Chapter 46

Chapter 46

Every evening used to be the peak business hours for Ming Ge's bar. However, today he closed early. The weather outside was dry and cold, and he stared into the night sky, wondering if it would rain again tonight.

He was expecting two guests tonight.

Past ten, footsteps approached from outside. Ming Ge opened the door to greet a tall young man dressed in a black trench coat, followed by a baby-faced young man, who seemed to be in his early twenties, sporting a little tiger tooth and an academic aura.

"Quite punctual," Ming Ge mumbled as he opened the door.

He didn't recognize the baby-faced guy, giving him a few extra glances.

"I'm Fang Deng, now assisting the boss with some minor tasks," the baby-faced one introduced himself with a grin, "Hehe, I'm also from An City, have known the boss for quite a while."

"I've never seen you before," Ming Ge thought to himself, somewhat amazed by the vast and varied connections of the rascal.

Over the past few years, what Qin Si had been up to was beyond Ming Ge's knowledge.

One could say he had vanished completely, even losing contact with Ming Ge, until his recent return to An City, where they reconnected.

When he left, it was in a hurry without any explanation. There were times Ming Ge feared something might have happened to him. Not until Qin Si returned, while Ming Ge was struggling with the bar expansion, unable to secure a good location and dealing with an exceptionally arrogant landlord. After an offhand mention to Qin Si, the issue was resolved the very next day without Ming Ge having to intervene.

Only then did Ming Ge realize retrospectively that Qin Si must be doing quite well for himself now.

At least, the Qin Si of the past didn't possess this kind of capability.

But Ming Ge wasn't surprised; he had sensed long ago that Qin Si would definitely amount to something in the future.

Fang Deng wasn't much of a drinker. He brought his laptop with him, tinkering with it in a corner, not interrupting their conversation.

Ming Ge cast a sidelong glance at Qin Si, "I heard that Sister Nian Nian is getting engaged the day after tomorrow?"

It was a familiar young master who frequented his bar, claiming to have insider information. When Ming Ge first heard the news, he was so stunned that he almost shattered the glass in his hand.

The young man lowered his gaze, setting down his wine glass, "It will be called off."

"Called off?" Ming Ge exclaimed in surprise, "After calling it off, what do you plan to do next?"

Qin Si replied, "She will move in to live with me."

So, they are moving in together?

Ming Ge pondered; back then when Qin Si left abruptly, it was evident that Lu Nian was kept in the dark.

To forgive him so quickly and even agree to move in with him now, Sister Nian Nian seems to have a temperament that is too forgiving.

Hence, he asked, "How did you discuss this with Sister Nian Nian?"

Qin Si paused for a moment before tersely responding, "I spoke to Lu Zhihong about it."

"His company can't afford to lose us right now."

It took a while for Ming Ge to react, his eyes widening in shock, "Damn, isn't this essentially threatening them? Forcing them to hand over their daughter to you?"

Qin Si fell silent once again.

His silence basically amounted to an admission.

Ming Ge was utterly speechless, "Is this your way of wooing a girl?"

"You haven't returned for several years, leaving her hanging, and then suddenly reappearing, forcing her to cancel her engagement and move in with you, even marry you? Is this how a person should act?"

The young man's grip on the glass tightened, but he didn't utter a single word of rebuttal.

He had been stubborn like this since childhood, prideful and sensitive, bottling up his feelings, sometimes harbouring ideas so extreme that even Ming Ge found them terrifying.

"What have you been up to all these years?" Ming Ge tried to contain his emotions, "Why didn't you return for so many years, neglecting her like that?"

Qin Si had grown up under Ming Ge's watch, and Ming Ge had always cared for him deeply, practically considering him a family member. However, he also regarded Lu Nian as his own little sister.

Ming Ge's thought process was quite straightforward; he simply felt that Qin Si's actions were underhanded, extremely so.

Unable to stand listening any longer, Fang Deng shut down his computer, "Bro, this was unavoidable."

"Brother Qin didn't completely abandon her."

Ming Ge retorted, "Then you bloody well provide an explanation."

All Fang Deng could say was, "It involves internal matters, explaining it wouldn't make sense to you."

Ming Ge remarked, "Oh, so only you cultured individuals understand, is it?"

Ming Ge turned to Qin Si, "Your approach to pursuing someone is utterly nonsensical. When you're fond of someone, you should be striving to showcase your best side in front of her, try to win her affection, and earn her love. What's the point of forcing her to marry you like this?"

