Chapter 7

When I got home, I rarely allowed myself a few days off.

My colleagues teased me, saying that the workaholic finally learned how to take a break. It was indeed a rare occurrence.

The truth is, I never took breaks before simply because my life was monotonous, and there was no real need for rest.

From the days of teasing cats and dogs to now living a life as regular as an old cadre, it’s hard to say whether it’s because my youthful recklessness has faded or Duan Chen’s influence has been too overwhelming.

During this time, Shao Lingchuan came by once.

After so many years of friendship, there’s no need for pretense. He could tell that something was off between me and Duan Chen.

“What’s going on? You’re both grown-ups now. Why are you acting like kids and cutting ties?” Shao Lingchuan’s tone carried a hint of amusement, as if he thought it was just a trivial spat.

But in all the years I’ve been friends with Duan Chen, we’ve almost never had a serious argument.

He couldn’t bear to scold me, and I couldn’t bear to upset him.

People say that before a relationship completely breaks down, there’s always a brief period of revival.

I don’t know if that encounter at the banquet counts as such a revival.

But I simply shook my head at Shao Lingchuan and said, “This time is different. It’s serious.”

Seeing my expression, which didn’t seem like I was joking, Shao Lingchuan’s smile gradually faded. “You two have been friends for so many years. How can you suddenly decide to cut ties? Are you really okay with that?”

After being emotionally drained for so long, I didn’t bother hiding anymore. I decided to lay it all out. “I don’t want to be his brother. I want to be his boyfriend. Is that reason enough to end a friendship?”

Shao Lingchuan’s expression froze for a moment, but he recovered quickly, as if he had already suspected it.

“I should’ve known. The way you look at Duan Chen when you’re together-it’d be weird if there wasn’t something going on.”

I kicked him lightly. “Watch your mouth.”

Before Shao Lingchuan left, he dropped one last remark, as if he had been pondering it for a long time. “I don’t think you’re completely out of chances. Why not give it a shot?”

Give it a shot? I thought about it.

And decided against it.