Chapter 804: Chapter 646: Passion Entangles, Love Relaxes
"Ultimately, those who live with integrity are unyielding."
"Time will prove everything."
The neon lights outside filtered into the unlit car, washing it in a sea of dim yellow, creating a quiet and warm atmosphere.
Li Qing gazed at Ning Youguang’s gentle eyes and suddenly felt there was no need to be so angry, angry enough to want to destroy the world.
He’s merely trash.
She should actually be grateful for seeing his true colors on the day of their breakup, better than wallowing in long-term sadness afterward.
He truly lacks any qualification to be compared to such a beautiful world.
"If I were to push my death date to the edge and look at today, would I still harbor resentment? Maybe not, I’d probably find it interesting and even appreciate this Chapter of life. Right now, I’m a bit confused, but it’s all part of life; I just haven’t learned to enjoy it yet."
Ning Youguang listened quietly, not speaking. Yet it was precisely this absence of questions that allowed Li Qing to catch her breath.
"I have a new perspective on love now, realizing that whether a relationship is good or bad actually has little to do with freedom. I used to feel love was restrictive, always constrained by this preconceived notion. A friend once told me that freedom can exist within relationships; I just haven’t found the way. I’ve been seeking a relationship where I can maintain my freedom, and in this relationship, I felt quite free. But what was the result?"
There was a complex expression on Li Qing’s face.
Ning Youguang remained silent for a moment, deciding to demonstrate a point, "I feel very free when alone, free when in love, and even... even if I marry, I’d still feel free."
Spoken unintentionally, but the listener took it to heart.
Sitting in the driver’s seat, Shi Wangyue’s heartbeat slowed half a beat.
But right now, the two girls in the back seat weren’t paying him any mind.
"I think so too. Freedom is a label based on how I perceive it."
"That’s exactly what I meant."
"Suddenly realizing I’m just a fleeting visitor in this world, yet so deeply immersed in appreciating it. This world isn’t as good as I imagined, nor as bad."
"Seeing through the essence of the world, one becomes less attached."
"I’m gradually understanding what you meant when you said that attachment is suffering." Li Qing sniffled, "I feel I need some time to restore myself to who I was, let go of dependency, retract possessiveness; he’s no longer the one I love."
—"It’s better to be sad now than to cry for half a lifetime."
Ning Youguang handed her a tissue. "A writer once said, ’Love and passion are often seen as the same thing. On the surface, they are consistent, but fundamentally, they differ greatly. Love is a beacon, shining on its own, selflessly and without possessiveness. Passion is a reflection, borrowing light to shine. The withdrawal of light signifies its own extinction, inevitably generating possessiveness. Passion entangles, love relaxes. Passion wounds, love nurtures. There are people in this world troubled by passion, not by love.’ I quite agree with this when I read it, and I wanted to share it with you."
"She’s right." Li Qing spoke with a distinct nasal sound. "Now that I think about it, I wasn’t even that in love with him; it was passion. Had I truly loved him, how could I change so easily?"
After a slight pause, she turned her body, leaning closer to Ning Youguang. "Maybe I didn’t love him that much myself. When I heard from a friend that he was cozying up with a girl at a bar, my first thought wasn’t heartbreak, but feeling deceived, my self-esteem dented."
So even when it comes to falling out, the manner should be dignified.
"With true love, I’d feel like the sky had collapsed now, wouldn’t I?"
"I don’t know. I can’t offer you the corresponding experience and feelings." Ning Youguang said slowly, "But I know those living in passion experience peaks and valleys, while those living in love remain calm and steady."
"... Sorry, my mistake." Li Qing quickly covered her mouth and glanced swiftly at Shi Wangyue sitting in front.
"What are you thinking?" Ning Youguang laughed.
Seeing Li Qing’s emotions gradually stabilize, she asked, "Where are we headed now?"
"No idea." Li Qing shook her head, thought for a moment, and said, "Going through a breakup, I want to drink."
"Want to drink?" Ning Youguang understood but didn’t drink herself, "I can accompany you with tea."
"Drinking while you drink tea feels boring." Li Qing sighed, "You’re great in everything but when it comes to drinking, it feels less fun."
"Sorry." Ning Youguang apologized verbally but not facially, "I find drinking really not fun."
"Forget it, forget it." Li Qing waved her hand weakly, "Without drinking, the night has nothing exciting left."
Seeing her dispirited demeanor, Ning Youguang suggested, "How about calling Jiang Wei, ask if she’s home and have her come over to drink with you?"
"I think that’s doable." Li Qing instantly perked up, "You call or should I?"
"I’ll call."
Ning Youguang took out her phone from her bag and quickly dialed Jiang Wei’s number.
After a brief conversation, Ning Youguang turned her face towards Li Qing, "Jiang Wei asks where you’ll be drinking?"
Li Qing was about to suggest finding a quiet bar, but seeing Ning Youguang’s Heavenly Immortal-like face and remembering her boyfriend sitting in front, she changed her mind, "My place."
"Li Qing’s home." Ning Youguang informed Jiang Wei over the phone, "I’ll have her send you the location, okay."
She quickly hung up and asked Li Qing, "Do we need to grab some food for you two?"
"No." Li Qing shook her head, "I have lots of snacks at home."
Ning Youguang couldn’t help but laugh, finding this side of Li Qing particularly endearing.
After she finished laughing, she leaned over the seat where Shi Wangyue was sitting and said behind him, "130 East Wind Road, Chaoyang District, Haicheng Garden."
"Haicheng as in city?" Shi Wangyue asked as he adjusted the car’s navigation.
"Yes."
"Dear, you remember our address so well," Li Qing said, feeling surprised when she heard Ning Youguang effortlessly report her home address to Shi Wangyue.
"I have visited a few times after all." Ning Youguang smiled, "Her place is Building 27."
"No need to go under my building; we’ll get off at the complex entrance." Li Qing said, "Our complex has many cars, and it might be difficult for Shi to drive out later."
Ning Youguang turned her head and told Shi Wangyue, "Drop us at the complex entrance."
Shi Wangyue nodded.
"Jiang Wei lives quite near me." Li Qing said, "If she’s fast, she might already be under my building by now." 1314
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