"I know you are accustomed to this way." Ming Ge's tone softened a little, "But this isn't the same as fighting and claiming territories when you were younger, nor is it a business negotiation in the corporate world now."

Coercion and inducements, employing various tactics and schemes to achieve your goal.

He also knew that Qin Si had always been someone with a profound lack of security, especially in front of Lu Nian, loving her in a way that was humble and restrained.

However, romance is not the same as this.

He pursed his lips, "... this is the only way I can."

He didn't harbor grand expectations for Lu Nian to have deep feelings for him; he could only rely on these methods, planning everything meticulously to keep her by his side.

He had held back these years, and when he returned to see her holding hands with Zhao Ya Yuan, it took every ounce of his self-control to restrain himself.

He told himself to calm down, it was just one more step.

Fang Deng said to Ming Ge, "Bro, there are many aspects to this that we don't understand. It isn't as simple as you think."

Over these years, Fang Deng would update him weekly on how Lu Nian was doing, her daily life, and what she needed or needed help with. Not once did he fail to inform him throughout these years.

For Lu Nian, it indeed felt like Qin Si had disappeared for so long.

But for Qin Si, she had never been far away.

Lu Nian adored the little deer from "Star Strike." Every year, he would collect the limited edition merchandise from various places and, acting as a fan, have Fang Deng send them to Lu Nian.

Fang Deng said she accepted them happily and even gratefully reciprocated. Those small gifts were all stored by Fang Deng and sent to Qin Si, who has cherished and preserved them until now.

Ming Ge stated, "I don't know what difficulties you're facing, but I know that the way you're handling this is improper."

"You've let Sister Nian Nian down," Ming Ge said, "I've said my piece, and I won't take it back."

Qin Si didn't rebut with a single word.

The young man's handsome face was pale yet calm, with faint shadows under his eyes, hidden beneath the shadow cast by his thick eyelashes.

The gloominess was all concealed beneath his gaze.

The wine glass was empty.

"We have a meeting at our company tomorrow morning," Fang Deng stood up as he spoke, "We won't stay any longer."

Recently, due to the turmoil stirred up by the Lu family, they had been exceptionally busy.

Only four people attended Ning Sheng's internal meeting.

Naturally, the topic of discussion was the much-discussed Lu family case.

Qiu Fan remarked, "The Lu family has been rotten to the core for a long time. Lu Zhihong has been stubborn and self-serving in recent years, and the internal factional strife within the company has never ceased.

Their lack of principle in their actions means that exposure was only a matter of time."

"Illegal actions are a different matter, of course," Minghong said, "but it is indeed worth contemplating how severely Lu Zhihong has been targeted this time."

"It's said that the whistleblower was someone from within their ranks," Qiu Fan stated, "a clear case of justice superseding familial bonds."

Minghong said with a hearty laugh, "Without immersing oneself in the affairs of the Lu family for a period, it's impossible to truly understand the depth of the situation."

Fang Deng glanced at Qin Si, who was listening quietly, his thoughts unreadable.

The current turmoil in the Lu family wasn't instigated by Ning Sheng, but by someone else.

However, Fang Deng knew that Qin Si had once interned and worked at the Lu family's company, having spent time at both the branch and headquarters. Having stayed there for nearly a year, he had fully grasped the internal dynamics.

Their later investment in the Lu family, and the smooth infiltration that followed, was greatly attributed to his experiences during that period.

Minghong chuckled, "Young boss, how did you manage to extricate yourself then? I heard that back then, Lu Zhihong held you in high regard. Knowing so much and yet letting you go, doesn't seem to be their style."

"People from the Lu family have been looking for me ever since," Qin Si revealed.

His slender fingers twirled a pen, his eyes casting faint shadows as they lowered, revealing nothing of his current thoughts.

Fang Deng paused momentarily, taken aback.

"Ming Ge was also approached," Qin Si looked up, his tone neutral, "everyone except you, since no one knew of our connection."

"So, I was still at An University at that time, huh," Fang Deng, with his sharp mind, quickly caught on, "and here I was thinking it was because you found me trustworthy."

Minghong and Qiu Fan couldn't grasp the nuances of their exchange.

Fang Deng gathered his thoughts, finding himself somewhat astounded.

He was only about twenty at that time.

It took considerable courage and determination to erase all traces of his past existence and start anew in a different place.

