Chapter 556
Chapter 556
Chapter 556 Ascension Perfected
The small market wasn’t large, measuring only a few hundred meters in total length, and it had everything from clothing to handicrafts on display.
Shirley approached a ceramics stall where various cups and saucers of different shapes were arranged. These ceramics were exquisitely crafted with intricate patterns, giving off an ancient vibe and looking quite beautiful.
She immediately noticed a white cup, which had no complex patterns but was lightly dyed with black, evoking the meaning of Tai Chi.
“Shirley, this cup is quite interesting!”
Shirley pointed at the cup, speaking enthusiastically. Material © of NôvelDrama.Org.
“Lady, you have a discerning eye!”
Although the stall owner was a foreigner, he had a deep interest in Eastern culture. Seeing Shirley’s appreciation, he began to explain enthusiastically, “The pattern on this cup is very exquisite. In the distant Eastern country, it’s called Tai Chi… Tai Chi is a profound concept that can explain all things in the world. It represents the coexistence of black and white, seemingly separate but actually fused, seemingly repelling but actually attracting.
Neither can suppress the other nor can they be apart.”
“Tai Chi…’
Shirley gazed at the distinctly black and white cup, lost in thought.
This feeling inexplicably reminded her of herself and Braden. They were completely incompatible opposites, yet they couldn’t resist being drawn to each other.
As Shirley was about to ask the stall owner to give her the cup, a cold voice descended from above, “I’ll take this cup.”
Shirley furrowed her brows and turned around with a stern expression, “Why? I saw this cup first!”
But as she turned, she collided with the deep gaze of a man. It was as if her soul had been sucked away, leaving her standing there dumbfounded, unable to think or act, unable to utter a single word.
Braden towered nearly thirty centimeters taller than Shirley. He was like a mountain, emanating an overwhelming pressure. The warm morning light behind him illuminated him, making him shine brilliantly and giving off an unreal sensation.
“But I paid first.”
Braden placed a stack of euros on the stall counter, looking down at Shirley in the same arrogant and conceited manner as always.
Shirley rubbed her eyes, thinking that she must be seeing things.
The man before her was the one who had disappeared for half a year and experienced a rebirth through fire.
Compared to when they were separated, he had become even taller, and more handsome. And his eyes, perhaps due to receiving Antwan’s eyes through a transplant, held a deep and cold gaze, but also an added touch of casual and unrestrained demeanor.
Although Norway was not large, she never expected that they would encounter each other in this remote market.
Braden had long forgotten Shirley’s face and deliberately forgotten her voice.
In his eyes, the fragile woman before him was merely a stranger from the East, just like him.
Seeing Shirley’s lack of response for so long, he couldn’t be bothered to pay further attention and urged her, “Please give me the cup; my fiancee is waiting for me.”
Alina was a person who paid attention to details and had good taste. He believed that she would love the cup he bought.
“Sorry, this customer saw and liked the cup first. I can’t sell it to you.”
The stall owner returned the thick stack of euros to Braden and smiled as he handed the black and white porcelain cup to Shirley, “Madam, I hope this cup brings you joy.”
“1-1 don’t need it. Give it to him!”
Shirley retreated like a coward, continuously backing away until she finally escaped from the market.
She had never imagined that she would encounter Braden again in this lifetime. Thinking about the past and the vows she had made, she felt like a ferocious beast. Only by staying far away from him could she keep him safe and sound.
Look at him now, how well he was doing after she left. Not only had he taken the Stewart Group to new heights, but he also found fulfilling love. Happiness radiated from his face, a happiness that she could never bring him.
Braden watched the fleeing figure of the beautiful woman and fell into contemplation.
Why did he feel a sense of familiarity with this stranger?
“Do you know each other?”
The stall owner wrapped up the cup and handed it to Braden, curiously asking.
“We don’t know each other.”
Braden shook his head, sounding very certain.
“Why do I feel like you two have known each other for a long, long time and have experienced many stories together?”
The stall owner smiled meaningfully, his words carrying depth.
“Why do you say that? Do you know her?”
Braden turned around and stared at the stall owner, filled with curiosity.
“In this small town, there’s no one who doesn’t know Shirley. She’s a strong woman…”
The stall owner recalled the scene of their first encounter, and his heart still ached.
On that day, a heavy rain suddenly poured down on the town. The city streets were uneven and full of potholes. She was pushing a man around, seeking help in the rain, saying that their car had broken down and hoping someone could give them a ride.
How could one not be deeply impressed by a weak woman taking care of a large man who had mobility issues and was visually impaired?
“And then?”
Braden stopped and hoped the stall owner would continue.
At that moment, Alina ran over from the other end of the market.
“Darling, where did you run off to? I couldn’t find you anywhere!”
She affectionately threw herself into Braden’s arms, acting like a spoiled girl. She held onto his arm and pouted, “There’s a famous cafe ahead.
Come on, let’s go and taste some coffee together.”
“I bought you a cup.”
Braden handed the black and white porcelain cup to Alina, “You’re such a germaphobe, and this cup would be perfect for drinking coffee.”
“Wow, it’s so beautiful! I love it. You’re so thoughtful!”
Alina hugged Braden tightly and showered him with kisses, melting with sweetness.
These past six months had been so blissful, almost unreal. Braden never mentioned Shirley even once. His heart and mind were filled with Alina as if that woman had never existed in his life.
Every day, Alina prayed, hoping that the story would end here, hoping that the woman would truly disappear from this world!
“Let’s go!”
Braden affectionately ruffled Alina’s hair and walked towards the cafe she mentioned.
He didn’t bother to listen to the stall owner any further. After all… that woman was just a stranger to him, and there was no need for him to invest excessive attention.
In an inconspicuous corner of the market, Shirley hid her body behind a wall, greedily watching the man’s figure grow distant. Her eyes silently filled with tears.
How wonderful, Braden, you had returned to being the proud son of the heavens as if you had gone through a calamity and now achieved perfect ascension…
She thought, “Braden, you must be happy!”