615 The Secret About the Past 233 (1/2)

Gu Beicheng had rarely heard her bring up such topics. He turned to the side to face her and asked, ”How have your expectations changed compared to the past?”

She put down the wine glass and rested her face on her elbow, appearing to be glowing a little.

”I used to yearn for love. In this superficial society, what are the odds of finding true love? Isn't wanting true love already a high expectation per se? Don't ever assume that casual dating fits the bill. That's just an insult to love,” said An Xiaoning.

An Xiaoning's lips curled into a smile as she continued, ”There are so many people in this big, big world, and yet, how many amongst the vast population can actually find true love? Thus, I no longer have expectations when it comes to love and relationships.”

”What are your expectations now?”

”For now, I just have to feel good about him, doesn't matter if I don't love or adore him that much. But the catch is, he has to understand me well and not try to tie me down with marriage. I just want us both to be free people and date each other in a carefree manner. Don't you find that great?”

”I kinda regret it now,” said Gu Beicheng.

”What do you mean?”

”I kinda regret getting married so early. I should've waited a while more,” he said, avoiding eye contact with her.

An Xiaoning tried to play it off as a joke and smacked him playfully. ”Why are you spouting such nonsense? Sister-in-law is going to be devastated if she hears this.”

”The saddest thing in life is not to have separated after having loved each other dearly before. But rather, it's never getting a shot with the person you adore. You never actually let go of the things you thought you've already gotten over. Instead, they're merely hidden and concealed in a certain corner of your heart. Not only did he let you down and betrayed your love for him, he's also disappointed me. He made me sacrifice and give you up for nothing.”

An Xiaoning felt a strange and sudden urge to tear up upon hearing his words.

In fact, tears had begun to well up in her eyes.

She looked up to gaze at the fluffy white clouds in the clear blue sky. The sun was shining brightly with a soothing, gentle breeze in the air. Tears began to roll down her cheek slowly.

It was one o'clock in the afternoon.

She again headed to the Gu Corporation office building in Gu Beicheng's car.

After collecting her car from the carpark, she felt a strong urge to go to Wei Ni Estate and visit Jin Yiheng, whom she had missed dearly. However, it was clearly not the time to do so yet at present.

Once she finally leaves the Autumn Palace for good, she would visit Mei Yangyang's place openly and get the latter to bring Jin Yiheng to her house where they would meet.

She'd had enough of living with a mask on every day.

She just had to endure and bear with it for a few more days.

An Xiaoning went to take a look at the newly-built estate in the city.

After all, she couldn't keep living in the Gu family mansion and ought to have a property of her own. Moreover, she had other plans in mind by purchasing a house.

The newly-constructed estate, Sanqiao Mansion Garden, was only a stone's throw away from Wei Ni Estate.

The main reason she was eyeing the estate was so she could be nearer to her son.

The estate was recently put up for sale.

The mansions had an exquisite design and a spacious yard. The location was convenient as well. However, some mansions were already furnished and renovated while others were left untouched. Thus, there was a wide price range.

After taking a tour around several units, An Xiaoning set her eyes on a large mansion that came with lavish interior design and paid for it in full with cash.

It was much easier and convenient since she would not have to go through the hassle of hiring an interior designer and contractor to renovate the house.

The more she looked at her new home, the more pleased she was with it.

An Xiaoning scanned her surroundings, after which ideas began to pop up in her head. She already had a rough plan about how she was going to further expand her home.

She would now need a bunch of subordinates who were loyal and willing to work for her.

After all that she had been through, she finally realized the importance of money and manpower.

It was already evening by the time she settled all the procedures of the purchase of the mansion.

She would now have to leave the recruitment of manpower for a later date since she would have to drive back to the palace come midnight.

An Xiaoning parked her car near a Western restaurant and alighted from her car while wearing the gorgeous mask.

With her purse in hand and a pair of flats on her feet, she made her way up the stairs and entered the restaurant. She then looked for a window seat and sat down.