Leaving the hotel, he drove home, only to receive a text message from Qiao Huanxuan.

'Come over now, let's talk it out. Otherwise, I might just pay your wife a visit.'

Reading this message left Li Yan feeling a bit helpless. Earlier he had said those words to her, and now, just a few hours later, she was suggesting a serious discussion, which he could accept. But Qiao Huanxuan seemed afraid he wouldn't come, adding a threatening line that annoyed him.

He also found it a bit strange, how Qiao Huanxuan knew about his wife.

He was unaware that last time, when Zhang Yurong worried about his health and sought help from Yu Xiaodi, Yu Xiaodi had involved his "first love" to increase momentum and put pressure on Zhang Yurong. Of course, Xiaodi only let Zhang Yurong know about Qiao Huanxuan's identity but didn't tell Qiao Huanxuan about Zhang Yurong's identity.

In fact, the "wife" Qiao Huanxuan referred to now was Yu Xiaodi, the recognized girlfriend of Li Yan whom she had access to.

Still downtown, going to the Eastern Seaside before going home would save him some time.

Arriving at the Eastern Seaside, as the car passed the "Golden Coast" area, Li Yan couldn't help but glance at the Yu Family villa. Despite the road angle making it unclear and Yu Xiaodi likely staying at the S University dormitory tonight, he still glanced for a while unconsciously.

This area had many hotels, and Li Yan slowed down slightly. There was a time he brought Hai Fu to the seaside, planning to watch the sunrise, but ended up staying over. That was the night their one-night stand evolved into a secret affair.

Passing the hotel where he and Hai Fu once stayed, the car proceeded a bit further, arriving at the hotel where Qiao Huanxuan was staying. He had only been here once, initially to drop Qiao Huanxuan off, unexpectedly ending up with a profound emotional shock. He learned that this former middle school classmate had been searching for him and hopelessly in love for twelve years.

As he parked the car and went inside, looking at the hotel's red sign, Li Yan felt dazed. Would this be the resolution between him and Qiao Huanxuan?

Will the roads diverge, each going its own way?

Could her twelve years of emotions be settled after just a few hours of reflection?

Even if she could let go, helping her out of the shadows and into a new life would be a long process, right? Perhaps she would pour her experiences into her work...

Walking towards the hotel, Li Yan's pace was slow; the closer he got to her, the heavier he felt.

Indeed, her emotions were too heavy, making him feel burdened by emotional debts. But as a man, could he really face a woman who has given twelve years of her youth to him calmly, without feeling moved?

It's often said men are rational, women emotional, but when it comes to feelings, men are often more sentimental! A woman might coexist with a man she doesn't love, yet love may never blossom. However, men are more likely to develop affection over time with their partner. That's why they say "a man pursuing a woman is like moving mountains; a woman pursuing a man is like tearing down a veil."

Li Yan lowered his head, stepped into the elevator, but it stopped on the second floor rather quickly, leading him to inquire a service staff about the gift shop's whereabouts.

Yes, he wanted to purchase a gift for Qiao Huanxuan.

It's uncertain if this was a mindset of wishing for a good parting, since their relationship seemed one-sided with no happy times shared. Yet, he couldn't forget how Qiao Huanxuan always cherished, kept, and carried the music box he gave her twelve years ago—later returned by her, later thrown away by him. Perhaps she would feel better, and this time, she could toss it away! To throw it away would be a kind of liberation.

Upon reaching the gift shop, the sales assistant asked what type of gift he was looking for.

Li Yan was momentarily speechless.

He really didn't know what gift to buy; back in middle school, a music box was an option, but now buying a music box seemed too outdated?

"Do you have any music boxes?"

After hesitating for a bit, he decided to ask.

Since their relationship began with a music box, then let a music box bring it to an end! That music box was his gift back then, but she didn't accept it, so he threw it away and forgot it. Sadly, she picked it up, repaired it, yet what lingered in her mind was no longer just a music box—it housed an individual represented by that box, whose image was constantly being repaired in her thoughts.

Perhaps a new music box could also bring her new life!

