Chapter 201: There’s No Greater Sorrow Than a Broken Heart

In the quiet corridor, only Fang Zhou and Chu Xinran faced off against each other.

As long as Fang Zhou didn’t move, Chu Xinran wouldn’t either. A silent tug-of-war began.

Fang Zhou turned his head, staring intently at Chu Xinran’s face, trying to discern something.

But unfortunately, all he saw was stubbornness and sorrow.

He couldn’t help but wonder, why were all his ex-girlfriends so obsessed with him?

Could it be that the karma he owed had to be repaid in the end?

But honestly, the worst thing he had done was find a lousy excuse for breaking up.

Could that really be the reason they remembered him?

Looking into Chu Xinran’s tear-filled eyes, which seemed ready to overflow, Fang Zhou reminded himself: don’t soften.

“You should go in and change. It’s not convenient for me to go in.”

In the end, Fang Zhou stuck to his decision, firmly refusing to enter the room.

After all, the last time he was alone with Chu Xinran, things almost spiraled out of control.

He was a normal man with desires. How could he always keep himself in check?

So the best solution was to eliminate the root cause and prevent such situations from arising.

“Fine, we can talk here.”

Seeing his determination, Chu Xinran didn’t insist on talking in the room.

She took out her phone, pulling up the trending news in the entertainment section. The headline that had been up for a whole day and night.

Pointing to the most prominent one, she asked, “You and Sisi-jie, have you reconciled?”

Her voice was soft but clear enough for Fang Zhou to hear, including a hint of trembling.

Chu Xinran was afraid that the news was true.

After all, Qiao Sisi was a top-tier celebrity, radiant and charming. How many men could resist her?

Fang Zhou frowned slightly and answered sincerely.

“No.”

He should have known that after this news broke, he would face all sorts of questions. However, he hadn’t expected Han Xi to remain silent while Chu Xinran was the first to ask.

Chu Xinran felt slightly relieved but still deeply troubled.

“You really dated her, and she was your first love.”

According to the news, they dated when Fang Zhou started college, and he himself had said he didn’t date in high school.

So it was likely that Qiao Sisi was Fang Zhou’s first love.

Thinking of this, Chu Xinran felt like she couldn’t breathe, holding onto Fang Zhou’s gaze for support.

“Hmm, yes.”

Fang Zhou saw no need to hide this.

Telling her the truth wasn’t a big deal. It was all in the past, and people needed to move forward.

“Clatter!”

Chu Xinran’s phone slipped from her hand, hitting the floor.

So it was true, her guesses were spot on.

He had so many exceptional ex-girlfriends, each with their unique strengths. Whether it was the powerful Han Xi, the professor and doctor Qin Yun, or the unattainable star Qiao Sisi.

In comparison, what did she have?

Apart from being the adopted daughter of the Chu family, what could attract Fang Zhou?

How could she hope to win his heart back?

A wave of overwhelming helplessness engulfed her, making Chu Xinran feel so small she couldn’t even look at Fang Zhou directly.

“One last question. Can we really not be together again?”

She closed her eyes, suppressing her trembling, and asked with a do-or-die determination.

Memories of Fang Zhou’s rejections flashed through her mind.

He was so resolute, so heartless.

Yet even in rejection, his tone was gentle, making it impossible for Chu Xinran to let go.

So she decided to ask one last time.

Even if it meant going down in flames, she would accept it because Fang Zhou had warmed her heart for so long.

Fang Zhou frowned, noticing how unwell Chu Xinran seemed, trembling as if she were ill.

Instinctively, he avoided the question, asking about her health instead.

“Are you okay? Are you sick?”

Chu Xinran had heard that concerned tone countless times before.

But now, she didn’t want concern; she wanted Fang Zhou’s answer.

“Answer my question.”

Chu Xinran’s eyes were terrifyingly bright, as if she had made a firm decision.

Seeing this gaze, Fang Zhou felt uneasy.

But then he thought, maybe she was ready to give up on him.

After all, having multiple girlfriends and pretending not to know them on a show made him look like a jerk.

Indeed, if Chu Xinran could let go, it would be best. She wouldn’t have to struggle in the mire with him, unsure of the future.

Taking a deep breath, Fang Zhou said, “People need to look forward, Xinran. You’ll meet someone more suitable for you.”

He spoke gently but his rejection was clear.

In other words, we’re in the past, and you’ll find someone better.

Honestly, Fang Zhou felt that continuing like this wasn’t a solution. If she had decided to let go, it was better to end things once and for all, avoiding future complications.

“After the show, I’ll disappear from your world. You won’t have to worry about running into me.”

“I wish you all the best.”

Chu Xinran felt like a thunderbolt had struck her, splitting her apart.

What more suitable person?

When I close my eyes, all I see is you.

In the middle of the night, I can only sleep hugging a pillow, pretending it’s you for a semblance of security.

I’m not interested in anything except news about you, reminding me I’m still alive.

And now you say you’ll disappear from my world.

Hearing this, Chu Xinran let out a bitter laugh, looking like a wilted flower, devoid of energy.

The light in her eyes faded rapidly, as if the intricate structures within had collapsed, leaving behind desolation and death.

“Fine, you can leave now.”

She responded with a single, hoarse sentence, like a parched person denied water.

Chu Xinran turned and slammed the door shut.

Fang Zhou stood there, staring at the door, unmoving for a long time.