Su Youli is forced to marry as a substitute, suppressing her true nature to become the obedient replacement that satisfies Li Tingxi—servicing him in bed at night and working tirelessly by day.
...Chapter 354 Love and Work, Doing Them Both Without Interfering
"Mr. Li, aren't you coming back? After this incident, the old man won't let it go easily." Although Qin He knew what he was worried about, he still advised him for the sake of the bigger picture. "Madam won't be leaving for the time being because of the art exhibition project. It's alright for you to be gone for a few days."
After learning Rebecca's identity, he continued to use the old title when addressing Li Tingxi.
"Qin He, Su Su and I are back together." Li Tingxi suddenly interrupted him, saying with some joy, "We finally got a chance, and now even if the sky falls, we won't let you leave us for even a moment."
Qin He remained silent for a while, then sighed, "Understood, President Li. I will report the headquarters' movements to you at any time."
He paused, then suddenly said, "Since returning to headquarters, CEO Ka has been making repeated mistakes at work, which has displeased the board of directors. However, the old man has been helping to suppress it, and recently CEO Ka has been going to the old mansion more and more often."
Li Tingxi frowned.
Didn't Karina heed his warning last time?
“Let’s look for an overseas branch. Are there any suitable positions for Karina?” Li Tingxi pinched the bridge of his nose, then frowned, thinking that it was still the school season. “Forget it, let’s find a branch first, buy some property, find a good school… and then transfer Karina overseas after Lele’s winter break.”
This is the best he can do to make up for his mistakes from back then.
Qin He breathed a sigh of relief. "Okay, President Li."
It seems that the lady is indeed more capable.
In recent years, with the help of President Li and the old man, Karina has been successful in both directions, rising rapidly in her career.
There are quite a few people who are envious and dissatisfied.
It's not that I'm denying her abilities entirely, but given Karina's experience and methods, it would be impossible for her to climb the ranks so quickly and smoothly under normal circumstances.
Over the years, there have been people who have opposed Karina, and some have even publicly humiliated her in meetings. However, because President Li felt guilty and wanted to make amends, he always went along with Karina.
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Even though they knew she had a close relationship with the old man, they didn't pursue the matter further.
Perhaps because he didn't care, aside from professional compensation, President Li rarely paid attention to Karina in private.
Each time, Karina used the child as an excuse to force a connection with President Li outside of her career, which led to those unrealistic rumors about her.
Now that Madam is back, President Li has noticed and arranged everything that he used to disregard... He's truly a loyal dog.
...
Li Tingxi's fall was not light.
The doctor recommended staying in the hospital for a few more days for further observation.
Since Su Youling promised to come and keep him company every day after work, Li Tingxi reluctantly agreed to stay for a few more days, taking the opportunity to ask for quite a few "benefits".
Su Youling was completely numb.
I strongly suspect that Li Tingxi has been possessed for the past five years, which is why he has become so clingy and unserious, completely different from his previous cold and domineering CEO persona.
It's like a clingy big dog all the time; it barks loudly when you give it a little treat, and pounces on you whenever it throws a tantrum, making it impossible to resist.
Life was chaotic and disorganized.
Ever since Yueyue learned that her mother goes to the hospital every day to visit her handsome uncle, she has changed her video call time to dinner time, chatting while eating, and she has visibly become much happier.
Yangyang, on the other hand, was a little worried and inquired about it privately several times.
Only after confirming that Mommy had not been coerced did he reluctantly withdraw his murderous intent towards Li Tingxi.
Su Hong was also worried.
When she learned that Su Youling had decided to give Li Tingxi another chance, she didn't immediately dismiss him. Instead, seeing Li Tingxi and Yueyue chatting affectionately day after day softened her heart.
“You’re an adult now, you’ve experienced life and death, and when it comes to matters of the heart, you should follow your own heart. Mom trusts your judgment,” Su Hong said on the phone. “However, remember one thing.”
"The most important thing about you being willing to get back together with Li Tingxi is that you like him, not to find a father for your child, and not for anything else... Do you understand? Mom just wants you to be happy. These past five years... you've had a very hard time."
Su Youling appears glamorous and strong on the outside, but only she knows the hardships she endures living in a foreign land with her child and sick elderly mother.
Even with powerful backers, there's only so much that outsiders can do.
Su Hong saw all of her hard work.
"Mom, thank you." Su Youling's eyes welled up with tears.
Since having children, she has been able to empathize more with Su Hong from her past, as a mother, and has become more cautious and sensitive in handling relationships.
This time, she will protect herself and her family.
After hanging up the phone, Su Youling was getting ready to go to the hospital after get off work—today was Li Tingxi's discharge day, and if she didn't go, someone would start nagging her again.
Before I even stepped out of the studio, I saw a group of people excitedly crowding around the entrance, whispering something like, "So handsome! He's the chosen one! Slim waist, long legs, and a black suit... The way he's holding the roses makes me want to end my single life right now."
"You wish! Only someone of our boss's caliber could catch his eye, right?"
"Speaking of the boss, this handsome guy looks kind of familiar."
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.
"The more I look at him, the more familiar he looks! He...he's Li Tingxi, the one who was trending on social media before, hugging the boss! Roses! He really is dating the boss, right?"
"While they're removing the trending topic, they're also making a high-profile trip to the studio to deliver flowers. Are they about to officially announce their relationship?"
"The eldest son is really charming. He has three children and has only been back in the country for a few days, yet he has already managed to win over such a high-quality catch..."
"Ahem!" Su Youling coughed lightly, her face darkening as she said, "The plan isn't up to par, and you're still in the mood for gossip?"
Some people were afraid of her and ran away timidly.
Some, unafraid, started jeering, "Hey boss, is that guy outside your child's future father? Please come in and have a seat, so we can all feast our eyes."
Su Youling said seriously, "You all talk too much! Everyone work overtime tonight to prepare two more backup plans. Next week's presentation must be absolutely flawless."
"Huh?" Everyone's expression changed.
Annie, observing her boss's expression, quickly pulled one by one, forcibly dragging the group of gossips away, and privately gave them a warning.
The boss's scandals aren't so sweet.
Seeing that the troublesome bunch had left, Su Youling walked towards Li Tingxi with a stern face. Seeing how flashy he was dressed today, even wearing sunglasses, she was speechless. "What are you up to? You're discharged from the hospital and instead of going home, you're causing a ruckus at my studio?"
"You've taken care of me for so long, you should show your appreciation." Li Tingxi handed her the roses and said gentlemanly, "Get in the car, I'll take you on a date."
Dating?
Su Youling shook her head. "I have to work overtime tonight to work on the plan."
"Love and work can go hand in hand." Li Tingxi picked him up, put him in the car, and stole a kiss. "I'll do it with you tonight."