ã€ŠMr. Bo, Madam Is Pregnant!ã€‹


 Chapter 1 - 1 1 He Came to Collect the Debt

    ?1: Chapter 1 He Came to Collect the Debt   1: Chapter 1 He Came to Collect the Debt       Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                            At the end of the corridor on Yunding¡¯s top floor, in the restroom stall in the corner.

    There came ambiguous sounds.

    The cold cedar scent from the man¡¯s body wafted into Su Lu¡¯s breath.

    Su Lu¡¯s eyes were lifeless, and tears slipped from the corners of her eyes.

    She couldn¡¯t understand why things had developed this way.

    She was just here to attend a party, after all.

    Just over half an hour ago¡­

    ¡­

    ¡°Hey, didn¡¯t her husband just have a scandal a few days ago?

    And she still has the mood toe to the party?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just a marriage of convenience without emotions, everyone says they do their own thing¡­¡±

    ¡°No matter how little emotion is involved, saving face is necessary, right?

    Such a big scandal right on her head, I wouldn¡¯t have the face to go out.¡±

    Su Lu knew these people were talking about her.

    Because a few days ago, the scandal between Gu Xin and Chen Yaxi hade out.

    Su Lu and Gu Xin had a five-year agreement marriage; their families closely cooperated through this marital connection.

    They agreed to divorce once five years were up, with a pleasant cooperation and no interference with each other.

    So Su Lu had known about this for a long time.

    The scandal from a few days ago was just because the five-year period was almost up, causing some negligence and hence the rumors.

    Gu Xin felt very apologetic, but Su Lu didn¡¯t really care.

    She just felt some envy for Gu Xin, just waiting for the five years to end so he could rightfully be with his true love.

    Unlike her, who had already missed out five years ago.

    She had lost the man she loved the most.

    Gu Xin saw hering over, worried, ¡°Why are you here?¡±

    ¡°Many people are waiting tough at you, so I came to help smooth things over.¡± Su Lu smiled slightly, lowering her head and peeling a small cupcake off a paper cup.

    ¡°Xiaolu, I¡¯m sorry.¡± Gu Xin was always very apologetic.

    Su Lu smiled lightly, ¡°It¡¯s really fine.

    And we¡¯ll be handling the paperwork in a few days anyway.¡±

    Though she said this, Gu Xin still felt guilty.

    Even though they both understood the nature of their marriage, it was still Su Lu, as the woman, who suffered more.

    Gu Xin said, ¡°I¡¯ll take you to Second Young Master Jiang of Jianghe Media.

    This party is hosted by Jiang Li to wee a friend who just returned from abroad.

    His friend has quite a background and ns to break into the domestic market, so it¡¯s worth getting to know.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Su Lu took a ss of red wine from the bar.

    Outside therge floor-to-ceiling windows of Yunding was the unbeatable night view of Feng City, with its lights justing on.

    Jiang Li and his friend sat on the luxurious sofa in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows.

    Gu Xin smiled and said, ¡°Second Young Master Jiang.¡±

    ¡°Yo, Mr.

    Gu.¡± Jiang Li had obviously heard about Gu Xin¡¯s recent scandal, casting a seemingly teasing nce at Su Lu.

    Gu Xin said, ¡°This is my wife, Su Lu.¡±

    ¡°Young Master Jiang, a pleasure.¡± Su Lu¡¯s smile was wless, ¡°I toast to Second Young Master Jiang, as well as to your friend¡­¡±

    At this moment, Jiang Li¡¯s friend, who had his back turned, turned around.

    Su Lu¡¯s voice came to an abrupt halt, her smile instantly shattered.

    Bo Jingshen.

    Her body swayed, her mind buzzing.

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s extraordinarily handsome face ovepped with the youthful and heroic face of five years ago in front of her eyes.

    The scarlet eyes and gnashing words from five years ago resurfaced again.

    ¡®Su Lu, you betrayed me, marrying someone else.

    You yed me for a fool.

    One day, I¡¯ll make you pay for it.¡¯

    Jiang Li saw Su Lu suddenly freeze andughed, ¡°Haha, my buddy is handsome, right?

    A toast with him is worth it.¡±

    Su Lu came back to her senses.

    Bo Jingshen had a cold smile at the corner of his lips, ¡°Toasting me?

    Sure.

    But I don¡¯t like boring stuff like red wine and champagne.¡±

    He looked at Su Lu lightly, ¡°How about whiskey or white wine?

    One ss isn¡¯t sincere, two sses aren¡¯t enough, how about three?¡±

    Gu Xin frowned and said, ¡°Xiaolu¡¯s drinking capacity is average, I¡¯ll drink for her.¡±

    Jiang Li also wanted to speak to smooth things over.

    Su Lu¡¯s voice was slightly hoarse, ¡°I¡¯ll drink.¡±

    Gu Xin said, ¡°Xiaolu!¡±

    Su Lu quickly picked up a ss of whiskey.

    Bo Jingshen leisurely picked up a ss too.

    One ss.

    Two sses.

    Three sses.

    Bo Jingshen was at ease.

    Su Lu¡¯s face turned pale.

    ¡°Xiaolu, are you alright?¡± Gu Xin asked in a low voice.

    Su Lu shook her head, ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±

    She turned her eyes to Jiang Li, ¡°Young Master Jiang, I¡¯ll take my leave now.¡±

    Having his buddy make someone drink threerge sses in one go, Jiang Li also felt a bit ufortable; he nodded, ¡°Alright, take care, see you next time.¡±

    Gu Xin escorted her to the door of the hall.

    Gu Xin said, ¡°You really don¡¯t need me to take you back?¡±

    Su Lu said, ¡°Really, it¡¯s fine; I¡¯ll go to the restroom and then head back.

    Don¡¯t worry.¡±

    At the restroom at the end of the floor.

    Su Lu vomited until the sky spun, then groggily went to the sink, scooping water to wash her face and rinse her mouth.

    A shadow shed in.

    As soon as she straightened up, she was covered over the mouth and dragged into a stall.

    The stall locked, she was pressed against the wall.

    His hot breath, mixed with the rich scent of liquor and the clear cedar from his body, floated into Su Lu¡¯s breath.

    Su Lu was momentarily stunned, and the fear in her heart expanded into boundless pain.

    ¡°Su Lu, long time no see.

    You haven¡¯t forgotten my words, have you?¡±

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s breath by her ear was scorching, but his words were chilling and piercing, ¡°yed me for a fool.

    One day, I¡¯ll make you pay for it.¡±

    He hade to collect the debt.

    Su Lu had never forgotten his words.

    ¡°I heard, you both do your own thing?

    Perfect, then y with me today.¡±

    His big hand tore away herstyer of defense.

    Su Lu was pressed against the wall, not understanding why things had developed this way.

    Alcohol made Su Lu¡¯s head fuzzy, leaving her with no strength to struggle.

    More painful than her body was her heart.

    But she didn¡¯t make a sound, only biting her lips until her mouth was full of blood.

    Bo Jingshen used his fingers to pry her jaw open, not allowing her to torment herself further, and Su Lu bit down on the back of his hand.

    He frowned but didn¡¯t pull back.

    The pain on the back of his hand was nothingpared to the immense pleasure at this moment.

    But warm liquid dripped onto his hand.

    Her tears were like a corrosive poison, pulling a sharp pain through Bo Jingshen¡¯s heart that he couldn¡¯t ignore.

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s voice was cold, carrying a sinister smile, ¡°Fun, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Su Lu just wanted to leave, dragging her weak steps outside.

    A smoky gray suit jacket covered her shoulders from behind.

    The cedar scent belonging to him also enveloped her.

    Su Lu didn¡¯t turn back, her voice slightly hoarse, ¡°Bo Jingshen, from this moment on, we are even.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t owe you anymore.¡±

 Chapter 2 - 2 2 The weather is nice, lets get a divorce

    ?2: Chapter 2: The weather is nice, let¡¯s get a divorce   2: Chapter 2: The weather is nice, let¡¯s get a divorce       Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                            Su Lu got off the elevator and entered the parking garage.

    She curled up in the back seat of her car, finally feeling the tension leave her body.

    Tears streamed down her face, and she shook uncontrobly.

    Su Lu knew Bo Jingshen well; he was intense and fiery.

    He was like a me¡ªwarm when he loved you, but he could burn you to ashes if he hated you.

    Since he had promised to make her pay, he would certainly keep his word.

    But Su Lu hadn¡¯t expected such a revenge.

    When they were in love, he cherished her so much that he refrained from touching her, wanting to save their first time for their wedding night.

    But now that he hated her, he could take her roughly in a bathroom stall without any mercy.

    Su Lu felt both feverish and chilled.

    She managed to send a text message to Secretary Xu: ¡°Yunding underground parking lot B-137,e quickly.¡±

    Then she lost consciousness.

    Bo Jingshen stood by the ventted window near the elevator, holding a lit cigarette between his slender fingers.

    A deep bite mark, almost bleeding, was visible on the back of his hand.

    Earlier, he hadn¡¯t felt much, yet he couldn¡¯t believe it; Su Lu was still¡­

    a virgin.

    Could it be that the man hadn¡¯t touched her?

    ¡­

    When Su Lu woke up the next day, she saw missed calls and WeChat messages from Gu Xin on her phone.

    Looking at the sunny weather, Su Lu called him back.

    ¡°Gu Xin, the weather looks nice today.

    Let¡¯s go to the civil affairs bureau and finalize our divorce.¡±

    Gu Xin was momentarily stunned, thenughed.

    ¡°Alright.

    The weather is indeed nice.

    See youter.¡±

    Just as their marriage had been a transaction orchestrated by their families, their divorce seemed like a joke.

    The shackles of five years were finally lifted.

    They were even happier than newlyweds.

    As they left the civil affairs bureau, Gu Xin extended his hand.

    ¡°Su Lu, it was a pleasure working with you.¡±

    Su Lu nced at the divorce certificate in her hand and shook his hand with a smile.

    ¡°The pleasure is mine.¡±

    She felt a weight lifted off her shoulders.

    A woman approached and took Gu Xin¡¯s arm.

    The woman wore a mask, but her eyes were strikingly beautiful.

    It was Chen Yaxi.

    Chen Yaxi¡¯s eyes curved into a smile.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be taking this man with me then.¡±

    Su Luughed.

    ¡°Go ahead and take him.

    I¡¯m truly sorry for holding you up for five years.¡±

    Chen Yaxi looked at Su Lu for a moment.

    ¡°Su Lu, I wish you happiness too.¡±

    ¡°Thanks for the kind wishes,¡± Su Lu nodded.

    Then Gu Xin, in high spirits, was pulled back into the civil affairs bureau by Chen Yaxi¡ªthey were going to register their marriage immediately.

    Su Lu couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit envious.

    How wonderful it was.

    To shed the chains and embrace happiness right away.

    But she¡­

    A man¡¯s cold voice suddenly echoed in Su Lu¡¯s mind.

    ¡°I will make you pay.¡±

    ¡°Spend today with me.¡±

    Her father, Su Yukan, called her.

    ¡°Come to the Banquet at seven tonight.

    There¡¯s a dinner party.¡±

    For the past few years, Su Lu had been managing a smallpany on her own, which was considered her dowry.

    Thepany¡¯s scale was modest, not something the Su Family paid attention to.

    But still, she was a daughter of the Su Family and the daughter-inw of the Gu Family.

    Her father would asionally invite her to some business dinners.

    Su Lu thought about it and agreed, deciding she should also tell her father about the divorce with Gu Xin.

    At seven, she arrived at the Banquet on time.

    In the private room, Su Yukan¡¯s tone was severe.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t even discuss the divorce with me!

    Do you even see me as your father?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s there to discuss?

    The agreement clearly stated five years.¡± Su Lu knew her father¡¯s stance well.

    She was just an insignificant daughter, and family business came first.

    ¡°I was counting on you and Gu Xin maintaining a good rtionship so our families could continue cooperating.

    But you!

    Gu Xin¡¯s recent scandal was true, wasn¡¯t it?

    You can¡¯t even keep a man!¡±

    Su Yukan was furious.

    He waved his hand dismissively, ¡°Forget it.

    You two had no progress over the years anyway.

    Liu will be here today.

    Make sure to drink with himter and have a good chat.¡±

    Su Lu knew Liu as well.

    Forty-two, divorced, with a ten-year-old son, and a difficult ex-wife.

    There was even an illegitimate child.

    And yet, Su Yukan thought Liu was a suitable match for her second marriage?

    Su Lu sneered, ¡°You really have it all figured out.¡±

    Su Yukan frowned.

    ¡°What kind of attitude is that?

    Liu¡¯spany has been growing well these past two years.

    An older man knows how to care for you.¡±

    ¡°If he¡¯s such a good match, why don¡¯t you let Su Jiao marry him?¡± Su Lu asked coldly.

    ¡°Jiaojiao is still young!

    And you¡¯ve already been divorced once.

    What more can you ask for?¡±

    Su Yukan waved his hand, ¡°Enough about this.

    Today¡¯s dinner party is important.

    Not only is Liu here, but there¡¯s also an overseas returnee nning to enter the domestic market.

    If we can cooperate, the prospects are excellent.¡±

    As soon as he finished speaking, the private room door opened.

    A balding, potbellied Liu politely invited someone in, ¡°Pleasee in!¡±

    ¡°Liu, you¡¯re too kind.

    It¡¯s my honor to be appreciated by you.¡± A low, maic voice, cool and detached yet polite.

    Su Lu instantly froze; her heart skipped a beat.

    Bo Jingshen walked into the private room.

    Su Yukan whispered to Su Lu, ¡°This is the overseas returnee I mentioned, Bo Jingshen.

    Make sure to toast with himter.¡±

    Su Lu looked at her father in disbelief.

    Back then, to ensure she obediently married into the Gu Family, her father had used every trick to force her breakup with Bo Jingshen.

    She had been in unbearable pain for five years, and Su Yukan seemed to havepletely forgotten?

    Su Yukan stood up, ¡°President Bo really is a talented man!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re too kind.¡± Bo Jingshen nced over, his gaze freezing when he saw Su Lu.

    What was she doing here?

    Liu quickly answered his curiosity.

    ¡°President Bo, this is the old friend I mentioned, Su Yukan.

    And here is his eldest daughter, Su Lu.¡±

    Bo Jingshen raised an eyebrow.

    ¡°Nice to meet you.¡±

    Su Yukan replied, ¡°Nice to meet you.¡± He hurriedly arranged, ¡°Come, Liu, sit next to Xiaolu.

    She will apany you for a few drinkster.¡±

    Liu, an old hand at this, understood Su Lu was the Gu Family¡¯s daughter-inw.

    But thinking about Gu Xin¡¯s recent scandal and hearing Su Yukan¡¯s matchmaking tone, how could he not understand Su Yukan¡¯s intention?

    Looking at Su Lu¡¯s beautiful face, Liu¡¯s bald head gleamed with joy.

    ¡°Good, good.

    I¡¯ll sit right next to Xiaolu.¡±

    Soon, more people arrived, and everyone took their seats.

    In the past, Su Lu could always handle her father¡¯s arranged social events lightly.

    But today, with Bo Jingshen present, she couldn¡¯t remain calm and only wanted to leave.

    Liu¡¯s frequent attentions made Su Lu ufortable.

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s meaningful nces directed at her made it impossible for her to rx.

    Bo Jingshen was the main guest of this dinner.

    People couldn¡¯t help but tease him, ¡°President Bo, I hear you¡¯re still single?

    If I had a daughter, I¡¯d marry her off to you.¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t Old Su have a daughter?¡± someone joked.

    Hearing this, Bo Jingshen, who had been keeping a cool demeanor, suddenly looked at Su Yukan.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    Bo Jingshen nced at Su Lu.

    Su Yukan, not noticing Bo Jingshen¡¯s gaze, joyfully replied, ¡°Ah, my younger daughter Su Jiao is the right age.

    But she¡¯s willful and immature.

    I fear President Bo would find her a handful.¡±

    Su Lu sneered inwardly.

    No wonder Liu wasn¡¯t given this ¡°good match.¡± Her father had higher aspirations.

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s lips curved into a smile that didn¡¯t reach his eyes.

    ¡°Is that so?

    Then forget the younger daughter.

    I think your eldest daughter is quite good.¡±

 Chapter 3 - 3 3 A Burst of Nameless Anger

    ?3: Chapter 3 A Burst of Nameless Anger   3: Chapter 3 A Burst of Nameless Anger       Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                            Su Lu¡¯s whole body stiffened.

    Su Yukan said tactfully, ¡°My eldest daughter is getting on in years.¡±

    Bo Jingshen said, ¡°I don¡¯t have good taste, I just like older ones, they are more vorful.¡±

    The group of old hands at the table allughed to smooth things over, ¡°President Bo, please don¡¯t make fun of Xiaolu, she is a decent person.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?

    A decent person¡­¡± Bo Jingshen squinted at her, seemingly mocking.

    Su Lu felt like she was sitting on pins and needles and couldn¡¯t stay for another moment.

    His words, his smile, his gaze,

    were all sharp knives.

    And the cruel punishment in the restroom yesterday¡­

    Su Lu raised her ss and stood up, ¡°I am not feeling well today, so I will take my leave first.

    Let me toast three sses to apologize, and please be generous.¡±

    Thinking of how yesterday she had vomited her heart out.

    Bo Jingshen said indifferently, ¡°Since you are not feeling well, don¡¯t waste good wine.¡±

    Su Yukan was very displeased with her wanting to leave early, but could not get angry in front of so many people, so he only said, ¡°If you are not feeling well, go back and rest early.¡±

    President Liu stood up eagerly, ¡°I¡¯ll see Xiaolu out.¡±

    Su Lu just wanted to leave quickly and hurried out of the private room.

    As she walked out, Su Yukan frowned and said, ¡°She¡¯s getting more and more undisciplined as she grows older.¡±

    Bo Jingshen nced at him indifferently and got up to make a phone call.

    Outside, he lit a cigarette and dialed a number.

    ¡°It¡¯s me.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you at a dinner party?¡± Jiang Liughed heartily on the other end.

    Bo Jingshen said coolly, ¡°Isn¡¯t Feng City your territory?

    Help me check someone.¡±

    Bo Jingshen had just returned to the country, and his team was still handling affairs at Boss¡¯s headquarters abroad, so he had yet toy down his personnel.

    He and Jiang Li met abroad and had a deep friendship.

    Jiang Li, being a native yboy of Feng City, could easily investigate someone.

    Jiang Liughed, ¡°Sure, since you are asking, I can check out anyone or even a whole nest for you.¡±

    Bo Jingshen paused for a moment before saying, ¡°Oh, then check out Su Yukan¡¯s nest.¡±

    ¡°Ah, this nest of peddlers.¡± Jiang Li immediately showed disdain for Su Yukan.

    Bo Jingshen frowned tightly, ¡°What do you mean, speak in detail.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not umon for our circles to have arranged marriages, but the Su Family is particrly tant.

    I¡¯ve heard that apart from his eldest son Su Zhe, Su Yukan has clearly marked prices for his other children, arranging everything perfectly.¡±

    Jiang Li smacked his lips a few times while speaking, ¡°Does Su Yukan happen to be at your dinner party today?¡±

    Jiang Li teased, ¡°Does he want to introduce his youngest daughter to you?¡±

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°I knew it,¡± Jiang Li snickered.

    ¡°Do you remember Su Lu from the banquet yesterday?

    She and Gu Xin had an arranged marriage.

    At first, they looked like a model couple for years, I thought there might be genuine feelings, but now it seems they¡¯re just a stic couple.¡±

    Jiang Li didn¡¯t know Bo Jingshen¡¯s past with Su Lu, so he spoke very bluntly.

    ¡°Su Yukan originally sold off his eldest daughter, Su Lu, to form an alliance with the Gu Family.

    The two families have been tied together for several projects over the years, making a great fortune.

    Su Yukan tasted the sweetness of sess; with your Boss¡¯s prominent overseas name and your n to enter the domestic market now, he¡¯s undoubtedly eyeing you.¡±

    Jiang Liughed as he spoke, ¡°Before you returned to the country, he tried to arrange things with me several times.

    Now it¡¯s your turn, you returned to relieve me of my worries.¡±

    But Bo Jingshen didn¡¯tugh; it wasn¡¯t that he couldn¡¯t take a joke, but at this moment he couldn¡¯t even force a fake smile.

    ¡°You mean¡­¡± Bo Jingshen¡¯s eyes were deep, fury simmering beneath, and he pressed each syble heavily, ¡°sold?¡±

    Jiang Li smacked his mouth, ¡°Yeah, isn¡¯t it the same thing.¡±

    That night, Su Yukan ended up being almost carried out from being force-fed with alcohol.

    Su Lu knew nothing of this; she wore scarves for several days to cover the hickey marks on her neck, fortunately, they gradually faded.

    That noon, Gu Xin came to thepany to take her out to lunch.

    Gu Xin smiled, ¡°Whether it¡¯s a breakup meal or not, we still need to have a meal together, right?¡±

    Su Lu also smiled, ¡°Don¡¯t say break-up meal, that¡¯s too sad.

    Let¡¯s just celebrate you and Chen Yaxi¡¯s happy ending.¡±

    Gu Xin looked a bit embarrassed, ¡°She¡­

    she¡¯s pregnant.¡±

    Su Lu said, ¡°That¡¯s good news.¡±

    Gu Xin sighed lightly, ¡°But when news of our divorce gets out and she¡¯s also pregnant, I worry that the public opinion might not be good for you¡­¡±

    Su Lu smiled, ¡°It¡¯s okay, I don¡¯t mind.¡±

    So, as long as a woman doesn¡¯t give her emotions, she can live very rationally in any rtionship, even marriage.

    In the car,

    Chen Yaxi looked at the scarf on Su Lu¡¯s neck thoughtfully, smiling meaningfully, ¡°Su Lu, I wanted to askst time at the Civil Affairs Bureau, are you seeing someone?¡±

    Su Lu coughed lightly and avoided answering.

    Su Lu just felt that the chaotic and predatory encounter with Bo Jingshen should not count as a rtionship, at most it was just an ident.

    They went to a high-ss restaurant near Su Lu Company and sat in a booth by the street-facing floor-to-ceiling windows.

    The meal was very enjoyable.

    Chen Yaxi got up, ¡°I¡¯m going to the restroom, you two chat.¡±

    Su Lu then chatted with Gu Xin about the current project their families were coborating on, and the conversation flowed smoothly.

    A dark-colored luxury car passed by outside the window.

    In the car¡¯s back seat, Bo Jingshen looked at Su Lu and Gu Xin in the restaurant¡¯s window booth.

    Sunlight poured in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, falling on them, and theyughed and talked, a perfect match.

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s gaze suddenly turned cold.

    ¡°Hey, if you¡¯re unhappy, you¡¯re unhappy.

    I¡¯ll help you pick another office building, why are you mad.¡± Jiang Er, who sat next to him, sensed Bo Jingshen¡¯s low mood.

    He thought he might have said something wrong.

    Jiang Er thought for a while, then tteringly took out a file from the car¡¯s storage box and handed it to Bo Jingshen, ¡°Look, this is the nest you asked me to check a few days ago.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Bo Jingshen snapped back, realizing Jiang Er was referring to Su Yukan¡¯s family.

    The file contained information on the Su Family, not overly detailed but with basic information.

    Bo Jingshen quickly looked through the other profiles and stopped at Su Lu¡¯s profile.

    He saw the location of Su Lu Company ¡ª Mingyang Avenue.

    Jiang Er had been helping him find an office building recently and was chattering beside him.

    Bo Jingshen suddenly said, ¡°Mingyang Avenue.¡±

    ¡°Huh?

    What about Mingyang Avenue?¡± Jiang Er was puzzled.

    ¡°Find me an office building on Mingyang Avenue.¡±

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s words almost made Jiang Er go crazy.

    ¡°Ancestor!

    I found you the best building in the CBD!

    Are you short of money, going to Mingyang Avenue?

    Being frugal?¡±

    Bo Jingshen raised an eyebrow, ¡°Maybe the view is better.¡±

    Jiang Er felt like swearing but was unsure if he should; he thought Bo Jingshen must be crazy.

    Actually, Bo Jingshen also felt he must be crazy.

    In the afternoon, while apanying Jiang Er to the hospital to get medicine, Bo Jingshen saw Gu Xin again.

    He saw Gu Xin tenderly holding a woman, heading to the obstetrics department.

    This man, who had beenughing and chatting with Su Lu in the restaurant not long ago, turned around and took another woman to prenatal check-ups.

    Ha, Su Lu had thrown him away to marry such a man?

    To live such aughable life?

    A nameless fire burned from his soles right up to his skull.

 Chapter 4 - 4 4 All settled

    ?4: Chapter 4: All settled?

    In your dreams   4: Chapter 4: All settled?

    In your dreams       Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                                Jiang Li came over with the medicine and also nced at the scene.

    ¡°Oh dear.¡± Jiang Li curled her lips, ¡°The PR department will have to work overtime again.¡±

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°Do you know her?¡±

    Jiang Li nodded, ¡°That woman is an artist from mypany, a model.

    When the news of Gu Xin¡¯s affair broke out a while ago, the PR department already had a headache.

    Now it¡¯s even worse, big news.¡±

    Bo Jingshen squinted his eyes and said calmly, ¡°Then ignore it.

    This kind of solid evidence, no matter how much you try to cover it up, you¡¯ll still get pped in the face.¡±

    Jiang Liughed heartily, not having much objection to his suggestion.

    In just a week, the matter broke out.

    That morning, Su Lu took a shower and then was bombarded with phone calls.

    Secretary Xu¡¯s call came in first.

    Xu Ning: ¡°Mr.

    Su!

    Have you seen the local news?¡±

    ¡°No.

    What¡¯s up?¡±

    ¡°You should take a look.

    It¡¯s about Mr.

    Gu.¡± Xu Ning didn¡¯t say much more.

    Su Lu hung up and checked the news.

    The news picture was a photo of Gu Xin apanying Chen Yaxi to the hospital¡¯s obstetrics department.

    Just after seeing it, Gu Xin¡¯s call came in.

    ¡°Xiaolu, I¡¯m really sorry.

    I didn¡¯t expect them to be so all-pervasive.¡±

    He took Chen Yaxi to a high-end private hospital, not expecting to be photographed even there.

    Su Lu smiled, ¡°We¡¯ve alreadypleted the procedures.

    Outsiders just don¡¯t know.

    Compared to me, the public opinion is less friendly towards Chen Yaxi now.

    She¡¯s still pregnant, just take care of her.

    I don¡¯t mind, it will blow over soon.¡±

    Su Lu was very rational, even calm.

    Actually, this matter was simple; as long as the two of them announced their divorce, it would settle down.

    But just like their marriage, their divorce also involved both their families¡¯ businesses, stocks, future coborations, and so on.

    So when to release the news had to be discussed by both families again, trying to find an appropriate time to minimize the impact and losses for both families.

    Sure enough, Su Yukan called in right away.

    ¡°I¡¯ll discuss the matter with the Gu Family!

    Just keep your mouth shut and don¡¯t say anything unnecessary!¡± This was the first thing Su Yukan said when the call connected.

    After ending the call, Su Luughed and continued applying makeup, preparing to go to thepany.

    ¡­

    The Boss office building was basically ready because Bo Jingshen provided a high budget, but the requirements for the location weren¡¯t that high.

    Naturally, it wasn¡¯t hard to find a suitable ce.

    The purchased office building was originally a design firm.

    So the interior had a strong sense of design, which was very nice.

    Jiang Li came over early in the morning, carrying two bags of steaming crab roe dumplings.

    ¡°Tsk tsk, although this ce isn¡¯t in the CBD, the design and decoration are indeed impressive.¡±

    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Bo Jingshen asked.

    Jiang Li raised the bag in his hands, ¡°Delivering breakfast to you.¡± He chuckled, ¡°And to see the excitement.¡±

    ¡°See the excitement?¡± Bo Jingshen raised an eyebrow.

    Jiang Li nodded vigorously, ¡°Yeah, the news about Gu Xin broke out today, and I passed by the Su Lu Company just now.

    A bunch of reporters were gathered at the entrance,ing on strong.

    Hey, I just realized, your ce is quite close to Su Lu¡¯spany, just on the opposite ends of the same road.¡±

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s typing suddenly stopped.

    ¡°Why are they surrounding herpany?

    Isn¡¯t it that man¡¯s scandal?¡± Bo Jingshen frowned.

    ¡°Gu Xin protected Chen Yaxi wlessly.

    The media couldn¡¯t get to them, so they naturally turned to Su Lu.¡±

    Jiang Li shrugged, ¡°After all, Su Lu¡¯s father and mother don¡¯t care about her.

    Su Yukan probably wishes the media would swarm her, selling a wave of misfortune might even benefit the Su Family.¡±

    Bo Jingshen suddenly stood up and took his coat from the hanger.

    Jiang Li was stunned: ¡°Where are you going?¡±

    ¡°I have something to do.¡±

    ¡°What about the dumplings?

    I queued up to buy them!

    They¡¯re from a popr shop!¡± Jiang Li looked at him in grief.

    Bo Jingshen waved his hand, ¡°Go to the secretary¡¯s office and have them with Cheng Yan.¡±

    After saying that, he left thepany without looking back.

    Su Lu didn¡¯t expect so many reporters at thepany entrance; she wasn¡¯t a celebrity.

    Because she didn¡¯t expect it, she wasn¡¯t prepared.

    After parking the car and just stepping out of the parking lot, she was surrounded by reporters.

    ¡°What¡¯s your opinion on Mr.

    Gu and Miss Chen Yaxi appearing at the hospital¡¯s obstetrics department?¡±

    ¡°Miss Su, please say a few words!¡±

    ¡°Mrs.

    Gu!

    Please say something.¡±

    Various recorders, phones, and cameras were pushed in front of her.

    ¡°Noment.¡± Su Lu walked forward with her head down, but the reporters blocked her way to thepany entrance.

    Su Lu was slender and couldn¡¯t push through them.

    Suddenly, she felt sharp pain at the corner of her eye, and then some warm liquid flowed down from there.

    It wasn¡¯t tears.

    Su Lu tried to raise her hand to touch it.

    But a long-fingered hand grabbed her wrist suddenly, then a suit jacket covered her head.

    Su Lu¡¯s vision went ck.

    But she didn¡¯t feel panicked.

    The suit jacket had a familiar cold cedar scent, which made her feel somewhat reassured in this situation.

    The reporters noisily questioned.

    ¡°Sir, what¡¯s your rtionship with Mrs.

    Gu?¡±

    ¡°Sir, who are you to Mrs.

    Gu?¡±

    The man¡¯s voice was deep and maic, coldly spitting out two words, ¡°Bodyguard.¡±

    Su Lu was led by the shoulder into a car.

    The reporters felt that thismanding man in a ck mask didn¡¯t seem like a bodyguard.

    But no one dared to provoke.

    In the darkness, Su Lu only felt the car start and drive away.

    After a while, it stopped again.

    Then the jacket covering her head was finally taken off.

    He said, ¡°Look at me.¡±

    Su Lu raised her face, blood sliding down her cheek from the corner of her eye.

    Bo Jingshen frowned deeply.

    Notying hands on the reporters earlier was already his highest restraint andposure.

    Bo Jingshen grabbed a few tissues and held them to her still-bleeding wound.

    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Su Lu looked at him.

    Bo Jingshen spoke in a low, cold tone, ¡°To watch you make a fool of yourself.¡±

    Su Lu¡¯s mouth curved slightly, her expression mocking herself, ¡°Then why aren¡¯t youughing?¡±

    Bo Jingshen squinted his eyes, not only did he notugh, but his expression was clearly angry.

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°He messed up, yet you bear the consequences.

    He protected that woman without a w, and you end up bleeding here.¡±

    Su Lu: ¡°This was just an ident, besides¡­¡±

    ¡®I¡¯ve already divorced him¡¯ was on the tip of her tongue, but she didn¡¯t get to say it.

    Bo Jingshen scoffed, ¡°Did you marry him to live like this?

    I slept with you once and still know to help out.

    What about him?¡±

    Every word was sharp.

    He hated Su Lu, and hated himself for softening towards her.

    The words Su Lu was about to say suddenly didn¡¯t feel like saying anymore.

    She mocked, ¡°Should I thank you then?

    Not reporting you to the police for that night was already being as lenient as possible.

    I didn¡¯t ask for your help today either.

    I said it, Bo Jingshen, we¡¯re even.

    What do you actually want?¡±

    She took the tissues from his hand, pressing the wound on her eye herself, and soon they were soaked red.

    The sight irritated Bo Jingshen greatly.

    He started the car and headed to the hospital.

    His lips curved with a cold smile, ¡°What do I want?

    I already did what I wanted that night at Yunding.

    As for being even?¡±

    He tapped his fingers lightly on the steering wheel and chuckled, ¡°Keep dreaming.¡±

 Chapter 5 - 5 5 You Still Want Another Time

    ?5: Chapter 5: You Still Want Another Time?

    5: Chapter 5: You Still Want Another Time?

    Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                                ¡°Su Lu, if I don¡¯t nod, don¡¯t ever think about ending things cleanly.¡±

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s domineering personality was something Su Lu was well aware of.

    So she didn¡¯t bother to say anything more.

    When Cheng Youran¡¯s call came through, they were already not far from the hospital.

    Cheng Youran was her close friend, the kind who would take care of everything for her.

    Cheng Youran¡¯s voice was cold, ¡°Gu Xin¡¯s scandal, howe you¡¯re the one taking the fall for it?¡±

    Hearing this, Su Lu knew that the photos of her injury had already been leaked.

    In Bo Jingshen¡¯s car, Su Lu couldn¡¯t say much to Cheng Youran, so she just said, ¡°I¡¯m almost at the hospital, I¡¯ll talk to you there.¡±

    Before hanging up, Cheng Youran asked faintly, ¡°The one wearing the ck mask who escorted you away from the scene.

    Was it Bo Jingshen?¡±

    During their university years, they were not in the same city, so Cheng Youran only knew she had a deeply loved man, had seen photos, but had never met him in person.

    Su Lu knew she couldn¡¯t hide it, so she responded with a hum, ¡°We¡¯ll talk face-to-face.¡±

    Muhe Private Hospital was also where Cheng Youran worked.

    When they arrived, Cheng Youran was already waiting at the entrance.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be long-winded, I¡¯ll directly arrange a few days of hospitalization for you, just so you cany low for a while.¡±

    Saying this, Cheng Youran leaned in to examine the wound.

    ¡°Might need a stitch, since you have a scar-prone skin, if we don¡¯t stitch it, the scar might be very noticeable.

    I¡¯ll call the stic surgery department for cosmetic stitching, don¡¯t worry.¡±

    Su Lu obediently nodded.

    After Su Lu got out of the car, Bo Jingshen drove off.

    So Cheng Youran directly asked, ¡°Did he go to park the car or has he already left?

    If he¡¯s parking, I¡¯ll wait with you, if he¡¯s gone, let¡¯s go in.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go in.¡± Su Lu said.

    Su Lu thought, he merely helped her because he¡¯d slept with her, so delivering her to the hospital was already the most he could do.

    There was no reason for him to apany her inside.

    She assumed he had left, and didn¡¯t n to wait, just went inside with Cheng Youran.

    When Bo Jingshen walked over after parking the car, they were already gone.

    He wasn¡¯t upset.

    Her wound needed immediate attention.

    Jiang Li¡¯s call came through.

    ¡°Brother Shen, you skipped the wontons and went to y hero saving the beauty?

    Do you think that¡¯s fair when I lined up early to buy those wontons?

    Even if you wanted to watch themotion, you should¡¯ve taken me along, I also love watching drama.¡±

    Bo Jingshen said indifferently, ¡°A convenience.¡±

    Jiang Li didn¡¯t doubt him, ¡°Oh.

    Do you want me to get the news retracted?

    Though you didn¡¯t show your face, Brother Shen doing good deeds and still knows to stay hidden¡­¡±

    ¡°Retract it.¡± Bo Jingshen paused, ¡°Also retract Su Lu¡¯s news.¡±

    Jiang Liughed, ¡°Did you feel bad about making her drink those three sses the other day?¡±

    ¡°Nonsense.¡± Bo Jingshen looked at the hospital lobby but didn¡¯t intend to enter, ¡°I¡¯m heading back to the office now.¡±

    Cheng Youran quickly found the stic surgery doctor and stitched the wound.

    Su Lu looked into the mirror, ¡°Tsk, I got disfigured.¡±

    Her tone didn¡¯t reveal any sadness.

    ¡°This is what they call imperfect beauty.

    You¡¯re already very beautiful, a small w gives others a chance to live.¡±

    Su Luughed, ¡°Such a sweet talker?¡±

    ¡°Seeing you disfigured, I¡¯mforting you.¡± Cheng Youran applied a small piece of sterile dressing on the stitched wound.

    Su Lu managed work over the phone and held a video conference.

    In the afternoon, Su Yukan came over.

    Su Lu, dressed in a hospital gown, had removed her scarf, and although the kiss marks on her neck were faint, they were still visible.

    Su Yukan got angry as soon as he saw them, ¡°You just divorced Gu Xin and now you¡¯re fooling around?

    Don¡¯t you have any shame?¡±

    Su Lu didn¡¯t bother to exin, calmly said, ¡°I¡¯ll take responsibility for my personal life.

    Do you need anything?¡±

    ¡°I had a meeting with the Gu Family this morning.¡± Su Yukan¡¯s face looked bad, clearly, the discussion didn¡¯t go well.

    ¡°You should go to Hai City toy low for a while, and inspect the cooperation project there.

    The Gu Family said this incident was Gu Xin¡¯s fault, so they agreed to increase our profit margin a bit.¡±

    Talking about the profit concession, Su Yukan¡¯s expression softened a bit.

    He thought for a moment, ¡°Gu Xin is no good, next time with President Liu¡­¡±

    Su Lu¡¯s smile was somewhat mocking, ¡°You still think there¡¯ll be a next time?

    Last time, you threatened me with the safety and future of my ex-boyfriend, I admitted my weakness, I worked for five years, helped the Su Family earn billions, I did my duty.

    Next time, what coteral do you have?¡±

    Su Yukan¡¯s face turned ugly, awkwardly changing the topic, ¡°I¡¯m only doing this for your own good, let¡¯s talk about itter.

    Next month, your brother returns, you shoulde stay a few days.¡±

    Though the father-daughter rtionship wasn¡¯t good, Su Lu had a good rtionship with her brothers.

    Su Yukan also knew what to say to defuse the tension.

    Su Lu said coldly, ¡°Got it.

    I need to rest now, take care.¡±

    Early the next morning, Gu Xin rushed to the hospital.

    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Su Lu was in the middle of a dressing change, so she smiled at him.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t smile, pulling the wound is bad for healing.¡± the nurse said.

    Five minutester, the dressing change wasplete.

    Seeing the wound at the corner of Su Lu¡¯s eye, Gu Xin felt guilty, ¡°Xiaolu, I¡­¡±

    Apologies seemed too pale.

    Su Lu said, ¡°It was an ident.¡±

    Gu Xin took a deep breath, ¡°I owe you.

    Your father came to my house yesterday.¡±

    Su Lu said, ¡°I know, he told me.¡±

    But Gu Xin sneered, not at Su Lu, but at Su Yukan.

    ¡°He said it was my fault, so he hopes my parents will speak well of you in public asions, to avoid affecting his ns for your remarriage.¡±

    No wonder someone as easygoing as Gu Xin couldn¡¯t help but sneer.

    ¡°You can say I¡¯ve made mistakes a hundred times, I¡¯ll admit them a hundred times, but who does he think he is?

    If it wasn¡¯t for their coercion back then, would we have all these troublesome issues now?¡±

    Su Lu took a deep breath, ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about this.

    You needn¡¯t worry about me, I¡¯ll be inspecting the project in Hai City in a few days, and we¡¯ll deal with the media attentionter¡­¡±

    Gu Xin said, ¡°Right, when I was about to suppress the news, I found out that Jiang Li had already retracted it.¡±

    ¡°Jiang Li?

    The second master of Jianghe Media?¡± Su Lu was puzzled, ¡°Why would he¡­¡±

    Su Lu froze, thinking of yesterday¡¯s rescue by Bo Jingshen when she was besieged by reporters.

    He was seen in the pictures, and he had close ties with Jiang Li.

    She realized she was probably benefiting from that connection.

    Speak of the devil, and he shall appear.

    Jiang Li walked into the hospital room with baskets of flowers and fruits, smiling.

    ¡°Oh, Mr.

    Gu is here.¡± Jiang Li raised an eyebrow, then with a grin looked at Su Lu, ¡°I came to check on your injury.¡±

    ¡°Much better,¡± Su Lu said, ¡°I just found out, thank you for retracting the news.¡±

    Su Lu¡¯s eyes followed him to the man who walked in behind him.

    Today Bo Jingshen didn¡¯t wear a suit, he wore a white thin cashmere sweater, a camel duffle coat, ck slim jeans wrapping his long legs, and a pair of slightly worn sneakers.

    Just looking once, it ovepped perfectly with the image of the young man in her memories.

 Chapter 6 - 6 6 How is it

    ?6: Chapter 6: How is it?

    Exciting?

    6: Chapter 6: How is it?

    Exciting?

    Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                                At this moment, however, he was more mature and reserved, deep and stern.

    Bo Jingshen did not speak, he just gave Gu Xin a cold nce before standing aside.

    Jiang Li waved his hand and said, ¡°Oh, it was just a small favor, no need to be polite.

    Besides, that day at Yunding, it was the first time we met, and Brother Shen drank three sses for you.

    We all felt quite apologetic.

    So yesterday, Brother Shen acted heroically to help you out, and I just helped to stop the rumors.¡±

    Gu Xin was a bit surprised, ¡°That person yesterday, was Mr.

    Bo?¡±

    Su Lu nodded and said officially, ¡°Thank you, Mr.

    Bo and Young Master Jiang, for the help this time.

    But I¡¯m going on a business trip to Hai City soon.

    Otherwise, I would invite you for a drink after I get discharged.¡±

    ¡°Hmm?¡± Jiang Li was somewhat surprised, ¡°You are going to Hai City too?¡±

    Bo Jingshen, who was standing quietly beside them, suddenly looked up at her.

    Su Lu blinked, ¡°Yes, I¡¯m going to inspect a project.

    Why¡­

    is Young Master Jiang going to Hai City too?¡±

    Jiang Li said, ¡°I don¡¯t like to make a fuss.¡± He pointed to Bo Jingshen, ¡°Bo Jingshen is going to Hai City for a conference.¡±

    Gu Xin seemed to understand, ¡°Is it the technology exhibition in the Huaxia District?¡±

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s the one.¡± Jiang Li nodded.

    Then he looked at Su Lu, ¡°Could you take care of Brother Shen then?

    He has been abroad for a few years and might not be familiar with some things here.

    His team is still abroad.

    If Miss Su could take care of him, I won¡¯t send anyone else with him.¡±

    Su Lu didn¡¯t want to agree, but since they had just helped her, she had no choice but to agree reluctantly.

    They didn¡¯t stay long.

    When Gu Xin left, he also saw them out.

    The ward became quiet.

    Su Lu got up to go to the bathroom.

    When she came out of the bathroom, she was startled by the tall figure leaning against the wall by the door.

    ¡°You¡­

    you didn¡¯t leave?¡± Su Lu looked at him, still shocked.

    Bo Jingshen curled his lips, ¡°After seeing your husband leave, I thought and came back.¡±

    He ced his hand on the wall, trapping her between his arms, looking down at her with an overwhelming presence.

    Bo Jingshenughed softly, ¡°How does it feel?

    Exciting?¡±

    Su Lu frowned.

    After several years, why had this man be so unpredictable?

    Trapped between his arms, she had no way out, ¡°Please move.¡±

    The cold scent of cedar on him seemed to permeate everything, making Su Lu¡¯s ears turn red.

    Bo Jingshenughed softly, and his voice no longer carried the deep hatred it had when they first met at Yunding.

    Su Lu thought, perhaps such revenge did indeed bring some relief.

    ¡°You just agreed to Jiang Er.¡± Bo Jingshen leaned in, his lips close to her ear, his voice low and maic, ¡°So¡­

    how do you n to take care of me?¡±

    Su Lu took a deep breath, collecting her thoughts, thinking about Xu Ning¡¯s usual work responsibilities.

    Businesslike, she said, ¡°I will book your flights, hotel, and local transportation.

    If you need reservations for any banquets or dinners, you can let me know in advance.¡±

    Bo Jingshen raised an eyebrow, his deep eyes fixed on her.

    After a moment, he lightly tapped her neck with his finger, ¡°Su Lu, I¡¯m a bit curious.¡±

    Su Lu: ¡°What?¡±

    Bo Jingshen chuckled, ¡°As long as Gu Xin isn¡¯t blind, he can see the marks I left on your neck that haven¡¯tpletely faded.

    Is he just really tolerant, or are you two really doing your own thing, turning a blind eye to the green hat?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s my private matter.¡± Su Lu raised her hand to pull the cor of her hospital gown, seizing the opportunity to slip out from under his arm.

    ¡°If you have nothing else, please leave.

    I¡¯m going to rest.¡± Su Lu gestured towards the door, ¡°I¡¯ll send you the details for the flight and hotel reservations.¡±

    Bo Jingshen ignored her, pulling out a chair to sit down, clearly not nning to leave.

    He looked down, fiddling with his phone, asking in a light voice, ¡°What¡¯s good to eat in Feng City?¡±

    Su Lu: ¡°Salted crispy chicken, braised white eel, partridge porridge.¡±

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s eyes flickered, and he silently tapped on his phone screen.

    Su Lu leaned back on the hospital bed, falling asleep shortly after.

    Clearly, after five years, with new and old grudges.

    Even though he had done such things to her at Yunding¡­

    But deep down, Su Lu couldn¡¯t seem to let her guard up around him.

    Just like five years ago, as long as he was around, she subconsciously felt safe and rxed.

    Su Lu slept soundly.

    A deep, maic voice woke her, ¡°Wake up.

    Su Xiaolu.¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯m tired.¡± Su Lu, not fully awake, mumbled with a soft nasal tone, sounding like the coquettish murmur of a lover, extremely delicate.

    But she quickly realized, stiffening all over.

    Su Lu opened her eyes to see the man¡¯s deep eyes and his slightly smiling lips by the bed.

    ¡°Su Lu, who did you think I was?¡±

    Gu Xin?

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s voice turned cold.

    Su Lu bitterly smiled at herself, yes, who did she think he was?

    She actually mistook him for the Bo Jingshen who indulged her every whim five years ago.

    ¡°You haven¡¯t left yet?¡± Su Lu avoided the question.

    Bo Jingshen tilted his head, ¡°Get up and eat something.¡±

    The ward at Muhe was a fully equipped single suite.

    On the dining table beside them were several thermal bags with logos from well-known restaurants.

    Su Lu originally had no appetite, but somehow got up and sat at the dining table with Bo Jingshen.

    Su Lu¡¯s heart ached.

    How long had it been since they sat together like this and had a proper meal?

    The thermal bags were opened one by one.

    Salted crispy chicken, braised white eel, partridge porridge.

    Exactly the three dishes Su Lu mentioned earlier.

    After a moment, Bo Jingshen frowned, ¡°It¡¯s not as good as yours.¡±

    Su Lu was stunned, gently biting her lip.

    She had cooked him a few Feng City specialty dishes before, and he still remembered.

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°I never knew these were Feng City dishes.¡±

    And he didn¡¯t know she was from Feng City.

    Back then, to stay away from the Su Family, she specifically applied to a university far from Feng City, in Hai City.

    With no sense of belonging to the Su Family, she rarely even mentioned Feng City.

    Su Lu pressed her lips together, unsure of what to say.

    Apologize?

    After what he did to her at Yunding, she couldn¡¯t bring herself to apologize.

    Exin?

    Time had passed, and water had gone under the bridge; past wounds had turned into scars hard to forget.

    So they finished their meal in silence.

    Bo Jingshen didn¡¯t stay long, seeming like he hade just to have a meal.

    After he left, Su Lu breathed a sigh of relief, but felt an inexplicable sense of loss.

    She called Xu Ning, ¡°Book me another flight to Hai City and a hotel room.

    Yes, I¡¯ll send the name to your WeChat.¡±

    Xu Ning asked her if it was for the same flight and hotel as hers.

    Su Lu was silent for a few seconds, ¡°No, book a different flight and hotel.¡±

 Chapter 7 - 7 7 Arranged Clearly

    ?7: Chapter 7 Arranged Clearly   7: Chapter 7 Arranged Clearly       Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                                Xu Ning handled matters properly.

    Not long after hanging up the phone, he sent the booking message to Su Lu.

    Su Lu looked at the message on her phone for a moment before realizing.

    Oh, she didn¡¯t have Bo Jingshen¡¯s contact information.

    This was indeed¡­

    Su Lu raised her hand to rub her temples and first sent a message to Gu Xin, who gave her Jiang Li¡¯s contact information.

    She then directly forwarded the booking details to Jiang Li.

    For the next two days, Su Lu stayed in the hospital, enjoying some peace and quiet.

    Even her luggage was packed by Xu Ning at her house just before departure.

    Cheng Youran was a bit exasperated, ¡°I really don¡¯t know if you¡¯re here to stay in the hospital or to go on vacation.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m here to stay in the hospital, of course.¡± Su Lu smiled, ¡°But I¡¯ll be going on vacation soon and will bring you a gift.

    Don¡¯t miss me too much.¡±

    ¡°Get lost.¡± Cheng Youran waved her hand.

    She paused and added, ¡°By the way, there¡¯s an expert in the cosmetic department at Hai City First Affiliated Hospital who¡¯s really good at scar removal.

    If you have time, go and see him.¡±

    The wound at the corner of Su Lu¡¯s eye was no longer covered by dressing.

    Although the scar was small, it still drew attention.

    Cheng Youran was too busy to see her off and left in haste.

    Su Lu dragged her suitcase to the entrance of the inpatient building.

    Before she could head to the parking lot, a luxury car with a dark color suddenly stopped in front of her.

    The rear window rolled down, revealing the handsome face of a man.

    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Su Lu seemed surprised.

    ¡°Going to Hai City, did you forget?¡± Bo Jingshen replied, his lips curving into a faint smile, ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for you to take care of me.¡±

    Su Lu: ¡°¡­¡±

    The driver got out and opened the rear door for her, ¡°Miss Su, please get in the car.¡±

    He then took her luggage and ced it in the trunk.

    Su Lu frowned slightly, still holding her car keys, ¡°My car is still parked at the hospital¡­¡±

    ¡°It won¡¯t get lost.

    Get in the car.¡± Bo Jingshen said calmly, raising an eyebrow at her, ¡°Or do you want me toe down and carry you up?¡±

    Su Lu gave him a stern look, but knowing him well, she understood that he would indeed do just that!

    Su Lu bit her lip and got into the car.

    Once the door closed, the scent of cedar emanating from him filled the confined space of the back seat.

    She suddenly became alert, ¡°Your flight is tomorrow!¡±

    The flight and hotel she had Xu Ning book for him were clearly set for the next day.

    Bo Jingshen chuckled lowly, ¡°Yes, you avoided me quite quickly by booking it for tomorrow.¡±

    Su Lu: ¡°Then why¡­¡±

    Bo Jingshen raised an eyebrow, ¡°Am I short of money for airfare?

    Can¡¯t I rearrange things?¡±

    Su Lu felt a headacheing on and pinched the bridge of her nose, ¡°What exactly¡­¡± Before she could finish, she realized they weren¡¯t heading to the airport, ¡°This isn¡¯t the way to the airport.¡±

    Was he nning to have the driver drive all the way to Hai City?

    Considering the distance from Feng City to Hai City, it wasn¡¯t just a matter of effort; the time wasn¡¯t enough.

    Su Lu had checked, and the tech exhibition Bo Jingshen was attending was opening the next day.

    ¡°I¡¯m not going to sell you.¡± Bo Jingshen said calmly.

    The driver rified, ¡°Miss Su, we¡¯re heading to West Suburb Airport.¡±

    Su Lu: ¡°West Suburb¡­¡±

    Domestic flights from Feng City were usually from East Bridge Airport.

    International flights typically departed from Linyu Airport.

    West Suburb Airport was small and primarily used for private jet operations.

    The driver drove directly onto the tarmac.

    A beautiful Gulfstream G650 was parked there.

    The sleek lines of the aircraft screamed wealth.

    ¡°Mr.

    Bo, the crew is ready for you.¡±

    Although Su Lu had heard about the market value of Bo Sheng and Bo Jingshen¡¯s worth, it wasn¡¯t until she followed him up the boarding stairs that she truly felt the extent of his financial power.

    The flight attendant stood at the cabin door, courteously leading them to their seats.

    The ne took off shortly afterwards.

    The flight attendant provided excellent service, and the food was exquisite and delicious.

    The leather seats were spacious and soft, veryfortable, and Su Lu began to feel sleepy.

    She woke slowly when the ne encountered turbulence.

    Although there were two seats on each side of the aisle, the two of them chose to sit opposite each other, separated by the aisle.

    She nced over and saw Bo Jingshen¡¯s pale face.

    He leaned back tightly against the seat, eyes shut, lips pressed tightly together and pale, with sweat on his forehead.

    His hands gripped the armrests so hard that his knuckles were white.

    Su Lu asked worriedly, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?

    Are you feeling unwell?¡±

    But Bo Jingshen seemed unconscious, showing no reaction.

    ¡°Bo Jingshen!¡± Su Lu became anxious.

    She rarely saw him looking so pale.

    In her memories, he was a young, energetic man, full of drive, rarely even catching a cold.

    Su Lu unbuckled her seatbelt and moved close to him.

    The flight attendant reminded her from the front, ¡°Miss Su, for safety during turbulence, please return to your seat and fasten your seatbelt.¡±

    Su Lu ignored the flight attendant, ¡°Bo Jingshen, what¡¯s wrong?

    Are you feeling unwell?¡±

    She gently patted the back of his hand, and the next second, he gripped her hand tightly!

    Then Su Lu was pulled into his cedar-scented embrace.

    He held her so tightly that it hurt her bones.

    Su Lu couldn¡¯t help but struggle a bit.

    A husky voice sounded in her ear, ¡°Don¡¯t go¡­¡±

    Su Lu froze.

    It seemed¡­

    he was scared.

    Su Lu stopped struggling, raised her hand, and gently patted his back.

    When the turbulence subsided, the flight attendant immediately came over.

    ¡°Mr.

    Bo, are you okay?¡±

    Bo Jingshen seemed to gradually recover, ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±

    Flight attendant: ¡°Do you need any medication?¡±

    He shook his head slightly.

    The initially tight embrace that made Su Lu¡¯s bones ache had loosened.

    She sensed that there was a reason behind Bo Jingshen¡¯s fear but didn¡¯t ask, quietly returning to her seat.

    Seeing that neither Bo Jingshen nor Su Lu had any needs, the flight attendant returned to the front to standby.

    ¡°Thanks.¡± Bo Jingshen¡¯s voice came from beside her, ¡°I just got a bit airsick.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Su Lu responded, ¡°Get some rest then.¡±

    ¡°Mm.¡± Bo Jingshen lowered the seatback and closed his eyes, falling asleep shortly after.

    Su Lu knew he wasn¡¯t airsick but scared.

    She got up to use the restroom, and upon exiting, encountered the flight attendant outside.

    The flight attendant smiled politely, ¡°Miss Su.¡±

    Su Lu hesitated for a moment before asking, ¡°What happened to Bo Jingshen earlier?¡±

    Flight attendant: ¡°Mr.

    Bo has severe aviophobia due to some reasons, so he feels unwell when there¡¯s turbulence.¡±

    Su Lu was taken aback, ¡°Some reasons?¡±

    Flight attendant: ¡°Mr.

    Bo often travels by air for business overseas and once experienced a ne crash caused by mechanical failure.

    Although he wasn¡¯t seriously injured, it left him with severe aviophobia.

    That¡¯s why he bought this ne.¡±

    The words ¡°ne crash¡± hit her like a heavy hammer.

    Su Lu always thought that after they separated, someone as outstanding as Bo Jingshen would be living a great and happy life somewhere.

    She never imagined he had almost died.

    This realization made Su Lu feel a bit of lingering fear.

 Chapter 8 - 8 8 Saying One Thing but Meaning Another

    ?8: Chapter 8: Saying One Thing but Meaning Another   8: Chapter 8: Saying One Thing but Meaning Another       Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                                Bo Jingshen only opened his eyes and sat up beforending, his eyes bloodshot.

    Su Lu handed him a cup of warm water, ¡°Drink some water.¡±

    Bo Jingshen stared at her for two seconds, took a sip, and then stopped.

    A slight furrow in his brow.

    It was not warm water in the cup, but lukewarm sugar water¡­

    He used to dislike drinking in water, finding it tasteless.

    Back then, Su Lu would mix a cup of light sugar water for him to make him drink more water, with different vors for different seasons.

    In summer, it was watermelon sugar, in autumn, chrysanthemum or osmanthus sugar.

    But after their breakup, his heart was too bitter; no amount of sugar could save him.

    Even the bitterest ck coffee, he could drink cup after cup without changing his expression.

    Su Lu saw him take a sip and stop, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Bo Jingshen put down the cup, ¡°Too sweet.¡±

    Su Lu was stunned.

    Sweet?

    She had mixed it ording to his old preferences.

    Things are no longer the same.

    Hearts can change, and so can tastes.

    The nended smoothly.

    Stepping out of the cabin, it seemed they could already smell the salty sea breeze of Hai City.

    The young captain came out of the cockpit to talk to Bo Jingshen.

    It seemed they had a good rtionship.

    The captain spoke to Bo Jingshen quite casually.

    ¡°The forecast says a typhoon ising in the next couple of days.

    There¡¯s no way we can fly.

    Even if we could, the turbulence would be too much.

    You should stay in Hai City for a few more days,¡± Yan Sui said.

    ¡°Got it.¡± Bo Jingshen nodded lightly.

    Yan Sui nced at Su Lu yfully and asked in a low voice, ¡°Is there¡­

    something going on?¡±

    Bo Jingshen frowned, ¡°Mind your own business.¡±

    Yan Suiughed, ¡°If something is going on, Cainan will be heartbroken.

    She chased you abroad and then back here.

    She¡¯s still on the ne, arriving in Hai City tomorrow.

    Be a decent person and treat her well.¡±

    Bo Jingshen said nothing in response, only said lightly, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Then he walked towards Su Lu, ¡°The car is waiting at the door, let¡¯s go.¡±

    Su Lu followed him outside with a calm expression, unaware that she had overheard their conversation in the wind.

    She couldn¡¯t describe her feelings at the moment.

    She knew that someone as outstanding as Bo Jingshen could not have been without rtionships over the years.

    No matter what kind of rtionships he had or with whom, she had no right to inquire.

    She understood all too well.

    But hearing it was different from knowing.

    It left her feeling empty.

    She thought it was pretentious.

    Outside the airport, a luxury car stopped in front of Bo Jingshen.

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°Get in.¡±

    She had arranged for her car to be parked right behind, and she hesitated, ¡°No, I have my car arranged.¡±

    Moreover, they were not staying at the same hotel.

    Su Lu even specifically asked Xu Ning to book their hotels far apart.

    Bo Jingshen gave her a meaningful look and nodded, ¡°Alright then.¡±

    Su Lu got into her car, which drove towards the hotel.

    The luxury car in the rearview mirror grew further away.

    When she arrived at the hotel and went to check in, Su Lu was dumbfounded.

    The man she had parted ways with at the airport was now at the front desk, signing with his slender fingers.

    ¡°Here is your room card, Mr.

    Bo.

    Your rooms are on the 21st floor, 2107 and 2108, two suites.¡±

    Su Lu stood behind him in a daze.

    Upon hearing the numbers, she eximed, ¡°Wait, 2107 is the room I booked.¡±

    The receptionist smiled, ¡°Miss Su?

    Mr.

    Bo has already taken care of your reservation.

    Here are your room cards.

    Enjoy your stay!¡±

    Su Lu looked at Bo Jingshen¡¯s smirking face and the two room cards in his hand.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Bo Jingshen said.

    Su Lu could only follow him into the elevator, feeling somewhat helpless.

    Both the flight and hotel reservations she made for him went unused.

    Su Lu: ¡°You hardly seem to need my help¡­¡±

    He could clearly arrange everything by himself.

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°If you didn¡¯t shirk responsibilities, I wouldn¡¯t mind following your arrangements.

    But¡­

    the Wanli International Hotel in the High-tech District?

    You might as well have booked it in the neighboring city.¡±

    Su Lu coughed lightly.

    The hotel she booked for him was indeed a bit far, almost an hour¡¯s drive away.

    ¡°I thought the tech exhibition you are attending is in the High-tech District, so booking a hotel there would be convenient for you.¡±

    Hearing this, Bo Jingshen chuckled.

    In the next second, she was unexpectedly pressed against the elevator wall.

    His warm breath brushed against her face.

    ¡°Do you have to guard against me like a thief, Su Lu?

    Am I going to eat you?¡±

    Su Lu¡¯s mind shed back to the night at Yunding, thinking he had already eaten her before.

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s phone rang.

    ¡°You have a call,¡± Su Lu said, attempting to break free.

    But he didn¡¯t let go, holding her wrist with one hand and the phone with the other.

    In the elevator¡¯s mirrored door, they looked like an intimate couple.

    Yan Sui¡¯s name appeared on Bo Jingshen¡¯s phone screen.

    Yan Sui: ¡°I¡¯ve arranged for the scar removal expert you wanted.

    Isn¡¯t a scar a badge of honor for a man?

    You never cared about such things.

    Why bother now?

    Is there really a situation?¡±

    ¡°Nonsense, hanging up.¡± Bo Jingshen ended the call.

    The elevator was silent.

    From the phone conversation, Su Lu vaguely heard some key words.

    A scar removal expert¡­

    Su Lu looked at her reflection in the elevator¡¯s mirrored door, seeing the scar at the corner of her eye.

    Bo Jingshen handed her a room card, ¡°Find a day when you¡¯re free.

    I¡¯ll take you to see that expert for your eye scar.¡±

    Her suspicion was confirmed, as his words indicated the expert was for her.

    A surge of indescribable feelings welled up within, both sour and warm.

    ¡°There¡¯s a famous scar removal expert at the First Affiliated Hospital.¡± Not waiting for her reply, he frowned, ¡°You¡¯re at least a woman.

    You should care about your face.¡±

    His tone was firm, leaving no room for refusal.

    Su Lu hadn¡¯t nned to refuse, nodding obediently, ¡°Okay.¡±

    After entering their respective rooms, Su Luy down on the soft bed, staring at the ceiling, exhaling a long breath.

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s pale face due to flying anxiety popped into her mind.

    ¡°What exactly¡­

    have you gone through?¡±

    She could never bepletely indifferent to him.

    Now, it seemed, even less so.

    After tidying up to go out for dinner, Su Lu stood hesitantly in front of Bo Jingshen¡¯s suite door.

    Should she knock and ask him to join?

    Just as she hesitated, the door opened.

    Bo Jingshen looked down at her, ¡°What¡¯s the matter?

    Why not knock?¡±

    Su Lu bit her lip, ¡°I was going to eat.

    Do you want to¡­¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Bo Jingshen said, typing a message on his phone before exiting, closing the door behind him, ¡°Where do we eat?¡±

    Meanwhile, Yan Sui, waiting in the lounge for Bo Jingshen toe and have a drink and chat, received a message.

    ¡°Something came up, another day.¡±

 Chapter 9 - 9 9

    ?9: Chapter 9 ¡­

    Quite yful, huh?

    9: Chapter 9 ¡­

    Quite yful, huh?

    Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                            Until they left the hotel, Su Lu btedly realized that Bo Jingshen might have originally had other ns, but she¡­

    hijacked them?

    Because he seemed¡­

    too dazzlingly handsome, obviously going out with ns.

    Su Lu nced sideways at the man in the driver¡¯s seat.

    His hair was slicked back, unruly yet charming, revealing perfect contours and features.

    His shirt buttons were undone, showing his corbone and a small part of his chest.

    His long, straight legs were wrapped in tailored trousers.

    Overall, he was so good-looking that it left no room for criticism.

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°Have you seen enough?¡±

    Su Lu awkwardly coughed and looked away.

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°If not, you can look moreter.

    Where do you want to eat?¡±

    Su Lu: ¡°The project team here made a reservation for me, let me check.¡±

    She looked at her phone, ¡°Yayue Restaurant, on Seaside Road¡­

    I¡¯ll set a navigation for you.¡±

    ¡°No need.¡± Bo Jingshen said indifferently, ncing at her during a red light, his gaze deep, as if it could draw people in.

    ¡°I¡¯m not as forgetful as you.¡± Bo Jingshen said.

    Su Lu heard this and remained silent.

    Yes, this was Hai City, the ce where they spent their youth five years ago.

    Hai City had good weather and beautiful scenery, especially Seaside Road.

    The vehicle drove along Seaside Road to Yayue Restaurant, a rather upscale sea-view restaurant.

    As Su Lu walked into the hall, about to inquire about the reserved table, a polite and courteous voice came from beside.

    ¡°Mr.

    Su!

    You¡¯re here!¡±

    A few men approached with smiles.

    It turned out the project team not only booked a table for her but also came to greet her personally!

    Most of the project team for this Hai City project were arranged by Gu Xin¡¯spany.

    Due to the recent public opinions, Gu Xin had given them many instructions regarding her visit, so they were naturally eager to take extra care¡­

    This was a bit unexpected for Su Lu.

    It was rather awkward¡­

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Bo Jingshen parked the car and walked in behind her, ¡°Who are they?¡±

    ¡°And this is?¡± The project team members also asked.

    Su Lu: ¡°¡­¡±

    Project Team: ¡°¡­¡±

    Though news from Feng City might not spread loudly in Hai City, they were dispatched from Feng City, so they were somewhat aware.

    Mr.

    Gu¡¯s gossip and all¡­

    Now seeing a very handsome man following Mr.

    Su¡­

    This couple¡­

    know how to have fun, don¡¯t they?

    Su Lu wasn¡¯t afraid they would ry the news to Gu Xin.

    However, the sudden awkwardness in their eyes made her feel a bit ufortable as well.

    Bo Jingshen seemed to be the least awkward of all.

    ¡°Where to sit?¡± Bo Jingshen asked.

    The project team members hurriedly said, ¡°This way, please.¡±

    It was a private room with a sea view, and the ambiance was nice.

    Seeing Su Lu and Bo Jingshen acting normal, the project team members quicklyposed themselves too.

    And their topics were very proper.

    ¡°The project is almost done, but we paused work these days; if you don¡¯t mind, Mr.

    Su, you can go and have a look first.¡±

    Su Lu: ¡°Paused work?¡±

    ¡°Yes, because a typhoon ising, we¡¯ve paused for safety reasons.

    Once the typhoon passes, we¡¯ll restart immediately.

    You can also wait until then to inspect.¡±

    It¡¯s typhoon season in Hai City around this time.

    Su Lu: ¡°It¡¯s okay.

    I should stay here for a while; I¡¯ll check now, and after the typhoon passes and the work resumes, I¡¯ll inspect again.¡±

    The project team members nodded, ¡°Best to go tomorrow then.¡±

    A bizarre yet harmonious dinner ended.

    On the way back to the hotel.

    Recalling the earlier awkward situation, Bo Jingshen chuckled, ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid they¡¯ll inform Gu Xin?¡±

    Su Lu was toozy to exin their divorce to him.

    Sometimes, Bo Jingshen¡¯s insinuating words, when they stung her, also made her clearer.

    She needed this rity.

    Su Lu: ¡°He knows we are in Hai City.

    Jiang Li asked me to take care of you, and Gu Xin was present.¡±

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s smile froze slightly, and a sharp look brewed between his brows.

    The car stopped at a red light.

    With a click, Bo Jingshen unfastened his seatbelt and leaned in close.

    ¡°Does he also know¡­

    I would do this to you?¡±

    Hisrge hand clutched Su Lu¡¯s head, not giving her any chance to evade.

    And he kissed her.

    The cold scent of cedar dominated Su Lu¡¯s every breath.

    Intertwined in their lips and teeth was the fragrance of the oolong tea they drank earlier, not alcohol but equally intoxicating.

    Su Lu pushed twice, couldn¡¯t push him away, and gave up.

    When the red light turned green, and vehicles behind honked, Bo Jingshen finally released her, refastened his seatbelt, and drove ahead.

    The sharpness in his eyes disappeared.

    Su Lu didn¡¯t know how else he nned to get back at her, or for how long.

    She only felt a bit weary, a bit sorrowful, because deep in her secret heart, seemingly, she wasn¡¯t entirely resistant to his proximity.

    He was like a drug that she was addicted to, causing her pain yet leaving her unable to give up.

    They didn¡¯t speak for the rest of the way.

    The next morning, the project team came to pick her up for an inspection.

    Once busy, Su Lu didn¡¯t have the thought to ponderst night¡¯s kiss in the car or her ambiguous rtionship with Bo Jingshen¡­

    The project in coboration with the Gu Family was a sea-view resort hotel.

    The sea view was great but it was quite far from the city, nearly thirty kilometers away.

    In recent years, Hai City had been vigorously developing tourism, even nning to build an Ocean Park nearby.

    The prospects for this sea-view resort hotel were quite promising.

    The main building was almostpleted.

    Though not topped off, its form was already visible.

    Due to the temporary suspension of work and its location in the suburbs, the ce was rather deserted.

    The project team members were very familiar with the site and showed her around.

    Since it was an inspection, Su Lu examined everything carefully, wandering around with the project team till nearly noon.

    The sky grew darker.

    The project team members frowned, ¡°Mr.

    Su, let¡¯s call it a day.

    The weather looks like it¡¯s changing.

    It¡¯s time for lunch too; let¡¯s head back to the city and discuss over a meal?¡±

    Su Lu had no objection.

    However, the on-site manager who stayed despite the suspension also wanted to join them in the city for the discussion.

    But there weren¡¯t enough seats in the car¡­

    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± The manager scratched his head with a smile, ¡°I called a car; it should arrive a bitter.

    You go ahead.¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Su Lu said, ¡°You guys take one car first; I¡¯ll wait for the other car.¡±

    ¡°Mr.

    Su, this isn¡¯t appropriate, is it?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine; I don¡¯t like squeezing in with a bunch of men either.¡± Su Lu waved her hand and smiled.

    Actually, Su Lu wanted to stay longer and look around.

    The project team always showed her the good sides; nobody wanted the leader to see the bad sides during an inspection.

    So she wanted to take a look on her own.

    Seeing her insistence, the others didn¡¯t refuse; after all, it was just a short wait, no big deal.

    But they all underestimated the situation, including Su Lu.

    She didn¡¯t wait for the car; instead, she waited for the typhoon.

 Chapter 10 - 10 10 What will you compensate me with!

    ?10: Chapter 10: What will youpensate me with!

    10: Chapter 10: What will youpensate me with!

    Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                                When the wind grew stronger, Su Lu still didn¡¯t realize that something was wrong.

    But when the sky also darkened, even if she were a fool, she would have known that something was wrong.

    In a ce like a construction site, it wasn¡¯t an exaggeration to say there was flying sand and rocks; it was nearly impossible to keep her eyes open.

    The expected driver was still nowhere to be seen.

    If he didn¡¯t arrive now, it would be useless for him toeter when the wind and rain grew stronger.

    In such weather, the entire construction site was already deserted.

    Struggling against the fierce wind, Su Lu headed toward the main building still under construction, where the top hadn¡¯t been sealed yet.

    Arge piece of iron sheet came flying horizontally with the wind.

    ¡°Ah!¡± Su Lu screamed, narrowly avoiding it.

    The sand in the wind stung her body, and some tiny metal wires or fragments she couldn¡¯t identify grazed her, leaving small cuts on her skin.

    It was difficult, but she managed to reach the unfinished main building.

    The situation inside wasn¡¯t much better.

    The unfinished structure had no windows.

    The wind blew through all sides!

    It was only slightly better than outside.

    Su Lu crouched in a corner and dialed a number on her phone.

    Whether it was because of the weather or being in the outskirts, the signal seemed weak.

    The voices of the project team on the other end were intermittent.

    ¡°Mr.

    Su¡­

    find a ce to take shelter¡­

    the driver will¡­

    be there soon!¡±

    ¡°In this weather!

    Can he even make it here?¡± Su Lu asked urgently.

    But the call was disconnected, and she didn¡¯t know if they had heard her.

    Rather than having the driver rush over to pick her up in this weather, it seemed even more dangerous to sit in a moving metal box like a car.

    Her mind was filled with images she had seen on the news before, of trees snapped in half, crushing car roofs.

    She couldn¡¯t help but shiver.

    ¡°Achoo!¡± Su Lu sneezed and sniffled, feeling a bit cold.

    She hugged herself tightly, curling up in the corner.

    Thinking about her current predicament, she couldn¡¯t help but smile bitterly, ¡°Is the heavens helping Bo Jingshen punish me¡­¡±

    Su Lu picked up her phone, suddenly wanting to call Bo Jingshen.

    But looking at the screen, she btedly realized she still didn¡¯t have Bo Jingshen¡¯s contact information.

    Even the information for booking his flight and hotel, she had sent directly to Jiang Li.

    ¡°s.¡± Su Lu sighed softly, ¡°Forget it.¡±

    Because she forgot to charge her phonest night, the battery was already low, and she didn¡¯t know when it would die.

    She put down her phone and quietly curled up in the corner.

    Outside, the wind howled, and the rain poured down.

    In the warm, quiet caf¨¦ on the second floor of the hotel, the floor-to-ceiling windows separated the indoor tranquility from the storm outside, like two different worlds.

    In the booth by the window, Bo Jingshen listened absentmindedly to Assistant Qiu talking beside him.

    Assistant Qiu was the temp assistant Jiang Li had arranged for him in Hai City.

    Assistant Qiu, ¡°President Bo, if you have no other instructions, we¡¯ll follow this schedule.¡±

    Bo Jingshen frowned tightly, looking at the trees outside swaying wildly in the wind.

    Suddenly, he asked, ¡°If the typhoon is too severe, can the opening ceremony still be held?¡±

    Assistant Qiu, ¡°Hai City has several typhoons every year.

    They don¡¯t always cause problems, but it¡¯s hard to say.

    It might get dyed.

    I will monitor closely and update you with any changes.¡±

    Bo Jingshen nodded and made a call on his phone.

    Su Lu¡¯s phone¡­

    no one answered.

    A sense of unease slowly began to rise.

    Bo Jingshen quickly dialed Jiang Li¡¯s number, and it was soon connected.

    Jiang Li, ¡°Hey, the typhoon has hit Hai City.

    Can the tech expo still be held on schedule?¡±

    Bo Jingshen, ¡°Give me Gu Xin¡¯s contact information.¡±

    Jiang Li sensed something was wrong in his voice, ¡°¡­Why?

    What¡¯s happened?¡±

    ¡°Su Lu¡­¡± Bo Jingshen had just begun when he saw a few people entering the caf¨¦.

    The project team members they had dinner withst night looked exhausted.

    Bo Jingshen handed his phone to Assistant Qiu and approached them.

    Xiao Zhang and Xiao Zhou from the project team looked worried.

    Xiao Zhang, ¡°What now!

    The driver isn¡¯ting anytime soon, is he?¡±

    Xiao Zhou, ¡°He¡¯s not.

    His car is stuck at a gas station on the way.

    It¡¯s too dangerous to drive in this weather!¡±

    Xiao Zhang anxiously scratched his head, ¡°What do we do about Mr.

    Su?

    If something happens to Mr.

    Su, how do we exin to Mr.

    Gu?¡±

    Xiao Zhou, ¡°Should we¡­

    should we call Mr.

    Gu and inform him of the situation first?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the situation?¡±

    A low, icy male voice suddenly reached their ears.

    The project team turned their heads to see a familiar yet stern face.

    Xiao Zhang, ¡°Mr¡­

    Mr.

    Bo?¡±

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s voice was low and deep, ¡°What did you just say?

    Wasn¡¯t Su Lu with you inspecting the project?

    What happened to her?

    Where is she now!¡±

    The project team felt more pressure facing this man than reporting directly to Mr.

    Gu.

    ¡°Mr.

    Su¡­

    Mr.

    Su¡­¡± Xiao Zhou stammered.

    Xiao Zhang, ¡°Mr.

    Su is still at the project site.

    In this weather, the driver stopped midway and couldn¡¯t pick her up.

    Mr.

    Su is probably¡­

    stranded at the site.¡±

    The middle-aged dark-skinned man beside them was the project site manager, looking a bit moreposed.

    He spoke in a deep voice, ¡°As long as Mr.

    Su can find a ce to hide temporarily, there shouldn¡¯t be any danger.¡±

    Bo Jingshen looked at him coldly, ¡°Are you sure about that?¡±

    ¡°Wha¡­

    what?¡± The originally calm manager now felt suffocated by Bo Jingshen¡¯s presence.

    Bo Jingshen stared at him, ¡°Are you sure?

    Are you certain Su Lu won¡¯t be in danger, stranded at the construction site during a typhoon?

    Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°I¡­

    I¡­¡± The manager couldn¡¯t find the words to respond.

    Bo Jingshen, ¡°What if she is in danger?

    How will youpensate me?

    How will youpensate me!¡±

    The manager couldn¡¯t speak, seeing the young man¡¯s eyes filled with blood streaks.

    Like a trapped beast.

    Assistant Qiu, who held the phone, had not disconnected the call.

    Jiang Li on the other end heard the whole situation, feeling waves of shock.

    Jiang Li, ¡°What on earth is going on!¡±

    Assistant Qiu, ¡°Second young master, this¡­¡±

    Jiang Li quickly calmed down, ¡°Contact the local search and rescue team immediately.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    ¡°Give the phone to Bo.¡±

    Assistant Qiu handed the phone to Bo Jingshen at once.

    Jiang Li knew Bo Jingshen was not someone easily losing control.

    During a major crisis at thepany, he had never seen Bo Jingshen lose hisposure.

    But now, his emotions were visibly out of control, making Jiang Li uneasy.

    ¡°Bo, don¡¯t worry.

    I¡¯ll have Xiao Qiu contact the local search and rescue team.

