The Tycoon's Mysterious Darling Wife
Chapter 457 - 459. Comforting

Chapter 457: 459. Comforting

"My dad wants us to come home for dinner tonight, get ready."

Ding Minghui’s scalp tingled at the thought of dining with Ning Ke’s father, his father-in-law, filling him with dread.

"Alright, I’ll head there once I’m ready."

Ning Ke frowned, "What do you need to prepare?"

"You can’t go to dinner empty-handed," explained Ding Minghui.

"Ding Minghui, this is having dinner at home, not visiting as a guest." She worried about what her father would think of such formality.

Ding Minghui was sheepish. For him, it was indeed like visiting, since he had married into the family. However, his father-in-law had never treated him like family. Every encounter was filled with cold words and critical looks, never satisfied with anything he did, no matter how much he tried.

"Alright, you keep working. When it’s time, we’ll go back together."

Ding Minghui had no choice but to agree.

Ning Ke turned and left. She had wanted to marry Han Yi initially, but after getting rejected, she found a boyfriend.

She had planned to elope with her boyfriend, but after living out of town for a month and struggling with the tough life, she returned. Following negotiations with her father, he finally relented, agreeing that they could be together if Ning Ke’s boyfriend was willing to marry into the Ning family.

Ning Ke discussed it with her boyfriend, only to be decisively rejected. The relationship ended just like that and by then, she was already five months pregnant, past the safest time for an abortion. Inducing a miscarriage posed too great a risk to her health, possibly irreversible. Thus, she turned to Ding Minghui, whom she happened to meet by chance.

Ding Minghui agreed to marry into the Ning family and even became the father of Ning Ke’s child, certainly influenced by the benefits she promised him.

Ning Ke, being the only child of the Ning family, officially took over the company after having the child. She gave Ding Minghui the position of vice president in the company and even awarded him three percent of the company shares.

Although the couple lived under one roof, they did not share a room—it was, plainly put, a marriage of convenience. Ning Ke knew Ding Minghui had affairs, but what she needed was a husband to legitimize her child as one born within wedlock. She did not care about what the man did outside.

*****

Ding Minghui’s assistant was quite competent and soon arranged a meeting with Xiang Kai. Ding Minghui returned from dining with Xiang Kai beaming with joy, even humming a tune to himself.

Fang Tong was waiting for news from Xiang Kai, but after three days without a call, she found it odd.

As she was pondering, her phone rang. Seeing the familiar number, Fang Tong immediately hung up. The caller was persistent, dialing five or six times, until Fang Tong finally answered, "What do you really want?"

"Tongtong, I mean no harm. I just want to have dinner with you," Ding Minghui said gently.

Fang Tong’s face turned cold, "But I don’t want to have dinner with you."

"Tongtong, don’t hang up yet. I truly have something important to discuss. You know you’re discussing a partnership with Xiang Kai, I can help you." Fearing that Fang Tong might hang up, Ding Minghui quickly stated his purpose.

Fang Tong’s grip tightened on the phone, her expression growing even colder, "Have you been in contact with Xiang Kai?" She immediately thought of the delayed call from Xiang Kai.

"Tongtong, I really just want to help you."

Fang Tong scoffed, never expecting to be backstabbed by Ding Minghui. She hung up without hesitation and immediately asked Shen Junze to come in.

"Sister Tong, what’s going on?" Shen Junze was working when he was suddenly called in by Fang Tong, which seemed odd to him.

"There has been a change, go check what deal Ding Minghui has privately struck with Xiang Kai at Shuangcheng International."

Shen Junze was slightly stunned. "Sister Tong, how are these two connected?"

"I’m not clear on that myself; you need to find out as soon as possible," Fang Tong said coldly, her face set in anger. Mention of Ding Minghui made her grit her teeth in hatred—this damned man dared to scheme behind her back.

Upon hearing this, Shen Junze instantly grasped the gravity of the situation. "Okay, Sister Tong, I’ll go right away."

