Perfect Fiancé

Written by: Feng Duan Qing Yi Du

Synopsis

Transmigrated into a novel after her death, Su Jin has an

engagement with Lu Xi, the legendary and unrivaled male
protagonist, that was arranged between their families. After
the revelation of her identity as the adopted daughter
swapped at birth, she had no right to the engagement; that
belonged to her sister, the female protagonist. In fear of
interfering with the novel’s ending, she avoids him… But
why is he ignoring the female protagonist and chasing her
instead!

The Perfect Fiancé Code:

1. Support his fiancée

2. Unconditionally support his fiancée
3. Protect his fiancé unconditionally regardless of who or whom is
present
Lu Xi felt that he should be able to accomplish this.

Su Jin: QAQ, please don’t do this…. I’m supposed to be the

cannon fodder sultry ex-fiancé that you were going to
dispose of!

Lu Xi: I have always been waiting for the moment that the
22-year-old Su Jin, you, would finally open her eyes.
 Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Chapter 52
Chapter 53
Chapter 54
Chapter 55
Chapter 56
Chapter 57
Chapter 58
Chapter 59
Chapter 1

Shenhai City, International Airport.

The bustling crowd gathered at the arrival hall entrance. While holding up
microphones and video cameras, people were anxiously looking towards the
passageway entrance with wolfish inquiring eyes. In the huge hall, there was a
constant announcement made by the sweet voice of the air attendant
broadcasting: “the flight EC2876 from Los Angeles to Shenhai City has safely
landed.”

After some time had passed, the few of the newly arrived passengers began to exit
the passenger entrance with their luggage. Among the stream of people, a lanky
figure wandered out.

The awaiting crowd’s eyes glinted when one of the reporters yelled out first, “Lu
Xi!”

At the sound of this bellow, it was as if a switch had been flipped, and all the
reporters swarmed like bees to honey towards the man who appeared.

From the back entrance of the airport, hearing the hubbub coming from the main
hall, Su Jin lowered her head faintly and her mouth twitched.

The legendary male lead had finally appeared.

That’s right, the living legend, the male protagonist.

She had been involved in a plane accident a week ago. When she woke up, she had
surprisingly found herself in this world. After growing up alone as a young orphan,
she had suddenly become the eldest young miss of Shenhai City’s affluent Su
family, Su Jin.

Although she was always adaptable and had an easy-going personality, it still took
her three whole days to be able to finally accept that she too had followed the
trend of being transmigrated, just like in the many novels she had read. Moreover,
there was also the fact that she had transmigrated into the novel that she had just
finished reading before she boarded the plane.

It was a contemporary romance novel, however, Su Jin did have one consolation;
although the story was an unoriginal and melodramatic drama about switched
babies at birth, there were no unjust parents and no constantly antagonistic
siblings(2).
(2)
(dū shì yán qíng wén) 都市言情文: ‘du shi’ means city literally, figuratively, it means modern-day or contemporary. ‘Yan qing wen’ means that it is a sentimental novel about a love
story. There is a slight difference between the sentimental novels and romance novels: sentimental novels often have an unrealistic flavour to their love stories that can deviate from reality and are
similar to illusions and dreams of love. They can also be considered as fairy tales for women.

Twenty-two years ago, the female lead, Lin Xiyue, who was the Su family’s eldest
young miss, had been swapped at birth. Then, due to a vehicle pile up (a multiple
collision traffic accident) twenty-two years later, she lost her doting parents.
Through an unexpected combination of circumstances, the truth was uncovered
and it was revealed that was, in fact, the true eldest young miss of the Su family.
Thereafter, and filled with tremendous guilt, the Su couple welcomed in and
indulgently doted on their long-lost daughter.

Fortunately, during the years that the children were swapped at birth, the Lin
couple was from a moderately affluent family. As an only child, who was the apple
of their eye, she had not been treated unkindly. Therefore, although Lin Xiyue was
extremely bright and cunning, she did not feel discontent or that she was treated
unfairly by the Su family. She also did not feel any jealousy towards Su Jin, her
elder sister, who had been born a few hours earlier with a silver-spoon in her
mouth.

As for Su Jin, she had been spoiled by her parents and older brother since she was
young. She had an arrogant and willful temperament, but inherently she had a
pure disposition. She had never had any close girlfriends around her, so she had a
pretty good impression of this seemingly delicate and charming little sister. The
sisters became intimately closer with each other and their parents were filled with
joy at the sight of their two daughters getting along harmoniously.

However, with the arrival of a man, the happy atmosphere in the family abruptly
ended.
Lu Xi, 26, was the young master of the Lu family in Beijing. A gifted, world-
renowned director, he was the one and only disciple of Hollywood’s world-class
director, Charles.

He was also the fiancé of the eldest young miss of the Su family.

No one knew how the Elder Lu in Beijing and the Elder Su in Shenhai became such
old chums that they would actually arrange a betrothal between their two
grandchildren.

Recently, the Elder Su had passed away due to severe injuries sustained in a
different vehicle pile up. Knowing that he was approaching his end, he had made a
phone call to the Elder Lu to request that they inform their respective families
about the long-forgotten arrangement they had made 20 years ago.

Before his imminent demise, the Elder Su’s intentions were to find a reliable
husband for his most beloved granddaughter. After all, the Lu family was an
aristocratic family that had been influential for a century and were known for their
upright and honourable family traditions. The Sheng Ming corporation was at the
forefront in rankings internationally. And, although Lu Xi was not the heir
presumptive, his capabilities were undeniable. Generally, this would lead to a
conflict between brothers, but thankfully, the Lu brothers have always been close.
Therefore, their relationship is harmonious on this point.

Yet unexpectedly, such a drama was revealed after his death. His beloved Su Jin
had no direct bloodline to the Su family, and the true eldest young miss of the Su
family was someone else. This betrothal arrangement became extremely
convoluted.

One was the beloved eldest daughter with no blood relation to the Su family, and
the other was the long-lost youngest daughter who had finally returned home after
losing her adoptive parents. Su Chenghai was fair, he did not explicitly appoint the
betrothal to either daughter. He had spoken of his decision on leaving it up to fate
and letting them decide among themselves.

As Lu Xi was arriving in Shenhai, Su Chenhai was bringing both of his daughters to

meet him.
The noble, respected and virtuous young master of the Lu family, with his alluring
eyes, he dazzled both of them(3).
(3)
(táo huā yǎn) 桃花眼: ‘tao hua’ means peach blossom and ‘yan’ means eyes. The Chinese often describe peach blossom eyes in light novels as an attractive feature for men. Some
characteristics of such eyes: the side of the eyes are often upturned, double eyelids, an eye smile appears when laughing, deep-set, bright and charming eyes, the outer or inner corner of the eyes are
often slightly flushed red and lastly, the eyes are often magnetic that draw people in. To put simply, these eyes are alluring.

Afterward, it was the old cliche. The male and female lead felt an instant attraction
between, and Su Jin would also be bedazzled by his gentle gaze.

Later, it was the stereotypical disastrous route for the female supporting character.
With her every whim catered to since she was young, Su Jin had a willful and
simple disposition. Her train of thought was bent on a blind alley; she thought that
if there was no Lin Xiyue, naturally, she would become Lu Xi’s fiancee and be with
him till they were grey and old. Thus, she began to use unscrupulous means
towards Xiyue.

Unfortunately, the original soul’s personality, tactfully said, was artless. Or, if put
harshly, she was stupid. Her act of hiring henchmen to kidnap her sister was easily
discovered. Despite the incident, with lingering affection for her, the Su family
decided to send her overseas. Although she was provided with the basic
necessities, she was appeared to be forgotten by everyone and never appeared
again, even at the end of the story.

Thinking back on the original soul’s life, Su Jin could only shake her head slightly. It
was really just a first impression- all that love at first sight stuff was nothing more
than a rush of hormones. Merely just a moment of confusion based on his looks,
how could there be any deep affection? The original owner of the body was just
pampered since she was young. The things that she wanted had never been taken
away before and what was unattainable would be what she wanted most. To even
speak of love, her ‘love’ was simply an intense desire to possess.

Due to this desire, she made restitution with her love, her family, and even her life.

She was unsure if the original Su Jin was remorseful, however, she had gained a
chance at living again. With a hint of warmth in her clear eyes, if she finally got a
shot at having a family, she was determined to cherish them.
In the airport hall, the clamor gradually quieted down. Su Chenghai got out of the
car with his daughters and walked towards the back entrance. Looking at the girls
at his side, one dainty and one radiant, his eyes shone with affection.

Tilting her head towards the half-opened back entrance, Su Jin saw a figure slowly
becoming clearer. Full of interest, she raised an eyebrow.

Speaking of which, she was rather curious about the novel’s noble and peerless
male protagonist. After all, the novel had never described his general appearance
and merely emphasized his alluring eyes and gentle, jade-like countenance(4).
Although she had seen him on the entertainment news before, things like charisma
could only be seen or felt in person.
(4)
(yù) 玉: ‘yu’ means jade. Oftentimes, we see jade being used as a descriptive word in Chinese light novels. In ancient times, jade often had a deep connection to and was intertwined with Chinese
history, specifically with customs and representations of nobility. The Chinese deeply treasured jade and their love and reverence of it often led to its qualities being associated to the virtues of a
gentleman: charity, rectitude (integrity), wisdom, courage, and equity.

From far, the figure walked closer, gradually becoming more clear.

Dressed in a white shirt and a light grey collared jacket, he had a hand in his pocket
and another by his side. From that far distance, Su Jin unconsciously thought of a
phrase:

Bright like the clear moon and charming like the clear wind.

That elegant and attractive man came closer and in her vision, his face became
distinct.

He looked exactly like his photographs in entertainment news: distinct and dark
eyebrows, an aquiline nose, thin lips that had a gentle curvature, and a pair of
alluring upturned eyes that were filled with slight laughter.

Upon that pair of eyes, Su Jin stared at them once again. Plainly, those alluring
eyes were extremely captivating with that trace of slight laughter in its gaze.
However, she could also clearly see that those ink jadeite-like pupils concealed a
faint indifference.

Inwardly, she shook her head. Recalling what was written in the novel about this
gentle, jade-like man, she could not help but sneer. It was like she said, a
descendant of an aristocratic family, how could he possibly be as gentle as a piece
of jade? With seemingly passionate, tender and alluring eyes that hid his aloofness,
that indifference was probably this person’s actual temperament.

“Lu…” Upon seeing him, Su Chenghai began to speak, his mouth opened. Yet he
immediately paused with a slight furrow of his brows. How should he address this
person? With regard to their family background, it was unavoidable to call him Lu.
However, this young master came because of the unfinalised engagement…

“Uncle Su right?” Seeing the awkward circumstance that this middle-aged man
seemed to be in, Lu Xi spoke with a faint smile, “Uncle Su, you can just call me Lu
Xi.”

This future son-in-law’s attitude was good and did not have the arrogance that
most progenies of aristocratic families had. Su Chenghai inwardly nodded, his
impression of this man being somewhat better and reached out to pat his shoulder
with a smile, “Alright. In that case, I won’t stand on ceremony. These are my two
daughters,” he introduced, “eldest daughter, Su Jin.” Pointing to the other at his
side, “youngest, Lin Xiyue.”

Without any superfluous words, he did not explain further about his youngest
daughter’s surname. In preparations to recognise this betrothal, with the Lu
family’s power and influence, they would have naturally heard about that
aforementioned incident.

“Miss Lin.” He gave a faint nod to Lin Xiyue who stood at her father’s right side. His
gentle expression showed a wisp of clear coolness.

“Master Lu.” Lin Xiyue stared in amazement and then, recollected herself. She gave
a polite smile and nodded her head towards him.

Standing at her father’s left side with wavering eyes and whirling thoughts, Su Jin
felt that this scene was somehow off? Where was the magnetic pull of attraction
between them?

Sweeping his gaze across the fluctuating emotions in this girl’s eyes, a wisp of
bright light flashing through Lu Xi’s eyes was soon restrained. Turning his head
slightly, he looked more directly towards Su Jin.
By coincidence, Su Jin had also raised her head. Both pairs of eyes met for a while
before Lu Xi suddenly stretched out his hand. With a pose to shake her hand, he
lightly spoke, “the eldest young lady of the Su family, Su Jin(5).” His thin lips raised
wryly, “your captivating beauty befits your name.”
(5)
(jǐn) 锦 – ‘jin’ means bright, brilliant or gorgeous. In this case, he thinks her name befits her.

With a deep, low mellow voice, it was like a grace chord from a cello. Politely
responding with her own outstretched hand, Su Jin furrowed her eyebrows in
discomfort. She was not surprised at his voice but at his words. How she looked
like, Su Jin was naturally aware. When she looked at herself in the mirror for the
first time after transmigrating here, she was greatly startled.

In comparison to Lin Xiyue’s exquisite beauty, her own appearance was befitting of
the two words, bright and beautiful. A peerlessly ravishing beauty with long
eyebrows and phoenix eyes, a beautiful nose and cherry lips, her facial features
were as beautiful as a painting and was further complemented with a crown of
black hair with green undertones.

Sometimes, Su Jin thought, that with this sort of appearance, didn’t it better suit
the standard of the supporting female character in the novel?

Lu Xi using the phrase ‘captivating beauty’ to comment upon her appearance was
therefore not unexpected, but what made her surprised was that he used it as a
compliment.

Mr. Male Protagonist, did you suddenly distort your sense of beauty? With such an
adult-like appearance, I’m not your cup of tea!

Even though she was wearing high heels, this man who was still taller than her by a
head, to him she wryly smiled and said, “honest and open-hearted…”

As she spoke, she faintly shook her lowered head, glancing at that big hand that
still held her own.

Oh, Su Jin could not help but think, his palm was quite becoming- his fingers were
slender and long with distinct joints.
Lu Xi was faintly astonished before he then reacted. The word Xi originally had the
meaning of open-hearted, this… Following this girl’s gaze towards the hollow of
his smooth palm, his gaze was gradually flooded with laughter, was she
denouncing him for being ungentlemanly?

A deep, low and melodious laughter quietly sounded in her ears.

With widened eyes, Su Jin looked at the lofty and tall man gently bend his waist
before her.

Warm lips descended upon the back of her hand.

A slight chuckle escaped lowly from those thin lips.

“Hello, my――”

“fiancé.”
Chapter 2

“Hello, my… fiance…”

The deep, low and mellow voice resounded in her brain as Su Jin pulled a cushion
from the side to cover her face. After a few minutes, she rolled over. Dropped at the
headboard, the cushion rolled a few times. Agitated, she opened her eyes.

There was a sharp clarity in her eyes that did not reveal her sleepiness, just the
dark shadows under her eyes.

Messing helplessly with her hair, Su Jin got out of bed to look at the clock on the
headboard; it was only six o’clock. She had always slept well but for her to actually
suffer from insomnia, shaking her head, she retreated back to bed.

It’s all because of the male lead that lingered around like a malignant spirit!

His shocking behaviour ruined all her plans.

Originally, she thought that she would be a bystander in the male and female
lead’s romance. She would complete her degree, then idly, she would become a
freelance writer or perhaps… She could have met someone.

But now the male lead, who was supposed to have a blazing romance with the
female lead, was interested in her. Su Jin furrowed her brows. After that strange
meeting yesterday at the back passageway entrance, Lu Xi came over to her home
and mooched a free dinner. Through his efforts in just one meal, that con artist
managed to win over the favour of her parents. They might have even suggested
that he stay over if not for the fact that he lacked his luggage and already had a
place to stay that his assistant had found for him.

So… Su Jin soothed her pounding forehead, what did Lu Xi have in mind? She
could not believe that he could have his own beauty standards that were not the
latest trend in this novel’s world.
If he was not interested in this face of hers, then what could be the reason for the
gentleman of the Lu family to give up on his preferences to make her the centre of
his attention? Could his grandfather be the reason…

Those thoughts swirled in her head for a long time. Shaking her head, Su Jin finally
abandoned that idea.

Forget it. For the time being, she would let nature take its course and cross the
bridge when she came to it.

Placing her hand over her heart, a wry smile appeared on her lips. Although she
had lived in an orphanage since she was young, she was not reclusive and did not
have an extreme personality. She was indifferent by nature in general but those
dearest to her; in her past life, there was only Aunt Fu, the orphanage director, who
managed to do so.

When she finally came downstairs, it was already eight. In the dining room, a man
and woman sitting at the table looked towards her. Holding a newspaper and
sitting on the right, the man nodded at her and spoke, “Xiao Jin, have you finally
woken up? Come and have some breakfast.”

Sitting at the left, Lin Xiyue waved her left hand towards Su Jin and beamed, “Jiejie,
come over here quickly(1). Aunt Xu made barley porridge today- here’s a serving for
you.”
(1)
(jiě jie) 姐姐: big sister
Obediently listening to Lin Xiyue, Su Jin sat beside her. Raising her head in
suspicion, she pressed the man in front of her, “Gege(2), are you not going to the
company today? Where’s Mom?”
(2)
(gē ge) 哥哥: big brother
Su Yue had just begun taking over the reins of the company. Although he had his
father’s help, he was still busy from dawn till dusk. He rarely returned and Su Jin
had not seen him for quite some time.

“I was about to, but Mom is visiting our uncle.” With a slight smile appearing on his
face, Su Yue had placed the newspaper down after hearing his sister’s questions.
Although he now knew that he and Su Jin were not related by blood, he still
continued to dote on her like his own sister- just as he had ever since they were
young. During their childhood, their parents were busy with the company and did
not have any time to care for them. This little girl had always clung to him. Perhaps
she was used to being spoiled, therefore, her personality was also extremely
indulgent. However, with the revelation about Lin Xiyue and grandfather’s incident
that happened not too long ago, this young lady that used to be arrogant and
simple seemed to mature in a span of a night. As her older brother, he was proud
that his family’s little sister had begun to grow up, yet, on her behalf, he also felt
somewhat distressed, “Xiao Jin(3).”
“Yes?” Su Jin raised her head, those beautiful phoenix eyes looking towards the
bright and handsome man sitting before her.

(3)
(xiǎo jǐn) 小锦: ‘xiao jin’ means little or young Jin. It is a common way for elders (like parents, grandparents and older siblings) to call a young child in such a way as to express their affection
and love for them For example, Xiao Jin, Xiao Yue (Xiyue) or Xiao Yue (Su Yue).

“About the betrothal arrangement with the Lu family, I have heard about what
happened with Lu Xi yesterday.” Su Yue spoke heavily, “although it was arranged
by Grandfather, he mostly wished for your happiness; Mom and Dad, too, have the
same intention. They have a good impression of Lu Xi so far, but they also don’t
wish for you to force yourself to accept. Even though our Su family cannot be
compared to the Lu family with their big family and company, still, we do not have
to be afraid of offending them.” With a hint of a wry smile upon his lips, he said,
“you have me here to protect you. “

Gege…

As a wave of warmth spread through her, Su Jin bit her lip and nodded firmly.

Standing alone with a bowed head and lowered eyes, she hid the trace of anguish
she felt upon gazing at the siblings.

Turning his head slightly, Su Yue looked at Lin Xiyue with her head bowed as she
ate her porridge and continued, “the same goes Xiyue. When your time comes to
get married, you definitely need to find someone you like. Things like their family
background don’t matter, Gege just hopes for both of you to be happy.”

After hearing that, Lin Xiyue was a little astonished but immediately grinned widely
and firmly nodded her head.
“Big brother, you talked about us,” Su Jin swallowed down a mouthful of porridge
and chimed in, “but how are you and Ming Xuan Jiejie now?”

The Su, Ming and Han families were the three pillars of Shenhai city.

The families were a part of a three-way partnership of support, and check and
balances in power. Marriage alliances seldom occurred between the three families.
Although, there were a few instances such as the Su family’s madam and their
mother, Han Meng, who was the elder sister of the managing head of Han family.
But, the circumstances around Ming Xuan made her identity a little unique.

With no sons, the current generation of the Ming Family only had one daughter,
Ming Xuan, so she was Ming Zhi’s only successor.

Su Yue and Ming Xuan could be considered childhood friends but most
importantly, the both of them were mutually attracted to each other. However,
with Ming Xuan’s identity, she could not marry into the Su family and Su Yue could
not become a member of hers either.

“Ming Xuan and I… “ Su Yue shook his head and adjusted his necktie as he stood
up. Grabbing his ash silver jacket from the back of his chair, he put it on and bid
farewell to his sisters, “alright, I am going to the company now. Have a good meal,
you two.”

Just after he walked to the front door, and changed his shoes, the clear and
melodious sound of the doorbell resounded. Raising an eyebrow, Su Yue
wondered, who would be here at this time of day?

Quickly opening the villa’s front door, what appeared before his eyes was a
bouquet of stunningly vibrant roses. There were even still some droplets of
sparkling and translucent dew that remained on the bright red petals.

The man behind the roses wore a light coloured casual suit had a pair of enticing
eyes and his face was adorned with a smile.

He looked exceptionally…
… Like he badly needed a fist to his face.

“Who are you?” Su Yue asked coldly. Young master Su, the main director of the
company was not in the entertainment circle so he evidently did not recognise the
great director Lu. He could only wonder where did this skirt-chaser come from, and
which of his darling baby sisters was he coveting?

Unfazed by Su Yue’s cold and hard attitude, Lu Xi’s smile remained and spoke, “you
must be Jin’er’s elder brother, right? Hello, I’m Lu Xi.” As a slight dimple appeared
on his right cheek, he stretched out his hand, “Jin’er’s fiance.”

“Lu Xi?” Su Yue shook his hand and gave a wry smile, “hello. The arrangements
between you and Xiao Jin have not be settled so this title of yours, ‘fiance’- isn’t it a
little too early for that?”

“The betrothal between Jin’er and myself has been determined by both
grandparents of our families. Naturally, she will be my fiance.” His smile was
unchanged and he refused to yield even in his words.

Glancing at the red roses before him, Su Yue changed the topic, “are you gifting this
to Xiao Jin?”

“That’s right,” Lu Xi nodded his head, “I’ve just arrived here and today happens to
be a Sunday. I wanted to ask Jin’er to be my guide and accompany me to stroll
around the city.”

“Xiao Jin.” Changing his mind about leaving for work, Su Yue turned around and
called out as he moved towards the dining room.

“Gege?” Appearing from the dining room, Su Jin quickly saw the two similarly
outstanding men who stood opposite each other by the entrance.

“Why did gentleman Lu come here?” She asked with a raised brow.

“To invite Jin’er to be my guide.” Lu Xi smiled as he winked at her, handing over the
roses in his hands to her.
Jin’er(4)…
(4)
(jǐn ér) 锦儿: ‘Jin er’ is a phonological diminutive suffix that adds a depth of layer to a noun, or simply put, it’s a group of letters that is used to make a name sound cute and affectionate. Lu Xi
calls her Jin’er to express his intense feelings tenderness and intimacy for her which is used among lovers.

Su Jin became a little distracted by this term of affection and by the time she finally
reacted, the roses were already in her hands.

“Gentleman Lu likes roses?” Su Jin asked after composing herself.

“Naturally, I like them.” Glancing at her, Lu Xi’s alluring eyes were full of laughter.

“Oh…” Averting her eyes, Su Jin laughed as she peered from the corner her eyes,
“However, roses have a lot of thorns. Are you not afraid of pricking yourself?”

“Since it’s the flower that I like, even if I am pricked, naturally-” The wry smile at his
lips became gentle. As he completed his sentence, his voice grew more mellow.

“I would still be delighted.”

Dazzled by those smiling eyes, Su Jin looked towards Su Yue.

“Ming Xuan mentioned that she asked you out for a cup of coffee, and since it’s
along the way to the office, can I drop you off?” Su Yue sensed his little sister’s need
for an escape, and therefore, he was in a good mood and gave a slight grin.

“Okay!”

Seeing that her brother understood what she planned without her even
mentioning anything, Su Jin’s lips blossomed into a sweet smile, “Gege, thank
you.”

“Let’s go.” Looking at this little girl’s sweet smile that had not appeared in a long
time, Su Yue could not resist and caressed the crown of Su Jin’s hair.

“Mm.” Su Jin nodded her head and turned to look towards Lu Xi as she spoke,
“Xiyue is at home. If you do not mind, gentleman Lu can go in and have a seat. My
brother and I will leave first.”
After saying this, and without waiting for Lu Xi to reply, she pulled Su Yue’s arm to
walk towards the car that was parked not too far away.

After the silver BMW that had pulled away, Lu Xi stood there staring for a long time.
The laughter in his alluring eyes still remained. Helplessly, his lips curled and he
muttered softly, “what a heartless girl, huh?”
Chapter 3

Looking through the rear-view mirror at that rather lonely figure standing before
the villa, Su Jin could not resist sneaking out a wry smile.

Seeing his little sister’s smile, Su Yue also grinned and shook his head lightly, “Does
Xiao Jin dislike him?”

Dislike?

Su Jin was a little astonished and nodded, “That’s right, I do not want to be with
him.” Tilting her head she swept a look at the man in the driver’s seat, from that
dashing side profile to those pair of hands resting on the steering wheel.

Like echoing a saying by Count Lev Tolstoy, beautiful hands are all similar, yet
hands that were unsightly had many different kinds of flaws(1).
Count Lev Tolstoy – Commonly referred to as Leo Tolstoy, he was a Russian writer who is regarded as one of the greatest authors of all time. He is best known for his novels War and
(1)
Peace and Anna Karenina.

Su Yue and Lu Xi’s hands were both quite similar: they both had long slender
fingers and distinct joints. Although their skin color was a light wheat tone,
contrary to what one might expect, it added to their masculinity even more.

Starry-eyed, Su Jin stared at her brother’s hands before she inwardly felt disdain
for her momentary lack of control. Shifting her gaze back to Su Yue’s face, she
asked, “Gege, do you not think that it would be extremely awkward for me to be
together with ‘him’?”

This ‘him’, was naturally referring to the young gentleman Lu who proclaimed
himself as her fiancé.

“Awkward?” Su Yue furrowed his brows in surprise, “Why would you think so?”

Was it not so? Su Jin was also a little astonished. From the preset viewpoint of this
world, with the male and female lead as the starring roles in this universe,
shouldn’t every sensible person ought to feel that the male and female leads were
most compatible?

After thinking for a while, she spoke warily, “I have always thought that Lu Xi would
be an even better fit to be with Xi Yue than me. ”

“Him and Xiyue?” Su Yue couldn’t resist and began to laugh. While waiting for the
red traffic light to change, he reached out to caress his baby sister’s head, “Silly
girl, why do you have such thoughts? To be together with someone, you don’t
measure it by compatibility but by seeing how each person feels about being in the
relationship with the other.”

After listening to what Su Yue said, Su Jin blinked her eyes blankly. Huh? Could it
be that her presence here caused some sort of butterfly effect? Still… Su Jin shook
her head slightly, even so, what Lu Xi liked about her now was merely this face of
hers.

Coincidentally, there was a café around the corner. Su Jin had bid farewell to her
brother and gotten out of the car, going into the café alone.

Although mentioning that Ming Xuan invited her for some coffee was just an excuse
to refuse Lu Xi, with her homebody disposition, she would rather find a café or
pastry shop to relax in than to go shopping in the streets.

After finding a seat near the window, she ordered a cup of Italian-styled latte.

She did not usually like milk and the strong aroma of Italian espresso, yet towards
lattes, which were a fusion of both of these items, she adored them.

As the faint fragrance of milk combined with the mellow and rich aroma of coffee
lingered at the tongue, Su Jin heaved a sigh of relief, satisfied as she sorted out her
thoughts. She held her phone in her hands and started on the great undertaking of
her web novel.

In her past life, Su Jin Er had been a bibliophile ever since she was young. As she
got older, she began to love novels. However, she decided to choose a major in
clinical medicine to be able to fork out a livelihood. Still, she couldn’t resist and
wrote a novel during her third year of university. This eventually became her side
job.

When she transmigrated here, she was only twenty-seven and had just been
working for two years. Speaking of which, she really was unambitious. The famous
985 University, with an only 15% acceptance rate to its clinical medicine major and
where other programs would lead to employment in the top tier metropolitan
cities, she had graduated from there. And yet, she was the only one who ran off to
one of the smaller county cities in Hangzhou.

What was the reason? The cloudy, misty Jiangnan, the beautiful scenery, the clean
air, the uncrowded streets, no smog… Not at all, those were all excuses. She
wanted to avoid doing work and since she was alone, and had no worries about
feeding a family nor had parents or grandparents to fuss over her, she had decided
to do what she liked.

She had had excellent grades since she was young and good luck. She often
managed to get financial assistance when she was younger. When she grew up a
little more, she had always managed to obtain prestigious scholarships, so even
her daily expenses were covered without worries.

After graduating, she felt that being a doctor at a big city hospital was too hectic so
she decided to look for a position at a county hospital. Although the pay wasn’t
high, it was sufficient enough for her to support herself. On days when she had
some downtime, she would continue her web novel writing. Although her novel
collection numbered just a few hundred and only earned her enough to buy some
snacks, still, it was what she liked so how could she stop?

And so two years passed, then somehow or another she ended up here.

Still, it was not so bad here. Drinking a sip of coffee, her lips curled lightly. There
was her parents, her brother and her younger sister. Su Jin’s major was also in
clinical medicine, so for her to go through it again would not be as difficult as it was
the first time. With no worries about her daily necessities, she could finally do what
she wished after graduating: become self-employed and have a life that every
amateur writer dreamed of living.
Bringing a notebook to travel around the world and finding a city that she would
like to settle in, she could stay as long as she liked. And, if she didn’t want to stay
any longer, she could just leave. Without the worry of her daily living expenses, she
could spend everyday sleeping until she would awaken to write her beloved novels
and create her favourite dreams.

To feel at home wherever she was.

It was such a perfect image. As she looked out of the window, Su Jin could not
resist and sighed with a smile.

At the opposite side of the café was a shopping mall. The topmost part of its
outside wall had an enormous LED screen. As she gazed upon it as if by chance, Su
Jin saw a familiar figure projected upon it.

With alluring peach blossom eyes that held a slight smile and a familiar location,
the video seemed to be about the events at the airport yesterday.

With the streets bustling and crowded with many people weaving through the
intersections, the large screen only had those photos and subtitles.

Stealing a glance towards Lu Xi on the screen, Su Jin was about to avert her gaze
when she was transfixed by the words appearing on the screen.

A reporter holding a microphone asked, “Lu Xi, you mentioned that you were
coming back this time because of your fiancée, the young miss of the Su family. In
the past, there was the incident concerning the Su family bringing the wrong child
home, what do you think about that?”

The Su family was the famous family of Shenhai city. The matter from the previous
incident created a lot of hubbub. Su Chenghai clearly expressed that both children
were his daughters. However, in spite of their good PR management, with the
incumbent marriage between the Lu and Su families, this question was quite a
touchy subject.

Blinking her eyes, Su Jin was a little curious as to how he would respond.
On the screen, the always graceful, gentle and kind Director Lu simply narrowed his
eyes. His smile was wiped off his face and the graceful demeanor befitting of a
gentleman from an influential family instantly appeared.

“My opinion about it?” Arching his eyebrows slightly, he answered, “At the time,
before his demise, Grandfather Su made a call to my grandfather. The person in the
betrothal arrangements was the eldest young miss of the Su family, Su Jin.
Naturally, my fiancé would be her.”

“With regards to the matter about the Su family bringing the wrong child home…”
Suddenly, he gave a wry smile and a trace of unrestrained malicious intent flashed
through his eyes. Raising his voice, he continued, “What does that have to do with
me?”

When she looked away, her chin was resting upon her right hand and those
beautiful phoenix eyes blinked.

Look, if what he had said was the truth, then he might not even care for this face of
hers!

Letting out a light sound of indignation, she lowered her head and began to write
her web novel. As for that malignant person that refused to go away, what did that
have to do with her?

Too absorbed in her own world, Su Jin was brought back to reality by the ringtone
of her phone. She had not been paying attention to the time and that call was
probably from Mom to ask if she was returning for lunch.

Looking at the time, it was already half past twelve. Su Jin stretched a little and
wondered. After such a long time, that person most probably had either met with
Xiyue or had left her home. Whichever the result, either was good news to her.

The café was not far from the Su family home. It was not even one in the afternoon
when she reached home. After changing her shoes and washing her hands, she
entered the dining room. Immediately, her eyes widened.

At the rectangular dining table, Mom was sitting with a familiar man.
The mother of the Su family, Han Meng, was also a beauty. You could definitely tell
they were mother and daughter, as both Han Meng and Lin Xiyue had a delicately
beautiful appearance. However, due to her age, this appearance made her appear
to merely look dignified and gentle.

“Xiao Jin, hurry over, let’s have lunch.” Han Meng quickly called her daughter over
with a wave of her hand, “Why do you look so distracted?”

Recovering from her surprise, Su Jin immediately composed herself and sat beside
her mother. She asked, “Mom, where’s Xiyue?”

Since Lu Xi did not leave, then he most probably was interested in Xiyue. But why
wasn’t she in the dining room?

“When I returned home, Aunt Xu said that Xiyue had left after eating breakfast. She
mentioned that she was going with her classmates to collect some research and
would only come back in the evening.” As she picked some food for Su Jin, Han
Meng harped at her, “Eat, eat more.”

Xiyue had already left earlier?

Furrowing her brows, Su Jin bluntly asked, “Since Xiyue has already left, Mr. Lu,
then why are you still here?“

Sitting on the opposite side of the table, he gave her a smile. However as he
blinked, Lu Xi was looking towards Han Meng who was sitting beside her.

Blinking as well, Su Jin gloomily knew she had made a slip of her tongue. There
was a saying, the mother-in-law would take care of her daughter’s husband. With
her own forceful words like this, surely, mom would not assist him, right?

As expected, Han Meng immediately rapped the end of her chopsticks against her
daughter’s head as she rebuked, “This girl, what are you saying? It was me who
asked Xiao Lu to have lunch. Since he lives next door, it isn’t too far away.”

N-Next door?
She could not pay attention to what her mother addressed him as at the moment.
Upon hearing this news, Su Jin was only staring blankly in shock towards the
person sitting across the table.

Her usually languid features had suddenly expressed a clear look of surprise. Her
phoenix eyes that were generally tender, beautiful and mesmerising suddenly
widened. Gazing at him with such glassy and blank eyes- it was an unusually cute
appearance.

In a good mood, Lu Xi gave her a nod and replied, “Since I needed a place to stay
and it just so happened that the villa next door was vacant, I bought it.” After
saying this, he flashed a smile to Han Meng, “Aunt, if you don’t mind, Lu Xi will
come over often for a meal(2).”
(2)
(lù xī) 陆熙 – This is the male protagonist’s name, ‘lu’ which means ‘land’ and ‘xi’ means ‘prosperous.’ In this situation, he called himself in the appellation of Lu Xi, instead of I, as a form of
addressing himself cutely instead of arrogantly. This is common with Japanese idols and increasingly popular on the Chinese web communities now.

“Don’t mind, I don’t mind at all.” Han Meng spoke with a laugh, “Su Yue is too busy
to come home so I hope there will be more people here to make our home livelier.
If you are free, just come over. In the evening, mother-in-law will personally cook a
good meal for you.”

“I will be troubling you, Aunt.(3)” Lu Xi gave her a smile with crinkling eyes, showing
an obedient and lovable manner.
(3)
(má fan) 麻烦 – ‘ma fan’ means troublesome or inconvenient. Here, Lu Xi means that he’ll be in her care and thank you. In the Chinese language, this is often a phrase used respectfully to a
person with seniority like an elder to say thank you for all the trouble.

Looking towards the man who was smiling radiantly like a refreshing spring, Su Jin
could not help but nip at the chopsticks in her lips, grinding her molars furiously.
Chapter 4

Before dinner, Su Jin swiftly fled from the villa. Moreover, she planned to not return
home so soon.

Her reasoning was absolutely sensible. Tomorrow was Monday and she needed to
return to school to prepare for her examinations. After all, it was currently the start
of June. In the academic calendar, the end of term examinations were scheduled to
begin on the 20th June. For the clinical medicine major, the annual end of term
testing was always like a college entrance examination. Even for those who were
ordinarily diligent students, as the time drew closer to the end of the term, it was
unavoidable for them to toil away for long hours and pull all-nighters. As the
daughter of a wealthy family with no worries about her bread and butter, Su Jin
always had borderline scores on her examinations, so how could she not follow
suit?

Facing her daughter who was rarely studious become so diligent in her studies,
Han Meng was surprised, but also extremely happy, so she agreed.

Although the former host of the body, Su Jin, had applied to board at school, most
of the time she still stayed at home. And even though she did not stay at school
that often, a set of her necessities were kept in her dormitory.

Sitting in her family car, Su Jin leaned against the back seat. Slightly closing her
eyes, she tried to recall her three roommates in her mind.

Zhou Qian- her family lived in Suzhou which was not far from Shenhai and could be
considered moderately affluent. Undertaking her duties as the class monitor and
committee member of the student council studies department, she was an all-
around scholar with a candid and cheerful personality.

With a family that lived in another province, Wang Zhe had a rather masculine
name. However, she was actually a lovely and sweet-tempered girl with a gentle
and kind-hearted personality.
Along with Su Jin, they belonged to the sixth class of the clinical medicine major.

As for her last roommate, Su Jin furrowed her brows lightly.

Han Xuelan- she was the only daughter of the second eldest male in the Han family,
and a student of the faculty of finance, economics and management. As to why she
was assigned to their dorm, reportedly, she made a request to be placed there.

Su Jin lightly made a noise of indignation. The Su and Han families had a rather
complicated relationship. The Su family madam was the elder sister of the eldest
male, Han Xu, of the Han family. However, they were only half-siblings sharing the
same father. Han Meng’s mother passed away when she was four years old due to
an illness. Afterward, her father remarried a new wife and gave birth to Han Xu. The
new Madam chose to neither suppress nor dote on her and thus, raised her in such
a manner. Therefore, Han Meng felt indifferent towards the Han family and
similarly, the relationship between Han Xu’s son Han Mingxuan and the pair of
siblings of the Su family was lukewarm too. However, after the passing of the Han
family’s parents a few years ago, Han Meng and Han Xu’s relationship began to
improve.

As for Han Xuelan’s father, he was the second eldest son of the Han family, Han Lei.
However, he was an illegitimate child that was brought to the Han family when he
was twelve years old. Raised with a timid and weak personality ever since he was
young, he did not have a good relationship with Han Meng and Han Xu. In
comparison, Han Xuelan had a completely opposite personality. Therefore, since
she was young, she did not think highly of her father who was like a doormat in
front of Han Xu. She also took a rather hostile stance towards Han Mingxuan, Su
Yue and Su Jin. Still, she could still be considered shrewd and knew how to pick her
battles. She never provoked Han Mingxuan or Su Yue, and would never harass Su
Jin in front of them.

Therefore, this was the reason why an economics and management faculty student
would choose to live in the medical school dormitory.

The original host was a foolish girl; she was doted upon since she was a little girl
and had a slightly spoilt disposition. Still, she was too overly protected with no
experience with the darker side of humanity. With a pure and kind-hearted
temperament, she was unable to fight back when she was pressed by Han Xuelan.
She clearly knew about Han Xuelan’s father’s status as an illegitimate child, yet she
still worried about their familial relations and was unwilling to be to harsh.
However, in a fit of silent anger, she did not generally stay at the dorms.

As it goes without saying, Han Xuelan’s goal was targeted on Su Jin. So, she too did
not stay at the dormitory and was only faintly acquainted with their two other
roommates.

Contrarily, ever since they met, Su Jin got along well with Zhou Qian and Wang
Zhe.

With such a scandal within the Su family at the moment, it would be alright if she
did not meet Han Xuelan. If she did chance upon her, as she thought about how
Xuelan mocked her as a phony ‘phoenix’(1) in the novel, Su Jin helplessly kneaded
her glabella(2) and let out a sigh. What a bother- could she not have a few peaceful
days for herself?
(1)
(fèng huáng) 凤凰 – In ancient Chinese folklore, a phoenix was the grandest among all birds. It represents accomplishment or high social status. If phoenixes were used to refer to people, it
means a person is often noble and elite. In this case, it refers to Su Jin’s identity as the upper-class, noble eldest young lady of the Su family.

(2)
(méi xīn) 眉心 – It means the space between the eyebrows. It is a common word used in Chinese, often to describe a person’s mood: frustration. It is similar in English, wherein one rubs their
temples. Scientifically, the glabella is the smooth part of the forehead between the eyebrows and right above the nose, close to the nose bridge.

“Miss, we have arrived.”

From the front, the driver’s voice resounded. In a flash, Su Jin looked up and saw
that the car had already stopped before the school gates of Shenhai University.

Ah well, she thought. She pushed open the door and got out of the car, a trace of
interest flashing through her eyes.

Han Xuelan, this time around, if you will not be tactful, do not blame me for being
ruthless.

The weather at the beginning of June, although it was approaching nightfall, still
remained dry and warm. Her skin, whiter than snow, and dressed in a slim wine-red
long dress, Su Jin was looking around with a bright gaze, glowing with health and
vigour. As she walked through the school campus, she mesmerised an innumerable
amount of people.

Speaking of which, Su Jin was the faculty beauty of the medical school and also
one of the top ten beauties in Shenhai University.

9th Block, Room 508.

Climbing up five flights of stairs needed quite a bit of stamina and Su Jin recovered
her breath as she lightly knocked on the dormitory room door.

Zhezhe, you forget to bring your keys again…(3)” A soft girly voice stopped abruptly
as the door opened. With her eyes wide open, Zhou Qian looked at the clothed red
beauty at the door in surprise, “Su Jin?”
(2) (zhé zhe) 喆喆 – In this case, Wang Zhe has a nickname using diminutives like ‘xiao’ or in this case, double characters for her given name, Zhe. So, her nickname among her
friends or family is Zhezhe, in Chinese communities, nicknames to show affection are used often.

“Qianqian.” Su Jin stuck out her tongue at her, “Thanks, I left my keys at home.”

Zhou Qian was slightly shocked when through her mind a memory flashed through
about when they first started school. At that time, the young woman with a
beautiful and shining appearance knocked on the open door and spoke cheekily
about leaving her key at home. It should have been a habit that annoyed people,
yet precisely because of that pure smile, one could not help but dote and care on
her.

A familiar feeling assaulted her senses.

“Xiao Jin.” Zhou Qian could not resist and laughed, “Come on in…” As she said
this, she quickly stopped. Turning to glance inside the dorm, she alerted Su Jin in a
low voice, “Han Xuelan is here too.”

Su Jin slightly furrowed her brows. She was really here? She immediately shook her
head towards ZQ as a signal to not reveal her presence and strode into the dorm
room.
Zhou Qian sighed. Closing the door, she followed and walked in after Su Jin. One
was from the Su family and the other from the Han family. Therefore, there was no
way Wang Zhe and herself could step in between Su Jin and Han Xuelan’s
grievances with each other,.

“Oh, who is this?” A delicate, soft female voice echoed, “Why, the Su family’s eldest
daughter has so much free time to come to the dormitory?”

The three words were emphasized rather strongly(4). Su Jin raised her head and
looked at the girl with wavy permed hair sitting on the chair on the left side of the
balcony, wearing a white T-shirt and blue jeans.
(4)
(dà xiǎo jie) 大小姐 – Those three words refer to the phrase ‘da xiao jie’, which does not translate well into English. The way Han Xuelan uses them is rather mocking as she refers to her as
the ‘eldest daughter of the Su family.’

Han Xuelan.

As she looked at this person, Su Jin suddenly understood why Han Xuelan always
focused on her.

It was nothing else, just jealousy.

She and Su Jin were the same kind of beauty, but it was just that Su Jin’s beauty
was exactly like her name, bright. Her looks were all gorgeously refined whereas
Han Xuelan’s looks, while beautiful, seemed somewhat seductive.

Without knowing why, Su Jin suddenly thought of the difference between the legal
wife and the mistress. A smile crept upon her face. Swiftly, she thought that Han
Xuelan was even better suited to be the malicious woman than she was.

Upon seeing the smile at the edge of Su Jin’s lips, instantly Han Xuelan’s face sank.
But then she thought of something else to say, and gave a mocking smile, “Oh,
could it be that the eldest daughter of the Su family was driven out because of a
lack of blood relation to the Su family? It’s true, their family’s rightful daughter has
returned. You are just an imitation…”

“Han Xuelan!”
As she curbed her thoughts, Su Jin looked at the girl in front of her, “I returned to
the dorm because of the upcoming examinations. Moreover, even if I don’t have
any blood relations with the Su family, I am acknowledged as an honorable and
proper child raised by the family. As for you-” She raised an eyebrow, “an
illegitimate child’s daughter, what right do you have to mock me?”

“Who are you saying is ‘illegitimate’!” Han Xuelan was shocked and immediately
stood up. Her complexion was a little pale as she pointed at Su Jin, shouting
sternly, “You, you are speaking malicious slander!

“Malicious slander?” Su Jin laughed lightly and sat on her chair beside her study
table. Glancing at Han Xuelan obliquely, “why don’t you look at yourself right now.
Which part of you seems to have the breeding of a daughter of the Han family? In
the past, in a concession to our family relations, I couldn’t be bothered to expose
you. But now,” she smiled instantly, “you have already mentioned that I have no
blood relations with the Su family. Naturally, this means that I do not have any
blood relation to you either. That father of yours, his illegitimacy is not a secret in
our circle.”

“You!” As her face became paler, Han Xuelan bit her lip forcefully as her expression
abruptly became soft, “Xiao Jin, Jiejie was wrong…”

Su Jin’s eyebrows wrinkled lightly, this Han Xuelan, unexpectedly, she could still
bow and submit…

“To be your little sister, I’m afraid I am unworthy!” She turned her head and spoke
coldly, “Han Xuelan, you do not want to provoke me again, otherwise, I will not
hesitate in letting everyone on campus know about your past.”

When speaking or acting, it was important to get to the heart of the matter(5). With
such a history, what Han Xuelan cared most about was her pride. If this information
about her past was exposed in broad daylight, in the eyes of the students, she
would no longer be the untouchable young lady of the Han family.
(5)
(dǎ shé dǎ qī cùn) 蛇打七寸 – A Chinese proverb, it means that it is important to get to the crux when doing an action or speaking to someone before there is a backlash.
Lowering her head slightly, Han Xuelan stifled the bitter resentment radiating in
her eyes, picked up her bag and swiftly left.

“Xiao Jin, are you alright?” A girl’s soft voice echoed in her ear.

Leaning her head to look to the side, Su Jin saw that it was Zhou Qian, who was
looking at her with a pair of almond eyes filled with worry.

Su Jin was slightly astonished before she smiled broadly and answering, “I’m
alright.”

As the sun was setting, a beam of warm yellow sunlight, penetrating through the
glass door of the balcony, shone in and mischievously rested on the side of her
cheeks.

With a slight raise of her lips, the girl revealed pearly white teeth. With long lashes
that blinked softly, her picturesque features became lively in a split second. They
seemed to reflect upon that warm sunlight like a butterfly that spread its wings to
bathe in the omnipresent rays of light.

Astounded, Zhou Qian then smiled and nodded.

The night sky gradually darkened.

At the edge of the villa’s second floor French window, a slender and long figure
reclined on the sofa. Playing with a jade cup of a bright and colourful lustre with his
fingertips, the pale moonlight shone through the glass window as it lit the side of a
clear and handsome face, lighting up a languid smile in those peach blossom eyes.

Raising a hand to bring the cup up towards the bright moon, his lips quirked up
gently.

His lips quirked up gently as he thought about his constantly disappearing fiancé,
“I’ll see you soon(6).”
(6)
(hòu tiān jiàn) 后天见 – ‘hou tian’ means the day after tomorrow and ‘jian’ means to see or to meet. In this setting, our male lead is saying he will meet or see the day after tomorrow.
However, as it does not lend itself to a smooth translation. It is translated as seeing her soon.
Chapter 5

During the end of term examination period, the library seemed to be flooded by the
medical school students though it was both lively and still. There were four people
sitting in an organized fashion in front of every table and arranged in front of each
of them was a similar pile of blue covered books which formed a sort of radiant line
of scenery.

Although it was packed with people, the atmosphere in the entire building was
tranquil. Each figure immersing themselves in intense study was interwoven with
this scorching summer atmosphere. Occasionally, there would be people having
discussions in a low voice. The contents of which were about a solution to a
question.

There was only one person who was the exception.

Soothing her forehead, Zhou Qian skewed a look towards the person sitting beside
her. As she looked at the young woman dressed in a cream coloured batwing
blouse and looking at a magazine with great interest, she asked in a lowered voice,
“Xiao Jin, what’s your progress in reviewing so far?”

Sitting in front of them, Wang Zhe lifted her gaze to look towards them.

Looking up from her magazine, Su Jin leaned her head against her right hand and
spoke softly, “Hm… Still alright, I should be able to pass.”

With Su Jin’s personality, she was happy to just pass her tests.

“Then why did you follow us to the library?” Zhou Qian’s lips twitched.

“I wanted to experience the end of term atmosphere.” Putting her hand back
down, Su Jin deadpanned.

With such a flippant answer, both Zhou Qian and Wang Zhe lightly made a sound
‘tsk’ before they returned back to their own books.
Ignored, Su Jin could only helplessly shrug her shoulders; she was merely speaking
the truth.

As she raised her head to move her stiff neck, she absently looked at the crowd of
people studying with their heads bent over at their desks. In her past life, she was
extremely diligent about her studies. During the end of term period, she was
doubly diligent, and the library had almost become like her second home then. As
she reminisced, she felt overjoyed. Thankfully, Su Jin’s major was the same as hers,
otherwise she would not have known what to do now. Slightly shaking her head,
she stood up from her chair.
During the end of term time, even the school beauty couldn’t beat the appeal of
studying so Su Jin did not attract much attention as she stood up. After giving her
two roommates a heads up, she picked up a pile of thick books and left the library.

Tuesday afternoon- it was currently the time for classes to begin. Carrying her
books as she walked through the thick and dense shade of trees of the school
campus, rays of sunlight shone down through the gaps of the interwoven trees. As
the light formed bright oval and teardrop-shaped spots on the ground, in contrast
to the surrounding area that was surrounded by the shade of the trees, the scene
became more beautiful and dazzling.

Without rhyme or reason, Su Jin suddenly thought of that smiling pair of peach
blossom eyes.

Shaking her head vigorously to remove that person who had suddenly invaded her
mind, she suddenly felt her shoulder start to hurt and the books in her hand fell
instantly.

Did she bump into someone?

Su Jin was shocked and immediately raised her head.

“Junior?(1)”
(1)
(xiǎo xué mèi) 小学妹 – ‘xiao’ mean little or small; it can be used as a diminutive to address someone familiarly. ‘Xue mei’ means ‘junior or younger female schoolmate.’ There is no
proper translation for this beyond ‘junior’ which express the strict age hierarchical society that certain Asian societies have. Having words such as senior or junior in this case shows social etiquette,
respect, and politeness since the two people are mere acquaintances/colleagues.
Su Jin was slow to react but then, because of the person she bumped into, her jaw
dropped.

Because she was wearing flats, standing in front of her was a person who was
about a head or so taller than her. Wearing a blue and white striped short-sleeved
T-shirt, a pair of glasses with a black frame and gold temples, with thick dark
eyebrows and a handsome and bright face that held a smile- all of these points
created a scholarly aura.

“Senior Yanzhou?” Su Jin was still surprised. The person she bumped into was Fu
Yanzhou. He was a year ahead of her, and also the ex-student council chairperson.
During her first year, she had joined the student council. At that time, Fu Yanzhou
was still the section head of the student council’s cultural recreation division. He
taught her numerous things but then, in her second year, he renounced his role
after the section head elections. However, he still moved upwards in the council
but without any chance to meet in the cultural recreation division, the two lacked
any further chances to keep in touch.

Only… Su Jin frowned her eyebrows slightly, “Senior Yanzhou, didn’t you already
begin your internship? Why are you still in school?”

“That’s because the graduation ceremony is coming up soon, so Zixin and the rest,
they asked me to come back to give them some advice as the ex-student council
chairperson.” Fu Yanzhou helplessly shrugged his shoulders, “what were you
thinking about just then? You weren’t looking where you were going.” After saying
this, he bent down and picked up the books on the ground.

Stretching her hands out to take the books, she stuck out her tongue in
embarrassment and spoke lowly, “I was a little distracted, Senior, sorry.”

“It’s alright.” Fu Yanzhou quirked up a smile, patting the young woman’s head
quite naturally and teased, “be careful when you’re walking next time because if
you’re this careless, what can we do if you bumped into the tree next?”

“How would I?” Shaking her head vigorously, she spoke softly, “I’ll be going first,
Senior. My roommates are waiting for me to have a meal together.” After saying
that, she did not wait for him to respond and left, brushing past him as she carried
her books.

Turning to look at the small figure that swiftly walked further away, Fu Yanzhou’s
gaze deepened. Although her family background was wealthy and her appearance
seemed noble and proud, when one got to know her, they would find that she was
an extremely pure young woman. Even though she was raised as a spoiled person,
it was not difficult to get along with her.

Sensing a gaze at her back, Su Jin shook her head and her footsteps quickened
rapidly.

As the original host had been gotten rid of earlier on, the novel did not have much
content about her. Fortunately, she retained the memories of the original host,
otherwise, she wouldn’t know when she would have been discovered. As for Fu
Yanzhou, in the novel, other than Han Xuelan, he was the only other person that
was connected to Su Jin.

Fu Yanzhou liked Su Jin.

However, the original host had wholeheartedly placed her focus on the male lead,
Lu Xi, and had no eyes for him.

Lu Xi…

Why was it this person yet again? Frowning her eyebrows, Su Jin quickened her
pace towards the residency area.

“Professor Lu, what’s wrong?” On the fourth floor of the administrative building, a
slightly older man in the office of the Department Head of Educational
Administration asked him strangely.

“Nothing.” The slightly younger man seemed to recover himself and chuckled,
“please continue, Department Head Lü.”
The man named Department Head Lü glanced at the half-open window before he
returned his gaze and continued to discuss the situation at the university.

After eating dinner, Su Jin and Wang Zhe walked to class.

This was their last elective class for the term. Zhou Qian had finished the credits
needed for her electives earlier last term, so this term, it was only Su Jin and Wang
Zhe who chose this module.

“This is our final class right?” Leaning against the table in the middle of the second
row, Su Jin wrote a few words on her phone as she asked out of the blue.

“Yep.” Sitting beside her, Wang Zhe nodded and pushed up her glasses as she
spoke, “next time, it should be the exams.”

“Exams?” Sitting upright, Su Jin looked at Wang Zhe, “an open book one?”

Noncommittally, Wang Zhe nodded her head and Su Jin calmed down. Leaning her
head down on the table, the batwing shirt curled up slightly revealing a little of her
pale and tender waistline.

Stepping into the classroom as the bell rang, the man absorbed this scene as his
eyes darkened. Walking towards the platform, he gently rapped the table.

Directly colliding with the metal desk, the crisp sound startled everyone who was
seated in different positions and attitudes.

As they all sat upright and raised their heads, each person blankly stared. In the
medium-sized classroom, a wave of gasps happened again and again and each
exhaling the phrase, “so handsome.”

As she very slowly sat up, Su Jin suddenly felt an unpleasant premonition.

She raised her head abruptly.

The man standing by the lectern was dressed in a pure white shirt with sleeves that
were tidily folded to his elbows. At the neck, the top two black crystal buttons were
left unbuttoned, faintly showing half of a red string and a hint of a colour of jade
with glossy lustre.

She looked upwards once more.

A pair of twinkling peach blossom eyes gazed at her.

Su Jin stared blankly as she opened her mouth a little.

Looking at the girl who straightens up her body to look at him with a blank
expression on her face, the man’s lips curled in satisfaction. He too, stood upright
and began to speak, “Hello everyone, I am Lu…”

“Director Lu Xi!” Without finishing a sentence, he was already interrupted.

Flabbergasted, Lu Xi looked towards the direction of the voice. Although he was

well-respected the career of a director was after all, different from an actor. Also,
he had always been low-profile and even though he had a rather high status in the
entertainment circle, usually he was not be exposed too often. Moreover, over the
past few years, he had been mostly overseas with his teacher and so did not expect
to be recognised by someone that was not in the School of Fine Arts.

The person who had spoken was a girl wearing huge black-framed glasses. When
she noticed her classmates’ attention on Lu Xi turn to her, her face rapidly turned
red.

Lu Xi gave her a light smile as he nodded his head.

As she recovered from her surprise, Su Jin looked upon this scene and secretly, let
out a sound of hmph. Looking at the noble and aloof indifference in the depth of
his eyes, she inwardly spurned his contradictory appearance(2).
(2)
(biǎo lǐ bù yī) 表里不一 – This is an idiom that describes literally that the outer appearance differs from the personality on the inside, therefore, all is not what it seems to be. She is
implying that she dislikes the fact that while he is being friendly and nice to the student, the truth is, Lu Xi could hardly be bothered about her.
“I am Lu Xi.” He continued to speak as his gaze shifted to the class, “my occupation
is a director and concurrently, I am also now a guest professor at Shenhai
University. Your professor, Professor Zhou, currently has some matters to settle,
therefore, I am substituting for him for today’s lesson about the history of
European films.”

“Furthermore,” his gaze scanned across the class and then, returned to look at the
girl that was directly sitting before him. “In the next term, I will offer a course on
movie appreciation. It will have about approximately forty spots, therefore if you
are interested, you can opt to pick it up.”

Opening up a course?

A spread of surprised murmurs echoed in the classroom. Su Jin could even hear
some excited squeals of some girls nearby.

“Like bees to honey…(3)”

(3)
(zhāo fēng yǐn dié) 招蜂引蝶 – This is an idiom initially about describing a flower attracting bees and butterflies. It figuratively implies attracting the opposite sex or to flirt. There is no
equivalent idiom in English to fit the situation other than bees to honey. Here, Su Jin is implying he’s attracting attention to himself on purpose.

“What did you say?” Hearing her low mutter, Wang Zhe turning her head towards
Su Jin and asked.

“Nothing.” Su Jin shook her head with a note of levity.

“Next term, let’s register for it!” Distracted, Wang Zhe no longer took note of what
she might have said and simply shook her friend’s arm in excitement as she spoke.

“Register?” With a strange expression on her face, Su Jin raised a brow, “don’t you
already have a boyfriend, why are you still so excited?”

“Since we have to go to classes, facing a handsome teacher with a nice voice is

better than facing an old man.” Wang Zhe nudged her arm, “are you going?”

“No way, I’m not going.” Her mouth twitching in frustration, Su Jin looked towards
that pair of alluring peach blossom eyes and steely clenched her teeth.
Chapter 6

The after-class bell rang and at the lectern Lu Xi was soon surrounded by a crowd of
students. As Su Jin was leaving, she cowardly avoided meeting his gaze. With a soft
snort of annoyance, she pulled Wang Zhe, who was originally planning to step
forward towards the lectern and exited the room.

On their way back to the dormitory, Wang Zhe pestered Su Jin the entire way but
she was not successful in getting Su Jin to return to Professor Lu’s class. Wang Zhe,
therefore, had no choice but to give up on the cause.

Strangely, their dorm room was brightly lit.

Standing before their building, baffled, Su Jin and Wang Zhe looked at each other
before going upstairs to open their door.

“Inside and sitting on a chair, distressed, Zhou Qian ruffled through her long
tresses.

“Qianqian?” Wang Zhe was a little surprised, “you are back from the library this
quickly?”

Shenhai University’s evening classes were from 6pm to 8pm, and usually, Zhou
Qian would remain at the library until it closed at half past nine.

“Yeah,” Zhou Qian nodded, “I have some stuff…” As she spoke, she raised her head
and looked at Su Jin who stood beside Wang Zhe.

“Xiao Jin!” Zhou Qian sprung up and her troubled expression turned into
excitement. In a few steps, she scuttled towards Su Jin, “could you help me,
please?”

Startled by Zhou Qian, Su Jin patted her chest to soothe herself. Then, she replied,
“what’s wrong?”
Wang Zhe looked at Zhou Qian’s actions in curiosity.

“It’s because of that bunch at the student council.” Zhou Qian was aware of her
own rashness and bashfully pulled the two of them to sit before she continued,
“the graduation ceremony is next Thursday, right, so the student council wants
every class to participate in the selections for the best performances, and then
perform during the graduation evening party.”

“Perform?” Su Jin was stunned, “you want me to go on stage?”

“Yes,” Zhou Qian nodded, “didn’t you perform a piano recital at the opening
ceremony for the new academic year?”

“I remember that too.” Wang Zhe interrupted, “Xiao Jin’s piano performance was
wonderful.”

Playing the piano…

Su jin felt somewhat helpless; the original Su Jin’s piano playing skills were
definitely good because she had been training from a young age. However, the
issue at hand was that the current Su Jin had a change of corpus. Although the
memories and experiences were still present, when all was said and done, she had
never tried to play since she swapped over to this world.

“Xiao Jin?” Zhou Qian exclaimed as she looked at Su Jin, who was in
contemplation.

Returning to her senses, Su Jin smiled lightly when she saw Zhou Qian’s
anticipating gaze.

It was true that she could not play the piano but that did not imply she did not
know how to play other instruments.

“Alright, I’ll go.” Su Jin faced their gazes and nodded, “but, I won’t play the piano
but the guqin instead(1).”
(1)
(gǔ qín) 古琴 – named guqin or qin, it is a long zither with seven strings that is plucked with fingers. It is also the original Chinese instrument that developed into the contemporary guzheng, a
large zither with 13 to 25 strings.

“Guzheng?” Wang Zhe blinked and distractedly repeated.

“No, it’s guqin.” Su Jin corrected, “the seven-stringed guqin.”

Zhou Qian and Wang Zhe were stunned for a long time as their disbelief changed
into awe.

The two roommates’ innermost thoughts were in sync: as expected, a goddess was
definitely a goddess, yeah? Other than the piano, she could also play the guqin!
And it’s the seven-stringed guqin! Just the mention of it sounded so elegant and
classy…

Wordlessly, Su Jin obliquely looked at the two young women who were stupefied.
She then turned to take out her night clothes and walked into the bathroom.

As a highly experienced intellectual youth, how could she not learn a type of
musical instrument that gave off a literary and artistic vibe? After she graduated
from university, she earned her own money and ran off to learn the guqin. Although
she only learnt for two years before arriving here, still, it was fortunate that she had
a decent and innate skill for it. Her skills could not be praised as an expert level, but
they were good enough to perform for a short time at the school’s graduation
evening party.

The two young ladies suddenly thought of something else after being in shock for a
while.

“Xiao Jin, do you have a guqin? Also, about your stage outfit…”

“A guqin can be borrowed from school, and as for the outfit, I will settle it for
myself,” Su Jin replied in the bathroom.

Therefore, the final problem was also resolved. As for the selections, with Su Jin
being one of the school beauties, that was obviously not going to be an issue.
Day by day, time passed. As always, Zhou Qian and Wang Zhe continued their daily
life of going to and fro from the dormitory to the library. As for Su Jin, ever since
she experienced the anxious atmosphere during the end of term exam period, she
had not gone back to the library. Rather, when she had time to spare, she passed
her days practicing the qin at the music studio.

The Sunday evening after she passed the selections, Su Jin received an express
delivery.

The box was received by Wang Zhe who brought it up to their dormitory room.
Coincidentally, both Zhou Qian and Su Jin were also in the room.

The box contained a scarlet red crossed-collar hanfu(2).

(2)
(hàn fú) 汉服 – it is a term associated with the Hanfu movement (a controversial and popular movement that has developed in China since the beginning of the 21st century to revive and
preserve the Han Chinese identity). It also means the traditional dress of the Han people and the term was created by netizens around the year 2003. Ancient Han clothing is influential in the creation of
other East Asian clothing, such as the Japanese kimono and the Korean hanbok.

The two roommates assumed Su Jin had prepared this outfit for herself. As they
gently caressed the exquisite gold thread embroidery on the hanfu, they could not
help but rhapsodize over it.

Su Jin stared blankly at the box in confounded surprise when out of the blue, a pair
of alluring peach blossom eyes came to mind.

Speaking of which, he had not appeared in a long time.

At the same moment, this aforementioned man was leaning against the sofa in his
villa when he suddenly gave out a sneeze.

Rubbing the tip of his nose, a soft smile surfaced.

What was that young girl dwelling on in regards to him… As he raised his head to
look towards the moon, he wondered, the present should have been received
already right?

The day of the graduation ceremony swiftly arrived.

As it was a school-wide graduation ceremony, it was set up outdoors. After the
grand ceremony in the daytime, next, it was the evening festivity of the graduation
party.

Benefitting from Su Jin’s status as a participating act, Wang Zhe and Zhou Qian
occupied the center seats in the fourth row from the front stage. Rather than actual
seats, they were actually just sitting on neatly placed plastic stools. Although the
evening party had yet to begin, Su Jin had been summoned backstage early,
leaving Zhou Qian and Wang Zhe to their own devices and the girls were bored stiff.
They were idling and lazily negotiating with a round of Scissors, Rock, Paper who
the loser would be to go buy their snacks.

“Rock, scissors, paper-”

The two of them yelled in chorus. Zhou Qian showed scissors and yet Wang Zhe,
who was sitting facing her, did not make a move.

“Zhezhe, why did you not make your move?” Furrowing her eyebrows, Zhou Qian
noticed that Wang Zhe’s gaze was aimed at something behind her.

Shocked, a series of horror movies flashed into her mind. Taking a deep breath, she
immediately turned around.

Fortunately, it was not a ghost or a zombie, she inwardly thought as she patted her
chest in relief.

“Professor Lu!” Finally returning to her senses, Wang Zhe scrambled up and called
out.

No wonder she was surprised, it was really too unexpected for someone of status
and an identity like Professor Lu’s to appear here. After thinking about this, Wang
Zhe quickly looked around at their surroundings. But thankfully, the sky had
already begun to darken, otherwise, with Professor Lu’s looks, who knows how
much attention he would attract towards them.

Professor Lu? In shock, Zhou Qian quickly stood up and surveyed his face at a
glance. Then, she turned to Wang Zhe and gave her a fleeting look.
This was the handsome substitute professor that you were previously talking
about?

Wang Zhe nodded her head lightly.

Zhou Qian inwardly shook her head as she lightly clicked her tongue. With just this
pair of peach blossom eyes, who knows how many young girls would be bedazzled
in the future?

“Professor Lu, you’re here?” Wang Zhe finally asked.

Thinking for a moment, he then replied, “Wang Zhe?” Seeing her nod, he then
turned to look at Zhou Qian and smiled, “you’re Zhou Qian then?”

“How did you know? Zhou Qian’s eyes widened in surprise. Wang Zhe had attended
this Professor’s lessons so it was not strange that he knew her, but her too?

“Nice to meet you.” Lu Xi glanced at how the two young girls stared at him blankly
and laughed with a quirk on his lips. “I am Lu Xi, Jin’er’s fiancé.” After saying this,
he handed over a bag in his hand to them. “It’s the first time we have met, so I
brought you some snacks. Thank you for taking care of Jin’er all this while.”

Jin’er!? Fiancé!?

Wang Zhe and Zhou Qian, both faintly shocked by the revelation of this
information, woodenly took the bag of snacks and sat down. After a while had
passed, then they reacted and as one, they turned to look at the man who had
already sat down in the spot they had left for Su Jin as if it was inevitable and right
for him to be there.

Sensing their gaze on him, Lu Xi sent a friendly smile their way.

The two girls immediately averted their gaze back to each other.

“What shall we do?” Pointing discreetly at Lu Xi and at the snacks in her arms,
Wang Zhe asked in a low voice.
Zhou Qian was quiet for a short while before she replied, “ask Xiao Jin.”

Su Jin was currently backstage, preparing and tuning her guqin when she suddenly
received a text from her roommates.

“Xiao Jin, Professor Lu came and said he was your fiancé. He even brought snacks
for us…”

At the end of the text, there was a series of frightened and alarmed emoticons.

Lu Xi came? Frowning, Su Jin thought for a moment and then finally replied with
four words.

“Don’t bother about him.”

After receiving the reply, Wang Zhe and Zhou Qian looked at each other for a while
before deciding to listen to Su Jin’s advice. They ignored Lu Xi who sat one seat
away from them and then, they began to nibble at the snacks in their arms.

As the night grew darker, the neon lights on the stage began to twinkle. The greatly
anticipated evening party had finally begun.

Su Jin’s performance was arranged to be one of the last few. As she sat to the side
backstage and looked out at the audience through a small slip in the curtains, her
thoughts were a little agitated.

There was also something else worth mentioning: Lin Xiyue, too, was onstage.

An elegant, flexible and graceful beauty, her flowing-sleeves dance practically

stunned the entire audience(3).
(3)
(shuǐ xiù wǔ) 水袖舞 – ‘shui xiu’ means water sleeves and ‘wu’ means dance. This is a traditional Chinese flowing-sleeves dance that was incorporated into operas in the past and even
today. One of the most dramatic forms of Chinese dancing, a dancer uses long silk sleeves to accentuate her hand and arm movements, whirling them around like banners or ribbons, waving water-like

movements and snapping them like whips. These ‘water/ flowing sleeves’ are an extension of the hands and can be up to two feet long.:

Even Wang Zhe and Zhou Qian who were sitting beside Lu Xi momentarily forgot
about him; they applauded fervently.
As for Su Jin, once it was her turn to step onstage, she drew in gasps of surprise.

Her outfit was interwoven with the layering of red and gold. She wore a crossed-
collar scarlet ruqun with narrow sleeve cuffs and a waist-high skirt, while the collar
and hem of the skirt were embroidered with gold thread, creating an exquisite
pattern(4). A similarly coloured embroidered belt was secured around her waist,
making her slender waistline seem even more sylphlike. She also wore a crimson
coloured beizi, and similarly, its wide sleeves were embroidered with gold thread
along its borders(5).

It should have been an excessively lavish colour combination.

But, glancing at it once more…

The attractive woman had darkened eyebrows. At the outer corner of her phoenix
eyes, the eyeshadow followed along the eye to curl up at the end; at its tip, half of
a plum blossom was drawn(6).
(6)
(méi huā diàn) 梅花钿 – ‘mei hua’ means plum blossom and ‘dian’ means flower ornament. In this case, putting these three words together refer to the famed plum blossom makeup of
ancient folklore: Princess Shouyang was resting near the plum trees and a plum blossom drifted down onto her face, leaving a floral imprint on her forehead that enhanced her beauty further. This began
the trend of drawing a small delicate plum blossom design on the foreheads of court ladies. Gradually over different dynasties, it was drawn at other areas of the face such as the cheeks or the left eye.
There were also a variety of designs like dots, other flowers and other symbols.

At this point, no matter how opulent the clothes were, they had simply become an
enhancement to that pair of eyes.

Truly a picturesque beauty, she captured one’s heart and soul.

It was plain that she had only put on some eye makeup, nothing more.

In the audience, Lu Xi’s peach blossom eyes slightly squinted as he emitted a trace
of jealous hostility.

The clear and crisp sound of the guqin resounded and the piece that she was
playing was a famed guqin song, Peaceful Lake, and the Autumn Moon. But at this
moment, no one was paying attention to the contents of the song- they were all
spellbound by her profile.

The piece ended on a last lingering note and the audience seemed to stir from a
dream-like trance. As they raised their heads, projected unbelievably clearly on the
projector screen next to the stage was the view of the beauty’s back as she carried
the zither.

Later after Su Jin changed out of her clothes, and returned to the spectator seats,
there was only one performance left. She sat beside Zhou Qian and reached into
the bag in Zhou Qian’s arms. Pinching off a small piece of flaky peach pastry, she
threw it into her mouth. Then, she finally turned to look at the man beside her and
spoke.

“Mr. Lu, how did you find some time for such a small evening party?” Her tone was
absolutely flippant.

Lu Xi glanced over, the makeup on the girl’s face had yet to be removed. With a
slight arch at the corner of her eyes when she showed a plastic smile, it was utterly
charming.

He lightly averted his eyes and his voice was a little husky when he replied.

“Naturally, I came to look at a beauty.”

Hearing this reply, Su Jin stared blankly and then quirked up a smile. Peering from
the side of her eyes as she tried to tell him something else, she suddenly noticed
that the tip of his ears were flushed red.

This… Su Jin blinked, was he shy?

Chapter 7

Shy?

Thinking back to the hand-kiss when they first met at the airport, Su Jin could not
help but arch her eyebrows; to think that this man who would always tease her
actually had this other side.

As she thought about it, irresistibly, she quirked up a smile. Instead of a fake one,
her smile became a rather teasing one.

Her long eyelashes gently fluttered and in the wake of her teasing smile, the plum
blossom at the corner of her eye bloomed. Her roaming fluid glance seemed like
glittering ripples on a limpid autumn lake.

As he looked towards the direction of the voice, all of a sudden, Lu Xi became

dazzled for a bit before he reached out and covered her eyes.

“Don’t look at me like that.” His low, mellow and rich voice faintly grew raspy.
Feeling a slight itch on the hollow of his palm due to her fluttering eyelashes, his
inky eyes darkened, “I won’t be able to resist.”

Resist? At first, Su Jin was rather annoyed by her sudden loss of vision. Her
reprimands had yet to be said when she heard the words in her ears. Without
reacting much to them, she blankly asked, “resist what?”

What won’t he be able to resist?

Hearing her question, Lu Xi let out a wicked chuckle. The voice was deep, low and
elegant due to a deliberate effort to lower his tone which made it waver with a hint
of hesitancy.

“Won’t be able to resist wanting to-” His expression lightly changed as he moved
away his hand.
“-To kiss you.”

Alluring peach blossom eyes stared into hers, showing a trace of merriment in
them.

Su Jin reacted instantly, her face turning rosy. From the depths of her heart, she
felt a faint itchy feeling and was unable to suppress the gradually rising heat within
her.

Forget letting out a sound of displeasure, and not to mention getting herself cooled
down, to her surprise, she was at a loss for words. From her past life till now, she
had never been teased to the point where she began to feel vulnerable!

Although she could practically be considered to be an older than average leftover

woman, just because there had been no one to pressure her about it, she had never
had any intentions of finding a partner. Speaking of which, in her past life, her
looks were pleasant. Although it could not be compared to this body’s appearance,
their eyes were especially similar. So it could be due to her indifferent personality
and asocial nature that there was never any obvious suitor around her.

So for a creepy, suspicious and relentless rogue like Lu Xi to appear before her, this
was her first encounter.

That’s right, the director, who was widely recognised by the insiders of the
entertainment circle as an enigmatic genius, was now in Su Jin’s opinion, a
relentless, suspicious, creepy rogue!

Biting her lip, she chose to ignore him.

It seemed he knew what she was planning, thus Lu Xi simply rolled his eyes and
changed topics.

“As expected, my discerning eye was correct,” he lowered his head slightly. His
drooping eyes glanced upwards to look at her crimson cheeks, “that hanfu suits
you well.”
Staring blankly, Su Jin could not help but turn to ask, “it was really sent by you?”

Actually, when the outfit was sent to her, she immediately had a hunch. After all,
among her acquaintances, the ones who knew she would be performing and could
afford the price tag of this outfit- by her estimates, it could only be him.

Noncommittally, Lu Xi nodded his head and chuckled, “that hanfu, it’s the only one
of its kind.”

O-Only one?

Su Jin was slightly stupefied and then bit her lip, saying in a low tone, “thanks.”

“Thanks?” Lu Xi arched an eyebrow, “I had to pay quite a pretty sum to get this
made. Can such a gift be written off with a mere thank you?”

To have value without any demand, how could money possibly be enough as an
alternative?

Her lips twitched and Su Jin glanced at him with a belittling look, “the clothes were
a gift from you. I did not ask you to give them to me.”

A one-of-a-kind outfit, she was a country bumpkin who had never seen one before.
However, the original host was not. Su Jin was the eldest young lady who had been
spoiled by the Su family ever since she was a child. She had numerous clothes of
such calibre, how could it be as difficult to procure as he said?

Lu Xi did not speak and unfazed, that pair of eyes continued to gaze at her.

After a short while, Su Jin uncomfortably glanced away and muttered softly,
“you’re just browbeating me for favour and seeking compensation!”

“So…” Lu Xi laughed as he heard this and with tongue in cheek he asked, “Jin’er
recognises this favour, eh?”
That pair of peach blossom eyes moved lightly, it seemed as if they were in a dense
haze. Combined with a deliberately lowered voice, it seemed to exude a kind of
indistinguishable charm.

“Yes, I recognise, I recognise it.” Su Jin leaned away from him a little as if to keep a
distance between them and answered huffily, “then what do you want?”

“You…” As he began to speak, Lu Xi was interrupted by a voice that he heard from

the stage.

“Su Jin, I have been secretly in love with you for a long time.”

Now also distracted too, Su Jin looked towards the stage. A trace of faint
recognition flashed through Lu Xi’s eyes as he too followed suit and turned towards
the stage.

The fourth row was not far from the stage, so without relying on the big projection
screen Su Jin could somewhat clearly see the person on the stage.

Dressed in a graduation gown, hm, the man was unfamiliar to her.

Confessing…

Su Jin’s complexion showed a little discomfort.

Damn, how could she have forgotten that the finale in the evening graduation
party for Shenhai University was a confession event?

In the novel, this was a special tradition of Shenhai University. During the evening
graduation party, as long as the person was a current graduate, they could go
onstage and confess to the person in their heart in front of the audience. The
recipient of the confession only needed to listen to it but not immediately respond.
As it was mostly a final self-indulgence for these graduates, the couples that
resulted from this event were not many. Still, this programme remained popular
among many graduates.
Naturally, there were some people who went on stage to merely complete their
university experience, so they would confess to the school beauties- for example,
the man who had just done so.

In the novel, this was a heavily described story point as the female lead, Lin Xiyue
received numerous confessions. The male lead was provoked by all this and boldly
confessed to the female lead, using this chance to actually establish a relationship
between them.

However, what made her feel discomfort was not this at all.

But, it was because of… Fu Yanzhou.

At this point in the novel, she was fully engrossed in figuring out a way to snatch
away the male lead so she did not return to stay at the dormitory. Therefore, as a
result of this, she did not appear at the graduation ceremony and Fu Yanzhou,
wished to, but did not have a chance to confess to her.

But now… With a throbbing head, she soothed her forehead. The original host had
always regarded Fu Yanzhou like an older brother and had absolutely no clue
about his intentions. This was still alright, but if he really went on stage to confess
to her, how would she deal with the aftermath? Avoid him?

On stage, there were already many others who had their turn and many names of
the school beauties such as Lin Xiyue, Su Jin, and a few others had been mentioned
from time to time.

Until it was the last person left.

Wearing the standardized graduation gown with a clear and handsome face that
was framed by a pair of black framed glasses with golden temples, his presence
was refined and gentle.

Fu Yanzhou.

Su Jin sighed, as expected, he had gone on stage.

Looking at the man on stage, Lu Xi’s inky eyes lightly wrinkled, yet he looked
towards the girl sitting beside him.

As the outgoing student council president, Fu Yanzhou was also considered a

campus-wide adonis so when he stepped on stage, he was given a loud applause.

Laughing, he brought the microphone to his lips and at that instant, the ruckus
settled down.

Afterward, he lightly opened his mouth to say a name.

“Zixin.”

“For the longest time, I have liked you.”

Zixin? Xu Zixin!

The previous student council president was confessing to the incumbent student
council president. At that instant, there was a large clamor which engulfed the
audience.

Blinking blankly, Su Jin was surprised.

How could this be, did she transmigrate into a phony universe of that novel?

Arching a brow, Lu Xi ignored all the murmurs around his ears and bent his head
closer towards the girl who was stunned beyond belief. In her ears, he spoke softly,
“how about treating me to a meal?”

Su Jin had yet to recover from her shock and only faintly heard what was being
said as she blankly turned to look towards the direction of his voice.

What was reflected in her eyes was a pair of alluring peach blossom eyes.
With pitch-black pupils that seemed to dispel the haze of the night sky, they were
not blurry or unfathomable. On the contrary, they seemed to be reflecting the
starlight of the heavens; they were unimaginably bright and clear.

The depths of his eyes once held a noble and aloof indifference, yet what remained
now was a gaze full of glowing tenderness.

As if she had been bewitched, she numbly nodded.

Chapter 8

Not far from Shenhai University, there was a small district in the ancient city. With
white walls and black roof tiles, and cyan slate alleyways that were not even two
meters wide, some of the houses had large blooming flowers just at the doorstep.
When evening came, some of the elderly would gather in twos and threes together
to enjoy the cool air.

If one was on a holiday, this would have been a good place to visit.

Only, this place was a hidden find, not many people knew of it and so those who
often walked around here were people in the neighbouring areas.

Sitting beside a square table that was made of yellow pearwood, Su Jin peered in
the half-opened window to gaze at the trellis of wisteria flower in the courtyard.
Her beautiful phoenix eyes revealed a hint of bewilderment.

Up until now, she had yet to understand what had happened the night before. After
the evening party, by coincidence, she met Fu Yanzhou and Xu Zixin. Both Xu Zixin
and herself were committee members of the same year so although they were just
acquaintances, they had met several times. As the current student council
president, Xu Zixin was a beautiful and capable young lady. When Fu Yanzhou and
Xu Zixin stood beside each other, they were quite a becoming couple. When she
had met them, Fu Yanzhou was about to send Xu Zixin back to the dormitory.
Standing by the building, the two people seemed reluctant to leave one another.

In Fu Yanzhou’s gaze, one could see that it was filled with reluctance to part and an
intense heat that she could not decipher. It was a stark contrast from the shallow,
but gentle gaze he had looked at her with.

It seemed he really loved Xu Zixin.

That was what she thought.

However, this was sharply different from her pre-existing knowledge of the events
that took place in the novel.

In her bewilderment, she had smoothly agreed to that fellow’s request. Originally,
she had just thought to casually treat him to a meal, but she had not considered
that he would actually text an address to her this afternoon.

It was also surprising that this outsider would actually find this obscure and well
kept secret restaurant, and was also able to book this private garden.

Still, this was good too. After eating this meal, she could call it quits and never ever
meet him again.

Hm… Su Jin lowered her head to look at the watch on her wrist, it was already past
five in the afternoon, why was Lu Xi not here yet?

As she was thinking this, she raised her head.

A slender and tall figure entered her vision.

The wisterias in the courtyard were blooming magnificently, intertwining

intermittently on the trellis; the varying gradients of the deep and light purple
flowers also hid the sky and covered the earth in its shade.

