“An illegitimate child? Or perhaps kidnapped? But then, how do we explain why Qiuli has been reluctant to return home?”

Zhao Yayuan fell silent for a moment before saying, “Grandma’s health isn’t very good.”

“Eh?” Lu Nian was startled. “What’s wrong? Is everything okay?”

Lu Nian knew how much Xiao Qiu loved Grandma. If anything happened to her, Xiao Qiu would be devastated.

Zhao Yayuan looked at the night sky. “It’s nothing serious, just her usual health issues. Medical facilities in Nanqiao are inadequate. I want to take her to An City for treatment.”

Lu Nian asked, “Will Xiao Qiu come along to take care of her?”

“Definitely. Grandma doesn’t want to move.” Zhao Yayuan said, “I’m still trying to persuade her. It might take some time.”

“But that has nothing to do with going back to the Lu family,” the young amber-eyed boy said seriously, looking directly at her. “Returning to An City doesn’t necessarily mean returning to the Lu family.”

He said, “So for now, don’t mention it to him. Take it slow.”

He also hoped that Xiao Qiu would come back to the Lu family. Then, the three of them would be a family.

“When they come, I’ll take you to see them,” Zhao Yayuan said.

Lu Nian nodded, feeling gloomy. “Okay.”

As they walked, they ran into Lu Yang in the hallway.

Zhao Yayuan had never liked Lu Yang, but Lu Nian still greeted him, calling him “Brother Yang.”

After they passed, Lu Yang opened the balcony door, and Zhao Tingyuan came out to get some fresh air, standing on the balcony looking at his phone.

“You should treat me as your brother-in-law,” Lu Yang said.

Zhao Tingyuan just smiled. “Yayuan really likes Nian Nian.”

“The key is to treat Nian Nian well, not pay attention to these superficial matters,” Lu Yang said.

The cool night breeze made the grandeur of the Lu family estate even more prominent.

Lu Yang lowered his voice. “Uncle has been busy lately. Lu Corporation is preparing to expand on a large scale, but our connections and financial resources are lacking. Uncle wants your family to back us up, and we’ve almost finalized the negotiations.”

“Your family has two sons, and mine has only Nian Nian. If you were to engage with her earlier, things would be much easier. I think that’s what Uncle means.”

“Nian Nian is only eighteen this year, right?” Zhao Tingyuan chuckled. “Why do I feel like I’m committing a crime?”

“It’s just an engagement, not marriage,” Lu Yang said.

He continued, “You have two sons in your family. You should consider yourself more. Just because you’re the older brother doesn’t mean you have to give everything to your younger brother.”

Zhao Tingyuan’s smile faded slowly.

“You can fool around outside,” Lu Yang said, “Just don’t let Nian Nian know. And the key is to treat Nian Nian well.”

He added, “Nian Nian is pure-hearted and hasn’t had much contact with boys since she was little. She hasn’t been in a relationship. Treat her well. Uncle cares about her thoughts. If she likes you, Uncle will definitely consider it.”

After all, Lu Nian was still Lu Zhihong’s daughter.

In the overall situation, whether to choose Zhao Tingyuan or Zhao Yayuan, Lu Zhihong would consider Lu Nian’s opinion.

Zhao Tingyuan nodded. “Thanks.”

“It’s nothing. As an older brother, I just hope Nian Nian is happy.” Lu Yang said.

The luncheon was very successful.

Lu Zhihong and Zhao Ruslan chatted a lot, almost finalizing the contract and discussing future development.

The atmosphere was relaxed, and both Zhao Ruslan and Jiang Wenyin seemed very satisfied with Lu Nian.

Lu Nian was gentle and well-behaved, with outstanding looks and skills in various arts.

She wasn’t a spoiled and arrogant young lady.

Jiang Wenyin didn’t have a daughter herself and couldn’t resist such a well-behaved and beautiful girl.

The problem now was which one to choose and when to announce it.

The Zhao family’s idea was to wait until the children were a little older.

In another year or two, when they turned twenty, they could engage and cultivate their relationship.

Lu Zhihong also thought so.

He wasn’t in a hurry now.

In two years, it would be a crucial period for Lu Corporation’s development.

Lu Zhihong was ambitious.

Sitting in his luxurious office, Lu Zhihong had been reading documents for too long and felt a bit tired.

At five o’clock in the afternoon, there was a knock on the door.

“Come in,” Lu Zhihong said.

The young man who entered stood tall and straight, with clear and refined features, exuding a mature and reserved demeanor.

“Take a seat,” Lu Zhihong said, a rare smile appearing on his face.

“Everything you’ve handled so far has been done very well,” Lu Zhihong said.

In fact, it was far better than he had imagined, better even than most of the formal employees in their company.

Lu Zhihong thought he could try to delegate more tasks to him.

The young man remained calm and composed, not getting excited by his praise.

Lu Zhihong held a newspaper in his hand. “My health hasn’t been good lately. The future belongs to you young people.”