Fang Tong leaned back in her chair, pondering her next move. What had been a sure thing was now suddenly complicated by Cheng Yaojin, and she was unclear about the current situation, leaving her unable to make her move.

Just then, another call from Ding Minghui came through; after a moment’s thought, Fang Tong answered, "Tongtong."

"Ding Minghui, get to the point—what do you want?" Fang Tong got straight to the point, not wanting to waste time with Ding Minghui.

Ding Minghui paused, taken aback by her blunt attitude. "Tongtong, I just want to have dinner with you."

"Fine, out with it—time and place," Fang Tong said sharply.

Ding Minghui was somewhat stunned by how smoothly things were going.

"If you don’t speak, I’m hanging up."

"Wait, Tongtong, tonight at six, at the Half-summer Western Restaurant."

"Okay." Fang Tong briskly hung up and checked the time. She grabbed her coat and left the company; she had arranged to have lunch with Li Bo Ming.

"Tongtong, what’s wrong, you seem distracted during our meal?" Li Bomming asked.

Looking at Li Bomming, Fang Tong hesitated for a moment before saying, "Bo Ming, I have to dine with someone tonight."

"Go ahead, it’s just a meal with a friend, right? No worries, I’m going to eat at my parent’s house tonight," Li Bo Ming said with a laugh, thinking it was nothing serious.

"It’s with Ding Minghui," Fang Tong continued.

Li Bo Ming’s actions froze, and he looked at Fang Tong. She explained, "I haven’t been in touch with him. It’s because of work. As you know, I’ve been busy with a project that was about to succeed, but somehow Ding Minghui got wind of it and interfered. Now, the situation has changed, and I want to gauge Ding Minghui’s intentions."

Li Bo Ming gradually relaxed; he was genuinely worried at first that Fang Tong was again entangled with Ding Minghui, knowing how deep her feelings once were for Minghui, having supported her through her past relationship.

"If you’re not okay with it, I won’t go," Fang Tong said quickly, seeing that Li Bo Ming hadn’t responded, worried that he might be upset.

Li Bo Ming chuckled, "Go ahead, why wouldn’t you? Do you need me to come with you? Never mind, he definitely won’t speak frankly if I’m there. Don’t worry about me, just call me when you’re back, and I’ll come to pick you up."

Fang Tong gazed steadily at Li Bo Ming. "Bo Ming, if you’re not happy, I really don’t have to go." She was concerned about misunderstandings, which was why she had shared this with Li Bo Ming.

Li Bo Ming’s expression was gentle. "It’s just a meal, and for work at that. I understand, and what’s more, I’m glad you told me about it, Tongtong. I trust you."

Reading the warmth in his eyes and seeing no sign of displeasure, Fang Tong finally felt at ease and smiled, "Bo Ming, thank you for your trust."

"Come on, let’s eat. Afterward, I’ll take you back to the office."

"Okay," Fang Tong said with a slight smile, offering a piece of steak to Li Bomming’s mouth, which he ate, "Bomming, I’ve thought about it, and I’d like you to take me tonight."

Li Bomming looked at her, puzzled, and Fang Tong explained, "I feel safe with you."

"Okay, I’ll come to pick you up later."

That evening, Fang Tong arrived at the Half-summer Western Restaurant on time, "Bomming, are you sure you don’t want to come in with me?"

"I’ll just stay out here; there’s a cinema in the mall upstairs. I’ll catch a movie while you eat, and you can call me when you’re done, then we can go for supper."

"Okay, but I don’t think it will take a whole movie," Fang Tong said, doubting there was much to discuss with Ding Minghui.

"Just text me when you’re done, and I’ll come out."

Fang Tong smiled and nodded her head. After Li Bomming went upstairs, she walked into the restaurant and immediately saw Ding Minghui sitting by the window. Upon seeing her, Ding Minghui promptly stood and pulled out a chair for her. Fang Tong hesitated for a moment before sitting down.

"Tongtong, I ordered your favorite West Lake steak, medium-rare," Ding Minghui said tenderly, his gaze not straying from her since the moment she entered.

Fang Tong frowned, "Ding Minghui, please speak normally. If you keep this up, we may not be able to sit down and eat."

