"Help you? You think I'm helping you? Did you presume I had fallen in love with you, hence rescued you from prison?" Su Yan's tone was as self-indulgent as Bai Xue's imaginations.
His words were piercingly harsh.
"Then why else would you aid me? Isn't condemning me to death for murder just the thing you wanted?"
"That would be too easy on you!"
His blunt reply shattered the last shred of hope in Bai Xue's heart.
She let go of his hand, and with a self-deprecating smile, she said, "Indeed, I shouldn't have made such assumptions, my apologies, Mr. Su."
She was polite, courteous, but her self-mocking words stung Su Yan.
He turned to leave, finding everything irksome.
The loud slam of the door brought down Bai Xue's facade of toughness, and she slumped onto the sofa.
She covered her face, and tears trickled down through her fingers.
The bigger the expectations and hopes, the greater the loss and disappointment.
The sweetness of waiting led to a more painful outcome...
Bai Shengqi knew he was no match for Bai Xue. After she came back, he readily gave up on his role as chairman.
This surprised Xiao Ai.
"Why is President Bai being so nice this time? He isn't making things difficult for CEO Bai at all!"
"Perhaps he knows he is no match for CEO Bai, so rather than wasting time, he has conceded the position," Xu Qiming thought this was a high probability.
Bai Xue didn't comment on their discussion.
At noon, Bai Xue received a phone call from Gongze Yu.
"Mayor Gong, what can I do for you?"
"Indeed, there is something."
"What is it?"
"I need to discuss this with you in person, would you do me an honor of joining me for dinner?" Gongze Yu's voice was hopeful.
"I think it's better if we discuss this over the phone," Bai Xue typically tried to avoid unnecessary intrigue with people.
"I have some important information regarding the plot against you. I think it would be better to deliver it in person." Mainly, he just wanted to see her in person. With their incongruent jobs, it was difficult to find a reason to meet.
Although Bai Xue had been declared innocent, Gongze Yu had not given up on his investigation. He knew the reality wasn't as simple as Su Yan had made it out to be. And indeed, he had dug out some clues.
Bai Xue instinctively suspected he had stumbled upon Cheng Tianhao. The Su Family had kept Cheng Tianhao out of the limelight to maintain his reputation. Though she wasn't inclined to this way of dealing with matters, there was no need to dispute with Elder Su over things concerning the deceased.
If Gongze Yu had indeed found evidence against Cheng Tianhao, then she indeed needed to meet him.
"Where?"
"At seven tonight, at Jade Mansion."
Jade Mansion was a famous Chinese restaurant in Jin City, well known for its high-profile clientele and exceptional privacy protection. Many celebrities loved to dine there.
The food was delicious, too.
"Sure."
Seven o'clock tonight.
Bai Xue was always punctual, she never believed that women were entitled to be late.
When she arrived, Gongze Yu was already there.
He was casually dressed, low-key but with an unforgettable charm.
Since Gongze Yu was thrust into the public eye, he had been highly desirable among the city's single women— young, handsome, and high-ranking.
People said he was the most handsome and youngest mayor in history.
Bai Xue agreed with them—he indeed was the youngest and most handsome mayor in Jin City's history.
Gongze Yu, the gentleman, stood up and pulled out a chair for her.
"Thank you," Bai Xue replied with a polite smile.
"You never need to thank me."
His words, so full of affection, left Bai Xue momentarily speechless.
She pretended not to have heard him to avoid awkwardness.
"Where's the thing?" Bai Xue got straight to the point of why she was there.
"Shall we talk after dinner?"