Xie Youzhou didn’t want to accept Hua Yutang’s apology.
But when Lin Zhiyu learned the entire story, he couldn’t help but persuade him. Xie Youzhou, who always listened to his gege, didn’t argue and obediently agreed to attend the so-called childhood friends’ gathering.
It wasn’t because Lin Zhiyu was a saint, but because he knew that although Hua Yutang had said a lot of hurtful things, he hadn’t actually done anything to harm him. Under the influence of Ruan Jiaojiao’s “halo,” Hua Yutang hadn’t committed any truly harmful actions, proving he wasn’t a bad person at heart.
This set him apart from those who committed far worse actions under Ruan Jiaojiao’s influence, people who would still be unsavory characters even without her “halo.”
Besides, Lin Zhiyu hoped that Xiaoyou could resolve his resentments and let go of things that were no longer worth holding onto.
…
Hua Yutang hadn’t expected Xie Youzhou to accept the invitation and was thrilled yet guilt-ridden over Xie Youzhou’s magnanimity. He was determined to find a way to repay both Xie Youzhou and Lin Zhiyu. Indeed, a year later, he inadvertently resolved a conspiracy against one of Xie Youzhou’s overseas branches, relieving him of a major concern.
But that was later.
For Xie Youzhou, who had single-handedly dismantled the Ruan Group and others in his previous life, starting a business this time was almost effortless.
…
In just three years, Nianzhi Group had become one of China’s top three companies by market value, and the title of China’s richest man had changed hands. Though ranked in the world’s top ten, no one doubted that Xie Youzhou would soon become the world’s wealthiest.
Countless people felt not only admiration but also fear. Malte, the once-arrogant richest man in the United States, silently began treating him as a formidable rival. Malte, a business genius himself, understood how terrifying Xie Youzhou’s talent and business vision was.
Malte tried to invite Xie Youzhou to his estate for lunch, but Xie Youzhou declined an invitation that many would envy.
After all, he had something more important to prepare.
**
“Professor Lin, you haven’t finished work yet?”
Professor Bai Chunling had retired the previous year but was re-hired by the institute to oversee doctoral students for another two years. Her hours were less than before, but she still enjoyed her work.
“Professor Bai, why are you here? I’m nearly done, just finishing up,” Lin Zhiyu replied with a warm smile, his elegant manners enhanced by three years of stable happiness. His every word and gesture now exuded an irresistible gentlemanly charm.
His slender, fair fingers moved quickly across the keyboard, completing the last lines of his research report.
Professor Bai, who had watched him over the years, couldn’t help but feel pride for this young man’s grace. It was a shame he was already spoken for; otherwise, she’d have tried to match him with someone from her own family.
“I’m only supervising three students, so it’s much lighter work. You must be exhausted—I heard the dean assigned you three more students?”
“It’s all right, I can handle it,” Lin Zhiyu replied, his smile curving softly.
In the past three years, Lin Zhiyu’s fame had only grown. Over two years ago, the anti-addiction medication he and Professor Bai developed had completed numerous clinical trials and revisions. It was now proven effective with minimal side effects, recently receiving government approval for official use.
The breakthrough would rescue millions of families suffering from drug addiction, providing a lifeline to those trapped by addiction or who had strayed from a healthier path. The medication’s benefits even extended to terminally ill patients, helping them manage late-stage pain.
Lin Zhiyu’s reputation now extended beyond national boundaries, solidifying him as a leading figure in his field. Many regarded him as one of the absolute leaders in his discipline, and soon, “one of” would likely be removed.
China’s great fortune lay in having such a gifted and dedicated scholar, though Lin Zhiyu himself thought little of it. He knew there would always be other geniuses and great minds in any field; his only task was to keep moving forward, step by step.
While chatting with Professor Bai, Lin Zhiyu tidied up the lab. As he locked the lab door, he heard Professor Bai cry out.
Lin Zhiyu immediately asked, “Professor Bai, what’s wrong?”
“Oh no, I forgot something!” Professor Bai Chunling exclaimed, slapping her leg in frustration. “Am I getting Alzheimer’s? How could I forget?”
“Don’t worry,” Lin Zhiyu replied quickly and soothingly, locking the door with a click. “Tell me what’s wrong, and I’ll see if I can help.”
“My cousin’s grandson is in Beijing. He planned to propose at Julan Manor this afternoon and asked us all to attend. Oh, I’m going to be late!”
“It’s all right, I’ll take you there. I don’t have anything else to do right now,” Lin Zhiyu said with a smile as he helped Professor Bai lift her bag. “Let’s go, Professor Bai. What time did your family book?”
“Eight-sixteen,” Professor Bai replied, trying to sound anxious, though a small smile crept onto her face.
“We should make it if there’s no traffic.” Lin Zhiyu escorted Professor Bai to the parking lot and quickly messaged Xie Youzhou.
“Xiaoyou, I’m heading out with Professor Bai to the eastern suburbs. I’ll be home a bit later. You go ahead and eat.”
Even as he typed, he knew that Xie Youzhou wouldn’t start dinner without him. Thinking of the man who had become inseparable from him, he couldn’t help but smile, his eyes warm.
Professor Bai noticed and couldn’t resist an amused smile. “Zhiyu, who are you thinking about?”
“Cough, cough…no one,” Lin Zhiyu replied, his ears turning slightly red as he pressed the gas pedal a bit harder.
On the other side, when Xie Youzhou saw the message, he knew that Professor Bai had successfully set everything in motion! Excitement surged, and he pumped his fist in triumph before straightening his tie and rushing out.
“Why did you suddenly yell? You nearly gave me a heart attack!” came a woman’s voice from his phone.
Xie Youzhou smiled but replied bluntly, “I’ve been ready for ages. I’m not about to delay my proposal just because you’re late. Sister Qiuqiu, handle your situation yourself!”
“Hey! You little brat, you’re proposing to my gege! I have to be there! Ahhhh, someone hurry up and pick me up! Why is there such a traffic jam—ahhhh!”
