Delicate Beauty in the Palm : Chapter 16 - ‘Wen Liang, Goodbye’
Chapter 16: ‘Wen Liang, Goodbye’
A scorching summer afternoon, the air was stiflingly hot. The heat in the wind felt like it could melt makeup right off her face.
The western suburbs were far from public transportation. Chen Die dragged her suitcase, took a taxi to the nearest subway station, and had beads of sweat forming on the tip of her nose, with damp strands of hair sticking to her cheeks.
Originally, she had planned to leave according to the contract—after the official graduation tomorrow, she would move out of the villa.
But after what Wen Liang said yesterday— ‘Then why are you still sleeping with me?’ —she couldn’t bear to stay a second longer. So, once he left the house that morning, she began packing.
It was a spur-of-the-moment decision. She hadn’t even found a new apartment yet.
She got off the subway at Chenghe Station, and when she came out of the station, Xia Ying was already parked on the side of the road waiting for her.
Seeing her, Xia Ying ran over. “Oh my god, what’s going on? That number you called me from wasn’t yours!”
Chen Die pulled out her phone and showed her. “Battery died. I borrowed someone’s.”
Yesterday had been such a mess, she forgot to charge it.
“I thought you were kidnapped!!” Xia Ying smacked her thigh, then suddenly noticed faint tear marks on Chen Die’s face. She paused. “You were crying?”
“We broke up,” Chen Die said.
Xia Ying froze.
“I suddenly felt like there was no point, so I ended it.” Chen Die shrugged. “I’ll have to crash at your place tonight. No time to rent a place.”
Xia Ying opened her mouth, then patted her on the head. “No problem. Stay as long as you want!”
Chen Die smiled. “I left on my own, why do you look like I got dumped?”
Xia Ying had no mercy: “You don’t look like you got dumped. You look like your boyfriend died.”
As she spoke, she took the suitcase from her. “Come on, get in the car.”
Xia Ying lived in Century Harbor. She lived alone in a 140-square-meter apartment—plenty of space for Chen Die. Though, the guest room hadn’t even been set up yet.
Once they got home, Xia Ying busied herself laying out spare bedding in the sun.
Chen Die said, “Just leave it there. I’ll do it in a bit.”
“No worries. What are we eating for lunch?”
“Whatever, something simple.”
Xia Ying said, “Then go check what’s in the fridge.”
Chen Die plugged in her phone to charge and went to open the fridge. It was exactly what you’d expect from a single girl living alone—not many ingredients, but packed with carbonated drinks.
After searching for a while, she pulled out a pack of noodles and checked the expiration date.
“Noodles okay?”
Xia Ying nodded. “Sure.”
Chen Die added a bit more into the boiling water.
This was something she’d learned back in her old home. Ever since she started living with Wen Liang, she hadn’t had the chance to cook for herself.
Xia Ying leaned on the table. “So your ex… uh, ex-boyfriend, how did he react when you moved out?”
“He doesn’t know. He had already left for work when I left.”
“What?” Xia Ying was shocked. “Isn’t he going to come looking for you at my place?”
“No.”
Chen Die glanced at the time—Wen Liang probably knew by now. She looked over at her phone charging on the table and curled her lips. “He probably won’t even call me.”
Xia Ying couldn’t understand.
After being together for so long, how could there be no reaction to someone suddenly leaving?
Even when she’d caught her ex cheating, despite the anger and humiliation, she'd still wanted to ask him why, to desperately hope it was a misunderstanding.
Chen Die served the noodles.
Her relationship with Wen Liang had never been equal. Outsiders might’ve seen the good side of how Wen Liang treated her, but that kindness always felt like it came from a place of superiority.
Wen Liang had taken her in when she was 16.
He gave her a place to stay and a comfortable life, and later, some special indulgence and favor that others didn’t get.
But none of it was built on equal footing.
In fact, the more he gave, the more unequal it became.
When she brought up the contract, Wen Liang had only seen it as her throwing a tantrum, seeking attention after being wronged.
And now that she left without a word, he probably thought she was just acting out again.
That’s why he wouldn’t call her—like dealing with a disobedient pet, he was just waiting for her to ‘come to her senses’ and crawl back.
The next day was the graduation ceremony.
That night was the first time in six years Chen Die truly spent a night away from Wen Liang. As expected, she didn’t sleep well, finally dozing off just before dawn.
Even in her dreams, she was tangled up with the Wen Liang of the past. No matter how she slept, it wasn’t restful.
