“And what about you?”

“Me? I think things will become clearer after graduation, but perhaps I’ll work somewhere related to the Ling clan. Though, I don’t plan to get involved in the family’s business affairs anyway.”

It seemed that anything potentially dangerous would not be entrusted to his daughter. Hearing that at least one of the children he cherished was still within the safe zone made Yuri breathe a sigh of relief.

No, actually, it wasn’t that dangerous.

Although there were many matters involving ethical issues, it was still a legitimate business. This wasn’t a gang that used their bodies as capital, and at the very least, there was no risk of physical harm unless something serious happened.

“Perhaps Uncle Xinlu will handle it well.”

As if knowing what Yuri was thinking, Xiaojun muttered.

She was also looking in the direction Yuri was gazing. There, the young man was chatting intimately with a girl in white, while simultaneously smiling and speaking gracefully to everyone around him, effortlessly drawing them in. With just his gaze and smile, he could attract everyone’s affection and set the tone for the evening. Yuri looked at him with a smile—but still maintained a certain coolness.

“I like Uncle Xinlu, but sometimes he’s also a bit scary. He always smiles and treats me and everyone well, but sometimes I feel like he’s watching from a distance. He’s been like that since he was little.”

Xiaojun sighed softly and shrugged. But anyway, it’s fine, she concluded.

Yuri silently observed Ling Xinlu. He thought that girls were often more sensitive than boys. Even though they were brothers who often hung out together, Fei simply smiled and said: “Uncle Xinlu? He’s fine.”

Ling Xinlu was chatting cheerfully, leaning slightly toward the girl in white and listening intently. Then, he burst into laughter and whispered something to her. They looked like a couple deeply in love, to the point where others began to glance at them with suspicious eyes, wondering: ‘Are they really dating?’

“…….”

From the very first glance, he had thought so, and indeed, she resembled Jeong Taeui. Especially when she smiled, the corners of her eyes curved downward, and her lips formed a natural, gentle arc—her expression was strikingly similar. Though she wasn’t a breathtaking beauty or a peerless enchantress, Yuri could understand why Ling Xinlu had instinctively gravitated toward her so quickly.

It seemed she already knew Ling Xinlu and had a favorable impression of him. Whether that impression was of him as a person or simply of the name ‘Ling Xinlu’ – since Ling Xinlu appeared to be meeting her for the first time, it was likely the latter – but under the warmth of his gaze and the gentle smile he didn’t hesitate to offer, she couldn’t help but blush faintly, her eyes sparkling as she smiled shyly.

Perhaps after just a few words, Ling Xinlu had also realized that she held a favorable impression of him. He was sensitive to such things. And he wouldn’t hesitate to use sweet words and tender gestures, like water, to nurture that fondness into a blossoming flower. He truly was a man who knew how to take advantage of others’ goodwill.

It seemed she no longer noticed anything around her. For example, the man who had been with her before Ling Xinlu arrived was now glaring at them with burning eyes, his anger palpable.

“…….Doesn’t look too good.”

Yuri suddenly muttered. Xiaojun, standing beside him, widened her eyes and turned to ask: “Huh?” Yuri shook his head and said it was nothing.

“I’m a bit tired. I wonder if there’s anywhere to sit.”

Yuri stepped back. The corner where they were standing had no chairs. Inside the hallway where everyone was gathered, there were a few empty spots, but he didn’t want to squeeze into the crowd.

Yuri glanced around for a moment and noticed a spacious area next to the wall, so he sat down there. Perhaps this spot was originally meant for a large vase or a decorative statue, but since it was empty now, he figured no one would mind if he used it as a seat.

Xiaojun looked at Yuri with a bright smile, ran over, and whispered teasingly: “I’m a well-bred young lady, so I won’t sit on the floor”, before sitting on Yuri’s lap.

“…….A well-bred young lady shouldn’t sit on any man’s lap.”

“You’re fine, though. Am I too heavy?”

“Your boyfriend is watching.”

“You’re fine, though. Am I too heavy?”

Xiaojun innocently swayed her eyes, and Yuri let out a helpless, bitter laugh. He shook his head and patted Xiaojun’s head.

Her boyfriend, who seemed polite but somewhat reserved, appeared to be paying close attention to them but didn’t dare approach, only glancing over repeatedly from a distance. It was as if he was hesitating in the face of a man who seemed far more captivating than himself………….Yes, it was exactly like the expression of anger and despair, unsure of what to do, on the face of the man celebrating his birthday earlier.

Around that time.

