Chapter 287: For the Sake of Freedom

Han Xi’s planned two-person world turned into a trio when Guo Zhu arrived.

With Fang Zhou’s skills, handling both of them in the gaming room was a breeze.

The three of them had a blast, playing games and laughing together.

Fang Zhou’s impressive gaming abilities even made Guo Zhu see him in a new light.

Her attitude shifted from initially ignoring him to being slightly more amicable.

Though not exactly friendly, it was a significant improvement from the cold shoulder she gave him at first.

Han Xi gave Fang Zhou an appreciative look, hoping he could further soften Guo Zhu’s prejudice.

In Han Xi’s eyes, she still had a long journey ahead with Fang Zhou.

If her lover and best friend were at odds, it would be troubling for her.

Fortunately, both of them showed enough respect, sparing Han Xi any immediate embarrassment.

Time flew by, and before they knew it, it was past 6 PM. Fang Zhou checked his watch and realized he was running late.

Li Siming and the others had already finished dinner and were about to go sing karaoke.

If he didn’t show up soon, those guys would probably curse him out.

Fang Zhou decided to say his goodbyes to Han Xi, letting her know he had to leave.

Han Xi was about to arrange for someone to drive him, but Guo Zhu offered to take him instead.

“Since we’re both heading back to the city, it doesn’t matter who drives. It’s on the way.”

Han Xi and Guo Zhu exchanged glances, understanding that Guo Zhu wanted some alone time to talk to Fang Zhou. Han Xi nodded in agreement.

Some conflicts needed to be resolved between them.

Watching wouldn’t help, and maybe their conversation would clear the air.

So, Fang Zhou got into Guo Zhu’s car.

She had driven herself over.

The bright yellow Maserati exuded luxury, and as it sped down the road, even the wind seemed to smell of money.

“I have quite a few grievances against you. You should be able to tell,” Guo Zhu said, her hand on the steering wheel, eyes focused ahead but addressing Fang Zhou.

In the passenger seat, Fang Zhou raised an eyebrow, thinking, “It was bound to happen sooner or later.”

He nodded and replied, “I know, I could tell. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have been so angry back then.”

Guo Zhu raised her eyebrows, slightly surprised. “You knew it was me?”

She was referring to the time she trapped him in a sack.

Of course, Fang Zhou knew. Did she think he couldn’t recognize her unique voice?

Especially with her distinct tone, it was easy to figure out.

“Yes, I knew.”

Guo Zhu let out a light hum, feeling a bit awkward. “I didn’t handle that well. I was too angry at the time.”

Fang Zhou shook his head, not placing all the blame on her.

“I had my faults too, so let’s call it even.”

It had been a long time since then, and Fang Zhou never blamed her in the first place. Now, there was no reason to hold a grudge.

Guo Zhu felt a mix of emotions. She had always heard from Han Xi about how Fang Zhou was.

After spending time with him today, she understood that Han Xi’s judgment wasn’t bad, though opinions on relationships could vary.

“Since you’re back with Han Xi, I won’t comment on your relationship further. Just cherish her.”

“There are a few things I must remind you of. Never betray her, and don’t let Han Xi fall into despair. Otherwise, you’ll regret it.”

Guo Zhu’s mind flashed to Han Xi’s expressionless face.

She feared more than anyone that Han Xi might lose her sanity and do something irreversible.

Just like her crazy father.

When she was younger, Guo Zhu didn’t know about Han Xi’s family situation.

As they grew older and reached middle school, she visited Han Xi’s home once and was shocked by what she saw.

At that time, Han Xi excitedly brought Guo Zhu home, planning to introduce her best friend to her mother.

But after searching the entire villa, they couldn’t find her mother.

Instead, Han Xi found a letter stating: “I’m leaving. I’ll never come back.”

Han Xi hurriedly called her father, and Guo Zhu joined her in a frantic search for her mother all over the estate.

Finally, they found her mother at the bottom of a hill, having slipped and fallen, with a pool of blood at her feet.

Both Han Xi and Guo Zhu were terrified and cried as they followed her to the hospital.

At that time, Han Xi was only fourteen or fifteen, yet she insisted on staying outside the hospital all night.

The next day, when Guo Zhu visited her, Han Xi’s eyes were red.

She hugged Guo Zhu, repeatedly asking in a soft voice:

“Why? Why did mom leave? Why couldn’t she stay at home?”

“The outside world is so dangerous, and she doesn’t know anything.”

“Did she not think about me? I was born from her, after all.”

Guo Zhu, also young at the time, didn’t know how to answer. She could only stay with Han Xi outside the hospital room.

Honestly, she couldn’t understand why Han Xi’s mother left either.

It wasn’t until she grew up that she realized the truth in the saying: “Life is precious, love is more valuable, but for the sake of freedom, both can be given up.” That saying perfectly described Han Xi’s mother’s actions.

Unfortunately, by the time she and Han Xi understood, it was too late.

The rest of her memories were hazy.

Maybe the incident was too painful for Han Xi, leading to selective amnesia.

Or perhaps they were too young, and with time, many details faded.

Anyway, as an observer of Han Xi’s life, Guo Zhu saw some aspects as lucky and others as unfortunate.

From that moment, Guo Zhu understood that harmonious families didn’t just fall from the sky; they often came at a great price.

Fang Zhou didn’t understand why Guo Zhu was saying all this.

He just thought Han Xi was the most rational among his ex-girlfriends.

Of course, he knew there was something behind Guo Zhu’s words, so he nodded seriously.

“I understand. Thank you.”

He turned to look at the changing scenery outside the window, memories with Han Xi flashing in his mind.

Actually, if he were to reconcile with Han Xi, Fang Zhou thought he wouldn’t resist.

Who could refuse a beautiful, wealthy woman who was wholeheartedly devoted to him? Only a fool would.

Guo Zhu smiled lightly and said, “I hope you truly understand.”

The car came to a smooth stop outside the hotel. Fang Zhou got out, waved at Guo Zhu, and watched her drive away.

He felt a bit emotional.

He never expected to have a peaceful conversation with this nemesis in her car.

There had been so many things happening lately.

Forget it; tonight, he would drink with Li Siming and the others. No going back until they were drunk!