"Boss Han."
Jin Zongmin's voice carried a chill. His lips formed a greeting for Han Zheng, but his gaze was fixed squarely on Xu Youqing.
That look seemed to cling to her skin, sending a shiver of cold creeping up Xu Youqing's spine.
This gathering had originally been arranged by Fan Meidi as a thank-you to Jin Zongmin for his earlier help in resolving the winery's troubles. However, she also wanted to probe the truth behind that business deal Jin Zongmin had hinted at. No matter how reluctant Han Zheng felt, he had to put on a proper front.
He forced a smile and stepped aside. "Mr. Jin, your presence honors us. I apologize for any inadequate hospitality."
Jin Zongmin didn't respond. His gaze finally lifted from Xu Youqing's face, swept briefly over Han Zheng, then settled back on her.
"We meet again, Miss Xu."
That "Miss Xu" was delivered with neither weight nor lightness—impossible to read. Yet Xu Youqing's heart tightened inexplicably.
She hadn't expected to run into him here. Instinctively, she shifted half a step closer to Han Zheng.
That subtle movement didn't escape Jin Zongmin's notice. His eyes darkened abruptly.
Xu Youqing averted her gaze from Jin Zongmin and murmured to Han Zheng, "You two have business to discuss. I'll head back to school first."
She turned to leave.
Jin Zongmin stepped forward, positioning himself precisely in her path.
"Since Miss Xu is already here," he said, looking down at her, "why not join us for a meal?"
Han Zheng immediately reached out and gently pulled Xu Youqing back to his side, keeping his tone courteous. "Mr. Jin, she still has things to do."
Jin Zongmin smiled, glancing at Han Zheng. "Boss Han, are you really going to refuse me?" He paused, then his gaze drifted back to Xu Youqing. "Or is it that Miss Xu herself… doesn't want to?"
It was obvious Xu Youqing didn't want to. Jin Zongmin was openly putting her in a difficult position.
Han Zheng's expression stiffened slightly, but he couldn't afford to lose his temper. His own pride was one thing, but dragging Fan Meidi and everyone at the winery into it would be another matter entirely.
Still, with Jin Zongmin provoking him again and again, it was getting hard to swallow.
Just as the tension reached its peak, a soft, melodious voice interjected at the perfect moment. "Mr. Jin, so this is where you are."
Xu Youqing turned to see Fan Meidi approaching in a wine-red velvet gown, her figure graceful and her smile radiant.
Fan Meidi had noticed from a distance that something was off among the three. Han Zheng was usually the most diplomatic of people, but whenever Xu Youqing was involved, he tended to lose his composure.
Now, with the three of them wearing such different expressions, the atmosphere was thick with tension.
Fan Meidi stepped forward with a smile, smoothing things over without a trace. "Mr. Jin, do you all… know each other?"
"We do," Jin Zongmin said, though his gaze remained on Xu Youqing. He added casually, "But… not well."
"After all," he tilted his head slightly, fixing his eyes on Xu Youqing, "Miss Xu doesn't seem willing to sit at the same table with someone she's not close to."
Xu Youqing clenched her fingers.
Fan Meidi was sharp as a blade—a few words were all she needed to sense something was off.
She shot Han Zheng a look. He understood perfectly, but he didn't want Xu Youqing dragged into these matters, especially anything involving Jin Zongmin.
Xu Youqing, for her part, assumed Jin Zongmin was still holding a grudge against her over what had happened before. She didn't want her presence to affect Han Zheng and the others' business dealings.
"Of course I'm willing."
She raised her eyes and looked straight at Jin Zongmin, a hint of sharpness in her tone. "I wouldn't dare say no to Mr. Jin."
Jin Zongmin regarded her with a sidelong glance.
No, not close, no need… How few times had she said "no" to him?
Jin Zongmin looked at her, the corners of his lips lifting slightly as he deliberately teased, "Miss Xu is young, but her memory isn't so good."
Xu Youqing caught the implication beneath his words. That remark about "not being close" was clearly aimed at her too.
His memory, on the other hand, was excellent.
She held back, but only barely. "Naturally, I can't compare to Mr. Jin's memory."
Not a single pleasant word—but retorts came to her effortlessly.
Jin Zongmin laughed in exasperation and continued to rib her. "I know a good doctor who specializes in amnesia. Shall I introduce him to Miss Xu?"