Since entering the room, Ling Xinlu had been standing beside the girl in white, giving her his full attention. Suddenly, feeling thirsty, he picked up a glass from the table. He glanced down at the girl, who was engrossed in conversation with him, her eyes shining with infatuation and fascination. A colder smile than before appeared on his slightly curved lips as he responded to her: “…….Really?”

Yuri had been continuously observing them, and soon enough, he couldn’t avoid locking eyes with Ling Xinlu, who was scanning the hallway as if to gauge the atmosphere around him.

“……..”

For a brief moment, the smile on Ling Xinlu’s lips vanished.

It seemed he had only just realized that Yuri had been watching him all this time.

Ling Xinlu stared at Yuri for a few seconds before shifting his gaze to Xiaojun, who was sitting on Yuri’s lap and looking intently at him. When she caught Xinlu’s gaze, she cheerfully waved, but Ling Xinlu’s usual smile did not appear.

Ling Xinlu turned back to exchange a few short words with the girl in white before quickly striding toward Yuri. The girl in white was left standing alone, blinking in confusion before hurriedly grabbing Ling Xinlu’s hand.

She smiled brightly, though her face clearly showed concern, and asked him something. He silently looked down at her, as if scrutinizing every corner of her face to ensure he hadn’t missed anything, his gaze colder than before.

Right after that, Ling Xinlu gently but firmly removed her hand, said a few words, and then turned away. This time, she didn’t dare chase after him and could only stand there, watching him helplessly.

Ling Xinlu strode across the hallway and stopped a few steps away from them. His usual bright smile had returned, as if it had never disappeared.

“So, you guys were hiding in this corner. No wonder I couldn’t find you. Have you eaten anything yet?”

“Yeah, we’ve had a little something.”

“Just nibbling on greens again, aren’t you?”

Ling Xinlu laughed heartily, teasing them before finally looking down at Xiaojun. She smiled brightly and said: “Long time no see, Uncle!” Ling Xinlu silently looked at her for a moment before giving a faint smile.

“Um, Xiaojun. You’re getting more and more beautiful. But why is such a lovely girl sitting there?”

“What’s wrong with sitting here? It’s very comfortable. Warm and cozy.”

Xiaojun turned to Yuri for agreement. Yuri, however, had no idea whether his lap was warm and cozy or not, and only muttered: “I guess so.”

Ling Xinlu tilted his head and looked at them.

“Well, not wrong……. but even if it’s comfortable, why are you sitting on my pillow?”

“Huh? Pillow?”

“Every night, when Mr. Gable massages my eyes, I rest my head on it.”

Ling Xinlu pointed under Xiaojun’s bottom with a slight tilt of his chin. She exclaimed in surprise: “Oh my god, really?” and then pretended to grimace.

“But I can’t lie down here.”

“…….No, I don’t like others resting their heads on my pillow either. So, why don’t you get up?”

“………”

She remained silent, just staring intently at Ling Xinlu. Her radiant smile seemed to say, “I don’t want to.”

Meanwhile, Yuri, who had become an unwilling cushion or pillow, could almost see the words scrolling across Ling Xinlu’s forehead: ‘I really can’t stand these two.’

“…….Xiaojun, I’m thirsty. Could you get me something to drink?”

Xiaojun pouted: “Oh heavens, making a woman run errands again”, but still happily stood up and quickly walked toward the hallway. Yuri also got up from his seat.

Ling Xinlu slowed his steps and stood beside Yuri.

“Why are you standing in such a secluded spot?”

“I don’t like crowded places.”

“Ah, right……. But you’re standing on my right side. You know I can’t see out of my right eye.”

Then, without hesitation, Ling Xinlu lightly tapped near his left eye. “Mhm” – Yuri nodded slightly after a brief pause. Unconsciously, old memories surfaced in Yuri’s mind—times when Ling Xinlu would coldly snap: “Don’t stand on my right!” with a sharp, warning glare. Yuri chuckled unintentionally, realizing how quickly time had passed. It seemed the hardened shell around Ling Xinlu’s heart had softened somewhat over the years. Perhaps Ling Xinlu was also reminiscing about the past, as he glanced at Yuri with a hint of embarrassment.

Although Yuri’s face remained calm and composed, Ling Xinlu still noticed the hidden smile, and with a slightly sulky tone, he asked:

“What are you thinking about?”

“Nothing, it’s nothing.”

Yuri knew full well that if he said he was reminiscing about the past, Ling Xinlu would surely become even more embarrassed and glare at him in annoyance, so he skillfully avoided the topic. Ling Xinlu, though aware that Yuri was dodging the question, remained silent, as if allowing him to ‘lie’ to him.

“But, that girl…….”

Yuri started to say something but then stopped himself.

