Chapter 35: A Young Girl’s Thoughts

Exhausted from the inspection of the research and development base, Wan Caixuan sank into the backseat of the car, fatigue etched across her delicate features. On the surface, the inspection might have seemed routine—but in truth, it was anything but.

As the newly appointed CEO of Brilliant Aya Limited, she was already entangled in a complex web of internal politics and subtle power struggles. Her visit to the research facility wasn’t just a formality—it was a test. Every handshake, every smile, every carefully chosen word had been part of a calculated effort to take the measure of her people and let them measure her in return.

The conversations had been exhausting not for their length but for the weight each carried—calculated diplomacy disguised as casual dialogue.

As Lin Xiao climbed into the back seat of the car, he noted Wan Caixuan, her eyes closed in an attempt to relax. He had accompanied her during the inspection, and even though he didn’t grasp the nuances of the company’s affairs, he knew her task was far from easy.

Seeing her rest, Lin Xiao chose not to disturb her, subtly gesturing to the female driver to start the car. The driver was mindful of Wan Caixuan’s repose, started the car with as little noise as possible and began the drive back to the headquarters.

About ten minutes later, Wan Caixuan slowly opened her eyes, fatigue still lingering in her voice.

“What happened to the assassin?”

“He took his own life,” Lin Xiao said, his tone calm but firm. “I’ve already informed security to contact the police. But I doubt they’ll uncover who was truly behind it. If my instincts are right, we’re dealing with professionals.”

Wan Caixuan let out a soft sigh and turned to face him. “Do you regret becoming my bodyguard? In just a few days, we’ve already faced two assassination attempts. If you want to resign, I won’t hold it against you.”

Lin Xiao met her gaze without hesitation and shook his head. “President Wan, I’m no hero, but I’m not a coward either. I accepted this role, and I plan to honor it. Unless you dismiss me, I won’t quit before my one-year contract is up.”

Wan Caixuan looked at him for a long moment, then smiled gratefully. “I apologize for being blunt earlier. You’ve more than proven your worth. Consider your salary doubled this month. It’s the least I can do.”

“Thank you, President Wan,” Lin Xiao said with a nod.

Once the car returned to the Brilliant Tower, Wan Caixuan made a quick stop at her office before instructing the female driver to head for Jiangnan Floral Estates.

Upon reaching Jiangnan Floral Estates, she told Lin Xiao, “Tomorrow’s weekend, and the company’s closed. I have no plans to step out, so feel free to take the next two days off. Be here early on Monday.”

“Understood.”

After departing from Jiangnan Floral Estates, Lin Xiao glanced at the time. It was already past six, Yuan Yu would have finished school by now. He pulled out his phone and dialed Yuan Yu’s number.

“Hello, is that you, Big Brother Lin?” Yuan Yu’s clear voice rang out from the phone.

“Are you done with school? Do you want me to come pick you up?”

“Yes, Big Brother Lin, come pick us up. We’re waiting.” Another lively voice chimed in on the phone, bubbling with excitement, “Hurry, Big Brother Lin, I’ll buy you dinner.”

Lin Xiao felt a headache coming on. The voice, without a doubt, belonged to Huang Caixing.

Despite being slightly bothered by Huang Caixing’s tone, he replied, “Alright, wait there, I’ll be right over.”

After ending the call, Lin Xiao quickened his stride toward the bus stop.

***

In Guanglai High School, Grade 3, Class 1, Yuan Yu cast a strange look at Huang Caixing beside her.

School had already ended, and due to the upcoming weekend, the classroom had cleared out early.

“YuYu, what’s on your mind?” A creeped-out Huang Caixing stepped back, “YuYu, I didn’t see this coming. I considered you my best friend, and you want to… I’m not into that. Better you look elsewhere.”

Huang Caixing’s words left Yuan Yu utterly speechless—she simply stared, unable to respond.

“YuYu, I understand I’m pretty, and you like me, but I’ve always considered you a close friend. Please don’t entertain any odd thoughts.”

“What are you blabbering about?” Yuan Yu retorted, laughing despite her anger. Then, she suddenly rushed forward and grabbed Huang Caixing’s face, “Huang Caixing, I didn’t realize you had such a dirty mind. I need to teach you a lesson.”

After a playful scuffle, they finally sat down on the bench, catching their breaths.

“Why were you staring at me so oddly just now?” asked Huang Caixing, her face flushed from the mock fight.

Yuan Yu glanced at Huang Caixing, a strange unease filling her. However, she didn’t let it show; instead, she pouted and asked, “Your behavior was off, not like your usual self. Be honest, have you fallen for Big Brother Lin?”

Huang Caixing was Yuan Yu’s closest friend at school, and Yuan Yu knew her personality all too well.

In school, Huang Caixing held a reputation that rivaled Yuan Yu’s. She was not only petite and cute with excellent academic performance, but her unique family background also drew countless admirers.

While Huang Caixing was not as cold as Yuan Yu towards her suitors, she never gave them false hope or reciprocated any of their affections.

Regardless of how dedicated or lovesick these admirers were, none could capture Huang Caixing’s heart. There was even an admirer who relentlessly pursued her from freshman to senior year, sending her breakfast every day, but Huang Caixing never paid him any attention.

However, the normally indifferent Huang Caixing became noticeably warm around Lin Xiao, to the point that her eyes practically radiated.

Anyone could see Lin Xiao’s elevated status in Huang Caixing’s heart.

A blush crept onto Huang Caixing’s face. She gazed at Yuan Yu with coy eyes and said, “Yes, I didn’t expect you to figure it out. YuYu, we’re besties. You’ll help me, right?”

Yuan Yu felt a sense of disappointment creeping in, as if something precious to her was about to be snatched away.

Just then, Huang Caixing burst into laughter and looked at Yuan Yu triumphantly.

“Haha, gotcha! I can’t believe you fell for that so quickly. I was just expressing my gratitude to Big Brother Lin for saving me.”

Yuan Yu breathed a sigh of relief but failed to notice the flicker of disappointment and hesitation in Huang Caixing’s eyes.

“YuYu, you seemed a bit down just now. Could it be that you’re fond of Big Brother Lin?”

“How could that be? I consider Big Brother Lin as my own brother. Huang Caixing, you don’t need to speculate.”

“Speculating? Actual brother, beloved brother. YuYu, you don’t need to deny it.”

Yuan Yu’s complexion darkened. She finally lost patience and launched at Huang Caixing’s chest. “I’ll teach you a lesson for your baseless assumptions.”

“Ah… you’re going to pay for this, YuYu.”

Huang Caixing was briefly caught off guard by Yuan Yu’s sudden poke, but she quickly bounced back.

As the girls playfully fought, the sight was undeniably tantalizing. Thankfully, the classroom was vacant. If others had witnessed this, who knows what would’ve ensued?