Eat fruit
Ji Nan has been having a tough time lately.
The ripples caused by Chu Shen's capture had exceeded her expectations. Although she was confident that she had cleared herself of all wrongdoing, and that all contact with Chu Shen had been through untraceable anonymous channels, a strange sense of unease lingered over her.
However, the real trouble doesn't come from the official investigation, but from the business side.
First, there were the downstream manufacturers that we had been trying our best to win over.
Their attitude inexplicably became hesitant, and they privately revealed that they had received "more favorable cooperation intentions from Xinghuan." Immediately afterwards, several media outlets that had previously cooperated well with Dingsheng suddenly began to "objectively" report on the potential risks and controversies of several of Dingsheng's recent investment projects.
Although the wording was cautious, the combined effect was enough to raise concerns among some investors.
What bothered her most was that rumors about her seemed to be circulating within the company.
"Improper personnel selection."
"A radical management approach has led to making too many enemies."
Although she dared not bring it out into the open, it was subtly undermining her authority.
Everything happened at just the right time; every blow was not fatal, but it hit her where she was most uncomfortable, leaving her exhausted and unable to find any clear leverage.
Ji Nan stared at the fluctuating stock prices and unfavorable public opinion reports on the screen, her face grim.
She knew that this must have been the work of those two from Xinghuan.
...
Hospital ward.
A few days later, Meng Yihe's complexion had improved significantly. She was able to get out of bed and walk briefly with assistance, and her thinking had largely returned to its usual clarity.
Meng Yihe glanced at Cui Yu, who was sitting by the window working on documents. The project had been stalled for several days, and although she knew Cui Yu had been controlling it remotely, his inherent sense of responsibility and workaholic nature were beginning to awaken.
"I'm fine now."
Meng Yihe spoke, his voice still somewhat weak, but his tone already carried his usual calmness.
"The project can't keep dragging on like this. Bring me the documents that require my decision."
Cui Yu looked up from the document and looked at him.
Meng Yihe tried to sit up straighter to appear more convincing, but his still pale lips betrayed his true condition.
"The doctor said that your pheromone levels are not yet fully stable, and your bodily functions are far from recovered. The side effects of the forced medication will take time to metabolize. Thinking about high-intensity work now will only increase the burden."
Cui Yu briefly put down the tablet.
“I, Zhao Lei, Lin Xueyue, and I are on the project side, and the progress has not been delayed. Your only task now is to rest.”
Meng Yihe wanted to say something more.
Cui Yu suddenly seemed to have thought of something, and after observing his slightly sullen expression, he seemed to be deep in thought.
"Do you feel too bored staying in the hospital room?"
Meng Yihe paused for a moment, instinctively wanting to deny it; he wasn't used to admitting feelings like "boredom." But being confined to this small space for days, spending his time either sleeping or staring at the ceiling, did indeed make him feel restless. Meng Yihe wasn't used to this kind of life.
He didn't answer directly, but the subtle changes in his expression and the brief silence said it all.
Cui Yu smiled knowingly and stood up.
"Lying down all the time is really not good for recovery, and it's easy to overthink. The weather is nice today, would you like me to go down to the garden for some fresh air? Just ten minutes will do."
Meng Yihe was silent for a few seconds, then nodded: "Okay."
The garden downstairs.
The sun was shining brightly, the air was fresh, and it carried the scent of grass and earth, a stark contrast to the smell of disinfectant in the ward.
Cui Yu carefully helped Meng Yihe to a bench shaded by trees. The two sat in silence for a while, enjoying the rare tranquility and fresh air. Meng Yihe's gaze returned from the distance to his still limp hands, and he suddenly spoke.
"Chu Shen, he..." Meng Yihe paused. "What happened to him later?"
Meng Yihe has not forgotten the person who dragged him into the abyss and brought him immense pain.
He knew that Chu Shen deserved his punishment.
But that chaotic and painful experience, and Chu Shen's hysterical accusations, still left a deep imprint on his mind.
Cui Yu turned his head to look at him, but did not answer immediately. He noticed that Meng Yihe did not show much resentment on his face when he asked the question. After considering it for a moment, he decided to tell the truth, but filtered out the more bloody and cruel details.
"He's been arrested. The evidence is conclusive, and he will face the full force of the law." Cui Yu's voice was calm.
