Cured of You

On the eve of our wedding, I caught Qianqian He being intimate on the couch with my close friend. After that, I went completely mad and did everything I could to get close to her three best friends. I deliberately left traces everywhere—on her desk, in the passenger seat of her sports car, in her private office. Yet when Qianqian found out, she simply touched up her lipstick with total indifference and dialed a group call. "So, how was he?" Teasing voices echoed one after another from the speaker. "Great abs, pretty solid waist. Not bad at all." "He was okay, just a little too uptight. Nowhere near as fun as that young actor I keep on the side." "Hey, Qianqian, did you ever teach him anything? He was way too raw." The revenge I had meticulously plotted turned out to be nothing more than a joke to her. She didn't care in the slightest. I suffered a complete nervous breakdown. Declared mentally unstable, Qianqian had me committed to a psychiatric facility. After a year of treatment, I finally recovered. Outside the window, a Bentley cut its engine and parked in the courtyard. Qianqian had come to pick me up. She remembered to come get me, but I had already forgotten how to love her. The nurse pushed the door open. "Mr. Wei, Ms. He has finished all the discharge paperwork. You're free to go." I gave a numb nod. As I walked out of the hospital, I could still hear a few nurses whispering behind my back. "Poor guy, driven out of his mind by his fiancée." "Poor guy? Please. His fiancée is gorgeous and filthy rich, and she spends a fortune on him. It wasn't like domestic abuse. If he just played dumb, he'd be living the high life. Talk about biting the hand that feeds you." If this were a year ago, hearing those words would have made me hysterical. But now, it couldn't even make me pause. Beside the Bentley, Qianqian leaned against the car door. I walked up to her. She hooked a finger, reaching out to touch my face. "You've gotten thin." I tilted my head slightly, dodging her touch. Her hand froze in midair for a second before she pulled it back. She opened the passenger door. "Get in." On the passenger seat lay a crumpled silk tie. Qianqian snatched the tie before I could, rolled down the window, and casually tossed it out. "My assistant leaves things everywhere. Don't mind it." I gave a faint, silent smile. The brand of that tie was Guangqi Yu's absolute favorite. Not that it mattered. I had stopped caring long ago. Waiting at a red light, Qianqian tapped her fingers lightly on the steering wheel before finally speaking. "I've cut all ties with him. I threw that couch away too, replaced it with a brand new one in the exact style you like." "Okay," I replied softly. She continued, "I had the maids clean your room every single day. Not a speck of dust." "Thank you." A gentle, empty smile formed on my lips. Qianqian glanced at me, her eyes dark and unreadable. She pulled a small red velvet box from her pocket. "I ordered a new ring. The diamond is bigger than the last one. Take a look and see if you like it." I didn't take the box. Instead, I said, "Let's call off the wedding." Qianqian didn't take my words seriously at all. She tossed the velvet box right into my lap. "Alright, that's enough throwing tantrums. I slept with your buddy, and you slept with three of my best friends. Do the math—you slept with two more people than I did. We're even." "The spot as my husband is still yours. I promised you that, so stop playing hard to get." I stared down at the small box in my lap without arguing, merely offering a bitter smile. I wasn't throwing a tantrum. I was just leaving for somewhere else—a place far from all this dazzling luxury, a tiny, quiet village where my parents were buried. There would be no Qianqian there. And without her, there would be no more pain. The car rolled into the villa's driveway. Everything here looked the exact same. I didn't step into the master bedroom that once belonged to both of us. Instead, I dragged my suitcase toward the guest room. Qianqian blocked my path. "What is this supposed to mean?" "I got used to sleeping alone in the hospital." I turned my head, casting a glance toward the room we used to share. "Besides, I don't want to sleep in that bed anymore." The day I caught her cheating with my friend, I checked the security footage. It wasn't just the couch; that custom-made designer bed, built uniquely just for me, had been soiled by them as well. Watching that clip felt like dying from a broken heart. Qianqian stared at me for a few long seconds, then let out a cold smirk. "Suit yourself. Just know when to quit. You pull this act every single time. Don't end up having to go back to the hospital again." I watched her walk away, yet the familiar ache in my chest never came. It seemed the treatment at the psychiatric facility had actually worked. I had completely forgotten how it felt to have my heart race for her, or my emotions sway at her every whim. Late at night, having grown accustomed to the hard hospital cot, I found it impossible to sleep on such a plush mattress.During that whole year in the facility, Qianqian hadn't visited me once. Suffocating terror had swallowed me whole back then. I would break down, screaming for doctors and nurses, threatening to hurt myself just to force them to let me call her. Once, twice, three times... She never picked up. Gradually, I grew numb, and my illness was cured. I never wanted to call her again. Thirsty, I got out of bed and walked downstairs to get some water. That was when I saw Qianqian out on the balcony, on the phone. Her voice wasn't loud, but I could hear every word. "Mhm, be good. At tomorrow's auction, bid on whatever you want. Don't worry about the price. Be