Leng Qingqiu said, "I need to get engaged to you."
Xu Xuejiao, already harboring a dislike for Leng Qingqiu, felt a surge of jealousy and let out a scornful huff.
"Honestly, it's laughable. Lu Chengwen chased you for three whole years, and you played the pure, untouchable maiden the entire time. Now that Chengwen-ge is suddenly in demand, you're throwing yourself at him?"
Leng Qingqiu fixed Xu Xuejiao with a cold stare. "Funny, I seem to recall you barely spared Lu Chengwen a word before. What's changed these past couple of days? Done with your pharmacology research and now focused on stealing someone else's man?"
Xu Xuejiao's eyes lit up with defiance.
Stepping closer to Leng Qingqiu, she didn't back down an inch. "If I decide to compete, everyone else can only watch from the sidelines."
Leng Qingqiu smirked. "Maybe give your chest a break and spend some time developing your brain instead."
"Oh, please," Xu Xuejiao shot back. "You're one to talk, strutting in here dressed all sexy today. Don't pretend this is your usual style—I know exactly what you're up to. Think showing off your legs will win Chengwen-ge over?"
Leng Qingqiu's cheeks flushed slightly. "What I wear and how I present myself is none of anyone's business."
"Sure," Xu Xuejiao said. "I don't care to hear your excuses anyway. I'm too busy using my brain to see right through your little game."
Lu Chengwen quickly stepped in. "Alright, alright, enough. Let's drop it and get going—don't keep the police waiting."
They stepped outside into the blazing sunlight.
A row of luxury cars lined the entrance.
A Bentley pulled up, and its door swung open.
Lu Chengwen hesitated, puzzled, when Xu Xuejiao linked her arm with his. "Come on, Chengwen-ge, Mengyun-jie is waiting for you in the car."
Leng Qingqiu's face paled, her fists clenching so tightly her fingertips turned white.
She stared at Lu Chengwen, silently willing him to choose to leave with her, to tell the others to go home without him.
But Lu Chengwen let her down.
"Well, Qingqiu, take it easy on your way back. Thanks again." He flashed her a polite smile.
Leng Qingqiu's heart ached as she watched him.
In the past, Lu Chengwen would have dropped everything—everyone—to follow her.
But now, he was different. It was as if he'd become someone else entirely.
So polite, so distant.
No longer chasing her, no more sweet words whispered in her ear, no more blind obedience to her every whim, no more orbiting her like she was his sun, tireless and devoted.
His eyes were clear now, steady, filled with a calm determination.
The old cunning, the brashness, the shallow charm—it was all gone.
Now, he carried himself with clarity and purpose, as if he knew exactly what he wanted.
Leng Qingqiu felt a bitter pang as she realized Lu Chengwen would no longer cater to her every need, no longer hover around her with care and gifts, no longer treat her like the center of his universe.
The special treatment she once took for granted—treatment she'd even found annoying—had vanished.
And yet, for reasons she couldn't quite grasp, she suddenly felt an aching dependence on him.
An overwhelming emptiness and sorrow welled up inside her.
Why?
Weren't you the one who always liked me? Didn't you say you'd do anything for me?
So why are you humiliating me in front of everyone today?
What were those three years to you? Did I become so insignificant in your heart overnight?
Leng Qingqiu stood frozen, staring at Lu Chengwen.
Her intense, complicated gaze made him uneasy.
Scratching his head, he forced a smile. "Uh, why don't you head home? I'll check on Mengyun's condition and catch up with you later, alright?"
Leng Qingqiu took a deep breath, her lips pursing slightly, feeling as though she'd regained a shred of her dignity.
"Don't rush when you get back. Rest first—you must not have slept well last night. Recharge, and call me when you're up."
Lu Chengwen was stunned.
What the—? For three years, Leng Qingqiu, you never showed me this kind of concern!
What's going on today? Telling me to rest?
Is the sun rising in the west or what?
His mouth hung half-open, unable to form a response. He nodded awkwardly. "Oh, uh, sure. Okay."
Leng Qingqiu gave a soft, radiant smile. "I'll wait for your call."
Her voice, usually cold and detached, carried a warmth, a softness, a hint of anticipation, and a reluctant lingering, as if she didn't want to leave.
Xu Xuejiao, standing nearby, rolled her eyes so hard she might as well have announced her disgust to the world.
Leng Qingqiu shot her a glance, then turned and walked to her car.
Han Yue opened the car door. Leng Qingqiu paused, turned back, and gave Lu Chengwen one last smile before getting in.
Lu Chengwen stood rooted to the spot, a shiver running through him.
[What's with this woman? Why's she acting so… creepy all of a sudden?]
[No way she's into me now, right? That's possible?]
[What did I do? How did she just… change like that?]
Xu Xuejiao's voice cut through, icy. "What, you still want to go back to being her lapdog? Have some backbone, will you?"
Lu Chengwen snapped out of it. "What are you talking about? Let's go, let's go."
Inside the car, Chen Mengyun saw Lu Chengwen and immediately burst into tears, throwing herself into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably.
Lu Chengwen raised both arms over his head, signaling he wasn't doing anything, his brows furrowed in confusion as he looked at her.
