Gu Luxing saw the item Gu Cheng said he had left on the desk—a USB drive. He picked it up and looked at it for a long time before finally plugging it into his computer.
The USB drive was quite empty, containing only an audio recording. Gu Luxing clicked it open, and the first voice that came out was Gu Mingjing's.
"Regarding the cooperation, didn't your CEO Song already clearly state that it's impossible?"
"That's his intention, not mine." It was Li Chongming.
...
Gu Luxing listened to the entire recording calmly, his brows furrowed into a deep knot, as if he had encountered an unsolvable problem. Finally, he sighed and called Han Xun.
"Is everything taken care of?"
"The contacts have been made. As soon as you make a move, I can follow up here."
"Good."
After class, Song Er saw that she still had time before her appointment with Gu Luxing, so she practiced the competition dance a few times. Afterward, she ran into Su Xie, who was leaving late. With so much happening at the Gu Group and Gu Mingjing having paid the price for his actions, she thought the matter was pretty much over.
However, she'd been busy recently and hadn't formally thanked Su Xie yet.
"Su Xie, not gone yet?" Seeing him now, Song Er naturally walked over to greet him.
Su Xie was also surprised she was still there. He asked, "No, I was delayed by some work. Why are you just leaving now?"
"Preparing for the competition, so I practiced a few more times after class." Song Er said, then proactively brought up the Gu Group matter. "I haven't had a chance to thank you yet for helping me investigate so much during this time."
"Is it all resolved?"
"More or less. Anyway, Gu Mingjing has received his punishment."
A momentary flicker of darkness crossed Su Xie's eyes, but he finally smiled gently and praised, "You're truly kind."
Song Er had never received such a compliment. She smiled awkwardly, and just as she was about to say something, a car parked not far away suddenly honked twice, impatiently. Song Er recognized whose car it was instantly and quickly said goodbye to Su Xie, "I have to go. I'll find a chance to properly thank you next time. Goodbye."
"Goodbye."
The smile on Su Xie's face vanished the moment Song Er turned away. He stared at Gu Luxing's car, deep in thought.
"You and that Su Xie seem to get along quite well."
As soon as she got in the car, Song Er heard Gu Luxing's seemingly casual remark. Knowing he was probably jealous for no reason again, she pretended not to hear and asked, "Why didn't you call me?"
"It's fine, I just got here a moment ago."
Gu Luxing drove to a well-rated Western restaurant. After the meal, as he dropped Song Er off downstairs at the Song family's home, he pulled a USB drive from seemingly nowhere and handed it to her.
Song Er took it, looked it over, and asked confusedly, "What is this?"
"Everything you've always wanted to know is inside."
Song Er instantly knew what it was. The hand holding it suddenly felt very heavy. "Have you watched it?"
Gu Luxing admitted frankly, "Yes."
"That..." Song Er suddenly became hesitant.
"I won't say anything," Gu Luxing knew what she wanted to ask and refused without hesitation. This matter was intimately connected to her, and only she had the right to decide what to do about it. He didn't want his words to interfere with her decision.
They ended up listening to the recording together at the Song family home because Song Er became fearful at the last minute. She was afraid of hearing or seeing something she couldn't bear. Moreover, Gu Luxing had been unusually solemn ever since he gave her the USB drive, as if it contained a terrible monster.
The facts proved that it did.
She summoned up all her courage and finally clicked the audio.
"Regarding the cooperation, didn't your CEO Song already clearly state that it's impossible?"
"That's his intention, not mine."
How familiar those two voices were. So familiar that as Song Er listened to the audio, she could visualize the expressions on those two faces.
"What? You can make the decision?"
"Didn't CEO Gu want to use this cooperation to expand the Gu Group? And I don't want the Song Group to remain just a small entertainment company."
"Then what do you plan to do? The CEO Song I know is very stubborn."
"How I do it is not for CEO Gu to worry about. I just need a little help from CEO Gu. Just pretend you didn't see anything, and let me slightly adjust the yacht at Crescent Bay."
"What do you want to do?"
"I want to cooperate with CEO Gu."
...
For a long time after the recording ended, she sat there dazed, her lips moving slightly, but in the end, she didn't say a single word.
"Song Er." Gu Luxing tried to provoke a reaction. She was too quiet, unnervingly so.
After calling her name a dozen times, Song Er finally reacted. She turned to Gu Luxing calmly and said, "Gu Luxing, I want to eat." Yet, barely an hour ago, they had just finished dinner.
