Love and Desire in the Sea [Complete] - 16

page views:1 Publication date:2023-03-24

Love and Desire (111) Chapter 109

Mao Yuqin and Ouyang Yiming were very interested in Vice Mayor Tang's introduction. Ouyang Yiming also seemed very excited, thinking to himself that if this were the case, he would be able to complete the experimental project that Professor Cheng had assigned him after graduation. However, he still had doubts about whether such a research institute could have a good future and whether it could be as good as Vice Mayor Tang described. So he asked, "Mayor Tang, what kind of research projects does this research institute conduct?"

Vice Mayor Tang replied, "Anything that's high-tech—meaning projects that are still very advanced in our country and even the world—we can do. Our high-tech research institute doesn't categorize projects; we're not a single research institution. What we research are all highly advanced and practical projects. In other words, we want to quickly transform our research results into productivity, applying them to specific production processes to create value." He continued,

"Our current approach is to first build workshops to absorb the research results ourselves, gradually maturing them in production, and then transferring them to generate profit.

To put it bluntly, we want to use our intellect and research results to exchange for money from companies that need our research. Or, to put it another way, we're promoting our research results to companies and collecting technology transfer fees. To put it even more bluntly, we're selling our research results and technology." He finished with a happy laugh.

Mao Yuqin smiled after hearing this and said, "We understand. This is a very good idea. Scientific and technological achievements should be rewarded by those who benefit from them when they are transformed into productive forces." Vice Mayor Tang said,

"Yes, that's the concept we have now. The country also supports it. This is also a concrete manifestation of valuing science and technology and making good use of scientific and technological talents."

"Furthermore, we have formulated many preferential policies for scientific and technological personnel. Intellectuals will also roll up their sleeves and start researching. I think our research institute will have a very promising future." Mao Yuqin nodded and said, "Yes, with such good national policies and the attention of city leaders like you, intellectuals will be increasingly valued. I think this research institute will also be a stage for scientific and technological personnel to showcase their talents." Mayor Tang said, "That's right."

He turned around, picked up two business cards from the table, stood up, and walked over, saying, "These are my business cards." Ouyang Yiming and his mother stood up and took them. Vice Mayor Tang said, "How about this, we'll go to the research institute so you can learn more about it." Mao Yuqin said, "That would be great." Vice Mayor Tang took the phone and said into the receiver, "Get ready to get out of the car, I'm going to the research institute." After hanging up, he smiled and said to Ouyang Yiming and his mother, "I get really excited when I talk about the research institute." Mao Yuqin smiled and said, "It's also your hard work." Vice Mayor Tang said, "Yes, what we lack now is talent." Looking at Ouyang Yiming, he said, "Our hopes are still on you." He smiled and said, "Let's go, let's go."

They went downstairs, and the car was already waiting there. After the three got into the car, Vice Mayor Tang said, "The research institute is in the eastern suburbs. It used to be a research base for edible fungi and superior goats, but it stopped developing due to a lack of development. This base covers more than 120 acres and has a seven-story building. Haha, in the near future, it will become a nationally renowned high-tech base integrating science, industry, and trade.

I am very confident." After driving for half an hour, the driver pulled up to the gate of a large compound by the roadside. Vice Mayor Tang said to the driver, "Stop here." The driver stopped the car, and Vice Mayor Tang said, "Let's walk over." After getting out of the car, Ouyang Yiming saw a vertical sign hanging on one side of the gate, with the words "Panzhou High-tech Research Institute" written in bold black characters. The two steel mesh gates were tightly closed, while the side gate was open. A seven-story office building stood about a hundred paces from the gate. In front of the building was a large, wide cement square with an artificial hill in the center. Pine and cypress trees were planted along the walls on both sides.

Vice Mayor Tang and Ouyang Yiming and his mother entered through the side gate. The gatekeeper stood at the entrance, fawningly greeting Vice Mayor Tang, then smiling and nodding to Ouyang Yiming and his mother before hurrying to open the main gate to let the car in. Vice Mayor Tang pointed to the artificial hill in the center of the square and said, "I plan to demolish this artificial hill and build a sculpture, a sculpture about science and technology." Mao Yuqin said, "Yes, it would suit this research institute." Vice Mayor Tang said, "That's right. I was very opposed to the municipal government's plan to build this edible fungus research base; the investment was huge. And sure enough, it was canceled. Well, that's good; our research institute got lucky. Haha, it's time for our research institute to develop; everything is ready now. How is it? The environment is alright, isn't it?" Mao Yuqin said, "The environment is quite good; it's a research place, quite quiet."

Vice Mayor Tang said, "The location isn't too remote; in a few years, this area will become part of the city. Considering the employees' commuting issues, we've provided a van and a jeep. If they want to live here, we can also arrange dormitories; we currently have..." "It's a small canteen, not serving many people. We'll build a larger one later when we expand. The current conditions aren't quite perfect."

Ouyang Yiming then asked, "What projects are being researched here now?" Vice Mayor Tang replied, "Currently, Vice Dean Wang is leading the research, mainly in the field of machinery. Some equipment is basically complete and is being refined. The project currently being refined is the kitchen machinery. After refinement, we'll apply for patents and begin production and technology transfer. Vice Dean Wang also has a very promising project: a liquid packaging machine, which is under research and has excellent prospects. The topic of livestock feed is also under research. We plan to conduct research in the field of chemical engineering, which is your major. We're also considering rubber and plastics, but we'll take it step by step."

As they were talking, they entered the building's lobby and met a young man in his twenties who greeted Vice Mayor Tang. Mayor Tang asked, "Is Dean Wang in his office?" The young man replied, "In the workshop in the back." Vice Mayor Tang turned to Ouyang Yiming and his mother and said, "Let's go to the back."

Turning past the office building, they saw a large courtyard with some simple buildings scattered around. About 30 or 40 meters behind the office building was a row of red-tiled bungalows, where some people in work clothes were busy at work. As they approached, the people inside clearly recognized Vice Mayor Tang. A man nearing fifty, wearing gloves, emerged with a broad smile. Vice Mayor Tang said, "This is Dean Wang." Mao Yuqin exclaimed in surprise, "The Dean works in the workshop too?" Vice Mayor Tang said, "Dean Wang is a very capable and decisive cadre. He personally conducts all the mechanical experiments. With such a responsible leader, there's no fear of the research institute failing. This is something the municipal party committee greatly appreciates."

Vice Dean Wang approached, warmly greeting them. Vice Mayor Tang pointed to Ouyang Yiming beside him and said, "This is the high-achieving student I told you about the other day, Ouyang Yiming." Then, pointing to Mao Yuqin, he said, "This is Ouyang Yiming's mother, a teacher at our No. 1 Middle School." Vice Dean Wang removed his gloves, saying "Welcome," and extended his hand to shake hands with Ouyang Yiming and his mother. Vice Dean Wang said, "Let's talk in the office." Vice Mayor Tang nodded and asked, "How is it? Is the steamed bun machine ready?" Vice Dean Wang said, "It's basically ready. A few improvements and it'll be finalized. We can apply for a patent soon." Vice Mayor Tang said, "You've worked hard." Vice Dean Wang smiled and said, "I had no choice; I was anxious." The group walked towards the building.

Vice Dean Wang was not tall, about 1.65 meters, with a round, chubby face, a buzz cut, bright eyes, and a wide mouth. He was slightly overweight. They went up to the second floor and entered a room—Vice Dean Wang's office. The office was very simple: a desk with a chair behind it, and two benches against the wall. A row of filing cabinets lined one wall. Vice Dean Wang took a water bottle, poured water, and then handed it to the group. Vice Dean Wang returned to his desk and sat down, saying, "Our office is quite simple right now. This isn't the time to indulge ourselves. We'll improve the conditions once we achieve profitability." Vice Mayor Tang said, "Yes, Vice Dean Wang and I both believe we should use the available funds for research as much as possible. We shouldn't waste time on superficial things. Without results, even the most beautifully decorated office is meaningless. In the future, as the research institute develops, we will renovate the office and the entire building to make it very impressive; it's a showcase, after all." Ouyang Yiming and his mother nodded in approval.

Vice Mayor Tang said to Vice Dean Wang, "I brought Ouyang Yiming and his mother to see you. Our research institute needs chemical engineering talent like Ouyang Yiming." Vice Dean Wang smiled and nodded, "Yes." Turning to Ouyang Yiming, he asked, "I heard you already have a great project?" Ouyang Yiming thought for a moment and said, "Specifically, this project is my professor's. We originally planned to work on it this year, but Professor Cheng got cancer and couldn't finish it. He entrusted the project to me before he passed away. Now the theoretical part is fine; we just need the experimental results."

Vice Dean Wang asked, "What exactly is the project?"

Ouyang Yiming considered whether to tell him, then said, "Currently, this product is widely used both domestically and internationally, but our country currently has to import low-sugar products. It's needed for food and medical purposes. The raw material is some discarded or used firewood in rural areas—it's very common and economical." Vice Dean Wang said excitedly, "Really? That's great! If you can come after graduation, we can start the experiment immediately. Since it's something widely used both domestically and internationally, and currently there's no such technology in China..." "I think the technology in this area will be very promising once it's developed. We will fully support any valuable experimental project, no matter the cost. We hope you can come to our research institute after graduation."

Ouyang Yiming said, "Right now, the professor and I only have some theoretical insights. Whether the specific experiments will be successful is uncertain even before his death, and we don't know how long it will take to complete." Vice Dean Wang said, "Scientific things are certainly not simple. It takes repeated experiments to get results. Don't worry about that. It doesn't matter if it doesn't succeed. I never thought there would be any experiments that couldn't succeed, as long as you have confidence and perseverance."

Vice Mayor Tang said, "Dean Wang is right. With a high-achieving student like you, I don't think there will be any problems." Vice Dean Wang said, "As long as you come to our institute, I can guarantee that all experimental equipment and funding will be provided. The experimental conditions will be no worse than some professional research institutions. Just say what you need. Whether you need people, equipment, or raw materials, I guarantee I will provide them all in a timely manner."

Although Ouyang Yiming was excited, he also smiled to himself, thinking to himself, "I haven't even started working here yet." However, he was genuinely interested in what Vice Mayor Tang and Vice Dean Wang had said.

Upon returning, Vice Mayor Tang drove Ouyang Yiming and his mother to the school dormitory. After getting out of the car, Vice Mayor Tang firmly grasped Ouyang Yiming's hand and said, "I hope you can contribute to your hometown after you graduate. I guarantee you will receive the best treatment."

Back home, Mao Yuqin told Ouyang Anping about the afternoon's events. Ouyang Anping said, "Such generous conditions and attention to scientific personnel are really good." Mao Yuqin said,

"Right now, we're just getting a general understanding; the specifics will have to wait until Yiming graduates. I'm still worried about the research institute's prospects, after all, it's a newly established unit." Turning to Ouyang Yiming, she said, "You need to seriously consider this. You should also discuss it with Xu Hui. We have a basic understanding of the situation now, and you have a few months to consider." Ouyang Yiming nodded, but he was very excited inside.

That night, lying in bed, he thought about telling Xu Hui about this after the start of the semester. Would she agree to let him come to this research institute? Would the research institute in Shanghai have any hope of succeeding? If he could succeed in his own research project, should he give up his place here and go to Shanghai? A thought flashed through his mind: if he could succeed in both projects, he would definitely go to that research institute with Xu Hui. Even if they couldn't complete the professor's assignment immediately, there was always hope for the future. Most importantly, he could be with Xu Hui. This was what both he and Xu Hui desired.

So, if he could only succeed in one project, should he stay at the university? Stay here? Or go to Shanghai with Xu Hui? He quickly and firmly rejected the idea of going to Shanghai. No matter what, he couldn't give up research work and just take a job as a lab technician in a company. That would mean no hope of completing the professor's assignment, and perhaps no chance to do research work in the future. So, should he choose between staying at the university and coming to this research institute? Both institutions were very attractive to him.

After thinking for a while, returning here to conduct research was more appealing. His concern remained the institute's future. If the project failed halfway through, although the municipal government offered many favorable policies to alleviate his worries, he would permanently lose the opportunity to stay at the university.

He pondered this for half the night, still hesitant, unable to make a decision. He thought, "Forget it, there are still a few months; I'll think about it before graduation." Then he thought, "I definitely need to discuss this properly with Xu Hui." But the thought of living apart in different places still unsettled him. After a while, he suddenly remembered Liu Yan, got up, grabbed his shirt, took out his wallet, and looked at Liu Yan's photo for a while,

feeling waves of sadness. He thought helplessly, "It's all in the past; Liu Yan is now lying next to another man." Suddenly, the thought of that man doing *that* with Liu Yan filled him with an uncontrollable surge of jealousy and anger. It felt like countless ants were gnawing at his heart. After calming down a bit, he thought, "They're legally married now; why create this trouble for myself?" Sigh, forget her! Forget this painful, ill-fated love; perhaps it was a mistake from the start.

After thinking for a moment, she took out the letter Liu Yan had left in her wallet. Looking at it, her heart ached, and tears welled up in her eyes again. She thought to herself, "Liu Yan had no choice. I wish her happiness!

I still have Xu Hui's love now, so I shouldn't think about Liu Yan's feelings for me anymore. Liu Yan and I were just destined to be apart!"

She got out of bed, opened her suitcase, and took out all of Liu Yan's photos. She locked that photo, Liu Yan's letter, and all the other photos of Liu Yan in the cabinet on the table. Then she picked out a photo of Xu Hui and put it in her wallet. She put the wallet in her pocket, went to bed, and thought, "It's all in the past, all in the past. Now I'll only focus on loving Xu Hui. Only she is the one I can love for a lifetime." But he still couldn't help feeling a wave of sadness...

Love and Desire (112) Chapter 110

After returning to school after the winter break, Ouyang Yiming noticed that Xu Hui had lost some weight. He tried to talk to her about work several times, but each time he found that Xu Hui was indifferent to him, as if she didn't want to talk to him much. Some of her eyes were also hard for him to understand. This puzzled Ouyang Yiming. It shouldn't be like this just because of getting into that research institute in Shanghai!

But remembering Yang Ping's words, he still thought that Xu Hui might be unhappy about this. He also thought that Xu Hui had said something about going to Shanghai in front of him and Ouyang Mei. Ouyang Mei even applied to Fudan University because of this. Now it was very difficult for the two of them to go to Shanghai. Maybe she felt a little embarrassed.

The current situation is that if he stays at the school or goes back to the research institute in his hometown, he and Xu Hui will be separated. If he goes to Shanghai, one of them will not be able to get into the research institute and do research work. He was already quite annoyed. What's more, Xu Hui is a woman?

On Sunday noon, after lunch, Ouyang Yiming and Jiang Yuqi left the dining room together. Seeing Xu Hui walking ahead with Wu Yingying, Ouyang Yiming turned to Jiang Yuqi and said, "I want to say something to Xu Hui." Jiang Yuqi smiled and said, "Just say it, why do you need to ask me?" Ouyang Yiming glanced at him and laughed, "Ask you my foot. Just call her." Jiang Yuqi called out to Xu Hui.

Xu Hui and Wu Yingying stopped. As Ouyang Yiming and Jiang Yuqi approached, Xu Hui looked at Jiang Yuqi and asked, "What's up?" Jiang Yuqi smiled and said, "Isn't that a rhetorical question? What could I possibly need from you? I'm just Ouyang's mouthpiece, calling for him. He's probably tired." Wu Yingying covered her mouth and laughed. Jiang Yuqi laughed and said to Wu Yingying, "All you do is laugh. Come on, they're whispering."

