You are getting the love that you deserve
Seated comfortably in a quaint cafe, Qin Yan caught the waiter's attention with a friendly wave. The menu, filled with an array of aromatic delights, beckoned them to make their choices.2
With animated gestures and laughter, they shared their preferences, the waiter jotting down each order with a smile. Anticipation grew as they awaited the arrival of their coffees, the air thick with the rich scent of brewing beans.
The two friends hadn't seen each other for what felt like an eternity, their busy lives and countless responsibilities keeping them apart.
"Yan Yan, how have you been? We haven't met each other since a long time," Qiao Qing said.
"I am absolutely fine. What about you? How have you been?" Despite seeing a rosy glow on Qiao Qing's face which was a stark contrast from the pale face she had when she had met the latter last time, Qin Yan wished to know about her friend's situation.
"I am also fine," Qiao Qing smiled happily.
"What's been going on with you lately? You seem different, in a really good way." Qin Yan tested the situation if Qiao Qing would reveal anything.
Hearing Qin Yan's question, a soft blush tinted Qiao Qing's face as she nodded shyly, "There is something I haven't told you yet.."
Seeing Qiao Qing blushing, Qin Yan grew curious, "So, what's new?"
"Yan Yan," Qiao Qing's eyes were sparkling with a mix of excitement and a hint of uncertainty as she took a deep breath, "I have taken a liking to someone.."
Qiao Qing's voice was soft and filled with a mix of wonder and joy.
Qin Yan had already guessed this but she was still surprised when Qiao Qing admitted it honestly. She leaned in with a warm smile on her face.
"Wow! That's great! Who is it? Tell me quickly."
"His name is Jia Yuze..We met at our business party.."
Qiao Qing told Qin Yan everything about her and Jia Yuze's encounters and also about how Jia Yuze had saved her from being insulted many times. She also told Qin Yan that they were in regular contact with each other and she liked spending time with him.
Qiao Qing's words carried a mix of admiration and affection, painting a vivid picture of her and Jia Yuze's blossoming connection.
"Yan Yan, he makes me feel alive, cherished, and seen in ways I've never experienced before."
After listening to Qiao Qing, Qin Yan had a good impression of Jia Yuze. The glow on Qiao Qing's face was that of happiness which was never visible when she was with Shen Yong.
However, just to be sure, Qin Yan decided to investigate this guy. Qin Yan knew that Qiao Qing would not be able to handle another betrayal. So, to play safe, it was necessary to investigate this guy beforehand.
"Yan Yan, I am worried about one thing," Qiao Qing's voice interrupted Qin Yan's thoughts.
Qiao Qing's face suddenly wore a veil of sadness. Taking a deep breath, she mustered the courage to confide in her best friend.
Her voice trembled as she began, "I can't help but feel consumed by guilt. Falling in love so quickly just after my breakup, it's as if I've betrayed Shen Yong."
Qiao Qing's words carried a sense of remorse, her heart heavy with the burden of her actions.
Qin Yan was not surprised by Qiao Qing's dilemma. It was expected from a girl like Qiao Qing. People like this would never wish to do anything to hurt anyone even unintentionally.
Qin Yan reached out, gently grasping Qiao Qing's hand, and looked at her with empathy.
"Listen to me," she said, her voice filled with warmth and conviction, "You haven't betrayed anyone. You deserve happiness, and sometimes life presents us with unexpected opportunities."
She continued, her words carrying a sense of reassurance. "Shen Yong didn't treat you with the love and respect you deserve. You gave your all, and it's okay to let go and explore new possibilities. You have the right to find someone who cherishes and values you."
As Qin Yan spoke, the weight of guilt began to loosen its grip on Qiao Qing's heart. She realized Qin Yan was right, that she had given her all and had the right to seek a love that would cherish her.
Qin Yan saw that Qiao Qing was understanding her opinion, so she continued, "Moreover, you are getting things that you didn't get from Shen Yong. Your heart yearns for the pampering that you deserve. So, when you are getting that pampering from Jia Yuze, it's normal for you to get attracted to him quickly."
"Don't think about the timing, just think about your happiness and well-being. You deserve love that nurtures your soul, a love that inspires you to be the best version of yourself."
In that moment, surrounded by the comforting ambiance of the cafe, Qin Yan and Qiao Qing shared an unspoken understanding. The weight of guilt began to transform into a sense of liberation, as Qiao Qing embraced the notion that she hadn't betrayed Shen Yong, but rather, she had released herself from a relationship that no longer served her.
"You're right," she whispered, her voice filled with newfound strength, "I deserve someone who appreciates me for who I am, someone who will love me unconditionally. It's time for me to move forward and embrace the happiness that awaits."
Qin Yan smiled. She was happy that Qiao Qing was finally on the right track.
"When we meet next time, I will give you a gift that I have prepared for you," She said to Qiao Qing as she savoured the last sip of her coffee.
Qiao Qing was curious about Qin Yan's gift, but she did not ask anything as she knew that Qin Yan would not tell her anything now. It was better to wait until next time.
*
Meanwhile, Xi Ting was looking at the investigation details brought to him by Tong Chunian.
After having met Nie Qinyu the previous time, Xi Ting had instructed Tong Chunian to investigate Nie Qinyu and Su Cen's relationship.
Now, from the results of the investigation, it was evident that Nie Qinyu and Su Cen didn't only just know each other. They had a different relationship.
When Nie Qinyu went to the village that year, Su Cen was only in her teens. She was very talented and smart. She kept pace with her studies and was full of spirit.
Nie Qinyu thought that it would be a waste for her to stay in the village, so he pushed her to go to university in capital City. At that time, he helped her revise every day and also helped her through her exams. He also told her about the world outside.
Sure enough, Su Cen really lived up to Nie Qinyu's grooming and very quickly got admitted to the university he was working at. He then began to teach her professional classes. At that time, Nie Qinyu was still a young professor. He was full of vitality and always felt invincible.
Nie Qinyu recommended Su Cen to pursue her studies overseas and wanted her to get even better grades. Thus, he continued helping her in her revision and learning. They practically faced each other from dusk to dawn every day. It's just that at that time, it was unexpected.
Nie Qinyu and Su Cen were two young people and ultimately, their feelings for each other unknowingly developed. They knew that their age difference was too big.
He was a teacher and she was a student. She was his protégé. If anything between them was discovered, people would definitely talk. It might also end up affecting her education path. So, Nie Qinyu got married.
However, after he got married, Su Cen was heartbroken. Seeing her heartbroken also agonized the Master of Nie family. They spent a year looking at each other, but were unable to get close.
After that, Su Cen lost all hope and did not want to continue her studies with the university Nie Qinyu was working at. She also didn't listen to his suggestion to go overseas and simply left his line of vision. Nobody saw her again after that.
This investigation revealed that Xi Ting's suspicions were correct. Nie Qinyu and Su Cen were in love with each other and their love story turned out to be tragic.
As Xi Ting flipped through the investigation papers, his eyes widened as he stumbled upon a faded photograph. The woman captured within it bore a striking resemblance to his beloved girlfriend—a remarkable likeness that made his heart skip a beat.
The woman in the picture had a gentle smile and kind eyes, mirroring the warmth he had come to cherish in his girlfriend. Every curve of her face, every delicate feature, seemed to align with Qin Yan. It was as if he were gazing at a slightly younger version of Qin Yan, her essence captured in black and white.
Unable to contain his curiosity, Xi Ting ventured deeper into the investigation.
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