Chapter 130: If You Can’t Let Go, Don’t Force Yourself

It was a long while before she pulled away from Lin Shuo’s embrace. The night was half spent, and the full moon was gradually sinking. She seemed to understand his intentions. "Everyone is the same; the hurdles in our hearts are even harder to cross than the Dragon Gate. Hua Mei cannot let go of Zeng Ziyu, and Bai Yunchuan cannot let go of Yu Xin. I cannot abandon them, just as..." She deliberately drew out the last word. Lin Shuo looked down at her, and she offered a sweet smile, "Just as you cannot let go of me."

He seemed quite satisfied with this conclusion. After a lingering kiss, he said with a sense of relief, "It is good that you understand. If you cannot let go or change things, there is no need to force yourself."

She had never tried watching the sunrise from a precipitous cliff. When the sun ascended, a sheet of golden light spilled across Dianchi Lake, shimmering and sparkling with a grandeur that left her speechless. For a moment, she felt as if all her troubles would vanish, just as the sun rises and sets, bringing the start of a new day.

However, reality is rarely so perfect; the things that appear most flawless are often the ones most susceptible to the envy of fate.

Mother Bai’s illness hung by a thread, and Hua Mei’s marriage was on the brink of collapse. Xiao Xiao, as always, remained busy.

On this day, just after a routine meeting, the receptionist told her that a client had specifically asked to see Xiao Xiao. Xiao Xiao did not even bother to put the meeting minutes back in their place before hurrying to the reception room. The client sat with her back to the door; even from behind, she possessed a silhouette that would stir a man’s imagination. Naturally, this piqued Xiao Xiao’s curiosity. Logically speaking, a woman with such superior attributes would have no need to come seeking help.

"Hello, I am Ni Xiaoxiao." Xiao Xiao summoned her usual professional spirit and offered a polite smile as she approached.

The woman rose from the sofa and returned the greeting with enthusiasm: "Hello, I am Cai Yirou."

"I heard you specifically requested my assistance. May I ask why?"

The other woman nodded and chuckled, "A friend of yours was brought together by you, so when I mentioned I wanted to go on a blind date, they recommended you." She then mentioned a very ordinary name. Xiao Xiao was naturally pleased to hear it, though she felt as if she vaguely remembered the name from a previous client, yet could not quite place it.

Xiao Xiao studied Cai Yirou once more. Setting aside her obvious beauty, her attire suggested she was not from an ordinary family. The more Xiao Xiao thought about it, the less it made sense. "Please forgive me for speaking out of turn, but with your background, you don't seem like someone who would struggle to find a partner. Most people wouldn't consider our services unless they were truly at their wit's end."

Cai Yirou maintained the poise of a well-bred lady; even the measured tone of her voice revealed an excellent upbringing. "I am the only child, and my parents are getting on in years. They hope to see me settled. They have arranged quite a few things for me, talking about 'matching social status,' but who knew they would all be empty vessels? Many are just spoiled dependents living off their parents—it’s infuriating. Seeing as those I know are already married and those who aren't are unsuitable, my parents were at a loss and thought of a blind date. I am ten thousand times unwilling myself, but I cannot go against their wishes. Even if it’s just for show, I had to come."

So, she was another soul caught in a dilemma. Xiao Xiao understood Cai Yirou’s situation all too well; wasn't Bai Yunchuan the same back then? Thinking of this, Xiao Xiao could not help but offer a sincere word of advice: "Fate is not something you can force. If you are only doing this to satisfy your parents' expectations, then you are mistaken. They wouldn't want you to compromise your own happiness. What could be more important than that?"

Cai Yirou listened intently, but at the end, she sighed and murmured to herself, "Who knows? Perhaps this time, I really will meet the one."