Chapter 5, The Sole Ray of Hope

Lin Wanqiu is visiting for the first time. Upon entering, she feels somewhat awkward. Mengmeng has already woken up from her nap and is pulling her hand, running towards the room: "Auntie, I will show you my room."

Lin Wanqiu simply doubted whether she had misheard, took the phone and looked at it again, it was indeed the number of Baishu North, and there was no cross-line.

Looking at those high-resolution intimate photos of men and women, an untimely image of herself and Bai Shubei in the changing room popped into Lin Wanqiu's mind. Every time she thought about it, she felt palpitations and headaches. In the heart of the man she deeply loved, she was probably just a tool for venting, which was even more chilling than Bai Shubei's previous sarcastic attitude towards her.

Two people stood at the door of the shop, their overlapping figures stretched long. Lin Wanqiu was so clumsy that she didn't know how to respond, and her mind was in a mess.

She has truly neglected the child recently, and thinking of the little girl's aggrieved expression makes her heart ache

Lin Wanqiu's heart skipped a beat, and Bai Shubei's tenderness still carried an unshakable chill, yet it left her with no means to resist

Lin Wanqiu clenched her fists tightly, her thick eyelashes slowly lowering as she avoided his gaze and replied softly: "Perhaps I am just too tired"

Young Master Bai is a regular here, but this is the first time he has brought a female companion in six years.

He coldly instructed, already taking out his phone to make a call. Lin Wanqiu knew what he was about to do. A person like Bai Shubei could resolve all matters with just one phone call

She retreated into the single room, tightly wrapping herself in a towel, biting her lip and daring not to speak, even instinctively reducing her breathing.

Mengmeng gave her father a thumbs up, her eyes squinting with joy

I will pick you up at 7 PM. Bai Shubei dropped this line and hung up the phone without allowing any further discussion

Lin Wanqiu immediately submitted her resignation to General Manager Wu, who pretended to be sincere in trying to retain her: "This is just a misunderstanding. If you go to another company, you will have to start from scratch, and the benefits may not be as good as those here."

At this moment, the woman was filled with emotion, and although she was making a great effort to restrain herself, he still caught a glimpse of her unusual feelings

"I’m sorry, I know you don’t like me touching you, but I just can’t help it—" Lin Wanqiu spoke incoherently, ultimately reducing her words to a choked out, "Thank you." Her voice was thick with nasal tones, and each word seemed to tremble.

Bai Shubei looked at her appearance and felt exceptionally satisfied; Lin Wanqu's approach indeed worked. Upon further reflection, it was quite amusing how she occasionally pricked herself like a little hedgehog.

Bai Shubei suddenly fell silent, and that silence seemed to gradually engulf Lin Wanqu's being in an endless darkness

Lin Wanqiu gazed greedily at the photos of the child, the picture of Mengmeng at one month old, Mengmeng at the age of one, the appearance of Mengmeng with her hair in little braids, and the unsteady posture of Mengmeng learning to walk.

"Mengmeng is looking for you." He simply handed the phone to Mengmeng, while he crossed his arms and sat aside watching television. However, he couldn't focus on it at all; instead, the trivial topics that Mengmeng was discussing with her were absorbed into his ears word for word

Bai Shubei frowned and said in a low voice, "There are no ingredients at home, let's order takeout."

"Not great," Lin Wanqiu took a sip of coffee before slowly speaking, "Clarify this for me: regardless of any agreements you and General Manager Wu may have reached privately, I did not neglect my duties."

Bai Shubei squinted and carefully observed her, sensing that her emotions were somewhat unstable, but she seemed unwilling to elaborate. He also had no desire to probe further, merely reaching out to stroke her cheek: "Then let's not do it. How much can one earn by opening such a shop?"

The curtain was suddenly pulled up, catching Bai Shubei off guard. The glaring light abruptly shone into his eyes, and he instinctively closed them, his thick brows furrowing slightly, his inner irritation intensifying. He had never had a good temper, and even the best disguise had its moments of exposure. Just as he was about to lose his temper, he was momentarily taken aback by the appearance of the woman in front of him.

Lin Wanqiu gazed at him, hesitating to speak, her bright eyes particularly luminous in the night

The few men showed no concern at all, even though it was not yet dark and there were still occasional passersby on the street. Upon hearing the commotion inside, they merely glanced over slightly, then hurriedly moved away in fear. The originally tidy little shop had been reduced to a complete wreck.

Bai Shubei, unable to comprehend her hesitation, let out a low laugh, placed the item into her embrace, and took the opportunity to lean in and plant a kiss near her lips

... ...

Why not just follow him directly? Isn't that much more straightforward? The trick of feigning indifference becomes tedious when overdone

Lin Wanqiu stared wide-eyed, taken aback as she glanced at the layout of the room. The entire room was in black and white tones, much like the aura of Bai Shubei himself, and it was indeed not a guest room

She picked up the phone, restraining the surging emotions within her, and spoke clearly, word by word: "Mr. Bai, I have already taken the medicine, so there is no need for you to remind me."

Lin Wanqiu only spent over 40,000 yuan to take over the small shop. The storefront is very small, but after simple renovations, it looks clean and tidy. She personally painted the walls bright yellow, replaced the tables with clean and shiny small round tables, and placed quite a few green plants in the shop, creating a comfortable and leisurely atmosphere

Gao He looked at her in confusion and replied firmly, "I have my own judgment."

Those thugs merely vandalized the store, but Lin Wanqiu was not harmed in the slightest. However, she could no longer sleep alone at night, so Mengmeng suggested that she come home to stay together.

Lin Wanqiu pressed her lips together, unsure of what to say. His expression was somber and fierce while speaking, yet the depths of his dark eyes were filled with genuine concern. In that moment, she felt an unprecedented sense of security.

Lin Wanqiu was at a loss whether to laugh or cry: "I am home, how could my aunt be that foolish"

Bai Shubei could probably guess what she was thinking, the corners of his mouth slightly curling up, presenting a gentle arc: "I was indeed quite reckless in the past, and it's perfectly normal for you to find it hard to accept for a moment. You don't need to feel burdened; as I have said, for Mengmeng's sake, we should try to give each other a chance."

Lin Wanqiu took out all her savings and reviewed them thoroughly. Over the years, she had been frugal and had managed to save a little. After excluding the substantial expenses related to Lin Zhixia, she surprisingly still had several tens of thousands of yuan left.

Bai Shubei is pained for his daughter and cannot bear to see her show even the slightest hint of grievance. He can only take the time to see what this woman is actually busy with. So busy that she dares to hang up on his call, so busy that she doesn't even have time to meet Mengmeng.

Lin Wanqiu has not had dinner yet, but she does not feel hungry at all. She is only being scrutinized by Bai Shubei's sharp gaze, and she nervously releases Mengmeng, saying: "I can manage on my own."

Lin Wanqiu pressed her palm hard, neither answering nor denying. What use is her affection? It is merely a hopeless unrequited love. Even if she laid her true feelings bare before him, all he would offer in return would be disdain and mockery, how tragic it is

Bai Shubei seemed a bit awkward, tugging at the button of his collar, his thick eyebrows slightly furrowed: "Do you need my help with work? Lao San knows quite a few people in the entertainment industry"

After knocking on the door for a long time, there was still no response. Bai Shubei's feigned patience was beginning to wear thin, and he raised his voice: "Lin Wanqiu, open the door!"

