Chapter 80: The Concern Between Brothers

Before long, a strikingly handsome and tall man emerged from the lobby, immediately catching Xu Xinying’s eye. Clearly, he had seen her as well and walked in her direction.

As soon as they met, Xu Xinying greeted him with a warm smile. “Ali, welcome back.”

The man’s expression remained cool and reserved; he merely responded with a curt “Mm.”

Although he had told Xu Xinying before that there was no need to pick him up from the airport, she had come anyway.

Returning to this familiar place left Lu Qingli feeling complicated, even restless. Staying in City A, he knew he would inevitably cross paths with Gu Zehuai, but he had no idea how to face him. Whenever he thought of the past, he found himself unable to muster a pleasant demeanor toward the woman before him.

All the affection he once had seemed to have been worn away by regret and despair.

Now, Lu Qingli was burdened not only with family and business pressures but also with dealing with Xu Xinying, while at night memories of his time with Gu Zehuai often haunted him.

He was utterly exhausted, both in body and spirit.

This time, his return was prompted by his family urging him to take over the family business.

But he knew that ever since the family business had been suppressed by the Gu Corporation years ago, it had never recovered; its subsequent development had been poor, and its current state was even worse.

Xu Xinying drove Lu Qingli to a restaurant. Their relationship at the moment was delicate—neither quite lovers, nor simply good friends.

During the meal, Xu Xinying occasionally tried to start a conversation, but Lu Qingli’s replies were always terse, leaving her increasingly reluctant to speak.

After they finished eating, Xu Xinying took Lu Qingli back to the Lu family home.

Before entering, Lu Qingli thanked her.

Xu Xinying nodded and drove away.

At this moment, Pei Yi and Lin Youqi also received news that Lu Qingli had returned to the country.

They knew Gu Zehuai would have heard as well.

Worried that Gu Zehuai might be in low spirits, they messaged him, inviting him to Blue Bar.

Gu Zehuai quickly replied that he’d come.

That night, Gu Zehuai arrived at the bar, where Pei Yi and Lin Youqi were already drinking and chatting.

Seeing him arrive, the two immediately made room for him, one on each side.

Gu Zehuai couldn’t help but laugh and pretended to be puzzled. “What’s this about? You two were never this enthusiastic before.”

Lin Youqi didn’t answer, tossing the question to Pei Yi.

Pei Yi grinned. “Well, it’s just that you’ve been in a relationship and haven’t come out drinking with us in ages.”

Gu Zehuai understood full well the quiet concern behind their actions, and he was genuinely touched. He’d only been joking, asking for the sake of it.

He didn’t say more, just patted Pei Yi’s shoulder and said to them both, “Don’t worry, I’m fine. It’s all in the past, long forgotten.”

Though they knew it was impossible for him to be entirely unaffected, hearing him say this still eased their minds, and they soon changed the subject.

“Hey, Zehuai, should we ask Jiujiu to come out? She hasn’t joined us in ages. And Shen Mengxia—she’s really something. Last time I saw her, she played a trick on me and made me look ridiculous. I have to regain some dignity this time,” Pei Yi rattled off in one breath.

Gu Zehuai picked up his phone to ask Wen Jiu if she wanted to join them, while Pei Yi did the same, messaging Shen Mengxia.

Wen Jiu, who was at the Wen residence and too far from the bar, declined. Shen Mengxia replied that she was currently battling her unscrupulous boss.

Left with no choice, the three continued drinking and chatting together.

As midnight approached, they finally got ready to leave.

But just as they reached the ground floor, they ran into the very person they’d hoped not to see.