Chapter 68 [68]

Deep affection

Before entering the villa, after a quick discussion, Luo Qingyue and Yin Xingwei led Jin Hui to rescue Lu Mingxiao.

Luo Hanzhou and Wen Ning waited outside until Zong Ming and Qin Lijuan came out, then accompanied them to Ren'an Hospital as soon as possible.

The follow-up matters concerning Shen Hao and Jin Hui will be handled by Officer Deng.

Wan Yu drove, with Luo Qingyue and Lu Mingxiao in the back seat. After leaving the villa, they rushed to the hospital.

During this time, Luo Hanzhou sent a message.

Zong Ming and Qin Lijuan suffered severe nerve damage due to excessive electric shocks.

Dean Zhang urgently arranged for them to be admitted to the ICU for close monitoring, providing them with the highest level of treatment and life support.

This means that the two elderly people are on the verge of death, and the situation is not optimistic.

Lu Mingxiao looked away from Luo Qingyue's phone screen, his brows furrowed. He was helpless and anxious, unable to do anything.

Luo Qingyue held his hand tightly. Although she was also uneasy, she pretended to be calm and gave Lu Mingxiao the greatest possible emotional comfort.

When they arrived, Luo Hanzhou sat with Wen Ning on a chair outside the ICU.

Wen Ning lowered her head, her hands supporting her forehead, clearly exhausted. Luo Hanzhou sat upright, silent. Even though they were very close, Luo Qingyue felt that they were excessively distant from each other.

Alright, at this juncture, it's really impossible to have a relaxed and casual chat without any reservations.

Luo Qingyue met Wen Ning's gaze. Her face was even paler than when she had seen her in the afternoon, and she looked like a thin piece of paper that could be torn apart at the slightest touch.

With her worry evident, Luo Qingyue looked at Luo Hanzhou and said, "You take Sister Wen Ning back to rest. Ah Xiao and I will stay here."

Luo Hanzhou glanced at his wristwatch; it was 8 PM.

He stood up, but rejected Luo Qingyue's suggestion without hesitation: "I have a live broadcast at nine o'clock and have to rush back to the company. It's not on the same route as President Wen. You can contact her driver or call her a private car."

He was selfless in rescuing other people's uncle and aunt, but now he acts cold and heartless.

Luo Qingyue understood; her brother was just a hypocrite who said one thing but did another, and she couldn't help but roll her eyes at him.

Wen Ning grabbed Luo Qingyue's wrist, her voice barely audible.

“I won’t be able to rest well if I go back, so I might as well stay with you guys. Your brother is a very busy man, and we can’t interfere with his ability to make money, right?”

Wen Ning was extremely grateful that he took time out of his busy schedule to come over.

Lu Mingxiao also thanked Luo Hanzhou, saying, "Thank you for your hard work. I will take good care of Xiaoyue."

Luo Qingyue was relieved that Lu Mingxiao hadn't urged her to leave with him.

She held his hand and watched Luo Hanzhou leave, Wen Ning's gaze following his tall figure.

The pain in her heart had become unbearable. Luo Hanzhou had just stepped out of the ICU ward when Wen Ning leaned forward and suddenly collapsed heavily to the ground.

...

Qu Jingqiu received an important client at the psychological counseling center tonight.

After seeing the person out, I returned to my office to check the client information for tomorrow's visit. My phone kept ringing with urgent alerts from a smart bracelet app.

I'm using the Wenning smart bracelet to monitor real-time heart rate changes.

She set Qu Jingqiu as her emergency contact so that Qu Jingqiu's phone would sound an alarm if her heart rate became abnormal.

On the app's display, Wen Ning's heart rate initially dropped rapidly, then paused briefly, and soon the waveform became very chaotic again.

The alarm bell rang louder and louder, and Qu Jingqiu had a bad feeling. She put down the documents in her hand and rushed to the hospital according to the location of her wristband.

Luo Qingyue and Lu Mingxiao stood outside the emergency room when Qu Jingqiu rushed towards them.

Wen Ning's phone was in Luo Qingyue's hand, and it was Luo Qingyue who told her the specific location when Qu Jingqiu sent her a message.

Qu Jingqiu stopped in her tracks, panting, and without saying anything to them, she pounded on the door of the emergency room.

The door opened, and a doctor in a white coat came out. Qu Jingqiu looked at him and said, "The patient underwent a heart transplant nine years ago. Please be sure to consider whether there has been a chronic rejection reaction."

Luo Qingyue and Lu Mingxiao exchanged glances, as if they had realized something.

