Chapter 304 What, you don't love me anymore?

While Wei Chi was making the phone call, Cui Xiao arrived.

She walked straight toward Xie Nanzhi. When she passed Zhou Mubin, she thought he would greet her, but she didn't even glance at him.

Zhou Mubin was taken aback, then his gaze turned resentful.

He put his hands in his pockets and stared at Cui Xiao.

Today, she wore a short black leather jacket that accentuated her tall and slender figure, paired with a low-saturation dusty blue knit sweater, khaki cropped cigarette pants that revealed her slender ankles, and black square-toed chunky heels. She walked with a confident stride, and even the way she flipped her hair exuded a crisp and decisive energy.

Compared to Jin Moli, she really can't compare to Cui Xiao.

Cui Xiao approached Xie Nanzhi and asked, "Is your aunt still in the operating room?"

Xie Nanzhi nodded and quickly asked, "Why did you come over?"

Judging from Cui Xiao's attire, she had just come from the company. She was carrying a small, off-white leather bag and her makeup was exquisite and professional.

Cui Xiao said, "My aunt's surgery is such a big deal, I definitely had to come. I just asked President Hou for leave, and when I told him that President Nan's mother was having surgery today, he immediately gave me leave."

During their last meal together, Mr. Hou learned that she and Xie Nanzhi had a good relationship, and took the opportunity to extort money from her.

Cui Xiao knew that Xie Nanzhi agreed to it out of respect for her.

Therefore, Cui Xiao kept this kindness in her heart.

Xie Nanzhi said, "President Hou is quite straightforward."

Cui Xiao's lips curled up. "It's all because of you."

Then Xibei said, "Hey, Cui Xiao, can you sense a hint of resentment?"

Cui Xiao was puzzled.

Xibei glanced at Zhou Mubin not far away, raised an eyebrow and said, "You ignored someone, and that person's proud self-esteem was trampled on. They're probably feeling pretty bad."

Cui Xiao followed Xi Bei's gaze and, sure enough, Zhou Mubin was staring at her.

At the same time, Zhou Mubin walked over with elegant steps.

Zhou Mubin asked casually, "What brings you here?"

Cui Xiao had no interest in arguing with him, and said calmly, "Come and take a look."

Zhou Mubin responded with an "Oh".

She had nothing to say to him, so she looked away.

Suddenly, Zhou Mubin spoke up, "Didn't you see me just now?"

Xi Bei, barely suppressing her laughter, pulled Xie Nanzhi aside; it was inappropriate for them to be present during this confrontation.

Xie Nanzhi was being pulled along by her, and couldn't help but glance back. She saw that Zhou Mubin had already straightened up, put his phone back in his pocket, and his eyes had become more relaxed.

Upon hearing this, Cui Xiao raised her eyebrows slightly, her curiosity like a pebble thrown into a lake, the ripples barely formed before she suppressed them.

She didn't answer directly. Instead, she glanced at Zhou Mubin's unbuttoned collar before looking back at his slightly raised chin, her tone still steady and calm, "I saw it."

Zhou Mubin took half a step forward, and the sunlight from the window cast a long, slanted shadow behind him, almost covering the tips of her shoes. "You saw me and aren't going to say hello?"

Zhou Mubin raised his eyebrows, his tone somewhat displeased. Then he added, "I thought there was something wrong with your eyesight. I was just thinking about getting you a pair of glasses."

The teasing remark even made Xibei, who was standing not far away, shrug slightly. She whispered to Xie Nanzhi, "Nanzhi, I don't think Old Zhou is completely indifferent to Cui Xiao."

Xie Nanzhi remained calm, saying, "Those involved are often blinded by their own perspective."

Cui Xiao took a small step back, creating about an arm's length distance, and said in a tone that was neither too loud nor too soft, "Lawyer Zhou, does not greeting you also violate the law?"

She spoke at a steady pace, not even sparing him a glance; her "I can't be bothered with you" attitude left Zhou Mubin speechless, unable to finish his prepared remark.

Just then, Cui Xiao received a phone call. As Zhou Mubin turned around, he instinctively reached out to stop her, but before his fingertips could touch her sleeve, she had already walked away.

Only when she said, "President Hou..."

Seeing Cui Xiao walk away, Xi Bei finally couldn't help but tease him, "Old Zhou, I have to say you're quite something. When Cui Xiao was all over you, you didn't appreciate it, but now that she's not, you're rushing to get close to her. You're such a shameless jerk."

Though the words may be rough, the reasoning is sound. Xie Nanzhi chimed in, "Old Zhou, if you don't like her, then don't bother her. To put it bluntly, you're just a former boss at best. Cui Xiao has already left the company, so it's not unreasonable for her not to greet you when she sees you."

Zhou Mubin didn't say a word, frowning as he watched Cui Xiaoyuan's departing figure. He put his hands back in his pockets, but he was less nonchalant and more sullen.

About five minutes later, Cui Xiao returned.

Xie Nanzhi told her to go about her business and not to stay here all the time. She appreciated the gesture, but it was alright if it delayed her work.

Cui Xiao did have some things to attend to; there was a problem with a contract, and she needed to rush over to the other party to resolve it. "Then I'll come see Auntie again tomorrow."

Xie Nanzhi: "Okay."

Cui Xiao came in a hurry, and left in an even hurry.

This time, however, as she left Zhou Mubin's side, she made a loud announcement, "Goodbye, Lawyer Zhou."

Zhou Mubin was slightly taken aback. When Cui Xiao had walked a few meters away, he suddenly followed her and said, "I'll see you downstairs."

Cui Xiao paused for a moment, then said in a deep voice, "No need."

Zhou Mubin didn't take it seriously, as if he hadn't heard it, and strode forward.

Cui Xiao pursed her lips and finally caught up with the pace.

The two walked forward one after the other. Cui Xiao was just like before; she seemed to have always been used to silently following behind, giving and looking up to them.

Even if you decide to shut your heart away, after loving someone for so many years, you can't just stop loving them overnight.

Even walking together like this, she still felt awkward.

Zhou Mubin, "You really don't like standing next to me?"

Cui Xiao was puzzled, but it took her a few seconds to come to her senses. She quickened her pace and walked alongside him.

Zhou Mubin was secretly delighted, but remained outwardly calm. "Cui Xiao, come back."

Cui Xiao, “…”

Zhou Mubin said, "I recognize your work ability. The law firm needs you, and this position is perfect for you."

Suddenly, Cui Xiao felt a tightness in her throat, as if she had a sour grape stuck in her throat. She couldn't swallow it or spit it out, and she didn't even dare to move forward an inch.

He still couldn't understand why she left the law firm—not because of poor treatment, not because she wanted better opportunities.

She just didn't want to love him anymore.

This unrequited love, which seemed to offer no hope, drove Cui Xiao to despair; she no longer wanted to waste her time.

After a long pause, Cui Xiao steadied herself. "Lawyer Zhou, just because you need me doesn't mean I have to do what you want. I am an independent individual with my own thoughts and understanding. I'm sorry, I don't want to go back, no matter how tempting the offer is."

Zhou Mubin's eyebrows furrowed tightly as he stared at her through gritted teeth. "What, you don't love me anymore?"

Upon hearing this, Cui Xiao was stunned.

Before she could think any further, she heard a sweet, delicate voice behind her, "Mu Bin."