He put down the newspaper, and the top headline was about an elderly man who had been wanted for causing grievous bodily harm, evading capture for seven or eight years.

He was apprehended a few years ago and recently passed away from lung cancer while in prison after failing to secure medical parole.

Lu Zhihong remembered that name; it was the family who initially wanted to adopt Qin Si.

He remembered that before being brought back by the Lu family, there were other families willing to adopt Qin Si.

In fact, when he was in the orphanage, many people were willing to adopt him.

“Back then, I was too young,” he said lightly. “I don’t have much recollection.”

Lu Zhihong didn’t dwell on this too much; he just recalled some past events.

After going around in circles, he returned to his original idea: the Lu family needed someone obedient and capable, and Qin Si fit the bill perfectly.

He had been a street urchin in his childhood, taken in by the orphanage. Later, when he came to the Lu family, Lu Zhihong had initially investigated Qin Si’s parents’ information but found nothing.

He was completely devoid of relatives or connections, so using him was actually quite convenient.

Lu Zhihong chatted with him for a while, listening to Qin Si’s thoughts on the Lu family’s business.

The more he listened, the more he felt that Qin Si was a talent worth cultivating.

“That’s all for today,” Lu Zhihong said.

Business matters were discussed and concluded.

Qin Si was a bit older than Lu Zhuo, but not by much.

Lu Zhihong looked at him and suddenly asked, “Are you familiar with the Zhao brothers? What do you think of them?”

The young man had already been preparing to leave.

He replied expressionlessly, “I know Zhao Er a little, but we haven’t talked much.”

“Raising a daughter is troublesome,” Lu Zhihong took off his glasses and sighed. “As a father, you have to consider so much. Should you choose the one your daughter likes, or the one who is more suitable?”

“Nian Nian is already so grown up, but she still behaves like a child,” Lu Zhihong said. “Her thoughts are all over the place. Today she likes this, tomorrow she likes that. It’s a constant worry.”

“If only you were my son,” Lu Zhihong said.

Looking at the young man before him, like a beautiful jade tree with unlimited potential, it not only made people envious but also longing.

He remained silent, offering no response.

“I wonder how you young people handle things nowadays; we old fogeys are out of touch,” Lu Zhihong joked. “If things really don’t work out in the future, I’ll have to ask for your help, to create some opportunities for them.”

The young man stood up straight, his expression unchanged, showing no reaction as Lu Zhihong spoke to his heart’s content.

Leaving Lu Zhihong’s study, the setting sun was like blood, slowly rising from the other end of the city’s horizon.

He loosened his fingers, silently looking at the setting sun outside the window.

….

Lu Nian still remembered the agreement he had made with Ming Ge and the others.”

“The time to apply for universities is approaching, and her school choice is basically settled—she’s going to An University.

Originally, Zhao Ya wanted to apply to the neighboring An Industrial University; the two schools are only separated by a street.

Although they are in different districts, the difference is merely moving from here to there, still within the same city.

Ming Ge had called her several times.

That day, Lu Nian finally slipped out.

It had been days since she had contacted Qin Si. She counted the days at home and realized that there were only about ten days left until he left An City.

This was considered a long stay; she remembered that she didn’t even come back during winter break.

This time she went to Yellow Hair and Xiao Qu’s shop.

Neither Ming Ge nor Qin Si were there.

Her mind wasn’t focused on eating; she just felt heavy-hearted.

“They’re at the bar,” Yellow Hair said. “Ming Ge has been grumbling all night about why business is so good today.”

“Are you going over later?” Yellow Hair smirked. “He said he’s treating tonight, drinks on the house.”

It had been a long time since Lu Nian had been to Ming Ge’s bar.

She suddenly thought of Bai Xi and pursed her lips. “I’ll go.”

Why not? She was invited by Ming Ge; what was there to fear?

Sure enough, business was booming.

Lu Nian looked around; there were many beautiful girls in the bar.

She spotted Bai Xi immediately, surrounded by people, looking proud and aloof, mixing a cocktail.

Lu Nian sat down at the bar and watched her, feeling somewhat irritated.

Was Qin Si also here tonight? Probably, and it was probably because of her.

She was an adult now; having a drink was perfectly fine.

“Hold on, Nian Nian, is this okay? Didn’t Qin Ge say you shouldn’t drink?” Yellow Hair said.

Lu Nian’s expression turned cold. “He’s not my boss. Who is he to control me? If he can drink, so can I.”

Xiao Qu adjusted his glasses and looked behind her.

A tall and handsome young man was standing behind her, expressionless, looking at them.

“I, I need to go to the bathroom… I’ll go first,” Yellow Hair said.

“I left my computer on, I need to go turn it off,” Xiao Qu said.

The two of them bolted away like loaches.

Lu Nian sighed.

The dim lights made it hard to see, but she recognized that face even if it turned to ash.