Bai Shubei could not help but let out a laugh; the more flustered she became, the more interesting he found it. She was far more endearing than Lin Wanqu's cold and disdainful demeanor upon seeing him. How had he not noticed this before? Indeed, the "policy of conciliation" is quite effective

Indeed, Mengmeng is very resentful, holding the phone and constantly complaining: "Auntie only cares about making money, Mengmeng is no longer important to you."

Gao He quietly glanced at her and said, "You like Shubei." There was no need for further speculation; he should have seen these feelings reflected in the depths of her sorrowful eyes long ago. It was his own dullness that led him to only vaguely perceive them now.

I wanted to refuse, but I couldn't express it immediately. I remained silent with him, my thoughts tangled. When I looked up again, I found the car had stopped in front of a restaurant

A knock sounded at the door, and Bai Shubei stood quietly and upright there, dressed only in a white robe, his gaze slightly cold

She followed Mengmeng to her room, and the area of the children's room was astonishingly large. The interior was decorated in a warm and comfortable manner, with soft pink hues everywhere, and even the smallest details revealed Bai Shubei's meticulous care.

This is the gap, the distance between ideals and reality, forever separated by the distance of a dream

The shop door is an old-fashioned rolling shutter, and the heavy impact against it produces a series of loud banging sounds, striking heavily against the eardrums, each thud echoing in the quiet alley, creating an especially startling effect.

His deep-set eyes resembled an unfathomable ocean, heavy and seemingly ready to surge forth with towering waves that would engulf her

Bai Shubei turned his head slightly to glance at her, his dark eyes seemingly charged with an unusual current. He remained silent for a few seconds, and then the corners of his mouth moved slightly: "Then let's start dating for now"

She felt a deep sense of fear, terror gripping her heart, tightly clutching the blanket in her arms and unable to speak, until the footsteps gradually faded away

Lin Wanqiu looked at their ferocious appearance, and instantly recalled the person who had smashed the door last night

Lin Wanqiu let out a quiet sigh of relief, but at the same time felt a pang of sympathy for the child, and could only keep soothing, "Aunt will come to see you this weekend, be good, my dear."

Mengmeng then contentedly closed her eyes. Lin Wanqiu looked at the child's tender little face, fair and clean, enveloped in a warm glow. A feeling of satisfaction slowly flowed within her heart. If she could watch the child fall asleep every day, it would not be a bad thing after all

Bai Shubei listened to his introduction but did not even glance up, continuing to look through other dishes: "No need, she is allergic to seafood."

Bai Shubei reached out to brush her hair, gently running his fingers through it, waiting for the light in her eyes to soften a bit before lowering his head to kiss her lips: "Hold me."

She does not even know what name the child has been given, where they will live, what they will become as they grow day by day, when they will first roll over, when their first tooth will come in, or what their first words will be... There are many firsts that she is completely unaware of

Gao Heming keenly sensed her manner of addressing him, imbued with cautious respect and humility, indicating that they were likely not a couple in the past, and Lin Wanqiu mentioned "making a mistake"

The car drove far away. Lin Wanqiu couldn't help but turn his head and scrutinize him, saying, "How did you know I was going to resign?"

Such an obvious rejection caused a flicker of disdain to pass through Bai Shubei's eyes as he restrained himself from handing her the item in his hand. Lin Wanqiu looked at it several times in surprise, uncertainly asking, "Is this for me?"

Bai Shubei furrowed his brows, feeling somewhat vexed. How could he increasingly resist the facade this woman presented? He knew full well that her true nature was not like this, yet he still found himself unable to escape her deception. In the end, Bai Shubei could not overcome the strange feelings within him and walked in with Mengmeng in his arms.

Lin Wanqiu raised her eyes slightly, somewhat surprised by his response, and then curved her lips into a smile: "Thank you for believing in me so much"

Thank you for your advice," Lin Wanqiu replied gracefully, while picking at her fingers.

The child before her is her daughter, but upon introspection, she realizes that she could never provide a life like Mengmeng's for her entire life

Bai Shubei did not express his opinion, he just unbuttoned the collar button and walked straight towards the bathroom.

Lin Wanqiu smiled knowingly and reached out to pinch the child's little nose, saying, "Auntie also wants to see Mengmeng every day"

She remained silent and gently brushed open his warm palm, saying, "I am very satisfied with the current situation and feel fulfilled."

The people outside the door seemed to have quieted down for a moment. Lin Wanqiu quietly lifted her head from her knees, held her breath and listened intently. She could hear the sound of dragging footsteps outside, and it was indeed more than one person.

The north side of Baishu's face has a clear and solemn contour, with a slight pursing of the lips without answering. Lin Wanqiu also does not expect him to tell her, just saying, "Mr. Bai, I don't know what's wrong with you. Marriage is a very serious matter for me. I don't want... I don't want to sell even this."

White Shu Bei kissed deeply, his hands gently caressing her slender waist. Despite the layer of fabric in between, he could still feel the tight and delicate texture. After satisfying his desires, he slowly released her.

He grabbed her waist with one hand and held her tightly, leaving her no room to escape: "You didn't come here by mistake. Sleep with me tonight."

Lin Wanqiu smiled and promised, "I won't leave. Auntie will cook for Mengmeng tomorrow morning and personally take her to kindergarten, okay?"

"You either accidentally got lost or fell down, I am very worried about you," Mengmeng said, tugging at the little bear's nose with great seriousness

Lin Wanqiu couldn't help but laugh upon hearing the child's innocent words, and the tension and awkwardness in front of Bai Shubei diminished significantly. Just as she was about to respond, she heard Bai Shubei add, "I can help you buy tickets, buy food, and even be your free driver. How about taking me along?"

When Baishu arrived at the north, he could see a messy house from a distance. He glanced at the child in his arms, hesitating whether to go over, but his eyes caught a glimpse of Lin Wanqiu's figure, a thin and delicate woman, squatting with her head down in the debris on the ground. ... That appearance is really a bit ... . ... I can't help but feel sorry for her.

She did not wait for his response and ran up the dark corridor in her stiletto sandals

Mengmeng is in a good mood, always staring at her with big black eyes. After Lin Wanqiu finished telling a story, the little one was still full of energy. Lin Wanqiu reluctantly closed the storybook and said, "Sweetheart, you still have to go to kindergarten tomorrow morning."

Lin Wanqiu lowered her head and walked past him, softly saying, "Goodnight." Unexpectedly, as she pushed open the door and was about to close it, the man behind her followed closely behind and entered as well.

She was indeed stunned, her body visibly stiffened for a moment, and the corner of her mouth twitched, but she didn't continue, instead stepping back and getting out of the car.

After Bai Shubei finished the call, he intended to turn around and talk to Lin Wanqiu. Unexpectedly, before he could say a word, his body was tightly restrained.

Inside the car, only English songs are playing slowly. Mengmeng occasionally worries and talks to Lin Wanqiu for a few sentences. Her little face is filled with anxious emotions.

