“That’s right, that’s right!” Liu Chu Qing quickly agreed, “Lulu, you see, even Hou Liang Ping said so. You absolutely cannot be deceived by Qi Tong Wei any longer.”
Liang Lu remained silent, but her heart was churning.
She knew Liu Chu Qing and Lu Xiao Man's words were somewhat biased, but they were not entirely unreasonable.
Qi Tong Wei's ambition and scheming were indeed unacceptable to her.
At that moment, Lu Xiao Man suddenly said, “Lulu, I think you should pursue Hou Liang Ping. He is the one who truly deserves your lifelong commitment.”
Liu Chu Qing quickly added, “That’s right, that’s right! Not only is Hou Liang Ping handsome, but he is also kind-hearted, honest, and selfless. He is your perfect match!”
Upon hearing this, Liang Lu's heart fluttered.
She looked at Hou Liang Ping, and saw a smile on his face, his eyes reflecting a hint of tenderness.
However, she quickly regained her composure.
She knew that she and Hou Liang Ping were just friends.
Moreover, Hou Liang Ping already had his heart set on Zhong Xiao Ai.
She didn't want to ruin their relationship, nor did she want to plunge herself into deeper pain.
So, she gently shook her head, “Don't talk nonsense. Hou Liang Ping and I are just friends.”
“Oh, Lulu, don't be modest,” Liu Chu Qing said with a smile, “We all know you have feelings for Hou Liang Ping. If you are willing to put in the effort to pursue him, I believe he will accept you.”
Upon hearing this, Liang Lu let out a bitter laugh.
She knew that Liu Chu Qing and Lu Xiao Man were encouraging her to pursue her happiness, but she also knew how difficult this path would be.
She didn't want to get hurt again, nor did she want to fall deeper into the mire.
Just then, a hurried footstep came from outside the door.
Qi Tong Wei rushed in, looking at Liang Lu with a worried expression, “Lulu, are you alright?”
Liang Lu looked up and saw the concern in Qi Tong Wei's eyes. She knew that Qi Tong Wei genuinely cared for her, but she also knew that behind this care hid too many complex emotions.
She gently shook her head, “I'm fine.”
Qi Tong Wei breathed a sigh of relief, but then his brow furrowed, “I heard you’re not feeling well? Is it because of yesterday's incident?”
Liang Lu was silent for a moment, then nodded, “It did affect me a bit.”
“I'm sorry,” Qi Tong Wei said softly, “I didn't expect it to cause you so much trouble.”
Liang Lu looked at him, knowing that Qi Tong Wei was sincerely apologizing, but she also knew that this apology couldn't change anything.
“You don’t need to apologize. This is the path I chose, and I will bear the consequences.”
Qi Tong Wei looked at her, his heart moved.
He thought to himself that Liang Lu was a strong and independent woman, with her own principles and bottom lines.
He stood silently by the side, not saying anything.
Just then, Hou Liang Ping and Chen Hai came over.
Seeing Qi Tong Wei and Liang Lu standing together, they couldn't help but feel a little awkward.
But they quickly recovered their composure, “Qi Tong Wei, you’ve arrived just in time. We have something we need to discuss with you.”
Qi Tong Wei nodded, “Alright, let’s go to the study.”
As he said this, he turned and walked towards the study.
Liang Lu watched his departing figure, knowing that the relationship between her and Qi Tong Wei had come to an end, but she also knew that she couldn't forget all the emotional entanglements this man had brought her.
She stood silently by the window, watching the sunlight gradually sink in the west.
...
In the bustling metropolis of Handong Province, Hou Liang Ping's life was once tranquil.
However, on this day, the tranquility was shattered by Jia Xiao Mei's hurried arrival. With anxiety and unease, she brought a shocking piece of news that left Hou Liang Ping stunned—his cousin, Hou Chun Lai, had been arrested.
Jia Xiao Mei, Hou Chun Lai's wife, was usually gentle and virtuous, but now she was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan.
As soon as she entered, she grabbed Hou Liang Ping's hand, tears welling up in her eyes, “Liang Ping, Chun Lai… he… he was arrested by the police. Please think of a way to help him!”
Hou Liang Ping was stunned for a moment, his mind flashing with his cousin Hou Chun Lai's image.
Hou Chun Lai had started his own business early on, and through his remarkable courage and sharp mind, he had carved out a path for himself in the business world.
In recent years, he had even ventured into the entertainment industry, rising to prominence.
However, all this brilliance seemed to have come to a sudden halt today.
“What happened? Why was Chun Lai suddenly arrested?” Hou Liang Ping tried to calm himself down and asked.
Jia Xiao Mei choked back a sob and said, “I heard from the employees at Chun Lai's company that it seems to be related to Qi Tong Wei's Blue Sword operation. Chun Lai has some businesses in the entertainment industry, and he may have touched upon something… I don’t know the specifics either.”
Qi Tong Wei, this name stirred up a wave in Hou Liang Ping’s heart.
They had once been classmates, experiencing the years of their youth together.
However, now due to their work, they stood on opposite sides.
“Xiao Mei, don't worry. I'll go see Qi Tong Wei and see if I can find out what’s going on.” Hou Liang Ping comforted Jia Xiao Mei, while also making up his mind to get to the bottom of the truth.
Hou Liang Ping drove towards Qi Tong Wei’s office, his mind filled with countless thoughts along the way.
He couldn’t help but recall his past with Qi Tong Wei.
However, at this moment, he had to face reality. For his cousin Hou Chun Lai, he had to negotiate with Qi Tong Wei.