Fated Love With the Billionaire
Chapter 254: Act in Self-Contradiction

Chapter 254: Chapter 254: Act in Self-Contradiction

Liang Lei received a call from Chen Ningxi before leaving work, inviting her to dinner.

It wasn’t hard to guess that Lin Hanrui was behind this meal.

Liang Lei wanted grilled fish, so Chen Ningxi made a reservation at the most famous Yu Xiang Garden in Danjiang.

As they approached the grilled fish restaurant, it was rush hour, and there were no parking spaces. Chen Ningxi had to park her car opposite, at the entrance of the Bank of China.

She was just crossing the street when she saw Liang Lei’s car approaching, and she waved to signal her to park across the way.

"No parking spaces left, park at the bank across the street."

She stood by the roadside waiting for Liang Lei. As she walked over, Chen Ningxi said, "There are no seats on the first floor, I reserved on the second floor."

Liang Lei handed her a bag, "Here, I got this customized just for you."

Chen Ningxi opened the bag to look, "Bearbrick? This style is so pretty."

The one that had been left at Guo Heming’s house was thrown away by Chen Ningxi, and now this one was the same model, but the custom color was even prettier than the last.

"Thanks."

Liang Lei raised an eyebrow, "Thanks?"

Chen Ningxi smiled, "Love you."

Liang Lei: "That’s more like it."

There was a spot on the staircase leading to the second floor that had been splashed with soup, and Liang Lei nearly slipped. Fortunately, Chen Ningxi was cautious, intentionally walking behind her, and quickly caught her.

"Ah—" Liang Lei patted her chest, "That scared me to death."

Chen Ningxi steadied her, "I was scared to death too."

She called over a waiter to clean up that part of the stairway to prevent other guests from slipping.

Their spot was near the window, giving them a view of Danjiang Lake on the opposite side. The scene was beautifully lit and serene in the evening light.

While waiting for their food, Chen Ningxi poured a cup of hot water and placed it in front of her, "At this point, Lin Hanrui should be free too, why not ask him to join us for dinner?"

Liang Lei shook her head, "I won’t eat with him; if he comes, I leave."

Chen Ningxi said, "Why act like you’re enemies?"

Liang Lei took a sip of water before saying, "You have no idea how infuriating he was today."

Chen Ningxi said, "He told me about it. I don’t blame you for being mad. Anyone else would probably have slapped him too."

"You think I don’t want to." Liang Lei pouted, "If hitting him wouldn’t hurt my hand, I’d have slapped him already."

Chen Ningxi persuaded, "I also heard that you gave him your bank card to help him out in a pinch. That doesn’t sound like something enemies would do. Lin Hanrui has indeed done some things and said some things that are off the mark, but he really cares about you. Don’t blame him anymore. Get angry, and then let it go. Whatever consequences, you both need to discuss them together, alright?"

Liang Lei said wistfully, "I never used to think much about it, but ever since I got pregnant, maybe it’s the hormonal surge, I’ve been having heavy thoughts, and my emotions have been unstable. Then he comes along with this last-minute proposal, and my anger just shoots up. His proposal wasn’t even sincere, he had to shove the ring at me with no effort at all. Let’s not talk about him, thinking about it just annoys me."

From the few sentences, it was clear that Liang Lei hadn’t completely given up on Lin Hanrui; there was still hope for them.

Chen Ningxi shifted the conversation, "Where did your parents go on vacation?"

Liang Lei suddenly eyed Chen Ningxi warily, "Are you planning to tip him off? You’re my bestie; you have to be on my side."

Chen Ningxi said, "Of course I’m on your side. Would I take his side?"

Liang Lei said, "They went to Southern Tibet for a trip and won’t be back within a month."

Chen Ningxi asked, "All the way out there? Can they handle it physically?"

"They can handle it. Don’t underestimate them; these middle-aged and older folks are far fitter than us." Liang Lei said, "In our office, every time the water cooler needs a new bottle, I ask the guys to help replace it. But at home, my parents just lift it like it’s nothing. One day, the elevator in our building was broken, and they walked up twelve flights in one go, leaving me behind. By the time I got to the top, I was about to pass out. When I run in the evening with my dad, I can’t even keep up with him; his five-kilometer pace is slightly over six minutes, while mine is over eight. Every time they go out, they even send Huahua to a pet boarding place because they don’t trust me, fearing I might lose Huahua. And that pet boarding center’s daily meal fee is more expensive than my own meals. I seem to be worse off than older and younger generations, and even worse than the family dog."

