My Supernatural Exes Are Desperate to Win Me Back - Chapter 27 - The Cake She Mentioned Once, He Remembered Until Now...

The girl broke free from Wen Nansen’s grasp, her voice crisp and clear, “No.”

Wen Nansen was taken aback, “What?”

Xu Xining was heartbroken, “Teacher Wen, what are you doing? Why are you going back to your old ways again?”

She stood on tiptoe to reach the pocket watch on Wen Nansen’s chest, opened it, and held it up to his eyes, “Look! Do I look like Eileen? Where do we look alike?!”

Eileen had soft chestnut curls and eyes as blue as the ocean. She appeared gentle and ethereal, like an organ playing over the sea.

The girl in front of him, however, was vibrant and passionate, like a ray of light breaking through the clouds, like fireworks exploding at the peak of the night sky.

“I have never used you to replace her, nor do you need to become her,” Wen Nansen said softly, “Xu Xining, you are her.”

Xu Xining stomped her foot in frustration, “That’s the problem!! I’m not!!!”

She anxiously circled around Wen Nansen, biting her lip, “I used to think Teacher Wen, you just used past lives as an excuse. I thought you were a good person in everyday life but a jerk in matters of the heart.”

She looked up in confusion, “Who knew you were serious?”

Wen Nansen replied, “I’ve always been serious.”

Xu Xining said, “Serious? Using a tree branch to help me channel spirits? At least get a golden scepter encrusted with jewels, right?”

Wen Nansen said, “…That wasn’t a tree branch.”

Xu Xining sighed, holding her forehead, “Actually, I’d rather you were just a normal jerk…” Better than a kind-hearted lunatic.

Now, it’s clear, Teacher Wen has successfully proven he’s genuinely a good person… just with a touch of madness.

Believing his former lover and a deceased person are the same, isn’t that a sign of illness?

Wen Nansen caught the subtext in her words, his gaze softening with a hint of sorrow.

He hadn’t expected Xu Xining to say such a thing-preferring to be wronged, hoping he was deceiving her.

Wen Nansen extended his hand, palm up, slow and steady, “Xu Xining, can you trust me just this once?”

Under the towering dome, candlelight flickered, and moonlight streamed through the stained glass like flowing water. Wen Nansen, dressed in white, stood on high, reaching out to her, surrounded by an immaculate halo. His face, as striking as ice, with golden lashes casting deep shadows like butterfly wings.

His long, clean hand, fingers slightly curled, was an invitation impossible to refuse.

Outside the church wall, Xie Yi frantically gestured to Zhan Xingye: Lift it! Hurry, lift it! Lift the damn thing!

Xu Xining firmly said, “I won’t.”

Wen Nansen’s eyes dimmed for a moment.

Xu Xining decisively added, “If I believe you, then even more so, I won’t. I am who I am, I don’t need any past life memories.”

After speaking, she felt she might have been too harsh on the patient and, like a little kitten, leaned in to pat Wen Nansen’s elbow amicably, “Teacher Wen, don’t be too sad. I have a solution for this!”

Wen Nansen thought there might be a turning point, “What solution?”

Xu Xining mysteriously pulled out a business card and handed it to him, “You can seek help from this person.”

Wen Nansen looked at it:

Psychological Consultant Xie Jing, No. 118, Aegean Road, Zhongshan Street, Contact: 138xxxx9528.

Outside the church, Xie Yi burst into loud laughter, rolling down from the rooftop.

Wen Nansen: “…”

Xu Xining took Old Xu to meet Xie Jing.

Old Xu felt there was nothing wrong with his mental state. The accident had happened ten years ago; he had long since moved on. What else could he do? He hadn’t lost any limbs, and as a grown man, he wasn’t about to wallow in self-pity every day.

Xu Xining suggested taking him to see a psychologist. Old Xu chuckled as he patted his belly, “Do I really need a doctor for my mindset? I could probably help the doctor with any troubles they have!”

He didn’t refuse much, though, because he didn’t see anything wrong with visiting a psychologist. He didn’t have the typical stubbornness of a patriarch who refused to admit he had issues. Plus, he knew Xu Xining hadn’t moved on yet and didn’t want to let her good intentions go to waste.

