C14 The Sound of Heart Breaking

Over the last couple of days, Chiang Le's experiences had felt surreal, as if he were living in a dream.

Submerged in the warm swimming pool of the Half Mountain Villa, the bubbling sounds by his ears, the omnipresent water pressure, and the discomfort from his oxygen-starved lungs all served to remind him of one undeniable truth. This was no illusion—he had indeed become a legendary figure, an unrivaled youth.

After nearly three minutes of holding his breath, Chiang Le could no longer bear it. He burst to the surface, gasping for air.

The Carefree Spell truly was a world-class cultivation method! Chiang Le had merely dabbled in it out of curiosity, and after just two cycles of circulating his Genuine Qi, his body had transformed dramatically. Both his strength and speed had increased significantly.

Basking in the extraordinary changes within him, Chiang Le was elated. Wealth, he realized, was fleeting, but true power was the only thing one could truly count on.

He resolved to diligently practice the Carefree Spell. With his wealth already at the pinnacle of the world, Chiang Le eagerly anticipated the day his combat prowess would rank among the Earth's elite. For someone with his vast resources, it was only a matter of time.

Once ashore, Elena meticulously dried him off and helped him into a comfortable bathrobe. She then supported him as he reclined in a rocking chair and sweetly offered him a glass of juice.

Lying back, leisurely sipping his juice, Chiang Le pondered his situation. The abrupt shift to becoming an immortal cultivator with a lifespan of ninety thousand years seemed too fantastical. The mere thought of it sent his heart racing.

Power could be a source of boundless joy, yet it could also bring endless woes. Without sufficient resolve, it could lead to one's downfall.

Chiang Le wondered if it was a robust psyche forged by endless cycles of reincarnation or some other factor that steadied him. Having fully embraced his new reality, he didn't succumb to wild joy or arrogance. Instead, he found himself grappling with a growing sense of concern.

The concept of keeping one's light under a bushel is universally understood, and Chiang Le was no exception. He also knew all too well the saying about the nail that sticks out getting hammered down. Discretion was key—he had to maintain a low profile at all costs!

Chiang Le began issuing instructions with urgency. "Elena, my identity must remain confidential. Ensure it doesn't get out to irrelevant parties."

"Blur out my image in today's news coverage—every last pixel."

"And pass the word to Yang Aoxue: my identity is Phoenix Real Estate's most guarded secret. No one there is to breathe a word of it."

Elena nodded, the picture of dedication. "I'll see to it. But, Boss, you shine too brightly. Like a firefly in the night, like the sun in the sky—eventually, the world will take notice."

"The idea of paparazzi hounding me, making headlines for just grabbing a meal or a drink—it's far too much hassle," Chiang Le said with a chuckle. "Though I can't prevent that day from coming, I'd prefer it later rather than sooner."

"Understood," Elena replied, setting things in motion.

Back in his expansive bedroom, Chiang Le stretched out on the vast, plush bed. Gazing at the opulent crystal chandelier overhead, he found himself in the grip of an unusual bout of insomnia.

School was to start tomorrow, and with it, a new chapter of college life. Chiang Le brimmed with excitement for what lay ahead. With his elevated status, all the pressures seemed to evaporate, promising a thrilling academic journey. Free to do as he pleased, to associate with whomever he chose—absolute freedom!

His thoughts turned fondly to his girlfriend, Zhang Miaomiao. She had been by his side even when he had nothing, her slight arrogance and temper endearing to him. The prospect of seeing her again filled him with eager anticipation.

But then, he realized with a pang of guilt, he had been so busy working over the break that he had scarcely called her. No doubt, she would chide him for his lack of attention.

With that in mind, Chiang Le's hand instinctively reached for the sleek new phone on his desk. Sleep eluded him, so why bother trying?

He glanced at the clock: 3 a.m.