That person strode in in a graceful manner.

The scorching afternoon sunlight had already become warm; from the distant
horizon, thin rays of scarlet entwined with the golden rays of sunlight glistening
upon the side of that person’s body as though it was guarding some sort of other-
worldly being.

“This face of his really is rather becoming…” Su Jin was stunned and averted her
gaze as she muttered lowly.
Walking through the door, Lu Xi saw the appearance of the girl who was sitting on
the round yellow pearwood chair muttering in a low voice. His lips could not help
but curl up as he walked to sit in front of her, and spoke, “sorry, I’m late.”

“It’s okay.” Su Jin shook her head and handed the tablet on the side of the table to
him.
“Hm?” Lu Xi was slightly surprised.

“Order the food.” Su Jin smiled, “we agreed that I would treat you to a meal, so it
can’t be me who orders it.”

Hearing this, Lu Xi laughed and reached out for the tablet and smoothly adjusted it
to the Sichuan menu page and passed it back to her.

He knew that Su Jin was a little baffled as she took back the tablet and
immediately stared at him with wide-open eyes.

Mapo tofu, diced chicken sautéed with green peppers, Szechuan pork in a spicy
broth, Sichuan boiled fish…

Mapo Tofu (made with broad bean paste, fermented black beans, grounded Szechuan peppercorn
powder, tofu, garlic greens and minced meat)
 Sezchuan fresh pepper chicken made from diced chicken, Szechuan pepper and long chillis

Szechuan pork in spicy broth (made from pork, spinach, broad bean paste, chili pepper and
Sichuan pepper in a broth)

Sichuan boiled fish (made with fish and a soup base with broad bean paste and fermented black
beans)

She suddenly raised her head to look towards Lu Xi.

The man before her was holding a Qinghua porcelain teapot to wash and sterilize
the glasses(1). The scalding tea water was poured into a delicate teacup(2). The
teacup was then blanched before the water was poured out once more. After the
cup was prepped, it was filled to seventy percent with tea before it was placed
before her(3).

Blue and white flowered porcelain teacup

(1)
(qīng huā bái cí) 青花白瓷 – ‘qing hua’ literally means blue flowers or as commonly referred to ‘blue and white’ and ‘bai ci’ means porcelain. The series of blue and white pottery
covers a wide range of these decorative porcelain and potteries that were embellished with blue pigment and then going through a layer of glaze. These decorations have been widely used in Chinese
porcelain in the 14th century; now most of the current wares are a copy of earlier styles.
 Tea and tea water, usually tea water is more diluted.
(2)
(chá shuǐ) 茶水 – ‘cha shui’ means tea water. The translation uses the phrase ‘tea water’ to express that it is made using inexpensive tea leaves which are prepared in large quantities only for
washing.
(3) The art of tea is to warm the teacup using the first couple of rounds of tea from the pot. This is also to wash/rinse the tea leaves prior to drinking. The tea washing of cup not only warms the cup but
infuses with the initial fragrance of tea. Tea is poured to the brim and sat for a while before tipping out. On the 3rd cycle, tea is then poured to 70% of the cup prior to drinking.

As his thumb and index finger gently supported the rim of the teacup, she noticed
that the hand holding onto the teacup was slender and supple with trimmed and
neat fingertips.

Su Jin, who had always had a hand fetish, did not even lower her head to look at
his fingers. She could only blankly stare at the man who was leisurely blanching the
rest of the tableware.

“Do you like it?” Noticing her gaze on him, Lu Xi’s lips curled as he added,
“Southerners really love fresh and aromatic cuisine, with flavours that are light and
not greasy. So it wasn’t easy to find a restaurant that could make such delicious
Sichuan cuisine.”

“How did you know?” Her mouth was ajar, and it was only after a few attempts that
she found her voice again.

This was a preference of Su Jin Er.

“In the past, haven’t I had two dinners with you,” Lu Xi arched an eyebrow, “unless,
I have gotten it wrong?”

After hearing his reply, Su Jin’s mouth opened slightly because she was a little
startled. For that past couple of meals, she had heeded the original main
character’s food preference since she was with the family. Hence, she was only able
to take a few bites of her own favourite food. With just those small details, this
person had actually deduced her preferences?
“If you don’t like it,” Lu Xi pushed the steamed utensils over, “the Cantonese
cuisine at this restaurant is also pretty good.”

“Compared to Cantonese cuisine, I like Szechuan cuisine even more.” Cognizant

once more, Su Jin gave Lu Xi a wide smile, “go ahead and order, I’m okay with any
kind of Sichuan dishes.”

After hearing Su Jin say this, he also smiled and Lu Xi directly ordered some dishes
from the tablet.

Maybe it was because there was not enough space, therefore, this privately-owned
restaurant did not receive a lot of customers on a daily basis. Currently, there was
only the two of them and so the dishes arrived at an extremely rapid pace.

Looking at every dish that was placed on the table, Su Jin heavily sighed in relief
and showed a satisfied smile.

The girl had an elegant countenance about her and with the softening of her
features, her utter delight and pleasure were apparent.

Lu Xi’s mouth curled up as he asked, “Jin’er, do you hate me that much?”

Deeply engrossed in the taste of the Sichuan food, the girl was surprised and
blankly shook her head as she responded, “no, not at all.”

“Then why do you always try to avoid me?” His face revealed an aggrieved
expression as he persisted for an answer.

That was because… As the male lead, you should be together with the female lead
right! Biting onto her chopsticks, Su Jin pondered for a bit and asked in return,
“then what about you? Was it because of your grandfather’s final wish that you’ve
settled on me?”

“Initially, that was the case.” Lu Xi admitted without hesitation, “Grandfather had
told me that I had a fianceé called Su Jin and wanted me to meet her.”
“Frankly, at the start, I was a little reluctant, so I used grandfather’s name with an
intention to discuss matters with your family. Only, at the airport when I saw you
for the first time, I realized that, towards you, I…” His lips quirked into a smile and
his peach blossom eyes were filled with warmth, “fell in love at first sight.”

“Love at first sight?” Su Jin arched an eyebrow, “That ‘love at first sight’- it is just a
release of hormones that make one muddle lust over love.”

With a slight stir in her features, a bit of indifference and disdain were clearly
expressed in her phoenix eyes.

His eyes darkened lightly and the laughter in Lu Xi’s eyes became gentle.

“Even so.” He declared, “our marriage has already been set. Since you do not hate
me, and I,” he paused for a bit before he continued, “am bedazzled by your
appearance. Then, why won’t you give us a chance?”

“I’ll let you understand me and also, let me understand you better.”

“After understanding, what’s next?” Su Jin frowned.

“After that…” Lu Xi held back the expression on his face and yet in his eyes, there
was a trace of warmth that Su Jin could not comprehend, “I will be in love with
you.”

Love? Su Jin was surprised and looked over. In those familiar peach blossom eyes,
there was an intense heat that was exactly identical to the one Fu Yanzhou had
when he looked at Xu Zixin.

This person truly liked her and did not have a hidden agenda at all? Su Jin shook
her head and questioned, “then, what about Xiyue?”

“Xiyue?” Lu Xi was mildly taken aback and when he had recovered himself, said,
“Lin Xiyue? What does this have to do with her?”
“She’s the actual descendant of the Su family.” Su Jin’s face was resolute as she
continued, “you should be in love with her instead.”

Raising an eyebrow, Lu Xi revealed a somewhat flabbergasted expression, “why

would you think so?” Helplessly, his brows furrowed in deep thought before he
asked, “Jin’er, have you heard about parallel universes before?”

“Yes.” Su Jin nodded.

“A path that a universe travels; it is led by the different choices of an innumerable

amount of people. Each person’s choice will cause a minute change to occur in this
course of this universe. Therefore, the final route will be totally different from the
initial intended direction of the universe. A universe would have originally
advanced along the set route., However, just a change in the course to make a
bend in a corner, instead would create a completely new world. Perhaps your
hypothesis is right, I should be in love with her and that should be the correct
direction to follow. Be that as it may, Jin’er,” Lu Xi’s lips curled slightly, “in this
world, there is no ‘should be’ at all. From the second you appeared before me, at
that moment, that became my undoing.”

“As for the world, at that split-second, it too forged onto another path.”

Su Jin’s eyes widened and she mulled over what he said.

Perhaps Lu Xi was only refuting her two words of “you should”, but hearing what
was said, it was earth-shattering and enlightening.

Was it truly so?

Ever since she came to this world, and at that moment wherein she replaced Su
Jin, this world had already begun to show slight changes. Or perhaps, in another
world where it followed the right path of events, there, Su Jin was still Su Jin and
everything moved forward accordingly to the plot. As for her, in this world where
she had appeared in, everything had already changed.

Just like Fu Yanzhou falling in love with Xu Zixin.

Like…

She raised her head, like him falling in love at first sight with her.

So, the original plot had no longer existed for a long time. Therefore, who knew
where the future would lead.

As for her, she had long since become a part of this world, thus she was no longer a
bystander.

“And so?” Looking at the pensive expression upon the girl’s face before him, a trace
of light flashed through Lu Xi’s gaze. “And so, ‘things that should be’ will belong in
another world’s space and time.”

“Jin’er… Are you willing to accept my pursuit now?”

Pursuit?

As she snapped back to her senses, it seemed like Su Jin had let go of some
shackles. As a whole, she seemed to have livened up.

“Okay, I accept your pursuit, however…” Her lips curled as her face transformed
into a dazzling expression and raised her cup towards the person who sat before
her, “whether you are able to impress me or not, we’ll just have to see how capable
you are, Mr Lu.”

“Naturally.” Raising his own cup, Lu Xi clinked his cup against hers as the crisp
sound resounded.

He smiled as his eyes were filled with certainty and confidence.

“I will definitely make you fall in love with me.”

Chapter 9

As the examination dates loomed closer, although Su Jin was confident that she
would pass, she still needed to focus seriously. So, this hot-out-of-the-oven suitor
of hers, Lu Xi, could only abandon the rest of his plans and send her back to school.
He also promised not to bother her until the end of the exam period.

In general, the end of term examinations began on the 20th of June, however, the
medical faculty’s final test was set for the 30th- the last day of June. Naturally, the
students did not have tests on all of the ten days. All of the university’s
examinations were arranged to be held within this time frame, therefore when it
was doled out to every faculty, the allocation would be dispersed evenly
throughout those ten days. The various faculty papers were spaced out, giving
some breathing space and time for students to do their last-minute reviewing.

Time moved forward steadily until it was the 30th of June.

Su Jin, along with her roommates Zhou Qian and Wang Zhe, walked out of the
building. Just as she stretched, she was suddenly prodded on her back. Looking at
Wang Zhe, who had been the one to prod her, with a slightly baffled expression,
she noticed that the other was twirling her finger to indicate that Su Jin should turn
around and look towards something by her side further away. Wang Zhe even
winked at her.

Surprised, Su Jin glanced past her shoulders.

Under the blooming magnolia tree, a man dressed in a white dress shirt entered
her vision.

Someone once said a white dress shirt was the standard to ascertain an Adonis.

Beneath the wide expanse of powdery white magnolia flowers, a startled Su Jin
reckoned that no one was likely to ever look any better in a white dress shirt
besides him.
Noticing her gaze upon him, the corners of that person’s mouth turned upwards
and in his peach blossom eyes, there was a trace of warmth.

Her gaze lowered and Su Jin noticed that he had one hand in a pocket of his dress
pants and the other one by his side.

Thank goodness they were empty and it was unlike the time when he arrived at her
villa’s door, bearing a bouquet of roses. With just this face of his, it was enough to
attract people around him, not to mention the reaction if he had also brought
along a bouquet of flowers.

Lightly heaving a sigh of relief, yet Su Jin’s heart felt a flash of melancholy that was
unbeknownst to her.

Bidding farewell to her two roommates and having them leave first, Su Jin walked
towards Lu Xi.

“Why did you come here?” leaning her head to a side, she asked with a faint smile.

Due to the examinations, the girl’s outfit was extremely modest; it was just a deep
blue batwing sleeved top combined with knee-length light blue jean shorts.
However, on her feet, she had worn a pair of about four to five centimeter wedged
sandals so the top of her head just about reached the height at his jaw.

As for her face, Su Jin hardly ever applied makeup. This face of hers, even if it was
bare in broad daylight, it was still extremely outstanding. After putting on
makeup… Kindly please refer to that night of the graduation party.

Therefore, in the afternoon sunlight that shone through the leaves of the magnolia
tree, one could almost clearly see the fine hair on the girl’s face.

With her previously guarded precaution stripped, and her inability to immediately
hide behind it, that pair of glistening eyes had turned pure and gentle.

Unable to resist, Lu Xi caressed the crown of her head.

“Naturally, as a suitor, I am here to ask you out for a dinner and movie date.”

Dinner and a movie…

Su Jin rubbed her forehead, what an outdated cliché.

Still… Rolling her eyes, she arched a brow and replied, “what if I refused?”

“Refuse?” Lu Xi seemed to not have predicted this reply of hers and shook his head
in shock. He sighed and added in a low voice, “then, the aromatic spicy Mekongina
fish that I especially ordered at the seafood bar, that specialises in charcoal-grilled
fish, will go to waste.”

Mekongina fish, aromatic and spicy flavoured.

As expected, Su Jin swallowed back down her saliva.

“The Mekongina fish meat is tender and deliciously fresh, and also it does not have
any tiny bones. It is an excellent fish that is made for grilling.” Glancing at the girl
beside him, Lu Xi lightly smirked, “Jin’er, are you really sure that you aren’t willing
to try it?”

Su Jin clenched her teeth furiously. The smile upon his face was just like a wolf
using a carrot-and-stick method to bait a rabbit. Yet, she still… could not refuse it.

She wasn’t a foodie, it was just that she had no resistance to the food that she
loved, especially when the person who invited her was someone she was extremely
familiar with.

“Alright.” Looking upwards, she nodded at him, “since you are so sincere, I will
agree.”

Lu Xi could not help but burst into laughter and raised his hand into an inviting
posture.
“Jie!” As the two people were preparing to leave, from behind them a girl’s voice
resounded.

As she turned back to look, Su Jin smiled. As expected, it was Lin Xiyue.

“Were you having your exams here too?” Su Jin asked as she looked at the girl
dressed in a white skirt who had walked a few steps forward towards her.

“Yep.” Lin Xiyue nodded and looked at the man standing beside her. Her eyes
flashed with a wisp of mocking laughter, “Jiejie’s husband is here to pick Jiejie up,
right?”

“Xiyue!” Furrowing her brows, Su Jin lowly exclaimed.

“Alright, alright.” Lin Xiyue shrugged and changed the way she addressed him, “Mr.
Lu, did you come to find Jiejie?”

Feeling it was a slight pity that the ‘husband’ title was so fiercely shot down, Lu Xi
looked towards her and nodded.

Noticing that Lu Xi also did not have any intention of talking to her, Lin Xiyue did
not mind anyway. After all, after living as neighbours for so long, the outstandingly
astute her had already accurately understood what kind of person this brother-in-
law was. He appeared gentle, harmless, courteous and modest, however, in reality,
he was actually rather indifferent. Presenting himself like this today, it was only
because of Su Jin’s presence.

“It seems like this third wheel has troubled someone,” shaking her head, she
exclaimed, “alright then, I’ll be going home then.”

“Wait.” Su Jin called out towards the person who had already turned around to
leave, “please help me by telling mom that I won’t be coming home for dinner,
alright?”

After hearing what she said, Lin Xiyue made an okay sign as she turned to leave.
Then suddenly, she seemed to have thought of something and hinted with a
sentence towards him, “Mr. Lu, on the 5th of July it’s Jiejie’s birthday, you know.
Don’t forget.” Afterward, she once more turned to leave.

Raising an eyebrow, Lu Xi asked, “birthday?”

Su Jin nodded, the 5th of July was Su Jin’s birthday. As for her, as an orphan, to
even talk about birthdays was already too much of a luxury.

“You just have to wait for an invite,” Su Jin looked at the man who suddenly
seemed thoughtful and chuckled, “this is the first birthday since Xiyue came back-
Dad and Mom will definitely arrange an extravagant one. Also, they will take the
chance to introduce Xiyue to everyone too.”

As they continued to speak, the two people eventually reached the school gates.

Taking his keys out of his pants’ pocket, the black Porsche that was parked by the
entrance let out two beeps. Walking forward a few steps, he opened the door of the
front passenger seat then held it for her with an inviting gesture.

When she looked towards the seat, in an instant, she was surprised.

On the car seat, what she saw was a bouquet of lovely, beautiful and fresh red
roses.

Her lips curled and as she entered the car, she picked up the flowers in her arms.

“Why red roses?” Looking at the flowers in her arms, Su Jin then looked at the man
in the driver’s seat.

Twice now, he had gifted her flowers and both times they were red roses.

“That’s because red roses resemble you the most.” As he started the engine, Lu Xi
smoothly answered.

Su Jin lightly nodded.

This was true because her appearance, this sort of resplendently stunning beauty,
could only be most suited to red roses.

Quickly peering a glance at her, Lu Xi’s eyes suffused with a warmth of gentle
merriment.

His young woman was most like red roses.

Even if she seemed flamboyantly willful or mercilessly apathetic, underneath all

that self-protective armor, she was much more tender-hearted than any other.

However… His gaze dimmed, this heart of hers was hidden within a body of thorns
that was even more harder to reach than anyone else.

The charcoal-grilled fish bar was an extremely renowned grilled fish shop in
Shenhai.

Coincidentally, since it was dinner time Su Jin and Lu Xi, the duo of a beautiful
woman and a handsome man, obviously attracted many people’s attention
towards them. However, the two were soon quickly brought to a reserved room.

Due to his occupation and appearance, Lu Xi was already used to choosing a

private room whenever he went out to eat. As for Su Jin, her pair of eyes had long
been enticed by the fish that just been placed on the table.

Combining the tender white fish meat with the brilliant red spicy soup, the aromas
intertwined as they wafted out, striking onto every taste bud.

Su Jin ate happily, her beautiful phoenix eyes brimming with bright joy as her lips
became increasingly rosy.

Lu Xi’s eyes darkened and silently, he used the serving chopsticks to pick a piece of
potato that was under the fish to place onto the plate before her.

Looking at the potato that was on her plate, Su Jin graced Lu Xi with a smile as she
glanced at him.
After a delightful meal, Ms. Su was brought by Mr. Lu to a five-storey cinema.

Looking at the movie tickets that Lu Xi collected from the ticket collection
machine, Su Jin was at first surprised but soon could not resist laughing.

‘Heart-pounding Excitement’

She had no idea that he would actually bring her to watch this film.

Of course, it wasn’t that this film was not good enough.

‘Heart-pounding Excitement’ was filmed in Los Angeles, California. The distributor

was China’s biggest broadcasting company, Sheng Ming Productions’ American
division. It was a two-dimensional film and not the currently trendy three-
dimensional films. However, since a half a month ago, it began airing worldwide,
topping a few other major films and had steadily occupied first place in the box
office in both China and the United States.

This was not even the main point.

Most importantly… While Su Jin sat in the movie theater as she held the must-have
item when watching movies- popcorn- and looked at the credits appearing on the
movie screen, she could not help but turn her head to look at the man sitting
beside her.

‘Heart-pounding Excitement’

Script written by: Lu Xi, Directed by: Lu Xi.

Sensing the girl’s gaze upon him, Lu Xi turned and raised an eyebrow at her. An
expression of earnest inquiry was upon his face.

Blinking, Su Jin’s gaze turned back towards the film.

As for this film that had a high rating of 9.7 on Douban (a social networking website
in China), she had yet to watch it and therefore, was full of anticipation.
One and a half hours swiftly passed.

Carrying the half-eaten popcorn in her arms, as Su Jin walked out, there was still a
smile on her lips.

“How was it?” Lu Xi lowered his head slightly, asking in a low voice as he looked at
the smile upon the girl’s lips.

When she became clear-headed, Su Jin looked towards the man beside her.
Although a smile was upon his distinct, handsome face, his usually calm and
composed peach blossom eyes reveal a hint of nervousness.

Was he bothered about her evaluation then?

A smile curved from her lips and a bright effervescence filled Su Jin’s inky eyes.

“It’s wonderful!”

It was not a cursory comment but the movie was actually extremely remarkable.
The movie plot structure was extremely simple. It was merely about a love story
between a pair of children who were innocent playmates that turned into a couple
who were childhood sweethearts. It was unlike other adolescence movies that
definitely had premature pregnancies or abortions. There weren’t any illnesses or a
third party like in emotionally dramatic films either. It was simply a film that talked
about love, however, to mention that it was merely a love story seemed unsuitable.
After all, the entire film’s most intimate scene was just a hug; to be accurate, it was
one of those bear hugs.

In fact, the more straightforward a movie was, the more it tested a director’s skills.
In this film, every frame was genuinely artistic. In the new generation of directors, it
could be said that Lu Xi’s grasp of composition and lighting was unparalleled.

Thinking for a bit, Su Jin added on, “the script was great and the filming even
better.” She grinned, “apart from the premiere night of your film, as the renowned
low-profile director, you did not engage in promotional activities, otherwise, I’m
afraid your popularity would be comparable to that of an A-list celebrity.”
“What use do I have for popularity?” After listening to Su Jin’s teasing remark, Lu Xi
shook his head as he smiled. He continued to query, “what do you feel about it?”

“Feel?” Blinking, Su Jin recalled what she saw for the past ninety minutes and her
vermillion lips lightly parted and she uttered a four-word phrase(1).
(1)
(pēng rán xīn dòng) 怦然心动 – It means to feel a rush of excitement, this is a Chinese idiom that reflects a person feeling anticipation towards something, however, four-word
phrases that are common in Chinese are not easily rephrased well into four words in English.

“Heart-pounding excitement.”

The entire film was steeped in vibes of pure and innocent love just like the heart-
pounding excitement during your first love. Even if she was truly an older leftover
woman, her heart could not resist being moved by the sweetness of the film.

Heart-pounding excitement…

The curl at the edge of his lips deepened and Lu Xi’s alluring peach blossom eyes
were lit with vibrant colour.

For his young lady to understand these four words from the film- at least it was not
painstaking labor done in vain.
Chapter 10

It was almost nine in the evening when he sent her home after the movie.

After bidding Su Jin farewell, Lu Xi returned back to his own villa. With his glass of
red wine, he went to the balcony in his bedroom and sat on his rocking chair.

“Mom, I’m home.” Su Jin opened the door and yelled out as she changed her
shoes.

“Xiao Jin come over here quickly.” From a distance away, she heard Han Meng’s
voice echo towards the entryway.

Su Jin made a turn and stepped into the living room.

As usual, Su Yue was not in the living room and was probably in the study. Instead,
it was rare to see Su Chenghai with Han Meng, sitting together on the central long
sofa in the room.

“Oh, who gave you those roses?” Sitting on the single seater sofa on the right side,
Lin Xiyue teased as she arched an eyebrow at Su Jin.

As she sat down, she placed the flowers in her arms on the deep cyan marble coffee
table. She took the proffered water from Aunt Xu and gave her thanks before she
continued to answer, “who else could it be?”

“Then, it seems that this future brother-in-law of mine is pretty thoughtful when he
gave you these flowers- he actually did not flaunt the bouquet ostentatiously.” Lin
Xiyue nodded in approval as she mentioned.

“Well, he isn’t some sort of brainless youngster.” Taking a few sips of water, Su Jin
smiled as she poked Lin Xiyue on the forehead, “also, what future brother-in-law,
things have not even begun to take shape yet.”
Lin Xiyue rubbed her forehead and stuck out her tongue, but in her heart, she was
estimating when this little rabbit would be captured by the big wolf.

Now that the topic has been raised, Su Chenghai and his wife shared a look before
asking, “Xiao Jin, what’s your take on this Lu Xi?”

Su Jin was slightly astonished and raised her head to look at the serious
expressions on her parents’ faces. Thinking for a bit, she shook her head and
answered, “I have only known him for a short while so I can’t say much about him
yet.”

Su Chenghai nodded and added on, “I have weathered many challenges in the
business world for so long, I am still able to make good judgements about people.
Xiao Jin, this person Lu Xi,” he paused for a bit as he looked at her expression and
shook his head, “I can’t figure him out.”

Su Jin was so stupefied, she could only blink.

“However, there is only one thing I can be sure of, and that is that he does not
harbour any ill intentions towards you.” Laughing helplessly, Su Chenghai
continued, “after all, our Su family does not have anything of note that the young
master of the Lu family would scheme for. As for the matter regarding the two of
you…”

“Just as distance determines the stamina of a horse, so does time reveal a person’s
true feelings.” Su Chenghai chuckled as he patted his daughter’s arm, “the two of
you can get to know each other first and we can have a discussion about marriage
at a later date.”

“That’s right, get to know each other first.” Han Meng spoke too, “if Xiao Jin does
not like him, you can let us know. Also, Xiyue,” as she said this, she held onto Lin
Xiyue’s hand, “The both of you are mom’s precious daughters. At present, I am
unable to interfere with what’s going on with Xiao Yue and Ming Xuan, but as for
the both of you, by no means should you ever feel obligated or compelled by the
betrothal arrangements.”

Su Chenghai nodded in agreement.

Looking at her parents in this current life of hers, Su Jin’s heart warmed and she bit
her lip as she nodded.

In the book, it had not mentioned any such conversation but taking it into
consideration, this would have been precisely what the couple would have said to
Lin Xiyue. However, upon hearing these words, wouldn’t the original Su Jin have
felt that Lin Xiyue had stolen not just her fiancé, but she had also usurped her
parents’ love as well?

With a soft sigh, she glanced at Lin Xiyue and smiled. Lin Xiyue was surprised, but
her lips curled too.

At the same time, the Su family were discussing this matter, Lu Xi was also on the
balcony calling a family member.

“Ge, didn’t you order that pair of Gemini bracelets?” Lu Xi asked as he held onto a
glass of wine.

“Yeah, why?” A gentle voice of a man resounded from the phone.

“Send them to me then.” The youngest master of the Lu family unreservedly asked.

“Eh?” The person on the other end of the phone was temporarily surprised before
chuckling, “Why you! You’re always finding ways to extort things from me.”

“What do you mean ‘extort’?” Lu Xi arched an eyebrow, “I am merely making

reasonable and rational use of our resources, moreover you would buy them as
gifts for your customers anyway.”

“Alright, alright, no matter how you say it, your excuse still sounds reasonable. Give
me your address and I’ll get someone to register it for urgent delivery.” The person
on the other line could only laugh somewhat helplessly.

“Isn’t this how it should be done, I’ll send the address to you in a bit.” Lu Xi replied
while nodding and then ended the call.
In the early summer evening, the moon brightly lit the sky and the evening breeze
was slightly cool.

Su Jin had started up her computer and wrote the ending for her light novel that
was currently in serialization. She then posted it online before replying to a few
messages from some readers. Stretching a bit, she was getting ready to shower
when the phone that she had left on the table rang.

It was a text.

[ Rest soon, if you sleep too late, pimples will appear. ]

The sender was Lu Xi.

Staring at this text for a moment, Su Jin frowned before she replied to the text.

[ How do you know that I’m not asleep? ]

When he received the reply, Lu Xi lifted his head to look towards the warm yellow
glow that was emitted from the full-length window opposite from him. He chuckled
and without further elaborating, he replied with two words, [ Good night. ]

The next morning, as she pulled open the curtains, a figure on the balcony opposite
hers caught her eyes.

Due to the distance between the villas, she could only faintly see a silhouette.

However, the villa next to theirs had only one person living in it.

Su Jin immediately thought of yesterday’s text and lightly frowned. There were
many rooms in that villa, yet he had to choose that particular one. Had he done so
intentionally?

The person on the opposite balcony seemed to have seen her and raised his arm to
wave at her.
Lightly letting out a sound of indignation, Su Jin turned to open her bedroom door
and went downstairs.

As expected, Lu Xi received an invite for the evening banquet that Su Chenghai

planned for his two daughters.

On the evening of the dinner banquet, dressed in a black suit, it took Lu Xi a few
minutes to walk over to the villa. Su Yue was there to welcome the guest, so after
Lu Xi had greeted the busy man, he made his way into the living room.

There were many people already gathered in the villa. Most of them were Su
Chenghai’s business partners, and naturally, there was also the Ming family and the
Han family. The evening banquet for the two daughters of the family had seemed
to gather more than half of the upper echelon from the entire Shenhai city.

Lu Xi was a new face making an appearance at the Su residence. Obviously, the

phrase ‘a new face’ was merely within the social circle of Shenhai city’s. After all,
this was the first time he has made an appearance within the circle of Shenhai
city’s upper crust. However, this did not hinder most people from knowing of him.

He was Lu Xi, the youngest master of Beijing’s Lu family and the director of the
popular currently-airing film ‘Heart-pounding Excitement’.

The eldest young miss, Su Jin of the Su family’s… fiancé.

Hence, several people had stepped forward to chat with him. As for Lu Xi who had
interacted with all sorts of people as a director and had grown up receiving the
best education from his family, he too, artfully plastered on a shallow smile as he
talked cheerfully and wittily with these people.

In the crowd, a girl wearing a purple cocktail dress looked towards the group of
people conversing by the door. Even if he was wearing the plainest black suit, the
man was still extremely eye-catching. Her pitch-black eyes had a trace of
contrariness.

Hands gripping onto the sides of her skirt tightly as her nails pinched into her flesh,
she suppressed a heart filled with raging envy.
Why? She was only a bastard that was swapped at birth. What reason did she, Su
Jin, have to possess all this?

“Xuelan, what’s wrong?” Sensing his daughter’s mood, Han Lei urgently asked.

Taking a deep breath, Han Xuelan shook her head as she looked at her father.

Seeing this, Han Lei then nodded and lowered his voice as he spoke, “I have
already mentioned that we didn’t have to come. You insisted on coming and since
we are already here, let us not attract any attention to ourselves. Restrain your
temper and don’t provoke matters here.”

Looking at her father’s deferential expression, Han Xuelan clenched her firsts firmly
and then, nodded.

The banquet was about to begin.

Wearing a tailored dark-coloured suit, Su Chenghai had both of his daughters place
their hands on the crook of his arms as they walked down the flight of stairs. The
crowd’s exclamations of admiration resounded in the wide expanse of the living
room.

Lin Xiyue was dressed in a short milky-white princess gown and on her feet were
high-heel sandals made of crystal. She had light makeup on her face and her hair
was done up in a demi-chignon bun with a small and delicate tiara on the crown of
her head. Her entire appearance was like a charmingly fresh and pure white
morning at the cusp of dawn.

As for Su Jin who stood on the other side of her father, she was dressed in a violet
body-hugging dress that had a silhouette like a qipao; which perfectly outlined her
beautiful and long figure. On her feet, she had worn similarly-coloured heels and
her long hair was draped gracefully over one shoulder.

With her pair of phoenix eyes and eyebrows lightly drawn in black, she had stolen
the hearts of the audience in an instant with the lustre of her mesmerising gaze. In
contrast with Lin Xiyue, she appeared more like a red rose, deadly yet magnificent
and incomparably gorgeous.
“The two daughters of the Su family can most definitely be heralded as the nation’s
most outstanding beauties!” In the audience, someone could not help but exclaim
resulting in a unanimous sentiment from the other guests.

Su Chenghai’s lips secretly curled, as he brought his two daughters up onto the
small stage that was set up in the middle of the living room.

“Hello everyone, I am Su Chenghai.” He spoke as he adjusted the height of the

microphone stand while he spoke.

The crowd gradually grew silent.

“Today is the 22nd birthday of my two daughters. I would like to thank everyone
for taking time out of their busy schedules to give our family the pleasure of having
your presence in participating with us at our little girls’ birthday banquet. This is
my eldest daughter- I’m sure everyone recognises her- Su Jin.” He pointed to the
girl standing on his left side and Su Jin lifted her skirts in a curtsy.

Su Chenghai nodded and turned to the other side, “this is my youngest daughter,
Lin Xiyue…”

The audience in respect for Su Chenghai turned their attention along with him
towards Lin Xiyue.

Only two people were the exception.

Han Xuelan glared at the figure of the person wearing the purple dress, then
looking at her own dress, a relentless rage of fury flashed through her eyes.

As for the tall man whose peach blossom eyes stared intently at the person on the
stage, slowly, his eyebrows furrowed.

Damn it, who designed this outfit?

Undoubtedly, there was no deep v-cut at the front or a back-revealing part to it.
Furthermore, the outfit practically covered every inch of skin except for her arms.
Even the heels revealed only the tip of her toes. Yet damnably, all this just made
one feel attracted to her.

He was itching to…

Tear it to shreds.
Chapter 11

After bringing his two daughters up onto the mini stage to introduce them, Su
Chenghai then declared the start of the evening banquet. Generally, this sort of
party would have a buffet and this time, the Su family was also no exception. The
desserts, refreshments, wines, etc had already been placed in an orderly fashion on
the tables scattered around the room. As for the entrees, they were steadily being
prepared by the chefs and served by the waiting staff from one of the Han family’s
hotel.

But honestly, for this sort of occasion, who would really come for the food?

As mentioned, it was an evening soiree. Truthfully, it was just a platform for the Su
family to announce a few matters, and thereafter it was merely a provided setting
that was conducive for everyone to mingle, socialise and network.

When compared to the food, the crowd was even more concerned about another
matter.

The opening dance.

Since it was a birthday soiree, naturally, the opening dance was the responsibility
of the two birthday girls.

Everyone was already well acquainted with the eldest young lady of the Su family,
Su Jin. There was some breaking news a while back concerning the fact that she
wasn’t the Su family’s biological child, yet from their reaction to the situation, not
only did their doting not diminish one iota, it intensified. Furthermore, she had a
perfectly legitimate fiance so naturally, she was excluded from their scrutiny.

As for the second young lady of the Su family, Lin Xiyue… Everyone was well aware
that she was the newly acknowledged biological daughter of the Su Family.
However, she was raised initially as a commoner before she entered the world of
the rich and powerful- who knew how well had she adapted so far?
As they came down from the stage, Su Jin was speaking in hushed tones with Lin
Xiyue.

“Jiejie, who will you choose for your dance partner later?” Lin Xiyue asked in a
murmur.

Su Jin could only smile helplessly. At the time, too many things had happened in
the Su family. By the time everything had settled down, the engagement that had
been determined by those two venerable old men had already circulated around
their social circles. So presently, without exception, everyone was well aware of the
betrothal arrangement between the Lu & Su families. So other than that fellow,
who else could she choose as her partner?

However, regardless of their present reality or in the novel, this girl standing beside
her had always regarded her with kindness. Su Jin blinked and furrowed her
eyebrows as she spoke to this delicate and exquisite girl before her, “a partner huh-
then why don’t I just choose Gege?”

Lin Xiyue was shocked and continued to stare at her with eyes wide open.

Looking at the girl’s flabbergasted expression beside her, Su Jin grinned insincerely
and then reached out to adjust the tiara on her head. She laughed, “alright, I shan’t
tease you, I’ll let you have Gege.”

To have been jested so intimately and suddenly by Su Jin, Lin Xiyue was stunned
for a bit. When she finally reacted, her face was a little rosy and she stuttered in a
sotto voce, her thanks.

She did not mean to snatch away Gege from Su Jin, it was just that the opening
dance for the birthday soiree was too important. Also, this was her first official
appearance in front of everyone. Other than Gege, no matter whom she chose,
there was a possibility of binding together with the person through marriage. Of
course, another partner she could have chosen was Han Mingxuan, the successor
to the Han family and her cousin. However, his relationships with the Su family’s
siblings had always been distant, therefore, it was natural that he was not on
friendly terms with her too.
Su Jin obviously understood and lowly answered, “Xiyue, later if anyone invites
you to dance with them, should you not wish to dance, just refuse them outright.
After all, in Shenhai city, other than the Ming and Han families, no one else would
dare offend the Su family.”

This comment was spoken so domineeringly that Lin Xiyue could not help but
laugh and nodded at Su Jin.

Some people who initially thought they would not get along well and wished to feel
a sense of schadenfreude could not help but be disappointed to see the two
daughters of the Su family interacting intimately. Standing in the crowd, Han
Xuelan let out a light sound of indignation. One may know a person for a long time
without understanding their true nature, who could actually know how these two
people got along with each other in private?

As the music began to stir, Su Chenghai shot a look towards his two daughters and
nodded.

Looking at the girl who was walking directly towards him, Lu Xi suppressed the
heat in his eyes, smiled and walked forward a few steps to meet her. Smiling, Su Jin
reached out to hold onto his arm.

On the other side of the room, Lin Xiyue had chosen Su Yue. The crowd of young
gentlemen was a little disheartened that they were unable to receive favour and
appreciation from a beauty. Still, this was within expectations and they all
retreated backward, opening up some space in the middle.

The four people walked towards the centre of the emptied space and they began to
dance along with the music.

“Xiyue is rather good at dancing.” Su Yue held onto his little sister’s waist and
chuckled.

This usually cold and solemn man was always gentle and warm in front of his two
baby sisters.
Hearing her brother’s praise, Lin Xiyue laughed too and replied, “of course, I could
never lose the respect given to the Su family on my birthday soiree.”

Birthday soiree… Lin Xiyue looked around the surroundings once before she
lowered her head slightly and tried to push down the despondency in her eyes.

“What’s wrong?” Sensing that his little sister was a little out of sorts, Su Yue asked
with a frown, “are you unwell?”

“No,” Lin Xiyue lightly shook her head, “only, I just thought of Mama and Papa.”

Mama and Papa… Su Yue was slightly surprised and then, was struck with
realisation. The Mama and Papa that Xiyue mentioned should probably be her
adopted parents.

“Don’t be upset, it’s all in the past.” He consoled her in a low voice, “you still have
Mom, Dad, and Gege.”

“I guess so.” Lin Xiyue took a deep breath and nodded her head with a smile, “and
Jiejie too.”

“Xiyue.” Hearing this reply, Su Yue could not help but ask, “towards Xiao Jin,
you…”

He paused before continuing, “after all, she replaced you and enjoyed a life without
worries in the Su family for twenty-two years.”

“Gege is worried that I would be jealous of Jiejie right?” Lin Xiyue gave a beatific
smile. “Jiejie lived in at the Su family without any lack of basic necessities and
living with the Lin family, I too did not lack for anything either. Papa and Mama
always doted on me.”

“Moreover…” She bit her lip, “I feel that Jiejie is even more pitiful than I am. At the
time, it was just a warped twist of fate, and neither Jiejie or I are at fault. I enjoyed a
loving life with Mama and Papa for twenty-two years and at my weakest moments,
I found my own biological parents. As for Jiejie,” She turned slightly to look at Su
Jin who was nearby, “she will never be able to see her biological parents, even for
the last time, ever again.”

“I’m relieved that you can think this way.” Su Yue was a little gratified, “Xiao Jin
used to be rather spoiled. However, since grandfather’s accident, almost
immediately she began to mature significantly. So for the both of you to get along
well- Mom, Dad and I are all relieved.”

A smile curled at Lin Xiyue’s lips as she nodded.

As for the other pair dancing on the dance floor.

“Jin’er is really beautiful today.” He lightly smiled and spoke lowly as he felt her
flexible and slender waistline on the cusp of his hand. Lu Xi then forcefully yanked
down his desire for her in his heart.

Lu Xi’s voice was usually deep and elegant, however along with the low and gentle
music today, it seemed like he had intentionally softened his tone. The end of his
words seemed to tremble slightly and they became even more mesmerising.

Due to the close distance, as Lu Xi spoke, his warm breath fell onto her ears.

Su Jin’s cheeks were flushed. Based on her principle of losing a battle to win the
war, she then decided to raise her head and throw a glance at the man before her.
Her red lips were lightly curved.

“Mr. Lu is also very handsome.”

The beauty’s glance was fluidly roaming and her phoenix eyes were lightly arched.
Her gaze was filled with charming loveliness.

Seeing how lovely the green hills are, would those green hills thus perceive me so? (1)

(1) 我见青山多妩媚，料青山见我应如是 – this is a Chinese poem that was written

(wǒ jiàn qīng shān duō wǔ mèi, liào qīng shān jiàn wǒ yìng rú shì)
by the noted writer of the Song dynasty, Xin Qizheng, in his book ‘Bridegroom He’. This poem was written upon the inspiration of thinking about friends and relatives and hoping they missed him too.
It expressed the author’s mood of depression and loneliness when he retired from office and led a quiet, peaceful and solitary life. This poem is usually meant to describe a man’s thoughts about how
beautiful and adorable a girl looked and her gentle and lovely style. It also conveyed a longing or wish of the girl to look back at the person in a reciprocal manner.
In Lu Xi’s mind, all of a sudden, this poem surfaced.
Chapter 12

Or perhaps, it should have been changed to “Seeing how lovely my sweetheart is”(1).
(1)
qīng qīng (卿卿) – ‘qing qing’ is an old term of endearment that was used between spouses in the past. It describes an extremely intimate and loving relationship between spouses, but over
time, it has also evolved for use between lovers as well.

Sweetheart…

As he savoured this endearment on his tongue for a while, Lu Xi’s heart became a
little warmer and a slight trace of a smile appeared at the edge of his lips.

After the dance was over, the four of them made their way towards a dinner table
to sit.

Su Jin and Lu Xi sat on bar stools beside the dinner table, however, before they
could sit Lin Xiyue and Su Yue were detained.

Standing before them was a lady with her neat, short crop hair and wore high heels
that brought her to just about the height of Su Yue’s eyebrows. She was obviously a
woman, and yet for such an occasion, she was not wearing a dress but instead a
tailored oxford blue ladies suit.

Su Jin only saw her profile, but secretly she could not help but be mesmerised.
With such bright, beautiful and stylish features and an imposing queenly presence
about her, who else could it be other than the Ming family’s successor, who was
raised like a male heir, Ming Xuan?

Only… she frowned slightly. Although Ming Xuan and Su Yue mutually had feelings
for each other, neither one of them had ever made it clear. For Ming Xuan to
suddenly block Su Yue like this now, could it be she was thinking that…

“Gege likes Miss Ming?” Lu Xi asked.

“How did you-” Su Jin was shocked and reacted immediately with a remark. Then,
with a slight arch of her long eyebrows, she chillingly replied, “that’s my brother!”
“A slip of the tongue.” Lu Xi grinned and admitted his mistake without the slightest
hesitation. He then continued, “your brother likes Miss Ming.”

Previously he was just asking, however, this time it changed into a tone extremely
full of certainty.

Seeing that Lu Xi swiftly changing how he addressed her brother, Su Jin let it slide.
Furrowing her eyebrows, she asked in suspicion, “how did you know?”

“His gaze.” Lu Xi smiled wryly.

Standing a short distance away, the three people stood facing them. As she
observed Ming Xuan’s profile, he too caught the look in Su Yue’s eyes.

“The gaze that Su Yue has when he looks at Ming Xuan…” He paused for a second
before he added on, “it’s identical to when I look at you.”

Su Jin was surprised and turned to look at him.

The man sitting beside her had distinct and handsome facial features that were
filled with gentleness. In his peach blossom eyes, there was a heat that she could
not comprehend.

It could be like… right?

Then she blinked as she turned her head back to look at the trio.

With her long hair swept to one side, the girl sitting beside him exposed her slender
jade-white neck. Lu Xi could not help his gentle sigh as disappointment flashed
across his eyes.

Su Yue and Ming Xuan were now holding hands and walked towards the door as
they headed outside. Lin Xiyue walked towards a seat that was a slight distance
from Su Jin and sat down. Shooting a look at Lu Xi, she blinked and showed her
own tactfulness, electing not to intrude on their own cosy couple time.
However, not everyone had this sort of tact

Lu Xi saw a man holding a glass of champagne walking towards them. He lowered

his head lightly and downed his glass of red wine as he tried to suppress the flash
of iciness in his eyes.

“Su Jin Xuemei, happy birthday(2).” The person who stood before them was dressed
in a fitted sapphire blue suit. His features were defined, and he had a refined and
gentle smile on his face as he raised a glass to Su Jin.
(2)
xué mèi (学妹) – A younger female schoolmate that is usually a year or more younger, a junior. In this situation or in the Chinese culture, people are called by their social hierarchical status
instead of their name. Similar to the Japanese, only those of close relations with the person can call them directly by their name. Otherwise, it is considered impolite and overstepping of boundaries and
respectfulness.
Zhao Wenhua uses this phrase ‘Xuemei’ as half an endearment to show his feelings and earnestness and the other half as a polite appellation. This is also the reason why Su Jin initially referred to Lu
Xi as Mr. Lu until she got closer to him. Also shown here, it is illustrated clearly with her address of Lu Xi in comparison with how Su Jin addresses Zhao Wenhua with an extremely formal greeting of
Mr. Zhao.

“Xuemei?” Su Jin was a little suspicious.

“I am a student at Shenhai university too. Although I graduated two years ago, I

think I can still address you as my junior.” Realizing that Su Jin had no intention of
toasting with him, he paid it no mind and smoothly placed his wine glass onto the
dinner table. He extended his right hand as he introduced himself, “Zhao Wenhua.”

Zhao Wenhua, the successor of the Zhao family; and in comparison, to the top
three families, the strength of the Zhao family was just a notch below.

After thinking for a moment, Su Jin stood up and was preparing to courteously
shake his hand. However, beside her, another hand had stretched out.

“Mr. Zhao right?” Lu Xi stood up and grasped Zhao Wenhua’s outstretched hand,
“nice to meet you. I’m Lu Xi, Jin’er’s-”

Glancing at the girl beside him, he then intimately placed his right hand on her
shoulder blade as his thin lips formed a half smile. He then spat out the word.

“Fiancé.”

Su Jin was momentarily taken aback by Lu Xi’s sudden action, however, she did not
resist. After all, compared to this lousy competitor that had suddenly appeared
before them, she was definitely closer to this man that she had been spending
some time with. Since he had already taken the initiative to deal with the current
situation, then she was happy to remain idle.

After a grasp, the two men’s hands immediately separated.

Seeing the unavoidable intimacy of the two people and this unforeseen move from
the man before him, the smile on Zhou Wenhua’s face was stilled.

Shooting a nod towards Lu Xi, he then took a red brocade box from his chest
pocket and opened it as he held it before Su Jin. He laughed, “this gift is Xuemei’s
birthday present. I hope that Xuemei will like it.”

In the box, there was a platinum bracelet that had two diamonds, the size of
soybeans, set into it. Under the light, it was dazzlingly bright.

“Mr. Zhao, this is too precious.” Su Jin shook her head and did not reach out to
receive it.

“In the past, a rare sword is gifted to the hero. Now, this bracelet should naturally
match up to a beauty.” Zhao Wenhua laughed with ease and confidence. In his
tone, the emotion was deep and heavy with latent meaning, “Su Jin Xuemei
deserves the best.”

“Well said.” Lu Xi nodded as he continued, “Jin’er deserves the very best. However,
this bracelet of Mr. Zhao’s does not match up to Jin’er though.”

With his intentions interrupted numerous times, Zhou Wenhua furrowed his
eyebrows and stared at Lu Xi, “this bracelet was personally designed by the Zhou
family’s chief jewelry designer. The diamonds used for the bracelet are the
purest FL (flawless) grade(3). In itself without the diamonds in place, the cost of
producing the bracelet reached about 3.87 million,” he raised his head and his
facial features had a hint of arrogance to them, “does it still not match up to Su Jin
Xuemei?”
(3) FL – FL is the abbreviation for the term ‘flawless’ for the grading of diamond and their clarity. The Gemological Institute of America’s (GIA) modern grading system goes from I3, I2, I1, SI2, SI1,
VS2, VS1, VVS2, VVS1, IF to FL. Diamonds with higher clarity grades are more valued and the flawless graded diamonds are extremely rare. Therefore, they fetch the highest price on the market.
These flawless diamonds have no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification of a microscope and out of all the diamonds mined in the world, only 20% is fit for gemstone use. FL
diamonds can be found in only 0.02% of that 20%.
His voice was not low, therefore, the guests in the living room were all attracted to
the conversation and gradually, they gathered around the three of them.

Glancing around at his surroundings, the curl on Lu Xi’s lips gradually revealed a
smirk.

Reaching out his hand, he fiddled with a lock of Su Jin’s long hair and replied
carelessly, “naturally, it doesn’t.”

Zhao Wenhua was not upset and instead, he laughed, “then, that means Mr. Lu can
produce something even better?” Inwardly, he let out a snort of indignation.
Although the Lu family was formidable, Lu Xi was after all not the successor to the
Lu family. The amount of funds he could utilise would likely not be much.
Furthermore, in such a short time, where would he find a bracelet that could
compare to the one in his hand?

“As luck would have it,” Lu Xi shook his head as the smile on his face grew even
more pronounced, “the gift I have prepared for today is also a bracelet.”

“Oh?” Zhao Wenhua faintly felt that something was amiss but still continued, “then
why don’t you bring it out for us to have a look, Mr. Lu?”

“Heh-” Lu Xi sneered and glanced at Zhou Wenhua, “the present that I have
brought was handed over to Aunt Xu the moment I stepped in the door. I am unlike
you, Mr. Zhou, who kept the gift to himself with the intention to curry favour from a
beauty. Moreover, it is only a single gift.”

This statement was said flatly and yet, the crowd around them laughed.

At this sort of birthday soiree, the things that could be gifted were only a handful of
items. Therefore, to avoid the awkwardness that would inevitably come from
bringing similar gifts, most people would have handed the presents to the person
in charge of them to be kept securely with their names labelled. For someone to
conduct himself like Zhou Wenhua, there truly weren’t that many who would act
this way.
Additionally, today was obviously the birthday of the two young ladies of the Su
family, yet Zhou Wenhua had only given a gift to one. What could be the meaning of
this?

“Is Mr. Lu afraid of bringing it out?” Hearing the laughter of the people around
them, Zhou Wenhua’s face had turned dark. He did not directly respond to what Lu
Xi had said but questioned him instead.

“This truly is…” Lu Xi was slightly taken aback, and arched an eyebrow slightly as
he remarked, “refusing to be convinced until one is faced with the grim reality
huh.” Raising his voice, he called out to the server that had just brought out the egg
tarts and sought her help to retrieve his present from Aunt Xu.

The server responded and left.

Lu Xi reached out for a freshly delivered egg tart, peeled off half of the aluminium
foil and brought it to the lips of the girl who stood beside him.

Su Jin was slightly surprised and raised a glance towards Lu Xi. Then, she peeked at
Zhou Wenhua, who stood in front of her and took a bite.

Smiling, the melancholy feeling in Lu Xi’s heart cleared away and a shallow
happiness could be fully seen on his features.

Not too long after, the server brought back an ocean blue brocade box.

Lu Xi placed the egg tart down and pulled a few pieces of tissue to clean his fingers.
Only then did he take the brocade box and reach out to untie the ribbon.

As the box was opened, the audience had not even had a clear look before Zhou
Wenhua suddenly laughed aloud.

“Hehehe.” He pointed at the embedded diamonds around the bracelet and

sneered, “this is what Mr. Lu mentioned as the best? Not only that, it is also only for
one sister.”
Curiously, the audience looked towards the box.

In the ocean blue brocade box, a platinum bracelet lay still inside of it. The main
focal point of the bracelet was the intertwining of two thin chains to form it. Also,
set in the bracelet were small red and blue diamonds. Due to the distance, the
shape could not be seen clearly, only… It did not seem as valuable when compared
to the previous bracelet.

Of course, the above-mentioned thread of thought was from those who did not
know their jewelry.

Lu Xi raised his eyebrows as he lightly laughed and did not say a word.

For a short while, the hall turned silent.

Until a soft and sweet voice broke through it.

“Gemini?” Lin Xiyue, who had been observing for a while, asked with a trace of
excitement in her voice, “is this the Gemini bracelet?”

Gemini bracelet? Su Jin turned her head and looked at Lu Xi; it was the gift their
father had originally given to his two daughters in the novel.

Lu Xi nodded.

Seeing Lu Xi’s nod, in the crowd, those that were experienced immediately became
excited.

“What Gemini bracelet?” Zhao Wenhai felt that something was wrong and he asked
with an anxious look on his face.

“To think that your family is in the jewelry business, how could you not even know
about the Gemini.” Lin Xiyue glanced disdainfully at Zhao Wenhua. Her impression
of him reached to the bottom. Her major was in jewelry design, therefore, she paid
attention to these things closely. As for this bracelet named as Gemini, she adored
it. “The Gemini is this spring’s latest work by the international jewelry design
master, Mr. Qi. His inspiration for the design came from the Gemini constellation
and the focal point of the piece was the multicoloured platinum which was last
year’s latest successful technological development.” As she said this, she reached
out to take the bracelet out and exposed it entirely into the light. The silver
bracelet instantly reflected a rainbow coloured lustre.

The audience was stunned and Zhao Wenhua’s face turned slightly pale.

“There are a total of sixteen pentagram shaped small diamonds embedded on the
bracelet together with eight red coloured diamonds and eight blue coloured
diamonds. This represents the sixteen stars of the Gemini constellation,” Lin Xiyue
did not notice the audience’s astonishment and continued, “the most unique part
is…” She dragged her last word as she laughed. It was uncertain where her
fingertips were touching, however, the originally intertwined chained bracelets
actually separated into two in an instant, “that this is actually two bracelets.”

“I’m guessing,” She shot a look at Su Jin and chuckled, but her words were actually
directed towards Lu Xi, “this red bracelet is for Jiejie, right, Mr. Lu?”

His lips curled and Lu Xi nodded with a look of praise. He reached out to receive the
bracelet from Lin Xiyue and personally put it on Su Jin’s wrist.

A combination of the elegant red diamonds on a bright and snow-white wrist- it

looked especially moving.

“Only this measures up to you.” Lu Xi smiled and gently stated.

Su Jin smiled politely.

“Its… Its value…” With an ashen face, Zhao Wenhua asked with a somewhat
hoarse voice.

“A month ago, in the auction at the Sotheby’s auction house, this Gemini bracelet’s
sale price,” the person who spoke was someone in the crowd and he swallowed a
gulp before he continued, “was 13.9 million dollars. Young master Lu is rather
generous.”
More than 10 million dollars… Everyone present could afford it, however, to use
more than 10 million to buy a bracelet was too much of an extravagance. So, not
everyone would be capable to do so.

With this figure, the living room immediately was hushed and afterward,
exclamations of admiration resounded.

“This was ordered by my brother, I was just winning favour with borrowed
flowers.” Lu Xi replied with a smile.

The remarks of “Young master Lu is being too modest,” resounded among those
present and the win-win situation was then completely unveiled.

Lowering his head to take a sip of his wine, Lu Xi lightly smiled. After making an
example out of Zhao Wenhua, there should not be any more restless monkeys that
would dare to covet after his woman anymore, right?

However…

“Winning favour with borrowed flowers?” Suddenly, a charmingly girlish voice

broke through the scene, “Young master Lu’s gift is truly ingenious and does not
even differentiate between both of my cousins.”

At hearing this, the expressions on the faces of the people present were rather
complicated.

The two birthday girls of the Su family; the eldest young miss Su Jin and the second
daughter Lin Xiyue. Yet today as the fiancé of the eldest young miss, young master
Lu had given these two young ladies the exact same present.

Just a moment ago, no one had brought it up. However, now that someone did, the
implications of his actions were certainly worth pondering over.

Was the young master Lu trying to have two cakes and eat both of them or was the
marriage alliance between the two families not firmly set yet? Or perhaps… The
young master Lu had originally set his choice on the second daughter?
Su Jin turned to look in the direction of the voice with a slightly cold look on her
face.

Han Xuelan.

Lu Xi frowned too and followed Su Jin’s gaze. Those peach blossom eyes that were
always full of merriment became icy-cold.

After a while, the side of his lips curled as he gave a tight smile.

Hah… There truly were many restless monkeys.

Chapter 13

“What’s going on?”

The stiff atmosphere in the living room was broken when the Su couple came down
the stairs.

Su Chenghai looked at the circle of people in the crowd in bafflement. While his
daughters were dancing, he and his wife had been roped upstairs for some
important business discussions with the head of Zhao family, Zhao Wei. However,
once they went upstairs, Zhao Wei was instead probing and putting out feelers
about their business. In the end, after beating around the bush for a long time, he
had not even given them any significant information. Then, just as each of them
both felt that something was not right, at that moment, Zhao Wei received a
message and immediately bid them a farewell. He swiftly went back downstairs
towards the living room.

Trailing behind Zhao Wei, the couple came down and saw this current scene in the
living room.

Their eldest daughter Su Jin and the young gentleman of the Lu family were
currently surrounded in the centre of the room while their youngest daughter, Lin
Xiyue, was standing not too far away from them, holding onto a bracelet that shone
brightly in blue. Yet, the crowd’s gaze was upon a girl wearing a purple cocktail
dress.

Han Xuelan.

The daughter of the Han family’s second son, Han Lei.

Seeing Su Chenghai and Han Meng arrive, Lin Xiyue’s eyes shone and she was
about to speak. However, Han Xuelan snatched up the opportunity instead.

“Aunt, Uncle.” The girl dressed in purple had placed her crossed hands on her
lower abdomen with an elegant and gentle smile on her face. “Everyone was
mentioning how generous young Master Lu was to actually gift my younger cousins
this Gemini bracelet. Su Jin Biaomei’s is red and Xiyue Biaomei’s is blue- isn’t this
such a fair treatment for the both of them(1).”
(1)
biǎo mèi ( 表妹 ) – It refers to the younger female cousin via the mother’s family. Here, Xuelan is subtly highlighting her seniority of age too.

These words were expressed gently and politely, but what kind of person was Su
Chenghai? To have been at the helm of the Su clan for twenty-two years and
weathering through the constant shifts of the business world, how would he be
unable to see through a little girl’s ploy? Although Han Meng had never had a hand
in the company business, she had grown up in the Han family with a strict father
and an unloving mother; her ability to comprehend people’s true intentions was
definitely on par with Su Chenghai.
Therefore, as the husband and wife glanced at each other, they immediately knew
what the other was thinking.

“The Gemini?” As he raised an eyebrow, Su Chenghai strode towards the centre

and looked at Su Jin’s wrist. He laughed as he patted Lu Xi’s shoulder, “so the
Gemini was bought by this young fellow. I was remarking to myself who had such
great insight to have snatched away the birthday present that I had my eye upon.”

“I’m flattered, Uncle(2).” Lu Xi politely nodded and his lips curled, “I had no idea that
I had snatched away Uncle’s present.”
(2)
bó fù ( 伯父 ) – It usually means the father’s elder brother, however, in this case, it is a term of respect for older man which is extremely important in Chinese culture, wherein a younger person
does not call a person their senior by name.

“How could it be considered as snatching.” Su Chenghai candidly laughed, “it has,

in the end, landed in its right place- worn on my daughter’s wrist.”

Han Meng received the bracelet from Lin Xiyue and placed it on her wrist. She then
reached out to pull onto Su Jin’s hand and brought both of her daughter’s hands
together. Beaming, she praised, “look, how beautiful.” After saying that, she looked
towards Lu Xi and remarked, “I’ve troubled Xiao Lu too, for keeping my words in
mind by showing consideration towards these two girls’ emotions. Xiao Jin and
Xiyue are both very pleased.”

Faced with praises from his future-in-laws, Lu Xi was somewhat helpless. His own
witty remarks were obstructed by their goodwill, so what else could he do? As he
chuckled, he answered, “Aunt Su’s words, naturally I would remember them
faithfully.(3)”
(3)
bó mǔ ( 伯母 ) – It usually means the wife of father’s elder brother, or simply put, the aunt. However, in this case, it is a term of respect for older woman who is about the age of one’s mother
which is extremely important in Chinese culture, wherein a younger person does not call a person their senior by name.

Han Meng laughed as she nodded and her eyes flashed with slight approval.

As the crowd looked at the family’s harmonious atmosphere, even if they had had
any sort of ill thoughts, they could only suppress them. After all, his future-in-laws
had already mentioned that upon her words, he was being considerate to both of
their daughters. How could they, as outsiders, have anything else to say about it?

The crowd slowly dispersed.

“Who knows if Su Jin Biaomei is truly…” This lowly muttered statement echoed in
the ears of the audience, thus the crowd that was about to leave halted and turned
back. They then saw the girl in her purple dress seem to have realised her slip of
tongue, and reached out to cover her own lips to quell the rest of her sentence
from slipping out.

Su Chenghai glanced at his wife and both of them frowned. In their hearts, the
same thought floated into their minds; the little girl of the Han family’s second son,
did she enjoy picking fault with people?

Su Jin clicked her tongue, she had just seen a play where a love rival was horribly
defeated and simply raised her eyebrow. Inwardly, she lamented; this girl truly did
not relent and kept pressing on. Doing this had no benefits for her but she just did
not want her, Su Jin, to have a good life, right? Only, with these circumstances,
even if they denied this lie, others would somewhat think that they were just
covering up the truth.

As she thought of this, a hint of annoyance shone through her eyes.

“Initially,” Lu Xi suddenly smiled and looked at Han Xuelan as his peach blossom
eyes filled with faint joy, “I followed Aunt Su’s advice and prepared to give Jin’er
some other things privately. However, it seems that Miss Han is rather interested?”

“I…” Merriment overflowed the man’s distinct and handsome features and in his
peach blossom eyes, there was a spread of happiness. Yet, Han Xuelan could
clearly see icy-cold indifference in that pair of eyes. She bit her lip and timidly
replied in a low voice, “I only…”

She had only begun to speak but was interrupted by the man’s clear and bright
smile.

“Therefore, I will bring these presents out for everyone to see.” With a warm smile
on Lu Xi’s countenance, “in any case, these presents are not the kind that can only
be opened in private.”

Anything else that Han Xuelan wanted to say was squashed down and she pinched
the hand holding onto the hem of her skirt tightly, her fingertips turning white.
Seeing the man’s calm and composed demeanor, she felt restless. Could he have
really made some plans earlier on? Unless… In such a short period of time, his
deep-rooted feelings towards her had truly grown to this point?

Su Jin, she… what grounds did she have to deserve this?!

No one understood her indignation, as everyone’s attention was drawn to the man
who stood straight and tall in the centre. With his empty hands, how could he
conjure a present out from thin air?

Unheeding the crowd’s misgivings, Lu Xi loosened his tie and unfastened the first
button of his shirt.

Su Jin stared at that pair of slender and fair hands and suddenly thought of that
time in the lecture room where the man had revealed half of a red string and a hint
of the glossy lustre of jade.

Noticing the girl’s gaze upon him, Lu Xi grinned and pulled out the jade pendant
that was around his neck.

With a diameter of approximately three centimeters, the round white jade had
some decorative designs outlined on both sides. In the middle of the jade, there
appeared to be some sort of engraved fretwork. The entire stone shone with glossy
lustre under the lights.
Moving a few steps forward, Lu Xi stopped before Su Jin. With a light pull, he drew
out her right hand and placed the jade pendant in her palm.

The jade placed in her hand was warm and did not seem to have the lightly cool
sensation of other jades. As her fingertips lightly twitched, Su Jin thought that the
warmth was probably from his body.

“This piece of jade has been with me since I was born.” Looking at the girl’s
shocked expression, Lu Xi lightly smiled and his voice was filled with gentleness,
“Jin’er, I hope that you will always have it with you.”

Su Jin was in disbelief. As she glanced at the stone, she then found out that the
fretwork engraved on the jade was a tiny word, Xi.

This was actually… that jade?

In the original work, Lu Xi had a jade pendant that he had always worn on his body.
Until he was with the female lead, he had never given it to anyone either.

Most probably, he had brought this piece of jade out to refute Han Xuelan. Su Jin
bit her lip, this jade was too precious, she should not keep it. However, in these
circumstances, if she refused, she would have frittered away his good intentions.

Oh well, once the soiree ended, she would return it to him. Once she settled upon
this, with a curl of her lips, she nodded.

Seeing her nod, Lu Xi’s inky eyes lit up and the smile on the edge of his lips became
even more resplendent.

“This is the first one.” He swiftly withdrew his hand as he continued.

At this moment, together with the audience, Su Jin was surprised too.

There was a second present?

“What?” Su Jin asked blankly.

If he had prepared in advance, then why did he still take this jade pendant out?

The girl’s usually gorgeous and colourful phoenix eyes blinked and like the
silhouette of a light feather that floated down, her thick and delicately long lashes
that were curled up, slightly evoked a faint feeling of excitement upon one’s heart.
Although she had a bewitching look, however in this instance, her expression was
innocent and pure like a young child.

Lu Xi could not help but reach out to pat the crown of her hair.

Afterward, with a slight turn of his lips, he turned around and walked towards a
corner not too far away.

The crowd’s footsteps followed and moved along with that lanky figure. At last,
they stopped before a piano.

Lu Xi straightened his necktie and then uprightly sat in front of the piano.

“Ever since the first moment I laid my eyes on you, this melody has been
resounding in my ears.” As his slender fingers played on the ivory-white piano keys,
he lightly expressed, “it was only yesterday that I was finally able to write it down in
its entirety. Jin’er, this is my last birthday present for you, I hope you will like it.”

Written it down? Su Jin was shocked, Lu Xi could play the piano? And he was able
to compose too?

This was written by him? The audience thought in astonishment.

Without waiting for their astonishment to settle down, the crisp and graceful
sounds of the piano echoed in the living room.

From the beginning of the prelude, this piece’s musical style was deep and gloomy.

Even though she had changed the core of her soul and was now a greenhorn, Su
Jin’s piano skills were not bad. So, her experience with the piano and her music
appreciation skills still remained.
As the piano was played, Su Jin gradually immersed in the music.

The tone of Lu Xi’s piano piece was filled with the conflict between dense darkness
and countless negative emotions. The atmosphere in the living room seemed to be
slightly depressing.

Then at some point, a sudden burst of light seemed to permeate through the
melody. At first, it was a little feeble. Then, this little light gradually strengthened
with the strength of nuclear fusion that ignited through the twilight.

All of those negative emotions began to change, transforming into sweetness, joy,
adoration and… there was also a tiny bit of apprehension.

She did not know why, but for some reason, Su Jin suddenly thought of his movie
that she had watched with him just a few days ago.

Finally, the light became richer and more powerful than ever before and the
darkness was aflame and burnt away until none of it remained. Endless sunlight
had flooded the entire world.

Everyone present was floored.

As Lin Xiyue listened to the poignant notes of the piano, her gaze was glossy bright.

Within her earshot, she suddenly heard a charming and girlish voice.

“Envious? Jealous? All this should have been yours. It was her who seized what was
yours by birthright and stole everything away from you.”

Lin Xiyue was stupefied and spun around to look.

The girl dressed in purple stood beside her and was obviously conversing with her.
Yet the girl’s eyes were looking at Su Jin who was standing before the piano with a
deadly glare. Although her inflection was soft and gentle, it made one practically
shudder.
Wordlessly, Lin Xiyue distanced herself from her.

Did she think she would be fooled? That she would fall for such a blatant ruse to
sow dissension between her and her sister? Each person had their own path: if this
path was meant to be hers, then it was definitely hers. Even if there was no Su Jin,
Lu Xi may not necessarily be hers.

Envious yes, but not jealous.

After all, one day, she would meet with the happiness that belonged to her.

At the apex of the dazzling spotlight, the sounds from the piano spontaneously
came to an end.

As the man sitting before the piano played the final note, he sat upright and lightly
smiled.

“It’s called ‘Sunshine’.

Speaking with a gentle and deep voice, he was not outdone by the timbre of the
piano. As he raised his head slightly, with every ounce of his sincerity, he looked
towards the person who stood before the piano. The tip of her ears was slightly
flushed red, and those beautiful peach blossom eyes of his were filled with
tenderness.

His girl.

His sunshine.
Chapter 14

Until the soiree ended, Su Jin and Lu Xi both remained the focus of the evening. If
Su Jin had not been one of the stars tonight, she would have secretly pulled Lu Xi
away to leave the venue early.

Because he lived closest to their villa, Lu Xi remained until the very end and was the
last to leave. Under the teasing gazes of her family, Su Jin accompanied him to the
door.

In the warm glow of the yellow lights, Su Jin raised her head to gaze at the
handsome man standing before her. She then took out the jade pendant that she
had been holding throughout the evening.

Lu Xi raised an eyebrow in surprise.

“Um…” Su Jin paused to think for a bit before she continued, “the song was lovely,
however, this present-” She raised the hand holding the jade pendant, “I can’t
accept it.”

Slightly lowering his head, Lu Xi looked thoughtfully at her for a while before he
received the jade pendant in her palm.

At the brush of their fingertips, a warm atmosphere emanated. Su Jin then heaved
a sigh but strangely, a slight sting seemed to seep into her heart.

With a light smile, Lu Xi untied the red string holding the jade pendant and his body
slightly leaned forward. Then, he tied it around the girl’s alabaster and jade-like
neck.

Due to being held in her hands for such a long period, the jade should have been
slightly warm but somehow it had grown hotter. However, that gentle touch was
just like the previous one; quickly removed without delay. His slender fingertips
brushed lightly across her neck and brought about a slightly itchy feeling.
Su Jin was stupefied for a while before she reacted.

She reached out and touched the jade pendant around her neck and raised her
head to look towards the man who had already stood upright once again. Gaping
for a bit, she finally found her voice to speak.

“Lu Xi…”

Her words were unfinished but the man before her smiled all of a sudden. His
outstanding features were filled with joy. As the warm yellow light of the lamp fell
on his beautiful peach blossom eyes, they were shaded with a thread of warmth.

Even if Su Jin was used to seeing good-looking people, she could not help being
stunned and was speechless in shock.

“Jin’er, I’m so happy.” He honestly remarked without a trace of suppressing his

emotions. Due to their closeness, his tone was even more mellow and gentle than
before; it seemed increasingly mesmerising.

“Huh?” As Su Jin returned to her senses, she was somewhat suspicious.

Lu Xi did not reply and stared fixedly at her for a bit. With a crinkle of his eyes, he
laughed, “I have never felt that my name was this pleasant to hear.”

Su Jin immediately reacted.

As she was too surprised, those two words ‘Lu Xi’ had slipped out of her mouth.

Speaking of which, although she had known him for a while now, she had always
politely and detachedly called him Mr Lu. This was actually the first time she had
called him by his name.

Because of this, he was this happy?

Su Jin was a little surprised and baffled at the same time. To have all of his
emotions connected and tied to another person like this, what did this feel like?
She had always been independent and apathetic. No matter how gentle and polite
her looks appeared to be, her heart remained unmoved. Such strong emotions, she
could not understand them and also… In her heart, there were slightly faint traces
of fear that had seeped in without her knowing.

As she composed herself, she lightly touched the jade pendant that laid upon her
chest again and spoke, “this jade pendant…”

“Things that have been given, how could one possibly have it returned.” Lu Xi
shook his head and did not give her another chance to refuse. He then bid her
farewell and turned to leave for his own villa.

As the man’s tall figure gradually dissolved into the darkness, Su Jin bit her lips and
finally averted her gaze. She then turned to enter her home.

As she went upstairs, coincidentally, she saw a familiar, but unclear, silhouette
appear on the balcony of the second floor.

Gege?

She was slightly startled for a bit, then she suddenly thought of that scene during
the evening soiree when Ming Xuan had pulled Gege away. In the original work, this
birthday soiree was muddled up by Su Jin who felt she had lost everything.
Therefore, Su Yue had no chance to bump into Ming Xuan. Yet now…

Moving a few steps forward, she called out, “Gege.”

It was strange that Su Yue had not turned around, and remained hunched as he
leaned against the railings with something in his hands which she could not see
clearly.

Frowning, Su Jin walked until she stood beside Su Yue and clearly saw what was in
Su Yue’s hands; to think that it was actually the remaining dregs in a brandy bottle.

Su Yue had lowered his head with an indecipherable look on his face.
“Gege!” Su Jin reached out to lightly shake him as she cried out.

The man seemed to be somewhat aware and raised his head. Shocked, he glanced
at the person standing before him for a while. Then, he finally spoke, “so it was
Xiao Jin.”

His voice was somewhat flat and hoarse. This man was usually urbane and
unflustered. However, at this moment, his collar was a little messy, it seemed that
his tie was forcefully tugged loose, and even the top two buttons of his dress shirt
were missing.

“Ge, what’s wrong?” Frowning, Su Jin asked.

“No, hic…” Su Yue shook his head and hiccuped before he continued, “nothing’s
wrong.”

Nothing’s wrong? The frown on Su Jin’s forehead deepened, this could be glossed
over as everything was right and dandy? She would be a fool to believe that!

“What did Ming Xuan jie say to you?” In a heavy tone, she pressed on.

“Ming Xuan…” Hearing this name, Su Yue seemed to be shocked for a bit and there
was a light flicker of light in his inky eyes. “Ming Xuan…”

He mumbled lightly.

“What about Ming Xuan?” Changing her tone into a coaxing one, she lowly
encouraged him.

“Ming Xuan said that she was going to be engaged soon.”

Engaged?

Su Jin was startled, with Shen Anyan- that man who, through his hard work, lived a
life that seemed like a rags-to-riches story?
“She’s getting engaged…” Su Yue lowly mumbled, and suddenly loosened his hand
on the brandy bottle and the crisp sound of shattering glass was heard.

Raising her head, Su Jing then realised that the man who covered his eyes with his
hands actually showed traces of an indistinct trail of tears that rolled down his
face.

Su Yue… was crying?

Su Jin had yet to react. In the novel, Su Yue and Ming Xuan’s feelings were hidden
and never disclosed. The two had a mutual and tacit understanding of their
feelings but it was never revealed due to the two families’ standing and
background. Shortly after, Ming Xuan married the business development manager
of the Ming clan who had joined and taken up the bride’s family name.

Shen Anyan was born from the lowest rung of society and yet through his
outstanding talent and hard work, had gained a foothold in the city. Su Yue had
also married, a woman named Chen Feifei, a well-matched marriage partner from a
family of similar status. Although they were not in perfect harmony, they had
mutual respect for one another as husband and wife.

The book did not mention this scene so Su Jin was unaware that Su Yue… was
once in this sort of agony.

“Gege…” She opened her mouth, yet, she did not know what else to say.

That’s true, what else could she do? Even if she was familiar with the direction of
the storyline, with Ming Xuan as the only successor to the Ming family, this sort of
conundrum could absolutely not be resolved. Moreover, unpredictable changes
had long since appeared as soon as she came to this world.

“If Gege wants to cry, then cry.” Su Jin lowly spoke as she sighed and reached out
to hug the man leaning against the balcony.

Su Yue patted his younger sister’s head and a vaguely pained smile curled upon his
face. It seemed he had somewhat sobered up. Or perhaps… With alcohol-laden
worries, all he needed was a channel to vent out his feelings that had been
suppressed for too long.

“In this world, there are eight unpleasant human experiences(1): birth, aging, illness,
death, separation from loved ones, association with the ones we hate, the
unattainable and the five skandhas(2). He gently closed his eyes and his soft voice
lowered, “it was not until today that I truly understood what is called yearning for
the unattainable.”
(1)
bā kǔ (八苦) – This is a phrase referring to an important Buddhist concept of Dukkha. A term found in ancient Indian literature (where it originated from before being popular in ancient Chinese
till date), it refers to anything that is uneasy, uncomfortable, unpleasant and difficult that causes pain and sadness. The term has no one word English translation and embodies diverse aspects of human
suffering. These eight kinds of suffering are mentioned above.

(2)
wǔ yīn chì shèng (五阴炽盛) – This is a phrase referring to a Buddhist concept meaning groupings or aggregates. It refers to the five factors that constitute and explains a sentient being’s
mental and physical existence. These five aggregates are form or body, sensations or feelings received from the body, perceptions, mental activity and consciousness.

Through purification of all of these five through meditation and virtues, the being
transcends to reach a state of realization that there is neither person nor self within
and everyone and everything is without self or substantiality and is a cluster of
changing and physical and mental processes.
As Su Jin listened to this, she comfortingly spoke, “Gege will meet someone who
suits you more.”

“Even better suited…” Su Yue was a little astonished and smiled bitterly as he
shook his head, “that’s right, I will definitely meet someone better suited for me.”

Su Jin bit her lips and did not reply.

That’s right after all was said and done, he would definitely find someone even
better suited for him, but that was not love.

She scarcely realised… That when one had seen the world, he could no longer stop to
admire the small things around him(3).
(3)
céng jīng cāng hǎi nán wéi shuǐ, chú què wū shān bù shì yún (曾经沧海难为水，除却巫山不是云) – This is a poem that originated from the Tang
dynasty by the author, Yuan Zhen who was a renowned poet and writer. In its literal meaning, these important phrases such as ‘cang hai’ refer to the azure ocean and ‘wu shan’ refers to the notable
Wushan mountain region which stretches 45 kilometres or 28 miles that straddles between two gorges.
The entire phrases depict thus: after crossing the azure ocean once, any other river found elsewhere is no longer worth mentioning. Even after excluding the rosy clouds around the Wushan mountains,
clouds elsewhere too would look the same and pale in comparison.
In the poem, the rosy clouds of the Wushan mountains and the ocean refer to the heart’s loved one, and the clouds and rivers refer to the other women. Therefore, when one sees their fated person and
future wife, all other women would pale in comparison to her brilliance; this also refers to the author or in this case, Su Yue’s unwavering love for Ming Xuan.

“It’s okay Xiao Jin, Gege is fine.” Su Yue patted his younger sister’s head and took a
step back. With a curl of his lips, he smiled, “it’s this late already, go get some rest.”
Su Jin attentively stared at him and felt that Su Yue’s eyes were clear and bright
and no longer had the intoxicated haze that was present a moment ago. Seeing
this, she then felt reassured and nodded her head, “alright, then Gege should sleep
early too. You still have work tomorrow.”

“I know.” Su Yue reached out to poke the tip of her nose, “good night.”

“Gege, good night.” Su Jin obediently echoed and then turned and left.

“Xiao Jin…”

“Hm?” Su Jin turned her head and looked.

“Although I do not want to have any influence over your choice, I would still like to
say,” Su Yue pursed his lips as he continued, “Lu Xi truly likes you.”

“If you feel the same, then don’t be like me and miss the opportunity of your life…”

Like…

The gaze that Su Yue looked at Ming Xuan with… is the same as mine when I look at
you.

The words that Lu Xi had spoken at the evening soiree resounded in her head. Su
Jin stood blankly for a bit, shook her head and swiftly walked back to her room.

The lights were switched on and the curtains were drawn close.

In contrast, the lights in the room at the opposite villa remained bright and a faint
silhouette could be seen sitting in the rocking chair on the balcony.

Su Jin had just finished her ablutions and got on the bed. Gege’s words of yearning
for the unattainable spun in her head and all of sudden, she inexplicably decided to
send a message to the neighbour.

[Good night.]
On the opposite balcony, Lu Xi had coincidentally finished a call with his esteemed
mother. He informed her about gifting his own jade pendant away and also made a
pledge to ensure that he would definitely secure the young lady of the Su family as
her daughter-in-law. Finally appeased, Madam Lu happily ended the call.

At this moment, he gazed at the sudden text that appeared on his phone. He could
not help but smile and chuckled to himself for a while. He then replied with a word.

[Night.]

An(4).
(4)
ān (安) – It has the meaning of night or good here. This word has many meanings however, Lu Xi is using it in the literal meaning of a good night greeting here and also, a corny way of using its
pinyin letters to create an abbreviation of ‘ài nǐ’ in Chinese, which means, love you.

Love you.

Under the silvery moonlight, the distinctly handsome man who was slouched in the
rocking chair had a faint smile on his thin lips and his face was brimming with
happiness. That pair of peach blossom eyes were clear and glittering like all the
stars were shattered and collected to collectively shine in that gaze.

Unfortunately, there was no one to admire this scene.

The young woman who made his face lit up in such radiance had already entered
into the dream world after she had received the reply.

In the early hours of the following morning, Su Jin uncharacteristically climbed out
of the bed and stood by Su Yue’s room door.

As he pushed the door open, Su Yue saw the eyes of the young girl that was still
hazy with sleepiness and she was leaning against the wall beside his door. Feeling a
warmth in his heart, he lightly chuckled.

To see this little girl appear here this early in the morning, how could he not
understand what this meant?

“Gege is fine.” Reaching out, he caressed Su Jin’s rather disheveled long tresses
and spoke in a gentle voice.
Looking carefully at him, Su Jin noticed that the man before her who was dressed
in a light grey suit with his ramrod posture had a clear and bright expression which
bore none of the traces of the sadness and dispiritedness that were present the day
before. Subsequently, her heart recovered its constant unflustered state.

“I see…” Reassured, she nodded and her gaze followed him as he went downstairs.
She was preparing to return to her room for an invigorating nap when the phone
suddenly rang.

Frowning, Su Jin lowered her head to stare at it.

[ Xiao Jin, can we chat for a bit?]

It was Ming Xuan.

Chapter 15

Ming Xuan?

Su Jin stared at the name blankly- this was rather unusual. Why would Ming Xuan
be looking for her out of the blue? However, before Su Jin could even grasp the
situation, her phone alerted her to an incoming new message.

[I will be at Red Dragonfly opposite Tian Feng shopping centre, hope you can
come.]

Oh… Wasn’t that the cafe where she used the excuse of meeting Ming Xuan the last
time to evade Lu Xi’s date?

Su Jin yawned softly and returned to her room to get dressed. When she went
downstairs, she met Su Yue who had finished his breakfast and was just about to
head out.

“Gege, I am heading out too. Where I am going is on your way, so can you give me a
lift?” As she was speaking, her eyes brightened.

“Going out?” Su Yue was somewhat surprised, “where are you going this early in
the morning?

Oh…” Su Jin replied while changing her indoor shoes for another pair, “I’m going
to meet a friend.”

At the moment, she was not willing to mention Ming Xuan’s name in front of Su
Yue. Especially when he had taken great pains to find peace within himself.

Hearing her say as much, Su Yue did not pursue the subject with further questions,
rather he gave an affirmative nod and proceeded to open the door.
What happened next was totally unexpected for them- standing before them was a
person wearing a white shirt paired with casual khaki coloured pants, his raised
hand about to ring the doorbell.

Su Yue frowned.

Although he had ascertained the person’s feelings for his sister, it still did not mean
that he would accept this man’s wolfish and carnal intentions toward his Xiao Jin.

“Big Brother Su.” A brazen Lu Xi stood there with his lips curled into a smile and
greeted his future brother-in-law, disregarding the fact that both of them were of
the same age, “Where’s Jin-er?”

“Why are you here this early?” Su Yue was rather perplexed since Su Jin had gotten
up earlier than her usual time today.