However, he neither sought fame nor fortune. Even now, with Ning Sheng having grown so large, Qin Si rarely made public appearances. His lifestyle was so simplistic it bordered on infuriating, seemingly disinterested in anything beyond work.

While Minghong and Qiu Fan had grown accustomed to this version of him, only Fang Deng understood what he ultimately sought.

The current Lu family was essentially under the control of Ning Sheng.

Reviewing the data provided by Fang Deng, Minghong's brows furrowed deeper the more he read.

Minghong noted, "Their internal dynamics are anything but harmonious."

He gestured as he spoke, "Young boss, if you intend to save the Lu family, the rot must be thoroughly excised. Otherwise, no amount of investment will suffice; it'll be like throwing money into a bottomless pit."

He pointed to the name "Lu Yang" displayed on the screen.

Observing that name, the young man's slender fingers twitched, erasing the name from the screen.

"Zhao Tingyuan," he said with a calm tone, "They have been in contact all along."

Fang Deng was purely a technician, clueless about these internal company affairs, merely overhearing the trio's discussion.

Ming Hong was the public face of Ning Sheng, but they all knew, the true decision-maker behind Ning Sheng was singular.

It was another individual, one who remained concealed in the shadows.

Finally, with a decisive stroke, the meeting concluded.

"Alright, alright, it's basically resolved now," Ming Hong stated, "The young boss's efforts over the past few years haven't been in vain."

As long as they follow the plan hereafter, a thorough cleansing of the Lu enterprise will suffice.

Over the years, Lu Yang has been carefully and strategically accumulating power, colluding with Zhao Tingyuan both overtly and covertly, entangling and intertwining with various factions within the Lu family.

"It's time for a renewal."

Concealment and forbearance have never been scarce in his life since childhood.

The engagement banquet is just two days away.

Lu Nian had never been engaged before, and lacking a mother since childhood, she naturally was unfamiliar with the process.

However, there hasn't been any movement from the Zhao family either.

Zhao Yayuan isn't as diligent in visiting as before, seemingly extremely busy. Lu Nian heard from a classmate that he had taken a few days off to go home.

In the past, Lu Nian's birthdays were always extravagantly organized, with guests invited in advance and custom-made dresses arranged.

However, given the current situation of the Lu family, Lu Zhichong is even confined to a hospital bed.

Lu Nian visits him daily.

She temporarily holds up the mantle of this vast household.

She handed over all the clues related to the people involved in the incident at home to the police, arranged accommodations for the numerous servants in the Lu household, and liaised with Lu Zhichong's doctor.

In just a few days, she felt nothing but exhaustion, as if on the verge of collapse every day.

Fortunately, there was enough money for the time being.

Once again, Lu Nian felt immensely grateful for her foresight in starting to build her own nest egg a few years ago.

Lu Nian returned home, and after washing up, she went to sleep.

These days, Qiu Li has moved back home, hoping to alleviate some of her burdens.

Confirming that Lu Nian has fallen asleep.

Qiu Li stepped onto the balcony and dialed Zhao Ya Yuan's number, his voice slightly somber, "Ya Yuan, what exactly is happening on your end now?"

Zhao Ya Yuan's voice bore an unusual hint of fatigue, "I stepped out today, spent the entire day lobbying."

No matter how unorthodox Zhao Ya Yuan might be, his current status remains as the youngest son of the Zhao family, not the one in power, making it impossible to completely disregard the elders' wishes.

Concerning this engagement banquet,

There was a considerable amount of dissent within the Zhao family, or to put it more accurately, the majority were opposed.

Given the current circumstances of the Lu family, most of the Zhao family elders did not support the engagement between Zhao Ya Yuan and Lu Nian, especially the vehement opposition from Zhao Ting Yuan, who even pointed out that Lu Nian didn't truly have feelings for Zhao Ya Yuan; proceeding with the marriage would only put the Zhao family at a disadvantage.

Qiu Li paused for a moment, "The engagement banquet is in just two days, are you certain it can proceed as planned?"

Zhao Ya Yuan managed a forced smile, "You have so little faith in me?"

Qiu Li noted, "I've been keeping this from Nian Nian all along, she's still unaware of everything."

However, even if this succeeds, after Lu Nian marries into the Zhao family, wouldn't she be subjected to an endless series of disparaging looks?

Zhao Ya Yuan declared, "She will be my wife, who would dare to belittle her then?"

Qiu Li gently shook his head, "Xiao Ya, I don't want her to suffer any injustices."