Armed with scissors, Chiang Le descended to the garden, where he set to work among the myriad of precious blooms. He focused on the roses, carefully selecting and snipping, until he had gathered ninety-nine of the most vibrant, dew-kissed roses.

Upon returning to Half Mountain Villa, he began the delicate task of arranging the flowers. Chiang Le was all thumbs, struggling to wrap them neatly. Thankfully, with Elena's assistance, the bouquet was finally perfected.

Chiang Le gazed at the vibrant blooms before him, his eyes softening with tenderness. Elena, standing by his side, watched him with a touch of envy.

"Young Master, who is this bouquet for?" she inquired.

"My girlfriend. It took me three years to win her over," Chiang Le replied, his smile radiating joy. "She'll be here at eight in the morning. Oh, and arrange a car for me, will you? I need to be at the airport by six to pick her up."

"Of course," Elena responded, admiring the flowers. "The girl who has captured the Crown Prince's heart must be the luckiest in the world..."

"Yes, now that things are looking up, I'll fulfill all her desires—as long as she wants it and I have it."

"The Crown Prince is truly magnanimous," Elena offered the perfect compliment.

Promptly at six, they departed, with the Eight Great Vajras clearing the path and Elena in tow. They reached the airport with urgency.

Stepping out with the bouquet and phone in hand, Chiang Le instructed Elena and the bodyguards to stand by. He hurried toward the airport exit, his heart racing.

The airport was nearly deserted in the wee hours. A fresh-faced young man stood in the hall, bouquet in hand, his expression one of gentle anticipation.

The sight drew the attention of passersby, who offered smiles and silent blessings, reminiscent of a time of innocent, youthful romance.

The heart of youth is ever poetic. At dawn in the airport, the boy with flowers in hand, and the girl who would soon see her beloved, were bound to be enveloped in happiness.

Oh, the beauty of such love!

Time ticked away, moment by moment.

As the sky lightened, the crowd grew. Planes thundered overhead, touching down. Chiang Le glanced at his watch, anxiety mounting as he realized his girlfriend's flight had landed.

His heart thumped wildly. Eyes fixed on the distant exit, he was too anxious to even blink. One by one, passengers streamed out, clutching their bags, hastening away from the terminal.

As they passed through the lobby, every face broke into a smile, their spirits lifted by the bright, beautiful morning. The sight of a boy with flowers in hand, embodying the simplicity of young love, was undeniably charming.

Passengers streamed out one by one, but the person Chiang Le was waiting for was nowhere to be seen.

Anxiety crept over Chiang Le. He scratched his head, his face a mask of indecision, until at last he resolved to call his girlfriend.

Her phone was off. Disappointment weighed heavy as Chiang Le ended the call. Then, lifting his head, his eyes suddenly sparkled with recognition.

There, at the exit, stood a girl in a light blue dress, her presence effortless.

Her delicate features, fair skin, and refined beauty captivated from afar, perfectly matching the girl Chiang Le had envisioned in his dreams countless times.

His girlfriend, Zhang Miaomiao, was back!

A day apart felt like years, a month like a lifetime. Joy spread across Chiang Le's face as he stepped forward to greet her.

But after just two steps, his eyes dulled, his smile froze, and he came to a rigid halt.

Behind Zhang Miaomiao emerged a young man. He whispered something, prompting a smile from her as she passed him her bag.

He accepted it, tenderly brushing her hair aside and planting a soft kiss on her cheek.

Zhang Miaomiao playfully scowled at him, but her eyes and brows soon softened with affection.

With one hand holding the bag and the other casually encircling her waist, the young man and Zhang Miaomiao snuggled close, descending the stairs in an intimate tangle.

In the elevator, his wandering hand prompted a mock-angry swat from Zhang Miaomiao, though her smile betrayed her delight.

They giggled together, radiating happiness.

From below, Chiang Le stood motionless, watching the scene unfold before him.

With the sound of a heart breaking, something inside Chiang Le shattered.