Chapter 422: It’s Better to Shorten the Pain

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“Gu Ziyu, you’re eighteen plus six, so you’re also twenty-four. Don’t act young.”

“Pff, I’m only twelve this year, I can still act cute with Mom. I’m not that old!” Gu Ziyu threatened him, clenching his little fists. “If you mention age again, I’ll set up Mom with Zhou Li.”

Lu Zhiyuan’s pulse was pinched, and he sighed, shaking his head.

Gu Ziyu squinted his eyes. “Did you and Mom break up because you’re afraid of having another baby, and 1 would leave?”

“No!”

Gu Ziyu thought seriously, “If you have another baby, will there still be a place for me?”

“Myself and Gu Ci won’t have a second child, so you can rest assured.”

“That’s good!” Gu Ziyu didn’t want a younger brother or sister. “Mom can only spoil me.”

Lu Zhiyuan said nothing.

Gu Ziyu’s phone suddenly made a notification sound. He picked up the phone and saw that Zhou Li was trending. He had a bad feeling. Were Mom and Zhou Li having dinner together tonight? What good news could there be about Zhou Li trending?

He opened it and indeed, it was a romantic video of Zhou Li. The restaurant was reserved for them, and it seemed a server secretly recorded a short clip. It showed Gu Ci playing the violin, and Zhou Li listening with a deeply enamored expression. The server was considerate, capturing the angle just right, making Gu Ci’s delicate figure visible while subtly blurring her face.

The video was filled with a rosy atmosphere of love, with beautiful music playing. Zhou Li listened with rapt attention. Gu Ziyu played the video right in front of Lu Zhiyuan, who immediately recognized Gu Ci. It was Sucru’s famous violin, and besides Gu Ci, who else could it be?

Back then, he had gone to great lengths to acquire this violin. When Gu Ci didn’t go to the auction house, he planned to compete with Pei Qiuying. But when he found out that Gu Ci was going to the auction, he removed all obstacles for her.

Now, she was playing this violin for another man.

This piece of music seemed to reflect her journey over the past few years.

It contained struggles and pain but also warmth, redemption, and a new beginning. She had truly found a new lease on life, as evident in her music.

It was a good thing!

Cici should have a brilliant life.

“Dad, are you jealous?” Gu Ziyu asked.

Lu Zhiyuan avoided the question. “Have you rested enough? Let’s continue running.”

He got up and started running ahead. Gu Ziyu rolled his eyes and followed. “In a few years, I’ll be able to outrun you.”

“In your dreams, son!”

The trending topic about Zhou Li quickly faded, but it was inevitable since the topic was heating up. Moreover, today was Zhou Li’s birthday, and fans were well aware of it. The studio celebrated his birthday in the early morning, which counted as a pre-birthday celebration. When the studio posted pictures, fans were curious about why they chose to celebrate in the wee hours, and now they understood.

It was because he had plans, a birthday date with his girlfriend. Fans kept asking who the girlfriend was because Zhou Li had always claimed to be single in interviews.

“Cici, we’re trending. Someone recorded the video of you playing the violin just now.” Zhou Li sent the video to Gu Ci and said casually, “I’m going to blacklist this place.”

He had repeatedly emphasized not to take pictures.

The waitstaff, standing nearby, seemed to understand that they had caused trouble. A young girl ran over, apologizing desperately, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to. My best friend is a fan of Zhou Li, so I recorded a short clip to send to her. I didn’t expect it to be leaked. I told her to keep it private. I’m really sorry.”

Gu Ci looked at the girl who was tearfully apologetic and said softly, “It’s okay, no need to apologize.”

“I’m really sorry!” The girl wiped her tears and hurried away.

Zhou Li regretfully said, “I told them not to take pictures or record videos. I didn’t want to trouble you.”

“Zhou Li, we act openly, unafraid of rumors and gossip,” Gu Ci said softly.

“But I’m not open enough.” Zhou Li finally gathered the courage to ask Gu Ci, “Cici, it’s been five years since you and Lu Zhiyuan broke up. Do I still have no chance?”

He wanted to confess on his birthday.

After all these years, he had mustered the courage once again.

“Zhou Li, 1 can’t forget Lu Zhiyuan, no matter how many years have passed.” This was what Gu Ci had always told Zhou Li, and she had never shied away from it. She loved Lu Zhiyuan, even though they had broken up.

These five years, she had been extremely busy with her studies, work, and treatment, taking up all her time. She had received waves of suitors during this time, but she had rejected them all, except for Zhou Li, who was willing to stay by her side as a friend.

She had not spent much time with Zhou Li in reality. There were two years when they only communicated through text messages and never met in person. Gu Ci never tried to please anyone. In recent years, she had carved out a little time to spend with her son, visit the Jiang family, and enjoy family time. When her illness was not cured, she spent holidays with Dr. Noth, traveling and relaxing.

After her illness was cured, she had no holidays.

Without her studies, she plunged into her work in the emergency room and the inner network of the gang.

Since her graduation, her schedule had been packed. The last time she and Zhou Li met was three months ago. She knew that Zhou Li still had feelings for her, and she intentionally maintained some distance.

During these five years, Zhou Li had not clearly expressed his pursuit and had not eagerly inquired about her well-being. Gu Ci hadn’t had the chance to reiterate her stance.

“Lu Zhiyuan has no scandals and no girlfriend. If you like him, why don’t you pursue him?” Zhou Li couldn’t understand. She liked Lu Zhiyuan so much, why did they break up?

If they hadn’t broken up, he wouldn’t dare to entertain even a glimmer of hope.

During these five years, Zhou Li had been cautious, fearing that he might reveal his feelings and risk her distancing herself. He could sense that Gu Ci was becoming more distant, and even his agent scolded him for being a devoted puppy, but he didn’t care. Being friends with her, staying by her side, made him happy.

“We have some special reasons between us that prevent us from being together, but we… love each other deeply,” Gu Ci said gently. “We love each other but can’t be together.”

“I understand,” Zhou Li was rejected again, feeling both hurt and relieved. Five years ago on that mountain, Gu Ci had rejected him, and he had pushed too hard.

Gu Ci continued, “Zhou Li, you are a great friend to me. I don’t want to hurt you, so don’t waste your time on me. There must be many girls who like you wholeheartedly. Find someone who loves you with all her heart, don’t wait for me.”

Zhou Li smiled with grace. “Actually… I’m not deliberately waiting for you. I haven’t met a girl who truly captivates me, so I’ve continued to like you. If one day I meet a girl who captures my heart, I won’t miss the chance.”

He concealed his own discomfort and said calmly, “Cici, don’t distance yourself from me. Consider me your friend, your confidant in music. We may not be lovers, but we can still be friends, right?”

“It’s better to end it sooner rather than later. Why be so persistent?”

“If I meet a girl who truly captivates me, I’ll pursue her,” Zhou Li said. “This isn’t retreating; it’s being selective. I don’t want to settle. I truly envy Lu Zhiyuan..”

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