    It¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Bo Jingshen¡¯s voice was deep, ¡°I¡¯ll go myself.¡±

 Chapter 11 - 11 The 11th It Wasnt a Delusion After All

    ?11: The 11th Chapter: It Wasn¡¯t a Delusion After All   11: The 11th Chapter: It Wasn¡¯t a Delusion After All       Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                                Although Su Lu was hiding in the unfinished main building, she still felt the immense power of the storm.

    Because the wind was so strong, the rain was almost blowing in horizontally!

    The moisture was swept in by the fierce wind, making everything wet even inside the main building.

    The corner where Su Lu was hiding was the only dry spot she found after being sshed by the rain several times.

    But it was still cold.

    She was soaked to the skin, and the drafty building with no doors or windows was filled with bone-chilling wind.

    Su Lu huddled in the corner against the wall, feeling feverish and very groggy.

    The already low battery of her phone waspletely drained, and she had no idea how much time had passed.

    In her daze, she seemed to hear someone calling her name.

    ¡°Su Lu!

    Su Lu!¡±

    Who?

    Who is calling me?

    Su Lu thought in a daze, ¡°Am I hallucinating?¡± I actually thought I heard Bo Jingshen¡¯s voice.

    She shook her head, which only made her headache and dizziness worse.

    But the seemingly hallucinatory voice didn¡¯t disappear; the sound was small and fragmented, as if blown away by the wind.

    ¡°Su Lu!

    Su Lu!

    Where are you!¡±

    Su Lu¡¯s parched lips moved slightly.

    ¡°Bo¡­

    Jingshen.¡± She murmured like a mosquito¡¯s whisper.

    She could no longer hold on.

    Her slender body, huddling in the corner, slid sideways.

    Shey on the dusty and gritty cement floor.

    ¡°Su Lu!¡±

    A deep male voice, filled with urgency, grew closer.

    The sky was dark, and the main building was even darker.

    In the dim light, Bo Jingshen saw the slender body curled up in the corner.

    Silent, disheveled, and fragile.

    An invisible hand squeezed his heart tightly.

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s throat tightened, and his voice trembled.

    ¡°Su Xiaolu.¡±

    Su Lu struggled to open her eyes.

    She could hear footstepsing closer.

    When she opened her eyes¡­

    Her breath almost stopped in her throat.

    In the dim light, the tall silhouette against the light, was a man running towards her from the pouring rain and howling wind with arge backpack.

    Tears slid down from the corner of Su Lu¡¯s eyes.

    Clearly¡­

    she hadn¡¯t thought of crying when she was in such a predicament.

    But now she couldn¡¯t control it.

    Bo Jingshen reached out and touched her burning skin.

    ¡°Damn it!

    What on earth are you inspecting in such terrible weather?

    Are you going to starve to death if you don¡¯t work this hard?¡± He said angrily.

    Su Lu raised her hand, lightly grasped his fingers, ¡°Ah Shen.¡±

    Her voice was slightly hoarse and very weak.

    And this was a name she hadn¡¯t heard for many years.

    Bo Jingshen paused, and all his anger vanished in an instant.

    Without saying a word, he put therge backpack he was carrying aside.

    The waterproof backpack was well-prepared.

    There were vacuum-packed hotel nkets, bottled water, energy bars, and a small first aid kit withmon medicines and simple wound treatment supplies.

    Su Lu, though groggy and cloudy, was very obedient and swallowed the antipyretic pill sent to her mouth.

    She let him wrap her in the dry nket.

    Her whole body felt ufortable, but there was a sense of security.

    Before falling into a deep sleep, she nced at him in a daze.

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s face¡­

    why is it so pale?

    But she couldn¡¯t ponder any longer.

    She fell into a deep sleep, which was more like aa than sleep.

    In her sleep, she seemed to be held tightly, as if it was that longed-for embrace.

    When she woke up again, she was already in the hospital.

    She was wearing striped hospital pajamas with a drip in her hand.

    ¡°You¡¯re awake!¡± The nurse just came in.

    Su Lu: ¡°How long¡­

    did I sleep?¡±

    Nurse: ¡°Your fever was very high.

    Since you were brought in this morning, you haven¡¯t slept for long.¡±

    Su Lu: ¡°Who¡­

    brought me in?¡±

    Nurse: ¡°The ambnce.

    The rain and wind lessened a bit this morning, and the ambnce brought you back.¡±

    The nurse came over and adjusted her drip speed.

    ¡°You¡¯re from out of town, aren¡¯t you?

    Going to a construction site during a typhoon is too dangerous.

    Fortunately, you only caught a cold and had a high fever, no injuries.¡±

    Su Lu lowered her eyes and softly responded, ¡°Mm.¡±

    The nurse¡¯s next words, however, made her suddenly raise her eyes.

    Nurse: ¡°The gentleman who was brought in with you was not so lucky.

    He has a long cut on his back.

    Thankfully, there are no internal injuries, but he lost a lot of blood.¡±

    Su Lu¡¯s body shook.

    It turned out¡­

    it wasn¡¯t her imagination.

    It turned out, he really went to find her.

    Su Lu suddenly remembered the face she saw before she passed out¡­

    that pale, handsome face.

    At that time, was Bo Jingshen already injured?

    Nurse: ¡°Hey!

    What are you doing?

    The drip is not finished yet!¡±

    Su Lu pulled out the needle and got out of bed.

    She had already rushed to the ward door but suddenly realized she had to look back at the nurse.

    ¡°Where is he?¡±

    The nurse was taken aback, ¡°What?

    Who?¡±

    ¡°The gentleman who was brought in with me!

    Where is he?¡± Her voice was urgent.

    ¡°Room V27¡­¡±

    The VIP ward floor was not as busy and noisy as the usual hospital floors.

    The corridor was very quiet.

    Su Lu walked to the door of Room V27.

    Jiang Li¡¯s voice came from the half-open ward door.

    ¡°You mean, you¡¯re still nning to attend that exhibition?

    You really don¡¯t let minor injuries stop you.¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t affect me.¡±

    ¡°Well, it doesn¡¯t affect you, but at least you got injured honorably.

    Even the doctor said you were pretty tough.

    Driving around in a typhoon, weren¡¯t you afraid that a tree might fall and crush your car?¡±

    ¡°Keep cursing, thank you very much.¡±

    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m not cursing.

    I¡¯m just worried, man.

    The flight was canceled.

    I got here all the way from Feng City by train and car.

    This is the most sincere friendship, okay?

    Uh¡­

    you and Su Lu¡­

    never mind, I won¡¯t ask.¡±

    Jiang Li didn¡¯t really think there was something wrong with Bo Jingshen being with a woman.

    He just didn¡¯t quite understand, why Su Lu?

    It seemed¡­

    there was an old me?

    But Jiang Li didn¡¯t dare to ask more.

    Su Lu stood outside the door, and her hand hanging by her side trembled slightly.

    He actually¡­

    drove to the construction site to find her in such weather.

    Even the driver didn¡¯t dare to drive there and stopped at a gas station halfway to avoid the storm.

    But Bo Jingshen¡­

    Su Lu raised her slightly trembling hand, ready to push the door and enter.

    Suddenly, a cold and indifferent female voice came from behind, ¡°Who are you?

    Why are you standing at the door eavesdropping?¡±

    Su Lu turned around and saw a beautiful woman standing behind her, looking at her with scrutinizing eyes.

    Wearing a tailored suit that highlighted her slender figure, she looked sharp and crisp.

    Her beauty was stunningly obvious.

    Su Lu suddenly thought of the name mentioned by the captain in the conversation with Bo Jingshen when they got off the ne¡ªCainan.

    Zhuang Cai Nan¡¯s face showed a hint of fatigue she couldn¡¯t hide.

    She waved her hand, ¡°Forget it.

    Step aside.¡±

    Then she brushed past Su Lu and pushed the door into the ward.

 Chapter 12 - 12 12 Living off Appearance

    ?12: Chapter 12 Living off Appearance   12: Chapter 12 Living off Appearance       Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                                ¡°Hey?

    You¡¯re here, Cainan?

    I thought the typhoon would dy your flight.¡±

    Jiang Li spoke and nced past Zhuang Cai Nan, noticing Su Lu standing at the door with a slightly awkward expression, ¡°Miss Su is here too¡­¡±

    Su Lu was in a dilemma, neither able to enter nor retreat, and could only nod gently while standing at the door.

    ¡°I¡¯m here to check on Mr.

    Bo¡¯s injury and thank him.

    If it¡¯s inconvenient¡­¡±

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s inconvenient.

    Please leave.¡± Zhuang Cai Nan, though looking tired, refused decisively, taking over unhesitatingly.

    Even though she had just arrived, she already knew the reason behind Jingshen¡¯s injury.

    ¡°Let her in.¡± A deep male voice came from inside the ward.

    Zhuang Cai Nan frowned and looked sideways, ¡°Jingshen!¡±

    ¡°Alright.

    I¡¯ve arranged a room for you at Wanli International in the High-tech District.

    You just arrived, so take a rest first.

    Handle matters for the exhibition with that temporary assistant, Xiao Qiu.

    I¡¯m fine here.¡±

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s voice was indifferent and calm, arranging a room far from the city center but close to the exhibition center for Zhuang Cai Nan.

    ¡°Additionally¡­¡± Bo Jingshen paused, ¡°The car was damaged.

    Take care of the follow-uppensation matters.¡±

    Su Lu, outside the door, felt a shock.

    Was he really hit by a tree in his car during the typhoon?

    He looked at Jiang Li, ¡°Let her in.¡±

    Jiang Li: ¡°Uh¡­¡±

    Jiang Li winked at Su Lu and gestured, ¡°Miss Su, pleasee in?¡±

    Zhuang Cai Nan¡¯s stare was unrelenting, with no warmth at all.

    Although quite awkward, concern outweighed the awkwardness.

    Su Lu braved the embarrassment and walked in.

    Entering the small hall of the suite ward, she turned her head towards the inner room.

    The man on the hospital bed happened to be getting up, his back to the hall, putting on a shirt.

    The muscles of his shoulders and back were beautifully and evenly toned.

    However, ring white, thick bandages stretched diagonally from his shoulder across his back, with faintly seeping blood, forming ring red stains.

    Moreover, there seemed to be some old scars on areas of his back not covered by the bandages.

    Su Lu racked her brain for all previous memories but couldn¡¯t remember seeing these scars on his back before.

    During college, Bo Jingshen was on the swimming team, and with Hai City being near the sea, they had often gone to seaside resorts for dates.

    At that time, his back had no such scars.

    Just like when she found out he had a fear of flying due to a past ne crash.

    Su Lu couldn¡¯t help but think, what exactly had he¡­

    been through?

    Bo Jingshen finished buttoning his hospital gown and turned around, noticing her slightly reddened eyes.

    Su Lu quickly lowered her gaze.

    ¡°Sickness has passed?¡±

    ¡°Mm.¡±

    Bo Jingshen slightly raised his hand, as if out of an old habit¡­

    He used to always raise his hand like this, waving lightly and smiling, calling her, Su Xiaolu,e here quickly.

    When Su Lu saw him raise his hand, she instinctively felt like taking a step forward.

    But his hand stopped halfway, so did her motion.

    Bo Jingshen nced at Jiang Li, who was still looking over, ¡°What are you standing there for?¡±

    Jiang Li nced at him, ¡°Hey, when there¡¯s a girl¡­¡±

    Before finishing his sentence, he saw Zhuang Cai Nan¡¯s unusually sullen face and changed his tone, ¡°Cainan, let¡¯s go.

    I¡¯ll take you to the hotel.¡±

    Zhuang Cai Nan seemed to muster all her strength to resist the urge to say something more.

    ¡°President Bo, I¡¯ll leave now.¡± She addressed him differently, speaking calmly.

    After Jiang Li and Zhuang Cai Nan left,

    Bo Jingshen then looked at Su Lu, ¡°Sit.¡±

    Su Lu: ¡°Are you¡­

    alright?¡±

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°Are you feeling better?¡±

    They spoke simultaneously.

    Su Lu nodded, ¡°I¡¯m much better, but you¡­¡±

    She frowned and looked at his shoulder.

    Bo Jingshen lifted the corner of his lips, with a smile that was either teasing or mocking.

    ¡°Worried?¡±

    He leaned closer, suddenly reducing the distance between them.

    Su Lu could almost smell the cold cedar scent from him mixed with the faint smell of disinfectant in the ward, a uniquebination that still unsettled her.

    She held her breath.

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°So¡­ are you more worried about me, or more worried about Gu Xin finding out?¡±

    Su Lu instinctively wanted to say, of course, she was more worried about him.

    What would it matter if Gu Xin found out about this?

    But before she could say it, she already realized the meaning behind the man¡¯s smile.

    It was mocking.

    She pressed her lips together and said nothing.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Bo Jingshen said indifferently, ¡°Instead of worrying about me, you should think about how to deal with Gu Xin.

    When I went to find you, all his project team members were there.

    They also brought an ambnce to the construction site in the morning, bringing us back to the city hospital.¡±

    Clearly, those who could once find warmth in each other¡¯s embrace during a storm, now turned every word into cold, sharp words.

    Su Lu thought she could adapt, but the words still pierced her deeply.

    ¡°This, there¡¯s no need for you to worry about me.¡± Su Lu stood up, ¡°Since you¡¯re fine, I¡¯ll¡­¡±

    ¡°There is something.¡± Bo Jingshen interrupted her, his long eyes ncing at her sideways, ¡°Sit.¡±

    Su Lu was stunned, standing still.

    Not long after, there was a knock at the door.

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°Come in.¡±

    A man in a white coat walked in, looking around thirty years old, with a badge on his chest that read: Director of Medical Aesthetics, Qu Kai.

    ¡°Doctor Qu.¡±

    ¡°Ah, hello, Mr.

    Bo, right?¡± Doctor Qu smiled, ¡°I¡¯ve just looked at your medical record.

    The wound on your back hasn¡¯t healed yet, it will be some time before any treatment can be done.

    Besides, the sutures used were already cosmetic stitches.

    It¡¯s better to wait for it to heal and see the results.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not for me.¡± Bo Jingshen tilted his head toward Su Lu, ¡°Please take a look at the scar on her face.¡±

    ¡°Oh, oh!

    I see.¡± Doctor Qu turned to look at Su Lu.

    By now, Su Lu already knew this was the expert Cheng Youran had mentioned from the First Affiliated Hospital in Hai City for scar removal.

    Doctor Qu looked closely at the scar on the corner of Su Lu¡¯s eye.

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°How is it?¡±

    Doctor Qu looked at him.

    This Mr.

    Bo, though his back was full of scars that could hold a meeting for, seemed not to be the least worried.

    Yet, from his voice, Doctor Qu could sense a well-hidden tension over the tiny scar on thisdy¡¯s corner of the eye.

    ¡°It¡¯s not a big problem.

    The stitching was done well, and the healing is good too.

    Just one round of treatment and some topical medication is needed.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡±

    After Doctor Qu left, Su Lu thanked him softly, ¡°Thank you, I heard this Professor Qu is hard to get an appointment with.¡±

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°Knowing it¡¯s hard to get, you should be more careful, don¡¯t end up wounded and scarred everywhere.¡±

    Su Lu nced at him, ¡°Your scars on the back¡­¡±

    Bo Jingshen curled his lips, ¡°Heartache?¡±

    Su Lu¡¯s eyes flickered.

    His long fingers reached over, lightly brushing her forehead, and it felt like a string in her heart had been plucked gently.

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I don¡¯t rely on my back to make a living.¡±

    Su Lu: ¡°¡­¡± So is she supposed to rely on her face to make a living?

 Chapter 13 - 13 13 You Accompany Me

    ?13: Chapter 13 You Apany Me   13: Chapter 13 You Apany Me       Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                            The nurse came in to inform her.

    ¡°Miss Su, someone is here to visit you.

    They¡¯re in your room now.¡±

    ¡°Got it, thank you, I¡¯m heading over now.¡±

    After Su Lu finished speaking, she couldn¡¯t help but nce at Bo Jingshen.

    Bo Jingshen, ¡°Go ahead.

    I need to take a shower anyway.¡±

    Su Lu¡¯s eyes widened, ¡°Are you crazy?¡±

    Bo Jingshen seemed to only then realize that being injured meant many of his actions were restricted.

    He frowned, ¡°Tsk, troublesome.

    Well, at least I can wash my hair.¡±

    He had spent the night on that dusty, gravelly cement ground at the construction site, and now he felt utterly ufortable.

    Su Lu still felt uneasy.

    If the bandages on his shoulders got wet, an infection wouldn¡¯t be a joke¡­

    Bo Jingshen looked at her with a half-smile, ¡°If you¡¯re that worried, why don¡¯t you help me wash up?¡±

    He said it casually, just teasing.

    Unexpectedly, Su Lu only paused for a moment before nodding, ¡°Okay, wait for me.¡±

    Su Lu got up and went to her room to deal with the visitor.

    Bo Jingshen watched her leave, a self-deprecating smile tugging at his lips.

    But he didn¡¯t go to the bathroom to wash his hair after all.

    The difort from the dust and dirt didn¡¯t seem so unbearable anymore.

    When Su Lu returned to her room, she saw a few members of the project team waiting with baskets of flowers and fruits.

    As soon as they saw her, they all began to apologize.

    Xiao Zhou, ¡°We¡¯re really sorry, Mr.

    Su, for causing you such an unwarranted disaster.¡±

    Su Lu, ¡°Natural disasters are beyond anyone¡¯s control.

    I¡¯m fine, you don¡¯t need to me yourselves so much.¡±

    Xiao Zhou, ¡°We couldn¡¯t reach you by phone, so Mr.

    Gu called me.

    If you have time¡­¡±

    Su Lu, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll call him back.¡±

    Xiao Zhou and Xiao Zhang sat for a while.

    Seeing that Su Lu really didn¡¯t seem to me them, they gradually became less tense.

    ¡°Yesterday¡­¡± Su Lu hesitated for a moment but couldn¡¯t help asking, ¡°How did he know I was stuck at the site?

    How did he¡­

    head over there alone?¡±

    Xiao Zhang felt a bit awkward, considering they were part of Gu Xin¡¯s project team.

    Discussing another man in front of their boss¡¯s wife¡­

    how could it not be awkward?

    So Xiao Zhang recounted what happened, though not verbatim, but mentioned Bo Jingshen¡¯s anxiety at the time.

    Su Lu¡¯s heart was shaken.

    The project team didn¡¯t stay long.

    After they left, Su Lu charged her phone and turned it on.

    The flood of missed call notifications nearly numbed her hand.

    Calls from Gu Xin, Cheng Youran, Su Yukan could be expected.

    But even Su Jiao and her mother, Zhu Xinyan, had called.

    And President Liu too?

    Su Luughed self-deprecatingly, ¡°Did I be the center of the universe overnight?¡±

    She returned Cheng Youran¡¯s call but didn¡¯t get through.

    She might be in surgery or busy.

    Then she called Gu Xin.

    ¡°Xiaolu?!

    Are you alright?¡± Gu Xin¡¯s voice was anxious.

    Su Lu, ¡°I¡¯m fine, don¡¯t worry.¡±

    Gu Xin, ¡°How can I not worry?

    You were trapped at the site in a typhoon!¡±

    Su Lu, ¡°An ident.¡±

    Gu Xin, ¡°Make sure it doesn¡¯t happen again.

    Su Zhe ising back.

    I¡¯ve always thought¡­

    is it because the scandal between Xiao Xi and me came out?

    He thinks you were wronged and ising back to deal with me.¡±

    Su Luughed, ¡°Not at all, my brother has a good temper.¡±

    Gu Xin, ¡°That¡¯s only towards you!

    Anyway, it¡¯s good you¡¯re okay.

    If anything had happened to you, Su Zhe would have skinned me alive.¡±

    After a pause, Gu Xin hesitated for a while.

    Then he asked, ¡°I heard from the project team, Bo Jingshen he¡­¡±

    Su Lu, ¡°Yes.¡±

    The project team didn¡¯t just say a little.

    Gu Xin, ¡°You and him¡­¡±

    Su Lu remained silent, and Gu Xin didn¡¯t push the matter.

    Gu Xin, ¡°Anyway, as long as you¡¯re happy.

    Oh, right.¡±

    Su Lu, ¡°Hmm?¡±

    Ayer of displeasure slowly surfaced in Gu Xin¡¯s voice, ¡°Your father called me, asking about your ce in Hai City.

    I wasn¡¯t sure what he was nning, so I didn¡¯t tell him.¡±

    ¡°Okay, thanks.¡± Su Lu thought of needing to help that man wash his hair and didn¡¯t want to say more, ending the call.

    As for the calls from Su Yukan, Su Jiao, Zhu Xinyan, and President Liu, Su Lu directly ignored them, with no intention of calling back.

    When she reached Bo Jingshen¡¯s room, she heard the sound of water flowing from the bathroom.

    Was he really taking a shower with those injuries?!

    Su Lu hurriedly walked towards the bathroom.

    But a deep voice came from behind, ¡°If I had really gone in to wash my hair and shower, would you have barged in?¡±

    Su Lu stopped in her tracks.

    The man was sitting on a high stool by the small bar in the living room area, drinking a cup of coffee.

    The pure taste of Mandheling, something he had long been ustomed to.

    The bitterness inside him was so much that even the bitterest coffee over the years seemed sweetpared to it.

    But now, for some reason, it tasted bitter again.

    Seeing him frown slightly, Su Lu hesitated, ¡°You¡¯re still injured, maybe you shouldn¡¯t drink coffee?¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± Bo Jingshen put down the cup and got up, speaking matter-of-factly, ¡°Then make me some sugar water.¡±

    Yesterday heined it was too sweet!

    Su Lu had no interest in arguing with an injured man, especially since this one was hurt because of her.

    She made the sugar water.

    Today he didn¡¯tin it was too sweet and drank it with satisfaction.

    ¡°How was it, dealing with Gu Xin?¡± The man¡¯s voice carried a hidden sharpness.

    Su Lu could notprehend whether it was the anger and hatred from the humiliation of her marrying Gu Xin years ago,

    making him resentfully jab at her every time Gu Xin was mentioned.

    Or was it because¡­

    he still had lingering feelings for her and was jealous?

    Su Lu didn¡¯t dare think of thetter.

    Just thinking it made her feel too shameless.

    She didn¡¯t answer his question, just said, ¡°Let¡¯s wash your hair.¡±

    Su Lu brought a basin by the bed so Bo Jingshen could lie down and have his hair washed.

    She had grown up in the Su Family, not exactly pampered properly, but she had never served anyone.

    So her skills were¡­

    not great.

    Bo Jingshen even felt some spots were missed, but he couldn¡¯t help a slight smile.

    But Su Lu thought she did quite well.

    When she felt the washing was done, she took a towel to dry his hair.

    Bo Jingshen said, ¡°If you opened a hair salon¡­¡±

    Su Lu blinked at him, ¡°Could I make money?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯d lose so much you¡¯d have to sell blood.¡±

    Su Lu didn¡¯t want to talk to him anymore.

    Bo Jingshen didn¡¯t change back into a hospital gown.

    He wore a well-tailored shirt.

    With his hair dried, he looked ready to go out.

    Su Lu, ¡°Are you getting discharged?¡±

    Bo Jingshen, ¡°Are you nning on staying here?¡±

    That wasn¡¯t the case.

    Before Su Lu could respond, the man had already ced his hand on her forehead, ¡°Your fever has mostly gone, get discharged.¡±

    It was alright for her to be discharged, but his back injury¡­

    Bo Jingshen, ¡°I have to attend the exhibition this afternoon, you wille with me.¡±

    Jiang Li wasn¡¯t wrong, he really couldn¡¯t stay off the battlefield even with minor injuries.

 Chapter 14 - 14 14 Cure-all

    ?14: Chapter 14 Cure-all   14: Chapter 14 Cure-all       Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                                Su Lu didn¡¯t refuse.

    She had no reason to, and she didn¡¯t want to refuse anyway.

    The wind and rain outside were still strong, butpared to the storm yesterday, it was much gentler.

    The car parked in front of the inpatient building was no longer the one Bo Jingshen had yesterday.

    Instead, it was another car, a heavy and solid ck SUV that drove steadily on the road.

    This driver had good driving skills, but he was a bit overly friendly.

    Su Lu, sitting in the back seat, asked softly, ¡°Your car from yesterday¡­¡±

    She seemed to have overheard in the conversation between him and Zhuang Cai Nan outside the ward that the car had been damaged.

    Before Bo Jingshen could respond,

    The overly friendly driver started talking tirelessly, ¡°It got smashed up!

    I was the one who went to bring it back this morning.

    Oh, it was dangerous!

    The roof was deformed, the ss was cracked, the sunroof waspletely destroyed.

    Mr.

    Bo was really lucky that the main impact was on the roof above the passenger seat and the back seat, otherwise it would¡¯ve been a disaster.

    The injury on Mr.

    Bo¡¯s back was caused by the shattered sunroof ss.¡±

    Even without witnessing it herself, the driver¡¯s vivid description made Su Lu¡¯s heart race and her throat tighten.

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°¡­¡± Who found this driver, Jiang Er?

    Su Lu turned to nce at him.

    ¡°Do you still say we¡¯re even now?¡± Bo Jingshen raised an eyebrow.

    Su Lu was stunned, her cheeks flushing.

    How could he joke about something so serious?

    She turned to look out of the car window.

    Although she hadn¡¯t visited Hai City much in five years,

    She at least remembered some of the roads from her time in college here.

    Looking at the route, Su Lu was puzzled, ¡°This¡­

    isn¡¯t the way to the exhibition hall.¡±

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°The exhibition opens this afternoon.

    We¡¯re going to the hotel first.¡±

    The typhoon yesterday had a significant impact, and the exhibition opening was postponed until today.

    Su Lu: ¡°This isn¡¯t the way to the hotel either.¡±

    Bo Jingshen didn¡¯t answer her, but they arrived soon enough.

    The car stopped at the entrance of an upscale shopping mall.

    No matter how windy and rainy it was outside, the mall was always brightly lit and felt like spring year-round.

    ¡°Good morning, how can I help you?¡±

    The sales associates in the brand stores were very perceptive, instantly recognizing potential customers.

    Seeing them both dressed fashionably, they immediately weed them enthusiastically.

    Su Lu didn¡¯t understand what was so extraordinary about her outfit, with a hospital gown covered by a shirt.

    She just felt she was benefiting from Bo Jingshen¡¯s presence.

    Her clothes had gotten dirty at the construction site yesterday, and she didn¡¯t have a temporary assistant like Xiao Qiu to bring her clean clothes.

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°Pick out two outfits for her and a formal dress.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Su Lu didn¡¯t act coy and followed the sales associate into the fitting room.

    She casually ced her phone and small bag on the coffee table in front of the sofa.

    Bo Jingshen sat on the sofa, waiting.

    Suddenly, her phone¡¯s screen lit up on the coffee table.

    An iing call, silent on mute, with the caller¡¯s name shing on the screen ¨C President Liu.

    Bo Jingshen recalled instantly, President Liu = that greasy bald man from the dinner.

    A hint of anger shed in his eyes.

    Before he could reach to decline the call, it hung up.

    Shortly after, a text message came in.

    He didn¡¯t need to open it to see the brief preview.

    ¡°Xiaolu, I heard you¡¯re feeling downtely and went to Hai City?

    How about I apany you for a rxing trip¡­¡±

    Soon, a second message came in.

    ¡°Xiaolu, I bought you a bag.

    When should we meet so I can give it to you¡­¡±

    Bo Jingshen nced coldly at the luxurious women¡¯s bag disy bathed in the dazzling lights nearby.

    When Su Lu came out of the fitting room, she saw the man sitting on the sofa in the lounge area, looking cool and distinguished, casually flipping through his phone.

    At his feet on the floor, several exquisite shopping bags were neatly ced.

    Hearing a sound, Bo Jingshen raised his eyes towards the fitting room.

    There was a brief pause when his gaze met hers.

    Su Lu was always known for her beauty.

    Unlike aggressive and striking beauty, Su Lu¡¯s beauty was subtle and gentle.

    She was always beautiful, and at times, she could take one¡¯s breath away unexpectedly.

    Like now.

    She wore a starry-night purple off-shoulder bodycon dress, entuating her graceful figure, revealing her pale and beautiful shoulders and corbone.

    Beneath the dress hem, a pair of straight, fair legs caught the eye.

    Her long, soft, and dense hair cascaded down her back.

    Her features were as picturesque as ever, still beautiful and gentle even without makeup.

    The sales associate led her to the full-length mirror.

    ¡°This dress suits you perfectly,¡± the sales associate genuinely praised.

    Su Lu nodded slightly.

    A deep male voice came from behind, ¡°We¡¯ll take this one.¡±

    The sales associate¡¯s eyes lit up, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll wrap it up for you.¡±

    The other two casual outfits were also nice.

    Su Lu changed into one of them, which had soft lines but a sharp style.

    When she came out, she saw Bo Jingshen signing the POS receipt.

    Su Lu was stunned, ¡°I can buy them myself.¡±

    Though she didn¡¯t have the wealth to afford a Gulfstream G650, she could still manage to buy a few outfits.

    Bo Jingshen just gave her a sidelong nce, his hand continuing to sign the receipt.

    In front of the sales associate, Su Lu didn¡¯t bother being polite anymore.

    It was just a few outfits; she didn¡¯t decline again.

    Unexpectedly, Bo Jingshen handed her those shopping bags when they got back into the car.

    Su Lu: ¡°For me?¡±

    ¡°I heard handbags cure all ailments.¡± Bo Jingshen nced sideways at her, ¡°Take them to ward off bad luck.¡±

    Su Lu looked at the several shopping bags, her lips curving slightly, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Remembering her promise to Jiang Li to take good care of Bo Jingshen, Su Lu felt a bit guilty, softly muttering, ¡°I really don¡¯t know who¡¯s taking care of whom.¡±

    Her voice was faint.

    Whether Bo Jingshen heard it or not was uncertain.

    The car soon arrived at the hotel.

    ¡°Rest well,e with me to the exhibition this afternoon,¡± Bo Jingshen said before heading to his room.

    Su Lu couldn¡¯t help herself, reaching out to stop him.

    Bo Jingshen raised an eyebrow at her, ¡°Hm?¡±

    ¡°Your¡­

    back injury, don¡¯t take a bath.¡±

    He smiled at her words, grabbed her wrist, ¡°If you¡¯re that worried, you might as well move into my room to personally, supervise?¡±

    The wrist he held felt like it was on fire, and Su Lu quickly withdrew her hand.

    She entered and closed her room door in one swift motion.

    Bo Jingshen stood in front of the closed suite door, looking down at his fingers, as if the soft and cool touch of her wrist lingered at his fingertips.

    After a moment, he swiped his card and entered his suite.

    Holding his phone, he dialed a number.

    His voice was cold.

    ¡°Investigate Liu Qiming for me.¡±

    The voice on the other end was steady and businesslike, ¡°Alright, sir.

    I will get back to you as soon as possible.¡±

    ¡°What about the media I mentioned before?¡± Bo Jingshen lit a cigarette, the smell of tobo filling the air.

    ¡°Rest assured, it has been handled properly.¡±

    Only then did Bo Jingshen hang up the phone, the smoke clouding his eyes.

    The woman staying in the adjacent suite was mild-tempered.

    She didn¡¯t pursue the incident even when a tabloid media crew ruined her appearance with a camera.

    But Bo Jingshen had a nasty temper and wasn¡¯t easy to deal with.

    As for that greasy bald man, Liu Qiming?

    A look of viciousness shadowed the man¡¯s handsome face.

 Chapter 15 - 15 15 Sense of Crisis

    ?15: Chapter 15: Sense of Crisis   15: Chapter 15: Sense of Crisis       Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                                Su Lu had been trapped at the construction site sincest night, falling unconscious due to a fever.

    She only woke up this morning.

    Having slept for quite some time, she wasn¡¯t really that sleepy.

    She filled the bathtub with hot water and took a bath to rx a bit.

    Coming out of the bathroom, she felt much more refreshed.

    While drying her hair, she walked over to the table to get the clothes she had just bought to change into.

    Her gaze, however, fell on an invitation letter pressed under a paperweight with the hotel¡¯s logo on the table¡­

    an invitation letter?

    The envelope of the invitation was aurora blue with aser effect, giving it a high-tech feel.

    Huaxia District Intelligent New Technology Exhibition.

    ¡°When¡­

    was this ced here?¡± Su Lu opened it and looked.

    This was an internal invitation for the technology exhibition, which not only allowed entry into the exhibition hall but also granted ess to the conference hall to attend speeches.

    The speeches in the conference hall were given by prominent figures in various fields, akin to TED conferences, and not everyone had the qualifications to enter the conference hall to watch the speeches.

    Su Lu blinked, unable to resist picking up the phone on the table and dialing the front desk.

    ¡°Hello, this is the front desk.

    How may I assist you?¡±

    ¡°Hello, I¡¯m the guest of room 2017.

    I¡¯d like to ask if anyone entered my room today¡­

    or yesterday?¡±

    Hearing this, the receptionist immediately took a cautious tone, ¡°2017¡­

    Miss Su, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Did you lose any items?¡± The sound of keyboard tapping came from the other end, ¡°Upon checking, only the housekeeping staff entered your room for routine cleaning.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­

    I see.¡± Su Lu pondered, ¡°Could you please ask the housekeeper who cleaned my room toe over?

    I have some questions.¡±

    The front desk agreed right away.

    Soon, someone knocked on the door.

    The housekeepingdy appeared nervous, worried that the guest may have lost something and intended to cause trouble.

    But Su Lu¡¯s gentle smile eased her tension, allowing the housekeeper to breathe a sigh of relief.

    ¡°Sorry to trouble you.

    Please don¡¯t be nervous.

    I just wanted to ask¡­¡±

    Su Lu picked up the invitation letter on the table, ¡°Who ced this in my room?

    Do you know when it was ced here?¡±

    The housekeeper quickly said, ¡°Yes, I know!¡±

    ¡°It was just before ten o¡¯clock yesterday morning.

    You had left, and I came for routine cleaning.

    The gentleman living opposite your room happened to go out and asked if you had checked out.

    I told him I was just doing routine cleaning, and he asked me to put this on your table.¡±

    ¡°You both checked in at the same time, so I didn¡¯t think it was a problem and put it on your table.

    Is¡­

    is there any issue with this?¡±

    Listening to the housekeeper, Su Lu blinked her eyes gently, then smiled lightly and shook her head, ¡°No, there¡¯s no issue.

    Thank you.¡±

    She took out a few bills from her wallet as a tip and handed them over.

    The housekeeper epted them with many thanks and left.

    At lunchtime, there was a knock at the door.

    Room service had wheeled in a dining cart into her room.

    Su Lu hadn¡¯t ordered room service, but she already knew who had ced the order.

    As the waiter set the tes covered with stainless steel domes on the table, one dish after another, he said, ¡°Mr.

    Bo from room 2018 ordered this for you.

    Enjoy your meal.¡±

    The server gently closed the door as he left.

    Sitting before the feast of delicacies, Su Lu suddenly had the urge to go over and invite him to join her.

    She even stood up but then sat back down again.

    She ate silently.

    After quietly enjoying her lunch, Su Lu checked the time, then got up and left her room, knocking on the suite door opposite.

    But the door remained closed, with no response from inside.

    Su Lu raised her hand to knock again, but the ding of the elevator opening nearby sounded first.

    ¡°Miss Su!¡± Xiao Qiu saw her and quickly approached.

    ¡°You are¡­?¡± Su Lu didn¡¯t recognize the young man before her.

    ¡°My surname is Qiu.

    I¡¯m President Bo¡¯s temporary assistant in Hai City.

    Nice to meet you.¡± Assistant Qiu introduced himself.

    ¡°Oh, hello.¡± Su Lu nodded.

    Assistant Qiu said, ¡°President Bo asked me to pick you up.

    The weather outside is still not too good, so it¡¯s better not to drive yourself.¡±

    Su Lu asked, ¡°Where¡¯s Bo Jingshen¡­?¡±

    Assistant Qiu kept it brief, ¡°President Bo had some urgent matters, so¡­

    rest assured, you will meet him at the exhibition.¡±

    Su Lu didn¡¯t ask further.

    On the way to the exhibition, she remained silent.

    The driver kept a steady pace.

    Assistant Qiu sat in the front passenger seat.

    His phone vibrated once in his pocket.

    He nced at the message, then turned to Su Lu.

    He asked, ¡°Miss Su, did you enjoy your lunch?¡±

    Su Lu found his question sudden, but answered politely, ¡°Yes, very much.

    Thank you.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s great.¡± Assistant Qiu turned and typed a message on his phone, ¡®Miss Su said she was very satisfied with lunch, thank you,¡¯ and sent it.

    The recipient was none other than¡ªPresident Bo.

    Inside the rotating top-floor restaurant with a sea view in Hai City, a handsome man sitting by the window gazed absentmindedly at the rainy binhai road and sea.

    Across the table, Jiang Li was hidden behind a giant king crab.

    After receiving no response from him for ages, Jiang Li had to stretch his neck forward, ¡°Bo, are you even listening to me?¡±

    Bo Jingshen lifted his eyelids to nce at him, ¡°Obviously not.¡±

    Jiang Li eximed, ¡°You!

    Ugh¡­

    I can¡¯t believe you.

    I brought you here out of the goodness of my heart to enjoy good food.¡±

    Bo Jingshen said indifferently, ¡°Eighty percent of the dishes here are things I can¡¯t eat.

    Shameless of you?¡±

    Jiang Li gave an embarrassed smile.

    Zhuang Cai Nan, sitting nearby, ced a spoonful of deboned fish into Bo Jingshen¡¯s te.

    In her cold, clear voice, there was a barely noticeable trace of tenderness, ¡°Jingshen, eat this.¡±

    Then she turned to Jiang Li, ¡°Ah Li, let¡¯s not talk business while eating out, shall we?¡±

    Jiang Liined, ¡°This is like the emperor not being anxious but making the eunuch¡­

    ugh!¡±

    As Jiang Li looked at Bo Jingshen, he saw the previously disinterested man, who had been staring outside, lift his phone after it vibrated.

    Subsequently, his usually cold and indifferent eyes gradually filled with a light smile.

    Although the smile was faint, in those perpetually aloof and serious eyes, even a slight warmth was conspicuous.

    Zhuang Cai Nan noticed it too.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.

    It¡¯s time for the exhibition.¡± Bo Jingshen stood up.

    The fish she had ced in his te was untouched.

    Zhuang Cai Nan¡¯s face turned sombre, her fingers unintentionally clenching tight.

    Having harbored fancy feelings while working beside Bo Jingshen for five years, it was her first time feeling such a sense of crisis.

 Chapter 16 - 16 16 Temporary Secretary

    ?16: Chapter 16 Temporary Secretary   16: Chapter 16 Temporary Secretary       Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                            When Su Lu arrived at the exhibition hall, Bo Jingshen had not yet arrived.

    She did not feel awkward, after all, she was not someone who had never seen the world.

    Although she had never visited such a technology expo before, high-tech stuff was always novel and interesting.

    Su Lu was quite interested.

    Standing in front of an exhibit of a cute and adorable intelligent robot, she did not want to move.

    Perhaps because she came earlier in the afternoon, or perhaps because of the weather.

    At this moment, there were not many people in the exhibition hall, and there were few people in front of this robot exhibit.

    Su Lu did not fear embarrassment and kept talking softly to the robot, quite enjoying herself.

    Until a voice broke her good mood.

    ¡°Xiaolu!

    I didn¡¯t expect to see you here!¡±

    A person¡¯s good mood can turn bad in an instant.

    When Su Lu turned around, the previous joyful smile on her face had already vanished, leaving only a polite surface.

    Turning around, she saw President Liu¡¯s shiny forehead.

    ¡°President Liu,¡± Su Lu said coolly.

    Liu Qiming, with a big belly and a face full of smiles, walked up, ¡°I called and messaged you, but you didn¡¯t reply.

    Xiaolu¡­¡±

    Su Lu¡¯s polite and faint smile remained unchanged, and her voice was calm and business-like, ¡°President Liu, we¡¯re in a formal setting after all.¡±

    Liu Qiming¡¯s expression stiffened, and he gave an awkward smile, ¡°Alright, Mr.

    Su.¡±

    Then he leaned closer, lowering his voice and unabashedly said, ¡°Xiaolu, you can¡¯t possibly not know that your father¡¯s intention is for us to develop a rtionship.¡±

    At that moment, Su Lu felt disgusted and took a deep breath, ¡°I am Gu Xin¡¯s wife, President Liu, please respect yourself.¡±

    Liu Qiming¡¯s smile grew greasy, ¡°Everyone in Feng City knows about Gu Xin¡¯s affairs.

    Can you tolerate living with his mistress and illegitimate child for the rest of your life?

    Your father doesn¡¯t want you to waste your life with Gu Xin, hence he wants us to develop a rtionship.¡±

    Su Lu let out a coldugh.

    Her mocking smile made Liu Qiming frown.

    ¡°With all due respect, President Liu, when ites to mistresses and illegitimate children, who canpete with your achievements?

    If I recall correctly, your ex-wife made a scene at yourpany because of your mistress and illegitimate child, correct?¡±

    ¡°If I were to tolerate mistresses and illegitimate children, at least Gu Xin is young and handsome.

    And as for you¡­¡± Su Lu nced at him, her eyes scanning his shiny forehead and swollen belly, then chuckled softly, her meaning clear.

    Liu Qiming¡¯s face immediately turned ugly; the unappreciated daughter of the Su Family and the discarded woman of the Gu Family dared speak to him so rudely!

    Liu Qiming leaned closer, cing a hand on Su Lu¡¯s shoulder, somewhat furious, and squeezed her shoulder hard.

    Su Lu frowned but remained silent, showing no sign of weakness.

    Liu Qiming lowered his voice, ¡°Su Lu, don¡¯t be ungrateful.

    I know all about your position in the Su Family and the Gu Family.

    I¡¯m giving you face because of Old Su, but otherwise, what do you think you are¡­

    Ah!¡±

    Liu Qiming¡¯s voice ended in a painful cry.

    A man¡¯s low and cold voice, tinged with a hint ofughter, sounded sinister.

    ¡°I almost thought I was mistaken.

    Isn¡¯t this President Liu?

    What a coincidence.¡±

    Hearing his voice, Su Lu felt a moment of pause, a feeling akin to when she was surrounded by reporters, bombarded by cameras, knowing he was there, instinctively feeling¡­

    reassured.

    Bo Jingshen grabbed Liu Qiming¡¯s hand from Su Lu¡¯s shoulder.

    It appeared to be a polite handshake, but Liu Qiming¡¯s twisted expression revealed the strength of the grip.

    ¡°President¡­

    President Bo?¡± Liu Qiming forced a pained smile, ¡°Yes, quite a coincidence.

    You have a strong grip.¡±

    ¡°Oh, my apologies.

    I saw President Liu gripping Su Lu¡¯s shoulder with such force, I thought you were ustomed to it.¡± Bo Jingshen responded coolly.

    Liu Qiming chuckled awkwardly, ¡°Not at all, I just saw Xiaolu here and came to say a few words.¡±

    ¡°Really?

    I thought President Liu was interested in the intelligent robots mypany produces.¡± Bo Jingshen coldly let go of his hand, pulling out a silk pocket square from his suit jacket, slowly wiping his fingers, then casually discarding it.

    The gesture¡­

    though not physically harmful, was deeply insulting.

    Liu Qiming¡¯s face turned red, then white, then green, an intriguing sight.

    He reluctantly squeezed out a sentence, ¡°I didn¡¯t know that President Bo and Su Lu were so well acquainted.¡±

    ¡°Oh.

    She is interested in my project and is serving as my temporary secretary.¡± Bo Jingshen looked at Su Lu, ¡°Is that right?¡±

    Su Lu nodded lightly, ¡°Yes.¡±

    Bo Jingshen red at Liu Qiming, ¡°Does President Liu have any advice?¡±

    ¡°Not at all.¡± Liu Qiming shook his head, squinted, and thoughtfully nced at Su Lu, then at Bo Jingshen, ¡°I¡¯ve heard that President Bo ns to make some big moves after entering the domestic market.

    We¡¯ll look forward to it.¡±

    After speaking, Liu Qiming gave Su Lu a venomous look and then turned to leave.

    Su Lu looked at Bo Jingshen, ¡°Thank you, you¡­¡±

    She met the man¡¯s cold gaze.

    Her heart sank; she almost anticipated what cold words woulde next.

    ¡°The daughter of the Su Family, the wife of the Gu Family¡­¡± Bo Jingshen began icily.

    Su Lu¡¯s heart skipped a beat, realizing he had overheard her conversation with Liu Qiming from earlier.

    He pulled a faint, mocking smile, ¡°Turns out, it¡¯s not as useful as being my temporary secretary.¡±

    Despite her expectations, his words still stung Su Lu¡¯s heart a bit.

    The daughter of the Su Family, the wife of the Gu Family¡­

    What¡¯s the use?

    The only identity she once valued was ¡®Bo Jingshen¡¯s girlfriend.¡¯

    Jiang Li¡¯s voice came from behind, ¡°Bo Jingshen, why did you rush in?

    Couldn¡¯t you wait for us for a while?

    It¡¯s not even time for your speech yet!¡±

    What was he in such a rush for?

    Jiang Li had the answer when he saw Su Lu.

    ¡°Oh, Su Lu.¡±

    ¡°Second Young Master Jiang,¡± Su Luposed herself, smiled, and nodded at Jiang Li.

    Bo Jingshen frowned at Jiang Li, ¡°Let¡¯s go, into the conference hall.¡±

    He had no intention of acknowledging Su Lu, appearing angry.

    Compared to his earlier harsh sarcasm, his barely veiled anger now made Su Lu want tough.

    It was as if he was no longer the calcting President Bo of Boss Group but the young man from five years ago.

    Su Lu squeezed the invitation card in her bag, just about to speak.

    A cold voice beside her handed over a draft with slender, fair fingers, ¡°Jingshen, your draft.¡±

    Bo Jingshen took it, nodded, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Without looking at Su Lu, he walked directly into the conference hall.

    Jiang Li looked at him, then at Su Lu, shrugged helplessly, and followed in.

    Zhuang Cai Nan, however, stopped.

    She was slightly taller than Su Lu, her lowered gaze filled with cold disdain.

    ¡°Miss Su, whatever you¡¯re nning, please stay away from Jingshen in the future.¡±

 Chapter 17 - 17 17 Boyfriend

    ?17: Chapter 17 Boyfriend¡­

    17: Chapter 17 Boyfriend¡­

    Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                                For what reason?

    The moment Su Lu heard Zhuang Cai Nan¡¯s words, even though she knew it was immature, she still wanted to ask, for what reason?

    But time had already worn away many of her sharp edges.

    Moreover, she was too timid to find the piercing answer from Zhuang Cai Nan¡¯s mouth.

    Because it was clear that the two of them were not just an ordinary superior-subordinate duo.

    Zhuang Cai Nan, however, didn¡¯t care whether she wanted to listen or not, and bluntly said, ¡°We¡¯re all women.

    Don¡¯t do things like trying to steal someone else¡¯s boyfriend.

    I don¡¯t care what others do.

    If you keep pestering Jingshen, don¡¯t me me for being rude.¡±

    Boyfriend¡­

    Su Lu pressed her lips together and remained silent.

    Even though there were no onlookers around, she still felt just as humiliated as if she had been pped in public.

    Rather than saying it was humiliating, it was more like it was saddening.

    She had endured five years of torment, but by now, she no longer had any chance.

    After saying this, Zhuang Cai Nan turned and walked in the direction of the banquet hall.

    On her way, she squinted her eyes and looked at the balding man who had been pestering Su Lu earlier from a distance, Liu Qiming.

    Zhuang Cai Nan altered her steps and walked toward Liu Qiming.

    In the banquet hall,

    Jiang Li had his hands in his pockets, following Bo Jingshen without a care.

    Heughed, ¡°Why bother?

    ying the tough guy?

    Clearly, you wanted to bring her in, so why act all cool and emotionless?

    If you were really that heartless, would you have gone out in a typhoon to y the hero and save the beauty?¡±

    As Jiang Li spoke, he lightly patted Bo Jingshen on the back, ¡°And got injured for love?¡±

    The slight pain induced by the pat made Bo Jingshen frown slightly, ¡°Do you even have any awareness of your strength?¡±

    Jiang Li chuckled.

    Bo Jingshen nced lightly toward the entrance of the banquet hall.

    Jiang Li continued, ¡°Stop looking, she hasn¡¯te in yet.

    Do people not care about their dignity?

    Besides, this hall¡¯s presentation isn¡¯t something just anyone cane in and watch.¡±

    Bo Jingshen red at him, ¡°What do you know anyway?¡±

    The host from the organizing party approached, ¡°Good evening, Mr.

    Bo.

    I¡¯m today¡¯s host, here to go over the procedure with you.¡±

    Facing the direction of the banquet hall entrance, Bo Jingshen went over the procedure with the host.

    It wasn¡¯t until they finished and the host invited him to sit down, stating that the speech was about to begin.

    That he still hadn¡¯t seen Su Lu enter from the door.

    That invitation letter¡­ she wouldn¡¯t have just ignored it, would she?

    Didn¡¯t Su Lue in?

    Of course she did.

    She quietly slipped into the banquet hall at thest moment before the first presentation began, just before the entrance closed.

    She still couldn¡¯t hold back, because Bo Jingshen was going to give a speech today.

    And Su Lu wanted to see it.

    But instead of sitting in the best seat in the first row as indicated on the invitation, she randomly found an empty seat in the back row and sat down.

    As the presentation began, the lights around the hall dimmed.

    Everyone who went up to give a presentation was someone who had aplished and progressed significantly in their field.

    Some had a keen eye for good investment projects, others had outstanding abilities and research in their projects.

    Quite a few of them were young people.

    For example, the man currently on stage delivering a speech was about thirty years old.

    The flexible screen project he developed showed enormous potential.

    If one could invest in this project, the future was promising.

    Su Lu listened attentively, but then an annoying voice came from beside her.

    ¡°Xiaolu, are you interested in this flexible screen project too?¡±

    Liu Qiming¡¯s voice was as usual, and it sounded as if¡­

    nothing had happened earlier.

    Su Lu had to admire Liu Qiming.

    No wonder he could seed in business and make money.

    Not everyone had the skill to bend and stretch.

    Su Lu frowned slightly but said nothing.

    Liu Qiming didn¡¯t care whether she responded or not and continued, ¡°The real estate market has been tough these past two years.

    Your dad wants a piece of the action in the tech field.

    President Bo is advancing into the domestic market and nning a high-tech park in Feng City.

    Your dad is very interested.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Su Lu replied coolly.

    Liu Qiming wasn¡¯t angry.

    Instead, heughed, ¡°Xiaolu, businessmen can¡¯t be too emotional.¡±

    He continued, ¡°Anyway, President Bo is determined to get this flexible screen project.

    Your dad sent you to act as his temporary secretary.

    Does the Su Family also want a piece of the action?¡±

    Upon hearing this, Su Lu raised an eyebrow, no longer showing her emotions recklessly, and replied ambiguously, ¡°Of course, everyone wants a good project.

    Following President Bo, is it really unreasonable to want a piece of the action?¡±

    ¡°You can say that, but it might not be wise.

    Although Boss is a big corporation, domestic manufacturers now lean more towards the domestic market.

    No matter how big Bo Jingshen¡¯s business is overseas, it¡¯s still foreign investment.

    Entering the domestic market won¡¯t be without its challenges.¡±

    ¡°A healthy and mature project like the flexible screen clearly won¡¯tck for investment.

    Developing it domestically would even have policy advantages, so there¡¯s no need to take risks.¡±

    ¡°I could introduce you to the project¡¯s head.

    Aren¡¯t you attending the exhibition as Bo Jingshen¡¯s secretary?

    You might as well have a chat.¡±

    After he finished speaking, Su Lu pondered for a moment before asking, ¡°So what?

    What are President Liu¡¯s conditions?¡±

    A businessman can¡¯t be too emotional and doesn¡¯t believe in free lunches.

    Liu Qiming chuckled, ¡°There¡¯s a dinner tonight.

    Apany me.

    The flexible screen project¡¯s head will also be there.

    It¡¯s not really a condition, more like a mutual benefit.

    Consider itpensation for my earlier rudeness?¡±

    Su Lu didn¡¯t immediately agree, only saying, ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll send you the location of the dinner then.¡±

    Liu Qiming didn¡¯t continue to chatter beside her.

    And even if he did, Su Lu no longer had the mind to listen.

    Because¡­ Bo Jingshen was about to go on stage.

    A tall, slender figure stood up from the first row of seats.

    The host gave a brief introduction, ¡°Next on stage is the founder of Boss Group, Mr.

    Bo Jingshen.

    Under Mr.

    Bo¡¯s leadership, Boss Group has achieved significant development and aplishments in inte technology, video games, artificial intelligence, and holographic projection¡­¡±

    Bo Jingshen walked onto the stage amidst apuse.

    The spotlight fell on him, and he began to speak calmly and unhurriedly.

    The script Zhuang Cai Nan prepared for him didn¡¯te into y at all, as he gave an entirely unscripted speech, his voice deep and rich, his pace measured.

    Because today¡¯s speech would be broadcast online, he spoke once in Chinese, then again in English.

    However, throughout the process, his expression remained indifferent, without a trace of a smile, as if he was perpetually unhappy.

    Whenever someone finished their speech, the lights in the hall would brighten momentarily.

    In that brief moment of illumination, this young CEO who had remained aloof from start to finish.

    His scanning gaze suddenly stopped at a certain spot in the back row of the hall, raising his sharp eyebrows slightly.

    Although that cold, handsome face remained impassive, there was inexplicably a sense that it wasn¡¯t as cold as before.

 Chapter 18 - 18 18 Getting Drunk!

    ?18: Chapter 18: Getting Drunk?!

    18: Chapter 18: Getting Drunk?!

    Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                            ¡°¡±¡±

    Zhuang Cainan clenched her fingers.

    She clearly saw that Bo Jingshen¡¯s eyes had already softened because he saw the woman sitting in the back row.

    Why?

    It was she who had been by Bo Jingshen¡¯s side for so long, watching his career grow from nothing.

    Despite knowing that this man was cold and indifferent, she believed that as long as she persisted, he would eventually open his heart.

    Anyway, he was equally indifferent to all women.

    At least she was still his capable assistant, she could be close to him.

    But overnight¡­

    everything changed?

    When leaving, Jiang Li saw Zhuang Cainan¡¯s red eyes and sighed, saying, ¡°Cainan, let it go.¡±

    ¡±Let it go?¡± Zhuang Cainan asked back,ughing softly, ¡°How?

    It¡¯s been five years, thousands of days and nights of hopes¡­¡±

    Jiang Li shrugged, ¡°But if during those thousands of days and nights, his heart was longing for someone else, then those thousands of days and nights mean nothing to him.

    Look at it openly.¡±

    Although Second Young Master Jiang usually seemed carefree, he could be sharp at certain times.

    His words were straightforward and terribly insightful.

    Before dinner, Su Lu received the address sent by Liu Qiming¡ªSea Sky Banquet.

    A well-known high-end seafood restaurant in Hai City.

    Su Lu hesitated and didn¡¯t reply to Liu Qiming.

    She held a small hope in her heart.

    If Bo Jingshen came to ask her to dinner, she wouldn¡¯t go to Liu Qiming¡¯s dinner.

    But she waited until it got dark and still didn¡¯t see Bo Jingshen.

    ¡°Sigh¡­¡± Su Lu sighed, raised her hand to pat her face, ¡°Forget it.¡±

    She picked up her phone and replied to Liu Qiming, ¡°I¡¯ll be there.¡±

    On the other end, Jiang Li stretched his head, his gaze crossing over the huge king crab on the table and looking at Bo Jingshen.

    ¡°Hey, I say, you clearly don¡¯t want to have dinner with me, why force it?

    With such a dark face, you¡¯re ruining my appetite.¡±

    ¡±Eat yours.

    Shut up.¡± Bo Jingshen said indifferently, without lifting his eyes, casually fiddling with his phone.

    Jiang Li clicked his tongue, ¡°If you want to have dinner with her, don¡¯t lose your temper.

    Honestly make a phone call to invite her.

    If you¡¯re embarrassed to call, I can call for you?¡±

    Bo Jingshen, ¡°Mind your own business.¡±

    His phone screen stayed on Su Lu¡¯s number, but he never dialed it.

    When she imed to Liu Qiming that she was ¡°the daughter of the Su Family, the daughter-inw of the Gu Family,¡± although knowing she was stating a fact, it truly displeased Bo Jingshen.

    He wasn¡¯t happy!

    Should he still take the initiative to invite her to dinner!

    After ending the call, Zhuang Cainan came in and sat on the sofa next to Bo Jingshen, ¡°Cheng Dongyu said he¡¯s going to the dinner at Sea Sky Banquet, so he won¡¯t be joining us.¡±

    Zhuang Cainan seemed to havepletely moved on, resuming her usual state.

    She wiped her hands clean with a wet wipe and picked the crab leg meat for Bo Jingshen.

    ¡°Oh, let him be.¡± Bo Jingshen didn¡¯t dial the number and locked the phone.

    Cheng Dongyu was the person in charge of that flexible screen project, and he had a long-standing rtionship with Bo Jingshen.

    But Su Lu knew nothing about this.

    She really wanted to discuss this project with its manager.

    Actually, thinking carefully, Liu Qiming¡¯s words were full of loopholes, but concerned people tend to be confused, so Su Lu believed him.

    In a private room at Sea Sky Banquet.

    Wine sses clinked back and forth.

    To be honest, under Su Yukan¡¯s arrangements, Su Lu had attended many such dinners, and her drinking capacity was fairly good.

    But she couldn¡¯t withstand such forced drinking.

    If she still couldn¡¯t see Liu Qiming¡¯s malintent, she would truly be a fool.

    Su Lu frowned, sipped the hangover soup twice, raised her hand to press her nose bridge, and said in a low voice, ¡°President Liu, if you continue like this, I¡¯ve drunk all the necessary wine, and I¡¯ll take my leave now.¡±

    ¡±Hey Xiaolu, you¡¯re making it sound so distant.

    I¡¯m introducing you to connections, how can you say I¡¯m purposely getting you drunk?

    In business discussions, who doesn¡¯t drink?

    It¡¯s not your first day attending such dinners.¡± Liu Qiming spoke pretentiously.

    Su Lu gave him a faint, icy nce, but she was naturally beautiful.

    Her charming eyes were tinted red by the alcohol.

    Even her cold nce carried a hint of allure due to the drunken flush.

    Liu Qiming couldn¡¯t help but swallow, reaching out to hold her shoulder, ¡°Xiaolu¡­¡±

    Su Lu nearly got goosebumps.

    She quickly stood up before he could touch her, picking up a ss of red wine, ¡°I¡¯ll find him and talk myself, and leave after that.¡±

    ¡±Wait!¡± How could Liu Qiming let such a person slip away?

    He said, ¡°Let me introduce you.¡±

    Su Lu was led by Liu Qiming to a young man who had been eating intently.

    The young man raised his head.

    ¡°This is Mr.

    Cheng, the project manager for the flexible screen project,¡± Liu Qiming said.

    ¡°Hello, Mr.

    Cheng.¡± Su Lu raised her ss to him.

    Cheng Dongyu¡­

    was very nervous inside.

    ¡°Uh¡­

    hello.¡±

    What to do, what to do?

    Why hasn¡¯t the BOSS arrived yet?

    If he knows I drank with his person, will he skin me?

    He still remembered the cold, anger-restrained voice on the other end when he called Bo Jingshen earlier.

    ¡°So you¡¯re saying she¡¯s at the dinner you¡¯re attending, drinking heavily?!¡±

    ¡±Yes, I¡¯m at Sea Sky Banquet¡¯s Phoenix Room, BOSS do you want to¡­¡± Before he could finish, the call was hung up.

    Now, seeing Su Lu raise her ss to him, Cheng Dongyu felt like he was being forced to drink poison.

    Cheng Dongyu, ¡°Uh, let¡¯s not drink.¡±

    Liu Qiming smiled, ¡°Mr.

    Cheng, Xiaolu is very sincere about understanding this project.

    If you don¡¯t drink, you¡¯re disrespecting her¡­¡±

    Cheng Dongyu, ¡°¡­¡± If I do, I¡¯m disrespecting the BOSS!

    Are you trying to get me killed?

    He frowned at Liu Qiming.

    Reaching this point, even though Su Lu¡¯s mind was a bit clouded by the alcohol, her previously lost reason due to over-concern started toe back, and she realized she was probably tricked by Liu Qiming, that old bald man¡­

    The alcohol also gave her courage, she wasn¡¯t that timid anyway.

    She pulled out a chair and sat beside Cheng Dongyu, ¡°Mr.

    Cheng, I am Mr.

    Bo¡¯s secretary from Boss.

    I am indeed very sincere about learning this project.¡±

    Cheng Dongyu¡¯s eyes widened, looking at Su Lu, then at Liu Qiming, he started to understand.

    She must have been fooled by this bald guy.

    Cheng Dongyu, ¡°So, you¡¯re here on behalf of President Bo?¡±

    Su Lu paused, since Bo Jingshen wasn¡¯t here, she pursed her lips and nodded boldly, ¡°Yes, cooperating with Boss on this project is undoubtedly the best perspective.¡±

    Cheng Dongyu thought, what a coincidence, I¡¯m also here on behalf of President Bo.

    But he dared not speak, then looked up to see a tall man with a cold, stern face walking in through the door.

 Chapter 19 - 19 19 I Cant Walk Anymore

    ?19: Chapter 19 I Can¡¯t Walk Anymore   19: Chapter 19 I Can¡¯t Walk Anymore       Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                            Cheng Dongyu¡¯s first reaction was to raise his hands in a surrender pose, trying to extract himself from the situation.

    ¡°Boss, you see, I didn¡¯t do anything.

    I didn¡¯t even take a sip of alcohol with her.¡±

    Su Lu still didn¡¯t know what was happening behind her.

    ¡°Mr.

    Cheng?¡±

    Cheng Dongyu didn¡¯t dare to respond, looking nervously behind her.

    Meanwhile, Liu Qiming, undeterred by the situation, used his drunkenness to attempt to ce his hand on Su Lu¡¯s shoulder.

    Cheng Dongyu thought he was asking for trouble.

    Liu Qiming¡¯s unruly hand met something cold in mid-air.

    He snapped back to reality, realizing the room had suddenly grown quiet.

    Upon closer inspection, the cold object in his hand was a full bottle of alcohol.

    Liu Qiming was stunned to find Bo Jingshen standing beside him, his eyes cold and hostile.

    His handsome face seemed to be dipped in ice water, looking extremely chilly.

    Liu Qiming¡¯s voice became somewhat dry, ¡°You¡­

    Why are you here, President Bo?¡±

    Thest two words hit Su Lu like a hammer, making her much more alert.

    She sat up straighter, ncing over at him.

    The first thing she saw was the identical bottle of alcohol in his hand.

    ¡°Bo Jingshen, you¡­¡±

    ¡°Shut up.¡±

    ¡°But I¡­¡±

    ¡°I said shut up!¡±

    He was angry, and it seemed quite serious.

    Su Lu shrank her neck.

    Affected by the alcohol, she became obedient like a little rabbit.

    Previously, she could handle the situation with rity, feeling as though she could drink more and stay rational.

    But now, seeing the person she trusted the most, her brain seemed to naturally surrender to the alcohol¡¯s effects.

    She lowered her head and sat quietly, feeling dizzy.

    Bo Jingshen nodded at Liu Qiming, ¡°The project for my tech park, hasn¡¯t President Liu always wanted to participate?¡±

    Sweat started to form on Liu Qiming¡¯s forehead, ¡°President Bo, I just wanted Xiaolu towork, given my good rtionship with Old Su.¡±

    He didn¡¯t understand what President Bo saw in Su Lu, whom the Gu Family discarded.

    Could it be President Bo had a peculiar taste?

    However, Liu Qiming didn¡¯t intend to offend Bo Jingshenpletely.

    Who wouldn¡¯t want to coborate with Boss?

    So, he was trying to show weakness, hoping that a sensible businessman wouldn¡¯t push the matter further.

    But clearly, Bo Jingshen wasn¡¯t that kind of person.

    He nodded towards the bottle in Liu Qiming¡¯s hand, making his meaning clear.

    You like making others drink?

    Drink it yourself, then I will believe in your sincerity to coborate.

    Liu Qiming¡¯s face turned white, and he forced a smile, ¡°President Bo, please don¡¯t joke with me¡­¡±

    ¡°Did Iugh?¡± Bo Jingshen asked coldly.

    There was no trace of a smile on his indifferent face.

    Liu Qiming frowned tightly, but his phone began to vibrate in his pocket.

    Given the situation, he hadn¡¯t nned to answer it.

    But noticing that it was an urgent call from hispany, he hesitated.

    Raising his head, he saw Bo Jingshen smiling faintly, ¡°President Liu, why not answer?

    It might be important.¡±

    Had it not been for these words, Liu Qiming might not have answered.

    But Bo Jingshen¡¯s suggestion made him uneasy.

    So, he quickly answered, listening to the person on the other end.

    Momentster, Liu Qiming¡¯s face turned even more unpleasant, his eyes widening in shock as he looked at Bo Jingshen.

    Cheng Dongyu, standing beside him, silently lit a candle for Liu Qiming: Baldy, take care.

    Messing with the Boss is bad luck.

    Then Cheng Dongyu, willingly and kindly, took the bottle from Liu Qiming, opening it for him.

    Liu Qiming¡¯s lips trembled a bit, looking at Bo Jingshen, ¡°President Bo.¡±

    Bo Jingshen didn¡¯t speak, merely gestured to the now-open bottle, his meaning clear.

    Liu Qiming, gritting his teeth, took the bottle and drank it.

    The room remained silent.

    Most people here were seasoned veterans, a few had noticed the earlier disagreement between Bo Jingshen and Liu Qiming at the exhibition.

    They could easily guess what was going on.

    Quietly, they watched the drama unfold.

    Liu Qiming struggled to finish the bottle, looking dizzy and lightheaded as he nced at Bo Jingshen, about to speak.

    Only to see the handsome man¡¯s face still cold and detached, without any intent to speak, handing him another opened bottle.

    Liu Qiming quickly pleaded, ¡°President Bo, please show mercy.¡±

    Bo Jingshen nced at the woman quietly sitting on the sofa, then turned to Liu Qiming, ¡°When you force others to drink, did you consider showing mercy?¡±

    ¡°But¡­

    but that¡­¡±

    Liu Qiming seemed to want to exin, but Bo Jingshen clearly wasn¡¯t interested, cing the bottle down with a faint, ¡°If you don¡¯t want to drink, then so be it.¡±

    Liu Qiming remembered the call from hispany¡¯s secretary about the major deals set to be signed, now all on hold.

    He couldn¡¯t believe this wasn¡¯t rted to Bo Jingshen.

    He hadn¡¯t anticipated the immense power this young man, newly returned from abroad and not yet established in the domestic market, wielded.

    Bitterly, Liu Qiming took the bottle.

    Barely halfway through, he was done, vomiting into a nearby trash can.

    Cheng Dongyu approached Bo Jingshen quietly, ¡°Boss, maybe we should let it go?

    We don¡¯t want any serious idents.

    Encouraging excessive drinking can be legally problematic.¡±

    Bo Jingshen shot him a nce, ¡°Oh, now you know encouraging drinking is risky?

    Where was this concern when he was pushing Su Xiaolu to drink?¡±

    Cheng Dongyu¡¯s eyes shifted, quickly saying, ¡°Boss, it looks like Miss Su has fallen asleep.

    This ce is quite foul.

    Maybe we should head out?¡±

    This had the desired effect.

    Bo Jingshen shot a nce at Su Lu.

    She had her head down, seemingly unaware of her surroundings.

    Bo Jingshen almostughed in exasperation.

    Indeed, the ce was foul, right next to a bald guy vomiting intensely.

    Bo Jingshen raised an eyebrow, ¡°Fine, let¡¯s go.¡±

    Su Lu felt a hand on her shoulder.

    Though groggy, her wariness hadn¡¯t faded, and she half-opened her eyes, alert.

    But the familiar scent of cedar brought her immediate calm.

    ¡°Hmm?¡± she uttered nkly.

    ¡°Su Lu, you dare sleep anywhere?¡± Bo Jingshen frowned, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    He released her shoulder and straightened up.

    Then he felt a soft hand grab his, halting his movement.

    ¡°Ah Shen.¡±

    The small hand gave a slight tug, with a hint of pleading.

    ¡°I can¡¯t walk anymore.¡±

 Chapter 20 - 20 20 You provoked me first!

    ?20: Chapter 20: You provoked me first!

    20: Chapter 20: You provoked me first!

    Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                            Cheng Dongyu had never seen anyone p their own face like this before, let alone someone as illustrious as the BOSS.

    Clearly, just a second ago he was still stubbornly saying, ¡°Can¡¯t walk, do you expect me to carry you?!¡±

    The next second, he turned his back and squatted down in front of her, impatiently saying, ¡°Aren¡¯t you getting on?!¡±

    Was the loud pping sound in the air just a hallucination or did it really exist?

    Su Lu hugged his neck, resting her head on his shoulder, looking at him with drunken, blurry eyes.

    Bo Jingshen felt uneasy under her gaze and frowned.

    Su Lu whispered in his ear, ¡°Why are your ears¡­

    so red?¡±

    As she spoke, her yful fingertips gently brushed his earlobe.

    ¡°Don¡¯t move around,¡± Bo Jingshen lowered his voice, toozy to argue with a drunk.

    He also couldn¡¯t be bothered with the looks from others in the private room.

    As he passed by Liu Qiming, he didn¡¯t even nce at him.

    Liu Qiming, with red eyes, although he was hugging the trash can and vomiting like crazy, suddenly seemed to recover, mustering thest of his strength to tug at Bo Jingshen¡¯s clothes.

    In a weak voice, ¡°Bo¡­

    President Bo, wait.¡±

    ¡°Any more issues?¡± Bo Jingshen stopped and adjusted the woman¡¯s legs behind him.

    The smell of vomit from the trash can wafted out, making Su Lu wrinkle her nose and unconsciously nuzzle closer to Bo Jingshen¡¯s neck, just like how people instinctively seek warmth when they¡¯re cold.

    It was too smelly around, so she wanted to be close to the scent she liked.

    Su Lu liked the cold cedar scent on him.

    Liu Qiming saw this scene andughed miserably.

    It wasn¡¯t hard to see that Bo Jingshen was very tolerant of her, regardless of what he saw in this ¡°tramp.¡±

    Had he been yed like a clown all this time?

    Liu Qimingughed bitterly, ¡°President Bo, I know you might not¡­

    not believe this, but if your female assistant hadn¡¯t told me it was your idea, I wouldn¡¯t have brought Xiaolu to this dinner, at least not to the point of getting her this drunk.¡±

    Bo Jingshen furrowed his brow, ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Liu Qiming wiped his face, ¡°Your female assistant told me you came to Hai City this time for this project.

    If I could talk about it with Xiaolu, Xiaolu would benefit, and I could get a favor.

    Then, in the Feng City district, I¡¯d want the coboration to be easier.

    She even suggested Ie to this dinner.¡±

    Liu Qiming now realized he had been yed by Zhuang Cai Nan, naturally feeling angry.

    Just like Su Lu believed his words for various reasons, carefully thinking about it would reveal numerous ws.

    But at that moment, he believed it to be true.

    Bo Jingshen didn¡¯t respond, only kept frowning as he walked away with the person on his back.

    Turning to Cheng Dongyu, he instructed, ¡°Call him an ambnce.¡±

    ¡°Yes, BOSS.¡± Cheng Dongyu¡¯s smile faded, looking much more serious.

    When they exited the restaurant, Zhuang Cai Nan hurried over.

    ¡°Jingshen¡­¡±

    Because she hurried, her face was a bit pale.

    Clearly, they were having dinner elsewhere earlier.

    Bo Jingshen had suddenly left the table without a word, and she thought he had gone to the restroom.

    But after a long time and no sign of him returning, Zhuang Cai Nan realized something was wrong.

    Bo Jingshen didn¡¯t speak, looking at her with indifferent eyes.

    Zhuang Cai Nan pursed her lips, coughed lightly to calm herself, and changed her address, asking, ¡°President Bo, is Miss Su alright?¡±

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°She¡¯s fine, just drunk, thanks to you.¡±

    Zhuang Cai Nan¡¯s face turned pale, ¡°President Bo, I¡­¡±

    ¡°No need to say more.¡± Bo Jingshen shook his head, turning his gaze to the just-arrived Cheng Dongyu, ¡°Dongyu, take her back.

    You don¡¯t need to apany the uing schedule.

    Thank you.¡±

    Zhuang Cai Nan¡¯s lips trembled, she took a step forward, ¡°Jingshen.¡±

    Bo Jingshen looked at her quietly.

    Zhuang Cai Nan was silent for a few seconds, then asked in a low voice, ¡°Why?¡±

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly at the question.

    In the end, he didn¡¯t say anything, leaving with Su Lu on his back.

    Yes, why?

    Bo Jingshen sometimes wanted to ask these three words too.

    Why?

    Why could Gu Xin do it, but Bo Jingshen couldn¡¯t?

    Why did she betray him for marrying Gu Xin, even though Gu Xin betrayed her?

    Why?

    But the drunk woman on his back wasn¡¯t able to answer him.

    As Bo Jingshen walked, he sighed lightly.

    ¡°Do you like her?¡± Suddenly, the drunk woman on his back asked.

    Bo Jingshen looked at her in surprise, thinking she was sober, but she clearly wasn¡¯t.

    Her face was flushed with alcohol, showing she was still very much drunk.

    Toozy to argue with a drunk, he didn¡¯t respond.

    Ordinarily cautious and self-restrained, the woman now seemed emboldened by the alcohol.

    ¡°Does she like you?¡± Su Lu didn¡¯t wait for his answer, self-questioning, ¡°Of course she likes you, many people like you.¡±

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s eyes darkened, ¡°What about you?¡±

    ¡°I also¡­¡± The drunk woman almost blurted out, but stopped there.

    Bo Jingshen didn¡¯t hear her continue and saw Su Lu had already closed her eyes, resting on his shoulder.

    The corner of Bo Jingshen¡¯s mouth curved with a hint of helplessness.

    Returning to the hotel and entering the suite, he first saw the bags he had bought her, already unpacked and disyed on the table.

    The spotlights made them look as they did in the store, with a high-end texture.

    Seeing his gifts not piled unopened in a corner but meticulously disyed, Bo Jingshen raised an eyebrow, feeling in a good mood.

    Heid her down on the bed.

    Su Lu was beautiful, with delicate features, looking very innocent.

    However, paired with the tipsiness, she seemed especially alluring.

    Bo Jingshen didn¡¯t leave; hey beside her, propped on his arm, quietly watching her.

    A momentter, Su Lu slightly opened her eyes, her half-open eyes shimmering with water.

    Her gaze was unfocused at first, wandering around, then settled on his face.

    ¡°Awake?¡± Bo Jingshen asked in a low voice.

    The room was lit with only a dim bedsidemp.

    The air had a faint mix of alcohol and cedar scent.

    The lighting made the atmosphere even more ambiguous.

    ¡°Thirsty?¡±

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s voice remained low.

    Su Lu just kept looking at him.

    ¡°Sleepy?

    If you¡¯re sleepy, then¡­¡± Bo Jingshen didn¡¯t finish.

    Soft arms wrapped around his neck, a warm, slender body snuggled into his embrace.

    Alcohol-scented lips kissed his gently.

    The intoxication was seductive, and the spring air soaked.

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s breath briefly halted, then turned heavier.

    A hoarse sound squeezed from his throat.

    ¡°Su Xiaolu, you brought this on yourself.

    You tempted me first.¡±

 Chapter 21 - 21 21 Make It Even or Take Responsibility

    ?21: Chapter 21: Make It Even or Take Responsibility?

    21: Chapter 21: Make It Even or Take Responsibility?

    Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                                Su Lu knew this was self-inflicted.

    She wasn¡¯t that drunk, at least not to the point where she didn¡¯t know what she was doing.

    Everything she did was something she subconsciously, deep down, wanted to do.

    It was just the liquid courage that made it possible.

    But¡­

    Su Lu quickly began to regret it.

    She hadpletely overestimated her own endurance and underestimated Bo Jingshen¡¯s potential.

    That time at Yunding¡­ maybe because the environment wasn¡¯t right, the atmosphere wasn¡¯t right.

    Bo Jingshen was very restrained; what he showed wasn¡¯t his real strength, but even so, she couldn¡¯t handle it.

    Let alone now, with the perfect timing and setting.

    He wasn¡¯t holding back at all.

    Su Lu was entirely drained of energy and almost immediately nestled into his arms and fell into a deep sleep.

    Bo Jingshen lowered his eyes to look at the person who had fallen into a deep sleep in his arms.

    His gaze was deep.

    He watched quietly, not knowing how long he had been staring so intently.

    That deep gaze seemed to pierce through countless days and nights of unfulfilled desires and thoughts, so heavy.

    On the carpet by the bed, his phone vibrated in the pocket of his pants, making a buzzing sound.

    He picked it up and saw Yan Sui¡¯s name shing on the screen.

    Bo Jingshen wrapped his arms around the person in his embrace, lowered his head, and lightly kissed her on the forehead.

    Su Lu was truly afraid of him, even frowning in her sleep and muttering softly, ¡°No more, no more.¡±

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s lips curved slightly before he swiped to answer the call.

    Bo Jingshen, ¡°Hmm, what is it?¡±

    Yan Sui sighed, ¡°I specifically told you to be a decent person and treat Cainan better.

    But you made her cry.¡±

    Bo Jingshen, ¡°Did shee to you?¡±

    Yan Sui, ¡°Yes, I drank with her all night and just sent her back to the hotel.

    Don¡¯t you have a heart of stone?¡±

    Yan Sui fully expected Bo Jingshen to feel some guilt or remorse.

    Instead, he heard Bo Jingshen¡¯s usual indifferent voice, ¡°Oh, that¡¯s good.