sweet, okay? I've been a little busy lately, so I can't keep you company all the time." Her tone was doting—a tenderness that once belonged exclusively to me. Just not anymore. Holding my glass, I stood quietly behind her, listening for a moment. I found it utterly boring. Just as I turned to leave, her voice broke the silence. "Ming? When did you come down?" She had already ended the call. "Just now..." She wanted to explain, but I cut her off. "I was just thirsty, came down for some water. Go on with your call, don't mind me." She took a step toward me, reaching out to grab my arm. But I was already one step ahead, turning and walking back upstairs. At the bend of the staircase, from the corner of my eye, I saw her gaze locked onto me the entire way. The next morning during breakfast, Qianqian poured me a glass of warm milk. It was her habit. In the past, I would always drink every last drop, and she would gaze at me with a warm smile. This time, I didn't touch the milk. Instead, I poured myself a glass of warm water. Her smile froze on her face, but she said nothing. Qianqian stood up, grabbed her coat, and walked toward the foyer. "I have to head out for a bit." "Okay," I answered. She reached the front door, pausing to look back at me. "Nothing you want to ask?" Something to ask. True. If this were the past, I would have interrogated her relentlessly. I would ask where she was going, how long she'd be gone, and who she was meeting. I didn't even know when I had become so terribly insecure, so terrified that she might leave me. Thankfully, those days were gone. I spoke, my tone completely flat. "Nothing." Qianqian stood frozen in place for several seconds, but in the end, she left without another word. After she was gone, I went upstairs to pack my things. There really wasn't much to take. I didn't want any of the clothes I had worn during my stay at the facility; seeing them only dredged up agonizing memories. I packed the framed photo of my parents into the suitcase. And then there was a journal—the one I had kept while locked away. I flipped through it. Each page held only a single sentence. "Called her again today. The 180th time. She didn't pick up." "Today's therapy session hurt so badly." "I miss Mom and Dad so much. Nobody loves me anymore. Even she is bullying me now." "Today is my birthday. Nobody remembered." "It feels like I haven't thought about her for three whole days. The doctor says I'm almost cured." I closed the journal and tossed it straight into the trash can. Qianqian returned quickly, bringing her three best friends with her. They gathered in the study to talk about business. The study door wasn't fully closed, and from the living room, I could clearly hear their chatter. "So, boss, how are things going with him?" That was Yingnan Han, the one who praised my waist. Qianqian's voice sounded calm. "Decent." Then came Rong Yu, the one who said I was too stiff. "He looks way more normal now, just sitting on the couch reading. Didn't even flinch when we walked in. I honestly thought he was going to throw another fit." Yingnan chimed in again. "Seriously though, Qianqian, isn't that little side piece of yours, Guangqi, acting a bit too flashy lately? He dropped a hundred million on a diamond necklace at the auction today without batting an eye. And if that wasn't enough, he's telling everyone you bought it for him."Qianqian's voice replied, "As long as he likes it." Rong said, "Aren't you worried your fiancé will find out? You barely just got him out of the asylum. Don't go triggering him right back in." Qianqian answered dismissively, "If he finds out, he finds out. He'll throw a fit for a bit and then fall back in line. It's the same routine every time. Doesn't he ever get tired of it?" Light, breezy, taking everything for granted. Then came Pan Ning's voice, the one who claimed I was untamed. "Honestly, he's much easier on the eyes now. At least he's quiet. Hey boss, now that you've got him back, have you trained him yet? Is he still so awkward in bed?" "Enough." Qianqian's tone dropped several degrees, cold as ice. The study instantly fell dead silent. I sat on the couch, turning a page of my book, my heart completely untroubled. Rong was the first to emerge from the study. She strolled over to the couch, looking me up and down with an amused smirk. "Well, Mr. Wei, you're looking much healthier. If you ever need company again, you know who to call." I didn't respond. She sat down beside me. "To be honest, that night last year? I still think about it." Pan and Yingnan filtered out of the room right after. Yingnan's eyes lingered on my waist as she laughed toward Rong. "He looks a lot leaner now. Wonder if he still feels as good to hold." Pan gave a mocking sneer. "No wonder Qianqian got sick of him. Look at that wooden face. Boring as a log." Qianqian was the last to step out. She looked down at me and said, "There's a gala tonight. Get ready, you're coming with me. You are my fiancé, understand?" "What time does it end?" I asked her. A flicker of confusion crossed her face, as if wondering why on earth I would care about the time, but she answered anyway. "Ten." My flight was booked for eleven. So, I nodded, agreeing to go. Her three friends exchanged knowing smirks. At the gala, Qianqian paraded me around, socializing and introducing me to everyone. Truth be told, she didn't need to introduce me at all. That public scandal back then had made massive waves; everyone in high society remembered that I was the lunatic who slept with his fiancée's three best friends and was personally dragged into a mental ward by his own bride-to-be. None of them knew about Qianqian sleeping with Guangqi, of course. Qianqian had more than enough