Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 2260 - 2196: Such a Cold and Callous Heart

A flicker of discomfort passed over Kevin’s features. Turning his soft gaze toward Du Jinruo, he spoke in a mild tone, "Jinruo, it might be best if you and Mr. Gao have a private conversation first. I’ll skip the tea today and just buy some to go. Mr. Gao, if my departure eases your mind, I hope you will act like a gentleman and treat Jinruo with the respect she deserves."

Having said his piece, he turned away and approached the service counter. He addressed the shop assistant, "I’ve been told your 'Liunian' tea is excellent. I'll take a tin."

"Of course, sir. However, I must apologize," the clerk replied. "Our shop usually includes a handcrafted wooden bookmark with every purchase of 'Liunian,' but our stock has just run out. We are currently waiting for the craftsman to finish a new batch. If you'd like to leave your name and contact information, we can mail it to you or message you to come by and collect it later."

"I will simply drop by to pick it up another time. I find the atmosphere of your tea house very much to my liking."

The clerk efficiently pulled a tin of 'Liunian' from the shelf and recorded the transaction.

"I’ll also take a box of those tea-flavored pastries," Kevin added.

"Certainly, thank you for your patronage, sir."

Kevin gathered his purchases, settled the bill, and exited the tea house without casting a single glance back at Du Jinruo.

Watching him go and desperately hoping for a final look, Du Jinruo felt as though she could hear her own heart splintering into pieces.

She was in total disbelief that Kevin had truly walked away like that.

He had actually abandoned her and left without hesitation.

What if Gao Wei was truly a threat? Did her safety and her feelings mean absolutely nothing to him?

Du Jinruo had genuinely believed there was a spark between them. Kevin had explicitly mentioned his plans to stay and build a career in the Capital rather than returning overseas.

He had even confessed to her that he was weary of his wandering lifestyle and longed to find a kind-hearted woman to marry, raise a family with, and share a quiet, cozy life for the rest of his years.

As he spoke those words, his eyes had been fixed on her, brimming with warmth and tenderness.

She had been certain those sentiments were directed at her.

But in a heartbeat, her fantasies had crumbled. Beneath that man's polished, gentle exterior lay a heart that was freezing and indifferent.

In that moment, Du Jinruo finally saw the truth clearly.

"Are you still staring? He's gone, so what is there left to look at?" Gao Wei hissed through clenched teeth.

Du Jinruo snapped out of her daze and violently wrenched her hand from his grip.

"Gao Wei, have you lost your mind?" she screamed at him. "I have told you repeatedly that there is no future for us—absolutely none!"

Gao Wei's expression grew dark and menacing.

"And why is that? Do you honestly think your family would ever approve of a guy like Kevin? Let me tell you, no matter how much your parents lower their expectations, your future husband must have a respectable career and a solid income."

"And you think that's you?" Du Jinruo spat back, her teeth bared. "Even if that is what my parents want, it will never be you. Never!"

Furious, Gao Wei barked, "Then tell me, what is so wrong with me? Am I not even a match for Meng Xinian? His father has lost his influence, but my father is a different story! If you compare families, the Meng Family can't even stand in the shadow of the Gao Family right now!"

"Ha! Why are you hiding behind your father's shadow? If you have any courage, compare yourself to him instead." Du Jinruo was shaking with indignation. She had no desire to mention Meng Xinian again, but Gao Wei wouldn't stop bringing him up.

Under normal circumstances, she wasn't so abrasive, but Gao Wei was pushing her to the brink of insanity. "He is already a Great Officer; meanwhile, what are you?"