Xu Youqing pressed her lips tight and glared at him, like a rabbit backed into a corner, unsure how to bite back.
He watched her—she always pressed her lips together when she was angry.
But a gentle little rabbit throwing a tantrum only made her look adorable.
Seeing her like this, the restless irritation in his chest inexplicably eased. As if the more she spoke to him—even in defiance—the more it could brush away the displeasure lodged in his heart.
Han Zheng stood to the side, watching their exchange, the fire in his chest burning hotter and hotter.
Fan Meidi quietly tugged at his sleeve, still smiling as she said to Jin Zongmin, "The young lady is thin-skinned. Mr. Jin, stop teasing her."
With that, she affectionately looped her arm through Xu Youqing's. "Our chef here is quite skilled too. Why don't you join us for a taste?" Her eyes curved into crescents. "Consider it doing your sister a favor, alright?"
Xu Youqing didn't want to affect Han Zheng, nor did she want to put everyone in an awkward position, so she gave a small nod.
…
Throughout the meal, the atmosphere was off from the very start.
Jin Zongmin sat in the seat of honor, his posture relaxed and idle. But everyone else at the table was wound tight, speaking and pouring drinks only after gauging Jin Zongmin's expression. Jin Zongmin chatted and laughed openly with the others, yet his gaze drifted past Fan Meidi beside him to where Xu Youqing sat next to Han Zheng.
Xu Youqing turned her head, and her eyes happened to collide with his. Jin Zongmin's stare was too direct, silently coiling around her. She hastily lowered her gaze and reached over to hand Han Zheng a napkin.
The smile on Jin Zongmin's face faded, a hint of madness surfacing in his eyes.
"Boss Han," Jin Zongmin picked up his glass, barely touched, "a drink?"
Han Zheng hadn't expected Jin Zongmin to make the first move. With the whole table watching, he raised his own glass. "Mr. Jin is too kind. I should be the one toasting you."
"I'll toast you." Jin Zongmin's voice was flat, yet carried an invisible pressure. His gaze was calm as he looked at him. "Drink."
He set his glass down abruptly, making no move to drink himself.
The table fell silent for a moment, everyone exchanging glances before quickly returning to normal. If Jin Zongmin held your head under the liquor, you drank—that was just how it was.
Han Zheng said nothing more, raised his glass, and drained it in one go.
"I hear Boss Han has quite the tolerance," Jin Zongmin said with a smile. "Bring out all the good liquor. Today's on me."
The others took it as Jin Zongmin being in high spirits and chimed in with agreement, the atmosphere gradually warming. Only Xu Youqing knew—he was targeting Han Zheng.
Under every pretext, every excuse, glass after glass—all hard liquor. Han Zheng could hold his own at first, but soon his face began to pale. Yet constrained by the occasion and Jin Zongmin's status, he had no choice but to steel himself and keep drinking.
Xu Youqing fumed inwardly. Han Zheng was right—Jin Zongmin had no respect for anyone. He toyed with people like pets.
Watching Han Zheng's complexion worsen by the minute, she finally couldn't hold back.
Xu Youqing picked up the glass in front of her and stood.
"Mr. Jin, I'd like to toast you."
Her voice was soft, but the table fell silent.
All eyes landed on her.
Jin Zongmin looked up at her, his gaze pausing on her face for a moment before settling on the glass in her hand.
His eyes darkened abruptly, and a cold smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. Feeling sorry for him? Can't hold it in anymore?
Jin Zongmin's gaze burned into her face as his voice turned icy. "Miss Xu, I'm afraid you've forgotten your own limits."
He was referring to how she could barely hold her liquor after just a few glasses.
Xu Youqing didn't back down. She looked straight at Jin Zongmin. "I know I can't hold my liquor well, but since you've had me seated at this table, I'll toast you."
She was trying to drink in place of that surnamed Han.
Jin Zongmin's expression darkened completely. He lifted his eyes to her. "Didn't I already say you don't need to play hostess with the drinks?"
No one at the table dared to make a sound. Everyone could tell that Jin Zongmin was genuinely displeased, though no one knew why.
Fan Meidi caught the unusual undertone and quickly smiled to smooth things over. "I can hold my liquor well. I'll keep Mr. Jin company."
