Chapter 278 Childhood Sweethearts, Unrequited Love for Many Years

A person's genuine feelings cannot be concealed.

Jiang Yunzhou could see the sincerity in Ye Zhanying's eyes, and a smile involuntarily appeared in his own eyes.

“We’ve known each other since we were little. Our families are old friends and we live not far apart. I was born a year earlier than her. It’s no exaggeration to say that I knew her before she was even born.”

Back then, the elders of both families often visited each other, and someone would always ask him to touch Yang Wan's belly and ask whether it was a younger brother or sister inside.

Perhaps children do have a different perspective on this. He was only one and a half years old at the time and couldn't speak clearly yet, but he always answered that it was his sister.

Yang Wan would always look at him with a smile and say that if it were a daughter, she would definitely thank him properly.

When Shu Ying was born, he accompanied his parents to deliver gifts, and the two families visited each other more frequently. He was Shu Ying's first friend, and before starting elementary school, the two could talk about anything.

“After we started elementary school, we weren’t in the same class, but we would often play together on weekends. My elders all knew her, and it was common for us to stay overnight at each other’s houses when we were little.”

So when he was in junior high school, many people joked that they were betrothed as children, and he was secretly pleased with himself.

If it weren't for the marriage contract with Xie Zhiyan, perhaps he really would have married Shu Ying.

Childhood sweethearts, innocent and carefree, there could be no more perfect match.

“We used to keep in touch, but then I went abroad to study. During my first year, we kept in touch by letter. Later, I heard that she was getting married, and my studies were at a critical juncture, so we gradually lost contact. However, we met once abroad, but it was a rush and we didn’t have time to exchange any messages.”

Even now, Jiang Yunzhou still feels regret when he thinks about that meeting.

If he had known that they would miss each other for so many years due to unforeseen circumstances, he should have been braver back then. If he had expressed his feelings, would things be different now?

At least he tried to fight for himself, so that all those youthful thoughts wouldn't be buried deep in his heart.

“She was very outstanding when she was in school. I didn’t expect that after so long without contact, we would meet again in such a situation. But it’s good that she is safe and sound, so I’m relieved.”

At this point in Jiang Yunzhou's explanation, Ye Zhanying had completely understood.

Isn't this Shu Ying's childhood sweetheart?

At the time, Xie Zhiyan and Shu Ying's relationship was too bland, and many people thought it was because she was still thinking about someone else, and even they believed it.

But now it seems that Shu Ying and Jiang Yunzhou are really just friends, and they haven't even crossed any lines.

Even though Jiang Yunzhou's feelings for him were so obvious, he didn't dare to point them out easily, for fear that in the end they wouldn't even be able to remain friends.

Ye Zhanying met Qi Zecheng's gaze, and this was just too exciting!

Even Xie Zhiyan's rivals in love are so formidable; those who like Shu Ying are all exceptionally talented.

She glanced at Ye Zhanying triumphantly, then lowered her voice and whispered boastfully, "See? This is the person I admire. Even his suitors are so dazzling."

At least Jiang Yunzhou and Xie Zhiyan are both good-looking, and both of them have very promising careers. Ye Zhanying is already eager to meet Shu Ying.

Qi Zecheng remained silent, only feeling sorry for himself.

The group fell silent, and Jiang Yunzhou sighed.

Although Shu Ying felt very bad about following the army, at least she managed to keep herself safe.

"You just said she went to the army, so you must all be Xie Zhiyan's colleagues, right? I know you want to help him out, but it doesn't matter. He is indeed much more useful than me. If Yingying had really married me back then, she probably would still have been sent to the countryside anyway. At least I lost fair and square."

Although he was a researcher, if it weren't for the precise data he possessed and his ability to maneuver freely between Orlov and Novich, he himself probably wouldn't have escaped unscathed, let alone protect Shuying—it would have been a pipe dream.

Indeed, everyone has their own destiny. Perhaps he shouldn't have been so persistent in the first place. Now, Shu Ying has found her happiness and is staying in the capital. When the time is right, she will achieve great things and demonstrate her ambition as a doctor.

Qi Zecheng scratched the back of his head, unsure how to respond to that.

What's with all this talk about losing?

Shu Ying isn't a gamble; she's a living, breathing person. Of course, she'll choose whoever she likes.

Moreover, she and Xie Zhiyan already have a child, so saying such things would be inappropriate.

However, as an outsider, he shouldn't interfere in other people's affairs.

Jiang Yunzhou then looked at Ye Zhanying, his lips moving as if he had hesitated for a long time, "Is Yingying happy now?"

Shu Ying and Xie Zhiyan's marriage can be considered an arranged marriage. At least in Jiang Yunzhou's mind, the two of them had barely met. How could two people who didn't know each other develop feelings for each other?

There are countless examples of failed arranged marriages over the years. Jiang Yunzhou's biggest worry is that Shu Ying will compromise herself for the sake of the children. She shouldn't be trapped in a marriage.

However, Ye Zhanying couldn't see the melancholy in his eyes, and casually patted his shoulder.

"I know what you're thinking, but take my advice and give up now. The young couple is very happy now. Besides, Shuying is a military dependent. Putting aside the fact that breaking up a military marriage is illegal, if she really gets what she wanted today, she'll most likely be a government employee in the future."

Ye Zhanying paused as she spoke, wondering if she should phrase it more tactfully.

"She's so outstanding, and no one is good enough for her anyway, so why not find someone who can make her happy?"

Jiang Yunzhou: ?

Can't he make her happy?

That's really a nonsensical statement.

Ye Zhanying didn't think there was anything wrong with what she said and was still trying her best to persuade him.

"Try to think more positively. Although you are indeed young and promising, and deserve someone better in the future, it's definitely not someone like Comrade Shuying who is the best."

Jiang Yunzhou was even more confused.

Can these public officials please stop using such hurtful words?

Over the years, the people around him have always flattered him, and they haven't heard such harsh words in many years.

Jiang Yunzhou's expression was indescribable, while Ye Zhanying's eyes almost bubbled with pink light whenever she thought of Shu Ying's stunningly beautiful face.

She looked down on Xie Zhiyan, that blockhead, and felt that Jiang Yunzhou was also lacking. After thinking it over, she still felt that Shu Ying was the only one who was beautiful. The implication in her words was that she was the one who should be Shu Ying's husband.