"Why?" Xia Yan wondered. Being around Lu Zhengting always made her feel inexplicably uneasy. As long as she kept her distance, the feeling would vanish. Not to mention his alluring looks—just hearing his deep, husky voice sent goosebumps across her skin and made her heart tingle, the kind commonly known as a flutter of springtime infatuation.
"Because of how well you've taken care of Xiaohan lately. I'm very satisfied," Lu Zhengting said with a straight face.
"That's not necessary. Xiaohan likes me, and I like him too."
"It's settled. I'll pick you up once I've set the time."
"No need. I'll call you in advance."
The moment the car came to a stop, Xia Yan fled in a panic. Whenever she faced Lu Zhengting, her chances of bolting skyrocketed.
Entering the school, she walked along the tree-lined path. The evening breeze brushed gently against her cheeks. She paused, taking a deep breath. The faint scent of leaves and grass wafted toward her. Her jet-black hair floated in the wind, a strand falling across her forehead, blocking her view.
Though the summer evening breeze lacked the scorching heat of the day, it still carried a lingering warmth. Xia Yan raised a hand to brush the hair from her eyes and strolled leisurely down the path. Banyan trees stood side by side, their branches lush and leaves forming a natural canopy. Wooden benches were spaced at intervals beneath them, where couples sat day and night, whispering sweet nothings.
This path was Xia Yan's favorite, not just for the shade but also for the artificial lake nearby. Though small, its water was crystal clear, a beautiful feature of Jiangcheng University. Willow trees lined the shore, their long branches drooping onto the lake's surface in spring and summer, adding a touch of elegance. When the wind blew, the willows swayed, rippling the calm water.
The stillness of the water and the movement of the wind complemented each other.
Xia Yan dawdled along the path for quite a while before returning to her dorm. She pulled out her phone and saw ten missed calls. She checked them one by one: six from Lu Zhengting, around the time she'd left the hospital that afternoon; two from Lin Xujia, not long ago; and two from Ye Yunchen, also recent. Judging by the timing, she'd been having dinner with Lu Zhengting then.
******
Lu Zhengting drove from Xia Yan's school to Ke Yaru's home. As soon as he entered the room, he saw her sitting on the floor, fresh blood seeping through the gauze. He walked over, bent down slightly, and lifted her onto the bed.
He'd called the family doctor on his way over. The doctor arrived shortly after he did. Ke Yaru's wound had reopened. She'd accidentally collided with another car while driving that afternoon, sustaining minor scrapes on her foot. After being bandaged at the hospital, she'd gotten hurt again. She looked up apologetically at Lu Zhengting, whose expression was stern.
"Zhengting, I'm sorry. I know you're busy with work, but I called you anyway," Ke Yaru said softly, lowering her head. Then she added, "I really didn't know who else to turn to."
Hearing this, the sternness on Lu Zhengting's face seemed to soften slightly. He glanced at her impassively. "You don't need to come to the office next week. Rest at home."
"But the person we hired from abroad is reporting to the company tomorrow."
"Someone else can handle it."
Ke Yaru nodded, knowing Lu Zhengting was a man of his word. Since he'd said so, she had no choice but to comply.
Faced with his behavior, her heart swung like a pendulum, soaring high. Lu Zhengting wasn't entirely indifferent to her—after all, she was the first woman allowed to stand openly by his side. And she would be the only one to walk alongside him.
The doctor re-bandaged her wound, gave a few instructions, and left.
Ke Yaru tugged at the blanket. The warm light illuminated her fair face, her eyes faintly sparkling, alluring and captivating. She blinked, a hint of sadness in her voice. "Zhengting, my sister's death anniversary is in a few days."
"Mm."
"Can I borrow your shoulder for a moment?"
Hearing this, Lu Zhengting frowned slightly, his sharp gaze fixed on Ke Yaru without a word.
"Forget it if not. You should head back, or Xiaohan will throw a tantrum." Ke Yaru knew her request was impulsive. Lu Zhengting never let women get too close—within a meter at most. Even after years by his side, she only had the privilege of living openly under his protection, a bit more than other women.
For Ke Yaru, who had always admired him, that was far from enough. Especially now that Xia Yan had appeared, threatening her position, her vigilance had only grown.
Lu Zhengting returned to the villa. Xiaohan was already asleep. He showered, changed into loungewear, and went to his study to continue handling company matters. Several of Yang Jinkuan's subsidiaries had been partially or fully seized. Seizing the opportunity, he'd acquired a few and was now dealing with the aftermath.
