Chapter 46: Chapter Forty-Six: Zhong Xiaoqin Says She Has No Regrets

At the hospital entrance.

"Xiaoqin, what am I supposed to say to you?" Xiaoqin's mother sighed.

Her father stood beside him, shaking his head.

"Oh come on, Mom and Dad, don't worry about me. I'm fine now."

"You're remarried—what's going to happen to you later? How can we not worry? There'll come a day you regret this." Xiaoqin's mother spoke with frustrated disappointment.

"Don't worry—I absolutely don't regret it. I've long been sick of that kind of life."

Seeing she was about to speak again, Xiaoqin quickly said: "Enough, Mom, Dad—stop worrying. I'm an adult now. Don't you think I know what I want?"

After comforting her parents for a while longer, she called a car to take them away.

Watching the receding tail lights of the car, Xiaoqin sighed.

She knew her parents feared for her future, but right now she felt she was living well, believed her choice was right, and had no regrets.

Back at her rental apartment, Xiaoqin talked with Xiao Yang for a while, sharing what had happened that day.

Xiao Yang replied half-heartedly to Xiaoqin's words, then ended the conversation. He no longer had any interest in romance; just maintaining casual contact was enough.

Xiaoqin didn't know the full details, but she knew Xiao Yang's family had hit trouble. She understood the sudden family disaster, and even comforted him in return.

Another month passed in the blink of an eye.

During this time, many things happened.

Wang Yan, Gu Jia, and Xu Ziyan spent another pleasant stretch of time in Henglu Village.

Henglu Village underwent massive construction and changed dramatically.

Gu Jia was never short of money—not only from what Wang Yan gave her, but also from the several million she received from selling her former Junyue Mansion apartment, so she never counted on tea sales for profit.

After setting aside funds for normal operations, the remaining money was mostly used to develop Henglu Village.

For the village's lonely elderly who lived in hardship, they repaired their homes and left behind a dedicated fund to care for them.

The villagers were all simple and kind, and usually took good care of the elderly. But everyone was poor, so their help was limited. Gu Jia's fund essentially solved the problem.

The mountain path became slippery in the rain and was too dangerous, so it was leveled and reinforced.

The village's stone pathways were left untouched, only lightly repaired to help elderly with mobility issues. After all, it was the moss-covered, uneven stone path winding up the slope that carried the accumulated years—the dream recalled by every generation born here, the longing that haunted every wanderer far from home.

Wang Yan thought, their memories would surely include "the mossy, uneven stone path beside the willow tree in front of our home."

The children's school was made of wood and had rotted over the years, so it was repaired. They bought many books for the children's extracurricular reading and replaced old desks and chairs with new ones.

Other small details were also fixed up—overall, Henglu Village had changed greatly.

People wore happy smiles, eagerly awaiting the next tea harvest.

Because Gu Jia had said that after each sale, the remaining money would be used to develop Henglu Village.

The excited old village chief didn't know what to say, so he kept grabbing Gu Jia's hand and thanking her endlessly. Then the whole village threw a grand feast to celebrate how life was getting better. After spending more time together, the initial distance faded, and they realized Wang Yan was an open, honest man—they poured wine down his throat relentlessly.

Not drinking meant you didn't show enough respect; not drinking meant you looked down on them; not drinking meant you refused them face.

Wang Yan felt too embarrassed to refuse—it would ruin the mood. He drank one meal after another; he wasn't a wine barrel, and drinking too much made him vomit uncontrollably. Finally, he couldn't hold out anymore—he was truly terrified. Since his purpose for coming had been achieved and he'd stayed long enough, he quickly took Xu Ziyan, who pouted and didn't want to leave, and Gu Jia, who was laughing helplessly, and fled back to Shanghai in disarray.

Since the incident with Wang Manni, Jiang Chen had been spending time with her almost every day.

Wang Manni knew Jiang Chen's feelings for her, but she said nothing.

Jiang Chen knew Wang Manni knew his feelings, but he said nothing either.

