When Su Ci heard her mother's words, she blinked and said, "Mom, you know He Ermeng has been pursuing me, but I know I don't like him. When He Ermeng is around me, I feel nothing, I don't even want to acknowledge him. But Lu Zhe is different."
She told her mother, "I feel happy when I see Lu Zhe, my heart even beats faster. I might not know what love is."
Su Ci pointed to her chest, "But this part of me doesn't lie."
Her mother was completely stunned by her daughter's words.
Even though she had been in love with her husband when she was young, they had gone through many misunderstandings, feeling awkward and helpless, before finally ending up together.
She never expected that her daughter, whom she had always thought was emotionally inexperienced and somewhat proud, would be so honest and passionate about her feelings.
While surprised, Su's Mother felt her heart sinking, "Ci Ci, are you and Lu Zhe together?"
Her mother's question caught Su Ci off guard - she and Lu Zhe hadn't officially confirmed their relationship!
In Su Ci's mind, she already considered Lu Zhe as hers, and surely Lu Zhe must think the same way.
But then remembering his cold demeanor, she became uncertain again.
Seeing her daughter's stunned expression, Su's Mother realized that she and Lu Zhe probably weren't together yet, and she secretly breathed a sigh of relief. "Ci Ci, does Lu Zhe like you too?"
Although in Su's Mother's eyes, her daughter was so outstanding that no one could help but like her, and if her daughter liked Lu Zhe, that young man couldn't possibly not like her daughter back, she still couldn't help but ask.
Su Ci pressed her lips together, unable to answer. She had never asked Lu Zhe this question.
What a loss! What a loss!
Seeing her daughter's inability to answer, Su's Mother was even more surprised, "Lu Zhe doesn't like you?"
In her eyes, her daughter was perfect in every way. Although she didn't want her daughter to be with Lu Zhe, knowing that her daughter liked him while he might not like her back made Su's Mother feel conflicted.
How could anyone not like her daughter?
"I don't know," Su Ci stopped worrying, "Whether he likes me now or not, he definitely will in the future. We'll definitely end up together."
She was Lu Zhe's tool person, and Lu Zhe was her tool person. She was so beautiful, and Lu Zhe was so handsome - he matched her aesthetic preferences perfectly. In her view, she and Lu Zhe were meant to be, a match made in heaven!
Thinking this, Su Ci smiled and hugged her mother, "Mom, don't worry, Lu Zhe will like me."
Su's Mother found herself in a difficult position.
She wasn't someone who cared much about family background. Even though Lu Zhe came from a poor background and was an orphan, he had good character and matched well with her daughter's appearance. However, he had a terminal illness.
This was something her daughter must surely know.
Su's Mother knew her daughter's personality - though raised delicately, she wasn't soft at all, but rather very strong-willed. This was her first time liking someone, and if she and her husband tried to forcefully intervene, it might backfire.
Su's Mother collected herself. As things stood now, Lu Zhe not liking her daughter might be a good thing - at least they weren't together yet, so there was still time to intervene.
......
The computer store's inventory had all been transferred, and the shop had been sold. Boss Fang was determined to start his business venture this time. Although the risks of entrepreneurship were high and he might lose all his assets, looking at the cold-faced young man beside him somehow made him feel at ease.
He believed he hadn't misjudged Lu Zhe - he was truly talented. Even if he lost this gamble, worst case scenario, he could go back to street vending; he and his son Little Kuaile would manage to survive somehow.
"Is this all your luggage?" Boss Fang asked in surprise, looking at Lu Zhe with his backpack and two large suitcases.
He and his son Little Kuaile only had one large suitcase between them, yet Lu Zhe had so much luggage?
In his memory, Lu Zhe didn't have many clothes, just a few sets including two school uniforms. But then again, considering they were going to settle down in City B, Lu Zhe probably packed all his belongings.
"My son heard about moving and thought we were going on vacation. He hasn't stopped smiling since last night, especially after hearing that little Ci is in City B. This kid can't wait to get there." Boss Fang looked at Little Kuaile playing nearby, his face showing a father's deep love for his son.
"This silly child doesn't realize that his Sister Ci isn't someone he can just see whenever he wants to now." Boss Fang glanced at Lu Zhe, sighed, and went back to packing their luggage. They were flying to City B that afternoon.
Lu Zhe and Boss Fang arrived in City B at night. They had booked rooms at a hotel earlier, two adjacent rooms.
