London’s afternoon sun was lazy and hazy.

In the street cafe, the aroma of various coffees mixed with English pastries floated in the air during afternoon tea.

No one could have imagined that in such an unremarkable cafe, Princess Shirley of the UK would sit in a booth like any ordinary person, her face brimming with a smile, openly expressing her delight at Su Xiaomeng’s visit.

A life-saving grace, apart from the allegorical story of the snake that killed the farmer, is hard to forget for anyone.

Su Xiaomeng did not mention the terror attack that day. After all, pulling Princess Shirley back in that moment was merely an instinctive action, not an act of grace, and thus not considered a true favor in the traditional sense.

Yet now, feeling quite embarrassed, she resorted to this somewhat shameless approach to see Princess Shirley.

I saved your life once; now it’s your turn to repay me!

Such words, such behavior, would make anyone uncomfortable.

Fortunately, Su Xiaomeng wasn’t wrong; Princess Shirley was indeed a soft-hearted woman, always remembering the life-saving act Su Xiaomeng performed for her that day.

"Honestly, that day, I really didn’t want to live anymore."

Princess Shirley admitted to Su Xiaomeng, "If you hadn’t pulled me, I might have given up, like many others that day, and perished in the sea of fire."

"Living, there will always be good things happening."

"I really didn’t think I could get pregnant. Many doctors had diagnosed me and treated me, but I never expected that after experiencing that disaster, I would find myself pregnant."

"..."

"Even though my relationship with my husband became quite ordinary after marriage, especially during the incident when my husband’s response... I know he was in a difficult position, but I also realized I wasn’t that important to him."

Princess Shirley looked forlorn saying this.

Su Xiaomeng could imagine the bitterness in it.

"However, I’ve come to realize, after all, I am a princess, with the whole nation watching. Previously, not being pregnant made my situation... very awkward."

"But now everything is resolved. I believe this child will bring me more good fortune."

"And all of this, all of it, I have to thank you for, thank you for pulling me that time."

For Princess Shirley to hold this event dear in her heart, Su Xiaomeng felt both gratified and lucky.

But listening to Princess Shirley speaking exuberantly, Su Xiaomeng’s spirits were low, as she hadn’t expected Shirley to bring not only a few bodyguards but also... Eric.

Xiao Meng initially thought, if Princess Shirley couldn’t help, she would then go find Eric.

Despite past unhappiness between her and Eric over Qin Hui and Chu Jiao’s matters,

Afterward, Shixiu and Eric gradually drifted further apart.

But when truly at a dead end, Su Xiaomeng thought, she would still shamelessly seek Eric’s friendship.

The problem was, before she even brought it up to Shirley, Eric was already sitting there. Honestly, it felt really uncomfortable.

Princess Shirley smiled while looking at Su Xiaomeng,

"This time you’re looking for me, I know you need my help. You need money."

"..."

Su Xiaomeng raised her eyebrows, startled, and couldn’t help but wonder, did she wear the word "poor" on her face, or is it...

"The problems with the Yin Group didn’t just cause a stir in China, it’s the same here in the UK."

Su Xiaomeng pressed her lips together tightly...

Globalization... it turns out it’s not entirely a blessing.

"I also know that many banks in China are unwilling to help you, although I’m not entirely clear about the reasons, I’m sure you’re in trouble."

Su Xiaomeng’s lips pressed even tighter.

Even a pregnant woman sitting in the British Royal Family knows she’s short on money – probably the whole world knows she’s "poor" now.

"I’m glad that when you ran into trouble, you thought of me. Of course, I think this is also because I am a British Princess."

Su Xiaomeng clenched her fist.

At this moment, her heart was truly tormented.

She had never borrowed money from others, never knowing that asking for help could be so difficult once coming across tough situations.

Pride stood there, fragile as if the wind could blow it over.

Su Xiaomeng knew Princess Shirley’s words had no problem, they were even quite kind, yet she still felt...

