Chapter 45

Chapter 45

The apartment where Qiu Li currently resided was in a relatively upscale community, though the living space was somewhat restricted, encompassing only about 80 square meters with two bedrooms, one for Qiu Li and another for Lu Nian.

However, Lu Nian seldom stayed overnight. Qiu Lan spent most of the time at the hospital, leaving Qiu Li as the sole resident on regular days.

Autumn Lan has aged and her health has always been fragile, harboring myriad ailments. Back when she was in Nanqiao, she consistently refused hospital check-ups.

Having moved to Ancheng in recent years, she underwent her first comprehensive medical check-up, which revealed numerous health issues, with renal failure being the most severe amongst them.

This disease is incurable, sustaining solely through clinical interventions. Thus, she mostly resides in the hospital where she can receive immediate treatment in case of any sudden emergencies. Autumn Li, often visits her after his classes to take care of her.

Essentially, her life is maintained through medication, but as long as there's a chance for treatment, both Autumn Li and Zhao Yayuan will not give up.

Autumn Lan is a distant relative of the Zhao family and was once a guardian to Zhao Yayuan during her childhood, hence her medical expenses and hospital accommodations are taken care of through the Zhao family's connections.

Even so, Autumn Li has been discreetly keeping track of the expenses, vowing to repay Zhao Yayuan in the future.

Autumn Lan has ancestral properties in Nanqiao, but Autumn Li is reluctant to utilize them, balancing his studies with part-time work.

Autumn Li is aware that Lu Nian earns money by taking on freelance projects. Long ago, she mentioned her desire to be independent from the Lu family, sustaining herself with her earnings.

In time, she aspires to live life on her terms, pursuing a career she loves, and having the freedom to fall for someone she likes.

When she spoke these words, her eyes were shimmering with a vivid anticipation of the future.

As time has passed, it has become rare for Autumn Li to witness such expression on Lu Nian's face.

While preparing dinner in the house, he lost himself in thought.

Zhao Yayuan called him, informing that Lu Nian would be staying over for a few days.

He didn't specify the reasons, and Autumn Li didn't inquire further.

He happened to have no classes in the evening. Therefore, after returning from the hospital, he visited the supermarket to buy groceries, focusing on Lu Nian's favorites, planning to cook a hearty dinner.

Lu Nian packed some belongings from the Lu family home and took a taxi directly to Autumn Li's place.

This place is closer to the city center and also near the hospital where Lu Zhizhong resides. Lu Zhizhong has been in a critical condition recently and cannot be discharged yet; he only has Lu Nian as his daughter.

She realized that recently, she seems to be entwined endlessly with hospital visits.

As a child, Lu Nian was no stranger to hospitals, but she never anticipated that her frequent encounters with hospitals would persist till now.

The atmosphere in the Lu family home is now too gloomy and oppressive, making her reluctant to return.

Her nerves have been on edge throughout the entire day.

Stepping out of the elevator, Lu Nian unlocked and opened the door, being greeted by a serene fragrance of gardenias wafting in the air.

It was a touch of Autumn Li, who made it a daily routine to replace the flowers in the vase with fresh ones.

The interior was clean and neatly arranged, infused with the gentle aroma of fresh flowers.

Lu Nian sat down on the sofa, her body finally relaxing, the tightly wound nerves loosening, ushering in a wave of profound fatigue.

Her constitution was inherently weak, and although she managed to recuperate somewhat over the past few years, the recent events left her feeling as drained and feeble as if she had been struck by a severe illness.

The kitchen door swung open, releasing the tantalizing aroma of cooking food.

Qiuli, donning an apron with a spatula in hand, inquired softly, "Nian Nian?"

"I thought you weren't home," Lu Nian said in a subdued tone.

She initially presumed Qiuli was absent, thus contemplating either to skip dinner or to make do with some takeaway.

"Yayuan informed me that you'd be coming, so I came back early," Qiuli mentioned, "Dinner will be ready soon, just a few more minutes."

Qiuli noticed her pale complexion and the prominent dark circles under her eyes, signs of her being more haggard than usual. He turned off the stove, letting the pot simmer covered, took off his apron, and sat beside her, asking with concern, "What happened?"

The two of them bore a striking resemblance in their facial features. Qiuli was, as always, gentle, with warm and deep black pupils. Seeing his face, she couldn't pinpoint why, but she felt an overwhelming sense of vulnerability.

