Qiao Li’s current residence was in a relatively upscale neighborhood, although the space was not large, only about 80 square meters, with only two bedrooms, one for him and one for Lu Nian.

However, Lu Nian didn’t often stay overnight; most of the time, Qiao Lan was in the hospital.

Qiao Lan was already in poor health due to her age, with numerous ailments.

When they were in Nanqiao, she had always refused to go to the hospital for a check-up.

In recent years, upon moving to Ancheng, she finally underwent a thorough examination, revealing various health issues, the most severe being kidney failure.

This condition couldn’t be cured but only maintained through clinical means.

Thus, most of the time, she still resided in the hospital, where she could receive timely treatment in case of any sudden emergencies.

After class, Qiao Li often went to the hospital to take care of her.

In fact, her life was sustained by medication, but as long as there was a chance for treatment, both Qiao Li and Zhao Yayuan wouldn’t give up.

Qiao Lan was a distant relative of the Zhao family, and Xiao Li had been raised by the Zhao family in his childhood, so the cost of her treatment and hospital bed were covered through Zhao family connections.

Even so, Qiao Li secretly kept track of all the money spent.

He had told Lu Nian that eventually, he would repay Zhao Yayuan what was owed. Xiao Lan had inherited property in Nanqiao, but Xiao Li didn’t want to use it.

Besides attending school, he also worked part-time.

Qiao Li also knew that Lu Nian often took on freelance work to earn money.

A long time ago, Lu Nian had told him that she wanted to leave the Lu family and not rely on her family anymore.

She wanted to support herself, live the life she wanted, pursue the career she liked, and maybe even chase after the boy she liked.

When she said these things, her eyes sparkled with anticipation.

As time passed, Qiao Li rarely saw that look of anticipation in Lu Nian anymore.

He was preparing dinner in the kitchen, lost in thought.

Zhao Yayuan had called him, saying that Lu Nian would be coming to stay for a few days.

He didn’t mention the specific reason, but Qiao Li didn’t ask.

He didn’t have classes that evening, so after returning from the hospital, he went to the supermarket to buy groceries.

It was mostly Lu Nian’s favorite dishes, intending to make a good dinner.

Lu Nian packed some items from the Lu family and took a taxi to Qiao Li’s place.

It was close to the city center and also close to the hospital where Lu Zhihong lived.

Lu Zhihong had been very ill lately and couldn’t leave the hospital.

Lu Nian was his only daughter.

She found that recently she seemed to be dealing endlessly with hospitals.

When she stepped out of the elevator and opened the door with her key, she was greeted by a fragrant scent of gardenias.

Qiao Li had bought them; he changed the flowers in the house every day, placing a new one in the vase.

The house was clean and filled with the faint fragrance of flowers.

Lu Nian sat down on the sofa, feeling her body relax as her tense nerves finally eased, followed by deep fatigue.

Her constitution was originally not good, and over the past few days, she felt as if she had been seriously ill.

She had no strength left in her body.

The kitchen door opened, and the fragrant smell of food wafted out.

Qiao Li, wearing an apron and holding a spatula, said, “Nian Nian?”

“I thought you weren’t home,” Lu Nian said softly.

She had thought Qiao Li wasn’t home and was preparing to skip dinner or order takeout.

“Yayuan told me you were coming, so I came back first,” Qiao Li said. “Dinner will be ready soon, just wait a few more minutes.”

Seeing her pale face with large dark circles under her eyes, looking much more haggard than usual, he turned off the heat, covered the pot to simmer, took off his apron, and sat down beside her. “What’s wrong?”

Their facial features were similar, and Qiao Li was as gentle as ever, with warm, dark eyes.

Looking at his face, Lu Nian suddenly felt extremely wronged.

Qiao Li wiped away her tears, let her lean against him, and after a moment of silence, asked, “…Is something wrong with the Lu family?”

Lu Nian straightened up. “Did Yayuan tell you?”

She didn’t know how Xiao Li found out.

She had explicitly told Zhao Yayuan not to tell Qiao Li.

