Where Discontent Lies in Ignorance of What is Enough

"No need, I have things to attend to and should head back now."

At this moment, unable to discern Li Guanqi's true intentions, Su Cheng didn’t dare to recklessly get closer to her.

Not to mention, he had already promised Ji Qingyi and her household that he wouldn’t engage in overly intimate contact with other women.

Let alone sitting alone in a café drinking coffee—it would look like nothing short of a secret rendezvous.

"Then… see you on Monday." Li Guanqi didn’t press further, merely lowering her head and tightening her grip on the lunchbox in her hands.

"Mm, you too." Su Cheng replied softly, showing no trace of reluctance as he walked straight home.

Right now, the most urgent matter was drafting a dating plan with the club president.

Li Guanqi held onto her stuffed dumpling plushie, watching his retreating figure with deep, unfathomable eyes.

After a long while—

She turned and entered the café.

"Knock knock~" She habitually made a sound to catch the attention of the staff at the counter, then ordered a juice. She found a seat at random, placed the plushie on the table, and let her gaze drift idly over the scenery outside the window.

For now, the plan of action had already taken effect.

At the very least, Su Cheng no longer showed the same obvious resistance and aversion he had that morning.

And moreover…

She pulled out her phone and glanced at the screen, which displayed Su Cheng’s social media contact—they had exchanged details earlier that afternoon.

The juice arrived, placed on the table by the server.

She tucked away her thoughts, picked up a straw, and stirred the drink.

She believed that, given enough time, all truths would eventually unravel.

After taking a sip, she absentmindedly touched the spatial ring on her finger, then shifted her gaze to her bag.

Inside the bag was a book.

Titled The Fundamental Laws of Web Novel Male Leads.

While many of its points aligned with Su Cheng’s current situation, just as many didn’t—or rather, she simply hadn’t observed them yet. That was why studying Su Cheng was so crucial.

About ten minutes later, she left the café and took a private car home.

As the vehicle entered the exclusive residential compound—

A fleeting glimpse of the buildings outside the car window.

She had long grown accustomed to these structures, though someday they might fade from memory. Yet today, framed by the dark tint of the window, she spotted a figure she would never forget.

Amidst the grayish haze outside, that silhouette stood out starkly, radiating an aura so sharp it was impossible to ignore.

It was Gu Ruoxue.

"Stop the car."

The driver immediately hit the brakes and turned to ask respectfully, "Miss, are you getting off here?"

"Yes."

She stepped out and hurried toward the figure.

The person ahead seemed to sense something, turning slightly to look.

"Senior Gu, how have you been lately?"

Li Guanqi approached and gave a slight bow.

Gu Ruoxue studied her, her gaze lingering on the lunchbox in Li Guanqi’s hand before replying, "No one visits without a reason. Did you suffer a setback elsewhere and come seeking reinforcements?"

Li Guanqi stiffened for a moment before nodding in admission.

"Senior’s insight is as sharp as ever. There is indeed something I’d like to consult you about."

Gu Ruoxue remained silent, as if weighing her thoughts, before finally nodding after a long pause.

The two entered a house—Gu Ruoxue’s private residence, where she lived alone.

Once inside, Gu Ruoxue motioned for her to wait and retreated into the bedroom.

Li Guanqi didn’t follow, instead taking a seat in the living room.

Soon, Gu Ruoxue emerged in loungewear. Seeing Li Guanqi sitting there idly, she sighed softly, went to the kitchen, and returned with a pot of tea, pouring a cup for her guest.

"Thank you."

"You may ask now, but I may not answer, nor guarantee the answer will be what you hope for."

Li Guanqi lifted her eyes to meet Gu Ruoxue’s, her tone calm. "Senior Gu, there’s something I’d like to ask you."

Gu Ruoxue nodded, waiting.

"Senior, you once mentioned—"

Before she could finish, Li Guanqi felt something brush against her leg beneath the stone table. She looked down—

Under the table, an enormous orange cat had its back to her, its fluffy tail swaying—likely the culprit behind the touch on her calf.

Li Guanqi blinked in surprise, her mind racing to identify the creature.

Conclusion: a very large orange cat.

Gu Ruoxue pinched the bridge of her nose in exasperation, then bent down to scoop the cat into her arms, stroking its fur. "My apologies. It’s usually quite unruly. It must have slipped out when I opened the bedroom door."

"Meow~" The cat chirped as if understanding her.

"It’s fine. Chubby cats are adorable."

Li Guanqi nodded in understanding before asking curiously, "What’s its name?"

"It’s… called Cheng Cat." Gu Ruoxue hesitated briefly before answering plainly.

