Iceberg's Deep Love - Chapter 19

If Gu Jihuan hadn’t witnessed it firsthand, she might never have believed that Lu Yuqiong, who appeared so refined and elegant, could devour food with such voracious abandon.

 

Each bite seemed to vanish into an endless void, yet Lu Yuqiong’s expression remained utterly blissful, showing no hint of forced appetite. She was completely immersed in the pleasure of the meal.

 

Li Mingyue stared in stunned silence. The amount Lu Yuqiong had consumed already surpassed her entire daily intake.

 

After finishing her meal, Lu Yuqiong ordered an extra scoop of ice cream. As she savored it, she clicked her tongue at Li Mingyue. “Little Potato, you eat so little. No wonder you’re not growing taller.”

 

“Who are you calling short?” Even under the psychological pressure of her wealthy boss, Li Mingyue couldn’t resist retorting, her neck stiffening. “I’m still young! My bones haven’t fully ossified yet. I can still grow taller!”

 

“Pfft—” Lu Yuqiong burst into laughter, nearly spitting out her ice cream. After coughing twice, she waved her hand dismissively. “Mmm-hmm, potatoes can sprout too. Once they grow into potato shoots, they’ll get taller.”

 

“She’s not usually like this,” Lu Shinian whispered to Gu Jihuan. “Sister Qiong has a lively personality, but she only acts this way around me. She’s usually very mature and composed in public.”

 

“I believe you,” Gu Jihuan nodded almost imperceptibly. Having interacted with Lu Yuqiong before, she knew the woman wasn’t normally this sharp-tongued.

 

Today, however, something seemed to have changed. Whenever she was with Doctor Li Mingyue, Lu Yuqiong couldn’t resist her venomous wit, teasing the doctor until she looked ready to jump up and fight.

 

Watching Li Mingyue’s cheeks puff up with anger, Lu Yuqiong wore a smugly triumphant expression. “Oh, right, Little Potato,” she said. “Since you’re the one who caused the accident, give me your contact information so I can hold you responsible later.”

 

“You—!” Li Mingyue glared at Lu Yuqiong, then glanced sideways at Gu Jihuan, finally suppressing her urge to argue.

 

She pulled a small notebook from her pocket, tore out a page, wrote down her phone number, and handed it to Lu Yuqiong. “Here.”

 

“A paper notebook? Are there still young people this old-fashioned?” Lu Yuqiong stared in astonishment. In this digital age, exchanging information in such a primitive way was truly shocking.

 

“What do you know? A bad memory is better than a good pen,” Li Mingyue retorted, rolling her eyes. She neatly closed her notebook, adopting a serious demeanor.

 

Lu Yuqiong glanced at the scrap of paper in her hand, pursed her lips slightly, and tore off half a blank sheet. She held it out to Li Mingyue. “Give me your pen.”

 

Swish, swish, swish—Lu Yuqiong signed her name and phone number with a flourish, then handed the half-sheet and pen back. “There. Let’s exchange contact information your way.”

 

Li Mingyue eyed the ragged, dog-chewed-looking paper with disdain. “Lu Yuqiong, has anyone ever told you how utterly sloppy you are?”

 

“Hey, I’m being perfectly proper here!” Lu Yuqiong retorted, pouting. “Look, anyone who tried to give me a scrap like this when exchanging numbers would have had it tossed in the trash already!”

 

“Still, it’s just so… sloppy,” Li Mingyue muttered, unable to resist. She carefully aligned the paper, pressed down firmly to create a clear crease, and then tore along the crease to create a perfectly square piece.

 

Finally, she smoothed it out, tucked it into her notebook, and closed the book.

 

Lu Yuqiong stared, dumbfounded. “Are you OCD or something?”

 

“What’s wrong with OCD? Did OCD bite you?” Li Mingyue retorted, her patience finally worn thin by Lu Yuqiong’s teasing.

 

Gu Jihuan, listening to their back-and-forth, couldn’t help but rub her forehead. This is how elementary schoolers argue… she thought. Would anyone believe that one of them is a powerful business magnate and the other a skilled cardiothoracic surgeon?

 

She glanced at Lu Shinian for help, but he could only shake his head helplessly, his handsome features radiating innocence.

 

Lu Shinian leaned closer and whispered, “She wasn’t always like this. Sister Qiong has a fiery temper and often argues, but usually not like this. We believe in persuading others with reason.”

 

“Cardiothoracic surgeons aren’t usually like this either,” Gu Jihuan whispered back, leaning in conspiratorially. “We argue during surgeries, but we usually maintain a mature and composed demeanor.”

 

Seeing no end to their childish bickering, Gu Jihuan sighed, “What do we do now?”

 

“Ahem, you two…” Lu Shinian began, trying to mediate, but his voice was completely drowned out by their escalating argument.

 

Lu Shinian blinked, a hint of helplessness in his voice. “I thought since I’m the boss, they’d listen to me. You saw how that went.”

 

Gu Jihuan shrugged. “Well, what can you do?”

 

Just then, the waiter arrived with their ice cream desserts. Startled by the argument, he quickly set down the desserts and scurried away.

 

“So… shall we watch the show?” Gu Jihuan handed Lu Shinian his ice cream and began eating hers in small bites, her eyes sparkling as she watched the argument unfold.

 

A smear of creamy ice cream clung to her lips, giving them a glossy sheen. Her dark, lacquer-like eyes, framed by thick, unblinking lashes, were fixed intently on the quarrel.

 

From Lu Shinian’s angle, he could see Gu Jihuan’s profile and her utterly absorbed expression—the very picture of someone enjoying the drama without a care for the consequences.

