"I can't withdraw mine because they’re too deep..." he muttered as his long lashes lowered gently, half-obscuring those deep phoenix eyes.'What is he thinking? Is he thinking about the one he loves deeply?'Yan Luochu said Lichen refused to have any girlfriends for the one he loved. He even risked his life to save her and... is willing to never marry!'How much does he love that woman? We’re even dating because of... that woman!'"What's the matter?" His voice suddenly rang out.Zhong Keke realized she had fallen into a trance from looking at him. Those phoenix eyes had looked up to meet hers."N-Nothing. I think Yan Luochu probably won't bother me anymore after what you said in front of him." She paused. As if recalling something, she hurriedly said, "I... I know what you said isn't true. You don't love me. Don't worry… I... I won't misunderstand you. I won't bother you even if we break up."She anxiously tried to explain, but she spoke so quickly that she let out a low cry of
Therefore, nothing would come out of it even if the lawyer tried to pull some strings.Huo Yuejing looked confused. 'I... I’ve never offended the Gu family. Even if I did instigate other actors to go on a strike with me, that’s something that happened on the set. There's no conflict of interest with the Gu family.'What the hell is going on? The assistant named Qiao Yumei rescued Zhong Keke and called the police at the set. Now, the Gu family seems to be targeting me!'Huo Yuejing's head was full of doubts, and all that resentment was directed at Zhong Keke.'How could I have ended up like this if it weren't for that woman?'I'll never let Zhong Keke off!'...Zhong Keke did not expect herself to... fall asleep as soon as she closed her eyes!Besides that, she slept so... peacefully!She remembered entering the ward around three o’clock, and now, it was dark.'How long was I asleep?'"You’re up? Are you hungry?" The familiar elegant voice rang in the ward.Zhong Keke immedi
"Who did you call?" she asked curiously."It's a restaurant owned by Gu Group. It's open 24 hours a day," he said.Sure enough, someone delivered porridge and several side dishes to the ward 20 minutes later."Aren't you going to eat?" Zhong Keke asked."I'm not hungry. Go ahead," said Gu Lichen.Zhong Keke hesitated no more. After all, she was very hungry. She ate the porridge with the side dishes, which tasted extraordinarily delicious at four in the morning. Gu Lichen looked at Zhong Keke. It was only a simple bowl of porridge and some side dishes, but she enjoyed them.He murmured, "Are you always so easily satisfied? You’re even eating the porridge like you’re having a feast.""That's because everything tastes superb when you're hungry," said Zhong Keke."What about life? Are you content with your current life?" he asked."I'm quite content with it." She smiled. "I can do something I love and make money to support myself. I have extra money to set up my savings for reti
Zhong Keke recuperated at home after getting discharged from the hospital the next day. After all, she dared not meet people with those bruises on her face!Zhou Xinmian would drop by from time to time to update her on the situation with the film crew.The actors involved in the strike could not even enter the film studio. Gu Group had sent the actors' information to the security guards at the film studio's entrance. Therefore, the security guards would stop them outside as soon as they saw them.Events of that day did not make the news, but the film crew was struggling. They had stopped filming to discuss whether to change locations or actors.The discussion had been going on for a few days without any conclusion. However, Zhou Xinmian thought they should have reached a conclusion within one or two days. After all, a day off from filming meant a day's loss of money. The actors had their own schedules too. It would be problematic if this went on for a long time and conflicted with
The arrest of the extras and Huo Yuejing were kept under wraps for the time being. The production team was going to replace 17 actors. The news of it received attention as the list included important roles such as the second female lead, the fourth female lead, the fifth female lead, the third male lead, the fifth male lead, and the sixth male lead…However, before the paparazzi heard about the drama's massive cast change and could figure out why, word came that the director would also be replaced. The one taking over his place was a big shot in the industry who had filmed many popular films.It set off waves in the media. The reporters gathered at the set, trying to get the latest news.The film crew naturally replied formally that it was due to some personal reasons and scheduling conflicts. They also felt that some actors were too different from the characters, so they changed the actors and directors to produce a better show.Compared to the film crew swarmed by reporters, Zhon
People in the club knew Gu Lichen. They all respectfully called him Mr. Gu when they saw him.One of the managers led the way to the entrance of a private room in the club.When the door was pushed open, Zhong Keke found that the private room was much bigger than she had imagined. It was about 200 square meters at first glance.It had a karaoke machine, pool tables, poker tables, and so on...The men and women inside were fashionably and lavishly dressed. By comparison, Zhong Keke was a little embarrassed. She felt like an ugly duckling among swans.At the sight of Gu Lichen and Zhong Keke's entrance, someone immediately whistled and said with a playful smile, "It's rare that you finally brought someone to our party after all these years."After all, Gu Lichen had not had a woman around him for seven to eight years. Who could believe that this was the Gu family's heir, who had always been surrounded by girlfriends in the past?However, everyone knew that Gu Lichen used to have f
