Lin Ran reached for her phone, about to call Fu Jingheng, but quickly changed her mind. Didn't she want him to leave? Why the urge to call?

Leaving everything, she returned to the bedroom, gathered her clothes, and went into the bathroom.

Meanwhile, downstairs, Zhou Yan, in the driver's seat, looked worriedly at Fu Jingheng. "Boss, should we stay? Your cousins are aggressively targeting you. They even tried arson; I fear another attempt. You and Miss Lin could be in danger…"

Earlier that afternoon, the police had linked the arson to Fu Jingheng's cousins, but lacked sufficient evidence for arrest. This was a ticking time bomb. Staying near Lin Ran risked involving her.

Seeing Fu Jingheng unresponsive, Zhou Yan urged, "Boss…"

Fu Jingheng finally looked up, his gaze lingering on Lin Ran's apartment building. The window was lit, but he couldn't see her. Just as Zhou Yan started to speak again, Fu Jingheng looked away, his expression resolute. "Let's go."

"Yes," Zhou Yan replied, starting the engine and driving away.

Fu Jingheng vanished. After dropping her off that day, there was no contact. Lin Ran often found herself staring at his bedroom door, using his cups and dishes, feeling like she was dreaming.

She’d pushed him away, yet his absence left her adrift. The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. He was a scumbag! He'd appeared suddenly, confessed, and then disappeared—just like those players. His emotional instability was her problem. She didn't care if he lived or died, she thought resentfully.

She locked his door, her feelings a confusing mix of anger and something else. She completely forgot she hadn't responded to his confession.

Two months passed. Lin Ran's studio launched successfully. Ding Yan's short video campaign had been a massive success.

Reviewing Ding Yan's data report, Lin Ran beamed. "Excellent! The song went to number one on every music chart. Even the album release two days ago is doing very well. A great start for us."

Ding Yan was equally pleased. His hard work had paid off, his dreams inching closer to reality.

"Thank you, Little Marten," he said sincerely.

Lin Ran chuckled. "What for? I should be thanking you. You're my cash cow!"

Ding Yan laughed. "But your good judgment is what made this possible!"

"Sister Xiao Ling!" Lin Ran's assistant, Tang Yanyan, interrupted, pointing at her watch. "Sister Jun, haven't you forgotten that dreadful lecture you have to attend? You're going to be late!"

The final section ("K" and the string of symbols) is unintelligible and has been omitted.