Ding Minghui’s expression stiffened. He was bluntly rebuffed by Fang Tong, making it hard for him to save face, "Tongtong, haven’t I always been like this with you?"

Fang Tong scoffed, "Ding Minghui, don’t call me Tongtong; we’re not that close. You can call me Fang Tong or CEO Fang."

"Tong... okay, I’ll call you Fang Tong. I just wanted to have dinner with you today, no ill intentions. Can’t you let your guard down? It makes me uncomfortable when you’re like this."

Fang Tong’s expression was indifferent, "Ding Minghui, don’t keep saying you have no ill intentions. I don’t want to hear it. You well know why I agreed to dine with you today. Let’s not beat around the bush. Just tell me directly; what do you hope to achieve by offering to buy those materials from Xiang Kai? I wasn’t aware that Shuangcheng International was involved in real estate now."

That afternoon, Shen Junze had already figured out that Ding Minghui was approaching Xiang Kai to buy his batch of materials at the price Junlan had previously offered, which naturally made Xiang Kai hesitate.

"Maybe we weren’t involved before, but it’s not too late to start now," Ding Minghui stated, pouring a glass of water for Fang Tong, "Tongtong, can we please not talk business for a while and just enjoy the meal? It’s been a long time since we ate together. You used to enjoy dining with me."

Fang Tong’s expression turned icy, "Ding Minghui, do not mention the past, or else we might as well skip the meal."

"Okay, okay, I won’t mention it. I’ll keep quiet. Don’t be angry," Ding Minghui said, his gaze on Fang Tong like that of someone looking at a stubborn child, which only deepened the chill in her eyes.

"Tongtong, I never thought you would become so outstanding. Though you were excellent before, you are even more dazzling now."

"Ding Minghui, did you invite me here just to speak these nonsensical words?"

"Tongtong... I..."

"Enough, stop talking. I don’t want to hear your insincere words. Just tell me your real intentions. Decisions like venturing into real estate aren’t something a VP alone can decide, right?"

Ding Minghui’s expression worsened as Fang Tong hit a nerve. Though he was nominally the VP of Shuangcheng International, he actually held no real power, managing only the logistics department.

"I am the VP at Shuangcheng International, and I do have a say in the company," Ding Minghui said with a strained smile.

Fang Tong sneered, "Ding Minghui, I truly pity you." Despite having the ability to achieve everything on your own, you choose the shortcut, turning yourself into a kept man.

Fang Tong’s gaze was filled with pity yet clear, like a searchlight exposing his bare self under the light, which brought a profound sense of shame to Ding Minghui’s heart.

The table fell silent, and Fang Tong didn’t touch the food in front of her, feeling indigestion just looking at Ding Minghui.

"If you’re not going to talk, I’ll leave first," Fang Tong said indifferently.

"Wait, Tongtong, I can help you close this deal," Ding Minghui said before Fang Tong could leave.

"Oh? And how do you plan to help me?" Fang Tong asked, curious and composed.

"I can stall Xiang Kai, keep delaying the contract signing, and when the time is right, I’ll tell him I don’t want it anymore. Then you can step in, and the price of the goods can be further pressured down," Ding Minghui revealed his plan.

Fang Tong looked at him expressionlessly, "Ding Minghui, helping me this way, what do you expect me to do?" She didn’t believe he would go to such lengths without an ulterior motive.

"Tongtong, I really don’t have any ulterior motive."

"Have you ever heard the saying, ’Unsolicited kindness is either treachery or theft’? If you don’t state your purpose, I’m leaving."

"Fine, the truth is, I just want to make it up to you. I was a jerk before, and I’m sorry. If I had recognized my feelings earlier, I definitely wouldn’t have given up on you. Tongtong, after all these crises, I’ve realized that the person I love has always been you," Ding Minghui said with a face full of earnest affection.

Fang Tong felt goosebumps on her hands as she listened, and touching her arms, she was filled with sarcasm, "You think I’m three years old?"