Lu Xi was aware of Su Yue’s implicit inference and with the curl of his lips, he
replied seriously, “It is because Jin er and I have a mutual tacit understanding.

Mutual tacit understanding? It was extremely rare that Su Yue was so surprised that
he choked and stared intensely at the man who stood there smiling naturally and
blithely. This sort of brother-in-law had such a thick skin- it was probably hard to
find another one like him.

“Ahem…” from the side of his ears came a succession of coughing sounds.
However it did not originate from Su Yue, rather it was Su Jin who had just walked
towards the side of the door.

She looked at the man standing by the doorway wearing a perplexed expression.
Mutual tacit understanding? This guy had obviously seen that her room window
was open from his balcony.

“Jin’er, where are you headed? Lu Xi questioned, “do you need someone to help
with the bags or settle some accounts on your behalf? (1)”
(1)
līn bāo fù zhàng (拎包付账) – This is a Chinese slang that refers to Lu Xi willing to be her pack mule and her wallet. For him, this is a way to show his affection and his ability to
provide for her as his future wife.
Someone to help with the bags or settle some accounts? Su Jin was amused by this
statement. Her mouth curled up at the edges as she shook her head in reply, “Such
a pity, I’ve got a date with a friend for coffee, so I have no need of someone to help
with the bags nor settle any accounts.” As she said this, she looked at Su Yue,
“Gege, let’s go.”

Su Yue smirked, then with a nod of his head, he spoke directly to Lu Xi, “See you
later, Mr Lu.”

With a lift of her brows, Su Jin followed suit and said, “See you later, Mr Lu”.

Mr Lu…

The smile on Lu Xi’s face froze. They had not met since the previous night, yet this
chit of a girl could just revert back to addressing him as Mr Lu? Then again….his
eyelid twitched and he broke into a smile when he noticed that the girl’s T-shirt
collar revealed a red cord and that piece of jade- both were still safely secured
around her neck.

“Alright.” Since he was unsuccessful in becoming a knight in shining armor,

Director Lu carelessly tossed his hand in resignation. He then recalled that he had
another important matter to attend to, “time to get back to work.”

The Red Dragonfly Cafe.

As Su Jin pushed the door open, she was able to spot a familiar figure seated by the
window.

With a neat, short-cropped, chestnut coloured hairstyle and wearing a

professional business-like black outfit, she had on a pair of dark glasses. Even
though her head was lowered and her expression obscured, Su Jin was able to
ascertain who she was.

“Ming Xuan Jiejie.” She walked forward to the opposite seat and sat down.
Ordering a cup of Italian latte, she casually asked, “Why are you wearing shades
today?”
Both Su Jin and Su Yue knew Ming Xuan since they were young, therefore she was
well aware that Ming Xuan usually did not like to wear sunglasses as it obstructed
her line of sight.

“Xiao Jin, you’ve come.” Ming Xuan mumbled, and casually removed her
sunglasses.

Afterall…. In the presence of his sister, there really was no need for subterfuge.

Su Jin’s eyes widened before exhaling a soft sigh.

“Ming Xuan Jiejie, you….” Opening her mouth to speak, yet she couldn’t find the
words to console her.

The sunglasses had concealed the pair of swollen red, but beautiful eyes of the
person before her, a probable result of prolonged crying.

“I’m alright.” She lifted the ends of her lips, in a low voice inquiring, “He….How is
he?”

Gege….

Fortunately, the waiter came with their coffee. Su Jin accepted her cup and gently
fingered the rim of the cup a couple of times. Biting her lips, she answered with a
question instead, “Ming Xuan Jie, are there no other options to turn things around
to resolve what is happening between you and my brother?”

Upon hearing Su Jin’s question, Ming Xuan was momentarily stunned. Once she
recovered, she quietly acknowledged, “He is still very upset….”

As Su Jin took in what was said, she lowered her head to take a sip of her coffee
and did not deny Ming Xuan’s remark.

It’s because she had known that her brother Su Yue was hurting, and knowing as
such, Su Jin could not help being relentless in pursuing the issue.
“Turning things around…” Heedless of Su Jin’s response, instead Ming Xuan gently
closed her eyes and shook her head.

“Ming Xuan Jiejie, did you invite me out today just to ask about my brother?”, Su
Jin released a poor attempt of a sigh.

“It’s not just that.” Ming Xuan opened her eyes, her lips curled up in a bitter smile,
did Su Yue tell you what transpired yesterday?”

“Yup.” Su Jin nodded and asked, “Ming Xuan Jiejie, are you really getting engaged
to Shen Anyan?”

“He even told you about this?” Ming Xuan was somewhat astounded, before gently
nodding her head, “if there aren’t any other surprises or complications, then it is
going to happen.”

Su Jin was reticent. Su Yue had said that Meng Xuan was getting engaged, but in
regards to Shen Anyan’s name and who he actually was, her only knowledge about
him was from the novel.

“Speaking of which, I didn’t ask you out just to ask about his current state,” Ming
Xuan didn’t elaborate further about Shen Anyan, but with a slight lifting of her lips,
“although Su Yue and I aren’t fated to be childhood sweethearts, we can still
remain childhood friends.”

“Since I was young, I already knew that he would be the Su family’s heir, and I
would be the Ming family’s heir. As such, I was also competing and setting myself
up against him. From a young age, I would compare our grades, our successes in
the business world, but he was always so outstanding.” A smile appeared on Ming
Xuan’s lips. A fleeting sense of pride coasted across her eyes, as she slowly delved
into her own thoughts, ”the one I love, he is so outstanding….”

The one I love….

Su Jin bit her lips, why did things have to go this far for this couple?
“Thanks for lending a listening ear.” Ming Xuan surfaced from her reverie, directing
a smile at Su Jin, “I really wanted to find someone to talk with, and after much
thought, I realised that you are the only one I can speak frankly with.”

Although her eyes were still slightly swollen and puffy, the woman before her had
recovered her calm and collected composure.

Seriously….What a pair. Both were great at hiding their feelings.

Su Jin gave her a hard scrutiny and relentlessly decided to press on with her initial
question, “is there really no chance for a change in the situation?”

Ming Xuan bit her lips but did not respond.

“So far in my whole life,” Su Jin took a deep breath and straightened up as she
spoke, “I’ve only seen my brother cry twice. The first time was when grandfather
passed away, and last night….”

“Was the second time.”

Su Yue was older by four years, so by the time she was aware of things, he was also
just a young teen. Yet, she had never seen him cry.

“Ah Yue…..” Ming Xuan was rattled, involuntarily cried out.

“So Ming Xuan Jiejie, you’re telling me that there isn’t any hope for the both of
you?”

Su Jin had both her arms on the table, her pair of beautiful phoenix eyes boring
into Ming Xuan as she quietly tried to find out the truth, “if there is even….. A tiny
flicker….”

“Hope….it’s too elusive.” Facing the blazing gaze from the sister of the one she
loved, Ming Xuan painfully averted her eyes.
“Too elusive…” Su Jin reiterated as her eyes brightened and lit up, ”then, doesn’t
that mean that there’s still hope?”

“Back then, my mother was pregnant with twins,” Ming Xuan looked at the young
lady’s brightened eyes, and revealed a tale from the past. “I have a fraternal twin
brother. However, upon his birth, one of dad’s….one of his lovers….took him
away. But not long after, the lover was found but there wasn’t any trace of my
brother. It’s been over twenty years, the Ming family has not ceased searching for
my brother, but to date, there hasn’t been any news about his whereabouts.”

“Without any new clues or leads, no one knows of his whereabouts, so much so
that…. We don’t even know if he is still alive.”

Twin brother? Lover?

Su Jin’s eyes were agog, this kind of melodramatic scenario would only be found in
novels, yet it was actually playing out in reality?

“How come I’ve never heard of this before? She asked apprehensively.

“This is not some prestigious matter to be brought up.” Ming Xuan shook her head,
“and my dad naturally had it all locked and buried tight. And it’s because of this,
the once selfish and unruly father suddenly cleaned up his act. Therefore, I
remained the only child of the Ming family.”

To find someone who had been missing without a trace for more than twenty
years… Hope… Indeed was somewhat elusive.

Even after Ming Xuan had departed, for a span of time Su Jin remained in her seat.
Her hands were tracing around the rim of her coffee cup before letting out a sigh.

Then, shaking her head subtly, she arose from her seat and exited the cafe. She
flagged down a taxi intending to head home.

As she opened the door to the passenger seat, she informed the driver, “Shifu, take
me to Ming Yu Park.”
The lady driver up front gave her an acknowledgement.

The taxi proceeded forward.

Su Jin immediately went into deep thought but when she resurfaced from her
thoughts, she frowned as she gazed out the window.

Although she was directionally-challenged, however….. There was definitely

something amiss about their direction of travel?
Chapter 16

“Shifu,” wordlessly, Su Jin unlocked the screen on her phone that was clenched in
her hand. “This path…” She frowned.

“You said this route,” the woman in the driver’s seat turned her head and showed
an extremely ordinary face that revealed her age to be about forty plus years old.
With a smile on her face, she replied, “it’s almost the rush hour for those headed to
work, so that route has a heavy congestion. Although this one does take a longer
way around, there aren’t so many cars. Miss, if you want to go that route, we could
turn back?”

Her tone was amicable and her voice was extremely lively too.

Lowering her head to look at the screen on her phone, Su Jin noticed that it was
now past eight in the morning, after her chat with Ming Xuan and having sat alone
in the cafe for a while. The cars on the road had steadily increased and the roads
were no longer vacant with just several cars like when she left home.

Obviously, there would be a traffic jam. Thinking of this, she soothed her brows as
she asked, “then how long will it take along this route to go to Mingyu Park?”

“Not too long- it should take roughly about forty minutes or so.” The driver
responded. Coincidentally, in front of them was a red light so as she stopped the
car, she turned back to enquire, “how about it, which route do you want to choose,
Miss?”

Forty minutes, Su Jin thought for a while. The initial route from the Red Dragonfly
home only needed twenty minutes. However, if there was a jam, then most likely
the duration of the trip would take more than an hour journey back home…

“Shifu, then let’s go down this route.” She smiled as she replied.

“Okay.” The driver nodded and continued to drive the car along the road.
The traffic converged into one path and the direction of the traffic flow was also
heading towards Mingyu Park. Seeing this, Su Jin then assuaged her worries and
lowered her head to play with the dangling keychain on her phone.

Over thirty minutes later, the distance between the taxi and Mingyu Garden was
getting closer. Leaning against the backseat, she slightly soothed her temples. She
was feeling a little dizzy and somewhat sleepy. Her eyelids gradually grew heavy.

Was this because she did not have a good sleep last night? Lightly sighing, she
decided to resist for a while longer since she would arrive home soon.

Only, in the next moment, she slipped into a world of darkness.

The taxi sped past the entrance of Mingyu Park and vanished past the bend.

The nineteenth villa of Mingyu Park.

As Han Meng came down the steps, she made a turn and entered the dining room.
To her surprise, she only saw Lin Xiyue alone sitting by the table.

“Xiyue, get Xiao Jin down for breakfast.” Glancing up at the clock on the wall, she
harped on with a furrow of her brows, “it’s already past nine, even sleeping in has
its limits. She can’t miss her breakfast.”

With a blink of her eyes, Lin Xiyue put down the spoon in her hand and proceeded
upstairs.

Truth be told, she too felt it was strange. Whenever Su Jin slept in, she would
usually be down by now.

Her footsteps swiftly climbed up to the second floor. As she stood before Su Jin’s
room door, she rapped on it and yelled, “Jie, Mom is asking you to come and have
breakfast!”

On the other side of the door, there was silence. Lin Xiyue frowned, it couldn’t be…
Was she sleeping this soundly? She rapped on the door smartly, “Jie! Jiejie!”
After a short while, there was still no sound from inside.

Lin Xiyue thought for a while and then pushed open the bedroom door. The large
bed was neatly made up.

Not in? Xiyue was surprised, had she left already?

“Mom, Jiejie isn’t in her bedroom.” She walked back to the dining room and spoke
directly to Han Meng who was sitting at the table.

“Not in?” Han Meng was similarly astonished that her daughter had left home so
early.

Pondering for a moment, she then raised her voice and called out, “Aunt Xu! Did
you see Xiao Jin?”

Aunt Xu answered as she walked in from the living room with a cloth in her hand,
“Eldest young miss left this morning with young master.”

“With Xiao Yue?” Han Meng felt that this was even more puzzling. With a wave of
her hand, she gestured to Aunt Xu to resume what she was doing and took out her
phone to call Su Jin.

Du—- Du—-

“Hello, the number you have called is temporarily unavailable to accept your call,
please try again later…”

With a crinkle of her brows, Han Meng cut the call off. Thinking thoughtfully, she
then made a call to Su Yue.

To her surprise, it was answered instantly.

“Mom, please wait for a bit.” Su Yue seemed to be busy on his end. From the line,
she could hear some sounds of clamor behind him. However, it soon settled down
into silence.
“Mom, what’s wrong?” Standing outside the conference room door, Su Yue
questioned. Han Meng rarely called him during work hours, could something have
happened?

“Xiao Yue, do you know where did Xiao Jin went? I gave her a call but she did not
pick up.”

“Earlier this morning, Xiao Jin told me she was meeting a friend. However, once she
reached Tianfeng shopping centre, she got out of the car and entered the Red
Dragonfly cafe. To not answer her phone…” His eyebrows creased but then, Su Yue
continued, “How about this Mom, don’t worry, I’ll give a call to the cafe and make
an enquiry. Once I get a reply, I’ll inform you.”

“Alright, once you get a response, you definitely have to tell me!” Han Meng
exclaimed and then, cut the call.

The contact details of a cafe were not exactly a secret. Therefore, his secretary
briskly relayed him the number.

After contacting the cafe, Su Yue then called Su Jin on her phone twice. However,
there was still no response.

With this, Su Yue’s complexion darkened completely.

Based on his findings, the cafe had confirmed a sighting of Su Jin. She had been
seated with a woman with cropped hair who had left shortly after sitting together
for a while. As for when this took place, it was already more than an hour ago.

From the Red Dragonfly Cafe to Mingyu Park, it was only a 20-minute car ride. Even
if there was a congestion and she had to take an alternative route, it would have
only taken about forty minutes. Now, over an hour had passed. Although Xiao Jin
was spoiled, it did not mean she was insensible. If she had some matters to attend
to, she would have given a call home. To lose all contact with her all of a sudden,
could something have happened to her?
He was not overthinking matters. Being born to the Su family, they may have had a
life of luxury but they would also inevitably have more to shoulder than most
people.

Thinking this, he forcefully clutched his phone in his hands. Turning back to
address the people in the conference room and concluding the meeting
immediately, he then walked towards the lift with a heavy look on his face. He
pressed the button for the top floor.

In the lift, Su Yue made a call to Han Meng.

“Xiao Yue, how was it? Is there any news from Xiao Jin?” Accepting the call, Han
Meng briskly questioned.

“Mom, I’ve made a call to the cafe. Xiao Jin was in the shop and had been drinking
coffee with her friend. However, there was something wrong with her phone so we
temporarily can’t get through to her. Don’t worry, she’s alright.” His appearance
was gloomy and dark but his voice was extremely candid and lively with a trace of
laughter.

“It’s good that nothing’s wrong. You do your stuff then, Mom won’t bother you any
longer.” Hearing the news, Han Meng was relieved.

Ending the call, Su Yue then continued to dial Su Jin’s number. Unfortunately, it
remained unconnected.

When the elevator reached the peak, Su Yue walked out and immediately pushed
open the door to the chairman’s office.

“Who’s that at the door? To not even…” Drinking tea while he sat by his desk as he
heard the door opening, Su Chenghai raised his head from the pile of documents
and coldly rebuked. But when he saw the person at the door, “Xiao Yue?” He was
surprised. His eldest son was always inscrutable and had a great measure of
propriety. He was extremely satisfied with his successor, however, to see him
boldly barging in with such a gloomy expression today was a rare sight.
Before he could ask his son what the matter was, he was so alarmed by his son’s
next sentence that he immediately stood up.

“Dad, something terrible might have happened to Xiao Jin?”

Something terrible had befallen on Xiao Jin?

His fist clenched and Su Chenghai composed himself and spoke deeply, “Xiao Yue,
don’t rush. Calm down, what’s the matter?”

Taking a deep breath to calm his emotions, Su Yue retold the events of what he
knew from the beginning once more and finally continued, “I have already hidden
this from Mom. After all, we aren’t sure that Xiao Jin is really in some trouble right
now. Also, Mom’s heart is still weak, thus let’s not have her worry too.”

“Right.” Su Chenghai nodded appreciatively, “we cannot let your mom know about
this matter. We still cannot get a line to Xiao Jin’s phone?”

“It doesn’t connect.” Su Yue shook his head. While he was relaying this to his
father, he had been constantly calling his little sister’s number. But, there was still
no reply.

“Dad, could it be a kidnapping?” Su Yue deduced with a crease on his brows.

“It’s hard to say.” Su Chenghai frowned, “the business world is like a battlefield.
Lately, although our Su family has offended numerous people, we do not have
sworn enemies. If it was a business competitor, they would not go to such an end
to deal with matters. In the case of a kidnapping,” he forcefully grasped the edge of
the table that had been made from stone. His fingertips had turned slightly white,
“if they (the kidnappers) were seeking a ransom, that would still be alright. I’m
afraid…”

He had not completed his sentence but Su Yue’s face had already followed suit and
turned even paler.
If it truly was a kidnapping, then if the other party was demanding a ransom, there
would definitely be a call to them. At that time, any conditions were negotiable.
However, if they were not interested in the money? Xiao Jin, she…

Taking a deep breath, Su Chenghai sat down, unlocked his phone and made a call.

“Chief Zhou, good morning…”

As the call ended, Su Chenghai looked towards his son whose face had become
wan. As he sighed, he advised, “Xiao Yue, sit down first. I’ve already made a request
to the Chief of Police, Chief Zhou to begin investigating. Perhaps, it might not be as
bad as we think it is.”

Shutting his eyes, Su Yue wordlessly sat down.

The person that Su Chenghai had just sought help from was Shenhai city’s chief of
police, Zhou Kangle. Although there were fixed regulations in the police
department, such as the requirement that a person be missing for a day before
filing a case for investigation, as one of the most prestigious families of Shenhai,
the Su family had some special privileges.

The time spent waiting seemed endless. It had only been just past ten minutes but
for the two men who were seated silently, it felt like they had been through an
endless wait of a century.

The ringtone from his cell phone broke through the silence.

Su Chenghai accepted the call, but his countenance became increasingly gloomy
as he took in what was said on the other end.

Su Yue looked at Su Chenghai who had ended the call. Although his heart
immediately fell into a deep abyss, he did not give up hope and promptly stood up.
He continued to stare closely at his father.

“Chief Zhou said that they had requested the surveillance video recording. Xiao Jin
had a cup of coffee with Ming Xuan. Afterward, Ming Xuan left first and Xiao Jin left
the cafe at about 8.10am. She then got onto a taxi and this taxi drove down a
different route to reach Mingyu Park. However, it did not pull over and made a turn
onto Ninghai Street. Afterward, it entered a blind spot and…” Biting his lip, Su
Chenghai continued, “this taxi was then abandoned and the driver and Xiao Jin…”

His eyes drew shut as he lowly spoke, “vanished without a trace.”

Staggering back, Su Yue fell into the chair and slammed a fist onto the surface of
the marble office table.

“Xiao Yue…” His lips drew open and Su Chenhai wanted to say something.
However, in the end, he did not know what he could say.

On Zhou Kangle’s end, he had already begun filing for an investigation, still, this
could not give them any consolation.

When their loved one was kidnapped and the kidnapper’s intentions were
unknown, as the brother and father of the victim- they could only wait anxiously.

To wait for an outcome from the police department, or even… to wait for a call
from the kidnapper.

This kind of waiting was a helpless and torturous time.

Then, the phone on the table suddenly rang.

Su Yue swiftly raised his head to look at his own phone, a name appeared on it.

His expression darkened as he immediately received and connected it to handsfree

mode.

“Big brother Su, is Xiao Jin with you? Why do my calls to her not get through?”

From the phone, Lu Xi’s voice could be heard.

“Lu Xi.” Su Yue took a deep breath and spoke lowly, “Xiao Jin, she…”
“Was kidnapped.”

Thud!

From the phone, the sound of something heavy fell to the floor.
Chapter 17

Kidnapped?

Lu Xi swiftly stood up and the notebook on his lap fell to the floor. It fell onto the
marble floor with a heavy thud.

The screen filled with text flickered twice before it went black. However, Lu Xi no
longer cared about this and urgently asked, “Where is Jin’er now? How on earth did
this happen? What does the person want?”

A series of questions overflowed without any pauses.

Su Yue sighed and rubbed his forehead as he spoke in a hoarse voice, “we’ve only
just found out that Xiao Jin was kidnapped. We’re unclear of her general situation
at the moment; the bureau has already begun investigations… The kidnapper…”
He raised his head as his eyes closed, “the kidnapper has yet to come forward with
news.”

The kidnapper has not shared any news? Lu Xi frowned, “at what time did Jin’er go
missing?”

“8.10am.” Su Yue replied, “at 8.10am, she came out of the Red Dragonfly and
entered a taxi. The taxi then passed Mingyu Park and drove towards a blindspot
area at Ninghai Street. After that, both the driver and Xiao Jin went missing.”

8.10am…

Lowering his head, Lu Xi gazed heavily at his wristwatch.

Half past ten.

Two hours and twenty minutes had passed and yet there was no sign or news from
the kidnapper. If they were seeking money as ransom, this would have been
negotiable but if they were seeking her life? Chief Zhou… The police? To put their
hopes upon them?

Moreover, for Jin’er…

He forcefully clenched his mobile in his hands but those thin lips suddenly revealed
a slight smile. His pair of peach blossom eyes were glazed over with icy-cool
thoughts and his gaze was frosty and clear.

“I understand.”

Suddenly calmed, his voice spoke this phrase and then he hung up.

Duu… Du…

From the phone, the sounds of the line being cut off could be heard. Flabbergasted,
Su Yue stared at the screen of his phone and was shocked for a moment before he
raised his head and asked, “Dad, what does this mean?”

With a hesitant frown on his brows, Su Chenghai shook his head. Although he was
not home most of the time, after getting to know him, he could tell that Lu Xi
greatly cared about Xiao Jin, his fiancee. However, this… phrase, “I understand”?

“Perhaps…” Cautiously, he spoke, “the Lu family has other means (of seeking
information)?”

Other means?

At first, Su Yue was surprised then, he shook his head. Although the Lu family was
an aristocratic family with hundreds of years of history and the Sheng Ming
Corporation could also be considered as formidable, however, in the end, a strong
dragon cannot repress a snake. Therefore, a local hoodlum is above the law. Even if
the Lu family utilised their formidable connections, it was just adding on another
layer of pressure on the authorities. In the end, it would still fall on Zhou Kangle’s
shoulders. Even if… Even if they could make a request for an elite officer from the
provincial administration office, this too would take some time.
As for time, for Su Jin right now, that time to find her would be her lifeline.

Having to wait with no news at all was torturous and as the length of time grew
longer, so did the despair. If it was for fortune, the Su family would do their utmost
to have her returned to them. However…

If he could have thought of this, how could Su Chenghai not have done so? As he
glanced up at his father who sat before his desk, Su Yue noticed that the man, who
was always immovably dignified like the very mountains, actually had eyes that
were full of tears.

“Perhaps… If he really has other ways…”

As he heard the low mutters that came from his father’s lips, Su Yue lowered his
head slightly as his eyes too shone with a trace of hope.

As despair approached, even if they knew that it was only a straw of hope, that too
could make one delude themselves into denying the stark reality.

……

Where… Where was this place?

When Su Jin recovered consciousness, she felt that her head was still a little heavy.
Shutting her eyes tightly to suppress her throbbing forehead, when she finally felt a
little better, she then slowly opened them.

Although her body was a little shaky, this did not affect her vision.

Only… She closed her eyes tightly and opened them again. Repeating this a few
times, she bit her lip forcefully.

Her surroundings… were completely pitch black.

“Is there anyone here?” She lowly called out and from her surroundings, a clear
echo could be heard.
This place was probably not large.

As she heard the sound, Su Jin deduced this.

Only the whole area was too dark. As much as she tried, she could only faintly see
her fingers before her. Around her, she could sense a slight cooling sensation. As
she stretched out behind her in a search, she felt that what she had touched was
likely some sort of metal that was cool to touch. It had uneven and large veined
patterns on its surface.

Could it be that this was simply a steel warehouse?

With no light coming in… It was likely that the windows were all blocked or
perhaps… There might not even be any windows?

As she pondered about this, she lightly frowned. As she leaned against the wall
behind her, she found a direction to slowly crawl towards. After going about
roughly two to three metres, she felt that she had reached a corner of the wall.

Su Jin slowly slid down the wall and sat. As she hugged her knees in a cradle, she
leaned against the corner and tried to think back to what had happened before
this.

With her current situation, she was definitely kidnapped. As for the kidnapper, it
was the lady driver who drove that taxi. Or rather, it was likely that the woman was
merely one of the kidnappers. With the excuse of making a detour… One reason
was probably to assuage her suspicions and to let her put her guard down, another
could be that there was something in the car to cause her to become
unconsciousness. However, it needed more than twenty minutes for it to come into
effect.

Who could the mastermind behind this be?

A competitor of the Su family? Zhao Wenhua? Han Xuelan?

If it was Zhao Wenhua, then what use would there be to kidnap her? To use forceful
means with her and compel her to submit? The heir of the Zhao family couldn’t
possibly be this foolish right? The Su family was several times more formidable
than the Zhao family, and when this matter was revealed, he would then have no
chance of freeing himself from this crime.

As for Han Xuelan, in the novel, she was just a dispensable supporting character.
Even if she was jealous, she was still a twenty-year-old girl, thus where would she
have the guts to devise such a plan? Moreover, even if this situation really had
something to do with her, then what could she do? Find someone to destroy her
innocence? Yet, she was evidently alone in here.

Then what remained was a business competitor of the Su family?

However, her clothes were still intact and other than her fainting and feeling a little
weak, she felt no other discomfort on her body. No matter who was the
mastermind, if they had not done anything to her when she was unconscious, then
that meant she was still safe now. As for everything else, she would have to wait for
the negotiations between the mastermind and her family.

With regards to her brother and father’s attitude… She had never suspected their
love and concern for her. In the original work, even after she had devised a plan to
have Lin Xiyue kidnapped, she was only sent overseas and her standards of living
remained unchanged without a need to care for her daily necessities. This was due
to her pure disposition and also, their twenty years of familial relations with her.

While Su Jin was slightly more assuaged about her worries, the atmosphere in the
chairman’s office on the top floor of the Su clan’s building grew more and more
depressing.

The two people had their two pairs of eyes firmly glued onto the two phones neatly
placed on the table. It seemed that even a light breeze could agitate them.

Unfortunately, there was no news from the bureau.

The kidnapper… had not contacted them either.

Suddenly, Su Yue’s phone rang. The two men were at first shocked but soon
reacted.

The person who called was Han Meng.

With a wave of his hand, Su Chenghai gestured to his son to pick up the call.

“Mom,” Su Yue pressed the button for the handsfree mode and composed himself
before replying, “is something the matter?”

“Nothing’s wrong, only Xiao Jin’s phone still isn’t connecting. It’s almost afternoon,
could you call the cafe to ask if she is returning home for lunch?”

“Lunch…” As his thoughts swirled, Su Yue answered, “that’s right, Mom. Xiao Jin
told me that her friend had recently ended her relationship so she was going to
stay with her friend for a while. She might not even return this evening, but don’t
worry though. She will give you a call once her phone is repaired.”

“Xiao Jin said this?” Han Meng was a little suspicious, “why didn’t you tell me this
earlier?”

“I must have forgotten it with so many things to do right now.” Su Yue chuckled in
reply.

“Is that so?” Han Meng was still rather suspicious but with Su Yue’s reassurance
and promises, she finally believed him and ended the call.

As he heard the sound of the phone call being hung up, Su Yue then heaved a sigh
in relief.

“Let it go.”

Su Chenghai’s voice resounded in his ears, Su Yue was startled and followed his
father’s gaze. Surprised, he saw that his right hand had unconsciously gripped the
paperweight on the table. As he loosened his grip, long and sharp protrusions that
were digging into his palm left a deep red imprint.
He quietly sighed yet was unaware that Su Chenghai had long hidden his own
clenched fist below the desk. His neatly cut, smooth and round nails had slowly
pressed into his palm.

……

At an unknown location.

As she huddled in the corner in her cradle position, Su Jin suddenly felt a chill all
over. Furrowing her eyebrows, her body seemed to have layer upon layer of
perspiration. In the darkness where she could not even see her outstretched
fingers, little by little, panic bubbled up in her heart and she felt a mild shortness of
breath.

In her mind, a series of images flashed by.

The smiling faces of the children in the orphanage where everyone would play duck
duck goose and hide and seek together. Also, there was an image of an empty
house which was similarly steeped in darkness. Lastly, it ended with Aunt Fu’s kind
smile and warm embrace.

Su Jin pressed onto her temples to curb her splitting headache and firmly shut her
eyes.

She had always thought that she was indifferent by nature. She had always thought
that even if she was an orphan, her life had been smooth sailing and she had never
suffered any grievances. She had always thought that the reason why Aunt Fu held
so much importance in her heart was that she had brought her up.

However, who knew? Even with her indifferent nature, Aunt Fu had always treated
her well just like the other children in the orphanage, so why was she the only
important person in her heart?

As it turned out…
She had been abandoned when she was young and Aunt Fu had single-handedly
brought her up, treating her like her own flesh and blood. Naturally, how she
treated her would differ to some extent. As for the children who had already been
staying in the orphanage for a long time, these sentiments were extremely clear to
them.

At seven years old, a group of children who were of similar ages took the chance to
lock her in a dark booth when they were playing hide and seek. These children
understood what discontentment was, however, they were not at a mature age yet.
Therefore, when they did some mischief, it was done heedlessly without fear.

As dinner time approached, Aunt Fu then realised that she was missing and spent a
long time searching for her before finally finding her in the booth. She had shrunk
herself into the corner and was on the brink of fainting.

Once she recovered from her serious illness, she had completely forgotten this
stretch of memories and slowly, all of her memories before she was seven begun to
fade away.

However, even if she had forgotten, she naturally felt a sense of reliance and
intimacy to the person who had saved her from the darkness. Therefore, even if
Aunt Fu had treated her equally in front of everyone, she had still gradually placed
this person who had accompanied her for most of her life as her most important
person.

If it was not for this present situation, she would not have recovered these
memories.

Su Jin smiled bitterly yet, she was not sure what to do. Although she obviously
knew that the fear was irrational, these feelings still emanated from her heart. Her
shaky body had steadily become inflexible and as she perspired profusely,
breathing seemed to become difficult.

She did not know how much time had passed.

In the darkness, there was a sudden loud sound.

Su Jin was shocked. At hearing this, she slowly yet stiffly raised her head.

Apparently, she had sat with her side facing a door. At this moment, the large doors
seemed to have been kicked open.

The ever-present sun shone and lit up the space in the not-too-large steel
warehouse. It was a little piercing for her eyes.

But Su Jin did not want to close her eyes.

Those beautiful phoenix eyes remained open and unflinchingly stared at the door,
revealing a slight trace of pain.

The person at the door had a slightly ruffled dress shirt. With a glow that seemed to
come from the centre of the doorway, he slowly walked from the door until he
stopped a step before her.

Su Jin blankly stared at the man who knelt on one knee before her. His features
were distinctly handsome. With a slight curve of his lips and merriment in the
depth of his peach blossom eyes, it was comparably brighter than the sunlight that
shone from behind him.

Afterward, he slowly reached out with his two arms wide open.

With a light smile, he spoke.

“Hug.”
Chapter 18

Hug…

Initially, Su Jin had already composed herself. Yet when she heard this word, she
was startled and suddenly let out a burst of laughter.

With this sort of tone, as if he was coaxing a child, what was he trying to do?

Sitting in the corner all curled up as she hugged her knees, the white chiffon gown
that the girl was wearing had been completely covered with dirt. Though with a
slightly ashen face and strands of loosened hair that was damp with sweat on her
forehead and plastered to her cheeks, her pair of eyes still remained bright.
Although those beautiful phoenix eyes were still lucid, teardrops had swelled up in
them as if they were going to overflow. Her red lips were a little dry and rough but
they curled up and showed a bright smile.

“Come here.” Lu Xi looked at her smile but he hid his own smile that had crept to
the surface and spoke with a heavy voice.

Seeing the man before her suddenly becoming domineering, Su Jin quelled her
smile too and childishly pouted before she brashly threw herself forward.

As the slightly chilly body entered his embrace, Lu Xi composed himself and
steadily held onto her as he reached out to circle his arms around her soft and slim
waist.

Originally, she had only thought of hugging him for a while before retreating so Su
Jin was startled. The man’s arms around her waist hugged her rather tightly and it
seemed like they were slightly… trembling.

Gradually with a sigh of relief that brushed past her ears, her neck grew warm and
there seemed to be something like a water droplet that had fallen upon it.
“Lu Xi…” She spoke with slight hesitance.

Could it be perspiration or could it be… tears.

“Really want to have you merged into me.” He abruptly said with a raspy voice and
a tone filled with rage.

Like this, he wouldn’t lose her again.

On his way to find her, he forced himself to calm down as he drove. He could not let
anything happen to him before he found her and once he found her, he would
make himself smile in fear of scaring her.

However, at present, she was in his embrace.

After all of his suppressed thoughts were released, all of that panic that he had
burst forth. How was he supposed to resist?

For so many years, he had those feelings that had been restrained in his heart
without having the courage to touch his most important person…

“I’m so glad.”

With a slight curl of his lips, his voice had lowered close to a whisper.

I’m so glad that you are safe in my arms.

Due to his childishly domineering tone, Su Jin initially had a slight smile on her
face. However, she abruptly froze and the tears that had long been withheld finally
fell.

She was so glad.

There was a person who cared about her this much.

As the tears slowly soaked Lu Xi’s shoulders, he raised his head slightly to stroke
the tresses of the young girl before him.

After a short while, he lightly commented with irrepressible laughter in his voice. “If
you continue to cry, then your eyes will swell.”

Su Jin then retreated away from his embrace but stood with his support. Arching
an eyebrow slightly with red-rimmed eyes, that pair of eyes were as lucid as the
bright and clear sky after a downpour of rain.

Then, with a sudden curl of her lips, she smiled, “so sorry, Mr Lu. I have made your
dress shirt wet.”

Her tone was extremely playful.

Looking at the dress shirt on him, instantaneously, Lu Xi put upon a face filled with
dismay, “Tsk. This dress shirt of mine is very expensive, however…” His intonation
changed with an arch of his eyebrow, “I believe that with Jin’er’s principles, you
wouldn’t renege on this debt right. Oh, speaking of which, when I heard of your
kidnapping, I also broke my notebook. I am sure that Jin’er will make it up to me
for that too.”

With her jaw dropping, Su Jin blinked. Startled, she stared at this man with a
straight face before her. Any feelings of affection and gratitude she had for him was
instantly thrown to the sharks. It was fine with the dress shirt, now even his
notebook could be considered as part of her debt?

“Yep…” Seeing her flabbergasted expression, Lu Xi pondered for a bit and added,
“it seems that the notebook was of my own doing, I dropped it by accident.”

Su Jin: I’m glad you know that.

“Alright, this will not be included.” Lu Xi nodded and continued, “but you have to
compensate me for my dress shirt. In addition to that, firstly, I won’t accept
anything bought online and secondly, it has to be of my liking.”
At this, Su Jin understood and could not resist a tilted glance at this man who was
a head taller than her. He did not want anything bought online and wanted
something that he liked, so this man’s motive was actually to just accompany her
while she went shopping?

“Alright.” Once she understood this, Su Jin accepted candidly with a nod. Since a
certain someone wanted to be her purse and gofer this badly, then she would give
him a chance to do so.

“How did you know I was kidnapped?” As Su Jin’s mood gradually settled down, a
bunch of suspicions burst forth and pressed on, “do Mom and Dad know? What
about Gege? Who is the kidnapper? How did you manage to find me…”

“Jin’er.” Hearing her mention her father and brother, Lu Xi then thought of his
future in-laws who were waiting at their office. He abruptly cut off her series of
question and unlocked his phone to pass it to her. “It was your brother who told
me. I am also unsure of the situation with your father and mother, why don’t you
give your brother a call to assuage his worries first.”

The call was swiftly answered.

Su Yue’s impatient voice could be heard through the phone, “Lu Xi, what’s wrong?
Do you have any leads? Or did the kidnapper contact you?”

His usual warm and gentle voice had become rather raspy and his talking pace was
hurried.

Su Jin’s heart grew warm and she yelled, “Gege.”

There was a silence at the opposite end for a few seconds and then the voice that
instantly replied was in a higher octave.

“Xiao Jin!”

“Xiao Jin!”
Two voices?

Su Jin was startled but swiftly recovered and called out, “Dad!”

In the office, the men’s eyes met and they were anxious at the very next moment.

Pressing onto his son’s palm, Su Chenghai took a deep breath before he spoke,
“Xiao Jin, this is Dad. Are you alright? Where are you now?”

“Dad, I’m alright, I was only locked in a small house and nothing else happened. As
for where I am…” She shook her head, “I’m not so sure either, it was Lu Xi who
found me.”

“Lu Xi?” Su Chenghai was surprised and then recalled the phone number that was
used to dial back. He lightly nodded, “it’s good that you’re alright, pass the phone
to Lu Xi.”

Hearing this, Su Jin obediently gave a sound of assent and passed the phone to Lu
Xi and spoke with a low voice, “my dad is looking for you.”

Lu Xi was surprised, my dad? Oh, father-in-law.

“Hello, Uncle Su.” Once he received the phone, he greeted his father-in-law.

“Lu Xi, how did you manage to find Xiao Jin? Where are you now?” Su Chenghai
frowned and his eyes were cold, “who is the mastermind behind this?”

“Uncle Su, we’ll talk about this when we get back, I’ll let you have a look at the
evidence.” Lu Xi answered.”

“Alright.” Su Chenghai nodded and was about to end the call but he had suddenly
thought of his wife at home and continued, “that’s right, Lu Xi. We’ll go over to your
place. Xiao Jin’s mother is still unaware about this matter and since Xiao Jin is
alright, we don’t want to scare her.”

“Oh.” Lu Xi was bewildered for a bit before he responded, “okay.”

“What did my dad speak to you about?” Seeing that Lu Xi was keeping his phone,
Su Jin queried.

“Said to go to my home to talk,” Lu Xi responded, “Uncle said that your mother still
does not know about this.”

“Mm,” Su Jin nodded.

Mom’s heart condition was weak so it was best to not scare her.

In the chairman office of the Su clan.

Su Chenghai heaved a sigh of relief, stood and stated, “Xiao Yue, let’s go, we’re
going to Lu Xi’s home. Let’s see which audacious person would dare to kidnap my,
Su Chenghai’s, daughter!”

“Dad…” Su Yue followed and stood up with a slightly suspicious expression on his
face.

“What is it?” Noticing the strange expression on his son’s face, Su Chenghai asked
in puzzlement.

“I…” Su Yue glanced down at his phone and finally spoke up, “did you see the
time?”

“Time?” Su Chenghai was startled and looked at the clock upon the wall.

Half past twelve.

“The first time Lu Xi called,” Su Yue frowned, “it was 10.30am.”

Two hours…

Su Chenghai was astounded and rapidly comprehended what his son meant.
Ever since Lu Xi knew that Xiao Jin was kidnapped until he made the call, it had
only been two hours. If they excluded the time on the road and the time needed to
find and comfort Xiao Jin, then how much time had he used to find the place that
Xiao Jin was locked up in?

The minutes that passed seemed like years and with that waiting time just now, he
actually had not paid heed to this.

However…

“It can’t be.” Su Chenghai still had some misgivings but shook his head and
continued, “Lu Xi has no ill intentions towards Xiao Jin, I can clearly perceive his
feelings.”

“Who said that he had ill intentions towards Xiao Jin?” Su Yue furrowed his
eyebrows, “haven’t you heard of-”

“-saving a damsel in distress?”

He did not blame his son for being suspicious because, in truth, this matter was too
strange.

Saving a damsel in distress?

Su Chenghai was flabbergasted.

Meanwhile, Lu Xi was entirely unaware that his strange speed had aroused some
suspicions against him, and was currently driving a black Porsche to bring the girl
home. On their way home, they passed by a clothing brand’s flagship store when
he abruptly stopped.

Confused, Su Jin stared at Lu Xi getting out of the car to walk into the shop. After
three minutes had passed, he walked out with a brown paper bag in his hand.

“What is this?” Holding onto the bag that Lu Xi placed onto her lap, Su Jin asked
with a tilted head.
The eyelashes on the young girl were fine and long. With a slant glance at her, that
initial bright and vivid beauty had toned down a little. Contrarily, she was
brimming with adorableness.

Urging down the throbbing of his heart, he stated, “for you.”

“Me?” Su Jin was surprised.

“So that you can have a shower at my place and a change of clothes. It would avoid
you getting found out by your mother.” Lu Xi responded.

Listening to this, Su Jin glanced down at her white dress that had been stained
with so much dirt, it had become a light grey hue. Naturally, she nodded in
acknowledgement.

However… to shower and change her clothes at his place?

Blankly staring at the paper bag in her arms, her cheeks suddenly flushed red.

Entering Lu Xi’s villa, Su Jin took a measure of her surroundings. This villa was the
exact copy of how her home’s villa used to look. They were both renovated in
perfectly standardised manner. However, once everyone moved in, most people
would re-renovate to their own preferences. As for her home, it had a more refined
and comforting style.

Thinking of this, she questioned, “you did not renovate your home?”

Lu Xi did not answer her question and simply brought her to the master bedroom
upstairs. He gestured for her to have a shower.

Su Jin was startled.

“The master bedroom?” She blinked, “shouldn’t it be the guest bedroom?”

“The guest bedroom?” Lu Xi arched an eyebrow, “this villa only has me staying in it.
There are shampoo and shower gel only in the master bedroom.” As he said this, a
smile curled upon his lips, “don’t worry, I have a shower in here. Go on, I’ll go get
you a pair of disposable slippers and a new towel.”

A shower? That was a little better. Su Jin was slightly more assured and received
the things that Lu Xi passed to her and entered the bathroom.

As for him, he just changed into a new set of clothes, went downstairs to brew a
cup of tea and had just placed it on the table when the doorbell rang.

Opening the door, he saw the two men outside and greeted, “Uncle Su, Big Brother
Su, please come in.”

After they glanced at each other, Su Chenghai and Su Yue entered the living room.

“Where’s Xiao Jin?” Looking around once without seeing his sister, Su Yue asked.

“She’s upstairs showering.” Lu Xi replied as he placed his teacup aside.

Shower?

Su Chenghai and Su Yue were both startled and then their expressions darkened.
Chapter 19

What is the next phrase after a hero saves a beauty in distress? To pledge oneself to
marry their beloved?

Not too long ago, his daughter/little sister had previously mentioned that she did
not understand this person. Yet, now she could put down her guard to shower in
his home with nary a worry?

Still, when all was said and done, his family’s young lady had already entered the
bathroom. Since this was the case, while she was still occupied, they could clear up
matters first. It would not be good to cause a misunderstanding with the two of
them just because of their habitual paranoia.

As they glanced at each other, Su Chenghai and Su Yue immediately understood

what the other was thinking as they sat down on the long sofa.

Standing by the table, Lu Xi poured tea for the two men. As that upright body bent
slightly, they noticed the sleeves on his white dress shirt were properly folded to
his elbows. The black crystal buttons were buttoned up to the second to last one at
his sternum. With the shirt collar opened, a view of his alabaster skin was revealed.
As the flawlessly white, slender hands held onto the clay teapot and the light green
colour of the steeped tea entered the cup, the combination with the white
gossamer-thin porcelain reflected a hazy lustre and shine(1).
(1)
zǐ shā hú (紫砂壶) – This refers to Yixing clay teapots or also called Purple Sand teapots. They are made from clay that is mined from the region near the city of Yixing. These wares have a
variety of designs and types of clay to make them resulting in a variety of colours that are produced from the minerals in the clay. They are prized for creating a more complex flavour to the teas and the
value of a pot can vary from a few dollars to a few million.

“Uncle Su, Brother Su,” Lu Xi sat at the opposite end of the sofa and gestured
towards the cups, “please have a taste of the tea I brewed.”

The man that sat before them had a slight curl to his thin lips and yet, his peach
blossom eyes remained tranquil and calm. Although he had the appearance of an
idle descendant from an influential family, he could still be regarded as a modest
gentleman that was as gentle as jade.
Su Chenghai and Su Yue looked him over once more. Their young girl did not
mention hating him and was at ease enough to shower at his home, thus, she must
have some affection for him. So, the probability of the two of them becoming a
couple was high. Since there was already preparations for them to become a
family, they should just clearly air out all of their suspicions and prevent causing an
estrangement between them.

Deciding upon this, Su Yue spoke up first.

“Lu Xi, since we are likely becoming a family in the future, then there are some
things that I have to ask you clearly.”

Although he had said this, they had only some baseless conjectures and no
evidence. With these kinds of statements, it was not too appropriate for one’s elder
such as Su Chenghai to touch upon this topic and could only have a similarly-aged
peer, such as Su Yue, make inquiries.

As he placed the teacup in his hand down, Lu Xi sat upright with puzzlement on his
face.

“From your first call to me until the second time you called and found Xiao Jin, you
took only two hours…”

There was no need to say more, how could Lu Xi not understand what was implied
in that sentence?

“Therefore, you have some suspicions that I was the mastermind?” Despite his
heartfelt surprise, he expressed his immediate understanding of the situation with
a slight arch of his eyebrow. It was true, with his strangely fast speed, it would
cause one to suspect him. If it wasn’t…

“Was it you?” As Su Yue’s inky eyes stared directly at his peach blossom eyes, he
asked with a heavy tone.

“Hiring someone to kidnap Jin’er, then, becoming a hero to save a beauty in

distress to deceivingly steal her heart? Fu-” Without answering his question, Lu Xi
simply chuckled.
Su Chenghai and Su Yue furrowed their eyebrows.

Without heeding their expressions, Lu Xi restrained himself and continued.

“When I found Jin’er, she was locked up in a steel room in the outskirts of the city.
The area was not bigger than 10 square meters (3.86 square yards) and the
surroundings are full of abandoned factories. The room had no windows and no
light source, even the cracks in the door were sealed up. She had sat in a corner,
hugging her knees as her side was facing the door. Her white dress was stained
grey with dust and due to perspiration, the loose locks by her temples had
bunched together around her face. When she raised her head to look at me as I
walked in, her eyes were filled with fear and panic on her ashen face.

His voice had gradually lowered as he said this. However, Su Chenghai and Su Yue’s
expression had completely darkened and there was a trace of eerie coldness
emanating from their eyes.

She was the girl that was the apple of their eyes, their beloved and nurtured flower
for twenty-two years! For her to have suffered so much in a place they did not
know… …

“At that time, there was only one thought in my mind.” Lu Xi’s head lowered, “to
find every person that had a part in this incident.”

“To cut. And shred them. Into ten. Thousand pieces.”

His tone was gentle and deep and they could not see the expression on his face
with his head lowered. However, they could feel the thick and vicious intentions
that emanated all over his body.

With a cold shiver, Su Chenghai and Su Yue suddenly had a strange and similar
thought.

If… the mastermind who had kidnapped Xiao Jin appeared here right now, then Lu
Xi might really shred that person into a thousand pieces.
However, as they recovered their thoughts, they shook their heads. What were they
thinking? This was a society with legal systems and institutions, it was not as if this
was the barbarous Jianghu where lives were as insignificant as a drop in the ocean.
How could he possibly… shred them into a thousand pieces.

After a long while of silence, Su Yue suddenly spoke, “sorry.”

Slightly startled, Lu Xi recomposed himself and shot his future brother-in-law a

light smile as he nodded.

“Alright, since that is the case, we will talk about the mastermind behind this
incident.” Su Chenghai added, “on the phone just now, Lu Xi, didn’t you mention
showing us some of the evidence?”

“Ah, yes…”

“Dad, Ge!” All of a sudden, a voice interrupted Lu Xi and the three men raised their
head to see a girl dressed in a white dress with damp hair draped over her
shoulders as she walked down the curve on the stairs to them.

“Xiao Jin.”

“Xiao Jin.”

The two of them stood and called out to her at the same time.

“Are you alright?” Su Chenghai asked as he reached out to hug his daughter.

“I’m alright, Dad.” With a slight smile, she revealed a row of pearly white teeth and
then gave her brother a hug.

Seeing the girl before him with an appearance as if nothing untoward had
happened to her, they thought back once more to what Lu Xi had just said. The two
men actually had tears welled up in their eyes.
Seeing this, Su Jin asked in a panic, “didn’t Lu Xi just say that he would show us the
evidence? Who was the person who kidnapped me? Did they mention any
conditions to you?”

Su Chenghai shook his head and Su Jin was startled.

Su Yue then explained, “the kidnapper did not contact us at all.”

No contact? What was going on? Could it be that they had not kidnapped her for
something they wanted from Dad?

The three people then looked directly at Lu Xi.

With their attention on him, the man spread out his hands in a helpless gesture as
he spoke, “I too, do not know who the mastermind is. Earlier, once I found out
where Jin’er was, I quickly left to find her.”

“Found?” Su Yue’s eyes gleamed.

“Yep.” Lu Xi gestured for them to have a seat and took out a silver coloured
notebook computer from the coffee table.

Su Jin blinked and could not help but question, “wasn’t your notebook broken?”

“It was.” Lu Xi opened the computer up and replied without looking back at her,
“however, who said I had only one.”

Su Jin restraint her huff of indignation and then went on to complain in a polite
manner, “then why do you still have the nerve to ask me to compensate you!”

As he looked up from the computer, Lu Xi saw the appearance of the girl

complaining before him and innocently blinked, “didn’t I renege on that and
simply asked you to compensate me for my dress shirt instead? Besides…” He
sighed, “what I feel regret about isn’t my computer but the outline for my
screenplay that I had just gotten a burst of inspiration to complete!”
Screenplay?

With a flutter of her long eyelashes, Su Jin then lowered her head. Hearing this, she
really felt sorry about that screenplay.

For people like them who came from such illustrious families, breaking a laptop
was merely a bat of an eyelash. However, an outline was different.

As an amateur contemporary romance novel writer, she more than anyone else
understood the importance of inspiration; not to mention that this was for the
screenplay for his next movie.

After Lu Xi graduated from Beijing’s film school and went to the School of
Cinematic Arts, a private media school within the University of Southern California,
to further his studies, he was then chosen as a disciple of Hollywood’s world-class
director, Charles. Other than some short films he did in the past and his graduation
work, ‘Heart-pounding Excitement’ was his maiden work that was screened
worldwide. Achieving such good reviews, even if it was a success- this was also a
challenge.

For his next film: it could either raise even more fame, status and prestige for him
or could plummet his reputation down to mediocrity.

The pressure he felt, it must be immense.

Thinking about this, she raised her head and looked towards the man that sat
before the computer.

Lu Xi’s fingers flew across the keyboard then finally, tapped on the enter button. He
raised his head as he was about to speak, however, he happened to catch the
sympathy that flashed through the girl’s eyes.

Sympathy?

Lu Xi blinked sluggishly and suspected that he was seeing things. He had only
mentioned about the outline to have the girl feel a little guilt and not be so
merciless towards him. But who knew what kind of strange things this girl of his
had thought of instead?

“Lu Xi.” Seeing him dazed and that his hands had stopped their movement, Su Yue
anxiously asked, “what’s wrong?”

“Um.” Recovering his senses, Lu Xi let out a vague sound and pushed the notebook
in his hands forward.

On the computer screen was a very normal webpage, but they did not know which
website’s backend chat logs they were.

Xue Fengfei: | This is her photo and information about her. Bring her to the
abandoned factory district in the northern outskirts, the seventh row, unit 29.
Intact. Once this matter is completed, contact this number and the other half of the
money will be transferred to you. |

Fox: | Deal. |

“This…” Raising his head, Su Chenghai had a look of puzzlement on his face.

Su Jin and Su Yue too looked at Lu Xi.

“This is a certain international mercenary transaction website. This is only a small

part of a log.” Lu Xi loosened his fingers and replied without a beat.

“International mercenaries?” Su Yue could not help but reiterate, “that woman?”

“Yep,” Lu Xi nodded, “I found monitoring logs related to this incident. This

woman’s counter-investigative capabilities are very strong. She is definitely not a
normal person so by chance, I looked through some backend mission logs of the
transaction website for various big mercenary groups and dark organisations.
Finally, I found this here.”
The man’s reply was very casual, yet, the three people simply stared at him with
wide eyes.
Monitor? Without commenting on Lu Xi being unfamiliar here, or even if he was
familiar with Shenhai, with so much data transmitted from monitoring records,
surely that took time to go through right? As for going directly to the police bureau
to have a look, don’t even joke about it, two hours was still not enough for him to
drive to the city bureau either.

Also, backend mission logs of the transaction website for various big mercenary
groups and black organisations? How the hell did he get in?!

“You…” Su Jin swallowed and cleared her rather dry throat, “how did you manage
to do all this?”

“Oh.” Lu Xi finished stretching his fingers and took a few sips of tea, “it was
nothing, I just hacked into their server.”

Nothing? Only… hacked into… their server?

Was this the rumoured world-class hacker?

The trio wordlessly and unanimously agreed as they blinked.

Great, very formidable.

Su Chenghai threw the idea of contacting someone to search and find the source of
the mobile number from the chat logs away and pushed the computer back.

“Since it’s like this, then this must be a piece of cake for you to find out the identity
of this Xue Fengfei.”

His eyes were slightly narrowed as he spoke with an eerily cold tone. Who could it
be, to touch his darling daughter?

Wordlessly, Lu Xi retrieved his notebook and began tapping on the keyboard.

“IP address… Specifics…” After a long while, he continued, “Jingtian Garden, Unit
1001 of the eleventh block.
Jingtian Garden…

Su Jin frowned, it was very familiar.

“Jingtian Garden, Unit 1001 of the eleventh building.” Su Chenghai abruptly stood
and cried out, “Han family’s second son?”

The second son of the Han family? Han Lei?

Su Jin instantly understood.

Han Xuelan!
Chapter 20

“Han Xuelan,” Su Chenghai responded as he thought back to the person who

seized the chance to nitpick during the birthday soiree.

Su Jin slightly lowered her head as she bit her lip.

She and Han Xuelan had been on bad terms for a long time now. Although she had
gotten the worst of it for the most part between the two of them in the past, still it
had been only a verbal dispute between them. She had always thought that Han
Xuelan was somewhat resentful but she had never thought that this girl had hated
her to such an extent.

“So, it was actually her.” Su Yue frowned too. During the soiree, although he had
been pulled away by Ming Xuan after his opening dance with Xiyue, afterward, he
had heard from his mother about that chain of dramatic events that she had pulled
off.

“Uncle Su, since she’s already returned, let’s have the bureau drop the case and
mention to them that it was all just someone trying to play a joke on Jin’er.” Lu Xi
spoke in a heavy tone as he raised his head to look at Su Chenghai who sat back
down.

“What?” Su Yue was shocked, “to just let it go like this…”

“Xiao Yue!” Su Chenghai interrupted Su Yue and continued, “Lu Xi is right.”

“Right…” Su Yue was once more surprised and then recomposed himself. He
wasn’t foolish, it was just that he had been overly concerned about what had been
revealed and about what had happened thus far. Therefore, he had not understood
immediately.

Although they had determined the mastermind behind this incident, unfortunately,
with Lu Xi’s method, the information could not be used as evidence. Moreover, Xiao
Jin was not inflicted with any visible injury, and Han Xuelan had not contacted the
Su family for anything in exchange. Even if they had the incident investigated
further, she could not be charged with kidnapping but perhaps, they might have
been able to push for a charge for an attempted crime. However, this was all simply
useless speculation since any further action would lead to a dispute between the
two families.

Even if Han Lei was an illegitimate child, Han Xuelan was still a child of the Han
family. If this matter was aired out like dirty linen, then for the sake of pride, the
Han family would definitely pursue it to the end.

Therefore, it would be best to resolve this matter in private.

When that time came, one was his sister’s daughter and the other, his brother’s
daughter; both of them were his flesh and blood. It would not be easy for Han Xu to
express partiality towards either of them.

“Also,” Lu Xi noticed that Su Yue did not speak further, and thus continued now
that Lu Xi knew that he had understood, “the acceptance level to this website isn’t
low and with Han Xuelan’s identity, she should not have been able to access it.”

“So, there is still someone behind this?” Su Yue frowned.

“Getting someone else to do one’s dirty work…” Su Chenghai’s lips curled and with
a squint of his eyes, he turned and instructed, “Xiao Yue, when you contact the
bureau later to drop the case, I will find a time to first have a chat with Han Xu.”

Hearing this, Lu Xi’s index finger traced the rim of the porcelain teacup as his lips
slowly curled up into a smile.

“Oh.” Hearing the men determining the plan for action before her, Su Jin touched
the ends of her hair that had become dry and then touched her tummy that had
been secretly growling for a long time. She then spoke, “since everything is settled,
then I will go home first. I’m hungry…”

After their discussion, it was almost two in the afternoon. Speaking of which, from
the time she woke up in the morning until now, she had only drunk a cup of coffee.
She also had a morning filled with an extremely disturbing experience, so she had
long been famished.

“Dad, will you be returning to the office with Gege?”

“Yes, I’m going back with Xiao Yue,” Su Chenghai unconsciously responded.

“Okay, then be careful on your way back.” Su Jin stood from the sofa, “I’m leaving
then.”

“Wait!”

Shocked, Su Jin turned to look at Su Yue who sat beside Su Chenghai.

“Um… Xiao Jin,” Xiao Yue raised his head to meet his sister’s gaze as he rubbed his
nose, “While hiding this matter from Mom when you lose contact this morning, I
told her…”

“That your friend had a break up recently, so you would be with her and were
unsure if you would be home by this evening. Also, about your phone, I told her
that there was something wrong with it and that you would give her a call once it’s
repaired.”

“A break-up?” Su Jin was between tears and laughter, it was truly tough for Gege to
have thought of such a reason. Besides, she had met up with Ming Xuan this
morning too.

Thinking about this, she suddenly had an epiphany. It was still true; with Ming Xuan
Jiejie and Gege’s current situation, it was pretty similar to a break-up. A chance to
turn things around… Her missing, younger twin brother…

Turning her head, she looked at Lu Xi who sat on the opposite sofa as her eyes
gleamed with a flash of hope. Then, she turned back and replied to Su Yue, “the
matter about my phone is easily settled. Since I wasn’t missing, at most, I could tell
Mom that I had lost it and wait to buy a new one. But, with the friend who had a
break-up… It seems I won’t be able to go back now…”
Since it was said that she was accompanying her friend, then she definitely would
not have returned home by evening and it would be suspicious if she went home
after just an afternoon had passed. With what was originally a lie, going back now
would simply be turning it into a pack of lies instead.

Moreover, she had never had the habit of lying. If it was blown apart, then the well-
intentioned remarks that Gege and Dad had said would go down the drain; it might
even frighten Mom too.

Sighing, Su Jin sat on the sofa once more.

“Growl…” A light sound reverberated in the sudden silence of the room.

Lowering her head to look at her tummy, Su Jin then glanced up and saw three
pairs of eyes looking at her. With flushed cheeks, she raised her chin slightly with a
petulant expression, “I’m really hungry!”

Wearing a white dress that complemented her black tresses, the hale and lively
expression on the young lady gave a faint blush to her fair cheeks.

Lu Xi could not help but burst out in laughter.

His laughter was deep and pleasing to the ears and had a slight trill to it.

“Hmph!” Su Jin’s pretense of petulance crumbled as she raised her head and gave
an inscrutable look to the man who was laughing merrily before her. She coldly
spat out, “was it funny?”

“Ahem, hem.” Seeing the stiff expression on the girl’s face, Lu Xi coughed lightly
and suppressed the smile on his lips. Solemnly, he shook his head, “it wasn’t.”

Although he had denied it, that mesmerising pair of alluring peach blossom eyes of
his were filled with laughter.
Wide-eyed, Su Jin glared at him for a while before she finally relaxed and slumped
back against the sofa. There was no use crying over spilled milk, she simply waved
her hand, “forget it, if you want to laugh, just go ahead.”

“Ahem, hem… Jin’er, how could you be this adorable.” Lu Xi could no longer resist
and laughed lightly. He stood and with a bend of his waist over the coffee table, he
patted the crown of the girl’s head. Lightheartedly, he spoke, “I will make
something for you to eat.”

After he said this, he turned to look at the other two men, “Uncle, Brother Su, will
you stay to try my cooking?”

Hm, his tone was gentle and there was sincerity in his eyes.

Looking at the beautiful peach blossom eyes of the person before him, Su Yue
recalled the gentle tone when he had spoken the phrase of shredding and cutting
in a thousand pieces. At once, he tactfully replied, “it’s alright. There’s still a bunch
of things to do at the company. Also, it is the aftermath of the kidnapping there’s
much to settle for my dad and I. We’ll be making a move first.”

After saying this and without waiting for a reply, he turned and swiftly walked to
the door. In passing, he brought along with him Chairman Su who was still stuck on
the thought of ‘I will tie up this loathsome youngster who dared to touch the head
of my daughter.’

As he politely sent off his tactful future brother-in-law and venerable father-in-law,
Lu Xi walked back and arched an eyebrow towards the girl on the sofa, “what
would you like to eat?”(1)
(1)
Tài shān dà ren (泰山大人) – This is used to refer to Mount Tai, a mountain in Shandong Province which has cultural significance in Chinese history in regards to the deities associated
to it. In this situation, this refers to Great Deity of Mount Tai (Dōng yuè Dà dì, 东岳大帝) who is the supreme god of Mount Tai and also, the father of the heavens.
According to theologies or a mythological tradition, he is one of the five manifestations of the Highest Deity (Wufang Shangdi, associated to the five colours, five Dragon Gods who are simply the five
special forms of worship of the God of Heaven) or the descendant of Pangu, the first living being and creator of all in some versions of Chinese mythology. In the past, a practice was set for the new
ruler to ascend the mountain to offer sacrifices upon becoming emperor.
Therefore, Mount Tai has become a sacred place visited by emperors and a total of 72 emperors were recorded in historical records to have visited it. However, this term slowly became a derisive term
for father-in-law as time passed. It is postulated by the translator here that Lu Xi, however, is extremely respectful and putting a lot of affection and importance by giving this nickname in his mind to
his father-in-law as he is pursuing his daughter after all.

What… would… you like… to eat?

Su Jin then checked once more to see if she was hearing things.
Sitting upright, she cautiously asked, “you know how to cook?”

Lu Xi was about to answer but he heard the next sentence the girl was saying.

“It won’t be poisonous right?”

Poisonous?

With an arch of an eyebrow, Lu Xi gave a light smile, “how could I bear to poison
you, but even if I wanted you to die, I would choose another method”

“What method?” Su Jin hugged the pillow that she had been leaning against as she
pressed on curiously.

Lu Xi did not reply and simply raised his chin in the direction of his bedroom as his
peach blossom eyes filled with profound laughter.

Su Jin shivered sharply. Although she did not really understand what that meant,
still a woman’s innate intuition could clearly tell something was off. Therefore, she
blinked and shifted the conversation away.

“Truthfully speaking, do you really know how to cook?”

“Of course.” If the girl deliberately shifted the topic back to his cooking, then he
would happily oblige. After all… What method he would use; she would naturally
understand in the future…

“I can order anything and you are able to make it, just like that?” Su Jin asked with
an arch of her eyebrow.

“Mm.” His voice was slightly raised and Lu Xi’s thin lips were curled, “if I have the
ingredients and equipment, yes.”

“Tsk, tsk…” Su Jin leaned her chin against the pillow and the straight edge pressed
into an arc. Thinking for a long while, she then replied, “I want…”
“A bowl of noodles in clear broth!”

The room descended in silence for a long time.

After a short while, Lu Xi then pressed, “that’s it?”

“Yes, that’s it.” Su Jin shook her head while her face revealed an innocent smile.

Lu Xi was shocked.

This silly girl had thought for so long, he had even been thinking that she would call
out for the eight culinary classics then(2).
(2)
bā dà cài xì (八大菜系) – This refers to the modern eight culinary classics of China which represent the eight major regional cuisines of China. These are the Anhui (Huīcà i), Cantonese
(Yuècà i), Fujian (Mǐncài), Hunan (Xiāngcài), Jiangsu (Sūcài), Shandong (Lǔcài), Sichuan (Chuāncài), and Zhejiang (Zhècài) cuisines.
All these eight regional cuisines are influenced by the diverse geography and available resources of the large land of China. Due to that big space, it has infinite options of what can be found, even
between villages. For more information, I recommend this website:
Eight Culinary Traditions of China and the must-try dishes

Egg dumplings soup, the Anhui cuisine dishes prominently utilize wild plants and animals with an
emphasis on ultra-fresh ingredients. It is also characterised by the use of wild herbs in the recipes.

Cantonese poached chicken, the Cantonese cuisine or more commonly known as Yuecai in China; this
style of cooking prefers braising, stewing, and sautéing. Therefore, the dishes are quite tender and the
original flavours of the ingredients are kept intact.
 Fujian fried rice, part of the Fujian cuisine which uses a combination of seafood and woodland-based
ingredients. The dishes of the cuisine have a lighter flavour and an emphasis on ‘umami’; the
savouriness

Hunan Beef which is part of the Hunan cuisine that is recognizable by its rich, moist, and creamy dishes
that almost always contain a potent punch of Chili. Different from the numbing hot spiciness of Sichuan
cuisine, the spiciness of Hunan cuisine is described as dry and hot.

Red braised pork ribs, part of the Jiangsu cuisine which is well known for braised food

Shandong dumplings made with dried shrimp, a hallmark flavor of the sea that is well known in
Shandong cuisine

Mapo Tofu, part of the Sichuan cuisine in which the trademark is their spicy-sour, pungent flavour that
comes from the liberal use of the Sichuan Pepper and Chili Oil.

Beggar’s Chicken (marinated stuffed chicken covered in dough and then baked in the oven), part of
Zhejiang cuisine which also prominently features the use of freshwater river due to the location of the
province which is just beside the Yangtze River Delta
Who knew that she would finally only ask for a bowl of noodles with clear broth.

However, that was good too, he had the ingredients for it right now.

“Alright,” he turned his computer towards Su Jin, “you play with the computer for a
bit, I’ll go to the kitchen.”

“Mm, mm.” Su Jin nodded as the outer corner of her beautiful phoenix eyes
crinkled slightly upwards with a smile and her pupils glistened clearly.

His eyes darkened and Lu Xi suppressed the urge to kiss that pair of eyes before
him. He stood upright and walked towards the kitchen.

Su Jin watched the man’s tall and straight figure with a light gaze in her eyes.

Noodles in clear broth…

“Xiao Jin!” Not too long later, she heard Lu Xi’s voice calling out from the kitchen,
“come over here for a bit.”

Su Jin was startled and lowered her head to look at the time on the notebook. She
then got up and walked towards the kitchen as she yelled, “with just five minutes,
you’re done?”

“What are you thinking of!” Lu Xi turned back to look at her and pointed to the
apron that was hanging by the door, “come and help me put on the apron.”

It was a very ordinary bistro apron with black and white vertical stripes. Su Jin
noticed that Lu Xi’s hands were covered with flour. At first, she inwardly exclaimed
in surprise that he was actually making fresh homemade noodles. Then, she took
the apron and walked to Lu Xi’s side.

Perusing around the kitchen, she then admiringly exclaimed, “this isn’t bad at all.
You have a complete set of kitchen essentials and you even have flour and an
apron too.”
“These were all arranged by my assistant.” As he rolled the noodles, Lu Xi smoothly
answered.

“Is that so…” Su Jin nodded and suddenly raised an eyebrow, “since that is the
case, then why did a certain someone come over to my home for a free meal?”

“Is there a point in making food for oneself?” Lu Xi did not even raise his head and
stared at the dough in his hands, replying, “hurry, put on the apron.”

Tsk, Su Jin inwardly made a sound of disdain and moved behind the man’s body to
tie the apron around him.

Is there a point in making food for oneself? In her past last, she too had also made
food for herself alright?

“Don’t move.” She opened out the apron as she spoke.

Obediently, Lu Xi then stood straight.

If one had to estimate, the man’s height roughly was over 1.8 metres (5.9”).
Wearing a pair of flat jelly shoes, Su Jin only reached up till his shoulders.

Su Jin then took the apron in one hand and the other stretched around his waist.

Due to her arm length, the distance between the two people was rather close.

Her warm breath landed on his back, yet she received a more scorching body heat.

As she withdrew, her fingertips unintentionally traced past the man’s sturdy waist
and she heard a rumble of a light and slightly husky laughter.

For some reason, Su Jin’s cheeks had reddened.

As she hurriedly tied the belt in her hands, she mumbled, “why didn’t you put on
the apron before starting to make the meal…”
Feeling her distancing away from behind him, Lu Xi grinned as he remarked, “I
forgot.”

His voice was deep and elegant and had traces of being slightly hoarse.

Tugging lightly at the corner of his lips, his clear and handsome smile revealed a
small dimple on his cheek.
Chapter 21

When the noodles were done, Su Jin, who had entered into a state of being half
daydreaming and half-awake on the sofa, followed the aroma towards the kitchen.

Lu Xi had just transferred the noodles into the bowl and was taking off the apron as
he turned. He then saw the appearance of a girl with slightly mussed hair and
sleepy phoenix eyes walking closer to him.

No, accurately speaking, it was more like she was walking towards the bowl of
clear broth with noodles that he had just placed on the kitchen counter.

This girl…

Sighing without saying a word, he took a sidestep and leaned his arms back against
the kitchen counter. As it just so happened, his body had blocked… the noodles on
the countertop.

“Bang!”

Su Jin’s eyes shot open as she stared at this ‘wall’ that was before her with a gaze
filled with bewilderment.

“Dazed?” Looking at the girl before him for a long time without speaking, Lu Xi
arched an eyebrow and asked.

Su Jin heard a sound and raised her head. Noticing this dashingly handsome man
with a light smile and a raised eyebrow in front of her, she blinked her lucid eyes
twice and finally spoke two words to him,

“Where’re the noodles?”

She had clearly smelt the fragrance that had originated here!
Due to being unclear with her ambiguous enunciation, she had dragged out the
sound of the last word which made her sound unusually lovable.

“Keke…” Lu Xi finally could not help but laugh lightly. He had initially wanted her
to bump into him. Then, once she felt sore after bumping into him, she would know
that she should have had her eyes open while she was walking. However, as he
looked at her appearance right now, he could only helplessly shake his head.

Still, to think that the half-awake her was actually this adorable, he could not help
but have the urge to tease her.

“The noodles…” With a curl of his lips, he bent at his waist as he spoke in her ear,
“you’ll have to wash your hands before you can have them!”

Startled, the girl stared at him for three seconds before she finally had some sort of
response. Then, obediently, she gave a sound of assent.

After that…

She stood there without moving.

Helpless, Lu Xi could only reach over to pull at the girl’s hand and bring her to walk
out of the kitchen.

“We shall wash our hands first and then, go to the dining room to eat some
noodles.”

Reluctant to leave, Su Jin stared longingly at the bowl of noodles that was revealed
from behind the male’s back. Then, she docilely trailed behind Lu Xi’s footsteps as
they walked to the washroom just beside the kitchen.

She who had always given him a cold shoulder; with her fair hand held in his palm,
the young lady pliantly followed behind him. Her expression remained a little
dazed, yet that pair of eyes was filled with absolute trust and reliance.
With her in this state now, she could easily cause his hardened heart, that had
weathered many years of hardship, to soften into a puddle.

Going into the washroom, after he attentively got her to step over the doorstep, Lu
Xi suddenly let out a sigh of relief. His original thought of teasing her had simmered
down and a dull light flashed through his peach blossom eyes.

“You, it would be great if you were always this complaisant.”

He lightly murmured.

Su Jin seemed to have heard it, she turned and tilted her head slightly to look at
him with a questioning look.

“It’s nothing,” with a curve of his lip, Lu Xi shook his head.

To have met her in this life, it had not been an easy matter to have done so already,
how could he still be greedy for more?

After all, he still had so much time, it would be enough just to have her fall in love
with him.

A pair of slender and long hands held onto a pair of small hands to place them into
the wash basin.

As the slightly cold tap water fell on the back of her hand, Su Jin quivered and
immediately became clear-headed.

In the wash basin, the big hands holding her own had slender fingers that had
distinctly shaped joints. As a whole, those hands revealed a fairness that was unlike
a woman’s.

Shocked, she followed that pair of hands as she looked upwards.

Standing by her side with a slightly lowered head, the sight of the handsome side
portrait of the man appeared before her eyes.
“Lu, Lu Xi!” Blinking, a flash of clarity flashed through her eyes as they suddenly
filled with bewilderment.

“Why are you here?” Drawing her hands back, several droplets of water splashed
out with her movement of retreating her arms towards herself and fell on the waist
of her white dress.

“This is my home, why wouldn’t I be here?” Composed, Lu Xi wiped his hands dry
and arched an eyebrow.

This girl, once she was awake, she would forget everything?

“Since you’re awake, quickly wash your hands. I’ll bring the noodles out.” He
reached out and intimately patted her long hair. Then, he turned and walked out.

Biting her lip, Su Jin stared at the flushed cheeks of the girl in the mirror for a short
while before she sighed heavily.

Forget?

How could she?

Only, this side of hers, it had only ever appeared with people close to her.

In her past life, it was Aunt Fu. Yet, in this life, there was only one person, him.

Even in front of her family, she had always unconsciously worried about the
original soul of Su jin, so in her subconsciousness, she had hidden all of her
idiosyncrasies away.

However, to date, she had only known him for a little more than a month. Even in
her subconsciousness, she was unwilling to believe this; was she this close with
him?
It was merely an incident where a hero saved a beauty in distress! Lightly letting
out a sound of indignation, she thought to herself, forget it. She did not want to
think any further, she would just let nature take its course.

In the dining room, she sat on the chair and looked at the bowl of clear broth with
noodles in front of her with a blank stare.

The soup was absolutely clear and the surface of the broth was tinged in a light red
layer. The noodles were spotlessly white; also, it was garnished with two stalks of
green young yu choy(1). On top of the noodles, there was a soft-boiled egg. Through
the clear egg white, one could faintly see the rich orange color of the broth.
(1)
yóu cài (油菜) – This is the flowering edible rape, an Asian green that grows easily in tropical climates. Also known as yu choy, it’s literal name in English is called Chinese oil vegetable
which does not sound nice either. It has dark-green leaves and pale, thin stems, and sometimes is attached with edible yellow flowers, it can be steamed or stir-fried.

With a bite of it, the deep yellow egg yolk flowed out.
A soft-boiled egg with a very runny yolk was exactly her favorite kind.

When Lu Xi said that he would cook, she subconsciously thought a bowl of clear
broth with noodles.

She had no idea why she had this sort of premonition or perhaps, inwardly, she
already had some sort of expectations.

“Do you like it?” Lu Xi noticed her startled expression and continued with a curled
lip, “I guess that you might like spicy stuff and a perfectly soft-boiled egg.”

“Yeah.” Su Jin composed herself and nodded with a light smile. Then, she held her
chopsticks to pick up a strand of noodle.

As it entered her mouth, the strand was springy, soft and smooth. The layered
flavours of spicy hot and rich and mellow burst forth at the same time; it was as if
that every taste bud was jubilant.

Su Jin’s eyes shone and was somewhat surprised at the ambrosial taste of this
bowl of noodles.

In fact, she had made some mental preparations to test it as if it was poison…
Eating in small bites, she had sent the bowl of noodles into her stomach and even
drank up the very last drop of broth.

Leaning back against the chair, Su Jin rubbed her slightly protruded tummy as she
comfortably let out a sigh.

Although it was merely similar in appearance, she was already adequately

satisfied.

That year, when she woke up from her fainting spell, the first meal that Aun Fu had
made for her was a bowl of clear broth with noodles too.

“Full?” Seeing the young woman finished everything without a morsel left, from the
opposite side of the table, he asked with a delighted smile.

“Um…” Su Jin’s facial features smoothed out as she looked at the ‘chef’ before her.
With a trace of crystal bright laughter in her eyes, she answered, “about eighty
percent.”

“Eighty percent?” Lu Xi arched an eyebrow and as he held his bowl and chopsticks,
he reached out to rap her head with a laugh.

When he was preparing the food, with a thought that she had not eaten for a long
while, he had especially cooked the noodles a little longer to make them softer. He
had also made enough for her to be a 110 percent full.

“Hey, Lu Xi.” Su Jin did not mind his action and drank a sip of warm water that had
been prepared for her. She asked, “if a child had been missing not long after they
were born, would it still be possible to find them?”

“Missing?” Lu Xi placed the bowl and chopsticks into the sink and then queried
back, “how old are they?”

“About…” Su Jin thought for a bit, “twenty-six years old already.”

“Twenty six years old?” Lu Xi shook his head slightly, “if there are no leads, then
there’s not much hope.”

“Is that so?” Leaning her chin against a hand, Su Jin looked towards the upright
figure of the man in the kitchen and thought of his slender hands that flew across
the keyboard when he hacked into the systems of those groups as she asked,
“couldn’t you hack into some database, make a DNA comparison with that
information and find the person?” Her eyes shone brightly, “it is always like this in
the movies.”

“Movie?” Lu Xi placed the utensils away, walked out of the kitchen and into the
washroom. Hearing this, he helplessly shook his head, “without mentioning the
strength of the firewalls of those databases, even if I managed to enter them, there
will still be no DNA records.”

“Why don’t you tell me.” He returned to the table and sat down, “Jin’er, who are
you looking for?”

Thinking for a moment, Su Jin asked, “you are aware of the matter between my
brother and Ming Xuan Jiejie, right?”

“Mm.” Lu Xi nodded; that day, when he saw them, he could already deduce as
much.

“Gege and Ming Xuan Jiejie have feelings for each other, however, without even
saying it, you are also aware of the situation between our two families.” Helplessly,
Su Jin shrugged her shoulders, “today, Ming Xuan Jiejie asked me out and I asked
her if there was any chance for a miracle.”

“She said she still had a younger twin brother. Only, after he was born, he went
missing. With all these years without any sound or news, even the Ming family has
given up.”

“Lu Xi…” Biting her lips, she raised her head to look at him, “is there really nothing
we can do?”
The girl before him was blinking her big, lucid eyes and the slight upward curve of
the corner of her phoenix eyes deliberated drooped down. It gave her an air of
being much more miserable.

“You…” Lu Xi could not resist and stood up and patted her inky black hair with an
air that he had given in, “you truly think that I’m omnipotent right.”

Although in some ways, the him right now could truly be said as almighty.

Frowning and silent for a long while, Lu Xi then spoke, “I will think of a plan,
however, I need some time.”

“Okay.” With a curl of a smile, Su Jin’s eyes rippled with bright and mesmerising joy
as if there was a clear breeze that flowed through her gaze that created a glittering
and gleaming reflection similar to waves on limpid autumn waters in the sunlight.

“Thank you.” She spoke lightheartedly.

“Thank you?” Lu Xi arched an eyebrow, “just a word of thanks is enough?”

“Then, what do you want?” Su Jin too arched an eyebrow. As a suitor, making one’s
sweetheart happy should be only natural right?

One’s sweetheart… She was startled.

Yet, Lu Xi pretended to be considering carefully and after a short while, he snapped

his fingers as if he had made a decision and said, “how about…”

With rapt attention, Su Jin listened.

“You give me a kiss?”

Give… me… a… kiss?

Su Jin’s expression immediately became one of startlement.

“If that isn’t good…” Lu Xi grinned and said reluctantly, “then it will be fine if you
let me kiss you instead.”

Su Jin stared and blinked twice.

“You pervert!”

She reprimanded with a sentence and turned, running out of the dining room. As
his laughter resounded clear and bright, both cheeks of the man gradually and
wilfully reddened with heat.

……

In the chairman’s office of the Su family.

Su Chenghai looked at the words ‘sent successfully’ on the laptop screen with a
cold and solemn expression.

After a few minutes, the phone that had been placed on the table suddenly rang.

Staring at the name that flashed on it, his gaze grew slightly warmer and he
accepted the call.

“Hello, Han Xu.”

“Brother-in-law.” From the opposite end of the phone call, a male’s voice could be
heard, “those things inside the email were true?”

The Han family and Su family were in-laws. Ever since the Han family’s parents
passed away, this pair of initially indifferent elder sister and younger brother, Han
Meng and Han Xu, gradually grew closer as the relations between them became
warmer.

“It’s true.” Su Chenghai replied with a heavy voice, “I have already suppressed this
matter at the bureau, so let’s decide between our families privately. I will speak
frankly now, it does not matter if your Han family will protect her or not since she
dared to touch my daughter, the Su family will absolutely show no mercy to her!”
“This…” Han Xu was slightly shocked and helplessly sighed, “Brother-in-law, what
are you saying? Since you have already given my Han family a chance to retain our
pride, then we will also not shield this. How about this, tomorrow, I will reserve a
private room at the Huang Ting, we can discuss then?”

“Okay.” Su Chenghai assented, “bring her along too.”

“Alright.” Han Xu was stunned and quickly agreed, “then, brother-in-law, wait for
my call.

“Oh, speaking of which.” Before he hung up, Su Chenghai added, “your sister does
not know about this, so don’t leak this out to her.”

“I know.” Understanding clearly, Han Xu laughed and ended the call.

Putting his phone down, Su Chenghai leaned against the leather chair. As he lightly
rapped his knuckles on the table surface, thumping sounds were heard.

Who could the mastermind behind all of this be? He frowned slightly.
Chapter 22

When Lu Xi brought the orange juice into the living room, the young lady who he
had seemingly annoyed a moment ago was already sitting on the sofa with his
notebook computer on her lap as she began to watch TV.

His lips slightly lifted as he walked to an armchair next to her side of the sofa and
sat down, pushing the cup forwards a bit.

Through the transparent glass cup, the tangerine-yellow colored juice slightly
rippled because it had been moved, revealing several tiny, cute grains of pulp.

“Orange juice?” Su Jin frowned, as she reached her hand out to take the cup,
pursing her lips.

