Chapter 805

For a moment, his expression froze in surprise. The next second, looking embarrassed, he lowered his head and fidgeted with the coffee cup by his hand. “Well, I guess all that stuff you went through before wasn’t a waste after all. At least it’s helping you now.”

I smiled and let the past rest—right now, Jared and I felt more like old friends who’d survived life-and-death together and gained a new perspective.

I picked up the tab this time, and for once, Jared didn’t object. Back then, his pride would never have let me pay for anything. That masculine ego wouldn’t allow it.

Just as I’d been changing, so had Jared.

Over dinner, I brought up a few collaborations, and Jared agreed to all of them without even blinking.

Afterward, he asked if I had any afternoon plans and suggested we go play some golf. I was about to say no, but then he mentioned he could introduce me to a few big shots in Shaville—guys who’d be seriously helpful if I ever wanted to get into live streaming.

Hearing that, I actually felt like joining him for a round.

I never thought that even after Jared and I went our separate ways, he’d still lend me his resources and help broker some collaborations for me—all without asking for anything in return. That was pretty gentlemanly of him.

Of course, I wouldn’t let him do all that for free. If he ever needed anything from me, I’d be there for him, no questions asked.

As night settled in, our dinner and drinks came to an end, and Jared and I decided to head out. We’d both had a few drinks.

Jared said, “How about we take a walk by the river, get some fresh air?”

I nodded and got out of the car with him. The driver stayed put, parking not too far away.

The autumn breeze coming off the river was crisp and brought a chill to the air.

Jared walked a few steps, leaned against the railing, and glanced back at me.

The shadows of the trees cast over us, and the streetlights overhead shimmered with a warm, yellow glow.

“If you break up with them, are you planning to go solo?” he asked, his voice low.

I pressed my lips together, staying silent as I kept walking.

Jared caught up to me. “Or are you just going to pick someone else? The way those guys were looking at you at dinner–they were holding back, but honestly, if they got the chance, they wouldn’t hesitate to go for it. I never wanted you to work because I was afraid stuff like that would happen.”

I paused, looked back at him, and said, “I know what you’re getting at, but for now, I want to fly solo for a couple years. Once I’ve stacked up enough cash, I’ll just step back from all the networking and parties and live life on my own terms.”

Jared’s eyes suddenly lit up. “Seriously? You think you can really live by yourself? Being alone gets old real fast. You should have someone by your side.”

I glanced up at the moon hanging overhead, thinking, ‘Yeah, living solo isn’t that great. Having someone who really gets you is what makes life taste sweeter.’

I didn’t get reborn just to be some ice queen or a holier-than-thou nun. I came back for the good stuff–to actually enjoy myself.

I grinned, kept moving, and said, “Jared, you make a good point. I’ll think about it.”

Jared rushed forward, blocking my path. “What about me? We’ve sorted out all our old grudges, we’re working together, and we still have plenty in common. I promise I won’t ignore you anymore. I’ll make your problems my priority, and I’ll learn how to take care of you…”

“Jared…” I cut him off gently. “We’re only ever going to be friends.”

“Why? Are you tired of me now?” His eyes grew bleak.

“Come on, it’s not that. We’re both on equal footing–you’re talented, you look good, but… I just don’t feel that spark anymore.” I stepped aside and walked on.

Jared looked like he’d been hit hard. He stood there for a long moment, then slowly followed me, keeping some distance behind, never stepping ahead.

“I still have feelings for you,” Jared said, picking up the thread. “Since you left, I’ve dreamed about you more than once. They say the deeper your obsession, the more you see that person in your dreams–I don’t know if that’s really true, but every time, you’re still my wife in those dreams…”