Chapter 23: A Day in the Life of Long Aotian

Leng Qingqiu said, "I need to get engaged to you."

Xu Xuejiao, who had always disliked Leng Qingqiu, was now even more jealous and snorted in disdain.

"This is ridiculous. Brother Chengwen chased after you for three whole years, and you played the innocent, pure girl for three years. And now that Brother Chengwen has become a hot commodity, you're throwing yourself at him."

Leng Qingqiu looked coldly at Xu Xuejiao: "I remember you couldn't even be bothered to talk to Lu Chengwen before. What's happened these past few days? Have you stopped studying pharmacology and started thinking about stealing someone else's man?"

Xu Xuejiao was immediately fired up.

She stepped closer to Leng Qingqiu, not backing down at all: "If I decide to steal him, others can only watch."

Leng Qingqiu smiled: "Let your chest rest for a while, and maybe spend some time developing your brain."

"You too, dressing so provocatively today. Don't tell me this is your usual style. Do you think showing off your legs will attract Brother Chengwen?"

Leng Qingqiu's face turned slightly red: "What I wear and my style are none of your business."

"Right," Xu Xuejiao said, "I don't care to hear your explanations anyway. I'm busy developing my brain, and I can already tell what you're up to!"

Lu Chengwen quickly stepped in: "Alright, alright, that's enough. Let's not waste any more time here. We should leave and not disturb the police officers."

As they walked out, the sun was shining brightly.

A fleet of luxury cars was parked at the entrance.

A Bentley pulled up, and the door opened.

Just as Lu Chengwen was wondering what was going on, Xu Xuejiao hooked her arm through his and said, "Let's go, Brother Chengwen. Sister Mengyun is waiting for you in the car."

Leng Qingqiu's face turned pale, and she clenched her fists so tightly that her fingertips turned white.

She just stared at Lu Chengwen, hoping he would say he would go with her and let the others go home by themselves.

But Lu Chengwen disappointed her.

"Qingqiu, take care on your way back. Thanks again," he said, giving her a polite smile.

Leng Qingqiu looked at Lu Chengwen, feeling a pang of bitterness in her heart.

In the past, Lu Chengwen would have dropped everything to follow her.

But now, he was no longer the same person.

He had completely changed, as if he had become someone else.

He was so distant and polite with her.

He would never cling to her again, never whisper sweet nothings into her ears, never obey her every command without question, never revolve around her like she was his sun, tirelessly and without complaint…

His eyes had also become clear, bright, yet firm and composed.

The slyness, the worldliness, the restlessness, and the frivolity of the past were all gone.

Now, he gave off the impression of someone with a clear mind, someone who knew exactly what he was doing and how to do it.

Leng Qingqiu realized with a pang of sadness that Lu Chengwen would never be at her beck and call again, never fuss over her with concern, never send her morning and evening greetings, or gifts every day…

The special treatment she had once taken for granted, even found annoyingly one-sided in its adoration and pursuit, was no more.

Yet, for some reason, she suddenly felt as if she had become dependent on him.

A vast emptiness and sorrow welled up in her heart.

Why?

Didn't you always like me? Didn't you say you'd do anything for me?

Why did you humiliate me in public today?

What did the past three years mean? Have I become so unimportant to you overnight?

Leng Qingqiu stood there stubbornly, unmoving, just staring at Lu Chengwen.

Lu Chengwen felt uneasy under her complex gaze.

Scratching his head, he forced a smile:

"Well, you go home first. I'll check on Mengyun's condition, and then I'll come find you, okay?"

Only then did Leng Qingqiu take a deep breath, pouting slightly, feeling as though she had regained some of her dignity.

"Don't rush back. Rest first; you must have had a rough night. Get some proper sleep, and call me when you wake up."

Lu Chengwen was stunned.

Wow, in the past three years, you were never like this, Leng Qingqiu!

What's going on today? You're actually concerned about me, telling me to rest first.

Has the sun risen from the west or something?

Lu Chengwen stood there, half-opening his mouth, unable to respond, only awkwardly nodding: "Oh, okay, sure."

Then Leng Qingqiu smiled sweetly: "I'll be waiting for your call."

Her voice, usually cold and indifferent, now carried a hint of warmth, a touch of softness, a bit of anticipation, and a lingering reluctance to leave…

Beside them, Xu Xuejiao rolled her eyes so hard it seemed she wanted to tell the whole world how nauseated she felt.

Leng Qingqiu shot her a glance, then turned and walked to her car.

Han Yue opened the car door for her, and Leng Qingqiu turned around, giving Lu Chengwen one last smile before getting in.

Lu Chengwen stood there, shivering slightly.

[What's wrong with this woman? Why is she suddenly… so terrifying!]

[Could she have taken a liking to me? Is that even possible?]

[What did I do? How did she… suddenly change like this?]

Xu Xuejiao said coldly from the side, "Are you planning to go back to being her lapdog? Have some self-respect, will you?"

Lu Chengwen quickly replied, "What are you talking about? Let's go, let's go."

Once inside the car, Chen Mengyun saw Lu Chengwen and immediately burst into tears, throwing herself into his arms and crying uncontrollably.

Lu Chengwen immediately raised his arms above his head, signaling that he had done nothing, furrowing his brows in confusion as he looked at the woman.

[Everything's gone haywire. Yesterday she wished me dead, and today… what a mess!]

[Why is this woman crying non-stop? Should I… comfort her?]