 

Mature and composed… Lu Shinian couldn’t help but chuckle softly. He saw no trace of maturity or composure on Gu Jihuan’s face, only the playful curiosity of a child.

 

“This ice cream is pretty good, though—really sweet,” Gu Jihuan commented between bites, her eyes still glued to the argument.

 

Lu Shinian took a small taste. The icy coolness melted in his mouth, instantly filling his palate with the sweet flavor of strawberries. It was already autumn, and he rarely ate ice cream this late in the year.

 

His grandmother always insisted that eating seasonally was essential for good health, and she strictly regulated his diet. He had long grown accustomed to this and never argued with her over mere cravings.

 

In truth, Lu Shinian understood his grandmother’s cautiousness. With him as her only remaining family member, she naturally cherished him like a precious treasure, constantly fearing something might happen to him.

 

Amidst the strong strawberry aroma, a faint scent of lime drifted to his nose—so subtle it was almost imperceptible, mingled with the antiseptic smell of the hospital.

 

It seemed to be the scent of Gu Jihuan’s clothes: the fragrance of lime-scented laundry detergent, combined with the hospital’s disinfectant, created an oddly pleasant blend.

 

Lu Shinian couldn’t help but recall their first encounter at the bar. Gu Jihuan had been enveloped in a heady mix of alcohol and rose perfume—seductive and intoxicating, much like her own complex nature. Sometimes vibrant and alluring, sometimes clear and refreshing, she always made him feel remarkably comfortable in her presence.

 

The final argument ended in a draw. Despite her simmering anger, Li Mingyue reluctantly helped Lu Yuqiong back into the car.

 

Just as she was about to release her grip and leave, Lu Yuqiong grabbed the corner of her coat.

 

Li Mingyue snorted coldly. “What now? Another fight?”

 

“Little Potato, I’m the injured party here, your victim. You can’t just leave it at that, can you?” Lu Yuqiong said with an air of entitlement. “Just so you know, I’ll be coming back to see you for my follow-up appointment.”

 

“President Lu, you’re a VVVIP at Qingnan Hospital. If you need a follow-up, just call Vice President Yu. There’ll be a whole team lining up to serve you. I’m not even an orthopedic surgeon.”

 

“No, I want you.” Lu Yuqiong shook her head and flashed her phone screen at Li Mingyue. “If you refuse, I’ll tell Vice President Yu you’re shirking responsibility for the accident. She specifically told you to take full responsibility, remember?”

 

“You—!” This struck Li Mingyue’s Achilles’ heel. Her greatest fear was Lu Yuqiong reporting her to Yu Hong, which would jeopardize her chances of joining Gu Jihuan’s medical team.

 

Li Mingyue pinched her nose as she added Gu Jihuan’s contact information, maintaining a sour expression as she watched the car door slowly close and Lu Yuqiong drive away.

 

Then, she turned to Gu Jihuan, her face instantly transforming into a radiant smile. “Professor Gu, is there anything else I can help you with?”

 

“No, that’s all,” Gu Jihuan replied, feeling somewhat perplexed. She couldn’t shake the feeling that Li Mingyue presented completely different personas depending on whether she was interacting with her or Lu Yuqiong, leaving her utterly confused.

 

“Then I’ll head back to work,” Li Mingyue said, fidgeting with the hem of her coat and blinking repeatedly.

 

“Alright,” Gu Jihuan nodded, but Li Mingyue’s feet seemed glued to the ground, refusing to budge.

 

Sensing her hesitation, Gu Jihuan tentatively asked, “Doctor Li, is there anything else?”

 

“Well, nothing urgent…” The woman who had been arguing fiercely with Lu Yuqiong just moments ago suddenly became bashful. “It’s just… I’ve applied to Vice President Yu to join your medical team. Please make sure you accept me when the time comes…”

 

Gu Jihuan didn’t know many of the cardiothoracic surgeons at Qingnan Hospital well; she had only exchanged nods with those she’d met. She wasn’t particularly bothered whether it was Li Mingyue or not.

 

As Li Mingyue left, Lu Shinian’s gaze fell on Gu Jihuan. He remarked casually, “Doctor Gu is quite popular. Very popular at the bar, and very popular at the hospital too.”

 

“Not really,” Gu Jihuan replied after a moment’s thought. “No one really approached me at the bar…”

 

“That’s because Lu Bei blocked them all,” Lu Shinian said. “I just checked. Lu Bei was the one following you that night. He instructed the staff to turn away anyone who tried to approach you.”

 

“So I missed out on a lot?” Gu Jihuan asked, a hint of regret in her voice.

 

She also noticed Lu Shinian’s words. Despite attending meetings with hospital administrators all morning, he had still found time to investigate the bar incident. He seemed to have three heads and six arms.

 

After learning Gu Jihuan’s true identity that morning, everything suddenly made sense to Lu Shinian. Dai Meng, the hotel’s owner, could easily investigate the events of that night.

 

Lu Bei’s branch of the Lu family had only a distant familial connection to Lu Shinian, sharing merely the same surname and a remote ancestral link. Under Chen Yuefang’s patronage, he had secured a management position at Ludi Group’s fashion subsidiary, but his career had stagnated in recent years.

 

The Lu family’s ordinary nephews, arrogant due to their status, had made half-hearted attempts to court Gu Jihuan. When their efforts proved fruitless, they naturally gave up.

 

Lu Bei, however, saw Gu Jihuan as his lifeline to climb back up. Lacking any real leverage, he abandoned all pretense of dignity and resorted to relentless persistence.