Fortunately, she was already in the hospital, and Wen Ning received treatment within the golden time frame. Without any delay, her heart rate quickly stabilized.

She is out of danger but has not yet regained consciousness. She has been transferred to a VIP ward for monitoring and follow-up treatment.

Lu Mingxiao returned to the ICU ward to stay with Zong Ming and Qin Lijuan, while Luo Qingyue stayed behind to accompany Wen Ning and Qu Jingqiu.

Late at night, in the family lounge, Luo Qingyue and Qu Jingqiu sat side by side on the sofa.

Unable to keep the secret any longer, Qu Jingqiu got up, poured two glasses of water, and handed one to Luo Qingyue.

“Wen Ning has a family history of heart disease; her father died because of it before he was forty.”

Luo Qingyue held the glass in her hand: "So, that's why she broke up with my brother back then."

"Carrying disease-causing genes does not mean that you will definitely develop the disease, but the risk is higher compared to ordinary people."

Qu Jingqiu explained, "Before Wen Ning's senior year of college, she was always healthy, and her semi-annual physical examinations always showed no problems. But this thing is like a time bomb. She thought she was one in a million lucky people, but fate caught her off guard."

Luo Qingyue followed up, saying, "Sister Wen Ning thinks she won't see the sun tomorrow. Rather than let my brother face the pain of losing her, she should harden her heart and push my brother away."

Qu Jingqiu did not deny it: "On the eve of graduation, Wen Ning suffered frequent cardiac arrests and hovered on the edge of life and death. She couldn't even reply to your brother's messages or answer his calls. Your brother would be angry about this, but she didn't explain. She said that she was going abroad to pursue a wider world and told your brother not to be a stumbling block to her and to get away from her. In reality, she found herself an island and faced death head-on."

It's truly heartbreaking that such a loving couple was forced to separate due to reality.

After listening to Qu Jingqiu's story, Luo Qingyue felt a slight, heart-wrenching pain, but then she thought about how lucky Wen Ning was to have found a suitable heart transplant and return to China to appear before her and Luo Hanzhou. So she wasn't so sad anymore.

"Wen Ning gave up on herself, but it was Elder Zong who persuaded her to undergo surgery and return to a normal life."

Qu Jingqiu continued to recall, "She could never forget your brother. She knew about every girlfriend your brother had after that."

Luo Qingyue exclaimed "Ah!" and her lips parted slightly. Then Qu Jingqiu explained, "They have a private space for couples. Neither of them took the initiative to dissolve the relationship after the breakup. Your brother posts intimate photos with those women every few days. What else could it be but revenge? Ha. But being able to see him happy and get rid of the pain I caused him, Wen Ning is sincerely happy for your brother."

The door to the lounge was ajar, not completely closed.

Luo Hanzhou stood outside the door, a chill running through him, spreading from his palms to his entire body.

He was in a daze, frozen in place, until a voice called "President Luo" came from behind him.

Following Lu Mingxiao's instructions, Xiao Xie delivered a late-night snack to Luo Qingyue.

A sound came from outside the door. Luo Qingyue got up and went out, and was slightly taken aback when she saw Luo Hanzhou.

The amount of information was too much for Luo Qingyue to figure out how to tell Luo Hanzhou, fearing that he wouldn't be able to accept it.

Xiao Xie placed the late-night snack on the coffee table in the lounge. Luo Qingyue thanked him, then turned to Luo Hanzhou: "Did you hear everything?"

Luo Hanzhou had already noticed that Wen Ning was not in good condition today.

But he offered no comfort whatsoever. From the villa to the hospital, Wen Ning sat in the passenger seat of his car, and he didn't say a single word to her.

However, the actions stemming from these concerns do not lie.

Even after he said some harsh words, he still came to the hospital after the live stream ended.

He went straight to the ICU ward but didn't see Wen Ningren. Lu Mingxiao told him everything that had happened after he left.

Regret and remorse filled his mind.

All his resentment vanished at that moment; all he wanted was for Wen Ning to be safe and sound.

Wen Ning woke up the next afternoon. She opened her eyes groggily and was met with a bright light.

Suddenly, a pair of hands covered her, shielding her from the light. Once her vision was clear, she realized through the gaps between the fingers that it was Luo Hanzhou.

Luo Hanzhou sat on a chair by the hospital bed and stayed by Wen Ning's side all night.

Besides him, Qu Jingqiu rushed over after finishing her morning consultations, while Luo Qingyue ran back and forth between the ICU ward and Wen Ning's ward, bringing some food for Luo Hanzhou, which coincided with the time Wen Ning woke up.

