Chapter 165

She really did retch, though she wasn’t sure whether it was because of the praise in Zhong Ning’s words, or the merciless determination behind them — Zhong Ning had already made up her mind to completely withdraw and had decisively cut off all ties between them.

“If possible, I might need to trouble you to explain this to Mother — that I’m voluntarily severing ties with the Zhong family. Or don’t say anything, that’s fine too. She’ll find out sooner or later.”

“That’s all. I hope everything goes well for you from now on. Don’t come looking for me again.”

A violent sob burst from deep within Xie Shiqing’s throat, but just as the sound escaped, at the very moment it rang out, she forced it to a stop.

She felt like she was lying on a boat caught in a storm, the hull rocking violently, sometimes lifting high, sometimes sinking low. The sea and the sky seemed to merge, and the rain fell like a barrage, piercing through her body, washing away her blood — leaving only a hollow soaked in cold.

Am I dead?

Xie Shiqing curled up, her jaw clenched tightly, a guttural grinding sound coming from her throat.

Am I going to die?

Was this a nightmare or hell? Otherwise, how could she have heard such words? Words more painful than the sharpest dagger, cutting her until she bled profusely, making her wish for death.

The nightmare she feared most had finally become reality. She had made the wrong choice, believing she could hide it flawlessly, smugly thinking only of the present and not the future.

This was the bitter fruit she had received.

It was the retribution she deserved.

After some time, the bodyguard returned to the room and found her employer collapsed on the floor, convulsing as if electrocuted. Startled, she immediately called an ambulance, carried her downstairs, and drove toward the hospital.

Even in the midst of convulsions and nightmares, Xie Shiqing still clutched the recording pen tightly in her hand, not letting go.

At that time, Zhong Ning had just woken up and was immersed in the mindset of embracing her newfound freedom.

Although she had gone abroad, she hadn’t brought or bought anything — as long as she had money, everything could be replaced.

After resolving the issue with the chip, the first thing Zhong Ning did was book a hotel.

“Where should I go first?” She stretched lazily and looked at Michelle. “It’s my first time here. Do you have any sightseeing recommendations? Anywhere is fine, I’m not on a schedule.”

The caramel-toned beauty responded without hesitation, “The more well-known spots around here include the Biyer Opera House — they’re currently performing ‘Hamilton’; the banks of the Rofei River, which are great for walking; Central Avenue for shopping; and the Yorid Museum, plus the seaside beach…”

She listed the locations in a stream, like reading a menu, naming nearly every fun spot the place had to offer. It was obvious she had done plenty of homework in advance.

She then asked, “What kind of experience are you looking for? I can narrow it down for you.”

Zhong Ning had contacted the security company while waiting for the pine mushroom to undergo surgery. She had been direct with her request: the most reliable person, serious about the job, with excellent communication skills — price was not a concern.

And so she was sent Michelle. According to her profile, which Zhong Ning could access on the backend, Michelle had a perfect five-star rating and was the best among the team of bodyguards.

Facts had proven — she was indeed outstanding and well-prepared.

Zhong Ning glanced at the current time and thought for a moment.

"Let's find a place to eat first, and go shopping in the afternoon. I need to buy a few things, or I won't even have a toothbrush to use tonight. As for the opera in the evening—will there still be tickets?"

Michelle pulled out her phone.

"The tickets are already sold out, but I should be able to get you a seat in the inner section. Many of the performers keep a few tickets reserved for friends and family."

Zhong Ning looked at her in surprise—she hadn’t expected her to have such a wide network.

"Then I’ll trouble you with that."

Michelle had come by car. She took the initiative to open the door for Zhong Ning, waited until she fastened her seatbelt and was seated securely, then walked over to the driver’s side.

"Do you have a preference for cuisine?"

"Nothing too sweet," Zhong Ning replied. "Hmm… preferably something with local flavors, and pet-friendly. After we eat, I’ll bring the dog back to the hotel."

"Understood." Michelle nodded, and quickly listed several restaurant names for Zhong Ning to choose from.

Zhong Ning had been abroad before, but had rarely gone on long, completely relaxing trips. After all, she still had some ambition—or perhaps a sense of responsibility—and always kept her live-streaming job in mind. At most, she’d take a week off for a brief vacation, and she rarely went overseas, spending most of her time traveling domestically.

The last time she had gone abroad was after finishing the college entrance exams, traveling with a few classmates they’d planned the trip with. She still didn’t know how her family had agreed to let her go back then.

Compared to her younger, more naive self, she was now much calmer.

When they arrived at the restaurant, Zhong Ning ordered a set meal for herself, another for Pine Mushroom, and let Michelle choose her own. During the trip, Zhong Ning would cover all meals and accommodation.

The restaurant was neither too quiet nor too bustling—there was the occasional murmur of conversation. While they were waiting for their food to arrive, a diner walked over to the piano and pressed down the keys.

The moment the first crisp note sounded, everyone instinctively fell silent—she was playing a very famous love song.

Another girl walked up onto the small stage, picked up the microphone beside her, and joined in the performance.

The two of them exchanged a glance, filled with tenderness. Their smiles were joyful, bashful, and the affection flowed from one person’s eyes into the other's.

Xie Shiqing also played instruments—she could play the piano.

This person who strove to be first in everything could still remember the position of the keys even after being blind for several years.

She could play without seeing.

Three days after Zhong Ning had praised a celebrity for being great at piano and said their playing was beautiful, Xie Shiqing had dragged her into the music room, lifted the lid of a long-unused piano, and played that same song by heart—more smoothly, with deeper emotion.

Sunlight had streamed across her face. She had closed her eyes slightly, looking proud and aloof, her expression practically saying, “Hurry up and praise me.”

Zhong Ning had found her jealousy both amusing and endearing. She’d said a whole string of compliments, and then they had kissed—just like the couple on stage—so sweetly, as if nothing and no one in the world could separate them.

What they shared was love.

Zhong Ning believed in that, with all her heart.

She had thought countless times that maybe they wouldn’t have a happy ending—especially when she, too, began to feel anxious and uncertain, when she felt that maybe she couldn’t heal Xie Shiqing, or bear the weight of the responsibility on her shoulders.