Little Sweetheart

Gu Siyi was heartbroken by Zheng Peipei's crying, at a loss for words… She could only hold her, gently patting her back. Zheng Peipei finally caught her breath after crying her heart out.

The two found a quiet cafe and chose a secluded spot to sit.

Gu Siyi asked with concern, "What happened between you two? How did things suddenly…"

Over the past few years, Zheng Peipei often complained about her underground relationship, so experiencing some bumps and setbacks wasn't unusual. The last time, they had a cold war and almost broke up, but then they reconciled. Gu Siyi thought things would gradually improve after graduation, but who knew that right after graduation, this would happen…

And this time, the level of heartbreak far exceeded the past.

Zheng Peipei choked out, "I've already broken up with him… I don't want to torture myself anymore… This time, no matter how hard it is, I have to move on…"

"Tell me what happened first. Did he do something to wrong you?"

"No…" Zheng Peipei took a deep breath, hesitated, and then said, "Precisely because he didn't, I feel even more suffocated. I can't say anything, I can't make a fuss, all I can do is suppress it. If this continues, I'll go crazy…"

"There must be a trigger, right?"

"I… I saw him… kissing someone else…" Zheng Peipei finished the sentence with difficulty. The scene flashed in her mind, and tears rolled down her cheeks again.

He promised to come see her during graduation season. Even if he couldn't give her a hug in public, as long as he came, they could still steal a moment of happiness when no one was around. But in the end, he was stuck on set again.

Work, it was always work. She could only understand him…

On the day of Gu Siyi's graduation ceremony, Zheng Peipei came to celebrate with her. When she saw Gu Siyi together with Xia Zhijun, acting intimately, she felt terrible. They were both in relationships, so why was hers so difficult?

Back then, Xia Zhijun seemed like such a cold and aloof person, while Su Han was a warm gentleman, patient and kind. She had thought, how wonderful it would be to be with someone like Su Han, enjoying that gentle sweetness every day.

The result…

The cold and aloof Xia Zhijun gave his girlfriend unique pampering, while the warm Su Han gave his warmth to the whole world.

Zheng Peipei felt suppressed, yet she could only understand Su Han's work.

But she still couldn't resist the longing and went to the set to see him.

She didn't tell him in advance, wanting to give him a surprise.

Zheng Peipei slipped onto the set and saw him surrounded by a group of staff members…

Under that big tree, Su Han was kissing the lead actress against the trunk…

This actress had been involved in dating rumors with him for several months. He explained to her that it was just what the investors wanted. She believed him, ignoring the widespread gossip.

But this kissing scene was so real…

The director yelled "cut," and they kissed again…

Under the director's guidance, their expressions and emotions became more and more convincing…

That feeling, the feeling of deep affection, was so real…

Zheng Peipei broke down…

Yes, work, it was all work. She could understand. But she couldn't accept it!

He wanted to be a good actor, so every time he took on a role, he would kiss the lead actress like this…

What should she do? Convince herself like Ah Q, again and again, that it was all for work?

In front of the camera, Su Han was flirting and romancing with the lead actress.

Off-camera, in a deserted corner, Zheng Peipei hugged herself and wept silently.

She had never felt so insignificant, never felt such heartache… Was this what she wanted?

Forever suppressing, forever understanding, forever waiting, forever a shadow…

"So, the trigger was that kissing scene?" Gu Siyi asked softly.

"Yes…" Zheng Peipei gave a bitter smile. "Am I being too sensitive? It's clearly his job!"

"I don't know if it's being too sensitive… Putting myself in your shoes, if Xia Zhijun did that, I couldn't handle it either." Gu Siyi said honestly.

No matter the reason or the necessity, she couldn't accept him kissing someone else. That was her possessiveness and exclusivity.

Zheng Peipei wiped away her tears and said, "Later, after that scene ended, I wanted to pretend nothing happened and say hello, at least let him know I'd been there…"

"And then?"

"Then I saw him sitting and chatting with the lead actress. Maybe they were discussing the script, maybe something else. He had that warm smile on his face, and the actress was smiling sweetly… They looked so good together. And another detail, the actress felt hot, so he specifically got up and got a small fan for her from someone else."

Gu Siyi paused and said, "Well… he's just that kind of person, very gentlemanly, very considerate."

"Yes, I was attracted to his warmth before…" Zheng Peipei smiled, with a hint of despair. "But if he's like this to everyone in the world, what happiness is there for me? He's showering everyone with his care, and I can't feel it anymore…"

Gu Siyi sighed softly.

