Lin Shuicheng spoke with casual nonchalance, and Fu Luoyin, standing beside him, hesitated several times before finally comforting himself by sipping champagne from the glass next to him, as if he couldn't bring himself to speak harshly to Lin Shuicheng.

Su Yu also felt the need to take a moment to compose himself and took a deep breath. "Why don't we all go back to our respective areas? I believe the party is about to start, and the birthday emcee will be preparing soon. We wouldn't want anyone's friends or family to get lost."

Yan Zi glared at him. "You child, it's just two floors, how could they get lost? Why are you still so dense and inflexible? Can't you adapt?"

Su Yu felt aggrieved. "Well, it's almost starting, and I don't want to hold up your time if the schedule gets delayed." Glancing discreetly in Xia Ran's direction, Su Yu thought that his words were both polite and effective in subtly urging people to leave—after all, he had been bothered by his mother's invitation of the Xia family. Back when the Xia family and the Su family were competing for hospital locations, the Su family had taken the initiative, only for the Xia family to intervene and snatch the permit, causing significant losses to the Su family. That month, half of his father's hair turned white from worry.

Back then, he was still young and could only choose not to play with Xia Ran. Eventually, Fu Luoyin came into the picture, and somehow ended up with Xia Ran. Su Yu, who was in the same class as Fu Luoyin, could only swallow his frustration but offered silent blessings. At that time, Su Yu believed that the actions of the Xia family didn't necessarily reflect Xia Ran's character, and it would be childish to hold a grudge. He let it go, hoping they might become friends someday.

But in their second year of college, Fu Luoyin graduated from military school, only to be dumped by Xia Ran, leaving him devastated for nearly half a year.

Su Yu was fiercely protective of those close to him, and Fu Luoyin was his best childhood friend. This incident completely soured his feelings towards Xia Ran and the Xia family.

After saying these words, Su Yu felt that anyone with a sense of propriety would understand that they should head downstairs—there weren't any seats reserved for them on the second floor!

Sure enough, Bai Yiyi stood up, smiling slightly awkwardly. "I need to use the restroom. Xia Ran has just returned, and he must be happy to see old classmates. I won't disturb your reunion." With that, she patted Xia Ran's shoulder, gesturing for him to stay, before walking away.

Having chased one away, the main character was still present. Although Su Yu felt reluctant, he could only force himself to be content.

Xia Ran sat quietly by the side, his eyes lowered as he gazed at the tabletop, lost in thought.

Yan Zi glared at him. "I told you, you're stubborn, and I wasn't wrong, was I?"

"Okay, okay, I get it." Su Yu sighed helplessly, then turned to smile at Lin Shuicheng. "Look, my mom just loves to tease me."

Lin Shuicheng looked back at him, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. "That's alright. Auntie is doing this out of concern for you."

Today, Lin Shuicheng was dressed in a suit, which added a subtle difference to his usual appearance as a handsome and gentle scientist. The subtlety lay in how the softness and warmth seemed to be concealed by the sharp lines of the suit, replaced instead by a cool, radiant charisma. That charisma was innate, but for some reason, Lin Shuicheng appeared slightly weary, breaking down the sense of distance he usually maintained.

There were scattered stars in the depths of Lin Shuicheng's eyes, which made him appear even more tender when he smiled.

Su Yu felt his heart skip a beat; he almost blushed in that instant.

Fu Luoyin glared at Su Yu beside him. If possible, he would have pulled Su Yu away and taken his place, being the one under Lin Shuicheng's gaze — Lin Shuicheng had never smiled at him like that before!

Fu Luoyin realized he had completely misjudged the situation. He had assumed that this little kitten seduced others with a playful charm, but to his surprise, it was the other way around with Lin Shuicheng — he was the one inviting others to take the bait!

How infuriating!

However, Fu Luoyin didn't dare to say much. Lin Shuicheng had already silenced him three or four times in the past ten minutes, so he didn't dare act recklessly.

The atmosphere that had cooled down earlier was warmed up again by Su Yu and Yan Zi's conversation.

Yan Zi asked Xia Ran, "You must be from the Xia Family, right? How old are you this year?"

Xia Ran was slightly taken aback before he smiled and said, "I'm the same age as Su Yu. Auntie, my parents couldn't make it here due to some matters in Old North America, so I came instead. I hope you like the gift I picked for you."

Yan Zi smiled warmly. "Oh, I haven't looked at it yet. You don't usually come over to our house to play. Remember to visit more often when you're back."

Su Yu was frowning by the side.

Yan Zi picked out Xia Ran's gift box and opened it. Inside was an exquisite set of tea utensils with intricate details. It was obvious that it was expensive.

The Su Family wasn't short on money, and Yan Zi had many more precious and beautiful tea sets than this. However, it was clear that Xia Ran had put effort into choosing this gift, and his attitude was polite. Yan Zi immediately smiled. "You really know how to pick gifts! Su Yu doesn't have such good taste as you! He only gave me tea leaves for my birthday. Do I need tea leaves? I can never have enough decent tea sets."

Xia Ran also laughed. "As long as you like it, Auntie. Su Yu told me that you enjoy drinking tea, so this is partly his credit too. I'm ashamed that I don't know what my mom likes to do."

With his words, he skillfully praised Yan Zi and Su Yu's harmonious mother-son relationship while modestly revealing the effort he had put into this matter.

Xia Ran maintained his composure as he engaged Yan Zi in conversation, though his attention was fixed on Fu Luoyin.

He struggled to stay calm, preventing his voice from trembling.

Su Yu stood up. "I'll go to the restroom."

As Lin Shuicheng watched Su Yu leave, he glanced at the remaining people at the table—just Fu Luoyin and Xia Ran. He also got up.

