Chapter 50

Chapter 50

Capable of everything.

Lu Nian’s knowledge in this regard has always been quite superficial, with no practical experience, yet she can grasp the implication behind these words.

A blatant, adult conversation.

She suddenly recalled a time long ago when they kissed. She had just graduated from high school, and in a motel at Nan Qiao small town, she boldly kissed him with brash impulsivity. Her kiss was fleeting like a dragonfly touching water, but his reciprocation was...

She couldn't help but blush uncontrollably.

The situation seemed to be sliding towards an uncontrollable direction.

She stepped back, attempting to create distance between them, only to bump into a cool object behind her, followed by a clear and crisp sound.

The glass vase with flowers that stood by the entrance fell and shattered into pieces on the ground.

Lu Nian, “...”

Glass shards lay glittering at their feet, reflecting a sharp and cold light.

She carefully tried to maneuver around the glass shards, whispering, “I... I’ll go get a broom.”

This gave her an excuse to distance herself from him, she really couldn't stand being so close anymore.

Before she could walk far, she suddenly felt lighter, as she was lifted horizontally by the person behind her.

Lu Nian was somewhat stunned, her ears red, she hammered on his broad shoulders lightly, “What are you trying to do?”

“I’ll handle this,” his voice still a bit hoarse, his eyes lowered, concealing his emotions.

Lu Nian was clumsy and unaccustomed to dealing with such matters, being pampered like a princess all her life.

She was set down on the sofa, where she sat watching him silently clean up the shattered vase with efficient movements.

“Don’t walk around barefoot in the house for the next few days,” the young man stood up straight, his handsome face devoid of any expression as he rolled down his sleeves.

Lu Nian, “...”

The living room was carpeted with a warm and fine woolen rug, which is why she often found it convenient to walk around in her socks, disliking wearing shoes at home.

As he said this, Lu Nian couldn't help but glance at herself.

She was only wearing woolen socks, her feet were petite and her ankles slender, every inch of her skin enveloped was smooth and delicate.

She involuntarily curled her toes, feeling incredibly self-conscious under his gaze, she said softly, “Oh.”

After the recent event, the previously romantic and ambiguous atmosphere had dissipated considerably.

Time was wearing on, and Lu Nian returned to her bedroom.

Their bedrooms were situated quite far apart, isolated from each other. The house had excellent sound insulation, so Lu Nian couldn't hear any noises coming from his room.

It was she who had established the rule that he shouldn't enter her bedroom.

The inside of the blanket felt cold.

Lu Nian lay awake, gazing at the ceiling,

experiencing an unprecedented wave of vulnerability. If Qin Si were to confess his feelings to her, she thought she might impulsively accept, perhaps even agreeing to a proposal.

However, their current situation was extremely delicate; she didn't want others to presume she was marrying him just to help her family overcome their difficulties.

The more she pondered, the more agitated she became, as if her mind was a tangle of threads that couldn't be unraveled.

The date of Lu Zhihong's discharge from the hospital had been set.

It would also mark the end of their cohabitation, with only a few days left until her departure.

However, she didn't feel like visiting Lu Zhihong at the hospital during this time.

Every time they met, Lu Zhihong would inquire about Qin Si.

She remained silent, and although Lu Zhihong was in a foul mood, he no longer held any power or leverage to threaten Lu Nian, thus he didn't dare to pressure her too much.

Lu Nian returned to the university once.

Being a local, her home was nearby, which allowed her to move out of the dormitory after her junior year, only returning occasionally to retrieve belongings stored there.

Ding Ying and Xu Mengyao were in the dorm, and they were delighted to see her.

The relationship amongst the roommates had always been harmonious.

Lu Nian picked up her textbooks and, instead of leaving immediately, stayed to chat with them for a bit.

Ding Ying asked, "I heard you were getting engaged. What happened?"

Lu Nian smiled, "It's been called off. Consider it as if it never happened."

"In that case, Nian Nian, have you returned to the ranks of the noble singles?" Ding Ying joked, "A senior from the neighboring dorm asked me to pass a love letter to you. I've accumulated quite a stack. Would you like to meet him?"

Lu Nian was beautiful, drawing attention wherever she went. Despite her reticent nature and her tendency to avoid the limelight, her reserved demeanor towards strangers didn't deter many from making attempts to approach her.

