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39: Serena's True Colors
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 40: No Fondness for Raising Someone Else's Child
Lillian needn't put herself in Serena's shoes to know the impossibility of acceptance. But Lillian was just that—Lillian, not Serena. And she could only view the unfolding events from her own perspective."Pity, I'm not as magnanimous nor do I possess such a spirit of self-sacrifice. The child is in my body; to birth or to abort lies within my liberty. Aside from myself, no one can decide the life or death of my child.""You...""If you wish for me to repay a favor, that's possible. Should you need help with anything else, command and I shall obey, but this matter is non-negotiable."Her baby was her kin. She herself couldn't bear the thought of termination, so how could she let an outsider dictate the fate of her child?"I command, and you'll obey?""Yes, as long as it's reasonable."Debts of gratitude must be repaid, but if Serena's demands were excessive, they were out of the question.Serena fell into thought. She had anticipated Lillian's refusal even before coming here. Who was
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 41: No More Debts of Gratitude
Lillian lapsed into silence.Across from her, Serena's heart thumped with nervous anticipation, though she maintained a façade of composure. She was uncertain whether her words would intimidate Lillian. Her understanding of Lillian was limited, but if there was one thing she knew for certain, it was Lillian's pride.So Serena gambled on this approach.As Lillian remained mute, Serena's palms grew sweaty under the table. She forced a smile, "What's wrong, you don't agree?"Lillian glanced at her, her tone light, "You seem rather anxious?""I'm not anxious, I'm just..."Cut off by Lillian's sharp retort, Serena nearly revealed her true state. Hurriedly, she backpedaled, "Take your time to think."Serena wished Lillian would make a quick decision as she had previously claimed. Wouldn't that be wonderful? But Lillian was deep in thought.In truth, signing the agreement meant little to her; even without it, she intended to fulfill all but the first clause—leaving the country for five years
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 42: A Sense of Crisis
No sooner had Lillian said her piece than she gathered her belongings and hastened out of the coffee shop, not noticing that the man called Zhou Chong took a seat across from Serena to inquire about her once she left.Standing at the roadside, Lillian didn’t head home but instead watched the passing cars, feeling a weight lift from her heart. She couldn’t help but pull out her phone to share the news with her father that she had repaid her debt of gratitude. But after the phone rang for a long while, there was no answer. Noting the time, she guessed her father was likely busy at work and decided not to call again.Leaving her earlier conversation with Serena behind, Lillian spent the rest of the day at the nursing home, accompanying the elderly lady. Due to the delay, Lillian arrived at the nursing home a little later than usual. The caretaker mentioned, "Lillian, you're over half an hour late today; the madam has been waiting for you for quite a while."Lillian felt a twinge of guil
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 43: Not an Outsider
"What, what?" Serena could hardly believe her ears. This wasn't the outcome she had envisioned. She had hoped her lovingly prepared lunch would impress Oliver, showcasing her bandaged fingers, and in turn, he would be deeply moved and concerned for her. It was supposed to be an opportunity to spend intimate time alone in his office, not... this. Serena, refusing to concede, managed an awkward smile. "Oliver, what urgent matter do you have? If it won’t take long, I could wait for you in your office." "Sorry, Serena, I will be out for a while. You should head back first." "I..." The assistant had already approached Serena. "Miss Serena, if you please." Serena’s heart sank, her lips tightening as she bit back her frustration, turning to Oliver with eyes brimming with tears. Would this display of vulnerability make any difference to him? However, Oliver didn’t even see her reddened eyes. By the time his assistant approached, he had already strode away, his urgency unmistakable. Left
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 44: Don’t You Speak with That Tone
