Belated Romance (Mu Tongrui)

Lingye experienced an intense pain in his abdomen during his drive back.

His anxiety must have worsened his gastric distress, and he broke out in a cold sweat, drenching the back of his shirt.

Lingye clutched his churning stomach while keeping his hand on the wheel. The beads of sweat traveled from his forehead to his eyelid.

His stomach had not acted up since he was together with Tongrui.

During the first time of his stomach trouble in Tongrui’s presence, she retrieved a piece of aloe vera from the corner of his study and ran into the kitchen to fetch a glass of water for him to drink.

At the time, Lingye initially thought the woman did not have a heart. The pain was killing him, and here she was, making him take aloe vera and water. Only God knew what was going through his mind back then.

She later mentioned that it was a home remedy for stomachache, and he was skeptical.

It was hard to have faith in a remedy that was not backed by science. Still, Lingye took the drink without hesitation since it came from her.

Only, he never told her that he did not get the least bit of relief after taking the water and aloe vera. In fact, it hurt worse. Her company was the thing that made him feel better.

Ten years ago, Lingye lived in a world where only he existed. If it were not for her, he probably would have left the world a long time ago.

Lingye was grateful that Tongrui saved Fu Ziye back then.

How could she abandon her husband and daughter just because of the old man’s words?

Had he never told her that he could not live without her?

It seemed… he never said such cheesy lines to her before.

Sure, Lingye could still survive without her. He might live bolder and wiser than before.

His only fear was her well-being during his absence from her life.

Tongrui had a taste for instant noodles. Lingye was worried that she might fall back into old habits, surviving on instant noodles when she was hungry.

Lingye was mad about her leaving without saying goodbye. Nevertheless, the anger turned into heartache and concern as he wondered where she was and how she was doing.

Tongrui was sensitive. She must be out there somewhere, wracked with guilt and anxiety after Zhengyuan heartlessly sent her away.

…

six in

hotel near the airport, Tongrui enjoyed a cup of instant

her homeland. Tongrui put the kettle on and waited until the water was boiling before pouring the hot water into the cup. Crossing her legs, she sat on the

the few minutes of wait, her eyes turned vacant as her mind wandered to her moments of sneaking the noodles behind Lingye’s back at Repulse Bay

image brought tears

her head and rotated the shaft of a single-use plastic fork to twin the strands of noodles

so much she could not open them, and she

best invention in the world, combining convenience and tastiness all in one. However, this was the most awful cup of noodles she had ever

now how good she had it when she could sneak off somewhere to

Why did she not

and now she sat alone in a

her go if she told him

that there would always be a safe haven even if the world came to an end. He was no superhero who could save the world in Marvel films, but the only thing stuck in his mind was to take her to the safest place

in the face of slander for the good

man was flawless in Tongrui’s eyes. Besides, Lingye demonstrated utmost patience with her. There

noodles was getting saltier by

drenched

sitting in her thoughts

was too big for Lingye to find her. Was she

would grow old by

was

for Tongrui. She was still waiting for Fu

her to Florence to take cover. Only… she hoped

Lingye’s cousin, she wanted to be with him even if the world stood against

bring the Fu family and Fu Corporation

pride should not be

was already missing him on

and to stay away. She would feel sorry for what he had gone through if

She must be an idiot standing next

the

remarry since they would be apart for a while. Those people could not stand to