Chapter 3 Onset of Illness

Chapter 3: The Onset

The boss personally pouring water left Lin Yunshu feeling flattered.

He took a few sips, cradling the cup in his hands to warm them. Soon, he actually felt a bit warmer and was about to remark how well the water worked when he realized Zhou Yu had also turned up the air conditioning.

"Thank you, boss," Lin Yunshu said.

A boss’s kindness shouldn’t be taken for granted.

Zhou Yu knew exactly what he was thinking and gave him a helpless look. "How was the person you met today?"

Lin Yunshu was slightly taken aback.

Why bring this up so suddenly?

He had met quite a few marriage prospects on Zhou Yu’s behalf this week, and Zhou Yu had never asked about any of them—this was the first time.

Lin Yunshu quickly tried to read Zhou Yu’s intentions.

Zhou Yu was independent, self-willed, and opinionated to the point of stubbornness. Almost no one could change his mind, and an arranged marriage was worthless to him.

When it came to a future partner, he had only one criterion: he had to like them.

If he liked someone, even if Zhou Xingde openly sent them over to scheme against him, he would still want them. If he didn’t like someone, not even God himself could make him.

And Zhou Yu had told him countless times that he hoped his future partner would be a little more spoiled, a little more headstrong—at the very least, they should feel free to be indulgent and behave outrageously in front of him.

Lin Yunshu couldn’t think of anyone who could behave outrageously in front of Zhou Yu without getting put in their place. For a while, he thought Zhou Yu was just acting crazy and talking nonsense.

But after meeting Young Master Mu today, he realized the man was genuinely spoiled.

Could it be that Zhou Yu actually liked that type?

He was starting to feel uncertain.

"Young Master Mu is very distinctive," he chose his words carefully, hesitating for a moment before speaking frankly. "But I don’t think he’s very suitable for you."

"Oh?" Zhou Yu seemed intrigued. "Go on."

He looked into Lin Yunshu’s eyes, expectantly.

*Go on, keep talking, complain to me, tell me someone bullied you.*

*How could you stand others treating you like a servant?*

*I’ve kept you by my side for three years and never once made you do any heavy work. How dare some stranger try to step all over you?*

*Come on, tell me, be a little willful.*

Lin Yunshu weighed his words. "He seems straightforward in personality, values emotions deeply, and needs his partner to provide constant attention—"

"You think I can’t provide companionship to my partner?"

Lin Yunshu faltered. "That’s not what I meant."

"Lin Yunshu, you might have some misunderstanding about me."

Zhou Yu looked him in the eye. "I’m a proper alpha, one who scored perfectly on every test. I understand family and responsibility, and I know giving love and companionship to my partner is just the bare minimum."

"Yes," Lin Yunshu looked away, lowering his head humbly. "Sorry, boss, I misspoke."

"I’m not blaming you… never mind." Zhou Yu waved his hand.

Lin Yunshu was always like this in front of him—all business, even overcautious. Zhou Yu couldn’t stand it; it annoyed him just to see it.

He took a calming breath. "Anything else? Keep going."

"Also," Lin Yunshu pondered, "this meeting was heavily promoted by Old Master Zhou and CEO Mu of Xiangyu Real Estate. If the two of you were to unite, various interests would get mixed up, and the situation would grow even more chaotic. I think Young Master Mu’s temperament might not be strong enough to handle that—"

"Mm, I see. Anything else?"

Interrupted again, Lin Yunshu felt his chest tighten. "If you need, I can provide his profile—"

"Lin Yunshu!"

Zhou Yu’s shout made Lin Yunshu’s fingers tremble.

Zhou Yu stood up directly, crossing his arms as he paced back and forth in front of the window.

Lin Yunshu knew this was something he only did when he was extremely upset and immediately stood up as well.

"Lin Yunshu, you—!" Zhou Yu turned and pointed at him.

But when he saw Secretary Lin standing there, pale-faced and tight-lipped, he swallowed his anger and said, "Sit down."

"Sit!"