After the doctor's examination, Wen Ning's various indicators were stable.

Luo Hanzhou held her hand tightly, staring intently at her, but remained silent.

At this moment of regaining what was lost, words seem inadequate.

Wen Ning pursed her lips, unsure of what to say, and asked Luo Qingyue, "How are your uncle and aunt?"

"Vital signs have recovered, much better than yesterday."

Luo Qingyue smiled and said, "With A-Xiao here, you don't need to worry."

Wen Ning responded, feeling weak and exhausted.

But she dared not close her eyes while looking at Luo Hanzhou, fearing that this was a dream and that he would disappear again if she fell asleep.

However, another day passed, and Luo Hanzhou was still there, sitting by the hospital bed. Wen Ning raised her hand and gently touched his face.

Luo Qingyue said that Zong Ming and Qin Lijuan are in good condition.

If nothing unexpected happens, he will be transferred from the ICU to a regular ward tomorrow.

Wen Ning nodded, feeling relieved.

Sensing the somewhat heavy atmosphere in the ward, she looked at Luo Hanzhou and adopted a relaxed tone.

“Look at you, I don’t need to remain a widow for you. President Luo is so moved that she cried.”

Luo Qingyue stood beside Luo Hanzhou, turning to look at his reddened eyes.

My older brother is usually very patient and restrained, but he has been in this state since yesterday.

Wen Ning's body still looked weak, and Luo Hanzhou quickly regained his serious expression.

"Don't say anything unlucky, close your eyes and continue to rest."

Wen Ning felt good about herself, except that she was a little thirsty.

Luo Qingyue poured her a glass of water, and Luo Hanzhou raised the hospital bed and fed her the water.

Luo Hanzhou's sudden attentiveness and change in attitude towards her were unexpected.

Wen Ning asked Qu Jingqiu, "Have you revealed all my secrets?"

“I didn’t realize before that President Luo had the bad habit of eavesdropping.”

Qu Jingqiu sighed helplessly, "Fortunately, only half of it was lifted. You can tell me the rest yourself."

Wen Ning asked Qu Jingqiu where she was, and after receiving a reply, Luo Hanzhou laid the bed flat and covered her with the blanket.

“I’m not interested in hearing this. If you really want to talk, come to my office after you’re discharged from the hospital and we can discuss it in person.”

Speaking takes a lot of mental effort, and Luo Qingyue knew that Luo Hanzhou didn't want her to get too tired.

However, what she said wasn't so pleasant to hear; this is how Wen Ning replied.

"So you're the CEO? If anyone's going to come, it should be you in my office."

Luo Hanzhou was speechless, managing to utter two words: "...Okay."

"But I want to say it now."

Wen Ning's gaze fell on Luo Qingyue. "Xiaoyue must want to hear it. Haven't you always been curious about why I came back to China?"

Wen Ning was eager to let them know, but Luo Qingyue couldn't bear to dampen her enthusiasm: "Then I'll only give you five minutes, keep it short."

Wen Ning pouted, unwilling to accept it, but having no other choice, she quickly organized her thoughts.

“Heart transplantation is not a one-time solution; it’s a bit like opening a blind box. Survival time can be as short as a few months or as long as ten or twenty years.”

“If the time is too short, there is no point in going back to China, so I set a small goal of eight years. While your brother is busy changing girlfriends, I focus on my studies and career. After all, I have to have some results to convince him that I am going abroad for further studies.”

Influenced by Lu Mingxiao, Luo Qingyue was absolutely unambiguous about the timing.

She said five minutes, and then she counted down on her phone. Wen Ning glanced at it and realized there was still time. She continued, "Last October, your brother stopped posting photos on his social media. I figured that Luo Hanzhou had been dating too many people and was now backfiring, so no one wanted him anymore. With the opportunity presented by the Extreme Domain, I naturally made a high-profile comeback to save him from his predicament."

Luo Hanzhou looked at her coldly: "Do you think you're so great?"

"certainly."

Wen Ning spoke with unwavering resolve, her bright expression quickly dimming again. "But I never expected the feeling of being on the verge of death to return. I don't know how much longer this heart can hold on."

The sun shines brightly outside the window, and the sky is a clear blue. It's the season of spring, when flowers are in bloom and trees are sprouting new buds.

The birds flew low, chirping and chattering. Wen Ning used to find it too noisy, but now she was incredibly envious of their vitality.