"Tongtong, I’m speaking the truth. I really do love you. I’m not even hoping for your forgiveness; I just want to do everything I can to make it up to you."

Fang Tong chuckled dryly, stood up, and left with long strides.

Ding Minghui remained rooted to the spot, the echo of Fang Tong’s parting words ringing in his ears, "Ding Minghui, you make me sick to my stomach."

As Fang Tong left the restaurant, she called Li Bomming, who quickly appeared before her. Linking arms with Li Bomming, she said, "Let’s go for some late-night snacks. I didn’t eat a bite earlier, I’m starving."

Li Bomming looked down at her, "You finished talking so soon?"

"There really wasn’t much to talk about. Let’s not talk about irrelevant people anymore; let’s go eat," Fang Tong didn’t want to discuss Ding Minghui.

When Ding Minghui left the restaurant, what he saw was Fang Tong, arm in arm with Li Bomming, beaming with happiness, and his heart ached sharply, his eyes reddening. Fang Tong, can we truly not return to how things were? How did I end up losing you like this, is there really not even a shred of nostalgia for me in your heart?

"Did the conversation not go smoothly?" Li Bomming added some dishes for Fang Tong, expressing concern.

Fang Tong looked indifferent, "I shouldn’t have come here in the first place."

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

"No need, I can handle it myself. If I really can’t manage, then I’ll ask for your help."

"Alright, if you need help, just say so."

Fang Tong smiled warmly, "Don’t worry, you’re my husband, and I definitely wouldn’t hesitate to ask you if I really needed it."

While things were harmonious on Fang Tong’s end, Ding Minghui did not have it so easy. As soon as he opened the door to his house, he saw Ning Ke sitting on the living room sofa.

He thought of heading to his room, but Ning Ke stopped him, "Ding Minghui, wait, I have something to tell you."

Ding Minghui’s steps halted, and he turned to sit opposite Ning Ke, "What do you want to say?"

Ning Ke held a child in her arms, a son who had just turned one month old. She handed the child to the nanny, "Take Young Master back to the room."

Once the nanny had left, Ning Ke then looked at Ding Minghui, "I heard you’re interested in getting involved in real estate?"

Ding Minghui’s heart skipped a beat, and he forced a smile, "How could that be? Where did you hear such a rumor?"

"Today, CEO Wu from Ding Yuan called me personally. Don’t tell me this is a misunderstanding," Ning Ke said expressionlessly.

Ding Minghui cursed internally, not expecting that the other party would reach out to Ning Ke, "Well, hear me out, it’s really a misunderstanding."

"Oh? Since it’s a misunderstanding, then explain it to me, don’t say I didn’t give you a chance."

Ding Minghui searched his mind for an excuse, but really, anything said privately was one thing; bringing it up publicly was something he couldn’t do.

"Can’t think of anything? Let me say it for you then. You just wanted to use this opportunity to show affection to your ex-girlfriend, oh, sorry, I mean your first love."

"No, that’s not it, you’ve misunderstood me," Ding Minghui tried to explain, but facing Ning Ke’s eyes that seemed to see through everything, he suddenly found himself unable to speak.

"Ding Minghui, remember our set agreement?"

Ding Minghui nodded his head.

"Your current actions are damaging the company’s image and interests. This is the first time, so I’ll let it slide. If there’s a next time, you can get out of the Ning Family and Shuangcheng International," Ning Ke said ruthlessly. Her son was already born, a child of her marriage; whether Ding Minghui remained her husband was no longer important.

Ding Minghui lowered his head, his eyes filled with unspeakable humiliation. Any man would find it unbearable to face such humiliation, his hand hanging by his side clenched tightly. Ning Ke noticed but didn’t care, a hint of disdain flashed across her eyes. Ding Minghui was the type of man she despised the most, thus even if he was capable, she was reluctant to involve him in important company matters.

This man’s ambitions were too wild; if he had too much power, he might stab you in the back fiercely. Without power, he was somewhat better.

"Ding Minghui, remember my words. If you want to maintain your current glorious image, stay in line and don’t harbor unnecessary thoughts. In ten more months, we can divorce, and then I won’t care what you do."

