Chapter 49: Tricked

Lu Ranran shook her head, knowing all too well that she was no match for Chu Linchen's pool-deep gaze and the hint of an ambiguous smile at the corner of his lips.

She bit her lower lip slightly, struggling to maintain a professional composure. "Our company does not require your participation yet, Mr. Chu."

Just as her voice trailed off, Chu Linchen's gaze seemed to pierce through the conference room table, looking straight into the depths of her heart.

He slowly stood up and straightened his suit cuffs, a movement filled with both elegance and unquestionable power.

"Very well. Whenever you want to come in the future, just find me anytime."

A confident smile curved the corners of Chu Linchen's lips. It was a smile as warm as the spring sunlight, yet it harbored an unyielding and undeniable resolve.

He slowly paced toward the door of the conference room, pushed it open gently, and his figure vanished outside, leaving behind a room of silence and the turbulent ripples surging within Lu Ranran's heart—resembling an unfinished game of chess, and he was already the master player holding absolute victory in his grasp.

Before Lu Ranran could steady her emotions after Chu Linchen's departure, her phone on the table vibrated. The screen flashed with the name Si Qinyu, ringing over and over again like relentless drumbeats striking her tense nerves.

She took a deep breath, her fingertips lightly swiping the answer key, and Si Qinyu's slightly anxious voice immediately sounded in her ear: "Ranran, why haven't you been answering my calls?"

Lu Ranran looked toward the empty doorway of the conference room, where Chu Linchen's shadow still seemed to linger in the air. She pressed her lips together, trying her best to keep her voice steady and calm: "Qinyu, I was busy just now. My phone was on silent, so I didn't notice."

Si Qinyu's words were gentle yet firm: "Ranran, I'll come pick you up."

Night had already quietly fallen. Outside the window was the city's twinkling skyline, reflected in Lu Ranran's slightly turned eyes, glittering with tiny points of light.

Lu Ranran frowned deeply, a trace of imperceptible irritation in her tone: "No need, you go back."

As she spoke, she gave a slight wave of her hand, trying to brush away the lingering shadow in her heart.

Lu Ranran stood up, walked over to the window, and stared at the prosperous yet indifferent city outside. Her fingers unconsciously tapped against the cold glass, and an inexplicable emotion quietly spread through her heart.

Si Qinyu's voice came through the phone, so tender it seemed it could drip water, carrying a hint of imperceptible craftiness: "I was wrong, don't be angry."

His words were like a spring breeze, gently brushing away the irritating gloom in Lu Ranran's heart.

She paused slightly, a vision seemingly floating before her eyes of Si Qinyu's face always bearing a warm smile, along with the apology and pampering flashing in his deep eyes.

Lu Ranran's gaze remained fixed on the brilliantly lit scene outside the window, while the restlessness within her surged like a tide.

She frowned impatiently, her fingers unconsciously increasing the force of her tapping against the glass, producing a dull thudding sound. The moment she hung up the phone, a flash of determination crossed her eyes, and she even entertained the idea of moving out to escape this complicated emotional entanglement.

Yet, upon second thought, Si Qinyu's vigilance was extremely high. Once she made a move, she feared it would be difficult to smoothly reclaim her rightful half of the assets.

With this thought, she let out a soft sigh, tossed her phone casually onto the table, and turned her back to the window. Her figure appeared exceptionally lonely under the dim, warm light.

Lu Ranran deliberately piled up her pending work and tackled it piece by piece, until the night grew deep and only a scattering of lights remained lit across the office building.

She buried her head in the mountain of documents, occasionally raising her head to let her gaze pass through the giant glass window, only to find the city outside had been swallowed by the night, leaving behind only scattered pinpricks of light twinkling in the darkness.

Her fingers flew rapidly across the keyboard, pausing occasionally to massage her aching neck, her gaze revealing a hint of firmness and resolve.

Time slipped quietly away. It was not until the very last document was processed that she slowly stood up, packed her belongings, dragged her exhausted body out of the office, and stepped into the silent corridor. Every step felt exceptionally heavy.

As soon as Lu Ranran arrived home, Si Qinyu walked over holding a glass of milk, smiling gently with eyes full of doting care and affection.

He gently placed the cup on the table, creating a soft yet pleasant sound.

Si Qinyu gently pulled Lu Ranran's hand, making her sit on the sofa while he half-knelt in front of her, his eyes filled with absolute sincerity and remorse. "Ranran, I was wrong. I shouldn't have treated you that way."

His words carried a slight tremor.

He raised his head, his gaze meeting Lu Ranran's, and those deep eyes flashed with endless gentleness and apology.

He slowly reached out and gently caressed Lu Ranran's cheek, the warmth from his fingertips making her heart flutter slightly.

He continued, "I will cherish you more in the future and never let you suffer even the slightest bit of harm."

Lu Ranran pulled her hand back, looking at Si Qinyu with a complex gaze, as if wanting to say something, which ultimately dissolved into a soft sigh.

Si Qinyu spoke in a soft murmur, as if afraid of disturbing this hard-won tranquility: "Drink some milk before bed. It helps you relax and sleep."

As he spoke, he handed the warm glass of milk to Lu Ranran. The warmth of the cup wall transferred through the thin porcelain into her palm, bringing a subtle sense of warmth.

Lu Ranran lowered her head, watching the pure white liquid inside sway gently.

She took a small sip, and the rich, sweet taste of the milk slowly melted on the tip of her tongue.

After saying, "Then I'm going to bed," Si Qinyu slowly stood up, his gaze still tenderly lingering on Lu Ranran.

The bedroom door closed gently, leaving only a narrow crack that leaked a patch of dim light, appearing exceptionally cozy in the quiet night.

Without giving it much thought, Lu Ranran took a shower and prepared for bed.

The bathroom was hazy with misty steam. Draped in a soft bath towel, water droplets clung to her hair and slid gently down her cheek, leaving crystal-clear trails.

She turned around, walked slowly to the bed, lay down gently, and closed her eyes.

Shortly after lying down, Lu Ranran felt a surge of heat rising within her body. Her cheeks gradually flushed, and her breathing grew hurried.

She snapped her eyes open, the memory of Si Qinyu's gentle expression when handing her the milk flashing through her mind, and an ominous premonition welled up in her heart.

She scrambled up in a panic, reaching out to touch the cup. The temperature at her fingertips had already grown intensely hot, lacking its earlier comforting warmth and instead carrying a subtle, unusual edge.

A jolt of shock went through Lu Ranran's heart, and she rushed toward the bedroom door, fumbling frantically to double-lock it.

Her heart beat like a drum, and sweat slipped down her forehead. Anxiety and fear intertwined in her heart, making every movement of hers appear flustered and powerless.

Just as Lu Ranran was fumbling in a panic, urgent knocking suddenly sounded from outside the door, accompanied by Si Qinyu's anxious call: "Ranran, what's wrong with you? Open the door!"

Her heart tightened further, and she tried even harder to secure the lock, but the hammering outside grew only more violent.