C6 Internal Strife

As Meng Jingxian watched Gu Panpan plant a kiss on Chu Yang, all she could see was his tall, straight back. But the challenge in Gu Panpan's eyes was unmistakable, and it stung. Her hands balled into fists involuntarily. What good did it do to witness this? Even if Chu Yang returned Gu Panpan's kiss, nothing would change. It was she who harbored feelings for Chu Yang, not the other way around. What could she possibly do?

Tears brimmed in Meng Jingxian's eyes as she turned away in turmoil, no longer wanting to replay the scene in her mind. The more she dwelled on it, the deeper the pain cut. She had to remind herself time and again: it was she who loved Chu Yang, not he who loved her. He was unaware of her feelings, and wasn't it natural for him to be with Gu Panpan? What was she even doing? Biting her lip until it whitened, Meng Jingxian continued to do so, oblivious to the pain. It felt as though a boulder lodged itself in her chest, immovable and heavy.

But what right did she have to object? Chu Yang was exceptional, and he and Gu Panpan seemed like a perfect match. She, on the other hand, was just silently in love with Chu Yang, lacking even the courage to let him know. How could she ever stand by his side? Unloved, she deserved this fate. Meng Jingxian had repeatedly scolded herself to stop her foolish dreams about Chu Yang, especially now that Gu Panpan, equally remarkable, was by his side.

Yet, Meng Jingxian couldn't rein in her feelings. She couldn't stop thinking about Chu Yang, couldn't stop caring for him. From their very first encounter, his ethereal presence had captivated her, and his subsequent kindness and attentiveness only deepened her affection. But just as she was ready to open her heart to Chu Yang, Gu Panpan had emerged, seemingly his perfect counterpart in everyone else's eyes. Meng Jingxian felt like a solitary clown, performing a solo act.

But who was Meng Jingxian? She was the proud eldest daughter of the Meng family, and her happiness was hers to fight for. Drying her tears and lifting her chin, she reclaimed her brilliance. Because she was Meng Jingxian, she had every confidence that she would win Chu Yang's affection, his heart, everything. With her purse in hand, Meng Jingxian stepped resolutely toward the very spot where Gu Panpan had kissed Chu Yang.

With a wry smile, Meng Jingxian acknowledged the truth: Gu Panpan's performance was undoubtedly for her benefit. Meng Jingxian had no interest in engaging in such cunning; she sought an honest victory. Yet, for Chu Yang's sake, she had resorted to a more indirect approach. Standing at the doorway, Meng Jingxian tapped gently with her delicate fingers, producing a sound as melodious as her presence. Chu Yang and Gu Panpan glanced back to find her there.

Meng Jingxian's makeup was impeccable, her lovely features flushed with a subtle rosiness. Her warm, gracious smile effortlessly endeared her to others. Speaking with a voice as clear as a mountain brook, tinged with a sweet softness, she was enchanting yet sincere. "Chu Yang, Miss Gu, may I invite you both to dine with me? Consider it a token of my appreciation for Chu Yang healing my illness."

Gu Panpan envied Meng Jingxian's demeanor—how she could feign indifference despite her true feelings. Moreover, Meng Jingxian's invitation was seamless, leaving Gu Panpan without grounds for refusal. She was well aware that Meng Jingxian's offer was motivated by Chu Yang, but she was determined to make Meng Jingxian regret this decision.

Chu Yang, captivated by Meng Jingxian's radiant smile, readily accepted. "If Miss Meng insists, I'd be honored to join. Panpan, shall we?" His question was rhetorical, the certainty in his voice unmistakable. Gu Panpan, with a sweet smile, chimed in, "Of course, Jingxian. It's so kind of you to treat Chu Yang and me."

Meng Jingxian responded with courtesy, "Not at all. It's the least I can do since Chu Yang cured my illness." Her underlying message was clear: the invitation was for Chu Yang, and it would be wise for Gu Panpan to decline. But Gu Panpan, far from taking the hint, retorted, "Chu Yang has the heart of a healer. I'm simply following suit." She understood Meng Jingxian's insinuation, yet the thought of leaving was out of the question.

Upon seeing the situation, Meng Jingxian had no choice but to say, "Well, let's get going." The trio climbed into Meng Jingxian's car. She had intended for Chu Yang to take the wheel while she sat shotgun, but to her surprise, Chu Yang chose to sit in the back with Gu Panpan instead. Frustrated, Meng Jingxian clenched her jaw and stamped her foot in irritation. She made a mental note that if she ever got the chance to be with Chu Yang, she would certainly return the favor for today's slight. With no other option, Meng Jingxian resigned herself to driving to her favorite western restaurant.

