My System Forces Me to Live off Women-Chapter 145 - 139: The Resistance

Desires come in many forms, disappointments take the same shape.

After Li Peifeng admitted frankly to his own behavior, and the suspicions in his heart finally became reality, Huang Tianxuan didn't show much surprise, only maintained her silence.

The two continued up the mountain without talking, until they reached Shuangqing Villa on the southern slope of Xiangshan Park. There lay a piece of ancient architecture, with lush bamboo forests, towering pines and cypresses, and a large ginkgo tree shading the entrance.

A pool of clear water occupied a sixth of the courtyard. Under a huge grape trellis on the pool's west side was a stone table and several small stools. On the north side of the pool was a row of three white bungalows facing south, with steps leading up to the west. In front of the houses stood a hexagonal pavilion, furnished with a few old-fashioned rattan chairs and ceramic stools.

"Come here."

Li Peifeng led Huang Tianxuan to a pavilion with fewer tourists, and sat down naturally, saying: "In 1949, the trainer moved into Shuangqing Villa and lived here for less than half a year. Those three bungalows were where he worked and lived. So don't be fooled by how unremarkable this villa seems; it was once the command center of Dong, where pivotal events that changed the country's fate took place, witnessing the historical moments of renewal and dramatic change on the eve of the country's founding."

Huang Tianxuan then took a closer look at the courtyard, nodded: "No wonder."

"If heaven had feelings, it would grow old; the right path on earth is rugged and harsh."

Li Peifeng crossed his legs, spread his hands, and laughed: "This poem was created by the trainer here. As the story goes, he sat in this pavilion, in the position I'm in now, with the same posture, reading newly liberated Jinling City's newspapers while writing this poem. Someone even took a picture of him."

Sightseeing is meant to be accompanied by historical anecdotes and stories of famous people; otherwise, it's just like a whirlwind tour, unclear and unimpressive.

"Really?"

With Li Peifeng saying so, Huang Tianxuan also became interested, gesturing with her hand: "Let me have your seat too."

"Have some water."

Li Peifeng got up to give way, handing her an unopened bottle of water.

"Thank you."

Huang Tianxuan sat on the stone stool in the pavilion and took a sip. As soon as she finished drinking and capped the bottle, Li Peifeng took it from her hand again, and she couldn't help but remark satisfactorily, "You having two girlfriends at the same time does make some sense."

"Can you not dwell on that? It affects our friendship."

Li Peifeng laughed: "Besides, you said that mental confusion is just a reasonable response to this world. Then, isn't a three-person relationship just an alternative form of resistance?"

Huang Tianxuan was startled: "I never thought you'd explain it that way."

"It's quite reasonable."

Li Peifeng grinned: "So, do you want to join our resistance?"

Huang Tianxuan calmly smiled: "That would affect our friendship."

...

Life is long and needs a worthy opponent to avoid monotony.

Li Peifeng felt that the current Huang Tianxuan was that opponent, far from the ambiguous acquaintances of before.

During their time at Xiangshan, talking about all sorts of things, Huang Tianxuan discovered Li Peifeng's secret and didn't show more rejection than she did in Hangzhou beyond refraining from innate physical contact.

Li Peifeng also heard from Huang Tianxuan about her work and life troubles, even learning she once sought psychological counseling, which was quite personal.

The two of them consensually repositioned each other as friends, yet not ordinary ones.

After all, it came down to mutual admiration, tinged with a bit of affection between them.

Huang Tianxuan took a step back, letting the relationship be in a state above friendship but not quite lovers.

In women's terms, that's a guy friend; in men's, a cherished confidante.

Sitting in silence together wasn't awkward, and long distances didn't feel distant.

She understood you, and you understood her. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

There wasn't emotional tug-of-war, physical touch, just an "Oh come on, I already know you" kind of understanding.

This feeling grew stronger as the two of them reached the peak of Xiangshan.

They left Shuangqing Villa, walked through the forest paths to the summit, and found a corner amid the rush of tourists, overlooking Beijing below, observing the city and rivers growing more beautiful, with clouds clearer on the horizon and the breeze brushing by, encircling them like gentle love.

They exchanged a smile, conveying much without words.

This is why, compared to little girls, Li Peifeng prefers mature women.

Mature, rational, independent, never putting romantic feelings first, and understanding the balance of gains and losses.

Even if they cannot be a couple with you, they can continue to interact with you as friends with a steady heart.

After staying at the summit for a while, they encountered Yu Huizhi and Li Qiyuan who recently arrived there. After a brief look at the scenery and discussion, the four decided to take the cable car down the mountain. Li Peifeng then took them to a nearby restaurant for a meal.

While waiting for food, Yu Huizhi remained enthusiastic and chatty with Huang Tianxuan.

This instead relieved Li Peifeng, suggesting that Old Li hadn't told her about his situation, otherwise his mother's attitude wouldn't have been this way.

Li Peifeng pondered for a moment, picked up his phone and sent Old Li a red envelope as a token of appreciation.

"Happy early Father's Day in two years~"

Li Qiyuan glanced at his phone, then at his son at the table, smirking and tapping repeatedly on the screen.

Li Qiyuan: "With a son like you, dad I really can't be happy."

Old Li felt greatly pressured, not even accepting the red envelope.

On one hand, he was burdened by moral condemnation, believing his son's actions were wrong, whether dating two girls or dating two girls while secretly meeting others – any of these would seem tremendously improper to Li Qiyuan.

On the other hand, to avoid further issues and give Li Peifeng a chance to resolve matters himself, he kept this from his wife, Yu Huizhi, feeling uneasy.

Because he hoped Li Peifeng could reflect, mature, and change for the better, he had to be an accomplice to conceal the truth.

A father like Li Qiyuan!

In my next life, I want to be your son again!

Li Peifeng was deeply moved and didn't want to pursue the smack on his head further.

...

This lunch went late, and it was already three in the afternoon when they finished. Huang Tianxuan wanted to drive him back, but Li Peifeng politely refused, then took the subway with his parents back to the hotel near his apartment to pack his things.

After packing, his parents also prepared to take the train back to Ningyuan City.

Yu Huizhi still mused: "Tianxuan is great in every way, except for being a bit older and having such a wealthy family. Of course, Fengfeng, if you like her, we don't have any objections."

Li Qiyuan remained silent, while Li Peifeng deflected with humor: "We're really just friends, mom. You're overthinking. If I were dating, I'd tell you."

"Hmm, are Wenyue and them at home? If so, say goodbye before we leave."

"No, they're not."

Li Peifeng glanced at the chat in the "Happy Family" group and gave the answer, already having an intention to go.

"Mom, Dad, I won't see you off at the station. I need to go back to write."

Yu Huizhi casually said: "Go ahead."

"Goodbye."

Li Peifeng turned to leave, but Li Qiyuan put down his suitcase and followed him out.

"Click~"

Once the door closed, Old Li's expression turned serious: "I'm giving you three months, before you return home for this year's Spring Festival, make sure to give me an answer."

"Can you be more specific... what kind of answer?"

Li Qiyuan frowned and said: "Of course, the final answer; between these two girls, you need to choose one. Or do you want them both?"

Li Peifeng paused in silence, hesitantly saying: "Have you considered the possibility that it's not that I want both, but rather they do?"

"!"

Li Qiyuan was shocked to the point of being speechless, with a hint of realization, as if he just understood the truth but still found it hard to accept, he mumbled incredulously, "Absurd, utterly absurd!!"

Li Peifeng also found it somewhat absurd, thinking his Old Li still underestimated him – how could the leader of the resistance army want only two? How would they fight a war that way!