The original owner was a straight man and a print model. He would go to work whenever he got a job, and play games at home when he wasn't working. He would only go out to eat and drink with friends occasionally, so he was quite a homebody. He had the most clothes, and most of his clothes were picked out by Yue Lingling and Xu's mother. Xu Zifan didn't plan to wear them anymore, so he only managed to pack two boxes of things, one of which was a computer.
Moving was much easier. The next morning after breakfast, Xu Zifan loaded the boxes onto the car, took his parents to move, and showed them the apartment he had rented.
He rented it in an upscale neighborhood; apart from the high rent and the distance from home, there were no other drawbacks. The two elders were very satisfied, but they were a little worried about the money and kept saying that they should save money by not traveling. Xu Zifan had to persuade them for a long time before they finally understood.
They spent the whole day tidying up their new home and buying household items. During this time, Zhao Xin called Xu Zifan, who said that his parents were also there, so Zhao Xin didn't come over. She didn't really like being around elders, feeling awkward and uncomfortable with nothing to say to them.
Xu Zifan wasn't surprised at all. Zhao Xin had a big fight with the original owner at the Xu family home because of the hair tie and slammed the door, without considering the original owner's parents. The day before, when she heard that Yue Lingling wasn't moving out, she turned around and was about to leave, without thinking about how the original owner's parents would feel if they couldn't wait for her at home. She was upset and pulled Xu Zifan aside to whisper in the bathroom, without considering that the two elders who had prepared the meal were waiting at the table.
She was more concerned with her own feelings; in her mind, her boyfriend's parents were probably not people she should pay attention to.
This might just be a case of "who isn't a little princess?" Some guys might not care, thinking that as long as the two people are happy, that's all that matters. But Xu Zifan certainly doesn't like that; he values his family members more. His parents are so open-minded and kind, they deserve better treatment.
The original owner and Zhao Xin had only been together for two months. The original owner discovered Zhao Xin was a bit demanding, and Zhao Xin also realized Yue Lingling liked the original owner. This led to some conflict between them, and their relationship wasn't very close; they'd only held hands at most, and their feelings weren't deep. Xu Zifan planned to meet Zhao Xin after his parents left to break up with her, so as not to interfere with her continued blind dates.
The house was tidied up, and Xu's mother cooked a hot pot meal. The family of three chatted and laughed; improved living conditions always bring joy. After the meal, Xu Zifan drove them home. They lived on the first floor with a small yard. Yue Lingling had probably noticed them beforehand, as she came out as soon as they got out of the car.
"Dad Xu, Mom Xu, Zifan, you've gone out? Have you had dinner yet?"
Xu's mother smiled and stepped forward to stop her, "You ate, you ate at Zifan's place. He moved, and you're going to his place to clean up today."
Yue Lingling's expression changed slightly, but she quickly regained her composure. "Moving in such a hurry? Is the house reliable? What are the conditions like?"
Xu's mother complained, "Stop talking! He really doesn't know how to save money. He spent 5,000 a month on rent, but the house is really nice and the neighborhood is safe. Outsiders aren't allowed in, so it's not a bad deal. He even booked a tour for us. We're leaving this weekend. Be careful with the water, electricity, doors, and windows when you're home alone."
Yue Lingling finally showed a surprised expression, "Aunt Xu, are you going on a trip? When will you be back?"
After thinking for a moment, Xu's mother said, "It will take at least ten days to half a month, maybe even longer."
Yue Lingling's heart sank. She looked at Xu Zifan and smiled, saying, "Brother Zifan is really decisive. Traveling is great. Xu's parents haven't gone out to play in a long time."
Xu Zifan smiled. "Xiaoxin reminded me that you only think about these things after you have a girlfriend. Mom and Dad, I'm going back now. Get some rest. I'll pick you up from school in a couple of days to go to the airport."
Mr. Xu waved his hand hurriedly, "Go back quickly, it will get dark soon, drive carefully."
