Ling Ruoke went straight to the company after leaving the hospital. Since it was very close, she walked there. When she arrived at the company, everyone was busy.
Ling Ruoke deliberately walked over to Mei Yanting's seat and patted her on the shoulder. "How are you? Busy lately? Have you gotten used to it?"
Mei Yanting was startled, looked up and saw her, then quickly smiled. "Sister Ximeng, you're back. I'm fine, a little busy, but I don't have to work overtime. Sister Ximeng, where have you been these past few days? I haven't seen you anywhere!"
Ling Ruoke hadn't told everyone why she wasn't coming to the company. "Your brother-in-law was injured, and I went to the hospital to take care of him."
"What? My brother-in-law is injured?" Mei Yanting exclaimed in surprise. "Where is he injured? How serious is it?"
Mei Yanting's shout drew a large crowd, who all rushed over and bombarded her with questions. In their eyes, Ruoke was a good boss, and since her husband was injured, they naturally wanted to show their concern.
Ling Ruoke held out her hands, signaling everyone to quiet down. "Thank you all for your concern. I'm mostly recovered, but I'll need to rest for a while."
"Sister Ruo, which hospital is your husband in? Why don't we go and see him?"
“You’re all so kind. How about this, the hospital needs some peace and quiet. Once he recovers, I’ll have him treat everyone to a meal to celebrate his recovery, okay?” These employees didn’t have much in common with the colonel, and their visits to the hospital were just quick and insignificant. Besides, the colonel didn’t like these kinds of formalities.
Since Ling Ruoke said so, everyone naturally agreed. One by one, they went back to work.
Mei Yanting is different from them, or rather, Mei Yanting's relationship with Ruoke is different after all. "Sister Ximeng, why don't we go see your husband after work?"
Ling Ruoke initially wanted to refuse, but remembering she had something to talk to her about, she agreed. "Okay. I'll call you then."
"Um."
Ling Ruoke first went through the summary report with Xia Mo and the project manager. It was well-written and needed no revisions. She only suggested one creative idea, which, after discussion, was deemed good and added. "I won't be attending the meeting next Monday. Xia Mo, you take them there."
"No problem. Sister Ruo, don't worry about taking care of your husband. We'll work hard to get a bigger bonus at the end of the year!"
Ling Ruoke clutched her chest in anguish. "You ungrateful wretches, do you even care about me anymore, besides the bonus?"
"Yes, there is. But it's not as significant as the prize money!" He laughed it off, without the slightest bit of embarrassment!
Ling Ruoke grabbed a magazine from the table, rushed over, and started beating them up. They all ran away howling. Suddenly, the office became noisy.
Because I went to Tan Peishi's place, which took some time, and after finishing the summary report, it was almost noon. I also replied to a few emails, and then it was lunchtime.
When Ling Ruoke came out of the office, everyone was already eating. Since the company provided a microwave and refrigerator, and people didn't like eating out, they'd been bringing their own lunches lately. This was not only hygienic but also saved time, allowing them to sleep a little longer at noon.
"What did you eat?" Ling Ruoke went around to Mei Yanting to look at her food.
Mei Yanting held up the lunchbox for her to see. "I can't cook fancy dishes, I can only cook simple ones, so there aren't any good dishes."
"Eat more vegetables, it's good for your health. I'm going out to eat first, then get some rest, otherwise I won't have any energy this afternoon." With a wave of her hand, Ling Ruoke left.
When I got downstairs, I saw someone waiting for me.
She wore a black silk slip dress that barely reached her thighs, displaying her long, slender, and fair legs. She slightly raised her arm and removed her sunglasses. She shook her head, causing her long, wavy hair to ripple like waves.
Ling Ruoke slowly walked over, chuckling. Gu Zheng was already tall, and now, wearing high heels, she was a head taller than Ling Ruoke, who was wearing flats. Ling Ruoke was dressed elegantly and sexily, while Gu Zheng wore a t-shirt and jeans; the contrast was like that of a princess and Cinderella. Ling Ruoke wondered what the colonel thought when he saw this.
Before she could speak, Ling Ruoke said, "I haven't had lunch yet. If you want to talk to me, come along."
After saying that, she took the lead and walked away.