At night, before the arrival of Baishubei, a group of uninvited guests arrived. Several men walked in aggressively, sweeping aside obstacles along the way.

Lin Wanqiu did not realize that the child had fallen asleep, and her soft, tender tone continued: "Little Ma asked the squirrel in the tree, 'Is this water deep?' The squirrel waved its hand and replied, 'This water is very deep, very deep. My little friend fell in a few days ago and drowned..."

His last sentence was deliberately spoken in a lowered tone, which instead infused it with an air of ambiguity. Lin Wanqiu felt a burning sensation on her face, and one could almost imagine how ridiculous she must look at this moment

Mengmeng pouted her little face and seriously advised Lin Wanqiu: "Auntie was scared today, so of course you should cling to Dad and act cute, asking for hugs and kisses. Dad will definitely be gentle."

Lin Wanqiu felt a mix of emotions, as if the moments of hesitation and anxiety had burst like transparent bubbles one by one. This is reality; how could she have almost lost her mind and fallen into it

Lin Wanqiu was momentarily taken aback, suddenly hearing his voice and feeling somewhat unaccustomed to it. She lowered her voice and said: "I am busy right now, I will contact you later."

Bai Shubei could not hear her response, yet he still spoke gently: "I admit that I have some prejudices against you due to past events, and perhaps there are some misunderstandings between us. Lin Wanqiu, let us give each other a chance, if only for Mengmeng."

Lin Wanqiu pressed her lips together and remained silent, while Bai Shubei's broad palm gently patted her head twice, his eyes unexpectedly filled with a tender light: "Silly girl, you must be especially careful living alone"

His eyes seemed devout and earnest, but Lin Wanqiu was still apprehensive. Unbelievable. To secretly like someone for many years, the most unbelievable thing is this.

Until this moment, she is still clearly aware that Bai Shubei does not love her, but after six years, how much affection does he still have for Gu Anning? It may seem somewhat despicable to think this way, but she truly likes this man too much, loving him so cautiously, without dignity, even secretly rejoicing for a long time over the slightest warmth he offers.

Bai Shubei slightly raised an eyebrow and nodded: "Can you use it?"

Lin Wanqiu hurriedly waved her hand: "No need, I can handle it myself."

Lin Wanqiu didn't dare to open the door immediately. It was so late, and the force behind the knock clearly indicated that the visitor was not friendly. She quietly walked to the door, restrained her rapid heartbeat, and calmly asked in a low voice, "Who is it?"

Do you also like Dad, right? Mengmeng solemnly hugged her arms and said seriously, "Dad used to not like Auntie, but he is trying hard to like her now. Auntie is so nice, Dad will definitely like her. Auntie should have confidence in herself."

Lin Wanqiu held her child tightly, constantly comforting him. Mengmeng lay in her arms, smelling the familiar scent on her body, and slowly fell asleep.

I am serious. Bai Shubei's voice is particularly charming in the night, deep and magnetic, flowing into her heart through the radio waves, and every sentence hits her soft spot. "Mengmeng has become more and more sensible. She needs a mother. You and I are both worried about the same problem. Only a biological mother in the world can be unconditionally good to her child."

White Shubei didn't have time to look for her. How much time did he give her to sort things out? Take this opportunity to stabilize the work so that there won't be so much time to think about it after work.

Bai Shubei nearly laughed out loud, suppressing it with a cough: "I am not that beastly, but if you desire, I can accommodate you at any time"

The movie is not in the mood to watch anymore, and the store is still messy. Lin Wanqiu was forced into the car by Bai Shubei, holding Mengmeng sitting in the passenger seat.

The person outside does not speak, but only exerts more force with each step.

The polished leather shoes stepped on the shards of glass, producing a sharp, piercing sound. Lin Wanqiu raised her head, her eyes red and haunting, yet stubbornly not shedding a single tear. She merely looked at him helplessly and said, "You have come."

Security fee? Lin Wanqiu thought for a moment and realized that this was what was referred to as a "protection fee." She did not expect that such a small business would attract these people. Standing behind the cash register, she slightly pursed her lips and said, "I’m sorry, I’m just a small business and cannot afford it."

With her fingers painted in black nail polish, she gently tapped the table and sighed: "I will go ask General Manager Wu. Lin Wanqiu, a woman venturing out into the world without a background or support, cannot be too proud; otherwise, she risks playing with fire and getting burned."

He propped himself up on his arms and looked at her, the room illuminated only by the wall lamp, the dim light casting an ambiguous layer over everything. Her long black hair spilled over the edge of the bed, and her distinctly black-and-white large eyes showed a hint of fear.

In the past, Bai Shubei would have definitely hung up the phone directly, but this time was somewhat different; he hesitated for a few seconds before picking up the phone and placing it to his ear

Her phrase "let's get in touch again" has been postponed for several days; she is truly busy. The matter of the community's demolition has already been put on the agenda, and she is the only one in the store, so she has to handle everything personally

Bai Shubei did not respond, merely casting a pointed glance at the room: "You won't let me come in and sit for a while"

Yong Er reminded with some concern: "What will you do if you can't find work? Your brother's place is like a bottomless pit."

"First, let's have a meal." Bai Shubei reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, his fingertips gently brushing against her delicate earlobe

Bai Shubei has not contacted again, and it is likely that his proud and aloof nature would not allow him to continually lower himself to show goodwill. Lin Wanqiu thought that he would still have ripples of emotion regarding him, but then shook her head secretly. This situation is quite good as it is; why add to the troubles?

She wants to find a man who is considerate and warm-hearted, not necessarily wealthy, as long as he treats her sincerely, that is enough

Lin Wanqiu did not answer directly this time, but pondered for a long time before silently turning her head: "Gao He, in fact, I am really not as good as you think. He dislikes me for a reason; I—" am not worthy of you

Bai Shubei felt somewhat uncomfortable with her主动 approach, yet he still endured it, lowering his head with a complex expression in his eyes

Lin Wanqiu. The deep male voice, with its familiar tone, shone like a warm candlelight in the silent and fearful night, instantly illuminating her small world

In the end, she was found by the right person. The boss is from Shaanxi and originally sold knife-cut noodles. Now that he is older, he wants to return to his hometown. Seeing that she is a sincere young girl, he did not ask for a high transfer fee from her

"The lobsters this season are the best, would Mr. Bai like to try some?" The restaurant manager leaned slightly forward, presenting the menu to Bai Shubei, his gaze unexpectedly sweeping over Lin Wanqiu.

A few days later, Lin Wanqiu closed the shop door early in the evening, contacted a moving company, and moved all the belongings from her home to the single room behind the small shop. While she was organizing the room, the shop door was suddenly kicked open with force. Indeed, it was a kick.

Lin Wanqiu then recalled the meaning behind Aaron's agent's words; without any background or power, she was destined to be someone who could be manipulated. However, she did not feel regret for what she had done, as she had endured even more difficult times than this.

