Zheng Yixu didn’t speak to Zhao Louqin until the small raspberry marks on his body faded.

But Zhao Louqin brushed off this small matter as just a minor spat between lovers. After all, in his eyes, Zheng Yixu was already his, so these little tiffs were actually quite amusing.

How can one be angry without a bit of embarrassment?

Zhao Louqin was in an exceptionally good mood, smiling more happily than ever.

Zheng Yixu deeply felt that his anger didn’t matter at all in other people’s eyes. Look at Zhao Louqin, smiling so happily—hmph, it’s probably because he’s meeting with Lin Ninghua this afternoon, right?

_(：з」∠)_

Wait, now is not the time to be feeling embarrassed and angry. The situation between Lin Ninghua and Zhao Louqin is more urgent. Thankfully, his phone is fully charged, but taking photos from a distance might still get him caught.

If only he had taken a minor in journalism before.

He pushed aside his feelings of regret and impulsiveness for now.

Zheng Yixu felt that he was in a very dangerous situation—extremely dangerous.

It was one thing to be lying on Zhao Louqin’s bed without any guard, but the real issue was his mindset right now. He was acting no different from a girl hoping the other person would take responsibility.

Zheng Yixu had a vague suspicion—no, he was almost certain. He might have developed a bit of a liking for Zhao Louqin.

There was no helping it. A gorgeous person who treats you with such care and is your legally recognized partner—how could Zheng Yixu’s heart, which wasn’t made of stone, not be moved after being slowly eroded by such constant sweet gestures?

But Zheng Yixu was also very aware that even if he accepted this situation, there was still Lin Ninghua, the true love. The chances of him overcoming his own principles and defeating the true love while being nothing more than cannon fodder were extremely slim.

Right now, the smart move was to retreat quickly, while he wasn’t yet completely obsessed with Zhao Louqin. And in the process, he could even gain a beautiful boy—a thoughtful, obedient, clever, and adorable son!

It was clear to Zheng Yixu what was more important.

As long as he got the video today, he could tell Jiusi everything after Jiusi’s birthday, then seize the opportunity to initiate a divorce with Zhao Louqin. Who knows, maybe Sun Ai could even help him out—after all, he still had her number! In this way, a beautiful and happy life was just around the corner.

Zheng Yixu instinctively ignored the feelings of reluctance and the strange emotions stirring in his heart.

All he knew was that hesitation only brings trouble.

After half a year of fooling around, a decision had to be made.

“Yixu, I’ve got something to do this afternoon, so I won’t be home for dinner,” Zhao Louqin said casually to Zheng Yixu.

Still pretending, huh? Keep pretending!

At least wipe that smile off your face first.

Even though he knew he had to make the choice to leave, seeing the smile on Zhao Louqin’s face still made Zheng Yixu feel an intense irritation.

“Oh, it’s fine. I can go out for a walk this afternoon too.” Don’t think you’re the only one who can put on an act. Zheng Yixu sneered inwardly but spoke calmly.

“Mm, stay safe,” Zhao Louqin replied after a moment’s thought, deciding there was nothing to worry about. After all, Lin Ninghua would still be around him, and as long as there was no major threat near Yixu, he wouldn’t restrict Yixu’s freedom.

See, see—this is the difference!

In the past, whenever Zheng Yixu went out, Zhao Louqin would be overly anxious, giving all kinds of reminders. But now that the old flame was back, all he got was a casual “stay safe.” Happiness is indeed relative.

Zheng Yixu suppressed his irritation and continued eating without speaking to Zhao Louqin.

To Zhao Louqin, this was just a sign that Zheng Yixu was still sulking = =.

#CommunicationBarriersDueToDifferentMindsets#

Realizing that it was unlikely he could ever truly connect with Zheng Yixu on a deeper level, Zhao Louqin gave up the idea of asking questions. After all, Zheng Yixu definitely wouldn’t say anything even if he did ask.

Fortunately, after all these years, Zhao Louqin had grown accustomed to Yixu’s habits.

There were always a few days when he just couldn’t keep up with Yixu’s thought process.