Xu Xining wasn’t sure if therapy would help, but she figured it was worth a try. Xie Jing seemed far more reliable than Xie Yi.

Two days later, at Pianyu Media.

Xu Xining suddenly heard someone crying in the janitor’s closet at the end of the restroom.

She immediately recognized the voice as Yu Yuanyuan’s.

Back in middle school, Yu Yuanyuan used to hide in the restroom to cry, and she hadn’t changed over the years.

Xu Xining knocked on the door, “Yuanyuan, what’s wrong?”

It turned out that Lindberg had placed an ad on Pianyu Media’s new media platform. Yu Yuanyuan had been working overtime for half a month to create illustrations. Just when both parties had finally reached an agreement, she was so exhausted from sleepless nights that she uploaded the wrong version of the poster-the one that had been rejected by the client.

To make matters worse, the rejected draft had a typo in Lindberg’s name, spelling it as Lindeberg with an extra “e.”

The promotional image had been up for a full 24 hours before anyone noticed, and by then, it was too late to fix.

The person responsible for Lindberg’s account was furious and filed a lawsuit against them for damaging the brand’s reputation, demanding a hefty compensation.

Yu Yuanyuan had worked diligently like a workhorse during her internship, and now, not only was she not getting a permanent position, but she was about to be fired on the spot.

With graduation season approaching, where was she going to find a job?

Yu Yuanyuan cried her heart out to Xu Xining, sobbing as she asked, “What do you think?”

Xu Xining replied honestly, “You did make a mistake.”

Yu Yuanyuan’s tears flowed even more, “You can scold me all you want. I deserve it, boohoo…”

Xu Xining glared at her, “Why would I scold you? You’re my friend, and Lindberg is nothing! Why should they bully my friend?”

She was always one to protect her friends over reason. She wiped Yu Yuanyuan’s tears and said, “Stop crying! What’s the use of crying? We need to find a way to solve this problem!”

Yu Yuanyuan couldn’t stop crying, “What can we do? Talk to Editor Wen?”

“Talking to him won’t help; it’s not his decision to fire you,” Xu Xining said calmly. “The main issue is our company needs to give Lindberg an explanation, and firing you is the least they can do.”

Yu Yuanyuan burst into tears again, “Waaah-”

Xu Xining said, “The only option now is to approach Lindberg and ask them not to pursue this matter. As long as they don’t see it as a problem, then it won’t be a problem.”

Lindberg, being an international luxury brand, had a uniquely styled building. The extensive use of mirrors and glass gave the entire structure the appearance of a black and gold crystal palace, embodying the avant-garde and independent “little socialite” theme.

The two arrived at the reception desk and inquired about the location of the project team responsible for liaising with Pianyu Media. However, they didn’t even get to meet the person in charge and were promptly dismissed.

The attitude of the staff was firm, stating that since the issue involved the company’s reputation, discussions could only be held with someone at the level of Pianyu’s Chairman, Rong Kaifu. Yu Yuanyuan and Xu Xining were deemed insignificant.

After facing a setback, Yu Yuanyuan felt utterly defeated, while Xu Xining remained composed and pointed to a car downstairs, “See that silver Cayenne with the license plate ending in 008?”

Yu Yuanyuan replied, “I see it. It’s as new as my tombstone.”

Xu Xining continued, “That’s the car of Lindberg’s Creative Director, their head honcho, Yulan. Around early June, they should be in the top-floor conference room discussing plans for the annual show. Once they come down, we’ll approach her and cry.”

Yu Yuanyuan was taken aback, “You’ve investigated this thoroughly? Will crying really work?”

Xu Xining grinned and gave a thumbs-up, “She’s really nice, don’t worry.”

Lin Group owned countless assets, and Lindberg, led by Yulan, wasn’t even the most profitable. However, Xu Xining had always favored it since childhood, mainly because of its fashion appeal-clothes, bags, jewelry, makeup-all flashy and more entertaining than real estate.

Thus, she was most familiar with Yulan, known in the fashion world as the “socialite,” whom she affectionately called Aunt Lan.

Aunt Lan would often send samples of the latest seasonal designs made from expensive materials to her home. Xu Xining would wear those exquisite little outfits, her small face surrounded by fur, looking like a “tiny socialite.”

