Our Love, A Public Service - Chapter 42
Chapter 42
Chi Jia hadn't expected that what she had once considered a casual fling with Jing Rui would now become a lingering attachment. Seeing the chocolate bars in Qin Dong's hand, she had instinctively said, "Let's just end this."
The lack of hesitation reflected her true feelings.
Having blurted out those words, she thought, well, it was done. Her feelings for Qin Dong were, at most, just that, nothing more.
A relationship that started with the other person's sincere commitment, ending with her own careless "let's end this," Chi Jia felt she had no right to call Jing Rui a scumbag; she was just as bad.
Chi Jia could be so casual with others, but not with Jing Rui, because Jing Rui was a woman, and deep down, Chi Jia knew, although she refused to admit it, that her feelings for Jing Rui were much stronger than any she had ever felt for anyone else.
After a moment of silence in the car, Qin Dong finally asked, his voice filled with disbelief, "What did you say?"
"We're not suited for each other." Since she had already said it, Chi Jia decided to be straightforward. "Not suited for each other" was a reason she had used to break up with countless people.
"I know you haven't been yourself lately, but don't joke about this, okay?"
"Qin Dong, I'm serious." Chi Jia fiddled with the milk tea cup in her hand, her tone devoid of any humor. "I've tried, but…"
Chi Jia wasn't lying. She had genuinely tried to accept Qin Dong. He was, after all, tall, rich, and handsome, the perfect boyfriend material. If things worked out, she could even bring him home to meet her mother, settling her marriage prospects.
But even with such a perfect man before her, Chi Jia couldn't help but think of that unrealistic woman.
Chi Jia's heart was already full, no room for anyone else.
Chi Jia's words hurt Qin Dong. "If you felt this way, why did you agree to date me in the first place?"
Chi Jia admitted she had been a jerk; although she had initially intended to be serious with Qin Dong, her main purpose was to distract herself.
And it hadn't worked.
"I'm sorry, I thought I could forget her."
"Her?"
Chi Jia answered truthfully, "There's someone else in my heart, it wouldn't be fair to you…"
This was probably the first time Chi Jia had verbally admitted her feelings for Jing Rui, a heart filled to the brim.
Qin Dong looked at Chi Jia, speechless.
Chi Jia apologized again, officially ending things, put down her milk tea, and got out of the car.
The cold air hit her as soon as she stepped outside, making her shiver.
"Xiao Jia." Qin Dong followed her out of the car, catching up to her. "Get back in the car, let's talk."
"There's nothing to talk about." The freezing air turned her breath into white puffs, her cheeks turning red from the cold. "Just go, I'll get home myself."
"I can give you time, just be patient with me." Qin Dong took Chi Jia's hand. "Let's both calm down, don't break up, okay?"
Chi Jia felt she was calm enough, which was why she didn't want to hurt him any further by being selfish. Those who called her a "heartbreaker" were right; she had broken another heart.
"You're a good guy, but I really don't have feelings for you anymore, and I don't want to waste your time…"
Jing Rui, shortly after getting into her car, told her driver to stop. "Pull over for a bit."
She saw Chi Jia and Qin Dong arguing. After ten minutes, Qin Dong drove away dejectedly, leaving Chi Jia alone on the street.
When Chi Jia was stubborn, she was truly headstrong; unless she figured things out herself, no one could change her mind.
The melting snow made the air even colder. Chi Jia rubbed her hands and stamped her feet. Seeing the sign for Number Nine, she subconsciously looked up at the building; the lights in the office were off, the windows dark.
Chi Jia stood there, lost in thought, for five minutes, maybe longer.
Jing Rui sat in her car, watching Chi Jia. From this angle, she could see Chi Jia staring at her office. Jing Rui's heart ached. What was she supposed to do with Miss Chi?
Clearly harboring feelings, yet repeatedly refusing and avoiding her. Jing Rui also stared at Chi Jia for a long time, then leaned back in her seat, closing her eyes, feeling tired and frustrated. Was this emotionally draining relationship worth pursuing?
"Let's go." Jing Rui told her driver to leave. She didn't have the energy for this anymore.
The car slowly pulled away, the street scene receding, including Chi Jia's figure standing on the street corner. Jing Rui kept glancing back until Chi Jia disappeared from view.
A light drizzle began to fall, threatening to turn into a downpour. Raindrops splattered against the car window, and Jing Rui, staring at them, said, "Turn back."
The driver, having only driven a short distance, heard his boss's sudden change of mind. "Okay, Ms. Jing."
"Give me an umbrella." Jing Rui said, looking out the window.
"Are you getting out? Should I…" The driver offered to run the errand for her.
"No need."
The driver handed Jing Rui an umbrella. Never making the boss repeat herself was one of his cardinal rules.
Within a minute, the rain intensified.
Holding a black umbrella, Jing Rui stepped out of the car in her high heels, the raindrops pattering against the umbrella.
Chi Jia, I'm at a loss with you again. This thought crossed Jing Rui's mind as she walked towards Chi Jia. Miss Chi kept insisting on no contact, so why did she even bother? But she couldn't help herself.
Despite Chi Jia's stubbornness and tough act, Jing Rui couldn't let go. The amount of patience and exceptions she had made for Chi Jia surprised even herself.
Chi Jia was waiting for a taxi, but before one arrived, it started raining. She hadn't brought an umbrella, cursing her luck, and looked for shelter.
The rain suddenly stopped.
Or rather, someone was holding an umbrella over her, a familiar fragrance wafting in the air.
Chi Jia turned around in surprise, her gaze fixed on the beautiful, alluring face before her.
This time, the person who came to her rescue was the person she truly liked. Seeing Jing Rui, Chi Jia's heart skipped a beat, an involuntary reaction.
Chi Jia didn't know why Jing Rui had suddenly appeared. She was wearing high heels, slightly taller than Chi Jia in her flats, holding an umbrella over her.
This street wasn't busy, few pedestrians and cars, even fewer in the rain. They stood there, looking at each other, their gazes lingering.
Perhaps because of their previous confessions, acknowledging their mutual attraction, their eye contact now felt different, a silent understanding of their feelings, no longer hiding or avoiding each other's gaze.
"Get in, I'll give you a ride." Jing Rui said.
"No need to trouble you, I can take a taxi."
"It's raining, it's not convenient."
"It's fine." Chi Jia continued to look for a taxi, hoping the next one would be available.
Another moment of silence.
"Chi Jia…" Even after all this time, hearing Jing Rui softly call her name still made Chi Jia's heart race, a mixture of excitement and unease. Her mind had already been in turmoil tonight, and Jing Rui's sudden appearance only added to the confusion.
Jing Rui looked at Chi Jia intently. "Come with me."
Chi Jia's heart skipped a beat. All of Qin Dong's sweet words and thoughtful gestures couldn't compare to the vixen's simple "Come with me." She looked at Jing Rui, stubbornly replying, "I'll get a taxi soon, you don't have to worry about me."
Jing Rui's gaze fell on Chi Jia's soft lips, a sudden urge to kiss her. Every time Chi Jia was being stubborn and difficult, she wanted to kiss her until she gave in…
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