Chapter 25: The Ex-Boyfriend

From November onwards, the sun began to gradually fade from the Beijing sky.

The weather turned gray, and a cool breeze picked up. At these times, the warm yellow lights in the school’s academic buildings, libraries, and cafes became all the more inviting.

As soon as Jiang Ying entered her senior year, she no longer had core courses. Aside from two days a week spent accompanying her mentor, Professor Lin, to the psychiatric hospital for interviews and group meetings, she spent most of her time in cafes preparing for her thesis—reading literature, preparing scales, and outlining her arguments.

In truth, if it weren't for the fact that the library prohibited colored drinks and seats were hard to come by, she wouldn't have been very fond of cafes. In her previous relationship, Lu Zhixi had always waited for her here. When she went to get coffee or walked past certain seats, memories would still uncontrollably flood her mind.

However, Zhou Anning’s incessant chatter helped her temporarily forget those things.

"My parents are in Beijing to visit, so I’ll be with them for the next couple of days. Why don't you ask your classmate Yu if he has time to study together?"

Zhou Anning took a sip of coffee, a gossipy smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Just like last week. Seriously, is the coffee at Tsinghua better than at Peking University? You’ve been going there for three days!"

Jiang Ying was caught between laughter and tears. "That’s because he has three books I need, and all the copies in our library have been checked out."

"That’s just perfect timing and circumstance." Zhou Anning rested her chin in her hands, her eyes gleaming as she watched her. "So, what are you really thinking?"

"I think he’s great, very impressive, and a very helpful classmate."

"And then? There are plenty of helpful classmates, but not every one of them says good morning and good night to you every day, right?"

Jiang Ying closed her laptop and looked at her earnestly. "To be honest, I understand what he means, and I have a good impression of him too. But it’s better to let things happen naturally. We aren't at that stage yet, anyway."

Zhou Anning sighed. "I thought you two hit it off the day at the bar. I didn't expect you both to be so hesitant. It’s not like..."

Her voice suddenly cut off, and she quickly changed the subject. "Actually, that’s fine too. Let the bullets fly for a while."

Jiang Ying knew what she meant and smiled. "I get along very well with Siyan, but I’m in no rush to enter a relationship so quickly, nor do I expect him to be like Lu Zhixi... forget it, let’s not talk about that person."

Zhou Anning said meaningfully, "That’s good. Take your time and see who loses their composure first. My money is on him, because you’re already a woman with a story!"

As the sky grew dark, the two finished their busy day with laughter, had dinner at a nearby cafeteria, and walked back to the dormitory together.

Zhou Anning rushed to the public bathroom to shower while it was less crowded, and Jiang Ying sat down to rest. Before she had even settled in, her phone pinged with a message from Lily.

Lily: "I miss you!!! How have you been lately? Are you happy? Can we talk on the phone?"

Perhaps because she now held equity in the Meng Shao company, Jiang Ying noticed that Lily had started reaching out to her more frequently than before, asking about her mood and whether she had been anywhere fun. A month ago, Lily had been particularly concerned about whether there was any further development between her and Meng Shao—a topic that only ended after Jiang Ying repeatedly denied it.

Since Jiang Ying happened to be alone in the room and had nothing better to do, she started a video call with Lily.

Lily was her usual carefree, smiling self. This time, she had dyed her hair blonde and had sparkling nails done.

As soon as the video connected, she excitedly told Jiang Ying, "I’m going on a date with my new boyfriend later. He’s a super sexy Spanish model. Do you like my makeup?"

Jiang Ying couldn't quite remember how many boyfriends Lily had had by now, but she still replied warmly, "It’s beautiful, and I love the diamonds on your nails."

Lily was clearly pleased. "I can recommend the nail artist I met in Beijing to you; she can do this style too."

"I can't really do nails. When I see patients at the hospital, I can't be too... conspicuous," Jiang Ying said tactfully.

"That’s a pity. By the way, have you met anyone new lately?" Lily searched for the right words in Chinese. "Uh... I mean, a new boyfriend?"

"A new boyfriend? Not yet..."

Hearing this, Lily’s voice suddenly rose. "Being single is pretty great too; dating is such a hassle! Then... then..."

Her expression froze for a second, her gaze darting somewhere before quickly returning to Jiang Ying. "Are you still in touch with Brother Xi?"

Jiang Ying chuckled. "Why bring that up again? We haven't been in touch for a long time."

"I know, I just think that sometimes when you break up, you don't have to be strangers. My ex-boyfriends and I are all good friends..."

"Lily, my situation with him is different."

"Are you still angry?" Lily knew they had once had an unpleasant conversation, and her expression was very cautious when she asked this.

Jiang Ying felt a bit helpless, but her voice remained soft. "It’s all in the past. To me, he is a stranger, and I am the same to him."

