You Owe Me, My Love

Bai Rong kept gazing ahead and did not move. A glint of sorrow flashed past her indifferent eyes that encompassed all the hurt and unjust she had experienced, and darkness ensued.

However, as Gu Mingchen was hugging her, he could not see her pain

He released his embrace and looked at her. It was a look of love, helplessness, apology and pain. “Sorry.” He said, choking up.

Bai Rong downcast her eyes and her long lashes covered the windows to her soul.

“I won't forgive you.” She replied softly.

Gu Mingchen was stunned for a moment. It was a bitter pill to swallow.

He was willing to bear her hatred and grievances. “OK, my life is yours. You can claim it anytime.” “Leave.” Bai Rong said unfeelingly.

The man creased his brows tightly and remained on the spot without moving a single step. “Leave.” Bai Rong repeated. This time, she lifted her head and looked at him.

The look of her eyes was resolute and chilled to the bone.

There was nothing else Gu Mingchen could say. He turned around and left.

“Rong, did you see that? His left pinkie finger was also gone. He must have done it to himself for you.” Liu Yan said as she choked up.

How could Bai Rong not have seen it?

She noticed it the moment he walked in

But what could she do?

She knew the both of them had experienced hell for the past seven days.

Gu Mingchen had successfully negotiated for an engagement instead of marriage.

She did not blame him as that was the best he could have done.

She could only blame the fact that the both of them were still too weak.

When Bai Rong said that she would not forgive Gu Mingchen, it also acted as a reminder for the both of them.

She was not willing to sacrifice their love in exchange for their safety, so she needed to become stronger.

“I have a plan for the future.” Bai Rong said with certainty.

“Is there really nothing you can do?” Liu Yan felt unjust for them. “I think Gu Mingchen really likes you.”

“There is.” Bai Rong said, and looked at Liu Yan with a look of determination in her eyes. “I am signing up for this year's entrance examination to enter the CCDI. I will become an authoritative figure in the cabinet.”

She left the apartment after saying that.

Liu Yan followed her immediately as she was worried about her friend.

Bai Rong purchased a new phone and went through some procedures at the telco in order to use back the same phone number.

After everything was done, she called Xing Bachuan. “I'm Bai Rong. Have you decided?”

"Why didn’t you answer when I called you previously?” Xing Bachuan raised his voice and reprimanded his daughter.

"Whether I answered or not wouldn't have impacted your decision. So, what is your answer?” Bai Rong replied coldly.

“Let's meet up to talk. Where are you now? I have some time in the afternoon.” The man said.

“We can just meet at your office, dad.” Bai Rong said and hung up.

Liu Yan looked at her friend worriedly.

She was aware that Bai Rong had a mother who was mentally ill and was staying at the psychiatric hospital.

She also knew that Bai Rong did not share a good relationship with her dad. Unless Bai Rong brought it up on her own accord, she would never probe.

"Rong, what are you intending to do? Don't scare me. If you need my help, feel free to say. You are my best friend and I will brave any storm for you.” Liu Yan was very worried.

“I will be going back to that home. Yan, thank you, I am alright. I already said that things can only get better from now onward.” Bai Rong smiled faintly.

She looked beautiful when she smiled, but Liu Yan knew that there was a hole in her heart.

And it could only be filled by Gu Mingchen.

“I can go back with you. If you are bullied, I will help you.” Liu Yan offered as she patted her chest. "If someone accompanies me, it will only show that I am weak. I will be invincible even if it's only myself. Don't worry, if I need any help, I will definitely let you know.” Bai Rong took Liu Yan's hand in hers.

Only then Liu Yan realized that Bai Rong’s hands were freezing.

She held on tightly to her friend's hands, hoping to transmit some warmth to her.

Just then, Bai Rong's phone started to ping with the previously undelivered messages. She glanced through them and they were from Liu Yan, Xing Bachuan, Su Xuyan and Gu Mingchen.

When she saw Gu Mingchen's name, a flicker of pain flashed in her eyes.

Without opening any of those messages, she deleted all of them. She did not bother to return their calls as well.

Bai Rong specially made herself up to meet Xing Bachuan. She bunned up her hair and it gave her a very professional look.

Liu Yan, who was leaning against the door, looked at her friend.

She noticed that Bai Rong seemed like a completely different person.

In the past, she used to be cool, nonchalant and led a simple lifestyle.

While the others fooled around, she would at most watch on, and sometimes, let out a quiet smile. Bai Rong was peaceful and serene. Even after getting hurt by Su Xuyan, she just protected herself like how a porcupine would, shielding herself with quills from the outside.

However, the woman she had become was bodacious and as sharp as a dagger that could cut through anything. Even her gaze was piercing.

“It's good to fight for what you deserve, but don't let yourself get hurt.” Liu Yan said in concern. Bai Rong looked at her own reflection in the mirror.

“I don’t want to hurt them. I will only get what I want.” She said resolutely.

“Is Gu Mingchen what you want?” Liu Yan asked knowingly.

Bai Rong took a side glance at her friend.

"Actually, we would only know our heart's greatest desires when life is unfair to us. At least, I have a direction to work towards. Don't worry about me, I will be very well. I have nothing to lose, remember?” Bai Rong beamed.

Liu Yan looked at the space where Bai Rong’s pinkie finger used to occupy.

Needless to say, Bai Rong must have gone through inhumane treatment.

"Anyway, I just want you to know that I am always by your side, supporting you.” Liu Yan said with her eyes reddened.

Bai Rong nodded her head.

She was grateful to those people for taking Gu Mingchen away from her. That was the only way she could become invincible.

She took a cab to Xing Bachuan'’s office. Bai Rong approached the reception with a smile when she reached.

“Hi, my name is Bai Rong. I have an appointment with Governor Xing.” The woman said steadily. "OK. Let me check.” The receptionist proceeded to call Xing Bachuan's secretary.

Shortly after, his secretary arrived at the lobby to receive Bai Rong.

“The Governor has been waiting for you.” She said respectfully.

From the secretary's tone, Bai Rong already knew what Xing Bachuan’s final decision was.

She followed the secretary and walked towards the elevator.

When the elevator opened, Su Xuyan walked out and was shocked to see Bai Rong

"Where have you been? I have been calling you these few days but there was no answer. You went back on your word.” Su Xuyan looked at Bai Rong coldly.

“I am sorry, things happened that were not within my control. If Mr. Su doesn't mind waiting for me for a while, I will buy you coffee later.” Bai Rong said flatly.

Su Xuyan felt that there was a subtle change in her.

"Are you aware that Gu Mingchen and Su Wanning got engaged?” Su Xuyan pressed on.

“I have got to be living under a rock to not know about such big news.” Bai Rong said unemotionally.

Suddenly, Su Xuyan felt this wasn't the Bai Rong he knew anymore.