    See which day in the next couple of days the weather is suitable for flying, and send her to Feng City.¡±

    Yan Sui said helplessly, ¡°Do you have a heart of stone?

    Are you being too cruel to Cainan?¡±

    Bo Jingshen said calmly, ¡°Dragging this out would be crueler to her.¡±

    Yan Sui sighed, ¡°When will you learn to be less clear-headed?¡±

    Bo Jingshen chuckled, ¡°These past few years have been so tough; if I weren¡¯t clear-headed, I wouldn¡¯t even know what I¡¯d be.¡±

    Yan Sui, ¡°Alright, I won¡¯t say more.

    You know your limits.

    But¡­ isn¡¯t sending Cainan away a bit inappropriate?¡±

    ¡°Not really sending her away, just letting her return first.

    After all, she originally came back to work, Cheng Yan arrived before her, that¡¯s all.

    Mypany in Feng City is just starting up, we need a lot of people, and I don¡¯t trust anyone else.¡± Bo Jingshen said this quite matter-of-factly.

    Fooling others might work, but Yan Sui just smiled, ¡°Is it just because of that?

    Not because Cainan touched your fragile heart?¡±

    Bo Jingshen gave a deep look at Su Xiaolu sleeping in his arms.

    He didn¡¯t deny Yan Sui¡¯s words.

    Bo Jingshen, ¡°She¡¯s not very cunning, she can¡¯tpete with Cainan.

    Honestly speaking, she¡¯s not even on Cainan¡¯s level.¡±

    Yan Sui, ¡°So you have to protect her.¡±

    Bo Jingshen remained silent.

    Yan Sui chuckled, ¡°Being a strong woman isn¡¯t easy¡­¡±

    If Cainan knew this, she would have had no idea what to think.

    For years, she worked hard to be a strong woman, just to be able to stand on par with Bo Jingshen, to be a partner worthy of him, to help and support him in career and life.

    But who knew, Bo Jingshen didn¡¯t need that at all.

    After ending the call, Bo Jingshen turned off the nightmp.

    The room, still imbued with lingering passion, plunged into endless darkness.

    When Su Lu woke up, her whole body ached.

    ¡°Hiss¡­¡± She inhaled sharply, her eyebrows knitting tightly.

    Her mind went nk for a moment.

    The heat source behind her made her brain buzz, and then those scattered memories began toe back together.

    Gradually piecing together.

    Her already pale face from the hangover turned even paler.

    She didn¡¯t ck out, if only she had.

    But those memories were crystal clear.

    Not only did she not ck out, each frame was vividly clear.

    Su Lu raised her hand to cover her face, mocking herself inwardly, Su Lu, how could you be so gutsy?

    Drunk and crazy, how gutsy.

    She didn¡¯t need to turn around to know what that heat source behind her was.

    ¡°Awake?¡± the man¡¯s voice had the hoarseness thates with first waking up.

    Su Lu didn¡¯t respond.

    ¡°Pretending to sleep?¡±

    Su Lu¡¯s voice was thin like a mosquito¡¯s, ¡°Awake¡­ awake.¡±

    His breath rustled behind her ear, causing her ear to turn crimson.

    Bo Jingshen chuckled softly behind her, ¡°Judging by your reaction, you rememberst night clearly?

    I thought you might use cking out as an excuse.¡±

    Su Lu only then realized the feasibility of using cking out as an excuse.

    And how much it might alleviate the awkwardness.

    Then¡­

    The person now regretted, really regretted it.

    Bo Jingshen gave her a kiss.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t make a fuss and demand you take responsibility.¡±

    Then he got out of bed, casually wrapped a towel around himself.

    Su Lu sneaked a nce at him.

    Eight-pack abs, V-lines, long legs, nothingcking.

    His physique was so good that the soreness in her body felt even more intense.

    Wrapping himself in a towel, Bo Jingshen sat by the bed, leaning over to look at her.

    ¡°That time at Yunding, this timest night.

    Su Xiaolu, do you think we¡¯re even now¡­ or do you want me to take responsibility?¡±

 Chapter 22 - 22 22 Out of Control

    ?22: Chapter 22 Out of Control   22: Chapter 22 Out of Control       Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                                Bo Jingshen seemed to soften upon seeing the scattered marks on Su Lu¡¯s neck and shoulders, as well as her wide, doe-like eyes at this moment, so the curve of his mouth softened slightly.

    Bo Jingshen, ¡°What?

    Didn¡¯t you have a lot of couragest night?¡±

    Su Lu took a deep breath, ¡°How do you n to take responsibility?¡±

    I can marry you.

    The phrase suddenly popped into Bo Jingshen¡¯s mind, and then he thought of that annoying Gu Xin.

    The originally soft curve of his mouth tightened instantly, and when he spoke again, his tone became casual.

    ¡°I¡¯ve slept with many people.

    I can own up to it.

    If you want money, a house, or a car, it¡¯s all negotiable.

    Or do you want to get involved in any of Boss¡¯s projects?¡±

    Su Lu lowered her eyes, her eyshes trembled lightly.

    Despite losing the courage thatst night¡¯s alcohol had given her, she still had the courage to ask, ¡°Have you slept with¡­

    many people?¡±

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°¡­¡± Damn, he¡¯s not a gigolo.

    But he only remained silent for a moment, then lowered his eyes andughed softly, ¡°In any case, it won¡¯t be like you.

    Married for five years, yet Gu Xin won¡¯t touch you?¡±

    Su Lu bit her lip, ¡°Then give me a project.

    Aren¡¯t you developing a technology park?

    There should be plenty of opportunities for cooperation.¡±

    Perhaps this way, her rtionship with him could be simpler.

    ¡°Okay.

    After returning to Feng City,e to mypany to discuss it.¡± Bo Jingshen picked up the bathrobe beside him and walked toward the bathroom.

    As he walked, he said, ¡°Get up.

    Breakfast will be delivered soon; you can receive it.¡±

    The sound of the shower echoed in the bathroom, and Su Lu let out a long breath, then endured the soreness in her body and struggled to pull on another bathrobe.

    When she got out of bed, her feet touched the soft carpet.

    Her legs felt even softer than the carpet, and she could barely stand steadily, her face flushing slightly.

    She reached for her phone, where there were messages from Liu Qiming, full of pleadings and apologies, mainly forst night¡¯s incident, hoping she could say good things about him in front of Bo Jingshen.

    Reading between the lines, it was evident that Liu Qiming was in a tough spot.

    Su Lu knew she was yedst night, so she couldn¡¯t be bothered to reply.

    Then she saw a message from Su Jiao.

    Su Jiao: ¡°Why didn¡¯t you return my call?

    I¡¯ll being to Hai City in a few days too.

    Dad says you know both Second Young Master Jiang and President Bo?

    Dad wants you to introduce me to them.¡±

    Seeing this message, Su Lu felt even less inclined to reply than she did to Liu Qiming¡¯s.

    She directly closed the chat window.

    Su Lu turned her head and saw a few handbags neatly disyed under the spotlight.

    Her face turned crimson.

    Heaven knows what Bo Jingshen would think if he saw this scene?

    Anyway, she was immediately overwhelmed by shame, her toes curling.

    When Bo Jingshen came out of the shower, what he saw was the slim figure in a white bathrobe squatting on the ground, urgently and hurriedly stuffing those handbags disyed under the spotlight into boxes and bags.

    She looked quite flustered, and her movements clearly showed her embarrassment and guilt.

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s lips curled, ¡°Had I known, I¡¯d have bought you a few more, so you could set up an exhibition in the room.¡±

    The figure squatting on the ground stiffened, and then moved even more frantically.

    The doorbell rang.

    Bo Jingshen walked over, grabbed her shoulder, and made her stand up, ¡°It should be breakfast.

    Open the door; I¡¯ll take care of this.¡±

    With a flushed face and weak legs, Su Lu rushed to the outer part of the suite and opened the door.

    A waiter stood outside, pushing a dining cart and smiling politely as the door opened, ¡°Hello, Mr.

    Bo¡¯s breakfast is here.

    May I bring it in?¡±

    A pale and haggard face appeared behind the smiling waiter.

    Su Lu was stunned, almost not recognizing that this was Zhuang Cai Nan.

    Because the haggard and disheveled woman in front of her bore no resemnce to the elite and proud Zhuang Cai Nan from before.

    Zhuang Cai Nan still smelled faintly of alcohol, her eyes bloodshot, her lips dry and cracked, devoid of color.

    She stood behind the waiter, staring intently at Su Lu.

    Her gaze fixed on the exposed half of Su Lu¡¯s fair-neck, her eyes reddening further.

    ¡°Jingshen, is he here with you¡­¡± Zhuang Cai Nan¡¯s voice was hoarse.

    She had waited outside Bo Jingshen¡¯s suite all night, ringing the doorbell several times, but never got a response.

    She thought he was still angry, so he didn¡¯t open the door.

    So she waited at the door, never imagining that he hadn¡¯t opened the door not because he was angry but because he wasn¡¯t even in the room.

    The marks on Su Lu¡¯s neck felt like knives stabbing into her eyes.

    She had never felt such hatred before¡­

    The remaining bit of rationality in Zhuang Cai Nan only kept her from losing control and rushing into the room to confront Bo Jingshen.

    The waiter noticed the tense atmosphere and asked, ¡°Uh, do you know thisdy?¡±

    Su Lu was about to speak when Zhuang Cai Nan lost control and shouted angrily, ¡°Su Lu, how can you be so shameless?

    Are you not ashamed?

    An already married woman not honoring her vows and stealing another¡¯s man?¡±

    The waiter felt awkward but knew he couldn¡¯t intervene, so he tried to smooth things over softly, ¡°Ladies, please calm down¡­¡±

    Su Lu¡¯s lips tightened, feeling as if she had been pped, standing there not knowing how to retort Zhuang Cai Nan.

    She felt a sense of shame.

    Because Bo Jingshen was Zhuang Cai Nan¡¯s boyfriend¡­

    Stealing someone else¡¯s boyfriend, sleeping with another¡¯s boyfriend¡ªsuch things, given her upbringing and principles, were impossible to imagine happening.

    But meeting Bo Jingshen, everything went out of control.

    Su Lu took a deep breath and said quietly to the waiter, ¡°Please bring the cart inside.

    Thank you.¡±

    The waiter hesitated, fearing that the two women might start fighting, which would cause serious trouble.

    The waiter was troubled, but fortunately, he wasn¡¯t troubled for long.

    Soon, the elevator in the corridor dinged and opened.

    Assistant Qiu hurriedly walked over in quick strides.

    ¡°Miss Su, I¡¯m sorry I¡¯mte,¡± Assistant Qiu said, slightly out of breath.

    Su Lu looked at him in confusion, ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡±

    Assistant Qiu turned to Zhuang Cai Nan and said, ¡°Miss Zhuang, pleasee with me.

    I will take you to the airport.¡±

    Zhuang Cai Nan¡¯s eyes were bloodshot, ¡°I¡¯m not leaving.

    Why should I leave?¡±

    Assistant Qiu handed his phone to Zhuang Cai Nan, showing an ongoing call on the screen.

    Zhuang Cai Nan collected her emotions and answered the call.

    Cheng Yan¡¯s deep and indifferent voice came through, ¡°This is Cheng Yan.¡±

    Zhuang Cai Nan steadied her emotions, ¡°Yes.¡±

    Cheng Yan said, ¡°Come to Feng City to help me, or go back abroad.

    Boss gives you these two options.

    I personally rmend you go back.

    Given your current emotional state, you will only make more emotional decisions in the future, inevitably leading to uncontroble chaos.¡±

    Zhuang Cai Nan¡¯s entire body trembled, her eyes nk, looking toward the suite but unable to see the man inside.

    Her voice was hoarse, ¡°He doesn¡¯t even want to tell me this himself.¡±

    Cheng Yan replied, ¡°Go back.¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯lle to Feng City,¡± Zhuang Cai Nan said and then hung up the phone.

    She looked fixedly at Su Lu, ¡°Then, until next time, Su Lu.¡±

 Chapter 23 - 23 23 Before

    ?23: Chapter 23 Before?

    23: Chapter 23 Before?

    Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                            Zhuang Cai Nan seemed to recover quickly, even though her appearance was still haggard, her demeanor had obviously returned to that of a calm, elite professional.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Zhuang Cai Nan returned the phone to Assistant Qiu.

    Assistant Qiu took it and nodded at Su Lu, ¡°Then we won¡¯t disturb your meal, Miss Su.¡±

    ¡°Take care,¡± Su Lu nodded back.

    After they left, the awkwardness did not dissipate, as the observers were still present on site, having witnessed the entire ordeal.

    The waiter stood by, head lowered, having tried his best to minimize his presence.

    But it was still somewhat awkward for him; he lifted his head, wanting to smooth things over.

    As soon as he looked up, he saw a man walking up from behind her.

    Despite wearing a bathrobe with slightly wet hair, he still looked extremely handsome.

    He must be the leading man in this earlier drama who hadn¡¯t shown his face.

    Just from his appearance alone, it was undeniable that he had the charm to drive two women crazy.

    Bo Jingshen walked up, wrapped his arm around Su Lu¡¯s shoulders, ¡°What are you staring at?

    Not having breakfast?¡±

    He seemed entirely unaware or unfazed by the earlier drama at the door.

    But from the appearance of Assistant Qiu, it was clear that Bo Jingshen knew everything.

    How could he not?

    Themotion outside was so big, but he truly didn¡¯t n to step out and take a look.

    The waiter felt relieved, exhaled a breath, pushed the dining cart in, set the tes on the table, and quickly left after receiving a generous tip from Bo Jingshen.

    The food was tasty, but Su Lu ate absentmindedly.

    Being the other woman¡­this feeling was really unbearable.

    Her mind was still upied with Zhuang Cai Nan¡¯s earlier words and demeanor.

    Bo Jingshen sat across from her, eating and watching stocks.

    He nced up slightly at her, ¡°Not tasty?¡±

    ¡°Huh?

    No, it¡¯s good.¡±

    Su Lu forked a piece of egg into her mouth, but it tasted like wax.

    Su Lu took a deep breath, ¡°Zhuang Cai Nan, she¡­¡±

    ¡°What, jealous?¡± Bo Jingshen raised an eyebrow.

    Su Lu opened her mouth, ¡°I¡­what position do I have.¡±

    Bo Jingshen pulled a corner of his mouth, ¡°Yeah, what position do you have.¡±

    Then he stood up, leaned over the table, and kissed her lips.

    Without any disdain, he pulled her half-eaten breakfast over and started eating naturally.

    Bo Jingshen, ¡°Don¡¯t force yourself if you don¡¯t want to eat, I¡¯ll take you out for something else at noon.¡±

    After breakfast, Bo Jingshen went back to his room for a conference call.

    Su Lu also had time to handle some work, with a cup of warm water beside her and a box of medicine just delivered.

    Su Lu stared at the medicine box for a moment, then squeezed out the only white pill inside and swallowed it with water.

    From the phone on the table came Cheng Youran¡¯s sigh, ¡°Sigh, it¡¯s better to take those short-term contraceptives than these urgent after-morning pills.

    They¡¯re less harmful.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t take them all the time,¡± Su Lu said after swallowing the pill.

    ¡°What is going on between you and Bo Jingshen¡­¡± Cheng Youran¡¯s voice, not hard to guess, must have a frowning expression, ¡°What is this?¡±

    Su Lu, ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±

    Cheng Youran, ¡°Just¡­fooling around?¡±

    Her words were somewhat sharp, and Su Lu smiled helplessly, ¡°I guess?¡±

    ¡°You agree?

    Su Lu, where¡¯s your self-respect?!¡±

    ¡°In front of him, I can¡¯t really summon my self-respect,¡± Su Lu said with augh, a bit of self-mockery, which made Cheng Youran feel heartbroken.

    Cheng Youran, ¡°You¡¯re going to drive me crazy¡­¡±

    Su Lu wanted to say something more, but then Su Yukan¡¯s call came in.

    After thinking for a bit, Su Lu decided to answer, so she hung up Cheng Youran¡¯s call.

    As soon as she picked up, she heard her stepmother Zhu Xinyan talking to Su Yukan, ¡°Jiaojiao went there all the way, get her some introductions!

    Second Young Master Jiang and President Bo are both in Hai City!

    What a great opportunity!

    Old Su, did you hear me?¡±

    ¡°Got it, got it¡­hmm?

    Connected.¡± While talking with Zhu Xinyan, Su Yukan¡¯s voice was helpless and gentle, but when speaking to Su Lu, it turned stern and harsh.

    ¡°What happened to you?

    I asked you to develop good rtions with President Liu!

    Build rapport!

    And instead, you offended him?!¡±

    Su Lu chuckled, ¡°How can you say I offended him?

    I attended the dinner President Liu invited me to, and I drank the wine he asked me to.¡±

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Su Yukan asked, ¡°When did you be so close with President Bo?¡±

    He didn¡¯t wait for Su Lu to answer; in fact, he didn¡¯t need her to answer.

    He continued on his own, ¡°Jiaojiao ising to Hai City soon, look after her.

    And now that Second Young Master Jiang and President Bo are also in Hai City, right?

    You and President Bo have a decent rtionship, help Jiaojiao get introduced.¡±

    Su Lu was fed up, she couldn¡¯t hold it anymore, ¡°Since you¡¯re so capable and well-connected, you introduce her yourself.

    I have things to do, goodbye.¡±

    Zhu Xinyan¡¯s dissatisfied voice called out, ¡°Su Lu!

    What¡¯s with your attitude?!¡±

    Su Lu had already hung up the phone and then heard the noisymotion outside.

    So lively, it could only be Jiang Li.

    Seeing Bo Jingshen with that well-satisfied wolf-like look, Jiang Li felt it was an eyesore.

    He covered his eyes with his hand, swearing.

    He already heard aboutst night¡¯s events from Cheng Dongyu.

    Jiang Li couldn¡¯t be more shocked.

    Ever since Bo Jingshen got tangled up with Su Lu, everything had been inexplicable.

    Jiang Li had known him for five years and never thought he would be a hero saving a beauty and getting injured for love.

    Getting angry for a woman was even more out of the question.

    This Su Lu¡­was really something.

    ¡°Booked?¡± Bo Jingshen was already dressed, simple shirt and casual pants, but still looking great.

    ¡°Yes, booked,¡± Jiang Li nodded, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say yesterday that all those foods you couldn¡¯t eat?¡±

    ¡°Taking Su Lu,¡± Bo Jingshen said inly, ¡°She likes those foods.¡±

    Su Lu heard this just as she opened the door.

    She paused, but it seemed like her previously bad mood due to Su Yukan¡¯s call was instantly alleviated.

    Bo Jingshen looked up at her, ¡°King crab, want it?

    Never took you to have it before.¡±

    Su Lu nodded, ¡°Yes.¡±

    When they were dating before, Bo Jingshen didn¡¯t have much money.

    Even in a Coastal City like Hai City, king crab was very expensive.

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s words greatly piqued Jiang Li¡¯s curiosity.

    ¡°Huh?

    Before?

    Before?

    What before?

    You knew each other before?¡±

    Jiang Li had always wondered why Bo Jingshen was different towards Su Lu, but never knew why.

    Now he finally found a clue, and his eyes lit up with curiosity!

    His voice even raised a few pitches.

    ¡°Stop babbling, let¡¯s go,¡± Bo Jingshen gave Jiang Li a p on the back of his head.

    ¡°Ah, you jerk,¡± Jiang Li moved next to Su Lu, ¡°Su Lu, tell me, would you?¡±

    Bo Jingshen couldn¡¯t be bothered with him, pulling Su Lu to his side, blocking Jiang Li¡¯s disturbance.

    Then he and Su Lu went into her room together, ¡°Change your clothes, we¡¯re heading out now.¡±

    ¡°Wait for me,¡± Su Lu picked up her clothes and went to the bathroom.

    Bo Jingshen stood outside, holding a cigarette between his lips.

    Just about to light it, his peripheral vision caught sight of a small medicine box in the trash can.

    His eyes darkened.

 Chapter 24 - 24 24 Purify the Heart and Limit Desires

    ?24: Chapter 24: Purify the Heart and Limit Desires?

    Spit!

    24: Chapter 24: Purify the Heart and Limit Desires?

    Spit!

    Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                                Jiang Li felt it was a bit ridiculous.

    Even if Su Lu was being dramatic, he didn¡¯t believe it would take her so long to change clothes!

    But although Second Young Master Jiang was a bit of a yboy, indulging in eating, drinking, and buying luxury cars and watches, he didn¡¯t overthink things.

    His private life was very clean, so he didn¡¯t dwell on it much and simply went into Bo Jingshen¡¯s suite to make coffee and y some mobile games.

    Completely unaware of the scene happening just a door away in Su Lu¡¯s suite.

    In the suite.

    Su Lu didn¡¯t even know what switch had been flipped in Bo Jingshen¡¯s mind?

    She was in the bathroom changing clothes, preparing to blow-dry her hair a bit for styling.

    She nced down and plugged in the hairdryer.

    The sudden whirring sound of the dryer masked the sound of the bathroom door being pushed open.

    When she looked up again, she saw the man in the mirror behind her.

    The man¡¯s eyes were deep and seemed to be flickering with mes.

    Su Lu was stunned for a moment.

    ¡°How did you¡­ get in?¡±

    Su Lu even reflected on whether she had taken too long, making him wait?

    The next second, she was pressed against the wall.

    ¡°Bo Jingshen, you¡­¡± Su Lu¡¯s eyes widened.

    No matter how slow she was, she felt the aggressive intent of the man behind her.

    The hairdryer fell onto the dresser, continuing to whir, blending with the ambiguous sounds.

    In the end, Su Lu almost couldn¡¯t stand, and the clothes she had just changed into ended uppletely ruined.

    She was so exhausted that she didn¡¯t even have the strength to lift her hand.

    From showering to blow-drying her hair to changing into new clothes, every button was fastened by Bo Jingshen.

    ¡°You¡¯re not human¡­¡± Su Lu bit her lip, ring at him angrily.

    Even with so many feelings, she was a bit cross at the moment.

    Bo Jingshen seemed to be in a good mood.

    Hearing her rebuke, he only raised an eyebrow, not denying it, as he gently and quickly fastened the buttons at the back of her dress.

    Su Lu obviously didn¡¯t know he was annoyed by the medicine box in the trash can, which led to the earlier scene.

    She didn¡¯t know, and neither did Jiang Li.

    When the suite door opened, the sound from Jiang Li¡¯s game in the opposite suite, which hadn¡¯t been closed, became audible: ¡°Double-Kill!¡±

    And Jiang Li¡¯s dissatisfied voice.

    ¡°Bo Jingshen, if you don¡¯t want to carry me, just say it.

    Isn¡¯t it a bit much to put me on the bench?¡±

    Jiang Li came out as he spoke.

    What he saw was the couple standing at the door, but their expressions and posture exuded an¡­ indescribable ambiguity.

    Bo Jingshen lightly held Su Lu¡¯s waist, as if to help her stand more steadily.

    Su Lu¡¯s neck scarf and the lingering blush on her face further sparked one¡¯s imagination.

    Jiang Li¡¯s brows furrowed in surprise, and then his eyes widened in realization.

    ¡°Damn¡­ seriously?¡±

    Su Lu¡¯s face was about to burst into red.

    Bo Jingshen interrupted before Jiang Li could continue.

    ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to carry you.

    Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Jiang Li still muttered ¡°damn¡± in his heart.

    Who the hell imed Bo Jingshen was a monk?

    How could he be a monk with no desires?

    Turns out all his years of purity and restraint were waiting and umting for this moment!

    That outburst was enough to burn someone to ashes.

    Su Lu really had it tough.

    Su Lu truly had it tough.

    To the point where Second Young Master Jiang ordered a lot of nourishing dishes.

    When the dishes arrived, Jiang Li pushed them towards Su Lu.

    ¡°Here, Su Lu, eat more.

    Your thin arms and legs¡­¡± didn¡¯t seem to be enough for Bo Jingshen to y with all night.

    ¡°Thank you, Young Master Jiang.¡± Su Lu wasn¡¯t as embarrassed as before, more of a resigned and self-abandoning attitude.

    ¡°Hey, we¡¯re so familiar now.

    Just call me Jiang Li.¡± Jiang Liughed, giving her a teasing look.

    ¡°With your rtionship with Brother Shen, even if you called me Jiang Er, I wouldn¡¯t dare not to respond.¡±

    His tone was yful but not malicious, friendly without being sycophantic.

    Instead, it made Su Lu feel less ufortable.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you want to work on the Tech Park project?¡± Bo Jingshen said, nodding towards Jiang Li.

    ¡°You can have a word with Jiang Er.¡±

    She was only so interested in that project because of the conversation at the time.

    In reality, she had little interest in doing business and making a fortune; otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t have run a small-scalepany in ackluster manner for years, cementing her standing as the unmotivated example in Su Yukan¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Hmm?¡± Jiang Li raised an eyebrow.

    ¡°You want to work on the Tech Park project?¡±

    She originally thought this might make Second Young Master Jiang misunderstand her for suddenly wanting to muscle in for a share.

    But to her surprise, Jiang Li smacked his lips.

    ¡°That project is thankless.

    Let those old guys in Feng City fight for it.

    Let¡¯s y with something else that they don¡¯t understand.¡±

    Jiang Li didn¡¯t forget to add, ¡°Oh, I¡¯m talking about your dad¡¯s group of old guys.¡±

    Su Luughed, ¡°You¡¯re right, my dad is indeed trying hard to coborate on that project.¡±

    Jiang Li smiled, his eyes mischievous, just about to say something.

    The king crab was served.

    Bo Jingshen indicated with his hand.

    ¡°ce it in front of her.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± The waiter nodded.

    And then the basin-sized king crabpletely blocked Su Lu and Jiang Li¡¯s view of each other.

    Su Lu: ¡°¡­¡±

    Jiang Li: ¡°¡­

    You¡¯re doing this on purpose.¡±

    Bo Jingshen said calmly, ¡°I told you to discuss serious matters.

    What are you doing talking nonsense with her?¡±

    ¡°How is it nonsense¡­¡± Jiang Li smacked his lips.

    ¡°The e-sports industry is booming!

    It can even synergize with live streaming and merchandise, and it¡¯s highly profitable!

    Don¡¯t look down on it!

    Plus, because it¡¯s not a traditional industry, you don¡¯t have to deal with those old fogies¡¯ bureaucratic nonsense.

    Isn¡¯t that great?

    Su Lu, don¡¯t you agree?¡±

    Say what you will, Second Young Master Jiang had excellent persuasion skills.

    Hearing his words, even Su Lu was tempted.

    The e-sports industry had indeed risen dramatically in recent years and was making a lot of money.

    It could indeed interact with many peripheral industries.

    Moreover, because it wasn¡¯t a traditional industry, not everyone could ept such new concepts.

    So it avoided a lot of people like Su Yukan.

    Generally, you wouldn¡¯t have to deal with those old fogies¡¯ bureaucratic nonsense.

    Emerging industries were great.

    ¡°Yes.

    What Jiang Li said makes sense; it sounds very interesting.¡± Su Lu¡¯s eyes sparkled as she blinked.

    Bo Jingshen nced sideways at her sparkling eyes and her animated expression on her pretty face, feeling a bit dazed.

    After a five-year reunion, his rtionship with Su Lu had always been ambiguous and unhealthy.

    He was always angry and resentful, and she always bore it with patience and guilt.

    To the point where he almost forgot that the woman he loved so deeply in his memory was originally such a lively and beautiful Xiaolu.

    Not the wife of the Gu Family, not the daughter of the Su Family.

    ¡°Interested?¡± Bo Jingshen slightly raised his eyebrow, his voice unconsciously softening a bit.

 Chapter 25 - 25 25 Im Poor, Ill Shut Up

    ?25: Chapter 25: I¡¯m Poor, I¡¯ll Shut Up   25: Chapter 25: I¡¯m Poor, I¡¯ll Shut Up       Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                                Su Lu smiled, ¡°Young Master Jiang, you really have a way with words.

    It¡¯s quite intriguing.¡±

    ¡°Alright then.¡± Bo Jingshen nced at Jiang Li across from him, ¡°Jiang Er, you¡¯re quite the clever one.¡±

    Jiang Li chuckled.

    Bo Jingshen said, ¡°Your brother didn¡¯t want to invest in this project, so you came to me instead?¡±

    ¡°I had to make sure I was directing my efforts correctly.¡± Jiang Li teased, ¡°Brother Shen, did I aim right?¡±

    Thinking of Su Lu¡¯s bright eyes.

    ¡°You aimed right.¡± Bo Jingshen said with slight helplessness, ¡°I¡¯ll invest in this project.¡±

    ¡°Oh yeah!

    Brother Shen, you¡¯re awesome!¡± Jiang Li pumped his fist in a victory pose.

    Su Lu blinked in slight confusion, but she vaguely understood.

    However, she didn¡¯t dare believe it.

    If she guessed correctly, the conversation between Jiang Li and Bo Jingshen just now¡­

    Seemed to imply that¡­

    Bo Jingshen initially had no intention of investing in this project, but because Jiang Li wanted to get her involved and managed to convince her¡­

    So Bo Jingshen decided to invest?

    Even though it was just a small project, an investment starting in the nine-figure range was no small amount.

    Su Lu¡¯s heart pounded.

    Jiang Li smiled at her, ¡°Su Lu, we¡¯ve got the start-up capital now.

    We can proceed with the project without worry.¡±

    Su Lu nced over and whispered to Bo Jingshen, ¡°Isn¡¯t this¡­

    a bit too hasty?¡±

    Bo Jingshen lowered his eyes, meticulously taking a crab leg from the king crab the size of a basin.

    He put it on Su Lu¡¯s te, the movement casual and deft, his voice carrying azy nonchnce.

    As if they were not discussing an investment project worth nine figures, but just a small shop with thirty to fifty thousand dors¡­

    ¡°Then just do it well, don¡¯t let Jiang Er mess around and lose all the money.

    He¡¯s unreliable, you¡­¡± Bo Jingshen looked at her, then stopped talking.

    Su Lu blinked, ¡°Go on, say it.¡±

    ¡°Nothing, forget it.¡± Bo Jingshen¡¯s mouth curved slightly.

    ¡°Ah Shen, you¡­¡± Su Lu wanted to know what he had left unsaid, calling him Ah Shen in her urgency.

    As soon as she changed the address, she froze, and her voice stopped abruptly.

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s eyes paused for a moment.

    Jiang Li, sitting opposite, thought, oh wow, Ah Shen, it¡¯s the first time in years anyone called him Ah Shen.

    There was a faint trace of helplessness in Bo Jingshen¡¯s eyes.

    He continued from where he had stopped.

    ¡°Jiang Er is unreliable, but you¡­

    if you were reliable, yourpany wouldn¡¯t have just managed mosquito-leg business these years.¡±

    Su Lu¡¯s eyes widened, herpany these years!

    She had secured several billion in coborations between the Su Family and the Gu Family!

    Was that called mosquito legs?

    But in the moment she wanted to retort, she remembered Boss¡¯s scale, the unlimited potential of the flexible screen project secretly backed by Boss, and the Gulfstream G650 parked on the tarmac¡­

    Perhaps her little business was indeed mosquito legs.

    You¡¯re rich, you speak.

    I¡¯m poor, I stay silent.

    Su Lu silently closed her mouth tight and bowed her head to wrestle with the crab leg.

    Bo Jingshen nced at Jiang Li with displeasure, made a throat-slitting gesture at his neck.

    Jiang Li shrank his neck, mimed a zipper across his mouth.

    He decided to stay silent for now.

    He had learned enough today, so much so that it overturned his years of understanding of Bo Jingshen.

    Better to quit while he was ahead.

    Su Lu was still wrestling with the crab leg.

    Another five minutes passed, and she was still struggling with that crab leg.

    Bo Jingshen frowned as he watched, finally couldn¡¯t stand it, reached over, and in a few deft moves, removed the meat from the crab leg, cing a piece of white crab meat onto her te.

    Jiang Li, watching, felt it was strangely familiar.

    Only¡­

    before, it had been Cainan who diligently prepared crab meat for Bo Jingshen.

    And thetter, not wanting to dirty his hands, never touched anything with a shell from start to finish.

    He ignored Cainan¡¯s diligence.

    But now¡­

    he seemedpletely unbothered by dirty hands or shells?

    ¡°And you like seafood?¡± Bo Jingshen said, sounding disdainful.

    His actions, however, showed no disdain as he ced a spoonful of freshly peeled crab meat on Su Lu¡¯s te, then added two drops of ginger vinegar for warmth.

    The meal was actually quite good, with a harmonious atmosphere.

    In thetter half, Jiang Li couldn¡¯t hold his tongue and started discussing the project with Su Lu.

    Su Lu listened intently, determined to do the project well and not let Jiang Li squander the money.

    Jiang Li, thinking of repaying the favor, nced sideways at Bo Jingshen, who was leisurely gazing at Hai City through the floor-to-ceiling window.

    Then he asked Su Lu, ¡°But Su Lu, if you really want to work with me¡­

    will it be difficult for you?

    You¡¯ve been working with the Gu Family for five years.¡±

    At this, the man who had beenzily looking out the window, his gaze suddenly sharpened.

    Su Lu paused and gently shook her head, even though the news of her divorce from Gu Xin hadn¡¯t been made public yet.

    But she had to make other ns.

    ¡°I can¡¯t rely on the Gu Family forever, nor can I rely on the Su Family forever.¡± Su Lu¡¯s words were calm, her smile tranquil and open-minded.

    This even dispelled the slight anger that had risen in Bo Jingshen earlier.

    That feeling, perhaps, was called empathy.

    Only after experiencing unreliable circumstances can one truly know what being unreliable is.

    Only by relying on oneself, even if the path is a narrow one, at least it¡¯s a pathid out by oneself, walked with solid footing.

    You can rely on me.

    Bo Jingshen kept that thought to himself, tightly pressing his lips, saying nothing.

    But his restraint didn¡¯t mean his friend could.

    Jiang Li, sitting opposite, smiled cheekily, ¡°No worries, you can rely on Brother Shen in the future, he has plenty of money!¡±

    Goddammit¡­

    Bo Jingshen wanted to curse but just nced at Su Lu.

    Su Lu lowered her eyes, still wearing a serene smile.

    She said nothing.

    She neither affirmed nor denied Jiang Li¡¯s words.

    She had been too fragile in the past, unable to withstand the pressure, causing him so much pain.

    She had sworn back then, if she ever had the chance again.

    She would be a strong support, someone he could rely on.

    But now¡­

    it seemed she still wasn¡¯t a strong support yet.

    At this moment, a slightly surprised voice suddenly sounded beside them, ¡°Bo Jingshen?

    Is that you?¡±

 Chapter 26 - 26 26 Starlight

    ?26: Chapter 26 Starlight   26: Chapter 26 Starlight       Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                            A sudden female voice broke the atmosphere between them.

    The voice was both surprised and delighted.

    ¡°Jingshen, is that you?¡±

    Jiang Li raised an eyebrow and nced at Jingshen, ¡°How long have you been abroad?

    It¡¯s surprising that someone still recognizes you upon your return.¡±

    Jingshen remained nomittal and took a sip of his sake.

    Su Lu, with a spoon in her mouth, took small bites of the peeled white crab meat, and looked up at the owner of the voice.

    It was a young and beautiful woman, well-maintained, exquisitely dressed, looking to be in her twenties.

    Her well-done eye makeup was shining with surprise and delight.

    She quickened her steps in high heels.

    ¡°Am I seeing this right?

    It really is you!¡± She came up and veryfortably sat directly at their table.

    Su Lu paused for a moment and licked the sauce off her lips.

    Jiang Li also raised his eyebrow.

    Clearly, this kind of uninvited behavior, sitting down without the owner¡¯s permission, waspletely against the etiquette the two of them had been taught.

    However, they said nothing.

    To be precise, this uninvited guest almost sat directly next to Jingshen.

    If it weren¡¯t for the spacious restaurant sofa, she seemed like she would have sat on hisp.

    She said familiarly, ¡°Do you remember me?

    I¡¯m Jiang Minhui.

    Are you back for the ss reunion this time?

    You haven¡¯t attended one for five years.

    Everyone would be so happy to know you¡¯re back.¡±

    Jiang Li watched this scene with great interest, silently lighting a candle for this Miss Jiang.

    After all, she was from the same family.

    Jingshen remained silent from beginning to end, allowing Jiang Minhui to go on excitedly.

    Jiang Minhui also noticed Jingshen¡¯s indifferent attitude, and it was a bit awkward not getting any response.

    Jiang Minhui hesitated a little and softly said, ¡°Uh¡­

    Do you not remember me?

    We were in the same major and ss.

    I didn¡¯t expect to see you here.

    I didn¡¯t even know where you¡¯d beentely, but I heard you are doing quite well?¡±

    At this point, even Su Lu couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit embarrassed for her.

    Because it was¡­

    too fake.

    Jiang Li, being the open and straightforward type, didn¡¯t need to amodate anyone and frankly spoke his mind when he couldn¡¯t stand it anymore.

    ¡°Girl, that¡¯s a lie.

    With Jingshen¡¯s aplishments, his name would surely be on your school¡¯s Top Ten Outstanding Alumni list.¡±

    Jiang Li straightforwardly pointed out.

    Jiang Minhui¡¯s face turned red and then white, stuttering a bit, ¡°I¡­

    I just heard about it and don¡¯t really know much.¡±

    ¡°Alright then, let¡¯s say you don¡¯t know much.¡± Jiang Li gave her a look, also noticing Jingshen raising his hand to signal the waiter.

    Jiang Li pouted and continued, ¡°I don¡¯t know how you found out President Bo was dining here, but this ce is members-only.

    Personally, I suggest you leave before things get out of hand.¡±

    Just then, the waiter came over, ¡°Hello, may I help you with something?¡±

    Jiang Li sighed lightly to himself.

    Jingshen¡¯s voice was calm and indifferent, or you could say it was nearly cold.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know this person, but you let her in without permission, seriously disturbing my and my friends¡¯ meal.

    I have doubts about your service quality.

    Please have your managere over.¡±

    His tone was measured and cold with a businesslike indifference.

    The waiter¡¯s face changed immediately and apologized repeatedly.

    ¡°Sorry, sir, it was our oversight.¡±

    The waiter quickly pressed the inte switch on his cor, saying a few words quietly.

    Soon, two security guards in hotel uniforms walked over from the entrance.

    The manager also hurried over.

    The manager said seriously, ¡°Miss, our restaurant is members-only.

    You have seriously affected our customers¡¯ dining experience.

    Pleasee with us and point out which waiter let you in without a reservation.¡±

    Jiang Minhui¡¯s face turned white instantly!

    She quickly stood up, looking a bit shaky.

    Of course, she had no reservation nor membership.

    Such a high-end restaurant was out of Jiang Minhui¡¯s budget, but her best friend worked here as a supervisor and recognized Jingshen from university, immediately informing her.

    Jiang Minhui had been shopping nearby, so she rushed over.

    It was impossible for her not to have heard of Jingshen, especially with the High-tech District¡¯s recent tech exhibition publicizing his speech as a highlight.

    Moreover, it was rumored that Boss would return to develop domestically.

    If she could build a connection, maybe she could secure a position?

    However, Jiang Minhui didn¡¯t expect the former campus cold prince¡­

    Sorry, he was still an ice prince.

    Aplete brick wall, impervious to any advances!

    From start to finish, Jingshen didn¡¯t utter a single word to her.

    The manager then courteously and gently spoke to Jingshen, ¡°Sir, we will investigate and deal with the negligent employee.

    Today¡¯s meal will beplimentary.

    We hope you won¡¯t be angry.¡±

    Jiang Minhui, with a pale face, prepared to leave with the waiter but softly said to Jingshen before leaving, ¡°Jingshen, you haven¡¯t attended the ss reunion in five years.

    Old Zou misses you a lot.

    His health hasn¡¯t been good these past two years.¡±

    After saying this, Jiang Minhui followed the waiter out.

    At the entrance stood a woman in a supervisor¡¯s uniform, looking anxious and nervous¡ªclearly the one who had let her in without authorization.

    Jingshen remained unmoved, not even giving a nce.

    But Su Lu knew, after all that chattering, Jingshen might not have heard a syble from Jiang Minhui.

    But herst words, he definitely heard them.

    Because Su Lu clearly saw his hand on the table, with those long fingers slightly tightening.

    Old Zou was Jingshen¡¯s university mentor, who had given him much guidance and direction.

    Five years ago, he wasn¡¯t the mature and handsome man he was now.

    Back then, he was handsome but with a touch of youthful innocence.

    The setting wasn¡¯t this high-end members-only hotel with four-figure dishes, but a wind-leaking roadside stall, eating greasy skewers with her.

    But his eyes were full of dreams and confidence for the future.

    ¡°Su Xiaolu, Su Lulu, Old Zou said my ideas are great today.

    He said I will definitely seed!

    Do you believe me?¡±

    Back then, Su Lu always firmly believed in him.

    This excellent boy would definitely seed.

    ¡°Of course I believe you.¡±

    ¡°Darling, give me ten years!

    No, five years!

    In five years, I¡¯ll make sure you live the best life, and be the happiest woman in the world.¡±

    ¡°Alright.

    I promise you, it¡¯s a deal.¡±

    She gave a heavy promise, still remembering his eyes shining with stars.

    Then she broke the promise, witnessing the stars fall in his eyes.

    Since then, there was only darkness.

 Chapter 27 - 27 27 Revisiting Old Haunts

    ?27: Chapter 27: Revisiting Old Haunts   27: Chapter 27: Revisiting Old Haunts       Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                            Jiang Li asked, ¡°Really don¡¯t recognize?¡±

    Bo Jingshen replied indifferently, ¡°No impression, maybe a former ssmate.¡±

    Jiang Li sighed, ¡°Oh, then my poor rtive here is really out of luck, meeting someone as unsentimental as you.

    I¡¯ve never heard you talk about your university days.

    Tell me, what do you remember from that time?¡±

    Bo Jingshen listened but remained silent.

    His gaze, light as a feather, brushed past Su Lu, feeling like it had touched her heart.

    Su Lu¡¯s lips tightened, her fingers clenched a bit more.

    Fortunately, Jiang Li didn¡¯t notice these details in his carefree manner.

    The little episode with Jiang Minhui quickly subsided.

    Bo Jingshen lowered his eyes, fiddling with his phone openly, making no effort to hide it.

    Su Lu, sitting beside him, could clearly see the contents on the screen with just a casual nce.

    It seemed a long time since hest opened that software, or the penguin group, showing the time and ce of a ss reunion.

    Su Lu couldn¡¯t help but nce at his handsome, expressionless profile.

    Despite his cold appearance, some corners of his heart were still warm.

    When they left the restaurant, Jiang Li had no intention of joining them.

    Second Young Master Jiang, not eager to y third wheel,ughed, ¡°Then I¡¯ll be off.

    I¡¯ve got a yacht scheduled for delivery soon.

    Since I¡¯m in Hai City, I might as well check it out.¡±

    ¡°Get lost,¡± Bo Jingshen waved his hand.

    Jiang Li, still cheerful, didn¡¯t get angry, ¡°You¡¯ve agreed to the investment, don¡¯t go back on your word.¡±

    ¡°I, Bo Jingshen, never go back on my word.¡±

    Jiang Li felt at ease with his assurance and couldn¡¯t be bothered with him further.

    He then turned to Su Lu, ¡°Hey Su Lu, we¡¯ll discuss the project details when we get back to Feng City.¡±

    Su Lu replied, ¡°Okay.¡±

    After pondering, Jiang Li added, ¡°This is a personal coboration between you and me, don¡¯t involve anything else.¡±

    Su Lu knew Jiang Li didn¡¯t like mixing in Su Family or Gu Family affairs.

    She smiled and nodded, ¡°Naturally, I wouldn¡¯t ask for anything else.¡±

    Only then did Jiang Li leave happily.

    Once he was gone, Su Lu felt a strong presence next to her abruptly closing in.

    Turning, she found Bo Jingshen at a close distance.

    ¡°Shall we¡­

    go back to the hotel?¡± Su Lu checked the time.

    It was actually still early, and although it had stopped raining, the ground was still wet, and the breeze wasn¡¯t particrly strong, making the air quite fresh after the storm.

    Remembering the ss reunion address she had glimpsed earlier, Su Lu added, ¡°Or do you have somewhere else to go?¡±

    ¡°Yes, to Haike University.¡± Bo Jingshen looked down at her intently.

    Su Lu said, ¡°Then I¡­¡±

    The words ¡°return to the hotel¡± were on her lips but she was interrupted before she could say them.

    Bo Jingshen said, ¡°Youe with me.¡±

    He looked down at her with a slight smile in his eyes, ¡°After all, you¡¯ve invested in a project, Mr.

    Su has to give me this bit of face.¡±

    His slightly joking attitude rxed Su Lu a lot, making her smile lightly, ¡°Of course, I have to.¡±

    Haike University was Bo Jingshen¡¯s alma mater, located in a coastal city and ranked among the top three in the nation for campus scenery.

    He had spent his four years of university here, releasing his youth.

    In the University City area, among the handful of institutions, Haike University had thergest and most beautiful campus and was the most prestigious.

    Driving into University City, the surrounding street scenes were both unfamiliar and familiar.

    Su Lu felt a bit dazed as this ce was not only where Bo Jingshen had spent his youth but also where she had spent hers.

    A bit distracted, Su Lu looked at the stores she used to frequent, many of which were still in business despite five years having passed.

    Although it had only been five years, it felt like a lifetime.

    The car stopped in front of Haike University¡¯s grand gates, and Su Lu followed Bo Jingshen inside.

    When entering, they were momentarily stopped by the security guard for not having student IDs, but the guard quickly recognized Bo Jingshen¡¯s face.

    ¡°Oh!

    You¡¯re the one from the notice board!¡± the guard said, ¡°Your photo is in the top ten outstanding students notice board!

    I recognize you.¡±

    Finding out that Bo Jingshen was just visiting his old teachers, the guard no longer blocked their way and only asked for a quick registration before letting them pass.

    Seeing Su Lu without a student ID as well, the guard initially wanted to have her register too but then asked, ¡°Is this your wife?

    If so, no need to register, you can both go in.¡±

    Su Lu was stunned, unable to acknowledge, deny, or respond in any other way.

    The firm nasal confirmation from the man beside her echoed lowly.

    ¡°Mm.¡±

    With that light affirmation, Su Lu¡¯s steps felt light and floating as she walked further into the campus.

    The surroundings were familiar, as she had often apanied Bo Jingshen to Haike University; she had attended Haiyi University next door.

    It was easy enough to find ways to sneak into Haike University, and since Haike was a tech school full of single men, opportunities were plentiful.

    Haiyi University, on the contrary, had plenty of female students.

    It even felt as if the security at Haike was sympathetic to their own single male students, turning a blind eye to the girls from Haiyi visiting.

    The surrounding scenery had not changed, young boys still pushed bicycles along the ne tree-lined streets, exuding youthful freedom.

    It seemed as if nothing had changed.

    Except, she had aged.

    People recognized Bo Jingshen from afar, whispering but not daring to approach.

    ¡°Holy crap!

    Is that Bo Jingshen?¡±

    ¡°Bo Jingshen?

    Which Bo Jingshen?¡±

    ¡°You think there could be another Bo Jingshen?

    The one from the notice board!

    One of the top ten outstanding students!

    And the best-looking one among them.¡±

    ¡°Holy cow, I remember now!

    It¡¯s true!

    And he¡¯s the richest too!

    Ah, I so want to ask him, senior, can I work for you?

    I¡¯m small, poor, and helpless but I can eat a lot.

    Do you need a worker under you¡­

    or better, a fellow eater?¡±

    But considering Bo Jingshen¡¯s cold and imposing demeanor when expressionless, no one dared approach daringly.

    The faculty housing area was in the northeast corner of the campus, old-style five-story apartments initially allocated to university teachers, now looking somewhat run-down.

    The teachers earned decent sries, and many had moved out to live in nearby developments.

    Bo Jingshen walked confidently into a building, climbed two flights of stairs, and knocked on the door on the left.

    His familiar manner made it seem as if he had never been away for five years, as if he wasn¡¯t a business magnate calling the shots abroad but a favored student visiting his mentor for a meal.

 Chapter 28 - 28 28 Powerful Character Harvester

    ?28: Chapter 28: Powerful Character Harvester   28: Chapter 28: Powerful Character Harvester       Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                                ¡°You¡¯re here.¡± A voice came from inside the house.

    The door was opened by a man with graying temples and a gentle face.

    He wore a pair of gold-rimmed reading sses and looked to be around sixty years old.

    He always had a bit of a smile on his lips, but when he saw the tall man standing outside the door, his eyes suddenly paused for a moment.

    ¡°You¡­

    you¡­¡± Old Zou¡¯s lips trembled.

    Bo Jingshen smiled, the cold, stern demeanor on him instantly dissipating because of that smile.

    ¡°Old Zou, I¡¯m here to bum a meal,¡± Bo Jingshen said with a smile.

    Old Zou¡¯s eyes behind the sses became a bit red.

    He raised his hand to take off his sses, wiped his eyes with the back of his hand, and said in a low voice, ¡°Brat, why didn¡¯t you say earlier¡­¡±

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°How early are you talking about?

    Five years ago, I told you I¡¯de to your ce for a meal once I became sessful.¡±

    ¡°Alright, alright,e in quickly.¡± Old Zou was getting loquacious in his old age.

    As he beckoned them toe in and sit, he muttered, ¡°You clearly said you¡¯d pick a good weather day toe and bum a meal.

    Check this out, is it good weather?¡±

    ¡°The typhoon just passed; the weather is nice,¡± Bo Jingshen said as he sat on the sofa.

    Old Zou brought over two sses of water, handing one to Bo Jingshen and the other to Su Lu.

    Su Lu took it.

    ¡°Thank you, Teacher Zou.¡±

    Old Zou stared at Su Lu for a moment.

    Su Lu thought Old Zou didn¡¯t recognize her anymore and quickly introduced herself, ¡°Hello, my name is Su Lu.¡±

    Old Zou chuckled.

    ¡°I know you, the big shot from Yida.¡±

    Su Lu was stunned, blinking as she pointed at herself, ¡°Me¡­

    me?¡±

    She was just a small, unknown figure at Yida.

    How did she actually have this reputation?

    A big shot at Yida?

    ¡°Yes, you.¡± Old Zou smiled, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes clearly visible.

    ¡°Harvester.

    Harvester, you picked the best catch from our science and technology.

    Truly a big shot.¡±

    Su Lu¡¯s face flushed red instantly, maybe because it spanned five years.

    Perhaps it was due to Old Zou¡¯s esteemed status as Bo Jingshen¡¯s mentor.

    There was just a sense of embarrassment¡­

    like how teenage boys and girls might feel when caught dating early.

    ¡°Ahem!¡± Bo Jingshen, sitting on the side, certainly didn¡¯t feelfortable with his mentor revealing these things.

    Especially now when his rtionship with Su Lu was still so uncertain.

    He brought his fist to his lips and lightly coughed.

    But Old Zou apparently didn¡¯t catch any of this.

    After all, five years had passed, and his proud mentee was still apanied by this harvester.

    ¡°What are you coughing for?

    I¡¯m not wrong,¡± Old Zou waved his hand at Bo Jingshen.

    Continuing, he said, ¡°The best talent at our science and technology, handsome, tall, with a good voice and excellent in studies, simply outstanding in every way.

    At our science and technology, teacher¡¯s college, and even your Yida, many girls adored him, one after another, but none seeded.

    Just you, tell me, what model and brand is your harvester?¡±

    Su Lu felt extremely embarrassed, her nose tip even started to sweat a bit.

    She raised her hand to gently scratch her nose tip.

    She knew Bo Jingshen was popr; even when they were dating, girls still pursued him and confessed to him.

    She had even thrown little tantrums and felt jealousy over this.

    But Su Lu really didn¡¯t know her nickname was¡­

    harvester?

    Even if they called her a beautiful cow, it would be better than a harvester¡­

    Really, only a teacher from a technology institute would be so hardcore.

    ¡°Alright, Old Zou, make something to eat.

    I want to have steamed mussels and garlic prawns¡­¡± Bo Jingshen interrupted his mentor¡¯s words in a very nonchnt manner.

    But Old Zou was also someone who was informal with students.

    So he cast him a sidelong nce, ¡°Have you installed eyes in my kitchen?

    How do you know I bought mussels and prawns today?

    I¡¯ll go cook them now.¡±

    Bo Jingshenughed, at this moment, he no longer seemed like the influential businessman but just a big boy who bummed meals at his mentor¡¯s house five years ago.

    Su Lu thought for a moment, then stood up, ¡°I¡¯ll help you out.¡±

    Bo Jingshen raised his eyebrows and looked at her, ¡°Do you know how?¡±

    Su Lu nced at him, ¡°Don¡¯t you know if I can or not?¡±

    She used to cook for him before.

    Mainly because the atmosphere between Bo Jingshen and Old Zou was so good, and the way they talked was so casual that Su Lu also rxed a lot, even speaking quite spontaneously.

    She said it without thinking.

    After saying it, she was slightly startled, but Bo Jingshen just raised his brow a bit, nodded, and said, ¡°True.¡±

    After entering the kitchen, Su Lu began washing the mussels and prawns swiftly.

    Meanwhile, Bo Jingshen sat on the sofa, his body leaning back into the soft backrest, listening to the faint sounds of pots shing and water running from washing vegetables in the kitchen.

    He let out a long breath, feelingpletely rxed.

    He didn¡¯t need a big house or an expensive project.

    Just a scene filled with the smell of cooking, with his respected mentor and¡­

    Su Lu in the kitchen.

    And all he needed to do was wait a bit longer to have a hot meal.

    This made him feel very rxed.

    Under the coffee table, there were several bottles of medicine.

    Bo Jingshen took a look, then took photos of them with his phone.

    It seemed they were all for chronic diseases that required long-term medication.

    Apparently, Jiang Minhui wasn¡¯t lying about this, Old Zou¡¯s health was indeed not that good.

    Old Zou had spent his entire life teaching and nurturing students.

    His wife passed away early on, and he had no children, so there probably weren¡¯t many people to look after him.

    Bo Jingshen sent out the photos of the medicine bottles.

    ¡°Check what these treat and see if there are any better alternatives.¡±

    In the kitchen, Su Lu swiftly cleaned the mussels and prawns.

    Old Zou, while chopping vegetables, spoke warmly to her, ¡°Be careful not to get your fingers pricked by the prawns.¡±

    ¡°Okay, don¡¯t worry, Teacher Zou.¡±

    ¡°Hey, you¡¯re good at this, no wonder you managed to take care of that brat Jingshen so well.¡±

    ¡°Teacher Zou, please don¡¯t praise me.¡± Su Lu smiled as she cut off the prawn¡¯s spines and whiskers, then deftly deveined and butterflied them.

    ¡°You have no idea how much Bo Jingshen liked you back then.

    Other campus couples I might not believe in because they say graduation is the season for breakups, but I trust Jingshen.

    He was so serious¡ªhe did everything withmitment.¡±

    Su Lu¡¯s hand paused slightly.

    She lightly bit her lip and softly asked, ¡°What did he say?¡±

    Old Zouughed, ¡°He said when he became sessful, he would definitelye here to bum a meal and bring Su Lu along.

    I said how could he be so sure you¡¯d still be together then?

    He told me he couldn¡¯t even be sure he would definitely seed, but he was sure he wanted to be with you.

    So you really are something, harvester.¡±

    Su Lu smiled, half lifting her lips, though the emotion behind it was a bit strained, her vision slightly blurred.

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m really something.¡±

    She slowly released the pressure from her thumb pressed against her fingertip.

    The wound pricked by the prawn¡¯s spine seeped a few strands of red, soon washed away by the tap water.

 Chapter 29 - 29 29 The Power of Chinas Local Rice Wine

    ?29: Chapter 29 The Power of China¡¯s Local Rice Wine   29: Chapter 29 The Power of China¡¯s Local Rice Wine       Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                                Old Zou was busy cooking and did not notice.

    However, when Su Lu carried the dishes out, Bo Jingshen, who was originally sitting on the sofa looking at his phone, quickly noticed.

    ¡°What happened to your hand?¡± Bo Jingshen¡¯s sharp eyes fell on her fingers.

    Only then did Old Zou react, ¡°What happened to Xiao Su¡¯s hand?

    Did you get hurt just now?¡±

    Su Lu didn¡¯t try to hide it, ¡°I just got a small prick, it¡¯s not serious.¡±

    ¡°Oh dear, you need to take care of injuries from sea creatures, it¡¯s easy to get an infection.¡± Old Zou said.

    Bo Jingshen got up from the sofa, ¡°Old Zou, do you have a first-aid kit?¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes, yes, under the TV cab.

    You go get it yourself and treat her, I¡¯ll bring out the dishes.¡±

    Bo Jingshen quickly found a small stic first-aid kit under the TV cab.

    Though it was small, it was well-equipped with disinfecting tools and bandaging materials.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do it myself.

    You go help Teacher Zou with the dishes¡­¡±

    Su Lu reached out to take the first-aid kit, but Bo Jingshen grabbed her fingers.

    It wasn¡¯t a strong grip, but it was enough to make it hard for her to break free.

    Losing her bnce, she was pulled in front of him.

    Bo Jingshen frowned slightly, ¡°Sit down.¡±

    Su Lu paused for a moment.

    Given her reputation as the famous ¡°Harvester,¡± she felt she had to give this tempting ¡°grass¡± some respect.

    So she obediently sat down.

    Letting the man frown and stare at her fingertip wound.

    It wasn¡¯t a serious injury, but his serious demeanor made Su Lu¡¯s heart feel warm.

    She coughed lightly, ¡°President Bo, if you don¡¯t hurry up, it will heal on its own.¡±

    Bo Jingshen nced at her and efficiently disinfected and bandaged her wound.

    Old Zou brought out all the dishes.

    ¡°All bandaged up?

    Come and eat once you¡¯re done.¡±

    The old man was quite happy.

    Compared to cooking and eating alone, he much preferred having his prized student over for a meal.

    ¡°Old Zou, your cooking skills haven¡¯t changed at all.¡± Bo Jingshen said with a smile.

    Old Zou was very pleased, eagerly asking, ¡°Isn¡¯t it?

    The old knife hasn¡¯t dulled, has it?¡±

    Then he made a toasting gesture, ¡°Want some?

    We haven¡¯t had a good drink together in ages, have we?¡±

    It wasn¡¯t just ages, they had never really had a good drink together.

    Back then, it wasn¡¯t that Bo Jingshen didn¡¯t want to drink, but Old Zou didn¡¯t agree, always worrying that alcohol would dull his prized student¡¯s mind.

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°I can drink, but you better not.¡±

    Old Zou: ¡°Hey, what?

    Look down on me?¡±

    Bo Jingshen nodded towards the coffee table, ¡°I saw the medicine bottles under your coffee table.

    If you¡¯re not in good health, why drink?

    Just watch me drink and get a vicarious thrill.¡±

    Su Lu wasn¡¯t surprised that Bo Jingshen noticed this; he was always attentive.

    Besides, he hade to visit Old Zou because he heard from an old ssmate that Old Zou¡¯s health wasn¡¯t goodtely.

    Old Zou felt a bit embarrassed, ¡°Ah, it¡¯s just¡­

    old age, the usual old age problems.¡±

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°You and Su Xiaolu drink juice.¡±

    So it ended up with Su Lu and Old Zou drinking juice, while Bo Jingshen held a bottle of wine, drinking alone and enjoying himself.

    He usually didn¡¯t drink like this; even at social events, it was rare for President Bo to drink more than a few sips.

    Usually, others would drink while he just touched his lips to it lightly.

    But now, he was drinking very rxedly.

    It wasn¡¯t even good liquor, just some rustic rice wine that Old Zou had gotten from somewhere, rich and smooth.

    He drank it slowly, ss after ss, chatting aimlessly with Old Zou.

    They talked about everything, from his startup abroad to his current ns to return to China and develop his career.

    This and that, Su Lu listened quietly from the side, trying to piece together the fragments to form an image of the five years of his life that she had missed.

    Old Zou gave him advice, ¡°I know you don¡¯t like attending ss reunions and such, but there are still a few talented people among your peers.

    After all, you were all my students.

    If you were still developing abroad, it would be different, but now that you¡¯re back, you will need people.¡±

    Of course, Bo Jingshen would not refuse his mentor¡¯s words.

    Although he indeed had no interest in ss reunions, he agreed to go to the reunion tomorrow for Old Zou¡¯s sake.

    When they were leaving, Old Zou wanted to give them stuff in big and small boxes, but Bo Jingshen politely declined.

    ¡°You keep it for yourself.

    After all¡­

    I am your prized student; do Ick these things?¡±

    Old Zouughed heartily at that and nodded towards Su Lu, ¡°Harvester, take care of him.

    Looks like he¡¯s had a bit too much.¡±

    ¡°Nonsense.¡± Bo Jingshen pursed his lips, ¡°I¡¯ve been drinking foreign liquor with foreigners, whiskey, vodka, tequ, you name it.

    Had a bit too much?

    Impossible.¡±

    Old Zou sighed, ¡°You don¡¯t know the power of the aftereffects of traditional Chinese rice wine.

    Alright then, Xiao Su, you two should head back.¡±

    Su Lu originally thought Bo Jingshen would be fine, considering that time at Yunding, when they both downed three sses of whiskey.

    She ended up vomiting miserably, but he was perfectly fine and even had the energy to corner her in the bathroom and¡­

    It shouldn¡¯t be possible to get drunk on this small amount of alcohol.

    But clearly, Su Lu underestimated the aftereffects of traditional Chinese rice wine.

    Once in the car, Bo Jingshen sat in the passenger seat, lowering the window to get some air.

    As she drove away from the science and technology university, before they even left University City, Bo Jingshen turned into a salted fish hanging on the car window, which made Su Lu want tough.

    ¡°Bo Jingshen, have you had too much to drink?¡± Su Lu asked as she stopped at a red light.

    The man in the passenger seat quickly straightened up, bumping his head on the window frame because of the sudden movement, but he seemed unfazed.

    Sitting up straight, he spoke clearly, almost with deliberate artiction.

    ¡°Just drive, I¡¯m fine.¡±

    Su Lu looked at his slightly zed eyes, which had lost their usual deep sharpness and now seemed a bit naive and harmless.

    She felt likeughing, yet also a bit pained.

    Maybe he had been like this for the past five years, in ces she couldn¡¯t see, in business and social events, pretending to be sober even when he drank too much.

    ¡°Alright, do you feel like throwing up?¡± Su Lu¡¯s voice softened.

    Bo Jingshen shook his head honestly, ¡°Not quite yet.¡±

    After saying this, he paused for a few seconds, then realized something was off and frowned again, ¡°I didn¡¯t drink too much, what¡¯s there to puke, just drive.¡±

    Su Lu acknowledged softly and, after leaving University City, didn¡¯t head towards the hotel but turned towards the Seaside Highway.

    Bo Jingshen didn¡¯t notice the route change, and within a few minutes, the man who had been sitting straight turned into a hanging salted fish again, swaying with the sea breeze¡­

 Chapter 30 - 30 30 Such a Relationship

    ?30: Chapter 30: Such a Rtionship   30: Chapter 30: Such a Rtionship       Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                                The air, after the heavy wind and rain, felt refreshingly clean.

    Now that the wind and rain had stopped abruptly, couples were out strolling along the Seaside Highway.

    This road was scenic and consistently ranked in the top 10 romantic spots in Hai City.

    Driving along this road would lead to Guanyu tform, a slightly elevated cape, with a lighthouse on top, perfect for watching the sunrise.

    She and Bo Jingshen had been here many times before, riding shared electric scooters, enjoying the summer night¡¯s sea breeze¡­

    Su Lu couldn¡¯t understand why she suddenly wanted toe here.

    Dragging along the ¡°dead fish¡± hanging from the car window.

    Even though there was no sunrise to see, she just suddenly wanted toe.

    She drove slowly, and many walking couples saw the ¡°dead fish¡± hanging from her car window andughed.

    It surprised her to find quite a few people at Guanyu tform, so Su Lu parked the car at the beachside parking lot.

    Only then did she gently poke the ¡°dead fish¡± hanging from the window.

    ¡°Bo Jingshen, are you okay?¡±

    The man gave no response, just as Su Lu worried if he was so drunk he¡¯d lost consciousness,

    He suddenly jolted, then sat up straight, his head bumped against the window frame.

    The thud made Su Lu frown, ¡°Your head¡­

    it¡¯s going to swell, it might hurt a lot tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re such a baby,¡± Bo Jingshen replied, still articting his words clearly despite his drunkenness.

    But he seemedpletely unaware of where they were, didn¡¯t recognize the surroundings, not even caring about where they were now.

    He just turned, frowned, and stared at Su Lu.

    His beautiful eyes,cking their usual sharpness, were tinged red from alcohol, making him look innocent and harmless.

    After staring at Su Lu for a moment,

    He reached out, his fingers lightly brushing her face.

    Then he started taking off his jacket, ¡°You¡¯re not wearing enough, are you cold?

    The wind is so strong.¡±

    With the window open, the cool sea breeze indeed kept blowing into the car.

    It wasn¡¯t exactly cold.

    But¡­

    when he draped his alcohol-scented jacket, mixed with a cedar fragrance, over her, it warmed her heart.

    Su Lu cuddled into his jacket, sniffed lightly, and blinked at him.

    ¡°I¡¯m not cold anymore.

    You should sleep for a bit.

    I¡¯ll go down and buy some drinks and fried squid for youter.¡±

    On the roadside beach, there were vendors selling cold drinks stored in foam boxes and grilled squid.

    Su Lu could tell Bo Jingshen was very drunk, his actions now likely driven by instinct¡­

    So she urged him to sleep a bit.

    Bo Jingshen nodded slowly after a moment, his long eyes growing more drowsy as his lids drooped.

    His thin lips moved slightly, still murmuring, ¡°Don¡¯t eat too much grilled squid, just a little to satisfy your craving, eating too much will upset your stomach¡­¡±

    ¡°Got it,¡± Su Lu responded softly.

    Watching him sleep, she quietly got out of the car.

    From the trunk, she retrieved a new nket, spread it over him, rolled up the window except for a crack for venttion, then shut the door and headed to the squid and drink stall.

    She loved eating those, always ending up with an upset stomach afterward, but always craving them anyway.

    The perfectly grilled squid sizzled on the iron te, sprinkled with cumin and chili powder and green onions, smelling particrly delicious, paired with chilled drinks or a bowl of iced corn syrup, it was unbeatable.

    Five years had passed, and she still remembered the taste.

    She only meant to have a taste and leave, but having not eaten it in a long time, she indulged, left and right, eating several skewers, downed half a bottle of cold drink, and bought a bowl of iced corn syrup, sipping it as she walked back to the car.

    After finishing the syrup, she opened the door and sat back in the driver¡¯s seat.

    She nned to y some games on her phone to pass the time, but then she heard a low voice beside her, ¡°I told you, don¡¯t eat too much, it¡¯ll upset your stomach¡­¡±

    Su Lu stiffened, pursed her lips, and saw Bo Jingshen hadn¡¯t even opened his eyes.

    She tried to fool the drunk man, ¡°I only had a little.¡±

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°You smell so much like grilled squid, it¡¯s like you¡¯ve been marinated in it.¡±

    Well, the drunk man was still somewhat logical.

    Su Lu blinked, unable to fool him, so she tried tofort him.

    She reached over and gently patted him, ¡°Okay, okay, I won¡¯t eat anymore.

    You sleep a bit more, sleep a bit more.¡±

    Unexpectedly, her hand was suddenly grasped.

    Su Lu was stunned, looking at him.

    She saw the man half-lying in the passenger seat, turning sideways towards her.

    His eyes, which had been closed, slowly opened.

    Still red from the alcohol, his gazecked its usual sharpness but wasn¡¯t as innocent as before.

    It was hard to tell if he was drunk or sober.

    ¡°Bo Jingshen¡­¡± Su Lu called softly.

    ¡°Hmm.¡±

    The man responded lowly, his slightly red eyes fixed on her.

    For a moment, his gaze seemed very gentle.

    Su Lu: ¡°Are you sober now?¡±

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°No.¡±

    Su Lu: ¡°Then you should¡­¡±

    She was interrupted by Bo Jingshen, ¡°Su Lu.¡±

    Su Lu: ¡°Hmm?¡±

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°What is our rtionship now?¡±

    Su Lu pursed her lips, unable to answer.

    She wanted to know more than he did what their rtionship was now, but because of past guilt, she felt it wasn¡¯t up to her, her words didn¡¯t count.

    Besides, she didn¡¯t even know if he was talking drunkenly or soberly.

    Su Lu: ¡°I don¡¯t know, what do you think?¡±

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°I think¡­

    I want to keep this rtionship as it is.¡±

    ¡°This¡­

    rtionship?¡± Su Lu felt a pang in her heart.

    It wasn¡¯t exactly pain, but it felt like something was missing.

    ¡°Yes, just as we are now.¡± His eyes still slightly red, focused on her, his alcohol-scented and cedar-fragrant jacket still warm around her.

    But Su Lu felt an inexplicable chill.

    Their current rtionship¡­

    what was it?

    Su Lu pondered.

    He had a girlfriend.

    And he thought she had a husband.

    But they slept together¡­

    No matter how she thought about it, it seemed there was only one definition for this rtionship.

    Her heart stung a bit, ¡°You mean¡­

    bed mates?¡±

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s gaze paused briefly, he didn¡¯t answer immediately.

    Was it the silence or his drunken stupor, hard to tell.

    After a few silent seconds, he nodded, ¡°If you want to see it that way, you can.¡±

    He unconsciously tightened his grip on Su Lu¡¯s hand, the pressure causing her a bit of pain.

    Su Lu saw a faint smile on his lips, but for some reason, it seemedcking in sincerity.

    Bo Jingshen whispered, ¡°Su Xiaolu, I will treat you very well.¡±

 Chapter 31 - 31 31 Im Not, I Didnt

    ?31: Chapter 31: I¡¯m Not, I Didn¡¯t   31: Chapter 31: I¡¯m Not, I Didn¡¯t       Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                            Su Lu didn¡¯t even know what she was thinking, maybe it was because his slightly reddened eyes looked so harmless, and his gentle gaze was too soft.

    She nodded involuntarily, ¡°Okay.¡±

    Bo Jingshen still looked at her, his gaze deep.

    It was unclear whether he was satisfied or not with her obedient nodding.

    Bo Jingshen had no intention of leaving immediately, as if he knew Su Lu¡¯s thoughts, he quietly stayed with her to wait for dawn.

    But Su Lu didn¡¯t get to see the sunrise in the end.

    The weather was bad, there were thick clouds, and the sunrise was not visible.

    She was somewhat disappointed.

    Maybe they just weren¡¯t meant to be.

    She hade here with Bo Jingshen many times before, but had never seen the sunrise once.

    It made Su Lu somewhat obsessed with watching the sunrise at Lover¡¯s Corner, Guanyu tform.

    ¡°Next time.

    We¡¯lle again when the weather is good.

    Let¡¯s go back and rest, you haven¡¯t slept all night,¡± Bo Jingshen softlyforted, raising his hand to send a text to the driver.

    Not long after, the driver came and drove them back to the hotel.

    Back at the hotel, Su Lu went straight to her room and into the bathroom to soak in the bath.

    Cheng Youran¡¯s call came through.

    She was busy as hell every day, but had some time to chat with her before checking the patients.

    Su Lu was originally a bit silent but thought, many things need someone to confide in.

    You Ran was undoubtedly the best candidate, gentle yet rational, calm and restrained.

    But even the so rational, calm, and restrained Cheng Youran, could not stay calm after hearing Su Lu¡¯s words.

    Her voice raised by several degrees, just hearing it could make you feel like her blood pressure was skyrocketing.

    ¡°What did you say?!¡± Cheng Youran¡¯s voice raised, emotionally charged, ¡°You said you agreed?!¡±

    ¡°Yes, I agreed.¡±

    ¡°You fuck¡­¡± Cheng Youran cursed, ¡°Are you crazy?¡±

    ¡°Oh dear,¡± After all the turmoil earlier, Su Lu was much calmer now, even able to make light of it, ¡°Life¡¯s rare few moments of madness.¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Cheng Youran said angrily.

    Su Lu fell silent awkwardly, pursing her lips, her voice weak, ¡°You Ran, don¡¯t be mad.¡±

    Cheng Youran took a deep breath, hating that she couldn¡¯t get Su Lu to see reason, ¡°Su Lu, you¡¯re twenty-seven!

    Not seventeen!

    Not twenty-two!¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Su Lu¡¯s voice was low.

    Cheng Youran: ¡°And you still want to mistreat yourself like this?

    If you keep getting yourself all wounded, you won¡¯t have time to recover.

    You¡¯re not young anymore!¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± was all Su Lu said again.

    Cheng Youran fell silent, not speaking for a long time.

    She knew, Xiaolu was never a fool, she actually saw many things very clearly, in some ways, even more rational and calm than herself, always able to handle anything withposure.

    But even though she saw things clearly, she would still plunge in headfirst, simply because¡­

    she had reasons thatpelled her to.

    Cheng Youran didn¡¯t need to think to know, it was for Bo Jingshen.

    Cheng Youran sighed, ¡°If you keep this up, one day you¡¯ll ruin yourself¡­¡±

    Su Lu smiled, there was no fear in her voice, she just softlyughed, ¡°If that day reallyes, just help me take care of the aftermath.¡±

    After ending the call with Cheng Youran, Su Lu got up from the bathtub, put on a bathrobe, and walked out.

    Only to be startled.

    ¡°You¡­

    why are you here¡­¡± Su Lu looked at the man sitting on the suite sofa.

    Bo Jingshen nodded towards the waiter, ¡°Just put the luggage in the wardrobe.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± the waiter responded respectfully.

    It was only then that Su Lu noticed; the waiter had also entered, carrying a suitcase to the wardrobe.

    Bo Jingshen pulled out some bills from his wallet as a tip and handed it over, ¡°Thank you, close the door.¡±

    With a click, the door was closed.

    Su Lu processed the situation with difficulty, ¡°Your¡­

    room¡­¡±

    ¡°I checked out,¡± Bo Jingshen said.

    His deep, clear eyes had recovered their rity, no longer the slight drunkenness from before.

    ¡°If I remember correctly, you agreed to maintain our rtionship?¡±

    Su Lu pressed her lips tight, looking at the mischievous smile on his mouth, ¡°If that¡¯s the case, why would I need another room?¡±

    Logical and reasonable, Su Lu had no argument.

    She stood there stunned, slowly epting this fact, after all, she had spoken so fearlessly to You Ran on the phone earlier, acting all bold and unafraid.

    Can¡¯t backtrack so quickly.

    Su Lu blinked, recovering, quietly asked, ¡°Do you want to take a shower?¡±

    Bo Jingshen raised an eyebrow.

    Just seeing him raise his brow, Su Lu¡¯s heart skipped a beat, realizing that was bad!

    I didn¡¯t, no.

    No, she absolutely did not mean to imply anything!

    She purely thought he drankst night, and spent half the night at the beach, though he hadn¡¯t thrown up, he surely must feel terrible, needing to shower off the alcohol and sea breeze.

    But it seemed far too easily misunderstood as a hint.

    Heaven knows, that wasn¡¯t it.

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll wait,¡± Bo Jingshen smiled a little.

    He went to the wardrobe, picked out clean clothes, and walked into the bathroom.

    The bathroom still held some of the steamed mist, that same fragrance lingering, matching hers.

    Clearly, he was already sober, yet he seemed a bit drunk still.

    Su Lu was initially feeling awkward due to the misunderstanding, thinking whether to exin when he came out.

    But she hadn¡¯t slept all night, was too tired, and couldn¡¯t wait until he finished showering.

    She just burrowed into the soft nkets, sinking into the fluffy pillows, and fell deeply asleep.

    When Bo Jingshen came out in a dark blue robe, towel in hand drying his hair, what he saw was a woman already fast asleep on the white bed.

    Half her face was buried in the pillow, her long hair spreading but not messy, rather giving off a smooth texture.

    Her small body sunk into the big bed, coupled with her peaceful sleeping face, made her appear as if sleeping infort on clouds.

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s hand paused in towel-drying his hair, his gaze deepened, but held no lust.

    In his eyes seemed to hide a gentle warmth buried deeply.

    She wasn¡¯t the young woman of just over twenty from five years ago, yet at this moment, it seemed as if time never touched her.

    At a nce, she still looked like the little woman who slept peacefully beside him like a child.

    The phone¡¯s vibrating sound suddenly broke the silence.

    Buzz buzz.

    Buzz buzz.

    But it wasn¡¯t Bo Jingshen¡¯s phone vibrating.

    He nced at the phone on the coffee table by the window, its screen lighting up with an iing call.

    Then he nced at the person on the bed who was sweetly asleep, seeming a bit unsettled by the noise.

    Without much thought, Bo Jingshen quickly walked over, picked up the phone to end the call¡­

    huh?

    Why did it answer?

    A woman¡¯s voice came through, ¡°Mr.

    Su, Mr.

    Su, help!¡±

 Chapter 32 - 32 32 Both Are Millennium-Old Foxes

    ?32: Chapter 32: Both Are Millennium-Old Foxes   32: Chapter 32: Both Are Millennium-Old Foxes       Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                                Xu Ning¡¯s voice was low, sounding mournful.

    Maybe because it was so mournful, she didn¡¯t even wait for Su Lu to respond.

    She just started speaking on her own, ¡°Mr.

    Su, I really can¡¯t hide it anymore, Mr.

    Su asks me every day about your residence in Hai City, I¡¯ve lied several times, and today he came over and was so furious that his finger nearly poked my face.

    Basically, he said if I deceive him again, he¡¯ll fire me!¡±

    She said this, but because Su Lu protected her subordinates quite well, Xu Ning¡¯s voice didn¡¯t show any fear.

    After a pause, she added, ¡°Although I don¡¯t know on what grounds he can fire me¡­ it¡¯s not like he¡¯s the one paying my sry, but still¡­ hees every day, speaks so harshly, I¡¯m suffering too, Mr.

