This was the third year since Jiang Xiao had left, and the third year Cheng Yuan had muddled through.
Over a thousand days and nights, and still he hadn't found the one he cherished.
Jiang Yu saw how haggard he had become and reminded him to eat on time.
Cheng Yuan couldn't remember when he had last eaten. "Didn't you say there were documents to sign? Give them to me."
Jiang Yu handed over the folder and hesitated. "President Cheng, Madam wants to see you."
Zhang Rong had been clamoring to see Cheng Yuan, even attempting self-harm, but the servants had stopped her.
"I won't see her," Cheng Yuan said coldly.
"But Madam says she knows where Madam is," Jiang Yu said.
"What did you say?" Cheng Yuan looked up.
"Madam says she knows where Madam is." Before Jiang Yu could finish, Cheng Yuan had already put down his pen and left. He didn't even grab his suit jacket before stepping into the elevator.
Meanwhile, at the airport.
"Xiao Xiao, are you really back? Why so sudden?" Shen Yue asked.
Jiang Xiao adjusted the glasses on her nose. "My mom is sick. I came back to see her."
"Auntie is sick? Is it serious?" Shen Yue's voice rose.
"I don't know the specifics," Jiang Xiao said. "But from what my dad said, it doesn't seem too serious."
"Aren't you afraid of running into Cheng Yuan?" Shen Yue asked.
"Yue Yue, I'm not the same person I was three years ago," Jiang Xiao said firmly. "Even if I do run into him, it's fine."
"What about your studies?"
"I've finished."
"And the studio over there?"
"I'll move it back in a while."
Shen Yue was genuinely glad Jiang Xiao was back. "Xiao Xiao, it's really good that you're back."
"Jingbei is my home after all. I can't stay away forever," Jiang Xiao said calmly. "But don't worry. I have the ability to take care of myself now."
She wouldn't let others bully her anymore.
Shen Yue said, "I believe you. You can do it."
Jiang Xiao said, "Once I'm settled, let's get together."
Shen Yue was eager. "Okay. Whatever time works for you. I'll arrange it."
"I'm going to see my mom first." Jiang Xiao handed her suitcase to her assistant. "I'll contact you later."
Shen Yue: "Okay."
Before hanging up, she reminded Jiang Xiao again, "Cheng Yuan is even crazier than before. If you can avoid him, do so."
Jiang Xiao knew Shen Yue was worried. "Okay, I know."
Cheng Yuan had originally planned to go straight to the old residence. But just as the car started moving, he got a call from the patriarch, asking him to pick someone up at the airport.
He only said it was an old friend, but didn't mention whether it was a man or a woman, or how old they were.
Cheng Yuan tried to refuse, but the patriarch said, "This person is very important. If you don't go, you'll regret it."
Cheng Yuan didn't know what kind of person would make him regret it, but he couldn't resist the patriarch's persuasion and detoured to the airport.
On the way, he called Zhang Rong and cut straight to the chase. "You know where she is? Where is she now?"
Zhang Rong said, "Come back and I'll tell you."
"You'd better not be lying to me." Zhang Rong had deceived him many times before.
"Don't worry. This time it's true," Zhang Rong said. "But my patience is limited. You'd better hurry."
"Wait for me. I'll be right there," Cheng Yuan said.
Work calls came in again, and he only hung up when the car stopped.
The patriarch wanted Cheng Yuan to go in person. He put away his phone, opened the car door, and stepped out. As he looked up, a figure came into view.
She was wearing a white trench coat over a red dress that ended at the knees, revealing slender, fair legs.
Her wavy long hair cascaded behind her, lifting slightly in the wind.
Her sparkling eyes were hidden behind sunglasses, but her glistening lips were impossible to look away from.
She walked gracefully, occasionally saying something to a young man beside her.
It was a pleasing scene, but to Cheng Yuan, it was like a knife twisting in his heart.
His heart stopped beating, his chest tight and swollen, as if something were constricting it.
Images of the past flooded his mind: Jiang Xiao crying, Jiang Xiao laughing, Jiang Xiao's kiss, Jiang Xiao's soft words...
His Xiao Xiao was back.
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Author's note: Explanation: I had a minor surgery and need to recuperate for a while. I'll try not to stop updating.
I don't know who's still here. See you in the comments.
Sending love to the wives.