Xu Xuejiao chuckled beside him, "Aren't you going to comfort her?"

Lu Chengwen gently patted her back, "It's… it's okay, it's all over now."

"I'm sorry."

Chen Mengyun finally pulled away from Lu Chengwen.

Lu Chengwen breathed a sigh of relief. Only he knew how dangerous it was to be so intimate with a female lead—it was like stepping on the gas pedal on the road to self-destruction.

Chen Mengyun looked at Lu Chengwen, "Chengwen, I'm sorry. I was too emotional yesterday."

"No, it's all my fault," Lu Chengwen said. "I was just being careless with my words. I shouldn't have said those things that I thought were funny but ended up hurting you. From now on, I'll be more careful with what I say."

Chen Mengyun smiled through her tears, "You finally realize it? Any girl would be upset if she found out you were talking about her like that behind her back. But Xuejiao told me you spent most of the night trying to save me and even got arrested and spent the night in a cell. I feel really bad about that."

Lu Chengwen felt the conversation was taking a dangerous turn.

This isn't safe for me!

[Wait, what am I doing? Why am I getting along so well with them?]

[Why did I even get into their car?]

[Now that I've seen her and she's fine, I can relax.]

[Long Aotian, you saw it all. I took good care of your wife. No one took advantage of her. Don't blame me if something happens later.]

Chen Mengyun was puzzled.

Who is Long Aotian? I don't even know him. How did I become his wife?

"Chengwen, actually… I don't have a boyfriend."

"Ah, I know."

"I'm serious. I never have."

"Yeah, yeah, I get it."

Lu Chengwen said, "Alright, since you're fine, I won't worry anymore. You all can go about your business. I need to head home too."

"Wait, you're leaving just like that?"

"Yeah, I've got things to do. See you."

Lu Chengwen got out of the car and left.

Chen Mengyun felt a bit dazed. From last night to today, so many things had happened—it felt like a dream.

Lu Chengwen had reappeared in her life and taken center stage once again, stirring up waves in her heart.

Memories from their childhood resurfaced—the innocent, carefree Lu Chengwen who used to catch loaches, dig mud pits, play hide-and-seek, and share snacks with her. That Lu Chengwen came alive in her heart once more.

The Lu Chengwen who fought other boys for her, shared his snacks with her first, avoided her out of shyness in middle school, and was chased by her in embarrassment had now grown into a truly proud and capable man.

They weren't kids anymore. They had loved, hated, shared sweet moments, and also experienced heartbreak…

After all these twists and turns, is it still you? That's not so bad, actually.

Xu Xuejiao looked at Chen Mengyun, "Mengyun, you're not falling for him again, are you?"

"What? No, of course not," Chen Mengyun quickly replied. "I have a lot of work to do. I need to get back to the company."

"Really? You're sure?"

"Absolutely, no way."

"Okay, good."

…

Long Aotian felt that something was off.

He was squatting on the toilet, his stomach cramping painfully.

From yesterday morning until this morning, he had spent most of his time in the company of the toilet.

He hadn't eaten anything unusual, so why was he suddenly experiencing such a "spicy" situation? (Pun on the song "Spicy Girl.")

As the saying goes, even the strongest man can't withstand three bouts of diarrhea.

He was indeed a strong man, but this diarrhea was far more than just three bouts.

Long Aotian prided himself on his unparalleled medical skills, but he had no clue or solution for this 24-hour nightmare of relentless diarrhea.

Acupuncture, hot compresses, pills, internal energy techniques... nothing worked.

Only the toilet! The toilet was his only friend, the only thing that stood by him through thick and thin, never leaving his side.

Long Aotian was on the verge of dehydration.

Heaven above! I still have so much to do, so many girls to pursue. You can't let a hero like me, a peerless champion, die on the toilet like this, can you?

Outside the bathroom door, a beautiful female assassin knelt on one knee:

"Young Master, it's time to set off."

Long Aotian was on the verge of tears, "Yeah, I'm about to 'set off' alright."

"May I ask, Young Master, are you still... rushing?"

Long Aotian, drenched in sweat, replied, "Now's not the time for fancy words. Just get to the point."

"The master has ordered that you quickly unite the four major families of Snow City."

"No problem! Everything is under control!" Long Aotian said with difficulty. "Although there have been some minor setbacks with Leng Qingqiu and Xu Xuejiao, today I will turn things around. Help me arrange the schedule."

"Understood."

"First, I need to treat Jiang Shihan's mother. Her condition can't wait any longer. Any delay could lead to serious problems."

"Understood."

"Then, today is supposed to be the day Leng Qingqiu signs the contract with Jiao Shiheng. I need to expose his true intentions and save Leng Qingqiu's company!"

"Understood!"

"Tonight, I need to stop Hu Shuhui's scheme and save Chen Mengyun."

"Got it."

"As long as I handle these three things, everything will be back on track."

"Young Master, you're truly formidable! Should I bring a portable toilet for you? Or perhaps some diapers?"

Long Aotian looked up at the bathroom door, "Do you think you're funny?"

"Young Master, please don't be angry. I don't understand humor. I only act based on logic. You know that about me."

Long Aotian rolled his eyes, "Anyway, just coordinate in the shadows. Today is the day I... uh..."

"Young Master? What day is it? I didn't catch that."

"Wait... just wait..."

"Today is the day you... have diarrhea?"

"Get out."