It was Little Kuaile's first time on a plane. The little fellow was very excited at first but fell asleep later on.
"Xiao Zhe, get some rest early. Tomorrow morning we'll go sign the contract for the venue and get the company up and running as soon as possible." Boss Fang, holding his sleeping son, looked tired but his eyes were full of hope for the future.
"Yes, Uncle Fang, you should rest early too."
After putting away his luggage, Lu Zhe's phone rang. Without thinking, he already knew who was calling.
Lu Zhe answered the video call, and the girl's exceptionally beautiful face immediately appeared on the screen.
On screen, the girl blinked and teased him deliberately: "Lu Zhe, you answered so quickly this time. Were you waiting for my call?"
"Mm." Lu Zhe gave a light response, and the girl's eyes on screen grew brighter, with a proud look as if saying she had guessed correctly.
"Are you in City B now?" Su Ci knew Lu Zhe's flight was in the afternoon, and she had timed her call accordingly.
Looking at the girl on screen, under the light, Lu Zhe's cold features softened slightly, "Yes, I'm here."
"My parents want to come thank you in person. When are you free?" Su Ci's father would be discharged from the hospital tomorrow, and she wanted to see Lu Zhe too.
Lu Zhe had heard from Su Ci before that her parents were grateful for him saving their lives and wanted to meet him.
He thought for a moment, "I'm not free tomorrow. Would the day after work?"
Tomorrow he had an appointment with Boss Fang to sign the venue contract.
"Okay, I'll let them know," Su Ci said with a smile.
During every video call, Su Ci would choose her most flattering angle and turn on the warm yellow desk lamp beside her. She knew the soft lighting would make her already snow-white skin look even more beautiful.
While others might put on natural makeup when video calling their boyfriends, she was completely bare-faced and kept her face close to the phone screen.
She had a hidden agenda - to make it impossible for Lu Zhe to ignore her stunning beauty.
However, the young man on the other end seemed habitually blind to her beauty, completely oblivious to her looks.
Su Ci's eyes curved slightly, hiding mischief as she said, "Today mom asked me if I like you."
Her words made Lu Zhe grip his phone tighter, his dark eyes focused intently on her.
At this moment, Su Ci, who had been sitting, lay down on the bed. She was wearing a white sleeveless nightgown with a round neck that was slightly loose. When she lay down, the neckline revealed a large expanse of fair skin.
Lu Zhe caught a glimpse and his eyes darkened. He immediately looked away, "Su Ci, sit properly."
"My arms are tired from holding the phone, lying down is more comfortable," Su Ci was doing her best to entice the young man, having deliberately chosen this nightgown with a neckline that was loose but not too revealing.
Lu Zhe spoke flatly, "Sit up, or I'll end the video call."
Su Ci: ......
She felt like she would die of frustration. Was this person made of stone? So inflexible, completely lacking in romance!
Su Ci knew Lu Zhe meant what he said. She bit her lip and sat up resentfully, looking at him with grievance, "I'm sitting up now."
Only then did Lu Zhe look back at Su Ci, seeing her cheeks puffed up in displeasure as she stared at him.
His thin lips curved into a smile, and Lu Zhe chuckled, "Be good."
Stop coming up with so many sneaky ideas.
Su Ci was dissatisfied - how was she not being good?
"How did you answer?" Lu Zhe finally asked her.
Su Ci was feeling a bit angry now and didn't want to tell him, but when she met the young man's dark eyes on the screen, she found herself weakly saying, "Do you want to know?"
"Yes," he wanted to know.
Su Ci's previously defeated heart instantly revived, and a hint of pride crept into her expression. "Say something nice to coax me, and I'll tell you." She had never heard Lu Zhe praise her before.
The warm yellow light fell on the girl's face, which was as white as jade. Her dark eyes reflected the light, like they were filled with scattered stars. Lu Zhe's Adam's apple bobbed as he said softly, "Tuantuan, I want to know."
Su Ci felt like she was done for.
He hadn't even praised her, but just one look from him made her heart tremble.
Forget dignity - Su Ci was ready to give up everything for him. She said, "I told mom that I like you."
The girl was honest and straightforward. Lu Zhe looked directly at her and called out softly, "Tuantuan."
Usually when the girl clung to him, constantly asking for kisses and teasing him, enjoying seeing him lose control because of her, he had always seen it as just her playing around.
Now, hearing the girl's indirect confession, Lu Zhe couldn't control himself. He felt his heart contract painfully.
