Lin Xinyan froze for a moment before realizing who he meant.
Does he mean Zong Jinghao was the one who caused this mess?
Why is he so immature?
“Aren’t you going to say anything?” Bai Yinning looked at her earnestly. He was willing to suffer as long as she showed her concern for him.
Deep down, he chastised himself for acting ridiculously.
Am I crazy? Am I a masochist? I’m doing everything I could just so she could show her concern to me!
“Did you get it wrong?” Lin Xinyan didn’t admit at once.
Bai Yinning was rendered speechless by her question.
Is she pretending not to know? Or she simply doesn’t want to admit her man is petty?
“That’s impossible. He’s the only person I’ve offended so far. None of my rivals dare to hurt me recklessly. They would’ve taken action earlier instead of waiting till now. I don’t believe such a coincidence where everyone took action at the same time. Someone must’ve arranged for that to happen.” Bai Yinning didn’t investigate the matter because he was caught off guard, but he was certain Zong Jinghao was the one behind this.
“Do you know if my men weren’t loyal enough, they would’ve been poached by my rivals? If that really happened, Bai Group would’ve gone bankrupt.”
“I’m expressing my concern now,” Lin Xinyan replied in exasperation. She had no idea Zong Jinghao would do that to Bai Yinning.
To be honest, there wasn’t any conflict of interest between them.
Besides, Bai Yinning returned to Baicheng earlier on and rarely showed up in B City. Lin Xinyan couldn’t figure out why Zong Jinghao would force Bai Yinning into a corner ruthlessly.
That’s too much, she decided.
“Mm?” Bai Yinning arched his brows. What does she mean?
Lin Xinyan didn’t look at him. Instead, she stared at the tree shadows by the road. “Well, he’s my husband, so I should stick with him no matter what he did. He has my full support. This is my responsibility as his wife.”
She didn’t agree with what Zong Jinghao did, so she felt sorry for Bai Yinning. However, she couldn’t criticize Zong Jinghao because he was her husband. Besides, she knew Bai Yinning harbored feelings for her. If she showed her sympathy and apology, she’d be misleading him.
Hence, she had to defend her husband and banish Bai Yinning’s feelings.
Bai Yinning parted his lips and laughed out loud. “Stick with him no matter what he did? Well, if he hears this, he’ll wake up from his dream laughing.”
After laughing, he lowered his voice. “Indeed, you deserve each other. You’re both ruthless.”
Lin Xinyan pretended not to understand. “It’s getting late, so I should head home now. My kids are waiting for me at home, so I can’t stay for long.”
“I’ll give you a ride home,” Bai Yinning offered. He was afraid she’d reject, so he added, “It’s dangerous to go home alone at night. I was the one who asked you to stay, so it’ll be my fault if anything happens to you.”
Lin Xinyan couldn’t reject his offer, so Bai Yinning immediately called Gao Yuan. The man was nearby, so he arrived shortly after. Bai Yinning’s car had been modified with a ramp to push his wheelchair into the car easily.
There was an empty space for the wheelchair with a seat right beside it.
Once they entered the car, Bai Yinning asked, “Your address?”
After Lin Xinyan told him the neighborhood she was staying in, Gao Yuan started driving and sped off.
Throughout the way, they didn’t talk to each other at all.
Bai Yinning didn’t utter a word as he was still upset by what Lin Xinyan had just said.
He was mad at himself for being a wimp, but he just couldn’t control his emotions.
Love has been troubling everyone since ancient times. Otherwise, those poets wouldn’t have written those poems which touch one’s feelings.
He had once read a poem that could describe his current feelings: My love for her is like the moon. She is right in front of my eyes, but forever out of my reach.
After thirty minutes, the car stopped in front of her neighborhood.
Bai Yinning sighed and clamped down on his emotions. He turned to her and uttered gently, “It’s late. Rest soon.”
Lin Xinyan didn’t get off immediately. Instead, she told Gao Yuan, “Can you please give us some space? I need to talk to Mr. Bai in private.”
Gao Yuan looked at Bai Yinning who nodded at him. He proceeded to park the car before he got off.
Soon, both of them were left in the car.
After a brief hesitation, Lin Xinyan revealed calmly, “We’re facing some problems. Serious problems, in fact.”
“Is that why you came here?” Bai Yinning was surprised at her sudden honesty. He had always thought of her as a calm and collected woman.
He was obviously delighted when she finally opened up to him.
“Yes.”
“Do I have a chance?” he inquired earnestly.
“No,” Lin Xinyan’s reply was cruel. “I am being honest because I’ve just realized how much I love him right after I decided to leave him temporarily. He’s the only man I’ll ever love.”
Bai Yinning’s hope was dashed instantly. Right now, all he felt was dejection and humiliation.
Lin Xinyan pushed the door open and got off the car. She stood in front of the car and looked at Bai Yinning. “You’re no longer young, so find yourself a partner as soon as possible. You don’t want to end up as a lonely old man, do you? Stop wasting time on me. I look forward to receiving your wedding invitation one day.”
Bai Yinning smiled bitterly. “You’re really heartless. Aren’t you afraid I’ll die from your harsh words?”
“You won’t. You still need to avenge your adoptive father, right? You will live well.” Lin Xinyan waved at him and reminded him to be careful before closing the door. She headed back home, her figure illuminated by the streetlights.
Bai Yinning narrowed his gaze at her retreating figure. A bitter smile crept onto his lips.
I love her for being this frank and direct, right?
Indeed, she’s clear about her feelings and never does things sloppily. She’s more decisive than most men I know.
How I wish I can hate her, but I can’t bring myself to do so.
He wound down the window and yelled, “I’ll get married!”
Her reaction today was clear enough. He knew he shouldn’t be harboring any hope anymore. I should bury my feelings deep down, he decided. I’ll miss her secretly.
If he couldn’t be with her, anyone would do.
Lin Xinyan heard him, but she didn’t turn. She just waved her hand in reply.
Bai Yinning summoned Gao Yuan. Instead of returning to his house, he said, “Let’s go to B City.”
Gao Yuan was confused. Why does he want to go to B City now? What did Lin Xinyan tell him? Was triggered by something?
“Right now?”
Bai Yinning nodded.
“But our collaboration with Mr. Li is still in discussion. If we leave now—”
“You won’t listen to my order now?” Bai Yinning cut him off in displeasure.
He was in a foul mood, so he refused to listen to nonsense right now. All he wanted was to be left alone.
Gao Yuan zipped his mouth shut promptly. He started the car quietly and carried out his boss’ orders.
It was dawn when they finally arrived in B City.
The day started off badly for Bai Yinning. He didn’t expect to be greeted with such bombastic news upon his arrival in B City.