Jiang Yuqi and Wu Yingying walked away, and Xu Hui frowned at Ouyang Yiming and asked, "What's wrong?" Ouyang Yiming sensed her unfriendly tone and asked, "What's wrong with you lately?"

Xu Hui raised her head and said, "I'm fine." Ouyang Yiming said, "You seem lukewarm towards me now. Did I offend you somehow?" Xu Hui laughed and said, "How could you have offended me?"

"I've offended you." Ouyang Yiming blushed, shook his head, and said, "I don't understand why you're like this." Xu Hui glanced at him and said, "You'll understand eventually." Ouyang Yiming looked at her suspiciously.

He lowered his head and took a few steps, then thought for a moment and said, "I have something to tell you when we go to Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum." Ouyang Yiming stared at her, asking doubtfully, "What is it that we have to talk about there?" Xu Hui glanced at him and said, "Go if you want, don't go if you don't." Ouyang Yiming didn't say anything. Xu Hui said, "I'll go back to my dorm and then go. We'll meet by the bronze statue." After saying that, she called out to Wu Yingying.

Although the two didn't leave the school gate together, they met when changing buses at Xinjiekou. Ouyang Yiming saw her get off the bus and walk over. Xu Hui looked at him but didn't say anything, turning her proud head to the side. Ouyang Yiming stopped beside her, feeling a little embarrassed and flustered. He smiled and asked, trying to make conversation, "What is it? Do we have to talk about it at Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum?" Xu Hui turned and glanced at him, saying, "I didn't force you to go. You can go back if you don't want to. I'll go visit the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum by myself."

Ouyang Yiming was puzzled by Xu Hui's attitude towards him. He couldn't understand why his trip to her home in Suzhou, just for work, would lead to such a big change. He didn't say anything, standing silently beside her.

After getting on the bus, he saw an empty seat and let Xu Hui sit down, so he stood next to her. He kept glancing at Xu Hui along the way, only to see her looking out the window without turning around. Ouyang Yiming's heart was filled with unease the whole way.

After getting off at the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, the two walked silently side by side. Xu Hui stopped in front of the archway, turned to stare at Ouyang Yiming, and asked expressionlessly, "We seem to have taken a photo together here, right?" Ouyang Yiming frowned at her, knowing she was doing it on purpose, but remained silent. He felt a heavy weight settle in his heart, as if something was about to happen. Xu Hui stood still. Ouyang Yiming, suddenly feeling troubled, ignored Xu Hui and slowly walked forward. Xu Hui glanced at him and followed.

They walked slowly side-by-side up the steps. Ouyang Yiming turned to her and said, "I've been wanting to talk to you about something since school started. You seem... well, I don't know what's wrong. What's the matter?" Xu Hui coldly replied, "I'm fine. If you have something to say, just say it." Ouyang Yiming looked at her again and asked, "Really nothing?" Xu Hui said, "I'm in a bad mood. I can't laugh. Do you expect me to?" Ouyang Yiming said, "When did I ask you to laugh? You've been acting strangely towards me lately, neither warm nor cold." Xu Hui turned and glared at him, asking,

"Would I dare?" Ouyang Yiming smiled and said, "See, here we go again." Xu Hui, somewhat impatient, said, "Alright, just tell me what's on your mind."

Ouyang Yiming felt a little awkward, lowered his head to think for a moment, then looked up and asked, "Have you been worried about our jobs?" Xu Hui said, "Isn't your job great? A university professor, such a dazzling halo, I'm envious enough, what's there to worry about?" Ouyang Yiming smiled and said, "I knew you were worried about this. It's still undecided, isn't it? We can't even settle on a job location. Your uncle is trying his best, if he could get two jobs sorted out, that would be ideal, but..." Xu Hui impatiently interrupted him, "Alright, alright, just tell me what you want to say, why keep rambling on!"

Ouyang Yiming's heart sank again, staring at her with puzzled eyes. After thinking for a moment, he told Xu Hui about his meeting with the vice mayor after returning home from Suzhou, and about the research institute.

After listening, Xu Hui looked at him and asked, "So you're planning to go back to your hometown?" Ouyang Yiming said, "Isn't this what I'm discussing with you?" "My parents told me many times before I came that I should seriously discuss this matter with you. We just haven't had a chance yet," Xu Hui said. "If your parents hadn't told you, I doubt you would have thought to discuss it with me." Ouyang Yiming felt uncomfortable hearing Xu Hui's words, thinking, "You haven't given me a chance to talk about this, and now you're blaming me." He stopped and looked at her.

Xu Hui glanced at him and continued walking. Ouyang Yiming hesitated for a moment before following. Xu Hui asked, "Are you very interested in this institution?" Ouyang Yiming said, "I am very interested. Think about it, even in that research institute in Shanghai, these days it's all about seniority. Who knows when we newcomers will get to work on our own projects? But with this institution, I can start immediately. I want to finish the project Professor Cheng assigned me as soon as possible. Moreover, this research institute offers excellent benefits to intellectuals in all aspects, and the municipal government attaches great importance to it." "Then he reiterated the research institute's generous personnel benefits to Xu Hui.

While listening to Ouyang Yiming's explanation and his introduction of the institute, Xu Hui was completely absorbed in his conversation, temporarily forgetting her resentment towards him. She said, 'Such benefits and personnel systems are really tempting. What do your parents think?' Ouyang Yiming said, 'They are also very interested. But they have a concern: what if this institute fails halfway through? Although the municipal government can arrange good placements for these scientific and technological personnel, it would still be a pity to lose the opportunity to become professors.' Xu Hui said, 'They are right to consider this; it is indeed a serious issue.'

Ouyang Yiming said, 'I've also been hesitant. Actually, I don't care where I live, as long as I can use my knowledge and do scientific research, I'm fine anywhere.' Xu Hui said, 'If the city truly values this institute and offers such generous benefits, I think many scientific and technological personnel will be tempted.'" "As long as the research institute has talent, and all aspects create conditions for scientific and technological personnel, it will definitely be successful. I feel this research institute has a very promising future. It shouldn't fail halfway. You can see the current situation; every industry is talking about science and technology, and the country also attaches great importance to science and technology. The future will be an era of scientific and technological development. I think there will be no problem." Ouyang Yiming said, "I've thought about that too, but I'm still a little worried."

Xu Hui said, "It's necessary to have this worry. But don't always be so cautious. Sometimes, once you lose an opportunity, it's gone forever. I think you'll definitely have a great future in this unit."

Ouyang Yiming was a little excited and said, "I wanted to tell you this when I came to the school, but I saw you were always unhappy. Now that you've said that, I feel much better. If that's the case, would you like to come with me?"

Upon hearing Ouyang Yiming's words, Xu Hui suddenly returned to her original thoughts, and her mind went back to the matter between Ouyang Yiming and Liu Yan. Her heart sank, and she unconsciously said,

"Me? Me?" "After saying that, I thought, 'You've thought of me now. But what's in your wallet, what's in your heart, is another woman!'

Ouyang Yiming looked at her, thinking that perhaps she didn't think much of the research institute. He said, 'I was just saying. Of course, I had considered that if Shanghai could support both of us, I would go to Shanghai. If only one of us could succeed, I considered going to the research institute where we are. But I hope you go to the research institute in Shanghai. Why? I think it's not easy to succeed there, and it would be a pity not to go.'

'I have another thought. I still have concerns about the research institute where we are. I think you need a very reliable institution for me to feel at ease. But that means we'll be separated in two places, which is also troublesome. I think if the research institute I go to develops well in the future, we can transfer together. That way, we'll have a backup plan. We'll know how the research institute is doing in a few years. Of course, if you don't want to go to our place, I can't say anything. Anyway, nothing's decided yet; we're just discussing it.'" "

Xu Hui said, 'You've considered everything so thoroughly, what can I say? But…' She stopped abruptly, pointed to the bronze cauldron on the platform in front of her, and asked, 'Ouyang Yiming, we took a photo together here, didn't we?' Ouyang Yiming was engrossed in talking about work with Xu Hui when she asked him this, and his heart tightened again. He paused, stared at her intently, and asked somewhat angrily,

'What do you mean by this?' Xu Hui said coldly, 'I was afraid you'd forgotten.'

Ouyang Yiming stared at her blankly for a moment without speaking, then lowered his head to think. Xu Hui asked, 'And how many other women have you taken photos with here?' Ouyang Yiming was startled again, and a surge of anger rose within him. He asked, 'What do you mean by this? Who could I possibly take a photo with here? Everything was fine just now, what are you doing?' Xu Hui looked at him for a moment, then walked towards the woods outside the platform."

Ouyang Yiming, somewhat distraught, hesitated for a moment before following Xu Hui deeper into the woods. They walked in silence for a while. After a while, Xu Hui sat down on a protruding rock. Ouyang Yiming stopped, looked at her, and then sat down on a rock opposite her. Xu Hui gazed at a tree ahead, sighed expressionlessly, and said, "I'm the stupidest woman in the world." Her eyes reddened as she spoke.

Ouyang Yiming stared at her in shock, a sudden fear gripping him. He looked at her, speechless, his mind racing, trying to recall what Xu Hui was about to say. Then, he saw the muscles in Xu Hui's face twitch a few times, followed by a look of pain, and two tears streamed down her face. Xu Hui looked at Ouyang Yiming with those tearful eyes for a moment, then covered her face with her hands and wept.

Ouyang Yiming stared at Xu Hui, bewildered, his heart seemingly stopping, staring blankly at her. After a long pause, he stammered, "W-what's wrong?" Xu Hui didn't look up, still crying, saying between sobs, "I'm so stupid, so stupid, how could I be so stupid?"

Ouyang Yiming's heart began to pound. At that moment, he seemed to understand that Xu Hui's behavior towards him after the start of the semester wasn't because of work; she probably knew something about him. And that could only be about him and Liu Yan. But how did she know?

As Ouyang Yiming was pondering this, Xu Hui looked up, her eyes brimming with tears, and said, "Ouyang Yiming, my feelings for you are pure. My feelings for you are sincere. I even consider all your family members my closest relatives. In my heart, I've always believed you are the man I trust most, the man I feel most at ease with, the man I love most, but I never imagined you would lie to me. Who can I trust in this world?" Ouyang Yiming blushed. At that moment, he seemed to understand that Xu Hui's behavior must be because she knew about him and Liu Yan.

Xu Hui asked, "Why did you lie to me? Why did you deceive me like this? Do you know what I consider you to be? I've long considered myself a member of your family, Ouyang Yiming. But... but you don't have me in your heart. How could I be so foolish?" She lowered her head and cried again.

Ouyang Yiming now felt like a liar, a liar who had deceived Xu Hui's feelings. He felt ashamed, his face flushed, his body burning, and he wished he could disappear into the ground. Xu Hui looked up at him and asked, "If you don't love me, why didn't you tell me? You're in love with someone else, why did you deceive me?"

Ouyang Yiming thought to himself, "I didn't mean to deceive you, I was afraid of hurting you. It's not that I don't have you in my heart, I care about you a lot, I consider you family." But what was the point of saying these words? He was in love with someone else, he had deceived her.

Xu Hui stared at him and asked, "Why aren't you saying anything? Have you really never cared about me? Have you never paid attention to me?"

Although Xu Hui was heartbroken after learning about Ouyang Yiming and Liu Yan's affair, her feelings for Ouyang Yiming were indelible. Although they hadn't openly discussed love during their four years at school, and although she now knew that Ouyang Yiming had secretly loved another woman, Xu Hui couldn't help but love him. How could she easily abandon four years of love? Even though she was angry with Ouyang Yiming, even hated him, she still deeply loved him, and no other man could occupy his place in her heart.

But how could she tolerate Ouyang Yiming always having another woman in his heart? How could she tolerate him carrying another woman's photo in his pocket every day?

Although she knew Ouyang Yiming had broken off his relationship with that woman; although she knew he had transferred his love to her; although she knew he loved her too; although she had considered that even without revealing his relationship with Liu Yan, she could still gain his love without any threat,

how could she find peace in her heart? At the very least, Ouyang Yiming needed to let go of that woman, otherwise, how could she accept him?

What she wanted to know most now was whether Ouyang Yiming had truly loved her; whether she had ever held a significant place in his heart. After

realizing that Xu Hui's actions were related to Liu Yan, Ouyang Yiming felt a pang of guilt and shame, but then calmed down. He appeared remarkably composed. Although he was only revealing this because Xu Hui had asked, he knew she would find out sooner or later. After Liu Yan left, he had said the same thing to Fan Xurui, which Fan Xurui absolutely disapproved of. According to Fan Xurui, some deception and concealment could be done in good faith. Ouyang Yiming had considered burying his affair with Liu Yan deep in his heart forever.

Now, filled with sorrow and dread, he wondered, "Is this woman going to leave me too?" He felt an intense fear. He thought about it and felt helpless and pained. Since Xu Hui had brought it up, regardless of how she would react, he had to explain his true feelings. So he said, "To be honest, I care about you very much. You've always been in my heart. I consider you my closest person, my family."

Xu Hui felt somewhat comforted by these words. But then she thought about how Ouyang Yiming always kept another woman in his heart—wasn't the photo in his wallet proof enough? Thinking of this, another surge of anger welled up inside him. He said, "Why be so hypocritical? You don't care about me, yet you say you do, that you treat me like family. Is that really necessary?" Ouyang Yiming met her gaze and said, "I don't need to be hypocritical about this either. You can see how I feel about you."

Xu Hui abruptly stood up, standing in front of Ouyang Yiming, and said, "Get up." Ouyang Yiming looked up at her, then stood up after a moment. Xu Hui reached out and hurriedly began unbuttoning Ouyang Yiming's shirt. Ouyang Yiming looked at her suspiciously and asked, "What are you doing?" Xu Hui didn't answer, but after unbuttoning two buttons, she reached inside and took out Ouyang Yiming's wallet.

At that moment, Ouyang Yiming finally understood. It turned out that Xu Hui had seen Liu Yan's photo in his wallet and that's how she found out. He instantly recalled Xu Hui's sudden change in attitude towards him at her home—it was all because of this. Even Xu Hui's mother thought it was because of work. Thinking to himself, the only time Xu Hui could have seen Liu Yan's photo in his wallet was when she was drunk that night. He broke out in a cold sweat again. If Xu Hui hadn't been calm then and had argued with him about it at her house, what an awkward situation he and his sister would have been in.

Xu Hui opened her wallet, taking out the photo hidden in the inner pocket, and said angrily, "Is this what you call having me in your heart? Is this what you call treating me as your closest person?"

She took out the photo and froze, as if she couldn't believe her eyes. She held it up to her eyes and looked at it carefully, muttering, "No, no!"

Chapter 111 of Love and Desire (113)

Ouyang Yiming looked at her, slumped down on the stone, and said softly with his head down, "The photo you saw before was of Liu Yan." Xu Hui's eyes shifted from the photo of herself in her hand to Ouyang Yiming. She moved her lips and said, "She, she, Liu Yan?" Ouyang Yiming nodded, then looked up at her calmly and said, "The photo you saw before was of Liu Yan. Sit down, and I'll tell you slowly." Xu Hui held Ouyang Yiming's wallet and the photo of herself in her hand, and slowly sat down, staring at Ouyang Yiming.

Ouyang Yiming said, "I don't want to hide it from you. I did date Liu Yan. We've been dating for almost a year. The last time Fan Xurui took me back to school was when Liu Yan broke up with me."

He paused, took a heavy breath, and said, "I didn't want to hide it from you, I never intended to. I thought about telling you when I was dating Liu Yan, but I... but I didn't have the courage. I... I was afraid of hurting you, really! I was really afraid of hurting you." At this point, Ouyang Yiming shed tears. He continued, "Don't think I'm being hypocritical. I was just afraid of hurting you, that's why I didn't tell you about Liu Yan and me."