The girl in white, whom Ling Xinlu had left behind, was now crying in a distant corner of the hallway. A few friends seemed to be trying to comfort her, but she kept shaking her head.

Following Yuri’s gaze, Ling Xinlu turned to look in that direction and frowned slightly.

“She was happily chatting earlier, so why is she crying now? What happened?”

Ling Xinlu spoke in a detached tone, as if this matter had nothing to do with him, and then silently observed the girl. He watched her sobbing with an indifferent gaze before sighing softly and tilting his head slightly.

“I saw her as soon as I arrived, so I went over to greet her, but after talking for a while, there was nothing particularly interesting.”

Ling Xinlu spoke nonchalantly, his gaze towards her was icy cold.

Perhaps he had realized that this girl was not the one he had been waiting for. Even though he had known this from the beginning, he still approached her. Perhaps there was no expectation at all, but merely curiosity.

And now, his curiosity had been satisfied, the heart that had just fluttered momentarily had turned cold.

At the same time, Yuri’s heart also turned cold. It was as if the breath in his heart was gradually dissipating into the invisible realm.

“Doesn’t look too good, huh.”

Yuri muttered as if talking to himself.

Ling Xinlu, who was indifferently looking around the hallway, suddenly froze. He slowly, very slowly, turned to look at Yuri with a strange gaze. As if he had just heard something odd, he was a bit surprised, felt a little amused, and a bit confused.

“Huh? Sorry, I didn’t hear that clearly.”

Ling Xinlu asked with a smile, but Yuri said nothing. Just like that, staring intently at Yuri, Ling Xinlu still kept the smile on his face, but slightly furrowed his brows. Even so, he continued to speak with a bright smile on his lips:

“What’s wrong? You look angry. Are you mad at me?”

Yuri did not respond, but only silently looked at Ling Xinlu. His calm eyes caused the smile on Ling Xinlu’s face to gradually fade.

“Why are you…….”

But just as Ling Xinlu was about to continue speaking, a series of hurried footsteps sounded, heading straight towards them.

Pushing through the crowd, the man strode straight toward Ling Xinlu, his eyes never leaving him for a moment. With a fierce expression and eyes that seemed to spit fire, he stopped in front of Ling Xinlu, close enough that a mere stretch of his arm would have touched him. He glared directly at Ling Xinlu, his face struggling to suppress his anger, his shoulders trembling slightly. Ling Xinlu merely glanced at him, his expression so calm it couldn’t have been more indifferent, then smiled lightly and said:

“Qingmin, why has the star of the day come to this corner? Ah, right, I didn’t get a chance to congratulate you earlier. Happy birthday.”

“——Yes, thank you, Uncle. You didn’t even glance at me when you arrived earlier, and then you stole my girlfriend right in front of me. Now I finally receive your congratulations, what an honor! WHAT EXACTLY ARE YOU TRYING TO PULL HERE?!”

Qingmin’s sharp voice, cold as a blade, rang out with full hostility. His voice was so loud that even those standing far away turned to look. Ling Xinlu silently looked at him for a moment, but showed no sign of being shaken. He simply smiled faintly, his expression as if he were dealing with an awkward situation, then gently called his name: “Qingmin.”

“I didn’t know she was your girlfriend. She only told me that the two of you were close friends and had known each other for a long time. Who would have thought she was your girlfriend?”

Qingmin’s face instantly froze. Ling Xinlu’s words were like a knife stabbing straight into his weak spot.

“Besides, I didn’t have any ulterior motives. I just thought she looked familiar, so I struck up a conversation. We only exchanged a few words. I don’t think you need to be so angry as to come here and confront me like this.”

Ling Xinlu’s words clearly implied that Qingmin had overthought the situation and that his anger was unnecessary. Ling Xinlu shrugged slightly, feigning helplessness.

Qingmin glared at Ling Xinlu with eyes full of fury. He glanced at the girl who was sobbing uncontrollably, then decided to vent all his frustration on Ling Xinlu. Perhaps in his mind, that was the only way to assert his masculinity.

“STOP BEATING AROUND THE BUSH! DO YOU THINK I’M AN IDIOT? FROM THE MOMENT YOU SAW HER, YOU HAD YOUR EYES ON HER, EVEN ASKING IF SHE COULD TALK FOR A BIT. NOW YOU’RE SAYING YOU HAD NO OTHER INTENTIONS?! HAH, EVEN A STRAY DOG WOULD LAUGH AT THAT! BE HONEST, YOU KNEW SHE WAS MY GIRLFRIEND, BUT YOU STILL WANTED TO TRY YOUR LUCK BECAUSE YOU FOUND HER ATTRACTIVE, DIDN’T YOU?!”