Jin Zongmin had a surge of nameless anger with nowhere to vent. He tipped his head back and downed the drink in one gulp, but Xu Youqing's attention was no longer on him.
"Are you alright?" She turned slightly and asked Han Zheng in a low voice, her tone softer than Jin Zongmin had ever heard from her.
Han Zheng could hold his liquor, but even he couldn't withstand this kind of drinking. He forced himself to stay clear-headed and shook his head, his stomach burning and churning as if a knife were twisting inside.
"Excuse me for a moment."
His face was ghastly pale as he barely managed to squeeze out those words. When he stood, his body swayed uncontrollably.
Xu Youqing's heart tightened. She cast aside all other concerns and, under Jin Zongmin's suddenly freezing gaze, rose to follow him out.
…
By the sink, Han Zheng was bent over, vomiting violently, as if trying to purge his very organs.
Xu Youqing stood nearby, her fingers curling helplessly, until finally she could only gently pat his back.
When he finished, Han Zheng lifted his head, bracing his hands on the cold marble countertop, panting heavily.
Xu Youqing saw a streak of red in the sink.
Blood.
"Han Zheng…" She was frightened.
Han Zheng waved a hand, tried to say something, then bent over and continued vomiting.
Fang Dayu rushed over at that moment and his face changed drastically at the sight. "Zheng-ge!"
"He's vomiting blood. Quick, help him to the lounge."
Fang Dayu hastily supported the nearly collapsed Han Zheng as they walked out.
Xu Youqing leaned against the corridor wall, furious and anxious, her chest tight with suffocation. Jin Zongmin had truly gone too far.
She took a deep breath and turned to go buy medicine for Han Zheng.
Footsteps sounded behind her.
She turned around.
Jin Zongmin stood there, a cigarette between his fingers, his face wearing its usual indifference, as if nothing had anything to do with him—just like the day she'd run into him at the foot of the cemetery hill.
He walked closer, step by step.
"You did that on purpose, didn't you?" Xu Youqing looked up at him, glaring.
Jin Zongmin stopped in front of her and looked down at her.
There was no expression on his face. He only said flatly, "Depends on how you see it."
"If I'm the one who made you unhappy," Xu Youqing stared at him, "then take it out on me. No need to make things hard for others."
Jin Zongmin said nothing.
He looked at her face, flushed slightly with anger, her pretty eyes wide open, her whole expression carrying a stubborn defiance as she shielded someone else.
Jin Zongmin suddenly smiled. The smile was cold, yet carried a strange hint of interest.
"Come at you?" He stubbed out the cigarette, tossed it into the bucket nearby, and stepped forward two paces. His sharply defined fingers pressed against the wall beside her ear.
Xu Youqing was completely enclosed in his shadow.
Jin Zongmin lowered his head, his breath brushing through the hair at her forehead. "How do you want me to come at you? Hm?"
The distance was close. The mingled scent of alcohol and tobacco on him, combined with an intense masculine presence, enveloped her.
Xu Youqing's heart raced. In his deep brown eyes, the emotions were complex and hard to decipher—but unmistakably dangerous.
Her lips moved slightly, but she didn't dare respond, nor did she know how to. A man like him truly seemed capable of anything.
Jin Zongmin suddenly tilted his head, gesturing toward the other end of the corridor.
Xu Youqing followed his gaze—Fan Meidi was carrying a bag, hurrying toward Han Zheng's lounge.
"See," Jin Zongmin turned back, a hint of mockery in his tone, "there are plenty of women who care about him."
Xu Youqing looked away and said nothing.
"He's really not worth this from you." Jin Zongmin's voice dropped, taking on an almost seductive cadence as his gaze lingered over her face.
From her trembling lashes, to the delicate tip of her nose, and finally settling on her slightly pressed lips.
Xu Youqing averted her eyes, refusing to look at him.
"Whether he's worth it or not is my business. I don't need your judgment."
Jin Zongmin stared at her, at her tightly pressed lips, and something in his eyes sank deep.
"I've heard," he slowly lowered his head, his lips nearly brushing her ear, his breath scorching hot, "that Han Zheng is very good at pleasing women…"
Xu Youqing's body jolted violently.
His gaze locked onto her lips, the tip of his nose almost touching hers.
"Why don't you try it," his breath swept across her cheek, "and see whether you like him kissing you, or me kissing you?"