She turned her head, admired it carefully for a while, and heard Luo Hanzhou's firm voice.

"Wen Ning, I won't let anything happen to you."

"Since you've decided to make up for the regrets, believe me, and believe in yourself. We will walk together for many, many years, just as we promised."

"Yes, Sister Wen Ning."

Luo Qingyue chimed in, "After Sister Qu spoke with the doctor, they conducted a rejection test and found no problems. Besides, medical technology is much more advanced now than before. We should always look on the bright side. When you're in a good mood, your health will improve as well."

"That makes sense."

Wen Ning smiled and poked Luo Qingyue's arm, "If you'd be willing to call me sister-in-law, I'd be in a better mood."

Luo Qingyue smiled slightly and glanced at her phone screen: "Ah Xiao needs to talk to me, I'll be going now, bye-bye."

Luo Qingyue walked with Qu Jingqiu, not wanting to disturb their time together.

Wen Ning looked at Luo Qingyue's back and shouted at the top of her lungs, "The screen isn't even lit up, who are you trying to fool!"

Luo Hanzhou chuckled, and Wen Ning glanced at him sideways: "When I'm discharged from the hospital, you help me tie her up and bring her here. I want to hear her shout 'I ... a hundred times'!"

——

The following day, Zongming and Qin Lijuan left the ICU and were transferred to a regular double room.

Now that they were awake, Luo Qingyue specially bought two bouquets of flowers and placed them on their bedside table.

Wen Ning, sitting in a wheelchair, was pushed over by Luo Hanzhou.

She stood in the middle of the hospital bed, holding Zong Ming's hand in one hand and Qin Lijuan's hand in the other.

Wen Ning's father died early, and her mother was in a car accident after accompanying her abroad for treatment.

Zongming and Qin Lijuan are her only relatives in this world.

Wen Ning has admired Zong Ming since she was a child, and her entry into the automotive industry was also influenced by him.

Having survived a great calamity, she was destined for good fortune. She and her family all survived, and her lover was by her side.

She once thought she had been abandoned by fate, but at this moment she felt blessed and how lucky she was.

A heartwarming scene unfolded before her eyes, and Luo Qingyue, watching from the side, hugged Lu Mingxiao tightly.

Wen Ning's ward has a rest room where Luo Qingyue would take a nap when she was tired or sleepy these past few days, but Lu Mingxiao hardly closed his eyes at all.

Zongming and Qin Lijuan were cared for by caregivers arranged by Yin Xingwei.

Urged on by the crowd, Lu Mingxiao, accompanied by Luo Qingyue, returned to the Starlight Water Pavilion.

My energy has been depleted to the limit.

After taking a shower, Lu Mingxiao changed into his pajamas, went to the bedroom, and fell asleep immediately.

Luo Qingyue closed the door, went into the living room, and checked the time; it was four o'clock in the afternoon.

She slumped onto the sofa with her eyes closed, her tense nerves finally relaxing.

For some reason, I suddenly felt like drinking, so I got up and grabbed a bottle from the liquor cabinet.

Lu Mingxiao slept for about five hours.

After leaving the bedroom, Luo Qingyue lay down on the sofa. The wine bottles and glasses on the coffee table were empty.

She couldn't hold her liquor, and the alcohol content of the drink was quite high, so Lu Mingxiao quickly went to the kitchen to get a bottle of yogurt to help her sober up.

Luo Qingyue had a terrible headache and felt dizzy.

Lu Mingxiao helped her sit up. She only drank two sips of yogurt before feeling extremely nauseous.

She didn't continue, but hugged Lu Mingxiao and started wailing for a whole hour, a complete release of her pent-up emotions.

Exhausted from crying, Luo Qingyue rested her head on Lu Mingxiao's chest and sobbed, "Ah Xiao, do you know? I was terrified. I was afraid that Jin Hui and Shen Hao were even more insane than I imagined. I was afraid that I would never see Uncle Zong and Master's wife again, and I was afraid that the path you chose would be one of no return. But I couldn't show it. The situation was already chaotic, and I couldn't let everyone worry about me anymore. So I told myself that I had to be your calming agent."

Cheeks pressed together, Lu Mingxiao held her tightly.

During this time, Luo Qingyue and Yin Xing discussed countermeasures for Cheng Wang, accompanied him to dangerous situations, and were busy taking care of him at the hospital.

After a brief silence, Luo Qingyue continued, "I'm so tired, so very tired. If possible, I hope I don't have to go through this a second time."

