Meng Suihuan didn’t keep the news to herself but publicly announced that the company would be going public in half a month.
With the excitement already high from winning the competition, the announcement of such explosive news pushed everyone’s spirits to the peak. Lao Zhou couldn’t contain his joy and shouted at Meng Suihuan, “Boss, today’s double happiness! The brothers want to celebrate with some expensive drinks, what do you think, hehe!”
As always, Xuyu’s people were great at egging her on. As soon as Lao Zhou finished speaking, Lao He and the others quickly chimed in.
“Yeah! Boss, you’re so kind and beautiful, today’s opportunity is so rare, you wouldn’t refuse, right?!”
“…” These people were truly as expected! Always thinking of taking advantage of her. However, that was also true; recently, they had been busy with the project and the company’s IPO, and everyone had been under pressure every day. It was only natural for them to want to relax.
In the end, she smiled and raised an eyebrow, looking at Lao Zhou, her tone playful.
“Go ahead.”
“Take whatever you want!”
Lao Zhou and the others cheered immediately. But as they were about to leave, Lao Zhou suddenly turned around and yelled toward Meng Suihuan, “Xiao Jiang, you really understand Meng Jie, you guessed her thoughts perfectly, hehe! Later, I’ll grab two bottles of the most expensive wine to show my thanks!”
Meng Suihuan turned to look at Jiang Chengxuan, her gaze carrying an evaluative edge.
“Xiao Jiang, are you going to confess?”
Jiang Chengxuan immediately surrendered.
“Alright, I admit it! I gave them a little suggestion.” He shrugged, his narrow eyes gleaming as he asked, “Didn’t Meng Jie think the same?”
Meng Suihuan’s gentle smile turned into a bright and exuberant laugh.
“Xiao Jiang, you… really understand me!”
She had always adhered to one principle: there was a difference between commanding and leading. The former treated subordinates as mere tools for making money, never considering their thoughts and emotions. The latter, on the other hand, involved both sincerity and emotions, inspiring those under her to follow her wholeheartedly.
This idea came from her “cheap” father, who had become a business magnate using this very method. He had gathered a loyal group of partners, and even when their company was brought down, it wasn’t long before they bounced back, because he held the most important thing—the team. His team was always loyal to him. That was enough.
Therefore, she never viewed the people at Xuyu as mere tools, but as partners in success and progress.
And the proof of this was that her approach had been correct. To this day, the team operated smoothly, and even when people tried to poach Zhao Chen and the others, her partners didn’t waver and kept following their lead.

When Lu Linshen returned, he just happened to hear Lao Zhou’s remarks. Before he could get angry, he saw Meng Suihuan revealing a sincere and captivating smile. This was the smile he had seen before. She used to smile, but he always felt like it wasn’t quite real, like something was overshadowing it. However, over time, he realized that it was only like that when she was around him. The only time she truly smiled from the heart was the night they developed the phone chip. Even through the screen, he could feel her joy.

As for the smile, although he didn’t see it with his own eyes, just hearing her hearty laughter allowed him to picture it clearly. He liked seeing her laugh freely. But he was selfish, wanting her to laugh like that only for him.

If he had hesitated before in facing his own feelings, now he finally understood his heart. He had already been deeply attracted to the woman not far away. A glance or a gesture from her could easily stir his heart. Just like now.

Because of his and Jiang Chengxuan’s every action, the jealousy was beyond description.
“Be more proactive.”
“Be braver.”

Suddenly, the words his sister had just spoken appeared in Lu Linshen’s mind. These words seemed to swirl around like a curse, pushing him toward Meng Suihuan. He thought to himself that he should be braver and more proactive.

With that thought, he unexpectedly appeared between the two of them.

Meng Suihuan was startled when a shadow suddenly fell over her eyes, and she jumped in shock. Looking up, she saw Lu Linshen standing quietly beside her. She was still a little shaken as she looked at him and patted her chest.

“Do you walk without making a sound? How did you suddenly appear and almost scare me to death?”

“You were too focused,” Lu Linshen replied, giving her a glance, his emotions shifting. “If I’m not mistaken, this celebration is for our team, but since we entered the hotel, I’ve felt like I’m not the main character but rather an outsider.”

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Jiang Chengxuan, and then said coldly, “Since that’s the case, there’s no need to stay.” With that, he turned and walked away.

Huh? What does that mean? He’s leaving? Did they not take care of him properly? And what did that last look mean?

Although she didn’t fully understand what he meant, Meng Suihuan’s reaction was quicker than her thoughts. She grabbed his sleeve.

“Hey! What did you mean by that?”

Lu Linshen stopped but didn’t turn around. “The literal meaning.”

Meng Suihuan hesitated for a second and guessed, “So, are you angry?”

Lu Linshen remained silent and didn’t respond.

While still holding onto his sleeve, Meng Suihuan took the opportunity to observe his emotional fluctuations. Wow! She didn’t know what happened, but his emotional level was now two to three times higher than before! This guy was really a walking money-making machine. In such a short time, he had created such substantial emotional gains for her.

Now, without needing Lu Linshen to answer, she already knew. He was definitely angry. And very much so.