“You forgot about my major,” Qiao Li said.

He was studying law.

He frowned. “I heard about recent events from my supervisor.”

Although Lu Zhihong might not have done anything illegal, Lu Corporation was currently in internal turmoil, with senior executives indeed involved in embezzlement and illegal fundraising, supported by substantial evidence.

“If Lu Corporation really can’t hold on,” Xiao Li said slowly, “it won’t be your fault.”

Lu Nian rubbed her eyes. “I don’t know… what to do now.”

She had received so much kindness from the Lu family over the years.

Wanting to leave the Lu family was one thing, but witnessing Lu Zhihong’s downfall and the complete collapse of the entire family was another.

Despite knowing the truth from an early age, after spending so many years with the Lu family, she couldn’t bring herself to see Lu Zhihong completely ruined.

He hadn’t done anything so morally reprehensible to her.

Perhaps she was just too soft-hearted.

Qiao Li said, “I hope you can live the life you like in the future and not be bound by the Lu family anymore.”

“This matter isn’t something you can handle,” Qiao Li added calmly.

“Yayuan told me something else,” Qiao Li asked, “Is the engagement with Zhao Yayuan true?”

Zhao Yayuan didn’t mention the reason, but Qiao Li knew both of them well and felt that this matter was sudden and suspicious.

Lu Nian hesitated, not knowing how to answer.

Xiao Li sighed, rolled up his sleeves, and handed her a wet tissue.

“Yayuan is a very good person, although he can be a bit impatient sometimes,” Qiao Li said seriously. “Nian Nian, if you truly like him, I will bless you. But I don’t want you to marry him because of the Lu family.”

Lu Nian pursed her lips and shook her head.

She was lost now.

Zhao Yayuan and Qiao Li were childhood friends, and she had learned that their relationship had always been good, treating each other as best friends.

Zhao Yayuan had almost made a naked confession…

If it worked out, everyone would be happy.

But if it didn’t, would it not make Zhao Yayuan and Qiao Li awkward because of her?

Moreover, Qiao Lan’s treatment was now dependent on the Zhao family.

And she had already offended Zhao Yayuan.

She didn’t want to burden Qiao Li.

These thoughts remained in Lu Nian’s heart, unspoken.

Dinner was plentiful, and Xiao Li’s cooking skills were always excellent.

He made dishes she loved, and Lu Nian didn’t want to disappoint him, so she ate a little, finally feeling some strength.

She took a bath that night.

When she came out, she smelled a sweet scent.

“I made you Chinese jujube soup,” Qiao Li said. “It’s calming. I adjusted it to your taste.”

He took the towel and dried her wet hair.

“After drinking it, have a good night’s sleep,” he said. “Look, you already have dark circles under your eyes.”

After drinking the soup, she did feel a bit better.

Her headache wasn’t as severe.

However, Lu Nian still couldn’t sleep, feeling anxious and suppressed.

…

While Lu Corporation was in chaos, Lu Yang showed no signs of despair.

He had arranged to meet with Zhao Tingyuan, and his secretary ushered Zhao Yayuan in.

Lu Yang quickly got up to greet him.

“These past few days have been a mess,” Zhao Tingyuan said, taking a seat.

Lu Yang poured him tea. “Yes, I never expected Uncle to do something like this. Those of us in our line of work must pay attention to the red lines and avoid illegal activities.”

Although Lu Zhihong hadn’t been convicted yet, the investigation into several close senior executives was underway.

But for Lu Yang, it felt like he was already in prison.

Zhao Tingyuan remembered Lu Yang’s humble attitude towards Lu Zhihong, and it was still fresh in his memory.

Holding the tea cup, he changed the subject. “Regarding the company’s affairs these days, you need to keep a closer eye on them. Losing the backbone doesn’t mean the whole company should be paralyzed.”

“I am working on restructuring the organization,” Lu Yang said.

Zhao Tingyuan narrowed his eyes. “Do you know that Lu Corporation is about to appoint a new director?”

Lu Yang fell silent.

“It’s said that he used to work in the divisions and now has his own company outside.