The sour and sweet taste filled her mouth, and Su Jin’s eyes brightened, “Did you
add honey?”

“Yep.” Lu Xi nodded, his eyes slightly forming a curved shape as the depths of his
beautiful peach blossom eyes revealed traces of a smile.

He knew- she liked orange juice with some honey.

Su Jin gave a small smile, but before she could say “Thank you”, she swallowed her
words back.

Thank this pervert?

Did she really want him to take his liberties with her again?

After the young lady in front of him asked him the question, she unabashedly took
the orange juice and continued to look through her dramas. Lu Xi raised his
eyebrow, this girl was really treating him less and less courteously.
But this was also good, right?
He slightly lifted his head as he leaned back onto the chair.

The afternoon sunshine trickled through the French window as a warm yellow light
diffused through the entire room.

The girl lay on the couch, as a golden strand of light mischievously fell upon the
corner of her eye. Her long eyelashes gently blinked, like a fairy dancing in the light.
The time passed, still and well.

……

The next morning at Huang Ting; fourth floor, #6 private room.

Han Xuelan sat at her seat, clad in a cerise pink moxiong short dress, her fair legs
cross-legged underneath the table(1). Beneath the tablecloth, the tips of her black
high heels were revealed.
(1)
mò xiōng (抹胸) – A moxiong is like a dudou, in that it describes a type of clothing that is snug against the chest, almost like a bodice. According to Baidu, although it is doubtful, it is a “bra”
in English. It is also usually in a sweetheart neckline.

A moxiong dress, it is often to the length of a micro-mini

or a mini dress but usually at most, to the knee.
She reached up and moved her long, garnet colored lustrous curls to one side as
she spoke to the man sitting beside her, “Father, what does Uncle even want,
calling us over here so early?”

“How would I know?” The man dressed in Western-styled clothing seemed to be

somewhat uneasy. His brows creased as he thought for a long time before he
turned towards his daughter sitting next to him.

The pink short dress made her skin seem whiter. As her slightly thick lips pouted,
she exhibited a natural charm.

Han Lei was a little dumbstruck. As he looked at his daughter, he suddenly thought
of her mother. He detested his identity as an illegitimate child, so he followed his
orders and had dated, then married, and was nothing but a loyal husband to his
wife. But right when their daughter was one month old, that woman had betrayed
her daughter and husband.

Inside, he understood. That woman looked down on him.

Wasn’t that how it worked? He was so weak and powerless. Even the daughter that
he had raised by himself…

He let out a deep sigh. Seeing her attitude today, he feared that his daughter had
stirred up more trouble. He didn’t know what she had done, even going as far as to
provoke his elder brother, someone who had always ignored them.

Oh, this girl…

While he thought, two knocks came from outside the door.

The two people at the table turned to look over.

The person who pushed the door open was wearing a well-ironed black suit. He
was about 40 years old, with a tall and straight posture, and he somewhat
resembled Han Meng. The only thing was, the solemn face that he bore right now
was steeped in a faint coldness that emanated from head to toe.
“Elder, elder brother.” Han Lei hastily called.

“Big uncle.” Han Xuelan obediently called, as she also sat up.

Han Xu sat at the table with a calm expression, not responding to their words.

The young man who had walked in with Han Xu was wearing light gray exercise
clothes. He looked handsome and bright. His pair of eyes was the only thing that
was absolutely similar to the man who had walked in before him.

“Second uncle.” He said this to Han Lei and nodded curtly.

“Gege.” Han Xuelan bit her lips.

Han Mingxuan looked at her with a meaningful look, but he did not speak. He had
already told his father what had happened yesterday. Su Jin and Han Xuelan were
both his little sisters. Even though the two of them only had an ordinary
relationship with him, what Xuelan had done this time was really too outrageous.

In the private room, Han Lei sat next to Han Xuelan. Han Xu sat at a distance from
the two of them. Han Mingxuan sat at the other side of Han Xuelan.

No one spoke and the air was saturated with a stifling silence.

“Elder brother.” After a quite a while, Han Lei wiped off the sweat on his forehead
and spoke in a low voice, “what has happened?”

Han Xu turned and stared fixedly at him. Han Lei’s face became a little pale as he
timidly asked, “Is- isn’t everyone here now?”

“Everyone isn’t here yet.” Han Xu finally spoke, his voice a little chilly, “Wait.”

Not here yet? Han Xuelan blanked for a moment, slightly lowering her head. Her
thick hair fanned down past her shoulders, covering her slightly wrinkled brows
and her somewhat pale face.
Silence filled the air yet again. Han Mingxuan fidgeted a bit, feeling uncomfortable,
and put his earbuds in, as he began to play a game.

Han Xu frowned and glanced at his son, his face becoming gloomier.

Fortunately, the atmosphere didn’t stay this way for a long time, as a second knock
quickly came from outside the private room.

Su Chenghai walked in first, wearing the same color suit as Han Xu. Even his face
looked normal, and he was also dressed in black, a colour like the bottom of a pan.

The person behind him was Su Yue, who was wearing a neat dark gray suit, his face
similarly cold.

The third person was also young. He was even a little taller than Su Yue and wore a
white cotton shirt with black stripes on it. He wore a black suit over that, as well as
some black pants. His sharp eyebrows were cloaked in black, and his thin lips
slightly smirked. His peach blossom eyes reflected an icy cold smile, and the crystal
buttons on his collar shone with bright light.

Lu Xi…

Han Lei’s face turned black as he instinctively turned to look at his daughter.

He saw Han Xuelan’s eyes flash, as she continued to watch the door. Then, her
pupils suddenly widened. Her somewhat pale complexion had completely
whitened in a single moment.

Han Lei was startled and immediately swiveled around to look at the door.

A young lady was wearing a rose red long off-shouldered dress. At her waist was a
pitch black woven belt. She had long lashes and phoenix-like eyes, her lips were
dark red and her crow-black long hair reached her waist. The contrasting red and
black created a peak in her beauty.
When the man in front of her turned around, his cold peach blossom eyes
immediately melted into a rippling spring brook, full of warmth.

“Su Jin!”

Han Lei hadn’t reacted in time before he heard a shrill voice near his ear.

Xuelan! Shocked, he turned back around.

Han Xuelan’s face that had turned white, had now transformed into an unseemly
blush. Her lovely eyes were focused on the person coming in through the door at
this moment. Her white teeth bit her full lips, revealing deep teeth marks.

“What?” Su Jin spoke, her voice imbued with a slight chill, “Do you find it strange
that I’m no longer in that small room in an abandoned factory on the outskirts of
the city?”
Han Xuelan did not speak; only biting her lip as she looked at her.

“Brother-in-law, Xiao Jin, and… Young master Lu.” Han Xu nudged his son, hinting
that it was time for him to take his earbuds out. Kneading his forehead, he said,
“Let’s sit down, and talk first.”

Hearing this, Su Chenghai nodded and brought his two children to sit at a seat a
slight distance away from Han Mingxuan.

After everyone greeted one another, the room became still once again.

“Han Lei,” Han Xu opened his mouth to break through the silence. From his
briefcase, he took out a few A4 sheets of paper, and pushed it in front of Han Lei
who had a look of unease on his face, “first, take a look at this.”

Han Lei lifted his head to look at him, and then under everyone’s gaze, took the
paper that was given to him. He moved exceedingly slowly, even trembling a little,
but no one pressed him.
There weren’t many words on the paper. Han Lei read it repeatedly for more than
ten minutes before he put it down. His face was extremely pale, and he slowly
closed his eyes. Then, he stood up and slapped Han Xuelan’s face.

The crisp sound streaked through the air, almost like the sound of an intense
explosion.
Han Xuelan’s face swiftly reddened.

She stared blankly, even forgetting Su Jin, as she stood up and glared at her weak
father with wide eyes. Her eyes were quickly suffused with a layer of mist.

“You hit me!” She yelled, as her voice raised an octave.

Her heart was incredulous. Ever since she was born, he had never touched even her
fingertips.

Han Lei clenched his somewhat trembling right hand, as he looked away from the
mist in his daughter’s eyes. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath before
opening them again, as if he had come to a resolution.

His white face gradually regained its color, and his right hand had stopped
trembling. He walked around the chairs in Su Jin’s direction.

In a few seconds, his pair of eyes stared heavily at the lovely and resplendent girl
before him. While this happened, Lu Xi and the father of the Su family could not
resist but frown.

All of a sudden, Han Lei’s knees weakened, and he suddenly knelt in front of Su Jin.

His knees clashed with the wood, producing a huge thud.

He looked up and curved his body slightly.

It was clearly a lowly position, but at this moment, instead of being the weak man
he had been before, his aura was as dignified as a mountain.
Chapter 23

“Xiao Jin…” Han Lei took a deep breath and said in a low voice, “I know this matter
has made you feel wronged, but I only have this one daughter. Ever since she was
born, we have been dependent on each other to survive, Xiao Jin.” He looked up at
Su Jin, with beseeching eyes, “Xiao Jin, can you let your elder sister off, taking your
little uncle into account?”

“Father…” Han Xuelan bit her lip and softly murmured.

“If- if you really are so furious, I-I can take full responsibility for Xuelan’s crimes, as
long…as long as you guys can let Xuelan off the hook. She’s still a child…” Han
Lei’s voice became softer and softer. His head slightly fell, as he lifted his right hand
to wipe his own cheek.

“Father!” Han Xuelan spoke before Su Jin got a chance to reply, probably because
her mood had been fluctuating too much. Her strength had actually increased, as
she hauled Han Lei’s elbow and pulled him up.

She looked down at Su Jin who was sitting upright, her eyes filled with hatred,
“Don’t beg her! She’s only a fake princess. What right does she have to make you
kneel?!”

“Xuelan!” Han Lei anxiously grabbed his daughter’s arm, wanting to stop her
words.

“Uncle, don’t speak anymore.” Su Jin suddenly spoke, her voice slightly cold. As
she raised her eyebrow, a hidden gleam flashed through her phoenix shaped eyes,
“let her speak. I really want to know what Xuelan Jiejie has against me.”

“What I have against you, heh-” Han Xuelan heard what she said and let out a soft
laugh, “Ever since we were little, you and I have been the only daughters of the Su
family and the Han family respectively. But why you have always been endlessly
spoiled? Everything is readily available to you, but as for me, I can only be known
as the illegitimate daughter. In the dark corners where you cannot see me, I am
mocked, I am bullied…”

“They hit you?” Su Jin was surprised.

“Hit?” Han Xuelan slightly lifted her head, “Let them try! No matter what, on the
surface, I clearly belong to the Han family.”

“Since you know they would never make a move against you since you know they
account for the Han family, why didn’t you say anything? Why didn’t you fight
back? Even if your uncle doesn’t like you that much, he wouldn’t allow anyone of
the Han family to be bullied, and would definitely, inevitably, preside over justice
for you.” Su Jin said in a heavy overtone, turning her head towards Han Xu.

Han Xu calmly shook his head, “I have never heard her say anything about this.”

“Xuelan…” Han Lei was shocked and distressed for her. Even he had not known
about these matters.

“Look, no one knew about it.” Su Jin waved her hand casually at her.

“Preside over justice for me…” Han Xuelan’s expression seemed a bit absent-
minded, “No, no…” She shook her head, her eyes reddening a bit. “No one would
speak up for me! I am only an illegitimate daughter. You guys, everyone looks
down on me…”

“Look, elder sister, no one looks down on you. All this time you believed that we
looked down on your status, and looked down on you as a person, but really, that’s
all been you.” Su Jin gently spoke.

“No…” Han Xuelan shook her head and yelled firmly, “it isn’t like that!” After going
insane for a moment, she changed the subject and laughed, “As for you, since
you’re the little princess of the Su family, what can I do about it? At the most, all I
can do is shoot some sarcastic words at you, and I even have to do it behind Su Yue
and Han Mingxuan. But the real little princess has returned, isn’t that right? She’s
called Lin Xiyue, right?”
She seemed to have recovered and gone back to normal, as her fair fingertips
combed through her curls that fell on her shoulders. Her lips seemed to curve with
a hint of a lovely smile, “I have no idea how auntie and uncle reacted when they
first knew about this.” She rose her eyebrows and looked at Su Chenghai, “Isn’t it
funny… The daughter you’ve spoiled and kept in the palm of your hand was
actually a bastard with unclear origins.”

The word “bastard” was thrown out there, in a heavy manner. Su Chenghai and Su
Yue frowned at the same time. But right when they wanted to berate her, Su Jin
began to speak.

“But…” She tilted her head to one side, as her phoenix eyes formed into two
curves, “Even if Xiyue has joined our family, I’m still the princess of the Su family!”

“That’s right, you’re still the princess of the Su family.” Han Xuelan smirked, and
smiled bitterly, “On what basis? Su Jin, what gave you the right? Even if I have a
lower status, at least I still have some of the Han family’s blood running through my
own veins, but what about you? A princess without Su blood.” With sorrow and
gloom, she glared at Su Jin as she spat out all of her words.

“You should be dropped into the dust.”

Su Jin gazed at the warped young lady in front of her and suddenly thought of the
prideful girl she had seen the first time she had met her in the dormitory. Perhaps,
at that time, her heart had been feeling inferior. Because of her inferiority, her life
had never gone the right way, and later, Xuelan became jealous of her who was
spoiled by her family. In the beginning, it hadn’t been anything too serious, but
when her (Su Jin’s) identity was revealed, she completely turned into this. In her
heart, how could she let someone whose status was lower than hers live better
than she ever did?

But now, this jealousy had already evolved into an undying thought.

“Xuelan Jiejie.” Su Jin sighed, looking up at Han Xuelan who was only a few steps
away, “They all say that jealousy makes people ugly. Right now, you are really-

“-ugly.”
Han Xuelan’s body shook, but she couldn’t help but look at her carefully just as the
person in front of her lifted her eyes to look at her own. The distinguishing eyes of
the person looking back at her clearly reflected her own appearance.

Even as she looked into the familiar brows and eyes, her pupils were red and her
forehead of the girl before her was twisted, filled with jealousy and hate.

Han Xuelan staggered back a step and fiercely swept her eyes over the man next to
Su Jin. Then, just as quickly, she lowered her head.

Su Jin didn’t miss this, as she began to look at the man next to her. With some
astonishment, she asked, “you like him?”

So she didn’t only make a move against her because of jealousy?

“Like… No…” When Han Xuelan heard Su Jin’s words, she suddenly bit down on
her bottom lip and shook her head, but… she still couldn’t help herself from
looking up to look at that man.

Like? How could she not like the man that embodied the cool breeze and the
bright moon? (1)
(1)
qīng fēng lǎng yuè (清风朗月) – This refers to someone who is pure and honest.
Didn’t everyone say peach blossom eyes were extremely passionate? But when she
turned to look at his beautiful peach blossom eyes, besides coldness, they were
filled with disgust. That was right, the warmth within his eyes had only blossomed
for one person alone.

“Yes.” She seemed to have suddenly come to a decision as she stood up and
slightly rose her chin and smiled, “I like everything you have.”

Su Jin was startled for a long while before she shook her head heavily.

Han Lei, who had been scared silly from all of the words his daughter was spewing,
finally came to his senses. He walked over and hid Han Xuelan behind him. Slightly
bending his body, he murmured, “Xuelan is still small. Just now… just now she was
babbling nonsense. Xiao Jin, Brother-in-law…” He rose his head, his eyes looking
at Su Chenghai with a bit of hope.
“Han Lei.” Su Chenghai looked in the direction of his own daughter and saw her
shaking her head, not planning to speak. In the end, he decided to speak his first
words in the private room.

“Brother-in-law…” Han Lei clenched his fist, his body slightly trembling.

“As a father, naturally, you would feel distressed for Xuelan; you put your dignity
down, begged for mercy, and you promised to take her punishment. I have deeply
recognised this.”

Han Lei’s eyes brightened, as the hope in his eyes increased substantially.

“But,” Su Chenghai’s expression turned stern, “I am also a father.”

This single sentence made Han Lei’s body weak. He stumbled back several steps.
Only when Han Xuelan supported him from behind did he stand firmly, his face
pure white.

“Today, the person who was wronged was my daughter- the daughter whom I, Su
Chenghai have raised in my palm.” Han Lei’s dramatic changes in expression did
not affect his speech at all as Su Chenghai continued, “you have already done what
you must as a father. Now, I will also do what I must do as a father.

“I admire the protection you have offered your daughter as her father, but this has
nothing to do with me presiding over justice for my own daughter.”

Su Chenghai’s voice was very steady and forceful, almost like a camel who was
crushing the last straw that had fallen onto Han Lei’s shoulders. The light in his
eyes finally completely disintegrated, and in the blink of an eye, only a deep
despair remained.

Su Jin blinked her eyes and forced the mist that had settled around her eyes to
disappear before she revealed a smile.

At this moment, even if she had a rather indifferent character, she couldn’t help but
feel warm from the bottom of her heart.
This was her father, ah, this was her family.

“Preside over justice?” Han Xuelan who stood next to her father saw her father’s
despairing expression and suddenly became angry. She stepped forth and looked
into Su Chenghai’s eyes, “Mr. Su, I am willing to accept however you will preside
over justice for your daughter. Since I could accomplish what I accomplished, I can
also bear the consequences. But…” She hesitated slightly, “My father is innocent.”

“Naturally, I will not implicate…”

“Uncle Su.” Lu Xi suddenly interrupted Su Chenghai’s words.

Su Chenghai stopped and looked at Lu Xi.

“Uncle Su.” Lu Xi curtly smiled, “May I handle matters from here?”

Su Chenghai frowned. It was obviously a request yet as he looked at the man’s eyes
filled with confidence before him, suddenly, he thought about the gentle phrase
that Lu Xi had thrown out that day at the villa: ‘dismember the body into ten
thousand parts’. Never mind, it was fine if he handed these matters to Lu Xi. In any
case, he was sincere towards Xiao Jin, so he definitely wouldn’t hurt his daughter.
But… He frowned and nodded; to let this rascal increase his favorable impressions
in front of his daughter, however, he felt a little uncomfortable about that.

After receiving his future father-in-law’s permission, Lu Xi turned towards the two
people in front of Su Jin.

Han Xuelan bit her lip as she stubbornly glared at the man in front of her, unwilling
to speak anymore.

“Mm, answer a question, and I’ll let the two of you go, how does that sound?” Lu Xi
spoke. His first sentence shocked everyone in the private room.
Chapter 24

“Lu Xi!” a low snappish voice was heard. However, it was not from Su Chenghai but
rather from Su Yue.

“Big brother Su, please calm down.” Lu Xi tilted his head, giving a somewhat
flustered Su Yue a nod.

Calm down? Whatever Su Yue was about to say was suppressed by the person
beside him squeezing his hand.

He was stunned for a moment as he looked towards his father sitting beside him.

Su Chenghai shook his head at him, before frowning at Lu Xi who was sitting
diagonally across from him. He had a perplexed expression on his face.

This young fellow was not one to be so magnanimous towards others.

Su Jin skewed her head to look at the person beside her while her head was still
mulling over who the mastermind was. Her beautiful phoenix eyes blinked.

“You’re letting us father and daughter off this time?” Han Xuelan was momentarily
dumbfounded. She found it so incredulous that she had to repeat those words
again. Inwardly, she was secretly delighted.

Could it, could it be that he might have some feelings towards her? After all, it
could be said, she and Su Jin were of similar kinds of beauty.

“Yup.” Lu Xi lips lifted, but his peach blossom eyes bore a sliver of cold indifference.
“There won’t be any loss of limbs, you won’t be sent to prison or a psychiatric
institute either. However, I’ll be sending you to America and you are to never return
here, how’s that?”

No loss of limbs, prison, psychiatric institute. With every word that Lu Xi had said,
Han Xuelan face turned whiter. Her initial misguided illusion of his charming
gentleness was suddenly nipped in the bud. The courage that she had borne to
take up the responsibility when she had seen her dejected father, had
subsequently vanished without a trace.

Hurriedly, she nodded her head. The option to never return was nothing compared
to the daunting future here.

“You… What would you like to ask about?” She cautiously asked with solemnity.

“I’d like to know the person who helped you make those connections with the
organisation.” Lu Xi’s smile vanished and his voice turned cold.

“The person making the connections with the organisation?” Han Xuelan was
obviously having some misgivings.

“Don’t you know?” Slightly surprised, Lu Xi raised his brows.

Han Xuelan shook her head, her eyes clearly revealing her bafflement.

“The woman named Fox that you engaged to kidnapped Jin’er was from some
foreign mercenary group. The site that you used to give instruction for the
kidnapping was through the organisation’s negotiation website.” Seeing her
expression of bafflement, Lu Xi elaborated, “This is not something that you could
have easily known and encountered. Rather, I’m even more curious as to the
person than you right now, who as a mastermind, used you as his knife to commit
the crime?”

“International mercenaries?” Han Xuelan’s head was starting to get dizzy from the
constant bombardment of information and was getting bewildered by all of it, “I, I
thought they were your run-of-the-mill local ruffians….”

“Who was it that connected you to them?” Seeing Han Xuelan’s frazzled self, Lu Xi
frowned and spoke in a surprisingly gentle and soothing tone.

Han Xuelan’s emotion settled down a little as she frowned. After some thought, she
said, “it was an online friend. Some time back, I was in a foul mood and got myself
drunk. I then used QQ to search online for someone who was online near me. Much
later, when I complained about my displeasure over someone, he gave me this
website address and the invitation password. But…” Han Xuelan spoke hastily, “I
really thought they were just some random thugs for hire, I only… I only meant to
give Su Jin a scare….”

Mercenaries? When Han Xuelan realised the true identity of those people, fear
began to set in.

“Do you still have your chat history?” Lu Xi ignored her pale pallor and asked her
directly.

“Ah…” Han Xuelan was stunned for a moment before replying, “yes.”

“That’ll be all, you can all leave now.” Realising that he was not able to obtain the
intel that he needed, Lu Xi’s countenance was once again cold and remote. “Leave
by tonight. I’ll arrange for someone to send you the purchased air tickets. Don’t
ever return here again.”

This was issued in haste in the hope that no one in the room would speak up in
their defense and ask for them to stay behind.

Fortunately, no one spoke up.

Even when the door had closed to the private room, a strange silence still prevailed
in the room.

Han Xu raised his hand and touched his nose. Rising, he bade his farewell, saying,
“Brother-in-law, I’ve got matters to attend to at the office, so I’ll take Mingxuan and
take our leave now. Mr Lu, I’ll be leaving now.”

When he had finished speaking, he took Mingxuan and left the private room.

Outside the private room, Han Xu took a look at his son who was dressed in sports
attire, walking with earphones dangling around his neckline. He could not help
thinking about the mature and steady Su Yue, not to mention the devious Lu
Family’s youngest master. He could not help his ire from surfacing as he gave his
son swat on the head.

With the sudden attack, Han Mingxuan raised his head to see his own father
fuming. With a rather put-out expression, he retorted, “Dad! Why did you hit me?”

“Why’d I hit you! That swat was so light!” Han Xu was somewhat resentful and
disappointed with his useless son as he sighed. Prodding his son’s forehead, “Look
at you, besides racing cars and chasing skirts all day, what else can you do? I’m not
even begging you to be like the Lu Family’s youngest master; just for you to learn to
be like Su Yue will do. Think about it, he is merely a year older than you, but he
already has a handle of more than half of Su clan’s business….”

“Dad!” Seeing that his dad was heading into his nattering tendencies, Han
Mingxuan could not help rolling his eyes and hurriedly changed the topic, “You
know, regarding Xuelan, don’t you feel like it was handled rather lightly? Uncle Su
and Su Yue didn’t have any objections about this matter?”

Su Yue was a year older than him, but both families had been distant for a long
time, so he had never called him big brother.

“That’s why I said that Lu Xi was rather skillful. This matter today, no matter what
ulterior motives he had; the fact that both men from the Su family have entrusted
this matter to him goes a long way to show how much they trust him. Although this
matter has been dealt with lightly, as a member of the Han family, I will remember
the fact that he has allowed us to retain our pride. However, I’m not sure how he
will give an account for it to them now.” After he said this, he gently shook his head,
too lazy to delve further into the matter. Together with his son, they went
downstairs.

Anyway, this matter was dealt with in a satisfactory manner and the Han family
was able to preserve their reputation. Furthermore, from the onset, he had only
been given a few pieces of paper. The Su family would not heap the fault on his
head. Whatever storm and carnage that was happening in the private room-
anyway what did it have to do with him?
Inside the private room, the four people were sitting around the table and the
scene was unlike the storm and carnage that Han Xu had imagined.

“Lu Xi, let us hear your thoughts on this,” Su Chenghai requested, seeing that the
outsiders had all left.

By this point, Su Yue had calmed down. But he had not for a moment believed that
the man, who had said that he would ferret out all the ones that were part of this
matter and annihilate them, would have let Han Xuelan off so easily.

As for Su Jin, she had used her hand to prop her chin as she looked towards Lu Xi
with curiosity, without a trace of suspicion nor objection.

From the looks of things, not only did his future brother-in-law and father-in-law
trust him, even this chit of a girl had given him her trust.

Sensing all these, Lu Xi slightly upturned his lips. It’s just that, the following words
might go down well with Su Yue and father-in-law, but this chit of a girl….

Should the truth be concealed? He frowned while mulling over it, then abandoned
the thought. Forget it, other than the other matter, he had no wish to ever conceal
or hide things from her. Furthermore, as someone who was in his heart for so long,
he believed she would never be able to disappoint her right?

“Lu Xi?” Seeing that he was distracted, Su Jin shouted at him.

Lu Xi recovered himself and looked towards the three people before him. With a
subdued expression, he said, “Uncle Su, forgive me for speaking frankly but if you
were to handle this matter with Han Xuelan, to what extent would you have been
able to mete out a punishment?”

To what extent? The three people were stunned.

Su Chenghai looked at the man before him who could still be considered a child, a
wisp of a thought fluttering past his eyes.
“Arms? Limbs? Prison? Psychiatric institute?” Lu Xi did not wait for Su Chenghai to
reply, instead, he proceeded just as he had reiterated to Han Xuelan.

Su Chenghai was speechless.

“In front of the Han family, even if a harsher outcome was attained, and even if she
was to be incarcerated into a psychiatric institute for the rest of her life, her life
would still be spared. Otherwise, there would be no closure or no possibility of
reaching a compromise with the Han family. And should Aunt be made of aware of
this, we can’t be sure what the outcome would be.” Lu Xi was somewhat subdued,
but everything that he had spoken had hit at the heart of the matter.

“Yes,” Su Chenghai sighed deeply and nodded.

“However, this won’t be enough.” Lu Xi spoke with a serene expression.

The siblings, Su Yue and Su Jin’s eyes were agape in surprise.

Lu Xi, this… Was he out for Han Xuelan’s life?

Only Su Changhai bore no change to his demeanor and his pupils merely darkened
slightly.

“Then… What about Han Lei?” Su Yue asked softly.

“Han Lei?” Lu Xi gently shook his head, “I might admire him, but I can not let him
off.”

“Han Xuelan had looked at Jin’er with eyes that were filled with hatred, this has
already become her mantra.” Once again, without giving Su Yue an opening, Lu Xi
continued, “she would have never relinquished her thoughts of harming Jin’er. As
long as she lives, Jin’er will always be in danger, therefore, she has to die. As for
Han Lei,” with a blink of his eyes, his voice turned chillingly calm, “if a man who
would kneel on his daughter’s behalf, heard of her death, it goes without saying
that this father would do something, yes? Earlier, when Uncle had wanted to get
justice for your daughter, in his eyes, there wasn’t just despair but a harbouring of a
deep resentment. Therefore, he too must die.”

Su Yue and Su Jin were both still in shock, but Su Chenghai had already deduced as
much. However, after hearing all the rationale, he still could not help be a little
taken aback.

After a while, he gave a sigh.

Lu Xi tilted his head to look at the flabbergasted young lady beside him. His cold
eyes began to thaw like an early spring peach blossom, with blossoming layers of
gentleness and indulgence.

He lifted his head to gaze upon Su Chenghai’s indecipherable demeanor, and

spoke softly, “each wish of ill intentions from someone else could become the
starting point to the very last thing that would make you wish that you were better
off dead. As such, unless we want to leave additional loose ends in our way, there
are some things that should be nipped in the bud, right?”

“I absolutely will not permit anyone, within my immediate range, have any ill
inclinations towards Jin’er.” His expression had calmed but his tone was serious as
he added, “even if it’s so much as an inclination.”

Silence once again descended within the private room.

“Everything…” Su Chenghai curled his lips as he spoke, “has been arranged?”

The quiet atmosphere was suddenly lifted.

Lu Xi’s eyes lifted up with a smile.

“In a place like the US where guns are legal, and a couple of people without any
proper identification and status- who can say what might possibly happen there?”
Chapter 25

When the group left Huang Ting, Su Chenghai and Su Yue headed back to the office,
while Lu Xi took Su Jin back to the villa.

In Lu Xi’s car, Su Jin was familiar enough with the car that she knew where to find a
piece of chocolate from the Porsche’s secret compartment. After she had removed
the wrapper and stuffed the chocolate into her mouth, that familiar sweetness
melted into a subtle hint of acerbity that diffused in the mouth. As she leaned back
on the genuine leather seat, she heaved a sigh of relief as she finally came to grips
with what Lu Xi had said earlier.

It was just that as she recovered her wits about her, she felt that something was
still amiss.

Gazing out the car window, lo and behold, it was still the familiar Imperial Court
Country club signage.

So this car had not even moved at all?

Her brows rose as she looked at the person sitting in the driver’s seat.

The most appealing attribute of Lu Xi’s appearance, when looked straight on,
would be that pair of peach eyes, their ends tilting upwards, eyelashes long and
thick. However, his eyes weren’t like hers, with their distinctive black and white.
Rather, from the depths of the pitch black pupils, the color gradually intertwined
with the white of the iris into a layer of complexity. Because of this, those eyes
seemed to be shrouded in mystery but should he lift his lips, those beautiful pupils
would become alive and swirl like smokey mist, secretly permeating with laughter.

Still, Su Jin was well aware that he wasn’t always like this.

At the school grounds under the dance stage, in front of her villa- the depths of this
man’s eyes had reflected the brilliance of the starlight, clearly penetrating and
resplendent beyond comprehension.
That pair of eyes were simply too beautiful and mesmerising, causing most people
to neglect the rest of his facial features.

But when you look at his side profile, those peach eyes were not as obvious. Only
those peak-like high and severe brows, long eyelashes, and a rather straight nose.
Then, there was the tight lift of those lips…

Only when one was able to escape the temptation of those eyes, would one then
truly be able to appreciate the perfection of this person’s profile.

At the moment, Lu Xi was sitting in the driver’s seat with his head leaning forward.
Using his left hand, he released the black crystal cufflinks on his right wrist, then
rolled back his sleeves layer upon layer to his elbow.

His actions were slow, and it seemed like he was straightening every crease in
detail with each fold.

Those pair of hands- with ten long slender fingers, the well-formed joints, and tidy
clean fingernails- bore a soft white color rather unlike hers.

An empty-handed girl was secretly infatuated with those pair of hands before
sensing that something was off-kilter.

This person, while he appeared to focus on rolling up his sleeves, it was obvious
that his mind was preoccupied.

Have you ever encountered a person who took ten minutes to roll up their sleeves?

Su Jin swallowed the chocolate in her mouth, before reaching out her hand to jab
at the arm of a very distracted man.

“Lu Xi,” She called out softly, “what’s up with you?”

When the warmth permeated his arm, he collected himself. Lu Xi turned his gaze
towards the soft white hand and trailed upwards. In the next moment, his eyes
collided with the eyes of the girl, and immediately he lowered his head.
With the slight lifting of a pained smile, he decided that he was unwilling to hide
from her the fact that he was a despicable, ruthless and merciless person. He did
not want her to find out later and be unable to accept this reality.

Even though he had repeatedly told himself this, he believed that this lady whom
he had cherished in his heart all these years would not let him down. Yet at this
very moment, he was still terrified.

Hence, he was too scared to look into her eyes.

What would he see in her beautiful phoenix eyes that carried truths in black and
white? Would there be fear or repulsion? Would she be terrified of his despicable
and ruthlessness, or despise him for reneging on his word to Han Xuelan.

Lu Xi, oh Lu Xi, when did you become so pretentious?

How true indeed, since the day he had met her, this covertly well armoured and
prickly hedgehog had involuntarily flipped over and exposed his most soft
vulnerable belly.

After all these years, he still bared his tenderness to her. All because she mattered
to him, and as such, he could not bear for even a sliver of unhappiness and
displeasure to grace her eyes.

Any man that had developed feelings for her, even if a thousand swords were to
come hacking and made mincemeat out of him, he would still face it all! Yet, he
loathingly thought, but what if… what if because she feared him, despised him….
Then he…..

What could he do anyway?

He could only continue to stay close, keep her company and treat her well- treat
her more than just well- in the hope that he could blot out the events of the day.

His exposed arm was suddenly held on to and enveloped by a soft touch.
Lu Xi blinked, looking at the hand on his arm. It seemed almost boneless, those
slender long white fingers. Due to her work, she kept her nails short and had never
applied any nail polish. Each one of those fingers on his arm had nails that were
trimmed into smooth, cute and round ovals; each nail was painted with a lovely
translucent pastel pink.

Those peach blossomed eyes finally had something to hone in on.

“Lu Xi.” Su Jin furrowed her brows and asked once more, “really, what’s wrong?”

Lu Xi shook his head and stared at the girl beside him.

Although she had pursed her lips slightly and her expression was filled with
puzzlement, those pair of beautiful eyes of hers were filled with worry and
annoyance.

She was not afraid.

She was not disgusted.

She… was worried about him.

As he comprehended this, Lu Xi was stunned and soon after, his heart suddenly
swelled up with a flood of joy.

Leaning his body closer to hers with a little brilliant light lingering in his eyes, he
asked worriedly, “Jin’er, you aren’t afraid of me and you don’t hate me either?”

“Afraid? Hate?” Su Jin was startled, “what are you talking about?”

“That I was so vicious and merciless and even went back on my promises to
them…” Lu Xi replied lowly as his eyes darkened.

Su Jin blinked and was surprised.

Vicious and merciless… Hm, it seemed like he was and to go back on his
promises… Hm, that did happen too.

However, to think that she would be afraid of him and hate him because he was so
vicious and merciless to some people who wanted to harm her? To think she would
think badly of him for reneging on his word with them?

This man, what outrageous and silly things could he be thinking of?

Limply, Su Jin rubbed her forehead.

She was not the original Su Jin who had been spoilt silly and was unworldly; she
was Su Jiner.

Without parents ever since she was young, all her memories had begun from when
she lived and grew up in the orphanage. She was Su Jiner who had single-handedly
raised herself.

How much darkness there was in this world, this she knew all too clearly.

To have someone to protect her like this now; that particular someone even
mentioned that he would never permit anyone who even had the thought to harm
her in his immediate range. Even if it was only a thought, he would not allow it.

So what if he was truly vicious and merciless? So what if he would renege on his
word, what then? The one who had the least right to be afraid of him and to hate
him was the person who was protected under his wing: her.

Her startled expression awhile ago, truthfully, wasn’t because it was hard to
accept. It was merely her response of surprise.

Growing up alone as a child, she had never, never ever had anyone who had clearly
told her about safeguarding her for her sake.

So she was merely shocked.

Seeing the girl being silent for a short while, Lu Xi’s gaze gradually misted over. So,
it wasn’t because she was scared or hated him, actually she hadn’t thought of that
at all? Therefore, he had personally brought all of these on himself by pointing it
out?

“Heh…” He lightly laughed and his pair of misted over eyes were intensely pitch-
black.

Immersed in her own thoughts, Su Jin was quickly roused and noticed that the
man before her was leaning against the seat with slightly closed eyes. His alabaster
fingers were crossed and placed on his abdomen. At a closer glance, they were still
faintly trembling.

Su Jin blinked and vaguely felt that the current Lu Xi before her had a vibe of
misery and pity to him.

As she thought of this, her eyes crinkled and she reached out to place a hand over
his.

“Hey, I’m neither afraid of you nor do I hate you, okay?”

Her last word was slightly playful, seemingly hiding a faint trace of laughter.

Her tone… It had a vague sense of coaxing a child.

His long lashes fluttered and his hand immediately flipped to hold onto the small
hand that covered his. Turning his body over, he looked at the young woman
before him.

Inky eyes that were pure and clear; they were filled with merriment.

She truly was not.

The joy in his heart finally surged once more and slowly clambered up to his eyes.
Those alluring peach blossom eyes were filled with obvious joy and his see-saw
upheaval of emotions steadily settled down. All of that uneasiness had changed
into warmth and contentment that filled his heart.

“Jin’er…” Reaching out to pat her ebony long tresses, his smile was warm and
gentle.

“I’ll send you home.”

Su Jin tried to withdraw her right hand that was held in his but failed. Glancing at
him starting his car, her lips twitched, “how are you going to drive with only one
hand?”

“I have good skills.” Lu Xi arched an eyebrow and turned to give her a glance. His
tone was relaxed and was unlike the depressed and frustrated individual from
before.

Dumbstruck, Su Jin stared at this fellow who had changed his expressions
so quickly. Out of the blue, she thought of a proverb, “the weather in June
fluctuates and changes like a child’s emotions, it changes at a drop of a hat.”

Although her original intention was to comfort him with a pat, her hand had been
held tightly in the palm of that person. Su Jin sighed and secretly mumbled, “you
behave like a three-year-old, Lu Xi.”

“What did you say?” The man who was driving could only faintly hear her talking
but could not hear her clearly. Therefore, he decided to ask.

“Nothing, just drive carefully.” Su Jin blinked and tried to pull her hand free. She
remained unsuccessful and simply gave up.

Outside of Su Jin’s family villa, a black Porsche stopped at the gate for five
minutes.

“Hey!” Su Jin glared at the man beside her, “I’ve reached home already!”
Lu Xi blinked and finally loosened his grip on her hand under the girl’s gaze that
was filled with murderous intentions.

Rubbing her sore wrist, a flush of red suddenly flooded Su Jin’s cheeks.

“Lu Xi, I think…” She bit her lip and spoke lowly, “I may be, perhaps, just a little,
starting to…”

“Hm?” His eyebrow arched.

“Like you.”

The girl’s voice was as thin as a mosquito’s buzz but Lu Xi, unfortunately, heard it
clearly.

Since he could hear it clearly enough, his body froze.

“See you tomorrow!” Seeing his dumbfounded expression, Su Jin’s face was filled
with laughter as she pulled the door open and left the car.

A short while later, the man in the car finally snapped back to reality.

Huge and irrepressible delight slowly burst forth from his heart. Previously, when
she had mentioned that she neither hated nor was afraid of him, he thought that
he was already satisfied with that alone. However, at this moment, he finally
understood what it meant to be greedy.

Su Jin, you are my poppy flower; that would make me feel yearning day and night,
that would make me always desire for you, that would make me become more and
more greedy.(1)
(1) Poppy flower here refers to the opium flower, unlike the other kinds that are used as a symbol of remembrance. Here, Lu Xi refers to her as his drug, his only weakness.

Still, even if he was dissatisfied, the joy in his heart still came in constant spells. He
could not suppress the curl of his thin lips as he revealed a row of white and neat
teeth. That pair of peach blossom eyes of his were filled with so much merriment
that it seemed like it was about to flow out.
“Did you hear that? She said she was starting to like me…” With a grin, he spoke.
Yet, it was unclear who was he asking.

A long time later, he finally cooled off.

“See you tomorrow.” Raising his head to look at the east-side window on the
second floor of the villa, his peach blossom eyes were filled with gentle and bright
happiness.
Chapter 26

While sitting in a parked car in front of the doorstep of her villa, the man was
suddenly immersed in his own bliss. And, it wasn’t until the car door opened and
she got out, with the sun shining down on the crown of her head, that his reverie
was broken.

It wasn’t quite noon yet, and this beautiful day had only just began, how could he
have said to his lady ‘See you tomorrow’?

Then again, he lifted his head and glanced at the villa next door; even though he
was a little frustrated, it was enough to suppress a heart that was brimming with
happiness.

Based on Jin‘er’s temperament, for her to articulate those words, it really goes
without saying that she had been moved by him. As for the rest…. He could take it
slow. After all, he had waited all these years, how could he begrudge waiting a little
more?

However, the issue of finding the mastermind behind this whole debacle, he would
have to look into it rather closely.

Just as he opened the door, a car came to a stop behind him.

“Boss!” A slightly rough and boorish male voice called out from inside the car, then
a man wearing black rimmed costume glasses got out.

He looked to be around thirty years old, wearing a nondescript black suit. His
features were regular but he had a pair of narrow eyes. They gleamed with
astuteness, shrewd and incisive, carrying an aura of someone who wasn’t easy to
get along with.

There was hardly a match between his rough boorish voice and his looks.

“Xiao An’zi has arrived.” Lu Xi jovially gave him a smile.

Qin An raised his brows slightly. He did not mind how Lu Xi had addressed him
because after all, he had been Lu Xi’s assistant for a long time and their relationship
was rather good. So the occasional teasing banter was nothing to speak off,
however, the young master seemed like he was in a good mood today?

Most outsiders would say that of the two Lu Family’s sons, the first son Lu Jing was
quiet and cold as ice while the second son Lu Xi was mild and gentle as jade.
However, only those who had been with them and dealt with them for a long time
would know that these two were very capable of masking their feelings, be it joy or
fury. They were lords at suppressing all their emotions deep down.

This could be especially said of this second young master. His pair of eyes seemed
to be able to hide and mislead all at once, and even with a smile, one would not be
able to decipher nor see through it’s hidden meaning.

Just like today, those peach blossom eyes carried a bright gleam of happiness, and
for it to be expressed without any subterfuge, this truly was rather rare. At most, he
could say that he had only seen it once, yet he had not asked the reason behind it.
Even the time when he had reported that ‘Heart-pounding Excitement’ had broken
the box office record in its first week of airing, even then, he had not seen him this
happy.

“Boss, is it some special occasion today?” he teasingly probed.

“Yes indeed.” Lu Xi laughed as he replied, yet he was not forthcoming to further

elaborate. Rather, he drew this arms to his chest and rubbed his chin, “move the
computer into the study on the second floor.”

Seeing that he wasn’t going to elaborate further, Qin An could only retract his
curiosity, and he shrugged with a reply, “understood.” He went to the trunk of the
car and began to move the things.

He had personally bought this house and had done the preliminary inspection, so
he was familiar with the layout of the place.
When he finally came downstairs panting and slightly out of breath from the
second floor, he saw that young master Lu had already settled on the couch with a
cup of tea.

“Hey.” Lu Xi looked up to see his assistant had collapsed on the couch panting and
gasping for breathe. He said in disdain, “you’re so weak, it’s about time for you to
start exercising.”

Qin An was speechless.

Have you ever seen an assistant being used as manual labour?!

After all, wasn’t he a learned and cultured person?

Although… he would also wish to become like those men with their six-pack abs…

Qin An was the elite and multifaceted assistant, who was renowned in all of Sheng
Ming Productions, and whose widely spread nicknames were ‘Lethal Tongue’ and
‘Steel Rooster’. Yet, after he ground his teeth for a long time, he could only sigh and
lament at dealing with his boss’ disdain, “Boss…”

Lu Xi raised his brow.

“How can you find a girlfriend when you behave like that…”

“There’s no need.” Lu Xi turned his right hand around, and brought the teapot that
he had intended to pour tea out for him back in front of himself. Without any
change to his expression, he proceeded to fill his own cup up to seventy percent
before directing a smile at Qin An, “I’ve already got a fiance.”

Qin An was utterly dumbfounded, but then he recollected himself and poured
himself a cup of tea before rigidly changing the topic.

“Boss, do we have any new projects in the pipeline?”

The splendorous achievements of ‘Heart-pounding Excitement’ had become a
thing of the past and now, they had to come up with new successes.

Hearing him broach the subject of work, Lu Xi organised his thoughts and nodded.
Seeing his nod, Qin An shifted his disposition and sat upright, his narrowed eyes
beginning to brighten.

In this villa, two people were discussing work, and in the other, Su Jin was holding
her new phone and making a call.

On the other end of the line was Ming Xuan. Although Lu Xi had said he would think
of a solution, still she had to discuss it first with Ming Xuan. It would not do for her
to get engaged to Shen Anyan before all of the efforts to find Ming Xuan’s brother
were exhausted, right?

When the call was connected, “Ming Xuan jie,” Su jin spoke up and asked, “how
much have matters progressed in regards to you and Shen Anyan?”

Ming Xuan was surprised by Su Jin’s random questioning and took a moment to
react.

“Shen Anyan and I…” She paused midway, “Initially before we first met, Dad had
already told me his decision. But it has not been made known.” Sighing, she
continued softly, “Xiao Jin, he can’t be found….”

“Ming Xuan jiejie!” Su Jin interrupted her and earnestly spoke, “we have not
reached the final second yet. Are you really going to go through with this willingly?”

“I….” Ming Xuan bit her lips, but she did not know what else she should say or what
she could say.

“If you marry Shen Anyan and look on helplessly while my brother marries
someone else, then henceforth, other than being business partners or competitors,
there can be no other relations between the two of you anymore.” Su Jin gentled
her voice and spoke softly.
This was the original outcome in the novel.

Shen Anyan was the chosen person by the Ming family’s patriarch so there was no
doubt of his capabilities. However, Ming Xuan and his relationship was that of a
mutually respectful couple whilst maintaining a loving facade.

Her heart belonged to someone else and his was cold and remote.

Chen Feifei had fallen in love with Su Yue, but Su Yue treated her well out of a guilty
conscience.

This pair of lovers could only land at such a conundrum.

Ming Xuan was somewhat despondent, he… To marry someone else and to then be
in marital harmony, loving affections and lingering tenderness?

Her heart experienced a sharp piercing pain.

“The Ming Xuan Jiejie that I know is strong, resolute and daring, beautiful and
proud. So for yourself and for my brother,” Su Jin adamantly said, “Ming Xuan
Jiejie, not until the last second (not until the fat lady sings) must you absolutely not
compromise.”

Strong, resolute and daring, beautiful and proud.

After hearing Su Jin’s entreaty, Ming Xuan’s lips lifted into a smile and her heart
heaved a sigh of relief. To hold steadfast until the last second, hadn’t she once
thought to do just that, so she had looked up countless private investigators. At
that time, she was filled with hope. But eventually, it had all turned into a
multitude of disappointment.

However, since this young lady had encouraged her, how could she disappoint her
then?

“OK.” She gave her affirmation.

After all, she had no wish to marry, so if she could drag it out longer, then she
would.

After Su Jin had received the satisfactory reply, she happily locked her phone and
proceeded to work on her novel.

Next door, Lu Xi was frowning.

After he had concluded the business aspect of work with Qin An, Lu Xi had
dismissed him and gone to sit in front of the computer.

Since the mastermind had the capability to utilize a web platform to connect with
Han Xue Lan, then it went without saying that he or she would have the ability to
wipe out all traces leading back to them, making it almost impossible to use the
web to track them. Therefore, for this reason he had Qin An bring him a top-of-the-
line, specially configured desktop computer.

However, it was totally not as he had expected.

The chat record between Han Xue Lan and the other person was still there and very
quickly, he was able to pinpoint the location where the conversation had taken
place. The whole process was unbelievably easy; to think that nothing had even
been deleted or erased was surprising.

Ultimately, however, it was the location that had caused the frown on his face.

No. 19, Binhai Villa, Beijing.

No. 19, Binhai Villa, Beijing was the private residence of the eldest daughter of
Beijing’s Xiao family, Xiao Ya.

In addition, she often held functions there, but… Lu Xi closed his eyes and his mind
thought about and sifted through all of the variables before a sliver of a smile
appeared.
Firstly, the day of the chat was on the first of July and this was verified. Next, the
mastermind had used a computer. Since there had been a function, where it was
natural to eat and be merry, those attending wouldn’t have carried a notebook
computer to attend. Of course, if he had brought a notebook in, then that would
make things easy because based on his knowledge, Xiao Ya’s private residence was
outfitted with security cameras.

However, if he didn’t bring a notebook, then that would mean that he had to make
use of Xiao Ya’s computer. Xiao Ya was usually a fastidious person and if she had let
someone use her personal computer, it would definitely be to someone very close
to her.

Regarding this person….

Lu Xi gently shook his head.

Xiao family and the Lu family had an amicable relationship, and he and Xiao Ya
were of the same age and had known each other since they were young. Moreover,
ever since she was young, Xiao Ya had loved to visit the Lu Residence, and at times
had come on her own to look for him. Over time, some people had even thought
that Xiao Ya liked him.

For someone to use Xiao Ya’s computer to attack Jin’er- it was not hard to imagine
that should this matter be brought to light, others would naturally be inclined to
believe that Xiao Ya was eaten up by jealousy and sought to harm his fiance.

Overall, it had to be said that it was a brilliant plan.

If Xiao Ya had really liked him, it was highly probable that he would have turned his
suspicions towards her. The truth was that ‘hell hath no fury like a woman scorned’
and he had seen this numerous times.

However, the fact was…. The person that Xiao Ya liked was Lu Jing.

All those times when she had visited the Lu Residence was because she had hoped
to see Lu Jing. That was the reason why she looked for Lu Xi. While outsiders
viewed his brother as cold and unfeeling, to him, Lu Jing was warm and lenient.
Thus if they didn’t have any blood relations, perhaps Xiao Ya would have even
considered him to be her rival.

Xiao Ya’s feelings towards Lu Jing were known to those close to her within Beijing’s
elite circle.

So for this mastermind to use Xiao Ya’s computer and yet was unaware of this,
perhaps he wasn’t that close to Xiao Ya.

Thus, since it wasn’t a close confidant, but someone she couldn’t refuse, could it be
a relative?

With the target almost identified, he took out his phone and made a call to Xiao Ya.

“Hi, Lu Xi.” The call was answered almost immediately and Xiao Ya’s clear voice
came over the phone, “Whatever’s the matter, make it quick, this lady is in a hurry
to corner Lu Jing!”

This tomboy…. Lu Xi haplessly sighed, this chit of a girl would only behave like a
lady in the presence of Lu Jing.

“On July the first, did you bring some folks up to the Binhai Villa?” He didn’t mess
around and asked directly.

“July the first?” Xiao Ya recollected before replying “Yup, what about it?”

“Was there anyone who brought along a notebook or made use of your computer?”

“Computer?” Xiao Ya was momentarily stunned before she immediately replied in

indignation, “yes, an absolutely annoying fellow who came from Shenhai. He is a
year older than me and my mum had insisted I call him Gege, saying that he was
some distant relative. She even insisted that I take him around so I very kindly
invited him to the party. And then, he even wanted to use my personal computer.
You do know how much I detest others touching my things but my mother had
given me instructions that I had to accommodate him…”
“Who was it?” Hearing such crucial information, Lu Xi couldn’t help but interrupt
her chatter.

“Ah,” Xiao Ya was stunned before her ire took over and she exclaimed, “Lu Xi what’s
with you! This old lady was just getting into it…”

“Then you continue nattering.” Lu Xi lowered his head to note the time on his
watch. Then in a calm unhurried tone, “my brother will soon be knocking off work
to go for dinner.”

As expected, the sound on the other end dissipated.

After a few seconds, Xiao Ya’s voice continued, “I think he was called Zhao
something or other Hua. I can’t remember it clearly. Oh my, it’s almost twelve, I’m
hanging up!”

The tone of the line being cut off was heard.

Lu Xi held onto the phone, and in the depths of those peach blossom eyes, a wisp
of shrewd light surfaced from within.
Chapter 27

Zhao Wenhua? Lu Xi relaxed and leaned against the back of the chair with a pensive
expression on his face.

At the neighbouring villa.

Meanwhile Su Jin was diligently crafting a new update status for her latest chapter
when she unexpectedly received a message from her editor, Min Fei.

Min Fei: [Is the Master Su Jin online?(1) A staff member from Sheng Ming Productions
contacted us about wanting to adapt your web novel ‘Sunflower’. They hope to
meet with you face to face to discuss this- are you interested?~]
(1)
(sù jǐn dà dà) 素锦大大 – This might seem like Su Jin has done a foolish thing to use her own name online, however, the Chinese characters used are slightly different in her online alias.
The character sù ‘素’ here refers to the meaning plain while the character jǐn ‘锦’ means brocade fabric that is made with silk multi-colored threads; alluding to the name meaning to become ‘a plain

brocade.’ As for her own name Su Jin ‘苏锦’, 苏 refers to the Chinese basil (wild red basil) or commonly known as the perilla plant. This is likely due to her imagery of her appearance as being a
resplendent beauty that is commonly connected to the color of red.
In Internet slang, da da ’大大’, is used for the purpose of describing someone as an expert or as a capable person. Namely, this is a way of addressing someone with regards to their work (of art). It
indicates the person’s (who is speaking) respect towards the writer. Often, this shows incomparable veneration and worship for someone.

Su Jin stared at this message in shock for a short time until the continuous beeping
sound from QQ kept buzzing and snapped her out of her daze.(2)
(2) QQ – Also known as Tencent QQ, it is an instant messaging software service, like WhatsApp or Skype, developed by the Shenzhen Tencent Computer System Co., Ltd. It is available in many
languages and offers services such as online social games, music, shopping, microblogging, movies and group and voice chats. It is the second most popular virtual community from China, the first
being WeChat, with a total of 868 million active user accounts as of December 2016.

Min Fei: [I’ve already looked it up on my end, and it is definitely a person from
Sheng Ming and not some swindler of unknown origins.]
Min Fei: [What Master signed before was only for the online copyrights, therefore,
our website will not have a part in the adaption. If Master is interested, I can have
the other party’s contact details sent to you, and then you can have a meet up?]

Min Fei: [Oh, is Master not around?]

[Here.] With shaking fingers, Su Jin paused for a bit before she typed those words
out on the keyboard.
About at the same time as she sent her reply out, she also received Min Fei’s
response.

[So what are Master’s thoughts about this?]

[Mm,] Su Jin bit her lip as she earnestly tapped out her reply on the keyboard,
[Editor, please give to me the other parties’ contact details.]

Min Fei: [Okay, 186****3574, the first name is Qin.]

After giving her thanks to Min Fei for her assistance, Su Jin stared at this string of
numbers for a long time. Finally, a smile could not help but curl up on the edge of
her lips.

Unlike a job used to support one’s family, she truly enjoyed writing stories.
Otherwise, she would not have kept at it for so long in her past life.

‘Sunflower’ was her first novel in this world which she had just completed not too
long ago. She was a newcomer here in the online writing community and the
statistics for her novel could not be considered extremely remarkable. However,
the fundamental skills that she had developed in the past still remained and
without the pressure of supporting her livelihood, and thus resulted in leaps and
bounds of constant improvement in her craft.

As she punched in those numbers and listened to the ringback tone from the
phone, she aimlessly wondered whose foresight was this good to have chosen her
novel.

“Hello.” A slightly rough male voice resounded from the phone.

“Hello, Mr Qin.” Su Jin immediately came back to her senses, “I am the author of
‘Sunflower’, Su Jin.”

“Nice to meet you, Miss Su Jin,” the voice from the opposite end of the phone was
extremely calm, “since you’ve made the call, I take it that you are interested in the
proposal that I have made?”
“Yes.” Su Jin nodded, “I am extremely interested in the adaption of ‘Sunflower.’”

“That’s great.” The man on the other end of phone laughed and replied, “I am
unsure when Miss Su Jin is available, when could we meet up and discuss things in
more detail?”

“Is meeting at the Red Dragonfly cafe, which is opposite Tianfeng shopping mall,
tomorrow at half past twelve possible for you?” Pondering for a bit, Su Jin asked
this.

Although she had been kidnapped the last time she had left that cafe, after all was
said and done, that was only an accident. Although there was a proverb- ‘once
bitten, twice shy’, she was unlikely to go so far as to cautiously avoid the place after
such an unpleasant experience.

“Alright, when the meeting time gets closer, we can get in touch again with a call.”
The person on the other end readily accepted.

“Great, then Mr Qin, see you tomorrow.” Su Jin happily bid farewell to him and
ended the call.

On the morning of the second day, as the sunlight permeated through the thick
curtains and shone into the room, its initial bright rays had already begun to
weaken greatly and become dusky.

The person on the huge bed moved a little. Since they were not disturbed by the
sunshine, they merely flipped over and buried their head in the soft pillow.

A wisp of an aroma travelled up from downstairs and teasingly hovered over her
nose.

This time, the person on the bed stirred. Moving again, a fair arm then reached out
and gripped onto the phone on the bedside table.

With squinted eyes, Su Jin stared at the screen. Oh, it’s half past eight in the
morning now.
The aroma that wafted at the tip of her nose grew stronger and denser.

Her beautiful phoenix eyes closed and then opened. This sequence of actions
repeated a few times more and then she finally climbed out of bed with a yawn and
made a beeline for her bathroom.

Carelessly washing her face to make herself consciously awake, she opened the
door and walked downstairs.

“Aunt Xu, what did you make today, the smell this early in the morning has even
lured me…”

The words ‘awake and out of bed’ were stuck in her throat.

Her initially sleepy and bleary phoenix eyes abruptly widened and she stared at the
person before her in shock.

In the kitchen to the side of the dining room, the man’s posture was upright and
dressed in a well-ironed white dress shirt, black trousers and tied on his waist was
a gingham patterned bistro apron that was familiar to her. Hearing her voice, he
turned his body slightly and placed down a ladle to wave to her.

“Good morning.”

The beautiful and bright sunlight shone through the window of the kitchen and a
ray landed smoothly on his shoulders. It lit up the gentle laughter that was present
in the pair of peach blossom eyes of his.

“Good, good morning.” Su Jin replied distractedly and almost bit into her own
tongue.

Switching off the fire, Lu Xi ladled out the porridge from the pot and placed it onto
the dinner table. Raising his head, he saw the young woman still staring at him
blankly. It seemed that she had not recomposed herself yet.

“Oh.” Rubbing his chin, his gaze swept over the girl standing before him.
Probably because she had just woken up, her long tresses were still a little in
disarray and there was a faint red flush on her exquisite features. In her phoenix
eyes, there was a brightness and mistiness that brought an indolent air to her that
was not usually seen.

Wearing a candy apple red spaghetti strap nightgown that only reached to mid-
thigh, much of her alabaster shoulders and slender legs was revealed. When the
sunshine shone upon her, it seemed as if her entire person was emanating with a
glimmer of light.

“You have a pretty good figure.” Lu Xi abruptly said with an arch of his brow.

Eh? Su Jin followed his gaze towards herself and immediately reacted.

“Hey!” Reprimanding him with gritted teeth, she hastily raised her hands to cover
her chest as the tip of her ears also grew flushed in his presence.

Lifting her gaze to glare at him, she spun round to go upstairs.

As the beauty vanished around the bend of the stairs, Lu Xi’s long eyelashes raised
slightly as he showed an innocent expression.

When Su Jin came down once more, it was already thirty minutes later.

The girl that sat before him had already changed into a bracelet-sleeved white
chiffon blouse that had been buttoned up to her neck and at her collar, there was a
deep blue ribbon tied into a bowknot.

“Red bean and barley porridge. If you don’t eat it, it’ll become cold.” Lu Xi pushed
the mostly cooled porcelain bowl in front of the girl, brought a spoon and placed it
into her hands.

Su Jin stared at this deadly earnest man for a short while but ultimately could not
resist the enticing fragrance and scooped out a spoonful to place into her mouth.
The sweet fragrance of the red bean and the sticky softness of the barley had
woven together to create a wonderfully delicious taste. It was merely a bowl of
porridge that could be found amongst the home cooked meals of a family, yet, the
taste was exceedingly unordinary.

With small bites, she finished the bowl of porridge. Sitting upright as she wiped her
mouth, Su Jin asked, “why are you here this early?”

“Doesn’t Jin’er welcome me here?” With folded hands, Lu Xi placed them on the
table, “What a waste of my energy. I was worried that you would be hungry, you
know, and came over bright and early to cook some porridge.” Saying this, he
shook his head.

Although she could see it was plainly an appearance of him sitting upright and still,
yet Su Jin could still discern a hint of hurt in those pair of alluring eyes.

After the feast comes the reckoning.

She lowered her head, stared at the empty bowl on the table and let out a faint
sigh.

“It’s not that I don’t welcome you.” Su Jin replied somewhat stiffly, swiftly changed
topics and asked, “what about my mother? Where’s Xiyue and also, Aunt Xu?”

“Something came up with Aunt Xu at home, so she requested for some time off.
Aunt took Lin Xiyue out and handed you over to me before she left.” Lu Xi replied
with a hint of a smile.

Handed over to you?

Su Jin blinked and then listlessly shook her head. As she stood, she took the cup
and detoured round the man before her. Walking to the water dispenser behind
him, she poured herself a cup of water.

As she turned, the hem of her skirt seemed to have caught onto something and Su
Jin’s body was askew as her right hand hastily grabbed onto the shoulder of the
man before her to steady herself. In her right hand, the cup of lukewarm water
spilled all over his back.

“Jin’er.” Feeling the wetness on his back, Lu Xi turned his head to look at the girl
behind him who had her mouth slightly agape. Helplessly, his lips curled.

“You owe me another dress shirt.”

Chapter 28

An hour later, on the 23rd storey of the Tianfeng shopping centre, at a menswear
flagship store.

Su Jin was looking at the man who was just leaving the changing room and
couldn’t help but be secretly astounded. Obviously, there were some people that
were naturally born to wear clothes and while this was only a very common,
simple, white dress shirt, he was able to carry it off with a flair of nobile genteelity.

“What do you think?” Lu Xi looked at his image reflected in the mirror, then turning
his head, looked at the girl beside him.

“Isn’t that what I should be asking you?” Su Jin raised both hands, palm side facing
him. Gently, she skewed her head as she smiled saying “My debtor master.”

Her phoenix eyes were translucent, and those black irises clearly reflected his
appearance.

“That’s right.” Lu Xi’s lips curved up, and his hand reached out to ruffle her hair.
Smiling he added, “then we’ll take this piece then, wrap it up.”

The attendant who had been serving them this whole time, with glistening eyes,
she hurriedly took the shirt from Lu Xi’s hands.

Under the lights hung a pink coloured, short sleeve men’s shirt.

It was not the commonly seen dusty pink or fuschia colour, and there was no other
embellishment on it; it was just a basic pink colour.

Lu Xi raised his brows and directed a look at the girl while scratching his chin, his
eyes revealing a querying intent.

Su Jin understanding his query, curved her lips and nodded.

The pink men’s shirt had always been popular and it was not something merely
trendy for a short stint. Moreover, be it in her past life or this one, she could not
honestly say that she had rarely seen any man wearing a pink shirt; it was a
common sight. Still, she felt that every example she had seen so far was not to her
taste.

However, after seeing Lu Xi’s face at this moment, she had suddenly wanted to see
how he would look in that shirt.

“Hey —!” Lu Xi looked down at his black dress pants, then gestured at the
attendant to bring down the shirt for him. He then went on to meander around the
shop and finally returned with a light blue pair of ankle jeans, that were almost
moon white, and a pair of white sneakers.

When he once again exited the changing room, Su jin could clearly hear the
collective gasp of everyone in the shop.

For a man who was normally seen in dress shirts and pants, it was rare to see him
in such carefree roguish attire.

The top two buttons of the pink shirt were left undone, and the neckline was
rakishly left open, revealing a small patch of a white sturdy chest. The hem of the
shirt was tucked into the pants, and the streamlined jeans seemed to hug his
physique, accentuating his slim waist. The pencil cut highlighted his long slender
legs and ending just above his ankle, exposing another patch of white skin.

His eyes curved up slightly, those peach blossomed eyes carrying a hint of levity
and a soft smile.

The problem was when those eyes were paired with a white dress shirt, they bore a
gentle and kind hue much like jade. Yet, when paired with today’s pink shirt, there
was a confidence that was brimming with charm.

However, that person seemed to be oblivious to it all.

Su Jin was staring blankly as that person drew nearer, her heart unable to signal to
her face to plaster on an annoyed look, so she slightly cast down her gaze.
“Jin’er.”

A pair of long thighs grew larger before her and then in the next second, Su Jin’s
chin was being lifted up.

This was the typical gesture of a young master dallying with a daughter from a
respectable family.

A slightly startled pair of phoenix eyes looked directly into those peach blossomed
eyes.

“Have you gone silly from staring? We’re still waiting for you to foot the bill.” Lu Xi’s
thin lips curved slightly, and while speaking in a soft and low tone, he removed the
finger that had brought this girl’s chin up to lightly tap on her nose.

“My esteemed benefactress.”

Esteemed benefactress? Su Jin was stunned but recovered quickly to quirk her
brows.

So he had heard it before too?

When she was about to swipe her card to make the payment a while ago, the shop
staff were heard discussing the situation amongst themselves.

“Wow, to think that it was the girl that paid for those purchases?”

“Pfft, and it was bought for THAT man.”

“So does that mean… that guy is a kept toy boy?”

“My word, he’s so handsome. If I had the means, I would keep him as my toy boy
too.”
It was then that the strange discussion paused for a few seconds, and when the
conversation resumed, it was in unanimous agreement with the one who had last
spoken.

The annoyance that she was feeling earlier surprisingly vanished. Su Jin’s eyes
curved.

“What if I don’t want to make the payment anymore?”

“Is that so…..” Lu Xi straightened his posture, and then with a crestfallen
expression sighed softly, “ok then, just forget it then.”

The 1.8m tall man with his slightly droopy head and his clearly handsome side
profile looking dejected was very much like a dog wagging his tail beseechingly.

Su Jin had to bite down on her lips to resist the urge to burst out laughing.

After much effort to control her emotions, she was about to speak when a voice
was heard from the opposite end of the counter.

“Forget it? How can you just forget about it! If she doesn’t pay, then let me pay!”

Su Jin and Lu Xi exchanged a look before lifting their heads to look across.

What they saw was a slightly over 1.7m young…man.

Wearing a Cartier V-neck tee shirt, casual Gucci pants, and Bvlgari leather shoes.

Oh, and even his leather belt was from this year’s Gucci spring new catalogue.

His whole outfit was styled from international brands’ menswear collections. He
seemed to be emanating an aura of ‘I’m a nouveau riche’.

His appearance was passable, except for the heavy bags beneath his eyes…. A sign
of excessive overindulgence.
“So would you be Miss Su’s latest beau?” He approached as if he was someone
familiar, reaching out his hand towards Lu Xi, “Come, let me introduce myself, I am
Zhao Wenze.”

It was not certain if he had done it intentionally or not, but as his hand stretched
out, the face of his manual mechanical watch lit up.

Zhao Wenze?

Su Jin frowned as her mind spun around before her memory dredged up some
details about this person.

Zhao Wenze. He was the biological brother of the Zhao family’s heir, Zhao Wenhua.
Possibly because there was already an heir and so the fear of a possible power
struggle, this Zhao family youngest son had been spoiled and pampered since he
was young. Furthermore, as he grew older, he became a Casanova, living the wild
and party lifestyle.

The Zhao family business was in entertainment. According to most people, within
the Zhou Entertainment company, everyone from the big shots to the newbie
artiste, be it male or female, would all have some dealings with this Zhao family
youngest son.

Zhao Wenze’s only redeeming quality was that he had a rather nice personality,
and even though he would change female companions with more diligence than
his own attire, each one of them who had shared his bed, went into it willingly.

It was definitely an understatement to say this young master was an idiot.

Otherwise, how could someone who knew half the people in the entertainment
circle not recognise this famous acclaimed director, despite Lu Xi’s rather low
profile.

Pfft, just thinking about this, Su Jin lifted her head to look at the well-defined man
by her side, only to lament silently and shook her head.

Both were young masters, why then was the disparity so great?
However, this person…. Did he fancy Lu Xi?

Meanwhile, Zhao Wenze still had his hand outstretched, his eyes fixated on Lu Xi’s
peach blossom eyes. Then he proceeded to praise, “This outfit really suits you.”

Lu Xi was somewhat dumbfounded.

So… does this mean that a man had taken a fancy to him?

Noticing that after a period of time he had neither spoken nor put forth his hand,
Zhao Wenze’s demeanour turned unsightly. Awkwardly, he retracted his hand and
stuffed them into his pocket, and frowning he said, “You’ve already called Su Jin
your benefactress, so then what are you hem-and-hawing about? Since she said
that she would not buy you the outfit, then I will buy it for you, how’s that?” As he
spoke, he stuck out his tongue to lick his lips, “follow me, whatever you want, I will
get them for you.”

Before Lu Xi could even gather his wits about him, Su Jin raised her brows and
rejoined, “Zhao Wenze, I’m still right here.”

Having heard Su Jin speak, Zhao Wenze tilted his head to look towards Su Jin.

The girl had on a three-quarter sleeve white chiffon blouse and a dark pleated
short skirt. Her blouse, all buttoned right up to her neck with a dark blue ribbon
tied into a butterfly knot, had a school uniform feel to it. Those phoenix eyes were
slightly uplifted, and the beautiful, vivid, naturally distinctive and accentuated
features, flawless and charming, all culminated into a particular attraction.

A moment of desire flashed through Zhao Wenze’s eyes, and then he shook his
head slightly.

Well, this certainly was not a person he could afford to offend. What’s to say…. She
could potentially be his future sister-in-law.

Lu Xi frowned and his eyes deepened.

“Miss Su, it is only just a mere lover.” Still holding that thought, he jeered at Su Jin
saying, “how about this, you let me have this person, and I’ll promise not to tell
that fiance of yours, Mr Lu, about you having a lover.”

“Zhao Wenze, you….”

Su Jin did not manage to complete her sentences before Lu Xi interrupted her.

“You mentioned earlier…” Lu Xi seemed to have completed contemplating and

added, “whatever I want, you will give it to me?”

The timbre of his voice was both low and elegant, like listening to a cello concerto.

Zhao Wenze’s eyes lit up. Earlier when Lu Xi was talking, it was faint and barely
audible, however, to hear him speak up now, suddenly he realised that this man
had a mesmerizing voice. If it was spoken in bed…

“Yup, whatever it is that you wish for, I will be able to give it to you.” He nodded
emphatically with his beaming eyes closed.

Su Jin looked at the man beside her and was rather suspicious.

Then, she saw Lu Xi’s lips hooked up in a sneer, before using the mesmerising voice
from Zhao Wenze’s fantasy, “What I want….”

Not only were Zhao Wenze and Su Jin captivated, the shop assistants were also
leaning towards him.

Lu Xi’s eyelashes lowered, concealing the coldness that flashed across his eyes as
he continued, “……Su Jin.”

I want to have Su Jin.

Zhao Wenze was flabbergasted, “WHAT? What did you just say you wanted?”
“I want Su Jin.” Lu Xi lifted his eyelashes, then he reached out to tidy the butterfly
knot ribbon on her collar as he gave his blase reply.

Su Jin lowered her head slightly, she had already gotten used to this person’s
brazen impudence. But to profess his intentions before all these people, her cheeks
began to blush. However, a smiling expression briefly flashed past her eyes.

Zhao Wenze noticed the mutual tacit understanding between the two of them and
a wave of anger rosed up, “You and Su jin are a …”

Lu Xi swiftly jerked his head and retracted the earlier smiling expression. The
smiling intent in those peach blossomed eyes turned glacial.

The word ‘slut’ had somehow got stuck in his throat. Zhao Wenze suddenly
coughed a couple of times and violently shuddered.

He managed to recover his rationality and frowned. After a short silence, he finally
found his voice to probe, “who are you?”

“Me?” Lu Xi raised his brows, with a faint smirk on his lips.

“I am Lu Xi.”
Chapter 29

The atmosphere was still.

Lu Xi reached out to pat Su Jin’s head and spoke in a low voice, “I’ll go and change
my clothes, but don’t cop out of paying, okay.”

Cop out of paying? Su Jin let out a sound of slight indignation and responded with
an arched eyebrow, “go, go. Although I, this financial backer of yours, cannot give
you whatever you want so easily, I can still pay for a dress shirt.”

“If it was Jin’er,” with a small smile, Lu Xi looked at her with light laughter in his
eyes, “giving your heart to me would be good enough.”

“You wish.” Su Jin’s face turned slightly red and she pushed him, “hurry up and
change because once I buy this, I won’t be beholden to you anymore.”

Lu Xi quietly laughed and compliantly went into the fitting room.

Walking out side by side, the two people left the store front of this shop without
even gracing Zhao Wenze, who stood there with his expression constantly
changing like the colours on a palette, with the slightest glance.

“What do you want to eat for lunch?” Lu Xi took the shopping bag in Su Jin’s hand
and looked at his watch, “it’s past twelve already.”

“What?” Su Jin was surprised and smoothly pulled Lu Xi’s arm to look at the watch
on his wrist.

12.15pm.

“What a relief. I have an appointment with someone to discuss some matters at

half-past twelve at the cafe opposite this mall.” Su Jin sighed in relief, “thankfully, I
have not missed it.”
“Discuss some matters?” Lu Xi slightly arched an eyebrow, “do you want me to
accompany you?”

“Um…” Su Jin furrowed her eyebrows in thought and tilted her head as she asked,
“since you are in the entertainment industry, are you familiar with contracts about
novels adapted into screenplays?”

“Contract? Novel adaptation?” Lu Xi’s eyes shone brightly and nodded, “I’m fairly
familiar with them.”

Fairly familiar?

Thinking back to the time when he hacked into those secret websites and
afterwards he had mentioned the phrase ‘it was nothing’, Su Jin inwardly nodded.
Fairly familiar, then that probably meant he was adept in them.

As she pondered on this, she glanced at the man who stood beside her with a smile
on his face. Her lips curled as she continued politely, “then I will have to thank you,
Mr Lu, for your trouble then.”

“No, no, you flatter me.” Lu Xi nodded as he stroked his bright and clean chin.

Yep, it would be even more effective if he had a white beard on him, then he would
really have an aura of having a divine poise like an old sage.

Looking at Lu Xi’s deadpan expression, Su Jin bit her lip. But in the end, she could
not help but burst out in laughter.

As they were conversing, the two people had walked towards the elevator. With a
hand supporting the young lady who had doubled over with laughter, he used his
other hand, that was carrying the two shopping bags, to press the downwards
button.

“Ding—-”

The crisp and sharp sound of the elevator rang.

Standing upright as she tried to calm herself and recover her breathing, Su Jin
strode into the elevator after Lu Xi.

There were a total of four elevators in the shopping mall and they encircled the
heart of the shopping mall to form a circle. Other than the doors, the surrounding
walls of the elevators were made of glass. The speed of the elevator as it
descended was unhurried; the intentions of this design was to allow customers
who made use of the elevator to admire the entire aesthetic appeal of the shopping
mall.

Probably due to it not being a public holiday, there were not many people in the
shopping mall today so the elevator just happened to also be empty.

As the door closed, Su Jin stepped back a step and leaned backwards, the grip of
her hand holding onto the handrail slightly tightening.

Then, a warm palm covered hers snugly, startling Su Jin. As she raised her head,
her eyes locked upon Lu Xi’s somewhat worried countenance.

With a light curl of her lips, she shook her head and her body turned again to lean
against the handrail. As she gazed out of the glass, her breathing gradually relaxed.

Subconsciously, due to her suppressed memories of the event, she had not been
aware of the upheaval of her emotions and therefore, she was to some extent
uneasy as she took the elevator.

It wasn’t until the incident in the darkness of the warehouse happened, and she
recovered her memories, that she understood.

As it turned out, she was suffering from a mild case of claustrophobia.

The good thing was that it was minor, thus it would be alright if she could
overcome it.
While pondering this, she observed a glitzy billboard outside the glass aimlessly.
Then, she suddenly recalled Zhao Wenze’s mien that was like a coloured palette
before at the store.

“Speaking of which,” turning her head back as she ribbed Lu Xi, “has young master
Lu never been pursued by such crass means before? And, it was by a man too.
Hehe, I have never seen the self-proclaimed suave Zhao Wenze show this sort of
expression.”

“Why?” Hearing this, Lu Xi slightly arched an eyebrow. His head lowered to her ear,
he murmured, “jealous?”

The tepid breath wafted over her ears and her neck shrunk back. Startled, Su Jin
instinctively took a sidestep.

“What nonsense?” She glanced at him, “I’m just unused to him snatching without
asking…”

Su Jin’s tone paused.

“Snatching what?” Lu Xi reclined against the handrail of the glass with a slight
smile on his lips.

Snatching what’s mine.

Su Jin pointedly swallowed that incomplete phrase into her stomach.

When did, had he, become part of what she had roped into what she considered as
‘hers’?

“Snatch… …” She paused and properly spat out a phrase, “a gentleman from a
good family.”(1)
(1)
(liáng jiā fù nán) 良家妇男 – there is no accurate phrase in the English language for this. ‘Liang jia’ means a good family and ‘fu nan’ means a house husband, and separately, these
words do make some sense. However, as an idiom, the meaning of these words become clearer. This means a gentleman of a good family who has no vices (such as drinking, gambling, smoking and
cavorting) and is capable of doing house chores and cooking. In summary, this is likely to be praising a man for being ideal.

Though she spat out this phrase, Lu Xi had no reaction. However, on the contrary,
Su Jin herself could not help but laugh.
“I had thought that Jin’er would say ‘snatch what’s yours.’” Lu Xi faintly sighed and
stepped a few paces forward and stood only a foot’s distance away from Su Jin.

“But, Jin’er, I’m jealous, you know.”

The man’s voice was mellow, and that voice fluttered smoothly and tenderly over
her ears.

“What?” Su Jin was shocked and in puzzlement, she glanced up at him.

“Zhao Wenze, the youngest master of the Zhao family and the younger biological
brother of Zhao Wenhua. His loose and uninhibited behaviour,” His long lashes
blinked and covered the flash of coldness in his eyes as he continued, “does not
abstain from neither men nor women.”

All this… …She already knew.

Wait, she abruptly realised.

Could it be…

“That’s right.” When he saw that Su Jin understood, Lu Xi confirmed her

speculation with a nod, “when he looked at you, his gaze was filled with
dazzlement and also-”

“Greed.”

“Jin’er, you are mine.” In the depths of his peach blossom eyes, a familiar flame
surfaced.

Su Jin was shocked and out of the blue, she somehow understood what that
blazing flame meant.

It was probably the desire to possess.

In front of her, it appeared that he had never masked his thoughts of her and
instead, he had openly bared everything.

It was probably because he was too honest and broad-minded that she had not
actually perceived the slightest bit of danger, and because of this… …Bit by bit,
she had fallen in…

While Su Jin was looking at him with a distracted expression and a gap in her
defences, Lu Xi raised his hand up and sketched out her silhouette in the empty
space.

“Your eyebrows are mine, your eyes are mine, your nose is mine, your lips are mine,
all of them belong to me.” He let out a small sound of indignation, “he shouldn’t
even think about it (possessing her)!”

“How old are you?” Su Jin asked with a raised eyebrow as she ignored the
complicated thoughts that flashed across her mind.

“Oh.” Lu Xi was in deep thought for a while, then, “probably around-”

“- 3 years old.”

At this, Su Jin could not help it. The edge of her lips curled into a large grin and with
a low tone, she enticingly coaxed, “be good, and call me Jiejie then.”
Chapter 30

Call her Jiejie?

Lu Xi slightly raised his eyebrow, but at that moment, the elevator doors open. At
the same time, the two people looked towards the doors, it was on the eighth
floor?

A mother and daughter pair entered the elevator. The little girl looked about four
to five years old and wore a broad-brimmed sun hat. She held a big, light pink
colored, rabbit shaped cotton candy in her hand and she looked fair, adorable and
delicate. As the elevator began to move, her body swayed due to her unstable
footing. In the nick of time, Su Jin reached out to support her. Once the young girl
was standing firm, she shot Su Jin a sweet smile as she loudly spoke, “thank you,
pretty aunt!”

Aunt? Su Jin was shocked and unconsciously looked towards Lu Xi who stood
beside her. Noticing the man’s palm curled into a fist as it was stealthily placed at
the curl of his lips, the sound of a light cough covered the laughter that was on the
verge of bursting. However, that pair of alluring eyes betrayed him as the clear
laughter in his eyes was itching to overflow.

It was rare for Su Jin to be mocked like so, therefore, she glared firmly at the man
who was laughing joyously. Lowering her head, as she observed the little girl who
was staring at her anxiously, the depression and frustration in her heart
immediately vanishing. Bending down, she lifted the girl’s hat and lightly patted
her crown with a light smile, “good girl- next time, be careful okay.”

Obediently, the girl nodded and the lady, who was holding onto her, also smiled
towards Su Jin to express her gratitude.

As the elevator reached the first floor, the mother and daughter were standing in
front, while Su Jin and Lu Xi were at the back of the car.
Observing the girl that stood beside him watch the pair leave with a somewhat
distracted expression, Lu Xi questioned, “do you like children?”

“Eh?” Su Jin was surprised when she heard this. But, she shook her head and spoke
in a low voice, “it was just that I was thinking that a child having someone to love
them was great…”

This was spoken in a low and soft murmur.

Lu Xi seemed to not have clearly heard her and was puzzled, “huh?”

“It’s nothing really. That little girl was really cute, of course, I like her.” Her
expression smoothed out and Su Jin replied with a light smile, “let’s go, it’s almost
time for the meeting.” After she said this, she took the lead and walked forward.

As a cool breeze blew by, a faint fragrance from her waist-long tresses left a thin
trail behind her as she walked.

Lu Xi’s eye darkened and then, with a curl of his lips, he followed behind.

The Red Dragonfly Cafe.

When the two people arrived, it was just twenty minutes past twelve. With a sweep
of her gaze, Su Jin looked around the cafe. It was lunchtime and naturally, there
were not many people in the cafe; thus taking everything into account, there were
only three tables of people.

A pair were sitting together side by side in an intimate manner, therefore, it was
clear they were sweethearts. At another table, there were three girls and at the last
table, sitting opposite each other were a man and a woman who had both brought
along laptops; they were clearly working.

Apparently, that Mr Qin had not arrived yet. Su Jin thought for a moment and then
brought Lu Xi to the seats by the window where she had sat before.
As there was still one more person coming, Lu Xi gentlemanly helped Su Jin bring
over a seat from an adjacent table and placed the shopping bags on it. Softly, he
said, “I’ll go to the washroom for a bit.”

“Okay.” Su Jin nodded and waved the menu in her hand as she asked, “what would
you like?”

“Drinking coffee on an empty stomach isn’t good.” Lu Xi reached out and flipped
the menu in her hands to the last page, “order from here instead.”