Lu Nian shook her head, "Please return them to him on my behalf."

"And then there's someone from civil engineering, the student council..." Ding Ying recalled, "wants to ask you out next week."

Unable to reach Lu Nian, they all sought her roommates to relay their messages.

Lu Nian felt a headache brewing and said decisively, "Ying Ying, next time someone approaches you with such matters, kindly decline on my behalf, will you?"

Xu Mengyao detected an unusual undertone in her words, which immediately piqued her interest. "What do you mean, Nian Nian? Has something good happened recently? Have you found a man and you're worried he might get jealous, so you want to reject all these other suitors?"

Lu Nian felt rather embarrassed.

However, indeed, she didn't think Qin Si would be pleased to know that she was entertaining these advances.

"Who is it, who is it?" Ding Ying slapped her thigh in excitement, "Is it Senior Zhao?"

Lu Nian replied, "No, I don't have feelings for him."

She added, "He doesn't harbor those kind of feelings towards me either. Besides, he's about to get married; his wife is already pregnant."

"Damn, that was quick!"

Xu Mengyao grew even more curious about Lu Nian's "boyfriend," pressing further, "So you really do have a boyfriend, and you didn't even tell us?"

Calling him a boyfriend wasn't quite accurate.

Lu Nian thought of Qin Si.

The nature of their relationship was truly complex, defying easy classification with any term.

She finally conceded, "…Alright, I promise to inform you guys when it officially happens."

"Tsk, being so secretive, huh," Ding Ying chuckled. "Must be some precious boyfriend. Make sure to introduce him to us someday."

The group engaged in a spirited and playful banter.

Xu Mengyao suddenly remembered, "Oh, by the way, Nian Nian, your brother has been looking for you all day. He searched for quite a while. I saw him downstairs earlier, not sure if he's still there."

Lu Nian questioned, "My brother?"

In Ancheng, the only person who referred to himself as Lu Nian's brother was Lu Yang.

"Yes, Lu Yang."

After the incident with the Lu family, she changed her phone number and didn't inform Lu Yang of the new one. The old number had been deactivated, and he likely couldn't get through, which was probably why he came to the school to find her.

She pondered for a moment, unsure of the urgency behind Lu Yang's visit.

"I better go check," she said, getting up.

As expected, shortly after descending the stairs, she spotted Lu Yang.

He was standing under the plane tree, looking around anxiously.

Lu Yang, who was usually impeccably dressed, now looked somewhat haggard. His lips were pale and chapped, his coat wrinkled, and there was even a noticeable stubble on his chin.

Lu Yang caught sight of her, his eyes brightening instantly, "Nian Nian."

Since the incident with the Lu family, Lu Nian had rarely seen Lu Yang. Rumor had it that he was doing well in the Lu Corporation, but he hadn't visited them in a long time.

Lu Nian wasn't surprised. She had perceived Lu Yang to be this kind of person since their childhood days.

"Were you looking for me?" Lu Nian inquired.

To be honest, Lu Yang's present appearance gave her quite a shock.

"It's too complex to explain in a few words," Lu Yang said in a low voice. "Nian Nian, can we have a serious talk?"

Lu Nian was rather reluctant, instinctively wanting to refuse.

But Lu Yang didn't let go, even grasping her hand. More and more onlookers gathered, many of them Lu Nian's acquaintances, witnessing their tussle in the open.

Lu Nian had no choice; she disliked being touched like this, so she pulled away and asked tersely, "Where to?"

"Not far, just within your campus," Lu Yang hastily explained. "The Clear Spring Café. I've reserved a private room there, it's more conducive for a conversation."

Lu Nian followed him to the Clear Spring Café. Unexpectedly, when Lu Yang opened the door to the private room, there was already someone seated inside.

She had already been waiting there for an unknown duration, and immediately stood up upon their entrance, saying, "I've already ordered the coffee. Been waiting for you for a long time."

Seeing Lu Nian's expression, Lu Yang hurriedly said, "Ran Ran came here to apologize to you."

"We are engaged," Lu Yang announced. "In the future, we will be family. Ran Ran can be a bit sharp-tongued, but she is genuinely a good person."

Feng Xiaoran spoke, "I'm truly sorry about the last time, Nian Nian. I had a quarrel with your brother and couldn't help but vent my frustration on you. He already scolded me when we got back."