"Xiao Er." Gu Luxing made an effort to soften his voice, trying to recall her thoughts.
Song Er stared at Gu Luxing unblinkingly, as if she saw something in his eyes. Then she shook her head in refusal, "No, it's not like that. Gu Luxing, tell me it's not like that. I must have misheard, right?"
How could it be her uncle? How could it be him? He was the only relative she had left. Why wouldn't fate even spare her the last one?
"Su Xie... Su Xie clearly said that my uncle only wanted to trick my father into signing a contract and knew nothing about that incident! He didn't know! I... I'm going to call my uncle now. I'll go ask him. I'll ask him, he definitely couldn't be involved in that matter—"
Song Er frantically searched for her phone, but her hands were trembling so much that she couldn't even enter the simplest password correctly.
"Song Er!" Gu Luxing couldn't bear to watch any longer. He sighed softly, reached out, and took her phone away. He held her shoulders and said seriously, "This is the truth. You didn't mishear. Pull yourself together. Calm down."
"How can you ask me to calm down? Tell me, how am I supposed to calm down? That person is my uncle, my mother's only brother. How could it be him..." Song Er suddenly started to cry. She slid off the sofa, confined herself to the narrow space between the sofa and the coffee table, and wept bitterly with her head buried.
She had always believed that the culprit behind her parents' accident was Gu Mingjing, because her father had rejected the Gu Group's cooperation and was trying to report Gu Mingjing's questionable dealings, which led Gu Mingjing to do such a thing. An audio recording Su Xie played for her had also indirectly proven this.
Now, another recording told her that all of that was false, and the real perpetrator was actually Li Chongming.
Fate always seemed to play cruel jokes on her, time and time again. Just when she had laboriously learned to be forgiving and decided to let go, it silently struck her with another blow from behind.
"Xiao Er, sometimes, in the face of profit, feelings become very insignificant." Gu Luxing originally intended to pull her up, but instead, he worked hard to tuck in his legs and squeezed in with her, pulling her into his arms. He patted her back gently, talking slowly.
"If I could, I'd rather you never knew this. But you would regret that, wouldn't you? Since you've decided to face the truth yourself, I hope you can persevere no matter what, and at least bring the whole matter to a conclusion."
Song Er didn't answer, but Gu Luxing knew she was listening, so he continued to gently console her.
He had long considered how Song Er would react to this, but he also knew that regardless of the outcome, she had the right to know the truth. And no matter how hard he worked to find the truth, only she had the right to decide how to end it all.
He wasn't at ease leaving Song Er like this, so he stayed by her side every step of the way, relentlessly finding ways to help her slowly accept everything.
It wasn't until the next morning, after staring at the USB drive for a long time, that Song Er said to Gu Luxing, "Please come with me."
In the CEO's office of the Song Group, Li Chongming was still frantically dealing with the Gu Group's sudden change in management. After he took charge of the company's affairs as Song Er's guardian, cooperation with the Gu Group had remained close, but most of the collaborations had hidden problems.
Now that Gu Mingjing was under investigation, and the Gu Group was sorting out these issues, it was only a matter of time before the investigation reached him.
However, before he could extricate himself, Song Er appeared before him, accompanied by a team of police officers.
"Xiao Er, what is this..." Li Chongming was, after all, a man who had weathered storms. His strong psychological fortitude allowed him to appear composed even at this moment.
The police officer beside her answered for her: "Mr. Li, someone has reported your involvement in an accident six years ago, which constitutes suspected murder. You need to cooperate with the investigation and come with us to the police station."
Li Chongming's heart skipped a beat, feeling something sink. He turned to look at Gu Luxing standing beside Song Er, already guessing part of the truth, but his mouth remained stubborn: "Is this officer joking? How could an honest businessman like me be involved in a murder case?"
"The evidence is conclusive, Mr. Li. Please."
The police officer displayed the stamped arrest warrant for Li Chongming to see.
When the handcuffs were clasped around his wrists, Li Chongming finally realized the gravity of the situation: "Officer, you've arrested the wrong person! This must be a mistake! How could I kill anyone..."
In his panic, he regarded Song Er as his lifeline: "Xiao Er, tell them for your uncle! They must have misunderstood something. Say something for me, clear your uncle's name!"
Song Er took a big step back, creating a distance between them. She asked coldly, "Uncle, Crescent Bay, do you remember it?"
