Chapter 11: More Than Friends, Less Than Lovers

By the time Song Yuqing returned home, it was already 11 p.m.

Her daily routine was typically structured—work took up most of her time, and she would head straight home afterward. She rarely stayed out past 10 p.m., and even after returning, she often continued handling work-related matters.

As a woman with ambitions, she had little interest in entertainment or nightlife.

But for the past two nights, she had unexpectedly gone out with Lin Beifan.

Surprisingly, not only did she not feel exhausted, but she actually enjoyed it.

Their relationship had progressed rapidly.

They were friends, yet there was a hint of something more—somewhere between friendship and love, an almost-but-not-quite lovers' dynamic.

"Could this be what falling in love feels like?" Song Yuqing's cheeks flushed as she felt herself becoming someone she barely recognized.

When she got home, she picked up her phone and noticed a few missed WeChat messages.

—Liu Rumei: Qinggege, I'm coming back to China to see you! Are you happy?

—Liu Rumei: Weird, why aren't you replying?

—Liu Rumei: Are you busy with work again?

—Liu Rumei: How much work could a hospital possibly have?

—Liu Rumei: Hello? Are you there?

…

The sender was her best friend, Liu Rumei.

They had been inseparable since childhood, attending the same schools from elementary to university. After more than a decade of friendship, their bond was as close as sisters.

They talked about everything, hardly ever missing a day.

Song Yuqing replied immediately.

—Song Yuqing: I'm here!

The response was instant.

—Liu Rumei: I almost thought you disappeared again! What have you been up to these past two days? Why are you replying so late?

—Song Yuqing: I was out with a friend!

—Liu Rumei: A friend? Since when do you have other friends besides me? And staying out so late...

—Liu Rumei: Be honest. Were you with a guy?

—Liu Rumei: Song Yuqing! How could you find a man behind my back? Do I even exist to you anymore?! (blue thin mushroom.jpg)

As expected of a best friend—Liu Rumei could read between the lines from just a few words.

—Song Yuqing: What nonsense! If you keep talking like this, I'm going to ignore you! (angry.jpg)

—Liu Rumei: Fine, fine! Just tell me who the guy is, and I'll let it go!

—Song Yuqing: ...

—Liu Rumei: I'm just worried about you! You've never been in a relationship before—you lack experience! What if some scumbag tricks you? You'd suffer a huge loss!

—Song Yuqing: Like you've ever been in love yourself!

—Liu Rumei: …

—Liu Rumei: Even though I haven't dated, I've read hundreds of romance novels and analyzed countless people! My eyes are like a scumbag detection system—I can spot a player from miles away!

—Liu Rumei: Come on, be a good sister and spill!

—Song Yuqing: Fine. His name is Lin Beifan. He's 20 years old. But we've only known each other for two days—we're just friends for now, not dating yet!

—Liu Rumei: Lin Beifan? Wait, don't tell me… your love interest is that notorious young master of the Lin family? The one who spends his days drinking and fooling around?

—Song Yuqing: That's him! But he's not as bad as people say…

—Liu Rumei: Song Yuqing, have you lost your mind?! How can you fall for a playboy like him? He's the king of scumbags! He's had more girlfriends than I can count!

—Song Yuqing: The rumors don't do him justice! He might seem flirtatious, but deep down, he's responsible, considerate, and gentle. I feel genuinely happy when I'm with him! I think… he might be the Prince Charming I've been waiting for!

—Liu Rumei: Oh no… you've completely fallen!

—Liu Rumei: He's only being nice to you because he wants something! He treats every woman the same way in nightclubs! Once you sleep with him, he'll show his true colors!

—Liu Rumei: Listen to me—women need to protect themselves! Dump him before it's too late, or you'll regret it!

…

No matter how much her best friend objected, Song Yuqing trusted her own judgment.

—Song Yuqing: Alright, I'm done talking about this. My feelings are mine to decide. It's late—goodnight!

—Lighthouse Nation, Northern Hemisphere—Luxury Apartment

A stunning woman lay on her bed, grumbling indignantly.

"My best friend has lost her mind over love!"

"No matter how much I warn her, she won't listen!"

"What's so great about that scumbag? A guy who spends all his time partying and drinking is definitely not a good man!"

"Damn it! It's even affecting our friendship! I need to go back and expose his true nature!"

With that, she immediately began packing her things to return to China.

Just then, she noticed an invitation letter covered in dust. Her eyes flickered with intrigue.

---

Two days passed in the blink of an eye.

During this time, Lin Beifan visited the hospital daily to check on the protagonist, Xiao Chen.

Seeing him still bedridden brought him immense satisfaction.

Afterward, he would head to Song Yuqing's hospital to pick her up. They would have dinner, go shopping, or enjoy various other activities together.

Both of them were having a great time, and their relationship grew even closer.

It felt like there was only a thin veil between them—one that could break with just a single push.

But that day, an unexpected visitor arrived.

A butler stood before Lin Beifan, introducing the person beside him.

"Young Master, the Chairman says you're no longer a child—it's time for you to get involved in the company's affairs."

"This is the new secretary he has assigned to you."

"She holds a master's degree in management from Harvard and has two years of experience at a prestigious Wall Street investment bank."

"She's exceptionally competent. If there's anything you don't understand, feel free to ask her."