"What kind of coffee do you prefer? Mocha or Cappuccino?" She asked, smiling warmly.

Lu Nian pursed her lips, "…I'll pass."

Feng Xiaoran's expression tightened.

The room was warm, prompting Lu Nian to remove her coat. Underneath, she wore a white woolen sweater. Her silky hair cascaded down, accentuating her crystalline, radiant complexion further. Her raven hair and snowy skin, combined with her cherry lips and exquisite facial features, made her appear particularly stunning.

Feng Xiaoran had a nice figure, but sadly her facial features were flawed, something makeup couldn't conceal. She glared at Lu Nian resentfully, managing to mask her jealousy.

"Yang brother, if you have something to say, please say it," she urged, "I have class in the afternoon."

The matter between Qin Si and Lu Nian, including the fact that the person behind Ning Sheng was actually Qin Si, had all been relayed to Zhao Tingyuan. However, there had been no response for quite some time.

Lu Yang looked haggard and worn.

"Nian Nian, please save your brother this time," he pleaded, holding Lu Nian's hands in a gesture suggesting he was ready to kneel before her.

Lu Nian was taken aback, "What happened?"

Lu Yang said, "You're living with Qin Si now, aren't you?"

He pleaded, "You're aware of his relationship with Ning Sheng. I can't endure this anymore. He seems to be after the downfall of our Lu family. Now, the company is practically filled with his people, I can't even find an opportunity to switch jobs. Nian Nian, I'm begging you, could you please plead with him to spare me?"

"I won't work at Lu Corporation anymore," Lu Yang declared, "I just want to leave, hoping he won't torment me further."

Lu Nian, "......"

She had never witnessed such a scene before. It took her a while to digest the torrent of words that Lu Yang had unleashed before she fully grasped the meaning.

Lu Nian had virtually no understanding of corporate management, and Lu Zhihong never discussed matters of the Lu Corporation with her.

If what Lu Yang described was accurate, and Qin Si had indeed amassed such considerable influence in the Lu Corporation, she wouldn't be greatly surprised.

However, the favor Lu Yang was asking for...

"Yang brother, please stand up," Lu Nian urged.

Lu Yang looked up, his face a picture of frantic desperation, "You'll help, won't you? I'm sure he'll listen if you talk to him."

"I'm sorry," she said gently, shaking her head, "If you're facing any difficulties in your personal life, I can assist. But I cannot intervene in this matter."

Although she had never been fond of Lu Yang since childhood, they had known each other for many years. Despite his impure motives and opportunistic nature, Lu Yang had taken care of her in the past. If he encountered insurmountable challenges in life, she would lend a helping hand.

But this...

She wasn't anyone significant to Qin Si and had no knowledge about corporate management.

With her family already embroiled in a myriad of issues and owing too many favors, she couldn't possibly meddle in this situation as well.

Feng Xiaoran's face bore an ugly expression.

"Qin Si isn't someone who acts without reason," Lu Nian said softly, "Yang brother, if you have genuinely been wronged, discuss it with him directly. He won't treat you unfairly."

Lu Yang's face appeared sallow and worn.

He rose to his feet, giving a bitter smile, "So you won't assist?"

Lu Nian's eyelashes fluttered slightly, but she remained silent.

Given how the conversation had evolved, it was evident that there was no room for negotiation.

"Could you please not inform him of my visit?" Lu Yang asked with a resigned smile at the end, "Allow me to retain a shred of dignity."

Lu Nian pursed her lips, nodding gently. Without touching the coffee on the table, she retreated from the room.

Just as the door closed...

Feng Xiaoran, furious, gritted her teeth and cursed aloud, "That little wretch, putting on airs like this, acting as if she's all-important."

"Rising through the ranks with nothing but her face. Let's see how long she can maintain her smug demeanor once she's cast aside after the novelty wears off."

Lu Yang covered his face with both hands, "So, what do we do now?"

His eyes seemed devoid of spirit as he suddenly suggested, "Ran Ran, maybe we should let go of everything and return to our hometown together."

A complete loser.

Feng Xiaoran muttered under her breath.

Especially when compared to Qin Si.

A thought suddenly crossed her mind.

That man, with his cold and decisive demeanor, stood unparalleled in both appearance and capability among all the men Feng Xiaoran had encountered.

