Chapter 113: Fate's Cruel Jest

After sending that WeChat message to Huang Guolun, Zhao Yan felt a sudden flutter of nervousness. The sensation was strikingly reminiscent of the time in school when she had mistaken a banknote for a love letter and tossed it to Zhao Yijun. It was as if she had been transported back to her youthful days.

Yet this time, the innocent, pounding-heart excitement was absent. Instead, regret washed over her—regret for having been so hasty in sharing those tangled thoughts with Huang Guolun. Staring at the sent message, Zhao Yan wished she could bury her head beneath the covers. How embarrassing! What was she thinking, declaring she would love Mr. Huang’s child as her own? Had she been drinking too much?

When Huang Guolun saw the two consecutive messages from Zhao Yan, he was pleasantly surprised and somewhat touched. He had not expected her to muster such courage to speak so openly. Marriage had never really crossed his mind between them. From the moment he met Zhao Yan, he had regarded her simply as a newly acquainted friend.

Through their recent interactions, he had come to see Zhao Yan as a gentle and kind-hearted young woman—someone he genuinely wished to be friends with. But as for embarking on a relationship aimed at marriage, Huang Guolun knew he could not make such a decision lightly.

Sensing Zhao Yan’s excitement, he replied calmly, “Thank you for sharing this with me. Let me think it over, and you do the same. Let’s meet for lunch tomorrow, just the two of us, and talk it through. It’s hard to sort these things out over a phone screen. I think this idea has potential. Even if we turn out to be incompatible, we can still help each other move on from our past lives, don’t you think?”

Huang Guolun was gently offering Zhao Yan an exit, and her palms were sweating with nervousness. When she read his message, it felt like a reprieve, and she replied with relief: “Yes, yes, I think the same. Even if we can’t be together in the end, we can push each other forward and face new lives together!”

It was clear that Huang Guolun’s music and outlook on life had stirred something profound within her—she was ready to begin anew. Huang Guolun was genuinely happy for her, sending another message: “Shall we meet for lunch tomorrow? I’ll call you in the morning, and we can decide where to eat, or I can come pick you up.”

“No need to pick me up. I’ll definitely be at the shop in the morning. Just send me the restaurant address, and I’ll come by myself.”

“Alright, I’ll contact you tomorrow morning then. Sweet dreams. Make sure to rest well tonight and don’t overthink. We’ll talk more tomorrow.”

“You too. You have that special event tomorrow; I hope I’m not bothering you.”

“Not at all. Don’t worry. I really think your suggestion is quite feasible. Let’s talk tomorrow.”

“Okay! Sweet dreams!”

Though Huang Guolun’s words were measured and reserved, Zhao Yan sensed his mood was different from hers. She spoke out of hope that they might truly start a life together, while he seemed to value more the possibility of mutual healing from past relationships through their companionship.

No matter the outcome, Zhao Yan wanted to explore their connection. Love needed nurturing; perhaps if they grew close enough, feelings would blossom. Once again, she stood on the edge of happiness, no longer yearning for fairy-tale love at first sight. She felt she was yielding to reality, awakened by Huang Guolun’s music and life perspective.

That night, though Huang Guolun wished her sweet dreams, Zhao Yan lay restless, imagining a future where they might be together. Meanwhile, after their chat ended, Huang Guolun lay in bed, his thoughts swirling.

At his stage in life, a man contemplating marriage and forming a new family had to weigh many factors. He was no longer the reckless youth who believed love alone was enough to build a home and bear fruit. He already had a family and a child; building a new home for his child meant balancing many considerations.

Zhao Yan’s promise to strive to be a good mother, loving Huang Tao as her own, genuinely moved Huang Guolun. Though words alone were not proof and actions would have to follow, her awareness and willingness touched him deeply.

From their time together, Huang Guolun had come to understand Zhao Yan’s nature. Like himself, she was someone who, even if hurt, would not easily hurt others. Their values aligned closely—their dreams and ambitions were similar: to run a quaint little café, singing and sharing stories, enjoying life.

If they were to be together, managing such a place side by side, harmonizing and complementing each other, it would be a truly happy life.