Rage and fear drove Xu Youqing past reason. She raised her hand and swung it toward Jin Zongmin's face.
But her wrist was seized mid-air by Jin Zongmin, held fast and immovable.
She struggled hard, but couldn't break free.
"A slap in exchange for a kiss?" Jin Zongmin looked at her with a light laugh. "Fine by me."
He chuckled softly, slowly lowering his face toward hers.
Jin Zongmin's breath drew closer and closer—scorching and dangerous. Xu Youqing tried to dodge, but he pulled her back firmly.
Xu Youqing couldn't swim and was terrified of water. At this moment, fear flooded over her like water pouring down from above her head, threatening to drown her completely.
Jin Zongmin had her trapped. There was nowhere for her to go. She clutched at the hem of his suit jacket, her fingers twisting into the fabric like a drowning person grasping at a last piece of driftwood, her fingertips trembling.
"Jin Zongmin…"
Her voice was tiny, trembling with fear, almost pleading.
The helplessness and terror in that voice pierced Jin Zongmin like a fine needle.
He stopped.
He stopped a hair's breadth from her lips. He could see every trembling lash, feel her warm but panicked breath, and see with absolute clarity the complete resistance and… disgust in her eyes.
Not coy reluctance—genuine, heartfelt disgust.
Jin Zongmin stared at her for a few seconds. The near-out-of-control heat at the bottom of his heart cooled in an instant, sinking into a cold, muddy swamp.
He slowly pulled back.
"I don't like forcing people."
His voice faded as he released the grip on her wrist.
"No fun anymore, is there?"
Jin Zongmin said this as he gradually let go of Xu Youqing, straightened up, and stepped back.
Then he turned and walked away.
Xu Youqing leaned against the wall, her breathing still uneven. Her knuckles remained stiff, and it took a long moment before she slowly unclenched her hand.
She tilted her head, glancing in the direction Jin Zongmin had walked, confirming that he had truly left.
On the terrace, Jin Zongmin pulled out a cigarette case and lit one.
Smoke rose as he took a deep drag, then slowly exhaled.
Xu Youqing's eyes and voice from just now echoed in his mind. This wasn't what he wanted—not her fear of him, not her backed against the wall calling his name in that tone.
What he wanted was her willing submission, her walking toward him on her own, choosing him.
Halfway through his cigarette, the sound of high heels approached from behind.
Jin Zongmin didn't turn around.
"Mr. Jin."
Fan Meidi stepped up beside Jin Zongmin and came to a stop, not rushing to speak. The two of them simply stood there—one smoking, the other gazing at the night view of the garden below.
"You're quite different with Miss Xu," Fan Meidi finally spoke.
Jin Zongmin flicked the ash from his cigarette, not denying it, but shifted the conversation. "Miss Fan seems quite devoted to Han Zheng as well."
Fan Meidi said nothing, which seemed to be its own form of acknowledgment.
Jin Zongmin continued smoking, then suddenly asked, "Does Ji Zhongyun know?"
Seeing that Fan Meidi didn't respond, Jin Zongmin went on. "After Ji Zhongyun got married, he's never once brought his wife to our gatherings."
Jin Zongmin cast a sidelong glance at Fan Meidi. "His treatment of you—that's also something special."
At the mention of that name, Fan Meidi's expression shifted slightly.
"I have nothing to do with him anymore." Her voice turned cold.
Jin Zongmin smiled and stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray beside him.
"True enough—people have to look forward." He looked at Fan Meidi, his tone unhurried. "Miss Fan is a sensible woman. There are plenty of men in this world, aren't there?"
Fan Meidi remained silent, knowing full well that Jin Zongmin's words carried a deeper meaning.
Jin Zongmin turned, still wearing that distant, aristocratic expression, but his tone was laden with implication. "So when you come across the right one, Miss Fan, you'd best seize the moment."
Fan Meidi froze, processing the meaning behind Jin Zongmin's words. Jin Zongmin said nothing more and walked away.
…
After that day, it was as if Jin Zongmin had completely vanished from Xu Youqing's world.
No calls, no messages, no movement whatsoever. As if all those ambiguous, dangerous moments before had merely been a figment of Xu Youqing's imagination.
Xu Youqing guessed that Jin Zongmin had probably lost interest. Once that impulse of his passed, he simply let it go. Someone like him never lacked people around him—why would he bother hitting a wall with her?
