Lu Bai stepped out of the ward with her phone, closed the door, and then answered the call.
The second the line connected, before she could even speak, she heard Ruan Xingchen's tearful sobs coming through. Bai Bai, Bai Bai, Bai Bai…
Lu Bai panicked at once. What's wrong? Did someone bully you? Don't cry, tell me slowly.
Bai Bai, there are bad girls hitting me. The teacher's calling parents, but—but—
Lu Bai didn't know the full story, yet she burned with anger just hearing her voice. She wanted nothing more than to rush straight to Ruan Xingchen's side and find out who'd dared lay a hand on her little cutey.
Still, she kept her head. Glancing back at the ward, she gritted her teeth. Wait for me, Xingchen.
She hung up, gripped her phone tight, and stared down the empty hallway.
After a long moment of hesitation, she steeled herself and dialed Lu Jingyuan's number.
…
Lu Jingyuan was driving when Lu Bai called.
Glancing at the caller ID, he pulled over to park.
The man in the passenger seat shot him a raised glance but said nothing.
Lu Jingyuan picked up.
Whatever he heard on the other end made his expression darken slightly.
Once he hung up, the passenger spoke. If it's urgent, go ahead. Just drop me at the hospital entrance.
Lu Jingyuan let out a scoff. I never planned on going in with you anyway.
Ever since the old lady was admitted, Lu Bai had stayed by her side nonstop—he'd never visited once.
Hopefully the man wouldn't regret it later.
…
The Disciplinary Office was deathly quiet.
The two troublemakers' parents had already arrived. Full of arrogance, they'd only questioned their daughters briefly before falling silent.
Time ticked by. After nearly twenty minutes of waiting with no sign of Ruan Xingchen's guardian, the leading girl's mother snapped. Is anyone even coming? We're busy—we don't have time to waste here.
I heard she's an orphan with no family at all. Are we supposed to wait for a ghost?
Exactly. I know my own daughter—this girl definitely started the fight first.
The director sighed and glanced at Ruan Xingchen.
As the parents bickered on, Ruan Xingchen stood quietly in the corner, seemingly unaffected.
Lu Bai told her to wait, and she trusted Lu Bai.
I hear her grades are terrible too. She's already a senior three—she'll never get into university with scores that low. She should just drop out. I don't want my daughter getting dragged down by her.
The woman dressed like a nouveau riche was clearly ruthless.
The director said nothing, yet subtly stepped forward to shield Ruan Xingchen.
After another two minutes, the woman lost patience. Grabbing her purse, she pointed sharply at Ruan Xingchen. I'm done waiting. If this girl doesn't drop out today, I'm calling the police! The whole school will pay for this!
The other parents stood as well. The bully shot Ruan Xingchen a triumphant look.
Just as they took two steps toward the door, a figure appeared in the entrance.
The director gaped. Principal?
The middle-aged principal swept a stern gaze over everyone inside. What is this? A marketplace?
The woman's face turned ugly instantly. Her husband pulled her back quickly.
The principal stepped aside, bowing respectfully to the newcomer. Mr. Lu, please.
Mr. Lu?
Ruan Xingchen's head shot up.
A man in a tailored suit stood in the doorway—strikingly handsome, radiating overwhelming power, like a god descending upon them. His steps steady, he walked forward with an imposing aura.
Lu Jingyuan's sharp dark eyes scanned the parents, finally landing on the bruised, disheveled Ruan Xingchen in the corner. The coldness around him deepened.
The leading girl's husband paled. President Lu… why are you here?
He broke out in cold sweat, realizing this must be the guardian the girl had called.
Lu Jingyuan pulled out a chair and sat down. The principal stood nervously beside him, palms sweating.
No one in City C dared cross the Lu family—and especially not Lu Jingyuan. These people had foolishly provoked him.
Lu Jingyuan loosened his tie, fixed his gaze on Ruan Xingchen, and said in an unreadable deep voice. Come here.
All eyes turned to her.
Ruan Xingchen bit her lip and walked obediently over.
Before he could speak again, her eyes welled up, and she spilled the whole story without holding back.
The principal and director cringed in embarrassment.
It was all over a silly school crush. Senior three students were strictly forbidden from dating—and these girls had fought over it…
The class monitor, still lingering in the office, frowned tightly, his hands clenching at his sides.
When Lu Jingyuan heard she'd given a boiled egg to the boy, his dark gaze flicked coldly toward the only male present, his expression turning even grimmer.
The main bully refused to back down. You're lying!
Her mother shouted too. My daughter would never date, let alone fight over a boy!
Now that she had backup, Ruan Xingchen grew bold. She glanced coldly at the girl. The monitor's right here. Say to his face you don't like him.