Gu Zheng angrily put on her sunglasses and followed behind her, swaying her slender waist. All the way, almost everyone's eyes were on her. Her deep V-neck halter dress, with her breasts barely concealed, offered a feast for the eyes of the men. Some were clearly itching to tear off those two obstructive straps.
Ling Ruoke walked ahead, listening to the whispers and whistles around her. She suddenly wondered, what was the difference between Gu Zheng and that Lulu? She probably didn't know that men like women to be sexy, but only in front of them, not in front of others. Even the most generous man wouldn't be so magnanimous as to accept his woman dressing provocatively and posing seductively in public. Her colonel was even less accepting; he'd yell at her if she showed even a single arm.
Even if a man dares to marry someone like Lulu, how much genuine affection will there be? If a man can casually see other men online viewing his wife's explicit content, can he calmly maintain his marriage? If it were an accident, that would be one thing, but this deliberate exposure is something no man could truly accept. Unless, of course, he just wants to play around, or he's only interested in her money—nothing more!
Therefore, Ling Ruoke felt that in front of the colonel, the guzheng was destined to be a tragedy, a tragic clown.
Knowing Guzheng's personality, Ling Ruoke didn't take her to eat her usual steamed rice, but instead took her to a restaurant and booked a private room. Luckily, she had brought her wallet. Usually, she would only carry a few dozen yuan in her pocket, since the steamed rice only cost a dozen yuan.
Ling Ruoke didn't let Guzheng order; she ordered the food herself. Since she was paying, why should she care what Guzheng ate? Besides, she didn't think Guzheng was there to eat.
The waiter took the menu and left. Ling Ruoke asked while washing the dishes, "What do you want to say?" She didn't even look at her, focusing on washing the dishes.
Ling Ruoke was always respectful to others, but she naturally wasn't magnanimous enough to respect a woman who was trying every means to steal her man. Respect comes from within; others will only give respect in return.
Do you love Huo?
Hearing her question, Ling Ruoke finally glanced at her. "This is a question you shouldn't be asking me, and I won't answer it. Whether or not we love each other is a matter between the two of us, what's it to you?"
Gu Zheng suppressed her anger. "If you love him, then you certainly wouldn't want to see his future ruined or even imprisoned, right?"
"What do you mean?" Ling Ruoke frowned slightly.
"If I told you he'd be in big trouble soon, and only I could help him, would you believe me?" Gu Zheng curled her lips, exuding an air of certainty.
Ling Ruoke raised an eyebrow. "Is it because your Gu family interfered? Then I believe you, so what? You're not going to tell me that if I leave him, you'll help him. Otherwise, I can only watch him lose his future, and maybe even go to jail, right?"
"That's right."
Ling Ruoke laughed, or rather, chuckled bitterly. Looking at the woman before her, she truly doubted whether she had ever loved Qingfeng. "Then, I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you. I won't leave him, absolutely not. That's his future; he'll work hard and make his own choices. He doesn't need me to do anything for him. Because he is Huo Qingfeng, naturally proud, not one of those men who live off women. I also advise Miss Gu, it's best not to say these things in front of him, otherwise I'm afraid he'll throw you out the window. I'm not trying to scare you; you should know him."
"I've heard you." A familiar voice, but with an icy tone.
As soon as Ling Ruoke turned her head, she saw the door to the private room open, and the colonel's tall and imposing figure came into view. He must have arrived in a hurry, as he was still wearing a hospital gown.
Ling Ruoke hurriedly went over to support his arm, saying, "Why did you run out like this? Your wound hasn't healed yet, what if someone bumps into you?"
"I'm fine." Huo Qingfeng patted the back of her hand. His gaze was coldly fixed on the guzheng. "I'm not holding it against you, not because you're a guzheng, but simply because you're a woman, someone I perceive as weak. However, I won't tolerate you forever. You'd better watch yourself! Wife, let's go!"
"Huh!" Gu Zheng's face turned deathly pale!
Huo Qingfeng grabbed Ling Ruoke and left, not wanting to look at her again!
Ling Ruoke couldn't help but wonder, what about the food she ordered? Oh well, she'd save it for Gu Zheng to pay for. "I haven't eaten yet, what should I do?"