Li Chongming instinctively denied it: "Xiao Er, what Crescent Bay are you talking about?"
"You don't remember? Then let me help you recall, do you remember the yacht?"
"Xiao Er, tell them to release your uncle first, then you can ask me slowly, see if I can remember."
Song Er suddenly let out a cold laugh and shouted hysterically, "Then do you remember how my mother died?"
Li Chongming's spirit broke. He rushed forward and grabbed Song Er's sleeve, kneeling on the ground and begging, "Xiao Er, no, listen to your uncle. I was possessed by the devil at the time, that's why I did such a wicked thing. Please forgive your uncle, okay? Your uncle knows he was wrong, and I'm very regretful and scared..."
He couldn't lose just like this. He couldn't.
She had thought that when facing Li Chongming, she might soften, but hearing his excuses now, she realized how ridiculous her thoughts were.
"Do you want to tell all this to my mother too?" Song Er glared at him venomously, speaking every word distinctly.
Li Chongming seemed to have been pierced. His energy instantly drained. His lips moved, but in the end, he said nothing more.
As the police were about to take him away, he passed by Gu Luxing and suddenly grabbed his clothes, asking with desperate urgency, "Can you let me see her?"
Almost instantly, Gu Luxing's fist landed on Li Chongming's face: "You bastard!"
Song Er, standing beside him, was startled by Gu Luxing's sudden rage. Before he could strike again, she quickly stopped him and told the police officers, "Take him away quickly."
Li Chongming tried to plead further, but he couldn't resist the two strong young officers who forcefully dragged him away.
Long after Li Chongming was gone, Gu Luxing remained in his previous posture, his face dark as ink.
Song Er reached out and touched him: "Gu Luxing, are you alright..."
Gu Luxing finally reacted to Song Er's voice, grasping the hand that touched him: "I'm fine."
His sudden loss of control, even resorting to violence, was completely out of character. Song Er was worried but ultimately refrained from asking anything, simply leaving with Gu Luxing.
Before leaving, she glanced at the office. The busy searching police officers were just collecting the photo frame on the desk. If she remembered correctly, it contained a family photo that included Li Chongming.
She hadn't slept at all the night after hearing the recording. She knew that if she didn't pursue anything, Gu Luxing would also pretend nothing had happened.
Perhaps she could also let Li Chongming go, give him money to leave Xuchuan, and never see him again.
But after all her hard work for so long, she had to close the chapter on the events of that year. Those who commit wrongdoings must ultimately face punishment. After a long period of internal struggle, she finally handed the recording and the other documents she had requested from Gu Luxing over to the police herself.
She didn't want to have a persistent knot in her heart. Whenever she thought of that year, whenever she thought of her parents' appearance before they went out to sea that day, she knew she couldn't regret her decision.
When Han Xun brought a lawyer to see Song Er and said she needed to go to the police station, she wasn't surprised at all. She didn't want to manage the subsequent matters, so she handed everything over to Gu Luxing. However, some things still required her presence.
For example, signing the stock transfer agreement with Li Chongming.
Life in the detention center was tough. Li Chongming had only been there for less than a week, but he had lost a lot of weight and looked extremely haggard, completely devoid of his former self. Song Er almost didn't recognize him.
Considering she didn't want to talk to Li Chongming, Han Xun handled all the negotiations. Whether it was because the evidence presented by the lawyer was undeniable, or because Li Chongming had already given up the fight, the transfer documents were signed very smoothly, without any resistance. Li Chongming signed the papers without a struggle.
After everything was completed, Song Er said to Han Xun, "I still have something to ask him."
Han Xun looked at the two of them and discreetly left: "I'll wait for you outside."
Li Chongming probably hadn't expected Song Er to stay. After all, if it wasn't for signing the documents, she probably wouldn't have stepped foot in here. Why would she still have something to say to him?
Song Er looked at him coldly, devoid of any emotion, and asked directly, "Regarding the reasons back then, I want to know everything."
What was it that could make Li Chongming go so far as to harm his own sister and brother-in-law? Just for a cooperation, or control of the Song Group? She didn't believe it.
Li Chongming had spent these days in the detention center with his past constantly flashing before his eyes. Only now did he realize that in a moment of madness, he had committed such a foolish act. He was willing to accept the current outcome; this was his deserved punishment.