 

But the day she saw Gu Jihuan flirting with Lu Shinian, the two looking so intimate, she must have finally realized the futility of her pursuit and retreated.

 

Hearing Gu Jihuan’s regretful tone, Lu Shinian’s eyes darkened slightly, though his voice remained calm. “We’ve missed many opportunities…”

 

“Then we’ll just have to wait for the next time,” Gu Jihuan said casually, her tone nonchalant. “Without Lu Bei blocking the way, who knows, we might even make new friends.”

 

Lu Shinian paused at the mention of “next time.” “Do you frequent bars often?”

 

“I used to go often, but I’ve only been once recently,” Gu Jihuan admitted, not wanting to hide anything. “Cardiothoracic surgery is stressful, so surgeons often have hobbies to unwind. A couple of drinks helps.”

 

Gu Jihuan didn’t dwell on these words, treating them as casual banter between friends. Checking the time, she said, “Sister Qiong is so busy. Are you sure you don’t have anything urgent to handle? I feel bad taking up your time.”

 

Lu Shinian replied, “I cleared my schedule today to deal with matters at Qingnan Hospital. Sister Hong has been managing things perfectly, freeing up half the day. Sister Qiong is focused on other projects.”

 

The project Lu Yuqiong was overseeing was Lost Path. As the head of Ludi Group’s internet marketing division, her work differed significantly from the gaming industry.

 

Fortunately, Lu Di didn’t interfere with the game’s content or production, focusing solely on funding and marketing, which gave Lu Yuqiong some control.

 

Even so, the sheer volume of tasks had her stretched thin, moving from one meeting to the next. The fact that she could spare so much time to accompany Gu Jihuan to Qingnan Hospital was remarkable.

 

Lu Shinian said, “Didn’t you say you didn’t drive here? I can give you a ride. It’s no trouble at all.”

 

“Actually… I don’t know how to drive,” Gu Jihuan admitted with a nod. “I always took taxis or had Jiang Min drive me.”

 

It was a bit embarrassing, but Gu Jihuan was a genuine road hazard. After returning to China, she had painstakingly obtained a local driver’s license, but she had never actually driven on the road. Every time she sat behind the wheel, she would inevitably panic and fumble with the controls.

 

Car-blind and directionally challenged—these were the windows God had closed on Gu Jihuan.

 

The distance to Qingnan Hospital was only three kilometers, in a relatively quiet area. The street was sparsely populated, lined with newly built apartment complexes. At the entrance of one such complex, a man wearing a blue helmet sat on an electric scooter, casually scrolling through his phone.

 

A black Cayenne slowly pulled up beside the scooter. The rear door opened smoothly, and a woman with striking features stepped out. “Hello, are you the landlord? I’m here for the apartment viewing we scheduled.”

 

The landlord glanced at the Cayenne, then at Gu Jihuan’s impeccably dressed figure, his eyes darting around. He cautiously replied, “Um… I’m a rental agent, not selling apartments. Are you sure you have the right place?”

 

“That’s right, I made an appointment to view apartments with you today,” Gu Jihuan explained. “My surname is Gu.”

 

“Oh, right, right,” the agent replied, still somewhat puzzled. Why would someone driving a Cayenne want to rent a small apartment of just a few dozen square meters?

 

Gu Jihuan’s previous residence was near Jianghuan Hospital. Now that she was starting work at Qingnan Hospital, she naturally needed to find a place closer to her new job.

 

The apartment complex was quite ordinary, with mediocre landscaping and an average location. Fortunately, the units were relatively new and not too far from Qingnan Hospital.

 

Burdened by debt, Gu Jihuan prioritized saving money. She only looked at small one- or two-bedroom apartments, all with similar conditions. After a quick assessment, she chose a unit and signed the lease.

 

When she returned to the complex entrance, the black Cayenne was already waiting.

 

The agent hopped onto his electric scooter, beaming as he bid her farewell. “Miss Gu, here are the keys. Contact me on WeChat if you need anything.”

 

Gu Jihuan circled the small electric scooter twice, her eyes sparkling. “This looks pretty good,” she said. “I could buy one for commuting.”

 

The agent’s smile vanished instantly. He glanced at the Cayenne, then at his own “little BMW,” his expression turning bitter. Is this how the rich play? he thought. This car looks pretty good?

 

To the agent, this seemed like a fantasy, so absurd that he wondered if Gu Jihuan was deliberately flaunting her wealth.

 

But Gu Jihuan was genuinely serious. She didn’t know how to drive, and sometimes she couldn’t get a taxi late at night for emergency surgeries. She was truly drawn to the little electric scooter.

 

In truth, it wasn’t just the agent who found it extravagant to arrive at a rental viewing in a Cayenne. Gu Jihuan herself felt it was excessive, especially with Jiang City’s wealthiest man accompanying her all afternoon to look at apartments. It was truly extravagant.

 

Moreover, Lu Shinian never once showed a hint of disdain. From the sprawling villas in Longhua Tianyu to the modest apartments, the billionaire never betrayed a flicker of disapproval.

 

This domineering CEO wasn’t just putting on an act of approachability; he genuinely seemed down-to-earth, making Gu Jihuan, the “poor person,” feel like her dignity remained intact.

 

In L City, M Country, the autumn weather was crisp and clear, a rare sunny day.

 

The M Country Heart Center stood right on the west coast. Through the hospital windows, one could see the endless azure sky and the white-foamed waves crashing against the shore.

 

Gu Jihuan walked through the hospital, greeting everyone with a warm smile. Most of the medical staff were her former colleagues, and their conversations flowed as easily as before.