Although it had been a while since she last saw her, who wouldn’t give the Lin Group’s young lady some face?

Moreover, Yu Yuanyuan’s issue, while seemingly monumental to her, was just a minor advertising error to Yulan, hardly worth mentioning.

Yu Yuanyuan wasn’t comforted by Xu Xining’s reassurance.

When she first met Xu Xining in seventh grade, Xu Xining’s parents had already divorced. To her, Xu Xining’s financial situation seemed even worse than hers.

Together, they were like a pair of commoners from ancient times, having offended a noble family and now sneaking in to cry before the head honcho… wouldn’t they be chased out with sticks?

Yu Yuanyuan sat in the dazzlingly bright and detailed lobby, feeling extremely uneasy, cold sweat pouring down, while Xu Xining acted as if she were at home, wandering around with her hands in her pockets, even managing to find two small cakes from somewhere.

Xu Xining, with cream on her lips, smiled cheerfully, “They’re rehearsing for the summer fashion show downstairs. It’s easy to blend in.”

Yu Yuanyuan was speechless, “Why are you so adept at this?!”

Yu Yuanyuan, trembling, took a bite, then suddenly choked, grabbing Xu Xining and pointing at someone in the distance, “Look!!”

In the distance, a woman in a blue cleaning uniform was talking to the security chief, pointing at them with a fierce expression.

Wasn’t that their former editor… Qin Minjin?

Qin Minjin was so furious she could almost grind her teeth to dust!

Ever since she got fired, wherever she went for a job interview, she couldn’t help but shout, “I’m a fraud who steals others’ articles!” making everyone think she was crazy.

She suspected Xu Xining had cursed her, so she spent a fortune hiring a temple master to perform rituals and burn talismans to ward off evil spirits. But after all the money was gone, her madness hadn’t improved a bit!

Even this cleaning job was something she had to pull strings for, layer upon layer.

But who would have thought the head of the cleaning team was just like her back in the day, a seasoned bully who loved to oppress newcomers, assigning her to clean toilets every day!

Back in the day, Qin Minjin was a celebrated veteran at Pianyu Media, with the chief editor as her uncle. She could scold anyone she wanted and never had to do such menial tasks as cleaning toilets!

Thinking of this, Qin Minjin’s anger surged, and she pointed at the two girls, shouting, “They’re not from our company, and they don’t have an invitation! I saw them sneaking in to steal! Throw them out!”

Yu Yuanyuan was shocked, “Run!!!”

Xu Xining: “…”

Qin Minjin led the security guards over with a commanding presence, like a genuine madwoman, reaching out to grab Xu Xining. Xu Xining dodged nimbly like a fish, slipping away easily.

Unable to catch her, Qin Minjin turned to grab Yu Yuanyuan, pulling her hair and dragging her on the ground, screaming, “Thief! Catch the thief!”

Yu Yuanyuan was truly frightened to tears.

She was already timid, socially anxious, and insecure. Being suddenly dragged by her hair and publicly humiliated, she cried and apologized, babbling, “I’m sorry, don’t catch me! I’m sorry, I’m sorry…”

Qin Minjin’s wrist was suddenly caught with a snap.

A blonde girl with a cold gaze said, “Let her go.”

Qin Minjin shrieked in anger, “Grab her too!”

Xu Xining twisted her hand sharply, causing Qin Minjin to cry out and release her grip.

The girl grabbed Qin Minjin’s arm, twisted her body, and with a sudden burst of energy like a tightly drawn bow, she threw Qin Minjin to the ground.

With a loud “thud,” it was a beautiful over-the-shoulder throw!

Qin Minjin was stunned by the fall, unable to get up, lying on the ground wailing.

The security guards exchanged glances and moved forward to apprehend Xu Xining.

Eating free cake was one thing, but Qin Minjin was their employee, and they couldn’t just stand by and watch Xu Xining assault her.

The scene was chaotic, with Qin Minjin screaming, Yu Yuanyuan sobbing, security guards trying to apprehend, and Xu Xining gearing up for a fight.

With a “ding,” the elevator doors opened.