    Su, save me!¡±

    Xu Ning didn¡¯t get a response from Su Lu; she then looked at the screen and saw the call had connected.

    Uncertain, she called out, ¡°Mr.

    Su?¡±

    Then she heard a low male voice, ¡°She¡¯s resting, not awake yet.¡±

    Suddenly, there was silence.

    Xu Ning was quiet for a moment, then tentatively asked in a low voice, ¡°Mr.

    Gu?

    Are you with Mr.

    Su?¡±

    It wasn¡¯t that she recognized Gu Xin¡¯s voice¡ªin fact, Xu Ning didn¡¯t recognize his voice at all.

    It was just that no other men appeared beside Su Lu.

    Hearing this male voice, she assumed it was Gu Xin.

    Hearing the words ¡°Mr.

    Gu¡±, Bo Jingshen¡¯s brows knitted into a tight knot.

    Xu Ning muttered quietly, ¡°That¡¯s odd¡­ wasn¡¯t Mr.

    Gu abroad on vacation?¡±

    Just yesterday, Su Lu had messaged him a happy vacation, as recently these matters had given Gu Xin quite a headache.

    Chen Yaxi¡¯s mood must not have been good, and she was also pregnant.

    Gu Xin was taking her out to rx.

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s lips curled coldly.

    This silly woman, sleeping like a piglet on the bed, was troubled by the rumors caused by that surname Gu, honorably injured, and fled to this stormy Hai City to avoid attention, only to be confined to the construction site, bearing all the bad luck.

    And the instigator, surname Gu, actually took his little lover abroad on vacation?!

    Xu Ning also realized something seemed off, ¡°Uh¡­ maybe when Mr.

    Su wakes up, you could let her know¡­ actually, never mind, I¡¯ll call backter.¡±

    As she spoke, Xu Ning was about to hang up.

    She heard the man¡¯s voice, still low but with a trace of coldness in his tone, ¡°There¡¯s nothing you can¡¯t tell Su Yukan.

    If he asks, just tell him the truth.¡±

    ¡°But Mr.

    Su¡­¡± Xu Ning knew very well that Su Lu came to Hai City not just to avoid the rumors.

    She also wanted to find some peace and escape the troubles of the Su Family.

    So Xu Ning had been diligently deceiving Su Yukan¡­

    ¡°I¡¯ll tell her when she wakes up, don¡¯t worry.

    And it¡¯s impossible to hide it forever,¡± Bo Jingshen said calmly.

    After all, Liu Qiming had already seen her in Hai City.

    Besides, regardless of the trouble Su Yukan wanted to cause, Bo Jingshen could protect his own.

    ¡°Alright then¡­ If possible, please let Mr.

    Su know when she wakes up.¡±

    After ending the call, any remaining sleepiness Bo Jingshen might have felt disappeared.

    However, instead of sitting on the sofa, he took his tablet and moved to the bed.

    He climbed into bed lightly, leaned against the headboard, and began working on his tablet.

    Although the bed in the suite wasrge, the distance was still limited.

    The room was very quiet, so even the smallest sound stood out.

    Like the soft, slow breathing of the woman sleeping.

    Gentle.

    It seemed to blur the whole scene, coating it in a soft glow.

    On the chat software, Jiang Su was online.

    Jiang Su, known as Mr.

    Jiang, was steady in his actions, with sharp insight and a keen business sense, far more reliable than his younger brother, Jiang Er.

    The Old Jiang Family could let Jiang Er grow into a wastrel because they had this pir of a firstborn.

    Although Bo Jingshen was usually closer to Jiang Li, having met Jiang Su through Jiang Li, he had a good rtionship with Jiang Su as well, sometimes they even had more to talk about.

    Jiang Su: How long will you be in Hai City?

    Bo Jingshen: Don¡¯t know.

    Jiang Su: Recovered from your injury?

    Bo Jingshen: I¡¯m fine.

    Jiang Su: Heard you yed the hero to save the beauty?

    Bo Jingshen: Could your Jiang Er talk any more?

    Jiang Su: Doesn¡¯t seem like something you would do.

    In Jiang Su¡¯s view, both he and Bo Jingshen were not regarded as good people.

    To achieve such a level of business sess in a short time, one needed true skill, brains, luck, and a ruthlessness otherscked.

    Sometimes, after being in business for a long time, you be a refined egoist.

    ying the hero to save the beauty¡­ hardly seemed within their realm.

    Jiang Su wasn¡¯t wrong in saying that.

    Bo Jingshen didn¡¯t want to discuss this matter further.

    Though he sometimes had more to talk about with Jiang Su due to their simrities, it was also because of this that he knew Jiang Su wasn¡¯t as simple-minded as Jiang Er.

    Jiang Su knew more than one might expect.

    So some things didn¡¯t need to be disclosed to him.

    Bo Jingshen changed the subject.

    He sent a voice message, ¡°Instead of gossiping about me, you should think about how to stop Jiang Er from losing money on the projects I invested in.

    You, as his elder brother, didn¡¯t invest, so he¡¯s targeting me for all his ideas.¡±

    A voice message came back from the other end.

    Jiang Su¡¯s voice wasn¡¯t as maic as Bo Jingshen¡¯s, but it was still deep and steady, always calm and collected, as if nothing could rattle him.

    Such an unhurried pace could put pressure on others during negotiations.

    ¡°Are you talking about the esports project he mentioned before?¡±

    ¡°What else?

    Does he have any other projects worth a second look?

    Or is it the luosifen chain he wanted me to invest in earlier?

    Spare me.¡±

    Jiang Su chuckled, ¡°Alright, I won¡¯t let you bear the risk alone.

    Whatever you invest, I¡¯ll match.

    We can discuss the details when you return.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Bo Jingshen had no objections to Jiang Su¡¯s words; he had already expected him to say this.

    It wasn¡¯t just to avoid letting Bo Jingshen take all the risks.

    Mr.

    Jiang was sharp, and though he seemed dismissive of his brother, he still cared for him.

    Naturally, he didn¡¯t want his brother¡¯s potentially sessful project to make money, only for Bo Jingshen to take most of the profit, leaving his brother with little despite his hard work.

    Bo Jingshen knew he¡¯d invest.

    After all, both were old foxes, not ying games with each other.

    ¡°So who should I have my people coordinate with on your end?¡± Jiang Su asked.

    ¡°Cheng Yan?

    He¡¯s back, right?¡±

    Bo Jingshen paused for a moment, then replied with two words, ¡°Su Lu.¡±

 Chapter 33 - 33 33 Siscon

    ?33: Chapter 33: Siscon   33: Chapter 33: Siscon       Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                                ¡°Su Lu.¡±

    Bo Jingshen uttered two words, his tone showing little change.

    But Jiang Su on the other end was silent for a moment before he slowly spoke, ¡°Oh, Su Lu.¡±

    He didn¡¯t intentionally draw out the sybles, but his usual unhurried speech, when slowed further, always sounded somewhat meaningful.

    Bo Jingshen gave a low chuckle, ¡°Hmm.¡±

    He was already prepared to be teased by Jiang Su, but Jiang Su didn¡¯t tease him.

    After a couple of lightughs, he said, ¡°Alright, Su Lu then.

    I¡¯ll have someone contact Su Luter.¡±

    Just when Bo Jingshen thought Jiang Su wouldn¡¯t say anything more, another message came through.

    ¡°This is supposed to be your personal matter, and I shouldn¡¯t say much, but given our years of friendship, I¡¯ll remind you of one thing.¡±

    ¡°Hmm?¡± Bo Jingshen uttered a questioning syble.

    Jiang Su said, ¡°Su Yukan is not the problem.

    Su Yukan is just a jumping clown.

    If there¡¯s really an issue within the Su Family, it¡¯s Su Yukan¡¯s eldest son, Su Zhe.

    Although he hasn¡¯t been developing in Feng City, this person is intelligent, calm, and scheming, not an ordinary character.

    You might want to be a bit careful.¡±

    Bo Jingshen was puzzled, ¡°Me?

    Careful of him for what?¡±

    Jiang Su said, ¡°Su Zhe is an extremely indifferent person, particrly cold.

    Even I don¡¯t have a good temper, but at least I have a few friends in the circle who can talk to me.

    But, Su Zhe has none.

    He seems disinterested and uninterested in everything.¡±

    Bo Jingshen asked, ¡°So?¡±

    Jiang Su replied, ¡°Such a cold person is actually aplete sisterplex.¡±

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°¡­¡±

    For a moment, he really didn¡¯t know what to say.

    Jiang Su gave a lowugh, ¡°To be precise, he¡¯s not purely a sisterplex.

    Su Yukan has two daughters, but Su Zhe only has a special regard for Su Lu.

    The other sister, he wouldn¡¯t even blink if she died right in front of him.

    Maybe because she¡¯s the stepmother¡¯s child?

    Anyway, when Su Lu was arranged to marry into the Gu Family, Su Zhe directly severed his rtionship with Su Yukan and left the Su Family.¡±

    Bo Jingshen¡­

    really didn¡¯t expect such a situation.

    Jiang Su said, ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m just giving you a heads up.

    Better be careful.¡±

    ¡°Got it,¡± Bo Jingshen responded.

    They didn¡¯t continue with the voice messages, but Bo Jingshen found himself somewhat distracted while looking at the files on his tablet, with low efficiency.

    A whileter, a voice message from Jiang Li arrived.

    From the excited tone, it sounded like he was about to kneel before Bo Jingshen.

    ¡°Brother Shen!

    My brother said he would invest in me!

    You are amazing!

    If you are willing to invest in a project, my brother will surely be willing to invest as well.¡±

    Bo Jingshen initially didn¡¯t want to reply, but recalling the content of the call from Xu Ning, he messaged Jiang Li back, ¡°Since you are so grateful, why don¡¯t you help me with something?¡±

    Naturally, Jiang Li immediately expressed his willingness to go through with it any task.

    Bo Jingshen didn¡¯t immediately mention what he wanted, only saying, ¡°Just wait.

    I¡¯ll let you know when I need you to do something.¡±

    Then he lost interest in continuing with the files.

    The woman beside him was sleeping so soundly that Bo Jingshen couldn¡¯t resist lying down beside her.

    It made him lose the motivation to be a workaholic.

    Bo Jingshen casually ced his tablet on the bedside table,y down, hooked his long arm around the soft and sweet woman beside him, and held onto her, quickly falling into a deep sleep.

    Su Lu slept exceptionally well, waking to find that it was nearly dark outside.

    ¡°Oh my, how long did I sleep¡­¡± she muttered to herself.

    As soon as she finished the thought, a deep male voice came from behind.

    ¡°Not long, just eight hours.

    From 8 AM to 4 PM, people might think you had jetg.¡±

    Su Lu suddenly realized that she wasfortably leaning against not some self-heatingrge cushion but a man!

    She also remembered that before she fell asleep, he went into the bathroom to take a shower.

    She had been a bit nervous at the time, but in the end?

    She slept for eight hours straight.

    Unbelievable.

    ¡°You¡­

    why are you still here?¡± Su Lu bit her lip and asked.

    ¡°Where would I go?

    I already checked out of my room,¡± Bo Jingshen responded, not caring if her body was stiff.

    He had no intention of letting her go, and the warm grip around her waist, from his arm, was ever-present since she woke up.

    ¡°Could you let go, I want to get up,¡± Su Lu said.

    Not only did he have no intention of letting go, but he also tightened his grip, as if holding onto a pillow, his chin nuzzling her shoulder, ¡°Since it¡¯s already this time, why don¡¯t we stay in bed a bit longer and get up for dinner?¡±

    Su Lu felt a small bubble rise in her heart.

    Initially stiff, her body gradually rxed.

    Azy feeling started to spread.

    This soap bubble-like feeling, calledziness,monly appears among working adults during legal holidays.

    Typically exhibited as: I¡¯ll stay in bed for a bit longer.

    Originally tense, uneasy, and even a bit shy emotions began to dissolve into a resigned surrender.

    Who cares about being tense, uneasy, or shy?

    Su Lu, oh Su Lu, you already agreed to be his bed partner!

    Why ask for more¡­

    With such resigned thoughts, Su Lu¡¯s uneasiness slowly faded away.

    And since she was facing away from Bo Jingshen, avoiding eye contact helped lessen the awkwardness.

    Her tone gradually grew more rxed.

    ¡°What shall we have for dinner?¡±

    ¡°How about I get someone to bring over a king crab?

    You love eating this kind of food, might as well have it now since you¡¯ll start your scar treatment tomorrow and then you can¡¯t eat it.¡±

    Su Lu nearly forgot about the scar treatment¡­

    in all honesty, she wasn¡¯t particrly attentive to her own face.

    But he remembered everything, from booking the specialist to arranging the meetings and the treatment.

    Su Lu felt a tiny bubble rise in her heart again, her voice growing softer, ¡°I don¡¯t particrly like eating this kind of food¡­¡±

    In the current scene, in their state, the low muttering felt quite like lover¡¯s whispers.

    Bo Jingshen clicked his tongue, ¡°Back when those small fried crab skewer vendors sold them for two bucks a skewer, you ate them as if you wanted to chew down the wooden sticks too.¡±

    Su Lu: ¡°¡­¡±

    Truthfully, which girl wouldn¡¯t like crispy and fragrant fried little crabs?

    Fried to a golden crisp, brushed with ayer of spicy oil, crunching them down, releasing the unique aroma of crab.

    Who wouldn¡¯t love that!

 Chapter 34 - 34 34 Sweet Punishment

    ?34: Chapter 34: Sweet Punishment   34: Chapter 34: Sweet Punishment       Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                                Bo Jingshen had always remembered how much she enjoyed eating small crabs.

    Even though he couldn¡¯t understand what was so delicious about those crustaceans, it didn¡¯t stop him from feeling bad about not being able to buy big crabs for his beloved girl when he was broke.

    Now he had money.

    So, eat!

    Eat big ones!

    Are two enough?

    Su Lu didn¡¯t want to argue with him.

    Bo Jingshen was very stubborn, and it was usually hard to change his mind.

    ¡°You have a ss reunion tonight, right?

    I remember you said at Old Zou¡¯s house yesterday that you¡¯d go to the reunion.¡±

    Su Lu suddenly remembered this.

    ¡°Oh right,¡± Bo Jingshen replied.

    What do you mean, ¡°oh right¡±?

    Su Lu was speechless.

    He hadpletely forgotten about it.

    If she didn¡¯t remind him, he¡¯d have missed it.

    ¡°Then it¡¯s just right, you go to the reunion.¡±

    ¡°What about you?¡± Bo Jingshen suddenly felt a bit annoyed.

    He wished he hadn¡¯t agreed to Old Zou¡¯s gathering yesterday.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take the project team out for a meal.

    The typhoon incident probably scared them too,¡± Su Lu said, sitting up and preparing to get out of bed.

    But the man¡¯s strong arm wrapped around her waist from behind, preventing her from getting up.

    Su Lu: ¡°¡­¡±

    She instinctively wanted to break free.

    But the man behind her seemed to have guessed her intention.

    Before she could even start to struggle,

    a deep, maic voicezily said, ¡°Don¡¯t move, I have a wound on my back.¡±

    The words acted like a switch, instantly freezing Su Lu in ce.

    Su Lu softly asked, ¡°Is it not healed yet?

    When will you have the stitches removed?

    I haven¡¯t seen you go to the hospital for a bandage change¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll get the stitches removed when you go for your scar treatment.

    It¡¯s a small wound, no need to go to the hospital for a bandage change,¡± Bo Jingshen said calmly.

    It even sounded like he didn¡¯t care about the wound at all.

    Su Lu couldn¡¯t help frowning.

    If he were in some risky business where getting injured every now and then was normal, his nonchnt attitude would make sense.

    But he wasn¡¯t¡ªhe was a legitimate businessman.

    Why was he so indifferent to scars?

    And what about those old scars on his body¡­

    Did his current indifference to injuries have anything to do with those old scars?

    What exactly had he been through?

    Su Lu didn¡¯t get up; she just reached for the bedside phone and dialed the reception.

    The call was answered quickly.

    ¡°Hello, this is the reception.

    How can I help you?¡±

    Su Lu politely said, ¡°Hello, do you have a medical kit?¡±

    ¡°We only provide over-the-counter medications and simple bandaging supplies.

    For prescription medication orrger wounds, we still rmend going to the hospital.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, the regr kit will do.

    Please send it up.

    Thank you.¡±

    After getting the receptionist¡¯s response, Su Lu hung up the phone.

    The man behind her didn¡¯t say anything, but the firm, muscr arm around her waist seemed to tighten.

    Before long, the doorbell rang.

    Su Lu got up this time and wasn¡¯t held back.

    She brought the medical kit in.

    Bo Jingshen was already up, sitting by the bed.

    ¡°I¡¯ll change your bandage.¡±

    He didn¡¯t refuse Su Lu¡¯s good intention and let her unveil the bandage from his back.

    Su Lu was stunned, her hands unable to move for a long time, her eyes fixed.

    To be honest, Su Lu had neglected this.

    Because Bo Jingshen didn¡¯t act like someone who was injured¡­

    His presence was strong; his expression never showed a hint of pain.

    Each movement was smooth and unaffected.

    He could stillunch such a fierce and intense offensive on her.

    As a result, Su Lu neglected the fact that he was injured.

    She thought maybe the wound wasn¡¯t that serious.

    Until she unveiled the bandage and saw the wound with her own eyes¡­

    It wasn¡¯t ¡°not that serious.¡±

    It was very serious, but this man had always downyed it!

    A long scar stretched diagonally from his shoulder, crossing his entire back, and extending to the other side of his waist!

    The deeper parts had stitches, looking like a centipede crawling across his back.

    Su Lu took a deep breath.

    As she exhaled, her breathing was trembling.

    Then she heard Bo Jingshen¡¯s light sigh, ¡°It¡¯s not that serious.

    It just looks scary.¡±

    ¡°Bullshit¡± was on the tip of Su Lu¡¯s tongue.

    But thinking about how the injury happened, she couldn¡¯t scold him and could only bite her lip, opening the bottle of disinfectant, taking out a soaked cotton ball with tweezers, and gently cleaning the wound bit by bit.

    ¡°You¡¯ve got such a bad injury, and you still drank yesterday!¡± Su Lu couldn¡¯t help but say, with a bit of reproach.

    And he even had the nerve to stop Old Zou from drinking when he couldn¡¯t even control himself!

    Her movements were slow and meticulous, being careful not to use too much force, afraid of hurting him.

    This made the process even more torturous.

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s lips were tightly pressed together.

    Honestly, he¡¯d rather take a sharp pain.

    Pain was a more direct and straightforward sensation, without dragging.

    But Su Xiaolu¡¯s current actions¡­

    felt like a feather gently brushing the wound.

    It was as if a feather was gently brushing his heart as well.

    He feltpletely unsettled, yet he couldn¡¯t say anything, only pressing his lips and enduring it.

    Sweat started to bead on his forehead.

    Su Lu saw the sweat on his forehead and back, thinking it was from the pain!

    Her movements became even more delicate and gentle!

    It was a vicious cycle.

    Fortunately, the longest wound had a limit.

    After disinfecting the wound, Su Lu waited for the antiseptic to dry, applied a thinyer of healing ointment, then carefully ced breathable, waterproof dressing.

    The dressing was finally changed.

    Bo Jingshen finally ended the sweet torment.

    ¡°All done,¡± Su Lu said.

    Bo Jingshen let out a long breath.

    Su Lu¡¯s gaze couldn¡¯t help but nce at his back.

    Besides the new wound, his back had many scars.

    They had already healed.

    It seemed they were old injuries, and she couldn¡¯t tell what had caused them.

    But they were quite shocking.

    Bo Jingshen quickly put on his robe, covering the old scars.

    ¡°Su Lu.¡±

    ¡°Hmm?¡±

    ¡°Come to the reunion with me.¡±

    ¡°But I¡­¡± Su Lu frowned.

    It didn¡¯t seem right.

    When she and Bo Jingshen broke up, it wasn¡¯t a bigmotion at the science and technology school, but some ssmates in the same dorm might know the details, and she had really yed the viin at that time.

    If they met again, it would only be awkward.

    But Bo Jingshen seemed to know how to press her weak spot.

    He said, ¡°There might be alcohol at the reunion.¡±

 Chapter 35 - 35 35 Class Reunion

    ?35: Chapter 35 ss Reunion   35: Chapter 35 ss Reunion       Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                            The ss reunion was set in the party suite at Kabin.

    Hai City¡¯s more upscale party venue, it offered all-in-one service across an entire building.

    The first floor was for clubbing, the second and third floors were party suites, the third floor had bathing facilities, and the fourth and fifth floors were dining restaurants.

    Here, you could get everything from dining to entertainment covered.

    With such services, the cost wasn¡¯t low.

    But since they were all from a top ten school of science and technology, none of them developed poorly in Hai City.

    Besides, at ss reunions, everyone was there to show off.

    So, as long as they weren¡¯t doing too terribly, they would usually bite the bullet ande.

    Most of those who came were ssmates who stayed in Hai City after graduation; all were familiar faces.

    ¡°Is it true?

    Jiang Minhui, are you bluffing?¡±

    ¡°Lu did, what do you mean?

    When have I ever bluffed!

    He really did return to Hai City!

    The news of him attending and speaking at the High-tech District Tech Expo ¡ª don¡¯t act like you didn¡¯t know!¡±

    Jiang Minhui frowned, feeling displeased from the doubt and from the embarrassment she faced at the restaurant yesterday.

    ¡°I know about him giving a speech at the Tech Expo, but you im you saw him, are you sure you¡¯re not bluffing?¡± Lu Feichi smiled.

    Other old ssmates around chimed in, telling him not to bully a girl, reminding that their university always had a tradition of a friendly and supportive environment for female students due to the disparity in numbers.

    Li Jin, beside Jiang Minhui, softly and gently advised, ¡°Huixi, let it go, otherwise, they¡¯ll tease you again.¡±

    Jiang Minhui was a bit indignant, ¡°But I really saw him yesterday!

    In the revolving restaurant on the top floor of Clouds!¡±

    Zhan Ziyu sneered and nced at Jiang Minhui, disapproving of her insistence on the subject, and mocked, ¡°Really?

    How did you get to the top-floor revolving restaurant of Clouds?

    It¡¯s on a reservation system for premium members only; even the cheapest membership requires a one-time recharge of 200,000.¡±

    Jiang Minhui¡¯s face flushed as Zhan Ziyu¡¯s words reminded her of the embarrassment of being kicked out of Clouds yesterday, ¡°Just because you can¡¯t get in doesn¡¯t mean no one else can!¡±

    Zhan Ziyuughed, ¡°I admit I can¡¯t get in, but at least I¡¯m not pretending.¡±

    Seeing the conversation he started with the girls seeming to escte into an argument, Lu Feichi tried to calm things down with a heartyugh, ¡°Alright, alright, don¡¯t get mad and don¡¯t argue.

    Tonight¡¯s on me.

    Let¡¯s just eat, drink, and be happy.¡±

    With an excuse to back down, Jiang Minhui murmured softly, ¡°I really did see him; believe it or not, and he wasn¡¯t alone ¡ª his ¡®Harvester¡¯ girlfriend was with him too.¡±

    Lu Feichi was skeptical, ¡°Impossible, they broke up ages ago.¡±

    ¡°Believe what you want.¡± Jiang Minhui pursed her lips.

    Zhan Ziyu jeered from the side, ¡°Whether they broke up or not has nothing to do with us.

    Instead of discussing that, why not think about how to make Lu spend more tonight?¡±

    Li Jinughed, ¡°That¡¯s right, Old Zou isn¡¯t feeling well and didn¡¯te.

    Otherwise, he¡¯d definitely call us a bunch of decadent revelers.¡±

    Everyoneughed at her words, and the atmosphere warmed up again.

    Just then, the waiter pushed open the door and respectfully called to someone outside, ¡°Hello, the V9 party suite is here.

    Pleasee in.¡±

    Everyone inside only heard a deep, maic voice from outside, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    No one knew who had arrived.

    ¡°What?

    Is someone else joining us today?¡± Zhuo Kang asked.

    Wu Borui shrugged, ¡°Everyone¡¯s here, there shouldn¡¯t be anyone else, right?¡± Then he looked at the female ssmates, joking, ¡°Or has someone¡¯s significant othere to join?¡±

    Lu Feichi recognized the voice faintly, raised an eyebrow, and murmured, ¡°No way?¡±

    The person outside walked in.

    The room fell silent.

    The neer, just like in the old days, instantly became the center of attention.

    Time seemed to be especially gentle to him ¡ª five years ago, he was handsome, and five yearster, he was mature and handsome.

    Long eyebrows, deep eyes, high nose, thin lips, as if straight out of a painting.

    ¡°It really¡­ really is Bo Jingshen!¡±

    ¡°Holy crap!

    I honestly thought Jiang Minhui was smoking something!¡±

    ¡°So, the clown was actually us¡­¡±

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s calm andposed gaze swept over everyone in the suite.

    ¡°Long time no see.¡±

    ¡°Long time no see indeed, academic god!

    How kind of you to descend and mingle with us mortals, really¡­ it¡¯s an honor.¡± Zhuo Kang stammered.

    Everyone almost burst intoughter at Zhuo Kang¡¯s words.

    They all scolded, ¡°Zhuo Kang, can¡¯t you have a bit more dignity!¡±

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s lips curved slightly, ¡°Spent the past few years abroad, so naturally couldn¡¯t attend such events.¡±

    ¡°No worries, no worries!

    Juste often in the future!¡± Zhuo Kang, being a bit thick-skinned, eased the tension with his words, making everyone rx a bit more.

    Bo Jingshen looked at the sofa where Lu Feichi was sitting and smiled, a more genuine smile than before.

    ¡°Chi.¡±

    ¡°Screw you.¡± Lu Feichiughed and cursed, ¡°You still remember toe back?

    You¡¯re something else.¡±

    Although everyone knew that during university, Lu Feichi and Bo Jingshen were quite close, they hadn¡¯t expected Lu Feichi to speak so casually and unreservedly now that Bo Jingshen was such a bigwig.

    ¡°Ah.¡± Bo Jingshen nodded, ¡°A glorious return.¡±

    Lu Feichiughed and scoffed, ¡°Am I to bask in your glory or cling to your thigh?

    Four years of dorm friendship, and you didn¡¯t contact us for five years!¡±

    Bo Jingshen sat beside him, thought for a moment, then said, ¡°If I said I didn¡¯t contact Luan Siyuan or Rong Yu either, would you feel a bit more bnced?¡±

    In their four-person dorm at the science and technology university, the others, naturally, were their dormmates.

    Lu Feichi chuckled, shrugged, ¡°Somewhat more bnced.¡±

    Sometimes, after truly entering society, looking back, friendships from school days felt purer.

    Lu Feichi sighed, ¡°Didn¡¯t think you¡¯de to a ss reunion.¡±

    Bo Jingshen said, ¡°Went to Old Zou¡¯s ce for a meal yesterday.

    He suggested Ie, said I need talent for developing here.¡±

    ¡°Old Zou said I¡¯m talent?¡± Lu Feichi grinned.

    ¡°We¡¯ll seeter.¡± Bo Jingshen smiled, ¡°But Old Zou did say you¡¯ve developed well over the past few years, so it seems you¡¯re doing alright.¡±

    ¡°Indeed.¡± Lu Feichi said, ¡°Jiang Minhui said she saw you at Clouds yesterday.

    I thought she was talking nonsense.¡±

    ¡°She did bump into me, but I don¡¯t remember well, we didn¡¯t talk much.¡± Bo Jingshen nodded.

    Lu Feichi paused, thought for a moment, and still asked, ¡°She said when she saw you at Clouds, you were with your college ¡®Harvester¡¯ girlfriend?¡±

    Bo Jingshen paused for a few seconds, then slowly nodded, ¡°Yes, we were together.¡±

 Chapter 36 - 36 36 He Has Some Regrets

    ?36: Chapter 36 He Has Some Regrets   36: Chapter 36 He Has Some Regrets       Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                            Bo Jingshen suddenly fell silent for a moment, and Lu Feichi thought that was normal.

    Although the other ssmates didn¡¯t know, as Bo Jingshen¡¯s roommate, he was considered one of his closest friends back then in Hai City.

    He still knew something about him and Su Lu, and it wasn¡¯t pleasant.

    And it didn¡¯t sound good either, your girlfriend dumped you to marry someone else.

    Any man would lose face over that.

    Lu Feichi, Luan Siyuan, and Rong Yu had also thought over the years if this was why Bo Jingshen had lost touch with them all these years.

    ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to bring it up,¡± Lu Feichi said.

    Bo Jingshen shook his head faintly, ¡°It¡¯s okay, she¡¯lleter.¡±

    Su Lu had originally agreed toe to the ss reunion with him, but those in the project team probably also intended to apologize to her, so they immediately decided to arrange the location to be near Kabin.

    So Su Lu went to sit with the project team for a bit and had a bite to eat beforeing down to join him for the reunion.

    ¡°Are you still together now?¡± Lu Feichi asked.

    Bo Jingshen thought for a moment, and nodded slightly, ¡°Sort of.¡±

    ¡°Back then, we were all pretty angry, feeling it wasn¡¯t worth it for you.

    You were such a good guy, obviously a promisingd, and she was just a harvester, what gave her the right to treat you like that?¡± Lu Feichi still felt a bit resentful even now as he spoke.

    Bo Jingshen chuckled softly, it seemed like this harvester business was never going to be let go, right?

    ¡°Butter on¡­¡± Lu Feichi hesitated.

    ¡°What?¡± Bo Jingshen looked at him.

    For some reason, he had a premonition that what Lu Feichi was about to say next would be very important.

    Bo Jingshen even put away his slight smile.

    Lu Feichi said, ¡°If you¡¯ve already broken up with her, then this doesn¡¯t mean much.

    But since you¡¯re still together, I¡¯ll mention it.¡±

    ¡°You left in a hurry, suddenly taking that exchange student spot, and left the country quickly.

    Then none of us could reach you, so we couldn¡¯t tell you.¡±

    ¡°After you left, she came by.¡±

    Lu Feichi¡¯s memory pulled him back to five years ago.

    He, Luan Siyuan, and Rong Yu had always had a good friendship with Bo Jingshen.

    Although Bo Jingshen wasn¡¯t very outgoing or extroverted, he was quite a decent person.

    So when Bo Jingshen went through such a thing, and Su Lu reappeared, naturally the three of them didn¡¯t have a good attitude towards Su Lu.

    Because Bo Jingshen left in a hurry, he didn¡¯t take a lot of things with him, and before he left, he left almost everything rted to Su Lu.

    He put them all in a cardboard box, basically asking his roommates to help him deal with it.

    But there were some things in there that weren¡¯t exactly worthless junk, and the three of them didn¡¯t know what to do with it, so they left it there.

    Until Su Lu appeared, their tempers red up, finally having a target to vent at.

    Especially Rong Yu, who had a bad temper, the type that could help you with anything when he was good with you, but if you crossed his bottom line, he wouldn¡¯t care about your feelings or whether you were upset.

    ¡°I thought, since she was a girl, we shouldn¡¯t be too harsh, just let her take the stuff and leave.

    But Rong Yu disagreed, and Si Yuan couldn¡¯t hold him back.

    I¡­

    I was actually pretty angry too.

    After all, we had nned to make something of ourselves together, and she treated you like that, causing you to leave without a trace.

    So I didn¡¯t stop Rong Yu either.¡±

    Bo Jingshen stayed silent, listening quietly.

    He could almost picture the scene back then, Su Luing alone, facing the three roommates who wanted to vent for him.

    ¡°So the box of stuff that had been put nicely in your cab, Rong Yu, in his rage, threw it into the garbage dump.

    You know our school¡¯s garbage dump¡­¡±

    Such a big campus, all the trash from all the bins would be gathered there, veryrge and very¡­

    filthy.

    ¡°And then?¡± Bo Jingshen¡¯s voice was somewhat light.

    Lu Feichi said, ¡°Then Rong Yu told her the stuff had been thrown into the dump.

    I was also angry, and I wasn¡¯t very pleasant either.

    I probably said, if you don¡¯t want him, what do you want these things for?

    Who are you pretending for?

    All phony and stuff¡­¡±

    Lu Feichi sighed, ¡°Heaven knows I¡¯ve never said such harsh things to a girl in my life, that was the first time.

    She didn¡¯t say anything then, just left.

    But I felt somewhat uneasy, and while Rong Yu and Si Yuan went for dinner in the evening, I thought about it and still went to the garbage dump¡­¡±

    Lu Feichi pursed his lips, speaking with some difficulty.

    Bo Jingshen leaned forward slightly, with his head bowed, elbows on his knees, and fingers interlocked against his forehead.

    His heart was tugged with a delicate pain.

    Back then, he was clearly not the perpetrator, but the victim.

    But hearing about this, he still felt a pang of heartache for the perpetrator.

    ¡°She hade to us around one or two in the afternoon, and I went to the garbage dump at dinner time, and she was still there searching.

    Sigh, if she was pretending¡­

    there wasn¡¯t anyone there to pretend for, who would know she was searching through the dump for your stuff if I hadn¡¯t gone there on a whim?¡±

    ¡°If she still had feelings for you, why would she treat you like that?

    It¡¯s really¡­¡±

    Lu Feichi couldn¡¯t help but shake his head and sigh softly.

    Then, as if remembering something, he suddenly added, ¡°Oh yeah¡­¡±

    Lu Feichi said, ¡°She seemed to be quite badly injured at the time, I don¡¯t know if it was an ident or what, I couldn¡¯t say, and I didn¡¯t ask, but she didn¡¯t look in good shape.¡±

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s head, which had been hanging low, abruptly lifted.

    His long, deep-set eyes, the slight redness around the eye circles hadn¡¯t yet faded, but his gaze became deep and piercing, ¡°What did you say?¡±

    Lu Feichi said, ¡°It was about a month after you broke up, right?

    She was so thin, almost unrecognizable.

    Rong Yu was even very unhappy, saying that no one would think she was the one who got dumped, she was so gaunt.¡±

    ¡°But when she was in front of us, although she was thin, nothing seemed off.

    It was only when I went to the dump that I noticed she was limping, and one of her hands wasn¡¯t very agile.

    When she was rummaging through the dump with her sleeves rolled up, I saw her arm was in a splint.¡±

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s lips tightened.

    Lu Feichi, not noticing the brewing storm in his eyes, continued, ¡°It was probably some ident, right?

    Anyone who didn¡¯t know might have thought someone beat her, her exposed arm was full of bruises, quite scary.¡±

    In five years, Bo Jingshen had never regretted his departure.

    This was the first time he regretted leaving in such a hurry and so rashly.

    He had no knowledge of what had happened afterward.

    Just then, the private room door was suddenly pushed open, and a pretty little face peeked in, with a somewhat restrained and helpless expression.

    Her clear eyes scanned the room and quickly settled on Bo Jingshen.

    Her deer-like clear eyes suddenly brightened.

 Chapter 37 - 37 37 Every Word Is Like a Slap in the Face

    ?37: Chapter 37: Every Word Is Like a p in the Face   37: Chapter 37: Every Word Is Like a p in the Face       Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                            There¡¯s still someone who didn¡¯t quite recognize Su Lu.

    Zhuo Kang asked in confusion, ¡°Who are you?¡±

    Li Jin mumbled softly, ¡°She looks a bit familiar.¡±

    Wu Borui clicked his tongue and whispered, ¡°You all don¡¯t remember?

    It¡¯s her!¡±

    Zhuo Kang and Li Jin looked puzzled.

    Wu Borui sighed, lowered his voice further, and spat out three words, ¡°The Harvester!¡±

    Everyone suddenly understood.

    Su Lu said, ¡°¡­Uh, sorry to disturb.¡±

    ¡°No, no problem, pleasee in,¡± Zhuo Kang quickly responded.

    The expression on Bo Jingshen¡¯s face gradually subsided.

    He turned his head and said to Lu Feichi, ¡°Got it.

    Let¡¯s not talk about this now.¡±

    Then he raised his hand and beckoned, ¡°Su Xiaolu,e here.¡±

    Su Lu walked towards him, first staring at his eyes and face, unable to discern any signs of intoxication, then staring at the ss on the table in front of him.

    Bo Jingshen said, ¡°I haven¡¯t had any alcohol.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Su Lu suspiciously looked at the ss on the table.

    Bo Jingshen brought the ss close to her lips.

    Several lines of sight around them were all fixed in their direction, making Su Lu¡¯s face feel somewhat hot.

    She sipped the tea-colored liquid in the ss with ice cubes.

    It wasn¡¯t the spicy fragrance of whiskey but rather¡­

    the light, sweet taste of Unity Green Tea?

    So he really hadn¡¯t been drinking alcohol.

    The gathering for their project department hadn¡¯t actually ended, but she hade over early, worrying that Bo Jingshen might drink.

    After all, he seemed like someone who didn¡¯t take injuries seriously.

    ¡°Do you believe me now?¡± Bo Jingshen raised an eyebrow.

    Seeing her obediently nod, holding the ss with both hands as if wanting to bury her face in it,

    Zhuo Kang, being loud-mouthed and unable to keep his voice down, said,

    ¡°So many years have passed, and their rtionship is still so good.

    Our female ssmates in the science and technology department still don¡¯t stand a chance.¡±

    Su Lu muttered louder, wanting to bury her face in the ss.

    ¡°Finished with the dinner gathering?¡± Bo Jingshen asked.

    Su Lu finally put the ss down, ¡°Almost, I left ahead of time.¡±

    As soon as she finished speaking, she heard a slightlyughing, still gentle male voice say, ¡°The Harvester, long time no see.¡±

    Hearing this nickname, Su Lu felt helpless, but to be honest, she had started to get used to it since she first heard it from Old Zou.

    She looked up at the owner of the voice¡ª a man sitting next to Bo Jingshen.

    Su Lu didn¡¯t recognize him immediately, but gradually, she did recognize him, and her expression froze slightly.

    ¡°Remember me?

    I¡¯m Lu Feichi, Bo Jingshen¡¯s roommate.¡± Lu Feichi¡¯s expression and voice were both quite gentle.

    Yet Su Lu¡¯s face still changed slightly upon recognizing him.

    One of Bo Jingshen¡¯s roommates.

    She wasn¡¯t one to hold grudges, but people always have especially vivid memories of painful experiences.

    She remembered the attitudes of Bo Jingshen¡¯s three roommates during that time.

    The round-eyed, baby-faced Rong Yu looked the most well-behaved, but he had the worst temper, throwing away the gifts she had given to Bo Jingshen and some of their couple¡¯s items into the garbage.

    Luan Siyuan was indifferent and silent, not saying much but his eyes showed no warmth.

    In contrast, it was Lu Feichi, who always had the gentlest appearance and voice, that spoke words as sharp as knives, like ps to her face.

    ¡°Su Lu, where were you all this time?

    You treated Bo Jingshen like he wasn¡¯t a person, now you¡¯re here eagerly wanting to see him, who are you performing for?

    Trying to act as both the victim and the innocent party?

    Amusing, isn¡¯t it?

    Could it be you¡¯re actually the victim now?¡±

    Every word was like a p to her face.

    She couldn¡¯t argue back and had no way to refute, because Lu Feichi spoke the truth.

    She had indeed hurt Bo Jingshen, and she really did want to see him.

    Afterward, searching for hours for the things Rong Yu had thrown away at the garbage dump wasn¡¯t as deeply ingrained in her memory.

    Despite how dirty and tiring it was, that memory wasn¡¯t as impactful as Lu Feichi¡¯s words.

    The memory was not of the searching process but of the end result of not finding anything.

    She couldn¡¯t find anything.

    In the memories of her time with Bo Jingshen, the surprises she had prepared for him, and all their couple¡¯s items, Bo Jingshen¡¯s half of everything,

    it was all gone.

    Disappearing from her world just like he did at the time.

    Seeing the changes in Su Lu¡¯s expression, Lu Feichi felt a bit helpless.

    He raised his ss to her without saying much, then downed his drink in one go.

    Perhaps, everything was understood without words.

    Su Lu pondered for a moment but didn¡¯t use the green tea to fill her ss.

    Instead, she poured some amber-colored liquor, raised her ss to him, and drank it.

    Bo Jingshen leaned back on the sofa.

    Everyone wasn¡¯t sure if it was an illusion, but it seemed that after the Harvester came, the intimidating aura from the boss didn¡¯t feel as overwhelming.

    With Zhuo Kang leading the way, drinking to Bo Jingshen first, everyone else loosened up.

    They all started drinking together.

    Su Lu prevented Bo Jingshen from touching alcohol, doing all the drinking for him.

    She didn¡¯t have a particrly good alcohol tolerance, but luckily, their old ssmates didn¡¯t have any bad drinking habits or intentions of forcing alcohol.

    Everyone just took a few polite sips.

    Jiang Minhui¡¯s job required socializing and she had developed a good tolerance, probably used to currying favor with more drinking.

    So initially, she had intended to drink more with Su Lu, holding a bottle ready to fill Su Lu¡¯s ss.

    But soon her enthusiastic smile froze at the corners of her mouth.

    A man¡¯s slender hand reached over from the side, covering the ss.

    Bo Jingshen said nothing, just looked at Jiang Minhui quietly.

    Jiang Minhui suddenly felt her throat dry up, stopping her action awkwardly.

    ¡°I just wanted to toast her a couple of times¡­¡± Jiang Minhui murmured.

    Bo Jingshen said coolly, ¡°If you like drinking so much, I¡¯ll buy you a dozen and you can drink to your heart¡¯s content?¡±

    Jiang Minhui opened her mouth, unable to say anything.

    Lu Feichiughed and mediated, ¡°Minhui, we¡¯re all old ssmates here, let¡¯s not bring those drinking routines here?

    Let¡¯s just have fun today, no need to drink until we drop, right?¡±

    Jiang Minhui awkwardly said, ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±

    Fortunately, the atmosphere of the gathering wasn¡¯t affected by this interruption.

    After the private room session ended, Lu Feichi arranged a bath upstairs.

    But Bo Jingshen and Su Lu didn¡¯t n to join, so a group of old ssmates saw them off to the entrance.

    Since Bo Jingshen hadn¡¯t drunk, he went to the parking lot to get the car.

    Lu Feichi thought about it and couldn¡¯t help but quietly say to Su Lu, ¡°Su Lu, I said some harsh words back then, don¡¯t take it to heart.¡±

    Su Lu was stunned.

    She blinked quickly and shook her head gently.

    ¡°Considering the circumstances at the time, you weren¡¯t wrong.¡±

    ¡°Anyway¡­

    I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    Su Lu shook her head and was about to say it was fine, but suddenly thought of something and hurriedly asked, ¡°You¡­

    you didn¡¯t tell Bo Jingshen about this, right?¡±

 Chapter 38 - 38 38 Painting Him

    ?38: Chapter 38 Painting Him   38: Chapter 38 Painting Him       Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                                Lu Feichi didn¡¯t expect Su Lu to ask this.

    It seemed like she really didn¡¯t want Bo Jingshen to know.

    Lu Feichi didn¡¯t answer but instead asked back, ¡°Why?¡±

    Su Lu helplessly smiled and shook her head, ¡°It¡¯s nothing, just that¡­

    he doesn¡¯t need to know.¡±

    About what happened back then, Bo Jingshen hated her.

    Su Lu was conflicted, but no matter what, the damage was already done.

    It was better that he hated her than having regrets.

    It wasn¡¯t Bo Jingshen¡¯s fault for what happened back then.

    So, regardless of everything, Su Lu didn¡¯t quite want Bo Jingshen to regret it.

    She was the one at fault, he did nothing wrong back then, so why should he regret it?

    ¡°Get in the car.

    Why are you in a daze?¡±

    A luxury car stopped in front, Bo Jingshen leaned over from the driver¡¯s seat and saw her standing there in a trance, assuming she was dizzy from drinking again.

    He sighed lightly, ¡°Forget it, with your tolerance, you¡¯re trying to help someone fend off drinks¡­¡±

    With that, he opened the door and got out, walked over to the passenger side, and opened the door, ¡°Get in the car.¡±

    Su Lu wasn¡¯t dizzy, she got into the passenger seat, turned her head to say goodbye to Lu Feichi.

    Lu Feichi nodded, reached out, and patted Bo Jingshen¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Keep in contact.¡±

    ¡°Mm.

    See you.¡± Bo Jingshen also patted his shoulder, then waved to others before turning back to the driver¡¯s seat and driving away.

    Back at the hotel, Su Lu went to the bathroom to shower first.

    When she came out, Bo Jingshen sat behind the desk, a silver metallicptop on the table.

    He wore a pair of fine-framed blue light-blocking sses on his nose, exuding a calm and wise elite aura.

    Hearing Su Luing out, he raised his eyes behind the sses to look at her.

    ¡°There¡¯s hangover soup on the table in the living room.

    Drink it and go to sleep.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­

    okay.¡± Su Lu responded, thought for a moment, and still asked, ¡°And you?¡±

    After saying this, she saw Bo Jingshen¡¯s eyebrows lift slightly.

    She bit her lip and thought, she really shouldn¡¯t have asked.

    Living under the same roof now, it felt like many words had be inexplicably suggestive?

    But she honestly didn¡¯t mean anything by it.

    Fortunately, Bo Jingshen just raised his eyebrows with some amusement and didn¡¯t say anything more teasing.

    He only said, ¡°I have a video conference with the headquarters.

    Go to bed early after you drink.

    Tomorrow, we need to go to the hospital for treatment.¡±

    Calcting the time difference, it was indeed the right time to have a meeting with Boss¡¯s overseas headquarters.

    Su Lu nodded, but seeing him raise his hand to massage his tired temple, she still felt that¡­

    he was working a bit too hard.

    On the table in the living room was a small earthen pot, seemingly just delivered by room service, still steaming.

    Inside was hot dried pock bean sprout soup.

    Su Lu drank slowly while sitting in the living room, just so she could see the man sitting behind the desk in the inner room.

    The video conference should have already started.

    Bo Jingshen wore a Bluetooth headset on his ear, looking calm andposed at the screen, asionally scrolling the mouse to browse document content.

    asionally speaking in a low voice, the content was mostly concise and to the point.

    His deep voice sounded very good when speaking English.

    The video conferencested for three hours.

    ¡°Alright, that will be it for today.¡± Bo Jingshen said softly, ¡°The issues we mentioned earlier, we¡¯ll discuss in more detail at the next meeting.¡±

    After the video conference ended, Bo Jingshen took off his sses and rubbed his nose bridge.

    Then he froze.

    The bed directly facing the desk was empty; the woman who should have been sleeping there like a little pig was not there.

    Where was Xiaolu?

    Bo Jingshen stood up, just walked to the living room,

    and saw the woman lying on the long sofa, already sleeping like a little pig.

    The small earthen pot on the coffee table had long lost its heat, and most of the soup had been drunk.

    Her breathing was steady and long, her little face flushed as she slept.

    One hand ced on her chest, holding the hotel¡¯s provided notepad against her chest, while the other hand dangled off the edge of the sofa, with a pencil that originally was held between her fingers now lying on the carpet by her side.

    Bo Jingshen walked forward, picked up the pencil from the floor, and ced it on the coffee table, then gently took the notepad from her chest, ready to ce it on the coffee table.

    His gaze suddenly stopped.

    On the hotel-provided, logo-imprinted regr notepad, there was a detailed pencil sketch of a person.

    It was a sketch of the man sitting behind the desk, looking at theputer screen, exquisitely detailed.

    It was him.

    Very vivid, capturing even the subtleties of his calm and serious expression and slight impatience.

    Bo Jingshen paused for a moment, staring at the sketch.

    Then, his gaze fell on the woman who was sound asleep.

    Had too much time passed?

    Or maybe the feelings he had gottenplicated over the years, to the point where he almost forgot, forgot that the woman he once loved the most, in fact, was a quiet person who loved painting, a talented student from Yida¡¯s art academy.

    But she seemed to be drifting further from the life she once wanted, not holding a paintbrush, but mingling at social banquets, in the business world¡­

    The cost of growing up?

    Then growing up really was, not good at all.

    Bo Jingshen bent and picked her up with ease, carrying her back to the room.

    When she woke up, it was already the next morning.

    Su Lu didn¡¯t know how she got back to bed.

    She had clearly fallen asleep on the sofa?

    Since she slept so well, she happily rolled over twice on the big bed.

    Then she opened her sleepy eyes and saw the man standing by the window, talking on the phone in a low voice, backlit.

    He wasn¡¯t holding a mobile phone, but the desk phone¡¯s receiver by the window.

    ¡°Don¡¯t let her up.

    Yes, if she loves to wait, let her wait.¡±

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s voice was low, with a hint of coldness in his tone.

    Su Lu had not yet processed what he was talking about, who it was.

    Bo Jingshen had already hung up the phone, turned his eyes towards her.

    Backlit, he held a coffee cup in one hand, deep blue robe cor revealing a small part of his chest.

    Handsome beyond words.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Su Lu came to her senses and asked.

    ¡°Nothing important, if you¡¯re still sleepy, go back to sleep.¡± Bo Jingshen looked at her sleepy face and said.

    Su Lu shook her head, ¡°I¡¯m not sleeping.¡±

    Bo Jingshen nodded, ¡°Alright, then get up, let¡¯s go down for breakfast.¡±

    Then he picked up the phone on the desk and dialed out.

    It rang for a while before the other end picked up.

    Even at such a distance, Su Lu could almost hear Jiang Li¡¯s wail.

    That was the wail of being disturbed from a sweet dream.

    Jiang Li: ¡°Ahhh!

    Bo Jingshen, you heartless man!¡±

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you wanted to stay with me?

    Where are you?¡±

    Jiang Li: ¡°Spare me, can¡¯t it wait until I wake up?¡±

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°I¡¯ve prepared a room for you,e quickly.¡±

    Jiang Li: ¡°Acting all nice for no reason, what¡¯s your scheme¡­?¡±

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you¡¯d risk your life for me before?

    I need you now.

    Come here and help me take someone downstairs.¡±

    Jiang Li: ¡°Who?¡±

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°Seems to be someone named Su Jiao.¡±

    Su Lu blinked, and her expression immediately froze.

 Chapter 39 - 39 39 Can You Avoid It

    ?39: Chapter 39: Can You Avoid It?

    39: Chapter 39: Can You Avoid It?

    Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                                ¡°Are you kidding me!¡± Jiang Li¡¯s expression cracked when he heard Su Jiao¡¯s name over there.

    ¡°Having second thoughts already?¡± Bo Jingshen asked, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you¡¯d do anything?¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t you pick something else for me to do anything for?

    Why does it have to be Su Jiao?!¡± Jiang Li wailed.

    Su Lu blinked beside him, thinking the same thing in his heart, why does it have to be Su Jiao?

    And¡­ how did Su Jiao find this ce?

    He had clearly declined all of Su Jiao¡¯s contact requests, and it seemed like Bo Jingshen had predicted and arranged all this beforehand.

    What did he miss out on?

    ¡°Because if you don¡¯t handle this, then I have to handle it,¡± Bo Jingshen said decisively, ¡°I don¡¯t want to.¡±

    Jiang Li: ¡°¡­¡±

    Jiang Li almost got depressed.

    When he thought Su Yukan wanted to send Su Jiao to Bo Jingshen, he thought Bo Jingshen wasing to solve his problem.

    After all, before Bo Jingshen returned home, Su Yukan¡¯s ns were always directed at him, Jiang Li.

    It seemed now¡­ the joke was on him?

    Seeing no response from Jiang Li, Bo Jingshen said in a calm voice, ¡°Then I won¡¯t invest in your project.¡±

    Su Lu next to him: ¡°¡­¡± Was it that hasty?

    He probably knew Jiang Li¡¯s temperament.

    Sure enough, Jiang Er¡¯s listless voice came from the other end, ¡°I¡¯ll handle it.¡±

    ¡°Yes, hurry up.¡±

    Bo Jingshen hung up the phone.

    He faced Su Lu¡¯s pair of puzzled eyes.

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°Yesterday your secretary called and said she couldn¡¯t handle Su Yukan¡¯s harassment anymore.

    You were asleep, so I took the call.

    I forgot to tell you after you woke up.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Su Lu smoothed things out in his mind, ¡°No wonder Su Jiao knows I live here.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, let Jiang Er handle it.¡± Bo Jingshen was so nonchnt, without any conscience about selling out Jiang Er, ¡°Wash up, let¡¯s go downstairs for breakfast.¡±

    They could have room service bring breakfast to the room, but the hotel¡¯s restaurant on the second floor also offered a buffet breakfast.

    Since Bo Jingshen suggested going downstairs to eat, Su Lu quickly freshened up.

    The two changed into casual,fortable clothes and went downstairs.

    Arriving at the second-floor restaurant.

    Su Lu was stunned, ¡°The second floor is structured like this¡­¡±

    ¡°Yes, one-way ss.¡± Bo Jingshen ced a te of croissants on the table, along with a small pot of ck coffee.

    Although the restaurant on the second floor had floor-to-ceiling windows, the windows did not face outside.

    Through the one-way ss windows, one could see the situation in the hotel lobby on the first floor.

    At this moment, from their position, they could see a woman sitting on the sofa in the first-floor lobby¡¯s seating area.

    Su Jiao was beautiful, but she was not the same type as Su Lu.

    Su Lu¡¯s eyes and brows were gentle, with delicate features, exuding a clean and soft texture.

    Whereas Su Jiao, who took after Zhu Xinyan more, had long, upturned brows and eyes, unlike Su Lu¡¯s innocent and warm deer eyes.

    Su Jiao always had a seductive look in her eyes, along with full lips and an overly sharp chin.

    Honestly, such looks often seemed tock dignity, but some men found them quite appealing.

    Even when she was angry, it seemed to be a charming sulk.

    At the moment, Su Jiao¡¯s brows were raised as she red at her phone, gritting her teeth as her call wouldn¡¯t go through.

    ¡°What¡¯s so special!

    Cheap trash acting all high and mighty!¡±

    She quickly dialed another number.

    This time, the call was answered swiftly.

    As soon as the line was connected, Su Jiao sweetly said, ¡°Dad!

    I can¡¯t even see her at all!

    Without her consent, the hotel front desk won¡¯t let me go up.

    I can only wait in the hotel lobby!

    We¡¯re all family, how could she do this?¡±

    ¡°That ungrateful brat!

    She¡¯s really going too far!

    I¡¯ll call her right now, just wait a bit in the lobby.¡± Su Yukan¡¯s voice was a little angry, but thetter half was gentle, trying to coax her.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Su Jiao ended the call with a pout.

    Su Lu took a sip of milk, retracting his gaze from the lobby downstairs, and looked at his phone on the table, ¡°It¡¯s about to ring.¡±

    Sure enough, in just a few seconds.

    The phone on the table vibrated, and Su Yukan¡¯s name appeared on the screen.

    One ring, two rings, three rings, Su Lu didn¡¯t pick up yet.

    Just as she was about to, Bo Jingshen pressed her phone down, ¡°If you don¡¯t want to answer, don¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Can I really avoid it?¡± Su Lu said indifferently, sounding casual, like it was no big deal.

    But Bo Jingshen paused upon hearing that.

    It seemed like these four simple words expressed various helplessness.

    Su Lu picked up the phone, holding it thirty centimeters away from her ear.

    Even from that distance, Su Yukan¡¯s angry voice was loud enough to be heard, showing the volume of his yelling.

    ¡°Su Lu, you got some nerve!

    Not answering calls!

    Ignoring messages!

    I asked your secretary at thepany, she knew nothing or pretended to be dumb!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve even offended President Liu!

    I¡¯ve been partners with him for years without any issues, but you offended him at a single drinking session!

    Your sister is in Hai City looking for you, and you won¡¯t even let her upstairs?

    Only letting her wait in the hotel lobby?!¡±

    Su Lu had already anticipated these scoldings, so her expression remained unchanged.

    She even casually pinched a small piece of bread and slowly chewed it.

    But Bo Jingshen frowned deeply.

    Su Yukan¡¯s attitude and harsh words¡­ what struck Bo Jingshen most wasn¡¯t Su Yukan¡¯s tone andnguage, but Su Lu¡¯s calm indifference as if she was used to such verbal abuse.

    It was as if she had experienced such scolding countless times.

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you saying anything?

    Do you think I¡¯m wrong?

    What are you trying to do now?

    Give uppletely?¡±

    Compared to Su Lu¡¯s calm demeanor, Su Yukan was breathless with rage, clearly infuriated beyond measure.

    ¡°Get downstairs now, don¡¯t make Jiaojiao wait in the lobby!

    Do you hear me?

    Hey?

    Do you hear me!

    Answer me!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not at the hotel right now.¡± Su Lu said indifferently.

    A simple statement quickly choked Su Yukan.

    ¡°What?

    Then where are you?

    This early in the morning!¡±

    ¡°Having fun, wasn¡¯t I supposed toe to Hai City to rx?

    I¡¯m following your instructions, obediently rxing in Hai City.¡±

    ¡°What good are you at?

    Gu Xin has already taken his mistress abroad for a vacation!

    And you¡¯re still rxing!¡±

    As soon as Su Yukan said this, Bo Jingshen frowned even more.

 Chapter 40 - 40 40 Conventional Communication

    ?40: Chapter 40 Conventional Communication?

    40: Chapter 40 Conventional Communication?

    Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio                            Su Lu instantly detected a chilly coldness, only feeling that Su Yukan was talking too much with that mention of Gu Xin for no reason!

    The man sitting opposite seemed to have a Gu Xin-triggered syndrome.

    No matter how good the mood was, once he heard the name Gu Xin, the clear sky turned cloudy.

    Su Lu couldn¡¯t be bothered to talk more with Su Yukan and ended the call.

    Bo Jingshen stared coldly, silently sipping his coffee.

    Fortunately, Jiang Li came in shortly, sneaking in through the hotel door.

    He nced at the back of Su Jiao waiting in the lobby and then quickly ran up to the second floor.

    ¡°Phew¡­ Phew¡­¡±

    Jiang Li was panting heavily, unsure if it was from anger or running.

    Rushing to their table, he picked up that untouched ss of lemon water by Bo Jingshen¡¯s hand and gulped it down.

    ¡°What are you running for?¡±

    ¡°How dare you ask!¡± Jiang Li red at Bo Jingshen, ¡°Didn¡¯t you tell me to hurry?¡±

    Su Lu couldn¡¯t help but size up the well-known yboy of Feng City.

    He seemed quite different from her imagination, a bit too obedient?

    ¡°Want something to eat?¡± Bo Jingshen asked.

    Jiang Li waved his hand, ¡°Not hungry, I¡¯ve eaten.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Bo Jingshen lifted his chin towards downstairs, ¡°Go on.¡±

    Jiang Li almostughed out of anger, ¡°You think I¡¯m Pikachu?

    What do you mean ¡®go on¡¯¡­¡±

    Su Lu¡¯s mouth couldn¡¯t keep from twitching.

    Jiang Li nced at her, and Su Lu lowered her eyes silently, looking like an innocent little animal.

    ¡°Sigh, Su Lu, in the end, isn¡¯t this all your fault?¡± Jiang Li¡¯s tone carried no me, just a bit of helplessness.

    Su Lu, ¡°¡­You can¡¯t say that, after all, she dide here for you¡­

    or your fame.¡±

    Jiang Li couldn¡¯t believe his ears as he looked at Su Lu.

    He hadn¡¯t noticed before, but she had a bit of a humorous streak.

    Quite a surprise!

    Jiang Li, like a hero marching to the battlefield, said, ¡°Alright.

    I¡¯m going!

    Both of you¡­¡±

    He looked at Bo Jingshen, ¡°If you don¡¯t invest in me, it¡¯s in injustice,¡± then looked at Su Lu, ¡°And if you don¡¯t cooperate with me on that project, it¡¯s ungrateful!¡±

    Su Lu sped her hands together, rubbing them up and down like a fly, full of pleading.

    Compared to his hurried steps when he came.

    Jiang Li¡¯s steps downstairs were much more unsteady.

    Seeing him go down, Su Lu quietly asked Bo Jingshen, ¡°Are we being too hard on Jiang Li?¡±

    ¡°Not really.¡± Bo Jingshen nced at her, ¡°Jiang Er is like you.¡±

    ¡°Hm?¡± Su Lu didn¡¯t understand.

    ¡°Very used to these situations and handling them.¡± Bo Jingshen¡¯s tone was in without mockery or irony.

    Su Lu, ¡°I didn¡¯t¡­¡±

    Bo Jingshen didn¡¯t wait for her to deny it and added lightly, ¡°It¡¯s the normal socializing of high society.¡±

    Su Lu wanted to argue but remembering the times she attended social events ¨C including that time at Yunding ¨C she¡¯d run into Bo Jingshen three times.

    And once was a business deal, another time in Hai City when Liu Qiming forced her to drink, where Bo Jingshen had saved her¡­

    She didn¡¯t have the confidence to argue back.

    Downstairs, Jiang Li approached Su Jiao.

    With a wless smile that probably was what Bo Jingshen referred to as the usual high society smile.

    And as soon as Su Jiao saw Jiang Li, her previously twisted face due to anger instantly softened into a charming smile, as if her earlier gloom never existed.

    The two even appeared to be chatting happily.

    It¡¯s undeniable that frequent participation in such scenes honed their skills.

    When Bo Jingshen and Su Lu almost finished their meal, they saw Su Jiao and Jiang Li leaving the hotel lobby together, no one knew where to go.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Bo Jingshen said, ¡°Anyway, it¡¯s not the first time Su Yukan has tried to match those two up, Jiang Li can handle it.¡±

    ¡°Really¡­

    He¡¯s got it rough.¡± Su Lu said.

    Bo Jingshen, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about Jiang Er, even all the socialites in Quanfeng City won¡¯t get to him, he has someone in his heart.

    This is all surface-level socializing.¡±

    Su Lu and Bo Jingshen returned to their room.

    Originally, she thought there would be some awkwardness, but there was absolutely none; one upied the desk, the other the dining table, both handling their business tasks, oddly harmonious.

    It felt just like the old days when Bo Jingshen would study for exams and Su Lu would do her painting.

    In the same space, without interfering with each other, very harmonious, very in sync.

    Su Yukan didn¡¯t call to continue his scolding, probably satisfied with Jiang Li and Su Jiao meeting up.

    He just sent a message: ¡°This is better!

    Sisters should support each other!

    Otherwise, why did I raise you all these years?

    Anyway, see if you can bring Jiao Jiao and President Bo together?

    I heard from Liu Qiming that you are quite familiar with President Bo?¡±

    Su Lu ignored it and turned off her phone screen, focusing on the document on herputer.

    By noon, she finally finished first, closed herptop, and at the tea station, she hand-ground some coffee beans.

    Putting the fragrant coffee powder into a moka pot, she brewed a pot of rich, ck coffee.

    Su Lu took a sip and let out a satisfied little sigh.

    Then she poured another cup, tiptoed into the inner room, and ced it on the desk.

    Bo Jingshen looked up at her.

    ¡°I brewed it.

    Give it a try,¡± Su Lu said.

    Bo Jingshen took a sip, surprised by the good taste, his eyebrows raised.

    He took another sip, checked his watch, then stood with his cup, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°Where to?¡± Su Lu asked, holding her cup, blinking at him.

    ¡°Jiang Li got his yacht, said we¡¯re testing it out in Hai City, throwing a yacht party.

    Today.¡±

    ¡°Today?¡± Su Lu thought of Jiang Li and Su Jiao leaving together this morning¡­

    She didn¡¯t voice her thoughts, but Bo Jingshen seemed to guess.

    Bo Jingshen said, ¡°He¡¯s probably against handling Su Jiao alone.¡±

    It seemed she was indeed a hard person to deal with.

    Thinking about Su Jiao¡¯s temperament, Su Lu found it understandable.

    But before the yacht club, the car first went to the hospital.

    Both seemed quite in sync on this.

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°I need to change my dressing, you should go to the dermatology center first.

    I¡¯lle to find you when I¡¯m done.¡±

    Su Lu didn¡¯t agree with his arrangement, she shook her head, ¡°I¡¯ll go with you first to change your dressing.¡±

    Bo Jingshen was silent for a few seconds, then nodded, ¡°Alright.¡±

    The treatment room didn¡¯t prohibit apaniment, so Su Lu sat on the side, watching the nurse remove the dressing from his wound, snip the fine stitches resembling centipede legs, and pull out the ck pieces of thread from his flesh.

    Her fingertips unconsciously dug into her palm, some sticky blood oozing out.

 Chapter 41 - 41 41 Yacht Party

    ?41: Chapter 41: Yacht Party   41: Chapter 41: Yacht Party                                   Bo Jingshen didn¡¯t utter a word, so the suture removal went quite swiftly.

    After the sutures were out, the nurse applied medication and then covered it with a waterproof, breathable dressing.

    ¡°All done,¡± the nurse said, then started to clean up the medical waste.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Bo Jingshen turned to ask the nurse, ¡°Do you have a bandage?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Could I have one, please?

    Thank you.¡±

    The nurse opened a box of bandages, took one out, and handed it to him.

    Su Lu didn¡¯t understand.

    He¡¯d just had his medication changed, so what did he need a bandage for?

    With such a big gash coiled on his back like a centipede, would a single bandage really be of any use?

    Bo Jingshen had alreadye over and pulled her out of the treatment room.

    ¡°What¡¯s¡­¡± Su Lu hadn¡¯t finished speaking,

    when the man grasped her wrist and opened her palm.

    ¡°¡­¡± Su Lu was suddenly at a loss for words.

    Bo Jingshen squinted slightly, his brows not furrowed, his gaze fixed on the cut in her palm made by her own fingernail, uncertain if he was angry or not.

    His hands moved swiftly, quickly unwrapping the bandage and sticking it onto her palm after peeling off the film.

    ¡°Five years and you¡¯ve still not improved,¡± Bo Jingshen spoke in a faint voice, turning to throw the wrapper into the trash bin.

    Su Lu didn¡¯t speak, but she knew what he was referring to.

    She had never been able to bear seeing him hurt.

    When he sprained his ankle ying sports, and his ankle swelled, he would go to the medical room to get it wrapped with a fixed gauze.

    She apanied him, and by the time they finished and left, she had also pinched her own palm until it bled.

    When he had a nosebleed that wouldn¡¯t stop for a while, by the time it stopped, there was another nail mark on her palm.

    She feared his pain more than he did.

    Bo Jingshen always remembered this detail, feeling helpless each time, always taking care to put a bandage on her palm and then kissing it.

    Which is why he couldn¡¯t understandter on, why the woman who was so afraid of his pain could so callously stab him in the chest.

    Su Lu looked at the bandage on her palm, momentarily stunned.

    By the time she snapped out of it, she was already following him to the entrance of the cosmetic medicine department.

    The treatment went smoothly.

    They didn¡¯t dy much, and when they came out of the hospital, Jiang Li¡¯s call came through again.

    ¡°When exactly are you going to arrive?

    I¡¯m already at the yacht club!

    Don¡¯t wait until everyone is here and make a grandte entrance,¡± Jiang Li urged.

    ¡°Understood,¡± Bo Jingshen replied.

    Jiang Li considered for a moment and added, ¡°And, uh¡­

    if Su Lu doesn¡¯t want toe, it¡¯s okay if she doesn¡¯t.¡±

    Bo Jingshen asked, ¡°Why?¡±

    Jiang Li clicked his tongue and said, ¡°Well¡­

    I just didn¡¯t expect Su Jiao to bear such a grudge against her sister.

    It¡¯s insane; even if they¡¯re not born of the same mother, it shouldn¡¯t be like this.

    As soon as Su Jiao talks about Su Lu, she grinds her teeth like she wants to eat her alive.

    I¡¯m just worried that if Su Lues over, it might be awkward.¡±

    Bo Jingshen chuckled lightly, ¡°Who dares make it difficult for her.

    Alright, we¡¯re on our way now.

    You¡¯ve got a chef on that boat, right?¡±

    ¡°Of course!

    What are you thinking!

    How can a party not have a chef!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine then, have the chef prepare something light.¡±

    Jiang Li thought Bo Jingshen¡¯s request for something light was due to the wound on his back, and mocked, ¡°Tsk, you¡¯ve been indulging in rich foods for days, and now you realize you have to watch your diet because of the injury?¡±

    Little did he know, Bo Jingshen was not watching his diet because of himself.

    A warmth surged in Su Lu¡¯s heart, as if even the difort of soon meeting Su Jiao had eased quite a bit for the time being.

    The two left the hospital lobby, heading towards the parking lot.

    Not far behind them, a young man dressed in a haute couture outfit stepped out from behind a promotional board, holding a cellphone in his hand.

    Hisplexion was pale and cold, with delicate features, and his demeanor exuded a sense of privilege.

    His gaze lingered in the direction where Bo Jingshen and Su Lu had just departed.

    His brows slightly raised, he seemed somewhat surprised.

    A momentter, he continued speaking into the phone, ¡°It¡¯s nothing¡­ you¡¯d never guess who I just saw.¡±

    ¡°Who?¡± the person on the other end asked.

    He looked down and started to smile, ¡°Do you remember the scandal that broke out in the Jing Family a few years ago?¡±

    The person on the other end alsoughed, ¡°How could I forget?

    We teased Jing Su quite a bit over that.

    That kid from the scandal, Jing Su¡¯s so-called younger brother, we met him a few times, didn¡¯t we?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, right.

    Things quieted down after a while, Jing Su didn¡¯t show any animosity towards that ¡®brother¡¯ of his.

    Plus, that kid went abroad to develop his career, and I heard he¡¯s not doing too badly overseas, right?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.

    So, you saw him?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I just did.

    It¡¯s a small world, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°Ha!

    I¡¯m going to give Jing Su a callter and tease him about it.

    Hey, what was that kid¡¯s name again?¡±

    ¡°Jingshen, I think that was it.¡±

    ¡­

    Bo Jingshen waspletely unaware of all this.

    The car had arrived at the yacht club situated on an ind near Hai City, connected by a direct bridge.

    This so-called yacht club was simply a ce where wealthy families parked their yachts, paying a substantial fee each year for docking and maintenance, and received excellent day-to-day upkeep for their vessels.

    Jiang Li¡¯s yacht was brand new, recently acquired.

    There he stood on the deck, d in a floral shirt and sunsses, looking every bit the part of a dandy yboy.

    Of course, he wasn¡¯t the only one on the yacht.

    There were plenty of others, including some dissolute friends Jiang Li had met from who knows where, apanied by a bevy of young models.

    The whole scene had quite the air of a hedonistic revelry.

    Yan Sui was also present, dressed in a white shirt and ck trousers; being a pilot by trade, he carried himself with an upright posture, appearing rather more respectable than the rest.

    From a distance, Jiang Li spotted Bo Jingshen¡¯s car approaching from the pier and couldn¡¯t help but smile, hooking his sunsses down to his nose.

    He called out, ¡°Finally, you¡¯vee!

    If you were anyter, I would have set sail!¡±

    Bo Jingshen stepped out of the car, ¡°Set sail, my ass, the typhoon just passed.

    Taking to the sea now would be like asking for death.¡±

    Jiang Li: ¡°¡­¡±

    Jiang Li: ¡°Though¡­

    but¡­

    do give me some face.

    Besides, it¡¯s true we can¡¯t head out too far, but staying close to the shore is still somewhat manageable.¡±

    Jiang Li leaned on the railing at the edge of the deck, looking down at Bo Jingshen and Su Lu standing on the pier.

    ¡°Come on up!

    We¡¯re just waiting for you two!¡± Jiang Li called out to them, waving.

    Su Lu, eying the brand new yacht emzoned with ¡®Lili¡¯ on its stern and thinking of Bo Jingshen¡¯s Gulfstream G650, thought to herself that having money really meant being able to do whatever one wanted.

    The gaggle of young models, each tall and leggy, with ample curves, had their sophisticated makeup done and were, like Jiang Li, leaning on the rails, gazing seductively toward the dock.

    Su Lu: ¡°¡­¡± It really was getting more of that hedonistic vibe.

    Bo Jingshen and Su Lu boarded the yacht.

    Just as they got on, they happened to run into Su Jiao, emerging from the cabin with a tter in her hands.

    With a smile stered across her face, Su Jiao was carrying delicately arranged pastries she had specially brought out for Jiang Li to try.

    She collided with Su Lu unexpectedly.

    Su Jiao¡¯s brows shot up, and a surge of hostility shed in her eyes, ¡°What are you doing here?!¡±

 Chapter 42 - 42 42 What Isnt Selling

    ?42: Chapter 42: What Isn¡¯t Selling?

    42: Chapter 42: What Isn¡¯t Selling?

    Su Jiao lowered her voice, her tone filled with threat and hostility.

    Su Lu couldn¡¯t be bothered with her and did not respond.

    She simply treated Su Jiao¡¯s words as a fart that the sea breeze dissipated.

    After all, those with some discernment or slightly higher emotional intelligence would have let it go.

    But Su Jiao evidently wasn¡¯t that person, or perhaps, she had grown ustomed to speaking rudely to Su Lu for a long time.

    Therefore, even outside, she couldn¡¯t restrain herself right away.

    She followed beside Su Lu, ¡°What are you doing here!

    Aren¡¯t you the one who wouldn¡¯t even answer my calls, acting all high and mighty!¡±

    Su Jiao strutted around like a proud rooster.

    Su Lu still couldn¡¯t be bothered with her and merely nced indifferently towards the other side of the deck.

    Bo Jingshen was standing among several men; she only recognized Yan Sui and Jiang Li, the others seemed to be local prodigies from Hai City, probably friends of Jiang Li.

    Jiang Li nced her way unintentionally and smiled.

    Su Jiao thought Jiang Li was smiling at her, so the fierceness on her face immediately retracted, revealing a charming smile.

    Jiang Li walked over, holding two champagne sses in his hand.

    Su Jiao waited with a full-faced smile, but Jiang Li came over and handed a champagne ss to Su Lu instead.

    Su Jiao was stunned.

    She hadn¡¯t expected that at all.

    All she heard from her dad was that Su Lu had a bit of a rapport with Bo Jingshen, and Bo Jingshen had good rtions with Jiang Li.

    Su Jiao had assumed that Su Lu and Jiang Li were merely acquaintances, without much rapport.

    And her father had sent her to Hai City to have Su Lu pull some strings so she could get to know Bo Jingshen better.

    That¡¯s why Su Jiao carried herself so haughtily, thinking why would Su Lu, who wasn¡¯t even invited, show up here?

    But she hadn¡¯t expected Su Lu and Jiang Li to be so familiar!

    ¡°Don¡¯t you get seasick?¡± asked Jiang Li.

    Su Lu shook her head with a smile, ¡°Not too much, but¡­ are we really going out to sea?¡±

    ¡°The boat¡¯s in the water now, of course, we¡¯re going out to see.

    Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s very close by.¡± Jiang Li clinked her champagne ss gently, making a crisp sound, ¡°Bo Jingshen likes fishing; I¡¯ve prepared all the gear for him, let¡¯s go deep-sea fishing.¡±

    Saying this, Jiang Li drained the liquid from his ss, then smiled at Su Lu, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s just soda water, I wouldn¡¯t dare spike your drink.¡±

    The bloody precedent set by Liu Qiming was still there.

    What Su Lu didn¡¯t know was that Bo Jingshen had informed her of the matters that disrupted several of Liu Qiming¡¯s deals, and in the end, Bo Jingshen did not change his intention.

    Those deals had simply fallen through.

    Sometimes it¡¯s like this, doing a favor for someone once counts as a favor, but if you do it again, even if it¡¯s to cancel the previous favor, that doesn¡¯t mean you don¡¯t owe a favor, rather it counts as owing two.

    So the matter with Liu Qiming could only be swallowed like a tooth lost in a fight.

    Su Lu drank the soda water; Su Jiao at her side nudged her, meaning obvious.

    Su Jiao¡¯s smile was somewhat strained as she asked, ¡°Didn¡¯t expect Young Master Jiang and sister to be so close¡­¡±

    Jiang Li, who had been bothered by Su Jiao all day, finally found some relief.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Jiang Li nodded, ¡°Otherwise I wouldn¡¯t have spent the whole day with you, your sister was worried you¡¯d find Hai City boring and asked me to entertain you.

    Mission aplished.¡±

    Su Jiao¡¯s smile almost split her face.

    Jiang Li turned to Su Lu and smiled, ¡°I¡¯ll head over first.¡±

    Su Lu nodded, and Jiang Li walked past lightly.

    Only then did Su Lu turn her head to look at Su Jiao, ¡°What do you think I am here for?¡±

    Su Jiao¡¯s lips trembled, wanting to refute something, but couldn¡¯t.

    She had thought Su Lu was dependent on her, only to realize it was she who was the dependent one.

    After struggling for a while, Su Jiao finally blurted out, ¡°What¡¯s so great about you!

    You¡¯re just cheap goods!

    If dad could sell you once, he could sell you again!

    Stop showing off to me here!¡±

    Su Lu looked at her expressionlessly.

    Su Jiao felt somewhat intimidated by her gaze, ¡°What¡­

    what are you looking at me like that for?

    You think I¡¯m afraid of you?¡±

    The corners of Su Lu¡¯s mouth gradually curved up, a very slight arc forming bit by bit.

    ¡°Sometimes I really don¡¯t know whether to call you naive¡­

    or stupid.¡± Su Lu¡¯s voice was calm andposed, as if Su Jiao¡¯s abusive words hadn¡¯t affected her emotions at all.

    ¡°What do you mean!¡± Su Jiao red at her.

    Su Lu looked at her lightly, her voice soft and slow, ¡°Do you think¡­

    if Su Yukan arranged for someone like Jiang Li to have you, it wouldn¡¯t be selling you?¡±

    Su Jiao seemed not to grasp the meaning of Su Lu¡¯s words.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Su Lu just smiled, gazing steadily at Su Jiao, ¡°How was Gu Xin from five years ago inferior to Jiang Li?¡±

    Su Jiao was stunned.

    Yes, Gu Xin from five years ago, was also a favored son of heaven.

    The young master of the Gu Family, handsome and gentle, always gracing people with a smile, made one feel as if bathed in the spring breeze.

    Even, he wasn¡¯t an idle wastrel.

    Where was he inferior to Jiang Li?

    Not at all.

