"No."
Wen Tingxue smiled and shook her head, her eyes unusually aggressive.
"I don't want to start over with you."
Yu Wenli's fingertips tightened.
As expected.
She was going to leave him.
"Then leave..."
"Because that would be a denial of our past."
Before he could finish, Wen Tingxue met his eyes again, smiling playfully but with an oppressive air, "Our six years of relationship, I have no right to deny it, and neither do you."
Her network in the capital wasn't vast, but it was in all the crucial places.
It was almost certain that if she wanted to, there was no information she couldn't uncover.
Even about psychiatric clinics.
The junior student who had been influenced by her and overcome bullying in school was studying psychology.
She knew too well how much school life impacted a person.
Therefore, she hoped to be a shield for students within the campus.
They had been in contact for the past two years.
She had asked her to investigate, and she had done so without hesitation.
"...I'm afraid it will hurt you."
After a long silence, he slowly voiced his concern.
Without looking at her, he lowered his gaze, staring distractedly at the scattered wine bottles on the table.
Wen Tingxue leaned over, placing one hand on his shoulder and using the other to tilt his chin up.
Forcing him to look into her eyes.
She said slowly, "You think this won't hurt me, right? Yu Wenli, you're usually quite smart, how can you be so foolish at a time like this?"
His gaze flickered, showing a rare moment of helplessness.
Wen Tingxue smiled and said, "You know yourself that you've gone too far. Let me tell you the truth, what you've done these past few days is even more excessive than the marks you've left on me."
"I'm sorry."
He apologized obediently.
Wen Tingxue did not accept it. "That's not what I want to hear."
He tried to turn his face away, but his chin was held.
Although the grip wasn't strong, he didn't want to break free.
He could only meet her gaze.
"...I'm afraid I'll get worse."
He spoke his true thoughts, which were also the crux of the problem.
Wen Tingxue nodded. "I'm afraid too, so let's leave the capital."
Yu Wenli, who was about to lower his eyes, suddenly looked up. "?"
"This place isn't suitable for recovery. Do you remember Qiao Hui's hometown? Xing'an Village in Lingxi. I used to show you her posts every time she updated her social media. Do you recall?"
She looked at him intently.
Yu Wenli nodded.
It was indeed a beautiful small mountain village.
Wen Tingxue took his hand and said, "Let's go there. It's not exactly paradise, but it's peaceful and elegant, with not much contact with the outside world, making it suitable for relaxation. Besides, you donated to the school and the library there. Don't you want to see it?"
She enticed him little by little. "When I went for an outdoor sketching trip in my first year, didn't you also say it was a beautiful place, suitable for a vacation? The painting that won me an award was of that place too. Are you sure you don't want to see the mountains and rivers for yourself, and experience the local customs and traditions?"
Yu Wenli looked at her expectant eyes and her moving lips.
He thought, perhaps it was a way.
The doctor had said that both bipolar disorder and depression don't develop overnight.
He couldn't pinpoint when things started to go wrong.
But he was certain that on that day, he had recalled his state for nearly a year.
He remembered that during the time his grandfather was hospitalized, he couldn't help but seek her out when he was feeling agitated.
Perhaps the signs were already there, but no one had paid attention.
Later, his grandfather passed away, he was drugged, and then the car accident, cyberbullying, a series of events followed, and he completely lost control of his condition.
When he thought about it carefully, it was always in the city.
Places built with steel and concrete inherently felt cold and indifferent.
"Okay."
Yu Wenli clasped her hand back and softly agreed.
Wen Tingxue immediately hugged him, her heart finally settling.
"A Li, let's not hide this anymore. It's just an illness, it's not a big deal. Don't think about pushing everyone away, okay?"
These past few days, You You had contacted her several times.
She said Yu Wenli was cold to everyone, and Mu Chen and Xing Jiahe had almost argued with him.
At that time, she had vaguely guessed that he probably wanted to withdraw into himself.
Protecting his dignity in a way that was almost foolish.
Sometimes, the smarter people are, the more prone they are to making silly mistakes.
But it was understandable.
He was born proud, always the center of attention since childhood.
He achieved fame at a young age, excelling beyond ordinary levels in both academics and music.
Not only his family and friends, but also his fans and the audience, had high expectations for him.
And he himself.
Among everyone, the one who could least tolerate his downfall and embarrassment was not others, but himself.
He was too proud, so he couldn't bow his head.
