Chapter 169: There’s Still Me

“Alright, alright. There’s no important agenda today, so get some rest!”

Huo Li noticed how tired he looked, and for the first time ever did not blabber on. He left straight after that.

Huo Yunting quietly watched him leave, and then continued to rest.

The moment he closed his eyes, the image of Lu Zhaoyang and Huo Chen embracing each other came to him.

Suddenly, his fingers clenched tightly into fists. His knuckles turned white.

No matter where she was, Lu Zhaoyang was his wife.

That was her role, for now and forever!

…

An autumn breeze rippled the lake’s surface. Withered leaves landed gracefully on the sparkling water surface.

Lu Zhaoyang sat on a long bench by the lake, absorbing the view of the lake. The wind ruffled her hair to her disregard.

Her entire being exuded the feeling of hopelessness.

She had walked around this lake with Chen for countless times. Once, he carried her on his back as and covered a half lap around the lake just because she complained childishly of not wanting to walk.

The cool autumn breeze mirrored the cold anguish in her heart as it burrowed into her blouse and made her shudder.

Her phone had been ringing continuously that it had now ran out of power. She sat alone by the lake in silence.

After this moment of peace, what should she do next?

People walked past her occasionally, so she did not notice a particular set of footsteps that were making their way toward her.

Suddenly, Lu Zhaoyang felt a warm jacket thrown around her shoulders. One quick look at the suit informed her of its owner.

Huo Chen sat down beside her and pulled the jacket tighter around her neck to shield her better against the cold. His every move was smooth and gentle.

Lu Zhaoyang’s cheeks were red. She continued staring at the lake after Huo Chen arrived, and that made his heart ache.

He reached his hand over her fragile shoulders and pulled her into his arms. Once he felt her solid presence beside him, he felt immediate relief.

She was fine. He had been worried that she might do something stupid out of desperation.

“Yang Yang, talk to me, please?”

“…”

Lu Zhaoyang tried to break free of him, but his strong arms kept her firmly within his embrace.

After awhile, she heaved a quiet sigh and asked, “How did you find me?”

Huo Chen looked down at her and replied solemnly, “This place holds memories for you, and for me.”

Due to his family background, they never spent much time together. Hence, he remembered every place they had been together, including this lake.

Lu Zhaoyang pressed her lips together. Her heart ached.

Their memories were just that — memories. There was no going back.

“I’m fine. You should go.” She whispered softly like the gentle autumn breeze caressing the lake.

She needed some quiet time for herself.

Huo Chen was reluctant to let go of this rare opportunity to be alone with her.

This time, he must let Yang Yang know about his determination.

“I know Yunting, and I know you. I know you were forced into marriage. This is all my fault. I failed to protect you. Silly girl, if you wish for it, I will take you away from here. We’ll leave the country and find a quiet place to settle down, alright?”

They need not care about this place.

Even without them, the world will continue to exist, and the Huo family will still have Huo Yunting.

He knew his nephew’s temperament all too well.

That man was stubborn and relentless.