After the Breakup, the Possessive Heiress Regretted It - Chapter 15
Chapter 15: Picking Rings.
Although Ji Wanmian had imagined countless times what it would feel like to be held by Pei Jinyue like this — not needing to worry about anything, ignoring the gossip and stares from others, just walking straight ahead — now that her wish had finally come true, she found herself filled with a strange mix of emotions.
She couldn’t quite explain what she was feeling. Was she upset because of the argument that had just taken place at the Pei household? Or was she slightly happy because Pei Jinyue had held her hand so firmly and confidently?
But after carefully examining her feelings, she realized the sorrow outweighed the joy.
Because this kind of ending didn’t feel like a good one — to be estranged from family, cut off ties, no longer welcome at home. When all those things were piled together, how could that be called a happy ending?
Sitting in the car, Ji Wanmian glanced at Pei Jinyue beside her from the corner of her eye. The young lady was staring silently out the window, her thoughts unreadable. The only clear thing was the faint red mark still visible on her delicate face.
She wanted to ask what Pei Jinyue was really thinking. Why had she made such a sudden decision? Was her moodiness these past few days really all because of the arranged marriage? And if so, why hadn’t she told her?
Forget it, Ji Wanmian looked away, afraid that if she accidentally voiced her doubts, she’d make Pei Jinyue even more upset.
It just wasn’t the right time.
She’d lost count of how many times she’d comforted herself with that same line.
But the young lady next to her didn’t feel anything close to the “sadness” Ji Wanmian had imagined.
Pei Jinyue stared out the window, feeling more relief than sorrow.
The secret she’d buried for so many years had finally been spoken aloud. Even though she’d already anticipated today’s outcome, she had never felt afraid.
Letting Pei Yan realize early on that she loved women not only let her avoid the arranged marriage, but also paved the way for introducing Nian Nian in the future.
Thinking of that, Pei Jinyue even felt a bit… happy.
She’d imagined it countless times — the moment Nian Nian walked into her home, not receiving cold stares or rejection, but being welcomed like family, living together joyfully.
But if Nian Nian didn’t want to live in a villa, that was fine too. Pei Jinyue was willing to stay with her in a small rental place — anywhere, really.
As long as they could live together.
“Then…” Ji Wanmian hesitated for a long time before finally speaking up right before they got out of the car. “Where will you live from now on?”
She didn’t dare look her in the eye, afraid that her own hopeful feelings would become too obvious.
“At a friend’s place,” Pei Jinyue replied calmly, just as she’d planned.
Ji Wanmian instinctively let out an “Ah,” then quickly tried to sound casual, worried she’d made her feelings too obvious. “Okay.”
Suddenly, Pei Jinyue changed the subject. “But, if it’s convenient for you…”
She paused deliberately, clearly waiting to see Ji Wanmian’s reaction.
“It’s convenient!” Ji Wanmian immediately understood what she was implying and eagerly replied, “You know my place has enough room for two.”
Pei Jinyue didn’t argue and nodded in agreement.
In fact, she hadn’t found a place to stay at all. What she’d just said was pure testing.
The people she’d met in bars were all fleeting acquaintances. She hadn’t even saved a single number.
Plus, she didn’t want to bother adjusting to a new environment. She knew Ji Wanmian’s place was safe, so staying there temporarily seemed like the easiest solution. Besides, she was certain — knowing Pei Yan’s temperament — it wouldn’t be long before he called her to come home.
Ji Wanmian, of course, didn’t think about all that. She just foolishly thought: This is amazing. I get to live with Pei Jinyue. I won’t have to miss her so painfully every night and wait desperately for a call anymore.
Just imagining them living together was enough to wipe away the heaviness of what they had experienced earlier at Pei’s home.
Forget it. Let’s just take it one day at a time.
After getting out of the car, Ji Wanmian took Pei Jinyue to a restaurant for dinner.
“What do you want to eat?” Ji Wanmian handed her the menu. “I’ve been here before, and I think the food’s pretty good. The dishes suit your taste.”
Pei Jinyue didn’t look at the menu, just handed it back. “You pick. Just order whatever you like.”
Ji Wanmian was a little flustered but happy, carefully choosing several dishes.
Seeing how long she was taking, Pei Jinyue asked, “What did you order?”
“You’ll see,” Ji Wanmian said mysteriously, refusing to tell her.
When the food arrived and all the dishes were placed on the table, Pei Jinyue finally noticed — every single one was something she used to love during college.
And not a single dish she disliked or couldn’t eat appeared.
“I remembered you liked these back in college, so I ordered them all,” Ji Wanmian said with a smile, resting her chin in her hand. “Eat as much as you want. It’s my treat today.”