Such a waste, gifting him to that little wretch.

The more she thought about it, the more unwilling she felt. Leaning closer to Lu Yang, she whispered a few words in his ear in a low voice, outlining a certain proposal.

Lu Yang froze, "...You must assure that Nian Nian won't be harmed."

Feng Xiaoran said impatiently, "Harm? What are you talking about? You think I want to be a kidnapper? You regard her as your sister, but question if she reciprocates the sentiment."

"Your sister is being disobedient," she remarked, "just make her a bit more compliant, that's all."

This time, Lu Yang hesitated.

He had once mentioned Nan Qiao's secret to Feng Xiaoran.

After returning from Nan Qiao, Lu Nian had been extremely traumatized, causing havoc at home every night, smashing everything in sight. She refused food and sleep, spending entire nights wide awake. During that period, whispers circulated throughout the Lu residence, speculating that her end seemed near.

Eventually, left with no other options, Lu Zhihong sought help everywhere, finally securing a 'psychotherapist'.

The results were prominent; Lu Nian had completely forgotten that segment of her memory and became notably docile for a while.

Lu Zhihong ordered the household to never bring up the past again, and the existence of Lu Zuo was entirely erased during that time.

Later on, as time passed and the effect faded, although her memory didn't return, her mental state deteriorated severely, and she started having suicidal tendencies again.

Afterwards, Lu Zhihong initially planned to take her there once more, but following an attempted leap from a building, she suddenly improved, becoming tranquil and obedient, no longer openly defying Lu Zhihong. Thus, he never forcibly took her to that place again.

Feng Xiaoran urged, "If you decide to take action, do it quickly. My foster brothers are in Ancheng at the moment, they can help bring Lu Nian there."

Lu Yang closed his eyes briefly, then gritted his teeth, "Okay."

He truly had no other alternatives at this point.

...

"It's been quite a while since we heard from Lu Yang," Zhao Tingyuan remarked with a furrowed brow.

Su Qingyou placed the cashmere blanket on her abdomen, sipping a bowl of fertility-enhancing herbal tea, she said slowly, "Let nature take its course."

"Lu Yang is of narrow-minded temperament," Su Qingyou stated, "Furthermore, he lacks competence. He is no match for Qin Si, and getting involved excessively will only invite trouble upon ourselves."

Zhao Tingyuan furrowed his brows.

Does it mean to let Lu Yang fend for himself, come what may?

"Wouldn't all our previous preparations be in vain then?"

Su Qingyou had no choice but to elucidate, "It's an unavoidable circumstance. Ning Sheng has already resolved to intervene in the affairs of the Lu family."

That man is truly too terrifying.

If possible, Su Qingyou would prefer not to confront him at all.

"After all, our business dealings with the Lu family can be severed without much repercussion," Su Qingyou remarked, "Our business scopes don't overlap. It's alright to lay low and conserve our strength for a while."

She caressed Zhao Tingyuan's forehead, smiling as she said, "Recently, it might be better for you to stay home and focus more on your brother's matters."

Zhao Tingyuan sighed.

Every mention of this matter ignited a flame of frustration within him.

"Honey, the weather is exceptionally fine today," Su Qingyou suggested, "Let's take the baby out for a stroll."

Zhao Tingyuan managed to nod, albeit reluctantly.

With Su Qingyou linking her arm with his, the couple strolled through the expansive and beautiful Zhao family garden, which had recently been redesigned according to Su Qingyou's preferences.

"Ya Yuan?" Su Qingyou was the first to notice the approaching figure.

Zhao Tingyuan frowned, "Didn't you go to school today?"

A smile played at the corners of Zhao Yayuan's lips. His features had matured significantly, the occasional traces of childlike naivety and mischief that were present before had almost disappeared.

"I was at the company," Zhao Yayuan replied, "There wasn't much point in attending classes. Next week, grandfather agreed to take me along to sign contracts."

Zhao Tingyuan's frown deepened, "Nonsense, you are still a student and your primary focus should be on your studies."

Zhao Yayuan gave him a fleeting glance, not uttering a word.

Feeling somewhat uncomfortable under that gaze, Zhao Tingyuan looked away as Zhao Yayuan turned to leave.

Su Qingyou stopped him, her smile warm as she inquired, "Ya Yuan, how is your engagement with Nian Nian progressing?"