Qiuli tenderly wiped away her tears, allowed her to lean on him, and after a moment of silence, he queried, "...Has something happened at the Lu family?"

Lu Nian sat up straight, "Did Yayuan tell you?"

She was unsure how Qiuli had come to know, despite explicitly instructing Yayuan not to disclose anything to him.

"You forgot my field of expertise," Qiuli remarked.

He was a law student.

He furrowed his brows, "I heard my mentor discussing this recent event."

Although Lu Zhihong may not have necessarily engaged in illegal activities, the Lu corporation was indeed experiencing internal strife, with high-level executives implicated in embezzlement and illegal fundraising, verified by solid evidence.

"If the Lu corporation truly can't withstand this," Qiuli began slowly, "it's not your fault."

Rubbing her eyes, Lu Nian admitted, "I don't know... what I should do now."

She had, after all, benefitted from the Lu family's grace over the years. Desiring to leave the Lu family was one thing, but witnessing Lu Zhihong nearing ruin and the entire family disintegrating was another.

While she was aware of these facts from a young age, having spent so many years in the Lu family, it was undeniable that human sentiments developed; Lu Zhihong, to her, wasn't entirely devoid of decency.

Perhaps, she was simply too soft-hearted.

Qiuli stated, "I hope that in the future, you can lead a life that you truly desire, no longer bound by the Lu family."

"This matter is beyond your control."

Qiuli was evidently more composed than she was.

"Yayuan mentioned another thing to me," Qiuli queried, "Is it true that you are getting engaged?"

While Yayuan didn't elaborate on the reason, understanding the dynamics between them, Qiuli felt that this development seemed abrupt and somewhat peculiar.

Lu Nian became reticent, unsure of how to respond.

Qiu Li sighed and rolled up his sleeves, handing her a damp tissue.

"Ya Yuan is a good person, albeit a bit impatient at times," Qiu Li said seriously, "Nian Nian, if you truly have feelings for him, I'll bless your union. However, I don't want you to marry him just because of the Lu family's circumstances."

With pursed lips, Lu Nian shook her head.

She felt utterly lost at the moment.

She knew that Zhao Yayuan and Qiu Li had grown up together and their relationship had always been strong, considering each other as best friends.

Zhao Yayuan had been quite straightforward with his feelings, virtually laying his affection bare... if they ended up together, it seemed like a win-win situation for everyone involved.

If things don't work out, would it make Zhao Yayuan and Qiu Li uncomfortable because of her actions?

Moreover, Qiu Lan's current treatment is entirely dependent on the Zhao family's support.

And she had already offended Zhao Tingyuan.

She doesn't want to burden Qiu Li.

All these words were kept hidden in Lu Nian's heart, not a single one was uttered out loud.

The dinner was abundant. Qiu Li had always been a good cook, preparing dishes she loved. Not wanting to let his efforts go in vain, Lu Nian forced herself to eat some, finally feeling a bit rejuvenated.

She took a bath in the evening.

When she came out, she was greeted by a sweet fragrance.

"I made sour jujube kernel soup," Qiu Li said, "It helps calm the nerves. I adjusted it a bit according to your taste."

He took the towel and began to dry Lu Nian's wet hair.

"Have a good night's sleep after you drink it," he said. "Look, you've developed dark circles under your eyes."

After having the soup, she felt considerably better, her headache not as severe as before.

However, as Lu Nian stared at the ceiling, she found herself unable to fall asleep, engulfed by anxiety and depression.

The Lu family was currently in a chaotic state, yet Lu Yang showed no signs of despair during this time.

He had arranged a meeting with Zhao Tingyuan. As the secretary escorted Zhao Tingyuan in, Lu Yang promptly stood up to greet him.

"Things have been utterly chaotic lately," Zhao Tingyuan remarked as he sat down.

Lu Yang poured tea for him personally, saying, "Indeed, I never expected my uncle to do such a thing. In our line of work, we must be aware of the boundaries; engaging in illegal activities is unacceptable."

Lu Zhihong had clearly not been convicted yet; it was merely because several close executives were under investigation.

Yet, in Lu Yang's words, it seemed as if he had already been incarcerated.