Chen Ningxi laughed at her antics, "Aunt and Uncle actually care about you; they see you working hard during the day, so they left the dog walking to someone else."

Liang Lei said, "I have to see it that way. Otherwise, with a grudge, I’d end up competing with the dog for affection."

Chen Ningxi glanced at the kitchen, "Your grilled fish is here."

Liang Lei turned to look, her eyes lighting up at the sight of her favorite dish.

During the meal, Chen Ningxi really noticed she seemed different. Usually, Liang Lei didn’t eat much, but today she had a particularly good appetite.

"Waiter, another bowl of rice, please," Liang Lei called out.

Chen Ningxi watched her eat with surprise, "Your appetite is really good now."

Liang Lei said, "To be honest, after this meal, I’ll have to eat a snack when I get home tonight."

Chen Ningxi had seen colleagues pregnant at work, but Liang Lei’s appetite was truly rare.

"Can your stomach handle it?" Chen Ningxi felt a little concerned.

"Don’t worry. I only feel like there’s a date in my stomach now."

"That’s an exaggeration."

Liang Lei said, "Wait until you get pregnant, you’ll see. Can’t stop eating. By the way, why haven’t you two had kids yet?"

Chen Ningxi said, "We’re not in a hurry. We agreed to wait another couple of years. I’m at a point where my career is taking off, and he’s busy too. It’s not the best time for preparing for a baby."

Liang Lei’s cheeks were puffed out with food, "If we had kids around the same time, these two little things could continue our friendship, from kindergarten to elementary school, middle to high school, and even to college. Just thinking about it feels blissful."

In her unconscious wish for happiness, Chen Ningxi felt that, indeed, Liang Lei still had a soft heart.

Liang Lei suddenly stopped, her smile fading from her face, she slowly chewed the food in her mouth, and looked across at Chen Ningxi, "Earlier I..."

Chen Ningxi smiled, "Liang Lei, no matter what decision you make, I will support you."

Liang Lei lowered her eyes, "I always thought I was resolute in not having kids, so why am I suddenly changing my mind?"

Chen Ningxi said, "Don’t dwell on what you used to think. Our eyes are at the front for a reason, to look ahead. Yes, Lin Hanrui made mistakes this time, so get mad if you want to, but after that, start thinking about the future with him."

Liang Lei seemed to be in deep thought, "I’ll think about it."

"Think about what?" Chen Ningxi countered.

Liang Lei said, "I’m still a child myself, I’m still not stable enough to raise another child."

This wasn’t the time to push her; she needed to give Liang Lei time to think.

Chen Ningxi said, "Alright, take your time, but also remember she’s growing every day; you’ll need to give her some time too."

Liang Lei nodded.

After finishing dinner, they strolled along the nearby commercial street, lively at night with a night market.

Liang Lei came across a girl who from her looks appeared different from average people, around eighteen or nineteen years old, holding wrapped flowers in her arms. She asked Liang Lei,

"Would you like to buy some flowers? Not expensive."

Liang Lei reflexively waved her hand, "No, thank you."

The girl wore a rustic-style dress, her long hair braided into cute pigtails, indicating she was much loved by her family.

After being rejected, the girl’s eyes shifted away, but she still softly replied, "That’s okay, wish you happiness."

She walked away and continued to shyly ask other passersby.

When Chen Ningxi returned with an ice cream cone, she saw Liang Lei with red eyes holding a bouquet of small daisies.

"What happened?" Chen Ningxi asked worriedly.

Liang Lei’s tears wouldn’t stop flowing, and she said, "The girl who sold me flowers just now had Down’s syndrome. I initially declined, but she actually wished me happiness. Hearing that made me feel terrible, so I went and bought a bouquet, and after I paid, her mom came over and thanked me repeatedly. Ningxi, do you know how upset I am now?"

Chen Ningxi quickly grabbed tissues to wipe her tears, "I know, I know."

When you’re stuck in a rut, only you can pull yourself out.

Pain and joy, both are powers that inspire dignity and grace.