<strong>Chapter 1150: Chapter 1143: Xue Man’s Inner Struggles</strong>


    And while Lu Tianxing and Bai Zhiqing were apanying Old Master Lu, in the office of the Bai’s Group security department, Xue Man’s face was somewhat pale, looking listless as if sick, holding a pen and aimlessly doodling on paper, with a slight bitter smile on her delicate face,cking her usual vigor and confidence.


    “Haha, turns out I am truly just an ugly duckling.”


    Xue Man murmured to herself softly, feeling a sourness within; they say love is a cup of bitter wine, a knife that wounds, and at this moment Xue Man felt the true pain of love.


    Since yesterday, when Lu Tianxing sessfully entered the Lu Family and became the Third Young Master of Lu Family, this news spread like a whirlwind throughout Jiangnan, shocking and envying countless people, because entering the Lu Family meant transforming overnight from a beggar into a billionaire, henceforth possessing towering power, without worry for food and clothing.


    Originally, Xue Man knew nothing of this matter, as though it spread widely, only those in power knew about it, but this morning, Xue Bing, who had been taken to the Yanhuang Group by Sima Lingyun, suddenly called her to tell Xue Man about Lu Tianxing bing the Third Young Master of Lu Family.


    Recalling the shock and disbelief when she received the call, a bitter smile appeared on Xue Man’s face; she never imagined that the rogue-looking, nonchnt Lu Tianxing would be the Third Young Master of Lu Family. Though she didn’t understand what the Lu Family stood for, Xue Bing clearly told her that the Lu Family in Jiangnan was synonymous with invincibility, a super giant; if Bai’s Group was a sailboat, then the Lu Family was an aircraft carrier,pletely iparable.


    “Oh, Xue Man, you should give up now! He is now the lofty Third Young Master of Lu Family, and you are merely a head of security in the security department. Moreover, he already has Zhiqing and Qian Ru, gentle beauties by his side, how could he look at you, who besides having a woman’s body, is like a tomboy in every other way? You’d better give up! Besides, your identities are worlds apart; you’re not worthy of him.”


    Xue Man continued to smile bitterly; if there were only Bai Zhiqing and Lin Qianru by Lu Tianxing’s side, she might still have a chance, after all, Lu Tianxing could ept Lin Qianru with Bai Zhiqing, maybe he could ept her too, so Xue Man always held onto that sliver of hope in her heart.


    But when the news of Lu Tianxing bing the Third Young Master of Lu Family came through, it was like a resounding p shattering all her fantasies; her and Lu Tianxing’s identities were now worlds apart, now even if she wanted to be Lu Tianxing’s mistress, she probably wouldn’t qualify. After all, Lu Tianxing’s identity is there, what kind of woman couldn’t he have, why would he want someone like her, a tomboy who doesn’t act like a woman?


    Xue Man’s face was filled with bitterness; she had an urge to cry, never expecting her first love to end before it even began.


    With a gentle sigh, Xue Man slowly stood up and walked to the window, staring nkly outside.


    Even though the sun was shining brightly, Xue Man felt no warmth; deep inside, it was like an ice block emitting chill, causing her to hug herself tightly as if trying to capture a shred of warmth through this means.


    Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, but Xue Man had no reaction to it; she didn’t want to do anything now, only wanted to be alone.


    “Creak!”


    After the knocking outside continued for a while, someone directly pushed the door open, and a crisp sound of footsteps reached Xue Man’s ears.


    “Who let you in? Didn’t I tell you I’m not feeling well now, no matter what you have, don’t disturb me; don’t you understand what I’m saying?” Upon hearing the footsteps, Xue Man said without looking back, her tone containing a hint of impatience.


    “Xiao Man, what’s wrong with you today, your tone seems explosive.”


    A clear voice came from behind Xue Man.


    Upon hearing this voice, Xue Man was slightly startled, instinctively turned around to see a beautiful figure reflected in her eyes.


    The visitor wore a white OL professional outfit, with a curved figure entuated by the white OL uniform, her face carrying a slight smile, exuding an elegant, gentle aura that makes one unforgettable at first nce.


    Within Bai’s Group, besides Lin Qianru, no one else had such elegance.


    “Qian Ru, what brings you here today?” Seeing Lin Qianru walk in, Xue Man adjusted her mood, smiled at Lin Qianru, though the smile on her face seemed forced.


    Noticing Xue Man’s strained smile, Lin Qianru immediately said: “Manman, what’s wrong with you today, are you unwell? Do you need me to drive you to the hospital? Anyway, there’s nothing particrly urgent at thepany now.”


    Hearing Lin Qianru’s words, Xue Man gently shook her head and said: “Qian Ru, don’t worry, I’m fine.”


    “Alright.”


    Lin Qianru nodded, looked at Xue Man and said: “Xiao Man, I wanted to ask you if you were free after work today to apany me for some shopping?”


    “Sure, no problem, we’ll meet downstairs after work.” Xue Man nodded and said.


    “Okay, I’ll leave then.”


    Lin Qianru nodded, said nothing more, then turned to walk out.


    Watching Lin Qianru turn away, Xue Man’s smile faded, reced with a touch of bitterness and confusion, as she stared into thought.


    “Xiao Man, you’re feeling this way because of Lu Tianxing, aren’t you?”


    “Yes, how did you know…?”


    Suddenly hearing a voice by her ear, Xue Man instinctively answered, but before finishing her words, her body shuddered, quickly returning to her senses, her pretty face turning pale as she looked at Lin Qianru and hastily exined: “No… it’s not like that, Qian Ru, don’t overthink, I misspoke, please don’t take it to heart.”


    At this moment, Xue Man was no longer calm, her whole being seemed like a thief caught red-handed, nervously exining.


    Seeing this, Lin Qianru couldn’t help but sigh; it was just as she suspected. Ever since Lu Tianxing returned from Beijingst time, she noticed Xue Man’s change, as if bing a different person, often sitting alone in a daze. Being a woman herself, Lin Qianru understood what Xue Man’s changes meant, though she never imagined Xue Man would actually like Lu Tianxing.