But it was alright, she would protect his dignity with all her might.
After a long time, he finally managed to squeeze out a word from his throat, "...Okay."
-
The next day, Wen Tingxue accompanied him to see a psychiatrist.
After explaining the situation to the doctor, the doctor prescribed a lot of medication and reminded Wen Tingxue to make sure he took it on time.
She was to contact her immediately if anything arose.
Wen Tingxue agreed to everything.
After leaving the hospital, she made another call to arrange a gathering.
Informing everyone about his condition and their decision.
Everyone expressed their understanding.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have developed into the person she is today.
She appeared capable and independent, showing no trace of her past timidity and fear.
Wen Tingxue smiled, "Everyone grows up, don't they?"
Yu Xiuxiu, however, said, "I rather wish you'd never grow up, that you'd remain like a child."
Parents are always like this, wishing their children would grow up, yet hoping they would never have to experience such setbacks.
"Oh dear, why are your eyes getting red? Your father will say I'm bullying you again."
Wen Tingxue quickly hugged her to comfort her, and unconsciously, her eyes also welled up.
Since university, Wen Tingxue had spent far less time in Jiangcheng than in the capital.
Her interactions with her parents had shifted from face-to-face conversations to video calls.
Sometimes, they didn't even speak a few words in a month.
It was indeed a helpless situation.
The two wiped away their tears and changed the subject.
Once the packing was almost done, Yu Xiuxiu took her hand and said, "Child, since you are already married to Xiao Wen, you should consider him more.
"He is sick now, you cannot dislike him, you must be understanding. Sometimes, even if he says unpleasant things, you should just let it go in one ear and out the other.
"Everyone goes through hardships. Don't let him feel like you look down on him because he's sick. He's at a low point now and needs family companionship the most, especially you. He likes you so much. From high school until now, from fame to obscurity, you have been by his side."
Wen Tingxue said, "I know. I've never thought of leaving him, nor will I ever dislike him. You can rest assured, we will be fine."
Yu Xiuxiu patted her daughter's hand with relief. "Yes, you are indeed my Yi Yi."
-
On Jiang Jiang's birthday, Shang Ziqian took leave to return to Jiangcheng.
The cake had been ordered in advance.
It was the little one's favorite Black Forest.
Shang Ziqian picked up the cake from the bakery and was about to take a taxi to Jiang Jiang's house.
Bang—
A loud noise echoed, and Shang Ziqian's hand paused as he reached for the car door.
He turned back, and smoke was already rising.
Shang Ziqian immediately got into the car. "To the fire!"
He commanded habitually.
The driver instinctively obeyed.
The explosion occurred at a hot pot restaurant on the next street.
The fire trucks had not yet arrived.
Out of professional instinct, Shang Ziqian placed the cake on the car seat and said to the driver,
"Wait for me for a moment. I'll be back soon, and I'll pay for the lost time."
The driver tried to dissuade him, but he had already left without looking back.
The incident was sudden, and many people had gathered around.
Crying, shouting, a chaotic scene.
Shang Ziqian doused himself with a basin of ice-cold water and stepped into the flames.
There were many customers inside; he would save one if he could.
He would leave once the firefighters arrived.
A place like this might have a secondary explosion.
Successively, he carried out two children and one adult.
The fire truck was also arriving quickly. He doused himself with another basin of water and went in.
But this time, he did not come out.
Because a gas tank exploded in the kitchen, and he was right at the kitchen door.
As he was flung out by the shockwave, he thought, what a shame. If he had been a little faster, perhaps that person could have been saved...
Lying in the fire, he remembered it was Jiang Jiang's birthday today, and he hadn't delivered the cake he bought her.
Tomorrow, he was supposed to pick up his boss from prison.
He would probably have to break his promise...
-
The news of Shang Ziqian's sacrifice while saving people was quickly reported.
Both Sucheng Fire Department and Jiangcheng Fire Department took it seriously.
Although Shang Ziqian was not killed in the line of duty, his spirit was highly commended and rewarded.
Therefore, the authorities decided to grant him the title of martyr.
As for the various subsidies, since he had no family, they were donated to society.
The funeral was arranged in Jiangcheng.
His hometown, and the city where he sacrificed himself.
Wen Tingxue and Yu Wenli received the news on the day they were scheduled to fly.
They immediately changed their flights and headed to the funeral.
For no other reason, but because they knew each other, they had to see him off.
People have always respected and admired martyrs.
