C32 Lu Jingyue's Protection

Lu Jingyue! What brings him here?

As Ye Tian blinked in puzzlement, Lu Jingyue had already risen and made his way to Gu Qinian's booth. He lifted his wine glass with an elegant smile.

"Director Gu, what a coincidence."

Gu Qinian looked up, his dark eyes taking a moment before he stood, wine glass in hand, and clinked it lightly against Lu Jingyue's.

"Quite the coincidence indeed. I wasn't aware Director Lu enjoyed places like this."

Lu Jingyue's smile was easygoing. "Work has been overwhelming, so I take the chance to unwind when I can."

He then glanced towards the stage, his smile growing more pronounced.

"I just didn't expect to encounter an employee here. Now that I've heard her sing, I realize what a waste it would be if she didn't pursue a career in music."

As he smoothly steered the conversation away from its previous course, Gu Qinian's lips tightened slightly, and he responded coolly, "It appears Director Lu has quite the unique taste."

"Unique?" Lu Jingyue arched an eyebrow, seemingly oblivious to the irony in Gu Qinian's tone. "I think it's quite normal. After all, many people share my appreciation for this voice. But speaking of preferences, Director Gu's are... consistently unique."

With that, he cast a meaningful glance at Ye Ziyan, hinting at an unspoken thought.

Ye Ziyan, not quite grasping his insinuation, was too preoccupied with her delight in Lu Jingyue standing up for Ye Tian.

She wasn't about to let such an opportune moment slip by. With a beaming smile, she rose, wine glass in hand, and moved to toast with Lu Jingyue. "Director Lu truly admires Ye Tian, doesn't he?"

Before their glasses could clink, Lu Jingyue withdrew his hand, a fleeting look of distaste crossing his features.

"Ye Tian is both intelligent and skilled. As her boss, I naturally hold her in high regard."

Noticing his deliberate evasion, Ye Ziyan's face fell, and her dissatisfaction with his evasive reply was palpable. She quickly retorted, "So a boss can show such concern for an employee? Ah, Director Lu is so commendable, it's quite enviable!"

As she spoke, her gaze drifted towards Gu Qinian. Noticing his tense profile, his lips slightly pursed, and the dark furrow between his brows, Ye Ziyan couldn't suppress a surge of delight.

Lu Jingyue, however, seemed oblivious to her insinuations, turning his attention back to Ye Tian.

At that moment, a song request came in. Ye Tian, unable to leave the stage, kept singing, her gaze occasionally sweeping over to their area, unaware of their murmured conversations.

Her eyes shone brightly, captivating Lu Jingyue, who felt an unusual stir in his heart. His smile softened even more.

"I'm afraid that's not enough."

His abrupt response caused Ye Ziyan to frown and let out a puzzled "Ah," only to see Lu Jingyue turn towards her with a serene expression, saying, "I had no idea that my outstanding employee needed to find a side job. It seems I must not be paying her enough."

At this, Ye Ziyan's face soured.

Her intent had been to provoke Gu Qinian with Lu Jingyue's interest in Ye Tian, hoping to deepen Qinian's disdain for Tian.

Yet, the thought of anyone showing kindness to Ye Tian was unbearable for her. She would be driven to madness by jealousy, no matter who it was!

That woman didn't deserve anyone's kindness! She should be reviled by everyone! Better yet, she should be driven out of A City!

As Ye Ziyan silently seethed with curses, murmurs began to spread among the crowd.

"Hey, look! Isn't that Ye Ziyan in the cap?"

"She does look familiar. What's she doing here?"

"Of course it's her! And isn't that Gu Qinian standing beside her?"

Suddenly, the solo performance on stage and the growing buzz of conversation below it all flooded into Ye Ziyan's ears. Startled, she instinctively adjusted her cap.

But it was too late; many had recognized her, and the murmurs grew increasingly hostile.

"Why is she here? After all the scandals, how can she dare show her face in public?"

"Hey, you don't get it. She's probably trying to drown her sorrows in alcohol after her image was shattered. Plus, Gu Qinian's here. She's likely looking for a shoulder to cry on!"

"Tsk, the nerve of her. If I were in her shoes, I'd be mortified. I'd rather die than face the public after such disgrace!"

"Haha! That's hilarious!"

The chatter among the people grew louder, with countless disdainful and mocking glances thrown their way.

Ye Ziyan couldn't bear such humiliation. Her face flushed with a mix of red and white, feeling the burning stares of those around her. She bit down on her teeth, a dark glint passing through her eyes.

With her reputation now tarnished, she knew she couldn't stay here any longer. Biting her lip, she looked up at Gu Qinian with a pitiful expression and gently shook his arm.

"Qinian, let's leave..."

Gu Qinian's face was equally grim, though it was unclear why.

He ignored the onlookers, his gaze fixed on the elegant figure on the stage. His eyes were deep, his emotions unreadable. Finally, he looked away and turned to leave.

Lu Jingyue, witnessing the scene, chuckled from behind, "Director Gu, until next time."

Gu Qinian hesitated for a brief second, said nothing, and quickened his pace, not waiting to see if Ye Ziyan could keep up.

Once inside the car, Ye Ziyan still hesitated to look at Gu Qinian's face.

She sensed something off about Qinian lately, as if he had changed a lot and his demeanor towards her had grown cold.

Biting her lip, she blinked rapidly. Turning to face him, her eyes reddened and filled with tears. She looked at Qinian through a misty gaze.

"Qinian, they're not telling the truth! I... I went to see Grandfather to check for any signs of him waking up. I wanted to hear him speak, and that's when I accidentally knocked off his oxygen mask. I... I didn't mean to. I was frightened and tried to find a doctor, but I couldn't, and I almost delayed things..."

Her voice trembled as she gazed at Qinian's stern profile, her heart pounding erratically, tears streaming down her face as she stammered out her explanation.

"And about... about why I had someone look into Ye Tian, it's because I'm scared of losing you. I just wanted to know if she was with you. That's all..."

Overwhelmed with sadness, Ye Ziyan found herself unable to cry. Gu Qinian, for reasons unknown, felt a surge of irritation. He lifted his hand and massaged his temples.

Upon reopening his eyes, a flicker of emotion passed through them before quickly retreating to the depths of his gaze. He finally spoke with a measured tone. "I understand. I'll take care of the rumors."

Hearing his response, a wave of relief washed over Ye Ziyan, though she knew she had to maintain her distraught appearance. She gazed at him with tear-filled eyes. "Qinian, you really don't blame me? You do believe me, don't you?"

Gu Qinian turned to her, his profound eyes holding her gaze for a moment before he looked away and silently started the car. He offered no direct answer, speaking instead in a subdued voice, "Stop crying. I'll take you home."

With those words, his gaze briefly caught the illuminated sign of the bar, taking in a lingering view before shifting away. He pressed the accelerator, and the car sped off into the night.