Chapter 214

“The kind of love that’s truly healthy is about mutual compromise, not one person always yielding to the other.” Zhong Ning reached out and gently rubbed beneath Xie Shiqing’s slightly reddened eyes with the pad of her finger.

“I’m demanding things from you, trying to change you, wanting to mold you according to my own preferences. But people aren’t potted plants—they can’t be trimmed however one pleases. You’re a tree, a vine; every branch, every leaf has its own free will.”

“I’m sorry. I’ve been hurting you.”

Xie Shiqing hurriedly tried to speak, “It’s not—” but before the words fully left her mouth, Zhong Ning pressed her fingertip against her lips to stop her. Zhong Ning’s eyes curved slightly with a soft smile. “But you’ve also hurt me, so we’re even.”

“You’re not someone healthy, and I used to think I was. But looking back now, ah…” Zhong Ning shook her head and let out a small laugh. “I’m not either. Doesn’t that make us a match in a way?”

“Thank you for loving me. Thank you for making me realize this.”

She withdrew her finger, then leaned in and gave a quick peck as an apology for cutting her off earlier.

Xie Shiqing pressed her lips together, then cautiously said, “But I love you. I’m willing to change for you.”

“I’ll become whatever kind of person you like. Isn’t that a good thing?”

Zhong Ning shook her head. “No. It’s not a good thing.”

Confusion appeared in Xie Shiqing’s eyes.

Why not?

She didn’t understand.

She had become the kind of person her mother wanted—had become someone others admired—and had become a very successful businesswoman. It had indeed brought her benefits. Aside from stumbling when it came to Zhong Ning, she always had the final say in front of anyone else.

With power in her hands and a high position, she naturally received flattery and obedience from others and could obtain anything she wanted.

She had listened to her mother and gained everything she had now. So why couldn’t she listen to Zhong Ning and gain her love?

It was just like how employees in the Xie Corporation had to follow her instructions to earn their salary.

Wasn’t it the same logic?

That’s what Xie Shiqing thought—and that’s exactly what she said aloud. She still remembered what Zhong Ning had said about being honest, so she didn’t hide a single thought from her.

“A superior and a subordinate—that’s a relationship between someone in a higher position and someone in a lower one. Are we supposed to be like that too? That’s not equality.”

Zhong Ning spoke seriously, “People in love are equals. That’s different.”

“It’s okay if you don’t understand now. One day, you will.”

“Oh, right,” she suddenly remembered something important. “Have you eaten dinner?”

Xie Shiqing shook her head.

…Of course not.

Zhong Ning had no way of dealing with this stalker. “I packed some food to go. Do you want to eat?”

Xie Shiqing nodded again.

So her hand was taken and held, and Zhong Ning led her toward the building entrance.

The cool night breeze lifted her coat hem, tossed her hair, and brushed against Zhong Ning’s short azure-blue hair.

“Your current hairstyle looks really good. Have I complimented you yet?”

Zhong Ning chuckled. “Yours looks great too. Very cute.”

She turned her head, and it was as if a star had fallen into her eyes. “I can’t help but look at you.”

“Really?” Xie Shiqing was a little surprised and flattered. She smoothed her fluffy hair, her fingertip curling a small strand. “I thought you didn’t like it… I never noticed you looking.”

“I look when you’re not paying attention. I deliberately didn’t want you to notice—just sneaking glances out of the corner of my eye.”

“Ow!” Xie Shiqing suddenly let out a yelp.

“What’s wrong?” Zhong Ning turned around quickly and asked with concern.

“…The pine mushroom bit my ankle.” Xie Shiqing said in disbelief, “It—it bit me?”

Zhong Ning immediately crouched down to check. There was no broken skin or redness on Xie Shiqing’s ankle, clearly the dog had judged the force precisely. Zhong Ning looked at Pine Mushroom. “Did you bite her?”

Pine Mushroom’s ears folded back guiltily as it turned its head away.

“How can you bite someone?” Zhong Ning gave its head a pat. Her hand wasn’t heavy, but her tone was serious. “Did you do it on purpose? If you’re upset, say so. You’re not allowed to bite people.”

Pine Mushroom barked twice.

It ran ahead into the building and waited for the elevator. Even then, it didn’t forget to pick up its own leash in its mouth.

Zhong Ning held Xie Shiqing’s hand, feeling a headache come on.

The elevator doors opened, and the apartment door followed. Pine Mushroom was the first to rush inside. It ran over to the smart panel next to the door, scanned it for a second, then raised a paw and started stomping on the “Dislike” button repeatedly.

“Dislike! Dislike! Dis-dis-dis-dislike!”

Zhong Ning: “……”

“What kind of grudge do you two have?”

Xie Shiqing said, “Maybe it’s the grudge of me not really liking it, and it not liking me either?”

Pine Mushroom was still wildly slapping the “Dislike” button. Zhong Ning pinched the bridge of her nose. “Didn’t it live with you for a while before? How did the relationship turn sour?”

“It did live with me for a while…” Xie Shiqing gave a slight cough. “But neither of us talked.”

“How about I go back to the villa instead.” She held out her hand. “Could you give me the takeaway boxes? Eating it there would be the same.”

“It’s fine, Ning Ning, it’s pretty late now. If it keeps doing this, it might disturb the neighbors upstairs and downstairs.” Xie Shiqing said with understanding, “We have plenty of time to spend together. There’s no rush for just one night.”

Zhong Ning looked at her, then at the stubborn dog. She spoke with a bit of hesitation. “Do you really think that way?”

“I did learn something over this time.” Xie Shiqing gave a little smile. “You’re not the kind of person to go back on your word, right? Since we’re already a couple, one night really doesn’t make a difference.”

She said sincerely, “Besides, taking a step back now and being more understanding, won’t Ning Ning feel more sorry for me?”

“…Yes, I will feel sorry for you.” Zhong Ning opened her arms with a helpless smile. “Then give me a hug before you go.”

Xie Shiqing’s arms were still cold from the night wind. When Zhong Ning touched them, she paused. “Let me go get a jacket for you.”

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