Zhao Yayuan's expression gradually turned somber.

Speaking gently, Su Qingyou continued, "As long as the two of you are mutually fond of each other, even if the family objects, your brother and I will stand by your side."

Zhao Ting... (It seems like the sentence is incomplete. Could you please provide the complete sentence?)

Original God

A moment of awkwardness.

Su Qingyou casually remarked, “You've fancied her for quite some time, haven't you? Since high school, I presume. I knew that despite the opposition from many in your family post-engagement, your joy was palpable and you never wavered.”

She sighed, “It's a pity that things fell short. Now that the Lu family has clung onto the powerful connection with Ning Sheng, they look down upon our family. I heard she's even cohabiting with that man now, presumably...”

Zhao Yayuan didn't let her finish.

He said calmly, “Sister-in-law, isn't the child you're carrying not yet born? Isn't your marriage into the Zhao family still not fully secured?”

The smile faded from Su Qingyou's face, her complexion turned somewhat pale as she retorted with visible ire, “Zhao Yayuan, do you even have a shred of humanity left? This is your own nephew!”

“I obviously wouldn't stoop so low,” Zhao Yayuan remarked, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth, “Unlike some people.”

Lu Yang was visibly tense, his fingers slightly spasmodic.

“This chick is quite good-looking,” Mogang remarked as he examined the photo Feng Xiaorang showed him, letting out a whistle.

Feng Xiaorang mentioned, “Photos can be quite different from the real person.”

“If the difference is too stark, how the hell am I supposed to recognize her?” Mogang exclaimed impatiently.

He added, “So, we just need to get her in the car later, right? Damn, for just this little chick, you even asked me to bring extra hands.”

Feng Xiaorang, "Brother, I appreciate your assistance."

"I am not at a loss either."

Lu Yang offered him a cigarette, "Brother, that's my sister. She's a bit timid. Could you possibly be a bit more gentle with her?"

Feng Xiaorang barely had time to stop him when Mogang burst into scornful laughter, "You called me here to deal with your sister?" pointing to his nose he sneered, "Where's the sister you share your bed with?"

Lu Yang's face fluctuated between shades of pale and flushed.

In haste, Feng Xiaorang urged him to hold his tongue, offering Mogang a placatory smile.

……

These days, Lu Nian has been spending a substantial amount of time at school.

She hadn't informed Qin Si about the day Lu Yang visited her. In fact, their encounters had been few and far between recently. As the day of Lu Zhichong's discharge from the hospital approached, she seemed to be distancing herself from him intentionally.

She had gradually started to pack up her belongings.

If the time comes and he hasn't shown any signs, she plans to move directly to Qiu Li's place.

That day, as she exited the school, where Qin Si would often come to pick her up, she hadn't allowed him to come in recent days because she planned to visit Qiu Li that afternoon. She feared that an encounter between Qin Si and him might culminate in an unpleasant altercation.

She proceeded methodically on her way.

The north gate of An University was situated in a rather secluded location. Just beyond a road, taking a shortcut would quickly get her to Qiu Li's house.

At the roadside, there stood a black car with its door half-open.

As Lu Nian walked past, a shadow stirred in the alley, and a hand reached out from behind her.

Qin Si had been in a rather foul mood these past few days.

His time spent at the company had increased, after all, with Lu Nian absent, staying alone in that house felt meaningless.

She had instructed him not to follow, as she intended to visit Qiu Li in the afternoon.

He tossed the documents aside in irritation. For some reason, he felt an unsettling restlessness all afternoon.

His intuition had always been remarkably accurate.

Unable to focus on the documents, he called Fang Deng, instructing succinctly, "Come to my office."

"How's the investigation I asked you to conduct progressing?"

Fang Deng reported, "It's rather odd. You told us to keep an eye on Lu Yang in case he resorted to desperate measures, but he has been unusually calm, showing no signs of activity. He even visited his hometown with his fiancée once..."

Suddenly, Qin Si rose from his seat, his expression fluctuating unpredictably.

He called Qiu Li, asking bluntly, "Is Lu Nian at your place right now?"

Qiu Li had just stepped out of the kitchen when he heard it was Qin Si on the line. Although slightly displeased, he responded courteously, "She hasn't arrived yet. Our agreed meeting time is still an hour away."