She remained calm and composed, keeping the morale of the troops in check, and faced each challenge with ease.

But don't forget, she was supposed to be a pampered little princess, unburdened by worldly affairs.

She took on the responsibility because of him, and Lu Mingxiao felt sorry for her and grateful for her unwavering companionship. He lowered his head and kissed Luo Qingyue's lips.

The kiss was light and lingering, quickly calming Luo Qingyue's restlessness and unease.

Lu Mingxiao gently stroked Luo Qingyue's face and said softly, "Our Xiaoyue is the best Xiaoyue in the world. She is brave, sincere, passionate, and kind. I can't imagine how I would spend the rest of my life without you. Thank you for staying by my side. I can promise that there won't be a second time. From now on, I will protect you, so that you can live a carefree, peaceful, and happy life."

——

Jin Hui and Shen Hao passed away, and their crimes were exposed to the public.

Longhua declared bankruptcy, and as time passed, the smoke of the business war gradually dissipated.

The truth has been revealed, and the Mingyue's development momentum has returned to rapid growth, with all models achieving good sales results.

In late May, Lu Mingxiao was interviewed by another automotive magazine, "Chiker".

Two weeks later, the magazine was released, and Luo Qingyue spent a fortune to buy 100,000 copies. However, this time, she did not choose to distribute the magazine by handing out flyers, but instead opted to sell it internally.

Everyone in the Luo family's companies has a copy, and Luo Hanzhou's game company and Wen Ning's Extreme Domain must also have one.

Of course, her colleagues at Mingyue, partners she had contacted, and the uncles and aunts in charge of logistics were also indispensable.

That noon, Luo Qingyue walked briskly and cheerfully, delivering magazines to each colleague's workstation in the marketing center.

Song Tao took it, admiring the handsome figure on the cover, and said enviously, "We're both husbands, but I can only dream about him in photos, while you can embrace the real person and party every night."

Luo Qingyue has been quite busy lately.

During the day, I'm busy working for the boss, and at night I have to accompany the boss to do more work.

She reasonably suspected that Song Tao had installed a surveillance device on her, and her back still hurts.

The key point is that there is no overtime pay.

As the eldest daughter of the Luo family, she is not short of money.

However, she utterly despised Lu Mingxiao's evil deeds of exploiting her as a matter of course.

Luo Qingyue gave Song Tao a meaningful smile, then took a magazine and delivered it to Xu Jie's office.

Xu Jie thanked her and reminded her, "Prepare well for next week's performance review. Organize your PPT into modules and make it more detailed. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me. I look forward to seeing you impress everyone."

At Mingyue, every employee is required to give a performance review on their first anniversary of employment.

Summarize past experiences, showcase project achievements, and look to the future, setting new goals.

"Sister Xu."

Luo Qingyue sat opposite Xu Jie and asked earnestly, "Am I a particularly capable subordinate of yours?"

Xu Jie nodded, recalling Luo Qingyue's performance from the beginning of her employment to the present, and praised her without reservation.

“When you first came here, you were like a blank sheet of paper, lacking work experience. But you were diligent and hardworking. You would try your best to complete the tasks assigned to you, and even if there were flaws, you could quickly correct them.”

"You've grown much faster than I imagined. In less than three months, you were able to lead a team on a project independently and complete it beautifully. You've never slacked off or given up because of your relationship with Mr. Lu. You care about your colleagues and are friendly and supportive... Oh dear, I'm at a loss for words to praise you. In short, I hope we can continue to work together in the future."

Luo Qingyue cupped her face in her hands, her heart filled with joy.

Then, holding Xu Jie's hand with deep affection, he said, "Being able to hear your heartfelt words before I leave, I have no regrets."

Xu Jie looked puzzled. Luo Qingyue continued, "A talented person like me shouldn't be confined to this small temple of Mingyue. Thank you, Sister Xu, for your care and support over the past year. I'm afraid I won't have the chance to give a performance review because—I'm leaving."

After a year of training, Lu Mingxiao thought she would hesitate a little.

To everyone's surprise, Luo Qingyue came to his office without any hesitation, slammed her resignation letter on the table, and harbored deep resentment.

Lu Mingxiao suspiciously opened the envelope containing his resignation letter. The text read as follows:

Did you think that because of our relationship, I would stay and continue down this path of hardship? Sorry, you're mistaken. I won't abandon my promising future for a mere bed partner.

"Bed partner." Catching the key phrase, Lu Mingxiao looked up at Luo Qingyue.