Xu Hui believed Ouyang Yiming's words; she believed he cared about her, a thought she had pondered countless times over the past few days. However, he had ultimately given his love to someone else. Even if, as Ouyang Yiming said, he cared for her less than he cared for Liu Yan, she was aware of this. But now that Ouyang Yiming and Liu Yan were no longer together, she believed his claim that he cared for her.

Ouyang Yiming said sadly, "I know I have no right to like you anymore. My relationship with Liu Yan hurt you. I also think it's despicable to be with you after ending things with Liu Yan, but I still did it. I don't want to explain anymore. Maybe you look down on me, and I even look down on myself. Xu Hui, I don't deserve you. A pure girl like you shouldn't be with a man like me. I'm not worthy of your love. Hurting you is the biggest heartache of my life. But I really care about you. In the future, if you're willing, you can be my friend. If you think I'm not even worthy of being a friend, then there's nothing I can do. But I will care about you a lot, for the rest of my life." As Ouyang Yiming spoke, his heart ached, and he couldn't help but shed tears.

Xu Hui listened to Ouyang Yiming's words, and her heart also ached, but she believed that Ouyang Yiming was sincere towards her. Looking up at him, she said, "Ouyang, don't talk about whether we're a good match or not. I want to ask you, if you and Liu Yan were to marry, where would you place me? And when do you plan to publicly acknowledge your relationship with Liu Yan?"

Ouyang Yiming felt at peace. He knew Xu Hui probably wouldn't forgive him anyway. He had hurt her so badly, and he no longer expected her forgiveness. He might as well speak his mind and bear the consequences of his actions. Perhaps the two women he cared about and loved were destined not to belong to him. Whatever would be, it would be; speaking it out would bring him some relief.

So I said, "I've wanted to tell you this more than once, and I've been in so much pain. I wanted to tell you, but I never dared. Before I broke off my relationship with Liu Yan, I planned to tell you when we graduated. I kept thinking that only then could I lessen your pain. I thought that with your beauty and excellence, you would definitely find a great husband, and your feelings for me would gradually fade away. But I was wrong. I only realized how wrong I was when my grandmother passed away. Everyone in my family considered you my fiancée, and I know your feelings for me have grown stronger. I was so troubled, not knowing how you would react after I told you about my relationship with Liu Yan. I was really afraid of hurting you, but I knew I would hurt you. Last semester, I was like that all the time, partly because I was heartbroken over losing my grandmother and Professor Cheng, but more so because graduation was approaching and I was worried about having to tell you about my relationship with Liu Yan. I didn't expect Liu Yan to break up with me. After the breakup, Fan Xurui told me not to tell you about Liu Yan, and I thought that since I had no relationship with Liu Yan anymore..." It's all in the past, and letting you know would only hurt you. To be honest, I was selfish. I thought, having lost Liu Yan, I couldn't lose you too; deep down, I care about you a lot.

You asked me where I would place you if I were to marry Liu Yan. To be honest, I've thought about it more than once. I hope to treat you as my sister, as my family. In fact, I already consider you a member of my family in my heart. But I've also thought that if I were to marry Liu Yan, you wouldn't be my sister, and you would hate me for the rest of your life. I've talked to Fan Xurui about what happened between us, and I can't handle it. I'm distressed, I blame myself, and I feel sorry for you deep down. Now I understand that maybe neither you nor Liu Yan will have a future with me.

But I care about both of you deeply. Liu Yan left me and married someone else, and I still don't know why. Now I'm at peace knowing that you're leaving me too. I understand that I hurt you, I don't deserve you, I'm sorry to you, and I'm sorry to your family. I only ask that you don't hate me anymore.”

Xu Hui listened with her head down, thinking to herself that Ouyang Yiming was expressing himself sincerely at this moment. For days, she had been pondering a question: could she forgive Ouyang Yiming? Could she accept him again? She had considered countless times whether she could abandon him, but ultimately, she realized she couldn't bear to part with him. This thought tormented her. On one hand, she couldn't let him go; on the other, she was heartbroken that Ouyang Yiming had deceived her by falling in love with someone else.

Xu Hui looked up at Ouyang Yiming and saw him wiping away tears with his glasses off. Her heart ached as well. But this was different from other matters; she couldn't simply forgive him, regardless of his reasons or motives.

Xu Hui calmly asked, "You and she must have gotten together while you were in the hospital. I read the letter she left you. She loved you very much." When she said the word "love," her heart felt like it had been pricked by a needle. Composing herself, she continued, "Why did she leave you? Where is she now? When did she leave?" Xu Hui desperately wanted to know the answers to these questions that puzzled her.

This also shows that she still loves Ouyang Yiming very much in her heart. Otherwise, if she felt that Ouyang Yiming no longer had any value in her love, why would she ask these questions?

Ouyang Yiming said, "She was transferred back to Jianghan City a little later this time last year." Xu Hui thought for a moment and said, "Then you didn't spend much time with her." Ouyang Yiming said, "Yes, not much time together." Xu Hui felt a little comforted and asked, "What was it about her that attracted you, that made you fall in love with her in such a short time?" Ouyang Yiming said, "I won't lie to you, it's a strange feeling. We both had this feeling when we first met. I've never felt this way with anyone else." Xu Hui asked, "Did you pursue her?" Ouyang Yiming said, "There was no question of who pursued whom. However, she was the one who brought it up. It's been public ever since." Xu Hui stared at him for a while before asking, "Didn't you know how I felt about you before that?" Ouyang Yiming blushed and said, "I knew, but I can't hide it from you. After meeting her, I can't describe the feelings I had. I don't even know why I felt that way."

Xu Hui lowered her head in thought. Was it because she hadn't won his heart with her feelings back then? Or was it because their relationship wasn't strong enough?

Since Ouyang Yiming and Liu Yan were in love, why couldn't it last? Why did I only find out about their breakup later? I didn't notice anything during their relationship!

Xu Hui asked, "You really don't know at all why she left you?" Xu Hui had always been puzzled by this question. With someone as capable as Ouyang Yiming, she couldn't understand why Liu Yan would dump him after less than a year together. From the letter Liu Yan left behind, she knew she hadn't told Ouyang Yiming anything.

Ouyang Yiming said, "I've thought about it, it must be because of her family." Xu Hui frowned at him questioningly, "Her family?" Ouyang Yiming said, "Yes, it's her family. Her parents are both high-ranking military officers."

Xu Hui said "Oh," and instantly understood. She thought to herself, "So, Ouyang Yiming, the reason you got together with her was because of her family." At that moment, she felt particularly contemptuous of Ouyang Yiming. She couldn't help but let out a cold laugh.

Ouyang Yiming looked at her and said, "I understand what you're thinking. But I want to tell you, it's definitely not for her family." Xu Hui sneered, "Do you think anyone will believe you saying that? But... but I can understand."

Ouyang Yiming's face flushed instantly, and he looked up at Xu Hui, asking, "Xu Hui, do you think of me that way too?" Xu Hui asked, "Then how am I supposed to think of you?" Ouyang Yiming looked at her for a long time, then shook his head painfully and said, "Xu Hui, although what happened between Liu Yan and me is wrong to you, I don't want you to think of me that way. I can accept others thinking of me that way, but I can't accept you thinking of me that way.

I always thought that you understood me best." He paused and said, "Xu Hui, to tell you the truth, I only found out that her parents were high-ranking officials after I started dating her. I was very distressed about this, always worried that her family would disapprove. When Liu Yan mentioned her parents' positions, I was very surprised, hesitated, and even talked to her about it. To be honest, if I had known she was the daughter of a high-ranking official, I would never have dared to date her. Believe it or not."

Xu Hui was surprised by Ouyang Yiming's words. She thought to herself, according to Ouyang Yiming, he was only with Liu Yan without knowing her identity. So, she had misunderstood. She still believed that, given Ouyang Yiming's personality, he would never be after Liu Yan's family. But regardless, Ouyang Yiming had spent time with her, fallen in love with her, and
still harbored feelings for her—this was what pained her and was unbearable.

Xu Hui asked, "You're in a lot of pain because she broke up with you?" Ouyang Yiming nodded and said, "Yes, I'm in a lot of pain." Xu Hui was silently weeping and asked, "You still have feelings for her?"

Ouyang Yiming thought for a moment and said, "After I decided to be with you, I really wanted to forget her, after all, she's already married. But forgetting someone is so hard." Xu Hui asked, "So you replaced her photo with mine to forget her?" Ouyang Yiming nodded and said, "Yes, I swore in my heart that I would forget her, that I would be sincere with you, and that I would give you all my love." He paused, his facial muscles twitched, and he looked extremely pained, saying, "But now it seems you might leave me too." As he spoke, tears streamed down his face. He shook his head and said, "I... I also feel I'm not good enough for you. Xu Hui, to be honest, as long as you don't hate me, and don't think the worst of me, that's enough. I know you can't forgive me, and you'll always be thinking about this. Even if we live together in the future, I'll still feel uneasy, and I'll feel indebted to you for the rest of my life. If you're willing, willing to believe I'm not a bad person, willing to be my friend, I... I'll be content."

Ouyang Yiming truly meant what he said. He couldn't deny that he loved Xu Hui, but he also knew that Xu Hui might not forgive him. He thought that Xu Hui was pure, and perhaps she couldn't accept his relationship with Liu Yan. His heart was bleeding. Xu Hui stared at him blankly for a moment before asking, "Is that really what you think?" Ouyang Yiming nodded and said, "Yes, that's right." Xu Hui sighed and said, "It seems I'll never be important to you." Ouyang Yiming looked up at her and said firmly, "No, you're wrong. I just feel sorry for you, I feel it's unfair to you. I care about both you and Liu Yan. Even when I was with Liu Yan, I still cared about you a lot, and I think you could feel that too. But I was with Liu Yan then, and I couldn't have anything to do with you anymore. Now that Liu Yan has left me, I really..." I'm afraid you'll leave me too. But I know you're very pure, and you probably can't accept the relationship I had with Liu Yan. I also feel sorry for you. So, I just feel I'm not good enough for you.”

Xu Hui stared at him intently for a long time, then said somewhat emotionally, “Ouyang, to be honest, since I found out about you and Liu Yan, I've thought a lot these past few days. I'm in a lot of pain. I love you so deeply, but you love someone else; it's unbearable. Ouyang, I've actually already considered myself a member of your Ouyang family. That is, I've considered myself your wife. You also…” " He's always been my fiancé. But I never imagined you'd hurt me like this. I've thought I can't forgive you, but I can't let you go."

Tears streamed down Xu Hui's face as she looked at Ouyang Yiming and said sadly, "Ouyang, Ouyang Yiming! Four years, almost four years! Ouyang Yiming, can I just let you go like this?"

She lowered her head and sobbed, then continued, "I've thought about it. If I really can't forgive you, I've sworn in my heart that in this life, I will never have a boyfriend again, never get married again, and I can never accept anyone else."

She stopped crying, wiped away her tears, and said, "But..." How could I possibly forgive you so easily? I won't say I blame you now, and in fact, I have no right to blame you. I've thought about it too. Even though I've been to your house twice and you're always on my mind, we're not really in a romantic relationship. We've never gone on a date, and you've never even said you liked me. It's all just a matter of feelings between us. You don't need to blame yourself, and you don't owe me anything. Please let me think about this for a while. I think I still can't let you go. But right now, I really can't get over this knot in my heart. "

Love and Desire (114) Chapter 112

The two got off the bus at Xinjiekou, walked around for a while, and found a clean little restaurant to sit down. Xu Hui first ordered sweet and sour fish, and then asked Ouyang Yiming what else he wanted to eat.

Ouyang Yiming knew that Xu Hui had specially ordered this dish for him again, and he felt grateful. He felt that he had wronged her so much before. So she said, "You order whatever you want, don't worry about me." The waiter smiled and said, "You two are being so polite." Xu Hui and Ouyang Yiming both blushed. Xu Hui then ordered two more dishes and a soup. She then asked Ouyang Yiming if he wanted any wine. Ouyang Yiming shook his head and said no. So Xu Hui ordered two bowls of rice.

Xu Hui put a piece of sweet and sour fish in Ouyang Yiming's bowl. Ouyang Yiming said, "I can do it myself, you eat yours." Xu Hui glanced at him, sighed softly, and said, "I really don't know what I did to deserve you in my past life." Ouyang Yiming blushed and looked at her. Xu Hui said, "I don't even understand myself, how could I accept you so quickly? I've been so depressed these past few days, but I just can't let you go. I was originally planning to wait a while. Sigh, I think I was too lenient. Or maybe I just care about you too much." Her eyes reddened as she spoke.

Ouyang Yiming stopped chewing, staring blankly at the dishes on the table, his chopsticks in his mouth untouched. Xu Hui looked at him and said, "Eat, let's not talk about it anymore." Ouyang Yiming turned to look at her and said,

"I'm sorry." Xu Hui said, "Alright, alright, let's eat. We can't eat anymore anyway." After taking a bite, she said, "Yiming, if things really can't work out for both of us in Shanghai, I'm actually thinking of going back to your hometown with you." Ouyang Yiming said, "If we're going, I'll go alone first. I'm not confident at all. You mean the units in Shanghai are more powerful, this unit..." Xu Hui interrupted him, "I'm just worried that some other woman might steal your heart."

Ouyang Yiming's face flushed red again. He lowered his head, speechless. Xu Hui looked at him without saying anything, thinking to herself, "I just want to remind you like this often. You've made me so unhappy for over a month, I'll make you think about this too." A smug sense of revenge welled up inside her. She picked up a piece of food and put it in Ouyang Yiming's bowl, then lowered her head and started eating.

When it came time to pay, Ouyang Yiming took out his money, but Xu Hui glared at him and wouldn't let him. As they left the restaurant, Xu Hui said, "I should have made you pay earlier." Ouyang Yiming replied, "But you wouldn't let me. I wanted to pay too."

Xu Hui nodded, saying, "I was careless earlier. You're not like you used to be; you're rich now." Ouyang Yiming looked at her, wondering what she was about to say, and remained silent.

Xu Hui said, "That two thousand yuan should be enough for us to eat for a while." Ouyang Yiming instantly understood her meaning. His heart pounded, and he blushed as he looked at her, thinking of the words Liu Yan had left him in her letter. A dull ache returned to his heart. He said, "Xu Hui, please don't mention it again, okay?" Xu Hui turned to look at him and said, "You hurt me so deeply; can't I even talk about it?"
Ouyang Yiming didn't say anything, but he was somewhat unhappy. He thought to himself, "Will my affair with Liu Yan become Xu Hui's leverage forever?" Xu Hui asked, "What did you do with that two thousand yuan?" Ouyang Yiming was still somewhat resentful and said, "It wasn't my money, of course I had to return it." Xu Hui didn't sense the slight resentment in Ouyang Yiming's words and asked, "Did you give it to her?"

Ouyang Yiming thought to himself that he couldn't tell her he hadn't returned it to Liu Yan yet, otherwise Xu Hui would have something to say. So he said, "I sent it back to her." Xu Hui nodded and said, "I knew you wouldn't keep it."

Ouyang Yiming thought to himself that the money was in Liu Yan's name in the bank, and he would have to return it to Liu Yan sooner or later. Fan Xurui was right; Liu Yan wouldn't be in a good mood right now, and the letter she wrote was so sorrowful. Sending it back to her now would definitely make Liu Yan very sad. He should send it back to Liu Yan later; no matter what, he would never touch a single penny of her money.