Dessert? Su Jin raised an eyebrow at him and then, complied with a nod.

As Lu Xi left for the washroom, the doorbell that hung on the cafe door melodiously
rang as it was pushed open.

A man dressed in a light coloured suit and holding a black briefcase entered. He
looked around and straight away, he walked towards Su Jin.

“Hello, are you Miss Su Jin?”

Su Jin raised her head and noticed that the man standing before had mostly
common facial features. However, he had a pair of long, narrow eyes, so even
though he smiled, he exuded a shrewd aura.

“Mr Qin?” She queried.

“I am Qin An.” He shot out a hand to her for a handshake.

With a curl of her lip, Su Jin stood and shook his hand, “Hello, I am Su Jin.”

The smile at Qin An’s lips was unchanged yet his eyes darkened lightly. He then sat
in front of Su Jin and jested, “I feel like Miss Su Jin’s name seems rather familiar,
but I’m not sure where I have met you before. That said, I didn’t think that you
would be this unwilling to even tell me your real name?”
Su Jin was shocked and then recomposed herself, the pronunciation of Su Jin
and Su Jin weren’t that different, so was this person misunderstanding something
here?
“Mr Qin, this excuse of being familiar is certainly an old, cliche conversation
starter.” Su Jin shook her head and smiled, “also, my name is Su Jin, Su from ‘the
city’, Suzhou and Jin from the word, ‘beautiful’.”(1)
(1) There is a slight difference between the two words here. As explained in a previous chapter, Su Jin (苏锦) is her own name. It’s read as sū jǐn while her pen name is Su Jin (素锦) which means plain,

unadorned and brocade. Or in this case, with Su Jin’s official explanation of her name, her pen name means unadorned/natural/plain beauty.
Therefore, in English, this nuance isn’t so pronounced and obvious as it is in Chinese due to the difference in characters which is the equivalent to a change in spelling. Hence, this translation here uses
the
italics in this manner when her penname is referred to like this: Miss Su Jin and with her own name, it won’t be, like this: Miss Su Jin.
Su Jin……

Qin An’s eyes widened and he was stunned. As his mouth gaped slightly, his
expression became rather strange.

“Mr Qin?” Su Jin looked at the rapid change in expression of the person before her
and called out his name with a probing question.

Before, he looked rather astute, yet now why did he look so foolish? Could it be
that he had some unmentionable illness?

“Su… Jin?” Qin An repeated once more haltingly.

Su Jin’s phoenix eyes blinked and nodded.

“The eldest young miss of the Su family?”

Su Jin continued to nod, her identity in Shenhai was not some particular sort of
secret, so guessing that was not strange.

With a bob of his Adam’s apple, Qin An then sat upright like a schoolchild and with
a light smile, he called out, “lady boss, hello!”

At this, it was Su Jin’s turn to be stunned.

“I’m Qin An, Director Lu Xi’s assistant.” Qin An sighed and explained to the
surprised Su Jin, “in a previous conversation, Director Lu said that he had taken a
fancy to a novel so he wanted me to discuss adaptation rights…”
“That’s strange.” Su Jin could not help but interrupt Qin An and asked with a
frown, “the editor said that you were Sheng Ming Production’s…”

As she said this, she stopped. Sheng Ming Productions…… Sheng Ming…… Su Jin
abruptly sighed, it was no wonder that she felt it was familiar to her, didn’t the
Sheng Ming corporation belong to the Lu family?

Seeing that she understood, Qin An smiled and nodded.

Only… Su Jin lowered her head slightly as a shred of puzzlement flashed through
her phoenix eyes, wasn’t this too much of a coincidence?

However, this matter about her writing novels was something even her family did
not know about.

“Boss!” Qin An’s eyes lit up as he called out while standing up once more.

Reflexively, Su Jin turned around to look.

“Qin An?” Lu Xi raised an eyebrow but it seemed that he was not too surprised.
With a slight nod to signal to Qin An to be seated, he too sat beside Su Jin and
asked, “are you Su Jin?”

“You already knew?” Su Jin’s eyes turned cold, if this was a method of his to pursue
her, then she really had misjudged this person.

“I deduced.” Lu Xi smiled and replied comfortably, “last night, Xiao An’zi told me
that the author of ‘Sunflower’ had reached out to him and made an appointment
to meet with him at noon today. Then, when you asked me earlier about how
familiar I am with law clauses concerning adapting screenplays, naturally, I
inferred the connection.”

His expression was too natural. Su Jin bit her lip and asked, “why did you think
about adapting ‘Sunflower?’”
Although Sheng Ming was a big corporation, she had assumed that the person who
had wanted to have adaptation rights to her novel would probably be an unknown
rookie director. After all, she did have much of a reputation attached to her name.
Moreover, if this novel was filmed, no matter if it was a television series or a movie,
it could only be an artistic film.

“Because this book had ideas/themes that were sufficient enough to move me.” Lu
Xi did not seem to mind her question, “in the flower language, the sunflower
represents ‘silent love’; wherein Cheng Yuan, even though he had always silently
and selflessly persevered to protect, he never attained what he wanted. And, Tong
Yao hid her sensitivity and kind-heartedness under a veneer of indifference. Even
with the supporting characters- Mu Cheng’s ruthlessness, Lin Qianqian’s
arrogance, Xu Zhuo’s cowardice… Every character had one moment when they
moved me, and thus made them completely unforgettable.”

His tone was gentle, yet certain, and swept away by his words, Su Jin had little by
little recalled her heart’s labour and the care that she had poured into her work; a
book that she had even brought forth some influences of her past self into. And, as
she reflected, the suspicions in her heart gradually weakened.

Of course, I’ll admit that when I first saw the name Su Jin, I had thought of you.” Lu
Xi shrugged, “only, the more alike it is, the harder it is to connect the dots together.
This is the natural train of thought for humans.”

“Only I had never thought that you would actually use this sort of pen name. Also, I
had no idea-”

With a light curl of his lips, he continued, “that my young fiancee would actually
have this sort of creative talent.”

The volume, as that final sentence was spoken, was extremely low and the
scorching heat of his breath fell on her ears. As she looked at him, Su Jin glared at
him weakly. Interrupted in this manner by him, any suspicions in her heart had
long vanished without a chance of resurfacing.

“So, are you prepared to shoot a television drama or a movie film?” She curiously
asked him.
“A television drama.” With a straight face, Lu Xi answered, “the things that you
have said in this novel are immense, and how much I want to keep of the novel is
also too much, so a film would be too short.”

In agreement, Su Jin nodded. In the show business world, there was a tacit
agreement that films were of a higher calibre than dramas. But for her, she felt that
in comparison, she would prefer her novel to be adapted into a drama. For no
other reason than for a movie, there was too much background information and
characters that she would have liked the film to focus on.

Since the two people had now reached a consensus, then what followed
afterwards was rather straightforward. Su Jin had only looked over the contract a
few times before she had eventually signed it.

Sitting opposite the two people and trying his best to become part of the air, Qin
An finally found a reason to take his leave and hugging the signed contract, he
hastily left.

“Do you want to revise the script with me?” Watching Qin An leave in satisfaction,
Lu Xi leaned his arm onto the back of Su Jin’s chair and asked with a smile.

“Revise it?” Su Jin’s eyes lit up, “can I?”

The young woman’s phoenix eyes were bright and clear, and her bright gaze was
upon him. The depths of her eyes were filled with some hope and expectation but
also, some worry.

“Of course.” Lu Xi reached out to caress the crown of her head, “you don’t wish for
all of your hard work to become a total mess because of me right?”

A total mess?

Su Jin could not help but laugh; Lu Xi was originally the most top-notch
screenwriter, so how could he make it into a total mess?

However… …
“I’ll say this first, I will only provide suggestions and modifications for the plot
direction. I won’t take responsibility for the overall adaption, okay. I can’t write a
screenplay!”

Raising her chin as Su Jin skewed her head to look at him, her phoenix eyes were
slightly arched and her words were spoken overbearingly. Yet, her eyes were filled
with laughter and dependence, and those clear pupils of hers were filled with
gleaming waves of ripples that suffused with light.

His Adam’s apple throbbed, and Lu Xi could finally no longer help but to lower his
head.

Softly, he kissed that pair of eyes.

Chapter 31

The handsome facial features of the man before her were magnified, and almost
instinctively, Su Jin shut her eyes.

Tenderly and reverently, the kiss lightly caressed those closed eyelids of hers, first
on the left and once more on the right. Then with a stark realisation, he raised his
head and her eyes fluttered open.

At that moment, with exchanged looks and ambiguous expressions, it seemed

liked time came to a standstill.

“Hello, two slices of black forest chocolate mousse.”

A soft girlish voice broke through the somewhat stagnated air between them and
Lu Xi was startled. Then, with a raised glance, he smiled, “thank you.”

Having delivered the cake to the table, the waitress’ cheeks slightly blushed before
retreating.

At the same time, Su Jin had awoken from her reverie and her face immediately
flushed red. Unable to even deal with her most beloved chocolate mousse, in a fit
of panic, she grabbed her satchel that was sitting beside the table. With a low and
offhand remark of “I have something to do so I’ll be leaving first,” she instantly
stood up and left her seat.

As the slim figure swiftly sped out into the distance without even awaiting his reply,
Lu Xi simple observed the distancing figure with a lightly gaped mouth and a
helpless expression.

Truth be told when his kiss had skimmed her eyelids, at that second, he had come
to his senses. However, when an arrow was nocked onto a bow, it could not be
withdrawn and what was done, had already been done.
At that instant, he had thought of the different possibilities of how she would have
reacted: shy, surprised, pretending everything was fine, allowing it (the kiss) to
happen naturally or even, anger or fear. He had also thought of the many ways to
respond to her, yet the one thing he had not predicted was that this girl would
actually immediately bolt.

That was right- from her initial startlement to her panic in the end and finally, her
obviously quick feet in making her retreat… …

It was clear that the young lady did not know how to face him and therefore,
decided to flee. Raising his head as he leaned back against the chair, Lu Xi brought
his hand to cover his eyes and suddenly, with a curl of his lips, he chuckled.

If it was like this, at the very least, this proved that the young lady of his own heart
was neither angry nor afraid then.

However, she had not even eaten lunch. …If he invited her out now to have lunch
together, she definitely would be unwilling to. Moreover, Aunt Fu was not in the
villa and Aunt Su would likely only be back by the evening… …

As he thought of this, he immediately flagged the waitress at the counter and got
her to pack away the cakes on the table, then left the cafe with them boxed up.

As she huddled into herself and cuddled a pillow in the comforts of the couch in her
own home, Su Jin felt somewhat foolish.

Obviously, it was he who had done something wrong, yet why was she the one to
flee instead?

Even now, her cheeks were still warm and as she thought about what had
happened, inwardly she rejoiced and was glad there was no one at home right
now.

Blinking, she got up and padded towards the door to changed into slippers. Then,
turning back, she settled herself back into the sofa in a daze.
This man truly liked her. Although she did not know how long these emotions of his
would persist, at the very least and at the moment, they were definitely genuine.

But in that case, what about her?

Covering her heart with her hand, inside, some erratic and confusing throbs could
be felt through her chest as she thought back to that tender and reverent kiss.

“Ding dong-” The crisp sound of the doorbell roused the bewildered Su Jin startling
her. Then, she stood up and walked towards the door.

On the monitor, a familiar face appeared.

Lu Xi.

Biting her lips, she did not open up.

Standing at the door, Lu Xi had already pressed the doorbell twice. Seeing that no
one had opened the door, he shook his head with a wry smile. This girl, this was
within his predictions. Thankfully, before he came over, he had verified with the
security guard at the gates that she had already returned home.

Bending down to put down a few bags in his hands by the door, he then turned and
left.

He had given up so easily? Su Jin watched as the person on the monitor vanished
and with a raise of her eyebrows, she opened the door.

Unlike what she had imagined, that person did not childishly and suddenly pop out
from some corner. Only, when she lowered her head, she happened to notice the
bags of food by the door.

In the dining room, Su Jin had half-rested her body against the dining table. Before
her eyes, there were a few transparent food containers of food on its surface. Each
and every one of them was her favourites, in addition to a glass of freshly-squeezed
orange juice. Beside it, there was also a piece of black forest mousse cake.
On the back of the bill found in the bag, was a message written in a bold cursive
script with a black pen.

I added some honey to the orange juice. Be good, and have some lunch first before
you eat the cake.
In her mind’s eye, that pair of peach blossom eyes filled with laughter floated to
the surface. Likely, it was in that kind of enticing and coaxing tone… …Although
they had just faded in warmth, Su Jin’s cheeks warmed once more.

It’s alright, now she was no longer Su Jiner, but Su Jin. She had a family, had
friends and a backing that could properly support her. In that case, wouldn’t it be
alright to indulge herself for once?

Therefore she would not restrain herself; she would nicely, sincerely like someone
and accept the person’s love.

As for Lu Xi, who had returned to the neighbouring villa, he was still unaware of the
thoughts that had been pondered and mulled over numerous times in his young
lady’s heart. After eating his lunch, straightaway he had entered the study.

On the computer screen, different images flashed by. Yet, the person sitting before
it slightly frowned.

Judging from the information that he had obtained, although Zhao Wenze was
lascivious, he was not someone that was without brains. Then, today’s incident…
…

Softly leaning his head against the back of the chair, Lu Xi closed his eyes as he
rapped the knuckle of his pointer finger on the surface of the table.

If the one accompanying Jin’er today wasn’t him, with the way Zhao Wenze had
made a ruckus, it was inevitable that rumours would have begun to be spread. At
that time, the gossip would have caused a tremendous clamour. If what the Lu and
Su family had between them was the ordinary arranged marriage set up to improve
business relations, then he would definitely have a grudge towards Jin’er. With
these sort of matters that involved pride and prestige, for this kind of family clans
like theirs, it would not be out of the ordinary to break a promised marriage
arrangement between them.

Breaking a promised marriage arrangement… …

Lu Xi’s eyes instantly widened, as little by little the threads of thought in his mind
connected together.

All along, he could not understand. In the past, between the Zhao family and Su
family, there had been no enmity between them, so why would Zhao Wenhua go to
such measures for Su Jin. Previously, he had deduced that it might have been
because of the embarrassment that he had felt that day during the birthday
evening soiree, therefore, he harboured a grudge. However, as the meticulously
groomed heir to the Zhao clan, how could Zhao Wenhua be unable to bear such a
minor infraction? Besides, even if he wanted to retaliate, then the target should
have been him and not Su Jin who had merely been a spectator for the whole
incident.

And now… …He chuckled as he shook his head, perhaps Zhao Wenhua’s aim did
not lie in harming Jin’er but as part of a scheme for a hero to save a beauty. With
such a scheme of saving a damsel in distress, he could use this as a pretext to
connect with the Su family through marriage.

The Zhao brothers. As he sat upright, he minimised the file folder on his computer,
dragged it into his email inbox and then clicked the send button. After that, he
made a call.

“Hello.” A gentle male voice could be heard through the phone.

“Ge, have you seen the email that I sent you?” Lu Xi asked.

“I’m looking at it now.” On the topmost floor of Sheng Ming’s corporate offices, a
man with an aloof expression sat upright before his desk. In one hand, he held his
phone and in the other, he shifted the mouse in his hand downwards. After a few
minutes, he curled his lips suddenly as he questioned, “what did this Zhao family
do to anger you?”
“Lately, over the past few years, some people have expanded too quickly. With
bigger intentions and greed, they are always deluding themselves by wanting
things that don’t belong to them.” Lu Xi lightly let out a sound of indignation, “Ge,
the information has been given to you already and you are more familiar with
matters of the business world. However, I do want half of the Zhao clan assets.”

“What do you want to do with half of the Zhao clan?” Somewhat baffled, Lu Jin
raised an eyebrow, “previously, you weren’t even willing to come to Sheng Ming.”

Saying something like it was beyond his ability to manage a business, really, there
was no one clearer than he of his own younger brothers shrewdness and innate
talent for business.

“To bribe my esteemed future father-in-law, of course.” With a curl of his lip, Lu Xi
did not even feel that there was anything amiss with that reasoning.

“Alright.” Helplessly, Lu Jing could only sigh, and hung up the call.

Usually for most families, when a daughter marries, it was like water poured out.
Yet, oddly it seemed that it was the reverse with their family instead?(1)
(1)
jià chū qù de nǚ ér pō chū qù de shuǐ (嫁出去的女儿泼出去的水) – ‘ pō chū qù de shuǐ’, the imagery of water
poured out is to denote that something is no longer retrievable. The feudal Chinese belief that has lived on until now
is that when a daughter marries out, she belongs to the husband’s family henceforth. Here, it is implied that Lu Xi
seems to be the one married out instead.
Chapter 32

In the following days, Su Jin revised the script with Lu Xi. She still wasn’t too clear
on why Su Chenghai and Su Yue left home early and returned late, but then Han
Meng found it utterly baffling as to why her own daughter kept going next door.

Four days later, the worried Mother Su finally stopped her daughter after she
returned late at night. The entire family sat down with solemn faces and called a
meeting.

The good thing was Su Jin didn’t want to continue hiding the truth from her family
either, and so cleared the cause of the matter with a few words.

The moment she heard that her daughter had written a novel and it was even
about to be adapted into a drama, all of the Su family members were pleased.
Mother Su became so excited that she immediately called a few of her old friends
to spread the news of Su Jin’s achievements around. With their illustrious family
backgrounds, they had long since acquired more than enough wealth for
themselves, therefore, what made them all the proudest and happy were the
achievements of their sons and daughters.

Eventually, and with much difficulty, Su Jin managed to stop her mother because
she didn’t want to expose the fact that she was the original author to the public.
Eyes were already turning on Lu Xi filming an unknown drama adaptation, and she
did not want the news shared yet. When the media finally knew more details, they
would probably start saying things, and when her identity was finally exposed, the
headlines “Talented Director Decides to Film Crap Drama to Seize a Beauty’s
Laugh” would probably appear.

Even though “Heart-Pounding Excitement” was filmed in America, a Chinese

company was the one distributing the film in America. Thus, in the year-end
Chinese blockbuster film festival and during the American Academy Awards
seasons slated for next year, the film would probably become possible candidates
for both. She couldn’t affect his reputation at this crucial moment, so who Su Jin
was could just remain a secret.
In any case, it was just as Lu Xi had said previously. The more similar the names
were, the harder it would be for other people to connect them together.

Su Jin fell on the couch, her face facing the ceiling. Her long locks were pulled back
into a high ponytail behind her head. Wearing a T-shirt and shorts, her legs hung
over the armrests as her fair feet swayed back and forth.

She looked up and glanced over at the man leaning back against the couch across
from her as he placed a notebook on his knee and focused completely on typing in
front of him. He looked at a refreshed Weibo “hottest searches” list, and covered
his cheeks with a pillow, grinning.

Another celebrity from Tianyu Productions had entered “the hottest searches” list.
A few days ago, he had mentioned the identity of the main schemer behind her
kidnapping case. She did not expect that it was actually Zhao Wenhua and based
on hearsay, the motive for his actions to be the hero who saved the beauty, had
baffled her. In the end, Lu Xi had even foiled his attempt and snatched his chance
at gaining the beauty’s affections too.

In addition, with matters in regards to Zhao Wenze, since then Tianyu Productions,
under the name of the Zhao family, began to experience an uproar. This time, the
Zhao family truly suffered a double loss as a result of trying to trick the enemy.

Judging by his temperament, it would seem that the Zhao brothers would not have
a good ending. However… She turned her head slightly, her gaze passing through a
small gap and avoiding the person’s handsome brows, only to capture the hidden
smile within those phantomless pupils.

Over the past few days of having spent countless time together, those initial
flutters of the heart had slowly frothed up like fermenting yeast, gradually evolving
into fondness and an emotion called like.

Since he was helping her collect what was owed to her, she would obviously not
hinder or obstruct him. Moreover, these people were neither friend nor foe, so
whatever happened to those people, what did it have to do with her, after all?
Sensing the gaze that was sent his way, Lu Xi slightly crooked a smile and without
lifting his head, spoke teasingly, “If you want to look, then just come right out and
look. Why are you skulking about for?”

Su Jin lightly snorted. These sorts of teasing taunts had happened so often that she
was already immune to them. She slowly retracted her legs and sat up crossed-
legged on the sofa. Both her arms were propped on a cushion and she rested her
chin in her hands. Her pair of phoenix eyes were then transfixed on the man
opposite her.

Noticing that he had raised his eyes to look over, she lifted her chin as her
expression communicated, ‘I’m now doing it right out in the open so deal with it!’

Lu Xi could only helplessly hook his lips in a wry smile, before bringing his head
back down.

Su Jin hugged the pillow and laughed.

Speaking of which, while it had only been slightly over ten days, other than the
occasional hug and kiss on her forehead, essentially he had not made any more
moves to be intimate. However, the time spent together had brought the two of
them even closer with a kind of intimacy.

When he suggested a change in the direction of the script, she would provide her
opinions. Then, they would discuss and come to a conclusion. Her whole psyche
could not be happier than at their mutual rapport and teamwork.

It was just that…. She was slightly lost in her thoughts. In contrast with his initial
outward displays of love and affection, the kind that showed a passionate side to
love, she was much more comfortable as they were now, the simple and
unadulterated kind of love.

So much so that his place in her heart did not affect all of her emotions.
In this case… it might not be fair to him.

However, she was not able to tear down the last defense of her heart, possibly
because it had been locked up for way too long.
So that would be that- should he decide one day to withdraw himself out of this
relationship, then she could also wholly step back unscathed, without any bruises
or injuries to her heart.

Still diligently immersed in his work, what was going through the thoughts of his
girl’s head, was unbeknownst to Lu Xi.

The sunlight that streamed in through the windows brightened and saturated the room, and the atmosphere was tranquil and peaceful.

That evening, after having dinner next door, and then some ‘brushing and
polishing’ of his relationship with the Su family, Lu Xi received a call from his
brother.

“
Xiao Tuan…”(1)
(1)
xiǎo tuán (小团) – Xiao is often used as a diminutive and as mentioned in a previous translation note, it is a familial nickname for a young child. Xiǎ o means little and tuá n has the meaning
of round or a dumpling. So, it was likely Lu Xi was a cute and chubby little boy when he was born, kinda like a dumpling.

It was totally unprecedented for the elder brother Lu to take the initiative to call,
but his first words caused Lu Xi’s forehead to twitch.

This name was definitely a major stain on his otherwise impressive life history.

So what if he had been a little plump and just a little cuter when he was younger? His
mother must have definitely have had some sort of vendetta or grudge against him
when she decided to give him such a nickname.

If Jin’er were to know about this…..

“Ge…” he feebly corrected, “don’t use that name…”

“I got it.” Lu Jing replied good-naturedly, “rest assured, I won’t use it in front of my
sister-in-law.’

Right, you won’t use it, but weren’t there still others too? Apart from his maternal
grandparents who had already passed away, there was still his paternal
grandparents and that couple of no-good parents of his. When they were in the
mood, wouldn’t they call him as such? Unfortunately, no matter how much he had
repeatedly protested against it, it was still useless.

“All right, speak, what is it?” Lu Xi sighed.

Hearing his own younger brother’s resigned voice, the usually aloof and
aristocratic in public Chief Lu satisfiedly smirked, and his resigned and melancholic
mood, when he had been called ‘Xiao Guai’ by their no-good mother who had been
in high spirits, had momentarily halved(2).
(2)
xiǎo guāi (小乖) – This is a nickname/milk name for Lu Xi’s brother, Lu Jing. Xiǎ o means little and guā i mean obedient or well-behaved; therefore, his name meant well-behaved/obedient
little one.

“The Zhao family has been dealt with and as of yesterday afternoon, ninety percent of
the Zhao family’s stocks have been taken over. Zhao Wei has already waved a white
flag, do we still want to continue?”

“This quickly?” Lu Xi raised an eyebrow at his brother’s efficiency.

“Although the Zhao family looks splendid from afar, in actuality, they are merely an
empty shell. Honestly, they have concealed it pretty well.”

“If that’s the case,” Lu Xi drooped his eyes as he pondered, “then, there’s no need.”

“In line with how you dealt with that girl from the Han family, I had assumed you
would not stop till you had dealt with every last one of them.” Lu Jin teasingly
remarked.

“Tsk, what is Gege saying. Didn’t she lose her life because she happened to be drawn
into a local crime syndicate’s battle? That has nothing to do with me.” Lu Xi
continued with a curl of his lips, “the Zhao family was merely too ambitious;
punishing the family as an example to warn others off would be just perfect.”

Han Xuelan was no longer a concern with her habitual jealousy and intractable,
obstinate obsession over Su Jin. With the revelation of her deeds this time, even
more so than what she had done before, frankly speaking, if she were given a car,
she would boldly and directly collide into Su Jin with it. Therefore, it would not do
if he did not have her eliminated. But in this case, in contrast, the Zhao family was
no cause for anxiety.

However…

“I have one demand.” Lu Xi continued, “have him send Zhao Wenhua overseas.”
With only ten percent of shares remaining and their youngest son, it would be
enough to have Zhao Wei punished as an example to others.
“Okay.” Lu Jing spoke with a sound of agreement, “Tianyu Productions, which is
under the name of the Zhao Clan, has more or less fallen apart already. What little that
remains will be merged into Sheng Ming. As for the rest of their property, all of that
will be handed over to you.”

The Zhao Clan primarily operated in the entertainment and recreation industries.
In addition to Tianyu Productions, under the clan’s umbrella there was also
magazine publications, movie theatres, karaoke entertainment establishments,
amusement parks and other such places of entertainment; with all this, they had
occupied almost sixty percent or more of the industry.

“Just take it as the wedding gift for you and younger sister-in-law that I had
mentioned to you before.” Lu Jing lightly chuckled as he replied.

“Wedding gift?” Lu Xi laughed with him, “alright, then I shall have to thank you first.
In the future, if you do indeed get together with Xiao Ya, I’ll send you a huge gift.”

“That girl…” When he heard his little brother’s teasing, Lu Jing rubbed the space
between his eyes as his head began to hurt, “don’t mention her. Tomorrow, I’m
going to give Qin An the files and let him sort them out first before he gives them to
you.”

“Okay.” Lu Xi paused for a moment, but in the end, he still said it, “Xiao Ya is
actually not that bad.”

“Alright, you should pursue your little wifey well with that mindset. I heard our Xiao
Tuan hasn’t even had his first kiss yet and I’m not sure if…” The elder brother Lu
teased him back, unreconciled to being the only one teased.

“Bye, I’m hanging up.” Lu Xi expressionlessly cut the other person off and abruptly
ended the conversation.

Xiao An’zi, aren’t you doing great… He slightly squinted his pretty peach blossom
shaped eyes as his lips curved upward and his two hands intersected in a slight
stretch with a crack of his knuckles.
Beijing, the Lu residence.

Although the man who had gotten hung up on had an aloof expression on his face,
there wasn’t the slightest hint of annoyance in his two black eyes. Instead, his eyes
were suffused with a hint of a small smile. In a good mood, he left the study room and
set off for the kitchen to make some tea. When he passed the living room, however, he
just happened to bump into Mother Lu who was currently in the midst of a phone call.

“Xiao Guai, has that girl Xiao Ya come to see you recently? Even Xiao Tuan has a
girlfriend already and he’s younger than you, you…”

Mother Lu placed down the phone as she said this.

“Mom!” Lu Jing decided he would not be drinking tea anymore. “I have to work
tomorrow so I’ll go to sleep first. Good night!”

Watching her son’s back as he disappeared up the stairs, Mother Lu silently

muttered, ‘Brat’. Then, she picked up the phone again and asked, “Xiao An’zi, hurry
up and tell me if there is any news about them?”
Chapter 33

The afternoon of the second day, Qin An juggled a large pile of documents as he
pressed the doorbell of his boss’ home.

Su Jin had just been holding Lu Xi’s notebook to peruse the newest details of the
screenplay. Upon seeing Qin An, who had come over from time to time during this
period to watch over the progress on the project, she was not at all surprised and
only acknowledged him with a wave of her hand before she buried herself back
into reading the screenplay once more.

In the study on the second floor.

Qin An placed the documents in his arms onto the desk and with a turn of his hand,
dragged a chair over to sit in front of it. Patting the thick pile, he shot Lu Xi, who
had sitting behind the desk, a smile, “Today, at only just past ten o’clock this
morning, Chief Lu had these sent to me. Boss, seeing that I have dealt with this so
quickly and efficiently, won’t you give me a reward, eh?”

Reward? Lu Xi arched an eyebrow and the laughter in his peach blossom eyes
deepened.

In hindsight, after waiting for a long time and noticing that the person in front of
him had remained silent, did Qin An realise that something was a little off.

Lu Xi, who was sitting opposite himself, was as always distinctly handsome, tall
and outstanding with a gentle as jade demeanour. And while the expression on his
face bore a smile, why did this smile of his have to be so horrifying?

“That…”

Reaching out to rub his nose, he pointed to the door as he spoke, “the screenplay
has not been fixed yet and I still have some things to settle. Boss, I will take my
leave first!”
The sound of his voice had not completely faded away before the person had
already reached the door.

Just as he was about to place his hand onto the door handle with a sigh of relief,
behind him Lu Xi’s voice echoed.

“Halt.”

His voice was not loud and Qin An went to great lengths to pretend as if he had not
heard anything. However, after some consideration about the issue of ‘having his
death come sooner than later’, with a face filled with aggrievement, he turned
around.

“Boss, I truly do have some things to do.”

Limply, his body leaned back against the door and his long and narrowed eyes
looked directly in the direction of his own BOSS with a face filled with sincerity.

“Some things?” Lu Xi’s lips curled into a smile, “in a hurry to send some news
secretly?”

Secretly send some news? Qin An was startled but then suddenly he thought of the
phone call from last night. His heart sped up in alarm as it hammered against his
chest like a snare drum. With a gaze filled with a bit of suspicion, he gazed in Lu Xi’s
direction. How did the boss know? He couldn’t be trying to probe him for
information right?

His eyes shifted as he immediately feigned dumb.

“Cough… Boss, what are you saying? What sending news out in secret?”

Staring at his face and manner filled with bewilderment, Lu Xi let out a slight snort.
Apart from the two of them, for anyone to be this clear about the matters between
Su Jin and himself, there could only be this assistant of his, that dropped in
occasionally from time to time, who knew.
“Since you have the time to let information out secretly, begin the preparations for
the cast and crew then.” He instructed this in an extremely casual tone.

Preparations for the cast and crew?

With his mouth slightly agape, Qin An hid the bitterness in his gaze as he promptly
sped over.

Wasn’t that the job of the producer? What did this task have to do with him, this
personal assistant?

“Boss, can we talk this over more?”

“Talk this over?” Lu Xi arched an eyebrow and reached out to pick up the phone on
his desk, “why don’t I give my Mom a call and ask her who was the one that had
such loose lips so then I won’t accuse…”

“Hold on! Wait a minute!” Qin An hastily obstructed Lu Xi who had adopted a pose
to dial a number. His mouth twitched, “I will go and learn from Old Yan how to
make preparations for the cast and crew immediately.”

Old Yan was a highly respected producer of the branch office in Shenhai so he
should be able to help him. Otherwise, if Lu Xi’s phone call was really made, then
he truly would have trouble currying favor from either side, and might even receive
a reproach from both parties as well.

“Go then.” Looking at his own assistant’s dispirited expression, Lu Xi could not help
but let out a chuckle, “have Old Yan assist you.”

After all, the one questioning Qin An was his esteemed mother, so giving Qin An a
reminder to make sure he did not reveal everything would be good enough.

Once he heard this, Qin An suddenly smiled. Like he said, his own boss was not an
unfair and unreasonable person.
“Alright.” Lu Xi pointed at the documents on the table, “have this brought down
again.”

“???” Qin An was again speechless.

He had a dumbfounded expression on his face.

When Su Jin noticed Qin An bringing down the documents that he had just taken
upstairs, she uprooted herself from the notebook and arched an eyebrow in
astonishment. She then shot Lu Xi with an inquiring glance.

“I’m preparing to make a trip to Uncle Su’s.” Lu Xi did not reply to her look and only
asked, “do you want to go?”

“My dad’s company?”

“Mm.”

“Then, let’s go together.” Su Jin put down the computer on her knees and stood up
from the sofa. “I’ll go home and change my clothes.”

On the road to the company, Su Jin held the thick pile of documents and flipped
through them.

“This is…” She frowned.

“The document for the transfer of shares- the Zhao family’s.” Lu Xi grasped the
steering wheel as he answered carelessly.

“I know that it’s the Zhao family’s document for transferring shares.”

These were the words on the cover and below there was a signature.

“So, why are you going to my Dad’s?”

Raising her head, Su Jin was rather puzzled. Could it be that he was seeking Dad’s
help to look over any loopholes in the documents?

“You know, to deliver the betrothal gift.” Lu Xi remarked with a broad smile on his
face.

Deliver a betrothal gift? Su Jin reacted at first before she finally understood. She
was unable to deal with and could not be bothered to nitpick about the word
‘betrothal’ anymore. She directly had her thoughts circle around to the words,
‘delivering a gift.’

“My dad will definitely not accept.” She shook her head and spoke with utmost
earnestness.

Although her dad was a businessman, in his veins he still had some of an
intellectual temperament. And, having this sort of pie drop into his lap like this, he
would definitely and straightforwardly reject it.

The girl said this with the utmost seriousness, yet Lu Xi merely nodded and did not
reply.

Who said… …That he was gifting them to Uncle Su?

The Su clan’s general headquarters was in the Pu An district, which was at the core
of Shenhai and the most expensive land in that area.

The reception desk naturally recognised the eldest young miss of the Su family and
that was why Lu Xi who had been standing beside Su Jin, was relatively more eye-
catching.

As the receptionist greeted the eldest daughter, from the corner of her eye she
simultaneously sized up the distinctly handsome, tall and outstanding man. It was
only once Su Jin had walked away with Lu Xi to enter the lift that she reluctantly
pried her gaze away from them and immediately turned to become a part of the
company’s gossip network.
On the top floor, Su Chenghai had already received the news from the reception
desk and had instructed his secretary to brew some coffee.

Seeing Su Jin push the door inward, he shot her a smile as he waved, “Xiao Jin, why
did you come over today?”

This girl, in the past, had always run over to the company. However, once his old
father was injured in a car accident and died, she no longer came by.

“It was not me who had some matters to seek you out for.” Su Jin sat in the
armchair to the side of the coffee table and with an upraised chin, shot the man
behind her with a look.

“Lu Xi?” Su Chenghai stared blankly and then smiled. “Come, sit.”

Doing as he was told, Lu Xi sat on the long couch opposite of Su Chenghai and
pushed the documents in his hands towards him.

“Uncle Su, please look at these first.”

Su Chenghai glanced at the pile of documents before him and looked confused.

Documents for a share transfer?

As he flipped through the pages, the more he looked at them, the more he was
alarmed. His initial casual sitting posture had now straightened up until finally,
faint beads of sweat had actually appeared on his forehead.

As he perused the final page, Su Chenghai was distracted for a long time. There was
a myriad of thoughts that spun around his mind. After quite some time, he finally
relaxed as he sighed. Looking at his future son-in-law that sat opposite him with his
upper body upright and proper, all of those thoughts changed into admiration.

“What a good scheme!” He could not help but chuckle as he nodded.

Previously Su Jin had already mentioned to him that Zhao Wenhua was the
mastermind behind the kidnapping, only he had not had a chance to dispose of
him before the Zhao family had already been thrown into disorder.

When the artistes of Tianyu Productions began to land on the ‘Hottest Search’ list
one after another, he had guessed that this was Lu Xi’s hand in handling the matter.
Therefore, he had immediately added fuel to the fire and had the situation become
speculated upon even more fiercely.

However, he did not expect that Lu Xi had actually made such a huge play. It had
only been a little over half a month and during their internal upheaval, and without
hesitation, he had taken the chance to acquire a greater part of the Zhao family’s
shares.

During these few years of expansion in growth, the Zhao family’s strength had only
been preceded by the big three families. Yet right now, what had been placed
before him was no less than sixty percent of the Zhao family’s assets.

“Uncle flatters me.” Lu Xi smiled, “in fact, the acquisition of the Zhao family’s
company could only have been accomplished mostly due to my brother’s hand and
skill in the matter.”

“The takeover has already been completed?” Su Chenghai was rather astonished.

“Mm.” Lu Xi nodded, “ninety percent of the Zhao family’s shares have been bought
and Zhao Wei has actively requested a halt to the purchasing of the remaining ten
percent. In exchange, he will send Zhao Wenhai overseas.”

Using a son in an exchange for ten percent of their assets, this Zhao Wei… Su
Chenghai shook his head. Yet, he did not know what he could say, it was true that a
pitiful person definitely had a reason to be despised.

“Uncle, I have come at this time to request that you have all of these shares
gathered under the Su family’s name.” Lu Xi continued to say.

“ Gathered under the Su family’s name?” Su Chenghai was stunned and

immediately shook his head in refusal, “this is out of the question.”
“Look, like I said, my dad will definitely not accept this.” Su Jin, who had been
leaning back against the sofa looking at a video, raised her gaze and butted in.

“Uncle Su, please don’t be in a hurry to refuse so quickly.” Lu Xi glanced at the girl
who had been undermining his efforts, then looked back at Su Chenghai as he
continued, “This looks like a lot but truthfully, they are merely no more than the
remains of an empty shell.”

“An empty shell?” Su Chenghai was startled for a moment.

“Mm. Otherwise, they would not have been bought this easily. Over the last year,
the Zhao family has been going downhill; they have been merely able to deeply
conceal all of this. Even now, if Tianyu Productions were dissolved, the remaining
useful sections would be merged into the subsidiary Shenhai branch of Sheng Ming
Production.”

“As for the other parts, whether it was the general headquarters or the main
businesses, Sheng Ming has none of these here. Keeping them would be outliving
their usefulness and even if we supplied a staff, to have to support all of these
empty shells more would be unprofitable. I, as a director, have no interest in these
businesses so they would be better off merged directly into the Su family’s group of
businesses.

What Lu Xi said had been reasonable and logical and his attitude had also been
extremely sincere.

Su Chenghai sighed, “Lu Xi, all of that does not matter. Since these are yours,
granted they are useless and of little worth, my Su family cannot simply just receive
all of this either.”

“How about…” He thought for a bit, “the amount that your brother has used to buy
the shares, why don’t I buy them directly from him? Or perhaps, I shall have them
merged into the Su family, and then I will allocate the shares to you?”

“Uncle Su.” Lu Xi could only helplessly chuckle, “although the Zhao family has
suffered a defeat, even an emaciated camel is still larger than a horse. To
incorporate them into the Su family but afterwards, give me those shares- then
would the Su family’s asset still remain the Su’s? You must realise, that for family
enterprises, it’s extremely important to have an independent voice in matters.
Moreover, to buy them…”

Although his words had not been completely spoken, Su Chenghai understood.

Truly, he also knew. Although the Su family was one of the three influential families
of Shenhai, how could they possibly compare to Beijing’s Lu family, that hundred
year old inherited colossus? Though even in the international rankings, the Sheng
Ming corporation was ranked in the top ranks too.

Even if this was the actual situation, he still did not pay heed to it. Only, settling this
matter was truly no easy feat. Initially, he had thought that since Lu Xi was not in
touch with the business side of things, he may not be too clear of these affairs.
Then, even if he had to, he would be willing to sacrifice everything he had to buy
the shares. As long as the Su clan was able to tide this over, this opportunity would
be a stepping stone for them and make it an actual reality that they are in fact,
Shanghai’s finest family.

With such a great opportunity…

“However, these…” His right hand covered the documents with some helplessness
in his expression.

“How about this, Uncle Su.” Lu Xi frowned as he thought for a bit and raised his
head as he spoke, “you could merge them into the Su family, then, have the shares
written under Jin’er’s name, how about that?”

“Xiao Jin?” Su Chenghai’s expression stirred.

“That’s right. Just take it as the compensation that the Zhao family has given to
Jin’er. If Uncle Su is still unwilling to receive them, then these businesses can only
await closure for good.”

He looked at the youngster before him that he could only look at as a child, his
appearance distinctly handsome. Although he had a pair of seemingly passionate
and playboy-like peach blossom eyes, he was actually very thoughtful and had a
seldom-seen devotion towards his daughter. To be in the entertainment circle and
yet never have any rumours… Su Chenghai’s thoughts whirled and he suddenly
understood. All of this, perhaps he really wanted to gift them to his family’s
daughter? Only, he was afraid that Xiao Jin would be unwilling to accept, therefore,
he decided to beat around the bush with him here.

He turned to glance at his little girl who was leaning back against the armchair
watching television attentively. From how the two people interacted, this
engagement was more or less settled. Since his son-in-law had such thoughtful
intentions in mind, he would grant his wish and help him accomplish his goal then.

Thinking like this, with a nod Su Chenghai chuckled.

Chapter 34

When she saw the contract placed in front of her, Su Jin was momentarily stunned.

Initially, after her father first rejected the document of transferral, she hadn’t really
continued to pay much attention to the conversation between the two men. After
all, with Su Chenghai’s innately intellectual and scholarly demeanour; since he had
said that he wouldn’t just accept the shares for nothing, whatever Lu Xi had to say
would be meaningless(1). But, she didn’t expect her father to actually give his
permission, where the end result would essentially be entrusting the assets to her.
(1)
文青性子 (wén qīng xìng zi) – A familiar phrase that appeared before in this novel, it is used to describe people but particularly, young people. Therefore, ‘wen qing’ describes the
characteristics of these people as bookish with certain flights of fancy and often, who have idealistic ideals that do not relate to pragmatism and reality, while, ‘xing zi’ means personality or demeanour.
This refers to her father having a bookish, scholarly nature with certain degrees of idealism.

Here, in Su Chenghai’s hand, was the agreement that she had previously signed
regarding the transferral of shares when they were processing the handover of the
business to Su Yue. Su Chenghai had prepared this allocation document of the Su’s
company shares for the both of them; only back then, the agreement stated that
she only had ten percent of the shares.

Now the amount of shares had increased to thirty five percent. Although this was
not much, compared to the value added by what Lu Xi had brought to the business,
this was already the maximum ceiling Su Chenghai would have been able to fork
over. But, it was all being given to his own daughter anyways, so anything more or
less would not make a difference to Su Jin.

This was just great- since he had only changed one page of the clauses, there was
not even a need for her to sign at all.

“Dad…..” Su Jin blinked as she speechlessly looked at the contract in her hands.

She had only been watching a television programme intently for a little while so
how did all these assets switch hands to become hers?

“Take it.” Su Chenghai nodded, his eyes gleaming with delighted pleasure.
In the car journey back, Su Jin leaned back against the leather seats and stared for
a long time at the man who had been sitting upright and still in his seat. She
suddenly asked, “Why did you suddenly give these to me?”

“Why?” Lu Xi smiled as he clutched the steering wheel, “earlier, as I have already

explained when we were with Uncle Su, this is the compensation that the Zhao
family owes you.”

Su Jin peered at him with a glance and lightly snorted, “Lies, followed by even
more lies.”

“Since you don’t believe me…” Lu Xii raised his brows, his peach blossom eyes
sweeping over Su Jin’s delicate facial features.

“Hmm?” Su Jin slanted her head as she looked at him.

Lu Xi shook his head in laughter as he continued, “Then I can’t do anything about

it.”

Initially prepared to hear his answer, Su Jin was stupefied to hear that blase
comment from him. When she recovered herself, she saw that the man was driving
rather seriously, thus she couldn’t help but unhappily lean back against the seat
and close her eyes for a while.

The rays from the afternoon sun filtered through the windows and fell on her as a
gentle warmth spread through her entire body. Su Jin slowly drifted off to sleep.

In front of the villa, Lu Xi deftly pulled the car over at its entrance and turned to
look at the front passenger seat.

The pale golden rays filtered in through the car windows from the side and fell on
the girl’s alabaster face. Her jet black hair was pressed against the back of her
head, clearly accentuating the contours of her face while her inky black brows laid
against her temples. Her closed phoenix eyes were slightly curled up; her slender,
thick lashes were slightly curled and in accompanying her steady breathing, moved
ever so slightly.
Lu Xi stretched out his hand, his slender fingertips hovering over her, tracing along
the outlines of her face as his peach blossom eyes became flushed with drunken
tenderness.

This girl, he knew better than anyone, how much pride she had in her. Even if it was
her biological family, if she continued to be on the receiving end, she would most
probably feel apologetic, much less…

His fingertips fell on her dark red lips.

He curled his lips, silly girl, whatever you owe, I’ll pay it back.

By the second day, the issue of the transferral of rights of the Zhao family’s
properties and company had already made it to the headlines of the economic and
entertainment magazines and newspapers. But, the entire situation had not even
been made clear yet before the story in the entertainment sections had already
been moved over by another issue.

The terrifyingly talented director, Lu Xi’s new drama,《Sunflower》.

Due to Qin An being appointed to the job of putting together the production staff,
the news of Lu Xi’s new drama 《Sunflower》 was inevitably leaked out.

Even though there was already a foundation laid down with《Heart-pounding

Excitement》, this news still stirred up quite a lot of discussion.

Actually, it was not targeted against Lu Xi’s skills, after all his grasp and
understanding of camera angles could be clearly seen from his previous film.
However what stirred up discussion was the plot of this drama and its title.

Everyone in the entertainment industry unanimously agreed that television

dramas were better than variety shows, and that, movies were better than
television dramas.

As the saying goes, ‘man seeks his way up just as water makes it way down,’ so no
matter whether one was an actor or director, most would usually go from drama
productions to movie productions. A lesser number of people returned back from
movie productions to drama productions unless the actors became overwhelmed.

But to Lu Xi, whom the industry regarded as an extremely talented director, all of
the reasons were unfounded.

Based on the achievements of his previous movie, he just needed to film another
movie that bordered on the standards of the norm and just above average to
stabilise his position. If he filmed one more similar to the last one, he could
immediately shoot straight up to the holy pedestal of directors.

But right at this critical juncture, he put out the word that he was going to shoot a
television drama. Moreover, the screenplay wasn’t even written by him, he had
merely adapted an unknown novel.

Therefore, Qin An was in a frustrated and worried state of a dilemma about this
state of events.

Some news media outlet had wanted to interview Lu Xi and caught wind of some
gossip: some actors had wanted to take part in this production, so they had
painstakingly gone through the trouble to get someone to make a few inquiries.
Some girls had even directly “offered their services”, which had caused Lu Xi, who
was clearing out his office inbox, to down several days’ worth of chrysanthemum
tea in a day to vent his frustrations away.

Whereas Su Jin’s book had gotten popular overnight and many people had gone to
check out the original work because of the news. Some people liked it, while some
people did not, so she tried not to care about the negative comments.

Unable to find the author’s Weibo, many readers who had been tormented by the
ending went in hordes to Qin An and Lu Xi’s Weibo to ask if the ending for the
televised version would be changed.

With such a story unfolding, without the gossipy and meddlesome finger of the
entertainment magazines, what was now left was the comparatively more sensible
voice of the economic magazines. With no little pressure from Su Chenghai, the
general information about the buyout of the Zhao family’s company and assets
was not disclosed.

Even though all of this happened, it did not affect the two of them who were
comfortably revising the script.

The start of August was when the news had reached the outside world and caused
much excitement. Even the increasingly scorching weather could not stop the
growing enthusiasm of the media; there were ‘little news reports’ published daily
through all sorts of channels.

Yet in Lu Xi’s villa, at the moment, the atmosphere was the total opposite.

The air conditioning had been turned to an optimum temperature. Wearing

similarly light pink and grey loungewear, the both of them faced each other as they
sat on the sofa with identically solemn expressions.

The draft of the screenplay was already nearing its final stages. Although all of the
earlier plot points had not always been unanimously agreed upon by the two of
them, even if there had been some disagreements, they were able to swiftly come
into complete accord.

However, there had never been such a long confrontation like this before.

It was not merely a squabble but an actual stand-off.

It had already been half an hour.

“Jin’er, why do you insist on this story being a tragedy?” Lu Xi lightly frowned as he
asked with knitted brows.

Both of them were equally unrelenting in their opinions when it came to the
ending; he felt that it should’ve been more of a happy ending, but she didn’t yield
and was unwilling to change the script.
“Honestly because this should be a tragedy.” Su Jin said firmly, meaning every
word of it.

“Why must it have to be done this way? Even if Tong Yao really was indifferent yet
sensitive, wouldn’t she still be touched by the silent efforts Cheng Yuan put in for
her?”

Lu Xi still did not really understand: clearly, before the resolution, Tong Yao had
already confessed that she had been touched, so then in the end, why would she
suddenly reject Cheng Yuan’s proposal when he had come a long way from his
hometown?

“Being moved does not mean that you are in love.” Su Jin bit her lip while she
hesitated for a bit and lowered her head silently as she tried to organise her
thoughts.

“Ever since she was a child, Tong Yao had grown up on her own. Therefore, she has
this disposition so some things are already ingrained in her. As for Cheng Yuan…”
Her gaze grew distant, “he was defeated by the fact that he had done all this
quietly and covertly.”

Lu Xi’s face slightly fell.

But Su Jin wasn’t paying attention to his expression and she continued, “They’ve
been friends for too long. In fact, the more Cheng Yuan understood Tong Yao
better, the more honest she was with him, but at the same time that was also
where she was more wary of him. Failing to strike while the iron was hot and
immediately causing a crack in Tong Yao’s heart was Cheng Yuan’s error. Then
afterwards, in those following days, no matter how hard he tried, no matter how
much effort he had invested, he could only let her slowly become used to his
presence in her life and eventually exist in a position similar to that of a family
member to her.

“But――” she closed her eyes slightly, “That’s not love.”

Actually, in the book《Sunflower》, the characters were more or less influenced by
her. Most particularly, the female lead Tong Yao; this character was almost the
complete reflection of her past life.

As for the male lead Cheng Yuan, he also bore some influences from another
person.

And that person was a patient in a hospital who had been assigned to her direct
superior, the chief physician after she had left the hospital. He looked to have been
in his thirties with nerve necrosis in the muscles of his legs. All the surgeries that
were supposed to be done had been completed, and the reason for his presence
seemed to be to come to the small town for recuperation.

Due to his vast background, she was merely the mouthpiece of his main physician.
She did not even know his actual name and just went along with the rest of the
hospital staff as they addressed him as Mr Lu.

She was unsure if it was due to his disability that he was rather cold in nature and
somewhat gloomy, with no particular inclination of coming into contact with other
people.

Perhaps at that time, he just saw her as a newly graduated young woman that
would be comparatively harmless, but in any case, the two of them gradually
warmed up to each other. At times, they would even chat.

She had lived at the orphanage ever since she was a young child. Even though her
personality was indifferent and cold at times, and she could still be a little dense
when it came to emotions, girls would naturally always have an innate intuition.

She did not know when it all began but by the time she realised it, he liked her.

But he never spoke about it. Maybe… He didn’t even realise that he liked her then.

She never pointed it out either, and better yet, she hoped that he never found out.
That was because, between the two of them, there could not be anything possible
at all.

Since she couldn’t give him the result that he wanted, then, there was not any
reason for her to reveal the truth to him.

Probably because she did not know many people of the opposite gender, the ones
she was acquainted with, she was not familiar with them either. Therefore, when
she wrote 《Sunflower》, it was inevitable that the male lead had the presence of
that man as well.

Initially, she too thought of writing a happy ending in hopes that the lovers would
be reunited and all would be well- giving them a sweet, happily ever after.

But after rewriting the ending over and over, in the end, it turned into its current
state.

In the end, it still could not be forced.

The girl in front of him had closed her eyes, she looked serene yet a little
heartbroken.

Lu Xi lowered his head and looked at his intercrossed fingers and sighed deeply.
After a long time, he finally spoke.

“That silly girl…” He paused and laughed quietly, “what an ungrateful, poor soul.”

Su Jin blanked out for a while, blinked and smiled.

“Who said she wasn’t?”

Chapter 35

After the screenplay was finalized, what came next would be the selection process
for the characters. Once some unimportant supporting roles were directly cherry-
picked through the internal roster of actors from his family’s production company,
Lu Xi then had Qin An have some company staff and his own private studio staff
send out audition invitations. The purpose of the auditions would be for the three
main roles: the female lead, Tong Yao, the male lead, Cheng Yuan and the second
male lead, Mu Cheng.

The tenth of August, the Shenhai branch of Sheng Ming Productions

Su Jin sat on one of the chairs behind a long table, and rather uncomfortably
looked at the mirrors that surrounded the three walls of the room. She then asked,
“why are the auditions being held in a dance studio?”

“Does it feel very strange?” Lu Xi swept a look around the surrounding mirrors.

“Of course it does.” Su Jin’s lips twitched, “why would anyone like to look at so
many mirrors?”

“That’s true.” With a curl of his lips, Lu Xi continued, “in this sort of environment,
most people would naturally feel ill at ease, however, what we are choosing today
are actors. Moreover, it’s for the most important three roles; for these actors, their
acting skills are as important as their psychological qualities(1). Because of that, in
this sort of environment, the first thing we should be able to tell as soon as they
step into the room is likely going to be their psychological traits.”
(1) 心理素质
(xīn lǐ sù zhì) – this refers to the measure of mental health based on some combination of personality/adaptability/motivation/mentality/behaviours of a person. What this means
is the personality traits such as emotional stability, sensitivity, and imagination that people possess that cause them to behave in certain situations and react in certain ways as unique human beings. This
is similar to the use of psychological tests in work interviews or research studies.

With such a lengthy and proper explanation thrown at her, Su Jin was somewhat
baffled. Blinking blankly, she then instinctually asked in reply, “really?”

Sitting upright and still, Lu Xi nodded, “of course not.”

“Oh, so it actually was…” Pausing what she was saying, Su Jin suddenly reacted,
“wait, what did you just say?”
She raised her head and questioned.

“I said, of course, it isn’t true.” Lu Xi leaned against the back of the chair and with
drooped eyes, looked at the girl beside him.

Flabbergasted, Su Jin even forgot to blink as she stared at him.

The young woman’s dazed and blank look was distinctly pleasing for the man. He
bent over slightly and at an equal height of eye contact, stared at those pair of
beautiful phoenix eyes as his peach blossom eyes were filled with laughter.

“Have you been struck dumb?”

His voice, filled with faint laughter was deep, low and melodious.

Su Jin snapped back to her senses and was surprised by the enlarged face that was
right in front of hers. Unhappily, she glared at the man and her body retreated as
she leaned back against her own chair. With a raised eyebrow, she asked, “your
Majesty, wouldst thou not gather with the winds arise yonder?”
“To soar fast up into high altitude?”(2) With a straight face, Lu Xi followed up with
her line, “then, I’ll be thanking Jin’er for your concern then.”
(2) 阁下何不同风起, 扶摇直上九万里
(gé xià hé bù tóng fēng qǐ, fú yáo zhí shàng jiǔ wàn lǐ) – This entire phrase comes from a poem called ‘In attendance to Li
Yong’ from one of the most famous Chinese poets of all time, Li Bai. He is an extremely influential figure with enduring popularity and acclaim from his own day till present in China and elsewhere.
One of the reasons he appears in light novels often is due to his poems still being studied in school texts in China.
As mentioned above, the (poor but) direct translation is your Majesty/sire, wouldst thou not gather with the winds arise yonder to soar fast up into high altitude. The original poem was written during Li
Bai’s youth as a form of discontent to the provincial governor of Yuzhou, Li Yong. Li Yong was someone who tooted his own horn conceitedly and had quite an aloof attitude towards the younger
generation. Dissatisfied with it, this was Li Bai’s way of dissing him in an extremely impolite poem.
Now, this phrase is used in Internet slang to refinedly say, “if you’re so awesome, then why don’t you die?”

Hearing Lu Xi’s response, Su Jin was truly speechless. Weakly, she leaned against
the back of the chair and looked at the distinctly handsome appearance of the man
beside her, her gaze filled with helplessness and resentment.

What about his pride, then?

Lu Xi blinked, his pride? In front of his future little wife, whatever would that be?

“Boss.” Qin An pushed the door as he stepped in. Instinctively, he felt that the
atmosphere around the room was a little off, still, he immediately recalled the
bustling crowd of beautiful beauties gathered outside for similar reasons. Right
away, he questioned, “everyone is more or less here, should we begin?”

The morning’s screen test was for Tong Yao.

Lu Xi slanted a look towards Su Jin, showing an inquiring expression on his mien.

“Let’s begin then.” Su Jin sat upright and proper as she gave Qin An a nod.

One by one, the pretty women with snowy complexions walked into the room.
Looking at the two people sitting behind the long table, they were all rather
surprised.

Since they were able to be here, they were definitely the cream of the crop that had
been hand-picked by the various agencies. Therefore, they would naturally not
have shown this sort of sentiment on their faces. Rather, extremely courteously,
they greeted the two and then began their performances.

Paying little attention to those performances, Su Jin turned her head slightly to
look at the man beside her.

With a proper seated posture and his hands crossed and placed onto the table, his
white dress shirt contoured the upright and straightened back. With a slight raise of
his chin, he showed an almost perfect side view of his face as his gaze landed
directly on the woman who was currently acting. His sharp eyebrows were slightly
wrinkled and exuded a somewhat examining glint.

So as it turns out, in front of outsiders, he who was working actually had this sort of
appearance.

“Miss Zhou, thank you for participating. When we have come to a decision, we will
contact you about the results. Please patiently await our answer in two days.”

Now that the audition had ended, the edge of Lu Xi’s lip curled into a polite and
distant smile as he spoke gently.
“Alright, thank you, Director Lu.” In a similar fashion, the auditionee politely bid her
farewell as she turned to leave the dance studio.

Su Jin looked upon the man adorned in a white dress shirt with a shallow and light
smile on his face and lightly nodded. Only now with this appearance did Lu Xi give
off the aura of the male lead of a novel.

When the door closed, Lu Xi abruptly turned his head towards Su Jin.

Alluring peach blossom eyes stared straight into hers as the hint of the smile
became slightly softer in comparison to the distant smile from before.

“With how Jin’er is looking at me-” His eyebrow arched as he leaned a little closer,
speaking lowly, “have you fallen in love with me?”

His tepid breath fell on her collarbone as Su Jin leaned away and together with her
chair, shifted a little further away from him.

Indeed, this shamelessly roguish appearance was the true face of Lu Xi.

“Cough…”

A light cough was heard from the door. Su Jin was startled and with a raised
glance, looked towards the sound.

The person standing at the doorway had a delicate and pretty appearance, yet,
that pair of eyes was extremely beautiful.

They bore an extremely uncanny resemblance to Su Jin’s own phoenix eyes.

Momentarily, the two people were both stunned on the spot.

What Mu Qing was startled about was Su Jin’s beauty, but what Su Jin was most
astonished about was the resemblance between this girl and herself.

To be exact, it was not Su Jin, but Su Jiner.

Her appearance was only similar to some degree, however, her mannerisms were
as much as seventy percent accurate.

“Mu Qing?” Lu Xi’s voice broke through the silence.

Mu Qing recomposed herself and nodded as she smiled lightly, “I am Mu Qing, hello
Director Lu.”

What followed after was the repeat of similar streams of conversation like the
auditions before. Although Mu Qing was a newcomer in the field, her acting was
remarkable. It was not the best yet, but for a television drama, it was sufficient.

And of course, the audition ended with the mechanical reiteration of returning and
awaiting a reply.

Once Mu Qing left, Su Jin turned to look at Lu Xi.

“How was she?” Seeing her gaze, Lu Xi asked.

Su Jin nodded as her eyes were brightly lit up.

Seeing this, Lu Xi nodded. His expression seemed thoughtful yet he did not say
anything.

The screen tests continued but after Mu Qing, no one who appeared was able to
rouse Su Jin’s interest again.

After lunch, what would follow would be the selection of actors for the roles of
Cheng Yuan and Mu Cheng.

The afternoon screen tests were not as successful as the morning’s. From start to
finish, the actor for the role of the male lead, Cheng Yuan, could not be decided on.
Even the appearance of Film Emperor Zhuo Junan was unable to make Su Jin
satisfied.
His appearance was fine and his acting was good, yet against all reason, the feeling
just seemed off.

Once Zhuo Junan bid his leave and left, Lu Xi shot her an inquiring glance. At this,
Su Jin furrowed her brows and shook her head.

“Boss.” Qin An pushed the door and entered, “Zhuo Junan was the final person
auditioning for Cheng Yuan.”

“The last one, already?” Lu Xi raised an eyebrow and looked at the discouraged
expression of the young lady beside him. Reaching out, he caressed her long
tresses as he consoled her, “maybe later we can find a suitable person within the
group of men auditioning for the role of Mu Cheng?”

Su Jin raised her eyes and looked at him. Then, she leaned against the table and
gave a sigh. If they were unable to find someone suitable among the people who
had come to audition for Cheng Yuan, then what more could they say about the
people aiming for the role of Mu Cheng?

“Lu Xi, honestly speaking, do you think that my specifications are too rigorous? To
insist on even the feel of the person to fit the role.” Su Jin suddenly raised her head
in doubt.

“What arbitrary thoughts are you thinking about!” Lu Xi raised a hand to rap on the
girl’s bright and clean forehead, “what is wrong with constantly improving and
refining something?”

“Oh.” Su Jin gently rubbed the rapped part of her brow and turned to Qin An and
spoke, “then let’s continue, the next one.”

Even if they found one fortuitously by sheer dumb luck, one would still have to
make that chance happen, right? (3)
(3) 瞎猫碰死耗子 (xiā mā o pèng sǐ hà o zi) – this phrase depicts a blind cat (xiā mā o) that is trying its best to hopefully find a dead rat. While in English, this refers to sheer dumb luck, in the Chinese
context, it refers ‘blind luck’.

Then, Su Jin, who had held onto that hopeful desire, found that there was truly
such a thing as sheer dumb luck in this world.
The man who had entered was dressed in a fitted dress shirt and jeans. The
contrast between what Lu Xi wore was not too wide. However, in comparison, what
he exuded was a temperament that was as different as night and day.

If Lu Xi could be described as gentle as jade, then this person would be considered

as steady and magnanimous.

Although his facial features were not particularly outstanding, yet as a whole, they
gave off a vibe of an extremely steady temperament. In the eyes of the author,
almost in a flash, what came to Su Jin’s mind was the resemblance to Cheng Yuan,
who was almost like a brother figure who silently cared for Tong Yao.

Bai Haoqi, Su Jin lowered her head to look at his particulars, thirty-six years old
and a B-list actor. And while he appeared in numerous works and most of them
became famous, on the contrary, he himself did not become thus.

He was previously a stage actor? Su Jin’s eyes lit up. Then his acting skills and
background in character study should be satisfactory. As she thought of this, she
raised a glance and blinked at Lu Xi.

After he waited for the man to leave, Lu Xi arched an eyebrow and shot Su Jin a
smile. “His acting is not bad.”

“I think so too.” Su Jin’s lips stretched into a jubilant smile.

“In fact, once I saw him in person, I suddenly understood why all his past films
became popular but he did not.” Su Jin lightly sighed with a rather rueful
expression on her face, “some men are like wine. They must go through a number
of years to age and only then, will they emit an intoxicating presence that can
penetrate deeply into the heart and minds of the people.”

Men? Wine? Years to age?

Lu Xi’s peach blossom eyes narrowed and his drooping eyes closely focused upon
the face of the rueful girl before him.
“To praise a man so highly in front of your own fiance, Jin’er, aren’t you afraid that I
could become angry enough to make life difficult for him?”

His voice was low and seemingly menacing in tone. When it reached her ears, its
implications were actually somewhat touching.

Su Jin looked at the pair of alluring peach blossom eyes before her and suddenly, a
question burst forth, “what do you like about me?” She recalled the gorgeously
dressed beauties from the morning’s session and unconsciously stroked her own
cheeks, “is it because of this face?”

Face? Lu Xi lightly laughed.

“Have you heard that saying before?”

“Hm?”

“Bedazzled by the looks, beguiled by the personality and faithful to-”

As his hand reached out, his slender fingertips gently caressed the girl’s tender
cheeks.

“-the soul.”
Chapter 36

“Xue Kai?” Su Jin raised her head and asked as she looked at the final list of names
that Lu Xi had handed over to her.

Xue Kai was one of the auditionees for the role of the second male lead, Mu Cheng.
How could it be said- although this person had no shortcomings, he was not the
most outstanding candidate either. There were some other candidates that were
equally matched to him and they had all been part of the preliminary selection that
the two of them had decided upon yesterday. However, who could have guessed
that Lu Xi’s choice would have ultimately been him.

“Mm.” Lu Xi nodded, “based on my intuition, I think that he will turn out to be a

worthwhile choice.”

“A worthwhile choice?” Su Jin arched an eyebrow but did not express an opinion
about the answer Lu Xi gave. Anyways, since he was one of the people that they
had narrowed down their selection to; she could not find any fault with his choice
at all.

And with that, the three vacant roles had been decided upon.

The female lead Tong Yao would be played by Mu Qing, the male lead Cheng Yuan
would be played by Bai Haoqi and the second male lead Mu Cheng would be
played by Xue Kai.

Among them, only the female lead actress Mu Qing was an artist from Sheng Ming.
However, she was not from the Shenhai branch office, but in fact, a person that had
been newly assigned to the main company.

Since the candidates for the main roles had been determined, Qin An then began to
follow-up with all of the people that had come for the auditions, one after another.

In Junan’s Studio.
A man in his twenties leaned back against a sofa. His eagle eyes were slightly
narrowed and his face was overcast with a gloomy expression.

“Junan.” A woman with a maroon bob and dressed in high heels came in the door
and as she looked at an assistant, who stood helplessly to the side, she sat down
beside him.

“Look,” as she pointed to the pile of files in front of them, she calmly spoke, “there
are so many scripts here. Among them, there is no lack of scripts sent over here by
famous directors from this country. Furthermore, some have already set up a
production team and crew; once you agree to one, you won’t even need to audition
and will immediately be cast as the male lead.”

The man’s head slightly moved.

Noticing this, she did not say anything further but carefully placed the scripts in her
hand down and spread them out over the coffee table.

Zhuo Junan gazed at the screenplays that covered the surface of the coffee table
and frowned. Finally, he spoke.

“Shen jie, I understand your meaning.” Sighing deeply, he sat upright and tugged
irritably at the deep blue necktie around his neck, “I am neither lacking scripts nor
am I lacking money. However, I simply cannot let this go.”

“Isn’t it just a role?” Shen Na frowned, “you are the one that I have single-handedly
risen to popularity. Over the years, you have had your share of losses through
auditions. Think back to when you were an E-list celebrity and then where you are
now; you’ve walked the path to get to this position of Film Emperor today. You did
not have a straight, direct and smooth path to success but even while going
through all of those trials and hardships, I have always felt that you were a very
adaptable and astute person. Don’t tell me that a White Magnolia trophy cup has
cause you to become arrogant with no sense of propriety?”

As she got to the end of what she had wanted to say, her words had a faintly severe
tone to them.
“Shen jie, first please don’t get angry. That was not what I meant.” Zhuo Junan
shook his head, “if the one who brushed me off today was only Lu Xi, I would
definitely have no objections and reflect upon the areas that I need to work on to
have not caught his eye. However…”

“What do you mean?” The frown between Shen Na’s brows grew deeper and the
refined look on her face was filled with some doubt, “was the one who held the
audition, not Director Lu? He is Sheng Ming’s little young master afterall. However,
even if it was the producer, he too would not dare to hastily make decisions right?”

“It wasn’t the producer.” Zhuo Junan shook his head slightly, and recalled the state
of affairs during the interview, as his eyes flashed with extremely deep resentment,
“it was a woman.”

“During the interview, I could tell that Director Lu was quite satisfied with my
performance. Moreover, among the people auditioning for Cheng Yuan, I could be
considered as the person with the highest status within the group. Prior to the
screen test, I was under the impression that the audition was simply a formality
and that getting the role would be a cinch.”

“Afterwards, when I had already stepped out of the door, I turned my head back to
look and I just happened to see the woman sitting beside him shaking her head.”
Zhuo Junan slightly snorted in indignation. “At this point, I had yet to know the
results from the audition. However, once the results were sent out, did I only
happen to recall that moment. At the time, I was able to lip-read the words that
Director Lu spoke and it was exactly these three words: ‘how was it?’.”

In the past, he had learned how to lipread over a period of time for a drama.
Although he had only learned a few things, still, this sort of simple phrase of words
could still be deduced.

“Woman?” Shen Na lowered her head slightly and asked thoughtfully, “what did
she look like?”

“What did she look like?” Zhuo Junan’s dark eyes squinted as his thin lips parted to
spit out a phrase:
“Beautiful.”

Beautiful? Shen Na was surprised, how could one describe her as such. Beautiful
women were aplenty, who would know who this woman was?

“Black tresses like a waterfall with exquisite facial features and most importantly of
all, a pair of phoenix eyes…”

Phoenix eyes… Beautiful… Woman… Shen An’s eyes shone and flipped through
the photo gallery in her phone.

One by one, photographs were swiped pass before her eyes, when eventually, an
exquisite face appeared on the screen.

“Is this her?” Shen Na then raised her phone up in front of Zhuo Junan.

The girl in the photo was dressed in an extremely common and standard blue and
white school uniform. Although her looks were somewhat soft and immature, her
facial features had already begun to reveal her gorgeous looks.

“That’s her.” Zhuo Junan nodded affirmatively.

Even in the entertainment circle that was centred upon looks, this sort of
remarkable beauty was rarely seen.

“She’s Su Jin.” Shen Na spoke heavily.

“Su Jin?” Zhuo Junan was startled, “the eldest young lady of the Su family that was
wrongly swapped at birth?”

“Mm.” Shen An nodded, “the Su family’s eldest young lady, the fiancee of Director
Lu.”

Zhuo Junan nodded slightly too. The name, Su Jin, naturally he knew had a well-
known reputation. Amongst the bigwigs of Shenhai, with regards to those that he
could possibly come into contact with, his choice had always been to keep a
certain distance away as far as possible. Yet, if he was unable to distance himself,
then he would flatter and respect. Only, this eldest young lady of the Su family had
never interfered with the entertainment circle matters in the past. It could be said
that everyone minded their own business and went their own ways, therefore, at
the time he had not recognized and therefore did not acknowledge her presence
there at the audition.

Yet, as he thought more about how a woman, who obviously did not understand
his talent for performance, and thus personally rejected him; in his heart, the
resentment surged forth once more.

“I did not offend this eldest young lady!” He could not help but furrowed his brows.

“Who knows why she suddenly was opposed to you?” Shen Na was rather helpless
too and could only speak words of consolement, “Junan, don’t think about it
anymore. Whether it was this eldest young lady or Director Lu-”

“-both are people that we cannot afford to cause problems for.”

Zhuo Junan quietly dropped his gaze and reached out to pick a script from the
coffee table.

In a flash, a few days had passed.

The opening ceremony(1) for the drama《Sunflower》was held in the small

auditorium in Shenhai University.
(1) 开机仪式
(kāi jī yí shì) – The meaning behind this is exactly how it was written. It is an opening ceremony for filming and performing in China, the custom there is to wish and pray for
the filming process to be smooth sailing and without any accidents to occur. It began due to the fragile nature of film cameras in the past where a damaged camera could result in tons of losses due to
retakes and equipment damages.

Due to two-thirds of this drama happening at a university, under Lu Xi’s instruction,

Qin An had already discussed renting the university grounds with Shenhai
University.

After the ceremony, Lu Xi and some of the lead actors were surrounded by
reporters who had caught wind of their presence there. However, due to the
selection of some actors who were not particularly famous, the reporters had all
swiftly sprinted and directed their microphones towards Lu Xi.
“Director Lu, with the casting selection this time, did you deliberately decide to
give up on using some of the hottest actors and actresses?”

“Director Lu, excuse me, may I ask why did you suddenly decide to adapt this
drama 《Sunflower》this time?”

“Director Lu, for you to have changed directions from movies to television dramas,
was it because you were not feeling confident about filming a follow-up movie
better than 《Heart-pounding Excitement》?”

Among the numerous and disorderly buzz of interrogation, another voice could be
clearly heard and threaded its way through to his ears.

“Director Lu, I have heard that the White Magnolia Film Emperor Zhuo Junan had
participated in the casting for the male lead. In addition to that, with this
reputation and hearing that he did not make any errors, why was he eliminated by
your fiancée, Miss Su Jin?”
Chapter 37

With a slight arch of his brow, Lu Xi looked towards the direction of the voice.

What was reflected in his eyes as the source of the thin voice was a short-haired
woman with a common appearance. She was dressed in clothes that made her
appear extremely capable and experienced, and hidden behind thin black-rimmed
glasses were a pair of eyes that shone with glistening light.

As the edge of his lips curled and the laughter in his eyes became light and clear, Lu
Xi considered this woman for a short while before speaking for the first time, “From
Apple Entertainment? Oh, and called-” His gaze lowered to glance at the nametag
hung at her chest, “Zhou Tong?”

“Ah.” Zhou Tong did not seem to anticipate Lu Xi replying in such a manner and
was startled for a moment before she recomposed herself. However, by the time
she had finally thought of how to respond, Lu Xi had already turned and left.

“Director Lu…”

“Director Lu!”

As the reporters were stopped by the security of Shenhai University, some of the
lead actors followed in Lu Xi’s footsteps and left. Zhou Tong had also begun to
move forward but was pulled back by the photographer behind her.

“Zhou Tong! What are you doing!” The photographer was rather flustered and
exasperated as he yelled, “after being a reporter for so many years, don’t you know
what should and what shouldn’t be asked?”

“I am even clearer than you are.” Zhou Tong glared at him and shook off the hand
on her arm. Thinking back about Lu Xi’s words just now, her expression stirred but
was swiftly composed once more. From hearsay, the youngest young master of the
Lu family had a gentle disposition; just now, he was also still smiling. It was
unlikely– he would be this petty?
The filming site on the other side of campus.

Bai Haoqi and Xue Kai were currently filming the first scene, and Su Jin and Mu
Qing were sitting on a bench to the side.

Towards this girl that looked like a doppelganger of herself, Su Jin bore an
enormous interest.

As a future celebrity, even if she had just started her career, her profile was not
particularly a secret. Moreover, Mu Qing was a part of Sheng Ming.

She was twenty-two this year and was the same age as Su Jin. She was a newly-
graduated student from Beijing’s film school. Both her parents were workers and
although her family was not considered well-off, they were a moderately affluent
family. She had been spoiled by her parents since she was young and had
experienced a plain sailing life thus far. Even though she had insisted on learning
how to act after her college entrance exam, she was only nagged by her parents for
a little while. Ultimately, they were able to come to a compromise.

In comparison to her in her former life, Mu Qing’s life could truly be described as
smooth, peaceful and happy.

While thinking about this, Su Jin’s lips curled and she could not help but caress Mu
Qing’s long tresses.

“Hm?” Feeling her touch, Mu Qing redirected her gaze from the film scene towards
her. A sense of puzzlement was conveyed by her beautiful phoenix eyes.

“Mu Qing…” Su Jin smiled, “can I call you Qingqing?”

“Of course.” Mu Qing nodded and the smile at the edge of her lips was gentle and
sweet, “both my mom and dad also call me by this name as well.”

Before her very eyes was this pair of eyes were exceedingly similar to her previous
self’s- clear, bright and lightly curved upwards. Also, her pupils were clearly filled
with laughter.
That said, even if they were similar, they too were entirely different from her past
self’s eyes.

“You can call me Xiao Jin.” Su Jin stretched her hand out, “hello.”

The girl before her that was of similar age as herself, with the edge of her lips filled
with smiles, she stretched her hand out. Her features were exquisite and although
her eyes were somewhat indifferent, to her that had always been sensitive, Mu
Qing was able to perceive the goodwill that she had conveyed from within.

“Hello.” She grasped the hand that had been offered to her, then moved a little
towards Su jin and in an extremely intimate fashion, she coiled her arm around Su
Jin’s.

Slightly ill at ease, Su Jin created a little distance and slightly moved the hand that
had been held onto by the girl .

Mu Qing smiled sunnily and considerately maintained the distance that the two of
them had had between them.

“I am very curious.” She asked, “you are obviously really against contact with
strangers, yet contrary to that fact, I can clearly feel your goodwill to me.”

Su Jin was startled but then, recovered herself, “your perception…” She lightly
paused, “is very sharp.”

“You flatter me.” Not the least bit surprised, Mu Qing grinned, “since I was a child,
my intuition has been particularly accurate. You still have not said why you are
treating me in such a special manner?”

“Why?” Su Jin’s brows furrowed in concentration as she thought, in any case, I

cannot say that you are very similar to my past self right?

“It’s probably affinity at first sight.”

After thinking about it for awhile, she finally decided upon such an ambiguous
answer.

Mu Qing was stunned for a few seconds, and then suddenly she laughed.

“What are you laughing about?” Su Jin raised her brow in puzzlement- this answer
of hers, was it really that funny?

“Nothing.” Mu Qing’s laughter stopped but the curve at the edge of her lips
remained crooked and her glistening gaze glanced at her, “It’s just that I felt an
affinity at first sight for you too.”

“So, seeing that you and I have such a great affinity,” she slightly leaned in closer to
Su Jin, “let me tell you a secret, okay.”

“A secret?” Su Jin tilted her head and repeated the phrase.

“Mm.” Mu Qing nodded, “do you know why I originally insisted on getting into
Beijing’s film school?” Without waiting for her response, she shot a glance and
raised her chin in the direction of the man that was earnestly filming.

“Xue Kai?” Su Jin was astonished but looked at Mu Qing shaking her head before
she immediately asked once more, “Bai Haoqi?!”

“En.” Mu Qing’s lip curled and in her eyes, there was a clear warmth, “I love him.”

Love?

“Speaking of which,” she bit her lip, “after all these years, I’m so glad that he has
had no scandals nor has he gotten married.”

“Why are you telling me all this?” Su Jin suppressed her inner thoughts and baffled,
questioned her.
Her favourable impression towards Mu Qing was due to her memories of her past
life, but what about her? Why would she tell her this sort of secret when they had
only just met for the second time? Especially with this sort of identity of hers.

“Because I can feel that you have no ill intentions towards me.” Mu Qing grinned,
“moreover, and most importantly, I wanted to prove that I have no covetous
designs over your man, you know.”

“My man?” Su Jin was startled.

“He loves you very much,” Mu Qing nodded, “for the whole time that we have been
sitting here, although he has to keep his attention on the shooting, his gaze always
floats back over here. I didn’t expect that he, who is always distant yet gentle
towards people, the lukewarm Great Director Lu, could have such adorable
moments.”

As she finished saying this, the filming in front of them ended. Mu Qing then raised
her hand and waved to Lu Xi who just happened to look over at that opportune
moment and yelled, “Director Lu, I won’t kidnap your fianceé away, so you don’t
have to glance over here so frequently alright?”

Lu Xi seemed a little stunned but then, immediately smiled. Under the bright and
beautiful sunlight, he faintly inclined his head to the side and the initially fair skin
became somewhat more sparkling and translucent.

Even Mu Qing, whose heart had its own longing for someone, was momentarily
stunned as she looked over in his direction.

“What a bewitching demon.” She shook her head and looked at the people that
had continued filming. In a low voice, she said to Su Jin, “the entertainment circle-
this contaminated jar, there are temptations everywhere. You have to guard over
your man, you know.”

Contaminated jar, temptations…

Even after they ended the day of filming, on the journey home, Su Jin was still
thinking about what Mu Qing had said. Although she had always heard that the
entertainment circle was a mess, she had never really come into real contact with
it. So even… Lu Xi, this sort of terribly low-key person, would he too have been
exposed to a lot of temptations? Over this stretch of time, she was always in
contact with him, however, she had never noticed anything.

“Jin’er?”

From the edge of her ears, she heard Lu Xi’s voice.

Su Jin was startled and raised her eyes to look towards him.

“What are you thinking about?” Lu Xi smiled and caressed her long tresses, “we’ve
already reached home.”

Su Jin looked out of the half-opened window of the car. Outside, it truly was the
familiar villa.

Before she got off the car, Su Jin suddenly asked, “Lu Xi, Qing Qin told me to guard
you well. The temptations around you… …What are they?”

Qing Qing? Lu Xi reacted to that, and then thought of who’s name this was. Rather
surprised, he then raised an eyebrow, “curious?”

“Mm.” Su Jin immediately nodded as her eyes swiftly lit up.

Lu Xi thought for a moment, then opened up his inbox on his phone and
straightaway, he logged into another account.

“Just in time, Xiao An’zi has not handled the stuff for today.” As he said this, he
handed his phone over to the girl by his side. “Look, this is the work email inbox
that I have for managing public announcements and matters.”

Su Jin took the phone in her hands as she swiped through each email one by one.
Her eyes widened.

All sorts of ambiguous information, sensual messages and even… nude photos.
One by one, as dainty faces were swiped past before her very eyes, Su Jin took a
deep breath and was preparing to say something. Yet, she was unable to speak
before the phone in her hands began to ring.

“Qin An.” Su Jin handed the phone over to Lu Xi.

“Hello, Xiao An’zi, what’s happened?” Lu Xi accepted the phone and smiled with a
curl of his lips.

“What?” He sat upright, “Xue Kai has fainted?”

Chapter 38

“That’s right… It just happened and we’ve sent him to the hospital already. But
there was a big ruckus when the ambulance came, so even if there aren’t any
reporters now, this won’t be kept hidden for long,” said Qin An somewhat
anxiously.

When news of《Sunflower》first came out, it had quickly become the center of
attention and the source of much discussion. However, to already have such an
issue when they had just started filming, what bad luck.

“It’s alright. If we can’t keep it under wraps, then we won’t. Let’s not bother about
those reporters right now; they won’t dare to go too far. How is Xue Kai now?”

“I’m not too sure, I’m on my way to the hospital.”

“Which one?” Lu Xi frowned slightly and started the car once again.

“The 1st City, it’s not far from Shenhai University.”

“Understood.” Lu Xi ended the call and turned to look at the person beside him. He
was thinking of something to say but Su Jin spoke first.

“Start the car.”

She lifted her chin.

By the time the two of them reached the hospital, the main entrance had already
been surrounded by many reporters. Many security guards stood outside the
entrance to maintain order. Lu Xi made a turn, drove into the basement carpark
and directly headed to the elevator with Su Jin.

Qin An was sitting on one of the long benches set along the white walls of the
corridor with his arms crossed over his chest as he leaned against the wall,
frowning deeply.
Not far from him, was a long-haired lady pacing back and forth in the patient ward.
Moreover, the flurried sound of her heels clicking against the floor created a feeling
that could make a person feel somewhat distraught with anxiety.