Su Ci was thick-skinned. After speaking, she looked at Lu Zhe with sparkling eyes, "When mom asked about our relationship, I couldn't answer. I couldn't exactly tell her that we're currently in a saliva-exchanging relationship."
She continued, "Lu Zhe, I've told you I like you, now it's your turn."
One person at a time - that's only fair.
Thinking about what Lu Zhe might say next, she felt a little nervous. Unconsciously, she straightened her back, her ears practically perking up.
Quick, confess quickly, she was ready.
Su Ci also thought it would be nice if Lu Zhe were beside her right now - after his confession, she could kiss him.
The girl's eyes were bright. Lu Zhe pressed his lips together and said in a deep voice, "Tuantuan, you know I have ALS."
Su Ci nodded, "I know, but that's not an issue. That's not what I want to hear."
"My illness is the biggest problem," Lu Zhe looked at her. "ALS patients' limbs and body gradually atrophy, become numb, weak, paralyzed, and moreover, I only have 3-5 years to live."
The young man's low voice became somewhat hoarse, "Tuantuan, are you sure you still want to like someone like me?"
He had always known his time was limited, so he could play with her, do things she liked, stay in City B since she wanted him nearby.
Anything beyond that, Lu Zhe didn't dare to think about.
Couldn't think about.
The smile disappeared from Su Ci's lips, and her eyes were filled with seriousness. "Yes, I like you."
She told Lu Zhe, "Your illness isn't a problem. Lu Zhe, you can live for a long time."
Hearing the girl's comforting words, Lu Zhe gave a light laugh, "Tuantuan, I'm serious."
"I'm serious too," Su Ci explained: "As long as I kiss you, you..."
She couldn't get out the rest of what she wanted to say, knowing she wasn't allowed to say it.
She bit her lip in frustration, "Anyway, you won't die. You just need to stay with me."
Lu Zhe's dark eyes looked at her, filled with hidden tenderness. "Mm."
As long as she was willing, as long as he could still move, he would stay by her side.
......
The next day, Lu Zhe and Boss Fang brought Little Kuaile along, as Boss Fang wasn't comfortable leaving the child alone in the hotel.
They went to the He Sheng Building to meet with the person in charge.
"Why hasn't the person in charge arrived yet?" Boss Fang checked the time - it had been twenty minutes past their appointed time. "They wouldn't stand us up, would they?"
Lu Zhe: "They shouldn't. A prestigious property like He Sheng Building wouldn't lack such credibility. Uncle Fang, let's wait a bit longer."
After another five minutes, the person in charge finally arrived.
Manager Chen's attitude was decent enough, "I'm very sorry, have you both been waiting long? I sincerely apologize, something came up."
Boss Fang's expression softened somewhat, "It's fine, Manager Chen. Can we sign the contract now?"
"Please wait a moment. This contract is being handled by our Second Young Master, he'll be here shortly," Manager Chen had received a call from President He saying that the Second Young Master was on break and needed more practice, so he should shadow him to learn.
This signing was very simple, just a very minor contract - it would be impossible to go wrong with the Second Young Master handling it.
In truth, it was just to give the Second Young Master some experience.
Boss Fang and Lu Zhe had no choice but to remain patient and continue waiting for the Second Young Master that Manager Chen mentioned.
Soon, He Ermeng, who had just parked his car, walked into the building, his handsome features full of casual arrogance.
The company employees weren't seeing the He family's Second Young Master for the first time. Watching him walk with his hands in his pockets, looking handsome and casual, everyone couldn't help but steal extra glances.
Pushing open the conference room door, He Ermeng walked in, wanting to get this over with quickly. The old man just couldn't stand seeing him idle and kept finding ways to torment him. Now he was even making him learn from others - how boring. He'd rather spend this time figuring out how to pursue Su Ci.
He strode in, "What do I need to sign?"
"Second Young Master is here," Manager Chen welcomed him with a smile.
Boss Fang and Lu Zhe looked at the newcomer, only to realize this Second Young Master was someone they'd met before - the He family's second son.
Seeing Lu Zhe sitting to the side, He Ermeng's gaze sharpened. He stood by the conference table, not taking a seat, "It's you?"
He Ermeng shot a fierce look at Lu Zhe and sneered, "Manager Chen, since when did we start signing contracts with any random nobody?"