As they talked, they arrived at the bus stop. After riding the bus for a few stops, Xu Hui whispered in his ear, "Let's go to the Drum Tower ahead, walk around and talk for a bit." Ouyang Yiming nodded.

After getting off the bus, Xu Hui took Ouyang Yiming's arm and walked up to the high platform of the Drum Tower, strolling along a path. As they walked, Xu Hui said, "You need to think about who truly cares about you." Ouyang Yiming didn't speak. Xu Hui asked, "Do you feel that Liu Yan truly loves you?" Ouyang Yiming felt another wave of unease and said, "Xu Hui, I'm slowly forgetting her, so please don't mention her, okay?" Xu Hui turned to look at him, and after a moment asked, "Can you really forget her?" Ouyang Yiming remained silent.

Xu Hui said, "I know perfectly well. How can you erase her from your heart? I'm just chatting with you, let's analyze this. If Liu Yan truly cared about you, if she loved you as much as she said in her letter, why would she break up with you because of family opposition? I think she was just saying it. If you truly love someone, you won't care about anything else. I think she still cares about that high-ranking official's family."
Xu Hui said these words to make Ouyang Yiming disappointed in Liu Yan, to make him consider whether Liu Yan truly loved him. She wanted Ouyang Yiming to have no good feelings for Liu Yan at all, to tell him that Liu Yan didn't truly love him... Since she had already accepted Ouyang Yiming and forgiven him, and since she also deeply loved him and couldn't let go of him, she wanted to make Ouyang Yiming forget Liu Yan as much as possible, and to use her words to make him think for himself that it was she who truly loved him. Only then could she truly win Ouyang Yiming's heart.

Hearing Xu Hui's words, Ouyang Yiming's heart pounded wildly, as if he had found a lost treasure. His lips trembled as he said, "I...I understand. You know how my family sees you. I know how your family sees me. I...I just feel sorry for you. But I really care about you, I like you."

Xu Hui looked at him, lowered her head in silence for a moment, then looked up at Ouyang Yiming and said, "When I saw my picture in your wallet just now, I knew in my heart that you wanted to give me your love.

Ouyang, no matter how you treated Liu Yan before, no matter what you thought of me in your heart before, whether it was true or false, I just want to hear what you truly feel. Can you say you love me to my face?"

Ouyang Yiming was instantly moved to tears. He knew that Xu Hui was acting this way because she wanted to forgive him. His heart pounded wildly. But still feeling guilty, he said, "Xu Hui, I...I...I'm sorry." Xu Hui looked at him intently and asked, "Didn't you ever really love me?" Ouyang Yiming tearfully said, "I...I cared about you, I liked you." Xu Hui stared into his eyes and said, "If...if I forgive you now, and stop holding a grudge about you and Liu Yan, will you truly love me?" Ouyang Yiming looked up at her and asked, "Xu Hui, can you really forgive me?"

Ouyang Yiming couldn't believe that Xu Hui could forgive him in such a short time. Xu Hui nodded, and tears streamed down her face again. She said, "How...how can I let you go? If you truly love me, say it to my face." Ouyang Yiming said, "I...I truly like you, I love you." Xu

Hui's tears flowed freely. She looked at Ouyang Yiming for a moment, then lowered her head, covered her face with her hands, and cried.

Ouyang Yiming was filled with guilt. Looking at Xu Hui's trembling shoulders, he felt a pang of sorrow, and tears welled up in his eyes. He stared blankly at the weeping Xu Hui for a while, thinking to himself that he had said everything he needed to say to her, expressed everything he needed to express. Seeing Xu Hui's tears, he felt a pang of heartache. He stood up and walked to Xu Hui, saying, "Xu Hui, I'm sorry. You're the person I feel most sorry for right now. I'm so sorry!"

Xu Hui shook her shoulders violently a few times, cried out in anguish, looked up at Ouyang Yiming, suddenly stood up, and hugged him tightly, lamenting, "Ouyang Yiming, I hate you, I hate you..." As she spoke, she repeatedly pounded Ouyang Yiming's back with her fists. After a moment of stunned silence, Ouyang Yiming hugged Xu Hui tightly. He thought to himself,

"Xu Hui, in this life, I will definitely love you well and cherish you."

For a long while, the two embraced, Xu Hui sobbing, and Ouyang Yiming weeping. Xu Hui looked up at him and asked, "Can you forget her?" Ouyang Yiming said, "I'm trying my best to control myself. I want to forget her, even though it will be difficult, but I know I must. She's someone else's wife now, and I don't need to think about her anymore." Xu Hui released Ouyang Yiming, reached for her handkerchief to wipe her tears, and said with her head down, "I still feel unbalanced." Ouyang Yiming trembled inwardly and remained silent.

Xu Hui said, "I've never had another man in my heart, not even in my wildest dreams. I always thought you felt the same way, that you only had me in your heart. I never imagined you would fall in love with another woman. How can I possibly accept this?" Ouyang Yiming said, "I'm sorry."

Xu Hui was silent for a moment, then sighed and said, "Maybe I did something wrong in my past life, and God is punishing me like this. I don't know if you'll ever meet a woman like Liu Yan again. Maybe, just maybe you will."

Ouyang Yiming said, "No. Never again. If I had made a promise with you before I met Liu Yan, if I had expressed my feelings for her, I don't think I would have had this inappropriate relationship with her.

Back then, I naively thought that since we had never said we loved each other, I assumed we had never been in a romantic relationship. In fact, I still..." Thinking of you makes me feel incredibly guilty and uneasy. Sometimes I really want to tell you, but I'm afraid of upsetting you, afraid you'll hate me. Sometimes I wonder how I'll ever handle our relationship; I truly love you. Since you visited my house twice, I feel even more guilty and can't let you go. Now that Liu Yan has left me, perhaps it's fate; heaven doesn't want me to keep hurting such a pure girl like you. I originally didn't want to tell you this because I listened to Fan Xurui, afraid of hurting you. I didn't expect you to find out. Thank you for handling this so calmly after finding out; otherwise, I really wouldn't know what to do at your house.”

Xu Hui said, “When I first saw it, I thought about arguing with you. If you hadn't been so drunk, if I had woken you up, I might have…” This whole thing started at the guesthouse. I don't have good self-control, and after thinking about it for a long time, I realized I couldn't do that. You were in my home, my family and relatives all know about our relationship, and I was afraid of embarrassing myself. I was also worried that you and Ouyang Mei wouldn't be able to stay there. I thought we should resolve our issues ourselves. I've been in a bad mood all holiday, and I've even thought about not being able to forgive you, but I just can't let you go.

Four years, even though we haven't gone on dates or exchanged any intimate words, I've always considered you my fiancé. How can I let go of this feeling? It's only comforting that you and Liu Yan are over; no matter what, you're back in my life, even if it leaves a shadow in my heart. I felt a little better when I saw that the photo in your wallet had been changed to mine.

Otherwise, if your wallet still had her photo, I think... Even if I care about you deeply, I can never forgive you. No one knows about this, so please never tell anyone else. My classmates and my parents would laugh at me if they knew, so let me keep this little bit of vanity. Ouyang Yiming reached out and took Xu Hui's hand, saying, "I'm sorry. I feel so sorry for you." Xu Hui sighed and said, "There's no need to blame yourself anymore. As long as you have me in your heart and are sincere towards me, I'll be content." Ouyang Yiming gazed at her and said, "Xu Hui, I... I will definitely love you and cherish you." Xu Hui blushed and lowered her head, saying, "I know. But the knot in my heart won't be removed quickly. I also know you're someone I picked up. If Liu Yan were still in love with you, I wouldn't have that blessing."

Ouyang Yiming blushed instantly and lowered his head, remaining silent.

Xu Hui shook her head and said, "It's ridiculous. I thought we'd been in love for four years, yet we never went on a single date, and today I'm still here to talk about this. Isn't it laughable? I also feel pathetic. For four years I believed you loved me, only to find out in the end that the person I loved loved someone else." Tears streamed down Xu Hui's face as she spoke.

Ouyang Yiming was overwhelmed with shame. He glanced at Xu Hui and said, "Xu Hui, please stop talking, okay?" Xu Hui looked at him, wiped away her tears, and said, "Ouyang Yiming, now, now I forgive you."

"I just hope you won't do anything to betray me again." Ouyang Yiming said, "Don't worry, I will never do anything to betray you again. I... I thank you." Ouyang Yiming's thanks to Xu Hui came from the bottom of his heart. He hadn't expected Xu Hui to forgive and accept him like this.

Little did Ouyang Yiming know how much inner struggle Xu Hui had gone through in the past month! She had hated Ouyang Yiming, cursed him in her heart, and even considered telling his family about it. But in the end, she couldn't let go of Ouyang Yiming, and didn't want anyone to know about it. If others knew, it would not only affect Ouyang Yiming's reputation, but she would also be ridiculed. She loved Ouyang Yiming in her heart. Since Ouyang Yiming had no relationship with Liu Yan anymore, since he had given his heart to her, why bother about it? But during that month, despite her thoughts, she couldn't find peace in her heart; she was deeply troubled and heartbroken.

When she saw Ouyang Yiming after school started, she felt both angry and sad. Many times she wanted to ask him about Liu Yan, but ultimately she couldn't bring herself to speak to him.

She both wanted to know and feared the truth. Today, after seeing the photo of herself in Ouyang Yiming's wallet and hearing his heartfelt words, she decided there was no need to continue this stalemate. Regardless of what he had done before, he had given her his whole heart now. She loved him and couldn't bear to let him go!

Xu Hui sighed softly and said, "I don't want to bring this up again, but I just can't forget these things." She tugged at Ouyang Yiming's hand and said, "Let's go. It's getting dark." The two walked hand in hand out of the woods. As they descended the steps, Xu Hui glanced at her watch and said, "We won't be able to eat at school anyway. We've never eaten together alone before; let's have dinner together tonight."

Ouyang Yiming nodded. Hearing this, he couldn't help but consider it. He thought to himself, "

Xu Hui's words aren't without reason. If Liu Yan truly loved me, how could she succumb to family pressure?

At the very least, she wouldn't have rushed to get a marriage certificate with another man without my knowledge. Could it be that I really loved the wrong person?"

He recalled the words in the letter Liu Yan left behind; those poignant words caused him heartache, and his heart trembled again. He thought, "Liu Yan's love for me is beyond doubt. From the time we fell in love to when she broke up with me and told me she had already gotten a marriage certificate with someone else..." "Tch, she never doubts her feelings. So, she must have been forced to break up with me due to family pressure.

Even if Liu Yan was forced to break up with me because of family pressure, was it right or wrong? Can I blame her? Can true love be blocked by family? Can true love be abandoned because of family pressure?

Sigh! I don't know what kind of pressure Liu Yan endured during that time, and how could I possibly know her feelings then? But it's certain that Liu Yan experienced extreme mental anguish. Perhaps, as Fan Xurui said, Liu Yan had to do this to avoid implicating me.

'How can I understand? Liu Yan didn't tell me any of this, and I can't possibly guess why she had to break up with me. I can't blame her for leaving me,' Ouyang Yiming thought to himself.

So, if Xu Hui were in Liu Yan's family position, in the choice between me and a high-ranking official, how would she handle it? He thought this in his heart, but didn't ask aloud.

Unexpectedly, Xu Hui said at this moment, 'If it were me, I think I would prioritize love.'" "I think all those high-class families are just empty words." Ouyang Yiming was somewhat surprised and asked, "You really think so?" Xu Hui looked at his face and asked, "Do you doubt what I said?" Ouyang Yiming said, "No." He then lowered his head in thought. When Liu Yan was deeply in love with him, she was also very resolute in her attitude, so he never expected the outcome to be like this.

Xu Hui said, "I'm not just saying this. Ouyang, with my qualifications, if I wanted to, marrying into a cadre family wouldn't be too much of a problem. But I won't. I won't care about family like Liu Yan did, and I won't pursue that kind of pitiful marriage. I love people, and I believe that love is happier than anything else. To be honest, I don't think much of Liu Yan. I would never do what Liu Yan did. She talked about love but did such things. Although I'm happy she left you, what I'm saying now is what she did. Do you think she's worthy of your love?" "

Although Xu Hui's words were intended to make Ouyang Yiming dislike Liu Yan, they also reflected her true feelings. She believed that Liu Yan's choice to marry into a high-ranking family and abandon her boyfriend was something she despised.

Ouyang Yiming was forced to consider Xu Hui's words. He thought to himself that there was some truth to what she said. However, he believed even more that Liu Yan was forced into this situation. He also believed that Xu Hui would never care about a high-ranking cadre's family like Liu Yan did. Xu Hui was right; with her looks and education, if she really wanted to pursue a cadre's family, it wouldn't be difficult.

He thought to himself that his relationship with Liu Yan was a mistake. Even if a high-ranking cadre's daughter loved him, she couldn't control her decision to marry someone from an ordinary family like his. In the end, it would only cause pain for both of them. He thought to himself that he and..." Sighing at Liu Yan's past enthusiasm and naiveté, he felt sorrow for this ill-fated relationship.

Thinking back, he realized how many times he had suffered because of his relationship with Liu Yan, especially when it came to Xu Hui. This time, Liu Yan's marriage to someone else and her subsequent breakup felt like a piece of his heart had been ripped out. If Xu Hui couldn't forgive him, he almost lost the woman he should have loved and possessed. He secretly lamented why fate had arranged for him and Liu Yan, two people from vastly different backgrounds, destined to be apart, to meet and fall in love.

Seeing Ouyang Yiming remain silent, Xu Hui thought her words had worked. She hoped they would make him dislike Liu Yan, or at least diminish his feelings for her. That way, he would gradually forget Liu Yan. Xu Hui

asked, "What are you thinking about?" Ouyang Yiming said, "Xu Hui, don't say anything more. I understand. My relationship with Liu Yan was a mistake. We could never be together." "All I can say now is I'm sorry. I hurt you because of this relationship that shouldn't have happened."

Xu Hui felt a secret joy in her heart. But then she felt a pang of sadness, because the person she loved had loved someone else while she loved him. It hurt a little, but she was still comforted by Ouyang Yiming's words at this moment.

Xu Hui asked, "Ouyang, can you promise that no matter who you meet in the future, you won't change your heart towards me?" Ouyang Yiming said, "I will. I won't hurt you again, I won't let you down again." "Ouyang Yiming's mind suddenly flashed back to Bai Xue, and his face instantly turned red.

Xu Hui, of course, couldn't see this in the hazy moonlight. Ouyang Yiming's heart pounded wildly, and he thought to himself, such a thing can never happen again, I can never do anything to betray Xu Hui.

I've already done that with Liu Yan countless times, I've already betrayed Xu Hui, from now on, I'll only think of Xu Hui.

Suddenly, another thought occurred to him: Bai Xue and her husband were separated, enduring unspoken loneliness, and she did that with him. So, after I and Xu Hui got married, how would we endure the pain of being separated? At that time, both Xu Hui and I would be in great pain.

So he said, 'Xu Hui, I'm really afraid that we'll have to live apart in the future.' Xu Hui asked, 'What are you afraid of? Are you afraid I'll change my mind, or are you afraid you won't be able to withstand the test?' Ouyang Yiming said:

“I’m afraid we can’t suppress our longing for each other,” Xu Hui said after thinking for a moment. “I was just saying it over dinner, but no matter what, we can’t both go to that research institute in your hometown right now. If something changes in the future, we won’t have any backup plan. I still have my original opinion: I’ll go to Shanghai, and you can go to that unit first. If it’s good, I’ll transfer there later. If it’s not good, we’ll find a way to transfer you to Shanghai. It’ll be a backup plan. We’ll know whether the research institute there is good or not in a few years. We won’t get married so early. I’ve also considered it. With your personality, you still want to establish a career and achieve something first.” Ouyang Yiming sighed inwardly, “Xu Hui understands me best.”

