Black Bellied President Dotes on Wife Chapter 1: The Old and The New
Six months had now elapsed since her return to China. Summer transitioned to autumn, which then yielded to winter. Throughout this period, the distinct temperature shifts in the vibrant coastal metropolis of A were readily apparent, a stark contrast to New Zealand where she had pursued her studies – a land perpetually warm as spring, possessing a beauty that words could scarcely capture.
Shangguan Ning, attired in a cerulean sweater paired with navy jeans, was piloting a white Audi A4 at a measured pace.
Her complexion was of a pure, alabaster hue, complemented by her tall and slender physique. Even the most understated attire could not conceal the inherent freshness and captivating charisma she possessed.
The heavens were veiled in a dim moonlight, and the oceanic breeze, wafting through the partially opened car window, caressed her lustrous, long tresses. The melodic strains of Claude Debussy’s "Clair de Lune" filled the air, imbuing the moment with an inexplicable tenderness.
Below a quiescent magnolia tree, a couple embraced, their connection radiating an almost palpable energy. They were so entwined, as if the rest of the world had ceased to exist, their passionate love blazing so intensely that even observers from afar could feel its heat.
A maelstrom of envy, jealousy, regret, and pain churned within her.
Shangguan Ning’s heart felt as though it were being torn asunder, and tears began to cascade down her cheeks, escaping her conscious control.
With a hurried movement, she retrieved a tissue and daintily dabbed at her eyes.
"You vowed to cease dwelling on him! You promised not to languish like a fool. He does not love you, nor is he deserving of your thoughts. Let it all go, and eventually, peace will prevail."
She inhaled sharply, striving to regain her composure.
Yet, fate seemed intent on thwarting her, introducing further complications.
A man, garbed in a pale green plaid shirt, was at the helm of a black Land Rover, navigating towards her. He was a handsome individual, exuding an air of refined and elegant charm. Seated beside him was a young woman in a pink dress, her shoulder-length hair framing a gentle and beautiful countenance.
Their intertwined silhouettes, engaged in what appeared to be a joyful conversation, pierced Shangguan Ning’s gaze.
She had harbored the belief that she could face such a sight with a smile. But why, at this precise moment, did her heart ache with such an overwhelming intensity that it felt as though she were suffocating?
She fervently wished to never cross paths with them again, for each encounter only served as a painful reminder of her past folly.
"Ning, there is no need for you to persevere any longer. I am appreciative of the care you've shown me over this extended period, but my heart does not belong to you. I have always cherished you as a sister. My love is for Xue. She possesses a kind heart, and I forbid you from causing her any distress. I shall repay your kindness in due course!"
His words echoed in her mind, utterly shattering her heart.
How absurd it all seemed! They had been apart for merely a summer holiday, only for him to declare he had discovered his soulmate as the new school term commenced!
Four years had passed, and she discovered, to her dismay, that she had remained unable to forget. "Shangguan Ning, you are utterly pathetic!"
Her grip tightened on the steering wheel, her knuckles turning stark white.
Just as she was about to accelerate, the occupants of the opposing vehicle noticed her.
Two voices, a mixture of surprise and guilt, arose simultaneously.
"Sister!"
"Ning!"
A chilling numbness spread through Shangguan Ning’s entire being, even as a tempest raged within her heart. She proceeded onward, her expression impassive, as if they were mere phantoms.
Shangguan Rouxue, the young woman in the Land Rover, could not refrain from calling out once more, "Sister!"
However, the white Audi continued its trajectory without a backward glance.
Shangguan Rouxue’s delicate features were suddenly inundated with tears.
Her sweet voice carried a tone of profound remorse and guilt. "Zhuojun, my sister must still be angry with me. It was all my doing. I betrayed her trust. I should not have..."
Xie Zhuojun’s heart ached at the sight of Shangguan Rouxue’s crestfallen visage, and his own sense of guilt toward Shangguan Ning diminished considerably.
He gently guided the car to the roadside and drew Shangguan Rouxue into his embrace.
