Under the sycamore tree at the jam factory, Cheng Su handed a handkerchief to Ying Xiaoya, looking at her with sympathy.
"You saw it, he doesnât have me in his heart at all." Ying Xiaoya took the handkerchief, wiped her tears, sniffled, and crumpled the handkerchief in her hand into a pickle.
Just now, her words were clearly said out of spite, but he, he actually took it to heart and even said that his family was introducing him to someone.
Thinking about it, tears welled up again for Ying Xiaoya.
"Youâre being spiteful, and so is he. Why do you guys make it so hard? Canât you just talk it out?" Cheng Su asked.
"Should I, as a girl, really be the one to say something?" Ying Xiaoya retorted.
"Of course not, the guy should definitely take the initiative in love." Cheng Su shook her head and said, "Of course, itâs not that a girl canât be proactive, but overall, a guy should take the lead. If he really wants to be with you, he will find a way!"
"But now, he, he said what he said!" Ying Xiaoya bit her lip, her eyes red.
Cheng Su looked at her compassionately and said, "What he said was also out of spite, it might not be true. But if he doesnât have the courage to step forward, then you shouldnât wait any longer."
Ying Xiaoya was stunned, looked at her, and asked, "Are you asking me to give up?"
"Would you really give up just like that?" Cheng Su sneered.
Ying Xiaoya pouted, "I, Iâm just mad at him for being so hesitant."
"Itâs normal for him to be hesitant. After all, heâs been married and has a child. Heâs also afraid of wasting your time."
"Whose side are you on anyway? First, itâs mine, then his!" Ying Xiaoya glared at her.
Cheng Su rolled her eyes and said, "Iâm not on anyoneâs side. Iâm just speaking from both your perspectives, as an outsider."
"Xiao Pinshanâs concerns are because he has a child, while you have a clean background. If you are to be together, there will definitely be many challenges. In his heart, he might want you to have a better option, because being a stepmother is hard."
"And on your side, I think a woman shouldnât endure too much hardship. Given his situation, if he still wonât take a step forward, if heâs not brave enough to move on, and itâs just you rushing ahead, then this kind of relationship isnât worth having. Itâs too exhausting," Cheng Su said.
Ying Xiaoya sniffed.
"And as an outsider, as your good friend, of course, I hope you consider carefully and have a better option. But thatâs just my hope. Only you know if the shoes suit you. Ultimately, the choice is in your hands. If Xiao Pinshan is willing to stand out and make an effort, then whether heâs been married or has children doesnât really matter," Cheng Su looked at her and said, "The key is whether heâs willing to give his all for you, for your relationship, and whether heâs committed to earning recognition."
"Go to our unitâs matchmaking event, and take a good look at his heart. If you go and he still shows no action or response, donât waste any more of your feelings on him. Love should be relaxing and sweet. A love that is too bitter, you wonât be able to endure. Itâs too burdensome," Cheng Su said, "Love should be carried by two people together. Relying on just one person wonât take you far. Xiao Ya, no matter how much you love, you need to see this clearly."
In Cheng Suâs heart, she believed Ying Xiaoya deserved a boy of equal standing, but if she truly liked Xiao Pinshan, she wouldnât say anything. She understood that when you truly love someone, you donât care about whether theyâve been married before. Ultimately, love comes down to three words: Iâm willing.