Chapter 319: Mutual Respect

Han Xi watched the interaction between Fang Zhou and Chu Xinran with a calm demeanor. Unlike the jealousy she felt before, her emotions had settled.

During her conversation with Fang Zhou earlier that morning, Han Xi had come to a realization: It wasn’t Fang Zhou’s fault that so many women were attracted to him—he was simply that charming. And she, Han Xi, shouldn’t doubt herself just because she had many rivals.

A good competitor should focus on improving their own skills, not undermining others or worrying excessively about what Fang Zhou might do. It was like running a business: several stores on the same street vied for customers, but in the end, it was about who offered the best service.

Han Xi put down her phone and watched as Chu Xinran, having finished her whispered conversation with Fang Zhou, walked towards her. Fang Zhou, meanwhile, was ushered outside, leaving the women alone to talk.

The dining room still carried the faint aroma of food. Chu Xinran’s curiosity was piqued by the remaining dishes on the table, clearly prepared by someone skilled—likely Fang Zhou.

“Han Xi, was the food good?” Chu Xinran asked with a gentle smile. Her earlier sadness had vanished, replaced by a bright and clear expression.

Han Xi responded with a soft smile of her own, her usually cold demeanor now relaxed. “It was very good.”

Chu Xinran placed her hand on the table and tilted her head slightly, looking somewhat troubled. “I wish I could taste his cooking too.”

Her delicate features and the subtle sadness in her eyes made her look even more endearing. Han Xi understood what Chu Xinran was implying—she was indirectly challenging her, suggesting that Fang Zhou should only cook for one person.

Han Xi had forcibly taken Fang Zhou from the hospital, intensifying Chu Xinran’s anxiety and prompting her to assert her claim over him.

“If you want, you can ask Fang Zhou to cook for you again. These dishes are cold now and might upset your stomach,” Han Xi said calmly, not taking Chu Xinran’s words to heart.

Chu Xinran blushed slightly, feeling embarrassed. She wasn’t interested in eating leftovers. “Actually, I wanted to say that I don’t know what you did to get close to Fang Zhou, but he will be my boyfriend.”

Despite her gentle appearance, Chu Xinran’s voice was firm and clear. Her eyes were filled with determination, showing that she had made up her mind.

“We met in college and were together for a long time. We broke up due to some misunderstandings. If it weren’t for those, we might be married by now,” Chu Xinran continued, not to boast but to urge Han Xi to give up.

However, Han Xi wasn’t the type to be easily swayed by a few words from a rival. She tapped her fingers on the table and, after a brief thought, replied, “Fang Zhou and I also separated due to misunderstandings, but we’ve recently cleared things up. If all goes well, we might get married by the end of the year.”

Chu Xinran’s eyes widened in disbelief. “How is that possible?”

She thought Han Xi must be lying. Fang Zhou had said he was stalling for time. How could they be getting married so soon?

“I don’t believe you. I only trust Fang Zhou,” Chu Xinran said, her face briefly pale before regaining its color. She knew better than to be deceived by smoke screens in a battle.

Han Xi was slightly taller than Chu Xinran, but because Han Xi wore flat shoes and Chu Xinran wore heels, they stood eye to eye. Despite her height, Han Xi didn’t use her authority to intimidate Chu Xinran. Instead, she gently touched her shoulder and said, “I admire your bravery. But Fang Zhou is a person, not a prize. We shouldn’t be fighting over him. We should do our best and let him decide.”

If Fang Zhou were there, he would have applauded Han Xi’s words. She had cleverly used his own arguments about fairness to persuade Chu Xinran.

Chu Xinran stood still, looking at Han Xi’s serene face and indifferent eyes, feeling a wave of understanding. Han Xi wasn’t the type to use any means necessary to win. She had her own integrity.

“Actually, I was there when you collapsed in the hotel. I sympathize with your situation,” Han Xi said, shifting the conversation. “But if we’re comparing hardships, I might have had it just as tough.”

“I envy you. At least you have a mother who loves you,” Han Xi added, her voice trailing off without elaborating.

Chu Xinran sensed the sadness in her eyes. Could it be that Han Xi had never experienced parental love?

Hearing about the struggles of wealthy families, Chu Xinran’s mind filled in the blanks. She looked at Han Xi with newfound softness, understanding that they both longed for something more in their lives.

No wonder Han Xi was so attached to Fang Zhou. Finding a source of light in a dark world was hard to give up.

Reflecting on her own experiences with Han Xi on the dating show, Chu Xinran remembered how much she had liked Han Xi before knowing about her connection to Fang Zhou. Han Xi had been a warm, understanding older sister figure.

People often said that first impressions were lasting, and Chu Xinran found that to be mostly true. They could still be friends, couldn’t they?

Nodding slowly, Chu Xinran agreed, “You’re right. Let’s compete fairly.”

Han Xi smiled, her cold demeanor melting away. As the wind blew in through the window, their hair mingled, symbolizing their intertwined fates.