Chapter 15

Luo Yihuan leaned forward, her shadow falling across one side of Jiang Li’s cheek. In a low, cool voice, she said, “Didn’t you just say that only you can make me happy?”

Those impulsive words Jiang Li had blurted out moments ago were now being repeated back to her by their recipient. A flush rapidly spread across Jiang Li’s face, turning red all the way to the tips of her ears.

Gazing into the deep eyes fixed intently on her—eyes that had always seemed coldly profound but now held a serious undercurrent—Jiang Li sensed that Luo Yihuan wasn’t treating it as idle chatter. To her, those words truly mattered.

Jiang Li’s shallow breaths brushed against her neck, carrying a tingling itch that swept across Luo Yihuan’s heart like soft feathers, leaving it restless.

Jiang Li’s delicate features were stunning. Her eyelashes trembled lightly with each breath, and when she lowered her gaze, she looked almost pitifully vulnerable.

Stared at by those eyes, Jiang Li couldn’t help feeling a pang of inexplicable guilt.

It was as if failing to make good on those words would leave her with an inescapable sense of shame every time she saw Luo Yihuan from then on.

After speaking them, the initial shyness in Jiang Li’s heart had quietly shifted when Luo Yihuan treated her words like a promise—or even a vow—transforming into a new emotion: genuine care.

Before this, Jiang Li had been avoiding or deliberately ignoring the flirtatious lines suggested by 123. Whether it was “the love preserved in formalin” or “protecting your world for you alone,” those felt far too advanced for her current relationship with Luo Yihuan.

Precisely because she saw them as too forward, Jiang Li had assumed they wouldn’t be taken seriously—like mere jokes.

But Luo Yihuan’s reaction told her otherwise.

She had taken those words to heart and hadn’t dismissed them as absurd.

Jiang Li bowed her head for a moment, lost in thought. Then she lifted her gaze, meeting Luo Yihuan’s trembling eyes directly. With utmost seriousness and clarity, she replied, “Yes. I will definitely make it happen.”

In an instant, the sky seemed to brighten. A brilliant smile broke across Luo Yihuan’s face, unobscured by the clouds, and Jiang Li felt momentarily dazed.

Even as she tried to suppress it, the dimples in her cheeks appeared anyway. Jiang Li watched as Luo Yihuan smiled happily.

This meant they were good friends now, right?

“Mm. I will find your happiness and protect it all the way.”

Luo Yihuan’s smile faded slightly as she looked at the earnest Jiang Li in front of her. She wasn’t just saying this to rile her up—Jiang Li truly believed it.

With a half-smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes, Luo Yihuan repeated Jiang Li’s words back to her. “I… find my happiness?”

Jiang Li blinked in confusion. “What’s wrong? Do you want me to find it for you?”

She pondered for a moment, then sized up Luo Yihuan’s figure and appearance with a troubled frown. “But I don’t have anyone around me who’s a good match for you.”

For the first time in her life, Luo Yihuan was left speechless by her own words thrown back at her.

Watching as Jiang Li actually lowered her head and began seriously considering potential partners for her, Luo Yihuan’s expression darkened like ink. Her jaw tightened as she emphasized to Jiang Li, “I like women.”

Jiang Li nodded. Of course she knew—hadn’t Luo Yihuan just told Su Yize that? Her memory was fine.

“I know. That’s why I was just thinking of girls.”

Though Jiang Li’s friends before entering this task had all been single ladies, she’d never eaten pork but had seen pigs running around. When finding a partner, you naturally went for someone you liked.

A flicker of shadow passed through Luo Yihuan’s eyes. As a general manager of many years, she could mask her expressions in the business world in the blink of an eye.

But now, she wasn’t sure if the woman in front of her was playing dumb.

She’d made it so obvious.

Those lively eyes spun innocently, filled with confusion as they looked at her. Luo Yihuan clenched her palm, feeling a dull frustration toward herself deep in her heart.

She wanted to press the issue until she got a straight answer, but she feared it might not be the one she hoped for.

