The Sorrow of Kong Huaijin

The time came to evening.

Inside a certain restaurant.

As the guy, Zhou Yi had to arrive first. He had bought flowers and was waiting for Kong Huaijin to arrive.

He hadn't come excessively early either. After waiting for about ten minutes, Kong Huaijin texted him saying she was almost there.

So, Zhou Yi went to the entrance to wait for her.

Zhou Yi was wearing a casual and comfortable tracksuit today, with a white hoodie under his jacket. The strands of hair on his forehead fell loosely, looking slightly tousled as the wind blew at the entrance.

This version of Zhou Yi seemed much more boyish compared to when he wore suits, full of youthful vitality.

Kong Huaijin liked a Zhou Yi who could be shy; her preference leaned towards the younger brother type, and Zhou Yi naturally played to her taste.

Kong Huaijin was wearing high heels today, which made driving inconvenient, so her family driver specially brought her.

A luxury car stopped at the entrance, drawing glances from people inside the restaurant.

A beautiful woman stepped out of the car, causing onlookers to gasp.

She had slightly wavy, chestnut-colored short hair, with her bangs pinned back by a diamond hair clip. The woman's features were exquisitely beautiful. She wore a beige tweed suit in a socialite style, with white high heels and the latest Chanel bag slung over her arm.

Just looking at her, one could imagine she smelled fragrant. Her looks and figure were no less than a celebrity's, even more elegant in bearing. It was clear she wasn't a girl from an ordinary family.

This version of Kong Huaijin was even more beautiful than her usual suited self, with less sharpness and more femininity, appearing much younger and prettier.

Even Zhou Yi was momentarily stunned. Because she looked somewhat different from her usual appearance, he was slightly surprised, but more than that, he found her stunning.

As soon as Kong Huaijin got out of the car, she spotted Zhou Yi at the entrance. He was tall and handsome, standing out conspicuously. Some people in the restaurant also recognized Zhou Yi.

Kong Huaijin walked straight towards Zhou Yi after getting out of the car. She didn't miss the look of admiration in his eyes.

She inwardly affirmed that it seemed Tongtong's advice was quite sound. Her makeover was definitely worth it, as evidenced by Zhou Yi's reaction.

Walking up to him, Kong Huaijin waved her hand in front of him. "What's wrong? Stunned?"

Zhou Yi pretended to snap out of it, shaking his head with a hint of shyness. "You're too beautiful today, sister. It's the first time I've seen you like this. I was a bit shocked."

Zhou Yi seemed even more like an adorable puppy now, and Kong Huaijin was very satisfied with his reaction.

What woman wouldn't want the person she likes to show an admiring and shy expression upon seeing her transformed?

Compared to some "clueless" men Su Tong had mentioned, Zhou Yi's reaction was the most satisfying to her.

If Zhou Yi had shown no reaction at all, she would not only have been hurt but also had her confidence shaken, and she probably wouldn't have bothered making an effort to change her appearance in the future.

Kong Huaijin looked over Zhou Yi's outfit for the day and said with a smile, "Ah Yi is very handsome today too, quite different from President Zhou in his suit and tie."

Zhou Yi simply gave a faint smile. "Let's go inside to talk. It's a bit cold out here."

After Zhou Yi and Kong Huaijin entered, some customers in the restaurant watched them. Naturally, some had seen Zhou Yi's gossip before and even recognized Kong Huaijin.

The clientele at this restaurant was mostly young people, many of whom used Weibo. Soon, news of Zhou Yi and Kong Huaijin meeting spread in the supertopic.

Zhou Yi wasn't particularly nervous about this. It was just a meal. Even if he didn't explain, fans would help deny any speculation—that was the benefit of having fans.

Furthermore, he had a top-notch fighter ready to battle for him. He wasn't worried about Zhang Wu's eloquence losing any argument.

After entering the private room and sitting down, they ordered food and continued their conversation.

Kong Huaijin first asked about Zhou Yi's experiences abroad, then brought up his piano playing.

"I never heard you mention you could play the piano before. I didn't expect Ah Yi to be so talented."

Zhou Yi replied modestly, "It's just a hobby, not really something worth mentioning."

Kong Huaijin sighed. "You're really something. Sometimes you seem like such a cute younger brother, other times you're so steady you don't seem like a student at all. You're good in every way."

Kong Huaijin's eyes were filled with delight.

She liked Zhou Yi's shy, boyish side in private, and also admired his steady demeanor as a CEO. Both aspects suited her preferences perfectly. How could she not like him?

If Zhou Yi acted all blushingly shy in his role as a CEO, she would then think he lacked the demeanor a man should have.

Ultimately, it was about wanting both qualities, and only Zhou Yi could satisfy her in this way.

"Someone like you, sister, who's beautiful, kind, and highly capable, is also good in every way. Compared to you, I'm nothing much."

Zhou Yi's compliment made Kong Huaijin's eyes curve into happy crescents. She tilted her head and said, "Then why don't you date me, sister?"

Zhou Yi pretended to look downcast. "You're too perfect, sister. I'm afraid I couldn't handle it. And also..."

"And also what?"

"You know about the last time I trended on Weibo. There are always many women around me. I'm afraid you wouldn't like that."

Hearing this, Kong Huaijin actually comforted him.

"Don't think like that. It's not like you want it to be that way. It's inevitable to have contact with the opposite sex in life; that's normal. Who can guarantee they'll only be surrounded by the same sex? That would be chaotic. Besides, I'm not the jealous type."

Kong Huaijin truly trusted Zhou Yi completely, not doubting him in the slightest.

At this point, Zhou Yi let out a somewhat sad, bitter laugh and said,

"Ah, there's one more thing. I'm going to City A soon. Who knows how many more chances we'll have to meet in the future."

Hearing this, Kong Huaijin was taken aback. Compared to the issues with other women Zhou Yi mentioned, distance was the pressure and gap she felt most clearly at this moment.

Everything for the Kong family was in Huaihai. She wasn't a woman who would abandon her career for a man. Between the two, she had to make a clear-cut choice.

Most importantly, she and Zhou Yi weren't even a couple.

If Zhou Yi and she were mutually in love, she might persuade herself to go all out. But there wasn't even a hint of that between her and Zhou Yi. How could she possibly give up everything?

Kong Huaijin wasn't like You Man. The burden on her shoulders was too heavy. The Kong family needed her; she wasn't someone without attachments.

She was lost in thought, silent, a trace of sorrow in her eyes.

Kong Huaijin looked at him sadly and asked softly, "Have you already decided? When are you leaving?"

Zhou Yi replied regretfully, "I'm leaving at the end of the month."