Pei Jinyue nodded, feeling something stir in her heart, but she didn’t dwell on it. She just silently accepted all the kindness from Ji Wanmian like it was only natural.
Back at the apartment, Ji Wanmian let Pei Jinyue rest on the couch while she quickly tidied up the makeup she hadn’t had time to put away earlier.
Just as she was about to pour some water for Pei Jinyue, she realized the young lady had already done it — and had even poured a glass for her, too.
Holding the warm cup, Ji Wanmian felt surprised and happy, like they’d already been living together for a long time.
Looking at Pei Jinyue drinking water calmly across from her, Ji Wanmian couldn’t help but smile. Is this the happiness of a long-time crush coming true?
Life was just too beautiful.
Even though she wanted to just sit with Pei Jinyue — watch a movie, play games, or even just chat — she couldn’t.
She had to work! She had deadlines!
It was the first time she’d ever not wanted to work. Normally, even if she didn’t feel like it, she could motivate herself, but now with Pei Jinyue nearby, forcing herself to work felt like torture.
“You hang out, I’m going to work now, okay?” Ji Wanmian said reluctantly, trying to sound strong as she walked the few steps to her desk.
“Okay. I’ll wait for you,” Pei Jinyue replied.
Ji Wanmian froze. Those two words — I’ll wait for you — felt like a kitten scratching at her heart.
That single phrase was enough to fill her with energy. All the reluctance vanished. She threw herself into her work like never before.
Because the faster she finished, the sooner she could go be with Pei Jinyue.
Her job required her to be in the right mindset, so since she was in a good groove that afternoon, she finished her entire workload in one go.
She even lost track of time. Six hours had passed before she realized it — without even getting up once, not even for a drink of water.
Stretching and rubbing her aching neck, she finally stood up, worried that if her bones gave out while she was still young, how would she ever enjoy life with Pei Jinyue?
Not wanting her to see her all hunched over and pitiful from stiffness, Ji Wanmian waited until she was more relaxed before heading to the living room.
She was about to say something, but saw Pei Jinyue intently typing on her phone.
Not wanting to interrupt, Ji Wanmian sat back at her desk — not too far from where Pei Jinyue sat — and just quietly watched.
Loose strands of hair fell across Pei Jinyue’s forehead, her long lashes hiding her enchanting eyes.
Right now, Pei Jinyue looked so peaceful and beautiful.
Suddenly, Ji Wanmian opened her tablet and began sketching again.
She wanted to draw all of Pei Jinyue’s expressions.
And now, with Pei Jinyue sitting right in front of her, she didn’t need to imagine anymore.
So beautiful.
Even just the rough sketch made Ji Wanmian’s heart race.
Pei Jinyue barely moved from the couch — ideal for her work.
Of course Pei Jinyue wasn’t moving. She was busy replying to messages — from Qi Wanwan.
Qi Wanwan: “Pei-jie, we think we found someone who matches your description.”
Pei Jinyue: “Where exactly?”
Qi Wanwan: “In Su City. We’re pretty sure she lives there.”
Pei Jinyue: “Okay, keep asking around. Once you’re sure, I’ll go there in a couple of days.”
Qi Wanwan: “Got it.”
After replying to the messages, Pei Jinyue looked up and saw Ji Wanmian still at her desk, working.
For some reason, she felt relieved — thankful that Ji Wanmian hadn’t walked over and seen her phone.
She didn’t want to mess this up, to make a mistake and lose the person she’d been searching for all these years.
She was afraid the people helping her might identify the wrong person — or worse, scare the real Nian Nian away.
If they scared her off… then how could she ever face her?
Unable to shake the worry, Pei Jinyue kept glancing toward Ji Wanmian.
Ji Wanmian, for her part, focused with intense care, afraid of making even one wrong stroke that might make the drawing less perfect than the real Pei Jinyue.
She sketched with all her heart, every line filled with love.
Even the outlines — she made sure her hand didn’t shake. Makeup mistakes only affected herself, but this drawing? This was Pei Jinyue.
Fortunately, the final stroke landed perfectly. The entire piece was flawless.
Pleased with her work, Ji Wanmian smiled, and when she looked up — she locked eyes with Pei Jinyue.
For the first time, she saw such a clear look of happiness on Pei Jinyue’s face. Though she wasn’t smiling brightly, Ji Wanmian could still feel the joy radiating from her.
Then, Pei Jinyue suddenly spoke.
“Let’s go out tomorrow.”
“Sure,” Ji Wanmian replied quickly. “What for?”
Pei Jinyue, face calm, said, “To pick out rings.”