In the end, Luo Yihuan just extended a fingertip and gently pushed against Jiang Li’s fair forehead. In a soft murmur, she said, “You…”

Jiang Li’s forehead yielded obediently to the touch, tilting back. She stared blankly at the owner of those fingers.

The fine, smooth texture transmitted through her fingertips. In the end, Luo Yihuan only lightly brushed over the spot on her skin where her lips had kissed it earlier, her gaze fixed unblinkingly on the mark she’d left.

Her eyes were deep and restrained.

“Let’s go. Time’s about up—we should head out.”

She withdrew her hand, curling the fingers that had touched Jiang Li’s skin against her palm. Luo Yihuan smiled faintly and turned away.

Jiang Li paused for a second before snapping back to reality. With curved eyes, she nodded, and the two walked side by side back to the orphanage.

When they returned to the orphanage grounds, everything was quiet. Wen Li stood alone on the walkway.

Seeing Luo Yihuan and Jiang Li approaching together, a flash of surprise crossed Wen Li’s mind, but her face remained impassive. She simply waited in place.

Luo Yihuan spoke first, her voice as coolly detached as ever to Jiang Li’s ears. “Everything taken care of?”

Wen Li nodded. “Yes. The supplies have all been distributed to the kids. And as you instructed, I’ve left my contact info—they can reach me anytime if needed.”

Luo Yihuan asked a few more questions. Noticing Jiang Li glancing at Wen Li as if she wanted to say something, she instructed, “Send Jiang Li the director’s contact information later.”

Without asking why, Wen Li agreed.

A delighted expression flashed across Jiang Li’s face. She was about to speak when she saw the two still talking and held back, waiting quietly.

Once Luo Yihuan and Wen Li had wrapped up and were preparing to drive off, Wen Li went aside to call the driver over. Seizing the moment, Jiang Li tugged at Luo Yihuan’s sleeve.

“How did you know I wanted to ask Wen Li for the director’s contact info?”

Jiang Li’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. Luo Yihuan looked at her, a faint, imperceptible amusement tinged with helplessness in her gaze.

“Didn’t you just tell me you want your aunt and uncle to adopt Zhu Yi? Everyone at the orphanage is resting now—where were you planning to find the director?”

Jiang Li sheepishly released Luo Yihuan’s sleeve, feeling her cheeks heat up.

Right, those were words she’d said to Luo Yihuan just now.

Suddenly, 123 chimed in after a long silence: 【Fools point fingers at fools, but the biggest fool keeps quiet.】

Jiang Li would feel embarrassed firing back at Luo Yihuan directly, but she had no such qualms with the system.

Thinking 123 was calling her a fool, Jiang Li retorted: “Second from the bottom doesn’t out the very bottom.”

Reminded of that dark history, 123 didn’t argue and just huffed at her before going silent again.

They got into the car. Wen Li turned her head to ask Luo Yihuan in the back seat, “Chairwoman Luo, should we—”

“Take Jiang Li home first.”

Jiang Li sat on one side, checking work messages and replying to them one by one. Suddenly hearing her name come up, she quickly interjected, “Whatever’s convenient for you guys works for me.”

Luo Yihuan gave a soft “mm” of acknowledgment, signaling Wen Li to drive.

Turning to Jiang Li, a hint of apology flickered in her eyes. “Sorry. All things considered, I should treat you to dinner today.”

Jiang Li shook her head, her eyes sparkling with a smile. “No worries. Next time we get the chance, we can eat together. You go ahead and take care of business.”

She paused, eyeing Luo Yihuan’s lowered lids as if lost in thought. Worried she might actually squeeze out time for her, Jiang Li hurriedly added, “Next time, really. I still need to talk to my aunt and uncle about Zhu Yi today anyway.”

At that, the fingertips that had been tapping slowly against Luo Yihuan’s thigh finally stilled. A trace of regret flashed in her eyes as she played along. “Too bad.”

The car fell quiet for a moment. Jiang Li leaned back in her seat, watching the scenery slide past the window. The sunlight warmed her face, lulling her into drowsiness.

Luo Yihuan pulled out a blanket and handed it over—it was a new one she’d added recently, and it was already coming in handy.