After starting work, Wang Manni would occasionally sit at Jiang Chen's coffee shop and talk with him.

She didn't know if she'd moved on, but she had begun smiling again. Yet with Jiang Chen, she mostly spoke of the bitterness of eight years of drifting ending in nothing; with Xiaoqin, she mostly spoke of her weariness with her current life.

As if after this experience, she had seen through everything, accepted her fate, and bowed her head.

Jiang Chen saw it all, and it pained him deeply. But no matter how hard he tried, he still couldn't bring himself to speak.

After so much anxious waiting, the outcome for Xiao Yang's family finally came.

His father was definitely finished—only their family's apartment and his Shanghai apartment were spared, along with a few ten thousand yuan in cash; everything else was gone.

After such a long time, he had long passed the initial shock. He'd expected this result. Xiao Yang's condition was surprisingly stable—he had no choice but to carry on, after all.

His mother had also walked through it step by step. Perhaps it was a woman's nature—she couldn't accept the sudden collapse of a once-thriving family and career. At first, she was terrified and anxious, but now she was much better.

After settling his mother, Xiao Yang returned to Shanghai.

He was no longer the spoiled rich second-generation—he now had to worry about daily survival.

Of course, he still had to do what needed doing.

Xiao Yang put his things at home, then went to find Xiaoqin.

He knew the address—she had told him before.

When Xiaoqin returned from work, she saw Xiao Yang sitting at her door and was stunned with joy.

"Oh! Why didn't you tell me you were coming back?"

Xiao Yang forced a smile: "I wanted to give you a surprise."

He stepped forward and hugged Xiaoqin tightly, tightly.

Xiaoqin felt the emotion pouring from Xiao Yang and didn't resist.

After a long while, unable to bear the stares of passersby, Xiaoqin patted Xiao Yang: "Enough, everyone's watching. Let's go inside and talk."

Xiao Yang silently let go, saying nothing.

But Xiaoqin saw his reddened eyes and felt a sudden pang of sympathy.

Inside the apartment, Xiaoqin said: "You haven't eaten yet, have you? Shall I buy some groceries and we cook together?"

Xiao Yang shook his head and pulled Xiaoqin down onto the sofa.

"I missed you."

"You know, during this time, it was always you comforting me…"

As he spoke, Xiao Yang hugged Xiaoqin again. Perhaps thinking of how a rich second-generation now struggled for survival, his emotions broke free—he burst into loud sobs.

Zhong Xiaoqin silently patted Zhong Xiaoyang's back, whispering words of comfort.

"There, there. It's fine—I'm right here with you."

After a long while, Zhong Xiaoyang felt he'd had enough, let go of Zhong Xiaoqin, and wiped away his tears.

Zhong Xiaoqin handed him some tissues and asked with concern: "What exactly happened?"

Zhong Xiaoyang, with red eyes, obviously couldn't tell the truth—wouldn't that make him crazy?

He polished the events of the past few weeks and told Zhong Xiaoqin.

After listening, Zhong Xiaoqin worriedly said: "Ah? Is your mother alright?"

"She's fine, don't worry—I've taken care of everything."

Seeing Zhong Xiaoqin was about to say more, Zhong Xiaoyang quickly changed the subject—he feared he couldn't keep lying: "Alright, alright. Let's not talk about this anymore."

He cupped her face in both hands, locking eyes with her: "Do you love me?"

Zhong Xiaoqin hadn't reacted yet—after all, the leap was too great.

Seeing Zhong Xiaoyang pretending to be strong, Zhong Xiaoqin grew slightly flustered. She didn't know if she loved him—she simply stayed silent.

The atmosphere built up. Zhong Xiaoyang slowly, slowly leaned in.

Zhong Xiaoqin nervously closed her eyes.

Feeling the softness of his lips, she instinctively responded…

The mood was perfectly set—what better time than now? Zhong Xiaoyang's hands tentatively circled her neck, then slowly slid downward.

