡¯t hear wrongly just now, you seem to want an affair. I am very honored to be chosen by you ¡­¡­¡± Then, he paused and did not continue to speak, but Mo Sheng was fully aware of what he was trying to say. Suddenly, herplexion turned pale. Finally, she experienced to what extent his words can hurt people. Under such an embarrassing situation, she could only manage to utter: ¡°I did not.¡±


    10.13: ¡°Did not what?¡± Yi Chen stared at her with a pressing expression, ¡°Could it be that you did not get married? It was just an excuse for you to resist me?¡±


    Although he asked with a doubtful tone, he was about ny percent certain. His suspicions were justified because he knew she had been living alone all this while, and she even went on blind dates¡­¡­


    Yi Chen¡¯s heart felt a little pain, if it was indeed an excuse to resist him ah. At the same time, he also could not help feeling a little joy in the bottom of his heart.


    However, Mo Sheng did not give him the desired answer. Her ill at ease look revealed a faint ¡­¡­ uneasiness.


    As such, Yi Chen couldpletely understand without her saying it out loud. What reason? What calm? All also were thrown to the winds. Instead, anger and embarrassment filled his entire body.


    He Yi Chen, when are you going to stop acting like a clown with such wishful thinking!?


    ¡°Okay, tell me what you want me to do? Be your secret lover in China or your shameful extramarital affair partner? Zhao Mo Sheng, I tell you this, don¡¯t even bother to think about it!¡± He had to try hard to control himself to keep his hands from strangling her neck.


    11.13: ¡°No ¡­¡­ I ¡­¡­ I and him ¡­¡­¡± Mo Sheng was frightened by his anger so she stammered and became inarticte. The matter between Ying Hui and her cannot be exined clearly in a few words. In a moment of desperation, the only thing she could think of was to say: ¡°I¡¯ve divorced.¡± After saying it, she felt calmer and unconsciously repeated it again, ¡°I¡¯ve divorced.¡±


    0.31: Have divorced? Yi Chen¡¯splexion became even more gloomy and chilly, he angrilyughed. ¡°What makes you think I, He Yi Chen, would want a divorced woman?¡±


    Mo Sheng froze, the expression in her eyes gradually darkened and her shoulders slightly drooped down. Was this not expected? Why did shee on this trip to let her dead heart died again? Just because of those lines in a poem, just because of that photo, she staked all on one throw. How foolish can she be!


    But she still wanted him to know ah, ¡°Between me and him is not so ¡­¡­¡± Mo Sheng wanted to exin in vain.


    ¡°Enough!¡± Yi Chen could not take it anymore and interrupted, ¡°You do not need to describe to me the rtionship between you and your ex-husband. If you want to get sympathy andfort, then you got the wrong guy.¡±


    Her lips moved, but in the end she did not continue speaking. Say or do not say, in fact, it does not make a difference, isn¡¯t that so? The facts already could not be changed.


    ¡°I¡¯m going.¡± Mo Sheng stood up, not looking at him and said in a slight trembling voice, ¡°I¡¯m sorry for disturbing you.¡±


    He did not stop her, as if caught in a confusing maze and not being able to make sense of anything.


    She opened the door, then heard him said from behind: ¡°Wait.¡±


    She turned around. Yi Chen stood up from the sofa and picked up the car keys on the table: ¡°I¡¯ll send you back.¡±


    Mo Sheng opened her eyes wide in surprise and shook her head: ¡°No need, I can go home by myself.¡±


    ¡°Indeed, you can.¡± Yi Chen said mockingly, ¡°Then, if you are not careful and an ident happens, I would be the prime suspect. At that time, we really would be unable to stay clear from each other.¡±


    Are all thewyers¡¯ line of thought also careful like this? Mo Sheng said with difficulty: ¡°I¡¯m sorry to trouble you.¡±


    2.21: ¡°This is thest time in this lifetime.¡± Yi Chen said coldly.

 Chapter 6.2: Reunion

    <h4>Chapter 6.2: Reunion </h4>


    (tranted by peanuts and edited by lidge)


    2.25: Mo Sheng had never been in a car driven in such a fast speed. The driver¡¯s face appeared calm but the car speed was so crazy and scary. When the car finally stopped, her face had paled and her hands and legs felt weak. However, Yi Chen looked calm like someone who has just taken a casual stroll.


    ¡°Give me a reason.¡± He looked straight ahead when saying this.


    She stared at his indifferent profile. Her stomach felt unwell so she was unable to reflect on the meaning of his words.


    ¡°Tell me, you love me.¡±


    Mo Sheng was startled and suddenly choked with emotion: ¡°Yi Chen, I ¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Never mind!¡± He abruptly and rudely interrupted her: ¡°Don¡¯t say anything!¡±


    She looked in confusion at the gloomy expression on his face.


    After a while, he said: ¡°Just go, I¡¯ll give you an answer tomorrow.¡±


    3.10: Perhaps because of being carsick, she slept badly the whole night. Early in the morning, while she was still drowsy, the mobile phone rang, and she answered immediately.


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m downstairs of your home. Bring your identity card ande down.¡±


    He hung up before Mo Sheng had a chance to ask anything. After getting everything ready, she hurriedly ran down the stairs. Yi Chen¡¯s car was parked opposite the road. Mo Sheng hesitated for a moment before opening the car door and getting in.


    ¡°Have you brought your identity card?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Mo Sheng was somewhat doubtful, ¡°Why do I need my identity card?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the Civil Affairs Bureau.¡± Yi Chen said simply.


    ¡°Civil Affairs Bureau?¡± Mo Sheng had a vague idea, but she did not quite understand.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Yi Chen appeared indifferent, as if speaking about a matter unrted to him, ¡°We are going to register for marriage.¡±


    Marriage?! Mo Sheng looked at him in shock and amazement, wondering if she heard wrongly: ¡°Yi Chen ¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Get out of the car if you don¡®t want to get married.¡± Yi Chen did not even look at her when he said those words.


    She saw his determined expression and suddenly understood. While he was forcing her, he was also forcing himself. Regardless of the oue, he wanted to settle it so he did not give her any choices. If she got out of the car now, then it would really be impossible for them to be together ever again in the future.


    Mo Sheng took a deep breath. ¡°I will go.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    Mo Sheng nodded her head. After everything had been decided, she felt calm: ¡°Do you still remember what you said to me? If you are destined to be my husband in the future, I might as well exercise my rights earlier.¡±


    He turned his head and said coldly: ¡°Facts have proven that kind of thinking would only bring about mistakes so do you still want to repeat a mistake?¡±


    Mo Sheng¡¯s eyes darkened: ¡°Just drive.¡±


    4.39: There were already a few couples waiting at the Civil Affairs Bureau. Every pair appeared to be very much in love and stuck together as if by glue except Yi Chen and her, who resembled two independent statues standing rigidly in a corner and attracting the frequent attention of others.


    The round-faced woman who sat beside Mo Sheng curiously looked at them for a long time. This made Mo Sheng a little embarrassed so she politely smiled at her. The woman smiled back and took the opportunity to strike up a conversation: ¡°You are also here to register for marriage?¡±


    Ha! What an appropriate question. Mo Sheng nodded her head.


    The woman nced at Yi Chen and said enviously: ¡°Oh, your husband is very handsome.¡±


    ¡°Hey, hey.¡± The small stature young man next to her immediately protested and pulled her over, ¡°Your more handsome husband is over here!¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± The round-faced woman¡¯s expression was full of doubts, and she suddenly pointed at the sky outside, ¡°Ah! Quickly look, quickly look, why are there so many cows flying in the sky?¡±


    Her husband immediately continued lovingly: ¡°Because your husband is blowing hard here.¡± (blow cow ¨C ´µÅ£ in Chinese means boast or brag)


    Mo Sheng could not help butughed at their happiness, it was so natural, so easy, if ¡­¡­ she looked at Yi Chen, who was beside her. He turned his head and looked out the window with an expressionless face.


    ¡°Hey, how did you know each other ah?¡± The round-faced woman asked her, seemingly very curious about them.


    How we knew each other? ¡°It happened a long time ago.¡± Mo Sheng did not have the heart to refuse her enthusiasm so she started to recall, ¡°At that time, I just started university and because of my interest in photography, I always ran around with my camera. Once, I saw him standing under a tree, lost in thought. Unconsciously, I pressed the shutter button and was found out by him¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going out for a short while.¡±


    Suddenly, Yi Chen stood up and interrupted her reminiscence. He did not wait for her to say something but just walked straight out.


    The way the round-faced woman looked at her changed from envy to sympathy: ¡°Uh ¡­¡­ your husband is very cool.¡±


    ¡°Yes ah.¡± Mo Sheng agreed, feeling awkward.


    Later, when a staff member appeared, Yi Chen was nowhere in sight so Mo Sheng went out to look for him. He stood outside the door smoking with his back to her.


    ¡°You still can back out now.¡± He said without turning his head because he heard her footsteps.


    Although she knew he could not see her, she still shook her head: ¡°Come inside.¡±


    ¡°Mo Sheng, this is your own choice.¡± He said seriously, ¡°From now on, even if we will torment each other for a lifetime, I will also not let you go.¡±


    The early autumn weather obviously should not be too cold. However, Mo Sheng suddenly felt chills in the blowing wind, the cold was felt all the way from the bottom of the feet to the heart.


    6.46: What followed was the paperwork. Mo Sheng cannot help but felt unbelievable that these several sheets of paper and a few stamps actually can tie up two unrted people together for a lifetime, regardless of each person¡¯s past.


    More than an hour ago, she did not think that they would actually be husband and wife. Such a dramatic change made her wonder if everything at this moment was real ¡­¡­


    ¡°Sign it!¡± Suddenly, she heard Yi Chen¡¯s gloomy voice, ¡°You don¡¯t have a chance to back out now.¡±


    Then, she only recovered herself and found out that she was dazed for far too long before signing. She quickly signed her name and handed it over to the suspicious staff member.


    ¡°Miss.¡± The staff member took the form and hesitantly asked again, ¡°Are you really willing?¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯splexion darkened.


    ¡°Of course.¡± Mo Sheng said with a smile, ¡°Just now, I was thinking what color to choose for the curtains at home.¡±


    Aftering out of the Civil Affairs Bureau, Yi Chen gave the house keys to her: ¡°Move all your things to my ce. As for the color of the curtains, you can change it if you want.¡± He said that in a faintly sarcastic tone.


    Mo Sheng did not notice his sarcasm. She held on to the house keys, feeling uneasy again. Everything had happened so fast, but these were inevitable, right?


    Yi Chen also took out a bank card from the wallet: ¡°All the household expenses are to be paid from this card. The password is XXXXXX, have you remembered it?¡±


    Mo Sheng nodded her head, then hastily shook her head: ¡°No need to give it to me since I¡¯ve money.¡±


    Yi Chen stared into her eyes: ¡°I do not want us to have a falling out on the first day of marriage because of this.¡±


    Mo Sheng knew his stubbornness so she reluctantly took it, but she vaguely felt there was something wrong.


    ¡°What about you?¡± She did not understand why he excluded himself.


    ¡°Me? I¡¯m going to Guangzhou on a business trip for a week.¡± He lifted his wrist and looked at his watch, ¡°The ne will depart in one hour.¡±


    8.20: She was probably the world¡¯s most independent newlywed wife.


    On the night of the third day of marriage, Mo Sheng was in the living room of Yi Chen¡¯s home, staring nkly at the many things she had moved from her house.


    Put these things in the kitchen and put these in the study room. There was also the photographic equipment so a darkroom was needed ¡­¡­ Where should she put her clothes? The master bedroom?


    Should she make a phone call to ask him? She stared at the phone.


    The melodious doorbell started ringing. If not for the vast difference in the ringtones, she nearly reflexively picked up the phone.


    Mo Sheng was stunned for a moment when she opened the door. She knew this woman, who dressed in casual clothes. She turned out to be Xiao Hong¡®s Miss ¡°Vixen.¡± She was also quite surprised at seeing her, sized her up and asked: ¡°Yi¡­¡­ Iswyer He at home?¡±


    ¡°He is away on business. Uh, do you want toe in?¡± Mo Sheng asked politely.


    ¡°Okay, thank you.¡± She came in and introduced herself, ¡°My surname is Wen, I used to be a client ofwyer He. I live downstairs.¡±


    She looked puzzled at Mo Sheng: ¡°Have we met before?¡±


    It turned out that she did not recognize her. Mo Sheng nodded her head and mentioned a person they both also knew. ¡°Gu Xing Hong,¡± that was Xiao Hong¡¯s real name.


    ¡°Oh ya, you are that person who went on blind dates with her!¡± Miss Wen suddenly realised and seemed to be thinking then said, ¡°Sowyer He and you actually know each other, no wonder.¡±


    Mo Sheng looked at her quizzically.


    Miss Wen shrugged her shoulders and said: ¡°I wanted to say no wonder a bigwyer like He Yi Chen would personally pick me up after work to talk about the case. As it turns out, he had an ulterior motive so my good fortune was all because of you.¡±


    She gave the bag in her hands to Mo Sheng: ¡°These are the extra wontons (ravioli) I made, there are too many so I want to give some to you. How embarrassing, I nearly proffer my affection in vain.¡±


    This youngdy looked soft and delicate, but in fact she is frank and quick-witted, just based on listening to her quarrel with Xiao Hong. Mo Sheng could not admit or deny her rtionship with Yi Chen so she felt rather embarrassed.


    Miss Wen waved her hand: ¡°All right, I am going.¡± Mo Sheng saw her to the door, and she suddenly asked about Xiao Hong, ¡°She still keeps going continuously on blind dates?¡±


    Mo Sheng saw a touch of concern in her eyes, shook her head and replied: ¡°No, she is going to settle down soon.¡±


    Miss Wen¡¯s eyes shed: ¡°Not someone working in gaming software, right?¡±


    ¡°No, he is a surgeon.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Miss Wen looked relief, ¡°She has finally moved on. Tell her not to hate me because the person that man loves is not me.¡± She changed her mind and said, ¡°No, better not tell her now.¡±


    10.35: After she left, Mo Sheng looked at the wontons in her hands. She hesitated a little, picked up the phone and dialed Yi Chen¡®s mobile number.


    The phone was picked up after ringing three times.


    ¡°Hello.¡± He replied in a deep and low voice.


    ¡°Hello.¡± After Mo Sheng responded, only to discover that her own voice was different from usual so she quickly calmed down, ¡°It is me.¡±


    ¡°What is the matter?¡±


    ¡°Uh, it is like this ¡­¡­ Miss Wen from downstairs just brought us a bag of wontons, and she also said thank you for helping herst time.¡± The moment Mo Sheng finished talking, she knew she had chosen the worst opening, but it was already toote to feel upset.


    Indeed, there were a few seconds of silence on the other end before his mocking voice was heard: ¡°What are you suspecting? Rest assured, even if I had any thoughts of her before, I never pursued her.¡±


    His implication was: she had been the one who pursued him, so she was not qualified to question him. Mo Sheng sensibly changed the topic: ¡°I want to ask you whether that storage room can be converted into a darkroom?¡±


    ¡°Whatever. Is there anymore important matter?¡±


    ¡°Yes ¡­¡­ ah, where should I put my things?¡±


    There was a pause on the other end followed by a mockingugh: ¡°Mrs. He, your husband is physically and mentally healthy so for the time being, he has no intention to live apart.¡± He said that sarcastically.


    This phone call was truly a bad move. Mo Sheng held the phone tightly and finally asked: ¡°When will youe back?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­ Friday night.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll wait for you.¡± Mo Sheng blurted out without taking the time to think. After she said it, she only realized that what she had spoken had too many meanings so she could not help but held her breath.


    The other end was silent again, then she heard the busy signal from the phone. Mo Sheng was stunned, he actually hung up the phone just like that!

 Chapter 7.1: Arm’s Length

    <h4>Chapter 7.1: Arm¡¯s Length </h4>


    (tranted by peanuts and edited by lidge)


    0.31: Yi Chen put away his mobile phone, opened the door and walked into the room. When Chief Li from a foreign tradepany saw hime in, he got up and proposed a toast: ¡°Lawyer He, where did you go? Come over here so I can toast you again. Today¡¯s negotiation was really brilliant.¡±


    Yi Chen gave a polite smile, held up his ss and drank everything in the ss.


    After saying nothing but some ttery andplimentary words and eating for more than an hour, Chief Li said: ¡°Lawyer He, I think we have nearly finished eating so how about changing to another ce?¡±


    The group of men immediately intuitively got the message and gave a knowingugh.


    By looking at them, it goes without saying, one also can guess what kind of ce, so Yi Chen quickly said: ¡°Chief Li, all of you go and enjoy yourself, but I will return to the hotel.¡±


    ¡°Lawyer He, you are not giving us face.¡± Chief Li pretended to look upset.


    Yi Chen said with a forced smile: ¡°My wife at home really keeps a tight rein on me. She just called a moment ago to check up on me. Later, if she calls the hotel and I am not there, I am afraid when I get home, there will probably be no peace.¡±


    The group of men immediately gave an empathetic expression of sharing the same woes, then Chief Li said: ¡°Sincewyer He insists, we will not force him so let Xiao Yang send you back.¡±


    The driver Xiao Yang stood up and wanted to send Yi Chen, but he politely declined: ¡°No, the hotel is nearby so I can walk back and enjoy the night view at the same time.¡±


    It was not easy for Yi Chen to get away so he did not want to return to the hotel. He turned around and walked in the opposite direction.


    Guangzhou is a city that is too dazzling so it is easy to make people feel captivated and lose direction. Yi Chen strolled slowly in a public square, passing by the elderly, couples and kids and enjoying the peacefulness in the midst of an expanding, bustling city.


    Suddenly, a sh of white light made Yi Chen turned his head and saw someone taking pictures. Two students, who appeared to be girls and probably tourists, were taking pictures to keep as souvenir in the public square.


    2.12: He inexplicably remembered the first time he saw her. There was also a sh of white light, then he saw a girl holding a camera and beaming at him.


    Any person who has his picture taken without his permission will also not be too happy, but he did not say anything at that time except frowned and stared at her.


    At the beginning, she felt a little guilty by his ring, but immediately became self-righteous and as the guilty party she filed the suit first by saying: ¡°Hey, I¡¯m taking photos of the scenery, why do you suddenlye out of nowhere?¡±


    He was still a little angry, but after hearing what she said, he really did not know whether to be angry orugh so he just ignored her and moved forward to leave. He did not expect she would actually catch up to ask: ¡°Hey, why are you leaving?¡±


    If at this time he still did not know how to strike back, he was not qualified to be well-known as the outstanding student in the Faculty of Law: ¡°Don¡¯t you want to take photos of the scenery? I am returning it back to you.¡±


    Her face turned red at once. Quite a whileter, she mumbled: ¡°Okay, I admit that I secretly took your photo.¡±


    Willing to admit her mistake, she could still be saved. Yi Chen quickened his footsteps, but she leisurely kept pace with him. After walking for a while, Yi Chen could not help but turned around: ¡°Why are you following me?¡±


    ¡°You still have not told me your name and faculty ah.¡± She said innocently.


    ¡°Why should I tell you?¡±


    ¡°If you do not tell me, how do I give the photo to you?¡±


    ¡°No need.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± She nodded her head and appeared ¡®it does not matter¡®, ¡°Then, I am forced to go and ask around after I¡®ve developed the photo.¡±


    He could not believe it: ¡°Stay where you are.¡±


    ¡°Why? Are you afraid I cannot find you?¡± She gave him a ¡®Don¡¯t worry¡¯ look, ¡°Although there are several thousand people in the university, where there is a will, there is a way. I will go and ask one by one so in the end, I¡®ll definitely find you.¡±


    Then, he did not need to show his embarrassed face in university again, Yi Chen fumed with rage between gritted teeth: ¡°He Yi Chen, Year 2 International Law.¡± After saying that, he turned to leave. After walking very far away, he could still hear herughter.


    After two days, she really found him. She took out the photograph like presenting a treasure. In the photo, he was contemting under the setting sun: ¡°You see, you see, my first time at handling the lighting effects so well! Can you see the sunlight passing through the leaves?¡±


    When he raised his head, he finally saw sunlight leaping on her face. So unreasonable, the sunlight silently pierced through the heavy haze and shone into his heart. He did not even have time to reject.


    She was the only ray of sunshine in his gloomy life, but this ray of sunshine did not only shine on him.


    That seven years she was away, there was another man ¡­¡­


    Yi Chen closed his eyes.


    4.23: Admit it, He Yi Chen, you were mad with jealousy.


    The new issue of ¡°Xiu Se¡± was released. The young man who smiled proudly and sessfully on the cover was a neer in the building industry. In thest two years, he got a lot of awards in international design exhibitions, his reputation widespread.


    ¡°Unfortunately, he is not handsome enough.¡± Xiao Hongmented with great regret.


    ¡°Thatwyer He is handsome ah, but it is a pity someone was not able to get an interview.¡± Ah Mei said loudly.


    ¡°Ah Mei, don¡¯t say that.¡± Xiao Hong could not stand her vitriol. ¡°Yi Jing already tried her best.¡±


    Coincidentally, Mo Sheng walked to where they were, heard everything and could not help but look at Tao Yi Jing. She was calmly writing on her desk and did not pay attention to others.


    Suddenly, Mo Sheng felt a twinge of guilt.


    ¡°Ah Sheng, Ah Sheng.¡± Xiao Hong suddenly remembered something and shook her arm. ¡°We are friends so you¡®ll do me a small favour, right?¡±


    Mo Sheng immediately had a bad premonition and asked cautiously: ¡°Xiao Hong, you and that surgeon, ah ¡­¡­ have a problem?¡± Otherwise, why have to go on blind dates again?


    ¡°You¡¯re very bad. What are you thinking?!¡± Xiao Hong shouted with displeasure. Both of her hands were holding her face, giving an expression that she was currently in a sweet stage in her dating rtionship. ¡°This is it!¡± While talking, out of nowhere she took out an ultra big piece of paper and spread it out in front of her. ¡°Have you seen clearly yet?¡±


    Seen clearly but also feeling dizzy. On the top centre of the paper, there were two words ¡°shopping list.¡± Below, she closely listed various kinds of brands for clothes, shoes, cosmetics¡­as well as digital camera?


    Indeed, all kinds of things, Mo Sheng looked until blurry. ¡°Xiao Hong, the prices of things are going to rise soon?¡± This was simply a ¡°panic buying list¡± ah!


    ¡°Hey, it has been decided that sister Chen and you are going to go to Hong Kong? Do not change the subject. Just one word, buy or not?¡±


    News traveled really fast, Mo Sheng sighed. ¡°What are the benefits?¡±


    6.03: After work, Xiao Hong¡¯s boyfriend Dr. Cheng was treating dinner. While having dinner, Xiao Hong constantly reminded her: ¡°Ah Sheng, do you know what ¡®eating a meal paid by someone else¡¯ mean?¡±


    Mo Sheng did not know whether tough or cry: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll certainly buy everything for you, I¡¯ll buy until my hands could not carry anything anymore. However, Xiao Hong ¡­¡­.¡± Mo Sheng leaned next to her ear and whispered: ¡°Don¡¯t you want to maintain your image of ady?¡±


    Oops! She forgot again! Xiao Hong reflexively straightened up her back and sat up straight. She also put away her debt collector ugly expression and put up a radian perfect smile. Mo Sheng saw that graceful Dr. Cheng¡¯s eyes shing with smile incessantly. He evidently had long discovered this and secretlyughed to himself.


    She could not help but also smiled, finally, Xiao Hong said goodbye to the past.


    After the meal, she went home alone. After she went up the bus, she found out she took the wrong one. This bus was bound for her former ce of residence so she quickly got off at the next stop. She looked at her watch, which was not even seven o¡¯clock yet so she was not in a hurry to go home.


    She shopped for a long time in the supermarket before arriving home at nine after. She opened the door, and the house was absolutely empty.


    She walked into the kitchen and took out each of the things in the bag. MSG, sd oil, salt, soy sauce ¡­¡­ there was practically nothing in the kitchen so what did Yi Chen usually eat?


    There were still some clothes in the bedroom, which have not been unpacked. When she opened the wardrobe, she saw Yi Chen¡¯s monotonous suits and shirts neatly hanging in there. He seemed to prefer grey color. Mo Sheng hung her clothes beside his, then looked at them foolishly and suddenly wanted to smile.


    But she also felt heartache.


    Yi Chen ¡­¡­


    Yi Chen.


    She took off her shoes andy on the bed. These two days, she had been sleeping in the guest room, but now she suddenly did not want to leave. An inexplicable emotion, something which she also could not exin herself overflowed in her heart. Perhaps, it was because of tomorrow.


    Yi Chen would being back tomorrow, on Friday.


    In a daze, she fell asleep without even taking off the clothes. Unknowingly how much time had passed, half dreaming, half awake, she seemed to hear the sound of someone walking. She turned her body and woke up quite a whileter to a pitch-dark room.


    8.05: When she woke up again, it was already morning so she threw back the quilt to get up ¡­¡­ quilt? Mo Sheng stared nkly at it. Probably, it was cold at night so she covered herself.


    She quickly brushed her teeth and washed her face. Her hair looked a bit long in the mirror and constantly covering the eyes so she had to find a time to have a haircut. She got ready her stuff to go out and when she opened the door, she was stunned.


    Yi Chen in a suit and tie was standing outside the door. He was holding his keys, like he was about to open the door.


    Mo Sheng unbelievably stared at the man in front of her, ¡°Yi Chen?¡± Why was he here? Didn¡¯t he say he would only be back at night?


    ¡°Ah.¡± Yi Chen put away the keys, hastily answered briefly, then walked past her into the guest room.


    A momentter, he came out with a stack of documents in his hand. When he saw her still standing foolishly at the door, he frowned.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to work?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I am going.¡±


    Mo Sheng did not know why, but she felt a bit ill at ease. This was the first time she truly realized that their rtionship was different, and it would stay that way in the future. Every morning, the first person she would see will be him ¡­¡­


    ¡°I will send you to work.¡±


    9.11: Mo Sheng followed him into the elevator. ¡°No need, I can go by myself.¡± Thew firm and the magazine publisher are in different directions, one north and one south.


    Yi Chen pressed the button for the basement parking and said dismissively: ¡°I am going to the court in X district, which is on the way.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s good.¡± So this was why he was giving her a lift.


    In the car, Mo Sheng remembered to ask him: ¡°You ¡­¡­ came backst night?¡± Otherwise, why did he leave his documents in the guest room?


    ¡°Yes.¡± Yi Chen replied curtly, focusing his attention on the road.


    Mo Sheng pursed her lips: ¡°What time ¡­¡­ why didn¡¯t you call me?¡±


    ¡°Eleven something,¡± he replied a little impatiently, paused, then said: ¡°There was no need.¡±


    Mo Sheng¡¯s eyes looked slightly bleak so she turned her head to look out the car window. It was the rush hour to go to work, the traffic congestion was bad¡­¡­ would their rtionship always be at a standstill like this?


    ¡°Yi Chen, if you are still in X district in the afternoon, can we have lunch together?¡±


    Suddenly, Yi Chen moved and turned his head. Mo Sheng was looking out the window and her voice was very soft so who was she talking to?


    He turned back his line of vision and said in an indifferent voice: ¡°I don¡¯t think I will be around at noon.¡±


    10.10: As a matter of fact, he was also not there in the morning.


    ¡°Yi Chen?¡± Lao Yuan blinked a few times and widened his eyes to look at the person walking into thew firm. The trainee girl rubbed her eyes a few times, ¡°Could it be that my eyes have a problem so I am seeing an illusion?¡±


    ¡°I think the problem is not just the eyes.¡± Yi Chen nced at him, then walked into his office.


    That big man eagerly followed him from behind into his office and sat down. ¡°When I was talking to you on the phone at seven somethingst night, you were still in Guangzhou so howe you are back now?¡±


    ¡°I was at the airport at that time.¡± Yi Chen sat down, flipped open the documents and said.


    ¡°Have you finished the things you needed to do?¡±


    ¡°Almost.¡±


    When he said almost, it meant there was no problem at all. Sometimes, Lao Yuan could not help but admired his junior because it was already very tight to settle the things in Guangzhou within a week, but he could actuallyplete them one day ahead. Really did not know how he managed to do it!


    ¡°Did you arrive home verytest night? Why were you so anxious since it is not toote for you toe back today.¡± Lao Yuan muttered, ¡°If I do not know you are a bachelor like me, I would suspect that you are rushing back to apany your wife.¡±


    Suddenly, he stopped writing in the documents with the pen in his hand and left arge tear on the paper.


    Yi Chen raised his head from looking at the documents and bluntly ordered his expulsion: ¡°Lao Yuan, if I remember correctly, you have to appear in court this morning.¡±


    11.06: When Mei Ting saw Yi Chening out from the meeting room, she immediately handed him the data: ¡°Lawyer He, I have already printed the information you want.¡±


    ¡°Also, this is C university¡¯s centennial celebration invitation, which came together in the post withwyer Xiang andwyer Yuan¡®s ones. I helped to take yours over.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Yi Chen nodded his head, took it and opened the exquisite invitation printed with the symbol of C universityndmark. It was written 15 November as C university centennial celebration.


    Mei Ting looked at the clock on the wall, which was five forty. ¡°Lawyer He, if there is nothing else, then I will get off work.¡±


    ¡°There is nothing more to do so you can leave now.¡±


    11.43: ¡°Then, I¡¯ll leave first.¡± Mei Ting packed her things, then remembered, ¡°Lawyer He, your mobile phone rang many times just now.¡±

 Chapter 7.2: Arm’s Length

    <h4>Chapter 7.2: Arm¡¯s Length </h4>


    (tranted by peanuts and edited by lidge)


    When he was seeing client, he did not bring his mobile phone along so there were two missed calls. One of the call was from another client. Yi Chen called back immediately, talked for a few minutes and hung up. There was another call¡­¡­ he pressed the green call button.


    The other side immediately answered the call. ¡°Yi Chen.¡±


    ¡°What is the matter?¡± His voice was a bit cold.


    ¡°Nothing.¡± The other side seemed to be discouraged by his indifference, paused before saying, ¡°Yi Chen, I cannot find my keys.¡±


    0.31: Mo Sheng had a bag on her shoulder and waited for him across the road. She wore a sweater with a big cor and her head was down, counting the grids on the ground.


    The traffic light was red so he halted his footsteps and looked at her from a distance.


    There were a lot of things that did not change. She still liked to wear sweaters. She was already about twenty six or twenty seven years old but still dressed like a student. When waiting for people, she still liked to count the number of grids on the ground.


    At that time, he always made her wait.


    Once, she waited for a long time and lost her temper at him: ¡°I have already counted to nine hundred and ny-nine, now you onlye! Next time, if I count to a thousand, I will no longer bother about you!¡±


    As a result, once again, he was asked to go to a meeting at thest minute. After the lengthy meeting finally finished, he rushed there. Unexpectedly, she was still there. This time, she waited until she no longer had any temper. She merely looked at him full of grievance and said: ¡°Yi Chen, I have counted many nine hundred and ny-nines.¡±


    In these seven years, how many times had he counted to nine hundred and ny-nine?


    It was not that he never thought about giving up, but he just could not make himself count to a thousand.


    1.38: He hurriedly walked along the sidewalk and did not know when a chubby foreigner walked up to Mo Sheng, beaming and talking about something to her. Yi Chen slowed down his footsteps, slowly approached them and vaguely heard that foreigner said: ¡°¡­¡­. Your spoken English is perfect.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, I¡¯ve been living in the US for seven years.¡±


    She spoke very fluent English easily without much thinking, like it was her nativenguage. Yi Chen unconsciously clenched his hand in his pocket.


    Coincidentally, when she turned her head, she saw him and smiled at him. Then, she spoke to the foreigner: ¡°My husband ising. Maybe he knows how to go there.¡±


    She asked him: ¡°Yi Chen, do you know how to get to XX road?¡±


    He nodded and told the foreigner directly. That chubby foreigner kept thanking him before walking away.


    Now, only the two of them remained so suddenly Mo Sheng felt hesitant as she did not know what to say to him. Hence, it was Yi Chen who spoke up: ¡°Where are your keys?¡±


    ¡°Uh ¡­¡­ I probably lost them.¡± She lowered her head uneasily and avoided looking into his eyes, ¡°or ¡­¡­ I did not bring them with me this morning.¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s sharp eyes looked at her unnatural expression, and he did now know what kind of feeling was slowly rising in his heart.


    If he did not notice her guilty conscience, he was really wasted as awyer. Miss Zhao, if youmitted any crimeter, it would be best for you to remain silent or you would certainly reveal the whole truth in a few words.


    ¡°Come on.¡± Suddenly, he took a step forward and walked in front, trying to suppress the secret happiness in his heart. She had called him ¡°my husband¡± to the foreigner.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± Mo Sheng chased him from behind and asked. That direction was not the way back to his home, ah.


    ¡°To eat.¡±


    To eat? Mo Sheng had to run to catch up with his fast paces: ¡± ¡­¡­ Can we go home to eat? There is still time so we can go to the supermarket to buy groceries first.¡±


    When did she learn how to cook? And for whom?


    Yi Chen soured, and his voice suddenly became colder by ten degrees: ¡°No need.¡±


    Okay, no need, but ¡­¡­ could you not walk so fast?


    3.08: ¡°Yi Chen, please slow down.¡± Mo Sheng said that slightly out of breath, and her hand naturally pulled his sleeve. She did not realize that such action was very intimate.


    Suddenly, Yi Chen¡¯s heart beat rapidly. When he lowered his head, he saw her fair fingers sinking into his iron-gray suit sleeve.


    He did not say anything but slowed down.


    They turned right and left and finally entered a very ordinary small restaurant in a small alley. Mo Sheng curiously looked around the small shop but could not see anything special. Anyhow, often the more unremarkable a ce, the more likely there would be delicious food. Yi Chen brought her all the way here so it must certainly be pretty good.


    The boss came and greeted them warmly: ¡°Mr. He, long time you did note.¡±


    Mo Sheng was very surprised that he spoke Y City dialect.


    ¡°Quite busytely.¡± Yi Chen replied back in the same dialect.


    The boss looked curiously at Mo Sheng: ¡°Mr. He, is this youngdy your girlfriend? This is the first time I¡¯ve seen you bring your girlfriend along, very beautiful oh.¡±


    Yi Chen smiled: ¡°This is my wife.¡±


    ¡°Wife? Mr. He is married? ¡±


    The boss shouted and eximed twice, then turned to Mo Sheng and said: ¡°Mrs. He, you are so fortunate to marry a person like Mr. He. Mrs. He, where do youe from? ¡±


    ¡°I am also from Y City.¡± Mo Sheng could understand but could not speak the dialect because her mother came from another city so the family spoke Mandarin at home.


    While chatting, the boss handed out the menu. Yi Chen motioned Mo Sheng to order the dishes so she flipped through the menu. She noticed that the shop¡¯s signature dishes included bamboo shoots such as bamboo shoots chicken, fresh bamboo shoots shredded pork, fresh bamboo shoots fried sauerkraut ¡­¡­ This was not surprising because Y city produces bamboo shoots, and it was the season now.


    She loved to eat bamboo shoots but ¡­¡­ better not order them.


    After she ticked the dishes on the list, she handed it to the boss. He looked at it andined surprisingly: ¡°Mrs. He, since you are also from Y City, why don¡¯t you eat bamboo shoots?¡±


    Would not eating bamboo shoots be very strange? Yi Chen did not eat them. Previously, when they had meals together, he always said the bamboo shoots had a strange taste so no matter how she tried to trick him, he always refused to eat even one bite.


    ¡± ¡­¡­ Mr. He orders them every time hees here.¡±


    When the dishes were served, Yi Chen¡¯s chopsticks never touched the bamboo shoots.


    Mo Sheng asked: ¡°Why aren¡¯t you eating? The boss said ¡­..¡± Suddenly, she could not continue.


    Why would every time he came, he also ordered them, ah?


    Yi Chen kept quiet, then a long timeter, he said briefly: ¡°Difficult to decline magnificent hospitality.¡±


    Coincidentally, she was chewing a piece of bamboo shoot in her mouth, but she could no longer taste the freshness and sweetness. After she swallowed it, like Yi Chen said, it had a strange taste.


    She saw the boss speaking in Y City dialect and warmly greeting the guests who just came in. He bragged in a loud voice how delicious the shop¡¯s signature dishes were.


    Really.


    5.38: Difficult to decline magnificent hospitality.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going home?¡± They walked out the small restaurant. Mo Sheng, who was holding the keys Yi Chen gave her, asked hesitantly.


    ¡°I am going back to thew firm because I still need to deal with some matters.¡± Yi Chen said dismissively.


    ¡°Oh.¡± Mo Sheng clutched the keys tightly in her hand, ¡°Then what time are youing back?¡±


    Yi Chen looked at her, his eyes gleaming with strange light: ¡°You want to wait for me?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­ Yes.¡± Mo Sheng nodded, then exined why, ¡°Your keys are with me.¡±


    ¡°There is a set of spare keys in the office so you do not need to wait for me.¡± He averted his eyes from her, not clear if it was because he was disappointed or because of something else. His tone was even colder and sounded a bit mocking, ¡°I¡¯m also not used to people waiting for me.¡±


    The house was cold, when leaving, when returning.


    6.19: It was eleven o¡®clock again.


    After opening the door, Yi Chen habitually pressed on the switch button on the wall, but when he was about to press it, he stopped.


    The lights were on.


    He dropped his hand, looked around the house and noticed the TV was still on, but nobody was watching.


    When he walked over to turn off the TV, he walked pass the sofa and nced at the person curled up asleep there. Suddenly, he stopped.


