Xia Ke'an's mind was in turmoil inside the ward, and Xia Wuyou outside the ward wasn't much better off.

It could be even worse—at least Xia Ke'an and Xu Shi could still talk, while she had absolutely nothing to say to Su Lin, who was sitting next to her.

The atmosphere froze, and the oppressive feeling emanating from the other person left her feeling somewhat at a loss.

so.

On a whim, she handed over the watermelon she was holding.

"Director Su...would you like some?"

"..."

Looking at the half-eaten watermelon in her hand, Su Lin's gaze towards Xia Wuyou became somewhat strange.

Xia Wuyou belatedly realized what was happening, and her cheeks involuntarily flushed red.

What are you doing, Xia Wuyou!

That was really rude... Fortunately, Su Lin finally took the watermelon and quietly replied, "...Yes, thank you."

But that was all. She simply held it in her hand without eating it or saying anything more.

"...Does Director Su dislike me?"

Seeing this, Xia Wuyou tilted her head, looked at the other person's expressionless face, barely regained her composure, and tentatively asked the question.

"..."

Su Lin paused, clearly surprised by her undisguised question.

However, she is also straightforward, and since she was asked, she didn't mince words, "Yes, I have some aversion to you."

As the conversation progressed to this point, the distance between the two wasn't as significant as it had been at the beginning.

Xia Wuyou even felt a sense of relief. "...Can I know why?"

"I think you know the answer to this question better than I do."

Su Lin met her gaze and said, "But if you insist on asking, I can only say it's because of your attitude towards the young master."

"Everyone says the master is kind and generous, but if he were to handle this matter, you, including your aunt, would probably be dead without a trace."

She calmly recounted, "On the contrary, it was the young master who not only gave you a chance after learning of your betrayal, but also offered you such generous terms."

"Although I can't fully understand your intentions, young master, I don't think it's entirely because of your abilities."

That's true. With the strength of "Serpent Ring", there's absolutely no need for them to treat an A-rank "Ascensionist" like a precious treasure.

In Miss Su Lin's opinion, Xia Wuyou, who was treated so specially by Xu Shi but still hesitated, seemed somewhat ungrateful.

"I...I just..."

Xia Wuyou couldn't refute her words because what she said was completely correct.

At least my aunt's condition has been brought under control, and her worries have lessened considerably.

No longer bothered by a barrage of bills, my work has become much easier.

Xu Shi never restricted her freedom—he never used Xia Ke'an to blackmail her into doing anything, and she could visit him anytime she wanted… In fact, she had been sleeping on the caregiver's bed these past few days.

Not only can I stay with my family, but the environment here is also much better than where I rent.

This is still based on the fact that he betrayed the company first... To be honest, it is not an exaggeration to describe Xu Shi's actions as "forgiving".

Digging deeper, Xia Wuyou could clearly perceive the gratitude she felt for him deep in her heart.

To be honest, she really had no reason to dislike him... but she also knew why, it was simply because of the filter she had for her childhood sweetheart.

"Has Director Su never encountered a similar situation before?"

Xia Wuyou sighed inwardly and changed the subject, asking a question.

"No, I don't have any of your messy entanglements."

Su Lin answered decisively, "Even if it really exists, I can make the right choice."

"Because I know what I am loyal to."

"Then you really are..." Xia Wuyou thought to himself, feeling that she was being a little too blindly loyal.

But then she thought about it again and realized she was a little envious of Su Lin. If she could be like Su Lin, her life would be much easier.

Was it the right choice...?

Xia Wuyou blinked and began to think seriously.

"What are you talking about?"

However, she had barely begun when her thoughts were interrupted by Xu Shi's voice.

"Some work-related issues."

Su Lin answered first, "Young Master, did you and Miss Xia enjoy your conversation?"

"It was quite enjoyable."

Xu Shi smiled knowingly. "Let's go, Su Lin. Go home. We won't disturb you and your aunt and niece's time together any longer."

"But don't relax too much. You'll be assigned a task either tomorrow or the day after."

"What...yes, I understand."

Xia Wuyou wanted to ask what it was, but stopped herself from speaking.

She wanted to try using Su Lin's way of thinking.

Her hesitant manner did not escape Xu Shi's notice.

Looking at her and then at Su Lin, he could guess seven or eight parts of what had happened between them.

It seems that Miss Su Lin always manages to give herself a helping hand unintentionally.

As for how much her watering will encourage the flowers to grow, that's hard to say.

-------------------------------------

We'll leave aside what Xia Wuyou thinks for now, but one person's transformation is truly visible to the naked eye every day.

In the basement room, Gu Yi's hands danced across the keyboard, transforming into an elegant pianist, displaying her masterful skill in the game.

It's so comfortable here!

This place is equipped with top-of-the-line equipment that she could only dream of before; for someone like her, it's simply paradise.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!