Zheng Peipei said tearfully, "I'm his girlfriend, I'm struggling to maintain this long-distance relationship, I'm the one who needs his care the most."

"…"

"In the end, I didn't go to see him. I felt like I was the one who didn't belong… After leaving the set, I sent him a message and broke up with him. He called me, and I broke up with him again on the phone. I blocked all his contact information. This time, I'm determined to end this relationship. It's not to seek attention, nor to vent through a cold war, I just… I've had enough! … Four years, I don't want to wrong myself anymore… I'm not his shadow… I feel like I shouldn't live like this…"

Gu Siyi said softly, "At the gathering before graduation, he told me to try and persuade you. He said he was working hard for your future."

"Maybe…" Zheng Peipei sighed. "He really is working hard, his career is evident, but we're drifting further and further apart… It's so sad, I've waited for four years, but I still can't reach that happy ending."

Gu Siyi feigned lightness, "Don't be sad. At least you've been in a relationship with Su Han, right? Think of it as a life experience, it's still quite fulfilling. Next time, you can find a boyfriend who makes you happy!"

Zheng Peipei nodded: "Yes! I'm going to find my Xia Zhijun! Why can't I be a little princess? Can't I have a man who holds me in the palm of his hand?"

"Yes, of course you can. Weren't there plenty of guys chasing you back in school?"

"That's right, there were so many who liked me, I looked down on them before, but now I can choose carefully~"

Gu Siyi laughed, "Sending you a little heart~"

"Just share half of your good luck with me. You and Xia Zhijun are so damn happy, even showing off your love while in a long-distance relationship."

When Xia Zhijun went abroad, Zheng Peipei kept scolding Gu Siyi for being foolish, saying she was crazy to let her boyfriend go abroad, and that she would suffer later. But then… a few times when they were eating together, Xia Zhijun would video call, and the two of them would chat away as if no one else was there. Their conversations covered everything, even trivial things like what they ate today and what they saw yesterday.

Zheng Peipei was amazed. After hanging up, she asked, "How can you talk about such trivial things? Don't you find it tedious?"

"This is sharing our lives, how is it tedious?" Gu Siyi countered.

Then, she discovered they had downloaded the same app and would leave messages and write little stories on it, recording their daily lives. Although thousands of miles apart, on opposite sides of the earth, they knew each other's daily routines like the back of their hands. Oh, and they had their unwavering monthly dates.

Seeing their long-distance relationship, Zheng Peipei realized that she was the foolish one.

Not only was her relationship long-distance, it was also underground, and her boyfriend was a big star so busy he barely had any personal time.

Xia Zhijun and Gu Siyi, even though they were apart, could be so sweet.

Zheng Peipei put her arm around Gu Siyi's shoulder and said, "I really enjoy watching you two show off your love now. You've given me confidence…"

Gu Siyi: "Given you confidence?"

Zheng Peipei's smile held a hint of bitterness and self-deprecation: "Yes. Although I'm not happy, you're so happy. So, it's not a problem with relationships, it's a problem with the person. I won't lose faith in love."

Gu Siyi suddenly felt heartbroken for Zheng Peipei. She hugged her and said softly, "You will definitely be happy."

Zheng Peipei talked about liberation and moving on, but after all, she had invested four years in the relationship, and she was still heartbroken. She wanted to completely empty her mind, not think about work, and not go home where her family would notice something was wrong. So she went to City S with Gu Siyi.

Gu Siyi took Zheng Peipei to stay with her in her apartment in the city center. Gu Siyi's mother, worried that the two young women wouldn't be able to take care of themselves, specially hired a cook and a cleaning lady to come and provide services when needed.

Gu Siyi started working at the television station as a full-time employee. While she was at work, Zheng Peipei stayed at home.

Gu Siyi knew that what Zheng Peipei needed most was space to heal and the company of a friend.

When she came home from work and saw empty wine bottles all over the floor, she didn't say anything, but asked if Zheng Peipei wanted more barbecue. Whenever possible, she drank with her, letting loose together.

They sat by the floor-to-ceiling window, looking at the colorful world outside, the beautiful night view of the city, chatting about everything under the sun.

During this time, Su Han contacted Gu Siyi, hoping she could help arrange a meeting between him and Zheng Peipei.

Gu Siyi said, "Give her some space to recover. When she's ready and wants to see you, it won't be too late."

Su Han had no choice but to give up.

