This was the sight that greeted Shen Zichen when he found Li Xiuying. Away from everyone’s prying eyes, playing the familiar tune that could soothe her pain in private. 

Without Li Chuntao around, it was hard for Ying to stay strong in her present situation. She’d always relied on her twin sister whenever she was feeling down or upset. It didn’t change even after she married Mu Jianyu years ago. 

Li Xiuying heard his footsteps but didn’t turn her head to acknowledge his presence. She was so engrossed with her music that Shen Zichen remained silent and let her finish playing her piece as he stood next to her. 

“You found me,” Li Xiuying said after the last note of the piano died in the air. 

“Uncle Yuren is looking for you. I think they need you for your speech.” Shen Zichen informed her.

“I see…” 

Silence ensued between them, with only the music coming from the piano could be heard within the hall as Li Xiuying continued to play another piece she’d composed herself. Unlike the first one, this one left a haunting melody to the listener, letting them experience the neverending pain the musician suffers through music. 

“Brother Zichen, I have something to tell you…” Li Xiuying started. She glanced to her side and saw him focusing on what she was about to say. 

Her heart was moved by the patience this man had just for her. If only she could teach her heart to love him, to accept his love, her Brother Zichen wouldn’t have to suffer with her in silence. 

“I regret not knowing what you feel for me sooner. I wonder… I wonder if I had known sooner, do you think I wouldn’t have to marry Mu Jianyu and suffer this kind of betrayal? I should’ve known that the reason why you suddenly went abroad after my wedding was because of me. Brother Zichen, would you forgive me?” 

‘Forgive me for the pain I caused you, forgive me for not knowing sooner…’ 

“There’s nothing for you to apologize, Ying. It was my own decision and I’m the only one responsible for my actions,” Shen Zichen told her. 

Li Xiuying graced a small smile and nodded. 

“But you’ve waited for me for a long time… Brother Zichen, I hope someday you’ll meet someone who could return your feelings, someone who could make you happy no matter what.” 

It might sound so selfish of her to ask him to move on but Li Xiuying thinks that Shen Zichen had waited long enough. He also deserved his freedom from her and let himself see the world beyond her. 

The person who will love him with all her heart wasn’t her and she might be somewhere out there waiting for him to turn his eyes her way. 

Shen Zichen remained silent but as he inclined his head towards her, it indicated that he was listening. 

“I decided to accept the task as Deputy CEO to represent the company overseas. I’ll be leaving next weekend. Chuntao and I decided that after my divorce was settled here, I will follow her there and stay with her for a few years,” she said in a low voice. 

At those words, Shen Zichen’s eyes widened. It took him some time to understand what Li Xiuying meant. No wonder she was telling him to move on without her. 

“I understand but if you ever need help you must call me or Yuyan at once,” he responded. 

The love he had for her was doomed to reach the bitter end but Shen Zichen had known this the moment he realized his feelings for her. She’d made herself clear and he would respect it regardless if he would be hurt in the progress. 

“I know I can always count on you, Brother Zichen.” 

And with that, the two came back to the banquet hall which was noticed by everyone. Gossips and rumors started to spread but neither of them tried to clear the issue which only annoyed Mu Jianyu further. 

He could only watch Shen Zichen escorting his wife to the stage as she gave her speech to their guests before he stepped down and found his little sister in the crowd. 

Mu Jianyu’s eyes didn’t leave Shen Zichen the moment he stepped back into the banquet hall with his wife. Li Xiuying’s eyes weren’t bloodshot like earlier. It didn’t even look like she’d been crying before. 

His eyes met Shen Lingqing’s eyes, watching him with a look at Shen Zichen with remorse. Her bright eyes looked at him as if she could see past his pretentiousness. 

Mu Jianyu gave her a curt nod before averting his gaze. He wouldn’t dare to offend the Shen princess. 

Noticing that Shen Lingqing wasn’t paying attention to what he said, Shen Zichen followed her gaze and saw Mu Jianyu looking at them. His jaws hardened and chose to ignore the man, offering an arm to his little sister as they greeted the other investors who attended the event. 

“What’s wrong, Zi Gege? Did you have an argument with Mu Jianyu?” Shen Lingqing couldn’t help but question him once they were away from everyone’s earshot. 

“He and Ying are divorcing. She’ll follow Chuntao soon.” Shen Zichen explained the situation in a few words but Shen Lingqing easily understood what he meant. 

“You told her, didn’t you?” She asked. 

Because if he hadn’t, he wouldn’t look as lost as the moment he came back with the older Li twin. 

When her brother didn’t respond, Shen Lingqing’s lips curled up. Li Xiuying was really her older brother’s kryptonite.. This ice block would only get tense if it was about Li Xiuying.