 

Lu Shinian, however, seemed puzzled. “This place has excellent facilities and cutting-edge medical technology. Why did you choose Jianghuan back then?”

 

“I originally returned to China only to handle my grandmother’s funeral, planning to come back afterward,” Gu Jihuan said with a sigh. “But Minmin convinced me that China needed surgeons like me, so I stayed.”

 

Gu Jihuan wasn’t telling the whole truth. Deep down, she still felt a connection to Jianghuan Hospital. Three generations of her family had worked there, and despite her strained relationship with her grandmother, she couldn’t shake her sense of belonging to the place.

 

At the time, Jianghuan had a critically ill patient requiring a simultaneous heart and liver transplant, a procedure Jianghuan had no experience with.

 

Jiang Min, knowing Gu Jihuan had performed such a dual transplant at the M Country Heart Center, strongly recommended her as a visiting surgeon for this complex operation.

 

The surgery was a success, marking Jianghuan’s first dual organ transplant. Gu Jihuan witnessed firsthand the hospital’s dire medical situation: insufficient doctors, inadequate resources, and a shortage of top-tier specialists.

 

The M Country Heart Center wouldn’t miss one Gu Jihuan, but her presence at Jianghuan could make a significant impact.

 

She chose Jianghuan, but her sincere intentions were misconstrued by Liu Zhiping, who saw her as plotting a power grab. Ultimately, she left Jianghuan.

 

Ding— The elevator stopped at the ninth floor, and the doors slowly opened.

 

Gu Jihuan explained, “The entire ninth floor belongs to Professor Yelisa’s team. Research labs, offices, conference rooms, even patient wards—everything is integrated here…”

 

Gu Jihuan stepped forward, but her footsteps gradually slowed to a halt, her voice trailing off into silence. An eerie quiet settled over the space.

 

From this angle, they had a clear view of the reading lounge at the center of the floor. Leather sofas were paired with lush greenery, and the bookshelves held professional texts on cardiothoracic surgery. Sunlight streamed through the windows, bathing the room in a warm glow.

 

The woman standing in the lounge happened to look up, her eyes meeting Gu Jihuan’s.

 

Lu Shinian sensed the shift in atmosphere. She frowned slightly and followed Gu Jihuan’s gaze.

 

The woman was slender, with long, golden-blonde curls and striking European features—deep-set eyes and sharp angles. Her blue eyes, however, hinted at an Asian heritage in her expression and demeanor.

 

She exuded grace, her smile as radiant as sunlight, making her golden hair seem even more dazzling.

 

Approaching Gu Jihuan, she extended her hand and said in fluent Mandarin, “Doctor Gu, it’s been a long time.”

 

Gu Jihuan didn’t shake her hand. Her dark eyes fixed on the woman as she said slowly, “Yan Yu, what are you doing here? We’re over. Completely.”

 

Gu Jihuan’s fingers clenched instinctively, the sharp tips digging into her palm, sending waves of faint pain through her hand. She felt her entire hand trembling slightly.

 

Pressing her lips together tightly, Gu Jihuan had convinced herself that since she wouldn’t take back the trash, she wouldn’t care. But now, she felt an overwhelming urge to ask Yan Yu one more time: Why?

 

“A Yu, who’s this? I’ve never seen her before,” a slightly coquettish voice called out. The woman trailing behind Yan Yu grasped her hand, gently looped her arm through Yan Yu’s, and gazed at Gu Jihuan with a warm, intimate smile.

 

Yan Yu turned to meet her gaze, her eyes softening with tenderness. She then turned back to Gu Jihuan and said, “Doctor Gu, you must be mistaken. I’m not here to see you; I’m here to consult Professor Yelisa about a medical issue.”

 

Gu Jihuan’s brow furrowed slightly. She exhaled softly and replied in a low voice, “Very well, then. Please proceed as you wish.”

 

Gu Jihuan stepped aside, intending to walk past Yan Yu, but Yan Yu reached out to stop her. “Doctor Gu, we’re still friends, aren’t we? Why are you being so distant?”

 

Yan Yu’s radiant smile felt like a dagger to Gu Jihuan’s eyes. “Then what do you want from me?”

 

“You chose to stay in China. I told you long-distance relationships wouldn’t work, but you wouldn’t listen.” Yan Yu’s smile slowly faded. “Can’t you stop acting so childish? Accept the consequences of your actions.”

 

“My decision to stay in China was mine alone. That doesn’t justify your behavior. You could have been honest with me instead of taking my money while sleeping with someone else.”

 

Gu Jihuan’s words were merciless. Seeing the two women so intimate in front of her extinguished any lingering desire to confront Yan Yu.

 

It had been so long since Gu Jihuan had seen Yan Yu smile like that—the way she used to smile at her when they first became a couple. She couldn’t even remember when that changed.

 

“Doctor Gu’s money?” The woman beside Yan Yu scoffed. “I give her more than that in a single visit. Does Doctor Gu really think she’s paying so much?”

 

Beside her stood the young woman Gu Jihuan had seen in the photograph earlier—a delicate face, the air of a pampered princess, and a seemingly fragile demeanor. She clung to Yan Yu’s arm, radiating an air of docile affection.

 

This was Lu Jingqing, Lu Bei’s biological sister.

 

Gu Jihuan glanced at her briefly, saying nothing.

 

She still remembered Lu Bei’s words: “Miss Gu, if you’re still hung up on Yan Yu, after our marriage, I can have my sister dump her. Then you two can be together again.”

 

It was clear Lu Bei understood the nature of Lu Jingqing and Yan Yu’s relationship. To Lu Jingqing, Yan Yu was merely a toy to amuse herself in her idle moments.

