Su Chen was surprised by Xia Qiuru's suggestion that he accompany her home for the New Year. "If it's troublesome, forget I mentioned it," she added quickly, seeing his hesitation. "I know it's a lot to ask, I'm sorry."
Su Chen smiled casually. "It's alright. I've missed your parents, too. I can squeeze out a day or two." He knew her request was problematic; taking another woman home for the New Year was inappropriate for a married man. He would have refused anyone else, fearing Lin Ruoxue's reaction. But with Xia Qiuru, refusal felt impossible—or perhaps, he didn't want to refuse.
"Wonderful!" Joy lit Xia Qiuru's face, then concern flickered. "Will it cause trouble?" She hadn't expected his agreement.
"No trouble at all," Su Chen assured her, appearing unconcerned. They chatted briefly before he left. Emerging from Xia Qiuru's office, he bumped into Lin Ruoxue. Lin Ruoxue's office was next to Xia Qiuru's, making the encounter unavoidable.
Su Chen's heart leaped; a fleeting panic crossed his face before he regained composure. Lin Ruoxue didn't seem to notice. "What are you doing here?" she asked, surprised.
"Discussing work with Director Xia," Su Chen replied smoothly, hurrying to his office, fearing she'd sense something was amiss.
"Work?" Lin Ruoxue watched him go, suspicious. He'd never seemed so dedicated to work before. Glancing at Xia Qiuru's office, her expression hardened. Is he messing around with other women again, because I told him not to mingle with the PR department?
Back in his office, Su Chen was oblivious to Lin Ruoxue's suspicion. His phone rang; an unfamiliar number. "Ye Mei, the great beauty, what brings you to call? Missing me?" he answered flirtatiously. Only with Ye Mei did he maintain such casual familiarity.
"Yeah, do you miss me?" Ye Mei's seductive voice replied.
"Of course, how could I not miss such a beautiful woman?" Su Chen chuckled.
"Then why didn't you call?"
"Didn't want to disturb you, busybody," he teased.
"Oh, please, you're just afraid of the tigress at home," Ye Mei scoffed, then her tone turned serious. "I need to talk to you. I'm leaving for a trip tomorrow. Are you free to go?"
Su Chen hesitated. He had commitments in Yandu related to his investigation and revenge. "Ye Mei, I'm sorry, but..." he began apologetically, remembering their previous discussion about the trip.
"It's fine. I just asked," Ye Mei replied, her voice gentle, though a hint of sadness likely escaped him had he seen her. "It's just to further discuss a collaboration."
"Take care," Su Chen said, believing she'd be safe with the Phillip family. "Call if anything happens."
"Alright, you sure can nag!" Though impatient, her tone betrayed a quiet pleasure.
"The Wu Family hasn't bothered you, has it?" Su Chen asked.
"No, they offered me 30% of their assets to marry Situ Guang, but I refused. They've been quiet since," Ye Mei replied, perplexed by their sudden change in tactics.
Su Chen chuckled coldly. "They're wolves in sheep's clothing. Be careful, and contact me if anything arises."
"Alright, I know! Gotta go!" Ye Mei hung up. A smile spread across her face. "Wu Family, I hope you stay in line, or I'll make you the third family to vanish from Jiangnan."
Su Chen murmured, "Wu Family..."
In Ye Mei's office, a teasing voice interrupted her thoughts. "Ye Mei, are you lovesick? That's quite a suggestive smile." Xiao Yaning entered, stylishly dressed, her playful smile evident.
"You're the lovesick one!" Ye Mei retorted, a blush creeping onto her cheeks.