Su Banxia couldn’t understand where Mu Ruxue’s confidence came from. Their father’s loss of reproductive ability was a matter of male dignity, and he certainly wouldn’t disclose it to anyone. Even if he were momentarily confused and wanted to pass on the company and wealth to his White Moonlight and his stepdaughter, it would depend on whether his biological children agreed or not.
Mu Ruxue, after her rebirth, was determined to lead a better life. While Su Banxia could understand her desire for improvement, Mu Ruxue’s eagerness to take everything away from the original owner, along with her smug attitude, made her feel repulsed.
Su Banxia ignored her, her gaze indifferent. It was precisely this indifference that hurt Mu Ruxue deeply, and her hatred grew stronger. “Su Banxia, even your father has divorced your mother. What capital do you have to act so high and mighty?”
Since they had already torn off the facade, Mu Ruxue didn’t mind revealing her true face. She said coldly, “Losing a happy family is just the first step.”
In her second chance at life, Mu Ruxue didn’t want to make the same mistakes again. She carefully managed her life, and the adults and classmates around her liked to support her. Ever since Su Banxia returned from her elopement, things hadn’t been going well for her.
She was unwilling to accept this. She not only wanted to live well but also to see Su Banxia, who had been the object of her envy and jealousy in her previous life, experience a miserable life. Only then would her heart feel at ease.
This kind of thinking wasn’t unique to her. Many people hoped to see others who they disliked or envied experience hardship when they themselves were doing well.
She smiled and said maliciously, “Soon, you will lose your friends, lose everything, and even be worse off than a beggar on the street.”
Su Banxia gave a faint smile and reminded her, “If you’re unwell, go see a doctor at the hospital. Don’t waste your time here barking like a mad dog.”
Engaging in a conversation with the mentally unstable Mu Ruxue was a waste of time. Su Banxia turned and walked away, leaving Mu Ruxue standing there with a resentful gaze fixed on her.
After Su Banxia’s father divorced and moved out of the Su family villa, he officially moved in with Mu Ruxue’s mother. The news of their divorce had not been officially announced yet, but the media quickly confirmed it and began reporting extensively on it.
Su Banxia’s mother had originally married into the Su family, and the divorce had caused divisions within the company. With Su Baiyang studying abroad, Su Banxia had to make time to work in the company and take up a position there.
Some of the senior members within the company, seeing her youth and inexperience, had initially tried to trip her up. However, with the help of Zhou, who was temporarily assigned as her special assistant by Shang Lu, she swiftly and decisively handled internal affairs, shaking up many of the high-ranking executives.
Although Su Banxia had never been involved in company affairs before and found the documents and paperwork daunting, she was fortunate to have the support of Shang Lu. After a few months, she had managed to stabilize the company. She had crossed paths with her father at the company a few times, but he had never shown her a friendly face.
When a man turns heartless, it can be terrifying. If he no longer loves you, he won’t have any affection left for your children either. Any outward display of affection for his offspring is often driven by self-interest when it comes to potential benefits in old age.
Mu Ruxue’s family clearly had a better standard of living, and Su Banxia’s father had gained some weight over the past six months, looking greasy and overweight.
Su Banxia had no intention of giving up on her dream of dancing. If there was a second home in the world, it was the world of dance. No matter how upset or happy she was, as long as she was dancing, she could channel all her emotions into her performances.
On her birthday, after work, Shang Lu personally came to pick her up, and the two of them were going out for a meal tonight. They drove to a western restaurant for their dinner.
Shang Lu had reserved the entire western restaurant for the evening. The restaurant had an elegant and beautiful decor, and soothing music filled the air. In the outdoor area, there was only a round table with a white tablecloth.
A waiter pulled out her chair, and Shang Lu sat across from her.
“Have you been to this western restaurant before?” he asked.
In truth, Su Banxia had never been to this place. The reason was that the head chef here was internationally renowned, and a meal here cost several years’ worth of an average person’s salary. Reservations were hard to come by, as it was a popular spot for romantic dates. Shang Lu didn’t often appear in public, and she rarely went out with him.
She shook her head. “I haven’t been here.”
Shang Lu signaled for the waiter to bring her a menu. “Choose whatever you’d like, and you can tell the chef.”
Su Banxia ordered a few dishes, and the waiter took the menu away. She looked around curiously. The restaurant was located on the top floor of the building, and the outdoor seating area seemed to touch the night sky, with stars seemingly within arm’s reach.
The musician playing music was not far away, but they had become part of the background, creating a tranquil and beautiful atmosphere.
The dishes were brought to the table promptly. Su Banxia was about to start eating the foie gras when Shang Lu across from her gently held her hand and said, “Wait a moment.”
Su Banxia raised her gaze to look at him.
“I’ll help you cut it,” Shang Lu said as he elegantly sliced the foie gras into bite-sized pieces. His movements were graceful, and it was a pleasure to watch.
Su Banxia supported her head and thought, “The old Shang Lu was a domineering and autocratic figure, and he would only give orders to others. He wouldn’t take care of people like this. It seems that her current Shang Lu is much better.”
She couldn’t help but smile, feeling delighted.
After cutting it, Shang Lu placed the plate in front of her. “It’s a bit hot, be careful when eating.”
Su Banxia acknowledged and couldn’t wait to taste it. The flavor was excellent, living up to its reputation as one of the three great delicacies.
“Shang Lu,” Su Banxia picked up a small piece of foie gras, leaned forward, and offered it to him. “Try some.”
Shang Lu paused with his fork and knife in hand, hesitated for a moment, and then took a bite.
Su Banxia looked at him and asked, “Is it delicious?”
Under her expectant gaze, Shang Lu nodded. “Not bad.”