A group of people emerged, led by a tall woman in high heels and a black-and-white checkered suit, with long black hair and sunglasses. Her steps were cold and resolute, and her aura was as sharp as a blade, instantly silencing those around her.

It was a subconscious respect.

Yulan was the soul of Lindberg, a leading figure with a status akin to that of Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel. Yet, even she was merely following behind the woman in the black-and-white checkered suit, for despite her esteemed position, she was just an employee, while the woman was the master of the vast commercial empire of Lin Group.

Xu Xining glanced back and caught sight of the leading woman’s face, momentarily stunned, before the security guards rushed in to restrain her.

…

Lin Wei removed her sunglasses, her voice icy:

“Release her.”

Her voice seemed to possess a magical quality, compelling everyone to comply obediently.

Qin Minjin still wanted to continue her wailing, but Yulan whispered a few words to someone, and immediately, Qin Minjin was escorted away.

Qin Minjin was furious, struggling desperately, but Yulan’s personal bodyguards swiftly carried her to the janitor’s room, informing her that she had been officially dismissed.

Qin Minjin was livid: “What did I do? Why am I being fired? I was just trying to protect the company’s interests! Why am I the only one being dragged away, what about them?”

The bodyguard decided to enlighten her: “Don’t you know who that blonde girl is?”

Qin Minjin gritted her teeth: “Isn’t she Xu Xining?! I recognize her!”

The bodyguard replied impatiently: “Then you should also know that she is Miss Lin’s only daughter.”

…

Having said that, he waved his hand dismissively and left, leaving Qin Minjin alone in the empty janitor’s room, sitting in her seat with a sense of despair akin to a bolt from the blue.

Xu Xining? The heiress of Lin Group? How could it be possible?!!

No wonder, no wonder she could make someone as famous as Xie Yi treat her differently!

The heiress ate a piece of free cake in her own company… and what did she do? She pointed at the owner in her own house and shouted ‘thief’!!!

Seeing that the last job she could find through connections was gone, and she didn’t even have a toilet to clean, Qin Minjin finally felt a pang of regret.

What a damn miserable life!

Of all the articles she could have plagiarized, why did she have to choose Xu Xining’s?!

On the top floor of Lindberg, in the Creative Director’s office.

In front of the large floor-to-ceiling window was a pearwood table. Xu Xining, aside from cheerfully calling “Aunt Lan,” remained silent. Lin Wei, wearing sunglasses, leaned back in her chair, her emotions unreadable. Yulan sat in the middle with a wry smile, trying to lighten the mood but finding no way to do so.

Meanwhile, Yu Yuanyuan was in a daze, feeling as if her worldview had been shattered.

Her best friend of ten years, whom she had known since seventh grade, turned out to be the heiress of Lin Group! And she had been completely unaware!

She recalled how they used to dream about the future, saying that when they made big money, they would buy each other their first Lindberg bag as a coming-of-age gift. At the time, Xu Xining had casually remarked that Lin’s jewelry was decent but their bags were lacking, suggesting that the money would be better spent on C-brand products. Yu Yuanyuan had teased her, asking which heiress she was to be so picky…

It turned out she was being modest! Modest!!!

She thought they were both commoners, but damn it, she was the only commoner!

Yu Yuanyuan was still in a daze when Xu Xining spoke up, directly addressing the issue with Yu Yuanyuan’s work mistake.

Yulan smiled gently, “It’s just a small matter, no need to…”

Before she could finish, Lin Wei suddenly raised her hand, removed her sunglasses, and impatiently supported her forehead with her fingertips. Her cold, dark eyes fixed on Xu Xining, “Are you here for Yulan?”

Yulan caught the undertone in Lin Wei’s words and tried to smooth things over, “She probably knows you’re here and came to see you.” Yulan gave Xu Xining a meaningful look, “Right, darling?”

The blonde girl stood by the table, the setting sun streaming through the floor-to-ceiling window casting a dazzling golden hue on her fair face, yet the light felt cold.

She opened her mouth, hesitated.

Wanted to argue, but held back for her friend’s sake.

Wanted to compromise, but refused to yield.

Yulan noticed this, feeling a headache coming on.

The girl had a beautiful, soft exterior, but inside, she was stubborn to the core, just like Lin Wei.