"I understand," Ding Minghui said expressionlessly, standing up to leave.

"By the way, I’ve already told CEO Wu from Ding Yuan that the cooperation was a misunderstanding."

Ding Minghui paused, then walked into the room without looking back.

***********

Shen Qinglan and her party had stayed in the small town for five days, only returning after Fu Hengyi had to go back to the army. Once back, Shen Qinglan threw herself into her painting, with three more pieces to complete before she could take a break.

Anan now had a new pet and could play happily with his new companion even without his mother around. By the end of the day, the little gentleman had turned into a little mud monkey, his clothes dirty. It was unclear where the child and his chubby companion had crawled off to.

Shen Qinglan stepped out from the studio, looking at her son who resembled a little beggar, speechless. Anan, however, was smiling happily and reached out his little hands to jump onto Shen Qinglan but was held back by Chu Yunrong, "Anan, how about we wash our hands first?"

Anan then noticed the dirt on himself and instantly furrowed his small brows, "Grandma, dirty."

"Let’s go, grandma will take you for a bath," Chu Yunrong said with a smile.

"Mom, I can take him," Shen Qinglan said.

Chu Yunrong waved her hand, "No need, you go attend to your matters." Then, without waiting for Shen Qinglan to speak, she left with Anan in her arms. Shen Qinglan wanted to say something, but a sudden ring from her phone interrupted her.

The call was from Eden, "An, do you have some free time recently?" Eden’s tone was somewhat somber.

Shen Qinglan’s expression tightened, "What happened?"

"Enxi has been in a bad mood lately. I’m hoping you could come and talk to her."

"Did something happen? Is it Enxi’s injury?"

"No, Enxi’s injury has healed well. I performed a skin graft surgery on her a while ago, but the result wasn’t very good..." Eden didn’t need to continue, Shen Qinglan understood, "Okay, I’ll come over tomorrow."

This time, Shen Qinglan decided to bring Anan along with her too.

"Mommy, where are we going?" It was Anan’s first time on a plane, and he curiously looked around with his big eyes.

Shen Qinglan buckled Anan’s seatbelt and spoke softly, "We’re going to see an auntie who likes Anan a lot. She even held you when you were little."

"Is this your baby?" A gentleman sitting next to Shen Qinglan asked with a smile.

Looking over, Shen Qinglan saw a man of Asian descent with fluent Mandarin but more Western facial features. She guessed he might be mixed, "Yes."

"Your baby is very cute." The man generously praised, and Shen Qinglan replied with a slight smile and a thank you.

The man gazed at Shen Qinglan’s profile. She was truly beautiful, the most stunning woman he had ever seen, though she looked somewhat familiar, "Miss, have we met before somewhere?"

Shen Qinglan’s gaze grew distant. She didn’t particularly like this form of approach. The man seemed to realize his impoliteness and quickly explained, "Miss, don’t get me wrong. I genuinely felt you looked familiar, not trying to hit on you."

Shen Qinglan briefly met his gaze before looking away. She believed he wasn’t trying to hit on her, "Perhaps I just have a common face."

The man chuckled. If such a face was common, then the world’s standard of beauty was exceedingly high.

"Mommy." Anan clung to Shen Qinglan’s arm, pulling her attention back. He didn’t like this uncle.

Looking down at her son, her expression was tender, "What is it?"

Anan didn’t speak, and Shen Qinglan smiled, hugging her son and remaining silent. The man suddenly remembered, "Ah, you are Qingqiu Leng, aren’t you?"

After Shen Qinglan’s identity had been exposed previously, her photos had circulated online, but they were later removed by Shen Junyu due to her discomfort. Even though her paintings had been highly praised over the past year, she herself had maintained a low profile. Many people had actually forgotten what Shen Qinglan looked like.

"Miss Qingqiu Leng, I am a fan of art and antiques, and I have collected some of your works in the past. My surname is Yan, and my given name is Feng," Yan Feng introduced himself.

