A few minutes later, a sense of unease washed over Lu Lijun. He realized she had ceased her struggles and felt a dampness on his cheek. He pulled back from kissing her, his breathing still ragged. Her eyes were shut, tears streaming down her face as she stood immobile, like a lifeless doll. He snapped back to reality. Gently, he released the hand he'd been gripping tightly behind her back, then the one holding her head. He stepped away, creating distance between them.
The rain continued to pour relentlessly, each thunderclap more menacing than the last. Gazing at her, a profound ache resonated within his heart, as if a bolt of lightning had pierced his very core, scorching it to cinders. He was lost for words, unsure of what to do next. He could only stand there, staring at her in a bewildered daze.
Sensing his withdrawal, she finally opened her tear-filled eyes, her expression a mixture of pain and revulsion. She advanced towards him and, with a resounding slap, turned and fled into the torrential downpour. While running, her feet caught on fallen branches, sending her sprawling to the ground, scraping her knees and right palm. Yet, she sprang up instantly, seemingly unfazed by the pain, and resumed her desperate flight towards the iron gates. The harsh raindrops struck her body, but she felt nothing; the heartache raging within was far more intense, eclipsing all physical sensation. The agony consumed her, making her run as if escaping a hellish realm pursued by a demon.
Lu Lijun watched her retreating figure. The sight of her falling and injuring herself sent a surge of adrenaline through him; he yearned to rush to her aid. But before he could move, she was up and running away again. His heart ached as he observed her desperate flight through the storm, her self-inflicted injuries. Yet, he remained frozen, paralyzed by the fear of exacerbating the situation. He could only watch her disappear into the distance.
Somehow, Jiang YuYan managed to reach the mansion's gate. Spotting her car, she hurried inside, started the engine, and sped away from the place. After driving a considerable distance, she pulled over to the roadside, leaning against the steering wheel and weeping uncontrollably.
Time passed, marked only by the rhythmic sobs that wracked her body. Her face was swollen, her eyes red-rimmed from crying. Though drenched, she felt no chill. She appeared lost, adrift, unsure of her next move or destination.
Ever since Lu Qiang's passing, her life had been on hold. At a mere twenty years old, she could have forged a new path. Instead, she dedicated herself to safeguarding his legacy and striving to fulfill his aspirations. Her love for Lu Qiang remained an eternal flame, even in his absence. Closing her eyes, she gathered her composure. She increased the car's internal temperature, suddenly feeling the cold seep into her bones. Starting the engine once more, she drove towards the Lu family's current residence.
By the time YuYan arrived at the Lu residence, it was already three in the morning. The guard, recognizing her, greeted her and opened the gates. As she drove in and parked, a gust of icy air struck her, causing her feet to tremble. Her teeth began to chatter uncontrollably. Clasping her arms tightly around herself, she dashed inside the villa. Swiftly ascending to the second floor, she entered her room. She tossed the car keys onto the bed and rushed into the bathroom, turning on the hot water shower and standing beneath its steamy embrace.
As she closed her eyes, the recent encounter flashed through her mind – the moment she had gone searching for Lu Lijun. Her eyes snapped open, a wave of disgust washing over her. Spotting a bottle of body wash on the shelf, she grabbed it, poured a generous amount onto her skin, and began scrubbing furiously, as if trying to erase something deeply ingrained. In her frustration, tears welled up once more. She glanced at the mirror opposite the shower, her gaze fixed on her reflection. Her eyes drifted to her lips, and she began to rub them with her palms, tears still silently cascading down her cheeks.
After lingering in the shower for a considerable time, she emerged, wrapped in a plush bathrobe. She sank onto the edge of the bed, her gaze falling upon a small wooden photo frame. It held a picture from her wedding day.
In the photograph, YuYan was radiant in a stunning, elegant white wedding gown, while Lu Qiang, sharp in a black tuxedo, stood beside her. They gazed into each other's eyes, their faces alight with adoration and pure happiness. His hands were clasped around her waist, drawing her near, while her own hands rested gently against his chest.