She wasn't jealous at all!
So infuriating!
Lu Yanbei pressed his tongue against his cheek, unable to vent his anger.
“Can I borrow this photo?” Su He, looking at the picture, suddenly felt a surge of creative inspiration. Perhaps she could write another story about a domineering CEO and a female celebrity.
Su He was completely oblivious to Lu Yanbei’s discomfort, continuing to dance on the edge of his nerves.
Lu Yanbei snatched the magazine away. “Such false reports are better left unread.”
“I know,” Su He blinked. “I was there that day, remember?”
“So, you believe me?” This turn of events instantly cleared the clouds in Lu Yanbei’s mood.
“Otherwise?” Su He spread her hands. “I saw it with my own eyes, so of course I know they’re spouting nonsense.”
Lu Yanbei’s expression was complicated after her explanation.
Was it because she trusted him that she wasn’t jealous? Or was it because she simply didn’t care about him being rumored with other women? If it was the former, he might feel a sense of relief, but if it was the latter, Lu Yanbei felt a familiar pang in his chest.
She always found a way to torment him.
Lu Yanbei held his forehead, falling into silence.
Seeing his troubled expression, Su He thought he might be feeling unwell. “We just finished dinner, do you want to go downstairs for a walk to aid digestion? Sitting too long isn’t good for you.”
Lu Yanbei slowly raised his head. “Will you come with me?”
Su He froze for two seconds. “Sure.”
“Okay, let’s go then.” Lu Yanbei truly wasn’t in the mood for work, and he grabbed her hand to head out.
“Wait, wait a minute, I need to change my clothes first.” Su He was wearing her usual home clothes, which were very cartoonish and not suitable for going out.
Lu Yanbei looked down and realized with a start that he was also still in his pajamas.
Thus, they went to their respective rooms to change into outdoor wear and then went downstairs together.
The complex wasn't crowded. Most people were having dinner at this hour, so there were hardly any people outside.
Next to the complex was the city’s largest lake, a place of beautiful scenery. A waterside promenade had been built along the shore, perfect for cycling or strolling, and an excellent spot for digestion and exercise.
Su He had been frequenting the complex lately and was now a familiar face.
As soon as they reached the lake, they encountered a few familiar figures.
“Little Su, out for a walk? Have you had dinner yet?” The first to greet her was a middle-aged woman in a qipao. She was slightly plump, but her face was well-maintained, making her appear to be only in her early fifties.
Su He smiled back. “Yes, I have. Are you out exercising too?”
“I’m trying to lose weight lately, just walking around the lake twice.” The woman glanced at the man beside Su He, seemingly not recognizing him. “Who is this?”
“My boss,” Su He answered quickly.
“Oh, so you’re working for him as a part-time helper?” The woman seemed quite familiar with Su He, even discussing such topics.
Lu Yanbei narrowed his eyes at Su He, the veins on the back of his hand bulging slightly.
Was that how she introduced him?
Did he seem so disreputable?
Lu Yanbei’s pride had suffered ten thousand critical hits.
“Boss?” Lu Yanbei leaned down, gritting his teeth into Su He’s ear.
“I can’t exactly say you’re my husband, can I? No one would believe it anyway,” Su He whispered. “I think it’s better if we keep a low profile. These neighbors are such gossips; they might think I’m your kept woman. Before long, the whole complex will know.”
Kept woman? How could she even think of that.
“I recall we’re legally married,” Lu Yanbei reminded her.
“We just signed a two-year contract.” Su He’s mind was always clear. Once the contract was over, they would go their separate ways, so it was better not to expose their relationship.
Lu Yanbei was truly angry this time.
She truly didn’t care at all!
Sensing the shift in atmosphere, the woman chuckled awkwardly and linked arms with her friend to leave. As they walked away, Lu Yanbei could still hear her muttering, “Oh dear, did I say something wrong and offend her boss? It would be terrible if I caused her to lose her job!”
“If she loses her job, you can just hire her. This girl is quite diligent and can cook too; she’s worth several people.”
“That does make sense.”
They continued talking as they walked away.
Su He caught a glimpse of Lu Yanbei’s cold expression and lowered her head guiltily.
Just as Su He was about to find an excuse to leave, Lu Yanbei pulled her into the small grove of trees nearby.
“What are you doing?” Su He exclaimed, startled.
Lu Yanbei pushed her against a tree, looking down at her. “Do I seem that disreputable?”
“No… it’s just that you’re too outstanding, and I’m not worthy of you,” Su He replied truthfully.
Lu Yanbei became even more annoyed. “It’s for me to say whether you’re worthy or not. The fact that I married you means you are worthy. Lu Yanbei doesn’t just fancy anyone!”
Su He stood frozen.
What did his words mean?
Seeing that she still didn’t understand, Lu Yanbei became exasperated. “Su He, do you have any heart at all!”
Su He: …
How was she supposed to react?
She was completely bewildered.
Lu Yanbei met her innocent eyes, his anger nearing a point of no return. He had been so obvious, yet she hadn’t noticed. She was quick to learn everything else, but so slow when it came to matters of the heart.
“I’m truly defeated by you,” Lu Yanbei sighed softly, then willingly lowered his head and kissed her slightly parted red lips.
Su He’s pupils dilated instantly.
What was he doing now? Why did he act so indecently without any warning! What if someone saw them? Would she be able to show her face in public again?
Su He struggled, patting his shoulder.
Lu Yanbei, savoring the taste, was unwilling to let go. He gripped her wrists, easily subduing her. “A-Miao, don’t push me away.”
The moment he called her A-Miao, Su He’s struggling stopped.
That nickname, that familiar tone… she felt like she had heard it somewhere before.
However, the people close to her either called her Su Su, like her family, or Meow Meow, like her best friend. Some even called her by her full name, Su He. This was the first time anyone had called her A-Miao.
Su He’s hesitation made Lu Yanbei both happy and sad.
Judging by her reaction, she must have remembered something.
“What did you just call me?” Su He tilted her head up, looking at him blankly.
Lu Yanbei held her head, touching foreheads with her. “A-Miao, do you remember?”
Su He’s fingers curled slightly, forming a loose fist. “It sounds a bit familiar, like I’ve heard it somewhere before…”
Su He felt an inexplicable panic, her head buzzing.
She clutched her head, lightly tapping it.
Seeing her pained expression, Lu Yanbei dared not push her further and embraced her tightly. “Don’t think about it if you can’t remember.”
Leaning into his warm embrace, listening to his steady, strong heartbeat, the discomfort subsided significantly. Su He was not a foolish person and, from his fragmented words, had grasped some understanding.
However, she dared not confirm it.
Lu Yanbei’s attitude towards her was too strange! It was as if they had known each other for many years. Yet, no matter how much she tried to recall, she couldn’t find any memories of him from her past.
What had gone wrong?