Li Ru blinked, following Xia Yan's suggestion to picture the scene she described, and immediately shuddered. "Mr. Lu doesn't seem like someone so devoid of sentiment and romance."
"That just proves one thing: you can't judge a book by its cover, right?"
Lin Xujia stirred, her eyelashes fluttering slightly. Li Ru noticed her movement and pointed a finger. "My dear is here, Xia Yan. I'll be off now."
Before leaving, Li Ru glanced at Lin Xujia again, feeling something was off. Yang Qi saw Li Ru emerge from the company entrance and immediately got out of the car to meet her, supporting her. "Ruru, didn't I tell you not to wear high heels?"
"I'd feel suffocated at work without them. Don't worry, I'm very careful, and nothing's happened yet, has it?"
"Do you have to wait until something does happen to learn?"
"Yang Qi, why are you so harsh!"
"When was I harsh? I'm just worried about you! Think about it—you're pregnant, your morning sickness is severe, and you're still in heels. If you accidentally..."
"Pfft, shut your jinxed mouth. I won't have an accident."
"Alright, alright, just be careful. I'll get the flats from the car for you to change into. Be good, listen to me."
"..."
Xia Yan watched Yang Qi carefully shield Li Ru in his arms and couldn't help but smile. Catching Lin Xujia opening her eyes out of the corner of her eye, she leaned down and asked, "Xiaojia, what's wrong with you?"
"It's not convenient to talk here. Let's go to the coffee shop next door, okay?"
Xia Yan glanced around. The company was full of people and gossip, hardly a suitable place for conversation. After a moment's thought, she sent a text to Lu Zhengting, then accompanied Lin Xujia to the coffee shop.
In his office, Lu Zhengting saw his phone flash. He picked it up and saw it was a message from Xia Yan. His slender fingers slid across the screen to unlock it, reading the content: *Lu Zhengting, Xiaojia came to find me. I won't have lunch with you today.*
He paused, rubbed his temples, and typed back: *Where are you?*
Xia Yan replied quickly: *Shiguang.*
Lu Zhengting rested his elbow on the desk, smiling at her instant reply, and added: *Eat well.*
Xia Yan's phone was on the table. Lin Xujia noticed her gaze fixed on it and spoke up, "Xia Yan, do you have something urgent to handle?"
"No, Xiaojia, have you eaten yet? Let's order something first." Xia Yan glanced at the round clock hanging straight ahead. "It's getting late. Let's have something to settle our stomachs."
Lin Xujia nodded. Xia Yan handed the completed order to the waiter waiting nearby. After they pulled the curtain closed, Xia Yan stared intently at Lin Xujia's face and asked softly, "When did it happen between you and Brother Ye?"
Lin Xujia froze. "Did... did he tell you?"
"No, Brother Ye didn't tell me."
A bitter smile crept onto Lin Xujia's lips. "Of course. Why would he tell you? When it happened, he specifically told me not to tell you. Probably because he thought our relationship was already complicated enough—if my situation with him came out, it would only get messier."
"Xiaojia, so now you and Brother Ye..."
"Me and him? Do you think I could just forget what happened that night?" Lin Xujia said firmly.
Her words stunned Xia Yan. She clasped her hands together, uncertainty in her eyes. "You know?"
"Xia Yan, I know Ye Yunchen better than you do. The real him isn't as gentle as we see. You know what? Even after countless times together, our relationship never changed. Can you imagine lying next to him while he calls out your name?"
Lin Xujia spoke calmly, her expression unchanged. Her seductive eyes seemed to lose their usual luster and charm in that moment, becoming like a dead person's eyes—hollow, devoid of hope.
Seeing Lin Xujia like this, Xia Yan felt a pang of sympathy. In her memory, Lin Xujia had always been cheerful, lively, and optimistic. But in such a short time, she seemed to have transformed into someone else—a change that was truly heartbreaking to witness.
Xia Yan wasn't good at comforting others, so all she could do now was listen quietly as Lin Xujia poured out her grievances, acting as a listener.
As she spoke, Lin Xujia couldn't hold back her tears. "Xia Yan, I know that night was arranged by Ye Yunchen. I know you know too, and I know why you didn't tell me. But do you realize? I hate Ye Yunchen, and I hate you too."
When she finished, her last words sounded to Xia Yan like a simple venting of frustration, so she didn't take them to heart. It wasn't until later, when she heard those same words from Lin Xujia again, that she understood how deep Lin Xujia's hatred for her truly ran.
"I'll take you to see Brother Ye."
"What good would that do?"
"Have you already gone to see him?"
Lin Xujia sniffled. "Yes, I did. But do you know what he said? He said he admits it. Xia Yan, look—he does things like this so effortlessly, and when I confronted him, he confessed so openly."
