What to do if you become the female lead's best friend?

Chapter 21

When Cheng Xin heard Jing Hao’s voice, it was as if she found her mainstay. Standing in place with a crying tone, she called out, “Hao!”

Tears began to fall continuously from her large eyes.

In an instant, Jing Hao’s cold heart felt as if it were pierced by countless needles, aching intensely.

He had never seen Cheng Xin cry so bitterly, like a helpless and sad abandoned animal.

The Cheng Xin he knew was a simple, lively, and warm person, like a little sun that brought warmth. During their year of dating, they occasionally had arguments for various reasons.

At such times, Jing Hao would intentionally give her the cold shoulder for a couple of days. Sometimes Cheng Xin would be the first to make amends, and sometimes Jing Hao would apologize first. Every time they had a spat, their feelings would deepen, and they considered it a small way to enhance their relationship.

It was through Cheng Xin that Jing Hao experienced the tenderness and complex emotions of lovers. She was different from all the women he had known before; she was full of vitality and loved him deeply.

So even when Cheng Xin’s tantrums sometimes made Jing Hao’s head ache, he couldn’t let go of her.

However, there were many issues between them. Cheng Xin’s nature was too innocent, so Jing Hao had never publicly acknowledged their relationship or brought Cheng Xin home.

At this moment, he wanted to hold her and comfort her. But he was still aware that this was in a public place, so he had to suppress his pain and impulse.

He asked Cheng Xin what happened, but Cheng Xin just cried without speaking.

Helpless, he first comforted Cheng Xin a bit and then turned to see a man and a woman standing opposite Cheng Xin.

The man had a refined and cultured demeanor, resembling a gentleman with a hidden edge, at least someone Jing Hao had never seen in his social circle.

He was slightly displeased. This event was meant to introduce Jing Ruo, who had been away from the high society circle for years, and was not for just anyone to enter.

But since they were already inside, the Jing family couldn’t just throw them out.

Disdaining to look further, Jing Hao turned his gaze to the woman beside him.

The woman was wearing a wine-red long dress, striking yet carrying an air of coolness. He was momentarily stunned by her beauty, but it was merely an appreciation of feminine allure.

Upon closer inspection, he realized she looked familiar. Wasn’t this Gu Jin, Cheng Xin’s friend?

The last time he saw Gu Jin was several months ago. They were in different stages of life—one in school, the other working—so apart from Cheng Xin, there was no other contact. Seeing her now, Jing Hao was momentarily hesitant to recognize her.

Her appearance hadn’t changed much, but her aura had transformed significantly. They had eaten together twice with Cheng Xin’s company, but Jing Hao’s impression of her wasn’t deep.

He remembered her as Cheng Xin’s well-regarded cousin, gentle and elegant, a typical home-oriented girl.

Yet now, every smile and frown of hers attracted men’s attention.

Moreover, she was standing closely with an unfamiliar man, and their demeanor seemed quite intimate.

However, Cheng Xin had said she successfully matched Gu Jin with Shao Chong.

Because of this, Jing Hao had reluctantly allowed Cheng Xin and Shao Chong to maintain occasional contact.

Thinking of this, he felt a tinge of disdain for Gu Jin.