Zhao Tingyuan vividly remembered the way Lu Yang used to kowtow to Lu Zhihong.

Holding his tea cup, he stopped discussing Lu Zhihong's matter, slowly stating, "You need to keep a closer eye on the company's affairs in the coming days. Losing its pillar doesn't mean the entire company should become paralyzed."

Lu Yang responded, "I am trying to restore order..."

Zhao Tingyuan narrowed his eyes, "Do you know that a new director is about to be parachuted into the Lu Corporation soon?"

Lu Yang, "..."

"He reportedly worked in a division before and now has started his own company. He's said to be the man behind the scenes at Ning Sheng," Zhao Tingyuan said. "This person is notoriously assertive and domineering. This time around, whatever you plan to do within the company, it seems you'll find it hard to bypass him."

"Lu Yang," "I will commence the investigation immediately."

Zhao Tingyuan nodded.

Lu Yang paused before asking further, "Tingyuan, what should be done about your brother and Nian Nian?"

Zhao Tingyuan furrowed his brows, "He seems to have been beguiled."

Engaging with Lu Nian at this point would only be a thankless task for the Zhao family. Apart from her beauty, Lu Nian was nothing more than a stoic beauty, entirely lacking in charm. He couldn't fathom why Zhao Yayuan would put himself through this.

Zhao Tingyuan remarked, "I will do my best to annul this arrangement."

Lu Yang hastily agreed, "Indeed, calling it off would be for the best."

For both of them, Zhao Yayuan getting involved in this matter would bring no benefits whatsoever.

"What about you and your wife-to-be?" Lu Yang inquired in a light-hearted manner, "When can I expect to attend your wedding banquet?"

"In July, perhaps," Zhao Tingyuan responded.

Lu Yang was aware that Su Qingyou was already pregnant.

The Su family was not one to be easily pacified; they pressured persistently. Zhao Tingyuan had given his word that immediately following Su Qingyou's graduation in June, they would proceed with the wedding ceremony.

The child was expected to be born next year, becoming the first young master of the fourth generation in the Zhao family.

"It will surely bring joy to our parents," Zhao Tingyuan said.

"Absolutely, it's a double celebration," Lu Yang affirmed.

"Pleasure working with you," he said, escorting Zhao Tingyuan to the door.

On the third day, a call came from the hospital, announcing that Lu Zhihong had awakened.

Receiving the call early in the morning, Lu Nian instantly shook off all traces of sleepiness.

A call from Zhao Yayuan followed shortly, "I'm at the hospital, planning to visit Uncle Lu. Would you like to join? Alternatively, I can speak with him directly."

Lu Nian bit her lip, "I will come as well."

Zhao Yayuan, "I'll drive over to pick you up."

Silence permeated the journey.

Seated in the passenger seat, Lu Nian suddenly spoke, "Yayuan, I've given it much thought."

"If you find a girl you are fond of or, for any other reason, begin to have regrets," she said, "feel free to call off our engagement at any time."

She would harbor no resentment or impose any demands.

Zhao Yayuan held the steering wheel, not turning to face her, he responded lightly, "It's alright, being engaged saves me from being set up on blind dates by my mother."

Lu Nian recognized this as his grace and consideration.

Yet, it was this very understanding that deepened her distress.

She had dreamt a distant dream last night, where she visited Nan Qiao during a stifling summer and stayed at a rundown motel.

But when she kissed him in that dream, the fervor, the palpitations, the rapid breaths, and accelerated heartbeat from their youth felt incredibly real.

Feelings she had never experienced with anyone else.

With belated realization, she thought perhaps she had harbored deep affection for him, far more than she had ever acknowledged.

Due to her reserved nature and slow responses, her feelings remained unspoken.

Whereas Qin Si seemed like a stone that could not be warmed.

But now, at this juncture, was there any room for reversal?

She and Qin Si had become strangers.

She was oblivious to his whereabouts or what he was currently engaged in.

She had laid to rest that chapter of feelings that had never truly begun.

Marrying Zhao Yayuan would ensure the wellbeing of the Lu family, Qiu Li, and everyone involved.

She didn't dislike Zhao Yayuan; they could even be considered compatible friends, enjoying pleasant interactions.

Lu Nian reassured herself that there was no substantial difference. With time, as they lived together, she would gradually see him as a boyfriend, and things would gradually improve.