After seeing Lu Zhe at the fire scene that time, He Ermeng had already had someone investigate Lu Zhe's background. He knew Lu Zhe was not only an orphan but also had a terminal illness.
Such a person wasn't worthy of standing beside Su Ci, let alone having her affections.
"Second Young Master, this..." Manager Chen was confused, "These two gentlemen have already negotiated to rent an entire floor at the Tianzi Building."
He Ermeng raised an eyebrow, looking at Lu Zhe arrogantly, pronouncing each word clearly, "We won't rent to you!"
Just a dying orphan - he could destroy him with a mere flick of his finger.
"We've already reached an agreement. Is the He Sheng Group so untrustworthy?" Boss Fang frowned instinctively upon hearing they wouldn't rent to them.
Manager Chen hadn't expected this situation either. He reminded, "Second Young Master, the contract is already prepared."
He Ermeng's gaze turned cold as he looked at Manager Chen, "Are you deaf? Didn't you hear me say we won't rent? What contract are you still talking about!"
Lifting his chin, He Ermeng stared directly at the composed Lu Zhe, "Forget about renting the place, whether it's from our He Sheng Group or anywhere else. As for Su Ci, she's mine. Stay away from her."
Lu Zhe looked up, meeting the other's fierce gaze, and replied calmly, "She belongs to herself."
The more He Ermeng looked at Lu Zhe, the more irritated he became. "Are you asking for death? Oh, I forgot, even if you don't, you'll die soon anyway."
"Second Young Master, you're going too far with your bullying," Boss Fang couldn't help speaking up. The other party was not only going back on their word but now also making personal attacks, hitting where it hurt most - it was too much.
"You call this bullying?" He Ermeng dismissed it. He warned Lu Zhe, "Just get lost quietly. If I find you hanging around Su Ci again, I'll make you taste what regret feels like."
Lu Zhe let out a light laugh: "You're wrong. It's not me clinging to her - she needs me by her side."
In an instant, He Ermeng across the table nearly exploded with rage.
After leaving the building, Boss Fang was still cursing under his breath. If it hadn't been for Manager Chen and the security guards holding him back earlier, that crazy He family's second son would have kept fighting with Lu Zhe.
"Xiao Zhe, I didn't know your fighting skills were so good," Boss Fang smiled, thinking about how the Second Young Master had taken a few punches from Lu Zhe - it served him right.
Fortunately, everyone knew He Ermeng had thrown the first punch. He who strikes first is in the wrong - even if the He family pursued the matter, they wouldn't have a leg to stand on.
Lu Zhe said in a deep voice, "Uncle Fang, I'm sorry. Because of me, we couldn't sign the contract."
"It's alright, we can look for other places. City B is huge, it can't all be owned by the He family," Boss Fang said while holding his son's hand, still full of motivation.
Lu Zhe nodded, though his eyes dimmed slightly.
......
"Is Ci ready? We can leave now." Su's Mother had already arranged for the car, preparing to go meet Lu Zhe.
She had prepared many gifts, showing her sincere intentions.
Su Ci changed into a beautiful dress, a taro-colored one-piece that made her skin appear snow-white. The dress was custom-made, with a waist-defining design that accentuated the girl's slender waist.
She wore soft white flats, with a red string around her delicate ankle that caught the eye.
"I'm ready to go," Su Ci said, having specially applied a honey-orange lip gloss to meet Lu Zhe.
Her beautiful lips looked even more alluring.
At this moment, Su ZhiYuan also came downstairs.
"Big brother, are you coming too?" Su Ci thought he had already gone to the company.
Su ZhiYuan patted her head, "You go with Mom and Dad. I have matters at the company, but next time I'll properly thank Lu Zhe."
Su Ci looked at her brother's outstretched hand, noticing that the life value on the inside of his wrist showed less than two months remaining.
She suppressed her complex emotions and nodded, "Okay."
Su's Father and Su's Mother sat in the first car, while Su Ci, little Su Ning, and Little Tiancai rode in another car.
After staying with the Su family for several days, Little Tiancai was no longer as nervous as before.
The Su family was different from other wealthy families - there were no stern or cold-hearted power struggles. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming.
Su's Mother had a gentle and kind personality. While Su's Father was shrewd in business, he didn't maintain a serious face at home. As for Su ZhiYuan, although he had a strong presence as someone in power, at home he was an approachable big brother.
And little Su Ning needed no mention - now that he had Little Tiancai as a playmate of similar age, he stuck to him all day, and the two got along very well.
