Nie Shanglin needs to seriously reflect on himself.

This is the first time he has realized this issue so deeply.

Even though he thought about it and decided to get back together with Cheng Zhou after meeting him again, he was thinking only from his own perspective at that time. He only knew he couldn’t bear to part with him, and the days spent with Cheng Zhou were indeed relaxed; he was well taken care of. Even after their breakup, he found it hard to adjust to life without Cheng Zhou. Despite hiring a chef and a housekeeper, he still couldn’t adapt. It was only when he poured a lot of energy into the company and kept himself busy that he temporarily forgot about those feelings.

He thought it was just a matter of habit, but now he realizes it was simply because that person was no longer there.

Now, he feels he needs to reflect on things from Cheng Zhou’s perspective.

Cheng Zhou understands all his joys and dislikes, but he knows nothing about Cheng Zhou.

This time, when he wants to get back together with Cheng Zhou, he seriously intends to spend his life with him. His family has long known that he likes men. On one hand, he is already in charge of the Nie family; on the other hand, his family is quite open-minded. As long as he isn’t involved with any troublemakers and has a surrogate child, they won’t interfere too much.

He thought that with the level of love Cheng Zhou had for him, if he just apologized and made amends, Cheng Zhou would come back. But he forgot that it was Cheng Zhou who originally suggested the breakup.

It wasn’t a breakup out of anger or to intimidate him; Cheng Zhou had truly left him.

Nie Shanglin sat alone for a moment before walking back to the hotel where Cheng Zhou was staying.

He stood at the door of Cheng Zhou’s room and knocked.

“Who is it?” Cheng Zhou asked as he opened the door.

The moment he saw Nie Shanglin, his expression changed, thinking to himself how this person just wouldn’t go away.

“Let’s talk,” Nie Shanglin said, lowering his attitude and finally appearing less proud, even when apologizing.

However, Cheng Zhou showed no reaction to his change. He was only thinking about how to completely avoid being bothered by this person. He brushed his bangs aside, considering the possibility of having a meaningful conversation with Nie Shanglin.

Nie Shanglin pressed his hand against the door, a move he had done quite a bit since meeting Cheng Zhou again. “I just want to clarify a few questions. If you refuse, I’ll just keep following you.”

Cheng Zhou thought for a moment, then stepped aside, tilting his head and gesturing for Nie Shanglin to come in.

Nie Shanglin walked inside, and Cheng Zhou closed the door.

Cheng Zhou casually sat on the bed. “This is a hotel, and I don’t have much to offer you. Let’s get straight to the point.”

Nie Shanglin sat down on the nearby armchair, thought for a moment, and then asked directly, “Is there really no chance for us anymore?”

Cheng Zhou shook his head firmly.

“Can I ask why?” Nie Shanglin said. Before Cheng Zhou could respond, he quickly added, “Is it because I was too careless before? I admit I didn’t do well back then and hurt you. I really… only realized I liked you later on. Maybe you could consider giving me another chance, which would also be a chance for us. We’ve been together for so many years, and our lives fit together perfectly. I don’t think there’s anyone more suitable for each other than us. This time, I’m seriously reflecting on my mistakes and sincerely pursuing you. I want to spend my life with you. The Nie family business is still yours, and I want to treat you well in the future to make up for my past errors.”

Nie Shanglin spoke sincerely, it was something he genuinely wanted to do.

Even he realized that his feelings for Cheng Zhou were subtle but, once discovered, quickly spread like fermentation, filling his heart. The longer it went on, the deeper his love grew.

Cheng Zhou noticed Nie Shanglin’s serious expression. Whether he believed him was secondary; regardless of whether Nie Shanglin was just bored and playing with him or truly seeking reconciliation, Cheng Zhou found it amusing.

He had never opened up to Nie Shanglin about the things that happened while they were together—those grievances he endured, the loneliness he felt, and the times he had to put up with Nie Shanglin’s indifference. All of that was his choice; he had willingly subjected himself to it, so he couldn’t blame anyone else. But now, he wasn’t willing to accept it anymore. Whether Nie Shanglin was truly remorseful or really in love, to him, it all felt like nonsense.

Cheng Zhou stretched, stood up, and began to unbutton his shirt.

By the time Cheng Zhou unbuttoned the third button, revealing his smooth, sun-kissed skin, Nie Shanglin finally reacted. His gaze was fixed on Cheng Zhou’s exposed chest, and he swallowed hard, opening his mouth to ask, “You…”

Nie Shanglin couldn’t finish his question because Cheng Zhou turned his back to him. The scars crisscrossing his back came into view, leaving Nie Shanglin breathless.

These were clearly scars from a blade—six marks, some deep, some shallow—that made Cheng Zhou’s otherwise attractive back look particularly grotesque and terrifying.

“What happened?!” Nie Shanglin’s eyes turned red, filled with both anger and heartache.

What had happened to Cheng Zhou while he was unaware and taking him for granted? Thinking back, the last time he had seen Cheng Zhou’s body was a long time ago. What had he been busy with back then?

He truly was a jerk.

Cheng Zhou turned his head to look at Nie Shanglin and said with an unconcerned smile, “If the scars on my back vanish, then I’ll forgive you.”

Some of those scars were deep, and without surgery, it was impossible for them to heal completely and become smooth again.

Nie Shanglin’s voice grew hoarse as he stood up and reached out to touch the scars, but Cheng Zhou stepped aside to avoid him. Nie Shanglin pressed his lips together and asked, “What exactly happened?”

Cheng Zhou sighed. “You really forget things easily… No, it’s not that you forget; it’s just that I never worth your attention.”