    Yi Chen stared at that sleeping face because he really wanted to shake her awake and scold her.


    Such a cold day, and she slept on the sofa. Did she have a brain?


    Obviously, he was annoyed and mad, but he still bent down and carefully picked her up from the sofa.


    Her soft body filled the emptiness of his embrace. Her warm and light breathing fell on his ice-cold suit.


    All these years, he never dared to dream of such a day, where she could once again be within reach. When he held out his hand, when he lowered his head, Mo Shengpletely belonged to him.


    He lowered his head slightly so his cheek rubbed her soft cheek. She slept outside for so long, yet the cheek was still warm.


    Suddenly, Mo Sheng, who was in his embrace, moved to escape his touch. Yi Chen held his breath, had she waken up?


    Actually she found a morefortable position by burying her head in his arm. She was sleeping even more deeply,pletely unaware that someone¡¯s heart was fluttering wildly because of her very small movements.


    She ¡­¡­ Ai, Yi Chen sighed in his heart. He could no longer control that more and more good mood.


    He opened the bedroom door and put her on the bed. She was wearing a buttoned up wool sweater outside her nightgown. Yi Chen hesitated for a while but nevertheless helped her take it off. One by one, the buttons were undone, making his breathing a little more difficult.


    He gently held her up and slipped the sweater off her arms. Even though she was wearing a nightgown, he could still feel the soft skin on her back, making him unable to control his rapid heartbeat.


    Yi Chen pulled the quilt to help her to cover properly, quickly got up and walked out.


    If he stayed any longer, he could not guarantee he would not use a certain method to wake her up.


    7.57: After Yi Chen washed in the bathroom, he headed to the guest room. When he walked pass the master bedroom, he stopped in his track. Suddenly, he remembered something so he opened the door and looked at the direction of the bed.


    Sure enough!


    Only half of the quilt was on her body, whereas the other half was dangling on the ground and one of her foot openly exposed.


    Merely more than ten minutes, she was able to sleep in such a way. Apparently, when she mentioned before that her sleeping posture was just ¡°a little poor,¡± it was truly an understatement.


    He knew her sleeping posture was poor due to the only winter they spent together. Mo Sheng repeatedly caught a cold. In two months time, she actually caught a cold five times. When he asked her the reason, initially she refused to say. Afterwards, she said in embarrassment: ¡°My sleeping posture at night is a little poor, just a little poor only as I always kick away the quilt. When my father came homete, he would cover me back with the quilt, but there is no one here to do that. I always kick away the quilt in the middle of the night so you can¡¯t me me for catching a cold.¡± This sounded like the justification for catching a cold and through no fault of her own.


    It now appeared that her sleeping posture was more than a little poor.


    Yi Chen picked up the half hanging quilt at the bottom of the bed and helped her to cover back properly again. The moment he pulled away his hand, she turned over, and the quilt fell on the other side of the bed.


    What strange sleeping habit!


    Yi Chen held out his hand to pull the quilt and once again covered her tightly. He stared angrily at Mo Sheng, who was sleeping soundly.


    If she dared to kick the quilt one more time, he did not mind spending the whole night to correct her ¡®sleeping posture¡¯.


    What a pity, Mo Sheng continued to sleep obediently and did not even move an inch. In the end, she was afraid of the cold so she even buried deeper into the quilt.


    At this time, even though Mo Sheng was sleeping, she also knew to be sensible to adapt to circumstances.


    9.40: What was the time? Day or night? Howe she was sleeping on the bed?


    She sat up on the bed, but she was not really awake yet. Mo Sheng¡¯s sleepy eyes looked at the floor, but she could not find her slippers.


    Eh, where have they gone?


    Yi Chen came out from the kitchen to see Mo Sheng in her nightgown hopping around in the living room. He couldn¡¯t help but frowned: ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°My slippers ¡­¡­¡± She could see them near the sofa. Just one jump, and she sessfullynded on the slippers.


    After she put on her slippers, she looked up and saw Yi Chen staring at her with disapproval in his eyes.


    ¡°Uh, I was looking for my slippers ¡­¡­¡± She felt guilty for no reason.


    ¡°Go and change your clothes.¡± He said stiffly and turned around.


    Mo Sheng blushed when she noticed that she was still wearing her nightgown. She had forgotten, there was another person in this house¡­¡­


    When she came out after changing her clothes, Yi Chen was already eating his breakfast. Mo Sheng hesitated for a moment, then sat down next to him. She looked at the congee and some small side dishes on the table, the breakfast she would be having together with Yi Chen ¡­¡­


    10.44: Seeing that she did not touch the breakfast, Yi Chen raised his eyes: ¡°Not used to having Chinese breakfast?¡±


    ¡°Ah? No.¡± When she recovered her concentration after being lost in thought, she quickly bowed her head and drank a mouthful of congee. Oh, it was actually pretty good.


    ¡°Yi Chen ¡­¡­ ¡±


    Yi Chen seemed to know what she wanted to ask so without lifting his eyes, he said in a t tone: ¡°I bought the congee nearby.¡±


    ¡± ¡­¡­ It tastes pretty good.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Yi Chen replied absentmindedly.


    Mo Sheng had nothing more to say so she just drank her congee. Then, her eyes caught a glimpse of some files on the coffee table.


    ¡°Do you also need to go to thew firm today?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Very busy?¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± In fact, very busy because someone caused his feelings to be in turmoil recently so he did not get much work done.


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    Atst, her low intonation caught his attention. Seeing the way she was drinking the congee, her hair almost going to droop into it.


    They seemed to be newly married.


    ¡°How good is your English?¡± With his eyes widened, Yi Chen casually asked.


    English? Why did he suddenly ask this?


    ¡°Okay ah, but ¡­¡­ I did not pass test four.¡± Before she went to USA, she took test four for the first time. Her glorious achievement ¡ª fifty-nine.


    She had the nerves to mention it.


    ¡°Come with me.¡± Yi Chen said.


    ¡°Uh?¡± Mo Sheng raised her head and looked at him in surprise, ¡°Go where?¡±


    ¡°To thew firm to help me trante some information.¡±

 Chapter 8.1: If You Leave

    <h4>Chapter 8.1: If You Leave </h4>


    (tranted by lidge and edited by peanuts)


    0.31: Mo Sheng stared at the English words on the paper. Such injustice, all those years spent abroad was aplete waste.


    Ask Yi Chen? She looked up to see that he seemed very busy so better not disturb him.


    Suddenly, the phone rang, breaking the silence in the office. With his right hand flipping through the documents, Yi Chen picked up the phone with his left hand.


    ¡°Hello ¡­¡­ I am in the office ¡­¡­ no, as it turns out I have something to do today ¡­¡­¡±


    What did the other party say as Yi Chen started tough: ¡°Lao (Old ¨C usually use to address an elderly) Zhou, when did you also be a matchmaker?¡±


    Lao Zhou started toin: ¡°I am forced by my wife. When she came to the courtst time, she just so happened to see you. Since then, she has intention to introduce her niece to you. My wife does not have any hobby except she likes to matchmake. However, honestly speaking, Xiao (Young ¨C usually use to address a youngster) He, it is not that I want to advocate for my own family member, but my wife¡¯s niece is really quite good. Education, appearance and personality are all on par with yours. Why don¡¯t you consider it?¡±


    Yi Chen smiled. ¡°Lao Zhou, do you want me to engage in an extramarital affair?¡±


    ¡°What extramarital affair?¡± Lao Zhou reacted btedly, ¡°Are you saying you are married?¡± After shouting it out, he immediately refuted it himself, ¡°Don¡¯t joke, it is possible for anyone but impossible for He Yi Chen to get married.¡±


    What did he say? Yi Chen could not helpughing.


    After hanging up the phone, Yi Chen looked at Mo Sheng, who was engrossed in her work.


    Biting the tip of the pen again.


    Incurable bad habit!


    Previously, when she could not solve a calculus problem, she also acted like this. After biting the tip of the pen for a while, she pushed the assignment to him and looked at him with eyes full of ttery: ¡°Yi Chen ¡­¡­¡±


    Pity him who was majoring inw but was better in studying calculus than the science and engineering students.


    ¡°Yi Chen ¡­¡­¡± Mo Sheng really could not trante anymore so she looked up to appeal for help.


    Ai!


    He sat down beside her and out of habit took the document in her hands. ¡°Which one?¡±


    ¡°Here, how to trante this one?¡±


    Mobilia sequuntur personam.


    2.11: Chattels follow the person.


    Very professional terms and Latinnguage so it was normal for her not to know it.


    His breathing was very near and lingered around her face. Suddenly, Mo Sheng remembered when they studied together outside of ss time in the past. Yi Chen would always very solemnly said: ¡°Mo Sheng, don¡¯t sit next to me.¡±


    ¡°Why ah?¡± She specifically followed him here to study outside of ss time ah.


    ¡°You will distract me.¡±


    A little sad, but straightaway she raised a hand to pledge. ¡°I promise not to talk to you, not to go out to buy snacks and not to move around ¡­¡­¡±


    As a result, before she even finished talking, Yi Chen spoke with a defeated look: ¡°No matter how quiet, you will still distract me.¡±


    What the hell!? At that time, she was so angry that she took her books and stormed off panting with rage.


    However, she seemed to understand a little bit more of his words now ¡­¡­


    This was because he also did not do anything, but just stood behind her and stooped. His refreshing and cool breaths of manliness surrounded her and her hair gently brushed against his coat. If she raised her head, it would touch his chin.


    For some reason, her face was growing warmer. She was very disturbed by his presence ¡­¡­


    Before she realized what she was doing, she had already stood up and jumped aside. The top of her head mercilessly hit someone¡¯s chin.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Yi Chen was startled by her and stroked his chin, which was in pain.


    ¡°Uh, I ¡­¡­¡± She obviously could not tell him the truth so her face flushed redder and redder, ¡°¡­¡­ I, I want to go eat.¡±


    She felt silly after speaking that. What kind of an excuse, ah, now ¡­¡­ ncing at the clock on the wall, it was not even half past ten yet.


    ¡°Right now?¡± Yi Chen frowned.


    ¡°Er, yes ah because I did not eat much this morning.¡± She summoned up the courage to exin.


    He nced at the mountain of work on his desk but seeing the ¡®hungry¡¯ Mo Sheng looking a bit weird before him, Yi Chen finally surrendered.


    He knew it, letting here along to thew firm was definitely a mistake.


    3.54: KFC on a Saturday was crowded and lively.


    Mo Sheng did not think Yi Chen would actually bring her here. She pulled his sleeve: ¡°Yi Chen, did you go to the wrong ce?¡±


    ¡°No!¡±


    ¡°In the past, did you not say only kids like this ce?¡±


    ¡°In the past, you also liked this ce.¡± Yi Chen¡¯s face flushed in anger as if she was ungrateful.


    Uh¡­¡­


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll look for somewhere to sit.¡± Mo Sheng quickly picked the easiest task.


    Sitting near the windows on the second floor,after biting the burger two times, Mo Sheng could not eat anymore. Thus, she drank her Coke and chatted a few words with Yi Chen. While talking, their topic of conversation turned to her current trantion project.


    Yi Chen raised his eyebrows: ¡°Since when did you be so interested inw?¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡­.it¡¯s always good to know a bit ofw.¡±


    ¡°No need.¡± Yi Chen smiled faintly, ¡°You can continue to be ignorant ofw. As long as it¡¯s not about you wanting a divorce, I can help you.¡±


    Huh? Mo Sheng frowned. Was he joking?


    ¡°Xiao He, howe you would alsoe here?¡± The surprised voice of a woman sounded behind Mo Sheng. She turned her head and saw a thirty something years old woman leading an adorable pair of twins towards them.


    ¡°Uncle He!¡± The twins yelled out at the same time. One of them said shrewdly, ¡°Uncle He, your girlfriend is very pretty.¡±


    ¡°Fang Jian.¡± Yi Chen stood up to say hello. This seemingly intelligent and capable woman was the district prosecutor. She was the prosecutor in one of the cases Yi Chen was currently handling.


    Fang Jian patted her son¡¯s head, ¡°Don¡±t be rude.¡± Then, she smiled at Yi Chen and said: ¡°Lawyer He shouldn¡¯t be so shabby since you are making so much money. Why treat people to eat this kind of Western fast food!¡±


    Yi Chen smiled: ¡°But someone likes to eat this.¡±


    Mo Sheng thought to herself that this ¡®someone¡¯ could not be her. Back in university, it was true she liked this. But having stayed in a foreign country for so long, if she still liked it then there must be a problem with her taste.


    ¡°So has the greatwyer finally fallen?¡± Being smart and working in a profession which requires observing people¡¯s words and gestures for clue as to their thoughts, Fang Jian can immediately guess something was going on from Yi Chen¡¯s few words. She sized up Mo Sheng and concluded that to He Yi Chen this woman who looked like a student was distinctive.


    ¡°No.¡± Yi Chen quickly changed topic, ¡°I heard you will be promoted, so let me congratte you first.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not confirmed yet.¡± Although Fang Jian was delighted, she still acted modestly. She hesitated for a moment before saying, ¡°Xiao He, when I saw youst time I wanted to ask this, but a phone call interrupted and I forgot. I heard you epted Wei Da Guang¡¯s case?¡±


    5.55: ¡°No, only his rtive came for a consultation.¡±


    Wei Da Guang was the deputy mayor of a certain prefecture level city. He was allegedly involved in embezzling billions of dors. Recently, many newspapers already reported about this. Mo Sheng was working in the industry so naturally she knew. But these news always made her recalled some unhappy past events so she did not pay close attention.


    Fang Jian smiled as if reassured: ¡°If you epted the case, I¡¯d be a bit worried. However, I told my colleagues that you usually never ept this kind of corruption cases.¡± Fang Jian eximed, ¡°If allwyers can be like you, how is it possible that some criminals can get away unpunished?¡±


    ¡°Fang Jian, you tter me. Criminals also have a right to a defense. I didn¡¯t ept this case because of personal reason.¡±


    Personal reason?


    Mo Sheng¡¯s hand stiring the ice cubes slowed down. She looked despondently at Yi Chen¡¯s indifferent expression.


    Fang Jian said with a smile: ¡°Anyway, as long as you don¡¯t ept this case, I feel relieved. I have to go. Kids, say goodbye to uncle.¡±


    ¡°Uncle and sister, goodbye!¡± The twins said at the same time.


    ¡°What uncle and sister, don¡¯t simply call!¡± Fang Jian knocked on the head of the twins. Then she took their hands and led them away.


    The moment they left, the lively atmosphere that existed earlier immediately cooled down. Mo Sheng¡¯s thoughts still revolved around Yi Chen¡¯s ¡°personal reason¡±. She could not help but think of her family¡¯s situation.


    ¡°Yi Chen.¡± Mo Sheng lowered her head and used the straw to poke at the floating ice cubes in her Coke, ¡°My dad¡¯s matter, do you mind?¡±


    There was silence from Yi Chen. Mo Sheng breathlessly continued: ¡°Actually, my dad was a very good person, what happened¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°That has nothing to do with me.¡±


    She had to summon a lot of courage before starting to talk about it, yet Yi Chen coldly interrupted her.


    The straw in Mo Sheng¡¯s hand did not manage to poke the ice cubes, but poked the cup instead. The cup overturned and spilled the Coke all over the table. A few drops sshed onto Mo Sheng¡¯s white sweater.


    After a few seconds of confusion, Mo Sheng quickly reached for the napkins and wiped the spill on the table. While she was earnestly and carefully wiping, her hands were trembling slightly.


    What did he say? Yi Chen closed his eyes and wondered.


    The second time.


    The second time, he lost his self-control.


    After regaining hisposure, Yi Chen leaned over. He took the napkins in Mo Sheng¡¯s hands: ¡°Let me.¡±


    7.50: When Mo Sheng regained her concentration, the napkins had changed hand. Yi Chen lowered his head to carefully and attentively wipe the stain on Mo Sheng¡¯s sweater. His slender fingers were steady and strong. Through the gap in her hair, she saw his determined eyebrows¡­..


    Yi Chen was so close, so close.


    Then what was so far away?


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to thew firm in the afternoon.¡± Mo Sheng said quietly.


    Yi Chen stopped wiping and looked up at her. It was difficult to know what kind of emotion was hidden in her deep ck eyes.


    ¡°I am going shopping because I need to buy something.¡± Mo Sheng said in a soft voice, ¡°Anyway, I can¡¯t help you much.¡±


    8.26: Actually, she did not need to buy anything.


    Walking aimlessly in the crowded streets, Mo Sheng felt a bit down. Perhaps choosing to stroll down the street was a mistake. In such a lively environment, it would only make lonely people feel even more lonely.


    This one month, passed by like a dream.


    The two of them were literally strangers, unexpectedly stuck together in an intimate marital rtionship. Completely unprepared. They skipped the process of taking the time to get to know each other again. But they could not skip the unfamiliarity and the entanglements in their hearts, created by the many years of separation.


    Her father.


    Her previous marriage.


    The problems appeared to have stemmed from her. Mo Sheng smiled bitterly.


    She visited several stores and tried on two sweaters. Looking at the person in the full-length mirror, she still felt something was inappropriate.


    Probably because of the turmoil in her heart.


    She remembered she had to cut her hair.


    It is easiest to find a hairdresser¡¯s shop in the city. As soon as she walked out of the clothing store, she looked up and saw a hairdresser¡¯s shop right away.


    Artsy Hairdresser?


    Mo Sheng tried to recall such a familiar name from her memory. She finally remembered, Xiao Hong had strongly rmended this shop. Xiao Hong¡¯s taste has always been questionable, but there were many people waiting in the shop. It was unlikely that everyone have the same standard like Xiao Hong.


    She opened the door and sat down to wait. It was more than an hour before it was her turn.


    9.40: ¡°Miss, how do you want your haircut?¡± The hair stylist asked.


    ¡°A little bit shorter is fine.¡±


    ¡°Just like this?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Great!¡± Mr. hair stylistughed strangely. ¡°I like the freedom to express my style.¡± Thest sentence sounded like he was talking to himself. Mo Sheng did not care much until more than an hourter¡­¡­


    Mo Sheng stared at the person in the mirror, how could that be?


    Why she looked like this? The hair was jagged like an animal just gnawed on it.


    ¡°Do you think it does not look good?¡± He red aggressively at her. On one hand, he held a pair of gleaming scissors. On the other hand, he held a blow dryer that made whirring noises.


    ¡°Uh¡­. it¡¯s not like that.¡± Mo Sheng was intimidated by his aggression, ¡°Actually, upon closer inspection¡­¡­ it¡¯s pretty good.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± He looked suspiciously at Mo Sheng¡¯s sincere face, ¡°Good in what way?¡±


    What way? Couldbing or notbing the hair look the same be considered good?


    ¡°Ah¡­¡­that, very¡­¡­.artsy. That is right, very artistic.¡± Remembering the shop¡¯s name, Mo Sheng nodded with certainty.


    ¡°Really?¡± This time, he used a different tone to ask ¡°really¡±. Mr. hair stylist looked proud like a peacock.


    He waved hisrge hand, his upational weapon looked like a beautiful arc in the air: ¡°Don¡¯t need money for your head.¡±


    No need money for her head? Why this sounded so bloody? Mo Sheng carefully checked again: ¡°Are you saying I don¡¯t have to pay for my haircut?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s free.¡±


    The hairstylist shook his head, looking forlorn as if misunderstood: ¡°Don¡¯t you know that art is priceless? Therefore, my shop will only charge for bad haircuts because that¡¯s considered a failure, not a work of art¡­¡­¡±


    Such an artsy logic because people who listened could not fully understand.


    11.07: Mo Sheng quickly escaped from the shop before being sessfully brainwashed by the hairstylist. She consciously walked on the side of the road. Along the way, she could not help but frequently looked at the disy windows of the shops. At the same time, the people in the shops also looked at her hideous and messy hair and sad face.


    Looking at her reflection on the disy windows, the more she looked, the more ridiculous she felt. Thus, she could not help butugh out loud.


    People walking by looked at her strangely because it was difficult to imagine someone being so happy with such an awful haircut.


    ¡°Miss, do you want to go inside the store to take a look?


    The salesperson called out the warm greeting. Mo Sheng only realized she had stood and stared at the mannequins behind the disy windows for a long time. When she was in a daze, she liked to stand still and stare at things for a long time. In the past, Yi Chen was often creeped out by her staring at him.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Mo Sheng walked shyly into the store as the salesperson smiled graciously.


    It was a store well-known for selling men¡¯s clothing. Mo Sheng nned to merely look casually around the store, but abruptly she stopped in front of a windbreaker.


    A very simple style in Yi Chen¡¯s favorite color. Her hand involuntary touched the cor and she imagined Yi Chen would look very good wearing it.


    ¡°Oh miss, are you buying clothes for your boyfriend? This is thetest style for this year. Currently, there is a discount of 20% so it only costs 3,200 yuans.¡±


    Mo Sheng was stunned because it was too expensive. That was almost her sry in one month. Moreover, she did not have so much money on her. She looked at the salesperson and shook her head in an apology. The salesperson smiled kindly.


    When she walked to the doorway of the store, she felt reluctant to leave. That windbreaker really suited him. Suddenly, Mo Sheng remembered the card Yi Chen gave her.


    She quickly walked back inside: ¡°Do you ept cards?¡±


    12.33: The sound of flipping paper stopped. ¡°Miss, please sign here.¡±


    She picked up the pen and almost wrote her name out of habit. Luckily, she remembered on time this was Yi Chen¡¯s card, so she should sign ¡°He Yi Chen.¡±


    He Yi Chen¡­¡­ a name she had written countless times.


    One time, she was mad at Yi Chen for what reason? She could not remember anymore. She just remembered she went to the self-study ss by herself. She had nned to solve theplicated maths problems. She was obviously working on her maths but when she looked at the paper, it was filled with ¡°He Yi Chen¡±¡®s names.


    Suddenly, she heard Yi Chen¡¯s voice from behind her: ¡°Mo Sheng, you wrote wrongly.¡± He looked at her withughter in his eyes.


    ¡°How could that be?¡± Although Mo Sheng should feel ashamed for being caught red-handed, she defended herself by picking up the pen and carefully writing it again for him to see. ¡°He Yi Chen¡±, where was the mistake?


    ¡°The mistake is in the order of the strokes. This stroke in the letter ¡°He¡± should be written on the inside first, and the vertical hook isst. Write it again.¡±


    Mo Sheng must have been affected by his seriousness because she really picked up the pen and earnestly prepared to write it again. After she finished writing the word ¡°He¡±, she only realized something was amiss: ¡°He Yi Chen, why am I writing your name!?¡±


    Mo Sheng handed the signed bill back to the salesperson. The salesperson smiled and gave her the bag: ¡°Pleasee again!¡±


    Memories of the past made Mo Sheng¡¯s recently improved mood, began to depress again. When she was outside the store, Mo Sheng stood still in a daze.


    13.54: The happy days of the past were gone, only the sad reality remained. When can they go back to the happiness of the past? When can the ups and downs in their rtionship cease?

 Chapter 8.2: If You Leave

    <h4>Chapter 8.2: If You Leave </h4>


    (tranted by lidge and edited by peanuts)


    Guessing that Yi Chen would not return home early, Mo Sheng decided to eat dinner outside. It was after eight when she returned home.


    Opening the door, the room was really dark.


    0.30: Fumbling for the light switch, a deep male voice suddenly rang out.


    ¡°Back already?¡±


    ¡°Yi Chen?¡± Because she did not expect it, Mo Sheng was shocked.


    The voice came from the balcony. His tall body in silhouette. He stood with his back to her and did not turn around.


    The atmosphere between them turned somewhat depressing.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you answer the phone?¡± Yi Chen asked softly, between his fingers was a burning lit cigarette.


    What phone? Mobile phone? Mo Cheng took her mobile phone out of her handbag and found out it had already shutdown. ¡°The battery died.¡±


    No battery? So that was why. It seemed as if Yi Chen breathed out in relief. His voice sounded a little tired.


    ¡°You better go to bed early.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Mo Sheng replied. She thought for a while, then said in determination: ¡°Yi Chen, I have something to say to you.¡±


    ¡°About what?¡±


    Mo Sheng bit her lips and muttered: ¡°I feel that we don¡¯t behave like a married couple, we¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Yi Chen asked derisively, ¡°How should a married couple act? In this regard, you have a lot more experience than me.¡±


    There was no reply for a long time, so Yi Chen put out the cigarette and turned around. Mo Sheng with her hand holding a shopping bag stood a few meters away. She pursed up her lips tightly and herplexion was pale.


    ¡°I bought you a windbreaker.¡± Mo Sheng said softly, while staring at the floor, ¡°But I used your card to pay for it. Do you want to try it on?¡±


    Suddenly, the stab of pain in Yi Chen¡¯s heart, made him unconsciously clenched his fist.


    In these years, all he had dreamed of was that one day Mo Sheng was able to stand in front of him again. He could touch her if he just held out his arm. Where this was no longer an illusion. She was really standing in front of him now, so what more could he still want?


    2.15: ¡°You¡­¡­¡± Yi Chen¡¯s voice softened. There, there was a pause. His face was pale when he stared at her hair.


    Unable to ignore his intense gaze, Mo Sheng looked up. Was he looking at her hair? She said with a little embarrassment: ¡°¡­¡­I just cut my hair.¡±


    ¡°I have eyes, I can see.¡± His tone stiff and his eyes still. He finally turned away. It was as if he could not stand to look at her anymore.


    Yi Chen quickly lit another cigarette. A long time passed before he said with an extremely repressed voice: ¡°Go to bed.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t talk to me right now.¡± He rudely interrupted her.


    Although she was tired from shopping, Mo Sheng could not sleep. Shey in bed listening to Yi Chen¡¯s footsteps from the balcony to the study. After a long time, he walked from the study to the guest room. Then, the sound of a door closing. Finally, everything was quiet.


    Mo Sheng did not know when she fell asleep.


    3.11: The next morning when she woke up, her throat felt itchy, very ufortable. Her years of experience told her she probably has a cold.


    Yi Chen had already left the house. Mo Sheng found and took some medicine. She hastily ate lunch but she still felt ufortable so she went to sleep.


    When she woke up, it was dark outside the window. Yi Chen was standing next to the bed. He put a hand on her forehead, seemingly a little worried.


    Mo Sheng looked at him, thinking she was dreaming.


    Yi Chen took his hand away and said gently: ¡°Get up, I¡¯m taking you to the hospital.¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­¡­ no need, it¡¯s not serious. I just have a little cold.¡±


    ¡°You have a fever.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve already taken some medicine.¡± Mo Sheng insisted.


    Yi Chen looked at her, nodded, did not say anything and walked away. Mo Sheng thought he was no longer persistent with her, so she felt a little disappointed.


    Surprisingly, Yi Chen walked to the wardrobe, took out her clothes and put it in front of her.


    ¡°Do you want to put the clothes on yourself or you want me to help you to change?¡±


    4.11: Mo Sheng went to the hospital. The liquid in the IV dripped down slowly, drop by drop.


    Thinking about him just threatening to help her change clothes, Mo Sheng flushed red. She nced at the man sitting in front of her reading some documents.


    Feeling as if her eyes on him, Yi Chen looked up. Mo Sheng quickly turned her head.


    Yi Chen did not mind. Suddenly, he seemed to remember something, so he stood up and walked out. He returned with an entertainment magazine and put it next to her.


    Mo Sheng pretended not to notice. Instead, she began to read the newspaper left behind by others.


    Yi Chen raised his eyebrows and went along with her. If his wife wanted to learn more about investing in securities, that was not a bad thing.


    Mo Sheng stared at the newspaper. What was this? Mostly diagrams with only a few words. The numbers and technical terms made her head hurt more.


    Regret!


    She nced at the colorful magazine ¡­¡­.. really wanted to take a look. She nced at Yi Chen again, who has his head down and seemed very focused in reading his documents.


    He was unlikely to notice¡­¡­ Her hand quietly moved over. When she almost reached the magazine, suddenly Yi Chen turned a page of his documents. She withdrew her hand immediately.


    Forget it! Mo Sheng gave up. Only a bit over an hour, just put up with it.


    There were things Mo Sheng could put up with, but there was one thing Mo Sheng could not put up with. Half an hourter, Mo Sheng began to appear unsettled.


    Yi Chen noticed her movement and wrinkled his eyebrows. He turned to a fifty plus years old woman who was sitting next to him and said: ¡°Can you do me a favor?¡±


    After returning from the bathroom, Mo Sheng endured for a while but still could not help but ask: ¡°How did you know I wanted to go to the bathroom?¡±


    He did not even bother to lift his head and simply replied: ¡°I guessed.¡±


    This man! Mo Sheng red at him.


    5.53: Returning from the hospital, Yi Chen put Mo Sheng to bed. After she has fallen asleep, he turned off the lights and walked to the study.


    Not knowing if because she slept too much in the afternoon or the effect of the IV, Mo Sheng felt a lot better. She did not feel sleepy anymore. Rolling in bed several times, suddenly she remembered something and almost jumped up.


    Oh no! She had to go to Hong Kong tomorrow but she had not prepared anything yet. She did not know what she had done these past few days. How could she have forgotten something so important.


    She quickly got out of bed, Then, she took out her travel bag and began to pack her things.


    Her movement was too rapid, so some documents fell onto the floor. Mo Sheng bent over to pick them up. However, another pair of hands was faster and picked them up.


    Huh?


    When she straightened up, Yi Chen immediately grasped her wrist tightly. He was holding the documents and looked furious: ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­ Packing my things.¡± His grip was painful, so Mo Sheng wanted to break free, but he tightened his grip.


    ncing at the luggage that was almost finished packing, Yi Chen¡¯s eyes darkened considerably: ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    Remembering that she had not told Yi Chen about her trip, Mo Sheng replied obediently: ¡°Hong Kong.¡±


    Hong Kong?


    Yi Chen¡¯s anger gradually increased. If he had not caught her by ident. No, it was not exactly by ident! If he did note by to check if she had fallen asleep, would she disappear without a trace again tomorrow morning, just like seven years ago without him knowing about it?


    Did she even understand what it meant to be someone¡¯s wife! Did she understand that she was now his wife? Thus, she could not abandon and leave him all alone again like before.


    The old wound was mercilessly torn open. He gripped her hand harder and his gloomy eyes ring at her with usation: ¡°Fine, tell me, how many years do you n to be gone this time?¡±


    What was he saying? Mo Sheng felt drowsy again. The pain on her hand was growing more and more unbearable: ¡°Yi Chen, can you release my hand first?¡±


    Release her?


    Impossible!


    Struggling to pull away, she fell into his embrace. Yi Chen bent his head and kissed her, fiercely and angrily.


    The way he kissed, felt as if he wanted to swallow her whole person, allowing a bit of room for her to breath only. He tightened his hands on her waist, as if wanting her to merge into him and bing a part of him.


    ¡°Yi Chen¡­¡­¡± Mo Sheng wanted to pull away from his grasp. She could feel his action was motivated by anger but did not understand why.


    Her soft moaning instead acted as a catalyst for his passion. Her struggling ignited his desire to control her. He pushed her onto the bed and his body fell onto her, leaving her firmly in his control. His eyes looking deeply into Mo Sheng¡¯s eyes. She was the only thing he has ever wanted to possess.


    ¡°Mo Sheng, this is marital obligation.¡±


    He sucked her delicate skin, leaving markings on her body. His action was forceful and direct, leaving Mo Sheng trembling.


    ¡°¡­¡­ Painful!¡±


    Yi Chen paused briefly. Painful? She can also feel pain?


    Pain would be the emptiness after waking up in the middle of the night from a dream and knowing she was out of his reach. It would be never seeing her childish smiles again. It would be an unexinedpse of concentration in whatever he did. It would be the loneliness after celebrating winning cases¡­¡­


    How would she know?!


    Mo Sheng, in those moments, you were in another man¡¯s embrace!


    Her pajamas was ripped open in half by him and pushed to the waist. By chance, it entangled both of her hands, making her unable to move. Hence, she could only let him do whatever he wanted.


    Everything that he saw and the intoxicating passion made Yi Chen lost his sanitypletely. There was a fire in his eyes, burning into her. This was what he had desired very much. He has imagined and yearned for this countless times. The longing he had repressed for seven years could not be constrain anymore, erupted andpletely overwhelmed him.


    His hands roved wantonly over every inch of the ces he wanted to possess. Together with his hot kisses branded every inch of the skin he wanted to possess. That kind of passion that was filled with a trace of hatred resulting in Mo Sheng incapable of thinking clearly. She appeared dazed as if she had fallen into a dream.


    Until the sharp and strange ringtone sounded, shocking her back to lucidness. Mo Sheng seemed to recall this strange ringtone was reserved for Xiao Hong.


    ¡°The mobile phone¡­¡­¡±


    How could she think of the phone at this time? Yi Chen increased his onught, but the ringing continued on loudly that he could not ignore it. He slowly loosened his grip on her hands and stretched his hand to turn off the phone.


    Mo Sheng finally has a chance to breathe properly, but her quick gulps of air turned into coughing. She already had a cold, so she could not stop coughing now.


    The ringing had stopped, only her severe coughing was heard in the bedroom.


    Half of Yi Chen¡¯s body was still pressed on top of her body, but he did not continue because a little of his sanity had returned. Mo Sheng¡¯s pajamas was disheveled. There were many red marks on her body as if to use him of his recent brutality. He could even feel her body slight trembling.


    Self-loathing filled him. He Yi Chen, you had already forced her to marry you. Now, you wanted to force her to go to bed with you?


    He gave a wry smile: ¡°Why are you going to Hong Kong?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a business trip. Ourpany wants to cooperate with a magazine publisher in Hong Kong. Yi Chen, I will only be gone for a few days. I forgot to tell you.¡± Mo Sheng exined clearly.


    Yi Chen did not say anything.


    What did he just do? Marital sexual assault?


    Yi Chen had calmed down his rapid breathing. He was trying to repress his restless emotional tide by helping her to tidy up her clothes. When he was fastening the buttons on her undergarment, he felt her body trembling. Thus, he felt a bit worried.


    ¡°I will not hurt you.¡± He murmured and smiled mockingly at himself. Abruptly, he stood up and walked out of the bedroom. Mo Sheng only heard a loud bang as the door closed and she was once again alone in the bedroom.


    7.37: The strange ringtone sounded again relentlessly. Mo Sheng moved over to pick up the phone. Xiao Hong¡¯s excited voice could be heard: ¡°Ah Sheng, there¡¯s one more thing you must not forget to buy for me. It¡¯s very cheap to buy in Hong Kong¡­¡­¡±


    Finally, she finished her long speech after some time. Mo Sheng hung up the phone. She wanted to smile but could not.


    She would go to Hong Kong tomorrow, while they were like this?


    Hesitating for awhile, she finally pushed open the door.


    There was only a dim tablemp in the guest room. Yi Chen was sitting on the bed and staring intensely at her. An ashtray beside him was already filled with many cigarette butts.


    Mo Sheng walked quietly to the other side of the bed and put her own pillow down next to his pillow. She lifted a corner of the quilt, carefullyy down next to him, then closed her eyes.


    Yi Chen did not move except to light another cigarette.


    After a while, Mo Sheng murmured: ¡°Can you turn off the light? I want to¡­¡­.¡±


    The word ¡®sleep¡¯ just disappeared into the thin air. Suddenly, she was carried by him to sit on hisp. She was imprisoned tightly in his embrace. His warm breath was blowing on her neck. Yi Chen¡¯s husky voice was filled with a subtle tension.


    8.55: ¡°Do you know what your action implies?¡±


    How could she not know?


    Mo Sheng lowered her eyes and lifted a finger to write on his chest.


    One word, another word¡­¡­ she was writing¡­¡­


    Yi Chen shuddered and grabbed her restless hand. His eyes filled with many emotions as he stared into her eyes.


    ¡°Mo Sheng, how can you torment me like this?¡±


    The instant, she wrote on his chest, the deep antagonism between them disappeared. Yi Chen kissed her deeply, wanting to prove that at this moment she was real.


    When he finally willing to release her, Mo Sheng was already gasping for breath. She weakly fell onto his chest.


    This kind of silent was rather ufortable, so Mo Sheng tried to think of something to say.


    ¡°Yi Chen, I have a cold.¡± Wasn¡¯t he afraid it would be contagious?¡±


    ¡°I know, I won¡¯t take advantage to bully you now.¡±


    Yi Chen hugged her, in helplessness and resignation.


    Huh? Mo Sheng was expressionless. Did he misunderstand her?


    But¡­¡­Did he want her to say that was not what she meant?


    She could not! If she seemed eager for him to ¡®bully¡¯ her, he would certainlyugh at herter.


    ¡°Actually, you can ¡­¡­ bully me.¡±


    Huh! Who said that? It could not possible be her! Mo Sheng was very embarrassed.


    Yi Chen was silent. Did he not hear her? When Mo Sheng started to be a little at ease, only to discover that her buttons were undone already. Her soft and snowy white shoulders were gradually exposed to the cold air. Her delicate skin was covered with love bites left by his kisses, very deeply and clearly. It could clearly be seen to what extent he had exerted himself physically. Now, he merely wanted to bully her once more all the way through¡­¡­


    His red-hot lips once again touched her skin, burning the old markings left behind¡­¡­


    ¡°Mo Sheng, did I hear wrongly?¡± Yi Chen¡¯s voice was hoarse.


    Mo Sheng could not speak. He had already done so much, so how could he still ask!


    The extinguished passionate fire was easily reignited again. Suddenly, Yi Chen lifted Mo Sheng up, walked into the bedroom and put her on the bed.


    This ce was better.


