Chapter 42: The Choice (6)

Lu Yuan’s eyes cooled, a flash of hurt emotion passing through them. The expression on her face gradually stiffened. After a few seconds of frozen movement, she recovered her original smile and said as usual, “Yes, Cousin has that kind of personality. Her thoughts are deeper than most people’s. Even when she likes someone, she keeps it hidden in her heart and doesn’t let others know.”

Hmph, you don’t need to tell me that. I already know.

Bai Xirou fiddled with the small gift box in her hand, unable to hide the smile on her cheeks, as if some treasure was hidden inside.

Lu Yuan’s clear eyes stared straight at Bai Xirou, her hands nervously twisting together. She probed, “Xirou-jie, are you really that happy being with Cousin? More than anyone, I hope you’ll be happy, Sister.”

Her gaze flickered away, and she hastily added in self-deprecation, “You saved me and helped me before, teaching me about being a manager and a lot about how to conduct myself in the world. Xirou-jie, I’ve always been grateful to you. I don’t mean anything else by this. I just… want to know Cousin’s true feelings. I don’t think you two are a good match.”

Bai Xirou had already seen through Lu Yuan’s intentions. She had no fondness for Lu Yuan to begin with, and after confirming that she and Lu Zhiyu truly liked each other, she didn’t bother hiding it.

She indirectly refused, “Xiaoyuan, no one else has ever given me this feeling that it has to be her. Not even Xiao Xi—my feelings for her were more friendship and guilt than love.”

Bai Xirou ruffled the top of Lu Yuan’s head, her voice laced with laughter as she said, “Lu Zhiyu is the most special person I’ve ever met. From the moment she entered my sight, I remembered her firmly. She often floats into my mind, unforgettable. I’m certain now—I fell in love with her at first sight. It was just my inner hesitation that clouded my judgment.”

Lu Yuan seemed struck, her disappointment plain on her face. She poked at the fabric in her palm with her fingers while forcing a smile. “Xirou-jie, Cousin made things so difficult for you back then. I never imagined you’d actually end up together. But I sincerely wish you both well. I’ll keep this a secret for you. I won’t breathe a word in front of Yueze-ge.”

She lifted her eyes to Bai Xirou again, as if having made a decision. “Xirou-jie, Cousin and I set up a party for you in the restaurant’s conference room to celebrate your one-year debut anniversary. Don’t leave right after dinner.”

Bai Xirou hummed in acknowledgment. As she brushed past Lu Yuan, she shed her gentle big-sister facade, her face full of impatience. What was supposed to be a perfect birthday was ruined by this annoying third wheel.

Her gaze swept the hall, searching for Lu Zhiyu’s position. With a confident smile, convinced of her irresistible charm, she straightened her shoulder-length curls, swayed her graceful waist lightly, and walked with elegant steps. Her high heels clicked softly against the floor.

The table was empty, save for half-eaten dishes still steaming.

Bai Xirou felt a surge of boredom. She mussed up her long hair, and her phone buzzed with a notification.

Her eyes narrowed as she opened the message. It was from Lu Zhiyu.

“We’re discussing the contract renewal with Lu Yuan. Go to this address first—we’ll be there soon.”

The address in the message was for an apartment specializing in custom private parties.

Bai Xirou glanced at the time and set her phone on the dining table. She leaned back in the soft chair. Soon, a call came in.

She looked around. The booth’s privacy was decent, so she answered and whispered irritably, “Han Yue, what are you up to now? I told you, you don’t need to meddle in my affairs! Call back your brothers investigating Du Yueze’s smuggling operations. Last time, it was your brothers’ fake intel that had us staking out the wrong spot. We came up empty and lost a few of our own.”

The man’s anxious voice urged from the other end, “Xiaorou, I’m really worried about your safety. The Dragon City Smuggling Case is cracked, but you shouldn’t stay in S City anymore. The forces behind Du Yueze run deep—they’re connected to provincial officials who protect each other. We can’t touch them. Comrade Xia Xi’s sacrifice pains me too, but you’re the backbone of the provincial police bureau. If anything happens to you, no one will take over this case!”

“Don’t mention that name so casually in front of me anymore.”

Bai Xirou’s expression changed abruptly, her eyes turning cold for a moment. Then a deep, inscrutable arc hooked at her lips. “I have an important person here, and she’s waiting for me to save her too. I don’t want to see a second Xiao Xi die in front of me.”

Her tone shifted to casual. “Once this identity is used up, I’ll discard it. Don’t worry—I won’t die that easily. And now, I’m something of a public figure, aren’t I?”

“You’re really planning to…”

Click.

Bai Xirou had no patience to hear what the man on the other end had to say. She hung up decisively.

.

The nanny van sped along the road and pulled up at a bar.

After getting out, Lu Zhiyu put on a mask. She glanced inexplicably at Lu Yuan and said, “We’re discussing the contract here?”

Lu Yuan hooked her arm through Lu Zhiyu’s, looking dejected. “Yeah, we’ll talk here. I’m in a bad mood anyway. With you around, we can drink and chat while we do it.”

Lu Zhiyu saw through it and stated plainly, “Xiaoyuan, you’re not looking for me for work matters, are you? No need to beat around the bush—just say it.”

At the bar counter, Lu Yuan ordered two glasses of slightly strong fruit wine from the bartender. She picked up the tall glass on the counter and pushed one unquestioningly toward Lu Zhiyu.

She turned to Lu Zhiyu and said, “This glass of fruit wine is on me. Yueze-ge paid me today. I sent most of it home, and the little bit left is enough for pocket money.”

Lu Zhiyu paused, then smiled faintly. She snapped a photo of the bill and sent it to Du Yueze’s secretary.

“No need for you to treat.”

She took the glass of deep blue fruit wine, dyed with coloring, stirred the ice cubes, and sipped through the straw. The slightly sweet and tart taste lingered on her tongue. “I’ve already gotten Du Yueze to reimburse it. Xiaoyuan, your family still needs you to support them—don’t spend recklessly.”

Lu Yuan fell silent for a moment, her fingertip sliding over the cold glass surface. Her eyes fixed on the shimmering liquid. “Cousin, do you like Xirou-jie? I always thought you liked men. You and Yueze-ge were together for almost four years, head over heels in love… I never even considered you might be bi.”

“It’s a misunderstanding. Bai Xirou and I are just ordinary friends. We’ve been doing some tied promotion lately, so we’re a bit closer. And don’t go spreading rumors—who’s bi? I’m not interested in women.”

Lu Zhiyu downed half the glass of fruit wine. She found it sweeter and cloying than the bagged fruit juice she usually drank, and the alcohol content was surprisingly high. Even she, who claimed to hold her liquor at banquets, felt her cheeks flush hot after three sips.