Her pride, at this moment, was teetering...

Su Xiaomeng didn’t know if her husband had ever encountered such a moment...

When others see through your situation, even words of goodwill make you feel sensitive. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Pride...

"Sue?"

"Ah?"

"Did you hear what I just said?"

Princess Shirley asked cautiously.

Su Xiaomeng suddenly realized she had spaced out, quickly turning her attention back to Princess Shirley,

"Sorry, you just——"

Princess Shirley didn’t hold it against Su Xiaomeng, still speaking gently,

"I was saying I’m willing to help you. I think having the British Royal Bank lend to such a remarkable company shouldn’t be a problem."

"..."

Su Xiaomeng was stunned, looking at Princess Shirley.

The woman in front of her carried an elegant demeanor; her sitting posture alone was very proper, wearing a smile, truly beautiful.

"I..."

"Sue, I know what kind of person you are."

"A person who thinks about saving others in life-and-death moments, how could such a person be untrustworthy? I trust you, Eric trusts you, therefore the entire British Royal Family trusts you!"

"Why else would you come all the way from Beijing to London if it wasn’t absolutely necessary?"

"So don’t have any misgivings, even if this money really ends up being wasted, it’s worth it if it solves your immediate problems."

Su Xiaomeng still wanted to say something, but nothing came out, she looked out of the window... her eyes reddened, her eyes wet.

You say, how wonderful is this world?

Brothers and sisters who grew up together, no matter how many years pass, think only of how to frame you, how to overthrow you, how to replace you.

Yet a nodding acquaintance from abroad, at a crucial moment, will help you without hesitation, support you.

Tears welled up, not out of being moved, but because... it was just so funny, so funny there was no better way to express this feeling.

See the impermanence of the world, the inconsistency of human nature...

Princess Shirley saw Su Xiaomeng like this and smiled, glancing at the always silent Eric beside her.

Though Shirley was a princess, she couldn’t possibly make a decision on a UK Royal Bank loan issue on her own.

The person who could make that decision was Eric.

From sitting down to this point, Eric hadn’t said a word.

All these, Su Xiaomeng realized when Princess Shirley assertively said she would help without going back to discuss it with the Royal Family members.

"Thank you... Shirley, Eric."

Eric’s eyes moved slightly, feeling a bit nervous, he picked up the coffee in front of him and said,

"You don’t have to be so polite to me."

"..."

"Arthur... he was my best friend, I said it before."

Eric’s words were said very softly, very softly...

Su Xiaomeng looked at this man who was remembered as unfettered and free, today speaking so little.

Perhaps it was her misperception, but in front of her, Eric seemed lacking in confidence, even timid.

For Eric’s words, Su Xiaomeng didn’t know whether to believe or not, but...

"I think, he always considered you a very good friend too."

Eric’s expression turned grave, he put down the coffee cup, silently for a long time, then lifted his eyes to Su Xiaomeng,

"Xiao Meng, when I knew he was dead, I truly felt bad... I know in the London event he resented me, resented me for saving Qin Hui but not caring about you and Shuangshuang and Huanghuang... I..."

"Eric, let past things stay in the past. Look, he’s not here now, yet you still remember him, willing to help me."

Su Xiaomeng reached out toward him,

"I don’t blame you, though I feel sorry for Chu Jiao and Qin Hui, as a friend, you were always good to me, to Shixiu, that’s incontestable."

Eric shook Su Xiaomeng’s hand.

That could count as shaking hands and making peace...

Eric thought about this as his phone in his pocket rang, he withdrew his hand to glance at the phone...

"Hello..."

Eric’s eyes moved slightly, feeling somewhat uneasy, he picked up the coffee before saying,

"Hey..."

"Eric, it’s me, Arthur."

" ... "

Su Xiaomeng saw Eric’s expression turn grave as he put down the coffee cup, sat silently for a long time, and then looked up at Su Xiaomeng,

"I.... didn’t expect you to call..."