"Maybe Doctor Ji just wants to have a meal with a friend?"
Then why is it so difficult for Ji Yu to have a meal with him?
Just the thought of this feels like a thorn has lodged itself in his heart. Chapters fırst released on novᴇlfire.net
Assistant Li dared not meet Gu Qixiao’s gaze, only feeling that the situation was unbearably awkward.
But since things had gotten to this point, there was no use being overly tense.
Gu Qixiao said nothing, grabbed his coat, and walked out the door. It seemed he was going to find Ji Yu to have a proper talk.
Meanwhile, Ji Yu and Lu Xingchen truly didn’t have much going on.
"Seems it’s quite difficult to befriend celebrities—no matter where you go, you get photographed."
Ji Yu knew Lu Xingchen disliked such things, but since he was a public figure, this was unavoidable.
"Thanks for what you did earlier, Xingchen, but I sincerely hope you don’t keep getting attacked because of me. I know exactly what those people are like—don’t involve yourself anymore."
She understood Lu Xingchen’s kindness.
But kindness shouldn’t be used this way.
Lu Xingchen smiled bitterly. "I only wanted those people to curse you a few times less."
Looking at it now, though, things seemed to have gone badly.
Ji Yu was also helpless regarding the situation. "You don’t need to worry about what’s next. They won’t come after you. Besides, I’ve already arranged for the police to clarify things."
Whether they choose to believe it or not, that’s their business.
Ji Yu always handled such matters with composure.
"This dinner invitation is my way of thanking you for speaking up for me, but if anything happens again, I hope you’ll refrain from getting involved."
Her eyes locked firmly on Lu Xingchen, as if refusing was not an option.
For a moment, Lu Xingchen really wanted to ask why Ji Yu accepted Gu Qixiao’s help but didn’t need his.
"Yu, no matter when, you can always come to me for help. I said I’ll support you always."
His jet-black eyes gazed at Ji Yu, filled with suppressed emotions. He had long wanted to confess this to her.
But he feared that doing so might cost him even their friendship.
Ji Yu laughed bitterly. "Xingchen, I know you’re very good to me, but sometimes things can’t be handled this way. I appreciate your support."
On the internet, Lu Xingchen’s reputation is significant, and spreading such news does him no favors.
He wanted to say more but understood from Ji Yu’s expression that further explanation might not help.
"Alright, let’s leave it at that. Xingchen, please remember—some matters are better left untouched."
The two parted ways like that. Sitting in his car, Lu Xingchen still looked dazed.
His agent saw this and immediately knew: Lu Xingchen probably still didn’t stand a chance this time. "Look at Yu’s expression—you should’ve figured out by now that you’ll never get that chance. Why put yourself through this misery?"
With a face like his, he could find anyone, yet he chooses someone who doesn’t reciprocate.
"I know." Lu Xingchen lowered his head, avoiding eye contact with the person beside him.
How could he not know? He was simply unwilling to accept it.
But it seemed rejection was the answer once again. Yet, his feelings would never change. Even if Ji Yu refused him, he’d simply return to the way things were before.
"You, you’re quite the romantic. But Yu really is the type to attract affection."
Even someone like him thought Ji Yu was worth it.
It was just unfortunate that fate seemed to have given the two of them no chance.
Not far from where Ji Yu had walked, she saw Gu Qixiao’s car. Almost instinctively, she wanted to hide.
But this time, Gu Qixiao’s intent was crystal clear—he caught up to her in an instant.
"Why are you avoiding me? Do I really seem so terrifying?"
He couldn’t understand her behavior.
Ji Yu frowned, exasperated by his actions. "What exactly do you want? I’ve told you I don’t like you. What you’re doing feels like harassment to me."
This kind of pestering served no purpose at all.
Moreover, Ji Yu had yet to investigate matters thoroughly, so she couldn’t have a proper discussion with Gu Qixiao.
"Why should not liking me mean you can’t talk to me? Do you think I’m the kind of person who’s afraid of such things?"
He couldn’t accept this.
Gu Qixiao had come here today to understand why Ji Yu held such thoughts. Her seemingly habitual avoidance frustrated him.
"I don’t mean anything else—it’s just that some things are still unclear. I don’t want to get too involved with you."
"Whatever it is, you can ask me. If it involves me, why won’t you just ask me?" His emotions surged but remained under control.
Ji Yu tried to pull her wrist back, but his grip was relentless. "I don’t want anything to do with you. I’ll figure it out on my own without your interference."
She had already told him this before, yet he never seemed to take it to heart.
"You’re talking nonsense." He stared at Ji Yu intensely, refusing to let the matter go.
"Ji Yu, do you realize how infuriating your attitude is? I said you could ask me—why won’t you?"
Surely the person involved knew the truth best.
Ji Yu’s expression had become numb. She couldn’t fathom his obsession. "Can’t you tell? If I don’t want to speak, why are you forcing me?"
There was no need to escalate things, leaving both sides embarrassed.
"How do you know I’m what you think I am if you don’t ask? Don’t you think it’s presumptuous to pass judgment on someone without understanding the situation?"
He wanted to explain this to Ji Yu clearly.
"About what you said regarding the ’girlfriend’ thing—I can explain. Song Xuan is my life savior’s sister, so I’m obligated to look after her."
He paused briefly as he observed Ji Yu’s surprised expression before continuing, "What I said about there being no romantic feelings between us is true. I’d never sacrifice my happiness to repay kindness."
He gripped her hand, hoping she’d calm down.
Yet he had no idea Ji Yu truly found their relationship intriguing.
"You don’t need to explain your connection with Song Xuan to me. I won’t fall for you."
She could never like a man as calculating as him.
Gu Qixiao hesitated, "I know, but you can’t stop me from explaining."
He hadn’t expected things to deteriorate to this extent—but some people seemed destined to be his nemesis.