76: Did I blame him wrongly? Were Lu Chen and the secretary really just in a meeting?

Hearing the knock on the door, Gao Xuewei's heart clenched.

She slowly rose, her steps unsteady as she walked towards the door.

Each step seemed to carry hesitation; her hand gently rested on the doorknob, but she paused just as she was about to open it.

Countless thoughts flashed through her mind; she didn't know what expression Lu Chen would have outside the door, nor how she should face him.

Taking a deep breath, she slowly opened the door.

Seeing Lu Chen's slightly pale face, Gao Xuewei's concern instantly broke through her inner turmoil.

"You haven't recovered yet, why did you come out?"

Her voice carried a barely perceptible tremor, and her eyes were full of worry.

Lu Chen slightly curved his lips, revealing a faint smile, "It's nothing, I've almost recovered."

Gao Xuewei was slightly taken aback; Lu Chen's voice was deep and gentle, like a warm breeze, softly caressing her heart.

Just as she was about to speak, Lu Chen handed her a folder he held, smiling as he said:

"Xuewei, this is the contract I just discussed with Secretary Liu. Since you'll be my personal secretary from now on, start by looking at this contract."

Gao Xuewei blinked, her eyes subconsciously looking at the contract in Lu Chen's hand.

All her previous suspicions instantly flashed through her mind, and she suddenly realized that they really were just discussing a contract in the room.

"It seems I might have really misunderstood him..."

Gao Xuewei thought silently to herself, then slowly took the contract, forced a smile, and softly said, "Okay."

With that, an awkward silence fell between them.

Gao Xuewei's gaze began to wander; she didn't know how to break the silence, nor whether she should ask Lu Chen to leave or invite him into her room.

Neither option seemed quite right...

Her fingers unconsciously tugged at the corner of her clothes, and the once smooth fabric quickly became slightly wrinkled.

She secretly glanced at Lu Chen, but then frantically averted her gaze the moment their eyes met.

Lu Chen seemed oblivious to the awkwardness; he slightly turned and naturally stepped into the room.

Gao Xuewei's heart tightened; she wanted to stop him but didn't know how to speak, so she could only watch him walk in.

At this moment,

Xiao Xi, who was reading, saw Lu Chen, and a look of surprise instantly flashed in her eyes.

She excitedly ran over.

"Brother Lu Chen, you're here!"

Xiao Xi's voice was clear and pleasant, echoing in the room like silver bells.

Lu Chen's smile instantly became even brighter; he bent down and picked up Xiao Xi, gently pinching her little face, and said with a smile:

"Did Xiao Xi miss me?"

Xiao Xi nodded vigorously, her eyes sparkling.

"Yes, yes, I wanted to go find you earlier, but Mama said you were in a meeting, so I didn't go."

Lu Chen smiled gently, praising, "Xiao Xi is so well-behaved."

Xiao Xi giggled, tightly hugging Lu Chen's neck, her small face pressed against his cheek.

Gao Xuewei stood to the side, quietly watching Lu Chen and Xiao Xi interact.

A warm current surged in her heart, gradually spreading throughout her body.

However, the scene of Lu Chen and Liu Ruyan together that she had seen earlier still couldn't help but surface in her mind.

That trace of doubt and unease lingered in her heart like a shadow.

Gao Xuewei's eyes became complicated again, carrying a hint of relief mixed with some worry.

She stood there silently, her lips slightly pursed, her fingers unconsciously intertwined.

Lu Chen seemed to notice Gao Xuewei's abnormality; he gently put down Xiao Xi and slowly walked to Gao Xuewei's side.

He slightly lowered his head, looking at her gently, and softly asked, "Xuewei, what's wrong? Is something on your mind?"

"No, nothing."

Gao Xuewei subconsciously lowered her head, avoiding Lu Chen's gaze.

She was afraid her eyes would betray her inner thoughts, so she could only choose to evade.

Lu Chen gently lifted her chin, making her eyes meet his again.

His eyes held a hint of inquiry, and he said with a smile, "Not in a good mood? Is it still because of Xiao Tianyu?"

Gao Xuewei was slightly startled; she hadn't expected Lu Chen to think that.

She gently shook her head, her eyes becoming serious, "No, I've long been utterly disappointed in him."

Lu Chen tilted his head, still wearing that gentle smile.

"Whatever the reason, come out to dinner with me tonight, and then we'll go for a walk by the Riverside. I guarantee all your worries will disappear."

Hearing this, Gao Xuewei subconsciously wanted to refuse.

Just as she was about to speak, Lu Chen continued:

"Xiao Xi must have suffered a lot of grievances during this time, and she hasn't been out to play in a long time, has she? There's a light show and iron flower performance by the Riverside tonight; it's a good chance to take her along."

Gao Xuewei's refusal was instantly caught in her throat.

She knew in her heart that Xiao Xi indeed longed to go out and play, and Lu Chen's suggestion undoubtedly hit her soft spot.

A hint of hesitation flashed in her eyes, her brows slightly furrowed, and her lips gently bitten.

Upon hearing Lu Chen's words, Xiao Xi immediately cheered, "Yay, I want to see the light show!"

Her small face was beaming with excitement, and her eyes were full of anticipation.

Gao Xuewei looked at Xiao Xi's excited appearance, and her heart grew even more silent.

She knew she couldn't refuse, and could only sigh helplessly in her heart.

Seeing Gao Xuewei remain silent, Lu Chen smiled again, his tone gentle yet carrying an undeniable assertiveness.

"Then it's decided. I'll pick you both up tonight."

After speaking, he released Gao Xuewei's chin and turned to leave.

Gao Xuewei watched Lu Chen's departing back, her eyes filled with complex emotions.

Her heart was a mix of emotions, with gratitude towards Lu Chen and an indescribable affection, as well as confusion and unease about the future.

She stood there blankly, not regaining her senses for a long time, until Xiao Xi ran over and tugged her hand.

Only then did Gao Xuewei slowly come back to herself and walk towards the wardrobe.

Since they were going out to play, she might as well dress up beautifully...

Meanwhile,

Liu Ruyan suppressed the humiliation and pain in her heart, walking step by step towards the outside of the manor.

Her steps were somewhat disordered, the sound of her high heels on the ground seemed particularly chaotic, each step seemingly taking all her strength.

She tightly clutched her bag strap, her face flushed crimson, her eyes brimming with tears that swirled in her eye sockets but stubbornly refused to fall.

Arriving outside the manor, Liu Ruyan looked at the setting sun, and a strong sense of desolation surged in her heart.

She remembered everything she had endured in Lu Chen's room today, and the grievances and anger in her heart erupted like a volcano.

She could no longer suppress her sorrow, and tears streamed down her cheeks, leaving two tear tracks on her delicate, fair face.

"Bastard, pervert, beast in human clothing, damn man..."

Liu Ruyan gnashed her silver teeth, cursing silently in her heart.

But she only dared to curse silently in her heart, not daring to show the slightest expression on her face.

Perhaps that despicable man was secretly watching her through some surveillance camera.

As soon as she thought of this, Liu Ruyan felt utterly despairing.