The atmosphere instantly turned weird as soon as Song Qingyao said that. The crowd that had been laughing and talking fell silent as everyone looked this way.Zhong Keke felt embarrassed. She did not expect to be asked about this on this occasion. She could feel that the woman in front of her was looking at her without any kindness.She did not want to embarrass Gu Lichen. At the very least, she was now his nominal girlfriend.Taking a deep breath, Zhong Keke met her eyes. "I'm the one involved in the viral post you mentioned. I'm the comic artist. But what the viral post wrote isn't true.""Oh? So the whistleblower created a rumor? Miss Zhong, why don't you tell me what isn't true and save me from being misled?" Song Qingyao said with a faint smile. She was only waiting for Zhong Keke to take the bait so she could embarrass her more. "If you can be misled by such a stupid article, I'll have to reconsider the project that Song Yuan Group is going to cooperate with Gu Group on." G
However, she did not expect this to happen.Ye Chongwei said, "Alright, stop obsessing about it. Stop causing trouble like what you did just now. You and your family aren't going to get away with it if you offend Lichen."Ye Chongwei was also telling Song Qingyao not to act recklessly and pick on Zhong Keke.Song Qingyao pressed her red lips together tightly and said nothing else.Just then, someone suggested, "Everyone, Lichen brought his girlfriend today. Why don't we play truth or dare? Anyone who refuses to speak the truth must do whatever the winner says. No tricks allowed!"The crowd agreed immediately. "Alright, come on. Let's consider it our congratulations to Lichen for finding a girlfriend."Zhong Keke was a little hesitant. She was afraid that she would be asked to complete strange tasks that she could not do. As if noticing her concern, Gu Lichen said, "Don't worry. If they ask a question you don't want to answer, you don't have to. I'll take care of the task you ha
He clenched his jaw and felt his teeth ache. 'Yeah, she’s broken up with me. She has every right to find a new boyfriend, but... the thought of her smiling at another man, and kissing and hugging him makes me uncomfortable.’ Gu Lichen could not help feeling irritated."You can't find one! Do you think you can find another man like me to love when you love me so much?" he said.Zhong Keke retorted with a slightly red face, "You... You're too confident. Who are you to say I can't find one? I love you now, but I can slowly get over you. Besides, I don't need to find a man like you in the future. I just need to find an ordinary man with a good personality who treats me well! I’ll give him all my heart, and he’ll do the same!"It was more like she was telling herself that.'Yes, I can move on from him. I can do it!'However, her words seemed to have provoked him as he turned the steering wheel sharply, slammed on the brakes, and pulled over at the roadside.She was thrown forward and
The fact Zhong Keke accepted was that she feared she would love him more and more!When Yi Jinli and Gu Lichen returned to the ward, Ling Yiran was still chatting with Zhong Keke about the children, not only the new baby but also the triplets."Alright, Lichen and I are going home first. Yiran, have a good rest. I'll visit you and the baby again next time," Zhong Keke said and got up after seeing the exhaustion on Ling Yiran's face.Ling Yiran replied, "Okay. I'll let you meet my triplets next time.""Sure."After Zhong Keke and Gu Lichen left, Yi Jinli lay on Ling Yiran's bed and said, "If you're sleepy, sleep first. The doctor said you need more rest."Ling Yiran said, "I'm a little sleepy, but I had a nice chat with Keke today. Jin, you know what? I think it's great that Lichen has fallen in love with Keke. Keke's a wonderful woman, and Lichen has finally found his happily ever after."She said as she slowly closed her eyes and fell asleep.Looking at his wife's sleeping fac
"Thank you! It's a good painting, and I like it very much. I didn't expect you to draw my daughter like that.""I saw the baby when I came to the hospital that day, so I remembered," said Zhong Keke."I heard from Jin that you and Lichen both came to the hospital that day. I didn't scare you, did I?" said Ling Yiran.Zhong Keke smiled softly, "All that matters is that you're safe. Being alive is better than anything."The two women chatted while the two men looked at each other. Then, Yi Jinli said, "Lichen, let's go get some air."The two men got up and walked out of the ward.Zhong Keke looked uneasily at the ward door.Ling Yiran said, "They’ll be back soon. Don't worry. My Jin won't kidnap Lichen."Zhong Keke smiled, knowing that Yi Jinli probably had not told Ling Yiran about what happened that day."By the way, how are you and Lichen's relationship? Does he treat you well?" Ling Yiran asked."He treats me well." It was true. He treated her well. He would give her everyt