Secretary Lin immediately sat down.

"Have some water."

Secretary Lin drank water.

Zhou Yu returned, hitched up his trousers, and sat on the coffee table in front of him.

He seemed too angry to speak, jabbing a finger in the air toward Lin Yunshu’s forehead.

"You’re such a blockhead!"

He was seething. "I don’t even know how to talk to you. You raised a disciple who’s eloquent and articulate, so how did you end up clamming up yourself?"

·

Five minutes later, the clam spirit slunk out of the chairman’s office.

He was worn out, realizing he understood Zhou Yu less and less.

Although Zhou Yu was volatile and hard to read, Lin Yunshu used to be able to read him quite well. But now… Lin Yunshu shook his head wearily.

Perhaps Zhou Yu had truly grown into a man who could hold his own.

Lin Yunshu found himself utterly unable to figure out why Zhou Yu had been angry today.

Thinking about what Zhou Yu had said, he felt a bit resentful.

"How am I a blockhead…"

"Shifu!" Guo Shengyao hurried over. Seeing Lin Yunshu using the wall for support, she quickly steadied him. "What’s wrong? Did the boss chew you out?"

"It's nothing." Lin Yunshu's head was pounding. He pressed hard on the space between his brows, leaned on Guo Shengyao's arm for support, and pondered as they walked.

"What did you say to the boss today?" he asked Guo Shengyao.

After a few seconds of silence, he turned his head and saw the young woman’s eyes darting around guiltily.

"Shengyao," he sighed helplessly.

"Master," Guo Shengyao said, sounding aggrieved, "the Mu family was really pushing us around. If the boss hadn’t asked, I might have let it go, but since he brought it up, how could I hold back?"

"You still shouldn’t have..." Lin Yunshu trailed off, feeling short of breath. He closed his eyes to steady himself.

Judging by Guo Shengyao’s expression, she must have spilled everything. At least she hadn’t exaggerated the details. The die was cast—scolding her now would be pointless.

"Remember not to do this again," he said. "Once is forgivable, but if it happens too often, it might make the boss think we’re incapable of solving problems on our own."

Guo Shengyao was startled.

She had been too angry to consider the consequences earlier, but now that the penny dropped, she grew uneasy.

"I-I’m sorry, Master. I spoke out of turn..."

"As long as you learn your lesson."

"I promise I won’t do it again." Guo Shengyao raised four fingers in a vow. Seeing how drained Lin Yunshu looked, she felt a pang of sadness.

"Master, you’re too cautious. You were the first to stand by the boss when he took over the company. You’ve been through storm and stress together. Everyone says you’re the one who helped him conquer the business world, and the boss values you highly."

A proud expression spread across the young woman’s face. Lin Yunshu looked at her, his eyes clouded with complicated emotions, and smiled wryly.

That was precisely why he had to be even more cautious.

Sometimes, when he thought about it, Lin Yunshu himself felt dazed.

He and Zhou Yu were university seniors and juniors. Zhou Yu was a few years older, and he went abroad for further studies a year after Lin Yunshu enrolled.

By the time Lin Yunshu graduated, the Lin'an Group was going through turbulent times.

The old chairman had passed away suddenly. Although he had left a verbal will entrusting the group entirely to Zhou Yu, the arrangement was rushed, and Zhou Xingde had built considerable influence within the group over the years.

At that time, Zhou Yu was isolated and without support. He urgently needed to recruit allies to build his team and expand his ranks, and he also needed a right-hand man.

Zhou Yu reached out to him, offering terms so lucrative that even today, Lin Yunshu couldn’t have refused.

And so, the two supported each other.

They used to be good friends, chatting about anything and everything outside of work.

But as the situation gradually stabilized, Zhou Yu consolidated his authority, and Lin Yunshu became known as the "meritorious minister," firmly holding the second-in-command authority within the group. Yet, Lin Yunshu no longer dared to treat Zhou Yu as a friend.

That easygoing relationship seemed gone forever.

