After hanging up the phone, Jiang Yuyan took the report data and delivered it to Jing Rui’s office.

He accepted the document indifferently, flipping through it casually.

“Director Luo called just now,” she reported casually.

“Oh? What did he say?”

“He hopes to meet with you to discuss the operational strategies of the Luo Corporation. I’ve scheduled a meeting for you tomorrow afternoon when you go swimming at the gym.”

“What did you say?!” He suddenly raised his voice.

She was startled. “What’s wrong?”

“Who allowed you to arrange for me to meet him at the gym?” He reprimanded sharply. “I’m going swimming to relax, not to listen to a washed-up old man complain!”

“I just thought it would be good for General Jing to hear what Director Luo has to say. After all, it’s a company he painstakingly built!” 

“From the moment he agreed to step down as chairman, he lost the right to speak about this company. You shouldn’t forget that, right? It’s clearly stated in our contract.”

“I know how the contract is written, but this isn’t just about the law; it’s about human feelings!”

“Are you going to lecture me again, Secretary Jiang?” Jing Rui squinted at her mockingly. “My methods in business shouldn’t be so cold-blooded, and I shouldn’t be so harsh on people. I’m ruining my image in the industry, letting everyone say I’m a demon.”

“That’s not… what I meant.” Why did his gaze feel so icy? It made her heart tremble and curl inward.

“If you have so many opinions about me, then don’t follow me!” He exploded, jumping to his feet. “You can quit, leave the company, and leave me!”

“What… what did you say?” She looked at him dazedly, his expression twisted like a demon. Was he trying to drive her away? Did he no longer need her?

“And take a look at this report!” He angrily tossed the document she had handed him onto the desk. “What are you doing? You made a typo on the first page! Your heart isn’t in this job anymore, is it? If you really feel this way, you can leave. I don’t care!” So she had made a typo.

She stared at him blankly; was he really going to lose his temper over one typo? He had never scolded her like this before. He had always been more gentle and forgiving with her than with others.

Had everything really changed? Had their harmonious relationship reached its end?

Did she really need to leave?

Jiang Yuyan stood still, sorrowfully gazing at the man in front of her, the man she loved the most and also hurt the most. For many years, she had been chasing after him— 

Was it finally time to part ways? 

She breathed softly, tears welling in her eyes, silently giving birth to the sorrow within her. 

“Are you… are you crying?” Seeing her tears, he was taken aback, doubting if he was mistaken. 

She didn’t respond, silently shedding tears, each drop like a shooting star, falling on his heart and creating irremediable dents. 

He panicked, at a loss for what to do. He had seen women’s tears before and was accustomed to them trying to soften him with such tactics. He would calmly assess the situation and decide whether to comfort or ignore, having his own set of principles. But facing her tear-streaked face, all his schemes and calculations instantly deserted him, leaving him only with panic. 

“What are you crying for? I yelled at you just now, but it wasn’t that loud! You’re not the type to cry at the drop of a hat, so why are you?! Stop crying! Jiang Yuyan!” He didn’t know what to do and could only give a rough command. 

She remained silent, like a lifeless doll. 

He was anxious and angry, striding up to her and grasping her delicate shoulders. “I want you to stop crying, can’t you understand? Don’t you dare pull this on me like other women! Do you think I’ll fall for it? Jiang Yuyan, do you hear me?” 

She trembled, lifting her gaze. “Do you think… I’m acting for you?” 

“Isn’t that so?” 

He actually thought her deepest pain was a façade? 

Her heart sank into depths she couldn’t even find, and she looked at him in despair, feeling the emptiness in her chest. 

“Don’t look at me like that,” he frowned. “Where were you last night? Why didn’t you answer my calls? Were you with Deng Yuanhong?” 

“Do you really want me to be with him that much?” she countered, her tone flat. 

“Don’t play these games of desire and retreat with me!” He pinched her chin, his gaze dark. “Answer my question.” 

“I went to the hospital,” she whispered softly, the light in her eyes gradually dimming due to despair. “I fainted on the road yesterday and was taken to the emergency room—”