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 the evening in

the airport, Tongrui enjoyed a cup

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

turned vacant as her mind wandered

tears to her

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

so much she could not open

all in one. However, this was the most awful cup

had it when she could sneak

that ever happened to her. Why

now she sat alone in a godforsaken

let her go

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 to take

Tongrui could not bear to put Lingye in the face

eyes. Besides, Lingye demonstrated utmost patience with her.

instant noodles was

were drenched with her

in her thoughts for

places, Zhengyuan sent her to a freezing city. The world was too big for Lingye to find her. Was she doomed

grow old by

if her path was not meant to cross Lingye

She was still waiting

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

wanted to be with

she did not have the courage to bring the Fu family and Fu Corporation down with her and feared that Lingye would

things. His pride should

missing him on her first night

and to stay away. She would feel sorry for what he had gone through if he was here now. It was not like she could help him

helpless. She must be an idiot standing next to Fu

the

they would be apart for a while. Those people could not stand to see them