Xiao Su stared at her as if she were an alien.
Ru Feng ignored her father’s gaze and felt happy despite his scrutiny.
Situ Jin watched her greet customers and enthusiastically showcase various cakes. Although it seemed exhausting, her face radiated spirit, albeit with hints of swelling.
His frustration grew at the thought of his daughter being bullied by an outsider.
After work, as they walked out together, Ru Feng excitedly hugged her father’s arm, “Dad, aren’t we like in a movie?”
“We are!” Situ Jin replied, smiling, his eyes softening.
He chose not to comment on the changing dynamics with Qiu Chi, allowing the younger generation to create their own stories.
Suddenly, he asked, “Feng’er, have you seen Ning Yuan?”
Ru Feng looked up in panic, “Dad! Why bring him up when I’m trying to forget?”
Situ Jin sighed softly and took his daughter’s hand. “Feng’er, you can’t forget someone simply by not thinking of them. To truly move on, you need to actively confront your feelings—think about him, remember him, let the wound be exposed and bleed, then slowly heal until one day you can view him as just an ordinary friend.”
“My daughter is not so weak.”
Ru Feng felt the warmth from her father’s palm, calming the pain tied to that name. “Dad, I will try.”
Situ Jin studied her, as if he anticipated her response. “If he still loves you, would you go back?” He believed Ning Yuan’s feelings for Ru Feng were more profound than he admitted, and his affection for Sui Feng was not as genuine as he claimed. He had warned Sui Feng, but she had ignored him. Now she must discover the truth herself.
One must hurt and love to truly grow.
Ru Feng lowered her head, gazing at her trembling fingertips. After a moment, she raised her head and forced a smile that broke one’s heart.
She tried to smile with all her strength. “No, even if he comes back, I don’t want him anymore.”
Tears glistened in her eyes but did not fall. Encouraged by her father, she added, “He betrayed my love and trust. He was the first to give up, no matter the reason. Since he has abandoned me, I will never take him back.”
