Qin Chen led her quietly to a slightly secluded corner. He lowered his head to gaze into her eyes, remaining silent for a long time before finally speaking: "Qiqi, you really didn't have to do this."
Qiqi looked up, dazed, at the man before her—he was so close, close enough to touch his handsome brow, his familiar eyes...
"You didn't have to follow me to the dance," Qin Chen said. "Qiqi, once I make a decision, I don't look back."
"What?" Qiqi's mind was slow to catch up.
"You still can't let go, can you?" Qin Chen asked her.
His words struck like a knife piercing Qiqi's heart.
She stammered twice, then looked up at his starry eyes: "I just... want to know the real reason."
Qin Chen sighed again, leaning down to whisper in her ear: "I'm sorry, Qiqi. The real reason is that you can't give me what I need."
"What do you need?"
"My mom is sick. She needs a lot of money for treatment. Even after we sold our house, we still can't scrape together enough." Qin Chen's voice was filled with sorrow.
Qiqi was startled, her eyes widening: "This... when did this happen?"
Qin Chen: "Before we moved away."
Qiqi was stunned. After a long pause, she asked: "How is Aunt Qin doing now?"
Qin Chen replied: "My dad has already taken her to the U.S. Her condition is stable for now, and she's preparing for surgery. Don't worry."
Qiqi breathed a sigh of relief, her eyes dimming: "Something this big happened, and you didn't tell me? At least I could have helped you figure something out."
Qin Chen shook his head: "There's no way around it. Her illness is extremely rare, and the cost of the surgery is something neither of us could ever afford."
"I... I could think of something." Qiqi was flustered, murmuring: "Oh, I could sell the house. The demolition team has approached me many times anyway..."
"No, don't. Qiqi, that house was left to you by your parents. You can't just sell it." Qin Chen shook his head, whispering in her ear: "Besides, money alone isn't enough. My mom's illness can only be treated in the U.S., and only the main branch of MD Group's St. Mary's Hospital in the U.S. has the facilities for that kind of treatment..."
"So you're with Zhou Zhibi because of this?" Qiqi felt a pang of pain in her heart.
"Partly, I suppose." Qin Chen's tone was weary: "I have to face reality. I also want a good future—St. Mary's Hospital is one of the top hospitals in the world, with the best doctors and the most advanced medical technology... And I've always wanted to pursue further studies in medicine, Qiqi, you know that."
Qiqi fell silent.
Qin Chen continued: "Besides, Zhibi is a good girl. She... although her personality is a bit unique, she's sincere with me, and I like her too."
His tone was genuine.
Qiqi's heart ached: "Then I can only wish you well. Indeed, I can't give you what you want."
Qin Chen looked into her eyes and said softly: "Qiqi, I'm sorry."
"It's okay."
Qiqi smiled: "I hope you get what you want, and I hope your mom gets better soon."
Qin Chen gazed at her face, sorrow spreading in his eyes; he seemed to want to say something more, but the time for the dance partner exchange had already ended.
Zhou Zhibi eagerly stepped forward and shoved Qiqi aside.