Shi Che returned to his room, walked into the bathroom, stood under the showerhead, turned on the switch, and icy cold water poured down on him. With both hands braced against the wall and his dark eyes tightly shut, cold water dripped from his hair down his body, each drop hitting the floor. A tear slowly welled up from the corner of his eye but was quickly washed away by the cold water, indistinguishable from the water itself.
After his shower, Shi Che stood in front of the bathroom mirror. He carefully shaved his beard, combed his hair, and grood himself thoroughly. Then he walked out, put on a suit, fastened his cuffs, and even tied his tie several tis until he was sure he looked impeccable. Only then did he glance at his watch. It was nine in the morning, the ti he and Ling Chuxia had agreed upon for their last eting.
Sure enough, just as he thought this, the room’s doorbell rang.
Shi Che’s lips curled slightly, but his eyes were filled with bitterness. In an instant, he composed himself, picked up the contract from the table, and walked toward the door.
Opening the door, Ling Chuxia stood there quietly, polite and distant as she had been these past few days, "President Shi, good morning."
Shi Che nodded slightly, stepped out of the room, and spoke in a low voice, "Join for breakfast."
Ling Chuxia didn’t respond imdiately.
Their ten-day agreent had ended, and her purpose today was rely to take the signed cooperation agreent and from thereon, to part ways without any further intersection.
Yet, listening to Shi Che’s voice, so deep and carrying a tinge of inexplicable sadness, Ling Chuxia didn’t want to agree, but sohow, she found herself gently nodding her head.
The two took the elevator to the hotel restaurant where a waiter respectfully led them to a table. Shi Che handed the nu to Ling Chuxia, who shook her head and said lightly, "You decide."
Shi Che didn’t insist. He ordered several dishes from the nu with the waiter, who took notes, confird everything once again, then said he’d be back shortly and left.
Ling Chuxia listened to his orders; all were to her taste, but her heart felt no stirrings, only a profound sarcasm. This ti, where was her sister hiding?
Even on this last day, was he squeezing every last bit of value from her as a substitute?
She laughed coldly, her hands on her thighs, gradually gripping tighter and tighter. After all this ti, through all they had been through— from losing a child, their divorce, her forced departure— she had never truly blad or hated Shi Che. But now, she truly began to hate him.
Hate him for why, at this mont, he still wouldn’t let her go, still used her as a substitute, as his consolation.
Even though they were divorced, she still lived under his and her sister’s shadow.
No, she wouldn’t give him such a chance again, never!
Ling Chuxia’s grip tightened further, then slowly relaxed. She looked up at Shi Che and said, "President Shi, excuse , I need to go to the restroom."
Shi Che’s dark eyes looked towards her, and he humd a sound of acknowledgent.
Ling Chuxia stood up, carrying her bag, and walked toward the restroom. As soon as she entered, she took out her smartphone from her bag and made a call.
Not long after, Ling Chuxia returned from the restroom to find the table already full of dishes, each looking exquisitely appetizing.
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