Jufeng sat beside his sister, naturally steering the conversation toward her.
"Sis, I think you shouldn't go back. After all, it's just college no matter where you are. Why not stay at Magellanic Star?"
Liu Xiao shot a glance at the mischievous Jufeng and pinched the inner thigh of Brother Feng with all her might, eliciting a pained yelp from him. Satisfied with her small victory, she released him, fully aware that her pinch hadn't been hard at all and that Jufeng's exaggerated reaction was purely for show.
"Of course I have to go back! There's no place like home! Besides, my curfew is really strict; just ask Cousin."
Liu Xiao pouted, putting on a feigned look of grievance as her gaze shifted to Second Sister.
Liu Hengying smiled gracefully and said, "It's not that exaggerated for Sis. It's just that Uncle's house is indeed stricter. The fact that she could come out this time is thanks to my repeated assurances. There's no way she can stay."
Jufeng knew a bit about this situation. Liu Xiao came from a prestigious family with a strong emphasis on academics, making it quite difficult for her to sneak away and gather with her sisters.
After Second Sister finished speaking, Jufeng suddenly remembered something important; they were about to leave here and fly back to Earth soon.
"Second Sister, you should start preparing for your graduation too. Otherwise, why don't we go back together? The company might face some issues recently, and I could use your support to turn the situation around."
Jufeng's words were sincere, but more importantly, he was considering Second Sister's future. Among the sisters, only Sister Dai and Eldest Sister were truly suited for the entertainment industry—one specializing in broadcasting and the other in music. As for the other sisters, they were merely enjoying their leisure time together due to their deep friendship and had little attachment to pursuing such careers.
Sister Dai looked at Jufeng with eyes full of affection. Then she turned to Second Sister and said, "Yeah, Second Sister, why don't you accompany Sis back? With me and Eldest Sister here, we’ll be just fine."
Wen Yun nodded in agreement.
Second Sister accepted Jufeng's invitation with great joy in her heart. Girls like Sister Five were all stubbornly willing to fight for their dreams. However, she also had to consider the bonds of sisterhood. Now that both sisters had expressed their intentions, she felt reassured about going back.
"Alright then, I'll accompany my sister back. As for the matter regarding Zongheng Express, I will need your help, Feng."
"Wherever you go, we are all family."
Jufeng chatted with the sisters, oblivious to the presence of another woman in the room. Claudia felt a wave of irritation rise within her as she saw everyone engaged in lively conversation. She stood up and said coolly, "You all carry on; I'm going to bed." With that, she returned to her room.
The atmosphere grew cold. Liu Xiao let out a couple of huffs under her breath and shot a glare at Jufeng. Reluctantly, she gently patted her thigh before dragging her slippers back to her own room. She was heading home the next morning and wanted to take advantage of the time to rest, lest the journey wear her out and harm her health.
Second Sister and Eldest Sister soon followed suit, leaving only Jufeng and his partner along with Tong Bailong, who was engrossed in eating.
Lu Qijia stood up and walked over to Jufeng's side, smiling sweetly as she said, "You should go check on her. We women can naturally see how she feels about you. I've talked to her a lot in private; she's a good woman, and you should cherish her."
Jufeng had always been hesitant to confront his feelings. On the battlefield, he was a valiant warrior who could withstand any challenge; yet in matters of the heart, he felt like a cowardly deserter. He could sense the emotions of those around him but was afraid to face them. He believed he had not physically strayed or betrayed anyone, but his heart struggled to defend his own nature as a philanderer.
He gently embraced Lu Qijia and murmured, "Jia'er, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have... never again..."
Before Jufeng could finish his sentence, Lu Qijia suddenly lifted her head and pressed her lips against his. After a moment, she slowly pulled away.
"This isn't your fault. When I have time to think, I realize that no matter what happens, you should be my man—only mine. Even if other women are exceptional, I don't want to share you with them. It wasn't until that night at the concert when you almost left me behind that I truly understood what right do I have to expect you to live only for me?"
"You are different from ordinary people; we cannot live a life of simple comforts. Since I've chosen you, I must bear all the consequences. Isn't it good like this? I know you love me; even if you love others, your love for me remains unique. Besides, I'm still your first woman—having that is enough for me."
Jufeng gazed at the woman so close to him—her familiar face, flawless skin, and genuine happiness made him feel that momentarily, the most innocent and naive words in the world were incredibly convincing.
If you are by my side, even if the whole world stands against me, what is there to fear!
The midnight breeze was slightly cool as Claudia stood on the balcony, letting the wind brush against her face. Perhaps it was to awaken herself, to remind her that what lay before her was reality, while the thoughts in her heart were merely fleeting clouds.
Claudia did not regret her choice to go to Jufeng. Was it for gambling? Or was it merely impulsive?
She sometimes wondered if this treatment of herself was truly right. Love is inherently selfish; there are no reasons that could make a person learn to share. Since she was unwilling to watch her own feelings suffer, she had no choice but to hide away here.
With a vast river of three thousand streams, only one ladle is taken—who is the one drawing the water?
Suddenly, the wind on the balcony grew stronger. Claudia tightened her collar and gazed into the boundless night, knowing it was time to return.
In that moment of turning around, a longed-for figure appeared in her sight. She rubbed her eyes in disbelief, and once assured of his presence, she stood frozen, unsure of what to do next. The wind tousled her long hair, and tears swirled in her eyes.
Jufeng stepped forward, removed his coat, and gently wrapped it around Claudia's shoulders. It felt just like that night in Washing City during Canglang's Floating Life when the Holy Judgment Council had arrived uninvited—soft and considerate.
Jufeng gently cupped Claudia's face with his hands, softly wiping away the tears that spilled from her eyes. He whispered, "It's cold outside; let's go inside."
At that moment, tears burst forth like a flood breaking through a dam, instantly overwhelming Claudia's slightly ajar heart. She had lost—lost beyond redemption, lost completely.
The next morning, in a disheveled room scattered with women's clothing, light streamed in from the balcony, casting a warm glow over everything.
Claudia lay on the bed, still unable to believe the events of last night. Everything felt like a dream, yet the sights around the room spoke of an undeniable truth. She felt so happy, so blissful, that she laughed foolishly, almost like someone unhinged.
She knew that the man had set off on his journey, continuing down the path that men were meant to take, while all she needed to do was be a woman behind the scenes, quietly supporting him.
After getting up and washing up, she opened the door just in time to bump into Lu Qijia passing by. Claudia's expression was somewhat unnatural as she struggled to find the right words.
But then Jia'er said, "Good morning! Hurry and wash up for breakfast; you must try my cooking this morning."
Claudia was taken aback for a moment, but then a smile blossomed on her face. She nodded vigorously, and before she knew it, she found herself embracing Lu Qijia uncontrollably.
The two shared a gentle hug before pulling away, feeling an extraordinary happiness!
(To be continued)
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