He’s rumored to be the right-hand man of the rumored behind-the-scenes boss of Ning Sheng.

This person is known for his strong methods. This time, you might not be able to get around him if you want to do anything in the company,” Zhao Tingyuan said.

“I will investigate immediately,” Lu Yang said.

Zhao Tingyuan nodded.

After a moment of silence, Lu Yang asked, “Tingyuan, what about your brother and Nian Nian?”

Zhao Tingyuan frowned. “He’s been blinded.”

Being engaged to Lu Nian now was a thankless task for the Zhao family.

Apart from being beautiful, Lu Nian was rather dull and lacked charm.

Zhao Tingyuan couldn’t understand why Zhao Yayuan was so insistent.

“I will try my best to cancel this engagement,” Zhao Tingyuan said.

Lu Yang hastily agreed, “Indeed, it’s better to cancel it.”

Getting involved in this matter with Zhao Yayuan didn’t benefit either of them.

“What about you and Sister-in-law?” Lu Yang asked casually. “When can I attend your wedding?”

“In July,” Zhao Tingyuan replied.

Su Qingyou was already pregnant, and Lu Yang knew about it.

The Su family was also pressing them hard, so Zhao Tingyuan promised that once Su Qingyou graduated in June, they could immediately hold the weddaing.

The child was expected to be born next year, becoming the first little prince of the fourth generation of the Zhao family.

“That will make Mom and Dad happy,” Zhao Tingyuan said.

“Of course, it’s a double happiness,” Lu Yang replied.

“Let’s cooperate well,” he bid Zhao Tingyuan farewell.

On the third day, the hospital called to inform that Lu Zhihong had regained consciousness.

Lu Nian received the call early in the morning, instantly feeling wide awake.

Zhao Yayuan called as well, “I’m at the hospital. Are you coming to see Uncle with me? Or do you want me to talk to him alone?”

“I’ll come over too,” Lu Nian said.

Zhao Yayuan added, “I’ll come to pick you up.”

They drove in silence.

Sitting in the passenger seat, Lu Nian suddenly spoke, “Yayuan, I’ve been thinking for a long time.”

“If you find a girl you like, or if you regret it for any other reason,” she said, “you can cancel our engagement at any time.”

She would never hold any grudges or demands.

Zhao Yayuan gripped the steering wheel, without turning his head, he said calmly, “It’s okay. Being engaged, at least my mom won’t push me to go on blind dates anymore.”

Lu Nian knew this was his decency and thoughtfulness.

But because of this, she felt even more distressed.

She had a long-distant dream yesterday, dreaming of her time in Nanqiao, the hot summer, and the rundown little inn.

Yet, when she touched his lips, the feelings of her youth—the heat, excitement, rapid breathing, and accelerated heartbeat—felt so real.

It was something she had never felt with anyone else.

She belatedly realized that she might have liked him deeply, much more than she had thought.

But because of her reserve and tardiness, she never dared to admit it.

And Qin Si was the unheated stone.

But now, when things had reached this point, was there any room for maneuvering?

She and Qin Si were already strangers.

She didn’t even know where he went or what he was doing.

She had already let go of that feeling that never began.

And if she married Zhao Yayuan, the Lu family would be fine in the future, and so would Qiao Li.

Everyone would be fine.

She didn’t dislike Zhao Yayuan.

They could be considered very congenial friends, and they had always gotten along well.

Lu Nian told herself that there was no difference.

Living together for a long time, seeing him as a boyfriend, things would gradually improve.

The car soon arrived at the hospital.

Lu Zhihong looked very weak, and compared to his previous confident demeanor, he seemed to have aged ten years in an instant.

Looking at him, Lu Nian felt a bit uncomfortable.

Lu Zhihong was her biological father now.

Over the years, despite his excessive control, Lu Nian dreamed of breaking free from him, but he had sincerely cared for her studies and life.

Lu Nian didn’t want him to die.

The doctor came and asked, “Are there any family members of the patient here?”

Lu Nian said, “I’m his daughter.”