Hearing the name, Li Guanqi’s eyes narrowed slightly. The implications were too significant.

"Cheng as in… the fruit?"

She tested the waters with the question.

"Yes."

Li Guanqi steadied herself and pressed on in her usual tone. "Then it seems my earlier question already has an answer. Senior, could you share what you know?"

"That, I cannot answer."

Gu Ruoxue set the cat down and gave its rear a light pat, shooing it back to its bed before shaking her head at Li Guanqi.

The closest path to the truth was right before her, yet out of reach. Li Guanqi felt a pang of frustration and was about to plead for even a scrap of information when Gu Ruoxue’s earlier words flashed through her mind.

"I may not give you the answer you hope for."

Meaning… this refusal was the answer?

If so, given Gu Ruoxue’s principles, perhaps she could try this approach…

"I understand. Thank you for your answer, Senior." She inclined her head. "Then, does Senior know about my memory loss?"

"I do."

"Did you just learn of it, or have you known for a while?"

"That, I cannot answer."

A flicker of excitement stirred in Li Guanqi’s chest. She was now certain her broader direction was correct—Gu Ruoxue did know much more than she let on. But for some reason, she wouldn’t step in to help recover those memories. Considering her character, the most plausible explanation was… impartiality?

And if impartiality was the issue…

Her thoughts raced through recent events before she voiced her boldest hypothesis.

"Do Su Cheng and Ji Qingyi also have circumstances similar to mine?"

"That question, I cannot answer."

Gu Ruoxue lifted her teacup for a sip, unsurprised. As expected, Li Guanqi only became this proactive when her own interests were at stake.

Should I praise her for being sharp—or just shrewd?

On the other side, having received an answer, Li Guanqi suddenly understood—at the very least, her memory loss was strongly connected to Su Cheng and Ji Qingyi. Combining this with the earlier questions, it seemed that in some way, she and Ji Qingyi were in competition.

Competition over what? Something to do with Su Cheng?

The idea that she would compete with someone over matters related to Su Cheng’s fiancé left Li Guanqi momentarily stunned. Then what about Gu Ruoxue?

She seemed to share a similar relationship with Su Cheng. Did that mean she and Li Guanqi were also rivals? But if that were the case, why would Gu Ruoxue answer her questions in the first place?

The more Li Guanqi thought about it, the more curious she became, and she couldn’t help but ask, "What about you, senior? Do we—do I—share a similar situation or goal with you?"

Gu Ruoxue inwardly laughed. Only when it came to this topic would Li Guanqi be so direct. If only she could apply this same determination to her own family affairs, things wouldn’t have spiraled into such danger.

Setting down her teacup, Gu Ruoxue shook her head.

"At least not for now, because there’s no point."

"No point?"

Li Guanqi was taken aback. Was she saying that everything—whether it involved herself, Ji Qingyi, or Su Cheng—was ultimately meaningless?

The more she dwelled on it, the more confused she became, and the question slipped out before she could stop herself.

"Why?"

Gu Ruoxue had initially intended to avoid answering, but then reconsidered. If she let Li Guanqi keep obsessing like this, it would only lead to more trouble for her in the future. Better to offer a few clues and let her figure things out on her own—it would save her the headache.

After choosing her words carefully, she replied, "If this were some time ago, I wouldn’t have been so certain. But now, I can say this with confidence."

"Because the stage is false. In my eyes, nothing will ultimately hold much meaning, nor will it change anything. No matter how much a deserter runs, the war must still be fought in the end."

"No meaning? So, in your view, senior, all my efforts will amount to nothing in the end? But I don’t think that’s right."

Li Guanqi shook her head. "Whether something has meaning or not is ultimately for the individual to decide."

Her tone carried a rare firmness and stubbornness.

Gu Ruoxue lifted her gaze to meet hers.

Li Guanqi stared back unflinchingly.

Gu Ruoxue’s pupils were clear as lake water, undisturbed by even a ripple, as if they could reflect a person’s very soul. Her expression was calm, yet somehow, her emotions were palpable.

"Thank you, senior, for answering so many of my questions. This will be the last one."

She raised her hand, showing Gu Ruoxue the ring on her finger.

"For some reason, if I take off this ring, I feel an intense sense of agitation. The only time I can remove it without feeling that way is when I’m near Su Cheng. Do you or Ji Qingyi experience this too? And why is that?"

"Agitation is a manifestation of desire. The stronger the craving for something, the more intense the reaction."

"I see. I’m truly grateful for your answers today, senior."

Li Guanqi stood and bowed before leaving Gu Ruoxue’s pavilion. Absentmindedly twisting the ring on her finger, she mulled over the response she’d just received.

"Desire… Could it be Su Cheng?"