Qingmin shouted.

The entire hallway fell dead silent, not a single person daring to speak up. Everyone was either completely silent or whispering softly, their eyes fixed on the two of them.

In the tension that hung like a taut string, Ling Xinlu’s expression remained unchanged. No, to be precise, it did change. The smile on his face disappeared, replaced by a look of annoyance. “Haizz……..” – He sighed, then slowly opened his mouth:

“What’s the issue here? Did I touch her? Did I deceive or seduce her? I only exchanged a few words with her and then returned her to you. I even made it clear to her: ‘Now go back to your boyfriend.’ But she didn’t understand and grabbed my hand tightly, so I tried to explain more clearly and gave her some sincere advice. I told her that if she found someone better and decided to abandon her current boyfriend without even looking back, then she shouldn’t expect to return to him if she had any self-respect left. I also said that if she cried and apologized, you might forgive her because you’re a sentimental person. So, didn’t she apologize to you? I see her crying right now.”

“In the end, is all this commotion just because of a brief conversation?” – Ling Xinlu frowned and spoke coldly. His voice, cutting through the suffocating silence, reached the other side, causing the sobbing girl to stop her sniffles and burst into loud, heart-wrenching cries. Her tears were soaked in the humiliation of wounded pride, the shame of having her petty ambitions exposed, and a mix of disappointment and despair.

Standing behind the girl, Qingmin now glared at Ling Xinlu with a pale face. His jaw clenched tightly, trembling with suppressed rage. Finally, in a voice shaking with fury, he spoke:

“YES, I KNOW EVEN WITHOUT YOU SAYING IT. I SAW EVERYTHING. I DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU WERE PLANNING, BUT YOU OPENLY TRIED TO SEDUCE HER, THEN SUDDENLY TURNED YOUR BACK AND WALKED AWAY WHEN THINGS GOT UNCOMFORTABLE. DID YOU THINK I WOULDN’T NOTICE? ——I’M NOT A ONE-EYED CRIPPLE LIKE YOU, ALWAYS PRETENDING EVERYTHING IS FINE!”

A loud shout erupted, shaking the entire hallway.

The faint whispers that had been scattered throughout the area completely vanished, leaving only an absolute silence.

In the icy and razor-sharp silence, Qingmin stood there with a pale face, his shoulders trembling uncontrollably, his eyes filled with rage directed straight at Ling Xinlu. It seemed he had lost control, his breathing heavy and labored.

In front of him, Ling Xinlu stood motionless, his face devoid of any expression. His dark, inky eyes, devoid of any warmth, bore into Qingmin. Though both eyes were directed at him, only one truly ‘saw’ as Qingmin had pointed out.

After a moment of silence, Ling Xinlu coldly opened his mouth:

“You seem very angry, so I’ll pretend I didn’t hear what you just said. Besides, there’s no point in dragging this out, so for your sake, I’ll just remind you of one thing. I only said a few pleasant words to her, but the fact that she immediately left you to chase after me, and whether or not you continue to love her, that’s not my business. But one thing’s for sure—she will never become your aunt. After being treated like this, if you still want to act chivalrous toward the girl who humiliated you and then come here to pick a fight with me, aren’t you just tormenting yourself?”

“──!!”

Qingmin’s eyes flashed with a white light for a moment. He completely exploded, his vision blurring with rage, and he lunged toward Ling Xinlu, intending to grab him by the collar.

But just before his hand could touch Ling Xinlu’s collar, Yuri, who had been silently observing the situation, suddenly stepped between the two. He grabbed Qingmin’s wrist, stopping him in his tracks.

“Calm down. Let’s deal with this later.”

“Let go! Get out of the way! You bastard──!!”

Qingmin struggled wildly, trying to break free from Yuri’s grip. Yuri shot a glance at the men awkwardly standing nearby, and they immediately rushed over to restrain Qingmin.

A group of tall, burly men stepped in, dragging Qingmin, who was still shouting and cursing, out of the hallway. The girl in the white dress, who had been standing silently in the corner crying, also left with her friends.

Inside the hallway, the atmosphere grew stifling, and people exchanged awkward glances. Amid the crowd, only Ling Xinlu remained composed, not a trace of discomfort on his face, as he calmly walked to the nearest table and picked up a glass of water.

He took a small sip, then exchanged a few polite words with those around him. The tense atmosphere gradually dissipated, and people began to converse again, though still a bit awkwardly. Even though today’s incident would likely be gossiped about later, at least for now, the place had returned to its previous state.