    What was the difference? Mo Sheng did not understand, but she did not have the strength to ask. Yi Chen¡¯s boiling hot male body covered her body. His fiery lips and tongue overbearingly possessed every inch of her skin. She tossed about and moved up and down in that other world, which she had never experienced before. Lasting until the passion retreated¡­¡­


    Mo Sheng fell into an uneasy sleep. Suddenly, she woke up in the middle of the night and noticed the ce next to her was empty. Her eyes scanned the room to discover Yi Chen was standing in front of the window.


    Maybe it was because of the darkness, but Mo Sheng felt his rear view was very serious, making it difficult for her to breath. As if feeling her looking at him, Yi Chen turned around. She could not see the emotions hidden in his eyes in this dark night.


    10.04: He put out the cigarette, walked to the bed, turned back the quilt to lie down next to her and quietly held her.


    Mo Sheng was quiet for a long time. Finally she could not help but ask: ¡°Yi Chen, what are you thinking?¡±


    Her voice sounded a bit worry.


    ¡°Nothing, I¡¯ve just figured out a few things.¡±


    Figured out what? Mo Sheng wanted to ask, but his lips seized her lips.


    ¡°Mo Sheng, grow your hair long.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Although she did not understand why he mentioned her hair, Yi Chen managed to divert Mo Sheng¡¯s attention. She asked anxiously, ¡°Is my hair very ugly?¡±


    Yi Chen was about to smile.


    No.


    It was because¡­¡­


    She had a little bit more. (more of her for Yi Chen to love aspared to short hair)


    He kissed her hair, attacking her already very weak confidence: ¡°Mo Sheng, it¡¯s truly very ugly!¡±

 Chapter 9.1: Constant Temperature

    <h4>Chapter 9.1: Constant Temperature </h4>


    (tranted by lidge and edited by peanuts)


    0.30: It was natural to wake upte the next morning.


    Moreover, Yi Chen was the one who woke her up. She did not know when he woke up, but he looked refreshed and was holding her phone.


    ¡°Your call.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Mo Sheng opened her eyes with difficulty and reached out to take the phone from Yi Chen¡¯s hand. As soon as she answered, sister Chen¡¯s voice swept forcefully through like a typhoon: ¡°Zhao Ah Sheng, do you know what time it is now? We¡¯re all waiting for you only at the airport. Hurry up! If you dare to be slow like a tortoise, I will step on your shell. I¡¯ll murder you with a hammer, then use your skull as an ornament¡­¡­¡± sister Chen threatened in her distinguished way.


    At this moment, Mo Sheng was fully awake. She looked at the time on the phone then quickly jumped up.


    She scrambled to get dressed and packed her suitcase. Yi Chen frowned at her disorganization and grabbed her: ¡°Can you be more organized? You¡¯ve fastened the buttons wrongly.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Mo Sheng looked down and watched Yi Chen¡¯s slender fingers slowly helped her to re-do her coat¡¯s buttons. The embarrassment and shyness that were temporary reced by anxiety slowly returned. Mo Sheng¡¯s face gradually turned red.


    ¡°Okay, done.¡± Feeling the awkward atmosphere surrounding them, Yi Chen¡¯s mood changed and he immediately dropped his hands. He pushed aside his wild and fanciful thoughts and picked up the car keys, ¡°Hurry up, get all your things. I¡¯ll drive you to the airport.¡±


    When they arrived at the airport, it was 20 minutes away from boarding. Thus, Mo Sheng was in a hurry to get out of the car, but Yi Chen pulled her back.


    2.03: ¡°I¡¯m veryte.¡± Mo Sheng suddenly paused. She stared at the extra thing on her ring finger on her left hand.


    It was a in and simple tinum ring. The design was simple, not extravagant. Only a small circr diamonds followed the delicate lines on the ring. It apparently looked elegant and natural.


    ¡°When did you buy this?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember.¡± It has been too long, ¡°I found itst night.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡­¡± Mo Sheng held up her hand and looked foolishly at the ring on her finger. It reflected the bright rays of light of the winter sun.


    ¡°You have less than 10 minutes.¡± Yi Chen smiled and reminded her.


    Ten minutes? Mo Sheng immediately thought of sister Chen holding a hammer¡­.. dead!


    Not even saying goodbye, Mo Sheng took her luggage and ran. While running, she could not help but looked down at the ring on her finger again and again. Endless happiness filled her heart until overflowing.


    3.08: Hong Kong.


    The magazine publisher sent a delegation to mainly discuss about cooperation matters with a major magazine publisher in Hong Kong. Actually, this had nothing to do with Mo Sheng except being fluent in English, she was brought along as an interpreter.


    Because preparation was made carefully in advance, the negotiation went smoothly. Three dayster, the two sides signed the contract. Finished with work, the group decided to go shopping right away.


    ¡°Oh My God! Why is the cosmetic so cheap here? Oh! Recently, I paid 1,000 yuans more for this type of ne back home¡­¡­¡± sister Chen looked murderous in the shopping mall.


    Originally, she was supposed to apany Mo Sheng to go shopping, but in the end she bought more than Mo Sheng. They shopped all day into the night in Hong Kong, a city that does not sleep at night. In the end, everyone was tired. More so than when they were involved in the important negotiation that spanned several days.


    Back at the hotel, the moment sister Chen walked into the room, she flopped onto the bed andy like a corpse.


    Mo Sheng looked at the phone on the desk, hesitating, not sure if she should call Yi Chen.


    ¡°If you want to call, do it quickly. You can get business expense reimbursement.¡± Mo Sheng was startled and turned around to look at sister Chen, whose eyes were still closed¡­¡­¡­. Was she talking in her sleep?


    Picking up the phone, she pressed a number she knew by heart.


    Very quickly, Yi Chen answered in a calm voice: ¡°Mo Sheng.¡±


    Mo Sheng was stunned: ¡°How did you know it¡¯s me? A meeting of the minds?¡±


    ¡°Caller ID.¡±


    Like this ah. ¡°Oh, then have youe home from work yet?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­You¡¯re calling our home phone.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡± Mo Sheng did not know what else to say.


    There was also a moment of silence on Yi Chen¡¯s side and Mo Sheng could feel he was sighing: ¡°What have you done in Hong Kong these past few days?¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡­¡± Mo Sheng immediately told him about her work. Whenever she did not know what else to say, Yi Chen would always mention another topic. The call actuallysted for nearly an hour. After hanging up the phone, Mo Sheng¡¯s thought was still immersed in that phone call.


    On the other end, after Yi Chen hung up the phone, he picked up his pen, but he could not write a word for a long time.


    5.03: She spoke so long without coughing, so she had probably recovered from the cold.


    Lately, thew firm continuously won cases. After a routine weekly meeting, everyone was in a good mood and did not want to leave so soon. They were determined that the threewyers should treat everyone to a meal. Having Lao Yuan, this kind of boss who likes a lively atmosphere, he waved his hands and generously said: ¡°All right, all right, you guys just name the ce where you want to go to celebrate. Lawyer He will pay for everything.¡±


    As it turned out, he was being generous with other people¡¯s money? All through the meeting, Yi Chen who did not speak one word, but now asked sinctly: ¡°Reason?¡±


    ¡°Still need a reason?¡± Lao Yuan gave a strange facial expression, ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you don¡¯t know, since ancient times, the person to get ripped off has always been the minister who has given the most outstanding service. Therger the contribution, the faster being ughtered.¡±


    That made sense. Yi Chen understood and nodded to show his willingness to be ughtered.


    Immediately, everyone cheered loudly. They discussed noisily about where to go to celebrate. Although each person had a different opinion, one thing inmon was they all wanted to go somewhere expensive.


    Xiang Heng listened, shook his head and said to Yi Chen: ¡°You have to prepare yourself mentally.¡±


    Yi Chen smiled. Actually, it did not matter.


    The discussion went on for a long time, but the people could not reach a consensus. In the midst of all the chatter, suddenly someone suggested: ¡°What do you guys think about going towyer He¡¯s house?¡±


    6.13: Everyone in the meeting room immediately stopped talking. They looked at the speaker, it was the new intern Xiao Gao.


    Suddenly bing the center of attention, Xiao Gao who is a straightforward girl became embarrassed: ¡°I, I thought going somewhere might not be as fun as going towyer He¡¯s house to eat hot pot. We can cook it ourselves, so it will be more meaningful.¡±


    Everyone agreed but did not dare to say what they wanted out loud. At thew firm, except Lao Yuan who was always jovial and cheeky, the other twowyers were hard to get close to. This was especially so withwyer He, who always separated his personal life from work issues. Except focusing on work at the office,wyer He kept a distance from everyone.


    Butwyer He¡¯s house¡­¡­ really wanted to go there to have a look.


    ¡°That¡¯s right! That¡¯s right!¡± Suddenly, Lao Yuan pped his thigh, ¡°Why didn¡¯t I think of it? Since your house isrge, going there is perfect, as we can eat infort. How about it? Let us know what you think.¡±


    Hearing Lao Yuan said that, everyone also looked forward to Yi Chen¡¯s reply. Yi Chen thought it was funny seeing the hopeful expressions in everyone¡¯s eyes. Remembering, since Mo Sheng would only return tomorrow, it would be good if he had something to do tonight so he nodded and said: ¡°If you guys won¡¯t think that is cheap of me, everyone is wee.¡±


    7.10: The car moved smoothly, Xiao Gao sat in the passenger¡¯s seat, unable to hide her excitement. Everyone was assigned tasks just now. Other people had to go buy the ingredients for the hotpot, whereas Xiao Gao andwyer He would go to his house to prepare things first. Just the two of them ah! Today must be her lucky day.


    Sneaking a look atwyer He¡¯s face, he is so handsome. The aura of a sessful man made her blush and her heart was beating rapidly. Although she had worked underwyer He¡¯s internship for only several days, Xiao Gao already realized this is a man of excellence and integrity. Hence, it was impossible not to feel any attraction for such a man!


    ¡°Lawyer He, what sort of person do you like?¡± Xiao Gao inquired curiously. She had an air of innocence and boldness of a student.


    Yi Chen smiled. What a typical question from a young girl! However, he also found it difficult to answer.


    ¡°Lawyer He, don¡¯t you know?¡± Xiao Gao asked in disappointment. This meant she would not know where to channel her effort, but she had to persist. ¡°Lawyer He, have you liked anyone before?¡± Xiao Gao wondered how a rational and an aloof person like Lawyer He would act if in love with someone. Would he be more gentle? It was difficult to imagine ah.


    ¡°Of course.¡± This question was a lot easier to answer.


    ¡°Oh¡­.¡± Surprisingly, he had! Xiao Gao said enviously, ¡°She must be very outstanding.¡±


    ¡°No, exactly the opposite.¡± Yi Chen shook his head, ¡°She is far from excellence. Her grades in school were so-so only because she always only wanted to y. She is absent-minded, so she gives people a headache. Unfortunately, she apparently hasn¡¯t improved with age. I don¡¯t know what she did with her time.¡±


    Oh, that did not sound like what she imagined: ¡°Then, she must be very beautiful?¡±


    Yi Chen smiled faintly and said objectively: ¡°She looks pretty good, but there are also many people more beautiful than her.¡±


    ¡°Then, she surely must have great personality.¡± Xiao Gao said with certainty.


    Great personality? Where got! Yi Chen sighed.


    8.38: ¡°She is very noisy.¡± So much so that in the first few years, whenever he closed his eyes, he always could hear her voice calling ¡°Yi Chen! Yi Chen! Yi Chen!¡±, but when he opened his eyes, there was nothing.


    That was when he began to hate her.


    Xiao Gao was confused, not outstanding and not beautiful. Lawyer He¡¯s tone implied she is also not a beauty with great personality. ¡°Then, why didwyer He like her ah?¡±


    Why? Yi Chen also did not understand.


    Perhaps her continuous chatter filled his empty soul; Perhaps she obviously did not like to study outside of ss time but she would still regrly apany him to study. The result was her falling asleep and drooling all over his criminalw books; Perhaps she has not even passed grade four English but she was happy and excited to drag him to celebrate his passing grade six English with excellent result, although she was berated badly by her on that day because it was deemed his fault for not teaching his girlfriend properly¡­¡­ At that time, she miserably raised her hand and vowed to definitely pass grade 4 next time so he would not be disgraced. Unfortunately, there was no such an opportunityter¡­¡­


    Turning to Miss. intern who was still waiting for his answer, Yi Chen smiled faintly and looked helplessly: ¡°At that time, my vision was not good. Liking someone was simply that. It was not possible to know why.¡±


    9.52: Why was it so noisy outside?


    Mo Sheng buried her head under the quilt but she still could not block out the noises flowing into her ears. Could it be the TV? Had Yi Chen returned home?


    She turned and woke up but still feeling dazed. She got down from the bed, opened the bedroom door and was immediately stunned¡­¡­ Why were there so many people in the living room?


    The people in the living room, one after the other started to notice Mo Sheng who was standing at the doorway of the bedroom. Suddenly, everyone quieted down.


    The two sides stared at each other. No one said a thing. Silence filled the room.


    Yi Chen walked out of the kitchen with bowls and chopsticks in his hands and saw Mo Sheng standing at the doorway of the bedroom. His handsome face looked bbergasted, then he frowned.


    10.28: ¡°Go in and put on your slippers.¡±


    ¡°Ah? Oh.¡± Mo Sheng looked down at her feet. She came out in a hurry and forgot to put on her slippers.


    Yi Chen put the bowls and chopsticks on the table, then nodded politely at everyone who were caught off guard: ¡°Excuse me.¡±


    Everyone nodded in bewilderment. After the owner of the house disappeared behind the bedroom door, Mei Ting was the first one to react.


    ¡°Lawyer He will go so far as to¡­¡­¡± Xiao Gao and Lao Yuan looked at each other. The two of them could not believe their eyes, but the evidence was obviously conclusive: the bedroom, her pajamas¡­¡­


    The group simultaneously came to the same conclusion: ¡°Live together!¡±


    Her idol bubble burst! Xiao Gao¡¯s heart was broken to pieces. She thoughtwyer He was an extremely honorable man, but unexpectedly, he also secretly living together with someone!


    Ouch, such a big blow! Lao Yuan felt like crying. Even Yi Chen was living with someone, but he was still single!


    11.16: Only Xiang Heng was not surprised like everyone else, although he did not expect He Yi Chen and Zhao Mo Sheng to be living together, ¡°I¡¯ve already said before, so long as He Yi Chen runs into Zhao Mo Sheng, all his principles also can be discounted.¡±

 Chapter 9.2: Constant Temperature

    <h4>Chapter 9.2: Constant Temperature </h4>


    (tranted by lidge and edited by peanuts)


    11.27: When Yi Chen walked into the bedroom, he saw Mo Sheng lying on the bed, her head buried in a pillow¡­¡­she found it embarrassing?


    Yi Chen went to the bed and pulled her up into his embrace: ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you wouldn¡¯t be back until tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°Yes, but we finished early so I came back before everyone else.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    Why what? Mo Sheng immediately changed the subject, muttering: ¡°Xiao Hong willin because I didn¡¯t help her buy everything she wanted¡­¡­¡±


    Yi Chen stopped her grumbling with his lips. He kissed her cheeks, her lips, her neck and his breath mingled with hers impatiently.


    ¡°¡­¡­ You¡¯re tempting me.¡± The greatwyer He who had just taken advantage of her was announcing her crime. His deep and low voice sounded partly loving, partly resentful.


    Mo Sheng opened her eyes wide as this was a serious usation! ¡°How can that be?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­You¡¯re wearing my pajamas.¡±


    ¡°Your pajamas were in the bathroom and I forgot to bring in mine. Then, I forgot to change back¡­¡­¡± Mo Sheng was anxious so she sounded a little incoherent and upset. She felt remorse over her carelessness. ¡°I will definitely not do it again.¡±


    Then that would be a big loss to him. Yi Chen smiled faintly: ¡°Get up and go to eat.¡±


    With the people outside? Mo Sheng shook her head: ¡°No.¡±


    Yi Chen did not say anything. Mo Sheng guiltily gave an excuse, ¡°I¡¯m tired from my flight.¡±


    ¡°You can eat and then sleep.¡±


    The second excuse: ¡°I don¡¯t know them.¡±


    ¡°In the future, you¡¯ll have to know them.¡± Yi Chen coaxed.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡± Mo Sheng could not think of any more excuses, so she said in distressed, ¡°So embarrassing¡­¡­just now¡± She was wearing Yi Chen¡¯s pajamas, her hair messy and her eyes drowsy when she stood at the door of the bedroom¡­..


    12.52: Oh! Yi Chen sighed. He reached for the clothes at the headboard: ¡°I am used to it. I am going out first. Youe out after you have dressed.¡±


    When Yi Chen walked out from the bedroom, everyone was already back to normal. After all, everyone here arewyers or will bewyers so it was hard to really startle them.


    Xiang Heng and Lao Yuan were smoking outside the balcony. They beckoned to Yi Chen when they saw him.


    Handing Yi Chen a cigarette, Lao Yuan full of zest, started to talk: ¡°Living together in sin?¡±


    Yi Chen raised his eyebrow:¡±No, legally.¡±


    His answer stunned Xiang Heng. Lao Yuan, this heavy smoker even choked on his cigarette. He coughed for a long time before he could ask: ¡°What does legally mean?¡±


    ¡°A long-term contractual rtionship between a man and a woman based on the voluntary wishes of both sides.¡± Yi Chen exined the legality of it.


    Lao Yuan was dumbfounded.


    13.37: Yi Chen smiled: ¡°Simply put, I¡¯m married. You two need to prepare red packets.¡±


    ¡°Ah! You!¡­¡­ you¡­¡­ you!¡± Lao Yuan screamed, ¡°You¡¯re married?¡±


    0.31: Seeing Yi Chen nodding in confirmation, Lao Yuan screamed loudly again. He ran into the living room to announce the explosive news.


    Xiang Heng leaned against the balcony railing and looked at the night sky: ¡°Life is so strange. The two of you went round in such a big circle and unexpectedly managed to return to the starting line.¡± He sighed with sorrow, ¡°This seven years, in your heart, you really don¡¯t mind at all?¡±


    ¡°How do you want me to answer this?¡± Yi Chen lit a cigarette, his eyes deep in thought, ¡°I¡¯ve been able to decide what¡¯s most important to me.¡±


    Xiang Heng took a puff of his cigarette and smiled: ¡°Your self-control has always been good.¡±


    Yi Chen did not say anything, thin smoke surrounded them.


    Xiang Heng nced at him: ¡°I haven¡¯t seen you smoke in a long time.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am smoking less recently.¡±


    ¡°Do you still remember how you felt when you first smoked?¡±


    How could he not remember. It was not long after Mo Sheng left when he had to rely on alcohol and cigarettes to numb the pain. Yi Chen flicked his cigarette, ¡°Back then, I felt smoking was a good thing. It gives people at least something to do in this world.¡±


    His dull tone surprised Xiang Heng. It seems that he had really let go of the past? Only by truly letting go could he face the past so calmly now. He Yi Chen looked peaceful now, not like in the past when he seemed to have a threatening air around him at all times. Xiang Heng said sincerely: ¡°Congrattions!¡±


    Yi Chen smiled faintly, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    1.26: Unlike the quiet atmosphere on the balcony, the living room was rowdy from Lao Yuan¡¯s announcement. Against expectations, Mo Sheng appeared at that moment. Thus, everyone¡¯s eyes shifted the focus to her again, frightening Mo Sheng.


    Xiao Gao looked purely and enviously at the woman before her eyes. Was she that woman whowyer He likes without a reason? She did not seem like the kind of woman who would make a lot of noise aswyer He said. At least, she seemed a little ill at ease standing there now.


    ¡°Oh!¡± Mei Ting called out softly. ¡°You¡¯re the one who foundwyer He¡¯s wallet.¡±


    Mo Sheng also recognized her and smiled at her: ¡°Hello!¡±


    Xiao Gao was alert and immediately grabbed Mei Ting¡¯s hand: ¡°Sister Mei Ting, you have the inside scoop?¡±


    Mei Ting said: ¡°I¡¯ve seen her before because she was the one who picked upwyer He¡¯s wallet. In the wallet, there may be some identification cards or business cards, so she managed to find the firm to return it. I think they definitely got to know each other because of that, then¡­¡­¡± As a result, using a woman¡¯s distinctive imagination, a romance story was born because of not being greedy and returning lost money.


    Mei Ting¡¯s voice was not soft, so it caught everyone¡¯s attention and they listened with keen interest and pleasure. Mo Sheng was dumbstruck. This Miss Mei Ting was very suitable to write love stories for her magazine publisher. Staying at thew firm was such a waste of talent.


    ¡°Oh! From now on, if I pick up a woman¡¯s purse, I must return it.¡± A young man concluded after he finished hearing the story.


    Xiao Gao immediately embarrassed him: ¡°When it¡¯s your turn, you¡¯ll meet a dinosaur!¡±


    Everyone burst outughing. Xiang Heng and Yi Chen had finished smoking and walked in from the balcony at that moment. Taking advantage of the jovial atmosphere, someone shouted: ¡°Ifwyer He confesses, we will be lenient. If he resists, punishment awaits.¡±


    2.56: ¡°You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court ofw.¡±


    What was going on? Could it be that these future talents of the legal profession also watch too much Hong Kong cops and robbers movies when growing up?


    Yi Chenughed: ¡°All right, I will confess. Can I exin and eat at the same time?¡±


    Of course, the greatwyer He would never actually confess much. Everyone did not really dare to pressure him. Hence, they quickly shifted their enthusiasm to attacking the steaming hotpot instead. They ate and chatted happily until past nine before leaving.


    To avoid the curious gazes, Mo Sheng continuously looked down and concentrated on eating. When Yi Chen returned, after sending several female colleagues home, he saw Mo Sheng who had eaten her fill, lying on the sofa and not wanting to move at all.


    Yi Chen who was in a good mood, teased her, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you don¡¯t want toe out to eat?¡±


    He walked to the sofa and picked her up, ¡°¡­..a lot heavier.¡± Yi Chen muttered to himself, wondering how much she has eaten?


    ¡°Uh¡­¡­ what did you say?¡± Suddenly, Mo Sheng felt into his embrace, so she responded a little slow. Did she not listen to part of what he said?


    ¡°Nothing.¡± Yi Chen whispered, his voice a bit hoarse.


    She would be a fool if it was nothing.


    That night, Mo Sheng finally understood what ¡°absence makes the heart grow fonder¡± meant.


    3.58: The next few days, Yi Chen continuously received ¡°concerns¡± from all sides.


    First, it was Lao Zhou from the court: ¡°Xiao He, when you said you were already married, I thought that was just an excuse. I did not expect you really got married. That¡¯s great, now that you¡¯re married. My wife can rest and I also can have a few peaceful days. Oh by the way, don¡¯t forget to send me a wedding invitation.¡±


    Then, it was Fang Jian from the Procuratorate: ¡°Is she the one I saw at KFC that day? Hey, I knew it on that day. Just that, I didn¡¯t expect you to move so fast. When is the wedding banquet?¡±


    After that waswyer Li from Lian He and so on. This was the first time, Yi Chen wholeheartedly admired Lao Yuan¡¯s speed in spreading gossip. Probably everyone who went to C University and live in A city also found out he got married.


    That afternoon, after sending off some regr clients, Lao Yuan sat still on the sofa and asked Yi Chen: ¡°When do you n to have the wedding banquet?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll think about it after the Lunar New Year, as I have not discussed it with Mo Sheng.¡±


    ¡°That is toote, as there are a few more months until the Lunar New Year. Best that it takes ce after the university¡¯s centennial celebration. You need to do it earlier!¡± Lao Yuan said eagerly because he likes lively crowds.


    The university¡¯s centennial celebration? Yi Chen flipped through his diary and sure enough, the 15th of the month would be C University¡¯s centennial celebration. All this time, he had been very busy so he has forgotten about this matter.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you about the dateter. At that time, I will need to ask you to be my wedding witness.¡± Yi Chen said with a smile. Although he has never said it out in all these years, Yi Chen was very grateful to Lao Yuan. If it were not for Lao Yuan¡¯s background and enthusiasm, it was doubtful He Yi Chen could be as sessful as he was today.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll be your witness.¡± Lao Yuan was happy, ¡°As long as I can save on giving you a red packet, I will agree to be anything.¡±


    As they were talking, a phone call came in. Lao Yuan happily waved and went out.


    4.31: It was a call from a female editor in ¡°Xiu Se¡± requesting an interview. When Ge Li mentioned it for the first time to Yi Chen, he rejected her request right away. Then, remembering it was from Mo Sheng¡¯s colleague, he feared his tone may be a little too stiff. Consequently, Ge Li did not mention this anymore.


    Currently, Yi Chen also tactfully declined: ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Miss Tao, I don¡¯t think I¡¯m suitable to be on the cover of a women¡¯s magazine.¡±


    ¡°Are you afraid it would affect your professional image? Actually, our magazine publisher wants to create a metropolitan single and elite men series. We will write about your profession in an objective and fair manner. I believe this will absolutely not harm your professional image. On this aspect,wyer He can take a look at the report done on Mr. Kang Jia Nian, in our previous edition.¡± Tao Yi Jing kept on persuading.


    Single? Yi Cheng caught onto the important keyword and said gently: ¡°Miss Tao, I don¡¯t think I meet your requirement because I just got married.¡±


    Taking advantage of the other side¡¯s surprise at the sudden news, Yi Chen said a few more words of courtesy to express his regret then hung up the phone. When he turned back to work, his phone beeped signaling an iing message. The short message was from Mo Sheng.


    ¡ª¡ª ¡°Yi Chen, what are we eating tonight?¡±


    Yi Chen rarely sent text messages.


    When he was in university, mobile phones were considered a luxury. He was a poor student so he certainly could not afford to buy one. Therefore, he missed out on the golden era of sending text messages. When he began working and bought a phone, he was used to calling because it was clearer, quicker and easier to understand. asionally, Yi Mei will send him a text message, but he will always call to talk directly to her, as he did not have time to type out each word. Gradually, Yi Mei sent him less text messages.


    But now, Yi Chen held his phone and patiently typed out each word: ¡°What do you want to eat?¡±


    After sending the message, he looked at the time and saw it was not half past three yet. Indeed, Zhao Mo Sheng still has the same habit. When they ate lunch together in the past, as soon as they walked out of the cafeteria, Mo Sheng would pull on his sleeve and discussed: ¡°Yi Chen, what are we eating tonight?¡±


    The reply came quickly: ¡°Can we eat at home?¡±


    ¡°Are you cooking?¡±


    ¡°YES!!!!¡± There were several exmation points in the reply. Before Yi Chen has a chance to reply, another message appeared to express the guilt of the sender, ¡°¡­¡­but I¡¯ve heard my cooking isn¡¯t tasty.¡±


    Who said it was not tasty? That man?


    6.45: Yi Chen looked at the short message and his heart inevitably felt ufortable. He hesitated for a while, then he briefly replied with one word. ¡°Fine.¡±


    Although Mo Sheng appeared confident, but experience told Yi Chen it was better not to expect too much.


    As a result, when Yi Chen came home from work, seeing Mo Sheng clumsily slicing potatoes in the kitchen, he was not even the slightest disappointed. He also saw herptop on the table, opened to a website with a big red headline ¡°How To Make Sweet And Sour Pork Ribs¡±. Yi Chen could not help but shake his head, sighed and smiled.


    Yi Chen walked over and took the knife away from Mo Sheng¡¯s hand, then he expertly sliced the potatoes. Mo Sheng stared at his action, having dealt a heavy blow.


    ¡°Yi Chen, why you even know how to cook?¡± Was he going to give her a way out.


    ¡°I started to help auntie to cook when I was ten years old.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± He is so skillful with the knife so he must have done it for a long time. Mo Sheng suddenly felt a bit sad. She used to have only to open her mouth to be fed and held out her hands to be dressed. At that same time Yi Chen was all alone, depending on people¡¯s charity¡­¡­


    ¡°It will be great if I knew you earlier¡­¡­¡±


    She stretched out her arms, hugged him from behind and rested her head on his shoulder.


    ¡°Yi Chen, teach me how to cook, so that I can cook for you in the future.¡±


    The warm embrace seemed like also wanting to erase thest little bit of dark thoughts in his heart.


    Let it be like this, Yi Chen thought.


    Let the past rest forever, no need to care about it anymore.


    Because he was very tired!


    8.13: So he wanted happiness toe quickly.

 Chapter 10.1: No Escape

    <h4>Chapter 10.1: No Escape </h4>


    (tranted by lidge and edited by peanuts)


    9.07: Newlywedwyer He Yi Chen was busier than before he married. He had not finished his current cases but has also epted a difficult new case as a favour. Due to handling several cases at the same time, he has to work untilte at night every day. Mo Sheng was usually already asleep, when the lights were still on in Yi Chen¡¯s study.


    Even so, Mo Sheng still felt very happy. When Yi Chen was busy with his work, she would find things to do, such as cleaning this and organizing that. She looked into the study from time to time, always seeing Yi Chen surrounded by paperwork.


    Living together, Mo Sheng could truly understand Yi Chen¡¯s diligence now. People saw him as young and sessful, making them envious. But, no one knew the mental and physical efforts behind his halo. A person without background connections, it was very difficult for him to strive for his current achievements. In his most difficult time, she was not by his side¡­¡­


    When Yi Chen walked out of the study with an empty cup, he saw Mo Sheng hugging her knees and sitting on the sofa. She was holding a cookbook and looking lost in thought, not knowing what she was thinking.


    It was after one o¡¯clock in the afternoon on a Sunday. Yi Chen had been busy all morning in the study, having hastily eaten lunch then returned to work.


    10.15: When Mo Sheng saw him, she immediately put down the book in her hand and stood up from the sofa: ¡°Let me.¡± She disappeared happily into the kitchen with his empty cup.


    Yi Chen looked at his empty hand and suddenly felt time has gone backwards. It seemed as if they had returned to the past, when they were still at university. He was busy with his studies, working and participating in the student council. Mo Sheng was slotted in between his many activities. It may seem as if Mo Sheng was holding tightly onto him, but in reality, he did not have much time for her.


    Now, the same thing was happening again.


    Yi Chen returned to his study and looked at the calendar. Today was November 15th, the centennial anniversary of the university. Thew firm made a sizable donation to the Law Faculty in C University. Lao Yuan had epted the invitation to represent the firm in the donation ceremony. Thus, he continuously encouraged Yi Chen and Xiang Heng to go to the celebration. Yi Chen is not fond of noisy ces, and moreover with the heavy workload but he was hesitant now.


    11.10: Mo Sheng carried the hot tea cup into the study. Yi Chen pulled her into his embrace: ¡°Are you busy in the afternoon?¡±


    ¡°Why? Do we have to go somewhere?¡± Mo Sheng¡¯s eyes lit up and asked excitedly.


    The expectation in Mo Sheng¡¯s eyes erased Yi Chen¡¯s hesitant.


    Yi Chen turned off theputer: ¡°Yes, today is the university¡¯s centennial celebration. Do you want to go?¡±


    11.31: Of course Mo Sheng wanted to go because the centennial celebration would be lively.


    0.31: When Yi Chen and Mo Sheng arrived at the university, there were too many people so it was impossible to drive the car into the campus. Hence, Yi Chen had to park far away, then walked with Mo Sheng to the university.


    ¡°Wait.¡± Halfway there, Mo Sheng stopped and pointed at the roadside stalls selling T shirt printed with ¡°C University¡± on the front, ¡°Yi Chen, we change into these, okay?¡±


    Yi Chen frowned because he felt weird wearing that, but Mo Sheng grabbed his hand and refused to leave. He has no option but said reluctantly: ¡°You go and buy.¡±


    They had left the house in a rush so Mo Sheng did not bring her purse. She took some money from Yi Chen¡¯s wallet and squeeze into the crowd. A whileter she emerged from the crowd holding two T-shirts and looking triumphant.


    Today, both of them were wearing light sweaters. Mo Sheng put on the T-shirt on top of her loose sweater, appearing fat and strange. In contrast, Yi Chen who was wearing it the same way appeared handsome and tall, thereby attracting the constant attention of some women walking by.


    It was like that in the past, Yi Chen was the focus of all the attention on campus wherever he went. However, he always looked indifferent, seemingly having no feeling at all facing those gazes. Mo Sheng pulled on his sleeve: ¡°Yi Chen, can¡¯t you feel someone is looking at you ah?¡±


    Yi Chen nced at her: ¡°Don¡¯t look around when walking.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    1.46: Mo Sheng did not say anything further. Of all the people who are clueless about being sensitive, this person would probably make the top of the list.


    While walking into the university gate in the midst of the crowd, Yi Chen received a phone call from Xiang Heng: ¡°Are you at home or at the office? Come here quickly because a lot of our ssmates are here today. Su Min said if you don¡¯te, she¡¯ll personally go and drag you here.¡±


    Su Min had been president of the Faculty of Law student council before Yi Chen took over. She stayed on at the university as a lecturer after graduating. She and Yi Chen used to often work together.


    ¡°I am at the north gate, where are you guys?¡±


    ¡°Oh, you are here? That¡¯s great, we¡¯re at the new building, soe here quickly.¡±


    Yi Chen put away his mobile phone and said to Mo Sheng: ¡°Go with me to the Faculty of Law first, then we¡¯ll go to your faculty to take a look.¡±


    ¡°Oh? Your faculty¡­¡­ I¡¯m not going.¡± Mo Sheng hesitated for a moment before saying.


    ¡°Why?¡± Yi Chen was immediately suspicious. He nearly forgot there was always something going wrong when he was with this person. Even though, so many years had passed, Yi Chen found out he was still conditioned to act reflexively around her.


    ¡°There are too many people in your faculty¡­¡­¡± Mo Sheng said quietly. Yi Chen used to be a popr figure in the Faculty of Law, so many people knew about him. Thus, many people probably also knew about their tumultuous rtionship in the past. Mo Sheng really did not want to deal with those questioning looks.


    ¡°You better go alone. Moreover, I want to take some photos. I will have more inspirations doing it alone¡­¡­¡±


    Then what would be the point of himing here? Yi Chen felt a little frustrated and pulled Mo Sheng who was ready to take flight: ¡°You don¡¯t have money or your phone, so how can you find meter? How can you get hometer?¡±


    Seeing Mo Sheng blushing in shame, Yi Chen knew she had not thought of these things. Sometimes, he felt like he was raising a child. He heaved a sigh and said: ¡°It¡¯s better if our child takes after me.¡±


    Why talked about the distant future? Mo Sheng held out her hand and muttered: ¡°Give me the money!¡±


    Yi Chen only gave his phone to her: ¡°I¡¯ll call youter, don¡¯t go too far away. Call Xiang Heng¡¯s phone if you need me.¡±


    ¡°I really don¡¯t know what you¡¯re worried about.¡± Yi Chen fixed her hair, which was messed up by the wind. How could he not know what Mo Sheng was thinking? Nevertheless, he let her do what she wanted because this matter was not important.


    3.04: ¡°The greatwyer He, you¡¯re famous now, so starting to act arrogant.¡± Yi Chen has just arrived at the Faculty of Law new building and Su Min yfully teased him right away.


    YI Chen knew this senior ssmate¡¯s temperament well. If he said something back she would tease more so Yi Chen kept quiet. Su Min continued her teasing but seeing that her target did not say anything, she stopped.


    Xiang Heng kept on staring at Yi Chen¡¯s clothes: ¡°When did you¡¯ve such good taste?¡±


    Yi Chen looked down at himself, four eye-catching big red words ¡°XX University¡± were printed on the T-shirt. Indeed, he looked silly. He smiled, took off the T-shirt and held it in his hand.


    Xiang Heng immediately understood: ¡°Why isn¡¯t your family here?¡±


    ¡°Who knows where she has run off to.¡± Yi Chen said helplessly.


    While they were chatting, many friends came over to say hello. Su Min used the opportunity to pull Lao Yuan aside: ¡°Does He Yi Chen have a girlfriend?¡±


    Lao Yuan stroked his chin and replied confidently: ¡°No.¡± A wife is not considered as a girlfriend. He made a very clear distinction of this.


    ¡°Why is it still the same? He is still dead set on waiting for her?¡± Su Min knew well about Yi Chen¡¯s past and disapproved somewhat with his waiting, ¡°It¡¯s good if he doesn¡¯t have a girlfriend. There is a new young female teacher in our faculty, who looks very pretty, well-educated and from a good family background. When it¡¯s time to have our meal, I¡¯ll call her over and introduce them. Later, you must not say anything ah!¡±


    Of course, Lao Yuan will happily not say anything.


    Yi Chen initially nned to say hello and then leave. but he could not get away now. First, he went with them to visit a few professors. Then, there was an alumna forum. When they walked out of the building, it was nearly five o¡¯clock. Lao Yuan greeted a few friends and said: ¡°I¡¯ve already made a reservation at Bin Jiang to dine together.¡±


    Bin Jiang Hotel is the only five-star hotel near the university. It appeared Lao Yuan was prepared to spend some money this time.


    Yi Chen borrowed his phone to call Mo Sheng.


    4.44: Actually, Mo Sheng did not n to take any pictures. She only took along her camera out of habit.


    Yi Chen has gone to the Faculty of Law, so Mo Sheng was also going to her faculty. Back then, Mo Sheng¡¯s university entrance exam scores barely qualified for C University so she was put in the unpopr School of Chemistry. Unfortunately, chemistry was her worse subject. She managed to just scrape through with a narrow pass in her first year at university, probably because of Yi Chen¡¯s tutoring.


    Mo Sheng was only at the School of Chemistry for slightly more than a year only. Most of her self-study time was spent at the Law Faculty so she did not know many people in her faculty. She walked around the School of Chemistry but did not run into any acquaintance.