money and power to bury any scandal involving herself. Those guests plastered flattering smiles across their faces for Qianqian, but when their eyes shifted to me, their gazes carried something else entirely—a humiliating pity. I offered polite smiles, completely unfazed. "Qianqian," Guangqi's loud, flamboyant voice rang out. He naturally glided over to Qianqian's side, lightly squeezing her hand. "Thank you so much." As he spoke, he intentionally tugged at his tie, popping the top button of his collar and lifting his chin. The hundred-million-dollar necklace around his throat caught everyone's eye even more blatantly. Qianqian's expression didn't waver. She even gave him a gentle smile. "As long as you like it." It was as if I didn't even exist. A surge of nausea washed over me. I quietly pulled my hand away from Qianqian's grasp. "I'm going to the restroom." Qianqian leaned in close, whispering sharply into my ear, "If you want to throw a tantrum, wait until we get home. Don't make a scene in front of everyone, understand? Come back quickly." I gave a faint "Okay," then headed to the restroom and vomited violently. My head spun with dizziness. In my hazy state, I suddenly recalled the moments in the asylum when the nurses pried my jaws open to force-feed me sedatives just to shut me up. Fortunately, I wouldn't lose my mind anymore. And no one would ever force-feed me pills again. Stepping out of the restroom, I walked past an open terrace and spotted Rong and Pan. They were leaning against the railing, sipping red wine. The moment they saw me, they started in on me. Rong took a delicate sip. "Look at him. Acting all tough, isn't he? Dying of jealousy again, I bet." Pan let out a quiet giggle. "Guangqi really is something else, though. Flaunting that necklace right in front of him. Guess he won't be happy until the poor guy goes crazy again."I walked right past them without breaking stride. Returning to Qianqian's side, she looked up at me slightly, satisfaction lingering in her eyes. She carried the unmistakable scent of Guangqi's cologne. There was no telling what they had been doing in the few minutes I was away. None of it mattered anymore. I glanced down at my phone. It was half an hour before ten. Qianqian lowered her head, murmuring by my ear, "The wedding will be next month. I looked over a few venues. Once we get home tonight, I'll have my assistant send you the portfolios so you can pick one." I looked at her squarely. "I told you. Forget about the wedding." A hint of warning crept into her tone. "Pouting has its limits. I told you, the position of my husband will always belong to you. What more do you want from me? You want me to get down on my knees and beg?" Impatience bled through her voice; she had written off my detachment as another petty tantrum. "I don't want anything from you," I said softly. "I'm just not marrying you." "Enough," she snapped coldly. "Do I really need to have you committed again just to make you see straight? Stop being so ungrateful." I took a slow, deep breath. "You still think I'm just acting out, don't you?" "What else would it be?" She scoffed. "Isn't this all because of Guangqi? How many times are you going to throw a fit over this?" I wanted to tell her that I truly didn't care anymore. Before the words could leave my mouth, Guangqi stumbled over again. He was swaying on his feet. Pretending to be utterly wasted, he collapsed straight against Qianqian. "My head is spinning so bad..." His head lolled into the crook of Qianqian's neck, his arms wrapping tightly around her waist. "Qianqian, I think I drank way too much." As he spoke, he cracked one eyelid open to shoot me a glance. Clear-eyed, arrogant, and mocking. Qianqian's three friends all shifted their gazes toward me, clearly waiting for a dramatic show. Supporting Guangqi by the waist, Qianqian frowned slightly, but she didn't shove him away. Instead, she looked over at me. If this were the old me, I would have charged forward in a blind rage and swung my fists. Yet now, I merely said in a calm, flat voice, "Since Mr. Yu is drunk, you should drive him home." Qianqian's face turned noticeably sour. She parted her lips to say something, but Guangqi cut her off whiningly. "Qianqian, take me home, please. My head hurts so bad, I only want you to take me, just like old times, okay?" After a brief hesitation, Qianqian turned back to me. "Go home and wait for me. Once I drop him off, I'll come straight back to you. Don't be difficult, be good, and wait for me at home." I smiled and gave a gentle nod. "Okay." With her arm around Guangqi's waist in an intimate embrace, Qianqian led him away right before everyone's eyes. Rong walked up, lightly clapping her hands as she looked me up and down. "Damn, Mr. Wei. What kind of miracle-working asylum did you go to?" "Did you actually change your personality, or are you just saving up for one massive explosion?" Pan stepped forward as well. "Gotta admit, this stoic act looks way better than your usual kicking and screaming. Maybe Qianqian actually falls for this. Playing hard to get—pretty slick move." I didn't bother acknowledging them. I turned on my heel and walked straight out the venue doors. Yingnan's voice drifted from behind me. "You're really going home like a good little boy? Not gonna wait around for Qianqian to come coax you?" I didn't pause. I didn't look back. I hailed a cab, stopped by the villa to grab my packed suitcase, and headed straight to the airport. I boarded the plane and switched my phone to airplane mode. I slept. It felt like I slept for a very long time. When I woke up, the plane had already landed. I turned airplane mode off. Almost instantaneously, the phone vibrated like mad in my hand.