“Rest for a bit. I’ll wake you when we get there.”

She draped it gently over Jiang Li’s legs. Luo Yihuan’s voice was low and husky with warmth, like a soothing lullaby that eased the heart.

The black Maybach gradually drove away. Another car remained parked in place, watching silently.

The driver in the front seat had received no orders and sat there trembling, afraid to move. Sweat beaded on the hands gripping the steering wheel.

When his boss had gotten in earlier, his face had been as cold as if they’d entered an ice cave. That gloomy glare when he noticed the driver looking back had nearly made him shudder.

Silence filled the car. The driver’s stiff posture was starting to ache after so long, but he didn’t dare budge.

The numbness spread through his muscles. Unable to hold out, he shifted his foot ever so slightly.

It still made a sound.

Before the chilling gaze could land on his quivering back, the phone in the back seat rang first. After a rustle of clothing, a low voice answered from the rear.

The driver let out a long breath, his palms slick with sweat.

He made no sound, listening quietly as his boss conversed. The voice rose and fell, and his boss’s emotions fluctuated with the long silences.

The person on the line analyzed in detail. Su Yize furrowed his brow deeply, listening patiently. The further along it went, the more excitement gleamed in his eyes.

This was a flawless plan.

But regarding one key detail, Su Yize pointed out, “Luo Corporation will surely counter whatever we do. With just the two of us joining forces, can we handle it?”

The voice on the other end fell silent for a moment, then let out a sinister chuckle that sent chills down the spine. Su Yize frowned and cut in.

The response was just two curt words: “Luo Qing.”

It hit him like a revelation. Su Yize instantly grasped the plan’s crux.

A sharp glint flashed in his eyes. With Luo Qing factored into that key point, he could already envision their victory.

Luo Qing, the marketing director. No matter what countermeasure Luo Corporation devised, it had to pass through her before reaching Luo Yihuan.

If they could persuade Luo Qing—or leverage something to bring her to their side—then success was all but assured.

The voice on the line ordered coldly, “I’ve shown you the path. Don’t disappoint me with the rest, including getting Luo Qing on board, President Su.”

Irritated by the commanding tone, Su Yize wasn’t some saintly businessman. He shot back instantly, “Oh? Disappoint you? If Luo Qing’s my job to pull in, what use are you to me anyway?”

The other party clearly knew his nature and scoffed. “President Su, you’d best not do anything too stupid. I could still cancel that big new deal for the Su family.”

Threatening me.

His expression hardened. He already knew the caller’s identity from the start. Su Yize’s grip tightened on the phone, cold fury blazing in his eyes.

Those who achieve great things must endure.

Su Yize replied coldly, “Just don’t forget what you promised.” He hung up and tossed the phone aside.

It rolled a few times before thudding onto the seat.

The back went quiet. The driver trembled and shifted slightly, glancing into the rearview mirror—only to meet those sinister eyes.

His body froze, not daring to move.

Su Yize closed his eyes. “Drive. Back to the company.”

The driver stammered agreement and quickly started the engine, pulling away without delay.

The car merged into traffic, crossing half the city as the views outside shifted from unfamiliar to familiar.

“Jiang Li, we’re home.”

After parking by the roadside for a bit, Jiang Li was still sleeping soundly. Luo Yihuan gazed regretfully at her sleeping face—she had to go.

Her round eyes looked adorably obedient when closed. Her nose was pert, wrinkling cutely with little expressions. Her lips pouted slightly in sleep, as if begging for a kiss.

Amused by her own thoughts, Luo Yihuan reached out gently. Her fingertip trailed from Jiang Li’s forehead along her brow, brushing her eye corner, then carefully poked at the corner of her mouth.

That spot usually dimpled into a cute little pear hollow when she smiled.

Up front, Wen Li impassively silenced another call. This was the fifth urging from the board members she couldn’t afford to offend—one wrong move and she’d get an earful.

But seeing Luo Yihuan in the rearview mirror, caressing Jiang Li’s face like a child savoring a beloved candy, Wen Li knew interrupting now would be like destroying her last shield.