[Everything's a mess. Yesterday she hated me to death, and now… what a disaster!]
[Why's she crying like this? Should I… comfort her or something?]
Xu Xuejiao smirked from the side. "Well? Go on, comfort her."
Lu Chengwen gently patted Chen Mengyun's back. "It's okay, it's all over now."
"I'm sorry," Chen Mengyun said, finally pulling away.
Lu Chengwen let out a relieved breath. Only he knew how dangerous it was to get this close to the story's main heroine—it was like flooring the gas pedal on a highway to doom.
Chen Mengyun looked at him. "Chengwen-ge, I'm sorry. I got too emotional yesterday."
"No, it's my fault," Lu Chengwen said. "I've got a big mouth. I shouldn't have said those things I thought were funny but hurt you. I'll watch my words from now on."
Chen Mengyun smiled through her tears. "You get it, huh? What girl wouldn't get upset hearing you talk about her like that behind her back? But Xuejiao told me you stayed up half the night saving me and spent a night in jail. I feel pretty bad about it."
Lu Chengwen sensed the conversation veering into dangerous territory.
This isn't safe for me!
[Hold on, what am I doing? Why am I getting so cozy with them?]
[How did I end up in their car?]
[Alright, I've seen she's fine. Time to relax.]
[Long Aotian, you saw it yourself—I took good care of your girl. No one took advantage of her. Don't come after me later.]
Chen Mengyun looked puzzled. Long Aotian? Who's that? I don't even know him. How's he my boyfriend?
"Chengwen-ge, actually… I don't have a boyfriend."
"Yeah, I know."
"No, really. I've never had one."
"Uh-huh, got it."
Lu Chengwen stood. "Alright, you're fine, so I'm not worried anymore. You guys do what you need to. I'm heading home."
"What? You're leaving already?"
"Yeah, I've got stuff to do. See you."
Lu Chengwen got out and walked away.
Chen Mengyun sat in a daze. From last night to today, so much had happened—it felt like a dream.
Lu Chengwen had reentered her life, taking center stage, stirring ripples in her heart once again.
Memories of their childhood flooded back: the innocent boy who caught loaches with her, dug mud pits, played hide-and-seek, shared snacks. The Lu Chengwen who fought other boys for her, who always saved the first bite of his snacks for her, who shyly avoided her in middle school, running away when she chased him. That boy had grown into a man of true character.
They weren't kids anymore. They'd loved, hated, tasted sweetness, and felt heartbreak.
After all the twists and turns, was it still him? Maybe that wasn't so bad.
Xu Xuejiao looked at Chen Mengyun. "Mengyun-jie, you're not falling for him again, are you?"
"What? No way," Chen Mengyun said quickly. "I've got a ton of work. I need to get back to the company."
"Oh. Really? Nothing going on?"
"Nope. No chance."
"Good."
Long Aotian felt something was off.
Squatting on the toilet, his stomach churned with relentless pain.
From yesterday morning to today, he'd spent most of his time glued to the toilet.
I didn't even eat anything weird. Why am I suddenly… "singing spicy tunes"?
As the saying goes, even a great hero can't withstand three bouts of diarrhea.
He was a great hero, no doubt, but this was far more than three bouts.
Long Aotian, with his peerless medical skills, was clueless about this 24-hour diarrhea nightmare. No acupuncture, no hot compresses, no pills, no inner energy—nothing worked.
The toilet! Only the toilet!
The toilet was his only friend, standing by him through this ordeal, loyal and unwavering.
Long Aotian was practically dehydrated.
Heavens! I've got so much to do, so many girls to woo. You wouldn't let a great hero like me, a peerless champion, die like this, wasting away on a toilet, would you?
Outside the bathroom door, a stunning female assassin knelt on one knee. "Young Master! It's time to go."
Long Aotian, on the verge of tears, muttered, "Yeah, I'm about to 'go' alright."
"May I ask, Young Master, are you still… flowing?"
Sweat beaded on Long Aotian's forehead. "Cut the fancy talk and get to the point."
"The Master has ordered you to unite the four major families of Xuecheng as soon as possible."
"No problem! Everything's under control!" Long Aotian said through gritted teeth. "Leng Qingqiu hit a small snag, and Xu Xuejiao's a bit tricky. But today, I'm turning things around. Arrange my schedule."
"Yes, sir."
"First, I'll treat Jiang Shihan's mother. Her condition can't wait any longer—it could turn critical."
"Understood."
"Then, today's the day Leng Qingqiu signs with Jiao Shiheng. I need to expose his true face and save her company."
"Got it."
"Tonight, I'll stop Hu Shuhui's scheme and save Chen Mengyun."
"Noted."
"Handle these three things, and everything's back on track."
"Young Master is mighty! Shall I bring a portable toilet or some adult diapers?"
Long Aotian glared at the bathroom door. "Think you're funny, huh?"
"Forgive me, Young Master. I don't do humor—just logic, as you know."
Long Aotian rolled his eyes. "Just make sure everything's set. Today is my day…"
"Young Master? What's today? I didn't catch that."
"Wait… hold on…"
"Today's your diarrhea day?"
"Get out."