Feng Feng’s expression remained unchanged, but her heart was far from still. It was like a calm lake disturbed by stones, sending ripples across its surface.
Could human flaws truly have such a profound impact?
Feng Feng found herself questioning her own nature.
It wasn’t as if men hadn’t pursued her before. Many had found new girlfriends after she rejected them, but she had never cared about their romantic lives, unlike Shen Su.
Feng Feng couldn’t help but recall Wen Zhouyuan’s question: had she fallen for Shen Su?
She wasn’t one to evade her own feelings. Judging by her current behavior, if not love, she at least liked Shen Su.
It was incredible that she had developed genuine feelings for a casual partner after their relationship had ended.
Feng Feng didn’t know if Shen Su was deliberately avoiding her, but he hardly came to Jin He anymore. In the workplace, they rarely crossed paths.
Although Feng Feng realized her special feelings for Shen Su, she took no action. She hadn’t figured out how to handle this emotion.
She had promised Wen Zhouyuan she would accompany him through his treatment, and Wen Zhouyuan didn’t have much time left. Shen Su, meanwhile, had a new girlfriend, Ji Tong. Ji Tong was young and seemed devoted to Shen Su. If Feng Feng made a move, she would become a third party, disrupting their relationship.
Thus, Feng Feng spent another period in this state of internal conflict and entanglement.
She saw Shen Su again after Lin Mei and Xing Zheng returned to Nanjiang with their child.
After giving birth, Lin Mei stayed in Xiangxi for a few months before returning to Nanjiang. Upon her return, she and Xing Zheng invited friends over for dinner on the weekend.
With a child, Zhuhua Villa was much livelier than before. There were also several nannies in the house, giving it a more vibrant atmosphere.
Feng Feng and Lan Lan, after shopping all day, arrived at Zhuhua Villa in the afternoon with bags full of purchases.
They were early; the others hadn’t arrived yet.
Jing Chu was already learning to hold his head up and roll over. He was playing on the living room carpet, drooling incessantly. As soon as Lan Lan entered, she went to play with the child.
Feng Feng sat beside Lin Mei. “When are you going back to work?”
Lin Mei replied, “The week after next. I’ve arranged it with the bank manager.”
Feng Feng asked, “Has Jing Chu been weaned?”
Lin Mei said, “Yes, he’s successfully weaned and is now drinking formula.”
Since having a child, Lin Mei’s state had improved significantly compared to during her pregnancy. This was also thanks to Xing Zheng providing her with ample security. They had already registered their marriage and were only waiting for the wedding.
Encountering a good relationship could indeed pull someone out of the abyss.
Lin Mei didn’t forget to ask about Feng Feng. “How has Wen Zhouyuan been recently?”
Feng Feng replied, “He had a round of chemotherapy last week. It’s just… like that.”
Lin Mei said, “I thought you would bring him today.”
Feng Feng responded, “What would I bring him for? He doesn’t know these people well, and it would be quite awkward.”
Actually, Wen Zhouyuan had wanted to come, but Feng Feng had refused him. She herself couldn’t pinpoint the exact reason, but for some inexplicable reason, she didn’t want to bring him.
Lin Mei looked at Feng Feng for a few seconds. “Alright, I can confirm you really don’t like him anymore.”
Feng Feng didn’t deny this. Her feelings for Wen Zhouyuan were likely fading.
Perhaps it was human nature. Before, when Wen Zhouyuan didn’t reciprocate her feelings and went on to marry and have children with someone else, she had felt a lingering resentment. Whenever he was mentioned in the alumni group chat, she would feel uneasy.
But when Wen Zhouyuan actually came back to her, her heart felt as calm as still water.
She was willing to accompany him through his treatment, to walk with him through this final stretch, not because she loved him dearly.
In Wen Zhouyuan’s words, it might be more akin to “pity.”
As she was chatting with Lin Mei, Wen Zhouyuan called.
Feng Feng answered, “What is it?”
Wen Zhouyuan said, “Xiao Bai wants to come stay for a few months. You…”
Feng Feng replied, “Then let her come. However, I don’t have space at my place, so she’ll probably have to stay in your house.”
Wen Zhouyuan asked, “You don’t mind?”
Feng Feng responded, “Why would I mind?”
Wen Zhouyuan was left speechless. After a few more words about Lin Mei, he hung up.
Lan Lan, holding Jing Chu, came over to the sofa. “Who’s coming?”
Feng Feng said, “Wen Zhouyuan’s daughter.”
Lan Lan asked, “To live at your place?”
Feng Feng replied, “I don’t have space there, so she’ll stay in the house Wen Zhouyuan bought.”
Lan Lan commented, “It’s the same, isn’t it? You’ll still have to take care of her.”
Expecting a sick person like Wen Zhouyuan to care for a child was impossible.
Wen Zhouyuan’s daughter was only about five or six years old. Children of that age, no matter how mature or sensible, needed an adult’s care.
Moreover, at such a young age, she couldn’t possibly fly internationally alone, so Wen Zhouyuan’s ex-wife would likely be coming too.
Lan Lan, for once, chided Feng Feng. “You’re like a living Bodhisattva, taking care of the old and then the young. If his ex-wife comes, you’ll probably have to host a dinner for her too.”
Feng Feng didn’t get angry at Lan Lan’s words. She smiled faintly. “It’s not impossible.”
Lan Lan said, “Alright, I know you truly don’t like Wen Zhouyuan anymore.”
Before, just mentioning Wen Zhouyuan and his wife and daughter would make her fall silent for several minutes. Now, she could not only listen but also joke along with her.
Only through letting go could one feel so at ease.
The three of them chatted in the living room for over half an hour before others started arriving one by one.
Feng Feng had anticipated Shen Su’s arrival today, but she hadn’t expected him to bring Ji Tong along.
It wasn’t just Feng Feng who was surprised; everyone else was too. Shen Su bringing Ji Tong to such an occasion was unexpected.
Although everyone knew they were dating and their relationship was good, and he usually kept her by his side, this was a rather private gathering, and Feng Feng was definitely going to be there…
The moment they appeared, everyone’s gaze instinctively shifted to Feng Feng.
Feng Feng’s expression remained placid as she looked towards the couple.
Ji Tong wore a hoodie, jeans, and her hair was tied in a ponytail. She wore no makeup and looked like a student who hadn’t yet graduated.
She wasn’t tall, appearing delicate and petite next to Shen Su. Facing so many unfamiliar people, she seemed a bit reserved, her cheeks flushed, making her very likable.
Gu Song, always eager to stir up trouble, was the first to tease. “Shen Su, you’re something else. When you date, you never forget to bring her along wherever you go.”
Gu Song had eaten with Ji Tong a few times privately, but Ji Tong hadn’t met Xing Zheng or Liang Yufeng. Shen Su introduced them one by one.
“That’s Xing Zheng, I’ve mentioned him to you. That lady is his wife, Lin Mei.” Shen Su introduced everyone in turn, leaving only Feng Feng at the end.
His gaze rested on Feng Feng, and he said calmly, “That’s Feng Feng. You should remember her; you met her at a company event before.”
“Yes, I do,” Ji Tong nodded. “She’s Ms. Feng from the firm. I remember.”
Ji Tong proactively greeted Feng Feng. “Hello, Ms. Feng. I’m Ji Tong. If we have any work interactions in the future, please take care of me.”
Feng Feng replied with an “Mm,” her attitude towards Ji Tong being quite acceptable. “No problem.”