He could clearly sense Zhou Yu’s growth, noticing how Zhou Yu’s thoughts became harder to decipher each day, his behavior increasingly erratic.

All Lin Yunshu could do was tread even more carefully, maintaining a flawless state to protect his position and livelihood.

That was why he had spoken too much today.

Weighed down by worry, his headache worsened. Lin Yunshu took a deep breath, forcing himself to clear his mind.

Guo Shengyao supported him as they walked slowly, still beaming with pride. "My master is the best."

Lin Yunshu smiled faintly. "No need to comfort me."

"This isn’t comfort—it’s the truth!"

It was now after work hours. Zhou Yu had no evening plans, so Lin Yunshu could finally rest early for once.

Seeing how pale he looked, Guo Shengyao tactfully didn't pester him to join her and the other secretaries for hot pot. Instead, she hailed a cab and sent him home.

·

Zhou Yu was still brooding in his office.

Zhou Xingde had acted first and reported later, spreading the news that Zhou Yu was seeking a marriage alliance. Out of respect for his father, Zhou Yu hadn’t publicly undermine him.

But he had no intention of going through with the matchmaking meetings.

By entrusting Lin Yunshu with full responsibility, he had hoped Lin Yunshu would understand every detail, ensuring no misunderstandings or rifts would arise between them over this matter.

Zhou Yu hadn’t touched any of the arrangements—he didn’t even know who the potential marriage candidates were. He might as well have torn his heart out to show Lin Yunshu he had zero interest in those social butterflies.

But Lin Yunshu was being dense.

He didn't get it at all!

He had even started seriously making plans for him!

Zhou Yu was ready to burst with anger.

And he couldn’t even take it out on Lin Yunshu. Frustration simmered inside him as he downed two bottles of cold water, but it only made things worse.

He needed to take his anger out on someone.

Pulling out his phone, he dialed a number. "Li Xun, get that old bastard from Xiangyu Real Estate out here. Tell him I’m inviting him to dinner."

*Old bastard...*

Assistant Li, fresh off a business trip with Zhou Yu and finally resting at home, replied, "...You mean President Mu from Xiangyu? I’ll arrange it right away."

He agreed repeatedly, but his mind was reeling.

Xiangyu Real Estate—if memory serves, one of the potential marriage candidates was from that family. But wasn’t Secretary Lin handling the marriage alliance matters?

Had Zhou Yu contacted the wrong person?

As he hesitated whether to ask, the person on the other end of the line added stiffly, "Don’t tell Secretary Lin."

"...Understood."

After hanging up, Assistant Li stared at his phone, trying to process what happened.

Zhou Yu had clearly been in a foul mood. Had Secretary Lin mishandled things and angered the boss?

But that couldn’t be... This was Secretary Lin we were talking about!

The Mu household.

"...Yeah, yeah, tonight at eight, at the Shiting Hotel—I'll be there with Yiyi right on time... Just myself? Okay, okay, see you then. Thank you, Assistant Li..."

Mu Yuanying hung up the phone, beaming. His wife eagerly asked, "Well? What did he say?"

"Zhou Yu invited me to dinner tonight!" He sat down, floating on air, as his wife shrieked excitedly.

"It's settled? So it's really happening?" She hugged Mu Yi and gave him a big kiss. "My precious, Mom knew you could do it!"

Mu Yi was eating grapes, holding a glossy grape flesh between his fingers. He tilted his chin up proudly. "I told you not to worry. However powerful Zhou Yu might be, he’s still an alpha—and I’m an S-class Omega. Who in the world could possibly resist me?"

"Yes, yes, whatever you say, my precious!" The woman cradled Mu Yi’s face as if he weren’t her son, but a golden goose for the family’s rise to wealth and status.

"Come, my dear, let me pick out some outfits for you. Tonight, you have to look absolutely stunning. Win Zhou Yu over completely—let’s even try to settle the wedding date—"

"Wait, wait, hold on," Mu Yuanying interrupted. "Don't trouble yourself. He asked for just me to come."