Her fingers flew across the screen, firing off a few messages. Once she’d replied via WeChat, the calls stopped for the moment.

She listened to the soft calling from the back seat—like gentle water, utterly unlike Luo Yihuan’s usual tone. It was like a spring breeze in April, soothing the soul.

What drove Wen Li to the brink was that no one woke someone up with that voice! Chairwoman Luo! She didn’t dare demand the usual icy tone you used on them, but at least speak up! This whispering—were you flirting right in front of her?

Finally, the intermittent whispers by her ear got a response. Jiang Li’s hand clutching the blanket tightened slowly as she opened her eyes.

Her head had been tilted too long and felt sore. Jiang Li twisted her neck gently, covering her mouth as she yawned. Her eyes shimmered with sleepy moisture, her mind still foggy.

Turning her head, she saw Luo Yihuan seated at a distance on the other side. Her yawning hand paused. Twisting around a bit, Jiang Li realized where she was.

Her cheeks warmed. Covering her face, she felt embarrassed for a moment. But then she remembered they’d arrived, and Luo Yihuan had a meeting to rush to.

She lifted her face quickly, still tinged with shyness. “Did I sleep too long? Sorry about that.”

Amusement flickered in Luo Yihuan’s eyes. She shook her head. “No problem. Some board members haven’t arrived yet—plenty of time.”

Some board members hadn’t arrived? Out of professional habit, Wen Li mentally ran through today’s attendees. After counting, her eyelids drooped.

Ah, right—some board members weren’t there yet. And the one in the back seat? Her shares alone outweighed a dozen or so of those blustering old fossils.

Her posture straightened unconsciously. She was just creating a good environment for the company’s biggest shareholder—what was there to fear?

Jiang Li folded the blanket from the back seat neatly and set it beside her. The little pear dimples at her mouth corners emerged slowly, soft and sweet like strawberry cotton candy.

Luo Yihuan could still feel the texture from poking it earlier—yielding so softly, with a sweet scent inside.

“Alright, you head to your meeting. I’ll go home now.”

Jiang Li’s eyes curved into laughing crescent moons, her voice drawn out sweetly and soft, effortlessly melting into one’s heart.

Luo Yihuan nodded, watching as she opened the door and stepped out. Leaning back in through the window to say goodbye, she revealed a straight line of collarbone leading to her delicate shoulder.

Mimicking Jiang Li, Luo Yihuan raised her hand and waved farewell. She smiled radiantly, her tone gentle as rippling water, slowly seeping into the heart.

Wen Li quietly turned up the music in her earbuds. Some sweetness wasn’t meant for her ears.

Once Jiang Li’s figure receded into the distance, Luo Yihuan withdrew her gaze, lingering on Wen Li for a second. “Drive.”

Alright—back to the familiar Chairwoman Luo. Same tone, same cool detachment.

The roadside car merged onto the main road. Jiang Li’s steps halted as she walked.

Turning around, she watched the departing vehicle with hesitation before lifting her hand to pinch her cheek.

She wasn’t sure if it was her imagination, but it felt like a spot on her face had been pinched. She hadn’t noticed right after waking, but now fully alert, a faint ache lingered.

She hadn’t slept pressed against that side of her face in the car, so why did it hurt there?

Pinching it herself, Jiang Li had her answer.

While she slept, Luo Yihuan had snuck a pinch of her cheek. She must really like her face.

A secret thrill bubbled up in Jiang Li’s heart. She was a face-connoisseur, instantly smitten with Luo Yihuan’s beauty from their first meeting.

Now that Luo Yihuan liked her face too, perfect—she could return the favor next time!

Still, Jiang Li hesitated, her fingertip lightly brushing her forehead where that warm, soft kiss had landed. A question flickered in her mind.

Did good friends kiss foreheads?

Her previous friends never had.

But thinking it was Luo Yihuan who’d done it, Jiang Li figured it wasn’t so bad.

A smile tugged at her lips, her eyes shining brightly like the warm sunlight bathing her at that moment—beautiful, like a dream.