The mistakes of his past life were vividly before him.
A storm was brewing.
This would be the most difficult challenge of Qi Tongwei's life.
But he believed that as long as he had faith in his heart, nothing could stop him from moving forward.
As night fell, Qi Tongwei stood outside Chen Yang's house, his face etched with exhaustion and determination.
Since his break-up with Chen Yang, his life had felt directionless. Every attempt to reconcile felt like punching cotton – powerless and futile.
The sun blazed overhead, shrouding the streets and alleys of Handong City in a stifling heat.
Qi Tongwei, carrying two large bags of fresh fruit, hurried along the road to Chen's house.
His face radiated anticipation and nervousness. This was the first time he was formally visiting his future mother-in-law, Wang Fu Zhen.
The door to Chen's house was closed. Qi Tongwei took a deep breath and gently knocked on the knocker.
After a while, footsteps could be heard from inside, and Wang Fu Zhen slowly opened the door, her face carrying a hint of scrutiny.
"Auntie, hello, I'm Qi Tongwei." Qi Tongwei bowed respectfully, handing her the fruit.
Wang Fu Zhen took the fruit but didn't show any sign of happiness. Instead, she gave Qi Tongwei a cold glance and said, "You're Qi Tongwei? I heard you're a policeman?"
Qi Tongwei's heart skipped a beat, but he still maintained a smile and replied, "Yes, Auntie, I work at the Handong City Public Security Bureau."
Wang Fu Zhen snorted, casually tossed the fruit aside, and said disdainfully, "Policeman? Hmph, just a lowly policeman. How could you possibly be worthy of my daughter?"
Qi Tongwei's face instantly turned pale. He hadn't expected Wang Fu Zhen to insult him so directly.
He forced down the anger rising within him, trying to speak in a calm tone, "Auntie, I know my current situation isn't ideal, but I will work hard. Please give me a chance to prove myself to you."
However, Wang Fu Zhen remained unmoved, sneering with disdain, "Chance? Who do you think you are? A poor boy trying to climb the social ladder? I'll tell you, you're not good enough for my daughter, and you'll never set foot in my Chen family's door!"
It was like a bolt of lightning, striking him right between the eyes.
"Just go. We don't welcome you in our Chen family." From inside, Wang Fu Zhen's voice was cold and firm.
Qi Tongwei's fists clenched, his knuckles turning white, but he still tried to suppress his emotions, took a deep breath, and attempted to speak in a calm voice, "I just..."
"There's no 'just'!" Wang Fu Zhen interrupted him, her voice even colder. "You've already broken up, don't come and disrupt our lives anymore."
Qi Tongwei's heart felt like it had been hit by a hammer. He knew Wang Fu Zhen's words reflected Chen Yang's attitude, but he still wasn't willing to give up. He looked up, towards the closed door.
Qi Tongwei's heart was struck again. He wanted to say something, but Chen Yang had already turned and left, leaving him only with a decisive back.
Wang Fu Zhen watched Qi Tongwei's dejected look and felt a flicker of sympathy.
Qi Tongwei simply stood there, his eyes fixed on the direction where Chen Yang had left, vacant and lost.
This time, he had truly lost Chen Yang, the most important person in his life.
Just then, a strong, elderly voice sounded beside him, "Tongwei, come with me."
He looked up and saw Chen Yan Shi standing not far away, his eyes reflecting an indescribable depth.
Qi Tongwei didn't speak, but silently followed him, stepping out of the Chen family's gate.
He brought Qi Tongwei to a quiet grove, stopped, turned, and looked at him, saying in a low voice, "Tongwei, I know how you feel about Chen Yang, but you've broken up. That's a fact that can't be changed."
Qi Tongwei didn't say anything, just silently lowered his head. He thought Chen Yan Shi was right, but he couldn't accept the reality.
Looking at him, Chen Yan Shi sighed and continued, "Tongwei, you're a talented person. Your life shouldn't be bound by your emotions. You should pursue higher goals, achieve your dreams."
He was right. He couldn't drown in the past anymore. He needed to pursue higher goals, to achieve his dreams.
"Tongwei, I know you're heartbroken right now, but believe me, time heals all wounds. You'll meet better people, have a brighter future."
Chen Yan Shi looked at him, nodded in satisfaction, then turned and left.
Qi Tongwei's heart felt like it was being crushed, a sense of humiliation he had never experienced before.
He raised his head, looked directly into Wang Fu Zhen's eyes, and said word for word, "Auntie, I respect you, and I respect your daughter. But please, don't look down on me for being poor. One day, I'll make you see things differently!"
After speaking, Qi Tongwei turned and left, without looking back.
It wasn't time to retaliate yet.
He needed to calm down, to work even harder, and use his achievements to prove himself.
After leaving Chen's house, Qi Tongwei strolled down the street, his heart churning with conflicting emotions.
Though Wang Fu Zhen's words were harsh, they weren't entirely unfounded.
He was indeed from a poor family, without a prestigious lineage or background. But he possessed an unyielding will and a steadfast belief.
Qi Tongwei took a deep breath, suppressing his anger.
He couldn't let himself be defeated.
He had to work even harder, not just to prove his worth, but also to deliver a resounding slap in the face to those who looked down on him.
Just then, Qi Tongwei's phone rang.
He picked up the phone to see that it was a call from Gao Yu Liang.
Gao Yu Liang was his mentor, the one who had guided him in his police career.
Qi Tongwei's heart warmed, and he answered the call.
"Hello, Teacher." Qi Tongwei greeted respectfully.
"Tongwei, I heard you went to Chen's house today? How was it? Did it go well?" Gao Yu Liang asked with concern.
Qi Tongwei was silent for a while, before slowly replying, "Teacher, I... I was kicked out."