“Boss!” Qin An stood up and shouted upon seeing Lu Xi walk over with Su Jin. He
shot a look toward Su Jin and nodded “Miss Su.”

Su Jin nodded in return, and asked, “what’s the situation like now?”

“We don’t know yet.” Qin An raised his hands helplessly, “he was taken in but no
one has come out. But Ji Min told me Xue Kai has always been anaemic though it
has become worse recently. He was running a fever today, however, it shouldn’t be
anything big.”

“Ji Min?”

“Her.” Qin An pointed with his chin to the lady that was pacing about near them,
‘Xue Kai’s manager.”

“Anaemic… gotten worse… running a fever,” Su Jin’s gaze became thoughtful and
knitted her brows.

“What’s wrong?” Lu Xi dropped his gaze to her and asked.

“Are there any blood spots underneath the skin?” She didn’t reply but looked up at
Qin An and asked.

“Blood spots under the skin?” Qin An repeated those words, his face filled with
confusion.

“Never mind, you wouldn’t know either.” Su Jin lowered her voice with a sigh and
shook her head, “the plot shouldn’t be this dramatic right…..”

“Jin’er……”

“Doctor!” Lu Xi had barely spoken when he was interrupted by a female voice.

They looked at the direction of the sound, but only saw a middle-aged man in a
white coat.

“Doctor, how is he? Is Xiao Kai alright?” The three people walked over and heard Ji
Min ask.

“Are you related to the patient?”

“I am his manager.” Ji Min hastily nodded her head.

“Manager……” The doctor seemed to hesitate for a while, “where is his family?”

“None.” Ji Min answered anxiously, “he doesn’t have any family. He is an orphan.”

“An orphan?” The doctor distinctly furrowed his brows.

“Doctor, please, just say it.” Ji Min sighed deeply, as if she was composing herself
and spoke softly “furthermore, I am his girlfriend.”

“An orphan……” The doctor sighed again but he said gravely “as of now, we
suspect that it might be leukaemia, but the bone marrow test results will only be
out the day after tomorrow. Therefore, at present, we can’t confirm it yet.”

“Leu……leukaemia?” Ji Min froze, then she murmured the word repeatedly as her
legs gave out from underneath her.

“Miss, don’t panic yet.” The doctor reached out to help her up and comforted her
by saying “we don’t even know the results and nothing is confirmed yet. Even if it
really is leukaemia, it can be cured by conducting a bone marrow transplant. Even
if he doesn’t have any relatives, we can go to the Data Bank of Chinese
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Donors. Will you please cheer up a little?”

“Cheer up…..” Ji Min bit down on her lower lip, straightened her back and bowed
deeply, “Doctor, I’ll be in your care.”

The doctor smiled and nodded to her vigorously.

“Director Lu……” As she watched the doctor leave, she turned her head in Lu Xi’s
direction, “as you can see……”

“Let’s wait for the results to be out.” Lu Xi replied, “if it’s not that serious, I can
shoot the other parts first, if……”

He didn’t even finish what he was saying but the rest of the people that were there
understood what he meant.

If it was serious and considering Xue Kai’s situation now, it was obviously not
favourable for him to continue filming.

“Thank you.” Ji Min sniffed and sincerely thanked Lu Xi.

After much time spent in the hospital, the sky had already turned dark on the
journey home.

Beyond the bubble within the hospital, the news circulated around, creating a lot
of hubbub. The production team for《Sunflower》had just begun its first day of
shooting and an ambulance had driven to Shenhai University. Trending as news on
the internet, pictures were shared here and there to the point that it had even
ended up as the hottest searched topic.

Qin An followed Lu Xi’s directions to release the news through the official social
media channels: in three days, they would hold a press conference at Shenhai
University’s auditorium. At that time, they would elaborate further upon the matter
then.

As expected, as soon as this message was sent, the number of comments on the
internet dropped at once.

When Qin An accessed the situation, he was also slightly reassured.

On the other hand, another piece of news was going viral on Weibo.
The author of this news was a reporter of Apple Entertainment. Her authenticated
identity there was Zhou Tong.
The general content of the post was as follows…… She had found out that the
main decision maker for《Sunflower》was not, in fact, the director Lu Xi, but his
fiancee Su Jin. Therefore, the young master Lu had staked a thousand pieces of
gold into one throw; extravagantly using such means of his in exchange for a smile
from a beautiful woman. But she, the reporter, was protesting that having the ‘Film
Emperor’ Zhuo Junan, who was neither lacking in aesthetic appeal or acting skill,
brushed aside was unfair. Therefore, when they had the opening ceremony for the
drama, she had questioned Director Lu Xi about this. Who knew that Director Lu Xi
would not only try to avoid the answer, he had even stared at her name tag and
pointed her out.

Only, she was afraid that once she posted this report, she would be summarily and
unreasonably fired. This would prove that the mastermind behind the scenes was
young master Lu.

The people who were leaving their comments on Weibo could be categorized as
the following groups: first, the crazed fans of Zhuo Junan. When they heard that
their idol had received a grievance, they were frantically at arms and unbridled.
They continued sharing and commenting about the post while taking the same
stance as the original blogger; taking up a do-or-die position together.

The second group, Lu Xi’s fans… No, more accurately, they were the《Heart
Pounding Excitement》fans. Most of them were suspicious- they felt that Director
Lu would not be this sinister and continued to observe the development of the
matter from the sidelines.

Thirdly, was the part of the peanut gallery that was extremely interested in the
inside stories of the rich and powerful families. While sharing, commenting and
forwarding this piece of news, some of them had even tagged Lu Jing, the main
decision-maker of Sheng Ming Corporation.

The remaining group were the people that were slightly a little more aware. After
carefully observing, oh, this was a hijack of public opinion and the target was
Sheng Ming Corporations youngest master. With such little numbers, even they
would not be able to handle the brainless fans. Tsk, there was no need to say
anything, they could only quietly observe also from the sidelines.
Regardless of how the news had spread online, the young master Lu, who was
neither ever in the mood to look through the updates on Weibo nor stayed
constantly updated about it, had taken Miss Su out for dinner. Even after he had
dropped her off at her home, the both of them were still unaware of this piece of
news.

Mingyu Park
Under the glittering moonlight, Lu Xi held his lady’s hand and walked toward the
Su family’s villa. When they reached the front door, Su Jin said her goodbyes, but
she had noticed that the man in front of her was in somewhat of a daze.

“What are you thinking about?” Su Jin raised a hand and waved it in front of his
eyes.

“I was thinking about……” Lu Xi came back to his senses, he then curled his lip
lightly and murmured “the impermanence of life.”

The impermanence of life……

Su Jin sighed too, “who says that it’s not? Generally well and healthy people who
stood in front of you moments ago, in a flash could end up lying on a sickbed.”

Who would have thought that this would happen? One minute she had just wanted
to go on a journey away from home to drive away her cares, and then the next
minute all of that vanished into thin air because of an aeroplane accident. It all
happened too fast…… She did not even feel the smallest bit of pain when all of the
brain activity of hers had stopped.

“Jin’er……” Lu Xi suddenly stepped forward and reached out with both hands to
embrace Su Jin.

A familiar scent hit her face, Su Jin stood dazed as both of her hands held his lean
waist.

“Do you like me?”

His voice rumbled from the top of her head. His low-toned voice was pleasant
sounding like a symphony of cellos.

“Yes, I do like you.” She bit her lip and answered without hesitation.

“Then…..” He stepped backwards, dropping his eyes to look into hers as he went
on to ask “do you love me?”

His voice remained the same, so much so that because there weren’t any
distractions around them, his voice became clearer. However, it was only in his
tone that the slightest bit of extremely repressed trembling could be heard in his
words.

“I……”

Su Jin bit her lip and looked down slightly. The moonlight fell on her delicately
long and thick eyelashes, casting curved shadows on the contours of her face.

I don’t love you.

She didn’t want to hurt him nor lie to him.

So she remained silent.

The final line of defence in her heart remained strong; she herself did not even
know how to undo it.

Lu Xi’s beautiful peach blossom eyes gradually dimmed, but they swiftly grew lively
and delightful again.

His slender index finger gently lifted her chin.

In those helpless phoenix eyes of hers, that pair of peach blossom eyes looked like
they reflected all the brightest stars in the universe.
Then, he lowered his head as his warm petal-like lips fell onto her forehead in
accompaniment with his low and clear voice.

“Goodnight, I hope you will――”

“――dream of me.”
Chapter 39

Lu Xi did not know if he truly did join Su Jin in her dreams as he wished. However,
at about nine in the evening, he received a call from Qin An.
After ending the call, he opened up the Weibo app, that had almost become a mere
decoration on his phone. Then, he slightly arched an eyebrow.

Zhou Tong… …Honestly, if she had not posted this long Weibo blog text, he would
have practically forgotten about her. After all, there were so many reporters that
day and he had only happened to hear that question by coincidence. Therefore, he
had merely given her a warning. However, who knew, that this… …situation would
have intensified and had become aggravated even further?

Really, even if the matter about Su Jin being Su Jin the author, was exposed, it truly
did not matter. However since that young lady had finally, with great difficulty,
gave thought and consideration for him and was unwilling to make this matter
public, then he would follow suit with her kind regards and intentions.
As for this Zhou Tong, for her to wrestle and one-sidedly grab hold of public
opinion? He ought to―commend her for her intelligence, yes?

On the other hand, in the event that he truly did want to retaliate, then what could
public opinion even do to prevent that?

Thinking about the person that Qin An had mentioned on the phone call, he slightly
shook his head.

The next day, Su Jin climbed out of bed and when she swiped through her Weibo in
passing, this matter had, more or less, already quieten down.

The root cause of that was due to ‘Film Emperor’ Zhuo Junan posting a Weibo text
the night before at exactly nine in the evening.

Zhuo Junan ( ):『Through constant refining and polishing of knowledge, a

thoughtful and reflective gentleman will, like a diamond in the rough, sharpen his
good traits to become even better[1]. Unable to successfully collaborate this time, it
truly is regretful. Hope to have a chance to work together with you next time! @Lu
Xi』
[1] 有匪君子，如切如磋, 如琢如磨
(yǒu fěi jūn zǐ, rú qiē rú cuō, rú zhuó rú mó) – These verses are from a poem from Shijing, the Book of Songs (an early collection
of Chinese poems and one of the Five Classics of Confucianism). The poem (loosely translated) named as《National Customs · Wei Style · Aoqi River》is one of China’s older period realism poems to

eulogize a man’s image. The phrase used here is part of the poem’s techniques wherein metaphors and similes are used to depict an ideal of a gentleman then. Each verse in the poem has now become an
expression that people use to describe morals and character, displaying the poem’s profound and long-lasting influences on Chinese history.

The party involved had already spoken, then what could the boneheaded fans still
cause trouble about?

Due to Xue Kai’s matter, really no one was in the mood to film. Therefore, Lu Xi had
generously and immediately given the production crew two days off. He planned to
deliberate and make a decision after the wait was over and the results from Xue
Kai’s side were out.

By chance, he had also taken advantage of this idle time to bring his young lady,
who had been ill at ease, out for a spin.

When the black Porsche stopped at the gate of the theme park, Su Jin was
astonished.

“He, Here?” With her phoenix eyes wide open, even her speech became a stammer.

“Yep.” All smiles, Lu Xi nodded and got off his car to open the passenger door for
her. Calling out to her, he continued, “get out quickly.”

In front of the large entrance were several streamers floating and waving in the sky,
and an enormous teddy bear logo was placed on top of the gate. If a person
listened closely, one could even distinguish the music from the carousel from the
noisy hubbub inside the park.

“With both of our ages added together, we would be almost equivalent to a

quinquagenarian (a fifty years old) person. What kind of circumstances would
convince you to bring us here?” Somewhat between laughter and tears, Su Jin
sighed, “youngest master Lu, really, how old are you?”
“Me?” Hardly concerned, Lu Xi simply raised an eyebrow, “didn’t we previously
mention that I was three years old?”
“Three years old huh… …” Albeit earnestly, Su Jin nodded and then pointed to the
signboard at the gate.

[Babies five years old and below are not allowed to come, okay~]

“Oh, I don’t know who had hung up that placard,” Su Jin rubbed her chin as she
could not help but laugh, “but the tone of that signage is rather adorable.”

Lu Xi’s expression froze for a second, then very naturally, he switched the subject.

“Jin’er can consider it as accompanying me then. From childhood up until now, I

have never been to a theme park.”

“How have you never… …” Su Jin paused for a bit, then seamlessly continued to
say what had been stuck in her throat, “that seems unlikely?”

Fortunately, Lu Xi did not seem to mind and began to immediately talk about his
sad history of blood and tears.

“Why can’t it be ‘unlikely’?” He shook his head, “the Lu family’s family rules are
extremely strict. Even though it’s already the 21st century, there was still even
restricted access to places. So to have never gone to a theme park when I was a
child, what’s so strange about that?”

“My brother and I have gone through especially harsh education ever since we
were young. My family’s old man had always said though that once we became
adults, he would no longer manage us; regardless of what we wanted to do- if we
wanted to have fun- we could. In fact, this sort of place, like a theme park, when I
wanted to come when I was young, I was not allowed to. Of course now, when I’m
grown, I don’t have any wish to come here any longer.”

“Only, after the time we met that young lady awhile ago, did I recall this.”

“Young lady?” Su Jin puzzledly replied.

“Yep. Have you forgotten? When we went to buy a dress shirt, it was that little girl
holding onto a cotton candy that we met in the lift.” As he said this, Lu Xi bought a
stick of cotton candy from a road stall and gave it to Su Jin.

It was in light pink and in the form of a rabbit, Su Jin subconsciously reached out to
accept it with a light curl of her lips.

“I remember.”

How could she have not? That delicate and tender young lady who had even called
her ‘Aunt’, she had an appearance that evidently showed that she was completely
doted upon. It even made her envious.

“What are you distracted about?” Lu Xi reached out to rap his young lady’s head
and piteously blinked his eyes, “Jin’er, are you truly this unwilling to accompany
me in?”

The man, who had initially seemed as gentle as jade, was impeccably dressed in a
different style of clothes. Clothed in a v-necked t-shirt, capri pants and a cowboy
hat on his head, his entire person seemed a bit sunnier and more energetic than
usual.

Su Jin lowered her head to grab a bite of the cotton candy in her hand. As the
excessively sweet taste unravelled on her tongue, her lips curled and she grabbed
onto the man’s large hand.

“Let’s go, Jiejie will bring you in to see the world.”

Bring me to see the world? Lu Xi raised an eyebrow, this girl… …

On the roller coaster, as it dived down from the final hill, Lu Xi narrowed his peach
blossom eyes slightly as he glanced at the girl beside him.

With long raven hair fluttering in the wind and an overflowing smile that
brightened up her entire face, her voice that had, at the start, been a low exhale
had become an unrestrained shriek.
His young lady.

It was undoubtedly not her prettiest moment, yet he still thought that she was
incomparably beautiful that even the gale of wind that blew past her ears seemed
gentle.

Whatever you had ever previously lacked, I will make up and patch all of those empty
holes for you.
Your childhood, your trust, your freedom, your happiness and your loveless life.
Until the end of life, until the end of the world.
When they had come off the roller coaster, Lu Xi had felt fairly alright.

Yep, apart from his somewhat rather pale pallor and unsteady pace.

“Be careful!” Su Jin reached out to prop up the young master Lu who had almost
fallen and rather worriedly asked, “are you alright?”

As Lu Xi steadied himself and rubbed his forehead, he looked at the girl beside him
who seemed to have adapted well to the thrills of the rollercoaster. With a helpless
sigh, he unwillingly conceded the truth that this body of his seemed unsuited to
ride this sort of attraction.

Seeing the man’s rather wan pallor and his face filled with an awkward expression,
Su Jin suppressed the smile on her lips with a light cough. She slowly spoke, “I feel
that this rollercoaster does not seem very fun, why don’t we try… …”

As her phoenix eyes swept through the theme park guidebook for a short moment
– rollercoaster, drop tower, frisbee, pirate ship, skydiver, spinning apples (like
teacups), flume ride… …

“The ferris wheel or the carousel?”

Half an hour later, Su Jin sat on the carousel and thought about the uncle who had
sold tickets to them a moment ago . Seeing the two of them buying tickets but after
looking around for a minute, but not seeing any young kids following them, he
gave them an indescribable baffled gaze. Unable to hold it in, as she wrapped her
arms around the wooden horse’s neck, she laughed until she cried.
Really, she did not know why this man had given up on the ferris wheel, the
legendary symbol of true love, and had instead chosen the extremely childish
carousel.

As children’s laughter and music filled with delightfully animated music

surrounded her ears, groups of people around her had changed over and over.

As they had eaten dinner before coming here, the sky had steadily grown dark. As
the lights on the carousel ceiling gradually lit up one by one, the theme park’s
cartoon-like lamps lit up too. As far as her eyes could see, all of the light was from
the fantasy-like lamps. As if it had even lit up the dark night sky, the stars on the
horizon could not be seen clearly.

As the carousel spun around and around, it felt as if it would never rest.

At a certain point of time, Su Jin turned her head to look at the man who sat
abreast on a wooden horse. As her gaze returned to herself, out of the blue, a tear
fell.

A long time ago, she had once sat on a bench alone, watching the crowd walk by
and the carousel revolve in circles until the entire theme park had been lit up by
those shining lamp lights.

From a very small girl she had grown up into a qualified doctor.

However, she had never sat on one of these horses before.

Even if later on, she had long since been able to bear the cost of riding a carousel,
however on her own, was there any meaning to it by then?

The ferris wheel was the dream of lovers everywhere, yet the carousel was her
personal dream.

Now, her dream had come true.

Until the very end, the two people had never sat on the Ferris wheel. When they
had reached home, it was already close to nine in the evening.

After sending her safely home a moment ago, Lu Xi then received a call from Qin An.

Zhou Tong, who had just been snided by Zhuo Junan yesterday, had posted
another Weibo text.

She had candidly and euphemistically questioned ad nauseam if Zhuo Junan had
received some sort of threat and filled with hot air of righteousness, she queried
why he would change his tune so quickly.

As for these threats, obviously, the person behind this was the youngest master Lu.

What sort of weird brain loop was this… …

As he read this Weibo text, even the always unperturbed Lu Xi could not help but
think this way.

It was not like he had not previously suspected that there was someone behind
Zhou Tong that had been specifically targeting him. However, after Qin An had
done some investigating, he finally uncovered that Zhou Tong had initially received
a small lead and wanted to dig deeper for a big scoop. Hence, she had then
persistently tried to get her claws into him without dropping this matter. As for the
first Weibo post, that was due to Apple Entertainment hearing about the matter
from her colleague, the photographer from the company assigned to the opening
ceremony that day. The company had been prepared to dismiss her, therefore, she
had tried confronting the enemy with dangerous military moves and recklessly
wanted to use the public opinion of the masses to keep her job[2].
[2] 兵行险招
(bīng xíng xiǎn zhāo) – the phrase here is similar to another phrase, ‘fighting desperately when confronting mortal danger’ or to find a way out of an impasse. However,
here, it refers to Zhou Tong, using such risky moves against an opponent that do not show absolute signs of victory. Often, it refers to strange tactics that could potentially inflict harm on themselves, or
could cause a turnabout in triumph.

However, Zhuo Junan had already spoken out- he too had no interest in
investigating any further. Thus, what did this person still have to pick at?

Sighing about this ridiculous state of events, he opened up Weibo and logged into
the account that had always been managed by Qin An. Then, he posted a
particularly vague literary phrase.
Lu Xi (✔️
):『As the blustery wind abruptly stirred, it caused ripples on a pond of
spring water.』

As a result of the matter that Zhou Tong had stirred up recently, there were many
fans that had swelled up with the cacophonous ruckus and begun to follow Lu Xi’s
Weibo.

Once this phrase was published, the discussion area was bizarrely silent for a
minute.

That was until Qin An posted something as the first comment post in the discussion
area; it was a short story that was written in spoken language, casual and filled
with slang.

『”As the blustery wind abruptly stirred, it created ripples on a pond of spring
water” originated as a statement from Feng Yansi, as part of a poem created to the
tune of Golden Gates of Ye.

During the Five Dynasties period (a period of history between the fall of Tang
dynasty in 907 and the founding of the Song dynasty in 960 where the five would-
be dynasties were established in quick succession in North China), the Tang
emperor (in 937-975, part of the Five Southern Dynasties) Li Jing had been
disinterested in imperial governance and politics. He had only liked to recite poetry
and create lyrical poetry. When he heard the prime minister Feng Yansi’s tune of
‘Golden Gates of Ye’, he had made fun of him and said, “creating ripples onto a
pond of spring water, dost thou think that mine affairs require thine assistance?”』

In other words, even if there are blustery winds and stirring waters, how does it
concern you?
Chapter 40

When she saw those words, Zhou Tong’s face flushed and even the hand holding
her mouse trembled. Then, just when she was about to send something else, the
cell phone on the table rang.

She was startled and hastily picked up the phone. The three words: “Editor-in-
chief” leapt out at her from the screen.

“Zhou Tong, either start shutting up, or resign.”

When she heard the cold voice coming from the phone, Zhou Tong’s red face
blanched.

“Editor-in-chief! If you don’t have the courage, you will be surrounded by public
opinion!” she yelled anxiously.

“Public opinion?” The person on the other end laughed coldly, “Take a look on
Weibo and then repeat that!”

He hung up the phone and she heard beeping. Zhou Tong blanked out.

Weibo? Wasn’t he talking about Lu Xi’s post? Was there some other news?
Wondering about this, she hurriedly opened Weibo. After being abuzz with
speculations, the Internet had suddenly calmed; it was almost like undercurrents
in a lake that were trapped underneath, leaving behind only a tranquil and
motionless surface.

And all of this stemmed from one Weibo post.

Su Yue (V): Choose one, resign or shut up.

The accompanying picture was… the acquiral contract of Apple Entertainment.

Su Yue…
Zhou Tong suddenly sobered up.

Before, when Zhou Tong first started this, she had lost her mind due to the
ambition she had to make her mark in journalism and the many netizens who
agreed with her stance. She had only considered that Lu Xi was someone who was
only a part of the entertainment circle. Thus, he would not ignore the pressure of
public opinion and show his hand like that. But she had forgotten Su Jin’s status.

Compared to the Lu family that was as high as the sky, the Su family – as one of
three major clans in Shenhai City – was the true sharp sword suspended above
their heads.

Sure enough, the people of the Su family would not watch on passively.

What else could she do? With a pale face, she lost herself in a daze before she finally
pressed the word “Cancel” shakily.
At the same time as Zhou Tong – who had finally come to her senses with this news
– was deciding not to report on this anymore, Su Yue, who was the mastermind
behind resolving this matter, was receiving a call from his future brother-in-law.

“Brother Su, you made your move a bit too quickly,” Lu Xi said to the man on the
other end as he gritted his teeth.

“If I wasn’t quick, wouldn’t I just be waiting for you to make your own move
instead?” Su Yue softly chuckled as he looked at the cancelled account and relaxed
against the back of his chair.

“Forget it. I won’t bicker with you about this.” Lu Xi magnanimously replied, “Did
you know Ming Xuan has a little twin brother?”

“Ming Xuan? Twin brother?” Su Yue was shocked and immediately stood up from
his genuine leather chair.

“Yep, apparently he was kidnapped by the lover when he was just born. Even now
his whereabouts are unknown.”
“Unknown whereabouts…” Su Yue’s face went through several changes before he
sat back down, as if he had undergone some struggle. “From how badly Uncle Ming
desires control of the Ming family, he must have realized very quickly that the child
had gone missing and had begun to look for the child. Since the Ming family has
probably already been searching for so many years, and yet the child still hasn’t
turned up, what’s the use of telling me this now?”

“Aren’t you curious how I know this?” Lu Xi then went silent for a while and didn’t
provide him with an answer, instead asking another question.

His question had Su Yue at a loss.

Right. How did Lu Xi know about this? The Su family has had strong roots in Shenhai
City for so many years, but even he had not heard about this. It was enough to show
how deeply this matter had been hidden by the Ming family. No matter how powerful
the Lu family was, as an outsider, Lu Xi couldn’t have found this information easily,
right?
“Jin’er told me.” Seeing that the other hadn’t replied for a long time, Lu Xi had put
it out in the open.

“She didn’t want to see you sad, so she asked Ming Xuan if there was any way for
things to change for the better. Ming Xuan saw her persistence and brought up this
old, guarded matter.”

“Xiao Jin…” Su Yue softly mumbled.

“She clearly places her hopes on such an uncertain issue, but Jin’er has never given
up. Su Yue, don’t let Jin’er’s kind intentions go to waste.”

Lu Xi’s voice was a little low. From that time when he had called him elder brother
Su rather shamelessly, this was actually the first time he had called his name
unrestrainedly.

Su Yue did not mind about this, his unfocused eyes looked out the window as
images of his little sister surfaced in his mind. She… was clearly still a child…
His heart was suddenly filled with warmth. Sure enough, she had grown up. The girl
whom they had all spoiled had actually developed these thoughts and intentions.

But…

“The last time Xiao Jin visited Ming Xuan was probably a pretty long time ago. Now
that you’re telling me this, could it be-.” Su Yue’s eyebrows slightly rose as light
flashed through his black pupils, “There’s some news?”

When he heard this, Lu Xi was thrown off for a moment before laughing, “You truly
deserve to be called big brother Su!”

“He has been identified through facial recognition, but they haven’t confirmed it
yet. I just wanted to let you know beforehand.”

“Really… they have almost identified him?” Su Yue’s right hand fiercely grasped
the armrest on his chair, his black pupils suffused with shocked happiness.

To be honest, his words from a moment ago had only been said to tease his future
brother-in-law. After all, the Ming family had searched for so many years. Even if Lu
Xi got involved, this wasn’t something that could happen overnight. But no one
could have expected that…

“Don’t get excited!” Lu Xi was somewhat helpless, “I was afraid you would get too
excited, so I gave you a heads up. For now, they still aren’t sure of the news. While
you are raising your hopes, you’re also setting yourself up for disappointment if
those hopes end up dashed.”

“That’s how the saying goes, but…” Su Yue couldn’t help himself from chuckling,
“According to your personality, if you weren’t sure, why would you call me?”

“When will it be confirmed?” His voice was somewhat eager as he continued.

“Probably tomorrow.” Lu Xi replied firmly, “Once there’s any news, I’ll let you
know.”
“Alright.” Su Yue nodded and before Lu Xi hung up, he softly said, “Thank you.”

Lu Xi’s lips slightly rose and he hung up.

Early morning the next day, a few lead actors from the cast and crew gathered at
the hospital.

Even Lu Xi and Su Jin were not exceptions.

The doctor responsible for treating Xue Kai, Dr. Sun, was a little startled at first
upon seeing this crowd, then, he recomposed himself.

“Mr. Xue’s sickness has already been diagnosed. It is indeed leukemia, but…” He
laughed, “I have some good news.”

“Have you found a matching bone marrow donor?” Ji Min anxiously asked, her eyes
brightening.

“Bone marrow?” Dr. Sun was confused.

“Is that not it?” Ji Min bit her lips, her face becoming a little pale.

For someone with leukemia, besides finding an appropriate bone marrow donor,
was there anything else that could be considered good news?

“There is indeed someone who matches his bone marrow.” Dr. Sun shook his head,
“But the good news I had in mind wasn’t this. According to Mr. Xue’s bone marrow
biopsy, we have finally diagnosed it as M3 leukemia.”

M3 leukemia?

Everyone there looked at each other, bewildered. What was so special about… M3?

“M3?” Su Jin’s eyes shone, “Can it be cured?”

When everyone heard this, they all looked over to her.

“You know of this?” Dr. Sun laughed as he nodded.

“In the past, my internal medicine doctor had talked about it.” Su Jin smiled.

“It seems like you are a medicine major.” Dr. Sun chuckled, delicate wrinkles
around his eyes. However, he was extremely happy, “The girl is right. M3 leukemia
is the only type of leukemia right now that can be cured without having to undergo
a bone marrow transplant.”

In the end, he still sighed, “Mr. Xue’s luck is pretty good.”

“How long do you think it will take for him to be cured?” Ji Min asked.

“Theoretically, it could be completely gone in about two years.”

When they heard the doctor’s response, everyone’s expressions slightly relaxed.
Even Ji Min’s face wore a small smile.

Even though it was still serious, and it would take a longer time to recover, the final
sentence surpassed their original expectations.

“Dr. Sun,” Lu Xi finally asked, “Can you tell us who the bone marrow match is?”

“The match?” Dr. Sun was confused for a moment before nodding. “Of course.”

“Let me look for it.” He took out his cell phone and found his memos, “Now that
I’ve aged, my memory has gotten worse and worse…”

“Oh, I found it.” Dr. Sun lifted his head and said, “The name is Ming Xuan.”
Chapter 41

Ming Xuan……

Su Jin suddenly lifted her head, “Ming Xuan? Ming as in the bright moon and Xuan
as in day-lilies?”

Dr. Sun was somewhat surprised at this rather emotional girl before him and he
smiled faintly while he asked, “What’s the matter? Do you know each other?”

What was implied was, that person was indeed Ming Xuan.

“Lu Xi……” As she turned back to look at the man beside her, her beautiful phoenix
eyes shone and twinkled; they held some excitement, some hesitation, and a little
doubt.

The person that the Ming family had poured so many resources and efforts to find,
unexpectedly… …To have him simply appear right before them like this?

Lu Xi reached over to pull her to his side and glanced at Ji Min as he asked, “Miss Ji,
how old is Xue Kai this year? Also, when is his birthday?”

Ji Min thought it was a little strange, but still replied, “Twenty-six years old, and his
birthday……” She smiled bitterly as she shook her head, “When do kids who grew
up in orphanages have birthdays?”

Twenty-six years old……

“There is a high likelihood of this being correct, let’s give Ming Xuan a call.” Lu Xi
lowered his head and told Su Jin.

“Mmm.” Su Jin could not contain her bright smile as she went away to make the
call.

“Director Lu.” Ji Min frowned, “May I ask, is there something wrong?”

“Can we talk about it when Ming Xuan is here?” Lu Xi curled his lips slightly,
showing a warm smile as he spoke in a deep, comforting voice, “Relax, it’s good
news.”

Good news?

All the people at the scene looked at each other, a thought slowly brewed in their
minds.

Orphan, his bone marrow compatibility…… could it be?

Ji Min’s eyes sparkled as she shot Lu Xi with an inquisitive gaze.

Lu Xi’s lips curled faintly into a smile whilst not replying.

In less than an hour, the Ming family came rushing in.

From the youngest generation – Ming Xuan, the parents of the Ming family and
even the doddering and feebled Ming Family elder- came.

The four of them represented the three generations of the Ming family.

As people who were able to survive and make a name for themselves within the
entertainment industry, they would definitely not be lacking judgment and
acumen. So when they recognised the members of the Ming family, one by one, the
cast and crew gave their excuses and took their leave. Even if they were curious,
the private matters of the aristocratic families were not something they were privy
to nor could they be involved in.

Moreover, if the situation was truly what they had imagined it to be, once
everything was ascertained, wouldn’t one’s curiosity be assuaged when the
inevitable news was spread?

Watching the outsiders tactfully leaving, Ming Xuan walked quickly to Su Jin and
asked anxiously: “Xiao Jin, is what you said true? Where is he? How is he now?
The three people from the Ming family looked over as well.

“Of course it’s real.” Su Jin laughed as she reached out and pointed to the ward,
“over there.”

“Younger brother……” Ming Xuan stood in a daze and promptly strode forward to
enter the ward.

“Ming Xuan Jie!” Su Jin reached out to grab her, “Don’t be in such a hurry.”

“This is Miss Ji Min.” She pointed at Ji Min who was standing beside her and said,
“Grandpa Ming, Uncle Ming, and Aunt Chen, Ji Min is Xue Kai’s manager and his
girlfriend. With regard to this matter, right now, it is still based on Lu Xi and my
speculation, so I suggest you do a paternity test to verify. Now, I’ll leave the rest of
these matters for all of you to discuss, we will take our leave first.”

The discussions that followed were for the Ming family to talk about; even if the
two families were to be united in marriage, it was not her place to interfere any
longer.

In the end…. It should be pretty close. Her lips curved up in a gentle smile as she
pulled Lu Xi’s hand, leaving the hospital together.

“Will you be going to tonight’s news conference??” Lu Xi asked on the journey back
home.

“I’m not going.” Straightforwardly, Su Jin shook her head, Rather than taking the
risk and facing the danger from any association with Su Jin just to watch a
mundane news conference, she would prefer to head home and do more writing
on her novel.

This silly girl, was she really trying not to blow her cover? She didn’t want to…. give
him additional pressure?

“Have you heard of the idiom: the 300 silver taels are not hidden here?”[1]
[1]
无银三百两 (wú yín sān bǎi liǎng) – this is a metaphor to say that one had revealed what one had intended to keep hidden/secret. The background story is about a man
called Zhang San who managed to save 302 silver but was so worried that it would be stolen. Adding to that, he was mistrustful, so he nailed them within to a wooden box and buried it. Thinking he
was wise, he happily wrote on a tablet saying “there isn’t 302 silver here”. His neighbour Wang Er (aka name phonetically sounds like King and Two) saw this and stole his silver and merrily wrote on
the tablet, “The King Two next door did not steal your silver.” What this means is essentially to be so ‘clever’ that one exposes the truth – in order words, showing off one’s stupidity.

“Huh?” Su Jin was dazed, turning her focus towards him.

“You mean……” She furrowed her brow and thought, “If I don’t go, I would be
under scrutiny instead?”

Lu Xi curled his lip and nodded.

It was quiet again in the car, Su Jin leaned back on the seats and seemed lost in
thought.

Mingyu Park.
The black Porsche stopped promptly in front of the Su house entrance.

“I’ll come to pick you up tonight?” Lu Xi opened the car door and said to the person
stepping out of the car.

“Okay.” Su Jin nodded in response, paused, and hesitated for a while before
asking, “Lu Xi……”

“Hmm?” Lu Xi lowered his eyes slightly, and the vision in his attractive peach eyes
was filled with the sight of this female.

“Xue Kai’s issue……you……”

She wanted to say more but couldn’t elaborate. However, Lu Xi was quick to pick
up on her nuances. Helplessly, with a lift of his lips, he responded softly, “It was
merely a coincidence, it’s not like I could predict the future.”

“Mm.” Su Jin nodded her head and hurriedly waved her hands, “See you tonight!”

Watching from afar as the girl walked into the villa, her figure disappeared from his
line of a sigh. Lu Xi drooped his head slightly, and his lip corners turned into a
downward arc.

So this is what the idiom meant…. Where water flows a canal forms.[2]
[2] 水到渠成 (shuǐ dà o qú chéng) – It means that if the conditions are met, then things will naturally fall into place or find success.

The news conference was set to start in the evening at six. At four, Lu Xi left the
house to fetch the lady living next door for dinner.

The both of them weren’t high profilers, moreover, Su Jin was going to be seated
offstage as an audience member today, so she dressed very casually.

Su Jin wore an ordinary white T-shirt and denim hot pants. Lu Xi, as usual, wore a
white dress shirt accompanied by black long pants, only, there are just some
people who were naturally walking ‘clothes hangers’ and carried the clothes they
wore superbly. Even with such simple clothing, it was obvious that he would attract
much attention.

Like the welcoming of the summer’s day, light rays streaked across these two
people and filled the street like many pairs of slender legs. Su Jin suddenly recalled
a video she had seen before she had learned that Xue Kai had fainted and was
admitted to hospital.

As they sat in the shop and felt the many surrounding gazes turning their way,
while they watched the waiter, who after confirming their order still dawdled
around, Su Jin haplessly rubbed her temples impatiently.

“Next time, we should just get a private room .”

Lu Xi, who was sitting opposite her, nodded his head in total agreement.

His little miss should really be kept hidden.

“Speaking of which,” seeing that he had nodded, Su Jin was not surprised at all
and instead happily, proceeded to address another matter, “What kinds of emails
do you usually receive?”

“Emails?” Lu Xi knitted his eyebrows. When he had finally grasped her meaning, he
nodded his head slightly, “Ever since《Heart-pounding Excitement》, there are
constantly some, however, the office inbox has always been managed by Qin An; he
will screen through all the messages before reporting the relevant ones back to me.
“Why?” He leaned forward his eyes brimmed with slight gentleness, “Jin’er has
finally realised that my market value isn’t bad so you’re beginning to look
favourably upon me?”

“Look at you?” Su Jin arched her dark brows, “ What is mine is mine, no matter how
pretty something is, if it’s not mine, what’s the point?”

“You are slacking off at work.” Lu Xi looked her in the eye, “If you like something,
you should put in the extra effort to get it.”

“For example… …Like how you’ve treated me?”

“No.” Lu Xi shook his head, “That’s not alike.”

“Su Jin, you are the obsession in this life of mine.”

So, when will you be willing to open up the door to your heart and accept me?
When will you stop suppressing your feelings for me?

The person facing her had his back straight and the always smiling peach blossom
eyes reflected a sense of stillness. His look was much too serious that Su Jin’s heart
wavered slightly, but she lowered her eyes and broke the connection with his eyes.

“Let’s talk business.” She said “Have you settled on the actor who will replace Xue
Kai? Will he be selected from those we were shortlisted?”

Lu Xi’s heart sank slightly but he changed the subject accordingly to hers.

“No.” He shook his head, “A few days ago, someone contacted me directly.”

――――

Six o clock, in the small hall of Shen Hai University.

Su Jin was seated at the corner of the first row, half of her person hidden in the
dark and propping her chin with one hand, she looked at the lithe man on stage.
“With regards to Xue Kai, his prognosis has already been confirmed to be leukemia
by Shenhai City’s First Hospital.”

This sentence sent a buzz through the audience. Even though everyone knew
about the production team calling the ambulance, most of them suspected that it
was just the flu, a fever or a superficial wound that occurred during the filming.
They absolutely did not think that it would be as serious as leukemia.

“However,” Lu Xi frowned slightly, hesitating for a while, waiting for the audience
to settle down before saying, “Thankfully Xue Kai was diagnosed with M3 type
leukemia, and the doctor says it is curable, but he will take a while to recover. Xue
Kai’s manager, Miss Ji Min will elaborate further in detail the plans and future
arrangements so I won’t be adding anything further in regards to this matter.”

Curable? With this word, the buzz grew softer.

“Director Lu, if this is the case, will《Sunflower》need a change of actors?” One

reporter asked from the panel off-stage.

“Yes.” Lu Xi nodded, “This is the second issue that I was going to mention today.”

“Even though Xue Kai’s condition can be treated, it is time-consuming so we regret

to say that we have no alternative but to terminate our collaboration at this point.
As for the new replacement actor——”, he curled his lip slightly, “Inviting Mu
Cheng’s latest actor to take the role –”

The stage lights dimmed as a spotlight fell on the designated space on the side of
the stage and the audience craned their necks to look over.

A tall and slender figure appeared in the line of vision before he took steps forward
to the centre of the stage and stood at Lu Xi’s side.

“Director Lu.” The man nodded his head at Lu Xi, his bright and handsome face lit
up with delight, “Hello everyone, I am Zhuo Junan.

Su Jin, who was in the audience, widened her eyes.

So it was him?

For the Film Emperor to come forth to take the second lead role, this was certainly
the most startling news for everyone. It was no wonder that Lu Xi, this fellow, was
keeping this a secret from her.

However… …Lu Xi did say that someone contacted him which also meant that
Zhuo Junan was the one to initiate the contact. She raised her brows, just how
charismatic was Director Lu?
Chapter 42

Was this the rumoured ‘universal appeal’?

Su Jin blinked, and then haplessly, she rubbed her temples as she let out a light
and sneering chuckle at her nonsensical thought that had just come out of
nowhere.

Speaking of which, Zhuo Junan might have contacted him at the very moment
when that reporter, Zhou Tong, had posted her first Weibo text. Truly, it appeared
that this film emperor was quick-witted and had great perception. He could
perceive what Zhou Tong’s motives were, and moreover, he also knew which sort
of people could not be messed with.

“Zhuo Junan will take over Xue Kai’s role of Mu Cheng in《Sunflower》,” Lu Xi
shook hands with him, “I am looking forward to a pleasant collaboration.”

“Likewise,” Zhuo Junan smiled as he continued, “many thanks to Director Lu for

giving me this opportunity.”

“You’re welcome.” Lu Xi’s lips curled, “your work has been impressive.”

As their gazes met, the two men chuckled.

The flickering of lights from the cameras of the reporters offstage converged into a
huge flash and created a large shadow behind them. In the minds of the reporters,
they had all assumed that for Zhuo Junan to take the role as the supporting male
lead with his ‘Film Emperor’ status, these words were most likely a scripted
response out of courtesy.
However, only the two men onstage knew of the true meaning behind this brief
conversation.
Previously when the audition results had been first released, Zhuo Junan had been
in an unpleasant mood as he grumbled a bit at his manager, Shen Na. However, as
someone who had climbed up the ranks of stardom from the lowest rungs step by
step, naturally, he had a definitive understanding of people and the ones that he
could or could not afford to offend.

Besides the Lu Family young master Lu Xi, there was even the Su Family’s Su Jin-
these two people were definitely people he could not afford to offend.

Therefore, in actuality, he had only made a mild protest.

Yet who would have known that those very words he had spoken in a fit of anger
would have been misconstrued horribly on Zhou Tong’s Weibo.

When that Weibo text had appeared, he had astutely sensed that something was
amiss. Although what seemed to be both implied and written was a protest of
injustice for him, still, the target was renowned in the industry as the outstanding
and wickedly genius of a director, Lu Xi! This was clearly a moral coercion of public
opinion and simultaneously, utilising and dragging him along as a shield.

This matter was swiftly and clearly investigated. After all, when he had said all this,
the only ones around him were two people; his manager, Shen Na, and his
assistant. Shen Na had worked together with him for so many years, hence, they
both knew each other like the back of their hands. Naturally, it could not be her.
But then, after simply questioning the assistant, it was easily revealed that he had
carelessly blurted out his rant to an outsider.

Dismissing an assistant was a simple matter, however, dealing with the aftermath
of this matter was truly complicated.

After that very afternoon of discussion between himself and his manager, that
evening Qin An had received a phone call from him.

Here, as far as Lu Xi was concerned, was another intelligent, and perceptive person
with pretty decent acting skills on the production team. Indeed, what could he
have against such an arrangement if it would save him time and effort?

“Director Lu, I heard that the author of《Sunflower》has the pen name of Su Jin.
May I ask what is her relationship to your fiancee Su Jin?”
What IS the relationship, rather than, IS there any relation. This question was of
high caliber and well put and in the midst of the clamour, it was particularly
prominent.
Lu Xi arched an eyebrow; to think that there was actually someone who could
make a mental leap, associate a connection between both names and not only
that, also have the audacity to ask the question?

“The author of the original work, Su Jin?” With his lips curled in a light smile, Lu Xi
expressed his ever gentle smile, “I’m not too clear about that. The matters with the
copyright have been handled by Qin An and I have yet to meet this person.
Would Su Jin be you in the flesh, Jin’er?”
Raising his gaze and redirecting it to the corner of the first row, he looked at her.

In accordance with his gaze, the reporters’ gazes also followed suit in the same
direction. Until this moment, only then did they discover the girl who had more
than half of her body hidden in the darkness.

As the spotlight fell upon her, Su Jin raised a hand to block off the shine of light. As
she gradually adjusted to the glare, she then inelegantly shot a supercilious look to
the person on stage.

A staff member timely handed over a microphone to her.

As Su Jin took the proffered item, she simply shifted her glance straightforwardly
towards the stage as she spoke, “Su Jin… …It definitely sounds like a girl. Have you
truly not seen her before?”
Her long eyebrows were slightly raised in an arch as her phoenix eyes were
distinctly lucid. As the warm colour of the stage lighting landed upon her porcelain-
white skin, she became even a little more dazzling.

Onstage, Lu Xi hurriedly yet brightly replied, “Of course not!” He had an earnest
expression, as if he was almost making a vow.

“Mm.”

Su Jin nodded and returned the microphone back to the staff member as she
limply curled herself back into the chair.
Watching as that dainty figure hid itself once more in the darkness, the reporters
were in a daze for a short moment. They then swallowed this ‘fresh out of the oven’
and ‘free-of-charge gift of dog food’ (internet slang for PDA) down into their
stomachs as they withdrew from the topic.
He had never seen her before and did not know her.

Hehe, even if it was true, Qin An would definitely not tell you? If she was not her,
then be frank about it! To even call her out by name to ask this question, Director Lu;
why don’t you tell it as it is, this scene was a deliberate public display of affection,
right? Am I right?
Thus, the news conference ended.

As to those reporters who wore expressions as if their world had fallen apart- for Lu
Xi who was right there sending his young lady home and had both palms upwards
in a shrug about this matter- what did all of their reactions have to do with him?

The Su residence.
When Su Yue returned home, it was already close to eleven in the evening. He had
initially thought that everyone had already returned to their rooms and were
sleeping. Yet, who would have thought that once he pushed open the door, he
spotted all of the lights in the living room brightly lit and a young lady sleeping
soundly and sweetly on the sofa.

“Why is she sleeping in the living room?” Su Yue heaved a sigh and changed into
slippers as he walked towards the side of the sofa. He then reached out to pick up
the person in his arms.

“Mmm.” Perhaps it was due to the sudden shift from her comfy position on the
sofa, Su Jin stirred and her eyes blearily opened a stitch.

Once she finally saw clearly the person’s face before, her groggy mind immediately
snapped out of it.

“Gege, you’re back.” She rubbed her eyes and delicately, yawned.

“Mm, why did you sleep on the sofa?” Since the one he was holding was already
awake, Su Yue let her down.
“I was waiting for you.”As her feet landed on the floor, Su Jin swiftly reached out to
pull on Su Yue’s arm as she pulled him towards the sofa to sit down.

“Waiting for me?” Su Yue frowned in bemusement, “what has happened?”

“I have something that I have to tell you.” Su Jin’s lips curled.

“What is it that you’re being this secretive?” Su Yue’s heart clenched. Yet, his
countenance remained calm as he casually remarked, “you could just have picked
up the phone and called me.”

“No.” Su Jin shook her head, “I wanted to tell you personally.”

The earnestness and excitement appeared right in the depth of the girl’s eyes and
the hand that Su Yue had placed on the sofa trembled a little. Afterward, it was
abruptly clenched tight.

“I found a person that could possibly be Ming Xuan jiejie’s younger brother!”

“What?” Su Yue suppressed the agitation of her words in the bottom of his heart as
his face revealed a trace of suspicion, “since when did Ming Xuan have a younger
brother?”

“Ming Xuan jiejie actually has a twin……”

Satisfied once she saw her brother’s expression, Su Jin smiled as little by little, she
recounted the whole affair to him.

Through the empty and silent space, the girl’s soft voice flowed unhurriedly and
gradually, the excitement and joy in Su Jin’s heart settled.

No wonder this was why Lu Xi had previously replied about giving him an answer
today. Yet, in the end, he did not contact him for an entire day. As it turned out
though, the reply was waiting right here, just for him.

Only…… If he went along with Su Jin’s account; his eyebrows furrowed slightly.
At that time, when Lu Xi had informed him about the high possibility, he didn’t
recall him mentioning the matter of their bone marrow compatibility.

Then, how in the world did Lu Xi know that Xue Kai could be Ming Xuan’s younger
twin brother?
Chapter 43

The filming with the cast and crew gradually got on the right track. Su Jin would
rush over to the production crew practically every day. As she witnessed the work
she had poured her heart into being expressed through another medium, her heart
overflowed with satisfaction.

A week later, when the paternity test came out, the emotions of the whole Ming
family were once again ignited.

Even at this moment, Xue Kai – no, he ought to be called Ming Kai – even at this
very moment, he was still sick. However, as long as the illness was curable, that
was inevitably the best news the Ming Family had received.

In the hospital ward.

Ming Xuan’s eyes were full of tenderness as she gazed towards the man lying on the
bed with his eyes shut and whose complexion was wan. Even her usual beautiful,
imposing facial features softened to reveal a tinge of gentleness.

As her fingertips traced the man’s handsome face in the air, she smiled.

This was her younger brother, her brother from the same mother, her blood-
related little brother.

Two days earlier, he was finally transferred out of the intensive care unit into the
regular ward. He had undergone ten days of treatment prior and his medical
condition had taken a turn for the better. Dr Sun had said that M3 leukemia
treatment had 3 stages- remission induction, consolidation, and maintenance[1].
The first stage of treatment would take about 2 months to complete and at that
time, Xiao Kai’s condition ought to stabilize before they would be able to proceed
with the consolidation treatment.
[1] APL M3 subtype is an actual type of the terminal illness, leukemia. Here are more details on its treatment:
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/acute-myeloid-
leukemia/treating/m3-leukemia.html
Hope… …There will always be hope.
“Ming Xuan jie… …” Ji Min quietly called out as she pushed open the door and
looked towards the woman who was looking at the slumbering man.

“Hm?” At this, Ming Xuan reacted, raised her head and nodded to the person
standing at the door, “Has Wen Sen arrived?”

“Mm, Special Assistant Xu said that there were some matters to deal with at the
company.”

“I got it.” She stood whilst speaking, bending over to help tuck the quilt of the
person lying on the bed, and softly said, “Xiao Kai, do rest well. Jiejie will come
again to see you tomorrow.”

When she straightened up, her demeanor had returned to the severity of the
brilliant, power-wielding Ming head. With a polite farewell directed towards Ji Min,
she pulled open the door and strode out.

The sound of high heels tapping on the floors receded into the distance.

Ji Min gazed towards the familiar male lying on the hospital bed, then turned back
to look at the imposing figure that had already disappeared into the corridor,
before she took a seat by the bed and let out a gentle sigh.

She had grown up together with Xue Kai, and since being an actor had been his
dream, she very naturally had become his manager. Originally, she had thought
that they would struggle together, strive together, brave the storms together; it
was their conviction and promise to go the distance without any regrets.

But the Ming family….

Ming Xuan had clearly recounted the story of the past to her. However, fate had
thrown everything into chaos and many circumstances had led to this point. Whilst
Father Ming had his faults and was in the wrong, it can be credited to him for the
effort and years he had spent finding his missing son. She was also aware that Xue
Kai had always wanted to find his family, so she couldn’t find it in herself to be
selfish and prevent him from being reunited with his kinsmen. But… Ming Kai….
Will he still be the same childhood love? And the Ming Family, would they allow
their long lost son and successor to marry an orphan?
The warmth from the sun shone in through the window and landed on her body,
gently making one drowsy. However, Ji Min’s brows furrowed as she showed a
dazed expression.

Shenhai University
Today’s shoot location was in a classroom, and Su Jin stood by the door sensing
that something was off with the scene.

It was obvious that filming was not in progress, but the whole area was so quiet that
one could hear a pin drop. The actors buried their heads in their scripts, while the staff
were silently going about their business. An oppressive aura seemed to permeate
across the set and the source… She turned her head slightly and spotted a man with
his back facing her by the window.
What’s with this?

She was flummoxed and blinked her eyes before raising her line of sight up
towards the podium where Mu Qing stood with her head down like an ostrich.

A few others had spotted her and their eyes lit up.

With a cat-like gait, she stepped forward and lightly poked Mu Qing in the arm as
she called her with a whisper, “Qing Qing.”

Hearing the voice, Mu Qing immediately raised her head.

Su Jin was abruptly startled; in her eyes, the rims of the eyes of the girl before her
had slightly reddened and in those phoenix eyes that were extremely similar to
hers, a shimmer of moistness flashed through.

“This, what’s wrong?” Her mouth was agape as she recorrected the way she asked,
“have you gotten a scolding?”

Mu Qing shook her head and raised her chin towards the man in the corner.
Following in the direction she had pointed, Su Jin looked over and just happened
to see Bai Haoqi with his brows furrowed staring intensely at his script. Then, she
instantly came to her senses, oh, so it was her sweetheart who had been scolded.

Helplessly, she shook her head and reached out to poke Mu Qing’s forehead lightly.

As these two were regulars at fooling around, it was very natural for Mu Qing to
ever so slightly shift her body to dodge. However, her arm happened to sweep
across the table in front of her, in turn knocking over the microphone that was on
it.

Bang!

The crashing sound resounded audibly across the quiet hall, and in a split second,
the atmosphere seemed to have escalated with nervous tension.

“What’s with the ruckus! I’ve let you…” A cold sharp voice came from the man
standing by the window. He turned around as he spoke, but then it was as if a
sharp blade had cut off his words and his rebuke stopped mid-sentence

Su Jin held her breath slightly.

The man had a handsome appearance, and his peach blossoms eyes usually bore a
smile in them which was why he was bestowed with the title of being warm and
gentle like jade. However, his current demeanor was cold and serious, and those
intoxicating peach blossom eyes were frosted like the Arctic. His body seemed to
be surrounded by this unrelenting aura that even the warm sun rays spilling in from
the window were not able to dispel nor bring warmth to his countenance. Instead,
those rays were like golden swords protecting the emperor, thus elevating him
higher to a pedestal of respectability and nobility.

However, all that melted away almost instantly.

Just as he laid eyes on the girl standing behind him with her beautiful engaging
smile, all the arctic coldness seemed to quickly melt away like ice assimilating into
water.
In an instant, all that remained was a person shrouded with warmth and
gentleness.

“Jin’er?” He was somewhat taken by surprise. Those mesmerising peach blossom

eyes were once again saturated with a distinct smiling expression. Even his voice
softened, totally devoid of the earlier biting chillness. The sun’s rays seemed to
surround and spiral around him, and its refraction spanned out like wings of a
golden butterfly.

The oppressive intense atmosphere seemed to vanish instantly.

The entire crew was finally able to sigh a breath of relief, and their disposition
gradually relaxed.

Lu Xi took a few steps forward and dragged the person who had suddenly appeared
before him out.

The classroom next door.

“Didn’t we say that classes begin tomorrow, and that you would take today to
rest?” He leaned partially against the door, his lips curved in a smile as he looked at
the young lady standing before him.

Tomorrow would be the 1st of September and Su Jin would be in her 4th year aka
senior year. This meant that she would be starting her final year at Shenhai
University.

“I’ve come looking for you to ask you about something.” Su Jin moved backward to
look up at the man who was a head taller than her. “Did you meddle with my class
timetable/schedule?”

“Huh?” Lu Xi was initially taken aback, and when he had recovered himself, he
outrightly nodded his head.

“You….” Su Jin opened her mouth, yet was speechless.

She just knew it had to be him. For her class schedule to mysteriously include an
additional course, other than for this expert hacker, who else could it be.
Furthermore, as he had so nonchalantly admitted to the deed, what more could
she say?

Their eyes met for a brief moment, and subsequently, Su Jin surrendered.

“I’ve already completed all my electives credits last semester.” She let out a sigh,
and then grudgingly continued, “moreover, you are still filming. While the filming is
done at school, it is still doable, but once the filming location moves outside of the
school, then at that time, where would there be time for you to conduct classes?”

“Jin’er.” Lu Xi raised his eyebrows and said, “We were taught by our teachers to
walk the talk.”

“Then go walk the talk by yourself!” An aggrieved Su Jin glared at him, “Let’s not
talk about those extra credits. Our relationship has now spread throughout
Shenhai University, and won’t I be the focus of everyone’s attention when I attend
your classes?”

Initially, this had not posed any issue. Even with Lu Xi present, their photos were
blurred to begin with. Furthermore, her face was not a secret to begin with.

The main issue here was that some random medical school gossip had collated all
these details and posted it on the school’s internal web forum. On top of that, the
person had managed to dig up Lu Xi’s alternate identity, —- Shenhai University
visiting lecturer.

The medical school beauty; also, one of the top ten university beauties, along with
a famous movie director and university lecturer, wow, what an attractive combo.
The main point wasn’t their courtship, but rather their confirmed engagement.

Although it was unknown if it was due to their respective status or that Shenhai’s
students were of higher caliber; in any case, with regards to the post, most
comments revolved around them being a talented man paired with a beautiful
woman, the ideal couple, a match made in heaven. Occasionally there would be a
few ‘sour grapes’ comments but those were hardly noticed. Still, the fact remained
that their news was the hottest topic on the school’s website.

For her to attend his lectures at this crucial moment, wasn’t that confirming that
the current news wasn’t hot enough?

And to go as far as the option of asking Deity Lu to hack into the forum post…

Hehe, without further consideration, she had immediately abandoned the idea.

Hack into it? If this man does not add more fuel to the fire, that would already be
for the best. He would much rather imprint LU XI on her body if he had his way.

“We’re….”

The person before him had raised her phoenix eyes, her usual white complexion
was slightly tinged red with fury and as she glared at him, her eyes glistened. It was
obvious that she was indignant, yet with her quirked up eyes, she seemed even
more enchanting.

A fire ignited in Lu Xi’s heart, and he took a step forward with a low voice, “….in
what kind of relationship?

What was our relationship?

Su Jin was flabbergasted as a familiar scent encircled her.

“The girlfriend, boyfriend kind of relationship?”

“No.” Lu Xi shook his head and moved forward another step. Su Jin began to
retreat a step with his advance before her back encountered a desk but her body
still arched backward.

Suddenly Su Jin’s waist was encompassed by a warm arm and in her moment of
stupefaction, her whole person was pulled into a warm embrace.
“We are an engaged couple.” He slightly bent over, leaning close to her ear lobes.

“And you, Su Jin, will soon become my, Lu Xi’s, wife.”

“For better or worse, for richer or poorer, till we are old, we will never part.”

Su Jin was somewhat overwhelmed.

For better or worse, for richer or poorer, till we are old, we will never part.

These 16 words, neither frivolous nor overly complicated.

Each word, each sentence, it was as distinct as pledging a vow.

Just how much does he truly understand her?

He knew her bone deep-seated pride that wouldn’t allow herself to live under his
wings, that was why he had said for better or worse, for richer or poorer.

He knew the apathetic, desolate loneliness she had buried behind her outward
facade and had used the most direct way to move her heart. Therefore, by saying
that he would be with her until they grew old, he had given her a promise; to never
leave her.

Each word was like the right medicine, slowly prying open into all that had been
locked up deep in her heart.

Her stupor continued until they had walked out of Shenhai university’s front gate.
Su Jin, who had been so engrossed by a certain person’s romantic dialogue, finally
reacted, stopping in her tracks.

Didn’t she come here with the purpose of grilling him about his unsanctioned
addition of another subject to her course selection?

Then how… was she bewitched?

Chapter 44

In the end, she had not withdrawn from the additional class. With the start of the
4th year, the assignment load increased significantly and Su Jin was really busy.
Due to her going to the hospital frequently for her in-house training, she had gotten
to know Dr Sun better. Upon hearing that Su Jin’s intention was only to complete
her education but not go into the medical profession, he felt that it was such a
waste of talent; however, he didn’t force the issue. After all, to each his own.

The production crew had by now changed the filming location and every day, Lu Xi
would be out early and return late. At times, Su Jin stayed at the campus
dormitory, so other than their weekly《Film Appreciation》lectures, they barely
had any opportunity to meet up. Although they would exchange text messages
daily and video chat when Lu Xi had the occasional free time, still, they had not
been able to see each other in person. This time, Su Jin truly got a taste of what it
means to miss someone.

It was not the exaggerated kind where ‘a day felt like 3 years’ type of missing a
person, but instead the experience of those fleeting moments when you just find
yourself thinking of that man.

Like when she was having a meal and would remember the time he had
accompanied her to have Szechuan food, or when she would pass some flowering
landscape and recall him giving her all those stems of red roses. When she dressed
herself, she would brush against the warm jade on her neck and in the deep of the
night, her mind would picture the look of that man, at the cusp of sunset, asking
her for a hug. Or when listening to some music, she would think back to the night
when there was that vibrant and colourful carousel and also the time that he had
been at the piano playing the song《Sunshine》…

Those memories sprouted up time and again all over the place, and each flash
passed in an instant. They were not strong, but rather much like fine wine, taking
its time to slowly ferment, ageing over time to produce an aromatic fragrance.
And since they did see each other once a week, this longing not only did not
become agonizing but instead had turned into an endearing sweetness buried
deep in the heart.

Without the onslaught of his aggressive affections, the shackles that had bound her
heart had slowly begun to break down in those quiet days.

And then just like that, two months had passed and Xue Kai’s medical condition
had gradually stabilized. He had already completed the first stages of induction
and remission treatments, and with the doctors’ permission, the Ming Family could
no longer be impeded and immediately began to prepare for a grand banquet to
officially introduce the future heir to the Ming conglomerate to everyone.

31st October, Ming Residence.

It was a dark night but the villa was brightly lit with formally dressed ladies and
gentlemen scattered across the living area in groups of twos and threes. This event
was in no way lacking as compared to the birthday bash that the Su family had
hosted previously – it could even be said to be much more lively. After all, Su Jin
and Lin Xiyue were merely daughters of the Su family, whereas today’s banquet
lead protagonist was the official Ming family’s heir.

Although Ming Kai had the doctor’s agreement to attend the event, because of his
health condition, he still had to be seated in a wheelchair. Father Ming loved his
long-lost son dearly and personally wheeled him about to meet and greet those
present.

In a corner of the hall, Su Jin was sitting on a high footstool, her right arm propped
on the edge of a table while her slender, long legs were swinging in the air. As she
looked at the movement of her light grey organza swaying with the momentum of
her swinging legs, she suddenly looked up and asked, “Lu Xi, the situation between
Ji Min and him,” she gestured her chin towards the person currently being
surrounded by guests, “what do you think their outcome will be?”

She had met Xue Kai previously at the interview and on the surface, he appeared to
be an animated and loquacious man. At 26 years of age, he was about the same age
as Su Yue and Lu Xi, but he was totally unlike them. It was not their outer
appearances that were different but rather their poise.
Su Yue was born into a rich and prominent family and currently has full authority of
the Su Conglomerate. Similarly, Lu Xi was born into a noble and eminent family,
and his own abilities were extraordinary. Thus, both of them carried about them an
extra aura of maturity and aloofness. Perhaps… it could be said that both of them
were secure in their life and positions to appear to be without a care in the world.
Whereas Xue Kai began his life as an orphan and had to climb the rungs of life step
by step to his current second-tier actor position. Although his reputation could not
be considered low, still she felt that he was still somewhat ill at ease.

It was unclear whether this uneasiness had to do with his life experience thus far or
because of his current position.

If it was because of his past, then he would most likely hold on tightly to the girl
who had journeyed through those experiences with him. But if it had to do with the
present, then…..

Lu Xi was partially leaning on the side of the table with his long legs that were
encased in sharp suit pants, crossed. The red wine in his glass contrasted with his
fair coloured fingers, weaving a mysterious, mesmerising allure.

Miscreant… Su Jin looked down slightly, murmuring deep in her heart.

“Su Jin, in this world, the hardest thing to decipher is a person’s heart.”

Lu Xi had no idea what had just skated through the young lady’s heart, but he
reached out his hand to caress her raven black hair when he spoke.

“A person’s heart…” Su Jin raised her head. “What about you? Will you change?”

Wearing light make-up, the girl’s shapely eyebrows had been drawn to perfection.
They were extended slightly, almost to her temples, and her eyeliner lifted up a bit
on the outside. Long, thick lashes framed eyes that were as clear as day. When the
question had come out from her mouth, her dark pupils reflected tranquillity and
indifference.
It was like she was completely callous towards his reply. It also felt like if he did not
give the appropriate correct answer, she would leave without a moment’s
hesitation.

“You are my heart.” Lu Xi looked down and laughed lightly, his peach blossom eyes
filled with gentleness and calmness. “If you don’t change, then I won’t change.”

Even until I’ve journeyed this whole world to its end, you would still be deeply etched
into my blood and bones, the one that I cannot be without, cannot let go of and my
only sunshine.
If I won’t change, then you won’t change?

Su Jin slightly raised her eyes to meet with the other pair of beautiful eyes before
quickly looking down again.

On the other side, another pair of beautiful people were concealed in a corner.

Su Yue was sitting sideways on the sofa, his eyes staring directly at the side profile
of the person beside him.

Almond-shaped eyes, a straight nose, dark red lips, and slightly raised brows.
Those naturally prominent features added to a distinctly valiant aura. She was
wearing a navy fishtail gown and was currently sitting upright on the sofa with both
legs tilted slightly right and both hands prim and proper on her knees.

The exemplary sitting posture bred from the aristocracy.

Totally unlike his own sister, who would sit casually in her skirt, as comfy as she
could be.

How many years has it been since he last saw her in a skirt?

They were both the same age and had known each other since they were young.
She was very stubborn and would always want to compete with him in everything,
but what about him? Initially, it was probably rather amusing for him to see this
little girl dressed in her princess gown constantly hound him. What he didn’t expect
was that slowly he had fallen into her web.
She was his budding first love, a fantasy that he had kept deep in his heart and it
had endured throughout the memories of his youth.

Later, when he had grown up and matured, he had a better understanding of

things and thus started to compartmentalize and also suppress a lot of things deep
down in his heart.

She had also begun to put away those lavish and beautiful dresses, and had cut her
tresses; replace these things with numerous clean cut women’s business suits.
Trailing behind Ming father, she slowly transformed into the acceptable Ming
conglomerate heir.

But now, she had changed back into a dress.

The corners of his lips curled up, and there was a strange look in his eyes.

“Aren’t you going over?”

He asked her as he followed her line of sight towards the man sitting in his
wheelchair being pushed by Ming father, who was introducing him to everyone.

“Huh?” Ming Xuan was momentarily stunned before turning to look at him, blinking
her eyes before she recovered.

“Not going.” She grinned and shook her head. “These are the key people that Xiao
Kai will have established connections with in the future, and Dad is grooming him,
so there is no need for me to go over.”

“It’s just that I suddenly thought of…” With her slender, long neck elongated and
bared, she tilted her head slightly to look toward the centre of the lounge, a
distracted expression flashing across her face.

A split second later, her lips lifted in a smile, and in a soft voice she said, “When I
was eighteen, Dad held a coming of age party, and in the same way, he introduced
me to these people… In the blink of an eye, it has been 8 years already…”
Her voice trailed off, quietly fading into the air.

“That’s right, 8 years already.” Su Yue also sighed repeating, his eyes sweeping
across the lounge.

A room filled with many people, wine goblets clinking and people mingling and
chatting – a grand party.

――――
Because her brother Su Yue was there, when the party ended, Su Jin abandoned a
very aggrieved Director Lu and got into Su Yue’s car.

“Ge Ge, why didn’t you invite Ming Xue jiejie for a midnight snack or a walk or
something? Su Jin sat in the front passenger seat, smirking as she needled him.

“What are you trying to get at, you little girl?” Su Yue raised his brows, not even
turning to look at her.

“What little girl.” Su Jin pouted disgruntledly, “I’m not little anymore.”

“Quick, tell me what the situation is between the two of you?”

Maybe it was because she was holding the role of half a matchmaker, she was very
interested in the development of her brother’s love life.

“What’s the situation?” Su Yue only repeated the sentence, lifting his lips in a smile,
but not answering.

The atmosphere turned silent in the car, and Su Jin realised that he was not going
to answer, so she didn’t pursue her question. Overcome with boredom, she leaned
back on the seat and promptly went to sleep.

In a hazy moment, it seemed like someone spoke to her.

“Xiao Jin, in this world, the hardest thing to decipher is a person’s heart.”
In this world, the hardest thing to decipher is a person’s heart.

Such familiar words, who was it… who called her Xiao Jin, was it Gege?

Struggling to wake up, she rubbed her eyes and looked towards Su Yue asking,
“Gege, did you just say something to me?”

“No.” Su Yue turned to look at her somewhat befuddled expression, curving his lips
as he answered her absentmindedly, “must be dreaming.”

Dreaming?

Su Jin rubbed her temples. That sentence, it seemed like Lu Xi had said it during
the party so maybe she really had been dreaming.
Chapter 45

In November, the entertainment circle’s most eye-catching and attention-drawing

event, the Pearl Film Festival had finally begun.

《Heart-Pounding Excitement》had been nominated for seven of the grand

awards and so had entered the film festival with extraordinary momentum and
success. Moreover, with Director Lu Xi setting the record as the youngest director
to have ever had box office sales of 100 million, he was thus acclaimed as the
spearhead of the next generation’s directors. Therefore, in comparison to some of
the previous generation of directors, he seemed particularly outstanding.

Due to the filming of《Sunflower》, Lu Xi did not participate at the beginning of

the film festival. Therefore, Su Jin had gone a few times with a roommate.

The Pearl Award Ceremony had been set for the last day of November and as one of
the nominees, Director Lu would naturally receive an invitation. On the very day
upon receiving it, he sent out a request for his own young lady as his
accompaniment too.

Su Jin had happily agreed.

The filming for《Sunflower》was nearing the end and in the last few episodes of
the drama’s events, there were several extremely severe interpersonal disputes
and disagreement. Therefore, at this point, Su Jin had increasingly become a
regular member of the production team. On one hand, she had wanted to carry
things through and see her very own work being materialized little by little before
her very eyes till the very end. But, on the other hand, upon her very invitation, she
had agreed with Mu Qing, who had been the representative of the entire
production team, to grace the set with her presence. After all, the latest drama
sequence had been difficult to shoot and along with it, the director’s temper/mood
had flared up considerably too. As the eldest lady of the Su family was the greatest
and best foil, it was inevitable that almost all of the production team members
longed for her to be there on set all the time.
On the eve of the 29th of November, due to the need for the two of them to attend
the award ceremony, the production crew had ended the shoot early. Due to her
accompanying Lu Xi, leaving home early and returning home late these past few
days, Su Jin who had an extremely unstructured lifestyle as of late could finally
return home before nine in the evening.

As for Xiyue’s 4th year of university undergraduate life, she had finally entered into
her internship. For this young lady who had been independent ever since she was
young, she had chosen to live in the company provided accommodations and for
the most part, had only returned home during the weekends or on instances where
there were large functions such as evening soirees. As for her parents, just a while
ago, her father had given complete control over the company to her big brother;
hence, while he had even euphemistically called it as going out for a spin, he had
actually taken her mom on a trip. So with that, they had not been back home for
close to a month and in such a large villa, the only people now residing in it were
the two siblings, Su Jin and Su Yue.

Amidst all this, lately Su Jin had been leaving early and returning home late and
everything at the company on Su Yue’s end seemed to have been on the right track,
therefore, he had originally thought that he could finally become somewhat a little
idle too. Yet, unexpectedly, Father Su had just thrown over all the matters about
absorbing Zhao clan’s company into their own to him. Consequently, he was once
more busy from dusk till dawn.

Returning home at this time, Su Jin had initially thought that she would be alone,
yet to her surprise, she had bumped into her own brother who was admiring the
moon by his lonesome on the very same balcony on the second floor.

What could be the matter? Su Jin blinked and she pondered to herself, she would
not even mention how harried he had been lately, still speaking of today- was it not
Ming Xuan Jiejie’s birthday? Early this morning, she had even sent a message to her
to wish her a joyous birthday… Could she have recalled the wrong date?

As her thoughts circled around in her head once, she stepped forward and called
out, “Gege!”
“Xiao Jin?” Su Yue turned his head and seemed a little startled to see the girl
behind him, “you seem to have returned rather early today?”

“Mm, that’s right.” Without even waiting for Su Jin’s reply, he had responded in
reply to his own questioning, “tomorrow is the award ceremony for the Pearl Film
Festival, you too should have taken some time off.”

“Ge…” As she moved a few more steps forward, a faint scent of alcohol wafted
across her senses and she frowned, “have you been drinking?”

“Just a little.” Su Yue smiled ruefully and nodded his head.

Su Jin then took a long and careful measure of the man before her and observed
the peaceful expression on his face; his gaze clear and lucid without any indicators
of him being drunk. Only with this, were her fears assuaged.

“Were you drinking with Ming Xuan jiejie?” As her furrowed brows cleared, she
inquisitively asked, “isn’t today her birthday? Why have you returned home this
early?”

“Ming Xuan… …” As he heard this name, it was visibly clear that Su Yue had been a
little disconcerted before he dipped his head, “that’s right. Today is her birthday.”

Su Jin’s eyebrows raised slightly as the apparent implications in that gaze of his
were plain to see.

Since it was a birthday, why did he come home instead of taking the opportunity to
accompany his girlfriend?

“Do you know why I was drinking earlier?” Su Yue abruptly questioned as he turned
and leaned his body against the railing.

“Wasn’t it for Ming Xuan jiejie in celebration of her birthday?”

“No.” Lifting his head up to look at the numerous stars in the wide sky, “it was an
indulgence in reminiscence.”
An indulgence in reminiscence?

Su Jin was rather baffled.

“I proposed.”

Su Yue did not pay heed to her bafflement and still remained in the same position
while gazing at the starry sky, and continued.

Rather, Su Jin had yet to show her happiness for him in a timely fashion before she
heard the very next statement that he spoke.

“She rejected it.”

“What?” At this, Su Jin was utterly flummoxed.

From the very beginning, these two people had good feelings for each, so how did
it come to this?

“Gege,” Without bothering to think of the reason, she carefully pulled on Su Yue’s
sleeve, “are you alright?”

“I’m fine.” As Su Yue straightened himself up, he looked upon the young lady who
had been looking at him with a face full of worry, and a curl appeared on his lips in
response.

Was he truly alright? Su Jin took a second glance at him as she stared at the man
before her; dressed on his lanky figure, his white dress shirt was starchy straight
and folded nearly to his elbow while his inky black eyes were bright and lucid.

It seemed like…. Truly, he did not show any signs of upset.

So much so that all over him, it seemed completely visible that his entire
demeanour had become carefree, content and comfortable.
Su Jin’s expression had clouded over as she revealed an increasingly visible
expression of bewilderment.

“Truthfully, when Ming Xuan rejected me, I wasn’t surprised at all.” Su Yue noticed
that gaze filled with misgivings in his own little sister’s eyes and reached out to rub
her head.

“Why?” Su Jin had finally found that her voice had returned to her as she asked
with furrowed brows.

“Mm……” Su Yue pondered for a bit as he spoke, “one fine day, you went overseas
for a trip and while you were leisurely walking down the streets, you got lost. Whilst
eating a bowl of noodles from a small stall by the road, you would think that those
noodles were delicious. Yet when you returned once more to that place to seek out
that bowl again, you find that you could not find the place you had wandered
around in and moreover, could no longer find that noodle stall anymore.”

“Perhaps at first, you would just feel like it was a pity. Yet afterwards, from time to
time, you would recall that bowl of noodles from your memories and until the very
end, you might feel that you would never be able to eat any bowl of noodles that
was as delicious as the one from that moment in time.”

“Yet out of the blue, you chanced upon that noodle stall once more and therefore,
you felt that this must have been a kindness bestowed upon you from the heavens
and happily entered to order that bowl of noodles that had always lingered in your
memories. Only, until after you had taken a bite, then would you realise–”

“That its taste had been starkly different from the one you had reminisced from
your memories.”

Su Yue’s voice was extremely soothing and had faint hints of gentility and warmth.

Su Jin was stunned for a long while.

“So…… Is Ming Xuan jiejie that bowl of noodles?” As her gaze shifted to look up at
him, her head soon shook in response, “no, for you and Ming Xuan jiejie, you both
were each other’s bowl of noodles that you are talking about.”
“That’s right.” Su Yue nodded as his gaze drifted far away.

“Ming Xuan and I were both that bowl of noodles. We had met at the best moments
of our lives and yet during those youthful years of our mutually stirring feelings[1],
under our unattainable wants that were in contrast with the stark reality, we then
engraved each other into our hearts as an ideal that we both mutually loved.”
[1] 春心萌动
(chūn xīn méng dòng) – This phrase describes the feelings that most boys and girls feel in their teens, a sort of feeling that one would feel for their first love. This sort of
feeling is described as that faintly hazy and indiscernible desire that one has for the person in their hearts; with the want of chasing and the need to get closer and a mental state of being attracted whilst
getting close and wanting to explore.

“Was I wrong then?” Su Jin bit her lip, “had I not thought of acting as the
matchmaker between the two of you, then……”

“No.” Su Yue shook his head, “if we had never tried to hold onto what we could
never obtain between us, then we would have been each other’s obsession; even if
we had unexpectedly attained mutual love between each other, then the ideal
selves that we had in our hearts of each other would disappear too. Oh,” his lips
hooked into a light curl, “to use a cliché from a novel to explain it, it would
probably be… …with an unclouded mental state, everything will become clear?[2]”
[2] 心境通明
(xīn jìng tōng míng) – Su Yue implies here a fact that human hearts (like his) are so fickle and waver easily; just like a mirror – similar to a cliche/trope in romance novels
when a character changes love interest. The imagery and metaphor of the mirror here is part of a subtle reference in Chinese culture called ‘Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch’ and refers to one verse
in the hymn in the book,
‘the body is the Bodhi tree, the heart is a mirror that provides clarity and insight, one most constantly
polish it in diligence so that there will not be dust (problems) upon it.’ A modern interpretation of this would be: one’s heart is like a mirror – always
changing according to what it reflects and could easily be clouded.

Su Jin had burst into laughter due to this phrase of his.

“With an unclouded mental state, everything will become clear……” She shot him
a look, “are you planning to become an immortal or planning to ascend to the
heavens?”

Seeing her laugh, Su Yue did not seem to mind her teasing and merely pinched her
cheeks with a chuckle, “alright, alright. Don’t be upset already, I’m fine.”

“It’s good that you’re fine.” Su Jin stepped back as she tried to free herself from his
hand that had been pinching her cheek.

Actually, it was not that she was upset, only…… Her thoughts were somewhat in a
mess.
“That day……” Su Jin suddenly raised her head up to ask, “were you trying to
speak to me?”

“What?” Su Yue was startled.

“In this world, the thing that would always be the hardest to discern: was the heart
of a person.” Su Jin parroted with a stern expression on her face.

“Oh, this,” Su Yue nodded, “I was.”

“That day, when you had asked me about the progress between Ming Xuan and
myself, I was actually thinking about how to reply to you about it; except you, this
little girl had actually gone to sleep already just like a little pig.”

“So you lied to me and said I had been dreaming then?” Su Jin was huffily
indignant and rolled her eyes at Su Yue.

“I had initially wanted to tease you a little.” Receiving his younger sister’s look, Su
Yue rubbed his nose and glanced away, “who knew that you would have so easily
believed me.”

So easily believed him……

Su Jin blinked and suddenly recalled the reason why she had so easily believed
him.

“Ge.” She reclined her body back as she leaned against the balcony railing like him,
looking at him, “that night at the evening soiree, Lu Xi told me something too.”

“Mm?”

“In this world, the thing that would always be the hardest to discern: was the heart
of a person.” Su Jin raised her head, “this was how he said it too.”

Lu Xi……
Su Yue had been rather disconcerted, he had not seen Lu Xi in a long time now.
Previously with Xue Kai’s matter, although he (Lu Xi) had been somewhat strange,
still at the very end, he did not pursue the matter. After all, everyone had their own
secrets, especially children who had come from those huge aristocratic families. As
Xiao Jin’s husband-to-be, as long as he did not harm Xiao Jin, then he too would
not probe deeper.

However……

“Why would he say this?” Su Yue frowned.

“I had asked him about Xue Kai and Ji Min- what would have happened in the end
between them.”

So they had been talking about that couple. Su Yue relaxed and sighed, “Lu Xi is a
person who is truly discerning.”

“Both of you have said that a person’s heart was hard to comprehend,” Su Jin
lowered her glance, “Gege, so wouldn’t you say that in this world, would all kinds
of love be……”

Would be…?

They would all wane, they would all disappear; because between the reality and
the person in your mental imagery, in the very end, to some extent, they would still
differ.

“Xiao Jin.” Su Yue reached out to wrap an arm around the girl’s shoulder, “it isn’t
the same.”

“Speaking of which, I am unlike Lu Xi. The things that he can see clearly, I would
have to wait till after the matter has happened and come to a realisation in the
aftermath.”

Su Jin then smoothly leaned against her brother’s shoulder and listened to him
speak from the crown of her head.
“In this world, there are no two exactly identical leaves from a tree, so in kind, there
is no love that is exactly the same as the other. Every person’s love is uniquely
distinct, regardless if it is joyful or sorrowful, regardless of all of these different
kinds of circumstances of sourness, sweetness, bitterness or spice to them; it all
needs to be experienced by yourself. When Gege told you about how a person’s
heart was hard to predict, it was only in hopes that you would have made some
precautions; but, it was not in hopes that it would become a reason for you to hold
back from moving forward with your life.”

Su Yue’s voice had become gentle and the light and shallow aroma of alcohol that
wafted from his body lingered at her nose.’

Su Jin lightly closed her eyes.

Every sentence that Gege had said threaded through her heart.

It was only in hopes that you would have made some precautions; but, it was not in
hopes that it would become a reason for you to hold back from moving forward
with your life……

However.

In this world, the thing that would always be the hardest to discern; it would
always be the heart of a person.
Chapter 46

The award ceremony had begun right on schedule.

The Shenhai International Convention Centre was brightly-lit and the final day of
the Pearl Film Festival award ceremony had welcomed numerous top celebrities of
the field.

Due to《Heart-Pounding Excitement》being shot overseas, many of the actors

were mostly Westerners or people of Chinese origin having foreign citizenship.
Therefore, those who came with Lu Xi were mostly staff members, like the director
of cinematography, editing director, etc, since the areas for the seven nominations
were Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best
Original Score, Best Film Editing, Best Director and Best Film.

Simultaneously holding the titles of both the screenwriter and director, the red
carpet for《Heart-Pounding Excitement》was practically his personal show.

The arranged time for him to walk the red carpet had been scheduled close to the
time that the ceremony began.

Lu Xi, due to his profession and personality, along with the fact that he had spent
the past few years overseas, had brought along Su Jin. However, neither of them
were recognised by the aisles of fans along both sides of the red carpet. Yet, once
they were seen by the news media, they were recognised in an instant and the
news reporters and photographers directed their video cameras to film their
presence there, and cameras to take dozens of photos.

However, even if this was the case, the two people’s arrival had caused an
enormous stir for another reason.

Even without his reputation, it was merely due to the fact that their appearances
were too outstanding.
Forging ahead under the stage lighting that brightened up the entire dark red
carpet, hand in hand, this well-suited couple sauntered forth.