The car swiftly arrived at the hospital.

Lu Zhihong appeared exceedingly frail, a stark contrast to his once vibrant and spirited self, seemingly having aged a decade instantly.

Observing him, a complex mixture of emotions surged within Lu Nian.

Lu Zhihong is her biological father at present. Despite his overpowering control which made Lu Nian yearn to break free even in her dreams, it cannot be denied that he had devoted himself fully to her education and well-being over the years.

Lu Nian did not wish for him to die.

The doctor arrived, inquiring, "Is any family of the patient present?"

Lu Nian responded, "I am his daughter."

The doctor noticed that she was still a young lady in her early twenties but since there were no other relatives present, he suggested, "Please come with me, let's discuss the patient's treatment plan."

Lu Nian followed him out.

For a moment, only Zhao Yayuan and Lu Zhihong were left in the room.

Lu Zhihong seemed like a drowning man grasping at a lifeline.

"Yayuan, my daughter, the Lu family, I am entrusting them all to you," his voice raspy, he continued, "The Lu family cannot collapse; it embodies twenty years of my hard work."

Zhao Yayuan assured, "Don't worry, I will take good care of Nian Nian."

"Uncle, please stay here and focus on your recovery," he added, "We would be honored to have you attend our engagement party once you are restored to health."

Lu Zhihong hurriedly asked, "When is it scheduled?"

Zhao Yayuan replied, "Tentatively in a month."

Lu Zhihong urged, "Try to make it sooner if possible."

The Lu corporation was currently in a state of turmoil; without some stabilizing news, Lu Zhihong feared that it might crumble to pieces before long.

Zhao Yayuan paused briefly before stating, "At the earliest, in ten days."

There were numerous preparations to be made; he didn't want the event to seem rushed.

A weakened Lu Zhihong nodded, "Then I entrust Nian Nian to you."

Having spoken so much had exhausted the little energy he had managed to accumulate, leaving him gasping for breath hurriedly.

Zhao Yayuan looked down at him, his beautiful eyes devoid of any emotional fluctuations.

He harbored no fondness for Lu Zhihong.

It was merely out of respect for him being the biological father of Lu Nian and Qiu Li that he maintained the barest minimum of courtesy.

By the time Lu Nian returned to the room, Lu Zhihong had already drifted back to sleep.

"Everything has been arranged," Zhao Yayuan stood up, "We can leave now."

"In ten days," he said, "our engagement party."

Lu Nian expressed surprise, "So soon?"

Zhao Yayuan shrugged nonchalantly, "It's merely a formality. Whether sooner or later, it doesn't really matter."

"Let's go, back to the university," Zhao Yayuan suggested, "If I remember correctly, you have classes today, right? Something about novel analysis? May I sit in?"

The two of them strolled through the grounds of An University.

His demeanor and actions hadn't changed much from before, only that his interactions with her now carried an added touch of casualness and intimacy.

Lu Nian was torn.

That being said, was Zhao Yayuan, who was soon to be her fiancé, now considered her boyfriend?

Yet, she couldn't grasp any sense of reality in this.

Having known Zhao Yayuan for so long, she had hardly ever interacted with him as a member of the opposite sex.

Her feelings towards him resembled those she had for Qiu Li – more akin to familial bonds and friendship.

Now, with the Lu family facing a tide of opposition, Zhao Yayuan was still willing to help them, even bearing the costs of Qiu Lan's medical expenses.

Indeed, she and Qiu Li owed Zhao Yayuan a great deal.

"Life goes on as usual; the sky isn't going to fall," Zhao Yayuan remarked, "Focus on your classes in the coming days and enjoy the delicious meals Qiu Li prepares at home."

"Or, how about we dine together tonight? Where would you like to eat?" he asked, pulling out his phone to send her a link, "What do you think of this restaurant?"

Lu Nian was about to open the link to take a look.

Zhao Yayuan leaned in to see, noticing that his contact name in her phone was simply "Yayuan".

Taking advantage of his height, he swiftly snagged her phone away, his slender fingers quickly changing the contact name to "Boyfriend".

"In a few days, it'll change to 'Fiancé'," he said with a teasing smile, "After that, it's up to you when to promote me further."

Lu Nian blushed, "Give me my phone back!"

She found the sight rather uncomfortable.

