Volume One, Chapter 30: Kiss Her

Someone like Gu Yuandong, to think he would have a white moonlight.

“Is the information reliable?”

“Fu Linhan said it himself when he was drunk. How could it be false?”

A thousand thoughts raced through Chu Xingzhi’s mind; lately, he felt as if he had nowhere left to turn. Now such a good opportunity had arisen, he certainly didn’t want to miss it.

Meng Yucheng saw through Chu Xingzhi’s intentions, curled his lips into a smile, and said, “I knew you’d think the same as me. I’ll contact a private investigator right away to help us look into it.”

“Good.”

After several rounds of drinks, Meng Yucheng was more drunk than Chu Xingzhi. The two staggered out of the club, supporting one another, and Chu Xingzhi handed Meng Yucheng over to his assistant.

“President Chu, shall I take you home first?”

Chu Xingzhi waved his hand impatiently, signaling him to leave quickly.

Watching them depart, Chu Xingzhi lit a cigarette in frustration, preparing to walk toward his car, but accidentally bumped into someone.

“Sorry…”

Before Chu Xingzhi could speak, the other person had already apologized.

Seeing the familiar face before him, Chu Xingzhi’s expression darkened instantly. He grabbed Lin Tiange’s collar angrily. “You’re following me?”

“No…” Lin Tiange’s throat ached, her breathing labored. “My home is nearby. I just got off work and was about to head back.”

Chu Xingzhi, half believing, shoved her away. “If you see me again, keep your distance!”

“…Understood.”

As Chu Xingzhi opened his car door, Lin Tiange suddenly remembered something and hurried after him. “President Chu, you’ve been drinking. You can’t drive.”

Chu Xingzhi’s cold gaze swept over her. “Get out of my way!”

Lin Tiange clung tightly to his arm. “Even if you beat me to death today, I won’t let you drive drunk.”

“You think you can control me?”

Chu Xingzhi raised his hand as if to strike, Lin Tiange closed her eyes in fear, but her grip didn’t loosen in the slightest. “Even if you don’t think of others, you should consider your family.”

Perhaps it was because things hadn’t gone smoothly for him lately, and it was rare to encounter someone who cared about him. In the end, Chu Xingzhi couldn’t bring himself to hit her.

“Let go! Fine, I won’t drive!”

Lin Tiange slowly opened her eyes and smiled.

She was actually quite attractive, delicate features and clear eyes, resembling Song Qingyu a little. Otherwise, Chu Xingzhi wouldn’t have fallen for her.

At this hour, it was difficult to find a designated driver. After waiting a while, Lin Tiange looked at Chu Xingzhi, gathering her courage to say, “President Chu, it’s about to rain. My rented apartment is nearby. Would you… like to come in and rest for a while?”

Chu Xingzhi looked into her eyes; her gaze was full of him. Whether it was the alcohol or the thought of returning home to loneliness, he found himself agreeing.

Lin Tiange’s joy was palpable, as if she’d been granted a gift from heaven.

She helped Chu Xingzhi inside, then hurried to the kitchen to prepare some hangover soup, lighting a scented candle afterward.

As she lit the candle, the timidity on Lin Tiange’s face vanished, replaced by calm composure.

She glanced back at the man slumped on the sofa; his handsome face looked somewhat eerie in the light.

After drinking the hangover soup, Chu Xingzhi felt even more dazed instead of sobering up.

He missed Song Qingyu all the more.

Whenever he’d gotten drunk before, Xiaoyu would gently rub his back out of concern. Though she never made hangover soup, as long as she was there, he never felt so miserable.

“Xiaoyu… my little Xiaoyu…”

Seeing her chance, Lin Tiange turned off the lights and walked to the sofa.

She gently touched Chu Xingzhi’s cheek and, imitating Song Qingyu’s voice and tone, whispered, “Xingzhi, I’m here.”

Chu Xingzhi’s body stiffened, then he suddenly pulled Lin Tiange into his arms. “Xiaoyu, is it you, Xiaoyu?”

“Yes, it’s me.”

Hearing Song Qingyu’s voice, Chu Xingzhi grew even more agitated. “It’s really you. Do you know how much I’ve missed you lately?”

His voice trembled with suppressed tears, like a child wronged beyond measure.

Lin Tiange cupped his face and kissed his lips. “I’ve missed you too.”

Chu Xingzhi hadn’t expected “Xiaoyu” to kiss him first. Overcome with emotion, he pressed her onto the sofa and kissed her fiercely.

A night of passion ensued.

When Chu Xingzhi awoke the next morning, he felt exhausted.

He slowly opened his eyes and saw Lin Tiange in his arms. His face changed dramatically.

He shoved Lin Tiange away. “Why is it you?”

Seeing the bruises and marks on Lin Tiange’s skin, Chu Xingzhi felt as if his head would explode.

Lin Tiange, however, acted as if nothing had happened. She dressed herself while saying, “Last night, you mistook me for Miss Song, but it’s fine. We’re adults. Let’s just pretend nothing happened.”

Chu Xingzhi’s headache doubled, filled with regret and fury.

If only he hadn’t come up with her last night.

“You’d better keep this to yourself. If Xiaoyu finds out, see how I deal with you.”

Lin Tiange gave a bitter smile. “I know your methods, President Chu. Don’t worry, I won’t be reckless.”

Chu Xingzhi felt as if he’d punched a pillow—utterly powerless.

As he got up to leave, Lin Tiange suddenly called out and shoved a paper bag into his hand. “President Chu, this is breakfast. If you don’t want to eat here, you can take it to the office.”

Before Chu Xingzhi could speak, she added, “I know I’m the reason you and Miss Song are apart. If I could, I’d like to help you.”

“No need!” Chu Xingzhi refused instantly. “Just stay away from us—that’s the best help you can give.”

Lin Tiange lowered her head, her expression desolate.

“I know I deserve to die a thousand deaths, especially for wronging Miss Song. I heard she’s now working as a cleaner at Tianqi Group. It pains me deeply.”

Chu Xingzhi frowned. “How do you know?”

“You mentioned it last night… while holding me.”

Chu Xingzhi: “…”

“President Chu, Miss Song still loves you. She’s just angry and unwilling to give in.”

“Does that need you to say?”

“What I mean is, Miss Song cares deeply about 'The Interpreter.' If you launch it on your wedding day, she’ll be delighted to see it. She’ll know you love her too, and maybe she’ll change her mind.”

Something stirred in Chu Xingzhi’s heart, though his face remained expressionless. “Mind your own business. Don’t meddle in ours.”

Chu Xingzhi turned and left. Lin Tiange stepped onto the balcony and looked down.

She watched as Chu Xingzhi threw the breakfast in the trash without hesitation. She tossed her hair and smiled faintly, showing no trace of sorrow.

Elsewhere.

Song Qingyu finally received a call from Jie Changhe, just as she was about to go to Tianqi Group to discuss the game.

At the studio, Xia Lu and Yu Qianqian messaged her, saying they wanted to resign.

Song Qingyu asked where they were going. The two hesitated, then finally replied: Chu Group.