Fu Luoyin felt unprecedented tension in this situation. His attention was immediately drawn to Lin Shuicheng, almost reaching out to grab him. "Where are you going?"

Despite not having made a direct introduction, he knew for sure that Lin Shuicheng had recognized Xia Ran. Lin Shuicheng had seen his photo in his wallet and even spotted Xia Ran's picture in their chat history at the hospital, not to mention that Xia Ran was his ex-boyfriend.

Lin Shuicheng had already been planning to break up with him, and he had only just started to coax him back. He couldn't afford any more mishaps at this crucial moment!

Lin Shuicheng shot him a glance, and Fu Luoyin quickly softened his tone. "I mean... the food hasn't arrived yet. When the buffet table is set up, would you like me to get you some drink?"

Perhaps to prevent Fu Luoyin from following, Lin Shuicheng said, "In that case, please get a soda for both Su Yu and me."

Fu Luoyin immediately stood up. "I'll go right now."

This left Xia Ran and Yan Zi as the only ones at the table. Dong Shuoye was still engrossed in conversation with Lu Shengwen, showing no intention of returning. Yan Zi said, "Little Xia, help yourself to some food. Auntie has something to attend to. Remember to come over often these few days!"

Xia Ran replied quietly, "Sure, thank you, Auntie."

After that, he glanced at the empty table and got up as well.

With his back turned to Xia Ran, Fu Luoyin was at the buffet area, ordering a bottle of orange soda and a bottle of milk from the server – the soda here was served chilled, and Lin Shuicheng had actually looked a little under the weather today. Fu Luoyin took it upon himself to switch Lin Shuicheng's drink to a warm glass of milk.

As he turned around, Xia Ran was standing right behind him.

Xia Ran asked softly, "Is it really that terrifying to be alone with me at a table, Fu Luoyin?"

When Lin Shuicheng found Su Yu, Su Yu was sitting gloomily in the corridor outside the hotel's rest area, all by himself.

Seeing him, Su Yu was surprised. "Sister-in-law, why are you here?"

"I came to check on you since you seemed down." Lin Shuicheng extended a plate towards him, which held a braised chicken leg and a serving of sashimi. "I brought you some snacks. What's wrong? You're the main guest today; are you hiding here because you're unhappy?"

Su Yu felt a bit awkward. "I... I'm fine, just a bit down. Also, I'm not the main character here, my mom is."

Lin Shuicheng asked, "A bit down because you don't like Xia Ran?" After a moment of contemplation, he added, "Isn't he Fu Luoyin's ex-boyfriend? You mentioned him before. You two should have a good relationship, right?"

Su Yu gasped. "How did you see through it... Well, it's nothing major, just some personal issues between us. I used to think we could be friends since he's handsome and charming with elders, but later on, well, I won't badmouth him behind his back, but I just don't particularly like him, especially when I see how close my mom is with him, tsk."

"Your mom only wants what's best for you," Lin Shuicheng said softly.

"I know." Su Yu sighed again. "That's why it bothers me. If only I were more capable, but alas, I lack the intelligence to run a business and no grand plans. Since quitting my job, I haven't found another one yet... My parents can only do their best to help me network and introduce me to people. Even though the Xia family isn't in Star City now, there's no telling if we might cross paths in the future. Mom thinks it's better to seize any available resources rather than miss out."

Lin Shuicheng lowered his gaze and smiled quietly. "If there's anything I can assist with, feel free to tell me anytime. When I visited the hospital, the nurse mentioned that Didi's brain activity has increased compared to before. If you hadn't helped transfer Didi to the Third Hospital, who knows when his condition would improve."

Su Yu quickly responded, "It's no trouble at all, just a small favor! Don't worry about me, sis-in-law. My parents realize my limitations and have already started grooming a successor. The pressure on me isn't as great. As for pressure, I need to find a job soon and my mom keeps urging me to find a reliable boyfriend... Of course, it would be perfect if the boyfriend could also support the family business!"

Holding the tray that Lin Shuicheng had brought over, Su Yu noticed his favorite sashimi and chicken legs. He couldn't help feeling overwhelmed with happiness.

Biting into the chicken leg, he was moved to tears. "I was a bit down earlier, but seeing you, sis-in-law, cheered me up. You're the best. If I can find a boyfriend as excellent as you in the future, that would be perfect!"

"Someone like me?" Lin Shuicheng pondered and asked, "What kind of person am I?"

Su Yu exclaimed, "Handsome! Intelligent! A scholar! Skilled in cooking! Oh my, Sister-in-law, your virtues could fill three days and three nights of praise. Just take that famous painting case, you really startled me, but to think you actually—"

Lin Shuicheng interrupted him, "If these are the criteria, I can introduce someone to you. Or perhaps there's no need for an introduction; I could simply pursue you. What do you think?"

His expression was serene and gentle as he continued, "I have no experience managing a business, but given some time to learn, I believe I could manage. Besides, I... am not much use anymore, so perhaps I could find something else to do. I could cook for you too."

Su Yu's mouth gaped open, his mind completely frozen.

There was one more thing that made Su Yu wish he could vanish on the spot—right after Lin Shuicheng finished speaking, Fu Luoyin emerged from around the corner, coming to an abrupt halt with an extremely unpleasant expression.

Fu Luoyin placed the milk and drink he was holding on the table, pressed his lips together, and left without a word.

Author's Note:

Translating the script late at night.

Little Fu (pointing at this scene): Lin Shuicheng!

Little Lin (responding): You have no heart.

Little Fu: ...You stole my line! You have no heart!

Su Yu: None of you have hearts, thank you very much. I'm the one who suffers the most.