Chapter 28: Late-Night Toxic Chicken Soup

The meal was tasteless, as if she were chewing wax.

Once the meal concluded, the servants cleared the table and brought out fresh tea. Lu Mingxuan, having paved the way, finally broached the subject: "Qiuyi, it has been hard on you, lurking by He Jingyue’s side. The Lu family’s recent success in securing that project in the east of the city, effectively cutting off the He Corporation’s plans, is largely due to the information you leaked in advance."

Lu Qiuyi: "???"

*What did I leak again?*

Her mind was a complete blank.

Lu Mingxuan continued, "He Jingyue is a man of deep schemes and petty grudges. Having suffered such a setback, he certainly won’t let it rest. When you go back, you must be even more cautious. You need to gain his deeper trust as soon as possible to get your hands on the core of 'Smart Language.' That is our ultimate goal."

He leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice. "By the way, what exactly are your responsibilities while at his side? What level of documents can you access?"

Lu Qiuyi gripped her teacup and answered softly, "Mainly project coordination and scheduling. I am essentially a special assistant to the CEO. But regarding core documents, especially those related to technology, President He is very cautious. I handle very few of them."

"A special assistant to the CEO?" Lu Mingxuan narrowed his eyes, a glint of sharpness flashing through them. "That is a critical position. Even fragments of decision-making and intelligence, when pieced together, are worth a fortune."

His tone carried an unquestionable command. "Do not belittle yourself. You must use this position to open up the situation as soon as possible."

Lu Mingxuan patted the back of Lu Qiuyi’s hand with what appeared to be paternal affection, yet his tone was icy. "The future of the Lu family now rests largely on your shoulders. Do not disappoint your father."

Lu Qiuyi suppressed the urge to pull her hand away and nodded obediently. "I understand, Father. I will do my best."

***

The sun set, and the sky grew dim.

After leaving the oppressive Lu family estate, Lu Qiuyi bid a polite farewell to the stern middle-aged man at the gate and stepped into the car. The moment the door closed, the mask on her face crumbled instantly.

*Exhausted.*

Lu Qiuyi slumped into the comfortable back seat. At this moment, she only wanted to return to her apartment, bury herself under the covers, and sleep soundly.

In the driver’s seat, the chauffeur glanced at her through the rearview mirror. "Miss, are we heading straight to the apartment? You look a bit pale."

Lu Qiuyi suddenly remembered that this driver was also one of Lu Mingxuan’s informants. She immediately forced herself to sit upright and managed a strained smile. "Yes, straight back. I think I ate too much at lunch and I’m just feeling a bit tired and unwell."

The driver immediately expressed concern. "Do you need to see a doctor?"

"No, no," she waved her hand, her voice tinged with feebleness. "I’ll be fine after a rest at home."

As the familiar streetscape came into view, Lu Qiuyi silently prayed that she would make it through the night without any further ripples.

However, fate seemed determined to work against her.

When the car pulled up to the apartment building, He Jingyue was leaning leisurely against his Rolls-Royce.

He seemed to have just returned from somewhere as well. He was still wearing his immaculate suit, though the top two buttons of his shirt were undone, revealing a glimpse of his collarbone.

He looked less cold and murderous than usual, possessing instead a lazy, unrestrained wildness.

He held an unlit cigarette between his fingers, his other hand tucked into his trouser pocket. He gazed calmly in the direction her car was approaching, as if he had anticipated her arrival at this exact time all along.

Lu Qiuyi’s heart skipped a beat.

*Why is he here?!*

Lu Qiuyi took a deep breath, braced herself, and pushed the door open to step out.

He Jingyue’s gaze lingered on her slightly pale face for a moment, and his brows knit together imperceptibly. "Why do you look so terrible? What did you do this afternoon?"

*Here it comes,* she thought. *The ultimate interrogation, late but inevitable.*

Lu Qiuyi pondered how to address her trip to the Lu estate. Telling the truth was impossible; that would be equivalent to blowing her own cover. But lying completely would appear too foolish in front of someone as sharp as He Jingyue.

Lu Qiuyi weighed her words. "Oh, just some trivial family matters. I had to go back. Everything is handled now. Thank you for your concern, President He."

He Jingyue didn't stop walking, strolling alongside her toward the apartment lobby. He gave a simple "Hmm."

Just as Lu Qiuyi let out a sigh of relief, she heard his next sentence drift lightly toward her:

"Did your family throw you a 'Hongmen Banquet'?"

*What does that mean?!*

Lu Qiuyi played dumb. "Yes, my father has always been quite strict with me, and he asked a lot of questions about work."

He Jingyue almost wanted to laugh. Could Lu Qiuyi really talk about work?

*Fine, I’ll let her get away with it.*

When they reached the elevator, He Jingyue stopped and instructed her, "Go up, change into something comfortable, and meet me in the underground garage in half an hour."

"Huh?" Lu Qiuyi blurted out instinctively.

*Where are we going? Isn’t today Saturday?*

He Jingyue glanced at her. "I’m making up for the comprehensive physical exam you missed during your onboarding. The He Corporation’s special assistant to the CEO cannot be the type to fall ill at the slightest disturbance."

Lu Qiuyi: "..."

*Fine, you’re the boss. You’re in charge.*

She wailed internally, but on the surface, she could only nod obediently. "Understood, President He."

***

Half an hour later, Lu Qiuyi went downstairs in simple casual clothes. He Jingyue’s car was already waiting quietly.

The examination process went exceptionally smoothly. It was a high-end private hospital that the He Corporation had a long-term partnership with, known for its service and privacy. The entire process was guided by specialists with extreme efficiency.

However, He Jingyue accompanied her the entire time. Although he mostly sat on the sofa in the lounge area handling emails, his intangible presence made Lu Qiuyi feel immense pressure.

Once all the checks were complete, He Jingyue drove her back to her apartment.

Lu Qiuyi unbuckled her seatbelt and whispered, "Thank you, President He. Sorry for the trouble. I’ll head up now."

He Jingyue gave a soft "Hmm." Just as she was about to push the door open, he suddenly called out to her, "Lu Qiuyi."

Lu Qiuyi paused, turning back nervously. "President He? Is there something else?"

He Jingyue’s hands remained on the steering wheel. "Sometimes, choices are more important than effort."

"Only by choosing the right path and following the right person can you walk steadily and go far."

He paused slightly, turning his head, his deep gaze resting on Lu Qiuyi’s slightly widened eyes. "That way, perhaps you won't be so tired."

Lu Qiuyi: "?"

*That’s too profound. I don’t understand.*

*Is it trendy to serve up late-night chicken soup for the soul now? Hahaha.*

"Thank you for the advice, President He. I’ll keep it in mind."

"Go on up." He Jingyue withdrew his gaze, his tone returning to its usual indifference.

After Lu Qiuyi went upstairs, He Jingyue did not leave immediately.

His phone screen suddenly lit up and vibrated.

He took a look. It was a message from Su Nuo: [President He, Lu Mingxuan met with President Liu from Shitong at the Blue Sky Lake Golf Course this afternoon. They talked for nearly three hours. It looks like he wants to bypass us and directly contact and win over our downstream channel suppliers.]

He Jingyue remembered that he had coincidentally booked a golf coach for Lu Qiuyi tomorrow afternoon.

He Jingyue replied: [Understood. Proceed according to the original plan.]

Lu Qiuyi, how will you choose?