With that topic closed, Lily chatted about how the feedback for Meng Shao’s new products had been great, estimating that the year-end dividends would be substantial. She also mentioned that Thanksgiving was approaching and that she would be going to a private estate in the south with her parents to gather with relatives, promising to send Jiang Ying pictures of the lambs. They chatted for over half an hour before ending the call.

As soon as the video hung up, Lily put down her phone with a sigh of relief and looked at Lu Zhixi, who had been sitting across from her the whole time.

"She’s not dating anyone, and she’s not angry anymore. I’ve asked her this in a dozen different ways. How much longer are you going to use me to relay your messages? Why don't you find her yourself?"

Lu Zhixi replied, "I tried. She blocked my new number too."

Lily suppressed the urge to tell him he deserved it and simply said, "This is the last time. I don't want to be this kind of pathetic spy."

"Then don't ask me to keep the fact that you've had four boyfriends in the last few months a secret from Qi Zhou. Need I remind you that Qi Zhou is still single?"

Lily was incredulous. "Fuck you!"

"Pleasure doing business with you," Lu Zhixi smiled.

In fact, Lily hadn't come away empty-handed. During this time, Lu Zhixi had introduced a modeling agency to Luminous Art for a promotional campaign, which had yielded significant results, allowing Lily to boast about her investment success at the Thanksgiving family gathering.

Thinking of this, Lily’s voice softened as she asked him, "Since you still want to contact Yingying, when do you plan to find her yourself?"

"When things at home have settled down."

Lily wisely stopped asking.

She had heard rumors that old Mr. Williams’ health was failing, and someone had seen the younger Mr. Williams—Lu Zhixi’s father—and his illegitimate child at a house in Queens, New York. There were rumors that the younger Mr. Williams wanted to show some kindness to his children born out of wedlock while the old man was still alive, hoping to shed his former playboy image and secure a larger share of the inheritance.

In all honesty, Lily didn't think this place was suitable for a kind little lamb like Jiang Ying. It was too complicated, and Lu Zhixi was caught in the vortex himself.

Therefore, although she thought Lu Zhixi’s decision to leave Jiang Ying alone in China back then was a total jerk move, upon closer reflection, it wasn't entirely unreasonable. Sometimes family feuds could be downright dirty, and even if Lu Zhixi had settled Jiang Ying in the country, she might not have been spared from harassment.

Lily couldn't help but ask, "Why don't you just let it go? I mean, you’ve broken up, she’s accepted it, and you know perfectly well she doesn't belong here. There are plenty of women in New York who are suitable for your family. If you only like Asian women, there are plenty of those here too..."

Lu Zhixi stood up from the sofa, his voice calm. "Because I’ve discovered I can’t forget her. I want to start everything over, and I want to do it in a gentle and pleasant way. It’s as simple as that."

Lily was speechless, a sudden trace of pity for Jiang Ying rising in her heart.

For those who thrive on power, the logic of all things is very simple—test, observe, strategize, and then swiftly defeat the enemy.

Sometimes, their actions are adorned with manners and etiquette to appear gentle, and sometimes they are even willing to offer a sincere apology for their mistakes: "I'm sorry, but may I sink my teeth into your throat again?"

This remained a one-sided hunt.

*

On Thanksgiving, Lu Zhixi traveled with his parents by helicopter to a vast private estate.

When they arrived, family members were playing baseball on the lawn. In a tent to the side, servants were mixing drinks and brewing coffee. Apart from those playing ball, many adults sat around a white-haired old man at the edge of the field, chatting and laughing over coffee or wine.

Lu Zhixi walked over with his parents. The old man quickly noticed them and said in a raspy voice, "Look who’s here—our great Captain, the beautiful Captain’s wife, and my dear Alex. Come here, child, let me get a good look at you."

Old Mr. Williams made no secret of his affection for Lu Zhixi, keeping him for a long talk.

He heard Lu Zhixi mention that he would be returning to New York from Yale during his time off, then glanced at Lu Xiu and said, "I’ve always envied those who could go to Yale, so later on, I made Yale students work for me. Alex, the first iron law of the adult world: knowledge is not a guarantee of success. You go to school to pick your partners and soldiers, not to have a happy time studying, return home joyfully, and finish your papers and exams at the end of the term."

"I understand, Grandfather. But I just returned from China this year, and I want to spend more time with my parents."

Old Mr. Williams smiled enigmatically. "Well, that’s true. A good father produces a good son. Anthony, wouldn't you agree?"

The remark was subtle. Lu Xiu held her coffee, watching her husband with a smile.

Anthony looked at his wife, then at his father, and finally raised his glass to Lu Zhixi. "I love you, son."

Lu Zhixi smiled. "I love you too, Dad."