Hanging up, he stood up.

"Boss, where are you headed?" Fang Deng asked.

"To pick her up."

Holding the computer, Fang Deng mumbled, "But, didn't the young missus specifically ask you not to come?"

The young man, with his clear and sparkling phoenix eyes, cast him a fleeting, indifferent glance, his voice tinged with a trace of gloom, "Do you think she's living with me now because she wants to?"

Fang Deng, "......"

Without further conversation, Fang Deng joined him in the car, and the two headed in the direction of An University.

Lu Nian had already left the school.

Fang Deng's fingers were tapping rapidly on the keyboard, "She's near the north gate. Seems like she plans to walk there."

It's not too far from Qiuli's place here.

They both got out of the car.

Qin Si had long legs, whereas Fang Deng, somewhat lacking in physical fitness, was panting after only a few steps.

"Over there," Fang Deng gasped, "around the corner."

They had just turned when they heard a familiar scream, a muffled shriek that was abruptly cut off midway.

"Wha-what should we do, boss?" Fang Deng was somewhat panicked, at a loss for what to do.

"There are three of them."

Moreover, they all looked quite menacing, like they were involved with the underworld.

Fang Deng was no more than a scholar with no real combat ability, arguably weaker than half a goose.

"Call the police." That was all he left behind.

Lu Nian's mouth was covered by a hand, and it seemed that a cloth soaked with some kind of drug had silenced her screams. She felt weak, her limbs losing their strength and her body going limp.

She could only watch helplessly as the man dragged her, attempting to pull her into the black car.

The young girl seemed fragile and powerless, clearly someone who had been exceedingly well-protected.

Mo Gan whistled, pondering whether the reward promised by Feng Xiaorang and Lu Yang would be fulfilled if everything went smoothly.

"Shit." Mo Gan noticed the tall silhouette approaching out of the corner of his eye too late to evade. His legs suddenly gave way, and he knelt on the ground.

He had been holding Lu Nian, but now, pained, he loosened his grip. Lu Nian, weakened, fell to the ground.

The young man picked up the girl from the ground. Fang Deng, terrified and uncertain, had just returned from calling the police. There was no time for conversation as he pushed her towards Fang Deng. The smart Fang Deng immediately scooped her up and ran frantically towards An University.

"You motherf-" Mo Gan regained his senses, cursing angrily, "Are you all waiting for death? Chase them!"

The two men in the car had already disembarked. The incident had caught them by surprise, but at Mo Gan's words, they swiftly split up, one pursuing Fang Deng while the other stayed to assist Mo Gan.

Mo Gan's expression was extremely grim, "Do you fucking know who I am? Trying to ruin my plans."

"Who are you?" The handsome young man opposite him remained calm, his thin lips even curling into a smile. However, the chilling and malicious energy within that smile couldn't be concealed.

"Back when I used to hang around this area," he said quietly, rolling up his sleeves, his eyes deep and dark, "did I need to know who you were?"

He had risen from the streets, having wandered every corner of An city when he left the Lu family. As a young child striving to survive on his own, was there any kind of hustle he hadn't been involved in for the sake of living?

Later, because of her, he ceased those activities in the public eye. He needed to lead a decent life, to be worthy of her, but that didn't mean his past experiences were non-existent.

……

Mo Gan coughed up a mouthful of blood, mixed with fragments of broken teeth. The man facing him had beautiful phoenix eyes that now only bore a stormy and fierce look. His seemingly slender and fair hand, which was pinning him down, wielded a strength greater than Mo Gan's own.

Met a tough nut to crack.

When they discussed Lu Nian's social connections with him back then, they never mentioned the existence of such an individual.

Fang Deng was running, breathless and gasping, with that man chasing behind him. Carrying someone with him, he was hardly able to run at all.

Boss, hurry up... he truly couldn't go on any longer.

The person had already been kicked down, rolling towards the corner like a kicked ball. The young man, tall and with an icy demeanor, squatted slowly and grabbed the person by the collar. With a motion resembling the disposal of trash, he hurled the person into the corner, causing a dull thud to resonate.

Fang Deng had known before, Qin Si was formidable in a fight. Initially getting to know Qin Si was due to being bullied at an internet cafe, it was Qin Si who stepped in to rescue him.

"The police are nearly here," Fang Deng panted, "Boss, you haven't lost your touch."