Xu Zifan nodded and drove away without saying another word to Yue Lingling. Yue Lingling felt a tightness in her chest, like a damp cotton ball was stuck in her throat, but she hid it well and didn't show it on her face.
Xu's mother thought about how her son had avoided Yue Lingling since he started dating, and how Zhao Xin was so jealous that she almost made Yue Lingling move out. Now, Xu Zifan was so eager to move out that he even packed up all the things Yue Lingling had bought for the Xu family over the years, making it seem like Yue Lingling was a virus. She felt extremely uncomfortable because she thought this was a terrible thing to do.
She held Yue Lingling's hand and sighed, "This time it was Zifan's fault. He's never been good at interacting with girls, and he's afraid of arguing with his girlfriend, so he made you feel bad. We're both women, and we know that women are quite sensitive about childhood sweethearts. Don't be angry. As time goes on, Xinxin will realize that you treat Zifan like a brother and won't overthink it. You're not close yet, are you? Don't be sad either. Xu's parents still love you the same. Now that Zifan has moved out, he'll get married elsewhere, so you can eat with us every day. Our family will be happy."
Yue Lingling truly treated them like her own parents. Upon hearing this, she smiled and said, "Aunt Xu, how could I be angry? I understand. As long as Brother Zifan and Sister-in-law are doing well, I will definitely be happy for them."
"I'm relieved that you think that way. You should also find a boyfriend who will cherish you. We're hoping that you and Zifan can start a family and live happily ever after."
"Aunt Xu, when the time is right, you'll definitely have it. I'll bring it to you to see when the time comes."
"well."
After seeing the two elderly people into the house, Yue Lingling returned to her own home. Immediately, as if she had lost all her strength, she slid down to the floor against the door, covered her face, and cried in suppressed sobs.
Why? Xu Zifan's last girlfriend was much better. She only provoked that woman a few times behind Xu Zifan's back, and that woman broke up with Xu Zifan. Even though Xu Zifan drank heavily a few times and said that it hurt the woman, didn't he also think that breaking off the relationship with her was inexplicable?
Why did Xu Zifan change his attitude when it came to Zhao Xin? Not only did he keep his distance from her and avoid suspicion at every turn, but he also moved out and cleaned up all traces of her. Was a woman like Zhao Xin, who was pretentious, petty, and had a bad temper, worth all this? Or did he simply like this kind of delicate and pampered woman?
Now even Xu's parents are leaving, and Xu Zifan has no chance of coming back. She can hardly even see him. She introduced Zhao Xin to him so he could see how petty, troublesome, and unreasonable other women are, and so he could see her good qualities. Why did it turn out like this? Between their twenty-eight years of relationship and those two months, did Xu Zifan choose those two months? Can't he appreciate all the good she's done for him over the years?
Yue Lingling desperately wanted to rush up to Xu Zifan and tell him all her feelings, but she didn't dare. She knew that Xu Zifan didn't like her and only treated her like a younger sister. If she told him, it would be the end for them.
Yue Lingling wiped away her tears and calmed down after venting. She sat in the dark all night and decided to retreat in order to advance. Since Xu Zifan wanted to avoid suspicion, she would obediently stay away and not disturb them, thus fulfilling their wishes. She did not believe that Xu Zifan could tolerate a woman like Zhao Xin.
Also, since Xu Zifan wouldn't let her move this time, and she couldn't make him feel guilty or remorseful, she'll think of another way. She's sure she can bring Xu Zifan back. Even if Xu Zifan doesn't love her, she won't let him belong to another woman!
When Xu's parents boarded the plane, Yue Lingling also went to see them off, so after the two elders left, only Xu Zifan and Yue Lingling were left at the airport.
Yue Lingling smiled as usual and said, "Brother Zifan, how's the new house? Are you settling in?"
Xu Zifan smiled faintly and said, "I'm used to it. It's nice to be free and independent." He glanced at his watch. "I'm going to shoot a magazine photoshoot. Can you go back by yourself?"
