I secretly breathed a sigh of relief, and my gaze met Su Shenglin's. He slightly curled the corners of his lips, indicating that I didn't need to be too nervous.

How could I not be nervous?

During this period, my ambiguous entanglement with Su Shenglin was more intense than ever before.

I shouldn't have done that.

I am not worthy of such a family, so I should be self-aware and distance myself from them.

But I'm a businessman, especially now that I'm my own boss, so I understand even more the importance of maintaining interpersonal relationships.

With his status and influence, who in the entire country could turn away Su Shenglin?

It's said that it's good to have a big tree to lean on. Even if I don't care about myself, I should think about all the employees in the company. I should rely on this big tree and use its influence to benefit and develop the company.

Some people may think I'm too materialistic or hypocritical, but that's just how realistic this world is.

Integrity, to put it nicely, is called refusing to bow down for five pecks of rice; to put it bluntly, it's called being stubborn and foolish.

Anyway, it wasn't me who begged and pleaded; it was someone else who willingly "gifted" it to me—if I didn't appreciate it, I would seem ungrateful.

After this mental preparation, I finally felt calmer and more at ease.

Lunch was plentiful. Su Shenglin looked at me and said, "It's all your favorite food. Don't be shy, just make yourself at home."

I smiled and nodded: "Okay."

During the meal, Mrs. Su asked about my divorce.

"I heard you won your divorce case? Now you're finally rid of the young master of the Gu family. What are your plans now?"

Upon hearing this, I became nervous again.

This is clearly asking if I have any plans to date again or get married again.

I put down my spoon and answered politely, "Mrs. Su, the divorce lawsuit is just a court ruling; we haven't received the judgment yet. And even if we do receive the judgment, it won't take effect until the other party appeals after 15 working days."

Madam Su frowned. "You mean... that the young master of the Gu family might go back on his word?"

I figured I had evidence of Gu Yutian's crimes, so I was pretty confident. "It shouldn't be like that."

"That settles it then. With your excellent qualities, is someone eager to introduce you to someone?"

I felt a little guilty looking at Madam Su's probing expression.

As soon as I left the courthouse that day, those wealthy women surrounded me and frantically tried to sell me their sons, nephews, and nieces.

I smiled and said tactfully, "Right now, I just want to focus on my career and I'm not thinking about relationships or marriage for the time being."

After saying that, I felt a little nervous.

To state my position directly in front of Madam Su and Su Shenglin is a pretty clear way to refuse.

I pretended to be calm, but I was actually very nervous.

There was a brief silence at the dinner table. I noticed that Mrs. Su glanced at Su Shenglin. Although neither of them said anything, I knew they were exchanging glances.

Perhaps my statement was a bit disrespectful to Madam Su, because the atmosphere became less lively afterward.

I felt like I was sitting on pins and needles. Even the most delicious food tasted bland in my mouth. I just wanted to finish my meal quickly and find an excuse to leave.

Su Shenglin noticed my awkwardness and took the initiative to start a conversation about the school anniversary.

I responded half-heartedly, and when I saw Madam Su put down her chopsticks, I immediately straightened up and said, "Madam Su, you've finished eating."

Madam Su looked at me with a complicated expression, then sighed: "You child... you seem quite smart, but you're a bit stubborn."

"..." I froze, unsure of what to say next.

"Mom," Su Shenglin immediately stepped in to smooth things over and speak up for me, "Who gets divorced one minute and then starts a new relationship the next? What will people think?"

Madam Su stood up, not responding to the question, but simply said, "You all enjoy your meal. I'm going upstairs to rest. Xiao Wan, come visit again when you have time."

I thought I had offended Madam Su and would be asked to leave, but to my surprise, she told me to "come and visit again when you have time."

I was deeply grateful and immediately stood up politely: "Yes, Mrs. Su, thank you for your hospitality."

"You're welcome." Mrs. Su smiled faintly, turned and left the restaurant.

"Sit down and eat slowly," Su Shenglin called out when he saw me standing still.

I looked down at him and said softly, "I'm full. I have to go back to the company this afternoon."

He looked at me, his eyebrows sharp and his eyes bright, his demeanor gentle and refined. “Were you scared by a few words from my mother? She didn’t mean any harm, she just thought it was too hard for you to be all alone and that you should find a reliable partner.”

“I know that Mrs. Su is doing this for my own good.”

"It's good that you understand." Su Shenglin smiled and gestured, "Sit down and eat some more, just to keep me company."

I couldn't refuse his offer, so I could only sit down and keep him company.

After finishing my meal, I said goodbye and left.

Su Shenglin, however, had the servant bring him a coat.

"No need, it's cold outside, please don't bring it." I quickly refused.

Unexpectedly, Su Shenglin said, "Uncle Zhang has to go back. I'll drive you there."

ah?

I was startled. He was giving me a ride?

I was speechless and before I could respond, he had already taken the coat from the maid and was walking towards me.

"What's with that expression? Are you worried my skills aren't good enough and I'll lead you astray?" He teased me humorously as he put on his clothes.

I was momentarily mesmerized by the way he casually dressed, then snapped back to reality: "Of course not, I just think you're busy with work and all that coming and going is a waste of time."

"Not busy today," he replied briefly, turning his handsome face slightly. "Let's go."

I had no choice but to follow.

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