A Star Reborn: The Queen’s Return

Chapter 404: While You Still Have Your Arms To Offer Embrace

Xia Ling had no idea how long the car had been parked there for, but in the morning glow, it looked almost like it was covered in a beautiful rose-gold coating.

She dared not approach it. It took her immense courage to return to that villa each time.

She subconsciously reached for the area under her collarbone and realized something was missing — the amulet Li Lei had given her was no longer on her, and their token of love, the titanium ring pendant, was gone as well.

She felt like a part of her heart went missing.

Xia Ling took a few steps back, into the shade offered by a large tree. As if every ounce of courage had dissipated, she leaned against the trunk, lowered herself into a squat and curled herself up. Everything was only just beginning to sink in; the harsh words she had said to him, the breakup, the cutting of ties… even the last token of love that bound them together was gone for good — he had vanished from her life.

Li Lei. Li Lei.

The two words rang in her head repeatedly. Strange, she had already made things clear, but why was it still so hard to accept this change? At this point, she heard a faint and unfamiliar song coming from a nearby office —

[Look for the person you’ve been longing for, while the sun is up and the breeze is cool…]

She remembered their first few encounters and how Li Lei always called her ”Little Beauty” smilingly. He had said he wanted to make her his mistress, had given her flowers, and even took good care of her when she was ill in the mountains…

[Look for the person you’ve been longing for, while he still lives in your memories, and while time still permits…]

When they returned to the city thereafter, he had called her in the middle of the night, lent his apartment to her, and even given her some of Er Mao’s milk…

[Look for the person you’ve been longing for, while the road ahead still has much to hold, and you’ve got words of love and yearning so bold…]

When Pei Ziheng abducted her and made her a mute, it was he who saved her. When she was facing trouble in the hometown village, he was her hero once again. He hugged her in her red wedding gown and confessed with all sincerity… When they argued and tensions rose, he was always the one who apologized first in a quiet voice so they could reconcile. Whenever he had grievances, he would say,Xiao Ling, you don’t care about me…

She was hurting too much.

This song drifting in the early breeze was bringing back too many memories.

[Look for the person you’ve been longing for, while you still have your arms to offer an embrace, while you still have your chance to catch a breath…

Look for the person you’ve been longing for, forget the distance, and count your blessings…

Look for the person you’ve been longing for, while you’re still alive, while you’re still alive…]

Xia Ling’s hand trembled as she reached for the amulet, only to realize it was still not there.

She would never be able to find another man like him in this lifetime. Nobody else would hold her tight and soothe her when she screamed in fear, nobody else would bicker with her over the trivial things, nobody else would smile at her so lazily, as if nothing in this world could trouble him.

Nobody else… Nobody else…

Nobody else… Nobody else…

There were no more tears left to cry as the song reverberated in the air ever so softly: [Look for the person you’ve been longing for, go wild one last time for the sake of yourself, one last time…]

But she could not look for him.

The vow was made, and the only way to go was forward. The cold, majestic Rolls-Royce was her new home instead, regardless of all the bad memories it held.

The summer breeze swept against her, and she felt an odd and uncomfortable coldness.

She wrapped her arms against her knees and buried her head in them. She did not know how much time had passed before a hand appeared before her.

”Here.” It was a familiar voice.

Xia Ling thought it was a delusion, but when she looked up, it was really him standing before her, looking more haggard than ever. On his palm was the wooden amulet.

Xia Ling looked at him, stunned. All the laughter and voices of faded into the background and everything felt like a dream.

”Here.” He said once again, and when she did not respond, he bent over and placed it by her feet.

”I know very well whether you’re living happily or not.” His voice was still hoarse. ”So, you don’t have to lie to me. Xiao Ling, wait for me, I will take you away with me someday.”