 

Yet now, Lu Jingqing was acting so clingy and intimate. This seemingly delicate, pampered princess was far from the simple creature she appeared to be.

 

The games of the wealthy… Gu Jihuan couldn’t help but steal a glance at Lu Shinian. How could two people from the same Lu Family lineage be so different?

 

“Xiao Qing,” Yan Yu patted the back of her hand, signaling her to stop talking.

 

Turning to Gu Jihuan, Yan Yu said, “Doctor Gu, let’s leave it at that. You chose to return home, you chose to find new love, and I’ve started my own relationship. It’s over.”

 

“What new lover?” Gu Jihuan asked, taken aback. She couldn’t understand why, after their relationship had been so good, their breakup had to devolve into a bitter fight, each blaming the other for everything.

 

Yan Yu’s words made it sound as if Gu Jihuan had abandoned her to return to China and find a new girlfriend, leaving Yan Yu behind.

 

Lu Jingqing chuckled softly. “Isn’t that the truth, Doctor Gu? Are you bitter because I found a wealthier girlfriend?”

 

“Xiao Qing, don’t say things like that,” Yan Yu interjected after Lu Jingqing finished, adopting a reasonable tone that suggested she wanted to avoid escalating the conflict.

 

Before Gu Jihuan could respond, a calm voice cut through the tension: “Blaming others to justify your own actions and then standing smugly on the moral high ground—a clever tactic. If you’d put this much effort into your company, you wouldn’t be bankrupt and relying on charity to survive.”

 

“What are you implying?” Yan Yu’s tone instantly darkened, her carefully maintained smile finally vanishing.

 

Gu Jihuan subtly shifted half a step, positioning herself in front of Lu Shinian, as if to shield him behind her.

 

Gu Jihuan understood Yan Yu all too well. Yan Yu was fiercely proud, especially when it came to her company. Whenever Gu Jihuan had given her money in the past, she always framed it as an investment, never as charity, precisely to protect Yan Yu’s pride.

 

This issue was Yan Yu’s Achilles’ heel. By now, Gu Jihuan no longer cared whether Yan Yu would be hurt or angry. Her only concern was that if Yan Yu lost control, she wouldn’t harm Lu Shinian.

 

Suddenly, a warm sensation enveloped her wrist. A hand gently grasped it, and those deep, dark eyes met hers. Lu Shinian shook his head slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips.

 

Gu Jihuan froze for a moment, still processing what was happening. Before she could react, Lu Shinian had already stepped in front of her, subtly shielding her.

 

From this angle, she could see Lu Shinian’s profile perfectly. His expression was calm, the small brown mole beneath his eyelid barely visible. His cool, slightly intimidating gaze carried a subtle weight.

 

As Gu Jihuan watched, she couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

 

“What are you laughing at?” Lu Shinian turned to look at her, blinking. “Is something wrong?”

 

“No,” Gu Jihuan shook her head, leaning closer to Lu Shinian’s ear and whispering, “I suddenly feel like I’m watching a scene from one of those domineering CEO protecting his wife novels.”

 

Lu Shinian truly embodied the characteristics of a domineering CEO from fiction. For a moment, it felt like they were filming a movie, a heart-fluttering scene from a romantic drama.

 

Lu Shinian pondered for a moment before replying softly, “Could it be… I really am a domineering CEO?”

 

“Well…” Gu Jihuan hesitated. Domineering CEOs in novels were decisive and ruthless, but Lu Shinian was clearly a refined heir from a wealthy family, so soft-hearted he’d give money away to anyone who asked—a naive and innocent sweetheart. He seemed worlds apart from the archetype.

 

The tense atmosphere had suddenly transformed into this intimate scene, with Gu Jihuan and Lu Shinian whispering and laughing in each other’s ears right in front of Yan Yu.

 

Lu Shinian’s hand remained firmly clasped around Gu Jihuan’s wrist, and she didn’t resist. Instead, their affectionate display only deepened, causing Yan Yu’s eyes to darken further.

 

Even as she tried to maintain her composure, a hint of resentment crept into Yan Yu’s voice. “Who do you think you are, standing between Jihuan and me? This is a private matter between us. It’s none of your business.”

 

“Doctor Gu’s friend, Lu Shinian of Ludi Group,” Lu Shinian said slowly, his lashes lifting slightly. “I’ve heard President Yan received investment from Ludi Group but failed to use it as stipulated in the contract. President Yan likely knows whether this investment followed proper procedures.”

 

“Lu Shinian?” Yan Yu’s eyes held a faint trace of confusion.

 

Beside her, Lu Jingqing had already released her arm, pressing her lips together awkwardly as she whispered, “Cousin… Cousin?”

 

Though technically Lu Jingqing should address Lu Shinian as “Cousin,” the two had never actually met. Yet every member of the Lu Family knew of Lu Shinian, the family’s next heir.

 

Lu Jingqing studied Lu Shinian intently, finally confirming in her mind that this was indeed her elusive cousin. No wonder… she’d felt a strange familiarity from the moment they met… She’d seen Lu Shinian’s photo before…

 

Gu Jihuan tilted her head, watching Lu Shinian with a gentle blink. Even Lu Shinian knows about this? This man truly operates like an eight-core processor, handling everything without missing a beat.

 

Lu Shinian ignored Lu Jingqing, saying flatly, “I don’t care about President Yan’s personal affairs. However, Ludi Group considers the private conduct of its investment targets. I believe President Yan fails to meet our standards, making further evaluation unnecessary.”

 

“Xiao Qing,” Yan Yu said, clearly unfamiliar with the Lu Family’s internal dynamics, and instinctively turned to Lu Jingqing beside her.