Shen Qinglan looked at Yan Feng again, "Hello." She did not deny being Qingqiu Leng.

"I didn’t expect to meet you on a plane, it’s truly serendipitous. I attended your first art exhibition too but only saw you from a distance; hence, I didn’t recognize you immediately," Yan Feng explained.

Shen Qinglan’s gaze remained cool. Yan Feng had heard of Shen Qinglan’s reserved nature but didn’t mind, "Miss Qingqiu Leng, I heard you are having an exhibition in October. I wonder if you will attend?"

"I’ll see how my schedule is," Shen Qinglan responded, not keen on conversing with a stranger. Sensing this, Yan Feng also fell silent. From time to time, he could hear the milky voice of a child and the woman’s tender voice.

Yan Feng’s eyes flickered thoughtfully. He hadn’t expected that this aloof woman could be so tender privately.

When they arrived at their destination, Eden personally came to pick up Shen Qinglan. It had been a long time since Eden had seen Anan. "Anan, do you still remember me?"

Anan, clinging to Shen Qinglan’s neck, appeared drowsy and half-asleep. He had fallen asleep on the plane and was forcibly woken up by Shen Qinglan just now. Now he was in a bad mood and didn’t want to deal with anyone.

"Let me carry him," Eden suggested, seeing Shen Qinglan struggle with the child.

Shen Qinglan looked at Anan, who refused to let go, and apologetically glanced at Eden. "I’ll hold him; it’s okay."

Eden withdrew his hand and took Shen Qinglan’s suitcase. "Ms. Leng Qingqiu, where are you heading? Let me give you a lift." A familiar voice came from behind them; it was none other than Yan Feng.

Yan Feng’s gaze shifted back and forth between Shen Qinglan and Eden, his face adorned with a faint smile. Eden’s expression turned slightly cold. "Anan, let’s go. The car is just outside."

Shen Qinglan nodded politely at Yan Feng and then followed Eden. Yan Feng smiled, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes.

Jin Enxi was daydreaming in her room, her most frequent activity in the past few months. Sometimes, she would sit there all day.

Shen Qinglan gently pushed open the door and heard Jin Enxi speak, "Eden, can I skip my medicine today? I don’t want to take it anymore." Her voice was hoarse.

Shen Qinglan kept walking and reached Jin Enxi’s side, placing a hand gently on her shoulder. "Enxi, it’s me."

Jin Enxi’s body trembled slightly, pausing for a moment. "Anan, why are you here?"

"I missed you, so I came to see you. Anan is here too; do you want to see him?"

Suddenly, Jin Enxi covered her face. "No, don’t, An, don’t let Anan come in. I’ll frighten him with the way I look now." Her voice carried an undertone of barely noticeable fear and pain.

This kind of emotion hardly ever appeared in Jin Enxi, and Shen Qinglan felt her heart painfully contract.

She walked up to Jin Enxi, who immediately bowed her head, covering her face with her hands. "Anan, don’t look."

Shen Qinglan grasped Jin Enxi’s hand. "Enxi, I’m Anan, your partner."

"Anan, I’ve become so ugly; even I feel nauseous when I see myself. You don’t want to look."

"Enxi, don’t push me away. No matter how you look, you are still my Enxi, still the one in my memories."

"Anan, you’ll regret looking."

"Enxi, don’t think like that. Everything will get better, including your face." During the conversation, Shen Qinglan had already pulled Jin Enxi’s hand away. The once smooth, doll-like face was now marred with terrible scars crisscrossing everywhere, even her neck bore extensive burn marks.

Shen Qinglan’s heart shook, and she found herself speechless.

"It’s horrifying, isn’t it? Anan, don’t look; even I find my appearance terrifying." Jin Enxi’s head was lowered, her voice heavy. The explosion had nearly cost her half her life, and though she had survived, it was a life worse than death.

"Enxi, trust me, I will find a way to heal your face. I will bring the best cosmetic surgeons in the world to restore your beautiful face. Enxi, don’t give up; Daniel is still waiting for you."