What Xia Yan learned about Ye Yunchen from Lin Xujia was a significant shock. Hearing this, she abruptly stood up from her chair, grabbed her bag, and headed out. Seeing this, Lin Xujia stopped crying and hurriedly got up to chase after her.
"Xia Yan, what are you doing?"
"I'm going to ask Brother Ye to explain himself. He can't treat you like this."
"Xia Yan, I... I beg you, don't go to him. I know it must be my fault that he doesn't like me. I accept it, I really do..." Lin Xujia grabbed Xia Yan's arm, her just-stopped tears bursting forth again like a breached dam, streaming down her face.
"Xiaojia, don't be like this. Seeing you like this breaks my heart. Brother Ye isn't like that."
"No, Xia Yan, please, I'm begging you, don't go to him. I don't want to cause him any more trouble, and... I don't want him to hate me even more."
Xia Yan looked helplessly at Lin Xujia, who was crying pitifully. "No, you can't keep giving in like this and expect to win his feelings. Do you understand, Xiaojia?"
"Xia Yan, I know. But even if I know, what can I do? It's because I love him."
Hearing this, Xia Yan frowned. Spotting an empty cab approaching, she hailed it without a second thought. Lin Xujia couldn't stop her and could only watch as Xia Yan shook off her hand and got into the car. Frustrated, Lin Xujia stomped her foot and quickly waved down another cab coming from behind.
"Driver, please follow that car ahead."
"Sure thing, miss. Hold tight—I won't lose it."
"..." Lin Xujia wiped the tears from her face, twitching her lips as she glanced at the driver. This guy was really dramatic. Her gaze locked onto the car carrying Xia Yan, and in her mind, she replayed Ye Yunchen's expression and his words to her—each one piercing her heart. She knew Xia Yan wouldn't stand by after learning about her and Ye Yunchen, and she also knew that if Ye Yunchen made her suffer, she would make him feel the same pain.
Without a doubt, Xia Yan was the best weapon against Ye Yunchen.
Xia Corporation. Back when Xia Yan was in school, it was no exaggeration to say she never came to the company unless it was important. Her life was a simple triangle: school, hospital, home. Now, standing at the foot of the towering building, she raised her hand to look up at it and called Ye Yunchen.
Ye Yunchen had spent three months successfully establishing himself in the company, earning Xia Minghui's admiration and trust. His current position here was comparable to his old one at Lu Corporation, with the only difference being the companies themselves—Lu Corporation was a multinational, while Xia Corporation was limited to Jiang City, at most within the country.
He was in a meeting when he got Xia Yan's call. Seeing her name on the screen, the stern, serious expression on his face softened slightly with warmth. This change made the employees in the room breathe a sigh of relief, but it lasted no more than five seconds. When Ye Yunchen answered and heard Xia Yan's tone, his face instantly turned even colder and more unreadable than before.
Ye Yunchen hung up, checked his watch, and said coldly, "I don't care what method you use—get me a report and a solution. Runfeng Company's partner must be us."
"Manager Ye, our people have already contacted Runfeng. They seem more inclined to work with Lu Corporation."
"Did you not hear me? The partner for Runfeng must be us."
"But aren't we competing with Lu Corporation?"
"So what? If you can't get it done, pack your things and leave. I didn't hire you to freeload."
Ye Yunchen swept his sharp gaze over the group and said icily, "That's all for today. Meeting adjourned."
After the meeting, Ye Yunchen returned to his office. He stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, looking down at the slender figure below, and let out a soft sigh before turning to leave.
As soon as Ye Yunchen appeared, Xia Yan walked straight up to him. "Brother Ye, you know why I'm here, don't you?"
"Why?"
Xia Yan bit her lip. "Why are you treating Xiaojia like this? You know she likes you. How can you bear to hurt someone who loves you?"
"Loves me? Xia Yan, I love you too, and you still hurt me, didn't you?"
"Brother Ye, I... I'm talking about Xiaojia right now."
"You wouldn't understand what's between me and Lin Xujia. Xia Yan, if you still trust me, stay away from her. I won't hurt you."
"Brother Ye, what do you mean?"
"The Lin Xujia now isn't the same Lin Xujia from before..."
Hearing this, Xia Yan raised her hand to cut him off and said softly, "Brother Ye, you're not the same you from before either."
**Chapter 157: Not as Lucky as You**
Lin Xujia arrived at the company entrance just in time to see Xia Yan and Ye Yunchen standing by the flower bed next to the main gate. She frowned, carefully crept over to the edge of the flower bed, and crouched down. The half-height shrubs were enough to hide her while still letting her hear their conversation. When she heard Ye Yunchen tell Xia Yan to stay away from her, she smirked. She wasn't worried that Xia Yan would believe him—this was exactly what she had expected.