"His wrist injury... he was injured during the arrest, but it has been treated and will not affect the trial." Cui Yu omitted the step he took, attributing it entirely to the arrest process.
Meng Yihe remained silent and nodded.
After a while, he spoke again: "He is actually a pitiful person. He was used as a pawn by Ji Nan and then discarded."
It wasn't out of sympathy, but rather with an almost cold objectivity that he pointed out the core of the tragedy. Meng Yihe himself was also a victim of this conspiracy, but he seemed to be able to see the mastermind behind everything more clearly.
Cui Yu raised an eyebrow in surprise. He hadn't expected Meng Yihe to be able to analyze the perpetrator's situation so calmly after experiencing something like that—a rationality that transcended personal emotions.
“There’s always a reason why someone is pitiful.” Cui Yu’s voice turned colder. “No matter how much Ji Nan tries to seduce you, he is the one who ultimately makes the choice and takes action. He chose to hurt you as revenge, so he must bear all the consequences.”
On this matter, Cui Yu left no room for ambiguity.
Meng Yihe fell silent again.
He knew that what Cui Yu said was true. However, perhaps because he himself had been under some kind of invisible pressure and control for many years, he felt a more understanding and sorrowful sense of madness towards Chu Shen when he was desperate.
“Ji Nan won’t let this opportunity slip by easily.” Meng Yihe changed the subject, looking into the distance. “She definitely has a backup plan.”
"I know." Cui Yu's lips curled into a cold smile.
"I also prepared some 'gifts' for her, and I hope she will like them." Cui Yu didn't go into details, but the confidence and chill in his tone made Meng Yihe understand.
Cui Yu had already laid out his plan.
Back in her ward, Meng Yihe, having exhausted herself from the brief outdoor activity, quickly fell into a deep sleep again.
Cui Yu tucked him in. Seeing that even in his sleep, the other man's brow was no longer furrowed as before, he felt a little relieved and sat back down in his "office" by the window. But instead of immediately getting back to work, he gazed thoughtfully at Meng Yihe's sleeping face.
In the garden, Meng Yihe's calm, almost detached analysis of the Chu Shen incident, and his eagerness to improve his own health, were evident.
All of this made Cui Yu realize one thing.
Meng Yihe's inner world is far more complex than he appears, and he lacks focus on his own needs.
A few days later.
Under Cui Yu's strict supervision, Meng Yihe's physical condition has improved significantly. She is now able to stay awake for long periods of time and handle some simple tasks that do not require high concentration, but this is obviously not enough for Meng Yihe.
“I need the latest full progress report on the project, reassessment data for all suppliers, and a summary of the legal department’s interpretation of local mining regulations.”
Meng Yihe leaned against the headboard and made a request to Cui Yu, who was peeling an apple for him, in his usual commanding tone.
Cui Yu skillfully cut the apple into small pieces, placed them on a plate, and pushed it in front of him before slowly wiping her hands and looking up at him.
"The doctor said to proceed gradually."
“I can show you the report, but only for a maximum of two hours a day, and,” he paused, his tone leaving no room for negotiation, “all your meals and medications must be taken strictly on time and in the correct dosage. I will be monitoring it.”
Meng Yihe frowned immediately: "Cui Yu, I am not a patient who needs to be watched over."
“And you are now,” Cui Yu answered crisply, even with a hint of teasing, “and a rather disobedient patient.”
"Director Meng, restoring health is a higher priority than project schedule; this is an order."
He rarely spoke to Meng Yihe in a tone that carried a hint of domineering CEO.
Meng Yihe paused for a moment, seemingly wanting to object. But when she met Cui Yu's smiling yet unusually serious eyes, she swallowed back the words she was about to say. For some reason, Meng Yihe felt somewhat unable to resist this form of "command."
He could only pick up a piece of apple with a slightly frustrated expression and chew it hard, as if he were chewing the flesh of some "annoying person".
Seeing Meng Yihe's rare moment of frustration, Cui Yu's smile deepened. He knew that Meng Yihe needed this kind of strict discipline to truly relax and recuperate.
At that moment, Cui Yu's phone vibrated.
He glanced at it; it was an encrypted message from Zhao Lei, the content of which made his eyes narrow slightly.
[Director Cui, I just received a message. Ji Nan seems to have noticed our media offensive and project interference, and has begun to fight back.]
