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.

…

struck six in the evening

hotel near the airport, Tongrui enjoyed a cup

of noodles local to 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 thick rug and waited for her

the few minutes of wait, her eyes turned vacant as her mind wandered to her moments of sneaking the noodles

brought tears

a single-use plastic fork to twin the strands of noodles into her mouth. The spiciness of the noodles got to her as

she could not open them, and she gorged the

and tastiness all in

good she had it when she could

the best thing that ever happened to her. Why did she not put up more of a fight

and now she sat alone in a godforsaken place, drowning

never let her go if she told him

a safe haven even if the world came to an end. He was no superhero who could save the world in Marvel films,

the face of slander for the good man

his moments, the man was flawless in Tongrui’s eyes. Besides, Lingye demonstrated utmost patience with her. There was no way she

instant noodles was getting saltier by

were drenched

sofa, sitting in her thoughts

sent her to a freezing city. The world was too big

grow old

off dead if her path was not meant

for Tongrui. She was still waiting

down Zhengyuan’s neck, Tongrui could understand why Zhengyuan sent her to Florence to take cover. Only…

was Lingye’s cousin, she wanted to be with him even

to bring the Fu family and Fu Corporation down

for great things. His pride should not be overshadowed

missing him on her first

for what he had gone through if he was here now. It was not like she could help him in any

be an idiot standing next to Fu Qingli, who had the looks and brains

onto the sofa

remarry since they would be apart for a while. Those people could