As soon as Qin Rong and Qin Yan went upstairs, Qin Zhao excitedly brought Chu Xinyue inside.

After a brief exchange of greetings, following Qin Zhao's frantic eye signals, Qin's Mom pulled Ji Fei away to give the couple some space.

Once the third wheels left, Qin Zhao hurriedly placed all the fruits and snacks on the table in front of Chu Xinyue.

This behavior made Chu Xinyue feel a sense of déjà vu, as if the person sitting next to her was the young Qin Zhao who always wanted to give her the best of everything.

"Don't trouble yourself, your injury..."

Qin Zhao immediately switched to one-handed operation, giving Chu Xinyue a silly smile, "I'm fine, didn't I just say? My wounds heal very quickly."

Chu Xinyue nodded reassuringly, then spoke up: "Actually, there's another thing I wanted to talk to you about today."

"Go ahead," Qin Zhao assumed a posture of attentive listening, as if all his patience at the moment could be given to Chu Xinyue.

Chu Xinyue furrowed her brow, "I hope our group's plan to go abroad and collaborate with other research institutes won't be changed."

Qin Zhao's eyes flickered slightly.

Chu Xinyue said with a determined expression: "Our research would be more convenient abroad. Because your investment proposal has made the professor hesitant, since we've cleared things up, I hope you could..."

Qin Zhao grew anxious and quickly said: "I never intended to use the investment as leverage to keep you by my side. How could I possibly hinder your new life path?"

At this point, Qin Zhao lowered his eyes, his mood visibly dampened as he said: "I admit I have selfish motives, but if it's possible to stay and research domestically without interfering with your work, even if it means additional investment, I'd like to do that."

Chu Xinyue's eyes wavered for a moment, but she remained firm: "At the finer points of research, money can't solve everything. Otherwise, people wouldn't be willing to leave their homes for five years. We also can't let Qin Corporation make a losing deal. I hope you'll withdraw the additional conditions. We want to go abroad."

Looking at Chu Xinyue's cool expression, Qin Zhao's lips trembled slightly, "Alright, I understand. I'll talk to my brother about it."

As if having completed a task, Chu Xinyue didn't want to stay a second longer, "Thank you. I'll go back now to inform everyone to prepare for going abroad. We can't delay the research progress any further."

With that, she stood up.

Qin Zhao immediately stood up in panic.

"You're injured, no need to see me out," Chu Xinyue smiled at Qin Zhao and said: "I hope everything goes well for you in the future."

Qin Zhao suddenly spoke up: "Do I have no chance at all? Not even a little?"

Chu Xinyue looked at Qin Zhao and saw his eyes had reddened. She seemed at a loss on how to deal with Qin Zhao in this state, but smart people learn from their mistakes, and her wounds hadn't yet healed. How could she possibly turn back?

"Right now, I just want to live my own life well and focus on my research. If possible... I might not even come back after five years. I plan to settle abroad long-term for study and research, so it'll be hard to meet again."

Because she truly didn't blame Qin Zhao, she didn't want him to wait foolishly. She wouldn't be coming back.

After saying this, Chu Xinyue turned and left without hesitation.

Qin Zhao's feet felt like they were filled with lead, unable to move a step, tears welling up in his eyes.

[Oh no, is he going to cry again? Better hurry and stop Qin's Mom, it would be so disheartening if they're caught eavesdropping while trying to comfort him.]

Qin Zhao's originally muddled brain, upon hearing this voice, suddenly collapsed onto the sofa with a loud wail, crying uncontrollably.

Since he had been seen anyway, there was no point in holding back. He might as well have a good cry.

[Come on, it's not like this is the first time Chu Xinyue has rejected him. Is it really worth being so devastated?]

Qin Zhao: Waaah!!!

You don't understand, this is a complete rejection. She's going abroad and never coming back.

[I don't get his logic. Although I think it's better for them to separate and start new lives, but... why is he acting like it's a permanent farewell?]

Qin Zhao: Losing the one you love is as painful as being separated by life and death!

[Going abroad isn't the same as going to a funeral. Are plane tickets that expensive? I thought the Qin family had a private jet?]

Qin Zhao: *sobbing* ... *hiccup*?

[They're still on the same planet... isn't this level of grief a bit ridiculous?]

Qin Zhao: !!!!

[Is he just stupid, or is he being stubborn? Can't he see it himself?]

At this moment, Qin Yan and Qin Rong, concerned about the situation, came to the corridor. Just as they were about to inquire, they saw Qin Zhao suddenly stand up and rush out, his tears flying in the air.

Soon, everyone in the mansion heard Qin Zhao's shout from outside.

"Chu Xinyue, remember this: if one day you're hurt, if you're tired, if you want someone by your side, remember that I exist. Move forward and live your new life well."

Not long after, Qin Zhao returned, his tears already wiped away. He picked up his phone and made a call, "Second Brother, remove that additional condition and let them go abroad. Yes, I'm fine, don't worry about me. If their project investment fails, I'll bear all the costs."

He made another call, "Brother Gao... I think we can move my studio overseas. Do you want to come with me to explore the foreign entertainment market?"

He understood that if he kept pestering Chu Xinyue, it would only keep reminding her of the painful past. He didn't want to be the source of her unhappiness.

He didn't know if he would ever have a chance to win back this precious girl in this lifetime, perhaps never. But he wanted to quietly stay by her side, hoping that when she needed someone, he could be the first to be there.

This was all he could do now, and all he wanted to do.

The people listening to Qin Zhao's phone calls were all stunned.

The most shocked was Ji Fei.

[Wait, isn't that my current workplace? I haven't even started working or received any pay yet, am I about to be laid off?]

Qin Zhao, who was excitedly planning his future business empire, suddenly remembered upon hearing this that the studio still had a tagalong. Brother Gao on the phone also mentioned Ji Fei.

Qin Zhao looked at the people in the distance, "Uh... don't worry, my work transfer won't happen that quickly. We'll arrange everything for you before leaving... Brother Gao also said he'd get you more work before we go, to build up your reputation. Once that's done, everything will be easier."

Ji Fei: ...

[Being laid off is fine, actually. I didn't really want to work that badly.]

The others who overheard this inner thought couldn't help but chuckle.

Standing above, Qin Rong finally accidentally heard Ji Fei's inner voice. She didn't have the experience to distinguish the quality difference between spoken words and inner thoughts, and from her angle, she couldn't be sure if Ji Fei had moved her lips, especially since her brother's response wasn't out of place.

After returning to her room, Qin Rong's phone went crazy, with numerous calls coming in.

Qin Rong quickly answered.

"Why didn't you answer my calls?" The person on the other end started with an accusation. Then, seemingly realizing the inappropriate tone, they softened their voice and said, "I worry when I can't reach you. Please don't do this again."