Rebirth: Once Again With You

Li Caiyi had always been sweet and gentle in front of her. Even when she was angry, her eyes would still overflow with love for him. But the current her felt so distant and unfamiliar.

Not that he could blame her. After what he did, Dai Zhiqiang deserved this passive-aggressive treatment.

"Until when are you going to touch my leg like this? I don't remember ever giving you permission to touch me, and we aren't in any kind of relationship anymore. I can sue you for sexual harassment, you know?"

"Alright. I will let you go. Make sure to disinfect the scratches and put bandaids on them properly."

Li Caiyi bit her lips anxiously. "Is that all you want to say to me?"

"...Yes, that's all."

Li Caiyi's heart stung a bit hearing that. She should have known there was no chance for them to return like they used to.

Dai Zhiqiang was only here because of his good conscience and not because he had some feelings remained for her whatsoever.

Li Caiyi should be grateful and know her place by not pestering him more than this.

"I see. Then I guess our conversation ends here. I'm sorry for holding you here. I will be going back to the venue then."

She didn't care about her hurting foot and put on her stiletto again. At least, like this, she could pretend that his gentle touch just now was just a fleeting dream.

Li Caiyi was about to leave when Dai Zhiqiang suddenly wrapped his arms around her from behind.

Her heart leaped when she felt his warmth envelop her like a blanket. The wind carried the familiar peppermint scent, and Dai Zhiqiang's breath was so close to her that it sent shivers running down her spine.

"I know you are still hurt because of me. I don't want to fight, so I keep talking lightly, but it seems I only pissed you off even more. I'm sorry."

So he knew.

Li Caiyi's heart wavered again.

It was so hard for her up until now. She thought she was doing okay, but seeing how easy it was for her to get teary-eyed just from his affectionate gestures and gentle words, perhaps she was an easy woman.

Why was she so weak against him? She should have given him at least one slap for all those painful times she had to endure, but she found it hard to even meet his eyes.

Li Caiyi still loved him very much.

It was hard to describe in words, but she could feel that her every being wanted him to keep hugging her like this.

If only time could just stop and let her bask in this happiness.

"I lied. I knew from the beginning that it was you who was arguing. How could I not know when my gaze couldn't stop following you the moment you entered the venue?"

"You are so pretty tonight, and those men couldn't stop watching you. Don't you realize they are waiting for you to be alone so they can flirt with you?"

Li Caiyi's legs trembled. He still remembered her weak spot very well. If he kept whispering beside her ears like that, she wouldn't be able to stand straight.

"When I saw that guy put his hand on you, I wanted to sever his limbs so badly. I wanted to gouge out his eyes, who looked lecherously at you. I wanted to obliterate him so he would never appear in front of you again."

His passionate words tickled her ears. At this juncture, she was practically relying on his strength to keep herself steady.

"D-Dai Zhiqiang, let's talk after you let me go first."

"I will do it if you truly hate it. Say you don't like it, and I will let you go."

It was like he knew she wouldn't be able to do that. Or did he hope she wouldn't say that? Li Caiyi couldn't tell anymore.

She was tired of putting on pretense or guessing what was in his mind. She wasn't okay without him, and that was a fact.

"No, please don't let go. Not yet." She softly pleaded.

Dai Zhiqiang pulled her even deeper into his embrace. "Li Caiyi, in the past six years, you are not the only one suffering. It was hard for me too. Extremely so."

"Lies," Li Caiyi blurted out before she could stop herself. "You are doing just fine after breaking up with me. You even go out with another girl soon after."

Dai Zhiqiang was startled when he heard that. "What are you talking about? I haven't dated anyone ever since we broke up."

"You are. With a girl named Xia Rouyue. Jingfei saw you two having a fun date together."

Only then did everything finally form into one big picture in his mind. Stifling his laughter, he looked at her, only to be greeted by the sight of Li Caiyi puffing out her cheeks.

Li Caiyi was upset because she thought he had a change of heart so quickly. As much as he felt sorry for her, he also felt thrilled, knowing she was jealous.

He couldn't stop himself from pinching it gently. "This is just a misunderstanding. I admitted that I met up with Xia Rouyue a few times, but it was strictly for business. We didn't have any relationship like you think of."

Li Caiyi could hear him well, but it was like there was a gate that prevented her from digesting his words. The video she looked at back then didn't look like it was strictly business at all.

Dai Zhiqiang had an aversion towards the opposite sex because of his trauma with his mother. Li Caiyi once thought she was the only exception, but she could tell Dai Zhiqiang also treated Xia Rouyue differently. And it was like a thorn inside her flesh.

However, Li Caiyi didn't want to fight with him. She would just save the rest of her questions to herself and let this sweet moment last forever.

"You probably can't see me, but believe me, I'm always watching you. I have all the books you have written so far and enjoyed them. You are doing well, and I'm very proud of you."

Li Caiyi felt warm inside. "Thank you."

"Say, have you missed me in the past 6 years? You are doing so well, to the point I thought you had long forgotten about me. Although I understand if you want to erase me from your memory forever."

Li Caiyi's lips quivered when she recalled those difficult times. "I tried to forget you. It was painful whenever I recalled our times together. I wanted to erase you from my mind, but doing that felt even more painful. You are really evil for making me feel like this."

Dai Zhiqiang's hold on her tightened. "I'm glad. I know it's shameless of me, but I'm happy to hear that. I don't know what to do if you really don't care about me anymore. It'd be better if you hated me instead, then."

"Li Caiyi, I--"

"Xiaoyi! Where are you?!"

They were startled to hear Li Chunhua's voice calling out for her. Dai Zhiqiang immediately released his hold on her.