Listening to stories...Right, Lillian remembered now. She had been engrossed in Granny's tales of her youth, though for some reason, sleepiness had crept upon her unexpectedly. Too polite to interrupt, she had fought valiantly to keep her eyes and focus but succumbed to slumber without realizing when.Chiding herself for nodding off, she fretted, "I didn’t mean to fall asleep. Will Granny be upset with me?""How could she be, when she adores you so much?" Oliver recounted how Granny Qin had insisted on not waking Lillian after his arrival.Lowering her lashes and smiling softly, Lillian conceded, "True."Freshly awakened, she looked so endearingly disheveled that Oliver couldn’t resist flicking her forehead playfully. "What’s on your mind all day long?"She blinked, the haze of sleep clearing instantly. Lillian caught Oliver’s gaze and felt a moment of puzzlement. Sometimes, his particular gestures could seem confusing, sparking a fleeting illusion that maybe, just maybe, he harbored
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 45: You’re So Good to Me
"Are you idling away your time, or has delivering meals become part of your job? If you desire a change—"Oliver bit back the rest of his sentence as he caught the critical words from his assistant: Secretary Shen."What did you just say? Secretary Shen?"The assistant nodded dumbfoundedly, "Yes, that's what the delivery person mentioned."Right on cue, Oliver’s phone chimed with a message from Lillian."I heard from Granny you haven't had lunch, so I ordered some food for you. The restaurant said it's been delivered. Did you get it?"The anger clouding Oliver's face dissipated somewhat upon reading the message, though his tone remained gruff, "Playing the good Samaritan after avoiding me like the plague?"He shot his assistant a look."Bring it in.""Okay."The assistant carried the bag to the desk, placing it beside Serena’s lunch, which now seemed like an eyesore.After a moment's thought, the assistant broached, "Mr. Qin, about the lunch Miss Serena made. You said I could have it?
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 46: Consideration
"If it's within your power..."Serena nearly blurted out a request but swallowed her words at the last moment. She reminded herself to remain composed.So instead, she deftly shifted the conversation to inquire about Granny Qin's health."I have not had the chance to visit her since I returned to the country. In a few days, I’d like to pay her a visit, if that’s alright with you?"Oliver frowned, rejecting her proposal."Let’s wait a little longer. I'm concerned it might affect Granny’s health."The smile on Serena's lips faded slightly, yet another setback. For reasons she couldn't fathom, it seemed Granny Qin wasn't fond of her. Though treated with the respect due to Oliver's savior, it was always with an excessive formality. To Lillian, however, Granny was warm as to a blood granddaughter, which once rankled Serena deeply.Ultimately, Serena nodded obediently."Alright, I’ll listen to you."After all, it was only a matter of days before she wouldn't need to rush.—Lillian's annual
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 47: Will You Not Ask Him to Leave?
Finally, under Lillian's composed gaze, Yolanda sat back down, though inside she seethed, biting her lip in fury. "Lillian, did you not hear their words? It’s outrageous, I want to tear their mouths apart."Lillian inquired methodically, "And then what? Start a commotion over a few remarks, and have everyone say that not only was I relegated to the cafeteria, but I also got into a brawl over some pointed jabs?"Yolanda's delicate brow furrowed. "That’s not what I meant, Lillian.""I'm well aware that's not what you intended. But do you really think confronting them would make a difference? No matter how you respond, you can't control what others say."Yolanda bit her lip harder. "I can’t just stand by while they slander you like this!"Her indignation on Lillian's behalf was touching. Lillian hadn't expected her usually timid assistant to show such obstinate loyalty.With a sigh, Lillian conceded, "Actually, it's not all slander."Yolanda's eyes widened in disbelief. "What are you say
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Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 114: Just Hold Back for Now
The room fell silent at Su Qiao's unexpected suggestion. Everyone stopped to consider the possibility—Duan Ziye was a thug and literally a desperado, making him the perfect candidate for some dirty work.Lestari was shocked by Su Qiao's words and quickly tried to dissuade Duan Ziye from considering it. However, Duan Ziye was resolute in his conviction, indicating that he had never done anything significant for Lestari in the past but had sworn never to let anyone hurt her. If anyone dared, they would have to answer to him.Lestari's friends did not want her to speak well of Kartika anymore, asking Lestari what she had done to deserve Kartika's visit or any concern. The consensus was that since Kartika had not shown up for Lestari nor shown any remorse, she did not deserve any kindness in return.Lestari lowered her eyes in sadness, "I was just..."However, the others wouldn't let her finish. They knew of her kind nature, but they were not willing to be as forgiving if they were treate