When she woke, it was only six in the morning.
She opened her suitcase.
She hadn’t brought all her clothes from the villa—only the simplest ones. She’d left behind all the expensive designer pieces Wen Liang had bought for her.
When Xia Ying came downstairs yawning, she saw Chen Die had already gone out and brought back two breakfasts from a shop nearby.
She wore a plain white T-shirt and jeans.
Xia Ying’s eyes widened: “You’re wearing that to the graduation ceremony?”
“What else would I wear?”
“Come on, it’s your graduation! And you’re giving a speech on stage! You’re way too low-key dressed like this.”
Chen Die smiled. “Why should I make a big deal of it?”
“No way. You’re the campus belle—we’ve got to graduate with style.” Xia Ying wasn’t having it. She dashed back to her room and picked out the most figure-hugging and flattering dress she had.
The tag was still on.
She had fallen in love with the dress during a shopping trip and bought it on the spot, but never found the right occasion to wear it.
It was a deep wine-red spaghetti-strap dress with subtle sparkle.
Beautiful, yes—but on the wrong person, it would wear them, not the other way around. Xia Ying had never dared put it on and had just left it in her closet.
Chen Die had no choice but to give in and change into the dress.
The dress reached her knees. Beneath it were a pair of flawless legs, sculpted and pale. Her calves had a high, defined curve, with smooth, toned lines.
Her collarbones were deep enough to hold water—set against her fair skin and dark hair, she looked distant but irresistibly alluring.
Xia Ying was stunned. She gave her a thumbs up. “Absolutely stunning.”
The graduation ceremony coincided with the university’s 80th anniversary celebration, so the whole campus was decorated with little flags that read 80th Anniversary—the atmosphere was lively.
Chen Die, top of the acting department, had to give a speech as the class representative.
After her speech, she stepped down from the stage and walked over to her advisor.
Professor Ying asked, “I heard you’ve already signed on as the lead for Zan Hua?”
“Mm.”
“When does filming start?”
“Early next month, about two weeks from now.”
He patted her on the shoulder with satisfaction. “Not bad. It’s a good start. I believe in you—you’ll go far.”
Chen Die gave a slight smile. “I hope so.”
Turns out, Xia Ying picking that dress was the right call. Photos of Chen Die giving her graduation speech started circulating in the campus forum—and the thread blew up.
[Waaaaaah, senior is unbelievably beautiful!]
[Chen Die is exactly my type. 100%.]
[Only my wife could pull off that dress. (Insert manly roar)]
[Isn’t the campus belle in the acting department? Their year has so many talented people—even some who’ve already acted in web dramas. Why hasn’t she been active at all?]
[A goddess like that probably just came to this world to enjoy life.]
[Didn’t she already get script offers after that viral photoshoot with her old class? She’s top of her class, gorgeous, and has presence. If she had accepted any roles, she’d be famous by now.]
[But with that temper—slapping someone in front of a crowd? In the entertainment world, she’d be blacklisted in no time.]
[Her boyfriend is rich though—drives a Bugatti worth tens of millions. He could literally fund a movie himself.]
[If I had a boyfriend like that, I’d just enjoy life too.]
Not long after, a reply to the thread changed its entire direction.
[I was standing next to the campus belle and her friend during the ceremony—I overheard them talking about moving out. Sounds like she broke up with her boyfriend?]
[Broke up?!]
[No way! Wasn’t she already rumored to have a boyfriend since freshman year??]
[What the hell?? Congrats to all the single dogs out there—she’s back on the market!!]
[Wait, is that true? My friend already started writing her a love letter.]
[LOL even if it’s true, doesn’t mean your friend has a chance.]
[Graduation season = breakup season.]
……
Wenyuan Group.
Everyone in the company could tell that Mr. Wen was in a terrible mood today—the whole building felt like it was under a dark cloud.
Everyone was extra cautious, afraid of stepping on his landmine.
Wen Liang sat at his desk with a dark expression.
After a long silence, he closed the document in front of him, pinched the bridge of his nose, and pressed the intercom to call his assistant in.
“Mr. Wen,” Zhu Qicong entered.
His voice was calm. “Did Chen Die come back?”
Zhu Qicong nodded. “I’ll check right now.”
He dialed a call to Aunt Zhou and received confirmation that Chen Die had not returned to the villa.
