Chapter 168: Xiaodi Returns

(A grand Chapter with 5K words. This month, the updates have amounted to almost 270,000 words, averaging 9K per day. It was fine at the start, but updates have been lacking lately. Tonight marks a new month, and I want to shake off the recent slump and vigorously update. I hope for your support! To have some motivation and pressure, I’ve decided that starting from 1st—after midnight tonight, there will be an extra Chapter for every 20 monthly passes! I earnestly request everyone to give your guaranteed monthly passes to this old veteran, spurring me to work harder. Thank you!)

Seeing Li Yan’s reaction, Qiao Huanxuan asked, "What? You’re unwilling?"

Although she wasn’t aware of Li Yan’s current situation, she knew about his past. His hometown wasn’t here, and his parents weren’t here either; although he had a girlfriend, she was still a college student and didn’t live with him. So, he should be living alone. Considering they had already been intimate, staying at his place for a night shouldn’t be a problem.

Li Yan was secretly troubled. Although his girlfriend Yu Xiaodi wasn’t present, he still had a wife at home! And he hadn’t mentioned this to Qiao Huanxuan.

"Hehe, they’ve booked you a hotel that’s five-star, a sea-view suite no less. Nowhere near as comfortable at home, right? No worries, I drive fast and will get you there. If you don’t mind, I’m also willing to stay there with you."

Looking at Li Yan, not wanting to take her home, Qiao Huanxuan certainly noticed. But what was his reasoning? Neither fear of parents nor fear of his girlfriend seeing, what else could make a man cautious?

After pondering, she thought perhaps Li Yan lived in a not-so-great environment, maybe a rented small apartment, and he didn’t want her to see. It was quite understandable; she had never seen Li Yan drive, the first time he took her back was by taxi, later for her birthday, he came to the hotel. Associating the fact that he hadn’t attended university and said his job was average, he probably didn’t earn much, perhaps he felt pressured in front of her.

Thinking this way, Qiao Huanxuan didn’t bring it up again, pretending she hadn’t realized, preserving the man’s dignity.

The two casually ate a bit, chatting and killing time. Wang Lin bought so much food, and after being talked into leaving by Li Yan, the two barely ate.

When it was almost nine o’clock, seeing Zhou Yunfei and Li Jie leave first, Li Yan suggested leaving.

Qiao Huanxuan followed his arrangement; she didn’t have much luggage, initially, Wang Lin eagerly helped her move it. Now Li Yan took over this task, the two of them followed Zhou Yunfei and Li Jie towards the international terminal exit.

Zhou Yunfei was now on duty, already focused, having no inclination to bother with Li Yan. Li Jie occasionally glanced back and saw Li Yan with the charming woman following, further confirming that Li Yan was using someone as cover.

At the arrival gate, Zhou Yunfei and Li Jie walked ahead, while Li Yan and Qiao Huanxuan stood off to the side, keeping distance and observing.

At this moment, thinking he would soon see Xiaodi, his mood became somewhat excited.

"Nervous? You won’t do anything rash, will you?" Qiao Huanxuan reminded him, fearing Li Yan might rush over and create an unavoidable conflict. During their chat, he roughly explained the situation.

Li Yan shook his head, then sighed softly, "It’s strange... You might not believe it, but between Yu Xiaodi and me, it was she who pursued me. We have quite an age difference, so I always avoided and resisted her. But as we spent more time together, unknowingly, I was touched and grew fond of her. Even so, most of the time, she reached out to me. I wasn’t diligent in going to her home, or school to find her, sometimes not seeing or contacting each other for days... Back then, I didn’t feel it was abnormal at all. But now, unable to reach her, I’m anxious and yearning desperately."

He sighed randomly, but Qiao Huanxuan instantly understood. Because... her situation with him was somewhat similar!

"Are you trying to say, people are inherently perverse?"

"Uh..." Li Yan was awkward; that wasn’t pleasant to hear.

"Then let’s phrase it more elegantly: When one possesses, one tends not to care, only upon losing does one learn to cherish. Is that what you meant?"

Li Yan agreed, maybe! Xiaodi isn’t lost yet, but nearing loss has made him feel profoundly; similarly with Zhang Yurong, discussing separation, even divorce, leading to his moving out, left him dispirited for a time, a deeply impactful emotional experience.

Qiao Huanxuan didn’t say more, pondering their situation even more. She had greater authority on the subject. Years ago, due to her reserve, she didn’t accept Li Yan’s gift; only when he discarded the gift did she collect it again; only when he departed and vanished did she regret deeply. Cherishing through memories, unexpectedly twelve springs passed!

At the airport with travelers emerging, Li Yan had to pull himself together, quickly shedding the sighing state, and because of emotional reflection, any initial excitement calmed.