Within the elegant confines of a refined Western-style restaurant, soft light shimmered delicately. Only a single table was occupied."Hehe, I knew you dislike crowded places, so I reserved the entire venue in advance,"Xize swiftly sliced the steak into uniformly sized pieces."Here, try this—it's their latest specialty, truly exquisite.""I've already cut it for you," he said with practiced ease.
Su Wanwan's tone was cool and detached:"No need, thank you."
Xize cleared his throat lightly, flashing a charming smile."Su, you don't have to be so formal with me; I'm starting to feel awkward.""Your return was truly sudden. You should've called earlier—I would've arranged a welcome banquet!"
Su Wanwan's brows lowered gently; the warm light above softened the sharp contours of her face, casting a shadow beneath her thick lashes. A faint aura of aloofness flickered in her gaze."I came to handle some matters and will be leaving in a couple of days."
"Ah, so it's about that Ye Corporation? Need me to lend a hand?"
For something to concern Su Wanwan so deeply, it was certainly no trivial matter. Xize seized the opportunity to show his eagerness.
"Just signing the contract; no further involvement needed."
Su Wanwan set down her cutlery and casually wiped the corner of her mouth.
"Alright, alright!"
After dinner, Su Wanwan returned to the hotel. The elevator chimed as its doors opened. Before reaching her room, she spotted a woman standing there. Ignoring Li Manya, Su Wanwan produced her room card and swiped the door open.
Li Manya parted her crimson lips silently and, just before Su Wanwan could close the door, suddenly reached out her hand."Su Wanwan, can we... talk?"
Su Wanwan regarded her coldly and, after a moment's silence, stepped aside."Come in."
Li Manya entered and sat rigidly in a chair, her hands unsure of where to rest."Say what you need to quickly. I want to rest."
Su Wanwan's tone was dismissive, clearly signaling for her to leave.
A flicker of panic passed through Li Manya's eyes. Her two index fingers twisted nervously, and she anxiously bit her thumbnail.
"I just... wanted to ask why you helped me..."
She had consistently undermined Su Wanwan, seeking to disgrace her, yet Su Wanwan had...
"You're overthinking it."
Su Wanwan took a sip of water, meeting Li Manya's conflicted gaze."I simply detest his unscrupulous tactics.""So, Manager Li, there's no need for misplaced affection."
Li Manya's pupils trembled slightly."No matter what..."
"Even if you genuinely showed me kindness, I must thank you.""And...""I apologize.""For all I've done to you before."
When the truth surfaced, Li Manya's mind was in turmoil. She even imagined that, had their roles been reversed, she would never have helped Su Wanwan. Yet Su Wanwan bore no grudge. That alone compelled Li Manya to lower her head and earnestly reflect on her past actions.
"Hm."
Faced with such coldness, Li Manya felt a sting of disappointment."Well, I won't disturb you further. Rest well—we return home tomorrow."
With that, she rose and left, never mentioning their ongoing collaboration, fully aware she had no right to ask anything more of Su Wanwan.
Su Wanwan watched her retreating figure."I've had Xize draft the new contract. Find some time tomorrow to sign it with him."
Li Manya's fingers trembled on the door handle as she turned in disbelief. Her voice faltered from shock."You... I... I'm to... sign it?"
Su Wanwan nodded."But the credit for successfully signing belongs to you.""If I sign, that means..."
Was it really her accomplishment? Though before coming to America, she had hoped so.
"Out."
Su Wanwan waved her off.
Dazed, Li Manya closed the door, leaning against the cold tiles, murmuring to herself."This can't be right... in the end, I'm the one reaping all the benefits?"
She laughed bitterly.
The next morning, Li Manya arrived at the Page Group, where Xize received her. He placed the contract on the table."Have a look."
Li Manya examined it carefully, and upon confirming no issues, softly said,"Our project..."
Xize raised a hand, cutting off her anticipated lengthy explanation."Manager Li, frankly, a small company like yours isn't qualified to partner with us."
Li Manya nodded; had it not been for the backdoor connection through Qiao Zhen and Liang's group of friends, they would have had no access.
"The decision to sign with you was Su's.""Whatever the case, I thank you.""If thanks are due, thank Su."
Back at the hotel, Li Manya began organizing her flight back to West City.
Su Wanwan said,"I have some matters to attend to; I'll return a couple of days later. You all go ahead."
"Alright."
The verdant avenue, lined with towering plane trees, stretched for a thousand meters. Only one sports car sped along. It came to a graceful, controlled stop.
Outside the heavily guarded mansion's iron gate, dozens of vigilant bodyguards immediately sprang forward upon recognizing the license plate, swiftly opening the car door."Miss has returned!"
Su Wanwan stepped out, casually tossing her car keys aside.
Within the white-walled compound, a shaded path stretched amidst the verdure. The mansion blended Western castle grandeur with Chinese architectural elements—two wings connected by a bridge, deep courtyards, and rare, meticulously tended flora maintained by attentive servants.
Just as Su Wanwan stepped into the living room, a pair of hands suddenly covered her eyes from behind. A savory aroma wafted to her nose.
"Hehe, guess who?"
Su Wanwan wore an expression of helplessness."Second Brother, you really are childish."
The man behind her scolded indignantly,"You heartless little thing! You've been gone four years without a visit, and you call me childish?"
Su Wanwan pulled down his hands, feeling a slick film on her face.
"I do come back every year, don't I?"
"You treat this place like a hotel—stay two days and leave. You don't know how the head of the family's hair has turned white waiting for you."
The man wore a Chibi Maruko-chan apron, his handsome face framed by silver-rimmed glasses. His narrow, upturned phoenix eyes radiated both scholarly elegance and sly charm.
Su Wanwan frowned in disgust and stepped back several paces."You're cooking?"
"Yeah."
"You've got grease all over your hands."
The man wiggled his oil-slicked slender fingers with a teasing smile."No, no, I just cleaned them."