Although Chen Minghao's conspiracy was successfully thwarted, my relationship with Han Qingtian did not improve as a result. On the contrary, everything became even worse.
That night, after we jointly exposed Chen Minghao's true colors, I thought Han Qingtian would see me in a new light. However, when all the commotion settled down, the look in his eyes was filled with doubt and wariness. At that moment, I knew that the gap between us had not only remained but had deepened.
Han Qingtian began to suspect me. He felt that I had been using him. He believed that my approach to him had ulterior motives, and every action of mine concealed unspeakable secrets. This suspicion pierced his heart like a sharp thorn, making it impossible for him to treat me as he once did.
I could feel the change in Han Qingtian's attitude towards me. He started to deliberately avoid me; whenever we crossed paths at the company, his gaze would flicker restlessly, as if he were dodging something. He began to distance himself from me, no longer engaging in conversations like before, even avoiding direct contact regarding work matters. What chilled me even more was that he no longer allowed me to enter his office freely. That door, which had once been open to me, was now firmly closed, silently declaring my fall from favor.
Han Qingtian's attitude was very clear. He no longer needed me. He did not want to see me again. He wanted to drive me away.
Whenever I tried to explain or restore the trust between us, he always responded with indifference and silence. I could sense his inner struggle, but he chose the simplest way—pushing me away. This silent rejection hurt more than any words could.
My heart gradually grew cold. I began to understand that no matter how much I did or how well I performed, I could never regain his trust. Han Qingtian was inherently suspicious and would not easily believe anyone, especially someone he thought had deceived him before. I was merely a passerby in his life—a dispensable person who could be replaced and forgotten at any time.
If that were the case, why should I cling on?
I stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window at the office, gazing at the distant city skyline, filled with bitterness. I recalled our shared moments—the laughter, the understanding, those days of fighting side by side. Unfortunately, all of that had become the past. Now I felt like a discarded toy, stripped of my value.
I had completely given up hope. I decided to leave him behind. I no longer wanted to be anyone's substitute or pawn. I just wanted to be myself. I wanted to be Ye Xinyao again—the real me who didn't need to wear a mask.
After making this decision, I felt an unprecedented sense of relief—as if a heavy stone that had long weighed on my heart had finally been lifted, allowing me to breathe again. I began planning my future and contemplating where to go after leaving Han Qingtian.
I walked into his office for the last time. This place where I had entered countless times now felt so unfamiliar. Han Qingtian was focused on his work and only looked up when he heard my footsteps. When he saw it was me, surprise flashed across his face before he returned to calmness.
I stood before him and placed my resignation letter on his desk. He looked at me with a slight frown and asked, "What is this?"
I replied softly, "My resignation letter." I struggled to keep my voice steady despite my emotions threatening to shake it," From now on, I will not serve you anymore. You are free."
Han Qingtian stared at me in shock. "You... why are you doing this? Is it because I suspected you?" His voice carried a hint of panic that I had never heard before.
I looked at him and let out a cold laugh. "Han Qingtian, I don't need your gratitude. But I will not tolerate your suspicions. Goodbye." After saying this, I turned and left the office without looking back or lingering. It was time for a new life; it was time for me to be myself again.
The moment I left the company, an unprecedented sense of liberation washed over me. I took a deep breath as if trying to exhale everything from the past out of my system. Aimlessly wandering down the street, I let the sunlight wash over my face and savored the long-lost freedom.
Back home, I sat on the sofa staring out the window in a daze. I didn't know what to do next or where my future lay. All I knew was that I couldn't continue like this; I needed change—I needed a fresh start.
I sat quietly for a long time reflecting on the past and envisioning the future as countless thoughts flashed through my mind. Finally, I made up my mind.
I took out my phone and dialed a number—one that I had hesitated over whether to delete in the past; now it seemed wise to keep it.
When the call connected, I spoke softly: "Hello? It's me—Ye Xinyao." After pausing for a moment and taking a deep breath, I continued," I have a business proposal I'd like to discuss with you. I'm not sure if you're interested."
There was silence on the other end for a moment before a familiar voice replied: "Miss Ye, long time no see. I'm glad you thought of me. What kind of business are we talking about?"
A smile crept onto my lips as it marked the first genuine smile I'd shown in days." A new beginning—a venture that's all mine."
"It sounds very interesting," the other party said with obvious interest. "When shall we meet to discuss it in detail?"
"How about tomorrow morning? I'll treat you to coffee."
"Great, it's settled then."
After hanging up the phone, I let out a long sigh of relief. I knew that from this moment on, my life would turn a new page. No longer would I be someone else's shadow or pawn. I would become my true self, taking responsibility for my life and bearing the consequences of my choices.
I stood up and walked to the window. Night had fallen, and the city lights began to twinkle. As I gazed at the lights, my heart was filled with anticipation and courage. I didn't know what the future would hold, but I knew that as long as I bravely took this step, I would surely find my own path.
"Goodbye, Han Qingtian," I silently said to myself. "Thank you for helping me realize who I am. From now on, I will live as my true self."
I turned and walked toward the bedroom to start packing my luggage. Tomorrow, a new life was about to begin. I, Ye Xinyao, was finally ready to embrace a brand new future with my true self.
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