Zhao Yayuan grinned playfully, "Come and take it if you can."

They resembled a young couple in love.

In the sprawling grounds of An University, they were no different from any other pair of lovebirds.

"Nian..." from the distant lawn, a figure approached, nearly colliding head-on with them.

"Fang... Senior?" Lu Nian exclaimed, somewhat taken aback.

Over the years, Fang Deng had assisted her quite a bit. Lu Nian had come to realize that he harbored no ill intentions, thus she had let her guard down around him, fostering a casual acquaintance.

Fang Deng let out an awkward laugh.

Only then did Lu Nian notice, standing beside him, there was another young man.

He wasn't dressed as a student.

Standing tall on lean legs, he wore a white shirt and dress trousers, sans a tie.

He looked quite young, yet carried a notably mature and reserved demeanor, markedly contrasting with the somewhat naive undergraduates who hadn't yet left the campus grounds.

Lu Nian's eyes slowly widened.

She had envisioned many scenarios of a possible reunion with Qin Si, but she had never anticipated that it would occur under such extremely awkward circumstances.

He had always been precocious since childhood, thinking and accomplishing more than his peers. Now, he seemed to effortlessly embody this mature attire, fitting him extremely well.

He had grown taller and somehow even more handsome than before, now fully embodying the aura of a young man. The last traces of youthful naivety in his features had vanished, replaced by an intensified cold and distant air, albeit still maintaining a radiant complexion.

A first impression of a man who emanated both cold indifference and a proud air.

Especially now.

Lu Nian couldn't fathom why she would encounter Qin Si here.

Moreover, she was utterly at a loss for what to say.

She hadn't reached a point of desperation where she needed to beseech his assistance.

Besides, aside from that reckless, unintended kiss, nothing had transpired between them; Qin Si had never made any promises to her.

Their relationship had been cleanly severed; not even a basic debtor-creditor relationship remained. Qin Si had settled everything cleanly; neither owed the other anything.

Zhao Yayuan also appeared taken aback.

He gently tugged at Lu Nian's hand, reminding her, "Watch your step."

The warmth from the palm of his hand was comforting.

Lu Nian paused, a sudden recollection crossing her mind.

Over the many years she had known Qin Si in the past, they had never once held hands like this. It seemed their encounters were invariably characterized by constant bickering, be it major or minor.

Across from them, the man's narrow and clear, phoenix-like eyes settled on their intertwined hands, their depth resembling the dark ink, emanating a cold, piercing intensity.

In this moment, Fang Deng felt as if ten thousand wild horses were rampaging through his mind.

What in the world was all this about?

Originally, over those few years, nothing had transpired. Now with the return of the elder, suddenly a figure emerging as a boyfriend, a fiancé, had surfaced.

It seems like they have a fairly good rapport, openly flirting and teasing each other in public.

Lu Nian felt extremely uncomfortable, unwilling to look at Qin Si any longer, unable to utter a single word.

After all, she owes him nothing at all.

A relationship between them is now utterly impossible.

What Qin Si was truly thinking, she didn't know before, doesn't know now, and probably will never find out in the future.

Her engagement banquet with Zhao Yayuan is just ten days away.

They could essentially be considered strangers now, couldn't they?

In this lifetime, there was one silver lining — due to her intervention, the inhuman bullying that Qin Si would have endured at the hands of the Lu family during his youth never occurred, the deep-seated enmity between him and the Lu family has been eradicated.

Even the money he had previously borrowed from the Lu family has long been repaid, and he seemingly has no further interest in the Lu clan.

They could arguably be described as having become two unrelated parallel lines.

"Mr. Qin, you're back in Ancheng?" Zhao Yayuan asked, "In ten days, it will be our engagement banquet. Would you like to join us for a drink?"

The fact that Qin Si had disappeared and gone far away was naturally known to Zhao Yayuan, and he was not pleased about it.

From a very early stage, he had always felt that Lu Nian's deep affection was being misdirected at the wrong person.

Qin Si is only focused on his career and ambitions, such a man is suited to remain single for life.

The gazes of the two men intersected; Zhao Yayuan raised an eyebrow, seemingly prepared for a verbal duel, while Qin Si remained calm, his eyes a profound inky black, betraying no emotions.

Lu Nian gave him a slight tug, "Yayuan..."

