Chapter 79 - All Should Be Let Go

Cheng Yishu was certain now—the driver before him was not the one who usually drove for him.

He heard Da Lingzi softly explain, “He’s an old hand at the company. Our usual driver had something to attend to today and took leave, so he’s covering for him…”

“Get out of the car.”

Before Da Lingzi could finish, Cheng Yishu cut in coldly, his tone leaving no room for argument.

The driver tried to defend himself, but ultimately fell silent. After all, the company’s contract was explicit:

“Absolutely prohibited to discuss or disclose company regulations, or the privacy of artists and staff, in any form…”

Knowing he was in the wrong, he simply handed the keys back to Da Lingzi and left the car, head hanging in defeat.

Da Lingzi got out as well, then climbed into the driver’s seat herself.

The car’s air conditioning was so strong that Da Lingzi almost shivered, so much so that when Cheng Yishu suddenly spoke, she really did tremble.

“Where… is she living now?”

Da Lingzi paused, then blurted out, “At her own home, I mean the home she moved into after marriage.”

There was no need to clarify who “she” referred to; it was obviously Tan Jing.

Cheng Yishu seemed relieved, narrowing his eyes as he leaned back in the rear seat, though the tension in his brow betrayed his inner turmoil.

Married in haste, and in mere months, the vows had become a joke…

Tan Jing—what on earth was she doing? What was she thinking?

“What else have you heard?” Cheng Yishu’s voice was weary, barely audible.

“Not much…” Da Lingzi glanced at him in the rearview mirror, and seeing his expression return to normal, continued, “I just heard from people at the company that when Sister Jing was having dinner with investors, she happened to run into her husband, who was also dining with a few… others.”

“That’s hardly enough for such rumors to spread!” Cheng Yishu interrupted sharply.

Da Lingzi opened her mouth, thought for a moment, then said, “All this gossip started within the company. And most likely, it came from someone who attended that dinner with Sister Jing… No one actually saw what happened, so the story grew more and more outrageous with retelling…”

“Besides, there was that little department head who once pursued Sister Jing, but she ignored him. Now that he has the chance, he’s bound to kick her when she’s down, letting his people spread rumors outside!” Da Lingzi said bluntly.

Cheng Yishu still remembered that department head who had courted Tan Jing.

Just a planner for events, the kind who boasted outside about being an artist’s agent. He’d never had any interest in quarreling with such a clown.

Now, even he dared to stir up trouble, playing at these petty tricks that even the women disdained.

“Forget it. She’ll handle her own affairs…” Cheng Yishu seemed to be speaking to himself, perhaps trying to reassure Da Lingzi.

He said nothing more, leaning back with his eyes closed.

When Su Nian came knocking, Xu Ningning had just left.

Lin Xiaowen thought it was Ningning returning for something she’d forgotten, so she opened the door without a second thought.

Surprise flashed in her eyes as she met Su Nian’s deep gaze, unchanged as ever. Su Nian smiled, helplessly, before speaking.

“Why are you looking at me like that? Has my confession scared you so much you don’t dare return to work at the bar?”

Lin Xiaowen was dazed for a moment before realizing she hadn’t seen Su Nian or his sister Su Mo since that night.

The reason was simple—Cheng Yishu had forbidden her to work there anymore, and his attitude had been resolute.

“Oh… I thought you knew,” Lin Xiaowen explained in a lowered voice. “I talked to Su Mo—won’t be going back. After all, Ranran’s starting elementary school soon, and there’s a lot to prepare for.”

“Has the household registration issue been settled?” Su Nian asked, then looked down self-mockingly. “Of course, for him, nothing should be a problem… It’s clear he cares about you and your daughter.”

His tone was sincere, his gaze earnest, without a trace of bitterness.

Lin Xiaowen just smiled silently, saying nothing.

No matter what means Cheng Yishu used, as long as she liked it, what did it matter?

Though Lin Xiaowen said nothing, a dull ache welled up inside her.

What could she do?

In truth, she hadn’t spoken to Cheng Yishu about Ranran’s registration. She didn’t want to trouble anyone—not even the one she loved.

But now, at the mention of “household registration,” the face of Si Nan appeared before her, along with his cold words:

“Ranran is a child of the Si family; she should return to us. It’s best for her growth and future…”

How could Lin Xiaowen not understand? If Ranran went to Hong Kong, she could have everything she’d never dared to dream of.

Yet, keeping her by her side, she couldn’t even manage the most basic matter of identity…

Lin Xiaowen sniffed and forced a smile.

“Thank you both for caring. When I have time, I’ll visit Su Mo. And if the bar gets busy, give me a call—I’ll help out… for free.”

The sadness hidden in her bright eyes was impossible to miss for anyone who cared.

Su Nian’s brow furrowed. “What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

“No, nothing at all!” Lin Xiaowen shook her head, smiling. “Just a bit of a cold. Ningning took Ranran to her place so she wouldn’t catch it from me.”

Su Nian glanced inside, and seeing no sign of the lively little girl, was convinced. “Then rest early—I won’t disturb you.”

“Come in and sit for a while,” Lin Xiaowen realized she’d been remiss in not inviting Su Nian, who’d come to check on her.

“No need,” Su Nian smiled helplessly. “Don’t forget, I’m a notorious scoundrel. Alone with you, I worry I might…”

“Su Nian!” Lin Xiaowen stopped him, her delicate brows knitting in displeasure.

“Just joking!” Su Nian laughed. “I just don’t want… since we can’t be husband and wife, not even friends… Xiaowen, I hope you’ll always treat me and Su Mo as friends—let us know if you need anything, alright?”

Su Nian rarely spoke so much at once, and even less often smiled so brightly.

Lin Xiaowen felt a weight lift in her heart, and smiled openly. “I know. You and Su Mo will always be my most important friends.”

In the corridor, the sensor lights flickered as Su Nian walked out the door, his face both relieved and wistful.

Relief at finally letting go of feelings he was destined never to have.

Wistfulness for the trace of yearning forever treasured in his heart…

What cannot be had is always the most precious, but letting go of what isn’t yours is the wiser choice.

Su Nian’s steps were light, carefree.

It was the first true ease he’d felt since hiding her in his heart, until this very moment.

A rare sense of relaxation.