Zhao Ya Yuan appeared somewhat irritated, his slender fingers ruffling his own hair in frustration, he couldn't help but curse, "Damn it, a bunch of old-fashioned prudes."

The time for the engagement banquet was fast approaching.

The majority in his family still remained in opposition to the event.

Left with no other options, Zhao Ya Yuan found it increasingly awkward to contact Lu Nian in recent days, resorting to fervent advocacy at home instead.

That day, just as he stepped out of the house, he encountered Zhao Ting Yuan head-on.

Who seemed to be in rather high spirits, "Ya Yuan, grandfather wants you to visit him in his study."

Zhao Ya Yuan shot him a frowning glance.

He proceeded to the study and upon entering, his gaze met Zhao Quan's.

Although past the age of seventy, Zhao Quan bore a lively spirit, maintaining a straight and firm posture.

"Grandfather," Zhao Ya Yuan stood before him, "I've been quite busy these past few days. What important matter called for my presence?"

Zhao Quan cast a disapproving glance at him, "Undutiful son."

He said, "You are still frantically busy preparing for your engagement party, aren't you?"

Zhao Ya Yuan replied, "Is that not allowed?"

Zhao Quan remarked, "How many people in the family have agreed to this? Up until now, what have you achieved with this endeavour?"

Zhao Ya Yuan, "Isn't your consent enough?"

Zhao Quan furrowed his brows, "Stop this nonsense. I'll have you know, this morning I received a call from Lu Zhi Hong. Even they are unwilling to proceed now. It's just as well."

Zhao Ya Yuan questioned, "Did you perhaps express a negative attitude towards the Lu family before?"

Zhao Quan reprimanded, "Is this the way to speak to your grandfather?"

He didn't deny it, Zhao Quan was known for his decisiveness, his disagreement was clear.

Zhao Ya Yuan was his most cherished grandson. Naturally, he intended to find a wife for him who could potentially benefit his future development. Hearing about Lu Nian from Zhao Ting Yuan only intensified his dissatisfaction, staunchly opposing Zhao Ya Yuan's current actions.

Hence, Lu Zhi Hong made the call.

As the current de facto head of the Zhao family, sometimes Zhao Quan's words could be quite harsh.

But Lu Zhi Hong was also capable of showing restraint.

He didn't mind at all, acting as if he hadn't heard.

Just awaiting their engagement.

Zhao Quan found himself at a loss with Zhao Ya Yuan, with neither side willing to back down, the situation had escalated to the current stalemate.

Therefore, when Lu Zhi Hong called early in the morning offering to call off the engagement, Zhao Quan was overjoyed, hastily instructing Zhao Ting Yuan to summon Zhao Ya Yuan.

Zhao Ya Yuan remained reluctant to believe, asking, "Who said this exactly? Why has the Lu family suddenly withdrawn their agreement?"

Zhao Quan stated, "It was personally conveyed by Lu Zhi Hong. If you'd like, you can also confirm with his daughter. Regardless of our stance, they have finally decided not to pursue this alliance."

Zhao Ya Yuan flung the door open and stormed out.

Currently, Lu Nian was at Qiu Li's place.

She had lost weight, her pale, delicate face more pointed at the chin, her shoulders slender. Absorbed in her drawing, rubbing her eyes occasionally, she didn't even notice someone entering.

The porridge was still simmering in the pot while she sat at the table, completely engrossed in her work.

Qiu Li spoke softly, "She is working on a design draft, aiming to earn a bit more money and save as much time as possible."

Lu Zhi Hong's bank accounts were temporarily frozen, and the hospital treatment costs were quite steep. Currently, they were relying on Lu Nian's own savings.

Zhao Ya Yuan couldn't bear to see this, "I have funds available; you don't need to go through this."

Qiu Li gently shook his head, "Xiao Ya, we have already accepted too much help from you, and moreover, your family..."

Recalling the harsh words spoken by Zhao Quan.

Zhao Ya Yuan remained silent.

As Lu Nian finished the last stroke of her drawing, she looked up to find Zhao Ya Yuan, saying, "Ya Yuan, you're here."

Her voice wasn't as disheartened as he had imagined. It was stronger and even more vibrant and lively than he expected.

Zhao Ya Yuan remained silent for a long time.

From the moment the young master Zhao was born to this instant, he had never experienced such a tormenting moment. He finally spoke, "Nian Nian, about our engagement, your father called my grandfather this morning and suddenly disagreed."