Once outside the restaurant, Huo Qingfeng slowed his pace. He released her hand and instead put his arm around her waist. "Let's go, your husband will treat you to dinner."
Ling Ruoke giggled, then looked him up and down. "Are you sure you brought money?" He was still wearing a hospital gown; she didn't believe he remembered to bring any.
"No. How about you lend me some, honey?"
Ling Ruoke laughed heartily, waved her hand, and said with great magnanimity, "Come on, seeing how pitiful you are, I'll eat with you today!"
"My dear wife, you're so wonderful!" The colonel almost wanted to cuddle her with both hands and feet to express his excitement.
Neither of them liked extravagance, so they naturally went to Ruoke's favorite steamed rice restaurant. The lunch rush had already passed, and the restaurant wasn't crowded, making it quite quiet.
As usual, Ling Ruoke ordered steamed spare ribs with black bean sauce for herself, and looked up to ask the colonel, "What would you like to eat?"
"Honey, can you order for me?" Huo Qingfeng said with a fawning smile, like a big dog. His hospital gown stood out in the store, but it couldn't hide his muscular physique and handsome face, attracting the attention of several girls.
Ling Ruoke stretched out her slender finger and poked his forehead. She then lowered her head and ordered him pork belly with black bean sauce and chicken with mushrooms, as well as a chicken soup with tea tree mushrooms, according to his preferences.
The soup here comes in small jars, pre-simmered and kept warm over a fire; it's served as soon as you order. Steamed rice, however, will take a while.
Ling Ruoke placed the washed spoon into the soup and pushed it in front of the colonel. "Here, have some soup first. The soup here is pretty good."
Huo Qingfeng scooped up a spoonful of soup and brought it to her lips. "Wife, you should drink some too."
Ling Ruoke took a sip, then looked at him with a smile. She found it strange; the colonel was clearly a very low-key person who disliked being ostentatious, yet he seemed oblivious to making intimate gestures in public. "Is it good?"
"It's delicious, but my wife's cooking is still the best!" Huo Qingfeng fed her another spoonful.
Ling Ruoke laughed even harder. That was the best thing about her colonel; he could say the most beautiful things anytime, anywhere, and without making you feel like he was just flattering you, because his expression was so serious. He made you feel like he remembered everything you did and said. You were the best, and everything you did was the best! To be loved by a man like that was truly blissful.
Did Guzheng also know this, which is why she tried so hard to win him back? Should she have been more aware of the situation and kept a close eye on her man?
"What did Guzheng mean by that? Have you done anything recently that gave people something to use against you?"
Huo Qingfeng fed her soup, seemingly unconcerned. "Don't worry about what she says. I can handle it. The Gu family is powerful, and I'm not someone to be trifled with."
"Are you sure everything's okay?" Ling Ruoke was still a little worried. She suddenly remembered something the colonel had said last time: "The darkness of this world is beyond your imagination!"
Huo Qingfeng reached out and touched her rosy cheeks, smiling confidently. "You don't believe me?"
"I believe you. I do worry. You're the most important person to me, of course I'll worry. I wouldn't care about anyone else." She grabbed his hand and pinched it.
"I like hearing that. Don't worry, your husband isn't someone who can be easily manipulated."
"Mmm!" She smiled sweetly, her gentle eyes crinkling. As long as he said it was no problem, she would believe him. Her colonel was always a man of his word.
The steamed rice was served, and the colonel, always restless, wouldn't eat his own but insisted on taking from Ling Ruoke's bowl. The more Ling Ruoke urged him, the happier he ate. Eventually, she gave up on him; this man was just a temperamental child! Sometimes, he seemed even more childish than Fu'an!
Just as I was thinking about the little one, the phone rang. It was Yuan Meng calling. "Hello, Yuan Meng?"
"If it's alright, will you be going home tonight?"
"Not sure yet, what's wrong?"
"My trip to T City is settled, so I wanted to talk to you. If you don't come back, I'll take Fu'an to the hospital."
"Then I'll go back in a bit, you wait for me at home."
After hanging up the phone, Ling Ruoke felt a little down.
"What's wrong?" Huo Qingfeng reached out and rubbed her cheek, looking at her sullen face.
