Finally settling things, Ruo Xiaozhen gathered up the changed wet clothes and the used bath towel.
Holding the pile, she prepared to take it to the bathroom.
As she turned, her gaze involuntarily fell on the top item—that large bath towel that had just been wrapped around and wiped over Yan Yu’s entire body.
Pure white, fluffy, soft cotton.
But Ruo Xiaozhen’s fingertips still seemed to recall the sensation of wiping that delicate skin with it.
Before her eyes, the image of that fair skin rapidly flushing a faint red, and the annoyed glare from those eyes, flashed again.
Her heart, without warning, pounded heavily.
A scorching heat spread from the core of her heart, making her cheeks burn.
This towel… was bought today, brand new.
Even if… Xiao Yu used it…
Now that I’m taking it back… keeping it for myself…
It should be fine… right?
This thought invading her mind startled even Ruo Xiaozhen herself.
She unconsciously tightened her grip on the clothes in her arms, her fingertips sinking into the soft towel fibers.
The bright light of the bathroom reflected off her slightly flushed face.
She stood at the room’s doorway, pausing for several seconds.
Then, taking a deep breath, she quickly walked to the bathroom.
She didn’t throw the pile directly into the laundry basket. Instead, she swiftly pulled out the white bath towel, folded it quickly a few times, and stuffed it into her cloth bag hanging behind the door.
After doing all this, she tossed the remaining wet pajamas into the laundry basket and started washing her hands as if nothing had happened.
The cool water washed over her fingers, but it couldn’t completely erase the lingering soft sensation on her fingertips or the inexplicable flutter in her heart.
She looked up at the mirror, seeing her own slightly flushed cheeks and distant gaze.
Her heart was still beating uncontrollably fast in her chest.
—
Inside the brilliantly lit hall, the air was filled with the fragrance of fine perfume, cigar smoke, and flowers.
High society figures in custom gowns and handmade suits held crystal goblets, chatting quietly amid the melodious strings.
In the center of the hall, Su Heng, chairman of the Su Group, and Bai Zhenye, head of the Bai family, stood side by side. Both were middle-aged but exuded extraordinary presence.
“Brother Bai, this joint development project in the city’s eastern new district has progressed so smoothly thanks to the close cooperation between our two families.” Su Heng swirled his wine glass, smiling gracefully, his eyes flashing with the savvy of an old hand.
“Brother Su, you’re too modest,” Bai Zhenye raised his glass in response, his voice booming with habitual cheerfulness. “It’s your Su family’s team that’s professional and efficient. The planning proposal was beautifully done, so the higher-ups gave us a green light all the way. Especially handling those tricky preliminary relationships and resource integration…”
He paused, looking at Su Heng meaningfully.
Su Heng smiled knowingly, his grin carrying undisguised pride and satisfaction. He raised his voice slightly, ensuring the surrounding guests who were eavesdropping could hear clearly. “To be honest, Brother Bai, from the initial concept to the actual execution, especially those difficulties you mentioned, almost everything was led and handled by Qinghan. Young people, with ideas, and willing to work hard.”
“Oh?”
Bai Zhenye’s expression shifted to surprise mixed with admiration. Of course, he knew Su Heng’s intention—both to showcase his heir and to pave the way for deeper cooperation.
“So it was Qinghan’s contribution! Ah, indeed, the tiger father doesn’t have a dog daughter. Brother Su, you truly raised an incredible successor. Such boldness and talent are rare among the younger generation.”
He shook his head emotionally, half-joking, half-seriously. “What a pity, I also have a daughter. If I had a son, I would shamelessly seek a marriage alliance with your Su family. I’d marry such a fine girl like Qinghan into my home, so I could retire early and enjoy my grandchildren!”
The surrounding bigwigs laughed kindly and added their praises.
Su Heng’s smile deepened as he waved his hand, his tone growing more composed. “Brother Bai, you flatter me. Everyone knows your Yan’er is the true jewel. Although she’s not interested in business and has little enthusiasm for it, her artistic talent and accomplishments are widely recognized.”
The two men smiled at each other and clinked glasses again. The atmosphere was warm and lively.
The flattery and banter continued, as if foreseeing even closer ties between the two major families in the future.
Meanwhile, in a shadowy corner on the second floor corridor, half-hidden behind a thick velvet curtain,
Bai Yan’er leaned against the cold marble wall.
Her father’s and Su Heng’s seemingly cordial but secretly veiled conversation drifted up word for word into her ears.
Especially her father’s unstinting praise for that “Su Qinghan.” It struck her heart like tiny ice needles, densely and persistently.
Su Qinghan.
She silently savored the name, a cold, rusty taste spreading between her teeth.
This was the woman who had captivated her sister Yan Yu, made her lose herself in love.
Not only had she charmed her sister, but now even her father, who was always arrogant, praised her so highly.
What was so good about her?
Bai Yan’er recalled the few times she had seen Su Qinghan—
Her appearance was barely graceful, far less radiant than her own bright, captivating looks.
Her temperament was cold and distant. Where was the wholehearted enthusiasm and care she showed her sister?
But it was precisely this woman who had taken all of her sister’s attention and tenderness, making her willingly wander around the Su Group’s building, just for a “chance encounter.”
Jealousy, like a wildly growing vine in the darkness, wrapped around her heart, tightening, bringing waves of dull pain and cold anger.
Why? Sister Yan should be carefully cherished, not pining away for a Su Qinghan!
“Miss, why are you here? Master is looking for you downstairs.”
A gentle male voice came from nearby. It was Liu Wenyan, her father’s chief secretary. He had arrived at some point, his face showing professional concern.
Bai Yan’er suddenly snapped back to reality.
In an instant, all the cold gloom and resentment on her face faded like a tide, replaced by a sweet smile, a little naive and slightly lazy.
She turned around, elegantly, as if she had just been taking a break to enjoy the view downstairs.
“Secretary Liu,” she said crisply, with a hint of playfulness. “Nothing much. It’s stuffy downstairs, so I came up to get some air. And just in time, I have a favor to ask.”
Liu Wenyan bowed slightly. “Miss, please tell me.”
Bai Yan’er stepped forward a few paces and leaned on the carved railing. Her gaze seemingly casually swept over her father and Su Heng laughing below. Her tone became a bit low and worried.
“I’m completely clueless about business matters and have no interest in them. But watching Dad entertain so many guests for the company lately, always coming home exhausted, it makes me… really sad.
“I want to share some of the burden for Dad. Just understand a bit of the situation, so he doesn’t have to explain everything to me.”
She looked up at Liu Wenyan. “Secretary Liu, can you help me? Just simply gather information about the Su family’s recent business activities, and especially… the main projects Miss Su Qinghan is currently overseeing.
“I just want to understand what a peer Dad praises so highly is actually doing that’s so remarkable. Maybe… I can learn something too?”