Chapter 95: Struggle

Even so, Xu Xinying remained fearless, for she was well aware of Lu Qingli’s feelings for her and was confident she could persuade him.

In the days that followed, Xu Xinying became uncharacteristically proactive toward Lu Qingli. It was during this period that their previously private connection became openly acknowledged, and rumors began to circulate that the two were already together.

Xu Xinying deliberately refrained from clarifying the rumors, and naturally, Lu Qingli made no effort to dispel them in public.

When Pei Yi could no longer contain his curiosity and questioned Lu Qingli about their relationship, Lu Qingli smiled and denied it, for he was clear-headed enough to understand Xu Xinying’s intentions. Yet, he could not control his own heart.

On the eve of the college entrance examination, Xu Xinying sought out Lu Qingli and confided her plan to him.

Though Lu Qingli liked Xu Xinying, he was not about to betray Gu Zehuai for her sake—let alone help the woman he loved win over his own brother. Without hesitation, he refused.

Faced with Xu Xinying’s tearful pleas and accusations, Lu Qingli’s heart ached, but he remained resolute.

It was not until the afternoon after the exams ended that Xu Xinying approached Lu Qingli again, this time resorting to a barrage of reasons, temptations, even threats and bribes.

In her mind, the plan was flawless. She faced Lu Qingli, exuding confidence: “A’Li, trust me. Not only will Gu Zehuai never find out, but once we succeed, our family businesses will reach new heights. So, will you help me? I’ll agree to anything you want—anything at all!” Xu Xinying pleaded, her voice nearly abject.

Lu Qingli listened in silence, his expression unreadable, chain-smoking cigarette after cigarette.

He understood her ultimate goal: to win Gu Zehuai.

He knew this, yet he couldn’t comprehend why Xu Xinying wouldn’t simply pursue Gu Zehuai openly. With her advantages, she might well succeed.

But then, a trace of self-mockery crossed his lips—why should it seem strange to him? Wasn’t he the same?

At last, Xu Xinying bared the scar on her shoulder for Lu Qingli to see.

“A’Li, can you see it clearly? This scar. Or, do you remember Central Street?”

The moment Lu Qingli saw the jagged scar and heard the street’s name, his composure crumbled, shock etched deep in his eyes.

“You…”

“That’s right. The little girl who took a knife for you all those years ago was me.”

Xu Xinying had nearly forgotten the incident from when she was six or seven, recalling only that she’d been foolish enough to step in front of a blade for someone else.

After Xu Xinying was rushed to the hospital, Lu Qingli was taken home by his family, not even having the chance to thank her.

Later, the Lu family visited the Xu family, bringing gifts and supplements.

Their families were never particularly close, so the matter was never mentioned again—until, years later, when the Lu family refused to help the Xu family in a time of crisis. Chairman Xu complained that Lu Qingli was ungrateful for not aiding Xu Xinying or the Xu family, and that was when Xu Xinying remembered what had happened—and realized she had taken the knife for Lu Qingli.

Lu Qingli was so stunned he could barely speak, and his feelings toward Xu Xinying grew even more complicated.

After calming himself, Lu Qingli continued to smoke in silence. When he finished the last cigarette, he took out his phone and called Gu Zehuai.

“A’Huai, let’s go out for a drink. The college entrance exam is over; it’s time to let loose. Make sure to bring A’Yi and A’Qi.”

After hanging up, Lu Qingli looked at Xu Xinying, her face still streaked with tears, delicate and pitiable. He shook the phone in his hand.

Xu Xinying, having overheard the conversation, immediately understood his meaning. She feigned gratitude and smiled at Lu Qingli. Catching him off guard, she hugged him tightly and exclaimed, “A’Li, thank you!”

Lu Qingli was torn inside. He gently pushed her away and replied stiffly, “Xinying, this is the first and last time. Let’s consider it repaying the debt I owe you for saving me all those years ago.”