 

Lu Jingqing quickly sidestepped half a step and blurted out, “Cousin, this was my fault. It has nothing to do with anyone else. I’ll cover the losses with my own money. Please… don’t tell Grandma…”

 

If Chen Yuefang were to discover that Lu Jingqing and Lu Bei had used their family connections to secure investment from Ludi Group for Yan Yu, it would escalate far beyond a minor incident. Lu Bei could lose his position, and the siblings would be completely ruined.

 

Gu Jihuan felt the fingers gripping her wrist tighten slightly. Then she heard Lu Shinian’s lowered voice: “See? I told you I was a domineering CEO.”

 

“Mhm, mhm, mhm, Domineering CEO Lu,” Gu Jihuan couldn’t help but chuckle softly. The atmosphere had been building, but Lu Shinian’s remark instantly shattered the CEO aura he had so carefully cultivated.

 

Hearing Gu Jihuan’s laughter, Lu Shinian knew she hadn’t taken him seriously and had dismissed his words as a joke.

 

For some inexplicable reason, Lu Shinian always felt like he was the one being bullied. Could it be that she really was the domineering CEO… but Gu Jihuan seemed completely unaware of it?

 

Just then, a nurse from the Cardiothoracic Surgery ward emerged from the inner corridor. Spotting Gu Jihuan and Lu Shinian, she greeted them with a radiant smile. “The professor is waiting for you in the office.”

 

As she spoke, she winked subtly at Gu Jihuan, her smile widening, clearly indicating a familiar relationship between them.

 

“Miss Nurse, we’ve been waiting here for a long time for the professor regarding my friend’s condition…” Yan Yu interrupted the nurse.

 

The nurse flipped through the folder in her hand and said, “The professor doesn’t think your friend needs treatment.”

 

With that, she ignored Yan Yu and turned directly to Gu Jihuan. “Doctor Gu, come with me.”

 

The M Country Heart Center differed from hospitals in their home country. Here, professors held an almost godlike status. Despite Yan Yu and Lu Jingqing’s wealth and influence, Professor Yelisa showed them no special consideration.

 

They had waited for hours, only to be dismissed with a cold declaration that Lu Jingqing didn’t require treatment.

 

In stark contrast, the nurse was exceptionally warm toward Gu Xianzhu and Gu Jihuan, chatting and laughing as they walked side-by-side. The difference in treatment was glaring.

 

As Lu Shinian and Gu Jihuan’s figures disappeared, Lu Jingqing finally frowned in displeasure. “Yan Yu, this is all your fault! Professor Yelisa must be refusing to treat me because of your relationship with Gu Jihuan.”

 

“Xiao Qing, Professor Yelisa is highly respected. She wouldn’t hold a grudge over something so trivial…” Yan Yu felt a pang of annoyance at Lu Jingqing’s accusation, but remembering the delayed investment, she softened her tone and tried to reason with her.

 

Lu Jingqing remained dissatisfied. “When will that investment finally start generating returns? I’m having to cover the shortfall with my own money, and I don’t have that much. You promised the profits would come quickly.”

 

“There’s been an unexpected delay,” Yan Yu explained patiently. “Just give it a little more time.”

 

She added reassuringly, “If the doctors here won’t treat you, I refuse to believe there aren’t other good doctors out there. Tell me which doctor you want to see, and I’ll go with you, okay?”

 

Her humble approach finally softened Lu Jingqing’s stance. Her tone shifted, losing its earlier sharpness. “A Yu, I didn’t mean to argue earlier. I was just jealous of Gu Jihuan. I care about you…”

 

Unseen by Yan Yu, Xian Zhufu, who had been tidying up nearby, felt the warmth in his eyes freeze over.

 

Lu Bei’s mission for her was to keep Yan Yu occupied, ensuring she and Gu Jihuan had no chance of reconciling. She had to complete this task, no matter what.

 

But her patience was wearing thin. If she couldn’t recover the money, she refused to keep throwing her own money into Yan Yu’s bottomless pit. Losing both her reputation and her money was a losing proposition by any measure.

 

Still seething, she rolled her eyes and tugged on Yan Yu’s sleeve. “A Yu, I’m going back to Jiang City this weekend.”

 

“Why?” Yan Yu frowned. “Aren’t you still getting treatment here? What if you miss your appointments?”

 

Yan Yu didn’t want Lu Jingqing to leave. Lu Jingqing was a far richer “fat sheep” than Gu Jihuan. Having just reaped benefits from her, she wasn’t about to let this cash cow escape.

 

Lu Jingqing was sensitive and prone to jealousy. To maintain their relationship, Yan Yu had cut ties with all her other patrons. Losing Lu Jingqing now would be a devastating blow.

 

Gu Jihuan, on the other hand, didn’t matter. Though Yan Yu had invested the most effort in her, she felt no regret. After all, she never liked Gu Jihuan, and had never even considered pursuing a more intimate relationship with her.

 

“I’m going to the family banquet,” Lu Jingqing said with a light hum. “Grandma definitely doesn’t know about Lu Shinian’s relationship. I need to leak the news and go back to watch the drama unfold.”

 

Every member of the Lu Family knew about Chen Yuefang’s aversion to same-s3x relationships and how much she cherished her only granddaughter. After being publicly rebuked by Lu Shinian, she couldn’t swallow her anger.

 

If Chen Yuefang were to find out that Lu Shinian had been seeing a girl outside the family, the family banquet would be quite the spectacle.

 

“Then I…” Yan Yu’s voice trailed off slightly.