Their cultural backgrounds and interests also meshed well; both loved literature and the arts. Huang Guolun might not grasp the nuances of the European literature Zhao Yan favored, but she admired his taste. Whatever Huang Guolun did, Zhao Yan understood him—a rare gift indeed.

Zhao Yan also baked exquisite cakes, which surely would win over Huang Tao’s appetite. Though she wasn’t the tall, graceful type Huang Tao might usually prefer, delicious food would surely endear her to the child quickly.

Another crucial point was that Zhao Yan’s family background was fairly well matched with Huang Guolun’s, not too far apart in social standing. Otherwise, they would not have been introduced to each other for matchmaking.

Since Zhao Yan’s family had arranged this meeting, they must have evaluated and accepted Huang Guolun’s situation—being a single father with a child. This acceptance spared Huang Guolun considerable worry. Having the other family’s blessing for his current circumstances was important.

From all angles, they appeared well suited. The only subtle but significant gap was the lack of that initial spark—what some might call eye chemistry.

This was not about mere physical attractiveness. They found each other pleasant to look at, but there was no deep, mutual romantic attraction.

Huang Guolun recalled vividly his first meeting with Chen Jia. Against a backdrop of a rainbow, their eyes met, and an intense, electrifying spark ignited within him. He was certain something significant would blossom between them.

It was this spark that drove them to overcome all obstacles and ultimately come together.

With Zhao Yan, however, Huang Guolun felt no such spark. He doubted she felt a profound stirring for him either.

Under such circumstances, developing feelings—and eventually romantic love—would be challenging.

In truth, ever since meeting Chen Jia, Huang Guolun had never again experienced that kind of heart-stopping connection with any other woman.

After Chen Jia left, Huang Guolun met many women, but the only one who genuinely rekindled a youthful glow in his heart was Sun Yanzhen.

Their first encounter was almost cinematic. Huang Guolun had mistaken Sun Yanzhen for a student during an exam, leading to an awkward misunderstanding. That moment, combined with Sun Yanzhen’s vibrant personality, etched itself into his memory.

Whenever he recalled it, a knowing smile would grace his lips.

As they spent more time together, watching Sun Yanzhen happily play with Huang Tao, Huang Guolun felt a faint stirring of the heart.

That feeling tempted him to pursue her.

Recently, Sun Yanzhen had shown clear affection toward him. Were he to make the first move, it seemed likely they would quickly complete the journey to love—a passionate, all-consuming affair.

If he were five years younger or didn’t have Huang Tao, Huang Guolun would have chased Sun Yanzhen without hesitation. Even though she was a teacher, he would have gladly set aside his dislike of teachers for her.

But considering his current situation and Sun Yanzhen’s personality, Huang Guolun doubted their union would be harmonious.

First, Sun Yanzhen was still quite youthful and in need of care herself. Her strong-willed nature might lead to many conflicts.

Such friction might be temporarily soothed by intimacy, but if it persisted beyond that, life would be painful.

This might be bearable for a first-time family formation, but Huang Guolun was building a family for the second time—and for Huang Tao’s sake. He did not want unnecessary uncertainties in his life.

Another very practical issue was that Sun Yanzhen had just become a homeroom teacher and was overwhelmed with work, unable to care adequately for Huang Tao.

Her class was only in the first year of high school, yet she was already swamped with continuing education and overtime. When she reached the third year, her workload would be unbearable.

Huang Guolun wanted someone who could spend ample time with Huang Tao, nurturing and supporting his growth—not a workaholic whose role as a new mother would be too weak.

He also did not wish to deprive Sun Yanzhen of her youth, freedom, and dreams because of himself and Huang Tao.

At twenty-five, Sun Yanzhen deserved a better future and a man more suited to her—not a man burdened with a child and a past family.

Because of these reservations, Huang Guolun could not bring himself to take that step toward Sun Yanzhen.

Though it might seem unmanly, in truth, it was the mark of a responsible man—responsible to himself, to his child, and to Sun Yanzhen.

To act impulsively here could have led to mutual ruin.

So, despite the stirrings of his heart, faced with these unavoidable realities, he chose compromise and patience.

Perhaps this was what fate’s cruel hand truly meant.