Shi Xinxin replied to Wen Xiaoxiao, "We're still good friends going through hardship together, why say that?"
Wen Xiaoxiao simply made a face at her.
After chatting with Wen Xiaoxiao, Shi Xinxin recalled the moment after lunch when she had gathered her courage to enter the director's office and inform her director. She still felt a sense of lingering fear.
In fact, Shi Xinxin was doing quite well at the magazine, and the director appreciated her. However, Shi Xinxin rarely asked for anything proactively, so this time she felt somewhat apprehensive. Moreover, she wasn't the only one applying for the opportunity; everyone else was so outstanding that Shi Xinxin wasn't overly confident.
"You want to go to America for further studies too?" The director was surprised by Shi Xinxin's decision, as he had always thought of her as someone content with her current situation.
Shi Xinxin nodded. "Yes, this is a rare opportunity, and I want to try."
The director didn't intend to hide his surprise. "I didn't expect you to want to pursue further studies in America."
"Is it that hard to imagine?" Shi Xinxin hadn't anticipated that so many people would be surprised when she voiced this idea.
"Not exactly, it's just... a feeling." The director pondered, unsure how to respond to Shi Xinxin, unable to articulate it.
Shi Xinxin smiled slightly. "Is that so? People always have to walk a new path. I just want to choose a new road and give it a try. After all, work is the most important thing. Only by improving myself can I stand out in my work, right?"
Shi Xinxin's words made the director nod. "I never thought you were this kind of girl before."
"Alright, wait for my news. Hopefully, it's good news."
Shi Xinxin nodded. "Thank you."
As she walked out of the director's office, Shi Xinxin still felt a bit dazed. Although she had this idea, she hadn't seriously considered it before going directly to the director to apply.
What if she actually got accepted?
Suddenly, Shi Xinxin's mind flashed with Sheng Chenjin's face. If this really happened, Sheng Chenjin, would we truly be over, finished?
Staying in this place, this familiar city, I will think of you. Once I go to a strange city, without your presence, and am busy with my studies, will I be able to forget you? A year is enough time to get to know someone, and I think it's also enough time to forget someone, leaving not even a trace.
Shi Xinxin gathered all her thoughts, not intending to let others easily discover the sadness in her eyes. Taking a deep breath, she continued her work.
It seemed as though longing had a telepathic connection. Just as Shi Xinxin was thinking of Sheng Chenjin, Sheng Chenjin was also thinking of her.
Since their separation, Sheng Chenjin had not been doing well either. His face had lost its smile, and his assistants and employees had sensed the low pressure in the company for some time, as if the boss might erupt over something soon.
During work hours, Sheng Chenjin's internal monologue was to focus his mind and pour all his energy into his work, to not think of certain people. But the more he tried to forget, the more he didn't want to deliberately recall, that person would linger in his mind.
This was Sheng Chenjin's torment. So, at night, aside from social engagements, Sheng Chenjin liked to get himself drunk. While drunk, he could temporarily forget these things, forget that person.
But why did his heart still ache? In the end, Sheng Chenjin had no choice but to be trapped in his longing for Shi Xinxin and fall into a deeper sleep.
"Shi Xinxin, why didn't you discuss it with me first? How could you make such a decision on your own?" When Tang Tang heard the news Shi Xinxin told her, her surprised voice was no less than Wen Xiaoxiao's.
Shi Xinxin lowered her head and ate, seemingly unfazed by Tang Tang's astonishment.
Seeing Shi Xinxin still looking down and eating, completely ignoring her, Tang Tang directly poked Shi Xinxin's head with her finger. "What are you thinking about?"
Shi Xinxin clutched her head in pain. "What are you doing, Tang Tang?"
"I should be asking you what you're doing! You're a young woman, America is such a dangerous place, you don't know anyone, and your English isn't that good. How could you..." Tang Tang found it difficult to finish her sentence.
But Shi Xinxin remained calm, rubbing her aching head and saying irritably, "Then according to you, are all those people who go abroad to study miserable? Are they not doing well?"
Tang Tang gave Shi Xinxin a glare, looking as if she completely refused to engage with her.
Shi Xinxin smacked her lips. How could she not know that Tang Tang was looking out for her? But... this situation couldn't go on. Shi Xinxin thought she had to find a way to resolve it, so she chose to go to America. But how could she dare to say this to Tang Tang?
Shi Xinxin could already imagine Tang Tang's expression if she heard her real reason.
"Actually, I know even if you don't say it."
Tang Tang's sudden, uncalled-for statement made Shi Xinxin freeze, staring at Tang Tang blankly.
Tang Tang looked directly at Shi Xinxin. "Don't think I can't see through you. Isn't it all for Sheng Chenjin?"
Just as Shi Xinxin was about to speak, Tang Tang raised a finger to stop her.
Shi Xinxin had no choice but to close her mouth and listen to Tang Tang.
"You want to deny it, don't you?"
Shi Xinxin pouted, looking like she wanted to speak but couldn't.
"Look at you now, so pathetic. I know it's for Sheng Chenjin. It's just a heartbreak, a breakup. Sheng Chenjin is such a scummy person, how is he worth you being like this?" Tang Tang looked exasperated.
Shi Xinxin lowered her head, like a child who had done something wrong. "I don't want to either. Perhaps... this is fate."
Tang Tang became more animated. "You're going abroad to escape because of a man? Do you think this continent belongs to that man? Aren't you childish?"
"Tang Tang!" Shi Xinxin raised her head. "You haven't experienced it, so you don't understand! I... I don't want this either, but I just can't help it. I thought perhaps a year would be enough for me to completely forget, to not dream of him every night, to not miss him every moment."
Shi Xinxin finally poured out all her emotions since the breakup. She still couldn't forget Sheng Chenjin. He was like a thorn deeply embedded in her heart, causing pain every time she thought of touching it.