Chapter 116: Ouyang Chen’s Confession

Ouyang Chen walked in front, while Zhang Xiluo followed slowly behind, head bowed, wondering what he intended to say to her.

How could she make him understand her perspective?

Zhang Xiluo did not notice that Ouyang Chen had stopped, and she bumped straight into his chest. Instinctively, she reached out to steady herself on his arm and looked up at him.

His jawline was perfect, his eyes slightly lowered, and his long lashes fluttered. His gaze was burning, revealing an undisguised affection and love. She knew all too well that this display of deep devotion was genuine.

It was the first time she had looked up at Ouyang Chen from such close proximity. He was incredibly handsome, perhaps even on par with Li Mingye.

With looks like his, why had Ouyang Chen never been caught up in any scandals?

Looking at Li Mingye, who was always surrounded by countless women, it truly seemed like a waste of Ouyang Chen’s perfect face.

Over three years had passed, and he remained single. Even if he hadn't fallen for Zhou Yao, he should have found someone suitable to marry by now.

She wondered if the "sexy goddess" who used to be by his side had decided not to return to the country.

Ouyang Chen was the same age as Li Mingye, yet while Li had already married and divorced, Ouyang remained single. Weren't his parents anxious for grandchildren?

"Be careful," Ouyang Chen said expressionlessly. Zhang Xiluo snapped out of her thoughts and pulled her hand away.

"Mm."

Zhang Xiluo stepped aside, feeling a bit annoyed. She had uncontrollably thought of Li Mingye again, and had even compared him to Ouyang Chen.

She must have bumped her head too hard.

Ouyang Chen walked slowly, and after about a hundred meters, he finally spoke.

"Zhang Xiluo, let's date."

His voice was low, his tone firm, sounding more like a declaration than a request.

Zhang Xiluo was stunned. It was truly a case of "speak of the devil." Her expression was complex. "Ouyang Chen, stop. This joke isn't funny at all. You know my situation; it’s impossible between us. You should find a good woman and spend the rest of your life with her."

"What situation? Why don't I know about it? Tell me," Ouyang Chen’s expressionless face showed a flash of anger that was visible to the naked eye.

"You know perfectly well in your heart, so why make it difficult for me? Ouyang Chen, we have a good relationship, which is why I’m trying to persuade you. If you want to be happy, stay away from me." Zhang Xiluo was earnest; she wasn't belittling herself or trying to smear her own reputation.

Whether in her past life or this one, she knew very well that Li Mingye was a man not to be trifled with. If Ouyang Chen were truly with her, Li Mingye would never let it slide.

They would fight until they destroyed each other, just as they had in their previous life. She was not Zhou Yao; she did not have the means to bring down a nation.

Furthermore, her history with Li Mingye was known throughout Long City. She had wasted her best years on him, and after suffering a miscarriage, the chances of her conceiving again were slim.

Ouyang Chen’s past was spotless, and he shouldn't be criticized in the future because of her.

"You've changed," Ouyang Chen said flatly. "It seems you’ve had a good life these past three years."

Zhang Xiluo was confused. What did her changing have to do with whether she had a good life? Besides, how could he tell she had changed?

"Zhang Xiluo, I like the current you even more. I’ve decided to pursue you."

"And I’m telling you, I won't agree," Zhang Xiluo said firmly. "Ouyang Chen, we can be friends."

Ouyang Chen frowned, clearly dissatisfied with her answer.

"If that’s all you wanted to say, then there’s no need to continue. It’s cold outside; I’m going back." With that, Zhang Xiluo turned to leave.

"There’s no need to reject me so quickly, and no need to belittle yourself just to make me retreat," Ouyang Chen said, watching her go, his tone calm. "We can take this slowly. Go back and get some rest."

Zhang Xiluo sighed inwardly. She had been relieved that Ouyang Chen hadn't fallen for Zhou Yao, avoiding the "fire pit" of their previous life, only for him to set his sights on her instead.

She didn't know what to say, so she simply didn't respond.

Back home, she received a message from Ouyang Chen—the longest one he had ever sent her.

"Luoluo, at first I thought there might still be a chance for you and Li Mingye, so I considered everyone’s feelings and didn't act. It wasn't until you left without a word and remained silent for three years that I realized I had fallen deeply in love with you without even knowing it. For these three years, I’ve cut off almost all contact with Li Mingye. There is a rift between us now, but it isn't because of you. I want you to know that I will strive for this relationship. Whether you give me a chance or not, I won't give up. I don't know how to confess, and I don't know about romance, but I do know that I want to give you everything. As long as you need me, I will always be there."

Zhang Xiluo held her phone, stunned for a long time. She had no romantic feelings for Ouyang Chen, yet she was deeply moved by his words.

This confession was full of sincerity.

*Sigh.*

This kind of love was too heavy; she feared she couldn't bear it.

She didn't sleep well all night, replaying Ouyang Chen’s words in her mind, her heart in turmoil.

The next morning, Zhang Xiluo woke up with dark circles under her eyes, feeling groggy and unsteady on her feet. She had intended to stay home and work on her renovation blueprints.

However, a strange phone call disrupted her plans.

"Hello, is this Ms. Zhang Xiluo?" A woman spoke in a gentle, polite tone.

"Who is this?"

"I am Mr. Stennis’s assistant. You saved Mr. Stennis, so he would like to invite you to dinner."

Stennis?

Zhang Xiluo fell silent for a few seconds. The woman explained, "The car accident—the foreigner you saved was Mr. Stennis."

"Oh." Zhang Xiluo remembered. "No need for that. It was just a small favor; there’s no need for dinner."

"Ms. Zhang, please don't be so quick to refuse. Your uncle, Mr. He, will also be attending, and he hopes you will join us." Before the woman could finish, Zhang’s mother and her uncle walked through the door.

"Luoluo, accompany your uncle to a dinner party tonight." Her uncle looked pleased, but upon noticing Zhang Xiluo on the phone, he fell silent.

"Ms. Zhang?" the assistant asked.

"Fine," Zhang Xiluo said, hanging up the phone. She looked at her uncle. "Uncle, what does Mr. Stennis do? Why does he want to have dinner with us?"

Her uncle acted mysterious. "His identity isn't convenient to disclose. I should be thanking you; if you hadn't saved him, I wouldn't have had the chance to meet him."

Zhang Xiluo frowned. Seeing her mother looking equally pleased, she guessed that this Stennis must be a big shot.

She didn't really want to attend such an event; the mere thought of potentially running into Li Mingye or Ouyang Chen gave her a headache.

That evening, Xiao Zhao drove her and her uncle to the hotel. As she stepped out of the car, she heard an unfriendly greeting.