Tang Ren entered prison, awaiting legal repercussions.
Without his harassment, Su Ying's life returned to normal.
Previously, due to Tang Ren's deliberate suppression, Su Ying had lost many clients. Now, with the Tang family collapsing overnight, those who had previously canceled their orders flocked back, seeking to renew their contracts.
Unfortunately, Su Ying was not one to tolerate bad actors. Since they chose to be fence-sitters with no credibility, they had to be prepared to face the consequences.
She was no saint, to be summoned and dismissed at will.
Citing a full schedule, she made them re-queue. Some, in order to align themselves with the Lu family, placated her with smiles and agreed. Others, too proud to bend, turned and left, never to return.
"There are plenty of other excellent fashion designers; there's no need to bow to her!"
"Exactly! I think the new designs from the International Fashion Week are great, and they don't cost much more!"
"A mere girl dares to put on airs, hmph! If we all stop custom-ordering clothes from her, let's see how her business survives!"
These socialite wives, too proud to admit their own mistakes, insisted on blaming Su Ying. After returning home, they spread rumors within their circles about Su Ying's poor craftsmanship and tasteless designs. However, just a few days later, news of her winning an award spread like wildfire, slapping these accusers in the face.
This time, Su Ying's reputation soared, and the number of people seeking custom clothing from her increased, rendering the lost clients insignificant.
It was at this juncture that Su He stumbled upon Su Ying's romantic involvement.
One day, bored at home, Su He decided to experiment with making desserts in the kitchen. She ended up making too much to eat, so she thought of her siblings who lived in the same city but whom she didn't see often.
While her body was still agile, Su He went to deliver the pastries to them one by one.
Coincidentally, Su Ying was away on a business trip and on her way back. She asked Su He to put the pastries in the refrigerator at home, saying she'd eat them when she got back in the evening. Su He knew her smart lock password, so she entered the house with ease.
After finishing the call with Su He, Su Ying belatedly remembered something.
It was her birthday today. Her young boyfriend had already ordered a cake, planning to celebrate with her in the evening. As there was nothing urgent at the studio, Fu Zheng took half a day off early, intending to decorate the apartment to surprise Su Ying.
They were currently living together, so he naturally knew the door lock's password.
Not long after Su He entered the house, the prompt sound of the door lock opening echoed from behind her.
Su He was startled.
Didn't Su Ying say she wouldn't be back until tonight? How could someone just walk in? Was it a burglar?
Su He's heart tightened, and she casually picked up a baseball bat from beside the TV cabinet.
"It's you?"
"It's you?"
Two voices spoke simultaneously.
As it turned out, Fu Zheng, upon opening the door, noticed a pair of unfamiliar shoes on the floor, immediately becoming suspicious. Like Su He, he thought there was a burglar. As he stepped into the living room, his gaze met Su He's.
As Su Ying's assistant, Fu Zheng was constantly by his boss's side. Su He had seen him several times and recognized him. Seeing it was him, Su He relaxed her guard and put the baseball bat down.
Fu Zheng: ...
He felt a bit awkward.
Although he and Su Ying were a couple, Su Ying hadn't decided how to make it public. While he desired a formal status, he didn't want to pressure her and make her unhappy, so he decided to let things take their course. If no one happened to discover them, he'd acknowledge their relationship.
He hadn't expected things to unfold in this manner.
He was about the same age as Su He and used to address her as "Miss Su" with great respect. Now, due to his relationship with Su Ying, his attitude towards Su He had changed slightly.
Perhaps because Su Ying and Su He were sisters, he felt a fondness for Su He, treating her with unusual warmth.
"Came to get something for my sister?" Su He, though harboring suspicions, didn't directly address them.
Fu Zheng scratched his head and vaguely replied, "Ah, Miss Su's flight lands in two hours, so I'm supposed to pick her up from the airport shortly."
If it weren't for his quick reaction, he would have almost used their private term of endearment.
Su He hummed in response, a smile in her eyes.
This man was truly terrible at lying.
Look at his blushing ears; it was obvious he wasn't telling the truth.
Also, he was quite shy. Su He didn't dare tease him further, fearing he might be so embarrassed he'd want to disappear into the floor. Pretending to be oblivious to their relationship, she put down the pastry box in her hand and prepared to leave.
"I just came to check on my sister. Since she's not home, I'll be going now." Su He, wearing loose maternity clothes, didn't appear pregnant.
Fu Zheng had occasionally heard Su Ying mention her, knowing how much she doted on her sister. He immediately offered to drive her home.
"No need to trouble yourself, the driver is waiting downstairs," Su He politely declined his offer.
Fu Zheng insisted on escorting her downstairs and only relaxed once she was in the car.
"When my sister gets back, please tell her 'Happy Birthday' for me," Su He rolled down the window and waved to him.
Fu Zheng stood stunned for a long moment, only snapping back to reality after the car disappeared around the bend.
Did she know something?
Fu Zheng's heart pounded.
He pulled out his phone and immediately dialed Su Ying's number, but it showed as unreachable. He then remembered she must be on the plane now, so her phone was switched off.
After hanging up, he hastily typed out a message, hoping she would see it as soon as she landed.
"Miss Su, it's Su He. She seems to have discovered our secret..."
"I swear, it wasn't me who told her, she figured it out herself..."
"She made pastries for you and asked me to wish you 'Happy Birthday'!"
"Should I explain to her?"
After sending several messages, Fu Zheng managed to quell his racing heart.
Su Ying's reply came two hours later.
She had just landed at the time.
Upon seeing his string of messages, Su Ying raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow. She hesitated for a moment, holding her phone, then replied, "Since it's been discovered, let's just go public."
Fu Zheng stared at the message for a long time, feeling an indescribable surge of excitement.
He had finally waited for this day!
However, his reason prevailed, and he managed to control his joy. "Will this have any negative impact on you? After all, I'm not particularly outstanding; I'm afraid I'll embarrass you..."
But Su Ying had long seen through his thoughts. "If you had these concerns, you wouldn't have come to bother me in the first place! Don't worry, those I like, they will like you too!"
"And those who don't like you, I don't like them either!"
With Su Ying's words, Fu Zheng's lips unconsciously curved upwards into a handsome arc.