"Xiao Er, your uncle was blinded by jealousy." When he spoke of those matters, all that remained was endless pain and regret. "When I was young, I liked a girl. She was very beautiful and kind, and she deeply attracted me. I pursued her in every way possible, but she rejected all of it. Just as I was persistently pursuing her, she ended up with a man twenty years older than her. I was young and extreme in my thinking at the time, convinced that she was a gold-digger and that's why she wouldn't accept me.
"But even so, I couldn't forget her. So I swore I would become very rich, richer than that old man. That way, she would leave him and come back to me. Later, I joined the Song Group and slowly climbed to a position second only to your father. I wanted to build a great career at the Song Group, but your father was too conservative and too much of a stickler for rules. Many of my ideas couldn't be realized.
"The cooperation with Gu Mingjing was originally negotiated by me. I knew clearly that although this contract violated the principles of an entrepreneur, it was enough to lead the Song Group to a completely different path. But your father disagreed when he found out and severely reprimanded me. Later, I read a story, and I—"
At this point, Li Chongming suddenly slapped himself, saying in great sorrow, "I was truly possessed by the devil at the time, to do such an inhumane thing. Xiao Er, I'm sorry. Your uncle failed you all..."
Song Er maintained a cold expression throughout, never interrupting a single word. Only after he finished did she ask, "That person, was it Shu Le?"
Li Chongming didn't answer, but his slight pause and the head he buried low fully confirmed her guess.
The person he desperately wanted to see before being taken away must have been very important to him. And this person could provoke such instant rage in Gu Luxing, with such a life experience, she could only think of one person—Shu Le, Gu Luxing's mother.
With the truth now clear, Song Er didn't linger at the detention center. Li Chongming's crime would be dealt with by the law. As for Gu Luxing, she didn't plan to say anything about it, but before leaving, she added one sentence: "Regarding Shu Le, I hope Uncle will let it rot in your stomach and never utter a single word, because you are not worthy."
Song Er finally understood why Gu Luxing had initially been so evasive and reluctant to tell her the truth. The reason was probably also Shu Le. Although Shu Le had nothing to do with the entire matter, Li Chongming did what he did all because of Shu Le.
Since this was the case, she felt she needed to protect Shu Le's reputation.
Because of the smooth stock transfer, Song Er instantly became the largest shareholder of the Song Group. Due to this change, the Song Group had to convene a shareholders' meeting: one, to explain the events that had transpired in the Song Group in recent days, and two, to announce Song Er's succession as the Executive CEO of the Song Group.
At the shareholders' meeting, Gu Luxing accompanied Song Er. He watched as Song Er sat at the head of the table, her voice small yet resolute, explaining to the shareholders that Li Chongming was being punished for his crimes, while also mentioning the company's future development and her hopes for the company and its employees. A satisfied smile constantly played on his lips.
Just the day before, she had specifically rushed to his office, saying she was so nervous she couldn't speak, worried about being chased out of the shareholders' meeting, and asking if she could back out now and simply transfer the shares to him, claiming that managing one company was the same as managing two. Yet now, she was conducting herself professionally.
But right at the end of her speech, Song Er suddenly paused, looked at Gu Luxing, and then continued, "I know everyone is suspicious of my management abilities, and I am too. Therefore, I now, in my capacity as Chairperson of the Board, decide that the position of CEO of the Song Group will be held by Mr. Gu Luxing, with no right of rebuttal."
One second he was praising this little girl for her improvement, the next he was being maneuvered into a position.
Such a bold decision naturally led to some objections: "CEO Song, appointing an outsider as the CEO is perhaps inappropriate."
Song Er didn't seem annoyed by the rebuttal. Instead, she smiled at Gu Luxing, turned back to the shareholders, and announced, "Mr. Gu Luxing and I are currently dating."
Afterward, Han Xun didn't forget to give Song Er a thumbs-up, praising her: "I'm impressed. That move was so brilliant, even our CEO couldn't refuse."
Song Er looked at Gu Luxing, who was walking ahead with a dark expression, and deliberately said loudly, "I don't understand company management."
"If you don't understand management, you can learn," Gu Luxing turned and glared at her, annoyed.
Song Er immediately leaned into Gu Luxing, eyes watering, and asked, "I have so many competitions to prepare for, so many performances to do. If I start learning company management, won't I stop dancing?"
Ah, some people know how to use their advantages. Look, with this tearful, aggrieved complaint, Gu Luxing instantly lost his resolve. He reached out and gently flicked her nose, saying helplessly, "I really can't do anything with you."