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 113: Willing to Do Anything for Her
Su Qiao immediately stood up, ready to take action. "Is he still downstairs? I'll go send him away. What a toad lusting after a swan."Just as she was about to leave, Lestari stopped her. "Wait a second.""Let him come up," Lestari said quietly with an unexpected smile.The surprise in the room was palpable, voices raised in unison, "Lestari!?""Do you forget how he treated you before? Duan Ziye is a thug. If you let him come up, aren't you...""Su Qiao," Lestari's voice was gentle, "No matter how he treated me in the past, the fact that he found out I'm hurt and came to the hospital means he cares. Shouldn't I be touched by that? How can I send him away?"Others in the room were not convinced. "Lestari, he's not concerned about you; he's interested in you in that way. If you entertain him, he'll think he has a chance.""I know you're kind-hearted and think his visit is sincere, but if he had no ulterior motive, why would he come?""Don't be too soft-hearted. If he tries to do anythin
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 112: The Kiss Was Not Passionate Enough
Only Mrs. Qin was allowed to go inside for the check-up, while everyone else had to wait outside the examination room. Farhan, leaning against the window, absentmindedly touched his pocket and remembered it had been a long time since he last smoked. Though he had hardly been a heavy smoker, he’d completely quit just over a year ago, shortly after he and Kartika slept together by accident. Since then, he’d become almost addicted to her scent and the touch of her skin, and he began to kiss her every chance he got, at various times and places.After enduring a particularly grueling several-hour-long meeting that had left Farhan in a foul mood, he returned to his office looking to smoke for some relief. He had just lit a cigarette when Kartika walked in with some documents and, upon seeing him smoke, asked with concern, "Why are you smoking now? Are you feeling upset?"He didn’t respond, only staring at her with brooding dark eyes. At that time, Kartika and Farhan were on good terms, and
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 111: Can Also Get Hurt
Compared to Farhan's emotional upheaval, Kartika remained much more composed. "Just drive, we shouldn't delay Grandma's check-up."Without any outsiders around, Kartika didn’t feel the need to act, and her tone and expressions were genuine, no longer the performed warmth she'd held before. After asking him to drive, she noticed Farhan making no move to start the car, her brow slightly furrowing in impatience. She hadn't intended to confront Farhan so directly, but his words had been too aggravating, prompting her to snap...She scolded herself for losing composure especially when Grandma's check-up results were still unknown. Taking a deep breath to regain her calm, she was about to speak to Farhan when the car suddenly surged forward at high speed. Startled, Kartika turned towards Farhan and saw him driving furiously, his dark mood filling the car.Unexpectedly, Kartika felt a wave of immense grievance wash over her, and her nose tingled with the sensation of oncoming tears. Why, whe
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 110: Of Course We Give Her the Best
Mrs. Qin's embrace carried a refreshing scent of lemon, creating a relaxing atmosphere that made Kartika reciprocate the hug with warmth. Female elders always held a special place in Kartika's heart.Mrs. Qin noticed Kartika's affection and playfully tapped her nose. "Are you missing your mom?"Kartika was momentarily stunned by the reference to "mom" but then nodded in acknowledgment after regaining her composure. "Yes, I have missed you all.""Ah, sweet girl, we've missed you too," Mrs. Qin said, then pinched Kartika’s cheek, marveling at her soft skin. She grasped it a few more times before turning to Mr. Qin, "Did you bring the gifts for Kartika that we talked about?"Mr. Qin rummaged through his pocket and pulled out two small boxes. "I did."Mrs. Qin took the boxes and handed them over to Kartika. "Here, these are gifts from us on this trip."Kartika had always received gifts from Mr. and Mrs. Qin, even before marrying Farhan, and they had always been quite valuable. Mrs. Qin wo
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 109: Can You Bear to See Her with Someone Else?
