The next day, when I woke up, Ji Qianqian had already left.

Seeing me coming down, the maid in the house came over and asked me what I wanted for breakfast.

I quickly waved my hand and said no need.

Since I was young, I've always been at the mercy of others. Suddenly, someone is being so polite to me, and I'm a bit unaccustomed to it.

Today, I'm going back to the Ding family.

Leaving aside the jokes between Ji Qianqian and Ding Ning, just the things that happened last night, I can't continue to stay at the Ding family.

I had informed my buddy Chen Yi in advance, and I plan to stay with him for a few nights.

When Chen Yi heard that I was moving out of the Ding family, he teased, "The housekeeper finally decided to leave your little princess?"

The housekeeper.

That's what my friends jokingly call me.

They don't like Ding Ning. They think she's a spoiled little girl.

When we graduated, Chen Yi pulled me into business, and we were doing well, but Ding Ning secretly hindered us and forced me to leave the company that belonged to the Ding family. He has always held a grudge against this.

I didn't return to the Ding family until nearly 10 o'clock.

Unexpectedly, as soon as I pushed open the door, I saw Ding Ning sitting upright on the sofa.

The usually delicate girl was still wearing last night's dress, all wrinkled, and she looked a bit tired, like she hadn't slept all night.

Suddenly, I didn't know what to say.

As I walked past her, Ding Ning spoke up.

"I regret it."

I stopped in my tracks.

Ding Ning sounded a bit annoyed, "I said I won't sell it. You can continue to live here."

I felt like laughing.

She says she'll sell it, she won't sell it.

Did I sign some kind of contract with the Ding family?

I didn't say anything and continued walking upstairs.

Ding Ning stood up, "I won't let you go. You still owe the Ding family, so you have to stay with me."

All because of this shackle.

I stayed with the Ding family for 24 years.

I couldn't help but look at her.

"Ding Ning, it was my parents who owed the Ding family, not me. And even if I were to repay the debt, it should be Ding Auntie, not you."

I stared at Ding Ning, "I've been by your side for so many years without leaving. You should know the real reason."

After saying that, I walked upstairs quickly.

I used to have a crush on Ding Ning.

When we were little, the girl was not in good health and was much shorter than her peers.

I, on the other hand, was an easy child to take care of, chubby and strong.

My mother asked me to take care of the girl.

At that time, the little girl was very cute, a tiny bundle following me around all day.

I remember when we were in elementary school, there was a craze for yo-yos.

My mother refused to buy me one.

It was Ding Ning who saved up her pocket money bit by bit and bought me an expensive one.

It made me the center of attention in class.

When did things start to change?

Probably after junior high school.

Ding Ning didn't like me following her all the time and gradually distanced herself from me.

For a while, the little girl became rebellious and started hanging out at bars.

I waited outside the bar all night, and when she got annoyed, she called her "friends" from society to teach me a lesson.

But when I was really being bullied, she would drive them away.

It went on like this.

Tormenting each other.

And now, when Ding Ning said she wanted to sell me.

I'm finally tired.

After so many years of entanglement, I think it's time for a resolution.

As I came down, Ding Ning had alreadyfallen asleep on the sofa. Her delicate face looked peaceful in her slumber. I couldn't help but feel a hint of nostalgia for the girl I once knew.

Quietly, I walked over and draped a blanket over her, making sure she was comfortable. It was a small gesture, but it felt like the right thing to do.

Leaving her sleeping on the sofa, I gathered my belongings and made my way out of the Ding family mansion. As I stepped outside, the cool morning air greeted me, bringing a sense of liberation.

Chen Yi was waiting for me in his car, ready to take me to his place. As we drove away, I couldn't help but glance back at the Ding family mansion one last time.

It was a chapter of my life that had come to an end. The memories, both bitter and sweet, would always be a part of me, but it was time to move forward.

Over the next few days, I settled into Chen Yi's place and focused on rebuilding my life. With his support and encouragement, I started exploring new opportunities and rediscovering my own dreams.

Meanwhile, news reached me that Ding Ning had taken over the management of the Ding family business. It seemed she was determined to prove herself and make a name for herself in the business world.

Months passed, and I worked hard to establish my own career. I found success and fulfillment in building something from scratch, free from the constraints of the Ding family.

One evening, as I sat in my new office, a knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. I looked up to see Ding Ning standing there, her gaze determined yet vulnerable.

"Can we talk?" she asked softly.

I hesitated for a moment, then nodded, gesturing for her to come in.

We sat across from each other, the air heavy with unspoken words.

"I've realized my mistakes," Ding Ning began, her voice filled with sincerity. "I was blinded by my own insecurities and the weight of my family's expectations. I pushed you away when I should have appreciated you."

Her words surprised me. I had expected her to defend her actions or offer excuses, but instead, she was taking responsibility for her behavior.

"I understand if you don't want to forgive me," she continued, her gaze never leaving mine. "But I want you to know that I've changed. I've learned from my mistakes, and I'm ready to make amends."

I took a moment to process her words. It was clear that Ding Ning had undergone a transformation, and her sincerity was palpable. But forgiveness wasn't something that could be granted easily.

"Ding Ning, it's not just about forgiving you," I finally spoke, my voice steady. "It's about finding my own path, separate from the Ding family. I've spent too long trying to live up to their expectations, and it's time for me to define my own success."

She nodded, a flicker of understanding in her eyes. "I respect that. But I hope we can at least be friends, support each other in our respective journeys."

Her offer surprised me, but as I looked at the woman before me, I realized that she had indeed changed. Perhaps we could find a new dynamic, a friendship based on mutual respect.

"I'm willing to give it a try," I replied, a small smile forming on my lips. "Let's start fresh, as friends."

And with that, a new chapter in our lives began. We remained friends, supporting each other through the ups and downs, but this time, with a newfound understanding and a shared desire for personal growth.

As time went on, Ding Ning proved herself as a capable businesswoman, and I found success in my own endeavors. We celebrated each other's achievements and provided a source of strength in times of adversity.

Looking back, I realized that our complicated past had shaped us into the individuals we had become. It was a reminder that life was filled with unexpected twists and turns, and that forgiveness and personal growth were essential for moving forward.

Together, Ding Ning and I embraced the future, leaving behind the burdens of the past and forging our own paths towards happiness and fulfillment.