CHAPTER 429: CHAPTER 429: ONE CUT, TWO HALVES

"Yu, I know I’ve done a lot of wrong things recently, but now I understand my mistakes. I hope you can give me another chance, a possibility to make amends."

In his heart, he knew the chances were slim. The bond they once had was already nearly exhausted, and if he wanted to discuss this, he could only try to evoke some sympathy.

"I’m sorry, I don’t have that in mind right now. Besides, everything you’ve done recently comes from your very nature." Ji Yu couldn’t bring herself to forgive his actions as she recalled everything that had transpired during this time.

"You’re the type of person who can never change. You always think you’re faultless and blame others instead. If that’s your mindset, then why even bother asking me?"

A person like him wouldn’t truly love anyone; he only loved himself. Deep down, he didn’t even know who he truly cared for.

"Maybe someday you’ll realize the person you love is yourself. Your so-called love is nothing more than an obsession you designed for yourself. That obsession should have dissipated by now; you shouldn’t waste any more time on me."

Ji Yu spoke these words with a hint of earnestness, for she was fully aware of the realities in front of her.

"Yu, things aren’t as you imagine them to be. I truly, truly like you. Since we were young, we’ve spent so much time together—how could I possibly forget you now?"

He had constantly been ruminating over this, and now as he looked back, he found his heart unbearably fragile. If they could just be together, how wonderful would that be?

"Didn’t you promise me back then? You said you would be with me. So why are you going back on your word now? Everything you’re doing is breaking my heart."

Jiang Huai rarely showed such vulnerability, but this time he couldn’t hold it in any longer. He knew everything happening before him was tearing him apart.

"That’s why I said the person you love is yourself. You only remember what happened in your own curated memories—memories you’ve beautified to suit yourself."

These recollections were his alone.

Suddenly overwhelmed, he even reached for the hem of the person in front of him.

"Yu, how can you treat me so cruelly? We could have been together! The things you’re saying are hurting me deeply. Don’t you understand how important you are to me?"

This was perhaps the essence of the "boy who cried wolf." After saying so many overly dramatic things, this time despite telling the truth, no one believed him. Because the truth he spoke carried no weight or value to others.

"Why does Jiang Huai insist on clinging to this matter? There’s nothing left between us worth dwelling on. I hope you can forget about it as well."

She didn’t want to hold on to the past anymore. Since those events had already happened, there was no use fixating on them.

"But how can you just decide to let go like that? I can’t forget you—I simply can’t. For me, this is far too significant to let go."

He had tried countless times to forget Ji Yu, but he realized she remained embedded in his memories. It seemed all his cherished recollections were connected to her.

"Yu, these memories aren’t something I’ve fabricated. They’re truly part of my past. You are the most beautiful existence in my life, and I can’t simply let go of your hand."

To him, Ji Yu was a kind of redemption.

When Ji Yu heard these words, she didn’t feel touched; instead, she thought this person might have gone mad—otherwise, why would he plead like this?

"Yu, let’s not concern ourselves with someone like him anymore. Everything he does is for the sake of his own future. He’s never considered your feelings. What’s the point in continuing to engage with someone like that?"

Gu Qixiao seemed to understand now—Jiang Huai was indeed an extreme egotist. He only ever cared about himself, never others’ feelings, which led to their current situation. Perhaps it shouldn’t even be surprising that he ended up alienated by everyone.

"Yu, all I want is you—what’s wrong with that? And the person you’re turning to isn’t necessarily a good guy either. Do you really believe what he says is genuine? He’s just selfishly trying to possess you."

If he couldn’t have her, he wouldn’t let anyone else have her—especially someone like Gu Qixiao. The two of them were clearly the same type of person. So why had fate given the relationship to Gu Qixiao instead?

"I know you’ll insist you’re not alike—but to me, the two of you are entirely different individuals. Unlike you, he listens to others. Whereas you, no matter what we say, treat it all as something harmful to yourself."

This moment alone confirmed it.

"Then what do you want me to do? Just keep quiet, just lose you? I can’t do it."

Jiang Huai had tried countless times to forget Ji Yu, but the result was always the same. She always appeared in his memories, compelling him to eternally reminisce about her.

"Jiang Huai, you’re only infatuated with yourself. If you love someone you can’t have, all you’ll achieve is further humiliation. Look at yourself—where’s the glory you once had?"

Of course, he knew this. He just didn’t want to admit it or face the truth. He was stubbornly chasing one person, and how could that be so difficult?

Perhaps he already knew this time there wouldn’t be any outcome. So he curbed his tone altogether.

"You don’t need to be so afraid of me... You’ve been through a lot recently—you should take some time to rest. After you’ve recuperated, we can talk about this again. I would never let you harbor any lingering psychological shadows about me."

Jiang Huai spoke with firm conviction.

"I don’t want to have any further communication with you."