The next day.
Xiaohan ate breakfast absentmindedly. When he saw Lu Zhengting coming down the stairs, he slid off his chair and ran over, looking up at him with wide, earnest eyes. "Dad, I want to eat the cake Sister Yan made."
"You can call Xia Yan yourself."
"Okay, but Sister Yan said she's busy looking for a job and won't have much time." Xiaohan pouted.
She's looking for a job? Lu Zhengting adjusted the cuff of his sleeve, frowning slightly. Then he noticed Xiaohan's eyes gleaming as he stared at him. "Dad, you could take Sister Yan in."
Xia Yan needs a job? Lu Zhengting pursed his lips, a faint smile playing at the corners. He glanced at Xiaohan, who was dead serious. Take her in? He liked Xiaohan's phrasing.
He patted Xiaohan's little head. "I'll think about it."
Back in the dorm, Xia Yan was being pestered by Lin Xujia. She shot her a helpless look. "Xiaojia, I don't mind you sending your resume to the Lu Group—I support that. But dragging me along? That's unnecessary. Besides, the Lu Group isn't even on my radar."
"Xia Yan, everyone's dying to get into the Lu Group. Why are you treating it like a steamed bun even a dog wouldn't eat?"
"You know it's everyone's dream company, but I just don't care for it."
"Then do it for me—just send in a resume." Lin Xujia had been working on Xia Yan since last night, listing all the benefits of joining the Lu Group until she was hoarse. But Xia Yan held firm, refusing to budge. Xia Yan rolled her eyes. "Do you know how tough the Lu Group's standards are? The minimum is a master's degree. We don't even meet that, let alone the other requirements."
"How do you know you won't succeed if you don't try? It's good experience even if you don't get in."
Xia Yan shot Lin Xujia a resigned glare. "Fine, but don't come crying if you don't make it."
"Don't worry, I won't. And Xia Yan, aren't you on good terms with Mr. Lu?"
"Lin Xujia, I'm telling you, nip that thought in the bud right now, or I'm not going with you." This was exactly what Xia Yan feared. The Lu Group was Lu Zhengting's company, and she wanted nothing to do with him. But the resumes went to the HR department, far from his position. That was the only reason she'd relented.
She really didn't want to imagine running into him at the office.
That morning, Lin Xujia put on a meticulous, warm-toned makeup look. She wore a one-shoulder princess-sleeve dress, playful yet sexy, with a touch of innocence. It added plenty of charm. Xia Yan kept it simple—a pure white, knee-length dress with a round neck and mid-length sleeves, fitted but not flashy. It didn't stun, but it truly showcased her natural, effortless elegance and intellectual beauty. Her makeup was light and subtle, and transparent heels accentuated her long, straight legs.
It was the day for group company recruitment, and the Lu Group was naturally among them.
Xia Yan carried several copies of her resume through the job fair. Besides the Lu Group, she also submitted to a few other companies. By the time she was done, it was noon. She and Lin Xujia had arranged to have lunch with Ye Yunchen at a restaurant near the school.
It was also Ye Yunchen's first day reporting to the Lu Group.
The three met up and settled on a hotpot-themed restaurant to the left of the school. Xia Yan loved spicy food but couldn't handle it, so they settled for mild spice.
Hotpot was delicious, but it left a strong smell on clothes—Lin Xujia's least favorite part. Every time they ate it, her first move was to douse herself in perfume to mask the lingering odor.
Eating hotpot in summer was a challenge.
Xia Yan had a few bites to tide her over, but the food in the pot wasn't ready yet. She set down her chopsticks, glanced at Ye Yunchen, then at Lin Xujia, who was beaming at him. "Brother Ye, Xia Yan and I sent our resumes to the Lu Group today too."
Ye Yunchen smiled faintly, handed a tissue to Xia Yan, and said, "That's great. But what made you decide to apply to the Lu Group?"
"It's all because of Xiaojia. I told her the Lu Group's bar is high, and it'd be tough for us to get in." Xia Yan watched the pot bubble as she spoke, picking up her chopsticks to grab some food.
"Xia Yan, don't sell yourself short. Isn't there a saying—anything is possible? Trying won't hurt."
Ye Yunchen's gaze never left Xia Yan. Lin Xujia's eyes followed him, noticing how his attention seemed fixed solely on Xia Yan. Jealousy burned inside her, nearly driving her mad.