Chapter 26: Unforgettable First Love

“You have someone you like…”

Chen Xinya froze for a long moment before blurting, “Who is it?”

“Well…”

Meng Zhi smirked, teasing, “Guess.”

She couldn’t.

But a vague unease told her it wasn’t her.

If it was, he would’ve accepted her confession in the garden.

Maybe Feng Xiyao? His stepsister was cute, clingy, and charming.

Or someone else? Someone she didn’t know?

Thoughts swirled, but she could only manage an awkward smile. “I-I don’t know.”

“I’ll tell you after the exam,” Meng Zhi said lightly. “If we both get into our dream schools.”

Maybe it was her imagination, but his expression softened, no longer weary and hollow like she’d seen lately.

She hadn’t seen such gentleness in his eyes in ages.

In their last life, toward the end of their marriage, his gaze was lifeless, heavy with unshakable exhaustion. His smiles felt forced, distracted.

Only in the early days of their love did his eyes hold nothing but her.

“Alright.”

She nodded obediently, dazed. “I’ll get into X University and wait for you there.”

“Then you can tell me the answer.” She forced a smile, her eyes dim. “Whoever it is, I want to know.”

Even if it’s not me.

I hope it’s a girl who knows how to love you better than I did.

Meng Zhi paused, then gently ruffled her hair. She closed her eyes, letting his touch linger—a gesture from childhood when he’d comfort her tears.

“I’m going. Rest well tonight. Good luck tomorrow.”

“Mm.”

With a final reluctant glance, she closed the door.

Meng Zhi stood there, emotions tangled.

Since failing to save Chen Xinya in his first life, he’d asked himself often: Did he hate her?

Hate her heaviness, her sensitivity, her paranoia, how she dragged him into her abyss?

But after much thought, he dismissed it.

He didn’t hate her. Couldn’t.

She was smart, yet pitifully clumsy in love. A girl like her, a dream to so many, was a blessing to be loved by.

But he, the one she loved so deeply, couldn’t embrace that blessing.

Even late in their marriage, when she sensed its falseness, she pretended all was well, trying to mend it, to salvage her love.

Like today. Her stubbornness led to foolish acts, like waiting five hours with soup.

It made her impossible to scold.

But reality wasn’t kind. Meng Zhi had resolved to live for himself this life, free from others’ burdens. Even with her love-soaked soup, he couldn’t accept her confession.

Still, he’d tell her after the exam that he once loved her.

For a time, he’d been determined to pull his childhood companion from the abyss.

Even if he failed. Even if he regretted it. She was still his most unforgettable first love.

He’d loved this fragile, paper-thin girl. Truly.

That was the last gentleness he could offer her.

If it felt too cruel, so be it.

The rest of his gentleness, he’d keep selfishly for himself.

“…Time to sleep.” He yawned, muttering, heading to wash up.

But the doorbell rang again.

“Something else? Forgot something—” He stopped, stunned.

It wasn’t Chen Xinya.

It was Feng Xiyao.

“What’s up?”

In a breezy T-shirt and shorts, her legs bare, she held two boxes of chocolates, tone playful. “Sounds like someone was here before me?”

“Who was it? Chen Xinya?”

“…None of your business.” Meng Zhi’s head ached. This girl was relentless.

“Don’t wanna tell me, fine.” She huffed, mock-hurt, then held out the chocolates. “Here, for you. Eat a couple before the exam for a sugar boost.”

“Too sweet. Don’t like it.” He glanced at her hand lazily. “You came all this way just for this?”

“My mom made me.”

Her eyes glinted mischievously, feigning innocence. “She keeps saying I should get along with you, look out for you. Knowing you’re taking the exam tomorrow and living alone, she insisted I stay the night, cook for you, be your support.”

…Total nonsense.

Her mom was kind to him, but not that kind. This was clearly her excuse to cling.

“Save it.” He moved to shoo her out. “Who’s taking care of who? You, cook? We’d just order takeout.”

She stuck out her tongue playfully.

“Caught me… but don’t kick me out! I’m here already. Let me stay. I’ll wake you up tomorrow.”

“I’ve got an alarm.”

“What if it fails?” She winked mysteriously. “I’ve got a special wake-up trick. Wanna try?”

“Hard pass.”

No need to guess—it wasn’t anything proper.

“I need rest tonight. You staying here would disturb me.” His tone was firm. “No way.”

“F-Fine, at least take the chocolates?”

With her pleading, he grabbed the box and shut the door.

Finally alone, he glanced at the chocolates.

On the back was a note with a lipstick mark: May this beauty’s sweet kiss bring you exam luck~

Meng Zhi: “…”

He tore open the wrapper, popped a piece in his mouth.

…Not one of them makes life easy, he thought, chewing.