The young girl’s understanding and thoughtfulness made Yu Wenli feel uneasy.
From an emotional standpoint, he wished she would cause a scene, at least to prove she cared about him.
But selfishly, he also hoped she wouldn’t.
Because those old matters, he didn’t want to mention them at all.
Yet, now that she truly wasn't causing a fuss, he felt guilty.
Yu Wenli reached out and stroked the young girl’s fluffy head, his eyes fixed on the night sky, a little unfocused.
In fact, after that phone call, he had intended to cut ties with Tong Jiayi.
If Shang Ziqian hadn't been so relentless, he would have already dealt with Tong Jiayi’s affairs in secret.
And he wouldn’t have made the young girl sad again.
With various emotions piling up, Yu Wenli suddenly felt a strong urge to share.
He wanted to tell her the secret buried deep in his heart.
He wanted her to know the entirety of him.
“Yi Yi…”
Just as he opened his mouth, his phone rang.
His thoughts, like a surging tide, receded, and Yu Wenli instantly calmed down.
He swiped to answer, and the woman’s cool, toneless voice came through the line.
“Same old place.”
Three words, and the call ended.
Wen Tingxue was stunned.
That commanding tone…
Yu Wenli rubbed his forehead tiredly and explained, “My boss.”
“?”
Wen Tingxue looked up in surprise, then remembered the trending topic, her expression dimming.
Yu Wenli lifted her chin, looked into her eyes, and said, word by word, “It has nothing to do with you. Everything was my own choice, understand?”
Not receiving her answer, Yu Wenli tightened his grip, leaving a faint red mark on her skin.
Hearing her cry out in pain, he commanded, “Don’t overthink things.”
The young girl nodded, looking wronged.
Seeing her so easily bullied, Yu Wenli wanted to take her with him, especially after what had happened with Tong Jiayi.
But then he considered that Lin Wanqing’s purpose in coming to Jiangcheng was likely also related to that trending topic.
If the young girl heard it, she would surely blame herself again.
“Brother will be back soon. Why don’t you practice your calligraphy first?”
Yu Wenli was afraid she would overthink things, so it was better to let her see for herself that he was alright.
The young girl indeed smiled, her voice soft, “Okay.”
…
By the riverside.
A large bridge spanned the two banks, its lights reflecting on the turbulent water, creating a shimmering spectacle.
Lin Wanqing’s car was parked on the Jiangcheng side of the bank.
When Yu Wenli arrived on his bike, the woman with slightly curled long hair, dressed in a qipao, was leaning against her car, smoking.
A light blue woolen coat was draped over her shoulders, contrasting with her black curly hair, exuding charm.
“The trending topic has been removed.”
Lin Wanqing stared at the river surface dotted with broken light, elegantly flicked the ash from her cigarette, and got straight to the point.
Yu Wenli stood beside her and responded faintly.
Lin Wanqing extinguished her cigarette on the car hood and added, “Chi Zerui’s uncle helped.”
“Mm.” Still a one-word reply.
Lin Wanqing took a deep breath. “A’li, you’re someone I fought for on the board. I don’t want you to make any mistakes, but…”
Yu Wenli understood her pause and was already prepared.
He lowered his gaze and said sincerely, “I’m sorry.”
Lin Wanqing took over the Lin Corporation under duress. At seventeen, she had done her best to protect him.
Unfortunately, he had disappointed her.
Yu Wenli didn't regret taking action against Shang Ziqian; he only regretted letting her down.
Lin Wanqing, even in high heels, barely reached his shoulder. Hearing him, she turned and looked up.
“I haven’t finished speaking yet.”
Yu Wenli was surprised.
Lin Wanqing wore a Suzhou-embroidered qipao that accentuated her figure.
When she crossed her arms, she was alluring.
Yet, her face was clean and pure, both seductive and innocent.
No one would have guessed she was a CEO.
But once she spoke, no one dared to question the truth of her words.
“Quite coincidentally, I was in Jiangcheng when the incident happened, so obtaining firsthand information wasn't difficult.
“The board is also aware of the feud between you and Shang Ziqian, so I’ve exceptionally secured another chance for you.
“But remember, this is the only time. If there’s a next time, our contract will be terminated immediately.”
Lin Wanqing stared intently into Yu Wenli’s eyes, waiting for his commitment.
However, as time passed, those deep, ink-black eyes remained calm and unperturbed.
Lin Wanqing’s heart sank slightly and she reminded him, “A’li, don’t forget, Lin Corporation is your only and best option.
“Three years of the five-year contract have passed. Just wait two more years, and your dream can be realized.
“Is that girl more precious than your decade-long dream?”
Lin Wanqing tempted him in a low voice.
Yu Wenli shook his head. “It’s different.”
“What’s different?” Lin Wanqing asked, confused.
Yu Wenli turned his head to look at the long bridge and said earnestly, “There are many paths to a dream, and I can try them one by one.
“But there is only one her. If I lose her, I will regret it for the rest of my life.”
Therefore, he couldn't make any promises.
Because he knew that if Shang Ziqian used her as bait, he would definitely fall for it.
Lin Wanqing paused for a moment. “Is she that important to you? You haven’t known each other for long, have you?”
Yu Wenli smiled, a very slight curve of his lips, but it was particularly beautiful.
Lin Wanqing had known him for many years and had never seen him smile so naturally and genuinely.
In her memory, Yu Wenli was quite unsmiling. Only when he was with Chi Zerui and the others did he seem a bit more human.
At other times, he was almost always cold.
He didn’t seem like a young man at all.
That’s why she was truly surprised when she saw his successive social media posts.
She thought he would remain single his entire life.
“It hasn’t been long, but Sister Qing…”
Yu Wenli lowered his eyelashes, his voice soft. “Some feelings are not measured by time, at least mine for her are not.”
Lin Wanqing raised an eyebrow, indicating her inability to comprehend.
“Anyway, the rules are as they are. I hope you cherish this remaining opportunity and don’t disappoint me.
“After all, collaborating with Lin Corporation can save you ten years of detours.”
Yu Wenli did not give a definite answer until Lin Wanqing left.
After smoking a cigarette by the river, Shang Ziqian called.
“I saw Lin Wanqing looking for you.”
He said.
Yu Wenli stared into the distance with cold eyes, remaining silent.
Shang Ziqian laughed. “Yu Wenli, guess when I’ll make my move next time?”
“You dare touch her, and I’ll kill you.”
Yu Wenli spoke very calmly, as if he were merely stating a fact, not issuing a threat.
-
The weekend was the same as usual: practicing speaking, doing practice tests, and calligraphy.
However, the questions this time were all personally set by Yu Wenli, handwritten.
As the old saying goes, one’s handwriting reflects their character.
Wen Tingxue felt it was true.
Yu Wenli’s calligraphy was even more beautiful than he was, like iron strokes and silver hooks, wild and unrestrained, looking handsome at a glance.
Perhaps it was because the calligraphy was pleasing to the eye, but Wen Tingxue got all the questions right today.
Even though… these questions were more difficult than what she usually did.
Yu Wenli praised her without reservation, “Yi Yi, you’re amazing!”
Seeing that he was in a good mood, Wen Tingxue seized the opportunity to ask what she had been wanting to ask, “Brother Yu, where do you go on Saturday nights?”
It had been like this for several weeks, and today was no exception.