Chapter 40

“If you really want to get married, it’s not impossible, as long as you don’t rush to get the marriage certificate. If the school finds out, just deny it.,” Zhu Hongyu sighed. “The issue is, I have no desire to get married at the moment.”

Song Haowen nodded in understanding. “Is it your brother-in-law’s idea, or is it the parents on both sides pushing for it?”

“Regardless of whose idea it is, I just don’t want to get married.”

“If you don’t want to get married now, then don’t. After all, you’re the one involved.”

“It’s not that simple. My fiancé is also my neighbor and classmate. We’ve known each other since childhood, and our relationship has always been good. We got engaged a few years ago. If I hadn’t insisted on studying and taking the college entrance exam, refusing to get married, maybe we would already have kids by now.”

“Your fiancé is really good to you, waiting for you for so many years. Since you’re in college now without any worries, if he wants to get married, then get married. Just make sure not to have kids before you graduate.”

Zhu Hongyu blushed. “But I don’t want to marry him now, and I won’t in the future.”

“Why? Did you fall out of love with him, or did he do something wrong to you?”

“Brother, my heart is in turmoil. I don’t know why, but since I entered college, I feel like the distance between him and me is growing. The tall and admirable image he used to have in my heart is becoming more and more blurred. I feel like I’ve really changed, changed my heart, turned bad, and somewhat stopped loving him. I’ve become a female version of ‘Chen Shimei.’ It makes me feel very ashamed and extremely sad.” As she spoke, Zhu Hongyu shed tears again.

“Oh, sister, you’re upset about this. It’s indeed a bit cruel and unfair for him, a man who loves you deeply and whom you once loved so much, to decide to break up just because your statuses have changed.”

“I’m a bad woman…”

“Don’t think like that. People get married and divorced all the time, let alone just being engaged.” Song Haowen tried to console Zhu Hongyu, but the thought of his past self-preparing for marriage only to discover the other person had fallen for someone else was truly indescribably painful. “If you want to break up with him, you should clarify it sooner rather than later, or the hurt will be even greater.”

“I’ve always wanted to tell him, but I can’t bring myself to do it. After all, he waited for me for so many years, sacrificing so much youth for me. I really don’t want to hurt him.”

“But the more you hesitate, the more you’ll hurt him.”

“I’m finished. What should I do?”

“If you can’t figure it out, then don’t think about it for now. Think about it tomorrow during the day. It’s already past midnight, it’s late. Go to sleep first,” Song Haowen comforted Zhu Hongyu.

Zhu Hongyu stayed on the sofa for a while, and her emotions calmed down a bit. She bid farewell to Song Haowen and stood up to return to her room.

That night, Zhu Hongyu felt relieved after releasing her emotions, and her whole body became relaxed. She quickly fell into a deep sleep on the bed. On the other hand, memories of Song Haowen’s past experiences haunted him, making it difficult for him to sleep. It wasn’t until dawn that he fell into a restless slumber.

Early the next morning, Zhu Hongyu, in contrast to her gloomy mood from the day before, left the room with a calm expression and bought breakfast.

She woke up Song Haowen, who was reluctant to get up. After they finished breakfast, Qian Youlai and Wang Li arrived for work.

During the day, while Wang Li was not around, Song Haowen quietly asked Zhu Hongyu, “How are you feeling? Did a night’s sleep help you sort things out?”

“How can I sort things out about this? But emotions are strange; when in love, it’s passionate, and when out of love, it becomes distant. I don’t want to think about it anymore. I’ve decided to act according to my feelings, regardless of what others say. You probably look down on me now, thinking that I’m an ungrateful person.”

“I don’t think that way. Whatever you decide, I’ll support you,” Song Haowen said sincerely.

Zhu Hongyu gazed at Song Haowen, suddenly held his head, kissed his forehead, and smiled, saying, “That’s my good little brother. Thank you.”

Song Haowen blushed from the unexpected kiss and quickly pushed her hand away, saying, “Sis, I’m not a kid anymore.”

Zhu Hongyu cast a sidelong glance at Song Haowen and said, “Little brother, even if you’re not a child, can’t I still give you a kiss?” Suddenly, she realized her words were a bit off, and her face turned red.

At that moment, Wang Li came over, seeing both of them blushing. She found it strange and asked, “What mischief are you two up to? Why are your faces so red?”

The words, once spoken, made the situation even more awkward for both of them, especially Zhu Hongyu, who wished there was a hole in the ground for her to hide in.

Song Haowen composed himself, intentionally saying, “I just asked her if she wants to go home and find a partner. The winter break is a good time for blind dates.”

“Pfft, you little kid, what do you know about blind dates?”

“Haha, sis, the little brother here is so smart, what can’t he understand? Don’t underestimate him.”

“Both of you, I surrender. I give up!” After saying this, Song Haowen quickly ran to the west room to start working.

The two girls couldn’t help but exchange smiles.