Zhao Yayuan held her hand, whispering, "I'll listen to you. If you don't want him to come, then we won't invite him."

"I'm sorry," Lu Nian finally lifted her head to look at him, "He's not one to speak."

She felt the Qin Si before her was quite unfamiliar, an indelible sense of distance pervading between them.

Naturally, it was no longer possible to act spoiled around him or to argue without restraint as they used to.

After such a long time apart, Lu Nian had grown thinner, yet her facial features remained delicate and spirited, albeit much quieter than before, possessing an indescribable allure that wasn't there earlier.

Fang Deng forced an awkward smile, "... You two seem to have quite a good relationship?"

"Certainly," Zhao Yayuan remarked with profound implications, "After all, we have been together all these years without separation; relationships require nurturing."

"We should get going then, we have a class to attend shortly," Zhao Yayuan stated, "Let's go."

Lu Nian hurriedly followed him, bidding Fang Deng farewell with a simple gesture.

Even as they turned to leave...

It seems she could still feel the persistent gaze on her.

She has grown mature now, and more rational.

She understands that apart from romance, there are other matters in the world that warrant attention; and that not all affections in this world reciprocate what you invest.

Once the arrow has been released from the bow, there's no turning back; what could she possibly say now?

"It must have happened recently." Fang Deng brought his palms together in a gesture of assurance, "I can guarantee that."

"There really were no signs at all," Fang Deng remarked, "Boss, you must trust in my technical prowess."

"What plans do we have for the day after tomorrow?" Fang Deng inquired.

Since encountering Lu Nian and Zhao Yayuan on campus, he had remained silent.

It was also a case of bad luck.

Upon learning about the matters concerning the Lu family, he returned to Ancheng at the first opportunity.

He visited the Lu residence but didn't find Lu Nian, headed to the hospital only to hear she had just left, and upon coming to the school to seek her, he encountered her along with her "fiancé".

Could it be, that fate truly wasn't on their side?

Fang Deng muttered under his breath.

He finally spoke, his voice somewhat hoarse, "Find Lu Zhihong."

The engagement, indeed, was most likely arranged by the older generations of the Lu and Zhao families.

"But what if Lu Nian truly harbors feelings for Zhao Yayuan?" Fang Deng voiced, "She isn't someone who would be after wealth, what if it is her genuine wish?"

Qin Si remained silent.

Seeing the suppressed storm lurking in his eyes gave Fang Deng chills, prompting him to promptly shut his mouth.

He paid a visit to Ming Ge.

Ming Ge's bar was still operational, maintaining a moderate level of business, neither good nor bad compared to before.

Over the years, with sufficient capital, he had opened several chain bars in even better locations, yet he stubbornly chose to remain in the original location.

Ming Ge had aged significantly but remained a steadfast bachelor, "The year you left, she came here during both the winter and summer holidays."

"Later, her visits became increasingly infrequent."

"However, she still sends us New Year greetings every year," Ming Ge said.

"I guess, she might not want to revisit this place that holds so many heartaches," Ming Ge poured a glass of wine and slid it towards him, "You forbade us from mentioning it, and with so much time having passed, it's only natural she would forget. You're really bringing this pain upon yourself."

He quietly finished his glass of wine, without uttering a word.

At the house on Qiu Feng Road, he pushed open the door to reveal a room blanketed in dust.

Clearly, it had been a long time since anyone had visited.

The bedroom remained as it had always been, untouched.

Opening the window, the night wind swept in, with the city lights flickering in the distance.

He stood by the bed, his face handsome and expressions muted, reflecting a restrained and controlled demeanor.

The shadows in his eyes seemed to grow denser and darker with each passing moment.

In the rush of that day, many items were left unattended, still at home.

Lu Nian returned to the Lu residence once to tidy up her belongings. However, once she started cleaning, she lost track of time. When everything was finally in order, it was already past eleven o'clock.

She phoned Qiu Li, saying, "It's too late, I think I'll just stay here for the night."

Something was said on the other end of the line, but it wasn't clear what.

"Mmm." Her voice was gentle. "You should get to bed early too. You didn't seem to sleep well last night; make sure to catch up on rest today."

The sound seemed to be the window rattling in the wind.

With her nerves still jangling, Lu Nian got up to close the window.

