Silence, all three of them were silent. Pei Nianchen was momentarily speechless. Yes, Lu Xiya had never disrupted him and Gu Jiayin. He even never noticed her affection for him. Liking someone isn’t a crime, he did not deny this. Lu Xiya, in principle, was not wrong. He admitted that calling Lu Xiya over to clarify things so bluntly was disrespectful; after a moment of wavering and settling, he softly uttered a few words, "I’m sorry, Xiya." After all, once the famous bold heiress of Licheng City, with a big heart, Lu Xiya wasn’t upset but instead burst into laughter, "What’s there to apologize for, Brother Nianchen? You even said you see me as a sister, so since we’re so close, you being honest with me is the best respect you can give me." "Xiya..." Gu Jiayin felt immensely sorry for Lu Xiya. But Lu Xiya felt an immediate sense of clarity in her heart; this affection had been hidden so deeply for many years, fearing the day Pei Nianchen would find out, and now that he knew, she clearly understood his feelings and thoughts. It felt like fulfilling a wish, bringing her a sense of relief. Even if he rejected her so heartlessly. She truly wanted to laugh, sincerely laugh from her heart. "Jiayin, I’m fine. Isn’t it strange? I once assured you that I would love him well for you, worrying that his parents wouldn’t like me, but now that things are clear, I don’t feel sad at all." "Xiya..." Gu Jiayin still felt deep compassion for her. But Lu Xiya, feeling totally at ease, tucked her long hair behind her ear, alluring and radiant, "Brother Nianchen, you’ve been handsome and noble since childhood; many girls liked you. I’m just one of the many who liked you; it’s a normal girl’s feelings." "But now, you don’t love me and reject me, yet I don’t feel sad at all. It feels like something missing is fulfilled. I think my affection for you was just a naive girl’s beautiful longing for love, like a princess always imagining her prince on a white horse." "However, after all, we’ve grown up. I no longer dream, and my feelings for you have gradually faded with time. It was just that I hadn’t realized it before." She took a long breath, "Brother Nianchen, I’ll continue seeing you as an older brother. I hope you’ll continue seeing me as a younger sister. We’ll always be loving family. As for you and Jiayin..." She paused, her gaze sweeping from Gu Jiayin’s face and finally resting on Pei Nianchen’s, speaking sincerely, "Jiayin has been wandering alone for years; it’s not easy. If you love her, cherish her well. But if she doesn’t want to resume old times, don’t force her too much. Her struggles are ones neither of us can fully understand." Finally, she took a step back, looking at Gu Jiayin, "Jiayin, I’m okay. Everything’s been said clearly; I feel happier than before. From now on, I won’t fantasize about Brother Nianchen anymore. Whatever happens between you and him is your decision." Finishing, she smiled farewell and turned to leave the room. The space fell silent once again. Gu Jiayin stood for a long time watching the spot where Lu Xiya disappeared, her entire body rigid. Her best sister had always been transparently brilliant, able to pick up and let go. To have become her confidante, how fortunate. Pei Nianchen was also deeply moved. Although he hadn’t spoken, he was truly grateful to Lu Xiya. He once again took Gu Jiayin’s hand, "Is there still a reason to break up now?" Is there still a reason to break up? Of course, there was, but she couldn’t say it, for saying it would plunge him into misery. Gu Jiayin withdrew her hand again, "Brother Nianchen, as I said, we are no longer who we used to be, unsuitable to be lovers. Let go." Pei Nianchen said nothing more, merely gazing at her intently, the depths of his eyes shrouded in a smoky maze, making it unclear. After half a minute, he suddenly pulled her hand, striding out. "Where are you taking me, Brother Nianchen?" Gu Jiayin was staggered as she was pulled, stumbling along behind him through corridors, into an elevator, across the lobby, and finally onto his car. He remained silent all the while. His resolute, cold facial contour exuded an icy aura, like a sculpture carved by a master, with distinct angles. He still thoughtfully secured her seatbelt, then started the car, darting out of the underground parking lot like an arrow. "Brother Nianchen, what exactly are you trying to do?" He still didn’t speak, the car weaving through the city, heading for the outskirts, speeding towards North Mountain, finally climbing the winding mountain road. This was a place they used to visit often; young Pei Nianchen would often drive her up here for panoramic views, to enjoy the scenery. Many times, they came here at night, sitting side by side atop the mountain counting stars, and when she got tired, she’d fall asleep right in his arms. Books say one shouldn’t meet someone too stunning in their youth, or they’ll never be at peace for the rest of their life. She was breathtaking, but he didn’t meet her in his youth; he grew up with her, etched into his soul. If she didn’t want him anymore, he wouldn’t be at peace for the rest of his life. His greatest mistake was getting involved with Qin Xueyao, making her unhappy. Deserving of punishment, guilt-ridden even in life. However, as long as she’s in this world, he can feel her vividly. As long as he’s alive, he doesn’t want to give up. Dusk approached, twilight draping from the horizon, with the last hues of sunset tinting the late dusk in a subtle warm glow. The mountain wind swept over the vehicle. A journey of silence. Revisiting familiar places, each had their own reflections, those youthful days indelible, replaying like close-up shots in a movie, one after another in their minds. He remained silent, as did she. Follow current ɴᴏᴠᴇʟs on novel•fire.net Finally, the car came to a stop on the mountain’s summit platform. Pei Nianchen slowly rolled down the window, letting the wind tousle their hair. Distant mountains, tinted green, rose into the clouds, with the river flowing long, winding like silver. He showed no intention of getting out of the car, locking the door, preventing her from leaving as well. "Brother Nianchen, why did you bring me here?" Gu Jiayin’s face was very calm. Pei Nianchen gazed at the distant river, where fishing boats were slowly docking, "Do you remember the wish you made here on your sixteenth birthday?" Gu Jiayin lowered her head, remaining silent. On her sixteenth birthday, he brought her here to celebrate. She wished he would propose to her here in the future; back then, she longed to marry him so much. But to her, those are all fleeting memories now. Why mention it again, and even if mentioned, what’s the point? After a long time without a response, Pei Nianchen slowly withdrew his gaze, turning to look at the woman beside him, as beautiful as a flower. His past emotions receded like a tide against time but insisted on clinging to his body and soul. To part ways now, he was unwilling. A strong unwillingness. His voice, like water with a cool tone, distinctly asked, word by word, "Do you insist on breaking up?"