Throughout the drive, Meng Jingxian attempted to strike up a conversation with Chu Yang multiple times, only to have Gu Panpan interject and dominate the dialogue, which only fueled Meng Jingxian's growing dislike for her. Meanwhile, Gu Panpan was all smiles in the backseat, comfortably leaning into Chu Yang's chest. Although Chu Yang didn't wrap his arms around her, he didn't push her away either, a reaction that puzzled Meng Jingxian. It should be natural for lovers to be close, yet Meng Jingxian couldn't help but notice a hint of discomfort on Chu Yang's face.

Meng Jingxian didn't dwell on these thoughts, instead focusing on navigating the congested city streets. She was constantly checking the GPS for a clearer route. While Meng Jingxian wasn't paying attention to Gu Panpan, the latter was certainly keeping an eye on her. Noticing Meng Jingxian's furrowed brow, Gu Panpan sensed that something was amiss and saw an opportunity to intervene.

With exaggerated innocence, Gu Panpan batted her eyelashes at Meng Jingxian and asked, "Jingxian, what's wrong? If it's too much trouble, we can just call it off, right?" Meng Jingxian glanced back at Gu Panpan, whose eyes gleamed with smug triumph. Infuriated by Gu Panpan's gloating demeanor, Meng Jingxian chose to ignore her completely and responded with silence. Realizing she wasn't getting a reaction, Gu Panpan lost interest and turned her gaze to the passing scenery outside the window.

Upon arriving at the Western restaurant Meng Jingxian frequently visited, they were greeted by a delightful ambiance. The name of the restaurant itself, "Jet’aime," was the French phrase for "I love you," which Meng Jingxian explained to Chu Yang with a sparkle in her eyes that shone like stars. But Gu Panpan cut in, "Jingxian, this place looks quite upscale. Must be pricey, huh?" Gu Panpan was visibly anxious, having never stepped foot in such a fancy Western eatery.

Inside, the atmosphere was enchanting, with violinists and pianists adding to the charm. Every guest seemed to be part of a couple, making the arrival of Meng Jingxian, Chu Yang, and Gu Panpan all the more conspicuous. Chu Yang reassured Gu Panpan with a gentle, "Don't worry, I'm here," and proceeded to take care of everything for her, his chivalrous nature shining through. Those six simple words ignited a fierce envy in Meng Jingxian, who longed to be the one receiving such attention, with Chu Yang by her side to tend to her every need.

As the meal was served, Meng Jingxian requested a bottle of 1999 Burgundy from the waiter. The wine was poured into a tall glass, the dark red liquid forming an alluring curve. With an elegant gesture, Meng Jingxian swirled the glass and inhaled the heady aroma, closing her eyes to savor the wine's seductive bouquet. Upon reopening her eyes, she raised her glass to Chu Yang across the table and toasted, "Chu Yang, this one's for you, in gratitude for healing my illness."

Gu Panpan was reluctant to see Chu Yang and Meng Jingxian clink glasses, but Meng Jingxian's intentions were clear, and she maintained the proper etiquette. With a soft smile, Chu Yang lifted his glass, his fingers pale against the crystal, and gently tapped it against Meng Jingxian's, murmuring, "Destined." He then savored the Burgundy in one smooth sip. Meng Jingxian was mesmerized by the smile playing on Chu Yang's lips, her cheeks flushing with a rush of warmth. But before she could take a sip herself, an uninvited guest disrupted the moment.

"Hey, isn't that the stunning Meng Jingxian? What brings you here, enjoying drinks with a friend? Well, allow me to take care of the tab today." The newcomer wasn't bad-looking, but he was the quintessential playboy. Chu Yang shot Meng Jingxian an inquisitive look. With an icy tone, Meng Jingxian responded, "Could you please not bother me anymore? I've already told you I'm not interested." Chu Yang got the message, and so did Gu Panpan—it was clear this guy was one of Meng Jingxian's admirers.

Chu Yang couldn't help but smile at the exchange. He rose to his feet, strode over to Meng Jingxian, and pulled her close. Gazing into her eyes with deep affection, he said, "Why are you still calling me just a friend? Aren't you ready to accept that I've given up everything for you? I've left a whole forest behind because of you. Are you really going to say no to marrying me? Remember, you're the one who said you liked me first." A flicker of danger passed through Chu Yang's eyes, leaving Meng Jingxian momentarily taken aback. She almost wanted to applaud Chu Yang's performance; he was wasting his talent for drama if he wasn't on the silver screen, potentially missing out on an Oscar.

The persistent suitor, witnessing this tender scene, could hardly believe his eyes. "Jingxian, are you really going to marry him?" he asked, incredulous. Meng Jingxian, beaming with joy, snuggled closer into Chu Yang's embrace and replied, "Of course, we're getting married next week." Upon hearing this, Chu Yang turned to the man and asked icily, "So, you still plan on bothering my fiancée?" The man quickly stammered, "No, no, no, I assure you, I won't trouble Jingxian—er, Miss Meng, any longer. I wish you both every happiness." With that, he turned on his heel and made a swift exit.