Chapter 20: The Reluctance to Let Go of Old Love
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Bei Mo began to appear increasingly often in Duan Fei’s daily life. Encounters in upscale shopping malls, chance meetings at cafes, and even “coincidentally” running into a drenched Bei Mo at the gym.
At first, Duan Fei thought it was mere coincidence—after all, City A was only so big; it was easy to bump into people.
But as the incidents multiplied, even the most oblivious Duan Fei sensed something was amiss.
This wasn’t chance—it was stalking.
She deliberately took a detour to a little-known bookstore, only for Bei Mo to appear ten minutes later holding a copy of *One Hundred Years of Solitude*, asking solemnly, “You like Márquez too?” Duan Fei rolled her eyes inwardly: I like eating snail noodles, do you like that too?
Outwardly, she remained calm: “You have the wrong person.” With that, she grabbed her shopping bag and left.
Bei Mo stood there, bewildered in the cold wind.
You can avoid something for a while, but not forever.
The next day, Duan Fei and Chen Yu were discussing strategies at the company.
Recently, the company had landed a major contract, but the advance payment was delayed, and the cash flow was on the verge of collapse.
“Sis Fei, how about we try talking to President Wang again?” Chen Yu suggested.
“Talk? About what? With what leverage?” Duan Fei rubbed her temples irritably, her tone tinged with exhaustion.
“If this drags on, the company’s done for.” Chen Yu paced anxiously like an ant on a hot pan. “Maybe... we mortgage the house?”
Duan Fei’s eyes snapped open sharply. “No! The house is the bottom line!”
The atmosphere grew heavy; the office fell into an eerie silence.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Duan Fei snapped impatiently, “Come in!”
The door opened, and in walked... Bei Mo.
He held a folder in his hand, a meaningful smile playing at his lips. “I heard you’re having some cash flow problems?”
Duan Fei and Chen Yu froze simultaneously, the atmosphere turning even more strange.
Duan Fei felt like she was going insane!
She had run herself ragged begging for funds, worn out her voice pleading, yet still—no money!
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President Wang said no funds, President Li said he’d think about it, even President Zhang, who was usually like a brother, had gone missing.
City A was vast and bustling, teeming with life, yet she felt like a homeless wanderer, completely out of place.
Standing amidst the surging crowds, Duan Fei gazed up at the night sky, her heart deserted and hollow.
Back at the office, Chen Yu slumped in his chair like a wilted eggplant.
“Sis Fei, I contacted many investment firms. They all said our project is too risky and refused to invest.”
Duan Fei took a deep breath, summoning her strength. “It’s okay. We’ll find a way. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
Yet the next morning, a miracle happened!
An unexpected sum appeared in the company’s account—not too much, just enough to tide them over the crisis!
Duan Fei and Chen Yu exchanged glances, doubting their own eyes.
After double-checking, the two embraced excitedly as cheers echoed through the office.
“Wow! Who’s the mysterious benefactor coming to our rescue?” Chen Yu rubbed his hands excitedly. “Sis Fei, maybe our luck is turning?”
Though surprised, Duan Fei felt a faint unease; the money’s arrival was too peculiar.
That day, Duan Fei’s mood was unusually bright, as if the whole world had lit up.
The office atmosphere lightened considerably, and the two began discussing upcoming plans, brimming with energy.
Just then, the receptionist knocked and said, “President Duan, someone sent you flowers.” Duan Fei paused, wondering who would send her flowers.
Could it be another admirer?
She accepted the bouquet—a cluster of vibrant red roses emitting a subtle fragrance.
The card bore just one line: “Congratulations on your success.” Signed simply with a “B.”
Duan Fei stared at the “B,” her heart skipping a beat...
Her spirits lifted, even the office plants seemed more pleasing to her eyes.
The receptionist returned, carrying an enormous bouquet of red roses, swaying her hips as she said, “President Duan, someone sent you flowers—super romantic!”
Colleagues nearby shot curious glances; Duan Fei twitched her lips—it was a public social nightmare waiting to happen.
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She immediately recognized this as Bei Mo’s usual tacky move.
“Wow, Sister Li, which little puppy is being so romantic?” Chen Yu teased, winking as he reached out to touch the roses. “Tsk tsk, must be 999 stems, right?”
Duan Fei shot him a sharp glance. “Get back to work! A single bouquet is nothing special.”
Though she said it, she still accepted the flowers, a ripple stirring deep within her.
That damned Bei Mo always managed to unsettle her emotions so easily.
Their coworkers exchanged knowing looks—this wasn’t some puppy love affair but the big reunion of an ex-husband and wife.
Duan Fei didn’t discard the flowers; instead, she placed them in the company’s most prominent spot, saying lightly, “A friend sent these. Feel free to share.”
Everyone inhaled sharply—what kind of move was this?
Playing hard to get?
This tactic exhilarated the onlookers; a good show was about to unfold!
When Bei Mo learned Duan Fei had kept and even displayed the flowers, a triumphant smile curled at his lips.
It seemed his little Li still couldn’t forget him.
He decided to strike while the iron was hot and take things further.
Duan Fei’s startup was about to face a crucial business negotiation; success would lift the company out of its predicament and onto a prosperous path.
Duan Fei and Chen Yu meticulously prepared their negotiation plan, determined to win.
The next day, dressed sharply in suits, they set off for the meeting.
As they arrived and pushed open the door...
“Duan Fei? What are you doing here?” came a familiar, loathed voice.