The storm raged outside, the biting cold wind like sharp knives scraping across one's face, the stinging sensation of icy pain making it hard not to shiver uncontrollably.
Shu Yimo turned up the heat in the car to the maximum, but it did little to alleviate the pain that seemed to engulf her body—the warmer it was, the more pronounced and evident that pain became—
She couldn't collapse now, getting out meant a new beginning.
Give yourself a chance, let yourself go!
With that thought, she tightened her grip on the steering wheel and increased the speed of the car.
...
The rain fell harder, making everything ahead a white blur. Even though the wipers moved frequently, the windshield quickly fogged up, especially on a cold rainy night like this.
The ever-cautious driver glanced carefully at the rearview mirror, noting that the distinguished gentleman in the backseat continued to quietly browse through the documents in his hands. Only then did he slow down the car.
"Young Master, here are the documents you requested. It includes information on all the company's shareholders. By the way, the old chairman said for you to rest well and to return to the company once you've recovered. He will arrange for Assistant Ashi to come over in a couple of days."
The assistant and bodyguard Adong, seated in the front passenger seat, spoke respectfully.
Long Chengyu remained silent, his expression indifferent as he flipped to the next page of the documents. And, at that moment—
'Bang!'
A loud collision sounded, and Long Chengyu's body lurched forward abruptly, his quick reflexes causing him to grab the handle above the car door!
The car had been rear-ended!
"Young Master, are you alright? Did you get hurt?"
The startled driver immediately applied the brakes, while Adong hurriedly stepped out of the car, too anxious to bother with an umbrella, and rushed over. He opened the car door, his voice filled with worry and tension as he asked.
Fearing for the well-being of his young master, whose wounds had yet to heal completely, and knowing the trouble it would cause if the injuries reopened, Adong was deeply concerned.
"It's nothing, what happened?"
The deep, indifferent voice rolled out untroubled as Long Chengyu adjusted the black trench coat that had slipped from his shoulder, a frown briefly crossing his brows.
"The car behind us rear-ended us. I'll go check it out."
A grave look crossed Adong's face as he turned to look toward the car behind them.
An A4 had collided into an A6—
Shu Yimo, who had struck the steering wheel in front, stared dizzily at the stopped car ahead, the massive impact aggravated the wounds on her body, causing what felt like every cell to scream in agony, the pain nearly knocking her unconscious, her head throbbing unbearably!
Yet, she still felt fortunate; thankfully, she had braked quickly enough. Otherwise, with such speed, it would have been a disaster!
Pale from the pain, she took a while to compose herself. With remarkable grit, she still managed to open the car door and slowly step out, laboriously making her way toward the car in front.
"Sorry... my fault, are you all okay?"
Before Adong could respond, Shu Yimo had already spoken, her voice husky and weak.
"You... you, are you alright?"
Adong, seeing Shu Yimo in such a state, grew worried, took a step forward intending to help, but as soon as he got a clear look at Shu Yimo's chilled, beautiful face, he couldn't help but cry out in surprise—
"Miss Shu, it's you!"
Shu Yimo, straining to steady herself against the car, paused when she saw Adong standing before her, her eyes losing focus momentarily.
It was only when she saw the man walking toward her, holding a large black umbrella, that her body trembled slightly; she didn't know if it was from the cold or something else—
Under the dim streetlights, the man's frame was tall and straight, his features exquisitely handsome as if crafted with meticulous care, his countenance ethereal. His sword-like eyebrows soared like ink strokes, his deep eyes calm and steady like the deep currents of a quiet ocean at night, and his black trench coat, fluttering in the night wind, exuded a subdued, regal presence, just like his ever-dominant existence...
Deep, regal, disdainful, indifferent...
This was the impression Long Chengyu always gave others.
How could it be him?
Long Chengyu!
A fleeting gleam passed through Shu Yimo's eyes. She instinctively took a step back and collected herself after a moment, meeting Long Chengyu's indifferent gaze with her own detached one, silent.
Long Chengyu, having a good look at the two collided vehicles, settled his impassive gaze on Shu Yimo and appraised her dispassionately—
"Long time no see, Miss Shu."
His low voice resonated, devoid of emotion.
Shu Yimo, taken aback, steadied her staggering frame and lifted her hand to rub at her pounding head, her hoarse voice responding, "Long time no see, Chief Long! I apologize, I'll take full responsibility... "
"Miss Shu... what's wrong?"
Adong blurted out, startled.
Shu Yimo shook her head, feeling breathless from the oppressive pain in her chest, struggling to fend off the encroaching darkness. A wave of dizziness hit her, and her legs began to weaken—
Long Chengyu was quicker; he reached out and caught her as she began to fall. Shu Yimo could feel his body's warm and comforting temperature, the faint, cool fragrance. She struggled to open her eyes, but they wouldn't comply.
"Young Master, let me take care of her. You're still injured... "
Adong, seeing Shu Yimo in Long Chengyu's arms, looked shocked while the driver quickly picked up an umbrella from the ground to shelter them both.
"Clean this up, head back to Lan Residence, and have Xiwen come over," Long Chengyu ordered dispassionately, carrying Shu Yimo to the car.
Adong broke out in a cold sweat. Considering how seriously hurt she seemed, the way Shu Yimo had been acting indicated something was amiss. Not daring to delay, he quickly followed the orders.
Long Chengyu was known for his aloofness toward women, and now...
Could it be because Miss Shu was his fiancée?