Offering solace, he tenderly wiped the tears from her cheeks. "This has absolutely nothing to do with you. It was I who wronged her. However, I will make amends with her at a later time. Regardless, it is you whom I have always wished to marry."
These assurances brought a wave of emotion to Shangguan Rouxue.
As she was about to respond, Xie Zhuojun inquired, a hint of confusion in his voice, "When did she return to China?"
"I am not entirely certain either. My sister has altered her telephone number, and she has not responded to any of my emails. Mother and Father have been quite concerned about her absence as well. I often wonder if she has been managing well all these years. She was entirely on her own over there, with no one to tend to her should she fall ill. She is such a remarkably stubborn woman, and just now she... Ah, it is all my fault, I should never have... fallen in love with you. What am I to do, Zhuojun, I feel so terribly guilty..." she confessed, her voice trailing off.
Xie Zhuojun had not anticipated that a single question from him would plunge Shangguan Rouxue back into self-reproach. Perceiving he had uttered something amiss, a smile, though forced, graced his handsome features.
He attempted to soothe her, stating, “Do not fret about her; let us discuss something more uplifting.”
Shangguan Rouxue mustered a cheerful facade, responding with a slightly nasal tone, “Yes, alright.”
Observing the girl in his embrace striving to maintain her composure for his sake, Xie Zhuojun reached a definitive conclusion within himself.
“Xue, let us go and select a dress tomorrow.”
“Huh? What dress? Is it for your company’s event?”
“No, this dress is for our engagement ceremony.”
Shangguan Rouxue tilted her elegant face upwards in mild astonishment. She was acutely aware of how her profile appeared from this particular angle.
Large eyes glistening with unshed tears, she softly uttered his name, deeply moved, “Zhuojun…”
Her voice, like that of a child, seemed saturated with profound devotion, instantly dispelling Xie Zhuojun’s wavering emotions that had been stirred by Shangguan Ning’s appearance.
Lowering his head, he eagerly pressed his lips against her slightly pouting, rosy ones, commencing with a gentle kiss that soon deepened into a more fervent embrace.
The pair swiftly became lost in each other, their clothes being shed. The atmosphere within the car grew increasingly heated.
Shangguan Rouxue’s face and lips were flushed with desire. Her gaze roamed as she whispered softly, “Not here, Zhuojun. Let us go home, please…”
The engine of the Land Rover roared to life immediately, propelling them forward like the wind in a specific direction.
As for the young woman named Shangguan Ning, she was merely a fleeting presence.
Shangguan Ning drove at a considerable speed, unsure how much time elapsed before she could reawaken from her sorrowful state.
She recognized the likelihood of her complexion having turned quite pale, though she had no mirror to confirm it. She felt like a disheveled woman desperately attempting to maintain control.
Yet, paradoxically, despite the overwhelming sensation that crushed her heart like a tidal wave, not a single tear escaped. She had imagined she would weep until her eyes resembled swollen peaches.
A self-derisive sneer touched her lips – had the pain been so profound that she had become desensitized?
Pulling her car over to the roadside, she closed her eyes, overcome by exhaustion. Leaning back against the seat, she willed herself to cease all thought.
A lively and engaging melody began to play. Shangguan Ning’s eyes fluttered open, her gaze falling upon her cell phone. The screen displayed the name “Mr. Guo Shuai.”
A jolt went through her – she had completely forgotten about her appointment that evening.
Oh no, she must be running late. Guo Shuai was renowned for his punctuality; he would surely be furious.
Shangguan Ning quickly checked the time. Their scheduled meeting was at 19:30, and it was already 19:40. Her emotional turmoil had caused her to navigate towards an unintended location.
The western restaurant where they were meant to meet was a fifteen-minute drive from her current position.
She answered the call, striving to keep her voice steady, “Hello, Mr. Guo. Have you arrived yet?”
A displeased male voice emanated from the phone. “Ms. Shangguan. I have been awaiting your arrival for thirteen minutes. Do you consider yourself too arrogant to arrive on time for our second date?”