Lu Nian was stunned, uttering, "Eh?"

It was clear she was unaware of this development.

Zhao Ya Yuan said, "I also don't know what's going on."

Lu Nian quickly stood up, "I'm sorry, he didn't tell me anything."

She hastily dialed Lu Zhi Hong's number, but couldn't get through.

Lu Nian bit her lip, declaring, "I will go to the hospital to ask him right now."

She put on her coat.

Zhao Ya Yuan wanted to accompany her, but Qiu Li held him back, shaking his head gently at him.

Lu Nian rushed to the central city hospital, only to be informed that Lu Zhi Hong had been transferred to the West Maple Hospital.

That place hosted the best cardiology department in An City. Not to mention the hefty fees, without the right connections, it was impossible to secure an appointment there. Given the current state of the Lu family, how could Lu Zhi Hong suddenly afford a transfer there?

Lu Nian felt increasingly that something was amiss.

With her current finances, how could she afford the medical bills at West Maple?

She hurried to West Maple Hospital and obtained Lu Zhi Hong's room number. She then discovered that his fees had already been settled and there was no need for her to make any further payments.

Lu Nian was utterly perplexed. Following the given address, she finally encountered Lu Zhi Hong.

"Dad, what exactly is going on with what Ya Yuan just told me?" Lu Nian asked, "About the engagement, you suddenly disagree and want to call it off?"

Lu Zhi Hong confirmed, "...Yes, it's called off."

"The Zhao family agreed as well," Lu Zhi Hong added, "Apart from Zhao Ya Yuan, the rest of the family was never keen on it."

"Even if you were to marry into the Zhao family, you would be mistreated there."

Especially led by Zhao Ting Yuan, who was firmly opposed to it.

They are all a bunch of people who change their stance with the wind.

Lu Zhihong wasn't surprised, after all, speaking candidly, he wouldn't be willing either if the roles were reversed.

After a day of reflection, he suddenly realized that substituting with Qin Si seemed to have its merits. Apart from a hit to his pride, the tangible benefits that could be gained were indeed substantial.

"I haven't informed you about these matters before," Lu Zhihong stated.

Lu Nian bit her lip, "You're calling it off just because of this?"

She couldn't believe that Lu Zhihong would abandon the opportunity to unite with the Zhao family simply out of consideration for her dignity and feelings.

As expected, Lu Zhihong fell silent.

"In the future, you should move out of the house," Lu Zhihong suggested.

Lu Zhihong advised, "Get along well with them and temper your attitude a bit."

Lu Nian's face turned pale, "What are you talking about?"

"Our dealings with the Zhao family are called off," Lu Zhihong clearly stated, "We've changed the prospective partner."

"His conditions are not bad either," Lu Zhihong said, "You've known each other before."

The statement was utterly absurd.

Lu Nian began to doubt both her ears and her sanity.

The door swung open.

Lu Nian's feet seemed rooted to the spot, unable to move.

The young man entering had a slender figure, with a cold and sharp demeanor, resembling a noble orchid or a graceful tree.

It was him, someone she found both remarkably familiar yet strange.

"Nian Nian," Lu Zhihong spoke, "Coincidentally, someone is coming to inspect the house soon, you can stay with him for a while."

The doctor who came for the check-up addressed them politely, "Sir, we will begin the check-up now, family members need to wait outside."

Lu Nian's mind was in chaos, she moved like a zombie, exiting the hospital room with him.

He led her out, closing the door of Lu Zhihong's room behind them.

The young man pursed his lips, "Where would you like to stay afterwards?"

"I had someone clean the house on Qiu Feng Road," Qin Si informed, "There's also a new place, closer to your school."

Lu Nian took a moment to digest this reality.

She found herself surprisingly composed, her large eyes calmly met his as she said, "Anywhere is fine."

After all, this is a hospital, a public place; discussing such matters here is rather undignified.

Qin Si evidently hadn't anticipated this kind of reaction from her.

Unaccustomed to expressing his emotions and unsure of what to say, he too fell silent.

The car glided smoothly, arriving at a villa district that Lu Nian had never visited before.

Closed the door.

She asked calmly, "What exactly have you said to my father?"

Qin Si remained silent.

Lu Nian's fingers tightened, the tips digging into her palm.