His heart tensed. Afraid of Wen Liang losing his temper, he forced himself to remain composed. “Miss Chen is not home at the moment. Do you need me to find out where she is?”
Wen Liang's expression darkened.
When he didn’t smile, he looked terrifying—especially with that scar at the corner of his eyebrow.
Zhu Qicong felt uneasy. Remembering what Wen Liang had asked him in the car after the last bidding meeting, he hesitated before suggesting, “Mr. Wen, why not call Miss Chen yourself? Maybe this is all just a misunderstanding.”
Wen Liang let out a soft sneer. It was unclear whether he was mocking him or simply disinterested.
He raised his hand slightly, signaling for him to leave.
Zhu Qicong immediately bowed his head and left.
Wen Liang leaned back in his chair, grabbed a pack of cigarettes, and lit one.
It had been a long time since he felt this kind of frustration.
This kind of irritation—caused by losing control over a situation—made it impossible for him to stay calm.
Chen Die had predicted his reaction with pinpoint accuracy.
So when she didn’t receive any texts or calls from him, she didn’t feel disappointed. Instead, she felt an inexplicable sense of relief.
She had been with Wen Liang for six years.
During those six years, her initial feelings for him had caused her to break apart pieces of herself to fit him—blending into his world until she lost her own sense of self.
Like a pet cat Wen Liang had raised.
But now, she finally belonged to herself.
After the graduation ceremony, Chen Die was one of the last to leave.
The sunlight was just right outside, and the air carried a warm, comforting scent.
She stood under the sun, squinting as she stretched lazily.
Just then, her phone rang. It was an unfamiliar number. She answered, and the voice on the other end informed her of an interview opportunity at Yiming Entertainment.
A few days ago, she had sent her resume to several entertainment companies. Since she had decided to enter the industry, it was unrealistic to do it alone without experience.
Yiming Entertainment wasn’t an old industry giant, but it had expanded rapidly in recent years. Rumor had it that the company’s CEO also owned a film production company, meaning there were plenty of resources available.
After leaving campus, she took the subway straight to Yiming Entertainment.
The HR representative who welcomed her was a young woman.
Given that Chen Die had already secured a major role in <Hairpin Flowers>, a high-profile film directed by a renowned filmmaker, and had outstanding qualifications in other areas, signing her wasn’t an issue.
Once everything was settled, the HR representative explained that the company would decide on her manager and future arrangements after an internal meeting. With nothing else to do there, Chen Die thanked her and left the building.
Standing at the company entrance, she had just opened her umbrella when a man walked toward her.
He looked familiar.
Chen Die narrowed her eyes slightly, studying him.
The man spotted her as well and smiled. “Little Sister!”
Chen Die: “……”
She suddenly remembered.
Chen Shao.
Her biological cousin—who, from her recollection, wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed.
She had no interest in getting involved with the Chen family. She turned to leave, but before she could, Chen Shao asked, “Did you come here today to sign a contract?”
She paused and turned back. “How do you know that?”
“Quite the coincidence.” Chen Shao smiled warmly and handed her a business card. “This company belongs to me.”
The card clearly stated: Chairman of Yiming Entertainment.
Chen Die glanced at the text, suddenly realizing something. “Was it your decision to call me for an interview?”
“You could say that.”
Chen Shao looked at his long-lost cousin. Her delicate black eyebrows furrowed slightly, her cheeks dusted with a luminous powder that shimmered in the sunlight.
He sighed again. ‘That damn savage Wen Liang really got lucky.’
Chen Die frowned. “Was this the Chen family’s idea?”
“Of course not. You think the Chen family’s princess would ever agree to that?” His tone was full of disdain.
“Then why?”
“Because you have investment value. It’s obvious Wen Liang didn’t treat you badly—you look way more like a real princess than that idiot Chen Shuyuan. The entertainment industry lacks your type right now, and I think you can bring me returns.”
Chen Die looked at him and chuckled lightly. “That’s so insincere.”
Chen Shao paused for a second—then burst out laughing so hard he bent over, leaning against the wall, shoulders shaking uncontrollably.
Chen Die had no idea what was so funny.
After laughing, Chen Shao shrugged. “Okay, fine, that’s just part of the reason. Mainly... I’m just bored.”
“……”
“I find Chen Shuyuan annoying and wanted to mess with her a little.”
Chen Die asked, “What did she do to you?”
“The princess tripped and her high heels scratched up my brand-new car I waited over half a year for.”