Seeing that she was still a young girl of about twenty, and there was no other family around, the doctor said, “Come with me, let’s talk about the patient’s treatment plan.”

Lu Nian followed him out.

Inside the room, only Zhao Yayuan and Lu Zhihong were left.

Lu Zhihong seemed to grasp at a lifeline.

“Yayuan, my daughter, and Lu Corporation will rely on you in the future,” he said hoarsely. “Lu Corporation can’t fall. It’s twenty years of hard work for me.”

“Uncle, you just stay here and rest,” Zhao Yayuan said. “Take care of yourself. When the time comes for our engagement banquet, I’ll trouble you to attend.”

Lu Zhihong hurriedly asked, “When is it scheduled for?”

Zhao Yayuan replied, “Approximately a month from now.”

Lu Zhihong said, “Try to make it sooner.”

Lu Corporation was currently in chaos.

If there wasn’t a stable morale-boosting message, Lu Zhihong feared it would collapse completely by then.

Zhao Yayuan remained silent for a moment. “The earliest would be in ten days.”

There were still many preparations to be made, and he didn’t want to rush things excessively.

Lu Zhihong weakly nodded. “Then I’ll leave it to you.”

After saying so much, all the energy he had managed to gather was exhausted, and he began to gasp for breath.

Zhao Yayuan looked down at him, his beautiful eyes devoid of any emotional fluctuation.

He had no affection for Lu Zhihong.

He only maintained a last bit of courtesy because he was Lu Nian and Qiao Li’s father.

When Lu Nian returned to the ward, Lu Zhihong had fallen asleep again.

“It’s all settled,” Zhao Yayuan stood up. “We can leave now.”

“In ten days,” he said, “our engagement banquet.”

Lu Nian was surprised. “So soon?”

Zhao Yayuan shrugged. “It’s just a formality, sooner or later, it doesn’t matter.”

“Let’s go, back to school,” Zhao Yayuan said. “I remember you still have classes today, right? Is it the novel reading class? Can I join?”

The two walked on the campus.

His demeanor and behavior were no different from before, just a little more casual and intimate in their interactions.

Lu Nian was conflicted.

So, Zhao Yayuan was about to become her fiancé, and now, could he be considered her boyfriend?

But she didn’t feel anything concrete.

She had known Zhao Yayuan for too long, and she had almost never interacted with him as the opposite sex.

Her feelings for him were somewhat similar to those for Qiao Li, more like relatives and friends.

Now that Lu Corporation was in trouble, Zhao Yayuan was still willing to help them.

The medical expenses for Qiao Lan were also being borne by the Zhao family.

She and Qiao Lan indeed owed Zhao Yayuan a lot.

“Life will go on, and the sky won’t fall,” Zhao Yayuan said. “These days, just focus on your classes and go back to enjoy the delicious meals cooked by Qiao Li.”

“Or, how about we have dinner together tonight? What do you want to eat?” Zhao Yayuan took out his phone and sent her a link. “How about this restaurant?”

Lu Nian was about to click on it.

Zhao Yayuan leaned over to look, and he saw Lu Nian’s phone, where he was listed as “Yayuan” in her contacts.

Taking advantage of his height, he quickly snatched her phone and with a few taps, changed it to “Boyfriend.”

“In a few days, I’ll be your ‘fiancé,'” he chuckled mischievously. “Then, it’s up to you to decide when to promote me to ‘husband.'”

Lu Nian felt embarrassed. “Give me back my phone.”

She felt awkward.

Zhao Yayuan grinned, “Then you have to come and get it.”

Just like any other young couple.

There was nothing different between them and any other couple on the An University campus.

“Nian…” Someone approached from the lawn in the distance, almost bumping into them head-on.

“Fang… Senior Brother?” Lu Nian was somewhat surprised.

In recent years, Fang Deng had helped her a lot, and Lu Nian had indeed noticed that he didn’t have any bad intentions.

So, her guard was temporarily lowered, and the two of them could be considered somewhat familiar.

Fang Deng gave an awkward smile.