The two of them leisurely finished their meal over the course of an hour. The waiter cleared the table and served dessert. Red wine swirled in the glasses, filling the air with its rich aroma.
Shang Lu gently spoke, “There’s something I’d like to give you.”
Su Banxia’s interest was piqued. She knew that Shang Lu wouldn’t be unprepared. “Is it a birthday gift?”
Shang Lu nodded. The waiter brought a box on a tray, and Su Banxia glanced at the calm expression on the man’s face before reaching out to open it.
Inside the box lay a stunning necklace with finely cut gemstones that sparkled brilliantly. The dazzling gemstones emitted a radiance that even the stars in the sky couldn’t match.
“It’s so beautiful,” she exclaimed.
Looking back on the past year, Shang Lu had rarely given her any gifts. She had a black card from him that allowed unlimited spending, so she could buy whatever she wanted.
As Shang Lu watched her open the box, his eyes were fixed on her. His hands resting on the armrests quietly clenched, and his heartbeat raced unusually fast. He paid close attention to her, not missing any facial expressions, afraid that she would show disappointment.
Seeing her surprised expression, he slowly relaxed his tightly held hands and asked in a calm tone, “Do you like it?”
“I love it,” Su Banxia replied, turning to look at him. She asked, “When did you buy it?”
A necklace of such exquisite craftsmanship was hard to find even in luxury jewelry stores. She estimated its value to be worth at least several hundred million.
“I bought it from a jewelry store overseas.” In fact, he had acquired this necklace from a jewelry collector. At first, the elderly collector was reluctant to sell because it was intended as a birthday gift for his wife. Shang Lu had to visit him three times before finally convincing him to part with it at a high price. Luckily, she loved it, making all the effort worthwhile.
Su Banxia placed the box on the table, took out the necklace, and squatted with her back to him. She said, “Please help me put it on.”
Shang Lu gently brushed aside her soft black hair, revealing her fair neck. He carefully and gently fastened the necklace around her.
Su Banxia wasn’t sure if the necklace was properly fastened and asked, “Is it on?”
There was no response from behind, but suddenly, she felt a warm breath approaching. The man’s lips touched her neck, causing her body to shudder involuntarily. She nearly lost her balance.
The tingling sensation sent electric shocks through her body, and her cheeks flushed. Her breathing became slow.
Shang Lu’s hot breath sprinkled on her tender neck, and his voice was husky as he said, “It’s done.”
Su Banxia turned around and grabbed his hand. With a bit of effort, she stood up, and in a hushed voice, she asked, “Does it look good?”
Shang Lu’s gaze remained fixated on her as he replied, “It’s beautiful.”
He had imagined how the necklace would look on her neck, and the reality exceeded his expectations. It made her even more enchanting and alluring than he had imagined.
“Banxia.”
“Yes?”
Suddenly, Shang Lu got up and supported the wheelchair in front of her. All the surprises of the evening couldn’t compare to what was happening right in front of her. She was left completely stunned, too overwhelmed to express her excitement.
She even wanted to pinch herself to check if she was dreaming.
Shang Lu was standing up.
He was really standing in front of her.
Even though she knew that Shang Lu had been secretly undergoing rehabilitation, she hadn’t expected it to happen so quickly.
When her fantasy became a reality, her heart raced as if it would burst.
The sound around her seemed to disappear. The melodious music was pushed aside, and she couldn’t hear the wind or see her surroundings. Her eyes were fixed solely on Shang Lu, who was standing there.
She covered her mouth, unable to speak, and dared not even blink.
Shang Lu took a step forward and reached out his hand toward her.
Su Banxia quickly grasped it, being cautious and afraid that something might go wrong. Her voice trembled as she asked, “Are you sure you’re okay? Does your leg hurt?”
She held onto his arm tightly and wanted to say more, but Shang Lu pulled her into his embrace. He held her tightly.
“Don’t be afraid. I’m fine, and I don’t feel any pain at all.”
Su Banxia leaned against his warm chest, her breathing slowing down while her heart raced, seemingly ready to burst out of her chest.
Standing in front of the glass railing, she was embraced from behind by Shang Lu, resting in his arms like a woman seeking solace in her man’s embrace.
The two of them stood at a high vantage point, overlooking the city with its countless lights, as everything lay beneath their feet.
This was the first time she experienced being held in his arms while he stood.
As a cool breeze blew from the heights, he shielded her from it and lowered his head to touch her delicate earlobe. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier. I actually had the surgery abroad and secretly underwent rehabilitation for over half a year.”
Su Banxia held onto his hand, gripping it tightly.
“I was afraid of failure, so I didn’t tell you,” Shang Lu’s slightly magnetic voice whispered into her ear. “Can you forgive me?”
Su Banxia found it hard to resist his voice, especially when he used such a gentle tone. Besides, she had known about his rehabilitation all along.
“Being able to stand up makes me so happy that I don’t even need you to forgive me,” Su Banxia replied.
She turned around to face him and said, “Then you’ll have to kiss me as a punishment.”
Shang Lu’s eyes showed a hint of excitement, and he lowered his head to deeply kiss her, their tongues intertwining as if they wanted to make up for all the time they had spent apart.
After a few minutes, he had a thin layer of sweat on his forehead and said, “Banxia, help me push the wheelchair closer.”
Su Banxia hurriedly went to push the wheelchair over. Shang Lu sat in it and looked at her apologetically. “Actually, I’m not completely better yet. Even after all this rehabilitation, I can only stand for a few minutes at most.”
Su Banxia squatted in front of him, speaking gently, “This is already great progress, Shang Lu. Keep it up, and you’ll fully recover soon.”
Shang Lu reached out and gently caressed her fair cheek, his eyes filled with love that words couldn’t express.
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