Wasn’t he supposed to be busy with something? Why was he here at the bar now, not going home? He must be here to see someone.

“Miss, here’s your special order,” the bartender brought the drink over.

Qin Si glanced at him, and under the gaze of his dark and cold phoenix-like eyes, the bartender nodded and hurriedly placed the drink down before leaving.

The bar staff weren’t afraid of the official boss, Ming Ge, but they always had a strange fear of this inexplicable young man.

Qin Si didn’t seem to have any intention of stopping her.

He had said before not to bother about her drinking, and now he was actually watching her drink.

Lu Nian was furious. In a fit of pique, she picked up the glass and downed it.

After a few sips, she almost choked, and her fair face flushed red.

“I’m a guest,” she mumbled. “Shouldn’t you be serving me?”

He stood out in the crowd, like a tall and straight cedar tree.

Qin Si said coldly, “I’m not a bartender here, nor am I anyone to you.”

His handsome face seemed particularly indifferent. “If you want service, find someone else.”

He rolled up his sleeves slightly, collecting the empty glasses around him. In the dim light, the exposed line of his arm looked exceptionally appealing, with delicate wrist bones and long fingers.

It was as if he treated her as air.

As the intoxication slowly set in, Lu Nian’s face flushed. “You’re always so mean to me.”

“You’re shameless, getting close with that pretty girl from the bar…” She was feeling dizzy, but finally managed to blurt it out.

The young man frowned. “What are you talking about?”

“Yeah, Bai Xi,” Lu Nian finally remembered her name.

This matter had been weighing heavily on her heart for a long time, but she had never asked about it.

Now, under the influence of alcohol, she blurted out everything at once.

People around them were starting to glance over.

He furrowed his brow and pulled her up from the stool.

The second floor was quiet and deserted. After a moment’s thought, he opened a door and pulled her inside.

It was the room he used to stay in when he was still with Ming Ge.

It had been a long time since he had been back, but the furnishings were still the same.

“She mentioned it to me last time,” Lu Nian’s face was still flushed. “About you two… doing that…”

She was too embarrassed to say it out loud.

But Qin Si could obviously understand. His reaction was quick; seeing her hesitant and blushing, he immediately understood.

It was ridiculous.

What did she take him for?

He sneered, “You believed her just because she said so?”

Lu Nian was speechless.

In fact, thinking back, it was indeed only Bai Xi’s unilateral words; she had never seen any evidence.

She couldn’t think straight anymore.

But why would Bai Xi say that?

Was it because her social experience was too shallow, or because she was too sheltered?

She had never thought that a girl could casually lie about something like that for no apparent reason.

But now that he had said it, she chose to believe it for the time being.

Lu Nian apologized sincerely, “I’m sorry.”

Qin Si kept his eyes down and said nothing.

“Well…” she mumbled, feeling the effects of the alcohol. Her eyes sparkled. “You…”

Did they really do it?

Lu Nian always felt that Qin Si lived a complicated life.

He had been outside since he was young, and his experiences must have been complicated.

That day, Yellow Hair let slip that many people liked him.

Lu Nian always felt that he wasn’t a restrained person.

She had taken the initiative that day, and he had been enthusiastic afterward.

Qin Si remained silent.

Did his silence mean that they did?

She had no right to control him, but she couldn’t help feeling unhappy.

She was close to him, her big eyes staring at him accusingly. “I’m not trying to control you, but that day you made me hurt so much.”

She had taken the initiative, so of course she couldn’t blame him, but she just wanted to hear the truth.

His entire body stiffened, and his previous cold and indifferent demeanor couldn’t be maintained.

He was stiff all the way to his fingertips, unable to come up with a retort.

She realized that the kiss seemed to be Qin Si’s weakness; whenever it was mentioned, he would give in.

“The door is closed,” she said, propping her cheek on her hand and slowly closing the door behind her.

Her almond eyes were bright. “Ming Ge and the others won’t come in; it’s just the two of us.”

“Even if you say it, no one will hear,” she murmured, her voice soft and coquettish, as if talking to herself and tempting him.

She hadn’t expected her alcohol tolerance to be so low.

He was starting to regret why he hadn’t just replaced the drinks she ordered with plain water.

She got closer and closer, her cheeks white as snow, charming and lovely, with a faint smell of alcohol on her breath, like a fairy leading him down a forbidden path.

The scent of her dress wafted gently from her neckline, and a clean moonlight fell on her collarbone, making it hard for him to look away.

He kept retreating, feeling defeated.

“I’ve never had a girlfriend, never slept with anyone, never kissed anyone else,” as if roasted over a fire, pushed to the edge, his eyes reddened at the corners, his throat dry.

He gritted his teeth, “I never will for the rest of my life, is that enough?”

Her face was so red, even the corners of her eyes were red, so beautiful…

He was so different from his usual self, the one who spoke with such arrogance and coldness.

Her head was spinning.