Chapter 9: I Can't Live Without You

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Jian Tang watched the tiny raindrops clinging to his short hair. Judging by his appearance, he must have rushed back the moment he discovered the jewelry she sold at the auction house. Outside, it was raining, but he seemed oblivious, running all the way to find her. He looked just like a frightened puppy afraid of being abandoned.

“Why bring this up all of a sudden?” Jian Tang asked calmly.

Chen Bozhou pulled her tightly into his arms, as if trying to embed her into his very bones, his voice trembling, “You sold the house, and you also sold the token of our love. Are you planning to leave me?”

“I won’t allow it,” his eyes reddened at the corners. “I won’t let you do this.”

“You can’t leave me. If you leave me, I’ll die. I really can’t live without you, Tang Tang.”

Every word was sincere, every sentence spoke of his fear.

Jian Tang gently stroked his roguish, handsome face. “Didn’t I promise you that as long as you don’t betray our feelings, I would always be by your side? Why are you suddenly so afraid that I don’t want you anymore? Have you done something wrong?”

Chen Bozhou held her hand pressed against his face, his voice choked with grievance, almost crying, “I will never betray you. In this lifetime, I will love only you.”

He half-kneeling by the sofa, chest resting on her knee, looking up like a loyal dog swearing to serve its master faithfully.

But Jian Tang knew better.

He was the most arrogant liar, trying to deceive her as if she were a fool.

“We’re about to get married, so of course… I trust you,” Jian Tang said softly.

Chen Bozhou didn’t understand why he had been so anxious lately, as if something incredibly important was about to be lost.

The most precious thing he had was Jian Tang.

Hearing her mention their wedding now, he felt a little relieved. “I really want to go register our marriage with you right now. Only then can I hold you firmly in my hands, but…”

Chen Bozhou pressed his handsome face against her knee, like a dog seeking affection yet feeling wronged. “But I promised you we’d do the wedding first… You said you’d only give me my status after the wedding day, Tang Tang… You’re so cruel to me…”

Jian Tang raised her hand to touch his short hair but then withdrew it. “It’s late. Let’s go back.”

Chen Bozhou gazed at her with love, finally asking, “Tang Tang, why did you suddenly… sell the things I gave you at the auction today?”

The voice from the lounge… was it hers?

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“I was preparing to make an investment,” Jian Tang changed the subject. “Are you upset because I sold the gifts you gave me?”

Chen Bozhou quickly shook his head, “No, since I gave them to you, you can do as you please. But…”

He carefully put the ring and jade bracelet back on her. “But these two mean something different. Next time you need money, just ask me directly. Don’t sell them so easily.”

Jian Tang lowered her eyes, hiding the expression deep within. “Mm.”

Tentatively, Chen Bozhou asked, “Besides selling those two items, did you… happen to check out the lounge over there? I heard their lounge is quite unique.”

Jian Tang shook her head.

Chen Bozhou’s racing heart finally settled.

“Acting with you is so exhausting. It’s late. You should go back first.”

Chen Bozhou kissed her forehead. “Okay, then… good night. Remember to think of me in your dreams, because I’m always thinking of you.”

As he reached the door, reluctant, he suggested, “How about I stay with you for five more minutes? Just five.”

Jian Tang cracked a smile and waved him off.

Chen Bozhou sighed, “Such a heartless woman.”

Once the door closed, Jian Tang, forcing herself to endure him, suddenly felt all her strength drain away. She slumped onto the sofa and rested for a long time.

Before sleep, she heard fireworks blooming outside.

She walked to the window and drew the curtain aside. In the next moment, the sky was ablaze with dazzling fireworks.

Where she stood was the perfect spot to watch.

On this rainy night, the fireworks blossomed, the most brilliant being a blooming begonia flower.

Like a magnificent dream.

Jian Tang stared in awe at the begonia, her eyes sparkling. “…So beautiful.”

The shower of fireworks washed away all the day’s unhappiness.

She fell asleep dreaming of the begonia blooming in the sky.

Leaning back in the business van, Shen Sui gently swirled the wine in his glass, glancing at the fireworks company CEO who personally orchestrated the brief show.

Just one look reassured the CEO completely.

It seemed the contract for this year’s Port City fireworks show was within reach.

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The next day.

As Jian Tang descended the stairs, she heard her stepmother Shen Chunmei reminding the servants to deliver breakfast to Shen Yuyang.

Going to the hospital with breakfast.

One hundred days for tendon and bone recovery. According to the servant’s report, Shen Yuyang probably wouldn’t be discharged before her wedding.

For Jian Tang, this was a matter worth celebrating.

Just as she sat down, Shen Feiyu and Jian Suishan came down for breakfast one after another.

Jian Suishan sat down and immediately spoke, “Your sister just said she wanted to be your bridesmaid. Sisters are always more considerate than friends outside the family.”

Before Jian Tang could respond, Shen Feiyu affectionately linked arms with her. “I’ve already prepared the bridesmaid dress. Sister, you have to give me a chance to shine.”

Jian Tang coldly pushed her hand away. “Chen Bozhou is handling all the wedding arrangements. If you have any requests, you can go talk to him.”

She wasn’t going to attend that wedding anyway, so they could do as they pleased.

The more noise, the harder it would be to face the embarrassment on the day itself.

Hearing this, Shen Feiyu smiled challengingly, “If you say so, I’ll take that as a yes. Bozhou will definitely agree to me being the bridesmaid.”

As she finished speaking, Chen Bozhou walked in.

After politely greeting the elders Jian Suishan and Shen Chunmei, he turned to Jian Tang and asked warmly, “Bridesmaid? Didn’t you already choose your senior and best friend? Want to change?”

Jian Tang lifted her eyes. “Shen Feiyu…”

Shen Feiyu cut her off, feigning innocence and coaxing, “Bozhou, I want to be sister’s bridesmaid too.”

The gentleness on Chen Bozhou’s face vanished instantly. He said decisively, “No.”