Moreover, no one had ever doubted this.
Ming Yutong was so outstanding that people even said she was perfect in every way.
Even those young masters who were crazy about internet celebrities and fresh models all praised Ming Yutong. No one said anything negative about her, and no one cared that she wasn't exactly a young girl anymore.
However, before meeting Ming Yutong, Ni Yalin had never felt that she was any less than Ming Yutong.
No matter how excellent Ming Yutong was, she was still a bit older.
Most men prefer younger women.
Even though Ming Yutong was highly capable and competent in the business world, it didn't change the fact that she was older.
Although the marriage was a strategic one, what Jiang Lulian needed was a wife, not a subordinate or a money-making tool.
Since Jiang Lulian was able to give up on Ming Yutong, it meant that his feelings for her weren't as deep as the public believed.
At least, he was the kind of person who would give up if he couldn't chase her, not willing to waste time on her.
Therefore, Ni Yalin hadn't really worried about it.
But now, seeing Jiang Lulian's reaction, she suddenly lost her confidence.
Jiang Lulian hadn't noticed Ming Yutong at first.
But after getting the tickets, when Jiang Lulian saw Ming Yutong, his gaze never left her.
Ni Yalin turned to look, and Jiang Lulian's eyes were fixed on Ming Yutong, filled with deep reluctance and unwillingness.
This was clearly not the reaction of someone who had let go of Ming Yutong.
It was obvious that he still had feelings for her, though the reason for his giving up—whether it was Ming Yutong's complete rejection or something else—was unclear.
But he clearly couldn't let go of her.
From Jiang Lulian's reaction, it was evident that Ming Yutong had become a cherished memory in his heart.
As soon as he saw Ming Yutong, he seemed to forget his surroundings.
Ni Yalin felt a sinking feeling in her heart and looked at Ming Yutong.
Ming Yutong appeared much younger than her actual age.
She looked to be around twenty-four or twenty-five, and because it was her leisure time, she was dressed casually, which made her look even younger and more relaxed.
Ni Yalin had dressed up meticulously for their date.
But now, looking at Ming Yutong's simple and casual outfit from afar, Ni Yalin suddenly felt that her own elaborate attire seemed somewhat ridiculous and that Ming Yutong looked much better in her casual look.
As she was contemplating this, she noticed someone moving beside her.
"Lu—" Ni Yalin started to call out.
But Jiang Lulian seemed to ignore her and walked straight toward Ming Yutong.
After Jiang Lulian was discharged from the hospital, he was introduced to Ni Yalin.
In fact, his injuries were not severe. He had merely been forcibly sent to the hospital by Fu Yinxiu's people and was trapped in the hospital room.
While in the hospital, he kept thinking about what Ming Yutong had said.
He was grateful for Ming Yutong's candor and understood that she had been very straightforward.
He truly needed to settle down and have children, as his family wouldn't accept him without at least one child.
Ming Yutong's excellence was not enough to compare with the family's legacy.
He had been conflicted, constantly questioning himself. He admired and liked Ming Yutong very much.
Though he had been in relationships before, this was the most moved and genuine he had felt since his first love.
People often say that men find it hard to forget their first love, and they tend to idealize those memories.
For Jiang Lulian, however, Ming Yutong was even more profound than his first love.
Perhaps it was because he couldn't see her and knew that there was no possibility for them in the future, which made Ming Yutong's image in his heart more vivid and beautiful, an indelible mark.
He repeatedly questioned himself whether he loved her enough to not care if they might never have a child of their own.
If he pursued her relentlessly and married her, could he handle the pressure from his family?
Could he withstand the potential rumors and never blame Ming Yutong?
The answer was no.
Jiang Lulian had no choice but to give up, though his heart felt hollow and unfillable.
Even though he was deeply reluctant and unwilling, he ultimately decided to let Ming Yutong go.
He wasn't alone;.
He couldn't be selfish.
He had a family and had to be responsible for both his and Ming Yutong's future.
It's easy to make promises, saying nice things now and making various assurances was one thing, but failing to live up to them in the future would only hurt her.
He didn't want to be irresponsible.
Yet, he still couldn't follow through on what he had promised Ming Yutong before.
Even though Ming Yutong had already anticipated his decision and understood it, Jiang Lulian still felt ashamed to face her.
So even though Fu Yinxiu no longer stopped him, he hadn't contacted Ming Yutong after his discharge from the hospital.
He simply felt too embarrassed.
He didn't expect to encounter Ming Yutong here today, under these circumstances.
Seeing Ming Yutong and Ni Yalin, Jiang Lulian suddenly felt uneasy.
When he approached Ming Yutong, he noticed Little Jingshi, whom he had met before. Back then, when he didn't yet have deep feelings for Ming Yutong, he had had a meal with Little Jingshi by chance.
Only later did he find out that Little Jingshi was Fu Yinxiu's son and Ming Yutong's child.
"Yutong." Jiang Lulian called softly, his tone full of apology.
Ming Yutong had already stood up and smiled at him as he approached.
Ni Yalin, feeling deeply unsettled, tried hard to control her anger at being completely ignored by Jiang Lulian, especially in front of another woman.
Women often don't want to be overshadowed by another woman, whether it's in terms of grace, appearance, or men.
"You must be Miss Ming," Ni Yalin said, standing beside Jiang Lulian and taking his arm. "Hello, I'm Ni Yalin."
Ming Yutong nodded politely, "Hello."
Jiang Lulian awkwardly said, "Yutong, this is my…"
"Girlfriend?" Ming Yutong, noticing Jiang Lulian's awkwardness, finished the sentence for him. "Congratulations."
Jiang Lulian felt a bit embarrassed.
Seeing that they weren't leaving and that standing around was quite awkward, Ming Yutong decided to make conversation, "When did you get discharged?"
"Recently," Jiang Lulian replied, but then froze.
It seemed rather inconsiderate to have started a relationship with Ni Yalin so soon after being discharged.
Noticing Jiang Lulian's discomfort, Ming Yutong smiled and asked, "How is your recovery?"