Chapter 652 - 650: We Can’t Go Back

At the same time,

Xue Yang's status in Hua Country was like the rising sun,

steadily and solidly climbing higher,

his influence like a trickling stream,

silently seeping into every corner of society.

Lin Xi watched all of this unfold, her heart filled with incredulous emotion. ℴℴ𝘮

Her thoughts couldn't help drifting back to the moment she first met Xue Yang,

back then he was nothing more than a freshman with dreams and nothing else, young and pure.

Yet in just two short years, it was as if he had gone through a magnificent metamorphosis,

Xue Yang had already gone from an obscure student

to a standout who could hold his own.

His achievements were not only in the brilliance of his career,

but in that power to inspire people and lead the trend.

Lin Xi knew full well that behind all of this lay Xue Yang's tireless effort, sharp insight, and his unwavering pursuit of his dreams.

Even if it had been anyone else, they could never have reached the height that Xue Yang had.

She was very proud.

Because such an outstanding young man

had, in the end, become her fiancé.

She was determined to cherish him.

The explosive success of DouShou not only forged the pinnacle of Xue Yang's glory,

it also paved for Chen Ying a star-strewn avenue leading to the brilliant stage of life.

Now she stood proudly at the summit of the DouShou platform,

holding tens of millions of followers, a bona fide internet influencer,

her impact and pull enough to rival top-tier actresses.

Advertising offers poured in like the tide, contracts flew in one after another,

she was writing her own legendary chapter with extraordinary charm and relentless hard work.

Behind this dazzling radiance, Chen Ying not only achieved a personal leap,

she was also leading those around her to grow together.

She formed a highly efficient and united team,

among them, under her careful nurturing, Chen Fang underwent a stunning transformation, from an unknown girl of the past

to a somewhat famous woman with a strong sense of style,

her change was proof of the perfect blend of effort and opportunity.

When the curtain of the livestream slowly fell, Chen Fang was the first to pick up a water bottle filled with clear spring water,

and gently held it out to Chen Ying, speaking softly:

"Sis, you've worked hard. Have some water to moisten your throat."

Chen Ying smiled as she took the bottle, gently twisted open the cap and took a small sip,

as if the fatigue of days melted away along with that cool, sweet water.

There was firmness and encouragement flickering in her gaze as she said to Chen Fang:

"Ah Fang, believe me, you should have a stage of your own too. Start an account, I'll teach you step by step, and take you through the limitless possibilities of this online world.

Before long, you'll be able to shine with light as dazzling as mine, maybe even surpass me and become an even better version of yourself."

Hearing this, Chen Fang hurriedly waved both her hands, a smile of humility and contentment spreading across her face, "Sis, you really think too highly of me. I honestly don't think I can do it; I'd rather stay behind the scenes and support you.

I believe that as long as you have a bite of rice, I'll definitely have a bowl of porridge. I'm very satisfied with how things are now."

Either way, their lives were getting better and better now, weren't they?

Chen Ying let out a soft sigh, helplessly shaking her head as she pondered inwardly.

This cousin of hers was just too easily satisfied.

In this rapidly changing tide of the times,

she seemed not to fully realize that seizing the opportunity before her and riding the momentum,

putting in a bit more work to gain a bit more return, was no doubt the wiser choice.

But then again, it was precisely this simplicity and contentment that allowed Chen Fang to maintain a rare tranquility and happiness amid the chaos; perhaps that was her unique charm.

Chen Ying stopped pushing her.

Just as she'd said, as long as she herself had a bite of rice, she would surely give Chen Fang a bowl of porridge.

After finishing up her work,

Chen Fang left the company.

It was now four in the afternoon, the slanting sunlight draping this ordinary moment in a warm golden glow.

Every day at this time she would go to the supermarket to buy ingredients,

then go back to cook, so when her cousin came home she would have a delicious meal waiting.

However,

today was a little different from usual.

She had barely left the company

when she saw an "uninvited guest."

Faced with this sudden encounter, Chen Fang's hand involuntarily brushed over her lower abdomen,

and in that instant, memories surged back like the tide, leaving her filled with a confusion of emotions.

But soon her reason swiftly returned, and she realized

that the little life that had once been bound to her by blood had already become an eternal imprint in her heart, never again to be touched.

The emotions of pain and acceptance intertwined, and a barely noticeable complexity flashed in her eyes.

She took a deep breath, trying to calm the waves in her heart, and her gaze gradually regained its former firmness and composure.

Yang Xiaozhi stood not far away, seemingly a bit at a loss as well, his eyes flickering with complicated feelings,

the two of them just stood there quietly, as if the world around had gone still for them,

only the occasional sound of traffic and distant children's laughter reminded them that time was passing.

"Long time no see." In the end it was Chen Fang who broke the silence,

her voice was soft, yet laced with an undeniable strength, as though she were speaking to herself

and also to him, that no matter what had happened before, now they both had to face things bravely.

Hearing this, Yang Xiaozhi's lips twitched, as if he wanted to say something but was momentarily lost for words.

He walked closer, each step heavy.

"Ah Fang, come home with me." His voice trembled slightly, the sentence sounding like a plea he had wrestled with inside himself for a long time before finally daring to utter.

"Yang Xiaozhi, we can't go back. Just go." Chen Fang's reply was resolute and firm, every word carrying an irretrievable finality.

"I've already bought a place outside. From now on it'll just be the two of us; you'll never have to face my mom again."

He tried to use material promises to salvage their relationship, but his words felt feeble and pale.

Chen Fang stared at the man standing before her, the one she had once been willing to give up her studies for,

and what surged in her heart was endless sorrow and helplessness.

"You may not understand that your mom's interference was only the last straw that broke our feelings.

The real root lies in the crack between us, in you."

"Me?" Yang Xiaozhi looked dumbfounded. "I just wanted to give you a better life. What exactly did I do wrong?"

Looking at the confusion in his eyes, Chen Fang knew that any further explanation would be pointless.

"I'm the one who isn't good enough for you. If you won't leave, I will."

With that, she turned around decisively and walked away, leaving Yang Xiaozhi standing there in a daze.

Watching Chen Fang's figure grow more and more distant, Yang Xiaozhi finally spoke, his voice full of bitterness and a kind of release:

"Ah Fang, don't worry. I won't bother you anymore."

Chen Fang's steps faltered for just a moment.

A feeling called heartache spread through her entire body.