"Yes." The sales assistant led him to a shelf displaying various music boxes—some ornate, some elegant, some vintage, some trendy.

Watching Li Yan compare the music boxes, the assistant didn't push sales too aggressively, but instead approached from a different angle to ease his concerns.

"Nowadays, you might think gifting a music box is old-fashioned, but it's not. If no one wanted to receive such a gift, we wouldn't still have them in stock. Gifts are meant to represent both thought and emotion. Firstly, it's about expressing emotion and intention through the gift. A thoughtful gift always brings joy. Of course, gifts as items can be meaningful or practical.

For practicality, new electronic gadgets tend to be more useful than music boxes. However, upgrades with electronics are frequent, and within months new replacements emerge. Comparatively, meaningful gifts aren't evaluated for their monetary value and won't depreciate; rather, they gain significance over time. A music box serves as such a gift! Of course, it's necessary to consider the recipient—if they're trendy and fashion-forward, then it might not suit them."

The assistant's eloquence impressed Li Yan, as she explained the gift concept without detailing specific musical box features, solidifying his resolve to purchase one. Once a customer has the desire and confidence to buy, choosing the specific item becomes secondary.

Soon enough, Li Yan chose a classic model with modern elements.

As the gift was being wrapped, the assistant commented nonchalantly, "Sir, you're gifting a lady, right? I bet she's a guest staying at the hotel?"

Li Yan smiled, "Why couldn't I be staying here, about to head out to give a gift to someone else?"

"Hehe, if you were planning to head out with a present, you likely already had a date planned, and wouldn't be looking for gifts at this hour. I assume you returned here wanting to surprise your girlfriend, which led you to buy something last minute."

While he didn't confirm her insight, Li Yan praised her analytical ability, "Your observation, analysis, and verbal skills are remarkable. You grasp customer psychology well. If my company has a suitable position in the future, I might just recruit you!"

The assistant laughed, "Could I keep a business card of yours, then? So when it's time for me to change jobs, I'd have more options."

Li Yan handed her one of his new business cards, having handed out several today already.

The assistant didn't suspect him of exaggerating but was surprised to find him as a film investment company's general manager, possibly not the fit for her, and thanked him with a smile. "The music box may charm your girlfriend, but I suggest complementing it with a bouquet—no girl dislikes fresh flowers, and it ensures the gift's popularity!"

Li Yan hesitated as he glanced towards the flowers.

The assistant guessed that they weren't intimately involved yet, assuming he might still be in pursuit, thus leading him over. "If you think roses alone are too cliché, perhaps try this bouquet featuring an assortment of blooms." Her comment dispelled Li Yan's concerns about mistakenly sending roses. While for men still courting, yet not at the rose-giving stage, avoided any embarrassment.

Li Yan chuckled, "You know your business—alright, I'll buy it!"

...

Having decided to meet Qiao Huanxuan, Li Yan had already called Zhang Yurong to inform her he'd be entertaining and drinking, hence not returning home immediately. However, the journey home would be lengthy, uncertain how long his talk with Qiao Huanxuan might last. Now, after picking the gifts, he'd spent another twenty to thirty minutes; he hurriedly took the elevator up.

When Qiao Huanxuan opened the door, Li Yan greeted her with a warm smile and handed her the bouquet. "Qiao Huanxuan, for you!"

Qiao Huanxuan was somewhat surprised, but smiled quickly and reached for the flowers.

"Come in, we'll talk inside."

Li Yan stepped in, yet didn't advance further into the room. As she closed the door, he handed over the wrapped music box. "This is for you too!"

Qiao Huanxuan accepted it with a grin and remarked, "Thank you. But I'd like to remind you of something..."

"Remind me of what?" Li Yan asked calmly, thinking perhaps she'd say: 'I just wanted to remind you, it's not because you've bought flowers and gifts.' He wasn't seeking such gratitude.

"I wasn't sure you'd bring me anything, so... To be honest, I also invited your girlfriend, Yu Xiaodi, and she's in the bedroom now..."

"..."

Li Yan was left speechless, feeling like bolting right out! (To be continued, for more, visit www.qidian.com, more chapters available, support the author, support legitimate reading!)

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