Even now in the car, little Su Ning chose to sit next to Little Tiancai, the two little ones huddled together chattering about something.
Su Ci sent a message to Lu Zhe telling him they were on their way.
Lu Zhe hadn't found a suitable house yet, so he and Boss Fang were temporarily staying at a hotel. Compared to a luxury hotel, the environment here wasn't very good.
He looked around the standardly furnished room - two chairs, a tea table, a TV and TV cabinet, very simple.
Lu Zhe went next door and knocked on Boss Fang's door.
He said, "Uncle Fang, I'd like to borrow two chairs from your room."
Boss Fang had originally planned to go venue hunting with Lu Zhe today, but Lu Zhe said he wasn't free because Su Ci's parents were coming to see him.
"Sure, I'll help you carry them over."
"Thank you, Uncle Fang."
"No need for such formalities between us. But won't Su Ci's parents mind the environment here? Should we find a better place outside, maybe get a private room where we can eat and talk?" Boss Fang worried, thinking about how the Su family was top-tier wealthy, and this small hotel was too modest. He was concerned they might mind.
Lu Zhe replied, "It's fine, they know my background."
Excessive concealment would seem insincere.
Boss Fang sighed and helped Lu Zhe move the chairs.
Su Ci asked Lu Zhe for the address, and soon the cars stopped outside the hotel.
The sudden appearance of several luxury cars outside the small hotel, especially the tall, expressionless men in black suits who looked like bodyguards, created quite a spectacle. The grand arrival attracted the attention of many passersby and hotel guests, even stirring up the hotel staff.
What kind of wind brought such important people to this small hotel today?
The two receptionists felt nervous and quickly went to welcome them.
"I'm looking for the guest in room 308," Su Ci said.
The receptionist was stunned by the girl's beautiful face, unconsciously holding her breath as she quickly replied, "Please follow me."
While leading the way, the receptionist secretly observed the family, unable to help but marvel at their appearance. What heavenly looks they all possessed!
The couple, though older, were well-maintained with an innate nobility that money couldn't buy. The young lady beside them needed no description - if she entered the entertainment industry, she would instantly outshine all actresses.
As for the two little boys bouncing along in front, they were explosively cute.
Are all rich people this good-looking?
Arriving at room 308, Su Ci gestured for the receptionist to leave, and she pressed the doorbell herself.
Within seconds, the door opened from inside.
"Lu Zhe, I'm here," Su Ci smiled at him.
"Come in," Lu Zhe opened the door fully. Looking at Su Ci's parents behind her, he said, "Uncle Su, Aunt Su, welcome."
Su Ci stood beside Lu Zhe, letting her parents enter. Behind their backs, her fingers secretly brushed against Lu Zhe's hand as she looked at him with smiling eyes.
The young man wore a white shirt, different from his usual all-black cold appearance, adding a touch of casualness and brightness that made his features appear even more refined and otherworldly.
Su Ci knew exactly how many sets of clothes Lu Zhe owned, and the shirt he was wearing now was definitely newly bought.
Su Ci couldn't help but smile secretly.
He must be taking this meeting with her parents seriously if he bought new clothes specially for it.
At this moment, Su's Father, standing at the door, looked at the young man before him with shock.
He and Lu Chen from the Lu family had been arch-rivals since childhood, having seen each other even in split pants. He could immediately see that this young man called Lu Zhe had features that were identical to Lu Chen's.
Su's Father was startled.
Lu Zhe was an orphan, and Lu Chen had lost his son... Could it be such a coincidence that Lu Zhe was actually Lu Chen's son?
Su's Mother noticed her husband standing still and tugged at him, "Shall we go in?"
Su's Father concealed his shock and went in with his wife.
The two little ones followed their parents inside. When passing Lu Zhe, Little Tiancai politely greeted him, "Hello, Brother Lu Zhe."
He really liked this older brother who came from an orphanage like him.
Su Ning didn't know Lu Zhe, but he was a polite child. Following Little Tiancai's lead, he also said, "Hello, Brother Lu Zhe."
Su Ci watched her parents go in, then bent down and tapped both little ones on their foreheads, "Don't call him Brother Lu Zhe."
Little Tiancai and Su Ning looked at their sister in confusion.
Su Ci's eyes curved up as she glanced at Lu Zhe, speaking in a lowered voice just loud enough for him to hear, "You should call him brother-in-law."