She was reluctant to believe this reality, yet,

"Earlier, I heard Lu Yang discussing that a major shareholder is planning to withdraw investment from the Lu family. Is that shareholder you, as rumored?"

An entirely baseless conjecture, yet in Lu Nian's heart lingered a peculiar sensation, almost a near certainty.

Qin Si replied, "No."

It indeed wasn't him, the shareholder in question was Qiu Fan,

To be precise, it was merely a decision he had made.

Lu Nian challenged, "Then can you assert that it wasn't orchestrated by you?"

Her anger caused her entire body to tremble, "Are you using this to coerce my father? To force him to call off the engagement?"

"After all these years, you disappeared without a word, and now you return like this?" she exclaimed, "What is this, opportunism at its finest?"

She recalled in the original story, the eventual head of the Lu family was Qin Si, driven by revenge.

This time around, she had initially believed that without the need for vengeance, Qin Si would sever ties with the Lu family.

Who would have thought that after all the twists and turns, they would arrive at this outcome again.

And Lu Zhihong spoke of altering the engagement.

Could it be that the sole intention is to establish a nominal engagement with her, marrying her, the heiress of the Lu family?

And then, with full legitimacy, seize control over the entire Lu empire?

Those inexplicable years of disappearance without any explanation, his sudden return to meddle in her engagement banquet, threatening Lu Zhihong with corporate affairs, forcing her to call off the engagement.

She was a human being, not a plaything to be manipulated and reshaped at will.

She had completely lost faith in Lu Zhihong.

Of course, her disillusionment was even greater towards the man standing before her.

Since Qin Si left all those years ago and never returned, Lu Nian had contemplated much about it.

She had taken the initiative countless times, but with Qin Si showing no response, could she really persist unabashedly?

They were childhood sweethearts for so many years, never before had they been separated for such a long stretch.

Initially, she missed him, dearly and deeply. But later, she regretted, fearing that perhaps her previous impulsiveness had revealed something to him, causing him to leave and vanish without a trace.

But what else could she do, except tell herself to let go?

The girl's fragile shoulders trembled as she asked, "What exactly are you trying to do?"

He did not offer further explanations, unusually, he did not retort, allowing her to vent her anger.

The young man before her stood tall, with a narrow waist and long legs, his spine straight as a rod. He seemed even more reassuring compared to his youth, someone she could potentially rely on.

Lu Nian scoffed inwardly as she gazed at his handsome and picturesque face.

Rely on?

The version of her who would have entertained such thoughts in the past was nothing but a complete fool.

What was the difference between him and Lu Zhihong, after all?

She spoke coldly, "You might as well give up on that thought. I will not marry you, nor will I live with you."

"I can earn my own money," Lu Nian asserted firmly, "I have a place to stay outside, along with my own relatives and friends."

"As for Ya Yuan, I will go talk to him myself," she said, "I have already agreed; as long as he doesn't break his promise, I won't break mine."

"My father doesn't speak for me," she declared, "I will only marry the person I genuinely like. If you have any other intentions, don't even bother."

His complexion turned pale, his slender phoenix eyes as dark as ink, radiating a chill akin to a frozen lake.

"Do you love him that much?" he asked, his voice growing cold and unintentionally slipping out, "Just a few years have passed, are your affections so cheap?"

Lu Nian was infuriated to the core, feeling like a string in her mind had snapped entirely.

A crisp "slap" echoed.

The sound was sharp and clear.

Lu Nian stared at her own palm, dumbfounded.

A profound silence enveloped the room.

In contrast, she had regained complete composure.

It seems that a total fallout between them is imminent.

Qin Si has always been a proud individual, from childhood to adulthood, she has never seen him bow his head to anyone, let alone endure such a humiliating incident.

Silence descended upon the room.

She hadn't noticed until now, but since their meeting this morning, Qin Si's complexion was exceptionally pale, his thin lips devoid of color, not a trace of rosiness to be found, his forehead damp with sweat.

He did not retaliate, nor did he move.

The atmosphere was unbearably tense.

With a steeled heart, Lu Nian gathered her belongings, ready to leave this place for good.

The shadow on the floor shifted.

In the next moment, he moved closer, reaching out to pull her into his embrace.

Clutching his stomach in severe pain, his lips tightly pressed together and his face pale, one cheek bore a faint red mark, where she had struck him.

In a low voice, he pleaded, "...please don't leave, okay?"

A humble plea.

His harsh words earlier were a result of overpowering jealousy.

It wasn't that he didn't want to return, he simply couldn't.