Ling Ruoke pouted and mumbled, "Yuan Meng's trip to T City is already set. I reckon she'll be leaving in the next couple of days, otherwise she wouldn't have said she'd come to the hospital to talk to us if I didn't come home tonight." Thinking about this, she lost her appetite.
Huo Qingfeng paused for a moment. "It's nothing. T City isn't far, and it's not like we can't buy plane tickets. Didn't you say she should have a new life?" That's the good thing about men; once they've figured things out, they won't feel bad anymore.
Ling Ruoke was still pouting, looking sullen. "I know, but I can't bear to part with them."
Huo Qingfeng fell silent, holding her hand and gently squeezing it. Huo Fu'an was their family's precious darling, and no one could bear to part with him!
The two of them finished their meal and then hailed a taxi to go home.
As soon as he entered, the little leopard leaped up and pounced on Huo Qingfeng. "Daddy, Daddy, you're back!"
Huo Qingfeng quickly caught him, which aggravated his wound, causing him to frown. "Daddy's injured, he can't toss you around," he explained, seeing the little guy's expectant yet puzzled expression.
"Oh, Daddy, get down, get down!" The little guy was very good. "Daddy, does it hurt?"
Huo Qingfeng squatted down and hugged his chubby waist, if he still had a waist. "It doesn't hurt anymore, a kiss from Fu'an will make it stop hurting."
Huo Fu'an giggled and gave him several kisses.
"What about me? What about me!" Ling Ruoke also squatted down, her eyes a little wet.
The little guy leaned down and gave her two quick kisses on the cheek.
Yuan Meng watched them silently, knowing they had already guessed. Yuan Meng worked as an accountant and had been searching for a job in T City online. She had only intended to try her luck, but unexpectedly, someone actually invited her for an interview. Because she was in Z City, the interview was ultimately conducted over the phone. The interviewer thought she was suitable and hired her. Salary and benefits were already agreed upon, and even accommodation was arranged—a one-bedroom apartment, just right for her and her little one.
"Is there really such a good thing? Could it be a scam?" Ling Ruoke was the first to doubt it.
Yuan Meng smiled. "I'm having doubts too. Don't worry, I won't be foolish enough to rush over there. I'll settle down in T City first, and then thoroughly investigate this company. Anyway, don't worry, I'm not a child anymore."
Huo Qingfeng nodded. "In short, if you need anything, be sure to call us. No matter what, Xiao Fu'an will always be our child. That will never change!"
"Thank you." Yuan Meng smiled gratefully.
“But—” Ling Ruoke was still uneasy. She was about to speak when Huo Qingfeng grabbed her hand, signaling her not to say anything.
“Wife, just like Yuan Meng said, she knows what to do. This is Yuan Meng’s life, and she wants to walk her own path. We should respect her.”
Ling Ruoke stared at him blankly, somewhat confused as to why his attitude had changed so quickly. Puzzled, she pulled him into the bedroom. "The job Yuan Meng mentioned sounds obviously fake! Accountants usually need to be locals with guarantors or something. How could it be done with just a phone interview? And the dormitory is a one-bedroom apartment—it's like it was tailor-made for them! How is that possible?"
"It's true." Huo Qingfeng smiled and touched her face to soothe her emotions.
"This—" Ling Ruoke's eyes widened suddenly, and she pointed at him. "You arranged all of this?"
Huo Qingfeng nodded and took her hand. "There's been a lot of trouble lately, and I want them to leave here as soon as possible. Don't worry, I'll have people protect them." That was Lei Kaiyi's last concern in this world, and he was determined to protect them, mother and child!
Ling Ruoke stared at him, then seemed to wilted after a while. She hugged his waist and buried her face in his chest. "I can't bear to part with them. Waaah..." she whimpered softly as she nestled in his arms.
"Let's have a child as soon as possible, so you won't be lonely." He suddenly felt uneasy; this life of being apart so often was also somewhat cruel to her!
Huo Qingfeng held her tightly, unsure how to comfort her. Life is full of people coming and going; some are just passersby, others leave a mark but don't stay. Therefore, he wanted to protect the woman in his arms; they would be together for a lifetime! He would never let go of her!
Life is always full of surprises, and no one knows who will accompany whom to the end.
...
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