Volume One, Chapter 19: I’d Like to Ask You to Accompany Me Tomorrow to Meet Director Zhang

Page 1 of 3

Meng Linchuan escorted Si Tang downstairs. Si Tang turned to look at him, a trace of puzzlement in her brows. “What exactly are you doing here tonight?”

Meng Linchuan smiled faintly, his tone carrying a hint of entreaty. “I want to ask you to accompany me tomorrow to meet Director Zhang.”

Si Tang suddenly understood—the connection was through her—and she agreed promptly. “Alright.”

She paused, then asked, “Why didn’t you just call?”

Meng Linchuan feigned helplessness with a sigh. “I called, but your phone was off. I was worried something had happened to you, so I rode over to find you.”

Si Tang then remembered that when she had just messaged Tan Yin, her phone’s battery was low.

She took out her phone from her bag; the screen was pitch black—it had indeed shut down automatically.

“Sorry,” Si Tang said, a bit embarrassed.

Meng Linchuan shook his head with a smile. “It’s good to know you’re alright. Besides… it’s a perfect chance for the hero to save the beauty.”

He paused, a note of relief in his voice. “I’m glad I came.”

A wave of guilt surged in Si Tang’s heart. “Sorry for using you as a shield again.”

Meng Linchuan looked at her earnestly, his voice low and resolute. “You know, I’m willing.”

He paused, then added, “Even if I have to be your shield for a lifetime, that’s alright.”

Si Tang’s heart trembled slightly.

Meng Linchuan’s deep affection left her somewhat overwhelmed.

She lowered her eyes, hiding the complex emotions swirling inside.

Though she had already rejected him, he still persisted like this.

She didn’t know how to respond to such devotion.

Si Tang pressed her lips together, her gaze flickering like spring water ruffled by the wind, stirring emotions she couldn’t quite name.

Noticing her hesitation, Meng Linchuan’s tone softened. “If it feels like a burden, you don’t have to force yourself to respond.”

He paused, eyes deepening. “I know maybe you haven’t fully moved on from your last relationship, or perhaps you’re afraid to trust men or love again...”

His voice grew low, tinged with tenderness. “But it’s okay. As long as you’re willing to turn back, I’ll always be here.”

After speaking, he reached out gently and stroked Si Tang’s head, like handling a precious porcelain, careful and full of infinite tenderness.

This sudden intimate gesture made Si Tang’s heart leap, an unfamiliar feeling spreading through her.

Meng Linchuan put his helmet back on, a relaxed smile curling at the corner of his mouth. “Then it’s settled—we’ll meet at the company tomorrow.”

He mounted his motorcycle and rode away with effortless grace.

The roar of the engine gradually faded, leaving only a faint scent of exhaust lingering in the air.

Page 2 of 3

Si Tang stood dazed, watching his rapidly receding figure, unable to clearly define what she felt inside.

Complexity, confusion, and... an inexplicable flutter.

It was as if she stood at a crossroads, with two paths before her—one leading to the past, the other to the future—and she didn’t know which to choose.

Not far off, a sleek black Maybach was parked quietly by the roadside.

Gu Yubai sat inside, having witnessed everything that had just transpired.

Watching Meng Linchuan’s motorcycle speed away, his tense body finally relaxed as he exhaled deeply.

Thinking it had been less than ten minutes, and that Meng Linchuan probably hadn’t said anything excessive, an inexplicable joy welled up within him.

He started the car, turned the wheel, and headed home.

Back at the empty villa, Gu Yubai’s brow furrowed deeply.

“Why didn’t Zhouzhou eat today?” he asked as he approached Su Yuejin, his tone edged with impatience.

Su Yuejin’s eyes flickered nervously as she twisted her fingers.

“He... he might have been upset by his mother today,” she said cautiously, watching Gu Yubai’s expression, her voice meek and small. “He’s been sullen since coming home. I had prepared dinner, intending for Zhouzhou to eat first...”

She hesitated, gathering her words. “But he threw a tantrum and said he wouldn’t eat.”

Gu Yubai’s expression darkened further. “Where is Zhouzhou now?”

“I already coaxed him to eat. He’s doing his homework now,” Su Yuejin replied quickly, fearing to provoke him.

Gu Yubai nodded and softened his tone slightly. “As long as he ate.”

He fell silent for a moment, eyes scrutinizing Su Yuejin.

“You said your home is being renovated, so you’re staying here temporarily...” He paused, his voice turning cold. “But I think it would be more convenient for you to book a suite at a hotel.”

Su Yuejin’s breath caught, her face instantly paling.

Tears welled up in her eyes, and she looked at Gu Yubai as if on the verge of sobbing.

“Why... why can’t I stay here?” Her voice trembled with emotion. “Zhouzhou is happy, and he likes the meals I cook...”

Gu Yubai’s gaze remained unmoved. “It’s inconvenient for you to stay here, and you’re easy prey for the paparazzi.”

Su Yuejin shook her head desperately as tears finally streamed down her cheeks.

“I don’t think there’s any inconvenience...” Her voice cracked with sorrow, pitiful and pleading. “Besides, Zhouzhou needs companionship...”

For the first time, Gu Yubai looked at this woman before him seriously, his tone tinged with inquiry.

“Did you decide to stay here for Zhouzhou’s sake?”

Su Yuejin met his gaze, eyes misty with tears.

“Yubai, don’t you understand how I feel?” she said tenderly, her voice quivering. “I’m here for Zhouzhou—and for you.”

Page 3 of 3

She paused, her eyes growing even softer.

“Zhouzhou needs a mother, and you need a wife.”

“Zhouzhou has a mother, and I don’t need one,” Gu Yubai’s voice was stiff.

Su Yuejin’s expression changed briefly but soon returned to her pitiful demeanor.

She stepped forward, attempting to close the distance between them, trying to nestle into Gu Yubai’s embrace—but he silently evaded her.

Her hand froze mid-air, awkwardly withdrawn.

“Yubai, you’re so good to me. How could I not be moved?” Her voice trembled, as if deeply wronged.

“I know you might care about Zhouzhou’s feelings...” She paused, watching Gu Yubai’s face, then cautiously continued, “But over these years you’ve seen, I treat Zhouzhou well, and he relies on me a lot...”

Her eyes were full of hope, as if waiting for Gu Yubai’s affirmation.

Gu Yubai remained silent.

He looked at Su Yuejin, his eyes complex, emotions tangled.

He gripped her shoulder, neither too hard nor too soft.

Su Yuejin’s eyes lit up instantly, thinking Gu Yubai was finally going to accept her.

Yet, in her expectant gaze, Gu Yubai remained silent for a long moment before slowly speaking.

“Pack up and move out tomorrow.”

Those few words struck like a sharp blade, piercing Su Yuejin’s heart deeply.

Her smile froze, replaced by disbelief and profound resentment.

She couldn’t believe Gu Yubai could be so heartless.

“Why?” she asked with a trembling voice, tears brimming in her eyes.

Gu Yubai didn’t answer, simply pushing her away gently.

He turned and walked toward Zhouzhou’s room.

Leaving Su Yuejin standing there alone, trembling all over, as if plunged into an ice cellar.

Her vision darkened with fury.

She clenched her fists tightly, nails digging deep into her palms.

“It must be Si Tang! She’s the one stirring trouble in front of Yubai!” Su Yuejin raged silently in her heart.