CHAPTER 261: CHAPTER 261: LIKING YOU

Actually, everything that happened back then is already in the past. There’s really no need to dwell on it anymore. Besides, the one feeling awkward now is him, not her.

"Don’t say it’s you—honestly, even I didn’t expect that fate would tie us together in this way. So these things aren’t really a big deal. You don’t need to overthink it."

Their relationship reaching this point hasn’t been easy. Moving forward, they’ll take it step by step, and certainly won’t let past incidents upset them midway.

"And besides, there’s no resentment left in my heart. I vented it all back then."

Half of the things she did were because of the bond they shared in the past.

"No wonder you were so harsh with me back then—but honestly, you were terribly adorable in those moments."

He has always had his own perspective on this matter.

What happened back then was something neither of them should remember.

Since it’s in the past, rehashing it would only hurt their relationship. Isn’t it better to move forward, stay together as they are now, and create more happiness?

Eventually, their story was finally revealed to everyone.

When Feng Qinqin heard about it, she couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

"If your story were turned into a movie, it would definitely be a blockbuster. Just think about it—losing each other in such a dramatic twist, and then finding your way back together through another one. How deep must your bond be for fate to bring you two back together!"

Ji Yu had always wanted to share this with him from the very beginning, but for certain reasons, she hadn’t been able to speak up.

"But for you two to end up together, it just proves how strong your connection is. Honestly, back then, fate was already bringing you together—it was just some coincidences that kept you apart."

Even if they were paired together under such circumstances initially, happiness was still possible.

Whenever she thought about her own feelings, she couldn’t help but sigh. She felt there was something missing between them, which kept them from moving forward.

"Has my brother been mistreating you lately?" Ji Yu couldn’t quite understand why she wore such an expression. Based on normal circumstances, the two of them should be preparing for their engagement by now.

"Don’t get me started. Honestly, I don’t know how things came to this point. In my heart, this situation feels utterly messed up. I want to have a good talk with him, but he always seems so busy."

Especially now that Madam Ji’s condition clearly required attention. That left her unable to broach the topic.

"I think we’re ultimately just not suited for each other. From the very beginning, he has always resisted me. Now he’s neglecting me too. I can’t stop him from caring about his mother, but at the same time, I can’t accept a man who doesn’t care about me."

Isn’t that just how things are?

Ji Yu understood the meaning behind her words.

This kind of relationship was undeniably fraught with contradictions.

"Take some time to sit down and have a real talk. Since you’ve fought so hard to be together, at least try to work through things before making any decisions."

This was the last thing she could do for Ji Yuanzhou—she hoped he would seize the opportunity.

"Yuyu, sometimes I truly envy you for being able to experience love like this. If it were me, I would be beyond happy."

She had always been trapped by memories of the past. Now, she truly wished to move forward.

"If the two of us don’t end up together, will you blame me?" She was aware of the close bond between Ji Yu and Ji Yuanzhou.

If something like this happened, their friendship might be at risk because of it.

"Qinqin, matters of the heart can never be forced. I know you both have tried your best, so why blame either of you?"

After all, one was her brother and the other was her best friend. How could she let such a thing cause her to abandon them?

"No matter what decision you two make, in my heart your positions will always remain unchanged."

Feng Qinqin finally let out a laugh. "That’s good. I was so worried that if we really fell out, you wouldn’t want to be my friend anymore. That would be a huge loss for me."

Their friendship had lasted since childhood till now—how could such a bond be broken so easily?

"Qinqin, follow your heart. So many things in life can’t be forced. Just like the feelings between you two—if you try to push it, it will only make both of you unhappy."

Reflecting on the past, Ji Yu couldn’t help but feel some bittersweet emotions.

It remained unclear how those two had come this far. They clearly held feelings for one another, yet couldn’t seem to reach the ending they hoped for. Such an outcome was heartbreakingly regretful.

They hadn’t talked for long before Xia Chuanhe arrived to visit Ji Yu.

Ji Yu was surprised by his appearance, but she knew he was the only one who could help her mother, so she maintained a certain politeness toward him.

"Senior, I’m fine. You really didn’t have to come to see me."

"How could I not be concerned about you? You’re my junior, and this incident was so dangerous. I feel bad for not being able to help much," he said, disappointed by his failed attempt to play the hero.

Thinking about the missed opportunity, he felt a pang of frustration in his chest. If given another chance, he’d surely make Ji Yu fall for him.

Ji Yu smiled faintly. "Honestly, it wasn’t that dangerous. I was only held captive for a short while. For me, it was a minor issue."

She had already endured far worse; how could a mere kidnapping leave her shaken?

"Still, thank you for coming to see me, Senior."

Ji Yu remained courteous toward Xia Chuanhe.

Xia Chuanhe disliked her reserved demeanor most of all. Clearly, the space between them was wide enough to close, yet she insisted on keeping her distance.

"Yu, you don’t need to be so polite with me. I came to see you simply because I wanted to. To me, you’re incredibly important."

His words were practically an open confession.

Initially, Feng Qinqin hadn’t thought much about his intentions. But upon hearing this, her face immediately soured with disapproval.