After thinking for a moment, Meng Suihuan decided to try to comfort him. After all, it was rare to see such an honest hard worker.

To be honest, whether in her past life or this one, she rarely comforted anyone. Her only experience was with the dog they raised at home.

Thinking back to when the dog was upset, she would stroke its fur. Remembering Lu Linshen’s earlier words, she deliberately lowered her voice.

“I was wrong earlier. I didn’t consider your feelings. But don’t worry, I’ll fix it now. I’ll make sure you feel right at home!”

“So, let’s not be angry, and stay here a little longer, okay?”

Just as Meng Suihuan sighed, thinking her pet-comforting technique wasn’t working, she suddenly heard a voice beside her.

“Okay.”

Meng Suihuan was a bit surprised but also sighed in relief, realizing that she had succeeded.

She quickly said goodbye to Jiang Chengxuan and left. At this moment, Lu Linshen was like a proud peacock, his eyes almost visibly showing his satisfaction. Jiang Chengxuan wasn’t a fool, and he immediately understood that everything had been intentional — from leaving to interrupting their conversation twice. He smiled faintly and said, “Alright, Meng Jie, you two go ahead. We’ll continue our discussion when we get back to the company.”

Sure enough, the man who had been so proud just a moment ago suddenly stiffened. His eyes turned to Jiang Chengxuan with the expression of an animal guarding its food, full of hostility and warning. But Jiang Chengxuan didn’t take it to heart. His smile didn’t fade at all.

Finally, it was Meng Suihuan who noticed Lu Linshen was still standing there, frozen. She pulled him and said, “Hurry up, what are you waiting for?”

Lu Linshen snapped out of it and followed her as they left.

Just when he thought he hadn’t made a mistake and had finally separated the two, Meng Suihuan led him to the largest and liveliest table and gave him the most prominent seat.

“How about this seat?” she asked with a smile.

Lu Linshen felt a bit uncomfortable but ended up saying, “It’s fine.”

Meng Suihuan was pleased, and immediately pulled over the strong men around her. “Brothers! This is the star of our celebration feast today. How did you treat him just now, leaving him out?”

“Meng Jie, we didn’t!” Someone reflexively retorted, looking confused.

Meng Suihuan waved her hand. “It’s fine, but from now on, let’s be more enthusiastic and make him feel like he’s at home!”

“Okay?”

Everyone responded in unison, “Okay!”

Lu Linshen: “…”

He had the feeling that he had just shot himself in the foot. Was that what he meant earlier? Of course not! But before he could speak, they eagerly shoved food into his mouth. “This is enough enthusiasm, right?”

When Lao Zhou and the others returned with alcohol and heard the conversation, they came over and handed out half of the alcohol they were planning to keep for themselves.

“Xiao Lu, I originally planned to keep this wine for myself, but since Meng Jie said we should treat you with enthusiasm, let’s drink it now!”

“I won’t…”

Lu Linshen quickly tried to refuse, but before he could finish, Lao Zhou interrupted. “Don’t worry, I’ll teach you!”

And with that, the man grabbed him and began to pour alcohol into his mouth.

Lu Linshen: “…”

The last memory Lu Linshen had was being forced to drink a shot of white liquor, feeling a burning sensation all over his body, and seeing multiple shadows of the people in front of him. Then everything went black as he collapsed onto the table.

As for how he ended up back in his dorm, he had no clue. All he knew was that when he woke up again, the sun was already up, and his head was still a little foggy. He felt terrible, and there was a strong unpleasant smell on him. He pressed his head and tried to get up to take a shower.

But as soon as he stood up, Qin Yu forcibly pushed him back onto the bed.

“Lao Lu, do you remember what happened last night? You’ve really made it! Keeping quiet and doing big things! I declare, I won’t make fun of you anymore. Hehe, but you have to tell me what it felt like last night!”

Lu Linshen’s mind was a mess, his memories fragmented. The only thing he remembered from last night was drinking. As for the rest, he had no recollection.

He honestly responded, “No memory.”

“I’ll talk to you later, I need to take a shower first.”

The stench on him was becoming unbearable, and he couldn’t stand it anymore. He desperately wanted to rush into the bathroom and wash away the awful smell.

But Qin Yu pressed him down again and looked at him with a strange expression.

“You don’t remember any of it? Lao Lu, you’re not human! You’re too much!”

“Huh?” Lu Linshen was confused. “So what exactly did I do?”

Qin Yu’s pupils contracted. “You really don’t remember? Are you joking with me?”

Lu Linshen couldn’t take it anymore, “Really! If you’re going to say something, say it quickly. I really need to take a shower. Don’t you think this smell is awful?”

Qin Yu pinched his nose. “Don’t rush, let me finish, then I won’t smell it anymore.”

Lu Linshen: “…”

He was the one suffering, but he couldn’t argue with Qin Yu’s persistence. He had no choice but to sit there and listen to what Qin Yu considered “big news.” He sighed impatiently.

“Say it. Don’t waste time.”

Qin Yu grinned maliciously and threw out the big bomb.

“Lao Lu,”

“Last night—”

“You kissed Meng Jie!!!”