However, Gu Luxing quickly got his revenge. One afternoon when he came to pick up Song Er, while she was asleep, he quietly took her to the Gu family home.
Song Er woke up to find them at the Gu family entrance and was startled: "Why are we here?"
Gu Luxing only said three words succinctly: "Meeting the parents."
Song Er immediately became nervously restless, trying to back out: "Can I not go?"
"Someone spoke so righteously at the Song Group shareholders' meeting. Did you not consider Gu Liangping's status and connections in the business world?" Gu Luxing appeared calm and composed.
Song Er instantly regretted her sharp tongue. She hadn't intended to say that, but when she heard others call Gu Luxing an outsider, she couldn't help but want to validate him, forgetting that there were many other things awaiting them behind their relationship.
In the Gu family living room, a large group of people sat side by side. From left to right were Grandma Gu, Gu Liangping, Shu Le, and Zhou Yuwei.
Before going in, Song Er was still hesitant and tentative, but Gu Luxing simply held her hand and pulled her inside. As a result, she now hid behind Gu Luxing, afraid to come out, fearing she couldn't withstand the barrage of criticism.
"You scoundrel!" Gu Liangping, seeing them enter, was so angry that he threw his teacup at Gu Luxing.
Gu Luxing instinctively shielded Song Er behind him but remained otherwise motionless, taking the impact from Gu Liangping. The hot tea spilled all over him, but he didn't even frown. Instead, he pulled Song Er from behind him and said neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Dad, Mom, Grandma, Sister-in-law, as you've heard, Xiao Er and I are indeed dating."
"You wicked thing! Xiao Er is Xiao Cheng's fiancée!" It was Grandma Gu's voice.
"Grandma, I love Song Er." This was the first time in his life Gu Luxing had used this tone with Grandma Gu—firm, allowing no one to question him.
The old lady stood up from the sofa, raised her cane, and swung it at Gu Luxing, continuously cursing: "You ruthless person! Not only did you lock your elder brother in jail, but now you're even stealing Xiao Cheng's fiancée! Do you really hate them that much?"
"Grandma—"
Gu Luxing called out helplessly, but his body didn't move. Other than protecting Song Er in his arms, he let the cane strike him.
"Don't call me that!" Grandma Gu said fiercely, her hands still lashing out, venting her anger with every blow.
Shu Le watched from the side, unsure what to do. The old lady was lukewarm towards her but intensely disliked Gu Luxing, a fact well known in the Gu family.
"Mom, calm down first." In the end, it was Gu Liangping who had someone pull Grandma Gu away. He assessed the two people in front of him. If he hadn't known about this beforehand, he wouldn't be much calmer than the old lady right now.
"Ah Xing, do you know that Song Er is engaged?"
"I know. I admit I feel guilty towards Gu Cheng, but that doesn't affect my feelings for Song Er."
Gu Luxing tightened his grip on Song Er's hand a little, allowing Song Er to feel his conviction and finally summoning her courage.
"Great-Grandma, Sir, I'm sorry." As she spoke, Song Er knelt down with a 'thud', pulling Gu Luxing down with her. "You've been so good to me. It's... it's me who didn't know how to appreciate your kindness and harbored these wrong intentions. I know I should have told you earlier. I never loved Gu Cheng from the beginning to the end."
"Xiao Er, why are you joining in the mischief?" Although the old lady disliked Gu Luxing, she was very fond of Song Er. Seeing her make such a gesture, although she was angry, it was far less intense than before.
"Great-Grandma, I'm sorry. I know doing this is very unfair to you and to Gu Cheng, but I still have to be honest. I love Gu Luxing. From start to finish, I have only loved him." Song Er's eyes were red, apologizing profusely, her head buried low, daring not to face anyone.
The old lady was so angry that her hands were shaking. Pointing at Gu Luxing, she demanded, "What kind of spell did he cast on you?"
"It wasn't Gu Luxing. It's my fault. I was the one who broke the agreement between the two families and fell in love with Gu Luxing first. I couldn't control myself. I'm sorry to Gu Cheng. Great-Grandma, you can hit me or scold me, Xiao Er accepts it." Song Er suddenly squeezed Gu Luxing's hand and heavily kowtowed once. "I beg everyone to fulfill my wish."
"Are you two trying to rebel?" The old lady was furious, throwing her cane to the ground. Just as she was about to leave, she suddenly clutched her chest, struggling to breathe. Terrified, Song Er rushed over, her eyes red, tears falling "pat-a-pat".