Luo Qingyue stood ramrod straight, her hands behind her back, like a leader on an inspection tour, urging everyone on with a blank expression.

"Why are you looking at me? Keep going." She's worked so hard writing all that.

Lu Mingxiao did as instructed, his gaze shifting up and down the letter paper—

Mingyue's loss of me is a great loss, but the world has gained me, and my path will surely be bright and clear. My mind is made up, and I will not accept any persuasion. You don't need to waste your breath. Parting ways like this is the most perfect ending.

Upon reading it, Lu Mingxiao was convinced that it was Luo Qingyue's original work.

Besides, she's still that confident and sunny girl, she hasn't changed at all, which is great.

Lu Mingxiao put down the letter, called Luo Qingyue to his side, and pulled her to sit on his lap.

"Miss Luo is so heartless; she truly has no sentimentality whatsoever."

"To not be ruthless to capitalists is to be cruel to oneself."

Luo Qingyue wrapped her arms around Lu Mingxiao's neck and said matter-of-factly, "I've never seen a boss's wife work two jobs a day."

Lu Mingxiao smiled, then suddenly realized: "So, after careful consideration, you prefer the evening."

Luo Qingyue opened her eyes wide, wondering how he came to such a conclusion. Before she could answer, Lu Mingxiao fell into deep thought: "But during this time, I've clearly been the one working for you."

It seems...it appears...he was indeed the one who moved more.

Knowing she was in the wrong, Luo Qingyue waved her hand dismissively: "That's not important. We can part ways amicably in our careers, but we can still keep in touch emotionally."

Lu Mingxiao smiled without saying a word, while Luo Qingyue cupped his face and smiled as well.

After a long pause, Lu Mingxiao spoke again: "As the president of Mingyue, I am heartbroken and saddened to lose such an outstanding talent as Miss Luo, but I fully respect your decision."

Luo Qingyue hadn't decided what to do after leaving Mingyue.

She first went abroad to see a few fashion shows, and then, since Lü Shuyi was on vacation, they traveled together to several countries they had never been to before.

I returned to Dongchuan a month later.

After two weeks of doing nothing and living a lazy life, Luo Qingyue came to Hi coffee&car.

It was a weekday afternoon, and there weren't many people around. Luo Qingyue sat at the bar, and Jingxi, as usual, handed her dark chocolate and a small cake.

Luo Qingyue rested her chin on her hand, looking listless. Jingxi chuckled and teased, "What's wrong? Your boss Lu only left yesterday, and you're already so distracted today that you want to fly over there to see him?"

Lu Mingxiao is on a business trip for three days.

Luo Qingyue took a sip of dark chocolate and shook her head: "It's true that I feel empty, but it's really not because of him."

Why is that?

Jingxi pricked up his ears and listened attentively.

On his phone, Lu Mingxiao reported his current location.

Luo Qingyue sent a cute emoji before replying to Jingxi.

“When I was at Mingyue, projects had deadlines, and there were different tasks every day. It was like playing a game and leveling up. Life was very fulfilling. Now that I have free time and no pressure, life feels like it has lost its anchor. Especially since everyone around me is busy, I feel particularly bored and uninteresting.”

Understanding the root of her frustration, Jingxi said thoughtfully, "Then it's because you haven't found your next goal yet."

Luo Qingyue hummed in agreement. Jingxi then asked, "Didn't President Lu give you any advice? Giving you advice is what he's best at."

"I haven't talked to him yet."

Luo Qingyue admitted, "He's been extremely busy lately, traveling one business trip after another."

Even so, the bouquets of flowers were still delivered to her on time every day.

As usual, Luo Qingyue would drive to pick up Lu Mingxiao when he returned from his business trip.

This time it was Saturday evening.

After returning from the airport, Luo Qingyue led Lu Mingxiao to the restaurant she had booked in advance.

During the meal, Luo Qingyue talked about her recent worries and asked as if she was questioning life: "Am I a typical example of someone who doesn't know how lucky they are?"

She was so busy talking that she didn't even have time to eat.

Lu Mingxiao listened attentively and then helped Luo Qingyue put some food into her bowl.

"Actually, it's alright."

Lu Mingxiao comforted her, “What we pursue is different at each stage of life. For example, before you came to Mingyue, you longed to be a lazy bum and enjoy the happiness of lying flat. After being influenced by many people and things, you felt that a life with goals can fully realize your self-worth. It’s impossible to stay the same forever, which is normal.”

Jingxi said that I can't muster any enthusiasm for anything because I haven't found a new goal yet.

