I Turned a Blind Eye to My Ex's Return

The plane landed at G City Airport, where the humid sea breeze, redolent with the scent of urban life, greeted me. I pulled my suitcase through the arrivals hall as a notification appeared on my phone—the final agenda of the Rescue Project Exchange Meeting. As a core member of the South Island Snow Mountain Rescue Station in N Country, my sole purpose for this trip is to share high-altitude rescue expertise, with no connection to personal affairs. At the exchange meeting registration desk, my fingertip unintentionally brushed against another person's hand. "Lisa Scott?" That voice stirred memories from three years prior. I turned to see Dylan Shaw standing there, his black suit lending him an imposing stature, eyes reflecting astonishment beyond my expectations. "Long time no see." I withdrew my gaze, took the badge, and turned to leave. "Wait." Dylan Shaw quickly followed, "When did you return to G City?" "Just arrived." I pressed the elevator button, watching the flashing numbers. "How long will you be staying this time? May I have your contact information..." "No need." I cut him off and stepped inside as the elevator doors opened. "I am here to attend the Exchange Meeting, not to revisit the past." The venue was packed, and the host announced loudly, "Next, please welcome Ms. Lisa Scott, who has five years of field experience in snow mountain rescue in N Country and has led teams in rescuing twenty-three stranded climbers." I walked onto the stage, my gaze sweeping across the front row, where Dylan Shaw sat in the center, accompanied by a sharply dressed assistant. "Today, I will primarily discuss rescue strategies under extreme weather conditions. Let us begin by reviewing a set of data..." Throughout the speech, I keenly sensed that Dylan Shaw's gaze remained fixed on me. During the intermission, Dylan Shaw approached, holding a cup of warm water. "You have stomach issues; you should drink less cold water." I stepped aside to avoid him, accidentally bumping into a passing staff member and whispered, "Sorry." Turning to face Dylan Shaw, I said, "Mr. Shaw, our relationship ended long ago; there is no need to confine ourselves by past habits." "Lisa Scott, I am aware that the fault was mine back then..." "Mr. Shaw." I raised my hand to interrupt, "You are the project investor, and I am the technical presenter. Let us focus solely on the professional matters at hand." "So you really do not wish to see me?" Dylan Shaw clenched his fingers around the cup, his expression darkening. "Yes." I answered firmly, "When I left three years ago, I never intended to have any further interaction with you." A colleague from the adjacent rescue station tapped my arm, "That was Dylan Shaw from the Shaw Group just now, correct? Do you know him?" "We knew each other in the past." I opened my notebook and said, "Now, it is strictly a professional relationship." A colleague glanced towards Dylan Shaw and whispered, "I heard he invested a significant amount in our Project this time, and he is known for his notoriously bad temper." I smiled slightly but did not respond—his temper, I know better than anyone. During the afternoon group discussion, I deliberately chose the group farthest from Dylan Shaw. However, halfway through the discussion, Dylan Shaw still approached, followed by the project leader: "Ms. Scott has extensive experience in Snow Mountain Rescue, and I have several technical questions I would like to consult her on." Saying this, he pulled over a chair and sat down without hesitation. The project leader quickly concurred, "Mr. Shaw has always placed great emphasis on the technical aspects." "How do you ensure the safety of rescue personnel in extreme weather conditions?" Dylan Shaw fixed his gaze on me. "We have a comprehensive monitoring system and enforce strict limits on rescue durations." I brought up the interface of a positioning device we independently developed on my phone. "Its accuracy can reach within one meter." "Were you the lead developer of this system?" Dylan Shaw took the phone, his fingertip hesitating as it glided over the screen. "It was a collaborative effort by the team." I retracted the phone. "If Mr. Shaw is interested, I can send the project team the detailed data after the conference." "I would prefer to have your contact information directly." Dylan Shaw's gaze was piercing. "It facilitates subsequent communication." The eyes of those around me converged. I took a deep breath and said, "My contact information will remain with the Project team. If you have any questions, you may contact me through them." "Lisa Scott, do not overstep your bounds." Dylan Shaw's expression turned sharply cold. When he stood up, the chair emitted a harsh scraping sound against the floor. "Mr. Shaw." I stood up as well. "You are the one who has crossed the line." By the time the Exchange Meeting concluded, darkness had fallen. As I stepped out of the Exhibition Center, I saw Dylan Shaw's car parked at the curb. "Lisa Scott, let me drive you back." Dylan Shaw rolled down the car window. "No, thank you. I've already ordered a car." I took out my phone to show that the order had been confirmed. "Lisa Scott!" He opened the car door and stepped out. "Can we have a proper conversation?" "There is nothing to discuss." I took a step back. "Mr. Shaw, I did not return for you, and I kindly ask that you do not contact me again." The ride-hailing car arrived just in time, and the driver honked twice. "Goodbye, Mr. Shaw." I opened the car door and got inside without glancing back at him.