With a single thought, she abandoned the idea of returning to the entertainment company, donning a baseball cap and weaving through various alleys each day. The bustling streets had expensive storefronts, so she could only seek out some secluded alleys where breakfast shops were concentrated

The meal was quite dull, and most of the time it was Bai Shubei who took the initiative to start a conversation, but after just a few exchanges, the enthusiasm waned. The sudden need for them to become harmonious was likely something even Bai Shubei was not accustomed to

Lin Wanqiu recalled the last time she was hit by Lin Zhixia, when she had falsely claimed to have fallen. Unexpectedly, the child had kept it in mind all along, and her whole body felt as if it were enveloped in a ball of cotton, astonishingly soft: "I will be more careful in the future"

This time the force was not as fierce as before, it had a rhythm to it, and it was evident that the person knocking on the door was not as impatient. However, Lin Wanqiu still did not dare to move; she glanced at the clock beside her, and it was already past 10 o'clock

Lin Wanqiu's cheeks flushed embarrassingly, but Bai Shubei did not continue to tease her. Instead, he smiled and walked out, quietly waiting outside with Mengmeng.

In Bai Shubei's deep and profound gaze, there was a faint glimmer of light. Lowering his head, the corners of his mouth curled into an ambiguous arc: "Where on you have I not seen before"

Bai Shubei could not quite articulate the feelings within, yet being gazed at with such deeply affectionate eyes brought an unusual sense of satisfaction to his heart

Miss Gu's departure is somewhat related to me, but not in the way you might think. " she replied softly, not daring to elaborate too much. Bai Shubei's dislike for her stems from other reasons, not just this simple matter, but that reason is something she is not sufficient to disclose to outsiders

Bai Shubei was momentarily taken aback, and only then did he realize that the "medicine" she referred to was what he thought it was. Given how understanding and obedient she was, he should have been quite satisfied. Yet, why did he feel somewhat ...? ... a sense of being looked down upon?

Lin Wanqiu was momentarily taken aback, gazing at the child's innocent face with some surprise. The child's reasoning was simple and easy to understand, yet she had never dared to imagine it before, to have confidence in herself. Unless she had never met Gu Anning

Indeed. Mengmeng shook her head helplessly; she had just finished "educating" her dad, and now she had to "teach" her silly aunt. Why are adults so awkward

Gao Heyue became increasingly confused, while Lin Wanqu fell silent, unable to speak. These matters were ones she had promised not to disclose, and even though Gu Anning was no longer present, she still had to honor her commitment.

The room was eerily quiet, with not a sound to be heard around her, yet she still felt a lingering fear, sitting on the bed for a long time without daring to move. At this moment, she missed her father and stepmother exceptionally, and even Lin Zhixia was particularly missed.

Bai Shubei's gaze darkened slightly, showing some dissatisfaction with her demeanor, and thus asked: "What is the ending of the story?"

Lin Wanqiu looked over with a complex expression, and then recalled that Bai Shubei indeed knew about her allergy to seafood. At that time, she was still pregnant with Mengmeng, and she was very close to her due date. The housekeeper, unaware of her condition, actually made her seafood soup, and that night she broke out in a red, itchy rash all over her body.

Bai Shubei held a half-burnt cigarette between his fingers, yet there was a furrow of contemplation between his brows. He gazed at her for a moment, then pointed towards the adjacent bedroom

However, the child is already five years old and will become increasingly sensible. She glanced at Mengmeng with a complex expression and tucked in the corners of the blanket for her: "Alright, darling, go to sleep quickly, no more mischief."

After a few seconds of silence, Bai Shubei's voice became slightly heavy: "Have you not contacted me for a few days that you no longer recognize my number?"

Bai Shubei lowered his head to look at the woman, and their eyes met, creating a moment of daze. He placed the somewhat frightened Mengmeng onto a nearby round chair and cast a cold, piercing glance around the room

The man before her would never know how complex her feelings were at this moment as she looked at him, as if he were enveloped in a warm glow, intricately illuminating the depths of her heart

Just now, those ruffians smashed things; she reached out to stop them and was violently pushed down several times. At this point, her clothes were already wrinkled and had some stains.

He whispered in a hushed voice, his hand, which was originally resting on her waist, slowly moved down, leaning close to her ear, his lips barely brushing against her delicate earlobe: "This is my room"

Bai Shubei looked at her and vaguely understood that she was still hesitating, so he simply said: "I have no other intentions, so there's no need to be nervous. I have mentioned the reason many times; my family is pressuring me to marry, and you are the person who will treat Mengmeng the best. Therefore, I want to try to like you. It's that simple"

I—" Lin Wanqiu nervously clutched the hem of her clothes, with only the sound of her rapid heartbeat left in her ears. Refusal, this thought was the only one remaining in her mind, yet those words were stuck in her throat, unable to be spoken for a long time.

Bai Shubei was gentlemanly from start to finish, even opening the car door for her, as if the man who had forced her a few days ago was not him at all. Lin Wanqiu had felt awkward enough, and only sighed in relief when she reached downstairs

Like or dislike, let's talk about it later, who can guarantee how the future will be

Bai Shubei casually glanced at the office building behind her, resting his arm on the car window. After a moment, he slowly turned to her and said: "I am here to pick you up"

What are you thinking about? Bai Shubei interrupted her thoughts, his gaze quietly resting on her. The well-tailored dark suit tightly enveloped his strong and upright figure, and his straight posture appeared particularly striking. In the crowd, he remained the most eye-catching one.

Reflecting on what Gao He had said to him, the scene of his acquaintance with Gu Anning suddenly made him realize that he had been a fool from beginning to end

Lin Wanqiu glanced down at the dress she was wearing, a cheap organza little black dress, a hot-selling item on Taobao

Mengmeng was holding a teddy bear with her legs crossed, resting her head on her father's lap, calmly chatting with Lin Wanqiu: "Aunt, have you arrived home safely? Did you get lost again?"

Lin Wanqiu was almost pushed into the car by him, and throughout the journey, neither of them spoke, as they truly did not know what to say.

The phone beside her began to vibrate again, startling her. It was actually a call from Bai Shubei. When did this man become so patient? It seems there is only one possibility.

After returning home, I took a hot bath in the bathroom. When I came out, I found a missed call on my phone, and it was surprisingly from Bai Shubei. I stared at that number for a while, and for some reason, my eyes felt very sore.

This city, in which she has lived for over twenty years, will forever be a place of solitude for her. She longs for a home and yearns for someone to be by her side. Even if they do not speak, simply being together in silence would bring her an inexplicable sense of peace

The little girl was very disappointed, her words were filled with gloom, and she was sullen all day long

Bai Shubei cast her a cold glance and said, "Those who provoke me will learn a lesson."

After Bai Shubei left, Lin Wanqu fell into a state where her heartbeat could not calm down for a long time

Lin Wanqiu's eyes were red, and her face appeared as pale as white paper under the harsh white light. It seemed she had something to say to him, her lips trembling, struggling for a long time before she finally managed to speak in a hoarse voice: "You... why are you here?"