The man was dressed in a vintage double-breasted tailcoat suit. Still, he did not
wear it like others, tidily and neat. It had been left unbuttoned and had shown hints
of the white dress shirt and the dark coloured vest beneath it. As his slender and
thin legs strode forward, his figure emanated a sort of relaxed gracefulness that
was distinctly on another level from anyone else.

As for the lady by his side, she had dressed in a sleeveless deep-green long dress.
Around the neck, the style was similar to a qipao with its buttoned-up collar, while
the entire upper part of her body was wrapped extremely tightly by her dress. She
had only revealed a little teardrop-like patch of fair skin at her clavicles. As for her
long skirt, the hem had stopped at her ankles and exposed high-heeled sandals of
the same colour. Her wonderful figure and beautiful appearance had been
perfectly shown with these complementing little elaborate and fitting details to her
attire.

As for her face, she had only put on a faint layer of makeup, yet that could not cover
her exquisite facial features.

Constantly, the gazes of everyone around them could not help but travel back to
the pair.

As the wind blew, Su Jin could not help but shrink into herself.

As if perceiving the movements of the person beside him, Lu Xi frowned and

suddenly stopped moving.

Not to mention the audience around them and the media, with his abrupt pause,
even Su Jin had been startled.

What’s wrong?

She turned her head slightly and hinted this to him with her gaze.
Lu Xi did not reply but instead extracted his arm that she had borrowed and
reached to take off his suit jacket before draping it over her shoulders.

As that familiar warmth spread all over her body, caught between laughter and
tears, Su Jin lowered her head to see that the suit jacket was long enough to cover
her knees. She wanted to say something but at that moment, a hand had been
placed on her shoulders.

Embracing her around her shoulders, Lu Xi then brought her forward with him as
his footsteps were a little quicker than before.

Until the rear view of the two people had disappeared to the autograph board, the
strange quietness that had pervaded the red carpet suddenly exploded in a
cacophony.

“Damn![1] Just a moment ago, who was that?”

[1] 卧槽
(wò cáo) – An internet slang to express surprise or a surprise that one could hardly accept before their very eyes, or used as an expletive, it means the abbreviation ‘wtf’ or damn!
“How handsome!”

“Other people’s boyfriend[2]… …”

[2] 男盆友
(nán pén yǒu) – This is a humorous and newly coined internet slang term for boyfriend. Unfortunately, it’s a play on the tone of the character ‘peng’ to ‘pén’ that means friend,
which gets lost in translation.

“What?《Heart-Pounding Excitement》 ‘s director?”

“Then who was beside him?”

“His fiancée……”

“To appear on the red carpet like this, aren’t they afraid of meeting with a
mishap?” A reporter who had just joined the industry exclaimed in surprise as they
stared at the figures of the two people in stupefaction.

“This young fellow, what would you know?” Hearing this, the middle-aged man
standing beside him turned his head and continued, “An accident? With their status
and family background behind them, even if something truly happened, so what? If
we did not have their permission, would we even dare to release a story on them?”
The newbie behind him was still rather wet around the ears and hastily questioned,
“Liu Ge, what background? Isn’t this person merely just a director?”

Even if he was that amazing, he too was a person in the entertainment circle right!

“You, this is why you’re a rookie.” The man who had just been addressed as ‘Liu Ge’
reached out to poke the other’s brain, “Director Lu’s status and identity in the
circle isn’t some big secret. Beijing’s Lu Family, the Sheng Ming Corporation, do
those ring any bells?”

“Yes.” He dumbly nodded and instantly reacted, “the Lu family, Lu Xi?!”

“That’s right.” Liu Ge raised his chin, “that person was the youngest master of the
Lu Family, the current chairman of Sheng Ming Corporation, Lu Jing’s biological
sibling and his younger brother.”

“Whoa.” He had been flabbergasted for a short while before sighing, “then what
about that woman then?”

To be walking down the red carpet with the youngest master of the Lu Family, that
woman; if she wasn’t part of the entertainment industry, who could she be?

“You don’t recognise her?” Liu Ge looked at him with some bafflement.

“I don’t.” He rubbed his head.

“Hey you, how in the world did you manage to enter this line?” Liu Ge felt
resentment and impatience to this youngster who failed to muster even the littlest
of pre-knowledge. He glared at him, “that person, although her status can’t
compare with Director Lu, her reputation among Shanghai’s media industry isn’t
small either.”

“Just a while ago, the matter about Su Family’s genuinely blue-blooded daughter,
you know of it right?”

“Ah.” At this, he hastily nodded his head, “I do.”

“Su Jin.” Liu Ge sighed, “that was the eldest young lady of the Su family. Although
she had been swapped with the real young lady at birth, she’s the eldest young
lady that is even more favoured than the true blue blood.”

This conversation between them had gradually spread to the ears of the people
standing around them and had been slowly passed about the crowd around them.

For a moment, even the celebrities that had just walked onto the red carpet had
been given the cold shoulder. Unanimously, the crowd could not help but lament
and sigh about the couple.

However, the ongoing discussion outside had not the slightest bit of an effect on
the two people who had already entered the ceremony grounds.

Su Jin sat beside Lu Xi, then took off the coat and handed it back to him. Suddenly,
her lips curled as she questioned, “tell me truthfully, were you afraid that I would
catch a cold or……”

“Are you jealous?”

To abruptly hear this question, Lu Xi was slightly startled.

“Why do you ask this?” With an odd expression, he arched a brow towards her.

Su Jin did not reply either and merely leaned against the seat to look at him as
those pair of phoenix eyes sparkled.

The two people’s gazes connected for quite a while before Lu Xi finally surrendered
in retreat.

He averted his eyes from her gaze and turned his head to sit upright once more.
With a hand curled up into a fist as he covered his lips, he slightly coughed twice
before replying, “it was both.”

He had mumbled those words.

Taking a lock of her long tresses, that had fallen on her shoulder, Su Jin played
with it in her hands as she raised an eyebrow to press further, “what did you say? I
couldn’t hear you clearly, you know.”

This girl!

Lu Xi then turned his head and his peach blossom eyes met with that familiar pair
of phoenix eyes as he slowly leaned closer to the young lady before him.

“So what if I was jealous, what then?” His voice was low and mellow as it rang softly
by her ears. Yet, his words had been enunciated clearly and heavily, with some
hints of upset while gnashing his teeth.

“So what if I did not want them to look at you?”

“So what if I had wanted to hide you away, to make you belong only to me; how
about it?”

Question by question, it fell upon her ears and Su Jin slightly raised her gaze and
noticed the slightly reddened earlobes of his. Abruptly, she laughed.

As expected, this man who had constantly teased her from the very beginning was
actually an awfully pure and innocent man. So long as she took a little initiative,
then his ear lobes would definitely become flushed.

This was just like… …the last time at the graduation ceremony.

Seeing her laugh, Lu Xi could only helplessly shake his head.

“Satisfied?”

“En.” Su Jin nodded.

In the depths of his eyes, his gaze was scorching, filled with ardent emotions and
possessive desire.
In front of her, he would never ever conceal this.

Or perhaps, because he was like this, the her who had always been indifferent
would thus so easily lay down her safeguards for him.

For some unknown reason, those somewhat anxious thoughts of hers that had
been initially stirred up by Gege’s words had abruptly calmed down.

As she placed a hand to rub at her chest where her heart was, she faintly lowered
her eyelids.

With these days of spending time together, the very last safeguard in her heart had
actually been gradually wavering. If it had not been for Gege and Ming Xuan’s
affairs, perhaps she would not have discovered this so quickly. If she had waited
until she truly realised it, then she was afraid that it would truly be of no use. Split
water is difficult to retrieve and the damage to her heart, by then, would have been
done.

Just like this then, she would firmly hold onto her heart. If you don’t change, then I
won’t either. If you truly do change, then I too would be able to escape this unscathed
and get through this in one piece.
Leaning against the back of the chair, Lu Xi’s black pupils had swept across the side
profile of the person beside him with a slight frown.

She was acting queer.

Something was truly amiss.

This little girl always used to curl herself up in a shell and had always required this
pure-hearted old man to use every kind of trick in his repertoire before she would
be willing to peep her head out of her shell and lazily give him a glance before
retreating into it.

When did she ever ask such frank questions like “are you jealous” that were close
to being flirtatious comments with him?

There had to be some devil behind this peculiar behaviour of hers.

He knew her too well, this sort of situation had only two reasons: one, the little girl
had already completely unlocked all her defences around her heart. Two, she was
still somewhat uneasy and was preparing to retract those claws back.

If it was the first reason, then with his strategy of using boiled water to cook a frog;
the water had yet to boil, so how could she be thoroughly ready to fall in love with
him?
Then, it could only be the second reason.

What on earth happened?

Before this, everything was fine and yesterday evening… …Did something happen?
Or… …Did someone say something to her?
Chapter 47

At the Pearl Film Festival, 《Heart-pounding Excitement》had cinched multiple

awards: Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Original Score and Best
Director- bagging four of the top grand awards of the night. Although they had
missed out on the most prestigious honour of the ceremony, the Best Film award,
for a man who had just entered the film industry, these four grand awards were
enough for him to appear on the front-page headlines of the various news media.

After the film ceremony ended, Lu Xi continued to remain low-profiled and rejected
all special interview invitations by all of the news media and magazines. Moreover,
he had not even attended the after-party for the film ceremony either, and instead
immediately brought Su Jin through the side exit as they slipped away.

Sitting in the front passenger seat, Su Jin asked rather curiously, “Lu Xi, why do you
go to such painstaking efforts to remain so private?”

This year, he was just twenty-six years old, an age where he could still be hot-
blooded, brilliant and youthful. In addition to that, he had an unbelievably good
family background and looks that were a game cheat in and of itself. If he had not
deliberately remained so low-profiled to hide himself, he would definitely be able
to attain a considerable amount of popularity, therefore, as a person who was in
the entertainment circle, it would be obvious that all of this should have been an
advantage to him.

Yet, for this man to remain this subdued, it truly caused others to raise their hackles
at such an act. It was just that he acted as petty as a child at times, therefore she
used this appellation of ‘Three-year-old Lu’ to tease him too. Yet, the truth was that
even for her who was living through her second life, she could not outdo this man;
so much so that… …He might even be more mature than she was.
Lu Xi remained silent for a long while and shook his head. Then, he spoke lowly,
“living under the spotlight would be very strenuous.”

Very strenuous?
Su Jin raised an eyebrow.

“Public figures have no freedom but I am not only including myself,” he turned his
head to look at the girl with a raised brow and continued, “but you as well.”

Su Jin blinked.

“When the moment comes, even if we were not holding hands while taking a stroll
on the streets, this could be interpreted as a fight and then it would evolve into a
split of affection between us, and then we might even divorce.”

“Why is there a need for that then?” He lightly chuckled, “being like this is perfectly
fine. Even though there is enthusiasm and popularity for me right now after the
award ceremony, it is short-lived. As long as I don’t actively hype this news up, then
this forgetful entertainment circle will quickly put this news item behind them.
What will forever remain present for the public will be ‘Director Lu Xi’ and his
works, not the person himself.”

Mm, listening to this, it all seemed sensible, however……

With her right hand propping up her chin, her features had quirked up slightly while
her body was reclining against the car door as she stated, “I still have not said that I
will be getting married to you, you know.”

By lucky coincidence, Lu Xi had pressed on the brakes as he turned his head to look
towards the girl in the front passenger seat.

With long tresses like water, snow-white skin and a forest green cheongsam that
silhouetted her perfect figure, as she raised her head slightly to glance at him, her
phoenix eyes were filled with some laughter and some teasing. Under the warmth
of the lights, it made her look even more attractive.

As if he had been bewitched, he leaned and bent towards her. With his
outstretched hand, he brushed the unruly locks of her long tresses that curled at
the side of her cheeks behind her ears. Then, he lightly kissed that tender cheek
before him.
“Then, tell me,” he continued talking lowly by her ears as his ever-constantly
mellow and deep voice contained several traces of raspiness in it. “If you don’t get
married to me, then which other person are you planning to marry?”

As that warm breath fell on her ears, Su Jin’s face flushed red. She had not even
had the chance to reply before she saw that the man had sat upright to start
driving the car and he had not given her a chance to refute at all.

In the car, silence gradually fell upon it and from his peripheral vision, Lu Xi
glimpsed at the girl who was seethingly nibbling on chocolate. Traces of laughter
flashed across his eyes but then quickly evolved into traces of worry instead.

That very night, Su Yue received a call from his future younger brother-in-law.

“Big Brother Su, considering that I have previously done you a favour when I told
you about Xue Kai’s matter, tell me, what did you tell Jin’er yesterday, alright?”
As soon as the phone call was connected, Lu Xi had immediately asked this.

Su Yue had been startled by this question and blurted out in reply, “how did you…”

He only spoke these few words before he paused.

The man on the other end of the line had his lips curled up, “originally, I only
guessed but was only eighty percent sure. However, right now, I’m completely
certain.”

“Did Xiao Jin say something to you?” Somewhat puzzled, Su Yue shook his head.
Probably not right, though if this were the Xiao Jin of the past, after listening to
what he had said yesterday, she would have immediately gone to find Lu Xi and
gotten right to the point as she interrogated him. However, ever since grandfather
passed away and the sudden unexpected appearance of Xiyue’s matters, this girl
had matured greatly, so she probably would not have gone straight to Lu Xi to have
a chat.

“Nothing at all.” Lu Xi shook his head as he confirmed Su Yue’s opinion, “only, I feel
that Jin’er has been a little out of sorts. She has always had her own opinions so
the people that could influence her aren’t many. Uncle and Aunt are away and
furthermore, the only one whom she could have met face to face yesterday was
you. So, you being the main suspect of this was extremely likely.”
“So you have arrived at this conclusion to swindle information out of me?” Su Yue’s
voice had traces of helplessness in it.

“All’s fair in love and war.” Lu Xi chuckled lowly and brought the topic of
conversation to the matter at hand, “so what did you say to her after all?”

“Actually, it was nothing much either and it was something you had told her before
too.” Su Yue drank a sip of the coffee that was on the table and then facing
upwards, he leaned back against his seat.

“I proposed to Ming Xuan, but she refused it.”

“So many years had passed and really, in our hearts, our love was actually just a
perfect embellishment of the other half. After that, while I was alone on the balcony
reflecting fondly on our youth, I conveniently bumped into Xiao Jin. I then told her
that in this world, the hardest thing to figure out was a person’s heart.”

Although he had casually said this, Lu Xi, who had been listening to all this, was
firmly grinding his teeth.

So with your misstep in your own relationship, now, you are attempting to ruin
mine?

“Lu Xi.” While unsure if he heard the person on the other end of the line grinding his
teeth, Su Yue refrained from teasing and spoke seriously, “Ever since she was
young, Su Jin has grown up while being indulged by us. Although she has matured
greatly now, her personality still remains extremely pure. For a young lady who has
not even graduated from her school life, you are also her first love. As her elder
brother, what I truly am afraid of, is that she will fall into this too deeply. You are
aware as well, that when girls in their adolescence fall in love, they have no care for
anything else.”

“……” Lu Xi remained speechless.

I am aware? Who in the world would be more damnably aware of that!

As he ended the call, Lu Xi stood before the French window and helplessly he
reached up to pinch the bridge of his nose.

Yes, Su Jin had a pure disposition and was not worldly.

Yes, he was her first love.

And yes, a girl in her adolescence, when she falls in love, she would not care about
anything else.

These were not all wrong and Su Yue’s opinion was indeed only natural. However,
damn it all, the truth of the matter had nothing to do with any of this!

It was rare for this man, who had always been as gentle as jade, to swear.

Like a frog that had been initially cooked in tepid water, her heart had already
somewhat been wavered. Yet, with Su Yue’s very words, all of his hard work so far
had been all for naught. Yet, every word that Su Yue had spoken were precisely
what he had nothing to counter with.

In fact, the person on the spot remained baffled while the onlooker saw clearly. He
had realised that the young lady’s feelings towards him had no longer been as
simple as the ‘like’ she had assumed it to be. Yet, this young woman had always
been great at stifling her own feelings. He had originally thought that he could
imperceptibly influence her, and like the method of boiling a frog[1], he could slowly
have her realize her own feelings. Then one day, she would definitely admit that
she had fallen in love with him.
[1] 温水煮青蛙
(wēn shuǐ zhǔ qīng wā) – This is an actual fable of a frog being boiled alive. The premise is that if a frog is put suddenly into boiling water, it will jump out. However,
if the frog is put in tepid water which is then brought to a boil slowly, it will not perceive the danger and will be cooked to death.

Yet, now with all that had happened, she had already detected his method of
subtle influence and persuasion. Now that she had a guard up against him, the
tortoiseshell that had finally been cracked with great difficulty was once more firm
and guarded. With this method of his, even if he continued further on this path,
there would no longer be any effect.
Since this was the case……

Looking up slightly at the crisp and clear moonlight that shone through the
window, from his peach blossom eyes, a dull lustre glimmered.
Chapter 48

In a flash, half a month has already passed.

The filming of《Sunflower》had finally reached its final scene.

Cheng Yuan, the character played by Bai Haoqi, was going to propose to Tong Yao,
who was being acted by Mu Qing.

“I’m sorry.” Tong Yao slightly lowered her gaze as she quietly replied.

Hearing this, the slight smile that had begun to curl at the edge of Cheng Yuan’s lips
stiffened. Stunned at that very spot for a long while, his shining eyes gradually
dimmed and finally fragmented like the lights of a field of stars.

“There’s no need for you to apologise.” He stood up as an agonised smile appeared

at the corner of his lips.

“Cheng Yuan.” Tong Yao was silent for a while and finally, she raised her head as
she gazed at him. Her beautiful phoenix eyes overflowed solemnly as she
continued, “please forget about me.”

“Alright.” Cheng Yuan lightly smiled and handed over to her the ring that was in his
hands.

“Huh?” Tong Yao was startled.

“Didn’t you ask me to forget you? If you don’t want it, I can only have it thrown it
away. Still, I have to bring this up-” Cheng Yuan chuckled, “it was still pretty
expensive.”

Hearing this, Tong Yao could not help but laugh and reached out to receive the
ring. As the beautiful ring was placed in her hand, in her heart, she felt a rush of
bitterness well forth.
She abruptly tightened her hand while the diamond’s edge rested sharply against
the hollow of her palm. As she did so, a somewhat faint sense of pain spread
through her palm.

“Goodbye.” Raising her eyes to take a quick glimpse at him, she then turned and
left.

The slim figure disappeared around the corner and Cheng Yuan raised his chin up
slightly as the snowflakes of the early winter fell gently down on his face, giving
him a piercingly cold tingle.

“Goodbye.”

As he quietly replied, his voice became rather husky as glistening teardrops could
already be glimpsed from those dark eyes.

As the camera shot was pulled further back, in that winter wonderland, that man
clad in the black overcoat was a lonely soul standing there, all alone.

“Cut.” Lu Xi spoke and his voice was not very loud either. Yet, in the silent filming
studio, it was particularly clear.

“It’s a wrap then!” It was not sure who first shouted that phrase but suddenly, the
entire studio became lively and even some of the lead actors seemed to have been
rather relieved from their burdens as they smiled.

Although it was just a television drama, Lu Xi still remained a very strict and
demanding director. Therefore, the actors and most of all, the lead actors had an
extremely tough time. However, although it had been a period of hardship,
everyone’s acting skills had actually improved in no small measures under Director
Lu’s high-pressure requirements. Moreover, after spending such a long time
working together, there was a somewhat moody atmosphere amongst everyone
now that came with the end of a project.

Su Jin was standing beside Lu Xi and gazed at the lively and jubilant crowd with a
pensive expression on her face.
“What are you thinking about?” Lu Xi reached out to wave a hand in front of her
eyes.

“I’m thinking……” Su Jin seemed to have recovered and replied, “when Cheng
Yuan was refused, would he feel that a person’s heart was hard to fathom?”

A person’s heart was hard to fathom……

The smile at the edge of Lu Xi’s lips stiffened.

However, that was just for a split second and he lightly shook his head and
answered, “the character that you penned, how could you be unclear of what he
was thinking?”

“How could it be clear to me?” Su Jin turned her head to look at him and in that
pair of always bright and clear phoenix eyes were traces of some bewilderment, “a
literary work’s origin is from the heavens, it was merely gained by a highly skilled
person[1]. When I wrote this story, I followed along with its body. Yet now that we’ve
reached the very end, even I am unsure too, if this was truly my opinion of how it
should end or if it truly is the direction where the story should be in.”
[1] 文章本天成，妙手偶得之
(wén zhāng běn tiān chéng, miào shǒu ǒu dé zhī) – this passage means that a good literary work was originally like a gift bestowed
from the heavens, a large part of what was written by the hands of the author was, if nothing else, obtained by chance.

“Perhaps in the unseen spirit world, these stories are really and truly happening in
space and time. But are they really borne real and are alive because of me or did my
story initially originate from them instead? If that is the case, then what about our
world?”
This world, when all was said and done, had it emerged as a result of that book she
had been reading? Or had it already been in existence and that occasionally, a
small speck of this universe was extracted and entered into a novel to be casually
read?

Was Zhuangzi, a man who dreamt of being a butterfly or a butterfly that dreamt of
being a man?[2]
[2] 庄周梦蝶，亦或是蝶梦庄
(zhuāng zhōu mèng dié, yì huò shì dié mèng zhuāng) – Written by Zhuangzi, an ancient Chinese philosopher, it was one of his
philosophy propositions that he had raised which used romantic imagery and a beautiful writing style to describe and probe about existentialism: that people could not definitely differentiate between
their perspectives on whether they were living in their dreams or reality.

Therefore, when it came down to it in the end, what truly was the truth of the
matter then?
Could it be… …That even the original world that she had existed in –
that world had also come from someone’s writing too?
The world was truly huge and as for her, she was merely a drop in the ocean, the
frog at the bottom of the well; a person who had a limited outlook and experience.

After she had incidentally pried into the corner of the truth, it seemed like she was
about to lose her own bearings.

Lu Xi covered up the slightest trace of the uncanny emotion in his eyes and shook
his head as he questioned, “Why are you thinking this much for?”

“Hm?” Reflexively, Su Jin raised her gaze to glance at him.

“Regardless of whatever it is or what truly is true; still, right here and now, there is
your family, your friends,” with a curl of his lips, he continued, “and me.”

“It’s because the heart has something to be concerned about, some lingering
attachment and that is why people continued to exist/to live in this world. So, since
it’s like this, does it really matter or have anything to do with what could be real or
simply a fantasy?”

“Because the heart has something to be concerned about, some lingering

attachment and that is why people continued to exist/to live in this world.”

Su Jin lightly murmured, albeit stunned for a short while and suddenly, laughed
freely.

That was right since she was already here since she already had people that she
was concerned about here. There was her family and loved ones, even if that might
be real or simply might be a fantasy, so what?

Thinking this much, it was no more than making herself get upset over nothing. It
would have merely added onto her worries anyways.

Seeing her become convinced, Lu Xi laughed too and remarked, “let me tell you
something.”
Su Jin asked curiously, “what?”

“The Ming family has already approved of the matter between Xue Kai and Ji Min.”

“Approved?” Su Jin was stupefied as she raised an eyebrow in thought, “based on

Uncle Ming’s disposition, he has actually agreed? Was it because of Xue Kai’s
persistence?”
“Xue Kai insisted, and the Ming family head probably did not want to oppose this
son of his that has recently returned home and had been found with great difficulty
either. In any case, this matter has already been resolved like this.” Lu Xi shook his
head as he chuckled, “in this world, there is never anything that always stays the
same, especially a person’s heart. Otherwise, why then would it be said that a
person’s heart is hard to decipher.”

In agreement, Su Jin nodded yet her heart recalled the words that Gege had
spoken.

In the world, there would never be two identical leaves and there would never be
two identical romances. Every person’s romance and love life was unique. No
matter what, that was the joys and sorrows of life one needed to personally go
through.

“So actually, it truly isn’t the same.” As her eyelids drooped, they hid the sudden
exposure of relief in her eyes.

Not all romances and relationships would deteriorate over time and not all feelings
would dissipate; neither would all relationships be but fleeting memories because
of the disparity between the ideal romance and the actual relationship.

Seeing the light curve of the girl’s lips beside him, laughter in the depths of Lu Xi’s
peach blossom eyes surfaced.

“Tsk, why is Director Lu and his Madam hiding here in this corner, hm?”

As that familiar teasing voice resounded by her ears, Su Jin simply raised an eye at
her but did not reply.
When Mu Qing first called her ‘Madam’, Su Jin would be embarrassed for a little
while and retort with a few words. However, by now, once everyone realised this
secret that their Director would be in a somewhat better mood when they
addressed her as Madam, Su Jin became used to being called as such.

As for this form of address that habitually defined his own status/identity, Director
Lu always encouraged such an act and was glad to see this happen.

If the one speaking wasn’t Mu Qing, she would probably not even bother to bat an
eye at them.

Mu Qing saw that she had not replied, and did not take it to heart. She shot a look
at Lu Xi and asked, “Director Lu, where will you hold the wrap-up party that you are
treating us to?”

Due to Su Jin, she was much more familiar with Lu Xi than with the other actors.
However, it was merely just knowing him better. If Su Jin had not been present,
then she would not even have had the guts to seek out this rumoured ‘gentle as
jade’ King Yama to ask this sort of question.

“Ah, the wrap-up party.” Sure enough, in an extremely good mood, Director Lu
laughed, “the Grand Emperor.”

“Wow! Woah!”

The crowd suddenly let out an even bigger cheer.

Su Jin frowned and raised a hand to tug Mu Qing towards a corner.

“Qing Qing, why did you suddenly ask this?”

“What’s wrong?” Mu Qing blinked, “I was just casually asking.”

“Faking it- you are still trying to pretend.” Su Jin shot an extremely familiar glance
from her phoenix eyes, “do I still not know you? Usually, you hate the fact that you
can not split time in half and spend it with your Prince Charming, yet now you can
think about where you would want to eat?”

“This…… Um……” Mu Qing hesitated for a bit before continuing, ‘when the time
comes, you’ll understand okay,’ and struggled free from Su Jin’s grasp.

It was only until everyone had eaten and drank their fill at the wrap-up party, did
Su Jin finally and truly understand what this young lady had planned to do.

It was a confession.

The banquet hall of the Grand Emperor had been formed from a group of both big
and small private rooms and Lu Xi had invited every member of the production
team. However, some of the members of the production team had primarily
gathered in a private room in the banquet hall.

Yet, Mu Qing had, in front of all of the people present in the private room,
confessed to a man that was eleven years her senior.

“Bai Haoqi, I have liked you for a very, very long time.” As she roused up enough
courage to say this, her body, that had initially trembled out of nervousness,
suddenly steadied itself.

In fact, her feelings towards Bai Haoqi had not been hidden at all. A greater part of
those who were present in the cast and crew team had clearly known about it,
however, everyone had an intuitive mutual understanding about this matter. Yet,
they had not expected that this young lady would have such courage and would
actually attempt to challenge and break through this layer of thin rice-paper and
not give herself a way to retreat.

“If you like me too, then please be my boyfriend. If you don’t like me, then I will
apologise for all the trouble that I have just caused you.”

That young lady standing there among everyone’s gaze, her voice was extremely
steady and her beautiful phoenix eyes shone like the stars, emitting a bright and
brilliant radiance.
“She truly is courageous.” Even though a lot of time had elapsed since her
confession, Su Jin still could not forget that pair of eyes.

That pair of eyes that resembled the orbs of her past and present selves greatly,
they were filled with courage and flaming passion that would be unattainable for
her.

She and her (this implies Su Jin herself), sure enough, the two of them were wholly
different.

Lu Xi was once more in the driver’s seat. Turning his head to catch a glimpse of the
absent-minded expression on his girl’s face, he asked, “are you still thinking about
what happened just now?”

“Yep.” Su Jin nodded.

A twenty-two year old girl who would forge forth as she pursued her beloved’s
footsteps; one who would push past everything in her chase of the person she
loved.

Her gaze crinkled in joy. Yet, what was at the tip of her lips was a low sigh.

That sort of emotions of dashing on bravely with no thought of one’s self, what
would those feelings feel like? It would… …be beautiful right?

“No matter what, it could be said that all is well and that the lovers finally have
their happy ending. Shouldn’t you be happy? Why is this young lady sighing then?”
Lu Xi then speeded up as he teased her with a slight smile.

“That’s true.” Hearing this, Su Jin turned to look at the man’s aristocratically
handsome side profile as her lips curled into a light chuckle, “who would have
thought that Bai Haoqi, that solemn yet serious closed gourd (lit. taciturn person)
would actually like–”

“Screeeecch–”
The acute and piercing sound of the brakes of the car rang in her ears as Su Jin
swiftly turned to look beside her. Yet, it was too late for her, for she was unable to
see anything clearly in that flash of light as her body fell into a warm embrace.

A familiar scent engulfed her senses as the intense and sharp brakes of the car, and
the muffled sensations of the collision intermingled together.

In that very instant, time seemed to pass extremely quick. As if at that moment, it
was too late to even just blink and that split second had already ended. Yet, it also
seemed extremely slow as if every image in her mind had been deliberately slowed
and stretched in a slow-motion capture of a camera and inch by inch, it had slipped
past her very eyes.

She was incapable of resisting and had nowhere to take cover.

Chapter 49

Lu Xi seemed to be having an extremely long dream.

In that dream of his, he was still called Shen Luxi[1].

[1] 沈陆曦
(shěn lù xī) – A witty play on his name, the only difference is 曦 xī, which means early dawn, sunlight, the sun or sunshine. The message behind the word is of great metaphorical
meaning, an extremely beautiful wording about the sun and the sunshine; often meaning staying optimistic, individualistic, open-minded. The word 陆 lù here remains with the same meaning as land,
shore or continent.

Shen for the Shen family clan, Lu for dry land and Xi for the radiance of the rosy
light of day that had been covered by multi-coloured clouds[2]; so he had been
named this because of how the Shen Family’s grounds had been in a position
facing the sun and to signify how he would bear the entire Shen Family’s hopes and
future.
[2] 卿云郁郁曜晨曦
(qīng yún yù yào chén xī) – Part of a written record from the “Records of the Grand Historian: the Book of Heavenly Government”, it was part of a verse of a
poem; ‘if mist wert not mist, if clouds wert not clouds, they were dense and numerous, coiled in a huge, desolate overshadow. When one peers upon thus, it truly wert like a rosy cloud, an auspicious
sign of celebration.’ It means that with the multicoloured clouds in the horizons are covering the radiance of the sun, it is like an auspicious sign of reciprocation towards the heart and mind of Buddha,
as if God has a desire for blessing peace and prosperity for the country and its people.

While in this dream state, he recalled how he had been informed of the significance
behind the origins of his name and similarly how he had thought himself as a
person of such importance as well.

As the eldest grandson of the Shen clan, he had been gifted since he was born and
since he was young, he had been the most favoured and talented child; the
exemplary model of the entire younger generation of the family.

When he had taken over the family corporation at the age of eighteen, without a
doubt within four years, he had expanded the entire Shen Family’s influence by
double.

At the time he was barely twenty-two years old.

That had been the time of his youth, incomparably magnificent.

In the eyes of his parents, he was the eldest son that made them proud. In the eyes
of his peers, he was the idol that they looked up to and in the eyes of the people of
the same industry, he was the king of the business world that one avoided like the
plague.
Yet all of this, it all ended on the day of his twenty-sixth birthday.

At that time, he was already a huge, important and powerful decision-maker in his
business empire. The Shen Family’s status had become increasingly stable and as
for him, although he wasn’t that old, the might that he had already accumulated
was immense. On the very day of his birthday, his clan and some of his peers had
gotten together to celebrate.

Due to the extremely outstanding successes that he had achieved since he was
young, he and these fellow peers were not bosom friends. When they faced him, all
too often, it was with an abundance of respect and fear, but it was not enough to
become intimate. Even his own biological younger brother, who was merely four
years younger, was the same. Thus, for the first time in many years, they brought
up this matter of celebrating for him so he could not reject such an affair.

Due to them being one’s own flesh and blood, one’s close relatives, he, who rarely
drank with others, had drunk a few more glasses than usual.

Once he had awoken, everything had changed.

In the most VIP patient room in a private hospital, all he could see around him was
the harsh and unsightly colour of snow-white.

They had said that he had become drunk and the driver had sent him home.
However, during the journey, they had been ambushed and the driver died at the
scene. As for him, he had been kidnapped but when they finally found him, the
ligaments in both his hands and legs had already been torn apart. Therefore, due
to the long duration before recovering him, even if they had reconnected his
nerves, it would still have been of no use.

In other words, he, Shen Lu Xi, the most favoured and talented child of the Shen
Family had henceforth become a completely useless person.

At the time, when he heard all this, he had almost burst out into laughter
His hand and leg ligaments had been torn apart? Was he filming a wuxia movie?
Was this playing a joke with him? Very well, these guys truly were great right, to
have actually played this sort of joke on him.

However, no matter how much he had tried right then, he was unable to move even
one finger.

His elders, his parents, his siblings, even those peers of his that had come that day
to celebrate his birthday had taken their turn to visit him. With their words, they
had all been comforting and consoling him to not abandon himself to despair.

Then, once the initial excitement had passed, he seemed to have been forgotten.

During those days, it had been empty, lonely, cheerless and cold.

As far as he was concerned, he who had always been living in a brightly coloured
and decorated world where everyone had been chasing after him ever since he was
young- this was an all too novel experience for him.

As he laid on the bed alone, his mind worked incessantly.

As the gazes of those people flashed through his mind, one after another, there was
never a moment where he could not clearly see the emotions that they had
revealed in those eyes of theirs till that very day.

Pity.

The sort of gazes that seemed to be looking at a precious piece of porcelain that
had been covered with cracks all over.

He had begun to harbour suspicions of their version of events. After the incident,
the Shen Family had promoted an elder who took control, and all of his trusted
aides had been practically kicked out of the centre of command. However, after
controlling the clan for so many years, naturally, he too had cultivated hidden
subordinates that were not known to anyone and loyal to him.
Yet when the results had appeared before him after a long wait, the initial grief,
indignation, resentfulness and hatred that had filled his heart had suddenly
dissipated.

Like boiling water that had solidified into ice in a split second.

Nothing is sadder than a withered heart.

He had thought that it was some peer of his that had been envious of his status and
position, who tried to dispose of him on the sly. At most, it could have merely been
some elders of his that had secretly supported them from the sidelines. As for his
family, well, it was not anything more than him being deceived by them.

Yet who would have thought-

It was actually like the events of the Murder on the Orient Express[3].
[3] The Murder on the Orient Express was a detective novel written by Agatha Christie featuring the Belgian detective Hercule Poirot. The gist of it (spoilers up ahead so avoid if you don’t want to
know) is that in this murder of the businessman whose name is revealed to be Casetti; every one of the passengers, all of whom were discovered to have had a connection to a case that destroyed a
family, had all conspired to kill Cassetti together.

That evening, those present to celebrate his birthday were all seventeen of his
peers and all of them had been a participant in that very state of affairs. Yet, the
instigator of all this was his very own little brother.

The truth of the incident had been like a splash of ice water falling upon him, and in
that instant, he suddenly no longer had an interest in getting revenge.

Would there be any point in it now?

Since he was young, as the eldest son, as the eldest grandson, he had been instilled
with the ideology and thinking that the family clan was his priority.

For twenty-six years, from learning his first words until he had rushed headlong
into the business world, the efforts that the family had put in to cultivate and raise
him, he too had thought it fitting to devote his all into it too.

That’s right, it was all because he had been too outstanding.

The Shen Family’s Shen Luxi, who had been gifted ever since he was born, who was
filled with incomparable tactics and trickery; he had been the literal and figurative
shadow that had covered all of the heads of his peers.

Previously, they still had to worry about the bearing of their elders; however, now
that the Shen clan’s status had been made stable, one more Shen Luxi would be
decorating something that had already been perfect. With another Shen Luxi
around, it would be unlikely as bad as losing an important limb.

Moreover, the law cannot be enforced when everyone is an offender.

Even after so many probes were completed, they found out that even within some
of the elders in the family clan, they harboured these kinds of unspeakable
thoughts in their minds.

Since this was the case, what else could he be afraid of?

As a result, with the birthday celebration, with the plan in place, with such a
solution, what happened afterwards was the tacit silence from the entire family
clan.

As far as the Shen Family was concerned, he no longer had any value.

Therefore, as they looked upon him; in their eyes, they were filled with pity as they
looked upon him as if he were a source of entertainment. It was like one had been
looking at a piece of porcelain that had once had value but with its worth being
slowly chipped away at.

When he finally came around to the facts that had been shed to light about this
matter, his heart was like dying embers.

Forget it, all of this, he would just take it as binds that had tied him down all these
years.
Anyways, everything that he had earned all these years was enough to safely live
on for the rest of his life. Even Shen, this family name of his, he was entirely
unwilling to use anymore and he had immediately had his name changed to Lu Xi.

The dry land and the setting sun.

Henceforth, he would be all alone in the world and have a wheelchair as his
companion.

A few years later, he had come across an old Chinese medicine practitioner and
had obtained his secret recipe. With that, both of his hands had been nursed
somewhat back to mobility. Though in fact, it was merely to a state where he could
finally hold onto a pair of chopsticks.

When he was out and about, perhaps it was due to his exceptional looks and his
immobile self; when those people first looked at him, in their gazes, it was always
filled with pity and sympathy.

The sort of pity that he abhorred.

From that point, he had become even more reticent.

Until he was in Jiangnan, in an extremely ordinary county hospital, where he met a

girl.

At that time, it was at the crossroads between autumn and winter. The illness in his
legs had relapsed and he was unwilling to stay at home. So, he had randomly
chosen to stay in a hospital.

That girl had been a new rookie doctor.

She seemed to be about twenty-four or twenty-five or so, and did not seem too
young. Yet for him who was already thirty-six, how could she have not been a little
girl?
Thirty-six years old, the age gap between the former Shen Luxi, there was a full ten
years age difference between them.

As for him who had similarly faced ten whole years of pity-filled gazes, no one was
an exception.

Until he came across her.

The little girl had been doing her rounds along with the main doctor.

Several of the new doctors, when they had met the man who had been sitting
upright in his wheelchair, they had all more or less had a flash of slight pity in their
eyes.

With distinctly handsome facial features and incomparable magnificence, this sort
of person, why was he to be immobile then?

Only her.

With a delicate, upright and pretty face, with those phoenix eyes of hers that were
exceedingly beautiful.

The corners of her eyes were slightly raised and her face had been unadorned
without the slightest trace of makeup on. Her eyes were distinctly clear and were
as calm and gentle as the sea under the moonlight.

He could clearly tell that her eyes were not the type of still waters that had stirring
undercurrents beneath them, but truly lacked billows and waves[4].
[4] What he meant here was that he could tell she had no ulterior motives or concealed thoughts as she looked upon him.

For so many years now, there was no one that had been this indifferent when they
saw him at first glance.

In that heart of his that had not been moved for ten years, ripples had begun to stir
little by little.
Without the slightest hesitation, he had straightforwardly requested for her to be
his main doctor.

With this layer of relation between them, the interactions between the two people
had gradually increased.

He had not found anyone to investigate her, rather, he had wholeheartedly begun
to understand this girl gradually amidst being in close contact with her.

The more he interacted with her, the more he understood her and the more he
understood, his interest in her deepened.

What he had discovered from her were indifference and contradictions, pride and
willfulness, so much so that even towards him; to this patient of hers, she had
begun to show some coldness and detachment.

Even as he had slowly become familiar with her, she still regarded him as a friend.
At times, when she was free, she too would chat with him about some things but he
could still all too clearly tell that she had erected a fence that had isolated herself
inside and kept everyone, including himself, out.

He had no idea how she had cultivated such a temperament and sometimes, he
could not help but fear that in this world, there would truly be no one that she
would care about.

This notion of his, it had continued until he had his final glimpse of hers.

The last time he saw her.

He had never seen her drink and naturally, had never seen her drunk either.

That day, initially it had been a day that they had made an appointment for a
check-up. She had missed the appointment and he had been worried, so he had
gone to her home to find her, only to see a little woman who drank until she was
tipsy.
Perhaps it was because the two people had been friends for a long time and could
be considered as friends who knew each other well, or perhaps it was because she
had repressed her emotions for too long.

In short, that day, she had told him a lot.

About the orphanage, Aunt Fu… …

Aunt Fu, that was the first time he had heard about the person that the little girl
had cared about.

Yet, she had been drunk because Aunt Fu passed away due to an illness.

On the second day, the young woman had sobered up and he had suggested for
her to take a trip, a change of pace to drive away her cares.

She had thought for a while before she had agreed to his suggestion.

Then.

Just like that, the heavens had separated them, for all of eternity.

When he had heard the news broadcasts about her plane crash, he had been
stunned for a long time before he had finally come to his senses.

That heart of his that had been numb for a long time, what had filled it up was a
pain that seemed to tear him apart. Under his panic-stricken state, he had
immediately called upon the trusted aide of his that he had left in the Shen Family,
and revealed the fangs that he had initially planned to conceal for the rest of his life
when he immediately took control of more than half of the Shen Family in order to
search for any news of the survivors of that flight.

Before the plane had fallen to the ground and crashed, some of the passengers had
parachuted to escape.

However, her name was not on the list.

He had kept in his thoughts, even if the person was alive, she was missing and even
if she was dead, there was no body.

The entire Shen Family’s influence, now in his control, he had used it to search for
three whole years and even dig around the one-metre diameter of the
surroundings of the plane crash.

After time passed, when there were more and more people that were opposed to it,
he finally admitted the truth.

She was no longer around.

For him, as far as she was concerned, what was she to him?

Previously, he had thought that they were merely friends, a junior of his at most
and could be considered an intimate friend of his. Yet after she had disappeared,
only then did he realise that his feelings for her; had they truly been this simple?
Only he had been concerned about the state of his body and subconsciously, even
having this sort of intent in his mind, he did not dare to even reveal them and could
only deeply suppress those feelings in his heart.

Also, there was guilt.

He had always had this thought, truthfully, that if he had not suggested to her to
take a trip, then would she have sat on that plane and then would she have met
with an accident?

Once such a thought had appeared in his mind, just like wild weeds that had
sprouted at the cusp of spring, these thoughts had begun to frantically spread and
grow in his mind.

He was unable to remove them and yet at the same time, he was unwilling to tear
free from them.

Just like this then, let me use the rest of my life to be in love with and to feel guilt
towards you; to engrave you into the bottom of my heart forever in hopes that we
would meet once more in our next life.
With such heavy thoughts, it had only been a year, but his body had begun to
deteriorate.
Lying on the bed, his thoughts had little by little sunk into the silence of the
darkness, unaware of the passing of time.

Until a voice filled the air.

It was an icy-cold robotic-like male voice, the other was a female voice that was
somewhat hoarse.

“Lu Xi-”[5]

[5] This name refers to the one that Shen Luxi had coined for himself; dry land and the setting sun. A name that reflects the state of his lonely heart. The one below is the common one we usually see Su
Jin using.

“Lu Xi……”
Chapter 50

“Lu Xi……”

Su Jin repeatedly called the name of the person in front of her, half her body
leaning over the bed.

Su Yue stood outside the door and gave a small sigh.

It had already been five full days since the accident.

The driver who was at fault had not run away but had immediately called 120[1], and
both of them were sent to a hospital right away.
[1] 120 is the number for an ambulance in China.

As soon as Su Yue received the call, he had rushed over, but at the time, both Su Jin
and Lu Xi were still unconscious. They had been hit by a truck, whose driver had
been drinking. Fortunately, the driver had braked at the last minute so even though
the two vehicles crashed, the outcome was not as dire as it could have been.

Su Jin, who had been protected by Lu Xi in his embrace, had only suffered from
shock. Yet Lu Xi who had thrown himself sideways to protect Su Jin, and fractured
his tibia when his right leg got stuck in the middle. His back had been crushed by
the inflated airbag, but even though the airbag had popped, it had already
absorbed most of the crash. Therefore, he suffered only some minor abrasions to
his back.

It was only after Su Yue had heard their diagnoses from the doctors that he let out
his breath and then notified his parents who were vacationing, then Xi Yue and the
Lu family.

Xi Yue, who was the closest, arrived first. By the time the Su family parents and the
Lu family arrived, it was already late into the night.

This was the first time the Su family and Lu family had gathered, it was unfortunate
that it was under such circumstances.
The Su family: Su Chenghai, Han Meng, Su Yue, and Lin Xiyue.

The Lu family: Lu Boan, Dong Xue, and Lu Jing.

The two main characters of the accident did not have any severe injuries. Even
though Lu Xi needed a few more days to rest and recover, luckily the filming for the
TV drama was already finished. All that was left was the editing, which only
required the occasional checking in on, and he only needed to do the final checks
and minutiae decisions.

After Su Yue had explained both of their health conditions, both families let out
their own sighs of relief. Then, the three members of the Lu family accepted Su
Chenghai’s invitation for them to stay on in the Su residence.

At first, the Su family worried that the Lu family would have some misgivings
towards Su Jin because Lu Xi had risked his life to protect her. They were especially
worried about Dong Xue; after all, doesn’t everyone say that daughters and
mothers-in-law are mortal enemies? However, one chat with them revealed that
Dong Xue viewed their little Su Jin quite favourably. In her own words: “My Xiao
Tuan[2] has such a discerning eye. A girl so precious to him can do no wrong.”
[2] It was mentioned that Xiao Tuan is Lu Xi’s childhood nickname, with a meaning similar to “small, round dumpling”. It’s like calling an adult “my little pudding”.

Of course, the Su family agreed wholeheartedly with this statement, except… they
were a bit lukewarm on the whole Xiao Tuan nickname.

However, even those lukewarm feelings vanished completely in the face of hearing
Dong Xue refer to the elegant and refined yet grave and stern young master of the
Lu family as Xiao Guai[3].
[3] xiǎo guāi (小乖) – 小(xiǎ o) means small, and 乖(guā i) is obedient. This might be something like his mom calling him “little lambkins”.

Only Su Chenghai continued to furrow his brows for a long time. He was thinking
that if they had any grandchildren in the future, the business of naming the child
could not be left completely up to this in-law’s family.

The Sheng Ming Corporation had many extensive business affairs, so much so that
his special assistant had persistently made phone calls thrice a day to urge his
return but Lu Jing still decided to wait until Lu Xi had regained consciousness
before returning to work.
Who would have thought that he would have to wait five whole days.

On the second day, Su Jin had woken up.

Without a word, she sat in her hospital gown and kept watch by Lu Xi’s bedside.

“Xiao Jin,” Su Yue uttered loudly.

Su Jin turned her head at the sound, and her beautiful phoenix eyes blinked, and
then blinked again. She had to stare at him for a while before her eyes lost their
dazed look.

“Xiao Jin, come eat.” Su Yue took a deep breath, gave a warm smile and said
invitingly, “Today, Gege brought you some pigeon soup. Mom made it herself~~”

He poured the soup into a bowl as he spoke, placed it on the bedside drawer
beside Su Jin and then shoved a porcelain soup spoon into her hands.

The feel of the cold spoon on her fingertips made her shrink a little bit, and she
looked down at the spoon and then at the steaming soup atop the drawer. In a bit
of a daze, she reached over and scooped a spoonful into her mouth.

The flavorful soup danced over her taste buds, and her previously dull eyes lit up.

“Delicious.”

With the soup to moisten her throat, her voice was not as dry and raspy as it had
been. Rather, it had softened somewhat.

Su Yue had stared for a bit when he abruptly heard her speak, and then an excited
expression came over his face.

“Xiao Jin, Xiao Jin.” He reached over and pressed on her arm. “Did you just speak?
What did you say?”
“Delicious.” Su Jin looked at him strangely as she first repeated what she had said
and then took her arm out of his grasp. Then she took another spoonful of soup.

This little girl, are you finally willing to speak? Finally willing to speak with
someone other than Lu Xi who is lying on the bed? The excitement on Su Yue’s face
had not even faded yet when he saw Su Jin blow on the spoon in her hand and
then turn it towards the lips of the person lying on the bed.

“Mom’s pigeon soup is especially tasty. Here, have some.” The young woman’s
voice was gentle and soft, with just a hint of her tamping down the raspiness.

The milky white pigeon soup trailed the curve of his lips and dribbled down onto
the snow-white pillow.

Su Jin stopped her movements immediately.

It was as if a carving had been stopped mid-air. The white spoon fell onto the bed
and then tumbled onto the ground, emitting a crisp, shattering sound.

“Gege.” Su Jin turned her head slightly to look at Su Yue, who was next to her. “He
hasn’t woken up yet. Why isn’t Lu Xi waking up?”

It had only been a few days, but she had already grown a bit thinner. Wearing the
blue and white striped hospital gown only added to an air of frailty. Her beautiful
phoenix eyes did not have a dazed look anymore. It had been exchanged for a
slight look of empty despair.

That’s right, why has Lu Xi not woken up yet? The doctors clearly said that his body
was recovering normally and his vital signs were all normal. This person just would
not awaken.

Notwithstanding Su Jin, who was suffering a major blow, even the Su family had
been feeling rather gloomy these past two days.

“Xiao Jin.” Feeling some distress on her behalf, Su Yue stroked her long hair with
affection and said in a comforting voice, “He’ll wake up. Don’t worry.”
“How can I not worry?” Su Jin lifted her head slightly, enduring the tears that were
intent of welling up and falling from her eyes.

“The first day, I told myself that he was still under the effects of the anaesthesia, so
he had to sleep for a bit. The second day, I told myself that his wounds were more
severe than mine, so he had to sleep a bit more. On the third day, I told myself that
lately he’s been very tired and very stressed, so he has to sleep for a bit. On the
fourth day, I told myself that he lost a lot of blood before, so he has to sleep more
to recover. But Gege,” Su Jin said as she raised her eyes at the man next to her. Her
voice had a hint of a sob to it. “This is already the fifth day. I can’t find any more
excuses to deceive myself!”

“Tell me. Tell me the truth.” She tugged at the bottom hem of Su Yue’s clothes.
“What’s the matter with him? Is he…is he never going to wake up? Is he…going to
be in a vegetative state? Or…”

“Why are you thinking like this?” Su Yue interrupted her rather helplessly. “This
little girl! And to think you actually study medicine. It’s just a small car accident,
why would anyone turn into a vegetable?”

“The brain is the most complex organ in the human body…” Su Jin bit her lip as her
eyes held a glimmer of hope. “There’s really no problem?”

“Everything’s fine.” Su Yue patted the top of her head and said softly, “The doctors
said his body is recovering nicely and his vital signs are all normal. He will definitely
wake up.”

“Is that true?” Su Jin blinked, and her phoenix eyes sparkled with unshed tears.

“Of course it’s true. If you want to cry, cry.” Su Yue gave a small smile and gently
said, “Gege’s right here.”

Since finding out Lu Xi was unconscious, Su Jin had not had this kind of emotional
reaction this whole time. The doctors said that letting these emotions out was
actually a positive thing.
“I will not.” Su Jin raised her head and forced back her tears. “If I cry now, he can’t
see. I want to wait until he’s awake and let him watch me cry!”

“You want him to watch you cry. Then he’ll probably be very distressed.” Seeing
this rare show of willfulness that this lady was showing now, Su Yue couldn’t help
but smile.

“I want him to be distressed.” Su Jin gave a small hmph. Then she picked up a
towel and gently wiped off the soup that had trailed down the corner of his lips.
She resumed her position half-sprawled over the bed.

“Hurry up and wake up. Didn’t you say you’d marry me? That you’d share my joys
and sorrows and never be apart from me?” Her eyes swept over the pale, distinct
side of his face inch by inch, and her red lips parted slightly.

“Wake up. And I’ll promise to love you.”

That day, he had protected her in his embrace, and her mind had gone blank. There
was no time to think before she fell unconscious.

When she awoke, he was lying on this bed, wearing a blue and white striped
hospital gown similar to hers and with his thigh wrapped up in a bandage.

She opened her mouth to call to him, but he would not respond.

Those beautiful peach blossom eyes that were normally so full of delight were shut.
Even his eyelids had no movement.

This man who from the very first meeting flirted with and provoked her. This man
who was sometimes so vexed by her that his ears would turn red. This man who
promised her to stay with her for their whole lifetime. Now, he lay there on that bed
and would not even open his eyes to look at her.

When it hit her that he still had not awakened after so long, she instantly panicked.
All kinds of crazy thoughts sprouted in her heart and took root there, proliferating
like weeds and getting more tangled and messy as time went on.
It was at that moment that she finally realized. How could she talk about
protecting her heart? If emotions could really be controlled and calculated like
that, would there be so many infatuations[4] in the world?
[4] The phrase used was chī nán yuàn nǚ, 痴男怨女. Literally, it’s the foolish man resents the woman, and it describes people who have strong feelings for each other but are never satisfied or content in
the relationship.

The difference, really, was just who could deceive themselves the most.

As for her, she was the kind of person to believe her lie wholeheartedly.

And in reality? Once her lie was broken through, she knew that once that heart had
been moved, she had fallen.

Maybe, the reason why she was even in this world, was simply for him?

Some things you don’t realize are precious until they are gone. This principle is
something that everyone knows but does not always understand.

Up until now, she had refused to face herself. However, she had been worried that
her own heart would easily change its mind and as she had assumed that she
would be able to escape through all this unscathed someday.

And now.

Small, delicate, white hands held onto the man’s large and slender hands.

Since you are willing to give your life to me, then I will take my chances and bet my
life on you too. Why not?
What is at stake is my lifetime, and as for the time limit for it; that would be the rest of
your life.
So……….

“Please wake up.”

“Xiao Jin!” Su Yue suddenly clapped her shoulders and yelled urgently.

“Hm?” Su Jin raised her head.

“Quick, look!”

Su Jin followed his gaze and looked over.

The fine, long eyelashes of the man on the bed were moving, and then slowly, ever
so slowly, his eyes opened.

Those familiar peach blossom eyes crinkled up at the corners. His inky black pupils
that had been wide and unfocused gradually constricted and left a cloudy gaze.
The hint of a smile pervaded his eyes, and Su Jin’s reflection could clearly be seen
in them.

“I’ll go get the doctor,” said Su Yue, and he turned around and left.

“Jin’er……..”

Lu Xi spoke softly, his voice a little dry since he had not used it for so long. “Just
now, what did you say?”

Just now? Su Jin blinked. “Please wake up.”

“No.” He shook his head with some effort. “Before that and even before that.”

Before that?

She looked at the man in front of her who was still a little pallid and thought about
what she had just said. Blushing slightly, she said without any hesitation,

“I love you.”

She had ignored the incessant alarm bells ringing frantically in her head.

Lu Xi’s mouth curved into a smile.

“I love you too.”

His low voice was rough and raspy, but it seemed to carry with it the weight of a
millennium-old resoluteness.

All of a sudden, the tears that Su Jin had endured for so long began to fall down.
Chapter 51

T/N beginning footnote: Lu Xi’s name in italics refers to his name in his past life,
Shen Luxi (dry land and the setting sun), while Lu Xi refers to the one we all know
and love (prosperous land).
“Please, don’t cry.” With a hoarse voice, he rasped out, “I would feel saddened.”

“That’s because I want you to feel sad, for such a long stretch of time, who
permitted you to……” In an instant, Su Jin’s voice had paused as she looked
towards the man before her with a deep smile on his face. After her momentary
daze, she then reacted, “you heard all of that then?”

Lu Xi lightly nodded.

“You–” Su Jin was just about to say something when she heard the sound of the
door creaking open.

Su Yue and the doctor had both entered the room.

Su Jin shot them a nod but then when she had turned back to look, she noticed the
man on the bed had already closed his eyes.

“Doctor!” She hastily called out.

Hearing her shout, in a few steps, the doctor had walked to the bedside and
attentively looked over the man on the bed. After doing some tests, only then did
he turn around and smiled to the Su Family’s siblings who had anxiety written all
over their faces, “don’t worry, he is not in a coma. He is still a little weak so he is
asleep now.”

Hearing this, Su Yue and Su Jin both heaved a sigh of relief.

“That’s right, Ge.” Su Jin raised her head and questioned, “have you told home
yet?”
Home? Su Yue’s lips had curled, what a clever use of this word.

“Are you trying to ask……” Raising his eyes, he looked at his own little sister,
“about Uncle Lu and Aunt Lu? Oh and there’s still big brother Lu Jing.”

“Ge!” As if she was threatening him, Su Jin had pinched his waist. Without waiting
for him to admit defeat, she had changed tactics and tugged on his shirt hem while
asking somewhat nervously, “Gege, his family…… Are they easy to get along with?
These past few days, I……”

In these past few days, the Lu family came by daily. Only, due to Lu Xi’s matter, she
was still a little muddleheaded so she had not paid heed to anyone else. She was
also unsure if she had already left a bad impression on her future big brother and
her parents-in-law.

“Don’t think too much.” A little amused, Su Yue had pinched her cheeks, “Uncle Lu
and them, they are very fond of you already.”

Fond of her already?

All of a sudden, Su Jin’s beautiful phoenix eyes lit up.

In that familiar conscious space, Lu Xi sat on a sofa and somewhat helplessly, he

looked at the tiny fellow who was confronting him.

“Xiao Qi[1]……” He lightly began to speak yet, like a shot of flames, it had lit up the
inverse scales of the person before him.
[1] Xiao Qi here is a nickname for the person he is talking to, it means Little Seven.

“Lu Xi!” That childish voice that had initially been young and tender had become
rather pointed, “are you crazy!”
“I had definitely warned you before about this and you obviously could have
avoided it! Are you crazy, why did you just let it bump into you! Do you know how
dangerous it had been this time around? To save you, I had spent the final bit of
accumulated points. If you don’t complete this mission in the end before dying,
then we both would never be able to wake up any longer, do you know that! To
irregularly break away from completing the task would result in death, do you
know that! You……”
“I know.” Lu Xi had drooped his eyes slightly, “I know, Xiao Qi.”

“I am truly mad.” He raised his head and looked towards the azure blue sky in this
conscious space of his that had always remained unchanged. With a slight curve of
his lips, he continued, “ever since I had accepted this mission entrusted to me, ever
since I knew that she had a brand new identity to start over in this world, I had truly
become mad.”
“Lu Xi……” The little boy before him, who had been made up of particles of light
and shadows, gaped at him yet did not know what to say.
What could he even say?

His obsession, his persistence towards her, no one was clearer about it than he
was.

On the character attribute panel that was similar to those of a role-playing game,
he had always recollected about that one billion points that he (Lu Xi) finally
collated enough and had even had a little in surplus.
“From what I have seen thus far, you are the most perfect wish agent.”

“The most perfect?” Lu Xi lightly chuckled, “your spiritual intelligence had only
been borne for no more than three centuries. Of the hosts that you had been bound
to have, there has only been me alone, don’t tell me you have seen other wish
agents?”

Xiao Qi had been silent for a while before he spoke, “although I have never seen
any, in the Wish Agent system, the information about the hosts’ achievements can
be shared. In addition, the general headquarters also has a rating system.”

“Oh?” Lu Xi raised an eyebrow and had asked with some interest, “then how is my
ranking then?”

“Lower first tier.” Xiao Qi finally spoke with some reluctance.

“Lower first tier?” Lu Xi shot a glance at Xiao Qi, “don’t tell me that there isn’t any
middle first tier or upper first tier.”
“That’s different.” Xiao Qi had rather impatiently replied, “the general
headquarters can only rate you based on your mission completion rate. Yet from
what I know, you are different.”

“What is so different?” Lu Xi shook his head, “isn’t it just helping some other person
to live their life.”

“The existence of the Wish Agent system: its purpose was initially to provide
assistance to the Wish Agents by amending the world lines[2], aiding in obtaining
accumulated points and then, assist in purchasing from the system. Furthermore,
at the most crucial juncture, it can even help to offer credited points in advance.
Only, due to the differences in rankings, the credit limit of the points offered in
advance would be different too. All the other Wish Agents had also done so.”
[2] 世界线
(shì jiè xiàn) – A fundamental concept in modern physics and theoretical physics; the world line of an object is the path that the object traces in the four-dimensional spacetime.
Basically, the world line is the sequence of spacetime events that correspond with the history of the object/person, it is a special type of time-like curve wherein it happens on a collection of points
called events on a singular path.

“However, you were different.” Xiao Qi’s gaze was extremely earnest, “before this
mission, you had never even approached the system to request for any assistance
that needed points. Everything that you had, it had been given to you through
relying on the entrusted body’s memory, your insight of the story plot, the perfect
control over the plot and the calculative abilities to complete the mission.”

After he had said till this, it was as if Xiao Qi’s gaze towards him was filled with
admiration, “you had the ability to perfectly fuse such an enormous bank of
memories without the help of the system’s medicinal mixtures. Moreover, you were
able to skillfully and easily handle all the various sorts of genres in all of the
different worlds with all kinds of storylines. In the crucial circumstances of almost
being separated from the system, to be able to bring a whole world under your
complete control while engaging with it; it was even possible for you to use some
of the entrusted body’s abilities so easily as if they were your own.”

“A thousand one hundred and thirty-seven years and eight hundred and fifty-six
missions, out of all of them: seven hundred and twenty-one of them completed
and a hundred and thirty-five of them failed.” The smile on the curve of Lu Xi’s lips
remained unchanged, “so just with this, it could still be considered as perfect?”

“At the beginning, I did not understand and I was merely a cold robot that only
knew how to compute.” Xiao Qi seemed to have laughed, “later on, as your
successes grew in number, my intelligence, too, became increasingly
comprehensive and now, I finally understood.”

Lu Xi raised his gaze to look at him.

“From never using your accumulated points to exchange for the system’s
assistance and to only rely on one’s own self to complete the mission, it was
because you were trying to collate a total of one billion points in the fastest speed
possible. Furthermore, in that period of time, while you were doing so, you did not
even waste one iota of time. As for those one hundred and thirty-five failed
missions, all of those had only appeared in the last six hundred years.”
“In other words, since those last six hundred years, once your accumulated points
were enough for you to be able to choose your own missions, you had never once
failed anymore. As my intelligence had been born, I had investigated on those
failed missions. Never was there any exception, all of those missions had been
about love. Yet, now after six hundred years, apart from this one time, all those
missions that you have chosen- none of them had anything to do with love.”
“Lu Xi, all those missions, were you unable to complete them or were you unwilling
to complete them?”

“Unable to, and unwilling to.” Lu Xi looked at the facial features of the little fellow
in front of him who had about 70% of resemblance to himself with a somewhat
distracted gaze in his eyes, “it’s both: can’t and unwilling to do so too.”

“Hm?” Xiao Qi had tilted his head in puzzlement.

“After her, I no longer have any ability to love another; after her, I no longer want to
love another either.”
“Even if it was just for show?”

“Even then.”

“Forget it.” Xiao Qi sighed, “anyway, this time, you were really taking too much of a
risk. Have a look, ever since you’ve entered into this world, how many times have
you put me to use? To alter Fu Yanzhou and Xu Zixin’s love line and bring them
together earlier; to put coordinates into that jade pendant of yours to find your
kidnapped sweetheart, and even to help you to find this Ming Kai of yours. Luckily, I
am quick-witted and had given you the phrase: ‘where the water flows, a canal is
formed’ and when the conditions are right, success will follow naturally. With that, I
had saved you numerous amounts of points, otherwise this time, where would
there even be enough points to save you!”

One needed to know that points that had already been cast into the accumulated
points box could no longer be used and most Wish Agents would reserve an
adequate amount of points before the next mission. Who would be like this lunatic,
where as long as he had gained points, he would shove it into the accumulated
points box. This time round, because it involved Su Jin; on the contrary, he had
even kept some of his prepared points but who would have thought that the very
first thing he had been asked to do, apart from accompanying him for the basic job,
would be to modify the world line! Thankfully, it was only modifying and it wasn’t a
complete change. Otherwise, just paying up with the use of his allotted limit of
credited points, it still would not be enough.

Su Jin had been a transmigrator so what she knew was the original plot in the
book. However, what Lu Xi had received was entirely different from hers.

Transmigrator Su Jin’er, due to her knowing the plot, had then been entirely
uninterested in the male lead. Yet as for the male lead, while receiving such a cold
treatment that was close to a spurn from Su Jin; with this, he had then developed
some interest in her. Of course, it too had merely been an interest. He had assumed
that his true love was still Lin Xiyue. So while on one hand, he had been dating the
original female lead. On the other hand, he had been teasing Su Jin who had been
treating him in an icy manner. He was truly a first-rate scumbag. Afterwards one
day, his actions had finally been exposed and when he tried to frame Su Jin for
seducing him, those attempts to pin the blame on her had failed. Thus, the chicken
had flown from the coop and all the eggs had been broken instead. He had suffered
a complete loss and had been kicked away by Lin Xiyue. Facing such a setback, the
male lead had gone to a bar and had gotten drunk. As he had been driving home,
he had driven himself into the river and thus, the story ended.

Only, due to the male lead dying midway in the story due to an accident, the
boundaries of the world had been on the verge of collapse.

Consequently, Lu Xi had become a trustee in the Wish Agents system.

The trustor’s Wish Agent would take his place and live his life and look for a lover
that he would mutually and sincerely be in love with.

As for Lu Xi, when he heard this name Su Jin and after clarifying it with him (Xiao
Qi), without the slightest bit of doubt, he had accepted this mission.

“That’s because I believe in you.” Lu Xi lightly smiled as his gaze became gentle and
tender, “I also believe in her.”

I had believed that you would save me and had also believed in her understanding her
own feelings towards me.
It was not a gamble because I had thus firmly convinced that you would fall in love
with me, or perhaps, you had already fallen in love with me.
“Fine.” Xiao Qi feigned an act of being proud of his age and experience as he waved
a hand, “since the mission has already been completed, then the matters here have
already ended. You have accumulated enough points and you can now return your
original world.”

As the faint white light began to twinkle, Lu Xi abruptly spoke and interrupted Xiao
Qi’s actions.

“Who says that I want to return?”

“Hah?” Xiao Qi was stunned and the divine light in his hand trembled as he
instantly lifted his head, “you won’t go back?!”

“I’m not returning.” Lu Xi nodded.

“Lu Xi.” The expression on Xiao Qi’s face had become stern, “as a Wish Agent, don’t
tell me you don’t know the truths about all of these worlds?”
“I do know them.” The laughter in the depths of Lu Xi’s peach blossom eyes was
unbelievably clear, “these worlds had been derived and borne through books and
lie in between the boundaries of reality and imagination. Each has two sorts of
endings; the first, the main lead of the plot had died, no Wish Agent had appeared
and therefore, the world had collapsed. In the second, the world line had been
developing normally or perhaps, before its collapse, a trustor had been born and
had a Wish Agent to meddle in it. Thus, based on the trustor’s requests, the Agent
had fulfilled their wishes, mended the world lines and had ensured everything to
develop as per normal.”

“Finally, the world would then freeze as it follows the natural death of its final story
character and decay. It would turn into the divine light and with its strength as a
completed world, it would become the nutrients needed for the main universe.”

“That’s right, the main universe’s spiritual powers are drying up and therefore, the
gods had used their supreme and mighty forces to form these worlds that exist
between the boundaries of reality and imagination.” Xiao Qi had stared at him
hatefully, rather resentful towards him for failing to meet his expectations and had
hoped Lu Xi would change his mind, “you obviously know all this and yet you are
willing to live in this illusion. Finally, together with the divine light, you would turn
into nourishment for the main world?”

“What is real? What is fantasy?” Lu Xi shook his head and stood up as he gazed
towards where he knew as the distant edge of the world, “Xiao Qi, for more than
these thousand years of mine, it is only now in this world, do I feel like I have been
living. As far as I am concerned, the place where she is at; that is the reality. As for
the days that were without her, they seem like a long spell of a dream to me.”
“But in the main world, her presence is there too!” Xiao Qi worriedly yelled, “Lu Xi,
let us return, alright? Just like how it was when we had first come to an
agreement.”
Like how it was when they had first come to an agreement?

Lu Xi slightly narrowed his eyes.

At that time, his consciousness had fallen into the darkness for who knows how
long that he could not even feel the gradual passing of time. After that, he heard
Xiao Qi’s voice.

At that time, Xiao Qi did not have any spiritual intelligence yet and was merely an
icy robotic voice.

He had spoken, “Lu Xi, are you willing to become a Wish Agent? After you complete
the missions and accumulated a billion points, you can return to the main universe
and I can turn back time to before Su Jin’er had boarded the plane.”
“Returning to the main universe, I can let time turn back to before Su Jin’er had
boarded the plane.” Xiao Qi raised his head to look at him, “the main universe’s
natural laws and time-space are excellent and does not have so many restrictions
such as these worlds. You too can be together with her for your whole life. There
are still some points left, I can help you to cure your body and help you to
completely change your former appearance, Also, with your aptitude, I can add on
some spiritual influence to the main universe’s developing facilities.”

“When there is a will, there is a way.”

“When there is a will, there is a way?” Lu Xi raised his eyebrows as he pursed his lips
in a light chuckle, “what way? What does it look like?”

“Lu Xi……”

“In the main universe, the sole person that she has any lingering attachments with
is no longer in the world of the living. As for me, I don’t have any attachments
anymore. What point is there in our return? Most importantly……” Lu Xi lightly
sighed as his smile became rather pained, “Xiao Qi, with you turning back time, she
won’t have any memories of this place. To do this once more, especially in the
main universe, I have no confidence that I can make her fall in love with me.”

“Before seeing《Sunflower》, I had no confidence. Now, after seeing it, more than
ever, do I not have the confidence to believe that I could.”

“Perhaps I would become her most important person but after all is said and done,
she would not be in love with me. For a person to go from rags to riches, it is easy.
But from someone to go from extravagance to thriftiness, it is hard. As far as I am
concerned, the me who has already experienced the taste of love right here, how
could I possibly be satisfied with just companionship?”

“Let’s just let things remain like this. Here, we can be husband and wife; lovers.” Lu
Xi drooped his gaze down as a faint curve of a smile was on his thin lips, “we will
always be together until this universe has traversed its time until its uninhabited
limits.”

In that conscious spacetime, all was silent for a long while.

“Is this what you have truly decided upon?”

“I have.”

“Any chance for you to change your mind?”

“None at all.”

A long sigh sounded through the air.

“With one billion accumulated points to exchange for one wish, what do you
want?” Xiao QI lightly asked, “you know the rules.”

“One billion points. I want to exchange it for a joyful, safe and sound life for her,
without worries or illnesses.”

“You…… There is still the last bit of accumulated points left, do you want to
convert it for anything?”

Concluding this final transaction, Lu Xi looked at the little fellow before him that he
had associated with for hundreds of years and lightly laughed.

“Xiao Qi, you will definitely meet a better host than me.”

Xiao Qi blinked and stared at him for a long while. Finally, he could not help but
rush towards Lu Xi in an embrace and with an open jaw, he bit him on his arm.

“Goodbye.”

“Perhaps…… I would never meet another host that would be as abnormal as you
again.” From some distant unknown area, that young and tender voice had rung
out.

“Also, I wish you both happiness.”

Chapter 52

As expected, just like what Gege had said, Madam Lu seemed to really like her?

In the depths of her heart, she was a little moved. While on the surface, Su Jin had
shown a lovable smile towards this unfamiliar noble madam before her.

Truthfully, if one needed to describe their relationship, she was not entirely
unfamiliar with her. Lu Xi’s mother was known as Dong Xue and her father was a
reputed calligrapher in Beijing. He had been extremely doting towards this sole
daughter of his and as for her, Dong Xue and Lu Boan; they had both known each
other since they were young. They were a couple who were innocent childhood
friends/playmates who had become sweethearts and after their marriage, their
feelings for each other had deepened greatly. She had swiftly recalled all this
information from the recesses of her brain in a flash and Su Jin looked upon this
lady before her. Although she had already passed her own golden jubilee years[1],
yet in her appearance, she was as childlike and innocent a woman as before.
Seeing this, Su Jin felt a slight wisp of envy towards her.
[1] 天命之年
(tiān mìng zhī nián) – This refers to 50 years, it comes from the phrase, ‘when you are fifty, one knows the heaven’s will’ by The Analects of Confucius: Serving as Politic
Articles. It explains that when one reaches fifty years old, or their golden jubilee years, one would know the difficulties between ideals and reality. Therefore, when one does something, they would no
longer stubbornly pursue something to bear fruit. It is explained as one would still remain dedicated to forget one’s meals and to be so happy to overlook one’s worries, but what changed for a person
was that they would be indifferent about achieving a great reputation or disgrace through their years of legacy.

It could be assumed that Uncle Lu was truly very in love with her so that she could
remain, unchanged even for a day, as innocent as a child for several decades. All so
she would have a sincere heart like a pure and innocent babe that had never been
polluted by the dust and tar of the world.

“Good child, may I call you Xiao Jin?” Seeing this rather pure and slim girl before
her, when Dong Xue recalled how this young girl had kept vigil over the hospital
bed of her own family’s son, the measure of her good opinion of this girl could not
help but slowly rise.

“Of course you can.” Her lips curled into a smile and when she raised her gaze to
look at Dong Han’s peach blossom eyes that were alight with smiles; all of a
sudden, Su Jin had actually been slightly dazzled by the view.
Speaking of which, these two young masters of the Lu Family: the older who
resembled the father, Lu Jing was fresh, elegant, grave and stern while the second
brother, Lu Xi resembled his mother’s refined looks; he had some hints of manly
grace and handsomeness. Especially with those pair of peach blossom eyes, it was
extremely similar to his mother’s.

As for men, peach blossom eyes mostly appeared distinguished, romantic and
passionate. When that very feature was on women, it could be described in two
words, lovely and charming.

Although Dong Xue’s golden jubilee years had already passed, still her life was
happy and she had maintained her body suitably well. Moreover, with her born and
bred temperament that she had since she was young- at this moment while she
may have some faint wrinkles, still, that could not conceal the liveliness and
charmingness in those pair of eyes. Now, with her heartfelt favourable impression
towards Su Jin, there was a smile in the well of her eyes that bore more
resemblance to Lu Xi’s.

“You must have been tired after taking care of Xiao Tuan during these past few
days, right? Look, you’ve lost some weight.” Dong Xue drew Su Jin’s hand towards
herself while there were some distress and pampering in her tone.
Xiao Tuan?

Su Jin blinked her eyes and a trace of laughter could be seen in those beautiful
phoenix eyes.

Xiao Tuan = Lu Xi?

Su Chenghai and Han Meng had shared a glance and the both of them were
somewhat helpless over how Dong Xue had intimately and warm-heartedly pulled
Su Jin to face her to talk. It was as if…… Su Jin was their daughter, right? Was this
her stealing their lines?

Still, despite their grudging helplessness, seeing their own family’s daughter
getting along intimately with her future mother-in-law, the two people now felt
rather at ease. At the very least, when she would marry into their family later, it
seemed that they need not worry about that little girl being taken advantage of.
On the other hand, Dong Xue had already introduced the other two men in the Lu
Family to Su Jin.

When a bunch of people had entered the patient’s room, on the contrary, Lu Xi was
not surprised by his parents’ presence and only questioned with a raised eyebrow
when he saw Lu Jin, “Ge, wasn’t I only in a coma for five days, why are you still
here? Has Yan He not called you thrice a day to urge you back?”

Yan He was Lu Jing’s special assistant and had followed Lu Jing for close to ten
years. No matter if it was in capability or in position, despite his role still remaining
as a special assistant, he was not lacking in comparison to the vice-chairman.

Hearing this, Lu Jing’s cold face gradually warmed as a shallow smile surfaced.

“You had been in a coma all this while, how could I be at ease to return.”

Unlike Lu Xi’s deep, elegant and low voice, his voice was like that appearance of
his; it had been more cool and cold.

The eldest young master of the Lu Family’s personality was cold and cool and Su
Jin blinked as she saw that slight curl at the edge of his lips and that pair of eyes of
Lu Jing’s that were filled with gentleness. In the depths of her mind, two large
words suddenly appeared.

Brother complex.

Hearing this, Lu Xi laughed and greeted everyone present.

“Lu Xi.” Standing by the bedside, Su Chenghai saw that the complexion on the man
in the bed had finally regained some colour as he spoke, “this time, I have to thank
you.”

Without even saying why he gave his thanks, everyone was well aware of why he
did so.
In such a car accident, for Su Jin who had been sitting in the front passenger seat to
be entirely unharmed, all that could be credited to or rather, be blamed on this
man who had given his life to try and protect them both.

Speaking of this, even the three Lu family members had looked over to them.

Most of all, it was Dong Xue who paid most heed to this as she was the one who
clearly understood what both of her sons were like. Although her eldest son had a
cool and cold personality, he still had a childhood friend, Xiao Ya, who was beside
him. The bystander was most clear; the two people would sooner or later have
their relationship come to fruition. Although she had always pressed him, still she
was not too worried either.

The one who made her worried the most was her youngest son. Although on the
surface, Lu Xi seemed gentle, the truth was that he was fundamentally arrogant
and indifferent. Granted he was now in the peak of his adolescence[2], however, she
had never seen him particularly friendly with any young lady. Therefore, when the
old father Lu had initially brought up this arranged betrothal of the minors
between these two families, she had used the excuse of not being able to break
apart Lu Jing and Xiao Ya’s fated and predestined marriage to push this
engagement to her little son. She had no intentions of forcing him and had merely
asked him to have a gander. After which, once the two people had interacted for a
while, if there was truly no affinity or affection between them they would then let
this matter pass. Yet she did not expect that her own family’s son would actually
fall headfirst into love’s web and for this future wife of his, he would even give up
his own life. That is, it was great that this mother-in-law of hers was
broadminded and had also been longing for a daughter-in-law for so many years
now; otherwise, if this was someone else, who knows how much they would have
made this daughter-in-law of theirs suffer then.
[2] 青春萌动
(qīng chūn méng dòng) – This refers to the peak of adolescence where one is finally interested in the opposite sex (or in the act itself) or is at the point of realizing one’s
sexuality and interests/preferences to the attractive traits of their lover/partner.

“Uncle Su.” Lu Xi leaned against the divan of the bed, showing with a slight curl on
his lips, a slight and faint smile, “this was what I should have done.”
To have said this in front of her parents, this comment of his was not too excessive.
It was even said in a very restrained manner; yet for some reason, under the
exposure of everyone’s attentive gazes, Su Jin had actually flushed.

“Ge, are you returning to Beijing tomorrow?” Lu Xi raised his gaze to ask.

“En,” Lu Jin nodded, “at the company’s end, if I push Yan He any further, he would
come over to murder me already.”

“Then what about you, Mom and Dad?”

“We……” Lu Boan had just begun to speak when his sleeve had been pulled by his
wife. He stopped and then looked towards his family’s wife.

“Lately, both Boan and I don’t have anything we have to hurry for and since we’ve
already come to Shenhai, then why don’t we organise an engagement ceremony
for the two children?” Dong Xue suggested this while looking towards Su Chenghai
and Han Meng with a rather inquiring intent on her gaze.

Engagement ceremony?

The eyes of everyone present shone.

Su Chenghai and Han Meng’s eyes met for a moment; as a couple for so many
years, naturally, they could understand the meaning within each other’s eyes.

“That’s good too.” Su Chenghai nodded and chuckled, “although we have a

marriage contract between our two families, yet we still have not prepared a
proper engagement ceremony. What do you feel about it?”

This last phrase was posed to ask the two direct parties involved.

Su Jin blinked and the flush in her cheeks from before had yet to subside as she
heard this question. With that, she could only face the gazes of everyone present
with a nod.
Naturally, Lu Xi could possibly have no objections or complaints to that matter.
Although he could hardly wait for that engagement to become a marriage
immediately, still his young lady had yet to graduate from university so he too did
not expect that his father-in-law would agree to that notion of his.

“Alright, it’s decided then.” With a smile on her face, Dong Xue clapped her hands
in delight as she pulled Han Meng and continued, “come, come, come, Meng Meng,
we need to look into deciding the day.”

——————

Due to Lu Xi’s presently ill state, after consulting the doctor’s opinion, the two
families had talked over and set the date of the engagement ceremony to be on the
15th of February. It was the final day of Valentine’s Day, which was coincidentally
on the 23rd of the 12th month in the lunar calendar. It was also on a date that was a
week before Chinese New Year. Moreover, it was also the day when Sheng Ming
Corporation began it’s New Year holidays.

Su Jin sat by Lu Xi’s bedside with her back facing the window. As the backlighting
from the light golden rays of sunset filtered in through the window and fell upon
her body, she lowered her head slightly. Her facial features were a little fuzzy and
only revealed a dim silhouette.

“Jin’er.” Seeing the movement in the girl’s hands stopping, Lu Xi called out.

“Hm?” Su Jin raised her eyes as she looked at him.

In those limpid and glittering phoenix eyes, one could clearly see his reflection
reflected in those pitch-black pupils of hers.

That gaze was too concentrated on him that unexpectedly, Lu Xi had somewhat
become absent-minded.

“Lu Xi?” Discontentedly, Su Jin pouted as she called out once more.
Lu Xi snapped back to his senses and received the apple and fruit knife from Su Jin,
then while pulling out a piece of tissue paper to help her clean her fingers, he also
asked, “what sort of formal attire do you like? Chinese or Western-style?”

Su Jin stared blankly before she asked in reply, “has there ever been anyone who
wore Chinese-style formal clothes to be engaged in?”

“Why not?” Lu Xi kneaded the lass’ soft little hand in his as his lips curled, “the
wedding is ours, who cares how others’ formal wear is supposed to be like?”

With a click of his tongue, he had said this.

Su Jin pounced on one of the crucial points in that sentence with a slight raise of an
eyebrow, “wedding?”

The girl’s phoenix eyes were lightly stirred with glimmering waves of emotions in
them that even a teasing gaze of hers could bring out her absolute loveliness.

“Ahem.” Lu Xi lightly coughed and shifted his gaze away from hers as he spoke, “it
was a slip of the tongue.”

A slip of the tongue?

Su Jin shot him a glance and hid the laughter in her eyes.

What slip of the tongue, it was just this man who could barely wait to get married
right away right?

“Jin’er, how about I design our formal wear?” Looking at the expression of his
family’s young lady, Lu Xi swiftly changed topics.

“You?” As expected, Su Jin had been easily swept away from it and yet as she heard
this, she was somewhat doubtful, “you can design clothes?”

“Is this you looking down on me?” Lu Xi raised a brow too, “do you still remember
that hanfu I gave you the last time?”
“Of course.” Su Jin nodded and instantly reacted, “you?”

Those were the exact same words, yet it was a completely different tone each time.