    After walking out of the School of Chemistry, she took two pictures of the scenery but her interest was a little dry.


    Her hand identally touched the phone in her pocket. She could not help but think of Yi Chen. She wondered what he was doing at the Faculty of Law¡­¡­


    Recently, Yi Chen and her¡­¡­ seemed to get along better all of a sudden, especially after she came back from Hong Kong.


    Mo Sheng was happy with the current state of their rtionship but there were times she felt uneasy.


    She did not quite understand Yi Chen¡¯s thinking. Actually, it had always been like this, as she always could not fathom out Yi Chen¡¯s thoughts. Could there be a day where everything would change back to before?


    Mo Sheng did not want to think anymore. She kicked the mud on the ground, telling herself: ¡°Since you can¡¯t understand, then it is best to be simple-minded.¡±


    6,08: Today, there was unprecedented excitement in C University. People were everywhere, from current young students to former old students. It was hard to imagine the countless number of students who graduated from this university.


    Maybe because Mo Sheng was wearing a T-shirt with C University¡¯s name printed on it, from time to time people came up and asked her for direction. Relying on her hazy memory, Mo Sheng gave directions to each of them.


    After walking a few steps, she was once again stopped by a young man in a suit.


    ¡°Student, do you know where Ying Hui would give his speech?¡±


    Lost in thoughts, Mo Sheng was frightened back into reality by what she heard. She was stunned, doubting if she has heard wrongly.


    Ying Hui?


    ¡°Who did you say?¡± Mo Sheng asked nkly.


    ¡°Ying Hui ah, China¡¯s inte miracle, President of SOSO search site. Where is he giving his speech?¡±


    The young man looked at her anxiously. Seeing her dazed look, he immediately turned away and asked another student: ¡°Student, do you know where Ying Hui would give his speech?¡±


    ¡°In Auditorium 1 but why are you going now? His speech is from 2 o¡¯clock to 4 o¡¯clock. It has already started, so you certainly won¡¯t be able to get in.¡± Having said that, the female student still gave direction.


    The young man thanked her hastily and hurriedly ran to Auditorium 1.


    Mo Sheng stood still, taking a while before she fully processed what she heard.


    Ying Hui.


    He had returned.


    He was at C University now.


    7.28: Auditorium 1, which could amodate about a thousand people, was already full. Even the doorway was crowded with people. Fortunately the university already thought of this so an electronic big screen was set up outside the auditorium to broadcast the speech live.


    Mo Sheng stood in the crowd and looked up at the confident man on the screen. He has a broad forehead signifying intelligence, a pair of thick eyebrow that characterize his firm and persistence nature, sharp like knife facial features thatck gentleness, a prating pair of eyes which had experienced a lot yet remained calm and he appeared stern to seem like someone who is difficult to get close to.


    That was Ying Hui.


    The upstart in the inte world, who built his business up from nothing at Silicon Valley.


    The new technology tycoon who was worth several billions of American dors.


    Her ex-husband in name¡­¡­ maybe also in reality.


    8.13: The topic Ying Hui talked about was verymon and done by many before. It was ¡°China¡¯s IT Industry Development and Future,¡±. However, his perspective was unique, his analysis powerful and his unusual position made his speech stood out from the masses. Because of his background in science and engineering, Ying Hui ces great emphasis on facts. ording to his speech, the future of IT was not described as some imaginary future ns. Rather it was established on feasible and logical basis. As a result, his speech was very convincing. His legendary personal life experiences and struggles further moved all the students who were listening emotionally. He also looked very handsome, specifically the type full of strength and firmness. Therefore, the apuse from the audience were surprisingly mixed with shrieks from the female students.


    Outside the auditorium, the girls standing near Mo Sheng were excited about Ying Hui¡¯s elegant manner and charisma.


    ¡°Wow, he is so handsome ah. I am willing to admit it even if he is a little bit old.¡±


    ¡°Come on! Who said he is old? He is only 34 years old, still young and vigorous.¡±


    ¡°If I have a husband this talented, this sessful, this handsome, I will die happily.¡±


    ¡°Forget it, someone like this, you have to marry him before he bes sessful. It is toote now.¡±


    ¡°Hey, did you know? When Ying Hui was still studying in our university, his girlfriend was the most beautiful girl in our faculty at that time.¡±


    This sentence immediately attracted the attention of everyone around who were listening attentively to the speech.


    9.39: ¡°What is your faculty?¡± A young man asked.


    ¡°Foreign Languages.¡±


    ¡°What happened? Are they still together?¡±


    ¡°I heard this from other people so it might not be true.¡± The girl emphasized this before starting to say: ¡°I heard when he was studying at the university, Ying Hui was very poor because hees from a rural area. However, he was admitted to the School of Mathematics because of good grades and was very famous. Later, he dated the most beautiful girl publicly known in our faculty at that time. It is said that their love rtionship was very good. Unfortunately after graduation, in order to stay on at the university, she married the son of the School Head. Whereas Ying Hui gave up a job offer from a domestic research institute and went abroad to further his study.¡±


    ¡°Oh, the School Head¡¯s daughter-inw. Is she the one teaching us British History? Isn¡¯t she recently divorced?¡±


    ¡°Gosh, really? Do you think she is feeling very regretful now?¡±


    ¡°Who knows!¡± The girl shrugged, ¡°A professor¡¯s assistant talked about these matters during a dinner we treated him after our dormitory got a schrshipst time. The degree of credibility is very high.¡±


    10.34: The chattering and discussion were still continuing with enthusiasm. The past and privacy of famous people have always been a topic of interest to the public.

 Chapter 10.2: No Escape

    <h4>Chapter 10.2: No Escape </h4>


    (tranted by lidge and edited by peanuts)


    10.41: Mo Sheng pursed up her lips and raised her head to look at the high-spirited Ying Hui on the electronic screen.


    Ying Hui rarely talked about his past to her. Probably because she was only 23 years old at that time so she seemed like still a little sister to Ying Hui who had such vast life experiences.


    Only once, Ying Hui by chance talked about it: ¡°I used to have a girlfriend at C University. She is very intelligent, very beautiful¡­¡­¡± He stopped, his voice overwhelmed with feelings.


    At that time, Mo Sheng who did not understand the reason, immediately replied: ¡°My ex-boyfriend is also very outstanding.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Ying Hui smiled, ¡°In that case, your ex-boyfriend isn¡¯t as lucky as me.¡±


    Mo Sheng could still remember the expressions in his eyes to this day, full of contradictions. Loneliness and arrogance appeared at the same time in his usually calm eyes.


    11.20: In all these years, she did not see any woman in Ying Hui¡¯s life. Mo Sheng dazedly thought, perhaps, he was like her, all along unable to let go of that person from the past.


    0.31: As the speech wasing to an end, the host came out: ¡°If we finish now, will all of you feel kind of unsatisfied? Will you have any regrets?¡±


    Many voices shouted: ¡°Yes!¡±


    ¡°Thus next, it is question and answer session. The time is half an hour, so seize the moment.¡±


    The atmosphere started to bust with noise and excitement. One after another, the students stood up to ask all kinds of tricky and strange questions. Allowing the audience to freely ask questions best reflects a person¡¯s creativity and agility. Obviously, Ying Hui excelled at this. His answers full of wit and humor elicited a burst of apuse from the audience.


    Today¡¯s speech, regardless from which aspect, Ying Hui was truly ¡°the pride of C University.¡±


    ¡°Ugh, these guys ask really boring questions.¡±


    Continuous technical questions about IT bored the girls in the audience, as they were not interested inputer technology.


    At this point, the microphone was passed to a girl.


    The female student stood up and cleared her throat: ¡°Mr. Ying, I want to rify that this question isn¡¯t from me but from a ssmate who sent message to me from outside the auditorium. She said if I can help her to ask this question, she¡¯ll treat me to dinner so for my free dinner, please answer my question.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Ying Hui said pleasantly. He elegantly lifted his hand and made a ¡°go ahead¡± gesture.


    ¡°Oh, great.¡± The girl tactfully paused and waited until the audience calmed down, then she asked loudly, ¡°Are you married? Do we still have a chance?¡±


    Because of this question, the audience grew noisy. The male students whistled, cheering for the girl¡¯s courage.


    However, in such a lively atmosphere, the man on stage who has been at ease all along, has clearly lost his concentration.


    He still appeared like before, but his train of thoughts seemed to have disengaged. This person apparently was brought to another world by this unexpected question, forgetting he still have audience. The students who saw the close-up on the big electronic screen outside the auditorium could even see the sadness that could not be hidden away in his eyes.


    2.23: Gradually, the auditorium quieted down. The students looked at each other inplete silence.


    The girl who asked the question started to appear uneasy.


    The host thought this question intruded on Ying Hui¡¯s privacy and quickly came out to save the day: ¡°The question asked by the female student is about his private life ah. You are not a paparazzi who disguised herself and sneaked in here.¡±


    There was faintughter from the audience.


    The assistant standing next to Ying Hui said something to him and he recovered himself immediately. He made a gesture to stop the host: ¡°It is all right. I just suddenly thought of my wife who I haven¡¯t seen for some time.¡±


    The audience failed to understand clearly so Ying Hui answered with certainty: ¡°Of course, I¡¯ve married.¡±


    There were so many people inside and outside the auditorium, but probably only Mo Sheng understood the true meaning of the speaker¡¯s words.


    Have married!


    Mo Sheng also told Yi Chen that before.


    Have married, but only in name, and it was no longer true now.


    The speech was drawing to a close. Thest image on the electronic screen showed students rushing towards the stage surrounding Ying Hui, who stood in the middle. Then, the broadcast stopped and began a video about the centennial celebration of C University.


    People gathering outside the auditorium gradually dispersed. Mo Sheng also followed the crowd to leave. Suddenly, she remembered when she flew back to China, Ying Hui saw her off at the airport and thest remarks he made before she boarded the ne.


    ¡°If you are not returning to the U.S., then we don¡¯t keep in touch for the time being.¡±


    Actually, it was not without regrets. They could have been very good friends.


    If¡­¡­


    So many things did not happen.


    4.00: Mo Sheng ¡®s chest felt tight and her head dizzy.


    In this defenseless and sunny afternoon, those emotions buried for a long time were reawakened by Ying Hui¡¯s appearance. Each scene like a nightmare reappearing. Newly arriving in the U.S., she felt terrified because everything was unfamiliar and she also felt ashamed due to discrimination for her poormand of English. Because her ent was ridiculed, she gradually grew ustomed to remaining silent. After more than two months in the U.S., Mo Sheng fell apart when she learned about her father¡¯s suicide due to guilt from the newspaper¡­¡­


    At that time, everything felt like a demon weaving a. No matter how she struggled, infinite despair as escape was not possible.


    ¡°Two tigers, two tigers, running fast¡­¡­¡±


    Suddenly, the ringtone ¡°Two Tigers¡± pulled Mo Sheng from the past back to the present.


    Mo Sheng chose this childish song for Yi Chen¡¯s phone when he was busy with work and she yedputer games with his phone. Although Yi Chen frowned for a while after he heard the song, he did not change it.


    The phone rang twice before she answered.


    ¡°Mo Sheng.¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s voice sounded deep and low like always. Mo Sheng did not know why she suddenly felt overwhelmed with emotions. It seemed as if a warm wind blew through her heart, the whole world became tranquil and kind.


    Her eyes welled up.


    5.13: ¡°Yi Chen, I miss you very much¡­¡­¡±


    Mo Sheng heard herself saying that, or rather, it was another Zhao Mo Sheng who was in a foreign country telling Yi Chen that.


    I miss you very much.


    Yi Chen, did you know that?


    I once stood on a street in a foreign country, full of people with different skin colors, even someone looking a bit like you also could not be seen. Finally, I can tell you now, I miss you very much¡­¡­


    The tears that could not be held back rolled down her cheeks.


    There was silence on the other end of the phone.


    Only their quiet breathing was heard, mixed in with car horns from a distance.


    After a moment, Lao Yuan¡¯s loud voice could be heard from the phone: ¡°Yi Chen, why did you stop walking? Moreover standing in the middle of the road!¡±


    Yi Chen snapped out of it and coughed: ¡°Oh, I see¡­¡­¡±


    The greatwyer paused and stammered.


    ¡°¡­¡­Where are you?¡±


    Mo Sheng looked around: ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± After the speech finished, she just followed the crowd, not paying attention to where she was going.


    6.13: ¡°Are you lost? No wonder¡­¡­¡± Yi Chen¡¯s voice was hoarse, ¡°Forget about it, just go directly to Bin Jiang Hotel across the university¡¯s north gate. I¡¯ll wait for you in front of the hotel.¡±


    Bin Jiang Hotel.


    For some reason, someone took the table Lao Yuan¡¯s reserved. The manager apologized profusely and said he would make another arrangement as soon as possible. The group did not really mind, as everyone sat and chatted in the lobby while waiting.


    Besides Su Min, Lao Yuan also invited several close friends. After graduation, everyone dispersed in different directions, so they only managed to meet up a few times. Finally there was a chance to catch up with each other now.


    Su Min took the opportunity to introduce the female lecturer who she had invited to Yi Chen. The leading man appeared a bit distracted, but judging from the female lecturer looking shyly at Yi Chen from time to time, Su Min was secretly proud of herself because she was probably at least half sessful this time.


    While chatting, Xiang Heng, who sat opposite the windows, suddenly stood up and looked outside the window. Yi Chen, who sat across from him, subconsciously turned around to see a big truck narrowly missing Mo Sheng. She tried to stabilize herself and stand firmly, her face paled with shock.


    That was a close call, Xiang Heng was still stunned: ¡°He Yi Chen, your wife is terrifying. She can cross the street without paying attention, when the light was still red¡­¡­¡±


    Before he finished talking, Yi Chen already stood up and walked out with a cold face.


    Su Min could clearly see the woman¡¯s face across the street and widened her eyes. She also heard clearly what Xiang Heng said so she turned to Lao Yuan and asked: ¡°Wife? What does that mean?¡±


    Lao Yuanughed sneakily: ¡°A wife is a wife, not a girlfriend.¡±


    The young female lecturer looked puzzled at Su Min, probably wanting to ask ¡°Why you introduced a married man to me?¡±


    Su Min suffered in silent then red ferociously at Lao Yuan.


    8.00: Yi Chen took hold of Mo Sheng¡¯s hand and walked in front of her. He immediately let go of her hand as soon as they have crossed the road. They stood next to the flower terrace but could not hear what they were talking. Looking at Yi Chen¡¯s imposing manner, as well as Zhao Mo Sheng stooping her head low and lower, he probably was lecturing her.


    ¡°I really missed this!¡± Xiang Heng started to smile. He had not seen such a scene in a long time. At university, Yi Chen acted older than his age. He usually handled things maturely and rarely got angry with anyone. Except with Mo Sheng, he would always lecture her for a long time if she did something wrong.


    ¡°It is still her.¡± Su Min shook her head, not knowing if she should feel happy for her junior or feel not worth it, ¡°Back then, there were so many talented and beautiful girls in our Faculty of Law who liked him, but he liked a girl from another faculty. I told him, it is fine if he likes someone from a different faculty, but at least choose the most beautiful girl. Only then would that be fitting with his status as the ¡°Number 1 Gifted Schr¡± of the Faculty of Law, but he chose an ordinary girl.¡±


    Back then, when Zhao Mo Sheng relentlessly pestered He Yi Chen, most people in the Faculty of Law watched the chase with the mentality of following the crowd. No one thought He Yi Chen would ept her because he already rejected many girls better than her. Hence, when He Yi Chen brought Zhao Mo Sheng to attend lecture and self-study ss, many people were taken by surprised. Perhaps many girls secretly regretted that they were not a bit more persistent. Later, when Zhao Mo Sheng went to the U.S. and He Yi Chen was single again, there were many new students whose enthusiasm level could match that of Zhao Mo Sheng. However, He Yi Chen always managed to get rid of them in two to three days time.


    Once, Su Min could not help but asked: ¡°You hate it when girls pester you. Then, why didn¡¯t you hate Zhao Mo Sheng?¡±


    Su Min regretted her outburst being too rude and impetuous. Thus, she immediatelyughed to brush it aside, not expecting Yi Chen would reply.


    ¡°That is different.¡± At that time, He Yi Chen answered briefly in a t tone.


    Su Min could not think where the difference was. Perhaps¡ª he gave Mo Sheng a chance to pester him but did not give the other girls the same opportunity.


    9.54: After hearing what she said, Lao Yuan said seriously for once: ¡°A love rtionship is like drinking water. The person who drinks it knows best whether the water is hot or cold.¡±


    While everyone was still chatting, Yi Chen and Mo Sheng have arrived. Yi Chen still looked annoyed. As for Mo Sheng, she probably had been scolded miserably. She greeted the crowd in a very low voice without any enthusiasm.


    Mo Sheng was a frequent visitor to the Faculty of Law so she knew Su Min. She looked at Su Min and smiled faintly: ¡°Hello.¡±


    Su Min made a reluctant ¡°ah¡± sound. She did not have a chance to reply because a loud cry of surprise interrupted her.


    ¡°Mrs. In!¡±


    The loud and passionate voice of the speaker caused the noisy lobby to quiet down. People were amused by the ent of the man when he spoke in English. The portly middle-aged man was not in the least conscious that everyone¡¯s attention was focused on him. He walked happily across the lobby to stand in front of a stiff Mo Sheng.


    ¡°Mrs. In, Mrs. Ying.¡± The middle-age man was a little incoherent from excitement, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to see you here. Did you return with Mr. Ying? I¡¯m Lin Xiang He, president of Da Shang Company. Do you remember, hehehe¡­¡­ Last year in the U.S., I was honored to be treated so well by you and Mr. Ying. This time since you and your husband have returned home, you must let me return the favor by hosting you.¡±


    11.00: Mo Sheng was stunned, her hands and feet growing cold.


    She could still remember this middle-aged chubby man. Hispany and Ying Hui¡¯spany did business together. When he visited the U.S.st year, Ying Hui had hosted a dinner at their home for him and his wife.


    But why did she have to run into him here?


    At the worst time, in the worst situaion.


    Mo Sheng felt Lao Yuan and everyone else looking at her in suspicion and also surprise. She did not have the courage to look at Yi Chen¡¯s expression.


    Just recently she only started to feel to have a little bit of happiness, very feeble, would it disappear so quickly¡­¡­


    The fearful feeling was spreading bit by bit to all corners of her body. However, in the next moment, a warm and strong hand took hold of her trembling hand.


    This hand that just pulled her across the street in anger.


    It was now full of reassuring strength and sping her hand.


    Mo Sheng slowly turned her head. Yi Chen was looking at her, his eyes were calm but filled with pain.


    He¡­¡­ had guessed what happened?


    Indeed.


    Mo Sheng heard Yi Chen¡¯s clear and calm voice, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, now she is not¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You have the wrong person.¡±


    Mo Sheng interrupted before Yi Chen could finish talking. He paused and his eyes appeared puzzled.


    12.15: Mo Sheng gently pulled her hand out of his hand and repeated her words to President Lin: ¡°You have the wrong person.¡±

 Chapter 10.3: No Escape

    <h4>Chapter 10.3: No Escape </h4>


    (tranted by lidge and edited by peanuts)


    She could not believe she could be so calm. She knew sooner orter she would have to face the consequences of her previous marriage, but not at this time in front of so many of Yi Chen¡¯s friends. Even if Yi Chen could endure it, she did not want him to be a gossip target because of her past. Yi Chen has always been full of pride.


    ¡°Wrong person? How can that be? Hehe¡­..Mrs. Ying, are you joking?¡± President Linughed out loudly and was a little embarrassed, yet he did not want to leave.


    With the situation stalling, the door of the hotel was pushed open.


    ¡°Wee!¡± The hotel¡¯s attendants in uniform said respectfully and attracted everyone¡¯s attention.


    Escorted by a big group of people, a handsome man in the prime of his life carrying an expensive handmade suit walked in. His footsteps moving unhurriedly and his manner imposing. The bright lights in the lobby shone on him, highlighting his honor and importance.


    Su Min noticed there were a few C University¡¯s leaders in the group. Hence, she could not help but looked at the man walking in the center, wondering who he could be to have the faculty leaders acting inplete deference.


    At this moment, President Lin was so happy that he called out and waved his hand excitedly, ¡°President Ying, your wife is here.¡±


    The words ¡°President Ying¡± suddenly reminded Su Min of someone ¡ª Ying Hui, President of SOSO, who donated a new building to the university.


    The moment President Lin¡¯s voice was heard, Ying Hui had already stopped walking and turned towards their direction. The group of people surrounding him also stopped in their footsteps. He hesitated for a few seconds, raised his eyebrows and walked straight towards them.


    Appearing like he did not see Mo Sheng standing there looking stunned, Ying Hui walked past her and politely greeted President Lin: ¡°So it¡¯s President Lin, I was nning to visit you tomorrow. I didn¡¯t expect to see you here.¡±


    President Lin felt ttered and said: ¡°You are too kind, it is actually my good fortune to see President Ying. Haha, President Ying, this is Mrs. Ying, right? Just a moment ago, Mrs. Ying firmly said I made a mistake.¡± He was pointing at Mo Sheng.


    Ying Hui casually nced at Mo Sheng, thenughed: ¡°There is a little resemnce, but my wife is on vacation in Switzend. President Lin, your eyesight is failing.¡±


    ¡°Ah? Ah?¡± President Lin nced suspiciously at Mo Sheng and stuttered, ¡°Yes, yes, now I see they don¡¯t look that alike.¡±


    While saying that, he bowed repeatedly to Mo Sheng. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯ve made a mistake. Miss, I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Mo Sheng shook her head slightly.


    ¡°What a chance encounter, better than an invitation. President Lin, if you don¡¯t mind, please join us for a simple meal.¡±


    ¡°Of course, of course.¡±


    While talking, the two of them walked away together.


    Mo Sheng looked up and saw Yi Chen looking expressionlessly in Ying Hui¡¯s direction, his eyes deep and unreadable making it hard to understand his mood. Sensing her uneasiness, Yi Chen looked away and lowered his head to speak to her. His intonation was unexpectedly a lot more gentle than when he scolded her just now at the roadside.


    But of course, he still appeared a little solemn.


    ¡°Think about what to write for your self-reflection report when we get home.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡± Mo Sheng stared expressionlessly at him, her brain not working.


    Yi Chen epted a cigarette from Lao Yuan, ¡°I¡¯ve just told you how to cross the road, have you forgotten already?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­..¡±


    Ying Hui and his group were guided by the hotel attendant into the elevator reserved for VIPs. The split second before the elevator doors closed, Ying Hui seemed inadvertently looking at Yi Chen who at the same time was also looking at him with his prating gaze.


    This short and sudden interlude caused everyone not knowing how they should react. But seeing Yi Chen looked at ease and began to chat and joke again, they did not suspect anything was amiss. After all, Ying Hui was very famous, so Zhao Mo Sheng was a great distance from his level. It seemed inconceivable, if they were truly husband and wife.


    Very soon, the manager notified them that an empty table was avable. Because of their mistake, they have wasted the time of the guests. Hence, to express their regret, a 20% discount for everything except beverages will be given.


    Calcting that he could save hundreds of yuans, Lao Yuan immediately felt rather happy.


    During the get together, the atmosphere was lively. Everyone was eager to talk about the many interesting stories that had happened in the Law Faculty. Mo Sheng was preupied but sometimes when she heard something funny, she also could not helpughing. Someone even recalled and joked about Mo Sheng¡¯s answer when she was called on in the criminalw ss.


    Mo Sheng was embarrassed. She quietly asked Yi Chen how he knew since he was obviously not in his ss year.


    Yi Chen smiled: ¡°Don¡¯t you know you¡¯re famous?¡±


    Actually, Professor Zhou told the story about Mo Sheng to students inter ss years. He said there was a little girl who followed her boyfriend to ss. She was called upon to answer a question, the result was¡­¡­ Professor Zhou told the story in a vivid manner, always making his studentsugh out loud.


    Later, there was even a junior who did not know Yi Chen well, but asked: ¡°Are you the boyfriend of the girl Professor Zhou spoke about? Why I¡¯ve never seen your girlfriend?¡±


    At that time, Mo Sheng was no longer there.


    After being forced by Lao Yuan to drink several sses of wine, Yi Chen got up to go to the bathroom.


    When he found the bathroom based on the direction from a waiter staff, he opened the door.


    Someone was already in there.


    The man was washing his hands. He turned his head when Yi Chen walked in then straightened his body.


    Yi Chen unconsciously stopped walking and met the man¡¯s eyes in the mirror ¨C¨C Ying Hui.


    For a moment, there was only silence in the small bathroom.


    ¡°He Yi Chen.¡± After a while, Ying Hui spoke first, ¡°I¡¯ve heard a lot about you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± Yi Chen calmly looked back at Ying Hui, ¡°Mr. Ying is the one who is famous.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you ask how I know your name?¡± Ying Hui turned off the water then turned to face Yi Chen, his gentle eyes not matching with his serious image. He said slowly: ¡°My ex-wife used to search for that name in the search engine I developed.¡±


    They returned home veryte.


    During dinner, Lao Yuan and Su Min forced Mo Sheng to drink a lot of wine. When they walked out of the hotel, she felt dizzy and had to lean on Yi Chen for support. She promptly fell asleep as soon as she was helped into the car.


    Yi Chen carried her into the bedroom and put her on the bed. Mo Sheng quickly crawled under the quilt, curling up and sleeping soundly. Probably from being drunk, Mo Sheng¡¯s cheeks were bright red and her long eyshes obediently closed downward.


    Yi Chen gazed at her for a long time, before he finally lowered his head and kissed her forehead.


    ¡°Did he also kiss you this way?¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s low voice revealed his emotion which he had struggled to hide.


    He did not want Mo Sheng to see the pain in his eyes when she wake up.


    Yi Chen lowered his head again and put his face next to Mo Sheng¡¯s, their breathing intertwined.


    Was he also this close to you?


    Did he also receive your smile and passion?


    Did he also¡­¡­


    Yi Chenmanded himself to stop thinking further.


    He thought they were in the same situation, he was alone in this world, whereas she was in another world. She woulde back one day or he could not wait anymore and go look for her¡­¡­


    Actually, from the beginning of this year, he already nned to go abroad by the end of the year, even knowing the world is like a vast sea of people.


    But shortly after, she had returned.


    And looked at him like a stranger.


    Then told him she has been married.


    If someone was with her so she was not alone, should he not be d?


    But Yi Chen realized sadly he could not think like that.


    He cared very much.


    Cared about her losing her spiritual self.


    Mo Sheng still breathed evenly.


    Yi Chen gently tucked her in, stood up, walked out and closed the door.


    It was very coldte at night in November. Even in a bustling city like A City, the street has very few people left.


    Ying Hui sat next to the windows of a tea house that open 24 hours. He looked out to see a man walking towards the tea house. Even the darkness of the night could not conceal any of his handsome appearance and outstanding demeanor. Ying Hui knew the man Mo Sheng could not forget must be extraordinary, but Yi Chen exceeded his expectation.


    Such a man must also have been outstanding when he was a student, so how did Mo Sheng manage to catch him?


    If he was topete with Yi Chen at C University in the same era, who would win? Ying Hui who was also a popr figure in C University during his time, evaluated this in his heart.


    If so, he may encounter Mo Sheng first. Maybe everything will be different?


    But even if he met her first at university, a proud and arrogant person like him at that time would probably not fancy Mo Sheng.


    Serendipity is a mysterious thing.


    While Ying Hui was lost in thoughts, He Yi Chen has already sat down across from him.


    ¡°I thought you¡¯d bete.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m always punctual.¡± Yi Chen said in an ordinary tone as he flipped through the drink menu and gave it back to the waiter, ¡°Mao Jian (a kind of green tea) please, thank you.¡±


    The waiter walked away.


    Ying Hui looked straight at Yi Chen and said something astonishing: ¡°What can I do to make you give up?¡±


    Getting to the point so suddenly was a provocative move, but this did not unnerve Yi Chen like Ying Hui wanted. Yi Chen retained hisposure: ¡°Mr. Ying, I think this question is pointless.¡±


    ¡°Lawyer He speaks so eloquently and gives people a headache.¡± Ying Hui smiled and leaned back. He sped his hands, ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem like Mo Sheng told you anything about me.¡± His tone was certain because he realized this when he saw what happened in the lobby.


    ¡°Indeed, she didn¡¯t say much.¡± At first, he did not let her say. Later, Mo Sheng probably did not dare to say. He also seemed to subconsciously defer dealing with this matter indefinitely.


    In fact this was so out of character. However, after meeting Mo Sheng, inevitably there will be exception.


    Ying Hui smiled and seemed lost in thoughts. After some time, he asked: ¡°Iswyer He interested to hear my version?¡±


    Yi Chen lifted up his eyes.


    ¡°Of course, since I¡¯vee here.¡±


    In the midst of the sweet smelling tea, Ying Hui became silent. Maybe he really didn¡¯t know where to start his story¡­¡­..


    Seven years ago, Ying Hui had a turning point in his life. It was his most promising and also most desperate year.


    Ying Hui who studied aboard in S University in California actually came from an average rural family. Due to his poor family background, Ying Hui has never thought of studying abroad while he was studying in C University even though his grades were outstandingly good. At that time, the Mathematics genius who many professors felt will have a promising future merely wanted to find a good pay and stable job. Then, he can bring his parents to the city to stay with him, get married, have children and live an ordinary life.


    But this dream was quickly shattered.


    On the day before graduation, his girlfriend of three years was sad but determined to break up with him.


    Ying Hui was shocked and found it hard toprehend, especially after learning that she was already involved with the son of the department head for some time. He was disappointed and angry.


    ¡°Ying Hui, I¡¯m sorry!¡± Confronted with his questioning, his girlfriend appeared sorrowful, ¡°I was too naive before, I thought the world was simple. But when I was graduating and searching for a job, I realize that no matter how good my grades are, if I don¡¯t have a powerful backing, no one will give me a chance. You knew about my application to stay on at the university. But did you know, I¡¯ve suffered many grievances? You can¡¯t help me. He¡¯s not as good as you in all aspects, but at least he can help me to proudly lift my head high before everyone in the department¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Ying Hui, I don¡¯t want my pride to gradually be chipped away by the hardships in life. Maybe you¡¯ll be sessful in the future, but how long do I have to wait? When that happens, my youth is already gone, so what¡¯s the point? I want a respectful life, but you can¡¯t give that to me. You can¡¯t protect my dignity. Ying Hui, I still love you, but I¡¯m sorry, I have too much pride.¡±


    Ying Hui was left speechless.


    That night, he could not sleep. The next day, with bloodshot eyes, he phoned his parents. He decided to apply for a schrship to study in the U.S.


    His study abroad was arranged quickly. On the day he left, his girlfriend was not among the students who saw him off. Unlike other students who left reluctantly, Ying Hui was calm. No one guessed the ambition hiding in his serene eyes.

 Chapter 11.1: Ying Hui

    <h4>Chapter 11.1: Ying Hui </h4>


    (tranted by lidge and edited by peanuts)


    Studying abroad in California was much more difficult than at home due to the unfamiliar environment, the schoolwork was heavy and he has to work part-time frequently. Ying Hui quickly lost weight, but at the same time, he also gained much valuable experiences. Ying Hui began to focus on the inte, which was developing at breakneck speed.


    With a strong foundation in mathematics helped Ying Hui to do research inputer technology more effectively. Unlike others who were interested in setting up web portals, Ying Hui was interested in information search. After a year and a half, deserving the title of genius, he developed an algorithm for searching single-handedly. But it was not without ws because it required other algorithms in order to work. Hence at first, venture capitalists were not interested, only a well-known intepany wanted to buy it at a very low price. Ying Hui knew what he had was worth more than tens of thousands of dors, but he did not have time to wait for a better offer. Fatigued and stressed out, he became very sick. When his health improved, his meager savings were almost gone.


    Ying Hui was desperate and used his remaining money to ce an ad in an influential Chinese newspaper, exining his situation and seeking investment from his fellow countrymen.


    However, reality soon left him disappointed. Within 10 days, he only received one phone call. The caller did not help him but instead called him a shameless swindler who is a disgrace to the Chinese people. When he lost all hope and contemted selling the algorithm to the intepany, he received a letter from N City. In it was an unsigned letter and five hundred dors. The handwriting was not good so it was difficult to determine if the writer was male or female.


    Hello!


    I saw your ad in the newspaper asking for help. I¡¯m sending you $500. It¡¯s not a lot of money, but hopefully, it can help you wait for a substantial investment.


    The $500 were a drop in the bucket, but the money reignited Ying Hui¡¯s fighting spirit. It helped himst through two difficult months. During this period, he managed to develop aplete set of search algorithm. Soon after, he obtained his first $1 million venture capital.


    Challenging times created heroes. Ying Hui was fortunate to be in the right ce at the right time. A few yearster, when he sat in the president¡¯s office of SOSO Company and listened to the valuation of his assets, Ying Hui was in disbelief.


    If not for the $500, maybe he would only be a good technician. Ying Hui thought about looking for the person who sent the money, but he quickly gave up. The world is like a vast sea of people and the letter did not even have a name, so there was really no clue to begin the search.


    But soon after, the benefactor appeared before him.


    One day, a former ssmate from S University, visited him and brought along a letter addressed to him.


    ¡°This person probably doesn¡¯t know you¡¯ve left the university, as the letter was sent to our faculty so when I saw it, I brought it along with me.¡±


    The handwriting on the envelope was familiar.


    Ying Hui was excited when he opened it.


    Mr. Ying:


    Hello, I don¡¯t know if your address has changed or you might not remember me. About three years ago, I read an ad in the newspaper about you asking for help, and I sent $500. How embarrassing, but if it¡¯s financially possible, can you return the $500? I know this request is unreasonable, so if it¡¯s difficult for you, then pretend I haven¡¯t said anything.


    I¡¯m really sorry!


    Zhao Mo Sheng


    Zhao Mo Sheng!


    Ying Hui silently repeated the name in his heart.


    He finally knew her name.


    Looking at the stamp on the envelope, the date was a month ago.


    If she was not desperate, she probably would not have sent this letter with a sliver of hope.


    Even though his former ssmate was still with him, Ying Hui immediately called the phone number in the letter. The phone rang two times and the person who answered was the voice of a female.


    The next day, Ying Hui flew to N City.


    The meeting took ce at a park. It was early spring, from a distant, Ying Hui saw a young Chinese girl sitting on a bench. With a scarf wrapped around her neck, she seemed to be feeling cold as her hands constantly touched the tassels on the scarf.


    Ying Hui watched her from a distance. Suddenly he felt warmth, as if he wereing home. At that time, he had been in the U.S. by himself for six years.


    Ying Hui walked up to her: ¡°Excuse me, are you Miss Zhao?¡±


    The girl immediately stood up: ¡°Yes, that¡¯s me. Are you Mr. Ying Hui?¡±


    Only then, Ying Hui managed to see her clearly. A very young girl, probably in her early twenties and perhaps still studying. Her clothes appeared a little old as if having been worn for a few years, but she looked very clean withrge eyes.


    He smiled slightly and said: ¡°Miss Zhao, we will find a heated ce to sit down and talk.¡±


    After exchanging pleasantries, Ying Hui asked: ¡°Miss Zhao, I¡¯m a little curious. Why did you send me $500? Aren¡¯t you worried that I could be a swindler?¡±


    The question startled her for a moment. Then she replied vaguely: ¡°At that time, I had some money¡­¡­¡± She continued, ¡°Actually, you didn¡¯t need toe over specifically. I was cleaning up things when I saw the old newspaper. I didn¡¯t really hold out much hope when I sent that letter to you.¡±


    ¡°But now you¡¯re¡­¡­?¡±


    Ying Hui did not have to spend much effort to find out the entire story.


    In summary: The Miss Zhao sitting here has a neighbor called sister Juan who has a close rtionship with her. Sister Juan injured her husband with a knife and was sentenced to three years in jail. She has a child called Xiao Jia. Her Caucasian husband was abusive so sister Juan entrusted her child to her. At the moment, she was in a custody battle with sister Juan¡¯s husband.


    Ying Hui sipped the hot cocoa.


    ¡°Miss Zhao, are you usually so¡­¡­ helpful with other people?¡± Actually, the word he wanted to use was ¡°nosy¡± and not ¡°helpful.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± She seemed a little embarrassed, her face was red, but it was difficult to tell if it was from the cold or embarrassment. ¡°We¡¯ve been neighbors for a long time, and sister Juan has helped me in the past. One time, I was very sick and fainted in my house alone. She was the one who found me and saved me by bringing me to the hospital. I could have died if discoveredte. She is my savior, right? Her husband Cruise is really abusive, as I¡¯ve seen him used a liquor bottle to hit sister Juan and Xiao Jia before. Moreover, Xiao Jia is very well-behaved and obedient and sister Juan is also very pitiful¡­¡­¡±


    She exined her reasons anxiously.


    Ying Hui seemed indifferent, as each person in this world has their own misery.


    But Ying Hui thought silently, this girl is kind in a foolish way. If she was not foolish, why did she send $500 to a virtual stranger like him?


    Ying Hui reassured her: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll help you.¡±


    This matter was not easy to handle.


    Ying Hui¡¯s privatewyer called Mr. Smith said: ¡°Miss. Zhao doesn¡¯t have enough evidence to prove Cruise is abusive. Even with evidence to revoke Cruise¡¯s child custody, she also can¡¯t adopt the child because she doesn¡¯t meet the state¡¯s adoption requirements. This matter is difficult to resolve in a court ofw but should be simpler to sort out privately. Money is the best way to deal with thugs like the husband.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Ying Hui said, ¡°But I don¡¯t like to spend money on thugs like that. Moreover, he may not be easily satisfied and will exhort money repeatedly or make a false counter-charge any time. In the end, money isn¡¯t the best solution.¡±


    ¡°Unless that girl immediately marries a husband who can fulfill the state¡¯s requirements, that will increase the odds of winning.¡± Smith shrugged his shoulders and joked: ¡°Actually, you¡¯re a good candidate who fits all the requirements.¡±


    Smith¡¯s joke awakened Ying Hui¡¯s heart.