"Okay, I've already called a car. You can go now."
Xu Zifan nodded to her, turned and left, while Yue Lingling stood there watching his back until he disappeared.
Xu Zifan adapted very well to the modeling job. He was more photogenic than the original owner, and his eyes and movements were more experienced. The final photos were several levels better. The magazine was very satisfied with his performance and even gave him a big bonus.
While changing clothes after finishing work, Shaohua reminded him of missed calls and over a dozen WeChat messages on his phone. He took them out and saw they were all from Zhao Xin. He had missed the calls from Zhao Xin, and when she asked what he was doing, he hadn't replied. Three hours had passed, and she had sent over a dozen messages, her tone already showing signs of displeasure.
Xu Zifan called her, but the call was hung up the first three times. Zhao Xin finally answered on the fourth try. Xu Zifan patiently said, "Xiao Xin, I was shooting for a magazine and didn't bring my phone. Is something wrong?"
"Can't I contact you if there's nothing wrong? You should have told me before you started work. I couldn't reach you at all," Zhao Xin complained unhappily.
Xu Zifan replied, "Want to go out for dinner? I'll come pick you up."
"I don't want to go."
"Didn't you say you wanted to eat seafood at Zui Xiang Ju last time? You can still make a reservation now, let's go there to eat."
"Then come pick me up, hurry up!"
"good."
Xu Zifan removed his makeup and drove to pick her up. He waited downstairs for twenty minutes before she came down, looking quite pretty. Xu Zifan planned to break up with her, so he was rather quiet and focused on driving. When they arrived at Zuixiangju, he took her to a private room and ordered a lavish seafood feast.
Zhao Xin looked at him and asked, "How do I look today?"
"It looks great."
"Why don't you compliment me? I dressed up especially for the date."
Xu Zifan smiled and said, "You look good all the time."
Zhao Xin then smiled and asked him what kind of magazine shoot it was. Xu Zifan had shot it with a female model, but there was no need to tell Zhao Xin about it at the moment. He briefly talked about the shooting process and some interesting things that happened during the shoot, and then he and Zhao Xin ate together when the seafood was served.
Zhao Xin loves seafood, and it was a rare opportunity to have such a seafood feast at the famous Zui Xiang Ju restaurant, so she naturally enjoyed it very much.
Xu Zifan peeled a lot of crab and shrimp shells for her, and only after she finished eating did he show an expression as if he had something to say.
Zhao Xin looked at him and asked with a smile, "What's wrong? You don't seem to have eaten much."
Xu Zifan looked up at her seriously and said, "Xiaoxin, we've been together for almost two months. I've thought about it carefully and feel that we have many different views and our personalities aren't really suitable for being a couple, so..."
"You want to break up with me?" Zhao Xin stared at him in disbelief and asked, "Just because of Yue Lingling?"
"It has nothing to do with Yue Lingling. I believe you when you say she likes me and is deliberately targeting you. I'm very sorry that my belated realization has caused you distress. However, I didn't like Yue Lingling before, and I won't like her in the future. I'm breaking up with her purely because our personalities are indeed incompatible."
I'm sure you can sense this too. I'm not good at comforting people or making you happy. You've had very few truly happy moments in the past two months, haven't you? You deserve a better guy to pamper you. I don't think I'm that person. My job also involves very irregular working hours, and I inevitably have to work with female models from time to time, which might make you uncomfortable in many ways. So breaking up is the most appropriate decision.
I'm sorry to bring this up suddenly, but delaying it won't be good for either of us. After thinking it over, I've decided to tell you now, and I hope you can accept it.
Zhao Xin glared at him angrily, then sneered, "I don't believe you're angry just because I made Yue Lingling move out. Even if you moved out yourself, you'd still think I'm being unreasonable. You scumbag! Fine, let's break up! Go be with your childhood sweetheart!"
Zhao Xin suddenly stood up, picked up the water beside her and splashed it on Xu Zifan's head, then grabbed her bag and left.