“……”
Chen Die confirmed—this guy’s an idiot. She didn’t want to deal with him anymore and turned to leave, but he slung an arm around her shoulder.
“Come on, sis, let’s talk about your next steps.”
Chen Shao didn’t seem to realize this was only the second time he’d ever met this so-called ‘little sister,’ and very familiarly dragged her across the street to a western restaurant.
Chen Die was confused and growing annoyed.
But after years of the life she’d lived, she wasn’t the type to argue in a quiet restaurant.
So she simply frowned and said in a low voice, “What exactly do you want from me?”
“Just a meal.” Chen Shao opened the menu. “There’s a variety show coming up in a few days with a guest spot. Good chance to warm up your exposure before you join the film crew.”
Chen Die blinked, surprised that something had already been arranged—and even more surprised that this slacker Chen Shao could actually pull something off.
The guest spot was originally meant for another female trainee, but she got caught in a dating scandal before her debut and was immediately blacklisted.
Chen Shao didn’t explain much more. He flipped through the menu and called the waiter over.
Right after ordering, he looked up—and suddenly saw a familiar figure at the restaurant entrance.
He made a surprised “Yo,” and Chen Die followed his gaze.
A few young men in suits walked in, all carrying a bit of arrogant flair.
Walking at the back—was Wen Liang.
The moment he looked up, he immediately spotted Chen Die.
His expression didn’t change. He flicked the ash off his cigarette, took another drag, and tossed it into the ashtray at the front counter before striding over.
He was always direct. Without hesitation, he moved past the few men in front of him.
They exchanged confused glances, not understanding what was happening.
Then they watched as Wen Liang stormed up to a woman, grabbed her wrist, yanked her up, and shoved her onto the couch at the next table.
Next, he picked up a chair, the legs scraping harshly against the floor—cutting through the soft background music like a blade.
Everyone froze and turned to look.
He sat beside Chen Die, one leg crossed over the other, foot resting on another chair, his arm lazily draped across the back of her seat. His gaze was dark as he stared at her.
The whole restaurant fell into silence.
Chen Die met his eyes without speaking. All she could smell was the lingering smoke on him.
Everyone else was seeing her for the first time, unsure what was happening.
But after seeing Chen Die’s face, a few started putting the pieces together: ‘Could this be the mysterious ‘Lingling’ in Wen Liang’s phone’
So… what was happening now?
It kind of looked like things were about to blow up.
Finally, Xiao Shi broke the tension. “A-Liang, who’s this? Aren’t you going to introduce us?”
Predictably, he didn’t respond. Xiao Shi, being the closest to Wen Liang among them, didn’t take offense. He turned to Chen Die instead. “You’re the ‘Lingling’ in his phone, right?”
Chen Die raised an eyebrow, looked at him, and nodded.
“At last! We’ve been wanting to meet you forever! A-Liang never brings you out,” Xiao Shi waved in greeting. “No wonder he’s so obsessed—you’re even better in person.”
Wen Liang’s face turned black. He glared at Xiao Shi. “Let go.”
Xiao Shi realized his hand had somehow landed on Chen Die’s bare shoulder—she was wearing a strappy dress, her pale skin almost blinding. He quickly withdrew his hand.
‘That possessiveness is insane.’
“Chen Die.”
Wen Liang finally spoke. His voice was low and husky, like a deep speaker with an edge of warning.
“There’s a limit to your tantrums. Do you really think I’ve been too soft with you? I’ve spoiled you, and you still pull this with me.”
His lips pressed into a tight line, obviously holding back his anger. Finally, he softened his tone slightly. “Come home with me tonight, and I won’t pursue anything else.”
He was always like this. Even when compromising, he was arrogant.
Chen Die smiled. “Wen Liang, I’m not throwing a tantrum.”
Everyone nearby, dying of curiosity about Wen Liang’s mystery girl, held their breath. No one expected this. Now they didn’t even dare breathe.
‘What a queen.’
“These six years, I’m grateful to you. Without you, I wouldn’t be who I am now,” she said calmly. “But I don’t want to be the cat you keep anymore.”
She looked at him, chin slightly lifted, voice firm. “I don’t belong to you.”
Wen Liang’s Adam’s apple bobbed heavily.
Chen Die stood up. “Goodbye, Wen Liang.”
She said it with such ease.
Wen Liang’s lips tightened, his knuckles turning white with tension, as if they might split open.
A moment later, he suddenly smiled, raised his head, and coldly praised her— “Very good.”
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