That was for the best. She hadn't wanted any further entanglement with him anyway.
Yesterday, Professor Zou told Xu Youqing that her spot on the archaeology team was all but secured, and she should wait for the official notice. The heavy stone that had been suspended over Xu Youqing's heart for so long finally settled halfway down.
When Lin Xiao came back, Xu Youqing was reviewing materials.
"Youqing! Guess what—the new roommate is coming!" Lin Xiao's face was brimming with excitement. "I heard that famous outdoor sports brand—it's her family's."
Xu Youqing looked up, puzzled. "Didn't they say she wasn't coming to stay?"
"Who knows. I heard she's moving in today."
A moment later, the dormitory door swung open.
A girl with striking looks stood at the door, her long hair draped over her shoulders, wearing a meticulously tailored cashmere coat with a Chanel CF bag slung over her shoulder. Behind her followed two people who looked like household staff—one carrying a suitcase, the other holding an assortment of bags.
"I'm Gan Minyi," the girl said, sweeping her gaze over the two people in the dorm. "Moving in today."
Gan Minyi's brows furrowed slightly, as if she wasn't quite used to this kind of shared space.
Lin Xiao enthusiastically approached her. "Hi, you're finally here."
Gan Minyi didn't look too pleased. She set her bag on the table. "So annoying. My family insisted I stay in the dorm."
The two staff members quickly and efficiently began organizing her belongings, while Gan Minyi leaned against the desk playing on her phone, occasionally lifting a finger to direct them. "Put that over there." "Be careful with that box."
After exchanging greetings, Xu Youqing lowered her head and continued reading her materials.
Gan Minyi caught sight of the large stack of archaeology materials on Xu Youqing's desk and casually asked, "You're really into this stuff? It's dirty and exhausting."
"Yeah, I quite like it."
Gan Minyi raised an eyebrow. "What's so great about going to a dig site?"
Xu Youqing glanced at Gan Minyi but didn't respond, lowering her head to keep reading.
"What's your major?" Lin Xiao asked Gan Minyi.
"Cultural relics preservation. Ceramic restoration."
Lin Xiao's eyes widened in surprise. "You're in the same major as Youqing!"
Xu Youqing looked up and gave Gan Minyi a closer look. She didn't seem to have any impression of her.
Gan Minyi shrugged nonchalantly. "I took a year off."
She turned to look at Xu Youqing, sizing her up. "You also study ceramic restoration? Technically, I'd be your senior."
Xu Youqing smiled and gave a slight nod in acknowledgment.
…
Saturday afternoon.
Xu Youqing was organizing materials in the library when she received a call from Ms. Zhao. Ms. Zhao's tone was as warm and enthusiastic as ever, saying she'd like to invite Xu Youqing over for a casual meal.
She figured Ms. Zhao might have some artifacts needing restoration—this could be a good opportunity. Besides, Ms. Zhao had always been quite kind to her, and the two of them occasionally chatted on their phones.
Xu Youqing was genuinely grateful to Ms. Zhao. Thanks to the porcelain bowl Ms. Zhao had given her, she'd been able to sell it for money to tide over an emergency.
Without much hesitation, she agreed.
The Zhao family villa was in the suburbs, nestled behind dense plane trees. A servant led Xu Youqing to wait in the living room, saying Chairman Zhao would be down shortly.
Xu Youqing sat quietly on the sofa, waiting.
Before long, light footsteps sounded from the stairs.
She looked up and saw a young boy in a beige-knit sweater walking down.
He was tall, around six feet, with fair skin and delicate, handsome features—downright good-looking, though his eyes held a kind of innocent purity and curiosity untouched by the world.
The boy held a pan flute in his hand. Spotting Xu Youqing in the living room, his eyes lit up, and a smile immediately spread across his face as he hurried over.
"Hello…" His voice was clear and bright, carrying a childlike excitement.
Before Xu Youqing could respond, he raised the pan flute to his lips and casually blew a few short, crisp notes—not quite forming a melody, but he played with earnest concentration. Then he looked at Xu Youqing expectantly, his eyes seeming to hold stars. "Did you like it?"
Xu Youqing was momentarily taken aback, then smiled gently. "It was lovely."