[Through intermediaries, she attempted to contact several of our potential partners in Lin'nan Province, spreading rumors about Xinghai Technology's instability and internal conflicts within its management. Simultaneously, she also appeared to be secretly investigating the details of President Meng's recent 'accident,' possibly looking for loopholes.]
Cui Yu remained composed and quickly replied: [Understood. Proceed as planned. Intensify your public relations efforts against our chosen target. She spreads rumors; we'll demonstrate our strength and evidence.]
As for her wanting to investigate, let her investigate.
[This will allow her people to hear how Chu Shen 'praised' her inside.]
After processing the information, he looked up and found Meng Yihe looking at him. Although she didn't ask anything, her eyes were questioning.
"It's nothing serious." Cui Yu put away his phone in a relaxed tone. "Ji Nan got a little anxious and started using some underhanded tactics, but we've already dealt with it."
Meng Yihe didn't press for details. He had enough trust in Cui Yu's abilities, but he still gave her a casual reminder: "She's good at these underhanded tricks, be careful."
"Don't worry." Cui Yu smiled. "She won't be able to keep this up for long."
Just then, Meng Yihe's phone, which was on the bedside table, suddenly rang. The screen displayed "Mother." He put down the apple, took a tissue to wipe his hands, and then picked up the phone and pressed the answer button.
"mom."
His voice sounded like it had regained its usual calmness, though it was slightly weak from illness.
On the other end of the phone came Ye Chunhan's voice, which was as concerned as ever, yet also undeniably assertive.
"Xiao He, why did it take you so long to answer the phone? How are you feeling? I heard you had a bit of an accident while on a business trip and were hospitalized? How serious is it? Which hospital are you in now?"
A barrage of questions came crashing down on me.
Meng Yihe subconsciously rubbed his temples: "It's nothing serious, just a minor accident, I'm almost fine now." He habitually gave a simple description, downplaying the harrowing kidnapping and forced arousal.
"Almost healed? That means you're not fully healed yet!" Ye Chunhan clearly didn't believe it.
"You child, you always only report good news and never bad! You said the same thing when you were hospitalized with a stomach hemorrhage! If you had someone caring for you, we wouldn't be so worried!"
Her tone carried a familiar mix of complaint and expectation.
"If you had gotten married earlier, and had a caring Omega by your side to take good care of you, we would have felt much more at ease, right? It would be much better than what you're doing now, bearing everything alone, with no one even knowing when you're sick or injured!"
Meng Yihe frowned more and more as he listened. He had heard these words so many times that he could practically recite them by heart.
"Mom, I'm fine now and don't need anyone to take care of me. I'm busy with work and don't have time to think about these things."
"Work, work! All you ever think about is work! Can work be with you for the rest of your life?" Ye Chunhan complained.
“Look at Director Cui, he’s about your age, right? I’ve heard he’s reliable and capable, he definitely knows how to balance life better than you! You should learn from him, become good friends and brothers, so you can look out for each other, instead of always being alone…”
Ye Chunhan kept rambling on and on.
The main idea is simply that it's best to get married now, or at least find a reliable friend to look after each other.
But Ye Chunhan had no idea that the "good brother" she was talking about, whom she considered "worthy of learning from," was sitting right next to her son's hospital bed.
Meng Yihe was getting a little annoyed, but he could only listen patiently, his gaze unconsciously drifting out the window, his profile tense.
Just then.
Cui Yu, who had been quietly peeling an apple and immersed in her role as a "caregiver," suddenly chuckled softly.
Cui Yu didn't stop moving, nor did he even look up. He just casually replied, his voice carrying his unique laughter, clearly transmitted to the other end through the microphone: "Don't worry, Auntie."
His tone was so natural, as if he were simply discussing a casual topic.
“I’m here watching over him. I promise to be more caring than an Omega and more professional than a caregiver. I will definitely not give him the chance to ‘tough it out alone.’”
The voice on the other end of the phone stopped abruptly, leaving a deathly silence.
Meng Yihe turned his head sharply, looking at Cui Yu in disbelief, still holding his phone in his hand. He froze, completely unprepared for Cui Yu to suddenly speak.
They still used that ambiguous yet self-righteous tone.
Cui Yu slowly raised his head. Meeting Meng Yihe's shocked gaze, he blinked, his face displaying an innocent and open smile. He even pushed a freshly cut plate of apples toward Meng Yihe, mouthing silently, "Eat fruit."
It was as if he had just said, "The weather is really nice today."
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