    To his surprise, he discovered that he was not against the idea at all.


    Ying Hui called Mo Sheng to tell her what hiswyer said.


    ¡°Even if it can be proven that Cruise has a violent tendency and revoke his child custody, you also can¡¯t adopt Xiao Jia. This is because your age, economic condition and marital status do not meet the state¡¯s requirements of an adopter. Xiao Jia will be sent to a welfare agency. Do you know that is definitely not a good ce for a mixed-race child?¡±


    Mo Sheng was besides herself with panic: ¡°I just want to help a friend, why is it so hard¡­¡­¡±


    Perhaps it was not so hard. Ying Hui talked to Cruise before, who only wanted to exhort money. But Ying Hui did not want to solve the problem that way. Ying Hui had seen Xiao Jia who is a mixed-blood child with ck hair and ck eyes and appeared slow. It is said it was caused by being often beaten.


    ¡°If you want to take on this responsibility, I have a suggestion.¡± Ying Hui said casually, ¡°You can find someone you trust who meets the conditions to adopt a child and pretend to marry him, perhaps¡­¡­ I can help you.¡±


    Mo Sheng froze on the other end of the phone. When she finally reacted, she promptly said that won¡¯t do. ¡°How can that possibly be¡­¡­¡±


    Ying Hui also did not insist.


    After that, there was some progress in the matter. Photos of a drunk Cruise burning Xiao Jia with his cigarette were inadvertently taken by Mo Sheng¡¯sndlord. However, just aswyer Smith said, although Cruise lost custody, Xiao Jia was sent to a welfare agency.


    Mo Sheng was very busy with her study and also has to work, but she still went to visit Xiao Jia either every other day or two days.


    A few monthster, while Ying Hui was far away in California, he received a phone call from Mo Sheng. She said in a crying voice: ¡°Mr. Ying, I want to adopt Xiao Jia¡­¡­¡±


    Apparently, Xiao Jia was bullied in the welfare agency by children from other races. Actually this happened more than once, but it was more serious this time. Xiao Jia was pushed into the toilet bowl and could have been suffocated if not discovered in time.


    Ying Hui immediately flew to N City with a copy of an agreement.


    ¡°The agreement states that you¡¯ll give up all rights and interests arising from the marriage. At the same time, you don¡¯t have to fulfill any obligations, so this means we¡¯re only married in name.¡± Ying Hui exined.


    The agreement clearly defined their rights and obligations making Mo Sheng felt more at ease. Ying Hui did this on purpose. He knew an agreement which will give no benefit to Mo Sheng will make her felt more rxed.


    ¡°Mr. Ying, thank you¡­¡­¡± She did not know what to say.


    ¡°No need, as actually this marriage also benefits me. Mypany is about to go public, the image of a married man will inspire confidence in the shareholders. Also, being married allows me to avoid unnecessary trouble.¡± Ying Hui also felt the reasons he has given sounded ridiculous but thisst sentence was spoken with sincerity, ¡°What¡¯s more, the help Miss Zhao has given me was not little.¡±


    Which was why he wanted to take her under his wings to protect her!


    But was that the only reason?


    Ying Hui did not dare to think further.


    After a moment of hesitation, Mo Sheng gripped the pen in her hand, quickly signed her name and returned the contract to Ying Hui without another nce.


    On the day Mo Sheng sessfully gained custody of Xiao Jia, Ying Hui flew back to California on the same night.


    Mo Sheng has not finished her studies so she stayed in N City.


    In order to deal with the periodic inspections of the welfare agency, Ying Hui will fly to N City at the end of every month. Mo Sheng felt guilty for the trouble she caused him. In contrast, Ying Hui looked forward to the end of each month.


    Ying Hui¡¯s Caucasian secretary Linda said in a cute way: ¡°Boss, do you know, how much I like the end of each month because you are more affable at that time.¡±


    Ying Hui listened and smiled, feeling joyful.


    Xiao Jia was still slow and silly. Mo Sheng finally taught him to say ¡°uncle Ying¡± in Chinese. Ying Hui was not touched but Mo Sheng was overjoyed and touched, stroking Xiao Jia¡¯s head.


    Ying Hui was overwhelmed by her smile. In that moment, he realized clearly his heart was in danger.


    He had not felt anything like that for a long time.


    He and Miss Zhao Mo Sheng only knew each other for merely a few months.


    The emotion came unexpectedly, without a warning.


    A science student like Ying Hui stubbornly tried to exin the logic of his heart, but he discovered for the first time that he was powerless to do anything.


    Fortunately, he quickly stopped his thoughts from being stuck in a dead-end. His pragmatic personality led him to decide to let nature take its course.


    Ying Hui continued to fly back and forth between California and N City for two years. One day, Mo Sheng called with two announcements.


    The first, she has graduated.


    The second, sister Juan was released early and decided to take Xiao Jia back to China.


    After hanging up the phone, Ying Hui immediately thought: It¡¯s about time!


    At N City International Airport, Ying Hui met the woman with a tired face called sister Juan for the first time.


    Mo Sheng asionally talked about sister Juan¡¯s life. At first, she went to the U.S. to apany her husband to study. Later, in order to get a green card, her husband married an American woman. Sister Juan left China to U.S. in grand style, but ended up in such miserable situation. She did not want to return home to be ridiculed so she quickly married an American man, not knowing this was worse. Two years of imprisonment, finally made her gave up all hope on this ce. After having fullprehension of her situation, she decided to return to China.


    Mo Sheng hugged Xiao Jia tightly, reluctant to let go.


    Sister Juan thanked Ying Hui: ¡°Thank you for your help in the past two years.¡±


    ¡°You only need to thank Mo Sheng.¡±


    Sister Juan looked at Mo Sheng: ¡°She¡¯s a lot more fortunate than me.¡±


    Ying Hui saw the envious admiration in her eyes and smiled: ¡°Everyone has their own fate, nothing can alter that.¡±


    Mo Sheng looked up to watch the ne ascending into the clouds, her eyes sad.


    ¡°Do you want to return home?¡±

 Chapter 11.2: Ying Hui

    <h4>Chapter 11.2: Ying Hui </h4>


    (tranted by lidge and edited by peanuts)


    Mo Sheng was startled for a moment, then shook her head and said: ¡°No, I don¡¯t want to go back, probably because I¡¯m weak. Ying Hui, in a foreign country, it¡¯s natural that I¡¯m alone like everyone else who lives in a foreign country. But if I return home and is still alone, that would be very sad.¡±


    She looked down and did not say anything more.


    When they were leaving the airport, Mo Sheng said: ¡°Ying Hui, I have to talk to you about something.¡±


    Ying Hui certainly knew what she wanted to discuss, so he said immediately: ¡°By chance, I need your help with something.¡±


    Ying Hui¡¯s parents nned to visit him in the U.S. for one month, mostly because he identally said he had married.


    Ying Hui wanted Mo Sheng to pretend to be a married couple when meeting his parents.


    The timing was just right.


    Mo Sheng has alreadypleted her studies, so she could leave N City any time. Ying Hui¡¯spany was operating smoothly so he had more free time.


    The first thing Mo Sheng did after moving to California was to look for a job. But she was often left frustrated because she is Chinese and also a woman.


    Ying Hui wanted to use his contacts to help her, but Mo Sheng refused: ¡°Ying Hui, you¡¯ve helped me so much already, so I can¡¯t always rely on you.¡±


    Ying Hui remembered Mo Sheng has never epted any financial help from him. Then he also recalled what his ex-girlfriend said to him when breaking up with him, he couldn¡¯t help but sigh with sorrow.


    Seeing him looking pensive, Mo Sheng asked: ¡°Ying Hui, what are you thinking?¡±


    Ying Hui smiled and said: ¡°Nothing, I¡¯m merely trying to understand the word pride once again.¡±


    Mo Sheng was puzzled and looked quizzically at him but did not question further.


    Valentine¡¯s Day came before the day of Ying Hui¡¯s parents¡¯ visit, but Ying Hui was not a romantic person. Mo Sheng also did not think anything of it, so in the end nothing special happened that day.


    On the evening of Valentine¡¯s Day, Ying Hui was in the study upstairs involved in an international call. When he walked downstairs, he saw Mo Sheng sitting on the sofa, her head propped up in one hand, aptop on her knees,pletely unaware of his presence.


    From his point of view, he saw tears at the corner of Mo Sheng¡¯s eyes.


    Thinking she was watching a sad movie, he walked closer to take a look. It was only an ordinary website, and it was the SOSO search page he knew well.


    The keyword in the search was a name he has never heard before ¨C¨C He Yi Chen.


    When Mo Sheng discovered him, she quickly turned around. It was toote to wipe away the tears on her cheeks.


    She closed theptop, stood up, stared downward at her toes and looked a little embarrassed.


    Ying Hui understood immediately: ¡°He¡­..¡±


    Suddenly, he did not know what else to say.


    Mo Sheng looked up at him, her eyes were exceptionally clear from the tears. Ying Hui clearly saw the sorrow in her eyes.


    ¡°Ying Hui, have you ever loved anyone?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Ying Hui thought carefully before answering, ¡°When I was at C University, I had a girlfriend who is very smart and also very beautiful.¡±


    ¡°My ex-boyfriend is also very outstanding.¡± Mo Sheng replied in a low voice.


    ¡°Oh?¡± Ying Hui tried to smile, ¡°Your ex-boyfriend isn¡¯t as lucky as me.¡±


    After all, he was now just someone from your ¡®past¡¯ only.


    Mo Sheng misunderstood his wordspletely. She probably thought Ying Hui meant her ex-boyfriend was unlucky because he chose her, so she felt upset and said: ¡°I¡¯m not so bad¡­¡­¡±


    Ying Hui did not exin himself. He quickly walked up to his study but has no mood to do anything.


    Having seen that name, it seemed as if he began to see the name everywhere.


    From that day onward¡­¡­


    From time to time, Mo Sheng will absent-mindedly call that name ¨C¨C He Yi Chen.


    When Mo Sheng was inexplicably feeling happy, she¡¯ll smile and call He Yi Chen.


    When Mo Sheng was suddenly feeling lonely, she¡¯ll call He Yi Chen.


    ¡­¡­


    Mo Sheng began to frequently mention that name to Ying Hui, as if she finally found someone to talk to about that person.


    That person is very intelligent.


    That person is very capable.


    ¡­¡­


    Of course, Ying Hui was impatient.


    But when he saw the grievance and loneliness in her eyes whenever she mentioned that person, he did not have the heart to be impatient.


    His heart also felt a kind of unknown pain.


    Previously, when Ying Hui knew Mo Sheng thought of him as a brother figure, he was not bothered. It was because he was confident that no one more outstanding than him will appear in her life, so he¡¯ll take it slowly. However, that feeling has now gone, as he can clearly feel a frozen wall was erected in Mo Sheng¡¯s heart. That frozen wall will block out all the ambiguous stuff.


    Perhaps all he can ever be will be a brother figure only.


    Ying Hui began to feel impatient.


    So what happened that night, he did not know if it was from his suppressed emotions or a momentary loss of control.


    That day, he drank a lot while socializing outside and was drunk when he arrived home. Mo Sheng took care of him in a flurry.


    Ying Hui did not know if he was drunk or sober. If drunk, how could he still remember all the details clearly. If sober, why did he not reign in his emotions like before¡­¡­


    Seemingly half drunk half sober, he pressed himself on top of Mo Sheng¡­¡­


    When he woke up, it was already morning.


    The moment he regained his consciousness, he rushed downstairs.


    The lights were not on in the living room which was inplete darkness.


    He vaguely saw Mo Sheng sitting on the sofa, two arms hugging her knees and her head bent down.


    Ying Hui felt he had seen this mentioned somewhere before that when people suffer great harm, they would subconsciously sit in that position like a baby in the mother¡¯s womb because of theck of a sense of security.


    His hand wanted to turn on the light switch but stopped.


    Mo Sheng suddenly spoke in a weak voice: ¡°Ying Hui, did you¡­¡­ pretend I¡¯m her?¡±


    Ying Hui was dazed for a moment before he realized who the ¡°she¡± Mo Sheng referred to.


    It was his ex-girlfriend.


    He seemed to mention about his ex-girlfriend only once and he could not really remember what he had said. She probably thought¡­¡­ he still thinks of her, still loves his ex-girlfriend?


    Mo Sheng, did you think everyone is like you, always remembering the past?


    Ying Hui smiled bitterly.


    He realized that Mo Sheng put him in an interesting dilemma: If he says ¡°yes,¡± he would not be able to confess his true feelings, maybe their rtionship would never be able to progress further. If he says ¡°no,¡± he would be admitting to sexual assault.


    Even though an unsessful attempt.


    Seeing the trust in Mo Sheng¡¯s eyes, Ying Hui decided to close his eyes and not answer.


    Let her find the answer which canfort her the most.


    Actually, after that incident, Mo Sheng could not calmly live together with Ying Hui in a house anymore. When Mo Sheng said she wanted to move out, Ying Hui said: ¡°Mo Sheng, return home and see what has happened.¡±


    Mo Sheng stared at him in shock.


    ¡°You can¡¯t be an ostrich forever.¡±


    Return home and see what has happened.


    If the weather there is sunny and nice, then you stay there.


    If the weather there is raining and bleak, then you quicklye back.


    Completely forget that ce,pletely forget that person.


    At the airport, Ying Hui said goodbye to Mo Sheng who was no longer even his wife in name only. He looked at the ne ascending into the clouds, loneliness filling every corner of his body.


    Did she understand what he said when they parted just now? In certain things, she could be surprisingly slow.


    ¡°If you are not returning to the U.S¡­¡­.best if we temporarily don¡¯t keep in touch with each other.¡± He told her before she boarded the ne.


    Did he still have a chance?


    Perhaps!


    Perhaps that man called He Yi Chen has already fallen in love with someone else.


    In this world, how many people are as foolish as Zhao Mo Sheng?


    The fragrant of the tea was rising up through the air.


    The years were long, but only a few hours were used to finish talking about them.


    ¡°¡­¡­So there was more than one person.¡± Ying Hui finally said.


    ¡°Sometimes, she¡¯s surprisingly slow.¡± Ying Hui looked up and sighed, ¡°Things of the world can be so strange because I didn¡¯t expect you¡¯re the only person I can talk to on these matters.¡±


    Yi Chen did not speak. After finished smoking his cigarette, he picked up his coat: ¡°Mr. Ying, it¡¯ste so I¡¯ll leave first.¡±


    ¡°Why are you in such a hurry?¡±


    YI Chen paused: ¡°Mo Sheng is drunk, so I¡¯m a bit worried.¡±


    Ying Huiughed out loud: ¡°Mr. He, are you showing off you¡¯re the winner in front of the loser?¡±


    Yi Chen did not turn around and walked out of the tea shop. When he pushed open the door, a st of cold air hit him in the face.


    Yi Chen breathed in deeply.


    It was a good while before he gradually rxed his hands fisted to the point that the blood vessels stood out.


    It was already two o¡¯clock in the morning when he arrived home.


    Mo Sheng slept like a good child when drunk, her body wrapped in the quilt, in the exact position when Yi Chen left the house. Yi Chen gently took off his shoes, got into bed and pulled Mo Sheng into his embrace.


    She moved slightly to get used to her new position and frowned. Yi Chen loosened his embrace and her eyebrows started to rx.


    The sweet smelling of Mo Sheng¡¯s hair filled the air around him.


    Yi Chen whispered: ¡°I won¡¯t let you drink in the future.¡±


    She did not protest, still sleeping soundly.


    Yi Chen could not sleep and stayed awake until four something in the morning. He sighed, got up and went to the study.


    There were still a lot of work to do. In fact, tomorrow, no, it was already the next day, he had not finished preparing the case for the court hearing in the morning. For Yi Chen, this was really a rare doing things at thest minute experience.


    He was busy working until the first rays of morning sun.


    Yi Chen closed his tired eyes and massaged his brows. When he opened his eyes again, he saw Mo Sheng standing at the doorway of the study looking at him.


    ¡°Yi Chen, you didn¡¯t sleep at all?¡± Mo Sheng asked and bit her lips.


    Yi Chen knew very well that was her habit when she felt nervous.


    ¡°Come here.¡± He beckoned.


    When she walked closer, Yi Chen pulled her into his arms and she sat on hisp.


    ¡°You¡¯re awake? People who are drunk don¡¯t usually sleep.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Mo Sheng was probably confused by Yi Chen¡¯s attitude, so she asked innocently, ¡°Then, what should I do?¡±


    ¡°Do something meaningful¡­¡­¡± While talking, he lowered his head and kissed her soft lips.


    Mo Sheng gasped for breath andy her head on his arm. After a moment of silence, Yi Chen said: ¡°Last night, I met with Ying Hui.¡±


    Mo Sheng suddenly froze in his embrace.


    ¡°He told me someone searched my name in SOSO. I want to ask that person, what did she find?¡±


    Mo Sheng did not say anything. Yi Chen continued to say: ¡°I just searched your name and found out that you¡¯ve won an award in photography before but you never told me.¡±


    ¡°Just a little-known award¡­¡­ Besides, you did not ask me.¡± Mo Sheng said softly.


    Yi Chen sighed and held her tighter: ¡°I¡¯m sorry, it¡¯s my fault.¡±


    ¡°Mo Sheng, tell me now, what have you done?¡±


    ¡°In the U.S.?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Mo Sheng had never seen before, a He Yi Chen who is so gentle, not even at university seven years ago when their rtionship was at its best. A soft and gentle inquiry easily opened the floodgate to all the grievances she suffered in those years.


    Mo Sheng began to talk about those things that she experienced in U.S. When she first arrived in the U.S., she did not know English well. Thus, she could not understand the street signs and got lost. She talked about how she hated to study English, the strange habits of Americans and also those awful food. She focused on describing how awful a particr brand of instant noodles tasted.


    ¡°Then, why didn¡¯t you eat something else?¡±


    ¡°Other food are expensive, as at that time, I was very poor.¡±


    ¡°Your father didn¡¯t give you money?¡± This was the first time Yi Chen spoke of Mo Sheng¡¯s father with such gentle tone.


    Mo Sheng looked at his expression before continuing to say: ¡°Yes, my father gave me arge amount of money. At first I was shocked, butter I read from the newspaper, then only I knew what happened¡­¡­ so I sent the money back to the embassy.¡±


    ¡°Did the embassy write you a letter of appreciation?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t put my name, I sent it when there was a call for Chinese people to donate. In fact, there was nothing noble about my intention¡­.¡± Just that I could not bring myself to use those money which was earned by the sacrifice of life. Furthermore, I also deceived myself into thinking without those money, my dad wouldn¡¯t have died. Everything would be fine like nothing happened.¡±


    ¡°Oh, Mo Sheng was so smart, what else?¡±


    ¡°And¡­¡­¡±


    Mo Sheng thought one day she would tell Yi Chen these things, but she never thought it would be like this. She did not feel burdened at all, as if she was chatting about something ordinary. Those painful experiences seemed to have disappeared overnight.


    They gradually stopped talking.


    The day had brightenedpletely.


    ¡°Yi Chen, surprisingly I don¡¯t feel sad at all. I thought it would be very difficult to talk about this.¡±


    Yi Chen said quietly: ¡°Because you have me now.¡±


    Mo Sheng did not say anything. Shey her head on his chest and didn¡¯t move at all. A long timeter, Yi Chen thought she has fallen asleep. Gradually, he felt wetness on his chest.


    It was already Monday and they have to go to work in the morning.


    It was the first time Yi Chen went to battle unprepared. At the court, he discovered the prosecutor and judge seemed more muddied than him. Hence, everyone stayed muddy until the court session finished and the case would be heard again next time.


    When the family of the defendant saw the dark circles under Yi Chen¡¯s eyes clearly from theck of sleep, they were deeply moved because they thought he exhausted himself for the case. They thanked him over and over again making Yi Chen not knowing whether tough or cry.

 Chapter 12.1: As It Turns Out

    <h4>Chapter 12.1: As It Turns Out </h4>


    (tranted by lidge and edited by peanuts)


    Mo Sheng went to work with red eyes. Xiao Hong carefully looked at her eyes and asked in a grieving tone: ¡°Broke up with your boyfriend?¡±


    Mo Sheng replied in a low voice to match her grieving tone: ¡°Comrade Xiao Hong, do you want to treat beef rice tofort a heart broken colleague?¡±


    Xiao Hong thought for a while: ¡°Then, you better don¡¯t break up with your boyfriend.¡±


    Colleague Bai bought a newspaper with Ying Hui on the cover. Mo Sheng saw the newspaper on his desk so she conveniently brought it over to her desk to read. The long article chronicled his life with praises and pomposity. True to a tabloid newspaper¡¯s distinguishing feature, there was gossip and spection about Ying Hui¡¯s wife.


    Mo Sheng put down the newspaper and stared nkly for a long time.


    She did not know many people in the U.S. She was closest to sister Juan, but they lost contact after she returned to China. The other person was Ying Hui. Actually in regard to Ying Hui, Mo Sheng only felt gratitude because he had helped her a lot. That time when he was drunk, he did not cross the line and hurt her.


    After hesitating for a while, Mo Sheng turned on herputer, went to SOSOmail website, then her not often use mailbox to look for Ying Hui¡¯s email address.


    After changing what she wrote several times, only one sentence remained in the end.


    ¡ª¡ª¡±Ying Hui, what happenedst night at the hotel lobby, thank you.¡±


    A few minutes after sending the email, her inbox had an alert for new mail. Mo Sheng refreshed the screen and clicked to open the email.


    Recipient: Zhao Mo Sheng


    Sender: IN


    Topic: Re: No Subject


    It¡¯s nothing.


    Two simple words appeared, like from a stranger. Mo Sheng¡¯s fingers stilled on the keyboard, not knowing what to say. She remembered the gossips she heard from students in C University, then quickly replied.


    ¡°Ying Hui, have you met her again now that you¡¯re back in China? Maybe you still have a chance.¡±


    A reply did note forth in a long time.


    Mo Sheng regretted it.


    Maybe she overstepped herself, as everyone has an untouchable part in the heart. Maybe that girl was his deepest wound.


    That night, Mo Sheng and Yi Chen talked about what happened. Yi Chen frowned at her and said two words: ¡°Really slow.¡±


    Then, he added: ¡°Thank goodness you¡¯re slow.¡±


    Mo Sheng did not understand.


    More than one monthter, when Mo Sheng checked her mailbox on a regr basis, she saw Ying Hui¡¯s reply. Looking at the date, it was sent two days ago.


    Mo Sheng opened the email.


    Recipient: Zhao Mo Sheng


    Sender : IN


    Topic : Re: Re: Re: No Subject


    Not everyone can wait so long in loneliness like He Yi Chen.


    Sheng. I¡¯ve had a change of heart.


    P.S.: Wish you an early Merry Christmas!


    Mo Sheng stared nkly at the screen.


    Just a few lines, why did it take so long to reply? Maybe the sender changed the message over and over and thought about it for a long time before sending it.


    In that moment, Mo Sheng felt she was beginning to understand something. But the idea only shed quickly before the intuition disappeared.


    She moved the mouse to the delete option, hesitated for a moment and moved away. Finally she logged out of her mailbox.


    Maybe she would never use this mailbox again.


    That message wouldy quietly online in a corner. No one would open it, yet it would never disappear.


    Autumn quickly faded with the arrival of the chilly winter. Under the influence of Xiao Hong, Mo Sheng was hooked on knitting scarves. Such a pity, Mo Sheng always made mistakes, sometimes knitting too tightly, sometimes knitting too loosely. Finally her first product was done. She felt excited like a child who just aplished an amazing feat and wanted to brag to its mother. Yi Chen was extremely grateful but he refused to wear it on his neck when going out.


    On Christmas night, Yi Chen invited Yi Mei and her boyfriend Zhang Xu to have dinner together. Zhang Xu was Yi Mei¡¯s boss, a steady man with a sense of humor. This was Yi Chen¡¯s first time meeting him.


    After dinner, they went outside and discovered it had started snowing.


    In the street, young people and children jumped and cheered for the arrival of the first snow in A City.


    Mo Sheng and Yi Mei stood side by side on the walkway to wait for Yi Chen and Zhang Xu who went to get their cars. Yi Mei smilingly said: ¡°Initially, I n to marry next year and invite you to be my bridesmaid, but who knows Yi Chen couldn¡¯t wait. However, you can¡¯t me him because he probably has endured for a long time¡­¡­¡± Yi Mei said ambiguously as she winked at Mo Sheng.


    Mo Sheng blushed, not knowing when Yi Mei became so outspoken.


    Yi Meiughed, turned her head and saw Zhang Xu waved at her opposite the road. Hence, she told Mo Sheng: ¡°I can¡¯t apany you to wait because I have to leave first.¡±


    ¡°All right.¡± Mo Sheng nodded. Yi Mei walked a few steps and stopped but she did not turn around.


    ¡°The two of you must be very happy, think of it as¡­¡­¡± Yi Mei whispered, her voice barely audible, ¡°for me.¡±


    Mo Sheng was stumped for words. Yi Mei has already run and crossed the street, not looking back.


    Yi Chen returned to see Mo Sheng standing in a daze staring at her toes: ¡°Yi Mei left already?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Mo Sheng looked up but did not see the car.


    ¡°It¡¯s snowing, let¡¯s walk home.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    Seeing herckluster reaction, Yi Chen was somewhat surprised. He thought she would be jumping excitedly because of the snow.


    Mo Sheng lowered her head and walked absentmindedly. She was close to bumping into a streetlight, but a pair of big hands pulled her back.


    ¡°What are you thinking about? Do you want to write a self-reflection report again?¡± Yi Chen frowned.


    Mo Sheng¡¯s mind slowly returned to reality. She innocently looked up to see his familiar face mixed with a bit of anger. Suddenly she wanted to hold him¡­¡­ her hands involuntarily sneaked into his coat and hugged him: ¡°Yi Chen¡­¡­¡±


    Startled by her sudden action, Yi Chen asked softly: ¡°Are you all right?¡±


    The head that buried in his embrace kept on shaking slightly, her voice muffled: ¡°¡­¡­I¡¯m all right.¡±


    Yi Chen wanted to loosen her arms to see what was wrong with her, but Mo Sheng refused to let go and held on tighter.


    ¡°Mo Sheng!¡± Yi Chen said helplessly, not knowing why she was suddenly so clingy.


    ¡°You¡¯re too big now to act like a spoiled child. People willugh at us.¡± Yi Chen lowered his head to whisper in her ear.


    Nonsense! How could she be like a spoiled child!


    ¡°Well¡­¡­ I¡¯m just checking to see if this coat I bought is warm.¡±


    Just leave her be. Yi Chen has no way out but to let her to hold onto him. He smiled wryly at the ambiguous or envious looks from people waking by.


    Under the snowy night, on a crowded street, for the first time, she felt Christmas was a holiday worth celebrating.


    This year¡¯s Lunar New Year came early. Not long after Christmas, the Lunar New Year arrived in the blink of an eye.


    Naturally, they have to go back to Y City to celebrate Lunar New Year. Y City is not far from A City, about a little more than three-hours drive, but the roads were crowded because of the holiday. Yi Chen and Mo Sheng departed early in the morning but actually arrived in Y city at a little more than one o¡¯clock in the afternoon.


    Feeling that the person next to him was quiet for a long time, Yi Chen turned his head to take a look. From yesterday, Mo Sheng has been feeling tense, but why she felt better when she arrived in Y City?


    Mo Sheng looked out of the car window in a daze, not aware of Yi Chen staring at her.


    Yi Chen looked at his wife with an indescribable emotion, paused for a moment and suddenly called out: ¡°Mo Sheng!¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­¡­¡± Mo Sheng reacted after a while, turned around and asked: ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Do you know how to y mahjong?¡±


    y mahjong? Mo Sheng thought she heard wrongly.


    ¡°Auntie loves to y mahjong, so if you don¡¯t know how, she¡¯ll probably be very disappointed.¡± Yi Chen¡¯s tone was mild and light, but the words were deliberately made to sound serious.


    Mo Sheng was distracted, the thought of not going which has been circling in her head just now flew away, leaving only the word ¡°mahjong.¡± ¡°What to do? I don¡¯t really know how to y.¡± Mo Sheng was very upset, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me earlier so I can practice?¡±


    ¡°You still have time to practice.¡± Yi Chen said with augh and parked the car.


    ¡°Mo Sheng, we¡¯ve arrived.¡±


    How many years had Mo Sheng not been a part of such a lively Lunar New Year celebration?


    Snow fell outside the windows and the sound of firecrackers can be heard continuously. The whole family sat together to eat Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve family dinner and to listen to the elderly nagging.


    ¡°The older both of you are, the less filial. One has a boyfriend already but did not tell mum. One simply got married without saying¡­¡­¡±


    Yi Mei made a face at Yi Chen: ¡°Mom, you¡¯veined the entire afternoon.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not often the kidse back, so let them enjoy their meal. Don¡¯t keep on nagging non-stop.¡± Mr. He said.


    ¡°I think you are the one who find me irritating¡­¡­¡± Mrs. He turned to talk about Mr. He. Mr. He who has always been afraid of his wife, immediately appeared ufortable.


    Zhang Xu could not understand the dialect so he kept on asking Yi Mei to trante. Yi Mei felt vexed. A big man unexpectedly started to act shamelessly like a kid.


    Mo Sheng smiled while listening. She was used to spending Lunar New Year by herself aboard. Being a part of a warm family atmosphere such as this, she even felt afraid to talk, afraid that this magical atmosphere might disappear.


    After the meal, Mrs. He really organized the family to y mahjong. Yi Chen sneaked upstairs to the study room and Yi Mei volunteered to wash the dishes. In the end, Mo Sheng, the prospective son-inw and Mr. He, who has never dared to oppose his wife, joined the game ording to Mrs. He¡¯s wish.


    Mrs. He is an experienced yer for several decades with profound skills. Mr. He who has been practicing for several decades with his wife is naturally also not weak. Yi Mei¡¯s boyfriend is a businessman so he is naturally good at calcting. The only pathetic person was Mo Sheng since she only remembered how to y slightly because she had lived abroad for the past couple of years. The game barely started, but she was already defeated soundly.


    Yi Chen came out of the study and could not believe his eyes: ¡°It¡¯s not even an hour, but you¡¯ve lost so much already?¡±


    Mo Sheng was very embarrassed and stuttered: ¡°It¡¯s just bad luck¡­¡­¡±


    Yi Chen patted her on the shoulder and told her to stand up: ¡°Leave it to me.¡±


    Now, the yers were evenly matched. Mo Sheng sat at the side and looked on as the game became more interesting. It was already one o¡¯clock in the morning yet she still refused to go to bed. Yi Chen told her twice but in vain. Finally he red at her, only then did Mo Sheng go to sleep.


    During the night, half asleep half awake, Mo Sheng heard the door open so she switched on the tablemp. ¡°Finished already? Did you win or lose?¡±


    Yi Chen looked tired when he pulled back the quilt and got into bed: ¡°Only auntie lost.¡±


    Mo Sheng red at him: ¡°Three big men so shameless to take advantage of a woman!¡±


    ¡°The He family has a rule which is there are no concessions at the mahjong table. Also, if auntie doesn¡¯t losepletely, she won¡¯t stop.¡± Yi Chen pulled her into his arms. ¡°Quickly go to sleep. I¡¯m exhausted and it¡¯s all your fault.¡±


    Mo Sheng immediately felt extremely ashamed. Normally, he was very busy working. When he returned home to celebrate the Lunar New Year holiday, he still could not rest because of her, truly pitiful. Thus, she obedientlyy in his arms to sleep, no longer making any noise to disturb him.


    After quite a while, she felt his warm lips on the back of her neck. Mo Sheng panted: ¡°Aren¡¯t you very tired?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Yi Chen¡¯s voice was vague, ¡°I still can be a bit more tired.¡±


    In the morning, on the first day of the Lunar New Year, Mo Sheng woke up at a bit past seven. As she sat up and began to dress, Yi Chen pulled her back under the quilt.


    ¡°What are you doing, getting up so early?¡± Yi Chen asked sleepily.


    ¡°I have to make breakfast¡­¡­ let me go.¡± Mo Sheng tried hard to loosen his grip on her waist, but Yi Chen did not even bother to move his fingers. Hence, Mo Sheng was annoyed and gave up: ¡°Yi Chen¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Stay in bed with me for a bit more.¡±


    Really! Mo Sheng muttered. ¡°Yi Chen, you¡¯re a little strange today.¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s body became stiff and kept quiet for a few seconds. His voice sounded a bit unnatural: ¡°Strange how?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re acting like a kid!¡± Mo Shengined.


    Yi Chen¡¯s fingers rxed slightly: ¡°Be quiet, go to sleep.¡±


    There were no voices outside so it appeared no one had gotten up yet. Thus, Mo Sheng obeyed him, since she could not escape from his embrace anyway. ¡°Then I¡¯ll sleep a bit more.¡±


    However¡­¡­ it was ufortable to sleep like that!


    Closing her eyes for barely a minute, Mo Sheng became restless. She wanted to lift her head out of Yi Chen¡¯s arm.


    ¡°How could a girl sleep like this?¡± Yi Chen opened his eyes, ¡°Can you stop moving around?¡±


    Mo Sheng frowned because she wanted toy her head on a pillow, as it is softer and morefortable.


    ¡°¡­¡­Yi Chen, if I sleep this way, your arm will be numbed.¡±


    She will really ¡®give thought for his sake¡¯. The oue of releasing her to sleep alone will probably be catching a cold together. Hence, it was best to hold her as tightly as possible so he can sleep at ease. Yi Chen simply pretended not to hear her and closed his eyes to sleep.


    Mo Sheng red at him for a long time but she still could not sleep. She looked around the room to finally rest her eyes on the handsome face next to hers.


    Yi Chen¡­¡­ is truly handsome!


    Quietly kissing him on his cheek, Mo Sheng finally began to feel a little sleepy. Her mind hazily thinking she still has to get up early¡­¡­

 Chapter 12.2: As It Turns Out

    <h4>Chapter 12.2: As It Turns Out </h4>


    (tranted by lidge and edited by peanuts)


    The result was when she opened her eyes again, it was already past 10 o¡¯clock. Not seeing Yi Chen in bed, Mo Sheng quickly jumped up and dressed then went out of the room. Yi Chen and Mr. He were ying chess in the living room.


    Mo Sheng was nervous and called out ¡°uncle¡± in greeting. Mr. He smiled and nodded his head at her.


    Mo Sheng walked to Yi Chen andined in a low voice: ¡°Why didn¡¯t you wake me up?¡±


    ¡°Ah, ah.¡± Yi Chen held a pawn and was concentrating on making his move on the chessboard. After making a move, hezily raised his head and said: ¡°Go to the kitchen and help auntie.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Mo Sheng looked at the direction of the kitchen and saw only auntie was busy cooking. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Seeing Mo Sheng walking into the kitchen, Mrs. He smiled and said: ¡°Xiao Sheng, you¡¯re awake? Were you used to sleeping on a different bedst night?¡±


    Mo Sheng repeatedly nodded her head. She was probably thest to get up, so how could she have had difficulty sleeping? ¡°Auntie, let me do this.¡± Taking the knife from Mrs. He¡¯s hand, she began to slice the pork thinly.


    Mrs. He began to wash the vegetables while chatting with Mo Sheng about everything under the sun. While chatting about the daily life of a family, she suddenly cried out ¡°aiya¡± and remembered something she should have asked earlier: ¡°Oh! how can I be so absent-minded! Xiao Sheng, your parents also live in this city, right? When can we meet and have dinner together?¡±


    Mo Sheng was distracted and almost cut into a finger. She bit her lower lips, should she say it? Looking up and seeing Mrs. He¡¯s kind-hearted smiling face, Mo Sheng really did not want to deceive her. Thus, she decided to tell the truth.


    ¡°My father¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Mo Sheng!¡±


    Yi Chen appeared at the kitchen doorway and interrupted her, his face a bit pale and his lower jaw clenched.


    ¡°This child! Suddenly, popping up and scaring us.¡± Mrs. He patted her chest.


    The tension on Yi Chen¡¯s face eased a little: ¡°Mo Sheng, where did you put my coat? I can¡¯t find it.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­Oh.¡± Mo Sheng was startled, washed her hands and walked into the bedroom.


    The coat was hanging on the rack next to the bed, an eye-catching spot which can be seen the moment you enter the bedroom. Mo Sheng stood still in front of the rack, feeling dazed and uncertain.


    Yi Chen stretched out his arm and removed the coat from behind her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let your imagination run wild. I just don¡¯t want them to judge you.¡± He said softly: ¡°Mo Sheng, you have to have a bit more faith in me.¡±


    There was a bit of bitterness in Yi Chen¡¯s voice making Mo Sheng sorrowful. She has thought too much again.


    ¡°Yi Chen¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I would rather you¡¯re sloppy and a little muddled, don¡¯t think too much.¡±


    Mo Sheng looked at him: ¡°But you will think I¡¯m troublesome.¡±


    ¡°At least you still know yourself well.¡± Yi Chen tenderly stroked her hair. ¡°You¡¯re really very troublesome!¡±


    But she won¡¯t feel bad.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go out to eat. Auntie should have finished cooking.¡±


    As they were eating, Mrs. He asked about Mo Sheng¡¯s parents again. She only replied that her father had passed away and her mother was abroad. Mrs. He sighed and did not ask anything more. She wanted to persuade everyone to y mahjong which is good for the body and mind after they finished eating. Unfortunately, no one was interested. Mr. He wanted to take a nap. Yi Mei wanted to take Zhang Xu out to see the famous attractions in Y City. Hence, Mrs. He had no choice but to give up.