    ¡°I struggled, I resisted, I turned into that mess, simply because I didn¡¯t want it; so, even if it was someone decent, it was still just being sold, only to a slightly better family.¡±

    Su Lu was still smiling, ¡°And you think¡­

    not struggling, not resisting, even willingly epting, means you¡¯re not being sold?¡±

    At these words, Su Jiao was like a stepped-on sore foot, enraged beyond measure, yet before she could retort¡ª

    Su Lu spoke lightly again, ¡°So your earlier words, I¡¯ll return them to you as they were: he could sell you once, he could sell you again, and even if someone like Jiang Li does not want you and thepany is coincidentally facing some crisis, he will not hesitate to sell you to someone else.

    He will work hard to sell you for a better price, after all, you are his beloved younger daughter.¡±

    Su Jiao¡¯splexion turned pale, whether Su Lu¡¯s words had hit a nerve, or had awakened her from a pleasant dream, was unclear.

    Unable toe up with a strong rebuttal, she could only mutter over and over, ¡°You¡¯re talking nonsense, you¡¯re talking nonsense.¡±

    Not wishing to say more, nor wanting to stay by her side any longer, Su Lu walked towards the bow of the boat.

    Behind her, there was a young man who had just boarded the ship, dressed in haute couture, his skin pale, features delicate, exuding an aristocratic air.

    It was the person who had coincidentally seen her and Bo Jingshen at the hospital earlier.

    The young man also hadn¡¯t expected such a coincidence and couldn¡¯t help but raise his eyebrows, his eyes showing a hint of interest.

    He had juste aboard and had heard Su Lu¡¯s words just now.

    This woman, she¡¯s quite interesting.

    ¡°Hm?¡± The young man saw Su Jiao, who looked as if she had received a huge blow, suddenly walk quickly forward.

    He frowned slightly, his lips barely moving before he made a sound.

    Su Jiao had already charged behind Su Lu, pushing her forcefully in the back!

 Chapter 43 - 43 43 Falling into Water

    ?43: Chapter 43 Falling into Water   43: Chapter 43 Falling into Water                                   The sky had already darkened, and the sea was a deep ck.

    Bang!

    When the sound of someone falling into the water arose, the crowd could barelyprehend what had happened.

    ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°Did something fall into the water, or did someone?¡±

    Jiang Li¡¯splexion altered slightly; it was his boat, and it would be troublesome if someone had an ident on it.

    A servant quickly said, ¡°Mr.

    Jiang!

    A youngdy has fallen into the water!¡±

    ¡°What happened?

    How did she fall into the water!¡± Jiang Li asked anxiously.

    There were quite a few people on the boat, especially since he had invited several local dandies from Hai City who had brought along several pretty models.

    Now they were saying that a youngdy had fallen into the water.

    Who knew which youngdy it was?

    Jiang Li first looked at these Hai City dandies, ¡°Was it someone you brought who fell into the water?¡±

    The men nced at each other, unsure.

    It was the servant who spoke, ¡°Mr.

    Jiang, it seems to be the youngdy who was drinking with you earlier.¡±

    ¡°The one who was drinking with me¡­¡± Jiang Li repeated halfway when his expression suddenly turned even uglier, ¡°Fuck!

    Su Lu fell into the water?¡±

    There was a ¡®snap¡¯!

    Bo Jingshen, who had been holding a ss near the champagne tower, now had eyes that were even darker than the sea.

    His fingertips uncontrobly clenched, shattering the champagne ss into pieces.

    ¡°You said¡­

    what?¡± Bo Jingshen looked over at Jiang Li, his voice thick with difficulty.

    Then his gaze quickly swept over the deck, the woman who was just on the deck had now disappeared.

    He had only gone over to the champagne station to grab a drink; was it just a momentary nce, and in that brief moment, she had fallen into the water?

    Bo Jingshen hurried toward the direction from where the sound of the fall hade, swiftly removing his jacket and kicking off his shoes as he went.

    Just as he approached the edge of the deck, he saw a refined and handsome young man, his delicate features looking at Bo Jingshen with a slight, elusive smile.

    Bo Jingshen was startled, his steps suddenly halting.

    The young man smiled, ¡°Jingshen, what a coincidence.¡±

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s brow furrowed as he recognized the face.

    From Beijing.

    Although he hadn¡¯t spent much time in Beijing, that period had been deeply humiliating.

    So, if he remembered correctly, this young man was the young master of the Tang Family, Tang Cheng.

    Since he was on Jiang Li¡¯s yacht, he likely had a rtionship with Jiang Li.

    Although Bo Jingshen was surprised, he didn¡¯t find it too strange; Jiang Li was unaware of his affairs in Beijing, so it was normal for him to invite someone from Beijing to a party.

    Bo Jingshen said, ¡°Tang Cheng.¡±

    Tang Cheng raised his eyebrows slightly, surprised, ¡°Didn¡¯t expect you to remember my name?

    I¡¯m a good swimmer, shall I help you dive in to save her?¡±

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s gaze was cold and wary, not responding to his words at all, and immediately leaped into the water.

    Su Lu had never expected Su Jiao to push her into the water.

    It wasn¡¯t that she thought Su Jiao incapable of such a thing; after all, throughout their childhood, Su Jiao had done enough to torment her¡ªpushing her down the stairs, knocking her to the ground, and simr acts weren¡¯t umon.

    But Su Jiao usually did such things behind closed doors, bullying Su Lu and then ying the victim.

    Su Lu had grown ustomed to it.

    So she had not anticipated that Su Jiao would push her into the water under such circumstances.

    It was clear that the words she had just spoken had indeed provoked Su Jiao greatly, driving her into a rage.

    Unexpectedly falling into the water, Su Lu waspletely unprepared, and after choking on several mouthfuls of salty and bitter seawater, she felt somewhat dazed.

    Fortunately, she came to her senses quickly enough, making an effort to hold her breath.

    Despite that, the few mouthfuls of water she had choked on during the unexpected fall had left her nostrils and chest feeling fiery, and there was always an overwhelming urge to breathe, a natural reflex when one is choked.

    Su Lu struggled to resist; her swimming skills were average at best, barely managing a dog paddle in swimming pools.

    In the pitch-ck sea, all she could do was try hard to keep herself afloat rather than sinking like a weight.

    As long as she could float, she just had to wait for rescue.

    A ssh!

    Su Lu heard it from in the water, and she wasn¡¯t far from the surface, even managing to see the lights on the dock and boat through the water.

    She also saw the silhouette of the person who had entered the water.

    Thus, the sound of the ssh was somewhatforting to her.

    Not long afterward, just when Su Lu felt she could no longer hold on, when she was about to involuntarily open her mouth to breathe,

    a muscr arm gently wrapped around her waist from behind, lifting her back to the surface.

    ¡°Blub¡­

    cough, cough, cough!¡±

    As soon as she surfaced, Su Lu started coughing violently; her chest, nose, and throat, previously stung by the choking, now felt like they were on fire.

    She coughed while taking deep breaths of fresh air.

    Then she heard a man¡¯s deep, husky voice, which sounded almost bewitching.

    ¡°Are you a pig?

    How could you just fall into the water?

    Why didn¡¯t you wear a life jacket on the boat?¡±

    Su Lu: ¡°¡­¡±

    Despite his husky voice, she could hear his anxiety.

    Was he serious?

    Wear a life jacket?

    Wasn¡¯t this a yacht party?

    It was already good enough that they weren¡¯t required to wear bright evening dresses.

    Or had she misunderstood the eventpletely?

    Was this actually a fishing boat headed out to sea?

    It wasn¡¯t only Su Lu who was speechless.

    The people on the deck were also somewhat speechless.

    A lifebelt tied with a rope was thrown down.

    ¡°Hold on to it, we¡¯ll pull you up,¡± Tang Cheng said from beside the deckdder to Bo Jingshen.

    The others also regained theirposure.

    ¡°Right, right!

    Hurry, it¡¯s crucial to get them up, luckily it¡¯s not cold today,¡± Jiang Li quickly said, finally realizing that this brother from Beijing had already boarded the ship at some point.

    Brother, of course, wasn¡¯t referring to his rtionship with Tang Cheng, but a respectful address to Tang Cheng, as the young master of the renowned Tang Family in Beijing deserved such respect, and it was presumptuous even for him to address him as such.

    ¡°Tang Cheng, when did you arrive?

    I didn¡¯t even notice!

    Sorry about that,¡± Jiang Li said.

    Tang Cheng gave a faint smile, ¡°No worries, just toast me three cupster.¡±

    ¡°Sure!¡± Jiang Li smiled and nodded, then quickly took the rope from his hand and pulled Bo Jingshen and Su Lu up.

    To be honest, although the weather wasn¡¯t cold today, the chilling off Bo Jingshen¡¯s body seemed to be freezing.

    He looked extremely angry.

    Jiang Li hadn¡¯t expected things to turn out this way, ¡°Hey, there¡¯s a bathroom inside the cabin with hot water and it¡¯s clean, you two go wash up.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Su Lu responded, ¡°Sorry for the trouble.¡±

    ¡°No worries, no worries, but how did you end up falling into the water so suddenly?¡± Jiang Li was utterly baffled.

    Before Su Lu could speak, Tang Cheng raised his hand and pointed at Su Jiao, who was shivering on the side of the deck, ¡°That¡¯s a question for thisdy here.¡±

 Chapter 44 - 44 44 Insiders

    ?44: Chapter 44 Insiders   44: Chapter 44 Insiders                                   Tang Cheng¡¯s fingers were long and thin as he pointed to Su Jiao.

    All eyes turned to look at her.

    Su Jiao¡¯s shoulders shrank, and her gaze darted around nervously.

    Tang Cheng turned his head to Jiang Li and said, ¡°I had just boarded the boat and had not yet had the chance to greet you when I saw her push someone into the water from behind, catching them off guard.¡±

    Tang Cheng shrugged his shoulders, ¡°Forgive my bluntness, but shouldn¡¯t this be considered attempted murder?¡±

    Everyone looked at Su Jiao.

    Su Jiao turned pale, setting aside whether her previous action was a moment of impulse or premeditated, anyone could see that she now deeply regretted it.

    Her lips trembled, and her voice sounded very weak.

    ¡°I¡­

    I didn¡¯t, you¡­

    you mustn¡¯t wrongly use me like this,¡± Su Jiao managed to say, but she feared her words were not convincing enough, given her current timid appearance.

    And yet, Tang Cheng looked as serene as a clear breeze on a bright moon, and anyone could tell whose words held more credibility.

    ¡°If it wasn¡¯t you, why would you be so nervous?¡± Jiang Li was extremely annoyed.

    He had been bothered by her all day, and on the first day his new yacht hit the water, she stirred up such trouble!

    Su Jiao added another line, ¡°How could I possibly push my own sister into the water?¡±

    Tang Cheng¡¯s finger pointed to a corner, ¡°There is surveince here, and it¡¯s also¡­¡± He took a closer look and continued, ¡°Oh, night vision.

    Little Li, bring up the surveince footage, and we¡¯ll see the truth.¡±

    Su Jiao¡¯s eyes suddenly widened, only then noticing an inconspicuous corner where a surveince camera hung, blinking red, indicating it was actively recording.

    She stammered, ¡°I¡­

    I didn¡¯t mean to¡­

    It was just¡­

    just ying around with my sister.

    I knew she could swim, that nothing would happen¡­

    so, so I¡­¡±

    Su Lu let out a coldugh, ¡°Yes, indeed I can swim.

    Otherwise, with the many times you¡¯ve pushed me into swimming pools since we were little, would I still be alive?

    But this is the ocean.¡±

    ying around?

    Jiang Li felt the situation was getting too troubling, but before he could speak, a drenched shadow suddenly shed by.

    The movement was too quick, everything happened so fast that no one even had the chance to react to what was happening.

    Even Su Lu barely caught up with the man¡¯s swift, seamless actions.

    Bo Jingshen moved quickly, swiftly putting a wet, rope-tied life ring over Su Jiao¡¯s head and then shoved her down.

    The ssh of someone hitting the water sounded.

    No one expected Bo Jingshen to suddenly do that.

    Su Jiao was utterly stunned.

    The salty and bitter seawater rushed into her mouth and nose.

    She was both shocked and scared.

    She could swim, but swimming in the dark ocean was an entirely different concept from the pool in the backyard under the afternoon sunlight.

    That kind of fear of the dark couldn¡¯t be eased by simply knowing how to swim.

    Because she had the life ring, she quickly floated to the surface despite her fear-induced stiffness and began coughing uncontrobly.

    Bo Jingshen stood on the deck¡¯s edge, coldly watching Su Jiao floating on the surface of the water, ¡°This is called ying around.

    I even gave you a life ring.

    How about it, having fun?¡±

    Su Jiao didn¡¯t make a sound.

    Bo Jingshen nced sideways at Jiang Li and said, ¡°Get someone from the dock to fish her out.¡±

    His meaning was simple, he wanted her off the boat.

    Jiang Li nodded and went to make a call.

    Servants already brought over towels, and Bo Jingshen grabbed one and shook it open, throwing it over Su Lu¡¯s head.

    With her vision covered, Su Lu could only hear Bo Jingshen¡¯s icy voice, ¡°You have one more chance.¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Su Lu quickly removed the towel from her head, only then realizing that the words weren¡¯t directed at her but at Su Jiao floating on the sea¡¯s surface.

    Su Jiao felt extremely aggrieved, feeling humiliated under everyone¡¯s gaze.

    But she didn¡¯t think she was wrong, all the me rested on Su Lu¡ªif it wasn¡¯t for Su Lu, how could she have suffered such an embarrassment?!

    It wasn¡¯t long before the dock staff arrived and fished Su Jiao out.

    Jiang Li turned and gave an order, ¡°Alright, the annoying one has left.

    Set sail, let¡¯s continue the fun!¡±

    Su Lu and Bo Jingshen went to the cabin.

    The cabin, befitting the yacht¡¯s ss, was decorated with considerable luxury and extravagance.

    Bo Jingshen suggested she shower first.

    Su Lu actually didn¡¯t feel too cold, although her body was covered in seawater which was a bit ufortable, but she was more worried about Bo Jingshen¡¯s back, where his stitches had just been removed.

    Even though it was covered with a waterproof dressing, she wondered whether the immersion in seawater might affect it.

    However, Bo Jingshen insisted she go first, and from the looks of it, he was still in a bad mood, obviously not yet calmed down.

    Su Lu had no choice but to obediently proceed to the bathroom to shower.

    Bo Jingshen sat down on the sofa, raised his hand to pick up the crystal decanter and a crystal Burgundy ss from the coffee table, poured a ss of breathed red wine, and sipped it slowly.

    The agitation in his heart, the panic¡ªall of it began to gradually, bit by bit, be suppressed.

    Such dark seas, she had fallen into them.

    He dared not recall his heart rate at that moment¡ªit had either shot through the roof or frozepletely.

    This feeling, it was probably called ¡®retrospective fear.¡¯

    And thest time he felt this way was when Bo Jingshen survived the ne crash.

    He poured another ss of wine into his hand.

    He hadn¡¯t even noticed when someone had walked in through the door.

    Not until the adjacent sofa sagged, with the genuine leather giving off its characteristic squeaky sound.

    Then, Bo Jingshen turned to look at the person next to him.

    Tang Cheng smiled, ¡°You haven¡¯t returned to Beijing in a while.¡±

    ¡°I was never from Beijing to begin with, so why talk about returning?¡± Bo Jingshen replied coldly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be like that,¡± Tang Cheng said warmly, ¡°Even if you have your aversions¡­¡±

    Tang Cheng didn¡¯t specify what his aversions were, merely mentioning it before continuing, ¡°but Jing Su has always sincerely treated you like family, as you know.¡±

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s face was expressionless, exuding a cold, inorganic indifference.

    ¡°I never had any ¡®family¡¯ to begin with,¡± Bo Jingshen stated tly.

    Hearing this, Tang Cheng chuckled, ¡°Oh?

    The one in the bathroom, do you not consider her family either?¡±

    At this remark, Tang Cheng clearly saw a ripple of emotion cross Bo Jingshen¡¯s face, which had been expressionless and icy until then.

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s lips were tightly pressed; he had no desire to respond.

    But Tang Cheng bent his lips into a smile, ¡°If that¡¯s the case, then I¡¯ll not hold back, right?

    I find her quite interesting, pretty and intriguing.

    There aren¡¯t many women like that in Beijing¡­¡±

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s fingers tightened subtly; had he not clenched his teeth and held back, he might have shattered another ss.

    Before they could continue their conversation,

    Su Lu, already finished showering, came out of the bathroom wrapped snugly in a bathrobe¡ªit was evident she had hurried through her shower.

    As she emerged, she said, ¡°I¡¯m done, I¡¯m done, Bo Jingshen, hurry up and wash yourself so the wound on your back that just had stitches removed doesn¡¯t get infected.¡±

 Chapter 45 - 45 45 Thank you, Mr

    ?45: Chapter 45 Thank you, Mr.

    Bo?

    45: Chapter 45 Thank you, Mr.

    Bo?

    After saying that, Su Lu realized that Bo Jingshen wasn¡¯t the only one in the cabin.

    There was also the man who had witnessed her being pushed into the sea by Su Jiao and who had voluntarily spoken up.

    Su Lu was grateful to him for speaking up on her behalf, so she smiled at him in a friendly manner.

    However, Bo Jingshen sat on the sofa with a serious expression, indifferent.

    Su Lu started to feel anxious as she was genuinely worried about the injury on his back.

    Before she could urge him, Tang Cheng smiled and said, ¡°Go ahead and wash up, the seawater by the dock isn¡¯t clean¡­¡±

    Bo Jingshen remained silent, just giving Tang Cheng a faint nce.

    Tang Cheng still had that mysterious smile, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, do you really think I would talk about your dark history?

    I¡¯m not that idle.¡±

    His easygoing and familiar attitude made Su Lu think that Tang Cheng must have a good rtionship with Jiang Li, just like he did with Bo Jingshen.

    Bo Jingshen was silent for a few seconds before he stood up and walked into the bathroom.

    At this point, Su Lu began to feel a bit uneasy, after all, they weren¡¯t close.

    She pondered for a moment and then said softly and sincerely, ¡°Thank you for earlier.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re wee.

    Seeing injustice on the road and speaking up is only right,¡± Tang Cheng replied, his smile warm and amodating.

    It was that kind of polite smile that Su Lu had often seen, but Tang Cheng¡¯s seemed more genuine, less perfunctory.

    ¡°Are you friends with them from Hai City?¡± asked Su Lu.

    Tang Cheng shook his head, ¡°No, I¡¯m from Beijing.

    I just happen to be in Hai City for a while.

    Jiang Li bought a new boat for aunching party, so I came to check it out.¡±

    He must be a young master from a wealthy family in Beijing, his innate nobility hard to conceal.

    But Su Lu quickly felt an awkward silence, mainly because she really didn¡¯t know what to say.

    It was just awkward.

    She hoped that the person in the bathroom would hurry up ande out.

    Tang Cheng, perhaps noticing her difort, lowered his head and chuckled.

    When he looked up, he took the initiative to break the ice and found a topic.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I was already behind you when you and your sister were arguing on the deck earlier.

    I should have been able to react and stop her from pushing you into the water, but I felt it wasn¡¯t quite right for me to intervene at that time.

    By the time I realized, she had already pushed you.¡±

    Tang Cheng suddenly confessed about what had happened earlier.

    Su Lu was stunned, not expecting that their argument had been overheard.

    After a few seconds, she gently shook her head, slightly embarrassed, ¡°It¡¯s, it¡¯s fine.

    I¡¯m sorry you had to see that.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not really like that,¡± Tang Cheng said, ¡°Everywhere is pretty much the same, there are always stories of siblings turning against each other.

    You have them in Feng City, they surely exist in Hai City, and Beijing is no exception.¡±

    Su Lu gave a bitter smile, ¡°Still, being pushed into the water is rare, right?¡±

    Tang Chengughed, ¡°That¡¯s true, sisters literally pushing each other into the water like yours aren¡¯tmon.¡±

    If it were about setting traps and pulling people down metaphorically, those schemes are endless.

    ¡°But speaking of sibling rivalries and conflicts, not only between siblings but also father and son conflicts exist in Beijing,¡± Tang Cheng said.

    Upon hearing this, Su Lu was taken aback, and for some reason, her mind suddenly shed to Su Zhe¡¯s stern, unsmiling face that had aged over the years.

    She justughed once, without speaking.

    Tang Cheng reflected for a moment, his gaze sweeping subtly over the bathroom door.

    Then he spoke slowly, ¡°A few years ago in Beijing, there was a young master of a major family who, dissatisfied with his father¡¯s phndering ways over the years, abandoned his primary right of inheritance and disdained the vast family business on his father¡¯s side.¡±

    ¡°After acquiring some resources from his mother¡¯s side, he started his own business, thriving and prospering, even constantlypeting directly against his father¡¯s enterprises.¡±

    ¡°When his father realized that his son had no regard for familial affection, he was ruthless.

    He even sought out the illegitimate son he had never cared about before, hoping to cultivate him into a capable individual, topete against his unfilial son.¡±

    Tang Cheng spoke unhurriedly, recounting a tale of Beijing that Su Lu had never heard before.

    But listening to it, it was filled with a bloodless storm of blood and violence, especially because it involved parent-child and sibling rtions, making it seem even more ruthless and cold-hearted.

    Su Lu frowned deeply as she listened.

    ¡°What happenedter?¡± she couldn¡¯t help asking.

    ¡°Later,¡± Tang Cheng¡¯s gaze drifted, ¡°one must admit, this father, despite his promiscuity, had indeed good offspring¡ªnone of his sons were anything less than remarkable.

    The eldest son, not wanting to inherit his father¡¯s business, made his own way sessfully.

    When he finally found his illegitimate son, he too refused to inherit his father¡¯s business, even refusing to recognize him as a father.

    Not only that, but he also started his business and made it thrive.¡±

    This differed from the typical dramas where an illegitimate child suddenly rises to prominence and happily epts his father¡¯s business, ready topete with his brothers ording to his father¡¯s wishes.

    It was somewhat enlightening to hear this¡­

    something in one¡¯s heart that previously felt stuck.

    ¡°These two brothers both had quite some integrity,¡± Su Lu couldn¡¯t help saying.

    Thinking of herself, it seemed¡­

    kind of¡­

    spiritless.

    She sighed softly, ¡°They have much more integrity than I do.¡±

    Tang Cheng spoke, ¡°They do have integrity.

    This father, not really behaving like a father, also had a very obstinate nature.

    Although the eldest son defied him, after so many years of father-son rtionship, there was still some familial affection, and he had the support of his mother¡¯s family.

    He wouldn¡¯t go too far.¡±

    ¡°But that illegitimate son, dealing with such a biased father who only hoped he would obediently be a puppet, indeed suffered quite a bit.¡±

    Not long after Tang Cheng finished speaking, the bathroom door opened.

    Bo Jingshen came out wrapped in a bathrobe, his body still emitting steam.

    His ck hair, wetted by the water, made him appear more subdued.

    He nced indifferently at Tang Cheng.

    Tang Cheng, knowing when to leave, stood up and said, ¡°Alright, then I¡¯ll go first.¡±

    Bo Jingshen said nothing, but Su Lu waved to Tang Cheng, ¡°Thanks for just now, Mr.

    Tang.¡±

    Tang Cheng waved his hand too and left the cabin.

    Bo Jingshen walked over and sat on the sofa.

    Su Lu asked hurriedly, ¡°Is the wound wet?

    Do you need to change the dressing?¡±

    Bo Jingshen, drying his hair with a towel, looked over at her and said, ¡°You¡¯re grateful for someone who just spoke a word for you.

    I haven¡¯t seen you thank Mr.

    Bo.¡±

    Su Lu: ¡°¡­¡±

    He could be a bit more childish.

    Has he never heard ¡®great kindness should not be spoken of¡¯?

    Moreover¡­

    she had already given up even her body.

    How else should she thank him?

    Su Lu was simply at a loss for words, and after a few seconds of silence, she said, ¡°So¡­ thank you, Mr.

    Bo?¡±

    The next second, the man leaned in powerfully, trapping her between his arms.

 Chapter 46 - 46 46 Some Practical Stuff

    ?46: Chapter 46 Some Practical Stuff   46: Chapter 46 Some Practical Stuff                                   The sofa in the cabin was indeed soft,fortable, and very luxurious, but after all, it was still in a cabin, so it could only be so big.

    Su Lu had no way to evade.

    She could only feel his breath, his scent, engulfed in fresh moisture, rushing into her breathing.

    His eyes squinted, staring at her.

    ¡°Words are useless, let¡¯s do something practical,¡± he said.

    Perhaps because he had just taken a shower, Bo Jingshen¡¯s voice waszy and drawling, as if soaked by hot water.

    That kind ofnguorous tone was even more captivating.

    Su Lu¡¯s ears turned red instantly, ¡°I¡­

    you¡­

    what kind of practical thing?¡±

    He didn¡¯t answer but simply retorted, ¡°What do you think?¡±

    Su Lu pursed her lips lightly and, after taking a deep breath, leaned in, holding her breath.

    Her lips were about to touch his when¡­

    ¡°Hey, are you guys done washing up?

    If you¡¯re done,e out¡­

    holy shit!¡± Jiang Li barged in carelessly, then was so shocked by the scene before him that he almost choked on his breath, coughing violently after a gasp.

    After a long bout of coughing, he added weakly, ¡°Sorry for the interruption¡­¡±

    Then he made a feeble attempt to close the door.

    Su Lu felt she had suffered a social death, not wanting to contemte the redness exploding on her face, like a monkey¡¯s butt.

    With a sense of resigned self-abandonment.

    She didn¡¯tplete her previous action, but Bo Jingshen didn¡¯t continue to tease.

    Instead, he simply bent down andpleted the entire gesture.

    He pecked her lips once, then swiftly rose to his feet.

    ¡°I¡¯ming out,¡± he said to Jiang Li outside the door, then walked out.

    Jiang Li looked at him with a sense of grievance and whispered, ¡°Hold back for once, I¡¯m begging you.

    I haven¡¯t even had a good time on this boat myself; don¡¯t defile it in advance.¡±

    Bo Jingshen nced at him, considering Jiang Li¡¯s hard and vicissitudes-filled love life, he hit where it hurt without mercy, ¡°Then I¡¯m afraid this boat won¡¯t ever get started.¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Jiang Li¡¯s eyes widened, ¡°Don¡¯t be a jinx!¡±

    Su Lu didn¡¯te out until a whileter when the temperature on her face subsided.

    So when she emerged, herplexion had returned to normal.

    When she came out, Bo Jingshen was already at the rail of the deck, fiddling with the fishing rod and hook, ready to fish.

    Jiang Li had prepared everything well, and the boat had already reached a suitable ce for sea fishing.

    It was somewhat swaying but not to the degree of making one dizzy.

    Even for those not fishing, there were barbecue tools prepared on the deck: a gas stove with a grill.

    Though it wouldn¡¯t be as delightful as charcoal, it was still quite nice.

    Jiang Li nagged on the side, ¡°Can you catch anything?

    Bo Jingshen, tell me the truth, if you can¡¯t catch anything, I¡¯ll have someone pull up thes, they¡¯ve been down for a while now, there should be something.¡±

    Bo Jingshen couldn¡¯t be bothered to argue.

    Jiang Li continued to nag, ¡°Don¡¯t be impatient, open your eyes and look, there are so many hungry mouths waiting on the boat!¡±

    Obviously, the boat wasn¡¯t unmanned, waiting solely for freshly caught fish.

    In fact, the boat¡¯s freezer was stocked with premium beef and various types of seafood.

    But since they were out at sea, of course they hoped to catch something fresh to eat.

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Bo Jingshen had a headache, fishing was supposed to be carried out in a quiet environment, but the whole deck was buzzing with noise.

    Just when his corner had finally quieted down a bit, there was a Tang Seng standing beside him.

    Tang Cheng found it amusing and came over, slinging an arm around Jiang Li¡¯s shoulder to lead him away, ¡°Enough, if you keep up this racket, we won¡¯t catch a single fish tonight; you¡¯ll scare them all away.¡±

    Jiang Li pouted his lips.

    ¡°You might as well call someone to pull up thes,¡± said Tang Cheng.

    Following Tang Cheng to the barbecue, Jiang Li happened to see Su Lu walking by.

    Jiang Li was already half through his sentence, ¡°Hey Su Lu, don¡¯t go over there, or Bo Jingshen might despise you¡­¡±

    He sighed and shook his head before finishing, ¡°Forget it, go ahead.

    I forgot, we¡¯re not the same.¡±

    He almost sang thatst sentence.

    Su Lu found it both sad and funny.

    When she arrived beside him, Bo Jingshen had already set up the fishing rod and line and prepared the bait.

    He cast the first line with movements that were obviously skilled.

    Standing on the edge of the deck, Su Lu gazed out at the increasingly dark sea in the night, feeling an inexplicable unease.

    Being pushed into the water by Su Jiao before had left her somewhat traumatized.

    Plus, the sea at night was so vast and dark, like a giant abyssal maw.

    As if it could swallow the whole world in a matter of minutes.

    So, Su Lu quietly took a step back.

    With just that step, Bo Jingshen¡¯s gaze shifted towards her.

    ¡°Scared?¡± Bo Jingshen asked.

    Su Lu didn¡¯t make a sound, simply shaking her head.

    Bo Jingshen ced the fishing rod on the deck rail and turned around to reach out and pull her towards him.

    Her hand was slightly cold, enveloped by his warm palm.

    As he pulled her close, Su Lu looked at the sea, which still appeared as dark as an abyssal maw in the night, and suddenly felt not as anxious as before.

    It was as though, no matter how dark it was, the warmth enveloping her hand could be the beam of light that pierced through the darkness.

    The deck was quite noisy, but it seemed as if ayer of film had separated all that noise away.

    It was just her and Bo Jingshen, standing on the edge of the dark sea, standing in the quiet.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Su Lu blinked and pointed ahead, ¡°It bit¡­

    the hook is taken!¡±

    Her eyes sparkled.

    Even those who were not interested in fishing could feel the joy of it, and if not the waiting process, at least the moment of catching a fish.

    Su Lu started speaking faster, ¡°Quick quick quick quick!

    It¡¯s hooked, it¡¯s hooked!

    What fish is it?

    I wonder if it¡¯s good to eat¡­¡±

    Bo Jingshen reeled in the line, adjusting the tension as needed, while ncing sideways at Su Lu.

    He saw her gripping the railing, eyes fixed on the bobber in the pitch-ck sea, her shining eyes now free from earlier unease.

    He smiled slightly and pulled up the fish along with the hook.

    That night, there were indeed catches, but not many.

    A few fish of modest size, unrecognizable to Su Lu, but edible all the same, delicious once grilled.

    She could hardly have enough just by herself, also eating some of the food that had been prepared in advance.

    Staring at the starry sky from the sea was more than twice as beautiful as viewing it from the city.

    After eating and drinking their fill, everyoney on the deck, gazing at the boundless sky, feeling extraordinarily peaceful.

    But they couldn¡¯t just drift on the sea forever, mainly because there were many prodigal sons from Hai City aboard, and they were prepared for a second round of revelry.

    So, they set sail for home.

    Since they had not gone too far, they quickly returned to the dock.

    The profligates each revved the engines of their luxury cars, leaving with their models.

    Bo Jingshen, on the other hand, was in no rush to leave.

    After learning of the situation, Su Lu was stunned, ¡°So you¡¯re saying¡­

    you¡¯re saying¡­¡±

    Bo Jingshen nodded, ¡°Yeah, she got arrested.¡±

 Chapter 47 - 47 47 He Comes to Handle

    ?47: Chapter 47 He Comes to Handle   47: Chapter 47 He Comes to Handle                                   Su Jiao was caught!

    Su Lu was simply stunned!

    ¡°She was¡­

    caught?¡± she asked incredulously.

    Bo Jingshen sneered coldly, ¡°What else?

    The evidence was conclusive, clearly captured by the surveince, it was her who pushed you into the water, could we just let her get away?¡±

    But he had pushed Su Jiao into the water, too.

    Su Lu had thought the matter would just end there, assuming Bo Jingshen only meant to chase her off the boat.

    She hadn¡¯t anticipated¡­

    However, to be fair, Bo Jingshen had fitted her with a swim ring before pushing her in.

    It seemed more like a joke.

    But Su Jiao had pushed her into the sea when she was off guard.

    The nature of it seemed quite different.

    Su Lu couldn¡¯t quite grasp it; her mind was still a bit dazed.

    ¡°Can this¡­

    be of any use?¡± Su Lu wondered, ¡°After all, I wasn¡¯t hurt.¡±

    Tang Cheng chuckled softly from behind, ¡°Sometimes it¡¯s not just about whether actual harm was caused.

    Even if no harm was done, the action and intent alone are already a crime.

    Granted, she can¡¯t receive any severe punishment, but a little lesson is still possible.¡±

    Su Lu nodded and nced sideways at Bo Jingshen.

    The man¡¯s expression did not change much, even looking a bit cold, but Su Lu felt a warmth in her heart.

    On the way back.

    Su Lu thought they were going to deal with Su Jiao¡¯s case, but it didn¡¯t seem like it?

    ¡°Where are we going?

    Aren¡¯t we going to deal with Su Jiao¡¯s issue?¡±

    ¡°Why should I deal with her issue?

    There are others who are supposed to handle her matters,¡± Bo Jingshen stated as a matter of course.

    Su Lu¡¯s heart skipped a beat.

    Sure enough, this kind of premonition was never wrong.

    After returning to the hotel, her phone almost exploded with calls throughout the night, all from Su Yukan and Zhu Xinyan.

    Although the phone was on silent, it still somewhat irritated her.

    Just as she thought about answering a call to end the hassle,

    Bo Jingshen took her phone during her moment of hesitation and hung up.

    ¡°Don¡¯t bother with these things,¡± Bo Jingshen said.

    Then he simply turned off her phone.

    If it had been before, if she had taken such action, she would start feeling anxious about the endless trouble the moment she did it.

    But now, she somehow didn¡¯t feel such worries.

    On the contrary, she even felt quite relieved.

    Since she couldn¡¯t use her phone, Su Lu simply picked up her tablet and began watching videos on the couch.

    She looked leisurely andfortable.

    She wore headphones so that if Bo Jingshen needed to work, she wouldn¡¯t disturb him.

    She watched intently, not exactly engrossed, but quite focused, not seeming like she was just passing the time.

    Bo Jingshen, after dealing with some emails on hisputer, came over and sat down beside her, pulling out one earbud from her ear and putting it on.

    ¡°What are you watching?¡± Bo Jingshen looked at the screen.

    He saw that she was fully engrossed in¡­

    an esports match.

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s eyebrows lifted slightly, ¡°You understand this?¡±

    Su Lu furrowed her brows, her fingers gently touched her chin, with an Apple Pencil in her hand, looking somewhat at a loss.

    She shook her head slowly, ¡°Actually, I don¡¯t really understand it, but¡­

    since I¡¯m getting into this field, I should really learn more about it.¡±

    No wonder she had been so seriously engrossed before.

    Bo Jingshen had initially thought she was watching a TV drama or variety show with that serious demeanor.

    Back when they were dating, she wasn¡¯t much different from the average young girl.

    She would watch dramas, enjoy variety shows, drag him to premieres of new movies, and even buy discounted tickets to rock concerts to go with him.

    Though¡­ now that he thought about it, Bo Jingshen wasn¡¯t sure whether those tickets were actually discounted or expensively purchased by the young Miss Su.

    But after they met again, he had matured¡ªhadn¡¯t she also grown up a lot?

    It was unclear if she had deliberately reined in, or if she had been forced to hide the young girl within her.

    What remained was the gentle, elegant, poised side of a wealthy daughter-inw, the side of a daughter of a rich family.

    Her behavior and manners had to be proper.

    It all seemed¡­ as if she had changed.

    Bo Jingshen could only quietly exin to her in simple terms, unlike the jargon-filledmentary of the games.

    ¡°There¡¯s actually so much to it¡­¡± Su Lu mused thoughtfully, ¡°And I noticed that the viewership is really impressive.

    No wonder Jiang Li sees potential in this industry.¡±

    However¡­

    Su Lu turned to look at him, ¡°Howe you¡¯re so familiar with all these terms inside and out?¡±

    Bo Jingshen remained silent, his fist propped against his lips as he gave a light cough, not answering her question.

    But a guess rapidly took shape in Su Lu¡¯s mind.

    Could it be¡­ despite his age, he still liked ying games?

    They say men will be boys for life, and since boys will be boys, gaming is natural.

    What¡¯s the big deal?

    But applying this to Bo Jingshen seemed somehow incredible, at least the current Bo Jingshen.

    That evening, she and Bo Jingshen watched two matches.

    From her initial confusion, to a bit of understanding, and then to a basicprehension¡ªshe owed it all to Bo Jingshen¡¯s exnations.

    When Su Lu awoke, she found herself on the couch.

    Bo Jingshen was also on the couch; they had stayed up toote watching the matches and ended up falling asleep there, yet thankfully, the sofa wasn¡¯t too crowded.

    She leaned in his embrace and slept until now.

    The tablet had shut down because it was out of battery.

    Su Lu reached for her phone to power it on and check the time.

    As soon as she turned on her phone, she was almost overwhelmed by the myriad of messages that flooded in.

    She blinked in surprise and instantly became alert, remembering that she had rejected calls from Su Yukan and Zhu Xinyan and had turned off her phone the night before.

    Her phone was now full of missed call alerts and various scolding and even cursing messages from Su Yukan.

    Su Lu skimmed through them quickly.

    She summarized¡­

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Bo Jingshen¡¯s voice was husky with sleepiness as he asked.

    It seemed the vibrating of her phone had been loud enough to wake him up.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, just¡­¡± Su Lu paused, her eyes briefly scanning the messages on the screen, and continued, ¡°Su Yukan and Zhu Xinyan areing to Hai City, they should arrive today.¡±

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s brows furrowed lightly, he stayed silent for quite a while.

    Finally, he slowly asked, ¡°Who is Zhu Xinyan?¡±

    The name sounded familiar, but his mind was still groggy from sleep, and he couldn¡¯t immediately recall where he had heard it.

    Su Lu replied, ¡°¡­My step-mother.

    Su Jiao¡¯s mother.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± Bo Jingshen remembered upon hearing this.

    He had seen the name Zhu Xinyan in the Su family information that Jiang Li had gathered for him.

    No wonder it rang a bell.

    Su Lu was actually a bit worried, not afraid.

    But she was really fed up with bickering with them.

    Bo Jingshen, on the other hand, was quite calm, ¡°Alright then, I¡¯ll handle it.¡±

 Chapter 48 - 48 48 Reconciliation

    ?48: Chapter 48: Reconciliation?

    48: Chapter 48: Reconciliation?

    In the morning, Assistant Qiu came over.

    He said that Su Jiao¡¯s parents had arrived and hoped to discuss the reconciliation.

    Since Bo Jingshen had entrusted Assistant Qiu to follow up on this matter, naturally, it was Assistant Qiu who went to talk to the other party about it as soon as possible.

    As recounted by Assistant Qiu, it seemed like the conversation was quite amicable.

    But Su Lu knew the temperaments of Su Yukan and Zhu Xinyan; the original words certainly wouldn¡¯t have been so amiable.

    It¡¯s likely that they had said some rather unpleasant things.

    As a result, whenever Assistant Qiu looked at Su Lu, his eyes couldn¡¯t help but reveal a hint of sympathy.

    Su Lu slightly averted her gaze, not meeting Assistant Qiu¡¯s sympathetic eyes.

    From her childhood to adulthood, she had seen such looks more than enough¡­

    She was really tired of them.

    ¡°So¡­

    do I need to be there?¡± Su Lu asked naturally.

    ¡°Yes, after all, you are the person directly involved.

    Although President Bo has taken this on, when ites down to it, your personal opinion is still more important.¡±

    The nature of the case wasn¡¯t extremely serious, but if inclined to be viewed seriously, it couldn¡¯t be said to be light either.

    Su Lu¡¯s opinion was ultimately critical.

    Su Yukan, unable to contact her, was panicking so much that smoke could have beening out of his throat, not to mention Zhu Xinyan beside him, incessantly crying and fanning the mes.

    This made Su Yukan even more furious.

    So when Assistant Qiu first came tomunicate the situation, Su Yukan just assumed that Assistant Qiu was Su Lu¡¯s subordinate, and so was extremely rude in his speech.

    Themanding attitude, the unpleasant words, the dictatorial tone, the threatening posture.

    One could tell he was very experienced at it; one could tell he had made threats more than a few times.

    That¡¯s why Assistant Qiu couldn¡¯t help but show that sympathetic look when meeting with Su Lu.

    After all, they are both daughters; how could a father¡¯s heart be so biased?

    However, Assistant Qiu wasn¡¯t some pushover to be manipted at will.

    And Su Yukan wasn¡¯t exactly tough to handle.

    So after Assistant Qiu said, ¡°I think there has been a misunderstanding.

    I am not Miss Su¡¯s assistant, but an assistant appointed by Mr.

    Jiang Li for President Bo in Hai City, entrusted to handle this matter on behalf of Miss Su,¡±

    Su Yukan¡¯s bluster extinguished as quickly as if doused¡­

    it was so quick that it made his face seem a bit twisted from the rapid change from jealous anger to a sheepish, ingratiating smile.

    Zhu Xinyan, untouched by worldly affairs and ying the rich wife, was still beside him crying and imploring Su Yukan to stand up for Su Jiao.

    Su Yukan quickly scolded her to silence.

    Then, with that sheepish smile, he proposed that they still hope to discuss the reconciliation and very tactfully mentioned that after all, they were blood sisters who had yed and quarreled since childhood; how could such y be taken seriously¡­

    and such kind of defensive statements.

    When Su Lu heard Assistant Qiu recount these things,

    She tugged at the corner of her mouth.

    Bo Jingshen saw the irony hidden in that forced smile very clearly.

    He couldn¡¯t help but frown slightly.

    Better not to smile at all.

    That stiff and scornful smile made Bo Jingshen feel ufortable inside.

    It was as if¡­

    it hid so much bitterness.

    ¡°It is so, I would have found it strange if he hadn¡¯t said those words,¡± Su Lu spoke calmly.

    Assistant Qiu asked, ¡°Do you n to go talk?

    If you are reluctant, you can entrust me with full authority.

    Please rest assured.¡±

    Miss Su tugged at the corners of her mouth, ¡°You can¡¯t always hide, let¡¯s go.¡±

    She stood up.

    Upon arrival at the police station, Miss Su turned her head toward Bo Jingshen and said, ¡°I can go in by myself.¡±

    Bo Jingshen strongly disagreed and frowned, ¡°If they give you a hard time¡­¡±

    ¡°They definitely will give me a hard time,¡± said Miss Su, her voice unnervingly calm, as if she had long since grown ustomed to it.

    Hearing this made Bo Jingshen feel even more ufortable, ¡°So I¡¯ll go in with you¡­¡±

    Miss Su thought of the potentially ugly scene that could unfold and for some reason, she still felt¡­

    at least for now she didn¡¯t want him to see it.

    It didn¡¯t matter in front of others.

    In front of Bo Jingshen, she always wanted to save a little face.

    Though she had been shameless on three or four asions, every time it came to moments like this, that pitiful shred of self-respect would torment her.

    Miss Su shook her head, ¡°No, it¡¯s okay, I can go by myself.

    Just let me have this one, after all, family scandals should not be publicized¡­¡±

    Upon hearing this, Bo Jingshen could no longer refuse, only his brow furrowed deeply as he sat in the back seat, silent and obviously unhappy.

    Miss Su gently patted the back of his hand and quickly got out of the car.

    Assistant Qiu watched her enter alone and couldn¡¯t help but feel concerned.

    He turned to Bo Jingshen and said, ¡°President Bo, isn¡¯t this a bit unwise?

    I¡¯ve met with them before, and their attitude was extremely aggressive.

    I¡¯m worried that Miss Su will be at a disadvantage.¡±

    Bo Jingshen didn¡¯t respond, his lips pursed tightly, brows twisted further, his hand clenched into a fist on his knee.

    She said she didn¡¯t want it!

    What could he do?

    Defy her wishes?

    To tell the truth, he had done plenty that went against her wishes since their reunion; in fact, he had been continuously doing things against her wishes.

    But something about what she had just said made Bo Jingshen sense her pride in her words.

    So¡­

    he simply couldn¡¯t refuse.

    Seeing that he was not responding, Assistant Qiu didn¡¯t press the issue.

    Miss Su walked in.

    Su Yukan and Zhu Xinyan were both sitting inside, waiting.

    The two of them looked somewhat weary, but it was still not hard to see that their clothes and adornments were expensive.

    As soon as they saw Miss Su walk in, they both stood up abruptly.

    ¡°Su Lu!¡± Zhu Xinyan called out, her voice somewhat shrill.

    Su Yukan, on the other hand, was furious, ¡°You actually came?!

    Not answering calls!

    You let your sister suffer in a ce like this!

    Do you call yourself human?!¡±

    The uniformed officer, originally nning to mediate, reviewed their attitude and suddenly understood why the one still being held could dare to push her sister into the sea¡ªit was definitely rted to the parents¡¯ upbringing, and undoubtedly rted to the parents¡¯ usual attitude towards their daughter.

    ¡°This is a no-noise area,¡± the officer said with a frown, ¡°Moreover, as the family of the aggressor wanting to reconcile, it¡¯s best to maintain a more respectful attitude.¡±

    When Su Yukan had faced Assistant Qiu previously, he could only sheepishly y the good grandson, but now he became more assertive, ¡°I raised her!

    Now she turns against me, biting the hand that fed her, and I still have to be polite?

    This is our family affair, don¡¯t the police avoid getting involved in domestic issues?¡±

    His point wasn¡¯t wrong; officials find it difficult to resolve household matters.

    Sometimes when dealing with conflicts like spousal disputes or father-son feuds, they usually just mediate.

    Or even themunity steps in to mediate.

    Su Yukan turned his head back to Miss Su, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to hurry up and sign to agree to reconciliation?

    Let Jiaojiao out!

    She has been locked up here all night!

    When has she ever suffered like this?

    You heartless thing!¡±

    Miss Su, however, remainedposed from the start, honestly, she was used to this sort of scene.

    Their words had long since been irrelevant, mere background noise to her.

    Miss Su spoke calmly to Su Yukan, ¡°I can sign to let her out, but don¡¯t involve me in these matters ever again.

    It¡¯s your business how you want to sell Su Jiao for a good price.

    I¡¯m not participating, and don¡¯t expect me to help you pimp her out.¡±

    Miss Su said these words tly, driving Zhu Xinyan to fury.

    Forgetting her dignifieddylike demeanor, she lunged forward with a furious screech.

 Chapter 49 - 49 49 Heart-wrenching

    ?49: Chapter 49: Heart-wrenching   49: Chapter 49: Heart-wrenching                                   No one would have expected this well-to-dody to suddenlysh out.

    Thus, no one had time to stop her, and the nearby officers didn¡¯t react in time either.

    Zhu Xinyan had already pounced on Su Lu, fiercely scratching her face.

    Su Lu managed to turn her head in time, but her cheek was still scratched by Zhu Xinyan¡¯s well-maintained long fingernails, leaving several red marks.

    ¡°What are you doing!¡± The officer immediately reacted and hastily stopped her.

    Zhu Xinyan¡¯s eyes were red as she red at Su Lu.

    She was a mistress turned wife, with no real skills or family background, and had lived a wealthy wife¡¯s life under Su Yukan¡¯s patronage after getting married.

    Her circle consisted of wealthy wives, even those like her, who had a dubious rise to wealth.

    Therefore, although she had heard some not-so-good things about the Su Family in Feng City, because she couldn¡¯t reach any higher social circles, the voices she heard were always limited.

    In the circle of wealthy wives she could reach, since they too were from dubious origins, they probably wouldn¡¯t find the Su Family¡¯s dubious family values uneptable.

    Even though Zhu Xinyan had heard about the Su Family¡¯s reputation, she didn¡¯t take it too seriously, or rather, she deliberately ignored it.

    But now, Su Lu had directly brought it up, using phrases like ¡°selling for a good price¡± and ¡°pimping¡±.

    This was the same as when she and others had mocked Su Lu for marrying into the Gu Family, saying she had sold for a good price.

    She found it unbearable.

    Moreover, because of Su Lu, her precious daughter had been detained in such a ce for a night!

    Zhu Xinyan was simply furious.

    The officer intervened, so she couldn¡¯t continue to physically attack Su Lu.

    So she started speaking recklessly instead.

    Zhu Xinyan spitefully spat out, ¡°Ptui!

    You dare topare yourself to my daughter?

    What are you?

    Just a picked-up bag of blood, we pitied you and raised you all this time, do you really think you¡¯re something?¡±

    Su Lu¡¯s face turned somewhat pale.

    Hearing her words, Su Yukan frowned and interjected, ¡°Why say such things, stop it.¡±

    But Zhu Xinyan, furious as she was, didn¡¯t stop, ¡°I will speak!¡±

    She pointed at Su Lu, ¡°A wild girl who grew up in the mud, marrying you off to the Gu family was a mercy!

    Otherwise, do you think you¡¯d be worth such a high price, match such a high social status?

    If we hadn¡¯t looked up to you, Old Su wouldn¡¯t have even needed to break you up from your poor little boyfriend, you were meant to be with someone like that!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s exactly where you belong!

    And you dare look down on Gu Xin?

    He never looked up to you!

    Since it¡¯s over between you and Gu Xin, it¡¯s good, we sold you once, we can sell you a second time!¡±

    ¡°You really think we¡¯re out of bargaining chips?

    Five years ago, we used that poor boyfriend of yours to make youply, five yearster, we can use other bargaining chips to make you obey, don¡¯t forget, your cheap brother Su Yi, do you think we raised him for nothing?

    If it wasn¡¯t for your value, could he have had such afortable life?

    Do you think our family runs a charity?!¡±

    Despite having already experienced how malicious people can be, hearing Zhu Xinyan¡¯s excruciating words, Su Lu still couldn¡¯t help but feel a chill in her limbs.

    She had always been clear about her identity and her circumstances from a young age, and had always reserved her feelings towards this family.

    But it was different for Su Yi; he was young when he came to the Su Family, and he truly considered the Su Family his own home.

    The officer was stunned by the side.

    Mainly because Zhu Xinyan¡¯s words were heavily loaded, it took a while for anyone to fully grasp and untangle them, which is why they hadn¡¯t stopped Zhu Xinyan from speaking sooner.

    Finally, the officer reacted, ¡°Uh, we¡¯ve said to keep it quiet!

    Why are you getting louder?!¡±

    Zhu Xinyan, still angry, while Su Yukan, perhaps because of Zhu Xinyan¡¯s previous words, seemed a bit embarrassed, either from the disgrace of airing family dirtyundry, or from the shame ofmitting despicable acts.

    The officer then asked Su Lu, ¡°Uh, do you want to sign a settlement with the other party?¡±

    This even felt absurd to say¡ª who would sign a peace agreement with someone who had just insulted them like that?

    Su Lu didn¡¯t utter a word and turned to leave.

    ¡°Su Lu!¡± Su Yukan called out to her.

    But Su Lu didn¡¯t stop for a second, and without turning her head, she walked out.

    The officer thought to himself, ¡°That¡¯s the normal reaction.

    If she had actually signed the settlement, she would have been too easy a target.¡±

    Su Lu hurried out,pletely unaware of the tall figure standing at the corner of the wall.

    Bo Jingshen stood there with his eyes red.

    He had arrived just before Zhu Xinyan rushed up and got rough with Su Lu.

    Considering Su Lu¡¯s pride, he hadn¡¯t nned on showing himself so suddenly, not knowing Zhu Xinyan would be violent.

    He couldn¡¯t help but want to rush out immediately.

    Then, he heard everything Zhu Xinyan said afterward.

    Too much content, too much information.

    But he also realized too much.

    Those heartbreaking keywords, no matter who heard them, the malicious intent was unmistakable.

    Picking up the rescued blood bags, pitying you, the wild girl who grew up in the mud, selling you to the Gu Family was a favor to you, do you even deserve it?

    No need to tear you apart from that poor boyfriend, if sold once, can be sold again.

    If your poor boyfriend can force you toply, other bargaining chips can make you obedient too.

    These words, full of malice to anyone who heard them, were especially excruciating in Bo Jingshen¡¯s ears.

    Picking up the rescued blood bags¡­

    Bo Jingshen clearly remembered Su Lu¡¯s blood type, the rare ¡°panda blood¡±.

    When he first found out, he was quite surprised¡ªit was extremely rare after all.

    She had just smiled wryly and said that being too rare wasn¡¯t exactly good.

    At that time, Bo Jingshen thought that Su Lu meant it was dangerous because it was so rare, making any ident potentially more hazardous than for normal people.

    But thinking about it now, perhaps what Su Lu had meant was entirely different.

    Rescued blood bags?

    Whose blood bags was she?

    Bo Jingshen felt as if his bones were turning cold inch by inch.

    Breaking her up from that poor boyfriend, using your poor boyfriend to make youply¡­

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s eyes were as if stained with blood.

    His steps were slightly unsteady as he slowly walked out.

    He saw Su Lu standing at the storefront of a convenience store, holding an ice-cold bottle of water to her face, applying it to the red marks scraped by Zhu Xinyan¡¯s long nails.

    Bo Jingshen took a few deep breaths to calm down, walked up to her, and took the bottle of ice water from her hands to help her apply it to her face.

    Su Lu was clearly distracted, so much so that she didn¡¯t notice Bo Jingshen approaching until he took the ice water from her hands.

    ¡°You should have let me in.

    If I had been there, at least no one would dare to hit you.¡±

 Chapter 50 - 50 50 Calling me daddy wont help!

    ?50: Chapter 50 Calling me daddy won¡¯t help!

    50: Chapter 50 Calling me daddy won¡¯t help!

    ¡°You should have let me in.

    With me there, at least no one would have dared to hit you.¡±

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s voice, deep and slightly hoarse, crashed into her ears.

    Su Lu was a bit stunned; in fact, her ears were still buzzing with tinnitus.

    When Zhu Xinyan spat out those deeply hurtful words earlier, Su Lu¡¯s tinnitus had started and had not subsided since.

    But she still heard Bo Jingshen¡¯s voice and his words loud and clear.

    Even when she was inside, being insulted like that, she could listen from start to finish and still managed to keep herposure.

    Now, upon hearing Bo Jingshen¡¯s voice, it was as if she could no longer hold herself together.

    Heat surged to her eyes, and her nose felt sour.

    She felt like a child who had been wronged.

    She lowered her gaze and gently sniffed, softly saying, ¡°I can¡¯t have you start a fight with a woman, that would make even the justified seem unjust.¡±

    Bo Jingshen didn¡¯t speak, and as Su Lu waited for his voice, she looked up and heard him let out a light sigh.

    The red mark on her face wasn¡¯t bleeding and after being iced for a while, it hadn¡¯t swollen up; it was barely noticeable now.

    Assistant Qiu drove the car up to them.

    ¡°Miss Su, are you alright?¡± Assistant Qiu asked with concern.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Su Lu smiled faintly, ¡°It¡¯s just¡­

    this matter is probably still going to be a bother for you, as I really can¡¯t talk with them.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s alright!

    Rest assured, just leave it to me,¡± Assistant Qiu immediately responded.

    On the way back, Bo Jingshen called Yan Sui to arrange the return trip.

    Yan Sui: ¡°Tomorrow?¡±

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°What?

    Can¡¯t fly tomorrow?¡±

    Yan Sui: ¡°It can fly, but I thought you were nning to stay a bit longer, especially since Jiang Er came too.¡±

    Yan Sui was of course aware of what had transpired on the yachtst night.

    He hesitated for a moment but still asked, ¡°Aboutst night¡¯s incident, everything is alright?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no problem.

    In any case, let¡¯s make it tomorrow.

    You don¡¯t have any issues, do you?¡± Bo Jingshen asked.

    Yan Sui hesitated for a bit and then said, ¡°It¡¯s just¡­

    can Tang Cheng join us on the flight over?¡±

    Bo Jingshen remained silent.

    Hearing the silence on Bo Jingshen¡¯s end, Yan Suiughed it off, ¡°Take it I never asked, okay?

    I know you don¡¯t care for people from Beijing.¡±

    ¡°See you tomorrow.¡± Bo Jingshen was nomittal about hisment and ended the call.

    After Yan Sui hung up, he turned and looked at the man beside him with a helpless expression and shrugged his shoulders.

    The man sitting next to him was Tang Cheng.

    Tang Cheng smiled and said, ¡°It¡¯s not that he doesn¡¯t care for people from Beijing.

    If he didn¡¯t, how did you be his friend?¡±

    Yan Sui was indeed a native of Beijing, and moreover, he was the kind who went to school in Beijing from childhood through college.

    Yan Sui jokingly said, ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because I have some special skills that he can¡¯t do without?¡±

    Tang Cheng said, ¡°It¡¯s more likely because you¡¯re not from our social circle.¡±

    Yan Sui cursed yfully, ¡°Damn!

    Are you implying that my family is poor?¡±

    Of course, Yan Sui¡¯s family wasn¡¯t poor, butpared to families like the Tang Family and the Jing Family, true powerhouses of Beijing, he indeed didn¡¯t belong to the same circle.

    After returning to the hotel, Bo Jingshen didn¡¯t rush to take her back to their room but went directly to the health spa in the hotel.

    There was afortable steam room, and massages were avable from professionals with excellent techniques.

    After the whole set, she felt as if her previously oppressive mood had eased quite a bit.

    Su Lu had already turned off her phone, to avoid being bothered by Su Yukan again.

    She was earnestly enjoying her dpression.

    Yet it was Bo Jingshen who seemed a bit absent-minded, fiddling with his phone and sending messages as if he was discussing something very important.

    So much so that before entering the sauna, when Su Lu tapped a boiled egg against his forehead, he didn¡¯t manage to dodge in time.

    There was a clear ¡®pop¡¯ sound.

    Su Lu paused for a moment.

    Bo Jingshen also froze, lifting his eyes from the phone screen to look at Su Lu.

    He blinked slowly, as if he couldn¡¯t believe he¡¯d just been hit on the head with a boiled egg.

    Su Lu opened her mouth and after a moment of speechlessness, murmured, ¡°President Bo, I thought you would dodge¡­¡±

    ¡°President Bo?

    Even calling me ¡®daddy¡¯ won¡¯t help you now!¡± Bo Jingshen¡¯s eyes narrowed as he grabbed a basket filled with round boiled eggs from the side, and said through gritted teeth, ¡°Su Xiaolu, you¡¯re done for today.¡±

    Su Lu got up to run, but he grabbed the back of her cor and then tapped a boiled egg on her head.

    Honestly, it didn¡¯t really hurt that much on the top of her head.

    But she still let out a cry of surprise, and then started tough as she scurried away quickly.

    ¡°I¡¯m wrong, I¡¯m wrong, I¡¯m wrong.

    Please have mercy.¡±

    Her eyes turned into crescents.

    Looking at Bo Jingshen in front of her, dressed in a brownish-yellow sauna suit with a towel around his neck and still holding a small basket of round eggs.

    If it weren¡¯t for his good build and handsome face¡­

    With that outfit, he really looked like aborer who could work the fields at any moment.

    And at this moment, theborer seemed quite menacing.

    ¡°Have mercy?

    Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t grab a new basket once I finish with this small one,¡± Bo Jingshen said, grinding his teeth.

    Su Lu held back herughter so much that her stomach hurt.

    What on earth did he mean by ¡®won¡¯t grab a new basket¡¯?

    Especially since there was still a small piece of triangr eggshell stuck on Bo Jingshen¡¯s forehead¡­

    It made her constantly have to hold back herughter whenever she saw it, and she couldn¡¯t help but want to chuckle.

    Bo Jingshen, with his basket, came charging over, having already reached Su Lu.

    Su Lu put her hand against his chest, her voice even more cating, ¡°Ah Shen, I¡¯m really sorry, please forgive me.¡±

    The words ¡®Ah Shen¡¯ made Bo Jingshen¡¯s movementse to an abrupt halt.

    Even the boiled egg that was ready to be tapped on her head changed course, tapping against his own instead.

    Bo Jingshen gave a light snort, ¡°I¡¯ll let you off.¡±

    As he spoke, he peeled off the shell and stuffed a cleanly peeled boiled egg into Su Lu¡¯s mouth.

    The phone vibrated, and Bo Jingshen put down the basket in his hand to nce at the number on the screen, then stood up and walked outside, ¡°I¡¯ll take a call and bring you something to drink.¡±

    ¡°I want a cold milk cap tea,¡± said Su Lu.

    Bo Jingshen walked out and then answered the call, ¡°Mm, go ahead.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s impossible to find the specific information, it seems as if someone deliberately covered up the information about Su Lu¡¯s background, and it¡¯s also been many years, a lot of the information is indeed untraceable.¡±

    Bo Jingshen frowned slightly, ¡°Nothing at all?¡±

    ¡°Even now, a lot of information regarding adoptions and fostering is confidential.

    However, we did find Su Lu¡¯s medical record.¡±

    ¡°What about it?¡±

    ¡°Su Lu has an Rh-negative AB blood type, which is the rarest even among Rh-negative blood types,monly known as ¡®panda blood¡¯.

    The medical record shows that when she was young, she also registered for bone marrow donation.¡±

    Bo Jingshen pursed his lips tightly.

    His throat was dry, and his voice somewhat hoarse as he asked, ¡°Who did she donate to?¡±

    There was a moment of silence on the other end before the answer came, ¡°The eldest son of the Su Family¡¯s Su Yukan and his first wife, Su Zhe.¡±

 Chapter 51 - 51 51 Su Zhe

    ?51: Chapter 51 Su Zhe   51: Chapter 51 Su Zhe                                   Su Lu clearly noticed that after Bo Jingshen hung up the call, his mood seemed different from before.

    It wasn¡¯t particrly obvious, but she still felt it.

    ¡°Did something happen?¡± Su Lu asked.

    Bo Jingshen shook his head, ¡°What could have happened?¡±

    As he spoke, he handed a milk cap tea to her hands.

    Su Lu didn¡¯t doubt his words.

    Indeed, if there really was something wrong, would he still have time to buy milk cap tea?

    Su Lu sipped on her milk cap tea with a straw, her eyes contentedly narrowed.

    Bo Jingshen sat next to her and asked seemingly casually, ¡°I¡¯ve never heard you talk about your family before, is it because of this reason?¡±

    Su Lu blinked, swallowed the tapioca pearls in her mouth, and pursed her lips, ¡°Yeah, my family situation is quiteplicated, actually¡­

    it¡¯s quite embarrassing to talk about.¡±

    That was indeed what Su Lu thought at the time; she didn¡¯t even want her friends knowing about her family situation, let alone Bo Jingshen.

    Bo Jingshen looked into her clear eyes.

    Feeling a bit ufortable under his gaze, Su Lu cleared her throat, put down her milk cap tea, and began peeling a boiled egg for him.

    While peeling, she said, ¡°It¡¯s not that everyone is like Zhu Xinyan and Su Jiao.

    Actually, my brother treats me quite well.¡±

    After Su Lu said this, she heard Bo Jingshen let out a cold chuckle.

    Su Lu: ???

    She didn¡¯t know whether he didn¡¯t believe her, or really didn¡¯t believe her.

    One could say that Bo Jingshen didn¡¯t know about those things over the phone, so he might have believed her for the time being.

    But having heard that phone call, he couldn¡¯t possibly think like that anymore.

    Could Su Zhe be bad to her?

    If it weren¡¯t for her, Su Zhe would probably have been long buried under the soil; would there even be a today?

    In Bo Jingshen¡¯s opinion¡­

    or rather, Bo Jingshen thought that no matter who it was, it was only right for Su Zhe to treat Su Lu well, and those like Su Yukan and Zhu Xinyan who treated her badly deserved to go to hell.

    What eventually happened to Su Jiao¡¯s situation was no longer Su Lu¡¯s concern, and by evening she even switched off her phone, seeing no calls from Su Yukan or Zhu Xinyan, making her night much quieter.

    Su Lu just needed some peace, and frankly didn¡¯t bother asking how the matters were handled.

    The next day, she went to the airport with Bo Jingshen and started their return journey.

    Compared to the bad weather and typhoon that hit Hai City, the weather in Feng City was surprisingly pleasant.

    Even before the airnended, the brilliant sunlight outside was evident.

    Compared to her mood when she left Feng City, Su Lu¡¯s mood was now quite good.

    Perhaps it was because when she left, her rtionship with Bo Jingshen was somewhat tense and not as clear as now.

    Inside the luggage was a selection of gifts for Xu Ning and Cheng Youran, mainly local specialties from Hai City, a variety of dried seafood products.

    Though one could buy almost anything online these days, her personally selecting and bringing them back held a different significance.

    Bo Jingshen couldn¡¯t understand her joy, ¡°Isn¡¯t it the same if you just bought them online?¡±

    Su Lu shook her head, ¡°It¡¯s not the same, I personally chose them, so of course, it¡¯s better.¡±

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°¡­ It seems they also offer shipping services at the ce you bought these.¡±

    Su Lu: ¡°¡­¡±

    She hadn¡¯t noticed that, and in the moment, could only stubbornly say, ¡°It¡¯s also fine for me to bring them myself; the ne is so big¡­ how does it matter if I carry some luggage¡­¡±

    Bo Jingshen could tell she had definitely forgotten that they could be shipped, but he didn¡¯t expose it.

    He chuckled softly, ¡°Alright.

    Give it here, I¡¯ll help you carry it.¡±

    Su Lu wasn¡¯t stubborn this time and obediently let him pull the luggage for her.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go, we¡¯llmunicate by pher.¡± Bo Jingshen turned to Yan Sui who hade to the cabin door and entered the airport terminal with Su Lu.

    The airport terminal was not crowded, or rather, there were hardly any people at all.

    Thus, it was easy to spot the people who hade to pick them up, standing at the passenger exit.

    ¡°Jingshen.¡±

    Zhuang Cai Nan, dressed in a proper suit, looked sharp and striking, the tailored fit entuating her beautiful figure.

    Her makeup was exquisite, and her eyes and lips held a light smile, as if the unpleasantness in Hai City had never happened.

    Cheng Yan, standing beside Zhuang Cai Nan, was tall and strapping.

    His chiseled face was stern, with profound contours and deep-set eyes hinting at his mixed heritage.

    Su Lu could vaguely see that his appearance seemed somewhat simr to Cheng Dongyu, whom she had met at the wine party in Hai City.

    ¡°BOSS, long time no see.¡± Cheng Yan¡¯s voice was deep, matching his imposing presence.

    When Bo Jingshen saw him, he raised his eyebrows slightly, ¡°Not busy?

    You even took the time toe and pick us up.¡±

    ¡°Cainan said she wanted toe pick you up, so I came along,¡± Cheng Yan replied without changing his expression and took Bo Jingshen¡¯s suitcase.

    Then, he looked at Su Lu and nodded politely, ¡°Mr.

    Su, it¡¯s a pleasure.¡±

    ¡°A pleasure.¡± Su Lu nodded, guessing he must be Bo Jingshen¡¯s right-hand man.

    ¡°I¡¯m President Bo¡¯s assistant; we¡¯ll be seeing each other often in the future.¡±

    Su Lu thought about her future coborations on Bo Jingshen¡¯s investment projects with Jiang Li and nodded, ¡°Yes, I look forward to your guidance.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go, the car is waiting outside.¡±

    Su Lu was about to nod when she heard a familiar voice from beside her.

    ¡°Lulu.¡±

    The voice, not particrly deep but with a slightly cold texture, was very distinctive¡ªhe had heard it for many years and could recognize it instantly.

    Su Lu was startled and turned towards the source of the voice, only to see a man standing by the seating area in the waiting zone.

    His tall figure and handsome, expressionless face emanated a cool aura.

    Who else could it be but Su Zhe?

    Su Lu blinked, ¡°Brother.¡±

    The expressionless Su Zhe, although still showing little emotion on his face, slightly curled his lips.

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s brows furrowed; he recognized Su Zhe immediately.

    During the investigation, they had also sent over his photograph.

    Su Zhe, gripping a stic bag in his hand, walked over to Su Lu and handed it to her, ¡°Here.¡±

    Su Lu saw that it was the fried oyster pancakes she liked, still warm.

    ¡°Thank you, brother.

    How long have you been here?¡±

    ¡°Just a while.¡±

    Su Zhe was always a man of few words.

    Su Lu wanted to introduce Bo Jingshen to him, but before she could speak,

    Su Zhe said, ¡°Let¡¯s go, the car is waiting at the door.¡±

    He didn¡¯t even nce at Bo Jingshen and just turned his eyes indifferently to Cheng Yan, reaching out his hand.

    Cheng Yan looked at the palm extended toward him¡ªa very clean hand withplex lines.

    Cheng Yan didn¡¯t think it was meant for a handshake, so he didn¡¯t move immediately.

    Sure enough, Su Zhe¡¯s voice was calm and indifferent, ¡°If I¡¯m not mistaken, that¡¯s my sister¡¯s suitcase, right?

    Please give it to me, thank you.¡±

 Chapter 52 - 52 52 The Kid from Five Years Ago

    ?52: Chapter 52: The Kid from Five Years Ago   52: Chapter 52: The Kid from Five Years Ago                                   Cheng Yan didn¡¯t know why, but he obediently handed over the suitcase.

    Mr.

    Su¡¯s brother didn¡¯t look particrly domineering, not even the demeanor of a BOSS.

    But still, he mysteriously had an intimidating aura.

    After handing over the suitcase, Cheng Yan noticed the BOSS¡¯splexion looked somewhat unpleasant, seemingly he had made a mistake.

    Although he didn¡¯t know why the BOSS would have any friction with someone else¡¯s brother.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Su Zhe said in a calm voice.

    Holding the suitcase with one hand, he smoothly grasped Su Lu¡¯s wrist with the other, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­

    alright.¡± Su Lu obediently let him hold her wrist, turned to look at Bo Jingshen, ¡°Then I¡¯ll go first.

    You¡­¡±

    Su Lu turned her head and noticed Bo Jingshen¡¯s face looked somewhat unwell.

    She didn¡¯t know what the problem was, she even thought about it carefully.

    Could it be because of the brief and slight airflow that had passed earlier?

    So Su Lu added, ¡°You go back and rest well.¡±

    Bo Jingshen¡¯splexion grew even more difficult, but ultimately he didn¡¯t say much, merely nodded slightly, his gaze falling on Su Zhe.

    Su Zhe¡¯s cold gaze met Bo Jingshen¡¯s.

    He wasn¡¯t sure if it was an illusion, but Bo Jingshen felt like there was hostility in Su Zhe¡¯s gaze.

    Actually, Su Zhe¡¯s generally distant attitude towards everyone easily came off as hostile, but sometimes it was just an illusion.

    Bo Jingshen had seen many people, and he instinctively felt that Su Zhe¡¯s gaze was not just simply cold, but truly hostile.

    This is really interesting.

    Where did his hostilitye from?

    Su Zhe: ¡°Thanks to you¡­

    President Bo, right?

    Thank you for bringing my sister back, so I¡¯ll take my leave now.¡±

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°Don¡¯t mention it, Su Xiaolu and I go way back.¡±

    Bo Jingshen felt it probably wasn¡¯t an illusion, he clearly saw a cold smirk at the corner of Su Zhe¡¯s mouth.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go now,¡± said Su Lu, thought for a moment and then added, ¡°About that project, we¡¯ll talk another day.¡±

    Bo Jingshen nodded, ¡°Hmm, just remember to apply the ointment.¡±

    Su Lu obediently nodded, she needed to continue applying healing ointment on the wound on her face.

    Watching the retreating figures of Su Zhe pulling Su Lu away.

    Cheng Yan pondered for a moment and asked, ¡°BOSS, did you offend them before?¡±

    Bo Jingshen frowned and nced at him.

    That look in his eyes told Cheng Yan that he hadn¡¯t.

    Cheng Yan was a bit puzzled, ¡°Then why the hostile gaze¡­¡±

    Bo Jingshen tugged at the corner of his mouth, ¡°Yeah, I¡¯d like to know too.¡±

    Su Lu sat in the passenger seat nibbling on a still warm oyster omelet.

    Su Zhe started the car, ¡°What ointment?¡±

    ¡°On my face.

    I identally got hurt by someone¡­¡± Su Lu turned her face to show him the wound at her eye corner.

    It wasn¡¯t very noticeable, but Su Zhe still furrowed his brows.

    ¡°How did it happen?¡± he asked displeased.

    ¡°Just a while ago, the media¡­¡± Su Lu thought for a moment but decided not to tell her brother everything, ¡°Anyway, it¡¯s not serious.¡±

    ¡°Gu Xin really has some nerve, bullying you like this¡­

    I heard he took his pregnant mistress on a vacation abroad?¡± Su Zhe¡¯s voice was icy.

    Su Lu knew her brother had always disliked Gu Xin, especially after Gu Xin got together with Chen Yaxi.

    Despite Su Lu repeatedly exining that her rtionship with Gu Xin was merely a contract, Su Zhe still detested him.

    As Su Zhe had put it at the time, ¡°Who said that just because it¡¯s a contractual marriage, one can cheat within the marriage?¡±

    Su Lu pursed her lips and whispered softly, ¡°We¡¯ve already divorced.¡±

    ¡°I know.

    Otherwise, do you think I¡¯d let him gallivant around outside happily with his little lover?¡± Su Zhe replied.

    It was no wonder Gu Xin was so wary of this older male cousin.

    ¡°How long will you be staying this time?¡± Su Lu quickly changed the subject.

    Su Zhe was exceptionally talented, although he had never studied business.

    He had been exposed to it from a young age and had a unique and sharp perspective.

    But in fact, he had studied medicine in college.

    To put it inly, he was a senior alumnus of Cheng Youran.

    He hadn¡¯t initially pursued a medical career after graduation.

    Following in his father¡¯s footsteps, he entered the business world, so he had even made several investments during college.

    But Su Yukan had traded Su Lu¡¯s marriage like a business deal, which truly disgusted him.

    Thus, abandoning the business handed down by his father, he went overseas to further his education and develop his career.

    A talented person excelled everywhere, and Su Zhe did well not only in his field of expertise but also in the investments and entrepreneurial ventures he undertook.

    If Bo Jingshen mainly excelled in the field of technology, then Su Zhe thrived in the field of medical healthcare.

    So, his time back in the country was not much.

    ¡°It depends; there¡¯s no rush on time.¡±

    This reassured Su Lu a little, knowing Su Zhe¡¯s presence would keep Su Yukan more restrained.

    Su Zhe drove off the airport¡¯s elevated road, and only then did Su Lu notice the route seemed unusual¡ªit wasn¡¯t the way back to the Su Residence.

    ¡°Huh?

    We¡¯re not going back?¡± Su Lu asked.

    She actually disliked returning to the Su Residence; each visit was filled with different forms of disturbances, but Su Zhe had always insisted on going back.

    Probably because that was where his mother had raised him.

    Generally, Su Lu would only stay at the Su Residence for a few days when he returned.

    But this route clearly wasn¡¯t leading there.

    ¡°Yeah, not going back,¡± Su Zhe nced at her sideways and said, ¡°You really don¡¯t like toin, do you?

    If I hadn¡¯t asked, would you have decided not to tell me about Su Jiao¡¯s antics in Hai City?¡±

    Su Lu blinked and quickly realized, ¡°That¡¯s why they suddenly quieted down.¡±

    It was because Su Zhe hade back.

    ¡°We¡¯re not going back anymore.

    I¡¯ll find some time to take back the house.

    I¡¯ve had enough of them living there all the time,¡± Su Zhe said indifferently.

    ¡°I¡¯ll stay in the apartment in your condominium.¡±

    Su Lu was currently living in a condominium where, when she bought her apartment, Su Zhe had also purchased one.

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ve always kept it clean,¡± Su Lu said smiling.

    Su Zhe nced at her smile, his cool eyes gradually softening.

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s not change the subject,¡± Su Zhe suddenly said.

    Su Lu was startled, ¡°I wasn¡¯t¡­¡±

    ¡°About that Bo earlier,¡± Su Zhe started.

    Su Lu felt a pang in her heart, ¡°Um¡­¡±

    ¡°That kid from five years ago?¡± Su Zhe¡¯s voice cooled, ¡°The one because of whom Old Su almost beat you to death, right?¡±

    Su Lu felt her scalp tighten.

    No wonder she had felt her brother¡¯s attitude towards Bo Jingshen seemed a bit cold earlier.

    It wasn¡¯t her imagination after all.

    ¡°That was all a long time ago.¡­ Besides, he was unaware at the time,¡± Su Lu said weakly.

    ¡°So are you going to happily coborate with him on a project now?¡± Su Zhe questioned further.

    Su Lu sighed inwardly.

    Despite her brother being very supportive, she was sometimes intimidated by him¡ªhe was too perceptive.

    It seemed like he didn¡¯t notice anything, but he actually saw everything.

    ¡°That¡­ There¡¯s money to be made on the project, can I not earn it?¡± Su Lu said softly.

    Su Zhe cut right to the point, ¡°Just don¡¯t end up sold without even knowing.

    I¡¯m not in a rush to leave; I¡¯ll check out this project for you.¡±

 Chapter 53 - 53 53 Unintentional

    ?53: Chapter 53 Unintentional   53: Chapter 53 Unintentional                                   If it had been any other business deal, Su Lu would definitely have epted without a moment¡¯s hesitation.

    But now she was somewhat uncertain.

    Su Zhe¡¯s brows furrowed, ¡°Lulu, you can¡¯t be serious?¡±

    ¡°Ah¡­

    ah?¡± Su Lu looked at Su Zhe with an innocent expression.

    Su Zhe said, ¡°You¡¯re not even willing to let me have a look?

    What kind of incredible project is it?¡±

    It was well known that when she had just married Gu Xin, the project their families cooperated on was also handled jointly by her and Gu Xin; it was a massive project.

    Su Zhe, who disliked Gu Xin and feared she might be taken advantage of, offered to help her out.

    Su Lu, without even a frown, seemed eager to entrust Su Zhe with all the responsibilities.