At the mention of Daniel, Jin Enxi’s sadness deepened. Over the past few months, she deliberately avoided anything related to Daniel, blocking out all news about him.

"Anan, is he okay?"

"Not okay, Enxi. Daniel is not doing well. To find you, he returned to that family he despises and is learning what he never wanted to learn. Last time I saw him, he had lost weight and looked haggard."

"An, why didn’t you tell him I was already dead?" A quick pain is better than a prolonged one. If Daniel knew she was dead, he might be heartbroken for a while, but that heartache would eventually fade.

"Enxi, that would kill Daniel. I’ve known him for so many years, and I understand him. He’s a deeply emotional person. If he knew you were dead, the beliefs that sustain him would also be gone. Even if he were to live, he would just be a walking corpse. Is that the Daniel you want to see?"

"But An, how can I ever go back to him like this? Even if he doesn’t mind, how can I not mind? How can the world not mind?" Tears slid down Jin Enxi’s cheeks as Shen Qinglan pursed her lips.

"Enxi, I believe you can definitely return to Daniel’s side. The most important thing is, don’t give up hope and cooperate with the treatment, okay? I’ve already asked Daniel, and your face can be restored. Maybe not the same one, but you are still you, the Jin Enxi that Daniel loves has always been there. I think he wouldn’t mind." Shen Qinglan held Jin Enxi’s hand, the other hand gently wiping away her tears.

"Without my original face, will Daniel still recognize me?"

"Then you’ll just have to reintroduce yourself. A brand new Jin Enxi, not a nineteen, not assassin Jin Enxi, but just Jin Enxi. Isn’t that better? Completely leaving behind the past life, appearing before Daniel with a brand new demeanor."

Jin Enxi’s eyes wavered, "An, can I do it?" She touched her uneven face, "With my current appearance, can I really still be with Daniel?"

"Yes, you can. Even if you don’t believe in yourself, you should believe in me."

"An, let me think about it."

Shen Qinglan knew that some things needed to be clearly thought through by Jin Enxi herself, "Okay, I’ll stay here with you. Call me when you’re ready." She took a chair and sat beside Jin Enxi, picking up a book. Although she was reading, she kept an eye on Jin Enxi from the corner of her eye.

Silence fell in the room, and after who knows how long, Jin Enxi finally spoke in a hoarse voice, "An, give me two years. If my face still can’t be healed within these two years, then tell Daniel I’m already dead. I know this is a selfish thought, not considering his feelings, but An, showing up in front of him like this, I would rather be dead."

Shen Qinglan crouched down in front of Jin Enxi and stretched out her hand to gently wipe her tears, "Okay, I promise you. I’ll accompany you through this time. You also promise me, don’t give up easily, don’t be sad, and certainly don’t despair. The Jin Enxi I know is optimistic and strong."

Jin Enxi held Shen Qinglan’s hand, pressing her face against her palm, "An, does this version of me disappoint you?"

Shen Qinglan gave a soft laugh, her eyes reddening, "No, you are always the Jin Enxi I know."

Jin Enxi leaned slightly and rested her head on Shen Qinglan’s shoulder, "An, I will become strong. No matter how much I suffer, I will make myself better."

"Good, we’ll work hard together."

Seeing Jin Enxi gradually becoming more cheerful, Shen Qinglan finally felt relieved.

"An, there’s something I want to ask you." Jin Enxi pleaded.

"Tell me."

"Could you help me check on Daniel? If it’s possible, try to persuade him not to be so upset." Jin Enxi was always worried about Daniel but dared not contact him.

Shen Qinglan paused and nodded, "Okay. I’ll visit him tomorrow."

"Has Anan grown a lot?" Jin Enxi inquired.

Shen Qinglan smiled, "Yes, he’s already walking and speaking quite fluently. I brought him along this time, do you want to see him?"

"Not now, I fear scaring him. Just let me sneak a peek later." Jin Enxi said, a slight smile finally appearing on her face.

Shen Qinglan didn’t insist. She made a phone call asking Eden to take Anan to play in the garden. From Enxi’s room balcony, she could see the view of the garden.