Leasing

Lu Xinyi's emotions had calmed down considerably. After being driven out of her home, she no longer had to worry about the complicated affairs of the conglomerate. Surprisingly, she felt an unexpected sense of relief, as if a heavy burden she had carried for years had been lifted. Now, all she wanted was to spend some peaceful time with Shen Yi. She knew that her father, Lu Zhenhua, had handed the conglomerate over to Lu Jiang, and she was well aware that with Lu Jiang's capabilities and character, it wouldn't be long before problems arose. When that happened, her father, with his old bones, wouldn't be able to handle the crumbling empire and would inevitably come crawling back to her. She had her own selfish reasons too. This was the first time in her life that she had clashed so severely with her father, and she was desperate to win for once. Why should she have to unconditionally obey her father's every word since she was a child? The memory of her father's furious expression still sent a chill down her spine. What kind of father would be so heartless as to drive his own daughter out of the house?

As Shen Yi walked, he thought to himself: Well, it's for the best. This Lu Xinyi isn't a bad person, but she's going to have a tough time later. Even if she hadn't left the Lu family today, she would have ended up taking the fall for Lu Jiang... He frowned slightly, images of Lu Xinyi's future downfall flashing through his mind, and he let out a soft sigh.

Lu Xinyi, hearing Shen Yi's thoughts, suddenly stopped in her tracks. A deeper wave of panic washed over her. "The future? So he knows what's going to happen? Could Shen Yi be from the future?!" She looked up in shock at Shen Yi's back, her eyes wide with astonishment and confusion. The matter of taking the fall for Lu Jiang was momentarily forgotten in the face of this overwhelming revelation.

Shen Yi noticed something was off and turned to look at her, raising an eyebrow with a half-smile. "What's wrong? Having second thoughts about leaving the Lu family?" he asked, though in his mind, he thought: So she was lying to me after all. I actually believed her. It seems the Lu family really is all the same. He shook his head slightly, a hint of self-mockery on his face.

Lu Xinyi immediately grew anxious and hurried forward, waving her hands as if to dispel Shen Yi's misunderstanding. "No, no, I was just lost in thought," she explained, her eyes wide with urgency, afraid that Shen Yi might misinterpret her.

Shen Yi gave her a meaningful look, as if trying to discern the truth behind her words. He remained silent for a moment before continuing to walk forward.

"Shen Yi, are you mad?" Lu Xinyi asked cautiously, her voice tinged with unease. She bit her lower lip slightly, her gaze fixed on Shen Yi.

"No, why would you think that?" Shen Yi replied without turning around, his tone indifferent.

"You're not saying anything, so you must be mad," Lu Xinyi said, quickening her pace to walk beside him, tilting her head to look at him.

"Come on, there's nothing to talk about right now. Why waste breath?" Shen Yi shrugged helplessly, spreading his hands.

Lu Xinyi suddenly remembered Shen Yi's thoughts about her taking the fall for Lu Jiang. After a moment of contemplation, she realized the issue must lie with the conglomerate. Tentatively, she asked, "Shen Yi, do you think Lu Jiang can handle running the conglomerate?" She frowned slightly, her eyes filled with worry.

Shen Yi let out a derisive laugh, a mocking smile curling his lips. "Him? Don't make me laugh! If he takes over Huanyu Group, it'll be a miracle if it doesn't go bankrupt within six months!" In his mind, he thought: That guy and his father are both scum. I don't know how Lu Zhenhua managed to build such a huge empire. What's even more ridiculous is that Lu Jiang embezzles company funds for his debauchery, and when it all comes to light, Lu Xinyi will be the one to take the fall! The more he thought about it, the angrier he became, his face showing increasing disgust.

Upon hearing this, Lu Xinyi felt as if her soul had left her body. She followed behind Shen Yi with unsteady steps, the words "Lu Jiang embezzling funds... Lu Xinyi taking the fall..." echoing in her mind. It felt as if her world was collapsing. She couldn't believe her father would be so ruthless, nor could she believe Lu Jiang would do such a thing. Her heart ached, and she silently followed Shen Yi, tears streaming down her face, drop by drop, wetting the ground beneath her.

Shen Yi soon noticed something was wrong. Passersby were giving him strange looks, occasionally pointing and whispering. He frowned, feeling a bit irritated, and turned to see Lu Xinyi crying. He immediately felt a headache coming on. "Why are you crying again? Can you stop?" he asked, walking over and gently patting her shoulder, his voice tinged with helplessness.

Lu Xinyi didn't seem to hear him. She stumbled forward and buried her face in his chest, wrapping her arms around his waist as she silently sobbed. At this moment, she felt as if the entire world had betrayed her, and only Shen Yi could give her a sense of security, a glimmer of warmth.

Shen Yi's hand froze in mid-air, unsure of what to do. "What's wrong with you?" he asked. This... hugging in the middle of the street is so inappropriate. But... having a beauty in my arms feels... I never experienced this in my past life. In his previous life, Shen Yi had been an ordinary office worker with no girlfriend and no time for romance. Now, feeling Lu Xinyi's warmth, he felt a pang of panic.

Lu Xinyi trembled. "Past life?" "So he... really died once?" she thought to herself, too shocked to speak.

Sensing the change in Lu Xinyi's emotions, Shen Yi decided to ignore the fact that they were in public. He sighed softly and held her tightly. Hmm... I have to admit, it's not bad. Fragrant and soft. His face flushed slightly, a hint of shyness in his eyes.

Lu Xinyi, who had been deeply moved, suddenly blushed upon hearing Shen Yi's thoughts. She pushed him away like a startled deer, glared at him, and quickly walked ahead. Her heart raced, and the blush on her face refused to fade.

Shen Yi was left bewildered. "What's wrong with her? Did she take the wrong medicine?" he muttered, scratching his head before hurrying after her.

After reconciling, the two began looking for an apartment near Shen Yi's university. They entered a somewhat dilapidated neighborhood, the stairwell filled with the musty smell of age.

"Landlord, isn't this place a bit too expensive?" Shen Yi frowned as he looked at the cramped room before him. "Fifteen hundred a month, plus a three-month deposit? Are you kidding me?" He crossed his arms, clearly dissatisfied as he stared at the landlord.

Lu Xinyi quietly followed behind Shen Yi, watching him intently. She wanted to see how he would handle this situation. If he couldn't manage it, she would ask a friend for help. She bit her lower lip slightly, her eyes filled with concern.

"Buddy, this is the standard price. There's no better option that fits your requirements," the landlord, a balding man in his thirties, said with a shrug, his expression one of helplessness.

"The price is too high. Twelve hundred a month, with a one-month deposit, is more reasonable. A three-month deposit? You've got to be joking," Shen Yi stood his ground, taking a step forward and locking eyes with the landlord.

"How is that possible? Who bargains like that? Cutting utility fees, rent, and now even the deposit?" the landlord exclaimed, his chubby face quivering with indignation. "And a one-month deposit? Dream on!" He planted his hands on his hips, his tone unyielding.