No one came in to mention Chen Yu's silent sacrifices, no one felt uncomfortable about Zhong Xiaoyang's closeness. In her heart, Zhong Xiaoyang was the beauty she had always imagined.

Zhong Xiaoqin's body stiffened, yet she did not resist—she truly pitied this once-bright boy now forcing a hollow smile.

No sudden phone rang, no unexpected visitor arrived. Everything unfolded smoothly, perfectly… naturally.

Afterwards, Zhong Xiaoqin, flushed with maidenly shyness, buried her face under the covers.

Thinking of what had just happened, she felt both shame and panic.

She was ashamed because she had silently compared—Zhong Xiaoyang, a young man, had undeniable vigor, far surpassing Chen Yu.

She was panicked because she hadn't expected to give herself so easily—would he look down on her? Think her promiscuous?

The blanket was suddenly yanked open, and Zhong Xiaoqin let out a startled "Ah!"

Seeing Zhong Xiaoyang staring straight at her, she hastily grabbed the covers to shield herself: "Don't look! Close your eyes!"

Zhong Xiaoyang paused a moment, now thoroughly satisfied—he forcefully rolled over and pinned her down, kissing her lips hard.

Zhong Xiaoqin grew compliant, no longer resisting, instinctively responding.

Zhong Xiaoyang released himself—he had to expel all the pent-up frustration and bitterness of these past days.

Zhong Xiaoqin savored it—she would utterly forget Chen Yu, and love this bright boy with all her heart.

Afterwards, Zhong Xiaoqin was no longer shy—after two rounds, she was tired, her cheeks still flushed, resting lazily in Zhong Xiaoyang's arms.

"Will you treat me well?"

"For life."

"Mm."

After hugging a while longer, Zhong Xiaoqin grew hungry and didn't want to cook—she picked up her phone and ordered takeout.

They ate a little, then did it again, and soon fell asleep.

Wang Yan's family of three returned to Shanghai and rested as usual for a day.

The next day, each went to school or work, busy with their own affairs.

After so long, the company had piled up many tasks—Wang Yan had to handle them for a while before becoming idle again.

Gu Jia, by contrast, had better luck—after upgrading her social circle, she invited Zhong Xiaoqin and Wang Manni to meet again.

It had been nearly a month since they last met; everyone had changed a lot.

"Manni, how are you?" Gu Jia, knowing the situation, asked Wang Manni first.

"I'm alright. But after this, I've come to understand."

Seeing both women look at her, she gave a self-deprecating smile: "I wasted eight years—perhaps this place was never my true home."

Zhong Xiaoqin asked from beside her: "So you're thinking of returning to your hometown?"

"I've been hesitating, haven't decided yet—I'll see how things go."

Neither spoke—this was her own matter; what could two locals say?

After a pause, Gu Jia said: "Hey, Manni, I've got something to tell you."

"Go ahead," Wang Manni nodded.

"This morning, while drinking tea with the ladies in my circle, I heard something—I don't know if it's true."

"They said a man surnamed Liang was expelled from his family, then spotted working in Shanghai by an old friend. Soon after, the Liang family collapsed—they've mostly fled overseas now."

"They're from Hong Kong—I don't know if it's Liang Zhengxian's family. They didn't know the exact name—just mentioned it in passing."

A thunderclap struck Wang Manni—she froze, memories flashing: Liang Zhengxian's strange behavior since returning from Hong Kong: "It's him. It all fits."

She recalled the night he vanished, his unspoken words.

"It's definitely Liang Zhengxian. It has to be him."

Wang Manni's face turned pale—shocked and terrified.

She remembered the conversation they'd had right after Liang Zhengxian returned from Hong Kong.

She had asked him—about marriage.

"So close. Just one step away."

Even Zhong Xiaoqin, though slow, understood from Wang Manni's shifting expression and asked with concern: "Manni, are you alright?"

Wang Manni snapped back to reality, dazed: "Huh? Oh, I'm fine—just thinking about some things."