 

Though Lu Jingqing was growing impatient with Yan Yu, she remembered the task Lu Bei had given her and offered a reassuring smile. “Just wait here for me. We agreed to fly to F Country next week to see the opera. You’d better not flake on me.”

 

On the west coast, at a resort hotel, opening the window revealed crashing waves and the fresh scent of sea breeze.

 

It was night, and a crescent moon hung in the sky. The clear weather revealed a vast expanse of stars stretching across the horizon.

 

Lu Shinian had booked a resort hotel, not a business hotel, located near the M Country Heart Center. The hotel offered stunning ocean views, and its private beach stretched out below.

 

Beach chairs and small cocktail tables dotted the sand, attended by waiters weaving through the crowd. A symphony orchestra played on a central stage, its melodious music blending with the rhythmic roar of the waves.

 

Gu Jihuan, lifting the hem of her long orange dress, approached from a distance. She placed a wine bottle and glasses on the cocktail table, her eyes meeting Lu Shinian’s with a smile. “The atmosphere is perfect. Shall we have a drink?”

 

Gu Jihuan had changed into a vibrant orange gown adorned with large, intricate floral patterns. The sea breeze billowed her skirt, carrying waves of rich perfume. Her sparkling eyes and radiant demeanor truly gave the impression of someone on vacation.

 

Lu Shinian accepted the glass she offered. “The first time we met, you said almost the exact same thing.”

 

“That’s different,” Gu Jihuan said. “Back then, I was desperate for your help. Now, I genuinely want to share a drink with you, to celebrate…”

 

She paused, as if she’d forgotten what she wanted to say. After a moment’s thought, she continued, “To celebrate the successful invitation of Professor Yelisa as a visiting professor today.”

 

“Mm, to celebrate our success,” Lu Shinian replied, gently clinking his glass against hers. He didn’t call out Gu Jihuan’s true feelings, but he could guess she was likely upset after seeing Yan Yu.

 

As for the collaboration with Professor Yelisa, it had been agreed upon beforehand. They knew it would be successful before today’s meeting, so there wasn’t much surprise or cause for celebration.

 

Qingnan Hospital aimed to establish its Cardiothoracic Surgery department as its flagship division. Leveraging the Ludi Group’s backing, they had partnered with the M Country Heart Center. Professor Yelisa would serve as a visiting professor at Qingnan Hospital and regularly perform surgeries there.

 

Though not a permanent appointment, the involvement of a renowned surgeon from the M Country Heart Center, combined with Professor Li’s guidance and Gu Jihuan’s leadership on the front lines, meant the flagship department was nearly fully established.

 

“This champagne isn’t as good as the one at the bar,” Gu Jihuan said, swallowing her sip as she reclined on the beach chair, enjoying the sea breeze.

 

Stars dotted the night sky, forming a shimmering line with the distant horizon. The vastness of the ocean always had a way of opening one’s heart and washing away worries.

 

Gu Jihuan felt she might have been too critical, nitpicking over trivial matters. Being on a business trip with her boss that felt more like a vacation was already a rare privilege. What right did she have to complain about the wine?

 

Lu Shinian glanced at the champagne on the table, his tone casual. “The hotel’s champagne is indeed mediocre. I recall there’s a Lu Family Winery nearby. I’ll have them send over a better bottle.”

 

Gu Jihuan had only been making conversation, never expecting Lu Shinian to take her seriously. She nearly choked on her drink and quickly protested, “No, no, no! I was just saying…”

 

“The message has already been sent,” Lu Shinian said, blinking innocently as he showed her his phone screen.

 

The message was to the driver, who had already confirmed receipt and was likely on his way.

 

Gu Jihuan’s eyes widened. After a moment, she couldn’t help but mutter, “Damn capitalists…”

 

The execution speed and extravagance of the wealthy always managed to shatter her worldview anew.

 

Lu Shinian didn’t catch what Gu Jihuan was muttering. “What was that?” he asked.

 

“Nothing,” Gu Jihuan quickly denied, flustered.

 

She was on a business trip, with all expenses covered—flights, accommodation, meals, and even drinks. This felt like she was finally getting to fleece the capitalists. Suddenly, she imagined this bottle of wine would taste exceptionally good.

 

Lu Shinian remained oblivious to Gu Jihuan’s inner machinations, still worried she might feel awkward. He explained, “Consider this compensation for the drink at the bar. Someone slipped something into your glass, and you didn’t enjoy it. Ultimately, I’m the one who got you into this mess.”

 

“Who was it? Doing something so illegal and reckless… it’s utterly lawless!” Gu Jihuan declared indignantly, then her eyes sparkled as she turned to him. “Can you tell me about it?”

 

Gu Jihuan wasn’t usually one for gossip, but spending so much time with Jiang Min had inevitably rubbed off on her. She couldn’t help but feel curious about the so-called “secrets of the wealthy.”

 

As soon as the question left her lips, Gu Jihuan realized it might be inappropriate. She quickly added, “If it’s not convenient, never mind…”

 

“There’s nothing I can’t tell you,” Lu Shinian replied. “Since you’re going to the family banquet with Sister Qiong, she’ll probably tell you anyway. You’ll find out sooner or later.”

 

He continued, “It’s basically what I mentioned before we came to the M Country. Some people are unhappy about me taking over Ludi Group. They hoped I’d get caught up in some scandals as soon as I returned, forcing Grandma to withhold her authority from me.”

 

After a moment, Lu Shinian added, “Perhaps I haven’t done well enough to win everyone over.”

 

“What kind of talk is that?” Gu Jihuan interrupted, blinking. “Have you ever heard the saying, ‘Instead of self-reflection, blame others’?”

