Chapter 19: Breaking Up

After returning early in the morning to Du Bin’s house, Qin Ling changed into fresh clothes and devoted herself to caring for the injured Ye Tang, completely forgetting about Du Bin’s own wounds. He lay face down on the sofa while that rotund fool Hu Guozheng dabbed liniment on his back, causing Du Bin to howl in pain. After tidying up a bit, Du Bin looked helplessly at his bedroom door, now adorned with a "No Men Allowed" sign, which left him and Hu Guozheng each clutching a pillow, half-reclined on the sofa, watching a war film.

Qin Ling emerged and said, “Hey, which one of you is going to go buy an air purifier?”

“We’re all exhausted. Can’t we just make do?” came the response.

“There’s a smell in this room that’s making me uncomfortable. I need it to get rid of that odor.”

Upon hearing this, several dark lines appeared on Du Bin’s forehead. He thought, is she exaggerating? Of course, as a female influencer, she wouldn’t be used to this.

“Old Du, she means you stink, idiot!” Hu Guozheng snickered into Du Bin’s ear. Startled, Du Bin instinctively sniffed himself but detected nothing unusual.

Meanwhile, a bead of sweat trickled down Qin Ling’s forehead. “What’s with this guy? So weird.”

“Enough! If you’re messing with me, I’ll hit you!” Du Bin raised his fist, pretending to punch the fat fool. Unable to tolerate their antics any longer, Qin Ling interjected, “Alright, enough! Everyone’s tired. Let’s just rest.”

Back in her room, Qin Ling saw the name Zeng Yilong flash on her phone screen—over twenty missed calls. Being used as a pawn was one thing, but to find the schemer was her own boyfriend was unforgivable. Furious, she promptly blacklisted his number.

For the next few days, Ye Tang stayed at Du Bin’s house, with Qin Ling occasionally dropping by to care for her. Initially, neither woman was fond of the other, but this shared ordeal seemed to draw them closer. Astonishingly, Ye Tang, though gravely injured, had nearly recovered within just a few days.

“I’ve troubled you all for long enough. It’s time for me to leave.”

“Really? Are you sure you’re alright?” Du Bin seemed somewhat disappointed at her departure, though he couldn’t say why.

Ye Tang nodded. “Please tell Qin Ling for me.”

“So soon? Won’t you stay a few more days to keep Brother Du company?” Hu Guozheng, ever eager to stir things up, made the situation just a bit more awkward for the two of them—purposefully so.

“Say one word less and no one will mistake you for a mute. Stop talking nonsense,” Du Bin retorted, tossing a pillow at Hu Guozheng. Then, turning back, he asked, “By the way, after this farewell, will we have a chance to meet again?”

Ye Tang thought for a moment. “We’ll leave it to fate.”

“In the future… take care of yourself.”

“Mm.”

“Can we exchange numbers?” Seeing the awkwardness, Hu Guozheng couldn’t help but interject, trying to help Du Bin along.

“And why do you want it?” Ye Tang eyed him suspiciously.

He slung an arm around Du Bin’s shoulders, “Just in case he’s in danger and needs to find you. Besides, staying in touch might foster some friendship.”

“You idiot, what are you implying?” Du Bin, sensing the real meaning, protested.

Ye Tang opened the door to leave, but after a moment, she returned. “You all need to be careful. Ever since you helped save Qin Ling with me, those people will be investigating everything about you. For your own safety, keep your loved ones at a distance so they won’t be implicated. If you’re ever in danger, call me—here’s my number. And take this necklace for now; if you’re in danger, it will trigger a protection for you. I’ll collect it next time we meet, so don’t lose it.”

Hu Guozheng grinned slyly, pleased with himself, then picked up the necklace and began singing nonsense. Seeing this fool, Ye Tang simply turned and left.