Without a comment, Lu Xi simply nodded.

“But……” Su Jin tilted her head as she gave him a measuring glance, “originally,
hanfus do have a preset pattern.”

“That was designed by me too!” Lu Xi was so upset and bitter. Still, he reached out
to pat the young lady’s head, “come on, why don’t you tell me what sort of design
you like.”

“Then,” Su Jin rolled her eyes, “what if I like both styles?”

Liked both Western and Chinese styles?

At first, Lu Xi was flabbergasted. Then, he finally came to his senses. This girl; was
this her not trusting in his skills so she had decided to have him have a feel for what
might have seemed difficult and then retreat to avoid being defeated?

Was this not just a fusion of the two styles? Did she think that his thousand years
and more of living were for naught?

Still……

“Hm, it’s a little difficult, but I will do my best.” He blinked, “seeing that I will be
putting in so much effort, so even if it’s no good, Jin’er would still wear it right?”

Fixated, those beautiful peach blossom eyes stared at the girl before him and as he
raised his jaw towards the bandaged leg of his, the depths of his eyes were filled
with laughter.

This was him asking for something in return for the good favour he had done right?
Isn’t that so?
Su Jin sighed and looked at the person before her, no matter what she could not
even utter the word no.

Forget it, since both of them were going to wear it, then it was no matter if both of
them seemed embarrassing!

Holding onto the notion of facing death with equanimity, Su Jin gritted her teeth
with a nod.
Chapter 53

For this school term, Su Jin’s course ended at the start of December. After their
elders had determined the date for the engagement ceremony, these same elders
used the excuse of preparing for it to leave the hospital together and leaving
behind the young sweethearts, Su Jin and Lu Xi.

For now, Su Jin gritted her teeth and nodded, this matter of the formal wear could
be decided later. For a moment, all was silent in the hospital room.

Half leaning against the headboard of the bed, Lu Xi looked at the young lady
before him. Seeing that look of hers as if she was resigning peacefully to her death,
he could not help but curl up his lips. Yet, in the depths of his heart, a burst of
warmth welled up.

“Come here.” With a slightly hoarse voice, he shot a wave to her.

Considering how that certain someone was immobile, despite her misgivings, Su
Jin still complied and stood up. She then came closer to Lu Xi.

“What’s wrong?” She seemed to have thought of something as her complexion

reddened slightly. Covertly, she took a glance towards the direction of the toilet.

Could it be that he wanted to go to the toilet? It was not very convenient on one
leg……
That move of hers was not exactly stealthy so naturally, Lu Xi had noticed it too.
This little girl, she truly had a rich imagination. Raising an eyebrow, he did not pay
heed to this glance and simply patted the bedside ledge beside him. He spoke,
“sit.”

“Eh?” Su Jin was surprised then as she reacted, she swiftly pushed aside those
disorderly and chaotic thoughts in her heart. Following suit to the direction where
Lu Xi pointed, she sat down.

“To have me sit here……”

Without even finishing her sentence, she was stopped.

A pair of big hands grasped her palm. Su Jin, who had not guarded against this
action, found her body leaning to the side from just that small amount of strength
from that pair of hands. Her body leaning so much so that she swiftly fell in the
direction of that force, right into a familiar embrace.

Sensing his intentions, Su Jin did not struggle either and clearly relaxed her body
as she curled up in his arms.

With that warm body half leaning against his chest, that familiar scent of her hair
lingered at the tip of his nose. Lu Xi took a deep breath as his arms, that was
wrapping the girl in his arms, tightened. In his heart, the joy that he felt seemed to
want to burst at its seams.

On this day, so many things had happened.

When the very sentence that he had been yearning for even in his dreams was
finally spoken from her lips, even if it came as no surprise, he was still nearly
drowned by that immense joy.

After Xiao Qi completed the final transaction between them and left, the elders
then had arrived once he woke up. So, he could only suppress this joy deep down
inside.

When the elders deliberately left them alone, he had feigned a semblance of
normalcy as he discussed with her the subject of their formal wear.

After a thousand years of a long-cherished wish and unyielding pursuit, he had

obtained so much in one morning. After the feeling of endless heartfelt elation,
there followed an abundance of complex thoughts that surfaced in his mind one by
one. Yet, it wasn’t until this very moment, when his surging emotions had finally
calmed down, did he dare to pull her into his embrace.

“Jin’er.”
He lowered his head slightly as he spoke by the edge of her ear.

“Hm?” Su Jin raised her gaze.

“Jin’er.” As his eyes met her beautiful phoenix eyes, he could not help but call out.

“En.”

“Jin’er.”

“En.”

“Jin’er.”

“En.”

“Jin’er.”

……

After a short while, Su Jin rolled her eyes as she arched an eyebrow, “are you done
yet?”

This young lady was half reclining in his embrace as she raised her head to look at
him. Despite the look of impatience on her face, still, her eyes were entirely filled
with laughter.

He softly laughed and those alluring peach blossom eyes curved faintly. All the
while, one hand was curled around the slender waist of the person in his embrace
while the other hand lightly stroked her cheek.

As those slender and long fingertips softly brushed across her eyebrow, her eyes,
the bridge of her nose, and her dark red pair lips, finally, they lingered on the crow-
black tresses at her temple. In those bright and clear irises, one could clearly see
the reflection of her figure.
“You are mine.” He suddenly said, his voice low and deep yet elegant, “these eyes
are mine, your nose is mine, these lips are mine. All of you belongs to me.”

Su Jin was slightly stunned and suddenly recalled him saying this before after they
had met Zhao Wenze in the elevator.

These eyes are mine, your nose is mine, these lips are mine. All of you belongs to me.
It was undoubtedly a phrase said in a childish manner, yet when this man said it so
earnestly, it made one incapable of ignoring it.

Trickle by trickle, the emotions in her heart swelled and stirred.

The exact same phrase but when she had last heard it, although she had been
surprised by this visible sign of possessiveness and desire, nevertheless, it seemed
funny to her. Therefore, at that time, she was able to let slip an indiscreet remark
and tease him by asking his age. Yet, as she heard this same phrase by her ears,
now there was a different sort of feeling.

What swelled up in the depths of her heart was a flowing warmth: there was joy,
anticipation and even more…… a scorching heat that was similar to his.

He had used the most unexpected and also the most decisive method to break her
tortoiseshell and had completely liberated those feelings of love and attachment
that she had deeply hidden the depths of her heart.
One never knows when love begins, yet that spark continues to eternity.

Thinking only this far, all of a sudden, she smiled ever so sweetly.

That fair hand moved to a similar position, stroking the cheek of the person before
her. Little by little, her fingertips began to brush down from his eyebrows.

“I am not yours.” She lightly shook her head and without waiting for his response,
she continued, “you are mine.”
“Here.” Her fingertips brushed from the middle of his forehead downwards to the
edge of his eyes then slid to one cheek and fell on the curl of those tightly pursed
lips. “Here, here, all these are mine alone.”

The girl rested in the crook of his arms and what one could see were lightly
fluttering long lashes and dark red petal lips showing a trace of a smile that
revealed small peeks of her pearly white teeth. Her long and narrow phoenix eyes
were slightly raised, and in the clarity of those irises, was the reflection of gleaming
waves of light. Her look was clear and charming as if crafted by the heavens.
Furthermore, the expression on her face was both earnest yet unrestrained.

Truly beautiful.

Lu Xi’s thin lips curled slightly and along with his words, those warm lips landed
softly on her forehead.

“Alright, I am yours.”

The smile at the edge of her lips deepened.

As her arm moved slowly down his neck, she immediately wrapped it around the
person before her in a close embrace as her head tilted up slightly. Seizing the
opportunity, Lu Xi then lowered his head as those thin lips tenderly yet firmly
landed on the girl‘s red lips.

Those pair of lips met in an affectionate caress.

It had nothing to do with lust but was filled with heartfelt affection and tenderness.

While the numerous disturbing, confusing and complex thoughts had been, at first,
suppressed; all of a sudden, they dissipated without a trace. All the scheming, the
struggles, and the vicious and ruthless tendencies., The merits and teaching of
civility, all the honour and glory in the world that he had once held in his palm-
everything gradually became fuzzy in his memory.

A millennium of time, it seemed like a dream.

Now, he had finally become content: his wish had been fulfilled.

Tightening his arm a little, Lu Xi’s lashes slowly moved as he opened his eyes and
saw the flushed-red expression of the girl before him.

Seeing the smile in the depths of his eyes, the courage that Su Jin had just had to
proactively bring her lips close to his had swiftly disappeared without a trace.
Trying hard to maintain her composure amidst meeting his gaze, she finally could
not help but let out a sound of feigned and coquettish anger as she shrunk back
into his embrace.

Although the red flush on her face had yet to dissipate, that had brought out a
sweet smile for her.

First kiss.

That was the first kiss for both of her lifetimes.

She had only known him for half a year and it was only in these recent months that
their relationship had gradually become close and intimate.

He would hug her, and also, lovingly and dotingly kiss her forehead and eyes. Yet,
in the past, he had never actually kissed her (on the lips).

Was it due to fear of her rejection or was it due to fear of her disliking it?

Speaking of which, he had an extremely good grasp of what he should have been
doing (appropriate behaviour when interacting with her). Although he had never
concealed his thoughts in front of her, still without receiving her consent, he
had never done anything too overly intimate either.
Therefore, even if she had once been suspicious of him and had even been afraid of
the excessively fiery affections that she had seen in his eyes, she had not had the
slightest thought to hate him.

“Jin’er.”
His voice was slightly hoarse and low like a sigh. The end tone of his words had
quietly dissipated into the wind.

Yet after all those thousands of thoughts and feelings came together, warmth
finally filled his eyes.

Su Jin had abruptly stilled the finger that had been playing with her long tresses as
the depths of her heart could not help but soften and a sweet warmth pervaded her
heart.

It was as if…… it was more alluring and captivating than the light pink rabbit-
shaped cotton candy that they had seen that day.

――――――――

In the southern area of Shenhai, the climate had always been mild. Even if it was
winter, the various trees planted in the small flower garden of the hospital were as
verdant as before. Occasionally, there were some leaves that fell but what
remained were the bare tree branches where new buds of greenery were beginning
to appear.

Over the next few days, it had been cloudy and after a spell of a moderate snowfall,
the weather was finally fine again. As the sun hung in the sky, the sunlight that fell
upon the earth was a rare warmth.

Pushing Lu Xi, who was sitting in a wheelchair, Su Jin walked along the little, clean
and even pathway in the garden. Looking around at the thin layer of snow all
around them, a little disappointed, she let out a sigh.

“What’s wrong?” Hearing the voice from behind, Lu Xi asked.

“The snow here will become slush soon.” Su Jin shook her head, “truly big snow
would flutter and swirl in the air; the silvery-white winter wonderland made with
blankets of snow cannot be seen here.”
In her past life, she had been born in the north. Therefore, later when she started
working, she had chosen that small Southern county town because she liked that
little, delicate and beautiful flowing bridge with a flowing stream. In this life, she
had been born in Shenhai city, yet her mind still kept remembering the majestic
North where it was uninhibited and dignified.

“Want to see a heavy snowfall?” Hearing this, Lu Xi arched an eyebrow and with a
shift of his gaze, he suggested, “then why don’t you return with me to Beijing to
celebrate the New Year[1]?”
[1] 过年
(guò nián) – Whenever a character usually refers to celebrating the New Year with their friends, loved ones and family, it means the Chinese or Lunar New Year that usually happens
just before spring begins.

“Beijing?”

“That’s right.” Lu Xi chuckled, “Beijing is the ancient capital of six dynasties (220-
589), not to mention the Imperial Palace; one can bear witness to the rise and fall,
the prosperity and decline of several reigns of the Emperor and its empire. No
matter if it was the scenery or the local conditions and customs, all of it is starkly
different from Shenhai.

“En……” Pondering a little more, he then added, “If the South could be considered
delicate and beautiful, then the North-”

“Can be considered majestic, uninhibited and dignified.”

Hearing this description, Su Jin was startled and could not help but laugh aloud.

Could this be considered as their hearts having mutual telepathy and sensitivity?

“How about it?” As he heard her laugh, Lu Xi turned back and looked, “will you go?”

Those peach blossom eyes of the man were filled with a surplus of smiles and his
face was constantly gentle as well. Those five senses of his that he had inherited
from his mother were refined and due to the presence of sharp angles to his
features, it made his clear and handsome looks more apparent. With such a smile,
under the rarely-seen sunlight of a wintery day, it made him seem even more
striking[2].
[2] 丰神如玉
(fēng shén rú yù) – The general meaning of this expression likens a person to have a charming appearance that was handsome and bright; with a face that was like fine jade, an
overall disposition that made one appear attractive and intelligent, a bearing that is endlessly distinguished and accomplished. Therefore it was just like a silver jade plant embracing the wind, it made
one unable to overlook nor forget it.

It was a rare occurrence when Su Jin was not dazzled by his face and staunchly
shook her head.

“Not going.”

With a click of his tongue, the look on Lu Xi’s face fell as he revealed a wounded
expression and pointed to his leg, “are you this heartless?”
Noticing how he had already removed the plaster case and most of the bandages,
his leg was only lacking some splints to set it in place; Su Jin gave him a glance and
lightly snorted.

It was not even a month, yet this fellow, who had tried to seek favour after doing a
good deed, had feigned a pitiful mien endlessly. Who knew how many times he had
done so to get her to do things for him.

When Mother had sent over some stewed bone soup, she had ladled out some and
held it in front of him. Yet this just-about three-year-old fellow, he had actually
asked her to feed him. If she refused, then he would not say anything and simply
widened his pair of peach blossom eyes while looking at her. Occasionally, he
would peer at his injured leg and this caused her to stiffen and be unable to
suppress the guilt in her heart. Thus, in the end, it went as he wished.

However, just this once alone had caused her to feel as if she was on the brink of
death.

“My opinion is not important.” Su Jin shrugged and showed Lu Xi a smiling face.

“Most importantly, my dad, mom and brother would not agree to this.”

Inclining his head to the side as he looked at the charming and beautiful smile of
the girl behind him, he then remembered his future parents-in-law and adding on
to that, his brother-in-law. Finally, he gave a deep sigh as he abandoned this
alluring notion.
In the gentle sunlight, during the two people’s rambling, they had walked towards
the side of a stone table.

At eleven in the morning, if this was in the summer, then it would definitely be the
hottest time of the day. However, in such fine wintery weather, it was the most
comfortable period of the day.

Sitting on the wheelchair, Lu Xi had just been playing the latter half of the recently
completed edited copies of the television drama. With a slight turn of his head, he
saw his family’s young lady, who was dressed in a pastel pink coat, leaning against
the warm stone table that had been shone on by the sun and had fallen asleep.

As the sunlight mischievously fell on the exposed half of her face, one could clearly
see the fine hairs of her cheeks.

Lu Xi could not help but express a smile as he reached a hand out to touch her
cheek to have a feel of her temperature. Then, he took the thin blanket draped on
his knees and put it over her shoulders.

At a spot not too far away, Su Yue stood at the edge of that little path. As he looked
at the pair of lovers on the lawn, no small amount of a contented gaze flashed
through his eyes.
Chapter 54

15th February.
Lu Xi had already been discharged from the hospital for quite some time already
and the latter half of the production period for《Sunflower》had already been
completed. The negotiations with the broadcasting station had already been
finished as well and they were prepared to begin broadcasting after the New Year.
As the person who was credited as the original author and also part-screenwriter,
Su Jin had her wish fulfilled as she completely watched the entire drama once.
Moreover, she had expressed great satisfaction with the adaptation.

Only, no matter how she coaxed or pestered and she had even tried seduction
tactics too, even with all of this: she had not been able to retrieve a gander on the
design draft from Director Lu (who had always been docile and obedient towards
her) on their formal wear.

“He had said he wanted to give me a surprise,” Availing herself of the chance while
the makeup artist turned around, Su Jin sighed in lament towards Lin Xiyue, “as
long as it isn’t something terrifying, then that would be great.”

The engagement ceremony was in the evening and right now, it is currently just
past noon. However, as the main star for today’s event, Su Jin had already begun
to put on makeup now.

“It’s not as bad as you think, right?” Curling her lip into a laugh, Lin Xiyue
continued, “Elder brother-in-law does not appear to be that sort of unreliable
person.”

“Tut.” Su Jin’s phoenix eyes blinked as she scoffed. Due to her being in the process
of being adorned with makeup, her face strained to make no movement and she
had only spoken in a murmur, “when an earnest person does something unreliable,
it would be even more unreasonable.”
Hearing Su Jin’s mutter, Lin Xiyue could not help her laughter and hurriedly
swallowed down the fruit juice in her mouth as she lightly coughed twice while
soothing herself.
“Miss Su, when will your formal wear be arriving?” The makeup artist asked
politely, “because the makeup must match the formal attire, I can only prepare the
base right now.”

As they were saying this, the door of the room was knocked on.

Lin Xiyue got up and walked towards the door and opened it.

“Elder brother-in-law?” As she saw the gift box in the man’s hands, she spun
around and yelled, “Jie, Brother-in-law has sent the formal wear over now!”

“Xiyue, could you bring those things in and have him go to the room next door.” Su
Jin replied to her.

“Brother-in-law, give it to me then. Gege is waiting in the room next door for you.”
Hearing this, Lin Xiyue calmly extended her hands.

“I’ll be troubling you then.” Lu Xi smiled and then passed the dark blue gift box that
was in his hands over to Lin Xiyue as he turned around to go to the neighbouring
room.

Who knew how both families’ elders had reached a common consensus, however,
they had made the decision that on the very day of the engagement ceremony;
before the ceremony is held, both of them could not meet each other. One heard
that this was a suggestion by Madam Lu and she had even used a genteelism,
saying that this was to let them experience what it would be like prior to their
marriage ceremony……

Thinking of all these circumstances, as he was walking towards the neighbouring

room the expression on Lu Xi’s face had darkened. What ridiculous notion was this
to experience how it felt like before they get married? If you had the capability,
Mom, then why don’t you just straightforwardly propose for a marriage between
the two families!
Without mentioning Lu Xi’s thoughts about the matter, Su Jin was actually quite
satisfied with this rule. After all, women would dress themselves up for the sake of
their loved ones[1], especially on this sort of big day like an engagement soiree, if the
formal wear he designed was too…… In any case, she would still have some time
to conceal a few flaws, right?
[1] 女为悦己者容
(nǚ wèi yuè jǐ zhě róng) – A two-part sentence depicting about males and females, it is written by a famous writer from olden China, Sima Qian who was the Han
Dynasty historian and also known as the father of Chinese historiography.
Here, this phrase has five different meanings and explanations: (1)Girls or women, in general, would dress, groom and make themselves up for the person they like (the object of their happiness), (2)
Girls would meticulously dress themselves up for the person who likes them, (3) Girls would please themselves by meticulously making themselves up for their own pleasure, (4) Because of love, girls
would look radiant and glowing, lastly, (5) Girls are accepted (with all their flaws and strengths) by the person in love with them. The phrase becomes complex due to the wide scope of its meaning,
whether the girl/woman in question is passively receiving or also actively expressing their initiative for the sake of their loved ones.

However, this thought of hers had immediately vanished into thin air the very
second she opened that embroidered box.

Deep and light colours of red and gold, they had interwoven to create an
exceptionally beautiful hue.

The neckline of the long skirt was reminiscent to the hanfu’s v-shaped collar with
the intersecting layering of fabric at the neck. At the hems of both sides of the
collar, the fine golden thread had skirted along the edges to sketch a picture of a
phoenix pattern. The lower half of the dress was made with layers of cerise
coloured organza and based on the length of the dress, it probably reached her
ankles. In addition to that, at the waist area, it was matched with a two fingers
width (about 4 to 5 cm) of golden tassel belt. In contrast, on both arms of the dress
were lantern sleeves that were made of organza that is the same cerise colour as
the skirt and at its sewn stitches on each shoulder line, the sleeves were matched
with small, exquisite golden bows.

Red and gold.

Su Jin was stunned, that fellow- did he think that she was suited in wearing and
that such a colour scheme matched her?

“How beautiful!”

In a chorus, both Lin Xiyue and the makeup artist cried out in surprise.

“Jie, was this truly designed by brother-in-law?” Lin Xiyue’s limpid eyes blinked as
she asked with astonishment.
Her field of speciality was jewellery design, although it was dissimilar to clothing
design- as a related design field, there would always be some areas that were
universally common.
For example, talent and most foundational knowledge.

At first, when she had heard Su Jin mention that Lu Xi would prepare formal wear
that he had personally designed, she had thought that he would design a piece that
would generally be catered for the masses or of the popular trend. After all, there
were many styles that could be drawn on from other’s experiences or by observing
others- so this was relatively easier to do. She had not thought that he would bring
out such a work of art.

“Has he taken a clothing design course before?”

“I don’t know.” Su Jin shook her head and then nodded as she continued, “this was
his design. Do you remember that hanfu I wore the last time when I was performing
the qin during the graduation ceremony?”

Hanfu?

Lin Xiyue rapidly nodded. That very day, Su Jin’s beauty surpassed all the other
flowers around her; that vermillion coloured crossed collar hanfu, naturally, she
remembered it.

“That came from his hands.”

Su Jin said this while smiling.

Lin Xiyue was slightly startled and as she carefully scrutinised this formal wear
before her, she nodded with clarity and understanding.

The dim light of the night quietly approached.

Lin Xiyue and Su Yue had long since changed into their clothes so they went to the
first floor to greet the guests.

The engagement celebration/ceremony was done accordingly to the requests of

the two main leads of the night; it was not of a large scale and therefore, the people
invited had all been just close relatives, family, and friends.
Due to the agreement and decision of both families to have the engagement in
Shenhai and to have the wedding in Beijing, the relatives and friends from the Lu
family were not invited.

At this moment in the hall, the three influential families of Shenhai City were
closely interrelated like the branches of a tree and were all there in support. Thus,
for the eldest young lady of the Su family’s engagement party, as her maternal
family, the Han family were naturally present too. Although Ming Xuan and Su Yue’s
conjugal affairs did not work out, both families did have a good relationship and
thus were evidently, invited too.

The remaining guests were mostly families that had been invited to maintain a
mutually beneficial relationship; so it could even be said that all these people who
were invited into this large hall could be counted on the fingers of one’s two hands.

The two heads of the Lu family had always been present and during the afternoon,
Lu Jing had even rushed down. As for Elder Lu, although he had been wanting to
first meet his future granddaughter in law ahead of time, his body really could not
bear such travels. Thus, he had not rushed over to Shenhai and could only entrust
Lu Jing with a gift to bring over.

The remaining invitees were Su Jin and Lu Xi’s friends.

The people that were close with Su Jin were few: the three roommates from her
university, Fu Yanzhou and also, Mu Qing whom she had bonded with during the
production.

In Shenhai, Lu Xi did not have anyone who he was familiar with, thus, the person
that he had invited was just Qin An, who had followed him over to Shenhai.

In total, the people who attended this engagement banquet was no more than
about twenty people. Standing in the rather large living room for an evening
banquet, it seemed somewhat spacious and empty. However, since all of those
present were trustworthy and familiar faces- in comparison to those big wine
receptions, there was a more genuine, homely, and sincere flavour to it.
On the second floor, the two families had been stalling for time as they were
hosting the guests. Lu Xi, who had finally been released, sighed a breath of relief as
he knocked on Su Jin’s room door.

“The door isn’t locked, come in.”

Hearing the voice of his young lady, Lu Xi raised an eyebrow as he pushed the door
open and went in.

In the room, the makeup artist had long since completed their task and left. Lin
Xiyue had already gone downstairs too so the only one left in the room was Su Jin
as she sat on the chair before the dressing table. She was gingerly using a straw to
drink the water in her cup.

Hearing the sound of footsteps, she had turned her head to look at Lu Xi.

Taking large strides towards her, that pair of slender legs were bundled up in black
trousers, and on his upper body, it was rare to see that he had actually changed his
usual white dress shirt for a black one instead. As he got closer, Su Jin then realised
that the shirt had been made out of silk and on it, it had used black thread to
embroider an exquisite and discreet looking pattern of a dragon. From far, it wasn’t
visible and one could only see it clear when one was near him.

It was the matching pair to her phoenix pattern on her collar.

Red and black, it was the ultimate classic and complementary pair.

This man, she could not help but laugh.

Lu Xi was somewhat stunned at this.

On the girl’s figure, she was dressed in the long dress that he had personally
designed and that dazzling red and gold colour had interwoven into a gorgeous
hue and look.
Usually, red was too vibrant and gold was too magnificent and there were many
that loved these two colours. However, those who wore them beautifully were truly
too rare, if one was not too careful, the clothes would steal the limelight from the
person instead.

Yet, Su Jin was truly too suited for this sort of strong colours.

Blessed with an absolutely splendid appearance and supplementing that with the
flourishing hues of red and gold, they too could only become the foil to her
brilliance.

As Lu Xi thought this, he had stepped before her.

Her complexion was good so she did not have a strong foundation on. Similar to
the work of the makeup artist during the graduation ceremony, the makeup artist
this time, too, had just heavily emphasised on her eyes.

Her long, delicate, thick eyelashes were slightly curled and although the ends of
her eyes did not have the matching flower makeup for the hanfu drawn on the last
time, the makeup artist had adopted an original approach in using a dark red tint.
At the corner of her eyes, the eyeliner had been lengthened and slightly curled.
Perhaps it was to contrast with the gold colour as well, the manner of how her
eyeliner had been outlined made it even more dignified and lofty.

As the bright light fell on her, with the slight raise of her head and the slight curl on
the edge of her lips, her smiling face was like a flower. Layer upon layer of gleaming
speckles of light in her eyes, what one saw was not a dignified nor lofty bearing.
What remained was an extremely beautiful and delicately gorgeous appearance.

In those clear eyes, one could vividly see his figure reflected and it was no longer
filled with her former indifference and guard against him. In exchange, what he saw
was a gaze filled with trust and reliance.

As if bewitched, Lu Xi had bent his waist.

As those thin lips were about to imprint itself on those pair of eyes, out of the blue,
there was a warm finger on its edge.
Lu Xi was startled.

“This makeup, it took me three whole hours to get done.”

Lovably, Su Jin had pouted and as she said this, she had held up three fingers to
wave in front of him.

Lu Xi stared at the slender fingers of the girl before him and resolutely frowned.

The last time during the graduation ceremony, because it was not his so he could
not have a bite. Now that she had already become his, why was it that he still could
not have a bite?
Chapter 55

From a distance, no more than a few centimetres away from her face, the man’s
enlarged face had frowned. With an unsatisfied mien on his face, Su Jin slightly
tilted her head back and dragged her stool a little further away. She then stood.

With the seat before him vacant, Lu Xi’s long eyebrows were slightly cached as he
straightened up and held his hand out towards Su Jin.

“Huh?” Tilting her head to a side, Su Jin was somewhat confused.

“Let’s go.” Lu Xi’s thin lips curled up a little as he expressed clear and bright
laughter in the depths of his eyes, “if we are here like this any longer, then I really
would not be able to resist.”

Resist what?

Su Jin was startled but this query of hers, she paused before asking it.

What would he not be able to resist?

In the guest seats at the banquet of the graduation evening party, the girl had been
engrossed with this phrase and flung her anger away to ask in curiosity.

Hearing this, the man chuckled lowly.

“I would not be able to resist and try to–” With a slight change of his facial
expression, his voice turned low, deep and elegant.

“–kiss you.”

Those alluring peach blossom eyes met with her phoenix eyes with deep laughter
in them.
As her thoughts churned in her mind, Su Jin’s face pinked; did she still need to ask
what he could not resist doing?

“Pervert.” Raising her eyes, she glared at him as she spun around in full intent to
leave the room.

Pervert?

The girl’s cheek had reddened a little and when those innately curled phoenix eyes
glared at him, they showed a gleaming reflection from within. As if it were a
refreshing puddle of clear water, her eyes were filled with light that was similar to
limpid ripples in a green lake.

With a raise of his eyebrows, Lu Xi’s hand that had stilled in thin air held onto the
girl’s arm. With a light use of strength, the girl had then been spun and fallen into
his embrace.

Unexpectedly caught off guard by a sneak attack from him, in a valiant effort to
maintain her balance, Su Jin’s arms had wrapped around the man’s neck. When
she recovered her senses once more, there was already a pair of arms curled
around her slender waist.

“Hey!” She reproved lowly while struggling a little; yet, she was hugged even
tighter and she had decidedly given up in trying to free herself. Raising her eyes to
look at the man before her, she blinked those phoenix eyes, “the party is about to
begin, we should go down.”

“Pervert?” Lu Xi did not pay heed to her urging and merely raised an eyebrow at her
as he bent his body over a little.

Su Jin’s height was not really low either and today, as she was wearing a pair of
high heels on her feet. With her being intimately taken into Lu Xi’s arms and
embrace, as he leaned his body forward that slightest bit, the tip of their noses
were practically in close and intimate contact.
Somewhat sluggishly blinking her eyes, Su Jin saw those familiar peach blossom
eyes abruptly looming before her; those eyelashes of his were long and thick and in
the depths of those eyes, a dense fog of laughter had little by little shone through.

“A harassment would be something a pervert does.” His sharp, straight nose softly
rub against hers as he curled his lips, “as for me, this is called–”

That warm breath fell upon her ears and when Su Jin had come back to her senses,
his lips had already turned to linger at her ears.

“–no longer being able to control my feelings.”

That warm and rich voice, it was like an old, excellent wine; with just the aroma of
the liquor alone, it could make one entirely enraptured and be unaware of the
passing of time.

The familiar aroma of that girl’s hair lingered at his nose.

As Lu Xi pressed his body over, his lips had gently fallen on the white jade-like
earlobe before him. He then withdrew himself as he stood upright.

The distinct breath of that warm touch had unexpectedly made Su Jin distracted as
she reached out to pinch her ear with a rather dumbstruck look on her face.

With such a lovably naive yet adorable look on this young girl, Lu Xi could not help
but burst into a smile as he reached out, wanting to pat her head. Only, he saw that
she had a complicated hairstyle and could only stall this thought. So, that raised
hand of his had then changed its focus as it tugged on the girl’s soft hand (which
had been pinching her earlobe). Once in his grasp, he interlocked his fingers with
hers; only with this, was he satisfied and remarked.

“This is interest.”

Interest? Could there also possibly be a principal amount?

Su Jin was stupefied and could help but reach out with her hand to rub against her
twitching temple.
This fellow, where was his pride?

“Let’s go, it’s about time already.” With a broad grin on Lu Xi’s face, he pulled onto
Su Jin’s hand as he walked out the door.

Holding hands, the two people walked down the staircase and in the wink of an
eye, the somewhat lively living room had strangely fallen silent.

The perfect pair.

A pearl and a fine jade. In this very instant, to the surprise of everyone present, they
could no longer think of any other fitting phrase for them.

Seeing the pair come down, Su Chenghai had waved a hand to them as he walked
towards the temporarily-built stage for this occasion.

Due to Shenhai being at his home grounds, this time the engagement party was
hosted by Su Chenghai.

“Firstly, I would like to thank everyone for coming today,” Su Chenghai said while
standing by the microphone, “everyone present today is all of my Su family’s kin
and kith. Since this is so, then I will not say any further.”

“Lu Xi, Xiao Jin,” he gave a beckoning hand to the two people just off stage, “come
on up.”

Curling a hand around Lu Xi’s arm, Su Jin walked up the stage and stood behind Su
Chenghai.

“These two at my side, one is my eldest daughter Su Jin and the other is Lu Xi from
Beijing’s Lu family.” He gestured to the two people behind him with a deeply
moved expression, “that year, my Father and Lu Family’s Elder were old friends
and had set a betrothal arrangement for our families’ younger generation. Before
Father had passed away, he had informed us of this matter. After discussing this
with Brother Lu[1] for a while, we had intended to have two of our children interact
with each other. If there was an affinity between them, then that would be in
accordance with the cherished desires of these two elders.”
[1] 世兄
(shì xiōng) – This is a deferential appellation of a peer from the same generation who usually has their elder family members being longtime good friends. However, this does not mean
that they would be as close as the Lu and Su grandfathers who are good friends all this time; it just means that Su Chenghai had discussed this matter with Lu Xi’s father in a cordial and amicable way,
rather than as strangers.

“Now that more than half a year has passed, although there was already a
betrothal arrangement, these two children do have some mutual interest in each
other. Still, such an arrangement would be considered illegitimately conferred[2],
therefore, Brother Lu has brought his family over. Through discussions between us,
our two children have planned this engagement party.”
[2] There are varying degrees of arranged marriages wherein Lu Xi and Su Jin’s could be considered as a consensual arranged endogamous marriage. It is one where a third party finds and selects the
bride and groom from a particular social, economic and cultural group. However, the keyword of note here is consensual means that both parties of the marriage have agreed to it. While during their
grandfather’s times (before the 1980s), a forced arranged marriage is legal and binding, now there is a 1980 Marriage Law in China that abolished the feudal marriage system, which included arranged
marriage, male superiority, and the disregard for the interests of children.

Due to Lu Xi’s identity, the matter of his hospitalization after the car accident was
something known only to the two families. Thus, it had not been spread out to the
public and today, they had used this engagement ceremony as a smokescreen
have a legitimate reason for the Lu family’s appearance here.

“Lu Xi.” Su Chenghai turned around and looked at them.

With an upright expression on Lu Xi’s face, he took a step forward as he bowed to

him slightly, “Uncle Lu.”

Su Chenghai nodded slightly as he pulled his daughter and spoke to Lu Xi, “I will be
handing Xiao Jin over to you. If you turn your back on her, then my Su family will be
very willing to throw away our pride to withdraw from this marriage too.”

For families like theirs, every move and action had represented their pride and
family reputation; so much so that at times, their movements could even affect the
rise and fall of stock prices. But if Lu Xi had not been very compatible with Xiao Jin,
then he would even stake all of the Su family to dissolve this betrothal
arrangement.

However, while he was getting along well with Lu Xi thus far, and was still rather
satisfied with this future son-in-law, an appropriate amount of beating a drum and
hammering this point down to him like this was certainly a necessity.
“Uncle Su, please be rest assured.” Lu Xi had straightened his body and
unfalteringly, he met the eyes of his future father-in-law, “I will not allow anyone to
harm her, including myself.”

He had not made any vow but had merely made a simple comment. However, his
tone was extremely serious.

Staring at him for a long while, Su Chenghai’s lips curled and finally, he lightly
sighed.

“Xiao Jin”, he lightly touched some of the fallen long tresses at his daughter’s back
with a rueful expression and lightly remarked, “you’ve grown up now. In the future,
you must have a man who can take Dad’s place in protecting you.”

“Dad……” Su Jin tugged on his shirt hem and trickle by trickle, those memories
that should have only existed in the recesses of Su Jin’s memories had floated to
the top of her mind and her eyes had suddenly reddened.

“Alright, alright.” Seeing his daughter’s slightly reddened eyes, he hastily smiled,
“it’s just an engagement. There’s still some time to your marriage, your Dad can
still protect Xiao Jin for a long time.”

Seeing Su Jin reveal a smile, only then did he take his daughter’s hand that was in
his and placed it onto Lu Xi’s palm.

As that pair of hands interlinked together, Lu Xi held the girl’s little hand tightly and
let out a deep sigh of relief. Pushing down the surging tide in the depths of his
heart, he expressed a smile on the edge of his lips.

This was the figure that he had placed in the depths of his heart for a thousand
years, she had been engraved with all of his persistence and his yearning.

Initially, it was only so he could bring her back to life.

Yet, never in his wildest dreams did he think that he would meet her soul in his final
mission.
From that very moment on, he had become mad already.

A completely new identity and a close family- although the her who had already
known about the storyline had all her guards up towards this world and its setting.
In an entirely new and foreign place that had no one who knew of her past; this will
naturally make her feel safe too.

It was not like her past experiences were unbearable, however, having her guards
up for the longest time had made her initially (already) apathetic heart become
even colder and detached. Apart from Aunt Fu, there was no one that could make
her care about them anymore or to take to heart seriously.

Some things, some emotions because of the fear of being hurt, even the slightest
chance of making a connection with someone else, she would not even leave such
hope for herself.

But, what if this was an entirely brand new world? What then? No one would know
about her origins and no one would be able to probe into her past. She was the
most doted upon, eldest young lady that had been the apple of the family’s eyes.
Moreover, with her knowledge of the book’s plot and sufficient ability and status to
protect herself, she no longer needed the defences she once had to do so.

In her subconscious mind, as long as she was able to reassure and verify that she
could defend herself- only then would she be able to consider other emotions and
think about accepting another person.

And this, would be his chance.

Not one person would have known how much those hidden emotions in the depths
of his heart had actually risen into a tumultuous tsunami that had threatened to
swallow up the skies in that very moment. After his epiphany of this state of events,
no one would know how he had so unyieldingly and forcefully had these
overwhelming and overbearing undercurrents locked and sealed deep in the
depths of his heart.

However, even with his preparations beforehand, at that moment when he had
heard Xiao Qi point out the beginning of the plot, it still remained hard for him to
control himself. Even after restraining himself for a long time, in the end, he had
still entered the story ahead of time.

Their first meeting at the airport.

In fact, it could not be considered their first meeting.

Ever since he had known that Su Jin had been replaced with Su Jin’er, whenever he
had the time through Xiao Qi, he would have a look at her.

Seeing how she was bewildered and helpless at first and then seeing her little by
little get used to this new identity; seeing her delicately beautiful facial features
and her smile upon her face that was like a flower.

Through that icy-cold screen, it was in sight but remained unattainable.

Later, he finally was by her side.

Those pair of truly familiar eyes.

Those distinct yet slightly curled phoenix eyes that were filled with clarity- apart
from three measures of curious sizing him up, in the depths of those eyes, what
remained was indifference to matters that were of no concern to herself.

Just like how in this millennia of time, how her figure had been like as she had
countlessly appeared in his dreams.

Frantically, he had wanted to step forward, had wanted to firmly pull her into his
embrace and had wanted to have her meld into his bones and blood; to never be
apart.

Yet finally, he could only calmly grasp her hand and land a gentle kiss on the back
of her hand.

“Jin’er.” He raised her right hand in his and receiving the little ring from Su
Chenghai, slid it onto her middle finger.
“Wear this first, wait until you’ve graduated, then I’ll give you another.”

He had said this very casually and his voice was light so probably only those three
people on the stage had heard this clearly.

Looking at the ring on her middle finger, Su Jin noted the sleek design and the
minimalistic and elegant hidden etching; there was no pompous diamond on it,
just little small diamonds embedded on it which had formed into an abstract
pattern of the character L.

L? Her facial expression twitched as she took the other ring that was in her father’s
hand and slid it onto the middle finger on his right hand.

As expected, those small diamonds had formed an abstract pattern similar to the
letter S.

However…… Changing another after graduating?

Would that be a wedding ring then?

Su Jin’s heart leapt as her lips curled into a smile. As she stealthily turned her head,
she took a glance towards her own old man.

Ah, as expected. His face had darkened.

Chapter 56

Jie, just now, what did brother-in-law say? I had already seen dad’s face darkening
then.” Lin Xiyue had drawn Su Jin’s arm close and asked in curiosity.
“Hem.” Thinking back to how her father had just said it would still be a long time
before she would get married and how Lu Xi had commented about changing
another ring for her after she had graduated- Su Jin coughed lightly as she covered
the chuckle that was at the edge of her lips and shook her head, “nothing, you must
have mistaken it there.”

“Really?” Lin Xiyue’s limpid eyes blinked while she was still somewhat suspicious.

“I’m sure that you have mistaken it, come, let me introduce you to some friends.”
As Su Jin said this, she pulled her over as they walked before some girls who were
standing by the side and began to introduce these people to them.

Girls with similar ages, naturally also had many similar conversation topics and
after chatting together for a while; Zhou Qian and Wang Zhe who were initially
rather reserved had become lively. Availing of this right moment with her
engagement, they had Mu Qing and Lin Xiyue to help urge Su Jin to drink some
alcohol.

Seeing the multi-coloured specially blended cocktail in her hand, while being
rather troubled, Su Jin had frowned.

After all, she had grown up in a rich and powerful family, therefore she had
attended to all sorts of dinner parties, as a result, the original host’s liquor
tolerance was not too bad. Mm, in her own body, her liquor tolerance was actually
quite all right too. She was fine with beer, white and red wines too. Only, it was a
pity that she could not drink cocktails and had always had collapsed after drinking
one glass. She had no idea why either and she had actually brought this strange
quirk along with her after transmigrating over to this world. Now, if she had really
gulped down this glass of special concoction, then she would undoubtedly become
drunk.
While she was trying to find a reason to excuse herself, she heard a voice from the
edge of her ears.

“Xiao Jin.”

Raising her head to look over, a woman in a deep blue sheath dress came into Su
Jin’s view.

“Ming Xuan jie.” Standing upright, she had politely nodded towards her.

Since there was no longer a layer of the relationship of her being Su Jin’s future
older sister-in-law anymore, then as far as she was concerned, she (Ming Xuan) was
merely a person that she had a little more familiarity with.

Seeing her polite yet estranged attitude, Ming Xuan immediately understood as she
lightly sighed, “Xiao Jin, the matter about Ah Yue[1] and I……”
[1] Ah Yue here is a nickname for Su Yue, Su Jin’s brother, similar to the diminutive nickname for Su Jin, ‘Xiao Jin.’

“Ming Xuan jie.” Su Jin interrupted her as she continued, “Gege has already told me
about this, nobody is to blame for it. It was only having the fate of being star-
crossed lovers.”

“He had already told you?” Ming Xuan was stunned and soon after, she relaxed with
a nod, “this is fine too. I had come over to thank you.”

“Thank me?” Su Jin had blanked out for a little while.

“With regard to Xiao Kai’s matter.” Ming Xuan nodded with a smile, “to thank you
and Mr Lu.”

“You’re welcome, with some luck, we had merely just run into such fortuitous
timing.” Hearing this, Su Jin had slightly inclined her head.

“Regardless, for Xiao Kai to be able to be found, this is all thanks to the two of you.”
Ming Xuan had resolutely replied as she politely bowed towards Su Jin and left
after giving her goodbyes.

Su Jin watched as Ming Xuan’s figure became distant.

That originally short hair had already lengthened to her shoulders and what used
to be the unchanged ladies suit had been changed to a deep blue sheath dress.
That dress had highlighted her slender and lanky legs, her pale skin- with a pair of
deep blue sequin stitched high heels, so with all those brightness and colours, it
had made her a beautiful sight to behold.

Ming Xuan jie had truly changed a lot.

As she (Su Jin) sat back down on her seat, she recalled how Lu Xi and Su Yue had
once commented about a person’s heart being hard to fathom. Amidst these
thoughts, she had shown a somewhat absent-minded expression on her face and
without paying attention to the glass stuffed into her hand, she had directly
downed more than half of the cocktail.

“Wow!” Several exclamations of surprises resounded around her as Su Jin blinked

and immediately reacted. She then lowered her head to look at the wine glass in
her hand.

Despite having no more than a third of the multicoloured alcohol in it, one could
still see the former traces of it in the glass.

“What I just drank……” Su Jin pointed to the glass in her hand as her phoenix eyes
swept a look around the girls that had surrounded her in a small circle.

Lin Xiyue, Mu Qing, Zhou Qian, Wang Zhe.

As the four people merely stared at her, in a unanimous action, they had nodded
with some admiration and surprise in their gazes.

“Such good alcohol tolerance.” Mu Qing had choked, “previously, during the end-
of-film feast, Director Lu had mentioned that he was driving so he wouldn’t drink.
So, you had helped him with several glasses. At the time, I had already felt that you
had a good liquor tolerance, yet I had never thought that it would be this good that
you would have downed more than half of this specially blended strong cocktail
without even taking a breath.”
“Specially blended…… Strong?” Unconsciously, Su Jin’s long eyebrows had
arched.

“Cough, that, Xiao Jin,” Zhou Qian had lightly coughed as she continued, “we had
never thought of having you drink this……”

So?

Hovering on the brink of tears, Su Jin blinked her phoenix eyes and felt that her
consciousness was gradually getting hazy. Finally, she fell towards Lin Xiyue and
had leaned against her shoulder.

“Jie?” As she noticed Su Jin falling down, Lin Xiyue had worriedly supported her
and made a careful survey once more; noticing that she had closed her eyes and
her slightly flushed complexion.

“Is she drunk then?” Somewhat dumbstruck, Lin Xiyue blinked as she lifted her
gaze towards the other three people.

The four people exchanged gazes and from their eyes, they could all see similar
faces of bewilderment.

Judging based on Su Jin’s alcohol tolerance, it was irrational that Su Jin would
have fallen after just one glass! Moreover, this was merely half a glass too.

“What has happened here?”

As those present had looked at each other in varying gazes of dismay, Lu Xi’s voice
had resounded over.

“Brother in law!” Lin Xiyue’s eyes shone as she raised her head to look at Lu Xi, who
was already walking over to them, and spoke: “That…… Jiejie seems to be……
Drunk?”
“Drunk?” Lu Xi was somewhat startled too, he had only been dragged by Uncle Su
to get to know a group of people and judging based on her tolerance level, how did
this little lady become this drunk?

As if she had heard his voice, Su Jin, who peered at him through half-opened eyes
while leaning against Lin Xiyue’s shoulder, reached a hand out to Lu Xi.

“Lu Xi……” Half a mumbled yell, she had called out to him.

Seeing how Su Jin had beckoned him over, Lu Xi hurriedly brought the person into
his arms. Supporting the gentle and soft young lady, he had her leaning against
him as he steadied her and stood firm.

“Oh……” Su Jin had squinted a little with her phoenix eyes while one hand of hers
was wrapped around Lu Xi’s lean waist and the other hand had pointed towards
the girls around them, “this is Zhou Qian, this is Wang Zhe. That, that is Mu Qing,
which you are familiar with and that,” as she said this, she pointed to the girl
beside her, “Xiyue, my younger sister.”

“I know.” Somewhat amused, Lu Xi had looked at the girl point them out one by
one. It was actually rare that she had become this drunk yet did not even mix their
names up either.

“I recognise them.” He then reached a hand out to tuck a tress of her hair behind
her ears with a light smile on his face. Helplessly, he sighed, “what did you drink to
actually have become like this.”

“They……” Su Jin then leant her head against his shoulder as she pointed to those
four girls before her again. Raising her face to look at the man who was looking at
her, she continued, “they had poured some for me to drink!”

This sentence was spoken clearly.

“Cough……”

The four girls had looked at Su Jin in a dumbstruck manner as she had been
speaking a tone like that of a child who had returned home to report to her parents
after losing a fight. In their minds, the same thought had surfaced, “so, this young
lady hadn’t been introducing her close friends to her fiance but rather, had decided
to settle some scores by telling on them or complaining instead?”
“Poured something for you to drink?” Lu Xi raised an eyebrow as he looked
towards the four people.

“Director Lu, we only gave her one glass!” Feeling Lu Xi’s gaze on them, Mu Qing,
who had a profound understanding of Director Lu’s overly feverish tendencies to
protect his wife, hastily spoke up to refute.

“One glass?” Lu Xi was somewhat unconvinced, “then this should not have
happened.”

“I had thought so too,” Mu Qing could only helplessly shrug as she pointed to the
wine glass on the table, “to be accurate, it was a little more than half a glass.

Following to where she had pointed, in that clear glass, under the lights, the
remaining dregs of the half-emptied cocktail glass was glistening and dazzling.

“A cocktail?” In an instant, Lu Xi understood and grudgingly waved his hand, “next

time, don’t let her drink this anymore.”

“I will send her upstairs first, Xiyue please do tell Uncle Su about this.”

“Oh, alright.” Xiyue reacted and nodded in reply.

Seeing her reply, Lu Xi bent down slightly as he swiftly carried the girl that was
twisting and turning against his body in a princess carry. He then turned around
and walked towards the stairs that were close by.

“Ahem.” After that pair’s figures had long since vanished from their sight, then,
someone had lightly coughed and broke the silence.

“What say you…… Won’t Professor Lu…… Eat or…… Be eaten?” Wang Zhe had
adjusted her glasses as she spoke of this exuberantly.

Eat?
The other three people were somewhat surprised but as their thoughts churned in
their heads, they had all reached a mutual understanding as they laughed.

“Who knows, maybe……”

“A man and a woman alone together, sparks will light a flint.”

“Under the influence of alcohol…..”

At this very moment whilst in the room on the second floor, the drunk Su Jin
currently had her arms wrapped around Lu Xi’s neck as she had pulled the person
down with her.

As those phoenix eyes met with those peach blossom eyes, their noses rubbed
against each other.

A solid chest had gently and cautiously pressed against the soft body.

With a slight squeeze of his eyes, he took a deep breath. Initially, he had wanted to
calm his restless body a little, yet he had not expected that the sweet scent of the
girl before him would linger at his nose; adding fuel to the fire whilst his body was
still heating up passionately.

“Lu Xi……” Su Jin’s eyes had opened completely as one could see her phoenix eyes
misting over as it glimmered and sparkled. That slightly cold, little hand of hers had
startled to dip into his dress shirt.

The burning flame of passion within him had ceased as he grew startled from the
sudden chill. In the next second, as he was absorbed in by that tender touch, it had
become even more vigorous.

“Su Jin!” In the comfortable temperature of the air-conditioned room, there were
faint trails of sweat that had appeared at Lu Xi’s forehead. In the depths of those
alluring phoenix eyes, it had slightly reddened as he called out the name of the
person beneath him with clenched teeth.
“Mm—” Hearing this, Su Jin had raised her gaze and looked at him.

Her affirming response had been drawn out and thanks to imbibing that drink, that
voice of hers that was originally melodious had become somewhat hoarse and
even more indolent. The last note of her reply had been slightly heightened and
seemed particularly stirring.

“You……” He was still trying to think of something to say as he was caught off
guard by a pair of jade-like arms that had directly hauled him down.

As lips met with warm petals of lips, at that one touch, it had parted immediately.
That small and exquisite tongue had probed out and lightly swept against his lips.

Lu Xi was stunned blank for a second.

Soon after, switching from passivity into fervent activity, he had firmly kissed for
what resembled an extremely long time and he traced those red lips, his tongue
swept through those teeth and lured out that sweet tongue of hers into a mutual
dance.

For a moment, what could be heard in that spacious room was the faint exchange
of liquid.

Brushing over her waistline, that large hand had slid up to that softness at the girl’s
chest and yet, just as it was about to touch, it had abruptly paused.

Half-pressing his body onto the girl’s Lu Xi had leaned his head against her neck as
he resolutely took a deep breath. At this, only then did he supported his body as he
sat upright.

Opening her eyes to look at him, Su Jin’s eyes were somewhat glazed over as the
expression of her face was filled with innocence and pure, unadulterated
tenderness.

It was unsure if she was somewhat warm, she stuck out her tongue as she licked
her lips.
“Little seductress.” Lu Xi could not help but lower his head to kiss those dark red
petals before him as he immediately pulled himself free from the girl’s arms and
stood up.

“The timing isn’t right and the place isn’t either.” Somewhat vexed, he had let out a
deep sigh and pulled out a side of the quilt to cover over Su Jin’s body.

“Young lady, listen carefully.” Before he left, he had bent down as he bit onto her
flushed red earlobe and spoke in a low and husky voice.

“If there is a next time, I definitely would not let you off.”
Chapter 57

The seventh day of the first month in the lunar calendar.

Beijing, Binhai Villa No. 19.

Holding onto a glass of champagne, Xiao Ya walked towards the man that reclined
on the nook of the sofa and stood before him.

“Hey, our most promising, youngest Oscar award-winning director, what are you
thinking about?” Rather unhappy, she lifted her leg to kick his calf, “with such a
frown, you can probably squeeze a mosquito to death.”

“That’s right, Lu Erge[1], anyways we fellows have sent out a signal and got everyone
together to celebrate your birthday, at least give us some face[2].” Not too far away,
a youth dressed in black athleisure clothes had followed suit and yelled out to him.
[1] 二哥
(èr gē) – This means the second brother of the Lu family, or second brother Lu. But, it does not sound as casual and friendly in English as it should be.
[2] 面子
(miàn zi) – A common word found in Chinese novels, it means giving support or at least patronising and appearing in a venue/event.
As he yelled out, several people in the hall had stopped moving their hands and
looked over.

However, as for the youngest master of the Lu family, what on earth was he
bothered about?

During the year-end Oscar award ceremony, at the age of twenty-seven, Lu Xi had
the honour of receiving the Best Director and had immediately smashed the Oscars
Academy records. Due to him receiving the award, his newest
drama《Sunflower》had also become popular before even airing. Afterwards,
when it began broadcasting on the second day of the new year, its show ratings
had sharply risen and the public opinion about it had also grown.

In other areas, although both the Lu Family and their properties were equally large,
their family relations were uncomplicated and both brothers had always gotten
along harmoniously and had great affections for each other.

A smooth sailing career and an amiable family; so what in the world could cause
this young master to be unhappy?
What he was thinking about huh…… Lu Xi lowered his head to look at his phone in
his hands and sighed as he waved a hand towards the person in the hall, “nothing,
you all can have fun, don’t need to bother about me.”

Hearing this, the people in the hall shrugged and continued with what they were
doing.

The young man, who had opened his mouth previously, had gotten close and just
so happened to have noticed Lu Xi lowering his head to look at his phone. With a
sudden stray thought, he asked with a strange expression on his face, “I say Lu
Erge, you wouldn’t be thinking about a girl from some family right?”

Hearing him say this, Xiao Ya blinked and then finally had some reaction.

This sort of inattentive expression of his that he had while looking at his phone,
was this, not a carbon copy of how she usually behaves while waiting for Lu Jing’s
message?

“So……” She too had followed along and raised an eyebrow, “Su Jin?”

The matter about the Lu Family and Shenhai’s Su Family becoming related through
marriage, she too had known a smattering about it. Initially, she had thought it was
only just both of them having a mutually favourable impression of the other-
however, she never thought that this fellow would have actually had such deep-
rooted feelings.

Su Jin……

Hearing this name, Lu Xi had at first subconsciously lowered his head to look at the
phone in his hands. Then, he had firmly gritted his teeth.

“Don’t mention that little ingrate!”

Little…… Ingrate?
Xiao Ya had given a glance to Xiao Chen and in both of their eyes, their gazes were
somewhat startled.

Lu Xi did not care about the expressions on both of their faces and only relaxed his
body as he leaned against the sofa. Immaturely, he took one glance at the clear
screen on his phone and then, he inwardly scolded the phrase ‘ingrate!’ once more.

Wasn’t she exactly an ingrate?

Before leaving Shenhai, he had clearly told her that today would be his birthday
and he would be coming here. Yet this girl, after she had found out he had won an
award, she had congratulated him. Then when she found out that《Sunflower》 ‘s
rating has steadily risen, she shared some of her joy. Even when she had seen those
Weibo discussions, as usual, she would tag him. Yet just on this very day, she had
obviously known it was his birthday- to not even mention a call, there was not even
a text message from her.
Could it be possible that…… That little girl had truly forgotten?

Once more, he frowned and thought before he swiped away the screensaver on his
phone. Forget it, if the mountain[3] would not come, then would I, this young master,
not be able to go there instead?
[3] Similar to the term Mount Tai, here, a mountain refers to a venerable or important person.

Speaking of this, it was truly him pulling his own chain. She had an indifferent
personality and it was not like he did not understand how, on a day to day basis,
nonchalant she was. After all, he had been living for more than a thousand years
already, what use was there to be this fussy with a young girl?

As the slender finger paused before the three words, ‘Xiao Jin’er’, a flash of sadness
glimmered through those peach blossom eyes.

With a light snort, Xiao Ya sat on the single sofa beside him and glanced at the
screen on his phone, “if you want to call, just do that then. For such a great young
master to be this unreasonable, how immature.”
Unreasonable? Immature? Lu Xi raised his eyes and cooly cast a glance at the
bobbed-haired girl in front of him.

“My car has broken down, my brother said he’ll come to pick me up later.”
Your brother? Lu Jing!

Xiao Ya was astonished and soon after, her eyes immediately lit up.

With the company’s holiday period, she had no place to honourably and squarely
block him off anymore; that fellow had long since hidden himself from her for a
long time.

Thinking till this point, she raised her gaze and looked towards that man, who on
the surface, seemed to be still in that daze as she remarked in suspicion, “he
doesn’t know that you’re at my place?”

Otherwise, why would he take the initiative to come here?

“Of course, he does.” Lu Xi absent-mindedly nodded.

“Then……” At this, Xiao Ya was truly unconvinced; with this man’s personality, she
had reckoned he could not wait to be as far away from her as possible right?

“Unreasonable? Immature?” Lu Xi lightly raised an eyebrow.

“Huh?” Xiao Ya was stunned then immediately reacted as she inwardly disdained at
this sort of narrow-minded man and abruptly retorted, “I’m unreasonable, I’m
immature, all right!”

Lu Xi lightly snorted and thought for his family’s iceberg older brother as his eyes
became warm, “it’s probably because the spectator sees more than the person
involved.”

The spectator sees more clearly?

Xiao Ya was stunned for a while.

Before even waiting for her to think and understand, at this, the doorbell rang.

“Xiao Chen, go open the door.”

Listening to Xiao Ya’s command, Xiao Chen[4] rolled his eyes, yet he followed her
words and walked to the entrance hall.
[4] 小沉
(xiǎo chén) – A diminutive endearing nickname for Xiao Chen, Xiao Ya’s younger brother. Previously, when others had addressed him or as the narrative had addressed his name, the
name used for him was 肖沉
(xiāo chén), the intonations for the word is different. Thus, when she is speaking to him, Xiao Ya uses the nickname that is only used by people such as extremely
close friends or family.

On the screen beside the door, one could clearly make out the figures of two
people.

Xiao Chen blinked his eyes and turned his head to look towards Xiao Ya who was
inside, yelling, “Jie.”

“Hm?” Xiao Ya raised her head, “why haven’t you opened the door?”

“It’s Lu Dage[5]……”
[5] 大哥
(dà gē) – A polite form of address for a man about the same age as oneself, also an affectionate name for an older man you’re close to which means big brother.
Hm?

All at once, Xiao Ya widened her eyes and was stunned for two seconds before she
leapt up from the sofa.

“Don’t open the door yet!” As she said this, she dashed down the staircase.

Xiao Chen looked at his own family’s elder sister’s figure that vanished in the speed
of light and silently swallowed back down the seven words: “he brought a girl with
him too.” Then, once more, he inwardly said his prayers, hoping that the scene that
would happen later would not be too unsightly.

Obviously, Lu Jing, who was outside, understood this point too. So after pressing
the doorbell once, he quietly waited by the door.

Not three minutes later, Xiao Ya had walked down from upstairs.

From that casual and comfortable athleisure wear, she had changed into an
elegant and stylish cream-coloured knitted long wool sweater. Matching it with
thin heeled knee-high boots, a generous, fair area of thighs had been revealed. On
her face, there was even some light make-up on.
In the hall, no matter if it was Lu Xi or Xiao Chen or anyone else, no one revealed an
expression of surprise.

For someone to be able to enter Xiao Ya’s personal residence- although the
friendship between Xiao Ya and themselves may not necessarily be great, however,
one must have a certain extent of personal, sincere and true friendship with Xiao
Ya. In this aspect, this was not the first time for everyone to have experienced this.

Treading on her high-heeled boots as she walked to the entrance hall, Xiao Ya took
a deep breath and without even looking at the screen, she had immediately
opened the large door.

“Lu Jing Ge……”

Her words weren’t finished before she suddenly paused.

Xiao Ya quickly withdrew the hand that had been opening the doors as she used it
to block that way instead and closed the doors, stealthily opening up a slight slit.

“Who is she?” Xiao Ya slightly raised her chin as the expression on her face became
stern. Her beautiful features looked towards the man with a grave and stern
expression before her as the depths of her eyes had almost seemed to be holding
back a flame ready to burst forth.

Xiao Chen blinked before letting his eyes drift towards the girl standing beside Lu
Jing.

He clicked his tongue with a light sound, “tsk”. Just now, on the screen, it was still
not too clear but now that she was before his very eyes, it truly was a rarely seen
kind of beauty.

Speaking of which, Lu Dage’s personality had always been honest, elegant, grave
and stern. After so many years, although he did not particularly pay heed to his
own family’s older sister, no other woman has ever appeared beside him.

This……
“Are you Xiao Ya?” Lu Jing had not spoken and contrary to expectations, the girl
standing beside him had smiled at her as she spoke.

What did she mean by this? Was this a provocation to her?

“Hello.” At the edge of her lips, her smile deepened as those beautiful phoenix eyes
slightly curved. In that voice of hers, it carried a soft and sticky sweetness to it that
was exclusively heard from people who came from Jiang Nan[6].
[6] It might be a little confusing since Jiang Nan is one of the provinces of China and one may not know the geography of China. The fictional city Shenhai (which is a homonym on the city Shanghai)
is located in the province of Jiang Nan as one of the municipals. What this means is that this was a likely stereotype that the Chinese have on themselves and the various different people who live in
different provinces. Since there is regional and slight cultural disparity, the differences in how the people are like will be shown in various areas, just like Su Jin’s voice here (sweet and soft).

“I’m Su Jin.”

“Su-Su-Su…… Su Jin?”

All of a sudden, Xiao Ya widened her eyes.

Chapter 58

“Lu Xi!” Xiao Ya immediately turned around and raised her voice in a yell.

At this, the people in the living room were startled by this voice and all turned their
heads over to look.

“What’s wrong?” Lu Xi frowned as he casually replied but did not get up, still
clutching the phone where he had finally pressed the call button on it.
He had not heard Xiao Ya’s reply but the phone call had already gone through.

“Hello.” That familiar voice sounded through the phone and the girl’s tender and
soft voice could be heard at the edge of his ears and his heart, which had initially
been melancholy but had all of a sudden softened. Lu Xi could not help but curl the
edge of his lips yet he restrained his voice as he asked, “little lady, do you still
remember what day it is today?”

“Today?” The person on the opposite end of the line seemed to have been smiling
as her voice swiftly answered, “I do, of course, it’s your birthday.”

She did know? Lu Xi slightly raised an eyebrow. Since she did not forget, then had
she done this on purpose?

“That’s right, yep, I did do it on purpose.” Su Jin seemed to have known what he
was thinking as she laughed.

This girl– Lu Xi gently laughed; as long as she did not forget about it, then he was
content. Then, just as he had been wanting to say something, the girl’s voice came
through the phone once more.

“Come out here.”

Come out here?

Lu Xi was startled.
Not go out but come out here…… Just now Xiao Ya had yelled for him, could it
be……

He immediately raised his head as he followed the crowd’s gaze to look towards
the door. Yet due to the people in the hall blocking his line of vision, he could only
see Lu Jing who was standing in front of Xiao Ya.

That distinct and handsome pair of eyes stared as the hem of dark red clothes
came into view through that slight crack of space between them. Thinking of the
possibility, at that very moment, Lu Xi’s heart jumped a beat.

That slender body leapt up and quickly walked over.

When the girl in her dark red capelet coat came into view, Lu Xi’s footsteps
suddenly stopped.

In his heart, it seemed that his imagined hopes and expectations had been
confirmed and a countless number of complex feelings burst out from within as
though it flowed throughout his body.

It was undeniably indescribable and unexplainable.

He stood merely a few paces away from her. As if in a daze, he gazed at her with a
flickering gaze in the depths of his peach blossom eyes, yet he was completely
unwilling to even blink them.

Time seemed to have slowed down a little as all surrounding sounds around them
seem to fade away in that instant. It was only that little girl in her red coat in the
embrace of the extremely mild sunlight of the winter day and all over her body, she
brought along with her the remnants of the wind and snow as she walked straight
up until she was right in front of him.

Fixated, she looked at him for a short while. Suddenly, she curled her lips in a laugh
and at that moment, he had even thought that he had heard the sound of flowers
blooming.
“This expression……” Su Jin’s head was skewed to the side as she looked at this
man who had evidently received an excessively large shock, “are you not
welcoming me then?”

Her fine and long eyelashes and those fair cheeks of hers that had been so chilled
that they had turned flush in the cold, wintery air; as she lifted her eyes to look at
him, in the depths of her beautiful eyes, one could clearly see the silhouette of his
figure reflected in them as that figure began to slightly shake along with her
blinking eyes.

“– Jin’er?” He lightly spoke as his voice was slightly hoarse.

“En.” Su Jin’s lips curled slightly, “are you surprised?”

Pursing his lips without speaking, Lu Xi only reached a hand out to lightly touch her
cheek.

In an instant, the slight chill that spread to his fingers had made him clear-headed,
snapping out his surprise as he frowned, “why are you this cold?”
“Ah.” Su Jin was startled.

Without even waiting for her to respond, she noticed that the man before her had
turned his head to look towards Lu Jing who had just been welcomed into the door
by Xiao Ya as he scolded, “the weather in Beijing is so cold. She does not know but
it’s not like you don’t. When you picked her up, why did you not tell her to dress a
little more thickly.”

It was the same sort of frown, however, in comparison to before, his current
worried tone had even contained certain strains of reproach and blame to it.

He had been removing his outer coat, but Lu Jing suddenly paused. After suddenly
hearing this criticism that had no end to it, the man who had always been cold and
stern seemed to be caught between laughter and tears as he looked at his own
family’s younger brother.

This pot was too heavy, he could not possibly bear to shoulder it! Moreover, what
the young lady had been wearing was not too thin, it was only because she had not
worn a scarf so her face was a little cold. Also, on this great winter day, was
there anyone that did not carry the slightest cold on them when that person came
in from the outside? Was that even still a person?
Tsk, to have actually had this stinky youngster take his anger out on him; Lu Jing
could not help but laugh in spite of himself as he shook his head. Then, in following
suit with Xiao Ya’s strength, he pulled off his coat and strode inwards towards the
residence.

“Wait! Ge, pass me the car keys.”

Lu Jing slightly raised an eyebrow then turned back to look at his younger brother
who had been sternly finding fault with him through a certain sense of justice. So
when he wanted to borrow his car, only he would know to call him Ge?

This fellow–

Shooting Lu Xi a glance as his lips curled, he still helplessly threw him the keys in
his hands.

Lu Xi gave him a nod as he took his own coat from the rack and holding onto the
somewhat dazzled Su Jin, he walked out.

Seeing that silver-coloured race car vanish from sight along the mountain road,
Xiao Chen blinked his eyes in amazement and pointed to the door that had yet to
be open, “they just left like that?”

He would not even let them get to know her for a little while?

Hearing this, Lu Jin nodded affirmatively and smoothly received the teacup that
Xiao Ya had handed over to him.

“Since Lu Xi drove off with your car, shall I send you back home later?” Xiao Ya
offered.

The hand holding onto the porcelain teacup paused as a strange look appeared in
Lu Jing’s eyes as he agreed, “alright.”
――――――

While sitting on the front passenger seat, Su Jin had finally snapped to her senses.

“Where are we going?” She looked towards the mountain road that had been
curving upwards as she asked with some doubts.

“Going home.” Lu Xi had looked ahead at the mountain road ahead and responded
in a heavy voice.

Going home? Was it also in the Binhai villas? Su Jin was slightly surprised.

After less than ten minutes, the car stopped before a house that was closer to the
peak of the mountain.

Opening the front door, a burst of warm air rushed out.

Lu Xi had situated Su Jin on the sofa and then poured a glass of hot water, placing
it in her chilly hands.

As Su Jin took the proffered cup, she felt that the extremities of her body had
gradually warmed up as she bit her lip.

“Are you unhappy?”

The man before, ever since they had been at Xiao Ya’s home, his pair of peach
blossom eyes had been staring at her darkly, and Su Jin pouted her lips as what
was revealed on her face was some dejection and grievance.

“Are you still cold?” Lu Xi did not reply but merely asked another question.

“Ah.” Su Jin was a little surprised and then shook her head.

Hearing this, Lu Xi reached out to hold onto her pair of hands as he then gently
caressed her cheek and finally, a satisfied look appeared in his eyes.
Taking the cup in her hands, he placed it on the coffee table behind him.

“Hey, you……” Looking at her own cup being taken away before her very eyes, Su
Jin had wanted to say something. Yet, a handsome face appeared and grew larger
before her very eyes.

Shifting over, he immediately pushed the little lady who had made him worry down
on the sofa.

Seizing the opportunity while they were still agape, those thin lips of his landed on
that little mouth of hers as his tongue slid across a row of white teeth and in the
depths of that warm mouth, he sought out that small, sweet and exquisite tongue,
engaging it in a mutual dance.

With that familiar scent taking over her senses, Su Jin didn’t have the will to resist.
She quickly relaxed her body as she sunk into following suit with his actions.

After a while, finally, with a somewhat unsteady breath, Lu Xi released the person
in his arms as he rested his forehead against hers.

“Jin’er……” He quietly spoke her name in a deep and low voice, carrying with it
hints of hoarseness, and as he called her, that tone of his seemed to wrap around
that word with tenderness.

Under his scorching gaze, Su Jin’s cheeks flushed as she reached forward to push
him away and sat upright, taking off the dark red cloak coat on her body. Only then
did she genuinely feel that the warmth on her face had finally begun to dissipate a
little.

Lu Xi had sat beside her as he reclined against the sofa. Wiping away the traces of
laughter as he bit his lip, those alluring peach blossom eyes of his did not even
blink as he continued to look at her.

“Why are you looking at me?” Su Jin cast a quick glance at him beside her.

“Why did you come to Beijing?” Lu Xi asked with a curled lip.

Why did I come to Beijing? Su Jin blinked, was this not an obvious answer to a
question he already knew.

However…… With a slight shift in her gaze, Su Jin laughed, “I heard someone say
that the wintry landscape in Beijing is really beautiful, so I decided to come to
enjoy it.”

This little girl was still unwilling to admit that she came here because of him?
Lu Xi slightly raised an eyebrow, yet he did not try to pop her bubble and merely
gently said, “since that is the case, then stay here at my place for a few days, I will
bring you around Beijing.”

“Speaking of which–” He raised his eyes to look at the winter wonderland that had
been covered all over with new-fallen snow outside the window, “not far from here,
there is a plum forest.”

“Plum forest?” As expected, Su Jin perked up, “shall we walk in the snow to view
the flowering plums?”

At a not too distant mountain peak near the villa, Su Jin wrapped a scarf a few
times around her neck as a fiery colour and lustre appeared before her eyes.

On the withered brown branches, there were large, tender and beautiful red plums
that had bloomed like burning flames that seemed to hide the sky and cover the
earth with its omnipresent presence.

“How beautiful.”

The Su Jin who had not seen such scenery in a long time had been somewhat
absent-minded when Lu Xi had brought up the plum forest earlier, and she had
thought that there would still be the cool and elegant white plums here. Yet who
would have known that what would fill her vision was an enchanting red.

“How beautiful.”

Lu Xi too had gently exclaimed.

Yet his gaze was not on the red plums but fell on the person who had stood under
the plum flowers.

The girl had raised her head slightly as her chin in that half-concealed face was
revealed and that entirely exquisite face was exposed to the elements.

Slightly arched phoenix eyes, thick, long and delicate lashes, at the edge of those
cherry lips of hers, there were slight traces of a smile.

Specks of snowflakes fell gently from the sky and like mischievous fairies, some
had drifted onto her long and delicate lashes. With the light movement of those
phoenix eyes, once more, they fell to the ground.

“Lu Xi!” Abruptly, she turned around to call for him.

With gleaming eyes that sparkled like the shimmering water, those refined facial
features of hers were filled with happiness and in comparison to the unrestrained,
gorgeous red mountain plums, her appearance was even more moving.

For that split moment, it seemed like she was the only one who left in the world.

As he came to his senses, his lips curved into a slight smile as he trod forward and
took the person into his arms.

“Happy birthday.”

From his chest, he could hear her voice that lightly tickled his ears was lovably soft
and sweet.

A warmth that seemed to spread through the depth of his eyes swept towards his
heart as it spread throughout all the limbs and bones in his body.

This was the girl he cared about.

Like so, she had cared about him.

In this very moment, it seemed as if all of his past despair and hesitation had
vanished and those deeply repressed feelings of darkness and loneliness buried in
the gulf of his heart had finally sunk into oblivion.

Yet in that icy-cold snowfall, every inch of his skin was warm.

“Where’s my present then?” He took a deep breath as he smiled and questioned.

“Hm?” Su Jin was slightly startled as she retreated from his embrace.

“I mean,” Lu Xi reached out and tapped the tip of her nose, “you came over for my
birthday, yet you did not even bring a present?”

“A present?” Su Jin’s phoenix eyes blinked as she dropped her gaze down towards
the butterfly knot of her capelet cloak at her clavicle.

“Well.” She pointed to her own neck and replied, “here it is.”
Chapter 59 – Final Chapter

On a dark blue large bed, a man and a woman’s figures were intertwined together.

With a bare upper body and a lean lower half, the man’s skin tone was a supple and
fair unlike the woman’s. Under the hazy lights, glimmering beads of sweat were
faintly illuminated on his back.

Covered in his embrace, the girl’s nightgown strap had already fallen, revealing half
of her shoulder that was as fair as jade.

Raising his head from the collarbone of the woman below him, Lu Xi’s eyes were
flushed giddily in an intense scarlet hue.

“Jin’er…”

He huskily panted as he spoke.

“If you continue on like this, I really won’t be able to stop.”

Her phoenix eyes, that had been half closed, opened as Su Jin’s gaze slowly slid
down the distinctly handsome face of the man before her.

Then, her lips curled as her arms curled around Lu Xi’s neck.

“You can unwrap your present now.”

Her voice, that was usually tender and soft, had seductively become raspy too. It
was not at all loud, yet, that still made the arms of the man above her suddenly
tighten up.

Stooping down, his thin lips traced over her forehead, her eyes, her red lips and
lingered for a while at her neck before he continued downwards.
As the nightgown on her body was pulled off, his lips and hands were like sparks of
fire as they slid passed over every nook and corner of her body. At the same time,
they lit up a hidden sweltering flame in her heart.

Even her consciousness was somewhat in a state of confusion.

“It’s alright, bear with it a little more.”

Dazedly, she heard him murmur in her ear.

Only, he did not wait until she understood before a penetrating ache spread
throughout her whole body.

In a flash, her mind had a sense of clarity.

As her phoenix eyes opened, they gazed honestly at the man that was close at
hand.

Long inclined brows that reached the temples, a straight nose bridge and thin dark
red lips.

In those slightly curved pair of peach blossom eyes, with the minute flicker of his
delicately long eyelashes, one could see the shadows of his semicircular eyelids.
From the centre to the outward edge, the pure black pupils of his eyes gradually
lightened in colour. Finally, from the corner of his eye, a tinge of red welled and
after combining all of these points, an especially alluring sight was revealed.

It was seriously a pair of peach blossom eyes.

When one sees the tender and supple willow branches and gaily-coloured peach
blossoms, one recalls the youthful, pretty looks of one’s bride[1].
[1] 桃之夭夭，灼灼其华
(táo zhī yāo yāo, zhuó zhuó qí huá) – A phrase from a poem used as a song to both congratulate a bride and welcome the bride, it originated from the
Book of Songs, Shijing. It was an early collection of Chinese poems and one of the Five Classics of Confucianism. The poem is called ‘Shijing·Zhou Nan·Tender Peach’. As written in the translation
above, this is the direct (yet poor) translation of the prose in the poem.
It reflects a snippet of people’s lives at that time when this poem would be sung
beginning at the bride’s home as she travels to the groom’s home. It conveys the
meaning of one having such luck to have married such a bride which would lead to
the birth of many sons and much fortune. In this context, the bride is referred to as
Lu Xi and Su Jin is thinking that if she marries this man, she would definitely have a
sweet and blissful family with him.

Unknowingly in that flash of clarity, Su Jin did not know why her thoughts
suddenly went to this sentence of the poem.

The soreness swiftly left and then, she realised that she had been pulled into a
bottomless sea of passion and in his embrace, she sunk into oblivion.

In the spacious bedroom, the rough pants of the man and the mellow, low moans
of the woman interweaved together to create the melody of an exquisite
symphony.

The unexplainable and pleasurable sensations that began from her tailbone had
smoothly crept upwards to her mind and endless sparks of pleasure overflowed
her body.

In a half squint, Su Jin’s consciousness was a little fuzzy.

“Lu Xi.” Unyielding in maintaining her very last semblance of clarity, her fingertips
brushed along the man’s solid back.

“Will we be together, forever and always?”

“Definitely.” Lu Xi’s eyes drooped down slightly as he gazed at the girl in his arms
closing her eyes tiredly. Lowering his head, he brushed a kiss on her forehead and
softly spoke, “until the end of time, never will we part.”

――――――
Time marched forward and it was now May; what appeared before one’s eyes was a
beautiful spring spectacle where the grass had begun sprouting as the birds began
to return to the sunny South. The afternoon sunlight was warm and cosy.

On the double-seater rocking chair in a courtyard sat a couple. A cat with milky
dark-blue grey fur had quietly nested itself on the lawn beside the two people.

“Don’t feel sad.” Su Jin leaned her head against the shoulder of the person beside
her as she gently spoke.

Long ago, her looks lost their gorgeous and vibrant beauty. Her fine black hair had
turned grey and only within that pair of phoenix eyes, was there a hint of her
beautiful yesteryears.

“As the year past and our old friends leave one by one, I have long known that this
day would come.” She laughed and her palm was placed on the arm of the man
beside her, “To have stayed by your side together for all these years, I am content.”

To have appeared in this world when she was twenty-two, and since then, live the
rest of her life entangled in his.

To accompany only each other for eighty-six years, really, it truly complied with
that phrase that they had promised each other then.

To hope to be each other’s sunshine, till they are white and old, never shall they
part[2].
[2] 愿得一心人，白首不相离
(yuàn de yī xīn rén, bái shǒu bù xiāng lí) – Similar to wedding vows; till death do us part, this phrase is a popular phrase that originated
from the poem ‘A Song of Old Age’ written by a poet and a talented lady, Zhuo Wenjun, from the Han dynasty. She had written this to the Minister of War and her lover, Xiang Ru, whom she had
eloped with. However, like all things that come to an end, the good times don’t last, he had taken a concubine once he became an official. Therefore, his then-wife, Wenjun wrote this poem of
complaint to retrieve her marriage. Although it has now been commonly and popularly used as a phrase of marital bliss, it was originally used as a curse for others instead.

Lu Xi also chuckled and taking his arm out, placed it around the shoulders of the
person beside him.

“Probably…” Su Jin lowered her eyes with a light sigh, “my only regret was not to
have had a child together with you.”
Unfortunately, for the two of them, with their celebrated reputation and a blissful
and smooth lifetime, they had no progeny. There was no one to attend upon and
please them, and much less, grandchildren to spoil.

“It was my fault.” Lu Xi declared, the formerly deep, low and graceful voice had
long been filled with the raspiness of age.

During the premarital health screening test[3], the doctor had mentioned that his
sperm survival rate was extremely low and it would be difficult for his wife to
conceive.
[3] 婚检
(hūn jiǎn) – As mentioned in the text, a premarital test is a test that offers a crucial health assessment of soon-to-be-married couples in which they are tested for genetic, infectious and
transmissible diseases to prevent any risk of transmitting any disease to each other and their children. In China, couples hoping to marry must undergo a physical check before being granted a marriage
certificate.

Sure enough, after all these years, they never had a child.

Drooping his eyes slightly, Lu Xi recalled the very last transaction he made that year
with Xiao Qi.

“You… Still have some last bit of accumulated points left, do you want to exchange
them for something?”

He was silent for a long while before he opened up, “an infertility pill[4].”
[4] 绝子丹
(jué zǐ dān) – There is no specific translation term for this, but the essence of what Lu Xi had requested for was a pellet or pill to greatly reduce or cut short the lifespan of his seed.

“Infertility pill?” Little Seven was shocked and puzzled, “I think you don’t need it
right?”

True, they did not need it.

In this life-like yet fantasy-like world, for two souls that had come from the real
world, how could they produce offspring to continue their family?

Only…
“I want one infertility pill that I can take.”

“Rather than having her sink into impossible hopes that she is unable to free
herself from and finally, give up in despair, it would be better to nip this possibility
in the bud.”

“To have the matters blamed on my body, she would probably feel a little better.”

Now that he thought of it, those memories unexpectedly felt like a lifetime ago.

Hugging the arm of the person beside him tightly, Lu Xi quietly voiced, “being like
this is great too, only me and you, together.”

“That’s true.” Su Jin laughed and brushed the pale tendrils of hair behind her ear
as she turned to look at the cat by her legs. “You have to take care of A-Lan well.”

“And take care of yourself too.”

“Your dress shirts and t-shirts are in the first compartment of the chest in our room,
your long pants are in the second and your coats and down-filled garments are
hung in the wardrobe beside it. As for undergarments, your underwear is placed
below the bedside cabinet.”

“The old Shaoxing yellow wine that some of your students gave to you was stored
under the last layer of the hidden drawer on your side bookshelf in the study[5]. If
you want to drink, then get some for yourself but don’t drink too much.”
[5] 花雕老酒
(huā diāo lǎo jiǔ) – Mulled rice wine has an extensive history and the Shaoxing yellow wine is one of the types of rice wines produced. Mulled rice wine is purported to have
the effect of improving blood circulation, dispelling colds and stimulating life vitality. It is made from millet and rice and most of these wines contain 14-20% alcohol. As for the aged mullet rice wines,
this is referred to the year of its produce, similar to red, white wines and other spirits. With aged wine, its taste is even better, being more, rich in flavour and fragrant.

“The quilts that we are using now were dried in the sun just two days ago, however,
when you need to switch to a thicker quilt, remember to bring it out to dry in the
sun once more.”

“Oh, that’s right, the key for the hidden drawer for your wine is inside the right
drawer of your desk.”
“Also, your health is still great, so later, if you are free, then you should bring A-Lan
out for a spin. For your health, walking around a bit more is… …”

The long-winded voice gradually softened.

The word ‘good’ echoed from her mouth and was said in a slight choke filled with
emotion. And yet, little by little, the word drifted through the wind.

As Lu Xi embraced the person in his arms that gradually became quiet, he lowered
his head and gently kissed her forehead.

Bit by bit, time stagnated.

A scent of decay had slowly begun to waft from a remote and unknown edge of the
world.

The man slightly curled his lips and rather strenuously, he lifted his arm and held
the person in his embrace tightly as his chin rested against the cleft of her shoulder.

In that fixed posture of their embrace, relieved, he then closed his eyes.

Until, the end of time.

――END――