Thinking of this, Qin Zhao's gaze became resolute.

As if sensing the change in his eyes, Chu Xinyue also grew calm.

"What do you want to say?" she asked.

Qin Zhao said in a deep voice, "Thank you."

Chu Xinyue was taken aback, probably not expecting this to be Qin Zhao's first words.

Qin Zhao continued, "Thank you for coming to find me back then, for carrying me out. You saved my life. Thank you!"

Chu Xinyue was stunned for a moment, her defensive attitude lessening. "I accept your gratitude. Actually, I don't have that memory, so I don't feel like you owe me anything. It's all in the past."

But he didn't want it to be in the past!

Qin Zhao's heart ached, but he still spoke, "My life can't be repaid with just a simple verbal thanks! So if my investment in your project makes you uncomfortable, just think of it as my way of repaying the debt of saving my life. Accept it without any burden."

Chu Xinyue paused. In truth, she wouldn't let personal emotions hinder the project's progress. Even if it might cause her discomfort, she would find her own way to deal with it. But with Qin Zhao putting it this way, Chu Xinyue found herself more accepting.

Finally, Chu Xinyue nodded. Repaying the debt of saving a life was reasonable and fair.

Qin Zhao breathed a sigh of relief, "I also want to say I'm sorry."

Chu Xinyue's expression changed slightly, resisting, "You don't owe me an apology. From your perspective, you didn't do anything wrong."

Pain flashed in Qin Zhao's eyes, "I know you don't care for my apology. I don't deserve forgiveness for the hurt I caused you when I was deceived. What I really want to apologize for is breaking the promise I made when we were young, for not always standing firmly by your side, believing in you. I broke my word. I'm sorry, Xinyue."

Chu Xinyue's eyes finally flickered. She took a deep breath, about to speak.

But then she heard Qin Zhao say, "One last thing. I like you. Can you give me another chance? This time, I won't break my promise."

Chu Xinyue froze, taking a deep breath as she looked at Qin Zhao, only to meet a pair of eyes brimming with tears.

Chu Xinyue's composure crumbled instantly. As far as she could remember, she had never seen Qin Zhao cry. Never.

"You... you've got it wrong," Chu Xinyue's voice was unsteady at first, but gradually became firm and calm.

"It's only because you've discovered you were deceived that you think you should like me. I know you're remorseful now, but please don't deceive yourself to make up for your regret, and don't drag me into your deception."

"No, I'm sincere..." Qin Zhao said anxiously.

Chu Xinyue admitted to herself that she was shocked by Qin Zhao's confession. It was something she had fantasized about long, long ago, but not anymore.

"What difference does sincerity make?" Chu Xinyue smiled faintly. "I'll answer you. I don't love you anymore, so I won't give you a chance. Qin Zhao, you're very excellent and charming. You'll meet a better partner. I'll cherish our childhood friendship and bless you from across the ocean. This is my sincere thought."

"Don't cling to this anymore. I've let go, you should too."

Watching Chu Xinyue turn and close the door, Qin Zhao stood dejectedly at the doorway.

Ji Fei closed the door, and turning around, she saw that everyone's expressions were not good.

Well, they had come to watch some drama, but it felt like they had been force-fed bitter gourd instead.

"I've never seen Qin Zhao like this. It's over, he probably won't recover for a long time," Gao Hao began to worry about the future of their studio.

"That's just how Xinyue is. Once she makes up her mind, she won't change it," the female researcher said.

Everyone sighed. After waiting awkwardly for a while, making sure Qin Zhao had returned to his own room, they all came out.

The female researcher shared a room with Chu Xinyue. She swiped the card and entered, only to see Chu Xinyue sitting by the floor-to-ceiling window, lost in thought.

"Actually, you still have feelings for him. Having liked him for so many years, it's impossible to suddenly..."

Chu Xinyue turned and smiled, saying nothing.

The female researcher quickly waved her hands, "Never mind, never mind. After going abroad, with how great a girl Xinyue is, there will definitely be a bunch of handsome guys pursuing her. She'll eventually meet someone she likes more."

On the other side, Gao Hao was about to check on Qin Zhao. Ji Fei was originally going to take Xiao Tao back to rest, but was stopped by Gao Hao.

"Teacher Ji, he's family after all. Shouldn't we check on him? I've never dealt with a heartbroken Qin Zhao before, I'm nervous," Gao Hao said awkwardly. "Will he drink excessively? Will he take drugs recklessly? Will he do something stupid..."

"Isn't your imagination running a bit wild?" Who knew Gao Hao was this kind of person?

Ji Fei thought for a moment. Well, he was an old client after all. Might as well check on him. In case he did something stupid... she could help call an ambulance.

Gao Hao had a key card. He knocked first, and when there was no response, he swiped the card to enter.

After Gao Hao went in to make sure there was nothing inappropriate to see, Ji Fei walked in.

As soon as she entered, she saw Qin Zhao holding his phone, constantly tapping on something.

"Ah Zhao, what are you..." Gao Hao cautiously approached and saw that Qin Zhao was researching Chu Xinyue's team's research project, the country they were going to, information about the research institution, and so on. "Uh..."

[Oh, looks like he hasn't given up.]

Qin Zhao ignored the other voices, as if he was stubbornly holding onto something, frantically searching for all kinds of information. His expression was calm and composed, as if nothing could defeat him.

[Sigh, Chu Xinyue has made up her mind. Unless some extraordinary measures are taken, there's no hope in this lifetime. Indeed, there's no medicine for regret in this world. Some relationships, once missed, are missed forever.]

