Gratitude and Apology

Early the next morning, Xu Lin was once again awakened by the sound of the doorbell. When he opened the door, he found that it wasn’t the Chu sisters, but rather President Ye, who had endured an awkward encounter the day before.

She was dressed in a sharp office outfit, her shoulder-length hair neatly tied back. Only then did Xu Lin notice a small red mark on her right ear.

“This is something I was born with. It’s not very attractive, so I rarely show my ears,” she explained.

“It’s not unattractive at all. It’s like a flower. No, actually, it’s as beautiful as you are. Please, come in and have a seat.”

Hearing Xu Lin’s words, Ye Qinleng couldn’t help but smile—he certainly knew how to compliment someone.

They entered the room, and she took the initiative to sit beside Xu Lin, which made him feel nervous all over again.

“Don’t be nervous. I’m not going to do anything to you.”

“Please don’t tease me.”

“I’m not teasing you. I genuinely like you. Do you know why?”

“I really don’t believe it’s because of my looks or my writing skills. Surely there are people more talented around you.”

“You don’t need to be so modest. There aren’t many as versatile as you. But you guessed right, there’s another reason. It’s this.”

As she spoke, Xu Lin felt his hand being taken. He turned his head to look at Ye Qinleng, who now gripped his hand even tighter.

“I can hold your hand.”

“Is there something special about my hand?”

“Because of certain things that happened when I was about ten, I’ve been unable to have physical contact with men. Whenever I do, I have an immediate stress reaction.”

“Is that really possible?”

“Yes. It became increasingly difficult for me to be around men, which is one reason I never sought a boyfriend.”

“But I’m different, so this is why you like me?”

“No, truly, you’re outstanding. You don’t need to belittle yourself.” Ye Qinleng released his hand, and Xu Lin finally exhaled in relief.

“Are you getting ready to leave?”

“Yes, I’m heading back to Beijing. My train’s at eight. Are you planning to leave this afternoon?”

“We’ll leave in the afternoon. Hopefully, everything will go smoothly. If not, it’s easy enough to cancel online.”

“Alright, then I’ll be on my way.” Ye Qinleng stood to leave, and Xu Lin rose as well.

But in the next moment, she suddenly embraced him. Xu Lin instinctively tried to step aside, but her hands gripped his shoulders firmly.

Pressed together, separated only by their clothes, Xu Lin didn’t feel the so-called perfect figure—instead, a calm settled over him. He gently patted her back.

He could sense the exhaustion and weariness in this woman. Although she was the boss, she was still just a woman. No husband, no family to care for her, not even someone to rely on. The only person she could touch was him, but he couldn’t promise her anything; he lacked the ability and the courage.

All he could offer was a hug, a brief comfort, the only thing he could do for her at that moment.

They stayed like that for a few minutes before she slowly lifted her head, took a deep breath, and let go of him.

“Xu Lin, I have to keep trying. Thank you.”

Her gaze seemed firmer, but Xu Lin knew that she was merely steeling herself to carry on. He couldn’t find the words to say.

Yet as she hurried to the door, Xu Lin couldn’t help but call out, “If ever you need a hug and there’s no one else, you can always come to me.”

“Haha… cheeky brat! If you don’t take advantage now, there won’t be a next time! But next time, my daughter and I will come find you in Linshui.”

“Alright, you’re always welcome!”

Around eight o’clock, Xu Lin went out for a bit, bought breakfast, and returned to the hotel. By then, President Ye had already left with Shaoyao.

She sent him a message, saying she was afraid Shaoyao might see them and make the farewell even harder with tears, so she took her straight to the airport while she was still asleep.

The crew’s car arrived right on time at half past eight. As soon as Xu Lin opened the door, he saw Director Sun sitting inside.

“Director, why did you come in person?”

“It was on my way. Get in.”

Everyone boarded, and Sun Jianren pointed to the last row. They looked over and saw Liu Qinnuan sitting there.

“Good morning, everyone.”

She greeted them all. Chu Fengyi turned her head away, Chu Qingchan said nothing, and in the end, only Xu Lin nodded in acknowledgment.

“I’m sorry, everyone, for the trouble I caused yesterday…and the day before. It was my fault.”

“It’s nothing. My injuries have mostly healed, and helping out prevented a possible crime.”

“Thank you, Mr. Xu Lin—or rather, I owe you an apology.”

“Apologize for what? Don’t tell me you really caused someone’s husband to cheat—that’s your business. I was only worried things might get more dangerous.”

“No, it’s about the day before. I actually knew ahead of time that she liked me; she’s a passionate fan. But I still asked you for help, taking advantage of your empathy.”

“I don’t intend to excuse myself. That’s just who I am—I’ve always cared deeply about my perfect image to the outside world.”

“So I didn’t want to play the villain and reject her. What happened the day before was my fault.”

“But yesterday, after the police arrived, we all went to the station. It was determined that she had forged the photos.”

Director Sun quickly added, “Xiao Liu told me about the day before, and I’ve talked with her and her mother. But she absolutely didn’t do anything yesterday.”

“I know Hu Qingteng fairly well, he’s a talented screenwriter. The popular ‘Yellow Crane of the Yellow River’ was written by him.”

“But his personal life is messy. He divorced his wife the year before last, and last year married his current wife—the woman from yesterday.”

“Earlier this year, Xiao Liu acted in a drama he recommended. But this time, his affair was exposed, and he used photos of Xiao Liu as a shield.”

“He claimed he wasn’t cheating, just ambiguous, but didn’t expect the two of them to come to Jinling together.”

At that moment, Liu Qinnuan interrupted the director, “I’m at fault too—I intentionally or unintentionally maintained a good relationship with him. I’m not exactly a saint.”

“Ai~ Xiao Liu, in this industry, who doesn’t have a few tricks up their sleeve?”

“Ahem!” Chu Qingchan interjected, and Director Sun quickly smiled, “Sorry, sorry. Who in the industry would dare criticize you? Only those trolls try.”

“In the end, I want to apologize again, especially to Sister Chu Qingchan. You were so kind to me, and I still used your help!”

“It doesn’t matter. I’m in the industry too, and I can’t judge. But yesterday, did it affect you?”

“I have the crew to thank. Most of the news was kept quiet, and what little was released wasn’t clear. The company clarified things in time.”

“Yes, the Jinling police’s official account helped, explaining the situation. Mr. Hu might not be too pleased, though.”

The director added, “That cheating Mr. Hu is probably under both public and emotional pressure right now.”

“Alright, everyone, let’s not dwell on these things today. Whether it’s conflict or anything else, set it all aside. Let’s finish work this morning and head home for a good rest!”