C2 Thank You for Coming Here

Zhang Peng was uncertain whether his actions were right or wrong, but one thing was clear: he had at least pulled his dear friend out of a dire situation. As for whether Yang Rui would resent him, Zhang Peng could no longer concern himself with that. He couldn't bear to watch his close friend endure such mistreatment.

Did Yang Rui harbor resentment? Without a doubt, he did. Why reveal such harsh truths at a time like this, turning what should have been a joyous proposal into a disaster? But should he be angry with Zhang Peng? No, because Zhang Peng had rescued him from sinking deeper into a quagmire of unrealistic dreams and expectations. In truth, Yang Rui owed Zhang Peng gratitude for saving him from a deeper fall into despair. His world was in disarray; the once level-headed and composed Yang Rui was gone, replaced by a lost, hysterical shell of a man.

Wandering aimlessly through the streets, Yang Rui bumped into countless passersby, oblivious until a sudden downpour snapped him back to reality. Clutching the small red box that he'd been holding all along, Yang Rui pulled out his phone and dialed a number. With each ring, his heart grew colder. Just as he was about to give up and end the call, it was answered: "What's up? I'm at work."

The voice on the other end offered no warmth or surprise, only a chilling indifference. Yang Rui glanced at a figure not far off, his tone mocking as he said, "Oh? Still working overtime at six in the evening?"

"Yeah, there's a project that requires extra time. It's unavoidable, I'm swamped. I won't be able to have dinner with you tonight," Lee Li responded, her voice tinged with irritation.

Yang Rui couldn't help but laugh. "That's quite the coincidence. I'm also tied up with something. Even if you wanted to have dinner, I wouldn't have the time."

"Hmm?" Lee Li didn't inquire further. "Okay, then. Goodbye."

With that, she hung up. Yang Rui watched as a handsome young man emerged from the mall and approached the familiar figure. He gently kissed her lips before wrapping his arm around her and walking away.

Yang Rui's heart was remarkably calm at that moment, as still as a dead calm lake, without a single ripple. He steadily approached the pair not far ahead, step by measured step. He couldn't pinpoint the reason for his tranquility. Perhaps he had come to terms with the outcome? Maybe so.

One hundred meters...

Fifty meters...

Twenty meters...

Ten meters...

Five meters...

Observing the man and woman ahead, chatting and laughing, Yang Rui let out a laugh himself and quickened his pace to meet them. Turning to face Lee Li, he greeted her with a hint of irony, "Well, if it isn't Miss Lee?"

Lee Li, taken aback by Yang Rui's sudden appearance, was visibly flustered, rooted to the spot. Just like anyone caught in the act, her composure had deserted her. She had just hung up from a call with Yang Rui, and seeing him now, soaked to the skin, she felt a tightness in her chest.

"Long time no see!" Yang Rui's opening line was somewhat perplexing. He didn't wait for her to respond, continuing on, "Actually, it hasn't been that long. We just saw each other this morning. To say it's been a long time would be a stretch."

"Who is this guy?" The handsome man beside her interjected with annoyance, "Who are you?"

Yang Rui shrugged with a smile, "It appears Miss Lee hasn't told you about me. Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Yang Rui, Lee Li's live-in boyfriend."

The handsome man's eyes bulged in disbelief as he turned to Lee Li and Yang Rui, his voice shooting up several notches, "What? He's your boyfriend? But you said you were single!"

Lee Li, now regaining her composure, hastily let go of the handsome man's hand. Before she could speak, Yang Rui spoke up with calm assertiveness, "Indeed, she is single, because she just ended our relationship."

With that, Yang Rui gave Lee Li a knowing look and smiled, "She's single now, and I'm merely here to return something to her."

He gently took Lee Li's hand and produced a damp, red box from his pocket, placing it in her palm. "Truth be told, I should be furious, but I'm not. We've been together for two years, and I can't really offer you much right now. Today, I had planned a surprise for you, to give you the closure you deserved. But it seems you've beaten me to the punch. It's fine, though. You've made your choice, and I've no right to interfere. I thought I'd make a scene, act the fool in front of you, but I didn't. You probably don't need this anymore."

"Lee Li, this is our final goodbye." Yang Rui gazed deeply into Lee Li's eyes. "Still as lovely as ever, yet the stars have vanished."

As Yang Rui walked past Lee Li, he murmured, "I'm sorry, I can't give you the happiness you deserve."

He strode away with an air of nonchalance.

Lee Li clutched the small red box in her hands, tears streaming down her face, yet she remained motionless. Maybe this was for the best for both of them, but why couldn't the tears stop?

"Every moment we shared is etched in my heart.

Thank you for being part of my life,

even if just as a passerby.

You can't hear what I'm saying now,

but memories keep replaying in my mind.

I don't regret loving you,

the tears and pain were worth it.

If you're feeling down, please don't forget me.

Everyone must learn to be alone and grow up slowly.

When you come back here,

I don't need what you gave me anymore.

I hope you can smile too,

as you walk past the next crossroads.

Our story ends here..."

Without realizing it, Yang Rui had made it to the 52nd floor's rooftop of the New Rains Building. Overlooking the bustling streets below, a smile crept onto his face despite his overwhelming debts and being betrayed by his girlfriend. Could things get any worse? Despite his composed facade, was it truly possible to let go? They had become strangers with a familiar past, and Yang Rui's heart was heavy with unresolved feelings. The rain continued to pour.

Resolved to his fate, Yang Rui took one last look at the beautiful world and whispered, "Good night, world. See you tomorrow."

With that, he leaped from the building. Time seemed to slow down for Yang Rui, perhaps a final perception before death. The thought crossed his mind.

Then, a thunderous roar filled the air as a blinding bolt of lightning struck down from the heavens, aiming straight for Yang Rui!

Yang Rui exclaimed in disbelief, "Seriously?! Struck by lightning right before I die? Can't I just jump in peace?"

Lightning: Keep messing around, and I'll strike you down! If I don't, consider it my loss!

Just as lightning was about to strike Yang Rui, an unexpected orb of light suddenly materialized before him.

Yang Rui: "???"

Lightning: What could possibly be faster than me?!

Orb of light: What's happening??!!