Subsequently, Bai Shunbei remained in the study, occupied with some unknown task. Lin Wanqiu tidied up the empty takeout boxes and sat down to watch television with Mengmeng. The child was drowsy, and it wasn't long before Mengmeng exclaimed, "I'm sleepy"

Lin Wanqiu found it strange, but did not think much of it. She has already built up quite a network; in the entertainment industry, what matters is experience. She can find a better company, and everything will only get better than it is now

After finishing the meal, Bai Shubei insisted on driving her home. Lin Wanqiu could not refuse and had no choice but to get back into his car

That incident nearly ruined my entire life

The smile on Mengmeng's face froze, and she stomped her feet in anger, clenching her little fists in protest: "Dad, you are so silly, why did you say it was my request"

Lin Wanqiu did not know how long he had been standing here, nor did he know what he had seen

I tidied up the bed a little, curled up on it, and don't want to do anything. What should I do tomorrow? What exactly do these people want? Should I call the police? But nothing has happened, and the police won't take it seriously.

The already cramped environment appeared even more confined due to the litter strewn across the floor, permeated by a stifling and oppressive atmosphere. In contrast to the previously tidy and warm little shop, Bai Shubei's expression grew increasingly gloomy and stern.

To my surprise, Bai Shu Bei has changed his tone, even his manner of speaking is different from before, unexpectedly gentle: "Today it is my fault, I just wanted you too much, did I hurt you anywhere?"

The child was sound asleep at that moment, and the driver said not a word, taking the child and turning to leave. Lin Wanqiu watched helplessly as the child's body moved further and further away from her, her heart feeling as if it were being torn apart with pain.

Bai Shubei interrupted her, and the corners of his mouth even bore a faint smile. Lin Wanqiu, feeling somewhat at a loss, averted her gaze. Everything had come too suddenly, so suddenly that it left her somewhat frightened

Lin Wanqiu felt even more embarrassed, unable to decide whether to laugh or cry at the child's little adult demeanor: "Acting spoiled?"

Before Bai Shubei came, he had taught him quite a few sweet nothings, constantly emphasizing that women need to be coaxed. Even the gentle methods used in the past were mostly personally taught by Bai Zhannan. Bai Shubei had to admit that women indeed enjoy this approach; a man's tenderness is a woman's fatal flaw

The room is quiet, and despite the absence of a woman to tend to it, it remains clean and tidy. The crystal chandelier on the ceiling is beautiful, clearly indicating its considerable value

She gazed at the tall and upright man with eyes full of admiration, but Bai Shubei did not look at her again. Instead, he directly called a friend from the police force. As he spoke, he turned slightly away from her, leaving her with only his cold and austere profile, the elegant lines of his high nose, and the sharp curve of his thin lips.

One misstep leads to another, and she will never be able to hold her head high in front of him for the rest of her life

Lin Wanqiu had never heard Gu Anning mention how they met, and she had secretly imagined many versions in the past, but she had never considered this one. How could a man as aloof as Bai Shubei fall in love with a woman at first sight?

"Wait a moment." Bai Shubei called out to her, and Lin Wanqu fell into a bit of confusion. She had already said everything that needed to be said; what more did this man want?

Lin Wanqiu then realized that the situation was not simple. Later, it was Yong'er who reminded her: "President Wu has suffered such a great loss; how could he easily let you off? He probably informed people in the circle long ago."

Bai Shubei drove quietly, his gaze calm and his tone peaceful and indifferent, not resembling someone who was joking or mocking. Lin Wanqiu still felt as if she were dreaming; the man she so despised would actually say such things to her

Having never been a mother, one cannot comprehend the pain of flesh and blood being torn apart

Until this moment, she is still clearly aware that Bai Shubei does not love her, but after six years, how much affection does he still have for Gu Anning? It may seem somewhat despicable to think this way, but she truly likes this man too much, loving him so cautiously, without dignity, even secretly rejoicing for a long time over the slightest warmth he offers.

Where would Bai Shubei be so attentive and considerate? Some time ago, Mengmeng was living with Lao San Bai Zhannan, and the little girl actually told him about Lin Wanqiu. Bai Zhannan had met Lin Wanqiu before and took it upon himself to prepare these things for him.

Gao He thought for a moment and seemed to understand: "Why would Gu Anning be angry for so long?"

Lin Wanqiu looked at the child's innocent face, feeling a bit bittersweet in her heart, and nodded in response: "Alright"

If Bai Shubei still had that aloof tone from before, Lin Wanqiu would be able to decisively refuse. However, this man is too strange at the moment, making her feel a chill down her spine

Bai Shubei remained silent, observing her reddened eyes and her submissive demeanor before him. The sense of satisfaction in his heart seemed to transform into something else. He did not have time to ponder it deeply and stepped forward to embrace her.

Lin Wanqiu frowned, increasingly feeling that this man was peculiar, and how did he know she would appear here at this time

Lin Wanqiu shrugged her shoulders and said with a helpless smile, "It's fine, it's not like I have to do this job; I can do other things."

Lin Wanqiu widened her eyes, as if a fire had suddenly ignited in her heart, and shook her head with a flushed face: "Aunt can sleep alone, the guest room will be fine."

Bai Shubei frowned, and seeing the child's eager expression, could only pick up the phone and put it to his ear: "It's me"

This time, she had no time to retreat; she could only stare at him in panic, her pair of bright eyes shimmering with tears, looking at him in confusion. Being too close, she could only see his long, trembling eyelashes, and his breath filled her entire palate

The object in Lin Wanqiu's hand fell to the floor with a thud, and then her lips were once again captured by him. She was not as resistant as before, but her body still seemed to be momentarily stiff. Bai Shubei's arms tightly encircled her, completely imprisoning her in his embrace

She stood beside him, a head shorter than he was, and at this moment, it seemed that even her presence was much diminished compared to his: "Mr. Bai, let us call the police."

Lin Wanqiu maintained a gentle smile as she picked up her handbag and stood up: "Thank you, General Manager Wu, for your appreciation, but I cannot bear the 'favor' you have shown; you have misjudged me."

He stiffly lowered his head, only able to see the dark little head buried in her arm. She did not speak, but her hands gripped him very tightly.

He glanced at her again after speaking: "Love at first sight"

Is that so? Then I have no choice but to make these photos public. Aaron, if a scandal breaks out, the company should be quite troubled. Lin Wanqiu pretended to get up, and the woman in front of her indeed darkened her expression.

How could I forget to give him a call? It is truly embarrassing to have him witness this scene. Every time I am at my most awkward, I always seem to run into him

Bai Shubei leaned over to unbuckle her seatbelt, the faint scent of men's perfume on him made her nervously press against the back of the seat

Last night ended with such a conversation, and at this moment, saying goodbye feels completely unnatural. Lin Wanqiu's expression was stiff: "What are you doing here?"

Lin Wanqiu was extremely frustrated with her own unremarkable behavior, yet she was utterly lacking in self-control in front of Bai Shubei. As soon as he showed her a hint of kindness, she completely lost her composure. She secretly told herself: Wake up, Lin Wanqiu, this man is not someone you can afford! After giving herself this psychological reminder, she opened the car door and followed him.

Lin Wanqiu was stunned, finding it somewhat hard to believe, as the man before her said... ? ... to date?