Lin Wei lifted her chin slightly and asked again, “Here to apologize? In what capacity?”

A useless intern, or her daughter?

Xu Xining felt a surge of frustration, wanting to lash out.

It had always been this way, and it still was. Lin Wei was incredibly proud, never willing to bow her head, always pressing others to submit.

What had she done wrong? Why should she compromise?

Why was it always her and Old Xu who had to compromise in this family?

She chuckled softly, “Miss Lin, let’s be clear, I chose to be with Old Xu, it’s you who doesn’t acknowledge me.”

Lin Wei stared at her for two seconds, then stood up and said coldly, “Even a promotional image can be sent incorrectly, it’s not just a matter of business capability, but also attitude. We refuse to mediate here, you can leave.”

She headed out of the meeting room, Xu Xining quickly blocked her path, speaking rapidly, “She’s still a newcomer, mistakes are understandable. Besides, what loss can a single letter cause Lindberg? Why do you have to be so unforgiving?”

“Why should being a newcomer mean you get special treatment? Why should others bear the consequences of your mistakes? Why does no loss mean it’s not a mistake?” Lin Wei’s authority, honed over years, was suffocating, “Do you think this is child’s play? If you want to play house, go home!”

Xu Xining gritted her teeth, “Oh really? I’d love to go home, but my home was torn apart by you ten years ago!”

The girl’s voice was sharp and angry, like a storm that left everyone speechless.

She grabbed Yu Yuanyuan and turned to leave, Yu Yuanyuan stumbling behind, glancing between Lin Wei and Xu Xining.

As they disappeared from view, Yulan sighed helplessly, “…You said back then, if she came to you once, you’d compromise.”

During the divorce, Lin Wei was ruthless, hiring family lawyers to fight the case, leaving them with nothing, yet secretly drinking with Yulan until she was sick.

She said, as long as Xu Xining came to me once, I’d give them anything they wanted. But why didn’t she come to me? Why did she choose Xu Chengnian over me, Lin Wei?

If only she hesitated a little?

Even just a little?

“Did she come to see me today?” Lin Wei strode away, the wind lifting her cold shirt, “She’s the one who doesn’t acknowledge me as her mother.”

Sakura Street.

Xu Xining returned home to find the Good Man inexplicably crouching on the doormat outside her door.

Xie Yi, upon seeing her approach, shrank back guiltily.

Earlier today, he had discovered that Xu Xining’s home was completely sealed by a Spirit’s spell. The intricate, golden, multi-petaled floral marks were etched all over her doors and windows.

These marks formed a barrier that repelled all sorts of demons and spirits.

With Xie Yi’s demonic power, he could forcefully break through the barrier, but it would mean tearing Xu Xining’s home apart…

Even without thinking too hard, Xie Yi knew it was Wen Nansen who had conjured this spell overnight to keep him away, disapproving of his attempts to charm Xu Xining in his fox form… That sneaky old rogue!

Xu Xining crouched down, playfully tapping his nose. “How did you manage to get out, comrade? Did you dig a tunnel?”

With one hand, she unlocked the door, and with the other, she carried Xie Yi inside.

Her presence acted like an immunity shield, allowing her to pass through Wen Nansen’s barrier as if it were merely water, while Xie Yi nestled safely in her arms, escaping the spell’s effects.

He breathed a sigh of relief, watching her run barefoot around the house, humming as she turned on all the lights, set the air conditioning to a chilly temperature, sliced a chilled watermelon, stuck a spoon in it, turned on the TV, and cranked up the volume… Then she leaped onto the sofa, declaring with great enthusiasm, “Tonight, I’m going to party with the Good Man until dawn!”

Xie Yi understood now.

The girl was upset.

Some people, like Yu Yuanyuan, hide away and cry when they’re sad. Others, like Xu Xining, laugh even louder, as if trying to win a silent battle against their own emotions.

Xie Yi lay on the sofa, watching her munch on chips and watermelon, laugh at the variety show, and roll around, only to complain about the cold… Well, with the air conditioning set to eighteen degrees, of course, it’s cold… She then wrapped herself in a small blanket, curling up in the corner of the sofa, with only her tousled golden hair peeking out.