The boy's smile was as clean as fresh snow, and Xu Youqing couldn't help but tell a little lie.
The boy seemed to receive tremendous affirmation, his eyes curving into crescents with joy. He fumbled in his pocket, pulled out a piece of chocolate, and carefully held it out to Xu Youqing. "For you… it's sweet."
"Thank you." Xu Youqing took it, but a strange feeling gradually rose in her heart.
The boy's smile and mannerisms seemed almost too simple and direct, even somewhat… childish in a way that didn't match his age and appearance.
"Xiao Lian, why did you come down on your own?" Zhao Ruoting's gentle voice came through as she entered the living room from another door, her face carrying less of the sharpness she showed in business and more of the softness of a homemaking mother.
She walked over to the boy, naturally and patiently wiping his forehead with a handkerchief, her gaze full of affection. "You've seen your sister? Do you like her?"
Zhao Jinglian nodded vigorously, his eyes sparkling brightly at Xu Youqing the whole time.
Seeing her son's reaction, Zhao Ruoting smiled, as if she had expected it. "Mom likes her too."
Zhao Ruoting straightened her son's collar and added, "This sister is actually the same age as you, only two months older."
Zhao Jinglian pulled out another piece of chocolate, handed it to Xu Youqing, then turned to Zhao Ruoting and said, "I want to get more good things for sister."
Zhao Ruoting smiled and had a servant take him away.
After her son left, Zhao Ruoting sat down on the sofa across from Xu Youqing, elegant and commanding.
"Youqing, sit. Don't be shy." She personally poured Xu Youqing a cup of tea, her tone warm. "I knew it—Xiao Lian would like a girl like you. Well-read and refined, beautiful and smart."
Xu Youqing was taken aback, not understanding what she meant.
Holding the tea that Ms. Zhao had offered, she smiled and said, "Chairman Zhao, you flatter me. Xiao Lian… is also very adorable."
"Yes, he is. He's simple and kind-hearted." Zhao Ruoting's gaze followed the direction her son had gone, her eyes revealing unguarded tenderness and a hint of deep-seated worry.
She turned back to look at Xu Youqing, and her gaze suddenly became extremely direct.
"Youqing, I won't beat around the bush with you. I like you very much, and I want you to be my daughter-in-law."
"…" Xu Youqing's hand trembled, and the tea in her cup nearly sloshed out.
She looked up in shock, wondering if she had heard wrong. "Chairman Zhao… what… what did you say?"
Zhao Ruoting wasn't at all surprised by Xu Youqing's reaction.
She said calmly, "You can tell that Xiao Lian's mental capacity… is indeed not quite the same as others his age, but—"
Zhao Ruoting shifted her tone. "He's not bad-looking, and you've seen his family background. Standing next to you, he's a good match. Besides, he's only two months younger than you—you're the same age, really."
Xu Youqing's heart was in turmoil, a mix of absurdity and dread.
"Chairman Zhao, thank you for your… appreciation. But I'm still studying right now. I've truly never considered marriage, and—"
"I understand. You might find this sudden right now, or even feel it's unfair."
Zhao Ruoting cut her off, leaning slightly forward to look at her. "Youqing, I know you're outstanding, and the boys who pursue you may have good qualifications too. But Xiao Lian is my only son. As long as you're willing to marry him, be with him properly, take care of him, and keep him company—"
Zhao Ruoting paused, then said each word deliberately, "Weiran Group will be yours in the future. You can also think of it as—everything will be yours."
Xu Youqing was thoroughly frightened by these words. This was no longer simple "liking" or "admiration"—it was more like a transaction.
After her divorce, Zhao Ruoting had devoted herself entirely to her career. A few years ago, during a health check-up, she discovered she had lost her ability to bear children. So she had to arrange a suitable wife in advance for her only son, who had special mental needs. And Xu Youqing was the one she had chosen after careful consideration.
"No, Chairman Zhao, this is… this is truly too generous of you. I really can't accept it. Right now, I just want to focus on completing my studies…"
Though Xu Youqing's thoughts were somewhat scattered, her refusal was clear.
The smile on Zhao Ruoting's face faded slightly, her gaze turning sharp. "Whatever other conditions you have, feel free to name them."
"Your aunt's family—I've looked into them. Their financial situation isn't great, and you have a sick younger brother at home."
