At that moment, Gu Xichen couldn't tell if it was merely his imagination, but it seemed to him that He Meiwei's words about Gu Lili were not for his sake, but rather for another man.
Moreover, this facet of He Meiwei was entirely new to him.
"Whether she deserves him or not... Long Yubei has married her—that is an undeniable fact."
She leaned back on the sofa, tilting her chin upward as she murmured, "I simply cannot fathom it."
"Fathom what?"
"Why Long Yubei would marry her."
"Do you know Long Yubei?"
He Meiwei's tightly shut eyelids fluttered slightly; perhaps the wine had loosened her tongue, for she seemed unaware of her own confession: "He was my ex-boyfriend."
The revelation struck Gu Xichen like a thunderclap. Recalling her words, he pressed again, "Do you still harbor feelings for him?"
Suddenly, He Meiwei broke down into uncontrollable sobs. Normally, Gu Xichen would immediately comfort her, yet this time he remained rooted to the spot, motionless.
After a long while, she lay there calling Long Yubei's name in mournful tones, until her voice finally faded.
She fell asleep with tears still glistening at the corners of her eyes.
Gu Xichen drew a blanket over her and stepped out onto the balcony alone, lighting a cigarette.
Their acquaintance and relationship had been brief—just over two months.
They had met on a plane; she was returning from abroad.
Seated side by side, they conversed at length, growing increasingly joyful with each exchange.
After landing, they dined together and exchanged contact information.
Gu Xichen knew little about her.
But he was captivated by her refined tastes.
Moreover, her soft-spoken manner was like a kitten's gentle caress, compelling him to pursue her.
He lavished care upon her, professed his affection, and soon they became a couple.
She moved into his home.
Though they lived harmoniously, it was only then that Gu Xichen realized he knew nothing of her past.
To his utter astonishment, she had once been involved with Long Yubei.
The world was indeed small.
The next morning, He Meiwei awoke with a splitting headache. Gu Xichen brought her a cup of sobering tea.
"You drank too much. Drink this."
Taking the cup, she frowned and asked, "I can't remember how I got home last night. Xichen, I didn't say anything foolish, did I?"
Gu Xichen smirked slightly. "You said Long Yubei was your former boyfriend."
Seeing he was already aware, she no longer concealed the truth. "Yes, we dated once."
"How long ago did you break up?"
"Two years."
Gu Xichen grunted softly, urging her, "Drink up."
She lowered her head, draining the tea, then handed him the empty cup, pursing her lips. "Why don't you ask how we broke up?"
"I don't want to know," he said abruptly. "That's all in the past. Since you broke up so long ago, he's married, and you have me, there's no need to revisit it."
He Meiwei bit her lip but said no more.
The newlyweds rose early to join the Long family at their ancestral home for breakfast.
At the table, Long Tianjiao asked, "Brother, since you got married, why didn't Mo come?"
Long Mother shot her a sharp glance. "Child, why do you always bring up the most awkward topics?"
"I'm just curious," Long Tianjiao smiled at Long Fengxi beside her. "My sister doesn't mind."
"Mo was out of town and couldn't make it. He's returning to A City today," Long Yubei explained.
"I'm full," Long Fengxi said expressionlessly as she rose and turned away.
Long Mother patted Long Tianjiao's head, "I think you did that on purpose."