Feng Feng never dreamed that one day she would have the thought of changing a man; it was too ridiculous.
Seeing Xing Zheng become like this step by step, she actually felt that Shen Su might also change.
Lin Mei heard the implied meaning in Feng Feng's words and said to her with a smile, "People do change. I never thought he would become what he is today."
In fact, marriage and having children are essentially a gamble, with risks and rewards being equivalent. The relationship between Lin Mei and Xing Zheng was not favored by many at first, but now that the couple is living such a comfortable life, it has silenced those who were not optimistic back then.
Feng Feng pondered Lin Mei's words and did not respond. Lin Mei then changed the subject and asked about Li Yue's situation in New York, "Did Li Yue have a smooth time after going there? Do you contact each other often?"
Feng Feng replied, "We haven't contacted each other for the past few days. He's busy with work, and I haven't reached out to him."
Lin Mei sighed softly. This was clearly not the way a normal couple should interact. It was likely that Li Yue also realized something was wrong. "He hasn't contacted you either?"
Feng Feng said, "Mm, he's too busy with work, and there's also the time difference. It's nothing."
Lin Mei found it difficult to comment on the matter, and her expression became complicated.
Although she hadn't spoken, Feng Feng had already guessed what she wanted to say, "Li Yue is very smart. He knows what he's doing."
Lin Mei said, "I regret it a little. I shouldn't have persuaded you to be together back then."
"There's nothing to regret. I don't regret anything," Feng Feng smiled. She put down her teacup, her tone much more relaxed. "I was quite happy during the time we were dating. The outcome isn't that important."
Dating Li Yue was the first time she had ever seriously started a romantic relationship. Although it wasn't deeply unforgettable, it was completely different from her previous patterns. Even if the outcome wasn't good, she had learned a lot from this relationship.
At the very least, Li Yue made her understand the proper way for lovers to interact and made her realize what she truly needed.
It was late Friday night in New York. Li Yue, for once, finished work at 10:30 PM. The high-intensity work made him desperately seek a way to relax.
After work, Li Yue went alone to a Chinese restaurant in the city and ordered several dishes he usually ate. In the late-night Chinese restaurant, most of the patrons were Chinese. Li Yue overheard conversations around him; many were relaxing after finishing work.
As the waiter served the dishes, before Li Yue could even pick up his chopsticks, he heard a familiar voice, "Li Yue...?"
He paused, frowned, and turned around. He saw Zhang Shuang.
Zhang Shuang was wearing a tracksuit, and her hair was a bit messy.
Li Yue was surprised. "What are you doing here?"
Zhang Shuang tidied her hair and said, "I found a job here. I just arrived yesterday."
Li Yue nodded. He didn't doubt Zhang Shuang finding a job in New York. Zhang Shuang had always been academically excellent and outstanding in her abilities. If it weren't for her family's financial constraints, she would have come to the United States to study years ago.
After explaining her situation, Zhang Shuang asked Li Yue, "Are you here on a business trip?"
Li Yue replied, "No, I'm working here too."
This time, it was Zhang Shuang's turn to be surprised. Her expression clearly showed her astonishment.
Li Yue glanced behind her. "Are you here alone? Sit down and eat with me!"
Zhang Shuang nodded, stepped forward, and sat down opposite Li Yue. Li Yue asked the waiter to bring Zhang Shuang a set of cutlery.
Since they had dated for many years, they didn't feel awkward sitting together to eat. Zhang Shuang casually asked Li Yue, "Why did you come to New York to work?"
Li Yue said, "A company I applied to before offered me a position, so I came over."
Zhang Shuang hesitated, then finally asked, "Your girlfriend... didn't she try to keep you?"
When this was mentioned, Li Yue smiled faintly. Although he appeared nonchalant, Zhang Shuang could still detect a hint of self-mockery in his smile.
However, Li Yue did not speak ill of Feng Feng. He simply said, "She respects my choice."
Zhang Shuang nodded gently and sighed, "Then she's quite generous and rational. If it were me, I wouldn't be able to accept it."
As Zhang Shuang said this, Li Yue naturally recalled the reason for their breakup back then. At that time, Zhang Shuang had argued with him for a long time because she didn't want him to study abroad, and she had broken down and cried hysterically several times.
Back then, Li Yue thought she was too irrational. He never expected to encounter Feng Feng like this now... Perhaps people are never satisfied.
As Li Yue remained silent, Zhang Shuang suddenly seemed to remember something. "Then what are your future plans? Will you continue with a long-distance relationship?"
Zhang Shuang asked the most critical question, one that Li Yue couldn't answer. His expression became even more somber.
Seeing this, Zhang Shuang added, "Okay, this is your private matter. I won't ask anymore."
Li Yue forced a smile. "For now, it has to be this way. We'll see how things go later."
Zhang Shuang said, "If you were to get married, one of you would have to make a sacrifice, right? Your girlfriend is so capable; she should also develop quite well here."
Li Yue nodded. "Mm."
He didn't respond much to her statement, and Zhang Shuang stopped at that point, saying no more.
As they ate, Li Yue asked about Zhang Shuang's work. Zhang Shuang showed a troubled expression. "I have to find a place to live before I can start working. I'm still staying at a hotel."
Li Yue frowned. "Didn't you look for housing before you came?"
Zhang Shuang replied, "I did, but I couldn't find anything suitable. The company is rushing me, so I had to come first and then look."
Li Yue pondered for a moment and took out his phone. "What are your requirements? I'll ask a friend for you."
Li Yue's network in the United States was at least larger than Zhang Shuang's. She had come here alone, with no relatives or friends, so Li Yue felt he had to help her out.
Zhang Shuang looked pleasantly surprised by Li Yue's offer. After saying "Thank you," she told him her requirements, "The rent shouldn't be too expensive, and it just needs to be clean."
Li Yue asked, "Are you looking to rent with roommates or alone?"
Zhang Shuang replied, "Alone, please. I want a one-bedroom apartment. Renting with roommates feels a bit unsafe."
Li Yue said, "Okay, I'll ask for you."
Li Yue contacted a university classmate who worked in New York via WeChat, asking him to keep an eye out for suitable apartments. His friend quickly replied.
Li Yue then told Zhang Shuang, "He has some news. I'll contact you on WeChat."
Zhang Shuang said, "Okay, thank you for the trouble."
Li Yue replied, "It's nothing. You're here alone and just arrived. If you encounter any problems, you can come to me."
Putting aside their past relationship, they were at least old classmates. Li Yue would not refuse to help when needed.
Zhang Shuang could sense that Li Yue's attitude towards her had become much warmer than before.
Perhaps it was because Feng Feng hadn't come to New York to work with him that had caused a rift in his heart. Men are often like this; they want the other person to be "rational," but if they are too rational, they will feel that the other person doesn't care enough about them.