After hesitating for a moment, Xie Yi slowly moved closer, gently touching her with his paw, then rested his chin on her shoulder.

The TV’s glow illuminated her face, and while the guests on the show laughed uproariously, she suddenly fell silent.

The warmth of the fox’s body against her felt like a silent embrace.

It’s so frustrating; sometimes, things that could have been brushed off with a simple smile become overwhelming once comfort is offered, and the flood of grievances and sadness rushes out like a dam breaking.

…

Lin Wei was always busy with work, so busy that Xu Xining barely saw her throughout the year.

She would buy a yacht for Xu Xining’s birthday party, yet amidst the lively celebration, Lin Wei was absent.

She would send the world’s only thirteen pieces of Golden Rose on Children’s Day, yet the empty amusement park was devoid of Lin Wei.

To young Xu Xining, her mother meant that her love was enough to gift the most expensive things in the world, but not enough to spend half a day with her.

Old Xu and Xu Xining made a cake for Lin Wei’s birthday and brought it to her office, but Lin Wei coldly said she was very busy and they shouldn’t cause trouble.

Xu Xining begged her to attend the parent-child sports day, and Lin Wei agreed verbally, only to board a plane to Paris early that morning.

Arguments were always one-sided; Lin Wei was a perfectionist at work and equally nitpicky at home.

She disliked Xu Xining’s hairstyle and forced her to get it cut again; she disapproved of Old Xu’s clothes and threw out his entire wardrobe, making him wear what she preferred.

When she lost her temper, she said anything that came to mind, claiming she was blind to reject a business marriage and marry Xu Chengnian, asking who she was working so hard for. If Xu Chengnian could promise three hundred million to support Lin Group’s cash flow, she’d attend the parent-child sports day tomorrow. Could he? Useless! Stop pretending to be a good guy!

Xu Xining overheard this at night and, furious, stormed in like a cannonball, shouting that Old Xu wasn’t useless! He could solve math problems, skate, and cut her hair! He said every outfit she wore looked good! While Lin Wei only knew how to scold! She hated her! Xu Xining struggled to find words and yelled, “You… you Japanese devil!”

Under the glaring lights, Lin Wei’s face turned pale with anger, and she raised her hand to slap her: “Is that how you talk to your mother?”

Old Xu, for the first time, shouted at Lin Wei, pulling her away and carrying Xu Xining upstairs to bed.

He knelt down and asked if her face hurt.

He said she couldn’t hate her mother.

Xu Xining angrily threw off the covers, wanting to argue, saying Lin Wei called him useless.

Old Xu just smiled, saying her mother was very busy, and he indeed had no money.

The light from the door illuminated the corner of Old Xu’s eye, his gentle, comforting smile tinged with bitterness.

The catalyst for the divorce was that sudden car accident.

Xu Xining arrived at the hospital before Lin Wei; Old Xu was in ICU, unconscious, while Xu Xining sat alone on a cold bench with her backpack.

She guarded Old Xu’s belongings, stubbornly trying to clean the blood with wet wipes, accidentally opening Old Xu’s phone and seeing the latest call logs.

When the ambulance was delayed, the accident occurred near Lin Group, and Old Xu, struggling in a pool of blood, made three calls.

Three calls to Lin Wei, all unanswered.

The little girl clutched the phone, trembling.

She thought perhaps Lin Wei was really busy, too busy to believe Old Xu would ever have anything important to say.

If Old Xu died, would she feel guilty? Probably not, because interrupting her work was the most unforgivable thing.

So they divorced, and Xu Xining insisted on staying with Old Xu.

But Lin Wei no longer wanted her because of it.

As Xu Xining grew older, she realized that those three phone calls weren’t the reason for the divorce, nor was the accident Lin Wei’s fault. She no longer held a grudge against Lin Wei; what mattered to her was the long decade of never seeing each other again.

If she had chosen Lin Wei, Old Xu would never have stopped loving her because of it.

But why, when she chose Old Xu, did Lin Wei decide not to want her anymore?

Aren’t you my mother? How can you just say you don’t want me and then not want me?

Is choosing Dad such a rebellious act? Do I have to love you more? And because I didn’t love you more, you simply stopped loving me?