This was probably why Zheng Yixu could start his own company, while Zhao Louqin could only help maintain the empire but not build it.

Zhao Louqin thought this with a sweetness that was almost unbearable.

As the man who had claimed Zheng Yixu’s “first kiss,” successfully got Yixu back into his bed, and left “marks of love,” Zhao Louqin felt that losing to Lin Ninghua again was simply out of the question.

Of course, as long as he “accidentally” let slip a little bit of this, it would be more than enough to make the other person seethe with jealousy.

Just thinking about it made him feel like a truly clever man—taking down a romantic rival without making a scene was truly the mark of a role model.

Zhao Louqin adjusted his tie, which felt a bit tight, and gave Zheng Yixu a doting glance. Then, like a peacock proudly displaying its feathers or a victorious rooster, he refused the driver’s offer and drove himself to meet his rival in love.

About five minutes later, once he was sure Zhao Louqin wouldn’t be able to see him in the rearview mirror, Zheng Yixu called the driver and gave him the name of a restaurant where Zhao Louqin and Lin Ninghua were having a meal.

That way, even if his following actions were exposed later, he could claim it was just a “coincidence.” The excuse didn’t have to be true, just plausible enough.

Seeing the smug expression on Zhao Louqin’s face, Lin Ninghua couldn’t help but think back to the time over a decade ago when Zhao Louqin, after marrying Yixu, had been all smiles while showing off their honeymoon spot.

Looking at that face made Lin Ninghua want to lash out!

He gripped his hands tighter, but after a moment’s thought, he let go.

Dignity and composure were more important.

After enduring for over a decade, surely he wouldn’t be intimidated by Zhao Louqin’s petty provocation?

“Mr. Zhao, you’re truly a busy person; you’re three minutes late!” Lin Ninghua extended the “three minutes” in a tone that suggested dissatisfaction with Zhao Louqin’s lack of punctuality.

“Well, what can I say?” Zhao Louqin sighed and shook his head. “When I was leaving, my dear gave me a French kiss, which delayed me. My dear is just so passionate and fiery; it’s quite a problem for me too =V=!”

Lin Ninghua swore he could almost “see” Zhao Louqin’s expression from those words.

Some people are just born to be punched.

“Hehe, Mr. Zhao, you really know how to joke,” Lin Ninghua said. Would Yixu really give him a French kiss?

He definitely wouldn’t believe it.

“I understand, after all, Mr. Lin doesn’t have a dear at home~” Zhao Louqin nodded understandingly.

Lin Ninghua privately sneered, thinking that someone who had the nerve to poach others’ partners would naturally be good at talking big.

Just empty talk.

“Let’s stick to business; I only want to discuss cooperation with Minister Zhao,” Lin Ninghua said, too lazy to waste more words with him to avoid getting unnecessarily angry. It was worth putting up with some discomfort to achieve his goal. There would be plenty of opportunities for revenge in the future.

“Oh, then let’s stick to business,” Zhao Louqin said, knowing he couldn’t provoke Lin Ninghua any further at the moment, but he would look for other opportunities.

Wearing sunglasses, Zheng Yixu scanned the restaurant and soon spotted a familiar figure in a corner.

Zhao Louqin wasn’t particularly fond of the private room atmosphere; he preferred dining in a place with various people around. Therefore, he often enjoyed finding a corner to have a leisurely conversation.

This certainly made things easier for Zheng Yixu. Otherwise, sneaking into a private room would be much more difficult.

“Sir, how many in your party?” the waiter asked with a smile.

“Just one person,” Zheng Yixu said, holding up a finger. “I’ll sit over there.”

Zheng Yixu pointed to a spot where he and Lin Ninghua wouldn’t be too visible, partially hidden by a potted plant. With a little caution, he shouldn’t be easily noticed.

Although Zheng Yixu wished he could get even closer, it was simply not possible.

If he got caught, Zhao Louqin and Lin Ninghua would definitely become more cautious and use private rooms in the future. That would make it much harder for him to take photos or record videos.