He wasn't like Zhao Ya Yuan, a golden child born with a silver spoon, standing on high ground. He had nothing, living like a stray dog, only able to gaze up at her from the muck.

From childhood to adulthood, anything he desired, he had to fight for with his own hands.

Perhaps his methods weren't the cleanest, but he had grown accustomed to it.

Back then, he didn't want to test Lu Nian's affection for him, to see if it was strong enough to overcome the barriers.

Nor did he want her to bear such pressure.

All he could do was to first walk ninety-nine steps on his own, to remove all the obstacles before approaching her, then humbly extend his hand, seeking her response.

Even if it meant using such despicable and vile means, ones that invite scorn.

But he had already done everything he could.

He drew her into his arms.

The icy and austere aura emanating from the young man engulfed her, a familiar essence seemingly branded deep within her memories, enveloping her tightly.

In his youth, due to irregular eating habits and neglect, Qin Si had developed a stomach ailment, a fact known to Lu Nian, who had even witnessed him suffering from it before.

Seeing him now, it's evident that he has become significantly more formidable over the years.

He held her in his arms.

However, due to his pain, he was considerably weaker than usual, his grip barely holding any strength. With just a little effort, Lu Nian could easily break free from his grasp.

In her fit of anger just now, Lu Nian hadn't noticed his distress.

She hadn't even had the chance to take a good look at the room.

In fact, she only realized now that the furnishings in this room were identical to those in the house they lived in on Qiu Feng Road all those years ago.

Lu Nian found it difficult to articulate her current emotional state.

She was inherently gentle and calm. This was the first time in many years that she had lost her temper to this extent, even more so than when Lu Zhihong suggested "selling" her to the Zhao family, her emotional upheaval wasn't half as intense as now.

No matter when, he seemed to be the one person capable of easily stirring her emotions.

He held her loosely, not exerting much force, his black hair hanging down, obscuring his expression.

He urged her not to leave.

After venting her emotions and seeing his poor condition, Lu Nian had calmed down.

She asked him to lie down on the sofa first, quickly ordered some medicine from the nearest pharmacy using her phone, and then went to the kitchen to boil a kettle of water.

She pondered calmly, wondering if he would return to his cold and harsh demeanor, uttering unpleasant words once he recovers.

Lu Nian thought calmly.

If that happened again, she was certain that she would sever all ties with him for good.

As she sat beside him with these thoughts, she suddenly realized that at some point, he had taken hold of her hand.

"Let go," she said.

It seemed like he had fallen asleep, holding her hand unconsciously in his sleep, not showing any signs of letting go.

His fingertips were cold, the grip not firm, yet lingering, unwilling to let her go.

Lu Nian said, "I am just going to the door to get your medicine, not leaving."

"I know you're not asleep," she said with wide-open eyes, "stop pretending."

The young man's eyes remained closed, his nose prominent and elegant, his long eyelashes casting a shadow on his eyelids.

But he quickly loosened his grip, his face flushing silently, the redness spreading to his ears.

The author has something to say:

Nian Nian: Just keep pretending, you shameless person.

Si Si Zai: (...)

It’s not an act, he genuinely has a thin skin. Asking him to utter sweet nothings is practically a death wish.

It really requires Master Nian Nian to cultivate (tame) him a bit, haha; otherwise, he could infuriate someone the moment he opens his mouth.

He feels that he has let Nian Nian down, hence he will silently continue to make amends (scratch that, Si Zai is about to start wooing his wife), while tolerating her teasing to the best of his ability (unless he really can't stand it, hehe...)

This phase has finally passed.

Cohabitation life is about to begin~ All the small theatre scenes that were written will be included.

It will be very sweet, Si Si is now capable of protecting Nian Nian.

——

【Adding some additional remarks】

A bit of clarification, Si Si Zai is far from perfect, rather imperfect actually. He is hard to approach, extreme, bristling with thorns, proud yet sensitive, harboring an inferiority complex with a venomous tongue. During his youth, he loved in a particularly restrained and hidden manner, with most of his affection tucked away unseen. It's normal for many people to find him intolerable.

It’s just that Nian Nian can embrace his imperfections.

Nian Nian's previous dedication to him was altruistic, not expecting anything in return. Nian Nian is simply an innocent and naive person with a pure heart, who hasn't experienced much in her two lifetimes.

Si Si can feel it, that's why he loves Nian Nian so dearly.