Lin Wanqiu bit her lip tightly, remaining silent, while Bai Shubei always knew how to exploit her weaknesses

Lin Wanqiu nodded hurriedly and said, "I can use it; there should be a manual inside"

She casually took the emergency contraceptive pill from the side and swallowed it dry. It is said that this medication can only be taken once a month, but she could no longer afford to think about that. She deleted the missed calls from her phone, forcing herself not to overthink, and retrieved the photos she had secretly taken today to copy them onto her computer

Look, the issues between them are self-evident. Even with Mengmeng mediating in between, nothing can change. A marriage without the blessing of love is destined to be a source of hurt

I am sorry, I took the wrong way. She hurriedly averted her gaze, anxious to run away

Bai Shubei held her cardboard box in his arms, his tall figure blending into the dark surroundings, his handsome features accentuated by the night, giving him a more profound and three-dimensional appearance, as he slightly raised his eyebrows and asked, "Are you just going to open the door without asking who it is?"

The agent then ceased to speak further, made a call to General Manager Wu, and ultimately the company took the initiative to issue an apology letter and provided corresponding compensation to the electronics store

We can start by dating, and we can talk about the future later. Bai Shubei gazed at the road ahead, his thin lips lightly uttering a phrase, then turned to look at her, saying, "Anyone can make promises, but I do not want to let you down"

Lin Wanqiu made a sound of acknowledgment, and then the two exchanged an awkward glance. She tightly clutched her handbag, her throat inexplicably tightening: "Then I will head up, drive carefully."

Lin Wanqiu suddenly raised her head, somewhat in disbelief, still holding her knees tightly without answering. How could it be him? She must be dreaming.

Lin Wanqiu gently stroked the child's head, her smile tinged with a hint of melancholy: "Auntie knows, Mengmeng, be good, can you go to sleep now?"

Lin Wanqiu's chest heaved violently as she pressed forcefully against the obstruction behind her, her fingers awkwardly reaching for the doorknob: "It's very late, you should go to sleep—"

Fearful of falling in, Bai Shubei is like an endless abyss; once one falls, there is no hope of return. She straightforwardly articulated the crux of the matter: "What about Miss Gu? If she returns, what will you do?"

She picked at her nails before looking straight at him and said, "I wasn't thinking about anything."

"Gu Anning's departure, is it related to you?" Gao He had almost envisioned a melodramatic plot in his mind, "You and Shu Bei... a one-night affair, caught by her, and then you got angry?"

Lin Wanqiu did not know how to react; she had never dreamed that one day the man she had secretly loved for many years would say such words to her. He said, "Do you want to try ...? ... liking her?"

She had rarely seen her father with such a serious expression, so she wisely kept her mouth shut and did not dare to speak much

Lin Wanqiu looked on, her heart had long since shattered into pieces

The underwear and panties are prominently displayed in the wardrobe, and although we have done the most intimate things together, there is still a sense of discomfort and shyness

Who made her fall deeply in love with this man

Lin Wanqiu thought that if it was for Mengmeng to accept her, it could indeed be justified, but Bai Shubei's transformation still left her feeling apprehensive and fearful

Aaron's agent paused for a moment before saying: "You know very well that President Wu is merely playing along; his target is you, and there is little I can do to help."

"Is it related to Gu Anning?" Gao He said, and Lin Wanqiu's face turned pale. She helplessly lowered her head, twisting her fingers, her voice barely above a whisper: "You know Miss Gu too."

Mengmeng exerted effort to hold a photo album, and with a thud, placed it on the mattress. She took off her shoes and climbed onto the bed, smiling as she looked at her: "Auntie, let me show you my childhood photos"

Bai Shubei, seeing her look of confusion and unease, felt even more pleased. He reached out to hold the back of her head and suddenly kissed her.

"I don't want to go anywhere." The little girl pouted, genuinely unhappy. Then her gaze fell on Bai Shubei beside her, and with a quick thought, she said, "I'm angry, don't talk to Auntie, Auntie quickly think of a way to coax me."

The man in front of her glared at her fiercely, then kicked the wooden chair in front of him aside. His voice suddenly rose: "If you can't afford it, then don't do business. If you can't even make money, hurry up and close the door. Brothers, help her out."

Mengmeng hugged her arms and laughed out loud with her eyes full of happiness: "Aunt, it would be great if we could do this every day in the future"

Lin Wanqiu did not continue speaking, and Gao He did not want to pressure her either. He gently comforted her, saying: "Who hasn't made mistakes? Moreover, I believe you did not do it intentionally. Even if you did something wrong, Bai Shubei treated you this way... you have long since paid the price, Wanqiu. You know he has always had someone else in his heart. Be rational; he is not your true match."

She could only feel her unsteady breath, as if it had been magnified countless times. Hesitantly, she raised her hand, inching closer to him. His firm muscles and strong shoulders brought an indescribable sense of satisfaction when her fingertips touched them. This was Bai Shubei, the man she had secretly admired for many years, and she could actually embrace him so intimately.

Lin Wanqiu unexpectedly glanced at her. She was a woman just over thirty, and beneath her exquisite makeup, one could faintly discern traces of hardship. She was acutely aware of the pain of struggling at the bottom of society, yet she found it impossible to abandon her principles once again

Lin Wanqiu tightly gripped her palm, hiding behind the cash register, while her other hand clutched her phone anxiously, preparing to dial 110. One of the men strode across the table and stepped in front of her, snatching her phone and smashing it against the wall, his eyes nearly bursting with fury: "Calling the police? Do you think the police will care?" The person in front of her was arrogant and domineering, speaking with a hint of reckless abandon.

Lin Wanqiu was taken aback, her body was easily lifted and thrown onto the bed. The bed was very soft, causing her to sink in and experience a brief sense of dizziness, followed by his heavy body pressing down on her.

There is a man willing to stand in front of her, there is a man willing to provide her with support

After he finished speaking, he turned and left. Lin Wanqiu secretly breathed a sigh of relief, as Bai Shubei was indeed not as resistant to getting close to Mengmeng now.

Bai Shubei strangely fell silent, with only their faint breaths remaining in the phone. Lin Wanqiu was unsure if she had said something wrong, but she had lost the desire to think it over. She simply said, "I have things to do, I will hang up."

Gaohe felt her emotions visibly plummeting, her hands on the steering wheel suddenly tightening, nodding calmly: "Anyone familiar with Shubei knows Gu Anning. Anning is a literary soldier, and she met Shubei during a literary performance."

The man's handsome brows and eyes sparkled with brilliant starlight, making her increasingly captivated. Thinking of Mengmeng, recalling the warmth he had unintentionally given her, she knew all too well that none of this truly belonged to her, and perhaps one day she would realize it was all just a dream, yet she still could not help herself, still wanted to—

This house is about to be demolished and cannot be lived in any longer. The housing prices in Rongcheng are not low. If she rents a place by herself, she will have to bear a significant amount of rent. It would be better to use that money to start a small business, rent a larger storefront, and perhaps by making do, she could save on accommodation costs.

Lin Wanqiu didn't know the background of these people in front of her. She just vaguely felt that they were not ordinary "thugs" collecting protection fees. If they were really just after money, scaring them a little would be enough. They wouldn't actually smash the store.

Some feelings had originally been growing deep within her heart, and attempting to sever them abruptly only resulted in Bai Shubei igniting another flame, causing those gradually extinguished embers to suddenly come back to life

Coming out with the door, I happened to run into Bai Shubei in the hallway. Lin Wanqiu stood at the door and looked back at him nervously, asking, "Um, which room am I sleeping in?"