    Yi Chen only slept a littlest night, so he wanted to catch up on his sleep. Mo Sheng woke upte this morning so she did not feel sleepy. While he was sleeping, she decided to look at his old things.


    An old exam paper can also make Mo Sheng studied it with keen interest for a long time. Take a look at how his hand writing was at that time. Take a look at the questions he answered wrongly. Furthermore, there were essays written by Yi Chen. Mo Sheng read each and everyone of them. Yi Chen could write argumentative essays very well, as most of his scores were in the 9o¡¯s. Mo Sheng remembered her own argumentative essays at that time usually earned only 60¡¯s and once in a blue moon there could be a 70 if she tried hard enough, so Mo Sheng could not help but feel jealous. Fortunately, he was not that great at writing descriptive essays, so she felt a bitforted.


    When Yi Chen woke up, he saw Mo Sheng sitting on the wooden floor and looking through his old things. He coughed once and reminded her: ¡°Mrs. He, you are invading my privacy.¡±


    ¡°Yi Chen, you¡¯re awake?¡± Mo Sheng raised her head, her eyes shone brightly and asked with keen interest, ¡°Do you have anything else fun for me to look at?¡±


    She has really be addicted to looking through her husband¡¯s things. Yi Chenughed and pulled her up: ¡°Don¡¯t sit on the floor.¡±


    He bent down to look at the scattered things on the floor, ¡°Why does auntie still keep these things?¡±


    ¡°How old were you in this photo?¡± Mo Sheng handed an old photo to Yi Chen. In the photo was a young Yi Chen looking tall and handsome in Yi Zhong school uniform and holding a trophy.


    ¡°That was probably participating in the National Physics Olympiad during year one in senior high.¡±


    ¡°Physics? But didn¡¯t you studyw?¡±


    ¡°Yes, but I was in the science stream in high school.¡±


    ¡°If I knew you studied in Yi Zhong School, I would¡¯ve gone there too.¡± Mo Sheng said with regret. ¡°Actually I could study there, but I thought it was too far from home and I was certain I could not get up in the morning to go to school.¡±


    ¡°Fortunately you¡¯rezy.¡± Yi Chen sounded absolutely d. ¡°I was able to finish senior high school in peace.¡±


    Mo Sheng red at him fiercely: ¡°Are there any more photos?¡±


    Yi Chen retrieved a photo album on top of a cab: ¡°There¡¯s not much because my family didn¡¯t like to take pictures.¡±


    The photo album is a very old-fashioned kind. It was obvious as the cover had turned yellow in the years. Opening the first page was a little baby photo with this sentence written on it¡ª¡ª ¡°Yi Chen at one hundred days old.¡±


    The baby in the photo was fair and tender but frowning and appearing spirited. Mo Sheng stared nkly at it for a long time, then suddenly discovered something and said: ¡°Yi Chen, from the time you were born, you already looked so serious.¡±


    ¡°A baby doesn¡¯t have much facial expression.¡± Yi Chen frowned.


    ¡°Got!¡± Mo Sheng argued, ¡°My father said when I was little, I always smiled whenever I was in front of the camera.¡±


    Arge part at the back of the album are group photos. A young woman holding a child in her arm, sitting next to her husband and smiling happily at the camera. Although the technology back then were not good, the photo still captured the woman¡¯s vivid beauty and the man¡¯s tall and handsome demeanor. It appeared that Yi Chen took after his father.


    Mo Sheng did not speak as she quietly finished looking through the only photo album. Then she raised her head to look at Yi Chen.


    ¡°I am fine.¡± Yi Chen took the photo album from her hand, ¡°It has been so long, everything has faded.¡±


    Mo Sheng looked deep into his eyes and only felt reassured after a long time: ¡°We¡¯ll go to see them, okay?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s wait until the.¡± Yi Chen lightly stroked her hair which seemed as if a puppy nibbled on it, ¡°Wait until your hair grow neater or else you¡¯d really be an ugly daughter-inw.¡±


    The Lunar New Year break was not long. Most of the time Mrs. He pulled Mo Sheng to the mahjong table but what a pity she did not improve at all after several days of intensive training. After looking at the mahjong tiles on the table, she would forget what mahjong tiles she held. After looking at her own tiles, she would not know what tiles the other yers had released.


    Yi Chen only shook his head and sighed, not knowing whether to be embarrassed by his wife¡¯sck of talent or happy that she would not be an addict at the mahjong table and ruin them financially.


    They would return to A City tomorrow, Mo Sheng could not sleep that night. Yi Chen took her into his arms when she turned for the third time.


    ¡°What are you thinking?¡±


    ¡°Yi Chen.¡± In the darkness, Mo Sheng was silent for a moment before saying in a low voice: ¡°Have I told you about my mother before?¡±


    Yi Chen ced his hand on her back and said: ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°My mother and father had a very strange rtionship¡­¡­¡± Pausing for a moment to reminiscence, Mo Sheng continued, ¡°When I was little, I always felt as if my mother didn¡¯t like me. It seemed like because of my father, but I didn¡¯t think too much at that time. After my father¡¯s incident and I lived in the U.S., resulting in my mother and I lost contact. An old ssmate of my father told me several yearster that my parents divorced a month before my father¡¯s suicide in prison. In fact, the reason why my father wouldmit suicide in prison was because my mother was also implicated, but my father didn¡¯t want to incriminate her so he killed himself to bear all the charges.¡±


    The disbelief she felt when she first found out had faded, but Mo Sheng¡¯s voice was still very depressed. ¡°Although I knew they had problems, I¡¯ve never thought it would be so serious.¡±


    Feeling her body was trembling, Yi Chen embraced her. ¡°Don¡¯t think too much of the past.¡± He might be an eloquent speaker, but Yi Chen was not good atforting people. He only gently patted her like coaxing a baby.


    Mo Sheng imagined Yi Chen coaxing a baby and could not help butugh, she suddenly felt lighter. ¡°I am not feeling sad. It is just that I realized, I¡¯m very happy now. I wonder how was my mother celebrating the Lunar New Year alone.¡±


    Yi Chen looked at the ceiling, the expression in his eyes in the dark appeared indifferent, but his tone was soft like the dim light of the night: ¡°If you worry, we will go to see your mother tomorrow morning.¡±


    ¡°Ah.¡± Mo Sheng began to feel sleepy. She buried her face in his chest and said in a tired voice: ¡°At the very least, to tell her I¡¯m doing well.¡±


    The next morning, Mo Sheng and Yi Chen reluctantly bid Mr. and Mrs. He goodbye to return home. Yi Mei and Zhang Xu did not have as much time off so they¡¯ve already left the day before yesterday.


    Before leaving Y City, they traveled to Qing He Vige. However, this time, it seemed like luck was also not with them. Mo Sheng knocked for several minutes on the door, but no one answered.


    ¡°Do you want to wait for a while?¡±


    Mo Sheng shook her head and said: ¡°Never mind, let¡¯s go.¡±


    The old building has stairs that were deep and narrow. When they were walking down, Mo Sheng shared her experience by saying: ¡°You have to walk slowly on this staircase or you might bump into someone when you turn a corner.¡±


    Yi Chen looked teasingly at her: ¡°How many times have you bumped into people?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡± Mo Sheng mumbled, ¡°Fortunately, only a few times.¡±


    It meant a lot of times. Walking without paying attention to the people around is also one of her bad habits. Yi Chen touched her cheeks and looked at them, then sighed: ¡°Fortunately, each side is not crooked.¡±


    Mo Sheng made a face at him.


    Sitting in the car, Mo Sheng turned back to look at the old building, her heart felt a faint sense of disappointment. This time, she still did not get to see her. Although they are mother and daughter, maybe the fate between them was still too shallow.


    The car was about to be driven out of the neighborhood, Mo Sheng casually looked out the window. Then she suddenly shouted: ¡°Yi Chen, stop the car!¡±


    Yi Chen quickly braked, the luxurious car stopped immediately. Mo Sheng opened the door and ran back. Yi Chen did not get out of the car but from the rear view mirror he saw Mo Sheng catching up to a thin, middle-aged woman.


    His heart suddenly felt agitated, so he subconsciously reached into his pocket for a cigarette, but there was nothing. He then remembered that he intended to quit smokingpletely since he was not that addicted in the first ce so he did not have cigarettes with him. He closed his eyes, sighed and leaned his head back. Then, he turned on the radio and soft melodies began to soothe his thoughts.


    He did not know how many times he had listened to the same piano piece, when he heard knocking on the window. Yi Chen opened his eyes to see Mo Sheng standing outside gesturing for him to roll down the window.


    ¡°I just told my mother that I got married. Do you want to meet her?¡± Mo Sheng asked him.


    Yi Chen nodded in silent.


    From afar, Mo Sheng¡¯s mother Pei Fang Mei watched as her daughter and a tall, young man walked up to her. Her eyesight is poor, so she could not see his appearance clearly but her intuition told her the man is outstanding. It seemed Xiao Sheng has good taste.


    But¡­¡­ Pei Fang Mei frowned, did Xiao Sheng just say his name is He Yi Chen?


    He Yi Chen, why did the name sound familiar?


    In the blink of an eye, he already stood before her eyes. Pei Fang Mei could now see his appearance clearly. Indeed, he is a man of striking appearance.


    Mo Sheng introduced them to each other.


    ¡°My mother.¡±


    ¡°This is He Yi Chen, who I¡¯ve told you about.¡±


    ¡°Hello.¡± Yi Chen greeted her without much enthusiasm.


    Pei Fang Mei¡¯s thoughtful gaze rested on him, the uneasy feeling increased. She forced a smile and said: ¡°So you¡¯re He Yi Chen? Xiao Sheng has pretty good taste.¡±


    ¡°Oh, mom.¡± Mo Sheng was embarrassed.


    They did not speak further and Mo Sheng also did not have anything more to say. She was afraid to ask what she wanted to know because the topics seemed off limit. After a few words of greeting, there was nothing else to talk about.


    ¡°Yi Chen, do you have your business cards with you?¡± Mo Sheng remembered and asked.


    Yi Chen nodded and said: ¡°It¡¯s in the car, I¡¯ll get it.¡±


    Writing her mobile phone number quickly on the back of Yi Chen¡¯s business card, Mo Sheng gave it to her mother, ¡°This is my contact information. If you need me, you can call this number.¡±


    Pei Fang Mei took it and nced at it, then said: ¡°Since both of you are in a hurry, I won¡¯t keep you.¡±


    ¡°Ah.¡± Mo Sheng responded, hesitated a little, then said: ¡°Then we¡¯ll get going.¡±


    After saying goodbye to her mother hurriedly, she sat back in the car. Mo Sheng immediately looked a lot better than before. ¡°This is the best I can hope for.¡± After all, they¡¯ve already lost touch for eight years. This kind of polite and formal first meeting made Mo Sheng felt rxed.


    Yi Chen did not pay attention to what she said. He recalled Pei Fang Mei was gazing thoughtfully at him just now, resulting in him have misgivings now¡ª¡ªDid she remember something?¡±


    Mo Sheng saw that he did not start the car for a long time. She did not know what he was thinking, so she could not help but pulled at his sleeve: ¡°Driver Yi Chen, have you returned to earth yet?¡±


    Mo Sheng looked at him with her bright and smiling eyes. This eliminated Yi Chen¡¯s misgivings but he started to have a headache. Lately, why he increasingly felt some personality traits of someone who used to give him headaches have returned once again to haunt him?


    Could it be true that a leopard cannot change its spots?

 Chapter 12.3: As It Turns Out

    <h4>Chapter 12.3: As It Turns Out </h4>


    (tranted by lidge and edited by peanuts)


    It can be proven that ancient sayings made sense and Yi Chen¡¯s instinct was also correct.


    Of course, a twenty-seven years old Zhao Mo Sheng was more sensible than when she was in her teens. However a few habits that Yi Chen was familiar with clearly did not change with time or age. For example she would act cheekily like a rascal if she could not win an argument against him. For example she would like to stick to him more and more. For example she would give him the food she did not like to eat, for example ¡­¡­


    Well,wyer He secretly admitted he actually enjoyed them. Moreover, it was really not easy to get these little habits toe back.


    The wedding banquet will be held in one and a half monthter. Yi Chen intended to take some time off after the wedding banquet so he was busy wrapping up all his cases which could be finished. Those cases which could be passed to other people, he had already done that. Earlier, he had also turned down being a special guest host on the tv show ¡°Legal Time¡±. As for the preparations for the wedding banquet,piling the invitation list, booking the restaurant etc ¡­¡­ Basically, Yi Chen single-handedly took care of everything. In contrast, Mo Sheng had it really too easy.


    In fact, all these things can be handed over to a wedding nner, but Yi Chen apparently preferred to do them personally.


    Actually, Mo Sheng also had one problem causing her headache, she could not find a bridesmaid.


    Yi Mei was out of the question because she had quickly registered for a marriage license right after Lunar New Year.


    Xiao Hong was even more inappropriate. When she heard about Mo Sheng¡¯s wedding, Xiao Hong was mad and admonished Mo Sheng for concealing the true circumstances of her marriage from the good, honest and innocent people. In the end Mo Sheng had to treat her to several great meals to sooth her. When Mo Sheng mentioned wanting her to be the bridesmaid, Xiao Hong screamed: ¡°No, if I¡¯m the bridesmaid again, I¡¯ll never get married!¡±


    Xiao Hong¡¯s frightened expression made Mo Sheng felt very guilty.


    There was also Xiao Xiao. After hearing from Yi Chen about the wedding, she called Mo Sheng and her manner of speaking was a lot gentler than thest time they met. She even said she wanted to be the matchmaker.


    In short, Xiao Xiao also did not want to be a bridesmaid.


    Finally, the person chosen to be the bridesmaid was somewhat unexpected.


    That night, Yi Chen was in the bedroom looking at some important documents, so he instructed Mo Sheng not to talk to him.


    Mo Sheng was lying on the bed and writing the wedding invitations. The list was drafted earlier by Yi Chen, so she only needed to copy them neatly. But, what could this word be? Yi Chen¡¯s handwriting was scarcely legible.


    Mo Sheng turned the paper this way and that way for a long time.


    Yet, she still did not know!


    Biting the pen, should she ask Yi Chen? She looked up to see him concentrating his attention¡­¡­


    He had already said not to talk to him¡­¡­


    Forget it, better not ask, just skip it ande backter!


    Of course, Mo Sheng is not an obedient person. Previously, while at university, she was good at agreeing overtly, but opposing in secret. But the Yi Chen at that time would at most show any angry face, then lectured her with a few words. However, after they got married, it was different now. Yi Chen¡¯s way of ¡®punishing¡¯ her was simply without any restraint. Truth to tell, Mo Sheng was truly afraid of him.


    Mo Sheng blushed when thinking about it. A Yi Chen like now, she could not have imagined back then.


    But how boring¡­¡­ copying some more, copying some more¡­¡­ Mo Sheng could not take it anymore. She took a nk piece of paper and wrote a few words.


    ¡ª¡ª¡±Yi Chen, I had a falling out with a colleague because of you.¡±


    When done, she handed the note to him.


    This did not count as talking to him.


    Yi Chen initially intended to ignore her. He lifted his eyebrows and nced at the note. This seemed serious so he picked up a pen and wrote a reply ¡ª¡ª ¡°How?¡±


    ¡ª¡ª¡±Tao Yi Jing, do you remember her? She found out you and I already knew each other before. She is very angry because she thought I deliberately hid the truth. But how could I tell her given our rtionship at that time?¡±


    Yi Chen rubbed his eyebrows and wrote on a tiny piece of paper ¡ª¡ª ¡°Is it serious?¡±


    ¡ª¡ª¡±Yes, very serious! I found an opportunity to exin in detailed to her. I also asked her to be my bridesmaid and she has agreed but she said will not give a red packet :(¡±


    Indeed very serious!


    Yi Chen threw the tiny piece of paper into the trash can, then pulled her up: ¡°I think you¡¯re too bored.¡±


    She buried herself in his arms. He held tightly onto her waist. She smiled happily and and tried to get up, her hands pushing at his chest to escape. The sweet scent from the recent bath filled his nose ¡­¡­


    Yi Chen indulged himself for a split second.


    He had longed for all these for so long. From now on, no matter what, he would never let her go!


    A few days before the wedding banquet, thew firm had an unexpected visitor.


    On that day, Yi Chen had just returned from the prosecutor¡¯s office, Mei Ting saw him and said immediately: ¡°Lawyer He, a woman has been waiting for you for a long time.¡±


    Yi Chen looked at the direction her finger pointed at. Upon seeing him, the visitor stood up and in a graceful manner nodded at him to send her greetings. It was Pei Fang Mei, Mo Sheng¡¯s mother.


    ¡°Here¡¯s the tea.¡± Mei Ting put the tea on the coffee table in front of Pei Fang Mei.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Pei Fang Mei said politely and picked up her tea cup. As a former mayor¡¯s wife, she was undoubtedly elegant and well-mannered.


    After Mei Ting softly closed the door, a strange silence immediately filled the office.


    Pei Fang Mei looked at the quiet young man sitting behind the desk and spoke first: ¡°We met in a hurryst time but you should remember who I am.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Yi Chen replied indifferently, ¡°Mrs. Zhao!¡±


    His cool response made her a bit more skeptical. Her facial expression all the more gentle when she said: ¡°You don¡¯t have to be so polite since you and Xiao Sheng are already married. In that case you ought to call me mother-inw¡¯.¡±


    Yi Chen smiled faintly but did not say anything.


    Pei Fang Mei smiled and said: ¡°If you¡¯re not used to it, you can call me Ms. Pei.¡±


    ¡°Ms. Pei.¡± Yi Chen epted this suggestion, ¡°I¡¯m very curious what is the purpose of your visit.¡±


    Pei Fang Mei sipped her tea, appearing more rxed: ¡°We only said a few wordsst time, but Xiao Sheng praised you a lot. I came here merely to take a look and find out more about you. Lawyer He, don¡¯t worry.¡±


    ¡°If Mo Sheng knows you¡¯re so concerned about her, she¡¯ll be very happy.¡±


    Pei Fang Mei looked at the prating gaze of this young man, smiled affectionately and said: ¡°Do you feel grievance for Xiao Sheng?¡±


    Yi Chen replied expressionlessly: ¡°Mo Sheng has never felt grievance, so why should I?¡±


    ¡°Indeed.¡± Pei Fang Mei raised her eyebrows, sighed and said: ¡°From the time Xiao Sheng was little to now, I¡¯ve never fulfilled my responsibility as a mother, partly because of a busy career and partly because I didn¡¯t get along with her father so I neglected her. Fortunately, this child isn¡¯t very sensitive so she grew up well.¡±


    She paused for a while, seemingly to sigh with regret, then added: ¡°In fact, I intend to make it up to her now, but I don¡¯t know if there¡¯s still a chance.¡±


    After hearing her sincere confession, Yi Chen was still unmoved: ¡°Ms. Pei, if you want to express maternal love, why do it in a roundabout way? I think you should talk to Mo Sheng directly.¡±


    Pei Fang Mei carefully observed his expression: ¡°You seem to be quite hostile toward me?¡±


    ¡°Probably, you¡¯ve the wrong impression.¡±


    Awkward silence¡­¡­


    Pei Fang Mei lifted her tea cup again and blew on the tea leaves. After a long while, she said: ¡°Lawyer He, what kind of job do your parents do? If there¡¯s a chance, invite them toe out so that our two families can formally meet.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s probably not possible because my parents have already passed away.¡± Yi Chen said indifferently.


    ¡°Oh? I¡¯m sorry.¡± Pei Fang Mei¡¯s tone was apologetic but she did not appear surprised at all, as if she has already known. She thought for a moment and asked: ¡°They passed away because of illness?¡±


    Yi Chen felt tedious again.


    Actually, Yi Chen has already guessed the purpose of Pei Fang Mei¡¯s visit. She probably had recognized him but did not know how much he knew what happened to his parents so she asked so many indirect questions to probe him. Yi Chen could certainly pretend not to know anything, but suddenly he was tired of this kind of beating about the bush incessantly.


    ¡°Ms. Pei.¡± He said in a t tone, ¡°Why do this in a roundabout way? Why not just ask me directly if I know that my father¡¯s death is rted to Mayor Zhao?¡±


    Immediately after Yi Chen spoke, Pei Fang Mei¡¯s gentle and benevolent mask disappeared instantly. She suddenly stood up, appearing strong while weak inside and said: ¡°You already knew! So, why did you marry Xiao Sheng? To take revenge against us?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I need to tell you why I got married.¡± Before her questioning, Yi Chen answered coldly: ¡°Besides, I don¡¯t have so much patience to n such a long revenge.¡±


    Pei Fang Mei suspiciously looked closely at his facial expression for a long time before she said: ¡°I don¡¯t believe you.¡±


    Yi Chen said bluntly: ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if you believe me or not.¡±


    Pei Fang Mei froze and was stumped for words for a while, then said: ¡°Does Xiao Sheng know about this?¡±


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t need to know, and she¡¯ll never know.¡± Yi Chen said dismissively. He had decided a long time ago that even if they did not end up together, he would also not tell her anything. It was enough that he shouldered this secret burden alone. Last time, when Mo Sheng asked him what did her father say to him, he deliberately misled her.


    ¡°Actually, what happened then was an ident, no one expected it to turn out that way.¡± Pei Fang Mei¡¯s voice softened. After all it caused the lost of a human life so the He family left a deep impression on her. Yearster, when Mo Sheng mentioned the name He Yi Chen, Pei Fang Mei felt he seemed familiar. When she saw him, she became even more suspicious, so she decided to investigate further because she felt very uneasy. Indeed, he was the He family¡¯s ten-year-old son at that time. However, she did not know if that young child knew how his father died so she came to thew firm to find out.


    After she spoke so weakly, Yi Chen did not want to argue further. He stood up and opened the window, the fresh air outside suddenly rushed in. He looked out the window from the tenth floor, the sky was clear and the horizon spacious, helping somewhat to reduce Yi Chen¡¯s moodiness.


    When his father died, Yi Chen was about ten years old. Although he was smart, still not enough to understand theplexities of the adult world. He only remembered that one daying back from school, his father, who was healthy in the morning, was in the hospital, his body bloody and not breathing. Then, his frail mother also became ill and passed away, he suddenly became an orphan. Fortunately, a neighbor, who is also his father¡¯srade-in-arms, adopted him. After he grew up, he gradually understood everything thoroughly.


    In the 1980¡¯s, Yi Chen¡¯s father borrowed money from the bank to invest in real estate. When the building construction was only half done, the bank changed its credit policy and demanded repayment in advance. Zhao Qing Yuan was governor of Y City Bank at the time, so he has the power to decide when to recall the loans. After Yi Chen¡¯s father repeated attempts to solicit favors, Zhao Qing Yuan finally agreed to dy recalling his loan. However, Zhao Qing Yuan only agreed without meaning it so the money and effort Yi Chen¡¯s father spent to dy having to repay his loan were useless. He has to repay his loan based on the new credit policy, so he had to abandon the building construction immediately. The building workers and material suppliers constantly demanded the repayment of their debts. While on the run from debtors, he identally fell from an unfinished building floor and died instantly.


    In the meanwhile, Governor Zhao continued his meteoric rise in career, finally bing mayor. Although he did not directly cause Yi Chen¡¯s father death, he was undoubtedly the source of the tragedy. Whenever auntie saw Zhao Qing Yuan giving a speech on TV, she¡¯ll say to him: ¡°Yi Chen, wait for it, this bad man will get his retribution one day.¡±


    Yi Chen can never forget his extremelyplicated feelings when he found out Mo Sheng was actually Zhao Qing Yuan¡¯s daughter. Hatred, anger, pain, the absurdity of it all, he could not restrain himself and vented all of the negative emotions towards Mo Sheng when he saw her. Perhaps a part of it included self-loathing because even after knowing, he did not want to break up with Mo Sheng.


    What he said at that time even pained him, so how could it affect Mo Sheng any less?


    Moreover, he almost¡­¡­ immediately regretted what he said.


    Yi Chen frowned and could not bear to think of that awful past. When that happened, he was still young, no matter how matured he was, he was only twenty years old. He still did not how to control and conceal his feelings. But he would never repeat the same mistake now.


    The owner of thew firm clearly had the intention of ending the conversation. Pei Fang Mei realized she made a mistake ining here. If he never intended on revenge, her being here was unnecessary. If he intended on revenge, how could she stop him?


    Nevertheless, she did not want her trip to be worthless, so she lowered her voice and said softly: ¡°I hope you can give me an undertaking. Even if I¡¯m not close to Xiao Sheng, I¡¯m still her mother.¡±


    A long time passed, but there was no response.


    Pei Fang Mei has always been proud and arrogant, but she had lowered her self-esteem today for Mo Sheng. She stood up and said: ¡°Since like this, I¡¯m leaving.¡±


    She got up and walked to the door. Just as she was about to turn the doorknob, she heard that overbearing young man inly made an assertion:


    ¡°They gave me ten years but I want Mo Sheng for a lifetime.¡± His voice sounded tired, he paused then said, ¡°I capitte to the warm reality.¡±


    Pei Fang Mei was startled at first, then realized what he said was themitment she wanted from him. She turned around, the young man who was standing in front of the French window was shrouded in ayer of golden sunlight, his silhouette seemed deste. Pei Fang Mei did not have a chance to speak before she heard his faint request.


    ¡°Mo Sheng loves to let her imagination run wild, so please don¡¯t let her know about all these.¡±


    The office was quiet once again, but Yi Chen could not concentrate on his work. Looking at the time, it was almost time to go home, so he might as well close his case file and deal with it tomorrow.


    The phone in his pocket rang, it was the ringtone of an iing text message.


    It must be Mo Sheng!


    Checking the phone, it was really her.


    ¡ª¡ª¡±Yi Chen, I got my bonus today, so I¡¯m treating you to a meal. I will be at your workce right away.¡±


    Yi Chen smiled happily, imagining someone looking immensely proud of herself. When he was about to reply her, the phone rang. After he was done with the call, there were two more text messages.


    ¡ª¡ª¡±Didn¡¯t reply me, it is unlikely you are not around¡­¡­¡±


    ¡ª¡ª¡±Poor phone, where did Yi Chen misce you?¡±


    So impatient!


    Yi Chen helplessly shook his head, his phone conversation was no more than ten minutes, so he quickly answered her ¡ª¡ª ¡°No need toe up, wait for me downstairs.¡±


    Yi Chen stood in front of the window, waiting for Mo Sheng to appear.


    It seemed like Yi Mei asked him before, how could he continue to wait so patiently?


    Actually, waiting had nothing to do with time, it was a habit, something that came about naturally, he could not control it.


    Mo Sheng who was carrying her camera, appeared in his line of vision. She stood under the shade of a tree across the street, her head bowed as she typed on her mobile phone.


    A momentter, a new text message appeared on Yi Chen¡¯s mobile phone.


    ¡ª¡ª¡±Yi Chen, I¡¯ve arrived, so hurry down. Still the old rule, I¡¯ll count to 1,000¡­¡­¡±

 Epilogue 1.1: Yi Mei’s – A Person’s Flower Bloomed

    <h4>Epilogue 1.1: Yi Mei¡¯s Chapter ¨C A Person¡¯s Flower Bloomed </h4>


    (tranted by peanuts & edited by lidge)


    When I was nine years old, brother Yi Chen, who lived next door, became my brother.


    I was very happy and leaning in my mother¡¯s arm, I asked her: ¡°Mum, is brother Yi Chen going to live in our house and not go back in the future?¡±


    Mum hugged me and said: ¡± Yes, does Yi Mei like it or not?¡±


    ¡°I like it.¡± I nodded energetically to express my joy, but I didn¡¯t understand why my mother seemed so sad.


    Having a brother such as Yi Chen was a very impressive thing, as the ssmates would be envious and sometimes the teacher would treat you favorably. When I entered junior high school, the teacher looked at the attendance rollbook and asked me: ¡°Do you know He Yi Chen?¡±


    I nodded: ¡°He is my brother.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I taught him when he was in his first year in junior high school. I am rather fated with both of you siblings.¡± The teacher chuckled, ¡°Since the school¡¯s new term has just started, you will be the ss monitor for the time being. The older brother was sopetent, the sister should not be bad.¡±


    Gradually among the students, they knew that I am ¡°He Yi Chen¡¯s¡± sister. Slowly, some female students began to make indirect, discreet inquiries: ¡°He Yi Mei, did your brother mention any girls in front of you?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± I always gave this reply.


    ¡°Oh, did you know that Yin Li Min from ss 3 likes your brother ¡­¡­¡±


    Girls of this age seemed to be particrly interested in this kind of thing of ¡°who likes who.¡± There were already several girls who told me ¡°which girls like your brother.¡± This kind of secret and every time the persons who liked my brother were different.


    There seemed to be a lot of girls in school who really liked Yi Chen, but he seemed not to feel anything at all.


    Once, when I asked him some questions, I pretended to casually ask: ¡°Brother, do you have a girl you like? There are many girls in my ss who like you.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± He replied, without a care in the world. Then, he lowered his head to concentrate on helping me to solve some questions, not even a bit curious as to which girls liked him.


    That afternoon, I looked at his elegant and handsome profile, my heart suddenly felt a kind of happiness I could not understand.


    When I finished high school, Yi Chen passed his university entrance exam for C University and went away to A City, which is very far away for me at that time.


    I was not used to having one less person at home, suddenly it seemed empty. During dinner, my mother reflexively filled four bowls of rice, then remembered Yi Chen was not there and poured it back.


    My heart felt unsettled and I vowed at the dinner table: ¡°I also want to pass the university entrance exam to study in C University.¡±


    My dad started tough: ¡°Good, Yi Mei is so ambitious.¡±


    But what was the use of just being ambitious? My grades were reasonably good but not good enough to be admitted to C University in spite of working hard for a year. In the end, when I filled in my aspiration, I applied for N University.


    When Yi Chen found out on the phone that I applied for N University, he was startled and said, ¡°Yi Mei, you can apply for a better university.¡±


    But none closer to you, I quietly thought in my heart.


    However, when I attended university in September, I came to understand that God¡¯s ns supersede one¡¯s bestid ns: no matter how much one ns things out, life always intervenes. To my surprise, my faculty was located on the outskirt of the campus, about two hours drive from C University, which is in the city center.


    Consequently, we could only meet during winter and summer vacations like before.


    During the winter vacation when I was a freshman, I met Zhao Mo Sheng.


    I still remembered that day, I went with Yi Chen together to buy things needed for Lunar New Year.


    Lunar New Year was approaching so the streets were filled with many people and it was noisy. I clearly heard someone calling Yi Chen¡¯s name so I turned around to see a girl running from across the road.


    That was the first time I saw Zhao Mo Sheng. This person whoter would entangle with Yi Chen for a lifetime.


    At that time, my first impression of her was fluffiness.


    A fluffy girl.


    A white wool hat, wrapped in a thick wool scarf around the white shag line, leaving only a pair of dark eyes visible, her eye twinkling with flowing light and overflowing color, looking very pleasant and cute.


    Oh, there were also the furry paws, holding onto Yi Chen¡¯s arm. She cheerfully and lightheartedly said: ¡°Yi Chen, I knew I would see you here. I knew it!¡±


    She was holding onto Yi Chen¡¯s arm and chatted excitedly for a while before noticing I was standing by the side. She appeared a little puzzled, looked at me, then looked at Yi Chen.


    Then, I heard Yi Chen immediately exin: ¡°This is my sister, He Yi Mei.¡±


    I recalled I also ran into Yi Chen¡¯s female ssmates before when we went shopping together. Sometimes, those female students would also be overly enthusiastic in approaching us, then looked at me dubiously and said: ¡°Hey, Yi Chen, this can¡¯t be your girlfriend, right?¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s eyes would reveal his displeasure, then those female ssmates would tactfully not make this kind of joke anymore.


    He had never exined so anxiously before.


    After she heard what was said, she immediately smiled, looked a little pleased at me and said: ¡°Hello! My name is Zhao Mo Sheng, your brother¡¯s girlfriend!¡±


    For a split second, my train of thought went nk, and Ipletely did not know how to react, I could only stare nkly at her.


    She seemed to be scared by my reaction and did not know what to do so she immediately turned around and looked at Yi Chen.


    Yi Chen pulled away her hand and reprimanded her: ¡°You dashed around madly just now, didn¡¯t you see the red light?¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± After experiencing a setback, her mood immediately became downcast. She lowered her head and kicked at the paving bs, ¡°I was too happy because I did not really expect to see you. You refused to give me your home phone number so I¡¯ve no options but to walk around on the streets to try my luck. I have already been wandering on the streets for several days ¡­¡­¡±


    The more she talked, the lower her voice. All of a sudden, she ruthlessly stepped on Yi Chen¡¯s foot, turned around and ran away: ¡°I¡¯m leaving.¡±


    Yi Chen was probably stunned by her stamping as he stood still without moving so I pulled at him: ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    After taking two steps, he turned his head around so I also followed his gaze to look backward. That girl was looking at us from a distant. When she saw us looking at her, she seemed to panic for a moment. Then, she pretended to be calm, turned around and walked away.


    I clearly felt Yi Chen was a bit stiff, a kind of mood I¡¯ve never seen before shed in his eyes. Then, he put down the bag he was holding.


    ¡°Yi Mei, you wait for me for a while.¡± He did not wait for me to answer but took a step to chase after her.


    It seemed I¡¯ve only waited for about ten minutes, but every second felt very long.


    When he came back, I casually asked him: ¡°Yi Chen, didn¡¯t you say before that you don¡¯t intend to find a girlfriend in university?¡±


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    ¡°But ¡­¡­¡± Just a moment ago, the way you acted obviously conveyed your tacit acknowledgement.


    ¡°It¡¯s because I¡­¡­¡± He sighed, ¡°She is extremely clingy.¡±


    Previously, there were also a lot of girls who took the initiative so maybe this one was especially clingy. With such a thought, I seemed to find an excuse to justify my bad impression of that girl.


    Many yearster when I recalled this scene, only then would I remembered the things that I¡¯ve deliberately ignored such as when saying those words, Yi Chen¡¯s eyes had a faint smile.


    I felt unhappy celebrating this Lunar New Year. After the Lunar New Year, when university started, I was given a pleasant surprise. This happened after I knew Yi Chen had a girlfriend so I was not sure if this could still be considered a nice surprise.


    Finally, our entire business school moved to the main campus, which was separated from C University by only a street.


    Zhao Mo Sheng and I became so-called ¡°good friends¡± ording to her.


    While walking in C University, she often held my hand with one hand and sped Yi Chen¡¯s arm with her other hand: ¡°Yi Chen, you walk a little slower since Yi Mei can¡¯t keep up.¡±


    Yi Chen probably couldn¡¯t take it anymore: ¡°If you don¡¯t hold onto her, she will be able to walk quicker.¡±


    She turned to look at me with grievance: ¡°Yi Mei, you are so gentle and soft, but why is your brother so fierce? Both of you, brother and sister have very different personality and also look different. Is it because one takes after the father and the other is like the mother?¡±


    I looked doubtfully at Yi Chen and caught sight of his unnatural look for a split second, which immediately returned to normal.


    Yi Chen had never mentioned personal stuff to her! I immediately made this judgement, my mood inexplicably improved.


    I was the only one who knew this secret.


    I did not know what I was thinking, but gradually, we became closer. She also started to enjoy dragging me to go shopping with her and called me to say some things which ¡°Yi Chen would be too slow-witted to understand.¡±


    When it was my birthday, she wanted to give me a birthday cake. Hence, she took me to the cake shop and asked me what vor I liked. I said: ¡°Chocte.¡±


    Her face immediately had a big smile and she happily held my hand: ¡°I also like chocte. Yi Mei, we¡¯ve simr taste.¡±


    What simr taste, I merely saw her looking covertly at the chocte cake a few times.


    How she treated me, it could be considered very good.


    Most of the time, I was her life-saver.


    For example, like right now.


    ¡°Yi Mei, I am in big trouble because I only got 59 marks on my English test.¡± The voice over the phone was very dispirited.


    Iforted her, but my heart felt very upset. So many girls who were very good in English and who were very good in their studies liked Yi Chen, but why did he choose Mo Sheng?


    ¡°I am dead meat, as Yi Chen will certainly scold me.¡± She said in a very depressed mood.


    Should just dump you!


    Such a notion shed through my mind like lightning. I was frightened by such train of thought, as how could I have such an evil thought?


    ¡°How many marks did you get?¡± She asked me.


    ¡°87 marks.¡±


    ¡°So awesome to get such outstanding result. Yi Mei, you are too amazing.¡± She said excitedly, ¡°Oh, that¡¯s right, Yi Chen also achieved outstanding result in Level 6 English. Let¡¯s have dinner together tonight to celebrate both of you scoring so high, two out of three, we won!¡± Her voice didn¡¯t sound upset over her poor marks anymore.


    During dinner, Yi Chen really didn¡¯t look good, not even a bit happy for achieving such outstanding result in Level 6 English. I could more or less understand his feelings. He was the one who tutored Zhao Mo Sheng in English, but she did so poorly now. My brother, who always is a perfectionist, probably felt more of a failure than Zhao Mo Sheng.


    I naturally helped Zhao Mo Sheng to say a few good words such as this was the first time she took the test and so on, in spite of my disapproval.