Luo Qingyue took a bite of fruit salad with a fork in her hand. "Of course I know that, but it's not an easy thing. I couldn't sleep last night, and I kept thinking about it, but I couldn't come up with any ideas."

So, after saying goodnight to him last night, she didn't let his little brain get a proper rest.

With the crux of the problem laid bare, Lu Mingxiao stopped offering words of comfort and instead feigned mystery: "I'll take you somewhere later."

Luo Qingyue was curious about where it was, but Lu Mingxiao didn't tell her.

After dinner, they left the restaurant. He drove and took an eye mask from the glove compartment and put it on Luo Qingyue.

Luo Qingyue cannot sleep in any light, otherwise she will not be able to fall asleep.

Lu Mingxiao sometimes takes her on road trips, and he brings an eye mask so she can catch up on sleep.

However, for now, I simply don't want to reveal the destination.

Even before the car started, he patted Luo Qingyue's head and said, "Be good, don't touch the blindfold. Let me help you take it off."

Is there some surprise?

Luo Qingyue's curiosity was overflowing. Listening to the music playing in the car, she couldn't wait to rush to her destination.

After an unknown amount of time, the car came to a stop.

The music and engine sounds were gone, replaced by a cacophony of voices, as if one were in a bustling city.

Luo Qingyue unbuckled her seatbelt, and Lu Mingxiao opened the passenger door, pulled her into his arms, and drove through the crowd.

As night deepened and the noise gradually faded away, Lu Mingxiao's steps also came to a stop.

Luo Qingyue landed smoothly in his arms, a warm breeze blew by, and she smelled the familiar sweet orange scent of flowers.

She grabbed Lu Mingxiao's arm and carefully took two steps forward. Wearing thin-soled sneakers, she could clearly feel the interspersed patterns of bluestone slabs and pebbles on the ground.

Lu Mingxiao placed his hand on the blindfold strap and heard Luo Qingyue's urgent but firm question.

"It's Moonfall. You brought me to Moonfall, didn't you?"

Lu Mingxiao smiled and took off his blindfold, standing behind Luo Qingyue with his arms around her waist.

"It's your moon setting, we're back."

A small bridge over a flowing stream, a solitary ornamental tree, and climbing roses that drape the wall.

The courtyard's layout and furnishings remained unchanged; they were all meticulously designed by her. It looked clean and tidy, suggesting that someone regularly came to clean it.

Lu Mingxiao accompanied Luo Qingyue inside the building and turned on all the lights.

The flowers, trees, and plants complement each other beautifully, the animal toys are adorable, and the furniture is spotless.

It still deserves the praise of being the most beautiful Western restaurant.

Luo Qingyue once thought that the moon had long since disappeared from the mortal world with the passage of time.

At this moment, the unexpected reunion felt exactly the same as before, both in terms of the setting and the feeling of being there.

She turned her head and looked at Lu Mingxiao, whose eyes were slightly red, his emotion evident.

Lu Mingxiao took her hand and led her back to the courtyard, where they sat down on the swing chair.

A warm summer night breeze gently caressed her, and with her head resting on his shoulder, his gentle voice reached Luo Qingyue's ears.

"The first time I heard you talk about the moon setting, you spoke eloquently, your eyes sparkling with a bright light, filled with sentiment and reluctance. I think this place must hold a girl's most beautiful dream."

After her business failed, and out of a desire to escape reality, Luo Qingyue left all the cleanup work to Luo Hanzhou.

Enveloped in warm breath, she closed her eyes and whispered, "Then, you went to find my brother and learned that he hadn't yet transferred Yue Luo out, so you just took it over?"

Lu Mingxiao hummed in agreement: "Back then, we weren't together yet. I made up an excuse to tell your brother that my dad's paper-cutting works needed to be exhibited in a physical store to boost his popularity, and this place was a good fit."

Luo Qingyue laughed: "It happened so long ago, how could you keep it a secret so well? I didn't notice anything."

"We can only talk about that after you've finished your training and learned something."

Lu Mingxiao explained, "My thinking at the time was very simple: if the moon sets again, as the largest shareholder, I won't have to spend money on meals anymore."

Luo Qingyue suddenly realized and said "Oh": "That's why you spare no effort in spurring me on."

She paused, then let out a long sigh: "I thought you were interested in me back then, but it turns out it was all just to exploit me later. Sure enough, you can't have any expectations of capitalists."

"How could there not be?"

Lu Mingxiao put his arm around Luo Qingyue's shoulder, "It's just that I'm a bit slow to realize things when it comes to feelings. I even suspected that I had already taken you to heart the first time we met."