Ye Yunchen was cut off by Xia Yan. He stared at her intently. "I've never changed toward you." He paused and let out a mocking laugh. "Xia Yan, do you remember why I left Lu Corporation back then? Even if you don't, it doesn't matter. But I recall telling you on the day I left, and your reaction at the time showed me you didn't believe me. So no matter what I say today, you won't trust me, will you?"
"Brother Ye, it's not that I don't want to trust you. It's that you've changed since leaving Lu Corporation."
Hearing this, Ye Yunchen furrowed his brow, his gentle gaze fixed on Xia Yan. Seeing her disbelief, a bitter smile touched his lips. "Xia Yan, just go."
"Brother Ye..."
"Stay out of my business with Lin Xujia. I'm sure you know that Xia Corporation and Lu Corporation are now competing for Runfeng. You're an employee of Lu Corporation, and I work for Xia Corporation. If someone sees us meeting privately, it won't do you any good."
Xia Yan looked at him seriously. His words made her realize her oversight. If someone caught them, she'd have no way to explain herself. As both a Lu Corporation employee and the eldest daughter of the Xia family, with this dual identity, she would be the prime suspect if anything went wrong in the current competition between the two companies. Hidden behind the flower bed, Lin Xujia was furious when she heard Ye Yunchen's words. She couldn't believe he was still so concerned about Xia Yan. Her cold gaze locked onto Ye Yunchen, and with a sneer, she pulled out her phone without a second thought and snapped a picture of them together.
Clutching her phone, Lin Xujia circled around from behind the flower bed to the roadside outside the company gate. She looked up at the towering building before her, squinted, and called Xia Yan. Then, pretending to be casual, she rushed to the company entrance, choosing a spot where Xia Yan could easily see her, and stood there anxiously. Ye Yunchen heard his phone ring—it was Lin Xujia. Xia Yan noticed and looked around, spotting Lin Xujia standing alone at the entrance.
"Xiaojia..."
Hearing her name, Lin Xujia turned and made her way to Xia Yan. The moment she saw Ye Yunchen, tears suddenly spilled from her eyes. Seeing this, Xia Yan couldn't help but feel sorry for her. She pulled out a tissue to wipe her tears while glancing at Ye Yunchen, whose expression was blank. From the moment Lin Xujia appeared, Ye Yunchen hadn't even looked at her—to him, even a glance was a waste.
Lin Xujia sobbed bitterly, keeping her head down, afraid to meet Ye Yunchen's eyes, as if terrified of angering him. She grabbed Xia Yan's arm and cried, "Xia Yan, let's go, please. Yunchen doesn't want to see me."
"Brother Ye!"
Ye Yunchen glanced at Xia Yan, then cast a sidelong look at Lin Xujia, and said coldly, "Both of you, leave."
Hearing his words, Lin Xujia's downcast eyes held not only tears but also a flash of ruthless cunning. Her grip on Xia Yan's arm faltered for a moment, and hot tears dripped onto Xia Yan's hand. Xia Yan wrapped an arm around Lin Xujia's shoulder, glared at Ye Yunchen, and raised her voice. "Brother Ye, you're going too far!"
Lin Xujia tugged at Xia Yan, signaling her to stop. Seeing this, Xia Yan felt a mix of frustration and helplessness. "Xiaojia, why are you still defending him?"
In Ye Yunchen's eyes, everything Lin Xujia did now was just a self-staged act. He coldly glanced at her heartbroken expression—not just his eyes showed disdain, but his whole body radiated disgust toward her.
"Lin Xujia, you'd better know when to stop."
"Yunchen, I... I know I was wrong. I shouldn't have told Xia Yan about us," Lin Xujia said meekly, keeping her head down without looking at him. Then she pulled Xia Yan away, not giving her a chance to speak, fully showcasing her own weakness and Ye Yunchen's dominance.
Ye Yunchen squinted as he watched Lin Xujia leave. He knew she was using Xia Yan to hurt him, and that harming Xia Yan would always make her think twice about Lu Zhengting. He let out a soft sigh and turned back into the company.
Lin Xujia kept crying. Frustrated, Xia Yan yanked her hand away and stood by the roadside, staring at her. "Xiaojia, do you even know what you're doing?"
"I know. I can't help it. Didn't you see the undisguised disgust in Yunchen's eyes? I don't want him to hate me. Xia Yan, I'm not you. If I make even the slightest mistake, all I get is his impatience. I really don't have your luck to win all his affection." Lin Xujia shouted hysterically, taking a deep breath as she clutched her aching chest. She had witnessed again how Ye Yunchen protected Xia Yan, and it left another deep scar.
Lin Xujia's words stunned Xia Yan. She opened her mouth but couldn't find the words to comfort her.