"Just you?" His wife looked suspicious.

"That makes sense," Mu Yuanying reasoned. "After all, this is about marriage—they’ll want to discuss it with the family first. Once the engagement is settled, the young couple will have plenty of time to cultivate their relationship, right?"

Thinking it over, his wife relaxed. "You’re right, no need to rush... Then tonight, make sure you handle the discussion well. Try to settle everything."

"I know, I know," Mu Yuanying waved her off impatiently. "I know what I'm doing. Just wait for the good news."

"Wonderful!" Overjoyed, his wife hugged her younger son and kissed him again.

The entire household was filled with a bubbly, excited mood.

...

At 7 p.m., Lin Yunshu entered the code on the door lock to his home.

As he pushed the door open, all the lights turned on automatically, flooding the floor with warm light where Lin Yunshu stood.

He didn’t bother with shoes, stepping inside barefoot.

It was a spacious apartment in the city center, with 270-degree panoramic windows facing the river and historic buildings in the heart of the city.

The year before, Lin Yunshu had paid cash for this apartment, spending almost all his savings on the purchase and renovation.

But he didn’t regret it. He still considered himself lucky.

How many college graduates could afford such a place just two years after graduation? Many people couldn’t achieve it in a lifetime.

Lin Yunshu had a deep fixation on having a home.

Having grown up in his aunt’s house, living under someone else’s roof and eating someone else’s rice, he desperately longed for a place that was entirely his own.

When Zhou Yu had come to him with a great job offer, Lin Yunshu did the math. At that rate, he could buy a home in three years. He accepted without hesitation.

In fact, Zhou Yu treated him even better than promised. In just two years, Lin Yunshu had his own home.

He loved his home deeply.

Now, the sunset colors still lingered—the sky was a mix of purple and red. Lin Yunshu meticulously cleaned the apartment, watching as the sunset dyed the white marble table red. He felt an inexplicable sense of comfort.

He went to water the plants on the balcony. They were thriving, lush and green, which gave him a fresh burst of energy.

He had also thought about getting a pet—a cat or a dog—but he was too busy with work. He hardly had time to look after himself.

He didn’t feel capable of caring for another living being, so he shelved the idea.

Today had been exhausting. Lin Yunshu hadn’t felt this tired in a long time. He sat on the sofa for a long time, unable to move.

He felt dizzy, with occasional palpitations—symptoms that felt like low blood sugar. Too tired to cook, he grabbed a piece of bread from the drawer and chewed on it.

After eating, he felt a bit better. Sizing up how he felt, he decided to rest—take a shower and get a good night’s sleep. He wouldn’t deal with work tonight.

He picked up his pajamas and stepped into the bathroom, enjoying the soothing sensation of hot water washing over him, easing his fatigue.

After turning off the water, Lin Yunshu stepped out of the shower.

The towel was on the rack. As he reached for it, everything suddenly went black, and he lost consciousness.

His heart was racing. When he groggily opened his eyes, his entire body felt weak and limp, unable to move.

With great effort, he moved his fingers, feeling the cold, wet floor beneath him. Shivering, he managed to sit up.

When he fainted, he must have pulled the towel down with him. It lay on top of him, now stained crimson. Blood had diluted in the water on the floor, spreading in a shocking red pool.

There was no wound on Lin Yunshu’s body. It took him a few seconds to realize the blood was pouring from his nose.

Had he really lost that much blood from a nosebleed?

A moment of panic set in, but he quickly steadied himself. He hastily cleaned the blood off his body, changed clothes, stuffed a wad of tissues up his nose, and took a taxi to the hospital.

In the taxi, his nose continued to bleed nonstop.

Lin Yunshu felt his body getting colder gradually. His fingers grew cold and stiff, and his thoughts began to slow.

A sense of foreboding washed over him. He realized he probably wouldn’t be able to go to work tomorrow.

Using what little clarity he had left, he used the OA system to request a day off and delegated the next day’s tasks in the group chat.

Lin Yunshu’s sight was getting fuzzier.

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