Ouyang Yiming nodded and said, "You're right, I really want to accomplish something. At the very least, I need to solve the research project Professor Cheng assigned me." Xu Hui said, "Yes, you are.

How could I not know you? I also know that the reason that research institute attracted you is that you could immediately conduct that experiment after you went there. Don't worry, no matter how far apart we are, you will always be the only one in my heart. I would never do what Liu Yan did." Ouyang Yiming's heart skipped a beat when he heard Liu Yan's name.

The two stopped by a tree, facing each other. Xu Hui suddenly said sadly, "I thought neither of us had ever gone out on a date at night, but I didn't expect you to have gone on dates with other women many times."

Ouyang Yiming's heart pounded wildly at these words. He didn't know what Xu Hui would say next. He also knew in his heart that although Xu Hui had forgiven him and accepted him, she still couldn't forget him and Liu Yan.

Ouyang Yiming said, "Didn't we agree not to mention her again?" Xu Hui sighed and said, "Sometimes I just can't help myself." Ouyang Yiming said, "Promise me you won't mention her again."

Xu Hui nodded, thought for a moment, then looked up at Ouyang Yiming and asked, "You...you've kissed her?"

Ouyang Yiming's heart skipped a beat, his legs pounding wildly. He thought to himself, "It's more than just kissing; we've had sex countless times." But he knew he could never tell Xu Hui this; she would never forgive him. Fan Xurui was right; sometimes lies are well-intentioned. So why should he say things that Xu Hui couldn't accept, since he loved her?

Ouyang Yiming said, "No." Xu Hui looked at him, shook her head, and said, "I don't believe you." Ouyang Yiming said, "I didn't spend much time with her. Not long after I was discharged from the hospital, she was transferred back to her hometown." Xu Hui said, "Then you must have kissed, and you must have gone on dates many times at night." Ouyang Yiming said, "Not many times." Xu Hui asked,

"Then how could your feelings for each other be so deep? And why was her letter so cheesy?" Ouyang Yiming blushed and said, "Although we didn't meet many times, I felt that our feelings were very deep.

Oh, please don't talk about her anymore, okay? I have nothing to do with her now, don't I?" Ouyang Yiming really didn't want Xu Hui to mention Liu Yan again; hearing Liu Yan's name made his heart ache.

Xu Hui shook her head and said, "I can't think about your relationship, it just annoys me. I just don't believe you and her haven't kissed." Ouyang Yiming said, "I've hugged her. She's a soldier and she cares about herself, she really didn't do anything?" Xu Hui lowered her head and thought for a moment before asking, "Really not?" Ouyang Yiming shook his head and said, "No." Xu Hui looked at him for a while before saying, "Even if you did, don't tell me, I can't handle it."

Ouyang Yiming thought to himself, "Then why did you even ask?" Then he immediately thought, "It's a good thing I didn't admit it, otherwise Xu Hui wouldn't be acting this way now. I really can't take any more of this."

Xu Hui said, "But I can't help asking. Fine, I'll believe you." Ouyang Yiming said, "Don't talk about her anymore, promise me." Xu Hui said, "There are some things I don't understand yet, how can I not ask?" Ouyang Yiming said, "Then what else do you want to ask?"

Xu Hui said, "Your photo is really beautiful, you look very well-matched. When was it taken? It looks like a wedding photo, are you getting married soon? It's a great photo, it could be used for a magazine cover?" Ouyang Yiming blushed, but still explained, "She said she wanted to take a picture before she left, saying she wanted to give it to her father..." "It was his mother who saw it. She was worried his parents wouldn't approve, so she said she took a picture together."

Xu Hui clicked her tongue twice and said, "Unfortunately, the picture didn't help at all; his parents still didn't accept you."

Ouyang Yiming felt a surge of annoyance and said angrily, "I don't want to talk about her anymore. Don't mention it again, okay?"

Xu Hui stared at him for a while, then sighed and said, "Okay, I won't say it anymore. I won't dare to say it again." Regardless of whether Ouyang Yiming's words were true or false, hearing that nothing had happened between him and Liu Yan made her feel much relieved. But she also knew that she couldn't keep bringing up his and Liu Yan in front of him. From his tone just now, she could tell that if she kept bringing it up, it would annoy him. But how could she get rid of the knot in her heart all at once? She wouldn't say it anymore. As long as he could love her wholeheartedly in the future, there was no point in bringing it up again.

In the month or so since Xu Hui learned of Ouyang Yiming and Liu Yan's relationship, she had countless times imagined that Ouyang Yiming might hug or kiss Liu Yan, but she never considered the possibility of them having sex. In her mind, sex was an extremely serious matter, and only a scoundrel like Zhu Haitao would do such a thing. Normal men and women could only
engage .

She believed that Ouyang Yiming and Liu Yan would never do such a thing before marriage. No woman would take the initiative in such a thing, and in her mind, Ouyang Yiming was a very upright person. She believed that Ouyang Yiming would not take the initiative to do such a thing with Liu Yan before marriage. Now, hearing Ouyang Yiming say that he hadn't kissed Liu Yan, she believed him too.

But when Ouyang Yiming said that he had hugged her, Xu Hui still felt vaguely uncomfortable. After thinking about it, she thought to herself, "Let him hug me then. Anyway, Liu Yan is so far away from him now, and we may never see each other again in this lifetime." She stopped mentioning her; it made her uncomfortable.

She glanced at her watch; it was only nine o'clock. Ouyang Yiming asked, "Want to go back?" Xu Hui said, "It's our first date, and you're in such a hurry?" Ouyang Yiming said, "I saw you looking at your watch."

Xu Hui said, "Looking at the watch didn't mean I wanted to go back. I want to stay a little longer." Thinking about how he had hugged her before, she took Ouyang Yiming's hand and walked a few steps towards the roadside woods. She stopped, facing him, and leaned forward, resting her against his chest.

Ouyang Yiming's heart fluttered, and he embraced her. After a while, he wanted to kiss Xu Hui, but he didn't dare. For a long time, they remained like this, embracing, without any other actions.

Xu Hui thought to herself, judging from his current state, he probably only did this with Liu Yan, never kissing.

What should a kiss feel like? She had thought about it before when Li Xuan joked about kissing Ouyang Yiming, and sometimes she even thought about it in her sleep. She always felt it was something sacred. Although in her imagination it couldn't compare to the seriousness of making love with a man, it was still very precious. Of course, she had thought about giving her body to the man she loved on her wedding night with Ouyang Yiming. But that shameful thought only flashed through her mind; she wouldn't think about it any deeper. She was also firmly convinced that her body could only be given to her husband on their wedding night. There could be no wavering.

That time, after returning home from Ouyang Yiming's house, her mother asked her if she had done "that kind of thing" with Ouyang Yiming. Xu Hui knew what her mother meant by "that kind of thing"—her mother was asking if she and Ouyang Yiming had had sex. At that moment, Xu Hui's face burned with shame, and she scolded her mother, saying that she hadn't married him, so how could she have done such an outrageous thing with him?

Her mother then said that she and Ouyang Yiming must have kissed. Xu Hui said, "We've never gone out alone at night, how could such a thing happen? Ouyang Yiming is a very traditional person, and we're not like what you imagine."

Seeing the earnestness in her voice, Yang Ping began to believe her. If it were true, she truly admired the self-control of Ouyang Yiming and Xu Hui. She thought of herself and Xu Zhenming, who had also fallen in love freely. Although it was a very feudal era, they kissed after only a few months of dating and had sex six months later. Could it be that Xu Hui and Ouyang Yiming hadn't kissed in three or four years? The thought seemed unbelievable, but she preferred to believe it was true. A mother would never want her daughter to have sex with her boyfriend before marriage, lest something shameful happen.

Now, as Xu Hui and Ouyang Yiming embraced, she too felt an urge to be kissed by him. But Ouyang Yiming simply held her, barely moving his hands. Although she longed for it, she would never take the initiative. Meanwhile, Ouyang Yiming, holding Xu Hui in his arms and inhaling the sweet scent of her body and hair, felt a little flustered. After all, he was a man with many sexual experiences.

But deep down, he felt a fear of Xu Hui, always believing she was different from other women; in his heart, she was pure and sacred. Even though he desperately wanted to, he dared not, and no impure thoughts arose in his mind. He felt immense satisfaction simply being able to hold Xu Hui like this.

After a while, Xu Hui pulled away and said, "Let's go back." Ouyang Yiming nodded. Xu Hui took Ouyang Yiming's hand, and the two slowly walked out of the park.

Just as they reached the road after descending the Drum Tower platform, Xu Hui stopped, hurriedly releasing Ouyang Yiming's hand, her eyes fixed on the road ahead. Ouyang Yiming turned to look at her. Xu Hui, gazing across the street, whispered, "Look over there, it looks like Ge Guangcheng." Ouyang Yiming looked up and indeed saw Ge Guangcheng, walking with his arm around a woman's shoulder.

Ouyang Yiming quickly pulled Xu Hui to a stop behind a large tree, saying, "It's him." Xu Hui glanced at him and asked, "Have you seen that girl before?" Ouyang Yiming replied,

"Who could see clearly this late? She looked unfamiliar. I definitely don't know her." Xu Hui looked for a while longer and said, "I really didn't expect that the unassuming Ge Guangcheng would be in love." Ouyang Yiming was also surprised; he had never noticed this before.

Ouyang Yiming said, "Ge Guangcheng is really a hidden talent. If we hadn't met, no one would have guessed he'd be in love." Xu Hui glanced at him and said, "How much worse are you than him?" Ouyang Yiming suddenly blushed and didn't speak, frowning.

Xu Hui instantly regretted it; she had thought she wouldn't bring it up again, but she had said it involuntarily. But once the words were spoken, there was no going back. So she changed the subject, saying, "Ge Guangcheng is a bit short, but he's a nice person." Ouyang Yiming nodded. You suddenly thought, if a man like Ge Guangcheng is in love, why doesn't Jiang Yuqi have any girls who like him?

Xu Hui then realized that she had been pulled into the shadows by Ouyang Yiming. She looked at Ouyang Yiming and said, "You're such a coward! What are you afraid of? So what if you see? We're doing this openly and honestly."

As she spoke, she hugged Ouyang Yiming's arm, and the two walked forward side by side.

Love and Desire (115) Chapter 113

Many classmates who were in love were no longer so secretive. With more than two months left until graduation, they appeared in pairs on campus and in front of everyone.

Ge Guangcheng's girlfriend had come to the school several times. Afterwards, Ge Guangcheng told Ouyang Yiming and his friends that he and his girlfriend had been in love for almost three years.

His girlfriend was a staff member of the Yuhuatai Gardening Office. Her father was a small cadre in the urban construction department of the district, and her mother worked in the street office. Ge Guangcheng's acquaintance with this girl was purely accidental. Two years ago, during the May Day holiday, a fellow villager from his security department gave him a ticket to the Workers' Cultural Palace. The ticket had been given to him by someone else, and his fellow villager happened to be busy that day, so he gave it to Ge Guangcheng. Ge Guangcheng wasn't particularly interested in the performances arranged by various units for May Day, and since he had nothing else to do that evening, he went to the Workers' Cultural Palace. That's where he sat next to this girl.

The girl was surprised that Ge Guangcheng was sitting next to her; the seat he was supposed to be in belonged to another girl from her workplace. It turned out that the other girl wasn't interested in the show and had gone on a date with her boyfriend, so she gave the ticket to her brother, who also wasn't interested and gave it to Ge Guangcheng's fellow villager, who then gave it to Ge Guangcheng. That's how magical things were. Otherwise, Ge Guangcheng and this girl wouldn't have started their relationship.

After Ge Guangcheng sat down, the girl asked him where he got the ticket, and Ge Guangcheng said it was a gift. After chatting for a while, the girl was very envious when she learned that Ge Guangcheng was a student at a prestigious university. She had good grades in school, but her exam performance was poor, and she failed the entrance exam for two consecutive years, ending up as a regular staff member at the Yuhuatai Gardening Office.

However, she longed for university and admired students like Ge Guangcheng. When they parted, they walked together and exchanged addresses.

After Ge Guangcheng visited the girl in Yuhuatai several times, they developed feelings for each other and began dating. Later, the girl introduced Ge Guangcheng to her parents. Although her parents somewhat disliked Ge Guangcheng's short stature, they were quite fond of university students. Thus, Ge Guangcheng gained the girl's parents' approval, and he frequently visited her home, their relationship becoming official. However, no one at the university knew about any of this.

Jiang Yuqi was quite surprised when he learned that Ge Guangcheng had a girlfriend from the city, and secretly lamented why he never had such a romantic encounter. Several times, Jiang Yuqi pressured Ge Guangcheng to treat them to a meal, but Ge Guangcheng always brushed it off with a smile. His somewhat stingy nature meant

he wouldn't actually spend money to treat this group of friends to a meal. He would only promise, "We'll definitely invite you all to our wedding, and we'll make sure you're all thoroughly entertained." Jiang Yuqi then mocked, "We'll be giving money as a wedding gift. I'd rather spend that money on a cheap restaurant and eat whatever I want, and have a great time." Ouyang Yiming laughed and said, "If Ge Guangcheng actually invites you, how could you not come?" Jiang Yuqi chuckled and said, "Even if I don't have time, I'll still give a gift. As long as I have time, I'll definitely come to get together." He then whispered to Ouyang Yiming, "When you and Xu Hui get married, I'll be there even if it's raining knives."

Although Ouyang Yiming and Xu Hui had seen many classmates and couples go public with their relationships, they remained as silent as ever. Although classmates sometimes joked about them to their faces, the two didn't deny it, but they didn't say anything. However, after that date at Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, where they talked late into the night at the Drum Tower, Ouyang Yiming and Xu Hui went on several dates. These were always meals together outside, and afterwards, sometimes they would stroll arm-in-arm in quieter streets, sometimes they would walk in the Drum Tower Park. In the park, Xu Hui saw couples kissing and embracing, but every time she and Ouyang Yiming embraced, there was never a kiss. In Xu Hui's opinion, Ouyang Yiming didn't even have that kind of thought.

She longed for it, but was always disappointed. Afterwards, she thought about it and felt a surge of joy. She thought to herself, if Ouyang Yiming acted like this when he hugged her, then he must have never kissed when he hugged Liu Yan. "Let Ouyang Yiming hug her," she thought, "after all, Ouyang Yiming's body and heart are mine now. Even foreigners have the custom of hugging when they meet."

That afternoon, Xu Hui found a moment to ask Ouyang Yiming to go out for dinner that evening. Ouyang Yiming agreed. After meeting at Gulou Park, the two went to a nearby restaurant. After dinner, as they walked together, Xu Hui said, "I talked to my mother on the phone yesterday. Although it was expected, I was still very disappointed."

Ouyang Yiming immediately suspected it was about the job situation in Shanghai and asked, "Are you sure it can't be done?" Xu Hui said, "They can only arrange one. My uncle did his best, contacting some leaders in the municipal party committee, but they can only arrange one. Although I know you still have the opportunity to stay at the university and go to the research institute in your hometown, I still want to go to Shanghai with you. I don't want to be separated from you. We've been together for four years, and I don't know how I'll feel if I can't see you all day." Her words were tinged with sadness.

Ouyang Yiming felt a little disappointed and comforted her, saying, "Didn't we agree? We'd separate for a few years and then talk about it again. Aren't you worried that our research institute won't develop well and you'll have no way out?" Xu Hui said, "I didn't want to say it, afraid you'd be angry. Actually, I'm still worried that if you leave me..."

