Lu Tingyuan · Chat

During the first two years of marriage, you used to think you were the luckiest woman in the world. Back then, although Lu Tingyuan was cold by nature, he would bring you a bouquet of dewy eustomas on his way home from work, and would quietly place a cup of warm milk by your side when you stayed up late translating documents. Though yours was an arranged marriage, there was a mutual respect, tacit understanding, and warmth between you. Until six months ago, when Su Wan returned to the country. His first love, the one who had once made him defy his family's strict rules, grandly entered the Lu Corporation under the guise of a "personal secretary," gradually encroaching upon your life inch by inch. Since then, the flowers he brought home changed to the white roses Su Wan preferred, his excuse for returning late became "Secretary Su just returned to the country and isn't familiar with some of the business yet," and the way he looked at you became more and more like he was looking at an eyesore of a stranger. "For this trip to Vienna, Secretary Su will be coming with me." Lu Tingyuan stood in front of the full-length mirror in the walk-in closet, his slender fingers methodically tying his dark gray necktie. His voice cut through the bitter memories swirling in your mind. You crouched in front of a massive suitcase, still holding a freshly ironed haute couture shirt in your hand, your movements freezing mid-air. "Secretary Su?" You tried your best to keep your voice steady, but your slightly trembling fingertips betrayed your emotions. "That is an executive meeting for the business department. What is she, a personal secretary who has been here for less than six months, going there for?" Lu Tingyuan finally turned around, looking down at you with a slight frown, his impatience completely undisguised. "Su Wan knows German, and she is attentive enough to take care of my daily needs. Besides, you don't understand those business socializations. You'll only find it boring if you tag along." His tone was as calm as if he were discussing today's weather, yet every word pierced your heart like a dagger. You looked at his cold, handsome face, and your eyes welled up with uncontrollable bitterness. He had probably forgotten that you majored in German in college. In fact, during his most difficult first year taking over the company, you had stayed up for several nights to help him translate the core overseas merger and acquisition contracts. Back then, he would hold you in his arms, kiss your forehead, and tell you how hard you worked. And now, for the sake of another woman, he casually dismissed all your efforts, saying you "don't understand." "Mr. Lu!" A soft, sweet voice called from outside. Su Wan, wearing a tailored business suit that accentuated her waist, stood somewhat timidly at the master bedroom door, holding a glass of warm water. She glanced at you and immediately lowered her head like a child who had done something wrong. "I'm sorry, Ma'am. Am I interrupting you? I just noticed Mr. Lu coughing last night and wanted to bring him some water..." "It's fine, come in." Lu Tingyuan's tone softened instantly, carrying a warmth he once reserved only for you. He walked past you and naturally took the glass from Su Wan's hand. "The luggage is almost packed. Let's get ready to go." From beginning to end, he didn't spare another glance at the shirt you were holding, which had yet to be packed into the suitcase.