"Great-Grandma, I'm sorry, I'm sorry..."
Outside the emergency room, Song Er kept tightly gripping Gu Luxing, her expression anxious, not knowing what to do. It wasn't until the doctor announced that the old lady was fine that she finally eased slightly.
Gu Liangping looked at the two of them, sighed, and ultimately said nothing. It was Zhou Yuwei who came to find Song Er.
"Xiao Er, would you be willing to chat with Auntie for a couple of minutes?"
"Auntie, I'm sorry." Song Er bowed deeply in guilt.
Zhou Yuwei reached out to stop her, saying gently, "You don't have to be like this. Auntie doesn't blame you. It's actually good that you and Ah Xing are together. Auntie feels less guilty."
"Auntie..."
"Auntie isn't like Grandma. I don't have as many scruples. It would be nice if you liked Xiao Cheng, but if you don't, Auntie has no right to blame you. On the contrary, Auntie hopes you can be happy."
Afterward, everyone stopped mentioning the matter, which was considered acceptance. Even the old lady, due to Zhou Yuwei's persuasion, had softened slightly.
Song Er, of course, didn't know that Gu Luxing, besides being beaten by the old lady, hadn't fared well with Gu Liangping either. In addition to being splashed with boiling water, he was forced to kneel for an entire night. If Shu Le hadn't interceded later, his temper would have been worse than the old lady's. And as for Zhou Yuwei, Gu Luxing had gone to apologize and make amends, but he didn't plan to tell Song Er about any of this.
Most of the pressing issues were resolved. Song Er had discussed it with Carrie and was preparing to go abroad in a few days. After all, the competition was approaching, and she needed professional guidance and a relatively secluded practice environment.
Gu Luxing had been busy running between two places during this time. Although most of the Song Group's matters had been handed over to Han Xun, he was still incredibly busy, often feeling dizzy with work. He didn't ask many questions, just instructed Han Xun to arrange all her travel plans meticulously.
Just as he finished the call with Han Xun, his police friend suddenly called: "CEO Gu, the matter from back then seems more complicated than we imagined. The evidence gathered these days shows that there has consistently been another person involved in the background. His name is Su Xie."
"Who?"
The person thought Gu Luxing didn't know him, so he elaborated: "Su Xie, originally from Jicheng, later went abroad to study. Afterward, he was active in the foreign music scene under the name Sampson. He returned to China about half a year ago and is currently a specially appointed music teacher at Xu University."
Gu Luxing listened to the introduction, recalling the man who had always been around Song Er, and a sudden sense of unease flashed in his heart.
Song Er said they met abroad because they frequently visited the same bookstore. But since this person was involved in the incident from back then, how could he not have known Song Er?
He hung up the phone and immediately tried to contact Song Er. He couldn't reach her; her phone was turned off.
He immediately rushed to the Song family home, only to receive news from Han Xun that Song Er had left class an hour ago and gotten into Su Xie's car. The car was now heading toward Jicheng.
He left for Jicheng without a word, pushing his car to the limit. If he remembered correctly, Song Er had mentioned a couple of days ago that Su Xie had a performance in Jicheng these days, his first domestic performance since returning, and he had invited her to attend.
Gu Luxing hadn't paid much attention at the time. Now, it seemed that everything was a meticulously planned scheme by Su Xie. The thought made him even more anxious, and his speed reached its limit. He only hoped to find Song Er quickly.
He caught up with Su Xie's car at the theater entrance, but when he arrived, the car only contained a still unconscious Song Er. Su Xie was nowhere to be found. He called Han Xun and instructed him to find Su Xie at all costs.
Gu Luxing tried to wake Song Er, but she didn't stir. He had no choice but to lift her out of the car. But the moment his hand touched her, he realized something was wrong: her flushed cheeks, her burning body...
"You bastard!" Gu Luxing angrily slammed his fist into the car seat and immediately rushed Song Er to the nearest hotel.
On the way, Song Er's consciousness began to fade. She kept complaining that she was uncomfortable. Gu Luxing had to speed up, his face dark as he asked for a room under the hotel desk attendant's scrutinizing gaze.
He placed Song Er in the bathtub, but she wrapped her arms around his neck and refused to let go. Her body began to rub against him restlessly, as if that would ease her discomfort.
"Xiao Er, let go."
He knew what Song Er needed and understood that if he did what she wanted, she would no longer feel uncomfortable. However, something so important to them shouldn't happen like this, so hastily, almost as if he were taking advantage of her.