Qin Zhao froze. One drop, two drops... blurred his phone screen.

Gao Hao widened his eyes in horror and turned to leave, "Since you're fine, we'll be going now." He didn't dare to watch his boss cry!

Ji Fei was also surprised. Wasn't he fine just a moment ago? Why did he suddenly start crying?

My goodness, seeing such a big man cry was really shocking!

As Gao Hao pushed Ji Fei out the door, they could already hear Qin Zhao sobbing.

The two exchanged a glance at the door, and Gao Hao could only say awkwardly, "This floor is full. I'm staying on the floor below. If there's any noise from here during the night, please keep an eye out."

At a time like this, Ji Fei naturally nodded in agreement.

Just as she was about to rest after returning, she received a message from Qin Xian.

"Have you reached the hotel room?"

"Yes, your brother is staying here too. He came to pursue Chu Xinyue, but was firmly rejected."

Usually, Ji Fei wouldn't say much to Qin Xian, but such big news was hard not to share.

"Oh, he probably won't give up."

"But he cried!!!!"

"..."

Feeling the deafening silence from Qin Xian's side, Ji Fei felt satisfied.

"Gao Hao is worried about him and asked me to keep an ear out for any disturbances tonight."

"No need to mind him. Nothing serious will happen. You should focus on resting."

What a brother!

Ji Fei laughed, then rounded up today's earnings and transferred them to Qin Xian before going to wash up and sleep.

However, she was drowsily woken up by Xiao Tao pushing her.

"Teacher Ji, there's some noise next door."

Looking at the energetic Xiao Tao who hadn't slept at all, Ji Fei thought youth was indeed good, being able to stay up so late. The knocking from next door was faint; only Ji Fei had woken up. It would only be audible if the knocking continued for a while.

Ji Fei was puzzled. In the middle of the night, it couldn't be Gao Hao coming to find someone again, could it?

Ji Fei put on her robe, yawning, and was about to open the door when she heard the door next door opening at the same time.

"Brother Zhao, I've missed you so much!"

Ji Fei shuddered awake immediately. Only one person called Qin Zhao that way.

Her gossip radar activated, she stopped opening the door and instead peeked through the crack.

Sure enough, she saw Chu Xueqi standing at the door, while Qin Zhao, who had opened the door, was clearly shocked.

"How are you here? Please leave!"

Qin Zhao warned in a low voice. He certainly didn't want Chu Xinyue to see him with Chu Xueqi again in such a terrible situation.

Ji Fei couldn't see clearly, but she could hear Chu Xueqi sobbing, "Brother Zhao, although I lied to you about many things, I really do like you. We've loved each other for so many years, how can you say you don't love me just like that?"

This question hit right on Qin Zhao's sore spot.

Chu Xinyue doubted him, and now Chu Xueqi didn't believe him either. Did he need to cut open his heart to prove it?

Qin Zhao took a deep breath, "Don't talk about love. I feel sick just looking at you now. You deceived me for so long, I only feel disgust towards you. If you don't leave, I'll call security."

Chu Xueqi fell silent, then asked, "Have you been drinking?"

"It's none of your business!"

"You don't love me, you love my sister?"

"That's right!"

Suddenly, Chu Xueqi yanked off the coat wrapped around her body, revealing a nearly see-through nightgown clinging to her alluring curves.

"Then I'll be a substitute for my sister. I only want you for one night, Qin Zhao. Hold me."

It must be said, Chu Xueqi was truly skilled at impersonating Chu Xinyue. In an instant, even her tone of voice was a perfect imitation.

Her act of pretending to be Chu Xinyue instantly ignited Qin Zhao's fury.

Faced with Chu Xueqi lunging towards him for an embrace, he directly kicked her away.

"Get out!"

"Ah!"

In truth, Qin Zhao really wasn't one to lay hands on women, unless pushed beyond his limits.

This time, she had truly forced him to the edge.

And in such a situation, it was inevitable that a commotion would arise.

In an instant, the two nearby doors opened. It happened to be the researchers, but upon seeing something they shouldn't have, they immediately retreated back inside.

On Chu Xinyue's side, it was the female researcher who opened the door. Startled by the sight of the half-naked Chu Xueqi, Chu Xinyue's face froze, and she immediately moved to close the door.

"Sister, why do you have to fight me for a man? You're so shameless!" Chu Xueqi immediately began to cry out. "Are you planning to seduce Qin Zhao tonight and get into his bed?"

Qin Zhao was absolutely furious and was about to step forward.

Suddenly, a startled exclamation rang out.

Of course, only Qin Zhao could hear this exclamation. Frightened, he halted his steps and turned his head to look. He saw that Ji Fei, who had been secretly observing until now, had suddenly jumped out and was staring at him and Chu Xueqi in shock.

As he was trying to make sense of the situation, he heard her thoughts:

[Oh my God! An infectious disease! Chu Xueqi was infected with a contagious disease over at Wu Tian's place. She's been with Qin Zhao for so long, could he have... Oh no, how should I bring this up? Thank goodness Xinyue hasn't...]

Qin Zhao was so shocked that he could no longer process that this was merely Ji Fei's inner thoughts. Seeing Ji Fei's suspicious gaze and Chu Xinyue opposite him, his mind went blank and he shouted:

"I've never touched her! I'm still a virgin, damn it!"

In an instant, the hallway fell into dead silence!