 

“No, what does that mean?”

 

Gu Jihuan smiled. “It means life is already exhausting enough. Why always look for fault in yourself? You need to learn to blame others to live more easily and freely.”

 

Seeing Lu Shinian still looking somewhat confused, Gu Jihuan’s eyes darted around as she offered an example: “Take what happened today, for instance. I don’t believe our breakup was because I chose to stay in Jianghuan. It was clearly her issue. She could have communicated clearly instead of getting involved with someone else ambiguously. The same applies to you. It’s not that you weren’t good enough; it’s just their envy.”

 

Gu Jihuan’s secret as a cardiothoracic surgeon: never let self-doubt consume her.

 

If she blamed herself for every setback, wouldn’t each failed surgery plunge her into prolonged depression?

 

Accepting that many things in life are beyond our control, she refused to dwell on problems once they occurred. Instead, she focused on living happily and finding ways to free herself from guilt.

 

Over the past few weeks, Gu Jihuan had noticed that Lu Shinian was her complete opposite—someone prone to self-doubt. Beneath his aloof exterior lay a sensitive, introspective nature, as if he were constantly suppressing his true feelings.

 

“So that’s what you meant,” Lu Shinian murmured, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He raised his glass slightly. “Thank you for comforting me.”

 

“No, I should be thanking you for the drinks and your hospitality,” Gu Jihuan said, stretching comfortably and gazing up at the stars. “Don’t underestimate yourself. You’re truly a wonderful person.”

 

Lu Shinian paused, slightly taken aback. Had she just been given the “good person” card? He’d heard that after someone gets that card…

 

After the “good person” card, there’s usually no “afterward”…

 

Lu Shinian frowned, pondering for a moment before speaking slowly, as if having made a decision: “Then how do I compare to Yan Yu?”

 

I’m a good person, but how do I compare to Yan Yu, the woman you like? Which of us do you prefer?

 

Lu Shinian could almost hear his own heart pounding. He regretted asking the question as soon as the words left his mouth; it felt too direct.

 

“You’re definitely better than her,” Gu Jihuan replied without hesitation. Compared to that deceitful con artist who swindled people out of their money, the sincere and kind Lu Shinian was clearly superior—a far better friend.

 

Hearing this, Lu Shinian felt a pang of disappointment, but he also let out a quiet sigh of relief. She didn’t understand my meaning. That’s… for the best.

 

Lu Shinian realized he’d acted impulsively. Even if he’d gotten the answer he wanted, what would it have changed?

 

She had to protect the Ludi Group and couldn’t let her grandmother worry too much. This meant she couldn’t do anything too outrageous, and there was absolutely no chance she could ever like Gu Jihuan… That answer was something she could live with either way.

 

The wine from the Lu Family Winery was truly exceptional—a Crystal Peach Rosé Louis Princess, even rarer and more expensive than the bottle at the bar.

 

Lu Shinian didn’t drink much, so most of the bottle ended up in Gu Jihuan’s stomach. Despite her decent tolerance, she felt a slight buzz.

 

She wasn’t a heavy drinker, but she enjoyed using alcohol to release her emotions. Criticizing others’ philosophies didn’t mean she wasn’t hurting herself.

 

From the day Yan Yu broke up with her until their reunion today, Gu Jihuan had been subconsciously avoiding the issue.

 

But perhaps it was fate’s arrangement—there was no escaping it. Today’s clear conversation had finally cleared the stagnant air in her heart.

 

Gu Jihuan wasn’t the type to rely on others. Having lost her parents at a young age, she had come to the M Country alone to study, growing accustomed to independence. The only person she had ever truly relied on was Yan Yu.

 

With Yan Yu, she could cry, laugh, and let go of her burdens to be herself. But as of today, that was gone forever.

 

Gu Jihuan couldn’t quite understand the emptiness she felt. Even though she had made the break clear and decisive, a lingering sense of loss remained.

 

The symphony orchestra’s music had stopped at some point, and the beach was emptying out, leaving only the sound of crashing waves. Carried by the sea breeze, the alcohol gradually lulled Gu Jihuan to sleep.

 

The late-night sea breeze was chilly, carrying a dampness that stung her face. Lu Shinian took off his coat and draped it over Gu Jihuan.

 

She slept restlessly, her brow furrowed tightly. Strands of damp hair clung to her cheeks, and her wine-flushed face glowed with a faint blush. Her soft, slightly parted lips glistened with moisture.

 

Lu Shinian’s hand froze mid-air. Compelled by some inexplicable force, he reached out and gently brushed aside the stray strands of hair that had fallen across her face. His fingertips grazed her cheek, feeling as if they had been lightly burned, and he instinctively withdrew his hand.

 

Her thick eyelashes fluttered slightly, and then her slightly moist eyes opened, their depths clouded with a hazy drunkenness, like a lake rippling with gentle waves. The ripples seemed to brush against the tip of his heart.

 

Gu Jihuan gazed into those deep, dark eyes for a moment before letting out a soft, drunken chuckle. “Lu Shinian,” she murmured, her voice slurred with wine, “when you look at me like that, I might think you want to kiss me…”

 

Lu Shinian’s retreating fingertips paused mid-air. He unconsciously clenched his hand into a fist, and his ear tips flushed a deep crimson.

 

Unfortunately, Gu Jihuan didn’t notice. Still drunk, she hugged the clothes in her arms tighter, shifted into a more comfortable position, and drifted back to sleep.

 

Lu Shinian let out a soft sigh of relief. Thank goodness it was just drunken rambling, he thought. Otherwise… she would have seen right through me…