Although everyone knew the truth, she didn't want to mention Liang Zhengxian anymore. What could she say? That her nostalgia for Liang Zhengxian had halved after hearing the news? That her resentment toward him had vanished entirely, and she even felt grateful he let her go?

She changed the subject: "Enough about me—tell me about you, Xiaoqin?"

"You seem different today—your complexion is especially good."

"What's the good news? Tell us!"

Gu Jia added from beside her: "Yes, Xiaoqin, you really do seem different today."

At this, Zhong Xiaoqin blushed.

She said shyly: "I'm with Zhong Xiaoyang now."

"Aren't you already together?"

Wang Manni realized what she meant, then let out a long, knowing "Oh."

She immediately added: "Tell us what happened! Just a while ago you said he was back in his hometown—how many days has it been?"

Gu Jia felt it was awkward, but she said nothing. She merely echoed Wang Manni's "Oh." After all, she herself was the same—what right did she have to judge? Besides, Zhong Xiaoqin's face glowed with happiness; if she said too much, she might even lose a friend.

Zhong Xiaoqin, beaming with joy, began recounting her sweet, romantic love story, describing everything that had happened that day.

After listening, Wang Manni smiled warmly at Zhong Xiaoqin: "I wish you happiness, Xiaoqin."

Gu Jia could only murmur beside her: "I wish you happiness." Everyone walks their own path—she had no right to interfere.

The conversation then turned light, shifting to Gu Jia's experiences in Henglu Village.

Although Gu Jia knew she had reached this point largely thanks to Wang Yan's resources,

her own efforts and sacrifices during the process could not be ignored; she was genuinely happy with her achievements, especially seeing Henglu Village grow better and better.

Gu Jia told them about Henglu Village and some of the tea factories.

Naturally, she received enthusiastic praise—and envy, jealousy, and resentment.

That night, Zhong Xiaoqin lay in Zhong Xiaoyang's arms, blissful and sweet.

Wang Manni lay alone in bed, her ears still echoing Gu Jia's words, tossing and turning, unable to sleep for a long time.

She understood clearly: Liang Zhengxian ran away because he had always known her thoughts, known what kind of woman she was.

In other words, from beginning to end, Liang Zhengxian had never taken her seriously.

She truly had to thank Liang Zhengxian—if he had agreed back then, Wang Manni knew she would have demanded a divorce.

What if Liang Zhengxian had been cruel and refused to divorce? What then?

And after the divorce, what would a woman with two marriages do?

How could she face her aging parents back home? How could she face the gossip of neighbors and townsfolk?

She thought and thought, endlessly.

She thought of all the things she'd experienced in Shanghai, all the people she'd met. She truly didn't want to go on anymore—she couldn't hold on any longer. She was tired.

Her parents had called many times, urging her to return.

"Perhaps… it's time to go back?"

For no clear reason, Wang Manni suddenly felt her nose tighten, and she burst into tears.

Because here lay her lost youth, her unfulfilled dreams, her refusal to settle, her refusal to be ordinary.

But now she was older, she'd been abandoned, her dreams shattered, and she had gained nothing—not even a single thing.

Wang Manni asked herself inwardly: "Do you regret it?"

Tears and snot streamed down her face; she clenched her teeth: "I don't regret it."

She cried, thought, grieved, remembered—until, without realizing it, she fell asleep.

The next day, Wang Manni submitted her resignation at work.

The process went smoothly—nothing messy happened.

Colleagues all asked about her sudden resignation.

Wang Manni simply smiled: "I miss home."

What her colleagues thought remained unknown, but each wore a thoughtful, unreadable expression.

Later, she arranged to meet Zhong Xiaoqin and Gu Jia again that night—to drink well, drink freely, and say a proper farewell.

Wang Manni didn't know what exactly she was bidding farewell to—Shanghai the city? Or perhaps her former self?

Walking slowly along the streets, always bustling by day and glowing with neon by night, she found herself unconsciously arriving at Jiang Chen's coffee shop.