“Sure, this way, sir,” the waiter said cheerfully, leading Zheng Yixu to his seat. After recommending some specialties, Zheng Yixu casually ordered a few dishes.

Yes, there should still be time.

Zheng Yixu opened his phone’s camera, pretending to admire the potted plant, and carefully placed his phone in the empty space next to the plant, with the camera aimed directly at Zhao Louqin and Lin Ninghua.

Some nearby diners were a bit surprised by Zheng Yixu’s actions, but their reactions faded once he took out his press badge.

These days, they’ve seen their fair share of paparazzi.

But who would have thought that someone dressed so well and with such a refined demeanor like Zheng Yixu would be involved in such invasive activities?

Ah, the world is changing, and people have become so untrustworthy.

Zheng Yixu put his press badge back in his pocket. The fake badge he bought online proved to be quite useful. It was definitely enough to intimidate passersby.

He had secretly prepared for today for a long time.

Zheng Yixu used the newspaper to discreetly observe Zhao Louqin and Lin Ninghua’s activities while also straining to hear their conversation.

He could only make out a few scattered words.

Terms like “emotional affair,” “baby,” and “reconciliation”…

This is totally like a family drama.

Oh, oh, oh!

Lin Ninghua even stood up.

Oh, oh, oh!

Lin Ninghua somehow sat back down again.

Huh? Huh? Huh?

Whoa, their heads are getting closer and closer. Are they about to kiss in public?

Is there no law, or rather, no sense of shame left?

Zheng Yixu crumpled the corner of the newspaper into bits, but even that couldn’t extinguish the flames of anger in his heart.

So, let’s replay the actions of Lin Ninghua and Zhao Louqin.

“Zhao Louqin, I’m having a fair discussion with you about this partnership. What exactly are you afraid of, constantly making excuses?” Lin Ninghua sneered, his gaze toward Zhao Louqin full of hostility.

“There’s nothing I can do.” Zhao Louqin shrugged. “A partnership would be great, but I don’t trust President Lin’s character. President Lin is powerful and influential, but if you let a wolf in the door, there won’t be time to cry about it later.”

“Are you afraid Yixu might fall for someone else?” Lin Ninghua actually laughed. “Close at hand? Compared to you, how could I be considered close? But, what belongs to whom should return to them. You’ve kept my treasure for over ten years; it’s time to give it back.”

“President Lin, what are you saying?” The playful expression on Zhao Louqin’s face instantly disappeared, replaced by a serious and stern look. “Getting back together is never a one-sided thing. What you liked ten years ago might not be something you still like now. Besides, even if you liked it back then, it’s tainted now, isn’t it?”

Lin Ninghua’s most sensitive wound was mercilessly exposed, and his face turned a mix of green and pale—it was quite a sight!

He had already sacrificed over a decade of his youth and time because of that incident. Was that not enough to smooth over what had happened? If Zhao Louqin could bring it up now to mock him so harshly, he surely could do so again in the future.

People aren’t saints, so why must one cling so tightly to this one issue?

He already knew he was wrong—wasn’t that enough?

“Zhao Louqin, is this the only thing you can keep bringing up?” Lin Ninghua was so angry that he was gnashing his teeth, almost wishing he could bite a piece of flesh off Zhao Louqin.

“Of course, there’s more.” Zhao Louqin nodded, his gaze becoming incredibly sharp. “For example… the matter with my second sister. I still haven’t told him about that!”

Lin Ninghua’s face instantly turned pale, with not a trace of color left.

He quickly stood up and moved closer to Zhao Louqin, inch by inch, glaring at him as if he were a mortal enemy. “Can you be any more despicable and shameless? How dare you bring up such old matters! She has nothing to do with me, and nothing to do with you either!”

Lin Ninghua knew very well that Yixu left him for a reason, and the affair was just one of the major reasons.

Lin Ninghua paused for a moment, then let himself collapse back onto the seat.

“Yes, it has nothing to do with you. I think so too.” Zhao Louqin let out a disdainful laugh. “We agreed long ago never to bring up that matter again.” After saying this, Zhao Louqin shifted the conversation, “So, let’s talk about the issue of character instead.”