"That's normal."

Luo Qingyue was not surprised at all. "After all, Miss Luo possesses unparalleled beauty that could topple kingdoms."

Lu Mingxiao responded, lowered his eyes to look at Luo Qingyue, and changed the subject.

"So now, Miss Luo, would you like to start over?"

"Moonfall is ready. You can come anytime you wish."

In fact, Luo Qingyue had thought about this problem before, but having experienced failure, she was prone to being timid and hesitant.

But now that Lu Mingxiao has gone to such lengths to bring Yue Luo to her, Luo Qingyue knows she has no reason to refuse.

Moreover, she genuinely wanted to make up for past regrets, to walk the path again, and to continue painting the unfinished dream.

Luo Qingyue looked up at the twinkling stars in the sky, her eyes becoming hazy: "You'll stay with me, won't you?"

Lu Mingxiao replied with "Of course," and Luo Qingyue immediately sat up straight, becoming interested: "Then I want to arrange thirty male models as waiters at Moonfall, 188cm tall, with abs and V-lines, the kind with super strong and perfect bodies, you won't have any objections, will you?"

Lu Mingxiao gave an affirmative answer: "I will be responsible for providing financial support, and you will be responsible for operation and management. As for what kind of people to recruit, it is up to President Luo."

Luo Qingyue was about to say, "Why is he suddenly being so magnanimous?"

After all, if she were caught secretly watching fitness blogger videos, she would have to endure a whole night of punishment.

As expected, Lu Mingxiao added: "But whether or not to pay them wages, and how much to pay, is entirely up to me."

Never mind, she was just saying it casually.

From now on, Moonfall will be her and Lu Mingxiao's joint property. Thinking of this, Luo Qingyue felt a touch of romance.

The feeling of losing something and then getting it back is extremely unreal.

Luo Qingyue buried her head in Lu Mingxiao's chest and murmured, "Ah Xiao, thank you for everything you've done for me. I'm honored to be your partner. In the future, I will show you a better Luo Qingyue."

Lu Mingxiao gazed into the clear eyes of the person in his arms: "If I had to say thank you, it should be me who thanks you."

"Thank me for what?" Luo Qingyue asked curiously.

The full moon hangs high in the sky, as white as a jade plate.

The moon in her arms was also shining brightly, releasing its own light.

Lu Mingxiao gazed at Luo Qingyue, unable to look away, his eyes filled with deep affection: "Thank you for your unwavering choice, for your unwavering companionship in times of crisis, for showing me a different side of life, and for giving me so much security."

Before meeting Luo Qingyue, Lu Mingxiao never imagined that the trajectory he had set would change.

Luo Qingyue was like a great navigator, guiding him in the right direction and making him willing to do it.

Luo Qingyue smiled, got off the swing, and pulled Lu Mingxiao out of the courtyard.

"I really want to drink your seafood congee right now; you haven't made it for me in so long."

Xinglan Island is rich in seafood, and every time they go there, they have a great harvest, filling their refrigerators to the brim.

Luo Qingyue has tried different ways of preparing seafood, but her favorite is the seafood porridge made by Lu Mingxiao.

Unlike what's sold in the market, just like Zong Ming's craving for his Dongpo pork, Luo Qingyue could never forget it after just one taste.

Her tone was coquettish, and Lu Mingxiao undoubtedly enjoyed it.

He held Luo Qingyue's hand tightly, a smile on his face, his voice gentle: "Okay, let's go home now. What do you want to eat? I'll make it for you."

The warm yellow streetlights elongated their shadows.

A gentle breeze wafted by, and Luo Qingyue and Lu Mingxiao exchanged a smile.

We love each other, but we haven't forgotten to love ourselves.

When souls are in sync and values ​​align, one can often tell what the other is thinking with just a glance.

We can play childishly together, or discuss profound topics about life and the world. We have endless things to talk about and countless little secrets to share.

In this vast sea of ​​people, it is a pleasure to have met you.

Grateful for the deep feelings that arose during the most beautiful time.

My only wish is to spend this life with you, hand in hand, until we grow old together.

—— End of Text ——

[Author's Note]

Finally!!! *Shh* Give myself a silent pat on the back!!!

The latter part was a bit depressing, but I'm going to shower everyone with sweetness in the epilogue!!!

As usual, this is a bonus chapter; those who have subscribed to the whole series don't need to pay. Thank you all for your support, and thank you to myself for finishing another story! [laughing emojis]