The bully's face blanched. Frozen in place, she couldn't look the monitor in the eye and stayed silent.
Her mother urged her fiercely. Tell her it's not true!
Still no reply.
Then the other girl who'd joined the fight spoke up.
It's true—what Ruan Xingchen said is true.
She was terrified of the powerful man before them and didn't want her family dragged into trouble, so she betrayed her friend.
An eerie silence fell across the room.
Lu Jingyuan stood, looking down at the father with overwhelming authority. Director He. It seems the cooperation between the He Group and Nanyuan Corporation will be terminated immediately.
The man's legs gave way, and he collapsed onto the floor. P-President Lu…
His arrogant wife lost all her pride, her face ghastly pale.
At the door, Lu Jingyuan paused and glanced back, his voice cold and threatening. Truth stays truth. Lies will also be treated as truth. Remember my words today.
Everyone inside paled.
He was openly declaring he would protect Ruan Xingchen unconditionally.
A mocking smirk tugged at Lu Jingyuan's lips as he walked out.
Without being told, Ruan Xingchen hurried after him. She didn't want to stay—those girls might attack her again.
Behind them, the woman screamed. Are the Lu family abusing their power?!
Ruan Xingchen glanced up at Lu Jingyuan.
He scoffed coldly and ignored her entirely.
Little did they know, after they left and everyone dispersed, the director picked up his phone in the empty office and made a call.
Mr. Ruan, I thought you needed to know what happened today…
…
Ruan Xingchen stared at the man walking ahead of her—once a perverted creep, now powerful and protective. Her eyes sparkled with admiration.
Every girl loved a strong man who kept her safe, and she was no exception.
In her heart, Lu Jingyuan's image soared tall again.
Once in the car, she dropped her lovesick expression, fastened her seatbelt, coughed lightly, and said calmly. Uncle, I've decided not to be mad at you anymore.
Lu Jingyuan paused before starting the car, raising an eyebrow. Oh?
She stared straight ahead, not daring to look at him. Apart from being old, a little lewd, and a bit perverted… you're actually pretty nice.
…
Lu Jingyuan's mouth twitched. He ignored the jab and started the car.
Beneath his calm expression, a quiet smile bloomed.
Looks like he didn't need gifts, sweet words, or empty promises after all.
After driving a while, Ruan Xingchen noticed they weren't heading to Wutong Apartment. Where are you taking me?
The hospital.
No—I don't want to go.
Lu Jingyuan didn't push it and turned back toward the apartment.
At a red light, he called Wei Xiaoyuan, told him briefly what had happened, and told him to come over at once.
They arrived home just as Wei Xiaoyuan showed up.
Wei Xiaoyuan winced seeing her bruised face. Little cutey, tell big brother who beat you up. I'll get revenge for you.
How dare anyone hurt his best friend's girl?
Ruan Xingchen blinked at his medical kit. Are you a doctor, Brother Wei?
Smart girl. He preened proudly, about to boast about his achievements—until Lu Jingyuan cut him off with a cold glance. He used to be a gynecologist.
Wei Xiaoyuan: …
Ruan Xingchen froze in shock, staring at him in disbelief. The thought sent a chill down her spine.
Wei Xiaoyuan glared at Lu Jingyuan. Fine—I'm a gynecologist. If you ever have any female health issues, come find me free of charge!
Ruan Xingchen pouted. You're the one with issues.
Wei Xiaoyuan: …
Lu Jingyuan paused mid-drink, a smile slowly spreading across his face.
Wei Xiaoyuan leaned in to whisper to Ruan Xingchen. Did the grumpy uncle avenge you today?
Ruan Xingchen nodded. He did.
This is the second time. Don't ever forget how good he's been to you. Remember the restaurant incident? Even after you left that day, he punished the woman who poured water on you.
Ruan Xingchen froze—she'd never known.
She'd forgotten the whole thing after getting over her anger, yet he'd remembered… and gotten revenge for her.
Lu Jingyuan heard every word with his sharp ears, shooting Wei Xiaoyuan a cold look for running his mouth.
Wei Xiaoyuan shrugged and said no more.
He checked Ruan Xingchen over thoroughly, confirmed it was only minor bruises, then was ruthlessly chased out by Lu Jingyuan—only his medical kit stayed behind.
Now it was just the two of them.
Thinking about last night's kiss, and how close he was while treating her wounds, Ruan Xingchen grew flustered. She mumbled quietly. Actually… I'm still a little mad.
Lu Jingyuan looked up, amusement glinting in his eyes. Just because I kissed you last night?
She huffed and turned her head away.
He set down the cotton swab, leaned close to her face, his deep voice low and magnetic.
Then… kiss me back?