Lin Wanqiu knew that he had a serious obsession with cleanliness, probably because he was disgusted by the sweat he had worked up earlier

She had no time to speak, as her body was suddenly embraced by him and spun around, her back pressed against the door panel, and the bedroom door clicked shut with a lock.

The year she was pregnant with Mengmeng, although Bai Shubei never went to see her even once, it is likely that he was aware of these matters.

Lin Wanqiu was taken aback and quickly shook her head: "No, that's not it, that's not how it is"

Tossing and turning all night, it feels as if there is a restless little rabbit stirring within my heart, causing my chest to flutter with anxiety

Bai Shu Bei furrowed his brow in suspicion and said, "Why does your complexion look so poor?"

It is already quite late," she stammered in refusal, cautiously glancing at his expression, "maybe next time.

His expression was calm, revealing no signs of joy or anger, and a pair of sharp, eagle-like eyes fixed on her directly: "What do you want to eat?"

Mengmeng happily spread the album in front of her, and Lin Wanqiu looked at the little ones on it, her heart being gripped tighter and tighter by an invisible force

Lin Wanqiu cautiously raised her hand and slowly untied the belt of his bathrobe

Lin Wanqiu was lost in thought, yet felt no drowsiness at all, until the rolling shutter door was knocked on again, causing her heart to contract sharply as if it were being tightly squeezed by someone.

Gao He left her at the bottom of the apartment building, and Lin Wanqiu waited for his car to drive away before she exited the community and crossed the street. There was a pharmacy across the road, and this time she was wise enough not to need a reminder.

Do not rush to reject me, you can observe my performance

Lin Wanqiu breathed heavily as she gazed at him. He gently stroked her soft black hair and whispered softly on her lips: "Good night, don't open the door recklessly, next time it may not be me."

Lin Wanqiu paused for a moment, only to hear Bai Shubei's monotonous and mechanical voice slowly resound: "Mengmeng is angry and wants you to take her to the movies"

She called a few familiar colleagues, but their attitudes were somewhat evasive. Lin Wanqiu did not initially sense anything amiss until she had called three people in a row, and their responses were all filled with perfunctory pleasantries.

Lin Wanqiu's face was flushed, her delicate nose was reddened from holding her breath. Bai Shubei gently brushed her hair and leaned down to press against her tender lips: "Good night"

Although no frontal photos of Aaron and that woman were captured, their profiles and body shapes are still recognizable, confirming that it is indeed him. Moreover, the previously captured passionate and fiery kissing scenes are already sensational enough; even without her involvement, the media would automatically uncover related information.

He never even considered this; he simply listened to Mengmeng's words and felt that a gentle approach was indeed necessary. However, this woman is truly too good at dampening the mood

Lin Wanqiu opened the shopping bag and took a casual glance. Inside, there was a pepper spray, an electric baton, and several other items she had not seen before, all neatly packaged in boxes. Her heart suddenly felt heavy, as if what she held in her hands were not mere tools, but rather a branding iron, weighing heavily and frighteningly hot.

She cannot speak to anyone about her matters with Mengmeng, and can only carefully respond to Gao He: "I have made some mistakes in the past, and... I have also hurt Mr. Bai."

Lin Wanqiu was taken aback: "Haven't you heard the story of the little horse crossing the river when you were a child? Isn't this a fairy tale that every child should have heard?"

Lin Wanqiu was so shocked that she took several steps back, looking just like a panicked little white rabbit.

Lin Wanqiu awkwardly tugged at the corner of her mouth, feeling a bit apologetic when she saw the cardboard box in his arms. "Sorry, I forgot."

There are several universities in the vicinity, and many female students tend to eat very little for dinner in order to lose weight. Surprisingly, her small shop has become quite prosperous.

It has been six years; what could possibly be so significant that it would cause her to harbor such lingering feelings for so long? Moreover, there has been no news during this time. Gu Anning understands a bit about her; this woman is not that complicated. When she met Shubei, she was quite young, always appearing innocent and naive, unlike a woman who is overly sentimental and troublesome.

Mengmeng sat on the stool, holding her little rabbit in her arms, her pair of eyes nervously watching Lin Wanqiu and Bai Shubei

When an opportunity to be with him presents itself, her hesitation and panic are entirely understandable

Lin Wanqiu changed into her slippers and sat on the shoe cabinet at the door, lost in thought. She rubbed her cheeks vigorously and muttered to herself: "You must not believe it, you must not believe it, Lin Wanqiu, show some dignity. If someone pursues you, agreeing is too lacking in self-respect."

Mengmeng stuck out her tongue and, just before going to sleep, uncertainly asked, "Will my aunt sneak away quietly when I get up tomorrow morning?"

With a sullen expression, he abruptly pulled the woman on the ground up: "Let's go back to the car with Mengmeng."

Mengmeng listened to her and asked seriously with her head tilted: "So Auntie and Dad are getting married, and after they get married, I will have to call you Mom, and also, we can be together every day."

She thought it was the street leader coming to do ideological work. As soon as she opened the door, she said, "I found the house--"

Bai Shubei could not help but begin to speculate what this woman was really up to, why she had to be so indirect. Was she still hesitating between him and Gao He?

Lin Wanqiu got so busy that she forgot about Baishu North's existence. He seemed busy too and never looked for her. He did call her once in the middle, but Lin Wanqiu was busy at the time and didn't pay much attention when she answered. Her tone was not very gentle and even carried some impatience: "Who?"

Gao He drove Lin Wanqiu home, but the atmosphere in the car was heavy and oppressive, with no one speaking. Lin Wanqiu kept her face slightly turned to the window, gazing at the scenery outside, lost in her thoughts.

Lin Wanqiu couldn't control herself for a moment. She reached out and forcefully pulled the thin body of her child into her arms. This was her daughter, the child she had carried for ten months and gave birth to with great difficulty. How could she bear to leave her back then?

In front of Gu Anning, she resembled an ugly duckling, as there was a significant disparity between them, and her relationship with Bai Shubei had originated from such an unfortunate incident

Lin Wanqiu was taken aback, realizing that someone else had taken over the call. After a moment of silence, she directly said: "Mengmeng has fallen asleep, so I will hang up now"

Lin Wanqiu silently hung up the phone, why must she humiliate herself? This was originally just her one-woman show; she would always be an insignificant supporting character. Being too immersed in the role would only lead to a more painful fall

Bai Shubei did not come out, and Lin Wanqiu did not want to disturb him. She took Mengmeng to the bathroom for a hot shower, helped dry the child's hair, and told her stories. Everything seemed to return to three years ago, to those three months spent together with Mengmeng.

Bai Shubei listened for a while and couldn't help but let out a low laugh: "Can the height of a horse and a squirrel be the same? Then why is the horse so foolish?"

Lin Wanqiu was speechless, her expression slightly awkward: "Mengmeng—"

Indeed, after this group of people settled down, one of the men dressed in a black leather jacket directly stated his intention: "When doing business here, why not ask us? Have you paid the security fee?"

She spoke as she handed the phone to Bai Shubei, covering her small mouth and whispering in his ear: "I want to watch a movie with my aunt."

