Chapter 84: Chapter 83 Confession

Sitting in front of the transparent floor-to-ceiling window, Nanrong Wanqing looked out at the street opposite.

Under the dim streetlights, a little girl and a little boy were frolicking, their faces brimming with joyful smiles. The girl was a head taller than the boy, gracefully beautiful. They bore a slight resemblance to each other, probably siblings.

Just then, in their chase, the little boy accidentally tripped over the curb and tumbled to the ground, crying loudly.

Upon seeing this, the little girl hurried over and helped the boy up. Then, she gently blew on his scraped knee twice and indulgently pulled his head into her embrace, murmuring something that could not be made out.

In a short while, the tears of the little boy gradually ceased, replaced by laughter through his sobs.

Watching this heartwarming scene, a slight wetness appeared at the corners of Nanrong Wanqing’s eyes as her memory instantly traveled back to her childhood.

Back then, she and Nanrong Hao were just like the siblings on the street. Without the care of their parents, as the elder sister, she tried hard to protect Nanrong Hao and shield him from bullying. Whenever Nanrong Hao felt sad or troubled, she would stay by his side to encourage and take care of him.

As they grew older, Nanrong Yong placed high hopes on Nanrong Hao, wishing to mold him into the successor of Hongyu Group. Unfortunately, Nanrong Hao had no interest in the business, and despite the years that passed, he remained unchanged, his character growing more and more rebellious.

As a sister, she could only shoulder the responsibilities of the Nanrong family for Nanrong Hao. Even though people outside praised her as a prodigy, managing such a large company at such a young age, who really knew the bitterness in her heart?

Perhaps she had a talent in this area, but she also paid a heavy price for it. Since the age of fifteen, she had not a single moment of leisure. When Nanrong Hao did not return all night, she was in her room reading by lamplight, learning how to manage the business. When Nanrong Hao went out to have fun, she was interning at the company, familiarizing herself with the operations.

Often, she was tired and weary, but she could only force herself to keep going because she couldn’t afford to give up, nor did she allow herself to. All this should have been Nanrong Hao’s duty, but now it lay solely upon her shoulders.

Over the years, her hard work finally paid off, with Hongyu Group thriving under her management. However, this did not cheer her up; what she truly cared about was her brother, Nanrong Hao.

To help Nanrong Hao grow, she tried every method, even resorting to force. But not only were her efforts fruitless, they even made Nanrong Hao increasingly fearful of her.

After countless disappointments, she had completely given up on Nanrong Hao. She knew in her heart that the Nanrong family could not rely on Nanrong Hao, and that she would have to continue her vigil. More than once, she thought of remaining unmarried for life, silently staying with the Nanrong family until someone could take over the burden of Hongyu Group from her hands.

However, the change in Nanrong Hao that day ignited a glimmer of hope in her heart.

Perhaps the methods she used before were too aggressive, and it was time to let someone else have a try.

At this moment, Ling Chen, sitting on the sofa, was somewhat speechless. He didn’t wish to see Nanrong Wanqing, yet Nanrong Wanqing had appeared before him. He slightly turned his head and swept a glance at her from the corner of his eye.

She sat quietly in her wheelchair, looking up at the window. A breeze from outside stirred the hair behind her, dancing lightly.

Just then, the banquet hall’s lights suddenly dimmed, and the soft moonlight shone in from the window, casting directly upon Nanrong Wanqing. Dressed in a simple white gown, she seemed like a celestial being fallen from the heavens, aloof and solitary, as if she were alone in her world.

Suddenly, he noticed a tearful sparkle in Nanrong Wanqing’s eyes.

Crying?

Ling Chen was taken aback, somewhat incredulous.

In his mind, Nanrong Wanqing had always been a strong woman with a resolute character and a powerful heart. But when that teardrop glistened, he felt his heartstrings lightly plucked.

A woman... no matter how strong, ultimately has her vulnerabilities shielded behind a strong exterior. Such a woman would never easily reveal her fragility; only in the quiet of the night would she open her heart and release her true emotions.

Ling Chen silently withdrew his gaze, his mind filled with mixed emotions.

Despite Nanrong Wanqing sitting a few meters away, he could sense the fluctuations in her emotions; that fleeting tear dismantled the strong image of her in his mind.

"Ladies and gentlemen, good evening."

At this moment, Zhu Hong’s clear voice resonated from the banquet hall’s sound system. Simultaneously, a gentle light descended from above, shining directly on Zhu Hong, turning him into the focus of everyone’s attention.

"Tonight we have invited everyone here to celebrate the successful establishment of Boyang Pharmaceutical Company in East Sea City. Many of you here might not know me, so allow me to introduce myself. My name is Zhu Hong, and I am the domestic head of Boyang Pharmaceutical Company. First, I would like to thank everyone for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend tonight’s banquet. I hope that in the future we can work together for mutual development. Secondly, I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to a certain individual."

Zhu Hong cleared his throat and continued, "Over the years, as I struggled abroad alone, enduring many failures and setbacks, there was always someone I would think of during those times. She gave me the strength to keep going, never easily choosing to give up. I told myself that I must make something of myself, not to disappoint myself or her. After years of hard work, I have finally realized my dream. Today, here, I want to tell her personally, in all those years I was away, I’ve never forgotten you. In my heart, you’ve always occupied the most important place. Even if the seas dry up and rocks crumble, my feelings for you will not change."

As his words ended, all eyes shifted to Nanrong Wanqing.

Although Zhu Hong had not specifically named anyone, judging from his prior actions, the woman he spoke of was almost certainly Nanrong Wanqing.

For a moment, the young women present watched Nanrong Wanqing with eyes filled with envy, jealousy, and resentment. Such a capable, handsome, and wealthy man was almost every woman’s dream of a prince charming. Now, Nanrong Wanqing seemed to have him all to herself; how could they not be disappointed?