He and Song Qingyao were not even friends."You don't have to explain this to me," said Zhong Keke. They had broken up, and she did not need these explanations.Besides, she knew better than anyone that he had always been in love with Yiran.Thinking of Yiran, Zhong Keke said, "I want to go to the hospital to see Yiran. Can I?" The last time she visited Yiran, Yiran was still unconscious, so she wanted to check on her.Hesitation flashed across Gu Lichen's face."Don't worry. I won't say anything to trigger Yiran. I’ll still pretend to be your girlfriend in front of Yiran. If Yiran asks you, you can say we're doing quite well. When Yiran has recovered, I can make an excuse to say we've broken up. Of course, I can take all the blame. For example, I thought being with you attracted too much attention, or I couldn’t get used to being with you, or I had fallen for someone else—"Before she could finish speaking, she was suddenly pulled into a wide embrace.His hands held her tightly
Zhou Xinmian: [I said you were living with Gu Lichen now. Then they said nothing and left readily.]"..."Zhou Xinmian: [Did you block their phone numbers? They said you're not answering your phone.]Zhong Keke: [Yeah.]She should have blocked her uncle's family's phone numbers long ago. Even blocking them now was considered late!Zhou Xinmian: [Well done! But didn’t they try calling you using another phone number?]Zhong Keke: [They did. But as soon as they spoke and I heard their voices, I hung up and blocked their phone numbers.]In other words, she did not give them a chance to talk.She did not want to listen to what they had to say anyway. They had worn out the last of her affection.Zhou Xinmian: [Have you made up your mind this time?]Zhong Keke: [I’ll just consider that my grandparents only gave birth to my father!]In other words, she no longer considered her uncle and his family her family!Zhou Xinmian: [You should have done that long ago! They told me Gu Lichen
It was why he had said such things at the time to keep the woman from leaving!"Maybe I've liked you since then." It probably started earlier than he thought.Zhong Keke's eyes watered as tears were about to pour out. She raised her hands and covered her eyes, "Gu Lichen, stop telling me such things!"Such things would only make her waver when her resolution was hard-won. Did he know how much determination and perseverance it took her to ask for a break-up and keep her distance from him to stop loving him when she loved him so much?Though her hands shielded her eyes, they could not stop the tears.His fingers pulled her hands away. "Alright, I'll stop. I'll stop talking. Don't cry."Her tears had always left him flustered.He hugged her and coaxed her. The indifference in his phoenix eyes had become affection.Zhong Keke finally stopped crying, but she still sniffled occasionally.Holding a tissue, Gu Lichen carefully wiped the tears from her face. After a moment, he said,
"Do you care about me?" She smiled bitterly. "That word isn’t only something you say but..." She did not continue speaking after a pause.However, he already knew what she was going to say.Gu Lichen turned pale. He knew that the incident at the comic fiesta was something that bothered her.He was the one who caused it!"Also, I think we'd better talk about the possibility of me getting pregnant!" she said."Okay, go ahead," he said as he asked the others in the living room to leave."Will you insist that I have the baby if I get pregnant?" she asked, looking at him."If you’re pregnant, I don't want to lose the baby," he said. He had never longed for children even though his parents had always wanted grandchildren, even if it was out of wedlock.However, such ideas had never occurred to him.Now, he wanted to have the baby because they would be... his baby with Keke!"Even if I don't want the baby, are you still going to stop me from having an abortion?" she asked.He was s
Even though he did not love her, she still thought she was a better candidate than Zhong Keke.However, to her disappointment, the way Gu Lichen looked at her was still icy."I'm not interested in you. The Song family you're so proud of will no longer exist in Shen City a year later. Perhaps the Song family can keep some things if you start planning now. Otherwise, you'll have nothing left."With that said, Gu Lichen left the ward, leaving Song Qingyao standing where she was in a daze.Other than reluctance, resentment, and jealousy, there was more shock and fear on her face.'Does Lichen intend to eradicate the Song family within a year? Is... Is he going that far for Zhong Keke? He doesn't love Zhong Keke, right? Why is he doing it? Why?' Unfortunately, no one could give her the answer.Gu Lichen walked out of the hospital and got into the car. He slowly closed his eyes as Song Qingyao's last words flashed through his mind.'It doesn't matter... even if I don't love her?'Kek
Song Qingyao's heart sank. Sure enough, he could find out anything he wanted to."Why did you do it?" Gu Lichen said coldly.Song Qingyao suddenly laughed. "You're asking me why? Gu Lichen, I’ve loved you for so many years. What do you think?""I wouldn't love you even if Zhong Keke didn't exist. If I wanted to fall for you, I would have done so from the beginning," said Gu Lichen.Song Qingyao's mouth was full of bitterness. She knew that!However, knowing was one thing. Her being reluctant and unwilling to accept it was a different matter!She shouted, "Why did you choose Zhong Keke? You love Ling Yiran because Ling Yiran saved your life when you were a child. What about Zhong Keke? Why her?"She accepted losing to Ling Yiran because she had never saved Lichen's life.However, how could she accept losing to Zhong Keke? "Because she's the one who saved me from the messy relationship," replied Gu Lichen."What do you mean?" Song Qingyao was puzzled.Instead of explaining, he