The next day, Lin Wanqiu still got up early and busied herself as usual. Business was generally good between 7 and 11 in the morning, and only after finishing her tasks did she find the time to call Mengmeng.

As soon as the words fell, the door was knocked on, startling Lin Wanqiu. She looked out through the peephole, but it was pitch black, and she could see nothing. The motion-sensor light in the corridor had not been replaced, and the demolition office had already issued the final notice, stating that she must move out within one month

Her heart still inevitably ached a little, as she silently lowered her head and replied softly, "Miss Gu is very beautiful, they are a perfect match." How much courage does it take to say such words

Lin Wanqiu was very clear, clearer than anyone else about this fact, but if emotions could truly be as freely controlled as flowing water, then the word "fool" would no longer exist in this world

"Aunt, why are you crying?" Mengmeng stared wide-eyed in astonishment, fixating on Lin Wanqiu, her small hands anxiously wiping away her tears

Lin Wanqiu was walking towards the subway station, holding a cardboard box filled with her belongings. Just after taking a few steps, a black SUV suddenly stopped in front of her. The window rolled down, revealing the handsome face of Bai Shubei, with sharp features.

Lin Wanqiu was even more certain that the person outside the door was not a good one. Countless thoughts raced through her mind; perhaps President Wu could not swallow his pride, or maybe it was a thug. In any case, she absolutely could not open the door

Bai Shubei frowned, feeling somewhat impatient in his heart. Mengmeng had been calling him to complain, saying that Lin Wanqiu had not been visiting her as often as before, and that there had been several instances of her breaking promises, which had never happened before.

Bai Shubei turned around to prepare to get into the car, and out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of the cardboard box in the back seat. This woman really is quite forgetful.

Where to sleep

Standing in front of the company building, the bright sunlight is hidden behind thin clouds, a gentle breeze brushes against the face, and everywhere is filled with vibrant vitality

This shop was entirely built by her own efforts. Although it is small and the money earned is looked down upon by Bai Shubei, it has given her hope and filled her with confidence for the future

Lin Wanqiu listened, slowly swallowing the words that were stuck in her throat. Bai Shubei's tone was filled with indulgence, yet there remained an air of superiority in his speech.

A few days after Bai Shubei did not contact her, Mengmeng would call her every night, during which he revealed that he was very busy with work and constantly complained about being a child who was not cared for.

He had asked Lin Wanqiu this question before, and it was evident that Lin Wanqiu was unwilling to elaborate. However, the more she refrained from speaking, the more he became concerned. What kind of relationship could be so deeply concealed? Moreover, it was clear that Bai Shubei's disdain and prejudice towards her were related to past events.

Lin Wanqiu was still hesitating, while Bai Shubei did not wait for her response and directly walked into the private room to get her bag. Lin Wanqiu hurriedly chased after him, blocking his way with a head full of sweat: "I can do it myself."

The next day, Lin Wanqiu returned to the company. Aaron's agent, upon seeing these photos, was indeed flustered, sitting behind the desk and glaring at her: "What do you want?"

Mengmeng dragged her to sit on the bed, the mattress was very soft, and sitting on it felt as if she had sunk into cotton. Lin Wanqiu had a sense of being out of place here

He had a faint taste of red wine in his mouth, sweet and cloying, which made her somewhat forgetful.

Without waiting for her reaction, Baishu Bei opened the car door directly, took the things from her arms and stuffed them into the back seat, and then held her with one hand, saying, "Get in the car first, we can't park here."

Bai Shubei occasionally glanced at the little one and noticed that the little girl always had a smile at the corners of her mouth. He could not understand what was so joyful about this topic. However, Mengmeng was indeed very happy, and in the end, she tilted her head to listen to Lin Wanqiu tell stories until she fell into a drowsy sleep.

Bai Shubei directly took Lin Wanqiu back home. Previously, only he, Mengmeng, and Aunt Cheng lived here. Aunt Cheng has now returned to her hometown, leaving only him and Mengmeng.

Mr. Wu's face showed a hint of embarrassment, yet he did not further trouble her. In the end, he surprisingly even supplemented Lin Wanqiu's salary for three additional months, displaying an unusually courteous attitude

Lin Wanqiu explained with a smile, "Auntie was wrong. How about I take you to play this weekend? Where does Mengmeng want to go this time?"

After a moment of contemplation, Gao He couldn't help but speak up: "What's the deal between you and Shubei?"

Mengmeng tucked her little head back under the quilt, and after a while, she suddenly sat up, her eyes sparkling in the warm yellow glow as she gazed at Lin Wanqiu: "Auntie, are you going to sleep with Dad later?"

Mengmeng pouted with disappointment: "Auntie is so silly, she didn't know how to seize such a good opportunity to sleep with dad and act coquettishly towards him."

Lin Wanqiu hesitated, as Bai Shubei had just a "dark history". Even though he performed well tonight, she still felt a bit afraid. What if he were to force himself again? She truly had no way to deal with it, and she had just witnessed how great the disparity in strength between them was.

Those cases of home invasion and rape in the social edition keep replaying in her mind, but there is no way, no matter how scared she is, she can only endure it alone.

Moreover, she has already been approached privately by individuals from other entertainment companies, so she is not concerned about work matters

Just as someone entered the store, Lin Wanqiu had no time to think further and had to put down her phone to continue attending to the business

What he said is not entirely false; his entanglement with Lin Wanqiu during this period has sparked some interest and possessiveness towards this woman. In his heart, Mengmeng will always be the first priority, so for the sake of Mengmeng, Lin Wanqiu is the best choice.

Lin Wanqiu spent her childhood helping her father run a congee shop. Other business ventures had too high costs, and she did not have enough money to invest. Opening a congee shop was just right; she could rent a small storefront in a lane concentrated with snack shops, and the rent should not be too high

Bai Shubei stood by with his arms crossed, showing no signs of discomfort. Lin Wanqiu whispered a reminder: "... I need to change my clothes"

The night returns to tranquility

She does not want to rely on Bai Shubei, or rather, she wants to impress him with her own strength. She has already led him to misunderstand that she is overly fond of wealth, and now she truly cannot depend on him without reason.

When Mengmeng left her, she had not even weaned her from breastfeeding. The image of the frail and small figure was deeply etched in her mind. At that time, Bai Shubei was not present; it was merely the Bai family's driver who personally came to take the child away.

She held him tightly, making it almost impossible for him to move. Bai Shubei had no choice but to grasp the back of her head and gaze intently at her: "This time I won't force you, Lin Wanqiu, I want you, will you give in?"

Bai Shubei observed her refusal, his brows furrowing even tighter, a hint of impatience stirring within him, yet he still restrained himself and nodded lightly: "Alright, if you need my assistance, just speak up."

Bai Shubei did not know why, at this moment, his heart was filled with a strange current, very comfortable and very satisfying. He hesitated and raised his hand to hold her shoulder, waiting for her to look up, and then he whispered: "Leave this matter to me, do not worry."

Lin Wanqiu expressed surprise at Mengmeng's precocious words. Bai Shubei was rarely at home, and only Cheng Ma was there to take care of the child. The elderly tended to spoil the child excessively, taking good care of their daily needs, but they paid little attention to ideological education.