An Ruo threatened coldly, "Do you really want me to call the police and expose your hotel?"
The manager had originally wanted to curry favor with that distinguished guest, so he secretly handed over the room key. The higher-ups didn't know about this, and if things blew up, his job would be at risk!
"I can let you see it, but no matter what you find, please handle it privately. We can't afford the responsibility."
An Ruo sneered inwardly. If they couldn't afford the responsibility, why did they let someone into her room?
She would expose this shady hotel sooner or later!
But for now, she needed a favor from them, so she'd let it slide temporarily.
The manager took her to the surveillance room and pulled up the footage of the man entering the hotel yesterday, only to find that the entire segment had been cut out!
"How is it gone?"
An Ruo frowned sharply. "Not only did you let someone into my room, but you're also helping him cover up the evidence. What's your intention here?"
The manager was at a loss for words and finally had no choice but to plead, "Miss An, please be merciful. I was foolish this time. I shouldn't have leaked your privacy to gain my superior's approval... If you don't make this public and let it blow over, I can compensate you—compensate for your emotional distress."
An Ruo silently added another mark against him in her mind. Now that he was cornered, he was trying to bribe her with money, hoping she'd take it and let it go?
"I have a sick father at home waiting for me to take care of him in the hospital, and my daughter just started middle school. I can't afford to lose this job..."
Hearing this, An Ruo felt a pang of sympathy. In the past, she wouldn't have compromised her own feelings because of someone else's hardships—unless that person had treated her well. Otherwise, no matter their excuses, she wouldn't soften her heart.
Because she, too, was a pitiful soul. The world hadn't been kind to her; instead, it had left scars. So she refused to remain weak.
But now, she had someone more important than An Che, and she didn't want to be harsh over a small matter.
She wasn't hurt, her clothes and belongings were intact, and there were no signs of assault. Though she didn't know why that person had sneaked in, since nothing happened, she'd take it as a lesson.
This time, she wouldn't pursue it!
...
Back in her room, An Ruo started packing her luggage. Even if she wasn't leaving Yucheng today, she wouldn't stay in this hotel any longer.
What if that person sneaked in again tonight? She wouldn't even know how she died!
Just as she was almost done packing, there was a knock at the door. She paused, on high alert, and walked over. "Who is it?"
She grabbed the ashtray from the table, hiding it behind her back for self-defense in case of an emergency.
"Hotel cleaner."
An Ruo froze. That voice sounded so familiar?
She cautiously opened the door, and a blurry test paper was thrust in front of her face.
"Surprise!"
An Che pulled the paper away from her eyes, beaming. "Sis, I got second place in the physics competition!"
An Ruo looked at the test paper in surprise, her joy mixed with confusion. "How are you here?"
"Brother-in-law brought me."
As he spoke, the man wheeled himself over, a warm smile on his face.
"We wanted to surprise you." An Che noticed the item in her hand. "Sis, why are you holding an ashtray?"
An Ruo let out an awkward laugh and set the ashtray back on the table. "Come in and talk."
She personally pushed the man into the room.
"When did you two get here? Why didn't you tell me?"
"If we told you, it wouldn't be a surprise anymore." An Che chuckled. "Brother-in-law said I did great in the competition and asked what gift I wanted. I said I missed you, so he brought me here."
An Che added mysteriously, "Sis, we came by helicopter."
Pouring them both warm water, An Ruo glanced at the man and smiled. "Impressive. I've never even been on a helicopter."
The man took a sip of tea, then looked up, his expression gentle. "I'll take you on a helicopter someday."
"..."
"As Mrs. Shen, you at least have that privilege."
An Che was hit with another wave of couple affection. "And here comes the lovey-dovey stuff again."
An Ruo smiled. "I was planning to head back tomorrow, but you two came to pick me up early."
"Work's done?"
"Yeah."
"Stay a couple more days. Yucheng has good feng shui, and the climate is warmer than Shencheng. Since you're here, go check out the tourist spots."
An Che couldn't wait to chime in. "Brother-in-law says studying shouldn't be rigid. Since it's the weekend, he's taking us to play here for two days."
The man glanced at her packed luggage. "Packing so early?"
An Ruo followed his gaze to the suitcase. She didn't want to worry him, so she decided not to mention the stranger sneaking into her room.
...
Their sudden arrival disrupted An Ruo's plans to return, so she had to stay a few more days.
The weather happened to be nice these two days, so it was a good chance to take An Che out to see the world.
But An Ruo refused to stay in that hotel any longer. While checking out at the front desk, she ran into Song Weiwei, who was just coming back from outside.
"Director An, heading out?" Song Weiwei pushed her sunglasses down a bit, glancing at the strikingly handsome man in the wheelchair, then at the slim young man beside An Ruo. "Who are they?"
An Ruo introduced them without hesitation. "This is my husband."
She didn't reveal his name, not wanting to invite unnecessary trouble from people with ulterior motives.
"And this is my brother."
She then introduced the man: "Miss Song is the spokesperson signed with our company. She's very famous. She was one of the leads in the movie we watched last time." She deliberately reminded him.
Shen Xiaoxing gave her a cool nod.
An Che obediently said, "Hello, big sister."
Song Weiwei glanced lightly at the man, then focused on An Che, her red lips curving into a seductive smile. "Such a handsome young man. Any interest in the entertainment industry?"
An Che had social anxiety and fidgeted with his clothes, unsure how to respond.
An Ruo ruffled his hair and chuckled. "He's still young. His studies come first for now."
"Are you all going out to play?" Song Weiwei tactfully waved her hand. "Then I won't keep you. Have fun."
"Bye."
After they left, Song Weiwei stopped and turned to watch their retreating figures, lost in thought.
If she wasn't mistaken, the man in the wheelchair seemed to be the eldest son of the Shen family—Shen Xiaoxing, a well-known figure in the business world.
She had once seen him at a charity event.
But judging by his attitude earlier, he had probably forgotten her long ago.
A brief encounter—it was normal not to remember.
Just as she reached the elevator, she ran into Qiao Yu, who was about to leave.
"Plans have changed. I booked a flight for tomorrow morning. There's a sponsorship in Shencheng that specifically wants you."
Song Weiwei sighed dramatically. "I'm a person, you know. Can I have a little free time? I just finished one sponsorship, and now I have to fly back? I haven't even had a chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Yucheng."
"Plans change. Hurry up and pack. We need to fly back as soon as possible."
"Capitalist!"
Song Weiwei pouted indignantly, clutching the snacks she had just bought outside. Even they didn't taste good anymore.
"Oh, and next week's Blue Zhen new product launch. President Gu invited you. As the spokesperson, you're expected to attend."
"I know!"
What a pain in the neck!