Therefore, the funeral was crowded.
As soon as Yu Wenli appeared, it caused controversy.
The internet was also flooded with discussions.
[How dare he show up?]
[What is he doing? Trying to gain attention?]
[Hypocritical! He didn't even care about his own grandfather, yet he comes to a funeral!]
[Couldn't make it in the entertainment industry, so he's planning to make money in a different way?]
[Why can't it just be a simple condolence visit?! Why are you so conspiratorial!]
[Yu fans are here to whitewash again. Who believes them!]
In just a few minutes of his appearance, he quickly topped the trending searches, overshadowing the news of Shang Ziqian's sacrifice.
It further cemented the accusation of seeking attention.
However, Yu Wenli didn't care.
He was now focusing on his recovery, ignoring all news that was detrimental to his recuperation.
At the airport.
Wen Jinyeon, holding Wen Tingxue's hand, said with red eyes,
"Good child, Mom knows you've been wronged recently. If there's anything you can't bear, just call me. I am his mother, and I will take responsibility for his misdeeds.
"Don't keep your grievances bottled up inside; you'll get sick. Of course, I know my son. His mouth, when he wants to be hurtful, he holds back absolutely nothing.
"If you really can't accept it, then divorce him. Ah, you are also a treasure cherished by your parents, you don't need to suffer this."
Wen Tingxue smiled and hugged her. "Mom, what are you saying? How could I possibly divorce him? Unless he truly commits a fundamental error, I will definitely stay with him for a lifetime."
"Oh," Wen Jinyeon wiped away her tears happily. "If he dares to wrong you, I won't acknowledge him!"
Wen Tingxue assured her, "Mom, don't worry. I will definitely bring him back healthy and well. But you also need to take care of yourselves, otherwise, I will really cry."
Wen Jinyeon nodded repeatedly.
-
The plane landed in Lingxi quite late.
The two booked a room and headed to Xing'an Village the next morning.
Qiao Hui was already waiting for them at the town.
"They're making New Year's goods, it's incredibly lively. Do you two want to go shopping?"
Qiao Hui asked.
After a long absence, she had lost a lot of weight and appeared much more capable.
She was full of energy.
Wen Tingxue glanced at Yu Wenli and said, "Perhaps not. We've been traveling for two days and are quite tired. Let's go to the village and rest first."
Qiao Hui said, "Alright!"
In the car, Qiao Hui, afraid they wouldn't be used to the local food, asked many questions.
Finally, she asked about accommodation.
"I wanted to arrange for you to stay at the village head's house. Their family has the best house in town, and there are many rooms. But Grandma wants you to stay at her place. What do you think?"
During her sketching trip, Wen Tingxue had been closest to Grandma.
She would often visit Grandma's house.
Grandma was so enthusiastic that she couldn't refuse.
However, Yu Wenli was delicate and pampered, and might not be able to live in such a house.
"What do you think?"
She handed him the choice.
Yu Wenli pondered for a few seconds and said, "Let's go to Grandma's."
Qiao Hui smiled. "Okay, Grandma will be especially happy!"
Grandma's family wasn't large; it was just her and her husband. Their children had passed away early.
For so many years, they had taken care of each other.
Suddenly having two young people in their home, they were overjoyed, as if they had seen their own children return.
Entering the courtyard, Wen Tingxue immediately saw the "Persimmons Bearing Auspiciousness" on the low wall.
Five years had passed, yet the color was still there, and quite vibrant.
"Your Grandma really likes that painting. She worries about it getting rained on or exposed to the sun, she frets about it every day, waiting for you to come back and see it," Grandpa explained with a smile.
Grandma playfully hit him.
Wen Tingxue had lived there for a while and understood some of the dialect.
Yu Wenli, on the other hand, was completely baffled, looking at her with his dark, uncomprehending eyes.
Wen Tingxue found him incredibly cute this way.
"Look! That's the 'Persimmons Bearing Auspiciousness' I painted. What do you think? Isn't it beautiful?"
She pointed, and Yu Wenli had already seen it. Knowing she painted it, he was quite surprised.
"It's beautiful, but it's been over five years, how is it still so..."
"Persimmons bearing auspiciousness, everything going smoothly. It means we will surely have everything go smoothly and overcome this hurdle."
Wen Tingxue said with a smile, and Yu Wenli's heart trembled. He nodded, "Yes."
[Author's Aside]: This is a large chapter. I'm aiming to finish it by the end of this month.