    And now?

    Su Lu quickly waved her hands, ¡°It¡¯s not that I¡¯m unwilling!

    It¡¯s just¡­

    this is a small project, a new industry, and there are other partners involved.

    I don¡¯t want to waste your time.¡±

    Su Zhe gave her a sidelong nce, ¡°I can afford to lose a bit of time.

    Other partners?

    Who?¡±

    ¡°Jiang Li.¡±

    ¡°Jiang Family¡¯s second child?¡± Su Zhe raised his eyebrows slightly, ¡°In that case, I really need to keep an eye on things for you; if Jiang Su lends his brother a hand, you¡¯ll be in deep trouble.¡±

    Su Lu shrank her neck and murmured quietly, ¡°Surely not.¡±

    Frankly speaking, in the eyes of true tycoons, this project was nothing more than petty business between her and Jiang Li; she felt like she had been thrust into it quite unexpectedly.

    Where was it worth so many bigwigs¡¯ frequent attention?

    It was understandable for Bo Jingshen to invest, as it seemed he had no intention to interfere too much for now.

    But¡­

    Jiang Su?

    Su Zhe?

    These were old foxes of a thousand years.

    Compared to them, Su Lu and Jiang Li were merely two little rabbits, as small as they could possibly be.

    ¡°Not really?¡± Su Zhemented, ¡°Although everyone in Feng City thinks Jiang Li is good for nothing and can¡¯t achieve anything like Jiang Su, when has he ever been at a loss in business?¡±

    Su Lu felt his reasoning held merit, quite a bit of merit.

    It could be said that others were giving face to the Jiang Family¡­

    but then, there were plenty of spoiled rich kids from notable families who also failed in business despite the face they were given.

    Perhaps it has little to do with whose face you¡¯re looking at; it may purely be because Jiang Li wanted to do business, even if it was minor dealings that Jiang Su wouldn¡¯t bother with.

    Jiang Su couldn¡¯t bear to see his brother suffer a loss.

    Despite his own hectic schedule, he would still take the time to help out and prevent his brother from suffering any setbacks.

    ¡°Unexpected¡­¡± Su Lu muttered softly, ¡°turns out he¡¯s quite the doting brother.¡±

    When the car arrived at the residentialplex, Su Lu got out and saw a slender woman waiting at the entrance of the building.

    She stood there head down, ying with her phone, and from time to time, raised her hand to cover a yawn due to work exhaustion.

    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Su Lu saw Cheng Youran waiting at the door and smiled as she quickened her pace and walked forward a few steps.

    Cheng Youran turned her gaze towards her.

    Despite the visible fatigue on her face, she smiled upon seeing Su Lu.

    ¡°How else?

    I came because I missed you,¡± said Cheng Youran.

    Su Lu noticed herplexion, ¡°You¡¯ve just finished a shift?¡±

    ¡°Mhm, touched?

    Crying?¡±

    ¡°Touched.

    Almost in tears,¡± Su Luughed, advancing towards her, ¡°I brought you a gift, handpicked and dragged here by myself.¡±

    Cheng Youran said, ¡°My doting hasn¡¯t been in vain.¡±

    Su Lu whispered in her ear, ¡°But I don¡¯t believe you came purely to pick me up¡­

    you knew Su Zhe was back, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    Su Lu was slightly teasing.

    She knew that Cheng You Ran had always harbored some indistinct feelings for Su Zhe, feelings that were hard to categorize.

    If you said it was admiration, it seemed more like the reverence and worship one has for a legendary senior, but if you said it was worship, it seemed to be¡­ more than that.

    In any case, Su Lu clearly saw You Ran¡¯s ears turn red bit by bit.

    ¡°Cough!

    Don¡¯t talk about such nonsense.¡± She pinched Su Lu¡¯s chin and turned her face around, looking at the wound at the corner of Su Lu¡¯s eye, ¡°Have you seen a specialist?

    I was worried you couldn¡¯t make an appointment, that expert is pretty hard to book.¡±

    Su Lu: ¡°¡­Hard to book, someone else made the appointment for me.¡±

    Cheng You Ran was very sharp, and upon hearing this, her eyebrows raised as she elongated the syble, ¡°Oh¡­

    Bo Jingshen.¡±

    Her guess hit the mark; indeed, they were close friends who understood each other very well.

    Su Lu coughed softly and muttered, ¡°Howe you didn¡¯t guess it was Gu Xin¡­¡±

    ¡°Him?¡± Cheng You Ran scoffed, ¡°All he has in his heart and eyes is Chen Yaxi.

    He wouldn¡¯t go to so much trouble for you.¡±

    Although Su Lu couldn¡¯t quite figure out what exactly You Ran¡¯s feelings for Su Zhe were, she had to admit when it came to their likes and dislikes concerning Gu Xin, the two were strikingly in agreement.

    Su Zhe parked the car and walked over.

    Cheng You Ran¡¯s voice, which was usually cool and detached, now sounded soft and gentle, ¡°Senior.¡±

    Su Zhe, who was looking at his phone and not paying attention, raised his eyes when he heard her voice, and looked at her in slight surprise.

    Then he nodded slightly and said, ¡°Long time no see.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, long time no see,¡± Cheng You Ran smiled.

    Su Zhe then turned to Su Lu and said, ¡°Then you go up.

    I¡¯ll be going back.¡±

    ¡°Ah¡­

    Oh, okay,¡± Su Lu obediently responded.

    Su Zhe turned and walked towards another apartmentplex; he also had an apartment in thismunity.

    But Su Lu could actually feel that he had initially nned to go upstairs with her.

    In the elevator.

    Cheng You Ran¡¯s face no longer held the previous smile.

    Her already wearyplexion now appeared haggard and despondent.

    Su Lu knew that sometimes You Ran was even more sensitive than herself.

    So if she could feel it, how could You Ran possibly not?

    All Su Lu could do was coax, ¡°Why such a disappointed face?

    Isn¡¯t mypany enough for you?¡±

    Cheng You Ran nced at her but said nothing.

    Su Lu continued, ¡°I still have a series of thrilling events from Hai City to tell you about.¡±

    ¡°Are you talking about agreeing to be Bo Jingshen¡¯s mistress?¡± Cheng You Ran, who could already be sharp-tongued, was even more so when in a bad mood, and she was particrly resentful about this matter concerning Su Lu.

    Su Lu whispered defensively, ¡°How can it be considered a mistress when both are unmarried¡­¡±

    ¡°Are you proud of it?¡±

    ¡°Not really¡­¡± Su Lu thought of something and quickly added, ¡°You mustn¡¯t tell my brother about this, okay?¡±

    Cheng You Ran replied bitterly, ¡°I¡¯d like to, but the problem is he doesn¡¯t even give me a chance to talk.¡±

    Su Lu didn¡¯t want her to be so distressed, hoping to divert her attention to another subject, but considering the current topic was so unfavorable to herself,

    Su Lu could only¡­ be of no help, leaving Cheng You Ran to continue feeling bitter.

    That day, Cheng You Ran slept over at Su Lu¡¯s house.

    After a grueling shift, she was too tired to go back and spent a good while chatting with Su Lu, expressing her shock at Hai City¡¯s weather and cursing Su Jiao¡¯s behavior.

    Finally, exhausted, Cheng You Ran fell into a deep sleep.

    Not long after she had drifted off, Su Lu received a message from Su Zhe.

    ¡°Once she¡¯s asleep,e over.¡±

 Chapter 54 - 54 54 Bloodline

    ?54: Chapter 54: Bloodline   54: Chapter 54: Bloodline                                   ¡°To tell the truth,¡± Su Lu thought, ¡°if it weren¡¯t for her absolute trust in Su Zhe¡¯s character, she would almost suspect that he had installed surveince in her house!¡±

    Otherwise, how could he know so precisely that Cheng Youran had already fallen asleep?

    Su Zhe didn¡¯t seem to mind Su Lu¡¯s astonishment.

    ¡°Making a fuss over nothing,¡± Su Zhe said.

    ¡°It¡¯s because I¡¯ve also worked night shifts and know around what time that state will make you have to sleep.¡±

    Su Zhe¡¯s shirt sleeves were neatly rolled up to his elbows, and he wore a linen apron, moving fluidly as he handled the ingredients on the countertop.

    She didn¡¯t know when he had bought the ingredients, it seemed he had stepped out for a bit just before.

    Su Lu reached out to help, but Su Zhe stopped her, ¡°I¡¯ve got this, you just sit and wait to eat.¡±

    Su Lu smiled, ¡°Thanks, bro.¡±

    Su Zhe: ¡°I¡¯ll arrange for someone toe and help you with the project, they are quite capable and will be able to assist you.¡±

    Su Lu: ¡°Okay.¡±

    Su Zhe: ¡°Don¡¯t worry about the family matters at home.¡±

    Su Lu: ¡°Okay.¡±

    Su Zhe¡¯s hands paused for a moment, and he looked up at her, ¡°Is ¡®okay¡¯ the only word you can say?¡±

    With her lips pursed, Su Lu hesitated for a moment before asking softly, ¡°How¡¯s Xiao Yi¡­

    is he okay?

    Have you heard from himtely¡­

    how is he?¡±

    Hearing her ask this, Su Zheughed, but there was no warmth in hisugh, it was even quite cold.

    ¡°He¡¯s doing very well.

    The guy is making the most of everything you¡¯ve done for him and takes it for granted.

    He¡¯spletely content,¡± Su Zhe¡¯s voice was slightly chilly.

    In the Su Family, Su Zhe was very indifferent to both Su Jiao and Su Yi.

    Su Lu knew why he didn¡¯t like Su Yi.

    But although Su Zhe could ignore Su Yi, she couldn¡¯t.

    Because Su Yi might be the only blood rtive she had in this world.

    Sometimes blood ties really don¡¯t mean much, because her own younger brother, just because he felt a sense of belonging to the Su Family, harbored the same grudge as them against and even loathed his own sister.

    Yet, at times, blood can be very significant, as it sometimes gives people the strength to persevere through life¡¯s violent storms.

    Sensing the disdain in Su Zhe¡¯s tone, Su Lu felt somewhat embarrassed, lightly biting her lip and whispering, ¡°Well¡­

    that¡¯s good.¡±

    As for Su Yi¡¯s attitude toward her¡­

    she couldn¡¯t say it didn¡¯t bother her, but she had grown ustomed to it.

    ¡°I think he¡¯ll be back soon,¡± Su Zhe continued about Su Yi, still in his usual indifferent tone.

    In fact, although Su Yi was quite resentful and loathed Su Lu, he greatly admired his eldest brother Su Zhe, even though Su Zhe had always been lukewarm toward him; Su Yi was always eager to maintain a good rtionship, then in his heart, he resented and was convinced that Su Lu must have beenining about him to Su Zhe.

    In short, if Su Zhe were back, Su Yi wouldn¡¯t stay abroad much longer.

    He had always been clingy to Su Zhe since he was young.

    Su Lu felt worried.

    If it were before, she would have been happy about Su Yi¡¯s return.

    But thinking of Zhu Xinyan¡¯s words before, Su Lu couldn¡¯t help feeling anxious.

    Su Zhe was a great cook, though he was never known for his culinary skills before, but it seemed he was that kind of person, able to learn anything, and he had honed his cooking skills while abroad.

    Su Lu sat on the sofa, idly fiddling with her smartphone.

    She opened WeChat, where Bo Jingshen was pinned to the top, in fact, it was after she had a close call during the typhoon on her trip to Hai City.

    Bo Jingshen snatched her phone fiercely and added his contact¡ªbe it his phone number or WeChat¡ªto her device.

    As for pinning it to the top¡­ it wasn¡¯t his doing, but Su Lu¡¯s own choice.

    At that moment, she tapped on the chat, pondered for a moment, wanting to send a message, but before she could, she heard Su Zhe¡¯s phone ring as he walked out of the kitchen.

    He nced at the screen, his brow furrowed, and his eyes revealed an unmistakable disgust.

    Almost instantly, Su Lu guessed who was calling.

    The desire to send any message instantly vanished.

    Su Zhe stared at the screen for a while before reluctantly answering the call, turned on speakerphone, casually ced the phone on the dining table, then picked up a hand grinder, sat down, poured some coffee beans in, and began to grind slowly.

    Soon, the aroma of coffee spread through the air.

    Su Yukan¡¯s voice on the other end¡ªdespite Su Lu sitting on the sofa in the living room¡ªwas clear to her ear because of the minimalistic decoration in Su Zhe¡¯s apartment, with no unnecessary furniture blocking the sound from the dining room.

    ¡°Zhe, you¡¯re back, why not stay home?

    Don¡¯t you alwayse back?

    I had Sister Liu clean your room a long time ago,¡± Su Yukan¡¯s voice sounded somewhat helpless, and his posture seemed very low.

    It must be said, people do make distinctions between those they are close with and those they are not.

    Su Lu had never heard Su Yukan speak to her in such a tone, not even once.

    Towards her, Su Yukan was always tough, unreasonable, never yielding, and his attitude was poor, rude, and even vtile.

    And towards Su Yi, his attitude was cool, not vtile or rude, but certainly not warm either.

    He could be nicer to Su Jiao, but even Su Jiao, if too willful at times, could provoke impatience in Su Yukan.

    Only towards Su Zhe was it different.

    Likely because he was the eldest son from his first wife, the first to bring him the joy of fatherhood; indeed, he was different.

    Coupled with the son¡¯s frail health from a young age, it was enough to tug at the heartstrings, not to mention that he was exceptionally gifted.

    If it wasn¡¯t for her brother, Su Lu truly wouldn¡¯t know that Su Yukan could speak so gently and softly.

    Su Zhe did not make a sound, only the rhythmic grinding of coffee beans could be heard.

    ¡°Zhe?¡± Su Yukan, not hearing a response, called again, ¡°Are you listening?¡±

    ¡°Oh, no,¡± Su Zhe responded, his voice faint, ¡°and I don¡¯t n to listen anymore.

    I¡¯ve had enough of your nonsense.¡±

    Su Yukan¡¯s voice faltered on the other end.

    Su Zhe continued, ¡°I used to think that although you may not be a good person, you were still decent to me, maybe not beyond redemption.

    Now I see that I was wrong.¡±

    His voice, whenpletely cold, had an icy chill that seemed to push people a thousand miles away.

    Su Yukan stammered, ¡°Why¡­

    why would you suddenly say that¡­¡±

    ¡°If you don¡¯t know, just leave it,¡± Su Zhe continued to grind coffee beans, his voice so calm there was barely any emotional fluctuation, ¡°I¡¯ll give you one month, during which I won¡¯t return to the old house.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s uneptable!

    That¡¯s your house,¡± Su Yukan hastily replied.

    Su Zhe chuckled lightly, ¡°Right, it is my house, so of course I should return.

    And I will return, just not right now.

    When my mother died, that house was left to me, but I was underage then, so you were merely managing it for me.

    I give you one month to take your wife and daughter and get out of the house my mother left me.

    I¡¯ve endured them long enough.¡±

 Chapter 55 - 55 55 No Mercy

    ?55: Chapter 55: No Mercy   55: Chapter 55: No Mercy                                   Even though Mr.

    Su had always been nice to Zhe, hearing these words, Su Yukan still couldn¡¯t help but get a bit agitated.

    But this agitation was different from when he spoke to Su Lu.

    Su Yukan said anxiously, ¡°How can that be?

    Zhe, Aunt Zhu and Jiaojiao are all family, and Jiaojiao is your blood-rted younger sister!¡±

    ¡°Regarding how Zhu Xinyan managed to enter our house, I won¡¯t go into detail, but both you and I are clear about it.

    Back then, I was too young to bother with it much, and as I grew up, I just couldn¡¯t be bothered too much.

    But it seems that my indifference has made them believe they could act with impunity?¡±

    Zhe set down the small hand grinder, neatly folded the filter paper, and ced it in the filter cup, then took down the hand drip kettle from the electric stove that had boiled the water.

    Coffee ground poured into the filter paper, and the slender spout of the kettle emitted hot water, saturating both the filter paper and the coffee grounds, causing the rich aromatic coffee liquid to drip into the cup below.

    Su Yukan suddenly fell silent.

    Indeed, Zhu Xinyan had entered the household as a mistress, not exactly an honorable thing.

    During that time, Su Yukan had been quite cautious, worried that his physically weak eldest son would be angry.

    However, back then Zhe had quite calmly epted it, or it would be more urate to say he had acquiesced.

    It was unexpected that after so many years, Zhe would suddenly bring up the past.

    ¡°Zhe, no matter what, Aunt Zhu has treated you quite well over the years, and Jiaojiao respects you.

    You¡­¡±

    Su Yukan¡¯s words were not yet finished when he got interrupted.

    ¡°Right, I forgot to mention, I, Su Zhe, only acknowledge one blood-rted sister.

    And it isn¡¯t Su Jiao,¡± Zhe added.

    Having brewed a cup of coffee, he lifted his gaze towards Su Lu sitting on the living room sofa and beckoned her over.

    Su Lu felt a warmth surge in her heart upon hearing his words, even if she could guess the unpleasant words Su Yukan might say next, she felt that it didn¡¯t matter anymore.

    Su Lu stood up and walked over, taking the coffee Zhe handed to her.

    She moved her lips and mouthed the words, ¡°Thank you, brother.¡±

    Zhe curled up the corner of his mouth and continued grinding and brewing.

    He was a very patient man.

    Su Yukan said anxially from the other end, ¡°Are you talking about Su Lu?!

    What¡­

    what sort of spell has she cast on you?

    Just for such a questionable stray girl, you would disown your own family?

    How is she rted to you by blood?¡±

    Zhe responded, ¡°How do you think she is rted to me by blood?¡±

    Her blood ran through his body, her bone marrow had been transnted into him.

    Wasn¡¯t that considered blood-rted?

    Su Yukan, hearing his implication, was taken aback for a moment, and then his voice filled with resentment, ¡°After raising her for so many years, to hurt and turn my family against each other.

    If I had known it woulde to this, I wouldn¡¯t have kept her!¡±

    ¡°Enough!¡± Zhe¡¯s voice finally fluctuated with emotion, no longer wanting to hear more, he simply stated, ¡°One month.

    After a month, don¡¯t me me for being upassionate.¡±

    He then hung up the call.

    After the call ended, Zhe looked up towards the living room sofa.

    ¡°Xiaolu¡­¡±

    He had initially nned tofort Su Lu, after all, the words from Su Yukan had indeed been harsh.

    But what he saw was her sitting cross-legged on the sofa,fortably leaning against the backrest, leisurely sipping from a coffee cup, and even nibbling on a cookie, resembling a sneaky little mouse.

    The concerns in Zhe¡¯s heart immediately dissipated, he lowered his gaze and smiled somewhat helplessly.

    Although they lived in the samepound, Zhe still insisted on walking her back.

    Upon reaching the unit¡¯s entrance, Su Lu looked at him and smiled.

    ¡°What are youughing at?¡± Zhe arched an eyebrow.

    Su Lu shook her head, ¡°Brother, you really don¡¯t have to worry about my mood, especially to personally walk me back home for such a short distance.

    Don¡¯t worry about Su Yukan¡¯s words affecting my mood, I¡­I¡¯m used to it already.¡±

    Su Zhe stared at her for a moment, sighed lightly, and then raised his hand to rub the top of her head.

    Su Zhe knew that by saying this, she intended to put his mind at ease.

    But she didn¡¯t know that her words only made him feel more heartache.

    What¡¯s so good about that?

    To have gotten used to it¡­

    It was also because of this digression that Su Lu hadn¡¯t contacted Bo Jingshen that evening.

    The next day, she had to return to the office to handle the work that had piled up during her days in Hai City, to review documents, attend meetings, and so on.

    By the time she finished with all this, it was already four dayster.

    Neither Su Yukan nor Zhu Xinyan and Su Jiao hade to bother her.

    Though Su Lu¡¯s days were busy, they were still quitefortable.

    ¡°Mr.

    Su, as long as those few people don¡¯te to find trouble, I¡¯d rather work overtime,¡± Xu Ning said, sitting on the sofa in Su Lu¡¯s office, devouring a boxed lunch.

    Because of the increased workload these past few days, Su Lu, seeing Xu Ning¡¯s struggles, had ordered takeout from good restaurants every day and also bought back the milk tea she liked.

    Not only for Xu Ning, but for the whole secretarial office.

    It was just that Xu Ning, familiar and on good terms with her, woulde to her office to eat together.

    Su Lu knew whom Xu Ning meant by ¡®those few people¡¯; it was tough on Xu Ning, who had worked by her side for so long.

    Su Lu hadn¡¯t caused her any grief, but the Su family had given Xu Ning plenty of undeserved trouble.

    ¡°Yes, you¡¯ve really toughened up.

    I still remember the first time they came to cause trouble; didn¡¯t they make you cry?¡± Su Luughed.

    ¡°Hey, I was young and naive back then.

    Now if they spat in my face¡­¡± Xu Ning eximed, waving her arm.

    Su Lu frowned, ¡°That¡¯s too much.

    We¡¯re eating.¡±

    ¡°Too much?¡± Xu Ning changed her phrasing, ¡°Now if they poked my nose, I could still smile and skillfully deflect their attack!

    I¡¯ve grown, Mr.

    Su, I¡¯ve grown.¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes,¡± Su Lu nodded repeatedly, ¡°Since you¡¯re so magnanimous, maybe I shouldn¡¯t pay you overtime?¡±

    ¡°Mr.

    Skinflint,¡± Xu Ningughed, ¡°But¡­

    didn¡¯t you say you wanted to coborate on a new projectter?

    There¡¯s been no movement on that front; do you need me to make some inquiries?¡±

    After resuming work, Su Lu mentioned her ns to coborate on a project with Jiang Li to Xu Ning.

    Now with Xu Ning bringing it up suddenly, Su Lu realized this matter hadn¡¯t yet been scheduled.

    Xu Ning rubbed her nose, ¡°Brother Su also mentioned it.¡±

    The Brother Su Xu Ning referred to was Su Zhe; he indeed had also said that he would help her look into this project.

    ¡°Yeah, you don¡¯t need to handle it; I¡¯ll do it myself,¡± Su Lu said.

    Xu Ning packed up her lunch box and took it out, while Su Lu sat on the sofa, somewhat distracted.

    Yes, these few days she had been busy with work, which left her with no time and no desire to think more about it.

    But actually¡­

    Su Lu held her phone, her lips lightly pursed.

    Since returning from Hai City, Bo Jingshen hadn¡¯t contacted her again.

    She didn¡¯t even know why, nor what had happened, just that suddenly¡­

    there had been no contact.

    Although, it seemed like before going to Hai City, they hadn¡¯t been in touch much either.

    But since returning from Hai City, Su Lu always felt things should be different from before.

 Chapter 56 - 56 56 Chaotic Scene

    ?56: Chapter 56 Chaotic Scene   56: Chapter 56 Chaotic Scene                                   Su Lu dialed the phone.

    The rtionship between the two seemed much improved while in Hai City, and she had been quitefortable facing him at the time.

    But now, as she made the call, her heart still fluttered with a vague nervousness.

    The phone didn¡¯t ring for long before it was picked up.

    Su Lu¡¯s eyes brightened, ¡°Hello?

    I¡­¡±

    However, the voice that came through wasn¡¯t Bo Jingshen¡¯s.

    ¡°Mr.

    Su?

    Hello.¡±

    Although she had only heard it once, Su Lu recognized that it was Bo Jingshen¡¯s assistant, Cheng Yan¡¯s voice.

    Su Lu pursed her lips, ¡°Hello.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m Cheng Yan, the one you met briefly at the airport,¡± Cheng Yan introduced himself.

    ¡°Yes, I recognized your voice,¡± Su Lu replied, ¡°Is Bo Jingshen avable?¡±

    ¡°President Bo is quite busy and I¡¯m afraid he can¡¯te to the phone,¡± Cheng Yan said formally, ¡°If there¡¯s anything you need, Mr.

    Su, you can tell me directly.¡±

    Su Lu paused for a moment before she also adopted a formal demeanor, her address changing, ¡°It¡¯s about the new project nning that President Bo mentioned before.¡±

    Cheng Yan replied, ¡°You can contact me about this matter at any time.¡±

    Su Lu said, ¡°Alright, then please give me thepany address.

    I cane over and discuss it in person.¡±

    After ending the call and looking at the address Cheng Yan sent to her phone, Su Lu was somewhat baffled.

    If she wasn¡¯t mistaken¡­

    Wasn¡¯t this address unmistakably on Mingyang Avenue?

    On the same street as her ownpany?

    Su Lu blinked her eyes, thinking of how she could not even get in touch with Bo Jingshen at the moment and his inscrutable strange attitude.

    Looking at the distance now, which was nearly within a stone¡¯s throw of being in the same building, it was really hard for Su Lu to judge his actual stance and intent.

    ¡°Mr.

    Su,¡± Xu Ning entered the office, handing over a document to her and asking, ¡°Do you need me to join you for the new project negotiations?

    If it¡¯s far, I can¡­¡±

    Su Lu shook her head, ¡°No need, it¡¯s not far.¡± She paused and then added, ¡°It¡¯s very close.¡±

    Xu Ning, about to call the driver with her phone, said, ¡°How close can it be, surely not within walking distance?

    Let me help you call a driver.¡±

    Since their ownpany was on Mingyang Avenue, Xu Ning also knew that bigpanies usually chose locations in the CBD, which were exceptionally well-situated.

    However, she then saw an indescribable expression on her boss¡¯s face.

    Su Lu handed her phone screen to Xu Ning, showing her the address disyed on it.

    Su Lu said, ¡°It really is within walking distance.¡±

    Xu Ning frowned and stared seriously at the address on her screen for a long time, then said with a look of deep distress, ¡°Mr.

    Su, do you think¡­

    they couldn¡¯t continue their business abroad and it failed, so they returned to develop the market here?¡±

    Su Lu was speechless; she really admired Xu Ning¡¯s imagination.

    Xu Ning continued, ¡°For apany of such scale, why wouldn¡¯t they buy a building in the CBD?

    To be on the same road as ourpany, could it be that the feng shui here is good?¡±

    Su Lu patted her on the shoulder, ¡°Be less superstitious.

    Alright, since it¡¯s so close, you don¡¯t need to apany me; I can go by myself.¡±

    That afternoon, Su Lu casually walked to Boss.

    She even bought an ice cream at the convenience store downstairs and ate it on her way.

    Standing in front of thepany, Su Lu btedly recalled the day she was surrounded by the media.

    There had been no time for any news toe out, yet at that moment, he had appeared so timely, so appropriately, and rescued her.

    It was certainly not a coincidence, probably not a mere passing by either.

    Theirpanies were just a street corner away; any movement on her side was possibly known to him.

    Her mood, which had been down due to his uncontactable and elusive strange attitude over the past few days, seemed to lift slightly again.

    This was Su Lu¡¯s first visit to Boss, and she had to admit that it definitely wasn¡¯t failing¡ªthe premises were too well-kept for that.

    But since they had just returned to develop domestically, they were still in the process of recruiting, so there weren¡¯t many staff members.

    There was only one person at the front desk, but they looked very efficient.

    ¡°Hello, do you have an appointment?¡± the receptionist asked.

    Su Lu nodded and handed over her business card, ¡°I have an appointment with Assistant Cheng Yan.¡±

    ¡°Alright, please wait a moment, let me check with Assistant Cheng,¡± the receptionist said, gesturing for Su Lu to take a seat on the sofa in the adjacent waiting area.

    Su Lu went over to sit down, taking the opportunity to quietly observe the brand-newpany.

    If she remembered correctly, this building used to be some designpany¡ªwhich exined why it had such a decorative touch.

    The elevator door pinged open.

    Su Lu assumed it would be Cheng Yan, and she lifted her chin slightly, looking toward the elevator.

    But the person who came out of the elevator wasn¡¯t Cheng Yan.

    It was¡­

    Bo Jingshen.

    Su Lu¡¯s gaze froze; he was dressed in casual yet quality attire¡ªa ck silk shirt that didn¡¯t look stiff, the top button undone revealing an attractive corbone.

    Smoke-gray slim-fit cropped pants showcased his extraordinarily long legs, with casual shoes on his feet, exposing well-defined ankles.

    Anyone gazing upon such a young and handsome man would never imagine he was the boss of such argepany.

    And apanying him was a beautiful woman.

    Having frequented Feng City¡¯s high society for many years, Su Lu had seen her fair share of beauties.

    Chen Yaxi was undeniably a rare beauty¡ªelegant without beingmon, radiant without being demonic.

    It was herely appearance that led her down the path of modeling.

    But, as Su Lu had to admit, the woman with Bo Jingshen at the moment didn¡¯t pale inparison to Chen Yaxi; if anything, theck of Chen Yaxi¡¯s showiness gave her an added touch of innocent purity.

    She seemed extraordinarily young.

    Su Lu prided herself on her good maintenance, appearing to be around twenty-four or twenty-five.

    However, this young woman looked no older than twenty, her face brimming with cogen and the unsullied innocence of youth.

    She held a phone in one hand, the other arm intimately linked with Bo Jingshen¡¯s.

    Su Lu took a steady breath, earnestly trying to ignore the pang of sourness in her heart.

    Unaware of their presence in the waiting area, the two passed by, intimately together.

    Ping, another sound, and the elevator doors opened again.

    Cheng Yan exited the elevator.

    The receptionist noticed and called over to Su Lu, ¡°Mr.

    Su.¡±

    At those words, Bo Jingshen, who had almost reached the lobby¡¯s ss doors, abruptly halted his steps.

    The receptionist then looked to Cheng Yan, ¡°Assistant Cheng, Mr.

    Su is over here.¡±

    Cheng Yan felt a headacheing on; what a chaotic scene this was.

    Although he couldn¡¯t be bothered to care about his boss¡¯s emotional life, he wasn¡¯t blind!

    He could somewhat discern that there was no shallow rtionship between his boss and Mr.

    Su.

    Otherwise, back at the airport, the boss wouldn¡¯t have behaved that way, and Zhuang Cai Nan would not have seen her as a rival.

    But confronting this chaotic scene, well, that was another story¡­

 Chapter 57 - 57 57 Absent-minded

    ?57: Chapter 57 Absent-minded   57: Chapter 57 Absent-minded                                   Mr.

    Su stood up gracefully, maintaining an impable facade that didn¡¯t ignore the presence of President Bo, who had already stopped his advance.

    Her smile was wless as she politely nodded to President Bo, ¡°President Bo.¡±

    President Bo¡¯s expression remained unchanged as he just quietly observed her.

    ¡°I came to discuss the project details with Assistant Cheng,¡± Su Lu said, as she approached Cheng Yan, ¡°Assistant Cheng?¡±

    At that, President Bo¡¯s gaze shifted slightly, looking towards Cheng Yan.

    Cheng Yan: ¡°Ah, please follow me.¡±

    Cheng Yan gestured invitingly and led Su Lu towards the elevator.

    Su Lu entered the elevator, her eyes still lingering on President Bo, who remained standing in the lobby.

    Her face maintained its perfect smile until the elevator doors slowly closed, cutting off their line of sight.

    Only then did Su Lu¡¯s smile fade as she silently let out a long breath.

    In the lobby.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± The woman next to him raised her eyebrows at President Bo, ¡°Are we still going out to eat?

    You said that restaurant was good, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    President Bo nced at her sidelong, ¡°I didn¡¯t say that; you said it was good and insisted on dragging me there.¡±

    ¡°Hey, why are you like this!¡± The woman frowned and pouted, not looking upset in the slightest but rather coquettish, ¡°Can¡¯t you be nicer to me?!¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t, you¡¯ve invited yourself.

    Now leave,¡± President Bo walked towards the exit, ¡°Should I have Cheng Yan book you a ticket?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re really heartless!¡± sheined, but his cold words didn¡¯t deter her as she stubbornly followed and wrapped her arms firmly around his, ¡°I don¡¯t care, I¡¯m sticking with you now!¡±

    President Bo didn¡¯t bother engaging with her, letting one arm be held by her while he texted Jiang Su with his other hand.

    Su Lu sat in the reception room, somewhat distracted, her gaze unfocused on the orchid on the table.

    ¡°Mr.

    Su.¡±

    Cheng Yan came in with a cup of coffee, setting it beside her hand, and then ced a stack of documents on the other side.

    Su Lu quickly regained herposure and began to seriously review the documents.

    As she was almost finished, Jiang Li arrived, apanied by a smartly dressed man who looked very shrewd and capable.

    ¡°Yo, Su Lu!¡± Jiang Li cheerily sat down opposite her at the conference table, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me you wereing so I could havee directly?¡±

    He touched his nose, ¡°It was my brother who sent someone to bring me over.

    Here, let me introduce you, this is Chen Ju.¡±

    Su Lu nced at Chen Ju, standing next to Jiang Li, and thought about what Su Zhe had said; Jiang Su never let his little brother suffer any loss.

    Chen Ju, with his shrewd appearance, was clearly someone Jiang Su had sent to help his brother.

    ¡°I just came over to discuss things since thepany is close by,¡± Su Lu smiled.

    ¡°I¡¯m not familiar with this field and was afraid of not doing a good job, so I wanted to understand more by talking in advance.¡±

    Jiang Li pped his hands together, ¡°Right!

    It¡¯s close!

    I helped him find this building, you know.

    I had already found him a ce in the CBD!

    But he insisted on looking along Mingyang Avenue, and then we found this building, and I must say, it¡¯s really nice.¡±

    Su Lu was taken aback by this revtion.

    So¡­

    choosing this location was President Bo¡¯s decision.

    The subsequent discussion proceeded systematically.

    With both Cheng Yan and Chen Ju present, the talk actually went quite smoothly, except that Chen Ju seemed to somewhat disregard Su Lu, speaking mainly to Cheng Yan, even showing no intention of engaging much with Su Lu.

    Jiang Su nned to invest with Bo Jingshen and, by proportion, Su Lu could only be considered a very small part.

    It was normal that Chen Ju didn¡¯t take her seriously.

    But Cheng Yan stood up for Su Lu, noticed Chen Ju¡¯s attitude, and after several unsessful attempts at steering the conversation, Cheng Yan¡¯s demeanor grew assertive.

    ¡°Our President Bo¡¯s intention is to leave this matter entirely to Mr.

    Su.

    To be frank, I¡¯m just an observer today.

    So if you have anyints, feel free to leave.¡±

    Chen Ju then sheepishly offered a smile and dared not to overlook Su Lu again.

    However, this incident left Jiang Li feeling embarrassed.

    He also disliked the attitude of the representative sent by his older brother, but in the current situation, it wasn¡¯t appropriate to say much, so he repeatedly apologized to Su Lu.

    This made Su Lu feel a bit awkward as well; she hadn¡¯t taken the situation seriously to begin with.

    Partly because of this incident, after the matters were nearly settled, Jiang Li didn¡¯t linger much longer and quickly left with his people.

    ¡°Well¡­

    I should be going too,¡± Su Lu said.

    ¡°Of course, Mr.

    Su, take care.

    Apologies for today, but rest assured,¡± Cheng Yan said while gathering papers from the conference table, ¡°given Second Young Master Jiang¡¯s temper, we won¡¯t be seeing Chen Ju again next time.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind,¡± Su Lu smiled, considering Jiang Li¡¯s straightforward nature, it did seem likely.

    Cheng Yan escorted her down, and as they exited the elevator, they saw Zhuang Cai Nan hurriedly entering the lobby, her hands filled with boxes and bags from luxury brands.

    Zhuang Cai Nan paused upon seeing Cheng Yan and Su Lu.

    Cheng Yan raised an eyebrow.

    ¡°Went shopping?¡±

    Zhuang Cai Nan¡¯s expression stalled a bit.

    ¡°¡­Shopping for Miss Jing Ruo.

    What about you?¡±

    ¡°Escorting Mr.

    Su,¡± Cheng Yan said.

    As Su Lu left Boss, her mind still lingered on Zhuang Cai Nan¡¯s words.

    Jing Ruo¡­

    That must be the name of the woman who was with Bo Jingshen earlier.

    Su Lu walked back to herpany using the same route and stopped by the convenience store on the ground floor to buy an ice cream, white peach oolong, identical to the one she had eaten on the way there.

    Though it was the same vor of ice cream, it now seemed tock taste.

    Moreover, upon entering thepany lobby, she saw Su Yukan waiting with a gloomy face.

    Her already sour mood just soured further.

    When Su Yukan saw her, he, too, was not in a pleasant mood, aggravated as he was, and there she was, eating ice cream!

    Of course, no matter what she was eating or if she was eating nothing at all, he would be annoyed by her just the same.

    Seeing Su Lu enjoying her ice cream made Su Yukan even more ufortable; his already unpleasant expression worsened.

    Su Lu, not in the best of spirits, was toozy to deal with him.

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°What else could it be!¡± Su Yukan always seemed to instinctively have a bad attitude when facing Su Lu.

    As if it was his right to be impolite to her, no matter what.

    She was used to it; even if he was in a good mood, she wouldn¡¯t care to listen.

    It made no difference.

    ¡°Oh, if there¡¯s nothing, then keep sitting,¡± Su Lu said, ice cream stick in her mouth, as she walked towards the elevator.

    Su Yukan¡¯s eyes widened.

    ¡°What kind of attitude is that?!¡±

    Su Lu turned to look at him and countered, ¡°What kind of attitude is that?

    If I¡¯m not mistaken, you¡¯re here to ask me for a favor, right?

    It doesn¡¯t matter what you want me to do or who you want me to speak well of ¨C sorry, I refuse.¡±

 Chapter 58 - 58 58 Selling a Cliffhanger

    ?58: Chapter 58 Selling a Cliffhanger   58: Chapter 58 Selling a Cliffhanger                                   ¡°You!¡± Su Yukan¡¯s face turned even darker with anger.

    He took a deep breath and, despite not raising his voice like he had earlier, the content of his speech wasn¡¯t any less offensive.

    ¡°Su Lu, don¡¯t you forget, after all, it was the Su Family that raised you.

    Even if there was no birth favor, there was upbringing favor.

    All these years, your life hasn¡¯t been too bad, and it¡¯s said that one shouldn¡¯t forget those who dug the well from which they drink.

    Don¡¯t be ungrateful.¡±

    ¡°How could I dare?¡± Su Lu tossed her popsicle stick into the trash can by the elevator entrance, ¡°It¡¯s precisely because I haven¡¯t dared to forget even for a moment that I¡¯ve been invested for so many years.¡±

    She looked steadily into Su Yukan¡¯s eyes, ¡°I have no say in matters concerning Su Zhe.

    When you as a father have no say, what can I say?¡±

    Su Yukan opened his mouth, his expression awkward.

    ¡°As for the rest, I, Su Lu, am not capable.

    I can¡¯t handle big business deals, can¡¯t achieve great things, and can¡¯t be of any help.¡±

    Having said that, the elevator arrived just in time, and she stepped inside, ¡°Instead of cursing and swearing at me all the time, you might as well think of some other solution.¡±

    When Su Lu returned to the office, Xu Ning noticed that she was in a foul mood.

    Xu Ning was surprised, ¡°What happened?

    Is it¡­

    off?

    Didn¡¯t the negotiation seed?¡±

    Su Lu sighed, ¡°It¡¯s not off.¡±

    Xu Ning breathed a sigh of relief, ¡°Well, that¡¯s good.

    You scared me there; I thought the deal had fallen through.

    With the look you¡¯re carrying¡­

    it¡¯s as if you carry a grudge.¡±

    Su Lu nced at her with half-lifted eyelids, ¡°Su Yukan was blocking me in the lobby.¡±

    ¡°Oh my,¡± Xu Ning covered her eyes with her hand, ¡°Then it¡¯s no wonder you¡¯re carrying this grudge, but¡­¡±

    Xu Ning snickered with relief, ¡°He actually didn¡¯te upstairs to bother me, choosing instead to catch the king by blocking you directly.

    Why do I suddenly feel a little relieved?¡±

    ¡°And why do I suddenly not feel like giving you a bonus?¡± said Su Lu.

    Xu Ning, rubbing her hands together in a pleading gesture, grinned and exited.

    At quitting time, Su Lu¡¯s stomach started to feel a bit ufortable, probably because she had too many ice creams today.

    ¡°Mr.

    Su, I¡¯m going to leave work first¡­

    Eh?

    You look pale,¡± Xu Ning said.

    Su Lu waved her hand dismissively, her voice weak, ¡°Don¡¯t know, maybe I had too many ice creams today.

    I¡¯ll just go back and rest.¡±

    Xu Ning looked concerned, frowning, ¡°That won¡¯t do.

    I think¡­

    I¡¯d bettere with you to have some porridge.

    With the way you are now, you¡¯re probably going to just make do with something simple at home.¡±

    Su Lu smiled, ¡°Alright.¡±

    That¡¯s why, oftentimes, she didn¡¯t treat Xu Ning as a subordinate but as a friend.

    It was because of the genuine care and thoughtfulness that Xu Ning sometimes showed.

    After packing up, Su Lu went downstairs with Xu Ning.

    In the elevator, Xu Ning was still a bit anxious, softly asking Su Lu, ¡°Mr.

    Su, do you think he might still be squatting in the lobby?¡±

    ¡°He probably¡­

    shouldn¡¯t be,¡± Su Lu wasn¡¯t entirely sure.

    Xu Ning, with a psychological shadow, said, ¡°Why shouldn¡¯t he?

    You don¡¯t know.

    I tried to avoid him by saying I was busy with a meeting, but he could just wait for me toe out for hours!¡±

    Su Lu, who hadn¡¯t felt it too keenly before, now shared a sense ofmiseration with Xu Ning.

    So much so that when the elevator doors opened, both of them were a bit sneaky, peeking out.

    It felt odd to be in their ownpany yet somehow having the guilty feeling of sneaking around like thieves.

    ¡°What are you skulking around for?¡±

    Suddenly, a voice echoed.

    Su Lu and Xu Ning, who were both bending over to peer out, realized the speaker wasn¡¯t Su Yukan.

    Hearing this voice, Su Lu felt reassured and quickly straightened up, stepping out of the elevator.

    Su Zhe stood to one side, his hands sped in front of him, watching her.

    Su Lu: ¡°Ah, it¡¯s nothing.¡±

    Xu Ning: ¡°Because Mr.

    Su was here this afternoon.¡±

    Both of them spoke at the same time.

    Su Zhe furrowed his brow when he heard Xu Ning¡¯s words and asked Su Lu, ¡°Has hee to see you again?¡±

    ¡°Yes, he didn¡¯t say much before he left, and I didn¡¯t really listen.

    He probably hoped I would put in a good word for him with you,¡± Su Lu said.

    She neverined to Su Zhe, not because she was acting like some kind of saintly martyr, but because, when ites down to it, Su Zhe was, after all, Su Yukan¡¯s biological father.

    He might be willing to help her, to stand on her side.

    But if she constantlyined, tattled, or incited trouble in their father-son rtionship,

    it would always be¡­

    somewhat unkind.

    Moreover, Su Lu knew very well that tattling to Su Zhe usually worked quite effectively.

    Sure enough, Su Zhe said, ¡°Wait for me a second, I need to make a call.¡±

    With that, he held his phone and walked over to the side while dialing.

    After he got through, Su Zhe spoke in a calm voice, ¡°Lawyer Chang, it¡¯s Su Zhe.

    I need to expedite the matter I asked you to handle before.¡±

    Xu Ning didn¡¯t know what Su Zhe was talking about, but Su Lu understood perfectly clear.

    It was simply the matter of driving Zhu Xinyan and her daughter Su Jiao out of the Su Residence.

    Su Zhe didn¡¯t take long on the phone.

    He stepped aside for less than five minutes before ending the call and walking back.

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go,¡± Su Zhe said, looking toward Xu Ning.

    ¡°Have you eaten, Xu Ning?

    Would you like to join us for some dinner?¡±

    Xu Ning repeatedly waved his hands, refusing.

    Although Su Zhe didn¡¯t have the same air as the other members of the Su Family, there was still a bit of a coldness that kept people at a distance, so if possible, Xu Ning preferred to keep his space.

    ¡°No need, you and Mr.

    Su go ahead.

    I was actually worried that Su Lu might have a stomachache from eating too much ice cream today and was nning to apany her for some porridge.

    Now that you¡¯re with her, I¡¯m relieved.¡±

    As Xu Ning spoke, he waved goodbye and briskly left thepany lobby.

    Su Zhe nced sideways at Su Lu, ¡°How old are you to still be overdosing on ice cream?¡±

    Su Lu touched her nose, ¡°I didn¡¯t really eat that much, Xu Ning just made it sound more serious.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.

    The ce I booked is known for its light dishes.

    I¡¯ll take you to eat something warm.¡±

    Su Zhe drove out of Mingyang Avenue, and by looking at the route, Su Lu guessed where they were heading.

    ¡°Going to Lan Restaurant?¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Su Zhe responded, unperturbed by the traffic peak or the need to cross half the city to reach a private restaurant in the suburbs.

    ¡°Just the two of us would suffice¡­,¡± Su Lu said, watching the long line of taillights ahead.

    Su Zhe nced at her and gave a faint smile.

    Seeing him smile at all was a rare urrence; a slight smile was already quite the effort.

    ¡°Who told you it was just the two of us?¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± This surprised Su Lu.

    ¡°Who else then?¡±

    ¡°A friend, you know him.

    Didn¡¯t I say I would send someone to help you?

    It¡¯s him.

    He also wanted to meet you, so we might as well have a meal together,¡± Su Zhe exined.

    Su Lu blinked, ¡°Who is it?¡±

    Su Zhe replied, ¡°You¡¯ll know when we get there.¡±

    Su Lu wanted to ask more, but seeing as Su Zhe had learned to y coy, she decided to y along and didn¡¯t press further.

    By the time the car arrived at Lan Restaurant, the sky was almostpletely dark.

    This was one of Feng City¡¯s well-regarded high-end private restaurants with a beautiful environment and stylish decor, and the cost was quite high.

    The cars parked in the front lot, one by one, were all luxury vehicles.

    As she got out of the car and walked towards the front entrance with Su Zhe, they saw a tall figure by the entrance waving at them beforeing over to meet them.

 Chapter 59 - 59 59 Qiao Li

    ?59: Chapter 59 Qiao Li   59: Chapter 59 Qiao Li                                   The man was tall and handsome, with a gentle look in his eyes that made the potential intimidation of his stature dissolvepletely.

    As he approached, Su Lu got a clear view of his face and was momentarily stunned.

    ¡°Qiao Li?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be so informal,¡± Qiao Li said with a smile, ¡°Call me ¡®Brother¡¯.¡±

    Qiao Li was an old ssmate of Su Zhe, who had been reclusive and not so easy to get along with since childhood because of poor health.

    But Qiao Li was warm and cheerful, one of the few people who could actually hang out with Su Zhe.

    Strictly speaking, it was fine for Su Lu to call Qiao Li ¡®Brother¡¯.

    Su Zhe: ¡°Enough, she¡¯s got a stomachache, let¡¯s go inside.¡±

    The decor in Lan Restaurant was upscale and tasteful.

    They had private rooms, but the floor-to-ceiling windows in the main hall offered a view of little bridges and flowing water pavilions outside, which was a quieter environment than a private room could provide.

    The table they had reserved was next to one of the floor-to-ceiling windows, tucked behind a bamboo screen.

    Su Lu, having known Qiao Li for a long time as well, wasn¡¯t so reserved in hispany.

    Once seated.

    Qiao Li: ¡°How did you end up with a stomachache?¡±

    Qiao Li was considerate and caring.

    He poured her some hot tea as he inquired with concern.

    ¡°Such a big person now, and still gets a stomachache from overeating ice cream,¡± Su Zhe said with a slight smile, holding a cup.

    Su Lu felt a bit embarrassed, ¡°I didn¡¯t eat that much.¡±

    Seeing Su Zhe still smiling, Su Lu emphasized, ¡°I really didn¡¯t eat much!¡±

    ¡°Alright, alright,¡± Qiao Li interjected peacemakingly, ¡°If you say you didn¡¯t eat much, then you didn¡¯t.

    Should I order now?¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Su Zhe nodded.

    Qiao Li scanned the QR code on the table, ordered some light dishes, and even specifically chose a small jar of stomach-nourishing coix seed and yam porridge for Su Lu.

    ¡°You¡¯re quite the schmoozer,¡± Su Zhemented.

    Qiao Li took no offense and chuckled, ¡°Well, shouldn¡¯t I schmooze properly?¡± He looked at Su Lu, ¡°Right, Mr.

    Su?¡±

    Su Lu: ¡°???¡±

    It then dawned on her that Su Zhe had mentioned he would find someone to help her out.

    Could it be Qiao Li?!

    Su Lu asked Su Zhe incredulously, ¡°Are you saying it¡¯s Qiao Li?¡±

    Qiao Li added, ¡°Call me ¡®Brother¡¯.¡±

    Su Zhe red at him, ¡°Brother my ass, you¡¯re about to work under Lulu, and still, Brother.¡± Then, turning to Su Lu, he continued, ¡°Yes.

    It¡¯s him.¡±

    Su Lu was shocked, ¡°But¡­

    but¡­

    well¡­¡±

    She started to stutter and finally squeezed out, ¡°Isn¡¯t Qiao Li a medical student?!¡±

    Indeed, Qiao Li and Su Zhe were ssmates, both in medical school.

    Su Zhe sipped his tea with a light smile in his eyes, ¡°What¡¯s so surprising?

    I studied medicine too.¡±

    Su Lu thought to herself, yeah, all of you are so quick to ditch medicine for business.

    Qiao Liforted her, ¡°Lulu, don¡¯t worry.

    Although my major isn¡¯t quite relevant, I¡¯m pretty good with work.¡±

    Just then, someone entered from the door, and the waiter greeted respectfully, ¡°Hello, wee to Lan Restaurant.

    Do you have a reservation?¡±

    ¡°Yes, for table 5,¡± the man¡¯s voice was deep and maic, but itcked warmth.

    The woman by his side had a crisp and charming voice and signaled to the waiter with her fingers, ¡°Table 5, for two, please!¡±

    ¡°Stop it.

    Three,¡± the man corrected with a frown, sounding even more impatient in his tone that had already been rather cool.

    ¡°Right this way, please,¡± the waiter gestured and led them to their table.

    He maneuvered around several bamboo screen booths.

    The man¡¯s gaze suddenly halted, his dark eyes unwaveringly fixated on a woman inside one of the bamboo screen booths.

    Su Lu was still wearing the outfit she had donned when visiting Boss earlier in the day¡ªflowing wide-leg trousers and a silk blouse.

    Formal yet elegant.

    However, at this moment, the long hair she had tied up in the afternoon was now let down, the fine, soft strands spreading over her back and shoulders.

    One could imagine the soft touch of her hair just by looking, casting an aura of gentleness over her entire presence.

    Beside her sat a handsome, mild-looking stranger.

    He was attentively serving her porridge and picking out dishes for her.

    Her lips curled in a soft smile, and she seemed entirely at ease,cking the restraint she usually had around him.

    At this moment, it seemed like every strand of her hair was rxed.

    This scene deeply pierced into Bo Jingshen¡¯s eyes.

    The waiter noticed his sudden pause, ¡°Sir?

    This way, please.¡±

    Jing Ruo tugged on his sleeve, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Why did the atmosphere feel even more oppressive?

    Bo Jingshen responded with a cold voice, ¡°It¡¯s nothing, let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Jing Ruo answered, casting a quick nce in the direction of his previous gaze, then followed the waiter to the booth.

    Su Zhe¡¯s eyes drifted downward indifferently, drawing his gaze away from the distance, his expression somewhat cold.

    The chill in his eyes only gradually subsided as he turned to look at Qiao Li and Su Lu sitting across from him.

    Qiao Li was behaving in an overly subservient manner.

    ¡°Here, Mr.

    Su, have some porridge.¡±

    ¡°Here, Mr.

    Su, have some vegetables.¡±

    ¡°Here, I¡¯ll pick out the fish bones for Mr.

    Su.¡±

    Su Lu couldn¡¯t help butugh, ¡°Qiao Li, that¡¯s enough¡­¡±

    Though she said so, she couldn¡¯t deny that her originally indifferent mood had somewhat eased due to Qiao Li¡¯s antics.

    If it were just her and Su Zhe, given her brother¡¯s personality, easing her mood would be out of the question.

    ¡°Is your stomach feeling better?¡± Su Zhe asked.

    Truth be told, it was not something that could improve so quickly.

    Her stomach issues were a chronic problem, thanks in no small part to the many social drinking events she¡¯d been dragged to by Su Yukan over the years.

    It wasn¡¯t easy to feel difort, but once it started, it wasn¡¯t easy to alleviate either¡ªlingering for a day or two wasmon.

    But Su Lu still responded, ¡°Yes, much better.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± Su Zhe nodded.

    Qiao Li added, ¡°If you¡¯re not feeling well, just say so.

    Su Zhe and I are doctors, after all.

    Even if I¡¯m not practicing at the moment¡­¡±

    Su Lu stood up with a smile, ¡°I really am feeling a lot better.

    You two stay, I¡¯m going to use the restroom.¡±

    The restroom at Lan Restaurant wasn¡¯t in the main hall, but was instead located in a nicely decorated separate building outside.

    It might be a change in weather; Lan Restaurant was situated in the suburbs and stepping outside, one became aware of the chilly breeze.

    Su Lu frowned slightly, feeling her previously eased stomach seemingly upset once again.

    She rubbed her stomach with one hand and walked into the restroom.

    Upon entering, she saw a beautiful young woman washing her hands at the sink.

    Su Lu¡¯s steps instantly froze.

    The woman was dressed differently from when she had seen her at Boss Hall, now wearing a dress.

    The small emblem at the hem of the dress was identical to the luxury brand LOGO that Zhuang Cai Nan had carried earlier.

    Su Lu knew it was impolite to stare at someone like this but couldn¡¯t resist doing so.

    It wasn¡¯t until Jing Ruo finished washing her hands and stood up, noticing Su Lu¡¯s gaze, that Su Lu hurriedly went into a stall.

    Listening to the sound of high heels walking out, Su Lu btedly realized.

    If she was here, could Bo Jingshen be somewhere close by¡­?

 Chapter 60 - 60 60 Replay

    ?60: Chapter 60 Rey   60: Chapter 60 Rey                                   Jing Ruo came out from the restroom still a bit puzzled, looking back at the restroom door a few times.

    Just as she stepped out of the small house, she saw Bo Jingshen sitting at the stone table in the courtyard, the night breeze rustling the surrounding bamboo.

    Seated amidst the night, his silhouette appeared somewhat deste against the wind.

    His arm was resting on the table, slender fingers holding a half-smoked cigarette.

    Jing Ruo asked, ¡°Why are you sitting out here?¡±

    Bo Jingshen turned to nce at her, his gaze neither warm nor cold, somewhat indifferent.

    If his gaze was only somewhat indifferent, the words he spoke after casually lifting his cigarette-holding hand were indeed quite cold.

    He said, ¡°Blind?

    Can¡¯t you see I¡¯m smoking?¡±

    Jing Ruo stomped her foot, ¡°Can¡¯t you be a bit nicer to me?¡±

    ¡°No, so hurry up and go back where you came from,¡± Bo Jingshen said coldly.

    ¡°I won¡¯t.¡± Jing Ruo red, ¡°I just won¡¯t!¡±

    Bo Jingshen couldn¡¯t bother with her, and stopped talking.

    Jing Ruo sat down opposite him and reached out her hand, ¡°Give me one.¡±

    Bo Jingshen frowned at her.

    Jing Ruo asked, ¡°What?

    Only you are allowed to smoke and I¡¯m not?¡±

    Bo Jingshen replied, ¡°Get lost.¡±

    Jing Ruo, in a whiny pose, hugged his arm.

    ¡°I won¡¯t, I¡¯m staying put.

    Oh right, your business partner is also in the restroom, mighte out soon.

    It¡¯ll be good for them to see how you bully a young girl.¡±

    Bo Jingshen scowled, pulling back his arm, ¡°What nonsense is this?

    What business partner?¡±

    ¡°That one, the woman I saw today in the lobby of yourpany, the very pretty one that totally seemed your type.

    Didn¡¯t Assistant Cheng take her upstairs?

    If she¡¯s not your partner, what is she?¡±

    Jing Ruo continued talking, not noticing the change in Bo Jingshen¡¯s expression.

    Su Lu hugged the toilet, vomiting, despite having just eaten stomach-friendly food, she still felt sick and finally couldn¡¯t hold it back anymore.

    She came out of the stall to rinse her mouth and wash her face.

    Honestly, this scene felt somewhat familiar; Su Lu involuntarily remembered the scene in the restroom at Yunding.

    She also washed her face and rinsed her mouth after vomiting there, and then Bo Jingshen had pushed her into a stall.

    And now, after vomiting, she was washing her face and rinsing her mouth again¡­

    But there was no Bo Jingshen.

    Su Lu sarcastically curled the corner of her mouth, propped herself up, and looked at herself in the mirror, then her eyes suddenly widened, and her gaze froze.

    Bo Jingshen was standing at the restroom entrance.

    It was as if the final puzzle piece had snapped into ce.

    Su Lu pursed her lips, her voice calm, ¡°This is the women¡¯s restroom.¡±

    Bo Jingshen reached out and locked the restroom door.

    He turned his eyes to her, ¡°So what?¡±

    Su Lu took a deep breath, adjusted herself, managed a faint smile, and asked, ¡°What a coincidence, do you need something?¡±

    Despite sounding polite and courteous, with nothing amiss,

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s expression grew darker.

    Before Su Lu could react, the man with a dark face pulled her into a stall.

    Su Lu was very ufortable and started to struggle, ¡°Let go!¡±

    She was no longer in that intoxicated and frail state as in Yunding; although feeling unwell, her struggle was still significantly forceful.

    However, how could her strength ovee Bo Jingshen¡¯s?

    When everything in Yunding¡¯s restroom reappeared, Su Lu had thought¡­

    anyway, it wasn¡¯t the first time; she might be indifferent.

    But she couldn¡¯t convince herself, and the pain in her chest still ripped through like a tornado.

    ¡°Jerk, let¡­

    Hmm!

    Let go of me!¡± Su Lu suddenly bit him.

    Bo Jingshen saw her red eyes and felt a swell of pity in his heart.

    Yet, thinking of her earlier sitting next to that strange man, smiling so tenderly,

    his anger red even more, his emotions turned into the most irrational gun, and his harsh words became merciless bullets, carelessly not minding if he would hurt the person in front of him beyond recovery.

    Bo Jingshen sneered, ¡°What?

    I thought we had already reached a consensus about our rtionship.

    We¡¯re bed partners, aren¡¯t we?

    You said that yourself.

    What are you pretending for now?¡±

    His words were like ice water, so sharp.

    Su Lu felt like a dying fish thrown onto the shore; after hearing those words, she struggled for thest time, then fell into silence.

    Bo Jingshen didn¡¯t continue, he wasn¡¯t really there for gratification¡ªit was more like he wanted to punish her.

    Now calming down and seeing Su Lu¡¯s disheveled appearance, her messy hair, wrinkled clothes, and pale face with red eyes, he felt very ufortable.

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s lips were tightly pressed as he reached out to fix her up.

    p.

    Su Lu pushed his hand away.

    Although it hit his hand, the pain tugged at his heart.

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s voice was hoarse, ¡°That guy, who is he.¡±

    Su Lu was confused and didn¡¯t know what or whom he was talking about.

    Almost blurting out, she retorted, ¡°What¡¯s it to you?

    Aren¡¯t you just a bed partner?

    Haven¡¯t we already agreed on that?

    Then you should remember your ce and don¡¯t meddle where you shouldn¡¯t.

    Also, please don¡¯t always lock yourself in the bathroom.

    I don¡¯t know if President Bo has some special fetish, but I don¡¯t and I can afford a hotel room.¡±

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s face turned green with anger.

    No one had ever infuriated him like this before; for many years, it was only Su Lu who could.

    Angry, he barely spoke, just repeated, ¡°That man, who is he.¡±

    Su Lu straightened her cor and tucked her hair behind her ears, ¡°What right do you have to ask?

    Look at yourself and see if you¡¯ve behaved appropriately before using others.

    Think you can do wrong and others can¡¯t retaliate?

    Do you think I¡¯m a fool?

    Or blind?¡±

    Bo Jingshen frowned, ¡°Are you saying¡­¡±

    ¡°Move!¡± Su Lu shouted.

    She was extremely upset, not just emotionally, but physically too.

    Bo Jingshen noticed her pale face and grabbed her shoulders, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Su Lu¡¯s voice was weak, ¡°Let me go¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll help you out.¡± Bo Jingshen said.

    Suddenly Su Zhe¡¯s voice came from outside.

    ¡°Lulu?

    Are you in there?¡±

    Su Lu quickly widened her eyes and shoved Bo Jingshen into a cubicle.

    In a low voice, she said, ¡°I¡¯ll go out first.¡±

    Bo Jingshen didn¡¯t want to agree; he had nothing to hide.

    Yet seeing Su Lu¡¯s face, he couldn¡¯t argue.

    Su Lu closed the cubicle door and walked out, opening the restroom door, ¡°I¡¯m okay¡­¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s windy, put on my jacket.¡± Su Zhe draped his coat over her, pretending not to see her disarray.

    ¡°Thanks, bro.¡±

    ¡°You go ahead, I¡¯ll be there after using the restroom,¡± Su Zhe said.

    Su Lu nodded and walked into the lobby.

    Bo Jingshen, hearing the outside quiet down, walked out from the cubicle.

    Just as he exited the restroom, he saw Su Zhe standing outside, arms crossed, leaning against the wall, watching him coldly.

 Chapter 61 - 61 61 Disowning All Kin

    ?61: Chapter 61: Disowning All Kin   61: Chapter 61: Disowning All Kin                                   Bo Jingshen looked slightly surprised, but he was not too flustered and calmly faced Su Zhe.

    ¡°President Bo,¡± Su Zhe initiated the conversation.

    ¡°A pleasure, how coincidental,¡± Bo Jingshen nodded to him slightly, even though he knew why Su Lu had be his sister and was quite displeased with the reason behind it.

    But considering he was after all Su Lu¡¯s brother, Bo Jingshen¡¯s attitude remained polite.

    ¡°Not coincidental,¡± Su Zhe¡¯s voice was t and emotionless, ¡°I was waiting for you.¡±

    ¡°Do you need something from me?¡± Bo Jingshen asked.

    Su Zhe sneered coldly, ¡°Considering you followed my sister into the restroom to harass her, I could have called the police on you.

    So yes, I definitely have something I need from you.¡±

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s expression stiffened for a moment, ¡°This is a private matter between Su Lu and me.¡±

    ¡°Do me a favor and stay away from my sister,¡± Su Zhe had neither the time nor the interest to understand his predicament and reasons.

    All he knew was that because of this man, Su Lu had been very upset years ago, and even now, she was still emotionally wounded because of him.

    If this man was trying to be with Su Lu, Su Zhe might have waited and seen, but he felt that this man¡¯s motive was revenge.

    Only Su Lu the fool would still jump into the pit.

    Bo Jingshen was also annoyed with Su Zhe, but now that Su Zhe had torn off the pretense, Bo Jingshen stopped holding back too.

    He frowned and said coldly, ¡°What right do you have to say this to me?¡±

    ¡°Simply because I am Su Lu¡¯s brother.¡±

    Bo Jingshen sneered, ¡°Heh, what if I refuse?

    Do you really think the Su Family can still cover the sky with one hand like they used to?¡±

    Su Zhe¡¯s eyebrows lifted slightly, he wasn¡¯t stupid, and he instantly understood that Bo Jingshen was referring to past events.

    Su Zhe: ¡°What can I do?

    You¡¯re wee to try.¡±

    This was probably how conversations went between intelligent people; I know your weaknesses, just as you know my bottom lines.

    Su Zhe looked indifferently at Bo Jingshen, ¡°Indeed, I, Su Zhe, cannot cover the sky with one hand, and perhaps I really cannot do anything to you, but I don¡¯t mind trying to find those who can.

    I¡¯ve heard that President Bo has some¡­

    deep connections in Beijing, right?¡±

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s face suddenly turned grim, ¡°You¡¯re investigating me?¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you investigating me too?

    It¡¯s mutual,¡± Su Zhe smiled faintly, without any warmth, ¡°Since President Bo has looked into me, you must be aware that I, Su Zhe, would disown even my own father for Su Lu.

    There is nothing I wouldn¡¯t do.

    If you don¡¯t believe me, we can just see.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll repeat it again, please, President Bo, stay away from my sister,¡± Su Zhe finished speaking and left.

    As he reached the entrance of the hall, Qiao Li happened to be opening the door from inside.

    ¡°I thought you¡¯d fallen into a pit,¡± Qiao Li said, his gaze moving past Su Zhe to the handsome man with a dark expression following behind.

    Their eyes met.

    Qiao Li didn¡¯t know why the man¡¯s eyes held such chilly hostility, and he didn¡¯t give it much thought.

    Turning to Su Zhe, he said, ¡°Lulu doesn¡¯t look well, seems she¡¯s still not feeling great, let¡¯s head back early.

    Maybe see if she needs to go to the hospital.¡±

    Su Zhe: ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s go.¡±

    They walked into the hall, and Bo Jingshen entered as well, having heard their previous conversation clearly.

    So she wasn¡¯t feeling well.

    No wonder her face was so pale.

    Inside the hall, Su Lu, draped in Su Zhe¡¯s coat, stood waiting in the corridor; seeing Su Zhe and Qiao Lie in, she curved her lips into a slight smile.

    Then she saw Bo Jingshen enter swiftly, the smile on his face immediately vanished.

    Su Zhe reached out to gently put his arm around her shoulders, blocking Bo Jingshen¡¯s line of sight, and walked outside.

    Watching them leave, Bo Jingshen returned to his seat with a cold expression on his face.

    He saw Jiang Su holding his cup of tea with interest, clearly having enjoyed the previousmotion.

    Upon seeing Bo Jingshen approach, Jiang Su teasingly raised his eyebrows.

    ¡°Could your schadenfreude be any more obvious?¡± Bo Jingshen frowned and said grumpily, then he picked up his cup and downed the cool tea in one gulp.

    ¡°Of all people, why provoke Su Zhe?¡± Jiang Su shrugged.

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°How so?

    Is he that formidable?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­¡± Jiang Su thought for a moment, ¡°Anyhow, he¡¯s ruthless enough to disown even his own father.

    I certainly can¡¯tpete with that.

    It feels like there¡¯s nothing he wouldn¡¯t do.¡±

    Bo Jingshen snorted coldly.

    Jiang Su raised his eyebrow, ¡°Actually, when ites to being ruthless, you are quite simr.

    You¡¯re both unfilial.¡±

    There weren¡¯t many in Feng City who knew the full extent of Bo Jingshen¡¯s background, but Jiang Su was one of them.

    Being overprotective of his brother and fearing that he would be duped by someone, Jiang Su would naturally investigate the backgrounds of his brother¡¯s friends.

    So, of course, he knew Bo Jingshen was a tough character.

    Jing Ruo hade in at some point, just in time to overhear Jiang Su¡¯sment, and she deeply rted to it!

    With righteous indignation, she eximed, ¡°Yes!

    Exactly!

    He¡¯s unfilial!

    He¡¯s not just ruthless, he¡¯s more like a ruthless wolf, and not just by a point or two, but overtly so!

    Look, he doesn¡¯t even care about me!¡±

    As Jing Ruo spoke with fervor, Bo Jingshen gave her a cold look.

    She choked on her words, her bluster nearly faltering, but seeing strangers present, she mustered her courage and stiffening her neck, she retorted, ¡°See!

    He¡¯s even ring at me!¡±

    Jiang Su chuckled softly and changed the subject, asking Bo Jingshen, ¡°Since things have escted to this, I suppose¡­

    that project, we don¡¯t need to deal with her side anymore, right?¡±

    Bo Jingshen red, ¡°And why not?¡±

    Speaking of which, he hadn¡¯t yet settled ounts with Jiang Su regarding that guy named Chen Ju, whose attitude towards Su Lu was just ghastly.

    And why wouldn¡¯t they need to deal anymore?

    Jiang Su shrugged, ¡°Mainly because, with tensions so high, it¡¯s not really about whether I say we should continue or not.

    After all, it¡¯s not that big of a deal.

    Ah Li is just ying around with small ventures.

    Maybe they¡¯ve already lost interest.

    Su Zhe¡¯s own business is huge, he might not want his sister messing around in these little games with Ah Li.¡±

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°¡­¡±

    Jiang Su¡¯s words made a lot of sense.

    Bo Jingshen furrowed his brows deeply, suddenly feeling that this was not good, not good at all.

    So much so that the next morning, Xu Ning found herself hosting an unexpected visitor.

    ¡°Hello, I am Cheng Yan from Boss, and here¡¯s my business card.

    May I ask if Mr.

    Su is in?¡±

    Xu Ning was taken aback, not that she was inexperienced in society.

    But this Cheng¡­

    Xu Ning nced at the business card, oh, Assistant Cheng, he was very good-looking, could it be thatrgepanies also have strict standards for appearances?

    ¡°It¡¯s still early, Mr.

    Su hasn¡¯t arrived yet.

    Would you like to wait upstairs in the guest room?¡±

    ¡°That would be great, thank you.¡±

    How could Cheng Yan not know it was early?

    Butst night the Boss had given a firm order regarding that previous project.

    No matter how Cheng Yan negotiated, under no circumstances were they to allow Su Lu¡¯s side to withdraw!

 Chapter 62 - 62 62 What Exactly Does it Mean

    ?62: Chapter 62: What Exactly Does it Mean?

    62: Chapter 62: What Exactly Does it Mean?

    Mr.

    Cheng actually didn¡¯t know exactly what had happened, but since Boss had issued a strict order, and he was a professional, of course, he hade over early in the morning without question.

    Even though Mr.

    Cheng didn¡¯t know what had happened, from what he knew about Boss, it was likely that Boss had messed up, and he was just there to clean up the mess and had to figure out what exactly had happened on his own.

    Mr.

    Cheng had used all his skills in conversation but couldn¡¯t get any useful information from Xu Ning, so he had no choice but to wait for Su Lu to arrive.

    Su Lu couldn¡¯te, she had felt very ufortablest night so Su Zhe didn¡¯t let her go back, but instead took her to the hospital, where Cheng Youran administered a 654-2 injection.

    Then they let her go home, fortunately Suzhe, Qiao Li, and Cheng Youran were all medical students, so they didn¡¯t make a big fuss, and after giving the injection, they sent her home to rest.

    Su Lu had filled a bathtub with hot water and had a good soak, which finally relieved her stomach spasms, and she no longer felt like vomiting.

    She ended up sleeping until it was daybreak.

    In the past, she would definitely have gone to the office as soon as she got up, and she would have casually handled breakfast along the way.

    But justst night she had suffered from stomach difort, so Su Lu did not dare to take any risks.

    After getting up, she sincerely found a casserole from the cab, washed some rice, and earnestly cooked herself a pot of stomach-nourishing millet porridge.

    She cooked leisurely, chewed slowly, and after she was busy, she was covered in a thin sweat; it was only after she had taken a shower and gotten ready to go out that an hour and a half had passed.

    Only when she drove onto Mingyang Avenue and passed by the Boss Building did Su Lu be startled.

    Yesterday, she felt unwell, Su Zhe and Qiao Li had been with her the whole time, then she went to the hospital, and Cheng Youran talked incessantly; after returning home and taking a bath, she was drowsy¡­

    So much so that she didn¡¯t have the time to think about Bo Jingshen deeply.

    Or rather, she didn¡¯t want to delve deeper, perhaps due to the continuous injuries from the past that had conditioned her to not dwell on the pain.

    After all, life had to go on, and she had to continue living.

    She didn¡¯t know whether this was a strength or a weakness.

    It wasn¡¯t until her car passed in front of the Boss Building that the events of yesterday reyed in her mind like a silent film, exceptionally clear, vividly before her eyes.

    The sharpness hadn¡¯t diminished at all, slicing open a fierce wound at her heart, causing an excruciating pain.

    Su Lu gripped the steering wheel tightly and took several deep breaths to keep her expression from bing too sorrowful.

    Upon reaching thepany and just getting upstairs, Xu Ning approached her.

    ¡°Mr.

    Su, you have a visitor.¡±

    ¡°So early?¡± Su Lu was slightly surprised.

    ¡°Yes, from Boss.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Su Lu paused for a moment upon hearing this.

    Thinking of the unpleasantness fromst night and that there had been no contact for a while.

    ¡°I¡­

    understand.¡± Su Lu nodded her head.

    She had subconsciously assumed that Bo Jingshen probably wasn¡¯t nning to continue the coboration they had previously nned.

    Originally she was just included temporarily, if it really came down to it, Bo Jingshen¡¯s words at that time were like a joke, and now that he was serious about not taking her along for the ride, that was not an impossible scenario either.

    Su Lu entered the reception room.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Assistant Cheng.

    Have you been waiting long?

    I amte.¡±

    Mr.

    Cheng immediately stood up, ¡°No problem, I have not been here long either.¡±

    Su Lu gestured for him to sit, and then pulled out a chair and sat down across from Mr.

    Cheng.

    Mr.

    Cheng said, ¡°Mr.

    Su, I¡¯m here today to discuss that project we spoke about before.¡±

    Hearing this, Su Lu thought, here ites, it¡¯s definitely about that.

    Su Lu nodded her head, her hands ced on the table, fingers interlocked, in a posture of attentive listening.

    She said, ¡°Alright.

    Since we haven¡¯t signed any contract for this project, not even a letter of intent, all you need to do to have us exit is to verbally notify us.

    We fully ept without the necessity for you to personally make such a strenuous trip.¡±

    Cheng Yan¡¯s eyes widened, his already slightly mixed-race profound eyes suddenly grew evenrger, his shocked expressionpletely undisguised.

    He immediately said, ¡°No, no, no!

    You misunderstand!

    We have no intention of discontinuing our cooperation.

    In fact, we hope to expedite our coboration, and today I even came to sign a letter of intent with you first.¡±

    Su Lu blinked, silent, perhaps not having processed this sudden turn.

    Cheng Yan also blinked, silent, waiting for her response.

    Likely feeling somewhat anxious internally, he started to formte persuasive arguments in his mind.

    Su Lu paused for a few seconds, ¡°A letter of intent?¡±

    She slowed down her speech, with a tone of verification, and seemingly incredulous.

    Cheng Yan slowly nodded his head, showing his firm attitude.

    Su Lu pursed her lips, now somewhat puzzled.

    Bo Jingshen¡­ what exactly does he mean?

    If the situation weren¡¯t inappropriate, she would have wanted to ask Cheng Yan directly, ¡°What exactly does your boss mean?¡±

    Yet, the current setting was impractical for such questions, a business context.

    Cheng Yan took out a document from his briefcase and pushed it towards Su Lu, ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve drafted the agreement already; you can take a look.

    If there are no issues, we can sign.¡±

    Su Lu flipped through the agreement.

    No problems at all.

    Holding the pen, her fingers rxed and tensed, she finally couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Isn¡¯t it necessary to ask for President Bo¡¯s opinion?¡±

    Cheng Yanughed helplessly, ¡°This is President Bo¡¯s intention.

    Please rest assured, Mr.

    Su.¡±

    Su Lu was somewhat surprised, even more unsure of Bo Jingshen¡¯s thoughts.

    But there were no loopholes or traps in the agreement, not a single issue.

    Su Lu paused for a few seconds, then uncapped the pen and signed the agreement.

    She didn¡¯t notice that as she signed her name, Cheng Yan let out a long sigh of relief.

    Cheng Yan hadpleted his task and didn¡¯t n to stay much longer, so he took his leave of Su Lu.

    Given that Su Lu wasn¡¯t well acquainted with him, she couldn¡¯t possibly ask him about matters rting to Bo Jingshen.

    She had Xu Ning escort him downstairs.

    Su Lu sat somewhat distracted in her office.

    After seeing Cheng Yan off, Xu Ning brought breakfast into Su Lu¡¯s office, thinking she hadn¡¯t eaten yet.

    Considering Mr.

    Su had stomach difort just yesterday, she decided to share it with her.

    Su Lu didn¡¯t refuse her kindness, nibbling on some food while listening to Xu Ning chatter away.

    Xu Ning was capable at her job, but she wasn¡¯t the rigid, all-business type of person.

    She still retained the vigor and enthusiasm of a young woman.

    She would gossip as warranted, with quite a few channels of information too, reportedly part of a Feng City secretarial group, gathering talents from the secretarial staff of variouspanies and enterprises in Feng City.

    She was well-informed about various news and gossip¡­ especially sometimes about the affairs of some wealthy circles, which were downright dramatic.

    More melodramatic than soap operas, and this group was sometimes more entertainment-focused than entertainment journalists.

    Usually, as a boss, one wouldn¡¯t be privy to such news, but Su Lu was gentle and kind to her subordinates, so sometimes Xu Ning didn¡¯t shy away from sharing with her.

    Xu Ning said in the moment, ¡°Mr.

    Su, it¡¯s said that a bunch of scandals involving Chen Yaxi have been uncovered, waiting to break on Monday.¡±

 Chapter 63 - 63 63 Where do I even start

    ?63: Chapter 63 Where do I even start?

    63: Chapter 63 Where do I even start?

    Su Lu was in the midst of popping crispy chips into her mouth when she heard the remarks and her fingers froze.

    The chips fell from her fingertips, and she didn¡¯t bother to pick them up.

    ¡°See you on Monday?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­

    an expression from the inte.¡± Xu Ning thought she didn¡¯t understand the meaning of the phrase and exined.

    Su Lu, ¡°I know what it means, but how could this happen to Chen Yaxi?¡±

    Su Lu meant no disrespect toward Chen Yaxi, but to speak frankly, Chen Yaxi was just a minor model.

    Even with some fame, she was not at the level where people would say ¡®see you on Monday.¡¯

    ¡°Besides, Gu Xin wouldn¡¯t just sit by and watch,¡± Su Lu added.

    The outside world might not know, but Su Lu was very aware that Chen Yaxi and Gu Xin had registered their marriage and were legal spouses, with the heir of the Gu Family in her belly.

    No matter what, the Gu Family wouldn¡¯t just ignore it.

