Chapter 15 A Sky Full Of Roses

• Lin Jue looked up towards the dark sky, as he let out a sigh of despair. Standing beneath the stars, lost in thought, he appeared to be overcome by his depression.
• His odd demeanor had caught the attention of Wang Sisi, who was coincidentally in front of their office. Feeling anxious, she hurried over to accompany him.
• “What is it, Lin Jue? Are you alright?” asked Wang Sisi in clear concern.
• Frozen in stupor Lin Jue was clearly immersed in reading a message that he had received. Glancing subtly at the contents of the message, tears began to well up in Wang Sisi’s eyes, as she raised a hand to cover her mouth in shock.
• “Ah,” he sighed. “This was supposed to be a surprise.” Pausing, he continued, “I guess it’s pointless, now that I’m leaving. Do you mind? It was hers after all. Just tell her that you’re treating her to a meal at ten o’ clock.” Lin Jue gave Wang Sisi a bitter smile as he added her on WeChat, before redirecting an invitation to her.
• Wang Sisi found herself standing still, in the midst of the wind that was cold and brisk. She had been observing Lin Jue, who was walking off, unconsciously radiating emotions full of sadness and desolation. His kind gestures had managed to stir her heart, even as she wasn’t his girlfriend. To love is to reach for the stars, but to love is also meant to destroy.
• Lin Jue was struck by a deep sense of insomnia as he perched himself on the edge of the balcony, drowning himself in the solace provided by his beers and cigarettes.
• “Ah, after one year.” He paused to sigh, “Who knew that I’d end up leaving this place?” Musing aloud to himself, Lin Jue found himself burping from the alcohol. “I’ll really miss you. Although I won’t be your husband anymore, I hope that you’ll remain happy…”
• Under the influence of alcohol, Lin Jue dwelled in nostalgia, reminiscing about his high school days- the moments when Shen Peibai had shared her snacks with him and had stood up for him to the bullies, by dialing the police for help.
• “I’d promised that I’d protect you… And I’d promised that I’d stay by your side forever!” He continued in his drunk monologue. “Ah, I get it now. It was me. My feelings were simply one-sided. I’m sorry! I’ll get lost!” After which, Lin Jue had gulped down a mouthful of beer.
• Early next morning, Wang Sisi had hurriedly rushed over to Shen Peibai’s house, at eight o’clock, despite having a restless night.
• “I’ve got good news, Peibai! I have managed to reach Jiang Chenru of Jiuzhou Group and we have spoken to each other. He has finally agreed to extend his contract with us!” Wang Sisi feigned enthusiasm as she reported the incident to Shen Peibai. “Also,” she paused, “our previous business partners have already renewed their contract with our company!”
• Shen Peibai’s surprised demeanor was soon replaced by one of excitement. “Really? That’s great!” she exclaimed. However, her eyes were masked by a tinge of sadness, behind all the exhilaration. We are saved…
• Wang Sisi’s heart ached as she observed Shen Peibai’s actions. Could you be anymore naive? Do you think I have such capability? He was behind all these. Wang Sisi gaped in silence as she swallowed her words, recalling Lin Jue’s favor.
• “Sisi, are you alright? Shouldn’t you be happy that the company is back on its feet?” Taking notice of the fact that Wang Sisi was not being her usual self, Shen Peibai asked, “Why do you look so sad?”
• “I’m not sad.” Wang Sisi waved her arm dismissively and answered. “Besides, I’ve got some great news! I’ve won us a lunch through a sweepstake at the Crystal Palace. Hurry up! Let me assist you with your makeup before we get going! It starts at ten.”
• “Crystal Palace?! Really?! Seems like the God of Luck is with you, Sisi.” Shen Peibai exclaimed, feeling excited for her friend’s strike of luck. “Alright, alright. I’ll go get ready.”
• Shen Peibai had tried on a few different dresses, which were all rejected by Sisi, to her dismay. Under Wang Sisi’s supervision and advice, Shen Peibai finally decided on a pair of white heels and a long white dress that accentuated the shape of her bare shoulders.
• Shen Peibai scrutinized herself in the mirror before cringing her brows. “Don’t you think I look like a bride in this white dress and heels?” she questioned.
• “A bride? Who are you kidding?” Wang Sisi swallowed her saliva, refuting Shen Peibai’s claim. “Come on, let’s go.” Grabbing the hand of an elegantly dressed Shen Peibai, Wang Sisi led the woman who was in full makeup to the luxurious lunch.
• Hand in hand, Wang Sisi and Shen Peibai entered the Crystal palace, just ten minutes before their set appointment.
• Shen Peibai was in awe.
• Rows of angelic-looking girls stood at attention on both sides of the cleanly laid out carpets. These girls were dressed in white and they held violins in their hands, stringing along their instruments as the two girls made their entry.
• A soft but lively melody filled the air. At the center of the hall stood a large round table. A few waitresses had begun to serve the dishes and desserts one after the other, as soon as the girls had settled down.
• “This, this is just too romantic,” Shen Peibai exclaimed in gratitude. “Thank you so much, Sisi.”
• “Let’s dig in.” Wang Sisi smiled before taking her first bite. She refused to speak in her own favor, as all these were the results of Lin Jue’s wholeheartedness towards Shen Peibai.
• With many exquisite dishes being served and a beautiful melody that was being played, Wang Sisi found herself feeling torn apart. She was on the almost on the verge of revealing the truth several times, but she had managed to suppress her urge as she recalled Lin Jue’s sorrowful words.
• The windows burst opened mid-lunch, as white petals of roses fell above their heads to a familiar melody of a love song.
• “Wow, it’s so pretty. Sisi, look!” Shen Peibai gasped at the ethereal beauty of the falling petals.
• Wang Sisi kept silent.
• “Sisi, hurry up, look. It’s so beautiful.” At Wang Sisi’s silence, Shen Peibai turned back to look at Wang Sisi.
• She watched her friend break down in tears, eyes full of indescribable emotions.
• “You think I did all this?” Wang Sisi rose from her seat and growled out. “Do you really believe that Jiang Chenru would meet up with a small executive from a small company?”
• “It was Lin Jue. He helped the company last night. He gave me the message about this place last night. All that you are seeing now was his doing and he urged me to keep this to myself for the sake of your happiness. But I can’t… I can’t take this anymore! Do you know how much he loves you, Peibai?”
• Shen Peibai lost it at Wang Sisi’s words. They were like a thunder, waking her up from a sweet dream. Before she realized it, rolls of tears began to stain her cheeks.