    After Yi Chen looked a little more at ease, she only dared toin in a low voice: ¡°I really dislike English, the rules are not in order. Anyway, I don¡¯t need to go abroad in the future, so learn this for what¡­¡­¡±


    Several yearster when recalling Mo Sheng¡¯s words, it seems life can be so unpredictable that it¡¯s hard to say what would happenter.


    After dinner and strolling for a while, I felt like going home. When I was walking pass C University gate, I only remembered the reference materials Yi Chen had helped me to borrow were put into Mo Sheng¡¯s bag for convenient sake.


    The materials were needed for ss tomorrow, so I decided to go back to get them.


    In order to be quicker, I took a shortcut via a quiet garden to get there.


    The quiet garden was C University¡¯s well-known couple garden. Although I was mentally prepared I might run into a few lovebirds, I was nevertheless shocked to see a couple who was so engrossed in kissing to be oblivious to their surrounding.


    I felt embarrassed, so I walked at the side and turned the corner into a bypath to avoid them.


    This route was more quiet. I already started to feel a little regret for taking the shortcut and merely wanted to bow my head and pass through the quiet garden quickly. However, while I was walking past a few big rocks, my footsteps inexplicably stopped. As if being driven by something, I turned my head and looked over at the rocks.


    Under the dim and faint moonlight, he was hugging her, she was sitting on hisp and he was kissing her.


    That night, I dreamed of Yi Chen.


    Some confusing and disjointed scenarios. A bridge archway we used to pass when we returned from school as kids, Yi Chen and I sheltering from the rain under the bridge archway, then suddenly we were at home. That breezy afternoon, he was listening to the Englishnguage lessons with his eyes closed. Initially I wanted to ask him some questions, but I ended up standing at the doorway for a long time, staring in a daze at him ¡­¡­


    Finally, I stood in the alley in the quiet garden again, looking at her snuggled up to him, her head resting against his chest, she grabbed and yed with his fingers, he let her indulged in it and they were so quiet around each other, not even a sound. A momentter, he was a little impatient and turned his hands to grab her into his arms, lowered his head and kissed her gently once again.


    ¡­¡­


    Thus, for the first time, I realized that you could actually feel heartache in a dream and it could be so painful to the extent of waking you up.

 Epilogue 1.2: Yi Mei’s – A Person’s Flower Bloomed

    <h4>Epilogue 1.2: Yi Mei¡¯s Chapter ¨C A Person¡¯s Flower Bloomed </h4>


    (tranted by peanuts & edited by lidge)


    Actually, I¡¯ve always felt Yi Chen didn¡¯t really like Zhao Mo Sheng that much, even though he admitted that she was his girlfriend.


    I remembered I once pretended to be curious and asked Zhao Mo Sheng, how did you know each other and start dating?


    She shook her head, dug her brain and stuck her tongue out, appearing very yful: ¡°Pester.¡± Then, she tugged at Yi Chen¡¯s sleeve and asked, ¡°Is that right?¡±


    Yi Chen snorted and ignored her.


    There seemed like not much difference in the way Yi Chen treated herpared to others. He always appeared cold and indifferent, not talking much and his action also did not seem intimate. Normally when they were walking, if Zhao Mo Sheng did not pull him, he¡¯ll walk in front by himself. One time, Zhao Mo Shengined to me: ¡°Yi Mei, do you think Yi Chen really like me? A few days ago, I restrained myself from contacting him, but he did not think of contacting me ¡­¡­¡±


    The ink ck eyes which looked at me were full of grievances.


    I said: ¡°You try by pretending to lose your temper and see if he wille to coax you.¡± Yi Chen always disliked people who cause trouble without reason. I also felt I had bad intentions in suggesting this idea.


    ¡°He definitely will not.¡± She never even thought about it but shook her head right away and said dejectedly, ¡°Anyway, I don¡¯t dare.¡±


    The longer I got to know them, the more I felt Yi Chen epted Zhao Mo Sheng probably merely because of momentary loneliness.


    She must be simply a short interlude in Yi Chen¡¯s life and will soon disappear. Because they were so unsuitable, one cool-headed and reserved, but the other passionate and impulsive. One too matured whereas the other too naive. I only needed to be patient, to wait for Yi Chen to realise they were so unsuitable for each other.


    However, that scene in the quiet garden shattered all my confidence.


    As it turned out, at a ce where I couldn¡¯t see, they were like this.


    Such intimacy ¡­¡­


    Such ¡­¡­


    That scene in the quiet garden kept appearing in my mind. I turned over on the bed and buried my head in the pillow. After several days, whenever I thought of that scene, I still felt bouts of pain in my heart.


    The lights in the dormitory had been turned off, but a few talkative roommates were still awake and talking about the guys in the faculty. I¡¯ve never been interested in their discussions. This time, I could not help but took the initiative to ask: ¡°If the guy does not really like that girl, will he kiss her?¡±


    Immediately, there was an answer.


    ¡°As long as you don¡¯t dislike, a kiss is nothing, even can go to bed. He Yi Mei, did someone kiss you?¡± One of my roommates asked excitedly.


    I stared at the ceiling and did not respond.


    Even you don¡¯t like, you can still kiss. Therefore, was it possible that Yi Chen actually did not really like her that much?


    The roommate was still talking non-stop: ¡°He Yi Mei, tell me, did someone kiss you? Don¡¯t worry, if it is you, he definitely likes you. You¡¯ve such good qualifications, look so pretty and also smart ¡­¡­¡±


    I listened to her talking incessantly in a daze.


    Good qualifications, what was the use? He did not like me.


    However, if Zhao Mo Sheng¡¯s qualifications were a lot better than mine, perhaps I would not be so dissatisfied, but as it turned out she was not as good as me in many aspects.


    Why should it be her?


    That night, I fell asleep with my confused thoughts.


    In the future, I still went to C University, still ate with them, but I no longer felt that kind of confidence as before.


    Gradually, I realized that even if Yi Chen did not like me, I also did not want to be his little sister.


    Thus about a monthter, I asked Zhao Mo Sheng to meet up.


    I sat in KFC to mentally prepare myself.


    Zhao Mo Sheng carried a small backpack, walking pass outside the window. She saw me and waved at me, separated by the window and briskly pushed the door to enter the fast-food outlet.


    She seemed to be in a very good mood. I¡¯ve already noticed earlier that when her mood was good, she walked with a slight bounce.


    After the business faculty moved to this campus, my first time to C University, she was the one who came to meet up with me. At that time, I was standing in front of the university waiting for Yi Chen. But from a distant, I saw her walking briskly with a slight bounce on University C¡¯s boulevard, the sunshine illuminating through the lush leaves onto her body, the whole person seemed to have blended with the sunshine.


    ¡°Hello, Yi Mei! Yi Chen has to attend a meeting so he sent me to pick you up.¡± At that time, she walked up to me and smilingly said to me. Now, she was also using the same brisk pace to walk up to me: ¡°Yi Mei, you¡¯re here so early.¡±


    She sat down opposite me: ¡°What are we eating? I have coupons.¡± She took out a stack of coupons from the bag and spread them out on the table to study them.


    ¡°Whatever.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll help you to order the children¡¯s set meal, then give the toy to Yi Chen to y.¡± She said with a serious face.


    I knew she was joking, but I couldn¡¯t evenugh a little. I almost hated her rxed attitude, which was in stark contrast to my current nervousness.


    She went to queue up, whereas I was left to guard our seats.


    The queue was a little long, and she was nearly at the end of the queue. She stretched out her head and jumped up to look at the sign in front. Hence, she did not pay attention to the person beside her and identally knocked over a guy¡¯s Coke. Then, a burst of chaos.


    I was thinking if Yi Chen was here, he¡¯ll certainly frown, then step forward to help her clean up the mess.


    Such a girl, what could she help Yi Chen? She and Yi Chen were simply from two different worlds. She was all glitter but knew nothing at all and basically could not enter Yi Chen¡¯s inner world. Yi Chen needed someone who can assist him and take care of him, not a girlfriend like this who always needed him to look out and take care of her.


    She carried the meal tray back to the seats. The hem of her right sleeve was soaked in Coke, but she didn¡¯t mind, looked guiltily at me and said: ¡°Yi Mei, please don¡¯t tell Yi Chen that I¡¯ve done something bad again.¡±


    I nodded and absentmindedly ate a few French fries.


    ¡°Mo Sheng.¡± I called her.


    She was sipping Coke. When she heard me, she raised her head and looked at me with her jet-ck eyes.


    I avoided her gaze and quickly said: ¡°Yi Chen and I are not brother and sister. Before, both of our families were very good neighbors. We all have the surname He so the adults just chose simr names. Later, Yi Chen¡¯s father and mother had an ident so our family adopted Yi Chen.¡±


    I finished saying in one breath. She was still sipping Coke and foolishly stared at me with no reaction.


    Suddenly, I felt irritated and said with emphasis: ¡°Don¡¯t you understand? We are not really brother and sister as we are not rted by blood at all.¡±


    ¡°Yi Mei, are you joking? ¡± She finally responded, but this kind of reply made me angry.


    ¡°Yi Chen has never said ¡­¡­¡± She was obviously at a loss.


    ¡°It¡¯s our family¡¯s issue so why would Yi Chen need to tell you? Did Yi Chen tell you anything important before?¡± Seeing her sudden pale face, I knew I¡¯ve spoken about her weak point. Sometimes, when I observed their interaction with each other, they didn¡¯t seem like a couple but a bit like an adult taking care of a child. Thus, will an adult say anything important to a child?


    Later, in the business world, someone assessed me as such: ¡°He Yi Mei, you are the typical case of one can¡¯t judge a book by its cover. You appear gentle and soft, as if very easy to bully. In fact, you are the trickiest, good at hitting a person¡¯s weakest point and backing them into a corner.¡±


    I smile while listening, asionally recalling the first time I disyed this skill. It was on an afternoon like this on my good friend, a girl who actually had no confident in her own love affair.


    Actually at that time, who had confidence in their love affair? Yi Chen and Zhao Mo Sheng¡¯s ssmates and friends, including me, also felt they were rather unsuitable and will break up sooner orter.


    At that time, Yi Chen was probably the only one who felt they will always be together.


    He made a mistake in being too confident.


    I looked at an obviously confused Zhao Mo Sheng and dropped a second bomb. ¡°Today, I want to tell you, I love Yi Chen. I do not want to secretly love him. I want topete openly with you.¡±


    Taking advantage of the aftershocks, in the end I said softly: ¡°Zhao Mo Sheng, you think you canpete and win over the two decades of deep affection between Yi Chen and me?¡±


    After saying this, I got up and left. For a split second when I pushed open the door, to my surprise, all I could think of was that the food she had bought was not eaten and whether she still had the mood to eat.


    For the next few days, I stayed in my own university and did not go to C University.


    Thinking carefully about it, I was actually very weak, perhaps even despicable. I dared not stand in front of Yi Chen to confess my feeling directly so I went to look for Zhao Mo Sheng for a showdown, wanting to use her to tell Yi Chen.


    Did you know that I¡¯ve never treated you as a brother?


    How would Yi Chen answer her?


    I constantly imagined Yi Chen¡¯s answer, feeling trapped in a kind of despair but on the same token, full of hope. After a week, there were still no news of them, my mind became flustered.


    I picked up the phone over and over again but did not know who to call. Zhao Mo Sheng? Could what happened to usst time be considered a falling out? What about Yi Chen?


    The long period of time made me felt I ¡®ve already been abandoned and forgotten by them. Two dayster, I finally could not bear it and went to C University to find out that merely a few days had gone, but the matter was already turned upside down.


    Zhao Mo Sheng was gone.


    It was said that she went to the United States.


    In the next few years, I could slowly feel the impact of Zhao Mo Sheng leaving Yi Chen. At that time, I was even under the impression that the impact was weak because Yi Chen¡¯s behavior can be considered calm.

 Epilogue 1.3: Yi Mei’s – A Person’s Flower Bloomed

    <h4>Epilogue 1.3: Yi Mei¡¯s Chapter ¨C A Person¡¯s Flower Bloomed </h4>


    (tranted by peanuts & edited by lidge)


    That day, I felt restless and went to C University to look for him.


    C University had an unwritten rule, which is ¡°Guys can¡¯t go into the girls¡¯ dormitory, but girls can go into the boys¡¯ dormitory¡±. Therefore, there was nothing to hinder me from going to Yi Chen¡¯s dormitory.


    Yi Chen was not there.


    Yi Chen¡¯s roommate knew me long ago, so the first thing he asked me was whether I was aware that Zhao Mo Sheng had left.


    I was taken aback.


    Before Yi Chen came back, his roommate had already told me everything he knew. In the end, he wanted me to console Yi Chen by saying that kind of heartless girl was unworthy for him to remember fondly.


    After that, I did not pay attention to what he said. I envisaged a lot of scenarios, but I did not expect Zhao Mo Sheng would just leave. I kept wondering in my mind how she could simply go away? Was it really like what they said that in order to go abroad, she left without a word? Or it was because of what I said? Also, did she mention to Yi Chen what I said?


    When I was feeling restless, Yi Chen came back from thew faculty. He appeared okay but seemed a bit haggard, gloominess appeared between his eyebrows and his eyes looked dark.


    I stood up.


    ¡°Yi Mei.¡± He called me faintly.


    ¡°Ah, I, Ie ¡­¡­¡± I did not know what to say, for a split second even a little panic. If Zhao Mo Sheng left because of what I said, I did not know what he¡¯ll think.


    He did not seem to notice my acting strange. Like before, he asked me what was the matter. I shook my head.


    He did not say much, merely asked me to have lunch together.


    We went to the cafeteria to have our meal.


    If we didn¡¯t go to the small restaurant outside, the cafeteria was the ce we most frequently went. It was because Zhao Mo Sheng liked the very sugary, sweet and sour pork ribs prepared by the chef here. Every time, she also wanted toe early to queue up for fear of it selling out. The chef here probably knew her as he always gave her more than others. When she could not finish, she would use chopsticks to give one by one to Yi Chen. In fact, he was not fond of eating sweet stuff, but it seemed like he never declined.


    While we were eating, Yi Chen was very quiet. Since he did not speak up, I also dared not say much. After finishing our meal and on our way out of the cafeteria, he said to me: ¡°I¡¯ll go to N University with you.¡±


    The moment he said those words, I felt pleasantly surprised. However, his next sentence immediately wiped them away.


    ¡°Is Mo Sheng¡¯s library card with you?¡±


    ¡°What ¡­¡­¡± I said in a daze.


    ¡°Last time, she used her library card to help you to borrow that book ¡°Money and Banking.¡± The library card was conveniently slipped inside the book.¡± He repeatedly mentioned her, but his facial expression was very ordinary all along and his manner of speaking was also quite stable.


    ¡°Oh.¡± I replied nkly.


    We walked all the way to N University. The road was exceptionally quiet today. Yi Chen had always been a man of few words. Previously, the atmosphere was lively because Zhao Mo Sheng kept on chattering with him all the way.


    When we arrived at my university, he waited for me downstairs while I ran upstairs.


    Before I¡¯ve to write a thesis on Money and Banking subject, but the books for this subject matter in N University were very old. Therefore, I asked Yi Chen to help me to borrow from C University¡¯s library. Yi Chen¡¯s library card quota was full, so he used Zhao Mo Sheng¡¯s library card.


    I climbed onto my bed to take out the book and flip through it. The library card was really inside, caught in the back section of the book which I did not notice before.


    In the photo, Zhao Mo Sheng had a ponytail, a pair of big eyes, the curve of her smile like a crescent moon, and she appeared to glitter like the sunshine.


    A very familiar smile, which I had seen often not long ago.


    Probably because she was truly happy, her smile was infectious. Whenever she smiled, her dimple was partly hidden and partly visible, a bit naughty and also high spirited, causing people to unconsciously follow her cheerful mood.


    Perhaps Yi Chen liked this kind of smile.


    Actually, I also looked good when I smiled, but not her kind.


    For a split second, I wanted to throw away the library card and tell Yi Chen that I could not find it. However, in the end, I still brought it down and watched Yi Chen put it into his pocket.


    She was already gone. Looking at Yi Chen¡¯s gradually disappearing deste back, I kept telling myself.


    What was the point of smiling even more brilliantly, she was already gone, already left. Even if Yi Chen still wanted to yearn for her for a while, he would forget her very soon.


    At least, he was already very calm now.


    At that time, I still did not understand that there was a kind of calmness called ¡°ripples in the stagnant water.¡±


    Without Zhao Mo Sheng, the opportunity for me to meet up with Yi Chen was instead less than before.


    Nobody called me frequently to go to C University. I also cannot find so many excuses to go there often.


    Therefore, I only found out Yi Chen had been smoking very heavily a long timeter.


    It was verymon for boys to smoke in university, so I did not really want to associate it with another matter. For a time, I deceived others and also myself that it was caused by the university environment, even though this was obviously out of character for Yi Chen.


    Knowing was one thing but seeing with one¡¯s own eyes was another thing. Once, I went to his dormitory and personally saw his roommates and himpletely drunk. Actually that time, it was the birthday of someone in their dormitory, everyone also got drunk, not just him. But I did not know why, I could not stand it any longer.


    Yi Chen was never like this, he always had good self-control and did everything with a great sense of propriety. I really wanted to convince myself that he was just celebrating a friend¡¯s birthday and not drowning his sorrows in liquor. But he looked so gloomy and depressed, making me unable to deceive myself.


    The blind spots I did not see previously seemed to be clearer now.


    Gradually, I remembered Yi Chen said when Zhao Mo Sheng pestered, her eyes had a faint smile.


    Sometimes when she was a littlete, he would be impatient and worried.


    No matter how careless she was, he would only frown and helped her to sort everything out.


    ¡­¡­


    There were still many incidents, why did I not see them before?


    Unconsciously, my cheeks were streaming with tears, I did not know for who.


    It turned out that he was just trying hard to maintain a calm appearance. Now that he was drunk, he could not conceal it anymore, everything was exposed into the open.


    When he was sober, I had became a lot calmer but sadly said to him: ¡°Look at you, not just my parents but if dead uncle and aunt were to see you like this, they will also be broken-hearted.¡±


    In addition, I was also very sad. Yi Chen, did you know that?


    He did not say anything for a long time, lowered his eyes and his facial expression was hidden in the shadows. After a long time, he dejectedly said: ¡°You¡¯re right, I do not have the right to indulge myself.¡±


    Consequently, that outstanding and cool-headed He Yi Chen was back, but I still felt as if something was different.


    I could not pinpoint what.


    Yi Chen and I remained the same.


    Zhao Mo Sheng probably did not have time to mention what I said to Yi Chen because he did not talk about it at all.


    As for me, I did not have the courage to mention it again.


    I was satisfied with the status quo. At present, it seemed like we had returned to before. Although the rtionship between us did not progress further, there was no one extra person.


    Actually, I was very weak and dared not take the initiative to pursue anything, except to wait until one day he would turn and look at me.


    But I was feeling more and more lonely.


    I treated everyone also well, but I did not have good friends. After Zhao Mo Sheng left, nobody asked me to go shopping, nobody told me I looked good when trying on clothes and also nobody informed me a month in advance that my birthday was around the corner¡­¡­


    I vaguely thought, actually I also liked this friend.


    Just that there was Yi Chen between us.


    Four years of university just passed by in the blink of an eye. When I graduated, I was still single to the amazement of my roommates. I had a female ssmate, one hand holding the graduate certificate and another hand holding the marriage certificate. After having the farewell party, there was also a wedding feast next, so it had be the hot topic of conversation.


    When I was treating Yi Chen dinner with my first month¡¯s sry, I told him about it. While he was listening, he seemed to be having apse in concentration and inadvertently said: ¡°I also nned to get married after graduation.¡±


    I looked at him in shock.


    He seemed to have realised what he had just said, a trace of sadness flitted across his eyes.


    For a short while, both of us did not speak.


    I slowly regained myposure and said: ¡°Yi Chen,st time mom even asked me whether you have a girlfriend. You should find a girlfriend.¡±


    At this moment, I spoke that sentence sincerely and genuinely. Four years of university made me realize that after Zhao Mo Sheng, Yi Chen may fall in love with someone, but that someone would definitely not be me. I was no longer the former He Yi Mei. Currently, I hope that he can fall in love with someone and this time round, I would just wish him well wholeheartedly.


    Even though my heart ached.


    He lightly in a few words changed the topic.


    We finished the meal by talking about some irrelevant topics. When it was time to pay the bill, although I said it would be my treat, Yi Chen still paid the money.


    While waiting for the waiter toe back with the change, Yi Chen got up to go to the toilet. When the waiter came back with the change, he still had note back. I saw that his jacket was draped on the chair, so I reached out and took out his wallet from the coat pocket, wanting to put the change into it.


    The moment I opened the wallet, I saw that photo.


    It seemed to have been torn from a document, as there were traces of steel marks on it.


    In the photo, the girl had a ponytail, a pair of big eyes, the curve of her smile like a crescent moon and she appeared to glitter like the sunshine.


    A very familiar smile, which I had not seen for a long time.


    When Yi Chen came back, I was still holding onto his wallet and staring nkly in a daze. It was toote to put back the wallet, so I might as well put the money into it and return it to him in an easy-manner.


    ¡°That¡¯s your change.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± He nodded and took it with a calm expression, just like that year when Zhao Mo Sheng just left.


    At this moment, I suddenly realized the implied meaning behind this kind of expression.


    He was calm because he already made his decision.


    He decided to continue waiting.


    Some people¡¯s wound will heal slowly in time, like mine.


    Some people¡¯s wound will fester slowly in time, like his.


    Actually all these years, he healed only outwardly. There is a kind of wound that prates the bone marrow and ravages areas that cannot be seen.


    After leaving the restaurant, we walked to the bus station. At that time, he had just worked for a year, whereas I¡¯ve just started working. Thus, both of us also did not have much money, so we chose to use the bus which was the cheapest mode of transport.


    While waiting for the bus, we did not speak. My bus was turning into the station and when the bus was about to stop, he suddenly uttered to me:


    ¡°Yi Mei.¡±


    I turned my head to look at him.


    The brilliant colors of the city¡¯s night lights reflected on his body, making him looking all the more lonely.


    ¡°You will understandter, if in this world that person once appeared, other people will just be apromise. He said, ¡°I do not want topromise.¡±


    The bus was driven further and further away, his silhouette slowly became blurry in my line of vision.


    My mind kept thinking about his words ¨C you will understandter, if in this world that person once appeared, other people will just be apromise.


    Whyter, I knew all along.


    I also did not want topromise.


    Thus in this crowded metropolis, both of us with the same frame of mind, stubbornly waiting in loneliness.


    Busy with our respective careers, we gradually has less contact with each otherpared to the university days.


    Before, I used to be afraid that this day woulde, but this day still came.


    In fact, it seemed like nothing.


    I was not sad.


    Because I was already used to it.


    Yi Chen gave me a very long time to get used to it.


    Later, he once came to my office to pick me up to go back together to Y City to visit my sick father. While waiting for me downstairs, one of my female colleagues met him.


    The next day, that female colleague asked me who he was and even brazenly asked if he has a girlfriend.


    I replied he already had a girlfriend in the United States.


    Her eyes revealed her disappointment and somewhat dissatisfied, she said: ¡°Foreigner girlfriend? Most long distance rtionship will break up and a foreign girlfriend is very dangerous.¡±


    ¡°No, they¡¯ll end up together.¡± I did not know where my persistence came from, ¡°She¡¯lle back.¡±


    My colleague was probably surprised by my firm expression: ¡°He Yi Mei, you¡¯re not her, so how do you know?¡±


    I did not answer again.


    I merely said over and over again in my heart, how could she note back?


    He was always waiting for her.


    However, we did not expect such a long time. Waiting was not frightening. What was frightening was not knowing when it would end.


    One year, two years ¡­¡­ five years, six years ¡­¡­


    On the seventh year.


    That day, I brought mother¡¯s homemade to him. When I put it into the refrigerator, I discovered there was no food inside,pletely empty. Hence, I asked him to go to the supermarket.


    The supermarket was crowded on the weekends.


    While walking, I chatted with Yi Chen about each other¡¯s current situation. Thest time we met was more than two months ago.


    Then, I seemed to hear the sound of something copsing.


    I casually turned my head.


    In the midst of the copsing sound, I saw her.


    From thest time I met her in KFC, up until now, it had already been more than seven years. I suddenly felt this lengthy time frame seemed like I only turned around for a moment.


    The blue sea turned into mulberry fields. (The world is changing all the time)


    The change was merely my gradually aging heart. The change was merely Yi Chen¡¯s increasingly hard shell.


    As for her, she seemed to have not changed one bit.


    Still continuing to smile without a care and without worries.


    That night, after I arrived home, I sat on the sofa and watched the sky gradually brightening up.


    Because I was busy with work, I had not been tidying up my rented small apartment for a long time. That flower pot on the balcony, after I bought it back, I just left it there, not knowing when the flower bloomed before. I also did not know when the petals withered by the rain and wind, only leaving a red petal swaying in the morning breeze.


    Suddenly, I felt as if I was like this unknown name flower.


    A person¡¯s flower bloomed. A person¡¯s flower withered. All these years from start to finish, nobody asked about it.

 Epilogue 2: Bits and pieces

    <h4>Epilogue 2: Bits and pieces</h4>


    (tranted by peanuts & edited by lidge)


    1. About the Photo


    On a certain day,wyer He was surprised to discover the old photo in his wallet had been reced with a recent head shot of someone.


    After returning home, he asked that someone.


    That someone said boldly and confidently: ¡°You always look at my teen photo. Then when you look at me now, you¡¯ll feel I¡¯m getting older.¡±


    Ever since marrying awyer, someone can argue better now.


    _______________________________________________________________


    2. About the Baby¡¯s Name


    One day while stewing pork soup on the stove, Mo Sheng, who was bored, decided to find something meaningful to do.


    For example, thinking of a name for the baby in the future.


    She took a Hanyu Da Zidian (one of the mostprehensive Chinese character dictionaries) and flipped through it. Mo Sheng found out naming was a really difficult task. Choosing a name which would sound good and be meaningful to suit both refined and popr tastes was really not easy.


    An idea suddenly shed in her mind, Mo Sheng came up with a simple and easy way to name the baby.


    The father¡¯s surname and the mother¡¯s name, then add another word. The name immediately came out ¨C He Mu (it means to admire in Chinese) Sheng.


    Good-looking and also pleasant to hear.


    The crucial point is it must be very meaningful.


    Mo Sheng was pleased with herself and ran to the study. She wrote it on a paper to ask Yi Chen for his opinion.


    Yi Chen looked at it and raised his eyebrows, changing it with the stroke of a pen.


    Change the middle ¡°Mu¡± word to ¡°Bi¡±


    He Bi Sheng?


    He Bi Sheng ??!! (it means why give birth or why born in Chinese)


    Mo Sheng was depressed, even for the baby.


    Poor baby, not yet born but already disliked by the father.


    3. Confession ???


    Also, on a certain day.


    When Yi Chen was resting in the study, he suddenly remembered that he seemed to have not spoken that three words to someone.


    It just so happened that someone came into the study to look for novels to read.


    Yi Chen easily pulled her over and made her sit on hisp, both of his arms circling her waist, his chin resting on her neck.


    ¡°Help me to flip the pages.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Mo Sheng stared nkly and looked at the files on the table.


    ¡°Yes, page 14.¡±


    Finally, I understood what he wanted me to do.


    Lazy person!


    However, Mo Sheng, who was used to being enved, still helped him to turn to page 14. She could not help butin: ¡°Yi Chen, you are veryzy.¡±


    ¡°Ya, ya.¡± Yi Chen seemed to have decided to bezy to the end, ¡°Underline the first sentence in the first paragraph for me.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Mo Sheng picked up a pen and drew a crooked line below the sentence.


    ¡ª¡ª¡±I want to point out that our country¡¯s research on preliminary issues on private internationalw (The Conflict of Laws) was adapted from the British jurist J.H.C. Morris¡¯s point of view¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°The third sentence from the end.¡±


    ¡ª¡ª ¡°You have already been in contact with the police, then you must know thew provisions here regarding this kind of situation.¡±


    What¡¯s this? Seemed to be a conversation in aw case, why underline it?


    Under Yi Chen¡¯s direction, she flipped through more than a dozen pages again.


    ¡°Can¡¯t find that word in the middle.¡± She heard Yi Chen muttered to himself, looking a little annoyed.


    Mo Sheng totally could not understand.


    ¡°Change the book.¡± Yi Chen stretched out his hand and conveniently took out a magazine from the bookshelf behind him.


    Huh? This ¡­¡­ seemed to be a special issue of her magazine. Yi Chen was also interested in magazines for women?


    ¡°The first sentence in the third paragraph on this page.¡±


    Uh ¡­¡­ Reading magazine, also have to underline the main point?


    ¡ª¡ª ¡°I often go to the countryside during spring, a season when the sky is incredibly blue¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°In the fifth line.¡±


    ¡ª¡ª ¡°Love to tell lies, the nose of the child will grow long, he smiles and pinches my nose ¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Thest sentence.¡±


    ¡ª¡ª ¡°You sure you saw himing out of here at nine o¡¯clock?¡±


    What is all of this? Mo Sheng was underlining, starting to yawn and getting a little sleepy. Yi Chen did not say anything anymore, just pressed his cheek against her fragrant hair.


    ¡°Mo Sheng?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­Oh.¡± She replied vaguely, her voice sleepy.


    Yi Chen carried her onto the bed, covered her properly with the quilt and kissed her hair.


    ¡°Dummie, goodnight.¡±


    4. Bedsheets


    Christmas, A City was bustling with noise and excitement, but Yi Chen was rather gloomy.


    A few days ago, Yi Chen traveled interstate to work. He had just returned home today, but he was dragged by Mo Sheng to go to the supermarket. Today was Saturday night and tomorrow was Sunday, obviously it was a good time to use up some physical strength. Hence, why need to stroll in the supermarket?


    Ah, although shopping will also use up a lot of physical strength¡­¡­


    Yi Chen pushed the shopping cart and Mo Sheng kept filling it up with things. When they passed by the bedding products area, Mo Sheng thought she ought to change the bedsheets at home.


    Thus, she bent over to choose some bedsheets.


    Yi Chen usually did not concern himself with such trivial matter so Mo Sheng based her choice entirely on her own preference.


    Sky blue color with white flowers design.


    This one will do.


    When she was going to put it into the shopping cart, Yi Chen spoke, ¡°This color is not good.¡±


    It was rare that he had an opinion so Mo Sheng looked at him in surprise and immediately changed to another color. ¡°What about this?¡±


    He continued to shake his head.


    After changing a few designs and colors, Mo Sheng was depressed. ¡°Why aren¡¯t these good as the colors and designs are also very stylish?¡±


    ¡°No, they don¡¯t match your skin color.¡±


    Coincidentally, two girls walked past them and heard what was said. They giggled and turned round to look at them with ambiguity in their eyes.


    The slow-witted Mo Sheng acted like normal and did not realise the words spoken by her hubby in public has what meaning. She whispered: ¡°So long as it isfortable, it is good enough.¡±


    ¡­¡­


    Hey, Mr. He Yi Chen, when you were walking in the supermarket, what was your brain thinking?


    _______________________________________________________________


    Yellow Mountain (Huangshan) Note


    Early next morning after breakfast, a group of people took the bus to Cloud Valley Temple (Yun Gu Si). There were two ways to go up the hill, take a cable car or by foot. Mo Sheng saw arge crowd at the cable car station and didn¡¯t know when it¡¯ll be their turn. She pulled Yi Chen¡¯s sleeve, ¡°We¡¯ll climb up.¡±


    Yi Chen had no objection, just a little skeptical. ¡°Later, if you can¡¯t climb, don¡¯t cry out loud.¡±


    ¡°I will not.¡± Mo Sheng said proudly. ¡°I run around outside all day long so my physical strength is a lot stronger than someone who sits in the office every day.¡±


    Yi Chen smiled and did not argue with her. However, Xiao Hong was unhappy and shouted: ¡°Zhao Ah Sheng, you need a spanking?¡±


    Mo Sheng intended toment about Yi Chen and did not expect to offend her colleagues who also sat in the office, resulting in everyone ring at her.


    Hehe, Mo Sheng gave a few forcedughs, then dragged Yi Chen to run away.


    To climb from Cloud Valley Temple to White Goose Peak (Bai E Ling) was about two hours by foot. Thendscape on both sides of the mountain road was refreshing and delightful. When Mo Sheng started to climb, she was feeling rxed and cheerful. From time to time, she would stoop to pick up odd shaped stones and stuffed them into Yi Chen¡¯s backpack or stop to take a look at some of the flowers and nts which she had not seen before. After climbing for a while, the speed gradually slowed down. More than an hourter, she was in ??no mood to look at the scenery anymore, only feeling she couldn¡¯t even lift up her feet.


    Yi Chen frequently slowed down his pace to wait for her. Mo Sheng was not satisfied atgging behind and grasped for breath: ¡°Pffff¡­¡­ there is no reason, I run around outside every day ¡­¡­ huff ¡­¡­ you sit in the office every day, how can your physical strength be better than me?¡±


    Huff¡­¡­


    So exhausting.


    After finished talking, Mo Sheng had no more energy so she sat on a big rock and stopped climbing.


    Yi Chen stood beside her, heard her question, could not help butughed out and raised his eyebrows, ¡°Mo Sheng, am I usually very ck to make you think my physical strength is weak?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    The sentence sounded like nothing, but the more Mo Sheng thought about it the more she blushed. Yi Chen¡¯s eyes clearly looked mischievous and he can¡¯t pretend to be naive. Mo Sheng jumped up and walked at a faster pace, wanting to get rid of him. She walked too fast and did not pay attention to the path. As a result, she carelessly stepped on a stone, slipped and fell down.


    Yi Chen was nowhere near her so he was not able to pull her back, only managing to help her up from the ground. Her pants were torn at the knee, vaguely wisps of blood can be seen, the skin was surely broken. Yi Chen felt a little distressed and wanted to lecture her, but seeing her frowning expression, his rebuke turned into concern.


    ¡°Is it painful?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­ I seem to have twisted my foot.¡±


    Luckily, they were not too far away from White Goose Peak. Yi Chen carried Mo Sheng on his back so she happily rested on his shoulders and rejoiced in his misfortune: ¡°Humph! who told you to make me angry.¡±


    Bite his face, bully him back.


    Yi Chen said: ¡°If you continue to be naughty, we¡¯ll have to stay here tonight.¡±


    ¡°Then stay since there is no tiger.¡±


    A momentter, she started to sing softly at the side of his ear: ¡°¡­¡­ the turtle carrying its heavy shell, step by step climbing up¡­¡­¡± (Gu Man¡¯s nickname is turtle because she is very slow [it is pronounced as man in Chinese] in writing her novels.)


    Yi Chen heard this children¡¯s song before. After listening to her singing it twice, he still felt something was wrong, thought for a moment, then told her: ¡°It is snail.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Mo Sheng stopped singing.


    ¡°Not turtle, it is snail.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Mo Sheng thought for a moment but cannot remember clearly because it is such an old song.


    ¡°They are the same since both also have a shell.¡±


    She took out a bar of chocte from her pocket, fed herself first, then asked Yi Chen: ¡°Do you want to eat?¡±


    Without waiting for him to reply, she stuffed the chocte into his mouth. Yi Chen identally bit her fingers and Mo Sheng quickly pulled back. The chocte melted in the mouth, after some bitterness, it tasted sweet.


    There were not many people on the way up the mountain. When there were only the two of them, Mo Sheng hugged him with both of her hands, their heads leaning against each other. She softly hummed her song, this time finally she did not sing wrongly.


    ¡°¡­¡­ the snail carrying its heavy shell, step by step climbing up¡­¡­¡±

 Afterword

    <h4>Afterword</h4>


    It is four o¡¯clock in the morning now.


    I¡¯ve just finished typing a little epilogue.


    So strange, I was very sleepy just now, but afraid that I¡¯ll forget what to write tomorrow so I soldiered on. However, I am feeling very awake now. After getting into bed, I got up again and decided to finish writing the afterword.


    Probably because I am feeling very excited, that the conclusion of ¡®Silent Separation¡¯ is finally within reach.


    I first started writing the novel in September 2003 on Jinjiang online serialized website. By the end of 2003, I managed to finish writing the first 70,000 words. Later, because of my graduation in the 4th year of university and also busy working on my first job, I put aside my writing. I think if afterwards there were no online readers who continuously urged and encouraged me, I¡¯ll not have the motivation to finish writing. Although I was often threatened by readers who wanted to kill turtle to hurry up, the turtle still crawled. However, I only feel gratitude and guilt from beginning to end. Sometimes, when I chat with Bai Bai (I think it is Mo Bao Fei Bao ¨C the author of Really Really Miss You¡¯s nickname) and Xiao Xi (Ming Xiao Xi ¨C author of Summer of Bubbles) about each other¡¯s readers, I always said, the readers of ¡®Silent Separation¡¯ are the most gentle and patient.


    Then Xiao Xi and Bai Bai, who wished to see my expression, said: As your readers, can they not have patience?!


    They are right ¡«¡«>£ß<¡«¡«


    I am really slow (really don¡¯t want to admit this = _ =). I¡¯ve always been ck, unambitious and wanted to live a stable life. If you whip me once, then I¡¯ll only crawl one step. This kind of person probably will not make it big. However, if I¡¯ve actively worked hard, maybe what I¡¯ve written will not be ¡®Silent Separation.¡¯


    The passing of life is like watching the scenery. If you walk fast, you can see more of the scenes. If you walk slowly, you¡¯ll be able to appreciate the beauty and details of those scenery more.