For ten years, Lin Wei watched coldly as father and daughter struggled to save money for a house and education, indifferent, never reaching out, never contacting them again.

What kind of mother is that?!

Xu Xining firmly believed that she chose Old Xu during his toughest times, that she was there for him.

But as she grew up, she suddenly realized one day:

If it weren’t for her stubborn choice of Old Xu, Lin Wei wouldn’t have been so heartless as to take away his remaining assets. They would have peacefully divorced, and Old Xu would have lived a wealthy and stable life, instead of the current situation, working hard with a teenage daughter.

She hadn’t helped Old Xu at all… She was the biggest burden.

Old Xu had known this all along, but he never said it.

Xu Xining chose him, and he would take her with him, responding to her every reach, despite knowing the cost.

Sometimes Xu Xining wondered if she had made the wrong choice. But how could she have chosen differently back then?

It seemed like no matter what choice she made, it was wrong.

How… unfair.

The laughter of variety show guests on the TV screen was deafening.

Wrapped in a white blanket, the girl reached out her slender hand, hugged the warm body of the fox, and buried herself in its soft fur.

Her voice was muffled: “Today, you went out, but you still waited for me at the door, so you chose me too, right?”

She sniffed, but of course, the fox wouldn’t answer her.

Xu Xining whispered, “You chose me, so this is your home now. I will always love you, and never leave you.”

Her pale fingers curled up, slowly hugging the fox tighter: “So, promise me, never leave me, okay?”

…

It seemed like something wet was slowly soaking the fox’s fur.

Xie Yi shivered as if electrocuted, then remained still.

He didn’t like women crying. Those beautiful, charming women, once they started crying, were like flowers drenched in rain. When he first met them, they smiled so endearingly, but once they left him, they cried as if their world had ended, annoying him.

But now, he didn’t feel annoyed.

He just felt like a piece of his heart had suddenly collapsed, unable to be pieced back together.

He had never experienced such a strange feeling, a moment of rage wanting to bite whoever hurt her, and then a moment of confusion not knowing what to do.

Though uninjured, it felt as if his heart was being torn apart.

…

Xu Xining eventually fell asleep hugging the fox.

She had a dream, dreaming of a time when she cried as a child. That day, by chance, both Old Xu and Lin Wei had time.

They drove her to Xingteng City next door to eat a piece of lemon cake from Guangyuan Cake House. At a small round table in front of the huge window, both Old Xu and Lin Wei watched her with smiles.

Old Xu said, “Alright, little one, after eating the cake, no more crying.” Lin Wei laughed, “What a small ambition, if you like it, take all their cakes.”

Xu Xining had been stubborn since childhood, rarely crying. But every time she cried, she wanted to taste that cake again.

…

The first day Xu Xining woke up, it was already nine o’clock. She had fallen asleep crying last night, her mind a bit sluggish, slowly getting up to brush her teeth.

A knock on the door sounded, and Xu Xining shuffled in her slippers to open it. Outside stood Zhan Xingye in a white casual sports shirt.

Zhan Xingye handed over what he was holding: “I was passing by, brought you some cake.”

In his hand was a paper bag with the Guangyuan Cake House logo.

Xu Xining leaned in to sniff, lemon-scented.

The girl tilted her head, suspiciously staring at him.

Her skin was originally pale and transparent, making the redness at the corners of her eyes particularly noticeable, her pupils moist as if washed by water, clean like a fawn.

Zhan Xingye looked away guiltily: “Don’t you want it?”

“Of course I want it!” The girl burst into laughter, the bright color at the corner of her eyes making her smile so captivating, “What a coincidence, how did you happen to pass by another city early in the morning, and how did you know I just wanted to eat this?”

Last night, he smelled the scent of Xu Xining’s tears in the air. He heard her crying. When Xu Xining was fourteen, she once casually mentioned that as a child, she cried and ate a lemon cake from Guangyuan Cake House, unforgettable.

She mentioned it once, and he remembered it to this day.

He finished work at dawn, rushed to Xingteng City, just in time for the nine o’clock opening, and bought the earliest piece of lemon cake.

Zhan Xingye nodded: “Yeah, what a coincidence.”