Qin Si was not fond of reminiscing about those incidents.

At this moment, he didn't say much, taking Lu Nian from Fang Deng's arms, she had completely fainted by now.

The young man frowned, his gaze shifting to the three individuals sprawled to one side, his expression fluctuating between dark and moody.

"Nian Nian is okay," Fang Deng hastily said, "It seems to be a drug on that cloth."

The wail of police sirens could already be heard.

……

When Lu Nian woke up, she found herself in a hospital.

The lingering sensation of suffocation still seemed present, Lu Nian was still in shock, looking around, it appeared to be nighttime, with not a trace of light outside the window curtains.

She quickly noticed the young man beside her.

His complexion was somewhat pale, long eyelashes casting shadows downward, and his light-colored lips tightly pressed together. His brow bones were well-defined, and with his eyes closed, the usual cold demeanor dissipated by seventy percent, revealing a somewhat soft and handsome face.

It seemed he had fallen asleep while sitting beside her in the chair.

He was the one who saved her.

Lu Nian watched him from the side, unable to articulate her swirling emotions.

At that moment, when she saw him appear, she had already been pushed to her limit. Seeing him seemed to have allowed her to finally let her guard down, collapsing in relief.

The handsome young man's eyebrows twitched slightly, his eyes opening, his voice a bit raspy, he looked at her, "Awake?"

Lu Nian, "Mhm."

He was always one of few words, "How do you feel?"

Lu Nian, "My head is a bit dizzy, but everything else is fine."

He nodded slightly, "I'll go call the doctor."

Lu Nian wanted to ask him, judging by his appearance, how long had she been unconscious here? Had he been by her side all this time?

"Two days now," he replied with pursed lips, "I just arrived."

Lu Nian couldn't tell if this was true or not.

She didn't feel entirely lucid at the moment; conversing further would only exhaust her.

After the doctor had examined her, she looked at him, a myriad of words and questions swelling within her.

He had already risen to his feet, saying plainly, "Rest now."

He would take care of everything.

Mo Gan spilled everything, both Lu Yang and Feng Xiao Ran were arrested and have been detained together.

Ming Hong and Qiu Fan could sense that their young boss had truly reached his boiling point this time, infuriated.

However, it had expedited the process, eradicating Lu Yang's influence root and branch, resolving the issue entirely.

"Young boss, about the supervisor who liaised with Lu Yang earlier, do we still need him?" Qiu Fan inquired, "And concerning his successor, do we proceed as previously discussed?"

In these past few days, Qin Si spent little time at the company, mostly attending to Lu Nian at the hospital.

Sometimes he wondered, that girl was quite pitiable; neglected by her father, motherless since childhood, devoid of anyone to care for her.

However, their young boss seemed to care for her quite willingly, tirelessly making trips to be by her side daily.

"Make the decision yourselves," he said indifferently, "I won't be coming to the company in the next few days. Notify me through An Yu for any important matters."

"But..." Qiu Fan began.

Ming Hong stopped him, shaking his head gently, "Alright, young boss, you can go with a peaceful mind."

Given what had transpired, the young woman needed his companionship now more than ever.

Lu Nian was suffering from a severe headache, likely a side effect of the drug administered that day.

She was deeply shaken, initially frail in health, fell sick, and developed a fever that night. She hardly dared to imagine what would have transpired if Qin Si hadn't arrived in time that day.

Her fever subsided on the third day, and Lu Nian, disliking the hospital stay, proposed to go home.

She hadn't sustained any physical injuries, and the test results were normal, only her mental state was considerably distressed.

In the end, Qin Si relented, accompanying her home.

Despite returning home, she experienced nightmares in the following days.

Qin Si opened the door to bring her water and medicine. He was meticulous in his care, attending to her needs without any sign of being troubled.

Lu Nian had visibly lost weight over the past few days, her cheeks were pale as snow, and her chin was delicately pointed. She whispered, "Thank you..."

He shook his head, succinctly stating, "It's my fault."

Had it not been for his negligence, she wouldn't have undergone such a harrowing experience.

With a soft, almost inaudible voice, Lu Nian, with her eyes closed, murmured, "Have you informed Qiu Li and the others, as well as my father about my discharge? I'm afraid they might be worried..."

Hearing those names, a fleeting shadow seemed to cross the handsome features of the young man's face.