Now, aside from the security guarding the main gate, most of the servants had gone home, leaving the vast estate almost deserted.

Lu Nian had been having trouble sleeping recently, finding slumber elusive without the aid of medication. She had secretly purchased some sleeping pills, hiding them where Qiu Li couldn't see.

She took the medicine and climbed into bed to sleep.

...

"Hmm..." Lu Nian struggled, unable to fully awaken.

It seemed like someone was holding her down, whispering in her ear.

Lips, soft and slightly cold, hovered near her collarbone, not quite touching yet not pulling away, an intimate distance maintained. The scorching breath fell on her neck, causing a wave of shivers, a breath that was both foreign and familiar.

"...Who am I?" the person asked, the question barely more than a whisper, laced with a hint of sadness.

A chill seeped through, and Lu Nian felt as if she were being firmly preyed upon by some kind of large predator.

She couldn't respond, couldn't even recall a single name.

...

Her waist ached where it was grasped firmly.

Following a long period of stillness, nothing further happened.

She didn't utter any names.

The frenzied state gradually subsided, and that force became restrained once more, quietly lingering on her body, humbly drawing in the faint traces of her breath and warmth.

Early the next morning, Lu Nian woke up, and everything was as usual.

It must have been a strange dream, she reasoned.

She thought.

The engagement banquet with Zhao Yayuan was only five days away.

After unexpectedly encountering Qin Si that day, she initially thought she would be deeply hurt.

However, the emotional turmoil didn't seem as intense as she had anticipated.

Perhaps it was because she realized he hadn't particularly been keeping her in his thoughts.

Or possibly, she had genuinely let go, or had reached a point of numb tranquility.

Everything proceeded methodically.

These days, Lu Zhichong was in the hospital, recuperating peacefully, waiting to attend the engagement banquet in two days.

He received a call from Zhang Hua, and his already ashen face turned even worse, he practically roared, "What, Ning Sheng is withdrawing their investment?"

Lu Zhichong's voice distorted in distress, "How could they withdraw their investment at a time like this?"

Zhang Hua mentioned, "It was their boss's directive."

Everyone knew that the real power behind Ning Sheng was a person with a strong hand, whose decisions were final and unchanging, and owing to his acute senses and flawless decision-making until now, he naturally wielded supreme authority, having almost unilateral control.

Lu Zhichong said, "You, you stabilize them first. In two days, our company will have a turn of fortune, the Zhao family will invest in us."

He tried to calm his turbulent emotions, "Go and coordinate with their representatives, see what their demands are. If any, we will try our utmost to fulfill them. Lu’s enterprise is only temporarily in crisis, there is boundless potential in the future. Convey this to them, and if possible, I'd like to have a direct conversation with their boss."

A direct conversation seemed rather unlikely.

Ning Sheng had two bosses; the one in the public eye was in his thirties, a graduate from a prestigious university, boasting impressive qualifications and a stellar resume, always wearing a cheerful smile, seemingly easy to get along with.

However, industry insiders all whispered that he was merely a puppet, and another person wielded the real power behind the scenes at Ning Sheng. This secretive figure, the true decision-maker and authority, spearheaded Ning Sheng's rapid growth and expansion from the moment they took complete control.

Yet he had never shown his face to anyone, leaving everything about him, from age to background to place of origin, an enigma, apart from his gender.

Ending the call.

Lu Zhihong's chest heaved, still gasping vehemently.

A nurse walked in, "Mr. Lu, there is a gentleman here to see you."

Lu Zhihong's voice was hoarse, "...Let him in."

The young man who entered had handsome features, a pair of pitch-black indifferent eyes, they seemed familiar.

"...Qin Si?" Lu Zhihong inquired.

Qin Si didn't stay at Lu's company for long, only about a year before he left.

His performance was indeed too splendid, Lu Zhihong had tried to retain him, but his mind was firmly made up, leaving quite swiftly. The day after he resigned, he had completely disappeared.

He finished his university credits ahead of schedule, graduated early, and Lu Zhihong couldn't find him anymore, having no choice but to give up.

He didn't understand why Qin Si would appear here.

But the current Lu Zhihong clearly wasn't in the mood to converse with Qin Si, he said, "I'm not feeling well at the moment, maybe next time..."

The young man flicked his slender finger, tossing something over.

Lu Zhihong caught it, his pupils contracting instantly.

