Chapter 314: Missing Her
Yun Shifei continued speaking to Cheng Lie: "But to be honest, my parents do love each other. I have shadows in my heart because of my mom, but I can’t stop my dad from loving her. This is actually why I initially chose to give up attending the university close to home and insisted on going to Beijing."
"Because I know they have feelings for each other. If their marriage ends up a mess because of me, I would feel very guilty."
Listening to Yun Shifei’s words, Cheng Lie’s heart ached deeply for her. She was just too tolerant, and that was why she carried so much pain inside.
But then, that was also the very quality that had drawn him to her in the first place.
Clearly, she was as scarred as he was, her heart riddled with wounds. And yet, her soul still leaned toward the light. When his world was dark and gloomy, she could still greet the world with a radiant smile.
"Life gave me pain, yet I responded with a song."
That must’ve been written with Yun Shifei in mind.
It was precisely her positivity and optimism that pulled him from the abyss of despair.
In everything she did, she always held onto a sliver of humanity deep in her heart.
Unlike the past, when he carelessly gave in to his impulses.
For the first time, he could feel the warmth of the human world, no longer just its icy coldness.
Quietly listening to Yun Shifei’s voice, Cheng Lie softly comforted her: "Whatever decision you make, I believe you have your reasons. Shifei, don’t cry. From now on, you have me."
He only regretted that their conversation now could only happen over the phone, instead of face-to-face.
Otherwise, at this moment, he could’ve soothed her emotions properly.
Cheng Lie truly was so warm and considerate, and Yun Shifei was deeply moved. After all, she had never dared to reveal these thoughts buried in her heart to anyone before, simply out of fear. But because Cheng Lie was the partner who had braved hardships with her in her younger years, she couldn’t help but show her vulnerable side in this moment.
After all, there wasn’t a single embarrassing side of herself that he hadn’t already seen—much less the current her.
Yet, he said she was crying...
Yun Shifei instinctively reached up to touch her eyes and found that tears really had fallen.
If Cheng Lie hadn’t mentioned it, she wouldn’t have realized she was crying at all.
Yun Shifei sniffled. "I’m not crying."
"Your voice says otherwise."
"That’s because I just pinched my nose."
Hearing Yun Shifei’s weak excuse, Cheng Lie laughed but didn’t expose her.
He said, "Shifei, happy New Year. Do you have any plans for the holiday?"
"Plans... not really. I guess I’ll go to my grandmother’s for a few days, then come back."
Cheng Lie responded with a soft "Alright."
After hanging up, Cheng Lie called Zhao Pan. "Book me a ticket to South City."
At the time, Zhao Pan was at home for the New Year. Hearing Cheng Lie’s words, he looked astonished. "Mr. Cheng, didn’t you say you weren’t going back for New Year and would stay in Beijing to work on research?"
"I’ve changed my mind."
"But... but what about the Fourth Master? It’s hard for me to explain this to him."
"Tell him I still have some unresolved matters, and I need to go find Cheng Guomin."
Hearing this, Zhao Pan had no choice but to agree. If he said Cheng Lie needed to sort out past issues, there was no way he could refuse.
Though he couldn’t help but wonder—what unresolved issues with the Cheng Family could still be left?
On New Year’s Eve, Yun Shifei met Xu Ya. Xu Ya had brought some gifts for Yun Shifei, and Yun Shifei accepted them with thanks.
They all sat down for what looked like an intimate New Year’s Eve dinner, yet it was anything but.
Several times, Xu Ya took the initiative to talk to Yun Shifei.
"Shifei, I heard from your dad that you’re dating someone?"
"Yes."
"That’s great. What kind of person is he?"
"I’d rather not talk about it yet." Yun Shifei replied, glancing briefly at Xu Ya.
She noticed the awkward look on Xu Ya’s face.
It made sense; their relationship as mother and daughter was just that awkward now.
Every time Xu Ya saw her, she was overly enthusiastic, as if trying to bridge the gap between them.
The forced closeness made Yun Shifei uncomfortable.
Thinking about her earlier conversation with Cheng Lie, she decided it was better to clarify things today.
"Mom, Dad, I sincerely hope your relationship can return to what it once was. After all, you truly love each other. But Mom, between us, it’s better if we keep some distance." After saying this, she stood up and smiled at them. "I’m done eating. Enjoy your meal. Happy New Year."
With that, she headed upstairs, unwilling to witness Yun Tiancheng and Xu Ya’s awkward expressions.
Before, she wouldn’t have had the courage to say something like that. But now, having someone who cherished her gave her immense courage.
She thought to herself, maybe she wasn’t so cowardly after all. It was just that she’d never had someone supporting her from behind before. When her abilities fell short, she didn’t have the confidence. But now, that wasn’t the case anymore.
Upstairs, Yun Shifei called Cheng Lie again.
Outside, just like before, the sound of fireworks and firecrackers echoed endlessly, filling the air with festive New Year’s cheer.
The only difference was that Cheng Lie wasn’t there. In the past, she could go to the Cheng Family home to find him and set off fireworks together. Now, they were in two different cities—one in Beijing, the other in South City.
Yun Shifei said, "Cheng Lie, can you hear it? They’re lighting fireworks outside."
"I can hear it." His voice was calm and steady.
"I miss you." Caught up in the moment, Yun Shifei couldn’t help but voice her feelings. Under normal circumstances, she would never have had the courage to say such words.
"I miss you too," Cheng Lie replied. "So, Shifei, can you come to the gate of your apartment complex to see me?"
Yun Shifei froze in place. She had been sprawled lazily on her bed, but upon hearing his words, she immediately sat up straight. "What did you say?"
She couldn’t quite process what was happening. Why was Cheng Lie asking her to go to the gate?
"I’m in South City," Cheng Lie said. After a pause, he added, "I came to see you."
On New Year’s Eve, the sky, normally pitch black, was as bright as day. Fireworks bloomed in the air, their beauty unforgettable.
Yun Shifei hurriedly threw on a coat and ran out of the house.
The short walk to the apartment gate felt excruciatingly long to her at this moment.
Then, just a hundred meters away, she saw a tall, familiar figure standing there. At that moment, Yun Shifei calmed down a little.
She caught a glimpse of her hurried appearance—she hadn’t even taken the time to properly groom herself, just thrown on a coat. What if Cheng Lie found this version of her unimpressive?
But staring at the person she had longed for day and night, Yun Shifei thought, who cares!
Meeting him was all that mattered.
She quickened her steps toward Cheng Lie. As she drew closer to that familiar silhouette, she couldn’t hold back and called out, "Cheng Lie!"
When he turned to look at her, Yun Shifei broke into a small run and leapt into his embrace.
At this moment, it felt as though the world held only the two of them.