Lin Xujia touched her forehead, her eyes misty as she looked at Xia Yan. "Xia Yan, I realize now that I... I really can't face you. Every time I see you, I remember the love in his eyes for you and the disgust in them for me. Can you let me be alone for a while?"
"Xiaojia..."
"Just let me be. Don't worry, I won't do anything drastic."
Lin Xujia shoved her hands into her coat pockets, lifted her head to take a breath, gave Xia Yan a long look, and then turned and walked in the opposite direction.
Xia Yan stood alone by the roadside, her heart a tangled mess of emotions, so heavy it was suffocating. She blinked and stood there for a long time until a car horn snapped her back to reality. She looked at the license plate in confusion. Ning Xi rolled down the window halfway, his eyes curving slightly as he called out to her, "Little sister-in-law, what are you doing standing here? Where are you headed? Want a ride?"
Xia Yan steadied the heaviness in her chest, let out a breath, and got into Ning Xi's car.
"Little sister-in-law, where to?"
"The company."
"Got it. But little sister-in-law, what are you doing here?"
"Handling some business."
Ning Xi noticed her low spirits. After a moment's thought, he said lightly, "Little sister-in-law, you know Lu Corporation and Xia Corporation are in competition right now. Showing up here like this could leave you vulnerable if someone catches it."
Xia Yan nodded, resting her elbow on the window, squinting absently at the scenery flashing by, and sighed.
"Ring, ring, ring..."
Ning Xi glanced at his lit-up phone. The contact name was "Little Ancestor." His expression instantly turned complicated. Xia Yan turned her head and saw his constipated look. "Your phone's ringing. Aren't you going to answer?"
"It's an insurance salesman. No need."
"Insurance salesman? Really?" Xia Yan eyed him suspiciously. Seeing his serious face, she didn't press further, closing her eyes and leaning back, as if shutting out the world.
Ning Xi's phone kept ringing. Xia Yan frowned slightly and cracked an eye open. "Ning Xi, are you sure you're not going to answer?"
"Oh, these insurance salesmen are really dedicated these days. Little sister-in-law..."
"This is the first time I've seen someone label an insurance salesman as 'Little Ancestor.'"
"...Little sister-in-law."
Ning Xi looked at Xia Yan with a mix of amusement and exasperation. Zhan Meng was incredibly persistent when it came to phone calls. A while back, Ning Xi had ignored her calls for a few days to get some peace, and that woman ended up spending a third of every twenty-four hours calling him. When he finally checked his phone, he saw no fewer than fifty missed calls, with texts buzzing nonstop, nearly driving him crazy. After careful consideration, Ning Xi finally answered the "Little Ancestor's" call. "Ning Xi, are you tired of living? How dare you not answer my calls? Do you want me to blow up your phone until it dies?"
"Little Ancestor, what do you want now?"
"I'm on Jianbei Road. Come pick me up and take me to Binjiang Road. I've been standing here for almost half an hour and still haven't flagged down an empty cab."
Ning Xi glanced at the road signs. Taking a U-turn ahead would lead him to Jianbei Road—not far from here—but going from Binjiang Road to the Lu Group headquarters would be a long detour. He looked at Xia Yan, who was staring at him, and twitched his mouth. "I'm a bit busy right now. I can't make it."
"What are you busy with? I don't recall asking you to come buy groceries and cook today, do I? Get over here now. If I'm late, I'm pinning it on you. We'll settle old and new scores together then."
"Little Ancestor, don't mess around."
"Ning Xi, why are you so slow? I know you're right around Jianbei Road—I've got your location. Hurry up and come. If my car weren't in the shop, would I even be calling you?" Zhan Meng rolled her eyes and spoke quickly. Without waiting for Ning Xi's reply, she hung up directly and sent him her exact location.
From the moment Ning Xi picked up the call, Xia Yan had been watching him, not missing a single expression on his face. She could faintly make out the voice on the other end. "Keeping a beauty hidden away?"
"Little sister-in-law, don't misunderstand. There's nothing between her and me."
"Really nothing at all?" Xia Yan lowered her gaze and teased.
Ning Xi blinked, then shifted the topic. "Little sister-in-law, are you in a hurry to get back to the company?"
"Not in a hurry, not in a hurry. But it seems your 'Little Ancestor' has something urgent, right?"
The phrase "Little Ancestor" coming from Xia Yan's lips made Ning Xi shut his mouth immediately. As they approached the roundabout ahead, Ning Xi quickly turned the wheel. When Zhan Meng saw Ning Xi's car pull up in front of her, she didn't hesitate and directly opened the passenger door. Spotting Xia Yan sitting inside, she froze for a moment, shot Ning Xi a puzzled glance, pursed her lips, gave an awkward smile, and closed the door before reaching for the rear door.