"Ah Xing, I'm uncomfortable. Help me, please? I'm begging you, help me..."
Song Er actively kissed Gu Luxing's lips, her hands beginning to tear at his clothes.
How could Gu Luxing resist such provocation? After only a three-second hesitation, he transitioned from passive to active.
If this was what Song Er needed, then he would grant it...
Song Er woke up in Gu Luxing's arms the next day. The moment she saw Gu Luxing, the vague memories of the night before came flooding back. Song Er's face flushed with embarrassment. And at that moment, Gu Luxing didn't forget to mention: "Last night..."
"I don't remember last night. I don't remember anything." Song Er anxiously interrupted him, covering her face in shame. She knew it was due to the drug's effect, but she was the one who was active. Thinking back on it now, she felt she couldn't face anyone.
"I'm sorry, I could have refused."
Song Er hadn't expected Gu Luxing to suddenly apologize. She was stunned, realizing her reaction might have made him misunderstand. She quickly explained: "I didn't mean to blame you. And, I... I really liked it."
Gu Luxing looked up in surprise, stared at Song Er, then chuckled softly, leaning down to kiss her forehead: "I liked it too."
Gu Luxing's men found Su Xie at a cemetery in Jicheng. He was kneeling before a tombstone. In the center of the tombstone was a very young girl, her smile beautiful.
When they arrived, Su Xie was about to leave. He didn't seem surprised to see them. Instead, he said calmly, "You've come."
Gu Luxing said angrily, "If we weren't here, I'd really want to beat you up."
"I apologize." Su Xie directed this sentence towards Song Er.
"What right do you have to apologize?" Gu Luxing looked at him coldly.
"Su Xie, why?" Song Er asked incredulously.
After so many incidents, she could at least face these sudden changes calmly. She had heard some details from Gu Luxing on the way, but she still wanted to ask Su Xie herself.
Su Xie avoided Song Er's gaze: "No reason, I just suddenly didn't want to do it anymore."
Eight years ago, his sister, to allow her brother to complete his studies, dropped out of school to work at a company under the Song Group. However, she was drugged and assaulted, leading her to commit suicide in grief. The location was a hotel room long-leased by Song's father. He wanted justice for his sister, but the Song Group, to protect the company's reputation, not only twisted the facts and covered up the incident but also gave him a large sum of money and threatened that if he continued to make trouble, his sister's reputation would be ruined.
Because of his sister's tragic death, he held a deep grudge against Song's father. For revenge, he exploited Li Chongming's desperate desire for success at the time, writing a personalized murder plot and story based on Li Chongming's situation and sending it to him anonymously. Li Chongming, struggling to expand his influence, only waited a day after reading the letter before executing the plan.
After orchestrating the death of Song's parents, he decided to take the money and go abroad to focus on his career. But he never expected to meet Song Er abroad. Seeing her, and thinking of his deceased sister, his inner resentment was rekindled.
The plan last night was far more extensive than what happened. He originally intended to inflict everything his sister suffered onto Song Er as an act of revenge. But in the end, seeing Song Er's face and recalling their moments together over the years, he suddenly couldn't bring himself to do it.
"You're wrong. The person who harmed your sister was not Song Er's father," Gu Luxing looked at him coldly. "Back then, a small manager under the Song Group wanted a promotion and somehow learned that Song Er's father had a long-term leased room at the Changwan Hotel. He took advantage of the father's visit to bribe a hotel server and arranged for your sister to enter. But Song's father didn't accept, and upon receiving a business call, he left immediately. It was that manager who, on impulse after the father left, harmed your sister. Later, the Song Group, considering the company's reputation, tried to handle the matter quietly, giving you a large sum as compensation. As for the threats, that was likely arranged by the manager."
"You're lying!" Su Xie glared at Gu Luxing.
"I'm not lying. This is the police evidence."
Su Xie took the documents Gu Luxing handed him and examined them carefully.
Su Xie's hands slowly trembled. He suddenly tossed the documents away: "No, my sister was clearly killed by him! There's no mistake! These are fake, you're lying!"
"No, this is the truth. My father does have a poor reputation, but that was all before he married my mother. After marriage, he never betrayed my mother," Song Er said seriously.
"Then my sister..."
"Regarding her incident, I'm very sorry," Song Er lowered her head.
"Impossible, impossible! I couldn't have investigated incorrectly. How could I..."