“Old Du, see how I’m looking out for you? I’ve already set you up for the first step in winning her over. Heh heh…”

Du Bin merely gave him the finger as Hu Guozheng declared he was headed to Beast Publisher. Checking his phone, Du Bin found several missed calls—all from Fang Yilin. Her last message said she was at the café downstairs. Du Bin quickly found her in a corner, nursing a cup of coffee.

“I called you so many times. Why didn’t you answer?” she asked.

“I was busy.”

He sat opposite her, and an uneasy silence fell between them. After a while, she said, “Bin, I came here today to settle things between us. I’ve thought about this for a long time. I think it’s time we…”

“Break up?” he finished for her.

She was a little surprised by his reaction. “Yes. Honestly, we both know we’re not right for each other. It’s over between us—if we force it, it’ll only hurt more.”

Though Du Bin had expected this, it still stung. Then he remembered Ye Tang’s warning to keep loved ones at a distance, lest they be endangered. With that in mind, he lit a cigarette. “I know I’ve never given you a sense of security. I don’t have money or the life you want. You’re ambitious, you long for an upper-class lifestyle—I get that. I can’t give you what you need, so you chose him. I can’t blame you. Everyone has the right to choose their own happiness.”

“I’m glad you understand. You know we’ve been together for almost four years. You used to have ambition, but ever since you met Hu Guozheng, I don’t know why you’ve changed—become lazy, lost your drive. Look at other boyfriends: they buy bags, gifts, money, drive their girlfriends to work. I never complained about not having those things. But with your current prospects, can you even support yourself? As for me, if I were with you for life, I can’t imagine what the future would hold. Maybe some women wouldn’t mind, but I do. Perhaps you think I’m materialistic—you’re right, Jiahao is wealthy, has a car, a house, and he’s the chairman’s nephew. The gap between you two is like heaven and earth. But that’s reality—you need to accept it.”

“Do you really think he’s a good man? With his status and abilities, do you think he’ll be faithful? Even if he is, if he truly is as good as you believe, I’ll wish you happiness.” With that, Du Bin turned and left the café, leaving Fang Yilin staring after him in a daze. Stepping outside, he saw Wu Jiahao’s Porsche parked across the street. Their eyes met through the window, but Du Bin turned away and headed back to his apartment.

At home, Du Bin fell into a heavy silence. Was this breakup really worth it? He leaned against the window, watching as Fang Yilin got into Wu Jiahao’s car and drove away. His heart ached; tears he’d held back for so long began to fall, unstoppable.

A week later, Li Ping invited them out to a bar for drinks, to catch up and share any amusing stories.

“Cheers!”

Glasses clinked, and the group downed their drinks with gusto.

“Old Du, what’s with you drinking so much lately? That’s not like you.”

Du Bin forced a smile, remaining silent. With Hu Guozheng’s sharp perception, he probably already knew the truth. “Don’t guess. It’s been a while since we had a good time. Makes me nostalgic for the old days.”

Really, he didn’t need Hu Guozheng to guess; with Fang Yilin’s personality, she’d be the one to initiate a breakup. Seeing Du Bin so intent on drinking, Hu Guozheng felt worried.

“Hahaha… Du Bin’s right. In our line of dangerous work, who knows what tomorrow may bring? Maybe in the next minute, one of us will be gone.”

Li Ning, who’d been playing King of Glory on her phone nearby, was annoyed by their loud chatter. “Just because you’ve had a few drinks doesn’t mean you can show off and yell. Damn it, got wiped out—all your fault!”

Li Ping managed a wry smile, and the others quieted down. But Hu Guozheng, emboldened by drink, retorted, “Hey! This place is for making noise. You scream at your game, too! Doesn’t that count?”

“You bastard, losing a team fight is one thing, but I won’t put up with your nonsense. You’re looking for trouble, fatso.” Li Ning, enraged, threw her phone on the table, eyes blazing. Du Bin hurried to restrain her, but after a glare from Li Ning, she sat back down, muttering that the fat man was in for it.