Being in the same car with Yuan Qi inevitably made Shen Han question everything in his head. He was confused by how kind Yuan Qi still acted toward him.
Yes, he had wronged Jia Wen. So clearly, this had nothing to do with Yuan Qi. But considering the two were best friends, shouldn't Yuan Qi be hurt too, knowing what had happened to his closest friend?
But Shen Han had been wrong. Yuan Qi still treated him warmly, just like before.
Of course, Shen Han felt grateful, but he couldn't stop feeling guilty. He would've preferred Yuan Qi yelling at him right now rather than acting like everything was fine.
Because what he did that day made it clear—things weren't fine at all.
"Hey, do you mind if we grab dinner first?" Yuan Qi suddenly asked, breaking the silence that had filled the car for the past few minutes.
Shen Han should've seen this coming, but what could he do now? It didn't feel right to reject a simple request, especially when the man had kindly offered to drive him home.
With a hesitant nod, Shen Han answered, "Sure. I don't mind."
Receiving his approval, Yuan Qi changed directions from the way he had originally been heading. "Let's go to my usual spot."
"Anywhere is fine," Shen Han replied nonchalantly. It didn't matter where they ate. He just wanted to go home quickly.
They ended up at a Japanese-themed restaurant. Was it just a coincidence, or did Yuan Qi still remember his preferences?
"You still like sushi, right? Tonight, we're having sushi," Yuan Qi said enthusiastically after turning off the car engine and stepping out. Shen Han followed quietly behind.
Walking slowly behind Yuan Qi, Shen Han watched as a waiter led the man to choose their table. When Yuan Qi finally took a seat, Shen Han did the same.
"Order anything you like, Han. My treat. Think of it as a little celebration—we're finally meeting again after so long."
Shen Han had to stop himself from assuming every word Yuan Qi said carried hidden sarcasm. Maybe, just maybe, the man truly meant what he said.
In the end, they ordered quite a lot of food—mostly because of Yuan Qi's insistence. Shen Han didn't have the nerve to take advantage of his kindness otherwise.
Silence returned as they waited for their meal. Shen Han hoped Yuan Qi would start a conversation again, like before. But it seemed the man had no intention of speaking this time.
On the other hand, Shen Han actually wanted to talk. There were so many things he wanted to ask, so many things he wanted to say. But whether it was pride or ego holding him back, he couldn't seem to speak.
He wanted to know how Jia Wen was doing. How he'd been. How much resentment he still carried for him.
But was Shen Han ready for the answer? Was he ready for the truth?
He nervously fidgeted with his fingers, feeling completely torn. He wanted to ask, but he was afraid. He didn't ask, but he would regret it.
Maybe sensing his unease, Yuan Qi asked, "What is it, Han? Do you want to say something?"
Caught off guard, Shen Han reflexively blurted out, "How is Jia Wen?" He quickly covered his mouth with both hands right after, shocked by his own impulsiveness.
He wanted to smack himself for losing control of his mouth, but at the same time, he felt relieved. The question he'd been dying to ask was finally out, even if not in the way he imagined.
Shen Han watched Yuan Qi's face, trying to read his expression. Yuan Qi simply chuckled at his awkwardness. He slid his phone back into his pocket, giving Shen Han his full attention.
"You know you can ask me anything, right?"
Shen Han nodded, quietly thankful that Yuan Qi didn't seem angry. Even though Shen Han knew he probably deserved it, it was a relief that Yuan Qi didn't lash out—at least not in a public place like this.
But Yuan Qi didn't answer right away. The man, just as tall as Jia Wen, appeared to be choosing his words carefully. "Jia Wen is doing fine... and also not fine."
Shen Han frowned at the confusing response. He never expected Yuan Qi to say something so vague after all this time. "What do you mean?" he asked, hoping for a clearer explanation.
Realizing how unclear his answer was, Yuan Qi waved his hand lightly and adjusted his posture.
"Shen Han, I'll be honest with you. I don't even know if he's truly okay or not. Maybe he was doing fine—until you showed up again."
Shen Han stayed silent, letting Yuan Qi finish what he needed to say.
"No, I'm not saying you're the reason he's not okay," Yuan Qi clarified. "But you do remember who got left alone at the altar by his groom, don't you?"
Of course he remembered. He could never forget. So how could Jia Wen possibly have forgotten either?
"Everything's changed, Han. Things aren't the same anymore," Yuan Qi said. "But you see how Jia Wen still let you work with him, despite everything that happened? He's not holding you back."
Shen Han hoped what Yuan Qi said was true, and not just an attempt to comfort him. Although he feared that the only reason Jia Wen allowed him to work at the company was to maintain professionalism.
"I want to apologize to him," Shen Han said softly. That had been one of the reasons he accepted the job offer, despite knowing full well who owned and ran the company. He was hoping for a chance—just one—to talk to Jia Wen.
"I hope you get the chance to do that, Han. Maybe that's what he needs to finally let go of all the resentment."
"If you ever need help with anything, never hesitate to ask. Especially if it's about Jia Wen. Got it?" Yuan Qi said with a serious tone.
Those words gave Shen Han a bit of peace. At least the man before him wasn't pretending he didn't exist or treating him with indifference.
Shen Han quickly looked down at his hands when he felt a warm touch. Yuan Qi had reached out and gently held his hand.
"Don't worry, Han. With time, he might find it in his heart to accept you again," Yuan Qi said with a small smile, probably hoping it would ease some of Shen Han's burden. "You two could still be friends."
Shen Han thanked him for the support and hope. But deep inside, he hated hearing those words.
Call him selfish, but Shen Han didn't want to just be friends with Jia Wen.
How could he pretend friendship was enough, when his heart wanted so much more?
He knew it sounded shameless. But the truth was, he wanted Jia Wen back—just like before.
Still, was there even the slightest chance that it could happen?