When Zhou Hui learned of his identity, she must have confirmed that he would not pose a threat to Xue Mobei, and her vigilance should have relaxed quite a bit.

Regretfully, despite having good alcohol tolerance, she had been restraining herself from drinking too much in his presence, likely to avoid saying something she shouldn’t.

But tonight, she was somewhat indulgent. Initially, he didn’t understand why, but later he realized today was Zhou Hui’s birthday.

Zhou Hui said, "Every year on my birthday, even if he doesn’t show up, he sends me a gift. But today, I’ve been waiting until now, yet there’s nothing!"

As she spoke, she downed a large glass of red wine and said, "You’re in your thirties now, a woman’s best years are behind her. Many friends think I should find a decent man to marry, and I want that too, I do. I’m a woman, what woman doesn’t want a man to love and protect her? But what can I do? Having met that person, what can I do? Tell me, what can I do?"

Liao Qinghe roughly understood Zhou Hui’s feelings because he had experienced something similar.

The only difference might be that Zhou Hui seemed more devoted than he was.

Even when he met the one he loved, he was entangled with his wife for years, and had a period of debauchery. Now, he’s even engaged to Wen Biyue...

As for the one he truly loved, he indeed let her down...

Afterward, Zhou Hui complained to him a lot, that Xue Mobei was more than ten years older than her, and the two were likely unsuitable.

Even if he kept himself in good shape, he was still a man in his fifties, while she was just in her thirties.

Zhou Hui asked him, "If you were my friend, do you think I should let go?"

Xue Mobei moved his thin lips slightly, then said, "I seem to have told you that Xue Mobei has a wife and children. So even if he comes back, he will only return to his wife’s side, isn’t that right?"

Zhou Hui just laughed, "Yes, even if he comes back to a normal life, he will only return to his wife’s side, and what am I? Not even a so-called confidante, I don’t count at all..."

In this despair, Zhou Hui got drunk, but she probably wasn’t completely drunk yet, just using it to mask her inner turmoil.

And to give herself a bit more courage.

Because afterward, Zhou Hui reached out and held him, gazing at him with her liquid, water-like eyes, asking him, "If I want to give myself to you tonight, would you be willing to take me?"

He raised an eyebrow slightly, perhaps due to a man’s inherent flaws, he didn’t mind a sudden fling. Even if Wen Biyue found out, she would likely just laugh it off and not care much.

That’s why he said his relationship with Wen Biyue is very special.

He thought, if not for discovering Zhou Hui was still a... into her thirties, he probably would have continued, and wouldn’t have come back last night.

He naturally loved to play, had thought of being loyal to one person, but the one who could make him loyal was lost to him.

But his play had principles, and one of those principles was not to bring trouble upon himself, to have a good time with each other, then part ways and live their own lives, each with their own love, free and undisturbed.

He didn’t think Zhou Hui was an uptight woman, but he didn’t want to be her first man.

Even if she wouldn’t cling in the future, she might develop different emotions towards him, and that’s something he didn’t want.

When he returned last night, it was past one-thirty in the night. He lay on the bed, looking at the dark night outside the window.

Remembered the words Wen Biyue once said: If you can find her, I will help you fulfill it...

But, can he still find her? After finding her, can he really leave Wen Biyue to pursue her with peace of mind?

So many years have passed, has she already met the man she likes and remarried with children? Would his pursuit even cause her a bit of... even a bit of emotion?

They are all past their thirties, no longer just kids, can they still recklessly pursue love without considering everything?

The fact that he almost indulged with Zhou Hui tonight is probably because he doesn’t believe, doesn’t believe they have hope in this lifetime, hence just giving up on life, giving up on love like this!

A meal, Liao Qinghe ate with many emotions, so much so that he hardly ate half of the food on his plate.

And throughout the meal, he was very silent, making Shi Nuan feel that it was somewhat strange.

After the meal, Shi Nuan had Song Yansheng go upstairs to check on Liao Qinghe.

It’s Saturday today, no need to work, and with nothing else to do, it is appropriate to care for the guests.

Song Yansheng was initially reluctant but thought that, for the time being, he and Liao Qinghe were at least on the same front.

Plus, his mood was probably greatly affected by seeing Zhou Hui last night; even just to find Xue Mobei sooner, he should go ask.

Knocking on the door and receiving Liao Qinghe’s response, he entered.

Liao Qinghe was standing on the balcony smoking, and Song Yansheng walked over to inquire, "What did Zhou Hui say again last night?"

Liao Qinghe smiled faintly, "I’m touched that Mr. Song is concerned about me, but who knew you’d get straight to the point, huh, tsk tsk!"

Song Yansheng said, "Knowing that might help understand what troubles Mr. Liao, isn’t it?"

Liao Qinghe paused, then smiled again, handing the cigarette pack to Song Yansheng, "Want one?"

Song Yansheng shook his head, "No... I’m quitting smoking!"

Liao Qinghe raised an eyebrow, "Quitting smoking? That’s rare..."

Song Yansheng made a sound of agreement, "Can’t help it, Nuannuan doesn’t like it..."

Liao Qinghe’s eyes dimmed slightly, but the smile remained on his lips, "A man quits smoking mostly for a woman, and what can sustain a man to quit smoking is mostly love... Mr. Song is really blessed, and Mr. Liao is quite envious!"

With Shi Nuan by his side, Song Yansheng indeed felt very happy, a happiness he wanted many people to know and feel.

He wasn’t surprised by Liao Qinghe’s words.

Song Yansheng said, "I heard Mr. Liao’s lungs aren’t very good..."

Liao Qinghe narrowed his eyes, glanced at Song Yansheng, then smiled, "Looks like Biyue really tells you everything..."

"Sister Wen is just concerned about your health..."

"Is she? But unfortunately, I don’t have the willpower of Mr. Song, I’ve tried quitting a few times and failed every time..."

He shrugged, seemingly jokingly, "It seems I’m not as naturally free-spirited as Mr. Song to be so persistently passionate!"