"I've informed them," he said.

His gaze lowered, the tips of his fingers slightly tense, "For the next few days, I'll be the one taking care of you."

"Thank you," Lu Nian responded in a soft voice, showing no resistance or expressing any desire to leave to join them.

He relaxed his grip, poured her a cup of warm water, and placed it on the bedside table.

However, her demeanor was utterly forlorn, pale with the sparkle in her eyes seemingly lost, resembling a wilted flower bud.

"Once you feel a bit better, if you wish, you can meet that group of people," he finally said.

After all, she wasn't his alone, no matter how much he wished it to be so.

To put it another way, in her heart and around her, there were still many others. He was just one insignificant person among them, and besides, she was in a recovery phase; seeing them would be beneficial for both her mental and physical recovery.

Perhaps it was her total dependence and closeness to him these past days that had somewhat muddled his thoughts.

Lu Nian responded obediently, "Mhm."

She had been having trouble sleeping recently, haunted by nightmares featuring that black car, that hand, and those horrifying faces.

Especially at night, she felt an intensified fear when going to sleep, terrified the moment the lights were switched off.

Having taken her medication and preparing to sleep again, Lu Nian was somewhat frightened, her sharp chin tucked into the blanket, revealing only her large eyes, resembling a frightened deer in the woods.

He spoke in a low voice, "Can I stay here, with you?"

Just to keep her company, right here.

Lu Nian nodded.

Consequently, he fetched a chair, sitting by her bed, just as he had done in the hospital.

Lu Nian felt an increasing cold enveloping her within the cocoon of her bedding. Each time she closed her eyes, a throbbing pain seemed to pulsate at her temples.

She felt a chill envelop her entire body, a gaping void seemed to have opened in her heart, and no amount of blankets appeared to mitigate it. Moreover, she was terrified, with each closing of her eyes revealing that horrifying scene.

It was like that terrifying night when the Lu family encountered trouble - engulfed in fear, lost in confusion, and utterly alone.

"...Can you come here and join me?" Her slender white fingers clenched the edge of the blanket, her eyelashes quivering slightly.

A hush settled within the room.

Biting her lip, she turned over, "If it's not possible, never mind."

Before she could finish her sentence, there was a noticeable weight shift on the bed.

The man's warm and solid body slid under the covers. Gently embracing her from behind, sensing no resistance, he slowly drew her little by little into his arms.

Lu Nian turned again, slightly curling up her body, resting her chin on his chest.

Gently inhaling the scent at his neck, she could detect the faint fragrance of shower gel lingering on his freshly bathed skin, mingled with his own scent—subtle, resembling cedar, with a trace of bitter wormwood, both pure and cool.

As she drifted towards sleep, she noted he was wearing a black cotton t-shirt with a loose neckline, exposing a vast expanse of skin for her to see. Further up was his throat, a somewhat tense jawline, and thin lips that seemed to bear a deeper hue than usual.

Yet, Lu Nian's eyes were suddenly drawn to a small mole at his collarbone, stark against his pale, pristine skin, reminiscent of a dab of vermilion ink fallen upon snow.

Instantly, his entire demeanor seemed to come alive, losing its prior coldness.

Her mind in disarray, a sudden thought struck her, fueling a desire to lean in closer and scrutinize that small mole more carefully.

The girl's gentle breath fell upon it, her breath sweet and warm, her soft lips nearing a kiss.

"Stop..." His body tensed, unable to suppress a half-escaped breath, his voice hoarse as he attempted to turn her face away.

Lu Nian asked a seemingly naïve question, "Is this a birthmark?"

Nearly losing himself in the haze of the moment, without much thought, he responded with a muted affirmation.

Lu Nian, "..."

She remembered, when she was fifteen, during an attack by a robber, the young man who rescued her carried her all the way. In his haste, a few buttons of his uniform shirt had come undone. With her vision blurry as she regained consciousness, she caught a glimpse of a tiny crimson mole just below his collarbone.

Back then, they all told her that the young man was Lin Junrun.

The author has something to say:

In the sensitive zone, please take more care of him in the future.

When asked if he's comfortable, someone is reluctant to respond, trying hard to endure but sadly betrayed by his body's reactions.

Si Si is really so tender (shyly covers face), tsunderes are truly delightful.