    I think I must be thetter kind of person, enjoying the most ordinary and tiniest details in life. Then try my best to write about them.


    This sounds like I am justifying my slowness ¡­¡­


    Er er, let¡¯s get back on track and continue to discuss ¡®Silent Separation.¡¯


    Some of my inspirations on ¡®Silent Separation¡¯ stemmed from going to the supermarket with my mother one day. There were a lot of people in the supermarket, very crowded. My mind suddenly produced the beginning scene in ¡®Silent Separation¡¯.


    A couple who love each other but parted ways. Many yearster, they unexpectedly meet amidst the crowd. They stare and faintly gaze at each other, then walk away separately.


    At the beginning of ¡®Silent Separation¡¯, I wanted to write such a brief encounter. Then only gradually flesh out the story. Later, even the characters have their own temperament and no longer subjected to my control.


    A friend once asked me, what did I want to express in the novel?


    Actually when I was writing the novel, I merely wanted to write a story only and basically did not think too much. Since she was so earnest in her question, I also earnestly thought about what I really wanted to express.


    I think the answer is as such:


    The are many beautiful love poems in the world, but the happiest one must be this verse ¡ª¡ª For life or death, holding your hand, and growing old together.


    ¡®Silent Separation¡¯ wants to express this kind of happiness.


    Gu Man


    14 December 2005

 Epilogue 3.1: Year After Year

    <h4>Epilogue 3.1: Year After Year</h4>


    (tranted by peanuts and edited by lidge)


    A pair of young lovers in thew firm recently have differences in opinion. Lawyer Yuan, who was suspected as being someone who asks others to work but did nothing himself, cared about that more than proper business. He constantly followed closely for thetest developments and broadcast them to Yi Chen from time to time.


    Yi Chen was really not a good gossip object, but Xiang Heng had gone on a business trip so Yi Chen reluctantly indulged Lao Yuan. After Lao Yuan gossiped about the news he heard in high spirits, he asked Yi Chen: ¡°Do you think Xiao Wang will go?¡±


    Seeing that Yi Chen did not answer, Lao Yuan immediately acted like a senior, saying meaningful and heartfelt words: ¡°Yi Chen, after all, Xiao Wang has worked under you for more than a year so you should be more concerned with your subordinate.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Yi Chen said in a perfunctory voice: ¡°My wife is unlikely to want me to show concern for my female colleague¡¯s private life.¡±


    Ever since Yi Chen had a wife, he often liked to let his wife be made ??a scapegoat, such as my wife was strict and forbid me to drink, my wife said that I cannot go homete and so on¡­¡­.


    In short, afterwyer He got married, he did not need to dig his brain and can directly use his wife as an excuse. Speaking of which, he had already started using this tactic on the third day after his marriage.


    Furthermore, this tactic was really good as the males will immediately sympathize with him for having a simr experience ¡ª¡ª ¡± What is the use of looking handsome? What¡¯s the use of earning a lot of money? Still being controlled strictly by the wife. My wife can¡¯t control me, so I am better than him in this sense?¡± Such thinking more than offset the hatred feelings of envy and jealousy.


    Whereas thedies immediately added brownie points. A man who loves his family and wife is very reliable. It can clearly be seen that his character is trustworthy, so you can rest assured to hand over your case towyer He.


    Hence, Mo Sheng,pletely ignorant, started to have a reputation as a shrew and jealous woman in the judicial circle in A City.


    Such tactic was peculiarly useful on Lao Yuan. As expected, after Yi Chen¡¯s remark, the bachelor Lao Yuan immediately burst out in anger: ¡°Such a big deal to have a wife!¡±


    Lao Yuan felt very deste in his heart. Aiya, men, they are different after getting married, start to work overtime at home and try to decline to attend social niceties. Moreover, learn to arrivete and leave early¡­¡­


    Late ah¡­¡­


    He also thought of days of hugging his wife to sleep untilte for work! (This was purely Lao Yuan¡¯s specting irresponsibly.)


    But when can he have a wife?


    Lao Yuan was depressed.


    _______________________________________________________________


    Lao Yuan arrived in high spirits but went back depressed. When he was going out, he ran into Xiao Wang who coincidentally came in to deliver documents to Yi Chen. Lao Yuan patted her on the shoulder and said meaningfully: ¡°Think about it properly, when you get to my age, you¡¯ll know it is not easy to get a love rtionship.¡±


    Before Xiao Wang had a chance to react, Lao Yuan had already gone out. She froze for a moment and walked towards Yi Chen. He took the documents and while flipping through, he asked: ¡°Xiao Wang, have you decided to go abroad?¡±


    Yi Chen had no intention of advising her, just inquiring in a businesslike manner. After all, she was his subordinate, whether to leave or stay, naturally he needed to know about it. In these few days, his female assistant had already been advised by countless people and after listening to his question, she thoughtwyer He also wanted to advise her, so she can¡¯t help but said impulsively: ¡°Lawyer He, you also think that I should not go abroad?¡±


    There was a hint of stubbornness in Xiao Wang¡¯s eyes, ¡°Why does everyone also think that I should stay? With great difficulty, I only managed to apply to this university, so it is such a pity if I don¡¯t go. Moreover, it is only for two years. Lawyer He, didn¡¯t you wait for your wife for seven years? Hence, why can¡¯t he even wait for two years? If he can¡¯t even wait for two years, this proves that he doesn¡¯t truly love me!¡±


    Yi Chen did not expect her to mention about Mo Sheng and him. The expression in his eyes shifted slightly and he didn¡¯t say anything anymore. He lowered his head, quickly finished flipping through the documents, signed and handed them back to her.


    ¡°Lawyer He, if there is nothing else, I¡¯ll go out first.¡±


    Xiao Wang was aware that she had a slip of the tongue and was impulsive so she felt regretful now. After taking the documents, she wanted to leave quickly.


    ¡°Wait.¡± Yi Chen stopped her.


    Xiao Wang turned around.


    ¡°I do not have the intention to stop you from going. Every person has the right to pursue their own dream. However, this has nothing to do with proving whether the love is true or not.¡±


    Yi Chen looked at her and said faintly: ¡°If you want to use time to prove love, how much time would you have to waste?¡±


    _______________________________________________________________


    Due to the unexpected visit of a client before finishing work for the day, Yi Chen got home a littlete. The lights in the living room were on, but there was no one there. Yi Chen went into the bedroom and saw Mo Sheng with a head full of wet hair, lying on the foot of the bed and reading a book.


    Mo Sheng¡¯s hair was pretty long now, wet and draped over the shoulders, making her pajamas wet as well. Yi Chen frowned, put his bag aside, walked over, lowered his body and put his hands on both of her sides. ¡°Why don¡¯t you blow-dry your hair first before reading the book?¡±


    ¡°You were about toe back.¡± Mo Sheng was too engrossed in her reading because she said that without looking up.


    Yi Chen rubbed her hair, had no choice but to go to the bathroom to take a hair dryer, plugged it into the socket at the bedhead and sat down.


    ¡°Come over here.¡±


    Thus, Mo Sheng held the book, turned over her body andid on top of him. She ced her damp head well, adjusting to afortable position and continued to read. While Yi Chen was enjoying this, he was also lecturing her: ¡°How old are you? Still behaving like a kid!¡±


    ¡°Aiya, you are the one who want me to keep my hair long, so you should take responsibility for it.¡± Mo Sheng argued with the courage of one¡¯s convictions: ¡°Furthermore, from a legal perspective, the long hair started to grow after we got married, so it can be considered the jointly owned property of the husband and wife. Hence, you are obliged to maintain and take good care of it.¡±


    Yi Chen felt happy and funny: ¡°Where did you learn such facious reasoning?¡±


    Mo Sheng defended her innocence: ¡°I learned fromwyer He¡¯s words and deeds.¡±


    Correctly speaking, it was innate, as he did not teach her to pester him endlessly. Yi Chen had no choice but to start blowing his joint property. In the midst of the noise from the hair dryer, Mo Sheng spoke to him about the book in her hands.


    ¡°This book, which was lend to me by Xiao Hong, is very interesting. It tells the story of a thirty years old woman who is abandoned by her husband in a failed marriage, then she dies in a car ident. The oue is when she opens her eyes, to her surprise, she discovers she is reborn as a 14 years old. After that, she starts her life afresh, so wonderful.¡±


    Speaking until now, she was finally willing to look away from the book and looked up at Yi Chen with her bright eyes: ¡°Yi Chen, if you go back to being 14 years old, what will happen?¡±


    Yi Chen ignored her and refused to answer this kind of meaningless hypothetical question.


    Mo Sheng, unwilling to give up, asked further: ¡°Will you go and look for me earlier?¡±


    ¡± ¡­¡­ At that time, you were only 13 years old, a minor who just graduated from elementary school.¡±


    ¡°You are right. If I go back to being 14 years old, I must be admitted to your high school. After that,¡± Mo Sheng beaming and said, ¡°to get you in advance.¡±


    Yi Chen raised his eyebrows: ¡°Mrs. He, I regret to inform you that I will not have a puppy love rtionship with you.¡±


    ¡°Humph! You also said you¡¯ll not date while still in university. In the end, I still got you.¡± Mo Sheng shook her legs and said proudly: ¡°Loser, why speak so boldly?¡±


    Some people must be living toofortably, so getting more and more arrogant. Yi Chen finished blow-dry her hair in silence and put down the hair dryer. Then suddenly, he picked up someone who was stillcent.


    Mo Sheng said ¡®ah¡¯ and the book fell to the floor. She was about to protest but was silenced by someone¡¯s lips and tongue. The cold and raw masculine aroma momentary invaded all her senses.


    ¡°Mo Sheng, your hair made my clothes wet.¡± Yi Chen held her sitting on hisps. While kissing her, he asked: ¡°Help me to take off my wet clothes.¡±


    ¡± ¡­¡­ What do you want to do?¡± In between kisses, Mo Sheng weakly asked.


    When his own wife asked this kind of question, Yi Chen was clearly left speechless: ¡°What do you think?¡±


    Mo Sheng mumbled: ¡°It is early in the morning already ¡­¡­ Moreover, I need to go out to take outdoor shots tomorrow¡­¡­ ¡±


    ¡°What do you think I want to do?¡± Yi Chen raised his eyebrows, ¡°Since I came back, I¡¯ve been servicing you up until now, so I¡¯ve not even bathe yet.¡±


    Huh?


    ¡°Thus help me to take off my clothes, so that I can go to take my bath.¡±


    Yi Chen was leaning on the bedhead and watching Mo Sheng, who was sitting on hisp earnestly undoing his buttons. He pressed a button on the remote control for the bedhead window curtains.


    Thest button on the shirt has been undone, but Yi Chen did not make any movement to get up and go to the bathroom. Mo Sheng lifted her head to look up at him and saw him looking disheveled, leaning there and staring at her with zing eyes.


    ¡°What to do?¡±


    He seized her hands, his voice low and husky.


    ¡°Ah?¡± Mo Sheng also unconsciously lowered her voice.


    ¡°All of a sudden I think of the phrase ¡®teach by words and deeds¡¯. ¡±


    _______________________________________________________________


    When she was overwhelmed firmly in bed ¡®to be taught by example,¡¯ Mo Sheng was upset. Howe she got deceived again? She should have known earlier ifwyer He was willing to let you take some small advantages in the battle of the mouth, you will certainly need to pay back double elsewhere.


    Long ago, the window curtains had been automatically closed, concealing the activity in the room.

 Epilogue 3.2: Year After Year

    <h4>Epilogue 3.2: Year After Year</h4>


    (tranted by peanuts and edited by lidge)


    The ¡®teaching¡¯ activity continued for a long time before finishing.


    Yi Chen continued to teach diligently, making Mo Sheng extremely tired. Finally, sheid limply on his sturdy chest. A deep and low male voice chuckled beside her ear: ¡°Who is the loser?¡±


    ¡°Me ah, me ah! My hubby is the most awesome.¡± Mo Sheng has always been very adaptive to circumstances. She ttered him by calling him ¡°hubby,¡± a term which she seldom used. Yi Chen looked like he wanted to continue teaching. If she was reluctant to admit her mistake again, she will be asking for trouble.


    ¡°Oh, really?¡± Yi Chen scorching hot hand has alreadynded on the danger zone: ¡°You praise me like this, I really want to serve you once more to repay you.¡±


    ¡°Do not ah.¡± Mo Sheng really begged for mercy, ¡°I still need to go out to take outdoor shots tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Knock it off.¡± She grabbed his hand, sped their hands together, interlocking their fingers and swayed.


    Yi Chen snorted, which meant he was letting her off. After ttering him, Mo Sheng quickly changed the topic. After a while, she thought about the book she read before, sighed softly and said: ¡°If there is really such a thing to travel back to the past, I really want to return to the age of neen.¡±


    ¡°Oh, then?¡± Yi Chen sounded indolent like someone who had eaten his fill.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll not go away and try to make everyone live well.¡± Mo Sheng¡¯s tone suddenly sounded a bit sad.


    Yi Chen knew she was thinking about her father and patted her gently twice. After all, the matter was a long time ago. Mo Sheng was lost in thought for a while, then gradually let go and not think about it anymore.


    Yi Chen did not want her to think too much about it and pretended to suspect something: ¡°How are you going to make me live well? Don¡¯t need me to attentively watch you to ensure you study? Or you can pass the eight hundred meters test yourself? Or don¡¯t need me to queue up every Wednesday to scramble for sweet and sour spare ribs?¡±


    He gave her a look of disdain and unbearable look at the past. However, Mo Sheng was stirred toughter by him. At that time, the sweet and sour spare ribs in the canteen was a big thing, but she had many sses on Wednesday. Thus every time, Mo Sheng has to urge Yi Chen in advance, that if she finished her sste tomorrow, he has to help her to scramble for the sweet and sour spare ribs, must go ah.


    Mo Sheng rubbed again his leg and said: ¡°Yi Chen, we¡¯ll eat sweet and sour spare ribs tomorrow.¡±


    Yi Chen: ¡± ¡­¡­ If you don¡¯t want to do it again, don¡¯t simply rub.¡±


    She had already sacrificed once when he blew her hair. No, it was twice. Mo Sheng certainly did not want to sacrifice once again for sweet and sour spare ribs, so she immediately became well-behaved. Lying under the quilt, she thought for a long time about her usefulness. Finally, she sighed and said: ¡°At least with me around, you will not have stomach problems.¡±


    ¡°You?¡± Yi Chen bluntly questioned her: ¡°Can you take care of me?¡±


    Mo Sheng considered her own strengths and shook her head: ¡°Probably not. But! You have to take care of me.¡± She turned her body and propped up her chin. Then she looked at him with her sparkling eyes and said: ¡°At the same time, you can also take good care of yourself.¡±


    The greatwyer was speechless for a moment. Then he reached out to pinch someone¡¯s face to see if it has thickened.


    While dodging his hands, Mo Sheng analyzed for him: ¡°Before when you were busy, I always went to look for you to have a meal. In order that I won¡¯t be hungry, you will eat with me. By the time you are working, I¡¯ll be in the fourth year of university. Then I won¡¯t have many sses so I¡¯ll certainlye to look for you every day. We¡¯ll eat together so you won¡¯t have eating disorders. Oh, but the university is quite far from your office. I¡¯ll be exhausted.¡±


    Mo Sheng was moved by her fantasy, traveling overnd and water every day, just to oversee Yi Chen¡¯s dinner. Indeed, very great.


    Yi Chen pondered for a while before saying: ¡°Not far.¡±


    ¡°Will need approximately an hour by bus, still not far ah?¡±


    ¡°In the fourth year of university, you won¡¯t be staying in the dormitory. I would have rented a ce near thew firm, so you¡¯ll be very close to thew firm.¡±


    Mo Sheng was dumbstruck and did not know how to react.


    Yi Chen said with certainty: ¡°At that time, you¡¯ll definitely stay with me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll not stay together with you ¡­¡­ At that time, I¡¯ll only be in my fourth year of university ¡­¡­ ¡± It was clearly written in Mo Sheng¡¯s eyes, ¡°You are a beast¡±.


    ¡°Most of your sses in your fourth year will be in the afternoon, so it will be more convenient to stay with me.¡±


    Mo Sheng was stumped for words: ¡°You, how do you know most of my sses will be in the afternoon?¡±


    Yi Chen said: ¡°I had a look.¡±


    Mo Sheng stared at him, the softest part of her heart was touched. The ache in her heart was inexpressible. He had a look, did he go to her faculty? It seemed like that handsome, tall and straight young man appeared before her eyes. The university era¡¯s He Yi Chen, standing in front of the bulletin board in her faculty and looking at the courses avable for her fourth year. Maybe not fourth year, but third year or second year ¡­¡­


    What was he thinking at that time?


    Would he be thinking, if she was around, how would they arrange their time? Just like when they took out and discussed their ss schedules in the first year of university.


    Her eyes started to sting, bing hot and wet.


    Yi Chen inwardly sighed. A slip of the tongue. He did not intend to make her feel sad. He deliberately teased her by saying: ¡°Mo Sheng, don¡¯t overestimate me. If I can sustain until graduation, it is already quite good.¡±


    His speech was full of suggestive hints yet he appeared like an upright gentleman.


    Under such circumstances when she was being taken liberties, Mo Sheng¡¯s mental state was a little loose. Outwardly, he was all serious, but he was absolutely unrestrained in private. What is a phrase to describe that?


    ¡°A beast in human clothing.¡± Mo Sheng said in a low voice. Her eyes were still filled with tears.


    The man who was being denounced as a beast looked pleased but said disapprovingly: ¡°No, where is my clothing?¡±


    Mo Sheng was silent, indeed ¡­¡­


    She had just stripped all of the beast¡¯s clothing ¡­¡­


    _______________________________________________________________


    He held out his hand to wipe the tears from her eyes. Yi Chen took the initiative to ask: ¡°I graduated and we stay together, then what is after that?¡±


    There was still lingering pain in her heart. Mo Sheng acted in concert with him and said: ¡°Well, suppose that I waspelled to live with you, then what?¡± She adopted a reflective look, but she was still unable to concentrate on her train of thought.


    Yi Chen pondered for a moment before calling for her attention: ¡°Mo Sheng, basically I will let you take the initiative to broach the subject.¡±


    ¡± ¡­¡­ ¡± After Mo Sheng slowly regained herposure, she felt like biting someone. However, she had to concede this was really very likely to happen since her husband is sinister, cunning and hypocritical.


    Looking at reality, she was the one who chased him first. With great difficulty, when he finally relented, he still thought of a way to make her go to him of her own free will. She was also the one who chased after him to get married. People just sat back and waited for the rabbit. No, it was waiting for a pig ¡­¡­


    She was the pig that was eager to be eaten up quickly.


    Mo Sheng was hopeful when she asked: ¡°Then you¡¯ll rent two rooms with a living room?¡±


    Yi Chen pretended not to understand: ¡°Huh? You still want a specialized study? Mo Sheng, I¡¯ll not be financially secure at that time, so you just put up with it.¡±


    Scoundrel! Betweenughter and tears, Mo Sheng angrily kicked him under the quilt. She sensibly no longer engaged him on this issue. Mo Sheng continued seriously with her ¡°If I go back to the age of neen¡± fantasy.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have to find a job during the second half of the semester in my fourth year in university.¡± Mo Sheng felt the prospect of her finding a job very difficult. With her standard at that time, doing photography was certainly out of the question. However, she really was not interested in her field of study.


    ¡°I will not be unable to find a job, right ¡­¡­ ¡± Mo Sheng was very worried.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Yi Chen ruthlessly shattered her confidence.


    Actually, with Zhao Mo Sheng¡¯s vivacious and cheerful character at that time, plus it was estimated under his supervision, level 6 English, calculus exam and so on, will definitely pass. Moreover, she graduated from a famous university, so finding a job was certainly not difficult, but ¡­¡­ Anyway, it was just a conjecture so it was not necessary to let her be too proud. This kind of matter like giving his wife a setback can be fun.


    ¡°Well, a smooth sailing life is pretty meaningless, so I¡¯ll slowly find a job¡­¡­ then what should I do with my free time? ¡±


    ¡°Stay at home to renovate the house?¡±


    ¡°Oh, already bought a house so soon?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I handled a case pretty well in that year. Lao Yuan is a generous man, so I got a lot of money which was enough for down payment.¡±


    Mo Sheng looked at him starry-eyed: ¡°Yi Chen, you are truly awesome.¡±


    Yi Chen immodestly epted his wife¡¯s praise and gave a helpless look, ¡°I¡¯ve no choice because a lot of pressure to support you.¡±


    This was nder, right? She obviously was very easy to support. Mo Sheng decided to ignore him and continue thinking. Got a house already and will definitely get a job, so what is next? Marriage? When thinking about this, Mo Sheng could not help but air her grievance: ¡°Hey! Yi Chen, are you going to make me propose marriage to you?¡±


    If he continued to bully her, he was afraid she will explode in anger. Yi Chenughed softly and whispered in her ear: ¡°No, I¡¯m more anxious than you.¡±


    The warm breath was rich and full of manliness, making her ears itchy and she felt intoxicated. Mo Sheng was shrouded in such atmosphere which diluted herst trace of grievance. Fantasizing about how Yi Chen will look when he was proposing marriage, she discovered that she really cannot imagine it.


    She couldn¡¯t help but felt a sense of loss.


    Missed a good chance.


    However, what if it was like this¡ª¡ª


    Yi Chen: ¡°Zhao Mo Sheng, let us go and register for marriage next week.¡±


    Her reaction will certainly be ¡ª¡ª firstly stupefied, followed by throwing herself on him, then said: ¡°Yi Chen, we will go today!¡±


    Then Yi Chen will make fun of her for a lifetime.


    _______________________________________________________________


    Mo Sheng trembled once in silence. All of a sudden, she felt that she had nothing to regret for not getting a marriage proposal ¡­¡­


    She quickly got rid of these scary thoughts and thought of the next step: ¡°Then after marriage, the following step is to give birth to a child?¡±


    Speaking of a kid, Mo Sheng immediately returned to reality.


    ¡°Yi Chen, when are we going to have a child? Yi Mei is going to give birth soon.¡±


    Yi Chen frowned: ¡°A bitter.¡±


    Mo Sheng was not in the least surprised by his answer because she had mentioned this matter several times. Yi Chen was really not very keen on having a child. No, it varied inversely with a certain matter ¡­¡­


    Mo Shengid on top of him without speaking. Thus, Yi Chen thought that she was unhappy. He was silent for a moment before telling her: ¡°Mo Sheng, I don¡¯t want to have children so early.¡±


    ¡°Oh ~ ~ ~ ~¡± Mo Sheng stretched her voice, then said, ¡°Yi Chen, then next time when Yi Mei asks me why we still don¡¯t want children, can I say you¡¯ve a problem?¡±


    Mo Sheng unusually paused for a moment at ¡°you¡¯ve a problem¡±. Then she looked at him, all smiles. Yi Chen squinted and stared at her guilty face: ¡°Zhao Mo Sheng, I hope what you are insinuating is not what I am thinking.¡±


    Once this facial expression appeared on Yi Chen, it meant danger. Mo Sheng quickly scooped up the quilt and said, ¡°No no, sleep sleep. I want to sleep.¡±


    Mo Sheng buried herself in the quilt and dozed off for a while. Gradually, she really felt sleepy. Between sleeping and awake, she heard Yi Chen said: ¡°Mo Sheng, I don¡¯t want to do it all again.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Mo Sheng¡¯s brain had stopped working, so she simply did not hear clearly what he said and responded vaguely.


    ¡°I¡¯m timid.¡± Yi Chen said that whileughing at himself.


    But who is not timid? Who knows what kind of unexpected things will happen again? Who dare to be conceited enough to think that one can control fate all the time? It was not without regret, but he would never dare to take known happiness to gamble with perhaps unknown perfection.


    While thinking about it, Yi Chen could not help butughed. He was probably influenced by Mo Sheng to actually think about this kind of illusory things that were unlikely to happen. He turned off the light and hugged his little wife in his arms, letting that warm and soft body fill his entire world.

 Epilogue 3.3: Year After Year

    <h4>Epilogue 3.3: Year After Year</h4>


    (tranted by peanuts and edited by lidge)


    Mo Sheng¡¯s life after marriage was good. Yi Mei was most envious of her flexible working hours and also that she can run around outside during working hours. As for her frequently going conveniently to look for her husband to have a meal or calling a driver with the surname He to pick her up after traveling far and so on, Yi Mei has already gave up on being envious of her. Mo Sheng apanied her to go for a check-up today so Yi Mei took this opportunity toin once again: ¡°You are still the happiest, so carefree. I am afraid I won¡¯t have time to go shopping soon as I¡¯ll need to stay at home and take care of the kid every day. Arrrgh, this is all Zhang Xu¡¯s fault because I don¡¯t have the slightest urge to have a child so early.¡±


    ¡°It is not early, this is the best time to give birth.¡± Mo Sheng said.


    Actually, Yi Mei was not reallyining so when Mo Sheng said that, she felt happy. She was concerned about Mo Sheng: ¡°Then when are you and Yi Chen nning to have a child?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted ah.¡±


    Yi Mei understood their situation, thought for a moment before saying: ¡°Mo Sheng, do you think it could be because of auntie and uncle? As a result, Yi Chen is a little conflicted about having a child?¡±


    Mo Sheng said in anguish: ¡°I don¡¯t know. I guess there must be a little. Aiya, let nature take its course.¡±


    Yi Mei gave birth to a daughter. The little girl was very cute and fair. Mo Sheng liked her very much and visited Yi Mei every few days.


    Sometimes, Yi Chen went with her, but when he was busy, he picked her up at night. The little girl was very fond of her uncle. Whenever Yi Chen came, she would ¡°squeak,¡± wanting her uncle to carry her. At that time, the aunt and everyone else can only stand aside.


    Yi Mei smiled when looking at her daughter pestering her uncle. She turned her head to speak to Mo Sheng: ¡°I can see that Yi Chen doesn¡¯t dislike kids. Shouldn¡¯t you find an opportunity to have a proper chat with him?¡±


    Mo Sheng looked at her and nodded her head.


    She cannot conceal what was in her heart. Thus, after they came out of Yi Mei¡¯s house, she can¡¯t help but ask about the doubts in her heart: ¡°Yi Chen, you don¡¯t like kids?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Is it because of the rtionship with your father and mother?¡±


    She did not beat around the bush, only holding Yi Chen¡¯s hand while saying this.


    Yi Chen frowned: ¡°What foolish thoughts are you having?¡±


    ¡°Then why?¡±


    Yi Chen stopped in his tracks and fixed his attention on her. He wanted to say something, but said nothing. A trace of rarely seen awkwardness gradually appeared on his face. In the end, he said in a helpless tone: ¡°I am thinking that we¡¯ve just got together so I don¡¯t want another person to join in the fun.¡±


    Mo Sheng widened her eyes. Huh, what kind of reason was that ¡­¡­


    As it turned out, that was the reason ¡­¡­


    Then she could not help butugh.


    Yi Chen felt a bit annoyed and said: ¡°Since you are so desperate to have a child, then we¡¯ll have one.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Mo Sheng stoppedughing and looked at him.


    ¡°Let nature take its course.¡± Yi Chen¡¯s meaning was not to painstakingly go and conceive a child.


    However, Mo Sheng was too happy. She immediately threw herself on him and hugged him happily: ¡°Yi Chen, we quickly go home to let nature take its course!¡±


    _______________________________________________________________


    Under normal circumstances,wyer He¡¯s defense ability was top-notch. However, when Zhao Mo Sheng took the initiative and was passionate, then that so-called He Yi Chen¡¯s firewall would be prated in a short while.


    As a result, very quickly, they let nature take its course ¡­¡­


    Mo Sheng¡¯s menstruation was a weekte. Yi Chen very calmly went to buy the pregnancy test kit. Then when getting the test result, he still behaved very calmly as before.


    He gave Lao Yuan a call first. ¡°You take over the Zhou family¡¯s case because I can¡¯t spare the time.¡±


    Then under Lao Yuan¡¯s questioning, he seemingly calm and collected said: ¡°I¡¯ve to take care of Mo Sheng ¡­¡­ Sick? No, maybe she¡¯s pregnant.¡±


    Taking advantage of Lao Yuan being blown to pieces and his soul crushed, he hung up the phone. Then he called the president of the city¡¯s best maternity hospital, who he had helped to resolve a legal dispute before. ¡°Hello President Zhang, I¡¯m He Yi Chen ¡­¡­¡±


    He also called Yi Mei: ¡°Pack those books and information you¡¯ve read during your pregnancy. I¡¯ll go and get themter.¡±


    Mo Sheng sat on the sofa and stared nkly at him, who was methodically arranging everything. Then she asked: ¡°Then what should I do?¡±


    Yi Chen looked at her and clearly felt that it was the hardest to make arrangements for her. He sighed, stooped and embraced her: ¡°Oh ya, what should you do?¡±


    Mo Sheng held out her hands to encircle his waist. Suddenly, her entire being was being swept by emotions that were so moving until she wanted to cry: ¡°Yi Chen, I¡¯m so happy.¡±


    She thought after getting back with Yi Chen, her life wasplete. As it turned out, outside ofpleteness, there can be even morepleteness.


    Yi Chen let her hug him.


    Mo Sheng asked: ¡°Yi Chen, how about you?¡±


    His reply was cautious, and he gently hugged her.


    _______________________________________________________________


    Probably inherited the father¡¯s character because baby He was very well-behaved. He followed strictly the schedule to grow, when he should be at which stage, not even a little early orte. Yi Mei quipped: ¡°The future character of this baby will probably be like big brother.¡±


    Yi Chen will surely apanied her to go to every checkups. It just happened that Yi Mei brought her baby to take an immunization injection today so they went together. Yi Mei asked: ¡°Big brother, do you wish for a daughter or a son?¡±


    Yi Chen said: ¡°All is good.¡±


    Yi Mei smilingly said: ¡°You are right, it is best to have twins, a male and a female. Daughter resembles Mo Sheng will be very cute. As for son, will resemble Yi Chen. This will be perfect.¡±


    Mo Sheng said: ¡°Definitely not. Yi Chen said, daughter must resemble him so she will not be deceived and follow people away. The son must also resemble him, then other people, cough cough, so other people will be deceived by him.¡±


    In fact, Yi Chen¡¯s original words forst sentence was ¡ª¡ª ¡°The son must also resemble him so other people will chase after him.¡±


    Mo Sheng will definitely not utter those words because it would be too embarrassing!


    Yi Mei burst outughing loudly.


    Mo Sheng¡¯s body started to grow heavier each day. Her general well-being was good, except for her sudden urge to eat. Food that she did not like to eat before or never thought of eating, she did not know how they will appear in her brain and make her crave badly.


    As a result, Yi Chen had to take time to study the cookbooks and improve his skill.


    Before Mo Sheng got pregnant, both of them often went out to eat. However, nowadays there are so many harmful ingredients concealed in the food so taking into consideration of the child¡¯s health, Mo Sheng had been eating at home since pregnancy.


    Of course, Yi Chen was more skilful at cooking than Mo Sheng, but he was only skilful, not superb. Before, Mo Sheng was very satisfied with his cooking but after her pregnancy, she became picky. She hadined subtly about him on more than one asion: ¡°Yi Chen, why are you awyer? It would be good if you are a cook.¡±


    At this moment, all kinds of retorts were useless sowyer He quietly endured. Using his slowly improving cooking skill, he fed Mo Sheng until she became chubby.


    On a certain midnight in October, the plump Mo Sheng was pushed into the delivery room and sessfully gave birth to an eight pounds, heavy baby boy.


    When she was being pushed out of the delivery room, a gleam of light was shining on the horizon, the glimmer from the first rays of the morning sun. Yi Chen, who was ordered to stay outside by Mo Sheng, quickly walked over and held her hand.


    Mo Shengined to him in a soft voice: ¡°Extremely painful, it is all your fault.¡±


    ¡°Yes, it is all my fault.¡± Suddenly, the eloquentwyer was at a lost for words. He lowered his head and kissed her forehead.


    What Mo Sheng meant was she med Yi Chen for looking after her too well, resulting in great difficulty in giving birth to a big baby. However, the nurse apparently misunderstood. Even though she was used to seeing all kinds of situation in the delivery room, she also can¡¯t help but snicker.


    Only then, Mo Sheng realised the ambiguity of her words and started to blush. She turned her head and while looking at the baby, said: ¡°Quick, take a look at the baby I¡¯ve given birth to.¡±


    Yi Chen looked at the chubby baby, who had his eyes closed, and started to smile: ¡°Yes, Mo Sheng is awesome.¡±


    Yi Chen seldom smiled so she felt a sense of relief. A smile from the bottom of the heart was the most lethal. Both Mo Sheng and the nurse stared in awe.


    Just now in the delivery room, the chubby little baby was still crying loudly. However, when he was picked up by his dad for the first time, he was very obedient, did not cry or make any noise. He just squeaked and tried hard to wave his tiny arms and legs. He also conveniently spit some saliva on his dad¡¯s suit. However, the dad¡¯s suit was not so well-ironed and neat like usual because he had spent the night outside the delivery room. Thus, a little more saliva won¡¯t matter.


    Returning to the ward, a hot breakfast had already been prepared for a long time. Mo Sheng ate something and tidied herself. Then she felt tired and fell asleep.


    When she woke up, it was already afternoon. In the midst of the sounds of muffled conversation, she opened her eyes. Mo Sheng saw the room filled with sunshine. Yi Chen immediately discovered that she has waken up and let her drank some water. Yi Mei and her husband Zhang Xu gathered together in front of her bed.


    Yi Mei reminded and warned repeatedly on matters that she should take note of. Finally, she remembered to ask: ¡°By the way, what is the name of the little baby?¡±


    Mo Sheng shook her head: ¡°Have not decided yet.¡±


    Yi Mei said: ¡°Quickly decide on it. Don¡¯t be like us, filled the birth certificateter.¡±


    Mo Sheng thought for a moment and looked at Yi Chen. Yi Chen seemed to have already pondered over it when he said, ¡°Today, the sun is very bright. In that case, let¡¯s call him He Zhao, as in the sun shining.¡± [Zhao in Chinese means to shine or to take (a photo)]


    Yi Mei was stupefied: ¡°Ah? Just like that?¡±


    She started to protest: ¡°Yi Chen, you are too ck in naming your son. When the sun is shining brightly, you call him He Zhao? Then what if it is a cloudy day, you will call him He Bu Zhao (Not shining)? Mo Sheng, you agreed to it!¡±


    Mo Sheng looked at Yi Chen and could not help smiling. She winked and said: ¡°Very good ah.¡±


    Yi Mei waspletely defeated by them.


    He Zhao He Zhao, Yi Mei read out the name again twice. Suddenly, she discovered: ¡°Oh, Zhao Zhao? The homonym of Mo Sheng¡¯s surname?¡±


    Yi Chen: ¡± ¡­¡­ coincidence.¡±


    It was really a coincidence as Yi Chen did not do that intentionally. However, Yi Mei did not believe him. She rubbed her arms and said: ¡°That must be it. Mo Sheng, the two of you are really nauseating.¡±


    Zhang Xu was making fun of them at the side by saying: ¡°I also feel it is pretty good. This kind of naming is so easy and saves trouble. Howe we never thought of it?¡±


    Yi Mei red at him and said with displeasure and annoyance: ¡°Why are you following the crowd? If you name our daughter Zhang He, in the future she will hate you.¡±


    Both of them stayed for a while only. Zhang Xu had to go back to the office to settle something whereas Yi Mei was concerned about her baby at home, so she did not stay too long. They left together. Yi Chen got up to see them out.


    Mo Shengid on the bed alone. She wanted to restrain herself, but in the end also could not resist as the corners of her mouth slowly curved upward. She turned her body and gently kissed the forehead of the sleeping baby. Then she softly told him: ¡°Dad likes you very much. He says you are his little sun ah, just like your mother.¡±


    He Zhao.


    The sun was shining.


    My sunshine.


    Two yearster, a baby, who had Zhao Mo Sheng¡¯s quick-witted big eyes but was fond of looking serious, raised a serious question about the mystery of life: ¡°Mom, the other children were given birth to, but I was developed? Like a photo is developed?¡±


    Mo Sheng: ¡°¡­¡­ Ah?¡±


    The little baby looked serious and confused: ¡°Otherwise, why does everyone say shoot ¡®He Zhao¡¯?¡±


    Yi Chen smiled and bent down to pick up his son, who was tugging at his clothes. He misled the serious baby in an irresponsible manner: ¡°You were really shot out. At that time, if it were not for your mummy secretly photographing your daddy without his permission, there would not be you now ¡­¡­¡±


    This was a sunny afternoon just like many years ago. At the tree-lined avenue, the sweet scent of trees and grass floated in the air. On the grid pavement, it reflected the long and short silhouettes of a family of three ¡­¡­


    This kind of good weather was suitable to go out, was suitable to shoot a picture of a person without permission, was suitable to walk hand in hand with you.


    He Zhao¡¯s Epilogue


    Mom was not at home so He Zhao was picked up from nursery school to thew firm by his dad, who just got back from court.


    The most idle person in thew firm, Lao Yuan immediately took out the lollipop he had prepared earlier and amused He Zhao with all kind of topics.


    ¡°When Zhao Zhao is grown up, will he be awyer or a photographer?¡±


    ¡°Photographer.¡± He Zhao¡¯s expression was very determined.


    ¡°Why?¡± Lao Yuan immediately felt lost. The son inheriting his father¡¯s job would be so good. He Yi Chen¡¯s gene has quality assurance.


    He Zhao said with the courage of conviction: ¡°Because a photographer has to carry a camera bag and awyer also has to carry a bag. Both also need to carry a bag so why do two jobs?¡±


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