Anthon felt completely exposed to this humiliation and hostility, his heart filled with fear and helplessness. He didn't know how to cope with the situation, standing there silently enduring it all. This sense of passivity and powerlessness caused him immense pain and confusion; he couldn't understand why he found himself in such a predicament, nor why he felt such complex emotions towards Brother Jie.
The man noticed Brother Jie staring coldly at him, and the mockery on his face became even more pronounced. He leaned closer to Anthon and whispered, "Don't be foolish. This guy is just a scoundrel who enjoys playing with people's feelings. He once sweet-talked me the same way, but in the end, he abandoned me." The man's voice carried a hint of bitterness and anger, each word seeming to peel back Anthon's inner wounds, leaving him in deep pain and confusion.
Anthon was filled with doubt and unease; he couldn't understand why Brother Jie had been involved with such a person, nor could he grasp whether he had truly been deceived by Brother Jie. A series of questions flashed through his mind, and his trust in Brother Jie began to waver.
Brother Jie's expression darkened further as he stepped in front of the man, threatening softly, "Shut up, or you'll regret it." His voice held a coldness and menace, with a dangerous glint in his eyes.
The man shrugged and sneered, "You think I'm afraid of you? Someone like you will eventually reap what you sow." After saying this, he turned and left the elevator, leaving behind a heavy silence.
As the elevator doors slowly closed, Anthon felt an overwhelming mix of emotions; he felt utterly crushed, filled with shame and confusion. He didn't know how to face Brother Jie, nor how to confront his own feelings. He could only lower his head and stand there silently, trying to calm the turmoil within.
Brother Jie approached Anthon, gently patting his shoulder, his tone softening slightly: "It's okay, don't mind him." His voice carried a hint of comfort, trying to help Anthon relax.
When Brother Jie attempted to soothe him, Anthon instinctively flinched away from his hand. That moment was filled with wariness and defensiveness, as if Brother Jie's touch would only deepen his pain. Although Anthon had never truly considered developing a deeper relationship with Brother Jie, hearing someone speak of him in that manner stirred unpleasant feelings within him, even giving rise to a sense of betrayal.
Anthon coldly told Brother Jie, "I don't care how many men or women you've dated in the past... I don't care... just please take me away now." His words were laced with deliberate indifference; Anthon tried to protect his emotions this way, not wanting to be hurt further in this relationship. His voice trembled, eyes flickering with pain and disappointment. It felt as if his chest had been struck heavily, leaving him feeling incredibly weighed down and oppressed.
Confusion and turmoil filled Anthon's heart as he recalled moments shared with Brother Jie, the internal conflict growing stronger. He couldn't understand why he felt such complex emotions towards Brother Jie, nor why he cared so much about his past. He knew he shouldn't be concerned about Brother Jie's history, but hearing that man's words made it impossible for him to suppress a twinge of bitterness and disappointment.
Seeing Anthon's expression, Brother Jie felt an unprecedented chill. He said nothing more but nodded silently, feeling a sense of loss and self-reflection deep within. He knew that his past actions had caused Anthon discomfort and confusion but hadn't anticipated that it would hurt him so deeply. A flicker of pain and regret crossed Brother Jie's eyes as he tried to approach Anthon, yet feared that his closeness would only add to Anthon's suffering and pressure.
The atmosphere in the elevator grew heavier; the distance between them seemed to stretch further in silence. Pain and conflict filled Anthon's heart; he felt utterly defeated, overwhelmed by shame and confusion. He couldn't understand why he felt such complex emotions towards Brother Jie, nor how to face the future of their relationship. His heart raced, breathing quickened; the inner turmoil left him feeling profoundly lost and bewildered.
Anthon recalled the man's words, each one cutting into his heart like a knife. He felt his dignity trampled upon, filled with shame and anger. He didn't want to plunge himself into this pain and conflict any longer; he was determined to protect his emotions and no longer allow himself to be hurt. His gaze became resolute as he tried to mask the inner turmoil of pain and disappointment with indifference.
Brother Jie was also overwhelmed by complex emotions. He sensed Anthon's coldness and resistance, and the deep-seated sense of loss and pain weighed heavily on him. He knew that his past actions had made Anthon uneasy, but he didn't know how to make amends. A flicker of helplessness and self-reproach crossed his eyes as he silently accepted Anthon's indifference and rejection.
At that moment, the atmosphere in the elevator grew unusually oppressive and heavy, the distance between them seeming to stretch further apart. Anthon lowered his head, refusing to glance at Brother Jie, his heart filled with anguish and loss. He knew he needed time to process everything, but he was uncertain about the future of their relationship. Confusion and uncertainty clouded his mind, leaving him unable to find a way out.
Brother Jie quietly pressed the elevator button, the silence between them becoming even more stifling. As the elevator descended slowly, Anthon's mood grew heavier and more complicated. He understood that he had to confront everything, but he didn't know how to face Brother Jie or what lay ahead for their relationship. His heart was filled with contradictions and pain, unable to escape this perplexing emotional turmoil.
Upon reaching the underground parking lot, Brother Jie's pace slowed while Anthon obediently followed behind him. They approached an old Toyota that showed signs of age; despite its worn appearance, it was well-maintained, gleaming under the light. It was evident that Brother Jie had invested considerable effort in caring for the vehicle. Every detail of the car exuded a simple charm that starkly contrasted with Brother Jie's usual strong and mysterious demeanor.
Brother Jie skillfully opened the driver's side door before walking around to open the passenger door for Anthon. His movements were smooth and natural, as if this were a habit that required no words. Anthon hesitated for a moment but ultimately got into the car, the door closing gently behind him. The atmosphere inside was particularly awkward, the air thick with the tension and silence that had lingered from their earlier encounter in the elevator.
Neither of them initiated a conversation right away as Brother Jie started the car, slowly pulling out of the parking space. The silence within felt suffocating to Anthon; outside, the scenery rushed by, but his inner unease and awkwardness hung over him like an impenetrable fog, making the journey feel exceptionally long.
As Brother Jie drove, he stole glances at Anthon's expression through the rearview mirror. His heart was filled with contradictions and guilt as he pondered how to break this uncomfortable silence. The car's sound system played somber music with a slow and heavy rhythm, echoing the oppressive atmosphere between them.
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