    Xu Ning nodded, ¡°Yes, but I heard that this time she was specifically targeted.

    I¡¯m not sure about the details, but since there are such rumors, there must be some reason behind it, and the implications could be significant.¡±

    Su Lu felt a vague sense of foreboding but couldn¡¯t quite articte it just yet.

    After some thought, she decided to send WeChat to Gu Xin to express her concern.

    Thinking of Qiao Li¡¯s matter, she didn¡¯t forget to tell Xu Ning, ¡°There might be someone from my brothering to help me, which will ease your burden.

    Please organize the data for those projects you¡¯re piled up with, and I¡¯ll have him take over.¡±

    Xu Ning was nearly moved to tears.

    She wasn¡¯t too ambitious and didn¡¯t n to monopolize all the projects to boost her own achievements.

    She knew how to live wisely, aiming just to learn from her work and handle a volume within her energy range was more than sufficient.

    ¡°Boss, I love you.¡± Xu Ning¡¯s lips were smeared with a ring of oil from eating sesame balls, which looked unexpectedlyical.

    Su Lu watched this and started tough.

    By the afternoon, she still hadn¡¯t received a reply from Gu Xin, and Su Lu worried that this time he was really in over his head.

    Mainly because Su Lu considered that this incident was very likely, possibly¡­

    Involved Su Zhe, who was cunning, a fact Su Lu was well aware of.

    Ah, she still needed to persuade her brother.

    Although she hadn¡¯t heard from Gu Xin by the afternoon, an unexpected visitor had arrived.

    Su Lu was a bit surprised at the middle-aged woman walking into her office.

    ¡°Howe you¡¯re here?¡±

    Su Lu held back a certain address, as until not long ago, out of courtesy, she would have to call this woman ¡°mom.¡±

    Because the elegant woman before her was Gu Xin¡¯s mother, Xue Xian.

    Since she and Gu Xin were no longer legally rted, the title didn¡¯t seem quite right, so Su Lu added, ¡°Aunt Xue.¡±

    Xue Xian smiled, a smile that seemed a bit stiff and awkward, probably feeling that meeting in such capacities now made many things different.

    ¡°Yes, I just wanted toe and see you,¡± Xue Xian said, pointing at the door, ¡°I brought you some nourishment.

    Make sure to eat it; I noticed you¡¯ve lost weight.

    Also, I heard you had a close call in Hai City?

    You really need to take good care of yourself.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Auntie, you went through the trouble; I¡¯ll remember to eat it,¡± Su Lu said warmly.

    Xue Xian looked at her, sighing inwardly.

    She was always like this, gentle, graceful, courteous in every aspect.

    To be honest, Xue Xian initially wasn¡¯t very satisfied with the Su Family as inws, since Su Yukan was too opportunistic, Zhu Xinyan was too trivial, and, ultimately, it was the case of elevating a mistress to a legitimate position.

    It undoubtedly made it difficult for Xue Xian, a wife from a prestigious family with an official wedding, to approve.

    When her husband said he wanted to arrange such a marriage for their son, Xue Xian¡¯s heart had a hundred objections.

    It was only after she met Su Lu and spent time with her that Xue Xian¡¯s resistance began to dissipate.

    Because Su Lu really was someone who made you feelfortable to be around.

    She didn¡¯te across as opportunistic or rude, everything was just right.

    Apart from theck of affection with Gu Xin, Xue Xian could hardly find any faults in her.

    She was extremely satisfied with this daughter-inw.

    If it really came down to it, the Gu Family were all quite satisfied with Su Lu, otherwise they wouldn¡¯t have cooperated with the Su Family on so many projects during their marriage.

    It was said to be in consideration of the Su Family, but in reality, it was mostly for Su Lu.

    And now, such a good daughter-inw was lost, with the fault lying on her own son, and the two had no property disputes, no children, and not even much emotional attachment.

    As a result, when they divorced, Xue Xian and Gu Changlin couldn¡¯t really say much.

    They just couldn¡¯t find the words.

    Xue Xian was a picky high-societydy to begin with, let alone having had Su Lu as a daughter-inw, a gem in her eyes.

    She really disapproved of Chen Yaxi, scrutinizing every detail with displeasure.

    Every aspect of Chen Yaxi was a w in her eyes.

    Xue Xian despised Chen Yaxi¡¯s unrespectable profession, despised that she got involved with Gu Xin during his marriage, viewing her as the worst kind of mistress a distinguished wife could disdain.

    And she even got pregnant before marriage!

    The more Xue Xian thought about it, the angrier she became, feeling more and more it was such a pity, having had such a good daughter-inw, only for it to fall apart.

    She watched as Su Lu skillfully served her favorite tea, which she had prepared herself.

    Xue Xian sighed, ¡°Ah!¡±

    Su Lu asked gently, ¡°Is something wrong?

    Is there anything I can help with?¡±

    Xue Xian picked up the cup, quickly put it down, and then took Su Lu¡¯s hand.

    Su Lu was taken aback and turned her hand over to gently pat the back of Xue Xian¡¯s hand, reassuring, ¡°Aunt, just say it.¡±

    Xue Xian stared at her earnestly, hesitating for a moment before asking seriously, ¡°Xiaolu,¡±

    ¡°Mhm, I¡¯m here.¡±

    ¡°Could you perhaps¡­¡± Xue Xian bit her lip, hesitating, obviously troubled.

    Su Lu thought she might havee because of the issue with Chen Yaxi and was hesitant to speak up due to saving face, so prepared to bring up the subject herself.

    Unexpectedly¡­

    After Xue Xian bit her lip, her resolve seemed to strengthen, and she said earnestly, ¡°Xiaolu, can you forgive our Axin?¡±

    Su Lu: ¡°¡­¡±

    Su Lu¡¯s mind first filled with question marks, followed immediately by exmation marks!

    What was this all about?!

    She never expected this.

    She initially thought that Gu Xin had already pacified his family, but it seemed that might not be the case.

    However¡­ she couldn¡¯t really me Gu Xin for this, since in the matter of their divorce, she hadn¡¯t managed to pacify Su Yukan either.

    ¡°Aunt, this¡­¡± Su Lu, somewhat helpless, said, ¡°Where do I even start?¡±

    Having started the conversation, it wasn¡¯t difficult for Xue Xian to continue, her tone even bing somewhat urgent, ¡°Axin¡¯s father and I are both very pleased with you!

    It¡¯s true that Gu Xin was at fault!

    We failed in our upbringing and wronged you.

    Please forgive him this once.

    I have some shares in Gu Family industries in my name, and properties in several cities.

    If you can forgive Axin, all of these I will leave to you!

    I really¡­ can¡¯t bear to part with you.¡±

 Chapter 64 - 64 64 Paranoia

    ?64: Chapter 64 Paranoia   64: Chapter 64 Paranoia                                   Su Lu: ¡°¡­¡±

    She didn¡¯t want to remain silent, but she really didn¡¯t know what to say!

    Over the years, she and Gu Xin had always been polite to each other in front of their parents, also to avoid causing each other too much trouble.

    So, although both of them knew there was no feeling between them,

    to their parents it might not seem that way.

    Based on their previously courteous interactions, their parents might have thought it wasn¡¯t impossible that they had a profound rtionship.

    Actually, thinking about it now, putting on such a respectful front in front of their parents wasn¡¯t a good thing, unfair to Chen Yaxi, and dishonest to their parents.

    But back then, it certainly was the easiest way to handle things.

    Su Lu had thought that after the divorce procedures, Gu Xin had already exined everything to his parents, but now it seemed that was obviously not the case.

    If that was the case, it was quite normal for Xue Xian to be dissatisfied with Chen Yaxi.

    A woman who had destroyed her son¡¯s marriage and even forced a daughter-inw she liked to step aside!

    ¡°Aunt, the situation between Gu Xin and me isn¡¯t as simple as just forgiving him.

    I¡¯m not in a position to discuss the specifics with you, it would be more appropriate for Gu Xin to tell you himself.¡±

    Su Lu pondered over her wording for a moment, trying to phrase her response as tactfully as possible.

    But since Xue Xian had taken the initiative toe today, of course, she was also emotional.

    She said angrily, ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear it from him!

    The moment he opens his mouth, he only speaks highly of that woman, praising how good she is.

    If she¡¯s that good, would she have destroyed someone¡¯s marriage?

    Would she have resorted to using a child as leverage?

    I merely spoke a few words about that woman, and he turned his back on me, and even took her abroad for a vacation.

    Is he avoiding me?

    He¡¯s the one in the wrong, and he thinks he has the right to be?!¡±

    So that was why Gu Xin took Chen Yaxi abroad for a vacation.

    Su Lu thought to herself that Gu Xin really didn¡¯t handle this smartly.

    His mother already had a poor impression of Chen Yaxi, and him constantly speaking well of her in front of his mother was only going to backfire¡­

    Su Lu couldn¡¯t agree with her or appraise Chen Yaxi¡¯s character, so she could only helplessly offer a smile.

    Xue Xian¡¯s eyes had reddened, which left Su Lu feeling somewhat at a loss.

    She gripped Su Lu¡¯s hand tightly, pleading, ¡°Xiaolu, can¡¯t you give Axin another chance?

    Which man doesn¡¯t make mistakes?

    Especially in our circle, if you can¡¯t tolerate the slightest fault, you might as well not live.¡±

    Su Lu really didn¡¯t like hearing this and couldn¡¯t agree either.

    Perhaps she still hadn¡¯t grown up, in her heart she still wanted to hold on to that purity in rtionships.

    ¡°Aunt, Gu Xin and I no longer have feelings for each other.¡± Su Lu could only advise, ¡°He and Chen Yaxi have a very good rtionship, and if he can be happy, then I am willing to wish him well.

    You also shouldn¡¯t insist, don¡¯t let this matter damage your rtionship with your son.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t care!

    As long as I am here, that woman won¡¯t enter the Gu Family¡¯s door!

    The Gu Family will only have one daughter-inw, and that¡¯s you, Su Lu!¡± Xue Xian stated.

    Su Lu didn¡¯t know what to do for a moment and could only continue tofort her in a soft voice.

    Xue Xian wouldn¡¯t leave, stubbornly staying put as if trying to wear Su Lu down, remaining there.

    Su Lu felt helpless, all the way until it was time to leave work in the afternoon.

    ¡°Aunt, I¡¯m off work now.

    Let me take you downstairs.¡±

    Xue Xian stood up, her eyes darting about before she said, ¡°I didn¡¯t arrange for a car, Xiaolu can you drive me home?¡±

    Su Lu really wanted to refuse, but looking into Xue Xian¡¯s eyes¡­

    and indeed, driving her home wasn¡¯t too difficult a task.

    Su Lu sighed softly, ¡°Okay.¡±

    On the drive to the Gu Family¡¯s house, Xue Xian kept steadfastly making her case and trying to convince Su Lu to forgive Gu Xin and not give up on their rtionship.

    Su Lu, on the other hand, kept emphasizing that she and Gu Xin no longer had feelings for each other.

    Xue Xian then started to employ indirect persuasion, suggesting that feelings could be developed even if there weren¡¯t any¡­

    once someone became obsessed, it seemed that no argument could persuade them.

    Fortunately, the journey had its limits, and she finally dropped Xue Xian off at the Gu Family¡¯s residence.

    As soon as the car reached the gate, the ck iron gate¡¯s security system automatically opened, and gatekeeper Uncle Zhang greeted her with a kind smile, ¡°Mrs.

    Gu, long time no see.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for your hard work, Uncle Zhang,¡± Su Lu said as she drove inside.

    Xue Xian invited her to stay for dinner.

    Originally, Su Lu wanted to decline, but Xue Xian pleaded with a pitiful expression, saying if she didn¡¯t stay, Xue Xian would only have her cat forpany during her meal.

    Su Lu had no choice but to stay for dinner.

    Before leaving, she still made a point to assert her position.

    But it seemed that Xue Xian had already sunk into paranoia and wasn¡¯t really listening.

    She loaded two baskets of fruit into Su Lu¡¯s car and urged her toe over for meals more often.

    Only after Su Lu drove the car away from the Gu Family¡¯s residence did she breathe a sigh of relief.

    She parked the car on the roadside outside the Gu Family¡¯s ce before picking up her phone.

    She didn¡¯t even bother with text messages and directly made a voice call.

    She waited for the call to be answered.

    So much so that she hadn¡¯t noticed a nondescript small car parked not far away.

    In this residential area around the Gu Family¡¯s home, it was quite unlikely to see such a low-end brand of car.

    And Su Lu hadn¡¯t noticed either, across the road, a ck luxury car was sitting silently there¡­

    The voice call rang for quite a while before it was finally picked up.

    Gu Xin was on the other end, and he sounded somewhat tired.

    ¡°Hello, Xiaolu.¡±

    Su Lu had been prepared for a barrage of pointed questions once the call connected, but upon hearing Gu Xin¡¯s voice, she held back.

    She only asked, ¡°Are you alright?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, what¡¯s up?¡± Gu Xin asked.

    Su Lu hesitated for a moment, then said, ¡°Your mother¡­

    came to thepany to see me today.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Gu Xin fell silent at the other end.

    Su Lu heard him take a deep breath in and exhale it slowly; he was smoking.

    ¡°Haven¡¯t you talked to her about our situation?¡± Su Lu carefully asked, sensing that something was off.

    ¡°Did you tell her?¡± Gu Xin fired back, and it was clear that his tone was not good.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything.

    I think it¡¯s more appropriate for you to address it.

    After all, I don¡¯t really have a ce to stand,¡± Su Lu spoke sensibly.

    But her words seemed to have struck a nerve with Gu Xin.

    Unable to control his emotions, he replied with a bad tone, ¡°Yeah, you really don¡¯t have a ce to stand, so it¡¯s more suitable for me to speak up, as if this whole thing from beginning to end were entirely my affair, as if you never participated in this marriage at all.¡±

    Su Lu pursed her lips.

    Most of the time, she managed her emotions very well, probably because she didn¡¯t care much, so she remained calm, rational, and subdued.

    Now she replied very calmly, ¡°I guess you¡¯re not in a good mood; let¡¯s talk when you¡¯ve calmed down a bit.¡±

    Gu Xin must have been under a lot of stress recently because he spoke with ack of control at the other end, ¡°Why has it all be my fault now?

    Xiao Xi¡¯s fault now?

    You didn¡¯t want this marriage from the start, and you had someone else you liked too.

    Why has it all be my fault?

    Isn¡¯t this a mutual fault?¡±

    ¡°Yes, so whatever you need me to cooperate with, I will fullyply, but let¡¯s wait until you¡¯ve calmed down, I¡­

    ah!¡±

    A loud bang startled Su Lu into suddenly screaming.

    Gu Xin instantly became calm, yet anxious, ¡°Xiaolu?

    Xiaolu!

    What happened?!¡±

 Chapter 65 - 65 65 He Appeared

    ?65: Chapter 65: He Appeared   65: Chapter 65: He Appeared                                   Although Gu Xin had been under tremendous pressure recently, which sometimes made him lose his cool and control of his emotions,

    he even unreasonably took his anger out on Su Lu, knowing full well in his heart that he was discing his anger.

    But he just couldn¡¯t control it.

    Due to pregnancy hormones being unstable and further disturbed by thesements, Chen Yaxi¡¯s emotions became even more unstable.

    He couldn¡¯t possiblysh out at his pregnant lover.

    However, Su Lu was always so gentle, restrained, and understanding, which is why Gu Xin couldn¡¯t help himself, even though he knew he was discing his anger.

    Deep down, he felt that Su Lu, being such a good-natured person, would understand and tolerate him.

    Even though it was very unreasonable.

    But that didn¡¯t mean he really wished any harm on Su Lu, so when he heard Su Lu¡¯s scream,

    Gu Xin snapped back into reality.

    ¡°Xiaolu!

    Xiaolu?

    What happened?!¡± he asked anxiously.

    Then he heard the sounds of knocking and the sharp noise of breaking ss.

    Gu Xin¡¯s brow furrowed with urgency.

    Su Lu¡¯s voice lost its prior calmness and restraint, her voice trembling slightly, ¡°You¡­

    who are you?

    What do you want?

    Ah¡ª!

    Let go of me!¡±

    Hearing the sounds from Su Lu¡¯s end, Gu Xin also became frantic.

    ¡°How¡­

    what happened?¡±

    Su Lu didn¡¯t hear Gu Xin¡¯s voice on the other end; she was stunned by the sudden turn of events.

    From a cheap-looking car that had pulled up nearby sometime before, a disheveled man emerged, wearing an inconspicuous jacket and a duck-billed cap, his chin covered in thick stubble that looked long unshaven.

    His face was gaunt, with prominent cheekbones and hollow cheeks, his eyes hinted at a touch of hysteria.

    He held a crowbar, swinging it repeatedly, smashing her car window, quickly shattering the ss.

    His voice was hoarse, ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting at the door for a week or two; finally, I caught you.¡±

    ¡°Who¡­

    who are you?¡± Su Lu tried to stay calm as she asked.

    He responded, ¡°I remember you, you are Gu Xin¡¯s wife, right?¡±

    He seemed agitated, ¡°His dad is always with bodyguards, his mom always with a driver, I thought I¡¯d never find a chance, but finally, here it is.¡±

    Su Lu realized, this person was probably targeting Gu Xin.

    And this man also saw the screen of the smartphone that Su Lu was holding mid-call; his eyes lit up, and he snatched it away.

    Gu Xin had felt that this man¡¯s voice was somewhat familiar.

    Now, hearing the man speak on the phone, ¡°Hello, Mr.

    Gu?¡±

    Gu Xin only found the voice familiar but couldn¡¯t recall who it was, ¡°Who are you?

    What exactly do you want!¡±

    ¡°Mr.

    Gu really forgets things easily, huh?

    But of course, for someone who can easily crush others with a flick of a finger, why would you care?

    In your eyes, I¡¯m probably less than nothing!¡±

    Gu Xin: ¡°You are¡­

    Zhang Yuanjun?¡±

    ¡°Surprised Mr.

    Gu still remembers, truly ttered,¡± Zhang Yuanjun said with a coldugh.

    Gu Xin was utterly speechless, and if it weren¡¯t for not wanting to agitate the man further under these circumstances, Gu Xin would have roared.

    This man had clearly made a mistake himself, embezzling funds, yet how had it turned into him being ruthlessly pursued by Gu Xin?

    He took a deep breath to suppress his emotions.

    ¡°Are you sick?

    When have I ever been utterly ruthless to you?

    It was your own mistake; I was merely acting ording to the rules.¡±

    Yet, the man asserted himself boldly.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care!

    I begged you!

    But you just refused to make any allowances!

    You¡¯re so rich!

    Why do you have to be so petty with me?!¡±

    Su Lu listened from the side, her worldviewpletely shaken by such absurd logic¡­

    It was unexpectedly refreshing.

    Indeed, it wasn¡¯t Gu Xin¡¯s fault for attracting trouble; who would have thought there were such people?

    ¡°You rich people!

    The richer you get, the stingier you be!

    The richer you are, the more you fuss!

    How would you understand the hardships of people like me?¡± The man grew more self-righteous, almost moving himself to tears with his words, his eyes even reddening a bit.

    Su Lu: ¡°¡­¡±

    Gu Xin almost rebuked with, ¡®Being poor isn¡¯t a reason to break thew,¡¯ but considering the man¡¯s unstable emotions and Su Lu¡¯s safety, he held back.

    He took a deep breath and asked, ¡°Alright, then what do you want?¡±

    ¡°The things that happened before, I want you to overlook them, solve them for me!

    Otherwise, don¡¯t me me for being harsh on your wife!

    Heh, she¡¯s quite pretty too.

    If something bad happens to her, it¡¯s not a loss for me either¡­¡± The man chuckled greasily.

    Su Lu furrowed her brows as the man aimed a crowbar at her neck.

    Gu Xin still pondered how to negotiate with the man, prioritizing calming him down first.

    Suddenly, from the other end, he heard the man¡¯s piercing scream of agony.

    ¡°Ah¡ª!

    Ah¡ª!¡±

    There was also the sound of beating on a body, the dull thumpsbined with his screams made it easy to imagine how brutally fists were meeting flesh.

    ¡°Spare¡­

    spare my life!

    Help!

    They¡¯re¡­

    going to beat me to death!¡±

    There was rustling from the phone, as if it was being passed from one hand to another.

    Following that, Gu Xin heard a voice so chillingly cold it seemed toe from hell itself.

    ¡°Listen carefully.¡± The man¡¯s voice was exceptionally cold.

    ¡°If you cause any trouble for Su Lu again, don¡¯t me me for not being nice to your woman and the child in her womb.

    Try me if you don¡¯t believe.¡±

    This voice was apanied by the sound of metal scraping the ground.

    Gu Xin couldn¡¯t recognize the voice of this man, but with such a cold and dominant tone, he momentarily thought it was Su Zhe.

    But before Gu Xin could respond, the call was abruptly hung up.

    Not only was Gu Xin caught off guard, but Su Lu was even more so.

    She watched,pletely stunned, as Bo Jingshen approached menacingly, pulling Zhang Yuanjun away from her car window to the side before starting to brutally beat him.

    She watched as he took the crowbar and her phone from Zhang Yuanjun¡¯s hands using only his bare hands, listened to the sharp sound of the crowbar scraping the ground as he dragged it along.

    His hand held the crowbar, blood dripping down from his fingertips.

    In his other hand, he held the phone, spewing threats to Gu Xin on the other end.

    By the time he reached her car, he abruptly hung up and handed her the phone.

    Su Lu took the phone, her mouth opening and closing, unable to speak; how could he be here?

    If he hadn¡¯t been there, the consequences would have been unimaginable.

    But his presence, like a hero of unparalleled measure¡­

    Su Lu blinked, her eyes slightly red.

    Bo Jingshen remained silent, standing outside the car door, gazing down at her steadily, then reaching out to gently touch her face.

    ¡°It¡¯s good you¡¯re not hurt.¡±

 Chapter 66 - 66 66 Seems to Have Calmed Down

    ?66: Chapter 66 Seems to Have Calmed Down?

    66: Chapter 66 Seems to Have Calmed Down?

    Su Lu blinked her eyes.

    Despite being scared before, she had not shed a single tear, but now, with a blink,rge drops of tears were cascading down.

    The teardrops fell onto Bo Jingshen¡¯s fingertips, and he couldn¡¯t help but frown, dropping the crowbar and intending to wipe away her tears.

    Still, his hand was covered in sticky blood.

    The urgent sound of a car starting came from behind.

    Seizing the moment Bo Jingshen was distracted, Zhang Yuanjun, limping, jumped into the car and drove away.

    Su Lu stared fixedly at the blood on Bo Jingshen¡¯s hands, her brows deeply furrowed.

    She hurriedly pulled out some tissues and shoved them into his hand.

    Bo Jingshen pinched the tissues with one hand and took out his phone with the other to dial a number.

    He calmly reported a license te number over the phone.

    Even in his earlier state of rage, he had managed to memorize the number.

    ¡°Yes, this te number, run a check.¡± Bo Jingshen¡¯s voice was soft and calm, as if nothing had happened, as if he wasn¡¯t the same person who was so enraged that he almost killed Zhang Yuanjun just moments before.

    He calmly continued, ¡°If the te number yields no results, check the name Zhang Yuanjun.¡±

    After hanging up the phone, Bo Jingshen leaned slightly, looking at Su Lu in the car.

    ¡°Feeling better?¡± he asked, worried she had been frightened, ¡°Can you drive yourself back?¡±

    After speaking, without waiting for Su Lu¡¯s response, he knocked on the car door, ¡°Never mind, you sit on the side.

    I¡¯ll drive.¡±

    Su Lu sniffled, finally regaining someposure, ¡°I can drive, you¡­

    just get in.¡±

    She thought better of it and then added, ¡°Or do you want to drive your own car?¡±

    Without saying a second word, Bo Jingshen got into the car.

    Su Lu immediately started the car and drove off.

    She had hesitated over whether to call the police, but then thought better of it, figuring Bo Jingshen would handle the situation.

    The Gu Family lived in the suburbs, in a nice environment, but it was still some distance from the city center.

    Su Lu, who always drove steadily, now couldn¡¯t help but speed up.

    With a grave expression, she drove with extreme focus.

    Bo Jingshen nced at her out of the corner of his eye and, for some reason, let out a slight sigh of relief.

    Fortunately, she was okay.

    Fortunately¡­

    it seemed she had cooled down.

    Bo Jingshen knew Su Lu well; she was not one to get angry easily, but when she did, it wasn¡¯t easy for her to calm down.

    Perhaps it was because she didn¡¯t get angry often that her angersted so long when she did.

    He had obviously upset her earlier.

    Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have been so worried about Su Lu withdrawing from the cooperation project and wouldn¡¯t have given Cheng Yan an urgent order to sign the letter of intent overnight.

    Halfway through the drive, Su Lu¡¯s phone rang.

    Her phone screen was already shattered; it was unclear whether it was just the protective film that was broken or if the screen was damaged too.

    Su Lu had yet to change the saved name for Xue Xian¡¯s number in her phone.

    It was still saved as ¡®Mrs.

    Gu¡¯, the way it always had been.

    She had no mother, and it was absolutely impossible for her to refer to Zhu Xinyan with such a term, so the name on the call was clear given the surname Gu.

    Her phone was propped up on the car¡¯s center console mount, and Bo Jingshen, seated in the passenger seat, could clearly see the screen.

    Su Lu didn¡¯t turn to look at his expression, but she could feel as though the atmosphere had changed somewhat.

    So, Su Lu didn¡¯t turn on the speakerphone.

    Instead, she grabbed a Bluetooth earpiece, inserted it into her ear, and then answered the call.

    Xue Xian spoke with concern, ¡°Xiaolu, are you okay?

    Nothing happened, right?¡±

    ¡°No, nothing.¡± Su Lu replied briefly.

    ¡°That¡¯s good, that¡¯s good.

    Uncle Zhang, when he was out patrolling, saw some broken car ss on the roadside ¨C thought someone¡¯s car got smashed.

    As long as you¡¯re okay, that¡¯s good.

    Come back soon, and let me know when you arrive, oh?

    I¡¯ve been worried.¡±

    ¡°Okay, I will.

    I¡¯m still driving, so I¡¯ll hang up now.¡±

    After the call ended, the car became very quiet.

    The car left the expressway and entered the city.

    It was then that Su Lu asked, ¡°Should I take you to the hospital?¡±

    She hadn¡¯t looked closely at the wound on his hand and didn¡¯t dare say whether it was serious or not.

    But Su Lu felt that going to the hospital was definitely the safer option.

    Bo Jingshen, however, shook his head in refusal, ¡°No need, just take me home.¡±

    As he spoke, he mentioned a residentialplex name¡ªa high-end area in Feng City, not far from Mingyang Avenue but also quite close to the new district.

    The location was excellent, ranking within the top three of the best properties in Feng City in recent years.

    It seemed Bo Jingshen¡¯s home was there.

    Su Lu, having grown up in Feng City, was fairly familiar with the area, so she drove straight to his residence.

    When they entered theplex, he used his ess card, which worked smoothly without a hitch.

    Su Lu stopped the car in front of the building as per his instructions.

    Bo Jingshen got out, and Su Lu really did intend to follow and go upstairs with him, to look at the wound on his hand, to help him with it.

    But before she even had the chance to turn off the engine, she saw the personing towards the building from behind.

    It was Jing Ruo, the woman with an ambiguously close rtionship with Bo Jingshen.

    Su Lu was taken aback, her fingers tightening on the steering wheel.

    She hadn¡¯t expected¡­

    that they were living together.

    Bo Jingshen closed the passenger side door and noticed Su Lu¡¯sck of response, so he slightly bent down to look at her through the window, ¡°Aren¡¯t youing up to sit for a bit?¡±

    He even nned to walk around to the driver¡¯s side to open the door for her.

    Unexpectedly, Su Lu shook her head, ¡°No, thank you.

    Remember to have someone look at that wound when you get back.

    I think it¡¯s better to go get a tetanus shot tomorrow during the day.¡±

    Her voice was eerily calm, the calmer it was, the more unfathomable it became.

    Su Lu shifted into reverse, ¡°Then I¡¯ll be leaving now.¡±

    After backing up the car and creating some distance from him, she quickly spun the wheel to turn around and drive away.

    Bo Jingshen stood in ce, disbelief in his gaze.

    Soon, he heard a slightly surprised female voice from behind, ¡°Oh?

    You¡¯re back?¡±

    Bo Jingshen frowned and turned around to see Jing Ruo walking up behind him, looking at the game disc and a bag of snacks in her hand, and her casual homely attire.

    Bo Jingshen felt a twinge of pain in his temples.

    Jing Ruo was used to his cold demeanor, but upon seeing the blood on his hand, she was still shocked, ¡°What happened to your hand?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s none of your business.¡± Bo Jingshen dismissed the injury on his hand as if it wasmonce to him.

    Yet Jing Ruo couldn¡¯t help but frown, the girl, who always faced Bo Jingshen¡¯s coldness without such serious concern before, was now all seriousness, ¡°Is it because someone¡¯s been troubling you again?

    Is it because he had someone¡­¡±

    She hadn¡¯t finished speaking when Bo Jingshen interrupted her, ¡°It¡¯s not that, stop guessing.¡±

    Rarely, his voice and expression were not so cold towards Jing Ruo.

    However, thisck of coldness didn¡¯tst long.

    As Jing Ruo said, ¡°I¡¯ll bandage it for you in a bit.¡±

    And then followed him into the building lobby, Bo Jingshen turned his head and frowned, ¡°When are you going to leave?

    Is this ce some kind of shelter?¡±

 Chapter 67 - 67 67 Dare Not Make a Sound

    ?67: Chapter 67: Dare Not Make a Sound   67: Chapter 67: Dare Not Make a Sound                                   Jing Ruo¡¯s expression on her face stiffened, and she looked at Bo Jingshen with a veryplex gaze.

    ¡°It is really hard to imagine, what kind of person can tolerate living with someone like you.

    What a temperament this is¡­¡±

    Bo Jingshen stepped into the elevator and turned to look at Jing Ruo outside the elevator doors, ¡°Don¡¯t worry yourself about it, in any case, it won¡¯t be you.

    Rest assured.¡±

    Jing Ruo huffed, sulkily pursing her lips, ¡°Anyway, even if you are impatient, just bear with it during this time.

    He knows you¡¯re back in the country, and since I¡¯m here watching, he won¡¯t be too likely toe trouble you.¡±

    As Jing Ruo spoke, she couldn¡¯t help clicking her tongue twice, ¡°I really don¡¯t know who I¡¯m doing this for, to think that I¡¯m even despised like this.¡±

    But she couldn¡¯t make out any guilt on Bo Jingshen¡¯s face¡ªall she saw was his impatience as he pressed the elevator close button several times!

    If she hadn¡¯t moved quickly, she almost wouldn¡¯t have been able to squeeze into the elevator!

    If possible, Jing Ruo just wanted to exim loudly, ¡°Damn unfeeling!¡±

    Su Lu drove back, feeling actually veryplicated inside.

    Thinking of Bo Jingshen¡¯s appearance in the moment of crisis, her heart was not unaffected.

    But then she thought of Jing Ruo appearing at Bo Jingshen¡¯s apartment unit door dressed in homewear.

    Her heart felt extremely ufortable.

    After returning home, Gu Xin¡¯s call came in, now without the previous unrestrained bad mood when speaking to Su Lu; his voice even contained a heavy note of apology.

    ¡°Xiaolu, are you alright?

    I¡¯m really worried.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Su Lu poured a cup of warm water, didn¡¯t lift it to drink, holding the phone in one hand, and extending the palm of the other hand open.

    Looking at her own pale and clean palm, she couldn¡¯t help thinking of how his hand that held the crowbar bled, drop by drop, through his fingers.

    Gu Xin, noting her brief words, also knew he had spoken too harshly before.

    After hesitating for a moment, he said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, my emotions and tone were too bad earlier.

    I know you¡¯re already having a hard time, and all these matters are because I didn¡¯t handle them properly, hence the situation has be what it is now, whether it¡¯s about our rtionship or this matter with Zhang Yuanjun.¡±

    Chen Yaxi had learned of these matters before and scolded him.

    It actually jolted him awake, yes, he always thought he was the one who was wronged, who had it tough, who had it hard.

    But he hadn¡¯t considered how difficult it must be for Su Lu to be in such an awkward position.

    Moreover, if they were to go by their current rtionship status, that is to say, there wasn¡¯t one.

    She originally had no responsibility or obligation to shield him from any trouble.

    Even if she, Su Lu, were toin about him and Chen Yaxi in front of anyone, on any social media tform, it would bepletely justifiable.

    But she hadn¡¯t done so; she even went above and beyond to shield them both from a lot of trouble.

    Using Chen Yaxi¡¯s scolding words, that would be, ¡°Gu Xin, get it straight, to be honest, I don¡¯t even dare to speak loudly to Su Lu because we are simply in the wrong.

    It¡¯s because she really has it tough.

    And you?

    You even me her?

    What kind of beast are you?¡±

    ¡°Also, about this matter, if you don¡¯t handle it well, let¡¯s not talk about other things, just considering the attitude your mother has towards me all this time, if anything happens to Su Lu, I, Chen Yaxi, won¡¯t have to enter the Gu Family¡¯s doors for the rest of my life.

    The child in my belly, too, will find it hard to be acknowledged by your family.¡±

    Chen Yaxi always spoke bluntly, and her discourse really left Gu Xin feeling utterly ashamed.

    When he called again, wasn¡¯t his tone extraordinarily gentle¡­

    Su Lu, hearing Gu Xin¡¯s recent apology, actually gentlyughed, she understood Gu Xin well.

    So she said, ¡°You got a scolding from Chen Yaxi, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    Gu Xin sighed, ¡°Like getting doused in blood.¡±

    ¡°Then I feel relieved,¡± said Su Lu.

    Hearing what Su Lu said, Gu Xin felt relieved.

    ¡°As long as you feel better, that¡¯s what matters.

    If you¡¯re still upset when I get back, let me know how you want me to apologize.¡±

    Su Lu restrained her smile, pondered for a moment, and said, ¡°That person has run away.¡±

    ¡°Zhang Yuanjun?¡±

    ¡°Mhm, so if this issue isn¡¯t resolved and the person isn¡¯t caught yet, don¡¯t bring Chen Yaxi back.

    She¡¯s pregnant, and it¡¯s not too safe,¡± Su Lu said.

    Considering the situation today, it was genuinely frightening¡ªif Chen Yaxi, pregnant as she was, had been there, she might have been scared out of her wits.

    Already feeling guilty, and upon hearing Su Lu¡¯s words, Gu Xin couldn¡¯t help but think that it was no wonder Chen Yaxi scolded him, no wonder she said she didn¡¯t even dare to raise her voice to Su Lu.

    To be honest, Gu Xin himself now felt that shouting at Su Lu before was indeed an unforgivable sin.

    So, Gu Xin couldn¡¯t help but apologize again, ¡°Xiaolu, I¡¯m really sorry, it¡¯s truly my fault that you¡¯re shouldering so much.¡±

    Su Luughed and said, ¡°If I were in front of you right now, would you have to kneel down to me?¡±

    ¡°I feel ashamed,¡± Gu Xin said.

    Su Lu replied, ¡°I consider you a friend, after all, we have five years ofradely bonds.

    Don¡¯t be such a stranger.¡±

    Only then did Gu Xin stop apologizing and just asked Su Lu not to worry, saying he wouldn¡¯t rashly let Chen Yaxie back until everything was settled.

    Then he couldn¡¯t quite hold back¡ªhe and Su Lu wererades with a history, after all, and he had never hidden anything about his rtionship with Chen Yaxi from Su Lu from the very beginning.

    Naturally, he was very curious now.

    Gu Xin tentatively asked, ¡°The person who took your phone earlier, I didn¡¯t react at the time to recognize the voice, but thinking about it¡­

    that seemed like Bo Jingshen¡¯s voice, right?¡±

    Su Lu didn¡¯t make a sound.

    Gu Xin continued, ¡°Actually, when you were still in Hai City, I heard the project team mention him there.

    I¡­

    I¡¯m not just being nosy.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Su Lu raised an eyebrow.

    Gu Xin clicked his tongue on the other end, ¡°Alright, I admit I¡¯m just being nosy, okay?

    I¡¯ve told you everything, after all.¡±

    ¡°Fine.

    It¡¯s just that¡­

    things between him and me are a bitplicated, and right now there really isn¡¯t much to say,¡± Su Lu said, and nced at the palm of her hand again.

    Gu Xin didn¡¯t ask further, for he more or less knew that before marrying him, Su Lu had someone she liked very, very much, and her feelings were deep.

    So much so that from the time they first got married, he could feel her sense of distance, as if she could no longer let anyone else in.

    For that reason, Gu Xin had had no intention of developing any feelings with Su Lu from the beginning.

    If someone¡¯s heart is upied by another, it is very hard for others topete.

    ¡°In any case, don¡¯t let yourself be wronged,¡± Gu Xin said.

    Su Lu: ¡°I know.¡± She thought for a moment, ¡°Oh, by the way, my brother hase back.¡±

    Gu Xin let out a long sigh, ¡°Sigh¡ª!¡±

    Of course, he knew Su Zhe hade back.

    If he didn¡¯t know that Su Zhe hade back, he wouldn¡¯t have been irrationally angry with Su Lu like he had been before.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, I can handle it,¡± Gu Xin said.

    Su Lu couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit of schadenfreude, ¡°I¡¯m really sorry for not being able to help you.¡±

    Even though she spoke with schadenfreude, her words were sincere¡ªshe really couldn¡¯t help Gu Xin, and he knew it.

    Su Zhe waspletely aware of theck of feelings between him and Su Lu and still, he was annoyed by him.

    Gu Xin felt a bit of sympathy for whoever would end up with Su Lu in the future¡­

 Chapter 68 - 68 68 Already Known

    ?68: Chapter 68 Already Known   68: Chapter 68 Already Known                                   At the same time, Jing Ruo very selflessly offered the snacks she had bought to Bo Jingshen, and for no apparent reason, Bo Jingshen let out a loud sneeze.

    Jing Ruo¡¯s face turned as ck as coal, she mmed the door as she entered the guest room, deciding she would never bother with this guy again.

    Before hanging up the phone, Gu Xin couldn¡¯t help but worry about Su Lu¡¯s health, ¡°You were shocked today, why don¡¯t you go over and spend the night with Cheng You Ran?¡±

    After being shocked, a person might recover at the moment, but some side effects could be dyed in their onset.

    ¡°Got it.¡± After ending the call, Su Lu felt that Gu Xin made sense.

    So she called Cheng You Ran.

    ¡°Where are you?¡± Su Lu barely got the words out.

    When she heard the hurried voice of Cheng You Ran on the other end, ¡°Where else could an old ox be, what¡¯s up?¡±

    Su Lu knew there was no need to ask further, this fellow was on a night shift, ¡°No worries, was just thinking of having you over for the night.¡±

    ¡°Ay, thanks boss, maybe next time.

    I¡¯m not free tonight, busy here,¡± Cheng You Ran said, and Su Lu could hear the sound of emergency callsing from her end.

    Cheng You Ran didn¡¯t say much else, hurriedly hung up the phone.

    ¡°Better to rely on oneself than others.¡± Su Lu took out a calming bath bomb from the cupboard, filled the tub with hot water, and took a bath.

    Sure enough, right after the bath, she felt drowsy.

    Toozy to drain the water, she climbed straight into bed, feeling like there wasn¡¯t much of a problem.

    But in the middle of the night, the problem arrived.

    Nightmares, endless nightmares, either being chased or beaten, it felt like there was no peace at all, sleeping was exhausting.

    Convulsions, cold sweat, struggling to wake from the dreams, and the clock showed it was just two in the morning.

    She felt hot all over, and her temperature was 39.5 degrees.

    She rummaged through her medicine cab, which had stomach and wound medicines, but not a single fever or pain reducer.

    Su Lu ordered medicine delivery through her phone, then wrapped herself in a nket with a cup of hot water, nesting on the sofa under the warm light of the living room floormp, waiting for the delivery to arrive.

    About twenty minutes passed, and the inte buzzer at the building¡¯s entrance rang.

    Wrapped in a nket, Su Lu went over, picked up the receiver, and the delivery man¡¯s face appeared on the inte video wearing a blue safety helmet, ¡°Hello, I¡¯m here with your medicine!¡±

    But Su Lu¡¯s focus wasn¡¯t on his face, because she saw the man standing behind him smoking, revealing half of his profile.

    Because he was turned to the side, the outline of half of his face was visible, and even though the inte video¡¯s resolution was very poor,

    that faultless perfect contour was still striking enough to catch the eye.

    ¡°Hello?¡± the delivery man, not getting a response, asked again.

    ¡°Ah, oh, wait a second, I¡­ I¡¯ming down to get it,¡± Su Lu said softly.

    The delivery man, happy not to go upstairs, immediately responded, ¡°Alright then, I appreciate it.¡±

    Su Lu hastily shuffled downstairs in her slippers; the elevator arrived quickly even at thiste hour.

    Perhaps it was the fever that made her impatience re because during that brief time, she kept staring at the numbers jumping atop the elevator, barely able to wait.

    Inside the elevator, as it descended, that same feeling of restlessness prevailed as she watched the floor numbers tick down.

    Until the ding of the elevator door opening.

    The coolness and slight mustiness of the first floor entrance hall, which rarely saw sunlight, rushed into her nostrils.

    Su Lu hurried out and opened the door to the building.

    ¡°Hey, hello, Miss Su, right?

    This is the medicine you ordered,¡± the delivery man handed over a paper bag.

    Su Lu took it, absent-mindedly staring past the delivery guy.

    But the man she had seen smoking behind her in the security video was gone, as if¡­

    the sight in the video had been nothing more than a hallucination born from her fever.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Su Lu said to the delivery guy, pausing for a moment, she couldn¡¯t resist asking, ¡°Did you just see¡ª¡±

    ¡°Hm?

    See what?¡± The delivery guy waited for her to continue.

    Su Lu paused, then shook her head lightly, ¡°It¡¯s nothing, never mind.

    Thanks.¡±

    ¡°Alright then, have a good rest, goodbye,¡± the delivery guy said as he finally turned to leave.

    Su Lu didn¡¯t immediately close the door to her unit.

    She leaned against the ss door, looking outside for a moment, but she didn¡¯t see the man from the security video.

    She lowered her eyes, pursing her lips to close the ss door.

    Just as the ss door was about to shut, a figure darted forward, a slender hand reaching out to stop the door.

    Given her past experience of having her car window smashed and being threatened, Su Lu should have felt fear in this sudden situation, should have been scared.

    After all, even under normal conditions, a person appearing out of nowhere would startle anyone.

    But strangely, she wasn¡¯t frightened at all.

    Su Lu just paused, suddenly looking up to meet Bo Jingshen¡¯s deep-set eyes.

    The man in front of her, dressed in casual attire, even wearing a pair of clogs on his feet, was exactly the same as the one she had seen on the video upstairs.

    It wasn¡¯t a fever-induced illusion.

    He had appeared just as suddenly again.

    Just staring at her like that, his hand gently touched her face.

    It seemed that he found the temperature of her skin unsatisfactory, as his thick brows furrowed tightly.

    Su Lu was feverish, her ears buzzing, but she could still vaguely hear him mutter softly, ¡°I knew it.¡±

    Su Lu was confused, not catching on.

    What did he know?

    Bo Jingshen took the bag of medicine from her hand, his other hand holding her wrist, leading her through the building¡¯s door.

    Su Lu stared at the bandage wrapped around his hand, unable to look away.

    The elevator door opened, and Bo Jingshen led her inside.

    Her gaze was still fixed on his bandaged hand, her mind dull as ifgging behind.

    So it wasn¡¯t until Bo Jingshen pinched her chin to lift her head that Su Lu finally came to her senses and pressed the button for her floor.

    Bo Jingshen nonchntly pocketed his bandaged hand in his trouser pocket.

    With a ding, the elevator reached the floor.

    Approaching the door, Su Lu¡¯s mind was still sluggish, but basic instincts kicked in, and she pushed open the sliding cover of the digital lock.

    On the keypad illuminated by blue light, she pressed the six digits; the blue light turned green, the cover slid shut, and the door opened.

    Everything was normal, just as it always was when she came home; not a single step was missed despite her foggy brain.

    Except, she missed one detail¡ªthe six-digit code for her door lock was someone¡¯s birthday.

    And right now, that person was standing beside her, holding her wrist, watching clearly as she entered his birthday on the door¡¯s digital keypad.

 Chapter 69 - 69 69 Capture the Scene

    ?69: Chapter 69: Capture the Scene   69: Chapter 69: Capture the Scene                                   Bo Jingshen looked thoughtfully at the door lock for a moment before following Su Lu into the house.

    She bent over and rummaged through the shoe cab for a pair of slippers for him.

    As she stood up, she nearly lost her bnce, but Bo Jingshen firmly steadied her.

    Su Lu straightened up and handed him the slippers, ¡°Wear these.¡±

    The slippers, men¡¯s, didn¡¯t look new.

    Despite her feeling unwell and not in the best condition, Bo Jingshen couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Are these Gu Xin¡¯s?¡±

    Su Lu, somewhat delirious from the fever, docile as a rabbit, shook her head while changing into her own indoor slippers, ¡°He hardly stays here, these belong to my brother.¡±

    When she said he hardly stayed here, it was because she had bought the apartment when she married Gu Xin.

    In the first two years of their marriage, to keep up appearances for their parents, Gu Xin would sometimes spend a night here.

    But that had ceased long ago, and the property had been transferred to Su Lu¡¯s name early on.

    It was her own private residence now, with Gu Xin only sometimesing over for a cup of tea and a chat before leaving.

    So there used to be some of Gu Xin¡¯s things in the house, but over thest two years, virtually nothing remained.

    Hearing that Gu Xin didn¡¯t live here, Bo Jingshen raised an eyebrow, slipped on the slippers, and walked into the living room, silently surveying the surroundings.

    It indeed looked like a woman¡¯s single-upancy home, with no wedding pictures of her and Gu Xin or anything of the sort.

    On a side cab, there were framed photos of Su Lu with Cheng Youran, as well as Su Lu with Su Zhe and another boy, but none of Gu Xin.

    Bo Jingshen silently observed his surroundings while he fetched her a ss of water, opened the medicine box, took out a fever reducer, and handed it to Su Lu.

    Su Lu sat on the sofa, wrapped in a nket.

    Though foggy from fever, she somewhat btedly grasped the situation, took the capsules, put them in her mouth, and swallowed them with water.

    She looked up at Bo Jingshen.

    How did it¡­

    How did she let hime up, in the middle of the night?

    ¡°Why did youe?¡± Su Lu asked softly.

    Bo Jingshen touched her forehead and then pressed down on her shoulders to help her lie down on the sofa.

    ¡°You¡¯ve always been sensitive; I guessed you might feel ufortable tonight,¡± Bo Jingshen said, ¡°after all, there¡¯s a precedent.¡±

    Hearing this, Su Lu was initially confused.

    But soon she remembered an incident from when they were dating in Hai City¡ªthere had been a haunted house traveling exhibition, an international award-winning team that rented spaces to set up and open for periods of time.

    Su Lu had gone with Bo Jingshen, and honestly, it had been truly terrifying.

    Bo Jingshen got so scared, he nearly hit one of the employees ying a character.

    Instead, Su Lu seemed much steadier, even managing to calm him down.

    But she ended up with a high fever that night, and by the time Bo Jingshen arrived at the hospital, she was already receiving IV treatment.

    The doctor said it wasn¡¯t due to any illness but was likely a physical stress response to the fright.

    Some people don¡¯t express their emotions immediately, like fear; they might suppress it, looking like they¡¯re holding it all in.

    But sometimes, the body reacts honestly, like her sudden fever.

    That¡¯s why, even though Bo Jingshen had already bathed and gone to bed, he suddenly remembered this problem she¡¯d always had, getting scared but often lookingpletelyposed afterward.

    But who knew, she might secretly fall ill in the night.

    This left Bo Jingshen unable to sleep, worrying and deciding to check on her, only realizing his folly once he¡¯d reached downstairs.

    He was about to smoke a cigarette and leave when he actually did run into her.

    Realizing all this, Su Lu also understood why, when he was downstairs earlier touching her face, he had murmured ¡°I knew it.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m alright,¡± Su Lu said, wrapped in her nket, bending her eyes at him in a smile, ¡°I¡¯ll be fine once the fever goes down.¡±

    Bo Jingshen was probably getting angrier the more he thought about it, his sharp eyebrows tightly furrowed as he said, ¡°Once we catch this person, I¡¯ll make sure they pay.¡±

    It was unclear whether it was the medication taking effect or just the presence of someone by her side that even in danger, she felt reassured.

    Su Lu started to feel drowsy and gradually couldn¡¯t keep her eyes open, sinking into a deep sleep.

    While she slept hazily, she could feel a cool towel being ced on her forehead, which was veryfortable.

    Whenever it was no longer cool, it would be taken away, and a momentter it would be reced, cool once again.

    It wasn¡¯t until the sky began to brighten that Su Lu¡¯s fever subsided.

    Bo Jingshen looked at the number on the thermometer, let out a sigh of relief, and stood up.

    He was feeling a bit hungry, as staying up all night sometimes made it hard to feel tired, but rather easy to feel hungry.

    Bo Jingshen nced at Su Lu, still sound asleep on the couch, then quietly changed his shoes and stepped out, nning to buy some food.

    He closed the apartment door, pressed the elevator button, and as he stood waiting in front of the elevator doors, Bo Jingshen turned his gaze toward her apartment¡¯s door lock and his lips slightly curled.

    Exiting the elevator and just stepping out of the building,

    Bo Jingshen once again encountered a stern face, nearly identical to the scene outside the restroom at Lan Restaurant.

    Su Zhe, dressed in quick-dry athletic wear and running shoes with a slight sweat on his hair tips, was also holding a bag of breakfast.

    He had originally nned to deliver breakfast to Su Lu because she had been feeling unwell in her stomach the past few days and he was a bit worried about her.

    Who would have thought?

    So early in the morning, at the bottom of Su Lu¡¯s apartment, to see Bo Jingshen justing down from her ce.

    One didn¡¯t need Su Zhe¡¯s sharp mind to guess that Bo Jingshen might have stayed overnight at Su Lu¡¯s.

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°¡­¡±

    Although Bo Jingshen wasn¡¯t particrly daunted by encountering Su Zhe, he still felt the situation was rather vexing.

    Su Zhe looked at him coldly, said nothing, and simply walked past him, intending to enter the building and go upstairs.

    As he passed by Bo Jingshen, Bo Jingshen said, ¡°She hasn¡¯t woken up yet.¡±

    Su Zhe coldly replied, ¡°You needn¡¯t bother yourself.

    I think myst words to President Bo wentpletely unheeded.¡±

    Bo Jingshen didn¡¯t want to have a confrontation with Su Zhe, but still felt the need to state his case.

    ¡°This is a private matter between Su Lu and me.¡±

    At his words, Su Zhe just curved his lips into a smile devoid of any warmth and said, ¡°Fine.¡±

    And then he didn¡¯t say anything more, continuing on his way into the building.

    Bo Jingshen sighed softly as he left the apartmentplex.

    He was quite tired and had secretly nned to grab something to eat nearby, take some back, and then rest a while at Su Lu¡¯s ce.

    It seemed that was not going to be possible now.

    He took out his phone and dialed a number, ¡°It¡¯s me.

    Come pick me up.¡±

 Chapter 70 - 70 70 Lessons from the Past

    ?70: Chapter 70: Lessons from the Past   70: Chapter 70: Lessons from the Past                                   ¡°Bo Jingshen, have you lost all humanity?

    Do you even know what time it is?!¡± The voice that came through sounded like a dragon roaring.

    ¡°Know, make it quick.¡± Bo Jingshen said, first giving the address of Su Lu District, then continued, ¡°The car keys are in the shoe cab drawer, the car is in the underground parking lot.¡±

    Then he ended the call, walked to the roadside breakfast cart, bought a pancake, and sat on the steps of an unopened storefront, slowly munching away.

    Jing Ruo sped over like a mad street racer, after all, she wasn¡¯t the one to pay the fine.

    When she stopped on the roadside, what she saw was him sitting there gnawing on a pancake.

    Big boss?

    Forget it, with the way he looked right now, you could believe he was a disheveled construction worker who hadn¡¯t been paid.

    Just a better-lookingborer.

    Jing Ruo rolled down the driver¡¯s side window, red at the person by the road, then angrily honked the horn.

    Bo Jingshen had just finished the pancake and leisurely tossed the stic bag towards a nearby trash can, then slowly slid his slippered feet over and opened the car door to sit in the back seat.

    Jing Ruo looked like she wanted to strangle him, ¡°Are you serious¡­

    Early in the morning!

    Ie to pick you up and you can¡¯t even buy me a pancake, and I can let that go!

    But since when am I your driver that you just slide into the back seat as soon as you arrive?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t fuss, I¡¯m exhausted.¡± Bo Jingshen simplyy down on the spacious back seat, bending his legs.

    Jing Ruo originally wanted to make a scene, but turning her head and seeing Bo Jingshen¡¯s tired face, she snorted, ¡°Had I known, I should have called Zhuang Cai Nan to pick you up, she would have been more than happy to.¡±

    Bo Jingshen looked at her sideways, ¡°If I was willing to let her pick me up, why would I call you?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?

    Does that mean I should feel honored?¡± Jing Ruo asked.

    ¡°It means, stop making a fuss.¡± Bo Jingshen raised his arm to block his eyes.

    Jing Ruo turned her head and started the car, pulling it out onto the road, ¡°What were you out thievingst night, running out in the middle of the night, onlying back at the break of dawn, and looking like you hadn¡¯t slept all night?¡±

    ¡°Mind your own business.¡± Bo Jingshen still had his arm over his eyes.

    ¡°You think I want to poke my nose into your business?

    I¡¯m just curious, and besides, I¡¯m afraid you might make a mistake.

    Don¡¯t you have any self-awareness of your situation¡­?¡± Jing Ruo said while ncing at the back seat through the rearview mirror.

    The person lying in the back seat seemedpletely indifferent, as if he had already fallen asleep, so Jing Ruo didn¡¯t n to say any more.

    But unexpectedly, after a few seconds of silence, the person in the back seat actually responded.

    Although the voice was soft, faint, and weary, it definitely responded to what she had just said.

    ¡°I¡¯m aware, many things aren¡¯t helpful just because you¡¯re aware of them.¡± Bo Jingshen wasn¡¯t used to speaking to Jing Ruo in such a tone.

    It made Jing Ruo a bit ufortable, and it took her a moment to react.

    ¡°So, there is really a situation?

    It can¡¯t be, can it?¡±

    Bo Jingshen reverted to his usual impatient attitude towards her, ¡°I really am too tired to be fussing over this with you, you don¡¯t understand a damn thing¡­¡±

    Jing Ruo almostughed out of anger because she had just thought Bo Jingshen had improved his attitude, damn it!

    She angrily pressed down on the elerator, ¡°Hmph!

    Just don¡¯t hurt anyone, okay?

    You haven¡¯t forgotten the lessons learned from those past incidents, have you?¡±

    Bo Jingshen didn¡¯t respond.

    Jing Ruo, not getting any response from the back seat, looked through the rearview mirror a few times and felt that he must have really fallen asleep.

    So, she no longer spoke and drove more steadily.

    When Jing Ruo said those words, Bo Jingshen actually hadn¡¯t fallen asleep, but due to exhaustion, he soon fell into a deep sleep.

    Perhaps because Jing Ruo had just mentioned them, Bo Jingshen¡¯s dreams were filled with those past warnings she spoke of.

    Those idents that had no reason to them, those ruined lives, those women who, even though he felt nothing for them, had shown relentless pursuit, but weren¡¯t good enough for him.

    They did nothing wrong, and yet they faced such undeserved misfortune.

    A young girly on the hospital bed, her face haggard and defeated, under the nket, one leg was now nothing but empty space.

    A pair of eyes, also empty, looked at Bo Jingshen and asked him, ¡°What did I do wrong?¡±

    Whether in his memories or in the dream he was having at the moment, Bo Jingshen was unable to utter a word.

    He had nothing to say, because she had done nothing wrong.

    If loving someone was wrong, then everyone in this world would be a sinner.

    The scene in the dream shifted, still a hospital bed, but no longer the same girl as before.

    The woman on the bed in front of him was wrapped in thick gauze, the air permeated with the ointment smell characteristic of a burn unit.

    Her eyes, brimming with tears, asked him, ¡°Is loving you a crime?

    Otherwise, why must I suffer such punishment¡­¡±

    Bo Jingshen couldn¡¯t answer.

    He couldn¡¯t find an answer.

    Beyond this, there were other precedents, not as severe as this, but they were still precedents nheless.

    And ultimately, the scene in the dream shifted again.

    Bo Jingshen saw the faces of those women all turn into Su Lu!

    The woman who lost a leg due to an ident, the woman who got burned in an ident, their faces, all became Su Lu¡¯s face.

    Their eyes also turned into Su Lu¡¯s clear, deer-like eyes.

    Unblinkingly staring at him, they asked him, ¡°Did I do something wrong?

    Otherwise, why would I be punished like this?¡±

    Bo Jingshen almost struggled to wake from the dream.

    He suddenly sat up, startling Jing Ruo, who lost her grip on the steering wheel, causing the car to swerve elegantly on the road, which prompted the cars behind to honk furiously.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?!¡± Jing Ruo, still feeling uneasy, looked back in the rearview mirror, ¡°You trying to scare me to death?!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± Bo Jingshen looked outside, ¡°Where are we?¡±

    Although he wasn¡¯t familiar with the roads in Feng City, he recognized that this didn¡¯t seem to be the way back.

    Jing Ruo said carelessly, ¡°I got hungry, and I read on a review website that there¡¯s a ce with great dim sum.

    I nned to grab a bite on the way back.

    I saw you were sleeping; I didn¡¯t expect you¡¯d wake up so suddenly.¡±

    Seeing that hisplexion was still not great, she tentatively asked, ¡°Do you want¡­

    me to drop you off before I go to buy the food?¡±

    Bo Jingshen, though he wasn¡¯t usually fond of her, wasn¡¯t so mean as to deprive someone of food.

    He shook his head, ¡°No need, you go buy it.¡±

    He raised his hand to shield his eyes, bent his legs, andy down again in the back seat, taking deep breaths.

    His wildly beating heart in his chest started to calm down gradually.

    Jing Ruo chuckled, ¡°Alright then, let me tell you, this dim sum is delicious, you¡¯re definitely not interested in looking up famous food spots, you¡¯re lucky to be with me.¡±

    Jing Ruo didn¡¯t intend to get a response; Bo Jingshen often ignored her anyway, and she was used to it.

    Unexpectedly, Bo Jingshen¡¯s hoarse voice came softly from the back seat.

    He asked, ¡°How¡¯s Han Zhiya doing?¡±

    The smile froze on Jing Ruo¡¯s face, then quickly faded away.

 Chapter 71 - 71 71 You Wont Be Able to Take It

    ?71: Chapter 71 You Won¡¯t Be Able to Take It   71: Chapter 71 You Won¡¯t Be Able to Take It                                   ¡°Out of the blue, why did you think to ask about her?¡± Jing Ruo managed to smile with difficulty, her voice rough.

    ¡°Just now, when you mentioned the lesson from the past, it reminded me, and I just asked on a whim.¡± Bo Jingshen¡¯s eyes were covered.

    Jing Ruo couldn¡¯t help but curse herself inwardly, What was the point of saying that extra bit!

    ¡°You seem to have always been aware of her whereabouts, haven¡¯t you?¡± Bo Jingshen asked.

    Knowing there was no avoiding it, Jing Ruo reluctantly hummed an affirmation, ¡°I have news of them.¡±

    At first, she too felt that those women were innocent and pitiable.

    To be honest, it¡¯s amon human feeling to be attracted to someone beautiful and outstanding, and there¡¯s nothing fundamentally wrong with that.

    Who would¡¯ve thought that just by harboring a crush, liking a man, one could end up with such a fate?

    That was probably something no one would have imagined.

    Thus, even though Jing Ruo had no prior friendship or interaction with them before that, she couldn¡¯t help but feel they were innocent and pitiable.

    It was also she who had been making sure that these pitiable women were properly taken care of.

    ¡°How is she doing?¡± Bo Jingshen inquired.

    Jing Ruo fell silent for a moment, finally forcing out three heavy words, ¡°She¡¯s gone.¡±

    Bo Jingshen stiffened.

    Actually, he couldn¡¯t even remember what that pitiable woman looked like.

    She hadn¡¯t been his assistant for more than a brief half-year before the incident urred.

    Thest image he had of Han Zhiya wasn¡¯t her original appearance but her face scarred and disfigured from severe burns.

    Even if Han Zhiya was not a beauty that could topple empires, in this day and age, a young woman who knows a little about grooming herself can always present herself beautifully.

    Yet she met such an end just by being his assistant, just because she liked him.

    He hardly retained any impression of her, and yet this person had met with disaster because of him.

    Later, when he was abroad, he rarely mentioned this or inquired about their situations because he was very aware that his existence was probably no longer something beautiful to them.

    Seeing him would only remind them of those undeserved painful memories.

    ¡°What happened,¡± Bo Jingshen rasped.

    ¡°Her condition was, after all, very serious, not just physically but also mentally.

    It was a big problem, and she had a hard time reintegrating into normal society.

    Her mental health was already not good.

    She had a strong suicidal inclination and was eventually even treated in a psychiatric hospital.¡±

    Talking about someone¡¯s death¡ªa life that went from vibrant to silent¡ªJing Ruo¡¯s voice was also somewhat heavy.

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°So, how did it happen?¡±

    Shouldn¡¯t a psychiatric hospital be a ce with strict precautions?

    Jing Ruo exined, ¡°Nobody expected her mental and psychological conditions to deteriorate so quickly.

    So, before full restraint measures were taken, one night, she bit through her own wrists, one bite after another.

    By the time the nurse found her¡­

    it was already toote.¡±

    At that time, Jing Ruo was afraid that this matter would affect Bo Jingshen¡¯s mood because at that period, Boss¡¯s business abroad, although developing well, was also fraught with crises.

    So, Jing Ruo didn¡¯t tell Bo Jingshen about it at the time, but she did go to the scene to deal with it properly herself.

    The scene couldn¡¯t be described as gruesome, but it wasn¡¯t much better.

    Compared to the scars on Han Zhiya¡¯s face, the wounds on her wrists may not have seemed so shocking, but to think that she had inflicted them with her teeth, biting down one bite at a time¡ª

    It was enough to send a chill down anyone¡¯s spine.

    Jing Ruo could hardly imagine what kind of despair it would take to do something like that.

    Jing Ruo helped Han Zhiya¡¯s family with her funeral arrangements.

    Though her family was sad, they also felt she was finally free.

    They werepletely unaware that the ident that had injured Han Zhiya was no ident at all and even expressed gratitude for Jing Ruo¡¯s help.

    To all outsiders, the incident seemed perfectly seamless, inviting no suspicion whatsoever.

    Even Zhuang Cainan had narrowly escaped an ident once, and if it hadn¡¯t been for her favorable family background and the fact that staying by Bo Jingshen¡¯s side was greatly beneficial to his work.

    Zhuang Cainan might not have met with a good end either.

    That person¡¯s warnings were always stark and direct, chilling to the bone.

    Jing Ruo didn¡¯t hear Bo Jingshen speak, paused for a moment, then exined, ¡°It¡¯s not that I wanted to keep it from you, but at that time you were developing your business overseas, and you had enough troubles of your own.¡±

    ¡°Hm,¡± Bo Jingshen hummed softly, a rare softness in his voice as he spoke to Jing Ruo, ¡°You¡¯ve worked hard.¡±

    Jing Ruo smiled and said, ¡°Now you see how considerate I am, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes, very considerate.

    I¡¯ll treat you to morning tea,¡± Bo Jingshen said.

    Delighted, Jing Ruo thought for a moment and then continued, ¡°An Ningqiu didn¡¯t lose hope, the high-end prosthetics we got for her fitted really well, but she didn¡¯t want to stay in Beijing anymore.

    She felt the memories weren¡¯t very pleasant, so she took the money and moved to another city ¨C I think it was Xuan City ¨C and opened a flower shop.

    She seems to be doing pretty well, so I didn¡¯t keep an eye on her after that.¡±

    Bo Jingshen didn¡¯t say anything more, but he did seem to breathe a little easier than before.

    He thought it was somewhat absurd of himself to criticize Su Yukan for not treating Su Lu well, as if he himself was any better of a father.

    He really wasn¡¯t.

    He and Su Lu have always been birds of a feather in their affliction.

    Back when he was still abroad, every time Jing Ruo called him, she nagged like an old woman, ceaselessly telling him to take care of his health and not to fall in love ¨C incredibly annoying and bothersome.

    But she was right about one thing; Bo Jingshen still remembered it very clearly to this day.

    Jing Ruo had said, ¡°I¡¯m not stopping you from dating, to be honest, what does your dating have to do with me?

    But you also know our situation, there are a lot of things we can¡¯t control, and love is the least controble of all.

    I¡¯m just worried that if you do meet someone you like, you won¡¯t be able to handle it.¡±

    At the time, Bo Jingshen had dismissed it, feeling that in his lifetime, he would never meet anyone he liked again.

    The one he truly loved had already broken and ground his heart into powder, leaving nothing behind.

    So he merely found Jing Ruo¡¯s nagging tiresome.

    But looking back now, what she said had struck right at the core of Bo Jingshen¡¯s heart.

    Yes, if he really met someone he liked, he wouldn¡¯t be able to handle it.

    He really wouldn¡¯t, not to mention seeing her hurt, just the thought of it felt as if his heart had been torn out.

    Perhaps it was for that reason Bo Jingshen¡¯s attitude towards Jing Ruo was particrly good today.

    To be honest, not speaking harshly to her was already quite remarkable.

    Jing Ruo was so touched she was nearly in tears.

    However, it didn¡¯tst even three hours, for three hourster, after returning home from morning tea.

    All those feelings of being touched hadn¡¯t even settled in Jing Ruo¡¯s heart.

    Before he went back to his room to catch up on sleep, Bo Jingshen said coldly and heartlessly, ¡°I had Cheng Yan help find a ready-to-move-in ce in the sameplex.

    You¡¯re moving out today.¡±

 Chapter 72 - 72 72 Resenting Iron for Not Turning into Steel

    ?72: Chapter 72 Resenting Iron for Not Turning into Steel   72: Chapter 72 Resenting Iron for Not Turning into Steel                                   Su Lu woke up feeling absolutely refreshed, as if the couch draped in a nket was the perfect ce to sleep.

    She then noticed someone was nearby.

    Immediately cautious, she sat right up and saw Su Zhe swaying on the adjacent couch.

    A feeling of realization slowly crept back into her heart.

    It seemed that when Bo Jingshen was nearby, she was never that cautious and could sleep peacefully.

    As if subconsciously, he was someone more trustworthy even than Su Zhe.

    But that man, had unreasonably pinned her in the restroom twice¡­

    Su Zhe, with a colorful wafer candy in his mouth, appeared strikingly incongruent with his usual style.

    He stared at her, and mumbled through the candy, ¡°Awake?¡±

    Su Lu nodded hesitantly, ¡°Brother, why are you here?¡±

    Su Zhe took the wafer candy from his mouth, the food coloring tinting his lips shades of not quite blue or green, creating a ratherical sight as he spoke.

    Su Lu almost couldn¡¯t suppress the grin tugging at her lips.

    Su Zhe pointed at a stic bag on the table, ¡°I was originally bringing you breakfast.¡±

    Originally?

    Su Zhe nodded toward the wall in front, ¡°Now, it is more like afternoon tea.¡±

    A clock on the wall indeed pointed the time at 1:35 in the afternoon.

    Yes, it definitely was afternoon tea.

    Su Lu felt somewhat ashamed and couldn¡¯t help but scratch her head.

    Su Zhe put the candy back in his mouth and picked up the medicine box on the coffee table, ¡°Feeling alright, howe you have a fever?¡±

    Su Lu almost blurted out that she was scared into a feverish reaction.

    But she caught herself just in time.

    Otherwise, Su Zhe would definitely ask what had scared her.

    And that would naturally lead to the events ofst night, then to the realization that all the troubles were caused by Gu Xin, and that she, Su Lu, was just an innocent victim¡­

    That would really spell trouble for Gu Xin.

    Since Su Zhe was already quite upset with him,

    being goodrades, Su Lu felt she shouldn¡¯t set up Gu Xin and quickly held back.

    ¡°Just a random fever¡­¡± she said, frowning and hissing as she pressed her hand onto her stomach.

    Su Zhe quickly got up from the couch, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?

    Where does it hurt?¡±

    ¡°My stomach.

    It¡¯s nothing.¡± Su Lu calcted the days, realizing her period was nearly due.

    It wasn¡¯t something to borate on to Su Zhe, but he was intuitive enough to guess from her mentioning a stomachache and reluctance to borate.

    ¡°Go freshen up, I¡¯ll make you some brown sugar water,¡± Su Zhe said while gently ruffling her somewhat messy hair.

    Su Lu smiled, wrapping herself in the nket as she rose from the couch, ¡°Thanks, bro.

    I¡¯ve sweated quite a bit, I need a shower, just give me a moment.¡±

    ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    Su Zhe walked into the kitchen, rummaged through the refrigerator, and found some brown sugar and ginger.

    He chopped and smashed them on the cutting board, then boiled water in a pot, adding the ginger to simmer and the brown sugar to dissolve.

    When Su Lu finished washing up and came out, a small pot of old ginger brown sugar water was steaming at just the right temperature to drink.

    Shefortably sipped a few mouthfuls, and the pain in her stomach seemed to be relieved, or even if it wasn¡¯t, the cebo effect made her feel much better.

    Su Zhe heated up breakfast in the microwave and brought it over to her.

    Only then did Su Lu realize how hungry she was, her stomach sticking to her back; she didn¡¯t bother with pleasantries and started eating heartily.

    Su Zhe sat opposite her, still with a lollipop in his mouth, watching her eat.

    Suddenly he asked, ¡°Did Gu Xin¡¯s familye to bother you yesterday?¡±

    Su Lu almost choked, her eyes wide as she looked at Su Zhe, ¡°Where did you hear that?¡±

    ¡°In the morning when you were still asleep, Xu Ning called, and I answered.

    She mentioned it off-handedly,¡± Su Zhe said.

    Su Lu thought to herself, Little Ningzi really can¡¯t keep her mouth shut!

    Swallowing the dumpling in her mouth, Su Lu said, ¡°It¡¯s not like they came to cause trouble.

    His mom came to check on me and casually invited me to a meal.¡±

    ¡°Going to Gu Family for a meal?¡± Su Zhe raised an eyebrow, and with a crack, he bit off a piece of his lollipop.

    ¡°You¡¯vepleted all the procedures, how shameless can they be?

    What are they trying to do?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not like we¡¯re enemies or anything.

    Having a meal is no big deal,¡± Su Lu quickly said, ¡°Don¡¯t be angry.¡±

    Su Zhe frowned, and Su Lu recognized that look in his eyes.

    She sighed, ¡°You and You Ran not dating is truly a loss.

    You two sometimes have the same look in your eyes!¡±

    Hearing Su Lu suddenly mention Cheng Youran made Su Zhe¡¯s frown deepen, ¡°Why bring her up all of a sudden?

    How do her eyes look anything like mine?¡±

    ¡°That look you gave me just now, it¡¯s exactly the same, a capitalized ¡®frustrated like iron not bing steel,''¡± Su Lu said.

    Hearing this, Su Zhe didn¡¯t refute but chuckled, ¡°So you know you¡¯re frustrating like iron not bing steel.¡±

    ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m really fine.

    Brother, you just¡­¡± Su Lu hadn¡¯t finished her sentence when Su Zhe interrupted her, ¡°Letting Gu Xin off is impossible.

    I¡¯ve wanted to deal with him for a long time, you don¡¯t know how long this ¡®long time¡¯ has been.¡±

    Su Lu thought, how could she not know?

    It was since she initially married Gu Xin, andter when Gu Xin and Chen Yaxi got together.

    Before that, Su Zhe thought Gu Xin was quite alright, at least not as bad as Su Yukan randomly fixing her up with an unworthy person.

    Gu Xin was quite a good match in all aspects.

    But then he got together with Chen Yaxi, even though he knew there was no love between him and Su Lu, Su Zhe was still quite upset.

    Seeing Su Lu seemed to still want to plead, Su Zhe pinched a dumpling and stuffed it into her mouth.

    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about Gu Xin,¡± Su Zhe said.

    Su Lu obediently nodded with the dumpling in her mouth, but she immediately regretted it when Su Zhe¡¯s next sentence came out.

    Su Zhe said, ¡°Then let¡¯s talk about this morning, just at dawn, when I came over to bring you breakfast after my morning run, and saw Bo Jingshen looking exhausted stepping out of your apartment building.

    What was that about¡­¡±

    ¡°Uh¡­¡± Su Lu¡¯s blinking sped up considerably.

    She pursed her lips, whispering, ¡°Brother, how about¡­

    let¡¯s continue talking about Gu Xin?

    You just said how you n to deal with him?

    I¡¯ll tell you, he¡¯s going back to Feng City soon.¡±

    Su Zhe looked at Su Lu with a half-smile.

    Su Lu avoided his gaze.

    Su Zhe reached over and pinched her nose, ¡°Lulu, now you know why your brother always looks at you with frustrated eyes, right?¡±

    Su Lu sighed and nodded, ¡°I know.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Su Zhe gently prodded.

    Su Lu looked dejected, ¡°I¡¯m notpetent, I¡¯m just not made of steel.¡±

 Chapter 73 - 73 73 Employee Benefits

    ?73: Chapter 73 Employee Benefits   73: Chapter 73 Employee Benefits                                   Su Lu¡¯s fever had mostly subsided, with only a slight temperature remaining.

    She didn¡¯t take it too seriously, but Su Zhe was not at ease.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t I stay here today, just in case your condition res up again and there¡¯s no one around?¡± Su Zhe said.

    Su Lu quickly responded, ¡°No need, no need, Brother!

    I¡¯m not that fragile, I¡¯ll be fine soon.

    Besides, I still have to go to the office, and you have your own things to take care of.¡±

    ¡°You are more important.¡± Though the statement carried weight, Su Zhe¡¯s voice was light and calm, making it seem perfectly natural.

    ¡°If I can¡¯t handle it, I¡¯ll definitely call you,¡± Su Lu immediately assured him.

    Su Zhe thought for a moment, then nodded in agreement, ¡°If you feel unwell, you must say something.

    Don¡¯t just keep pushing through.

    What do you think you are, a medicine pot always on the boil?

    I know the misery of sickness; you know that.

    So, don¡¯t take your health lightly.¡±

    That was why Su Zhe had always maintained good living habits.

    He didn¡¯t smoke, drank very little, slept and woke at fixed times each day, and exercised five days a week without fail.

    Other than his love for sweets, it seemed he didn¡¯t have any particrly unhealthy habits.

    His fondness for sweets stemmed from childhood illness that restricted his sugar intake, so once he recovered, he developed a vengeful love for sweets.

    Su Lu said, ¡°I know.

    Don¡¯t worry.¡±

    Although Su Zhe nodded, he still drove her to thepany that afternoon.

    That wasn¡¯t the end of it.

    As Su Lu was reviewing some reports that afternoon, Xu Ning hurriedly knocked and entered.

    ¡°Mr.

    Su!¡± Xu Ning¡¯s eyes sparkled as she approached.

    Su Lu, puzzled, asked, ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°Hehe, a very handsome guy is here to see you, he said he has something work-rted to discuss,¡± Xu Ningughed.

    Su Lu guessed, ¡°Cheng Yan?¡±

    Xu Ning shook her head, ¡°No, he said hisst name is Qiao.¡±

    ¡°Qiao?¡± Su Lu quickly realized, ¡°Qiao Li?

    Let him in.¡±

    Xu Ning promptly nodded, not rushing out but instead asking, ¡°Boss, is this the person Brother Su sent to help you?

    The one who¡¯s going to lighten my load?¡±

    Su Luughed, ¡°Yes, didn¡¯t I ask you to organize the materials for those projects we have piled up, and have him work on them?¡±

    Xu Ning responded gratefully, ¡°Yes!

    I have them all organized and ready for him.

    But you never told me he was so good-looking!

    Working with a beauty makes the mood so much better!

    Boss, I love you!¡±

    Su Lu waved her hand smilingly, ¡°Alright, go on.¡±

    Xu Ning left briskly.

    Soon, there was another knock on the office door.

    Qiao Li entered, looking sharp in a suit with neatly groomed hair, exuding an air of professionalism.

    He was quite attractive indeed, no wonder Xu Ning was impressed¡ªthere had been no one as good-looking in thepany before, after all.

    He walked in with a very polite smile, not the same as thest time they met.

    He appeared much more formal now.

    ¡°Mr.

    Su,¡± Qiao Li greeted with a smile.

    Su Lu felt slightly ufortable, ¡°Have a seat.¡±

    Qiao Li sat down before her, ¡°Sorry for being a few dayste.¡±

    ¡°No problem.

    Uh¡­¡± Su Lu thought for a moment, actually not knowing immediately how to proceed.

    After pondering for a while, she tentatively said, ¡°How about I ce you in the secretariat for now?

    Or do you have any other ideas?

    I can have someone from HRe up and talk with you.¡±

    Qiao Li shook his head, ¡°No need to assign me a specific position.

    Just assign me work as needed, and as for my sry, Su Zhe will take care of that.¡±

    Su Lu breathed a sigh of relief.

    Brother had indeed thought everything through.

    Otherwise, she really wouldn¡¯t have known how to ce him.

    Herpany wasn¡¯trge, and there really wasn¡¯t a fitting position avable for Qiao Li at the moment.

    ¡°Officially, I¡¯ll just be your assistant or secretary,¡± Qiao Li said, ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about the rest; Su Zhe will handle it.¡±

    ¡°Good, that¡¯s settled then¡­¡± Su Lu nodded.

    ¡°That person just now was my secretary, Xu Ning.