After Kartika fell asleep, her breathing gradually became even and deep. Farhan moved to the other side of the bed, where she lay turned away from him, and discovered she was indeed sound asleep—not just asleep, but in a peaceful, deep slumber.Touching the cheek that Kartika had slapped earlier, Farhan's expression was somewhere between reality and doubt—was it not for a faint soreness, he would have thought the previous uproar was a mere illusion. After all, who falls asleep in one moment, deeply and without care, straight after being furious?Kartika's recent changes were so significant that Farhan felt he barely knew her. His heart was unsettled, his emotions with no outlet, yet as he watched her serene sleep, he found himself rendered speechless. When he finally left the bedside, he did so with an almost lighter step.Settling on the sofa outside, Farhan couldn't deny the wakefulness of his mind despite the late hour; Ji Qingbei's parting words at the bar repeated themselves in h
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 108: I Don't Really Like You
With these thoughts, Kartika let out a mocking laugh, her eyes looking at him with a cold intensity. "If you have needs, go to Lestari."Farhan's eyes darkened with a shadow of anger as he bit down hard. "I want you, no one else."Despite Kartika slapping him and telling him to leave, Farhan’s grip on her wrist tightened as he raised his voice in frustration. "Angry? Weren't you playing the role of the dutiful wife quite well these past days? Why stop acting now?"Furiously struggling against his grasp, Kartika no longer had any desire to reason with Farhan, her sole focus was to free herself.As he watched Kartika's vehement resistance, Farhan felt both irritated and pity. Recalling the recent conversations with Ji Qingbei and Mrs. Qin, he gripped her wrist tighter. "These were your own words before, so why are you angry now? Shen Nuonuo, what are you angry about?"He was trying to confirm something with his intense gaze. "Are you upset because I said you’re just a physiological need
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 107: It's Been a Long Time Since I Kissed Her
Gu Yanxi stormed off in a huff, leaving only Farhan and Ji Qingbei at the bar. Ji Qingbei glanced at Farhan, who seemed lost in thought, and thus refrained from initiating further conversation.After a short silence, Farhan asked in a low voice, "What did you mean by what you said just now?"Ji Qingbei's lips curved up slightly, "Don't you already know the answer?"Farhan looked up, his gaze heavy and dark, seeking clarification."What answer?""Farhan, do you remember the last time we were here I asked you if, after all these years, you still hadn't figured out what you really want?"Farhan paused, recalling that Ji Qingbei had indeed inquired the same. The question felt familiar from earlier in the evening with his grandmother. However, when Ji Qingbei had asked previously, Farhan didn't give it much thought and disregarded the remark.Observing Farhan's silence, Ji Qingbei sighed softly, "You've watched her grow up, you've seen her through every mood and phase, and you know her ins
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 106: You're Not Enchanted by Her, Are You?
The night was cool and calm as Gu Yanxi and Ji Qingbei made their way through the crowd towards the bar counter, following yet another call from Farhan in the dead of night.To their surprise, they expected to find a drunken Farhan but instead arrived to see him completely sober and immaculately dressed, sitting at the bar with a drink before him that had not been touched."What's going on? Didn't you call us here for a drink?" Gu Yanxi asked, puzzled.Approaching Farhan, Gu greeted him: "Farhan, what's up with you? Not a single sip yet?"Hearing the familiar voice, Farhan snapped back to reality, his eyes finding Gu Yanxi before turning questioningly towards Ji Qingbei as if to ask: Why did you bring him along?Ji Qingbei caught the look and quickly realized the situation. It seemed that Farhan had only summoned him, not Gu Yanxi, but by then it was too late to rectify the mistake. Both men, understanding the circumstance, chose not to comment any further.Gu Yanxi, ever the carefree