Ouyang Yiming's heart sank, and he said, "Now that we've clearly defined our relationship, I definitely have to be responsible for you. I would never do anything to betray you again." Xu Hui said, "Don't be angry if I tell you. I just can't erase the memory of Liu Yan from my heart. The thought of being so far away from you makes me worry about what you might do."

Ouyang Yiming blushed and said, "Back then, Liu Yan and I didn't have a clear relationship. Can it be the same now? Now we've said everything. I can't possibly do anything to betray you and have a relationship with another woman. Don't worry." Xu Hui said, "I've thought about these things, but I still feel very uneasy." Ouyang Yiming said, "Then you still don't trust me. I know it's because of my past relationship with Liu Yan that I hurt you, but now..." It's useless to talk.

Xu Hui said: "I really want to go back with you now." The distribution will start soon. My mother and I also talked about this on the phone yesterday. "Ouyang Yiming said: "Your mother will definitely not agree. After all, your uncle spent a lot of effort in Shanghai. I wouldn't agree either, it would be a shame to lose my job there. Xu Hui said: "My mother doesn't agree, but I still have to think about it and consider it." I can't lose you just because of my job.

Ouyang Yiming said angrily: "If you always think like this in your mind, then I might as well go to Shanghai with you and join the company your uncle found." Xu Hui said: "Wouldn't that wrong you?" Even if you join a company, I can't let you go. If I join a company, you can join a research institute. Ouyang Yiming said: "That definitely won't work, and I don't want to wrong you." Xu Hui said: "It doesn't matter if you are a woman. As long as you achieve success, I will be your support." "

Ouyang Yiming said: "This is not possible, this is not what I imagined. What I imagine is that we can all do something. I don't want you to just be a housewife. Xu Hui said:

“I don’t want to either, but I’m really worried about you being separated from me now. Being so far apart is really upsetting. I remember reading a novel about a couple who were deeply in love, but their feelings changed after being separated for several years. I believe distance can change feelings, so I’m just worried about you.”

Ouyang Yiming said, “As long as you don’t change, I will never betray you.” Xu Hui said, “Unless I die, as long as I live, I will never do anything to betray you in this lifetime.” Ouyang Yiming said, “That’s fine. Besides, you’ve already accepted my family’s heirloom gold bracelet, so you’re part of my family now. What can I do?” Xu Hui pursed her lips and said, “You didn’t think about these things when you were with Liu Yan a while ago, but now you’ve remembered.” Ouyang Yiming said, “Let’s not mention her anymore, okay?”

They walked into the park and found a place to sit down. Xu Hui said, "These past two days have been really stressful." Turning to Ouyang Yiming, she asked, "Have you decided where to go yet?" Ouyang Yiming said, "To be honest, I've been very conflicted. I'm worried that if I go to that unit, it might not develop well in the future. But seeing the attitude of the city leaders and the preferential treatment they offer, I'm still very tempted. Nobody has talked to me about staying at the university yet. Professor Cheng did suggest it, but it's hard to say whether the university will take his advice. I'm really tempted to stay at the university.

But I want to finish the research project Professor Cheng assigned me as soon as possible. Only by joining this unit can I finish it quickly. If I had to choose, I'd prefer to join the research institute in our area."

Xu Hui said, "That's what I was thinking too. Sigh, I don't want to talk about it anymore, it's making me anxious. Graduation is coming soon. Yesterday, Li Xuan, Wu Yingying, and I..." They were both nervous as they talked. They both said nothing was decided yet. "I told Li Xuan about our trip to Shanghai before, and she asked me about it yesterday, but I didn't tell her the details. I was embarrassed to say,"

Ouyang Yiming said. "Jiang Yuqi might go back to his hometown; his father has almost finished arranging things for him at the county government." Xu Hui said, "Going to be an administrative cadre means all the things you've learned these past few years will be wasted." Ouyang Yiming said, "Many people don't want to pursue this profession; for some, being an administrative cadre might be more attractive." Xu Hui said, "No one else would have that thought, and neither would you. Me neither." Ouyang Yiming said, "That's why people say birds of a feather flock together." Xu Hui said, "That's quite philosophical." As she spoke, she took Ouyang Yiming's arm and rested her head on his shoulder, gazing ahead without speaking.

At that moment, Ouyang Yiming thought of Liu Yan. Thinking of the reluctance to part with Liu Yan when she was transferred, thinking of how she married someone else less than a year after leaving him, thinking of the bitterness she felt when she came to say goodbye, and thinking of how he would soon be separated from Xu Hui again, his heart grew heavy.

Seeing his silence, Xu Hui asked, "What are you thinking about?" Ouyang Yiming sighed and said, "I was thinking about how painful it must be for us to be so far apart, missing each other so much." Xu Hui said,

"Yes, I've been thinking about that too." She paused, then added, "You understand that feeling all too well; I don't even know what it's like." Ouyang Yiming knew she was talking about Liu Yan again, and his heart sank even further. So he said irritably, "Didn't we agree not to mention it? You keep bringing it up."

Xu Hui looked up at him, sighed, and said, "I won't mention it anymore." Ouyang Yiming said, "Now I really don't know what to do. I didn't expect graduation to be this stressful.

It's really hard to manage everything." Xu Hui said, "There's no such thing as a perfect solution. Yesterday, my mother called me, also worried about not being able to handle things for both of us. Now all I can do is comfort her. Things can't always go as we imagine."

Ouyang Yiming said, "That's right. Don't overthink it. A few days ago I gave..." Mom wrote a letter asking her to inquire about that research institute, but we haven't received a reply yet. We'll see what the family thinks. If I go to that institute, you can go to Shanghai without worry. If the institute really does well in a few years, you can transfer here. I'm just worried that if you stay in Shanghai for too long, you won't want to come back to our place.” Xu Hui said, “If it really has good prospects, why wouldn't I come? What am I attached to in Shanghai? My heart is still full of thoughts of you.” Ouyang Yiming said, “I'm really afraid that you might…” He stopped mid-sentence. Xu Hui asked, “Afraid of what?” Ouyang Yiming said, “Forget it, let nature take its course.”

Xu Hui stared at him for a while and said, “You're not afraid I'll fall in love with someone else, are you?” Ouyang Yiming didn't say anything. Xu Hui said, "I won't allow you to think like that. If you think like that, no matter how good Shanghai is, I won't go. I'll just go with you to your hometown."

Ouyang Yiming smiled and said, "I was just saying it casually, look at you." Xu Hui said, "You can't even say it casually. I won't allow you to think like that. My life belongs only to you, and I will never love anyone else. If you think like that, you are insulting me." Ouyang Yiming was moved and said, "Okay, okay, I won't say it again, and I won't think about it anymore."

Love and Desire (116) Chapter 114

On the morning of the third day, the counselor asked a classmate to pass on a message, asking Ouyang Yiming to come to her office immediately. After Ouyang Yiming arrived, the counselor asked him to sit down and said,

"Now you have two job options: the first is to stay at the university, and the second is to go back to the city research institute in your hometown. Which one do you plan to choose?"

Ouyang Yiming was stunned when he heard his counselor's words. His counselor should know about his decision to stay at the university, but how could he know about the research institute he was supposed to be returning to his hometown? He looked up at his counselor without speaking. The counselor smiled and said, "I was a little too hasty. Here's the thing. The university was planning to let you stay; that was basically the deal. But a vice mayor from your hometown and a deputy director of the provincial science and technology commission came to the university and are currently in the department head's office. The department head just called me in to discuss this. He wants you to stay, and that's what I think too. Professor Cheng also expressed the same opinion before he passed away. The current situation is that your vice mayor and the deputy director of the provincial science and technology commission are here to take you away. The key is how you decide. If you want to stay, the university can refuse to let you go even if they come again. But if you want to go back to your hometown, the university can't easily keep you, since provincial leaders are involved in your case. What do you plan to do now?"

Ouyang Yiming was at a loss, bewildered by this sudden turn of events. Looking at his counselor, Ouyang Yiming asked, "Do I have to decide now?" The counselor replied, "You don't have to decide now, but you need to come with me to the department head's office immediately to meet your vice mayor and the deputy director of the provincial science and technology commission. The department head's advice is that when you meet them, don't give your opinion first; just say you need to think about it. Otherwise, there won't be any room for maneuver. Think about it carefully later. There's still some time before graduation and job assignments. The department head and I think you can stay at the university. Okay, that's all for now. Come with me. We'll talk more later. Remember, no matter what they say, just say you need to think about it now." Ouyang Yiming agreed.

Upon entering the department head's office, Vice Mayor Tang and the deputy director of the Provincial Science and Technology Commission hurriedly stood up. Ouyang Yiming, blushing, greeted him, "Mayor Tang." Mayor Tang stepped forward and grasped Ouyang Yiming's hands with both, then turned to the deputy director of the Science and Technology Commission and said, "This is Ouyang Yiming." He then said to Ouyang Yiming, "This is Director Xiao of our Provincial Science and Technology Commission." Ouyang Yiming released Mayor Tang's hand but shook hands with Director Xiao, saying, "Hello, Director Xiao."

Deputy Director Xiao appeared to be in his mid-forties, short and slightly overweight, with a bald head from the forehead to the back of his head. His sparse hair was combed from one side to the other, concealing his shiny scalp. A pair of glasses sat on his chubby face. After carefully observing Ouyang Yiming for a moment, he raised a hand and patted Ouyang Yiming's shoulder, saying, "Not bad, young man." He then gestured for Ouyang Yiming to sit down. Ouyang Yiming didn't sit down until now, finally having a chance to greet the department head. He bowed slightly and called out, "Director Zhao." Director Zhao smiled and said, "Please sit down."

Everyone sat down, and Director Zhao looked at Ouyang Yiming and laughed twice, saying, "Ouyang, your mayor and provincial leaders have come personally to ask you to stay. I'm in a bit of a dilemma. The school has already decided you'll stay, and now these two leaders are asking you to stay. It's up to you to decide." Ouyang Yiming smiled sheepishly at Director Zhao. Mayor Tang said, "I'm here for a meeting, and I mentioned it to Director Xiao. The leadership values it, so we came to see you." Director Xiao smiled and said, "Talented people should shine."

Ouyang Yiming was excited and moved his lips to say, "Thank you, leader. I... I'm just an ordinary student right now." Director Xiao said, "Director Zhao just introduced you. You're an excellent student in both character and academics. The school appreciates you, and we appreciate you even more." Mayor Tang smiled at Director Xiao and said, "I liked Ouyang the first time I met him."

Director Xiao laughed and said, "Yes, not only is he excellent in character and academics, but he's also a handsome young man. Very good." Mayor Tang looked at Ouyang... Yiming said, "We sincerely hope you can come back and help us run this research institute well. With you, we have even more hope." Director Xiao said, "The provincial leaders also attach great importance to the establishment of this research institute in Panzhou City.

Our country is now advocating for national rejuvenation through science and technology, and the provincial party committee is also paying close attention to the establishment of this high-tech research institute in Panzhou City. We particularly appreciate your city's emphasis on scientific and technological talent, and our provincial party committee leaders also support those preferential policies specifically for intellectuals. Panzhou City is confident in running it well, and our provincial party committee has high hopes for this research institute."

Director Zhao laughed heartily at this point and said, "With these two leaders bombarding us like this, Ouyang must be at a loss." The group laughed. Deputy Director Xiao looked at Director Zhao and said:

"We're eager to find talented people." Turning to Ouyang Yiming, he said, "Ouyang, we very much hope you'll go to the research institute; it would be a great opportunity for you to showcase your talents. The problem is, your school also appreciates you and doesn't want you to leave; they're reluctant to let you go. It's up to you to decide. I just discussed this with Director Zhao, and he's concerned about whether the research institute in Panzhou City can be run well, fearing it might jeopardize your future as a very talented student. We are very confident in the institute's development, but these concerns are understandable. Not only has your city already formulated many policies and considered all possible backup plans, but I'm also here to make a statement in front of your school leaders: in a few years, if the research institute doesn't perform well, I guarantee I'll transfer you to a unit more suitable for your development. The country has cultivated..." "It's not easy for a college student like you, especially one as talented as you. Talent will not be buried. Of course, we are confident in running the Panzhou City Research Institute well, but it's right to consider some unforeseen factors. Although we are very confident in the institute, we cannot guarantee that it will be successful. We must be responsible for our words. Therefore, I guarantee that if the institute proves to have no future, I will transfer you as you requested.

I said this today in front of your school leaders, and I will take responsibility. When that time comes, come directly to me."

Vice Mayor Tang said, "Even our provincial leaders have said this, so you should have no more worries. I can also guarantee here that if there are any changes in the future, I will also be responsible for helping you with the process and will not leave you in a difficult situation." Ouyang Yiming was very moved and excited by these words. But he knew that he could not express his opinion now. Turning to look at Director Zhao and the counselor, Ouyang Yiming then said to Vice Mayor Tang and Director Xiao, "Thank you both for valuing me so much. I'd like to consider this matter carefully. I also want to discuss it with my parents." Deputy Director Xiao said, "That's only right." Vice Mayor Tang said, "After Director Zhao introduced your situation, it seems the school is reluctant to let you go. Please consider this carefully. I think you'll have better development opportunities at our research institute." Director Zhao

smiled and said, "Mayor Tang, this is ultimately Ouyang Yiming's decision. The school won't force outstanding students to stay. Our school cultivates students hoping they will contribute to society. Whether to stay or leave, the school will also consult Ouyang's opinion. Of course, we are a little reluctant to let go of such a good student." Vice Mayor Tang smiled and said, "Reluctance to let go and our desire to have someone are probably similar." Turning to Ouyang Yiming, he said, "After you've considered it, do you have any specific requests? You can bring them up, and we will try our best to meet them." Deputy Director Xiao looked at Vice Mayor Tang and said, "Then let's leave it at that. Let Ouyang consider it some more." Vice Mayor Tang nodded.

Deputy Director Xiao said to Director Zhao, "Director Zhao, let's leave it at that and go back." Everyone stood up, and Deputy Mayor Tang said to Ouyang Yiming, "I'll wait for your news." As he spoke, he took out a business card from his pocket and said, "Call me immediately once you've made up your mind. I'll drive over to pick you up." Although Ouyang Yiming already had his business card, he still blushed as he accepted it.

After seeing Deputy Mayor Tang and Deputy Director Xiao off, Ouyang Yiming, Director Zhao, and the counselor returned to the room. After sitting down, Director Zhao looked at Ouyang Yiming and said, "Professor Cheng expressed his wish to keep you at the university before his death, and the university has conducted a comprehensive evaluation of you. The university has already decided to let you stay. However, now that the mayor and provincial leaders from your hometown are asking for you, the university also needs to consider this. You should discuss this matter with your family and give it serious consideration. Now the university and your city's research institute are waiting for your decision."

The counselor said, "Ouyang, emotionally speaking, I am very reluctant for you to leave the university. But this is not a matter of emotion; the key is that you can have a good development and put your knowledge to use. That is the most important thing." Director Zhao said, "Yes, the key is to make good use of your talents." Ouyang Yiming said, "This is how I see it. I have been to this research institute, and they value scientific research very much.

I mainly want to be able to make some contributions. I want to finish the project that Professor Cheng assigned me as soon as possible. I can start working on it immediately after joining this unit, which is something that excites me. But I have a deep affection for our university and I really can't bear to leave. I want to think about it more carefully."

Director Zhao said, "What you said makes a lot of sense. Our school might establish a chemical engineering research department in the future, but the exact timing is hard to say. I understand your feelings; you naturally want to quickly work on some projects and achieve some results. Currently, only this research institute can provide you with such a platform. They not only value your talent but also the project you're working on." He chuckled twice and said, "Well, there's still some time before graduation and job assignments. Think it over carefully before making a decision." The counselor stood up and said, "Then let's go back."