    She¡¯s overwhelmed with backlog tasks, I would appreciate your help with those.¡±

    ¡°I can do that.

    I¡¯ll go and coordinate with her,¡± Qiao Li said.

    Su Lu thought for a moment and then directed, ¡°Then go find Xu Ning in the secretariat; she¡¯ll arrange a workstation for you.¡±

    As Qiao Li stood up and turned to leave, just before exiting, he suddenly turned back and instead of the formal ¡®Mr.

    Su¡¯, he called out, ¡°Lulu.¡±

    ¡°Hm?¡± Su Lu looked up at him.

    She saw that Qiao Li¡¯s smile was no longer purely professional but genuinely warm and sincere, ¡°Today is my first day reporting at yourpany.

    How about having dinner together with Brother Qiao Li tonight?¡±

    Hearing the words ¡°Brother Qiao Li¡±, Su Lu couldn¡¯t help but shudder.

    She looked at him with startled eyes.

    Qiao Li smiled, ¡°After all, it¡¯s my first day reporting in.

    Shouldn¡¯t we celebrate with a good meal?¡±

    Though Su Lu shuddered, she did not refuse and nodded, ¡°We can have dinner together then.¡±

    Qiao Li then went to find Xu Ning in the secretariat.

    Afterward, Xu Ning visited Su Lu¡¯s office twice more, each time happier than thest.

    ¡°Boss, Qiao Li is really amazing!

    Truly a talent sent by Brother Su.¡±

    ¡°Boss, I arranged Qiao Li¡¯s workstation diagonally across from mine.

    Oh, an afternoon nce is a feast for the eyes with that handsome profile.

    I feel it¡¯s boosted my work efficiency quite a bit.¡±

    Su Lu couldn¡¯t help butugh at her statement, ¡°You weren¡¯t this infatuated before.¡±

    Xu Ning responded, ¡°Boss, let¡¯s be honest, did ourpany ever have anyone worth being infatuated over before?

    It was either baldies or potbellies¡­

    It¡¯s been tough!¡±

    Su Lu thought for a moment, ¡°We¡¯re going out for dinner with him tonight anyway, why don¡¯t you join us, and you can handle the booking.¡±

    ¡°Sure!

    Boss, I love you!¡± Xu Ning skipped out happily.

    Su Lu thought to herself that Xu Ning had already confessed her love to her twice today.

    It wasn¡¯t easy.

    Whether Brother had sent Qiao Li to help or not was yet to be seen, but in Su Lu¡¯s mind, Qiao Li had a clear spot¡ªat least as a morale booster among the staff.

    No sooner had Xu Ning left her office than Su Lu¡¯s phone vibrated twice.

    She turned on the screen¡ªit was a WeChat message.

    A message from Bo Jingshen.

    Su Lu blinked and quickly clicked on it.

    Bo Jingshen hadn¡¯t sent any text, just a string of ¡°¡­¡±

    Looking at the dots, Su Lu gave it some thought and replied.

    ¡°You¡¯re awake?¡±

 Chapter 74 - 74 74 Its okay, lets go

    ?74: Chapter 74 It¡¯s okay, let¡¯s go   74: Chapter 74 It¡¯s okay, let¡¯s go                                   The other end replied quickly, ¡°I should be the one to ask you that.¡±

    Su Lu, ¡°I¡¯m already at thepany.¡±

    Bo Jingshen, ¡°Feeling better?¡±

    Su Lu, ¡°Much better.¡±

    After a pause, Su Lu added, ¡°Thank you forst night.¡±

    There was a moment of no response from the other end, and just when Su Lu thought he might not reply for a while, she was about to put down her phone when it buzzed.

    The screen showed a message that Bo Jingshen had just sent.

    ¡°Is it just verbal?¡±

    Verbal¡­

    what?

    Su Lu, piecing together the context, understood¡ªjust verbal thanks?

    What else, then?

    Su Lu thought for a moment, her fingers dancing across the screen.

    Momentster, Bo Jingshen, wrapped in a soft nket, with his deep eyes fixed on the screen, finally saw Su Xiaolu¡¯s reply pop up in the chat box.

    He stared for a few seconds and then couldn¡¯t helpughing.

    There it was on the screen, Su Lu¡¯stest reply was startling: ¡°Otherwise, should I order a banner for you?¡±

    Bo Jingshen decided to call back, and he directly chose video call.

    Su Lu, thinking it was a voice call, didn¡¯t think too much about it.

    Then she saw a handsome face half-covered by a white soft nket appear on the screen.

    The man on the other end was probably lying on the bed, so half of his face was buried in the nket.

    Perhaps he had just woken up, so his eyes looked half-open, exuding azy vibe.

    His chin sprouted some stubble, and his hair was a bit messy, but strangely, it didn¡¯t make him look sloppy.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± asked Su Lu.

    Despite her efforts to focus on the unfinished report, her eyes kept uncontrobly ncing at the half of the handsome face on the screen as if they had a mind of their own.

    Su Lu suddenly understood why Xu Ning had been in such a good mood earlier.

    Indeed, seeing a pleasing beauty does brighten one¡¯s mood.

    ¡°You¡¯re still not well, what¡¯s the rush to go to thepany¡­¡± Bo Jingshen asked.

    His voice had a raspy edge, soundingzy and casual.

    As it transmitted over the airwaves into Su Lu¡¯s ear, it was like a small brush gently stroking her eardrum, tickling her ears.

    ¡°It¡¯s almost fine, it wasn¡¯t anything serious,¡± Su Lu said.

    Bo Jingshen chuckled, a low hum, but his beautiful eyes curved, his gaze filled with genuine amusement and a teasing edge that made it difficult for Su Lu to look away.

    ¡°You¡¯re so dedicated to your work, one might think you have a major project in minutes,¡± Bo Jingshen said.

    ¡°What?

    Someone stepped on your tail?¡±

    His eyes were teasing, his tone yful, yet not mocking.

    Su Lu paused for two seconds and said, ¡°That e-sports project needs some preparation before theunch.¡±

    The insinuation was clear enough¡ªwho else could it be but you, President Bo, stepping on her tail?

    Bo Jingshen stared at her for a few more seconds, then curled his lips, ¡°They all say you¡¯re good-natured, where is that attitude now?

    You¡¯re someone who won¡¯t take even a slight loss.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s almost time to get off work,¡± Bo Jingshen said.

    ¡°Head home early and remember to take your medicine.

    I¡¯lle see youter and bring you something to eat.¡±

    Su Lu listened to his words and understood that ter¡¯, he might not be nning toe to the office but rather¡­

    to her home?

    Su Lu bit her lip, ¡°Maybe¡­

    we shouldn¡¯t?¡±

    Bo Jingshen: ¡°¡­¡±

    Even through the screen, it felt as if the air pressure had dropped.

    Su Lu added, ¡°My brother might be there, he¡¯s¡­

    he¡¯s recently staying in another apartment in the sameplex.

    He¡¯s not very good at dealing with people he¡¯s not familiar with.¡±

    Su Lu thought it over, always feeling that it wasn¡¯t quite appropriate to say that Su Zhe had a big problem with Bo Jingshen, so she put it more tactfully.

    In fact, for such a reason, she believed Bo Jingshen might not ept it.

    But unexpectedly, Bo Jingshen was silent for a few seconds and then actually nodded, ¡°Alright.¡±

    Although he still didn¡¯t look too happy, the atmosphere didn¡¯t seem as oppressive, ¡°Regarding the project, we should start discussing it tomorrow.

    After all, this is something Jiang Li has brought up, so don¡¯t let him ck off.

    He¡¯s very good at loafing around.

    If you show any sign of letting him off easy, this will all end up being your responsibility.¡±

    On this point, Bo Jingshen seemed full of disdain for Second Young Master Jiang, his face filled with contempt as he frowned and curled his lip, ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯ve never bothered to entertain his desire to partner up.¡±

    ¡°Okay, I got it,¡± Su Lu nodded.

    ¡°Right, you get off work.

    Hanging up now,¡± Bo Jingshen said.

    Su Lu hummed an acknowledgment, just about to end the call, when the office door was knocked and Qiao Li walked in, ¡°Off work, huh?

    Lulu, what should we eat tonight?

    What do you want to eat?

    I¡¯ll go with whatever you choose.¡±

    Su Lu¡¯s finger pressed the button to hang up.

    As a result, Qiao Li¡¯s words, filled with a smile, became thest thing Bo Jingshen heard in this video call.

    Right now, the atmosphere around him was considerably more oppressive than before.

    Thinking of thest nickname he had heard, Lulu?!

    Su Lu: ¡°Didn¡¯t I ask Xu Ning to make the reservations?

    If you¡¯re not happy with that, you can ask her to change it.¡±

    Qiao Li froze for a moment, pressed his lips together gently, then nodded, ¡°Okay, good.

    Then I¡¯ll go and talk to her.¡±

    Su Lu was a sharp person but sometimes also quite dense.

    It seemed to be the way with people, sharp towards things they cared about but much slower to catch on to what didn¡¯t concern them.

    Shepletely failed to notice that the smile on Qiao Li¡¯s face had be considerably fainter than before.

    That evening, Xu Ning reserved a decent clubhouse, and Xu Ning was quite considerate, involving everyone from the secretarial department in the meal.

    Su Lu took the chance to introduce Qiao Li to them, too.

    After all, for a while, they would be colleagues working together.

    Because Su Lu wasn¡¯t the kind of difficult boss who put on airs or frowned too much, the atmosphere during the meal was quite good, with no one feeling particrly restrained.

    Su Lu didn¡¯t drink too much alcohol, although everyone had offered her plenty of toasts.

    However, because of her stomach issue, Qiao Li stealthily took all the drinks for her.

    He was tactful and smooth, iming he was following Su Zhe¡¯s directives to resolve Su Lu¡¯s worries.

    That naturally included taking drinks on behalf of the boss, and everyone cheerfully let him do so.

    In the end, Su Lu didn¡¯t drink, but Qiao Li seemed to be slightly tipsy.

    When it was time to leave, Su Lu saw he was a bit drunk and reached out to help him, ¡°Qiao Li, ready to go?

    I¡¯ll take you home.¡±

    Qiao Li murmured with his lips barely moving, a whisper, ¡°I actually just wanted to have dinner with you alone, even if it were at a street stall¡­¡±

    But the KTV in the private room was sting a song with the original singing, just reaching the high notes of the chorus, ¡°The name carved in my heart, forgetting the concept of time, hence a lie told oncests a lifetime¡­¡±

    Su Lu didn¡¯t hear Qiao Li¡¯s words and asked, ¡°Hmm?

    What did you say?¡±

    Qiao Li smiled, ever gentle, ¡°Nothing, let¡¯s go.¡±

 Chapter 75 - 75 75 Differences Between Kin and Non-Kin

    ?75: Chapter 75: Differences Between Kin and Non-Kin   75: Chapter 75: Differences Between Kin and Non-Kin                                   Su Lu perhaps had never noticed herself, but other people could clearly discern it.

    In her concept, there was a significant distinction between ¡®others¡¯ and ¡®her own people.¡¯

    Moreover, she would unconsciously treat them differently.

    It wasn¡¯t that she was not nice to ¡®others.¡¯ In fact, she usually treated ¡®others¡¯ much better than ¡®her own people.¡¯

    Yet, even though she was nice, anyone a bit more perceptive could easily notice the different treatment based on proximity and distance.

    For instance, at this moment, she had the waiter help Qiao Li, supporting him into the back seat of the car.

    She then acted like a driver, sliding into the driver¡¯s seat, and started the car.

    The map on her phone was Qiao Li¡¯s address, which she had asked Su Zhe earlier when Qiao Li started to fend off drinks for her.

    She had intended to take Qiao Li home, depending on his level of intoxication.

    If he was just a bit tipsy, she would take him home herself.

    If he was heavily drunk, she would call a designated driver for help.

    When dealing with ¡®others,¡¯ Su Lu was always able to anticipate everything well in advance and arrange it properly.

    It was as if being emotional, impulsive, or sentimental were not an option for her.

    She drove the car out of the club.

    Meanwhile,

    Cheng Yan turned his head from the driver¡¯s seat to look at Bo Jingshen in the backseat, ¡°BOSS, where to now?

    Should we follow?¡±

    Cheng Yan felt a bit of a headache, he had been working for Bo Jingshen for quite some time and had always seen Bo Jingshen¡¯s decisive and sharp side.

    Where had he ever seen the BOSS like this before?

    He had actuallye here specifically, not to enjoy a leisurely time at the club, but to be here¡­

    Cheng Yan, who had also lived abroad for several years, thought things through in his mind and felt¡­

    it must be considered surveince, right?

    And it seemed that the BOSS was nning to continue the surveince.

    Sure enough.

    Bo Jingshen¡¯s brow furrowed deeply, ¡°Follow them!¡±

    Cheng Yan pressed the elerator to maintain a suitable distance and followed.

    It was truly not easy to be an executive assistant these days, without some skills, one really wouldn¡¯t make it, the job scope was too broad!

    Cheng Yan felt that if he ever quit one day, perhaps he could make a living by opening a private detective agency.

    Su Lu drove steadily, following the directions on the navigation.

    Qiao Li sat in the back seat, leaning into the seatback with his eyes closed, resting as if he were asleep¡ªthe car interior was very quiet.

    Su Lu really liked this quietness.

    To be honest, with people she was sufficiently familiar with, she could joke, be humorous, and engage in banter.

    But with those she wasn¡¯t close enough with, she would be very restrained, or rather, guarded.

    So if she really had to chat with Qiao Li along the way, Su Lu would probably feel quite ufortable.

    Instead, the quietness now was better than anything else.

    Half an hourter, they arrived at Qiao Li¡¯s apartmentplex.

    Su Lu parked the car steadily, quite pleased with her driving, she lifted her chin proudly, patted the steering wheel, and inwardly praised herself.

    Then she turned her gaze and softly said, ¡°Qiao Li, we¡¯re here.¡±

    She had thought Qiao Li was asleep, but as she called out, he opened his eyes.

    A pair of warm and clear eyes stared straight at her, as if awake, yet seemingly drunk.

    Su Lu blinked, seeing no response from him, she called out again, ¡°Qiao Li¡­¡±

    ¡°Are we here?¡± Qiao Li gently questioned back.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°That was quick,¡± Qiao Li said softly, his voice tinged with a sigh.

    ¡°I drive okay, not too fast.¡± Su Lu said with a smile, ¡°Well, get some rest early, thank you for today.¡±

    Qiao Li didn¡¯t say anything, which really made it hard for Su Lu to guess whether he was sober or still drunk.

    But she was patient, after finishing speaking she just quietly waited, nning to repeat what she said if he didn¡¯t respond soon.

    Patience is essential when dealing with drunk people after all.

    Fortunately, Qiao Li didn¡¯t remain indifferent, he just quietly watched her and after a moment, nodded.

    ¡°Then, be careful on your way back.

    Get some rest early too,¡± Qiao Li said.

    ¡°Alright, don¡¯t worry.¡± Su Lu thought about it and decided to get out of the car first, opening the car door for him.

    After Qiao Li got out, he stood there and reached out his hand towards Su Lu.

    ¡°Hmm?¡± Su Lu was a bit perplexed.

    But Qiao Li had a warm smile on his face, ¡°Looks like we¡¯ll be working together from now on, huh?

    Or should I say working for you.

    Well¡­

    should I say ¡®please take care of me¡¯, or ¡®happy cooperation¡¯?¡±

    Su Lu smiled, reached out her hand, and took the initiative to say, ¡°Please take care of me.¡±

    Qiao Li, holding the soft, boneless hand in his palm, was momentarily lost in thought.

    ¡°Qiao Li?¡± Su Lu called out to him when he showed no reaction again.

    Qiao Li then nodded, slowly releasing her hand, ¡°Be careful on your way back.¡±

    ¡°Um.¡± Su Lu got into the car and drove away.

    As Qiao Li watched her car leave, and as her taillights disappeared around the corner, he let out a long sigh, sounding somewhat regretful.

    He turned around and walked into the residential area while taking out his phone to dial a number.

    It was answered soon after.

    The slightly cold voice and somewhatzy tone of Su Zhe came through from the other end.

    Su Zhe: ¡°Yeah.

    Speak.¡±

    Qiao Li: ¡°Lulu has gone back.¡±

    Su Zhe: ¡°Good.¡±

    Qiao Li: ¡°I didn¡¯t let her drink, but I couldn¡¯t bring myself to ask her toe up for a cup of tea before leaving.¡±

    Su Zhe chuckled softly, ¡°Useless.¡±

    ¡°Exactly¡­¡± Qiao Li sighed softly, ¡°That¡¯s truly your sister, Su Zhe.¡±

    ¡°Hmm?¡± Su Zhe raised an eyebrow, ¡°How so?¡±

    ¡°The boundaries between closeness and distance are too distinct, sometimes it¡¯s impossible to pretend not to understand,¡± Qiao Li sighed softly, ¡°To tell you the truth, I always thought she was a gentle, obedient little bunny.¡±

    Su Zhe thought for a moment, ¡°Lulu is indeed like a gentle, obedient little bunny,¡± Su Zhe said, pausing before adding, ¡°But indeed she maintains very clear boundaries, what¡¯s bad about that?

    Wagging tail at everyone is not good, easy to be deceived.¡±

    And it was rted to Su Lu¡¯s childhood experiences and the longstanding atmosphere of the Su Family.

    Su Lu¡¯s self-protection was engraved in her bones, and even her gentleness and obedience were somehow her camouge.

    ¡°I¡¯mining to you, and you really have no sympathy,¡± Qiao Li said helplessly.

    ¡°I¡¯m cold-hearted and ruthless, you¡¯re not knowing this for the first day, okay, nothing else, I¡¯m hanging up,¡± Su Zhe said.

    Qiao Li thought for a moment and then said, ¡°I¡¯m starting work at Lulu¡¯s ce tomorrow, anything you need me to know?¡±

    Su Zhe pondered silently on the other end for a moment before softly saying, ¡°Boss dumped a project on Lulu, keep an eye on it, don¡¯t let that son of Boss bully Lulu.¡±

    At this very moment, at Qiao Li¡¯s residential area entrance, inside a ck luxury car, the son of Boss mentioned by Su Zhe¡­

    was sitting upright and serious.

 Chapter 76 - 76 76 Following and Spying

    ?76: Chapter 76: Following and Spying?

    76: Chapter 76: Following and Spying?

    Cheng Yan hesitated and looked at the person in the back seat through the rearview mirror.

    ¡°Boss, should we keep following?¡±

    Bo Jingshen didn¡¯t speak.

    Cheng Yan thought for a moment and carefully added another sentence, ¡°It seems that Mr.

    Su is just giving a drunk friend a ride home.¡±

    Bo Jingshen looked up at Cheng Yan.

    Su Lu was just giving someone a ride home; couldn¡¯t he see that?

    It made him seem like a joke, following them all this way!

    And even though it wasn¡¯t appropriate, Bo Jingshen couldn¡¯t help but think about how that guy had held Su Xiaolu¡¯s hand for a long time!

    However, he didn¡¯t voice these thoughts.

    Otherwise, Cheng Yan would definitely think, ¡°Has the boss been possessed or something?¡±

    Su Lu, unaware of all this, drove steadily back.

    After asking in the work group chat if all the female colleagues who attended the dinner had arrived home safely and receiving affirmative responses,

    Su Lu then sent a WeChat voice message to Cheng Youran while preparing a bath.

    Cheng Youran: ¡°Why do you always think of calling me when you¡¯re about to take a bath?

    Tell me!

    Do you have some improper thoughts about me?¡±

    Su Lu couldn¡¯t stopughing, ¡°Yes, yes, I miss you so much.

    No shift today?¡±

    ¡°Could I be always on a shift?

    You and your addiction to baths¡­¡± Cheng Youran listened to the sound of rushing water on her end.

    Su Lu opened an essential oil bath bomb and tossed it into the water to dissolve, instantly filling the air with a ntlike fresh fragrance.

    She pressed her lower abdomen and slightly frowned, ¡°Not really, just¡­

    I think I¡¯m about to get my period.

    My stomach feels a bit ufortable, subtly aching.

    I thought soaking might help relieve it a bit.¡±

    Su Lu¡¯s menstrual cycles weren¡¯t very regr, and sometimes they were painful, which Cheng Youran also knew about.

    ¡°Don¡¯t just rely on hot patches, drinking hot water, and taking hot baths; if it gets too bad, just take a pill,¡± Cheng Youran advised.

    ¡°Got it.¡± Su Lu pressed her subtly aching lower abdomen again, not making a big deal of it, and started chatting nonchntly with Cheng Youran.

    When Cheng Youran found out that Gu Xin wasing back and that Su Zhe was waiting to deal with him,

    Cheng Youran was overjoyed, ¡°Good!

    That Gu deserves a good set down.

    Just a mess he hasn¡¯t resolved, and he¡¯s off trotting around with his little lover¡­¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s his wife,¡± Su Lu said helplessly.

    It was truly not hard to understand the pressure Chen Yaxi was under.

    Even someone as informed as Cheng Youran referred to her that way.

    Much less thosepletely in the dark.

    ¡°Fine, so he took his new wife to hide from the storm.

    So irresponsible and umitted.

    If he had been a bit responsible, you wouldn¡¯t have had that ident with the camera hitting you in the eye,¡± Cheng Youran had a belly full ofints against Gu Xin.

    Luckily, the best friends could talk about anything and didn¡¯t dwell too long on this topic.

    They quickly switched to another topic: Zhu Xinyan and Su Jiao moving out of Su Residence.

    This topic made Cheng Youran even more delighted.

    Cheng Youran: ¡°If you ask me, it would take a senior to handle it properly.

    Only a senior could take down any specter or monster instantly.¡±

    It sounded a bit like idol worship.

    Su Luughed, ¡°You, the idter.¡±

    Cheng Youran clicked his tongue, ¡°Tsk, you¡¯re not obsessed.

    You dare say you don¡¯t feel gratified?¡±

    Su Lu paused for a moment, then burst intoughter, ¡°No, sorry, I do feel very gratified.¡±

    She wasn¡¯t some saintly mother; why wouldn¡¯t she feel gratified?

    Cheng Youran alsoughed out loud, ¡°See?

    That¡¯s it.¡±

    Su Lu finished preparing her bath and didn¡¯t hesitate to ditch Cheng Youran¡¯spany, hanging up the phone.

    Her stomach pain had eased a bit, but to sleep morefortably, she followed Cheng Youran¡¯s advice from the phone call and quickly dug out a packet of pain relief capsules from her medicine box, squeezed one out, and swallowed it.

    These anti-inmmatory painkillers generally had a sedative effect, and Su Lu slept quitefortably.

    She got up early the next day without dawdling and headed to the office, surprisingly arriving first.

    In the office kitchte, Su Lu rummaged through the fridge, grabbed a pack of toast, heated it briefly in the toaster, and sandwiched some cheese slices between them, eating with great satisfaction.

    Just as Su Lu was happily munching on her toast, Qiao Li happened to walk in with a cup in his hand.

    Su Lu was startled.

    Qiao Li was also taken aback for a moment.

    Su Lu: ¡°Good morning.¡±

    Qiao Li: ¡°You¡¯re up early?¡±

    Both said at the same time.

    Su Lu covered her mouth and chuckled, swallowing her food, ¡°I went to bed earlyst night.

    But you, didn¡¯t you drink too muchst night?

    And yet, you¡¯re here already?¡±

    Then she saw Qiao Li open his palm, revealing a capsule that looked¡­

    somewhat like the one she had swallowed the night before?

    Qiao Li said, ¡°Yes, came in to take care of it.

    It relieves hangover headaches.¡±

    Saying so, he threw the capsule into his mouth and washed it down with a cup of water.

    Su Lu thought for a moment and said, ¡°Taking medicine on an empty stomach is bad for the stomach.¡±

    ¡°Wow, quite knowledgeable,¡± Qiao Liughed with twinkling eyes.

    Su Lu felt a bit embarrassed.

    Like Su Zhe, Qiao Li was also a top medical student from a prestigious university.

    Wasn¡¯t she just showing off her limited knowledge?

    ¡°Then you, with your sensitive stomach, still drank alcohol before?¡± Qiao Li teased with a smile.

    Su Lu muttered under her breath, ¡°Well, I don¡¯t drink now¡­¡± She coughed, ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, I can make you a sandwich?

    It¡¯s not very tasty but it should be enough to keep the hunger at bay.¡±

    ¡°ttered and much obliged,¡± Qiao Li chuckled, ¡°Let¡¯s return the favor.

    How about I make you a cup of coffee?

    American style, pour-over, ortte?¡±

    Su Lu was about to ask for American style when she sharply realized it was a trap!

    So, stopping herself just in time, she changed to, ¡°Atte is fine.

    ck coffee is bad for the stomach.¡±

    Qiao Li raised an eyebrow and smiled, ¡°That¡¯s more like it.¡±

    The two tackled a simple breakfast together in the secretary room¡¯s kitchte.

    When Xu Ning arrived, she caught the scent of toast and coffee from the kitchte.

    She rushed in eximing, ¡°Who!

    Which bread thief has been eating my toast?¡±

    The pack of toast in the fridge was bought by Xu Ning for her diet¡­

    and it was actually the least tasty whole wheat bread.

    Upon bursting into the kitchte, she saw Su Lu sitting on the high stool by the cupboard, sipping coffee.

    And Qiao Li was eating the cheese-loaded toast methodically.

    Xu Ning¡¯s face turned red immediately, and she quickly waved her hand, ¡°Assistant Qiao, please¡­ feel free, feel free to eat!¡±

    Su Lu couldn¡¯t helpughing and stood up, ¡°Alright, then I¡¯m heading back to my office.¡±

    As soon as Su Lu returned to her office, Jiang Li¡¯s call came through.

    Su Lu picked up, somewhat surprised, ¡°Second Young Master Jiang, so early?¡±

    Jiang Li yawned on the other end, ¡°Surprise or not, unexpected?¡±

 Chapter 77 - 77 77 The Silk Banner

    ?77: Chapter 77: The Silk Banner   77: Chapter 77: The Silk Banner                                   Su Lu did want to surprise him, but¡­

    she could tell that Jiang Li seemed really tired.

    She guessed he might have been coerced into this.

    Su Lu was cooperative, ¡°Surprise, unexpected, wow!¡±

    ¡°Could you be any more perfunctory?¡± Jiang Li chuckled, ¡°Okay, I¡¯lle over in a bit.¡±

    When Su Lu saw how early it still was, she couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Come¡­

    for what?¡±

    ¡°Hey!¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°Do you think I¡¯ve got nothing real to do?

    What else would Ie for?

    Of course, it¡¯s about the project, you don¡¯t have anything else this morning, right?¡±

    Su Lu thought about it, nced at her schedule on the desk, and honestly said, ¡°No.¡±

    Jiang Li said, ¡°That settles it, then.

    Come with me somewhere this morning so you won¡¯t say I¡¯m all talk and no work.¡±

    ¡°Alright then.¡± Su Lu agreed.

    Jiang Li then asked, ¡°Hey, what kind of flowers do you like?¡±

    Su Lu was startled, ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m actually at a flower shop.

    I¡¯ll bring you a bouquet since I¡¯ming to yourpany.

    It wouldn¡¯t be right toe empty-handed,¡± Jiang Li said.

    Su Lu thought it wasn¡¯t a big deal, so she said, ¡°Bellflowers.¡±

    ¡°I think the peonies have been looking pretty goodtely, so I¡¯ll get you a bunch of those,¡± Jiang Li said.

    Su Lu thought, why bother asking me then?

    But she wasn¡¯t one to get upset over a bouquet of flowers; instead, she found Jiang Li¡¯s self-assertive nature quite amusing.

    Then Su Lu suddenly remembered something.

    After contemting for a bit, she asked Jiang Li, ¡°Second Young Master Jiang.¡±

    ¡°Just call me Ah Li,¡± Jiang Li said while giving instructions to someone next to him, ¡°A bunch of peonies, wrap it nicely, I¡¯m giving it as a gift.

    Also, a bunch of white roses, um¡­

    add some eucalyptus leaves.¡±

    The florist quietly asked, ¡°Okay, Mr.

    Jiang.

    And¡­

    the white roses¡ªare they going to the usual ce?¡±

    Jiang Li hummed in affirmation.

    Su Lu wasn¡¯t sure if it was just her imagination, but she felt like Jiang Li wasn¡¯t in a happy mood while buying flowers.

    But she didn¡¯t dwell on it or ask further, continuing, ¡°Oh, Ah Li.¡±

    Jiang Li: ¡°Speak.¡±

    The corners of Su Lu¡¯s mouth couldn¡¯t help but curve up as she asked, ¡°Can you do custom orders right now in this flower shop?

    Like banners and such¡­¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°Not just banners.

    We can order trophies, crystal awards, all sorts of things.

    You¡¯re looking to ce an order?¡±

    ¡°Uh-huh,¡± Su Lu affirmed, ¡°How soon can I get it?¡±

    ¡°Do you need it urgently?

    I¡¯m a regr here, so I can ask them to expedite it,¡± Jiang Li asked, ¡°When do you need it by?¡±

    Su Lu thought for a moment, ¡°It¡¯d be best¡­

    if I could get it today.¡±

    Jiang Li turned to ask the attendant who had started wrapping the flowers, ¡°She needs it today, can you do it?¡±

    The attendant replied, ¡°Silk-screened items like crystal ques and trophies won¡¯t be possible today, but we can do a banner.¡±

    Jiang Li ryed to Su Lu on the phone, ¡°You heard that?

    The banner is doable.¡±

    ¡°Then¡­

    please order one for me,¡± Su Lu said.

    ¡°What do you want written on it?¡± Jiang Li asked.

    Then there was silence, failing to catch Su Lu¡¯s response.

    ¡°Um?¡± Jiang Li thought there might be a bad signal, so he asked again, ¡°What words do you want?¡±

    After pondering for a moment, Su Lu uttered, ¡°Just print¡­

    with heartfelt warmth and joy in helping others, an enthusiastic citizen¡­

    Mr.

    Bo.¡±

    Jiang Li: ¡°¡­¡±

    Su Lu: ¡°¡­¡±

    Jiang Li: ¡°Pffft hahahaha!¡±

    Su Lu cleared her throat, ¡°Stopughing.¡±

    Jiang Li couldn¡¯t stopughing, her stomach even started to hurt, ¡°Su Lu, you really have some nerve.¡±

    Su Lu exhaled, ¡°Are you going to make it or not?¡±

    ¡°Of course, we must make it!¡± Jiang Li said decisively, ¡°Make the biggest one, are two banners enough?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s enough¡­¡± Really, it was enough, Su Lu suddenly regretted bringing this up in front of Jiang Li.

    After all¡­ doesn¡¯t President Bo care about his face?

    Jiang Li keptughing, ¡°Okay, I¡¯m on my way now.

    We¡¯ll talk more when I get there.¡±

    Before ending the call, Su Lu heard Jiang Li urgently telling the shop assistant, ¡°You must finish this banner today!

    Oh my goodness, this is just too funny¡­¡±

    Half an hourter, Jiang Li arrived, all bluster and hustle.

    She didn¡¯t bring any assistant and was even dressed in a rather casual outfit.

    Jiang Li smiled, ¡°Let¡¯s talk about the detailster, you¡¯ve already signed the preliminary contract, there¡¯s no rush for the details.

    Come on, let¡¯s go somewhere first.¡±

    ¡°Where to?¡± Su Lu was puzzled.

    Jiang Li chuckled, ¡°You¡¯ll see when we get there, I¡¯m taking you to experience a new world.

    You don¡¯t seem like someone who enjoys fun, your life must be so dull.

    I¡¯ll take you to liven it up.¡±

    To be honest, Su Lu wasn¡¯t that enthusiastic about livening things up.

    However, Jiang Er was so energetic and seemed to easily influence people¡¯s emotions.

    After thinking for a moment, Su Lu nodded, ¡°Then let¡¯s go.¡±

    As they were leaving the office, they happened to meet Qiao Liing out from the secretary¡¯s room.

    He must have recognized Jiang Li.

    Su Zhe had sent him to help Su Lu keep an eye on this project.

    So Qiao Li looked at Su Lu, ¡°Where to?

    I¡¯ll apany you.¡±

    Su Lu felt there was no need for that, Jiang Li was just looking for fun, and this outing wasn¡¯t likely to be about anything seriously important.

    Before Su Lu could politely decline, Jiang Li waved her hand, ¡°No need, I¡¯ll take Mr.

    Su myself, don¡¯t worry.¡±

    Qiao Li was nomittal about this.

    He remained silent, just quietly watching Su Lu, waiting for her response.

    After a moment¡¯s hesitation, Su Lu said to Qiao Li, ¡°It¡¯s fine, I can go on my own, please take care of the other matters.¡±

    ¡°Alright, that¡¯s fine.¡± Qiao Li lowered his eyes, the lids concealing a trace of disappointment, ¡°Then, be careful on the road.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, don¡¯t worry,¡± Jiang Li said repeatedly, then started urging Su Lu toward the elevator.

    Jiang Li might seem carefree, but she wasn¡¯t slow-witted; sometimes she was quite perceptive, immediately noticing that Qiao Li¡¯s attitude towards Su Lu was unusual.

    Jiang Li tsked in her heart, especially when thinking about her old friend¡¯s cold demeanor towards everyone else, which changed only for Su Lu.

    She couldn¡¯t help thinking, Gu Xin, that fool who doesn¡¯t realize the good life he has, his wife is wanted by everyone except himself.

    Su Lu and Jiang Li sat in the back seat as the driver headed toward the High-tech District.

    The High-tech District was newly developed, so the greenery and environment along the way were great, with an absence of old, small buildings or low-rise high-rises; mostly there were tall residential buildings or offices.

    Su Lu¡¯s fingers gently toyed with the delicate petals of the bouquet in herp.

    The peonies were blooming beautifully.

    Flowers were indeed a good thing, capable of soothing one¡¯s mood.

    Su Lu nced out the window and recognized the road to the High-tech District.

    She asked, ¡°What are we doing in the High-tech District?¡±

    It couldn¡¯t possibly be because Bo Jingshen¡¯s tech park was ready, what was it then?

    Su Lu really had no clue what Jiang Li was up to.

    All she saw was Jiang Li smiling, ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m taking you out to have some fun.¡±

 Chapter 78 - 78 78 Play

    ?78: Chapter 78 y   78: Chapter 78 y                                   Su Lu was rather curious, so her interest was piqued.

    The car stopped in front of a ratherrge connected vi with a courtyard.

    A sign stood at the entrance; it was metallic and had no words on it, just an abstract LOGO that was red and looked like a me or perhaps a hawk¡¯s head.

    Two men stood at the entrance waiting, one of whom looked to be about thirty, his hair neatlybed and dressed formally.

    The other, rather than calling him a man, it would be more appropriate to say he was a youth.

    He looked barely in his early twenties, his skin pale as if he rarely saw the sun, and he was very tall.

    His figure retained a youthful thinness, and his somewhat long hair slightly obscured his brows and eyes.

    He appeared somewhat mncholic but was quite handsome.

    He was dressed very casually in a ck T-shirt scattered with white paint spots whose cor had faded to white.

    A thin, unremarkable silver chain hung around his neck.

    His shorts were whitewashed denim cut-offs, and he wore worn-out low-top canvas shoes, the heels of which he had trodden down.

    If the thirty-year-old man appeared neat and formal, this youth looked far too casual.

    When the car stopped at the door, the thirty-year-old man promptly came forward and opened the rear door.

    ¡°Second Young Master Jiang!

    We are honored by your visit!¡± The man was very polite and courteous, and he looked at Su Lu with a friendly expression, ¡°And thisdy is?¡±

    ¡°Last name Su,¡± Su Lu replied.

    ¡°Miss Su, hello!¡± the man quickly greeted.

    Jiang Li got out first, ¡°This is the other party I mentioned to you, who will partner with us on this project.¡±

    ¡°I see!

    Mr.

    Su, it¡¯s a pleasure to meet you.

    Here¡¯s my business card!¡± The man handed over a card which Su Lu took and quickly nced at after getting out of the car.

    The card listed his name and position.

    Xiang Tiancheng, manager of Lieying Club.

    It also bore the same red logo as there was on the gate sign.

    A hawk, then?

    Su Lu nced at this logo.

    At first, it seemed abstract, but upon knowing the name, it seemed quite fitting.

    Su Lu also handed him her business card.

    By now, she certainly understood what thisrge connected vi represented.

    It must be an e-sports club.

    And this silent youth next to her was likely a yer for the club.

    And to have the managere out to meet them like this¡­

    he must be an investor, appearing quite significant.

    After all, in such settings, not just anyone would show their face.

    Xiang Tiancheng quickly introduced her, ¡°This is the captain of our current team in Lieying Club, Ying Xi.

    His ID is hope, and his skills are excellent, truly among the best.¡±

    Su Lu nodded and nced at the young man named Ying Xi.

    It had to be said¡­

    the difort was clearly written across the captain¡¯s face, without any attempt to hide it.

    It was understandable, Su Lu felt a bit helpless; such situations were quite irritating, and she used to find them bothersome in her younger years.

    Then, Su Lu saw Jiang Li being particrly attentive, directing the driver to retrieve a box of snacks from the back of the car.

    Jiang Li took it and personally presented it to Ying Xi, smiling broadly, ¡°I bought these for you; they¡¯re all things you like.

    They¡¯re not expensive¡­

    don¡¯t disdain them.¡±

    Su Lu looked at Ying Xi and then at Jiang Li.

    She felt she had grasped something subtly.

    Perhaps¡­

    Jiang Li hadn¡¯t brought her along for simple entertainment?

    This guy might actually be here to fanboy!

    While others chased movie stars, variety stars, or singers, he was after¡­an e-sports star?

    ¡°No need, thank you.¡± Ying Xi didn¡¯t take it, his brow furrowed slightly, his voice cool with a metallic tinge.

    Instead, it was Xiang Tiancheng who grabbed it, ¡°Thank you so much, Second Young Master Jiang for caring so much about our hope¡­¡±

    Xiang Tiancheng quickly continued, ¡°Ah, right, today we¡¯ve also arranged for Hope to take the two of you on a tour of our base, and to experience the life of an eSports yer.¡±

    Su Lu raised her eyebrows.

    She was really here to have fun.

    ¡°Much appreciated,¡± Su Lu said.

    Xiang Tiancheng, holding a snack box, led the way, ¡°Pleasee in,e in.¡±

    Ying Xi followed next to Xiang Tiancheng, still looking cool and indifferent.

    Meanwhile, Su Lu and Jiang Li followed leisurely behind, looking around as they walked in.

    Su Lu lowered her voice and said to Jiang Li, ¡°Second Young Master Jiang, tell me the truth.¡±

    Jiang Li: ¡°Hmm?

    What truth?¡±

    Su Lu¡¯s voice grew even softer, ¡°You¡¯re here to fanboy, aren¡¯t you?

    Aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Jiang Li was stunned at first, and then a smile immediately spread across his face, ¡°How on earth did youe to that conclusion?¡±

    Su Lu thought for a moment, ¡°I used to sometimes see star-struck girls at the airport when there happened to be a celebrity flightnding.

    They did exactly what you did, giving snacks and such, identical to your actions just now.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not quite the same,¡± Jiang Li said.

    ¡°How so?¡± Su Lu asked.

    Jiang Li smiled, ¡°I have money.

    Not only did I bring snacks, but I also bought a club.

    Isn¡¯t that a powerful move?¡±

    Su Lu suddenly remembered thebels Bo Jingshen had for Jiang Li: a wasteful scion, a prodigal son, not focusing on serious matters.

    They walked into thebined vis, with buildings A and B.

    The first floor of Building A was the living area, with dining and recreation, and even some fitness equipment.

    The second floor of Building A was the first team¡¯s training area and the meeting room.

    The third floor was the rooms for the team members.

    The first floor of Building B was the office and meeting room for the club staff, the second floor was the testing room, and the third floor was the office for the club¡¯s senior executives.

    They first followed a tour around the base, which, frankly, was quite professional.

    It waspletely different from the chaotic mess Su Lu had imagined and could even be described as well-ordered.

    Then, they were led into the testing room.

    Xiang Tiancheng smiled, ¡°This is also where we hold initial selections for the youth training team.

    It tests whether someone has eSports talent, testing reaction speed.

    You two can give it a try.¡±

    Jiang Li made Su Lu sit down first, and she vaguely grasped the mouse.

    Ying Xi¡¯s metallic, cold voice exined each different testing program on the side¡ªwhat each test involved, how to operate it, what the passing score was, and what an excellent score was.

    Su Lu responded with an ¡°Oh,¡± earnestly watched the screen, and operated ording to the rules.

    When the scores came out, Xiang Tiancheng was quite surprised, his eyes drawing much closer.

    Ying Xi nced sideways at Su Lu.

    For a moment, Su Lu didn¡¯t know whether this was good or bad.

    Not until Jiang Li sat down and performed his operation.

    Seeing Jiang Li operating furiously but ending up with a score of negative five.

    Su Lu immediately had a precise definition of her previous performance.

    I¡¯m absolutely amazing.

    Maybe if I had started on this path earlier, I could have be an eSports genius, an eSports queen, right?

    But Su Lu thought it would be better not to ridicule Jiang Li.

    Then, from the side, a snicker came.

    ¡°Psst¡­¡±

    Oh ho, Su Lu thought, could this be disdain from his idol toward Jiang Li?

 Chapter 79 - 79 79 His Legend Still Remains in Jianghu!

    ?79: Chapter 79: His Legend Still Remains in Jianghu!

    79: Chapter 79: His Legend Still Remains in Jianghu!

    Ying Xi snickered, but Jiang Li didn¡¯t seem embarrassed at all.

    You had to admit, sometimes Jiang Li¡¯s forthright nature made it feel like a waste of time to even think about mocking him.

    Jiang Li rubbed his hands together, his face showing no sign of dejection as if he weren¡¯t dissatisfied with his own performance.

    He simply nced at Su Lu and smiled, ¡°The main reason is that you did so well, it made my performance seemckluster.

    It¡¯s not because I was terrible, mind you.¡±

    Ying Xi shot him a look.

    Without needing Su Lu to say a word, Ying Xi pulled a face and said, ¡°You¡¯re quite good atforting yourself.¡±

    Su Lu wasn¡¯t the kind to pour cold water on someone, and she hurriedly said, ¡°It¡¯s my fault for being thoughtless; don¡¯t take it to heart, Ah Li.¡±

    Jiang Li didn¡¯t care about the cold water Ying Xi had just poured, andtched onto Su Lu¡¯s words quickly, as if they were a lifeline.

    Jiang Li: ¡°You¡¯re right, you¡¯re too thoughtless.

    In my opinion, you and Mr.

    Bo are perfect examples of Versailles.¡±

    Mentioning Bo Jingshen, Su Lu¡¯s eyes lit up with curiosity.

    She had missed out on his life during those times, but Jiang Li knew all about it.

    Su Lu: ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Jiang Li, being an open book, felt there was nothing he couldn¡¯t say, and so, he did, ¡°Oh, he wasn¡¯t like me; he was rich to begin with.¡±

    Su Lu: ¡°¡­¡± Seriously, who is the actual Versailles here?

    Of course, Su Lu knew what Jiang Li was implying¡ªBo Jingshen was different from him, having been born into wealth and never having been stifled by money troubles.

    ¡°Hmm, and then?¡±

    ¡°When he first went abroad, he worked in various jobs to make money for his startups; he was a bartender, a gaming power leveler, and even took part in eSportspetitions.

    He even raced underground.

    Otherwise, how do you think I came to know him?¡± Jiang Li said.

    Su Lu was stunned.

    This was a part of Bo Jingshen¡¯s life she had never known about.

    And it made sense.

    Otherwise, how would Bo Jingshen havee to know someone like Jiang Li¡­

    Jiang Li clicked on theputer again, restarting another round of tests.

    His performance was significantly better than before, and he could even talk without distraction.

    ¡°Su Lu, don¡¯t be fooled by his ¡®big boss¡¯ demeanor now, acting all high and mighty, as if he¡¯s looking down on our project and industry.

    Back in the day, he made a fair amount of startup capital from this industry.¡±

    ¡°The current fans of eSports might not have heard of him, but the old fans of the scene might still remember the legend of ¡®B God¡¯.¡±

    As Jiang Li was speaking, Ying Xi, who was beside him, froze for a moment, then quickly turned to look at Jiang Li.

    ¡°B God?¡± Su Lu grew even more curious, ¡°You mean his ID, or a title?¡±

    Ying Xi, who had been aloof all this time, spoke up even faster than Jiang Li.

    In a metallic tone, Ying Xi said, ¡°Gaming ID: Bambi.

    He battled in three different games using the same ID, reaching top levels in record time, which made the ID widely known.

    He won countless awards but never showed his face.

    After taking the prize money, he¡¯d disappear without a trace.

    He had high standards, and people in the industry called him ¡®B God¡¯.¡±

    It was a rare moment for the young eSports yer; from the beginning till earlier, he always sounded impatient and irritable.

    But at that instant, his tone and mood had changed slightly¡ªit must have been something like admiration or appreciation.

    Because it was so different from his earlier impatience, the shift was very noticeable.

    Su Lu thought, so Bo Jingshen was¡­ that formidable.

    She actually knew beforehand that Bo Jingshen was good at gaming¡ªhe seemed to be better than others at even something as simple as Candy Crush.

    Or perhaps that wasn¡¯t the right way to put it.

    It should be said that he was amazing at everything, a quick learner in every field, and proficient in all endeavors.

    He could achieve results in a short time that others might not reach even after a long time.

    He was a genius that one couldn¡¯t help but feel envious of and admire greatly.

    Jiang Li pursed his lips, ¡°He just wanted to make money!

    That¡¯s why he disappeared quickly after winning prize money, reappearing when there was a new prize to win.

    Where¡¯s the high standard in that¡­¡±

    Ying Xi raised an eyebrow nomittally, but it was clear that he couldn¡¯t agree with Jiang Li¡¯s words.

    It seemed that if Jiang Li were a die-hard fan of Ying Xi, then it was very likely that Ying Xi was a die-hard fan of B God.

    Ying Xi asked, ¡°So, from the sound of it, you know B God?¡±

    Jiang Li twisted her mouth and looked at him, ¡°Oh, now you want to talk to me?

    Since I know B God, I won¡¯t introduce you to him!

    After all, you treat me differently!

    And here I was kindly bringing you snacks¡­¡±

    Wasn¡¯t he just treating her like air,pletely ignoring her?

    Jiang Li mumbled thest part under her breath, sounding like a child who had been wronged.

    Su Lu couldn¡¯t help but chuckle upon hearing Jiang Li¡¯s childish words.

    Ying Xi gave a snort ofughter, ¡°That¡¯s B God, while you¡­¡±

    The young man¡¯s slender fingers pointed at theputer screen, which disyed Jiang Li¡¯s results after another test.

    Although the results were much improved from thest time, they were still¡­

    worse than the level Su Lu had tested at before.

    Ying Xi¡¯s gesture towards the score was self-exnatory.

    B God is B God, and you¡¯re just a noob¡­

    Su Lu coughed lightly on the side, trying to ease the atmosphere, maybe smooth things over.

    Mainly because¡­

    she always felt that Jiang Li was like a child who never grew up, and Ying Xi seemed young too.

    With the two acting like teenagers, she worried that they might start fighting.

    Just then, Su Lu¡¯s phone buzzed, and she took it out to answer.

    ¡°Where are you?¡± Bo Jingshen¡¯s voice was deep and mellow, quite pleasant to the ear, but he sounded somewhat displeased.

    Su Lu didn¡¯t know what hade over her, she must have had a brain fart.

    Because as soon as she heard that deep, mellow voice on the other end, she blurted out, ¡°B God, are you looking for me¡­?¡±

    As soon as the words left her mouth, she immediately felt stunned.

    Ying Xi¡¯s gaze shot over to her.

    And Jiang Li widened her eyes at her, mouthing, ¡°Are you trying to kill me?!¡±

    From the exaggerated shapes of Jiang Li¡¯s mouth, one could easily tell the turmoil she was feeling.

    Meanwhile, Bo Jingshen on the other end fell silent.

    The scene was¡­

    incredibly awkward for a moment.

    Su Lu: ¡°Um¡­¡±

    She was just about to say something to defuse the situation.

    Then she heard Bo Jingshen¡¯s deep, mellow voice on the other end, sounding like he was grinding his teeth as he spoke through clenched jaws, ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have let you coborate with Jiang Li on this project!

    Instead of learning something good, you spend your days using me for your amusement?!¡±

    As Bo Jingshen said this, his fingers were forcefully pinching arge red banner on the desk!

    The gold characters on it reading ¡®Warm-hearted Citizen Mr.

    Bo Eager to Help Others¡¯ were like needles pricking his eyes.

    Of course, he also thought of Su Lu¡¯s joke about sending him a banner.

    And this banner was sent by the flower shop Jiang Er frequently visited.

    So whether it was Su Xiaolu learning bad habits from Jiang Li, or Jiang Li from Su Xiaolu, or both were already bad to the bone and now even worse together?

    That remained to be investigated.

 Chapter 80 - 80 80 Because We Have

    ?80: Chapter 80 Because We Have¡­

    80: Chapter 80 Because We Have¡­

    Bo Jingshen hung up the phone, and Su Lu looked at the abruptly ended call, pursing her lips slightly.

    Was he so angry that he even hung up the phone?

    Jiang Li, noticing that she had finished the call, finally spoke up, ¡°You¡¯re going to get me in trouble.¡±

    After thinking for a moment, Su Lu cautiously replied, ¡°It shouldn¡¯t¡­ probably isn¡¯t that serious, right?¡±

    No sooner had she finished speaking than Jiang Li took out his phone, which was buzzing insistently.

    He unlocked the screen to find a picture message from Bo Jingshen.

    In the image, on a dark walnut desky two red velvet banners, with the gold-lettered inscription: ¡°Generous Samaritan and Enthusiastic Citizen Mr.

    Bo.¡±

    Su Lu gasped in surprise, and Jiang Li also froze, clearly both taken aback.

    What Su Lu thought: No way, did he really do it?

    Did he actually send it?

    What Jiang Li thought: No way, did it that quickly?

    Delivered it so fast?

    Su Lu nced at her own phone, recalling the call that had just been cut off, and thought that it made sense.

    Bo Jingshen must have called because of receiving that banner, but as soon as she opened her mouth, it was to tease him with the nickname from his past.

    It was like a double blow; no wonder he got angry.

    Su Lu and Jiang Li exchanged nces, but neither said a word.

    Xiang Tiancheng came over, oblivious to their mood, and greeted them with a warm smile, ¡°How about it?

    Did Second Young Master Jiang and Mr.

    Su find the test interesting?

    This is just the first hurdle for selecting our youth training candidates;ter on, we will also evaluate his individual skill in the game as well as his ability to work with the team, and so on.¡±

    Su Lu nodded, ¡°It¡¯s quite interesting.¡±

    Honestly, Su Lu found it far more interesting than those uniform projects she had done before.

    ¡°If you two are not too busy, shall we talk in the conference room?¡± Xiang Tiancheng tentatively asked.

    Su Lu didn¡¯t mind, casting a sideways nce at Jiang Li, waiting for his opinion.

    Jiang Li nodded, ¡°Sure, let¡¯s have a chat.¡±

    Xiang Tiancheng¡¯s eyes lit up immediately, ¡°Please, this way!¡±

    Su Lu and Jiang Li headed out first, and after they left, Ying Xi leisurely walked out.

    Ying Xi said to Xiang Tiancheng, ¡°I¡¯ll just¡­¡±

    Before he could finish, Xiang Tiancheng lowered his voice and cut him off, ¡°Youe along too, don¡¯t even think about cking off.¡±

    Ying Xi frowned, and as Xiang Tiancheng saw his expression, he thought Ying Xi was going to refuse.

    Xiang Tiancheng was prepared for the next words, but surprisingly, Ying Xi only furrowed his brows and nodded, ¡°I didn¡¯t say I wouldn¡¯t go.¡±

    This slightly astonished Xiang Tiancheng, ¡°So cooperative today?¡±

    ¡°If you don¡¯t need me to cooperate¡­¡± Ying Xi replied coldly.

    Xiang Tiancheng quickly gestured with his hands, hurrying to catch up with Jiang Li and Su Lu.

    Ying Xi, hands in his pockets, followed at a leisurely pace.

    Xiang Tiancheng led them to the conference room, passing through the training area.

    The doors of the training room had a half-panel of transparent ss, and Su Lu nced inside.

    Within sight were high-endputers withrge screens, sophisticated peripherals and gaming chairs, alongside young yers.

    Xiang Tiancheng was always very polite, and his attitude was extremely good.

    ¡°I know that Second Young Master Jiang¡¯s intended club includes one other than ours.

    But at present, our Lie Ying has undoubtedly the best prospects,¡± Xiang Tiancheng said.

    This was not Xiang Tiancheng boasting.

    Their club indeed had the confidence to make such a statement.

    Not to mention anything else, just Ying Xi alone granted them this privilege.

    Su Lu had also looked over Jiang Li¡¯s ns; even though there were two clubs in consideration, the other was purely to make up the numbers.

    From the start, Jiang Li had his sights set on this club.

    The base was also in Feng City, their overall strength was good, and they had the likes of Ying Xi.

    Plus, Su Lu thought, after all¡­

    he was Second Young Master Jiang¡¯s die-hard fan; that ought to be worth some extra points here.

    However, in front of Xiang Tiancheng, Jiang Li managed to keep hisposure.

    It had to be said, as the young master of the Jiang Family, he¡¯d been steeped in this from childhood; he was a yboy when he wanted to be, but he seemed to have an innate talent for business and negotiations.

    Xiang Tiancheng could not get any favorable terms from him, neither in price nor in other conditions.

    Sweat beaded on Xiang Tiancheng¡¯s forehead; clearly, he had not expected this young master to be so difficult.

    As for Jiang Li, he was more than capable.

    He had the air of someone who might not care about money, but also did not want to be seen as an easy mark to take advantage of.

    By the end, Xiang Tiancheng felt that Second Young Master Jiang was practically acting shamelessly!

    Xiang Tiancheng could only turn to Su Lu, hoping that Mr.

    Su would be easier to deal with than Second Young Master Jiang.

    After all, Su Lu was a woman, and a gentle and beautiful one at that.

    Her image, in such negotiations, was always easy to underestimate.

    Su Lu was ustomed to this, so when she saw Xiang Tiancheng throwing the conversation her way, she guessed his thoughts.

    Xiang Tiancheng still wanted to raise the price and nearly repeated the same speech he had with Jiang Li, just with different wording, hoping to get a satisfactory response from Su Lu.

    But instead, he saw this woman¡ªwho he had never really taken seriously, thinking she was just tagging along with Second Young Master Jiang without much say¡ªpull out a stack of documents from her briefcase, along with a pen.

    Opening the documents, her voice remained soft, but her words were calm and powerful.

    ¡°I¡¯ve looked through your information and have taken stock of the current situation in the industry.

    I can safely say that right now, the most valuable asset for your club is Ying Xi, ¡®hope,¡¯ right?¡±

    Hearing Su Lu start off like this, Xiang Tiancheng felt a twinge in his heart, sensing that perhaps he had approached the wrong person.

    Especially since at this moment¡­

    Jiang Li had a smile on his face that seemed both teasing and nonchnt, making Xiang Tiancheng even more uneasy.

    Yet Su Lu remained calm andposed, speaking neither too fast nor too slow, not aggressive or confrontational.

    ¡°This is also your club¡¯s biggest capital.

    The presence of ¡®hope,¡¯ his fame, poprity, professional level, and stability, can bring immensemercial value,¡± Su Lu said, looking up from the documents towards Xiang Tiancheng, her voice even calmer.

    ¡°To put it bluntly, his energy alone is worth more than all the other yers in your club put together,¡± Su Lu calmly inquired, ¡°I¡¯m not wrong, am I?¡±

    She sounded so modest, as though she really didn¡¯t understand much, didn¡¯t know the details, just had a general idea and hoped to be affirmed by the other party.

    Xiang Tiancheng braced himself and nodded slightly, about to speak.

    Then he saw Su Lu smile, ¡°But, ¡®hope¡¯s¡¯ transfer period ising up soon.

    If we can¡¯te to an agreement, even our intended offer for ¡®hope¡¯ alone would be more than enough.¡±

    Xiang Tiancheng said uneasily, ¡°But you don¡¯t have a club, and Lie Ying is his team; he won¡¯t agree to it.¡±

    Su Lu shrugged her shoulders, ¡°Well, that¡¯s not necessarily true, because we have Bao Jing.¡±

 Chapter 81 - 81 81 Coming to Arrest Someone

    81: Chapter 81: Coming to Arrest Someone   81: Chapter 81: Coming to Arrest Someone                                   ¡°Pfft!

    Cough cough cough cough!¡± Even Jiang Li hadn¡¯t anticipated that Su Lu would say something like that, and he was suddenly choking withughter.

    Jiang Li had realized that Xiang Tiancheng was underestimating Su Lu, so he was looking forward to the entertainment.

    Xiang Tiancheng might not know, but Jiang Li was very aware that Su Lu was serious and intelligent in her work.

    Compared to his own often distracted dabbling, Su Lu was genuinely serious about her work.

    So Jiang Li knew that Xiang Tiancheng¡¯s underestimation of Su Lu would backfire.

    But he hadn¡¯t expected her angle to be so unique, going so far as to bring up Bao Jingshen, something she had just learned about, yet she was quick to use it?

    Jiang Li could hardly believe it, Bao Jingshen had be nothing more than a tool at that moment.

    Xiang Tiancheng was slow to react, ¡°Wha¡­

    what?¡±

    The ID ¡°Bambi¡± held memories for some esports yers, but to someone like Xiang Tiancheng, who, although in the industry, was not a yer himself, it would sound very unfamiliar.

    Unfamiliar as it was, Xiang Tiancheng was well acquainted with Ying Xi¡¯s expressions, so as soon as Su Lu mentioned it, he immediately noticed the change on Ying Xi¡¯s face.

    The young man¡¯s cold face actually showed a crack of emotion!

    Xiang Tiancheng¡¯s heart skipped a beat, and he too remembered where he had seen the name Bao Jingshen ¨C precisely, the ID Bambi posted on the dormitory wall by Ying Xi.

    And while chatting with other team members, Xiang Tiancheng vaguely recalled them mentioning the name ¡°Bao Jingshen.¡±

    Xiang Tiancheng couldn¡¯t help but take another look at Su Lu, no longer daring to underestimate her.

    Was she the devil?

    And not only could she say that, she easily impressed the key members of Lie Ying¡¯s team.

    She rattled off various other modes as if she knew them by heart, making Xiang Tiancheng¡¯s heart pound as if she had been researching them for a long time.

    He no longer dared to boast carelessly.

    He immediately became much more humble, and the conversation that followed went smoothly.

    By the end, Xiang Tiancheng no longer held the radiant confidence he had upon their meeting, looking deted like a rooster that had lost a fight.

    Despite being deted, when Su Lu and Jiang Li were ready to leave, Xiang Tiancheng courteously walked them to the door.

    Unexpectedly, the aloof young man, who had previously been unable to hide his impatience, also followed Xiang Tiancheng and walked them to the door.

    But the car that pulled up was not Jiang Li¡¯s.

    Seeing the car that had arrived, Jiang Li instantly stopped in his tracks, even stepping back half a step, subtly hiding behind Ying Xi.

    Ying Xi had been standing behind him and Su Lu all along, which now meant Su Lu was out in front.

    Su Lu also recognized the car that had pulled up and incredulously turned to look at Jiang Li.

    If there were background music at this moment, the most fitting tune for the scene would undoubtedly be that line ¨C ¡°Are you seriously stepping back half a step?¡±

    Jiang Li retreated even more behind Ying Xi, and while the aloof youth retained his pallor from ack of sunlight, he was not short.

    Standing nearly 1.9 meters tall, he easily shielded Jiang Li, who was a full head shorter at 1.75 meters.

    And now, the window of the car had been lowered.

    Bao Jingshen¡¯s cool visage appeared; his eyes swept over Su Lu with a chill.

    Su Lu felt slightly uneasy, gently touched her nose, and coughed lightly, ¡°Why are you here?¡±

    Then came Bao Jingshen¡¯s cold snort, as he said, ¡°What else?

    Just a warm-hearted citizening over with enthusiastic aid.¡±

    A muffled chuckle came from inside the car.

    The passenger window rolled down, revealing Jiang Su¡¯s face, his lips curled into a faint smile¡ª Bo Jingshen¡¯s words had clearly amused him.

    Jiang Su¡¯s gaze shifted towards Jiang Li.

    Jiang Li,pletely shielded by Ying Xi, was hidden from view, so Jiang Su¡¯s gazended on Ying Xi¡¯s face instead.

    He extended a finger and made a flicking motion in the air to the side, ¡°Move aside.¡±

    Ying Xi remained stationary.

    However, upon hearing his brother¡¯s voice, Jiang Li obediently stepped out, ¡°Bro, what brings you here¡­?¡±

    Jiang Su¡¯s gaze softened slightly, ¡°If I hadn¡¯te, I¡¯d worry about you getting beaten up by him.¡± As he spoke, Jiang Su gestured towards Bo Jingshen who was behind him.

    Xiang Tiancheng sized up the two men.

    Although he had never met them¡ªneither the boss of Boss nor the boss of Jianghe Group were within the scope of people he had the opportunity to meet¡ªhe could guess from their demeanor they were no ordinary individuals.

    He cautiously asked, ¡°You two are?¡±

    Neither Bo Jingshen nor Jiang Su paid him any attention.

    Bo Jingshen merely tapped his fingertips lightly on the edge of the car window, and the driver quickly got out, opening the rear door, ¡°Miss Su, please get in the car.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Su Lu obediently replied, getting into the car.

    Originally, Jiang Li had thought there was nothing more for him to do; he could simply take his own car and leave, but he didn¡¯t get the chance to slip away.

    Jiang Su nced at him, ¡°Aren¡¯t you getting in the car, or should Ie out and invite you?¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± Jiang Li obeyed even more readily than Su Lu, getting into the car.

    Xiang Tiancheng felt as though he had stumbled into a fantasy.

    This was the man who had just been so¡­

    so unyielding and troublesome in front of him.

    Now, he was even more docile than a rabbit ¨C it was all very mystical, very confusing.

    ¡°Then, I¡¯ll see you next time.¡± Jiang Li waved at them.

    As he watched the luxury car drive away, Xiang Tiancheng muttered to himself, ¡°Who were those two?

    They seem pretty extraordinary¡­¡±

    It was just a murmur to himself; he hadn¡¯t intended to get a reply from Ying Xi.

    Surprisingly, the young man with the metallic voice answered indifferently, ¡°The one in the back, that¡¯s Bambi.¡±

    ¡°Bam¡­¡± Xiang Tiancheng¡¯s eyes widened, ¡°The¡­

    the idol of yours?

    Isn¡¯t he an esports yer?¡±

    But did he look like someone who merely yed games?

    Ying Xi didn¡¯t respond to his question, simply stating, ¡°I have no objections to their offer; just don¡¯t hold things up.

    I¡¯m leaving first.¡±

    Meanwhile, in the back seat, Su Lu sat next to Bo Jingshen, staring at the red velvet banner hanging on the back of the driver¡¯s seat, now facing her head-on.

    Su Lu felt her scalp tightening.

    Jiang Li was also in the back seat, right beside Su Lu, so at that moment, both of them were directly facing the red velvet banner on the back of the driver¡¯s seat, exchanging nces.

    Jiang Su looked back at them, the corners of his mouth slightly hooked, andughed softly, ¡°Don¡¯t you think you¡¯re being a bit ridiculous¡­?¡±

    Jiang Li coughed lightly, trying to defuse the situation, ¡°It¡¯s just a banner, Brother Bao, don¡¯t take it so seriously.

    It¡¯s just a little joke.¡±

    Jiang Su said, ¡°Then the person who brought the banners really made a show of it, parading two such grand ones into thepany.

    It was all that was missing from being a spectacle.¡±

 Chapter 417

    <h4>Chapter 417: Chapter 417</h4><h4></h4>

    "Even though it has been my cozy nest for over five years, can everyone stop despising it?" Su Lu said helplessly.

    Su Zhe stood up, "Anyway, let¡¯s settle it like this. I¡¯ll have someone clean the house in East City tomorrow."

    "No," Su Lu said, "Bo Jingshen has already been setting up the house, that¡¯s why I¡¯m staying here."

    "Did he really move because of the house renovation?" Su Zhe was somewhat surprised, "I thought it was just some excuse he made up."

    "Not at all," Su Luughed. "Anyway, don¡¯t worry about me. It¡¯s more important that you take care of your health... after all, you owe your life to me, right?"

    "Yes," Su Zhe smiled as he reached out to pat her head.

    "So before you ruin yourself, you¡¯d better ask if I agree. I¡¯mying it out here now, I don¡¯t agree. You just take good care of yourself and eat well."

    "Got it," Su Zhe rubbed her hair and nodded.

    Su Lu walked him to the door and called Zhao Xiaole toe and say goodbye to her uncle.

    After Su Zhe left, Su Lu went to clean up the teaware. Bo Jingshen came over and gently squeezed her shoulders, looking worried, "Su Zhe didn¡¯t scold you, did he?"

    "No. Why do you ask?" Su Lu turned to nce at him, "My brother rarely scolds me."

    It wasn¡¯t even urate to say rarely; Su Zhe almost never scolded Su Lu.

    "It makes sense, if he were to scold anyone, it¡¯d be me. I¡¯ve seen him scold me without holding back," Bo Jingshen said with a smile, then thought for a moment and said, "What¡¯s up with Su Zhe? Heartbroken? He looked terrible."

    It had to be said that Bo Jingshen was sometimes quite perceptive.

    If what troubled Su Zhe was just a normal heartbreak, Su Lu wouldn¡¯t have hesitated to discuss it, but the situation was a bitplicated. Even though it was Bo Jingshen, Su Lu felt that it was better not to mention it for now.

    "Well... anyway, don¡¯t ask," Su Lu said.

    Bo Jingshen curled the corner of his mouth, "Alright, I won¡¯t ask."

    Hearing him agree so easily and obediently, Su Lu reached out to touch his face.

    "As long as he doesn¡¯t think about driving me away," Bo Jingshen cared about that the most. Honestly, he had absolutely no interest in Su Zhe¡¯s personal issues or anyone else¡¯s for that matter.

    Su Lu: "Got it, won¡¯t drive you away."

    Bo Jingshen: "What if he does?"

    Su Lu looked at him, thinking, this is really a petnt little fairy, a real drama queen.

    She put down the teaware she was holding, cupped his face with both hands, and looked him in the eyes seriously, "Even if he tried, I wouldn¡¯t let you go. I don¡¯t agree, is that okay now?"

    "Hey hey," Bo Jingshenughed softly twice. He took over the teaware from her, "I¡¯ll clean up, you go rest."

    Su Lu was soon nning to go to thepany to help Su Zhe. When Bo Jingshen found out, he frowned, "Otherwise, I¡¯ll hire a team to take care of it so you don¡¯t have to work so hard."

    "Let it be. I¡¯ll go," Su Lu thought about it and waved her hand, "Besides, I have nothing else to do. Take Zhao Xiaole with you."

    Su Lu had been dealing with it for five years and thought it was time for Bo Jingshen to experience what it was like.

    Bo Jingshen had no objections, "Alright, I¡¯ll take him."

    Since Su Lu didn¡¯t agree with his idea of hiring a team to help with Su Zhe Company¡¯s business, Bo Jingshen didn¡¯t insist and just said, "Su Zhe Company is not far from Boss;e join us for lunch."

    He only had this one request.

    Su Lu, of course, didn¡¯t refuse, and she even took Jing Qiao with her.

    She also wanted Jing Qiao to have a rest. Recently, Jing Qiao had been taking care of the child full-time. Although she was gentle and seemed to have noints, Su Lu still felt a bit embarrassed, so she took Jing Qiao with her, hoping she could get some rest.

    Moreover, since the Yida group was following Su Lu, having Jing Qiao by her side was definitely safer.

    As they were nearing thepany, Su Lu made a call to Su Zhe.

    "Uh? You¡¯re almost here? Alright, I¡¯ll have someonee down to meet you," Su Zhe said.

    Su Lu initially thought he meant for someone toe down to meet her, so when she arrived at hispany¡¯s lobby, she sat on the sofa in the waiting area for a while.

    Then, she saw a thin, dark figure with withered yellow hair and a haggard appearance, heading straight for the front desk of the first-floor lobby.

    The receptionist at the front desk frowned upon seeing the man, showing a hint of impatience, probably recognizing who the person was, indicating that this was not his first visit.

    She leaned on the front desk, putting on a smile, and said, "Hello, may I ask if Mr. Su is here?"

    The receptionist gave a formic smile and shook her head, "I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Su isn¡¯t in."

    "Can you just ask for me? Maybe he¡¯d want to see me?" she pleaded urgently, her eyebrows tightly furrowed, "I¡¯m his sister, his sister!"

    Su Lu sat on the sofa in the waiting area and watched the situation at the front desk calmly.

    She hadn¡¯t expected Su Jiao to be like this, which showed that she had been having a hard timetely.

    After all, in Su Lu¡¯s memory, Su Jiao had always been domineering and spoiled but always fashionably and exquisitely dressed. Even if disliked, she was at least a pretty person to dislike.

    But now... she clearly no longer looked bright and beautiful, describing her as "dusty and down" wouldn¡¯t be too much.

    Jing Qiao also overheard the situation at the front desk and quietly asked Su Lu, "Sister-inw, do you know her?"

    Although it seemed unlikely, given how different this woman looked from her beautiful sister-inw, hearing that the woman imed to be Mr. Su¡¯s sister made Jing Qiao think that Su Lu might know her.

    "Ah, she..." Su Lu began, but just then, ding, the doors of the private elevator opened.

    A lean man in a tailored suit emerged from the elevator. He hadn¡¯t noticed the situation at the front desk but saw Su Lu sitting in the rest area and waved at her, "Lulu, over here."

    "Oh!" Su Lu stood up, "Brother."

    She felt it then, a gaze from the front desk area immediately turned her way.

    Su Jiao red at the front desk, "Is this what you meant by Mr. Su isn¡¯t here?"

    Then she quickly looked toward Su Lu, her eyes conveying an indescribable taste.

    Su Jiao quickly walked towards Su Zhe¡¯s direction, "Brother! Brother... sob sob sob..."

    She only made it to Su Zhe before she could no longer stand and copsed to the ground, crying, "Brother... I know I was wrong, I really do. Don¡¯t ignore me... okay? Sob sob sob... Dad doesn¡¯t want me anymore, Mom is too busy... If you ignore me too... I¡¯ll have no one, I¡¯ll be left with nothing..."

    Su Zhe¡¯s brow furrowed, his gaze shing with impatience, lightly scanning in the direction of the front desk.

    The two receptionists immediately shivered, thinking to call security to remove the person.

    But in that quick moment, Su Jiao, somehow inspired, turned her head to look at Su Lu.

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 418

    <h4>Chapter 418: Chapter 418</h4><h4></h4>

    "Sister..." Su Jiao¡¯s face was streaked with tears.

    She was truly frightened. She had been pampered all her life, never having suffered even a single day¡¯s hardship.

    But in this period, after their father stopped caring for them, her mother, struggling to look after herself, of course, couldn¡¯t care for her, and due to the series of blows, her mother started to drink heavily and gamble.

    Sometimes it seemed like her mother wasn¡¯t even all there mentally, and when drunk, she would look at Su Jiao with bitter resentment, feeling it was all Su Jiao¡¯s fault.

    It was all because of Su Jiao that she had ended up like this.

    And Su Jiao, who had never suffered or faced hardship, suddenly had to confront this cruel society and world, finding it nearly impossible to navigate. She looked for jobs, but everywhere turned her away forck of experience.

    But she needed to live, and Su Yukan had long since cut off her funds. She sold her jewelry, clothes, and bags, but her mother took the money to buy alcohol and lost it in gambling.

    Mother and daughter were almost forced onto the streets, plummeting from the clouds to hell in just a short time.

    Out of options to avoid homelessness and to survive, Su Jiao resorted to delivering takeout, which is why she now appeared so dark and thin.

    Her pride was gone; her backbone was nearly bent under the pressure.

    Truly out of options, she came here during her spare time from work, hoping to catch a glimpse of Su Zhe. Because Zhu Xinyan was sick, even with non-stop work and no sleep, she couldn¡¯t afford a day¡¯s worth of hospital expenses.

    And now, looking at Su Lu, who was still gentle and beautiful, with an elegant demeanor, Su Jiao didn¡¯t even have time to feel ashamed. It seemed that she was only now realizing that the most gentle and kind person in the family had always been Su Lu.

    And it was the realization of this that caused her, perhaps subconsciously knowing she was easy to bully, to always pick on her.

    Compared to Su Lu, everyone else¡¯s hearts were colder and harder.

    Su Jiao wiped the tears from her face, "Sister, please help me..."

    "What are you dragging Su Lu into this for?" Su Zhe had not wanted to waste words with her, but upon seeing her approaching Su Lu for help, he frowned and spoke coldly, "Now you remember to call her sister, but you know in your heart how you¡¯ve treated her all these years. Why are you dragging Su Lu into this now..."

    Su Jiao stared unwaveringly at Su Lu, "Sister, I know I was wrong. Please help me... My mom is sick, I truly have no other way, if she doesn¡¯t get money for treatment, she might die."

    It must be said, Su Jiao was indeed right; Su Lu was the most gentle and kind-hearted in the family.

    Especially now that Su Lu had be a mother, she seemed even gentler than before.

    Su Jiao reached out and grabbed Su Lu¡¯s hand, "Sister, I beg you, help me..."

    Su Zhe¡¯s brow furrowed even more tightly, his impatience growing as he called out to the security not far away, "Did I hire you guys to watch a show?"

    The security then hurried over, previously unsure whether it was appropriate to intervene as, after all, this looked like Mr. Su¡¯s family affair.

    Now they came over and pulled Su Jiao away, who, being so thin now, was easily removed.

    She kept calling out weakly, "Sister, sister please help me, I beg you..."

    As the guards escorted her outside, Su Lu pursed her lips and with a slight frown between her brows, turned her head and asked, "How much money?"

    Su Zhe immediately red at her, "Su Lu, you!"

    Su Lu hung her head and lightly scratched the tip of her nose with her index finger, "I know I don¡¯t have a strong temper, don¡¯t be mad. But being sick, if she really were to die, after all, we¡¯ve met. Even if she¡¯s been unkind to me, I wouldn¡¯t wish death upon her. It hasn¡¯te to that."

    Su Zhe still furrowed his brow, it was exactly because of this kindheartedness that Lulu was always getting bullied!

    It could be seen as anger at herck of resistance. But Su Zhe was actually well aware that it was precisely because of Su Lu¡¯s detachment frompetition and strife, herck of aggression.

    Although it made her an easy target for bullying, it also made those who liked her want to treat her even better.

    "Moreover, I¡¯ve be a mother myself, let¡¯s say... I¡¯m doing it to build up virtue for my child," Su Lu said to Su Zhe. Seeing that her brother was no longer that angry, Su Lu then turned her gaze to Su Jiao, who was still being held by the security guard, "How much money? For your mom¡¯s treatment."

    Su Jiao was stunned, she indeed hoped that Su Lu would help her, but she never really thought that Su Lu would actually help.

    Thus, at this moment, she was somewhat dazed, it took her a few seconds to grasp the situation, "The doctors say it will cost about five, five hundred thousand all together."

    Su Jiao sniffled, no longer continuing to cry, and seriously said, "Taking into ount what insurance can cover, the out-of-pocket portion is about three hundred thousand. I¡¯m working and earning money now, but if my mom¡¯s illness continues to drag on, it will worsen. By the time I earn the money, it might be toote for treatment, so..."

    Su Jiao was very afraid that Su Lu wouldn¡¯t want to help her, so she quickly added, "I-I will pay it back, I can write an IOU first."

    Su Lu looked steadily at Su Jiao.

    This girl, spoilt and haughty from a young age, even now, she still remembered what Su Jiao looked like as a child, dressed up like a little princess, proud, haughty, beautiful...

    And this woman now, with her dark, gaunt visage haggard, they hardly seemed like the same person.

    Su Lu¡¯s voice was very calm, devoid of schadenfreude or arrogance, "Having heard what you said, I now believe that you truly know your mistakes and are willing to change..."

    Because if it were the old Su Jiao, she would definitely not mention paying it back; she would have felt it was her due.

    When people realize that nothing in this world is owed to them, it¡¯s a sign that they have grown.

    Su Zhe¡¯s voice was cold from the side, but it wasn¡¯t the same attitude of driving her out as before.

    He made a phone call to the secretary¡¯s office, and soon a man in a suit and leather shoes came down, "Mr. Su, what are your instructions?"

    Su Zhe briefly instructed about the matters of Zhu Xinyan¡¯s treatment, and going forward, he had the secretary handle it.

    After issuing his instructions, Su Zhe then led Su Lu and Jing Qiao towards the private elevator.

    Su Jiao hurriedly rushed forward a few steps.

    Su Zhe narrowed his eyes, coldly looking at her, "Anything else?"

    Su Jiao shrank her neck, she was genuinely afraid of Su Zhe, from childhood she had always regarded him with awe, only back then it was because Su Zhe was still her brother, but now, perhaps it was only fear.

    In a soft voice, Su Jiao said to Su Lu, "Sis-sister, thank you, I¡¯m sorry for what happened before."

    Su Lu looked at her for a few seconds, not sure what to say, so she could only nod gently.

    Entering the elevator, the doors slowly closed.

    shes of memories from her childhood suddenly came to her mind, of Su Jiao pushing her into the swimming pool, tearing up her homework and sketchbook, ruining her clothes... countless acts of malicious bullying.

    She hadn¡¯t forgotten, nor could she simply forgive like a saint; she had just let it go because there was no way to avenge herself without turning into a monstrous figure just like her adversary.

    Su Zhe spoke up, "Bo Jingshen must cling to you because he knows how soft-hearted you are, right?"

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!