Seeing Xu Youqing's eyes widen instantly, Zhao Ruoting knew she had hit the mark. Her tone softened. "Youqing, from now on, we'll be one family. I would never treat your family poorly. All of your problems, I can solve."
She had investigated this thoroughly! This feeling of being watched, even evaluated and arranged like an object, filled Xu Youqing with both anger and fear.
"I'm sorry, Chairman Zhao." Xu Youqing stood up, maintaining her last shred of dignity and politeness. "I truly cannot accept this. Thank you for your hospitality, but I'll take my leave now."
The expression on Zhao Ruoting's face finally sank completely. She didn't get up, merely leaning back into the sofa.
"Youqing, I'm the type of person who, once I've decided on something, doesn't usually consult with anyone."
Zhao Ruoting took a sip of tea. "But this time, I'll give you one day to think it over. At this time tomorrow, I'll be waiting for your 'good news.'"
She paused, then a gentle smile returned to her face. "Go back for now. Later, I'll have you over to the house for a meal."
This overbearing feeling was strangely familiar to Xu Youqing.
On the way back, Xu Youqing's mind was in turmoil, a great sense of unease hanging over her.
Back at the dormitory, she deliberated for a long time before sending Zhao Ruoting a long message. Her wording was as respectful and tactful as possible, but the meaning was clear and firm—she was deeply grateful for the favor, but marriage was no trivial matter, and she could not accept it under any conditions. She earnestly begged Chairman Zhao to understand.
The message vanished into the void. Zhao Ruoting didn't reply, and a faint sense of dread settled in Xu Youqing's heart.
Saturday, at her aunt's house.
Xu Youqing had returned to Pingcheng. The moment she walked in, she could feel the heavy atmosphere in the house. Her uncle sat on the sofa, silent, smoking gloomily.
Her aunt was busy in the kitchen, but let out a sigh every now and then.
"What's wrong? Did… did something happen?" Xu Youqing asked nervously.
Her uncle let out a heavy sigh and stubbed out his cigarette. "I got fired. HR notified me directly yesterday, saying… saying I offended someone."
His face was ashen and bewildered. "I've worked honestly for over twenty years. Every single day I greet people with a smile. Which deity did I manage to offend?"
"Jobs are so hard to come by these days. At my age, suddenly losing my job—what about the mortgage, and the tuition for you and Xiao Ze? What are we going to do?"
Xu Youqing's hands and feet went ice cold. A terrible suspicion formed in her mind.
Could it be Ms. Zhao? Just because she refused? But Ms. Zhao had always treated her so gently.
The sudden upheaval made the financial strain on her aunt's family even worse. Her uncle still hadn't found suitable work.
Xu Youqing's mood, which had lightened slightly because her spot on the archaeology team was essentially confirmed, sank back to rock bottom. Taking advantage of whatever free time she had, she started searching for part-time jobs again.
…
Meanwhile, a black Maybach cruised along the airport expressway.
Jin Zongmin had just returned from England, where he'd spent nearly two weeks.
In the car, he rubbed his brow and asked Secretary Gao in the passenger seat, "How has she been lately?"
Secretary Gao naturally knew who the "she" in Jin Zongmin's words referred to.
He turned around from the passenger seat, "Miss Xu seems to be… pretty short on money lately. She's taken on several jobs—the tea house, the restoration studio, and she's also picked up weekend lecturing."
Jin Zongmin's fingertips pressed lightly against his temple. His closed eyes opened, his gaze darkening slightly. What about that guy named Han?"
"Boss Han seems to be pretty busy lately. He's barely been in the city at all," Secretary Gao paused, "and he hasn't really seen much of Miss Xu either."
Jin Zongmin was silent for a moment, then asked, "Where is she today?"
"She should be at her part-time job." Secretary Gao checked and reported a name.
Jin Zongmin leaned back into his seat and closed his eyes again to rest. "Go there."
"Sir, you haven't even gotten over your jet lag yet. Maybe—"
"Cut the crap."
Secretary Gao didn't dare make another sound.
Knowing that Jin Zongmin was coming, the tea house owner came out personally to greet him and respectfully led Jin Zongmin toward the VIP room.
As they passed through the corridor, Jin Zongmin saw Xu Youqing.
She was wearing the tea house's uniform plain-colored modified qipao, carrying a tea tray as she came out of a private room.