Yuri returned to the table and accepted the glass of water that Xiaojun had just brought over. The little girl had been standing still for a while due to the earlier tension.

“He may seem a bit……. unlikable at times……. but I don’t think he’s a bad person……. it’s just that today he seemed a bit like one.”

Xiaojun whispered beside him, though she also thought Qingmin had overreacted. Yuri glanced at her briefly, then turned away without saying a word.

As the polite smiles returned, Ling Xinlu suddenly looked toward Yuri. Their eyes met.

Ling Xinlu looked at Yuri for a moment, then slowly wiped the smile off his face. He tilted his head, staring intently at Yuri as if trying to confirm something.

After excusing himself from those around him, Ling Xinlu walked toward Yuri. Yuri remained standing there, his expression as calm as ever, watching Xinlu approach.

When Ling Xinlu stood in front of Yuri, he looked straight at him. Yuri also looked back, without a hint of wavering.

“Are you mad at me?”

“……..”

“You’re mad at me, aren’t you?”

“……..”

Ling Xinlu frowned, seemingly reading the answer from Yuri’s silence.

“Why is Mr. Gable angry with me? Why is that?”

“I’m not angry. I just think this went a bit too far.”

“But that is anger. Why?”

Ling Xinlu slightly furrowed his brows, showing confusion as he continued to press.

Yuri fell into deep thought. Although it took him a while to ponder, Ling Xinlu remained standing there, visibly uncomfortable but patiently waiting for an answer.

After a long while, Yuri shook his head.

“This isn’t right.”

Yuri shook his head decisively, his eyes meeting Ling Xinlu’s directly. Xinlu let out a faint laugh, a forced and wounded smile on his face. Ling Xinlu’s gaze was so cold that even Xiaojun, standing nearby, subtly shrank back, showing a hint of timidity. Yet, Yuri remained calm, facing that gaze head-on.

“Mr. Ling Xinlu, I’m trying to stay neutral in my perspective, and if possible, I’m also trying to understand things from your point of view……. No, I don’t even need to try, because I naturally do so. And no matter what, I have more goodwill toward you than toward them. But even so, this still isn’t right. Because even before you started talking to her, you already knew.”

That she was Qingmin’s girlfriend.

That she had been giving you secretive, admiring glances, and you knew exactly how she would react if you initiated a conversation.

And even after talking to her directly, even if she resembled someone you knew, you would still end up treating her the same way.

Ling Xinlu must have known all of this. Even if he hadn’t calculated every detail explicitly, subconsciously, he could still predict it. And yet, he still approached her.

Just because of a momentary curiosity.

Just to quench a thirst—not for her—but for himself.

“Did they do something wrong to you?”

Ling Xinlu said nothing. He simply stared silently at Yuri, his gaze cold, as if he had never imagined this situation. Perhaps he even felt resentment toward Yuri for exposing the hidden thoughts that even he himself hadn’t fully realized.

“Mr. Gable, you have no right to criticize me. The only ones who can criticize me are those directly involved. ——Don’t you think you’re overstepping your bounds?”

A cold reply rang out.

But after those words, Ling Xinlu turned and walked away without looking back. Yuri watched his retreating figure, then sighed quietly.

“……, ……..Uncle Yuri, even though I like Uncle Xinlu, I still stand on your side.”

Xiaojun clenched her fists, whispering words of encouragement in an adorable way. Yuri turned his gaze away from Xinlu, who was storming off, and looked at the little girl, muttering softly:

“If this place turns into a battlefield of factions, I’m afraid I’d lose.”

After hearing that humorous remark, Xiaojun burst into laughter.

“What are you talking about? I can take on a hundred people by myself!”

“What’s the point of taking on a hundred people? Do you need my help? That way, the two of us can take on two hundred people.”

Just as Xiaojun finished speaking, another voice chimed in.

Fei, who had just arrived, was holding a croquette in one hand and a duck leg in the other, chewing voraciously. He looked at Yuri and Xiaojun with a cheerful expression.

“Did you just get here? I thought you’d be late.”

“I snuck away. If I stayed, I’d probably have to stay up all night. Do you want some?”

Fei offered the duck leg to Yuri, but just as Yuri was about to decline, he pulled it back. “Oh right, Uncle Yuri doesn’t like meat much.” – Fei said, tearing into the meat himself and eating heartily.

“But why does the atmosphere here feel so off? Where’s Qingmin? I need to wish him a happy birthday.”

Fei looked around, subtly exchanging glances with the people nearby. Although the atmosphere seemed to have returned to normal, he still sensed something was amiss. Fei turned to Xiaojun with wide eyes, as if asking: ‘What happened?’ Xiaojun pouted and shrugged.