Perhaps, their relationship was simply a case of deep affection but shallow fate.
Yan Xi’s lips curved upwards slightly, but her smile held a hint of desolation.
Soon, a week had passed.
Fu Yan Ting was preparing to leave the International Special Police Headquarters. His superior stopped him and asked, "Where are you going now?"
"I gave you a week, and now the deadline has passed. I should leave."
"But those people haven't taken the bait yet. If you leave now, all our previous efforts will be in vain."
"So what? What does that have to do with me?"
Fu Yan Ting raised an eyebrow. He had already given them a week. When he left, he and Yan Xi were still in a cold war. This past week, to draw out those people, Fu Yan Ting had sacrificed his own needs and resisted contacting Yan Xi.
He had even been heartless enough not to answer Yan Xi's calls.
Yan Xi would surely misunderstand, thinking he was deliberately avoiding her.
Fu Yan Ting was not truly angry. Yan Xi’s words had indeed been a bit harsh that day, and he had been somewhat upset at the time. But afterward, Fu Yan Ting understood Yan Xi’s pain. He didn't want to continue the cold war with her and wanted to appease her.
After a week without seeing each other, Yan Xi’s anger might have subsided.
Fu Yan Ting would explain the events of the past few days to Yan Xi, and she would surely understand him.
Yan Xi was not an unreasonable girl.
"Yan Ting, I know why you're so eager to return. I can assure you that I've already sent people to secretly protect Miss Yan. She'll be fine. But if you leave now, it won't be guaranteed. Don't forget, we are in the open, and the enemy is in the dark."
Hearing his superior's words, Fu Yan Ting's cold gaze fell upon him as he asked indifferently, "Then what do you suggest? Am I supposed to stay here forever? If they never appear, will I never be able to go home?"
"No, Yan Ting. I can guarantee that in just three days, I will definitely make them show themselves."
Fu Yan Ting glanced at his superior indifferently. Honestly, he didn't believe the words.
He had already given them seven days, and they hadn't managed to draw out those people. Now, with just three more days, would they suddenly appear?
Even though he thought this, since his superior had made the request, Fu Yan Ting decided to give him one more chance.
Fu Yan Ting looked at his superior and made a gesture of three fingers. "In three days, if you still haven't managed to lure them out, then it's your problem. I won't give you another chance."
His superior repeatedly assured Fu Yan Ting that they would appear in three days.
However, deep down, he was uncertain if it would actually happen.
Another three days passed, and those people still hadn't appeared. Fu Yan Ting looked at his superior, who was about to plead for him to stay a few more days.
But before he could speak, Fu Yan Ting interjected, "I'm also quite busy and don't have time to give you endless chances. Since you haven't lured them out yet, it's your responsibility."
The superior's intended words were choked back by Fu Yan Ting, leaving him speechless.
He could only sigh helplessly.
Fu Yan Ting left the International Special Police Department. He thought about the cold war he had with Yan Xi during this time and how he hadn't had the chance to properly explain things to her. Now, if he just showed up like this, without any romance or surprise, he wouldn't be able to appease Yan Xi.
It wasn't that Yan Xi was materialistic; girls generally liked small surprises. He had said some harsh words that angered Yan Xi, and he hadn't been home these past few days, nor had he explained his whereabouts. Yan Xi would surely misunderstand and think he was deliberately ignoring her.
Fu Yan Ting asked his assistant to arrange fireworks and other programs for him.
He then went to the mall to pick out a ring for Yan Xi.
Once all the preparations were complete, he called He Yun.
Although He Yun was his romantic rival, he was also Yan Xi's elder brother. Fu Yan Ting knew He Yun well enough to believe he wouldn't act improperly towards Yan Xi. Even if he harbored feelings for her, he would suppress them.
Fu Yan Ting asked He Yun to invite Yan Xi to the central plaza.
He Yun, though unsure what Fu Yan Ting was planning, complied with his request.
Yan Xi, also confused about why He Yun had asked her to meet at the plaza, agreed to go.
Upon arriving at the plaza, fireworks suddenly began to illuminate the sky.
The fireworks were dazzling, and a growing crowd gathered to watch.
It wasn't the New Year, so it was rare to see fireworks being set off.
He Yun knew very well that these fireworks must have been arranged by Fu Yan Ting.
He Yun could vaguely guess what Fu Yan Ting was planning, but he still felt a pang of bitterness.
He Yun suddenly envied Fu Yan Ting, who could be so openly with Yan Xi.
As for himself, he had to hide his affection deep within his heart, henceforth appearing before Yan Xi as an elder, protecting her when she needed it.
A faint, imperceptible bitter smile touched He Yun's lips.
After the fireworks concluded, a helicopter flew overhead.
It formed the character "I" and then "Love," to the admiration of the onlookers. Indeed, the way wealthy people expressed their affection was different from ordinary folk.
Finally, more helicopters joined, forming the words "I Love You." Once the words were complete, a banner suddenly unfurled below.
It bore five large characters.
Yan Xi, Marry Me.
Seeing Yan Xi standing there unmoving, He Yun smiled and said, "Fu Yan Ting put a lot of effort into this for you. This is probably the most romantic thing he's ever done."
Yan Xi looked at the spectacle and the envious gazes of the surrounding people, remaining unmoved.
He Yun knew that Yan Xi loved Fu Yan Ting. He had expected her to be overjoyed and excited by all this.
But he hadn't anticipated her being so remarkably calm.
Based on his understanding of Yan Xi, this was not the reaction he would have expected.
He Yun quickly realized what was happening. He looked at Yan Xi and asked softly, "Xi Xi, did you and Fu Yan Ting have a quarrel?"
Yan Xi snapped back to attention and looked at He Yun, forcing a smile. "Why do you ask?"
Yan Xi didn't answer directly, but He Yun inferred the answer from her reaction.
At this moment, Fu Yan Ting, dressed in a white suit, slowly walked towards Yan Xi...