After Zheng Peipei went through the first stage of depression, she entered the second stage and started going out to the mall to shop. Her greatest interest wasn't buying things for herself, but for Gu Siyi.

"Yi Ge, from now on, I'll only spoil you!"

"To hell with men!"

"You'll be the one to celebrate my birthday with me! You'll be the one to supervise my studying when I fail a course! You'll be the one to go shopping with me for new clothes and bags! You'll be the one to accompany me when I'm sad! And you'll still be the one to accompany me during holiday celebrations!"

"What the hell do I need men for?! It's my best friend who's always there for me!"

As Zheng Peipei was speaking excitedly, Gu Siyi suddenly said, "But, men have functions that we can't provide…"

"Such as?"

Gu Siyi coughed lightly and smiled faintly, "Harmonious intimacy."

"…???" Zheng Peipei's face was full of question marks.

After understanding, she looked shocked, "Yi Ge! You've gone bad! You're actually talking dirty!"

Gu Siyi chuckled: "I'm just stating facts."

"…"

Gu Siyi leaned close to her ear and whispered, "No matter how great our friendship is, we can still have men. It's not a conflict, right?"

"…!!!!" Zheng Peipei covered her mouth, feeling like she wanted to throw up.

Back in the day, she was an experienced connoisseur of adult content, and she could talk about anything with Gu Siyi without blushing…

Now, tormented and lifeless, she had completely lost her libido, while Gu Siyi, living a happy and fulfilling life, was indulging in intimacy and could even lecture her?

It was all reversed, completely reversed…

Zheng Peipei stayed with Gu Siyi for over two months. As Xia Zhijun's return was approaching, she knew she had to prepare to vacate the premises.

Xia Zhijun stayed abroad for three months, longer than expected. But after finishing his work, he couldn't wait to return.

Before Xia Zhijun came back, Gu Siyi told Zheng Peipei: "We plan to invite a few close friends over for a dinner to celebrate. Su Han might come too, can you face him?"

"Celebrate Xia Zhijun's return? Oh, don't be so formal…"

"No, it's not that." Gu Siyi blushed slightly and showed off the ring on her finger. "We've already registered our marriage. The wedding might be a while away, but we want to get our friends together for dinner first and announce it."

"…???" Zheng Peipei looked stunned. "You've… registered… your marriage?"

"Yes. We did it the last time he came back."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"It happened so quickly, I didn't even react myself. I was so dizzy with happiness, I even forgot to tell my parents…" Gu Siyi smiled awkwardly. "I thought I was calm at the time, but afterward, when I saw the mess, I realized I was overjoyed. By the time I saw him off and came back to my senses, you came looking for me…"

Zheng Peipei then realized that during this time they spent together, all their conversations revolved around her problems and feelings. Gu Siyi had put her at the absolute center and hadn't even mentioned her own matters. And she, in her miserable state, was wallowing in her own pain…

Zheng Peipei took Gu Siyi's hand, looked at the beautiful diamond ring, and suddenly, tears streamed down her face. "So good… You two are so good…"

"You'll be fine too."

"I'm so envious… I'm dying of envy… Really…"

Zheng Peipei hugged Gu Siyi. "Quickly share half of your good luck with me. I'll be content with just half of your happiness! I'm not asking for much!"

"No, no, you won't just have half of my happiness, you'll have several times more! Your future husband will definitely spoil you rotten!"

"I believe you, Yi Ge."

This time, before seeing Gu Siyi, Xia Zhijun went home first.

Last time, he came and went in a hurry, without seeing his family, but this time, having completed his studies and returned home, his family knew.

He also needed to inform his family about his marriage.

Xia Zhijun's years of studying abroad had yielded fruitful results. Initially, Xia Guangyu wasn't satisfied with his choice of major, but seeing his achievements, he finally calmed down.

Xia Zhijun returned home, and Xia Guangyu, his wife, and their parents and relatives all gathered to welcome him back.

There were many people at the dinner, and Xia Zhijun didn't say much, responding humbly and politely to everyone's concerns and conversations.

Xia Guangyu was very happy. This son had always made him proud, never causing him to worry about his studies, and he had excelled abroad. In the future, he would surpass him. His unfulfilled ambitions, his son would surely achieve.

After the lively gathering, they returned home, and only the three of them were left.

Xia Guangyu said to Xia Zhijun, "I've already made arrangements for your work, a position with benefits, at the best research institute. With your education and abilities, you'll be promoted quickly."

Xia Zhijun said calmly, "I don't plan to join a state-owned institution. I want to start my own business."

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