God's Descent in the Magical City

Chapter 52: Parting Ways

A Lai fell silent.

"I have no choice but to follow my mother," Fang Fang continued. "A man can only keep the woman he loves by becoming better himself."

A Lai nodded, resigned. "You already gave me a chance. I won't blame you. My three guiding principles—being true to my heart, harboring no grievances, and having no regrets—apply here."

Fang Fang inadvertently let out a slight, disdainful smile. She explained, "The world is vast, but the greatest debt is to one's parents, followed by siblings and lovers. This is the virtue and baseline of being human. I can't betray the heavy debt of my parents' care. If I were to insist on continuing my relationship with you, it would only bring me endless suffering and inner turmoil. Our marriage would never be happy. Please consider this for my sake."

A Lai smiled, though with a tinge of sadness. "Filial piety comes first. It's a virtue of our culture that I deeply respect. If you disregarded your parents' care, I'd lose respect for you; you'd be a person without gratitude."

Fang Fang proposed, "Since we were both nourished by the same mother's milk, let's just remain brother and sister without any further ambitions. Does that sound okay?"

"Fang Fang, I'll listen to you."

"I hope that you and your mother can live with no guilt, no regrets, and no hard feelings."

"Fine, fine, that's good."

"Since you're willing to call me your sister, don't be upset if I speak frankly. What are your plans now?"

A Lai, uncertain, replied, "I'll wait for the third batch of acceptance letters. If it doesn't work out, I'll discuss it with Grandpa. I'm not ready to give up. I want to repeat the year and try again next year."

Fang Fang, frustrated by A Lai's lack of self-awareness, coldly replied, "Only when you become truly strong can you dictate what's right. If you keep falling and fail to achieve anything, whatever you say will be meaningless."

She suggested, "Your grandfather is getting old. I think you should face reality and go out to work, so your grandfather can enjoy a better life."

Fang Fang was about to return to the city for her studies.

She said her farewells to A Lai, but before leaving, she confided in him. "Li Shiren from Renxin Hospital says I have great potential. They want to sponsor me to study abroad, with all expenses covered by the hospital. The condition is that I must return and work for Renxin Hospital after graduation. Should I go or not?"

A Lai responded earnestly, "Such an opportunity is rare and highly sought after. Of course, you should go. Why wouldn't you? Nowadays, overseas graduates are highly regarded."

Fang Fang asked, "Will you come to see me off when I leave?"

A Lai understood that Fang Fang had already made up her mind and was just politely seeking his opinion. Everyone has their own path.

So he readily agreed, "As long as you want me to, I'll definitely see you off at the airport."

Though A Lai said this, he couldn't help but feel a sense of loss.

...

The day of Fang Fang's departure arrived. A Lai arrived early at her home to meet up. At the door, a BMW was parked, with a middle-aged man in sunglasses sitting in the driver's seat, glancing at his phone. It was Li Shiren.

"Beep beep..."

Li Shiren repeatedly honked the horn as Fang Fang and her mother hurried out. A Lai helped load the luggage into the trunk.