Ouyang Yiming stood up and bowed to thank Director Zhao. Director Zhao said, "Go back and consider it carefully. Discuss it with your parents. I'll report this to the school leaders immediately." Ouyang Yiming agreed.

Ouyang Yiming and his counselor were walking down the street when the counselor asked, "Is your relationship with Xu Hui clear now?" Although Ouyang Yiming knew many classmates had already made their relationships public, he still felt a little guilty when the counselor specifically asked about his relationship with Xu Hui. He said, "We're still the same." The counselor said, "You should be clear about it now. Graduation is just around the corner. If you two are truly interested in each other, you should make it clear. You should also talk to Xu Hui about your job search and discuss it. Xu Hui is a very good girl, and you two are a good match in terms of both looks and character. From my personal perspective, I really hope you two will get together. Here's what we'll do: you go back first. I have some things to do at the school office. You need to think this through carefully. Our school really appreciates you. I'm reluctant to see you leave the school. Tell me your thoughts as soon as possible, and I'll give you some advice." Ouyang Yiming thanked the counselor, and the two parted ways.

At lunchtime, after buying his food, Ouyang Yiming sat down opposite Xu Hui. He no longer had any reservations about his relationship with Xu Hui in front of others. Xu Hui looked up at him, somewhat surprised.

Ouyang Yiming smiled contentedly at her, and Xu Hui blushed slightly, smiling but saying nothing.

Wu Yingying looked at Ouyang Yiming and asked, "What good news has come of it?" Xu Hui also looked up at him. Ouyang Yiming chuckled twice and said, "Eating." Wu Yingying smiled and said, "Eating is something to be happy about." Ouyang Yiming said, "When you're hungry and have food to eat, you'll feel happy." Xu Hui glanced at him and said, "Stop joking, eat your food." Wu Yingying laughed.

After finishing their meal, the three of them left the dining hall together. Wu Yingying said, "You two have something to say, right? I'll go first." Ouyang Yiming said, "No, I just want to say one thing to Xu Hui." He then whispered to Xu Hui, "Let's go out tonight." Xu Hui looked at him and assumed that Ouyang Yiming was talking about this, so she nodded. Ouyang Yiming said, "Still at that place." Xu Hui blushed and smiled.

Ouyang Yiming turned around and called out to Wu Yingying. Wu Yingying turned to look at him and asked, "Finished?" Ouyang Yiming smiled and said, "Finished." Wu Yingying said, "That was quick." Ouyang Yiming smiled and glanced at Xu Hui, then turned back to ask Wu Yingying, "Have you considered where you'll go after graduation?" Wu Yingying sighed and said, "No, I'll go with the school's assignments. I don't have any connections." Ouyang Yiming said, "Then you don't have a direction." Wu Yingying said, "To be honest, I really want to go back to my hometown." Ouyang Yiming said, "You want to go back to your county town?" Wu Yingying sighed and said, "I've thought about it. What difference does it make where I go? I can help my parents when I go back. My younger siblings are doing well academically, and I want to support them through school. Besides, it's better to be with my parents and family. I haven't made any decisions yet, I'll wait and see." Ouyang Yiming nodded.

Wu Yingying really wanted to go back to her hometown. Over the past year, Zhu Haitao's affair has dealt her a devastating blow. This once cheerful and talkative girl has changed drastically. Aside from smiling and joking with her close friends Ouyang Yiming and Xu Hui, she has essentially lost her original nature. This shadow may haunt her for many years.

For many days, she has longed to return to her parents' side. No matter what her mother says or scolds her, she feels safest with them. Her hopes of going to a big city have been dashed by Zhu Haitao's affair. Now, she is afraid to go to big cities, harboring a deep-seated fear of the people there. She feels that she, a girl from a small county, is incapable of handling the cunning of big-city men alone; Zhu Haitao is a prime example. All the beautiful plans she had made have become bleak after this devastating relationship with Zhu Haitao.

Her greatest hope now is to find a husband who truly loves her and whom she can live a peaceful and stable life together. She thought that her personality and abilities weren't suited to venturing out into the world alone, especially to big cities. She felt that a girl like her couldn't withstand any more setbacks, couldn't handle seemingly honest but actually treacherous men, and couldn't see through the true nature of some people. So she wanted to go back to her hometown. She believed that only back home, near her parents, was she truly safe. She hadn't shared these thoughts with anyone, but she had already made up her mind.

Wu Yingying asked, "Are you two sure now?" Xu Hui replied, "How can we say it's settled now? Nothing's certain until after the assignments." Wu Yingying said, "It would be best if you two were assigned together." Xu Hui said, "Some things aren't as simple as we think. Let's try!"

Although Ouyang Yiming wasn't so afraid of what people said about his relationship with Xu Hui, he was still a little uneasy. The two went out together. That evening, Ouyang Yiming arrived at Gulou first. After waiting for Xu Hui, the two walked hand in hand towards the park.

Xu Hui glanced at him and said, "Next time, let's go out together. We're about to graduate, and you're still sneaking around like this. Just now on the bus, some men kept staring at me; it scared me half to death."

Ouyang Yiming's heart skipped a beat. He asked, "Are you alright?" Xu Hui said, "Even if nothing's wrong, I'm still scared. I won't go out alone next time." Ouyang Yiming thought for a moment and said, "That's true. What's there to be afraid of now? Let's go together." Xu Hui said, "Exactly! Look at all the people doing this; why act like thieves?" Ouyang Yiming said, "Yeah, I was really worried about you going out alone." Xu Hui said, "I'm just a little scared. It makes me uncomfortable to be stared at like that. But nobody can really do anything to me." Ouyang Yiming said, "I don't want people looking at you like that either." Xu Hui glanced at him and smiled.

Ouyang Yiming said, "I wanted to talk to you about something, and I also wanted to be alone with you." Xu Hui blushed slightly and asked, "What is it?" Ouyang Yiming said, "Let's find a place to sit down and I'll tell you slowly." Xu Hui glanced at him and smiled, saying, "So mysterious."

The two stopped in front of a cement bench. Xu Hui took out a tissue and wiped herself, then they sat down together. Ouyang Yiming said, "The mayor and the deputy director of the Provincial Science and Technology Commission from our area came this morning?"

Xu Hui stared at him and asked, "Really? Especially for you?" Ouyang Yiming said, "Yes. They went to the department head's office, and the counselor had someone call me over." Xu Hui asked, "What did they say?"

Ouyang Yiming said, "The school has already decided to keep me on as a student. The problem now is that Mayor Tang and the director of the Provincial Science and Technology Commission came to the school together to ask me to stay, and the department head wants me to make my own decision." He then recounted to Xu Hui what he had said to Mayor Tang and the others that morning.

After listening, Xu Hui said, "With your mayor and the director of the Science and Technology Commission saying those things in front of the school leaders, I don't think you have any worries. Have you made up your mind yet?" Ouyang Yiming said, "I'm leaning towards joining the research institute. I just thought I should discuss it with you." Xu Hui said, "I think going to the research institute is a good option. We'll know whether it works out in two years. If it doesn't, with these two high-ranking leaders speaking up, it's not a problem to transfer out. Besides, given how much these two leaders value you, I think it will be very beneficial for your future development." Ouyang Yiming said, "I'll be content as long as I can do research projects. I haven't thought about anything else." He paused and said, "Mayor Tang also said that I can make any requests, and he said he would try his best to meet them. I thought about it this afternoon, and I wondered if I could ask him to arrange a very good job for you, so we could be together."

Xu Hui was also excited, but after thinking for a moment, she said, "Whether Mayor Tang is sincere or just being polite, I don't think it's good for you to make such demands now. You haven't even started working yet, what will people think? Besides, things have already been arranged in Shanghai, and my uncle has put in a lot of effort. If we give up now, my uncle, my parents, and I will be angry. I still want to go to Shanghai first. If your research institute is really good in two years, I'll transfer here. Mayor Tang will help then. I also plan to keep urging my uncle in Shanghai; your research institute isn't very good, so I'll have him pull some strings to get you transferred to Shanghai."

Ouyang Yiming said, "You've considered everything very carefully, but the thought of being separated from you still makes me uncomfortable." Xu Hui said, "Two years. In two years, we'll decide to be together, whether we go to your hometown or stay in Shanghai, we'll be together. I can't bear to be separated from you." Ouyang Yiming said, "That's what you say." Xu Hui said, "You'll definitely be focused on your experiments for the next two years. We can't get married so early. It's necessary to prepare for the future." Ouyang Yiming nodded.

Xu Hui sat there blankly for a while, then buried her face in Ouyang Yiming's arms, saying, "I really don't want to leave you either." Ouyang Yiming felt a pang of sadness in his heart and reached out to hug her tightly. Xu Hui said sadly, "I didn't know how painful it would be to part with you." Ouyang Yiming then recalled the scene of parting with Liu Yan before and said, "Me too."

The two hugged tightly.

Xu Hui looked up at Ouyang Yiming for a long time, then moved and sat on his lap, her arms around his neck. Ouyang Yiming was stunned for a moment, his heart surging. The two gazed at each other, and after a while, Ouyang Yiming lowered his head, and their lips met. For a long time, the two kissed passionately. After they parted, Xu Hui shed tears and said, "From now on, I'm truly yours. No matter how far apart we are in the future, remember that we both gave each other our first kiss tonight. I care a lot about it. Giving you my first kiss is like giving you my whole self. If you ever betray me, I'll die in front of you."

Although Ouyang Yiming felt that Xu Hui's words were a bit childish—giving a kiss meant giving him his whole self?—he was also impressed by Xu Hui's solemn expression and serious tone, and admired how much she cared about such matters between men and women. So he said, "Xu Hui, don't worry, no matter how far away I am from you, I will never do anything to betray you." Xu Hui said, "Don't worry either, I gave you my kiss today, and I will never let any other man touch me again in this life. Even if you don't want me anymore, I will never give myself to any other man." Ouyang Yiming said,

"We will be together for life. I will love you and cherish you for the rest of my life." Xu Hui nodded, and her lips met his again, and the two shared another deep and sweet kiss...

Love and Desire (117)

Chapter 115

Two months later, Ouyang Yiming entered the Panzhou High-tech Research Institute; Xu Hui entered the Shanghai Chemical Industry Research Institute; Jiang Yuqi returned to his hometown and worked in the Legislative Affairs Committee of the County People's Congress; Wu Yingying entered a cosmetics factory in Mengcheng, Anhui; Li Xuan entered the Discipline Inspection Commission of a district in Jinling. Ge Guangcheng entered a large petrochemical enterprise in Jinling. Fan Xurui was assigned to the Department of Internal Medicine of Panzhou Municipal Hospital.

On the night before their separation, Ouyang Yiming and Xu Hui met with Jiang Yuqi, Ge Guangcheng, Li Xuan, and Wu Yingying at the same restaurant. The meal was heavy with emotion for everyone. Four years of brotherhood and sisterhood, on the night of their impending parting, filled them with profound sorrow, and tears streamed down their faces.

Wu Yingying and Li Xuan were particularly heartbroken. They reflected on their own experiences over the past few years, and the constant care and support their friends had shown them. This friendship was unforgettable, pure and innocent. From now on, they would go their separate ways, adapt to new environments, make new friends, and face various challenges. Would they ever encounter such pure friendship again? Would they ever meet such sincere friends again?

Except for Ouyang Yiming and Xu Hui, no one expected Li Xuan to be assigned to a local government agency. When asked, Li Xuan simply said it was the school's decision, and few classmates doubted her. Of course, Ouyang Yiming and Xu Hui would never know about Li Xuan and Yao Jianshe's affair; they only assumed that Gao Peng had used his connections to get things done for Li Xuan.

Xu Hui secretly told Li Xuan, "I never expected Gao Peng to be such a loyal person. Even after he remarried his ex-wife, he still treats you like this." Li Xuan blushed. She knew in her heart that without Yao Jianshe, Gao Peng absolutely couldn't have gotten things done, even though Gao Peng had mentioned it to Yao Jianshe a few times. Gao Peng still believed that it was because she had spoken to Yao Jianshe that things were arranged for Li Xuan. But only Li Xuan knew that without her relationship with Yao Jianshe, she wouldn't have been able to get anything done. At that moment, Li Xuan felt a wave of shame and thought to herself that the reason she was able to stay here was because she had exchanged her body for it. This experience, which made her feel ashamed but also gave her her ideal job, she would never tell anyone; she would bury it deep in her heart forever.

Li Xuan said, "I never expected you and Ouyang Yiming to separate. I always thought you two would both go to Shanghai." Xu Hui said, "Ouyang was also recruited by his city, so there was no other way. Let's leave it like this for a few years. After a few years, we'll definitely be transferred together. Ouyang also wants to finish the project Professor Cheng assigned him as soon as possible. Otherwise, staying at the university or going to Shanghai wouldn't be a problem. Now, this is the only way. You know Ouyang; he was born to be an academic." Li Xuan nodded.

Jiang Yuqi continued talking to Ouyang Yiming, both men with teary eyes. Jiang Yuqi said, "Yiming, we're destined to be together. Our hometowns aren't far apart, and now we've both been assigned to our hometowns. We must get together often when we have time." Ouyang Yiming said, "We'll probably both be very busy at our workplaces, so let's keep in touch by phone." At this moment, Li Xuan called out to Jiang Yuqi.

After Jiang Yuqi stood up, Li Xuan waved to him, and the two went downstairs. The two stopped outside the restaurant. Li Xuan said, "Yuqi, the person I feel most sorry for right now is you. To be honest, I care about you a lot, but we can't be together." Jiang Yuqi said, "I know, I understand what you said last time." Li Xuan said, "There are some things you won't understand. Don't ask me anything anymore. I will treat you like my own brother." As she spoke, tears streamed down her face.

Jiang Yuqi felt a pang of sadness, his eyes reddening as he said, "Li Xuan, although we've often joked around these past few years, I'll treat you like my own sister from now on. Let's keep in touch." Li Xuan replied, "I've said it before, our personalities are similar, and I've also said we're both ambitious. Now that we've both entered government agencies, let's each work hard from now on. We have a great platform; it's up to us how we utilize it. Men always have a better chance of success in politics than women, so you must work hard." Jiang Yuqi said, "I will. Let's both work hard."

Meanwhile, Wu Yingying was talking to Ouyang Yiming about Zhu Haitao. Wu Yingying said, "I've thought about it for many days, wanting to visit Zhu Haitao before I leave, but I don't have the courage." Ouyang Yiming said, "Jiang Yuqi, Ge Guangcheng, and I visited him a few days ago, and he mentioned you too. He said he..." "I'm sorry, I made you forget him. Wu Yingying, I think you shouldn't go. What would you say if you went? You don't seem to want to have anything to do with Zhu Haitao anymore, so it would be awkward to meet him."

Wu Yingying sighed and said, "I think so too. Sigh, it's really not easy to forget someone. But it's absolutely impossible for me to have anything to do with him again." Ouyang Yiming said, "Since that's the case, I don't think it's a good idea. Wu Yingying, you've changed so much since Zhu Haitao's accident. Xu Hui and I really hope you can pull yourself together. What was the Wu Yingying like before? I hope you can regain your former self after changing your environment." Wu Yingying's eyes reddened, and her heart ached as she said, "I'll try. I think it will be much better if I go back to my hometown, back to my parents and siblings."