It was a card, an internal staff card from Ning Sheng, one he recognized. It was of the highest level of access, entirely black, but lacked a name and position.

"How did you get hold of this?"

Qin Si spoke indifferently, "You just took a call, discussing the matter of investment withdrawal, didn't you?"

That was confidential information, apart from Zhang Hua, Lu Zhihong could be certain that no one else on Lu's side would know about it.

"You..." After all, Lu Zhihong had spent so many years navigating the business world, his basic reactions and instincts were still intact.

Eliminating all the impossibilities, the only remaining possibility, however absurd, was the only one he could accept.

"Are you the one pulling the strings behind Ning Sheng?" Lu Zhihong's fingers trembled slightly.

Qin Si didn't respond.

The young man had exceptionally clear and handsome facial features, yet equally cold and indifferent, completely shedding that layer of disguise. He looked at him without a shred of emotion, devoid of any pity, cold and ruthlessly cruel.

"What do you want me to do?" Lu Zhihong asked with closed eyes, "Don't withdraw the investment."

"Reject the Zhao family." He reclaimed the card.

The Zhao family?

What was the matter?

He seemed completely unwilling to elaborate on this matter, saying coldly, "An engagement banquet."

But what does this matter have to do with him?

If the Lu family breaks the engagement, they won't receive support from the Zhao family, causing Ning Sheng - who had invested in the Lu's company, to suffer losses as well. What benefit does he get from this?

Lu Zhihong, "...What exactly do you want?"

The hospital room fell silent.

As the sunset descended, it painted the young man's half-exposed, clear-cut face with an extraordinary beauty. His eyes were lowered, holding that card, his fingers unintentionally tightened.

"Lu Nian." He stated calmly.

Lu Zhihong had not expected this answer at all, he asked in disbelief, "What do you mean?"

"The literal meaning."

But back in the day, Qin Si showed no interest in Lu Nian when he appeared in the Lu's family business, always maintaining a polite but distant demeanor.

Why would he suddenly propose such a condition involving two individuals who have had no interactions with each other?

If he indeed was the puppeteer behind Ning Sheng, the face that Lu Zhihong was familiar with was cold, ruthless, and opportunistic.

He fundamentally didn't believe that Qin Si would let them off just because this condition was met.

"Propose another condition." His voice was weak, "Anything else is acceptable."

The young man stood up, "Then there's nothing more to discuss."

Lu Zhihong's chest heaved violently.

"Are you trying to humiliate the Lu family with this demand?" He was utterly infuriated, words flowing without restraint as if blood was rushing to his head, "Are you even worthy?"

Not considering who he was - an orphan who relied on the Lu family for upbringing, a bastard who is now turning against them, even daring to force him to marry his cherished only daughter to him?

"I am not worthy." The young man's eyes were cold as a frozen lake in winter, "But do you have any other options?"

His voice was mocking, cruel, and indifferent, striking home the hard truth.

"Call off the engagement between the Lu and Zhao families," he said, "Then, you won't need to worry about the affairs of the Lu family anymore."

He would take care of everything.

Lu Zhihong's face turned ashen, completely dispirited, he asked, "When did you start harboring these thoughts?"

The young man's voice was icy, "A long time ago."

Since he was a sullen little boy who was always hungry, inadequately clothed, battered, and had nothing, only able to watch her from afar. Whenever she glanced at him an extra time or graced him with a smile, it could send his heart surging.

"Nian Nian is still in college," Lu Zhihong's voice weakened, his eyes briefly shutting, "If you still hold any respect for the Lu family, or even a shred of affection for her, don't force her to marry right now."

Lu Nian was undeniably beautiful, a genuine beauty. Her beauty was her asset, yet sometimes it seemed to become a burden. A horrifying possibility crossed Lu Zhihong's mind.

Qin Si pursed his lips, "It can be postponed."

"However, she needs to come and live with me," he added.

He wanted to see her every day, to converse with her.

Lu Zhihong’s eyes snapped open suddenly.

Author's Note:

Lu Zhihong (in a roaring tone): Don't pretend I don't know, you're just lusting after my daughter!

Si Si Zai: ...???

As it turns out, in the end, it was Nian Nian who was playfully teasing and craving for affection, pfft.

The sweet cohabitation is about to start soon~.