After learning the truth, Song Er had to exert great effort to decide to come along with Gu Luxing. Looking back, she didn't know who to blame. Because of an accident, Su Xie lost his sister, and because of a misunderstanding, she lost her parents.
The dead cannot be resurrected. Moreover, Su Xie ultimately held back and didn't harm her. However, some things, once they happen, cannot be made to disappear.
Song Er tried her best to keep her tone calm: "Su Xie, I apologize for your sister's experience and I accept your apology. From now on, we are even. We are no longer friends."
Before leaving, Song Er walked to Su Xie's sister's grave and bowed deeply. His sister's misfortune was, after all, greatly connected to the Song Group, and she felt she must apologize on behalf of the Song Group.
On the way back, Song Er remained silent. Su Xie's desperate collapse onto the ground was etched into her mind. She could actually understand Su Xie, but she would never forgive what he had done to her.
"Do you think it's over now?" Song Er asked.
After so many twists and turns, going around such a large circle, it was ultimately all because of a misunderstanding. Yet, this misunderstanding had cost her too many loved ones.
"It's over."
Gu Luxing wanted to comfort her more, but in the end, he didn't know what to say. He could only pull her into his arms, gently patting her shoulder repeatedly.
Too much had happened along this journey, yet no one had anticipated this outcome.
He had always tried to prevent her from being involved in the whole affair, yet by a strange coincidence, they had almost made an irreparable mistake.
He had never been so panicked as when he learned Su Xie was the mastermind.
Fortunately, in the end, Su Xie chose to let go of the hatred. Upon learning the final truth, Song Er was much calmer than usual. To say calm, perhaps she was already numb.
This circuitous truth, whether a misunderstanding or a result of desire, could no longer change the outcome.
The living, besides knowing the truth, should live strongly. He thought Song Er would also understand this.
After several late-night calls from Carrie, Song Er's departure date for overseas was finally set for two days later.
She was still a little nervous when going to the Gu family with Gu Luxing. The old lady's attitude had softened somewhat. She wasn't happy, but only said she couldn't manage the younger generation's affairs anymore.
Gu Ye quietly asked her: "Did you fall for him when Little Uncle was treating your wounds that night?"
Song Er laughed and shook her head in denial. It wasn't then. It was much earlier, so early that her heart had already settled on a certain person even before she fully understood her feelings.
Before leaving, Gu Luxing drove, saying he would take Song Er somewhere. Song Er mocked him, saying she was just going abroad for a competition, not leaving forever. Why the farewell ceremony?
Gu Luxing smiled without explaining, seemingly wanting to maintain the mystery.
Finally, the two watched a movie, and afterward, they went to Xuchuan's most famous French restaurant.
For such a famous restaurant, there wasn't a single person at this hour. The entire hall was empty, occupied only by them. A violinist was playing 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. The red wine on the table gave off a sweet aroma, perfectly complementing the steak, easily stimulating one's taste buds.
"Gu Luxing, you've really changed."
The old him would never have understood such romance, so strict and restrained that he only felt dull.
Suddenly, Gu Luxing knelt on one knee in front of her, taking a ring from his suit pocket. He looked at her sincerely and asked, "Ms. Song Er, will you marry me?"
In an instant, the empty hall filled with people. Even Gu Liangping had arrived, everyone's faces beaming with smiles.
Song Er was shocked by this instant change and suddenly began to cry for no reason. It must be happiness. Just a few days ago, she was wondering why Gu Luxing hadn't made any gesture when she was about to leave. It turned out, it turned out he had already made all the preparations.
Was fate trying to compensate her? That's why he was sent to her side.
She stretched out her hand without any hesitation. As the ring slid onto her finger, her entire heart felt as if it had been filled.
Gu Luxing pulled her into his arms and whispered in her ear, "I was afraid you'd run away, so it's safer to tie you down first."
Song Er smiled through her tears and said firmly, "Gu Luxing, thank you."
What tomorrow's Xuchuan Times front page headline would be no longer mattered. Perhaps, it was already going viral on Weibo, but none of that concerned her.
She only knew that at this moment, she was very happy and was sure that she would be happy for the rest of her life.
They had hit walls and taken detours along the way, but they would ultimately have each other again, only because that person was Gu Luxing. It was his persistence and silent devotion that allowed her to firmly believe in a promising future, even when facing a path full of challenges and thorns.
The subsequent years are long, with wind and clouds, clear skies and rain. But her remaining life is entirely with him.
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