That evening, Ge Guangcheng insisted on paying for dinner, and no one could persuade him otherwise. Although everyone was surprised, they could understand Ge Guangcheng's feelings before parting. Xu Hui said, "Guangcheng, you must let us know when you get married." Ge Guangcheng said, "That's for sure." Jiang Yuqi said, "None of us should be there for any of our weddings, unless there are special circumstances." Ouyang Yiming said, "Guangcheng and Li Xuan will definitely settle down here in the future. We'll come to the school to visit then."

Jiang Yuqi said, "The biggest suspense now is where you and Xu Hui will settle down." Xu Hui said, "No matter where we settle down, you'll find it eventually." Jiang Yuqi smiled and said, "That's true." Ouyang Yiming said, "We'll settle down there in a few years." Xu Hui said, "Yes, whether in Shanghai or Ouyang's hometown, we'll definitely be transferred together in a few years." Wu Yingying said, "That's true, no matter where we are, it's best if we're together."

Jiang Yuqi smiled and said, "You two started dating the earliest, but we don't know when you'll get married. Now, none of us can really say who will get married first." Li Xuan said, "It seems like Ge Guangcheng will be the first to get married." Ge Guangcheng said, "That's hard to say. Maybe one of you or Jiang Yuqi will get married first." Jiang Yuqi said, "I think I'm
doomed. I'm destined not to have any romantic luck. I don't even know where that woman is now."

The next day, Ouyang Yiming and Xu Hui spent the whole day together. During the day, Xu Hui went shopping on the street and bought some things for Ouyang Yiming, as well as some things for Ouyang Yiming's parents. Ouyang Yiming also bought some things for Xu Hui's parents.

After dinner, the two went to Gulou Park. After finding a place to sit down, Xu Hui asked, "Are you sure your mayor will send a car to pick you up?" Ouyang Yiming said, "Yes, he said he'd come to the school tomorrow morning." Xu Hui asked, "Is everything packed?" Ouyang Yiming said, "Not much, just those things, all prepared."

Ouyang Yiming asked, "Are you sure you're leaving the day after tomorrow?" Xu Hui nodded and said, "The day after tomorrow I'm going directly to Shanghai, and Mom and Dad are going there too." Ouyang Yiming said, "When I see your parents, I'll tell them I'll visit them if I have the chance." Xu Hui nodded and said, "I'll tell them." As she spoke, tears streamed down her face, and she sobbed, "Yiming, I really don't want to be separated from you."

Ouyang Yiming also felt... It was bittersweet. She said, "In a few years, in a few years, we must be together." Xu Hui said, "How wonderful it would be if we could go to Shanghai together. I always thought that way, that we could report to the same unit together, that we wouldn't be separated, but who knew things wouldn't turn out like we imagined." Ouyang Yiming said, "Your uncle did his best, even though he didn't manage to arrange things for both of us. When you see your uncle, you should still thank him and tell him that I understand." Xu Hui said, "I know."

Ouyang Yiming said, "You won't know anyone there, so you must take care of yourself. Get along well with your colleagues as soon as possible. Actually, I'm really worried about you being there alone." "Your heart. The most important thing is to know how to protect yourself. Do you understand what I'm saying?" Xu Hui said, "I understand, you can rest assured." Ouyang Yiming said, "You're beautiful, you'll attract attention wherever you go, and you can't easily believe what some people say." Xu Hui said, "I'll be even more careful about these things. After all these years, don't you understand me? Don't worry, no matter where I go, you'll only be in my heart." Ouyang Yiming said, "You can also rest assured about me. I'm going back to my hometown, my family is all there, don't worry about life. In the next two years, I'll definitely only think about doing something.

With you in my heart, I will never think of anything else. You must rest assured about all of this." Xu Hui said, "I'm not worried."

Ouyang Yiming said, "Ouyang Mei is studying in Shanghai. You two should keep in touch more often, and get together on Sundays so I can feel at ease." Xu Hui said, "Meizi and I will definitely keep in touch frequently. You can rest assured about her even more. She's usually at school, and whenever she has a break, I'll go see her or she'll come to see me, and we'll definitely be together. Don't worry too much about us. Be careful at work, especially pay attention to rest." Ouyang Yiming said, "I know."

After a moment of silence, Ouyang Yiming pulled Xu Hui onto his lap, and their lips met...

That evening, they returned to school very late. But they didn't say much while they were together.

The next morning, a car sent by Vice Mayor Tang arrived at the school. Ouyang Yiming's teachers, counselors, department head, and many students who hadn't left came to see him off. Jiang Yuqi cried the most sadly at parting, holding him tightly and unwilling to let go. Xu Hui, Li Xuan, and Wu Yingying stood together, tears streaming down their faces. Ouyang Yiming looked at Xu Hui without saying a word, but the emotions in their eyes were clear to both of them.

After the car started moving, Xu Hui hugged Li Xuan and Wu Yingying tightly, and the three girls burst into tears.

On the third day after Ouyang Yiming returned to his hometown, he went to the research institute to report for duty. That evening, Vice Mayor Tang and Director Wang hosted a welcome dinner for Ouyang Yiming at a hotel. Several researchers from other institutions who had been recruited by the research institute also attended. Ouyang Yiming was deeply moved. Before the meal, Vice Mayor Tang introduced Ouyang Yiming to everyone, saying, "Ouyang Yiming is a top student I directly recruited from the university through the provincial science and technology commission. The university had already decided to keep him on as a faculty member. It took some effort to get him; the university wouldn't let him go until he was almost graduating, when we, the vice governor, finally managed to bring him in. He's a treasure to our research institute. Ouyang Yiming is an excellent student, a student party member, and according to his university leaders, he consistently ranks first in his grade every semester. He currently has a very valuable research project, and I believe Ouyang Yiming's arrival will definitely bring greater vitality to our research institute."

Ouyang Yiming was deeply impressed by Vice Mayor Tang's words . Embarrassed, he blushed and said, "I'm just an ordinary student. Being able to come here is a great honor bestowed upon me by the leadership. I will definitely work hard." Vice Dean Wang said, "At present, it's not easy for our institute to attract talent. It's a new unit, a new starting point. Some universities may still look down on our new research institute. Our immediate priority is to achieve some results. If the unit develops, we won't have to worry about finding people willing to join our research institute. Let's work together. I've always been determined to make our research institute one of the best in the country."

After dinner, Vice Mayor Tang and Vice Dean Wang asked everyone to leave first, and then discussed the following issues with Ouyang Yiming.

Vice Mayor Tang said, “Ouyang, our research institute is currently in its initial stage, and of course, it's very tough at this time. Our current conditions aren't ideal, but scientific research is our top priority. A research institute needs scientific achievements to establish itself and develop. In addition to meeting all the necessary conditions for scientific research, we've also implemented some incentive policies for researchers. Of course, these policies faced some objections at the municipal government meeting and weren't approved, but they were privately decided by our research institute, and these regulations must be implemented.”

“This special policy is to reward researchers who make contributions. As you know, for our research institute to develop, it must produce research results, and these results must be converted into benefits and profits. Only by generating profits can the research institute develop. Therefore, our current policy is that researchers who produce results and convert them into profits will receive a substantial reward, representing a certain percentage of the profits. Profits are earned by researchers through their knowledge and intelligence, which also motivates them to actively pursue their research.”

"The specific regulations are as follows: after scientific research results are converted into profits, the research institute will award 5% of the net profit to the researchers. This includes profits from technology transfer and the production of products in the workshops we build later. In other words, as long as your research results generate profits in our research institute, the researchers can receive 5% of the profits. That's quite considerable. Some leaders in the municipal party committee have some concerns, but I think this policy is very correct. Without these corresponding measures and preferential policies for intellectuals, there would be no development of the research institute. The research institute is the one that gets the biggest profits. We don't have explicit regulations for this, but this policy must be implemented. Otherwise, our research institute may not develop. Just know this much. Don't tell anyone else for now."

Ouyang Yiming was already very satisfied with the preferential policies the research institute had formulated for intellectuals, and now that he heard Vice Mayor Tang mention these internal regulations, he was naturally very excited. However, he had never considered that the research results would allow him to obtain profits, and he also had some concerns about these regulations. Specifically, he wondered if these regulations were correct. So he said, "These regulations will definitely stimulate the researchers' motivation to conduct research, but isn't this reward too heavy?"

Vice President Wang chuckled twice and said, “Ouyang is very honest. Yes, researchers shouldn’t be driven by money. But we live in an economic age now. Vice Mayor Tang and I have considered this for a long time and believe it’s necessary. The development of the research institute relies on the profits generated from the commercialization of researchers’ scientific and technological achievements. Why shouldn’t researchers receive generous compensation? I think our internal regulations will soon become a good practice that many institutions will approve of and emulate. Only in this way can our researchers develop. Actually, we have some other plans, but it’s not time to announce them yet.”

Vice President Wang glanced at Vice Mayor Tang, then turned back to Ouyang Yiming and said, “I have some other ideas. In addition to these rewards, we also plan to reward researchers with cars and houses. Of course, these will be awarded after the research institute generates profits.” " Only then can it be achieved. I think that after you come here, with our joint efforts, we will definitely make the research institute a nationally renowned one, integrating science, industry, and trade."

Ouyang Yiming was embarrassed by Vice Mayor Tang's words and blushed, saying, "I'm just an ordinary student. It's the leaders' kindness that I'm here, and I will definitely work hard." Vice Dean Wang said, "It's not easy for our institute to attract talent right now. It's a new unit, a new starting point. Some universities may look down on our new research institute. Our top priority now is to achieve some results. If the unit develops, we won't have to worry about people wanting to join our research institute. Let's work together. I've always been determined to make our research institute a first-class one in the country."

After dinner, Vice Mayor Tang and Vice Dean Wang asked everyone to leave first, and then discussed the following issues with Ouyang Yiming.

Vice Mayor Tang said, “Ouyang, our research institute is currently in its initial stage, and of course, it's very tough at this time. Our current conditions aren't ideal, but scientific research is our top priority. A research institute needs scientific achievements to establish itself and develop. In addition to meeting all the necessary conditions for scientific research, we've also implemented some incentive policies for researchers. Of course, these policies faced some objections at the municipal government meeting and weren't approved, but they were privately decided by our research institute, and these regulations must be implemented.”

“This special policy is to reward researchers who make contributions. As you know, for our research institute to develop, it must produce research results, and these results must be converted into benefits and profits. Only by generating profits can the research institute develop. Therefore, our current policy is that researchers who produce results and convert them into profits will receive a substantial reward, representing a certain percentage of the profits. Profits are earned by researchers through their knowledge and intelligence, which also motivates them to actively pursue their research.”

"The specific regulations are as follows: after scientific research results are converted into profits, the research institute will award 5% of the net profit to the researchers. This includes profits from technology transfer and the production of products in the workshops we build later. In other words, as long as your research results generate profits in our research institute, the researchers can receive 5% of the profits. That's quite considerable. Some leaders in the municipal party committee have some concerns, but I think this policy is very correct. Without these corresponding measures and preferential policies for intellectuals, there would be no development of the research institute. The research institute will still reap the greatest profits. We don't have explicit regulations for this, but this policy must be implemented. Otherwise, our research institute may not be able to develop. Just know this much. Don't tell anyone else for now."

Ouyang Yiming was already very satisfied with the preferential policies the research institute had formulated for intellectuals, and now that he heard Vice Mayor Tang mention these internal regulations, he was naturally very excited. However, he had never considered that the research results would allow him to profit, and he also had some concerns about these regulations. Specifically, he wondered if these regulations were correct. So he said, "These regulations will definitely motivate researchers, but aren't the rewards too generous?"

Vice Dean Wang chuckled twice and said, "Ouyang is very honest. Yes, researchers shouldn't be driven by money. But we live in an economic age. Vice Mayor Tang and I have considered this for a long time and believe it's necessary. The institute's development relies on the profits generated from the commercialization of researchers' scientific achievements. Why shouldn't researchers receive generous compensation? I think these internal regulations will soon become a good practice adopted by many organizations, and only in this way will our researchers be motivated to develop." "Actually, we have some other plans, but it's not the time to announce them yet."

Vice President Wang glanced at Vice Mayor Tang, then turned back to Ouyang Yiming and said, "I have some ideas. In addition to these rewards, we also plan to reward people with cars and houses. Of course, these can only be realized after the research institute makes a profit. I think that after you come here, we can work together to make the research institute a nationally renowned one, integrating science, industry, and trade."

Ouyang Yiming said, "With such forward-thinking ideas and preferential policies, I believe it will definitely be done very well. To be honest, I didn't consider economic benefits when I came here. I just wanted to get a..." "The research environment is excellent, giving me the opportunity to do research projects. I'm very happy to be able to apply what I've learned,"

said Vice Mayor Tang. "We understand that. Your school leaders have already told us about your attitude towards learning. But since we have this regulation, it's not specifically targeting you, so we had to tell you. Because it can't be made public, we only told you after you arrived. Okay, let's all focus on our research institute and work together."

Ouyang Yiming said, "I will definitely work hard. Please rest assured, both leaders."

When Vice Mayor Tang drove Ouyang Yiming home, Ouyang Yiming asked, "Mayor Tang, I have a question I'd like to ask..." "Is this appropriate?" Vice Mayor Tang smiled and said, "Go ahead."

Ouyang Yiming asked, "I heard a few months ago that our area was going to become a provincial capital, but now there's no news. Is it just a rumor?" Vice Mayor Tang said, "This isn't a rumor. It was brought up with the central government, but the country is currently considering that the conditions for our region to become a province are not yet mature. The matter has been shelved." Ouyang Yiming said, "That's a real pity. If it could become a province, our development would be much faster." Vice Mayor Tang said, "Yes! But the country has to consider the overall situation."

Ouyang Yiming then told his parents about what Vice Mayor Tang had mentioned regarding extracting profits for researchers. Ouyang Yiming said, "I always feel something is amiss; these policies are too generous."

Mao Yuqin thought for a moment and said, "I don't see anything wrong with it. I think this is a very farsighted approach. With this, the research institute won't fail." Ouyang Anping said, "These generous conditions aren't just for you. Don't worry about these things now; focus wholeheartedly on your research. For you, achieving results is the most important thing. Whether these internal regulations are right or wrong isn't something we should concern ourselves with. They are all municipal party committee cadres; they will definitely resolve any problems promptly."

Two days later, Ouyang Yiming meticulously organized the data on the sugar. The materials Professor Cheng had left him contained detailed experimental procedures and required materials and equipment. Several plans were also prepared. Ouyang Yiming then followed Professor Cheng's first plan, starting to add items to the purchase list and having Dean Wang send dedicated personnel to purchase the experimental equipment.

A nearly 80-square-meter conference room on the fourth floor was renovated and converted into a laboratory, and two recent college graduates were assigned as his assistants. A telephone was also installed.

A month later, the renovations were completed, and all experimental supplies and materials were ready, so the experiments officially began. Although this was Ouyang Yiming's first experiment conducted alone, he was quite confident in the experiment due to his solid foundation and the relatively detailed experimental procedures written by Professor Cheng.

After that, Ouyang Yiming devoted almost all his energy to the experiments. For convenience, he asked Dean Wang to prepare a room next door for him as a dormitory, and he ate in the research institute's small canteen. Dean Wang also tried his best to take care of him in terms of living conditions, instructing the canteen to frequently prepare special meals for their research group, and sometimes even delivering the meals to their laboratory.

The experiment went smoothly. Vice Mayor Tang visited every few days, always reminding Ouyang Yiming to take care of his health. On several occasions, he even brought tea and tonics, which deeply moved Ouyang Yiming.

Xu Hui sometimes called in the evenings to remind him to take care of himself. She once mentioned that she would be spending a few days here during the Spring Festival this year and would also visit his research institute.

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